bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anxiety, depression and impaired health-related quality of life are therapeutic challenges in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Michalski Dominik , Liebig Stefanie , Thomae Eva , Singer Susanne , Hinz Andreas , Berg Florian Then
Published: June 2010

Anxiety, depression and impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are commonly reported in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and are of great interest for therapeutic approaches. Based on regional differences a quantitative assessment of these factors in comparison to the general population, and the consideration of demographic cofactors, would be useful when designing specific interventions. We adopted such an approach in a German cohort of MS patients. Anxiety, depression (HADS) and HRQoL (SF-36) were measured in 49 consecutive outpatients with MS and compared to age- and gender-adjusted control groups (n=1330 for HADS; n=5087 for SF-36) extracted from German National Health Surveys. Patients with MS showed significantly increased levels of anxiety and depression as well as decreased HRQoL with the exception of mental health; the effect sizes ranged from 0.39 (depression) to 1.06 (physical functioning). As could be expected, MS patients with relapsing-remitting clinical course had better physical functioning than patients with secondary progressive MS. There were strong relations between anxiety and depression (r=0.54; P<0.01), and between neurological impairment (EDSS) and physical functioning (r=-0.80; P<0.001) as well as depression (r=0.48; P<0.05). This investigation of MS patients confirms the prevalence and impact of anxiety, depression and most of the HRQoL dimensions in MS patients and provides evidence for the usefulness of a quantitative comparison to a region-specific general population as a starting point for therapeutic approaches.
Hypertensive brainstem encephalopathy involving deep supratentorial regions: does only blood pressure matter?
Authors: Park Jong-Ho , Kim Sung-Min , Shin Hyung-Woo , An Sang Joon
Published: June 2010

We report on a 42-year-old female patient who presented with high arterial blood pressure of 245/150 mmHg and hypertensive brainstem encephalopathy that involved the brainstem and extensive supratentorial deep gray and white matter. The lesions were nearly completely resolved several days after stabilization of the arterial blood pressure. Normal diffusion-weighted imaging findings and high apparent diffusion coefficient values suggested that the main pathomechanism was vasogenic edema owing to severe hypertension. On the basis of a literature review, the absolute value of blood pressure or whether the patient can control his/her blood pressure seems not to be associated with the degree of the lesions evident on magnetic resonance imaging. It remains to be determined if the acceleration rate and the duration of elevated arterial blood pressure might play a key role in the development of the hypertensive encephalopathy pattern.
Hepatitis B Virus DNA in Serum of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Negative Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Sabry Dina , Ahmed Rasha , Abosaif Nihal , Talkhan Hala , Abdallah Sayed
Published: June 2010

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a serious issue in the dialysis population. Transmission of HBV through dialysis machines or other sources as well as seroconversion from HBV negative patients to positive ones is still not well understood. Seventy patients were selected from our chronic hemodialysis (HD) center. They were divided into two groups: Group (I) included 35 patients with negative hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), while another 35 already known to have HBsAg positive were chosen as a control group (Group II). The aim of the study was to detect the presence of HBV DNA by analyzing the serum PCR of the negative (HBsAg) patients (Group I) then analyzing the viral sequencing of 5 of them in compari-son to 5 of the known HBsAg positive. All patients received blood transfusions, were positive for HCV but negative for HDV and HIV. In group I, HBV DNA by PCR was detected in serum of 17/35 (48.5%) patients. Only 3 of them were positive for HBcAb. In group II, HBV DNA by PCR was detected in serum of 35/35 (100%) patients. The alanine transaminase enzyme (ALT) level was significantly higher than negative patients. Sequencing of the virus showed some mutated segments in 5 of the positive DNA by PCR compared to already positive HBsAg positive patients in Group II.

In conclusion, a high proportion of HBsAg-negative hemodialysis patients were found to have positive HBV DNA by PCR. Sequencing of the virus revealed some mutated segments of the DNA. These findings are of major importance for the planning of future screening of patients on hemodialysis. We recom-mend measuring HBV DNA of all negative HBsAg patients on HD as this can change the management and prognosis of this particular group on chronic HD.
Vitamin D Metabolites; Protective versus Toxic Properties: Molecular and Cellular Perspectives
Authors: Ahmed Mohamed S. , Shoker Ahmed
Published: June 2010

Vitamin D plays an essential role in bone metabolism. The discovery that the vitamin D receptor (VDR), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is expressed in most tissues led researchers to investigate other biological actions of vitamin D. These effects were found to include anti-inflammatory effects and anti-atherogenesis, decreased renin activity and biosynthesis, induction of cell differentiation, inhibition of cell growth, and immunomodulation. In spite of the plethora of evidence on the protective effects of vitamin D, the reports on its intoxication still are considerably few. Therefore, in this review we aim to summarize the molecular and cellular bases of the protect-ive and toxic vitamin D actions that are mediated mostly by VDR. This review will also shed light on vitamin D metabolites other than the active metabolite calcitriol and particularly 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D), putting emphasis on its magnifying role in vitamin D intoxication. One of the important themes we discuss is defining serum levels of beneficial or toxic effects of other exogenous vitamin D administration and its impact on 25(OH)D serum levels in animals and human subjects.
Allogenic Aortic Graft as a Surgical Treatment of Aspergillus Aneurysm: A Case Report in a Kidney Transplant Recipient
Authors: Aasebo Willy , Midtvedt Karsten , Ravn Joan L.L. , Reisœter Anna V. , Draganov Branimir , Line Pål-Dag
Published: June 2010

