bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamics underlying synaptic gain between pairs of cortical pyramidal neurons
Authors: Pratt Kara G. , Taft Christine E. , Burbea Michelle , Turrigiano Gina G. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractChanges in connectivity between pairs of neurons can serve as a substrate for information storage and for experience‐dependent changes in neuronal circuitry. Early in development, synaptic contacts form and break, but how these dynamics influence the connectivity between pairs of neurons is not known. Here we used time‐lapse imaging to examine the synaptic interactions between pairs of cultured cortical pyramidal neurons, and found that the axon–dendrite contacts between each neuronal pair were composed of both a relatively stable and a more labile population. Under basal conditions, loss and gain of contacts within this labile population was well balanced and there was little net change in connectivity. Selectively increasing the levels of activated CaMKII in the postsynaptic neuron increased connectivity between pairs of neurons by increasing the rate of gain of new contacts without affecting the probability of contact loss, or the proportion of stable and labile contacts, and this increase required Calcium/calmodulin binding to CaMKII. Our data suggest that activating CaMKII can increase synaptic connectivity through a CaM‐dependent increase in contact formation, followed by stabilization of a constant fraction of new contacts. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2008
Sexual dimorphism and androgen regulation of satellite cell population in differentiating rat levator ani muscle
Authors: Niel Lee , Willemsen Kristin R. , Volante Sonia N. , Monks Douglas Ashley 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe bulbocavernosus (BC) and levator ani (LA) muscles of rats show remarkable androgen‐dependent sexual dimorphism. These muscles are additionally of interest because they are thought to indirectly mediate sexual differentiation of innervating spinal motoneurons. This sexual differentiation of the BC/LA is thought to be due to an increase in muscle units in the male rat during the first week after birth. We examined the cellular basis of this differentiation by studying satellite cells in the LA of postnatal day 2.5 rats, when sexual dimorphism is already prominent. Two experiments were performed in which LA satellite cells were measured: (1) wild‐type (WT) males were compared with females and to Tfm androgen receptor mutant males, which are androgen insensitive despite producing masculine amounts of testosterone, and (2) females treated prenatally and/or postnatally with testosterone proprionate were compared with females receiving vehicle injections. Our results indicate that WT males have a larger LA and a greater number of satellite cells in the LA muscle than females or Tfm males. However, satellite cell density was similar for all three groups. Prenatal testosterone treatment masculinized LA size and resulted in a corresponding increase in satellite cell populations, while postnatal TP treatment resulted in a tendency for increased satellite cell density without a significant increase in LA size. Taken together, these studies indicate that satellite cells in the neonatal LA muscle are sexually dimorphic, and that this dimorphism likely results from perinatal actions of androgens on androgen receptors. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2008
Enhancer detection in the ascidianCiona intestinaliswith transposase‐expressing lines ofMinos
Authors: Sasakura Yasunori , Konno Aru , Mizuno Katsutoshi , Satoh Nori , Inaba Kazuo 
Published: October 2007

AbstractGermline transgenesis with a Tc1/marinersuperfamilyMinostransposon was achieved in the ascidianCiona intestinalis. Transgenic lines that express transposases in germ cells are very useful for remobilizing transposon copies. In the present study, we created transposase‐expressing lines ofMinosinCiona. ACionagene encoding protamine (Ci‐prm) is expressed in the testes and sperm. Transgenic lines expressingMinostransposase in the testes and sperm were created with acis‐element ofCi‐prm, and used for enhancer detection. Double‐transgenic animals between transposase lines and a transgenic line with an enhancer detection vector passed on several independent enhancer detection events to subsequent progeny. This technique allowed us to isolate transgenic lines that express GFP in restricted tissues. This system provides an easy and efficient method for large‐scale enhancer detection inCiona intestinalis. Developmental Dynamics 237:39–50, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Abortive placode formation in the feather tract of the scaleless chicken embryo
