bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Congenital anomalies, prematurity, and low birth weight rates in relation to nuclear power plant proximity1)
Authors: Mangones Tania , Visintainer Paul , Brumberg Heather L.
Published: January 2013

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether maternal residential proximity to a nuclear reactor is associated with prevalence of certain birth defects.

Study design: The New York State Vital Statistics and Congenital Malformations Registry data (1992–2001) were analyzed for five Hudson Valley counties in a 20-mile radius from the Indian Point nuclear reactor (Buchanan, NY, USA). Four zones of 5-mile increments were used to categorize proximity to the reactor. Data included congenital anomalies, low birth weight, and prematurity.

Result: Over the 10-year period, 702 malformations in 666 children were identified from a birth population of 328,124, yielding a regional rate of 2.1 major malformations per 1000 births. The prevalence of defects, low birth weight, and prematurity were not related to proximity to the nuclear power plant.

Conclusion: These data did not substantiate an association between maternal proximity to the reactor and certain birth defects and provide baseline data for comparison in the event of a nuclear accident.
Towards nano-scale photonics with micro-scale photons: the opportunities and challenges of mid-infrared plasmonics
Authors: Law Stephanie , Podolskiy Viktor , Wasserman Daniel
Published: January 2013

Surface plasmon polaritons and their localized counterparts, surface plasmons, are widely used at visible and near-infrared (near-IR) frequencies to confine, enhance, and manipulate light on the subwavelength scale. At these frequencies, surface plasmons serve as enabling mechanisms for future on-chip communications architectures, high-performance sensors, and high-resolution imaging and lithography systems. Successful implementation of plasmonics-inspired solutions at longer wavelengths, in the mid-infrared (mid-IR) frequency range, would benefit a number of highly important technologies in health- and defense-related fields that include trace-gas detection, heat-signature sensing, mimicking, and cloaking, and source and detector development. However, the body of knowledge of visible/near-IR frequency plasmonics cannot be easily transferred to the mid-IR due to the fundamentally different material response of metals in these two frequency ranges. Therefore, mid-IR plasmonic architectures for subwavelength light manipulation require both new materials and new geometries. In this work we attempt to provide a comprehensive review of recent approaches to realize nano-scale plasmonic devices and structures operating at mid-IR wavelengths. We first discuss the motivation for the development of the field of mid-IR plasmonics and the fundamental differences between plasmonics in the mid-IR and at shorter wavelengths. We then discuss early plasmonics work in the mid-IR using traditional plasmonic metals, illuminating both the impressive results of this work, as well as the challenges arising from the very different behavior of metals in the mid-IR, when compared to shorter wavelengths. Finally, we discuss the potential of new classes of mid-IR plasmonic materials, capable of mimicking the behavior of traditional metals at shorter wavelengths, and allowing for true subwavelength, and ultimately, nano-scale confinement at long wavelengths.
Multi-photon microscopic imaging of inflammatory fibroid polyps/Multi-Photonen-Mikroskopie entzündlich fibroider Polypen
Authors: Kang Deyong , Xu Meifang , Jiang Shanghai , Zhuo Shuangmu , Zhu Xiaoqin , Xie Shusen , Chen Jianxin
Published: January 2013

Most applications of multi-photon microscopy (MPM) in biology and medicine focus on high-resolution imaging of physiology, morphology and cell–cell interactions in intact tissues or live animals. In this paper, our aim is to assess whether MPM has the ability to provide comparable information for stained histology slides and to identify inflammatory fibroid polyp (IFP) tissue sections without H&E staining.

A tissue section without H&E staining was examined using a multi-photon microscope consisting of a mode-locked Ti: sapphire femtosecond laser (Mira 900-F; Coherent, Inc.) and a commercial laser scanning microscope (LSM 510 META; Carl Zeiss, Inc.) with a Plan-Neofluar 40×/0.75 objective. Large area images and a series of optical sectioning images were obtained using an optional fine-focusing stage (HRZ 200; Carl Zeiss, Inc.).

MPM images showed the main characteristics of IFP that corresponded well with H&E microscopic results, such as a typical onion skin arrangement of reticular fibers around thin-walled blood vessels, and short spindle cells intermixed with abundant inflammatory cells. A series of optical sectioning images displayed morphological structure of tissue sections at different depths.

MPM has the ability to provide comparable results to H&E staining. Its capability of optical sectioning can present the morphological structure of different optical sectioning planes, making MPM an alternative for those cases where the sample is very thick or cannot be stained.
Assessment of composition changes in demineralization and remineralization of human dentin using Raman spectroscopy/Beurteilung der Veränderungen in der Zusammensetzung von humanem Dentin durch Demineralisation und Remineralisation mittels Raman-Spektroskopie
Authors: Zhan Zhenlin , Zhang Xianzeng , Guo Wenqing , Xie Shusen
Published: January 2013

To evaluate the whole process of demineralization and remineralization in human dentin using Raman spectroscopy (RS).

Human molars from Chinese subjects were cut into tooth sections and painted with an acid-resistant varnish leaving one dentin surface exposed. The tooth sections were immersed in 0.3% citric acid to simulate the oral natural demineralization and were randomly divided into three groups with a sample size of n=12 each: 10 min (I), 20 min (II), and 40 min (III), according to the acid etch time. Then all the samples were submitted to a remineralizing solution for 5 days. The Raman spectra were measured before and after each treatment.

