bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Dementia Rating Scales in Parkinson’s Disease Dementia
Authors: Harvey Philip D. , Ferris Steven H. , Cummings Jeffrey L. , Wesnes Keith A. , Hsu Chuanchieh , Lane Roger M. , Tekin Sibel
Published: April 2009

Disease-specific assessments are not currently available for patients with Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD). This study evaluated the criterion-related validity and test—retest reliability of the Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment scale cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog) in terms of sensitivity for differentiation between mild and moderate severity impairment in PDD. Six other dementia rating scales and cognitive tests were also examined. A total of 113 patients with PDD or Alzheimer disease were recruited into this 4-week, multicenter study, segregated into 2 severity groups based on Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score. Mean ADAS-cog scores showed a statistically significant separation between mild and moderate severity patients in both dementias (P < .001). For the ADAS-cog, test—retest Spearman correlation coefficients were significant for each dementia type and severity. This study demonstrated the criterion-related validity and test—retest reliability for ADAS-cog in patients with PDD and strong correlations with MMSE. This supports the validity of previous results obtained with these measures in studies of patients with PDD.
Evidence-Based ADHD Treatment with a Spanish-Speaking Latino Family
Authors: Gerdes Alyson C. , Schneider Brian W.
Published: April 2009

Though data support effective treatments for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), little research examining these interventions with ethnic minority families exists. Thus, the current case study focuses on a Spanish-speaking, Latino family assessed and treated in a university-based ADHD clinic implementing evidence-based treatment. In addition to discussing the course of treatment, this case study highlights some of the challenges faced when treating ethnic minority families and identifies several lines of research needed to fully explore ethnicity and treatment outcomes in child psychotherapy.
The Hybrid Campaign
Authors: de la Torre Carlos , Conaghan Catherine
Published: April 2009

The 2006 presidential election in Ecuador offers an important example of how traditional, modern, and even postmodern modes of electioneering are combined in contemporary campaigns in Latin America. In his successful race against billionaire candidate Alvaro Noboa, Rafael Correa crafted a hybrid campaign in a double sense. First, he blended the country's classic populist discourse with forward-looking appeals for change. Second, Correa's organization deftly combined state-of-the-art publicity and the application of new information technology with traditional grassroots organizing and the spectacle of rallies. Ecuador's presidential election illustrates the extent to which Latin America has advanced along Pippa Norris's historical continuum of campaign practices. It also provides further evidence of the tenacious appeal of populism in Latin America and how modern and postmodern forms of campaigning can be brought to bear in reproducing populist-style politicking and a hybrid political culture.
Evaluation of microstructure and properties in friction stir welded superaustenitic stainless steel
Authors: Sato Y. S. , Harayama N. , Kokawa H. , Inoue H. , Tadokoro Y. , Tsuge S.
Published: April 2009

A superaustenitic stainless steel was friction stir welded using a polycrystalline cubic boron nitride tool, and then effect of microstructure on properties in the weld was examined. Friction stir welding resulted in a fine equiaxed grain structure in the stir zone, which raised the hardness, but a banded structure with a high density of intermetallic phases was yielded in the bottom of the stir zone. The amount of intermetallic phases in the bottom of the stir zone was significantly large at high rotational speed. The high rotational speed drastically reduced mechanical and corrosion properties of the weld due to the high density of intermetallic phases, while the reduction of the properties was not significant at low rotational speed. Findings of the present study suggest that low heat input friction stir welding is an effective method to produce a weld with relatively good properties in superaustenitic stainless steels.
Effect of friction stir welding conditions on properties and microstructures of high strength automotive steel
Authors: Miles M. P. , Nelson T. W. , Steel R. , Olsen E. , Gallagher M.
Published: April 2009

The use of high strength steels (HSS) and ultra high strength steels (UHSS) is increasing in automotive applications to reduce vehicle weight and to improve structural performance. This study focused on the properties and microstructures of friction stir welded steel sheets, as a function of welding conditions. Tooling feeds and speeds had a significant impact on mechanical properties and microstructures of the welds. For example, at constant tool speeds higher feedrates produced softer welds with large amounts of primary ferrite, compared with lower feedrates which produced harder welds and a greater fraction of martensite. These results illustrate the potential of adjusting weld properties and microstructures by using different friction stir welding process conditions for HSS and UHSS alloys.
Dissimilar friction stir spot welding of low carbon steel and Al–Mg alloy by formation of IMCs
Authors: Lee C.-Y. , Choi D.-H. , Yeon Y.-M. , Jung S.-B.
Published: April 2009

Dissimilar lap joints of low carbon steel and Al–Mg alloy were obtained by friction stir spot welding. Mechanically mixed layer between top and bottom plates was not formed at the weld nugget due to the limited tool penetration and the pin height of welding tool lower than the thickness of Al plate laid in top side. These welding conditions made it possible to weld steel plate using welding tools made out of a general tool steel. With increasing tool penetration depth (TPD), tensile shear force of joint increased and maximum value of 3·0 kN was obtained at the TPD of 0·5 mm, but excessive tool penetration beyond 0·5 mm was caused in a deformation of Al plate of top side. In the result of interface observation, interaction layer was formed between Fe and Al alloy, which was constituted by various intermetallic compounds (IMCs). Consequently, the size of strongly bonded area containing Fe3Al and Fe4Al13 IMCs increased with TPD, which resulted in the increase in joint strength under the limited TPD.
Friction stir welding of hypereutectoid steel (SK5) below eutectoid temperature
Authors: Chung Y. D. , Fujii H. , Ueji R. , Nogi K.
Published: April 2009

