bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Imaging of angiogenesis using Cadence™ contrast pulse sequencing and targeted contrast agents
Authors: Stieger Susanne M. , Dayton Paul A. , Borden Mark A. , Caskey Charles F. , Griffey Stephen M. , Wisner Erik R. , Ferrara Katherine W. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjectivesLow‐power multipulse contrast ultrasound imaging provides a promising tool to quantify angiogenesis noninvasively when used with contrast agents targeted to vascular markers expressed by the angiogenic endothelium. Targeted ultrasound contrast agents, with a diameter on the order of micrometers, cannot extravasate and therefore are targeted solely to receptors expressed by the vascular endothelium. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of a low‐power multipulse imaging sequence, CadenceTMcontrast pulse sequencing (CPS), combined with targeted contrast agents to quantify angiogenesis.Material and MethodsTargeted microbubbles were prepared by conjugating echistatin via biotin–avidin linkage to the surface of a phospholipid microbubble shell. The density of echistatin present on the shell was confirmed with flow‐cytometry and quantified by total fluorescence. The binding of targeted microbubbles was evaluatedin vitroby quantifying the adherence of targeted microbubbles to rat aortic endothelial cells, compared with control (nontargeted) microbubbles. The circulation time and adherence of targeted microbubbles was evaluatedin vivoin a Matrigel model in rats and compared with control microbubbles using CPS in addition to a destructive ultrasound pulse.ResultsUsing only the low‐power CPS pulse, the echo intensity produced in the neovasculature of the Matrigel pellet was significantly greater with targeted microbubbles than with the control contrast agent (p < 0.001). Combining CPS with the destructive pulse, the processed image was significantly different in intensity (p < 0.001) and spatial extent between targeted and control agents (p < 0.001). When the morphology of the histological sample and ultrasound image correlated, the microvessel density count and the percentage of the circular area enhanced by ultrasound were correlated (p < 0.05).ConclusionLow‐power multipulse imaging in combination with targeted echistatin‐bearing microbubbles facilitated a noninvasive, quantitative evaluation of early angiogenesis during real‐time imaging. The addition of high‐intensity destructive pulses facilitated estimation of the spatial extent of angiogenesis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphology and physiology of vibratory interneurons in the thoracic ganglia of the southern green stinkbugNezara viridula(L.)
Authors: Zorović Maja , Prešern Janez , Čokl Andrej 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe central processing mechanisms of vibratory signals in small plant‐dwelling insects that rely primarily on substrate‐borne vibratory communication are still largely unknown. To elucidate the neural mechanisms involved in vibratory signaling, the vibration‐sensitive interneurons in thoracic ganglia of the southern green stinkbug,Nezara viridula, were investigated electrophysiologically by single‐cell recordings and staining. Ten types of interneurons were described and divided into four categories, based on their gross morphology. The cell body of the L‐shaped CG‐AC neurons is located in the metathoracic neuromere of the central ganglion, and the axon ascends contralaterally. This group comprises five types of neurons differing in their fine structure and functional properties. CG‐AB neurons are dorsal unpaired median (DUM) neurons with cell bodies in the mesothoracic neuromere of the central ganglion and two axons that ascend bilaterally into the prothoracic ganglion. Group CG‐L includes three types of local neurons limited to the central ganglion. With ipsilateral dendritic arborizations and contralateral axonal branching, their gross morphology is similar to that of cricket omega cells. Interneuron PTG‐DC, with the cell body in the prothoracic ganglion (PTG) and a contralaterally descending axon, conveys information received by the sensory organs of the front contralateral leg to the neuropil regions of the ipsilateral middle and hind legs. Based on their frequency tuning and acceleration sensitivity, the vibratory interneurons fall into two groups: the low‐frequency units are tuned to 50 Hz and the middle frequency units to 200 Hz, with their acceleration thresholds at 10−1m/s2and 5 × 10−3m/s2, respectively. Their function is discussed with relevance to the vibratory communication ofN. viridula. J. Comp. Neurol. 508:365–381, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Activation of phenotypically distinct neuronal subpopulations in the anterior subdivision of the rat basolateral amygdala following acute and repeated stress
