bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct Approach to Multi-substituted Pyrroles from 2-Propynylamine and 1,3-Diketone or β-Keto Ester Using Bi(OTf)3 Catalyst
Authors: Komeyama Kimihiro , Miyagi Motoyoshi , Takaki Ken
Published: February 2009

Bi(OTf)3 was found to be a good catalyst for the direct synthesis of multisubstituted pyrroles from the readily accessible 2-propynylamine and activated methylene compounds in which the bismuth played two roles: σ- and π-activations.
Photochemical Reaction of Poly(ethylene glycol) on Gold Nanorods Induced by Near Infrared Pulsed-laser Irradiation
Authors: Yamashita Shuji , Niidome Yasuro , Katayama Yoshiki , Niidome Takuro
Published: February 2009

Pulsed-laser irradiation induced release of modified PEG chains on gold nanorods. A maximum release efficiency of 65% is obtained. The efficient release was occurred by combination of cleavage of Au–S bonds, the fragmentation of PEG chains, and the decrease of the surface area. CW-laser irradiation did not release any PEG chains; however, it was effective to increase temperature of the nanorod solution.
Water-dissolvable and Reactive KCdCl3 Nanowires: Precursor and Template for Preparation of CdS and CdSe Nanotubes
Authors: Tong Hua , Zhu Ying-Jie , Liu Xiao-Lin
Published: February 2009

CdS and CdSe polycrystalline nanotubes self-assembled from nanocrystals have been successfully prepared using water-dissolvable and reactive KCdCl3 nanowires as precursor and template at room temperature.
Characterization of High-pressure-induced Murine Erythroleukemia Cell Apoptosis by Proton Spin–Lattice Relaxation Times of Intracellular Water
Authors: Katsuki Satoshi , Yamaguchi Takeo
Published: February 2009

In high-pressure-induced apoptosis, the state of intracellular water was examined by measuring proton spin–lattice relaxation time of water. At the early stage of apoptosis, bound water increased owing to water efflux, whereas free water increased due to its influx at the late stage.
Kinetic Salt Effects on an Ionic Reaction in Ionic Liquid/Methanol Mixtures —Viscosity and Coulombic Screening Effects—
Authors: Takahashi Kenji , Tezuka Hiroaki , Satoh Toshifumi , Katsumura Yosuke , Watanabe Masayoshi , Crowell Robert A , Wishart James F
Published: February 2009

The kinetic salt effect on the disproportionation reaction between diiodide anions in methanol has been examined using two ionic liquids and one inorganic salt. The ionic reaction was accelerated significantly, depending on the cation of the salt, and the ionic liquids enhanced the reaction more effectively. At higher concentrations the reaction rates decrease owing to increasing viscosities.
Intensive care 1650: the revival of Anne Greene (c. 1628–59)
Authors: Breathnach Caoimhghin S , Moynihan John B
Published: February 2009

On a cold December day in 1650, 22-year-old Anne Greene was hanged in Oxford. When taken down after half an hour, she was found to show signs of life and over the next few days William Petty (1623–87), Thomas Willis (1621–75), Ralph Bathurst (1620–74) and Henry Clerke (1622–87) ministered to her full recovery. She was later pardoned of the charge of infanticide and, with the coffin wherein she had lain as a trophy, went into the country, became the subject not only of a prose and poetic narrative but also of a woodcut. Anne married happily, bore three children and lived until 1659. A combination of low-body temperature and external (pedal) cardiac massage after her failed execution, it is suggested, helped to keep her alive until the arrival of the physicians who had come to make an anatomical dissection but serendipitously won golden opinions.
A little-known aspect of Arthur Conan Doyle (1859–1930): the call of India and a debt to Walter Scott (1771–1832)
Authors: Gardner D L , Macnicol M F , Endicott P , Rayner D R T , Geissler P
Published: February 2009

This paper recalls the early life of Dr Arthur Conan Doyle when his writing centred briefly on India. The significance of a young female skeleton given to the museum of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 1879 is reviewed. Morphometric and genetic evidence is provided to show that the skeleton originated in the Andaman Islands. It is suggested that Doyle saw it during his undergraduate or early postgraduate years, leading him to introduce an Andaman Islander into his novel The Sign of the Four, published in 1890. Like his inspiring predecessor Walter Scott, Doyle wrote of India but did not visit the country: both authors learned indirectly of the Indian Raj and the Indian Medical Service. Doyle knew of the convict colony established after the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 at Port Blair, capital of the Andamans, but the reason he chose an Islander to commit murder in London has, until now, remained contentious.
Sir Stanford Cade KBE CB FRCS (1895–1973): a pioneer in the modern treatment of cancer
Authors: Westbury Gerald , Ellis Harold
Published: February 2009

Stanford Cade, born in Tsarist Russia, trained in Medicine first in Brussels and then in London at King's College and Westminster Hospital. His potential as a brilliant clinician was recognized by his appointment to the surgical staff at Westminster at the early age of 29. Here he was one of the first in the UK to use radium in the treatment of a wide variety of tumours. His interests covered the broad spectrum of malignant diseases including the head and neck, breast, bone and soft tissues. He was an early exponent of the multidisciplinary approach to the management of cancer.
Dr Adam Zamenhof (1888–1940) and his insight into ophthalmology
Authors: Wincewicz Andrzej , Sulkowska Mariola , Lieberman E James , Bakunowicz-Lazarczyk Alina , Sulkowski Stanislaw
Published: February 2009

