bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Power of Bioenergy‐Related Standards to Protect Biodiversity
Authors: HENNENBERG K. J. , DRAGISIC C. , HAYE S. , HEWSON J. , SEMROC B. , SAVY C. , WIEGMANN K. , FEHRENBACH H. , FRITSCHE U. R.
Published: December 2009

Abstract:  The sustainable production of bioenergy is vital to avoiding negative impacts on environmental goods such as climate, soil, water, and especially biodiversity. We propose three key issues that should be addressed in any biodiversity risk‐mitigation strategy: conservation of areas of significant biodiversity value; mitigation of negative effects related to indirect land‐use change; and promotion of agricultural practices with few negative impacts on biodiversity. Focusing on biodiversity concerns, we compared principles and criteria set to address biodiversity and other environmental and social issues in seven standards (defined here as commodity‐based standards or roundtables, or relevant European legislation): five voluntary initiatives related to bioenergy feedstocks, the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (United Kingdom), and the European Renewable Energy Source Directive. Conservation of areas of significant biodiversity value was fairly well covered by these standards. Nevertheless, mitigation of negative impacts related to indirect land‐use change was underrepresented. Although the EU directive, with its bonus system for the use of degraded land and a subquota system for noncrop biofuels, offered the most robust standards to mitigate potential negative effects, all of the standards fell short in promoting agricultural practices with low negative impacts on biodiversity. We strongly recommend that each standard be benchmarked against related standards, as we have done here, and that efforts should be made to strengthen the elements that are weak or missing. This would be a significant step toward achieving a bioenergy industry that safeguards Earth's living heritage.
Neuropathic pain is associated with increased nodal persistent Na+ currents in human diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Misawa Sonoko , Sakurai Kenichi , Shibuya Kazumoto , Isose Sagiri , Kanai Kazuaki , Ogino Jun , Ishikawa Ko , Kuwabara Satoshi
Published: December 2009

Abstract Peripheral nerve injury alters function and expression of voltage gated Na+ channels on the axolemma, leading to ectopic firing and neuropathic pain/paresthesia. Hyperglycemia also affects nodal Na+ currents, presumably due to activation of polyol pathway and impaired Na+–K+ pump. We investigated changes in nodal Na+ currents in peripheral sensory axons and their relation with pain in human diabetic neuropathy. Latent addition using computerized threshold tracking was used to estimate nodal persistent Na+ currents in radial sensory axons of 81 diabetic patients. Of these, 36 (44%) had chronic neuropathic pain and severe paresthesia. Compared to patients without pain, those with pain had greater nodal Na+ currents (p = 0.001), smaller amplitudes of sensory nerve action potentials (SNAP) (p = 0.0003), and lower hemoglobin A1c levels (p = 0.006). Higher axonal Na+ conductance was associated with smaller SNAP amplitudes (p = 0.03) and lower hemoglobin A1c levels (p = 0.008). These results suggest that development of neuropathic pain depends on axonal hyperexcitability due to increased nodal Na+ currents associated with structural changes, but the currents could also be affected by the state of glycemic control. Our findings support the view that altered Na+ channels could be responsible for neuropathic pain/paresthesia in diabetic neuropathy.
EXTRACELLULAR ENZYMES OF THE MICROCYSTIS AERUGINOSA PCC 7813 STRAIN ARE INHIBITED IN THE PRESENCE OF HYDROQUINONE AND PYROGALLOL, ALLELOCHEMICALS PRODUCED BY AQUATIC PLANTS1
Authors: Dziga Dariusz , Goral Tomasz , Bialczyk Jan , Lechowski Zbigniew
Published: December 2009

Several cyanobacterial species have a high potential to dominate in marine environments and freshwater reservoirs, and the ecological and physiological reasons for this phenomenon are not understood comprehensively. In this study, the ability of a Microcystis aeruginosa Kütz. strain to produce free dissolved enzymes was documented. We have observed that this highly toxic strain releases alkaline phosphatase, leucine aminopeptidase, and β‐glucosidase into the ambient environment. Additionally, the inhibitory activity of selected phenols produced by aquatic plants on the activity of these enzymes was analyzed. The investigated compounds, pyrogallol and, to a lesser degree, hydroquinone, decreased the activity of extracellular enzymes produced by M. aeruginosa, with leucine aminopeptidase being the most sensitive to the inhibitors. The noncompetitive character of enzymatic inhibition suggests that the polyphenols produced by aquatic plants are able to influence the activity of different extracellular or membrane‐bound enzymes.
MOLECULAR DIVERSITY OF MARINE PHYTOPLANKTON COMMUNITIES BASED ON KEY FUNCTIONAL GENES1
Authors: Bhadury Punyasloke , Ward Bess B.
Published: December 2009