Diagnosis and treatment of mycotic aneurysms in renal transplant recipients are extremely challenging. Choice of vascular prostheses, surgical techniques, diagnostic procedures, and medical treatment are still disputable. In this case report we present a recipient who developed an abdominal aortic aneurysm, infected with Aspergillus fumigatus, involving the major visceral arteries. In order to replace the aneurysmatic aorta and reconstruct the visceral arteries, the aneurysm was replaced surgically with a fresh AB0 compatible donor aortic graft together with donor iliac arteries. In addition to surgical treatment, this case highlights the diagnostic difficulties, modern anti-mycotic treatment, and underlying causes of this condition.
Are Perceptions about Worksite Neighborhoods and Policies Associated with Walking?
Authors: Schwartz Michael A. , Aytur Semra A. , Evenson Kelly R. , Rodríguez Daniel A.
Published: June 2010

Purpose.

To examine associations of the built environment surrounding worksites and of work policies with walking behaviors.

Design.

Cross-sectional convenience sample survey.

Setting.

Workplace.

Subjects.

Employed adults residing in Montgomery County, Maryland.

Measures.

Four different step measures taken at or near work as recorded using an accelerometer and a fifth measure indicated self-reported walking from work. Participants reported on eight built environment characteristics surrounding the worksite (e.g., the presence of sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals) and on four worksite policies (e.g., the presence of exercise facilities and exercise programs).

Analysis.

Cross-sectional associations of self-reported built environment characteristics surrounding worksites and worksite policies with walking behavior were examined.

Results.

Although participants reported worksites exhibiting built environment characteristics that were supportive of walking (seven of eight characteristics were reported by >50% of participants), no built environment characteristic was associated with walking more than the median number of average weekday steps (p > .05). All four worksite policies were associated with walking more than the median number of average weekday steps (p < .05). In addition, a perception of few cul-de-sacs and of the presence of litter, sidewalks, crosswalks, and pedestrian signals surrounding the worksites was associated with a higher proportion of participants taking at least one walking trip from work in the past month (p < .05).

Conclusions.

Locating worksites in walkable environments and implementing worksite policies may favorably influence employee walking. Future studies should consider a prospective design and examine a larger, more diverse employee population and worksite environment to examine these associations.
Providing Calorie Information on Fast-Food Restaurant Menu Boards: Consumer Views
Authors: Fitch Rebecca C. , Harnack Lisa J. , Neumark-Sztainer Dianne R. , Story Mary T. , French Simone A. , Oakes J. Michael , Rydell Sarah A.
Published: June 2010

Purpose.

To gather consumer input about approaches to providing energy composition information for foods on fast-food restaurant menus.

Design.

We asked a subset of individuals (n = 150) in an experimental study about the influence of nutrition labeling on fast-food meal choices to evaluate calorie information on mock fast-food menus in various formats.

Setting.

Three community sites in the Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, metropolitan area.

Subjects.

Adolescents and adults who ate fast food at least once per week were recruited.

Measures.

Via a series of open- and close-ended questions, participants gave feedback about several formats for providing energy composition information for foods on fast-food restaurant menus.

Analysis.

Means and frequencies were calculated, and χ2 tests were conducted.

Results.

When asked to compare a menu that provided calorie information for each menu item with a menu that provided the number of minutes of running that would be required to burn the calories contained in each menu item, 71.0% of participants preferred the calorie information over the physical activity information. Participants also compared two approaches to providing caloric reference information on the menu (average daily calorie needs per day vs. per meal), and 61.3% preferred the calorie needs—per-meal format.

Conclusion.

