bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Superiority of Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography to Other Functional Imaging Techniques in the Evaluation of Metastatic SDHB-Associated Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma
Authors: Timmers Henri J.L.M. , Kozupa Anna , Chen Clara C. , Carrasquillo Jorge A. , Ling Alexander , Eisenhofer Graeme , Adams Karen T. , Solis Daniel , Lenders Jacques W.M. , Pacak Karel 
Published: May 2007

Purpose Germline mutations of the gene encoding subunit B of the mitochondrial enzyme succinate dehydrogenase (SDHB) predispose to malignant paraganglioma (PGL). Timely and accurate localization of these aggressive tumors is critical for guiding optimal treatment. Our aim is to evaluate the performance of functional imaging modalities in the detection of metastatic lesions of SDHB-associated PGL. Patients and Methods Sensitivities for the detection of metastases were compared between [18F]fluorodopamine ([18F]FDA) and [18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET), iodine-123- (123I) and iodine-131 (131I) -metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG), 111In-pentetreotide, and Tc-99m-methylene diphosphonate bone scintigraphy in 30 patients with SDHB-associated PGL. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) served as standards of reference. Results Twenty-nine of 30 patients had metastatic lesions. In two patients, obvious metastatic lesions on functional imaging were missed by CT and MRI. Sensitivity according to patient/body region was 80%/65% for 123I-MIBG and 88%/70% for [18F]FDA-PET. False-negative results on 123I-MIBG scintigraphy and/or [18F]FDA-PET were not predicted by genotype or biochemical phenotype. [18F]FDG-PET yielded a by patient/by body region sensitivity of 100%/97%. At least 90% of regions that were false negative on 123I-MIBG scintigraphy or [18F]FDA-PET were detected by [18F]FDG-PET. In two patients, 111In-pentetreotide scintigraphy detected liver lesions that were negative on other functional imaging modalities. Sensitivities were similar before and after chemotherapy or 131I-MIBG treatment, except for a trend toward lower post- (60%/41%) versus pretreatment (80%/65%) sensitivity of 123I-MIBG scintigraphy. Conclusion With a sensitivity approaching 100%, [18F]FDG-PET is the preferred functional imaging modality for staging and treatment monitoring of SDHB-related metastatic PGL.
Mechanisms Regulating Oocyte Meiotic Resumption: Roles of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase
Authors: Liang Cheng-Guang , Su You-Qiang , Fan Heng-Yu , Schatten Heide , Sun Qing-Yuan 
Published: May 2007

AbstractOocyte meiotic maturation is one of the important physiological requirements for species survival. However, little is known about the detailed events occurring during this process. A number of studies have demonstrated that MAPK plays a pivotal role in the regulation of meiotic cell cycle progression in oocytes, but controversial findings have been reported in both lower vertebrates and mammals. In this review, we summarized the roles of MAPK cascade and related signal pathways in oocyte meiotic reinitiation in both lower vertebrates and mammals. We also tried to reconcile the paradoxical results and highlight the new findings concerning the function of MAPK in both oocytes and the surrounding follicular somatic cells. The unresolved questions and future research directions regarding the role of MAPK in meiotic resumption are addressed.
Steroid Receptor Phosphorylation: A Key Modulator of Multiple Receptor Functions
Authors: Weigel Nancy L. , Moore Nicole L. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractSteroid receptors are hormone-activated transcription factors, the expression and activities of which are also highly dependent upon posttranslational modifications including phosphorylation. The remarkable number of phosphorylation sites in these receptors and the wide variety of kinases participating in their phosphorylation facilitate integration between cell-signaling pathways and steroid receptor action. Sites have been identified in all of the functional domains although the sites are predominantly in the amino-terminal portions of the receptors. Regulation of function is receptor specific, site specific, and often dependent upon activation of a specific cell-signaling pathway. This complexity explains, in part, the early difficulties in identifying roles for phosphorylation in receptor function. With increased availability of phosphorylation site-specific antibodies and better means to measure receptor activities, numerous roles for site-specific phosphorylation have been identified including sensitivity of response to hormone, DNA binding, expression, stability, subcellular localization, and protein-protein interactions that determine the level of regulation of specific target genes. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding receptor phosphorylation and regulation of function. As functional assays become more sophisticated, it is likely that additional roles for phosphorylation in receptor function will be identified.
