bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Early home‐based intervention in the Netherlands for children at familial risk of dyslexia
Authors: van Otterloo Sandra G. , van der Leij Aryan , Henrichs Lotte F. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractDutch children at higher familial risk of reading disability received a home‐based intervention programme before formal reading instruction started to investigate whether this would reduce the risk of dyslexia. The experimental group (n=23) received a specific training in phoneme awareness and letter knowledge. A control group (n=25) received a non‐specific training in morphology, syntax, and vocabulary. Both interventions were designed to take 10 min a day, 5 days a week for 10 weeks. Most parents were sufficiently able to work with the programme properly. At post‐test the experimental group had gained more on phoneme awareness than the control group. The control group gained more on one of the morphology measures. On average, these specific training results did not lead to significant group differences in first‐grade reading and spelling measures. However, fewer experimental children scored below 10th percentile on word recognition. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Voltammetric Determination of Phenoxybenzyl‐Type Insecticides at Chemically Modified Conducting Polymer‐Carbon Nanotubes Coated Electrodes
Authors: Manisankar P. , Sundari P. L. Abirama , Sasikumar R. , Roy D. Jestin 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe electrochemical reduction of three common insecticides such as cypermethrin (CYP), deltamethrin (DEL) and fenvalerate (FEN) was investigated at glassy carbon electrode (GCE), multiwalled carbon nanotubes modified GCE (MWCNT‐GCE), polyaniline (herein called as modifier M1) and polypyrrole (herein called as modifier M2) deposited MWCNT/GCE using cyclic voltammetry. Influences of pH, scan rate, and concentration were studied. The surface morphology of the modified film was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD). A systematic study of the experimental parameters that affect differential pulse stripping voltammetry (DPSV) was carried out and the optimized experimental conditions were arrived at. The calibration plots were linear over the insecticide's concentration range 0.1–100 mg L−1 and 0.05–100 mg L−1 for all the three insecticides at MWCNT‐GCE and MWCNT(M1)‐GCE respectively. The MWCNT(M2)‐GCE performed well among the three electrode systems and the determination range obtained was 0.01–100 mg L−1 for CYP, DEL and FEN. The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.35 μg L−1, 0.9 μg L−1 and 0.1 μg L−1 for CYP, DEL and FEN respectively on MWCNT(M2)‐GCE modified system. Suitability of this method for the trace determination of insecticide in spiked soil sample was also determined.
Evolution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals in sludge samples from conventional activated sludge wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Villar P. , Villar M. , Callejón M. , Pérez J. L. , Jiménez J. C. , Alonso E. , Guiraúm A. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis paper presents results on the presence and evolution of PAHs and heavy metals in a conventional activated sludge wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The 16 PAHs recommended by the EPA were determined. On the other hand, 13 heavy metals were studied (Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Ti and Zn). Moreover, water content, organic and mineral matter were determined for the generic characterization of the sludges in an attempt to assess their agricultural value. The sewage sludges originated from the Guadalete WWTP site in Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz, Spain). PAHs have been extracted by microwave energy. High performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array and fluorescence detectors have been used (HPLC‐DAD‐FL). Heavy metals were analyzed by ICP‐AES. The results showed that total PAHs concentration (sum of 16 EPA PAHs) varied between 6757 ng g−1 dry matter (DM) for compost and 4176 ng g−1 DM for secondary sludge. The most abundant PAH is pyrene. The highest concentration of heavy metals was also found in compost (51750 mg kg−1 DM) and lowest concentration in secondary sludge (24250 mg kg−1). In order to obtain global conclusions from all results, several chemometrical techniques of pattern recognition were applied. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dimensional approach to delusions in psychotic depression in the elderly: factor structure and clinical correlates
