bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary function and exercise capacity in survivors of congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Peetsold M. G. , Heij H. A. , Nagelkerke A. F. , IJsselstijn H. , Tibboel D. , Quanjer P. H. , Gemke R. J. B. J.
Published: March 2009

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is associated with pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension. The objective of this study was to assess pulmonary function and exercise capacity and its early determinants in children and adolescents born with high-risk CDH (CDH-associated respiratory distress within the first 24 h) and to explore the relationship of these findings with CDH severity.

Of 159 patients born with high-risk CDH, 84 survived. Of the 69 eligible patients, 53 children (mean±sdage 11.9±3.5 yrs) underwent spirometry, lung volume measurements and maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Results of the pulmonary function tests were compared with those from a healthy control group matched for sex, age and height.

CDH survivors had a significantly lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, maximum mid-expiratory flow and peak expiratory flow when compared with healthy controls. The residual volume/total lung capacity ratio was significantly higher. Linear regression analysis showed that gastro-oesophageal reflux disease was an independent determinant of reduced FEV1and FVC. CPET results were normal in those tested.

High-risk CDH survivors have mild to moderate pulmonary function abnormalities when compared with a healthy matched control group, which may be related to gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in early life. Exercise capacity and gas exchange parameters were normal in those tested, indicating that the majority of patients do not have physical impairment.
Airway smooth muscle thickness in asthma is related to severity but not duration of asthma
Authors: James A. L. , Bai T. R. , Mauad T. , Abramson M. J. , Dolhnikoff M. , McKay K. O. , Maxwell P. S. , Elliot J. G. , Green F. H.
Published: March 2009

Asthma is characterised by an increased airway smooth muscle (ASM) area (ASMarea) within the airway wall. The present study examined the relationship of factors including severity and duration of asthma to ASMarea.

The perimeter of the basement membrane (PBM) and ASMareawere measured on transverse sections of large and small airways frompost mortemcases of fatal (n = 107) and nonfatal asthma (n = 37) and from control subjects (n = 69). The thickness of ASM (ASMarea/PBM) was compared between asthma groups using multivariate linear regression.

When all airways were considered together, ASMarea/PBM (in millimetres) was increased in nonfatal (median 0.04; interquartile range 0.013–0.051; p = 0.034) and fatal cases of asthma (0.048; 0.025–0.078; p<0.001) compared with controls (0.036; 0.024–0.042). Compared with cases of nonfatal asthma, ASMarea/PBM was greater in cases of fatal asthma in large (p<0.001) and medium (p<0.001), but not small, airways. ASMarea/PBM was not related to duration of asthma, age of onset of asthma, sex or smoking. No effect due to study centre, other than that due to sampling strategy, was found.

The thickness of the ASM layer is increased in asthma and is related to the severity of asthma but not its duration.
Inhibition of S6K1 accounts partially for the anti-inflammatory effects of the arginase inhibitor L-norvaline
Authors: Ming Xiu-Fen , Rajapakse Angana Gupta , Carvas João Miguel , Ruffieux Jean , Yang Zhihong
Published: March 2009

Background

Pharmacological inhibition of endothelial arginase-II has been shown to improve endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) function and reduce atherogenesis in animal models. We investigated whether the endothelial arginase II is involved in inflammatory responses in endothelial cells.

Methods

Human endothelial cells were isolated from umbilical veins and stimulated with TNFα (10 ng/ml) for 4 hours. Endothelial expression of the inflammatory molecules i.e. vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and E-selectin were assessed by immunoblotting.

Results

The induction of the expression of endothelial VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and E-selectin by TNFα was concentration-dependently reduced by incubation of the endothelial cells with the arginase inhibitor L-norvaline. However, inhibition of arginase by another arginase inhibitor S-(2-boronoethyl)-L-cysteine (BEC) had no effects. To confirm the role of arginase-II (the prominent isoform expressed in HUVECs) in the inflammatory responses, adenoviral mediated siRNA silencing of arginase-II knocked down the arginase II protein level, but did not inhibit the up-regulation of the adhesion molecules. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of L-norvaline was not reversed by the NOS inhibitor L-NAME and L-norvaline did not interfere with TNFα-induced activation of NF-κB, JNK, p38mapk, while it inhibited p70s6k (S6K1) activity. Silencing S6K1 prevented up-regulation of E-selectin, but not that of VCAM-1 or ICAM-1 induced by TNFα.

Conclusion

The arginase inhibitor L-norvaline exhibits anti-inflammatory effects independently of inhibition of arginase in human endothelial cells. The anti-inflammatory properties of L-norvaline are partially attributable to its ability to inhibit S6K1.
Polymorphisms in the ADRB2 gene and Graves disease: a case-control study and a meta-analysis of available evidence
Authors: Chu Xun , Dong Yan , Shen Min , Sun Lingling , Dong Changzheng , Wang Yi , Wang Beilan , Zhang Kaiyue , Hua Qi , Xu Shijie , Huang Wei
Published: March 2009

Background

The beta-2-Adrenergic receptor (ADRB2) gene on chromosome 5q33.1 is an important immunoregulatory factor. We and others have previously implicated chromosomal region 5q31-33 for contribution to the genetic susceptibility to Graves disease (GD) in East-Asian populations. Two recent studies showed associations between the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1042714 in theADRB2gene and GD. In this study, we aimed to fully investigate whether theADRB2gene conferred susceptibility to GD in Chinese population, and to perform a meta-analysis of association betweenADRB2and GD.