Authors: Reznikov Leah R. , Reagan Lawrence P. , Fadel Jim R. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe effects of acute and repeated stress on expression of the early immediate gene c‐fos in the basolateral amygdala have previously been reported; however, characterization of which neuronal subpopulations are activated by these stimuli has not been investigated. This question is of considerable relevance, insofar as the basolateral amygdala houses a heterogeneous population of neurons, including those of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)‐ergic and glutamatergic phenotypes that may be subcategorized based on their expression of various calcium‐binding proteins, including parvalbumin, calbindin, calretinin, and the calcium‐sensitive enzyme calcium/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II. Characterization of these subpopulations has revealed unique differences in their physiology, synaptology, and morphology, suggesting that each distinct phenotype may have profound effects on the local circuitry of the amygdala. Therefore, we examined the effects of acute and repeated restraint stress on expression of the immediate early gene c‐fos in neurons containing parvalbumin, calbindin, calretinin, or calcium/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II in the basolateral amygdala. Double‐label immunohistochemistry revealed that acute restraint stress activated a proportion of parvalbumin‐, calbindin‐, or calcium/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II‐positive neurons. Prior exposure to repeated restraint stress markedly attenuated acute‐stress mediated activation of these neuronal populations, although not equally. Expression of c‐Fos protein was not detected in calretinin‐positive neurons in any experimental group. These results demonstrate that distinct neuronal phenotypes in the basolateral amygdala are activated by acute restraint stress and that prior repeated restraint stress differentially affects this response. J. Comp. Neurol. 508:458–472, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bulbospinal neurons implicated in mesopontine‐induced anesthesia are substantially collateralized
Authors: Reiner K. , Sukhotinsky I. , Devor M. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractMicroinjection of pentobarbital or other γ‐aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAA‐R) active anesthetics into a brainstem region in the rat that we have called the mesopontine tegmental anesthesia area (MPTA) induces a general anesthesia‐like state that includes suppression of locomotor activity, loss of the righting reflex, atonia, antinociception, and apparent loss of consciousness. The suppression of muscle tone and of nocifensive spinal reflexes suggests a direct or indirect effect at the level of the spinal cord itself, an inference supported by anterograde tracing from the MPTA area. We have now used single and double retrograde tracing to characterize this bulbospinal pathway further. The MPTA contains the majority of all bulbospinal neurons present at mesopontine levels (65.8%). Many of these neurons, although not all, appear to have a highly collateralized projection pattern within the spinal cord. About 40% of the MPTA neurons that project to the lumbar spinal cord also have collaterals at cervical levels, and about 60% of those with projections to the ventral horn also have projections to the dorsal horn (at cervical levels). However, the large majority projects either ipsilaterally or contralaterally. Relatively few (∼13%) send collaterals to both sides of the spinal cord. The pattern of connectivity revealed appears to be consistent with a system designed primarily to modulate motor and sensory functions globally, over the entire neuraxis, rather than regionally or segmentally. J. Comp. Neurol. 508:418–436, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Photochromic, Thermochromic, and Fluorescent Spirooxazines and Naphthopyrans: A Spectrokinetic and Thermodynamic Study
Authors: di Nunzio Maria R. , Gentili Pier L. , Romani Aldo , Favaro Gianna 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe photochromic and thermochromic behavior of four commercially available Reversacol dyes are presented. The compounds studied belong to the class of spirooxazines and naphthopyrans, which are typically thermoreversible photochromic molecules. On stimulation with UV light, these compounds become colored and exhibit spectra which extend over the whole visible region. Increasing the temperature causes spontaneous coloration (thermochromism). Herein, absorption and fluorescence spectra, molar absorption coefficients of the colorless and colored forms, fluorescence and photochemical quantum yields, and kinetic parameters of thermal bleaching (rate constant, frequency factor, and activation energy) are determined in acetonitrile solution. The thermal ground‐state reaction is exhaustively described in terms of thermodynamic parameters (equilibrium constant, free energy, enthalpy, and entropy). Temperature effects on photochemical and thermal colorabilities are evaluated. The results indicate that the two spirooxazines are good photochromes below room temperature, whereas they are efficient thermochromic compounds above room temperature. Naphthopyrans are better photochromes but worse thermochromic compounds than spirooxazines.