Authors: Gournellis Rossetos , Oulis Panagiotis , Michalopoulou Panagiota , Kaparoudaki Adamantia , Dimitrakopoulos Christos , Lykouras Lefteris 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjectiveThe present study attempted to investigate the clinically important broader dimensions of clinical characteristics of delusions, through multivariate analysis, in a pure sample of elderly unipolar delusional depressives as well as to test their external validity against a set of demographic, anamnestic and psychopathological validators.MethodsFifty inpatients suffering from psychotic major depression (PMD) in the context of major depressive disorder, 60 years old or older, were assessed on the basis of SCID IV, HRSD, MMSE and by three‐point ordinal scales of 12 clinical, intrinsic or relational characteristics of delusions tested for their inter‐rater reliability.ResultsPrincipal Component Analysis resulted in the extraction of five factors, jointly accounting for 69.7% of the total variance. The five factors were interpreted as representing the dimensions of delusional strength, acute upsetting, delusional organization, incomprehensibility and incitation to actions. Most of the factors were differentially associated with patients' demographic, anamnestic and clinical variables.ConclusionOur results overlap in part with those of another similar study in delusional depressives of all age‐ranges, differing, however, in respects possibly attributable to peculiarities of elderly depressives. Overall, the findings of the present study contribute to the further elucidation of major clinical dimensions of delusions in PMD in the elderly and the testing of their external validity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hepatic function is preserved in the absence of mature microRNAs #
Authors: Hand Nicholas J. , Master Zankhana R. , Le Lay John , Friedman Joshua R. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression through partial or complete complementarity with target messenger RNAs. The function of miRNAs in normal liver physiology is largely unknown. We address the role of Dicer1 in the differentiated liver. We derived mice lacking Dicer1 function in hepatocytes and assessed the loss of mature miRNA via quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Gene expression microarray analysis was performed on liver RNA from mutant and control mice. Liver sections from mutant and control mice were examined and liver function tests were performed. Mice lacking Dicer1 function in hepatocytes appeared and behaved normally. Despite the loss of mature miRNAs, hepatic function was maintained, as reflected by normal blood glucose, albumin, cholesterol, and bilirubin. However, mutant mice between 2 and 4 months of age exhibited progressive hepatocyte damage with elevated serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Liver mass was increased in mutant mice, as were cellular markers of both proliferation and apoptosis. Microarray analysis indicated large-scale changes in gene expression, with increased expression of many miRNA targets, particularly imprinted genes. Conclusions: Loss of miRNA processing in the liver at late gestation has a remarkably mild phenotype, suggesting that miRNAs do not play an essential role in hepatic function. However, miRNA deficiency results in hepatocyte apoptosis, hepatocyte regeneration, and portal inflammation. Finally, microarray analysis of gene expression in the mutant liver supports a previously hypothesized role for Dicer1 in the repression of imprinted genes. (Hepatology 2008.)
Transcription factor 7–like 2 polymorphism modulates glucose and lipid homeostasis, adipokine profile, and hepatocyte apoptosis in NASH #
Authors: Musso Giovanni , Gambino Roberto , Pacini Giovanni , Pagano Gianfranco , Durazzo Marilena , Cassader Maurizio 
Published: September 2008

Abstract
Genetic factors underlying the association of NAFLD with diabetes and atherosclerosis are unknown. Recent human studies suggest transcription factor 7–like 2 (TCF7L2) polymorphism predisposes to diabetes through modulation of β-cell function and modulates lipid levels in familial dyslipidemia. Emerging experimental evidence connects TCF7L2 to adipocyte metabolism and lipid homeostasis, as well. We tested if TCF7L2 polymorphism is a risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and if it modulates liver injury, glucose homeostasis, lipoprotein, and adipokine profiles in NASH. TCF7L2 genotype and dietary habits of 78 nondiabetic normolipidemic NAFLD subjects and 156 age-, body mass index–, sex-matched healthy controls were assessed. In 39 biopsy-proven nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and matched controls TCF7L2 polymorphism was correlated to liver histology and oral glucose tolerance test–derived parameters of glucose homeostasis. Patients with NASH and controls consumed a high-fat meal and TCF7L2 genotype was correlated to postprandial circulating lipoproteins, adipokines, and cytokeratin-18 fragments. The TCF7L2 CT/TT genotype was more frequent in NAFLD and predicted the presence and severity of liver disease, of β-cell dysfunction, of reduced incretin effect and hepatic insulin resistance in NASH; it also modulated postprandial hepatocyte apoptosis, lipoproteins, and adipokine profiles in both groups. Conclusion: TCF7L2 polymorphism predisposes to NAFLD and significantly impacts liver injury, glucose homeostasis, and postprandial lipoprotein and adipokine responses to fat ingestion. This polymorphism also modulates a fat-induced increase in circulating markers of hepatocyte apoptosis in NASH. Targeting postprandial lipemia, at least in at-risk TCF7L2 genotypes, may improve liver disease and glucose dysmetabolism in these patients. (Hepatology 2008.)
