bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitamin A deficiency in an infant with PAGOD syndrome
Authors: Gavrilova Ralitza , Babovic Nikola , Lteif Aida , Eidem Benjamin , Kirmani Salman , Olson Timothy , Babovic‐Vuksanovic Dusica 
Published: September 2009

AbstractPAGOD syndrome is a rare condition characterized by multiple congenital anomalies including pulmonary artery and lung hypoplasia, agonadism, diaphragmatic abnormalities, cardiac defects, omphalocele, and various genital anomalies. The etiology of this condition is unknown but the spectrum of birth defects is similar to the developmental anomalies observed in vitamin A deficiency animal models. We describe an infant with PAGOD syndrome phenotype. The patient had a normal male karyotype and no copy number changes were seen on chromosome genomic hybridization (CGH) microarray. Endocrine evaluation was consistent with primary hypogonadism. The testes and Müllerian structures were absent by imaging studies, raising the possibility of arrest of early gonadogenesis. The plasma free vitamin A was low, consistent with moderate to severe vitamin A deficiency; the maternal plasma vitamin A level was normal. During pregnancy maternal vitamin A is taken up by retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) which is expressed in the embryonic visceral endoderm from pregastrulational stages. This transport is mediated via the specific membrane receptor for RBP, stimulated by retinoic acid 6 (STRA6). STRA6 is widely expressed in human organ systems including the placenta during embryonic development. Mutations in the STRA6 gene result in Matthew–Wood syndrome, which demonstrates significant phenotypic overlap with PAGOD syndrome. Sequencing of STRA6 coding regions in our patient, revealed no mutations. We present a case of PAGOD syndrome with a review of the literature, posing the hypothesis that a vitamin A metabolic defect, other than transport mediated by STRA6 receptor, might have an etiological role in the development of this multiple congenital anomalies syndrome. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
On the Helical Motif of the Complexes Created by Association of Helix‐Forming Schizophyllan (SPG) and Helix‐Forming Polythiophene Derivatives
Authors: Haraguchi Shuichi , Tsuchiya Youichi , Shiraki Tomohiro , Sugikawa Kouta , Sada Kazuki , Shinkai Seiji 
Published: September 2009

Abstractπ‐Conjugated polymers can finely tune their electrical and optical properties in response to their conformational changes. We believe that a deeper understanding of their higher‐order structures will stimulate further development of their applications. We had revealed that one helix‐forming natural polysaccharide (SPG) and one polythiophene derivative (PT‐1) formed a stable one‐dimensional complex and in the polythiophene main chain a helical conformation was induced through the dynamic conformational changes. The objective of our present research is to obtain a better mechanistic understanding on the interaction between SPG and polythiophenes. Here we have used particular left‐ and right‐handed helix‐forming polythiophene derivatives (D‐ and L‐POWTs, respectively) and studied their influence on the helical motif of the complexes. We observed that SPG interacts with both D‐ and L‐POWTs through their dynamic conformational changes and both D‐ and L‐POWTs form the right‐handed co‐helical complexes with SPG according to the inherent helical motif of SPG. In addition, it was confirmed that 1) the complexes do not coagulate in aqueous solution, and 2) the exchange in the helical motif can occur only when the polymers experience the denature–renature process. We believe, therefore, that the mechanism of the helical induction of the SPG/POWT complexes is very unique, being different from conventional equilibrium reactions.
Laplacian eigenfunctions in NMR. II. Theoretical advances
Authors: Grebenkov Denis S. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIn this article, theoretical advances in the study of restricted diffusion in NMR that have been achieved by using Laplacian eigenfunctions are described. The macroscopic signal is represented as the characteristic function of a random phase shift that a nucleus acquires during its motion in an inhomogeneous magnetic field. The moments of this random variable are written in a matrix form that is based on Laplacian eigenfunctions. This article focuses on the zeroth, first, and second moments which provide the major contribution to the macroscopic signal. The asymptotic behavior of the macroscopic signal in both short‐time and long‐time regimes is considered when the diffusion length is either much smaller or much larger than the size of a diffusion‐confining domain, respectively. Apparent diffusion coefficient, localization regime, inverse spectral problem, and many other issues are discussed. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Concepts Magn Reson Part A 34A: 264–296, 2009.