The phylogeny and diversity of two key functional genes were investigated as the basis for improved understanding of the community structure of natural phytoplankton assemblages in marine environments. New partial NR (encoding eukaryotic assimilatory nitrate reductase) and rbcL (encoding LSU of RUBISCO) sequences from 10 cultured phytoplankton strains are reported. Phytoplankton community composition from Monterey Bay (MB), a coastal upwelling site on the California coast, and the Western English Channel (EC), a North Atlantic spring bloom environment, was elucidated based on NR and rbcL sequences. Diatoms were by far the most frequently detected group in both environments, consistent with their importance as a major bloom‐forming group. Both NR and rbcL libraries contained sequences representing cosmopolitan types such as Emiliania huxleyi (Lohmann) W. W. Hay et H. P. Mohler, Phaeocystis, and Pseudo‐nitzschia. The NR and rbcL libraries also contained sequences from other chromophytic algal groups and the Dinophyceae (alveolates). Sequences showing identity with key bloom‐forming organisms including E. huxleyi, Phaeocystis pouchetii (Har.) Lagerh., Pseudo‐nitzschia sp., and Thalassiosira sp. in the rbcL libraries confirm previous studies from these environments based on traditional approaches. Diversity/pattern analyses detected significant compositional differences among the libraries, which were consistent with patterns identified by phylogenetic analysis, but these patterns were not strongly correlated with obvious environmental variables such as temperature and nitrate concentration. Many new and divergent NR and rbcL sequences are reported, but the extent to which they represent unknown types cannot be determined until greater effort is made to sequence the existing culture collections.
Human Perception of Dental Porcelain Translucency Correlated to Spectrophotometric Measurements
Authors: Liu Min‐Chieh , Aquilino Steven A. , Lund Peter S. , Vargas Marcos A. , Diaz‐Arnold Ana M. , Gratton David G. , Qian Fang
Published: December 2009

Purpose:This study evaluated the relationship between instrumental measurements and subjective visual assessment of differences in dental porcelain translucency.

Materials and Methods:Unshaded feldspathic porcelain was used with controlled amounts of tin oxide to create two groups of 12‐mm diameter disks with incremental changes in opacity. Contrast ratio (CR = Yb/Yw) was determined with a spectrophotometer, and used as a measure of porcelain translucency (Group A = 0.20 to 0.40; Group B = 0.6–0.8). Within each group, there were 14 specimens with 11 CRs. Three observer groups (first year dental students, residents, faculty with >10 years of shade matching experience) were recruited to assess the translucency between porcelain disks under two lighting conditions (reflected light, transmitted light). Each subject's ability to distinguish between specimens of differing translucency was determined. Descriptive statistics and three‐way ANOVA followed by a post‐hoc Tukey‐Kramer test were used to evaluate the translucency perception threshold (TPT) of subjects (α= 0.05).

Results:The overall mean TPT (ΔC) was 0.07, while 50% of the subjects could perceive a 0.06 CR difference between porcelain specimens. Three‐way ANOVA revealed a significant difference in translucency perception among the observer groups (p< 0.0001), whereas the main effects for porcelain opacity (p= 0.3038) and lighting condition (p= 0.0645) were not significant, and no significant interactions were found. Post‐hoc Tukey‐Kramer test indicated that the mean TPT observed in the faculty group (ΔC = 0.04) was significantly lower than those observed in student (ΔC = 0.09) and resident groups (ΔC = 0.08), while there was no significant difference between students and residents.

Conclusions:The overall mean TPT of all subjects was 0.07, and 50% of the study population perceived a 0.06 CR difference in translucency. Increased shade matching experience (≥10 years) significantly improved the ability to perceive differences in translucency; however, neither the viewing condition nor porcelain opacity affected the perceived translucency threshold.
3D Transesophageal Echocardiographic Guidance and Monitoring of Percutaneous Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Filgueiras‐Rama David , López Teresa , Moreno‐Gómez Raul , Calvo‐Orbe Luis , Dobarro David , Moreno‐Yanguela Mar , Lefevre Thierry , López‐Sendón Jose Luis
Published: December 2009

We describe a preliminary clinical experience with 3D transesophageal echocardiography (3D TEE) in an 84‐year‐old man with severe aortic stenosis and multiple comorbidity, who underwent percutaneous aortic valve implantation. Although 3D TEE monitoring is not a standard procedure during aortic valve replacement procedure (PAVR), when used in combination with conventional 2D‐TEE contributes to improving adequate patient selection and provides more accurate information to the interventional cardiologist during positioning, deployment, and early function of the prosthesis. (Echocardiography 2010;27:84‐86)
Structural and Dielectric Characteristics in (1−x)Ba(Ni1/2W1/2)O3–xBaTiO3 Perovskite Solid Solutions
Authors: Zhao Fei , Yue Zhenxing , Gui Zhilun , Li Longtu
Published: December 2009

Crystal structure and dielectric properties of perovskite ceramics in (1−x)Ba(Ni1/2W1/2)O3–xBaTiO3 (x=0–0.9) solid solution system have been investigated. The crystal structure of the ceramics changed with the composition of solid solutions. The cubic double pervoskite structure with the space group of

was formed for the compositions of x≤0.15. When 0.45≤x≤0.55, the samples had the h–BaTiO3‐type hexagonal perovskite structure with the space group of P63/mmc and they changed to the cubic perovskite structure of

as x exceeded 0.7. A cubic‐to‐hexagonal phase transition occurred in the composition range from x=0.15 to 0.45. A low‐frequency dielectric dispersion was found in the mixed‐phase region of double cubic‐hexagonal perovskites. A polar cluster model which was responsible for the formation of the hexagonal phase was suggested from a charge‐hopping mechanism between B‐site cations in the perovskite lattice. This model was then proved by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis, Raman spectra, and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy observation, respectively. The dense ceramics in the present system with 0.05≤x≤0.55 have good microwave dielectric properties with τf of <|−15| ppm/°C, ɛr of 20–25, and Q×f value of 30 000–50 000 GHz.
Highly Aligned Carbon Nanotubes Sandwiched Between Facially Arranged Ceramic Alumina Layers
Authors: Popp Alexander , Siozios Vassilios , Schneider Jörg J.
Published: December 2009