Plasmablastic lymphoma involving breast: A case diagnosed by fine‐needle aspiration and core needle biopsy
Authors: Wang Jun , Hernandez Osvaldo J. , Şen Filiz 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPlasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a rare lymphoma originating from B‐cells with terminal differentiation. Most common anatomic site involved by PBL is the oral cavity. Involvement of other body sites has only rarely been reported. Herein, we report a rare case of EBV‐negative PBL involving the breast of an HIV positive 47‐year‐old woman. The patient presented with decreased vision and photophobia. During physical examination, she was found to have bilateral breast masses and multiple lymphadenopathy. Fine‐needle aspiration of one of the breast masses showed large malignant cells with plasmacytoid features. Immunohistochemical studies performed on the core biopsy showed that the tumor cells were positive for common leukocyte antigen CD45 and plasma cell marker CD138, but negative for the pan‐B cell markers CD20 and CD79a. Molecular genetic studies showed clonal rearrangement of the immunoglobulin kappa light chain gene. This is the first case of PBL involving the breast reported in English cytological literature. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:257–261. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Giant‐cell containing neoplasms of the pancreas: An aspiration cytology study
Authors: Layfield Lester J. , Bentz Joel 
Published: March 2008

AbstractGiant‐cell containing neoplasms of the pancreas are rare with few reports documenting their cytologic appearance. Giant‐cell containing neoplasms of the pancreas have been divided into two subtypes corresponding to the osteoclastic giant‐cell tumor of the pancreas and the pleomorphic giant‐cell carcinoma of the pancreas. Despite the better prognosis reported in some series for osteoclastic giant‐cell tumors, the most recent edition of the World Health Organization classification lumps the two entities into a single category designated as undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast‐like giant cells. Smears obtained from osteoclastic giant‐cell tumors show numerous giant‐cells with clustered overlapping, bland appearing nuclei containing prominent nucleoli consistent with an osteoclast‐type multinucleated giant‐cell. These neoplasms contain a second population of mononuclear cells showing more marked nuclear atypia. Pleomorphic giant‐cell carcinomas are characterized by anaplastic giant‐cells displaying marked nuclear pleomorphism. The mononuclear component is also pleomorphic with markedly atypical epithelioid and spindle shaped cells. In three reported cases, a tumor contained a mixture of the two cell patterns. Thus, undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast‐like giant cells and pleomorphic giant cell carcinoma may represent a morphologic spectrum with pure osteoclast‐like giant‐cell tumors at one end and pleomorphic giant‐cell carcinoma at the other. Fine‐needle aspiration specimens from pure osteoclast‐like giant‐cell tumors will contain a population of bland multinucleated osteoclastic‐like giant‐cells that differ markedly from the anaplastic giant‐cells of pleomorphic giant‐cell carcinoma. The difference in the appearance of the giant‐cells aids in distinction of the two neoplasms. When in pure form, the two neoplasms may follow different clinical courses. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2008;36:238–244. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Weak hand preference in children with down syndrome is associated with language deficits
Authors: Groen M. A. , Yasin I. , Laws G. , Barry J. G. , Bishop D. V. M. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis study explores associations between language ability and hand preference in children with Down syndrome. Compared to typically developing children of the same age, children with Down syndrome showed weaker hand preference, were less consistent in the hand they used and also less willing to reach to extreme positions in contralateral space. Within the group of children with Down syndrome, those who showed a stronger or more consistent hand preference had better language and memory skills. This association could not be explained by differences in non‐verbal cognitive ability or hearing loss. These findings are discussed within the theory of neurolinguistic development proposed by Locke [Locke (1997). Brain & Language, 58, 265–326]. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 50: 242–250, 2008.
