bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vermiculite, with hydroxy-aluminium interlayer, and kaolinite formation in a subtropical sandy soil from south Brazil
Authors: Bortoluzzi E. C. , Velde B. , Pernes M. , Dur J. C. , Tessier D.
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate the clay mineral phases in a Rhodic Acrisol soil and to discuss their evolution in subtropical conditions. Prairie and forest soil profiles were sampled and clay fractions of the parent material and soil horizons analysed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) at the Federal University of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul-Brazil. The XRD results show the presence of interstratified kaolinite-smectite and illite-smectite as well as illite in the parent material. These minerals were also found in the soil samples but with two new phases: hydroxy-aluminium interlayered vermiculite (HIV), which showed incomplete collapse with treatment at 550ºC, and a newly formed kaolinite (d= 7.17 Å). Under a subtropical climate and a sandy lithology, HIV and kaolinite appear to be a result of a specific pedogenic clay formation, related to the natural vegetation. Originally, under the prairie area, the intensity of the weathering processes was weak (within 2:1 clay minerals), as only small quantities of kaolinite and Fe oxides, and no evidence of gibbsite, were found.
Interruption of the Ras/MEK/ERK signaling cascade enhances Chk1 inhibitor–induced DNA damage in vitro and in vivo in human multiple myeloma cells
Authors: Dai Yun , Chen Shuang , Pei Xin-Yan , Almenara Jorge A. , Kramer Lora B. , Venditti Charis A. , Dent Paul , Grant Steven
Published: July 2008

The role of the Ras/MEK/ERK pathway was examined in relation to DNA damage in human multiple myeloma (MM) cells exposed to Chk1 inhibitors in vitro and in vivo. Exposure of various MM cells to marginally toxic concentrations of the Chk1 inhibitors UCN-01 or Chk1i modestly induced DNA damage, accompanied by Ras and ERK1/2 activation. Interruption of these events by pharmacologic (eg, the farnesyltransferase inhibitor R115777 or the MEK1/2 inhibitor PD184352) or genetic (eg, transfection with dominant-negative Ras or MEK1 shRNA) means induced pronounced DNA damage, reflected by increased γH2A.X expression/foci formation and by comet assay. Increased DNA damage preceded extensive apoptosis. Notably, similar phenomena were observed in primary CD138+ MM cells. Enforced MEK1/2 activation by B-Raf transfection prevented R115777 but not PD184352 from inactivating ERK1/2 and promoting Chk1 inhibitor–induced γH2A.X expression. Finally, coadministration of R115777 diminished UCN-01–mediated ERK1/2 activation and markedly potentiated γH2A.X expression in a MM xenograft model, associated with a striking increase in tumor cell apoptosis and growth suppression. Such findings suggest that Ras/MEK/ERK activation opposes whereas its inhibition dramatically promotes Chk1 antagonist–mediated DNA damage. Together, these findings identify a novel mechanism by which agents targeting the Ras/MEK/ERK pathway potentiate Chk1 inhibitor lethality in MM.
Gene expression in CD4+ T-cells reflects heterogeneity in infant wheezing phenotypes
Authors: Kapitein B. , Hoekstra M. O. , Nijhuis E. H. J. , Hijnen D. J. , Arets H. G. M. , Kimpen J. L. L. , Knol E. F.
Published: July 2008

Although a marked increase in the reporting of wheezing symptoms since the mid-1970s has been described, the underlying immunopathology of the different wheezing phenotypes has not been clarified. Since differences in gene expression might be involved, the objective of the present study was to identify gene expression profiles in CD4+ T-cells from two distinct infant wheezing phenotypes.

The gene expression profiles of peripheral CD4+ T-cells were compared by means of microarray analysis of six transient wheezers, six persistent wheezers and seven healthy controls. The differentially expressed genes were subsequently validated by RT-PCR.

The differential gene expression profiles reflected common immunological pathways involved in apoptosis or proliferation of T-cells. Furthermore, both wheezing phenotypes showed decreased expression of the complement component 5 receptor 1 gene, a gene involved in the regulation of bronchial responsiveness. Moreover, differences in gene expression profiles were found in genes involved in the immune response against respiratory syncytial virus, such as those encoding signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 and an inflammatory mediator showing enhanced production in asthma (prostaglandin E2receptor 2).

The present findings suggest that clinical symptoms of wheeze are reflected in common immunological pathways, whereas differences between wheezing phenotypes are, in part, reflected in distinct gene expression profiles.
GenoType MTBDR assays for the diagnosis of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Ling D. I. , Zwerling A. A. , Pai M.
Published: July 2008

The global extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) response plan calls for implementation of rapid tests to screen patients at risk of drug-resistant TB. Currently, two line probe assays exist, the INNO-LiPA®Rif.TB assay (Innogenetics, Ghent, Belgium) and the GenoType® MTBDR assay (Hain LifeScience GmbH, Nehren, Germany). While LiPA studies have been reviewed, the accuracy of GenoType assays has not been systematically reviewed.

The present authors carried out a systematic review and used meta-analysis methods appropriate for diagnostic accuracy. After the literature searches, 14 comparisons for rifampicin and 15 comparisons for isoniazid were identified in 10 articles that used GenoType MTBDR assays. Accuracy results were summarised in forest plots and pooled using bivariate random-effects regression.

