bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vivo osteogenic response to different ratios of BMP‐2 and VEGF released from a biodegradable porous system
Authors: Hernández Antonio , Reyes Ricardo , Sánchez Esther , Rodríguez‐Évora María , Delgado Araceli , Évora Carmen
Published: April 2012

Bone regeneration and vascularization with porous PLGA scaffolds loaded with VEGF (0.35 and 1.75 μg) and BMP‐2 (3.5 and 17.5 μg), incorporated in PLGA microspheres, or the combination of either dose of BMP‐2 with the low dose of VEGF were investigated in an intramedullary femur defect in rabbits. The system was designed to control growth factor (GF) release and maintain the GFs localized within the defect. An incomplete release was observed in vitro whereas in vivo VEGF and BMP‐2 were totally delivered during 3 and 4 weeks, respectively. A weak synergistic effect of the dual delivery of VEGF and BMP‐2 (high dose) was found by 4 weeks. However, the absence of an apparent synergistic long‐term effect (12 weeks) of the combination over BMP‐2 alone suggests that more work has to be done to optimize VEGF dose, sequential presentation, and the ratio of the two GFs to obtain a beneficial bone repair response. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 100A: 2382–2391, 2012.
In vitro performance of 13‐93 bioactive glass fiber and trabecular scaffolds with MLO‐A5 osteogenic cells
Authors: Modglin Vernon C. , Brown Roger F. , Fu Qiang , Rahaman Mohamed N. , Jung Steven B. , Day Delbert E.
Published: April 2012

This in vitro study was performed to evaluate the ability of two types of porous bioactive glass scaffolds to support the growth and differentiation of an established osteogenic cell line. The two scaffold types tested included 13‐93 glass fiber and trabecular‐like scaffolds seeded with murine MLO‐A5 cells and cultured for intervals of 2 to 12 days. Culture in MTT‐containing medium showed metabolically active cells both on the surface and within the interior of the scaffolds. Scanning electron microscopy revealed well‐attached cells on both types of scaffolds with a continual increase in cell density over a 6‐day period. Protein measurements also showed a linear increase in cell density during the incubation. Activity of alkaline phosphatase, a key indicator of osteoblast differentiation, increased about 10‐fold during the 6‐day incubation with both scaffold types. The addition of mineralization media to MLO‐A5 seeded scaffolds triggered extensive formation of alizarin red‐positive mineralized extracellular material, additional evidence of cell differentiation and completion of the final step of bone formation on the constructs. Collectively, the results indicate that the 13‐93 glass fiber and trabecular scaffolds promote the attachment, growth, and differentiation of MLO‐A5 osteogenic cells and could potentially be used for bone tissue engineering applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A 100A: 2593–2601, 2012.
A needs assessment and instrument comparison for a therapeutic apheresis medicine service
Authors: Morrison‐McKell Travis J. , Wehrli Gay
Published: April 2012

This article outlines a needs assessment process for developing or updating a therapeutic apheresis medicine (TAM) service. The TAM service brings together administrative, medical, laboratory, and pharmacy services. As these services jointly respond to needs assessment questions, the TAM service evolves. Discussions identifying patient populations impact the types of procedures to be offered and subsequent instrument choices. This article will also review and compare current TAM devices using centrifugation‐based or column‐based methods for treatments. The TAM service is unique in regard to both the multiservice involvement and spectrum of patients served. J. Clin. Apheresis 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Coordinate lentiviral expression of Cre recombinase and RFP/EGFP mediated by FMDV 2A and analysis of Cre activity
Authors: Liu Kuancan , Wang Heng , Long Ying , Ye Jun , Yuan Li
Published: April 2012

The site‐specific recombination mediated by Cre recombinase has been utilized extensively in genetic engineering and gene function studies. Efficient delivery of a Cre enzyme with enzymatic activity and the ability to monitor the enzyme expression are required in applications, and lentiviral constructs with a fluorescent protein (FP) to report the Cre expression are suitable for most studies. However, the current lentiviral vector systems have some deficiencies in precise reporting the Cre expression through fluorescence. To solve the problem, we generated a lentiviral system with Cre and RFP or EGFP bridged by an FMDV 2A sequence in an open reading frame expressed by a CMV promoter. We then examined the capabilities of the constructs to package with VSVG into infectious virus and to mediate expression of the Cre enzyme and fluorescent reporter. Furthermore, we monitored the bioactivities of the expressed products. We demonstrated the coordinate expression of the enzyme and the reporter. The expressed Cre was efficient at removing LoxP‐flanked fragments in cells and did not show obvious cellular toxicity, and the expressed FPs allowed direct observation under fluorescent microscope. Therefore, the conjugation of CMV‐Cre‐2A‐FP represents a significant improvement to the current lentiviral Cre delivery systems for obtaining a required Cre activity while accurately monitoring its presence. Our study also provides information concerning application of the established vector system. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 2909–2919, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pax6 expression during retinogenesis in sharks: comparison with markers of cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation
Authors: Ferreiro‐Galve Susana , Rodríguez‐Moldes Isabel , Candal Eva
Published: April 2012