A novel approach is presented for the integration of highly aligned carbon nanotubes in ceramic alumina layers perpendicular to the tube axes. A template method is used to form carbon nanotubes by a noncatalytic chemical vapor deposition inside the pores of porous alumina before consequent thermal treatment of the resulting composite on the frontal surface. The thermal treatment leads to a well‐defined layered phase transition accompanied by heterogeneous etching behavior of the alumina phases. Almost freestanding carbon nanotubes sandwiched in facial‐oriented corundum layers are obtained after removal of the soluble phases. These ceramic layers drastically improve the handling and stability of highly aligned carbon nanotubes.
Anatomic and histological analysis in a goat model used for maxillary sinus floor augmentation with simultaneous implant placement
Authors: Derong Zou , Lian Guo , Jiayu Lu , Xiuli Zhang , Zhiyuan Zhang , Xinquan Jiang
Published: December 2009

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to carry out an anatomic survey on the goat maxillary sinus in order to provide accurate and definite anatomic parameters for the design of sinus floor elevation and dental implantation studies in this valuable preclinic animal model.

Material and methods: The anatomic topographic structure of the maxillary sinuses was studied bilaterally in 10 adult goats by a gross survey as well as a histological analysis with parasagittal or coronal sections. Then following parameters were defined and measured: (1) maxillary alveolar height (MAH): vertical height from the alveolar crest to the sinus floor; (2) sinus lateral floor width (SLFW): horizontal distance from the lateral border of the anteroposterior bone crest to the sinus lateral wall; (3) infraorbital canal diameter (ICD); and (4) maxillary sinus volume (MSV): the volume occupied by water injected into the sinus. The data were presented with mean±SD on both sides.

Results: The goat has a maxillary sinus similar to humans, with a slender pyramidal shape that pneumatizes the entire maxilla, and a sinus wall covered with a mucosal lining. From the maxillary sinus floor, there is an anteroposterior bone crest protruding with the infraorbital canal enveloped. It divides the maxillary sinus floor into two parts. The SLFW of the lateral part of the maxillary sinus floor becomes broader, about 5.905±1.475 mm in the third premolar site, and the MAH increases towards the posterior area, where the maxillary sinus floor is close to the related teeth roots. According to original metrical data, we also proposed a possible operation procedure for sinus floor augmentation.

Conclusions: There is enough space in the lateral floor of the maxillary sinus for dental implantation, and the third premolar area might be a suitable position suggested for maxillary sinus augmentation with simultaneous implant placement in a goat model.

To cite this article:
 Zou D, Guo L, Lu J, Zhang X, Zhang Z, Jiang X. Anatomic and histological analysis in a goat model used for maxillary sinus floor augmentation with simultaneous implant placement. Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21, 2010; 65–70.
Salinity‐induced changes in essential oil, pigments and salts accumulation in sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) in relation to alterations of morphological development
Authors: Bernstein N. , Kravchik M. , Dudai N.
Published: December 2009

The objective of the project was to study salinity‐induced effects on essential oil, pigments and salts accumulation in sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum, the cultivar Perrie) in relation to the alteration of plant morphological development and yield production. Hydroponically grown plants were exposed to one of six NaCl concentrations (1, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 130 mM NaCl). Inhibitory effects of salinity on biomass production of the shoot and the root, and area of individual leaves were apparent already under cultivation with 25 mM NaCl. Elevation of salinity from 1 to 100 mM NaCl induced 63% and 61% reductions in fresh and dry herb biomass production, respectively. The stress‐induced reduction of foliage biomass sourced mainly from inhibition of leaf area development rather than reduction of internode and leaf number. Cl and Na concentrations in the leaves, stems and roots increased with elevation of NaCl concentration in the cultivation solution. While the extent of Cl accumulation was leaves>stems>roots, Na was largely excluded from the leaves and was preferentially accumulated in roots and the stems, potentially accounting for the moderate sensitivity of the leaf tissue to salinity. Salt stress increased the contents of essential oil and carotenoids in the leaves that may further account for the moderate sensitivity of sweet basil to salinity and suggest a potential for agro‐industrial production. A twofold increase in both carotenoid concentration and the percent of essential oil in the fresh tissue was observed by elevation of the salinity from 1 to 130 mM NaCl. Overall, the stress induced increase of the percent of essential oil in the tissue in the salinity range 1–75 mM NaCl was about 50%, and thereby compensated for the similar reduction of biomass production in this salinity range, so that oil production on per plant basis was not reduced by salinity.
Weak microlensing
Authors: Coles Jonathan , Saha Prasenjit , Schmid Hans Martin
Published: December 2009

A nearby star having a near-transit of a galaxy will cause a time-dependent weak lensing of the galaxy. Because the effect is small, we refer to this as weak microlensing. This could provide a useful method to weigh low-mass stars and brown dwarfs. We examine the feasibility of measuring masses in this way and find that a star causes measurable weak microlensing in a galaxy even at 10 Einstein radii away. Of the order of 1 mag I≤ 25 galaxy comes close enough to one or the other of the ∼100 nearest stars per year.
QUANTITATIVE DESCRIPTIVE SENSORY ANALYSIS OF FIVE DIFFERENT CULTIVARS OF SWEET POTATO TO DETERMINE SENSORY AND TEXTURAL PROFILES
Authors: LEIGHTON C.S. , SCHÖNFELDT H.C. , KRUGER R.
Published: December 2009

