bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recommendations for Biomarker Identification and Qualification in Clinical Proteomics
Authors: Mischak Harald , Allmaier Günter , Apweiler Rolf , Attwood Teresa , Baumann Marc , Benigni Ariela , Bennett Samuel E. , Bischoff Rainer , Bongcam-Rudloff Erik , Capasso Giovambattista , Coon Joshua J. , D’Haese Patrick , Dominiczak Anna F. , Dakna Mohammed , Dihazi Hassan , Ehrich Jochen H. , Fernandez-Llama Patricia , Fliser Danilo , Frokiaer Jorgen , Garin Jerome , Girolami Mark , Hancock William S. , Haubitz Marion , Hochstrasser Denis , Holman Rury R. , Ioannidis John P. A. , Jankowski Joachim , Julian Bruce A. , Klein Jon B. , Kolch Walter , Luider Theo , Massy Ziad , Mattes William B. , Molina Franck , Monsarrat Bernard , Novak Jan , Peter Karlheinz , Rossing Peter , Sánchez-Carbayo Marta , Schanstra Joost P. , Semmes O. John , Spasovski Goce , Theodorescu Dan , Thongboonkerd Visith , Vanholder Raymond , Veenstra Timothy D. , Weissinger Eva , Yamamoto Tadashi , Vlahou Antonia
Published: August 2010

Recommendations about structuring proteomic biomarker studies should increase the probability that such markers will be clinically useful.
The Making of a New Lung
Authors: Cheng Elaine
Published: August 2010

Creation of a bioartificial lung is successful for transplantation in the treatment of end-stage lung disease.
The Ubiquitous Conserved Glycopeptidase Gcp Prevents Accumulation of Toxic Glycated Proteins
Authors: Katz Chen , Cohen-Or Ifat , Gophna Uri , Ron Eliora Z.
Published: August 2010

Amadori-modified proteins (AMPs) are the products of nonenzymatic glycation formed by reaction of reducing sugars with primary amine-containing amino acids and can develop into advanced glycated end products (AGEs), highly stable toxic compounds. AGEs are known to participate in many age-related human diseases, including cardiovascular, neurological, and liver diseases. The metabolism of these glycated proteins is not yet understood, and the mechanisms that reduce their accumulation are not known so far. Here, we show for
Escherichia coli
that a conserved glycopeptidase (Gcp, also called Kae1), which is encoded by nearly every sequenced genome in the three domains of life, prevents the accumulation of Amadori products and AGEs. Using mutants, we show that Gcp depletion results in accumulation of AMPs and eventually leads to the accumulation of AGEs. We demonstrate that Gcp binds to glycated proteins, including pyruvate dehydrogenase, previously shown to be a glycation-prone enzyme. Our experiments also show that the severe phenotype of Gcp depletion can be relieved under conditions of low intracellular glycation. As glycated proteins are ubiquitous, the involvement of Gcp in the metabolism of AMPs and AGEs is likely to have been conserved in evolution, suggesting a universal involvement of Gcp in cellular aging and explaining the essentiality of Gcp in many organisms.

IMPORTANCE
Glycated proteins (Amadori-modified proteins [AMPs] and advanced glycated end products [AGEs]) are known to participate in many age-related diseases. Their existence in fast-growing organisms was considered unlikely, as their formation was assumed to be slow. Yet, recent evidence demonstrated their existence in bacteria, and our data suggest a bacterial mechanism that reduced their accumulation. We identify in
Escherichia coli
a protein, Gcp, which carries out this function. Gcp is conserved in all domains of life and is essential in many organisms. Although it was annotated as a chaperon protease, there were no experimental data to support this function. Our findings are compatible with the annotation and will open up studies of the bacterial metabolism of glycated proteins. Furthermore, the data from the bacterial systems may also be instrumental in understanding the metabolism of glycated proteins, including their toxicity in human health and disease.
Progeny analysis by isozyme markers in the polyploid liverwortPlagiochasma rupestre
Authors: Boisselier-Dubayle M. C. , Lambourdière J. , Bischler H.
Published: August 2010

Crossing experiments showed that the polyploid (n = 18) bisexual liverwort Plagiochasma rupestre is capable of self-fertilization, as well as cross-fertilization. Progeny of natural and controlled fertilizations were analysed with respect to segregation of two isozyme markers. No segregation was observed in offspring from field-fertilized sporophytes. Induced fertilizations showed that esterase activity is controlled by one locus. The activity of glutamate-oxaloacetate transaminase is controlled by two genes. Isozyme patterns are explained by genome duplication (n = 18), but the two chromosome sets behave independently. Allopolyploidy seems therefore to be the most likely origin of the duplication. Keywords: bryophytes, progeny analysis, isozymes, polyploidy.
Seed size as a determinant of germination rate in Crepis tectorum (Asteraceae): evidence from a seed burial experiment
Authors: Andersson Stefan
Published: August 2010

The present study of the winter annual Crepis tectorum examines the relationship between seed (achene) size and the extent to which seeds resist germination during the year of their production. I carried out two seed burial experiments, one at an outcrop site occupied by a small-seeded population, and another in an experimental garden with soil from the same field site, with seeds representing the local population and a segregating generation of a cross between two other populations. Using logistic regression with data corrected for seed viability, I found an association between small seed size and failure to germinate in the first autumn. The small seed size characterizing many outcrop populations may have evolved as a response to selection for delaying germination in a habitat subject to unpredictable droughts during the growth season. Keywords: Crepis tectorum, germination, seed bank, seed size.
Structure of cliff vegetation on exposed cliffs and the effect of rock climbing
Authors: Nuzzo Victoria A.
Published: August 2010