The pooled sensitivity (98.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 95.9–99.1) and specificity (98.7%, 95% CI 97.3–99.4) estimates for rifampicin resistance were very high and consistent across all subgroups, assay versions and specimen types. The accuracy for isoniazid was variable, with lower sensitivity (84.3%, 95% CI 76.6–89.8) and more inconsistent than specificity (99.5%, 95% CI 97.5–99.9).

GenoType MDTBR assays demonstrate excellent accuracy for rifampicin resistance, even when used on clinical specimens. While specificity is excellent for isoniazid, sensitivity estimates were modest and variable. Together with data from demonstration projects, the meta-analysis provides evidence for policy making and clinical practice.
Pulmonary tuberculosis with acute respiratory failure
Authors: Kim Y. J. , Pack K. M. , Jeong E. , Na J. O. , Oh Y-M. , Lee S. D. , Kim W. S. , Kim D. S. , Kim W. D. , Shim T. S.
Published: July 2008

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics, prognoses and predictors of mortality of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) with acute respiratory failure (ARF), and to investigate the adjunctive use of corticosteroids in such cases.

TB patients with ARF requiring mechanical ventilation (n = 90) were enrolled retrospectively during 1989–2006. The patients were divided into two groups: tuberculous pneumonia (TBP; n = 66), and miliary TB (MTB; n = 24).

The TBP patients were older than the MTB patients (mean age 68.0versus54.5 yrs), and the mean±sdinterval from hospital admission to start of anti-TB treatment was longer for the TBP than for the MTB group (5.0±7.0versus2.8±2.5 days). However, there was no difference in in-hospital mortality rate between the two groups (68.2versus58.3%). In the TBP patients, multivariate analysis showed that advanced age and shock unrelated to sepsis were associated with poor outcomes. Even though corticosteroid use was a predictor of survival in TBP patients, it was difficult to conclusively determine the efficacy of corticosteroids in TBP with ARF because of the retrospective study design.

The present study reveals the need for randomised controlled trials to clarify the role of corticosteroids as adjunctive therapy in the management of tuberculous pneumonia with acute respiratory failure.
Frequency and peak stretch magnitude affect alveolar epithelial permeability
Authors: Cohen T. S. , Cavanaugh K. J. , Margulies S. S.
Published: July 2008

The present study measured stretch-induced changes in transepithelial permeability to uncharged tracers (1.5–5.5 Å) using cultured monolayers of alveolar epithelial type-I like cells. Cultured alveolar epithelial cells were subjected to uniform cyclic (0, 0.25 and 1.0 Hz) biaxial stretch from 0% to 12, 25 or 37% change in surface area (ΔSA) for 1 h.

Significant changes in permeability of cell monolayers were observed when stretched from 0% to 37% ΔSA at all frequencies, and from 0% to 25% ΔSA only at high frequency (1 Hz), but not at all when stretched from 0% to 12% ΔSA compared with unstretched controls. At stretch oscillation amplitudes of 25 and 37% ΔSA, imposed at 1 Hz, tracer permeability increased compared with that at 0.25 Hz. Cells subjected to a single stretch cycle at 37% ΔSA (0.25 Hz), to simulate a deep sigh, were not distinguishable from unstretched controls.

Reducing stretch oscillation amplitude while maintaining a peak stretch of 37% ΔSA (0.25 Hz)viathe application of a simulated post-end-expiratory pressure did not protect barrier properties.

In conclusion, peak stretch magnitude and stretch frequency were the primary determining factors for epithelial barrier dysfunction, as opposed to oscillation amplitude.
Pleural drainage and pleurodesis: implementation of guidelines in four hospitals
Authors: Burgers J. A. , Kunst P. W. A. , Koolen M. G. J. , Willems L. N. A. , Burgers J. S. , van den Heuvel M.
Published: July 2008

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the implementation of the 2003 Dutch guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of malignant pleural effusions, and the potential effect of the implementation on the clinical outcome of pleurodesis.

All patients with malignant pleural effusion who had a pleural drain placed with the intention of performing pleurodesis were registered prospectively in four centres. Details of the procedure and fluid recurrence and survival data were noted.

Patients with a proven malignancy (n = 100) were entered into the registration database. Diagnostic guideline recommendations were followed in 60–70% of the patients. Surprisingly, pleurodesis was performed in only 75% of the patients, mainly due to the presence of a trapped lung. All pleurodeses were performed using talc, according to the guideline. Follow-up revealed fluid recurrence in 27 (36%) patients after a mean follow-up of 17 days (range 2–285 days); 14 patients with successful pleurodesis died with a median survival of 61 days (range 13–174 days). Systemic treatment following pleurodesis and good apposition of the pleural surfaces during drainage were good prognostic factors.

