bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The dinosaurs that weren’t: osteohistology supports giant ichthyosaur affinity of enigmatic large bone segments from the European Rhaetian
Authors: Perillo Marcello , Sander P Martin
Published: April 2024

Very large unidentified elongate and rounded fossil bone segments of uncertain origin recovered from different Rhaetian (Late Triassic) fossil localities across Europe have been puzzling the paleontological community since the second half of the 19th century. Different hypotheses have been proposed regarding the nature of these fossils: (1) giant amphibian bones, (2) dinosaurian or other archosaurian long bone shafts, and (3) giant ichthyosaurian jaw bone segments. We call the latter proposal the ‘Giant Ichthyosaur Hypothesis’ and test it using bone histology. In presumable ichthyosaur specimens from SW England (Lilstock), France (Autun), and indeterminate cortical fragments from Germany (Bonenburg), we found a combination of shared histological features in the periosteal cortex: an unusual woven-parallel complex of strictly longitudinal primary osteons set in a novel woven-fibered matrix type with intrinsic coarse collagen fibers (IFM), and a distinctive pattern of Haversian substitution in which secondary osteons often form within primary ones. The splenial and surangular of the holotype of the giant ichthyosaur Shastasaurus sikanniensis from Canada were sampled for comparison. The results of the sampling indicate a common osteohistology with the European specimens. A broad histological comparison is provided to reject alternative taxonomic affinities aside from ichthyosaurs of the very large bone segment. Most importantly, we highlight the occurrence of shared peculiar osteogenic processes in Late Triassic giant ichthyosaurs, reflecting special ossification strategies enabling fast growth and achievement of giant size and/or related to biomechanical properties akin to ossified tendons.
Reappraisal of sauropod dinosaur diversity in the Upper Cretaceous Winton Formation of Queensland, Australia, through 3D digitisation and description of new specimens
Authors: Beeston Samantha L. , Poropat Stephen F. , Mannion Philip D. , Pentland Adele H. , Enchelmaier Mackenzie J. , Sloan Trish , Elliott David A.
Published: April 2024

Skeletal remains of sauropod dinosaurs have been known from Australia for over 100 years. Unfortunately, the classification of the majority of these specimens to species level has historically been impeded by their incompleteness. This has begun to change in the last 15 years, primarily through the discovery and description of several partial skeletons from the Cenomanian–lower Turonian (lower Upper Cretaceous) Winton Formation in central Queensland, with four species erected to date: Australotitan cooperensis, Diamantinasaurus matildae, Savannasaurus elliottorum, and Wintonotitan wattsi. The first three of these appear to form a clade (Diamantinasauria) of early diverging titanosaurs (or close relatives of titanosaurs), whereas Wintonotitan wattsi is typically recovered as a distantly related non-titanosaurian somphospondylan. Through the use of 3D scanning, we digitised numerous specimens of Winton Formation sauropods, facilitating enhanced comparison between type and referred specimens, and heretofore undescribed specimens. We present new anatomical information on the holotype specimen of Diamantinasaurus matildae, and describe new remains pertaining to twelve sauropod individuals. Firsthand observations and digital analysis enabled previously proposed autapomorphic features of all four named Winton Formation sauropod species to be identified in the newly described specimens, with some specimens exhibiting putative autapomorphies of more than one species, prompting a reassessment of their taxonomic validity. Supported by a specimen-level phylogenetic analysis, we suggest that Australotitan cooperensis is probably a junior synonym of Diamantinasaurus matildae, but conservatively regard it herein as an indeterminate diamantinasaurian, meaning that the Winton Formation sauropod fauna now comprises three (rather than four) valid diamantinasaurian species: Diamantinasaurus matildae, Savannasaurus elliottorum, and Wintonotitan wattsi, with the latter robustly supported as a member of the clade for the first time. We refer some of the newly described specimens to these three species and provide revised diagnoses, with some previously proposed autapomorphies now regarded as diamantinasaurian synapomorphies. Our newly presented anatomical data and critical reappraisal of the Winton Formation sauropods facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of the mid-Cretaceous sauropod palaeobiota of central Queensland.
Avaliação da autoeficácia em acadêmicos de psicologia
Authors: Gonçalves Mônica , Seibt Cinthia , Reis Stevan , Westphalen Roberta Bilibio , Vieira André Reginato , Costa Caroline Lunkes , Paloski Luís Henrique , Oliveira Camila Rosa de , Wagner Marcia Fortes
Published: April 2024

