bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autoantibody Against Survivin in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: KOIKE YUTA , MUROI EIJI , YOSHIZAKI AYUMI , OGAWA FUMIHIDE , YANABA KOICHI , TAKENAKA MOTOI , SHIMIZU KAZUHIRO , SATO SHINICHI
Published: June 2010

Objective.

In patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), to determine concentrations of antibodies against survivin and their clinical association with SSc, and to evaluate serum survivin concentrations.

Methods.

Anti-survivin antibody was examined by ELISA and immunoblotting using human recombinant survivin. Serum survivin levels were assessed by ELISA.

Results.

IgG but not IgM anti-survivin antibody levels in patients with SSc were significantly higher than those in healthy controls and patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). When cutoff values were set as mean + 2 SD of control, IgG anti-survivin antibodies were positive in 41% (25/61) of patients with SSc, while they were detected in only 1 healthy individual (3%, 1/29) and 1 patient with SLE (5%, 1/20). Regarding the clinical correlation, patients with SSc who were positive for IgG anti-survivin antibody exhibited significantly longer disease duration than those who were negative. Immunoblotting analysis confirmed the presence of anti-survivin antibody in sera from patients with SSc. Serum survivin levels in patients with SSc were also significantly higher than in controls and patients with SLE.

Conclusion.

Our results suggest that autoantibody against survivin is generated in patients with SSc, especially those with long disease duration.
Characteristics of Joint Involvement and Relationships with Systemic Inflammation in Systemic Sclerosis: Results from the EULAR Scleroderma Trial and Research Group (EUSTAR) Database
Authors: AVOUAC JEROME , WALKER ULRICH , TYNDALL ALAN , KAHAN ANDRÉ , MATUCCI-CERINIC MARCO , ALLANORE YANNICK
Published: June 2010

Objective.

To determine the prevalence of and independent factors associated with joint involvement in a large population of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods.

This study was cross-sectional, based on data collected on patients included in the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Scleroderma Trials and Research (EUSTAR) registry. We queried this database to extract data regarding global evaluation of patients with SSc and the presence of any clinical articular involvement: synovitis (tender and swollen joints), tendon friction rubs (rubbing sensation detected as the tendon was moved), and joint contracture (stiffness of the joints that decreased their range of motion). Overall joint involvement was defined by the occurrence of synovitis and/or joint contracture and/or tendon friction rubs.

Results.

We recruited 7286 patients with SSc; their mean age was 56 ± 14 years, disease duration 10 ± 9 years, and 4210 (58%) had a limited cutaneous disease subset. Frequencies of synovitis, tendon friction rubs, and joint contractures were 16%, 11%, and 31%, respectively. Synovitis, tendon friction rubs, and joint contracture were more prevalent in patients with the diffuse cutaneous subset and were associated together and with severe vascular, muscular, renal, and interstitial lung involvement. Moreover, synovitis had the highest strength of association with elevated acute-phase reactants taken as the dependent variable.

Conclusion.

Our results highlight the striking level of articular involvement in SSc, as evaluated by systematic examination in a large cohort of patients with SSc. Our data also show that synovitis, joint contracture, and tendon friction rubs are associated with a more severe disease and with systemic inflammation.
Functional Variants of Fc Gamma Receptor (FCGR2A) and FCGR3A Are Not Associated with Susceptibility to Systemic Sclerosis in a Large European Study (EUSTAR)
Authors: ALIZADEH BEHROOZ Z. , BROEN JASPER , RUEDA BLANCA , HESSELSTRAND ROGER , WUTTGE DIRK , SIMEON CARMEN , ORTEGO-CENTENO NORBERTO , GONZALEZ-GAY MIGUEL A. , PROS ANNA , HERRICK ARIANE , WORTHINGTON JANE , DENTON CHRISTOPHER , FONSECA CARMEN , RIEMEKASTEN GABRIELA , VONK MADELON C. , van den HOOGEN FRANK , GUIDUCCI SERENA , MATUCCI-CERINIC MARCO , SCORZA RAFAELLA , BERETTA LORENZO , AIRÓ PAOLO , COENEN MARIEKE , MARTIN JAVIER , KOELEMAN BOBBY P.C. , RADSTAKE TIMOTHY R.D.J.
Published: June 2010

Objective.

To investigate the possible role ofFCGR2A519A>G andFCGR3A559A>C functional polymorphisms in the genetic predisposition to susceptibility to systemic sclerosis (SSc) or clinical phenotype.

Methods.

A total of 1566 patients with SSc and 2271 geographically matched controls were included in our study. We analyzed the genotype and allele frequencies of theFCGR2A519A>G andFCGR3A559A>C functional variants in 6 independent European cohorts of white patients with SSc, and white controls. The cohorts comprised 165 Dutch patients with SSc and 1326 controls, 236 Spanish patients with SSc and 257 controls, 267 German patients with SSc and 270 controls, 202 Swedish patients with SSc and 261 controls, 416 Italian patients with SSc and 157 controls, and additionally 280 English patients with SSc. Genotyping was performed using Taqman 5′ allelic discrimination assay. The study reached a 99% power to detect the effect of a polymorphism at an OR of 1.3.