Despite reasonable-to-good adherence to the guideline, the number of successful pleurodeses was low. Better predictors of a good pleurodesis outcome are needed.
Systematic genetic array analysis links the Saccharomyces cerevisiae SAGA/SLIK and NuA4 component Tra1 to multiple cellular processes
Authors: Hoke Stephen MT , Guzzo Julie , Andrews Brenda , Brandl Christopher J
Published: July 2008

Background

Tra1 is an essential 437-kDa component of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae SAGA/SLIK and NuA4 histone acetyltransferase complexes. It is a member of a group of key signaling molecules that share a carboxyl-terminal domain related to phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase but unlike many family members, it lacks kinase activity. To identify genetic interactions for TRA1 and provide insight into its function we have performed a systematic genetic array analysis (SGA) on tra1

SRR 3413, an allele that is defective in transcriptional regulation.

Results

The SGA analysis revealed 114 synthetic slow growth/lethal (SSL) interactions for tra1

SRR 3413. The interacting genes are involved in a range of cellular processes including gene expression, mitochondrial function, and membrane sorting/protein trafficking. In addition many of the genes have roles in the cellular response to stress. A hierarchal cluster analysis revealed that the pattern of SSL interactions for tra1

SRR 3413most closely resembles deletions of a group of regulatory GTPases required for membrane sorting/protein trafficking. Consistent with a role for Tra1 in cellular stress, the tra1

SRR 3413strain was sensitive to rapamycin. In addition, calcofluor white sensitivity of the strain was enhanced by the protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine, a phenotype shared with the Ada components of the SAGA/SLIK complex. Through analysis of a GFP-Tra1 fusion we show that Tra1 is principally localized to the nucleus.

Conclusion

We have demonstrated a genetic association of Tra1 with nuclear, mitochondrial and membrane processes. The identity of the SSL genes also connects Tra1 with cellular stress, a result confirmed by the sensitivity of the tra1

SRR 3413strain to a variety of stress conditions. Based upon the nuclear localization of GFP-Tra1 and the finding that deletion of the Ada components of the SAGA complex result in similar phenotypes as tra1

SRR 3413, we suggest that the effects of tra1

SRR 3413are mediated, at least in part, through its role in the SAGA complex.
Select cognitive deficits in Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide deficient mice
Authors: Chaudhury Dipesh , Loh Dawn H , Dragich Joanna M , Hagopian Arkady , Colwell Christopher S
Published: July 2008

Background

The neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is widely distributed in the adult central nervous system where this peptide functions to regulate synaptic transmission and neural excitability. The expression of VIP and its receptors in brain regions implicated in learning and memory functions, including the hippocampus, cortex, and amygdala, raise the possibility that this peptide may function to modulate learned behaviors. Among other actions, the loss of VIP has a profound effect on circadian timing and may specifically influence the temporal regulation of learning and memory functions.

Results

In the present study, we utilized transgenic VIP-deficient mice and the contextual fear conditioning paradigm to explore the impact of the loss of this peptide on a learned behavior. We found that VIP-deficient mice exhibited normal shock-evoked freezing behavior and increases in corticosterone. Similarly, these mutant mice exhibited no deficits in the acquisition or recall of the fear-conditioned behavior when tested 24-hours after training. The VIP-deficient mice exhibited a significant reduction in recall when tested 48-hours or longer after training. Surprisingly, we found that the VIP-deficient mice continued to express circadian rhythms in the recall of the training even in those individual mice whose wheel running wheel activity was arrhythmic. One mechanistic explanation is suggested by the finding that daily rhythms in the expression of the clock gene Period2 continue in the hippocampus of VIP-deficient mice.

Conclusion

Together these data suggest that the neuropeptide VIP regulates the recall of at least one learned behavior but does not impact the circadian regulation of this behavior.
Articulation of three core metabolic processes in Arabidopsis: Fatty acid biosynthesis, leucine catabolism and starch metabolism
Authors: Mentzen Wieslawa I , Peng Jianling , Ransom Nick , Nikolau Basil J , Wurtele Eve Syrkin
Published: July 2008

Background

Elucidating metabolic network structures and functions in multicellular organisms is an emerging goal of functional genomics. We describe the co-expression network of three core metabolic processes in the genetic model plantArabidopsis thaliana: fatty acid biosynthesis, starch metabolism and amino acid (leucine) catabolism.

Results

These co-expression networks form modules populated by genes coding for enzymes that represent the reactions generally considered to define each pathway. However, the modules also incorporate a wider set of genes that encode transporters, cofactor biosynthetic enzymes, precursor-producing enzymes, and regulatory molecules. We tested experimentally the hypothesis that one of the genes tightly co-expressed with starch metabolism module, a putative kinase AtPERK10, will have a role in this process. Indeed, knockout lines of AtPERK10 have an altered starch accumulation. In addition, the co-expression data define a novel hierarchical transcript-level structure associated with catabolism, in which genes performing smaller, more specific tasks appear to be recruited into higher-order modules with a broader catabolic function.

Conclusion

Each of these core metabolic pathways is structured as a module of co-expressed transcripts that co-accumulate over a wide range of environmental and genetic perturbations and developmental stages, and represent an expanded set of macromolecules associated with the common task of supporting the functionality of each metabolic pathway. As experimentally demonstrated, co-expression analysis can provide a rich approach towards understanding gene function.
Design considerations in a sib-pair study of linkage for susceptibility loci in cancer
Authors: Kerber Richard A , Amos Christopher I , Yeap Beow Y , Finkelstein Dianne M , Thomas Duncan C
Published: July 2008

Background

Modern approaches to identifying new genes associated with disease allow very fine analysis of associaton and can be performed in population based case-control studies. However, the sibpair design is still valuable because it requires few assumptions other than acceptably high penetrance to identify genetic loci.