Vegetational structure of exposed dolomitic cliffs in the driftless region of northwest Illinois was quantified from 186 quadrats on five cliffs. All cliffs were sparsely vegetated, with a total of 41 species (14 lichen and 27 vascular) recorded in the upper 6 m. On all cliffs, cover averaged 16.03%, with lichen contributing 10.23% cover and vascular vegetation 5.80% cover. Seventy percent of all vegetation grew within 3 m of the cliff top. Linear regression indicated that both cover and density of vascular, but not lichen, flora increased with increased fracturing and decreased with distance from the cliff top. TWINSPAN arranged the quadrats into five groups that differed in lichen and vascular cover and a sixth group that consisted of bare rock. Spatial distribution of the community groups occurred at a small scale, influenced by small scale differences in rock fracturing, slope, weathering, and likely moisture availability. Climbing significantly reduced lichen cover and lichen species density by 50%, from 13.7% cover and 2.4 species/0.25 m2 on unclimbed cliffs, to 6.7% cover and 1.2 species/0.25 m2 on climbed cliffs. Climbing did not have an apparent effect on vascular vegetation, which ranged from 2.74 to 10.62% cover on individual cliffs. Total plant cover averaged 19.7% on three unclimbed cliffs and 12.3% on two climbed cliffs, because of the impact on lichen cover. Although climbed cliffs had lower lichen cover, distribution of TWINSPAN-defined community groups was similar on both climbed and unclimbed cliffs, indicating that environmental and physical variables were the primary determinants of cliff flora on these vertical exposed cliffs. Keywords: cliff, vegetation, lichen, rock climbing, rock fractures.
Giant short-faced bear (Arctodus simus) from late Wisconsinan deposits at Cowichan Head, Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Authors: Steffen Martina L. , Harington C. R.
Published: August 2010

A giant short-faced bear ( Arctodus simus ) ulna fragment was found at the base of exposed Quaternary sediments at Cowichan Head, southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia. In this paper, the ulna fragment and its geological context are described and a reasonable taphonomic trajectory is presented. The radiocarbon age of 22 750 ± 140 BP on the bone indicates that these bears were on Vancouver Island during the late Wisconsinan. A likely source for the Cowichan Head A. simus was from the mainland to the southeast.
A new Lower Cretaceous (lower Albian) ichthyosaur genus from the Clearwater Formation, Alberta, Canada
Authors: Druckenmiller Patrick S. , Maxwell Erin E.
Published: August 2010

A new, articulated skeleton of an ichthyosaur from the Lower Cretaceous (lower Albian) Wabiskaw Member of the Clearwater Formation near Fort McMurray, Alberta, is the most complete and stratigraphically oldest known ichthyosaur from the Cretaceous of North America and represents a new genus and species of ophthalmosaurian, Athabascasaurus bitumineus . The specimen consists of a nearly complete, dorsoventrally compressed skull, a complete and articulated presacral and partial caudal vertebral series, portions of the right pectoral girdle, and the right pelvic girdle and femur. The new taxon is characterized by the lack of a robust supranarial process of the premaxilla, an elongate maxilla that has its tallest point (in lateral view) posterior to the external naris, a wide postorbital region, the presence of a rectangular squamosal, an angular with greater lateral exposure on the posterior jaw ramus than the surangular, a dentition with extremely light enameled ridges, and a reduced presacral count of 42 vertebrae. The first species-level phylogenetic analysis of Ophthalmosauria reveals that Athabascasaurus is neither the sister taxon of, nor nests within Platypterygius , a geographically widespread, geologically long-lived, and taxonomically problematic genus. Athabascasaurus adds important new data on the morphology of Cretaceous ichthyosaurs and expands our knowledge of the palaeoecology and marine tetrapod diversity of the early Albian Boreal Sea.
Uplift of the Tug Hill Plateau in northern New York State
Authors: Wallach J. L. , Rheault M.
Published: August 2010

The Tug Hill Plateau is a roughly elliptical-shaped area located in northern New York State that rises above the adjacent landscape and is underlain predominantly by Middle to Upper Ordovician strata. Its elevated character is interpreted as a passive response to the tectonic uplift of the adjacent Precambrian basement located to the east and northeast of the plateau. Uplift of the basement is also inferred to have resulted in the strata on the plateau and in the topographically lower terrain to the north dipping gently towards the southwest. Tilting of the plateau was probably facilitated by rotation along the newly recognized regionally extensive Black River fault, which separates the plateau from the uplifted basement and marks the plateau’s east-northeastern limit. The northern limit of the plateau, accentuated by a pronounced escarpment, is aligned with the northeast-trending Carthage–Colton shear zone, a major Precambrian tectonic boundary. Uplift of the Adirondack Highlands and Tug Hill Plateau, relative to their counterparts northwest of the shear zone, is believed to have been enabled by reactivation of the Carthage–Colton shear zone.
Catastrophic tidal expansion in the Bay of Fundy, CanadaEarth Sciences Sector (ESS) Contribution 20090423.
Authors: Shaw John , Amos Carl L. , Greenberg David A. , O’Reilly Charles T. , Parrott D. Russell , Patton Eric
Published: August 2010

