bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Cationic Carotenoid Lipids as Delivery Vectors of Antisense Oligonucleotides for Exon Skipping in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Popplewell Linda J. , Abu-Dayya Aseel , Khanna Tushar , Flinterman Marcella , Khalique Nada Abdul , Raju Liji , Øpstad Christer L. , Sliwka Hans-Richard , Partali Vassilia , Dickson George , Pungente Michael D.
Published: January 2012

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a common, inherited, incurable, fatal muscle wasting disease caused by deletions that disrupt the reading frame of the DMD gene such that no functional dystrophin protein is produced. Antisense oligonucleotide (AO)-directed exon skipping restores the reading frame of the DMD gene, and truncated, yet functional dystrophin protein is expressed. The aim of this study was to assess the efficiency of two novel rigid, cationic carotenoid lipids, C30-20 and C20-20, in the delivery of a phosphorodiamidate morpholino (PMO) AO, specifically designed for the targeted skipping of exon 45 of DMD mRNA in normal human skeletal muscle primary cells (hSkMCs). The cationic carotenoid lipid/PMO-AO lipoplexes yielded significant exon 45 skipping relative to a known commercial lipid, 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-ethylphosphocholine (EPC).
Computer-Based Image Analysis for Plus Disease Diagnosis in Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Wittenberg Leah A. , Jonsson Nina J. , Paul Chan R. V. , Chiang Michael F.
Published: January 2012

Presence of plus disease in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is an important criterion for identifying ROP requiring treatment. Plus disease is defined by a standard published photograph selected more than 20 years ago by expert consensus. However, diagnosis of plus disease has been shown to be subjective and qualitative. Computer-based image analysis using quantitative methods has potential to improve the objectivity of plus disease diagnosis. The objective was to review the published literature involving computer-based image analysis for ROP diagnosis. The PubMed and Cochrane library databases were searched for the keywords “retinopathy of prematurity” AND “image analysis” AND/OR “plus disease.” Reference lists of retrieved articles were searched to identify additional relevant studies. All relevant English-language studies were reviewed. There are four main computer-based systems—ROPtool (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC], plus tortuosity 0.95, plus dilation 0.87), RISA (AUROC, arteriolar TI 0.71, venular diameter 0.82), Vessel Map (AUROC, arteriolar dilation 0.75, venular dilation 0.96), and CAIAR (AUROC, arteriole tortuosity 0.92, venular dilation 0.91)—attempting to objectively analyze vessel tortuosity and dilation in plus disease in ROP. Some show promise for identification of plus disease using quantitative methods. This has potential to improve the diagnosis of plus disease and may contribute to the management of ROP using both traditional binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy and image-based telemedicine approaches.
Use of immobilized phospholipase A1-catalyzed acidolysis for the production of structured phosphatidylcholine with an elevated conjugated linoleic acid content
Authors: Baeza-Jiménez R. , González-Rodríguez J. , Kim In-H. , García H. S. , Otero C.
Published: January 2012

Structured phosphatidylcholine (SPC) was successfully produced via immobilized phospholipase A1 (PLA1) – catalyzed acidolysis of phosphatidylcholine (PC) with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). The effects of enzyme loading (2, 5, 10, 15 and 20%, with respect to the weight of substrates), temperature (20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 °C) and the molar ratio of substrates (1:2, 1:4, 1:6, 1:8 and 1:10, PC/CLA) were evaluated to maximize the incorporation of CLA into PC. The maximum incorporation of CLA achieved was ca. 90% for 24 h of reaction at 50 °C and 200 rpm, using a 1:4 substrate molar ratio and an enzyme loading of 15%.
Physicochemical properties of Brazilian cocoa butter and industrial blends. Part II Microstructure, polymorphic behavior and crystallization characteristics
Authors: Ribeiro A. P. B. , Corrêa Basso R. , Gonçalves L. A.G. , Gioielli L. A. , Oliveira dos Santos A. , Pavie Cardoso L. , Guenter Kieckbusch T.
Published: January 2012

The microstructural behavior of industrial standardized cocoa butter samples and cocoa butter samples from three different Brazilian states is compared. The cocoa butters were characterized by their microstructural patterns, crystallization kinetics and polymorphic habits. The evaluation of these parameters aided in establishing relationships between the chemical compositions and crystallization behavior of the samples, as well as differentiating them in terms of technological and industrial potential for use in tropical regions.
Effect of high hydrostatic pressure versus thermal pasteurization on the microbiological, sensory aspects and oxidative stability of olive pate
Authors: Sánchez J. , De Miguel C. , Ramírez M. R. , Delgado J. , Franco M. N. , Martín D.
Published: January 2012