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o repertório de autoeficácia em acadêmicos do ensino superior do curso de psicologia de uma faculdade do Norte do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. A amostra foi composta por 226 estudantes, com média de idade 23,6 anos (DP= 7,62). Possui delineamento quantitativo transversal. Foram aplicados a Ficha sociodemográfica, a Escala de Autoeficácia Geral e a Escala de Autoeficácia na Formação Superior. Da amostra, 83% (n=190) eram solteiros, 62,4% (n= 143) moravam com os pais e  62,9% (n=144) trabalhavam. Na EAG, 52,2% (n=118) apresentaram autoeficácia geral baixa; 7,5% (n=17) média e 40,3% (n=91) alta. Nos fatores do EAFS,  identificou-se elevada autoeficácia na gestão acadêmica, demonstrando boa capacidade no empenho frente às atividades, na motivação para fazê-las, no cumprimento dos prazos e planejamento das tarefas. Menores médias na Autoeficácia às ações proativas apontaram dificuldades em sugerir melhorias, participar de atividades extracurriculares, manter-se atualizado e buscar auxílio dos professores. É fundamental identificar as áreas deficitárias e planejar intervenções voltadas ao desempenho acadêmico e profissional. Como limitação, a amostra originou-se de uma única região do Brasil e sugere-se novos estudos em diferentes regiões do país, a fim de comparar e confirmar resultados.
Efficiency and Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Developed Embedded System-Controlled Seed and Fertilizer Applicator
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Kushwaha H. L. , Kumar Adarsh , Parray Roaf Ahmad , Singh Teekam , Meena M.C. , Sarkar Susheel Kumar , B.S. Madhusudan , Rathod Sunil Kumar
Published: April 2024

In maize cultivation, the labour-intensive, time-consuming, and costly nature of manual planting necessitates the exploration of mechanized solutions. This study presents a comprehensive economic evaluation of an embedded system-controlled seed cum fertilizer applicator as a potential answer to these challenges.  Precise planting methods offer a multi-pronged approach, aiming to reduce cultivation costs, minimize time requirements, and improve worker comfort during planting operations.  By meticulously analyzing both ownership and operational expenses, this study empowers farmers with the knowledge necessary to make informed decisions. These decisions could involve adopting the precise seed cum fertilizer applicator technology, optimizing existing machinery, or exploring alternative methods to achieve enhanced farm productivity and financial gains.  The embedded system-controlled seed cum fertilizer applicator was directly compared to traditional manual planting methods. This analysis revealed ownership and operating costs of 9.56 Rs/h and 63 Rs/h, respectively.  The compelling findings demonstrated a remarkable 96.87% reduction in planting time and a 55.47% cost decrease when utilizing the embedded system compared to manual methods.  These results highlight the significant cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits associated with adopting this precise planting system.  This research offers valuable insights to farmers, potentially promoting the integration of advanced agricultural technologies that can optimize resource utilization, improve operational efficiency, and contribute to the implementation of sustainable farming practices.
Sedimentary Structures and Petrography of Rocks within Akpoha Area of the Afikpo Basin Southeastern Nigeria; Constraints on Provenance
Authors: Ohaegbulem Modestus Chijioke , Aghamelu Okechukwu Pius , Abia Uwem Bassey , Iloanya Nonyelum Stella
Published: April 2024

Sedimentary structures and petrographic studies of Akpoha area in Afikpo/Abakiliki basin  was undertaken in an attempt to understudy and determining constraints  in depositional processes in the area . The major outcrops in the area are alternating succession of sandstones and shales striking in a NE-SW direction primarily as a result of folding due to past orogeny in the area. The sandstone outcrops at Akpoha are highly indurated due to age, compaction and tectonism and occur in ridges within the shale unit. The studied shale outcrops were poorly laminated and low in fossil content.Sedimentary structures identified include;Wavy/ripple lamination, Mud cracks, Parallel lamination and Fissility.The results of the petrographic modal analysis from thin section studies show that  the sandstone consists predominantly of quartz (55 - 64%); feldspar (22 - 30%) and rock fragment (1 – 9%). The sandstones were immature, poorly to moderately sorted with angular to sub-angular grain shapes which gives clear indication of high energy of sediment deposition and short transport history from provenance.The abundance of well preserved sedimentary structures  is an indication of prolong calmness of tectonic/orogenic activities in the area. The fissility observed in shale outcrops and the high induration of the Akpoha sandstones was as a result of compaction from overburden pressure before uplift and exposure.
Retrograde jugular flow associated with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Kuriyama Nagato , Tokuda Takahiko , Miyamoto Junichi , Takayasu Natsuko , Kondo Masaki , Nakagawa Masanori
Published: June 2008

To clarify the relation between the drainage pathway of cerebrospinal fluid and the development of idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH), we examined flow patterns of internal jugular veins in 20 patients with iNPH and 13 control patients using air‐contrast ultrasound venography during the Valsalva maneuver. The iNPH group had a significantly greater frequency of retrograde jugular venous flow (19/20, 95%) than the control group (3/13, 23%) (χ2 test, p < 0.001). Our results suggest that retrograde jugular venous flow may be associated with the development of iNPH; therefore, the analysis of retrograde jugular venous flow could be a useful element in the diagnosis of iNPH. Ann Neurol 2008
No correlation between intraocular pressure and intracranial pressure
Authors: Han Ying , McCulley Timothy J. , Horton Jonathan C.
Published: June 2008