Results.

NeitherFCGR2A519A>G norFCGR3A559A>C was significantly associated with susceptibility to SSc. We did not find an association with specific disease phenotypes, limited or diffuse cutaneous involvement, autoantibody profiles, or pulmonary involvement.

Conclusion.

Our study strongly suggests the lack of a role for theFCGR2A519A>G andFCGR3A559A>C polymorphisms in SSc susceptibility or clinical phenotype in 6 independent European cohorts.
Quantifying Bone Marrow Edema in the Rheumatoid Cervical Spine Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: SUPPIAH RAVI , DOYLE ANTHONY , RAI RAYLYNNE , DALBETH NICOLA , LOBO MARIA , BRAUN JÜRGEN , McQUEEN FIONA M.
Published: June 2010

Objective.

To determine the reliability and feasibility of a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) score to quantify bone marrow edema (BME), synovitis, and erosions in the cervical spine of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA); and to investigate the correlations among neck pain, clinical markers of RA disease activity, and MRI features of disease activity in the cervical spine.

Methods.

Thirty patients with RA (50% with neck pain) and a Disease Activity Score 28-joint count > 3.2 had an MRI scan of their cervical spine. STIR, VIBE, and T1-weighted postcontrast sequences were used to quantify BME. MRI scans were scored for total BME, synovitis, and erosions using a new scoring method developed by the authors and assessed for reliability and feasibility. Associations between neck pain and clinical markers of disease activity were investigated.

Results.

BME was present in 14/30 patients; 9/14 (64%) had atlantoaxial BME, 10/14 (71%) had subaxial BME, and 5/14 (36%) had both. Interobserver reliability for total cervical BME score was moderate [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.51]. ICC improved to 0.67 if only the vertebral bodies and dens were considered. There was no correlation between neck pain or clinical measures of RA disease activity and the presence of any MRI features including BME, synovitis, or erosions.

Conclusion.

Current RA disease activity scores do not identify activity in the cervical spine. An MRI score that quantifies BME, synovitis, and erosions in the cervical spine may provide useful information regarding inflammation and damage. This could alert clinicians to the presence of significant pathology and influence management.
Influence ofIL6Rrs8192284 Polymorphism Status in Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: LAMAS JOSÉ RAMÓN , RODRÍGUEZ-RODRÍGUEZ LUIS , VARADÉ JEZABEL , LÓPEZ-ROMERO PEDRO , TORNERO-ESTEBAN PILAR , ABASOLO LYDIA , URCELAY ELENA , FERNÁNDEZ-GUTIÉRREZ BENJAMÍN
Published: June 2010

Objective.

To analyze the influence ofIL6Rrs8192284 polymorphism on the disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

Patients with RA (n = 281) were followed for a median of 4.2 years. A total of 1143 disease activity measurements using the 28-joint count Disease Activity Score (DAS28) were performed. A mixed-effect model was used to analyze the measurements.

Results.

A statistically significant interaction was observed betweenIL6Rrs8192284 polymorphism and the presence of anticyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies (p = 0.008). An inverse relationship between the polymorphism and DAS28 was observed depending on anti-CCP status.

Conclusion.

The anti-CCP status in patients with RA determines the association between theIL6Rrs8192284 polymorphism and disease activity.
Scale Characteristics and Mapping Accuracy of the US EQ-5D, UK EQ-5D, and SF-6D in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: WOLFE FREDERICK , MICHAUD KALEB , WALLENSTEIN GENE
Published: June 2010

Objective.

To compare the US EQ-5D with the UK EQ-5D and the SF-6D in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To provide mappings for each of the scales based on clinical variables.

Methods.

We studied 12,424 patients with RA with 66,958 longitudinal observations using linear regression. In our mapping models we used the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) as a continuous predictor variable and as individual items. More complex models included the addition of a visual analog pain scale, the mood scale from the SF-36, and demographic and comorbidity covariates. We compared various models using root mean squared error (RMSE), in-sample and out-of-sample mean absolute error (MAE), and other measures of prediction accuracy and model fit.

Results.

At any level of clinical severity, the US EQ-5D always had a higher utility score than the UK EQ-5D; and overall, the US scores were 0.094 units higher. The best models explained 64% to 72% of variance in utility scores, with RMSE values of 0.07 (SF-6D), 0.11 (EQ-5D US), and 0.17 (UK EQ-5D). There was a substantial increase in predictive accuracy by using pain and mood as predictor variables in the mapping.

Conclusion.

