bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neurodevelopmental outcome in 2‐year‐old infants who were small‐for‐gestational age term fetuses with cerebral blood flow redistribution
Authors: Eixarch E. , Meler E. , Iraola A. , Illa M. , Crispi F. , Hernandez‐Andrade E. , Gratacos E. , Figueras F.
Published: November 2008

Objective

To assess the neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years of age of children who had been small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) term babies with cerebral blood flow redistribution.

Methods

Perinatal outcome was assessed in a cohort of 97 term singleton appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age and 125 term singleton SGA fetuses with normal umbilical artery Doppler, stratified according to the presence of cerebral blood flow redistribution. Neurodevelopmental outcome was assessed prospectively at 2 years of age by means of the 24‐month Age & Stage Questionnaire (ASQ).

Results

Of the 125 SGA fetuses, 25 had redistribution of the cerebral blood flow, and 100 did not. There were no significant differences in perinatal outcome between these two SGA groups. At 2 years of age, children who had been SGA fetuses with middle cerebral artery (MCA) pulsatility index (PI) < 5th centile had a higher incidence of suboptimal neurodevelopmental outcome compared with those with normal MCA‐PI (52% vs. 31%; P = 0.049) and a lower mean centile in communication (53.1 vs. 67.4; P = 0.006) and problem‐solving (39.7 vs. 47.4; P = 0.04) areas.

Conclusion

SGA fetuses with cerebral blood flow redistribution have a higher risk of subtle neurodevelopmental deficits at 2 years of age. This challenges the concept that fetal cerebral redistribution is an entirely protective mechanism and suggests MCA‐PI as a risk stratifying factor for adverse neurodevelopmental outcome. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flow differences between endometrial polyps and cancer: a prospective study using intravenous contrast‐enhanced transvaginal color flow Doppler and three‐dimensional power Doppler ultrasound
Authors: Lieng M. , Qvigstad E. , Dahl G. F. , Istre O.
Published: November 2008

Objectives

To evaluate whether assessment of blood flow by transvaginal color Doppler and three‐dimensional power Doppler imaging, enhanced by intravenous contrast, may be useful in the differentiation between benign endometrial polyps and endometrial cancer.

Methods

A prospective study was performed comparing 17 women with benign endometrial polyps and 17 women with endometrial cancer. Transvaginal color Doppler and three‐dimensional power Doppler angiography were performed before and after injection of intravenous contrast. The pulsatility index (PI) and the resistance index (RI) of the polyp feeding vessel or central vessel in malignant lesions, as well as the power Doppler endometrial flow indices vascularization index (VI), flow index (FI) and vascularization flow index (VFI), were calculated before and after enhancement by contrast, and compared between the two groups of women.

Results

PI (mean difference ± SD, 0.68 ± 0.22; 95% CI, 0.23–1.13;P= 0.004) and RI (mean difference ± SD, 0.16 ± 0.08; 95% CI, 0.00–0.32;P= 0.045) were significantly lower in vessels of malignant tumors than in those of benign endometrial polyps after enhancement by intravenous contrast. No significant differences in PI, RI, VI, FI or VFI before enhancement by contrast, or in VI, FI or VFI after enhancement by contrast, were detected between women with endometrial polyps and those with endometrial cancer.

Conclusions

Transvaginal color Doppler examination enhanced by intravenous contrast may help to discriminate between benign endometrial polyps and cancer. Larger studies are required to confirm these findings. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The levator–urethra gap measurement: a more objective means of determining levator avulsion?
Authors: Dietz H. P. , Abbu A. , Shek K. L.
Published: November 2008

Objectives

Levator avulsion, a common childbirth‐related traumatic abnormality of this muscle, is characterized by a widened gap between the muscle insertion and urethra. This study assessed the use of four‐dimensional ultrasound imaging to measure the levator–urethra gap (LUG) in order to identify avulsion.

Methods

In a retrospective study, we reviewed the records of 118 women seen for clinical assessment and imaging. Axial plane tomographic ultrasound slices were obtained at intervals of 2.5 mm. The distance between the center of the urethra and the levator insertion was measured, blinded to clinical data, and the results were analyzed with reference to the diagnosis on palpation. An interobserver agreement analysis was conducted on 20 randomly selected patients included in the study.

Results

A defect had been palpated in 19/116 women (16%) with complete datasets. LUG measurements were significantly higher in women who had been diagnosed with a levator avulsion on palpation (mean ± SD, 27.6 ± 6.7 mm vs. 19.7 ± 3.4 mm; P < 0.001). The interobserver intraclass correlation coefficient for LUG measurement was good (0.71; 95% CI, 0.61–0.79). Receiver–operating characteristics analysis suggested a cut‐off of 25 mm, with a sensitivity of 63% and a specificity of 94%, for the diagnosis of levator avulsion injury.