Methods

We conducted simulation studies to assess the impact of design factors on relative efficiency for a linkage study of colorectal cancer. We considered two test statistics, one comparing the mean IBD probability in affected pairs to its null value of 0.5, and one comparing the mean IBD probabilities between affected and discordant pairs. We varied numbers of parents available, numbers of affected and unaffected siblings, reconstructing the genotype of an unavailable affected sibling by a spouse and offspring, and elimination of sibships where the proband carries a mutation at another locus.

Results

Power and efficiency were most affected by the number of affected sibs, the number of sib pairs genotyped, and the risk attributable to linked and unlinked loci. Genotyping unaffected siblings added little power for low penetrance models, but improved validity of tests when there was genetic heterogeneity and for multipoint testing. The efficiency of the concordant-only test was nearly always better than the concordant-discordant test. Replacement of an unavailable affected sibling by a spouse and offspring recovered some linkage information, particularly if several offspring were available. In multipoint analysis, the concordant-only test was showed a small anticonservative bias at 5 cM, while the multipoint concordant-discordant test was generally the most powerful test, and was not biased away from the null at 5 cM.

Conclusion

Genotyping parents and unaffected siblings is useful for detecting genotyping errors and if allele frequencies are uncertain. If adequate allele frequency data are available, we suggest a single-point affecteds-only analysis for an initial scan, followed by a multipoint analysis of affected and unaffected members of all available sibships with additional markers around initial hits.
Male silver eels mature by swimming
Authors: Palstra Arjan P , Schnabel Denhi , Nieveen Maaike C , Spaink Herman P , van den Thillart Guido EEJM
Published: July 2008

Background

If European silver eels are prevented from reproductive migration, they remain in a prepubertal stage by dopaminergic inhibition of pituitary activity. Because this inhibition is likely a requirement for an extended female growth stage, we tested if it is sex-specific by subjecting both sexes to stimulation by GnRHa (Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone agonist) – injection or 3-months swimming in seawater.

Results

In contrast to females, males showed a two- to three-fold higher LHβ (luteinising hormone β subunit) – expression, a three- to five-fold higher GSI (Gonadosomatic index) and induced spermatogenesis when compared with the untreated control group.

Conclusion

Dopaminergic inhibition is thus not effective in males and swimming results in natural maturation, probably via GnRH-release.
Tiling array-CGH for the assessment of genomic similarities among synchronous unilateral and bilateral invasive breast cancer tumor pairs
Authors: Brommesson Sara , Jönsson Göran , Strand Carina , Grabau Dorthe , Malmström Per , Ringnér Markus , Fernö Mårten , Hedenfalk Ingrid
Published: July 2008

Background

Today, no objective criteria exist to differentiate between individual primary tumors and intra- or intermammary dissemination respectively, in patients diagnosed with two or more synchronous breast cancers. To elucidate whether these tumors most likely arise through clonal expansion, or whether they represent individual primary tumors is of tumor biological interest and may have clinical implications. In this respect, high resolution genomic profiling may provide a more reliable approach than conventional histopathological and tumor biological factors.

Methods

32 K tiling microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) was used to explore the genomic similarities among synchronous unilateral and bilateral invasive breast cancer tumor pairs, and was compared with histopathological and tumor biological parameters.

Results

Based on global copy number profiles and unsupervised hierarchical clustering, five of ten (p = 1.9 × 10-5) unilateral tumor pairs displayed similar genomic profiles within the pair, while only one of eight bilateral tumor pairs (p = 0.29) displayed pair-wise genomic similarities. DNA index, histological type and presence of vessel invasion correlated with the genomic analyses.

Conclusion

Synchronous unilateral tumor pairs are often genomically similar, while synchronous bilateral tumors most often represent individual primary tumors. However, two independent unilateral primary tumors can develop synchronously and contralateral tumor spread can occur. The presence of an intraductal component is not informative when establishing the independence of two tumors, while vessel invasion, the presence of which was found in clustering tumor pairs but not in tumor pairs that did not cluster together, supports the clustering outcome. Our data suggest that genomically similar unilateral tumor pairs may represent a more aggressive disease that requires the addition of more severe treatment modalities, and underscores the importance of evaluating the clonality of multiple tumors for optimal patient management. In summary, our findings demonstrate the importance of evaluating the properties of both tumors in order to determine the most optimal patient management.
Soluble histone H2AX is induced by DNA replication stress and sensitizes cells to undergo apoptosis
Authors: Liu Ying , Parry Joshua A , Chin Anna , Duensing Stefan , Duensing Anette
Published: July 2008

Background

Chromatin-associated histone H2AX is a key regulator of the cellular responses to DNA damage. However, non-nucleosomal functions of histone H2AX are poorly characterized. We have recently shown that soluble H2AX can trigger apoptosis but the mechanisms leading to non-chromatin-associated H2AX are unclear. Here, we tested whether stalling of DNA replication, a common event in cancer cells and the underlying mechanism of various chemotherapeutic agents, can trigger increased soluble H2AX.