Our results may be useful in designing approaches to providing energy composition information for foods on fast-food restaurant menus.
Biogenic oxidized organic functional groups in aerosol particles from a mountain forest site and their similarities to laboratory chamber products
Authors: Schwartz R. E. , Russell L. M. , Sjostedt S. J. , Vlasenko A. , Slowik J. G. , Abbatt J. P. D. , Macdonald A. M. , Li S. M. , Liggio J. , Toom-Sauntry D. , Leaitch W. R.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. Submicron particles collected at Whistler, British Columbia, at 1020 m a.s.l. during May and June 2008 on Teflon filters were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) techniques for organic functional groups (OFG) and elemental composition. Organic mass (OM) concentrations ranged from less than 0.5 to 3.1 μg m−3, with a project mean and standard deviation of 1.3±1.0 μg m−3 and 0.21±0.16 μg m−3 for OM and sulfate, respectively. On average, organic hydroxyl, alkane, and carboxylic acid groups represented 34%, 33%, and 23% of OM, respectively. Ketone, amine and organosulfate groups constituted 6%, 5%, and <1% of the average organic aerosol composition, respectively. Measurements of volatile organic compounds (VOC), including isoprene and monoterpenes from biogenic VOC (BVOC) emissions and their oxidation products (methyl-vinylketone / methacrolein, MVK/MACR), were made using co-located proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS). We present chemically-specific evidence of OFG associated with BVOC emissions. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis attributed 65% of the campaign OM to biogenic sources, based on the correlations of one factor to monoterpenes and MVK/MACR. The remaining fraction was attributed to anthropogenic sources based on a correlation to sulfate. The functional group composition of the biogenic factor (consisting of 32% alkane, 25% carboxylic acid, 21% organic hydroxyl, 16% ketone, and 6% amine groups) was similar to that of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) reported from the oxidation of BVOCs in laboratory chamber studies, providing evidence that the magnitude and chemical composition of biogenic SOA simulated in the laboratory is similar to that found in actual atmospheric conditions. The biogenic factor OM is also correlated to dust elements, indicating that dust may act as a non-acidic SOA sink. This role is supported by the organic functional group composition and morphology of single particles, which were analyzed by scanning transmission X-ray microscopy near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (STXM-NEXAFS).
Origin and transport of Mediterranean moisture and air
Authors: Schicker I. , Radanovics S. , Seibert P.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. Considering the Mediterranean as a region of high evaporation and low precipitation, evaluations of sinks and sources of moisture and precipitation in the Mediterranean basin have been carried out within the frame of the CIRCE (Climate Change and Impact Research: the Mediterranean Environment) project. Besides these evaluations, residence time and stagnation/ventilation analyses have been carried out to investigate transport to and from the Mediterranean basin and in the basin itself. A Lagrangian moisture diagnosis method calculating budgets of evaporation minus precipitation was applied to a 5.5 year (October 1999–April 2005) trajectory data set and evaluated for eight representative Mediterranean Regions Of Interest (ROI). The Mediterranean basin has been identified as a major source of moisture and precipitation to the surrounding land area and to the basin itself. Main regions of stagnation, i.e. the Po basin, have been defined on a seasonal basis through residence time analysis. Evaluation of the transport to and from the basin shows that the Mediterranean is a crossroad of airstreams where air enters mainly from the northwest and continues in two separate streams, one going southwest over North Africa into the trade wind zone and the other one to the northeast through Central Asia.
Crustal uplifting rate associated with late-Holocene glacial-isostatic rebound at Skallen and Skarvsnes, Lützow-Holm Bay, East Antarctica: evidence of a synchrony in sedimentary and biological facies on geological setting
Authors: Takano Y. , Yokoyama Y. , Tyler J. J. , Kojima H. , Fukui M. , Sato T. , Ogawa N. O. , Suzuki N. , Kitazato H. , Ohkouchi N.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. We determined the mean crustal uplifting rate during the late Holocene along the Soya Coast, Lützow-Holm Bay, East Antarctica, by dating a marine-lacustrine transition recorded in lake sediments. We focused on temporal variations in the chemical composition of sediments recovered from Lake Skallen Oike at Skallen and Lake Oyako at Skarvsnes. Both sets of lake sediments record environmental changes associated with a transition from marine to lacustrine (fresh water) settings, as indicated by analyses of sedimentary facies for carbon and nitrogen contents, nitrogen isotopic compositions (15N/14N), and major element concentrations. Changes in the dominant primary producers during the marine-lacustrine transition were also clearly revealed by biogenic Opal-A, diatom assemblages, and gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) with 16S rRNA gene analysis. Geochronology based on radiocarbon dating of acid-insoluble organic carbon suggested that the environmental transition from saline to fresh water occurred at 2940±100 cal yr BP at L. Skallen and 1060±90 cal yr BP at L. Oyako. Based on these data and a linear approximation model, we estimated a mean crustal uplifting rate of 3.6 mm yr−1 for the period since the marine-lacustrine transition via brackish condition; this uplift is attributed to glacial-isostatic rebound along the Soya Coast. The geological setting was the primary factor in controlling the emergence event and the occurrence of simultaneous changes in sedimentary and biological facies along the zone of crustal uplift.
The problem of the second wind turbine – a note on a common but flawed wind power estimation method
Authors: Gans F. , Miller L. M. , Kleidon A.
Published: June 2010

Abstract. Several recent wind power estimates suggest how this renewable resource can meet all of the current and future global energy demand with little impact on the atmosphere. These estimates are calculated using observed wind speeds in combination with specifications of wind turbine size and density to quantify the extractable wind power. Here we show that this common methodology is flawed because it does not account for energy removal by the turbines that is necessary to ensure the conservation of energy. We will first illustrate the common but flawed methodology using parameters from a recent global quantification of wind power in a simple experimental setup. For a small number of turbines at small scales, the conservation of energy hardly results in a difference when compared to the common method. However, when applied at large to global scales, the ability of radiative gradients to generate a finite amount of kinetic energy needs to be taken into account. Using the same experimental setup, we use the simplest method to ensure the conservation of energy to show a non-negligble decrease in wind velocity after the first turbine that will successively result in lower extraction of the downwind turbines. We then show how the conservation of energy inevitably results in substantially lower estimates of wind power at the global scale. Because conservation of energy is fundamental, we conclude that ultimately environmental constraints set the upper limit for wind power availability at the larger scale rather than detailed engineering specifications of the wind turbine design and placement.
Equal Channel Angular Pressing of a Mg–3Al–1Zn Alloy with Back Pressure
Authors: Kang Feng , Liu Jin Qiang , Wang Jing Tao , Zhao Xiang
Published: June 2010

