bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinetics of specific surface area change using the Boltzmann model
Authors: Djordjevic N. , Martinovic S. , Vlahovic M. , Jovanic P. , Vidojkovic V. , Boljanac T.
Published: January 2010

During sintering of the 2MgO-2Al2O3-5SiO2 system, cordierite, an attractive ceramic material because of its properties, is obtained. Effects of mechanochemical activation of stoichiometric mixtures, performed to investigate possibilities of lowering cordierite formation temperature during sintering, were monitored by thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses. Specific surface areas of the mechanically activated powder mixtures were determined by the BET method. Kinetics of the specific surface area increase was analyzed using the Boltzmann model. It was confirmed that with activation time increase, temperatures of phase transformations were shifted to lower values and, according to FTIR analysis no significant changes occurred during material aging. According to the obtained results, it may be concluded that since mechanochemical activation has an influence on the treated powder mixture, lowering of the cordierite formation temperature during the sintering process is expected.
Effects of microsilica content on microstructure and strength of lightweight castable refractories containing porous corundum-spinel aggregate
Authors: Yan W. , Li N. , Han B.Q.
Published: January 2010

High-strength, lightweight castable refractories based on spinel were prepared by introducing porous corundum-spinel aggregate and appropriate microsilica. The effects of microsilica content on microstructure and properties of lightweight castable refractories were investigated using SEM, XRD, mercury porosimetry measurements and FactSage thermochemical software. It's found that microsilica was almost dissolved into a liquid phase at high temperature, which promoted liquid sintering. With increasing microsilica content, the matrices became denser and average pore size of matrices increased, then apparent porosity decreased, crushing strength increased and content of liquid phase in castables at 1600?C increased. The appropriate microsilica content is 0.65 to 1.95 wt%, which reaches to a compromise among apparent porosity (33-38%), crushing strength (82-125MPa) and liquid content (1.80~4.97 wt%).
A comparative thermomagnetic study of melt-spun Nd-Fe-B alloys with different Nd content
Authors: Grujic A. , Zák T. , Talijan N. , Stajic-Trosic J. , Cosovic V.
Published: January 2010

Changes in the phase composition and magnetic properties of three types of commercial Nd-Fe-B alloys with different Nd content - low (10-12 wt%), near stoichiometric (21-25 wt%) and rich (26-29 wt%) caused by thermomagnetic analysis (TM) were observed in regard to optimal magnetic state. Phase compositions of investigated alloys before and after TM measurement up to 800?C were compared using 57Fe M?ssbauer spectroscopy and X-Ray analysis. The TM measurements decompose all three materials and the main products of decomposition process ?-Fe and Fe2B phase. Observed changes in structure and phase composition had direct influence on magnetic properties. Loss of magnetic properties induced by thermal decomposition is clearly illustrated on corresponding SQUID hysteresis loops.
Different mycotoxin inactivation applications and their inactivation mechanisms
Authors: Bozoğlu Faruk
Published: January 2010

Control of mycotoxins is the need of the hour, since their occurrence in foods and feeds is continuously posing threats to both health and economics all over the world. Besides the post-harvest preventive measures, it is important that suitable detoxification methods must be developed for inactivating or removing mycotoxins from the contaminated commodities, as the toxins are also produced by Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus even during pre-harvest stages of crop production. Several physical and chemical detoxification methods developed so far have been critically discussed in different reviews for their advantages and limitations based on certain adopted strategies and specific criteria. Understanding of mechanisms of mycotoxins detoxification by physical, chemical and microbiological methods will enable establishment of combined treatment procedures to effectively decontaminate, contaminated foods and feeds. Such treatment methods are expected to be cost effective and minimally deleterious to food constituents.
Neutralization of Osteopontin Inhibits Obesity-Induced Inflammation and Insulin Resistance
Authors: Kiefer Florian W. , Zeyda Maximilian , Gollinger Karina , Pfau Birgit , Neuhofer Angelika , Weichhart Thomas , Säemann Marcus D. , Geyeregger René , Schlederer Michaela , Kenner Lukas , Stulnig Thomas M.
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVE

Obesity is associated with a state of chronic low-grade inflammation mediated by immune cells that are primarily located to adipose tissue and liver. The chronic inflammatory response appears to underlie obesity-induced metabolic deterioration including insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Osteopontin (OPN) is an inflammatory cytokine, the expression of which is strongly upregulated in adipose tissue and liver upon obesity. Here, we studied OPN effects in obesity-induced inflammation and insulin resistance by targeting OPN action in vivo.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet to induce obesity and were then intravenously treated with an OPN-neutralizing or control antibody. Insulin sensitivity and inflammatory alterations in adipose tissue and liver were assessed.

