bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linking vegetative dormancy to fitness in two long‐lived herbaceous perennials
Authors: Shefferson Richard P. , Kull Tiiu , Tali Kadri , Kellett Kimberly M.
Published: February 2012

Vegetative dormancy occurs in many plant families, but its evolutionary context remains a mystery. We asked whether vegetative dormancy is an adaptive response to environmental stress and environmental stochasticity in certain long‐lived plant species. We conducted an in situ experimental study in two and three populations of Cypripedium calceolus and Cephalanthera longifolia, respectively, in Estonia. Plants were defoliated, shaded, or simply observed at the beginning of the growing season in 2002 and 2003, and monitored demographically through 2008. We assessed links between fitness and vegetative dormancy using stochastic life table response experiments (SLTREs), in which the impact of treatment on the log stochastic population growth rate (a = log λS) via shifts in projection matrix transitions in treated plants relative to controls was used to assess the fitness impacts of treatment‐induced life history responses. In Cypripedium, the observed lifespans of individuals that became vegetatively dormant in 2003/04 was significantly higher than plants that had not done so (P = 0.050). Defoliation and shading resulted in lower levels of flowering in both species. Both defoliation and shading decreased a relative to controls in Cypripedium and Cephalanthera. Defoliation‐ and shading‐induced shifts in transitions involving vegetative dormancy were generally associated with significantly positive SLTRE contributions to Δa, and shifts in the standard deviations of demographic rates generally contributed little to Δa. Thus, vegetative dormancy is likely to be an adaptive response to environmental stress and stochasticity. Further work on the genetic basis to vegetative dormancy will clarify whether enough heritability may have existed in the past, or exists now, to support vegetative dormancy as an adaptation.
Markedly Decreased Blood Perfusion of Pancreatic Islets Transplanted Intraportally Into the Liver
Authors: Henriksnäs Johanna , Lau Joey , Zang Guangxiang , Berggren Per-Olof , Köhler Martin , Carlsson Per-Ola
Published: February 2012

Experimental studies indicate low revascularization of intraportally transplanted islets. This study aimed to quantify, for the first time, the blood perfusion of intrahepatically transplanted islets and elucidate necessary factors for proper islet graft revascularization at this site. Yellow chameleon protein 3.0 islets expressing fluorescent protein in all cells were transplanted. Graft blood perfusion was determined by microspheres. The vascular density and relative contribution of donor blood vessels in revascularization was evaluated using islets expressing green fluorescent protein under the Tie-2 promoter. Blood perfusion of intrahepatic islets was as a mean only 5% of that of native islets at 1-month posttransplantation. However, there was a marked heterogeneity where blood perfusion was less decreased in islets transplanted without prior culture and in many cases restored in islets with disrupted integrity. Analysis of vascular density showed that distorted islets were well revascularized, whereas islets still intact at 1-month posttransplantation were almost avascular. Few donor endothelial cells were observed in the new islet vasculature. The very low blood perfusion of intraportally transplanted islets is likely to predispose for ischemia and hamper islet function. Since donor endothelial cells do not expand posttransplantation, disruption of islet integrity is necessary for revascularization to occur by recipient blood vessels.
Heat Shock Protein 60 as a Mediator of Adipose Tissue Inflammation and Insulin Resistance
Authors: Märker Tina , Sell Henrike , Zilleßen Pia , Glöde Anja , Kriebel Jennifer , Ouwens D. Margriet , Pattyn Piet , Ruige Johannes , Famulla Susanne , Roden Michael , Eckel Jürgen , Habich Christiane
Published: February 2012

The stress protein heat shock protein 60 (Hsp60) induces secretion of proinflammatory mediators from murine adipocytes. This study aimed to study Hsp60 as a mediator of adipose tissue inflammation and skeletal muscle cell (SkMC) insulin sensitivity and to quantify plasma Hsp60 concentrations in lean and obese individuals. Regulation of Hsp60 release and Hsp60-induced cytokine secretion and signaling was measured in human adipocytes and SkMCs. Adipocytes exhibited higher Hsp60 release than preadipocytes and SkMCs, which was further stimulated by cytokines and Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 activation. Hsp60 activated extracellular signal–related kinase (ERK)-1/2, Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), p38, nuclear factor (NF)-κB, and impaired insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation in adipocytes. Furthermore, Hsp60 stimulated adipocytes to secrete tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8. In SkMCs, Hsp60 activated ERK1/2, JNK, and NF-κB and inhibits insulin signaling and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. SkMCs released IL-6, IL-8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 on Hsp60 stimulation. Plasma Hsp60 was higher in obese males than in lean males and correlated positively with BMI, blood pressure, leptin, and homeostasis model assessment–insulin resistance. In summary, Hsp60 is released by human adipocytes, increased in plasma of obese humans, and induces insulin resistance. This is accompanied by activation of proinflammatory signaling in human adipocytes and SkMCs. Thus, Hsp60 might be a factor underlying adipose tissue inflammation and obesity-associated metabolic disorders.
Catalase Deficiency Accelerates Diabetic Renal Injury Through Peroxisomal Dysfunction
Authors: Hwang Inah , Lee Jiyoun , Huh Joo Young , Park Jehyun , Lee Hi Bahl , Ho Ye-Shih , Ha Hunjoo
Published: February 2012

Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in diabetes complications, including diabetic nephropathy (DN). Plasma free fatty acids (FFAs) as well as glucose are increased in diabetes, and peroxisomes and mitochondria participate in FFA oxidation in an interconnected fashion. Therefore, we investigated whether deficiency of catalase, a major peroxisomal antioxidant, accelerates DN through peroxisomal dysfunction and abnormal renal FFA metabolism. Diabetes was induced by multiple injections of low-dose streptozotocin into catalase knock-out (CKO) and wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 mice. Murine mesangial cells (MMCs) transfected with catalase small interfering RNA followed by catalase overexpression were used to further elucidate the role of endogenous catalase. Despite equivalent hyperglycemia, parameters of DN, along with markers of oxidative stress, were more accelerated in diabetic CKO mice than in diabetic WT mice up to 10 weeks of diabetes. CKO mice and MMCs showed impaired peroxisomal/mitochondrial biogenesis and FFA oxidation. Catalase deficiency increased mitochondrial ROS and fibronectin expression in response to FFAs, which were effectively restored by catalase overexpression or N-acetylcysteine. These data provide unprecedented evidence that FFA-induced peroxisomal dysfunction exacerbates DN and that endogenous catalase plays an important role in protecting the kidney from diabetic stress through maintaining peroxisomal and mitochondrial fitness.
Gene Expression Differences in Skin Fibroblasts in Identical Twins Discordant for Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Caramori M. Luiza , Kim Youngki , Moore Jason H. , Rich Stephen S. , Mychaleckyj Josyf C. , Kikyo Nobuaki , Mauer Michael
Published: February 2012

Clinical studies suggest metabolic memory to hyperglycemia. We tested whether diabetes leads to persistent systematic in vitro gene expression alterations in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) compared with their monozygotic, nondiabetic twins. Microarray gene expression was determined in skin fibroblasts (SFs) of five twin pairs cultured in high glucose (HG) for ∼6 weeks. The Exploratory Visual Analysis System tested group differences in gene expression levels within KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways. An overabundance of differentially expressed genes was found in eight pathways: arachidonic acid metabolism (P = 0.003849), transforming growth factor-β signaling (P = 0.009167), glutathione metabolism (P = 0.01281), glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor (P = 0.01949), adherens junction (P = 0.03134), dorsal-ventral axis formation (P = 0.03695), proteasome (P = 0.04327), and complement and coagulation cascade (P = 0.04666). Several genes involved in epigenetic mechanisms were also differentially expressed. All differentially expressed pathways and all the epigenetically relevant differentially expressed genes have previously been related to HG in vitro or to diabetes and its complications in animal and human studies. However, this is the first in vitro study demonstrating diabetes-relevant gene expression differences between T1D-discordant identical twins. These SF gene expression differences, persistent despite the HG in vitro conditions, likely reflect “metabolic memory”, and discordant identical twins thus represent an excellent model for studying diabetic epigenetic processes in humans.
Glycemic Control and Cardiovascular Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients With Diabetes
Authors: Ricks Joni , Molnar Miklos Z. , Kovesdy Csaba P. , Shah Anuja , Nissenson Allen R. , Williams Mark , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar
Published: February 2012

Previous observational studies using differing methodologies have yielded inconsistent results regarding the association between glycemic control and outcomes in diabetic patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). We examined mortality predictability of A1C and random serum glucose over time in a contemporary cohort of 54,757 diabetic MHD patients (age 63 ± 13 years, 51% men, 30% African Americans, 19% Hispanics). Adjusted all-cause death hazard ratio (HR) for baseline A1C increments of 8.0–8.9, 9.0–9.9, and ≥10%, compared with 7.0–7.9% (reference), was 1.06 (95% CI 1.01–1.12), 1.05 (0.99–1.12), and 1.19 (1.12–1.28), respectively, and for time-averaged A1C was 1.11 (1.05–1.16), 1.36 (1.27–1.45), and 1.59 (1.46–1.72). A symmetric increase in mortality also occurred with time-averaged A1C levels in the low range (6.0–6.9%, HR 1.05 [95% CI 1.01–1.08]; 5.0–5.9%, 1.08 [1.04–1.11], and ≤5%, 1.35 [1.29–1.42]) compared with 7.0–7.9% in fully adjusted models. Adjusted all-cause death HR for time-averaged blood glucose 175–199, 200–249, 250–299, and ≥300 mg/dL, compared with 150–175 mg/dL (reference), was 1.03 (95% CI 0.99–1.07), 1.14 (1.10–1.19), 1.30 (1.23–1.37), and 1.66 (1.56–1.76), respectively. Hence, poor glycemic control (A1C ≥8% or serum glucose ≥200 mg/dL) appears to be associated with high all-cause and cardiovascular death in MHD patients. Very low glycemic levels are also associated with high mortality risk.
Evidence for Early Defects in Insulin Sensitivity and Secretion Before the Onset of Glucose Dysregulation in Obese Youths
Authors: Giannini Cosimo , Weiss Ram , Cali Anna , Bonadonna Riccardo , Santoro Nicola , Pierpont Bridget , Shaw Melissa , Caprio Sonia
Published: February 2012

