bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The value of an acute octreotide suppression test in predicting response to long-term somatostatin analogue therapy in patients with acromegaly
Authors: Bandgar TR , Sarathi V , Shivane V , Bansode N , Menon PS , Shah NS
Published: April 2010

Context:

The usefulness of the acute octreotide test in the selection of patients with acromegaly for chronic somatostatin depot analogues treatment is controversial.

Aims:

To determine the efficacy of acute octreotide suppression test (OST) in predicting response to long-term somatostatin analogue (Octreotide-long-acting repeatable, OCT-LAR) therapy in patients with acromegaly.

Settings and Design:

Prospective study (2006-2007) conducted at a tertiary healthcare centre in western India.

Materials and Methods:

Sixteen drug-naive patients with active acromegaly (postoperative±post radiotherapy) underwent 50 µg subcutaneous OST. Ten patients were treated with OCT-LAR for one year. Remission was defined as a nadir growth hormone (GH) <1 ng/ml during 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) (0, 10, 30, 60, 120, 180 min) and normal age, sex-matched insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) levels.

Statistical Analysis:

SPSS Software Version 11 was used for data analysis.

Results:

Using GH cutoff <1 ng/ml, four patients (40%) achieved control at 12 months, while five patients (50%) achieved normal IGF1 values. The mean basal GH levels in 10 responsive, four controlled and six uncontrolled patients were 34.7±61.14, 4.5±1.3 and 54.8±74.2 ng/ml respectively which suppressed to mean nadir GH of 3.75±4.03, 0.66±0.15 and 5.8±4 ng/ml respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive value for nadir GH <1 ng/ml reached after an OST was 100% each in predicting remission in our cohort. Odds for control increased if the baseline GH was low (<5 ng/ml in our cases).

Conclusions:

Nadir GH <1 ng/ml following an OST is a useful predictive marker of achieving disease remission with long-term OCT-LAR therapy.
Neurotoxoplasmosis mimicking intracranial tuberculoma
Authors: Doraiswamy V , Vaswani RK , Lahiri KR , Kondekar SS
Published: April 2010

Neurotoxoplasmosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in immunocompromised patients. Definitive diagnosis is invasive and difficult thereby requiring a therapeutic trial. We herein report a case of an 11-year-old boy who presented with a tuberculoma on computerized tomography (CT) brain and did not show any clinical improvement on anti-tuberculous drugs. Subsequently, reviewing the CT scans and with supportive serology, a diagnosis of neurotoxoplasmosis was considered. A trial of antitoxoplasmosis therapy was given to which the child fully responded in two weeks. Three weeks later, his magnetic resonance imaging showed complete resolution of the lesion. This report provides an insight into the significance of therapeutic trial in neurotoxoplasmosis.
Mycophenolate mofetil for interstitial lung disease in dermatomyositis
Authors: Morganroth Pamela A. , Kreider Mary Elizabeth , Werth Victoria P.
Published: April 2010

Objective

To report our experience using mycophenolate mofetil as first‐line treatment for dermatomyositis‐associated interstitial lung disease.

Methods

We examined the medical records of all 16 dermatomyositis patients with interstitial lung disease seen in our outpatient university hospital dermatology clinic between May 26, 2006, and May 25, 2009. In this retrospective case series, we describe the clinical course of the 4 patients with definitive evidence of interstitial lung disease on radiologic imaging who were treated with mycophenolate mofetil and had pulmonary data available to document their outcome. All of the patients also received prednisone.

Results

All 3 patients with at least 1 year of followup receiving mycophenolate mofetil experienced complete normalization of pulmonary function tests (including diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide) and resolution of dyspnea. They were also able to reduce their prednisone doses. The only patient with pre‐ and posttreatment chest computed tomography imaging had total resolution of her interstitial opacities. The patient with only 5 months of posttreatment followup experienced an improvement in diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide from 44% to 77% predicted, but no change in dyspnea.

Conclusion

These promising data indicate that mycophenolate mofetil may be a useful therapy for interstitial lung disease in patients with dermatomyositis, but larger studies are needed to more definitively evaluate the role of this medication in therapy.
Association between patella alta and the prevalence and worsening of structural features of patellofemoral joint osteoarthritis: The multicenter osteoarthritis study
Authors: Stefanik J. J. , Zhu Y. , Zumwalt A. C. , Gross K. D. , Clancy M. , Lynch J. A. , Frey Law L. A. , Lewis C. E. , Roemer F. W. , Powers C. M. , Guermazi A. , Felson D. T.
Published: April 2010

Objective

To examine the relationship between patella alta and the prevalence and worsening at followup of structural features of patellofemoral joint (PFJ) osteoarthritis (OA) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

The Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study is a cohort study of persons ages 50–79 years with or at risk for knee OA. Patella alta was measured using the Insall‐Salvati ratio (ISR) on the baseline lateral radiograph, and cartilage damage, bone marrow lesions (BMLs), and subchondral bone attrition (SBA) were graded on MRI at baseline and at 30 months of followup in the PFJ. We examined the association of the ISR with the prevalence and worsening of cartilage damage, BMLs, and SBA in the PFJ using logistic regression.

Results

A total of 907 knees were studied (mean age 62 years, body mass index 30 kg/m2, ISR 1.10), 63% from female subjects. Compared with knees in the lowest ISR quartile at baseline, those in the highest quartile had 2.4 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.7–3.3), 2.9 (95% CI 2.0–4.3), and 3.5 (95% CI 2.3–5.5) times the odds of having lateral PFJ cartilage damage, BMLs, and SBA, respectively, and 1.5 (95% CI 1.1–2.0), 1.3 (95% CI 0.9–1.8), and 2.2 (95% CI 1.4–3.4) times the odds of having medial PFJ cartilage damage, BMLs, and SBA, respectively. Similarly, those with high ISRs were also at risk for worsening of cartilage damage and BMLs over time than those with low ISRs.

