bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control of bone formation by the serpentine receptor Frizzled-9
Authors: Albers Joachim , Schulze Jochen , Beil F. Timo , Gebauer Matthias , Baranowsky Anke , Keller Johannes , Marshall Robert P. , Wintges Kristofer , Friedrich Felix W. , Priemel Matthias , Schilling Arndt F. , Rueger Johannes M. , Cornils Kerstin , Fehse Boris , Streichert Thomas , Sauter Guido , Jakob Franz , Insogna Karl L. , Pober Barbara , Knobeloch Klaus-Peter , Francke Uta , Amling Michael , Schinke Thorsten
Published: March 2011

Although Wnt signaling in osteoblasts is of critical importance for the regulation of bone remodeling, it is not yet known which specific Wnt receptors of the Frizzled family are functionally relevant in this process. In this paper, we show that Fzd9 is induced upon osteoblast differentiation and that Fzd9−/− mice display low bone mass caused by impaired bone formation. Our analysis of Fzd9−/− primary osteoblasts demonstrated defects in matrix mineralization in spite of normal expression of established differentiation markers. In contrast, we observed a reduced expression of chemokines and interferon-regulated genes in Fzd9−/− osteoblasts. We also identified the ubiquitin-like modifier Isg15 as one potential downstream mediator of Fzd9 in these cells. Importantly, our molecular analysis further revealed that canonical Wnt signaling is not impaired in the absence of Fzd9, thus explaining the absence of a bone resorption phenotype. Collectively, our results reveal a previously unknown function of Fzd9 in osteoblasts, a finding that may have therapeutic implications for bone loss disorders.
Astrophysical turbulence modeling
Authors: Brandenburg Axel , Nordlund Åke
Published: March 2011

The role of turbulence in various astrophysical settings is reviewed. Among the differences to laboratory and atmospheric turbulence we highlight the ubiquitous presence of magnetic fields that are generally produced and maintained by dynamo action. The extreme temperature and density contrasts and stratifications are emphasized in connection with turbulence in the interstellar medium and in stars with outer convection zones, respectively. In many cases turbulence plays an essential role in facilitating enhanced transport of mass, momentum, energy and magnetic fields in terms of the corresponding coarse-grained mean fields. Those transport properties are usually strongly modified by anisotropies and often completely new effects emerge in such a description that have no correspondence in terms of the original (non-coarse-grained) fields.
Root Treatment with Rhizobacteria Antagonistic to Phytophthora Blight Affects Anthracnose Occurrence, Ripening, and Yield of Pepper Fruit in the Plastic House and Field
Authors: Sang Mee Kyung , Kim Jeong Do , Kim Beom Seok , Kim Ki Deok
Published: March 2011

We previously selected rhizobacterial strains CCR04, CCR80, GSE09, ISE13, and ISE14, which were antagonistic to Phytophthora blight of pepper. In this study, we investigated the effects of root treatment of rhizobacteria on anthracnose occurrence, ripening, and yield of pepper fruit in the plastic house and field in 2008 and 2009. We also examined the effects of volatiles produced by the strains on fruit ripening and on mycelial growth and spore development of Colletotrichum acutatum and Phytophthora capsici in the laboratory, identifying the volatile compounds by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In the house tests, all strains significantly (P < 0.05) reduced anthracnose incidence on pepper fruit; strains GSE09 and ISE14 consistently produced higher numbers of pepper fruit or increased the fresh weight of red fruit more than the controls in both years. In the field tests, all strains significantly (P < 0.05) reduced anthracnose occurrence on either green or red pepper fruit; strain ISE14 consistently produced higher numbers or increased fresh weights of red fruit more than the controls in both years. In the laboratory tests, volatiles produced by strains GSE09 and ISE13 only stimulated maturation of pepper fruit from green (unripe) to red (ripe) fruit; the volatiles of certain strains inhibited the growth and development of C. acutatum and P. capsici. On the other hand, GC-MS analysis of volatiles of strains GSE09 and ISE13 revealed 17 distinct compounds in both strains, including decane, dodecane, 1,3-di-tert-butylbenzene, tetradecane, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, and hexadecane. Among these compounds, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol only stimulated fruit ripening and inhibited growth and development of the pathogens. Taken together, strains GSE09 and ISE14 effectively reduced anthracnose occurrence and stimulated pepper fruit ripening and yield, possibly via bacterial volatiles. Therefore, these two strains could be potential agents for controlling Phytophthora blight and anthracnose, and for increasing fruit ripening and yield. To our knowledge, this is the first report of volatiles such as 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol produced by rhizobacteria being related to both fruit ripening and pathogen inhibition.
Involvement of Endogenous Abscisic Acid in Methyl Jasmonate-Induced Stomatal Closure in Arabidopsis
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Anowar , Munemasa Shintaro , Uraji Misugi , Nakamura Yoshimasa , Mori Izumi C. , Murata Yoshiyuki
Published: March 2011