An extruded Mg–3Al–1Zn alloy bar is subjected to 1–4 passes equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) with or without 125 MPa backpressure via route Bc at 200 °C. Both strength and ductility are significantly increased after ECAP with backpressure; this is in strong contrast to the case of ECAP without backpressure, where significant improvement in ductility is accompanied by obvious decrease in yield strength from texture softening. Compared to ECAP without backpressure, much enhanced grain refinement, and the split of the dominant texture component of (0002) pole were observed with scatter intensity peaks in the case after ECAP with backpressure. This turns out to be resulted mainly from the activation of new slip system together with enhanced dynamic recrystallization under the effect of backpressure. The improvement of both strength and ductility in Mg–3Al–1Zn alloy through ECAP with back pressure provides a better approach to meet the engineering requests on comprehensive performance of this light alloy.
Texture Evolution in Si‐Alloyed Ultra Low‐Carbon Steels after Severe Plastic Deformation
Authors: Gobernado P. , Petrov R. , Ruiz D. , Leunis E. , Kestens Leo A. I.
Published: June 2010

Conventional thermomechanical processing of low‐carbon steels leads to a characteristic texture dominated by a strong <111>//ND fiber after recrystallization. The latter texture is beneficial for certain applications, such as deep drawing, while it is detrimental for others, including magnetic applications. With regard to magnetic applications, there is an ongoing effort to improve the final texture in ferromagnetic materials such as Fe–Si alloys used in transformers and electrical devices. Since the <100> directions are the axes of easy magnetization, it is essential to produce a texture that maximizes the volume fraction of grains with a <100> crystal direction in the flux direction. Bearing in mind that no phase transformation occurs during the processing of Fe–3%Si, plastic deformation and recrystallization are the prime controlling instruments to generate an appropriate microstructure and texture. In this study, the potential of severe plastic rolling deformation is considered. It is shown that, by strongly increasing the cold‐rolling reduction, the volume fraction of the unfavourable {111} component is significantly decreased and the specific {113}<136> component arises after annealing.
Anisotropic Growth of Iron Oxyhydroxide Nanorods and their Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Li Song , Qin Gaowu W. , Zhang Yudong , Pei Wenli , Zuo Liang , Esling Claude
Published: June 2010

Iron (oxyhydr)oxides are promising candidates for highly efficient photocatalysts towards water splitting and degradation of organic pollutants under solar irradiation. In this paper, α‐FeOOH nanorods with diameters in the range 50–100 nm are successfully prepared through the hydrothermal method from different iron cations, and no organic surfactants or molecular stabilizers are adopted in the growth procedure. The origin of the 1D structure of α‐FeOOH is attributed to the anisotropic growth characteristics of the crystals, as predicted by the BFDH model. The photocatalytic properties of the nanorods obtained are evaluated by decomposing methyl orange in water under UV‐visible illumination.
Organic Transistors in Optical Displays and Microelectronic Applications
Authors: Gelinck Gerwin , Heremans Paul , Nomoto Kazumasa , Anthopoulos Thomas D.
Published: June 2010

Organic thin‐film transistors (OTFTs) offer unprecedented opportunities for implementation in a broad range of technological applications spanning from large‐volume microelectronics and optical displays to chemical and biological sensors. In this Progress Report, we review the application of organic transistors in the fields of flexible optical displays and microelectronics. The advantages associated with the use of OTFT technology are discussed with primary emphasis on the latest developments in the area of active‐matrix electrophoretic and organic light‐emitting diode displays based on OTFT backplanes and on the application of organic transistors in microelectronics including digital and analog circuits.
Dual Amine‐ and Brønsted Acid‐Catalyzed α‐Allylic Alkylation of Aldehydes
Authors: Xu Li‐Wen , Gao Guang , Gu Feng‐Lei , Sheng Hao , Li Li , Lai Guo‐Qiao , Jiang Jian‐Xiong
Published: June 2010

A very simple method was developed for the direct, palladium‐free catalytic α‐allylic alkylation of aldehydes. The direct organocatalytic intermolecular α‐allylic alkylation reaction was mediated by a simple combination of Brønsted acid and enamine catalysis which furnished α‐allylic alkylated aldehydes and cyclohexanone in high yields and chemoselectivities. The reaction conditions are mild and environmental friendly, the process is conducted under an atmosphere of air without the need for dried solvents, and water is the only side product of the allylic alkylation reaction.
Chirally Modified Platinum Nanoparticles Stabilized by Dendritic Core‐Multishell Architectures for the Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Ethyl Pyruvate
Authors: Keilitz Juliane , Nowag Sabrina , Marty Jean‐Daniel , Haag Rainer
Published: June 2010