Evidence for LKB1/AMP-activated protein kinase/ endothelial nitric oxide synthase cascade regulated by hepatocyte growth factor, S-adenosylmethionine, and nitric oxide in hepatocyte proliferation #
Authors: Vázquez-Chantada Mercedes , Ariz Usue , Varela-Rey Marta , Embade Nieves , Martínez-Lopez Nuria , Fernández-Ramos David , Gómez-Santos Laura , Lamas Santiago , Lu Shelly C. , Martínez-Chantar Luz M. , Mato José M. 
Published: September 2008

Abstract

S
-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is involved in numerous complex hepatic processes such as hepatocyte proliferation, death, inflammatory responses, and antioxidant defense. One of the most relevant actions of SAMe is the inhibition of hepatocyte proliferation during liver regeneration. In hepatocytes, SAMe regulates the levels of cytoplasmic HuR, an RNA-binding protein that increases the half-life of target messenger RNAs such as cyclin D1 and A2 via inhibition of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-mediated adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation. Because AMPK is activated by the tumor suppressor kinase LKB1, and AMPK activates endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS), and NO synthesis is of great importance for hepatocyte proliferation, we hypothesized that in hepatocytes HGF may induce the phosphorylation of LKB1, AMPK, and eNOS through a process regulated by SAMe, and that this cascade might be crucial for hepatocyte growth. We demonstrate that the proliferative response of hepatocytes involves eNOS phosphorylation via HGF-mediated LKB1 and AMPK phosphorylation, and that this process is regulated by SAMe and NO. We also show that knockdown of LKB1, AMPK, or eNOS with specific interference RNA (iRNA) inhibits HGF-mediated hepatocyte proliferation. Finally, we found that the LKB1/AMPK/eNOS cascade is activated during liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy and that this process is impaired in mice treated with SAMe before hepatectomy, in knockout mice deficient in hepatic SAMe, and in eNOS knockout mice. Conclusion: We have identified an LKB1/AMPK/eNOS cascade regulated by HGF, SAMe, and NO that functions as a critical determinant of hepatocyte proliferation during liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy. (Hepatology 2009;49:608–617.)
Impacts of annual precipitation extremes on soil and nutrient losses in vineyards of NE Spain
Authors: Ramos M. C. , Martínez‐Casasnovas J. A. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe objective of this research was to characterise annual precipitation extremes in a Mediterranean vineyard region. The number of exceptional events (P > 95th percentile) and annual extreme events (P > 99th percentile), as well as their strength, erosive character and return period were analysed for 2000–2004. The erosive character was evaluated according to the R‐factor (kinetic energy × maximum intensity in 30‐min periods). Soil and nutrient losses caused by these events were evaluated by combining field sampling and a hydrological model to estimate total runoff in a vineyard plot. The results show a clear increase in the number of very wet days and extreme events (P > 95th percentile), which represented up to 88% of annual rainfall. The severity of the extreme events (TS = precipitation event P > 99th percentile) reached values higher than 50 mm almost every year. These values were far exceeded in 2000, when one extraordinary event recorded 50% of the annual rainfall, with TS of 189 mm, about 80% of total rainfall being lost as runoff. Annual erosivity was driven not only by extreme events, but also by short events of less depth but high intensity. During some of the years analysed, rainfall erosivity was two or three times the average in the area. Most soil and nutrient losses occurred in a small number of events: one or two events every year were responsible for more than 75% of the annual soil and nutrient losses on average. Antecedent soil moisture conditions, runoff rates, and events with a return period higher than two years were responsible for the higher erosion rates. Apart from an exceptional event recorded in 2000, which produced more than 200 Mg ha−1 soil losses, annual soil losses up to 25 Mg ha−1 were recorded, which are much higher than the soil loss tolerance. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Leptin signaling in breast cancer: An overview