In this study, we examined the involvement of endogenous abscisic acid (ABA) in methyl jasmonate (MeJA)-induced stomatal closure using an inhibitor of ABA biosynthesis, fluridon (FLU), and an ABA-deficient Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) mutant, aba2-2. We found that pretreatment with FLU inhibited MeJA-induced stomatal closure but not ABA-induced stomatal closure in wild-type plants. The aba2-2 mutation impaired MeJA-induced stomatal closure but not ABA-induced stomatal closure. We also investigated the effects of FLU and the aba2-2 mutation on cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca2+]cyt) in guard cells using a Ca2+-reporter fluorescent protein, Yellow Cameleon 3.6. In wild-type guard cells, FLU inhibited MeJA-induced [Ca2+]cyt elevation but not ABA-induced [Ca2+]cyt elevation. The aba2-2 mutation did not affect ABA-elicited [Ca2+]cyt elevation but suppressed MeJA-induced [Ca2+]cyt elevation. We also tested the effects of the aba2-2 mutation and FLU on the expression of MeJA-inducible VEGETATIVE STORAGE PROTEIN1 (VSP1). In the aba2-2 mutant, MeJA did not induce VSP1 expression. In wild-type leaves, FLU inhibited MeJA-induced VSP1 expression. Pretreatment with ABA at 0.1 μm, which is not enough concentration to evoke ABA responses in the wild type, rescued the observed phenotypes of the aba2-2 mutant. Finally, we found that in wild-type leaves, MeJA stimulates the expression of 9-CIS-EPOXYCAROTENOID DIOXYGENASE3, which encodes a crucial enzyme in ABA biosynthesis. These results suggest that endogenous ABA could be involved in MeJA signal transduction and lead to stomatal closure in Arabidopsis guard cells.
Validation and accreditation of a duplex real‐time PCR test for reliable in planta detection of Chalara fraxinea1
Authors: Ioos R. , Fourrier C.
Published: March 2011

This work reports the optimization and provides statistically supported validation data for a real‐time detection tool targeting the emerging fungus Chalara fraxinea. The test proved to be specific and inclusive, based on computer simulation and in vitro assessments, and could detect as little as 20 fg of C. fraxinea DNA. The duplex real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay proved to be significantly more efficient and rapid than isolation on agar plates. To monitor the performance of the whole analysis process and to ensure reliability of the results, a set of controls was used systematically during the assays. A diagnosis flow diagram is proposed. The Laboratoire National de la Protection des végétaux was recently accredited by the French accreditation body for this protocol.
Evaluation and review of the European Union’s plant health regime
Authors: Baayen R. P. , Arijs H.
Published: March 2011

The European Commission is carrying out a review of the European Union’s plant health regime. A comprehensive evaluation of the regime was carried out by an external consortium from 2009 to 2010. Based on the evaluation report1, a new EU plant health law will be developed. A draft legal text is expected to be proposed by the Commission in 2012. The final text will be adopted in co‐decision between the Council of the European Union and European Parliament.
Introduction récente de certaines espéces adventices des cultures en Tunisie
Authors: Omezine A.
Published: March 2011

La première exploration botanique effectuée au cours de l’année 1980 a décelé certaines plantes nouvellement introduites en Tunisie. La deuxième exploration floristique dans les milieux artificialisés au cours de l’année 2000 a permis de trouver la présence d’autres plantes introduites. On estime que la flore indigène de la Tunisie compte environ 1400 espèces. Approximativement 1000 espèces introduites se sont naturalisées dans les écosystèmes naturels et artificiels. D’autres espèces exotiques ont également été introduites après cette date. Une partie de ces espèces pose des problèmes sérieux à l’agriculture tunisienne. Une description de ces plantes récemment introduites et une discussion sur leur importance agronomique et environnementale sont proposées dans cet article.
Risk maps for targeting exotic plant pest detection programs in the United States
Authors: Magarey R. D. , Borchert D. M. , Engle J. S. , Colunga‐Garcia M. , Koch F. H. , Yemshanov D.
Published: March 2011

In the United States, pest risk maps are used by the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey for spatial and temporal targeting of exotic plant pest detection programs. Methods are described to create standardized host distribution, climate and pathway risk maps for the top nationally ranked exotic pest targets. Two examples are provided to illustrate the risk mapping process: late wilt of corn (Harpophora maydis) and the giant African land snail (Achatina fulica). Host risk maps were made from county‐level crop census and USDA Forest Inventory and Analysis data, respectively. Climate risk maps were made using the North Carolina State University–USDA APHIS Plant Pest Forecasting System (NAPPFAST), which uses a web‐based graphical user interface to link climatic and geographic databases with interactive templates for biological modelling. Pathway risk maps were made using freight flow allocation data sets to move commodities from 7 world regions to 3162 US urban areas. A new aggregation technique based on the Pareto dominance principle was used to integrate maps of host abundance, climate and pathway risks into a single decision support product. The maps are publicly available online (http://www.nappfast.org). Key recommendations to improve the risk maps and their delivery systems are discussed.
Introduction into Italy of Gryon pennsylvanicum (Ashmead), an egg parasitoid of the alien invasive bug Leptoglossus occidentalis Heidemann
Authors: Roversi P. F. , Strong W. B. , Caleca V. , Maltese M. , Sabbatini Peverieri G. , Marianelli L. , Marziali L. , Strangi A.
Published: March 2011