Results

Transient overexpression of H2AX was found to lead to a detectable fraction of soluble H2AX and was associated with increased apoptosis. This effect was enhanced by the induction of DNA replication stress using the DNA polymerase α inhibitor aphidicolin. Cells manipulated to stably express H2AX did not contain soluble H2AX, however, short-term treatment with aphidicolin (1 h) resulted in detectable amounts of H2AX in the soluble nuclear fraction and enhanced apoptosis. Similarly, soluble endogenous H2AX was detected under these conditions. We found that excessive soluble H2AX causes chromatin aggregation and inhibition of ongoing gene transcription as evidenced by the redistribution and/or loss of active RNA polymerase II as well as the transcriptional co-activators CBP and p300.

Conclusion

Taken together, these results show that DNA replication stress rapidly leads to increased soluble H2AX and that non-chromatin-associated H2AX can sensitize cells to undergo apoptosis. Our findings encourage further studies to explore H2AX and the cellular pathways that control its expression as anti-cancer drug targets.
Development of the Knee Quality of Life (KQoL-26) 26-item questionnaire: data quality, reliability, validity and responsiveness
Authors: Garratt Andrew M , Brealey Stephen , Robling Michael , Atwell Chris , Russell Ian , Gillespie William , King David ,   the DAMASK Trial Team
Published: July 2008

Background

This article describes the development and validation of a self-reported questionnaire, the KQoL-26, that is based on the views of patients with a suspected ligamentous or meniscal injury of the knee that assesses the impact of their knee problem on the quality of their lives.

Methods

Patient interviews and focus groups were used to derive questionnaire content. The instrument was assessed for data quality, reliability, validity, and responsiveness using data from a randomised trial and patient survey about general practitioners' use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for patients with a suspected ligamentous or meniscal injury.

Results

Interview and focus group data produced a 40-item questionnaire designed for self-completion. 559 trial patients and 323 survey patients responded to the questionnaire. Following principal components analysis and Rasch analysis, 26 items were found to contribute to three scales of knee-related quality of life: physical functioning, activity limitations, and emotional functioning. Item-total correlations ranged from 0.60–0.82. Cronbach's alpha and test retest reliability estimates were 0.91–0.94 and 0.80–0.93 respectively. Hypothesised correlations with the Lysholm Knee Scale, EQ-5D, SF-36 and knee symptom questions were evidence for construct validity. The instrument produced highly significant change scores for 65 trial patients indicating that their knee was a little or somewhat better at six months. The new instrument had higher effect sizes (range 0.86–1.13) and responsiveness statistics (range 1.50–2.13) than the EQ-5D and SF-36.

Conclusion

The KQoL-26 has good evidence for internal reliability, test-retest reliability, validity and responsiveness, and is recommended for use in randomised trials and other evaluative studies of patients with a suspected ligamentous or meniscal injury.
Validity of two physical activity questionnaires (IPAQ and PAQA) for Vietnamese adolescents in rural and urban areas
Authors: Lachat Carl K , Verstraeten Roosmarijn , Khanh Le Nguyen Bao , Hagströmer Maria , Khan Nguyen Cong , Van Nguyen Do Anh , Dung Nguyen Quang , Kolsteren Patrick W
Published: July 2008

Background

Although physical activity is recognised to be an important determinant of health and nutritional status, few instruments have been developed to assess physical activity in developing countries. The aim of this study was to compare the validity of the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and a locally adapted version of the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQA) for use in school going adolescents in rural and urban areas in Vietnam.

Methods

Sixteen year old adolescents from rural areas (n = 137) and urban areas (n = 90) completed the questionnaires in 2006. Test-retest reliability was assessed by comparing registrations after 2 weeks. Criterion validity was assessed by comparison with 7 days continuous accelerometer logging. Validity of the two methods was assessed using Spearman correlation coefficient, intra class correlation coefficients (ICC) and Kappa statistics.

Results

Reliability of both questionnaires was poor for both the IPAQ (ICC = 0.37) and the PAQA (ICC = 0.40). Criterion validity of both questionnaires was acceptable and similar for the IPAQ (ρ = 0.21) and the PAQA (ρ = 0.27) but a significantly lower validity was observed in rural areas. Both forms poorly estimated time spent on light, moderate and vigorous physical activity. Agreement of both questionnaires to classify individuals was also low but the IPAQ performed better than the PAQA.

Conclusion

Both questionnaires have a similar and overall poor validity to be used as a population instrument in Vietnam. Low reliability and classification properties in rural areas call for further research for specific use in such settings.
Identification of genes influencing dendrite morphogenesis in developing peripheral sensory and central motor neurons
Authors: Ou Yimiao , Chwalla Barbara , Landgraf Matthias , van Meyel Donald J
Published: July 2008

Background

Developing neurons form dendritic trees with cell type-specific patterns of growth, branching and targeting. Dendrites of Drosophila peripheral sensory neurons have emerged as a premier genetic model, though the molecular mechanisms that underlie and regulate their morphogenesis remain incompletely understood. Still less is known about this process in central neurons and the extent to which central and peripheral dendrites share common organisational principles and molecular features. To address these issues, we have carried out two comparable gain-of-function screens for genes that influence dendrite morphologies in peripheral dendritic arborisation (da) neurons and central RP2 motor neurons.