The welded joints of the hypereutectoid steel (SK5, AISI-SAE W1-8), which is a high carbon steel with 0·85 wt-%C, were studied by friction stir welding below and above the A1 point (eutectoid temperature 723°C). Defect free joints can be successfully fabricated, and the joint structure and the mechanical properties were investigated for both conditions. The microstructures of the above A1 joints mainly consisted of martensite. Therefore, the microhardness of the above A1 joints is significantly increased to more than 1000 HV. The tensile tests results are scattered in which some of the joints are fractured at the stir zone while the others are fractured at the base metal. On the other hand, the microstructures of the below A1 joints consist of a ferrite with globular cementite, and grain refinement occurred because no phase transformation to the martensite structures occurred. The microhardness of the below A1 joints is slightly greater than the hardness of the base metal. All of the below A1 joints are fractured at the base metal during the tensile test.
Friction stir welding of steels: Process design through continuum based FEM model
Authors: Buffa G. , Fratini L.
Published: April 2009

Friction stir welding (FSW) has been reaching a continuously increasing popularity among joining processes since its invention in 1991. Although mainly used for aluminium alloys, it has been successfully applied also to steels. In the present paper, a continuum based FEM model for FSW of steels is proposed, which is three-dimensional Lagrangian implicit, coupled, rigid viscoplastic. The model, whose potential has been analysed through temperature distribution comparisons, is able to predict temperature, strain and strain rate distributions, together with thermal and mechanical loads on the welding tool, at varying main process variables. In this way, the FEM model can be used for process and tool design.
Glycoforms of human endothelial CD34 that bind L-selectin carry sulfated sialyl Lewis x capped O- and N-glycans
Authors: Mir Gerard Hernandez , Helin Jari , Skarp Kari-Pekka , Cummings Richard D. , Mäkitie Antti , Renkonen Risto , Leppänen Anne
Published: April 2009

Endothelial sialomucin CD34 functions as an L-selectin ligand mediating lymphocyte extravasation only when properly glycosylated to express a sulfated carbohydrate epitope, 6-sulfo sialyl Lewis x (6-sulfo SLex). It is thought that multivalent 6-sulfo SLex expression promotes high-affinity binding to L-selectin by enhancing avidity. However, the reported low amount of 6-sulfo SLex in total human CD34 is inconsistent with this model and prompted us to re-evaluate CD34 glycosylation. We separated CD34 into 2 glycoforms, the L-selectin–binding and nonbinding glycoforms, L-B-CD34 and L-NB-CD34, respectively, and analyzed released O- and N-glycans from both forms. L-B-CD34 is relatively minor compared with L-NB-CD34 and represented less than 10% of total tonsillar CD34. MECA-79, a mAb to sulfated core-1 O-glycans, bound exclusively to L-B-CD34 and this form contained all sulfated and fucosylated O-glycans. 6-Sulfo SLex epitopes occur on core-2 and extended core-1 O-glycans with approximately 20% of total L-B-CD34 O-glycans expressing 6-sulfo SLex. N-glycans containing potential 6-sulfo SLex epitopes were also present in L-B-CD34, but their removal did not abolish binding to L-selectin. Thus, a minor glycoform of CD34 carries relatively abundant 6-sulfo SLex epitopes on O-glycans that are important for its recognition by L-selectin.
Balancing images of potential-field data
Authors: Cooper G. R.
Published: April 2009

Horizontal and vertical gradients, and filters based on them (such as the analytic signal), are used routinely to enhance detail in aeromagnetic data. However, when the data contain anomalies with a large range of amplitudes, the filtered data also will contain large and small amplitude responses, making the latter hard to see. This study suggests balancing the analytic signal amplitude (sometimes called the total gradient) by the use of its orthogonal Hilbert transforms, and shows that the balanced profile curvature can be an effective method of enhancing potential-field data. Source code is available from the author on request.
The nanogranular acoustic signature of shale
Authors: Ortega J. Alberto , Ulm Franz-Josef , Abousleiman Younane
Published: April 2009

A multiscale, micromechanics model has been developed for the prediction of anisotropic acoustic properties of shale. The model is based on the recently identified nanogranular mechanical response of shale through indentation experiments. It recognizes the dominant role of the anisotropic elastic properties of compacted clay in the anisotropic elasticity of shale at different length scales compared to contributions of shape and orientation of particles. Following a thorough validation at multiple length scales using mineral elasticity data, nanoindentation experiment results, and ultrasonic pulse velocity tests, the model predictions compare adequately with measurements on kerogen-free and kerogen-rich shales and shaley sandstones. The acoustic signature of shale thus is found to be controlled by two volumetric parameters that synthesize the porosity and mineralogy information: the clay-packing density and the silt inclusion volume fraction. Through a series of dimensionless isoparametric plots, the micromechanics model predicts trends of increasing elastic anisotropy with increasing clay-packing density (or decreasing porosity), which correspond to the intrinsic mechanical response of unfractured shale, and quantifies the stiffness reduction induced by the presence of kerogen.
A 3D total magnetization inversion applicable when significant, complicated remanence is present
Authors: Lelièvre Peter G. , Oldenburg Douglas W.
Published: April 2009