Conclusion

A high ISR, indicative of patella alta, is associated with structural features of OA in the PFJ. Additionally, the same knees have an increased risk of worsening of these same features over time.
Routes to total joint replacement surgery: Patients' and clinicians' perceptions of need
Authors: Sansom Anna , Donovan Jenny , Sanders Caroline , Dieppe Paul , Horwood Jeremy , Learmonth Ian , Williams Susan , Gooberman‐Hill Rachael
Published: April 2010

Objective

To explore patients' perspectives of need for total joint replacement associated with decision making in orthopaedic consultations for hip or knee osteoarthritis.

Methods

Twenty‐six orthopaedic consultations in 3 UK hospitals were observed and audio recorded, and semistructured interviews were conducted with the involved patients and clinicians. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Two main routes to orthopaedic consultation were identified: patients who waited until their symptoms were no longer bearable (holding off), and patients who sought consultation preemptively (before it gets worse). These routes were mediated by age, comparison with others, demands and desires, deterioration, and convenience. Whether patients had held off or sought help preemptively influenced their perceptions of need. Patients' perceptions of their route to orthopaedic consultation, and consequently their perception of need, were either confirmed or contradicted by clinicians.

Conclusion

When clinicians and patients have differing perceptions of need there may be ongoing patient anxiety, concern, and feelings of disempowerment. It is important for primary and secondary care clinicians to identify and explore a patient's perception of need in order to provide consistency in referral pathways and to support patient involvement in, and understanding of, shared decision making. Exploring the patient's perspective of their route to consultation is proposed as one easily achievable method of identifying patients' views on urgency of their need.
Rituximab therapy for myopathy associated with anti–signal recognition particle antibodies: A case series
Authors: Valiyil Ritu , Casciola‐Rosen Livia , Hong Grace , Mammen Andrew , Christopher‐Stine Lisa
Published: April 2010

Objective

The myopathy associated with anti–signal recognition particle (anti‐SRP) is a severe necrotizing immune‐mediated disease characterized by rapidly progressive proximal muscle weakness, markedly elevated serum creatine kinase (CK) levels, and poor responsiveness to traditional immunosuppressive therapies. Reports on the efficacy of B cell depletion therapy for anti‐SRP–associated myopathy are mixed. We describe 8 patients with anti‐SRP–associated myopathy and their response to treatment with the anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab.

Methods

We identified 8 patients with myopathy who tested positive for anti‐SRP antibodies by immunoprecipitation and were treated with rituximab as part of clinical care. We reviewed their medical records to assess clinical, serologic, and histologic characteristics and response to therapy. In 5 patients, serum was collected before and after rituximab therapy. Autoantibodies were detected by immunoprecipitation and quantitated by densitometry, and the percent decreases in anti‐SRP autoantibody levels were calculated.

Results

Six of 8 patients who had been refractory to standard immunosuppressive therapy demonstrated improved manual muscle strength and/or decline in CK levels as early as 2 months after rituximab treatment. Three patients sustained the response for 12–18 months after initial dosing. All of the patients were continued on adjunctive corticosteroids, but doses were substantially reduced after rituximab. Quantitative levels of serum anti‐SRP antibodies also decreased after rituximab treatment.

Conclusion

B cell depletion therapy with rituximab is effective for patients with myopathy associated with anti‐SRP. The substantial decrease in anti‐SRP antibody levels after rituximab treatment also suggests that B cells and anti‐SRP antibodies may play a role in the pathogenesis of this myopathy.
Improved TiO2 Photocatalytic Reduction by the Intrinsic Electrostatic Potential of BN Nanotubes
Authors: Tang Chengchun , Li Jiguang , Bando Yoshio , Zhi Chunyi , Golberg Dmitri
Published: April 2010

We describe the synthesis of novel nanocrystalline TiO2 closely attached to BN nanotubes (BNNTs). The method involves the reaction of Ti3+ with the oxidized radicals BNH+ to form BNTi4+ bonds first, and then in situ hydrolytic conversion of the attached Ti4+ into TiO2. The designed reaction was carried out in a strongly acidic ethanol solution to ensure that the TiO2 forms on the BNNT surface rather than in solution. We also report the improved photocatalytic reduction properties of TiO2 when functionalized on BNNT surfaces and take advantage of the strong underlying electrostatic potential of the high‐purity nanotubes.
Recent Progress of Catalytic Polymerization for Controlling Polymer Topology
Authors: Guan Zhibin
Published: April 2010

Catalysis continues to spark new imagination and excitement of synthetic chemists. Discovery of new catalytic processes often makes seemingly impossible transformations proceed magically at high efficiency. In modern polymer synthesis, an exciting direction in recent years is the development of transition‐metal‐catalyzed polymerizations for controlling polymer topology. In this Focus Review, we highlight a few recent examples for catalytic syntheses of polyolefins having cyclic, block, and dendritic topologies, respectively. These examples showcase the power and efficiency of transition‐metal catalysis for accessing various polymer topologies ranging from simple cyclic to complex globular dendritic polymers.
Gender discrimination of eyes and mouths by individuals with autism
Authors: Best Catherine A. , Minshew Nancy J. , Strauss Mark S.
Published: April 2010