We sought to determine whether obese adolescents with high-“normal” 2-h post-oral glucose tolerance test glucose levels display defects in insulin secretion and sensitivity associated with future development of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Insulin sensitivity was measured by hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp and insulin secretion by applying mathematical modeling during the hyperglycemic clamp in 60 normal glucose tolerance (NGT) obese adolescents, divided into three groups based on the 2-h glucose values (<100, 100–119, 120–139 mg/dL), and in 21 IGT obese adolescents. Glucose tolerance was reevaluated after 2 years. Insulin sensitivity decreased significantly across 2-h glucose NGT categories, while the highest NGT category and IGT group were similar. First-phase insulin secretion decreased across NGT categories, while no difference was found between the highest NGT group and IGT subjects. Second-phase secretion was similar across all NGT and IGT groups. The disposition index (CDI) decreased across NGT categories, while no difference was observed between the highest NGT and IGT subjects. Age and CDI were the best predictors of 2-h glucose after two years. Across rising categories of normal 2-h glucose levels, NGT obese adolescents exhibit significant impairment of β-cell function relative to insulin sensitivity associated with the development of IGT.
Spuriously High Prevalence of Prediabetes Diagnosed by HbA1c in Young Indians Partly Explained by Hematological Factors and Iron Deficiency Anemia
Authors: Hardikar Pallavi S. , Joshi Suyog M. , Bhat Dattatray S. , Raut Deepa A. , Katre Prachi A. , Lubree Himangi G. , Jere Abhay , Pandit Anand N. , Fall Caroline H.D. , Yajnik Chittaranjan S.
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE

To examine the influence of glycemic and nonglycemic parameters on HbA1c concentrations in young adults, the majority of whom had normal glucose tolerance.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We compared the diagnosis of normal glucose tolerance, prediabetes, and diabetes between a standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT; World Health Organization 2006 criteria) and HbA1c concentrations (American Diabetes Association [ADA] 2009 criteria) in 116 young adults (average age 21.6 years) from the Pune Children’s Study. We also studied the contribution of glycemic and nonglycemic determinants to HbA1c concentrations.

RESULTS

The OGTT showed that 7.8% of participants were prediabetic and 2.6% were diabetic. By ADA HbA1c criteria, 23.3% were prediabetic and 2.6% were diabetic. The negative predictive value of HbA1c was 93% and the positive predictive value was 20% (only 20% had prediabetes or diabetes according to the OGTT; this figure was 7% in anemic participants). Of participants, 34% were anemic, 37% were iron deficient (ferritin <15 ng/mL), 40% were vitamin B12 deficient (<150 pmol/L), and 22% were folate deficient (<7 nmol/L). On multiple linear regression analysis, HbA1c was predicted by higher 2-h glucose (R2 = 25.6%) and lower hemoglobin (R2 = 7.7%). When hematological parameters were replaced by ferritin, vitamin B12, and folate, HbA1c was predicted by higher glycemia (R2 = 25.6%) and lower ferritin (R2 = 4.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of HbA1c to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes in iron-deficient populations may lead to a spuriously exaggerated prevalence. Further investigation is required before using HbA1c as a screening tool in nutritionally compromised populations.
Absence of Disparities in the Quality of Primary Diabetes Care for South Asians and Chinese in an Urban Canadian Setting
Authors: Shah Baiju R. , Cauch-Dudek Karen , Anand Sonia S. , Austin Peter C. , Manuel Douglas G. , Hux Janet E.
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether quality of diabetes care is equitable for South Asian and Chinese patients in an urban Canadian setting.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Process and intermediate measures of quality of care were compared between 246 South Asians, 170 Chinese, and 431 patients from the general population with type 2 diabetes selected from 45 family physicians’ practices.

RESULTS

A total of 61% of Chinese achieved A1C ≤7.0% versus 45% of South Asians and 49% of the general population (P < 0.05). They were also more likely to achieve LDL cholesterol ≤2.0 mmol/L, while South Asians were more likely to achieve blood pressure ≤130/80. There was only one significant process of care deficiency: fewer foot examinations among South Asians (34 vs. 49% for the general population, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Quality of diabetes care in a Canadian urban setting was equitable, with ethnic minorities somewhat more likely to achieve recommended targets than the general population.
Relationship Between A1C and Fasting Plasma Glucose in Dysglycemia or Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Ramachandran Ambady , Riddle Matthew C. , Kabali Conrad , Gerstein Hertzel C. ,   on behalf of the ORIGIN Investigators
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE

A1C measurement has advantages over measures of plasma glucose. Few studies have evaluated the A1C–fasting plasma glucose (FPG) relationship and whether oral antidiabetes drugs (OADs) and ethnic or geographic variations affect the relationship. Baseline A1C and FPG data from the Outcome Reduction with Initial Glargine Intervention (ORIGIN) trial participants were analyzed to 1) elucidate the relationship between A1C and FPG in people with moderate dysglycemia (A1C 5.6–9.0% [38–75 mmol/mol]) and additional risk factors for cardiovascular disease, 2) determine whether this relationship is altered by use of an OAD, and 3) study whether geographic and ethnic differences exist.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Analysis was performed of 12,527 participants with dysglycemia or early type 2 diabetes recruited in North America, South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia who comprised white, Latin American, Asian, black, and other ethnicities. The A1C-FPG relationships were analyzed using cubic B spline curves in all participants and in subgroups not using an OAD or using an OAD and comprising persons of different ethnic or geographic origin.