In this paper we present the asymmetric hydrogenation of α‐keto esters with platinum nanoparticles homogeneously stabilized in dendritic core‐multishell architectures. The main focus lies on recycling and metal leaching, because little is reported so far about these aspects. It is shown that the stabilizing polymer allows for the efficient modification of the Pt surface with the chiral alkaloid cinchonidine, thereby inducing enantioselectivity and enhancing the reaction rate in the asymmetric hydrogenation of ethyl pyruvate. After optimization of the reaction conditions 63% ee for (R)‐ethyl lactate was obtained. During recycling it was found that this value could even be increased upon ultrafiltration of the catalyst prior to use. Recycling was accomplished for 10 cycles with stable activity and enantioselectivity (∼73% ee) in the first eight runs. Aggregation of the initially well dispersed nanoparticles was observed by transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis, leading to reduced conversion after the 8th cycle, but metal leaching into the product has been observed only in the very first run.
Genetic make up and structure of Colombian populations by means of uniparental and biparental DNA markers
Authors: Rojas Winston , Parra María Victoria , Campo Omer , Caro María Antonieta , Lopera Juan Guillermo , Arias William , Duque Constanza , Naranjo Andrés , García Jharley , Vergara Candelaria , Lopera Jaime , Hernandez Erick , Valencia Ana , Caicedo Yuri , Cuartas Mauricio , Gutiérrez Javier , López Sergio , Ruiz‐Linares Andrés , Bedoya Gabriel
Published: June 2010

Colombia is a country with great geographic heterogeneity and marked regional differences in pre‐Columbian native population density and in the extent of past African and European immigration. As a result, Colombia has one of the most diverse populations in Latin America. Here we evaluated ancestry in over 1,700 individuals from 24 Colombian populations using biparental (autosomal and X‐Chromosome), maternal (mtDNA), and paternal (Y‐chromosome) markers. Autosomal ancestry varies markedly both within and between regions, confirming the great genetic diversity of the Colombian population. The X‐chromosome, mtDNA, and Y‐chromosome data indicate that there is a pattern across regions indicative of admixture involving predominantly Native American women and European and African men. Am J Phys Anthropol 143:13–20, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CTLA‐4Ig blocks the development and progression of citrullinated fibrinogen–induced arthritis in DR4‐transgenic mice
Authors: Yue David , Brintnell William , Mannik Lisa A. , Christie Darah A. , Haeryfar S. M. Mansour , Madrenas Joaquín , Chakrabarti Subrata , Bell David A. , Cairns Ewa
Published: June 2010

Objective

To assess the role of T cells in the mouse model of citrullinated human fibrinogen–induced rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using CTLA‐4Ig, an agent that blocks T cell costimulation, which is required for T cell activation.

Methods

Humanized HLA–DRβ1*0401–transgenic (DR4‐Tg) mice were immunized with Cit–human fibrinogen to induce arthritis. Prior to, and at the onset or peak of, arthritis, the DR4‐Tg mice were treated with CTLA‐4Ig or control human IgG1 or were left untreated. Arthritis development and progression were monitored by measuring ankle swelling with calipers and by assessing histopathologic changes. The immune responses to the citrullinated antigens and the corresponding unmodified antigens, as well as the arthritogenicity of lymphocytes from these mice, were examined. The latter was performed using lymphocyte transfers from CTLA‐4Ig–treated or control mice via intraperitoneal injection into naive DR4‐Tg mice. Recipient mice also received an intraarticular injection of Cit–human fibrinogen, unmodified human fibrinogen, or vehicle.

Results

CTLA‐4Ig–treated, but not human IgG1‐treated, arthritic mice had significantly reduced ankle swelling and pathologic joint damage. Treatment with CTLA‐4Ig, but not human IgG1, suppressed Cit–human fibrinogen–induced T cell activation, including citrulline‐specific T cell activation, when given prior to disease onset. Transfer of splenic lymphocytes from untreated or human IgG1–treated arthritic mice caused arthritis in recipients, and this occurred when Cit–human fibrinogen, but not unmodified fibrinogen, was deposited into the joint. Splenocytes from CTLA‐4Ig–treated mice were unable to transfer arthritis.

Conclusion

Activated citrulline‐specific T cells play a direct role in the development and progression of arthritis in this model of Cit–human fibrinogen–induced RA.
Role of osteopontin in synovial Th17 differentiation in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Chen Guangjie , Zhang Xin , Li Runsheng , Fang Lei , Niu Xiaoyin , Zheng Yingxia , He Dongyi , Xu Rong , Zhang Jingwu Z.
Published: June 2010

Objective

Osteopontin (OPN) that is aberrantly produced in rheumatoid synovium is thought to play an important role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study was undertaken to investigate the role of OPN in the differentiation and accumulation of Th17 cells in rheumatoid synovium.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells and purified CD4+ T cells derived from patients with RA or healthy controls were used to test the effect of OPN in vitro. Cytokine expression was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Intracellular staining and flow cytometry were used to detect the percentages of Th17 cells and OPN receptors. Signaling and molecular events were analyzed by immunoblotting and chromatin immunoprecipitation.

Results

The levels of OPN correlated significantly with interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) production and the frequency of Th17 cells in the synovial fluid (SF) of RA patients. Endogenous OPN produced in RA SF was responsible for markedly increased production of IL‐17 in T cells, which was blocked by OPN antibody. The effect of OPN in Th17 differentiation was mediated through a mechanism independent of the IL‐6/STAT‐3 pathway or other cytokines and specifically involved the OPN receptors CD44 and CD29 and the transcription factor retinoic acid–related orphan receptor (ROR). Furthermore, OPN was found to induce H3 acetylation of the IL17A gene promoter, mainly through the CD44 binding domain in CD4+ T cells, allowing the interaction of the IL17A gene locus with ROR.