The result showed that although there was no new constituent formed in the whole process, the peak intensities of inorganic constituents decreased with the increase of acid etch time, while the trend of the organic constituents were the opposite. After remineralization, the peak intensities of inorganic constituents increased again.

In conclusion, using RS it would be possible to efficiently monitor the demineralization and remineralization status of human dentin.
Differential Sensitivity of Brainstem versus Cortical Astrocytes to Changes in pH Reveals Functional Regional Specialization of Astroglia
Authors: Kasymov Vitaliy , Larina Olga , Castaldo Cinzia , Marina Nephtali , Patrushev Maxim , Kasparov Sergey , Gourine Alexander V.
Published: January 2013

Astrocytes might function as brain interoceptors capable of detecting different (chemo)sensory modalities and transmitting sensory information to the relevant neural networks controlling vital functions. For example, astrocytes that reside near the ventral surface of the brainstem (central respiratory chemosensitive area) respond to physiological decreases in pH with vigorous elevations in intracellular Ca2+and release of ATP. ATP transmits astroglial excitation to the brainstem respiratory network and contributes to adaptive changes in lung ventilation. Here we show that in terms of pH-sensitivity, ventral brainstem astrocytes are clearly distinct from astrocytes residing in the cerebral cortex. We monitored vesicular fusion in cultured rat brainstem astrocytes using total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy and found that ∼35% of them respond to acidification with an increased rate of exocytosis of ATP-containing vesicular compartments. These fusion events require intracellular Ca2+signaling and are independent of autocrine ATP actions. In contrast, the rate of vesicular fusion in cultured cortical astrocytes is not affected by changes in pH. Compared to cortical astrocytes, ventral brainstem astrocytes display higher levels of expression of genes encoding proteins associated with ATP vesicular transport and fusion, including vesicle-associated membrane protein-3 and vesicular nucleotide transporter. These results suggest that astrocytes residing in different parts of the rat brain are functionally specialized. In contrast to cortical astrocytes, astrocytes of the brainstem chemosensitive area(s) possess signaling properties that are functionally relevant—they are able to sense changes in pH and respond to acidification with enhanced vesicular release of ATP.
Postsynaptic ERG Potassium Channels Limit Muscle Excitability to Allow Distinct Egg-Laying Behavior States inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Collins Kevin M. , Koelle Michael R.
Published: January 2013

Caenorhabditis elegansregulates egg laying by alternating between an inactive phase and a serotonin-triggered active phase. We found that the conserved ERG [ether-a-go-go (EAG) related gene] potassium channel UNC-103 enables this two-state behavior by limiting excitability of the egg-laying muscles. Using both high-speed video recording and calcium imaging of egg-laying muscles in behaving animals, we found that the muscles appear to be excited at a particular phase of each locomotor body bend. During the inactive phase, this rhythmic excitation infrequently evokes calcium transients or contraction of the egg-laying muscles. During the serotonin-triggered active phase, however, these muscles are more excitable and each body bend is accompanied by a calcium transient that drives twitching or full contraction of the egg-laying muscles. We found that ERG-null mutants lay eggs too frequently, and that ERG function is necessary and sufficient in the egg-laying muscles to limit egg laying. ERG K+channels localize to postsynaptic sites in the egg-laying muscle, and mutants lacking ERG have more frequent calcium transients and contractions of the egg-laying muscles even during the inactive phase. Thus ERG channels set postsynaptic excitability at a threshold so that further adjustments of excitability by serotonin generate two distinct behavioral states.
Doublecortin (Dcx) Family Proteins Regulate Filamentous Actin Structure in Developing Neurons
Authors: Fu Xiaoqin , Brown Kristy J. , Yap Chan Choo , Winckler Bettina , Jaiswal Jyoti K. , Liu Judy S.
Published: January 2013

Doublecortin (Dcx) is the causative gene for X-linked lissencephaly, which encodes a microtubule-binding protein. Axon tracts are abnormal in both affected individuals and in animal models. To determine the reason for the axon tract defect, we performed a semiquantitative proteomic analysis of the corpus callosum in mice mutant for Dcx. In axons from mice mutant for Dcx, widespread differences are found in actin-associated proteins as compared with wild-type axons. Decreases in actin-binding proteins α-actinin-1 and α-actinin-4 and actin-related protein 2/3 complex subunit 3 (Arp3), are correlated with dysregulation in the distribution of filamentous actin (F-actin) in the mutant neurons with increased F-actin around the cell body and decreased F-actin in the neurites and growth cones. The actin distribution defect can be rescued by full-length Dcx and further enhanced by Dcx S297A, the unphosphorylatable mutant, but not with the truncation mutant of Dcx missing the C-terminal S/P-rich domain. Thus, the C-terminal region of Dcx dynamically regulates formation of F-actin features in developing neurons, likely through interaction with spinophilin, but not through α-actinin-4 or Arp3. We show with that the phenotype of Dcx/Doublecortin-like kinase 1 deficiency is consistent with actin defect, as these axons are selectively deficient in axon guidance, but not elongation.
Genetic Analysis of Recombinant Inbred Lines forSorghum bicolor × Sorghum propinquum
Authors: Kong Wenqian , Jin Huizhe , Franks Cleve D , Kim Changsoo , Bandopadhyay Rajib , Rana Mukesh K , Auckland Susan A , Goff Valorie H , Rainville Lisa K , Burow Gloria B , Woodfin Charles , Burke John J , Paterson Andrew H
Published: January 2013

