bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On a multistable dynamic model of behavioral and perceptual infant development
Authors: Frank T.D. , van der Kamp J. , Savelsbergh G.J.P.
Published: March 2010

In this theoretical work, we treat behavioral and perceptual issues on an equal footing and examine the emergence of mutually exclusive behavioral patterns and perceptual variables during infant development from the perspective of multistable competitive dynamic systems. Accordingly, behavioral modes and modes of perception compete with each other for activation. One and only one mode survives the mode–mode competition, which accounts for the incompatibility of modes being considered. However, the winning behavioral or perceptual state is not predefined. Rather, we argue that during particular stages of maturation multiple modes coexist for the same set of developmental, body‐scaled, and environmental parameters or constraints. The winning behavioral or perceptual state depends on these parameters as well as on initial conditions as operationalized in terms of previously performed behaviors or utilized perceptual stimuli. We give explicit examples of our approach and address the emergence of two‐handed grasping and catching movements and the emergence of monocular and binocular vision during infant development. In particular, we propose that the emergence of midline crossing movements in 3‐ to 6‐month‐old infants involves two independent but interaction control parameters: a body‐scaled and a developmental one. Likewise, we argue that the onset of binocularity in infants involves two independent but interaction control parameters: a developmental and an environmental one. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 52: 352–371, 2010.
Identification of a Van der Woude syndrome mutation in the cleft palate 1 mutant mouse
Authors: Stottmann R.W. , Bjork B.C. , Doyle J.B. , Beier D.R.
Published: March 2010

Mutations in Interferon Regulatory Factor 6 (IRF6) have been identified in two human allelic syndromes with cleft lip and/or palate: Van der Woude (VWS) and Popliteal Pterygium syndromes (PPS). Furthermore, common IRF6 haplotypes and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) alleles are strongly associated with nonsyndromic clefting defects in multiple ethnic populations. Mutations in the mouse often provide good models for the study of human diseases and developmental processes. We identified the cleft palate 1 (clft1) mouse mutant in a forward genetic screen for phenotypes modeling human congenital disease. In the clft1 mutant, we have identified a novel missense point mutation in the mouse Irf6 gene, which confers an amino acid alteration that has been found in a VWS family. Phenotypic comparison of clft1 mutants to previously reported Irf6 mutant alleles demonstrates the Irf6clft1 allele is a hypomorphic allele. The cleft palate seen in these mutants appears to be due to abnormal adhesion between the palate and tongue. The Irf6clft1 allele provides the first mouse model for the study of an etiologic IRF6 missense mutation observed in a human VWS family. genesis 48:303–308, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
p89c‐Myb is not required for fetal or adult hematopoiesis
Authors: Baker Stacey J. , Kumar Atul , Reddy E. Premkumar
Published: March 2010

The c‐myb gene encodes two proteins, termed p75 and p89. Of these, the larger isoform is transcribed from an alternatively spliced message that contains an additional exon, exon 9A. Disruption of the c‐myb locus in mice results in embryonic lethality due to defective hematopoiesis and in the adult, tissue‐specific inactivation of c‐myb in hematopoietic tissues blocks differentiation along several lineages. The c‐myb knock‐out mouse models described thus far result in the disruption of both the p75 and p89 isoforms, making it impossible to assign a definitive role to p89c‐Myb in development and hematopoiesis. We have therefore generated a null‐mutant mouse where exon 9A has been systemically deleted that results in the absence of only the p89‐myb transcript and protein. Unlike disruption of both forms of the c‐myb gene, loss of only the p89‐encoding isoform does not have any deleterious effects on mammalian hematopoiesis and development. genesis 48:309–316, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Photoactivated Biological Activity of Transition‐Metal Complexes
Authors: Schatzschneider Ulrich
Published: March 2010

Photochemical activation is a very attractive way to achieve precise spatial and temporal control of the biological action of transition‐metal complexes that behave as inactive “prodrugs” in the dark. A significant amount of work has been devoted to metal complexes that act on DNA. In this area, focus has been on ruthenium and rhodium polypyridyl compounds, but copper, iron, cobalt, and vanadium complexes also find increasing application as photoactivable DNA cleaving agents, with excitation sometimes even possible in the near IR region. Most often, the activity of these systems is based on the formation of reactive radical species. Another promising approach is the photochemical generation of covalent DNA binders from inactive precursors, as, for example, by some platinum(IV) compounds. The photolytic liberation of biologically active small molecules from inactive metal complex precursors has also become the target of recent research efforts and complements work on purely organic “caged” compounds. The significant progress made on light‐induced liberation of neurotransmitters as well as small molecule messengers like nitric oxide (NO) or carbon monoxide (CO) is also summarized here.
Quadrane Sesquiterpenes: Natural Sources, Biology, and Syntheses
Authors: Presset Marc , Coquerel Yoann , Rodriguez Jean
Published: March 2010