Collagen XIX is expressed by interneurons and contributes to the formation of hippocampal synapses
Authors: Su Jianmin , Gorse Karen , Ramirez Francesco , Fox Michael A. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractExtracellular matrix (ECM) molecules contribute to the formation and maintenance of synapses in the mammalian nervous system. We previously discovered a family of nonfibrillar collagens that organize synaptic differentiation at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Although many NMJ‐organizing cues contribute to central nervous system (CNS) synaptogenesis, whether similar roles for collagens exist at central synapses remained unclear. In the present study we discovered that col19a1, the gene encoding nonfibrillar collagen XIX, is expressed by subsets of hippocampal neurons. Colocalization with the interneuron‐specific enzyme glutamate decarboxylase 67 (Gad67), but not other cell‐type‐specific markers, suggests that hippocampal expression of col19a1 is restricted to interneurons. However, not all hippocampal interneurons express col19a1 mRNA; subsets of neuropeptide Y (NPY)‐, somatostatin (Som)‐, and calbindin (Calb)‐immunoreactive interneurons express col19a1, but those containing parvalbumin (Parv) or calretinin (Calr) do not. To assess whether collagen XIX is required for the normal formation of hippocampal synapses, we examined synaptic morphology and composition in targeted mouse mutants lacking collagen XIX. We show here that subsets of synaptotagmin 2 (Syt2)‐containing hippocampal nerve terminals appear malformed in the absence of collagen XIX. The presence of Syt2 in inhibitory hippocampal synapses, the altered distribution of Gad67 in collagen XIX‐deficient subiculum, and abnormal levels of gephyrin in collagen XIX‐deficient hippocampal extracts all suggest inhibitory synapses are affected by the loss of collagen XIX. Together, these data not only reveal that collagen XIX is expressed by central neurons, but show for the first time that a nonfibrillar collagen is necessary for the formation of hippocampal synapses. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:229–253, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Photoacetylation of Diamondoids: Selectivities and Mechanism
Authors: Fokin Andrey A. , Gunchenko Pavel A. , Novikovsky Anatoliy A. , Shubina Tatyana E. , Chernyaev Boris V. , Dahl Jeremy E. P. , Carlson Robert M. K. , Yurchenko Alexander G. , Schreiner Peter R. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe photoacetylation of diamondoids (nanodiamonds), in particular [1212]pentamantane, [1(2,3)4]pentamantane, and [123]tetramantane, with diacetyl almost exclusively gives apical acetyl derivatives. The mechanism of the photoacetylation was studied on the basis of a comparative analysis of the experimental deuterium kinetic isotope effects as well as the observed C–H bond substitution selectivities, which were also computed at the B3LYP, B3PW91, and MP2 levels of theory including polarized continuum modeling of solvent effects. The high apical C–H bond selectivities in the photoacetylation of diamondoids are determined by the higher polarizabilities of the cages along the apical direction in the transition structures for hydrogen abstraction with the triplet diacetyl diradical. Steric effects play only a minor role, and in combination with solvation, outweigh charge‐transfer effects that usually favor medial substitution with electrophiles and electrophilic radicals.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
A case series investigating acceptance and commitment therapy as a treatment for previously treated, unremitted patients with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Berman M. I. , Boutelle K. N. , Crow S. J. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for treatment of anorexia nervosa (AN) using a case series methodology among participants with a history of prior treatment for AN. Three participants enrolled; all completed the study. All participants had a history of 1–20 years of intensive eating disorder treatment prior to enrollment. Participants were seen for 17–19 twice‐weekly sessions of manualized ACT. Symptoms were assessed at baseline, post‐treatment and 1‐year follow‐up. All participants experienced clinically significant improvement on at least some measures; no participants worsened or lost weight even at 1‐year follow‐up. Simulation modelling analysis (SMA) revealed for some participants an increase in weight gain and a decrease in eating disorder symptoms during the treatment phase as compared to a baseline assessment phase. These data, although preliminary, suggest that ACT could be a promising treatment for subthreshold or clinical cases of AN, even with chronic participants or those with medical complications. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Claspin inhibition leads to fragile site expression