We describe a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population of 161 F5 genotypes for the widest euploid cross that can be made to cultivated sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) using conventional techniques, S. bicolor × Sorghum propinquum, that segregates for many traits related to plant architecture, growth and development, reproduction, and life history. The genetic map of the S. bicolor × S. propinquum RILs contains 141 loci on 10 linkage groups collectively spanning 773.1 cM. Although the genetic map has DNA marker density well-suited to quantitative trait loci mapping and samples most of the genome, our previous observations that sorghum pericentromeric heterochromatin is recalcitrant to recombination is highlighted by the finding that the vast majority of recombination in sorghum is concentrated in small regions of euchromatin that are distal to most chromosomes. The advancement of the RIL population in an environment to which the S. bicolor parent was well adapted (indeed bred for) but the S. propinquum parent was not largely eliminated an allele for short-day flowering that confounded many other traits, for example, permitting us to map new quantitative trait loci for flowering that previously eluded detection. Additional recombination that has accrued in the development of this RIL population also may have improved resolution of apices of heterozygote excess, accounting for their greater abundance in the F5 than the F2 generation. The S. bicolor × S. propinquum RIL population offers advantages over early-generation populations that will shed new light on genetic, environmental, and physiological/biochemical factors that regulate plant growth and development.
Influence of Thermal Treatment on Phase Transformation and Dissolubility of Aluminosilicate Phase in Red Mud
Authors: Ye Nan , Zhu Jing , Liu Jianwen , Li Yalin , Ke Xinyuan , Yang Jiakuan
Published: January 2013

Red mud is a solid waste residue from the caustic soda leaching of bauxite ores to produce alumina by the Bayer process. Red mud contains large quantity of alkali and aluminosilicate, so it is potentially available to prepare inorganic polymeric materials by geopolymerisation process. However, the activity or dissolubility of the aluminosilicate phases in red mud is significantly poor, which constraints the geopolymerisation process. Therefore, some pretreatment process for red mud is necessary to improve the adhesive property and dissolubility of Bayer red mud. In this study, mineral phase transformation and dissolubility of a typical red mud sample were studied under different thermal treatment processes. The thermal behavior of the red mud was studied by TG-DTA. The crystalline phases of the samples calcined at 200-1000 °C for different hours were determined by XRD, and the dissolubility was determined by alkaline leaching test. The TG-DTA pattern shows no obvious endothermic or exothermic peaks, and the weight loss increases continuously as the temperature rises, which indicates that the crystalline phases transform continuously as the temperature rises, consistent with the XRD results. As the calcination temperature rises from 200 to 800 °C, several kinds of crystalline phase in original red mud, including gibbsite, katoite, muscovite, natrodavyne disappeared in succession, accompanied with the formation of nepheline, gehlenite, sodium aluminum silicate, and some amorphous aluminosilicate. The calcined products are more likely to dissolve. But when it rises over than 800 °C, the content of gehlenite increases, and the phase of which is stable. As the calcination temperature rises from 200 to 1000 °C, the dissolubility of aluminosilicate in the red mud under high alkaline conditions increases firstly and then decreases after over 800 °C. Therefore, the optimum temperature of thermal treatment for red mud is about 800 °C. This study could contribute to the following preparation of geopolymeric material made from red mud, especially the pretreatment process of red mud.
Steel Corrosion Inhibitors in Cement Based Materials from Nopal Slime
Authors: Torres-Acosta Andrés A. , Hernández-Leos Rosalba
Published: January 2013

This research includes results on the corrosion performance of reinforcing steel in cement-based mortar (pH ~ 13) when cactus (Opuntia Ficus Indica –Nopal) slime was used as an addition. The cactus slime addition was mixed at different concentrations by mixing water mass (0%, 1.5%, 4%, 8%, 42%, and 95%). Half-cell potentials and LPR measurements were performed at different time periods to characterize the possible corrosion inhibiting effect of the cactus additions tested. Results showed good corrosion inhibiting effect of Nopal slime on reinforcing steel, in all tested solutions, when chloride ions were present. The addition of such cactus led to an apparent formation of a denser and more packed oxide/hydroxide surface layer on the steel surface that decreased corrosion activity. This oxide/hydroxide layer growth was confirmed from microscopic evaluation of the metal surface layer performed at the end of the research program. The preliminary findings suggest that adding Nopal slime in concentrations between 4% and 8%, by water mass, might be suitable for durability enhancing applications in cement-based mortar.
Formation and Properties of TiSi2 as Contact Material for High-Temperature Thermoelectric Generators
Authors: Assion Fabian , Schönhoff Marcel , Hilleringmann Ulrich
Published: January 2013

Thermoelectric generators (TEG) are capable of transforming waste heat directly into electric power. With higher temperatures the yield of the devices rises which makes high-temperature contact materials important. The formation of titanium disilicide (TiSi2) and its properties were analyzed and optimized for the use in TEG. Depending on a direct or an indirect transformation into the C54 crystal structure the process forms a layer with a resistivity of 20-22 μΩcm. Process gases influence the resistivity and result in difference of 20 %. The growing rate of TiSi2on silicon dioxide was determined; it shows a strong dependence on the used atmosphere and temperature. A maximum overgrowing length of 30 μm was found.
Oxidation Protection of γ-TiAl Alloys by Intermetallic Ti-Al-Cr-Zr Coatings
Authors: Braun Reinhold , Kelm Klemens , Ehiasarian Arutiun P. , Hovsepian Papken Eh.
Published: January 2013