Estrogen Deprivation and Inhibition of Breast Cancer Growth in Vivo through Activation of the Orphan Nuclear Receptor Liver X Receptor
Authors: Gong Haibiao , Guo Ping , Zhai Yonggong , Zhou Jie , Uppal Hirdesh , Jarzynka Michael J. , Song Wen-Chao , Cheng Shi-Yuan , Xie Wen 
Published: May 2007

AbstractEstrogen plays an important role in normal physiology. It is also a risk factor for breast cancer, and antiestrogen therapies have been shown to be effective in the treatment and prevention of breast cancers. The liver is important for estrogen metabolism, and a compromised liver function has been linked to hyperestrogenism in patients. In this report, we showed that the liver X receptor (LXR) controls estrogen homeostasis by regulating the basal and inducible hepatic expression of estrogen sulfotransferase (Est, or Sult1e1), an enzyme critical for metabolic estrogen deactivation. Genetic or pharmacological activation of LXR resulted in Est induction, which in turn inhibited estrogen-dependent uterine epithelial cell proliferation and gene expression, as well as breast cancer growth in a nude mouse model of tumorigenicity. We further established that Est is a transcriptional target of LXR, and deletion of the Est gene in mice abolished the LXR effect on estrogen deprivation. Interestingly, Est regulation by LXR appeared to be liver specific, further underscoring the role of liver in estrogen metabolism. Activation of LXR failed to induce other major estrogen-metabolizing enzymes, suggesting that the LXR effect on estrogen metabolism is Est specific. In summary, our results have revealed a novel mechanism controlling estrogen homeostasis in vivo and may have implications for drug development in the treatment of breast cancer and other estrogen-related cancerous endocrine disorders.
Oral Antidiabetic Agents in Pregnancy and Lactation: A Paradigm Shift?
Authors: Feig Denice S , Briggs Gerald G , Koren Gideon 
Published: May 2007

Objective: To provide information on the use of oral antidiabetic agents in pregnancy and breast-feeding. Data Sources: Primary articles were identified by a MEDLINE search (1966–March 2007) using the MeSH headings: pregnancy in diabetics, pregnancy, polycystic ovary syndrome, hypoglycemic agents, glipizide, glyburide, metformin, rosiglitazone, pioglitazone, clinical trial, controlled clinical trial, multicenter study, randomized controlled trial, case–control studies, and cohort studies. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All studies using oral antidiabetic agents in pregnancy were evaluated and relevant data were included in the discussion. Data Synthesis: Studies of glyburide and glipizide have found little or no transfer of these drugs across the placenta, whereas metformin and rosiglitazone cross readily. Animal studies have found no evidence to suggest that glyburide, glipizide, metformin, or rosiglitazone are teratogenic. In gestational diabetes, glyburide was safe and efficacious; however, 16–19% of women failed to achieve optimal glucose control. No developmental toxicity in infants was observed when metformin was used before and throughout pregnancy in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Some of the studies involving patients with type 2 diabetes had methodological problems. A randomized controlled trial using metformin for gestational diabetes in the third trimester is underway. The human information is inadequate to evaluate the risk of glipizide or the thiazolidinediones in pregnancy. In breast milk, 3 studies measured nonsignificant amounts of metformin and one study was unable to detect either glyburide or glipizide. Conclusions: Neither glyburide nor metformin has caused developmental toxicity in humans. Glyburide has been used for the treatment of gestational diabetes, and metformin has been used in women with PCOS who eventually became pregnant. Additional trials are needed to better define the benefits and risks of oral antidiabetic agents in pregnancy. Metformin, glyburide, and glipizide appear to be compatible with breast-feeding.