The US EQ-5D differs from the UK version and from the SF-6D in mean scores and ranges. When determined by mapping, the US EQ-5D has a much lower prediction error than the UK EQ-5D. Simple mapping models that use HAQ and pain have acceptable error rates, although more complex models that include mood scores and individual HAQ items substantially improve predictive accuracy.
Cation Involvement in Telomestatin Binding to G‐Quadruplex DNA
Authors: Rosu Frédéric , Gabelica Valérie , Smargiasso Nicolas , Mazzucchelli Gabriel , Shin-Ya Kazuo , De Pauw Edwin
Published: June 2010

The binding mode of telomestatin to G‐quadruplex DNA has been investigated using electrospray mass spectrometry, by detecting the intact complexes formed in ammonium acetate. The mass measurements show the incorporation of one extra ammonium ion in the telomestatin complexes. Experiments on telomestatin alone also show that the telomestatin alone is able to coordinate cations in a similar way as a crown ether. Finally, density functional theory calculations suggest that in the G‐quadruplex‐telomestatin complex, potassium or ammonium cations are located between the telomestatin and a G‐quartet. This study underlines that monovalent cation coordination capabilities should be integrated in the rational design of G‐quadruplex binding ligands.
Isolated points in the space of left orderings of a group
Authors: Clay Adam
Published: June 2010

Let G be a left orderable group and LO(G) the space of all left orderings. We investigate the circumstances under which a left ordering < of G can correspond to an isolated point in LO(G), in particular we extend the main result of [9] to the case of uncountable groups. With minor technical restrictions on the group G, we find that no dense left ordering is isolated in LO(G), and that the closure of the set of all dense left orderings of G yields a dense Gδ set within a Cantor set of left orderings in LO(G). Lastly, we show that certain conditions on a discrete left ordering of G can guarantee that it is not isolated in LO(G), and we illustrate these ideas using the Dehornoy ordering of the braid groups.
Codimension one subgroups and boundaries of hyperbolic groups
Authors: Delzant Thomas , Papasoglu Panos
Published: June 2010

We construct hyperbolic groups with the following properties: The boundary of the group has big dimension, it is separated by a Cantor set, and the group does not split. This shows that Bowditch's theorem that characterizes splittings of hyperbolic groups over 2-ended groups in terms of the boundary cannot be extended to splittings over more complicated subgroups.
On the wgsc and qsf tameness conditions for finitely presented groups
Authors: Funar Louis , Otera Daniele Ettore
Published: June 2010