Leptoglossus occidentalis (Heteroptera, Coreidae), a Nearctic species, was accidentally introduced into Northern Italy in the late 1990s, from where it has spread throughout Europe. The bug causes abortion of immature cones of Pinus pinea L., with economic impact on the pine‐nut industry. As part of a pest control research program, the egg parasitoid Gryon pennsylvanicum Ashmead (Hymenoptera, Platygastridae) was collected from British Columbia, Canada, and legally introduced to a quarantine climatic chamber in Florence, Italy. The egg parasitoid will be tested against native non‐target heteropterans, an environmental impact assessment will be conducted, and a mass rearing method will be developed if appropriate. The ultimate goal is to release G. pennsylvanicum into Italian P. pinea forests for classical biological control of L. occidentalis.
Measuring health‐related quality of life in non‐complicated diabetes patients may be an effective parameter to assess patients at risk of a more serious disease course: a cross‐sectional study of two diabetes outpatient groups
Authors: Jelsness‐Jørgensen Lars‐Petter , Ribu Lis , Bernklev Tomm , Moum Bjørn Allan
Published: March 2011

Aim.  To describe health‐related quality of life in diabetes outpatients and investigate the impact of diabetic foot ulcers, by comparing a group of patients with and without diabetic foot ulcers complications. Secondary to study the impact of sociodemographic and clinical variables in the two groups.

Design.  Cross‐sectional study.

Methods.  The study involved 130 diabetes outpatients and 127 diabetic foot ulcers patients. Health‐related quality of life was measured with the generic questionnaire Short Form‐36, consisting of eight dimensional scores. All scores were adjusted for differences in age and gender (estimated marginal means). Differences were compared with anova calculations, by the use of Predictive Analytics Software, pasw (version 17.0).

Results.  This study confirms that health‐related quality of life differs significantly between disease subgroups when measured with Short Form‐36. Diabetic foot ulcers had a major negative impact on 7/8 subscales on the Short Form‐36 compared to the diabetes outpatients group. health‐related quality of life decreased with increasing amount of complications and comorbidity in the diabetes outpatients group, with cardiovascular complications being the most pronounced predictor of lower health‐related quality of life scores.

Conclusion.  Patients who have developed diabetic foot ulcers reports much poorer health‐related quality of life than compared to diabetes outpatients. Factors linked to the development of late complications were not detected in the diabetic foot ulcers group, such as cardiovascular comorbidity and neuropathy.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Health‐related quality of life measurement in early stages of disease may detect patients at risk of a more serious disease course and who consequently are in need of a more intensive follow‐up.
Single‐dose rATG induction at renal transplantation: superior renal function and glucoregulation with less hypomagnesemia
Authors: Stevens R. Brian , Lane James T. , Boerner Brian P. , Miles Clifford D. , Rigley Theodore H. , Sandoz John P. , Nielsen Kathleen J. , Skorupa Jill Y. , Skorupa Anna J. , Kaplan Bruce , Wrenshall Lucile E.
Published: March 2011

Stevens RB, Lane JT, Boerner BP, Miles CD, Rigley TH, Sandoz JP, Nielsen KJ, Skorupa JY, Skorupa AJ, Kaplan B, Wrenshall LE. Single‐dose rATG induction at renal transplantation: superior renal function and glucoregulation with less hypomagnesemia.  Clin Transplant 2012: 26: 123–132.  © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  Background:  Rabbit anti‐thymocyte globulin (rATG) induction reduces reperfusion injury and improves renal function in kidney recipients by means of properties unrelated to T‐cell lysis. Here, we analyze intensive rATG induction (single dose, rATGS, vs. divided dose, rATGD) for improved renal function and protection against hyperglycemia.

Methods:  Patients without diabetes (n = 98 of 180) in a prospective randomized trial of intensive rATG induction were followed for six months for the major secondary composite end point of impaired glucose regulation (hyperglycemia and new‐onset diabetes after transplantation, NODAT). Prospectively collected data included fasting blood glucose and HbA1c. Serum Mg++ was routinely collected and retrospectively analyzed.

Results:  Induction with rATGS produced less impaired glucose regulation (p = 0.05), delayed NODAT development (p = 0.02), less hyperglycemia (p = 0.02), better renal function (p = 0.04), and less hypomagnesemia (p = 0.02), a factor associated with a lower incidence of NODAT. Generalized linear modeling confirmed that rATGS protects against a synergistic interaction between tacrolimus and sirolimus that otherwise increased hypomagnesemia (p = 0.008) and hyperglycemia (p = 0.03).

Conclusions:  rATGS initiated before renal reperfusion improved early renal function and reduced impaired glucose regulation, an injury by diabetogenic maintenance agents (tacrolimus and sirolimus).
Translational neuroprotection research in glaucoma: a review of definitions and principles
Authors: Casson Robert J , Chidlow Glyn , Ebneter Andreas , Wood John PM , Crowston Jonathan , Goldberg Ivan
Published: March 2011

Abstract

The maintenance of vision, through prevention and attenuation of neuronal injury in glaucoma, forms the basis of current clinical practice. Currently, the reduction of intraocular pressure is the only proven method to achieve these goals. Although this strategy enjoys considerable success, some patients progress to blindness; hence, additional management options are highly desirable. Several terms describing treatment modalities of neuronal diseases with potential applicability to glaucoma are used in the literature, including neuroprotection, neurorecovery, neurorescue and neuroregeneration. These phenomena have not been defined within a coherent framework. Here, we suggest a set of definitions, postulates and principles to form a foundation for the successful translation of novel glaucoma therapies from the laboratory to the clinic.
Autism and meta‐representation: the case of epistemic modality
Authors: NUYTS JAN , DE ROECK ANN
Published: March 2011

