bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Custom Contestations: Lowriders and Urban Space
Authors: CHAPPELL BEN
Published: June 2010

This article examines the production of space and contestation of spatial governmentality that occurs in the everyday cruising practices of lowrider car customizers in Austin, Texas. Lowrider style, practiced mostly, but not exclusively, by Mexican Americans, is a form of automotive aesthetics which carries associations with working‐class, Latino/a barrio communities. Drawing on critical theories of the production and governance of space, I trace the politics inherent in lowrider cruising and the confrontations with police it occasions. From the perspective of lowriders, I present a critique of community policing as a practice of government, which has the effects of criminalizing lowriders and subjecting them to heightened levels of surveillance.
Signs of the Times: Discourse Ecologies and Street Life on Oxford St., Accra
Authors: QUAYSON ATO
Published: June 2010

What happens when we stop seeing streets merely as geographical locations and rather interpret them as archives? What if, in focusing on an African street such as Oxford Street in Accra, we interpret this archive not as static, but as providing a transcript of dynamic transformations of discourse ecologies? The elaboration of a method for understanding the African street as an archive of discourse ecologies will be the main subject of this paper, with a particular focus on cell phone advertising on the street from 2006–2007. I do not stop at an examination of cell phone advertizing billboards but relate these to the veritable galaxy of other cultural inscriptions to be seen in mottoes and slogans on lorries, cars, pushcarts and other mobile surfaces that can be encountered on the street. Such mobile slogans are a distinctive feature of Accra and of many African urban environments. The central mark of these mottoes and slogans is an improvisational character that is specifically tied to the local cultural mediations that have historically been drawn upon for them. Taken together the two dimensions of inscription—billboard and slogans—hint at the arc of urban social histories, while also invoking a rich and intricate relationship between tradition and modernity, religion and secularity as well as local and transnational circuits of images and ideas.
Spectacular Productions: Community and Commodity in the Beijing Olympics
Authors: HUBBERT JENNIFER
Published: June 2010

This article examines how Chinese intellectuals experienced the 2008 Beijing Olympics, arguing that the games were a key site for the construction and analysis of two forms of spectacle—the commodity spectacle and the collective spectacle. Considering the case studies of Olympic architecture and traditional Chinese products (laozihao), it suggests that “culture,” debated and defined within the context of the Olympics, emerged as a mechanism through which the commodity spectacle was, albeit perhaps paradoxically, used to produce moments of national collectivity for intellectuals in contemporary China. This research also suggests that although this collective form represents a classic Marxist commodity fetish, labeling the resultant form of that community “inauthentic” because of its commodity nature, represents a theoretical fetishization of the theory of the spectacle itself.
Engineering Photocatalytic Cements: Understanding TiO2 Surface Chemistry to Control and Modulate Photocatalytic Performances
Authors: Folli Andrea , Pochard Isabelle , Nonat André , Jakobsen Ulla H. , Shepherd Ashley M. , Macphee Donald E.
Published: June 2010

The present work addresses the aggregation/dispersion properties of two commercial titanias for application as photocatalysts in concrete technology. A microsized m‐TiO2 (average particle size 153.7 ± 48.1 nm) and a nanosized n‐TiO2 (average particle size 18.4 ± 5.0 nm) have been tested in different ionic media (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Cl−, SO42−, synthetic cement pore solution) at different pHs and in real cement paste specimens. Results highlighted that ion–ion correlations play a fundamental role in TiO2 particles aggregation in the cement environment. A particle aggregation model derived from TiO2 surface chemistry is proposed here and used to justify such aggregation phenomena in real cement paste. Scanning electron microscopy–energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopic investigations on hardened cement specimens completely confirmed the qualitative model based on titania surface chemistry. Experimental results also show how size and nature of TiO2 aggregates dramatically influence the overall photocatalytic activity of cementitious materials containing TiO2.
Investigation of Thickness Dependence of Structure and Electric Properties of Sol–Gel‐Derived BiScO3–PbTiO3Thin Films
Authors: Zhong Caifu , Wang Xiaohui , Fang Jian , Li Longtu
Published: June 2010

BiScO3–PbTiO3(BSPT) thin films with the thickness from 80 to 800 nm were fabricated via a sol–gel method on Pt(111)/Ti/SiO2/Si(001) substrates, and the effects of thickness on the structure and properties of the sol–gel‐derived BSPT thin films were investigated. All the films with different thickness showed similar random orientation and similar grain size. The dependence of dielectric and ferroelectric properties on film thickness and temperature from room temperature to −190°C were investigated, and the results were explained by comparing our experiment data with the existing experimental and theoretical models. It is found that the interface between the electrode and the film has a twofold deleterious effect on permittivity: firstly, a passive layer exists, secondly this layer pins domain walls, and thus the larger dielectric response in thicker films and at higher temperatures come from the higher mobility of domain wall motion. Piezoelectric properties dependence of the BSPT films on thickness were also investigated, the effective piezoelectric constantd33*increased from 35 pm/V for the film of 80‐nm‐thick to 80 pm/V of 800‐nm‐thick film.
Thermal Treatment of Flame‐Synthesized Amorphous Tricalcium Phosphate Nanoparticles
Authors: Döbelin Nicola , Brunner Tobias J. , Stark Wendelin J. , Fisch Martin , Conforto Egle , Bohner Marc
Published: June 2010