A finitely presented group is weakly geometrically simply connected (wgsc) if it is the fundamental group of some compact polyhedron whose universal covering is wgsc, i.e., it has an exhaustion by compact connected and simply connected sub-polyhedra. We show that this condition is almost-equivalent to Brick’s qsf property, which amounts to finding an exhaustion approximable by finite simply connected complexes, and also to the tame combability introduced and studied by Mihalik and Tschantz. We further observe that a number of standard constructions in group theory yield qsf groups and analyze specific examples. We show that requiring the exhaustion be made of metric balls in some Cayley complex is a strong constraint, not satisfied by general qsf groups. In the second part of this paper we give sufficient conditions under which groups which are extensions of finitely presented groups by finitely generated (but infinitely presented) groups are qsf. We prove, in particular, that the finitely presented HNN extension of the Grigorchuk group is qsf.
Measurements of volatile organic compounds over West Africa
Authors: Murphy J. G. , Oram D. E. , Reeves C. E.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. In this paper we describe measurements of volatile organic compounds (VOC) made using a Proton Transfer Reaction Mass Spectrometer (PTR-MS) aboard the UK Facility for Atmospheric Airborne Measurements during the African Monsoon Multidisciplinary Analyses (AMMA) campaign. Observations were made during approximately 85 h of flying time between 17 July and 17 August 2006, above an area between 4° N and 18° N and 3° W and 4° E, encompassing ocean, mosaic forest, and the Sahel desert. High time resolution observations of counts at mass to charge (m/z) ratios of 42, 59, 69, 71, and 79 were used to calculate mixing ratios of acetonitrile, acetone, isoprene, the sum of methyl vinyl ketone and methacrolein, and benzene respectively using laboratory-derived humidity-dependent calibration factors. Strong spatial associations between vegetation and isoprene and its oxidation products were observed in the boundary layer, consistent with biogenic emissions followed by rapid atmospheric oxidation. Acetonitrile, benzene, and acetone were all enhanced in airmasses which had been heavily influenced by biomass burning. Benzene and acetone were also elevated in airmasses with urban influence from cities such as Lagos, Cotonou, and Niamey. The observations provide evidence that both deep convection and mixing associated with fair-weather cumulus were responsible for vertical redistribution of VOC emitted from the surface. Profiles over the ocean showed a depletion of acetone in the marine boundary layer, but no significant decrease for acetonitrile.
Inter-comparison of source apportionment models for the estimation of wood burning aerosols during wintertime in an Alpine city (Grenoble, France)
Authors: Favez O. , El Haddad I. , Piot C. , Boréave A. , Abidi E. , Marchand N. , Jaffrezo J.-L. , Besombes J.-L. , Personnaz M.-B. , Sciare J. , Wortham H. , George C. , D'Anna B.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. The emission of organic aerosols (OA) in the ambient air by residential wood burning is nowadays a subject of great scientific concern and a growing number of studies aim at apportioning the influence of such emissions on urban air quality. In the present study, results obtained using two commonly-used source apportionment models, i.e., Chemical Mass Balance (CMB, performed with off-line filter measurements) and Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF, applied to Aerosol Mass Spectrometer measurements), as well as using the recently-proposed Aethalometer model (based on the measurement of the aerosol light absorption at different wavelengths) are inter-compared. This work is performed using field data obtained during the winter season (14 to 29 January 2009) at an urban background site of a French Alpine city (Grenoble). Converging results from the different models indicate a major contribution of wood burning organic aerosols (OMwb) to the ambient aerosol organic fraction, with mean OMwb contributions to total OA of 68%, 61% and 37% for the CMB, the Aethalometer and the AMS-PMF models respectively, during the period when the three modelling studies overlapped (12 days). Quantitative discrepancies might notably be due to the overestimation of OMwb calculated by the CMB due to the loss of semi-volatile compounds from sources to receptor site, as well as to the accounting of oxidized primary wood burning organic (OPOAwb) aerosols within the Oxygenated Organic Aerosol (OOA) PMF-factor. This OOA factor accounts on average for about 50% of total OM, while non-combustion sources contribute to about 25% and 28% of total OM according to the CMB and Aethalometer models respectively. Each model suggests a mean contribution of fossil fuel emissions to total OM of about 10%. A good agreement is also obtained for the source apportionment of elemental carbon (EC) by both the CMB and the Aethalometer models, with fossil fuel emissions representing on average more than 80% of total EC.
Correlating tropospheric column ozone with tropopause folds: the Aura-OMI satellite data
Authors: Tang Q. , Prather M. J.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. The geographic and temporal variations in tropospheric and stratospheric ozone columns from individual swath measurements of the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) on the NASA Aura spacecraft are reasonably well simulated by the University of California, Irvine (UCI) chemistry transport model (CTM) using 1°×1°×40-layer meteorological fields for year 2005. From the CTM we find that high-frequency spatial variations in tropospheric column ozone (TCO), including around the jet streams, are not generally correlated with variations in stratospheric ozone column, but instead are collocated with folding events involving stratospheric-origin, high-ozone layers below the tropopause. The CTM fold events are verified in many cases with available ozone sondes. Using the OMI Level 2 profiles, and defining tropopause height from our CTM using the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) fields, we find that most of the variations in TCO near CTM folding events are also not correlated with those in stratospheric ozone column. The absolute tropospheric columns from OMI and CTM agree swath-by-swath, pixel-by-pixel within ±5 Dobson Units (DU) for most cases. Notable exceptions are in the tropics where neither the high ozone from biomass burning nor the low ozone in the convergence zones over the Pacific is found in the OMI observations, likely because of OMI's insensitivity to the lower troposphere. A separate bias is identified with the OMI profiles near the southern sub-tropical jet. The CTM has a high bias in stratospheric column outside the tropics, due to problems previously identified with the stratospheric circulation in the 40-layer meteorological fields. Overall, we identify ozone folds with short-lived features in TCO that have scales of a few hundred kilometers as observed by OMI.
Composition and temporal behavior of ambient ions in the boreal forest
Authors: Ehn M. , Junninen H. , Petäjä T. , Kurtén T. , Kerminen V.-M. , Schobesberger S. , Manninen H. E. , Ortega I. K. , Vehkamäki H. , Kulmala M. , Worsnop D. R.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. A recently developed atmospheric pressure interface mass spectrometer (APi-TOF) measured the negative and positive ambient ion composition at a boreal forest site. As observed in previous studies, the negative ions were dominated by strong organic and inorganic acids (e.g. malonic, nitric and sulfuric acid), whereas the positive ions consisted of strong bases (e.g. alkyl pyridines and quinolines). Several new ions and clusters of ions were identified based on their exact masses, made possible by the high resolution, mass accuracy and sensitivity of the APi-TOF. Time series correlograms aided in peak identification and assigning the atomic compositions to molecules. Quantum chemical calculations of proton affinities and cluster stabilities were also used to confirm the plausibility of the assignments. Acids in the gas phase are predominantly formed by oxidation in the gas phase, and thus the concentrations are expected to vary strongly between day and night. This was also the case in this study, where the negative ions showed strong diurnal behavior, whereas the daily changes in the positive ions were considerably smaller. A special focus in this work was the changes in the ion distributions occurring during new particle formation events. We found that sulfuric acid, together with its clusters, dominated the negative ion spectrum during these events. The monomer (HSO4−) was the largest peak, together with the dimer (H2SO4·HSO4−) and trimer ((H2SO4)2·HSO4−). SO5− also tracked HSO4− at around 20% of the HSO4− concentration at all times. During the strongest events, also the tetramer and a cluster with the tetramer and ammonia were detected. Quantum chemical calculations predict that sulfuric acid clusters containing ammonia are much more stable when neutral, thus the detection of a single ion cluster implies that ammonia can be an important compound in the nucleation process. We also believe to have made the first observations of an organosulfate (glycolic acid sulfate) in the gas phase. This ion, and its cluster with sulfuric acid, correlates with the HSO4−, but peaks in the early afternoon, some hours later than HSO4− itself. A list of all identified ions is presented in the supplementary material, and also a list of all detected masses not yet identified.
