bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fatty Acid Synthase Inhibitors Modulate Energy Balance via Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 Signaling in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Proulx Karine , Cota Daniela , Woods Stephen C. , Seeley Randy J.
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVE—Evidence links the hypothalamic fatty acid synthase (FAS) pathway to the regulation of food intake and body weight. This includes pharmacological inhibitors that potently reduce feeding and body weight. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an intracellular fuel sensor whose activity in the hypothalamus is also linked to the regulation of energy balance. The purpose of these experiments was to determine whether hypothalamic mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling is involved in mediating the effects of FAS inhibitors.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We measured the hypothalamic phosphorylation of two downstream targets of mTORC1, S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) and S6 ribosomal protein (S6), after administration of the FAS inhibitors C75 and cerulenin in rats. We evaluated food intake in response to FAS inhibitors in rats pretreated with the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin and in mice lacking functional S6K1 (S6K1−/−). Food intake and phosphorylation of S6K1 and S6 were also determined after C75 injection in rats maintained on a ketogenic diet.

RESULTS—C75 and cerulenin increased phosphorylation of S6K1 and S6, and their anorexic action was reduced in rapamycin-treated rats and in S6K1−/− mice. Consistent with our previous findings, C75 was ineffective at reducing caloric intake in ketotic rats. Under ketosis, C75 was also less efficient at stimulating mTORC1 signaling.

CONCLUSIONS—These findings collectively indicate an important interaction between the FAS and mTORC1 pathways in the central nervous system for regulating energy balance, possibly via modulation of neuronal glucose utilization.
Role of theENPP1K121Q Polymorphism in Glucose Homeostasis
Authors: Baratta Roberto , Rossetti Paola , Prudente Sabrina , Barbetti Fabrizio , Sudano Dora , Nigro Angela , Farina Maria Grazia , Pellegrini Fabio , Trischitta Vincenzo , Frittitta Lucia
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVE— To study the role of the ENPP1 Q121 variant on glucose homeostasis in whites from Italy.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— We conducted case-control studies in 764 adults (from two independent samples of 289 nonobese and 485 obese individuals) and 240 overweight/obese children undergoing oral glucose tolerance testing (OGTT). Early-phase insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity (the insulinogenic index and the insulin sensitivity index) and their interplay (the disposition index) were calculated.

RESULTS— In adult subjects, glucose profiles during OGTT were significantly (P = 2 × 10−2) different across K121Q genotype groups and higher in QQ than KK individuals (P = 5 × 10−2). The insulinogenic index was significantly reduced in QQ (18.5 ± 3.4) compared with both KK (31.6 ± 1.0; P = 2.2 × 10−7) and KQ (30.5 ± 1.5; P = 3.2 × 10−6) individuals. KQ individuals also showed a reduced insulin sensitivity index compared with KK subjects (P = 3.6 × 10−2). The disposition index was lower in QQ carriers than in KQ and KK individuals (P = 8 × 10−3 and 4 × 10−4, respectively) and lower in KQ than in KK individuals (P = 3 × 10−2). Data obtained in overweight/obese children were very similar to those observed in adults, with QQ individuals showing (compared with KQ and KK subjects) a reduced insulinogenic index (P = 7 × 10−3 and 2 × 10−2, respectively) and disposition index (P = 2 × 10−2 and 7 × 10−3, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS— Homozygous carriers of the ENPP1 Q121 variant are characterized by an altered glucose homeostasis. Reduced early-phase insulin secretion and inefficient interplay between insulin secretion and sensitivity, which occur at early ages, are major determinants of this defect.
Ghrelin Infusion in Humans Induces Acute Insulin Resistance and Lipolysis Independent of Growth Hormone Signaling
Authors: Vestergaard Esben Thyssen , Gormsen Lars Christian , Jessen Niels , Lund Sten , Hansen Troels Krarup , Moller Niels , Jorgensen Jens Otto Lunde
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVE—Ghrelin is a gut-derived peptide and an endogenous ligand for the growth hormone (GH) secretagogue receptor. Exogenous ghrelin stimulates the release of GH (potently) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (moderately). Ghrelin is also orexigenic, but its impact on substrate metabolism is controversial. We aimed to study direct effects of ghrelin on substrate metabolism and insulin sensitivity in human subjects.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Six healthy men underwent ghrelin (5 pmol · kg−1 · min−1) and saline infusions in a double-blind, cross-over study to study GH signaling proteins in muscle. To circumvent effects of endogenous GH and ACTH, we performed a similar study in eight hypopituitary adults but replaced with GH and hydrocortisone. The methods included a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, muscle biopsies, microdialysis, and indirect calorimetry.

RESULTS—In healthy subjects, ghrelin-induced GH secretion translated into acute GH receptor signaling in muscle. In the absence of GH and cortisol secretion, ghrelin acutely decreased peripheral, but not hepatic, insulin sensitivity together with stimulation of lipolysis. These effects occurred without detectable suppression of AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation (an alleged second messenger for ghrelin) in skeletal muscle.