Pax6 is a highly conserved transcription factor that appears involved in the entire process of retinogenesis, including maintenance of proliferation of retinal progenitors and differentiation of particular neuron fates. To gain insight into the retinogenesis in fish, we study the dynamics of Pax6 expression in the developing and mature retina of two sharks that inhabit in particular environments, and compare it with the dynamics of a marker of cell proliferation (proliferating cell nuclear antigen, PCNA) and markers of neuronal differentiation, such as glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), calretinin (CR), tyrosine‐hydroxylase, and serotonin (5‐HT). Our results reveal that Pax6 is expressed in PCNA‐immunoreactive cells within the nonlayered retina, suggesting a role for Pax6 in proliferating progenitors. Pax6 expression decays as development proceeds and eventually remains in some postmitotic cells, which points to additional roles of Pax6 following neurogenesis. Double immunofluorescence reveals Pax6/CR colocalization in the ganglion cell layer, Pax6/5‐HT in the inner part of the inner nuclear layer (INLi), and Pax6/GAD in the INLi and horizontal cell layer. Our results suggest that Pax6 may contribute to neuron diversification in the neural retina. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 318:91–108, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Extracellular Ca2+ influx is crucial for the early embryonic development of the sea urchin Echinometra lucunter
Authors: de Araújo Leite Jocelmo Cássio , Marques‐Santos Luis Fernando
Published: April 2012

The involvement of Ca2+ in the activation of eggs and in the first steps of the embryonic development of several species is a well‐known phenomenon. An association between Ca2+ sources with the fate of the blastopore during embryonic development has been investigated by several authors. Ca2+ influx mediated by voltage‐gated channels and Ca2+ mobilization from intracellular stores are the major sources of Ca2+ to egg activation and succeeding cell divisions. Studies on sea urchins embryonic development show that intracellular Ca2+ stores are responsible for egg activation and early embryogenesis. In the present work we investigated the involvement of extracellular Ca2+ in the first stages of the embryonic development of the sea urchin Echinometra lucunter. Divalent cation chelators EDTA and EGTA strongly blocked the early embryonic development. Adding to this, we demonstrated the involvement of voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels in E. lucunter embryogenesis since Ca2+ channel blockers powerfully inhibited the early embryonic development. Our data also revealed that Ca2+ influx is crucial for embryonic development during only the first 40 min postfertilization. However, intracellular Ca2+ remains mandatory to embryonic development 40 min postfertilization, seen that both the intracellular Ca2+ chelator BAPTA‐AM and calmodulin antagonists trifluoperazine and chlorpromazine inhibited the first stages of development when added to embryos culture 50 min postfertilization. Our work highlights the crucial role of extracellular Ca2+ influx through voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels for the early embryonic development of the sea urchin E. lucunter and characterizes an exception in the phylum Echinodermata. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 318:123–133, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stiffness tomography exploration of living and fixed macrophages
Authors: Roduit C. , Longo G. , Benmessaoud I. , Volterra A. , Saha B. , Dietler G. , Kasas S.
Published: April 2012

Stiffness tomography is a new atomic force microscopy imaging technique that allows highlighting structures located underneath the surface of the sample. In this imaging mode, such structures are identified by investigating their mechanical properties. We present here, for the first time, a description of the use of this technique to acquire detailed stiffness maps of fixed and living macrophages. Indeed, the mechanical properties of several macrophages were studied through stiffness tomography imaging, allowing some insight of the structures lying below the cell's surface. Through these investigations, we were able to evidence the presence and properties of stiff column‐like features located underneath the cell membrane. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence of the presence, underneath the cell membrane, of such stiff features, which are in dimension and form compatible with phagosomes. Moreover, by exposing the cells to cytochalasin, we were able to study the induced modifications, obtaining an indication of the location and mechanical properties of the actin cytoskeleton. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A multi‐level investigation of psychological contract breach and organizational identification through the lens of perceived organizational membership: Testing a moderated–mediated model
Authors: Epitropaki Olga
Published: April 2012

Drawing on the perceived organizational membership theoretical framework and the social identity view of dissonance theory, I examined in this study the dynamics of the relationship between psychological contract breach and organizational identification. I included group‐level transformational and transactional leadership as well as procedural justice in the hypothesized model as key antecedents for organizational membership processes. I further explored the mediating role of psychological contract breach in the relationship between leadership, procedural justice climate, and organizational identification and proposed separateness–connectedness self‐schema as an important moderator of the above mediated relationship. Hierarchical linear modeling results from a sample of 864 employees from 162 work units in 10 Greek organizations indicated that employees' perception of psychological contract breach negatively affected their organizational identification. I also found psychological contract breach to mediate the impact of transformational and transactional leadership on organizational identification. Results further provided support for moderated mediation and showed that the indirect effects of transformational and transactional leadership on identification through psychological contract breach were stronger for employees with a low connectedness self‐schema. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The moderating role of social ties on entrepreneurs' depressed affect and withdrawal intentions in response to economic stress
Authors: Pollack Jeffrey M. , Vanepps Eric M. , Hayes Andrew F.
Published: April 2012