Methods

Approximately 1 kb upstream the transcription start site and the entire coding regions of theADRB2gene were resequenced in 48 Han Chinese individuals to determine the linkage disequilibrium (LD) patterns. Tag SNPs were selected and genotyped in a case-control collection of 1,118 South Han Chinese subjects, which included 428 GD patients and 690 control subjects. A meta-analysis was performed with the data obtained in the present samples and those available from prior studies.

Results

Fifteen SNPs in theADRB2gene were identified by resequencing and one SNP was novel. Ten tag SNPs were investigated further to assess association ofADRB2in the case-control collection. Neither individual tag SNP nor haplotypes showed association with GD in Han Chinese population (P > 0.05). Our meta-analysis of theADRB2SNP rs1042714 measured heterogeneity between the ethnic groups (I2= 53.1%) and no association to GD was observed in the overall three studies with a random effects model (OR = 1.13, 95% CI, 0.95 to 1.36; P = 0.18). However, significant association was found from the combined data of Caucasian population with a fixed effects model (OR = 1.18, 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.32; P = 0.002; I2= 5.9%).

Conclusion

Our study indicated that theADRB2gene did not exert a substantial influence on GD susceptibility in Han Chinese population, but contributed to a detectable GD risk in Caucasian population. This inconsistency resulted largely from between-ethnicity heterogeneity.
TFCat: the curated catalog of mouse and human transcription factors
Authors: Fulton Debra L , Sundararajan Saravanan , Badis Gwenael , Hughes Timothy R , Wasserman Wyeth W , Roach Jared C , Sladek Rob
Published: March 2009

Unravelling regulatory programs governed by transcription factors (TFs) is fundamental to understanding biological systems. TFCat is a catalog of mouse and human TFs based on a reliable core collection of annotations obtained by expert review of the scientific literature. The collection, including proven and homology-based candidate TFs, is annotated within a function-based taxonomy and DNA-binding proteins are organized within a classification system. All data and user-feedback mechanisms are available at the TFCat portal http://www.tfcat.ca.
Estrogens Regulate Posttranslational Modification of Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule during the Estrogen-Induced Gonadotropin Surge
Authors: Tan Orkun , Fadiel Ahmed , Chang Aimee , Demir Necdet , Jeffrey Rachel , Horvath Tamas , Garcia-Segura Luis-Miguel , Naftolin Frederick
Published: March 2009

Estrogen-induced synaptic plasticity (EISP) in the periventricular area (PVA) of the hypothalamus is necessary for the preovulatory gonadotropin surge. Because in situ enzymatic desialization of hypothalamic polysialylated (PSA) neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) blocked EISP, we examined the presence and amount of NCAM isotopes, PSA-NCAM, and sialylation enzymes in microdissected mouse hypothalamus tissues from proestrous afternoon [peak of estrogens and nadir of arcuate nucleus (AN) synapses] and metestrous morning (nadir of estrogens and highest AN synapses). Immunohistochemistry confirmed immunoreactive (ir) PSA-NCAM staining in the perineural spaces of the PVA. The extent of staining was cycle dependent, with more dense and complete profiles of individual neurons limned by the ir-PSA-NCAM staining on proestrus and less on metestrus. Western blots showed that high levels of ir-PSA-NCAM on proestrus are accompanied by diminished ir-NCAM-140 and -180 but not ir-NCAM-120 and the reverse on metestrus (P < 0.05). To evaluate the increase of sialylated NCAM at the expense of desialylated protein, expression of the responsible polysialyltransferase enzymes polysialyltransferase (ST8Sia IV) and sialyltransferase (ST8Sia II) mRNA levels were measured using RT-PCR. Both polysialyltransferase and sialyltransferase mRNA are more abundant on proestrus than metestrus (P < 0.05), indicating that these enzymes are regulated by estrogens. These results support estrogen-regulated formation and extrusion of hydrophilic PSA-NCAM into perineural spaces in the PVA as part of the mechanism of EISP.
Interference of a Mutant Thyroid Hormone Receptor α1 with Hepatic Glucose Metabolism
Authors: Vujovic Milica , Nordström Kristina , Gauthier Karine , Flamant Frédéric , Visser Theo J. , Vennström Björn , Mittag Jens
Published: March 2009

Mice expressing the mutant thyroid hormone receptor TRα1R384C, which has a 10-fold reduced affinity to the ligand T3, exhibit hypermetabolism due to an overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system. To define the consequences in the liver, we analyzed hepatic metabolism and the regulation of liver genes in the mutant mice. Our results showed that hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate-carboxykinase was up-regulated and pyruvate kinase mRNA down-regulated, contrary to what observed after T3 treatment. In contrast, mice expressing a mutant TRα1L400R specifically in the liver did not show a dysregulation of these genes; however, when the TRα1L400R was expressed ubiquitously, the hepatic phenotype differed from TRα1R384C animals, suggesting that the localization of the mutation plays an important role for its consequences on glucose metabolism. Furthermore, we observed that glycogen stores were completely depleted in TRα1R384C animals, despite increased gluconeogenesis and decreased glycolysis. Exposure of the mutant mice to high maternal levels of thyroid hormone during fetal development leads to a normal liver phenotype in the adult. Our results show how genetic and maternal factors interact to determine the metabolic setpoint of the offspring and indicate an important role for maternal thyroid hormone in the susceptibility to metabolic disorders in adulthood.
Ovariectomy and 17β-Estradiol Replacement Do Not Alter β-Amyloid Levels in Sheep Brain
Authors: Barron A. M. , Cake M. , Verdile G. , Martins R. N.
Published: March 2009