A recent study has reported an excellent correlation between intraocular pressure (IOP) and intracranial pressure (ICP), suggesting that measurement of IOP may serve as a noninvasive means to determine ICP. To reexamine the relation between IOP and ICP, we reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent lumbar puncture between 1991 and 2007 in the neuro‐ophthalmology clinic at the University of California San Francisco. Data for IOP and ICP were available for 55 patients. There was no correlation between IOP and ICP (Pearson correlation coefficient, r = 0.07; p = 0.59). IOP measurement is not a useful substitute for ICP measurement. Ann Neurol 2008
A comparative study of reactivity and selectivity of chiral diamines and structurally analogous amino alcohol ligands in enantioselective alkylations with diethylzinc
Authors: Silva Serra M. Elisa , Murtinho Dina , Rocha Gonsalves A. M. d'A.
Published: June 2008

A series of chiral δ‐diamines and structurally analogous δ‐amino alcohols derived from natural tartaric acid were synthesized and a comparative study of their activity and selectivity in the enantioselective alkylation of aromatic aldehydes was carried out. Our results show that in general the δ‐diamines were found to be better chiral inducers than the corresponding δ‐amino alcohols. The highest selectivity was observed when benzaldehyde was alkylated in the presence of the benzylic diamine, giving (R)‐1‐phenylpropanol with an ee of 42%. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A bit of prose about poetry
Authors: Akhtar Salman
Published: June 2008

This brief communication delineates 10 outstanding characteristics of poetry. These include poetry's expression of preverbal experience, blending of primary and secondary processes, musical use of words, enhancement of mentalization, reduction of mental pain, cathexis of links and bonds, manifestation of culture, synthesis of neurophysiology, acceptance of the oedipal situation, and its location in the transitional realm. The paper then moves on to deconstruct the form of its message thus far and in the process sheds further light on the “work” of writing poetry. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Boronic Acids in Molecular Self‐Assembly
Authors: Fujita Norifumi , Shinkai Seiji , James Tony D.
Published: June 2008

The reversibility of boronic acid and diol interaction makes it an ideal candidate for the design of self‐assembled molecular structures. Reversibility is required to ensure that the thermodynamically most stable structure is formed. Reversibility also ensures that any errors produced during the assembly process are not permanent.
ChemInform Abstract: Magnetic Properties of RNi3Sn2 Compounds (R: Y, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy).
Authors: Romaka V. V. , Gignoux D. , Fruchart D. , Romaka L. , Gorelenko Yu.
Published: June 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Nickel‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Negishi Cross‐Coupling of Secondary Allylic Chlorides with Alkylzincs.
Authors: Son Sunghee , Fu Gregory C.
Published: June 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: An Enantioselective Nucleophilic Addition of α,β‐Unsaturated Trifluoromethylketones Catalyzed by L‐Proline Derivatives.
Authors: Zhang Dehui , Yuan Chengye
Published: June 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Robust and Efficient, Yet Uncatalyzed, Synthesis of Trialkylsilyl‐Protected Cyanohydrins from Ketones.
Authors: Cabirol Fabien L. , Lim Angela E. C. , Hanefeld Ulf , Sheldon Roger A. , Lyapkalo Ilya M.
Published: June 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Gold‐Catalyzed [2 + 2] Cyclization of Alkyne‐propargylic Pivaloates to Fused Bicyclic Compounds.
Authors: Oh Chang Ho , Kim Ahyun
Published: June 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: New Route for Preparation of Nitrosubstituted 1,2‐Phenylenediamines.
Authors: Bella Maros , Milata Viktor
Published: June 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Rh(I)‐Catalyzed Arylation of Heterocycles via C—H Bond Activation: Expanded Scope Through Mechanistic Insight.
Authors: Lewis Jared C. , Berman Ashley M. , Bergman Robert G. , Ellman Jonathan A.
Published: June 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Microwave Assisted N‐Alkenyl Condensation Between Pyrrolidine‐2‐thione and Various Aldehydes.
Authors: Kim Ki‐Won , Lee Ho‐Joon , Kim Chung‐Gi , Park Mi‐ja , Kwon Tae‐Woo
Published: June 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthetic Studies on Basidifferquinones: The First Synthesis of (.+‐.)‐Basidifferquinone C.
Authors: Takikawa Hirosato , Hashimoto Takashi , Matsuura Mayuko , Tashiro Takuya , Kitahara Takeshi , Mori Kenji , Sasaki Mitsuru
Published: June 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Structure‐Based Virtual Screening with Supervised Consensus Scoring: Evaluation of Pose Prediction and Enrichment Factors.
Authors: Teramoto Reiji , Fukunishi Hiroaki
Published: June 2008

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
Enhancement of exciton coupled circular dichroism with sterically encumbered bis‐porphyrin tweezers
Authors: Tanasova Marina , Vasileiou Chrysoula , Olumolade Oluwatoyin O. , Borhan Babak
Published: June 2008