Tidal models for the Bay of Fundy, Canada — site of the highest recorded modern tide — show that tidal amplification began in the early Holocene and by ca. 5000 BP the range was almost 80% of the present range. Empirical data consisting of 146 sea-level index points and other observations appear to contradict model results. Aggregated relative sea-level data for Chignecto Bay and Minas Basin show that rapid tidal expansion began ca. 3400 BP. However, if we separate these two geographically separate data sets, evidence for this rapid late-Holocene tidal expansion is confined to Minas Basin. We explain this singularity by positing a barrier at the mouth of Minas Basin, at the Minas Passage, that delayed tidal expansion. With the rapid breakdown of this barrier and near-instantaneous tidal expansion, water temperature dropped, tidal currents and turbidity increased, and the form of the inner estuary was changed from lagoonal–mesotidal to macrotidal. We argue that the catastrophic breakdown of the barrier is related in the aboriginal legend of Glooscap, showing that aboriginal peoples observed the rapid environmental changes and preserved an oral record for 3400 years.
NEW RELATIONS BETWEEN SPINOR AND SCALAR ONE-LOOP EFFECTIVE LAGRANGIANS IN CONSTANT BACKGROUND FIELDS
Authors: HUET ADOLFO
Published: August 2010

Simple new relations are presented between the one-loop effective Lagrangians of spinor and scalar particles in constant curvature background fields, both electromagnetic and gravitational. These relations go beyond the well-known cases for self-dual background fields.
EARLY HISTORY OF QCD AND QUARKS
Authors: KARL GABRIEL
Published: August 2010

Early work on the compositeness of hadrons is reviewed, with emphasis on Quarks and Confinement.
LOCALIZED WANNIER EXCITON IN DEFECT LAYER EMBEDDED BETWEEN TWO SEMI-INFINITE SUPERLATTICES
Authors: HE MENG-DONG , WANG LING-LING , HUANG WEI-QING , ZOU BING-SOU , CHEN KE-QIU
Published: August 2010

The characteristics of the localized Wannier exciton in defect layer (GaAs) embedded between two semi-infinite superlattices (GaAs/Al x Ga 1-x As ) are investigated theoretically using a variational approach. It can be clearly seen the exciton changes in character between three- and quasi-two-dimensional states from the variation of exciton binding energy, in-plane radius, and probability in the superlattices (SLs) growth direction. We find that the extensions of exciton in directions both parallel and perpendicular to the interface of SLs almost approach their minimums as the exciton binding energy reaches peak value at a certain defect width. Our results show that the binding energy of the ground exciton state is sensitive to Al concentration x in Al x Ga 1-x As and thicknesses of the constituent layers. The comparison between excitonic behavior in structural defect SLs and single quantum well is made.
STUDY OF CRITICAL BEHAVIOUR IN DILUTED FERROMAGNETIC: THIN FILMS AND SEMI-INFINITES FILMS
Authors: MASROUR R. , HAMEDOUN M. , BENYOUSSEF A.
Published: August 2010

By using the high-temperature series expansion technique, we have analyzed the phase transition and the critical phenomena of a ferromagnetic thin film and ferromagnetic semi-infinite film, through three models: Ising, XY and Heisenberg. The critical reduced temperature τC(v) is studied as a function of the thickness of the film. In the case of the magnetic film and semi-infinite film, on the simple cubic lattice and the face-centered cubic lattice, τC(v) is studied as a function of the exchange interactions in the bulk, and on the surface. A critical value of the surface exchange interaction in the film above which the surface and the interface magnetism appears is obtained. The dependence of the reduced critical temperature on the thickness of the film has been investigated. These shifts of the critical temperatures TC(L) from the bulk value can be described by a power law. The obtained values for the simple cubic lattice and face centered cubic ferromagnetic thin film are in qualitative accordance with the universality class hypothesis. The critical exponent associated with the magnetic susceptibility is studied as a function of interactions. In a defined range of the exchange interactions, the obtained values for Heisenberg, XY and Ising models, for simple cubic thin film are comparable to the universal ones and are independent of the film thickness. The asymmetry of the structure and the competition of the effects of the exchange coupling, are important for the magnetic properties of the system. A critical value of the surface exchange interaction above which the surface magnetism appears is obtained. For the dependence of the critical parameter of surface reduced coupling [Formula: see text] as a function of the dilution x and the ratio of the exchange interaction between the surface and nearest neighbour layer to the bulk one R1 for the three studied models has been investigated. The magnetic phase diagrams are obtained for two structures. The percolation threshold is defined as the concentration xp at which τC=0. In the case of the thin film, the obtained values are xp≈0.2 in the bulk and xp≈0.4 at the surface. For the case of the semi-infinite film, the value obtained in the surface and the nearest layer at the surface is xp≈0.2.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ION-ASSISTED E-BEAM EVAPORATED TITANIA THIN FILMS
Authors: EIAMCHAI PITAK , CHINDAUDOM PONGPAN , POKAIPISIT ARTORN , LIMSUWAN PICHET
Published: August 2010