A trained sensory panel was used to establish terminology for describing the sensory attributes of different cultivars orange‐fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) and white‐fleshed sweet potato (WFSP). Quantitative descriptive analysis was applied to evaluate the samples in terms of the aroma, texture, flavor and aftertaste attributes. Thirteen attributes were identified. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to identify any factors differentiating between the sweet potato cultivars. The findings indicated that the main differences were, in PC1, the flavor and density and adhesive textural characteristics, and, in PC2, the grainy and firm textural characteristics of the different cultivars. OFSP displayed a more dense and pasty texture, which was most intense in the Resisto cultivar. W119 had a more grainy texture when compared with the other cultivars tested. WFSP was more moist and fibrous. Therefore, OFSP differed in color, was sweeter and displayed flavor characteristics of yellow vegetables (such as butternut and pumpkin) when compared with WFSP.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Although standard sensory evaluation techniques were used in this project, the materials used were sweet potatoes, which are of interest. Sweet potato is a root vegetable, and in this project, a lexicon for the textural properties, as well as a flavor profile of sweet potato, was developed. Such information can be used for sensory evaluation of other root vegetables. The shear force of the sweet potatoes was measured, and the methodology to determine shear forces and its contribution to the overall evaluation of the texture of sweet potatoes is included in the article. Furthermore, white‐fleshed sweet potatoes are commonly known, and the flavor of WFSP is compared with that of orange‐fleshed sweet potatoes.
RESPONSE SURFACE MAPPING OF THE SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS AND ACCEPTABILITY OF CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM CONTAINING ALTERNATE SWEETENING AGENTS
Authors: SOUKOULIS CHRISTOS , TZIA CONSTANTINA
Published: December 2009

In the present study, grape juice concentrate and sugarcane molasses were used as partial substitutes of sucrose in chocolate ice cream. The effect of the concentration of total sugar solids (14, 16 and 18%) and sucrose substitution level (10, 20 and 30%) on the sensory characteristics and overall acceptability of ice cream was investigated. Response surface methodology was used to map the co‐active effects of total sugar solids and alternate sweetener presence on selected sensory characteristics and degree of overall liking of samples. Our data revealed that both materials can be used as potential sweetening agents furnishing improved creamy texture, reducing the coarse and watery sensation defects, and controlling the flavor perception. Considering the data of overall acceptability, the use of grape juice concentrate led to the most acceptable samples regarding those containing sugarcane molasses.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Over the last years, a noticeable interest for incorporating functional and traditional ingredients in a great number of dairy products, ice cream included, has been observed. This trend is associated with the constantly increasing awareness of consumers on healthy, natural, fortified and low caloric ice cream preparations. Fruit juice concentrates as well as natural sweeteners, such as molasses or honey, can be used as alternate sweetness‐delivering ingredients and potential texture improvers in ice cream systems. Moreover, such ingredients having a high content in trace metals (e.g., ferrous, zinc and calcium) and natural antioxidants may offer functional advantages in the final product. The taste and flavor compatibility, and the specific effects on texture of grape juice concentrate (commonly produced in the Mediterranean basin) and sugarcane molasses (a low‐cost by‐product of the sugarcane industry) were extensively evaluated in the present study, offering an innovative concept on functional ice cream manufacture.
LEXICON FOR THE SENSORY DESCRIPTION OF FRENCH BREAD IN JAPAN
Authors: HAYAKAWA FUMIYO , UKAI NAOKO , NISHIDA JUNJI , KAZAMI YUKARI , KOHYAMA KAORU
Published: December 2009

A lexicon for describing the sensory attributes of French bread was developed. A panel of experts generated 187 expressions by a sensory evaluation of 24 bread samples from different bakeries. Of these expressions, 96 terms were selected as candidates for the lexicon. The panelists participated in a sensory evaluation of 14 bread samples according these 96 descriptors in accordance with ISO 11035. A principal component analysis and cluster analysis revealed that the 96 terms could be classified into 23 groups. The lexicon consisting of 23 terms (11 for appearance, five for aroma, one for taste and six for texture) was then made up by selecting a representative term for each cluster and determining a suitable definition and reference. The lexicon was verified against 23 samples prepared under various conditions in the laboratory by a sensory evaluation. The results show that all of the 23 descriptors were useful to differentiate the sensory qualities of French bread samples.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Selecting and defining descriptors is a critical step in a descriptive sensory analysis. A well‐developed lexicon helps sensory researchers to conduct a precise sensory analysis. Fine‐quality French bread has a good appearance, aroma, flavor and texture; therefore, French bread needs to be evaluated for all these factors. The lexicon for French bread developed in this study proved useful in the precise descriptive analysis of French bread found in Japan, with potential applications to the description of French bread in other countries. The lexicon will contribute to the development of products that match consumer acceptability, and also be useful in basic research.
LEXICON TO DESCRIBE FLAVOR OF FRESH LEAFY VEGETABLES
Authors: TALAVERA‐BIANCHI MARTIN , CHAMBERS IV EDGAR , CHAMBERS DELORES H.
Published: December 2009