Porphyrin tweezers have been successfully used as hosts for the absolute stereochemical determination of a variety of chiral compounds. A set of new porphyrin tweezers with substituted aryl groups on the meso position of the porphyrin rings have been synthesized. The modified tweezers are used as hosts for the stereochemical determination of chiral diamines and carrier‐derivatized α‐chiral carboxylic acids in order to monitor the influence of the various substitutions of the aryl group on the amplitude and sign of the ECCD couplet. t‐Butyl substitution at the meta positions of the porphyrin's meso phenyl substituents leads to enhanced ECCD amplitudes. Chirality, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enantiomer separation of triazole fungicides by high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Ying Zhou , Ling Li , Kunde Lin , Xinping Zhu , Weiping Liu
Published: June 2008

Enantiomer separation is one of the most important prerequisites for the investigation of environmental enantioselective behaviors for chiral pesticides. In the present study, the enantiomer separation of 7 triazole fungicides, i.e., hexaconazole (1), triadimefon (2), tebuconazole (3), diniconazole (4), flutriafol (5), propiconazole (6), and difenoconazole (7), were evaluated using normal phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. Chrialcel OD column and Chrialcel OJ column were used. The influence of column temperature was studied for the optimization of the resolution as well as the type and percentage of organic modifier in the mobile phase. The retention factors for the enantiomers of all investigated compounds decreased as the temperature increased. The natural logarithms of the selectivity factors (lnα) of hexaconazole (1), tebuconazole (3), flutriafol (5), propiconazole (6) and difenoconazole (7) depended linearly on the inverse of temperature (1/T) while the corresponding values for triadimefon (2) and diniconazole (4) kept unchanged in the studied temperature range 10–35 °C. Van't Hoff plots afforded thermodynamic parameters, such as the apparent change in enthalpy ΔH°, the apparent change in entropy ΔS°and the apparent change in ΔΔH° and ΔΔS°. The thermodynamic parameters (ΔH°, ΔS°, ΔΔH° and ΔΔS°) were calculated in order to provide an understanding of the thermosynamic driving forces for enantioseparation. The established method shows perspective to be used for preparing micro‐scale amount of pure enantiomers of the chiral triazoles studied. Chirality, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Theoretical Investigation of the OH.‐Initiated Oxidation of Benzaldehyde in the Troposphere
Authors: Iuga Cristina , Galano Annia , Vivier‐Bunge Annik
Published: June 2008

A mechanistic and kinetic study of the OH.‐initiated oxidation of benzaldehyde is carried out using quantum chemical methods and classical transition state theory. We calculate the rate constant for this reaction within the temperature range of 200–350 K at atmospheric pressure. All possible hydrogen abstraction and OH. addition channels are considered and branching ratios are obtained. Tunneling corrections are taken into account for abstraction channels, assuming unsymmetrical Eckart barriers. The aldehydic abstraction is by far the most important reaction channel within the entire range of temperatures studied, especially at room temperature and lower—the temperatures relevant to atmospheric chemistry. The relative importance of all the other possible channels increases slightly with temperature. Branching ratios show that addition at the ring and abstraction of an ortho hydrogen contribute about 1 % each at about 300 K, while the branching ratio for the main reaction decreases from 99 % at 200 K to 93 % at 350 K. The results are compared with available experimental measurements.
Hepatoma‐derived growth factor (HDGF) is dispensable for normal mouse development
Authors: Gallitzendoerfer Rainer , Abouzied Mekky M. , Hartmann Dieter , Dobrowolski Radoslaw , Gieselmann Volkmar , Franken Sebastian
Published: June 2008

Hepatoma‐derived growth factor (HDGF) is suggested to be involved in organ development and exhibits proliferative, angiogenic, and neurotrophic activity. The in vivo functions are, however, so far unknown. In this study, we generated HDGF‐deficient mice, in which parts of the HDGF gene were replaced by a gene encoding green fluorescent protein (eGFP). HDGF−/− mice are viable with no apparent morphological abnormalities. Cultured HDGF‐deficient dermal fibroblasts show unaltered proliferation rates and cell‐cycle distributions. In contrast to previous studies, our data demonstrate that signal pathways involved in the response to extracellular HDGF do not depend on the presence of intracellular HDGF. Contrary to the reported role of HDGF as a modulator of apoptosis, similar apoptotic rates were found between wild‐type and HDGF‐deficient fibroblasts following tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) ‐induced apoptosis or cellular stress. The lack of obvious biochemical and morphological phenotypes in HDGF‐deficient mice demonstrates that in vivo HDGF is dispensable for normal development in mice. Developmental Dynamics 237:1875–1885, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression and regulation of HTRA1 during chick and early mouse development
Authors: Ferrer‐Vaquer Anna , Maurey Pablo , Werzowa Johannes , Firnberg Nicole , Leibbrandt Andreas , Neubüser Annette
Published: June 2008

