bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Imatinib inhibits vascular smooth muscle proteoglycan synthesis and reduces LDL bindingin vitroand aortic lipid depositionin vivo
Authors: Ballinger Mandy L. , Osman Narin , Hashimura Kazuhiko , Haan Judy B. de , Jandeleit‐Dahm Karin , Allen Terri , Tannock Lisa R. , Rutledge John C. , Little Peter J. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe ‘response to retention’ hypothesis of atherogenesis proposes that proteoglycans bind and retain low‐density lipoproteins (LDL) in the vessel wall. Platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) is strongly implicated in atherosclerosis and stimulates proteoglycan synthesis. Here we investigated the action of the PDGF receptor inhibitor imatinib on PDGF‐mediated proteoglycan biosynthesisin vitro, lipid deposition in the aortic wallin vivoand the carotid arteryex vivo. In human vSMCs, imatinib inhibited PDGF mediated35S‐SO4incorporation into proteoglycans by 31% (P< 0.01) and inhibited PDGF‐mediated size increases in both chemically cleaved and xyloside associated glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains by 19%,P< 0.05 and 27%,P< 0.05, respectively. Imatinib decreased PDGF stimulation of the 6:4 position sulphation ratio of disaccharides. The half maximal saturation value for LDL binding for proteoglycans from PDGF stimulated cells in the presence of imatinib was approximately 2.5‐fold higher than for PDGF treatment alone. In high fat fed ApoE−/–mice, imatinib reduced total lipid staining area by ∼31% (P< 0.05). Carotid artery lipid accumulation in imatinib treated mice was also reduced. Furthermore, we demonstrate that imatinib inhibits phosphorylation of tyrosine 857, the autophosphorylation site of the PDGF receptor, in vSMCs. Thus imatinib inhibits GAG synthesis on vascular proteoglycans and reduces LDL bindingin vitroandin vivoand this effect is mediatedviathe PDGF receptor. These findings validate a novel mechanism to prevent cardiac disease.
Monocyte transplantation for neural and cardiovascular ischemia repair
Authors: Sanberg Paul R. , Park Dong‐Hyuk , Kuzmin‐Nichols Nicole , Cruz Eduardo , Hossne Jr Nelson Americo , Buffolo Enio , Willing Alison E. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Introduction
Role of monocyte in neovascularization
Monocytes versus stem cells for transplantation
Conclusions

Neovascularization is an integral process of inflammatory reactions and subsequent repair cascades in tissue injury. Monocytes/macrophages play a key role in the inflammatory process including angiogenesis as well as the defence mechanisms by exerting microbicidal and immunomodulatory activity. Current studies have demonstrated that recruited monocytes/macrophages aid in regulating angiogenesis in ischemic tissue, tumours and chronic inflammation. In terms of neovascularization followed by tissue regeneration, monocytes/macrophages should be highly attractive for cell‐based therapy compared to any other stem cells due to their considerable advantages: non‐oncogenic, non‐teratogenic, multiple secretary functions including pro‐angiogenic and growth factors, straightforward cell harvesting procedure and non‐existent ethical controversy. In addition to adult origins such as bone marrow or peripheral blood, umbilical cord blood (UCB) can be a potential source for autologous or allogeneic monocytes/macrophages. Especially, UCB monocytes should be considered as the first candidate owing to their feasibility, low immune rejection and multiple characteristic advantages such as their anti‐inflammatory properties by virtue of their unique immune and inflammatory immaturity, and their pro‐angiogenic ability. In this review, we present general characteristics and potential of monocytes/macrophages for cell‐based therapy, especially focusing on neovascularization and UCB‐derived monocytes.
Chromosomal instability correlates with poor outcome in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes irrespectively of the cytogenetic risk group
Authors: Heilig Christoph E. , Löffler Harald , Mahlknecht Ulrich , Janssen Johannes W.G. , Ho Anthony D. , Jauch Anna , Krämer Alwin 
Published: September 2009