RESULTS

Interference with OPN action by a neutralizing antibody for 5 days significantly improved insulin sensitivity in diet-induced obese mice. Anti-OPN treatment attenuated liver and adipose tissue macrophage infiltration and inflammatory gene expression by increasing macrophage apoptosis and significantly reducing c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase activation. Moreover, we report OPN as a novel negative regulator for the activation of hepatic signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), which is essential for glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. Consequently, OPN neutralization decreased expression of hepatic gluconeogenic markers, which are targets of STAT3-mediated downregulation.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate that antibody-mediated neutralization of OPN action significantly reduces insulin resistance in obesity. OPN neutralization partially decreases obesity-associated inflammation in adipose tissue and liver and reverses signal transduction related to insulin resistance and glucose homeostasis. Hence, targeting OPN could provide a novel approach for the treatment of obesity-related metabolic disorders.
Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Induction Underlies Lipid-Induced Hepatic Insulin Resistance in Mice
Authors: Charbonneau Alexandre , Marette André
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVE

The present study was undertaken to assess the contribution of inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) to lipid-induced insulin resistance in vivo.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Wild-type and iNOS−/− mice were infused for 6 h with a 20% intralipid emulsion, during which a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp was performed.

RESULTS

In wild-type mice, lipid infusion led to elevated basal hepatic glucose production and marked insulin resistance as revealed by impaired suppression of liver glucose production and reduced peripheral glucose disposal (Rd) during insulin infusion. Liver insulin resistance was associated with a robust induction of hepatic iNOS, reduced tyrosine phosphorylation of insulin receptor (IR) β, insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1, and IRS-2 but elevated serine phosphorylation of IRS proteins as well as decreased Akt activation. The expression of gluconeogenic enzymes Pepck and G6Pc was also increased in the liver of wild-type mice. In contrast to their wild-type counterparts, iNOS−/− mice were protected from lipid-induced hepatic and peripheral insulin resistance. Moreover, neither the phosphorylation of insulin signaling intermediates nor expression of gluconeogenic enzymes were altered in the lipid-infused iNOS−/− mice compared with their saline-infused controls. Importantly, lipid infusion induced tyrosine nitration of IRβ, IRS-1, IRS-2, and Akt in wild-type mice but not in iNOS−/− animals. Furthermore, tyrosine nitration of hepatic Akt by the NO derivative peroxynitrite blunted insulin-induced Akt tyrosine phosphorylation and kinase activity.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate that iNOS induction is a novel mechanism by which circulating lipids inhibit hepatic insulin action. Our results further suggest that iNOS may cause hepatic insulin resistance through tyrosine nitration of key insulin signaling proteins.
Cretaceous sedimentary blanketing and tectonic rejuvenation in the Western Klamath moutains: Insights from thermochronology
Authors: Batt Geoffrey , Harper Gregory , Heizler Matthew , Roden-Tice Mary
Published: January 2010

We present new thermochronometric analyses of 4 samples from the Western Klamath mountains in California and Oregon, together with a re-evaluation of available geological constraint from a thermo-tectonic perspective. Early Cretaceous cooling of basement samples is seen to reflect significant exhumation by normal faulting, linked to the Separation Episode during which the Klamah region was rifted away from the formerly contiguous Sierra Nevada block. Syn-faulting sedimentation and subsequent Early Cretaceous re-heating of samples establishes the former continuity of scattered Hornbrook Formation remnants as a significant sedimentary basin spanning the Klamath region, with local maximum thickness of at least 5 km. This basin experienced significant inversion during early Cordilleran development around 110–120 Ma, with further unrooting and almost complete eversion in the Late Cretaceous, associated with Laramide uplift of the region.
Prediction of pulmonary embolism outcome and severity by computed tomography
Authors: Bazeed Mohamed F. , Saad Aly , Sultan Aly , Ghanem Mona A. , Khalil Dena M.
Published: January 2010

Background: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is the third most common cause of cardiovascular death. When PE is fatal, right ventricular failure usually occurs within the first few hours, so right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) should be diagnosed rapidly to identify patients who could benefit from fibrinolytic therapy.

Purpose: To determine whether quantification of PE with computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiography and ventricular measurements is of value in the diagnosis of PE severity and prediction of patient outcome.

Material and Methods: Multidetector-row CT studies of 48 hospitalized patients with proven pulmonary embolism were reviewed. Pulmonary artery (PA) obstructive index was derived for each patient on the basis of location and degree of obstruction. Ventricular measurements, including right ventricular (RV) short axis, left ventricular (LV) short axis, and RV/LV ratio, were evaluated and compared among survivors and nonsurvivors. Also, the ventricular measurements were correlated with the PA obstructive index. RV/LV ratio and related PA obstructive index were correlated to the patient outcome and hospital stay.

Results: Comparison of the PA obstructive index and ventricular measurements between survivors and nonsurvivors showed significant difference in PA obstructive index ( P<0.001), RV short axis ( P<0.001), and RV/LV ratio ( P=0.03), and no significant difference was noted in LV short axis ( P=0.95). Good correlation was found between PA obstructive index and LV short axis (−0.326), RV short axis (0.539), and RV/LV ratio (0.696). A significant difference was found between the PA obstructive indexes of the different categories of RV/LV ratio ( P<0.001).

Conclusion: PA obstructive index of more than 50% and RV/LV ratio >1.5 are useful diagnostic criteria for severe PE and poor patient outcome.
Comparison of gadofosveset-enhanced three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography with digital subtraction angiography for lower-extremity peripheral arterial occlusive disease
Authors: Grijalba Fermín Urtasun , Esandi Mercedes Ciriza
Published: January 2010

Background: Minimally invasive imaging techniques are increasingly used for clinical decision making in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD).