Adam Zamenhof was greatly influenced by his father, Ludwik Zamenhof, who designed the international language Esperanto. Like his father, he became an ophthalmologist and joined the Esperanto movement. He published in the field of ophthalmology and was soon chosen as head of an ophthalmology department. He subsequently became Chief of the Orthodox Jewish Hospital at Czystem in Warsaw. He was active in the leadership of the Bialystok-Warsaw Chamber of Medical Doctors. He perished in the Nazi Holocaust (Shoah) but all Zamenhof's ideals that Adam served as a doctor and social activist remain still alive.
The use of the cemented Exeter Universal femoral stem in a District General Hospital
Authors: Young L. , Duckett S. , Dunn A.
Published: February 2009

We describe the survivorship of the Exeter femoral component in a District General Hospital. Between 1994 and 1996, 230 Exeter Universal cemented femoral components were implanted in 215 patients who were reviewed at a mean of 11.2 years (10 to 13). We used one acetabular implant, the Elite Ogee component, in 218 of the 230 hips.

During the period of this study 76 patients (79 hips) died. Of the remaining 139 patients (151 hips), 121 were able to attend for radiological analysis at a minimum of ten years. One patient was lost to follow-up.

No femoral component was revised for aseptic loosening. Three hips were revised for deep infection and six acetabular components required revision, four for loosening and two for recurrent dislocation. Taking the ‘worst-case scenario’ including the one patient lost to follow-up, the overall survival rate was 94.4% at 13 years.

Our results confirm excellent medium-term results for the Exeter Universal femoral component, implanted in a general setting. The excellent survival of this femoral component, when used in combination with the Ogee acetabular component, suggests that this is a successful pairing.
Osteogenic activity of human fracture haematoma-derived progenitor cells is stimulated by low-intensity pulsed ultrasoundin vitro
Authors: Hasegawa T. , Miwa M. , Sakai Y. , Niikura T. , Kurosaka M. , Komori T.
Published: February 2009

The haematoma occurring at the site of a fracture is known to play an important role in bone healing. We have recently shown the presence of progenitor cells in human fracture haematoma and demonstrated that they have the capacity for multilineage mesenchymal differentiation. There have been many studies which have shown that low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) stimulates the differentiation of a variety of cells, but none has investigated the effects of LIPUS on cells derived from human fracture tissue including human fracture haematoma-derived progenitor cells (HCs). In this in vitro study, we investigated the effects of LIPUS on the osteogenic activity of HCs. Alkaline phosphatase activity, osteocalcin secretion, the expression of osteoblast-related genes and the mineralisation of HCs were shown to be significantly higher when LIPUS had been applied but without a change in the proliferation of the HCs. These findings provide evidence in favour of the use of LIPUS in the treatment of fractures.
The effect of early surgical treatment on recovery in patients with metastatic compression of the spinal cord
Authors: Fürstenberg C. H. , Wiedenhöfer B. , Gerner H. J. , Putz C.
Published: February 2009

We analysed the influence of the timing of surgery (< 48 hours, group 1, 21 patients vs > 48 hours, group 2, 14 patients) on the neurological outcome and restoration of mobility in 35 incomplete tetra- and paraplegic patients with metastatic spinal-cord compression.

Pain and neurological symptoms were assessed using the American Spinal Injury Association impairment scale. More improvement was found in group 1 than in group 2 when comparing the pre-operative findings with those both immediately post-operatively (p = 0.021) and those at follow-up at four to six weeks (p = 0.010). In group 1 the number of pre-operatively mobile patients increased from 17 (81%) to 19 patients (90%) whereas the number of mobile patients in group 2 changed from nine (64%) to ten (71%).

These results suggest that early surgical treatment in patients with metastatic spinal-cord compression gives a better neurological outcome even in a palliative situation.
The management of patients with painful total knee replacement
Authors: Toms A. D. , Mandalia V. , Haigh R. , Hopwood B.
Published: February 2009

The management of patients with a painful total knee replacement requires careful assessment and a stepwise approach in order to diagnose the underlying pathology accurately. The management should include a multidisciplinary approach to the patient’s pain as well as addressing the underlying aetiology. Pain should be treated with appropriate analgesia, according to the analgesic ladder of the World Health Organisation. Special measures should be taken to identify and to treat any neuropathic pain. There are a number of intrinsic and extrinsic causes of a painful knee replacement which should be identified and treated early. Patients with unexplained pain and without any recognised pathology should be treated conservatively since they may improve over a period of time and rarely do so after a revision operation.
Arthrodesis of the knee using cannulated screws
Authors: Lim H. C. , Bae J. H. , Hur C. R. , Oh J. K. , Han S. H.
Published: February 2009