Titanium dioxide has been in close examination for application development due to its high index of refraction and transparency across the visible range. One of the most active researches is hydrophilicity and photocatalysis in TiO 2 films. In this study, a close investigation to TiO 2 films' microstructural transformation was examined. A number of thin film samples were prepared by ion-assisted electron-beam evaporation at 200-nm nominal thickness, 2.0 Å/s deposition rate and 250°C deposition temperature. The varying parameter was the oxygen flow rate at 2, 4, 6 and 8 sccm. The films were eventually annealed for three hours in air atmosphere. The crystalline structures of as-deposited (ASD) and annealed films were deduced by variable-angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (VASE), and supported by X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Film characterization based on VASE is desirable in order to understand physical and optical characteristics of the films. Transmittance spectra were derived from UV/Vis spectrophotometer. It was found that all as-deposited films were all amorphous with low luminous transmittance. Higher oxygen flow rate during the deposition, however, resulted in sub-oxide TiO 2 film. With this film, annealing at 300 and 500°C were presumed as transition temperatures for amorphous-to-anatase and anatase-to-rutile phases, respectively. The luminous transmittance also increased and was found to be the highest at 75.75% at 400°C annealing. The optical energy band gap for this film also increased up to 3.26 eV at 600°C annealing.
LOW COST FABRICATION OF SUB-WAVELENGTH STRUCTURES ON LARGE-AREA POLYMER SHEET BY UV CURING AND NANO-IMPRINTING PROCESSES
Authors: TSAI HUNG-YIN , TING CHIA-JEN
Published: August 2010

Anti-reflection layers made from sub-wavelength structures or nanostructure arrays have been extensively studied due to the high demand of the solar cell markets and the use of consuming electronics such as plane displays, glasses, prisms, videos, and the monitors of the camera. Conventionally, this anti-reflection layer was fabricated by multilayer films deposition through sputtering, wet-coating or sol-gel. However, these methods have several disadvantages such as process instability, high cost and high temperature procedure.

In the current study, fabrication methods of UV curing and nano-imprinting processes are proposed to produce large-area polymer sheets with sub-wavelength structures (SWS). Porous anodic alumina (PAA) mold of nano-holes was used to fabricate SWS on a PET sheet with UV photoresists of refractive index of 1.53 by roll-to-roll processing. The reflectance of SWS on PET decreases from 9.39 to 4.25% at the wavelength of 550 nm. The contact angle changes from 78.1° to 103.2°. The porous anodic alumina mold was also used to imprint a PMMA film and SWS were obtained by hot embossing at different temperatures. The reflectance changes from 4.25 to 2.16% at the wavelength of 550 nm after nano-imprinting. A successful low cost approach to produce large-area polymer sheets with SWS is obtained by both UV curing and nano-imprinting processes.
A STUDY OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF ORGANIC–INORGANIC HYBRID PLASMA-POLYMER THIN FILMS BY CO-DEPOSITION OF TOLUENE AND TEOS
Authors: CHO SANG-JIN , LEE SUNGWOO , JUNG DONGGEUN , BOO JIN-HYO
Published: August 2010

We investigated the interaction of varied plasma power with ultralow-κ Toluene–TEOS hybrid plasma-polymer thin films, as well as changes in electrical and mechanical properties with various mixture ratios of toluene and TEOS (tetraethoxysilane). Using the plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) method, organic–inorganic hybrid polymer thin films were deposited on silicon(100) substrates under 150°C of wall temperature and a ratio of TEOS to toluene. Toluene and TEOS were utilized as organic and inorganic precursors, and hydrogen and argon were used as bubbler and carrier gases, respectively. In order to compare the differences in the electrical and the mechanical properties of plasma polymerized thin films, we grew the hybrid polymer thin films under 30 W of RF (radio frequency using 13.56 MHz) power with various ratios of toluene to TEOS. The as-grown polymerized thin films were first analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The results of FT-IR showed that the hybrid polymer thin films were totally fragmented and polymerized with increasing RF power. AFM showed that polymer films with smooth surface could be grown under various deposition conditions. An impedance analyzer was utilized for the measurements of capacitance values for dielectric constants and the thin films were analyzed for hardness and Young's modulus using a nanoindenter.
KINETIC STUDY OF WC PARTICLES INCORPORATION IN NICKEL COMPOSITE PLATING
Authors: KIM DAE-GEUN , LEE JAE-HO
Published: August 2010

The particles, suspended in the electrolyte, can be co-deposited with metal. The co-deposition behaviors of WC and Co-coated WC particles on nickel matrix were investigated. Many operating parameters that influence on the quantity of incorporated particles, including current density, bath agitation and electrolyte composition were investigated. The co-deposition of particles during electroplating depends on the rate of metal deposition and on the flux of particles to the film surface. The growth rate of the metal film is determined by the current density, whereas the flux of particles to the electrode surface is dependent on the particle size, particle concentration in solution, the electrode rotation rate, the particle diffusion coefficient, and the electrode geometry. The kinetic parameters in the co-deposition were calculated from the experimental results. Co-coated WC particles were easily incorporated in the matrix than WC particles from the calculated and experimental results.
THE ZEBRA SPINY EEL (MACROGNATHUS ZEBRINUS) — A NON-NATIVE SPECIES IN SINGAPORE (SYNBRANCHIFORMES: MASTACEMBELIDAE)
Authors: NG HEOK HEE
Published: August 2010

More information on the distribution of the zebra spiny eel (Macrognathus zebrinus), a non-native species recently recorded in Singapore, is provided in this study. The spiny eel is known from four reservoirs (Kranji, Lower Peirce, Lower Seletar, and Tengeh) on the island. The presence of large numbers of this species in the Kranji and Lower Seletar reservoirs indicates that the zebra spiny eel is now established in Singapore.
INTRODUCED SPECIES IN SINGAPORE: AN OVERVIEW
Authors: YEO DARREN C. J. , CHIA CHERYL S. W.
Published: August 2010