Proper expression of the Gcn5 histone acetyltransferase is required for neural tube closure in mouse embryos
Authors: Lin Wenchu , Zhang Zhijing , Srajer Geraldine , Chen Yi Chun , Huang Maosheng , Phan Huy M. , Dent Sharon Y.R. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractHistone acetyltransferases (HATs) are important to gene activation, altering chromatin structures to facilitate association of transcription proteins with gene promoters. The functions of individual HATs in mammalian developmental are not well defined. Our previous studies demonstrated that Gcn5, a prototypical HAT, is required for mesodermal maintenance in early embryos. Homozygous Gcn5 null embryos die soon after gastrulation, preventing determination of Gcn5 functions later during development. We report here the creation of a Gcn5flox(neo) allele, which is only partially functional and gives rise to a hypomorphic phenotype. Mice homozygous for this allele had an increased risk of cranial neural tube closure defects (NTDs) and exencephaly. These defects were found at an even greater penetrance in Gcn5flox(neo)/Δ embryos. These results indicate that normal levels of Gcn5 expression are critical for neural tube closure in mice and predict that mutations in this HAT may be associated with increased risk of NTDs in humans. Developmental Dynamics 237:928–940, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Different effects of anti‐sonic hedgehog antibodies and the hedgehog pathway inhibitor cyclopamine on generation of dopaminergic neurons from neurospheres of mesencephalic precursors
Authors: Parga J.A. , Rodriguez‐Pallares J. , Blanco V. , Guerra M. J. , Labandeira‐Garcia J. L. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractProduction of dopaminergic neurons from stem/precursor cells for transplantation in Parkinson's disease has become a major focus of research. However, the inductive signals mediating this process have not been clarified. Reported data on the effects of Sonic hedgehog on differentiation of dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons from cultures of neural precursors are controversial. In the present study, cultures of proliferating neurospheres of mesencephalic precursors treated with anti–sonic hedgehog antibodies showed significantly less serotonergic and GABAergic cells and a markedly higher number of dopaminergic neurons generated from the neurospheres than control cultures. Treatment of the neurospheres with cyclopamine, which selectively inhibits sonic hedgehog signaling by preventing Smoothened activation, did not induce significant changes in generation of serotonergic and dopaminergic neurons. This suggests that Smoothened activation is not significantly involved in the above‐mentioned effects and that sonic hedgehog may exert effects on the mesencephalic precursors that do not involve the canonical Patched‐Smoothened‐Gli signaling. Developmental Dynamics 237:909–917, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
RNA expression microarray analysis in mouse prospermatogonia: Identification of candidate epigenetic modifiers
Authors: Lefèvre Christophe , Mann Jeffrey R. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe mammalian totipotent and pluripotent lineage exhibits genome‐wide dynamics with respect to DNA methylation content. The first phase of global DNA demethylation and de novo remethylation occurs during preimplantation development and gastrulation, respectively, while the second phase occurs in primordial germ cells and primary oocytes/prospermatogonia, respectively. These dynamics are indicative of a comprehensive epigenetic resetting or reprogramming of the genome in preparation for major differentiation events. To gain further insight into the mechanisms driving DNA methylation dynamics and other types of epigenetic modification, we performed an RNA expression microarray analysis of fetal prospermatogonia at the stage when they are undergoing rapid de novo DNA remethylation. We have identified a number of highly or specifically expressed genes that could be important for determining epigenetic change in prospermatogonia. These data provide a useful resource in the discovery of molecular pathways involved in epigenetic reprogramming in the mammalian germ line. Developmental Dynamics 237:1082–1089, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High‐resolution in vivo imaging of the cross‐sectional deformations of contracting embryonic heart loops using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Männer Jörg , Thrane Lars , Norozi Kambiz , Yelbuz T. Mesud 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe embryonic heart tube consists of an outer myocardial tube, a middle layer of cardiac jelly, and an inner endocardial tube. It is said that tubular hearts pump