bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interrater and intermethod reliability of default mode network selection
Authors: Franco Alexandre R. , Pritchard Aaron , Calhoun Vince D. , Mayer Andrew R. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThere has been a growing interest in the neuroimaging community regarding resting state data (i.e., passive mental activity) and the subsequent activation of the so‐called default mode network (DMN). Although this network was originally characterized by a pattern of deactivation during active cognitive states, more recent applications of data‐driven techniques such as independent component analysis (ICA) have permitted the analysis of brain activation during extended periods of truly passive mental activity. However, ICA requires the resultant components to be evaluated for “goodness of fit” via either human raters or more automated techniques. To our knowledge, an investigation on the reliability of either technique in determining the component that best corresponds to default‐mode activity has not been performed. Moreover, it is not clear how automated techniques, which are necessarily dependent upon a template mask, are affected by the structures used to compose the mask. The current study investigated both interrater (human‐human) reliability and intermethod (human‐machine) reliability for determining DMN activation in 42 healthy controls. Results indicated that near perfect interrater reliability was achieved, whereas intermethod reliability was only within the moderate range. The latter was significantly improved via a weighted combination of the anterior and posterior cingulate nodes of the DMN. Implications for fully automating the component selection process are discussed. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Record rewards: the effects of targeted quality incentives on the recording of risk factors by primary care providers
Authors: Sutton Matt , Elder Ross , Guthrie Bruce , Watt Graham 
Published: February 2009

AbstractFinancial incentives may increase performance on targeted activities and have unintended consequences for untargeted activities. An innovative pay‐for‐performance scheme was introduced for UK general practices in 2004. It incentivised particular quality indicators for targeted groups of patients. We estimate the intended and unintended consequences of this Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) using dynamic panel probit models estimated on individual patient records from 315 general practices over the period 2000/1–2005/6. We focus on annual rates of recording of blood pressure, smoking status, cholesterol, body mass index and alcohol consumption. The recording of each risk factor is designated as incentivised or unincentivised for each individual based on whether they have one of the diseases targeted by the QOF. The effect on incentivised factors was substantially larger on the targeted patient groups (+19.9 percentage points) than on the untargeted groups (+5.3 percentage points). There was no obvious evidence of effort diversion but there was evidence of substantial positive spillovers (+10.9 percentage points) onto unincentivised factors for the targeted groups. Moreover, provider responses were larger on those indicators for which more stringent standards were set and greater rewards offered. We conclude that the incentives induced providers to improve targeted quality and make investments in quality that extended beyond the scheme. We estimate that the average provider was paid £20 500 for recording 410 additional items of information on the risk factors targeted by the financial incentives. Allowance for the positive spillovers reduces the estimated average reward from £50 to £25 per additional record. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Richter syndrome: molecular insights and clinical perspectives
Authors: Rossi Davide , Gaidano Gianluca 
Published: February 2009

AbstractRichter syndrome (RS) represents the clinico‐pathologic transformation of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) to an aggressive lymphoma, most commonly diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The clinical definition of RS is heterogeneous, and encompasses at least two biologically different conditions: (i) CLL transformation to a clonally related DLBCL, that accounts for the majority of cases; (ii) development of a DLBCL unrelated to the CLL clone. In clonally related RS, the pathogenetic link between the CLL and the DLBCL phases is substantiated by the acquisition of novel molecular lesions at the time of clinico‐pathologic transformation. RS is not a rare event in the natural history of CLL, since the cumulative incidence of RS at 10 years exceeds 10%. Prompt recognition of RS is known to be clinically useful, and may be favoured by close monitoring