An overview of the invasive alien species situation in Singapore is presented. An updated checklist of introduced or alien animals in Singapore is provided; of the 142 species of invertebrates and vertebrates documented, more than 70% are considered established. A brief introduction and discussion of pertinent definitions and terminology for describing invasive alien species, with particular reference to Singapore, is included. In addition, important pathways for biological invasion into Singapore are highlighted, and legislation and institutional roles with respect to alien species issues in Singapore are summarized, featuring examples of management programmes. The article concludes by identifying areas emphasized in recently published alien species research in Singapore and knowledge gaps that need to be filled.
INTRODUCED DECAPOD CRUSTACEANS IN SINGAPORE'S RESERVOIRS
Authors: YEO DARREN C. J.
Published: August 2010

Introduced or alien freshwater decapod crustaceans from Singapore's reservoirs are documented from the results of an ongoing survey. Four species of decapods were recorded in the reservoirs, viz., one freshwater crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus (Parastacidae) and three freshwater shrimps, Macrobrachium lanchesteri, M. nipponense, and M. aff. inflatum (Palaemonidae). Native decapods were not found in the actual reservoirs, but in forest stream inlets draining into the reservoirs. All four species were introduced through the ornamental pet trade, indicating the significance of this invasion pathway in Singapore. As yet, no ecological impacts on native ecosystems are known for these introduced species, although the possibility that they could be undergoing a lag phase or of more invasive alien decapods being introduced cannot be discounted.
INTRODUCED AQUATIC HERPETOFAUNA OF SINGAPORE'S RESERVOIRS
Authors: NG TING HUI , LIM KELVIN K. P.
Published: August 2010

Sixteen species of introduced or alien aquatic amphibians and reptiles have been recorded from Singapore's Public Utilities Board reservoirs. Their presence in the wild state is largely due to members of the public abandoning their pets, or releasing animals to gain spiritual merit (fang sheng). The ban imposed by the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority on the sale of most species of amphibians and reptiles will probably help to restrict the diversity of alien animal species in Singapore. However, the continued availability of hatchling red-eared terrapins in pet shops and live Chinese softshell turtles and American bullfrogs in markets does little to reduce the presence of these three alien species in local water bodies.
Palmitic acid acutely inhibits acetylcholine- but not GLP-1-stimulated insulin secretion in mouse pancreatic islets
Authors: Doliba Nicolai M. , Qin Wei , Vinogradov Sergei A. , Wilson David F. , Matschinsky Franz M.
Published: August 2010

Fatty acids, acetylcholine, and GLP-1 enhance insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. However, the interplay between glucose, fatty acids, and the neuroendocrine regulators of insulin secretion is not well understood. Therefore, we studied the acute effects of PA (alone or in combination with glucose, acetylcholine, or GLP-1) on isolated cultured mouse islets. Two different sets of experiments were designed. In one, a fixed concentration of 0.5 mM of PA bound to 0.15 mM BSA was used; in the other, a PA ramp from 0 to 0.5 mM was applied at a fixed albumin concentration of 0.15 mM so that the molar PA/BSA ratio changed within the physiological range. At a fixed concentration of 0.5 mM, PA markedly inhibited acetylcholine-stimulated insulin release, the rise of intracellular Ca2+, and enhancement of cAMP production but did not influence the effects of GLP-1 on these parameters of islet cell function. 2-ADB, an IP3receptor inhibitor, reduced the effect of acetylcholine on insulin secretion and reversed the effect of PA on acetylcholine-stimulated insulin release. Islet perfusion for 35–40 min with 0.5 mM PA significantly reduced the calcium storage capacity of ER measured by the thapsigargin-induced Ca2+release. Oxygen consumption due to low but not high glucose was reduced by PA. When a PA ramp from 0 to 0.5 mM was applied in the presence of 8 mM glucose, PA at concentrations as low as 50 μM significantly augmented glucose-stimulated insulin release and markedly reduced acetylcholine's effects on hormone secretion. We thus demonstrate that PA acutely reduces the total oxygen consumption response to glucose, glucose-dependent acetylcholine stimulation of insulin release, Ca2+, and cAMP metabolism, whereas GLP-1's actions on these parameters remain unaffected or potentiated. We speculate that acute emptying of the ER calcium by PA results in decreased glucose stimulation of respiration and acetylcholine potentiation of insulin secretion.
Mechanisms of Direction Selectivity in Cat Primary Visual Cortex as Revealed by Visual Adaptation
Authors: Priebe Nicholas J. , Lampl Ilan , Ferster David
Published: August 2010