Conclusions

The measurement of LUG is reproducible and strongly associated with levator avulsion trauma diagnosed on vaginal palpation. A cut‐off of 25 mm may be used for the diagnosis of levator avulsion injury. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do Concomitant Ascites Influence the Effectiveness of Palliative Surgical Management of Pleural Effusion in Patients with Malignancies?
Authors: Gross Jefferson Luiz , DiSanzio Tatiana Guilherme , Younes Riad Naim , Haddad Fabio José , da Silva Rodrigo Afonso , Avertano Antonio Bomfim Marçal
Published: November 2008

Background

Both pleural and peritoneal effusions are associated with dismal prognosis for patients with malignancies. Pleural effusion often requires surgical palliative management to relieve symptoms. The aim of this study was assess the influence of concomitancy of ascites on the success rate of surgical management of pleural effusion in patients with solid malignancies.

Methods

We retrospectively identified 33 patients with different primary malignancies, who underwent palliative surgical treatment for pleural effusion with concomitant ascites. The success rate of pleural effusion management was compared to that of a control group of patients with pleural effusion without ascites.

Results

Ovarian and breast cancer were the most common primary sites in the group of patients with pleural and peritoneal effusions. Thoracocentesis was performed in 30 patients with concomitant ascites and in 29 patients without ascites. The median number of thoracocentesis procedures was two in both groups of patients. Talc pleurodesis was performed in 57.6 and 63.3% of patients with and without ascites, respectively. The success rate of pleurodesis was 68.4 and 71.9% for patients with and without concomitant ascites (P = 0.92), respectively. There was no significant difference in the median length of time of the chest tube placement between the two groups (with ascites, 6 days; without ascites, 5 days, P = 0.38). The overall survival was 5.6 months for patients with ascites and 7.8 months for patients without ascites (P = 0.51).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that concomitant ascites did not influence the effectiveness of palliative surgical management of pleural effusion in patients with malignancies.
Stream‐dwelling Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) density and habitat characteristics in stream sections installed with low‐head dams in the Shiretoko Peninsula, Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Kishi Daisuke , Maekawa Koji
Published: November 2008

Numerous low‐head dams have been constructed for erosion control and installed in almost all mountainous streams in Japan. Shiretoko Peninsula, Hokkaido, is considered as one of the most intact areas in Japan, however, more than 331 low‐head dams have been installed in 39 streams of the peninsula since the 1960s. In this study, the density of stream‐dwelling Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) and the habitat characteristics in dam‐installed sections were investigated in Shiretoko streams and compared with unaltered sections in which no dams have been installed as a reference. Fish density in dam‐installed sections was significantly lower than reference sections. Canopy cover, maximum temperature, wetted width, frequencies of pebble, bedrock and boulder, and areas of rapid, glide and riffle was significantly differed between dam‐installed and reference sections. High stream temperature, occurrence of glides, and loss of boulder in dam‐installed sections may reduce the suitability of habitats for fish and minimize the population size. We suggest that negative effects of dam installations on Dolly Varden populations have occurred in Shiretoko streams.
Enhancing Solar Cell Efficiencies through 1-D Nanostructures
Authors: Yu Kehan , Chen Junhong
Published: November 2008

The current global energy problem can be attributed to insufficient fossil fuel supplies and excessive greenhouse gas emissions resulting from increasing fossil fuel consumption. The huge demand for clean energy potentially can be met by solar-to-electricity conversions. The large-scale use of solar energy is not occurring due to the high cost and inadequate efficiencies of existing solar cells. Nanostructured materials have offered new opportunities to design more efficient solar cells, particularly one-dimensional (1-D) nanomaterials for enhancing solar cell efficiencies. These 1-D nanostructures, including nanotubes, nanowires, and nanorods, offer significant opportunities to improve efficiencies of solar cells by facilitating photon absorption, electron transport, and electron collection; however, tremendous challenges must be conquered before the large-scale commercialization of such cells. This review specifically focuses on the use of 1-D nanostructures for enhancing solar cell efficiencies. Other nanostructured solar cells or solar cells based on bulk materials are not covered in this review. Major topics addressed include dye-sensitized solar cells, quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells, and p-n junction solar cells.
A Novel, Scalable Liquid Array Platform
Authors: Herold Christopher D. , Nguyen Bao T. , Rothwarf David M.
Published: November 2008

As a result of a rapidly increasing demand for accurate, cost-effective, and highly flexible multiplexed assay systems, the annual market for multiplex assays is currently billions of dollars and is expected to continue to grow exponentially. Presently, there exist two broad classes of surface-based multiplex platforms—those using fixed planar surfaces (fixed arrays) and those that are particle-based (liquid arrays). We present here a description of an “Arrayable Liquid Array” platform, based on Encoded Sortable Particle (ESP) technology that combines many of the advantages of fixed and liquid arrays. ESPs have significant advantages in throughput, scalability, mixing efficiency, and flexibility over existing liquid array platforms while also incorporating the detection and manufacturing benefits of fixed arrays.
Toward a Simplified Microfluidic Device for Ultra-Fast Genetic Analysis with Sample-In/Answer-Out Capability: Application to T-Cell Lymphoma Diagnosis
Authors: Legendre Lindsay A. , Morris Carleen J. , Bienvenue Joan M. , Barron Annelise , McClure Rebecca , Landers James P.
Published: November 2008