Authors: Houghton Leslie , Lindon Catherine M. , Freeman Allison , Morgan Bruce A. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe featherless phenotype of the scaleless mutant provides a model for delineating the process of feather follicle formation. Initial studies established that the mutation affects the epidermis and suggested that epidermis is unable to respond to signals from underlying dermis, or propagate a reciprocal signal. The work presented here demonstrates that scaleless epidermis does indeed respond to the initial inductive signals from dermis, as indicated by the localization of nuclear β‐catenin and transient focal expression of genes expressed in the placode of wild‐type feather rudiments. In the sporadic “escaper” feathers that form in scaleless, expression of many genes associated with the progression of feather development is comparable to that in wild‐type embryos. An exception is the ectodysplasin receptor gene Edar, which is expressed at lower levels in mutant feather buds. These observations suggest that the scaleless mutation impairs the locally augmented expression of Edar required to stabilize the placodal fate and sustain feather development. Developmental Dynamics 236:3020–3030, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Commentary on ‘Therapeutic interventions for Burkitt's lymphoma in children’
Authors: Macharia William M. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThis is a commentary on a Cochrane review, published in this issue of EBCH, first published as: Okebe JU, Lasserson TJ, Meremikwu MM, Richards S. Therapeutic interventions for Burkitt's lymphoma in children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2006, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD005198. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005198.pub2.Further information for this Cochrane review is available in this issue of EBCH in the accompanying EBCH Summary and Characteristics and Key Findings Tables articles. Copyright © 2007 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
The Cochrane Library and trachoma: an overview of reviews
Authors: Sumamo Elizabeth , Emerson Paul , Harvey Krystal , Burton Matthew 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBackground:Trachoma is the leading infectious cause of blindness worldwide. Active trachoma is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Recurrent infection over many years may lead to scarring of the conjunctiva, entropion, trachomatous trichiasis and corneal opacity.Objective:To summarize Cochrane reviews that assess the effect of SAFE strategy (surgery, antibiotics, face washing and environmental change) for trachoma in developing countries.Methods:The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was searched for any intervention to prevent or treat trachoma. Data was extracted in duplicate and analyzed.Main Results:There were four systematic reviews addressing trachoma, all of which met the inclusion criteria. There was some evidence that the prevalence of active trachoma was reduced by the use of antibiotics. At three months, six of nine trials found a significant reduction in relative risk of active trachoma in the intervention groups. At 12 months, only three of six studies found a significant reduction. Oral azithromycin performed better than topical tetracycline at clearing infection at three months, but not at resolving clinical signs. There is evidence that face washing in combination with topical tetracycline antibiotics can reduce the prevalence of severe trachoma compared to face washing alone. Insecticide spray as a fly control measure significantly reduced trachoma and health education may be effective in reducing active trachoma.Full thickness incision of the tarsal plate was found to be the most successful type of surgery for trichiasis. Tarsal rotation surgery was also found to be more effective than non‐surgical techniques for minor trichiasis. This surgery was equally effective when performed by appropriate trained ophthalmic nurses and ophthalmologists and also when conducted in a health centre or village setting.Authors' Conclusions:There are no clinical trials of the full SAFE strategy for trachoma control on blindness prevention, or on reducing active trachoma, or ocular Chlamydia trachomatis infection. However, there is some evidence that separately supports each of the components of SAFE: surgery, antibiotics, facial cleanliness, and environmental improvements. Programmatically, continued delivery of the full SAFE strategy is warranted and can be expected to have a positive impact on the control of blinding trachoma. Copyright © 2007 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. The Cochrane Collaboration
Sharpness comparison method for various medical imaging systems
Authors: Ukishima Masayuki , Nakaguchi Toshiya , Kato Katsushi , Fukuchi Yoshikazu , Tsumura Norimichi , Matsumoto Kazumasa , Yanagawa Noriyuki , Ogura Takashi , Kikawa Takashi , Miyake Yoichi 
Published: October 2007