In contrast to neurons of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), neurons in the primary visual cortex (V1) are selective for the direction of visual motion. Cortical direction selectivity could emerge from the spatiotemporal configuration of inputs from thalamic cells, from intracortical inhibitory interactions, or from a combination of thalamic and intracortical interactions. To distinguish between these possibilities, we studied the effect of adaptation (prolonged visual stimulation) on the direction selectivity of intracellularly recorded cortical neurons. It is known that adaptation selectively reduces the responses of cortical neurons, while largely sparing the afferent LGN input. Adaptation can therefore be used as a tool to dissect the relative contribution of afferent and intracortical interactions to the generation of direction selectivity. In both simple and complex cells, adaptation caused a hyperpolarization of the resting membrane potential (−2.5 mV, simple cells, −0.95 mV complex cells). In simple cells, adaptation in either direction only slightly reduced the visually evoked depolarization; this reduction was similar for preferred and null directions. In complex cells, adaptation strongly reduced visual responses in a direction-dependent manner: the reduction was largest when the stimulus direction matched that of the adapting motion. As a result, adaptation caused changes in the direction selectivity of complex cells: direction selectivity was reduced after preferred direction adaptation and increased after null direction adaptation. Because adaptation in the null direction enhanced direction selectivity rather than reduced it, it seems unlikely that inhibition from the null direction is the primary mechanism for creating direction selectivity.
Vascular smooth muscle phenotypic diversity and function
Authors: Fisher Steven A.
Published: August 2010

The control of force production in vascular smooth muscle is critical to the normal regulation of blood flow and pressure, and altered regulation is common to diseases such as hypertension, heart failure, and ischemia. A great deal has been learned about imbalances in vasoconstrictor and vasodilator signals, e.g., angiotensin, endothelin, norepinephrine, and nitric oxide, that regulate vascular tone in normal and disease contexts. In contrast there has been limited study of how the phenotypic state of the vascular smooth muscle cell may influence the contractile response to these signaling pathways dependent upon the developmental, tissue-specific (vascular bed) or disease context. Smooth, skeletal, and cardiac muscle lineages are traditionally classified into fast or slow sublineages based on rates of contraction and relaxation, recognizing that this simple dichotomy vastly underrepresents muscle phenotypic diversity. A great deal has been learned about developmental specification of the striated muscle sublineages and their phenotypic interconversions in the mature animal under the control of mechanical load, neural input, and hormones. In contrast there has been relatively limited study of smooth muscle contractile phenotypic diversity. This is surprising given the number of diseases in which smooth muscle contractile dysfunction plays a key role. This review focuses on smooth muscle contractile phenotypic diversity in the vascular system, how it is generated, and how it may determine vascular function in developmental and disease contexts.
Lysophosphatidic Acid Upregulates Laminin-332 Expression during A431 Cell Colony Dispersal
Authors: Yamashita Hironobu , Tripathi Manisha , Jourquin Jerome , Kam Yoonseok , Liu Shanshan , Weidow Brandy , Quaranta Vito
Published: August 2010

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive phospholipid that affects various biological functions, such as cell proliferation, migration, survival, wound healing, and tumor invasion through LPA receptors. Previously, we reported that LPA induces A431 colony dispersal, accompanied by disruption of cell-cell contacts and cell migration. However, it remains unclearhowLPA affects cell migration and gene expression during A431 colony dispersal. In this paper, we performed cDNA microarray analysis to investigate this question by comparing gene expression between untreated and LPA-treated A431 cells. Interestingly, these results revealed that LPA treatment upregulates several TGF-β1 target genes, including laminin-332 (Ln-332) components (α3,β3, andγ2 chains). Western blot analysis also showed that LPA increased phosphorylation of Smad2, an event that is carried out by TGF-β1 interactions. Among the genes upregulated, we further addressed the role of Ln-332. Real-time PCR analysis confirmed the transcriptional upregulation of allα3,β3, andγ2 chains of Ln-332 by LPA, corresponding to the protein level increases revealed by western blot. Further, the addition of anti-Ln-332 antibody prevented LPA-treated A431 colonies from dispersing. Taken together, our results suggest that LPA-induced Ln-332 plays a significant role in migration of individual cells from A431 colonies.
Expression and Function of the Chemokine, CXCL13, and Its Receptor, CXCR5, in Aids-Associated Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Authors: Widney Daniel P. , Gui Dorina , Popoviciu Laura M. , Said Jonathan W. , Breen Elizabeth C. , Huang Xin , Kitchen Christina M. R. , Alcantar Juan M. , Smith Jeffrey B. , Detels Roger , Martínez-Maza Otoniel
Published: August 2010

Background. The homeostatic chemokine, CXCL13 (BLC, BCA-1), helps direct the recirculation of mature, resting B cells, which express its receptor, CXCR5. CXCL13/CXCR5 are expressed, and may play a role, in some non-AIDS-associated B cell tumors.Objective. To determine if CXCL13/CXCR5 are associated with AIDS-related non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (AIDS-NHL).Methods. Serum CXCL13 levels were measured by ELISA in 46 subjects who developed AIDS-NHL in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study and in controls. The expression or function of CXCL13 and CXCR5 was examined on primary AIDS-NHL specimens or AIDS-NHL cell lines.Results. Serum CXCL13 levels were significantly elevated in the AIDS-NHL group compared to controls. All primary AIDS-NHL specimens showed CXCR5 expression and most also showed CXCL13 expression. AIDS-NHL cell lines expressed CXCR5 and showed chemotaxis towards CXCL13.Conclusions. CXCL13/CXCR5 are expressed in AIDS-NHL and could potentially be involved in its biology. CXCL13 may have potential as a biomarker for AIDS-NHL.
Posttraumatic True Aneurysm of the Axillary Artery Following Blunt Trauma
Authors: Goncu Tugrul , Toktas Faruk , Tiryakioglu Osman , Yumun Gunduz , Demirtas Sinan , Yavuz Senol
Published: August 2010