CONCLUSIONS—Ghrelin infusion acutely induces lipolysis and insulin resistance independently of GH and cortisol. We hypothesize that the metabolic effects of ghrelin provide a means to partition glucose to glucose-dependent tissues during conditions of energy shortage.
Lymphocytes From Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Display a Distinct Profile of Chromatin Histone H3 Lysine 9 Dimethylation
Authors: Miao Feng , Smith David D. , Zhang Lingxiao , Min Andrew , Feng Wei , Natarajan Rama
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVE—The complexity of interactions between genes and the environment is a major challenge for type 1 diabetes studies. Nuclear chromatin is the interface between genetics and environment and the principal carrier of epigenetic information. Because histone tail modifications in chromatin are linked to gene transcription, we hypothesized that histone methylation patterns in cells from type 1 diabetic patients can provide novel epigenetic insights into type 1 diabetes and its complications.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We used chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) linked to microarray (ChIP-chip) approach to compare genome-wide histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation (H3K9me2) patterns in blood lymphocytes and monocytes from type 1 diabetic patients versus healthy control subjects. Bioinformatics evaluation of methylated candidates was performed by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) tools.

RESULTS—A subset of genes in the type 1 diabetic cohort showed significant increase in H3K9me2 in lymphocytes but not in monocytes. CLTA4, a type 1 diabetes susceptibility gene, was one of the candidates displaying increased promoter H3K9me2 in type 1 diabetes. IPA identified two high-scoring networks that encompassed genes showing altered H3K9me2. Many of them were associated with autoimmune and inflammation-related pathways, such as transforming growth factor-β, nuclear factor-κB, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, toll-like receptor, and interleukin-6. IPA also revealed biological relationships between these networks and known type 1 diabetes candidate genes.

CONCLUSIONS—The concerted and synergistic alteration of histone methylation within the identified network in lymphocytes might have an effect on the etiology of type 1 diabetes and its complications. These studies provide evidence of a novel association between type 1 diabetes and altered histone methylation of key genes that are components of type 1 diabetes–related biological pathways and also a new understanding of the pathology of type 1 diabetes.
Common Variants in the Adiponectin Gene (ADIPOQ) Associated With Plasma Adiponectin Levels, Type 2 Diabetes, and Diabetes-Related Quantitative Traits
Authors: Hivert Marie-France , Manning Alisa K. , McAteer Jarred B. , Florez Jose C. , Dupuis Josée , Fox Caroline S. , O'Donnell Christopher J. , Cupples L. Adrienne , Meigs James B.
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVE— Variants in ADIPOQ have been inconsistently associated with adiponectin levels or diabetes. Using comprehensive linkage disequilibrium mapping, we genotyped single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ADIPOQ to evaluate the association of common variants with adiponectin levels and risk of diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— Participants in the Framingham Offspring Study (n = 2,543, 53% women) were measured for glycemic phenotypes and incident diabetes over 28 years of follow-up; adiponectin levels were quantified at exam 7. We genotyped 22 tag SNPs that captured common (minor allele frequency >0.05) variation at r2 > 0.8 across ADIPOQ plus 20 kb 5′ and 10 kb 3′ of the gene. We used linear mixed effects models to test additive associations of each SNP with adiponectin levels and glycemic phenotypes. Hazard ratios (HRs) for incident diabetes were estimated using an adjusted Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS— Two promoter SNPs in strong linkage disequilibrium with each other (r2 = 0.80) were associated with adiponectin levels (rs17300539; Pnominal [Pn] = 2.6 × 10−8; Pempiric [Pe] = 0.0005 and rs822387; Pn = 3.8 × 10−5; Pe = 0.001). A 3′-untranslated region (3′UTR) SNP (rs6773957) was associated with adiponectin levels (Pn = 4.4 × 10−4; Pe = 0.005). A nonsynonymous coding SNP (rs17366743, Y111H) was confirmed to be associated with diabetes incidence (HR 1.94 [95% CI 1.16–3.25] for the minor C allele; Pn = 0.01) and with higher mean fasting glucose over 28 years of follow-up (Pn = 0.0004; Pe = 0.004). No other significant associations were found with other adiposity and metabolic phenotypes.

CONCLUSIONS— Adiponectin levels are associated with SNPs in two different regulatory regions (5′ promoter and 3′UTR), whereas diabetes incidence and time-averaged fasting glucose are associated with a missense SNP of ADIPOQ.
Idd9/11Genetic Locus Regulates Diabetogenic Activity of CD4 T-Cells in Nonobese Diabetic (NOD) Mice
Authors: Chen Yi-Guang , Scheuplein Felix , Osborne Melissa A. , Tsaih Shirng-Wern , Chapman Harold D. , Serreze David V.
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVE—Although the H2g7 major histocompatibility complex (MHC) provides the primary pathogenic component, the development of T-cell–mediated autoimmune type 1 diabetes in NOD mice also requires contributions from other susceptibility (Idd) genes. Despite sharing the H2g7 MHC, the closely NOD-related NOR strain remains type 1 diabetes resistant because of contributions of protective Idd5.2, Idd9/11, and Idd13 region alleles. To aid their eventual identification, we evaluated cell types in which non-MHC Idd resistance genes in NOR mice exert disease-protective effects.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Adoptive transfer and bone marrow chimerism approaches tested the diabetogenic activity of CD4 and CD8 T-cells from NOR mice and NOD stocks congenic for NOR-derived Idd resistance loci. Tetramer staining and mimotope stimulation tested the frequency and proliferative capacity of CD4 BDC2.5-like cells. Regulatory T-cells (Tregs) were identified by Foxp3 staining and functionally assessed by in vitro suppression assays.