We retrospectively evaluated eight patients who underwent arthrodesis of the knee using cannulated screws. There were six women and two men, with a mean age of 53 years. The indications for arthrodesis were failed total knee arthroplasty, septic arthritis, tuberculosis, and recurrent persistent infection. Solid union was achieved in all patients at a mean of 6.1 months. One patient required autogenous bone graft for delayed union. One suffered skin necrosis which was treated with skin grafting. The mean limb-length discrepancy was 3.1 cm. On a visual analogue scale, the mean pain score improved from 7.9 to 3.3. According to the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome score quality of life items, the mean score improved from 38.3 pre-operatively to 76.6 at follow-up. Cannulated screws provide a high rate of union in arthrodesis of the knee with minimal complications, patient convenience, and a simple surgical technique.
Prevalence and characteristics of asymptomatic tears of the rotator cuff
Authors: Moosmayer S. , Smith H.-J. , Tariq R. , Larmo A.
Published: February 2009

We undertook clinical and ultrasonographic examination of the shoulders of 420 asymptomatic volunteers aged between 50 and 79 years. MRI was performed in selected cases. Full-thickness tears of the rotator cuff were detected in 32 subjects (7.6%). The prevalence increased with age as follows: 50 to 59 years, 2.1%; 60 to 69 years, 5.7%; and 70 to 79 years, 15%. The mean size of the tear was less than 3 cm and tear localisation was limited to the supraspinatus tendon in most cases (78%). The strength of flexion was reduced significantly in the group with tears (p = 0.01).

Asymptomatic tears of the rotator cuff should be regarded as part of the normal ageing process in the elderly but may be less common than hitherto believed.
Meniscal root injury and spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee
Authors: Robertson D. D. , Armfield D. R. , Towers J. D. , Irrgang J. J. , Maloney W. J. , Harner C. D.
Published: February 2009

We describe injuries to the posterior root of the medial meniscus in patients with spontaneous osteonecrosis of the medial compartment of the knee. We identified 30 consecutive patients with spontaneous osteonecrosis of the medial femoral condyle. The radiographs and MR imaging were reviewed. We found tears of the posterior root of the medial meniscus in 24 patients (80%). Of these, 15 were complete and nine were partial. Complete tears were associated with > 3 mm of meniscal extrusion. Neither the presence of a root tear nor the volume of the osteonecrotic lesion were associated with age, body mass index (BMI), gender, side affected, or knee alignment. The grade of osteoarthritis was associated with BMI.

Although tears of the posterior root of the medial meniscus were frequently present in patients with spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee, this does not prove cause and effect. Further study is warranted.
Health-related quality of life (EQ-5D) before and one year after surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Jansson K.-å. , Németh G. , Granath F. , Jönsson B. , Blomqvist P.
Published: February 2009

We investigated the pre-operative and one-year post-operative health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcome by using a Euroqol (EQ-5D) questionnaire in 230 patients who underwent surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis. Data were obtained from the National Swedish Registry for operations on the lumbar spine between 2001 and 2002. We analysed the pre- and postoperative quality of life data, age, gender, smoking habits, pain and walking ability. The relative differences were compared to a Swedish EQ-5D population survey.

The mean age of the patients was 66 years, and there were 123 females (53%). Before the operation 62 (27%) of the patients could walk more than 500 m. One year after the operation 150 (65%) were able to walk 500 m or more.

The mean EQ-5D score improved from 0.36 to 0.64, and the HRQoL improved in 184 (80%) of the patients. However, they did not reach the level reported by a matched population sample (mean difference 0.18). Women had lower pre- and post-operative EQ-5D scores than men. Severe low back pain was a predictor for a poor outcome.
Immediate primary skin closure in type-III A and B open fractures
Authors: Rajasekaran S. , Dheenadhayalan J. , Babu J. N. , Sundararajan S. R. , Venkatramani H. , Sabapathy S. R.
Published: February 2009

Between June 1999 and May 2003 we undertook direct primary closure of the skin wounds of 173 patients with Gustilo and Anderson grade-IIIA and grade-IIIB open fractures. These patients were selected from a consecutive group of 557 with type-III injuries presenting during this time. Strict criteria for inclusion in the study included debridement within 12 hours of injury, no sewage or organic contamination, no skin loss either primarily or secondarily during debridement, a Ganga Hospital open injury skin score of 1 or 2 with a total score of ten or less, the presence of bleeding skin margins, the ability to approximate wound edges without tension and the absence of peripheral vascular disease. In addition, patients with polytrauma were excluded.

At a mean follow-up of 6.2 years (5 to 7), the outcome was excellent in 150 (86.7%), good in 11 (6.4%) and poor in 12 (6.9%). A total of 33 complications occurred in 23 patients including superficial infection in 11, deep infection in five and the requirement for a secondary skin flap in three. Six patients developed nonunion requiring further surgery, one of whom declined additional measures to treat an established infected nonunion.

Immediate skin closure when performed selectively with the above indications proved to be a safe procedure.
Cementless Oxford unicompartmental knee replacement shows reduced radiolucency at one year
Authors: Pandit H. , Jenkins C. , Beard D. J. , Gallagher J. , Price A. J. , Dodd C. A. F. , Goodfellow J. W. , Murray D. W.
Published: February 2009

We randomised 62 knees to receive either cemented or cementless versions of the Oxford unicompartmental knee replacement. The implants used in both arms of the study were similar, except that the cementless components were coated with porous titanium and hydroxyapatite. The tibial interfaces were studied with fluoroscopically-aligned radiographs.