Conclusion

This study reveals new evidence of the critical role of OPN in Th17 differentiation in rheumatoid synovitis.
Syntheses and Crystal Structures of a Series of Coordination Polymers Constructed From C2‐Symmetric Ligand 1,3‐Adamantanedicarboxylic Acid
Authors: Jin Jun‐Cheng , Zhang Ya‐Nan , Wang Yao‐Yu , Liu Jian‐Qiang , Dong Zhe , Shi Qi‐Zhen
Published: June 2010

This article systematically investigates the influence of the properties of inhomogeneous N‐auxiliary ligands and pH value on the helical structures of complexes based on C2‐symmetric ligand 1,3‐adamantanedicarboxylic acid (H2ADC). Five kinds of neutral ligands (phen=1,10‐phenanthroline, bipy=4,4′‐bipyridine, bpa=1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethane, bpe=1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethane, and bpp=1,3‐bis(4‐pyridyl)propane) were selected, and a series of new ZnII/CoII dicarboxylates have been synthesized by slow diffusion, namely, [Zn(phen)(ADC)(H2O)]2⋅CH3OH (1), {[Zn(ADC)(bpe)]⋅H2O}n (2), {[Zn(ADC)(bipy)]⋅2 H2O}n (3), {[Zn(ADC)(bpa)]2⋅5 H2O}n (4), {[Zn(ADC)(bpp)]2⋅CH3OH}n (5), {[Zn(ADC)(bpp)]}n (6), {[Co(ADC)(bpp)(CH3OH)(H2O)]⋅CH3OH⋅2 H2O}n (7), and {[Co(ADC)(bpp)]}n (8). Single‐crystal X‐ray structural analysis shows that complex 1 forms a 0D dinuclear with closed‐loop unit. The complex 2 is a 2D layer framework. Compounds 3 and 4 are isomorphous with a small discrepancy and present one‐dimensional chainlike structures. It is interesting that the 2D organic–inorganic hybrid frameworks containing meso‐helical chains have been observed. Compound 5 is a 2D interpenetrated network with (4,4) topology, in which homochiral left‐handed helical chains are arranged in an ABAB sequence parallel to the plane defined by (a,c), and right‐handed helical chains running along the a axis are also observed in the solid state, resulting in a meso‐helical structure. Compounds 6, 7, and 8 crystallize in a chiral space group P212121. Highly dimensional 6 and 8 are essentially isostructural and present a threefold interpenetrated 3D diamondoid network containing three helical chains, whereas 7 exhibits a 2D grid layer with a left‐handed helical chain. Furthermore, thermal stability, X‐ray powder diffraction, and the luminescent properties of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 are also discussed.
A Selective Chromogenic Probe for Mercury(II) and Cyanide in Aqueous Buffered Solution from a Cycloaddition Reaction of an Ynamine to Polycyclic Dithiolethiones
Authors: Fuertes Pedro , Moreno Daniel , Cuevas José V. , García‐Valverde María , Torroba Tomás
Published: June 2010

The synthesis of some new polysulfur‐nitrogen heterocycles by cycloaddition of an ynamine to bisdithiolothiazine ketothiones or dithiones is described and the interconversion between regioisomers is studied by DFT calculations, showing that the double bond isomerizes at room temperature. This series is a new selective and sensitive chromogenic probe for the naked‐eye detection of mercury(II) cation and cyanide anion in buffered (HEPES 0.05 M, pH 7.14) water/acetonitrile 1:1 mixture, with sub‐micromolar sensitivity, and constitutes the first example of a new class of colorimetric chemical probes for Hg2+ and CN−.
Der Anteil des Tragvermögens der Dachlattung an der globalen Lastabtragung von Dachtragwerken
Authors: Meisel Andreas , Moosbrugger Thomas , Schickhofer Gerhard
Published: June 2010

In diesem Beitrag wird der Einfluss der Dachlattung auf das räumliche Tragverhalten einzelner Bereiche zimmermannsmäßig errichteter Dachtragwerke dargestellt. Hierzu werden zuerst prinzipielle Überlegungen zum Tragvermögen der Dachlattung angestellt, anschließend einzelne Prüfungen durchgeführt und zwei Beispielrechnungen dokumentiert.

The proportion of the load‐bearing capacity of the roofing lath on the global load transfer of roof structures. In this contribution, the influence of the roofing lath on the spatial load‐bearing behaviour of single areas of carpentry roof structures is pointed out. Therefore, some theoretical background on the load‐bearing capacity of roof battens is presented. This is followed by the report of some structural tests and the documentation of two model calculations.
Critical review on energy balance of agricultural systems
Authors: Zegada‐Lizarazu Walter , Matteucci Dario , Monti Andrea
Published: June 2010

The increased cost of fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions has attracted the interest of many researchers to study energy use in agricultural systems. Even though energy balance is the customary method used to evaluate and compare the performance of agricultural systems in terms of energy, a variety of methodological approaches and coefficients are the source of confusion and misleading conclusions. In this review, the problems and inconstancies attributed to the use of inappropriate and obsolete data, unclear boundary systems, and difficulties in obtaining representative data are discussed. The methodological procedure to compute energy balance in agricultural systems is presented briefly. Then the inconsistencies and causes of variability in the principal operating factors of energy balance studies are discussed. Examples are given from the literature where controversial, incomplete, and inappropriate data are used. Also the difficulties in obtaining reliable data and defining the boundary systems are highlighted. The identified problems with the methodology and the data included in the computations of energy coefficients should serve as a starting point toward a better understanding of energy flows in agricultural systems and toward an agreed methodology for complete and sound energy balance studies. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Asymptotic behavior of the scaled mutation rate estimators
Authors: Pinheiro Hildete P. , Kiihl Samara F. , Pinheiro Aluísio , dos Reis Sérgio F.
Published: June 2010