Quadranes, discovered with the isolation of (–)‐quadrone in 1978, are biologically active naturally occurring sesquiterpenes featuring a distinctive set of bi‐ to tetracyclic ring systems. The available data for this family of natural products, including isolation data, biosynthetic considerations, a comprehensive compilation of the reported biological activities, and an exhaustive survey of the synthetic work in this area so far, are critically analyzed.
Simple, One‐Pot, and Facile Synthesis of Angularly Fused [6‐7‐5], [6‐7‐6], [6‐7‐7], and [6,7] Ring Systems Using Baylis–Hillman Acetates
Authors: Basavaiah Deevi , Aravindu Kunche , Kumar Katta Santosh , Reddy Kanumuri Ramesh
Published: March 2010

A simple, convenient, and one‐pot synthesis of angularly fused [6‐7‐5], [6‐7‐6], [6‐7‐7], and [6,7] carbocyclic ring systems from Baylis–Hillman acetates through a strategy involving alkylation, formation of a vinyl chloride, and intramolecular cyclization (Friedel–Crafts or Michael reaction) is described.
Decoupling CE and ESI for a more robust interface with MS
Authors: Maxwell E. Jane , Zhong Xuefei , Zhang Hong , van Zeijl Nikita , Chen David D. Y.
Published: March 2010

An interface for CE‐ESI‐MS that decouples both the electrical and the solution flow rate requirements of the separation and ionization processes is presented. The interface uses a tapered and beveled stainless steel hollow needle surrounding the separation capillary terminus so that the inside of the electrode acts as the CE outlet vial and the outside tip acts as the electrospray emitter. No capillary pre‐treatment is required, enabling the use of capillaries with any type of surface modification. A chemical modifier solution is introduced through a second capillary connected to the needle via a tee junction and can be used to improve the compatibility of the CE BGE with electrospray. The flow rate of modifier solution can be as low as 0.1 μL/min, much less than that in a typical sheath‐flow interface, thus minimizing dilution of the CE effluent in order to maximize sensitivity. The presence of the modifier solution also allows the use of neutral‐coated capillaries for protein analysis by CE‐MS without using an assisting pressure, despite the absence of EOF under these conditions. The interface is easily integrated into a commercial CE instrument, such that all operations can be carried out by the automated controls. Compared with a commercial sheath‐flow CE‐MS interface operating under optimized conditions, LODs for amino acids were, on average, improved fivefold.
Analysis of methylated melamines in reaction mixtures by CZE‐MS
Authors: Himmelsbach Markus , Schmid Thomas , Buchberger Wolfgang , Schwarzinger Clemens , List Manuela
Published: March 2010

A fast and reliable method based on CZE coupled to Q‐TOF MS for the analysis of methylated melamines is presented. Experiments with UV detection were performed using BGE containing formic acid and TFA to optimize electrophoretic conditions and to achieve baseline separation. Employing a TFA‐based electrolyte containing 80% ACN and MS detection, nine different methyl melamines were determined in real samples, which were produced by catalytic hydrogenation of melamine/formaldehyde reaction mixtures. The use of a Q‐TOF MS resulted in LOD better than 0.01 mg/L for all compounds and high mass accuracy with mass errors lower than 2.3 ppm.
French adaptation of the eating disorder recovery self‐efficacy questionnaire (EDRSQ): Psychometric properties and conceptual overview
Authors: Couture Stéphanie , Lecours Serge , Beaulieu‐Pelletier Genevieve , Philippe Frederick L. , Strychar Irene
Published: March 2010

High prevalence of Eating Disorders (EDs) and poor treatment outcome rates have urged research in the assessment of EDs. Self‐efficacy is a key motivational factor in the recovery from EDs. A self‐report measure, the Eating Disorder Recovery Self‐Efficacy Questionnaire (EDRSQ), was recently developed to assess confidence in adopting healthy eating behaviours and in maintaining a realistic body image. The objectives of this study were to (a) translate the EDRSQ to French (EDRSQ‐F), (b) assess the psychometric properties of this French version, and (c) establish normative data for a non‐clinical sample. Participants were 203 undergraduate women. They completed the EDRSQ‐F and measures of ED symptoms, depression and self‐esteem. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) revealed a bi‐factorial structure. Both scales demonstrated evidence of reliability and theoretically consistent evidence of construct validity. Findings support the validity of the EDRSQ‐F and suggest it is a useful instrument for the assessment of EDs. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons and metabolites: Relation to circulating thyroid hormone and retinol in nestling bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Authors: Cesh Lillian S. , Elliott Kyle H. , Quade Susan , McKinney Melissa A. , Maisoneuve France , Garcelon David K. , Sandau Court D. , Letcher Robert J. , Williams Tony D. , Elliott John E.
Published: March 2010

Polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons are global contaminants that are often considered to be endocrine disruptors and include 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethylene (p,p′-DDE), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The present study examined these compounds and their hydroxylated metabolites or analogues and relationships with circulating thyroid hormones and retinols in plasma from nestling and adult bald eagles in British Columbia, Canada, and California, USA. We also compared our results with published data. Thyroxine (T4) decreased with ∑PCB and CB153 in nestling bald eagles, which was congruent with results from nine of 14 other published avian laboratory and field studies. Free thyroid hormone levels also decreased with CB-153 and hydroxylated PCBs (OH-PCBs). Retinol increased with CB118 and CB180 in nestling eagles, decreased with OH-PCBs in a subset of nestlings, and decreased in 7 of 12 PCB published studies. Thyroxine decreased with p,p′-DDE for nestlings and with data reported in one of five other published studies. In our samples, plasma retinol, triiodothyronine (T3), and T4 were independent of ∑PBDEs, whereas ∑OH-PBDEs were weakly but significantly correlated with increases in T3 and retinol. Adult bald eagles showed no relationship between contaminants and thyroid hormones, which is consistent with other studies of long-lived birds, perhaps because adult birds have time to adjust to contaminant levels. Measurement of circulating thyroid hormones appears to be a more useful biomarker than retinols, given the more consistent response of T4 to PCBs here and reported in the literature. We conclude that current environmental exposures to PCBs in British Columbia and in southern California are associated with significant decreases in T4, suggesting a potential negative effect on the endocrine system of nestling bald eagles. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:1301–1310. © 2010 SETAC
A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials for the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Musso Giovanni , Gambino Roberto , Cassader Maurizio , Pagano Gianfranco
Published: March 2010

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a histological spectrum ranging from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NAFLD carries a higher risk of cardio-metabolic and liver-related complications, the latter being confined to NASH and demanding specific treatment. We assessed the efficacy of proposed treatments for NAFLD/NASH by reviewing reports of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on online databases and national and international meeting abstracts through January 2010. Primary outcome measure was histological improvement; secondary outcome was biochemical improvement; improvement in radiological steatosis was also evaluated. Two reviewers extracted articles using predefined quality indicators, independently and in duplicate. Main outcomes of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were pooled using random-effects or fixed-effects models. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plots. Forty-nine RCTs (30 in NASH) were included: 23 RCTs (22 in NASH, 1 in NAFLD) had post-treatment histology. Most RCTs were small and did not exceed 1-year duration. Weight loss, thiazolidinediones (especially pioglitazone), and antioxidants were most extensively evaluated. Weight loss was safe and dose-dependently improved histological disease activity in NASH, but more than 50% of patients failed to achieve target weight loss. Thiazolidinediones improved steatosis and inflammation but yielded significant weight gain. RCTs with antioxidants yielded conflicting results and were heterogeneous with respect to type and dose of drug, duration, implementation of lifestyle intervention. Among the other agents, pentoxifylline, telmisartan and L-carnitine improved liver histology in at least 1 RCT in NASH; polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ameliorated biochemical and radiological markers of NAFLD. Other approaches yielded negative results.

Conclusion:

Well-designed RCTs of adequate size and duration, with histological endpoints, are needed to assess long-term safety and efficacy of proposed treatments on patient-oriented clinical outcomes. Hepatology 2010
Interleukin-28B Genetic Variants and Hepatitis Virus Infection by Different Viral Genotypes
Authors: Montes-Cano Marco Antonio , García-Lozano José Raúl , Abad-Molina Cristina , Romero-Gómez Manuel , Barroso Natalia , Aguilar-Reina José , Núñez-Roldán Antonio , González-Escribano María Francisca
Published: March 2010

Genetic host factors may modify the course of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Very recently, a genome-wide scan that reported association of the IL28B locus with response to treatment in HCV infection was published. The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship of this locus with outcome of HCV infection in a cohort constituted by a total of 731 Spanish individuals. From these, 284 were subjects with persistent infection, 69 were individuals who naturally cleared the virus, and 378 were noninfected subjects. Genotyping of the rs12979860 (C>T) in the IL28B locus was performed using a TaqMan 5′ allelic discrimination assay. The CC genotype was overrepresented among patients infected with viral genotypes non-1 (66.7% versus 39.1% in patients infected with viral genotype-1,

P

= 8.5 × 10−5, odds ratio [OR] = 0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.17-0.60); patients with spontaneous resolution of infection (72.5% versus 45.6% of the individuals with persistent infection,

P

= 6.2 × 10−5, OR = 0.32; 95%CI, 0.18-0.57); and lastly, patients with sustained response (60.2% versus 32.1% found in patients with nonsustained response,

P

= 3.1 × 10−5, OR = 0.31; 95%CI, 0.17-0.56).