The present study examines the effect of high hydrostatic pressure processing (HHP) as an alternative to thermal pasteurization treatments for the conservation of olive pate and its stability during refrigerated storage, through the characterization of microbiological, physico-chemical and sensory aspects. The olive pate was made with green, pitted table olives packed in brine. Orange juice, olive oil, spices and potassium sorbate were added to the olives after being washed in water. To evaluate the effects of processing, four treatments of APH (450 and 600MPa for 5 and 10 min) and a thermal pasteurization (80 °C for 20 min) were applied to compare them with the unprocessed product. APH-treated samples showed a further reduction in the presence of microorganisms, an increase in oxidative stability, a higher sensory acceptance, greater clarity and less browning regarding the colorimetric coordinates, in comparison with those treated by thermal pasteurization. The study of the shelf life of the product in refrigeration would indicate the feasibility to implement APH technology in order to obtain food with a similar shelf life to foods obtained through the traditional thermal pasteurization treatment, but with better sensory quality.
Testing Synchrony in Historical Biogeography: The Case of New World Primates and Hystricognathi Rodents
Authors: Loss-Oliveira Leticia , Aguiar Barbara O. , Schrago Carlos G.
Published: January 2012

The abrupt appearance of primates and hystricognath rodents in early Oligocene deposits of South America has puzzled mastozoologists for decades. Based on the geoclimatic changes that occurred during the Eocene/Oligocene transition period that may have favoured their dispersal, researchers have proposed the hypothesis that these groups arrived in synchrony. Nevertheless, the hypothesis of synchronous origins of platyrrhine and caviomorph in South America has not been explicitly evaluated. Our aim in this work was to apply a formal test for synchronous divergence times to the Platyrrhini and Caviomorpha splits. We have examined a previous work on platyrrhine and hystricognath origins, applied the test to a case where synchrony is known to occur and conducted simulations to show that it is possible to formally test the age of synchronous nodes. We show that the absolute ages of Platyrrhini/Catarrhini and Caviomorpha/Phiomorpha splits depend on data partitioning and that the test applied consistently detected synchronous events when they were known to have happened. The hypothesis that the arrival of primates and hystricognaths to the New World consisted of a unique event cannot be rejected.
On the accuracy of integrated water vapor observations and the potential for mitigating electromagnetic path delay error in InSAR
Authors: Cimini D. , Pierdicca N. , Pichelli E. , Ferretti R. , Mattioli V. , Bonafoni S. , Montopoli M. , Perissin D.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. A field campaign was carried out in the framework of the Mitigation of Electromagnetic Transmission errors induced by Atmospheric Water Vapour Effects (METAWAVE) project sponsored by the European Space Agency (ESA) to investigate the accuracy of currently available sources of atmospheric columnar integrated water vapor measurements. The METAWAVE campaign took place in Rome, Italy, for the 2-week period from 19 September to 4 October 2008. The collected dataset includes observations from ground-based microwave radiometers and Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers, from meteorological numerical model analysis and predictions, from balloon-borne in-situ radiosoundings, as well as from spaceborne infrared radiometers. These different sources of integrated water vapor (IWV) observations have been analyzed and compared to quantify the accuracy and investigate the potential for mitigating IWV-related electromagnetic path delay errors in Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) imaging. The results, which include a triple collocation analysis accounting for errors inherently present in every IWV measurements, are valid not only to InSAR but also to any other application involving water vapor sensing. The present analysis concludes that the sensitivity of InSAR to water vapor turbulent component is significantly higher than that of the other instruments analyzed here. Nonetheless, information on the IWV vertical stratification from satellite observations, numerical models, and GPS receivers may provide valuable aid to suppress the long spatial wavelength (>20 km) component of the atmospheric delay, and thus significantly improve the performances of InSAR phase unwrapping techniques.
Differential long-term effects of climate change and management on stocks and distribution of soil organic carbon in productive grasslands
Authors: De Bruijn A. M. G. , Calanca P. , Ammann C. , Fuhrer J.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. We studied the impact of climate change on the dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in productive grassland systems undergoing two types of management, an intensive type with frequent harvests and fertilizer applications and an extensive system where fertilization is omitted and harvests are fewer. The Oensingen Grassland Model was explicitly developed for this study. It was calibrated using measurements taken in a recently established permanent sward in Central Switzerland, and run to simulate SOC dynamics over 2001–2100 under three climate change scenarios assuming different elements of IPCC A2 emission scenarios. We found that: (1) management intensity dominates SOC until approximately 20 yr after grassland establishment. Differences in SOC between climate scenarios become significant after 20 yr and climate effects dominate SOC dynamics from approximately 50 yr after establishment, (2) carbon supplied through manure contributes about 60% to measured organic C increase in fertilized grassland. (3) Soil C accumulates particularly in the top 10 cm soil until 5 yr after establishment. In the long-term, C accumulation takes place in the top 15 cm of the soil profile, while C content decreases below this depth. The transitional depth between gains and losses of C mainly depends on the vertical distribution of root senescence and root biomass. We discuss the importance of previous land use on carbon sequestration potentials that are much lower at the Oensingen site under ley-arable rotation and with much higher SOC stocks than most soils under arable crops. We further discuss the importance of biomass senescence rates, because C balance estimations indicate that these may differ considerably between the two management systems.
The contribution of respiration in tree-stems to the Dole Effect
Authors: Angert A. , Muhr J. , Negron Juarez R. , Alegria Muñoz W. , Kraemer G. , Ramirez Santillan J. , Chambers J. Q. , Trumbore S. E.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. Understanding the variability and the current value of the Dole Effect, which has been used to infer past changes in biospheric productivity, requires accurate information on the discrimination associated with respiratory oxygen consumption in each of the biosphere components. Respiration in tree stems is an important component of the land carbon cycle. Here we measured, for the first time, the discrimination associated with tree stem oxygen uptake. The measurements included tropical forest trees, which are major contributors to the global fluxes of carbon and oxygen. We found discrimination in the range of 12.6–21.5 ‰, indicating both diffusion limitation, resulting in O2 discrimination values below 20 ‰, and alternative oxidase respiration, which resulted in discrimination values greater than 20 ‰. Discrimination varied seasonally, between and within tree species. Calculations based on these results show that variability in woody plants discrimination can result in significant variations in the global Dole Effect.
Predictability of soil moisture and river flows over France for the spring season
Authors: Singla S. , Céron J.-P. , Martin E. , Regimbeau F. , Déqué M. , Habets F. , Vidal J.-P.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. Sources of spring predictability of the hydrological system over France were studied on a seasonal time scale over the 1960–2005 period. Two random sampling experiments were set up in order to test the relative importance of the land surface initial state and the atmospheric forcing. The experiments were based on the SAFRAN-ISBA-MODCOU hydrometeorological suite which computed soil moisture and river flow forecasts over a 8-km grid and more than 880 river-gauging stations. Results showed that the predictability of hydrological variables primarily depended on the seasonal atmospheric forcing (mostly temperature and total precipitation) over most plains, whereas it mainly depended on snow cover over high mountains. However, the Seine catchment area was an exception as the skill mainly came from the initial state of its large and complex aquifers. Seasonal meteorological hindcasts with the Météo-France ARPEGE climate model were then used to force the ISBA-MODCOU hydrological model and obtain seasonal hydrological forecasts from 1960 to 2005 for the entire March-April-May period. Scores from this seasonal hydrological forecasting suite could thus be compared with the random atmospheric experiment. Soil moisture and river flow skill scores clearly showed the added value in seasonal meteorological forecasts in the north of France, contrary to the Mediterranean area where values worsened.
The impacts of physical processes on oxygen variations in the North Sea-Baltic Sea transition zone
Authors: Jonasson L. , Hansen J. L. S. , Wan Z. , She J.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. The bottom water of the North Sea–Baltic Sea transition zone suffers from seasonal hypoxia, usually during late summer and autumn. These hypoxic events are critical for the benthic ecosystems and the concentration of dissolved oxygen is an important measure of the water quality. However, to model the subsurface dissolved oxygen is a major challenge, especially in estuaries and coastal regions. In this study a simple oxygen consumption model is coupled to a 3-D hydrodynamical model in order to analyse oxygen variations in the transition zone. The benthic and pelagic consumption of oxygen is modelled as a function of water temperature and oxygen concentration. A quantitative assessment of the model demonstrates that the model is able to resolve both seasonal and interannual variations in dissolved oxygen. Results from several experimental simulations highlight the importance of physical processes in the regulation of dissolved oxygen. Advective oxygen transport and wind induced mixing are two key processes that control the extent of hypoxia in the transition zone.
On Some Volterra and Fredholm Problems via the Unified Integrodifferential Quadrature Method
Authors: Zerarka Abdelwahab , Soukeur Abdesselam , Saidi Hanane
Published: January 2012