The oxidation behavior of γ-TiAl specimens coated with an intermetallic Ti-49Al-34Cr-4Zr layer was investigated at 1000°C under cyclic conditions in laboratory air. The 11 μm thick coating was produced using a combined technique of high power impulse magnetron sputtering and unbalanced magnetron sputtering. The as-deposited coating exhibited a dense layered structure and excellent adhesion to the substrate. The Ti-Al-Cr-Zr coating possessed high oxidation resistance associated with the formation of a thin continuous alumina scale for exposure time periods exceeding 1000 cycles of 1 h dwell time at 1000°C. During the high temperature exposure, the coating being amorphous in the as-deposited condition became crystalline exhibiting different polytypes of Ti(Cr,Al)2Laves phases with Ti probably partially substituted by Zr and Nb. Due to alumina formation and interdiffusion the coating was depleted in aluminum and chromium as well as enriched in titanium. After 1000 cycles at 1000°C, the coating consisted of an outer layer of the hexagonal C14 Laves phase and an inner layer of a probably orthorhombic phase whose structure was not yet determined. In both layers, pores and fine precipitates rich in Zr and Y were found.
Acceptor Dopants in Bulk and Nanoscale ZnO
Authors: McCluskey Matthew D. , Tarun Marianne C. , Teklemichael Samuel T.
Published: January 2013

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a semiconductor that emits bright UV light, with little wasted heat. This intrinsic feature makes it a promising material for energy-efficient white lighting, nano-lasers, and other optical applications. For devices to be competitive, however, it is necessary to develop reliable p-type doping. Although substitutional nitrogen has been considered as a potential p-type dopant for ZnO, recent theoretical and experimental work suggests that nitrogen is a deep acceptor and will not lead to p-type conductivity. In nitrogen-doped samples, a red photoluminescence (PL) band is correlated with the presence of deep nitrogen acceptors. PL excitation (PLE) measurements show an absorption threshold of 2.26 eV, in good agreement with theory. The results of these studies seem to rule out group-V elements as shallow acceptors in ZnO, contradicting numerous reports in the literature. Optical studies on ZnO nanocrystals show some intriguing leads. At liquid-helium temperatures, a series of sharp IR absorption peaks arise from an unknown acceptor impurity. The data are consistent with a hydrogenic acceptor 0.46 eV above the valence band edge. While this binding energy is still too deep for many practical applications, it represents a significant improvement over the 1.4-1.5 eV binding energy for nitrogen acceptors. Nanocrystals present another twist. Due to their high surface-to-volume ratio, surface states are especially important. In our model, the 0.46 eV level is shallow with respect to the surface valence band, raising the possibility of surface hole conduction.
In Situ High-Energy XRD Study of the Hot-Deformation Behavior of a Novel γ-TiAl Alloy
Authors: Stark Andreas , Schwaighofer Emanuel , Mayer Svea , Clemens Helmut , Lippmann Thomas , Lottermoser Lars , Schreyer Andreas , Pyczak Florian
Published: January 2013

The development of suitable hot-forming processes, e.g. forging, is an important step towards the serial production of TiAl parts. Several microstructure parameters change during hot-forming. However, the underlying mechanisms can normally only be inferred from post process metallographic studies.

We used a deformation dilatometer modified for working in the HZG synchrotron beamlines at DESY for hot-deformation experiments. This setup enables the in situ monitoring of the interaction and evolution of microstructure parameters during processing. We observed the evolution of phase fractions, grain size and crystallographic texture during deformation while simultaneously recording the process parameters, like temperature, force and length change.

Here we present the hot compressive deformation behaviour of a Ti-43Al-4Nb-1Mo-0.1B (in at.%) alloy. Several specimens were deformed at three temperatures each with two compression rates. During the experiments the Debye-Scherrer diffraction rings were continuously recorded.
Estimation of Local Current Transport Properties in Thin Film Superconductor Based on Scanning Hall-probe Microscopy
Authors: Higashikawa Kohei , Shiohara Kei , Inoue Masayoshi , Kiss Takanobu , Yoshizumi Masateru , Izumi Teruo
Published: January 2013

To enhance a global critical current in a superconductor, it is indispensable to understand current limiting factors and their influence on such a critical current. From this point of view, we have investigated in-plane distribution of local critical current density and its electric field criterion in a thin-film superconductor by using scanning-Hall probe microscopy. In a remanent state, after the application of sufficiently high magnetic field to a sample, current flows at critical current density according to the critical state model. Such distribution of current density was estimated from that of measured magnetic field using the Biot-Savart law. Furthermore, the corresponding electric field criterion was evaluated from the relaxation of such remanent magnetic field by considering Faraday’s law. This means that we could estimate in-plane distribution of local critical current density as a function of electric field criterion in a nondestructive manner. This characterization method would be very helpful for finding current limiting factors in a thin-film superconductor and their influence on its global current density versus electric field properties which would usually be obtained by four-probe method.
Isolation and Characterization of Bacteria from Ancient Siberian Permafrost Sediment
Authors: Zhang De-Chao , Brouchkov Anatoli , Griva Gennady , Schinner Franz , Margesin Rosa
Published: January 2013