Conclusion:

We have found different rates of viral genotype infection depending on the IL28B variant as well as an association of this locus with natural and treatment-mediated response. Hepatology 2010
Generation of Endoderm-Derived Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells From Primary Hepatocytes
Authors: Liu Hua , Ye Zhaohui , Kim Yonghak , Sharkis Saul , Jang Yoon-Young
Published: March 2010

Recent advances in induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell research have significantly changed our perspective on regenerative medicine. Patient-specific iPS cells have been derived not only for disease modeling but also as sources for cell replacement therapy. However, there have been insufficient data to prove that iPS cells are functionally equivalent to human embryonic stem (hES) cells or are safer than hES cells. There are several important issues that need to be addressed, and foremost are the safety and efficacy of human iPS cells of different origins. Human iPS cells have been derived mostly from cells originating from mesoderm and in a few cases from ectoderm. So far, there has been no report of endoderm–derived human iPS cells, and this has prevented comprehensive comparative investigations of the quality of human iPS cells of different origins. Here we show for the first time reprogramming of human endoderm-derived cells (i.e., primary hepatocytes) to pluripotency. Hepatocyte-derived iPS cells appear indistinguishable from hES cells with respect to colony morphology, growth properties, expression of pluripotency-associated transcription factors and surface markers, and differentiation potential in embryoid body formation and teratoma assays. In addition, these cells are able to directly differentiate into definitive endoderm, hepatic progenitors, and mature hepatocytes.

Conclusion

: The technology to develop endoderm–derived human iPS cell lines, together with other established cell lines, will provide a foundation for elucidating the mechanisms of cellular reprogramming and for studying the safety and efficacy of differentially originated human iPS cells for cell therapy. For the study of liver disease pathogenesis, this technology also provides a potentially more amenable system for generating liver disease-specific iPS cells. (Hepatology 2010;51:1810–1819)
Aquaporin-1 Facilitates Angiogenic Invasion in the Pathological Neovasculature that Accompanies Cirrhosis
Authors: Huebert Robert C. , Vasdev Meher M. , Shergill Uday , Das Amitava , Huang Bing Q. , Charlton Michael R. , LaRusso Nicholas F. , Shah Vijay H.
Published: March 2010

Increasing evidence suggests that hepatic fibrosis and pathological angiogenesis are interdependent processes that occur in parallel. Endothelial cell invasion is requisite for angiogenesis, and thus studies of the mechanisms governing liver endothelial cell (LEC) invasion during cirrhosis are of great importance. Emerging research implicates amoeboid-type motility and membrane blebbing as features that may facilitate invasion through matrix-rich microenvironments. Aquaporins (AQPs) are integral membrane water channels, recognized for their importance in epithelial secretion and absorption. However, recent studies also suggest links between water transport and cell motility or invasion. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that AQP-1 is involved in amoeboid motility and angiogenic invasion during cirrhosis. AQP-1 expression and localization was examined in normal and cirrhotic liver tissues derived from human and mouse. AQP-1 levels were modulated in LEC using retroviral overexpression or small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown and functional effects on invasion, membrane blebbing dynamics, and osmotic water permeability were assayed. Results demonstrate that AQP-1 is up-regulated in the small, angiogenic, neovasculature within the fibrotic septa of cirrhotic liver. AQP-1 overexpression promotes fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-induced dynamic membrane blebbing in LEC, which is sufficient to augment invasion through extracellular matrix. Additionally, AQP-1 localizes to plasma membrane blebs, where it increases osmotic water permeability and locally facilitates the rapid, trans-membrane flux of water.

Conclusion:

AQP-1 enhances osmotic water permeability and FGF-induced dynamic membrane blebbing in LEC and thereby drives invasion and pathological angiogenesis during cirrhosis. Hepatology 2010
Sorafenib: Where Do We Go from Here?
Authors: Siegel Abby B. , Olsen Sonja K. , Magun Arthur , Brown Robert S.
Published: March 2010

The approval of sorafenib as the first effective drug for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a milestone in the treatment of this disease. A better understanding of HCC pathogenesis has led to the development of several novel targeted treatments. HCC is treated in a uniquely multidisciplinary way requiring surgeons, hepatologists, interventional radiologists, and oncologists. This review describes the molecular pathogenesis of HCC, explores current and future treatments based on these pathways, and describes how these new therapies may augment existing approaches to HCC treatment.(Hhepatology 2010;)
Fatty Liver and Fibrosis in Glycine N -Methyltransferase Knockout Mice Is Prevented by Nicotinamide
Authors: Varela-Rey Marta , Martínez-López Nuria , Fernández-Ramos David , Embade Nieves , Calvisi Diego F. , Woodhoo Aswhin , Rodríguez Juan , Fraga Mario F. , Julve Josep , Rodríguez-Millán Elisabeth , Frades Itziar , Torres Luís , Luka Zigmund , Wagner Conrad , Esteller Manel , Lu Shelly C. , Martínez-Chantar Luz M. , Mato José M.
Published: March 2010

Deletion of glycine

N

-methyltransferase (GNMT), the main gene involved in liver

S

-adenosylmethionine (SAM) catabolism, leads to the hepatic accumulation of this molecule and the development of fatty liver and fibrosis in mice. To demonstrate that the excess of hepatic SAM is the main agent contributing to liver disease in

GNMT

knockout (KO) mice, we treated 1.5-month-old

GNMT

-KO mice for 6 weeks with nicotinamide (NAM), a substrate of the enzyme NAM

N

-methyltransferase. NAM administration markedly reduced hepatic SAM content, prevented DNA hypermethylation, and normalized the expression of critical genes involved in fatty acid metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. More importantly, NAM treatment prevented the development of fatty liver and fibrosis in