We present a new approach based on the formulation of the integrodifferential quadrature method (hereafter called IDQ) to handle Volterra's and Fredholm's equations. This approach is constructed
and tested with some realistic numerical examples using the basic
computational aspects.
Strain Echocardiography in Early Detection of Doxorubicin-Induced Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Al-Biltagi Mohammed , Abd Rab Elrasoul Tolba Osama , El-Shanshory Mohammed Ramadan , Abd El-Aziz El-Shitany Nagla , El-Sayed El-Hawary Eslam
Published: January 2012

Objective. To investigate the ability of two-dimensional longitudinal strain echocardiography (2DST), to detect the early doxorubicin cardiotoxicity. Patients and Methods. The study included 25 children with newly diagnosed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) aged 5–15 years and 30 healthy control children. They had echocardiographic examination with conventional 2-dimensional (2D), pulsed tissue Doppler (PTD), and 2DST echocardiography before and within 1 week after doxorubicin treatment. Results. There was no significant difference in left ventricle (LV) systolic and diastolic functions measured by conventional 2-D and PTD echocardiography between patients and controls. However, there was significant decrease in LV global and peak systolic strain detected by 2-DST echocardiography in study group than control. After doxorubicin treatment, there was no significant difference in LV systolic and diastolic functions measured by conventional 2-D and PTD echocardiography than before treatment except for prolonged IVCT and IVRT, but LV global and peak systolic strain was significantly lower after treatment. Conclusion. 2-D longitudinal strain echocardiography was more sensitive than conventional 2-D and PTD in detecting the early LV doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in children with ALL.
Design methodology for barrier‐based two phase flow distributor
Authors: Al‐Rawashdeh Ma'moun , Nijhuis Xander , Rebrov Evgeny V. , Hessel Volker , Schouten Jaap C.
Published: January 2012