Flame‐spray synthesis was used to produce nanoparticulate X‐ray amorphous tricalcium phosphate. Upon heating, the material crystallized at temperatures between 525° and 600°C, yielding α‐tricalcium phosphate (TCP) with minor amounts of β‐TCP and hydroxyapatite (HA). Further heating induced a gradual transformation of α‐ to β‐TCP accompanied by crystallite growth and particle fusion. α‐TCP was completely transformed into β‐TCP at 950°C. The high‐temperature polymorph α′‐TCP was not observed. In transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction analyses, the raw material appeared completely amorphous and samples heated previously to 600° and 700°C comprised single‐crystalline particles of α‐, β‐TCP, and HA. The results of this study demonstrate that nanoparticulate α‐TCP can be obtained from flame‐spray‐synthesized amorphous nanoparticles at temperatures where sintering effects such as particle growth and fusion are moderate, if not negligible.
Synthesis of Silicon Carbide Nanopowder Using Silica Fume
Authors: Zhong Yang , Shaw Leon L. , Manjarres Misael , Zawrah Mahmoud F.
Published: June 2010

Silica fume is a byproduct of producing silicon metal and ferrosilicon alloys, and contains 94–97 wt% SiO2. This study demonstrates, for the first time, that silica fume can be converted to nano‐SiC powder at 1500°C via carbothermic reduction with the aid of high‐energy ball milling of the silica fume plus graphite mixture at room temperature. The nano‐SiC synthesized has particle sizes as small as 30 nm. The effects of the carbothermic reduction temperature and the graphite concentration in the starting SiO2+C mixture on the conversion of SiO2to SiC have been investigated. The reaction pathways of carbothermic reduction have been identified. A carbon elimination treatment using H2to remove the free carbon in the nano‐SiC powder has also been proven effective and the extent of carbon elimination depends on the reaction temperature, reaction duration, and quantity of the free carbon present before the carbon elimination treatment.
Orientation and Phase Relationships between Titania Films and Polycrystalline BaTiO3 Substrates as Determined by Electron Backscatter Diffraction Mapping
Authors: Burbure Nina V. , Salvador Paul A. , Rohrer Gregory S.
Published: June 2010

Titania films have been grown on polycrystalline BaTiO3 (BTO) substrates at 700°C by pulsed laser deposition. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) was used to determine grain orientations in the substrate before growth, and the phase and orientation of the supported films after growth. All BaTiO3 grains within 26° of (001) were covered by anatase films with an orientation relationship of (001)Anatase||(001)BTO and [100]Anatase||[100]BTO. Rutile with a variety of orientations grew on BaTiO3 grains with orientations closer to (110) and (111). EBSD mapping provides an efficient means for determining phase and orientation relationships of films over all orientation parameters.
Systemic inflammation following non‐surgical and surgical periodontal therapy
Authors: Graziani Filippo , Cei Silvia , Tonetti Maurizio , Paolantonio Michele , Serio Rossella , Sammartino Gilberto , Gabriele Mario , D'Aiuto Francesco
Published: June 2010

Graziani F, Cei S, Tonetti M, Paolantonio M, Serio R, Sammartino G, Gabriele M, D'Aiuto F. Systemic inflammation following non‐surgical and surgical periodontal therapy. J Clin Periodontol 2010; 37: 848–854. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐051X.2010.01585.x.

Aim: To describe the kinetics of serum inflammatory markers after a course of treatment comprising surgical and non‐surgical treatment of chronic periodontitis (CP).

Material and Methods: Fourteen CP cases received full‐mouth non‐surgical treatment and, after 6 months, at least two surgical sessions. Blood samples were collected at various time‐points after treatment. Blood markers of systemic inflammation/coagulation including leucocyte counts, C‐reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid‐A (SAA) and D‐dimers and renal function (cystatin C) were determined using high‐sensitivity assays.

Results: Periodontal treatment resulted in substantial reductions of the number of pockets, gingival bleeding and plaque at 3 and 6 months after non‐surgical therapy (p<0.001). Surgical therapy led to an additional reduction of periodontal pockets (p<0.01). Marked increases in the serum levels of CRP and SAA were noted 24 h after non‐surgical therapy (p<0.01) and periodontal surgeries (p<0.05). D‐dimer levels increased drastically 24 h after non‐surgical therapy (p<0.05). The drastic increase of CRP after non‐surgical therapy was greater than both the surgical therapy sessions (p<0.05).

Conclusions: Patients undergoing periodontal treatment experience perturbations of systemic inflammation of a greater magnitude after non‐surgical than surgical periodontal therapy.
First‐line treatment with bortezomib rapidly stimulates both osteoblast activity and bone matrix deposition in patients with multiple myeloma, and stimulates osteoblast proliferation and differentiation in vitro
Authors: Lund Thomas , Søe Kent , Abildgaard Niels , Garnero Patrick , Pedersen Per T. , Ormstrup Tina , Delaissé Jean‐Marie , Plesner Torben
Published: June 2010

Objectives:  The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of bortezomib on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, as well as on bone matrix deposition for the first time in bisphosphonate‐naïve, previously untreated patients with myeloma.