GNMT

-KO mice. Because

GNMT

expression is down-regulated in patients with cirrhosis, and because some subjects with

GNMT

mutations have spontaneous liver disease, the clinical implications of the present findings are obvious, at least with respect to these latter individuals. Because NAM has been used for many years to treat a broad spectrum of diseases (including pellagra and diabetes) without significant side effects, it should be considered in subjects with

GNMT

mutations.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study indicate that the anomalous accumulation of SAM in

GNMT

-KO mice can be corrected by NAM treatment leading to the normalization of the expression of many genes involved in fatty acid metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis, as well as reversion of the appearance of the pathologic phenotype. (Hepatology 2010)
Tissue Macrophages Suppress Viral Replication and Prevent Severe Immunopathology in an Interferon-I-Dependent Manner in Mice
Authors: Lang Philipp A. , Recher Mike , Honke Nadine , Scheu Stefanie , Borkens Stephanie , Gailus Nicole , Krings Caroline , Meryk Andreas , Kulawik Andreas , Cervantes-Barragan Luisa , Van Rooijen Nico , Kalinke Ulrich , Ludewig Burkhard , Hengartner Hans , Harris Nicola , Häussinger Dieter , Ohashi Pamela S. , Zinkernagel Rolf M. , Lang Karl S.
Published: March 2010

The innate immune response plays an essential role in the prevention of early viral dissemination. We used the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus model system to analyze the role of tissue macrophages/Kupffer cells in this process. Our findings demonstrated that Kupffer cells are essential for the efficient capture of infectious virus and for preventing viral replication. The latter process involved activation of Kupffer cells by interferon (IFN)-I and prevented viral spread to neighboring hepatocytes. In the absence of Kupffer cells, hepatocytes were not able to suppress virus replication, even in the presence of IFN-I, leading to prolonged viral replication and severe T cell-dependent immunopathology.

Conclusion:

Tissue-resident macrophages play a crucial role in early viral capture and represent the major liver cell type exhibiting responsiveness to IFN-I and providing control of viral replication. (Hepatology 2010)
Inhibition of Mitochondrial Function by Efavirenz Increases Lipid Content in Hepatic Cells
Authors: Blas-García Ana , Apostolova Nadezda , Ballesteros Daniel , Monleón Daniel , Morales Jose M. , Rocha Milagros , Victor Victor M. , Esplugues Juan V.
Published: March 2010

Efavirenz (EFV) is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) widely used in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection therapy. It has been associated with hepatotoxic effects and alterations in lipid and body fat composition. Given the importance of the liver in lipid regulation, we have evaluated the effects of clinically used concentrations of EFV on the mitochondria and lipid metabolism of human hepatic cells

in vitro

. Mitochondrial function was rapidly undermined by EFV to an extent that varied with the concentration employed; in particular, respiration and intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were reduced whereas reactive oxygen species (ROS) production increased. Results in isolated mitochondria suggest that the mechanism responsible for these actions was a specific inhibition of complex I of the respiratory chain. The reduction in energy production triggered a compensatory mechanism mediated by the enzyme adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase (AMPK), the master switch of cellular bioenergetics. Fluorescence and nuclear magnetic resonance demonstrated a rapid intracellular increase of neutral lipids, usually in the form of droplets. This was prevented by the AMPK inhibitor compound C and by removal of fatty acids from the culture medium. These effects were not reproduced by Nevirapine, another NNRTI. EFV is clinically coadministered with two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Evaluation of one of the most common combination, EFV/Lamivudine/Abacavir, revealed that the effects of EFV on ROS production were enhanced.

Conclusion:

Clinical concentrations of EFV induce bioenergetic stress in hepatic cells by acutely inhibiting mitochondrial function. This new mechanism of mitochondrial interference leads to an accumulation of lipids in the cytoplasm that is mediated by activation of AMPK. Hepatology 2010
Clinical signs of photodamage are associated with basal cell carcinoma multiplicity and site: A 16‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Richmond‐Sinclair Naomi M. , Pandeya Nirmala , Williams Gail M. , Neale Rachel E. , van der Pols Jolieke C. , Green Adèle C.
Published: March 2010

Although sun exposure is known to be associated with basal cell carcinoma (BCC), it is not known what determines multiple occurrences of BCCs among sporadically affected individuals or why BCCs develop on uncommonly sun‐exposed body sites like the trunk. In a prospective community‐based skin cancer study in Queensland, Australia, we studied all participants who experienced a histologically confirmed BCC from 1992 to 2007. Sun exposure history was monitored, and dermatologists documented phenotype at baseline and signs of photodamage over the study period. Anatomic sites of all incident BCCs were recorded. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using logistic regression. Of 401 participants who developed a new BCC during the 16 years of follow‐up, 232 (58%) developed more than 1. Male sex (OR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.5–5.3) and age 60 or over (OR = 4.2, 95% CI 1.5–11.8) but not skin type were associated with highest BCC counts among those affected. Participants with high numbers of solar keratoses were most likely to experience the highest BCC counts overall (OR = 4.3, 95% CI 1.4–13.5). Moreover, occurrences of BCC on the trunk (OR = 3.3, 95% CI 1.4–7.6) and on the limbs (OR = 3.7, 95% CI 2.0–7.0) were strongly associated with high numbers of solar keratoses on these sites, respectively. Among those newly affected by BCC, chronic cutaneous sun damage predicts those who will be affected by more than 1 BCC, while chronic sun damage on the trunk and limbs predicts BCC occurrence on the trunk and limbs, respectively.
Effect of the correction for noncompliance and contamination on the estimated reduction of metastatic prostate cancer within a randomized screening trial (ERSPC section Rotterdam)
Authors: Kerkhof Melissa , Roobol Monique J. , Cuzick Jack , Sasieni Peter , Roemeling Stijn , Schröder Fritz H. , Steyerberg Ewout W.
Published: March 2010