The majority of the axillary artery aneurysm cases arise as pseudoaneurysms secondary to blunt or iatrogenic trauma. Isolated traumatic true axillary artery aneurysm is a relatively unusual disorder and generally occurs with repetitive blunt trauma. A 22-year-old female patient with distal axillary artery true aneurysm due to simple blunt axillothoracic trauma is presented. The aneurysm was excised with subpectoral-axillary approach and saphenous vein graft interposition was applied. Long-term follow-up with the patient was uneventful.
Robust Stability Analysis and Synthesis for Switched Discrete‐Time Systems with Time Delay
Authors: Zhang Liguo , Li Hongfeng , Chen Yangzhou
Published: August 2010

The problems of robust stability analysis and synthesis for a class of uncertain switched time‐delay systems with polytopic type uncertainties are addressed. Based on the constructive use of an appropriate switched Lyapunov function, sufficient linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) conditions are investigated to make such systems a uniform quadratic stability with an L2‐gain smaller than a given constant level. System synthesis is to design switched feedback schemes, whether based on state, output measurements, or by using dynamic output feedback, to guarantee that the corresponding closed‐loop system satisfies the LMIs conditions. Two numerical examples are provided that demonstrate the efficiency of this approach.
Perforation of the Urinary Bladder Caused by Transurethral Insertion of a Pencil for the Purpose of Masturbation in a 29-Year-Old Female
Authors: Bantis Athanasios , Sountoulides Petros , Kalaitzis Christos , Giannakopoulos Stelios , Agelonidou Eleni , Foutzitzi Soultana , Touloupidis Stavros
Published: August 2010

The urethra is a usual site of introduction of foreign bodies for autoerotic stimulation. We present an unusual case of bladder perforation caused by foreign body that was self-inserted in the urethra and consequently slipped inside the bladder in a 29-year-old female patient with psychiatric disease. The patient was referred to our department for macroscopic hematuria and abdominal pain. Imaging studies revealed the presence of a foreign body in the pelvic area which had perforated the left lateral wall of the bladder. The foreign body was removed via open cystotomy. In psychiatric patients hematuria and pelvic pain may result from insertion of a foreign body in the bladder usually during masturbation.
Locking Src/Abl Tyrosine Kinase Activities Regulate Cell Differentiation and Invasion of Human Cervical Cancer Cells Expressing E6/E7 Oncoproteins of High-Risk HPV
Authors: Yasmeen Amber , Alachkar Amal , Dekhil Hafedh , Gambacorti-Passerini Carlo , Al Moustafa Ala-Eddin
Published: August 2010

In this study, we compared the effects of SKI-606 with Iressa, Src/Abl and EGF-R kinase inhibitors, respectively, on selected parameters in HeLa and SiHa cervical cancer cell lines, which express E6/E7 oncoproteins of high-risk HPV types 18 and 16, respectively. Our results show that SKI-606 and Iressa inhibit cell proliferation and provokeG0-G1cell cycle arrest and reduction of S andG2-M phase using 2 and 5 μMconcentrations of these inhibitors. In contrast, SKI-606 induces differentiation to an epithelial phenotype “mesenchymal-epithelial transition”; thus SKI-606 causes a dramatic decrease in cell motility and invasion abilities of HeLa and SiHa cancer cells, in comparison to untreated cells and Iressa-treated cells in which these parameters are only slightly affected. These changes are accompanied by a regulation of the expression patterns of E-cadherin and catenins. The molecular pathway analysis of Src/Abl inhibitor revealed that SKI-606 blocks the phosphorylation ofβ-catenin and consequently converts its role from a transcriptional regulator to a cell-cell adhesion molecule. Our findings indicate that SKI-606 inhibits signaling pathways involved in regulating tumor cell migration and invasion genes viaβ-catenin alteration, suggesting that Src inhibitor, in comparison to EGF-R, is a promising therapeutic agent for human cervical cancer.
Inflammatory Mediators and Angiogenic Factors in Choroidal Neovascularization: Pathogenetic Interactions and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Campa Claudio , Costagliola Ciro , Incorvaia Carlo , Sheridan Carl , Semeraro Francesco , De Nadai Katia , Sebastiani Adolfo , Parmeggiani Francesco
Published: August 2010

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a common and severe complication in heterogeneous diseases affecting the posterior segment of the eye, the most frequent being represented by age-related macular degeneration. Although the term may suggest just a vascular pathological condition, CNV is more properly definable as an aberrant tissue invasion of endothelial and inflammatory cells, in which both angiogenesis and inflammation are involved. Experimental and clinical evidences show that vascular endothelial growth factor is a key signal in promoting angiogenesis. However, many other molecules, distinctive of the inflammatory response, act as neovascular activators in CNV. These include fibroblast growth factor, transforming growth factor, tumor necrosis factor, interleukins, and complement. This paper reviews the role of inflammatory mediators and angiogenic factors in the development of CNV, proposing pathogenetic assumptions of mutual interaction. As an extension of this concept, new therapeutic approaches geared to have an effect on both the vascular and the extravascular components of CNV are discussed.
Scale Analysis of Blocking Events from 2002 to 2004: A Case Study of an Unusually Persistent Blocking Event Leading to a Heat Wave in the Gulf of Alaska during August 2004
Authors: Athar H. , Lupo Anthony R.
Published: August 2010