Purpose: To assess whether gadofosveset-enhanced three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance (MR) angiography could replace digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for the evaluation of lower-extremity PAOD.

Material and Methods: Thirty patients with symptomatic PAOD underwent prospectively both MR angiography and DSA. Gadofosveset-enhanced 3D MR angiography was performed on a 1.5T system equipped with a peripheral angio matrix coil. Four blinded observers independently analyzed MR angiograms and DSA images. The lower arterial vascular system was divided into three anatomic segments (aortoiliac, femoropopliteal, infrapopliteal) for review. The status of each segment was graded as normal, stenosis less than 50%, stenosis greater than 50%, or occluded and/or aneurismatic. Principal and secondary lesions were reported.

Results: Although interobserver agreement for both was excellent, it was higher for DSA (κ=0.92) than for MR angiography (κ=0.86) for reporting the principal and secondary lesions in all segments. For different anatomic locations, the interobserver agreement of MR angiography and DSA was as follows: aortoiliac (κ=0.93, k=0.95), femoropopliteal (κ=0.86, k=0.90), and infrapopliteal (κ=0.78, k=0.85). The lowest agreement was found for MR angiography on infrapopliteal segments (κ=0.78). In four (13.3%) cases, MR angiography showed lesions that were not found by DSA. Five (16.6%) aneurysm cases, not observed by DSA, were shown by MR angiography.

Conclusion: Gadofosveset-enhanced 3D MR angiography can be proposed for first-line imaging in the management of lower-limb PAOD patients and permits the selective use of DSA as a second-line examination when MR angiography fails or in an endovascular approach.
Workforce and Advanced Training Survey of the RANZCP Faculty of Psychiatry of Old Age: Issues and Challenges for the Field
Authors: Draper Brian , Reutens Sharon , Subau Doug
Published: January 2010

Objectives: There is concern that there are insufficient old age psychiatrists in an ageing population. We aim to describe the work patterns of old age psychiatrists in Australia and New Zealand in order to identify barriers to training and practice.

Methods: Members of the Faculty of Psychiatry of Old Age (FPOA) and other psychiatrists who have completed the Certificate of Psychiatry of Old Age were notified of the online survey by email in October 2008.

Results: Two hundred and twenty FPOA members resident in Australia and New Zealand were surveyed and 87 responded (56% male, mean age 49.2 years). While 82% had a public appointment, 34% worked in private practice where barriers included the lack of a multidisciplinary team and remuneration. Only 18% of clinical time was in a rural or regional setting. High levels of job satisfaction (88%) were found, with the main factors being working with older people, working in a multidisciplinary team and the intellectual challenge. Advanced training was felt to be beneficial, though some weaknesses were identified.

Conclusions: Old age psychiatry is a satisfying career with an advanced training program that is reported to be beneficial to practice. Because the old age psychiatry workforce will face mounting challenges over the next decades, it is imperative that planning for the future mental health needs of older Australians be commenced immediately.
Inter-granular glassy phases in the low-CaO-doped HIPed Si3N4ceramics: a review
Authors: Gu Hui , Tanaka Isao , Cannon Rowland M. , Pan Xiaoqing , Rühle Manfred
Published: January 2010

This review outlines the essence of a progressive study on the glassy inter-granular film (IGF) in a model ceramic system, the low-CaO-doped HIPed high-purity Si3N4. This was initiated from the finding of a systematic variation of equilibrium IGF thickness following the dopant chemistry, manifesting its fundamental important to ceramic processing. By employing analytical transmission electron microscopy to measure the local chemistry in IGF, however, significant discrepancy was found between trends of local IGF chemistry and thickness. A stable IGF composition was revealed in this system, while a bi-level distribution of Ca segregation establishes a correspondence between the IGF structure and the surface crystallography. The detection of similar levels of nitrogen in IGF through the whole series further supports the presence of a rather stable IGF chemistry. After the saturation of dopants in the stable IGF, extra CaO was found to re-distribute in pockets by enrichment at tips, leading to a liquid phase separation with the Ca-rich phase wetting the entrance zone contacting IGF. The perspective for establishing a comprehensive correlation between the inter-granular phases and the bi-modal microstructure induced by faster growth of basal facets is briefly discussed to pave the way for future work.
Grain growth kinetics and segregation in yttria tetragonal zirconia polycrystals
Authors: Zapata-Solvas Eugenio , de Bernardi-Martín Santiago , Gómez-García Diego , Domínguez-Rodríguez Arturo
Published: January 2010

The aim of this work is the determination of the grain growth kinetic law in 4 mol.% yttria tetragonal zirconia polycrystals. To that purpose, several sets of slices of 4 mol.% yttria tetragonal zirconia polycrystals were annealed for different times at a constant temperature as well as at a constant time for different temperatures. The mean grain size was determined by means of scanning electron microscopy observations of the annealed surfaces, after fitting the grain size distributions to lognormal functions. A power law of the mean grain size versus the annealing time was found to describe the experimental results. Surprisingly, the same power law was shown to account for the dependence of the grain size standard deviations versus time. A correlation of these results with a model reported in the literature on the yttrium segregation to grain boundaries is discussed.
Application of new forming and sintering techniques to obtain hydroxyapatite and β-TCP nanostructured composites
Authors: Miranda Miriam , Fernández Adolfo , Saiz Eduardo , Tomsia Antoni P. , Torrecillas Ramón
Published: January 2010