We explored whether contact with business‐related social ties would buffer entrepreneurs against the potentially deleterious effects of economic stress. Our proposed stress‐buffering model builds on the premise that social ties with similar others can serve as both a source of valuable information and a source of empathic support. Findings from a sample of 262 entrepreneurs revealed that the relation between economic stress and intentions to withdraw from entrepreneurial opportunities was stronger among individuals reporting less contact with social ties and weaker among those who reported more contact with social ties. We further examined the indirect effects of economic stress and contact with business‐related social ties on entrepreneurs' future intentions through depressed affect. Results showed that among those reporting less contact with social ties, the indirect effect is positive, meaning greater economic stress leads to higher depressed affect, which in turn results in greater intentions to withdraw from entrepreneurship. Among those with more contact with social ties, there is no evidence of this process at work. We interpret this to mean that social ties serve to buffer the impact of economic stress on depressed affect, which in turn reduces an entrepreneur's intention to withdraw from entrepreneurship. Those who seem most susceptible to the impact of economic stress are those with relatively limited contact with business‐related social ties. We discuss implications and directions for future research. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robotic adrenalectomy
Authors: Taskin Halit Eren , Berber Eren
Published: April 2012

Over the last decade, there has been a significant progress in general surgical applications of robotic surgery. Multiple groups have reported safe and effective techniques for robotic adrenalectomy. Our aim in this review is to describe these techniques and summarize the literature on outcomes. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:622–625. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Retroperitoneal tumors that may be confused as adrenal pathologies
Authors: Taskin Halit Eren , Berber Eren
Published: April 2012

There are a number of retroperitoneal pathologies that may be confused with adrenal tumors. It is important to suspect and recognize these conditions as their management and work up might be different than adrenal tumors. This review will go in to the differential diagnosis and unique features of these conditions. A management strategy will also be provided. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:600–603. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A simple HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of two selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and two serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors in hair, nail clippings, and cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Samanidou Victoria , Pantazidou Kristallenia , Kovatsi Leda , Njau Samuel , Livanos Aristidis
Published: April 2012

A novel and simple high‐performance liquid chromatography method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of two selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (fluoxetine and paroxetine) and two serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (venlafaxine and duloxetine) in alternative samples of toxicological interest such as hair, nail clippings, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The separation was achieved on a Hichrom Kromasil 100‐5C18 (250 × 4.6 mm) 5 μm column by using ammonium acetate (0.05 M)–acetonitrile (59:41% v/v) as the mobile phase, delivered isocratically at a flow rate of 1.3 mL/min, within ca. 10 min. Ultraviolet detection at 235 nm was used for monitoring the eluting analytes. Validation was performed in terms of linearity, selectivity, accuracy, precision, and stability. Correlation coefficients were greater than 0.9954. The limits of quantitation ranged between 0.3 and 2.1 ng/μL for all analytes in the liquid matrix (CSF), while the respective values were in the range of 0.3–3.6 ng/mg for solid matrices (hair and nail clippings), with an injection volume of 20 μL. Repeatability and intermediate precision (relative standard deviation, RSD%) were less than 16.6%. The method was successfully applied to actual hair and nail samples from a patient under fluoxetine treatment.
Preparation of agarose/chitosan composite supermacroporous monolithic cryogels for affinity purification of glycoproteins
Authors: Sun Sijuan , Tang Yuhai , Fu Qiang , Liu Xuan , Du Wei , Guo Li'an , Zhao Yanding
Published: April 2012

Supermacroporous agarose/chitosan composite monolithic (AC CM) cryogels were prepared for affinity purification of the major egg white glycoproteins, ovalbumin (OVA), and ovotransferrin (OVT). The supermacroporous AC CM cryogels were produced by cryocopolymerization of agarose/chitosan blend solutions using glutaraldehyde as the cross‐linker. The 3‐aminophenlyboronic acid ligand was immobilized by covalent binding to epoxy‐group‐coupled supermacroporous AC CM cryogels. The microstructure morphologies of these cryogels were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The supermacroporous AC CM cryogels contained a continuous interpenetrating polymer network matrix with interconnected pores of 10–100 μm in size. The composite cryogels offered high mechanical stability and had specific recognition for glycoproteins. The maximum binding capacity of OVA adsorption from aqueous solutions was 55.6 mg/g. The matrix could be reused 11 times without significant loss in OVA adsorption capacity. The recovery yields of OVA and OVT from egg white were estimated to be 89 and 93%, respectively.
Separation and purification of furanocoumarins from Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam. using microwave‐assisted extraction coupled with high‐speed counter‐current chromatography
Authors: Qiu Heyuan , Xiao Xiaohua , Li Gongke
Published: April 2012