Results

We found 35 unique loci that influenced da neuron dendrites, including five previously shown as required for da dendrite patterning. Several phenotypes were class-specific and many resembled those of known mutants, suggesting that genes identified in this study may converge with and extend known molecular pathways for dendrite development in da neurons. The second screen used a novel technique for cell-autonomous gene misexpression in RP2 motor neurons. We found 51 unique loci affecting RP2 dendrite morphology, 84% expressed in the central nervous system. The phenotypic classes from both screens demonstrate that gene misexpression can affect specific aspects of dendritic development, such as growth, branching and targeting. We demonstrate that these processes are genetically separable. Targeting phenotypes were specific to the RP2 screen, and we propose that dendrites in the central nervous system are targeted to territories defined by Cartesian co-ordinates along the antero-posterior and the medio-lateral axes of the central neuropile. Comparisons between the screens suggest that the dendrites of peripheral da and central RP2 neurons are shaped by regulatory programs that only partially overlap. We focused on one common candidate pathway controlled by the ecdysone receptor, and found that it promotes branching and growth of developing da neuron dendrites, but a role in RP2 dendrite development during embryonic and early larval stages was not apparent.

Conclusion

We identified commonalities (for example, growth and branching) and distinctions (for example, targeting and ecdysone response) in the molecular and organizational framework that underlies dendrite development of peripheral and central neurons.
The influence of body composition on therapeutic hypothermia: a prospective observational study of patients after cardiac arrest
Authors: Jimmink Joost J , Binnekade Jan M , Paulus Frederique , Mathus-Vliegen Elisebeth MH , Schultz Marcus J , Vroom Margreeth B
Published: July 2008

Introduction

Patients after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) benefit from therapeutic hypothermia for 24 hours. The time needed to reach hypothermia (target temperature of 32°C to 34°C) varies widely. In this study, we explore the relation between measures of body composition and the time needed to reach target temperature with hypothermia.

Method

We conducted a prospective observational study in patients treated with hypothermia after OHCA. Data collected included weight and height, body composition by anthropometric measures and by single-frequency body impedance, and waist-to-hip ratio. Analysis of concordance between impedance and anthropometric measures and hazard ratios of achieving target temperature (event) corrected for different body composition measures.

Results

Twenty-seven patients were included. The median (interquartile range) time to reach target temperature after admission to the intensive care unit was 191 (105 to 382) minutes. Intraclass correlation for total body fat (TBF) measures was 0.94 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.89 to 0.97). Only TBF percentage (anthropometrics by the Durnin's table) appeared to be associated with time to reach target temperature: 0.93 (95% CI 0.87 to 0.99; P = 0.03).

Conclusion

The body composition measures from single-frequency impedance and anthropometrics appear to be very concordant. Only TBF percentage (anthropometrics) showed a significant but clinically irrelevant influence on time needed to achieve target temperature with hypothermia. We conclude that there are no indications to adjust current cooling practice toward the body composition of patients.
Comparative Analysis of Two Methods for Instrumental Intensity Estimations using the Database Accumulated during Recent Large Earthquakes in Japan
Authors: Sokolov Vladimir , Furumura Takashi
Published: July 2008

A database containing records from nine large earthquakes in Japan, obtained by K-NET and KIK-net strong motion stations, was used for the analysis of two techniques for the estimation of instrumental seismic intensity from accelerograms. The first technique is the standard method for JMA intensity evaluation from filtered three-component accelerograms. The second technique is the so-called FAS-intensity, which was developed for MM and MSK scales and which is based on the correlation between levels of the Fourier Amplitude spectrum (FAS) and observed intensity. The relation between these two types of instrumental intensities ( JMAI and spectral MMI) may be described by linear function for intensities larger than JMAI 3.5–4 and MMI 5.0–5.5, but large discrepancy arises at small intensities. The variation is most probably caused by differences in the spectral content of the ground motions, since the JMAI calculation is sensitive to the spectral amplitude within a narrow frequency band around 0.5 Hz.
ShakeCast: Automating and Improving the Use of ShakeMap for Post-Earthquake Decision-Making and Response
Authors: Wald David , Lin Kuo-Wan , Porter Keith , Turner Loren
Published: July 2008

When a potentially damaging earthquake occurs, utility and other lifeline managers, emergency responders, and other critical users have an urgent need for information about the impact on their particular facilities so they can make appropriate decisions and take quick actions to ensure safety and restore system functionality. ShakeMap, a tool used to portray the extent of potentially damaging shaking following an earthquake, on its own can be useful for emergency response, loss estimation, and public information. However, to take full advantage of the potential of ShakeMap, we introduce ShakeCast. ShakeCast facilitates the complicated assessment of potential damage to a user's widely distributed facilities by comparing the complex shaking distribution with the potentially highly variable damageability of their inventory to provide a simple, hierarchical list and maps of structures or facilities most likely impacted. ShakeCast is a freely available, post-earthquake situational awareness application that automatically retrieves earthquake shaking data from ShakeMap, compares intensity measures against users’ facilities, sends notifications of potential damage to responsible parties, and generates facility damage maps and other Web-based products for both public and private emergency managers and responders.
Model for the Lateral Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Columns Including Shear Deformations
Authors: Setzler Eric J. , Sezen Halil
Published: July 2008