Building damage caused by tree roots: laboratory experiments of GPR and ERT surveys
Authors: Satriani A. , Loperte A. , Proto M. , Bavusi M.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. The root growth of trees close to buildings can cause directly or indirectly structural damages and the necessity arises of diagnostic tools to follow their time-spatial behaviour. In this framework, sensing techniques as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) are of relevant interest since they allow in principle the detection and identification of roots in a fast and non invasive way. Here, we present a feasibility study of GPR and ERT by means of laboratory measurements performed in controlled conditions with a plant of peach in a sand-clay box with the aim of identifying tree root system. High resolution images were obtained with both the techniques in this homogeneous soil media and they have clearly shown the presence of soil volumes with a high density of fine and woody roots.
Response of ocean phytoplankton community structure to climate change over the 21st century: partitioning the effects of nutrients, temperature and light
Authors: Marinov I. , Doney S. C. , Lima I. D.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. The response of ocean phytoplankton community structure to climate change depends upon species competition for nutrients and light, as well as the increase in surface ocean temperature. We propose an analytical framework linking changes in nutrients, temperature and light with changes in phytoplankton growth rates, and we assess our theoretical considerations against model projections (1980–2100) from a global Earth System model. Our proposed ''critical nutrient theory'' suggests that there is a critical nutrient threshold below (above) which a nutrient change will affect more (less) small phytoplankton biomass than diatom biomass, i.e. the phytoplankton with lower half-saturation coefficient K are influenced more strongly in low nutrient environments. This nutrient threshold broadly corresponds to 45° S and 45° N, poleward of which high vertical mixing and inefficient biology maintain higher surface nutrient concentrations and equatorward of which reduced vertical mixing and more efficient biology maintain lower surface nutrients. In the 45° S–45° N low nutrient region, decreases in limiting nutrients – associated with increased stratification under climate change – are predicted analytically to limit more strongly the net growth of small phytoplankton than the growth of diatoms. In high latitudes, the impact of nutrient decrease on phytoplankton biomass is more significant for diatom biomass than for small phytoplankton biomass, and contributes to diatom declines in the northern marginal sea ice and subpolar biomes. Climate driven increases in surface temperature and changes in light are predicted to have a stronger impact on small phytoplankton than on diatom biomass in all ocean domains. Our analytical predictions explain reasonably well the shifts in community structure under a modeled climate-warming scenario. Further stratification from global warming could result in geographical shifts in the ''critical nutrient'' threshold and additional changes in ecology.
Characterization on the rhizoremediation of petroleum contaminated soil as affected by different influencing factors
Authors: Tang J. , Wang R. , Niu X. , Wang M. , Zhou Q.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. In this paper, pilot experiments were conducted to analyze the effect of different environmental factors on the rhizoremediation of petroleum contaminated soil. Different plant species (cotton, ryegrass, tall fescue, and alfalfa), addition of fertilizer, different concentration of TPH in soil, bioaugmentation with effective microbial agent (EMA) and PGPR, and remediation time were tested as influencing factors during bioremediation process of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH). The result shows that the remediation process can be enhanced by different plants species with the following order: tall fescue > ryegrass > alfalfa > cotton. The degradation rate of TPH increased with increased fertilizer addition and moderate level of 20 g/m2 urea is best for both plant growth and TPH remediation. High TPH content is toxic to plant growth and inhibits the degradation of petroleum hydrocarbon with 5% TPH content showing the best degradation result in soil planted with ryegrass. Bioaugmentation with different bacteria and plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) showed the following results for TPH degradation: cotton + EMA + PGPR > cotton + EMA > cotton + PGPR > cotton > control. Rapid degradation of TPH was found at the initial period of remediation caused by the activity of microorganisms, continuous increase was found from 30–90 d period and slow increase was found from 90 to 150 d. The result suggests that rhizoremediation can be enhanced with the proper control of different influencing factors that affect both plant growth and microbial activity in the rhizosphere environment.
Introducing a rainfall compound distribution model based on weather patterns sub-sampling
Authors: Garavaglia F. , Gailhard J. , Paquet E. , Lang M. , Garçon R. , Bernardara P.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. This paper presents a probabilistic model for daily rainfall, using sub-sampling based on meteorological circulation. We classified eight typical but contrasted synoptic situations (weather patterns) for France and surrounding areas, using a "bottom-up" approach, i.e. from the shape of the rain field to the synoptic situations described by geopotential fields. These weather patterns (WP) provide a discriminating variable that is consistent with French climatology, and allows seasonal rainfall records to be split into more homogeneous sub-samples, in term of meteorological genesis. First results show how the combination of seasonal and WP sub-sampling strongly influences the identification of the asymptotic behaviour of rainfall probabilistic models. Furthermore, with this level of stratification, an asymptotic exponential behaviour of each sub-sample appears as a reasonable hypothesis. This first part is illustrated with two daily rainfall records from SE of France. The distribution of the multi-exponential weather patterns (MEWP) is then defined as the composition, for a given season, of all WP sub-sample marginal distributions, weighted by the relative frequency of occurrence of each WP. This model is finally compared to Exponential and Generalized Pareto distributions, showing good features in terms of robustness and accuracy. These final statistical results are computed from a wide dataset of 478 rainfall chronicles spread on the southern half of France. All these data cover the 1953–2005 period.
WRF simulation of a precipitation event over the Tibetan Plateau, China – an assessment using remote sensing and ground observations
Authors: Maussion F. , Scherer D. , Finkelnburg R. , Richters J. , Yang W. , Yao T.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. Meteorological observations over the Tibetan Plateau are scarce, and precipitation estimations over this remote region are difficult. Numerical weather prediction models can be used to retrieve precipitation fields at a higher spatial and temporal resolution than the commonly used gridded precipitation products. In this paper, the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model capacity in retrieving rain- and snowfall during a single event is evaluated. The simulated event is the tropical cyclone RASHMI (22–28 October 2008). The simulations are conducted with three nested domains, with a mesh size of 30, 10, and 2 km. The output of the model in each resolution is compared to the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) dataset for precipitation and to the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) dataset for snow. TRMM and WRF precipitation products are then compared to ground based measurements: both datasets agree on the spatial repartition of precipitation, but differ on the retrieval of strong precipitation events. The results suggest an overall improvement from WRF over TRMM with respect to ground based measurements. In a second part, various physical parameterizations schemes of the model are compared. Their impact on WRF precipitation output is small, this suggests that model errors during the event may have other causes.
Brief communication "A statistical validation for the cycles found in air temperature data using a Morlet wavelet-based method"
Authors: Nicolay S. , Mabille G. , Fettweis X. , Erpicum M.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. Recently, new cycles, associated with periods of 30 and 43 months, respectively, have been observed by the authors in surface air temperature time series, using a wavelet-based methodology. Although many evidences attest the validity of this method applied to climatic data, no systematic study of its efficiency has been carried out. Here, we estimate confidence levels for this approach and show that the observed cycles are significant. Taking these cycles into consideration should prove helpful in increasing the accuracy of the climate model projections of climate change and weather forecast.
Narratives from popular culture: Critical implications for adult education
Authors: Wright Robin Redmon
Published: June 2010