of CLL patients harbouring clinical and/or biological risk factors of RS development. Conventional risk factors that are independent predictors of RS development at the time of CLL diagnosis include: (i) expression of CD38; (ii) absence of del13q14 and (iii) lymph node size ≥3 cm. Other risk factors of RS development include CD38 genotype and usage of specific immunoglobulin variable genes. The molecular pathogenesis of RS has been elucidated to a certain extent. Acquisition ofTP53mutations and/or 17p13 deletion is a frequent molecular event in RS, as it is in other types of transformation from indolent to aggressive B‐cell malignancies. Additional molecular alterations are being revealed by genome wide studies. Once that transformation has occurred, RS prognosis may be predicted by the RS score, based on performance status, LDH, platelet count, tumour size and number of prior therapies. Depending on patient's age and RS score, the therapeutic options for RS may range from conventional immunochemotherapy to allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Autologous stem cell transplantation for elderly patients with acute myeloid leukaemia conditioned with continuous infusion idarubicin and busulphan
Authors: Ferrara Felicetto , Palmieri Salvatore , Pedata Mariangela , Viola Assunta , Izzo Tiziana , Criscuolo Clelia , Mele Giuseppina 
Published: February 2009

AbstractDifferent studies have suggested the potential utility of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) of the elderly with encouraging results in selected patients. However, while the introduction of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) has consistently reduced morbidity and mortality of the procedure, relapse still represents the major cause of ASCT failure. One possibility to ameliorate therapeutic results could rely on the adoption of conditioning regimens specifically designed for AML. We report therapeutic results from a series of 40 AML patients older than 60 years (median age 67 years) autografted in first complete remission (CR), after conditioning with continuous infusion (c.i.) high dose idarubicin and busulphan. Fourty patients (median age: 67 years) received 2 days c.i. idarubicin at 20 mg/m2/day, followed by 3 days oral or intravenous busulphan (4 mg/kg/day) as conditioning. No case of transplant‐related mortality occurred. Cardiac toxicity was absent, while 31 patients (77%) had grade 3–4 mucositis. After a median follow‐up of 25 months, median disease free and overall survival (OS) for the whole patient population were 13 and 22 months, respectively. Three patients died while in CR from causes unrelated to AML. Better results were achieved in patients with intermediate karyotype as opposed to those with adverse cytogenetics. Our data confirm the feasibility of a conditioning regimen based on high‐dose idarubicin plus busulphan in older selected AML patients and suggest clinical improvement in patients with normal cytogenetics. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing the credibility of instrumental variables inference with imperfect instruments via sensitivity analysis
Authors: Ashley Richard 
Published: February 2009

AbstractConsistent instrumental variables (IV) estimation requires instruments uncorrelated with model errors, but this assumption is usually both suspect and untestable. Here the asymptotic sampling distribution of the IV parameter estimator is derived for any specified instrument‐error covariance vector. This result makes it possible to quantify the sensitivity of any particular IV inference result to instrument‐error correlations, allowing one to assess the robustness of such inferential conclusions to uncertainty in the validity of the instruments. An application illustrating the value of this sensitivity analysis is given to a study by Acemoglu et al. (2001). Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased expression of the testicular estrogen receptor alpha in adult mice exposed to low doses of methiocarb
Authors: Han Jiyou , Park Mira , Kim Jae‐Hong , Kim Ahyoung , Won Miae , Lee Dong Ryul , Ko Jeong‐Jae , Yoon Ho , Sim Se‐Hoon , Lee Kangseok , Bae Jeehyeon 
Published: February 2009

AbstractMethiocarb is a widely used carbamate pesticide and a suspected endocrine disrupter. The objective of this study was to examine the in vivo effects of methiocarb at low doses on testicular expression of steroid receptors, spermatogenesis and sperm quality in adult mice. Eighteen‐week‐old DBA/2 males were treated with daily intraperitoneal injection of methiocarb (0, 0.03, 0.3, 1.0 or 3.0 µg kg−1 of body weight) for 20 days. Kidney and liver weights were significantly increased in the 1.0 or 3.0 µg kg−1 treatment groups (P < 0.05). The testicular expression of estrogen receptor α (ERα) was significantly increased in mice treated with methiocarb as confirmed by Western blot analysis. The sperm production and sperm quality of the methiocarb‐exposed mice were not significantly altered as determined using a computer‐assisted sperm analysis system. Therefore, these results demonstrate, that although the exposure to methiocarb at low doses alters testicular ERα expression in adult mice, both sperm production and quality remain unaffected. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanical force inhibits osteoclastogenic potential of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts through OPG production and ERK‐mediated signaling