The European Randomized study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC) has recently reported a 20% reduction in death from prostate cancer in a population‐based prostate cancer screening (core age group: 55–69 years of age). The effect of screening may be diluted by noncompliance in the screening arm and contamination by PSA testing in the control arm. The purpose is to analyze the effect of prostate cancer screening on the incidence of metastatic prostate cancer, both with and without adjustment for noncompliance and contamination. We analyzed the occurrence of metastases in 42,376 men aged 55–75 years who were randomized in the Rotterdam section of the ERSPC between 1993 and 1999. Contamination adjustment was based on follow‐up findings and questionnaire data from all men in the control group who developed prostate cancer and from a random sample of 291 men without cancer who had a PSA test. Prostate cancer screening significantly reduced the occurrence of metastatic prostate cancer in the intention‐to‐screen analysis [RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.59–0.95, p = 0.02] and more so in adjusted analyses; contamination adjusted RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.56–0.96; noncompliance adjusted RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.55–0.95 and fully adjusted analysis RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.49–0.94, p = 0.02. In the population of ERSPC Rotterdam (N = 42,376 men), screening reduces the risk to be diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer considerably on population level, an effect which is even more pronounced in men who are in fact screened.
Measuring forecast uncertainty by disagreement: The missing link
Authors: Lahiri Kajal , Sheng Xuguang
Published: March 2010

Using a standard decomposition of forecast errors into common and idiosyncratic shocks, we show that aggregate forecast uncertainty can be expressed as the disagreement among the forecasters plus the perceived variability of future aggregate shocks. Thus the reliability of disagreement as a proxy for uncertainty will be determined by the stability of the forecasting environment and the length of the forecast horizon. Using density forecasts from the Survey of Professional Forecasters, we find direct evidence in support of our hypothesis. Our results support the use of GARCH‐type models, rather than theex postsquared errors in consensus forecasts, to estimate theex antevariability of aggregate shocks as a component of aggregate uncertainty. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gold nanorods as new nanochromophores for photothermal therapies
Authors: Ratto Fulvio , Matteini Paolo , Centi Sonia , Rossi Francesca , Pini Roberto
Published: March 2010

Results and perspectives on the biomedical exploitation of gold nanorods with plasmon resonances in the near infrared window are reported. The authors describe experimental studies of laser‐activated nanoparticles in the direct welding of connective tissues, which may become a valuable technology in biomedicine. In particular, colloidal gold nanorods excited by diode laser radiation at 810 nm were used to mediate functional photothermal effects and weld eye's lens capsules and arteries. The preparation of biopolymeric matrices including gold nanorods is also described, as well as preliminary tests for their application in the closure of wounds in vessels and tendons. Finally, the use of these nanoparticles for future applications in the diagnosis, imaging and therapy of cancer is discussed. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A regional scale assessment of land use/land cover and climatic changes on water and energy cycle in the upper Midwest United States
Authors: Mishra Vimal , Cherkauer Keith A. , Niyogi Dev , Lei Ming , Pijanowski Bryan C. , Ray Deepak K. , Bowling Laura C. , Yang Guoxiang
Published: March 2010

This study examines the relative impact of regional land‐cover/land‐use patterns and projected future climate change on hydrologic processes. Historic, present and projected future land cover data were used to drive the variable infiltration capacity (VIC) model using observed meteorological forcing data for 1983–2007 over Wisconsin (USA). The current and projected future (year 2030) land cover data were developed using the land transformation model (LTM). The VIC model simulations were driven using downscaled and bias‐corrected projected future climate forcing from three different Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) AR4 general circulation models (GCMs): HadCM3, PCM and GFDL. Sensitivity results conducted on a single grid cell show that annual average surface runoff and baseflow were increased by 8 and 6 mm, respectively, while evapotranspiration was reduced by 15 mm when a fully forested grid was converted to cropland. Results also indicate that annual average net radiation and sensible heat flux were reduced considerably due to forest‐to‐cropland conversion, and the reduction was more prominent in winter and spring seasons due to effect of snow albedo. Forest‐to‐cropland conversion also resulted in increased latent heat flux in summer (JJA) while this land transformation increased the snow water equivalent in winter (DJF) and spring (MAM). Complete conversion of forest to cropland resulted in a decrease of the radiative surface temperature on an annual basis with more cooling occurring in winter and summer. Impacts of historic deforestation were similar to what was expected based on a single grid sensitivity analysis. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
A review of methods for estimating anthropogenic heat and moisture emissions in the urban environment
Authors: Sailor David J.
Published: March 2010