Authors: Focarelli Maria Luisa , Soza Samuela , Mannini Linda , Paulis Marianna , Montecucco Alessandra , Musio Antonio 
Published: September 2009

AbstractFragile sites are hot spots for sister chromatid exchanges, translocations, deletions, complex rearrangements, and gene amplification. It has been hypothesized that rearrangements at fragile sites derive from unreplicated regions resulting from stalled forks that escape the ATR replication checkpoint. In the present study, we investigated the role of the Claspin (CLSPN) gene, which codes for an adaptor protein in the ATR pathway, during DNA replication stress in human cells. We show that the inhibition of the CLSPN gene leads to both genome instability and fragile site expression. Following aphidicolin treatment, we found a transient increase of Claspin synthesis due to its requirement to checkpoint activation. However, Claspin synthesis decreased after a prolonged aphidicolin treatment. We propose that CLSPN modulation, following an extreme replication block, allows rare cells to escape checkpoint mechanisms and enter mitosis with a defect in genome assembly. Our observations provide the basis for a better understanding of cell cycle checkpoints deregulation in cancer. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Primary salivary gland type carcinoma of the nasopharynx: Therapeutic outcomes and prognostic factors
Authors: Liu Tian‐Run , Chen Fu‐Jin , Qian Chao‐Nan , Guo Xiang , Zeng Mu‐Sheng , Guo Zhu‐Ming , He Jie‐Hua , Cao Jing‐Yan , Yang An‐Kui , Zhang Guan‐Ping 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground.Primary salivary gland type nasopharyngeal carcinoma (SNPC) is a rare malignancy with diverse clinical behavior and different prognoses. Previous studies have reported on limited patient populations, and few long‐term studies have outlined outcomes and prognostic factors. Furthermore, controversy exists as to the treatment policy of SNPC. The aim of this study was to define management approaches, therapeutic outcomes, and prognostic factors of SNPC.Methods.The medical records of 67 patients with SNPC at 1 institution between 1977 and 2005 were reviewed. Patient records were analyzed for management approaches, outcomes, and prognostic factors.Results.SNPC is a rare malignancy accounting for only 0.29% of nasopharyngeal malignancies, and the lymphatic metastases and distant metastases rates were 28.4% and 23.9%, respectively. The 5‐year disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 41.1% and 57.1%, respectively; no significant differences were found in DFS or OS between different histological subtypes. A significant difference was found in OS between surgical treatment and nonsurgical treatment in T1–T2 patients with well‐differentiated tumors. Multivariate analyses indicated that lymph node metastases, stage, and distant metastases were independent factors for DFS, whereas cranial nerve invasion, tumor residue, and distant metastases were independent factors affecting OS.Conclusions.SNPC is a malignancy with generally favorable prognosis. In T1–T2 patients with well‐differentiated tumors, SNPC should be treated by combined surgical operation and radiotherapy. Cranial nerve invasion, tumor residue, and distant metastases were independent factors affecting OS. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Opioid use affects antioxidant activity and purine metabolism: preliminary results
Authors: Mannelli Paolo , Patkar Ashwin , Rozen Steve , Matson Wayne , Krishnan Ranga , Kaddurah‐Daouk Rima 
Published: September 2009

AbstractObjectiveMore must be learned about metabolic and biochemical alterations that contribute to the development and expression of drug dependence. Experimental opioid administration influences mechanisms and indices of oxidative stress, such as antioxidant compounds and purine metabolism. We examined perturbations of neurotransmitter‐related pathways in opioid dependence (OD).MethodsIn this preliminary study, we used a targeted metabolomics platform to explore whether biochemical changes were associated with OD by comparing OD individuals (n = 14) and non‐drug users (n = 10).ResultsOD patients undergoing short‐term methadone detoxification showed altered oxidation–reduction activity, as confirmed by higher plasma levels of α‐ and γ‐ tocopherol and increased GSH/GSSG ratio. OD individuals had also altered purine metabolism, showing increased concentration of guanine and xanthosine, with decreased guanosine, hypoxanthine and hypoxanthine/xanthine and xanthine/xanthosine ratios. Other drug use in addition to opioids was associated with partly different biochemical changes.ConclusionsThis is a preliminary investigation using metabolomics and showing multiple peripheral alterations of metabolic pathways in OD. Further studies should explore the metabolic profile of conditions of opioid abuse, withdrawal and long‐term abstinence in relation to agonist and antagonist treatment and investigate biochemical signatures of opioid substances and medications. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heterogeneous aquitard properties in sedimentary successions in the Apennine chain: case studies in southern Italy