In this study, we isolated and characterized bacterial strains from ancient (Neogene) permafrost sediment that was permanently frozen for 3.5 million years. The sampling site was located at Mammoth Mountain in the Aldan river valley in Central Yakutia in Eastern Siberia. Analysis of phospolipid fatty acids (PLFA) demonstrated the dominance of bacteria over fungi; the analysis of fatty acids specific for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria revealed an approximately twofold higher amount of Gram-negative bacteria compared to Gram-positive bacteria. Direct microbial counts after natural permafrost enrichment showed the presence of (4.7 ± 1.5) × 108 cells g−1 sediment dry mass. Viable heterotrophic bacteria were found at 0 °C, 10 °C and 25 °C, but not at 37 °C. Spore-forming bacteria were not detected. Numbers of viable fungi were low and were only detected at 0 °C and 10 °C. Selected culturable bacterial isolates were identified as representatives of Arthrobacter phenanthrenivorans, Subtercola frigoramans and Glaciimonas immobilis. Representatives of each of these species were characterized with regard to their growth temperature range, their ability to grow on different media, to produce enzymes, to grow in the presence of NaCl, antibiotics, and heavy metals, and to degrade hydrocarbons. All strains could grow at −5 °C; the upper temperature limit for growth in liquid culture was 25 °C or 30 °C. Sensitivity to rich media, antibiotics, heavy metals, and salt increased when temperature decreased (20 °C > 10 °C > 1 °C). In spite of the ligninolytic activity of some strains, no biodegradation activity was detected.
The Critical Impact of HIF-1a on Gastric Cancer Biology
Authors: Kitajima Yoshihiko , Miyazaki Kohji
Published: January 2013

Hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) monitors the cellular response to the oxygen levels in solid tumors. Under hypoxia conditions, HIF-1a protein is stabilized and forms a heterodimer with the HIF-1β subunit. The HIF-1 complex activates the transcription of numerous target genes in order to adapt the hypoxic environment in human cancer cells. In gastric cancer patients, HIF-1a activation following extended hypoxia strongly correlates with an aggressive tumor phenotype and a poor prognosis. HIF-1a activation has been also reported to occur via hypoxia-independent mechanisms such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling and ROS production. This article argues for the critical roles of HIF-1a in glucose metabolism, carcinogenesis, angiogenesis, invasion, metastasis, cell survival and chemoresistance, focusing on gastric cancer.
Are Land Based Surveys a Useful Tool for Managing Marine Species of Coastal Protected Areas?
Authors: Giacoma Cristina , Papale Elena , Azzolin Marta
Published: January 2013

One goal of the LIFE project “Del.Ta.” (NAT/IT/000163) was the preparation of an Action Plan to protect the bottlenose dolphin community in the Pelagie Archipelago (Sicily, Italy). It stressed the importance of regular monitoring of the spatial and temporal distribution of dolphins in order to evaluate the impact of local activities. This study assesses whether land-based surveys could be an effective alternative to vessel-based surveys. During the summer of 2006, both surveys’ methodologies were used at Lampedusa, with 35 sightings recorded from land and 31 from a boat. Comparison was based on the assessment of the type of information they provided in relation to the presence of the animals and their behavior. Both methodologies were applicable, but there were differences in their requirements, potential information generated, costs, and sensitivity to weather conditions. Vessel-based surveys require well trained observers and enable photo-identification and observation of social interaction and morphology. Animal movements, interactions with anthropogenic elements and group dynamics are better collected from land but spatial data can be documented up to 1 nautical mile from the coast. Weather conditions have a significant platform specific effect on sighting frequencies. The high sighting frequency during land surveys provides support for the development of zero-impact land-based dolphins watching activity.
ANRIL: Molecular Mechanisms and Implications in Human Health
Authors: Congrains Ada , Kamide Kei , Ohishi Mitsuru , Rakugi Hiromi
Published: January 2013

ANRIL is a recently discovered long non-coding RNA encoded in the chromosome 9p21 region. This locus is a hotspot for disease-associated polymorphisms, and it has been consistently associated with cardiovascular disease, and more recently with several cancers, diabetes, glaucoma, endometriosis among other conditions. ANRIL has been shown to regulate its neighbor tumor suppressors CDKN2A/B by epigenetic mechanisms and thereby regulate cell proliferation and senescence. However, the clear role of ANRIL in the pathogenesis of these conditions is yet to be understood. Here, we review the recent findings on ANRIL molecular characterization and function, with a particular focus on its implications in human disease.
Phospholipids and Alzheimer’s Disease: Alterations, Mechanisms and Potential Biomarkers
Authors: Kosicek Marko , Hecimovic Silva
Published: January 2013