At one year there was no difference in clinical outcome between the two groups. Narrow radiolucent lines were seen at the bone-implant interfaces in 75% of cemented tibial components. These were partial in 43%, and complete in 32%. In the cementless implants, partial radiolucencies were seen in 7% and complete radiolucencies in none. These differences are statistically significant (p < 0.0001) and imply satisfactory bone ingrowth into the cementless implants.
The effect of parecoxib and indometacin on tendon-to-bone healing in a bone tunnel
Authors: Dimmen S. , Nordsletten L. , Engebretsen L. , Steen H. , Madsen J. E.
Published: February 2009

Conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and newer specific cyclo-oxygenase-2 (cox-2) inhibitors are commonly used in musculoskeletal trauma and orthopaedic surgery to reduce the inflammatory response and pain. These drugs have been reported to impair bone metabolism. In reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament the hamstring tendons are mainly used as the graft of choice, and a prerequisite for good results is healing of the tendons in the bone tunnel. Many of these patients are routinely given NSAIDs or cox-2 inhibitors, although no studies have elucidated the effects of these drugs on tendon healing in the bone tunnel.

In our study 60 female Wistar rats were randomly allocated into three groups of 20. One received parecoxib, one indometacin and one acted as a control. In all the rats the tendo-Achillis was released proximally from the calf muscles. It was then pulled through a drill hole in the distal tibia and sutured anteriorly. The rats were given parecoxib, indometacin or saline intraperitoneally twice daily for seven days. After 14 days the tendon/bone-tunnel interface was subjected to mechanical testing.

Significantly lower maximum pull-out strength (p < 0.001), energy absorption (p < 0.001) and stiffness (p = 0.035) were found in rats given parecoxib and indometacin compared with the control group, most pronounced with parecoxib.
Incidence of MRSA surgical-site infection in MRSA carriers in an orthopaedic trauma unit
Authors: Shukla S. , Nixon M. , Acharya M. , Korim M. T. , Pandey R.
Published: February 2009

We examined the incidence of infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in patients admitted to the Leicester Royal Infirmary Trauma Unit between January 2004 and June 2006. The influence of MRSA status at the time of their admission was examined, together with age, gender and diagnosis, using multi-variant analysis. Of 2473 patients, 79 (3.2%) were MRSA carriers at the time of admission and 2394 (96.8%) were MRSA-negative. Those carrying MRSA at the time of admission were more likely to develop surgical site infection with MRSA (7 of 79 patients, 8.8%) than non-MRSA carriers (54 of 2394 patients, 2.2%, p < 0.001). Further analysis showed that hip fracture and increasing age were also risk factors with a linear increase in relative risk of 1.8% per year.

MRSA carriage at admission, age and the pathology are all associated with an increased rate of developing MRSA wound infection. Identification of such risk factors at admission helps to target health-care resources, such the use of glycopeptide antibiotics at induction and the ‘building-in’ of increased vigilance for wound infection pre-operatively.
A Box–Cox normal model for response times
Authors: Entink R. H. Klein , van der Linden W. J. , Fox J.‐P.
Published: February 2009

The log‐transform has been a convenient choice in response time modelling on test items. However, motivated by a dataset of the Medical College Admission Test where the lognormal model violated the normality assumption, the possibilities of the broader class of Box–Cox transformations for response time modelling are investigated. After an introduction and an outline of a broader framework for analysing responses and response times simultaneously, the performance of a Box–Cox normal model for describing response times is investigated using simulation studies and a real data example. A transformation‐invariant implementation of the deviance information criterium (DIC) is developed that allows for comparing model fit between models with different transformation parameters. Showing an enhanced description of the shape of the response time distributions, its application in an educational measurement context is discussed at length.
Visuospatial working memory interference with recollections of trauma
Authors: Lilley Steven A. , Andrade Jackie , Turpin Graham , Sabin‐Farrell Rachel , Holmes Emily A.
Published: February 2009

Objectives. Laboratory research using a working memory framework has shown modality‐specific reductions in image vividness and emotionality when concurrent tasks are performed while maintaining the image in consciousness. We extended this research to trauma images in a clinical population awaiting treatment for post‐traumatic stress symptoms.

Design. A within‐subjects design was used, with each participant completing an imagery task under three concurrent task conditions: side‐to‐side eye‐movements, counting, and exposure only (no concurrent task).

Method. Eighteen participants selected three images each, the images being those that were the most distressing from participants' trauma memories and most likely to intrude involuntarily. Participants gave baseline ratings of the vividness and emotionality of each of their trauma images. Each image was assigned to a condition. Each condition comprised 8 trials in which participants recollected the appropriate image for 8 s while performing eye‐movements, counting or no concurrent task, and then rated its vividness and emotionality. Follow‐up ratings were obtained by telephone 1 week later.

Results. The eye‐movement task reduced vividness and emotionality of the trauma images relative to the counting task and exposure only, but did so only during the imagery period and not at follow‐up. The images were predominantly visual.