This paper investigates the meta‐representational abilities of high‐functioning autistic adults on the basis of their use of linguistic expression forms of epistemic modality. The investigation is based on data drawn from natural conversations (in Dutch) with four autistic subjects with varying IQ levels. Parallel to an existing in‐depth corpus study of epistemic modal expression forms in normal language use (i.e. the ‘control data’ for the present study), the occurrences in the data of four types of such expression forms — modal adverbs (ADV), predicative adjectives (ADJ), mental state predicates (MSP), and auxiliaries (AUX) — are analysed in terms of their quantitative and qualitative comparability to the normal data. The results show normal usage of these forms for three of the subjects. Only one subject, with the lowest general IQ of the four, shows problems with particular types of usages. It is argued that these results show that although there is some truth to the classical ‘Theory of Mind’ theories of autism, they turn out to be too simple to account for the data. Suggestions for an alternative way of thinking about the nature of autism are offered.
Spatial cognition in language‐impaired children
Authors: GILLIES MURIEL , LIGHT PAUL
Published: March 2011

Limited research evidence is available concerning the spatial abilities of children with specific language impairments. This paper reports a study of the ability of such children to use plan drawings. The participants were 23 language‐impaired (LI) children (12 from special boarding schools, 11 from language units within mainstream primary schools), whose performance was compared with that of 23 non‐language‐impaired (NLI) children. The children were matched for age, their overall age range being between 7;0‐ll;ll (mean age 8;6). Tasks involved the production and utilisation of plan drawings of a model house. With one exception, results indicated that the LI children showed no deficit in ability on such tasks, and indeed out‐performed their NLI peers on many of them. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Parental Unemployment and Young People’s Extreme Right-Wing Party Affinity: Evidence from Panel Data
Authors: Siedler Thomas
Published: March 2011

The paper investigates the extent to which parental unemployment affects young people’s far right-wing party affinity. Cross-sectional estimates from the German Socio-Economic Panel show a positive relationship between growing up with unemployed parents and support for the extreme right. The paper uses differences in parental unemployment experience during childhood across siblings to investigate a causal relationship. Sibling differences estimates suggest that young people who experience parental unemployment have a significantly higher chance of supporting extreme right-wing parties in Germany. The results show that the effect is particularly strong among East Germans, and stronger among sons than daughters. Moreover, the estimates point to a strong and positive effect of growing up in a single-parent family on young people’s far right-wing party affinity, whereas household income appears to be an insignificant predictor.
Inequality in Burkina Faso—To What Extent do Household, Community and Regional Factors Matter?
Authors: Gräb Johannes , Grimm Michael
Published: March 2011

Empirical evidence suggests that regional disparities in income are often very wide, that these disparities do not necessarily disappear as economies grow and that these disparities are themselves a major driver of growth. We use a novel approach based on multilevel modelling to decompose the sources of inequality in household incomes in Burkina Faso. We show that differences in income across space are explained not only by the spatial concentration of households with favourable characteristics but to a large extent also by disparities in community endowments. Climatic differences across regions do matter, also, but to a much smaller extent. On the basis of the findings, it would be worth assessing the potential effects of policies which build and enhance infrastructure that connects communities complemented by interventions targeted to specific villages that particularly lag behind.
Assessing Variance Components in Multilevel Linear Models using Approximate Bayes Factors: A Case-Study of Ethnic Disparities in Birth Weight
Authors: Saville Benjamin R. , Herring Amy H. , Kaufman Jay S.
Published: March 2011

Racial or ethnic disparities in birth weight are a large source of differential morbidity and mortality world wide and have remained largely unexplained in epidemiologic models. We assess the effect of maternal ancestry and census tract residence on infant birth weights in New York City and the modifying effects of race and nativity by incorporating random effects in a multilevel linear model. Evaluating the significance of these predictors involves a test of whether the variances of the random effects are equal to 0. This is problematic because the null hypothesis lies on the boundary of the parameter space. We generalize an approach for assessing random effects in the two-level linear model to a broader class of multilevel linear models by scaling the random effects to the residual variance and introducing parameters that control the relative contribution of the random effects. After integrating over the random effects and variance components, the resulting integrals that are needed to calculate the Bayes factor can be efficiently approximated with Laplace’s method.
Immigration and Entry into the Cultural Mainstream
Authors: Sharaby Rachel
Published: March 2011

This research focuses on the absorbing society, and examines a process by which immigrants entered and changed the cultural core of the absorbing society. It analyzes the development of an ethnic holiday, the traditional ethnic Mimouna holiday of North African immigrants in Israel, into a national holiday and into part of the dominant culture. The research concludes that this process evolved mainly as a result of the political activism of immigrants from North Africa and a weakening of the hegemony. It may also illuminate the sometimes crucial role of immigrants in moving the boundaries between the center and the periphery.
Symbolic objects and the analytic frame
Authors: Colman Warren
Published: March 2011