Trends such as organic farming and breeding to increase nutrition and functional health components have increased interest in understanding the flavor of vegetables, such as leafy greens. The main objective of this study was to select, define and reference a lexicon for describing the flavor of fresh leafy vegetables. A highly trained descriptive sensory panel determined a list of 32 sensory attributes that was able to describe the flavor of the fresh leafy greens studied. This lexicon includes five “green” attributes; mouthfeel characteristics such as pungent, bite, tooth‐etch and heat/burn; fundamental tastes including bitter and umami; seven terms that describe unique flavors related to specific vegetables such as cabbage, celery, lettuce, spinach, parsley, beet and radish leaves; and a group of other terms including citrus, piney, woody, water‐like, musty/earthy, floral, sulfur, metallic, soapy, petroleum‐like and overall sweet.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Understanding the effects that different breeding, growing, harvesting, shipping and storage technologies have on properties of leafy vegetables has increased the need for appropriate evaluation tools. Using this lexicon can guide researchers to a better understanding of differences in flavor among various fresh leafy vegetables and can help in understanding changes in flavors of those vegetables resulting from various alterations in the breeding and production systems. This project provides researchers with specific sensory terminology to track changes in fresh leafy greens instead of using generic terms such as “taste” or “typical flavor.”
Assessing the Value of Growth Option Synergies from Business Combinations and Testing for Goodwill Impairment: A Real Options Perspective
Authors: Baldi Francesco , Trigeorgis Lenos
Published: December 2009

Goodwill is an intangible asset, and therefore hard to measure and difficult to account for. This article argues that the two‐stage impairment test for acquired goodwill under SFAS 142 has several limitations. Most important, it measures aggregate rather than acquired goodwill, making it very difficult to separate acquisition‐related goodwill from aggregate enterprise goodwill after a business combination. As a consequence, any potential deterioration of acquired goodwill value could be concealed by increases in internally generated goodwill.

As an alternative, the authors propose a real options approach to managing a business unit portfolio as a better framework for conducting the goodwill impairment test. A real options approach to testing goodwill for impairment—as opposed to the standard fair value assessment based on DCF analysis—not only accounts for deterioration in the value of goodwill, but also captures upward potential. It enables tracking of the changes in goodwill value from one period to the next, providing a less biased estimate of its real value at each point in time.
Clevidipine for Severe Hypertension in Acute Heart Failure: A VELOCITY Trial Analysis
Authors: Frank Peacock IV W. , Varon Joseph , Ebrahimi Ramin , Dunbar Lala , Pollack Jr Charles V.
Published: December 2009

Acute severe hypertension occurs in approximately 50% of patients with acute heart failure (AHF). Clevidipine, the latest‐generation dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker, may be useful in the treatment of this patient population. The Evaluation of the Effect of Ultra–Short‐Acting Clevidipine in the Treatment of Patients With Severe Hypertension (VELOCITY) trial enrolled 126 patients with systolic blood pressure (SBP) >180 mm Hg for treatment with clevidipine to a patient‐specific prespecified initial target range (ITR) of SBP to be achieved within 30 minutes. Of the enrolled patients, 19 had AHF on presentation. Primary end points were the percentage in whom ITR was achieved within 30 minutes and the number whose SBP was below the ITR after 3 minutes of clevidipine infusion. Among the 19 AHF patients in VELOCITY, median time to ITR was 11.3 minutes (95% confidence interval, 7–19). ITR was reached in most patients (94%) within 30 minutes. No patient had hypotension below the ITR, and heart rate remained stable. At 18 hours, 16 of 19 patients had received continuous clevidipine infusion, and their SBP was reduced by mean of 50 mm Hg (25%) from baseline. There were no treatment‐related adverse events or adverse events that led to clevidipine discontinuation. Clevidipine safely decreases SBP in AHF and does not cause unexpected hypotension. The results of this post hoc subgroup analysis suggest that clevidipine is safe, well tolerated, and efficacious in AHF patients with hypertension.

Congest Heart Fail. 2010;16:55–59. © 2009Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Effect of Erythropoietin on Exercise Capacity, Left Ventricular Remodeling, Pressure‐Volume Relationships, and Quality of Life in Older Patients With Anemia and Heart Failure With Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Cohen Rose S. , Karlin Paula , Yushak Madeline , Mancini Donna , Maurer Mathew S.
Published: December 2009

A prospective, open‐label, 3‐month study was conducted to evaluate the feasibility and short‐term clinical effect of subcutaneous erythropoietin injections in patients with anemia and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (ejection fraction, 55%±2%). Using a dose‐adjusted algorithm to effect a rate of rise in hemoglobin not to exceed 0.4 g/dL /wk, hemoglobin (10.8±0.3 to 12.2±0.3 g/dL) and red blood cell volume (1187±55 to 1333±38 mL) increased with an average weekly dose of 3926 units. Functional measures increased from baseline (6‐minute walk test [289±24 to 331±22 m], exercise time [432±62 to 571±51 s], and peak oxygen consumption [8.2±0.7 to 9.4±0.9 mL/kg/min], all P<.05). End‐diastolic volume declined significantly (8% volumetric decrease, 108±3 to 100±3 mL, P =.03), but there were no significant changes in left ventricular mass or estimated left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure. Pressure‐volume analysis demonstrated a reduction in ventricular capacitance at an end‐diastolic pressure of 30 mm Hg without significant changes in contractile state. Congest Heart Fail. 2010;16:96–103. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Serum Insulin Is Significantly Related to Components of the Metabolic Syndrome in Japanese Working Men
Authors: Kawada Tomoyuki , Inagaki Hirofumi , Wakayama Yoko , Li Qing , Katsumata Masao
Published: December 2009

J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich).