Magnetic-inductive Flow Sensor with Variable Cross Section – Design Using FEA (Magnetisch-induktiver Durchflusssensor mit variablem Querschnitt – Design mithilfe der FEA)
Authors: Krause Jens , Stange Gerd 
Published: May 2007

Flow sensors for electrically conducting fluids based on the magnetic-inductive (MID) principle are widely used because they contain no moving parts. In the flowing fluid the Lorentz force, due to an outer magnetic field, separates electric charges and induces an electric field. The potential is proportional to the average flow velocity. In standard devices a tube with circular cross section is used. We propose a varying shape that can be adjusted such that the MID-effect is 50% larger. The concept is verified and optimized using Finite-Element-Simulations with Comsol Multiphysics. The 3-D simulations include Navier–Stokes equations for incompressible fluids, magnetostatics, and electrostatics. This paper features the design with 1 cm diameter in the flow range up to 6 m/s. The methodology, however, using Finite-Element-Analysis, that will be described here in detail, can be extended to other configurations.
Use of Wastewater and Compost Extracts as Nutrient Sources for Growing Nursery and Turfgrass Species
Authors: Michitsch Robert C. , Chong Calvin , Holbein Bruce E. , Voroney R. Paul , Liu Hua‐Wu 
Published: May 2007

AbstractNutrient salts present in liquid by‐products following waste treatment are lost resources if not effectively recycled, and can cause environmental problems if improperly disposed. This research compared the growth response and mineral nutrient status of two nursery and two turfgrass species, hydroponically supplied with nutritive by‐product extracts derived from anaerobically digested municipal solid waste (MSW) and aerobically composted organic wastes from the mushroom and MSW industries. Forsythia (Forsythia × intermedia ‘Lynwood’) and weigela (Weigela florida ‘Red Prince’), and creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds.) and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), were grown in nutrient solutions/extracts prepared from: (i) half‐strength Hoagland's #2 solution (HH; control), (ii) Plant Products liquid fertilizer (PP; g kg−1: 180 N; 39 P; 224 K), (iii) spent mushroom compost (SMC), (iv) MSW compost (GMC), and (v) intra‐process wastewater from the anaerobic digestion of MSW (ADW). Additional nutrient solutions (SMC‐A, GMC‐A, and ADW‐A) were prepared by amending the original solutions with N, P, and/or K to concentrations in HH (mg L−1: 105 N; 15 P; 118 K). Plants receiving the SMC‐A extract grew best or at least as well as those in HH, PP, and the amended GMC‐A and ADW‐A solutions. This study indicated that, with proper amendments of N, P, K and other nutrients, water‐soluble constituents derived from organic waste treatment have potential for use as supplemental nutrient sources for plant production.
Phosphorus and Other Soil Components in a Dairy Effluent Sprayfield within the Central Florida Ridge
Authors: Woodard Kenneth R. , Sollenberger Lynn E. , Sweat Lewin A. , Graetz Donald A. , Nair Vimala D. , Rymph Stuart J. , Walker Leighton , Joo Yongsung 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThere is concern that P from dairy effluent sprayfields will leach into groundwater beneath Suwannee River basins in northern Florida. Our purpose was to describe the effects of dairy effluent irrigation on the movement of soil P and other nutrients within the upper soil profile of a sprayfield over three 12‐mo cycles (April 1998–March 2001). Effluent P rates of 70, 110, and 165 kg ha−1cycle−1were applied to forages that were grown year‐round. The soil is a deep, excessively drained sand (thermic, uncoated Typic Quartzipsamment). Mean P concentration in soil water below the rooting zone (152‐cm depth) was ≤0.1 mg L−1during 11 3‐mo periods. Mehlich‐1‐extractable (M1) P, Al, and Ca in the topsoil increased over time but did not change in subsoil depths of 25 to 51, 51 to 71, 71 to 97, and 97 to 122 cm. Topsoil Ca increased as effluent rate increased. High Ca levels were found in dairy effluent (avg.: 305 mg L−1) and supplemental irrigation water (avg.: 145 mg L−1) which likely played a role in retaining P in the topsoil. An effect of effluent rate on P and Al concentrations in the topsoil was not detected, probably due to large and variable quantities present at project initiation. The P retention capacity (i.e., Al plus Fe) increased in the topsoil because Al increased. Dairy effluent contained Al (avg.: 31 mg L−1). Phosphorus saturation ratio (PSR) increased over time in the topsoil but not in subsoil layers. Regardless of effluent rate, the P retention capacity and PSR of subsoil, which contained 119 to 229 mg kg−1of Al, should be taken into account when assessing the risk of P moving below the rooting zone of most forage crops.