The climatology of northern hemisphere blocking events is presented assessing the relative contributions of the planetary and synoptic scales to 500 hPa heights in order to determine the proportion of blocks dominated by a single‐scale. The heights were averaged over a region encompassing the block, and then compared with corresponding monthly mean values. If planetary‐scale or synoptic‐scale heights are greater than the monthly mean, the block is called single‐scale dominant. In the study, 79% of blocks were single‐scale dominant, whereas the remaining 21% of events were alternating‐scale prominent. This proportion varied by season with winter (summer) events being synoptic (planetary) scale dominant. The stability of blocks is also examined to determine if two stability indicators were useful in the assessment of the character of planetary and synoptic‐scale flows. These quantities are area integrated enstrophy, and the maximum value of stream function gradients within the block region. The analysis of a prolonged block occurring in the Gulf of Alaska during August 2004 shows the planetary‐scale is unstable during block onset and then stabilizes during the mature stage. The synoptic‐scale played a dominant role in destabilizing the planetary‐scale during the mature stage of the block initiating decay.
Glycaemic Response to Quality Protein Maize Grits
Authors: Panlasigui Leonora N. , Bayaga Cecile L. T. , Barrios Erniel B. , Cochon Kim L.
Published: August 2010

Background. Carbohydrates have varied rates of digestion and absorption that induces different hormonal and metabolic responses in the body. Given the abundance of carbohydrate sources in the Philippines, the determination of the glycaemic index (GI) of local foods may prove beneficial in promoting health and decreasing the risk of diabetes in the country.Methods. The GI of Quality Protein Maize (QPM) grits, milled rice, and the mixture of these two food items were determined in ten female subjects. Using a randomized crossover design, the control bread and three test foods were given on separate occasions after an overnight fast. Blood samples were collected through finger prick at time intervals of 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min and analyzed for glucose concentrations.Results. The computed incremental area under the glucose response curve (IAUC) varies significantly across test foods (P<.0379) with the pure QPM grits yielding the lowest IAUC relative to the control by 46.38. Resulting GI values of the test foods (bootstrapped) were 80.36 (SEM 14.24), 119.78 (SEM 18.81), and 93.17 (SEM 27.27) for pure QPM grits, milled rice, and rice-QPM grits mixture, respectively.Conclusion. Pure QPM corn grits has a lower glycaemic response compared to milled rice and the rice-corn grits mixture, which may be related in part to differences in their dietary fibre composition and physicochemical characteristics. Pure QPM corn grits may be a more health beneficial food for diabetic and hyperlipidemic individuals.
A Forgotten Migrated Intrauterine Contraceptive Device Is Not Always Innocent: A Case Report
Authors: Brar Ranjeet , Doddi Sudeendra , Ramasamy Anand , Sinha Prakash
Published: August 2010

The incidence of transuterine perforation and migration of intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) into the abdominal cavity has been estimated at less than 0.1%. It has been suggested that intraperitoneal IUCD have low morbidity and may be left in situ. We report the first case of closed loop small bowel obstruction due to migration of a “Saf-T-Coil” IUCD into the abdominal cavity, where it became embedded in the omentum and ultimately, 31 years after deployment, coiled both arms around a loop of ileum. This late complication underlines the dangers of intra-abdominal foreign bodies, even when chemically and biologically inert.
Prognostic Factors for Tumor Recurrence after a 12-Year, Single-Center Experience of Liver Transplantations in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Cescon Matteo , Ravaioli Matteo , Grazi Gian Luca , Ercolani Giorgio , Cucchetti Alessandro , Bertuzzo Valentina , Vetrone Gaetano , Del Gaudio Massimo , Vivarelli Marco , D'Errico-Grigioni Antonietta , Dazzi Alessandro , Di Gioia Paolo , Lauro Augusto , Pinna Antonio Daniele
Published: August 2010

Background. Factors affecting outcomes after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been extensively studied, but some of them have only recently been discovered or reassessed.Methods. We analyzed classical and more recently emerging variables with a hypothetical impact on recurrence-free survival (RFS) in a single-center series of 283 patients transplanted for HCC between 1997 and 2009.Results. Five-year patient survival and RFS were 75% and 86%, respectively. Thirty-four (12%) patients had HCC recurrence. Elevated preoperative alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, preoperative treatments of HCC, unfulfilled Milan and up-to-seven criteria at final histology, poor tumor differentiation, and tumor microvascular invasion negatively affected RFS by univariate analysis. Milan and up-to-seven criteria applied preoperatively, and the use of m-TOR inhibitors did not reach statistical significance. Cox's proportional hazard model showed that only elevated AFP levels (Odds ; 95% –5.80; ), preoperative tumor treatments (Odds ; 95% –16.42; ), and microvascular invasion (Odds ; 95% –12.41; ) were predictors of lower RFS.Conclusions. Biological aggressiveness and preoperative tumor treatment, rather than traditional and expanded dimensional criteria, conditioned the outcomes in patients transplanted for HCC.
Hepatitis C in Haematological Patients
Authors: Hwang Y. Y. , Liang R. H. S.
Published: August 2010

There is no consensus guideline concerning the management of chronic hepatitis C patients during chemotherapy, and immunosuppression. However, there are some suggestions in literature that hepatitis C viral load increases during chemotherapy and there is a risk of rebound immunity against hepatitis C after discontinuation of immunosuppression with a consequent liver injury. A close monitoring of liver function of these patients is prudent during treatment of haematological malignancy. Antiviral treatment is deferred after the completion of chemotherapy and recovery of patients' immunity to minimize the toxicity of treatment. A combination of pegylated interferon and ribavirin is the standard therapy in hepatitis C infected haematological patients.