Inversion of magnetic data is complicated by the presence of remanent magnetization. To deal with this problem, we invert magnetic data for a three-component subsurface magnetization vector, as opposed to magnetic susceptibility (a scalar). The magnetization vector can be cast in a Cartesian or spherical framework. In the Cartesian formulation, the total magnetization is split into one component parallel and two components perpendicular to the earth’s field. In the spherical formulation, we invert for magnetization amplitude and the dip and azimuth of the magnetization direction. Our inversion schemes contain flexibility to obtain different types of magnetization models and allow for inclusion of geologic information regarding remanence. Allowing a vector magnetization increases the nonuniqueness of the magnetic inverse problem greatly, but additional information (e.g., knowledge of physical properties or geology) incorporated as constraints can improve the results dramatically. Commonly available information results in complicated nonlinear constraints in the Cartesian formulation. However, moving to a spherical formulation results in simple bound constraints at the expense of a now nonlinear objective function. We test our methods using synthetic and real data from scenarios involving complicated remanence (i.e., many magnetized bodies with many magnetization directions). All tests provide favorable results and our methods compare well against those of other authors.
Explicit expressions for the Fréchet derivatives in 3D anisotropic resistivity inversion
Authors: Greenhalgh S. A. , Zhou B. , Greenhalgh M. , Marescot L. , Wiese T.
Published: April 2009

We have developed explicit expressions for the Fréchet derivatives or sensitivity functions in resistivity imaging of a heterogeneous and fully anisotropic earth. The formulation involves the Green’s functions and their gradients, and it is developed from a formal perturbation analysis and by means of a numerical (finite-element) method. A critical factor in the equations is the derivative of the electrical conductivity tensor with respect to the principal conductivity values and the angles defining the axes of symmetry. The Fréchet derivative expressions were derived for the 2.5D and 3D problems using constant-point and constant-block model parameterizations. Special cases such as an isotropic earth and tilted transversely isotropic (TTI) media emerge from the general solutions. Numerical examples were investigated for various sensitivities as functions of dip angle and strike of the plane of stratification in uniform TTI media.
Leptin-Stimulated Endothelial Nitric-Oxide Synthase via an Adenosine 5′-Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase/Akt Signaling Pathway Is Attenuated by Interaction with C-Reactive Protein
Authors: Procopio Cristina , Andreozzi Francesco , Laratta Emanuela , Cassese Angela , Beguinot Francesco , Arturi Franco , Hribal Marta Letizia , Perticone Francesco , Sesti Giorgio
Published: April 2009

The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) lies upstream of Akt in the pathway leading to endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) activation. Whether leptin promotes eNOS activation via AMPK-dependent activation of Akt, and which of the two AMPKα catalytic subunits is involved, remains unknown. Leptin resistance may be partly attributed to interaction between leptin and C-reactive protein (CRP). We hypothesized that leptin effect on eNOS activation in human aortic endothelial cells might be blunted by direct interaction with human recombinant CRP. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were used to knock down expression of α1- or α2-AMPK in transient transfection assay to evaluate which is involved in this pathway and whether leptin effect on eNOS activation in human aortic endothelial cells might be blunted by direct interaction with human CRP. siRNA-mediated down-regulation of AMPKα1, but not AMPKα2, abolished leptin-induced Akt-Ser473 phosphorylation, eNOS-Ser1177 phosphorylation, eNOS activation, and cGMP accumulation. By contrast, siRNA-mediated knockdown of Akt1 did not affect AMPKα1 phosphorylation, but it abolished leptin-induced phosphorylation of Akt-Ser473 and eNOS-Ser1177, suggesting that Akt functions downstream of AMPKα1. Preincubation of leptin with human recombinant CRP impaired leptin-induced AMPK activation, eNOS-Ser1177 phosphorylation, eNOS activity, and intracellular cGMP accumulation. The data are consistent with a model implicating an AMPKα1→Akt→eNOS pathway leading to NO production in response to leptin supporting the idea that interaction between leptin and CRP may have a role in impairing leptin effect on eNOS activation, suggesting a link between leptin resistance, low-grade inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction.
Liver Receptor Homolog-1 Regulates the Transcription of Steroidogenic Enzymes and Induces the Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Steroidogenic Cells
Authors: Yazawa Takashi , Inanoka Yoshihiko , Mizutani Tetsuya , Kuribayashi Mayu , Umezawa Akihiro , Miyamoto Kaoru
Published: April 2009

Steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1, also known as Ad4BP) has been demonstrated to be a primary transcriptional regulator of steroidogenic-related genes. However, mRNA for liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1), which together with SF-1, belongs to the NR5A nuclear receptor family, is expressed at much higher levels than SF-1 mRNA in the human gonad. In our previous studies, we demonstrated that SF-1 induced the differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into steroidogenic cells such as Leydig or adrenocortical cells. The introduction of LRH-1 into human MSCs (hMSCs) with the aid of cAMP also induced the expression of steroidogenic enzymes, including CYP17, and their differentiation into steroid hormone-producing cells. Promoter analysis, EMSA, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay using LRH-1-transduced hMSCs indicated that three LRH-1 binding sites were responsible for CYP17 transactivation. Immunohistochemical studies showed that LRH-1 protein was expressed in human Leydig cells. The CYP17 promoter region was highly methylated in hMSCs, whereas it was demethylated by the introduction of LRH-1 and cAMP treatment. These results indicate that LRH-1 could represent another key regulator of the steroidogenic lineage in MSCs and play a vital role in steroid hormone production in human Leydig cells.
Insulin Stimulates the Expression of Carbohydrate Response Element Binding Protein (ChREBP) by Attenuating the Repressive Effect of Pit-1, Oct-1/Oct-2, and Unc-86 Homeodomain Protein Octamer Transcription Factor-1
Authors: Sirek Adam S. , Liu Ling , Naples Mark , Adeli Khosrow , Ng Dominic S. , Jin Tianru
Published: April 2009