The barrier‐based distributor is a multiphase flow distributor for a multichannel microreactor which assures flow uniformity and prevents channeling between the two phases. For N number of reaction channels, the barrier‐based distributor consists of a gas manifold, a liquid manifold, N barrier channels for the gas, N barrier channels for the liquid, and N mixers for mixing the phases before the reaction channels. The flow distribution is studied numerically using a method based on the hydraulic resistive networks (RN). The single phase hydraulic RN model (Commenge et al., 2002;48:345–358) is extended for two phases gas‐liquid Taylor flow. For ReGL <30, the accuracy for the model was above 90%. The developed‐model was used to study the effects of fabrication tolerance and barrier channel dimensions. A design methodology has been proposed as an algorithm to determine the required hydraulic resistance in the barrier channels and their dimensions. This methodology is demonstrated using a numerical example. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Moisture content distribution in semibatch drying processes, part II. Falling particle drying rate
Authors: Nitert Bernardus J. , Hounslow Michael J.
Published: January 2012

This article describes the evolution of the moisture content distribution in a population of wet particles during a semibatch drying process. The population balance model that is defined for this process includes falling particle drying rate, that is, the drying rate of a particle depends on its moisture content. This model is solved analytically using the “method of moments” and “method of characteristics.” Simulation experiments give realistic and meaningful results. Drying experiments still have to be performed to test the validity of the assumptions made in this model. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Divergent body mass index trajectories between aboriginal and non‐aboriginal canadians 1994–2009—an exploration of age, period, and cohort effects
Authors: NG Carmina , Corey Paul N. , Young T. Kue
Published: January 2012

Objectives:

Aboriginal Canadians have a high burden of obesity and obesity‐related chronic conditions. Body mass index (BMI) trajectories from 1994 to 2009 were estimated for Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal Canadians using self‐reported height and weight data from the National Population Health Survey to explore age, period, and cohort effects of BMI change.

Methods:

Linear growth curve models were estimated for 311 Aboriginal and 10,967 non‐Aboriginal respondents divided into five birth cohorts born in the 1940s, 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s.

Results:

Overall, Aboriginal Canadians experienced higher rates of BMI increase over the 14‐year period. Rate of BMI increase was specifically higher for Aboriginal adults born in the 1960s and 1970s when compared with non‐Aboriginal adults. At ages 25, 35, and 45, recent‐born cohorts had consistently higher BMIs compared with earlier‐born cohorts with magnitudes of differences typically larger in the Aboriginal population. Recent‐born cohorts also exhibited steeper BMI trajectories.

Conclusions:

Cohort effects may be responsible for the divergent BMI trajectories between Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal Canadians born in the 1960s and 1970s. Aboriginal Canadians, particularly of more recent‐born cohorts, experienced faster increases in BMI from 1994 to 2009 than non‐Aboriginal Canadians, suggesting that prevalence of obesity will continue to rise in this population without intervention. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Should I Stay or Should I Go? Time as a Variable in Open‐ended Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
Authors: Nuetzel Eric J. , Larsen Randy
Published: January 2012

Various factors could play a role in a patient's decision to leave treatment. This study asks whether patients who leave treatment before one year are different from those who stay beyond a year in open‐ended psychoanalytic psychotherapy, using a variety of experiential measures. Our data indicate that the personality trait of “openness” assessed at intake, correlates with staying in therapy, and that relationship factors as assessed by the patients during therapy correlate with staying in therapy at the beginning, at the average point of dropping out (before one year – average 31 weeks), and at the end of the study. These results indicate that the failure to engage in the therapeutic relationship is a salient factor in the phenomena of leaving before one year. Significant reductions in physical symptoms and other positive trends toward improvement do not emerge until such therapeutic engagement has occurred. We conclude that the personality trait of “openness,” and the quality of the therapeutic relationship significantly influence who will stay in open‐ended psychoanalytic psychotherapy and who will go. Those who stay in psychoanalytic psychotherapy beyond one year benefit more from the experience than those who leave. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association of industry funding with the outcome and quality of randomized controlled trials of drug therapy for rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Khan Nasim A. , Lombeida Juan I. , Singh Manisha , Spencer Horace J. , Torralba Karina D.
Published: January 2012

Objective

To assess the association of industry funding with the characteristics, outcome, and reported quality of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of drug therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

The Medline and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched to identify original RA drug therapy RCTs published in 2002–2003 and 2006–2007. Two reviewers independently assessed each RCT for the funding source, characteristics, outcome (positive [statistically significant result favoring experimental drug for the primary outcome] or not positive), and reporting of methodologic measures whose inadequate performance may have biased the assessment of treatment effect. RCTs that were registered at ClinicalTrials.gov and completed during the study years were assessed for publication bias.