RESULTS

A strong relationship between FPG in the range of 5.6–9.0 mmol/L and the corresponding A1C was seen across different geographic regions and ethnic groups. A smaller increase in A1C per unit increase in FPG occurred for persons taking an OAD versus those not taking an OAD.

CONCLUSIONS

The strong relationship between A1C and FPG in moderate dysglycemia is not significantly affected by ethnic or geographic differences. Use of an OAD alters the relationship and should be considered when interpreting A1C level.
Modulation of Escherichia coli biofilm growth by cell-free spent cultures from lactobacilli
Authors: Vacheva Anna , Georgieva Ralitsa , Danova Svetla , Mihova Radka , Marhova Mariana , Kostadinova Sonia , Vasileva Krasimira , Bivolarska Maria , Stoitsova Stoyanka
Published: February 2012

E. coli biofilms cause serious problems in medical practice by contaminating surfaces and indwelling catheters. Due to the rapid development of antibiotic resistance, alternative approaches to biofilm suppression are needed. This study addresses whether products released by antagonistic bacteria — Lactobacillus isolates from vaginal and dairy-product samples could be useful for controlling E. coli biofilms. The effects of diluted cell-free supernatants (CFS) from late-exponential Lactobacillus cultures on the growth and biofilm production of Escherichia coli were tested. Most of the CFS applied as 10−2 had no impact on bacterial growth, biofilm development however was influenced even by 10−4 of CFS. Initial screening by crystal violet assay showed that biofilm modulation varied between different CFS and E. coli combinations from inhibition to activation; however three of the tested CFS showed consistency in biofilm suppression. This was not due to antibacterial activity since Live/Dead fluorescence labeling showed insignificant differences in the amount of dead cells in control and treated samples. Some E. coli strain-specific mechanisms of response to the three CFS included reduction in hydrophobicity and motility. Released exoploysaccharides isolated from the three CFS stimulated sessile growth, but proteinase K reduced their inhibitory activities implying participation of protein or peptide biofilm suppression factor(s).
Spatial modelling-based approach to phytogeographical regionalization using grassland vegetation data
Authors: Hlásny Tomáš , Turisová Ingrid
Published: February 2012

We presented a methodology for drawing continuous boundaries in the landscape differentiating between regions with different floristic composition. A region in Central Slovakia covering 2,445 km2 was investigated. Ecological indicator values for temperature (EIT) in 1,978 grassland polygons were analysed. Ordinary kriging was used to interpolate EIT across the study region. Lattice wombling was used to identify the most intensive gradients in EIT and to draw boundaries, while ANOVA was used for post-classification analysis. A strong pattern of spatial continuity was present in EIT assigned to species in grassland polygons allowing for drawing continuous boundaries in the landscape. The study region was divided into 15 districts using the proposed method. Post-classification analysis indicated that 17 out of 23 adjacent districts were found to differ significantly in term of mean value of source samples. The results implied the need for incorporating spatial autocorrelation in sample data into post-classification analysis; such factor is often neglected in ecological research. The presented findings suggested broader applicability of the proposed method for spatial modelling, as vegetation data is widely accessible in databases for many regions of Europe.
Proteomic analysis of differentially expressed serum proteins in lung cancer
Authors: Bhatnagar Shilpa , Chaudhary Naveen , Malik Shabnam , Katare Deepshikha , Jain Swatantra
Published: February 2012

Lung cancer continues to represent a major public health concern with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Early detection of lung cancer is problematic due to a lack of diagnostic markers with high sensitivity and specificity. To determine the differently expressed proteins in the serum of lung cancer and identify the function of such proteins, two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE) and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) were used to screen the serum of lung cancer model induced by 4-(methylnitrosoamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK). A total of 25 protein spots were qualitatively different and 6 were quantitatively different in the serum from rats bearing induced lung cancer when compared with normal controls. Two of the proteins that showed major changes in concentration in sera were identified to be Immunoglobulin γ 2A chain C region (heavy chain) and Transferrin by LC-MS/MS.
Attackability
Authors: Simpson Mark
Published: February 2012

Abstract: As its title indicates, this essay undertakes to conceptualize and to critique attackability—the legitimating logic yet also the underlying weakness of pre-emptive warfare. The recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have tended to script an inevitability of imperial attack in terms of the putative enemy's incapacity (whether because of enmity, or vulnerability) to avoid being attacked. Yet to the extent that the term “attack” bears within it a sense of attachment, this understanding of warfare involves not just a means of laying claim or seizing control or obliterating, but also an interminable failure to let go, a corrosive compulsion to hold on. The argument investigates the significance of such debilitating dynamics with reference to two films that address, in strikingly different ways, the first US-Iraq war: Sam Mendes's Jarhead (2005) and Werner Herzog's Lessons of Darkness (1992).
The Impact of Uncertainties in African Biomass Burning Emission Estimates on Modeling Global Air Quality, Long Range Transport and Tropospheric Chemical Lifetimes
Authors: Williams Jason E. , Weele Michiel van , Velthoven Peter F. J. van , Scheele Marinus P. , Liousse Catherine , Werf Guido R. van der
Published: February 2012