Calcium phosphate based bioceramics have an important position in the bone substitutions field, because of their excellent biocompatibility, bioactivity and osteoconduction characteristics. To enhance the bone ingrowth between implants and natural bone a hydroxyapatite/ß-tricalcium phosphate (HA/ß-TCP) composite has been chosen. The composites were formed by the robocasting technique for being sintered in conventional furnace under air. The behaviour of the system HA/ß-TCP was studied with the aim of employing the optimal conditions to sinter the samples formed by robocasting. The final composition in each sample was analyzed using X-ray diffraction and quantified by the Rietveld method. A powder mixture with the same HA/ß-TCP composition was formed and sintered by another non-conventional technique: Spark plasma sintering. Finally, the phase compositions and microstructures obtained by both techniques were compared.
Phylogenetic Signal of Threatening Processes among Hylids: The Need for Clade-Level Conservation Planning
Authors: Corey Sarah J.
Published: January 2010

Rapid, global declines among amphibians are partly alarming because many occur for apparently unknown or enigmatic reasons. Moreover, the relationship between phylogeny and enigmatic declines in higher clades of the amphibian phylogeny appears at first to be an intractable problem. I present a working solution by assessing threatening processes potentially underlying enigmatic declines in the family, Hylidae. Applying comparative methods that account for various evolutionary scenarios, I find extreme concentrations of threatening processes, including pollution and habitat loss, in the clade Hylini, potentially influenced by traits under selection. The analysis highlights hotspots of declines under phylogenetic influence in the genera Isthmohyla, Plectrohyla and Ptychohyla, and geographically in Mexico and Guatemala. The conservation implications of concentrated phylogenetic influence across multiple threatening processes are twofold: Data Deficient species of threatened clades should be prioritized in future surveys and, perhaps, a greater vulnerability should be assigned to such clades for further consideration of clade-level conservation priorities.
CENet: A Cabinet Environmental Sensing Network
Authors: Zhang Zusheng , Yu Fengqi , Chen Liang , Cao Guangmin
Published: January 2010

For data center cooling and intelligent substation systems, real time cabinet environmental monitoring is a strong requirement. Monitoring data, such as temperature, humidity, and noise, is important for operators to manage the facilities in cabinets. We here propose a sensing network, called CENet, which is energy efficient and reliable for cabinet environmental monitoring. CENet achieves above 93% reliable data yield and sends fewer beacons compared to periodic beaconing. It does so through a data-aided routing protocol. In addition, based on B-MAC, we propose a scheduling scheme to increase the lifetime of the network by reducing unnecessary message snooping and channel listening, thus it is more energy efficient than B-MAC. The performance of CENet is evaluated by simulations and experiments.
Management of Hot Flashes in Women with Breast Cancer
Authors: Kligman L. , Younus J.
Published: January 2010

Hormone-suppression therapies are used for the treatment of breast cancer in the adjuvant and metastatic settings alike. However, side effects—including hot flashes—are frequently reported by patients as a cause of therapy discontinuation. This paper presents an overview of hormonal therapies and the evidence-based management options for hot flashes, summarized in a treatment algorithm.
Pathology Re-Review as an Essential Component of Breast Cancer Management
Authors: Kleer Celina
Published: January 2010

Approximately one third of cancers in women arise in the breast, making breast cancer the most commonly diagnosed cancer by far [...]
Mitochondrial changes during D-drug-containing once-daily therapy in HIV-positive treatment-naive patients
Authors: Maggiolo Franco , Roat Erika , Pinti Marcello , Nasi Milena , Gibellini Lara , Biasi Sara De , Airoldi Monica , Ravasio Veronica , Mussini Cristina , Suter Fredy , Cossarizza Andrea
Published: January 2010

Background

Antiviral drugs of the category of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), largely used for the treatment of HIV infection, can have toxic effects on mitochondria. We performed a cross-sectional study on mitochondrial toxicity in a randomized group of patients belonging to a larger randomized study on different NRTI-based once-daily regimens by quantifying mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), three different mitochondrial RNAs (mtRNAs) and functional parameters in highly purified peripheral CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells.

Methods

A total of 49 previously treatment-naive patients treated for a mean of 15 months with efavirenz plus didanosine plus lamivudine (group 1), or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate plus lamivudine (group 2), or didanosine plus abacavir (group 3) were considered. The groups were matched for sex, age, CDC classification, risk factor for HIV, nadir CD4+ T-cell count and baseline viral load. mtDNA and mtRNA were quantified by using real-time PCR assays.

Results

No patient showed any clinical symptom; however, the amount of mtDNA in CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells was significantly lower in groups 1 and 3; similarly, the expression of different mtRNAs in both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells showed significant differences that were dependent upon the drug used. No differences were found in mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial mass in peripheral lymphocytes. The amount of total HIV DNA in CD4+ T-cells did not differ among the groups, who displayed a similar immune reconstitution and control of the virus.