RESULTS—NOR CD4 T-cells were less diabetogenic than those from NOD mice. The failure of NOR CD4 T-cells to induce type 1 diabetes was not due to decreased proliferative capacity of BDC2.5 clonotypic-like cells. The frequency and function of Tregs in NOD and NOR mice were also equivalent. However, bone marrow chimerism experiments demonstrated that intrinsic factors inhibited the pathogenic activity of NOR CD4 T-cells. The NOR Idd9/11 resistance region on chromosome 4 was found to diminish the diabetogenic activity of CD4 but not CD8 T-cells.

CONCLUSIONS—In conclusion, we demonstrated that a gene(s) within the Idd9/11 region regulates the diabetogenic activity of CD4 T-cells.
Amplified Hormonal Counterregulatory Responses to Hypoglycemia in Rats After Systemic Delivery of a SUR-1–Selective K+ Channel Opener?
Authors: Fan Xiaoning , Ding Yuyan , Cheng Haiying , Gram Dorte X. , Sherwin Robert S. , McCrimmon Rory J.
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVE— In glucose-sensing neurons, ATP-sensitive K+ channels (KATP channels) are thought to translate metabolic signals into an alteration in neuronal firing rates. Because these neurons express the Kir6.2/SUR-1 isoform of the KATP channel, we sought to examine the therapeutic potential of the SUR-1–selective potassium channel opener (KCO), NN414, to amplify counterregulatory response to hypoglycemia.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— In vivo dose-response studies with NN414 delivered intravenously to normal Sprague-Dawley rats before the induction of controlled hypoglycemia were performed. Based on these studies, the potential for NN414 to restore counterregulatory responses in chronically cannulated nondiabetic and diabetic BB rats was explored using the in vivo hyperinsulinemic-hypoglycemic clamp technique.

RESULTS— NN414 delivered systemically amplified epinephrine responses during acute hypoglycemia and showed a persisting effect to amplify the epinephrine response when given 24 h before the hypoglycemic study. Local delivery of a potassium-channel blocker to the ventromedial hypothalamus reversed the effects of systemic NN414. In addition, NN414 amplified the epinephrine response to hypoglycemia in both nondiabetic and diabetic BB rats with defective hormonal counterregulation.

CONCLUSIONS— These studies demonstrate in a variety of rodent models that systemic delivery of Kir6.2/SUR-1–selective KCOs enhance the glucose counterregulatory response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Future studies in human subjects are now required to determine their potential as a therapy for hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure in type 1 diabetes.
Farber's Disease Type IV Presenting with Cholestasis and Neonatal Liver Failure: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Willis Asha , Vanhuse Cherie , Newton Kimberly P. , Wasserstein Melissa , Morotti Raffaella A.
Published: September 2008

We report 2 siblings diagnosed with Farber's disease type IV. Type IV is a subtype of Farber's disease that presents in the neonatal period and usually initially lacks the triad of symptoms, including painful and deformed joints, subcutaneous nodules, and hoarse cry, classically seen in the other subtypes. While it is well known that all neonates with type IV present with hepatomegaly, a previously unrecognized presentation is that of cholestatic jaundice and rapidly evolving liver failure. We describe 2 siblings who presented with jaundice in the neonatal period and discuss the clinical data and variation in pathologic findings that should be considered for the diagnosis.
Two Cases of Agnathia (Otocephaly): With Review of the Role of Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF8) and Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP4) in Patterning of the First Branchial Arch
Authors: Schmotzer Christine L. , Shehata Bahig M.
Published: September 2008

Agnathia (otocephaly) is a sporadic malformation characterized by agenesis of the mandible with characteristic dysmorphologic sequelae. We compare the prenatal presentations and dysmorphologic abnormalities of 2 female fetuses with agnathia. Fetus 1 was delivered at 33 weeks' gestational age and showed agnathia with characteristic sequelae of microstomia; microglossia; persistent buccopharyngeal membrane; and ventrally placed, malformed external ears. Fetus 2 was delivered at 32 weeks' gestational age and exhibited agnathia, astomia, and microglossia; in contrast to fetus 1, however, the external ears were laterally placed, low set, and malformed. For both fetuses, tridimensional computed tomographic scan showed the unique complete absence of the mandible. Additional malformations were documented and differed between the fetuses. We discuss the current molecular mechanisms implicated in 1st branchial arch patterning, particularly the impact of bone morphogenetic protein and fibroblast growth factor 8, and how these findings have the potential to explain the spectrum of abnormalities present in these 2 fetuses with agnathia without associated holoprosencephaly.
ALK Expression in Rhabdomyosarcomas: Correlation with Histologic Subtype and Fusion Status
Authors: Corao Diana A. , Biegel Jaclyn A. , Coffin Cheryl M. , Barr Frederic G. , Wainwright Luanne M. , Ernst Linda M. , Choi John K. , Zhang Paul J. , Pawel Bruce R.
Published: September 2008