Results

Of the 103 eligible RCTs identified, 58 (56.3%) were funded by industry, 19 (18.4%) were funded by nonprofit sources, 6 (5.8%) had mixed funding, and funding for 20 (19.4%) was not specified. Industry‐funded RCTs had significantly more study centers and subjects, while nonprofit agency–funded RCTs had longer duration and were more likely to study different treatment strategies. Outcome could be assessed for 86 (83.5%) of the 103 RCTs studied. The funding source was not associated with a higher likelihood of positive outcomes favoring the sponsored experimental drug (75.5% of industry‐funded RCTs had a positive outcome, compared with 68.8% of non‐industry–funded RCTs, 40% of RCTs with mixed funding, and 81.2% of RCTs for which funding was not specified). Industry‐funded RCTs showed a trend toward a higher likelihood of nonpublication (P = 0.093). Industry‐funded RCTs were more frequently associated with double‐blinding, an adequate description of participant flow, and performance of an intent‐to‐treat analysis.

Conclusion

Industry funding was not associated with a higher likelihood of positive outcomes of published RCTs of drug therapy for RA, and industry‐funded RCTs performed significantly better than non–industry‐funded RCTs in terms of reporting the use of some key methodologic quality measures.
CXCR4 and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 are key chemokine/adhesion receptors in the migration of cytokine‐activated T cells
Authors: Bryant Jane , Ahern David J. , Brennan Fionula M.
Published: January 2012

Objective

To examine the migratory properties of cytokine‐activated T (Tck) cells.

Methods

Tck cells were generated by culture of peripheral blood T cells in the presence of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor α, and IL‐2. Changes in cell surface phenotype were analyzed by flow cytometry. Chemotactic responsiveness was measured using in vitro chemotaxis assays and transendothelial migration through human umbilical vein endothelial cell monolayers. Levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM‐1) were measured by sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Cytokine stimulation up‐regulated the expression of chemokine receptors and integrins on Tck cells, including CXCR4, very late activation antigen 4 (VLA‐4), and lymphocyte function–associated antigen 1. Increased expression of CXCR4 and VLA‐4 integrin resulted in concentration‐dependent chemotaxis to their ligands, stromal cell–derived factor 1 (SDF‐1) and VCAM‐1, which could be selectively blocked using a specific CXCR4 inhibitor and antibodies against VLA‐4. Increased expression of VLA‐4 also resulted in increased transendothelial migration of Tck cells, which could be abrogated using blocking antibodies against VLA‐4. Tck cells also showed an increased chemotactic response to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) fibroblast‐like synoviocytes cultured in vitro, which could be blocked using inhibitors against VLA‐4 and CXCR4.

Conclusion

The activated phenotype of Tck cells results in increased migratory responsiveness to SDF‐1 and soluble VCAM‐1, which are among the chemokines and proteins found elevated in the RA synovial joint environment. Cytokine‐dependent activation may contribute to RA pathogenicity by promoting T cell recruitment to and retention in the joint, perpetuating the inflammatory cascade in RA.
Dual‐specificity phosphatase 1–null mice exhibit spontaneous osteolytic disease and enhanced inflammatory osteolysis in experimental arthritis
Authors: Vattakuzhi Youridies , Abraham Sonya M. , Freidin Andrew , Clark Andrew R. , Horwood Nicole J.
Published: January 2012

Objective

Bone formation and destruction are usually tightly linked; however, in disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, periodontal disease, and osteoporosis, elevated osteoclast activity leads to bone destruction. Osteoclast formation and activation are controlled by many signaling pathways, including p38 MAPK. Dual‐specificity phosphatase 1 (DUSP‐1) is a factor involved in the negative regulation of p38 MAPK. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of Dusp1 deficiency on bone destruction.

Methods

Penetrance, onset, and severity of collagen‐induced arthritis were recorded in DUSP‐1+/+ and DUSP‐1−/− mice. Bone destruction was assessed by histologic and micro–computed tomographic examination of the joints. The in vitro formation and activation of osteoclasts from DUSP‐1+/+ and DUSP‐1−/− precursors were assessed in the absence or presence of tumor necrosis factor (TNF).

Results

The formation and activation of osteoclasts in vitro in the presence of TNF were enhanced by Dusp1 gene disruption. DUSP‐1−/− mice exhibited higher penetrance, earlier onset, and increased severity of experimental arthritis, accompanied by greater numbers of osteoclasts in inflamed joints and more extensive loss of bone. A DUSP‐1−/− mouse colony of mixed genetic background also demonstrated striking spontaneous osteolytic destruction of distal phalanges.

Conclusion

DUSP‐1 is a critical regulator of osteoclast activity and limits bone destruction in an experimental model of rheumatoid arthritis. Defects in the expression or activity of DUSP1 in humans may correlate with a propensity to develop osteolytic lesions in arthritis.
Cardiac developmental toxicity
Authors: Mahler Gretchen J. , Butcher Jonathan T.
Published: January 2012

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a highly prevalent problem with mostly unknown origins. Many cases of CHD likely involve an environmental exposure coupled with genetic susceptibility, but practical and ethical considerations make nongenetic causes of CHD difficult to assess in humans. The development of the heart is highly conserved across all vertebrate species, making animal models an excellent option for screening potential cardiac teratogens. This review will discuss exposures known to cause cardiac defects, stages of heart development that are most sensitive to teratogen exposure, benefits and limitations of animal models of cardiac development, and future considerations for cardiac developmental toxicity research. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 93:291–297, 2011. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collagen gel analysis of epithelial–mesenchymal transition in the embryo heart: An in vitro model system for the analysis of tissue interaction, signal transduction, and environmental effects
Authors: Lencinas Alejandro , Tavares André L. P. , Barnett Joey V. , Runyan Raymond B.
Published: January 2012