Conclusions. Concurrent tasks matched to the modality of trauma images may provide a useful treatment aid for temporarily dampening emotional responses to recollections of trauma.
Interface between work and family: A longitudinal individual and crossover perspective
Authors: Kinnunen Ulla , Feldt Taru , Mauno Saija , Rantanen Johanna
Published: February 2009

This study assessed longitudinal individual and crossover relationships between work‐family conflict and well‐being in the domains of work (job satisfaction) and family (parental distress) in a sample of 239 dual‐earner couples. The results revealed only longitudinal individual effects over a 1‐year period. First, high family‐to‐work conflict (WFC) at Time 1 was related to a high level of work‐to‐family conflict (WFC) 1 year later in both partners. Second, the wife's high level of FWC was related to her decreased job satisfaction 1 year later. Thus, the longitudinal effects identified supported normal causality, that is, work‐family conflict led to poor well‐being outcomes or increased perceived work‐family conflict later on. Longitudinal crossover effects from one partner to another were not observed within a 1‐year perspective.
Job demands, work‐family conflict, and emotional exhaustion in police officers: A longitudinal test of competing theories
Authors: Hall Garry B. , Dollard Maureen F. , Tuckey Michelle R. , Winefield Anthony H. , Thompson Briony M.
Published: February 2009

We propose and test a comprehensive theory designed to explain seemingly contradictory relations between job demands, emotional exhaustion, and work‐family conflict (WFC) reported in the literature. Using job demands‐resources theory, effort‐recovery theory, and personal resources theory we hypothesized that job demands would spillover to emotional exhaustion as mediated by WFC (causality model), and alternatively that job demands would also spillover to WFC as mediated by emotional exhaustion (reverse causal model). Further, we also hypothesized using loss spiral theory that a more comprehensive model representing reciprocal and cross‐linked effects (causal and reverse causal simultaneously) would best fit the data. The hypotheses were tested in a longitudinal study of 257 Australian (Victorian) frontline police officers at two time points approximately 12 months apart. We used structural equation modelling and found in support of the simultaneous reciprocal effects hypothesis, that the more comprehensive model fitted the data better than either the causality or the reverse causal model. Future research should more comprehensively model the important relationships between job demands, emotional exhaustion, and WFC to reflect their complex interplay. Interventions to reduce work demands arising from work pressure and emotional demands are indicated to prevent conflict at home and emotional exhaustion in police officers.
Coping with examinations: Exploring relationships between students' coping strategies, implicit theories of ability, and perceived control
Authors: Doron Julie , Stephan Yannick , Boiché Julie , Scanff Christine Le
Published: February 2009

Background Relatively little is known about the contribution of students' beliefs regarding the nature of academic ability (i.e. their implicit theories) on strategies used to deal with examinations.

Aims This study applied Dweck's socio‐cognitive model of achievement motivation to better understand how students cope with examinations. It was expected that students' implicit theories of academic ability would be related to their use of particular coping strategies to deal with exam‐related stress. Additionally, it was predicted that perceived control over exams acts as a mediator between implicit theories of ability and coping.

Sample Four hundred and ten undergraduate students (263 males, 147 females), aged from 17 to 26 years old (M = 19.73, SD = 1.46) were volunteers for the present study.

Methods Students completed measures of coping, implicit theories of academic ability, and perception of control over academic examinations during regular classes in the first term of the university year.

Results Multiple regression analyses revealed that incremental beliefs of ability significantly and positively predicted active coping, planning, venting of emotions, seeking social support for emotional and instrumental reasons, whereas entity beliefs positively predicted behavioural disengagement and negatively predicted active coping and acceptance. In addition, analyses revealed that entity beliefs of ability were related to coping strategies through students' perception of control over academic examinations.

Conclusions These results confirm that exam‐related coping varies as a function of students' beliefs about the nature of academic ability and their perceptions of control when approaching examinations.
Mobilization of Neural Stem Cells and Generation of New Neurons in 6-OHDA–lesioned Rats by Intracerebroventricular Infusion of Liver Growth Factor
Authors: Gonzalo-Gobernado Rafael , Reimers Diana , Herranz Antonio S. , Díaz-Gil Juan José , Osuna Cristina , Asensio María José , Baena Silvia , Rodríguez-Serrano Macarena , Bazán Eulalia
Published: February 2009

Neural stem cells with self-renewal and multilineage potential persist in the subventricular zone of the adult mammalian forebrain. These cells remain relatively quiescent but, under certain conditions, can be stimulated, giving rise to new neurons. Liver growth factor (LGF) is a mitogen for liver cells that shows biological activity in extrahepatic sites and is useful for neuroregenerative therapies. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential neurogenic activity of LGF in the 6-hydroxydopamine rat model of Parkinson's disease. Proliferation was significantly increased in the subventricular zone and denervated striatum of rats receiving ICV LGF infusions, and 25% of the proliferating cells were doublecortin-positive neurons. Doublecortin-positive cells with the morphology of migrating neuroblasts were also observed in the dorsal and ventral regions of the striatum of LGF-infused animals. Moreover, some newly generated cells were neuronal nuclei-positive mature neurons. LGF also stimulated microglia and induced astrogliosis, both phenomena associated with generation and migration of new neurons in the adult brain. In summary, our study shows that LGF stimulates neurogenesis when applied intraventricularly in 6-hydroxydopamine–lesioned rats. Considering that this factor also promotes neuronal migration into damaged tissue, we propose LGF as a novel factor useful for neuronal replacement in neurodegenerative diseases. (J Histochem Cytochem 57:491–502, 2009)
Eukaryotic Initiation Factors (eIF) 2α and 4E Expression, Localization, and Phosphorylation in Brain Tumors
Authors: Tejada Sonia , Lobo M. Val T. , García-Villanueva Mercedes , Sacristán Silvia , Pérez-Morgado M. Isabel , Salinas Matilde , Martín M. Elena
Published: February 2009