The aim of this study was to examine the association between serum insulin levels and components of the metabolic syndrome (MS). The target participants were 3054 working men. MS was diagnosed based on the modified criteria of the International Diabetes Federation and was present in 12.9% of the study patients. Serum lipid profiles, uric acid, insulin, plasma glucose, and hemoglobin A1c were measured. Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that all the components of MS were significantly associated with log‐transformed values of the serum insulin. The standardized regression coefficient for the waist circumference was 5‐fold higher than that for fasting plasma glucose, being 0.40 and 0.08, respectively. The standardized regression coefficients for diastolic blood pressure, log‐transformed values of serum triglyceride, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and age were 0.09, 0.13, −0.16, and −0.11, respectively. A statistically significant relationship existed between the components of MS, especially abdominal obesity, and the serum insulin levels.
Recovering full DNA barcodes from natural history collections of Tephritid fruitflies (Tephritidae, Diptera) using mini barcodes
Authors: VAN HOUDT J. K. J. , BREMAN F. C. , VIRGILIO M. , DE MEYER M.
Published: December 2009

The family of Tephritid fruit flies (Tephritidae, Diptera) is composed of more than 4000 species and more than 350 are of economic importance (EI). The Tephritid Barcoding Initiative (TBI) aims at obtaining DNA barcodes for all EI species and the majority of their congeners. Dry pinned specimens from natural history collections are an important resource for reference material, but were often collected decades ago. We observed a strong decrease in the success rate of obtaining a full COX1 DNA barcode (658 bp), with an increasing age of the specimens. Obtaining full barcodes is often not possible using standard protocols. We developed a universal Tephritid primer set for multiple overlapping mini‐barcodes that allows reconstructing the full COX1 DNA barcode. These newly developed primers and the corresponding protocol will facilitate the utilization of the extensive natural history collection by the TBI consortium.
Multiplex pre‐amplification for noninvasive genetic sampling: is the extra effort worth it?
Authors: DE BARBA M. , WAITS L. P.
Published: December 2009

Microsatellite genotyping of hair and faeces using standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) resulted in low success rates and high error rates in a 2003–2004 pilot study using noninvasive genetic sampling for the brown bear (Ursus arctos) in the Italian Alps. Thus, we evaluated the performance of multiplex pre‐amplification for improving microsatellite genotyping results. Brown bear faecal DNA extracts of varying quality (n = 33) and hair DNA extracts of poor (n = 32) and good (n = 34) quality were used to compare standard PCR and pre‐amplification. In contrast to previous studies, there was no significant difference between methods for individual locus amplification success, genotyping error and genotyping success rates for scat and hair samples. The use of pre‐amplification requires an additional investment of time and resources, and our results raise questions about the universal value of pre‐amplification approaches. We suggest that researchers carefully evaluate the performance of pre‐amplification compared to standard PCR using field‐collected samples from the study area of interest before engaging in large‐scale noninvasive genetic analyses.
Reproducibility of read numbers in high‐throughput sequencing analysis of nematode community composition and structure
Authors: PORAZINSKA DOROTA L. , SUNG WAY , GIBLIN‐DAVIS ROBIN M. , THOMAS W. KELLEY
Published: December 2009

Although nematodes are the most abundant metazoan animals on Earth, their diversity is largely unknown. To overcome limitations of traditional approaches (labour, time, and cost) for assessing biodiversity of nematode species in environmental samples, we have previously examined the suitability of high‐throughput sequencing for assessing species level diversity with a set of control experiments employing a mixture of nematodes of known number and with known sequences for target diagnostic loci. Those initial experiments clearly demonstrated the suitability of the approach for identification of nematode taxa but lacked the replicate experiments necessary to evaluate reproducibility of the approach. Here, we analyze reads generated from three different PCR amplifications and three different sequencing reactions to examine the differential PCR amplification, the possibility of emulsion PCR artefacts, and differences between sequencing reactions. Our results suggest that both qualitative and quantitative data are consistent and highly reproducible. Variation associated with in‐house PCR amplification or emPCR and sequencing are present but the representation of each nematode is very consistent from experiment to experiment and supports the use of read counts to estimate relative abundance of taxa in a metagenetic sample.
Comparing intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide and bevacizumab injections for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema: a randomized double‐blind study
Authors: Isaac David Leonardo Cruvinel , Abud Murilo Batista , Frantz Kariza Aiko , Rassi Alan Ricardo , Avila Marcos
Published: December 2009

Purpose:  To compare the effect of a single intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide and bevacizumab in reducing macular thickness, which was measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with diabetic macular oedema (DMO).

Methods:  The patients received a single intravitreal injection of 1.25 mg bevacizumab in one randomly selected eye and 4.0 mg triamcinolone acetonide in the contralateral eye. Central foveal thickness measurement (CFT) with OCT was taken at the initial visit and at the 4‐week, 12‐week and 24‐week visits.

Results:  Eleven patients (22 eyes) were enrolled and statistically analysed. CFT reduced in the eyes treated with triamcinolone and those treated with bevacizumab in weeks 4 and 12 (p < 0.05). At the 24‐week follow‐up, no significant difference was noted, relative to the initial visit. Comparing the two groups treated with different drugs, a statistically significant difference in CFT in weeks 4 and 12 was noted, with a more significant reduction in triamcinolone‐treated eyes (p < 0.05). Regarding visual acuity (VA), patients treated with triamcinolone had improvement in VA at 4‐week (p = 0.02) and 12‐week follow‐up (p = 0.01), while the group treated with bevacizumab had VA improvement at 4 ‐week follow‐up (p = 0.02). Among the eyes treated with triamcinolone, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement of more than 21 mmHg was found in three eyes (27.3%).