Immunohistochemical staining for anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) has been described in rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS), especially the alveolar subtype. Previous studies have yielded conflicting results regarding the pattern of staining (nuclear versus cytoplasmic), and there has been no correlation with PAX3–7/FKHR fusion status. This study was undertaken to evaluate ALK receptor protein expression in a large series of RMS; to correlate these results with fusion status; and to investigate the possibility of 2p23 amplification or translocation using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Sixty-nine cases of RMS were examined and classified as alveolar RMS (ARMS), embryonal RMS (ERMS), or unclassifiable RMS (URMS) subtypes. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase immunohistochemistry was performed using anti-human CD246 antibody; cases were considered positive when more than 50% of cells had moderate or intense cytoplasmic and/or nuclear staining. There were 30 ARMS, 37 ERMS, and 2 URMS subtypes. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction for PAX3/PAX7-FKHR fusion analysis had been done in all cases of ARMS, in 27 of 37 cases of ERMS, and in both URMS cases. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase staining was positive in 16 of 30 ARMS (53%) and 9 of 39 nonalveolar RMS (23%) cases ( P < 0.05). Of the 21 ARMS cases with PAX3-FKHR fusion, 10 of 21 (48%) were positive for ALK staining; of the 6 ARMS cases with PAX7-FKHR fusion, 3 of 6 (50%) were positive for ALK staining; and 3 of 3 (100%) of the fusion-negative ARMS were positive with ALK staining. When comparing each of the ARMS subtypes, statistical significance was not reached. All positive cases showed dot-like cytoplasmic staining; nuclear staining was not seen. Of a subset of 6 ALK-positive ARMS submitted for break-apart FISH for the ALK locus, there was no evidence of a translocation; 1 case had ALK amplification and 2 had low-level gains of the ALK gene. We conclude that there is ALK overexpression in RMS, more commonly in ARMS than in ERMS, most likely independent of fusion status. Amplification or upregulation of ALK may underlie ALK protein overexpression.
Architectural Malformation of the Muscularis Propria as a Cause for Intestinal Pseudo-Obstruction: Two Cases and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Kapur Raj P. , Correa Hernan
Published: September 2008

Two patients are presented with intestinal pseudo-obstruction and malformations of their intestinal muscularis propria. Histopathological findings in each case indicate a distinct alteration of intestinal muscle architecture. The 1st patient, a teenager with lifelong constipation, had an additional circular muscle tunic in 2 dilated segments of his large intestine. The 2nd patient, an infant with multiple malformations, had diffuse abnormal layering of his small intestine. The rare reports of other individuals with similar pathological findings are discussed.
A note on strong pseudoconvexity
Authors: Ivanov Vsevolod
Published: September 2008

A strongly pseudoconvex function is generalized to non-smooth settings. A complete characterization of the strongly pseudoconvex radially lower semicontinuous functions is obtained.
Strong surjectivity of mappings of some 3-complexes into $$
M_{Q_8 }
$$
Authors: Aniz Claudemir
Published: September 2008

Let K be a CW-complex of dimension 3 such that H
3(K;ℤ) = 0 and $$
M_{Q_8 }
$$ the orbit space of the 3-sphere $$
\mathbb{S}^3
$$ with respect to the action of the quaternion group Q
8 determined by the inclusion Q
8 ⊆ $$
\mathbb{S}^3
$$. Given a point a ∈ $$
M_{Q_8 }
$$, we show that there is no map f:K → $$
M_{Q_8 }
$$ which is strongly surjective, i.e., such that MR[f,a]=min{#(g
−1(a))|g ∈ [f]} ≠ 0.
Four dimensional matrix characterization of double oscillation via RH-conservative and RH-multiplicative matrices
Authors: Patterson Richard , Lemma Mulatu
Published: September 2008

In 1939 Agnew presented a series of conditions that characterized the oscillation of ordinary sequences using ordinary square conservative matrices and square multiplicative matrices. The goal of this paper is to present multidimensional analogues of Agnew’s results. To accomplish this goal we begin by presenting a notion for double oscillating sequences. Using this notion along with square RH-conservative matrices and square RH-multiplicative matrices, we will present a series of characterization of this sequence space, i.e. we will present several necessary and sufficient conditions that assure us that a square RH-multiplicative(square RH-conservative) be such that $$
P - \mathop {limsup}\limits_{(m,n) \to \infty ;(\alpha ,\beta ) \to \infty } \left| {\sigma _{m,n} - \sigma _{\alpha ,\beta } } \right| \leqslant P - \mathop {limsup}\limits_{(m,n) \to \infty ;(\alpha ,\beta ) \to \infty } \left| {s_{m,n} - s_{\alpha ,\beta } } \right|
$$ for each double real bounded sequences {s
k;l} where $$
\sigma _{m,n} = \sum\limits_{k,l = 1,1}^{\infty ,\infty } {a_{m,n,k,l,} s_{k,l} } .
$$ In addition, other implications and variations are also presented.
On kernels by monochromatic paths in the corona of digraphs
Authors: Włoch Iwona
Published: September 2008

In this paper we derive necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of kernels by monochromatic paths in the corona of digraphs. Using these results, we are able to prove the main result of this paper which provides necessary and sufficient conditions for the corona of digraphs to be monochromatic kernel-perfect. Moreover we calculate the total numbers of kernels by monochromatic paths, independent by monochromatic paths sets and dominating by monochromatic paths sets in this digraphs product.
On local properties of functions and singular integrals in terms of the mean oscillation
Authors: Rzaev Rahim , Aliyeva Lala
Published: September 2008

This paper is devoted to research on local properties of functions and multidimensional singular integrals in terms of their mean oscillation. The conditions guaranteeing existence of a derivative in the L
p-sense at a given point are found. Spaces which remain invariant under singular integral operators are considered.
Disjoint triangles and quadrilaterals in a graph
Authors: Wang Hong
Published: September 2008