Increased protein synthesis is regulated, in part, by two eukaryotic translation initiation factors (eIFs): eIF4E and eIF2α. One or both of these factors are often overexpressed in several types of cancer cells; however, no data are available at present regarding eIF4E and eIF2α levels in brain tumors. In this study, we analyzed the expression, subcellular localization and phosphorylation states of eIF4E and eIF2α in 64 brain tumors (26 meningiomas, 16 oligodendroglial tumors, and 22 astrocytomas) and investigated the correlation with the expression of MIB-1, p53, and cyclin D1 proteins as well. There are significant differences in the phosphorylated eIF4E levels between the tumors studied, being the highest in meningiomas and the lowest in the oligodendroglial tumors. Relative to subcellular localization, eIF4E is frequently found in the nucleus of the oligodendroglial tumors and rarely in the same compartment of the meningiomas, whereas eIF2α showed an inverse pattern. Finally, cyclin D1 levels directly correlate with the phosphorylation status of both factors. The different expression, phosphorylation, or/and subcellular distribution of eIF2α and eIF4E within the brain types of tumors studied could indicate that different pathways are activated for promoting cell cycle proliferation, for instance, leading to increased cyclin D1 expression. (J Histochem Cytochem 57:503–512, 2009)
Lipocalin 2 Expressions Correlate Significantly With Tumor Differentiation in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Cho HanByoul , Kim Jae-Hoon
Published: February 2009

We recently identified lipocalin2 (LCN2) as being upregulated in ovarian cancer cell lines. The purpose of this study was to validate LCN2 upregulation in ovarian cancers and to investigate its potential as a serum biomarker. We assayed LCN2 expression in ovarian cancers using real-time PCR and IHC. To evaluate the potential of LCN2 as a biomarker, we measured serum LCN2 levels in 54 ovarian cancers, 15 borderline and 53 benign ovarian tumors, and 90 healthy controls. SYBR green PCR and IHC showed LCN2 overexpression in ovarian cancers. LCN2 immunoreactivity was significantly associated with tumor differentiation ( p = 0.009), as well-differentiated tumors showed the highest LCN2 expression. Serum LCN2 level in ovarian cancer was significantly higher than in the other study groups ( p<0.001), and in accordance with IHC results, it also correlated with tumor differentiation, with well-differentiated tumors having the highest value. The sensitivity and specificity of LCN2 in detecting ovarian cancer was 72.2% and 50.4%, respectively. By Cox univariate analysis, LCN2 positivity was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (hazard ratio = 1.47, p = 0.012). In conclusion, LCN2 expressions are upregulated and related to tumor differentiation in ovarian cancers and should be included in future research assessing potential biomarkers for ovarian cancer. (J Histochem Cytochem 57:513–521, 2009)
Model of Solid State Transformations of Ductile Cast Iron GJS-600
Authors: Runser V. , Schulze V.
Published: February 2009

To quantify the way in which microstructure, stress, and distortion develop during the cooling of a ductile cast iron GJS-600 after its solidification and to predict the final thermomechanical properties of this material, it is necessary to identify all the metallurgical evolutions in solid state which occur after the casting in a sand mold. The present work deals with the influence of cooling conditions on the solid state transformations of a ductile cast iron austenitized for short periods and considering the initial carbon gradient. Numerical predictions for the modeling of the microstructure evolution and for the thermal strain development are validated with experimental results and show good agreement.
A Domestic cat X Chromosome Linkage Map and the Sex-LinkedorangeLocus: Mapping oforange, Multiple Origins and Epistasis Overnonagouti
Authors: Schmidt-Küntzel Anne , Nelson George , David Victor A , Schäffer Alejandro A , Eizirik Eduardo , Roelke Melody E , Kehler James S , Hannah Steven S , O'Brien Stephen J , Menotti-Raymond Marilyn
Published: February 2009

A comprehensive genetic linkage map of the domestic cat X chromosome was generated with the goal of localizing the genomic position of the classic X-linked orange (O) locus. Microsatellite markers with an average spacing of 3 Mb were selected from sequence traces of the cat 1.9× whole genome sequence (WGS), including the pseudoautosomal region 1 (PAR1). Extreme variation in recombination rates (centimorgans per megabase) was observed along the X chromosome, ranging from a virtual absence of recombination events in a region estimated to be >30 Mb to recombination frequencies of 15.7 cM/Mb in a segment estimated to be <0.3 Mb. This detailed linkage map was applied to position the X-linked orange gene, placing this locus on the q arm of the X chromosome, as opposed to a previously reported location on the p arm. Fine mapping placed the locus between markers at positions 106 and 116.8 Mb in the current 1.9×-coverage sequence assembly of the cat genome. Haplotype analysis revealed potential recombination events that could reduce the size of the candidate region to 3.5 Mb and suggested multiple origins for the orange phenotype in the domestic cat. Furthermore, epistasis of orange over nonagouti was demonstrated at the genetic level.
Genetics and Lineage-Specific Evolution of a Lethal Hybrid Incompatibility Between Drosophila mauritiana and Its Sibling Species
Authors: Cattani M Victoria , Presgraves Daven C
Published: February 2009