HTRA1, a member of the high temperature requirement factor A family, is a secreted serine protease that can bind to and inactivate members of the transforming growth factor‐beta (TGFβ) family, modulate insulin‐like growth factor signaling and stimulate long range fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling in Xenopus. In vertebrates, so far homologues from mouse, human, and Xenopus have been cloned and studied. Here we report the cloning of the chicken HTRA1 homologue from a screen for FGF8 inducible genes in chick facial mesenchyme. We characterize its expression pattern from gastrulation (Hamburger and Hamilton stage 4) to day 4 of development, and in forming inner organs and limbs. We show that chick HTRA1 has a dynamic expression pattern that differs significantly from the expression of its mouse homolog. We, furthermore, demonstrate that FGF signaling is necessary and sufficient for HTRA1 expression in chick facial and forelimb mesenchyme, but is not required for HTRA1 expression in HH11 embryos. Developmental Dynamics 237:1893–1900, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treatment of anorexia nervosa in a specialty care continuum
Authors: Treat Teresa A. , McCabe Elizabeth B. , Gaskill Jill A. , Marcus Marsha D.
Published: June 2008

Objective:

Inpatient hospitalization has been a mainstay of treatment for anorexia nervosa (AN), but decreasing lengths of inpatient stay have prompted the development of alternative care‐continuum models. This study characterizes the 6‐month outcomes of 71 patients with AN who completed an inpatient‐treatment protocol (∼5 weeks), followed by a day‐hospital program (DHP) (∼3 weeks).

Method:

Data were derived from chart reviews and questionnaire data were collected during routine clinical care.

Results:

On discharge from DHP, 35.2% of patients showed excellent outcomes, whereas 23.9% exhibited poor outcomes. At 6 months after DHP discharge, 47.9% of the patients were successful in maintaining outpatient treatment status. Patients with successful 6‐month outcomes were admitted to inpatient at a higher weight, had fewer previous hospitalizations, were younger, were rated by inpatient staff as more committed to treatment, endorsed less AN psychopathology during inpatient admission, and showed greater weight gain during DHP. Number of previous hospitalizations and weight gain immediately after inpatient discharge predicted 89.2% of outcome classifications 6 months after DHP discharge.

Conclusion:

These findings highlight both the potential benefits of this care‐continuum model for patients who previously have not been hospitalized and the pressing need to develop alternative treatment strategies for patients with more chronic AN. © 2008 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2008
Identification of Tmem10/Opalin as an oligodendrocyte enriched gene using expression profiling combined with genetic cell ablation
Authors: Golan Neev , Adamsky Konstantin , Kartvelishvily Elena , Brockschnieder Damian , Möbius Wiebke , Spiegel Ivo , Roth Alejandro D. , Thomson Christine E. , Rechavi Gideon , Peles Elior
Published: June 2008

Oligodendrocytes form an insulating multilamellar structure of compact myelin around axons, which allows efficient and rapid propagation of action potentials. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms operating at the onset of myelination and during maintenance of the myelin sheath in the adult. Here we use a genetic cell ablation approach combined with Affymetrix GeneChip microarrays to identify a number of oligodendrocyte‐enriched genes that may play a key role in myelination. One of the “oligogenes” we cloned using this approach is Tmem10/Opalin, which encodes for a novel transmembrane glycoprotein. In situ hybridization and RT‐PCR analysis revealed that Tmem10 is selectively expressed by oligodendrocytes and that its expression is induced during their differentiation. Developmental immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that Tmem10 starts to be expressed in the white matter tracks of the cerebellum and the corpus callosum at the onset of myelination after the appearance of other myelin genes such as MBP. In contrast to the spinal cord and brain, Tmem10 was not detected in myelinating Schwann cells, indicating that it is a CNS‐specific myelin protein. In mature oligodendrocytes, Tmem10 was present at the cell soma and processes, as well as along myelinated internodes, where it was occasionally concentrated at the paranodes. In myelinating spinal cord cultures, Tmem10 was detected in MBP‐positive cellular processes that were aligned with underlying axons before myelination commenced. These results suggest a possible role of Tmem10 in oligodendrocyte differentiation and CNS myelination. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular basis of oncostatin M‐induced SOCS‐3 expression in astrocytes
Authors: Baker Brandi J. , Qin Hongwei , Benveniste Etty N.
Published: June 2008

Under neuropathological conditions, reactive astrocytes release cytokines and chemokines, which act in an autocrine and/or paracrine fashion to modulate production of immunoregulatory factors from cells including microglia, astrocytes, and neurons. In this way, astrocytes play an important role in orchestrating immune responses within the central nervous system (CNS). Suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins are endogenous, negative regulators of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway and function as attenuators of the immune and inflammatory responses. As such, SOCS proteins may have critical roles in the CNS under neuroinflammatory conditions. In the inflamed CNS, expression of IL‐6 cytokine family member oncostatin M (OSM) is elevated; however, its functional effects are not well understood. We demonstrate that OSM is a potent inducer of SOCS‐3 in astrocytes. Analysis of the SOCS‐3 promoter revealed that an AP‐1 element, two IFN‐γ activation sequence (GAS) elements, and a GC‐rich region are crucial for SOCS‐3 gene expression. Using small interfering RNA against STAT‐3, as well as a STAT‐3 dominant‐negative construct, we demonstrate that STAT‐3 activation is critical for OSM induction of SOCS‐3 expression. The ERK1/2 and JNK pathways also contribute to OSM‐induced SOCS‐3 gene expression. OSM stimulation led to a time‐dependent recruitment of the transcription factors STAT‐3, c‐Fos, c‐Jun, and Sp1 and the coactivators CREB‐binding protein (CBP) and p300 to the endogenous SOCS‐3 promoter. These data indicate that OSM‐induced activation of STAT‐3 and the ERK1/2 and JNK pathways are critical for astrocytic expression of SOCS‐3, which provides for feedback inhibition of cytokine‐induced inflammatory responses in the CNS. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Benzodiazepine‐induced reduction in activity mirrors decrements in cognitive and psychomotor performance
Authors: Dawson Jean , Boyle Julia , Stanley Neil , Johnsen Sigurd , Hindmarch Ian , Skene Debra J.
Published: June 2008