Let n, s and t be three integers with s ≥ 1, t ≥ 0 and n = 3s + 4t. Let G be a graph of order n such that the minimum degree of G is at least (n + s)/2. Then G contains a 2-factor with s + t components such that s of them are triangles and t of them are quadrilaterals.
Generalized variational-like inequalities for pseudo-monotone type III operators
Authors: Chowdhury Mohammad , Tan Kok-Keong
Published: September 2008

Our aim in this paper is mainly to prove some existence results for solutions of generalized variational-like inequalities with (η,h)-pseudo-monotone type III operators defined on non-compact sets in topological vector spaces.
Near infrared spectroscopy to study the brain: an overview
Authors: Wolf M. , Morren G. , Haensse D. , Karen T. , Wolf U. , Fauchère J. , Bucher H.
Published: September 2008

This paper gives an overview of principles, technologies, and applications using near infrared spectrometry and imaging (NIRS and NIRI) to study brain function. The physical background is reviewed and technologies and their properties are discussed. Advantages and limitations of NIRI are described. The basic functional signals obtained by NIRI, the neuronal and the hemodynamic signal are described and in particular publications about the former are reviewed. Applications in adults and neonates are reviewed, too.
Determination of MMP‐2 and ‐9 activities in synovial fluid of horses with osteoarthritic and arthritic joint diseases using gelatin zymography and immunocapture activity assays
Authors: FIETZ S. , EINSPANIER R. , HOPPNER S. , HERTSCH B. , BONDZIO A.
Published: September 2008

Reasons for performing study: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)‐2 and ‐9 activities have been found elevated in synovial fluid from various diseased human joints. However, in the horse few data are available.

Objectives: To explore the clinical significance of MMPs‐2 and ‐9 activities in synovial fluid of horses with different forms of joint diseases.

Methods: Gelatin zymography and MMP‐2 and ‐9 immunocapture activity assays were applied on synovial fluids from control joints and joints with aseptic joint disease (AJD) and septic arthritis (SA). Additionally, MMP‐2 and ‐9 activities were measured in samples from SA to monitor the disease process.

Results: Zymographic analysis revealed that samples from AJD and SA contained significantly increased latent MMP‐2 activity compared to controls. Samples from SA showed significantly increased monomeric latent MMP‐9 activity compared with all other affected joints and controls. Trace amounts of MMP‐9 activity, due to the active and dimer form, were detected in samples from SA; however, these bands were absent in samples from AJD and controls. Using immunocapture activity assays, MMP‐2 and ‐9 activities were found to be significantly elevated in joints from SA compared to controls and AJD samples. MMP‐2 activity in samples from AJD was significantly increased compared to controls. Both MMP activities decreased in the joints from SA in the course of successful therapy.

Conclusions: Data from zymographic analysis confirmed that MMP‐2 and ‐9 were elevated in equine joint diseases. Immunocapture activity assays have been shown to be suitable for the quantitative determination of MMP‐2 and ‐9 activities in synovial fluid of horses. Both MMP‐2 and ‐9 activities seem to be useful to indicate SA, and MMP‐2 activity might be a suitable marker for AJD.

Potential relevance: These findings encourage the potential use of MMPs‐2 and ‐9 as additional aids to clinical investigation. Further work is required to validate the clinical significance of MMP activities in the progress of different joint diseases in horses.
Retrospective study assessing efficacy of treatment of large colonic impactions
Authors: HALLOWELL G. D.
Published: September 2008

Cases with a history of colic due to a large colonic impaction were recruited retrospectively to assess the treatment efficacy and complications of oral and parenteral fluid therapy regimes for correction of primary large colon impactions. Oral isotonic fluids had been administered at varying intervals following initial treatment with magnesium sulphate and water. There was no significant difference in complication rates between groups. Considering complication rates with impaction clearance, hourly administration of oral fluids appears to be the most appropriate treatment regime of those investigated.
Complications and survival associated with surgical compared with medical management of horses with duodenitis‐proximal jejunitis
Authors: UNDERWOOD C. , SOUTHWOOD L. L. , McKEOWN K. P. , KNIGHT D.
Published: September 2008

Reasons for performing study: Based on clinical observation, it is hypothesised that horses with duodenitis‐proximal jejunitis (DPJ) that are treated surgically have a shorter duration, smaller volume, and slower rate of nasogastric reflux (NGR) compared to horses treated medically, are more likely to develop diarrhoea than medically managed cases, and have a higher incisional infection rate than a sample population of horses undergoing abdominal exploration for gastrointestinal disease other than DPJ.

Objectives: To compare: 1) duration, volume and rate of NGR and the percentage of horses with diarrhoea between medically and surgically treated DPJ cases; and 2) incisional infection rate in horses with DPJ undergoing abdominal exploration to a sample population of horses undergoing abdominal exploration for gastrointestinal disease other than DPJ.

Methods: Medical records of cases with DPJ diagnosed 1995–2006 were reviewed. Information obtained included subject details, presenting clinical findings, treatment category (medical/surgical), complications (diarrhoea, incisional infection), and outcome (survival/nonsurvival). Data were analysed using a Chi‐squared test and a mixed model analysis of variance. Level of significance was P<0.05.

Results: Compared to medical cases, surgical cases had significantly decreased survival, a longer duration and larger total volume of NGR, and were more likely to develop diarrhoea. The incisional infection rate for horses with DPJ undergoing abdominal exploration was 16% compared to 7% for the sample population of horses.

Conclusions: Surgical treatment of horses with DPJ did not lead to resolution of NGR faster than medical treatment. Surgical cases were more likely to develop diarrhoea and did not have a significantly higher incisional infection rate than the sample population.