Methods:  Twenty newly diagnosed patients received four cycles of bortezomib treatment, initially as monotherapy and then combined with a glucocorticoid from cycle two to four. Bone remodeling markers were monitored closely during treatment. Furthermore, the effects of bortezomib and a glucocorticoid on immature and mature osteoblasts were also studied in vitro.

Results:  Treatment with bortezomib caused a significant increase in bone‐specific alkaline phosphatase and pro‐collagen type I N‐terminal propeptide, a novel bone formation marker. The addition of a glucocorticoid resulted in a transient decrease in collagen deposition. In vitro bortezomib induced osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. Differentiation but not proliferation was inhibited by glucocorticoid treatment.

Conclusions:  Bortezomib used as first‐line treatment significantly increased collagen deposition in patients with multiple myeloma and osteolytic lesions, but the addition of a glucocorticoid to the treatment transiently inhibited the positive effect of bortezomib, suggesting that bortezomib may result in better healing of osteolytic lesions when used without glucocorticoids in patients that have obtained remission with a previous therapy. The potential bone‐healing properties of single‐agent bortezomib are currently being explored in a clinical study in patients who have undergone high‐dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation.
The relative importance of dispersal and the local environment for species richness in two aquatic plant growth forms
Authors: Akasaka Munemitsu , Takamura Noriko
Published: June 2010

Local species richness can be affected by both the dispersal process and by environmental conditions (species sorting process). The evaluation of the relative roles of these two processes contributes not only to further understanding of the mechanisms determining species richness but also to biodiversity conservation. We studied the relative importance of hydrological dispersal and water chemistry for species richness of submerged and floating‐leaved macrophytes using 31 sets of interconnected ponds with different numbers of component ponds (defined as connection class). Connection class was slightly more important than, or equally important to, water chemistry in determining species richness of floating‐leaved macrophytes. In contrast, submerged macrophyte richness was much more influenced by water chemistry than by connection class, although increasing connection class had some positive effect. Similarly, the occurrence of a particular species of submerged macrophyte was better explained by pond water chemistry than by the occurrence of the same species in the pond immediately upstream. The reverse was true for floating‐leaved macrophytes; the presence of a given species was better explained by its presence in the pond immediately upstream than by water chemistry. These results indicated that the relative importance of the two processes that shape the species richness of aquatic plants is a consequence of the growth form of the plants. However, both the dispersal process via hydrologic connection and species sorting by water chemistry play some role in determining the species richness of both floating‐leaved and submerged macrophytes.
A genome‐wide quantitative trait loci scan of neurocognitive performances in families with schizophrenia
Authors: Lien Y.‐J. , Liu C.‐M. , Faraone S. V. , Tsuang M. T. , Hwu H.‐G. , Hsiao P.‐C. , Chen W. J.
Published: June 2010

Patients with schizophrenia frequently display neurocognitive dysfunction, and genetic studies suggest it to be an endophenotype for schizophrenia. Genetic studies of such traits may thus help elucidate the biological pathways underlying genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia. This study aimed to identify loci influencing neurocognitive performance in schizophrenia. The sample comprised of 1207 affected individuals and 1035 unaffected individuals of Han Chinese ethnicity from 557 sib‐pair families co‐affected with DSM‐IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition) schizophrenia. Subjects completed a face‐to‐face semi‐structured interview, the continuous performance test (CPT) and the Wisconsin card sorting test (WCST), and were genotyped with 386 microsatellite markers across the genome. A series of autosomal genome‐wide multipoint nonparametric quantitative trait loci (QTL) linkage analysis were performed in affected individuals only. Determination of genome‐wide empirical significance was performed using 1000 simulated genome scans. One linkage peak attaining genome‐wide significance was identified: 12q24.32 for undegraded CPT hit rate [nonparametric linkage z (NPL‐Z) scores = 3.32, genome‐wide empirical P = 0.03]. This result was higher than the peak linkage signal obtained in the previous genome‐wide scan using a dichotomous diagnosis of schizophrenia. The identification of 12q24.32 as a QTL has not been consistently implicated in previous linkage studies on schizophrenia, which suggests that the analysis of endophenotypes provides additional information from what is seen in analyses that rely on diagnoses. This region with linkage to a particular neurocognitive feature may inform functional hypotheses for further genetic studies for schizophrenia.
The impact of mineralocorticoid receptor ISO/VAL genotype (rs5522) and stress on reward learning
Authors: Bogdan R. , Perlis R. H. , Fagerness J. , Pizzagalli D. A.
Published: June 2010

Research suggests that stress disrupts reinforcement learning and induces anhedonia. The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) determines the sensitivity of the stress response, and the missense iso/val polymorphism (Ile180Val, rs5522) of the MR gene (NR3C2) has been associated with enhanced physiological stress responses, elevated depressive symptoms and reduced cortisol‐induced MR gene expression. The goal of these studies was to evaluate whether rs5522 genotype and stress independently and interactively influence reward learning. In study 1, participants (n = 174) completed a probabilistic reward task under baseline (i.e. no‐stress) conditions. In study 2, participants (n = 53) completed the task during a stress (threat‐of‐shock) and no‐stress condition. Reward learning, i.e. the ability to modulate behavior as a function of reinforcement history, was the main variable of interest. In study 1, in which participants were evaluated under no‐stress conditions, reward learning was enhanced in val carriers. In study 2, participants developed a weaker response bias toward a more frequently rewarded stimulus under the stress relative to no‐stress condition. Critically, stress‐induced reward learning deficits were largest in val carriers. Although preliminary and in need of replication due to small sample size, findings indicate that psychiatrically healthy individuals carrying the MR val allele, gene, which has been recently linked to depression, showed a reduced ability to modulate behavior as a function of reward when facing an acute, uncontrollable stressor. Future studies are warranted to evaluate whether rs5522 genotype interacts with naturalistic stressors to increase the risk of depression and whether stress‐induced anhedonia might moderate such risk.
Infants sleeping outdoors in a northern winter climate: skin temperature and duration of sleep
Authors: Tourula Marjo , Isola Arja , Hassi Juhani , Bloigu Risto , Rintamäki Hannu
Published: June 2010