Brain is one of the richest organs in lipid content. Phospholipids (glycerophospholipids and sphingolipids) are important building blocks of cell membranes, which provide an optimal environment for protein interactions, trafficking and function. Because of that, alterations in their cellular levels could lead to different pathogenic processes in the brain, such as in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common type of dementia among older populations. There is increasing evidence that phospholipid changes occur during pathogenic processes in AD. It is known that lipids are tightly connected with metabolism of the Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP), which produces Amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ), the main component of senile plaques, which represent the main pathological hallmark of AD. However, the mechanism(s) of the lipid-effect on Aβ metabolism and AD pathogenesis is still not completely understood. This review summarizes the current knowledge on phospholipid changes occurring during normal aging and discusses phospholipid changes in the human brain associated with different stages of AD, as well changes in the cerebrospinal fluid and blood/plasma, which are interesting potential biomarkers for AD diagnosis and disease monitoring. At the end, we have discussed future perspectives of phospholipid changes as potential biomarkers and as targets for development of novel treatment strategies against AD.
Antibacterial Polyketides from the Marine Alga-Derived Endophitic Streptomyces sundarbansensis: A Study on Hydroxypyrone Tautomerism
Authors: Djinni Ibtissem , Defant Andrea , Kecha Mouloud , Mancini Ines
Published: January 2013

Polyketide 13 [=2-hydroxy-5-((6-hydroxy-4-oxo-4H-pyran-2-yl)methyl)-2- propylchroman-4-one] and three related known compounds 7, 9 and 11 were obtained and structurally characterized from Streptomyces sundarbansensis strain, an endophytic actinomycete isolated from the Algerian marine brown algae Fucus sp. Compound 13 was obtained as the major metabolite from optimized culture conditions, by using Agar state fermentation. Due to tautomeric equilibrium, 13 in CD3OD solution was able to incorporate five deuterium atoms, as deduced by NMR and ESI-MS/MS analysis. The 2-hydroxy-γ-pyrone form was established for these metabolites based on the comparison of their experimental IR spectra with the DFT calculated ones, for both the corresponding 4-hydroxy-α-pyrone and 2-hydroxy-γ-pyrone forms. During antibacterial evaluation, compound 13 stood out as the most active of the series, showing a selective activity against the gram positive pathogenic methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA, MIC = 6 μΜ), with a bacteriostatic effect.
Nutrigenetics and Metabolic Disease: Current Status and Implications for Personalised Nutrition
Authors: Phillips Catherine
Published: January 2013

Obesity, particularly central adiposity, is the primary causal factor in the development of insulin resistance, the hallmark of the metabolic syndrome (MetS), a common condition characterized by dyslipidaemia and hypertension, which is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Interactions between genetic and environmental factors such as diet and lifestyle, particularly over-nutrition and sedentary behavior, promote the progression and pathogenesis of these polygenic diet-related diseases. Their current prevalence is increasing dramatically to epidemic proportions. Nutrition is probably the most important environmental factor that modulates expression of genes involved in metabolic pathways and the variety of phenotypes associated with obesity, the MetS and T2DM. Furthermore, the health effects of nutrients may be modulated by genetic variants. Nutrigenomics and nutrigenetics require an understanding of nutrition, genetics, biochemistry and a range of “omic” technologies to investigate the complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors relevant to metabolic health and disease. These rapidly developing fields of nutritional science hold much promise in improving nutrition for optimal personal and public health. This review presents the current state of the art in nutrigenetic research illustrating the significance of gene-nutrient interactions in the context of metabolic disease.
RESEARCH INTO SMELL EMITTED BY CONTAINERS FOR PUBLIC WASTE / KONTEINERIUOSE SURENKAMŲ BUITINIŲ ATLIEKŲ SKLEIDŽIAMO KVAPO TYRIMAI
Authors: Lukauskas Tadas , Zuokaitė Eglė
Published: January 2013

Waste is generally accepted as any materials and objects that a holder discards, wants to discard or is required to be discarded. The article deals with the smell of prefabricated containers for household waste produced under normal domestic activities. The paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of open, shallow and underground Molok containers, installation options and geometric parameters. Research has been conducted referring to air samples taken from three open, three shallow and three underground Molok containers at an outside temperature of 0 °C and depending on the replenishment of containers. The performed analysis has shown that the strongest smell of household waste is detected from completely replenished containers. Open containers have a distinctive feature of releasing a strong smell - in one of those, the odour strength of 119 OUE/m3 has been determined.

Santrauka

Atliekos visuotinai suprantamos kaip bet kokios medžiagos ir daiktai, kurių turėtojas atsikrato, nori ar privalo atsikratyti. Straipsnyje nagrinėjamas konteineriuose surenkamų buitinių atliekų, susidarančių įprastinėje žmogaus buitinėje veikloje, skleidžiamas kvapas. Aptariami atvirųjų, šachtinių ir požeminių Molok konteinerių privalumai ir trūkumai, įrengimo galimybės, geometriniai parametrai. Tyrimo metu esant 0 °C aplinkos temperatūrai oro mėginiai imti iš trijų atvirųjų buitinių atliekų konteinerių, trijų šachtinio tipo konteinerių ir trijų požeminių Molok konteinerių, atsižvelgiant į konteinerių buitinių atliekų pripildymo būdą. Tyrimais nustatyta, jog stipriausias buitinių atliekų kvapas susidaro konteineriuose, esant visiškam buitinių atliekų pripildymui. Buitinių atliekų skleidžiamo kvapo stiprumu išsiskiria atvirojo tipo konteineriai, iš kurių viename nustatytas net 119 OUE/m3 kvapo stiprumas.
Comment pense Mary Douglas ? Risque, culture et pouvoir
Authors: Girard Tobias
Published: January 2013