The Dobzhansky–Muller model posits that intrinsic postzygotic reproductive isolation—the sterility or lethality of species hybrids—results from the evolution of incompatible epistatic interactions between species: favorable or neutral alleles that become fixed in the genetic background of one species can cause sterility or lethality in the genetic background of another species. The kind of hybrid incompatibility that evolves between two species, however, depends on the particular evolutionary history of the causative substitutions. An allele that is functionally derived in one species can be incompatible with an allele that is functionally derived in the other species (a derived-derived hybrid incompatibility). But an allele that is functionally derived in one species can also be incompatible with an allele that has retained the ancestral state in the other species (a derived-ancestral hybrid incompatibility). The relative abundance of such derived-derived vs. derived-ancestral hybrid incompatibilities is unknown. Here, we characterize the genetics and evolutionary history of a lethal hybrid incompatibility between Drosophila mauritiana and its two sibling species, D. sechellia and D. simulans. We show that a hybrid lethality factor(s) in the pericentric heterochromatin of the D. mauritiana X chromosome, hybrid lethal on the X (hlx), is incompatible with a factor(s) in the same small autosomal region from both D. sechellia and D. simulans, Suppressor of hlx [Su(hlx)]. By combining genetic and phylogenetic information, we infer that hlx-Su(hlx) hybrid lethality is likely caused by a derived-ancestral incompatibility, a hypothesis that can be tested directly when the genes are identified.
Identification of Receptor-Tyrosine-Kinase-Signaling Target Genes Reveals Receptor-Specific Activities and Pathway Branchpoints During Drosophila Development
Authors: Leatherbarrow John R , Halfon Marc S
Published: February 2009

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are an important family of signaling molecules with the unusual property that they are able to transduce their signals using the same downstream pathways. This has led to an unresolved debate as to whether individual receptors are interchangeable, or if each receptor can mediate specific downstream responses. To address this question, we have conducted a screen to identify target genes whose expression is differentially modulated by RTKs and their downstream pathway components. Using whole-mount in situ hybridization in Drosophila embryos exposed to constitutively active RTK pathway signaling, along with quantitative RT–PCR, we found that a significant fraction of target genes respond differentially in a spatial and/or quantitative manner. This includes differential responses to EGF receptor vs. fibroblast growth factor receptor signaling as well as to more downstream components such as Ras1 and pointed. We show that not only genes but also individual alternative transcripts can respond differently to signaling, and we present evidence that the differential responses can be mediated at the transcriptional level. Our results demonstrate that different RTKs can elicit distinct transcriptional responses, and the target genes obtained from our screen provide a valuable resource for further exploration of the mechanisms underlying this signaling specificity.
De Novo Identification of Single Nucleotide Mutations in Caenorhabditis elegans Using Array Comparative Genomic Hybridization
Authors: Maydan Jason S , Okada H Mark , Flibotte Stephane , Edgley Mark L , Moerman Donald G
Published: February 2009

Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) has been used primarily to detect copy-number variants between two genomes. Here we report using aCGH to detect single nucleotide mutations on oligonucleotide microarrays with overlapping 50-mer probes. This technique represents a powerful method for rapidly detecting novel homozygous single nucleotide mutations in any organism with a sequenced reference genome.
Multiple SET Methyltransferases Are Required to Maintain Normal Heterochromatin Domains in the Genome ofDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Brower-Toland Brent , Riddle Nicole C , Jiang Hongmei , Huisinga Kathryn L , Elgin Sarah C R
Published: February 2009

Methylation of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) is a key feature of silent chromatin and plays an important role in stabilizing the interaction of heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1) with chromatin. Genomes of metazoans such as the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster generally encode three types of H3K9-specific SET domain methyltransferases that contribute to chromatin homeostasis during the life cycle of the organism. SU(VAR)3-9, dG9a, and dSETDB1 all function in the generation of wild-type H3K9 methylation levels in the Drosophila genome. Two of these enzymes, dSETDB1 and SU(VAR)3-9, govern heterochromatin formation in distinct but overlapping patterns across the genome. H3K9 methylation in the small, heterochromatic fourth chromosome of D. melanogaster is governed mainly by dSETDB1, whereas dSETDB1 and SU(VAR)3-9 function in concert to methylate H3K9 in the pericentric heterochromatin of all chromosomes, with dG9a having little impact in these domains, as shown by monitoring position effect variegation. To understand how these distinct heterochromatin compartments may be differentiated, we examined the developmental timing of dSETDB1 function using a knockdown strategy. dSETDB1 acts to maintain heterochromatin during metamorphosis, at a later stage in development than the reported action of SU(VAR)3-9. Surprisingly, depletion of both of these enzymes has less deleterious effect than depletion of one. These results imply that dSETDB1 acts as a heterochromatin maintenance factor that may be required for the persistence of earlier developmental events normally governed by SU(VAR)3-9. In addition, the genetic interactions between dSETDB1 and Su(var)3-9 mutations emphasize the importance of maintaining the activities of these histone methyltransferases in balance for normal genome function.
Suppression of the Double-Strand-Break-Repair Defect of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae rad57 Mutant
Authors: Fung Cindy W , Mozlin Amy M , Symington Lorraine S
Published: February 2009