The benefits of estrogen replacement as a preventative treatment for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are subject to debate. Because the effects of estrogen depletion and replacement on accumulation of the neurotoxic β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide in transgenic animal models of AD have been variable, we examined Aβ levels and oxidative stress in a nontransgenic animal model. Sheep have traditionally been used as a model for human reproduction; however because they share 100% sequence homology with the human form of Aβ, they may also have potential as a nontransgenic model for Aβ biology. The effect of ovariectomy and estrogen replacement administered for 6 months via slow-release implant was examined in the brain of 4.5-yr-old sheep. Aβ levels were measured by ELISA, and protein levels of the amyloid precursor protein (APP), APP C-terminal fragments (C100), and presenilin-1 were examined semiquantitatively by Western blot as markers of APP processing. Markers of oxidative stress were examined semiquantitatively by Western blot [4-hydroxy-2(E)-nonenal] and oxyblot (protein carbonyls). We found no effects of estrogen depletion and supplementation in terms of AD-related biochemical markers, including Aβ levels, APP processing, and oxidative stress levels. Evidence of a trend toward increased P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme levels in the hippocampus of ovariectomized and estrogen supplemented sheep suggests that neurosteroidogenesis may compensate for gonadal estrogen depletion; however, these findings cannot explain the lack of effect of estrogen supplementation on APP processing. It is possible that supraphysiological doses of estrogen are necessary to yield antiamyloidogenic and antioxidative benefits in ovariectomized sheep.
Expression of a Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor-Simian Virus 40 T-Antigen Transgene Has Sex-Specific Effects on the Reproductive Axis
Authors: Jeong Kyeong-Hoon , Gill John C. , Nosé Vania , Parlow Albert F. , Carroll Rona S. , Kaiser Ursula B.
Published: March 2009

The GnRH receptor (GnRHR) responds to pulsatile GnRH signals to coordinate pituitary gonadotropin synthesis and secretion. Previously, a 1.2-kb fragment of the 5′-flanking region isolated from the mouse GnRHR gene was shown to target expression to pituitary gonadotropes in vivo. The 1.2-kb gene promoter fused to the simian virus 40 large T antigen (TAg) was used to generate transgenic mice that form gonadotrope-derived pituitary tumors at 4–5 months of age. Transgenic female mice have hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, infantile gonads, and are infertile throughout their life span, whereas males remain reproductively intact until their tumors become large. We hypothesized that the targeted TAg expression causes a sex-specific disruption of the reproductive axis at the level of the pituitary gland. To test this hypothesis, we characterized the pituitary gonadotropin β-subunit and TAg expression patterns, and measured plasma gonadotropin and gonadal steroid levels in female and male mice before and after pituitary tumor development. TAg expression was observed in transgenic females and males 15 d of age, before tumor development. Interestingly, and in contrast to the transgenic males, pituitary LHβ and FSHβ subunit protein levels, and plasma LH and FSH levels, were reduced in transgenic females. Reproductive organs in transgenic female mice remained underdeveloped but were normal in transgenic males. We conclude that the expression of the TAg transgene driven by the GnRHR gene promoter results in female-specific infertility due to disruption of gonadotropin production and secretion even before tumor development.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor and Epidermal Growth Factor Treatment: New Approaches to Protecting Steatotic Livers against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Casillas-Ramírez Araní , Zaouali Amine , Padrissa-Altés Susagna , Ben Mosbah Ismail , Pertosa Anna , Alfany-Fernández Izabel , Bintanel-Morcillo Maria , Xaus Carme , Rimola Antoni , Rodés Juan , Roselló-Catafau Joan , Peralta Carmen
Published: March 2009

Hepatic steatosis is a major risk factor in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) modulate IGF-I action by transporting circulating IGF-I to its sites of action. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulates IGF-I synthesis in vitro. We examined the effect of IGF-I and EGF treatment, separately or in combination, on the vulnerability of steatotic livers to I/R. Our results indicated that I/R impaired IGF-I synthesis only in steatotic livers. Only when a high dose of IGF-I (400 μg/kg) was given to obese animals did they show high circulating IGF-I:IGFBP levels, increased hepatic IGF-I levels, and protection against damage. In lean animals, a dose of 100 μg/kg IGF-I protected nonsteatotic livers. Our results indicated that the combined administration of IGF-I and EGF resulted in hepatic injury parameters in both liver types similar to that obtained by IGF-I and EGF separately. IGF-I increased egf expression in both liver types. The beneficial role of EGF on hepatic I/R injury may be attributable to p38 inhibition in nonsteatotic livers and to PPARγ overexpression in steatotic livers. In conclusion, IGF-I and EGF may constitute new pharmacological strategies to reduce the inherent susceptibility of steatotic livers to I/R injury.
Sexual Differentiation of the Spinal Nucleus of the Bulbocavernosus Is Not Mediated Solely by Androgen Receptors in Muscle Fibers
Authors: Niel Lee , Shah Amit H. , Lewis Gareth A. , Mo Kaiguo , Chatterjee Diptendu , Fernando Shannon M. , Hong Mei Hua , Chang William Y. , Vollmayr Peter , Rosen Jon , Miner Jeffrey N. , Monks D. Ashley
Published: March 2009