The carbohydrate response element binding protein (ChREBP) has been recognized as a key controller of hepatic lipogenesis. Whereas the function of ChREBP has been extensively investigated, mechanisms underlying its transcription remain largely unknown, although ChREBP production is elevated in a hyperinsulinemic mouse model. We located a conserved Pit-1, Oct-1/Oct-2, and Unc-86 (POU) protein binding site (ATGCTAAT) within the proximal promoter region of human ChREBP. This site interacts with the POU homeodomain protein octamer transcription factor-1 (Oct-1), as detected by gel shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Oct-1 cotransfection in the human HepG2 cell line repressed ChREBP promoter activity approximately 50–75% (P < 0.01 to P < 0.001), and this repression was dependent on the existence of the POU binding site. Furthermore, overexpression of Oct-1 repressed endogenous ChREBP mRNA and protein expression, whereas knockdown of Oct-1 expression, using a lentivirus-based small hairpin RNA approach, led to increased ChREBP mRNA and protein expression. In contrast, HepG2 cells treated with 10 or 100 nm insulin for 4 or 8 h resulted in an approximately 2-fold increase of ChREBP promoter activity (P < 0.05 to P < 0.01). Insulin (10 nm) also stimulated endogenous ChREBP expression in HepG2 and primary hamster hepatocytes. More importantly, we found that the stimulatory effect of insulin on ChREBP promoter activity was dependent on the presence of the POU binding site, and insulin treatment reduced Oct-1 expression levels. Our observations therefore identify Oct-1 as a transcriptional repressor of ChREBP and suggest that insulin stimulates ChREBP expression via attenuating the repressive effect of Oct-1.
Subfertile Female Androgen Receptor Knockout Mice Exhibit Defects in Neuroendocrine Signaling, Intraovarian Function, and Uterine Development But Not Uterine Function
Authors: Walters K. A. , McTavish K. J. , Seneviratne M. G. , Jimenez M. , McMahon A. C. , Allan C. M. , Salamonsen L. A. , Handelsman D. J.
Published: April 2009

Female androgen receptor (AR) knockout mice (AR−/−) generated by an in-frame Ar exon 3 deletion are subfertile, but the mechanism is not clearly defined. To distinguish between extra- and intraovarian defects, reciprocal ovarian transplants were undertaken. Ovariectomized AR−/− hosts with wild-type (AR+/+) ovary transplants displayed abnormal estrus cycles, with longer cycles (50%, P < 0.05), and 66% were infertile (P < 0.05), whereas AR+/+ hosts with either AR−/− or surgical control AR+/+ ovary transplants displayed normal estrus cycles and fertility. These data imply a neuroendocrine defect, which is further supported by increased FSH (P <0.05) and estradiol (P <0.05), and greater LH suppressibility by estradiol in AR−/− females at estrus (P <0.05). Additional intraovarian defects were observed by the finding that both experimental transplant groups exhibited significantly reduced pups per litter (P < 0.05) and corpora lutea numbers (P < 0.05) compared with surgical controls. All groups exhibited normal uterine and lactation functions. AR−/− uteri were morphologically different from AR+/+ with an increase in horn length (P < 0.01) but a reduction in uterine diameter (P < 0.05), total uterine area (P < 0.05), endometrial area (P < 0.05), and myometrial area (P < 0.01) at diestrus, indicating a role for AR in uterine growth and development. Both experimental transplant groups displayed a significant reduction in uterine diameter (P < 0.01) compared with transplanted wild-type controls, indicating a role for both AR-mediated intraovarian and intrauterine influences on uterine physiology. In conclusion, these data provide direct evidence that extraovarian neuroendocrine, but not uterine effects, as well as local intraovarian AR-mediated actions are important in maintaining female fertility, and a disruption of AR signaling leads to altered uterine development.
Androgen Regulates the Sexually Dimorphic Gastrin-Releasing Peptide System in the Lumbar Spinal Cord that Mediates Male Sexual Function
Authors: Sakamoto Hirotaka , Takanami Keiko , Zuloaga Damian G. , Matsuda Ken-ichi , Jordan Cynthia L. , Breedlove S. Marc , Kawata Mitsuhiro
Published: April 2009