A method of microwave‐assisted extraction coupled with high‐speed counter‐current chromatography was established for separation and purification of isopimpinellin, pimpinellin and phellopterin from Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam. The conditions of MAE including the extraction solvent, size of sample, solid/liquid ratio, extraction temperature and extraction time were optimized by a mono‐factor test. That is, 2.0 g dried powder of T. asiatica (L.) Lam of 0.30‐0.15 mm size was extracted with 20 mL (solid/liquid ratio of 1:10, g/mL) methanol under 50 °C for 1 min. The crude extract was separated and purified by high‐speed counter‐current chromatography with hexane–ethyl acetate–methanol–water (5:5:5.5:4.5, v/v/v/v) solvent system. 0.85 mg/g of isopimpinellin, 2.55 mg/g of pimpinellin and 0.95 mg/g of phellopterin were obtained from original sample in one‐step within 240 min, the purity determined by high performance liquid chromatography was 95.0%, 99.1% and 96.4%, respectively. Their chemical structures were further identified by mass spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The results demonstrated that microwave‐assisted extraction coupled with high‐speed counter‐current chromatography was a feasible, economical and efficient technique for rapid extraction, separation and purification of effective compounds from natural products.
Comparison of several extraction procedures for the determination of biopesticides in soil samples by ultrahigh pressure LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Prestes Osmar D. , Padilla‐Sánchez Juan Antonio , Romero‐González Roberto , Grio Sergio López , Frenich Antonia Garrido , Martínez‐Vidal José Luis
Published: April 2012

A new procedure has been proposed for the determination of biopesticides (nicotine, sabadine, veratridine, rotenone, azadirachtin, cevadine, deguelin, spynosad D, and pyrethrins) and piperonyl butoxide in agricultural soils. Several extraction procedures such as solid–liquid extraction using mechanical shaking, sonication, pressurized liquid extraction, and modified QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe) have been tested, obtaining better results when QuEChERS procedure without further cleanup steps was applied. The determination of the compounds was carried out by ultra high pressure liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, using methanol and aqueous solution of ammonium formate 5 mM as mobile phase. The method was validated for all compounds at concentrations ranging from 10 to 100 μg/kg and recoveries ranged from 68 to 116%, except for nicotine and sabadine, with recoveries lower than 50%. Precision was estimated through intra‐ and inter‐day studies, obtaining intra‐day precision lower than 20% for most of the compounds, and inter‐day precision was lower than 25%. Limits of detection and quantification were also estimated, obtaining limits of quantification equal or lower than 10 μg/kg. Finally, the method was applied to the analysis of 20 real agricultural soil samples and no biopesticide residues were found over the limit of quantification.
Pseudoaneurysm of the superior thyroid artery following revision tracheostomy
Authors: Lin Harrison W. , Reilly Brian K.
Published: April 2012

This case report describes the presentation and management of a rare complication of pseudoaneurysm of the superior thyroid artery following tracheostomy. The majority of post‐tracheostomy bleeding is managed either with packing or surgical re‐exploration. However, angiography can pinpoint an arterial source of bleeding and allow the surgeon to address it via either a traditional open surgical approach or with minimally invasive endovascular embolization.
Some chronic rhinosinusitis patients have elevated populations of fungi in their sinuses
Authors: Murr Andrew H. , Goldberg Andrew N. , Pletcher Steven D. , Dillehay Kelsey , Wymer Larry J. , Vesper Stephen J.
Published: April 2012

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To measure the populations of 36 fungi in the homes and sinuses of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and non‐CRS patients.

Study Design:

Single‐blind cross‐sectional study.

Methods:

Populations of 36 fungi were measured in sinus samples and in the home vacuum cleaner dust of CRS (n = 73) and non‐CRS patients (n = 16) using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Etest strips containing amphotericin B, anidulafungin, caspofungin, fluconazole, and voriconazole were used to test the susceptibility of seven potentially relevant fungi.

Results:

Seven fungi (Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium cladosporioides types 1 and 2, Cladosporium herbarum, Penicillium brevicompactum, Penicillium crustosum, and Penicillium chrysogenum type 2) were discovered at very high concentrations in some CRS patients. In vitro antifungal susceptibility testing of these seven fungi demonstrated species specific sensitivities. Four CRS patients with marked elevations of fungal populations in their sinus samples underwent endoscopic sinus surgery. After surgical treatment, the fungal populations were reduced by several orders of magnitude.

Conclusions:

Seven fungi were found in very high concentrations in the sinuses of some CRS patients. Not one of the five common antifungal agents could control all seven of these fungi based on in vitro tests.
Symmetry reductions and traveling wave solutions for the Krichever–Novikov equation
Authors: Bruzón M.S. , Gandarias M.L.
Published: April 2012

In this paper, we study the Krichever–Novikov equation from the point of view of the theory of symmetry reductions in PDEs. By using this theory, we find that for the Krichever–Novikov equation some similarity solutions are solutions with physical interest: solitons, kinks, antikinks, and compactons. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Paraplegia increases skeletal muscle autophagy
Authors: Fry Christopher S. , Drummond Micah J. , Lujan Heidi L. , Dicarlo Stephen E. , Rasmussen Blake B.
Published: April 2012