Monitoring of Nitrate Leaching in Sandy Soils
Authors: Zotarelli Lincoln , Scholberg Johannes M. , Dukes Michael D. , Muñoz‐Carpena Rafael 
Published: May 2007

AbstractProper N fertilizer and irrigation management can reduce nitrate leaching while maintaining crop yield, which is critical to enhance the sustainability of vegetable production on soils with poor water and nutrient‐holding capacities. This study evaluated different methods to measure nitrate leaching in mulched drip‐irrigated zucchini, pepper, and tomato production systems. Fertigation rates were 145 and 217 kg N ha−1 for zucchini; 192 and 288 kg N ha−1 for pepper; and 208 and 312 kg N ha−1 for tomato. Irrigation was either applied at a fixed daily rate or based on threshold values of soil moisture sensors placed in production beds. Ceramic suction cup lysimeters, subsurface drainage lysimeters and soil cores were used to access the interactive effects of N rate and irrigation management on N leaching. Irrigation treatments and N rate interaction effects on N leaching were significant for all crops. Applying N rates in excess of standard recommendations increased N leaching by 64, 59, and 32%, respectively, for pepper, tomato, and zucchini crops. Independent of the irrigation treatment or nitrogen rate, N leaching values measured from the ceramic cup lysimeter‐based N leaching values were lower than the values from the drainage lysimeter and soil coring methods. However, overall nitrate concentration patterns were similar for all methods when the nitrate concentration and leached volume were relatively low.
Nutrient Load Generated by Storm Event Runoff from a Golf Course Watershed
Authors: King K. W. , Balogh J. C. , Hughes K. L. , Harmel R. D. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractTurf, including home lawns, roadsides, golf courses, parks, etc., is often the most intensively managed land use in the urban landscape. Substantial inputs of fertilizers and water to maintain turf systems have led to a perception that turf systems are a major contributor to nonpoint source water pollution. The primary objective of this study was to quantify nutrient (NO3–N, NH4–N, and PO4–P) transport in storm‐generated surface runoff from a golf course. Storm event samples were collected for 5 yr (1 Apr. 1998–31 Mar. 2003) from the Morris Williams Municipal Golf Course in Austin, TX. Inflow and outflow samples were collected from a stream that transected the golf course. One hundred fifteen runoff‐producing precipitation events were measured. Median NO3–N and PO4–P concentrations at the outflow location were significantly (p < 0.05) greater than like concentrations measured at the inflow location; however, median outflow NH4–N concentration was significantly less than the median inflow concentration. Storm water runoff transported 1.2 kg NO3–N ha−1 yr−1, 0.23 kg NH4–N ha−1 yr−1, and 0.51 kg PO4–P ha−1 yr−1 from the course. These amounts represent approximately 3.3% of applied N and 6.2% of applied P over the contributing area for the same period. NO3–N transport in storm water runoff from this course does not pose a substantial environmental risk; however, the median PO4–P concentration exiting the course exceeded the USEPA recommendation of 0.1 mg L−1 for streams not discharging into lakes. The PO4–P load measured in this study was comparable to soluble P rates measured from agricultural lands. The findings of this study emphasize the need to balance golf course fertility management with environmental risks, especially with respect to phosphorus.
Lability of Drinking Water Treatment Residuals (WTR) Immobilized Phosphorus
Authors: Agyin‐Birikorang Sampson , O'Connor George A. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractTime constraints associated with conducting long‐term (>20 yr) field experiments to test the stability of drinking water treatment residuals (WTR) sorbed phosphorus (P) inhibit improved understanding of the fate of sorbed P in soils when important soil properties (e.g., pH) change. We used artificially aged samples to evaluate aging and pH effects on lability of WTR‐immobilized P. Artificial aging was achieved through incubation at elevated temperatures (46 or 70°C) for 4.5 yr, and through repeated wetting and drying for 2 yr. Using a modified isotopic (32P) dilution technique, coupled with a stepwise acidification procedure, we monitored changes in labile P concentrations over time. This technique enabled evaluation of the effect of pH on the lability of WTR‐immobilized P. Within the pH range of 4 to 7, WTR amendment, coupled with artificial aging, ultimately reduced labile P concentrations by ≥75% relative to the control (no‐WTR) samples. Soil samples with different physicochemical properties from two 7.5‐yr‐old, one‐time WTR‐amended field sites were utilized to validate the trends observed with the artificially aged samples. Despite the differences in physicochemical properties among the three (two field‐aged and one artificially aged) soil samples, similar trends of aging and pH effects on lability of WTR‐immobilized P were observed. Labile P concentrations of the WTR‐amended field‐aged samples of the two sites decreased 6 mo after WTR amendment and the reduction persisted for 7.5 yr, ultimately resulting in ≥70% reduction, compared to the control plots. We conclude that WTR application is capable of reducing labile P concentration in P‐impacted soils, doing so for a long time, and that within the commonly encountered range of pH values for agricultural soils WTR‐immobilized P should be stable.