Potential relevance: Surgical intervention did not appear to lessen the volume or duration of NGR. It is mainly indicated as a diagnostic aid in cases of DPJ that are difficult to differentiate from small intestinal mechanical obstruction.
The collateral ligaments of the distal interphalangeal joint: Magnetic resonance imaging and post mortem observations in 25 lame and 12 control horses
Authors: DYSON S. , BLUNDEN T. , MURRAY R.
Published: September 2008

Reasons for performing study: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used with increasing frequency to diagnose injuries of the collateral ligaments (CLs) of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint, but the results have not been verified by histology and the mechanism of injury is poorly understood.

Hypothesis: Abnormal signal intensity and tissue contour represents change in tissue structure detected on histology.

Objectives: To compare results in horses free from and those with chronic lameness and to describe possible progression of lesions.

Methods: One or both feet of horses free from lameness (Group N: n = 12) and with foot‐related lameness (Group L: n = 25) were examined using MRI and by gross post mortem examination. The magnetic resonance (MR) images were graded. Sagittal sections from the proximal and distal aspect of each CL were examined histologically and each ligament assigned a score. Scintigraphic images from lame horses were also evaluated.

Results: In Group N, 25 CLs were graded normal on both MR images and histology, 2 CLs were grade 1 on MR images, but were histologically normal, and 2 CLs had MR abnormalities verified histologically. However, 2 CLs appeared normal on MR images but were histologically abnormal. In Group L, 18 CLs were deemed normal on both MR images and histology, and 54 CLs had MR abnormalities verified histologically. However, 13 CLs appeared normal on MR images but were graded abnormal histologically. Lesions appeared to be degenerative, characterised by extensive fibrocartilaginous metaplasia and development of multiple, intercommunicating fissures within the degenerate collagen in severe lesions. There was an association between increased radiopharmaceutical uptake and a higher histological score.

Conclusions: High‐field MRI is reasonably reliable for detection of lesions of the CLs of the DIP joint, but may underestimate their prevalence.

Clinical relevance: Collateral ligament injury appears to be a primary degenerative process, which may explain the poor response to conservative treatment and a need for promotion of regeneration.
Renal carcinoma as a cause of sudden death in an aged horse
Authors: Knowles E. J. , Withers J. M. , Day M. J. , Mair T. S.
Published: September 2008

This report describes rupture of a primary renal carcinoma as a cause of sudden death of an aged horse that presented with mild clinical signs of colic. The case is considered in the context of the few reported cases in the veterinary literature. The most striking feature of this case was the absence of prodromal signs prior to a catastrophic rupture of the tumour during a diagnostic work‐up.
The Problem With “Proficiency”: Limitations of Statistics and Policy Under No Child Left Behind
Authors: Ho Andrew Dean
Published: September 2008

The Percentage of Proficient Students (PPS) has become a ubiquitous statistic under the No Child Left Behind Act. This focus on proficiency has statistical and substantive costs. The author demonstrates that the PPS metric offers only limited and unrepresentative depictions of large-scale test score trends, gaps, and gap trends. The limitations are unpredictable, dramatic, and difficult to correct in the absence of other data. Interpretation of these depictions generally leads to incorrect or incomplete inferences about distributional change. The author shows how the statistical shortcomings of these depictions extend to shortcomings of policy, from exclusively encouraging score gains near the proficiency cut score to shortsighted comparisons of state and national testing results. The author proposes alternatives for large-scale score reporting and argues that a distribution-wide perspective on results is required for any serious analysis of test score data, including “growth”-related results under the recent Growth Model Pilot Program.
Imagination equally influences false memories of high and low plausibility events
Authors: Sharman Stefanie J. , Scoboria Alan
Published: September 2008

To examine the effects of event plausibility on people's false beliefs and memories for imagined childhood events, subjects took part in a three‐stage procedure. First, subjects rated how confident they were that they had experienced certain childhood events. They also rated their memories of the events. Second, 1 week later, subjects imagined one high, one moderate and one low plausibility event. Third, 1 week later (and 2 weeks after their initial ratings), subjects rated their confidence and memory a second time. Imagining the events made subjects more confident that they were genuine experiences and gave subjects clearer and more complete memories. Plausibility did not affect subjects' confidence but it did affect their memories. Subjects developed clearer and more complete memories for high, followed by moderate, followed by low plausibility events regardless of whether those events were imagined. We use a nested model of plausibility, belief and memory to discuss our findings. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Women's autonomy and its relationship to children's nutrition among the Rendille of northern Kenya
Authors: Brunson Emily K. , Shell‐Duncan Bettina , Steele Matthew
Published: September 2008

This study explores the effect of women's autonomy on children's health. Research was conducted among the Rendille, a traditionally nomadic pastoralist population living in northern Kenya. Using data collected from 435 women and 934 of their children, we tested the hypothesis that women with higher levels of autonomy would have children with better nutrition. Results of our study indicated that while women's autonomy had no effect on younger—ages 0–35 months—children's nutrition as measured by WHZ scores, greater levels of women's autonomy were significantly associated with improved nutrition among older—ages 3–10 years—children. These results suggest that women's autonomy is an important factor in relation to children's health in some circumstances. In addition to exploring the applied aspects of our findings, we also suggest how considering the concept of women's autonomy may add to the existing literature on parental investment. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis of TPI gene promoter variation in three sub‐Saharan Africa population samples
Authors: Manco Licínio , Machado Patrícia , Lopes Dinora , Nogueira Fátima , Do Rosário Virgílio E. , Alonso Pedro L. , Varandas Luís , De Jesus Trovoada Maria , Amorim António , Arez Ana Paula
Published: September 2008