The chemical composition of the troposphere in the tropics and Southern Hemisphere (SH) is significantly influenced by gaseous emissions released from African biomass burning (BB). Here we investigate how various emission estimates given in bottom-up BB inventories (GFEDv2, GFEDv3, AMMABB) affect simulations of global tropospheric composition using the TM4 chemistry transport model. The application of various model parameterizations for introducing such emissions is also investigated. There are perturbations in near-surface ozone (O3) and carbon monoxide (CO) of ~60–90% in the tropics and ~5–10% in the SH between different inventories. Increasing the update frequency of the temporal distribution to eight days generally results in decreases of between ~5 and 10% in near-surface mixing ratios throughout the tropics, which is larger than the influence of increasing the injection heights at which BB emissions are introduced. There are also associated differences in the long range transport of pollutants throughout the SH, where the composition of the free troposphere in the SH is sensitive to the chosen BB inventory. Analysis of the chemical budget terms reveals that the influence of increasing the tropospheric CO burden due to BB on oxidative capacity of the troposphere is mitigated by the associated increase in NOx emissions (and thus O3) with the variations in the CO/N ratio between inventories being low. For all inventories there is a decrease in the tropospheric chemical lifetime of methane of between 0.4 and 0.8% regardless of the CO emitted from African BB. This has implications for assessing the effect of inter-annual variability in BB on the annual growth rate of methane.
Ceramic Laser Materials
Authors: Sanghera Jasbinder , Kim Woohong , Villalobos Guillermo , Shaw Brandon , Baker Colin , Frantz Jesse , Sadowski Bryan , Aggarwal Ishwar
Published: February 2012

Ceramic laser materials have come a long way since the first demonstration of lasing in 1964. Improvements in powder synthesis and ceramic sintering as well as novel ideas have led to notable achievements. These include the first Nd:yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) ceramic laser in 1995, breaking the 1 KW mark in 2002 and then the remarkable demonstration of more than 100 KW output power from a YAG ceramic laser system in 2009. Additional developments have included highly doped microchip lasers, ultrashort pulse lasers, novel materials such as sesquioxides, fluoride ceramic lasers, selenide ceramic lasers in the 2 to 3 μm region, composite ceramic lasers for better thermal management, and single crystal lasers derived from polycrystalline ceramics. This paper highlights some of these notable achievements.
Ergosterol-Induced Sesquiterpenoid Synthesis in Tobacco Cells
Authors: Tugizimana Fidele , Steenkamp Paul A. , Piater Lizelle A. , Dubery Ian A.
Published: February 2012

Plants have the ability to continuously respond to microbial signals in their environment. One of these stimuli is a steroid from fungal membranes, ergosterol, which does not occur in plants, but acts as a pathogen-associated molecular pattern molecule to trigger defence mechanisms. Here we investigated the effect of ergosterol on the secondary metabolites in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) cells by profiling the induced sesquiterpenoids. Suspensions of tobacco cells were treated with different concentrations (0–1,000 nM) of ergosterol and incubated for different time periods (0–24 h). Metabolites were extracted with a selective dispersive liquid-liquid micro-extraction method. Thin layer chromatography was used as a screening method for identification of sesquiterpenoids in tobacco extracts. Liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry was used for quantitative and qualitative analyses. The results showed that ergosterol triggered differential changes in the metabolome of tobacco cells, leading to variation in the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. Metabolomic analysis through principal component analysis-scores plots revealed clusters of sample replicates for ergosterol treatments of 0, 50, 150, 300 and 1,000 nM and time-dependent variation at 0, 6, 12, 18 and 24 h. Five bicyclic sesquiterpenoid phytoalexins, capsidiol, lubimin, rishitin, solavetivone and phytuberin, were identified as being ergosterol-induced, contributing to the altered metabolome.
AURP: An AUV-Aided Underwater Routing Protocol for Underwater Acoustic Sensor Networks
Authors: Yoon Seokhoon , Azad Abul K. , Oh Hoon , Kim Sunghwan
Published: February 2012

Deploying a multi-hop underwater acoustic sensor network (UASN) in a large area brings about new challenges in reliable data transmissions and survivability of network due to the limited underwater communication range/bandwidth and the limited energy of underwater sensor nodes. In order to address those challenges and achieve the objectives of maximization of data delivery ratio and minimization of energy consumption of underwater sensor nodes, this paper proposes a new underwater routing scheme, namely AURP (AUV-aided underwater routing protocol), which uses not only heterogeneous acoustic communication channels but also controlled mobility of multiple autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). In AURP, the total data transmissions are minimized by using AUVs as relay nodes, which collect sensed data from gateway nodes and then forward to the sink. Moreover, controlled mobility of AUVs makes it possible to apply a short-range high data rate underwater channel for transmissions of a large amount of data. To the best to our knowledge, this work is the first attempt to employ multiple AUVs as relay nodes in a multi-hop UASN to improve the network performance in terms of data delivery ratio and energy consumption. Simulations, which are incorporated with a realistic underwater acoustic communication channel model, are carried out to evaluate the performance of the proposed scheme, and the results indicate that a high delivery ratio and low energy consumption can be achieved.
Extraction and Analysis of Impervious Surfaces Based on a Spectral Un-Mixing Method Using Pearl River Delta of China Landsat TM/ETM+ Imagery from 1998 to 2008
Authors: Deng Yingbin , Fan Fenglei , Chen Renrong
Published: February 2012