AbstractChromosomal instability (CIN), defined by an elevated frequency of the occurrence of novel chromosomal aberrations, is strongly implicated in the generation of aneuploidy, one of the hallmarks of human cancers. As for aneuploidy itself, the role of CIN in the evolution and progression of malignancy is a matter still open to debate. We investigated numerical as well as structural CIN in primary CD34‐positive cells by determining the cell‐to‐cell variability of the chromosome content using fluorescence‐in situ‐hybridization (FISH). Thereby, CIN was measured in 65 patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and control subjects. Among MDS patients, a subgroup with elevated levels of CIN was identified. At a median follow‐up of 17.2 months, all patients within this ‘high CIN’ subgroup had died or progressed to AML, while 80% of MDS patients with normal CIN levels had stable disease (P < 0.001). Notably, there was no statistically significant difference between ‘normal CIN’ and ‘high CIN’ MDS patients regarding established risk factors. Hence, elevated CIN levels were associated with poor outcome, and our method provided additional prognostic information beyond conventional cytogenetics. Furthermore, in all three MDS patients for whom serial measurements were available, development of AML was preceded by increasing CIN levels. In conclusion, elevated CIN levels may be valuable as an early indicator of poor prognosis in MDS, hence corroborating the concept of CIN as a driving force in tumour progression.
Histopathology of a granulomatous lobular panniculitis in acute Q fever: a case report
Authors: Soulard R , Souraud JB , Landais C , Le Hemon A , Gaillard T , Fouet B 
Published: September 2009

Q fever is a zoonotic infection caused by Coxiella burnetii. Two forms of the disease have been described: an acute form with pneumonia, hepatitis or a flu‐like syndrome; and a chronic form in which endocarditis is the most frequent clinical expression. We report a 77 year old male with fever and an erythematous nodule on the right leg. Biopsy revealed a granulomatous lobular panniculitis with some granulomas rimmed by an eosinophilic material, giving a “doughnut” or “fibrin‐ring” appearance. Q fever serological studies were positive. Cutaneous signs, among them panniculitis, are probably underestimated during the acute phase of the disease, and recognizing different granulomatous patterns may contribute to the diagnosis.Soulard R. Histopathology of a granulomatous lobular panniculitis in acute Q fever: a case report.
Research in practice: the second barrier of the human skin
Authors: Baron Jens Malte , Skazik Claudia 
Published: September 2009

SummaryA major function of human skin is to form an effective barrier between the environment and the inside of the organism. Especially important for this function is the activity of the physical barrier of the skin, which is mainly located in the stratum corneum. To improve this barrier function of the skin, skin protection agents are used. Recent studies have revealed that application of skin protection agents before exposition to xenobiotics does not generally reduce the percutaneous uptake of these compounds. These findings indicate that besides new study designs and improved test systems, there seems to be a need for new therapeutic approaches for more effective skin protection. In this light, new findings regarding a second barrier function of the human skin, the biochemical/toxicological barrier, could be of interest. A crucial part of this barrier function are members of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) family and efflux‐transport proteins of the multidrug resistance‐related protein family (MRPs), which are mainly expressed by basal layer keratinocytes. Recent studies have revealed that besides the physiological and protective function of these transport proteins and CYP enzymes in skin cells, the same proteins also play a role in the transport of contact allergens and activation of prohaptens to haptens causing contact dermatitis. Inhibition of this metabolism mediated activation of prohaptens and stimulation of the active elimination of contact allergens from skin cells could represent novel mechanisms improving the established tools for skin protection.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH—INTERSEX AND GENDER IDENTITY DISORDERS: Neuroimaging Differences in Spatial Cognition between Men and Male-to-Female Transsexuals Before and During Hormone Therapy
Authors: Schöning Sonja , Engelien Almut , Bauer Christine , Kugel Harald , Kersting Anette , Roestel Cornelia , Zwitserlood Pienie , Pyka Martin , Dannlowski Udo , Lehmann Wolfgang , Heindel Walter , Arolt Volker , Konrad Carsten 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Neuropsychological abnormalities in transsexual patients have been reported in comparison with subjects without gender identity disorder (GID), suggesting differences in underlying neurobiological processes. However, these results have not consistently been confirmed. Furthermore, studies on cognitive effects of cross-sex hormone therapy also yield heterogeneous results.