The spinal nucleus of the bulbocavernosus (SNB) neuromuscular system is a highly conserved and well-studied model of sexual differentiation of the vertebrate nervous system. Sexual differentiation of the SNB is currently thought to be mediated by the direct action of perinatal testosterone on androgen receptors (ARs) in the bulbocavernosus/levator ani muscles, with concomitant motoneuron rescue. This model has been proposed based on surgical and pharmacological manipulations of developing rats as well as from evidence that male rats with the testicular feminization mutation (Tfm), which is a loss of function AR mutation, have a feminine SNB phenotype. We examined whether genetically replacing AR in muscle fibers is sufficient to rescue the SNB phenotype of Tfm rats. Transgenic rats in which wild-type (WT) human AR is driven by a human skeletal actin promoter (HSA-AR) were crossed with Tfm rats. Resulting male HSA-AR/Tfm rats express WT AR exclusively in muscle and nonfunctional Tfm AR in other tissues. We then examined motoneuron and muscle morphology of the SNB neuromuscular system of WT and Tfm rats with and without the HSA-AR transgene. We observed feminine levator ani muscle size and SNB motoneuron number and size in Tfm males with or without the HSA-AR transgene. These results indicate that AR expression in skeletal muscle fibers is not sufficient to rescue the male phenotype of the SNB neuromuscular system and further suggest that AR in other cell types plays a critical role in sexual differentiation of this system.
The Alternative Noncoding Exons 1 of Aromatase (Cyp19) Gene Modulate Gene Expression in a Posttranscriptional Manner
Authors: Wang Hanzhou , Li Rong , Hu Yanfen
Published: March 2009

Aromatase (Cyp19) is a key enzyme in estrogen biosynthesis and an important target in endocrine therapy for estrogen receptor (ER)-positive postmenopausal breast cancer. Aromatase transcription is driven by multiple tissue-specific promoters, which result in the production of various mRNA transcripts that contain an alternative noncoding exon 1 followed by a common protein-coding region. Transcriptional activity of these promoters is the only known determinant for aromatase protein abundance in a given tissue or cellular context. To determine whether aromatase expression could be influenced by additional regulatory mechanisms, we used a common heterologous promoter to drive the expression of multiple aromatase cDNA sequences that differ only by the alternative exon 1 sequence. These expression vectors gave rise to vastly different levels of aromatase mRNA and protein in multiple cell lines examined. Furthermore, the relative abundance of several mRNA variants did not correlate with that of the corresponding protein product. The variation in mRNA and protein levels is most likely due to a negative effect of certain alternative exons 1 on RNA stability and protein translation. Deletional analyses indicate that the 5′ regions of the adipose tissue-specific exons I.3 and I.4 contain the cis-acting elements responsible for modulation of aromatase levels. Thus, our work uncovers an important role of the alternative exons 1 in posttranscriptional regulation of aromatase gene expression.
The Rhythmic Secretion of Mating-Induced Prolactin Secretion Is Controlled by Prolactin Acting Centrally
Authors: Helena Cleyde V. , McKee De'Nise T. , Bertram Richard , Walker Ameae M. , Freeman Marc E.
Published: March 2009

Artificial copulomimetic cervical stimulation (CS) induces an immediate release of oxytocin (OT) and prolactin (PRL) followed by a daily PRL rhythm characterized by nocturnal and diurnal surges. Although we have shown that the initial release of PRL is induced by the immediate release of OT, we tested whether the PRL that is released in response to CS is responsible for the initiation and maintenance of the subsequent PRL surges. Thus, we injected OVX rats centrally or peripherally with ovine PRL (oPRL) at 2200 h. Central oPRL induced PRL surges in OVX rats that were similar in size and timing to those of CS rats, whereas peripheral oPRL induced surges that were of smaller amplitude and delayed. We then infused a PRL antagonist (S179D, 0.1 ng/h) centrally into OVX and OVX-CS rats and measured the release of endogenous PRL and the activity of neuroendocrine dopaminergic neurons. Central infusion of S179D did not influence basal PRL secretion in OVX rats but prevented the expression of the CS-induced PRL surges and the accompanying noontime increase of CS-induced dopaminergic activity when continued for 3 d. However, central infusion of S179D only on the day of CS did not prevent the daily rhythm of PRL surges. These results demonstrate that PRL acts centrally to induce the PRL rhythm and that PRL in the brain is essential for the maintenance but not for the initiation of the CS-induced rhythmic PRL surges.
An expanded seed sequence definition accounts for full regulation of the hid 3′ UTR by bantam miRNA
Authors: Nahvi Ali , Shoemaker Christopher J. , Green Rachel
Published: March 2009