Introduction: Paraplegia results in significant skeletal muscle atrophy through increases in skeletal muscle protein breakdown. Recent work has identified a novel SIRT1–p53 pathway that is capable of regulating autophagy and protein breakdown. Methods: Soleus muscle was collected from 6 male Sprague‐Dawley rats 10 weeks after complete T4–5 spinal cord transection (paraplegia group) and 6 male sham‐operated rats (control group). We utilized immunoblotting methods to measure intracellular proteins and quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction to measure the expression of skeletal muscle microRNAs. Results: SIRT1 protein expression was 37% lower, and p53 acetylation (LYS379) was increased in the paraplegic rats (P < 0.05). Atg7 and Beclin‐1, markers of autophagy induction, were elevated in the paraplegia group compared with controls (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Severe muscle atrophy resulting from chronic paraplegia appears to increase skeletal muscle autophagy independent of SIRT1 signaling. We conclude that chronic paraplegia may cause an increase in autophagic cell death and negatively impact skeletal muscle protein balance. Muscle Nerve 46: 793–798, 2012
Loss of Cdk2 and Cdk4 Induces a Switch from Proliferation to Differentiation in Neural Stem Cells
Authors: Lim Shuhui , Kaldis Philipp
Published: April 2012

During neurogenesis, cell cycle regulators play a pivotal role in ensuring proper proliferation, cell cycle exit, and differentiation of neural precursors. However, the precise role of cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) in these processes is not well understood. We generated Cdk2 and Cdk4 double knockout (DKO) mice and found a striking ablation of the intermediate zone and cortical plate in mouse embryonic brain. When neural stem cells (NSCs) were isolated and analyzed, DKO NSCs proliferated comparable to wild type as Cdk1 now binds to cyclin D1 and E1 and assumes the role vacated by the loss of Cdk2 and Cdk4 in phosphorylating Rb. Although compensation was sufficient for the maintenance of self-renewal and multilineage potential, DKO NSCs displayed an altered cell cycle profile and were more prone to neuronal differentiation. This was manifested in vivo as a marked reduction in S-phase length and an increased tendency for neurogenic divisions that prevented proper expansion of the basal progenitor pool. Our data thus demonstrate the induction of neurogenic divisions in the absence of critical mediators of G1/S transition—Cdk2 and Cdk4, and highlight their evolutionary importance in the determination of cortical thickness.
Hirschsprung disease: a developmental disorder of the enteric nervous system
Authors: McKeown Sonja J. , Stamp Lincon , Hao Marlene M. , Young Heather M.
Published: April 2012

Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), which is also called congenital megacolon or intestinal aganglionosis, is characterized by an absence of enteric (intrinsic) neurons from variable lengths of the most distal bowel. Because enteric neurons are essential for propulsive intestinal motility, infants with HSCR suffer from severe constipation and have a distended abdomen. Currently the only treatment is surgical removal of the affected bowel. HSCR has an incidence of around 1:5,000 live births, with a 4:1 male:female gender bias. Most enteric neurons arise from neural crest cells that emigrate from the caudal hindbrain and then migrate caudally along the entire gut. The absence of enteric neurons from variable lengths of the bowel in HSCR results from a failure of neural crest‐derived cells to colonize the affected gut regions. HSCR is therefore regarded as a neurocristopathy. HSCR is a multigenic disorder and has become a paradigm for understanding complex factorial disorders. The major HSCR susceptibility gene is RET. The penetrance of several mutations in HSCR susceptibility genes is sex‐dependent. HSCR can occur as an isolated disorder or as part of syndromes; for example, Type IV Waardenburg syndrome is characterized by deafness and pigmentation defects as well as intestinal aganglionosis. Studies using animal models have shown that HSCR genes regulate multiple processes including survival, proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Research into HSCR and the development of enteric neurons is an excellent example of the cross fertilization of ideas that can occur between human molecular geneticists and researchers using animal models. WIREs Dev Biol 2013, 2:113–129. doi: 10.1002/wdev.57

This article is categorized under:

Birth Defects > Craniofacial and Nervous System Anomalies
Long‐term changes in spatial distribution of birds responding to a group‐selection timber harvest
Authors: Campbell Steven P. , Witham Jack W. , Hunter Malcolm L.
Published: April 2012

We investigated the spatial response of 20 bird species to a group‐selection timber harvest within a 40‐ha forest stand over a 20‐year period (5 yr preharvest and 15 yr postharvest). To characterize the spatial response of each species, we examined trends in 3 metrics: proportion of harvest‐created canopy‐gap area that occurred within the area used by a species in each year, average distance to the nearest gap of all observations of a species in a year, and distribution of distances between observations and gaps for each species in each year. Eight species (eastern wood‐pewee [Contopus virens], winter wren [Troglodytes troglodytes], hermit thrush [Catharus guttatus], Nashville warbler [Vermivora ruficapilla], black‐and‐white warbler [Mniotilta varia], pine warbler [Dendroica pinus], common yellowthroat [Geothlypis trichas], and white‐throated sparrow [Zonotrichia albicollis]) responded positively to the timber harvest (i.e., the proportion of gaps in their area of use increased, the distance from gaps decreased, and their use of gaps and edges [0–25 m from gaps] increased). In contrast, veeries (Catharus fuscescens), black‐throated green warblers (Dendroica virens), and ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapillus) avoided gaps and edges. Changes in spatial distributions were generally short‐lived; by 15 years postharvest the use of the harvested areas by nearly all species had approached preharvest levels. The spatial response of birds to group‐selection timber harvesting indicates that there are unlikely to be serious long‐term effects of the harvest on forest bird populations. However, there may be more subtle, short‐term effects, such as crowding of mature‐forest bird species into surrounding forest, which merit further study. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Impact of Preoperative α‐Fetoprotein Level on Disease‐Free Survival After Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Muscari Fabrice , Guinard Jean‐Pascal , Kamar Nassim , Peron Jean‐Marie , Otal Philippe , Suc Bertrand
Published: April 2012

Background

Preoperative α‐fetoprotein (AFP) levels may have an influence on disease‐free survival (DFS) of patients after liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) located on a cirrhotic liver.