Evidence remains mixed about whether individuals with autism look less to eyes and whether they look more at mouths. Few studies have examined how spontaneous attention to facial features relates to face processing abilities. This study tested the ability to discriminate gender from facial features, namely eyes and mouths, by comparing accuracy scores of 17 children with autism and 15 adults with autism to 17 typically developing children and 15 typically developing adults. Results indicated that all participants regardless of diagnosis discriminated gender more accurately from eyes than from mouths. However, results indicated that compared to adults without autism, adults with autism were significantly worse at discriminating gender from eyes.
Über die Querkrafttragfähigkeit des Betongurts von Verbundträgern im Bereich von großen Stegöffnungen
Authors: Ramm Wieland , Kohlmeyer Christian
Published: April 2010

Im folgenden Teil 2 wird ein Nachweiskonzept für den Betongurt im Öffnungsbereich vorgestellt. Es basiert auf den im Teil 1 erläuterten Ergebnissen der umfangreichen rechnerischen und experimentellen Untersuchungen.

Das Nachweiskonzept sieht entsprechend den verschiedenen im Versuch beobachteten Versagensarten drei Querkraftnachweise für den Betongurt vor, wobei die Querkrafttragfähigkeiten in Anlehnung an die bekannten in DIN 1045‐1 angegebenen Formeln nachgewiesen werden. Damit kann auch die festgestellte lokale Wirkung der Kopfbolzendübel als Querkraftbewehrung berücksichtigt werden. Die Ermittlung der einwirkenden Querkräfte des Betongurts erfolgt anhand der Steifigkeiten des oberen und unteren Teilträgers und der Steifigkeit des Betongurts.

On the Shear‐Bearing Capacity of the Concrete Slab of Composite Beams in the Region of Large Web Openings – Part 2: Design Concept

In part 2 of the report, a concept for the design of the concrete slab in the region of web openings is presented. It is based on the results of the extensive experimental und numerical investigations which are described in.

Resulting from the different occurring failure modes of the concrete slab, three critical shear‐bearing capacities have to be considered. These shear‐bearing capacities are calculated according to the formulas of DIN 1045‐1. In this way, the effect of the headed studs acting as local shear reinforcement can be included. The shear forces of the concrete slab are calculated depending on the stiffness of the top and bottom chord, as well as by the stiffness of the concrete slab.
Die Sanaya Towers in Amman
Authors: Sobek Werner , Hinz Holger , Sundermann Wolfgang
Published: April 2010

Im Herzen der jordanischen Hauptstadt Amman entstehen die Sanaya Towers, zwei miteinander gekoppelte Hochhäuser mit einer Höhe von jeweils 223 m. Der vorliegende Aufsatz beschäftigt sich mit dem Tragwerk der Hochhäuser, wobei ein besonderes Augenmerk auf die X‐förmige Kopplung zwischen den beiden Hochhaustürmen gelegt wird.
Spreadsheet for teaching reciprocating engine cycles
Authors: Cruz‐Peragón F. , Palomar J.M. , Torres‐Jimenez Eloisa , Dorado R.
Published: April 2010

In an advanced heat engine course, we propose using a spreadsheet application to assist in the study of a reciprocating engine model, where the fluid composition changes and the parameters depend on the temperature. This application performs the fluid cycle analysis of different engines and also provides experience to students about computational procedures in heat engines. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 20: 681–691, 2012
Highly Enantioselective Resolution of β‐Amino Esters by Candida antarctica Lipase A Immobilized in Mesocellular Foam: Application to Dynamic Kinetic Resolution.
Authors: Shakeri Mozaffar , Engström Karin , Sandström Anders G. , Bäckvall Jan‐E.
Published: April 2010

Candida antarctica lipase A (CALA) immobilized in functionalized mesocellular foam in the presence of sucrose, followed by lyophilization, led to a dramatic increase in the enantioselectivity as well as an improved thermostability of the enzyme. The immobilized lipase was used for kinetic resolution (KR) and dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) of the β‐amino ester, ethyl 3‐amino‐3‐phenylpropanoate. The temperature of optimum activity of CALA shifted from 20–30 °C to 80–90 °C on immobilization in the MCF. An “enantiomeric ratio” E (E=νA/νB; νA and νB are the rate constants for entantiomers A and B) of 69 and a conversion of 43 % in 1 h were obtained at 80 °C, whereas non‐immobilized CALA lost its activity at T≥50 °C. The obtained immobilized CALA showed an E value of greater than 500 at 22 °C. Combination of the immobilized CALA with a ruthenium complex, acting as a racemization catalyst, allowed for a successful DKR of ethyl 3‐amino‐3‐phenylpropanoate resulting in 85 % conversion and 89 % ee.
Gentechnisch veränderte Lebensmittel. Nutzpflanzen nach Maß
Authors: Busch Ulrich , Block Annette , Meißner Esther
Published: April 2010

Gentechnisch veränderte (gv‐)Pflanzen werden weltweit im großen Maßstab angebaut. Wenn gv‐Pflanzen sowie transgene Lebens‐ und Futtermittelmittel in Europa in den Verkehr gebracht werden sollen, müssen diese sicherheitsüberprüft, zugelassen und entsprechend gekennzeichnet werden. Für die Überwachung der gesetzlichen Vorschriften ist die Lebens‐ und Futtermittelüberwachung zuständig, die entsprechende Nachweisverfahren anwendet. Die Echtzeit‐PCR hat sich zum Standard für den Nachweis und die Quantifizierung von GVO etabliert. DNA‐Chips haben das Potenzial, als Screnningverfahren schnell und sicher eine große Anzahl von GVO zu detektieren.
Die Skala des Wilbur Lincoln Scoville. Manche mögen's scharf
Authors: Roth Klaus
Published: April 2010