Population samples from Angola, Mozambique, and S. Tomé e Príncipe were screened for the TPI gene promoter variants ‐5A→G, ‐8G→A and ‐24T→G. Three haplotypes were identified in the three populations: the haplotype ‐5A‐8G‐24T (average frequency 65.3%) and two less common haplotypes ‐5G‐8G‐24T (average frequency 24.7%) and ‐5G‐8A‐24T (average frequency 10.0%). A population sample from Central Portugal showed the haplotype ‐5A‐8G‐24T in 139 chromosomes and one subject heterozygous for haplotype ‐5G‐8A‐24G. The exact test of sample differentiation among three groups of malaria‐infected individuals classified according to the severity of the disease showed no significant differences. We confirmed TPI gene diversity in sub‐Saharan Africa, but we could not detect any association between TPI promoter variation and a malarial protective effect. Larger scale epidemiological studies are thus required to clarify this putative mechanism of natural host defense against this worldwide public health problem. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Asbestos exposure, cigarette smoking, and airflow limitation in long‐term canadian chrysotile miners and millers
Authors: Bégin Raymond , Boileau Robert , Péloquin S.
Published: September 2008

To investigate further the relationships of asbestos exposure, cigarette smoking, and airflow limitation, we have obtained detailed pulmonary function tests (PFT) in 331 long‐term Canadian chrysotile workers, 34 of whom were lifetime nonsmokers. Three disease categories were defined on the bases of standard diagnostic criteria, gallium‐67 lung uptake, and the lung pressure‐volume curve. Category A was composed of workers without changes suggestive of alveolitis or asbestosis. There were eight nonsmokers (ns), among whom we found a statistically significant 30% reduction in airflow conductance (Gus) at low lung volume, which is consistent with the concept of an asbestos airway lesion. The 85 smokers (sm) of category A had reduction of Gus at both high and low lung volumes. Category B was composed of workers without asbestosis but with evidence of asbestos alveolitis. In the six ns, Gus was significantly reduced to 50% normal at low lung volume. The 59 sm had reduction of Gus at both high and low lung volumes but less severely than sm in category A. Category C was composed of workers with asbestosis. The 20 ns had restrictive pattern of lung function, and Gus was decreased to 39% normal at 50% TLC. The 153 sm in C had airflow reduction comparable to sm in B. We concluded that asbestos exposure, which leads to asbestos airway disease, asbestos peribronchiolar alveolitis, and asbestosis, causes airflow limitation at low lung volume but does not reduce the expiratory flow rates on the flow‐volume curve in lifetime nonsmokers. In the smoking asbestos workers with alveolitis or asbestosis, the major component of airflow limitation is a smoking effect. In these smoking workers, rigidity of the lung lessens airflow obstruction associated with smoking at the expense of increased work of breathing.
Reference values for nickel concentrations in human tissues and bile
Authors: Rezuke William N. , Knight Joseph A. , Sunderman F. William
Published: September 2008

Nickel concentrations in human tissues and gallbladder bile were determined by analysis of postmortem specimens from ten consecutive autopsies of adult persons. The tissue samples were collected and homogenized with precautions to avoid nickel contamination and were analyzed by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometry with Zeemann background correction. In decreasing order of mean nickel concentrations, the following results were obtained (mean and range, μg/kg dry weight, N = 7–10): lung 173 (71–371), thyroid 141 (41–240), adrenal 132 (53–241), kidney 62 (19–171), heart 54 (10–110), liver 50 (11–102), brain 44 (20–65), spleen 37 (9–95), and pancreas 34 (7–71). In five specimens of gallbladder bile, nickel concentrations averaged 2.3 ± 0.8 μg/l (range 1.5–3.3). These data (a) furnish reference values for use in evaluating tissue nickel concentrations in persons with occupational exposures to nickel, (b) provide the first demonstration that nickel concentrations in thyroid and adrenal glands are approximately equal to those in lung and are higher than in other organs, and (c) suggest that biliary excretion may be a significant route for the elimination of nickel in humans.
Electro‐Optic (E‐O) Molecular Glasses
Authors: Jang Sei‐Hum , Jen Alex K‐Y.
Published: September 2008

This Focus Review describes molecular glasses as a new class of materials for nonlinear optical (NLO) applications, especially for electro‐optic (E‐O) devices. Examples of E‐O molecular glasses are reviewed with a focus on the molecular design of NLO chromophores and solid‐state engineering of molecular glasses. Molecular glasses based on dendrimers of multiple chromophores, molecular glass blends of chromophores, and molecular glasses based on reversible self‐assembly of chromophores are introduced as promising architectures to prepare morphologically stable molecular glasses with large E‐O activities and improved material properties for device applications. Future directions to fully exploit the potential of molecular glasses for NLO materials are presented.
Subcritical dynamos in shear flows
Authors: Rincon F. , Ogilvie G.I. , Proctor M.R.E. , Cossu C.
Published: September 2008