AbstractIn recent years, many kinds of displays and recording systems for X‐ray medical images have appeared. In this paper, sharpness of X‐ray images displayed onto high‐accuracy monochrome CRT and LCD monitors was analyzed and compared. Images recorded on the exclusive film and coated paper by inkjet printer and the wet‐type and dry‐type photo printers using a silver halide material were also analyzed and compared. The modified Gan's method was introduced to calculate the modulation transfer function (MTF) from the edge spread function (ESF). The results showed that the MTFs of the LCD, the inkjet image on the transparency, and the wet‐type silver halide film image have fairly similar and good response in comparison with the inkjet image on the glossy paper and the dry‐type silver halide film. It was also shown that the CRT has the worst response over the spatial frequency range. It was well correlated between the MTF and observer rating value. We thus consider the proposed method to be effective. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 90(11): 65–73, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.20404
Development and evaluation of message passing library for Maestro2 cluster network
Authors: Aoki Keiichi , Yamagiwa Shinichi , Wada Koichi , Ono Masaaki 
Published: October 2007

AbstractCluster computers applying personal computers (PC) to their processing nodes have been widely used as parallel computational platforms due to the improvements of cost/performance ratio. In order to achieve higher performance of a cluster computer, it is important to be considered not only an approach to improve the network performance but also the one to overlap computation with communication. To confirm the validity of the latter approach, we are developing the Maestro2 cluster network which is composed of general‐purpose processors and dedicated communication hardware tightly coupled with those processors. This paper describes a design and implementation of a communication library of a message passing system, called MMP, over the Maestro2 cluster network. On MMP, the processor on the Maestro cluster network controls the hardware and processes almost all communication steps such as for sending/receiving messages and a synchronization among processing units. According to an experimental evaluation, this paper shows that MMP achieves higher throughput than the conventional communication method that is processed by a host processor. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 90(11): 109–121, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.20411
Blind identification of MIMO discrete‐time systems based on independent component analysis
Authors: Nitta Masuhiro , Sugimoto Kenji 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThis paper proposes a blind identification algorithm of a multivariate autoregressive moving average model based on independence of source signals. In such a model, it is difficult to perform blind identification due to nonlinear regression problems. This difficulty is overcome by introducing a feedback structure into the independent component analysis. By using a polynomial matrix fraction, coefficients matrices are exactly identified whereas a conventional method gives mere approximate results. The effectiveness of the proposed method has been confirmed through numerical simulations. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 2, 90(11): 17–25, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjb.20418
Impaired T cell activation and increased Th2 lineage commitment in Annexin‐1‐deficient T cells
Authors: D'Acquisto Fulvio , Paschalidis Nikolaos , Sampaio Andre L. F. , Merghani Ahmed , Flower Roderick J. , Perretti Mauro 
Published: October 2007

AbstractAnnexin‐1 is a well‐known endogenous anti‐inflammatory protein that modulates the activation of cells of the innate immune system such as neutrophils and macrophages. We have recently reported a positive role for the exogenous protein on T cell differentiation, however, whether such a role holds true for the endogenous protein has yet to be determined. This aspect has been investigated here finding that Annexin‐1‐deficient T cells display an impaired activation and proliferation in response to anti‐CD3 plus anti‐CD28 stimulation. Furthermore, differentiation of T cells from Annexin‐1‐deficient mice in Th0/Th1/Th2 or Th17 skewing conditions demonstrated an increased Th2 phenotype compared to cells from control littermates. Similar results were obtained when we analyzed the Th1/Th2 profile of lymph node cells obtained from mice immunized with keyhole limpet hemocyanin or the inflammatory infiltrate in mouse model of allergic inflammation. These results demonstrate a novel modulatory role of endogenous Annexin‐1 in TCR signaling and T cell differentiation and suggest this protein might play a dual and complementary role in the innate and adaptive immune response.