Facendo riferimento a due pazienti che portarono oggetti materiali nelle loro sedute (precedentemente discusso in Colman 2010°, 2010b) in questo lavoro si riconsidera il ruolo preminente della comunicazione verbale in analisi. Credo che privilegiare le parole piuttosto che le azioni deriva dalla visione freudiana della mente, per cui solo ciò che può essere trasformato in parola può divenire conscio. Seguendo Stephen Mitchell (1993), discuto il modo in cui tale teoria si è relativizzata con lo spostarsi da un modello della mente basato sulla spinta istintuale a una visione della stessa più relazionale, capace di costruire significati. Tutto ciò viene quindi connesso all’enfasi di Jung sull’importanza del simbolo e della funzione trascendente e al punto di vista di Milner che considera il contenitore terapeutico come spazio per un significato simbolico. Delineare in questo modo i confini del contenitore terapeutico permette azioni simboliche all’interno del contenitore stesso, piuttosto che incroci devianti da un contenitore più strettamente definito che permette solo comunicazioni verbali.
Crocodylomorph eggs and eggshells from the Adamantina Formation (Bauru Group), Upper Cretaceous of Brazil
Authors: OLIVEIRA CARLOS E. M. , SANTUCCI RODRIGO M. , ANDRADE MARCO B. , FULFARO VICENTE J. , BASÍLIO JOSÉ A. F. , BENTON MICHAEL J.
Published: March 2011

Abstract:  Compared with crocodylomorph body fossils, the record of fossil crocodiloid eggs is scarce and poorly understood, a gap partially attributed to their typically thin eggshell, which is not conducive to preservation. A remarkable new association of well‐preserved eggs and eggshells from the Adamantina Formation (Bauru Group, Upper Cretaceous) is described and compared to other known materials, while the significance of their unique oological features is discussed. These eggs constitute a new ootaxon, Bauruoolithus fragilis oogen. et oosp. nov., diagnosed by the following characteristics: elongate and elliptical egg with blunt ends; length‐to‐diameter ratio of 1:0.55; outer surface slightly undulating; shell thickness ranging from 0.15 to 0.25 mm; pore openings elliptical or teardrop‐shaped, ranging from 30 to 80 μm in diameter; and shell units wider than higher, with the interstices forming an obtuse triangle. Specimens of Bauruoolithus also show only slight signs of extrinsic degradation that, coupled with the evidence that some of them constitute hatched eggs, suggests that the egg‐laying taxon had a different pattern of egg incubation, in which the hatchling could break through the rather thin eggshell relatively easily and that the extrinsic degradation of the eggshell was not necessary. This contrasts with the pattern of incubation for all other known crocodylomorphs and crocodiloid eggs, where extrinsic degradation is a key component of the hatching process.
Predictive animal models of mania: hits, misses and future directions
Authors: Young Jared W , Henry Brook L , Geyer Mark A
Published: March 2011

Mania has long been recognized as aberrant behaviour indicative of mental illness. Manic states include a variety of complex and multifaceted symptoms that challenge clear clinical distinctions. Symptoms include over‐activity, hypersexuality, irritability and reduced need for sleep, with cognitive deficits recently linked to functional outcome. Current treatments have arisen through serendipity or from other disorders. Hence, treatments are not efficacious for all patients, and there is an urgent need to develop targeted therapeutics. Part of the drug discovery process is the assessment of therapeutics in animal models. Here we review pharmacological, environmental and genetic manipulations developed to test the efficacy of therapeutics in animal models of mania. The merits of these models are discussed in terms of the manipulation used and the facet of mania measured. Moreover, the predictive validity of these models is discussed in the context of differentiating drugs that succeed or fail to meet criteria as approved mania treatments. The multifaceted symptomatology of mania has not been reflected in the majority of animal models, where locomotor activity remains the primary measure. This approach has resulted in numerous false positives for putative treatments. Recent work highlights the need to utilize multivariate strategies to enable comprehensive assessment of affective and cognitive dysfunction. Advances in therapeutic treatment may depend on novel models developed with an integrated approach that includes: (i) a comprehensive battery of tests for different aspects of mania, (ii) utilization of genetic information to establish aetiological validity and (iii) objective quantification of patient behaviour with translational cross‐species paradigms.

LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed issue on Translational Neuropharmacology. To view the other articles in this issue visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.164.issue‐4
The endocannabinoid system and cancer: therapeutic implication
Authors: Guindon Josée , Hohmann Andrea G
Published: March 2011

The endocannabinoid system is implicated in a variety of physiological and pathological conditions (inflammation, immunomodulation, analgesia, cancer and others). The main active ingredient of cannabis, Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC), produces its effects through activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are expressed at high levels in the central nervous system (CNS), whereas CB2 receptors are concentrated predominantly, although not exclusively, in cells of the immune system. Endocannabinoids are endogenous lipid‐signalling molecules that are generated in the cell membrane from phospholipid precursors. The two best characterized endocannabinoids identified to date are anandamide (AEA) and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG). Here we review the relationship between the endocannabinoid system and anti‐tumour actions (inhibition of cell proliferation and migration, induction of apoptosis, reduction of tumour growth) of the cannabinoids in different types of cancer. This review will focus on examining how activation of the endocannabinoid system impacts breast, prostate and bone cancers in both in vitro and in vivo systems. The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for cancer, as identified in clinical trials, is also discussed. Identification of safe and effective treatments to manage and improve cancer therapy is critical to improve quality of life and reduce unnecessary suffering in cancer patients. In this regard, cannabis‐like compounds offer therapeutic potential for the treatment of breast, prostate and bone cancer in patients. Further basic research on anti‐cancer properties of cannabinoids as well as clinical trials of cannabinoid therapeutic efficacy in breast, prostate and bone cancer is therefore warranted.

LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed issue on Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine. To view the other articles in this issue visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.163.issue‐7
Interventions to Reduce Hospitalizations from Nursing Homes: Evaluation of the INTERACT II Collaborative Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Ouslander Joseph G. , Lamb Gerri , Tappen Ruth , Herndon Laurie , Diaz Sanya , Roos Bernard A. , Grabowski David C. , Bonner Alice
Published: March 2011

A substantial proportion of hospitalizations of nursing home (NH) residents may be avoidable. Medicare payment reforms, such as bundled payments for episodes of care and value‐based purchasing, will change incentives that favor hospitalization but could result in care quality problems if NHs lack the resources and training to identify and manage acute conditions proactively. Interventions to Reduce Acute Care Transfers (INTERACT) II is a quality improvement intervention that includes a set of tools and strategies designed to assist NH staff in early identification, assessment, communication, and documentation about changes in resident status. INTERACT II was evaluated in 25 NHs in three states in a 6‐month quality improvement initiative that provided tools, on‐site education, and teleconferences every 2 weeks facilitated by an experienced nurse practitioner. There was a 17% reduction in self‐reported hospital admissions in these 25 NHs from the same 6‐month period in the previous year. The group of 17 NHs rated as engaged in the initiative had a 24% reduction, compared with 6% in the group of eight NHs rated as not engaged and 3% in a comparison group of 11 NHs. The average cost of the 6‐month implementation was $7,700 per NH. The projected savings to Medicare in a 100‐bed NH were approximately $125,000 per year. Despite challenges in implementation and caveats about the accuracy of self‐reported hospitalization rates and the characteristics of the participating NHs, the trends in these results suggest that INTERACT II should be further evaluated in randomized controlled trials to determine its effect on avoidable hospitalizations and their related morbidity and cost.
An assessment of oral health promotion programmes in the United Kingdom
Authors: Passalacqua A. , Reeves A. O. , Newton T. , Hughes R. , Dunne S. , Donaldson N. , Wilson N.
Published: March 2011

Background:  Improving oral health and reducing tooth decay is a key area for action, both in the United Kingdom (UK) and overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the unique advantage schools have in promoting oral health.

Aim:  We summarise current oral health promotion strategies in the United Kingdom and estimate the spread of their use as well as their impact on oral health and influence on the oral health‐related knowledge and behaviour in a patient population.

Methods:  A structured overview of published papers, government publications, official government websites and policy reports. A cross‐sectional study of patients referred for a tooth extraction in one dental surgery in south‐east London. Statistical methods consisted of logistic and ordinal regressions to model the likelihood of exposure to oral health promotion and of obtaining higher levels of knowledge of oral health issues, respectively. Linear regression was used to model the level of oral health and knowledge of oral health issues.

Results:  We found three main promotion programmes, namely, National Healthy Schools (NHS), Sure Start and Brushing for life plus a small number of local initiatives. Sure Start targets disadvantaged areas, but is limited. In our observational study, 34% of the patients reported exposure to a settings‐based oral health education programme: Sure Start (5%), NHS (7%) and other (22%). This exposure was not influenced by age or gender, but an association with education was detected. Although oral health promotion was not found to influence the actual knowledge of oral health issues, it was found to influence some oral health‐related attitudes and perceptions.

Conclusions:  Participation in an oral health promotion programme was found to be significantly associated with the patients’ education, their belief that they can prevent oral disease and the subjective perception of their own oral health. The WHO principles need to be embedded across all schools to achieve a true national oral health promotion programme for the United Kingdom. The National Healthy Schools programme provides the perfect platform.
Mitochondrial respiratory chain activity in an animal model of mania induced by ouabain
Authors: Freitas Tiago P. , Rezin Gislaine T. , Fraga Daiane B. , Moretti Morgana , Vieira Julia S. , Gomes Lara M. , Borges Lislaine S. , Valvassori Samira S. , Quevedo João , Streck Emilio L.
Published: March 2011

Objectives:Bipolar disorder (BD) is a mental illness associated with higher rates of suicide. The present study aims to investigate the brain mitochondrial respiratory chain activity in an animal model of mania induced by ouabain.

Methods:Adult male Wistar rats received a single intracerebroventricular administration of ouabain (10−3and 10−2M) or vehicle. Locomotor activity was measured using the open field test. Mitochondrial respiratory chain activity was measured in the brain of rats 1 h and 7 days after ouabain administration.

Results:Our results showed that spontaneous locomotion was increased 1 h and 7 days after ouabain administration. Complexes I, III and IV activities were increased in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum immediately after the administration of ouabain, at the concentration of 10−3and 10−2M. Moreover, complex II activity was increased only in the prefrontal cortex at the concentration of 10−2M. On the other hand, no significant alterations were observed in complex I activity 7 days after ouabain administration. However, an increase in complexes II, III and IV activities was observed only in the prefrontal cortex at the concentration of 10−2M.