Conclusions

An efficient didanosine-containing once-daily therapy can have more mitochondrial toxicity than regimens devoid of this drug.
Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 Contributes to Gut Homeostasis and Intestinal Inflammation by Composition of IL-10–Producing Regulatory Macrophage Subset
Authors: Takada Yasuhiro , Hisamatsu Tadakazu , Kamada Nobuhiko , Kitazume Mina T. , Honda Haruki , Oshima Yosuke , Saito Riko , Takayama Tetsuro , Kobayashi Taku , Chinen Hiroshi , Mikami Yohei , Kanai Takanori , Okamoto Susumu , Hibi Toshifumi
Published: January 2010

Lamina propria macrophages (LPMϕs) spontaneously produce large amounts of anti-inflammatory IL-10 and play a central role in regulation of immune responses against commensal bacteria. MCP-1 is a chemokine that plays an important role in recruitment of monocytes and macrophages to inflamed tissues. We demonstrated that, in addition to IL-10, LPMϕs produced large amounts of MCP-1, even in a steady state. MCP-1 deficiency caused impaired IL-10 production by LPMϕs and led to exacerbation of dextran sulfate sodium-induced acute colitis. As an explanation of this impaired IL-10 production by LPMϕs, we found that LPMϕs could be separated into two subsets with distinct side-scattered properties, namely LPMϕ1 (CD11b+F4/80+CD11c–SSChi) and LPMϕ2 (CD11b+F4/80+CD11c–SSClo). Unlike LPMϕ1, the LPMϕ2 subset migrated in response to MCP-1 and produced a larger amount of IL-10 in response to commensal bacteria. LPMϕs isolated from MCP-1–deficient mice produced less IL-10 as a consequence of the lack of the MCP-1–dependent LPMϕ2 population. This imbalanced composition in LPMϕ population may be involved in the susceptibility to DSS-induced colitis in MCP-1–deficient mice. Our results suggest that endogenous MCP-1 contributes to the composition of resident LPMϕ subsets in the intestine. Moreover, MCP-1–dependent LPMϕ2 subset may play an important role in maintenance of gut homeostasis in the steady state, and in the termination of excess inflammatory responses in the intestine, by producing IL-10.
Sustained Exogenous Expression of Therapeutic Levels of IFN-γ Ameliorates Atopic Dermatitis in NC/Nga Mice via Th1 Polarization
Authors: Hattori Kayoko , Nishikawa Makiya , Watcharanurak Kanitta , Ikoma Akihiko , Kabashima Kenji , Toyota Hiroyasu , Takahashi Yuki , Takahashi Rei , Watanabe Yoshihiko , Takakura Yoshinobu
Published: January 2010

The short in vivo half-life of IFN-γ can prevent the cytokine from inducing immunological changes that are favorable for the treatment of Th2-dominant diseases, such as atopic dermatitis. To examine whether a sustained supply of IFN-γ is effective in regulating the balance of Th lymphocyte subpopulations, plasmid vector encoding mouse IFN-γ, pCpG-Muγ, or pCMV-Muγ was injected into the tail vein of NC/Nga mice, a model for human atopic dermatitis. A single hydrodynamic injection of a CpG motif reduced pCpG-Muγ at a dose of 0.14 μg/mouse resulted in a sustained concentration of IFN-γ in the serum, and the concentration was maintained at >300 pg/ml over 80 d. The pCpG-Muγ–mediated IFN-γ gene transfer was associated with an increase in the serum concentration of IL-12, reduced production of IgE, and inhibition of mRNA expression of IL-4, -5, -10, -13, and -17 and thymus and activation-regulated chemokine in the spleen. These immunological changes were not clearly observed in mice receiving two injections of 20 μg pCMV-Muγ, a CpG-replete plasmid DNA, because of the transient nature of the expression from the vector. The mice receiving pCpG-Muγ showed a significant reduction in the severity of skin lesions and in the intensity of their scratching behavior. Furthermore, high transepidermal water loss, epidermal thickening, and infiltration of lymphocytes and eosinophils, all of which were obvious in the untreated mice, were significantly inhibited. These results indicate that an extraordinary sustained IFN-γ expression induces favorable immunological changes, leading to a Th1-dominant state in the atopic dermatitis model.
Transcriptional Regulation of the Endogenous Danger Signal Tenascin-C: A Novel Autocrine Loop in Inflammation
Authors: Goh Fui G. , Piccinini Anna M. , Krausgruber Thomas , Udalova Irina A. , Midwood Kim S.
Published: January 2010