If microfluidic devices capable of rapid genetic analysis are to affect clinical diagnostics, they ultimately must be capable of carrying out more than ultra-rapid electrophoretic separations. The last half decade has seen a groundswell of activity in defining miniaturized DNA sample preparation methodologies that can be integrated with chip-based electrophoretic separations. Successfull integration of PCR-based DNA amplification and solid-phase DNA sets the stage for integrated microminiaturized analytical systems with sample in-answer out capabilities. Here we provide a brief review of the state of the art on the microfluidic integration of sample preparation processes with discussion of several systems with highly integrated capabilities, including one capable of detection of infectious agents present in complex biofluids in less than 30 min. This overview is used as a launch point to discuss the design and functionality of similar devices capable of accepting a whole blood or fine-needle aspirate sample, purifying the DNA, amplifying target sequences of the T-cell receptor-γ gene, and eletrophoretically resolving the products for detection of a signature consistent with monoclonality. We describe the details of the early experimental success in defining the individual chip-based processes required for an integrated T-cell lymphoma chip, with a vision to a device that provide sample in-answer out capabilities for diagnosing certain blood cancers in roughly 1 h.
Nanoparticles for Selective Laser Desorption/Ionization in Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Castellana Edward T. , Sherrod Stacy D. , Russell David H.
Published: November 2008

The selective desorption/ionization of analytes using nanomaterials is investigated using metallic nanoparticles. By replacing the sodium citrate capping of gold nanoparticles with self-assembled monolayers, we are able to both enhance analyte ionization and selectively capture analytes. Capping gold nanoparticles with a monolayer of 4-mercaptobenzoic acid enhances analyte ionization while greatly decreasing chemical noise resulting from alkali adducted species. Selective capture and sequential desorption/ionization of the peptide bradykinin (1–7) from a two peptide mixture is achieved using β-cyclodextrin capped gold nanoparticles. Finally, by switching from gold to silver nanoparticles, we are able to ionize both folic acid and amphotericin B. These results demonstrate that through careful control of nanoparticle surface chemistry and composition one can achieve selective analyte ionization for MS applications.
Pedestrian Malls, Local Government and Free Speech Policy in Australia
Authors: Gelber Katharine
Published: November 2008

Since the 1992 free speech cases in the High Court, which elucidated an implied freedom of political communication in the Australian Constitution, the application of the freedom to speech policy has been seldom explored. This paper examines the scope of the freedom from the perspective of struggles over policy coherence and implementation. I first analyse selected High Court judgments referring to the freedom to establish its scope. Within this context, the regulation of pedestrian malls, both before and after the development of the constitutional doctrine is examined. The evidence suggests that pedestrian malls are regulated by local councils in a manner which restricts free expression on political matters in far-ranging ways. I conclude by highlighting continuities in the practice of speech policy before and after the development of the constitutional doctrine, outlining the limitations of current speech policy despite the elucidation of the constitutional freedom, and arguing that the freedom of political communication currently extant in the Australian polity is partial and unsatisfactory. These conclusions demonstrate policy inconsistency and difficulties in policy implementation of the High Court doctrine.
Mainstreaming and Neoliberalism: A Contested Relationship
Authors: Bacchi Carol , Eveline Joan
Published: November 2008

The paper offers a comparative analysis of dominant mainstreaming and gender analysis frameworks to consider the nature of the relationship between these equality initiatives and neoliberalism. We challenge the portrayal of mainstreaming as necessarily resistant to neoliberalism, and show how dominant forms of mainstreaming illustrate characteristics congruent with neoliberal premises and policy agendas. Our particular concern is the extent to which some forms of mainstreaming and gender analysis are unable to put in question neoliberal premises because of their ex post character. For this reason we describe the relationship as contested. Our goal is to identify ways to strengthen the potential of mainstreaming initiatives to step outside of and critique neoliberalism's strategic norms. To advance this objective we offer some first steps towards producing gender analysis as an ex ante intervention. Significantly, we suggest that effective implementation requires a focus on policy's creative (active) role in constructing “problems” and in shaping gender relations.
Gender Politics and Public Policy Making: Prospects for Advancing Gender Equality
Authors: Schofield Toni , Goodwin Susan
Published: November 2008

The purpose of this paper is to stimulate a re-envisioning of gender politics in public policy making by applying a new approach to understanding them. Our approach is based on, and illustrated by, a study of gender dynamics in policy-making processes in the NSW public sector in Australia. The study draws on theoretical developments in the sociological study of gender arrangements in large organisations. Central to the analysis is the concept of gender regime (Connell 2002). The study finds that gender dynamics in policy making are not played out in a uniform and generalised way that stifles opportunities for resistance and change. Nor, however, are they random and contingent. There are various structures of gendered policy-making practice that suggest both possibilities for, and obstacles to, the advancement of gender equality in policy making. Based on these findings, the paper proposes a new method and language for studying, and advancing change in, gender and policy making in public sector settings.
The Gendered Impact on Organisations of a Critical Mass of Women in Senior Management
Authors: Chesterman Colleen , Ross-Smith Anne , Peters Margaret
Published: November 2008