the blood by peristaltoid contractions. The traditional concept of cardiac peristalsis sees the cyclic deformations of pulsating heart tubes as concentric narrowing and widening of tubes of circular cross‐section. We have visualized the cross‐sectional deformations of contracting embryonic hearts in chick embryos (HH‐stages 9–17) using real‐time high‐resolution optical coherence tomography. Cardiac contractions are detected from HH‐stage 10 onward. During the cardiac cycle, the myocardial tube undergoes concentric narrowing and widening while the endocardial tube undergoes eccentric narrowing and widening, having an elliptic cross‐section at end‐diastole and a slit‐shaped cross‐section at end‐systole. The eccentric deformation of the endocardial tube is the consequence of an uneven distribution of the cardiac jelly. Our data show that the cyclic deformations of pulsating embryonic heart tubes run other than originally thought. There is evidence that heart tubes of elliptic cross‐section might pump blood with a higher mechanical efficiency than those of circular‐cross section. The uneven distribution of cardiac jelly seems to prefigure the future AV and cono‐truncal endocardial cushions. Developmental Dynamics 237:953–961, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Current perspectives in zebrafish reverse genetics: Moving forward
Authors: Skromne Isaac , Prince Victoria E. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractUse of the zebrafish as a model of vertebrate development and disease has expanded dramatically over the past decade. While many articles have discussed the strengths of zebrafish forward genetics (the phenotype‐driven approach), there has been less emphasis on equally important and frequently used reverse genetics (the candidate gene‐driven approach). Here we review both current and prospective reverse genetic techniques that are applicable to the zebrafish model. We include discussion of pharmacological approaches, popular gain‐of‐function and knockdown approaches, and gene targeting strategies. We consider the need for temporal and spatial control over gain/loss of gene function, and discuss available and developing techniques to achieve this end. Our goal is both to reveal the current technical advantages of the zebrafish and to highlight those areas where work is still required to allow this system to be exploited to full advantage. Developmental Dynamics 237:861–882, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Kinetics and mechanism of the reaction between maleic anhydride and fatty acid esters and the structure of the products
Authors: Stefanoiu Florina , Candy Laure , Vaca‐Garcia Carlos , Borredon Elisabeth 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAlkenyl succinic anhydrides (ASA) were obtained by reaction between maleic anhydride and high‐oleic sunflower oil (HOSO) esters. A kinetics study of the maleinization of alkyl esters indicated that the maleinization reaction was second order overall and first order with respect to the individual reactants, and the activation energy was 77.2 ± 3.3 kJ/mol in the investigated temperature range (185–225 °C). These results showed that the cis configuration and the central position of the double bond in HOSO esters facilitate the maleinization of the latter. On the contrary, the length of the linear ester moiety had no influence on the course of the maleinization reaction. Moreover, new evidence demonstrates that there are two different reaction mechanisms: ene‐reaction and addition in allylic position with a 2 : 1 ratio, respectively. This ratio was constant throughout the reaction, thus indicating that these mechanisms are independent.
Simplification of separation of the reaction mixture after transesterification of vegetable oil
Authors: Hájek Martin , Skopal František , Machek Jaroslav 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA heterogeneous reaction mixture is formed by transesterification of vegetable oils. The reaction mixture contains mainly methyl esters of higher fatty acids and glycerol. From this mixture, biodiesel is gained by spontaneous sedimentation in the gravitational field. The sedimentation can be considerably accelerated by controlled addition of water. It was found that addition of small amounts of water to the crude reaction mixture significantly affected the mixture, and substantial changes in the speed of the separation took place. Considerable differences in the composition and quality of the ester and glycerol phases occurred. The optical properties (transmittance and refractive indices) of the heterogeneous reaction mixture are changed after addition of water; this change can be observed spectrophotometrically. This method is applicable to all types of vegetable oils including waste frying oils.