Aim
We hypothesized that untreated transsexual patients differ from men without GID in activation pattern associated with a mental rotation task and that these differences may further increase after commencing of hormonal treatment.

Method
The present study investigated 11 male-to-female transsexual (MFTS) patients prior to cross-sex hormone therapy and 11 MFTS patients during hormone therapy in comparison with healthy men without GID. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging at 3-Tesla, a mental rotation paradigm with proven sexual dimorphism was applied to all subjects. Data were analyzed with SPM5.

Main Outcome Measures
Patterns of brain activation associated with a mental rotation task.

Results
The classical mental rotation network was activated in all three groups, but significant differences within this network were observed. Men without GID exhibited significantly greater activation of the left parietal cortex (BA 40), a key region for mental rotation processes. Both transsexual groups revealed stronger activation of temporo-occipital regions in comparison with men without GID.

Conclusions
Our results confirmed previously reported deviances of brain activation patterns in transsexual men from men without GID and also corroborated these findings in a group of transsexual patients receiving cross-sex hormone therapy. The present study indicates that there are a priori differences between men and transsexual patients caused by different neurobiological processes or task-solving strategies and that these differences remain stable over the course of hormonal treatment.
Peripheral Nociception Associated With Surgical Incision Elicits Remote Nonischemic Cardioprotection Via Neurogenic Activation of Protein Kinase C Signaling
Authors: Jones W. Keith , Fan Guo-Chang , Liao Siyun , Zhang Jun-Ming , Wang Yang , Weintraub Neal L. , Kranias Evangelia G. , Schultz Jo El , Lorenz John , Ren Xiaoping 
Published: September 2009

Background—Although remote ischemic stimuli have been shown to elicit cardioprotection against ischemia/reperfusion injury, there is little known about the effects of nonischemic stimuli. We previously described a remote cardioprotective effect of nonischemic surgical trauma (abdominal incision) called remote preconditioning of trauma (RPCT). In the present study, we elucidate mechanisms underlying this phenomenon.Methods and Results—We used a murine model of myocardial infarction to evaluate ischemia/reperfusion injury, and either abdominal surgical incision, or application of topical capsaicin, to elicit cardioprotection. We show that the cardioprotective effect of RPCT is initiated by skin nociception, and requires neurogenic signaling involving spinal nerves and activation of cardiac sensory and sympathetic nerves. Our results demonstrate bradykinin-dependent activation and repression, respectively, of PKCε and PKCδ in myocardium after RPCT, and we show involvement of the KATPchannels in cardioprotection. Finally, we show that topical application of capsaicin, which selectively activates C sensory fibers in the skin, mimics the cardioprotective effect of RPCT against myocardial infarction.Conclusions—Nontraumatic nociceptive preconditioning represents a novel therapeutic strategy for cardioprotection with great potential clinical utility.
Manifestation of Belief and Religious Symbols at School: Setting Boundaries in English Courts
Authors: Bacquet Sylvie 
Published: September 2009