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are an abundant class of ∼22 nucleotide (nt) long noncoding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally through imperfect base-pairing interactions with sequences in the target messenger RNA (mRNA). We examined the interactions of the bantam miRNA with the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of the hid mRNA, and a synthetic derivative, in Drosophila S2 cells in order to define the relative contributions of proposed bantam binding sites. The contribution of the bantam miRNA to repression of reporter constructs carrying different 3′ UTRs was evaluated by measuring derepression of reporter expression following the transfection of bantam complementary oligoribonucleotides (anti-bantam). Systematic excision of bantam miRNA target sequences in the hid 3′ UTR identified by commonly used miRNA target prediction programs failed to relieve repression to the extent predicted by the anti-bantam experiment. However, removal of additional bantam complementary sequences (with a “seed” match to nucleotide 3–9) derepressed the reporter constructs to the full extent, arguing for a less narrow definition of the seed sequence. Further support for the potential contribution of the 3–9 seed register to microRNA-mediated gene regulation is provided by the experimental validation of several novel bantam targets identified with a more relaxed search algorithm.
Acidification of Blood Is Superior to Sodium Fluoride Alone as an Inhibitor of Glycolysis
Authors: Gambino Raymond , Piscitelli Janet , Ackattupathil Tomy A , Theriault Judy L , Andrin Reynaldo D , Sanfilippo Michael L , Etienne Monina
Published: March 2009

Background: Sodium fluoride is the preferred agent to inhibit glycolysis. Its action is not immediate, however, and complete inhibition is delayed for up to 4 hours. A more effective method is needed. Acidification of blood combined with the addition of NaF and EDTA appears to be such a method. We studied whether acidification was indeed more effective than NaF.

Methods: We conducted 6 independent studies over a 10-month period at 3 Quest Diagnostics laboratory sites. In each study, we drew venous blood from 6–24 nonfasting employee volunteers into 3 or 4 different serum- or plasma-collection tubes, which were stored under different conditions and aliquoted at different times. We analyzed the aliquots in duplicate by means of a hexokinase-based enzymatic method.

Results: The mean glucose concentration decreased by 0.3% at 2 h and by 1.2% at 24 h when blood was drawn into tubes containing citrate buffer, NaF, and EDTA. In contrast, the mean glucose concentration decreased by 4.6% at 2 h and by 7.0% at 24 h when blood was drawn into tubes containing NaF and sodium oxalate.

Conclusions: Acidification should replace NaF alone as the recommended method for obtaining an accurate glucose concentration. Diagnostic cut points based on blood samples collected into tubes containing NaF as the only inhibitor of glycolysis are likely to be too low.
The Analysis and Control of Distortion in Carbonitrided and Nitrocarburized Thin-Shelled Plain Carbon Steel Automotive Powertrain Components
Authors: Campagna Victoria , Northwood Derek O. , Bowers Randy , Sun Xichen , Bauerle Peter
Published: March 2009

Gaseous ferritic nitrocarburizing was investigated as a replacement for the carbonitriding process currently used to improve the surface properties of thin-shelled, plain carbon steel automotive powertrain components. Nitrocarburizing can impart a hard, wear-resistant case suitable for light load applications at lower processing temperatures than carbonitriding, thereby potentially reducing size and shape distortions and the associated need for finish grinding. Carbonitriding and gaseous ferritic nitrocarburizing were compared with respect to size and shape distortion, retained austenite, and residual stress values. Testing was performed on a torque converter piston, an automotive powertrain component stamped from a sheet of 3-mm cold-worked SAE 1010 steel. A total of 53 pistons were used. While the heat treatment conditions for the carbonitrided pistons were similar to the current production schedule, conditions for the nitrocarburized pistons incorporated a range of processing times from 2–14 hours and temperatures from 510–605°C (950–1125°F). The results of this work were generally consistent with those from an earlier study involving the use of Navy C-ring specimens. For both the Navy C-rings and torque converter pistons, the nitrocarburizing process gave rise to lower part distortion, but resulted in overall lower compressive residual stress values than in the carbonitrided steel.
The Shaft Tomb of Menekhibnekau at Abusir – Season of 2007
Authors: Bares Ladislav , Janak Jiri , Landgrafova Renata , Smolarikova Kveta
Published: March 2009

During the spring season of 2007, the burial chamber (built of large white limestone ashlars and vaulted inside) has been unearthed at the bottom of the main shaft in the Late Period tomb of Menekhibnekau. The inner sides of the chamber, as well as the sides of the outer and inner sarcophagi (made of white limestone and greywacke respectively) are largely decorated with texts and representations in sunk relief, among them personifications of the day and night hours, excerpts from the Book of the Dead, Pyramid Texts, etc. Although the burial chamber has been robbed already in Antiquity, a few items of the original burial equipment have been preserved. In a separate shaft, serving as an embalmers’ cache, a number of large storage vessels have been examined. On nineteen of them, late hieratic and early demotic inscriptions have been found that mention materials used during mummification.
Gender and Oracular Practice in Deir el-Medîna
Authors: Sweeney Deborah
Published: March 2009

Both men and women consulted the oracle of Amenhotep I in Deir el-Medîna, but women seldom appear in texts and images generated by oracular consultations. Most texts mentioning women refer to property matters; the same is true for men, but issues relating to the men′s professional lives, such as wages and appointments, are not mentioned in connection with women. O Berlin P 10629, where a woman consults the oracle in a property dispute with her family, is a particularly intriguing text. If the goods the plaintiff′s mother took away from her are family property, the petitioner is asking the oracle to confirm her future inheritance rights and establish the value of the objects. However, the family quarrel may be about whether the mother is making a false claim to the daughter′s personal property, in which case the oracle is asked to establish the truth.
Papyrus Prisse Line 168: Grammatical Analysis and Meaning
Authors: Kang Seung
Published: March 2009