Impervious surface area (ISA) is considered as an indicator of environment change and is regarded as an important input parameter for hydrological cycle simulation, water management and area pollution assessment. The Pearl River Delta (PRD), the 3rd most important economic district of China, is chosen in this paper to extract the ISA information based on Landsat images of 1998, 2003 and 2008 by using a linear spectral un-mixing method and to monitor impervious surface change by analyzing the multi-temporal Landsat-derived fractional impervious surface. Results of this study were as follows: (1) the area of ISA in the PRD increased 79.09% from 1998 to 2003 and 26.88% from 2003 to 2008 separately; (2) the spatial distribution of ISA was described according to the 1998/2003 percentage respectively. Most of middle and high percentage ISA was located in northwestern and southeastern of the whole delta, and middle percentage ISA was mainly located in the city interior, high percentage ISA was mainly located in the suburban around the city accordingly; (3) the expanding direction and trend of high percentage ISA was discussed in order to understand the change of urban in this delta; High percentage ISA moved from inner city to edge of urban area during 1998–2003 and moved to the suburban area that far from the urban area mixed with jumpily and gradually during 2003–2008. According to the discussion of high percentage ISA spatial expanded direction, it could be found out that high percentage ISA moved outward from the centre line of Pearl River of the whole delta while a high ISA percentage in both shores of the Pearl River Estuary moved toward the Pearl River; (4) combining the change of ISA with social conditions, the driving relationship was analyzed in detail. It was evident that ISA percentage change had a deep relationship with the economic development of this region in the past ten years. Contemporaneous major sport events (16th Asia Games of Guangzhou, 26th Summer Universidad of Shenzhen) and the government policies also promoted the development of the ISA. Meanwhile, topographical features like the National Nature Reserve of China restricted and affected the expansion of the ISA. Above all, this paper attempted to extract ISA in a major region of the PRD; the temporal and spatial analyses to PRD ISA demonstrated the drastic changes in developed areas of China. These results were important and valuable for land use management, ecological protection and policy establishment.
Bioenergy Villages and Regions in Germany: An Interview Study with Initiators of Communal Bioenergy Projects on the Success Factors for Restructuring the Energy Supply of the Community
Authors: Wüste André , Schmuck Peter
Published: February 2012

Because of the serious problems related to an energy supply based mainly on fossil and nuclear fuels, the development of renewable energy sources is urgently needed. In Germany, many villages and communities take energy production into their own hands, following the principle of a community-related energy supply. Today, approximately 50 villages or communities in Germany have restructured their energy consumption patterns to rely primarily on locally available renewable energy sources for their electricity and heat. This article describes a qualitative interview study concerning the success factors for the implementation of bioenergy villages. The interviews were conducted with 25 individuals who initiated the restructuring of energy production in their villages toward bioenergy and other renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind energy.
Knots on a Torus: A Model of the Elementary Particles
Authors: Avrin Jack S.
Published: February 2012

Two knots; just two rudimentary knots, the unknot and the trefoil. That’s all we need to build a model of the elementary particles of physics, one with fermions and bosons, hadrons and leptons, interactions weak and strong and the attributes of spin, isospin, mass, charge, CPT invariance and more. There are no quarks to provide fractional charge, no gluons to sequester them within nucleons and no “colors” to avoid violating Pauli’s principle. Nor do we require the importation of an enigmatic Higgs boson to confer mass upon the particles of our world. All the requisite attributes emerge simply (and relativistically invariant) as a result of particle conformation and occupation in and of spacetime itself, a spacetime endowed with the imprimature of general relativity. Also emerging are some novel tools for systemizing the particle taxonomy as governed by the gauge group SU(2) and the details of particle degeneracy as well as connections to Hopf algebra, Dirac theory, string theory, topological quantum field theory and dark matter. One exception: it is found necessary to invoke the munificent geometry of the icosahedron in order to provide, as per the group “flavor” SU(3), a scaffold upon which to organize the well-known three generations—no more, no less—of the particle family tree.
Determinants of Low-Density Lipoprotein Particle Diameter during Antiretroviral Therapy Including Protease Inhibitors in HIV-1-Infected Patients
Authors: Bittar Randa , Giral Philippe , Aslangul Elisabeth , Assoumou Lambert , Valantin Marc-Antoine , Kalmykova Olga , Fesel-Fouquier Valérie , Costagliola Dominique , Bonnefont-Rousselot Dominique ,   the ANRS 126 study group
Published: February 2012

Background

Lipid disorders are frequent in HIV-1-infected patients taking combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) that includes protease inhibitors (PIs). The presence of small dense low-density lipoprotein particles might be an important predictive marker of cardiovascular disease in this setting. This cross-sectional substudy of the ANRS 126 trial was designed to identify variables influencing LDL diameter.

Methods

We studied 81 stable HIV-1-infected patients with dyslipidaemia (LDL-cholesterol >4.1 mmol/l, triglycerides <8.8 mmol/l) receiving PI-including cART regimens and no lipid-lowering drugs. LDL diameter was assessed by gradient gel electrophoresis. Relationships between LDL diameter and demographic, metabolic and HIV-related variables were identified by using non-parametric univariate tests and multiple linear regression models.