Aim:  The aim of the study is to describe the relationships among thermal environment, skin temperatures and infants’ daytime outdoor sleep duration in northern winter conditions.

Methods:  This study is a cross‐over observational study. Skin temperatures of three‐month‐old infants were recorded from seven skin sites continuously throughout outdoor (n = 34) and indoor sleep (n = 33) in the families’ homes. The duration of the sleep was observed, and temperature and the air velocity of the environment were recorded.

Results:  Skin temperatures increased towards the end of indoor sleeping, whereas they decreased during outdoor sleeping. The cooling rate of mean skin temperature (Tsk) increased in lower outdoor temperatures (rs = 0.628, p < 0.001) in spite of increased clothing. On some occasions, cold extremities were observed, suggesting slight deviations from thermoneutrality. Sleep time was 92 min longer in outdoors than in indoors. However, outdoor sleep duration was shortened when the cooling rate of Tsk increased (rs = 0.611, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:  The longest sleep was recorded outdoors when the cooling rate of Tsk was minimal. Restriction of movements by clothing probably increases the length of sleep, and a cold environment makes swaddling possible without overheating. A decrease in ambient temperature increased the cooling rate, suggesting that the cold protection of the clothing compensated only partly for the increased heat loss.
The changing panorama of cerebral palsy in Sweden. X. Prevalence and origin in the birth‐year period 1999–2002
Authors: Himmelmann K , Hagberg G , Uvebrant P
Published: June 2010

Abstract Aim:  The aim of the study was to describe the prevalence and origin of cerebral palsy (CP), which is the tenth report from the western Swedish study.

Methods:  A population‐based study covering 85 737 live births in the area in 1999–2002. Birth characteristics and neuroimaging findings were recorded, prevalence of CP was calculated and aetiology was analysed.

Results:  CP was found in 186 children. The crude prevalence was 2.18 per 1000 live births. The gestational age‐specific prevalence for <28 gestational weeks was 55.6 per 1000 live births, whereas it was 43.7 for 28–31 weeks, 6.1 for 32–36 weeks and 1.43 per 1000 for >36 weeks. There was a female majority among children born at term and a male predominance in children born preterm. Hemiplegia accounted for 38%, diplegia for 32%, tetraplegia for 7%, whereas 17% had dyskinetic CP and 5% ataxia. Neuroimaging showed white‐matter lesions in 31% and cortical/subcortical lesions in 29%. The aetiology was considered to be prenatal in 36%, peri/neonatal in 42%, whereas it remained unclassified in 21%.

Conclusion:  The decrease in CP prevalence observed since the 1980s had ceased. An increase in children born at term and in dyskinetic CP was found. In children born before 28 weeks of gestation, the prevalence decreased significantly. White‐matter and cortical/subcortical lesions dominated on neuroimaging.
Serogroup C Neisseria meningitidis invasive infection: analysis of the possible vaccination strategies for a mass campaign
Authors: Chiappini Elena , Venturini Elisabetta , Bonsignori Francesca , Galli Luisa , De Martino Maurizio
Published: June 2010

The serogroup C meningococcal conjugate vaccine is available since 1999. In the absence of randomized controlled trials that support a specific schedule, each country has adopted different vaccination programmes. Hereby, we analyse positive and negative aspects of the different vaccination strategies.

Conclusion:  While waiting for the introduction of other antimeningococcal vaccines, covering also for the Group B meningococci, further studies on effectiveness of an optimal schedule to be adopted in European countries are needed.
HOMA‐IR and QUICKI: decide on a general standard instead of making further comparisons
Authors: Rössner Sophia M. , Neovius Martin , Mattsson Anna , Marcus Claude , Norgren Svante
Published: June 2010

Aim:  To limit further comparisons between the two fasting indices Homeostasis Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA‐IR) and Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI), and to examine their robustness in assessing insulin sensitivity.

Methods:  A total of 191 obese children and adolescents (age 13.9 ± 2.9 years, BMI SDS 6.1 ± 1.6), who had undergone a Frequently Sampled Intravenous Glucose Tolerance Test (FSIVGTT), were included. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was used to compare indices in detecting insulin resistance and Bland–Altman plots to investigate agreement between three consecutive fasting samples when compared to using single samples.