Conclusion:Our findings suggest an increase in the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain in this model of mania. A possible explanation is that these findings occur as a rebound effect trying to compensate for a decrease of ATP deprivation in BD. The present findings suggest that this model may present good face validity and a limitation in construct validity.
Differential adhesion of Streptococcus mutans to metallic brackets induced by saliva from caries‐free and caries‐active individuals
Authors: do Rosário Ademir Franco , Knop Luégya Amorin Henriques , Baboni Fernanda Brasil , Rymovicz Alinne Ulbrich Mores , Tanaka Orlando Motohiro , Rosa Edvaldo Antonio Ribeiro
Published: March 2011

Aim:  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of saliva obtained from caries‐free and caries‐active individuals on the adhesion rates of Streptococcus mutans to metallic brackets.

Methods:  The unstimulated whole saliva of four caries‐free (decayed, missing, or filled surfaces = 0) volunteers and four caries‐active (decayed, missing, or filled surfaces >12) patients were collected. The saliva samples from each group were mixed and clarified. Acquired pellicles were formed onto 30 metallic edgewise brackets for premolars for each saliva group. The brackets were put in contact with planktonic cells of Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175. Adhesion rates were assessed by crystal violet retention technique.

Results:  A higher streptococcal adhesion pattern (P < 0.00001) was observed on acquired pellicles formed by saliva from caries‐active donors.

Conclusions:  The results showed that saliva from caries‐active patients tends to increase the mutans adhesion to surfaces, which is a point of concern for orthodontists.
Insulin resistance in equine digital vessel rings: Anin vitromodel to study vascular dysfunction in equine laminitis
Authors: VENUGOPAL C. S. , EADES S. , HOLMES E. P. , BEADLE R. E.
Published: March 2011

Reasons for performing study:One of the causes of equine laminitis is hyperinsulinaemia, which may be associated with endothelial dysfunction and insulin resistance of vessels.

Hypothesis and objectives:Insulin resistance can be induced in palmar digital vessels by continued exposure to insulinin vitro. The objective was to evaluate thisin vitromodel for future studies.

Methods:Palmar digital vessel segments were collected immediately after euthanasia from horses with normal insulin/glucose blood values. Four arterial and 4 venous rings (3 mm wide) were prepared and each ring mounted in a tissue bath, containing Tyrode's solution at 37°C, 2 g tension was applied and the rings allowed to equilibrate for 45 min. Of the 4 rings of each vessel type, one was used as a control. One each of the remaining 3 rings was used for incubation with insulin (to induce resistance), wortmannin (to block PI3‐kinase) and PD‐098059 (to block MAP‐kinase), respectively, for 30 min. After the incubation period, the rings were contracted with phenylephrine. When the response reached a plateau, a single dose of insulin was added to the baths and the response of each ring monitored for 30 min.

Results:Insulin relaxed the control rings and those treated with PD 098059 but contracted those pretreated with insulin and wortmannin. Normal relaxation responses of the rings were converted to contractions by insulin resistance. Insulin resistance was confirmed by the qualitative response of insulin‐incubated and wortmannin‐incubated rings.

Conclusions:This study demonstrated successful induction of insulin resistance in both arterial and venous rings. It also suggested that the MAP‐kinase pathway plays a minor role in controlling vasomotor tone under normal physiological conditions.

Potential relevance:The study suggests that the induction of insulin resistance in equine palmar digital vessel rings is reliable and provides a goodin vitromodel for studying the vascular insulin resistance which may occur in equine laminitis.
The hypothermic response to bacterial lipopolysaccharide critically depends on brain CB1, but not CB2 or TRPV1, receptors
Authors: Steiner Alexandre A. , Molchanova Alla Y. , Dogan M. Devrim , Patel Shreya , Pétervári Erika , Balaskó Márta , Wanner Samuel P. , Eales Justin , Oliveira Daniela L. , Gavva Narender R. , Almeida M. Camila , Székely Miklós , Romanovsky Andrej A.
Published: March 2011

Non‐technical summary  Systemic inflammation and related disorders, including sepsis, are leading causes of death in hospitalized patients. In most severe cases, systemic inflammation is accompanied by a drop in body temperature (hypothermia). We know that inflammation‐associated hypothermia is a brain‐mediated response, but mechanisms of this response are unknown. We administered a bacterial product (endotoxin) to rats to cause systemic inflammation and hypothermia. We then used a variety of pharmacological tools to probe whether three different receptors are involved in this hypothermia. We have found that one of the receptors studied, the so‐called cannabinoid‐1 (CB1) receptor, is crucial for the development of hypothermia. This is the same receptor that is responsible for many effects of marihuana (cannabis). We further show that hypothermia associated with inflammation depends on CB1 receptors located inside the brain. These novel findings suggest that brain CB1 receptors should be studied as potential therapeutic targets in systemic inflammation and sepsis.
Dynamic Simulation of Particle Packing With Different Size Distributions
Authors: Jia Tao , Zhang Yuwen , Chen J. K.
Published: March 2011