Energy consumption in the urban environment impacts the urban surface energy budget and leads to the emission of anthropogenic sensible heat and moisture into the atmosphere. Anthropogenic heat and moisture emissions vary significantly both in time and space, and are not readily measured. As a result, detailed models of these emissions are not commonly available for most cities. Furthermore, most attempts to quantify anthropogenic emissions have focused on the sensible heat component, largely ignoring moisture emissions and invoking assumptions—such as the equivalence of energy consumption and anthropogenic sensible heating—which limit the accuracy of the resulting anthropogenic heating estimates. This paper provides a historical perspective of the development of models of energy consumption in the urban environment and the associated anthropogenic impacts on the urban energy balance. It highlights some fundamental limitations of past approaches and suggests a roadmap forward for including anthropogenic heat and moisture in modelling of the urban environment. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Assessing the retrieval of cloud properties from radiation measurements over snow and ice
Authors: Kuipers Munneke P. , Reijmer C. H. , van den Broeke M. R.
Published: March 2010

We critically review and improve a simple method to extract year‐round records of cloud optical thickness from radiation measurements made by automatic weather stations (AWSs) over snow and ice surfaces. A ‘longwave‐equivalent cloudiness’, Nε, obtained from longwave radiation measurements, is combined with the effective cloud optical thickness, τ, from shortwave data, to obtain consistent, year‐round information on cloud properties. The method is applied to radiation data from six AWSs in Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica, and the ablation area of the West‐Greenland ice sheet. The good correlation between daily‐mean Nε and τ for all locations (0.77 < r < 0.94) shows that shortwave radiative properties of clouds can be inferred using longwave radiation even in the absence of solar radiation itself. An error analysis shows that retrievals of τ are sensitive to the quality of the input data, but accurate to about 21% for hourly values, 11% for daily means, and about 6% for monthly means. As three applications of the method presented above, we discuss the influence of clouds on the radiation budget (Application I), the relation between cloud cover and broadband albedo (Application II) at the six AWS locations, and we demonstrate the possibility to detect trends in τ in longer data series (Application III). About one‐third of the attenuation of solar radiation by clouds is compensated by multiple reflections between the high‐albedo surface and the cloud base (Application I). Cloudy‐sky surface albedo is higher than the clear‐sky albedo for snow surfaces but not for ice (Application II): over snow surfaces, clouds deplete near‐infrared (IR) radiation and thus increase the broadband albedo. Ice surfaces have a much lower albedo for visible radiation, weakening this enrichment of visible radiation and thus the increase of broadband albedo. The method is used to detect a trend in τ of − 0.40 ± 0.15 y−1 in the 1995–2004 time series from Neumayer, Antarctica (Application III). Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Impact of freezing on immunology and incorporation of bone allograft
Authors: Reikerås Olav , Sigurdsen Ulf W. , Shegarfi Hamid
Published: March 2010

With an increasing clinical use of deep frozen allograft for bone reconstruction, it is important to understand the immunological and biological events of allograft incorporation. In this study, we have investigated the impact of deep freezing on immunology and biopotency for incorporation of bone allografts. Deep frozen bone grafts matched or mismatched for major histoscompatibilty complex (MHC) were implanted in an 8‐mm segmental defect in the tibia in rats. The construct was stabilized with intramedullary nailing. The immune response was evaluated by determination of serum antibody against the grafts MHC molecules at day 1 and after 2 and 4 months. Incorporation of the graft was compared with fresh syngeneic grafts and assessed with the use of conventional radiography, biomechanical testing and measurement of bone mineral content and density after 4 months. The analyses revealed no antibody responses in the rats that received grafts from donors differing at histocompatibility loci, and at 4 months the frozen grafts showed an overall reconstruction that was not significantly different from the fresh grafts. This study indicates that in the long run there are no significant consequences; either immunological or biomechanical, of the use of deep frozen allogenous bone as compared to fresh autogenous bone grafts in this animal model. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:1215–1219, 2010
In vivo anabolic effect of strontium on trabecular bone was associated with increased osteoblastogenesis of bone marrow stromal cells
Authors: Peng Songlin , Liu Xiaowei Sherry , Wang Ting , Li Zhaoyang , Zhou Guangqian , Luk Keith D.K. , Guo Xiangdong Edward , Lu William W.
Published: March 2010