Important aspects of population evolution have been investigated using nucleotide sequences. Under the neutral Wright–Fisher model, the scaled mutation rate represents twice the average number of new mutations per generations and it is one of the key parameters in population genetics. In this study, we present various methods of estimation of this parameter, analytical studies of their asymptotic behavior as well as comparisons of the distribution's behavior of these estimators through simulations. As knowledge of the genealogy is needed to estimate the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE), an application with real data is also presented, using jackknife to correct the bias of the MLE, which can be generated by the estimation of the tree. We proved analytically that the Waterson's estimator and the MLE are asymptotically equivalent with the same rate of convergence to normality. Furthermore, we showed that the MLE has a better rate of convergence than Waterson's estimator for values of the parameter greater than one and this relationship is reversed when the parameter is less than one.
Two‐sample nonparametric likelihood inference based on incomplete data with an application to a pneumonia study
Authors: Vexler Albert , Yu Jihnhee , Tian Lili , Liu Shuling
Published: June 2010

The clinical pulmonary infection score (CPIS) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) are important diagnostic variables of pneumonia for forcefully ventilated patients who are susceptible to nosocomial infection. Because of its invasive nature, BAL is performed for patients only if the CPIS is greater than a certain threshold value. Thus, CPIS and BAL are closely related, yet BAL values are substantially missing. In a randomized clinical trial, the control and oral treatment groups were compared based on the outcomes from these procedures. Because of the relevance of both outcomes with respect to evaluating the efficacy of treatments, we propose and examine a nonparametric test based on these outcomes, which employs the empirical likelihood methodology. While efficient parametric methods are available when data are observed incompletely, performing appropriate goodness‐of‐fit tests to justify the parametric assumptions is difficult. Our motivation is to provide an approach based on no particular distributional assumption, which enables us to use all observed bivariate data, whether completed or not in an approximate likelihood manner. A broad Monte Carlo study evaluates the asymptotic properties and efficiency of the proposed method based on various sample sizes and underlying distributions. The proposed technique is applied to a data set from a pneumonia study demonstrating its practical worth.
Termination of the vertebral veins: Evaluation by multidetector row computed tomography
Authors: Miyake H. , Kiyosue H. , Tanoue S. , Goto Y. , Mori H. , Fujikura Y.
Published: June 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the topographic anatomy of the vertebral vein (VV) in the lower neck and thoracic inlet using CT scans. Enhanced CT scans using 32‐MDCT were obtained for 199 consecutive patients. Reconstructed images with 1‐mm section thickness/intervals were evaluated by two radiologists examining the drainage point, number, and route of VVs using frame forwarding and the rewind function on the DICOM viewer. The VV was classified into four types as follows: Type A (80.6%), a VV that descended ventral to the subclavian artery (SA) and drained into the upper portion of the brachiocephalic vein (BCV); Type B (5.8%), a VV that descended dorsal to the SA and drained into the upper portion or the lower portion of the BCV; Type C (8.3%), a doubled VVs that crossed both sides of the SA and drained into the upper portion of the BCV and formed a common trunk; Type D (5.3%), a VV ventral to the SA that drained into the upper portion of the BCV and another VV dorsal to the SA drained into the upper portion or the lower portion of the BCV. Some variations were observed in regard to the drainage point, number, and route of the VVs. Classification of the VV may be useful for interpreting chest CT scans and in better understanding the embryologic development of the vertebral vein. Clin. Anat. 23:662–672, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An anatomical study of the relationship between the sympathetic trunk and intercostal veins of the third and fourth intercostal spaces during thoracoscopy
Authors: Haam Seokjin , Kim Dohyung , Hwang Jungju , Paik Hyochae , Lee Dooyun
Published: June 2010

The complexity of the anatomy of the sympathetic trunk and intercostal veins in the third and fourth intercostal space may lead to intraoperative or postoperative bleeding. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anatomical variations of the sympathetic trunk and intercostal veins in the third and fourth intercostal spaces. The size and crossing type of veins in the third and fourth intercostal spaces in 44 Korean patients with palmar hyperhidrosis were analyzed. We classified intercostal veins by their size (small, medium, and large) and crossing type (anterior or posterior to sympathetic nerve). Large intercostal veins susceptible to bleeding were found in 36.4 and 68.2% of patients in the right third and fourth intercostal spaces, respectively and in 2.3 and 4.5% of left third and fourth intercostal spaces, respectively. More than 80% of the left third and fourth intercostal veins were small. Anterior crossing intercostal veins, which often cause problems at the third and fourth right intercostal spaces, were found in 27.3% (third) and 15.9% (fourth). However, there were only two cases of anterior crossing veins on the left side. Large anterior crossing veins were found only on the right side. In conclusion, surgical procedures of the right sympathetic ganglia may have increased risks due to a higher frequency of large anterior crossing intercostal veins. Careful dissection is necessary to decrease the incidence of intraoperative or postoperative bleeding. Clin. Anat. 23:702–706, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Protecting the prominent? A research journey with Paul Mullen
Authors: James David V.
Published: June 2010