Results:  ROC analysis showed that the diagnostic accuracy was identical for QUICKI and HOMA‐IR [area under the curve (AUC) boys 0.80, 95%CI 0.70–0.89; girls 0.80, 0.71–0.88], while insulin had a nonsignificantly lower AUC (boys 0.76, 0.66–0.87; girls 0.75, 0.66–0.84). Glucose did not perform better than chance as a diagnostic test (boys 0.47, 0.34–0.60; girls 0.57, 0.46–0.68). Indices varied with consecutive sampling, mainly attributable to fasting insulin variations (mean maximum difference in HOMA‐IR −0.8; −0.9 to −0.7).

Conclusions:  Using both HOMA‐IR and QUICKI in further studies is superfluous as these indices function equally well as predictors of the FSIVGTT sensitivity index. Focus should be on establishing a general standard for research and clinical purposes.
Vitamin D Status of term exclusively breastfed infants and their mothers from India
Authors: Agarwal N , Faridi MMA , Aggarwal A , Singh O
Published: June 2010

Objectives:  (i) To measure 25‐OH vitamin D levels in term infants at 10 weeks and 6 months and to correlate with maternal vitamin D levels at 10‐week postpartum (ii) To evaluate infants at 6 months for rickets.

Patients and methods:  A total of 179 exclusively breastfed infant–mother pairs 96 appropriate‐for‐gestational age (Group 1) and 83 small‐ for‐ gestational age infants (Group 2) recruited at 10 weeks. At 6 months, 52 in group 1 and 45 in group 2 were evaluated. Venous blood sample were collected at 10 weeks and 6 months in infants and at 10 weeks in mothers for calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and 25‐OH vitamin D estimation.

Results:  Mean 25‐OH vitamin D levels of infants (n = 97) were 11.55 ± 7.17 ng/mL at 10 weeks and 16.96 ± 13.33 ng/mL at 6 months (p < 0.001). Mean vitamin D levels of infants in group 1 and group 2 did not differ at recruitment and 6 months (p > 0.05)). Maternal vitamin D levels in group 1 and group 2 were 8.89 ± 5.97 and 9.87 ± 6.44 ng/mL, respectively (p = 0.44). Significant correlation was observed between 25‐OH vitamin D of infants and mothers (p < 0.05). At 10 weeks, 55.67% infants, 70% mothers and at 6 months, 44.33% infants had vitamin D < 11 ng/mL. At 6 months, 16.49% infants developed rickets.

Conclusions:  Exclusively breastfed infants and their mothers are Vitamin D deficient, hence the need to improve vitamin D status.
Transcriptome profiling of cotton‐bollworm larvae fed on transgenic hpa1Xoo cotton leaves by the application of silkworm 23K oligo microarray
Authors: Miao W. , Wu S. , Yang Y. , Gong X. , Song C. , Wang Y. , Chen X. , Wang J.
Published: June 2010

To analyse the resistance of harpinXoo‐expressing transgenic cotton T‐34 plants to cotton‐bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera), bioassays and the silkworm genome‐wide microarray were employed. The global transcriptomic level was used to compare the H. armigera larvae fed on T‐34 leaves (LFT‐34) with larvae fed on leaves of the untransformed cotton line Z35 (LFZ35). The development of LFT‐34 was slowed, eventually leading to larval death. The microarray data indicated that 872 genes in LFT‐34 were totally deregulated, comparing to their expression in LFZ35. All the preferentially expressed genes were classified into 13 biological functions and were involved in 96 biological pathways. These results indicated that harpinXoo confers T‐34 with resistance to H. armigera and influences multiple metabolic pathways in the larvae. Hpa1Xoo, as a new genetic resource, provides primary evidence for breeding cotton that is resistant to cotton bollworm. The results also showed that the silkworm 70‐mer oligo microarray can be used as a new approach to analyse the global transcriptional expression of H. armigera and its interaction with plants.
Chandra monitoring of UGC 4203: the structure of the X-ray absorber
Authors: Risaliti G. , Elvis M. , Bianchi S. , Matt G.
Published: June 2010

We present a Chandra monitoring campaign of the highly variable Seyfert galaxy UGC 4203 (the ‘Phoenix Galaxy’) which revealed variations in the X-ray absorbing column density on time-scales of 2 weeks. This is the third, clear case, after NGC 1365 and NGC 7582, of dramatic NH variability on short time-scales observed in a ‘changing look’ source, i.e. an active galactic nuclei (AGN) observed in the past in both a reflection-dominated and a Compton-thin state. The inferred limits on the distance of the X-ray absorber from the centre suggest that the X-ray ‘torus’ could be one and the same with the broad emission line region. This scenario, first proposed for an ‘ad hoc’ picture for NGC 1365, may be the common structure of the circumnuclear medium in AGN.
The effect of the w-term on the visibility correlation and power spectrum estimation
Authors: Dutta Prasun , Guha Sarkar Tapomoy , Khastgir S. Pratik
Published: June 2010

The visibility–visibility correlation has been proposed as a technique for the estimation of the power spectrum, and used extensively for small field of view observations, where the effect of the w-term is usually ignored. We consider power spectrum estimation from large field of view observations, where the w-term can have a significant effect. Our investigation shows that a non-zero w manifests itself as a modification of the primary aperture function of the instrument. Using a Gaussian primary beam, we show that the modified aperture is an oscillating function with a Gaussian envelope. We show that the two-visibility correlation (visibility variance) reproduces the power spectrum beyond a certain baseline given by the width, Uw, of the modified aperture. Further, for a given interferometer, the maximum Uw remains independent of the frequencies of observation. This suggests that the incorporation of a large field of view in radio interferometric observations has a greater effect for larger observing wavelengths.
Biochemical Aspects of X‐Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: Kemp Stephan , Wanders Ronald
Published: June 2010