Objective

To assess whether actigraphy is sensitive to benzodiazepine‐induced changes in cognitive and psychomotor performance and sleep.

Methods

Healthy young volunteers (n = 23; 11 males), were randomised to a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover trial. Actigraphy was used to record motor activity continuously. Following dosing at 18.00 h with 2.5 mg lorazepam (LZP), psychomotor and cognitive assessments were made at hourly intervals post‐dose for 4 h and after sleep at 14.5 h post‐dose.

Results

Activity levels were significantly reduced after LZP for 5 h post‐dose (p = 0.0104), during sleep (5–13 h) (p < 0.02) and the following morning, 13–14.5 h post‐dose (p < 0.02). At the same time cognitive and psychomotor performance was also significantly impaired (p < 0.05). LZP also significantly increased actigraphic sleep efficiency and sleep per cent (p < 0.02).

Conclusion

This study showed that activity levels were significantly reduced following dosing with a benzodiazepine and these changes coincided with impairment of cognitive and psychomotor performance. Actigraphy, therefore, appears to be able to reflect the psychopharmacological effects of a benzodiazepine in changes in daytime function and nocturnal behaviour, which, without waking the subject, is beyond the power of conventional psychometrics. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hillslope runoff from an ice‐cored peat plateau in a discontinuous permafrost basin, Northwest Territories, Canada
Authors: Wright Nicole , Quinton William L. , Hayashi Masaki
Published: June 2008

Peat plateaus are important landscape features of many high‐boreal, wetland‐dominated drainage basins. Raised up to 2 m above the surrounding landscape and underlain by permafrost, these forested peatlands provide meltwater drainage to the surrounding wetlands, and to basin runoff. Understanding the factors that control the volume and timing of runoff from peat plateaus is the essential first step towards developing methods of accurately predicting basin runoff from wetland‐dominated basins in the region of discontinuous permafrost, as well as understanding the basin response to hydrological changes brought on by the thermal degradation and thaw of permafrost peatlands. In this study, a water balance approach and the Dupuit–Forchheimer equation were used to quantify sub‐surface runoff from a forested peat plateau at Scotty Creek, a small (152 km2), wetland‐dominated discontinuous permafrost basin in Northwest Territories, Canada. These two computations yielded similar results in both years of study (2004–2005), and showed that runoff accounted for approximately half of the moisture loss from the peat plateau, most of which occurred in response to snowmelt inputs. The melt of ground ice was also a significant source of water during the study periods, which was largely detained in soil storage. Soil moisture conditions prior to soil freezing were a major factor controlling the volume of runoff from the hillslope. Sub‐surface drainage rates declined dramatically after the snowmelt runoff period, when the majority of water inputs went to soil storage and evapotranspiration. The minimal lag between rain events and hydrograph response in both years suggests that much of the runoff produced from rain events is rapidly transported to the adjacent wetlands. These results give insight into how current climate warming predictions for northern latitudes could affect the hydrological response of forested peat plateaus, and the basins which they occupy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Work hour rules and contributors to patient care mistakes: A focus group study with internal medicine residents
Authors: Fletcher Kathlyn E. , Parekh Vikas , Halasyamani Lakshmi , Kaufman Samuel R. , Schapira Marilyn , Ertl Kristyn , Saint Sanjay
Published: June 2008

BACKGROUND:

The “Swiss cheese model” of systems accidents is commonly applied to patient safety, implying that many “holes” must align before an adverse event occurs. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) instituted work hour limitations to fill one such hole by reducing resident fatigue.

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this study was to determine how residents perceive the impact of the ACGME rules and other factors on patient safety.

DESIGN:

The study was designed as a focus group study.

PARTICIPANTS:

Participating in the study were 28 internal medicine residents, of whom 13 were from a university‐based program that includes both an academic medical center and a Veterans Affair (VA) hospital, 9 were from a community‐based program, and 6 were from a freestanding medical college that includes a large private teaching hospital and a VA hospital.

MEASUREMENT:

Grounded theory analysis was used to examine transcripts of the focus group discussions.

RESULTS:

A model of contributors to patient care errors emerged including fatigue, inexperience, sign‐outs, not knowing patients, “entropy” (which we defined as “overall chaos in the system”), and workload. Participants described the impact of both intended and unintended consequences of the work hour rules on patient care. Residents reported improved well‐being and less fatigue, but had concern about the effect of reduced continuity on patient care.