This chapter critically examines six political television narratives: The Weather Channel, The Fox News Channel, 24, The Rachel Maddow Show, The Daily Show, and Torchwood. The implications of those television narratives, their impact on adult learners, and suggestions for classroom practice are discussed.
In vitro developmental toxicology assays: A review of the state of the science of rodent and zebrafish whole embryo culture and embryonic stem cell assays
Authors: Augustine‐Rauch Karen , Zhang Cindy X. , Panzica‐Kelly Julieta M.
Published: June 2010

In vitro developmental model systems have been an important tool for advancing basic research in the embryology and teratology fields. The rat and zebrafish embryo models have had broad utility in both fields for many decades. Furthermore embryonic stem cells, applied as a basic research tool, have broad applications across the development fields and many other fields including cancer, regeneration and epigenetic research. These models have historically been applied in mechanistic studies but were also considered promising for evaluating teratogenic potential of test substances. In recent years, in vitro teratogenicity assays have become an area of interest for supporting the 3 Rs (reduction, refinement, and replacement of animal use). Generation of such assays also provides a means to facilitate early assessment of test agents at a higher throughput without excessive use of animals. In this review, the three models are described with an emphasis of how they are being developed and/or refined to support teratogenicity assessment as screening tools. An overview of the state of the science and future directions are described. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 90:87–98, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In honor of the Teratology Society's 50th anniversary: The role of Teratology Society members in the development and evolution of in vivo developmental toxicity test guidelines
Authors: Tyl Rochelle W.
Published: June 2010

Members of the Teratology Society (established in 1960) were involved in the first governmental developmental and reproductive toxicity testing guidelines (1966) by FDA following the thalidomide epidemic, followed by other national and international governmental testing guidelines. The Segment II (developmental toxicity) study design, described in rodents and rabbits, has evolved with additional enhanced endpoints and better descriptions, mechanistic insights, range‐finding studies, and toxico/pharmacokinetic ADME information (especially for pharmaceuticals). Society members were also involved in the development of the current screening assays and tests for endocrine disruptors (beginning in 1996) and are now involved with developing new testing guidelines (e.g., the extended one‐generation protocol), and evaluating the current test guidelines and new initiatives under ILSI/HESI sponsorship. New initiatives include ToxCast from the U.S. EPA to screen, prioritize, and predict toxic chemicals by high throughput and high‐content in vitro assays, bioinformation, and modeling to reduce (or eliminate) in vivo whole animal studies. Our Society and its journal have played vital roles in the scientific and regulatory accomplishments in birth defects research over the past 50 years and will continue to do so in the future. Happy 50th anniversary! Birth Defects Research (Part C) 90:99–102, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Oxidative DNA damage and repair in teratogenesis and neurodevelopmental deficits
Authors: Wells Peter G. , McCallum Gordon P. , Lam Kyla C. H. , Henderson Jeffrey T. , Ondovcik Stephanie L.
Published: June 2010