Distinct element method is employed to simulate packing of spherical particles with different size distributions: equal-size, bimodal, and Gaussian. During the packing process, particles collide with their neighbors and bounce back and forth. Since the collision is inelastic, dissipative force exits, leading to energy loss in every collision. The interparticle contact force is calculated based on the nonlinear Hertz theory. The packing structures quantified by porosity and the coordination number under different particle size distributions are discussed.
Revamping, Energy Efficiency, and Exergy Analysis of an Existing Upstream Gas Treatment Facility
Authors: Margarone Michele , Magi Stefano , Gorla Giuseppe , Biffi Stefano , Siboni Paolo , Valenti Gianluca , Romano Matteo C. , Giuffrida Antonio , Negri Emanuele , Macchi Ennio
Published: March 2011

Surface oil and gas treatment facilities in service for decades are likely to be oversized due to the natural depletion of their reservoirs. Despite these plants might have been designed modularly, meaning they comprise multiple identical units serving the same task, such units operate often in conditions far from the design. This work analyzes the revamping options of an existing upstream gas facility, chosen because representative of a wide set of plants. It presents a flexible process simulation model, implemented in the HYSYS environment and dynamically linked to an Excel spreadsheet, which includes the performance maps of all turbomachineries and the main characteristics of the investigated modifications. The model may be used to run simulations for various gas input conditions and to predict the performance over 1 year of operation and for different possible future scenarios. The first objective is to assess economically the considered options, which shall be applied only if yielding short return times of the investment since the reservoir is mature. Moreover, all options are appreciated adopting a figure of merit, here defined, that compares the overall energy consumption to the one calculated with state-of-the-art technologies. In addition, exergy and environmental analyses are executed.
Flow Boiling of Water on Titanium and Diamond-Like Carbon Coated Surfaces in a Microchannel
Authors: Phan Hai Trieu , Caney Nadia , Marty Philippe , Colasson Ste´phane , Gavillet Je´roˆme
Published: March 2011

Experiments were performed to study the effects of surface wettability on flow boiling of water at atmospheric pressure. The test channel is a single rectangular channel 0.5 mm high, 5 mm wide and 180 mm long. The mass flux was set at 100 and 120 kg/m2 s and the base heat flux was varied from 30 to 80 kW/m2. Water enters the test channel under subcooled conditions. The sample surfaces are titanium (Ti) and diamond-like carbon (DLC) surfaces having a contact angle of 49° and 63°, respectively. The experimental results show different flow patterns that impact the heat transfer significantly. Compared to the Ti surface, the DLC surface shows a deterioration of 10% in heat transfer.
Numerical Modeling of Radiative and Reactive Flow Field Around a Blunt Body at Hypersonic Regimes
Authors: Rahmanpour Morteza , Ebrahimi Reza , Shams Mehrzad
Published: March 2011

A numerical method for calculation of strong radiation for two-dimensional reactive air flow field is developed. The governing equations are taken to be two dimensional, compressible Reynolds-average Navier-Stokes and species transport equations. Also, radiation heat flux in energy equation is evaluated using a model of discrete ordinate method. The model used S4 approximation to reduce the governing system of integro-differential equations to coupled set of partial differential equations. A multiband model is used to construct absorption coefficients. Tangent slab approximation is assumed to determine the characteristic parameters needed in the Discrete Ordinates Method. The turbulent diffusion and heat fluxes are modeled by Baldwin and Lomax method. The flow solution is obtained with a fully implicit time marching method. A thermochemical nonequilibrium formulation appropriate to hypersonic transitional flow of air is presented. The method is compared with existing experimental results and good agreement is observed.
Measurement of Time-Averaged Turbulent Free Convection Using Laser Interferometry
Authors: Poulad E. M. , Naylor D. , Oosthuizen P. H.
Published: March 2011

Laser interferometry has been combined with high-speed digital cinematography to measure time-averaged turbulent convective heat transfer rates. The method has been demonstrated for turbulent free convection in a tall vertical enclosure filled with air. Sample results have been obtained for a Rayleigh number (based on the enclosure width) of 2.8×105 and an enclosure aspect ratio of 17.1. An automated digital image processing algorithm has been used to calculate the instantaneous local heat flux from the sequence of interferograms captured by a high-speed camera. The effects of key experimental parameters, such as the camera frame rate and the total image capture time, have been investigated. The average Nusselt number for the entire enclosure was found to compare well with a widely used empirical correlation from the literature.
Investigation on Emissive Properties of 3-DOM Peroskite-Type Oxides
Authors: Xuan Yimin , Huang Jinguo , Han Yuge
Published: March 2011

This paper is aimed to investigate radiative properties of structured surface of thermochromic material, with taking three-dimensional ordered macroporous (3-DOM) perovskite-type oxide La0.825Sr0.175MnO3 (LSMO) as an example. Numerical calculation is conducted to obtain spectral distribution of absorptance of such surfaces with different structural parameters by means of the finite difference time domain (FDTD) method. It is found that when the cell size is one order smaller than the wavelength of thermal radiation, the surface absorptance of 3-DOM LSMO is significantly enhanced compared with that of the bulk material. The directional and polarization dependence of spectral absorptance are also analyzed. The results provide some instructive information for adjusting and controlling radiative features of surfaces made of thermochromic materials.