Identification of a novel negative role of flagellin in regulating IL‐10 production
Authors: Vicente‐Suarez Ildefonso , Takahashi Yoshinori , Cheng Fengdong , Horna Pedro , Wang Hong W. , Wang Hong‐Gang , Sotomayor Eduardo M. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractToll‐like receptors (TLR) expressed by cells of the immune system play a central role in the generation of immune responses against pathogens. Following TLR ligation, both pro‐inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory mediators are produced in order to elicit an immune response that controls the microbial infection while limiting tissue damage. Among these mediators, the pro‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐12 and the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10 are known to play major roles. Here, we show that in vitro or in vivo stimulation with flagellin, the TLR5 ligand, does not result in IL‐10 production. Furthermore, flagellin inhibits IL‐10 production by other specific TLR ligands at the protein and mRNA levels while increasing IL‐12p70 production. Several studies have linked the activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases with IL‐10 induction by TLR. We have observed that LPS‐induced extracellular signal‐regulated kinase activation was significantly decreased in flagellin‐treated macrophages, suggesting that this pathway might play a role in the inhibition of IL‐10 production observed in flagellin‐treated macrophages. Flagellin‐mediated IL‐10 inhibition was not observed in cells that do not express TLR5, supporting that this effect is indeed TLR5‐dependent. This study provides a new insight into the role of flagellin recognition by TLR5 in shaping the immune response elicited by flagellated microorganisms.
T cell independent mechanism for copolymer‐1‐induced neuroprotection
Authors: Liu Jianuo , Johnson Thomas V. , Lin Jamie , Ramirez Servio H. , Bronich Tatiana K. , Caplan Steve , Persidsky Yuri , Gendelman Howard E. , Kipnis Jonathan 
Published: October 2007

AbstractDespite active investigation of copolymer‐1 (Cop‐1) for nearly 40 years the mechanisms underlying its neuroprotective properties remain contentious. Nonetheless, current dogma for Cop‐1 neuroprotective activities in autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases include bystander suppression of autoimmune T cells and attenuation of microglial responses. In this report, we demonstrate that Cop‐1 interacts directly with primary human neurons and decreases neuronal cell death induced by staurosporine or oxidative stress. This neuroprotection is mediated through protein kinase Cα and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor. Dendritic cells (DC) uptake Cop‐1, deliver it to the injury site, and release it in an active form. Interactions between Cop‐1 and DC enhance DC blood brain barrier migration. In a rat model with optic nerve crush injury, Cop‐1‐primed DC induce T cell independent neuroprotection. These findings may facilitate the development of neuroprotective approaches using DC‐mediated Cop‐1 delivery to diseased nervous tissue.
Immunisation with BCG and recombinant MVA85A induces long‐lasting, polyfunctional Mycobacterium tuberculosis‐specific CD4+ memory T lymphocyte populations
Authors: Beveridge Natalie E. R. , Price David A. , Casazza Joseph P. , Pathan Ansar A. , Sander Clare R. , Asher Tedi E. , Ambrozak David R. , Precopio Melissa L. , Scheinberg Phillip , Alder Nicola C. , Roederer Mario , Koup Richard A. , Douek Daniel C. , Hill Adrian V. S. , McShane Helen 
Published: October 2007

AbstractIn the search for effective vaccines against intracellular pathogens such as HIV, tuberculosis and malaria, recombinant viral vectors are increasingly being used to boost previously primed T cell responses. Published data have shown prime‐boost vaccination with BCG‐MVA85A (modified vaccinia virus Ankara expressing antigen 85A) to be highly immunogenic in humans as measured by ex vivo IFN‐γ ELISPOT. Here, we used polychromatic flow cytometry to investigate the phenotypic and functional profile of these vaccine‐induced Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) antigen 85A‐specific responses in greater detail. Promisingly, antigen 85A‐specific CD4+ T cells were found to be highly polyfunctional, producing IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐2 and MIP‐1β. Surface staining showed the responding CD4+ T cells to be relatively immature (CD45RO+ CD27intCD57–); this observation was supported by the robust proliferative responses observed following antigenic stimulation. Furthermore, these phenotypic and functional properties were independent of clonotypic composition and epitope specificity, which was maintained through the different phases of the vaccine‐induced immune response. Overall, these data strongly support the use of MVA85A in humans as a boosting agent to expand polyfunctional M.tb‐specific CD4+ T cells capable of significant secondary responses.