Überall auf der Welt sind die Arten der Gattung Paprika (Capsicum) beliebte Bestandteile der Nahrung. Die Biochemie von Paprika und Chili bietet uns viele Überraschungen. So beruht die brillante rote Farbe auf den “Paprika‐ketonen”, die nur von Paprika synthetisiert werden. Die von vielen Menschen so geschätzte Schärfe beruht auf Capsaicin und Dihydrocapsaicin, auch diese kann nur Paprika herstellen. In Anbetracht der außerordentlichen Biochemie sollten wir in Zukunft Paprika, Chilis, Jalapeños und Habaneros mit mehr Respekt vor deren chemischen Syntheseleistungen genießen.
Weltkulturerbe Zollverein
Authors: Schwedt Georg
Published: April 2010

Im Jahr der Europäischen Kulturhauptstadt RUHR 2010 wurde das seit 1901 bestehende Ruhrland‐Museum, nun mit dem Namen Ruhr‐Museum Essen, am 10. Januar in der Zeche und Kokerei Zollverein, seit 2001 UNESCO‐Weltkulturerbe, wiedereröffnet. In ihm wird die gesamte Natur‐ und Kulturgeschichte des Ruhrgebietes im Ambiente der ehemaligen Kohlenwäsche der Zeche Zollverein Schacht XII dargestellt.
Haifischsteak oder lieber erstmal Quecksilber messen?
Authors: Harrer Roswitha
Published: April 2010

Marine Mikroorganismen wandeln anorganisches Quecksilber in das 1000mal giftigere Methylquecksilber um. Je weiter oben in der Nahrungskette, desto stärker die Anreicherung und desto höher die Giftigkeit der aufnehmenden Fische. Schnelle, einfache und vor allem auch billige Messverfahren für Methylquecksilber in Speisefisch sind sehr gefragt.
A wire‐crossed‐loop resonator for rapid scan EPR
Authors: Rinard George A. , Quine Richard W. , Biller Joshua R. , Eaton Gareth R.
Published: April 2010

A crossed‐loop (orthogonal mode) resonator (CLR) was constructed of fine wire to achieve design goals for rapid scan in vivo EPR imaging at VHF frequencies (in practice, near 250 MHz). This application requires the resonator to have a very open design to facilitate access to the animal for physiological support during the image acquisition. The rapid scan experiment uses large amplitude magnetic field scans, and sufficiently large resonator and detection bandwidths to record the rapidly‐changing signal response. Rapid‐scan EPR is sensitive to RF/microwave source noise and to baseline changes that are coherent with the field scan. The sensitivity to source noise is a primary incentive for using a CLR to isolate the detected signal from the RF source noise. Isolation from source noise of 44 and 47 dB was achieved in two resonator designs. Prior results showed that eddy currents contribute to background problems in rapid scan EPR, so the CLR design had to minimize conducting metal components. Using fine (AWG 38) wire for the resonators decreased eddy currents and lowered the resonator Q, thus providing larger resonator bandwidth. Mechanical resonances at specific scan frequencies are a major contributor to rapid scan backgrounds. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part B (Magn Reson Engineering) 37B: 86–91, 2010
Polymorphisms in ERCC2, MSH2, and OGG1 DNA repair genes and gallbladder cancer risk in a population of Northern India
Authors: Srivastava Kshitij , Srivastava Anvesha , Mittal Balraj
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND:

Genetic variants of DNA repair enzymes may lead to genetic instability and contribute to gallbladder (GB) carcinogenesis.

METHODS:

A case‐control study (230 GB carcinogenesis patients and 230 controls) was undertaken to evaluate whether genetic variations in 3 DNA repair genes ERCC2 (Asp312Asn [rs1799793] and Lys751Gln [rs13181]), MSH2 (−118T>C [rs2303425] and IVS1 + 9G>C [rs2303426]), and OGG1 (Ser326Cys [rs1052133] and 748‐15C>G [rs2072668]) are associated with GB carcinogenesis risk in a North Indian population.

RESULTS:

The authors found that the ERCC2 Asp312Asn AA, MSH2 IVS1 + 9G>C CC, OGG1 Ser326Cys GG and CG + GG, and OGG1 748‐15C>G GG and CG + GG genotypes were significantly associated with an increased risk of GB carcinogenesis (odds ratio [OR], 2.1, 1.8, 2.5, 1.8, 2.0, and 1.6, respectively). In contrast, ERCC2 Lys751Gln, and MSH2 −118T>C markers showed no significant associations with GB carcinogenesis risk, although because of the small sample size their effects cannot be ruled out. Female GB carcinogenesis patients with the OGG1 748‐15C>G GG, OGG1 Ser326Cys GG, and ERCC2 Asp312Asn genotypes had a greater risk for developing the disease (OR, 3.6, 7.7, and 2.7, respectively). There was a significant interaction between MSH2 IVS1 + 9G>C and OGG1 748‐15C>G polymorphisms (P = .001). Furthermore, individuals with >6 variant alleles of the studied polymorphisms were at 4‐fold increased risk for developing GB carcinogenesis. Classification and Regression Tree analysis revealed potential higher‐order gene‐gene interactions and categorized a few higher‐risk subgroups for GB carcinogenesis.