Conclusions:  Intravitreal triamcinolone proved to be more efficient in reducing DMO, providing longer lasting visual improvement, relative to bevacizumab. Eyes treated with triamcinolone had the highest percentage increase in IOP. Further studies are needed to corroborate these findings.
Linear Koszul duality
Authors: Mirković Ivan , Riche Simon
Published: December 2009

In this paper we construct, for F1 and F2 subbundles of a vector bundle E, a ‘Koszul duality’ equivalence between derived categories of 𝔾m-equivariant coherent(dg-)sheaves on the derived intersection $F_1 \rcap _E F_2$, and the corresponding derived intersection $F_1^{\perp } \rcap _{E^*} F_2^{\perp }$. We also propose applications to Hecke algebras.
Evolution of Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Ray L. Bryan
Published: December 2009

Integration of ancestral immune responses with mobilization of energy stores provides clues to understanding metabolic diseases in humans.
It’s All Relative
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: December 2009

As long as the fold change in the signal remains the same, the output of the signaling network is robust to changes in the absolute amount of the signal.
Dissecting Ephrin-Receptor Interaction
Authors: Ray L. Bryan
Published: December 2009

A proteomic strategy elucidates signaling networks between cells communicating through ephrin proteins and their receptors.
An Innervative Small RNA
Authors: Kiberstis Paula A.
Published: December 2009

A small noncoding RNA promotes nerve-muscle interactions in response to motor neuron injury and slows disease progression.
Science Signaling
Podcast: 15 December 2009
Authors: Mischel Paul S. , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: December 2009

Inhibiting fatty acid synthesis may be effective in controlling glioblastomas driven by EGFR signaling.
CONGRUENCE LIFTING OF SEMILATTICE DIAGRAMS
Authors: PLOŠČICA MIROSLAV
Published: December 2009

We consider the problem, whether the algebras in two finitely generated congruence-distributive varieties have isomorphic congruence lattices. According to the results of P. Gillibert, this problem is closely connected with the question, which diagrams of finite distributive semilattices can be represented by the congruence lattices of algebras in a given variety. We study this question for varieties of bounded lattices, generated by different nondistributive lattices of length 2 (denoted Mn). For each pair from this family of varieties we construct a diagram indexed by the product of three finite chains, which is liftable in one variety and nonliftable in the other one. We also discover an interesting link to the four-color theorem of graph theory.
UNDERSTANDING THE PHYSIOLOGY OF GLUTAMATE RECEPTORS BY USE OF A PROTOCOL FOR NEURONAL STAINING
Authors: Malva João O. , Vieira Ana P. , Oliveira Catarina R.
Published: December 2009

Teaching students about the physiology of neurotransmitter receptors usually requires practical lessons with the use of sophisticated equipment and complex analysis of data. Here, we report our experience in teaching medical students with a simple, practical protocol that transforms the physiology of glutamate receptors into neuronal staining, observable under bright-field microscopy. Essentially, the students were challenged to selectively stain a subpopulation of cultured neurons expressing Ca2+-permeable α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate (AMPA) receptors (a subgroup of ionotropic glutamate receptors). Neurons expressing this type of receptors were loaded with Co2+(in substitution for Ca2+) after nondesensitizing activation of AMPA receptors. After precipitation, the Co2+was revealed after treatment with silver. At the end of the procedure, the neurons expressing Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors were visually identified under bright-field microscopy. The procedure allowed the visualization of the complete dendritic network of the stained neurons and allowed the students to learn very efficiently about the physiology of glutamate receptors.
Effects of fructosamine-3-kinase deficiency on function and survival of mouse pancreatic islets after prolonged culture in high glucose or ribose concentrations
Authors: Pascal S. M. A. , Veiga-da-Cunha M. , Gilon P. , Van Schaftingen E. , Jonas J. C.
Published: December 2009

Due to their high glucose permeability, insulin-secreting pancreatic β-cells likely undergo strong intracellular protein glycation at high glucose concentrations. They may, however, be partly protected from the glucotoxic alterations of their survival and function by fructosamine-3-kinase (FN3K), a ubiquitous enzyme that initiates deglycation of intracellular proteins. To test that hypothesis, we cultured pancreatic islets from Fn3k-knockout ( Fn3k−/−) mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates for 1–3 wk in the presence of 10 or 30 mmol/l glucose (G10 or G30, respectively) and measured protein glycation, apoptosis, preproinsulin gene expression, and Ca2+and insulin secretory responses to acute glucose stimulation. The more potent glycating agent d-ribose (25 mmol/l) was used as positive control for protein glycation. In WT islets, a 1-wk culture in G30 significantly increased the amount of soluble intracellular protein-bound fructose-ε-lysines and the glucose sensitivity of β-cells for changes in Ca2+and insulin secretion, whereas it decreased the islet insulin content. After 3 wk, culture in G30 also strongly decreased β-cell glucose responsiveness and preproinsulin mRNA levels, whereas it increased islet cell apoptosis. Although protein-bound fructose-ε-lysines were more abundant in Fn3k−/−vs. WT islets, islet cell survival and function and their glucotoxic alterations were almost identical in both types of islets, except for a lower level of apoptosis in Fn3k−/−islets cultured for 3 wk in G30. In comparison, d-ribose (1 wk) similarly decreased preproinsulin expression and β-cell glucose responsiveness in both types of islets, whereas it increased apoptosis to a larger extent in Fn3k−/−vs. WT islets. We conclude that, despite its ability to reduce the glycation of intracellular islet proteins, FN3K is neither required for the maintenance of β-cell survival and function under control conditions nor involved in protection against β-cell glucotoxicity. The latter, therefore, occurs independently from the associated increase in the level of intracellular fructose-ε-lysines.
Characterization of purinergic P2X4receptor channels expressed in anterior pituitary cells
Authors: Zemkova Hana , Kucka Marek , Li Shuo , Gonzalez-Iglesias Arturo E. , Tomic Melanija , Stojilkovic Stanko S.
Published: December 2009