Inappropriate expression of proinflammatory mediators underpins the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease and tumor metastasis. The extracellular matrix glycoprotein tenascin-C is an endogenous activator of innate immunity that promotes the synthesis of inflammatory cytokines via activation of TLR4. Little tenascin-C is observed in most healthy adult tissues, but expression is specifically upregulated at sites of inflammation. Moreover, high levels of tenascin-C are associated with chronic inflammation and found in the tumor stroma. In this study, we show that the expression of tenascin-C is induced in immune myeloid cells activated by a variety of inflammatory stimuli, including specific TLR ligands. Its synthesis is transcriptionally regulated and requires the specific activation of AKT/PI3K and NF-κB signaling pathways. Using a bioinformatic approach, we identified a large number of conserved noncoding regions throughout the tenascin-C genomic locus that may contribute to its transcriptional regulation during inflammation. We also demonstrate that tenascin-C expression is transient during acute inflammation. In contrast, persistently high levels of expression occur in the inflamed synovium of joints from rheumatoid arthritis patients. Thus, misregulated expression of this endogenous danger signal may promote an autocrine loop of inflammation and contribute to the persistence of inflammation in autoimmune diseases or to tumor egress and invasion during metastasis.
Anti-Inflammatory Role of the Murine Formyl-Peptide Receptor 2: Ligand-Specific Effects on Leukocyte Responses and Experimental Inflammation
Authors: Dufton Neil , Hannon Robert , Brancaleone Vincenzo , Dalli Jesmond , Patel Hetal B. , Gray Mohini , D’Acquisto Fulvio , Buckingham Julia C. , Perretti Mauro , Flower Roderick J.
Published: January 2010

The human formyl-peptide receptor (FPR)-2 is a G protein-coupled receptor that transduces signals from lipoxin A4, annexin A1, and serum amyloid A (SAA) to regulate inflammation. In this study, we report the creation of a novel mouse colony in which the murine FprL1 FPR2 homologue, Fpr2, has been deleted and describe its use to explore the biology of this receptor. Deletion of murine fpr2 was verified by Southern blot analysis and PCR, and the functional absence of the G protein-coupled receptor was confirmed by radioligand binding assays. In vitro, Fpr2−/− macrophages had a diminished response to formyl-Met-Leu-Phe itself and did not respond to SAA-induced chemotaxis. ERK phosphorylation triggered by SAA was unchanged, but that induced by the annexin A1-derived peptide Ac2–26 or other Fpr2 ligands, such as W-peptide and compound 43, was attenuated markedly. In vivo, the antimigratory properties of compound 43, lipoxin A4, annexin A1, and dexamethasone were reduced notably in Fpr2−/− mice compared with those in wild-type littermates. In contrast, SAA stimulated neutrophil recruitment, but the promigratory effect was lost following Fpr2 deletion. Inflammation was more marked in Fpr2−/− mice, with a pronounced increase in cell adherence and emigration in the mesenteric microcirculation after an ischemia–reperfusion insult and an augmented acute response to carrageenan-induced paw edema, compared with that in wild-type controls. Finally, Fpr2−/− mice exhibited higher sensitivity to arthrogenic serum and were completely unable to resolve this chronic pathology. We conclude that Fpr2 is an anti-inflammatory receptor that serves varied regulatory functions during the host defense response. These data support the development of Fpr2 agonists as novel anti-inflammatory therapeutics.
Stimulator of IFN Gene Is Critical for Induction of IFN-β during Chlamydia
muridarum Infection
Authors: Prantner Daniel , Darville Toni , Nagarajan Uma M.
Published: January 2010

Type I IFN signaling has recently been shown to be detrimental to the host during infection with Chlamydia muridarum in both mouse lung and female genital tract. However, the pattern recognition receptor and the signaling pathways involved in chlamydial-induced IFN-β are unclear. Previous studies have demonstrated no role for TLR4 and a partial role for MyD88 in chlamydial-induced IFN-β. In this study, we demonstrate that mouse macrophages lacking TLR3, TRIF, TLR7, or TLR9 individually or both TLR4 and MyD88, still induce IFN-β equivalent to wild type controls, leading to the hypothesis that TLR-independent cytosolic pathogen receptor pathways are crucial for this response. Silencing nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 1 in HeLa cells partially decreased chlamydial-induced IFN-β. Independently, small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of the stimulator of IFN gene (STING) protein in HeLa cells and mouse oviduct epithelial cells significantly decreased IFN-β mRNA expression, suggesting a critical role for STING in chlamydial-induced IFN-β induction. Conversely, silencing of mitochondria-associated antiviral signaling proteins and the Rig-I–like receptors, RIG-I, and melanoma differentiation associated protein 5, had no effect. In addition, induction of IFN-β depended on the downstream transcription IFN regulatory factor 3, and on activation of NF-κB and MAPK p38. Finally, STING, an endoplasmic reticulum-resident protein, was found to localize in close proximity to the chlamydial inclusion membrane during infection. These results indicate that C. muridarum induces IFN-β via stimulation of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 1 pathway, and TLR- and Rig-I–like receptor-independent pathways that require STING, culminating in activation of IFN regulatory factor 3, NF-κB, and p38 MAPK.
Effects of Various Flavonoids on theα-Synuclein Fibrillation Process
Authors: Meng Xiaoyun , Munishkina Larissa A. , Fink Anthony L. , Uversky Vladimir N.
Published: January 2010

α-Synuclein aggregation and fibrillation are closely associated with the formation of Lewy bodies in neurons and are implicated in the causative pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies. Currently, there is no approved therapeutic agent directed toward preventing the protein aggregation, which has been recently shown to have a key role in the cytotoxic nature of amyloidogenic proteins. Flavonoids, known as plant pigments, belong to a broad family of polyphenolic compounds. Over 4,000 flavonoids have been identified from various plants and foodstuffs derived from plants and have been demonstrated as potential neuroprotective agents. In this study 48 flavonoids belonging to several classes with structures differing in the position of double bonds and ring substituents were tested for their ability to inhibit the fibrillation ofα-synuclein in vitro. A variety of flavonoids inhibitedα-synuclein fibrillation, and most of the strong inhibitory flavonoids were also found to disaggregate preformed fibrils.
Ottoman and Turkish Orientalism
Authors: Eldem Edhem
Published: January 2010