Authors: Petrella Emma , Celico Fulvio 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe aim of this study was to analyse the hydrogeologic role of siliciclastic deposits and marly‐clayey‐calcareous successions within the carbonate Apennine chain (southern Italy). The study was carried out along the northern part of the Matese carbonate massif through (1) the hydraulic characterization of siliciclastic rocks in a test site, by means of Lugeon tests, and (2) the identification of the groundwater flow system discharging at an important spring located within a marly‐clayey‐calcareous succession in a second test site, by means of isotopic investigations.The results showed that the investigated siliciclastic deposits and marly‐clayey‐calcareous successions may allow significant groundwater discharge from carbonate aquifers. Thus, they do not everywhere behave as aquitard, contrary to the previous model. Instead, groundwater flows through the upper part of these successions, where stress release fracturing enhanced rock permeability in the near‐surface bedrock. Thus, these successions may locally be a new groundwater source within the southern Apennine chain. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Water and salt balance of a saline water disposal basin during an experimental flooding and drying cycle (Loveday Disposal Basin, Australia)
Authors: Lamontagne Sébastien , Hicks Warren S. , Souter Nicholas J. , Walter Mark J. , Wen Li 
Published: September 2009

AbstractSaline irrigation drainage water along the semi‐arid lower River Murray is often disposed of into evaporation basins to prevent contamination of downstream water supplies. These evaporation basins are often former ephemeral floodplain wetlands that have now become extremely ecologically degraded due to high soil and water salinity. An experimental flooding with freshwater was conducted at Loveday Disposal Basin in 2006 to evaluate the environmental benefits of periodic flooding with freshwater. The water and salt balances of the permanent North Basin and ephemeral South Basin during the experiment were evaluated using a combination of hydrometric techniques and trends for salinity and the stable isotopes of water. Filling of the basins (with freshwater from the River Murray) decreased salinity (as total dissolved solids) from approximately 60 to 9 g l−1. Once flooding was completed, water level in both basins receded rapidly and then within 5 months they had re‐salinised to pre‐treatment levels. The main re‐salinisation mechanism was greater evaporative loss induced by the large increase in wetted surface area after flooding, especially in the shallower South Basin. Dissolution of evaporites was not a source of salt to the basins because halite remained undersaturated at all times, but minor quantities of Ca2+ and SO42− were gained from gypsum and carbonate dissolution. The salt mass stored in South Basin surface water increased during flooding and early after flooding, suggesting a significant salt input from the flooded soils. Because of large salt stores in surrounding soils and groundwater, ongoing saline groundwater discharge, and large evaporative losses, periodic flooding alone brings limited environmental benefits (that is, conditions favourable to freshwater organisms) to floodplain disposal basins. However, flooding deeper disposal basins during winter will minimise evaporative losses and increase the length of the freshening period. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analytical model of salinity risk from groundwater discharge in semi‐arid, lowland floodplains