The cellular process of epithelial–mesenchymal cell transition (EMT) is a critical event in development that is reiterated in adult pathologies of metastasis and organ fibrosis. An initial understanding of the cellular and molecular events of this process emerged from an in vitro examination of heart valve development. Explants of the chick atrioventricular valve‐forming region were placed on collagen gels and removed to show that EMT was regulated by a tissue interaction. Subsequent studies showed that specific TGFβ isoforms and receptors were required and steps of activation and invasion could be distinguished. The assay was modified for mouse hearts and has been used to explore signal transduction and gene expression in both species. The principle advantages of the system are a defined temporal window, when EMT takes place and the ability to isolate cells at various stages of the EMT process. These advantages are largely unavailable in other developmental or adult models. As the mesenchymal cells produced by EMT in the heart are involved in defects found in congenital heart disease, there is also a direct relevance of cardiac EMT to human birth defects. This relationship has been explored in relation to environmental exposures and in a number of genetic models. This review provides both an overview of the findings developed from the assay and protocols to enable the use of the assay by other laboratories. The assay provides a versatile platform to explore roles of specific gene products, drugs, and environmental agents on a critical cellular process. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 93:298–311, 2011. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An evidence‐based approach for laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair: Lessons learned from over 1,000 repairs
Authors: Castorina Sergio , Luca Tonia , Privitera Giovanna , El‐Bernawi Hussein
Published: January 2012

In this educational article, we aim to provide a literature review on laparoscopic anatomy of the inguinal region. We share the lessons learnt from the 1,194 laparoscopic hernia operations we have performed in 16 years of experience, trying to provide an anatomical and physiological basis for surgeons. The current study reports a personal experience with a transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) hernioplasty procedure. A literature review using the keywords “hernia,” “laparoscopic approach,” and “hernia repair” was performed using the electronic biomedical database PubMed, Medline Extra, Embase, Biosis, Science Citation Index, Ovid and text books. Between January 1994 and December 2010, a total of 1,194 patients, males and females (average age, 56.7 years), underwent laparoscopic TAPP inguinal hernia repair. Following reduction of the hernia sac and creation of the preperitoneal flap, a polypropylene mesh (10 × 16) and four spiral tacks were placed. TAPP is easy to learn and perform. Through this approach, a much better view from the inguinal anatomy is achieved, and the procedure also offers a brief learning curve. Our patients reported minimal postoperative pain and returned to work after 5–10 days, which is in accordance with the general anesthesia series. During the follow‐up period, 10% of seromas, 3% of scrotal hematomas, 1% of hemorrhages, and 3% of recurrent hernias were observed. It should be emphasized that we have not observed abscess formation or acute infection related to the presence of mesh. Clin. Anat. 25:687–696, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Peasants' Social Representation of Politicians in a Clientelist Rural Context
Authors: Landini Fernando
Published: January 2012

In Latin America, political clientelism is one of the main obstacles to the process of sustaining truly democratic practices. Thus, this article proposes to study peasants from the Province of Formosa, Argentina's social representation of politicians, in hopes of shedding light on the relationship between said representations and clientelist practices, with the objective of making a contribution to the development of alternative means towards democratization in the area.

The results of this case study show that, at the center of the peasants' social representation of politicians, there lies a tendency to place their expectations for receiving assistance within a context of a personalized and hierarchical relationship framework. Nevertheless, the majority of these farmers consider the assistance received to be insufficient and inadequate, stating that politicians actually look to satisfy their own interests and not those of the general public. In conclusion, the peasants' social representation of politicians favors clientelist practices, even though these small farmers do not identify, via their culture or their expectations, with these practices. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chiral hplc determination and stereoselective pharmacokinetics of tetrahydroberberine enantiomers in rats
Authors: Zhang Yinying , Shi Kuan , Wen Jun , Fan Guorong , Chai Yifeng , Hong Zhanying
Published: January 2012

Tetrahydroberberine (THB), a racemic mixture of (+)‐ and (−)‐enantiomer, is a biologically active ingredient isolated from a traditional Chinese herb Rhizoma corydalis (yanhusuo). A chiral high performance liquid chromatography method has been developed for the determination of THB enantiomers in rat plasma. The enantioseparation was carried out on a Chiral®‐AD column using methanol:ethanol (80:20, v/v) as the mobile phase at the flow rate 0.4 ml/min. The ultraviolet detection was set at 230 nm. The calibration curves were linear over the range of 0.01–2.5 μg/ml for (+)‐THB and 0.01‐5.0 μg/ml for (−)‐THB, respectively. The lower limit of quantification was 0.01 μg/ml for both (+)‐THB and (−)‐THB. The stereoselective pharmacokinetics of THB enantiomers in rats was studied after oral and intravenous administration at a dose of 50 and 10 mg/kg racemic THB (rac‐THB). The mean plasma levels of (−)‐THB were higher at almost all time points than those of (+)‐THB. (−)‐THB also exhibited greater Cmax, and AUC0–∞, smaller CL and Vd, than its antipode. The (−)/(+)‐enantiomer ratio of AUC0–∞ after oral and intravenous administration were 2.17 and 1.43, respectively. These results indicated substantial stereoselectivity in the pharmacokinetics of THB enantiomers in rats. Chirality, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Large Eddy simulation for lean premixed combustion
Authors: Bouras Fethi , Si‐Ameur Mohamed , Soudani Azeddine
Published: January 2012