Résumé Auteur des célèbres ouvrages De la souillure et Comment pensent les institutions , Mary Douglas (1921-2007) est également l’une des premières anthropologues à s’être intéressée aux risques dans les sociétés industrielles. Connu sous le nom d’analyse culturelle ( Cultural Theory ), son cadre d’analyse propose d’expliquer pourquoi les individus ont peur de risques différents en reliant leur comportement à la culture du groupe auquel ils appartiennent. Pour éclairante et fonctionnelle qu’elle soit, cette théorie pose cependant un certain nombre de questions qu’il convient de relever, en raison notamment de leur portée politique.
Dientes de Abelisauridae y Carcharodontosauridae cf. (Theropoda, Dinosauria) del Campaniano-Maastrichtiano Formación Presidente Prudente (Suroeste Provincia de São Paulo, Brasil)
Authors: Furtado M. R. , Candeiro C. R. , Bergqvist L. P.
Published: January 2013

Se describen dientes aislados de terópodos referidos a Abelisauridae indet. y Carcharodontosauridae cf., procedentes de la Formación Presidente Prudente del Campaniano-Maastrichtiano, en el oeste del estado de San Pablo, Brasil. Los materiales son comparados con dientes de dinosaurios gondwánicos del Cretácico tardío, y cuyas afinidades son aquí discutidas. Estos dientes de dinosaurios carnívoros son significativos debido a que su presencia es pobremente conocida en el Cretácico tardío del oeste del estado del San Pablo, excepto por unos pocos huesos.
Copper in Galician ria sediments: natural levels and harbour contamination
Authors: García Ana , Bernárdez Patricia , Prego Ricardo
Published: January 2013

Copper distribution, natural background and contamination levels in sediments of the Galician rias were assessed from 389 surface sediment samples and five sediment cores. The natural reference concentration of copper can be estimated using the Cu-Fe relationship obtained from preindustrial sediments of rias: [Cu (mg kg–1)] / [Fe (g kg–1)] = 0.55. Severe copper contamination was mainly observed in the harbour, fishing ports and shipyards near shore areas of the Galician coast. Therefore, the rias of Ferrol and Vigo were the most environmentally disturbed, while the northern Galician rias were the least disturbed. The Galician case can be seen as the type of copper contamination due to maritime activities observed in other world harbours.
Elemental composition of coccoliths: Mg/Ca relationships
Authors: Cros Lluïsa , Fortuño José Manuel , Estrada Marta
Published: January 2013

Coccolithophores produce calcium carbonate platelets, the coccoliths, and play a significant role in the C and Ca cycles. Coccoliths are important components of marine biogenic carbonate sediments and their chemical analysis can provide tools for paleoceanographic investigation. In particular, the Mg/Ca ratio of coccoliths has been proposed as a paleotemperature proxy. The present study uses X-ray microanalysis to evaluate the Ca and Mg composition of heterococcoliths and holococcoliths of different coccolithophore species. Our measurements indicate that the Mg values in heterococcoliths do not exceed a low threshold and do not show any consistent relationship with the Ca content, while the Mg content of holococcoliths spans a wider range, can reach much higher values and shows a linear relationship with the Ca content. Several heterococcolithophore species tend to form separate clusters according to their Mg and Ca values. Within each cluster, there were no consistent differences in the Mg/Ca ratios of specimens sampled at different temperatures or seasons, suggesting that using the Mg/Ca ratio as a paleothermometer may be problematic. Our findings could have implications for the interpretation of the fossil record because Mg-rich calcite dissolves more easily.
Short-term variability of surface carbon dioxide and sea-air CO2 fluxes in the shelf waters of the Galician coastal upwelling system
Authors: Cobo-Viveros Alba Marina , Antonio Padin Xosé , Otero Pablo , De la Paz Mercedes , Ruiz-Villarreal Manuel , Ríos Aida F. , Pérez Fiz F.
Published: January 2013

Using data collected during the DYBAGA and ECO cruises, remote sensing chlorophyll-a estimations and the averaged upwelling index of the previous fortnight (Iw’), we studied the variability of the sea surface CO2 fugacity (fCO2) over the Galician continental shelf during three seasonal cycles. Sea surface salinity (SSS) distribution controlled fCO2 mainly in spring, while sea surface temperature (SST) did so during periods of intense cooling in November and warming in June. The uptake of carbon by photosynthetic activity, which was more intense during spring and autumn, masked the surface increase in the dissolved inorganic carbon concentration during upwelling events, especially during spring. A significant low correlation between fCO2 and Iw’ was found during spring and summer when upwelling events were observed, whereas no relationship was observed during the downwelling period. High fCO2 exceeding atmospheric values was only found during the summer stratification breakdown. Although sea-air CO2 fluxes showed a marked inter-annual variability, surface waters off the Galician coast were net sinks for atmospheric CO2 in every seasonal cycle, showing a lower CO2 uptake (~65%) compared to previously published values. Marked inter-annual changes in the sea-air CO2 fluxes seem to be influenced by fresh water inputs on the continental shelf under different meteorological scenarios.
Issues in current management of chronic myeloid leukemia: Importance of molecular monitoring on long term outcome
Authors: Menon Hari
Published: January 2013

Monitoring of CML patients while on therapy is vitally important and ENL has come up with specific guidelines for the same. Since we are currently talking about operational cure, this review shall focus on evaluating the emerging data to optimize response. This requires attention to all outstanding controversial issues. Only careful, accurate and regular monitoring with specific attention to grey areas will help us select first line therapy, decide when to discontinue TKIs and also move to second line TKIs in a timely manner.
The Molecular Evolutionary Patterns of the Insulin/FOXO Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Minghui , Wang Qishan , Wang Zhen , Wang Qingping , Zhang Xiangzhe , Pan Yuchun
Published: January 2013