Papyrus Prisse line 168 can be best explained as the second tense construction conveying a hypothetical sense: “Should he (= man of character) seize, he would be like a crocodile in the court of magistrates.”
In God We Trust: Images of God and Trust in the United States among the Highly Religious
Authors: Mencken F. Carson , Bader Christopher , Embry Elizabeth
Published: March 2009

In this analysis, the authors use Greeley's “religion as poetry” model to frame an analysis of images of God and trust among the highly religious. Using the 2005 Baylor Religion Survey, the authors regress four ordinal measures of social trust on two images of God measures and a bank of religion and demographic controls. The authors find that having a loving image of God creates greater levels of trust in all four measures among the highly religious. They also find that having an image of God as angry creates less trust in all four measures of trust. Implications for theory and research on trust and civic engagement are discussed in the conclusion.
Sociology as an Epistemology of Contradiction
Authors: O'Brien Jodi
Published: March 2009

Human social life is messy, and as a result the practice of sociology is filled with tension, contradiction, conflict, and ambiguity. As a discipline, sociology has generated excellent theories and methodologies for dealing with this complexity. This presidential address suggests that the impact and resonance of sociological knowledge is enhanced further when we open ourselves to the tensions and contradictions we experience personally in our work as sociologists. Critical engagement with these personal conflicts deepens our understanding of the social subject and enriches the sociological imagination. Using the method of “auto-historia,” the author describes some of her own experiences of “going deeper into the contradictions” and the significance of this process for her professional evolution.
Glucocorticoid replacement therapy and pharmacogenetics in Addison's disease: effects on bone
Authors: Løvås Kristian , Gjesdal Clara G , Christensen Monika , Wolff Anette B , Almås Bjørg , Svartberg Johan , Fougner Kristian J , Syversen Unni , Bollerslev Jens , Falch Jan A , Hunt Penelope J , Chatterjee V Krishna K , Husebye Eystein S
Published: March 2009

Context

Patients with primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) receive more glucococorticoids than the normal endogenous production, raising concern about adverse effects on bone.

Objective

To determine i) the effects of glucocorticoid replacement therapy on bone, and ii) the impact of glucocorticoid pharmacogenetics.

Design, setting and participants

A cross-sectional study of two large Addison's cohorts from Norway (n=187) and from UK and New Zealand (n=105).

Main outcome measures

Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured; theZ-scores represent comparison with a reference population. Blood samples from 187 Norwegian patients were analysed for bone markers and common polymorphisms in genes that have been associated with glucocorticoid sensitivity.

Results

Femoral neck BMDZ-scores were significantly reduced in the patients (Norway: mean −0.28 (95% confidence intervals (CI) −0.42, −0.16); UK and New Zealand: −0.21 (95% CI −0.36, −0.06)). Lumbar spineZ-scores were reduced (Norway: −0.17 (−0.36, +0.01); UK and New Zealand: −0.57 (−0.78, −0.37)), and significantly lower in males compared with females (P=0.02). The commonP-glycoprotein (ABCB1) polymorphism C3435T was significantly associated with total BMD (CC and CT>TTP=0.015), with a similar trend at the hip and spine.

Conclusions

BMD at the femoral neck and lumbar spine is reduced in Addison's disease, indicating undesirable effects of the replacement therapy. The findings lend support to the recommendations that 15–25 mg hydrocortisone daily is more appropriate than the higher conventional doses. A common polymorphism in the efflux transporterP-glycoprotein is associated with reduced bone mass and might confer susceptibility to glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis.
Gene expression profile of rat ovarian tissue following xenotransplantation into immune-deficient mice
Authors: Agca Cansu , Lucy Mathew C , Agca Yuksel
Published: March 2009

Immune-compromised mice have been used as gonadal tissue recipients to develop gametes of various mammalian species. The aim of this research was to determine gene expression differences between fresh and frozen–thawed rat xenotransplanted (XT) ovaries as well the gene expression differences between XT and sexually mature rat ovaries that were non-transplanted (NT). Ovaries from sexually immature female rats were transplanted under the kidney capsule of ovariectomized athymic nude mice either fresh or after freezing. The XT ovaries were collected ∼10–12 weeks after xenografting for microarray analysis. The NT ovaries were collected from sexually mature rats. Gene expression was very similar between fresh and cryopreserved XT ovaries: 125 genes were twofold up- or downregulated, but level of regulation was not statistically significant. Overall patterns of gene expression between XT and NT ovaries were very different indicated by the absence of diagonal relationship between XT and NT ovary gene expression. More than 3000 genes were significantly (P<0.01) up- or downregulated between XT and NT ovaries. Genes involved in metabolic processes, lipid metabolism, and growth were downregulated in XT ovaries, whereas genes involved in immune and inflammatory response were upregulated in XT ovaries. The results showed that ovarian tissue xenografting significantly alters genes responsible for ovarian metabolism and function and leads to an upregulation of genes responsible for graft rejection.
Hematopoietic and Endothelial Differentiation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Choi Kyung-Dal , Yu Junying , Smuga-Otto Kim , Salvagiotto Giorgia , Rehrauer William , Vodyanik Maxim , Thomson James , Slukvin Igor
Published: March 2009