AbstractSince the coming into force of the Human Rights Act 1998 on 2 October 2000, state schools as public authorities have been under an obligation to comply with the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, including the right to manifest ones' religion and beliefs as laid out in Article 9 of the convention. When devising their uniform policies, schools are therefore required to accommodate religious and cultural diversity. However, the extent to which they are required to do so has given rise to much litigation and debate. This article considers some of the theoretical implications underpinning the debate on religious symbols and manifestation of belief at school. It looks at the dilemma between the legal obligation for schools to allow the expression of cultural and religious diversity yet maintain cohesion and protect children from factional pressures related to various belief systems. It examines the extent to which human rights law can help to resolve the issue and looks also at the way the Human Rights Act itself has emerged as a conduit for crises of religious and ethnic identity in contemporary society.
Sudden Surface Warming–Drying Events Caused by Typhoon Passages across Taiwan*
Authors: Chen Tsing-Chang , Wang Shih-Yu , Yen Ming-Cheng , Clark Adam J. , Tsay Jenq-Dar 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Typhoon passages across Taiwan can generate sudden surface warming in downslope regions. Special characteristics and mechanisms for 54 such warming events that were identified during the 1961–2007 period are examined. Preferred warming regions were identified in northwest Taiwan, where warming is generated by downslope flow from east or northeast winds in westward-moving typhoons, and in southeast Taiwan, where it is generated by downslope flow from west or northwest winds in northwestward-moving typhoons. In addition to the orographic effect, warmings occurred exclusively within nonprecipitation zones of typhoons. Most northwest (southeast) warmings occur during the day (night) with an average lifetime of 4 (5) h, which roughly corresponds to the average time a nonprecipitation zone remains over a station. During the period examined, three typhoons generated warming events in both northwest and southeast Taiwan, and only Typhoon Haitang (2005) generated warmings with comparable magnitudes (∼12-K increase) in both regions. For Typhoon Haitang as an example, diagnostic analyses with two different approaches reveal that the majority of the warming is contributed by downslope adiabatic warming, but the warming associated with the passage of a nonprecipitation zone is not negligible. Similar results were found when these two diagnostic approaches were applied to the other warming events. The diurnal mode of the atmospheric divergent circulation over East Asia–western North Pacific undergoes a clockwise rotation. The vorticity tendency generated by this diurnal divergent circulation through vortex stretching may modulate the arrival time of typhoons to cause daily (nighttime) warming in the northwest (southeast).
Stratospheric Influences on Tropospheric Weather Systems
Authors: Colucci Stephen J. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Four cases of tropospheric weather systems (two sea level cyclones, one sea level anticyclone, and one blocking midtropospheric anticyclone) are investigated with the goal of understanding the role of stratospheric versus tropospheric processes in their developments. The relative contributions of the stratosphere and troposphere to geopotential height tendency fields (1000 mb for the sea level systems, 500 mb for the midtropospheric system) are quantified through vertical integration of thermodynamic processes (advective, adiabatic, and diabatic) over and following tendency centers associated with these systems. Previously known or suspected tropospheric contributions to system development, as well as the influence of stratospheric warm-air advection in the sea level cyclogenesis cases, are confirmed by the diagnoses. New findings include identification of the influence of stratospheric adiabatic cooling in the sea level and midtropospheric anticyclogenesis cases. It is further found that the stratospheric contribution to tropospheric development can be larger in magnitude than the tropospheric contribution and can even overwhelm an opposing tropospheric effect. In particular, it is shown that the midtropospheric anticyclogenesis associated with the blocking case critically depended on the stratospheric contribution and could not be solely explained by tropospheric processes. The 500-mb height tendencies associated with quasigeostrophic potential vorticity (QGPV) changes above the 500-mb level in this case were twice as large those associated with QGPV changes at and below 500 mb during blocking onset.
Steady-State Dynamics of a Density Current in an f-Plane Nonlinear Shallow-Water Model
Authors: Dalu Giovanni A. , Baldi Marina 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
The authors study the nonlinear dynamics of a density current generated by a diabatic source in a rotating and a nonrotating system, both in the presence and in the absence of frictional losses, using a steady-state hydrostatic shallow-water model and producing solutions as a function of the Coriolis parameter and of the Rayleigh friction coefficient. Results are presented in the range of the parameter values that are relevant for shallow atmospheric flows as sea–land breezes and as cold pool outflows. In the shallow-water approximation, single-layer flows and two-layer flows with a lid have three degrees of freedom, and their steady-state dynamics are governed by three ordinary differential equations (ODEs), whereas two-layer flows bounded by a free surface have six degrees of freedom, and their dynamics are governed by six ODEs.