CONCLUSIONS:

These results suggest that genetic variants in the DNA repair pathways may be involved in GB carcinogenesis etiology. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Towards performance portability through runtime adaptation for high‐performance computing applications
Authors: Gabriel Edgar , Feki Saber , Benkert Katharina , Resch Michael M.
Published: April 2010

The Abstract Data and Communication Library (ADCL) is an adaptive communication library optimizing application level group communication operations at runtime. The library provides for a given communication pattern a large number of implementations and incorporates a runtime selection logic in order to choose the implementation leading to the highest performance. In this paper, we demonstrate how an application utilizing ADCL is deployed on a wide range of HPC architectures, including an IBM Blue Gene/L, an NEC SX‐8, an IBM Power PC cluster using an IBM Federation Switch, an AMD Opteron cluster utilizing a 4xInfiniBand and a Gigabit Ethernet network, and an Intel EM64T cluster using a hierarchical Gigabit Ethernet network with reduced uplink bandwidth. We demonstrate, how different implementations for the three‐dimensional neighborhood communication lead to the minimal execution time of the application on different architectures. ADCL gives the user the advantage of having to maintain only a single version of the source code and still have the ability to achieve close to optimal performance for the application on all architectures. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystal growth and defects in Ga3PO7 crystals
Authors: Xu Guogang , Li Jing , Guo Yongjie , Han Shujuan , Wang Jiyang
Published: April 2010

Crystals with a non‐centrosymmetric structure are of great interest owing to their properties such as ferroelectricity, piezoelectricity, dielectric behavior and optical properties. In this letter, Ga3PO7 crystals are grown by the top‐seeded solution growth (TSSG) method from a Li2O‐3MoO3 flux. It crystallizes in a non‐centrosymmetric trigonal crystal system with space group R3m within point group 3m. The growth defects are investigated by means of chemical etching method. The results reveal hot concentrated phosphoric acid to be a good etchant for Ga3PO7. The main defects are cracks, inclusions, dislocations and twin. In the meantime, the effective measures for reducing the defects are proposed. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Dissecting the role of Fgf signaling during gastrulation and left‐right axis formation in mouse embryos using chemical inhibitors
Authors: Oki Shinya , Kitajima Keiko , Meno Chikara
Published: April 2010

Fgf signaling plays pivotal roles in mouse gastrulation and left‐right axis formation. However, although genetic analyses have revealed important aspects of Fgf signaling in these processes, the temporal resolution of genetic studies is low. Here, we combined whole‐embryo culture with application of chemical compounds to inhibit Fgf signaling at specific time points. We found that sodium chlorate and PD173074 are potent inhibitors of Fgf signaling in early mouse embryos. Fgf signaling is required for the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition of the primitive streak before the onset of gastrulation. Once gastrulation begins, Fgf signaling specifies mesodermal fates via the Ras/MAPK downstream cascade. Finally, Fgf signaling on the posterior side of the embryo during gastrulation induces Nodal expression in the node via Tbx6‐Dll1, the initial event required for Nodal expression in the left lateral plate mesoderm. Developmental Dynamics 239:1768–1778, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel role of CXCR4 and SDF‐1 during migration of cloacal muscle precursors
Authors: Rehimi Rizwan , Khalida Nargis , Yusuf Faisal , Morosan‐Puopolo Gabriela , Brand‐Saberi Beate
Published: April 2010

The cloaca acts as a common chamber into which gastrointestinal and urogenital tracts converge in lower vertebrates. The distal end of the cloaca is guarded by a ring of cloacal muscles or sphincters, the equivalent of perineal muscles in mammals. It has recently been shown that the development of the cloacal musculature depends on hindlimb muscle formation. The signaling molecules responsible for the outward migration of hindlimb myogenic precursors are not known. Based on the expression studies for CXCR4 and SDF‐1, we hypothesized a role of this signaling pair during cloacal muscle precursor migration. The aim of our study was to investigate the role of SDF‐1/CXCR4 during cloacal muscle precursor migration in the chicken embryos. We show that SDF‐1 is expressed in the cloacal region, and by experimentally manipulating the SDF‐1/CXCR4 signaling, we can show that SDF‐1 guides the migration of CXCR4‐expressing cloacal muscle precursors. Developmental Dynamics 239:1622–1631, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Shop talk: Sugars, bones, and a disease called multiple hereditary exostoses
Authors: Roehl Henry H. , Pacifici Maurizio
Published: April 2010

On October 29, 2009, researchers and physicians gathered at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel in Boston for 4 days to discuss a disease called multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE). MHE is an autosomal dominant disease that is associated with mutations in two enzymes that are required for heparan sulfate (HS) synthesis. Children with the disease form numerous benign bone tumors (osteochondromas) and have >2% chance of developing chondrosarcoma. The aim of the meeting was to generate new ideas for the diagnoses, treatment, and cure of this disease. Discussions ranged from orthopedic surgical treatment and patients' personal experiences to fundamental questions in skeletal biology and the precise molecular role that HS plays in developmental signaling pathways. Developmental Dynamics 239:1901–1904, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression analysis of an evolutionary conserved metallophosphodiesterase gene, Mpped1, in the normal and β‐catenin–deficient malformed dorsal telencephalon
Authors: Chen Chun‐Ming , Wang Hsuan‐Yao , You Li‐Ru , Shang Rong‐Li , Liu Fu‐Chin
Published: April 2010