In vitro studies have demonstrated that strontium (Sr) could increase osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). We investigated the in vivo effect of Sr on BMSCs. Thirty‐six female rats were randomly divided into the following groups: sham operated and treated with either vehicle (Sham + Veh) or Sr compound (Sham + Sr) and ovariectomized and treated with either vehicle (OVX + Veh) or Sr compound (OVX + Sr). Vehicle and Sr were orally administrated daily starting immediately after the surgery and continuing for 12 weeks. The anabolic effect of Sr on trabecular bone was determined at the structural and tissue level by microCT and histomorphometry, respectively. Colony formation assays demonstrated that BMSCs exhibited higher osteogenic colony but lower adipogenic colony in Sr‐treated versus Veh‐treated OVX rats. The mRNA level of osteogenic genes was higher, while the mRNA level of adipogenic genes was lower in BMSCs from Sr‐treated versus Veh‐treated Sham and OVX rats. The effect of Sr on rat BMSCs was reproducible in human BMSCs. Taken together, this study suggests that the anabolic effect of Sr on normal or osteoporotic bones is associated with increased osteoblastic differentiation of BMSCs. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:1208–1214, 2010
Leaching of heavy metals and nutrients from calcareous sandy‐loam soil receiving municipal solid sewage sludge
Authors: Jalali Mohsen , Arfania Hamed
Published: March 2010

Leaching column experiments were conducted to determine the degree of mobility of heavy metals (HMs) and nutrients after the addition of municipal solid sewage sludge (MSS) in a sandy‐loam soil. Treatments were (1) soil application of low metal content MSS, (2) soil application of metal‐enriched municipal solid sewage sludge (EMSS), and (3) control. The MSS application represented a dose of 200 Mg dry weight (dw) ha–1. Soil columns were incubated at room temperature for 15 d and were irrigated daily with distilled water to make a total of 557 mm. Leachates were collected and analyzed for HMs and nutrients. The Ni and Pb added to soil via MSS and EMSS were found to be leached through the 20 cm columns of calcareous sandy soil although Ni and Pb concentrations in the percolate were small relative to the total amounts of metals applied. Losses of K+ from the EMSS, MSS, and control were 92.5, 82.0, and 52.5 kg ha–1, respectively. Losses of Mg2+ were in the range from 104.4 (control treatment) to 295.2 kg ha–1 (EMSS), while the loss of Ca2+ was in the range from 265.0 (control treatment) to 568.2 kg ha–1 (EMSS). The results showed that the amounts of P leached from EMSS (3.02 kg ha–1) and MSS (2.97 kg–1 ha–1) were significantly larger than those from the control treatment (1.54 kg ha–1). The geochemical code Visual MINTEQ was used to calculate saturation indices. Leaching of P in different treatments was controlled by rate‐limited dissolution of hydroxyapatite, β‐tri‐Ca phosphate, and octa‐Ca phosphate. The results indicate that application of MSS to a sandy soil, at the loading rate used in this study, may pose a risk in terms of groundwater contamination with Ni, Pb, and the studied nutrients.
Changes in root length at the reproductive stage of maize plants grown in the field and quartz sand
Authors: Niu Junfang , Peng Yunfeng , Li Chunjian , Zhang Fusuo
Published: March 2010

The aims of this work were to investigate possible reasons for root mortality of maize plants at the reproductive stage and relationships between root mortality and internal sugar and external nitrogen (N) supply. Maize (Zea mays L.) plants were grown in the field in fertile soil and in a greenhouse in quartz sand with sufficient or deficient N supply. Deficient N supply reduced plant growth and total N uptake by 38% and 52%, respectively. The lengths of the seminal roots and of the early initiated adventitious roots of the first two whorls declined after reaching their maximum values before silking, no matter whether the plants were grown in the field or in quartz sand in the greenhouse. The lengths of the adventitious roots from higher nodes of plants grown in quartz sand, irrespective of N supply, did not decrease at the reproductive stage despite of decreasing sugar concentrations. In contrast, under field conditions, the length of adventitious roots from higher nodes decreased during grain filling. Total activity of all roots of greenhouse‐grown plants as deduced from translocation of N and cytokinins in the xylem exudate reached peak values at the end of the growing period, whereas in field‐grown plants N translocation decreased and cytokinin translocation did not change toward the end of the growing period. The results indicate that the pattern of root growth and mortality of maize plants in the reproductive stage was not affected by external N supply. Differences between glasshouse‐ and field‐grown plants are possibly due to effects of soil biota, which have to be further studied.
Searching for better plasmonic materials
Authors: West P.R. , Ishii S. , Naik G.V. , Emani N.K. , Shalaev V.M. , Boltasseva A.
Published: March 2010

Plasmonics is a research area merging the fields of optics and nanoelectronics by confining light with relatively large free‐space wavelength to the nanometer scale ‐ thereby enabling a family of novel devices. Current plasmonic devices at telecommunication and optical frequencies face significant challenges due to losses encountered in the constituent plasmonic materials. These large losses seriously limit the practicality of these metals for many novel applications. This paper provides an overview of alternative plasmonic materials along with motivation for each material choice and important aspects of fabrication. A comparative study of various materials including metals, metal alloys and heavily doped semiconductors is presented. The performance of each material is evaluated based on quality factors defined for each class of plasmonic devices. Most importantly, this paper outlines an approach for realizing optimal plasmonic material properties for specific frequencies and applications, thereby providing a reference for those searching for better plasmonic materials.