Authors: Kook Sung‐Ho , Son Young‐Ok , Hwang Jung‐Min , Kim Eun‐Mi , Lee Choon‐Bong , Jeon Young‐Mi , Kim Jong‐Ghee , Lee Jeong‐Chae 
Published: February 2009

AbstractPeriodontal ligament and gingival fibroblasts play important roles in bone remodeling. Periodontal ligament fibroblasts stimulate bone remodeling while gingival fibroblasts protect abnormal bone resorption. However, few studies had examined the differences in stimulation of osteoclast formation between the two fibroblast populations. The precise effect of mechanical forces on osteoclastogenesis of these populations is also unknown. This study revealed that more osteoclast‐like cells were induced in the co‐cultures of bone marrow cells with periodontal ligament than gingival fibroblasts, and this was considerably increased when anti‐osteoprotegerin (OPG) antibody was added to the co‐cultures. mRNA levels of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappaB ligand (RANKL) were increased in both populations when they were cultured with dexamethasone and vitamin D3. Centrifugal forces inhibited osteoclastogenesis of both populations, and this was likely related to the force‐induced OPG up‐regulation. Inhibition of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) signaling by a pharmacological inhibitor (10 µM PD98059) or by siERK transfection suppressed the force‐induced OPG up‐regulation along with the augmentation of osteoclast‐like cells that were decreased by the force. These results suggest that periodontal ligament fibroblasts are naturally better at osteoclast induction than gingival fibroblasts, and that centrifugal force inhibited osteoclastogenesis of the periodontal fibroblasts through OPG production and ERK activation. J. Cell. Biochem. 106: 1010–1019, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Phosphoregulation of K+‐Cl−cotransporter 4 during changes in intracellular Cl−and cell volume
Authors: Bergeron Marc J. , Frenette‐Cotton Rachelle , Carpentier Gabriel A. , Simard Michael G. , Caron Luc , Isenring Paul 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIt has long been stated that the K+‐Cl−cotransporters (KCCs) are activated during cell swelling through dephosphorylation of their cytoplasmic domains by a protein phosphatase (PP) but that other enzymes are involved by targeting this PP or the KCCs directly. To date, however, the role of signaling intermediates in KCC regulation has been deduced from indirect evidence rather than in vitro phosphorylation studies, and examined after simulation of ion transport through cell swelling orN‐ethylmaleimide treatment. In this study, the oocyte expression system was used to examine the effects of changes in cell volume (CVOL) and intracellular [Cl−] ([Cl−]i) on the activity and phosphorylation levels (PLEV) of KCC4, and determine whether these effects are mediated by PP1 or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)‐sensitive effectors. We found that (1) low [Cl−]ior low CVOLleads to decreased activity but increased PLEV, (2) high CVOLleads to increased activity but no decrease in PLEVand (3) calyculin A (Cal A) or PMA treatment leads to decreased activity but no increase in PLEV. Thus, we have shown for the first time that one of the KCCs can be regulated through direct phosphorylation, that changes in [Cl−]ior CVOLmodify the activity of signaling enzymes at carrier sites, and that the effectors directly involved do not include a Cal A‐sensitive PP in contrast to the widely held view. J. Cell. Physiol. 219: 787–796, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel role for the TRPV1 channel in UV‐induced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐1 expression in HaCaT cells
Authors: Lee Young Mee , Kim Yeon Kyung , Kim Kyu Han , Park Su Jung , Kim Sung Joon , Chung Jin Ho 
Published: February 2009