This research is focused on modeling the behavior of reinforced concrete columns subjected to lateral loads. Deformations due to flexure, reinforcement slip, and shear are modeled individually using existing and new models. Columns are classified into five categories based on a comparison of their predicted shear and flexural strengths, and rules for combining the three deformation components are established based on the expected behavior of columns in each category. Shear failure in columns initially dominated by flexural response is considered through the use of a shear capacity model. The proposed model was tested on 37 columns from various experimental studies. In general, the model predicted the lateral deformation response envelope reasonably well.
Differentiation and Proliferation of Periosteal Osteoblast Progenitors Are Differentially Regulated by Estrogens and Intermittent Parathyroid Hormone Administration
Authors: Ogita Mami , Rached Marie Therese , Dworakowski Elzbieta , Bilezikian John. P. , Kousteni Stavroula
Published: July 2008

The periosteum is now widely recognized as a homeostatic and therapeutic target for actions of sex steroids and intermittent PTH administration. The mechanisms by which estrogens suppress but PTH promotes periosteal expansion are not known. In this report, we show that intermittent PTH(1–34) promotes differentiation of periosteal osteoblast precursors as evidenced by the stimulation of the expression or activity of alkaline phosphatase as well as of targets of the bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and Wnt pathways. In contrast, 17β-estradiol (E2) had no effect by itself. However, it attenuated PTH- or BMP-2-induced differentiation of primary periosteal osteoblast progenitors. Administration of intermittent PTH to ovariectomized mice induced rapid phosphorylation of the BMP-2 target Smad1/5/8 in the periosteum. A replacement dose of E2 had no effect by itself but suppressed PTH-induced phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8. In contrast to its effects to stimulate periosteal osteoblast differentiation, PTH promoted and subsequently suppressed proliferation of periosteal osteoblast progenitors in vitro and in vivo. E2 promoted proliferation and attenuated the antiproliferative effect of PTH. Both hormones protected periosteal osteoblasts from apoptosis induced by various proapoptotic agents. These observations suggest that the different effects of PTH and estrogens on the periosteum result from opposing actions on the recruitment of early periosteal osteoblast progenitors. Intermittent PTH promotes osteoblast differentiation from periosteum-derived mesenchymal progenitors through ERK-, BMP-, and Wnt-dependent signaling pathways. Estrogens promote proliferation of early osteoblast progenitors but inhibit their differentiation by osteogenic agents such as PTH or BMP-2.
Glucocorticoid Regulation of the Promoter of 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 Is Indirect and Requires CCAAT/Enhancer-Binding Protein-β
Authors: Sai Shuji , Esteves Cristina L. , Kelly Val , Michailidou Zoi , Anderson Karen , Coll Anthony P. , Nakagawa Yuichi , Ohzeki Takehiko , Seckl Jonathan R. , Chapman Karen E.
Published: July 2008

11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) converts inert 11keto-glucocorticoids to active 11β-hydroxy forms, thereby amplifying intracellular glucocorticoid action. Up-regulation of 11β-HSD1 in adipose tissue and liver is of pathogenic importance in metabolic syndrome. However, the mechanisms controlling 11β-HSD1 transcription are poorly understood. Glucocorticoids themselves potently increase 11β-HSD1 expression in many cells, providing a potential feed-forward system to pathology. We have investigated the molecular mechanisms by which glucocorticoids regulate transcription of 11β-HSD1, exploiting an A549 cell model system in which endogenous 11β-HSD1 is expressed and is induced by dexamethasone. We show that glucocorticoid induction of 11β-HSD1 is indirect and requires new protein synthesis. A glucocorticoid-responsive region maps to between −196 and −88 with respect to the transcription start site. This region contains two binding sites for CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) that together are essential for the glucocorticoid response and that bind predominantly C/EBPβ, with C/EBPδ present in a minority of the complexes. Both C/EBPβ and C/EBPδ are rapidly induced by glucocorticoids in A549 cells, but small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown shows that only C/EBPβ reduction attenuates the glucocorticoid induction of 11β-HSD1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated increased binding of C/EBPβ to the 11β-HSD1 promoter in A549 cells after glucocorticoid treatment. A similar mechanism may apply in adipose tissue in vivo where increased C/EBPβ mRNA levels after glucocorticoid treatment were associated with increased 11β-HSD1 expression. C/EBPβ is a key mediator of metabolic and inflammatory signaling. Positive regulation of 11β-HSD1 by C/EBPβ may link amplification of glucocorticoid action with metabolic and inflammatory pathways and may represent an endogenous innate host-defense mechanism.
The Form and Context of Federalism: Meanings for Health Care Financing
Authors: France George
Published: July 2008