This paper reports on the findings of a recent Australia-wide empirical study that investigated the impact of the presence of senior women executives on management cultures. The study involved interviews with 255 senior executives in Australian organisations from the higher education, public and private sectors. It sought to analyse gendered organisational practices and procedures embedded within such cultures. We found that both men and women clearly agreed that the presence of women in senior roles had changed management cultures and influenced methods of decision-making. Yet we also found that the influences that women were seen to have on management cultures were often described in terms that reinforced traditional gender stereotypes. The paper argues that valuing management based upon traits and orientations traditionally associated with women and “the feminine” has the potential to further engender inequality at senior levels in organisations.
Undoing Men's Privilege and Advancing Gender Equality in Public Sector Institutions
Authors: Flood Michael , Pease Bob
Published: November 2008

Discrimination against women in public sector organisations has been the focus of considerable research in recent years. While much of this literature acknowledges the structural basis of gender inequality, strategies for change are often focused on anti-discrimination policies, equal employment opportunities and diversity management. Discriminatory behaviour is often individualised in these interventions and the larger systems of dominance and subordination are ignored. The flipside of gender discrimination, we argue, is the privileging of men. The lack of critical interrogation of men's privilege allows men to reinforce their dominance. In this paper we offer an account of gender inequalities and injustices in public sector institutions in terms of privilege. The paper draws on critical scholarship on men and masculinities and an emergent scholarship on men's involvement in the gender relations of workplaces and organisations, to offer both a general account of privilege and an application of this framework to the arena of public sector institutions and workplaces in general.
Anti-inflammatory effect of yoghurt in an experimental inflammatory bowel disease in mouse
Authors: Gobbato Nadia , Rachid Mirta , Perdigón Gabriela
Published: November 2008

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD; Crohn′s disease and ulcerative colitis) is the clinical outcome of three interactive pathogenic factors: genetic susceptibility, environmental triggers and immune dis-regulation. At present, only the immune response is targeted by most therapeutic or preventive strategies. The beneficial effect of yoghurt on health as well as its immunomodulator effect on the gut immune system is well documented. The aim of this work was to study the possible beneficial effects of yoghurt consumption on an experimental model of IBD in mice. Balb/c mice were fed with yoghurt for 10 consecutive days. At the end of the feeding period the mice received three inoculations of 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS) solutions once a week for 3 consecutive weeks. After TNBS instillation the mice received yoghurt again for 10 consecutive days. IBD control received only TNBS. After treatments we analysed the number of IgA–secreting cells, CD4+, CD8+ T cells population and the number of apoptotic cells in the large intestine. The number of erythrocytes and leucocytes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was also determined. We demonstrated the antinflammatory effect of yoghurt in an experimental model of IBD induced by TNBS. The effect was mediated by an increase in the number of the IgA+cells, a decrease in CD8+ population and by the induction of apoptosis of the infiltrative cells in the large intestine.
Relationships between luteal activity, fertility, blood metabolites and body condition score in multiparous Estonian Holstein dairy cows under different management
Authors: Samarütel Jaak , Waldmann Andres , Ling Katri , Jaakson Hanno , Kaart Tanel , Leesmäe Andres , Kärt Olav
Published: November 2008

The objective was to compare the relationships between luteal activity and fertility, and relate these parameters to metabolic indices and body condition changes in multiparous Estonian Holstein cows on two commercial dairy farms under different management and levels of production and nutrition (higher, H, n=54 (71 lactations) and lower, L, n=39 (39 lactations)). For statistical analysis cows were categorized according to their milk progesterone (P4) profiles as follows: normal ovarian function; delayed start of cyclicity (DC) (interval from calving to first luteal response (P4⩾5 ng/ml up to and more than 50 d respectively, followed by regular cyclicity); cessation of luteal activity (prolonged interluteal interval, P4<5 ng/ml, with a duration of ⩾14 d between two adjacent luteal phases); prolonged luteal activity (P4 levels ⩾5 ng/ml for ⩾20 d without preceding insemination). The Mixed procedure of the SAS system was used to compare milk production traits, blood metabolites (ketone bodies, non-esterified fatty acids, total cholesterol) and aspartate aminotransferase, body condition scores (BCS) and fertility parameters between the two farms, and also fertility parameters between the farms within P4 categories. Differences in milk fat/protein ratio, ketone body levels and BCS indicated a deeper negative energy balance (NEB) during the first month after calving on farm L. On both farms nearly 50% of the recently calved dairy cows suffered from ovarian dysfunction during the post-partum period. Delayed start of cyclicity was the most prevalent abnormal P4 profile, 25% and 28% on farms H and L, respectively. Prolonged luteal activity accounted for one-third of atypical ovarian patterns on farm H, and cessation of luteal activity on farm L. On farm L, DC cows had lower BCS values from day 10 to day 90 after calving compared with normal cows (P<0·01) and cows lost more BCS (1·2 units) during the 40 d after calving than normal resumption cows (0·75 units; P<0·05). On farm H with moderate NEB the delayed start of ovulation post partum did not impair subsequent reproductive performance.
Mixing by random stirring in confined mixtures
Authors: DUPLAT J. , VILLERMAUX E.
Published: November 2008