We report the expression of the mouse Mpped1 in the telencephalon through embryonic stages to adulthood. Using Northern blotting analysis and RNA in situ hybridization (ISH), our data show that Mpped1 is specifically expressed in the brain and is enriched in the cortical plate of the developing telencephalon. Postnatally, the expression of Mpped1 is reduced in the cerebral cortex relative to its levels in the embryonic dorsal telencephalon. Also, Mpped1 expression is sustained in the hippocampal CA1 region. Examination of the expression of Mpped1 and other cortical layer markers by ISH in a malformed β‐catenin null dorsal telencephalon show that the Mpped1‐, Cux2‐, and Rorβ‐expressing superficial cortical layers are reduced and form patchy patterns, and the Tbr‐1‐expressing deep‐layer neurons are incorrectly located on superficial layers, indicative of a migration defect of cortical neurons in the absence of β‐catenin. Developmental Dynamics 239:1797–1806, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression patterns of sulfatase genes in the developing mouse embryo
Authors: Ratzka Andreas , Mundlos Stefan , Vortkamp Andrea
Published: April 2010

Mammalian sulfatase enzymes participate in various processes, such as hormone regulation, lysosomal degradation and modulation of several signaling pathways. The sulfatase gene family consists of 14 members in mice and 17 in humans. Mutations of at least eight members are associated with human disorders, with main disease manifestations in the nervous system and skeleton. Despite their biological significance, little is known about their expression during embryonic development, especially for the more recently discovered gene family members. By in situ hybridization, we compared the expression patterns of nine sulfatases: ArsB, ArsG, ArsI, ArsJ, Galns, Gns, Ids, Sulf1, and Sulf2 in midgestation mouse embryos. Of interest, overlapping expression domains of several sulfatases could be detected in the developing central nervous system, eye, skeleton, and inner organs. Moreover, novel expression patterns for ArsG in choroid plexus, ArsI in hypertrophic chondrocytes and ArsJ in joints were identified. Developmental Dynamics 239:1779–1788, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Blood‐stage Plasmodium berghei infection leads to short‐lived parasite‐associated antigen presentation by dendritic cells
Authors: Lundie Rachel J. , Young Louise J. , Davey Gayle M. , Villadangos Jose A. , Carbone Francis R. , Heath William R. , Crabb Brendan S.
Published: April 2010

Despite extensive evidence that Plasmodium species are capable of stimulating the immune system, the association of malaria with a higher incidence of other infectious diseases and reduced responses to vaccination against unrelated pathogens suggests the existence of immune suppression. Recently, we provided evidence that blood‐stage Plasmodium berghei infection leads to suppression of MHC class I‐restricted immunity to third party (non‐malarial) antigens as a consequence of systemic DC activation. This earlier study did not, however, determine whether reactivity was also impaired to MHC class II‐restricted third party antigens or to Plasmodium antigens themselves. Here, we show that while P. berghei‐expressed antigens were presented early in infection, there was a rapid decline in presentation within 4 days, paralleling impairment in MHC class I‐ and II‐restricted presentation of third party antigens. This provides important evidence that P. berghei not only causes immunosuppression to subsequently encountered third party antigens, but also rapidly limits the capacity to generate effective parasite‐specific immunity.
3‐(Arylamino)‐1,2,4‐triazin‐5‐one: A Novel Synthesis and Its Use
Authors: Leenders Ruben , Heeres Jan , Vandenput Dirk , Zijlmans Remco , Guillemont Jérôme , Lewi Paul
Published: April 2010

An optimized procedure is given for the synthesis of novel 3‐(arylamino)‐1,2,4‐triazin‐5‐one building blocks from commercially available material. By employing these building blocks, a practical protocol is described for the functionalization of the 5‐position of the triazine core with anilines orphenols.
In the hypoxic central nervous system, endothelial cell proliferation is followed by astrocyte activation, proliferation, and increased expression of the α6β4 integrin and dystroglycan
Authors: Li Longxuan , Welser Jennifer V. , Dore‐Duffy Paula , del Zoppo Gregory J. , Lamanna Joseph C. , Milner Richard
Published: April 2010

Cerebral hypoxia induces a profound angiogenic response in the central nervous system (CNS). Using a mouse model of chronic cerebral hypoxia, we previously demonstrated that angiogenic vessels in the hypoxic CNS show marked upregulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) protein fibronectin, along with increased expression of its major receptor, α5β1 integrin on brain endothelial cells (BEC). As cerebral hypoxia also leads to glial activation, the aim of the current study was to define the temporal relationship between BEC responses and glial cell activation in this model of cerebral hypoxia. This revealed that BEC fibronectin/α5β1 integrin expression and proliferation both reached maximal level after 4‐day hypoxia. Interestingly, up to 4‐day hypoxia, all dividing cells were BEC, but at later time‐points proliferating astrocytes were also observed. GFAP staining revealed that hypoxia induced marked astrocyte activation that reached maximal level between 7‐ and 14‐day hypoxia. As newly formed cerebral capillaries require ensheathment by astrocyte end‐feet to acquire mature brain endothelium characteristics, we next examined how expression of astrocyte end‐feet adhesion molecules is regulated by hypoxia. This showed that the astrocyte adhesion receptors α6β4 integrin and dystroglycan were both markedly upregulated, with a time‐course that closely resembled astrocyte activation. Taken together, this evidence shows that cerebral hypoxia promotes first an endothelial response, in which fibronectin promotes BEC proliferation. This is then followed by an astrocyte response, involving astrocyte activation, proliferation, and reorganization of astrocyte end‐feet, which correlates with increased expression of astrocyte end‐feet adhesion molecules. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Astrocyte hypoxic response is essential for pathological but not developmental angiogenesis of the retina
Authors: Weidemann Alexander , Krohne Tim U. , Aguilar Edith , Kurihara Toshihide , Takeda Norihiko , Dorrell Michael I. , Simon M. Celeste , Haase Volker H. , Friedlander Martin , Johnson Randall S.
Published: April 2010