The insulin/insulin growth factor-1 (IGF1)/FOXO (IIF) signal transduction pathway plays a core role in the endocrine system. Although the components of this pathway have been well characterized, the evolutionary pattern remains poorly understood. Here, we perform a comprehensive analysis to study whether the differences of signaling transduction elements exist as well as to determine whether the genes are subject to equivalent evolutionary forces and how natural selection shapes the evolution pattern of proteins in an interacting system. Our results demonstrate that most IIF pathway components are present throughout all animal phyla investigated here, and they are under strong selective constraint. Remarkably, we detect that the components in the middle of the pathway undergo stronger purifying selection, which is different from previous similar reports. We also find that the dN/dS may be influenced by quite complicated factors including codon bias, protein length among others.
Aragonite saturation states at cold‐water coral reefs structured by Lophelia pertusa in the northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Lunden Jay J. , Georgian Samuel E. , Cordes Erik E.
Published: January 2013

Ocean acidification, the reduction in pH and calcium carbonate saturation states of seawater, is likely to exhibit its most immediate effects on cold‐water corals in deep waters with the shoaling of the aragonite saturation horizon. However, empirical data describing the carbonate chemistry at cold‐water coral reefs are very rare. Regions of the upper slope of the Northern Gulf of Mexico harbor several deep‐water reefs structured by the scleractinian Lophelia pertusa. We collected discreet water samples at a range of depths in the Gulf of Mexico, including eight Lophelia reefs, and measured total alkalinity and pH to calculate the aragonite saturation state (Ωarag). The deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico (> 300 m depth) were at aragonite saturation states between 0.98 and 1.69. L. pertusa was present at sites with Ωarag between 1.25 and 1.69, and carbonate ion concentrations between 92 and 123 µmol kg−1. These data provide a critical baseline for detecting future changes in carbonate chemistry in the water column (i.e., aragonite saturation horizon shoaling), as well as at the sites of well‐developed cold‐water coral structures threatened by ongoing ocean acidification.
Zygomatic Air Cell Defect: Prevalence and Characteristics in Dental Outpatient Population
Authors: Gadda Rohit B , Salvi Rohini , Patil Neha Anil
Published: January 2013

Aim

To determine the prevalence, radiographic appearance and characteristics of patients with zygomatic air cell defect (ZACD).

Materials and Methods

Routine panoramic radiographs of 400 patients who were visited the dental outpatient of our institute were examined retrospectively.

Results

Out of 400 study subjects, ZACD was found in 11, giving an overall prevalence of 2.75%. Out of 11 ZACD subjects, six were males and five were females. The mean age of subjects with ZACD was 33.9 (±15) years and a range of 18 to 65 years. The bilateral involvement of ZACD was seen in only one subject.

Conclusion

The overall prevalence of ZACD is relatively low in present study population. Knowledge of ZACD may be helpful in interpreting panoramic radiographs, in planning surgical treatment of the temporomandibular joint and in understanding the spread of pathological processes into the joint.

How to cite this article

Gadda R, Patil NA, Salvi R. Zygomatic Air Cell Defect: Prevalence and Characteristics in Dental Outpatient Population. J Contemp Dent 2012;2(3):69-72.
Etiological Factors of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: A Common Perplexity
Authors: Swain Niharika , Poonja Leela S , Penkar Yogita
Published: January 2013

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is one of the most common oral mucosal disorders. Nevertheless, while the clinical characteristics of RAS are well-defined, the precise etiology and pathogenesis of RAS remain unclear. The present article provides a detailed review of the current knowledge of various etiological factors of RAS.

How to cite this article

Swain N, Pathak J, Poonja LS, Penkar Y. Etiological Factors of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: A Common Perplexity. J Contemp Dent 2012;2(3):96-100.
Determination of plutonium isotopes in marine sediments off the Fukushima coast following the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant accident
Authors: Bu W. T. , Zheng J. , Aono T. , Tagami K. , Uchida S. , Zhang J. , Honda M. C. , Guo Q. J. , Yamada M.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. The Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident led to the release of large amounts of radionuclides into the atmosphere as well as direct discharges into the sea. In contrast to the intensive studies on the distribution of the released high volatility fission products, such as 131I, 134Cs and 137Cs, similar studies of the actinides, especially the Pu isotopes, are limited. To obtain the vertical distribution of Pu isotopes in marine sediments and to better assess the possible contamination of Pu from the FDNPP accident in the marine environment, we determined the activities of 239+240Pu and 241Pu as well as the atom ratios of 240Pu / 239Pu and 241Pu / 239Pu in sediment core samples collected in the western North Pacific off Fukushima from July 2011 to July 2012. We also measured surface sediment samples collected from seven Japanese estuaries before the FNDPP accident to establish the comprehensive background baseline data. The observed results of both the Pu activities and the Pu atom ratios for the sediments in the western North Pacific were comparable to the baseline data, suggesting that the FDNPP accident did not cause detectable Pu contamination to the studied regions prior to the sampling time. The Pu isotopes in the western North Pacific 30 km off Fukushima coast originated from global fallout and Pacific Proving Ground close-in fallout.