CONCLUSION:

Our focus group participants perceived that the ACGME work hour limitations had minimized the impact of resident fatigue on patient care errors. Other contributors to errors remained and were often exacerbated by methods to maintain compliance with the rules. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2008;3:228–237.
Underutilized time for health education of hospitalized patients
Authors: Chu Eugene S. , Hakkarinen David , Evig Crystal , Page Stacey , Keniston Angela , Dickinson Miriam , Albert Richard K.
Published: June 2008

BACKGROUND:

Our anecdotal observations suggested that hospitalized patients had considerable time during the day when they were not occupied with diagnostic testing or other activities. Accordingly, we sought to quantify the fraction of free time that hospitalized patients had available to participate in health educational activities and if and when during their hospitalization they were interested in participating in these activities and felt capable of doing so.

METHODS:

From June 25 through August 15, 2005, randomly selected consenting patients admitted to the Internal Medicine service of an academic safety‐net hospital became subjects of a time‐motion study that was conducted from admission to discharge or to hospital Day 6. Another randomly selected group received daily surveys, and patients in a third group were interviewed on Day 2 or 3 of their hospitalization.

RESULTS:

Time‐motion data, surveys, and interviews were obtained from 13, 138, and 15 patients, respectively. Of the 316 patient‐hours observed, 71% were classified as downtime. More than 80% of patients either “strongly agreed” or “agreed” that they were interested in and capable of being educated on all days of their hospitalization. The themes generated from the interviews included the desire to know more about self‐management, prevention of disease recurrence or progression, and their primary illness.

CONCLUSIONS:

Adult medical inpatients have considerable time and strong motivation to participate in health educational activities throughout their hospitalization. The current structure for educating hospitalized patients should be supplemented to take these findings into account. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2008;3:238–246. © 2008 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Resource utilization of total knee arthroplasty patients cared for on specialty orthopedic surgery units
Authors: Batsis John A. , Naessens James M. , Keegan Mark T. , Huddleston Paul M. , Wagie Amy E. , Huddleston Jeanne M.
Published: June 2008

BACKGROUND:

The use of specialized orthopedic surgery (SOS) units in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients is well established. The number and costs of arthoplasty surgeries continue to increase, requiring institutions to reexamine their existing practices for financial sustainability.

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this study was to determine whether having elective TKA patients in SOS units affects resource utilization and outcomes.

DESIGN:

The study was designed to retrospectively compare elective TKA patients from 1996 to 2004 admitted directly to SOS units with those admitted to nonorthopedic nursing (NON) units.

SETTING:

The setting was an academic teaching hospital.

PATIENTS:

Five thousand five hundred and thirty‐four patients met inclusion criteria. Of these, 5082 (patients 91.8%) were admitted to SOS units and 452 (8.2%) to NON units.

MEASUREMENTS:

The primary outcomes measured were length of stay (LOS) and costs, adjusted for age, sex, surgical year, comorbidities, and American Society of Anesthesiologists status. Secondary outcomes were 30‐day mortality, readmissions, reoperations, and discharge disposition.

RESULTS:

Mean age of the patients in SOS and NON units was 68.3 and 67.9 years, respectively (P = .50). Adjusted LOS was 0.234 days shorter in SOS units (95% CI: 0.083, 0.385). Adjusted total and hospital cost savings in the SOS unit group were $600 (95% CI: $122, $1079) and $594 (95% CI: $141, $1047), respectively. More NON‐unit patients required unanticipated transfers to the intensive care unit (ICU) from the general postoperative nursing unit (3.1% vs. 1.63%; P = .023); however, the mean number of ICU days did not differ between groups. NON‐unit patients were more likely to be discharged with home health care (P < .001). There were no differences in 30‐day outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients on SOS units following elective TKA have a reduced LOS and decreased total and hospital costs. Our results should encourage hospitals to reevaluate postoperative patient flow to optimize resource utilization. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2008;3:218–227. © 2008 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Cullen's sign associated with metastatic esophageal carcinoma
Authors: Marinella Mark A. , Baumann Michael
Published: June 2008

Cullen's sign refers to the presence of periumbilical ecchymosis and is most often recognized as a manifestation of hemorrhagic pancreatitis. However, lesser‐appreciated etiologies include ruptured ectopic pregnancy, leaking aortic aneurysm, and intraabdominal malignancy. We report the case of a patient with metastatic adenocarcinoma of the esophagus who developed Cullen's sign shortly before death. Based on this case and previously reported cases, malignancy‐associated Cullen's sign portends a dismal prognosis, and may be considered a pre‐terminal finding. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2008;3:277–278. © 2008 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Prevalence and clinical outcome of inpatient hyperglycemia in a community pediatric hospital
Authors: Palacio Andres , Smiley Dawn , Ceron Miguel , Klein Robin , Cho Irene S. , Mejia Roberto , Umpierrez Guillermo E.
Published: June 2008

BACKGROUND:

Inpatient hyperglycemia in adult patients with and without a history of diabetes is a predictor of poor clinical outcome. No previous studies, however, have examined the association of hyperglycemia and clinical outcome in children admitted to a community pediatric hospital.