Authors: Cirillo Donatella , Rachiglio Anna Maria , la Montagna Raffaele , Giordano Antonio , Normanno Nicola 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe adipocyte‐derived peptide leptin acts through binding to specific membrane receptors, of which six isoforms (obRa‐f) have been identified up to now. Binding of leptin to its receptor induces activation of different signaling pathways, including the JAK/STAT, MAPK, IRS1, and SOCS3 signaling pathways. Since the circulating levels of leptin are elevated in obese individuals, and excess body weight has been shown to increase breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women, several studies addressed the role of leptin in breast cancer. Expression of leptin and its receptors has been demonstrated to occur in breast cancer cell lines and in human primary breast carcinoma. Leptin is able to induce the growth of breast cancer cells through activation of the Jak/STAT3, ERK1/2, and/or PI3K pathways, and can mediate angiogenesis by inducing the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In addition, leptin induces transactivation of ErbB‐2, and interacts in triple negative breast cancer cells with insulin like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) to transactivate the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), thus promoting invasion and migration. Leptin can also affect the growth of estrogen receptor (ER)‐positive breast cancer cells, by stimulating aromatase expression and thereby increasing estrogen levels through the aromatization of androgens, and by inducing MAPK‐dependent activation of ER. Taken together, these findings suggest that the leptin system might play an important role in breast cancer pathogenesis and progression, and that it might represent a novel target for therapeutic intervention in breast cancer. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 956–964, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thrombin induced secretion of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and its effect on nuclear signaling in endothelium
Authors: Wadgaonkar Raj , Somnay Kaumudi , Garcia Joe G.N. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe procoagulant thrombin stimulates endothelial cells (EC) to undergo rapid cytoskeleton changes via signaling pathways that induce multiple phenotypic changes, including alterations in permeability, vasomotor tone, adhesion molecule synthesis, and leukocyte trafficking. We studied a novel role of thrombin's action on the endothelium that results in MIF secretion, which is linked to myosin light chain (MLC) and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK½)‐dependent nuclear signaling. In bovine pulmonary artery EC (BPAEC), thrombin treatment induced intracellular MLC phosphorylation within 15 min, followed by a significant increase in MIF secretion within 30 min. Thrombin treatment induced biphasic ERK½ phosphorylation with an early phase occurring at 15 min and a later phase at 120 min. To understand the role of MIF secretion in thrombin‐induced biphasic activation of ERK½, BPAE cells were treated with (i) recombinant MIF, and (ii) the medium collected from thrombin‐treated BPAE cells. These studies demonstrated a sustained monophasic ERK½ phosphorylation. Inhibition of MIF secretion by MIF siRNA or antisense‐MIF treatment, along with a neutralizing antibody, attenuated the thrombin‐induced second phase ERK phosphorylation, suggesting a direct involvement of MIF in the second phase of ERK½ activation. Pretreatment of BPAE cells with an ERK kinase inhibitor and with antisense‐MIF significantly inhibited thrombin‐induced nuclear factor kappa (NF‐κB) activation. These results indicate that MIF secretion and ERK phosphorylation both play a necessary role in thrombin induced NF‐κB activation. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 1279–1288, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
BAG3 protein regulates caspase‐3 activation in HIV‐1‐infected human primary microglial cells
Authors: Rosati Alessandra , Khalili Kamel , Deshmane Satish L. , Radhakrishnan Sujatha , Pascale Maria , Turco M. Caterina , Marzullo Liberato 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBAG3, a member of the BAG co‐chaperones family, is expressed in several cell types subjected to stressful conditions, such as exposure to high temperature, heavy metals, drugs. Furthermore, it is constitutively expressed in some tumors. Among the biological activities of the protein, there is apoptosis downmodulation; this appears to be exerted through BAG3 interaction with the heat shock protein (Hsp) 70, that influences cell apoptosis at several levels. We recently reported that BAG3 protein was detectable in the cytoplasm of reactive astrocytes in HIV‐1‐associated encephalopathy biopsies. Here we report that downmodulation of BAG3 protein levels allows caspase‐3 activation by HIV‐1 infection in human primary microglial cells. This is the first reported evidence of a role for BAG3 in the balance of death versus survival during viral infection. J. Cell. Physiol. 218: 264–267, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Recent Advances in Automatic Continuous Online Monitoring of Polymerization Reactions (ACOMP)