It is shown that in the limit case of frictionless flow, the problem has an explicit analytical solution, and in the presence of friction, the system for a one-layer flow and for a two-layer flow bounded by a lid can be reduced to two algebraic equations, plus one second-order ordinary differential equation, which can be integrated numerically. Results show that the maximum runout length of the current occurs when the Rayleigh friction coefficient in the lower layer is on the order of the Coriolis parameter. This length is larger when the upper layer is deeper than the lower layer, but it shortens when the friction coefficient of the upper layer is smaller than that in the lower layer.
In addition, the relative error of the solution to the linearized equations is computed. This error, which is enhanced when the width of the forcing is smaller than the Rossby radius, is sizable when the friction coefficient is smaller than the Coriolis parameter. In addition, by comparing the nonlinear solution with a lid (three degrees of freedom) to the nonlinear solution with a free surface as an upper boundary (six degrees of freedom), it is shown that the solution with the lid overestimates the geopotential for low values of the friction coefficient and it underestimates the geopotential for large values of this coefficient. The error, sizable when the two layers have a comparable depth, rapidly decreases when the upper layer becomes deeper than the lower layer; accordingly, a rigid lid can be safely adopted only when the depth of the upper layer is twice the depth of the lower layer, or deeper.
Use of NDVI and Land Surface Temperature for Drought Assessment: Merits and Limitations
Authors: Karnieli Arnon , Agam Nurit , Pinker Rachel T. , Anderson Martha , Imhoff Marc L. , Gutman Garik G. , Panov Natalya , Goldberg Alexander 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
A large number of water- and climate-related applications, such as drought monitoring, are based on spaceborne-derived relationships between land surface temperature (LST) and the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). The majority of these applications rely on the existence of a negative slope between the two variables, as identified in site- and time-specific studies. The current paper investigates the generality of the LST–NDVI relationship over a wide range of moisture and climatic/radiation regimes encountered over the North American continent (up to 60°N) during the summer growing season (April–September). Information on LST and NDVI was obtained from long-term (21 years) datasets acquired with the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR). It was found that when water is the limiting factor for vegetation growth (the typical situation for low latitudes of the study area and during the midseason), the LST–NDVI correlation is negative. However, when energy is the limiting factor for vegetation growth (in higher latitudes and elevations, especially at the beginning of the growing season), a positive correlation exists between LST and NDVI. Multiple regression analysis revealed that during the beginning and the end of the growing season, solar radiation is the predominant factor driving the correlation between LST and NDVI, whereas other biophysical variables play a lesser role. Air temperature is the primary factor in midsummer. It is concluded that there is a need to use empirical LST–NDVI relationships with caution and to restrict their application to drought monitoring to areas and periods where negative correlations are observed, namely, to conditions when water—not energy—is the primary factor limiting vegetation growth.
Estimates of Tropical Diabatic Heating Profiles: Commonalities and Uncertainties
Authors: Hagos Samson , Zhang Chidong , Tao Wei-Kuo , Lang Steve , Takayabu Yukari N. , Shige Shoichi , Katsumata Masaki , Olson Bill , L’Ecuyer Tristan 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the consistency and discrepancies in estimates of diabatic heating profiles associated with precipitation based on satellite observations and microphysics and those derived from the thermodynamics of the large-scale environment. It presents a survey of diabatic heating profile estimates from four Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) products, four global reanalyses, and in situ sounding measurements from eight field campaigns at various tropical locations. Common in most of the estimates are the following: (i) bottom-heavy profiles, ubiquitous over the oceans, are associated with relatively low rain rates, while top-heavy profiles are generally associated with high rain rates; (ii) temporal variability of latent heating profiles is dominated by two modes, a deep mode with a peak in the upper troposphere and a shallow mode with a low-level peak; and (iii) the structure of the deep modes is almost the same in different estimates and different regions in the tropics. The primary uncertainty is in the amount of shallow heating over the tropical oceans, which differs substantially among the estimates.