Identifying generic physical mechanisms responsible for the generation of magnetic fields and turbulence in differentially rotating flows is fundamental to understand the dynamics of astrophysical objects such as accretion disks and stars. In this paper, we discuss the concept of subcritical dynamo action and its hydrodynamic analogue exemplified by the process of nonlinear transition to turbulence in non‐rotating wall‐bounded shear flows. To illustrate this idea, we describe some recent results on nonlinear hydrodynamic transition to turbulence and nonlinear dynamo action in rotating shear flows pertaining to the problem of turbulent angular momentum transport in accretion disks. We argue that this concept is very generic and should be applicable to many astrophysical problems involving a shear flow and non‐axisymmetric instabilities of shearinduced axisymmetric toroidal velocity or magnetic fields, such as Kelvin‐Helmholtz, magnetorotational, Tayler or global magnetoshear instabilities. In the light of several recent numerical results, we finally suggest that, similarly to a standard linear instability, subcritical MHD dynamo processes in high‐Reynolds number shear flows could act as a large‐scale driving mechanism of turbulent flows that would in turn generate an independent small‐scale dynamo. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Diffusion and dispersion in magnetohydrodynamic turbulence: The influence of mean magnetic fields
Authors: Busse A. , Müller W.‐C.
Published: September 2008

The properties of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence under the influence of a strong mean magnetic field are investigated from the Lagrangian viewpoint by tracking fluid particles in direct numerical simulations. The particle trajectories show characteristic bends near vortex sheets. A strong mean magnetic field leads to preferential diffusion parallel to the mean magnetic field. The two‐particle relative dispersion process shows a dependence on the orientation of the initial separation vector. The relative dispersion is slowed down for initial separation vectors aligned with the mean magnetic field. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The effective tidal viscosity in close solar‐type binaries
Authors: Goldman I.
Published: September 2008

A major problem confronting the understanding of tidal evolution of close solar‐type binaries is the inefficiency of the turbulent convection. The value of the effective viscosity estimated, in the framework of the mixing length theory (MLT), implies circularization timescales which are almost two orders of magnitude longer than observed. Moreover, the reduction of the effective viscosity due to the fast time‐variation of the tidal shear in short period binaries, increases the discrepancy to about three orders of magnitude. This state of affairs has motivated suggestions that tidal orbital evolution, notably circularization occurs mainly during the pre‐main‐sequence phase. However, observational data accumulated over the recent decades imply that circularization does occur during the the main‐sequence phase (Mazeh 2008).

In this work, we examine the possibility that the apparent inefficiency of turbulent convection is merely a shortcoming of MLT approach. Indeed, a recent 3D numerical simulation (Penev et al. 2007), suggests that the true convective viscosity is probably larger than the MLT value and that the reduction due to the time‐variation of the shear is not drastic. We employ a model for stellar turbulent convection (Canuto, Goldman & Mazzitelli 1996) to evaluate the effective viscosity both for a steady for and time dependent tidal shear.

The model is physically based, self‐consistent, and accounts for the full spectrum of the turbulent eddies. It has been found advantageous, compared to the MLT, in many applications. We use an analytic approximation to the turbulent spectrum to obtain the reduction of the efficiency due to the time‐variation of the tide. The results are: (i) an enhanced effective viscosity (by a factor of ∼ 4.5), and more importantly (ii) only a mild reduction due to the time‐variation of the tidal shear. Overall, for binaries with orbital period of 15 days the discrepancy is “only” a factor of ∼30 down from a factor of ∼1000. These encouraging results should motivate an investigation of rigorous non‐analytic solutions. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Direct measurement of effective electro conductivity of turbulent liquid metal
Authors: Frick P. , Denisov S. , Noskov V. , Stepanov R.
Published: September 2008

Direct measurement of effective electro conductivity are performed in a nonstationary turbulent flow of liquid gallium, generated in a closed toroidal channel. The peak level of the Reynolds number reached Re ≈ 106, what corresponds to the magnetic Reynolds number Rm ≈ 1. The conductivity of the liquid metal was determined measuring the phase shift between sinusoidal voltage and current in the RLC‐circuit, the inductance of which was made by the toroidal coil embracing the channel. The maximal deviation of electrical conductivity from its ohmic value reaches about 1%. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Boundary layer in the MRI experiment PROMISE
Authors: Szklarski J. , Gerbeth G.
Published: September 2008

One of the most convenient approaches to observe experimentally the magnetorotational instability (MRI) is to use a magnetized Taylor‐Couette setup. The flow of liquid metal between two rotating, concentric cylinders can become unstable in the presence of an external magnetic field. One of the issues which should be addressed when designing such an experiment is the influence of plates enclosing the cylinders fromthe top and the bottom. In this paper we discuss properties of the boundary layer which arises near these plates. Our primary concern is the importance of this layer in the MRI experiment PROMISE. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Toroidal field instability and eddy viscosity in Taylor‐Couette flows
Authors: Gellert M. , Rüdiger G.
Published: September 2008

Toroidal magnetic fields subject to the Tayler instability can transport angular momentum. We show that the Maxwell and Reynolds stress of the nonaxisymmetric field pattern depend linearly on the shear in the cylindrical gap geometry. Resulting angular momentum transport also scales linear with shear. It is directed outwards for astrophysical relevant flows and directed inwards for superrotating flows with dΩ/dR> 0. We define an eddy viscosity based on the linear relation between shear and angular momentum transport and show that its maximum for given Prandtl and Hartmann number depends linear on the magnetic Reynolds number Rm. For Rm ≃ 1000 the eddy viscosity is of the size of 30 in units of the microscopic value. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)