A collection of neurons in the upper lumbar spinal cord of male rats projects to the lower lumbar spinal cord, releasing gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) onto somatic and autonomic centers known to regulate male sexual reflexes such as erection and ejaculation. Because these reflexes are androgen dependent, we asked whether manipulating levels of androgen in adult rats would affect GRP expression in this spinal center. We found that castration resulted, 28 d later, in a profound decrease in the expression of GRP in the spinal cord, as reflected in immunocytochemistry and competitive ELISA for the protein as well as real-time quantitative PCR for the transcript. These effects were prevented if the castrates were treated with testosterone propionate. Genetically male (XY) rats with the dysfunctional testicular feminization allele for the androgen receptor (AR) displayed GRP mRNA and protein levels in the spinal cord similar to those of females, indicating that androgen normally maintains the system through AR. We saw no effect of castration or the testicular feminization allele on expression of the receptor for GRP in the spinal cord, but castration did reduce expression of AR transcripts within the spinal cord as revealed by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blots. Taken together, these results suggest that androgen signaling plays a pivotal role in the regulation of GRP expression in male lumbar spinal cord. A greater understanding of how androgen modulates the spinal GRP system might lead to new therapeutic approaches to male sexual dysfunction.
Molecular Determinants of Grb14-Mediated Inhibition of Insulin Signaling
Authors: Goenaga Diana , Hampe Cornelia , Carré Nadège , Cailliau Katia , Browaeys-Poly Edith , Perdereau Dominique , Holt Lowenna J. , Daly Roger J. , Girard Jean , Broutin Isabelle , Issad Tarik , Burnol Anne-Françoise
Published: April 2009

Grb14 belongs to the Grb7 family of molecular adapters and was identified as an inhibitor of insulin signaling. Grb14 binds to activated insulin receptors (IR) and inhibits their catalytic activity. To gain more insight into the Grb14 molecular mechanism of action, we generated various mutants and studied the Grb14-IR interaction using coimmunoprecipitation and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) experiments. Biological activity was further analyzed using the Xenopus oocyte model and a functional complementation assay measuring cellular proliferation rate in Grb14 knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts. These studies identified two important interaction sites, Grb14 L404-IR L1038 and Grb14 R385-IR K1168, involving the IR αC-helix and activation loop, respectively. Interestingly, the former involves residues that are likely to be crucial for the specificity of IR binding with regard to other members of the Grb7 family. In addition, mutation of the Grb14-S370 residue suggested that its phosphorylation status controlled the biological activity of the protein. We further demonstrated that insulin-induced Grb14-PDK1 interaction is required in addition to Grb14-IR binding to mediate maximal inhibition of insulin signaling. This study provides important insights into the molecular determinants of Grb14 action by demonstrating that Grb14 regulates insulin action at two levels, through IR binding and by interfering with downstream pathways. Indeed, a precise knowledge of the molecular mechanism of insulin signaling inhibition by Grb14 is a prerequisite for the development of insulin-sensitizing molecules to treat pathophysiological states such as obesity or type 2 diabetes.
A gain-of-function mutation inIAA18altersArabidopsisembryonic apical patterning
Authors: Ploense Sara E. , Wu Miin-Feng , Nagpal Punita , Reed Jason W.
Published: April 2009

Lateral organ emergence in plant embryos and meristems depends on spatially coordinated auxin transport and auxin response. Here, we report the gain-of-function iaa18-1 mutation in Arabidopsis, which stabilizes the Aux/IAA protein IAA18 and causes aberrant cotyledon placement in embryos. IAA18 was expressed in the apical domain of globular stage embryos, and in the shoot apical meristem and adaxial domain of cotyledons of heart stage embryos. Mutant globular embryos had asymmetric PIN1:GFP expression in the apical domain, indicating that IAA18-1 disrupts auxin transport. Genetic interactions among iaa18-1, loss-of-function mutations in ARF (Auxin response factor) genes and ARF-overexpressing constructs suggest that IAA18-1 inhibits activity of MP/ARF5 and other ARF proteins in the apical domain. The iaa18-1mutation also increased the frequency of rootless seedlings in mutant backgrounds in which auxin regulation of basal pole development was affected. These results indicate that apical patterning requires Aux/IAA protein turnover, and that apical domain auxin response also influences root formation.
Drosophiladosage compensation: a complex voyage to the X chromosome
Authors: Gelbart Marnie E. , Kuroda Mitzi I.
Published: April 2009

Dosage compensation is the crucial process that equalizes gene expression from the X chromosome between males (XY) and females (XX). In Drosophila, the male-specific lethal (MSL) ribonucleoprotein complex mediates dosage compensation by upregulating transcription from the single male X chromosome approximately twofold. A key challenge is to understand how the MSL complex distinguishes the X chromosome from autosomes. Recent studies suggest that this occurs through a multi-step targeting mechanism that involves DNA sequence elements and epigenetic marks associated with transcription. This review will discuss the relative contributions of sequence elements and transcriptional marks to the complete pattern of MSL complex binding.
The mechanism and pattern of yolk consumption provide insight into embryonic nutrition inXenopus
Authors: Jorgensen Paul , Steen Judith A. J. , Steen Hanno , Kirschner Marc W.
Published: April 2009