In comparison to previous numerical studies interested in the ORACLES benchmark (One Rig for Accurate Comparisons with Large Eddy Simulations), the present study demonstrates the advantages of LES‐WALE model in both inert and reacting flows using the Fluent‐CFD. So, the confirmation is based on the experimental research effort that was involved in the European Union‐funded research program MOLECULES (Modelling of Low Emissions Combustors Using Large Eddy Simulations), for three parameters: longitudinal velocity, longitudinal velocity fluctuation, and length of recirculation zone. In line with what was observed by the experimental reference study, the dynamic model (LES‐WALE) predicts, respectively, as well as the asymmetry and the symmetry, for both inert and reacting flows. In addition, the simulation succeeds to predict the zones of recirculation and shows the differences between the two cases, inert and reacting flows. Moreover, results have been compared with those of the k–ε model performed by Kurenkov and Obserlack [Kurenkov and Obserlack, Flow Turbulence Combustion 74, 387–407 (2005)] study. © 2012 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Growth, thermophysical and electrical properties of the nonlinear optical crystal BPO4
Authors: Zhao Sangen , Zhang Guochun , Feng Kai , Lu Jun , Wu Yicheng
Published: January 2012

Bulk BPO4 crystals have been successfully grown from high temperature solution of BPO4, Li2O, and MoO3 in the molar ratio of 2.3:1:1.3 by the top‐seeded solution growth (TSSG) method using [101]c orientation seeds. There are no visible scattering centers and impurity of Mo in the as‐grown BPO4 crystals, whose optical homogeneity reaches up to 1.6×10–5/cm. BPO4 possesses a specific heat of 0.50–1.00 J·g–1·K–1 in the temperature range from 298 to 698 K and exhibits strong anisotropic thermal expansion behavior with αa = 14.2 × 10–6 K–1 and αc = ‐4.0 × 10–7 K–1. Moreover, the thermal conductivity coefficients are calculated to be κa = 62.4 W·m–1·K–1 and κc = 51.5 W·m–1·K–1, which are remarkably larger than those of some commonly used borates. The measured dielectric constants, εa and εc, are 4.8 and 6.1, respectively, and the ionic conductivity coefficients, σa = 4.3 × 10–8 S/cm and σc = 9.5 × 10–8 S/cm, are several orders of magnitude lower than that of LiB3O5 (LBO). (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Multinationals, CSR and Partnerships in Central African Conflict Countries
Authors: Kolk Ans , Lenfant François
Published: January 2012

Attention has increased for the potential role of multinational enterprises (MNEs) in helping address conflict issues and/or furthering peace and reconciliation as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies. However, while existing literature emphasises the importance for MNEs to collaborate with various stakeholders, including non‐governmental organizations (NGOs), research on the scope, peculiarities, and impact of such cooperation has been limited, particularly in those countries in Central Africa with a fragile state and weak governance structure. Furthermore, until recently, MNEs and NGOs in conflict countries had antagonistic relationships, which have created impediments for positive engagement. This paper examines MNEs and conflict issues, including interactions with NGOs, and sheds light on possible MNE contributions to peaceful societies by highlighting a few innovative partnerships of MNEs and non‐business partners in Central Africa. Innovative partnerships take the conflict context into account, have a learning or capacity‐building component, are part of a more comprehensive development plan yet are embedded at the community level, and tackle issues directly related to the conflict, such as governance, human rights, artisanal mining, and transparency. The paper also discusses implications of such activities for the role of the state in fragile contexts. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
The Journey of a ‘Green’ Micro‐Enterprise – The Green Planet
Authors: Holt Diane
Published: January 2012

This teaching case explores the longitudinal evolution of a small environmental micro‐enterprise: The Green Planet retail store. Exploring two decades of business history, it analyses the development of this business as sustainability issues and greener consumer goods mainstreamed in society. The case presents one of the first explorations of the individual trade‐offs that owners make between economic, environmental, and social criteria, alongside an exploration of the role that the personal values of the owner plays in the evolution of this business. Also presented is a sample of other environmental enterprises profiled alongside The Green Planet in the early 1990s. This additional dataset provides a rich resource for readers, and a number of indicative discussion themes are identified. Readers interested in topics such as marketing, business strategy, innovation, entrepreneurship, corporate social responsibility, and environmental management will find this case a valuable addition to their teaching resources. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
C. elegans dystroglycan coordinates responsiveness of follower axons to dorsal/ventral and anterior/posterior guidance cues
Authors: Johnson Robert P. , Kramer James M.
Published: January 2012