Vascular/parenchymal crosstalk is increasingly recognized as important in the development and maintenance of healthy vascularized tissues. The retina is an excellent model in which to study the role of cell type‐specific contributions to the process of blood vessel and neuronal growth. During retinal vascular development, glial cells such as astrocytes provide the template over which endothelial cells migrate to form the retinal vascular network, and hypoxia‐regulated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been demonstrated to play a critical role in this process as well as pathological neovascularization. To investigate the nature of cell‐specific contributions to this process, we deleted VEGF and its upstream regulators, the hypoxia‐inducible transcription factors HIF‐1α and HIF‐2α, and the negative regulator of HIFα, von Hippel–Lindau protein (VHL), in astrocytes. We found that loss of hypoxic response and VEGF production in astrocytes does not impair normal development of retinal vasculature, indicating that astrocyte‐derived VEGF is not essential for this process. In contrast, using a model of oxygen‐induced ischemic retinopathy, we show that astrocyte‐derived VEGF is essential for hypoxia‐induced neovascularization. Thus, we demonstrate that astrocytes in the retina have highly divergent roles during developmental, physiological angiogenesis, and ischemia‐driven, pathological neovascularization. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intermediate filaments attenuate stimulation‐dependent mobility of endosomes/lysosomes in astrocytes
Authors: Potokar Maja , Stenovec Matjaž , Gabrijel Mateja , Li Lizhen , Kreft Marko , Grilc Sonja , Pekny Milos , Zorec Robert
Published: April 2010

Intermediate filament (IF) proteins upregulation is a hallmark of astrocyte activation and reactive gliosis, but its pathophysiological implications remain incompletely understood. A recently reported association between IFs and directional mobility of peptidergic vesicles allows us to hypothesize that IFs affect vesicle dynamics and exocytosis‐mediated astrocyte communication with neighboring cells. Here, we ask whether the trafficking of recycling vesicles (i.e., those fused to and then retrieved from the plasma membrane) and endosomes/lysosomes depends on IFs. Recycling vesicles were labeled by antibodies against vesicle glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), respectively, and by lysotracker, which labels endosomes/lysosomes. Quantitative fluorescence microscopy was used to monitor the mobility of labeled vesicles in astrocytes, derived from either wild‐type (WT) mice or mice deficient in glial fibrillary acidic protein and vimentin (GFAP−/−Vim−/−), the latter lacking astrocyte IFs. Stimulation with ionomycin or ATP enhanced the mobility of VGLUT1‐positive vesicles and reduced the mobility of ANP‐positive vesicles in WT astrocytes. In GFAP−/−Vim−/− astrocytes, both vesicle types responded to stimulation, but the relative increase in mobility of VGLUT1‐positive vesicles was more prominent compared with nonstimulated cells, whereas the stimulation‐dependent attenuation of ANP‐positive vesicles mobility was reduced compared with nonstimulated cells. The mobility of endosomes/lysosomes decreased following stimulation in WT astrocytes. However, in GFAP−/−Vim−/− astrocytes, a small increase in the mobility of endosomes/lysosomes was observed. These findings show that astrocyte IFs differentially affect the stimulation‐dependent mobility of vesicles. We propose that upregulation of IFs in pathologic states may alter the function of astrocytes by deregulating vesicle trafficking. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Health SWAps and external aid—a case study from Tajikistan
Authors: Mirzoev Tolib , Green Andrew , Newell James
Published: April 2010

As it moves from a relief to a development phase, the Republic of Tajikistan (RT) needs to attract more external aid and to ensure adequate alignment of this aid with health systems development priorities.

A potential response to these two needs is a Sector‐Wide Approach (SWAp), a method originating from post‐colonial Africa and Asia that is increasingly being introduced in new contexts. However, little is known about whether SWAps are appropriate in the context of the former Soviet Union (FSU). This paper explores SWAps using Tajikistan as a case study.

A number of lessons are identified for the Tajik health system, for other FSU countries and for health SWAps in general, covering issues of practical relevance to national and international health policy‐makers.

We conclude that context‐specific SWAps may be developed to suit Tajikistan, and other FSU countries. Tajikistan currently does not yet have all the key SWAp elements in place, but this should be seen as a motive for, rather than an impediment to, developing a SWAp. Other FSU countries have a more favourable environment for implementing health SWAps. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Climatic factors controlling chemical and isotopic characteristics of precipitation in Syria
Authors: Abou Zakhem B. , Hafez R.
Published: April 2010

The chemical and isotopic composition of monthly composite rain samples collected at 13 meteoric stations in Syria during two hydrological cycles from 1991 to 1993 have been measured. The chemical analysis of the samples revealed at a number of stations pollution due to industry and sand storms. The temporal and spatial variation of the isotopic composition has been found to be comparable with one of the neighbouring countries such as Jordan and others. The average weighted oxygen‐18 and deuterium values are − 7·5 and − 39·11‰, respectively, and the deuterium excess is 21‰ . The individual isotope values can be divided into two groups. One group is represented by winter precipitation and fits closely the Mediterranean Meteorological Water Line (MMWL). Thus, for winter precipitation, condensation of Mediterranean water vapour appears to be the dominating isotope fractionation process. The other group represents spring precipitation and is spread along an evaporation line below the MMWL, thus indicating the influence of sub‐cloud evaporation. The d‐excess has been found to be lower in the north of Syria (19·9‰ at Tartous, 18·1‰ at Jarablous) than in the south of the country (23·4‰ at Sweida, 24·1‰ at Izra) where Mediterranean air mass dominates. The d‐excess of precipitation in neighbouring countries is also close to the average value of the eastern Mediterranean basin of 22‰ , e.g. for Jordan the value is 23‰ , which signifies that Mediterranean water vapour is, for all these countries, the dominant source of precipitation. The tritium content of precipitation was found to increase with distance from the coast (5·3 TU at coastal station Tartous, 8·8 TU at continental station Palmyra). Low tritium content and high d‐excess at coastal stations clearly indicate a Mediterranean air moisture source. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of aeolian deposition on the surface roughness of melting snow, Byers Peninsula, Antarctica
Authors: Fassnacht S. R. , Toro Velasco M. , Meiman P. J. , Whitt Z. C.
Published: April 2010