Little is known about how metabolism changes during development. For most animal embryos, yolk protein is a principal source of nutrition, particularly of essential amino acids. Within eggs, yolk is stored inside large organelles called yolk platelets (YPs). We have gained insight into embryonic nutrition in the African clawed frog Xenopus laevis by studying YPs. Amphibians follow the ancestral pattern in which all embryonic cells inherit YPs from the egg cytoplasm. These YPs are consumed intracellularly at some point during embryogenesis, but it was not known when, where or how yolk consumption occurs. We have identified the novel yolk protein Seryp by biochemical and mass spectrometric analyses of purified YPs. Within individual YPs, Seryp is degraded to completion earlier than the major yolk proteins, thereby providing a molecular marker for YPs engaged in yolk proteolysis. We demonstrate that yolk proteolysis is a quantal process in which a subset of dormant YPs within embryonic cells are reincorporated into the endocytic system and become terminal degradative compartments. Yolk consumption is amongst the earliest aspects of differentiation. The rate of yolk consumption is also highly tissue specific, suggesting that nutrition in early amphibian embryos is tissue autonomous. But yolk consumption does not appear to be triggered by embryonic cells declining to a critically small size. Frog embryos offer a promising platform for the in vivo analysis of metabolism.
Nodal signalling imposes left-right asymmetry upon neurogenesis in the habenular nuclei
Authors: Roussigné Myriam , Bianco Isaac H. , Wilson Stephen W. , Blader Patrick
Published: April 2009

The habenulae are evolutionarily conserved bilateral nuclei in the epithalamus that relay input from the forebrain to the ventral midbrain. In zebrafish, the habenulae display left-right (L/R) asymmetries in gene expression and axonal projections. The elaboration of habenular asymmetries requires the presence of a second asymmetric structure, the parapineal, the laterality of which is biased by unilateral Nodal signalling. Here we show that neurons are present earlier in the left habenula than in the right, but,in contrast to other habenular asymmetry phenotypes, this asymmetry in neurogenesis is not dependent on the parapineal. Embryos in which the L/R asymmetry in Nodal signalling is abolished display symmetric neurogenesis,revealing a requirement for this pathway in asymmetrically biasing neurogenesis. Our results provide evidence of a direct requirement for unilateral Nodal activity in establishing an asymmetry per se, rather than solely in biasing its laterality.
A Ferromagnetic Chain of Imidazolato-Bridged One-Dimensional Copper(II) Complex
Authors: Yoshida Tetsuya , Towatari Masaaki , Sato Tetsuya , Matsumoto Naohide , Re Nazzareno , Mrozinski Jerzy
Published: April 2009

A mononuclear copper(II) complex, [2-ethoxy-6-{[3-(2-methyl-4-imidazolylmethyleneamino)propyl]iminomethyl}phenolato]copper(II) perchlorate [CuHL]ClO4 and its deprotonated complex at the imidazole moiety, [CuL]n, were prepared. The structure of [CuHL]ClO4 consists of a cation [CuHL]+ exhibiting a four-coordinated square-planar geometry and an anion ClO4−, while [CuL]n assumes an imidazolato-bridged zigzag-chain structure, in which the copper(II) ion is coordinated by the imidazolato nitrogen atom of the adjacent molecule with Cu–N = 2.258(5) Å and the two adjacent CuL units assumes a perpendicular orientation. The temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibilities from 2.0 to 300 K and field-dependent magnetization at 2.0 K demonstrate that [CuHL]ClO4 is a magnetically isolated copper(II) molecule while [CuL]n is a ferromagnetic chain. The magnetic susceptibility data of [CuL]n were analyzed by Baker’s model based on H = −2JΣSAjSAj+1 for chain of equally spaced copper(II) ions to give the best-fit parameters of g = 2.08 and J = +0.63 cm−1.
Photolysis of Indan-1,2-dione Derivatives in Oxygen-Doped Argon Matrix at Low Temperature
Authors: Itoh Takayoshi , Tatsugi Jiro , Tomioka Hideo
Published: April 2009

Photolysis of indan-1,2,3-trion (1a), benzo[b]furan-2,3-dione (1b), and N-methylisatin (1c) in argon matrix either with or without oxygen at 10 K was investigated by IR spectroscopy in combination with DFT calculations. The results indicate that while 1a and 1b gave the products mixture as a result of α-cleavage, followed by decarbonylation, 1c was rather photostable under similar conditions. However, when the irradiation was carried out in argon matrix doped with 20% oxygen, 1c decomposed much more efficiently than that in argon matrix and cyclic diacyl peroxide presumably formed by trapping of initial diradical originating from α-cleavage by molecular oxygen was detected. Similar irradiation of 1b also gave cyclic diacyl peroxide along with photodecarbonylation products, but irradiation of 1a in oxygen-doped matrix produced not only cyclic diacyl peroxide but also products as a result of oxidation of photodecarbonylation product. The present observation reveals that photolysis of ketones in oxygen-doped matrix at low temperature provides useful information concerning the reactivities of ketones toward α-cleavage.
Mechanistic Study of Oxidative Aromatization Using Activated Carbon–Molecular Oxygen System in the Synthesis of 2-Arylbenzazoles: Focus on the Role of Activated Carbon
Authors: Kawashita Yuka , Yanagi Juichi , Fujii Tatsuo , Hayashi Masahiko
Published: April 2009