We study the relaxation of initially segregated scalar mixtures in randomly stirred media, aiming to describe the overall concentration distribution of the mixture, its shape and rate of deformation as it evolves towards uniformity. A stirred scalar mixture can be viewed as a collection of stretched sheets, possibly interacting with each other. We consider a situation in which the interaction between the sheets is enforced by confinement and is the key factor ruling its evolution. It consists of following a mixture relaxing towards uniformity around a fixed average concentration while flowing along a constant cross-section channel. The interaction between the sheets is found to be of a random addition nature in concentration space, leading to concentration distributions that are stable by self-convolution. The resulting scalar field is naturally coarsened at a scale much larger than the dissipation scale. Consequences on the mixture entropy and scalar rate of dissipation are also examined.
Particle encapsulation due to thread breakup in Stokes flow
Authors: BLYTH M. G. , POZRIKIDIS C.
Published: November 2008

The capillary instability of a liquid thread containing a regular array of spherical particles along the centreline is considered with reference to microencapsulation. The thread interface may be clean or occupied by an insoluble surfactant. The main goal of the analysis is to illustrate the effect of the particle spacing on the growth rate of axisymmetric perturbations and identify the structure of the most unstable modes. A normal-mode linear stability analysis based on Fourier expansions for Stokes flow reveals that, at small particle separations, the interfacial profiles are nearly pure sinusoidal waves whose growth rate is nearly equal to that of a pure thread devoid of particles. Higher harmonics suddenly enter the normal modes for moderate and large particle separations, elevating the growth rates and yielding a stability diagram that consists of a sequence of superposed pure-thread lobes. A complementary numerical stability analysis based on the boundary integral formulation for Stokes flow reveals the strong stabilizing effect of particles whose radius is comparable to the thread radius. Numerical simulations of the finite-amplitude motion based on the boundary integral method demonstrate that thread breakup leads to particles coated with annular layers of different thicknesses.
A non-homogeneous constitutive model for human blood. Part 1. Model derivation and steady flow
Authors: MOYERS-GONZALEZ MIGUEL , OWENS ROBERT G. , FANG JIANNONG
Published: November 2008

The earlier constitutive model of Fang & Owens (Biorheology, vol. 43, 2006, p. 637) and Owens (J. Non-Newtonian Fluid Mech. vol. 140, 2006, p. 57) is extended in scope to include non-homogeneous flows of healthy human blood. Application is made to steady axisymmetric flow in rigid-walled tubes. The new model features stress-induced cell migration in narrow tubes and accurately predicts the Fåhraeus–Lindqvist effect whereby the apparent viscosity of healthy blood decreases as a function of tube diameter in sufficiently small vessels. That this is due to the development of a slippage layer of cell-depleted fluid near the vessel walls and a decrease in the tube haematocrit is demonstrated from the numerical results. Although clearly influential, the reduction in tube haematocrit observed in small-vessel blood flow (the so-called Fåhraeus effect) does not therefore entirely explain the Fåhraeus–Lindqvist effect.
Soft tissue organization in some sertulariid colonial hydroids (Hydrozoa: Sertulariidae)
Authors: Pyataeva S.V. , Kosevich I.A.
Published: November 2008

The simplified text-book view holds that hydroids' soft body is composed of a branched double-layered tube, whose wall consists of two epithelial layers (the inner gastrodermis and the outer epidermis) separated by the mesoglea. Some hydroids are characterized by large, complex colonies and likely an even more complicated inner organization. By using three species from the thecate hydroids of the family Sertulariidae we investigated the soft body structure of such hydroids. The anatomical study revealed some new features of colonial hydroids. The double layered coenosarc fills the perisarc (outer skeleton) tube only at the endings of the branched colony. More proximally, the coenosarc tube becomes narrower and a thin epidermal lining covers the inner surface of the perisarc tube. In some species the soft tissues of the shoots form a network of anastomosing canals. The canals are formed by the gastrodermal epithelium and they are embedded in epidermal tissue. In the upper part of the shoot, these canals are located at the periphery, along the inner surface of the perisarc. In more proximal regions of the stem, the whole lumen of the perisarc tube can be occupied by gastrodermal canals; the canals are enclosed in a parenchyma-like epidermal tissue. The organization of the soft tissue in these thecate hydroids is a striking example of structural complexity that does not contravene the limits of the ground plan of the phylum.
Spawning biomass of Argentine anchovy (Engraulis anchoita) from 1996 to 2004 using the Daily Egg Production Method
Authors: Pájaro Marcelo , Macchi Gustavo J. , Leonarduzzi Ezequiel , Hansen Jorge E.
Published: November 2008