The Rad51 paralogs Rad55 and Rad57 form a heterodimer required to mediate the formation and/or stabilization of the Rad51 filament. To further characterize the function of Rad55-Rad57, we used a combination of rad57 partial suppressors to determine whether the DNA repair and recombination defects of the rad57 mutant could be completely suppressed. The combination of all suppressors, elevated temperature, srs2, rad51-I345T, and mating-type (MAT) heterozygosity resulted in almost complete suppression of the rad57 mutant defect in the recruitment of Rad51 to DNA-damaged sites, as well as survival in response to ionizing radiation and camptothecin. In a physical assay to monitor the kinetics of double-strand-break (DSB)-induced gene conversion, the rad57 mutant defect was effectively suppressed by srs2 and MAT heterozygosity, but these same suppressors failed to suppress the spontaneous recombination defect. Thus the Rad55-Rad57 heterodimer appears to have a unique function in spontaneous recombination that is not essential for DSB repair. Furthermore, we investigated the currently unknown mechanism of rad57 suppression by MAT heterozygosity and found that it is independent of DNL4.
Responding to Compliance Changes in a Lung Model During Manual Ventilation: Perhaps Volume, Rather Than Pressure, Should be Displayed
Authors: Kattwinkel John , Stewart Corrine , Walsh Brian , Gurka Matthew , Paget-Brown Alix
Published: February 2009

Objective. The standard technique for positive-pressure ventilation is to regulate the breath size by varying the pressure applied to the bag. Investigators have argued that consistency of peak inspiratory pressure is important. However, research shows that excessive tidal volume delivered with excessive pressure injures preterm lungs, which suggests that inspiratory pressure should be varied during times of changing compliance, such as resuscitation of newborns or treatment after surfactant delivery.

Methods. We modified a computerized lung model (ASL5000 [IngMar Medical, Pittsburgh, PA]) to simulate the functional residual capacity of a 3-kg neonate with apnea and programmed it to change compliance during ventilation. Forty-five professionals were blinded to randomized compliance changes while using a flow-inflating bag, a self-inflating bag, and a T-piece resuscitator. We instructed subjects to maintain a constant inflation volume, first while blinded to delivered volume and then with volume displayed, with all 3 devices.

Results. Subjects adapted to compliance changes by adjusting inflation pressure more effectively when delivered volume was displayed. When only pressure was displayed, sensing of compliance changes occurred only with the self-inflating bag. When volume was displayed, adjustments to compliance changes occurred with all 3 devices, although the self-inflating bag was superior.

Conclusions. In this lung model, volume display permitted far better detection of compliance changes compared with display of only pressure. Devices for administration of positive-pressure ventilation should display volume rather than pressure.
Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome: 16-Year Experience
Authors: Mehr Sam , Kakakios Alyson , Frith Katie , Kemp Andrew S.
Published: February 2009

Objective. The goal was to examine the demographic characteristics, causative foods, clinical features, treatments, and outcomes for children presenting with acute food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome.

Methods. This was a retrospective study of children with food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome who presented to the Children's Hospital at Westmead (Sydney, Australia) over 16 years.

Results. Thirty-five children experienced 66 episodes of food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome. The mean age at initial presentation was 5.5 months. Children frequently experienced multiple episodes before a correct diagnosis was made. Twenty-nine children reacted to 1 food, and 6 reacted to 2 foods. Causative foods for the 35 children were rice (n = 14), soy (n = 12), cow's milk (n = 7), vegetables and fruits (n = 3), meats (n = 2), oats (n = 2), and fish (n = 1). In the 66 episodes, vomiting was the most common clinical feature (100%), followed by lethargy (85%), pallor (67%), and diarrhea (24%). A temperature of <36°C at presentation was recorded for 24% of episodes. A platelet count of >500 × 109 cells per L was recorded for 63% of episodes with blood count results. Only 2 of the 19 children who presented to an emergency department with their initial reactions were discharged with correct diagnoses. Additional investigations of food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome episodes presenting to the hospital were common, with 34% of patients undergoing abdominal imaging, 28% undergoing a septic evaluation, and 22% having a surgical consultation. Prognosis was good, with high rates of resolution for the 2 most common food triggers (ie, rice and soy) by 3 years of age.

Conclusions. Misdiagnosis and delays in diagnosis for children with food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome were common, leading many children to undergo unnecessary, often painful investigations. Decreased body temperature and thrombocytosis emerge as additional features of the syndrome.
Flow Behaviour of Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) Juice
Authors: Juszczak Leslaw , Witczak Mariusz , Galkowska Dorota
Published: February 2009

The viscosity of the concentrated black chokeberry juice has been studied at the soluble solids content of 50  67.8°Bx and the temperature range of 10  60°C. On the base of obtained results it was shown that concentrated black chokeberry juice exhibited Newtonian flow behaviour. The values of the viscosity strongly depended on the concentration and temperature and were in the range from 5.8 to 436.6 mPa s. To study the influence of soluble solids content on the viscosity, power-law and exponential functions were used. The effect of the temperature on the viscosity was described by the Arrhenius equation and the values of flow activation energy were in the range from 22.84 to 40.28 kJ/mol. Additionally, equations based on the Arrhenius and power-law or exponential functions describing combined effect of the soluble solids content and temperature on the viscosity were obtained. Because the values of flow activation energy strongly depended on the concentration, four parameters model for the concentrated black chokeberry juice was proposed.