X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X‐ALD) is the most common peroxisomal disorder. The disease is characterized by the accumulation of very long‐chain fatty acids (VLCFA; >C22) in plasma and tissues. X‐ALD is caused by mutations in the ABCD1 gene encoding ALDP, an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)‐binding‐cassette (ABC) transporter located in the peroxisomal membrane. In this paper, we describe the current knowledge on the function of ALDP, its role in peroxisomal VLCFA beta‐oxidation and the consequences of a defect in ALDP on VLCFA metabolism. Furthermore, we pay special attention to the role of the VLCFA elongation system in VLCFA homeostasis, with elongation of very long‐chain fatty acids like‐1 (ELOVL1) as key player, and its relevance to X‐ALD.
Pathomechanisms Underlying X‐Adrenoleukodystrophy: A Three‐Hit Hypothesis
Authors: Singh Inderjit , Pujol Aurora
Published: June 2010

X‐adrenoleukodystrophy (X‐ALD) is a complex disease where inactivation of ABCD1 gene results in clinically diverse phenotypes, the fatal disorder of cerebral ALD (cALD) or a milder disorder of adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN). Loss of ABCD1 function results in defective beta oxidation of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) resulting in excessive accumulation of VLCFA, the biochemical “hall mark” of X‐ALD. At present, the ABCD1‐mediated mechanisms that determine the different phenotype of X‐ALD are not well understood. The studies reviewed here suggest for a “three‐hit hypothesis” for neuropathology of cALD. An improved understanding of the molecular mechanisms associated with these three phases of cALD disease should facilitate the development of effective pharmacological therapeutics for X‐ALD.
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Gene Therapy in X‐Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: Cartier Nathalie , Aubourg Patrick
Published: June 2010

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only therapeutic approach that can arrest cerebral demyelination of X‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) in boys and results in long‐term in a good quality of life, provided the procedure is performed at an early stage of disease. Similar benefits of allogeneic HSCT have been demonstrated in adults with cerebral ALD. However, it is not yet known whether allogeneic HSCT can prevent or rescue adrenomyeloneuropathy. Allogeneic HSCT remains associated with significant morbidity and mortality risks, particularly in adults, and not all ALD patients have donors despite the availability of cord blood. The absence of biological markers that can predict the evolutivity of cerebral disease is a major limitation to propose in due time allogeneic HSCT to ALD patients. Recently, HSC gene therapy using lentiviral vector was shown to have comparable efficacy than allogeneic HSCT in two boys with cerebral ALD who had no Human‐leukocyte‐antigen (HLA)‐matched donor. If these results are confirmed in an extended series of patients, HSC gene therapy may become the first therapeutic option for all ALD male patients who develop cerebral demyelination.
Benefits of self‐monitoring blood glucose in the management of new‐onset Type 2 diabetes mellitus: The St Carlos Study, a prospective randomized clinic‐based interventional study with parallel groups
Authors: DURÁN Alejandra , MARTÍN Patricia , RUNKLE Isabelle , PÉREZ Natalia , ABAD Rosario , FERNÁNDEZ Mercedes , DEL VALLE Laura , SANZ Maria Fuencisla , CALLE‐PASCUAL Alfonso Luis
Published: June 2010

Background:  Intensive treatment of patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) from the moment of diagnosis facilitates β‐cell recovery. Self‐monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG)‐based educational and pharmacological intervention may be better than conventional HbA1c algorithms in the treatment of newly diagnosed T2DM.

Methods:  Newly diagnosed T2DM patients were randomized to either an SMBG‐based intervention or an HbA1c‐based control group (n = 99 and 62, respectively) and were followed for 1 year.

Results:  Higher rates of diabetes regression (HbA1c < 6% on metformin alone) and remission (HbA1c between 6.0% and 6.4%) were achieved in the intervention compared with the control group (39% vs 5% (P < 0.001) and 37% vs 30% (P < 0.01), respectively). Furthermore, significantly greater reductions in median HbA1c (6.6% to 6.1%; P < 0.05) and body mass index (29.6–27.9 kg/m2; P < 0.001) were seen in the intervention over the 1 year of therapy. The percentage of patients achieving a lifestyle score >12 was significantly greater in the SMBG compared with the control group (38.4% vs 9.7% respectively; P < 0.001). An inverse correlation was observed between SMBG and HbA1c levels (P < 0.04).