Recent research from the United Kingdom has called into question entrenched assumptions from the USA about public figure threat assessment, in particular the low importance given to mental illness and to the making of threats. This article reviews some of the evidence, concluding that the high prevalence of psychotic illness in threateners and harassers of public figures and the frequency of warning behaviours determines that these factors should be accorded a central role in the assessment and management of such cases. It is noted that data in US studies do not differ greatly from those in UK studies, but rather their interpretation. The practical benefits of attending to the factors in question are illustrated by reference to the activities of the United Kingdom's Fixated Threat Assessment Centre. The overlap is noted between the fields of public figure threat assessment and stalking, which have hitherto developed separately. The issue of public figure threat assessment is used to illustrate some of the attitudes and personal qualities which have typified the career and achievements of Paul Mullen in forensic psychiatry research. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What imaging tells us about violence in anti‐social men
Authors: Dolan Mairead C.
Published: June 2010

This paper provides an overview of imaging studies in samples of men with personality disorder (PD) who have been violent. Mention is also made of the work of two groups that have looked at the neural correlates of violence across diagnostic categories, including schizophrenia and anti‐social PD given their relevance in the field. The paper focuses on the notion that aggressive behaviour can be conceptualised in terms of at least two types, reactive and pro‐active, and that few studies separate them. The neuro‐anatomical basis of aggression and associated neurobehavioural theories are discussed in relation to clinical disorders (mainly anti‐social personality pathology) associated with these different types of aggressive behaviour. Structural (computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging) and functional (positron emission tomography, fMRI, single‐photon emission tomography) studies with violent people variously characterised as anti‐social or having psychopathy will be critically reviewed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving mental state in early imprisonment
Authors: Taylor Pamela J. , Walker Julian , Dunn Emma , Kissell Anna , Williams Amy , Amos Tim
Published: June 2010

Background Pre‐trial prisoners have high rates of mental disorder, but to date, little is known about mental state change or stability among them.

Aim The aim of this study was to describe mental state change over the first 4 weeks of imprisonment.

Methods Two hundred and fifty‐seven new pre‐trial male prisoners consented to participate in a prospective interview study. Recruited men tended to be younger than non‐recruited men, but otherwise similar. Mental state was assessed 1 and 4 weeks after reception, using the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale and two self‐rating instruments [the 90‐item symptom checklist (SCL‐90); the Beck Depression Inventory].

Results After 4 weeks, 170 of the men were still in prison. In their demographics, previous offending, imprisonment, mental health histories or mental health ratings at initial interview, they did not differ from the 87 who were bailed, transferred, sentenced or had their case discontinued. The most sensitive of the rating schedules – the SCL‐90 – identified only one new case among the 170 men, but the more illness‐specific ratings suggested up to a 10% emergence of new cases by then. By contrast, while two‐thirds of the men remained cases according to the SCL‐90, about half of the men who had initial interview illness ratings were no longer ‘cases’.

Discussion and implications for practice Measured in terms of ‘caseness’, distress is likely to be apparent on reception into prison and relatively resistant to change compared with symptoms of mental disorder per se. One‐off screening at reception could be misleading. A limitation of our study is that we could measure mental state only twice. A third measure would have clarified whether, in such circumstances, the trend towards improvement is sustained, but brevity of residence in any one prison at this stage tends to preclude this. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High Efficiency in Catalytic Hydrosilylation of Ketones with Zinc‐Based Precatalysts Featuring Hard and Soft Tridentate O,S,O‐Ligands
Authors: Marinos Nicolas A. , Enthaler Stephan , Driess Matthias
Published: June 2010

The diprotic, tridentate O,S,O‐ligands LH2 {[RC(=O)CH2]2S; R=tBu (3 a) or Ph (3 b)}, comprising hard (O) and soft (S) donor atoms, have been employed for the first time in zinc‐mediated hydrosilylation of various ketones, giving, after protolytic workup, the corresponding alcohols. The respective precatalysts used are novel thiobis(enolato) zinc complexes, [LZn(tmeda)] [L=3 a−2H+ (4 a) or 3 b−2H+ (4 b); tmeda= N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine], [LZn(bipy)] [L=3 a−2H+ (5 a); bipy=2,2′‐bipyridine], [LZn(phen)] [L=3 a−2H+ (6 a); phen=1,10‐phenanthroline], and [LZn(dabco)] [L=[3 a−2H+] (7 a); dabco=1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane]. These complexes are accessible by simple Brønsted acid–base reaction of 3 a or 3 b with dimethylzinc in a 1:1 molar ratio in the presence of tmeda, bipy, phen, or dabco as auxiliary ligands. The first four complexes are isolated as yellow or colorless crystals in 76 % (4 a), 53 % (4 b), 58 % (5 a), and 61 % (6 a) yields, whereas 7 a (74 % yield) is isolated as colorless powder. The zinc center in 4 a, 4 b, 5 a, and 6 a has trigonal bipyramidal coordination, as proven by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Remarkably, 4 a shows the highest catalytic activity hitherto reported for zinc‐catalyzed hydrosilylation over a wide range of substrates with a turnover frequency of 970 h−1. Furthermore, a catalytic mechanism is proposed.