Authors: Holland Kate L. , Jolly Ian D. , Overton Ian C. , Walker Glen R. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractRiver regulation and irrigated agricultural developments have increased saline groundwater discharge to semi‐arid floodplain environments, resulting in soil salinization and vegetation dieback. There is a need for rapid assessment tools to identify areas of floodplain vegetation at risk from salinization. This article describes the development and testing of a simple, one‐dimensional analytical model that distributes floodplain groundwater discharge as seepage at the break of slope, evapotranspiration across the floodplain and as groundwater flow into and out of the river. The analytical model provided comparable estimates of groundwater discharge to MODFLOW (R2 = 0·998) over a broad range of floodplain scenarios. Using regional scale geographic information system (GIS) data along an 85‐km long reach of the lower River Murray in South Australia, the model predicted the location of most (66%) of the unhealthy trees affected by seepage and soil salinization near the edge of the river valley and more than 75% of the unhealthy trees across the broader floodplain. The model predicted 98% of the observed variance in measured kilometre‐by‐kilometre river salt loads, identifying ‘hotspots’ of salt input to the river. It can therefore be used as a rapid assessment tool to assess the potential salinity risk to the floodplain vegetation and river from irrigation developments and river management. This approach can be applied more broadly, although the impact of wetlands and oxbows, which may act to intercept groundwater within the floodplain, is not taken into account. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effectiveness of artificial watering of a semi‐arid saline wetland for managing riparian vegetation health
Authors: Holland Kate L. , Charles Alison H. , Jolly Ian D. , Overton Ian C. , Gehrig Susan , Simmons Craig T. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractEucalyptus camaldulensis Denh. (River Red Gum) and E. largiflorens F.Muell. (Black Box), the dominant riparian tree species that fringe the wetlands of the lower River Murray in south‐eastern Australia, are in severe decline. Artificial watering has been used as an emergency management measure in an effort to save these significant ecological assets. This study quantified the extent of lateral recharge and the tree response to artificial watering in a semi‐arid saline floodplain wetland. The extent of the vegetation response was linked to the extent of groundwater freshening from bank recharge, which was controlled by floodplain hydraulic conductivity. A two‐ to five‐fold increase in plant water potential and a three‐ to six‐fold increase in tree water use were observed in the 3 to 4 months after watering. Artificial watering is an effective floodplain management tool to preserve significant ecological assets during periods of low flow. It can be used to manage one‐third of E. camaldulensis communities on the Chowilla floodplain that grow within the estimated extent of bank recharge from wetland watering. However, water balance calculations indicate that the water stored as bank recharge would be discharged as evapotranspiration within three years, which means that regular artificial watering is required during periods of low flow to maintain high‐value floodplain sites. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Social relations and PTSD symptoms: A prospective study on earthquake‐impacted adolescents in Taiwan
Authors: Wu Chih‐Hsun , Chen Sue‐Huei , Weng Li‐Jen , Wu Yin‐Chang 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThis prospective longitudinal study examined two competing models, a traditional social support model and a supportive and detrimental social relations model, to clarify the association of PTSD symptoms with supportive and detrimental social relations. Seven‐hundred five adolescents living near the epicenter of the Taiwan Chi‐Chi Earthquake participated in the study. The models were evaluated and cross‐validated using structural equation modeling. The supportive and detrimental social relations model appeared to be a better fit. After further evaluation of three nested versions of the supportive and detrimental social relations model, detrimental social relations was found to partially mediate the relationship between PTSD symptoms 1 and 2 years following the earthquake. The findings suggest that helping adolescents deal with detrimental social relations can contribute to postdisaster adjustment.
Exfoliated/Intercalated Rubber/Organo‐Montmorillonite Nanocomposites: Preparation and Characterization
Authors: Di Gianni Anna , Colucci Giovanna , Priola Aldo , Conzatti Lucia , Alessi Matteo , Stagnaro Paola 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe preparation of new rubber based nanocomposites by using properly modified organophilic clays is described. A commercial organophilic montmorillonite containing a hydroxylated ammonium ion is reacted with LPBs. The reaction causes a decrease of the polarity of the clay and a great increase of the interlayer distance. The modified organoclays are successfully dispersed into rubber matrices (SBR or BR) by melt blending in an internal batch mixer. SAXS analyses and TEM micrographs revealed the formation of highly exfoliated nanocomposites containing intercalated stacks made of few lamellae.magnified image