Several teratogenic agents, including ionizing radiation and xenobiotics such as phenytoin, benzo[a]pyrene, thalidomide, and methamphetamine, can initiate the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that oxidatively damage cellular macromolecules including DNA. Oxidative DNA damage, and particularly the most prevalent 8‐oxoguanine lesion, may adversely affect development, likely via alterations in gene transcription rather than via a mutational mechanism. Contributions from oxidative DNA damage do not exclude roles for alternative mechanisms of initiation like receptor‐mediated processes or the formation of covalent xenobiotic–macromolecular adducts, damage to other macromolecular targets like proteins and lipids, and other effects of ROS like altered signal transduction. Even in the absence of teratogen exposure, endogenous developmental oxidative stress can have embryopathic consequences in the absence of key pathways for detoxifying ROS or repairing DNA damage. Critical proteins in pathways for DNA damage detection/repair signaling, like p53 and ataxia telangiectasia mutated, and DNA repair itself, like oxoguanine glycosylase 1 and Cockayne syndrome B, can often, but not always, protect the embryo from ROS‐initiating teratogens. Protection may be variably dependent upon such factors as the nature of the teratogen and its concentration within the embryo, the stage of development, the species, strain, gender, target tissue and cell type, among other factors. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 90:103–109, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predicting developmental toxicity through toxicogenomics
Authors: Daston George P. , Naciff Jorge M.
Published: June 2010

Global analysis of gene expression in target cells or tissues in response to a toxicant holds significant promise for predictive toxicology. Toxicants elicit a characteristic pattern of gene expression that is dependent on mechanism of action. These mechanism‐specific transcript profiles can be used as the basis for predictive toxicology. Potential applications include prioritizing chemicals for testing and customizing testing approaches based on the chemical. Results that are useful in this predictive context can be obtained from animal or in vitro models. Gene expression analysis can also be used to elucidate the shape of the dose‐response curve at exposure levels below the no observed adverse effect level, an important need in risk assessment. In this review, we will illustrate each of these points using our research on estrogen and an estrogenic mode of action as a model for how to use gene expression data in a predictive way. Although gene expression in response to estrogens is tissue, life stage, and sex specific, it is feasible to identify transcript profiles that are diagnostic of this mode of action. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 90:110–117, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of environmental factors in axial skeletal dysmorphogenesis
Authors: Alexander Peter G. , Tuan Rocky S.
Published: June 2010

Approximately 1 in 1000 live births is afflicted with an axial skeletal defect. Although many of the known human teratogens can produce axial skeletal defects, the etiology of over half of the observed defects is unknown. The high morbidity associated with these defects demands that we continue to elucidate the mechanisms of axial skeletal teratogens. Advances in cell and molecular biology with respect to normal development and somitogenesis and the pathogenesis and mechanisms of teratogenesis are occurring at a tremendous rate. This allows teratologists and developmental toxicologists the opportunity to revisit old problems with new tools to elucidate common mechanisms between various environmental insults and discover novel targets that aid in the understanding of normal and pathogenic development of the spine. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 90:118–132, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Palate morphogenesis: Current understanding and future directions
Authors: Greene Robert M. , Pisano M. Michele
Published: June 2010

In the past, most scientists conducted their inquiries of nature via inductivism, the patient accumulation of “pieces of information” in the pious hope that the sum of the parts would clarify the whole. Increasingly, modern biology employs the tools of bioinformatics and systems biology in attempts to reveal the “big picture.” Most successful laboratories engaged in the pursuit of the secrets of embryonic development, particularly those whose research focus is craniofacial development, pursue a middle road where research efforts embrace, rather than abandon, what some have called the “pedestrian” qualities of inductivism, while increasingly employing modern data mining technologies. The secondary palate has provided an excellent paradigm that has enabled examination of a wide variety of developmental processes. Examination of cellular signal transduction, as it directs embryogenesis, has proven exceptionally revealing with regard to clarification of the “facts” of palatal ontogeny—at least the facts as we currently understand them. Herein, we review the most basic fundamentals of orofacial embryology and discuss how functioning of TGFβ, BMP, Shh, and Wnt signal transduction pathways contributes to palatal morphogenesis. Our current understanding of palate medial edge epithelial differentiation is also examined. We conclude with a discussion of how the rapidly expanding field of epigenetics, particularly regulation of gene expression by miRNAs and DNA methylation, is critical to control of cell and tissue differentiation, and how examination of these epigenetic processes has already begun to provide a better understanding of, and greater appreciation for, the complexities of palatal morphogenesis. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 90:133–154, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
2,3,7,8,12,13‐Hexaaryltruxenes: An ortho‐Substituted Multiarm Design and Microwave‐Accelerated Synthesis toward Starburst Macromolecular Materials with Well‐Defined π Delocalization
Authors: Lai Wen‐Yong , Xia Ruidong , Bradley Donal D. C. , Huang Wei
Published: June 2010