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provide an unprecedented opportunity for modeling of human diseases in vitro, as well as for developing novel approaches for regenerative therapy based on immunologically compatible cells. In this study, we employed an OP9 differentiation system to characterize the hematopoietic and endothelial differentiation potential of seven human iPSC lines obtained from human fetal, neonatal, and adult fibroblasts through reprogramming with POU5F1, SOX2, NANOG, and LIN28 and compared it with the differentiation potential of five human embryonic stem cell lines (hESC, H1, H7, H9, H13, and H14). Similar to hESCs, all iPSCs generated CD34+CD43+ hematopoietic progenitors and CD31+CD43− endothelial cells in coculture with OP9. When cultured in semisolid media in the presence of hematopoietic growth factors, iPSC-derived primitive blood cells formed all types of hematopoietic colonies, including GEMM colony-forming cells. Human induced pluripotent cells (hiPSCs)-derived CD43+ cells could be separated into the following phenotypically defined subsets of primitive hematopoietic cells: CD43+CD235a+CD41a± (erythro-megakaryopoietic), lin−CD34+CD43+CD45− (multipotent), and lin−CD34+CD43+CD45+ (myeloid-skewed) cells. Although we observed some variations in the efficiency of hematopoietic differentiation between different hiPSCs, the pattern of differentiation was very similar in all seven tested lines obtained through reprogramming of human fetal, neonatal, or adult fibroblasts with three or four genes. Although several issues remain to be resolved before iPSC-derived blood cells can be administered to humans for therapeutic purposes, patient-specific iPSCs can already be used for characterization of mechanisms of blood diseases and for identification of molecules that can correct affected genetic networks.
Spherically Symmetric Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Bodies Inherent with Endogenous Extracellular Matrices for Cellular Cardiomyoplasty
Authors: Wang Chung-Chi , Chen Chun-Hung , Hwang Shiaw-Min , Lin Wei-Wen , Huang Chih-Hao , Lee Wen-Yu , Chang Yen , Sung Hsing-Wen
Published: March 2009

Cell transplantation via direct intramyocardial injection is a promising therapy for patients with myocardial infarction; however, retention of the transplanted cells at the injection sites remains a central issue following injection of dissociated cells. Using a thermoresponsive hydrogel system with a multiwell structure, we successfully developed an efficient technique to generate spherically symmetric bodies of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) inherent with endogenous extracellular matrices (ECMs) for direct intramyocardial injection. After injection through a needle and upon transferring to another growth surface, the time required to attach, migrate, and proliferate was significantly shorter for the MSC bodies than the dissociated MSCs. Employing a syngeneic rat model with experimental myocardial infarction, an intramyocardial injection was conducted with a needle directly into the peri-infarct areas. There were four treatment groups (n = 10): sham, phosphate-buffered saline, dissociated MSCs, and MSC bodies. The results obtained in the echocardiography and catheterization measurements demonstrated that the MSC body group had a superior heart function to the dissociated MSC group. Histologically, it was found that MSC bodies could provide an adequate physical size to entrap into the interstices of muscular tissues and offer a favorable ECM environment to retain the transplanted cells intramuscularly. Additionally, transplantation of MSC bodies stimulated a significant increase in vascular density, thus improving the cardiac function. These results indicated that the spherically symmetric bodies of MSCs developed in the study may serve as a cell-delivery vehicle and improve the efficacy of therapeutic cell transplantation.
Enhance Reservoir Performance through Effective Horizontal Wells Placement in Complex Sandstone Reservoir: Case Studies
Authors: SayedAkram Nawaf I. , AbuHassoun Amer H. , Qahtani Hassan B. , Al-Rabba Ali
Published: March 2009

Challenges associated with sandstone heterogeneous reservoirs require effective collaboration of reservoir engineers, geoscientists with application of latest technologies and best practices. This will help enhance reservoir sweep through optimal horizontal well placement.

Due to the challenges associated with fluid identification in fresh water environment, flood front movement and extreme vertical and lateral heterogeneity, an effort was made to maximize the contact across the reservoir through optimizing horizontal well placement. Another challenging aspect is the interpretation of productive sand versus none productive sands between correlatable offset wells.

This paper presents case studies to demonstrate the team’s successful practices to overcome field’s challenges and achieve significant improvements in horizontal well placements in one of SAUDI ARAMCO’s most complex sandstone reservoirs. Strategies and combined applications of LWD, MDT, NMR and borehole image logs run in the pilot hole that helped in geo-steering the horizontal wells in thin oil column will be highlighted in this paper.
Generic Advertising in Markets with Informative Brand Advertising
Authors: Isariyawongse Kosin , Kudo Yasushi , Tremblay Victor J.
Published: March 2009

This paper analyzes the interactions between generic advertising, brand advertising, and firm profits when brand advertising is purely informative. We develop duopoly models with vertical and horizontal differentiation when brand advertising lowers consumer search costs of identifying brand characteristics. The model demonstrates that firms can benefit from investing in brand advertising that lowers consumer search costs as well as from brand advertising that is purely persuasive. In addition, the results demonstrate that regardless of whether brand advertising is persuasive or informative, the outcome is more likely to be symmetric with horizontal differentiation than with vertical differentiation. The key distinction between this model and that of previous studies is that brand advertising across rivals is a strategic complement when persuasive and a strategic substitute when informative.
Technology Diffusion, Product Differentiation and Environmental Subsidies
Authors: McGinty Matthew , de Vries Frans P
Published: March 2009