Anterior pituitary cells express cation-conducting P2X receptor channels (P2XRs), but their molecular identity, electrophysiological properties, cell-specific expression pattern, and physiological roles have been only partially characterized. In this study, we show by quantitative RT-PCR that mRNA transcripts for the P2X4subunit are the most abundant in rat anterior pituitary tissue and confirm the P2X4R protein expression by Western blot analysis. Single-cell patch-clamp recordings show that extracellular ATP induced an inward depolarizing current in a majority of thyrotropin-releasing hormone-responsive pituitary cells, which resembled the current profile generated by recombinant P2X4R. The channels were activated and desensitized in a dose-dependent manner and deactivated rapidly. Activation of these channels led to stimulation of electrical activity and promotion of voltage-gated and voltage-insensitive Ca2+influx. In the presence of ivermectin, a specific allosteric modulator of P2X4Rs, there was an approximately fourfold increase in the maximum amplitude of the ATP-induced inward current, accompanied by an increase in the sensitivity of receptors for ATP, slowed deactivation of receptors, and enhanced ATP-induced prolactin release. These results indicate that thyrotropin-releasing hormone-responsive cells, including lactotrophs, express homomeric and/or heteromeric P2X4Rs, which facilitate Ca2+influx and hormone secretion.
PKA-dependent potentiation of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion by Epac activator 8-pCPT-2′-O-Me-cAMP-AM in human islets of Langerhans
Authors: Chepurny Oleg G. , Kelley Grant G. , Dzhura Igor , Leech Colin A. , Roe Michael W. , Dzhura Elvira , Li Xiangquan , Schwede Frank , Genieser Hans-G. , Holz George G.
Published: December 2009

Potential insulin secretagogue properties of an acetoxymethyl ester of a cAMP analog (8-pCPT-2′- O-Me-cAMP-AM) that activates the guanine nucleotide exchange factors Epac1 and Epac2 were assessed using isolated human islets of Langerhans. RT-QPCR demonstrated that the predominant variant of Epac expressed in human islets was Epac2, although Epac1 was detectable. Under conditions of islet perifusion, 8-pCPT-2′- O-Me-cAMP-AM (10 μM) potentiated first- and second-phase 10 mM glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) while failing to influence insulin secretion measured in the presence of 3 mM glucose. The insulin secretagogue action of 8-pCPT-2′- O-Me-cAMP-AM was associated with depolarization and an increase of [Ca2+]ithat reflected both Ca2+influx and intracellular Ca2+mobilization in islet β-cells. As expected for an Epac-selective cAMP analog, 8-pCPT-2′- O-Me-cAMP-AM (10 μM) failed to stimulate phosphorylation of PKA substrates CREB and Kemptide in human islets. Furthermore, 8-pCPT-2′- O-Me-cAMP-AM (10 μM) had no significant ability to activate AKAR3, a PKA-regulated biosensor expressed in human islet cells by viral transduction. Unexpectedly, treatment of human islets with an inhibitor of PKA activity (H-89) or treatment with a cAMP antagonist that blocks PKA activation (Rp-8-CPT-cAMPS) nearly abolished the action of 8-pCPT-2′- O-Me-cAMP-AM to potentiate GSIS. It is concluded that there exists a permissive role for PKA activity in support of human islet insulin secretion that is both glucose dependent and Epac regulated. This permissive action of PKA may be operative at the insulin secretory granule recruitment, priming, and/or postpriming steps of Ca2+-dependent exocytosis.
Drainage or Packing of the Sella? Transsphenoidal Surgery for Primary Pituitary Abscess: Report of Two Cases
Authors: Oya Soichi , Kumai Junichiro , Shigeno Taku
Published: December 2009

The detailed surgical procedure of the transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary abscess has scarcely been described previously because it is a very rare clinical entity. The authors reported two cases of primary pituitary abscess. In case 1, the anterior wall of the sella turcica was reconstructed with the vomer bone after irrigating the abscess cavity, but the sella was not packed by fat for fear of the persistent infection by devascularized tissues. This led to the postoperative meningocele, the cerebrospinal fluid leak, and bacterial meningitis despite the successful abscess drainage. In case 2, tight sellar packing and reconstruction of the sellar wall were performed to avoid these postoperative complications, which resulted in complete drainage and uneventful postoperative course. Although accumulation of more cases is obviously needed to establish the definitive surgical technique in pituitary abscess surgery, our experience might suggest that packing of the sella is not impeditive for postoperative sufficient drainage.