Methods

Between 2000 and 2009, two groups were distinguished according to preoperative AFP level: normal‐level group (<10 ng/ml) and increased‐level group (>10 ng/ml). The increased‐level group was further divided into three levels of preoperative AFP: 10–150, 150–500, and ≥500 ng/ml. DFS and recurrence rates were compared. All patients underwent transplantation using the preoperative 5/5 criteria.

Results

Of the 122 patients in this study, 63 had normal and 59 had increased preoperative AFP. There were no differences between the two groups concerning perioperative or pathologic data. Those with an increased preoperative AFP level had a significantly shorter 5‐year DFS, and their recurrence rate was higher than that of the normal AFP group. The 5‐year DFS and recurrence rates were 71 and 4 %, respectively, for those with normal AFP; 57 and 10 %, respectively, for those with AFP 10–150 ng/ml; 46 and 24 %, respectively, for those with AFP 150–500 ng/ml; and 28 and 62 %, respectively, for those with AFP ≥500 ng/ml.

Conclusions

This study shows the prognostic value of preoperative AFP levels on DFS after a liver transplant for HCC in a population of patients undergoing transplantation with the same preoperative criteria.
Systems of Care as Asset‐Building Communities: Implementing Strengths‐Based Planning and Positive Youth Development
Authors: McCammon Susan L.
Published: April 2012

Using a strength‐based approach is one of the hallmarks of the system of care (SOC) initiative, and is consistent with the foundations of community psychology. However, while strengths‐based planning is recommended and child and family teams often list child and family strengths, the care plans often do not incorporate the strengths in strategies and interventions. The research base regarding strength implementation and effectiveness is summarized, and needed research is outlined. Steps are offered for promoting the use of strengths in SOCS. Implementing programs from the field of positive youth development is advocated as a way that the educational and criminal justice systems could be more actively engaged in implementing strength‐based strategies in SOCs. Promoting SOCs to focus more attentively to asset‐building (at the child, family, and community level) is compatible with a public health model that addresses mental health concerns in the context of a full range of supports and services so that all children might experience good mental health and realize their potential.
Importance of local data on occurrence and outcomes of renal cell cancer
Authors: Veeratterapillay R , Rakhra S , El-Sherif A , Robson C , Johnson MI , Pickard RS , Soomro N , Heer R
Published: April 2012

Background:

In comparatively socioeconomically deprived areas male cancer mortality is often above the national average. Given this, we explored the pattern of presentation and outcomes of men with conventional clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC) undergoing nephrectomy at a North East of England regional tertiary referral centre.

Patients and methods:

A retrospective review of CCRCC patients treated with nephrectomy between 2004 and 2008 was performed. Risk of progression for men and women was calculated using Mayo, Memorial Sloan-Kettering (MSK) and Kattan prognostic scores. Outcomes of disease free progression and overall survival were measured.

Results:

292 patients with complete local follow up were identified that had undergone radical nephrectomy for conventional clear cell histology. The median (range) follow up was 36 months (10–65 months), and men accounted for 64% of these cases. At presentation, 45% of cases presented with stage III–IV (>T2, N0/1, M0/1) disease compared with 32% nationally (BAUS cancer registry). At diagnosis men had more advanced tumours compared with women (54% vs. 22% for stage >T2, N0/1, M0/1; p < 0.001) and had higher risk of progression based on prognostic scores ( p < 0.01) despite similar risk factors and clinical symptoms. Early outcome analysis comparing men to women revealed both lower disease-free survival (82% vs. 89%) and overall survival (87% vs. 93%) in men at 24 months ( p < 0.01). However, stage for stage comparisons between men and women demonstrated no significant difference in survival.

Discussion:

Men in the North East of England presented later with more advanced CCRCC. The reason for this remained undefined in this study. This pattern is consistent with reports of adverse male cancer-related outcomes in deprived areas and highlights the importance of local data in planning local health care.
Maternal personality traits and risk of preterm birth and fetal growth restriction
Authors: Chatzi L. , Koutra K. , Vassilaki M. , Vardiampasis A. , Georgiou V. , Koutis A. , Lionis C. , Bitsios P. , Kogevinas M.
Published: April 2012

Background/Aims

Maternal personality may increase vulnerability to stress, which could lead to an unfavourable intrauterine environment to the fetus. We sought to investigate the impact of maternal personality traits on adverse birth outcomes such as preterm birth, and fetal growth restriction in the mother-child cohort study (RHEA Study) in Crete, Greece 2007–2009.