This paper explores the relationship between environmental subsidies, the diffusion of a clean technology, and the degree of product differentiation in an imperfectly competitive market. Like others, we show that the subsidy succeeds in reducing environmental damage only when the substitution effect (the reduction in pollution associated with the clean technology) exceeds the output effect (the extent that the subsidy increases output). Here, we add product differentiation and diffusion dynamics. When the substitution effect dominates, environmental damage decreases monotonically during the diffusion process. The extent of technology diffusion (the degree to which clean technology replaces dirty) is decreasing in the degree of product differentiation. Further, as products become closer substitutes, it is more likely that the subsidy will reduce environmental damage. Finally, the subsidy for clean technology will spill over to the remaining dirty producers, increasing their profit as well. In a free-entry equilibrium, the subsidy decreases pollution when product differentiation is low compared to the relative pollution intensity of the clean technology.
The role of endoscopic third ventriculostomy in adult patients with hydrocephalus
Authors: Jenkinson Michael D. , Hayhurst Caroline , Al-Jumaily Mohammed , Kandasamy Jothy , Clark Simon , Mallucci Conor L.
Published: March 2009

Object

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is the treatment of choice for hydrocephalus, but the outcome is dependent on the cause of this disorder, and the procedure remains principally the preserve of pediatric neurosurgeons. The role of ETV in adult patients with hydrocephalus was therefore investigated.

Methods

One hundred ninety adult patients underwent ETV for hydrocephalus. Cases were defined as primary ETV (newly diagnosed, without a previously placed shunt) and secondary ETV (performed for shunt malfunctions due to infection or mechanical blockage). Causes of hydrocephalus included tumor, long-standing overt ventriculomegaly (LOVA), Chiari malformation Types I and II (CM-I and -II), aqueduct stenosis, spina bifida, and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Successful ETV was defined as resolution of symptoms with shunt independence. Operative complications and ETV failure rate were investigated according to the causes of hydrocephalus and between the primary and secondary ETV groups.

Results

In the primary group, ETV was successful in 107 (83%) of 129 patients, including those with tumors (52 of 66), LOVA (21 of 24), CM-I (11 of 11 cases), CM-II (8 of 9), aqueduct stenosis (8 of 9), and IVH (2 of 2). In the secondary group, ETV was successful in 41 (67%) of 61 patients and was equally successful in cases of mechanical shunt malfunction (35 of 52 patients) and infected shunt malfunction (6 of 9 patients). The median time to ETV failure was 1.7 months in the primary group and 0.5 months in the secondary group. The majority of ETV failures occurred within the first 3 months, and thereafter, the Kaplan-Meier survival curves plateaued. There were no procedure-related deaths, and complications were seen in only 5.8% of cases.

Conclusions

The success rate of ETVs in adults is comparable, if not better, than in children. In addition to the well-defined role of ETV in the treatment of hydrocephalus caused by tumors and aqueduct stenosis, ETV may also have a role in the management of CM-I, LOVA, persistent shunt infection, and IVH resistant to other CSF diversion procedures.
Low-grade oligodendroglioma: an indolent but incurable disease?
Authors: El-Hateer Hamdy , Souhami Luis , Roberge David , Maestro Rolando del , Leblanc Richard , Eldebawy Eman , Muanza Thierry , Melançon Denis , Kavan Petr , Guiot Marie-Christine
Published: March 2009

Object

The authors reviewed their institutional experience with pure low-grade oligodendroglioma (LGO), correlating outcomes with several variables of possible prognostic values.

Methods

Sixty-nine patients with WHO-classified LGOs were treated between 1992 and 2006 at the McGill University Health Center. Clinical, pathological, and radiological records were carefully reviewed. Demographic characteristics; the nature and duration of presenting symptoms; baseline neurological function; extent of resection; Karnofsky Performance Scale score; preoperative radiological findings including tumor size, location, and absence/presence of enhancement; and pathological data including chromosome arms 1p/19q codeletion and O-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase promoter gene methylation status were all compiled. The timing and dose of radio- and/or chemotherapy, date of tumor progression, pathological finding at disease progression, treatment at time of disease progression, and status at the last follow-up were also recorded.

Results

The median follow-up period was 6.1 years (range 1.3–16.3 years). The majority (78%) of patients presented with seizures; contrast enhancement was initially seen in 16 patients (25%). All patients had undergone an initial surgical procedure: gross-total resection in 27%, partial resection in 59%, and biopsy only in the remaining 13%. Fifteen patients received adjuvant radiotherapy. Data on O-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase promoter gene methylation status was available in 47 patients (68%) and in all but 1 patient for 1p/19q status. Survival at 5, 10, and 15 years was 83, 63, and 29%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that seizures at presentation and the absence of contrast enhancement were the only independent favorable prognostic factors for survival. The 5-, 10-, and 15-year progression-free survival rates were 46, 7.7, and 0%, respectively.

Conclusions

This retrospective review confirms the indolent but progressively fatal nature of LGOs. Contrast enhancement was the most evident single prognostic factor. New treatment strategies are clearly needed in the management of this disease.