METHODS:

The study was a retrospective observational cohort of pediatric patients admitted to a community children's hospital from January 2004 to August 2004. Medical records of 903 consecutive children admitted to critical and non–critical care areas were reviewed. Of them, 342 patients (38%) had no blood glucose measurements during their hospital stay. In the remaining patients, we determined the prevalence of hyperglycemia and examined the association of hyperglycemia with clinical outcome.

RESULTS:

A total of 406 patients (75%) had an admission blood glucose ≤120 mg/dL (mean ± SEM 98 ± 1 mg/dL), 103 children (19%) had an admission blood glucose level of 121–179 mg/dL (mean 143 ± 2 mg/dL), and 32 patients (5.9%) had a blood glucose level ≥180 mg/dL (mean 260 ± 18 mg/dL). Seventeen patients (13%) had a known history of diabetes prior to admission. Children with hyperglycemia were more likely to be admitted to the ICU (P < .001) and had a longer length of ICU stay (P < .001), but admission hyperglycemia was not associated with longer hospital stay or higher hospital mortality.

CONCLUSIONS:

Hyperglycemia is present in one‐fourth of children admitted to the hospital, most of them without a history of diabetes prior to admission. Hyperglycemia was associated with a greater need for ICU care and longer ICU stay but not with increased in‐hospital mortality. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2008;3:212–217. © 2008 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Three‐dimensional reconstruction of the stomatostylet and anterior epidermis in the nematode Aphelenchus avenae (Nematoda: Aphelenchidae) with implications for the evolution of plant parasitism
Authors: Ragsdale Erik J. , Crum John , Ellisman, Mark H. , Baldwin James G.
Published: June 2008

A three‐dimensional model of the stomatostylet and associated structures has been reconstructed from serial thin sections of Aphelenchus avenae, a representative of Tylenchomorpha, a group including most plant parasitic nematodes. The reconstruction is compared with previous work on bacteriovorous cephalobids and rhabditids to better understand the evolution of the stylet and its associated cells. Two arcade syncytia (“guide ring”) line the stylet shaft, supporting the hypothesis that the stylet shaft and cone (into which the shaft extends and which is not lined by syncytia) are homologous with the gymnostom of cephalobids, the sister taxon of tylenchids. Epidermal syncytia, HypA, HypB, HypC, and HypE, line the cephalic framework, vestibule, and vestibule extension, congruent with the hypothesis that these components are homologous with the cephalobid cheilostom. Relative to outgroups, HypC is expanded in A. avenae, enclosing sensilla that fill most of the cephalic framework. The homolog of syncytium HypD in the cephalobid Acrobeles complexus is not observed in A. avenae. Arcade syncytia are reduced compared with those of cephalobids. Stylet protractor muscles in A. avenae are homologous with the most anterior set of radial muscles of cephalobids. Observations to date test and verify our previous hypotheses of homology of the stomatostylet with respect to the stoma of bacteriovorous outgroups. Reconstruction of the stegostom and pharynx will provide further tests of homology and evolution of feeding structure adaptations for plant parasitism. J. Morphol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular interactions of the neuronal GPI‐anchored lipocalin Lazarillo
Authors: Sanchez Diego , Ortega‐Cubero Sara , Åkerström Bo , Herrera Macarena , Bastiani Michael J. , Ganfornina Maria D.
Published: June 2008

Lazarillo, a glycoprotein involved in axon growth and guidance in the grasshopper embryo, is the only member of the lipocalin family that is attached to the cell surface by a GPI anchor. Recently, the study of Lazarillo homologous genes in Drosophila and mouse has revealed new functions in the regulation of lifespan, stress resistance and neurodegeneration. Here we report an analysis of biochemical properties of Lazarillo to gain insight into the molecular basis of its physiological function. Recombinant forms of the grasshopper protein were expressed in two different systems to test: (1) potential binding of several hydrophobic ligands; (2) protein–protein homophilic interactions; and (3) whether interaction with the function‐blocking mAb 10E6 interferes with ligand binding. We tested 10 candidate ligands (retinoic acid, heme, bilirubin, biliverdin, ecdysterone, juvenile hormone, farnesol, arachidonic acid, linoleic acid and palmitic acid), and monitored binding using electrophoretic mobility shift, absorbance spectrum, and fluorimetry assays. Our work indicates binding to heme and retinoic acid, resulting in increased electrophoretic mobility, as well as to fatty acids, resulting in multimerization. Retinoic acid and fatty acids binding were confirmed by fluorescence titration, and heme binding was confirmed with absorbance spectrum assays. We demonstrate that Lazarillo oligomerizes in solution and can form clusters in the plasma membrane when expressed and GPI‐anchored to the cell surface, however it is unable to mediate cell–cell adhesion. Finally, by ligand‐mAb competition experiments we show that ligand‐binding alone cannot be the key factor for Lazarillo to perform its function during axonal growth in the grasshopper embryo. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.