Man and Natural Disaster in the Late Middle Ages: The Earthquake in Carinthia and Northern Italy on 25 January 1348 and its Perception
Authors: Rohr Christian 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
How did people react to natural abnormalities such as earthquakes and floods in the Middle Ages? Why did they experience them as disasters? How did they explain them? Did they really see them as a divine punishment? Reports of the earthquake of 1348, which was followed by a landslide and a flood destroying the city of Villach, were often combined with accounts of the Black Death, which arose in these regions just a few weeks later. There are still only a few studies of natural disasters in the Middle Ages, and for the eastern Alpine regions only the earthquake of 25 January 1348 has been examined in detail, albeit using a variety of approaches. This study tries to provide a mentality-bound approach, searching for the mentalities of the people, but without claiming to write a 'history of mentalities'. Nevertheless, it seems easier to examine mentalities in extreme situations than in normal times, though the records concerning natural disasters in the Late Middle Ages are mostly brief. By re-visiting the sources for the 1348 earthquake following the studies of Borst (1981) and Hammerl (1992) and looking at aspects of its perception, management and explanation, this article calls into question the supposed 'medieval' equation of natural disaster and divine punishment. In spite of the fact that the natural disasters and Black Death were mixed up in the sources, there is little evidence that the earthquake itself was experienced as anything other than something tremendous and unexpected, but which also belonged to daily life.
Historical Seismology in Switzerland: Reflections on Issues and Insights
Authors: Gisler Monika 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
Historical seismology cannot rely on instrumental measurement alone; investigation depends mainly on the evaluation of historical sources. Improving the quality of historical data underlying macroseismic and seismological parameters has been proposed as a desideratum. As a consequence, the investigation and interpretation of historical documents have been encouraged during the last two decades, and seismologists and historians have worked together. Attempts at combining reconstruction of physical processes with the discursive perceptions of a disaster need an interdisciplinary approach. Current discussions in cultural science have heightened the sensitivity of historians, leading them to seek and elaborate new models and to establish contact with scientific disciplines. The revision of the new unified Earthquake Catalog of Switzerland and neighbouring regions (ECOS) during 2000-2002 has to be settled within this context. The objective of the revision was basic research on historical, macroseismic and seismological levels. This paper focuses mainly on methodological approaches, relating to historical and macroseismic purposes, adopted during this project.
Nature, Progress and the 'Disorderly' Fitzroy: The Vain Quest for Queensland's 'Noblest Navigable River', 1865-1965
Authors: Webster Barbara , Mullins Steve 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
In the nineteenth century, engineers deformed and reshaped the natural environment in the name of progress, particularly in new settler societies like Australia. This article focuses on attempts, some experimental but all ultimately unsuccessful, to render Queensland's Fitzroy River suitable for large-scale shipping by constructing 'training' walls and dredging intensively. In addition to examining the motivations for these efforts and their environmental legacy, the paper argues that both engineers and men of commerce saw nature as 'untamed' and female and in need of training or 'husbanding' through the application of modern technology, irrespective of the financial cost.
Seizing The Day: Perrine Moncrieff and Nature Conservation in New Zealand
Authors: Hodge Robin 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
This study examines environmental work by the ornithologist and conservationist Perrine Moncrieff between 1920 and 1980. It discusses her Millais family background and vitalist beliefs as factors assisting the publication of her field guide, New Zealand Birds and How to Identify Them , her advocacy for Abel Tasman National Park, and her Presidency of the Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union. She and her work were marginalised in the mid-century development era but she became a mentor of conservationists in the 1970s.