The Daily Egg Production Method (DEPM) was used to compute spawning biomass of Engraulis anchoita off Argentina. Estimates of the daily egg production (P0) for the northern stock ranged from 594 to 936 eggs m−2, whereas the annual means of the Patagonian stock ranged from 185 to 605 eggs m−2. The mean values estimated for the Argentine anchovy DEPM parameters were characterized by inter-annual differences greater than inter-regional differences with the exception of P0. For the northern population, the estimates of mean weight of mature females ranged from 15 to 26 g, the relative batch fecundity from 414 to 600 eggs g−1, the spawning frequency (S) from 0.078 to 0.179, and the females ratio from 0.519 to 0.622 of the spawning stock. The estimates corresponding to the Patagonian stock were similar being 15 to 24 g, 418 to 583 eggs g−1, 0.079 to 0.244, and 0.394 to 0.590, respectively. The annual estimates of the spawning biomass for the northern and Patagonian populations ranged between 1.6–3.5 and 0.3–1.5 million metric tons, respectively. A weakness in the application of DEPM was the low precision in the estimation of the daily egg production and the spawning fraction. Alternative methodologies to increase the precision of P0 and S are discussed. In spite of the high variance of the spawning biomass estimates, the use of DEPM offers valuable information to adjust acoustic estimates and provides time series of anchovy population size and biological parameters for basic research.
Estimation of background concentrations of trace gases at the Swiss Alpine site Jungfraujoch (3580 m asl)
Authors: Balzani Lööv J. M. , Henne S. , Legreid G. , Staehelin J. , Reimann S. , Prévôt A. S. H. , Steinbacher M. , Vollmer M. K.
Published: November 2008

Extensive trace gas measurement campaigns were performed in 2005 at the Swiss high‐altitude station Jungfraujoch, including measurements of ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO + NO2), the sum of reactive nitrogen species (NOy), peroxyacetylnitrate (PAN), formaldehyde (HCHO), oxygenated volatile organic compounds (OVOCs), volatile hydrocarbons (HCs), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). The air masses arriving at Jungfraujoch experience particular transport pathways and therefore are expected to have characteristic chemical signatures. These characteristics are often masked by mixing with European planetary boundary layer air. In order to address the influence of European emissions, a method to retrieve “background concentrations” based on backward trajectories and statistics was developed and applied to the trace gas observations at Jungfraujoch. This procedure is important to determine baseline values for subsequent assessment of surface air quality targets. Cluster analysis of backward trajectories for “background conditions” shows that the influence of long‐range transport is discernible in most of the clusters. Air masses tend to have lower background concentrations whenever transport conditions favor a higher amount of photochemical degradation (e.g., low latitude or no recent contact to emissions). The results of this study represent an alternative to aircraft measurements which are typically used to determine free tropospheric background conditions. They are valuable for comparison with numerical simulations and for policy making, and provide additional information about free tropospheric chemistry.
Contribution of land‐atmosphere coupling to summer climate variability over the contiguous United States
Authors: Zhang Jingyong , Wang Wei‐Chyung , Leung L. Ruby
Published: November 2008

The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model has been used to study the role of land‐atmosphere coupling in influencing interannual summer climate variability over the contiguous United States. Two long‐term climate simulations are performed: a control experiment (CTL) allows soil moisture to interact freely with the atmosphere, and an additional experiment uncouples the land surface from the atmosphere by replacing summer soil moisture at each time step with the climatology of CTL. The CTL simulation reproduces well the observed summer temperature and precipitation variability, despite some discrepancies in daily mean and maximum temperature variability in the midwest/Ohio Valley region and the adjacent areas, and precipitation variability in the Great Plains and some other areas. Strong coupling of soil moisture with daily mean temperature appears mainly over the zone from the southwest to the northern Great Plains to the southeast, contributing up to about 30–60% of the total interannual variance of temperature. There is a significantly different influence on daily maximum and minimum temperatures. Soil moisture plays a leading role in explaining the variability of maximum temperature over this zone whereas minimum temperature variability is highly constrained by external factors including atmospheric circulation and sea surface temperature almost everywhere over land. Soil moisture, mainly through its effects on convection, makes a dominant contribution to precipitation variability over about half of the northern United States. This result does not support the Global Land‐Atmosphere Coupling Experiment (GLACE) hot spot hypothesis over the central United States, at least on the interannual timescale. The model's behavior agrees to a large extent with land‐atmosphere relationships diagnosed using the observations.
1st INCF Workshop on Needs for Training in Neuroinformatics
Authors: Willshaw David
Published: November 2008

The INCF workshop on Needs for Training in Neuroinformatics was organized by the INCF National Node of the UK. The scope of the workshop was to provide as overview of the current state of neuroinformatics training and recommendations for future provision of training. The report presents a summary of the workshop discussions and recommendations to the INCF.
Pruning and loss of excitatory synapses by the parkin ubiquitin ligase
Authors: Helton Thomas D. , Otsuka Takeshi , Lee Ming-Chia , Mu Yuanyue , Ehlers Michael D.
Published: November 2008

Mutations in the
PARK2
gene cause hereditary Parkinson disease (PD). The
PARK2
gene product, termed parkin, is an E3 ubiquitin ligase that mediates the transfer of ubiquitin onto diverse substrate proteins. Despite progress in defining the molecular properties and substrates of parkin, little is known about its physiological function. Here, we show that parkin regulates the function and stability of excitatory glutamatergic synapses. Postsynaptic expression of parkin dampens excitatory synaptic transmission and causes a marked loss of excitatory synapses onto hippocampal neurons. Conversely, knockdown of endogenous parkin or expression of PD-linked parkin mutants profoundly enhances synaptic efficacy and triggers a proliferation of glutamatergic synapses. This proliferation is associated with increased vulnerability to synaptic excitotoxicity. Thus, parkin negatively regulates the number and strength of excitatory synapses. Increased excitatory drive produced by disruption of parkin may contribute to the pathophysiology of PD.
MicroRNA-184 antagonizes microRNA-205 to maintain SHIP2 levels in epithelia
Authors: Yu Jia , Ryan David G. , Getsios Spiro , Oliveira-Fernandes Michelle , Fatima Anees , Lavker Robert M.
Published: November 2008