Since the early decades of the 19th century, Turkey has undergone successive programmes of modernisation that have closely identified reform with Westernisation and its implied European ‘success and superiority’ over Turkish culture. Here Edhem Eldem reveals both the external and internal dynamic of Turkish Orientalism, which has proved such a complex multilayered process with an enduring influence on how Turkish society and elites view themselves today. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Story of Istanbul's Modernisation
Authors: Tekeli İlhan
Published: January 2010

Since reform started under Ottoman rule in the early 19th century, Istanbul has undergone a substantial period of modernisation that has spanned more than 150 years. İlhan Tekeli outlines the metropolis' enduring development, characterising Istanbul's transformation into a modern city into four distinct periods. It is a story that bridges the collapse of the Ottoman Empire and the reconstruction of the Turkish Republic as a nation‐state, with the initial demise of the city in favour of Ankara; and continues with Istanbul regaining its status as a world city; as it evolves from a monstrous industrial city to an urban region and global centre. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developing Cities with Design
Authors: Balcioğlu Tevfik , Baydar Gülsüm
Published: January 2010

Over the last decade, design has come to be regarded as a powerful and conspicuous tool for transforming cities to global city status. This has largely focused on the commissioning of a handful of iconic buildings by foreign signature architects. Tevfik Balcioğlu and Gülsüm Baydar question the value of the ‘design city’ model for Istanbul as one that potentially privileges image over function, and spatial organisation and the novel over practical urban requirements, while overlooking social and environmental responsibility. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Jil Sander Boutique and Derek Lam Boutique, New York City
Authors: Merkel Jayne
Published: January 2010

The recession devastating retail in most places is nowhere to be found in a recently shabby area of New York's SoHo, just north of Chinatown. Among a handful of new boutiques, galleries and at least one hot new restaurant are two recently opened shops that demonstrate the emerging interconnections between fashion and architectural design. Jayne Merkel explains that Jil Sander creative director Raf Simons, who is now designing the Jil Sander line, also designed the store that houses it and, a few doors away, the much lauded new designer Derek Lam selected one of his first customers, Kazuyo Sejima of SANAA, to design his first retail store. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The EmTech Wave Canopy 2009
Authors: Weinstock Michael
Published: January 2010

Michael Weinstock describes the constraints and creativity behind the Wave Canopy, the EmTech Masters programme construction project for 2009, which was located on the upper terrace of the Architectural Association's premises in Bedford Square. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Library of Birmingham
Authors: Watson Howard
Published: January 2010

Howard Watson applauds Mecanoo's designs for a new library in Birmingham and the aim to bring coherence to the city centre, but questions the destruction of the nearby Central Library, an unusual Brutalist building by John Madin, which is to make way for a further retail/leisure scheme. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Local Structure of Layered Oxide Electrode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Bareño J. , Lei C. H. , Wen J. G. , Kang S.‐H. , Petrov I. , Abraham D. P.
Published: January 2010

Li‐ion batteries are promising candidates for electrical energy storage in applications ranging from portable electronics to hybrid and electric vehicles. In this context, layered compounds in the Li1+δ(TMxMn1‐x)1‐δO2 family (TM = transition metal) have received much attention due to their high capacity and stability. In this Research News article we describe recent advances on structural characterization of Li‐ion electrode materials using state‐of‐the‐art electron microscopy. Direct evidence of the monoclinic nature of Li2MnO3 has been provided. It has been demonstrated that differences in Z‐contrast imaging between Li2MnO3 and LiTMO2 may be used to screen samples for phase separation in the 10–100 nm scale.
Mechanistic Insights into Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Azide‐Alkyne Cycloadditions using Continuous Flow Conditions
Authors: Fuchs Michael , Goessler Walter , Pilger Christian , Kappe C. Oliver
Published: January 2010

The copper‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC, “click chemistry”) was studied employing copper‐in‐charcoal (Cu/C) and a variety of copper metal sources as “heterogeneous” catalysts. The type and pretreatment conditions of the different copper sources on the CuAAC were investigated. In addition, the effect of copper leaching from the catalyst over time and in dependence on the reaction mixture composition was studied by ICP‐MS analysis in the continuous flow mode. These investigations confirm a “homogeneous” mechanism and suggest surface layer copper(I) oxide as the catalytically active species in CuAAC chemistry involving zerovalent copper metal.
A Novel Strategy for the Construction of Functionalized 1,5‐ Benzodiazepines via a Tandem Conjugated Addition/Cyclization Process
Authors: Li Jian , Li Shaoyu , Li Chunju , Liu Yuejin , Jia Xueshun
Published: January 2010