Nineteen activated carbons, including sixteen tailor-made and three commercially available ones, were employed to investigate their role in the one-pot synthesis of 2-arylbenzazoles starting from 2-aminophenol, 1,2-diaminobenzene, or 2-aminobenzenethiol, and aldehyde via oxidative cyclization of intermediate phenolic Schiff base promoted by the activated carbon–molecular oxygen system. Tailor-made activated carbons were prepared from wood, coconut shell, and coal by the steam activation method or the chemical activation method. All activated carbons were characterized to clarify their properties, such as metal contaminants, specific surface area, porosity, and surface functionality. After examining their effects on reactivity in the oxidative aromatization, we found that the essential role of activated carbon in this oxidation system is concerned not with metal contaminants, specific surface area, pore volume, mean pore diameter, and surface oxygen groups evolving as CO2 at 900 °C but with surface oxygen groups evolving as CO during heating at 900 °C, such as carbonyl groups on the surface of activated carbon. Additionally, in the synthesis of 2-arylbenzoxazole, it was found that activated carbon would also promote the cyclization of the intermediate Schiff base.
CdS Nanoparticles Exhibiting Quantum Size Effect by Dispersion on TiO2: Photocatalytic H2 Evolution and Photoelectrochemical Measurements
Authors: Ogisu Kiyonori , Takanabe Kazuhiro , Lu Daling , Saruyama Masaki , Ikeda Takahiro , Kanehara Masayuki , Teranishi Toshiharu , Domen Kazunari
Published: April 2009

Uniformly sized CdS nanoparticles exhibiting quantum size effect have been synthesized as a suspension in hexane solution containing oleic acid and 9-octadecenylamine as protective ligands. Our study focuses on utilizing the intrinsic optical property of the nanoparticles for photocatalytic H2 evolution and photoelectrochemical reaction by immobilizing oxide substrate and removing protective ligands. Immobilized CdS nanoparticles on TiO2 were found to maintain their original particle size and optical property after impregnation and removal of the protective ligands by oxidative heat treatment and/or alkali treatment. The photocatalytic H2 evolution rates in Na2S–Na2SO3 solution under visible light were strongly affected by the CdS particle size (quantum size effect), CdS loading amount, and TiO2 surface area. High photoanodic current was observed for CdS/TiO2 sprayed on a fluoride-doped tin oxide (FTO) electrode, functioning as an n-type semiconductor. The knowledge acquired in this study can be extended for further development in the field of nanoparticle materials covered with protective ligands.
Telemedicine in neurosurgery – teleradiology connections in the Republic of Croatia
Authors: Mrak Goran , Paladino Josip , Džubur Adil , Desnica Andrej
Published: April 2009

In 1998, a teleradiology system was established in Croatia. It connects 34 CT, MRI and DSA scanners in 29 hospitals with a referral centre in the neurosurgery department in Zagreb. In the first three years of its use, the network saved more than 400,000 km of patient transportation (i.e. without a teleconsultation, all of the patients would have had to be transported to the nearest referral neurosurgical unit). During the first seven years, an archive with 25,366 expert opinions was collected. A total of 7103 (28%) expert opinions were provided for the distant regional hospitals. The most common diagnoses for patients from regional hospitals were neurotrauma (53%), cerebrovascular diseases (22%) and brain tumours (19%). The teleradiology system was used less often for lumbar disc disease (4%), hydrocephalus or other neurosurgical disorders (2%). The most valuable results from teleradiology were the decisions about proper and effective patient treatment. In Croatia, the national teleradiology network for neurosurgery has speeded up therapy, avoided unnecessary travelling for patients and reduced costs.
A portable dental image viewer using a mobile network to provide a tele-dental service
Authors: Park Wonse , Kim Dong-Keun , Kim Jung-Chae , Kim Kee-Deog , Yoo Sun K
Published: April 2009

We tested three imaging devices for suitability in emergency dental situations for telemedicine. The three devices were a special-purpose oral camera, a digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera, and the built-in camera of a mobile phone. A total of 20 subjects volunteered to take part in the study. We simulated five different conditions which could affect the quality of the image and measured image transmission times across two widely available mobile networks (a CDMA-based 3G network and a Wireless Broadband Network, WiBRO). The DSLR produced the best quality images, although it was a relatively large device and not easy to use. The oral camera failed to give satisfactory images under certain conditions (i.e. without extra lighting, out of focus and head motion). In contrast, the mobile phone based camera was very easy to use and to handle, and it gave good information for initial diagnosis, even at high compression ratios. If the image acquisition conditions are carefully set up, this device might be the best for emergency dental trauma situations.
Measurement of physical quantities in upper-limb tele-rehabilitation
Authors: Rogante Marco , Bernabeu Montserrat , Hermens Hermie J , Huijgen Barbara , Ilsbroukx Stephan , Macellari Velio , Magni Riccardo , Magnino Fabio , Scattareggia Sandro , Spitali Maria C , Vollenbroek-Hutten Miriam , Zampolini Mauro , Giacomozzi Claudia
Published: April 2009

A total of 50 patients (affected by traumatic brain injury, stroke or multiple sclerosis) were treated for one month using a rehabilitation protocol. Rehabilitation could be monitored using a Portable Unit (PU) which could be installed in a patient's home allowing the measurement of kinetic and kinematic variables during exercise. In a preliminary analysis, the variables related to four rehabilitation exercises were examined for two patients at baseline and at the end of the one-month treatment. The exercises involved movement of checkers, a pencil, a jar and a key. The results suggest that, even if the overall duration of exercise execution is an important aspect of the rehabilitation process, other variables acquired by the PU might deliver useful information for assessing the patient's status. In order to integrate such variables into the assessment process, further studies are needed to investigate their eventual correlation with traditional rehabilitation scales and variables.
Simulating multivariate g‐and‐h distributions
Authors: Kowalchuk Rhonda K. , Headrick Todd C.
Published: April 2009