Methods

Five hundred and eighty pregnant women participating in “Rhea” cohort study completed the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-Revised (EPQ-R) at 28–32 weeks of gestation. Information on anthropometric measures at birth was obtained from the hospital delivery logs and medical records. Fetal growth restriction was based on a customized model, and multivariate logistic regression models were used adjusting for confounders.

Results

A per unit increase in the EPQ Neuroticism scale increased the risk for fetal weight growth restriction by 9% [Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.09, 95 percent CI: 1.01, 1.19)], and for fetal head circumference growth restriction by 6% [OR = 1.06, 95 percent CI: 1.01, 1.18] after adjusting for maternal age, education, origin, marital status, working status, pre-pregnancy BMI, delivery type, parity, smoking, and alcohol intake during pregnancy.

Conclusions

Maternal neuroticism, which predisposes to negative mood, may be a risk factor for fetal growth restriction.
Maximum-entropy closure for a Galerkin model of an incompressible periodic wake
Authors: Noack Bernd R. , Niven Robert K.
Published: April 2012

A statistical closure is proposed for a Galerkin model of an incompressible periodic cylinder wake. This closure employs Jaynes’ maximum entropy principle to infer the probability distribution for mode amplitudes using exact statistical balance equations as side constraints. The analysis predicts mean amplitude values and modal energy levels in good agreement with direct Navier–Stokes simulation. In addition, it provides an analytical equation for the modal energy distribution.
Spontaneous inertia-gravity-wave generation by surface-intensified turbulence
Authors: Danioux E. , Vanneste J. , Klein P. , Sasaki H.
Published: April 2012

The spontaneous generation of inertia-gravity waves (IGWs) by surface-intensified, nearly balanced motion is examined using a high-resolution simulation of the primitive equations in an idealized oceanic configuration. At large scale and mesoscale, the dynamics, which is driven by baroclinic instability near the surface, is balanced and qualitatively well described by the surface quasi-geostrophic model. This however predicts an increase of the Rossby number with decreasing spatial scales and, hence, a breakdown of balance at small scale; the generation of IGWs is a consequence of this breakdown. The wave field is analysed away from the surface, at depths where the associated vertical velocities are of the same order as those associated with the balanced motion. Quasi-geostrophic relations, the omega equation in particular, prove sufficient to separate the IGWs from the balanced contribution to the motion. A spectral analysis indicates that the wave energy is localized around dispersion relation for free IGWs, and decays only slowly as the frequency and horizontal wavenumber increase. The IGW generation is highly intermittent in time and space: localized wavepackets are emitted when thin filaments in the surface density are formed by straining, leading to large vertical vorticity and correspondingly large Rossby numbers. At depth, the IGW field is the result of a number of generation events; away from the generation sites it takes the form of a relatively homogeneous, apparently random wave field. The energy of the IGW field generated spontaneously is estimated and found to be several orders of magnitude smaller than the typical IGW energy in the ocean.
CONTEXTUAL RISK FACTORS FOR MATERNAL MALNUTRITION IN A FOOD-INSECURE ZONE IN SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA
Authors: REGASSA NIGATU , STOECKER BARBARA J.
Published: April 2012

This study examined the nutritional status of mothers in one of the most populous food-insecure zones in southern Ethiopia, the Sidama zone. The study used primary data collected from 1094 households with a child under 24 months located in ten kebeles (the smallest administrative district). Households were selected using multi-stage probability sampling techniques. The mothers' nutritional status was estimated using both body mass index (BMI) and mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC). The results from the BMI analysis revealed that 28.1% of the women were malnourished (BMI <18.5) and 67.5% were normal (BMI 18.5 to <25.0), while the remaining small proportion (4.5%) fell in the overweight or obese categories. Similarly, the computation of maternal nutritional status by MUAC analysis showed that 31.4% of the women were malnourished (MUAC <22). Further analysis of the main predictors of maternal malnutrition using logistic regression showed that three individual-level variables and three household-level variables predicted maternal malnutrition: woman's age, duration of breast-feeding, literacy status, marital form, land size and intra-household food distribution. The study concludes that maternal malnutrition is a serious problem in the study area and that there are contextual risk factors that could be addressed to partially tackle the problem.
Accommodation of the sex-ratio in eastern oysters Crassostrea virginica to variation in growth and mortality across the estuarine salinity gradient
Authors: Powell Eric N. , Morson Jason M. , Ashton-Alcox Kathryn A. , Kim Yungkul
Published: April 2012

Protandric oysters generate a relatively uniform reproductive potential over a wide range of environmental conditions that impose variations in growth rate and life span. Sex-at-length keys applied to survey data show that the female fraction routinely fell between 0.4 and 0.5, regardless of location in the salinity gradient. About 70% of population biomass is female over the same salinity range. Due to the necessary local modulation of the rate of male-to-female conversion to limit the influence of varying growth and life span over the salinity gradient, the number of males always exceeds by a small amount the number of females; thus improving the likelihood of a female having neighbouring males, a necessity for an immobile broadcast spawner. However, oysters at the extremes of the estuarine gradient all yielded populations with divergent sex-ratios. One consequence of reduced generation time brought about by increased mortality from disease should be selection favouring the switch from male to female at smaller size, if disease mortality is strongly female-biased. The site with the longest record of high mortality manifests such an increase. Sites up coastal rivers, putative refuges from disease, harbour animals with the slowest male-to-female conversion rates. Arguably these animals are most similar to the ancestral oyster pre-disease. Marketed animals range from 62% to 69% female. The principal influence of the fishery, and of oyster disease, would seem to be a reduction in lifetime egg production. Dermo disease may have reduced lifetime fecundity of females by nearly a factor of four.
Einstein and Relativity: What Price Fame?
Authors: Rowe David E.
Published: April 2012