AbstractTransient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) is a molecular sensor for detecting adverse stimuli, such as capsaicin, heat, and acid. TRPV1 has been localized in keratinocytes and is suggested to be a mediator of heat‐induced matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP‐1). With regard to the multimodal activation of TRPV1, we hypothesize that TRPV1 might also mediate UV‐induced MMP‐1 in keratinocytes. In HaCaT, a human keratinocyte cell line, we initially confirmed capsaicin‐induced membrane current and Ca2+ influx. UV irradiation induced slow and persistent calcium influx and increased membrane current, which was inhibited by TRPV1 inhibitors (capsazepine and ruthenium red). The UV‐induced MMP‐1 expression in HaCaT was also decreased by TRPV1 inhibitors and was facilitated by capsaicin. Knock‐down of TRPV1 using siRNA transfection also decreased MMP‐1 expression, as well as UV‐induced Ca2+ influx in HaCaT. UV failed to induce MMP‐1 expression in HaCaT cells cultured in Ca2+‐free media. Both the UV‐induced increase in [Ca2+]i and MMP‐1 were suppressed by Gö6976 (a calcium‐dependent PKC inhibitor), but not by rottlerin (a calcium‐independent PKC inhibitor). In addition to a plausible role of TRPV1 in UV‐induced MMP‐1 expression, we showed that UV increased TRPV1 expression in both HaCaT cells and human skin in vivo. From these results, we suggest that UV‐induced MMP‐1 expression might be mediated in part by PKC‐dependent activation of TRPV1 and subsequent Ca2+‐influx in human keratinocytes. J. Cell. Physiol. 219: 766–775, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Imaging of mouse experimental melanoma in vivo and ex vivo by combination of confocal and nonlinear microscopy
Authors: Chernyavskiy Oleksandr , Vannucci Luca , Bianchini Paolo , Difato Francesco , Saieh Mustafa , Kubínová Lucie 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWe investigated possibilities of the combination of the one‐ and two‐photon excitation microscopy for examination of the experimental melanoma tissue in vivo, in mice under general anesthesia, and ex vivo on freshly harvested specimens. Our aim was to obtain sufficiently informative images of unstained tumor tissues and their modifications after hyperthermia treatment. The mouse experimental melanoma structure was studied and compared with normal tissue from the same animal by using confocal and nonlinear microscopy techniques based on (i) one‐photon excitation (1PE) fluorescence, (ii) 1PE reflectance, (iii) second harmonic generation imaging, and (iv) two‐photon excitation autofluorescence. We checked different spectral conditions and other settings of image acquisition, as well as combinations of the above imaging modalities, to fully exploit the potential of these techniques in the evaluation of treated and untreated cancer tissue morphology. Our approach enabled to reveal the collagen fiber network in relation with the other tissues, and to identify invasive tumor cells. It also proved to be useful for the examination of interrelationships between functional and morphological aspects based on optical properties of the tissues, especially in studies of changes between the tumor and control tissue, as well as changes induced by physical treatments, e.g., delivery of microwave hyperthermia treatment. These differences were also evaluated quantitatively, when we found out that the maximum Euler–Poincaré characteristic reflects well the melanoma morphological structure. The results showed that the proposed investigative approach could be suitable also for a direct evaluation of tissue modifications induced by clinical interventions. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A study of hydrogenated carbon fibers by scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy
Authors: De La Cal Antonio Madroñero , Aguado‐Serrano Juan , Rojas‐Cervantes Maria Luisa , Adame Elena V. Rosa , Marron Belen Sarmiento , Rosende Africa Castro , Nevshupa Roman 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe hydrogen absorption process is studied in carbonaceous fibers produced from a mixture of methane and hydrogen. The absorption of the hydrogen was examined in two types of fibers, in “as‐grown” state and after a process of desorption during an annealing to 1.473 K under vacuum. Later to its production process, the fibers withstand an oxidation in air to 973 K. The fibers were examined by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal microscopy by reflection. Differences in the behavior during the oxidation were observed between the fibers in as‐grown state and those subjected to a further annealing. It could be verified that the fibers were really constituted by two different phases. In one of the phases, the storage of the hydrogen absorbed took place, whereas in the other phase there was no alteration. The process of annealing prior to the absorption of the hydrogen has an appreciable effect on the desorption rate of the hydrogen. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Localization and function of the anion exchanger Ae2 in developing teeth and orofacial bone in rodents
Authors: Bronckers Antonius L.J.J. , Lyaruu Donacian M. , Jansen Ineke D. C. , Medina Juan F. , Kellokumpu Sakari , Hoeben Kees A. , Gawenis Lara R. , Oude‐Elferink Ronald P.J. , Everts Vincent 