The surface of the snowpack is the bottom boundary layer for air movement, and its roughness influences aerodynamics. The presence of aeolian deposits on a snowpack decreases its albedo and is shown to decrease the roughness of the surface. During snowmelt in the Lake Limnopolar basin on Byers Peninsula of Livingston Island of the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica, wind moved coarse soil grains (1–4 mm particles) from a bare, dry and snow‐free area to an adjacent snowpack. This addition of large soil particles rapidly changed the snowpack surface characteristics. Within several days, the sun‐cups, initially present on the melting snow surface, had been smoothed out in areas where soil was deposited on the snow surface. The differences in the snowpack surface were assessed using digital imagery of a roughness board inserted into the snow, both parallel and perpendicular to the dominant wind direction. The random roughness was twice as variable for the clean snow compared to the snow with soil; it was 27% more and 26% less perpendicular versus parallel to the wind for the clean snow and snow with soil, respectively. Variogram analysis showed that the clean snow had up to four different scales of roughness over the 55 × 55 cm area of analysis, with fractal dimensions varying from 1·33 to 1·83. The snow with soil did not vary substantially from 0·1 to 55 cm with fractal dimensions of 1·65 in parallel and perpendicular to the wind. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal depression and dyadic interaction: the role of maternal attachment style
Authors: Flykt Marjo , Kanninen Katri , Sinkkonen Jari , Punamäki Raija‐Leena
Published: April 2010

Maternal mental health and the contents of her representational world are important determinants of early parent–child relationship. We examined, first, the role of prenatal and postnatal depressive symptoms and maternal attachment style in predicting the quality of mother–child interaction. Second, we analysed whether the secure‐autonomous attachment style can protect the dyadic interaction from the negative effects of maternal depression. The participants were 59 mother–infant pairs examined during pregnancy (T1), 4–5 months postpartum (T2) and when the children were approximately 14 months old (T3). Maternal attachment style was assessed with a modified Adult Attachment Interview ‐procedure, depressive symptoms with Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and observed mother–child interaction with Care Index. The results show that autonomous mothers were more sensitive and responsive and their children more co‐operative than dyads with dismissing maternal attachment style. As hypothesized, mothers with the combination of both prenatal and postpartum depressive symptoms were highly unresponsive in their dyadic interaction. Further, prenatal depressive symptoms had a stronger impact on maternal unresponsiveness than postnatal symptoms. As hypothesized, mother's autonomous attachment style protected the mother–child interaction from the negative impact of maternal postnatal depressive symptoms, whereas dyads with preoccupied mothers were especially at risk for interaction problems when mothers had postpartum depressive symptoms. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peracetic acid‐enhanced photocatalytic and sonophotocatalytic inactivation of E. coli in aqueous suspensions
Authors: Drosou Catherine , Coz Alberto , Xekoukoulotakis Nikolaos P. , Moya Armando , Vergara Yolanda , Mantzavinos Dionissios
Published: April 2010

BACKGROUND: Although chlorination is an effective and widely employed method of water disinfection, it suffers serious drawbacks such as the formation of toxic chlorinated by‐products. Therefore, other disinfection technologies have been researched and developed, including advanced oxidation.

RESULTS: The efficacy of heterogeneous photocatalysis and sonophotocatalysis induced by UV‐A irradiation and low frequency (24–80 kHz) ultrasound irradiation in the presence of TiO2 as the photocatalyst and peracetic acid (PAA) as an additional disinfectant to inactivate E. coli in sterile water was evaluated. PAA‐assisted UV‐A/TiO2 photocatalysis generally leads to nearly complete E. coli inactivation in 10–20 min of contact time with the extent of inactivation depending on the photocatalyst type and loading (in the range 100–500 mg L−1) and PAA concentration (in the range 0.5–2 mg L−1). The simultaneous application of ultrasound and UV‐A irradiation in the presence of TiO2 and PAA prompted further E. coli inactivation.

CONCLUSIONS: The proposed advanced disinfection technology offers complete E. coli inactivation at short treatment times and low PAA doses. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
ON THE ROLE OF TECHNICAL COOPERATION IN INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY TRANSFERS
Authors: Sawada Yasuyuki , Matsuda Ayako , Kimura Hidemi
Published: April 2010

We investigate whether and how technical cooperation aid (TC) facilitates technological diffusion from developed to developing countries, comparing it with foreign direct investment (FDI) and external openness. Two robust findings emerge. First, TC, FDI and openness all contribute to international technology transfers and openness seems to contribute the most, which is followed by TC. Second, around 6–17 countries out of 85 in our sample fail to catch up to the technological leader over the 36 years. These results suggest that as a policy instrument, TC can play an important role in facilitating technological catch up of developing countries. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.