Conclusions:  The results indicate that SMBG‐based structured educational and pharmacological programs empower patients to achieve nutritional and physical activity goals, and encourage physicians and patients to use SMBG to optimize therapy. We believe that the concept of intensive treatment of T2DM patients should be modified; instead of referring to the type of treatment (insulin use), the term should reflect the intensity with which we work to reach glucose objectives.
coancestry: a program for simulating, estimating and analysing relatedness and inbreeding coefficients
Authors: WANG JINLIANG
Published: June 2010

The software package coancestry implements seven relatedness estimators and three inbreeding estimators to estimate relatedness and inbreeding coefficients from multilocus genotype data. Two likelihood estimators that allow for inbred individuals and account for genotyping errors are for the first time included in this user‐friendly program for PCs running Windows operating system. A simulation module is built in the program to simulate multilocus genotype data of individuals with a predefined relationship, and to compare the estimators and the simulated relatedness values to facilitate the selection of the best estimator in a particular situation. Bootstrapping and permutations are used to obtain the 95% confidence intervals of each relatedness or inbreeding estimate, and to test the difference in averages between groups.
Which anatomical region determines a positive flexion test of the distal aspect of a forelimb in a nonlame horse?
Authors: KEARNEY C. M. , Van WEEREN P. R. , CORNELISSEN B. P. M. , Den BOON P. , BRAMA P. A. J.
Published: June 2010

Reasons for performing study: The flexion test is used routinely as part of lameness and prepurchase examinations. However, little is known about the mechanisms that cause a positive response to a flexion test.

Objective: To determine which anatomical regions play a role in a positive outcome of a flexion test of the distal aspect of a forelimb in a nonlame horse.

Methods: Eight clinically sound Dutch Warmblood horses were subjected to a standardised flexion test (force 250 N, time 60 s) inducing a consistent lameness. To discriminate between different areas of the distal aspect of a forelimb, effects of various nerve blocks on the outcome of the flexion test were investigated. Low palmar digital, palmar at the abaxial aspects of the base of the proximal sesamoids, high palmar, ulnar and low 4‐point nerve blocks were performed. Flexion test induced lameness was scored before and after each nerve block in separate sessions.

Results: The low palmar digital nerve blocks and nerve blocks of the palmar nerves at the abaxial aspect of the base of the proximal sesamoid bones had no significant effect on the flexion test induced lameness score. The ulnar, high palmar and, most dramatically, the low 4‐point nerve blocks all caused a significant (P<0.05) reduction in the flexion test induced lameness score.

Conclusions: Anatomical structures (soft tissue nor synovial structures) located distal to the metacarpophalangeal joint appear to contribute only minimally to the outcome of a positive flexion test of the distal aspect of a forelimb in a clinically nonlame horse. The structures in the region of, and including, the metacarpophalangeal joint appear to contribute most to a positive flexion test of the distal aspect of a forelimb in a nonlame horse.

Potential relevance: The flexion test of the distal aspect of a forelimb may be sensitive for investigating the metacarpophalangeal joint region in horses free from lameness, but may be less relevant for structures distal to this region.
Quantitative evaluation of subchondral bone injury of the plantaro‐lateral condyles of the third metatarsal bone in Thoroughbred horses identified using nuclear scintigraphy: 48 cases
Authors: PARKER R. A. , BLADON B. M. , PARKIN T. D. H. , FRASER B. S. L.
Published: June 2010

Reasons for performing study: Increased radio‐isotope uptake (IRU) in the subchondral bone of the plantaro‐lateral condyle of the third metatarsus (MTIII) is a commonly reported scintigraphic finding and potential cause of lameness in UK Thoroughbred racehorses in training and has not been fully documented.

Objectives: To characterise lameness attributable to IRU of the subchondral bone of MTIII, compare the scintigraphic findings of these horses with a normal population and evaluate the use of scintigraphy as an indicator of prognosis.

Hypothesis: IRU will be in significantly higher in horses with subchondral bone injury and will be related to prognosis and future racing performance.

Methods: Data were analysed from 48 horses in which subchondral bone injury of the plantaro‐lateral condyle of MTIII had been diagnosed using nuclear scintigraphy and that met the inclusion criteria. Data recorded included age, sex, trainer, racing discipline, lameness assessment, treatment regimes, radiographic and scintigraphic findings, response to diagnostic analgesia where performed and racing performance pre‐ and post diagnosis. Region of interest (ROI) counts were obtained for the plantar condyle and the mid diaphysis from the latero‐medial view, the ratio calculated and then compared with a control group of clinically unaffected horses.

Results: The mean condyle mid‐diaphysis ROI ratio was significantly (P<0.001) higher in the affected population and with positively correlation (P = 0.024) with the level of lameness. The presence of radiographic findings had no significant effect on the ROI ratio.

Conclusion: Subchondral bone injury of the plantar lateral condyles of MTIII is a significant cause of lameness in UK Thoroughbred racehorses. Nuclear scintigraphy is a useful diagnostic imaging modality in the detection of affected horses but is a poor indicator of prognosis for the condition.

Potential relevance: Better understanding of the clinical manifestations, diagnosis of and prognosis for subchondral bone injury will benefit the Thoroughbred industry in the UK.
Is there an association between ossification of the cartilages of the foot and collateral desmopathy of the distal interphalangeal joint or distal phalanx injury?
Authors: DYSON S. , BROWN V. , COLLINS S. , MURRAY R.
Published: June 2010

Reasons for performing study:Associations between degree of ossification of the cartilages of the foot and injuries to other structures of the foot have been suggested, but have not been investigated by large scale studies.

Objectives:To describe the frequency ofgrade >3ossification of the cartilages of the foot (possibly significant ossification, PSO), mediolateral symmetry of ossification and left‐right symmetry between feet; and to investigate associations between PSO and injury of either the collateral ligaments (CLs) of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint or the distal phalanx.