Results

In univariate analysis, LDL diameter was related to demographic variables, triglyceride (TG) levels, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) levels, and the numbers and duration of exposure to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and PIs. In multivariable linear regression analysis, LDL diameter was negatively associated with the TG level ( P<0.0001) and positively associated with the HDL-c level ( P<0.0001). For each 1-mmol/l increase in TG, LDL diameter fell by 0.281 nm. Conversely, for each 1-mmol/l increase in HDL-c, LDL diameter rose by 1.175 nm.

Conclusions

Higher TG and lower HDL-c levels are associated with smaller LDL particle diameter. Small-diameter LDL particles could contribute to early atherogenic processes in HIV-1-infected patients on cART.
Learning in a Web of Commitments
Authors: Solbrekke Tone Dyrdal , Sutphen Molly
Published: February 2012

Drawing on interviews and survey results from a national study of nursing education, this article discusses student learning related to professional responsibilities. It explores what is missing when students do not have the opportunity to reflect on the multiple commitments they will meet in nursing. Inspired by the moral philosopher Larry May’s communitarian approach, we suggest students must learn a broad notion of professional responsibility. We demonstrate reasons why students need the opportunity to reflect on issues concerning the civic, moral, and societal dimensions of professional responsibility. We also indicate ways for students to reflect as part of their educational experience.
Shifting the Clinical Teaching Paradigm in Undergraduate Nursing Education to Address the Nursing Faculty Shortage
Authors: Richardson Hila , Gilmartin Mattia J. , Fulmer Terry
Published: February 2012

To address the faculty shortage problem, schools of nursing are reexamining how they provide clinical education to undergraduate students to find ways to use faculty resources more efficiently and to maintain student enrollment. We describe a unique clinical teaching model implemented at the New York University College of Nursing. The new model currently being evaluated shifts from the traditional clinical education model, in which all clinical education is in a hospital or agency setting, to a model that substitutes high-fidelity human patient simulation for up to half of the clinical education experience. This article describes the clinical teaching model and its effects on nurse faculty capacity.
Parenting Stress and Sensory Processing: Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Jirikowic Tracy , Olson Heather Carmichael , Astley Susan
Published: February 2012

Sensory processing differences are reported in a high proportion of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), but how these problems impact caregiver burden has not been investigated. Linear regression was used to examine the association between parenting stress and problems in sensory processing, along with other child and family characteristics, among 52 children aged 5 to 12 years with FASD. Participants also had clinically significant problem behaviors. Higher levels of child-related parenting stress were moderately correlated with more parent-reported sensory processing problems ( r = −.60). Regression findings revealed that parent-reported problems in children's behavior regulation, an aspect of executive function, and sensory processing deficits were the strongest predictors of child-related parenting stress, together accounting for 62% of variance. Children's sensory processing deficits and executive function impairments affect the parent—child system and should be central considerations when developing family-centered supports for children with FASD.
Difference in Morning and Evening Choroidal Thickness in Japanese Subjects With No Chorioretinal Disease
Authors: Toyokawa Noriko , Kimura Hideya , Fukomoto Atsuko , Kuroda Shinichiro
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To determine whether the choroidal thickness varies significantly according to the time of measurement in Japanese subjects without chorioretinal diseases.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Twelve eyes of 12 subjects were examined with enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. The choroidal thickness was measured in the mornings (9:00 to 9:30 AM) and evenings (7:30 to 8:00 PM) at three locations: the fovea, 1.5 mm temporal to the fovea, and 1.5 mm nasal to the fovea.

RESULTS:

The mean age of the subjects was 62.6 ± 14.5 years. For the morning measurements, the mean choroidal thickness was 308.5 ± 74.4 μm at the fovea, 276.2 ± 84.6 μm temporally, and 239.3 ± 98.4 μm nasally. For the evening measurements, the mean choroidal thickness was 328.8 ± 85.6 μm at the fovea, 284.8 ± 91.6 μm temporally, and 248.9 ± 101.5 μm nasally. The mean subfoveal (
P
< .0001) and nasal (
P
= .03) choroidal thicknesses were significantly thicker in the evenings than in the mornings. There was no significant difference in the mean temporal choroidal thickness (
P
= .08).

CONCLUSION:

The choroidal thickness varies according to the time of measurement.
Pseudohypopyon as a Clinical Manifestation in Metastatic Lung Carcinoma
Authors: Bielory Brett P. , Dubovy Sander R. , Sinclair Jennifer C. , Wykoff Charles , Murray Timothy G.
Published: February 2012

Pseudohypopyon is a rare clinical presentation of meta-static disease in the eye. The authors report a case of anterior chamber pseudohypopyon in a 74-year-old man with a history of primary central nervous system and spleen lymphoma, as well as lung, prostate, and bladder carcinoma. A diagnostic vitrectomy and anterior chamber paracentesis of the involved eye was performed that confirmed non–small-cell carcinoma of lung primary.
High-Penetration Optical Coherence Tomography With Enhanced Depth Imaging of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy
Authors: Nagase Satoko , Miura Masahiro , Makita Shuichi , Iwasaki Takuya , Goto Hiroshi , Yasuno Yoshiaki
Published: February 2012