Despite their potential to regulate approximately one-third of the whole genome, relatively few microRNA (miRNA) targets have been experimentally validated, particularly in stratified squamous epithelia. Here we demonstrate not only that the lipid phosphatase SHIP2 is a target of miRNA-205 (miR-205) in epithelial cells, but, more importantly, that the corneal epithelial-specific miR-184 can interfere with the ability of miR-205 to suppress SHIP2 levels. This is the first example of a miRNA negatively regulating another to maintain levels of a target protein. Interfering with miR-205 function by using a synthetic antagomir, or by the ectopic expression of miR-184, leads to a coordinated damping of the Akt signaling pathway via SHIP2 induction. This was associated with a marked increase in keratinocyte apoptosis and cell death. Aggressive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cells exhibited elevated levels of miR-205. This was associated with a concomitant reduction in SHIP2 levels. Partial knockdown of endogenous miR-205 in SCCs markedly decreased phosphorylated Akt and phosphorylated BAD levels and increased apoptosis. We were able to increase SHIP2 levels in SCC cells after inhibition of miR-205. Therefore, miR-205 might have diagnostic value in determining the aggressivity of SCCs. Blockage of miR-205 activity with an antagomir or via ectopic expression of miR-184 could be novel therapeutic approaches for treating aggressive SCCs.
Comparison of successive transition states for folding reveals alternative early folding pathways of two homologous proteins
Authors: Calosci Nicoletta , Chi Celestine N. , Richter Barbara , Camilloni Carlo , Engström Åke , Eklund Lars , Travaglini-Allocatelli Carlo , Gianni Stefano , Vendruscolo Michele , Jemth Per
Published: November 2008

The energy landscape theory provides a general framework for describing protein folding reactions. Because a large number of studies, however, have focused on two-state proteins with single well-defined folding pathways and without detectable intermediates, the extent to which free energy landscapes are shaped up by the native topology at the early stages of the folding process has not been fully characterized experimentally. To this end, we have investigated the folding mechanisms of two homologous three-state proteins, PTP-BL PDZ2 and PSD-95 PDZ3, and compared the early and late transition states on their folding pathways. Through a combination of Φ value analysis and molecular dynamics simulations we obtained atomic-level structures of the transition states of these homologous three-state proteins and found that the late transition states are much more structurally similar than the early ones. Our findings thus reveal that, while the native state topology defines essentially in a unique way the late stages of folding, it leaves significant freedom to the early events, a result that reflects the funneling of the free energy landscape toward the native state.
Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase profiling reveals increased expression of phosphodiesterase 7B in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Zhang Lingzhi , Murray Fiona , Zahno Anja , Kanter Joan R. , Chou Daisy , Suda Ryan , Fenlon Michael , Rassenti Laura , Cottam Howard , Kipps Thomas J. , Insel Paul A.
Published: November 2008

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase (PDE) isoforms can influence disease pathogenesis and be novel therapeutic targets. Because lower cAMP levels may contribute to the decreased apoptosis that occurs in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), we assessed the expression levels of PDE isoforms in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of healthy adults and patients with CLL. We found a unique PDE mRNA signature in CLL: higher levels than in normal PBMC of PDE7B (increased ≈23-fold) and lower levels of PDE3B, 4D, 5A, and 9A mRNA (each decreased ≈30-fold). Increased PDE7B mRNA in CLL correlates with a 10-fold-higher expression of PDE7B protein and results in an increased contribution of PDE7 to total PDE activity. Consistent with the higher level of PDE7B expression, inhibitors of PDE7 (BRL-50481, IR-202) and a dual PDE4/PDE7 inhibitor (IR-284) selectively increase apoptosis in CLL cells compared with normal PBMC or B cells. Apoptosis of CLL cells promoted by inhibitors of PDE7 and PDE4/7 is attenuated by PKA inhibition, occurs via a mitochondrial-dependent process, and is associated with increased cAMP accumulation and down-regulation of the antiapoptotic protein survivin and of PDE7B. The increase in PDE7B expression and PDE7 inhibitor-promoted apoptosis implicates PDE7B as a drug target in CLL. Our findings identify a unique PDE signature in CLL and illustrate the utility of broad analyses of PDE isoform expression in human disease.
Forkhead Box m1 transcription factor is required for perinatal lung function
Authors: Kalin Tanya V. , Wang I-Ching , Meliton Lucille , Zhang Yufang , Wert Susan E. , Ren Xiaomeng , Snyder Jonathan , Bell Sheila M. , Graf Lloyd , Whitsett Jeffrey A. , Kalinichenko Vladimir V.
Published: November 2008