Authors: Alb Alina M. , Reed Wayne F. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractACOMP allows comprehensive, model‐independent, near realtime monitoring of many different types of polymerization reactions. It provides conversion kinetics, and the evolution of average molar mass, intrinsic viscosity and average composition distributions (for copolymers). Here, recent advances in ACOMP will be summarized, dealing with continuous reactors, copolymerization, ‘living’ type reactions (NMP, RAFT, ATRP, ROMP), polyelectrolytes, heterogeneous phase reactions, including free radical reactions in emulsions, and predictive control. In the case of emulsion polymerization, a new approach will be presented in which the evolution of the characteristics of both the soluble phase – monomer conversion, polymer molar mass and intrinsic viscosity‐ and the dispersed phase – particle size – are simultaneously monitored. NSF CBET 0623531, BoR ITRS 019B, NASA NCC3‐946, TIMES, PolyRMC (Tulane Center for Polymer Reaction Monitoring and Characterization).
Boundary integral equations for two‐dimensional low Reynolds number flow past a porous body
Authors: Kohr Mirela , Wendland Wolfgang L. , Raja Sekhar G. P. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIn this paper we use the method of matched asymptotic expansions in order to study the two‐dimensional steady flow of a viscous incompressible fluid at low Reynolds number past a porous body of arbitrary shape. One assumes that the flow inside the porous body is described by the Brinkman model, i.e. by the continuity and Brinkman equations, and that the velocity and boundary traction fields are continuous across the interface between the fluid and porous media. By considering some indirect boundary integral representations, the inner problems are reduced to uniquely solvable systems of Fredholm integral equations of the second kind in some Sobolev or Hölder spaces, while the outer problems are solved by using the singularity method. It is shown that the force exerted by the exterior flow on the porous body admits an asymptotic expansion with respect to low Reynolds number, whose terms depend on the solutions of the abovementioned system of boundary integral equations. In addition, the case of small permeability of the porous body is also treated. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A questionnaire based review of long‐term follow‐up programs for survivors of childhood cancer in Canada
Authors: Guilcher G.M.T. , Fitzgerald C. , Pritchard S. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackgroundMajor advances have been made in the treatment of childhood cancer; however, survivors of childhood cancer are at increased risk for morbidity and mortality. There is little literature regarding available long‐term follow‐up programs for survivors of childhood cancer.ProcedureIn March 2007, 16 surveys were sent to pediatric hematology/oncology programs across Canada to determine what programs were available for survivors of childhood cancer, and the nature of such programs.ResultsOf 15 participating centers, 13 (87%) have multi‐disciplinary programs for the long‐term follow‐up of pediatric cancer survivors. Research databases were documented in 9/15 (60%) of centers to document late effects. Dedicated programs for adult survivors of childhood cancer were established in 8/15 (53%) of centers. Access to subspecialty care for survivors was rated as quite good. Concerns were raised by many participants about patients being lost to follow‐up. Respondents indicated that primary care physicians appear to be under‐represented within dedicated long‐term follow‐up programs.ConclusionLong‐term follow‐up programs for survivors of childhood cancer are available in 87% of Canadian pediatric oncology centers. While programs reported good access to care for childhood survivors, many adult survivors of childhood cancer have more limited timely access to services and patients are often lost to follow‐up. New models of care incorporating primary care physicians are necessary due to growing numbers of survivors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:113–115. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.