The role of lymphoid tissue inducer cells in splenic white pulp development
Authors: Withers David R. , Kim Mi‐Yeon , Bekiaris Vasileios , Rossi Simona W. , Jenkinson William E. , Gaspal Fabrina , McConnell Fiona , Caamano Jorge H. , Anderson Graham , Lane Peter J. L. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractCD4+CD3– lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells are crucial for the development and organisation of lymph nodes and gut associated lymphoid tissues. In this report, we characterise their appearance in the developing spleen and highlight their importance in relation to the development of splenic T cell zones. LTi cells were detected in embryonic spleen from embryonic day 13, although their progenitors were present at embryonic day 12. These cells clustered initially around splenic blood vessels in a lymphotoxin (LT)‐independent manner, but up‐regulation of VCAM‐1 expression on stromal cells associated with the blood vessels was LT dependent. After birth, T cell colonisation of these clusters to form nascent white pulp areas was also LT dependent. Transfer experiments reconstituting RAG–/– mice with either WT or LTα–/– splenocytes demonstrated that lymphocyte expression of LT was not essential for the organisation of a discrete CD3+ T cell zone with localised podoplanin and CCL21 expression. Our studies indicate that a combination of LT signals from LTi cells and LT‐independent signals from lymphocytes is sufficient for expression of podoplanin and CCL21 on splenic T cell zone stroma and subsequent T cell organisation.
IL‐10 modulates cytokine gene transcription by protein synthesis‐independent and dependent mechanisms in lipopolysaccharide‐treated neutrophils
Authors: Rossato Marzia , Cencig Sabrina , Gasperini Sara , Cassatella Marco A. , Bazzoni Flavia 
Published: October 2007

AbstractWe have recently reported that the ability of IL‐10 to rapidly exert its anti‐inflammatory effects on human neutrophils is dependent upon exposure of these cells to LPS for at least 3–4 h. Here, we demonstrate that, in neutrophils "preconditioned" by LPS, IL‐10 primarily targets the transcription of TNF‐α, CXCL8 and IL‐1ra genes, as revealed by primary transcript real‐time RT‐PCR. We also show that IL‐10‐induced transcriptional repression of TNF‐α and CXCL8 genes consists of two distinct phases: an early one, occurring rapidly and in a protein synthesis‐independent manner, followed by a second phase, more delayed and dependent on protein synthesis. Interestingly, the protein synthesis dependence of the latter phase coincides with a reduced ability of IL‐10 to induce STAT3 tyrosine phosphorylation. Importantly, inhibition of IL‐10‐induced STAT3 activation and IL‐10‐suppressive action by a prolonged exposure to cycloheximide (CHX) was observed to occur also in human monocytes and was caused by a defective IL‐10‐mediated activation of Jak1 and Tyk2 kinases. Taken together, our findings suggest that CHX interferes with the IL‐10‐mediated intracellular signaling pathway by interrupting events upstream of STAT3 activation. These data question the concept of the requirement of an IL‐10‐induced mediator as the unique mechanism to execute IL‐10 anti‐inflammatory program.
Determination of additives and organic contaminants in food by CE and CEC
Authors: Boyce Mary C. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe application of CE to the analysis of additives and organic contaminants in food since 2001 has been reviewed. Additives included in the review are dyes, preservatives, antioxidants and sweeteners. Organic contaminants included in the review are pesticides, antibiotics and those produced during processing or cooking food. The review highlights the strategies and approaches adopted in making CE suitable for the determination of analytes at residue level and in complicated matrices.