The Tukey family of g‐and‐h distributions is often used to model univariate real‐world data. There is a paucity of research demonstrating appropriate multivariate data generation using the g‐and‐h family of distributions with specified correlations. Therefore, the methodology and algorithms are presented to extend the g‐and‐h family from univariate to multivariate data generation. An example is provided along with a Monte Carlo simulation demonstrating the methodology. In addition, algorithms written in Mathematica 7.0 are available from the authors for implementing the procedure.
Separating component processes of theory of mind in schizophrenia
Authors: Bailey Phoebe E. , Henry Julie D.
Published: April 2009

Objective. It has been argued that in order to take the perspective of another the ‘default’ self‐perspective must first be inhibited. Thus, executive function failures (and specifically, reduced inhibitory control of the self‐perspective) may contribute to the theory of mind (ToM) difficulties that have been observed in schizophrenia.

Method. Participants with schizophrenia (N=28) and demographically matched controls (N=30) were administered a behavioural measure of ToM that directly manipulates inhibitory demands by involving either high‐ or low‐levels of self‐perspective inhibition.

Results. Relative to controls, participants with schizophrenia demonstrated impaired ToM, but did not have particular difficulty on the task that placed high demands on self‐perspective inhibition.

Conclusion. Disruption of other‐perspective taking, rather than self‐perspective inhibition, appears to be the more important determinant of ToM impairment in schizophrenia. This finding is discussed in relation to competing perspectives of ToM.
The role of affect and cognition in health decision making
Authors: Keer Mario , van den Putte Bas , Neijens Peter
Published: April 2009

Both affective and cognitive evaluations of behaviours have been allocated various positions in theoretical models of decision making. Most often, they have been studied as direct determinants of either intention or overall evaluation, but these two possible positions have never been compared. The aim of this study was to determine whether affective and cognitive evaluations influence intention directly, or whether their influence is mediated by overall evaluation. A sample of 300 university students filled in questionnaires on their affective, cognitive, and overall evaluations in respect of 20 health behaviours. The data were interpreted using mediation analyses with the application of path modelling. Both affective and cognitive evaluations were found to have significantly predicted intention. The influence of affective evaluation was largely direct for each of the behaviours studied, whereas that of cognitive evaluation was partially direct and partially mediated by overall evaluation. These results indicate that decisions regarding the content of persuasive communication (affective vs. cognitive) are highly dependent on the theoretical model chosen. It is suggested that affective evaluation should be included as a direct determinant of intention in theories of decision making when predicting health behaviours.
Thermodynamic and thermophysical properties of the reference ionic liquid: 1-Hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]amide (including mixtures). Part 1. Experimental methods and results (IUPAC Technical Report)
Authors: Marsh Kenneth N. , Brennecke Joan F. , Chirico Robert D. , Frenkel Michael , Heintz Andreas , Magee Joseph W. , Peters Cor J. , Rebelo Luis Paulo N. , Seddon Kenneth R.
Published: April 2009

This article summarizes the results of IUPAC Project 2002-005-1-100 (Thermodynamics of ionic liquids, ionic liquid mixtures, and the development of standardized systems). The methods used by the various contributors to measure the thermophysical and phase equilibrium properties of the reference sample of the ionic liquid 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bis [(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]amide and its mixtures are summarized along with the uncertainties estimated by the contributors. Some results not previously published are presented. Properties of the pure ionic liquid included thermal properties (triple-point temperature, glass-transition temperature, enthalpy of fusion, heat capacities of condensed states), volumetric properties, speeds of sound, viscosities, electrolytic conductivities, and relative permittivities. Properties for mixtures included gas solubilities, solute activity coefficients at infinite dilution, liquid-liquid equilibrium temperatures, and excess volumes. The companion article (Part 2) provides a critical evaluation of the data and recommended values with estimated combined expanded uncertainties.
Traceability in Laboratory Medicine
Authors: Vesper Hubert W , Thienpont Linda M
Published: April 2009

Background: In patient and population samples, generation of analytical results that are comparable and independent of the measurement system, time, and location is essential for the utility of laboratory information supplied in healthcare. Obtaining analytical measurement results with such characteristics is the aim of traceability in laboratory medicine. As awareness of the benefits of having traceable measurement results has increased, associated efforts have been directed toward making traceability a regulatory requirement and developing approaches to enable and facilitate the implementation of traceability. Although traceability has been a main focus of many laboratory standardization activities in the past, discussions are still ongoing with regard to traceability and its implementation.

Content: This review provides information about the traceability concept and what needs can be fulfilled and benefits achieved by the availability of traceable measurement results. Special emphasis is given to the new metrological terminology introduced with this concept. The review addresses and describes approaches for technical implementation of traceable methods as well as the associated challenges. Traceability is also discussed in the context of other activities to improve the overall measurement process.

Summary: Establishing metrological traceability of measurement results satisfies basic clinical and public health needs, thus improving patient care and disease control and prevention. Large advances have been made to facilitate the implementation of traceability. However, details in the implementation process, such as lack of available commutable reference materials and insufficient resources to develop new reference measurement systems continue to challenge the laboratory medicine community.