A combination of high-penetration spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (central wavelength: 1,020 nm) and an enhanced depth imaging protocol (HP-EDI-OCT) was used to evaluate 5 eyes of 5 patients with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). In all eyes, HP-EDI-OCT provided high-contrast images of PCV lesions in the subretinal pigment epithelium (sub-RPE). In the space between the RPE line and Bruch’s membrane, various PCV lesions, including vascular networks, polypoidal lesions, and sub-RPE hemorrhage, were clearly identified. The chorioscleral interface was clearly observed, and the entire structure of the choroid was readily identified. Thus, HP-EDI-OCT was useful for evaluating sub-RPE lesions of PCV.
Downregulation of the Na/K-ATPase Pump by Leptospiral Glycolipoprotein Activates the NLRP3 Inflammasome
Authors: Lacroix-Lamandé Sonia , Fanton d’Andon Martine , Michel Eric , Ratet Gwenn , Philpott Dana J. , Girardin Stephen E. , Boneca Ivo G. , Vandewalle Alain , Werts Catherine
Published: February 2012

Leptospira interrogans is responsible for a zoonotic disease known to induce severe kidney dysfunction and inflammation. In this work, we demonstrate that L. interrogans induces NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent secretion of IL-1β through the alteration of potassium transport in bone marrow-derived macrophages. Lysosome destabilization also contributed to the IL-1β production upon stimulation with live, but not dead, bacteria. Using bone marrow-derived macrophages from various TLRs and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-deficient mice, we further determined that IL-1β production was dependent on TLR2 and TLR4, suggesting a participation of the leptospiral LPS to this process. Hypokaliemia in leptospirosis has been linked to the presence of glycolipoprotein, a cell wall component of L. interrogans that is known to inhibit the expression and functions of the Na/K-ATPase pump. We show in this study that glycolipoprotein activates the inflammasome and synergizes with leptospiral LPS to produce IL-1β, mimicking the effect of whole bacteria. These results were confirmed in vivo, as wild-type mice expressed more IL-1β in the kidney than TLR2/4-deficient mice 3 d postinfection with L. interrogans. Collectively, these findings provide the first characterization, to our knowledge, of bacteria-induced activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome through the downregulation of a specific host potassium transporter.
Stromal TIMP3 Regulates Liver Lymphocyte Populations and Provides Protection against Th1 T Cell-Driven Autoimmune Hepatitis
Authors: Murthy Aditya , Shao Yang Washington , Defamie Virginie , Wedeles Christopher , Smookler David , Khokha Rama
Published: February 2012

Lymphocyte infiltration into epithelial tissues and proinflammatory cytokine release are key steps in autoimmune disease. Although cell-autonomous roles of lymphocytes are well studied in autoimmunity, much less is understood about the stromal factors that dictate immune cell function. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 3 (TIMP3) controls systemic cytokine bioavailability and signaling by inhibiting the ectodomain shedding of cytokines and their receptors. The role of TIMP3 in cytokine biology is emerging; however, its contribution to cellular immunology remains unknown. In this study, we show that TIMP3 produced by the hepatic stroma regulates the basal lymphocyte populations in the liver and prevents autoimmune hepatitis. TIMP3 deficiency in mice led to spontaneous accumulation and activation of hepatic CD4+, CD8+, and NKT cells. Treatment with Con A in a model of polyclonal T lymphocyte activation resulted in a greatly enhanced Th1 cytokine response and acute liver failure, which mechanistically depended on TNF signaling. Bone marrow chimeras demonstrated that TIMP3 derived from the stromal rather than hematopoietic compartment provided protection against autoimmunity. Finally, we identified hepatocytes as the major source of Timp3 in a resting liver, whereas significant Timp3 gene transcription was induced by hepatic stellate cells in the inflamed liver. These results uncover metalloproteinase inhibitors as critical stromal factors in regulating cellular immunity during autoimmune hepatitis.
Analysis of NLRP3 in the Development of Allergic Airway Disease in Mice
Authors: Allen Irving C. , Jania Corey M. , Wilson Justin E. , Tekeppe Erin M. , Hua Xiaoyang , Brickey Willie J. , Kwan Mildred , Koller Beverly H. , Tilley Stephen L. , Ting Jenny P.-Y.
Published: February 2012

The contribution of NLRP3, a member of the nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat–containing (NLR) family, to the development of allergic airway disease is currently controversial. In this study, we used multiple allergic asthma models to examine the physiologic role of NLRP3. We found no significant differences in airway eosinophilia, histopathologic condition, mucus production, and airway hyperresponsiveness between wild-type and Nlrp3−/− mice in either acute (alum-dependent) or chronic (alum-independent) OVA models. In addition to the OVA model, we did not detect a role for NLRP3 in the development of allergic airway disease induced by either acute or chronic house dust mite Ag exposure. Although we did not observe significant phenotypic differences in any of the models tested, we did note a significant reduction of IL-13 and IL-33 in Nlrp3−/− mice compared with wild-type controls in the chronic OVA model without added alum. In all of the allergic airway disease models, the NLRP3 inflammasome-associated cytokines IL-1β and IL-18 in the lung were below the level of detection. In sum, this report surveyed four different allergic asthma models and found a modest and selected role for NLRP3 in the alum-free OVA model. However, this difference did not greatly alter the clinical outcome of the disease. This finding suggests that the role of NLRP3 in allergic asthma must be re-evaluated.