Argument

Einstein's initial fame came in late 1919 with a dramatic breakthrough in his general theory of relativity. Through a remarkable confluence of events and circumstances, the mass media soon projected an image of the photogenic physicist as a bold new revolutionary thinker. With his theory of relativity Einstein had overthrown outworn ideas about space and time dating back to Newton's day, no small feat. While downplaying his reputation as a revolutionary, Einstein proved he was well cast for the role of mild-mannered scientific genius. Yet fame demanded its price. Surrounded by social and economic unrest in Berlin, he was caught between two worlds, one struggling to be born, another refusing to die. Far from withdrawing, he threw himself into the political fray to become a symbol for international reconciliation during the early Weimar Republic. A decade later, his public image acquired another layer when he re-emerged as a Stoic sage and selfless humanitarian, a quasi-religious figure who saw himself as a modern-day Spinoza. Focusing on events of this period and the role of the German media in portraying them, this essay highlights the scientific and political undercurrents that drew Einstein into the public eye at a critical juncture in European history. Its broader aim is to show the import of these themes within the context of the vast literature on Einstein as well as the larger historiography of science.
Exercise Training Reduces Inflammatory Mediators in the Intestinal Tract of Healthy Older Adult Mice
Authors: Packer Nicholas , Hoffman-Goetz Laurie
Published: April 2012

Le vieillissement s’allie à une augmentation d’inflammation intestinale et le risque élevé de maladies chroniques, y compris les maladies inflammatoires de l’intestin et le cancer du côlon; nombreuses études épidémiologiques indiquent que l’exercice régulier réduit les risques. Cette étude a examiné les effets à long terme de l’exercice volontaire sur les médiateurs inflammatoires dans les intestins des souris âgées et en bonne santé C57BL/6 (âgées de 15–16 mois). On a désigné les animaux soit à quatre mois de roue d’exercice à souris (RES ;n– 20), soit à une groupe de contrôle « sédentaire » (NRL ;n= 20). Les lymphocytes intestinaux ont été récoltés et analysés pour la présence de (1) pro-inflammatoire (TNF-a, IL-1β) et de cytokines pléotropes (IL-6), et (2) de pro-(caspase-3/-7) et d’anti-(Bcl-2) protéines apoptotiques. L’efficacité d’exercise a été confirmée par l’activité des enzymes dans les muscles squelettiques ; l’évidence de stress a été confirmée par un plasma 8-iso-PGF2αet la corticostérone. Les RES souris ont réalisés une incidence inférieure de TNF-α, de la caspase-7, et de 8-isoprostanes (p< .05) par rapport aux contrôles sédentaires, ce qui suggère que l’exercice à long terme peut « protéger » l’intestin en réduisant la manifestation de cytokines inflammatoires et du protéine apoptotique.
Human Nature and Grammar
Authors: Hinzen Wolfram
Published: April 2012

Seeing human nature through the prism of grammar may seem rather unusual. I will argue that this is a symptom for aproblem– in both discussions of human nature and grammar: Neither the theory of grammar has properly placed its subject matter within the context of an inquiry into human nature and speciation, nor have discussions of human nature properly assessed the significance of grammar.
NONLINEARITY, CYCLICITY, AND PERSISTENCE IN CONSUMPTION AND INCOME RELATIONSHIPS: RESEARCH IN HONOR OF MELVIN J. HINICH
Authors: Jawadi Fredj , Leoni Patrick
Published: April 2012

This paper is dedicated to the memory of the great statistician Melvin J. Hinich, with whom we were in contact about this research prior to his untimely death from a tragic fall. We develop a neoclassical growth model with habit formation to exhibit an equilibrium nonlinear relationship between aggregate consumption growth and income growth. We first provide empirical evidence consistent with this relationship both for the United States and France, and we reject the hypothesis of a random walk for consumption. We then estimate this nonlinear relationship. We find for both countries robust evidence of persistence, nonlinearity, and cyclicity in the relationship between consumption and income.
Intransigent archaeology. An interview with Evžen Neustupný on his life in archaeology
Authors: Kuna Martin
Published: April 2012

An interview with Evžen Neustupný opens up a range of issues regarding the theory and history of archaeology and its development in Central Europe. His view of the discipline differs in many ways from that of current global trends. His ‘artefact archaeology’ inverts the concept of adaptation and highlights the role of artefacts in the creation of the human world. The interview also shows that post-war archaeology even to the east of the Iron Curtain followed the trajectory from culture-history paradigm to processualism and onwards. It also testifies to the situation in the social sciences under the Communist regime and the ambiguous role of Marxist philosophy.