Published: February 2009

AbstractTo explore the functions of the anion exchanger 2 (Ae2) in the development of bones and teeth we examined the distribution of Ae2 in cells involved in the formation of teeth and surrounding bone in young hamsters, mice and rats. In all three species strongest immunostaining for Ae2 was obtained in basolateral membranes of maturation ameloblasts and in osteoclasts resorbing bone. In hamsters a weaker staining was also seen in the Golgi apparatus of secretory ameloblasts, young osteoblasts and osteocytes, odontoblasts and fibroblasts of the forming periodontal ligament. In adult Ae2 mice, in which Ae2‐targeted disruption precluded the expression of Ae2a, Ae2b1 and Ae2b2 isoforms, the immunostaining for Ae2 in ameloblasts and osteoclasts was totally abolished. The enamel formation was abnormal but teeth erupted, osteoclasts in jaw bone were functional and structure of dentin and bone was normal. In another mouse model, Ae2−/− mice in which the expression of all five Ae2 isoforms was disrupted, teeth failed to erupt and the alveolar bone proved poorly formed with giant but apparently functional osteoclasts. Our data indicate that basolaterally located Ae2a, Ae2b1 or Ae2b2 (or a combination of these) is present in maturation ameloblasts critical for the cells' normal functioning. Although isoforms of Ae2 were also present in basolateral membranes of osteoclasts, they proved to be not critical to osteoclast resorption of orofacial bone. Poorly formed bone and the failure of teeth to erupt seen in the Ae2−/− mice with gene disruption affecting all isoforms may result from secondary (systemic) changes that are different from Ae2 mice. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 312B:375–387, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Seasonal variation of the oviduct of the American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis (Reptilia: Crocodylia)
Authors: Bagwill April , Sever David M. , Elsey Ruth M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe annual oviductal cycle of the American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, is described using light and electron microscopy. Previous work done by Palmer and Guillette ([1992] Biol Reprod 46:39–47) shed some light on the reproductive morphology of the female alligator oviduct; however, their study was limited and did not report details relating to variation across the reproductive season. We recognize six variable regions of the oviduct: infundibulum, tube, isthmus, anterior uterus, posterior uterus, and vagina. Each area shows variation, to some degree, in the histochemistry and ultrastructure of oviductal secretions. Peak secretory activity occurs during the months of May and June, with the greatest variation occurring in the tube and anterior uterus. During the month of May, high densities of neutral carbohydrates and proteins are found within the tubal and anterior uterine glands. The epithelium of the entire oviduct secretes neutral carbohydrates throughout the year, but many regions lack protein secretions, and the posterior uterine glands show little secretory activity of any type throughout the year. After oviposition, secretory activity decreases drastically, andthe oviduct resembles that of the premating season. This study also provides evidence to support the homology between alligator and bird oviducts. Sperm were observed in glands at the tubal‐isthmus and utero‐vaginal junctions in preovulatory, postovulatory and postovipository females. J. Morphol., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The theropod furcula
Authors: Nesbitt Sterling J. , Turner Alan H. , Spaulding Michelle , Conrad Jack L. , Norell Mark A. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe furcula is a structure formed by the midline fusion of the clavicles. This is the element which is unique to theropods and is important for understanding the link between birds and other theropods. New specimens from basal theropods suggest that the furcula appeared very early in theropod history. We review furcula development, function, and morphology, as well as the anatomical terminology applied to it. Furcular morphology is highly variable in crown‐group avians but is rather conserved among nonavian theropods. Here we review, or describe for the first time, the furculae in many nonavian theropods. Furculae occur in nearly all major clades of theropods, as shown by new theropod specimens from the Early Cretaceous of China and a close inspection of previously collected specimens. Informative phylogenetic characters pertaining to the furcula occur throughout Theropoda, though care should betake to consider taphonomic effects when describing furcular morphology. J. Morphol., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.