We present herein a novel design and the efficient synthesis towards a “homogeneous” starburst fluorene system based on the novel 2,3,7,8,12,13‐hexaaryltruxene scaffold. Controlled microwave heating provides a facile and powerful approach for each step in the synthesis of these bulky materials with large steric hindrance, suggesting an avenue to access structurally well‐defined complex organic semiconductors (OSCs) rapidly and conveniently with high yield and purity. The resulting materials exhibited good thermal stability and an excellent glassy structure as revealed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) as well as wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD) studies. Moreover, compared with their corresponding three‐arm‐substituted counterparts T1–T4, the introduction of the ortho substituents around the truxene core in Tr1–Tr4 results in significant blueshifts (of 7–24 nm) of the absorption maxima λmax and higher energy optical gaps (Eg). Comparative studies with corresponding linear, rod‐shaped oligofluorene counterparts (OFX) have revealed that the longest para‐conjugated segment in the TrX (X=1–4) structures plays the dominant role in determining their electronic properties. UV/Vis data and cyclic voltammetry (CV) investigations have indicated that there is little electronic interaction between the arms, even for the shortest armed oligomer Tr1. A clear linear relationship of both 1/λmax and Eg with the inverse of (n+1) for these branched systems was found. Our findings highlight a novel molecular design comprising an ortho‐substituted, multiarmed architecture that would allow the introduction of isotropic physical and/or mechanical properties, while at the same time maintaining most of the important electronic properties of the rod‐shaped constituents of a fully conjugated system.
Base‐Catalyzed Stereoselective Vinylation of Ketones with Arylacetylenes: A New C(sp3)C(sp2) Bond‐Forming Reaction
Authors: Trofimov Boris A. , Schmidt Elena Yu. , Ushakov Igor' A. , Zorina Nadezhda V. , Skital'tseva Elena V. , Protsuk Nadezhda I. , Mikhaleva Al'bina I.
Published: June 2010

Alkylaryl‐ and alkylheteroarylketones, including those with condensed aromatic moieties, are readily vinylated with arylacetylenes (KOH/DMSO, 100 °C, 1 h) to give regio‐ and stereoselectively the (E)‐β‐γ‐ethylenic ketones ((E)‐3‐buten‐1‐ones) in 61–84 % yields and with approximately 100 % stereoselectivity. This vinylation represents a new C(sp3)C(sp2) bond‐forming reaction of high synthetic potential.
ChemInform Abstract: Thermodynamic Properties of Liquid, Undercooled Liquid and Amorphous Al—Cu—La—Ni Alloys.
Authors: Zhou S. H. , Sommer F.
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Carbons for Lithium Battery Applications Prepared Using Sepiolite as an Inorganic Template.
Authors: Sandi G. , Carrado K. A. , Winans R. E. , Johnson C. S. , Csencsits R.
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: A Highly Active Solid Superacid Catalyst for n‐Butane Isomerization: Persulfate Modified Al2O3—ZrO2.
Authors: Xia Y. D. , Hua W. M. , Tang Y. , Gao Z.
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Stereocomplementary Construction of Optically Active Bicyclo[4.3.0]nonenone Derivatives.
Authors: Mukai Chisato , Kim Jin Sung , Sonobe Horoshi , Hanaoka Miyoji
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis, Equilibration, and Coupling of 4‐Lithio‐1,3‐dioxanes: Synthons for syn‐ and anti‐1,3‐Diols.
Authors: Rychnovsky Scott D. , Buckmelter Alexandre J. , Dahanukar Vilas H. , Skalitzky Donald J.
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: A Hard—Soft Acid—Base and DFT Analysis of Singlet—Triplet Gaps and the Addition of Singlet Carbenes to Alkenes.
Authors: Mendez Francisco , Garcia‐Garibay Miquel A.
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Oxidation of Methyl Groups in the Reaction of Sulfur Homopolyatomic Cations with Acetonitrile: Formation and Crystal Structure of the Novel Trithietanylium Ring.
Authors: Cameron T. Stanley , Decken Andreas , Fang Min , Parsons Simon , Passmore Jack , Wood Dale J.
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed Oxidation of Alcohols to Aldehydes and Ketones by Molecular Oxygen.
Authors: Nishimura Takahiro , Onoue Tomoaki , Ohe Kouichi , Uemura Sakae
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Nitration of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Using a Supported Catalyst.
Authors: Smith Amy C. , Narvaez Lorena D. , Akins Bridget G. , Langford Moses M. , Gary Thomas , Geisler Victoria J. , Khan Farooq A.
Published: June 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.