Hypotheses:Possibly significant ossification of the cartilages of the foot is associated with CL and distal phalanx injury. Distal phalanx injury is associated with a mediolateral difference in ossification grade of ≥2.

Methods:Horses were examined for lameness localised to the foot by perineural analgesia, and underwent radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging examinations. Age, breed, occupation, duration of lameness, lame(st) limb, primary cause of lameness, and presence or absence of CL injury were recorded. Dorsopalmar (dorsoplantar) radiographs were examined and ossification of the cartilages of the foot graded using a modification of a previously published scale.

Results:One foot from each of 462 horses was included for analysis. There was left‐right symmetry of ossification between feet, and significant association between grades of each foot, with lateral ≥medial cartilages. Possibly significant ossification occurred in the maximally ossified cartilage in 59 (12.8%) feet. There were significant associations between PSO of the maximally ossified cartilage of the foot and injuries of both the CLs of the DIP joint and the distal phalanx. There was no association between distal phalanx injury and marked asymmetry of the ossified cartilages of the foot.

Conclusions and clinical relevance:Extensively ossified cartilages of the foot are significantly associated with CL or distal phalanx injury. Markedly asymmetric ossification did not increase the likelihood of distal phalanx injury and should be considered at a prepurchase examination.
A theoretical flaw in the advance market commitment idea
Authors: Sonderholm Jorn
Published: June 2010

Infectious and parasitic diseases cause massive health problems in the developing world. Research and development of drugs for diseases that mainly affect poor people in developing countries is limited. The advance market commitment (AMC) idea is an incentivising mechanism for research and development of drugs for neglected diseases. Discussion of the AMC idea is of renewed interest given the launch in June 2009 of the first AMC. This pilot AMC is designed to, among other things, test the idea for potential future applications. This paper is a critique of the AMC idea. It seeks to show that the idea has a hitherto unrecognised theoretical flaw that should make policy-makers and donors hesitant to embrace future applications of the idea.
‘(More) trials and tribulations’: the effect of the EU directive on clinical trials in intensive care and emergency medicine, five years after its implementation
Authors: Robinson Katy , Andrews Peter J D
Published: June 2010

The European Clinical Trials Directive was issued in 2001 and aimed to simplify and harmonise the regulatory framework of clinical trials throughout Europe, thus stimulating European research. However, significant complexity and inconsistency remains due to disparate interpretation by EU member states. Critical care research has been particularly impacted due to variable and often restrictive consenting procedures for incapacitated subjects, with some countries requiring a court-appointed representative, while others recognise consent from family members and occasionally professional representatives. Furthermore, the absence of a waiver of consent threatened to put an end to emergency research in Europe and was met with varied responses. Approval procedures by ethics committees are equally inconsistent, particularly those relating to provision of a single opinion for multi-centre trials. Although evidence is somewhat mixed, this complexity as well as a general increase in administrative and financial burden following the Directive has been shown to cause a reduction in clinical trial activity in Europe, particularly academic trials.

We aim to clarify some of these inconsistent procedures, particularly those relating to informed consent of incapacitated subjects, as well as discussing some general weaknesses and possible improvements of the Directive ahead of its planned revision in 2011.
Facies analysis of a pumiceous terrace beside klutlan Glacier, Yukon Territory
Authors: Donaldson J. Allan , Guerstein Pablo G. , Mueller Wulf
Published: June 2010

Dacitic pumice forms discontinuous terraces along both sides of Klutlan Glacier, which emanates from Mount Churchill, Alaska. Mount Churchill is the eruptive source of the White River Ash, an extensive tephra deposit accumulated ~1200 and 1900 BP during two plinian eruptions. Composition, texture, primary structures, and lack of induration suggest that, apart from a locally preserved cover of air-fall tephra, the Klutlan pumice deposits are resedimented proximal equivalents of the White River Ash. The pumice terraces display large-scale crossbedding, normal and inverse graded bedding, channels, and both linguoid and climbing ripples, all sedimentary structures characteristic of subaqueous deposition. In addition, many of the pyroclasts are subround and show a wide variation in sorting from bed to bed, in contrast to the uniformly angular to subangular texture of well-sorted pyroclasts in an air-fall ash layer that caps the terraces. This uppermost tephra unit, up to 1 m thick, is attributed to the last major eruption of Mount Churchill. The underlying resedimented pumice deposits are attributed to deposition by meltwater produced as a result of substantial melting of the snow and ice fields below Mount Churchill, the headward region of Klutlan Glacier, in response to increased heat flow immediately before the last eruption. The terraces stand more than 100 m above the present surface of Klutlan Glacier, indicating that substantial melting has occurred since the time of terrace deposition. In comparison to present-day conditions, this implies a prolonged cold climate before accumulation of the pumice terraces in glacier-margin channels. An alternative explanation is that Klutlan Glacier may have been catastrophically thickened as a result of glacial surging in response to elevated heat flow during eruptions of Mount Churchill. Meltwater backed up behind one or more ice dams could have created temporary lakes in which detached segments of Klutlan Glacier locally abutted against and (or) scoured the shorelines, thus explaining the discontinuous nature of the pumice terraces. Rapid deposition of the pumice terraces, perhaps during a single winter, is inferred from an almost complete lack in the terraces of lithoclasts derived from the steep talus-covered slopes of Klutlan's U-shaped valley.