This article examines the meaning of federalism for health care financing (HCF) and is based on two considerations. First, federal institutions are embedded in their national context and interact with them. The design and performance of HCF policy will be influenced by contexts, the workings of the federal institutions, and the interactions of these institutions with different elements of the context. This article unravels these influences. Second, there is no unique model of federalism, and so we have to specify the particular form to which we refer. The examination of the influence of federalism and its context on HCF policy is facilitated by using a transnational comparative approach, and this article examines four mature federations: the United States, Australia, Canada, and Germany. The relatively poor performance of the U.S. HCF system seems associated with the fact that it operates in a context markedly less benign than those of the other national HCF systems. Heterogeneity of context appears also to have contributed to important differences between the United States and the other countries in the design of HCF policies. An analysis of how federalism works in practice suggests that, while U.S. federalism may be overall less favorable to the development of well-functioning HCF policies, the inferior performance of these policies is to be principally attributed to context.
Administrative Compensation of Medical Injuries: A Hardy Perennial Blooms Again
Authors: Barringer Paul J. , Studdert David M. , Kachalia Allen B. , Mello Michelle M.
Published: July 2008

Periods in which the costs of personal injury litigation and liability insurance have risen dramatically have often provoked calls for reform of the tort system, and medical malpractice is no exception. One proposal for fundamental reform made during several of these volatile periods has been to relocate personal injury disputes from the tort system to an alternative, administrative forum. In the medical injury realm, a leading incarnation of such proposals in recent years has been the idea of establishing specialized administrative “health courts.” Despite considerable stakeholder and policy-maker interest, administrative compensation proposals have tended to struggle for broad political acceptance. In this article, we consider the historical experience of administrative medical injury compensation proposals, particularly in light of comparative examples in the context of workplace injuries, automobile injuries, and vaccine injuries. We conclude by examining conditions that may facilitate or impede progress toward establishing demonstration projects of health courts.
Maternal depletion of CTCF reveals multiple functions during oocyte and preimplantation embryo development
Authors: Wan Le-Ben , Pan Hua , Hannenhalli Sridhar , Cheng Yong , Ma Jun , Fedoriw Andrew , Lobanenkov Victor , Latham Keith E. , Schultz Richard M. , Bartolomei Marisa S.
Published: July 2008

CTCF is a multifunctional nuclear factor involved in epigenetic regulation. Despite recent advances that include the systematic discovery of CTCF-binding sites throughout the mammalian genome, the in vivo roles of CTCF in adult tissues and during embryonic development are largely unknown. Using transgenic RNAi, we depleted maternal stores of CTCF from growing mouse oocytes, and identified hundreds of misregulated genes. Moreover, our analysis suggests that CTCF predominantly activates or derepresses transcription in oocytes. CTCF depletion causes meiotic defects in the egg, and mitotic defects in the embryo that are accompanied by defects in zygotic gene expression, and culminate in apoptosis. Maternal pronuclear transfer and CTCF mRNA microinjection experiments indicate that CTCF is a mammalian maternal effect gene, and that persistent transcriptional defects rather than persistent chromosomal defects perturb early embryonic development. This is the first study detailing a global and essential role for CTCF in mouse oocytes and preimplantation embryos.
Discovery and Application of Asymmetric Reaction by Multi-Functional Thioureas
Authors: Miyabe Hideto , Takemoto Yoshiji
Published: July 2008

Novel bifunctional organocatalysts, which possess a thiourea moiety and an amino group, were designed and synthesized. We discovered that bifunctional thiourea bearing a tertiary amino group significantly accelerated several nucleophilic addition reactions of active methylene compounds to electron-deficient double bonds. In these reactions, the double hydrogen-bonding activation of electrophiles bearing nitro, imide, and carbamate groups by the thiourea moiety and simultaneous deprotonation of nucleophiles by the dimethylamino group of bifunctional thiourea proved to play a crucial role for enhancing both reaction rate and enantioselectivity. We have demonstrated the utility of PEG-bound thiourea as a homogeneous catalyst. Although the reaction rate was somewhat decreased with PEG-bound thiourea, immobilization to a PEG support proved to facilitate the recovery and reuse of thiourea catalyst without affecting the chemical yield and enantioselectivity. A newly designed thiourea catalyst provided sufficient activation of organoboronic acids to facilitate the enantioselective Petasis transformation of quinolines even at low temperatures. A high degree of stereocontrol was achieved in the reaction of various quinolines and organoboronic acids by using a combination of H2O and NaHCO3 as additives.
Infrared-Induced Reaction on MoO3 Using a Tunable Infrared Free Electron Laser
Authors: Moula Md Golam , Sato Shinsuke , Irokawa Katsumi , Niimi Hironobu , Suzuki Shushi , Asakura Kiyotaka , Kuroda Haruo
Published: July 2008

We observed the IR-induced reaction of C2H5OH on MoO3 using a pulsed and tunable infrared free electron laser (IR-FEL). The IR-FEL-induced reaction showed wavelength dependency and requires light stronger than a certain threshold level. The C2H5OH was converted mainly to C2H4 only when the MoO3 was irradiated with focused IR-FEL at 967 and 814 cm−1 corresponding to Mo=O stretching modes, whereas IR light at 1200 cm−1 induced no reaction. The origin of this IR-FEL-induced reaction is discussed.