The Forkhead Box m1 (Foxm1 or Foxm1b) transcription factor (previously called HFH-11B, Trident, Win, or MPP2) is an important positive regulator of DNA replication and mitosis in a variety of cell types. Global deletion of Foxm1 in
Foxm1
−/−
mice is lethal in the embryonic period, causing multiple abnormalities in the liver, heart, lung, and blood vessels. In the present study, Foxm1 was deleted conditionally in the respiratory epithelium (
epFoxm1
−/−
). Surprisingly, deletion of Foxm1 did not alter lung growth, branching morphogenesis, or epithelial proliferation but inhibited lung maturation and caused respiratory failure after birth. Maturation defects in
epFoxm1
−/−
lungs were associated with decreased expression of T1-α and aquaporin 5, consistent with a delay of type I cell differentiation. Expression of surfactant-associated proteins A, B, C, and D was decreased by deletion of Foxm1. Foxm1 directly bound and induced transcriptional activity of the mouse surfactant protein B and A (
Sftpb
and
Sftpa
) promoters
in vitro
, indicating that Foxm1 is a direct transcriptional activator of these genes. Foxm1 is critical for surfactant homeostasis and lung maturation before birth and is required for adaptation to air breathing.
Stimulation of neural regeneration in the mouse retina
Authors: Karl Mike O. , Hayes Susan , Nelson Branden R. , Tan Kristine , Buckingham Brian , Reh Thomas A.
Published: November 2008

Müller glia can serve as a source of new neurons after retinal damage in both fish and birds. Investigations of regeneration in the mammalian retina
in vitro
have provided some evidence that Müller glia can proliferate after retinal damage and generate new rods; however, the evidence that this occurs
in vivo
is not conclusive. We have investigated whether Müller glia have the potential to generate neurons in the mouse retina
in vivo
by eliminating ganglion and amacrine cells with intraocular NMDA injections and stimulating Müller glial to re-enter the mitotic cycle by treatment with specific growth factors. The proliferating Müller glia dedifferentiate and a subset of these cells differentiated into amacrine cells, as defined by the expression of amacrine cell-specific markers Calretinin, NeuN, Prox1, and GAD67-GFP. These results show for the first time that the mammalian retina has the potential to regenerate inner retinal neurons
in vivo
.
Memory-like CD8+and CD4+T cells cooperate to break peripheral tolerance under lymphopenic conditions
Authors: Le Saout Cecile , Mennechet Sandie , Taylor Naomi , Hernandez Javier
Published: November 2008

The onset of autoimmunity in experimental rodent models and patients frequently correlates with a lymphopenic state. In this condition, the immune system has evolved compensatory homeostatic mechanisms that induce quiescent naive T cells to proliferate and differentiate into memory-like lymphocytes even in the apparent absence of antigenic stimulation. Because memory T cells have less stringent requirements for activation than naive cells, we hypothesized that autoreactive T cells that arrive to secondary lymphoid organs in a lymphopenic environment could differentiate and bypass the mechanisms of peripheral tolerance such as those mediated by self-antigen cross-presentation. Here, we show that lymphopenia-driven proliferation and differentiation of potentially autoreactive CD8+T cells into memory-like cells is not sufficient to induce self-reactivity against a pancreatic antigen. Induction of an organ-specific autoimmunity required antigen-specific CD4+T cell help. Notably, we found that this function could be accomplished by memory-like CD4+T cells generated in vivo through lymphopenia-induced proliferation. These helper cells promoted the further differentiation of memory-like CD8+T cells into effectors in response to antigen cross-presentation, resulting in their migration to the tissue of antigen expression where autoimmunity ensued. Thus, the cooperation of self-reactive memory-like CD4+and CD8+T cells under lymphopenic conditions overcomes cross-tolerance resulting in autoimmunity.
Chemical, physical, and theoretical kinetics of an ultrafast folding protein
Authors: Kubelka Jan , Henry Eric R. , Cellmer Troy , Hofrichter James , Eaton William A.
Published: November 2008

An extensive set of equilibrium and kinetic data is presented and analyzed for an ultrafast folding protein—the villin subdomain. The equilibrium data consist of the excess heat capacity, tryptophan fluorescence quantum yield, and natural circular-dichroism spectrum as a function of temperature, and the kinetic data consist of time courses of the quantum yield from nanosecond-laser temperature-jump experiments. The data are well fit with three kinds of models—a three-state chemical-kinetics model, a physical-kinetics model, and an Ising-like theoretical model that considers 10
5
possible conformations (microstates). In both the physical-kinetics and theoretical models, folding is described as diffusion on a one-dimensional free-energy surface. In the physical-kinetics model the reaction coordinate is unspecified, whereas in the theoretical model, order parameters, either the fraction of native contacts or the number of native residues, are used as reaction coordinates. The validity of these two reaction coordinates is demonstrated from calculation of the splitting probability from the rate matrix of the master equation for all 10
5
microstates. The analysis of the data on site-directed mutants using the chemical-kinetics model provides information on the structure of the transition-state ensemble; the physical-kinetics model allows an estimate of the height of the free-energy barrier separating the folded and unfolded states; and the theoretical model provides a detailed picture of the free-energy surface and a residue-by-residue description of the evolution of the folded structure, yet contains many fewer adjustable parameters than either the chemical- or physical-kinetics models.