A novel approach for the synthesis of functionalized 1,5‐benzodiazepine is described. The protocol is triggered by a tandem conjugated addition/cyclization process from the readily available starting materials 1,2‐phenylenediamine and ethyl propiolate. The products have secondary amino and ester groups, and a β‐enamino ester, which can serve in further functionalizations to produce molecular diversity.
Formation and catalytic performance of supported ni nanoparticles via self‐reduction of hybrid NiAl‐LDH/C composites
Authors: Xiang Xu , Bai Lu , Li Feng
Published: January 2010

In the present work, hybrid NiAl‐layered double hydroxide/carbon (LDH/C) composites with adjustable compositions were successfully assembled by crystallization of LDH in combination with carbonization of glucose under hydrothermal conditions, and further utilized as an integrated catalyst for the growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) of acetylene. The materials were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis, SEM, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectra, and Raman spectroscopy. The results revealed that the supported Ni nanoparticles with the small crystallite size of about 10 nm could be obtained by in situ self‐reduction of as‐assembled hybrid LDH/C composites in the course of CCVD. The carbon in the hybrid structure as a reducing agent played a key role for the high dispersion of resulting Ni nanoparticles. Furthermore, the Ni nanoparticles obtained here exhibited excellent activity for catalytic growth of CNTs, which could be delicately tuned by varying the compositions of hybrid composites. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
Hydrothermal conversion of carbohydrate biomass to lactic acid
Authors: Yan Xiuyi , Jin Fangming , Tohji Kazuyuki , Kishita Atsushi , Enomoto Heiji
Published: January 2010

We investigated the hydrothermal conversion of the carbohydrates including glucose, cellulose, and starch to lactic acid using NaOH and Ca(OH)2 as alkaline catalysts. Both catalysts significantly promoted the lactic acid formation. The highest yield of lactic acid from glucose was 27% with 2.5 M NaOH and 20% with 0.32 M Ca(OH)2 at 300°C for 60 s. The lactic acid yields from cellulose and starch were comparable with the yield from glucose with 0.32 M Ca(OH)2 at 300°C, but the reaction time in the case of cellulose was 90 s. The mechanism of lactic acid formation from glucose was discussed by identifying the intermediate products. Lactic acid may be formed via the formation of aldoses of two to four carbons including aldose of three carbons, which are all formed by reverse aldol condensation and double bond rule of hexose. This implies that carbon–carbon cleavage occurs at not only C3C4 but also at C2C3. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
Brain–computer interfacing based on cognitive control
Authors: Vansteensel Mariska J. , Hermes Dora , Aarnoutse Erik J. , Bleichner Martin G. , Schalk Gerwin , van Rijen Peter C. , Leijten Frans S. S. , Ramsey Nick F.
Published: January 2010

Objective

Brain–computer interfaces (BCIs) translate deliberate intentions and associated changes in brain activity into action, thereby offering patients with severe paralysis an alternative means of communication with and control over their environment. Such systems are not available yet, partly due to the high performance standard that is required. A major challenge in the development of implantable BCIs is to identify cortical regions and related functions that an individual can reliably and consciously manipulate. Research predominantly focuses on the sensorimotor cortex, which can be activated by imagining motor actions. However, because this region may not provide an optimal solution to all patients, other neuronal networks need to be examined. Therefore, we investigated whether the cognitive control network can be used for BCI purposes. We also determined the feasibility of using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) for noninvasive localization of the cognitive control network.

Methods

Three patients with intractable epilepsy, who were temporarily implanted with subdural grid electrodes for diagnostic purposes, attempted to gain BCI control using the electrocorticographic (ECoG) signal of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC).

Results

All subjects quickly gained accurate BCI control by modulation of gamma‐power of the left DLPFC. Prelocalization of the relevant region was performed with fMRI and was confirmed using the ECoG signals obtained during mental calculation localizer tasks.

Interpretation

The results indicate that the cognitive control network is a suitable source of signals for BCI applications. They also demonstrate the feasibility of translating understanding about cognitive networks derived from functional neuroimaging into clinical applications. ANN NEUROL 2010
Sodium intake and intraventricular hemorrhage in the preterm infant
Authors: Barnette Alan R. , Myers Brian J. , Berg Carly S. , Inder Terrie E.
Published: January 2010

Objective

Hypernatremia is associated with intracranial hemorrhage in term infants. The etiology of intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants is multifactorial. We aimed to characterize the associations between sodium intake, hypernatremia, and intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants.

Methods

The charts of 722 preterm infants with a birth weight ≤1.5kg admitted to a tertiary care neonatal intensive care unit from 2002 to 2006 were retrospectively reviewed for daily sodium and fluid intake, weight loss, serum sodium concentrations, gender, gestational age, pneumothorax, hyper‐ or hypocarbia, severity of illness, and cranial imaging. A multivariate logistic model was used to adjust for risk factors and determine associations between sodium intake, hypernatremia, and intraventricular hemorrhage.

Results

Grade II to IV intraventricular hemorrhage was associated with increased sodium intake on each of the first 3 days following birth. The association remained after controlling for gestational age, severity of illness, respiratory factors, and gender. The association of high sodium intake with intraventricular hemorrhage was of similar magnitude to traditionally recognized risk factors such as pneumothorax.

Interpretation

Increasing intake of sodium appears to be a modifiable risk factor for intraventricular hemorrhage in very low birth weight infants. ANN NEUROL 2010;67:817–823