Neural development in metazoans is characterized by the establishment of initial process tracts by pioneer axons and the subsequent extension of follower axons along these pioneer processes. Mechanisms governing the fidelity of follower extension along pioneered routes are largely unknown. In C. elegans, formation of the right angle‐shaped lumbar commissure connecting the lumbar and preanal ganglia is an example of pioneer/follower dynamics. We find that the dystroglycan ortholog DGN‐1 mediates the fidelity of follower lumbar commissure axon extension along the pioneer axon route. In dgn‐1 mutants, the axon of the pioneer PVQ neuron faithfully establishes the lumbar commissure, but axons of follower lumbar neurons, such as PVC, frequently bypass the lumbar commissure and extend along an oblique trajectory directly toward the preanal ganglion. In contrast, disruption of the UNC‐6/netrin guidance pathway principally perturbs PVQ ventral guidance to pioneer the lumbar commissure. Loss of DGN‐1 in unc‐6 mutants has a quantitatively similar effect on follower axon guidance regardless of PVQ axon route, indicating that DGN‐1 does not mediate follower/pioneer adhesion. Instead, DGN‐1 appears to block premature responsiveness of follower axons to a preanal ganglion‐directed guidance cue, which mediates ventral‐to‐anterior reorientation of lumbar commissure axons. Deletion analysis shows that only the most N‐terminal DGN‐1 domain is required for these activities. These studies suggest that dystroglycan modulation of growth cone responsiveness to conflicting guidance cues is important for restricting follower axon extension to the tracts laid down by pioneers. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2012
Expression of the rubber‐like protein, resilin, in developing and functional insect cuticle determined using a Drosophila anti‐rec 1 resilin antibody
Authors: Wong Darren C. C. , Pearson Roger D. , Elvin Christopher M. , Merritt David J.
Published: January 2012

Background: The natural elastomeric protein, insect resilin, is the most efficient elastic material known, used to store energy for jumping and flight in a variety of insects. Here, an antibody to recombinant Drosophila melanogaster pro‐resilin is used to examine resilin expression in Drosophila and a wider range of insects. Results: Immunostaining of Drosophila embryos reveals anti‐resilin reactivity in epidermal patches that exhibit a dynamic spatial and temporal expression through late embryogenesis. Resilin is also detected in stretch receptors in the embryo. In developing adult Drosophila, resilin pads are described at the base of wings and at the base of flexible sensory hairs in pupae. Resilin is also detected in embryos of the tephritid fruitfly, Bactrocera tryoni, and two well‐known concentrations of insect resilin: the flight muscle tendon of the dragonfly and the pleural arch of the flea. Conclusions: The anti‐Rec1 antibody antibody developed using Drosophila pro‐resilin as antigen is cross‐reactive and is useful for detection of resilin in diverse insects. For the first time, resilin expression has been detected during embryogenesis, revealing segmental patches of resilin in the developing epidermis of Drosophila. Developmental Dynamics 241:333–339, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Psychometric properties of measures of eating disorder risk in latina college women
Authors: Franko Debra L. , Jenkins Amy , Roehrig James P. , Luce Kristine H. , Crowther Janis H. , Rodgers Rachel F.
Published: January 2012

Objective:

Latina college women are at risk for eating disorders (EDs), but assessment is problematic, because the psychometric properties of risk factor measures have not been evaluated with this group.

Method:

Reliability and validity estimates of the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire, Body Esteem Scale, Sociocultural Attitudes Toward Appearance Questionnaire‐3, and Body Shape Questionnaire were examined in a sample of 173 female Latina college students.

Results:

Cronbach α coefficients (.75–.96) and intraclass coefficients (.65–.96) indicated good reliability. Most measures were significantly correlated, providing evidence for convergent validity. Confirmatory factor analyses resulted in good fit indices.

Discussion:

These findings indicate that commonly used measures of ED risk have adequate reliability and validity in Latina college women. Comparison data suggest that ED risk may be similar or even higher in Latina college women relative to Caucasian college women. Prevention efforts with diverse groups are needed. © 2012 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2012)
Elevated pre‐morbid weights in bulimic individuals are usually surpassed post‐morbidly: Implications for perpetuation of the disorder
Authors: Shaw Jena A. , Herzog David B. , Clark Vicki L. , Berner Laura A. , Eddy Kamryn T. , Franko Debra L. , Lowe Michael R.
Published: January 2012

Objective:

To determine how often patients diagnosed with bulimia nervosa (BN) surpass their highest pre‐morbid weight during the course of their disorder.

Method:

The weight histories of individuals with BN were determined using retrospective weight data (Study 1) and combined retrospective/prospective data (Study 2).

Results:

Retrospective analyses indicated that 59.0% (n = 46) and 61.8% (n = 110), respectively, reported that their highest weight was reached after developing BN. In Study 2, 35.3% of participants superseded their highest pre‐enrollment weights during 8 years of follow‐up, and 71.6% reached a post‐morbid highest weight before remission. Across studies, the primary difference between patients who did and did not reach their highest weight post‐morbidly was that those who did had an earlier age of onset and longer duration of BN.

Discussion:

Findings are discussed in terms of possible links between BN and weight‐gain proneness, weight fluctuation across the course of BN, and implications for treating BN. © 2012 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (Int J Eat Disord 2012)