bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aldosterone synthesis in the brain contributes to Dahl salt‐sensitive rat hypertension
Authors: Gomez‐Sanchez Elise P. , Gomez‐Sanchez Clara M. , Plonczynski Maria , Gomez‐Sanchez Celso E.
Published: October 2009

The enzymes required for aldosterone synthesis from cholesterol are expressed in rat and human brains. The hypertension of Dahl salt‐sensitive (SS) rats is mitigated by the intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion of antagonists of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and downstream effectors of mineralocorticoid action, as well as ablations of brain areas that also abrogate mineralocorticoid–salt excess hypertension in normotensive rats. We used real time RT‐PCR to measure mRNA of aldosterone synthase and 11β‐hydroxylase, the requisite enzymes for the last step in the synthesis of aldosterone and corticosterone, respectively, MR and the determinants of MR ligand specificity, 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase types 1 and 2 (11β‐HSD1&2) and hexose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (H6PDH). A combination of extraction and ELISA was used to measure aldosterone concentrations in tissue and urine of SS and Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats. Aldosterone synthase mRNA expression was higher in the brains and lower in the adrenal glands of SS compared with SD rats. The amounts of mRNA for MR, 11β‐hydroxylase, 11β‐HSD1&2 and H6PD were similar. Aldosterone concentrations were greater in brains of SS than SD rats, yet, in keeping with the literature, the circulating and total aldosterone production of aldosterone in SS rats were not. The selective inhibitor of aldosterone synthase, FAD286, was infused i.c.v. or subcutaneously in a cross‐over blood pressure study in hypertensive SS rats further challenged by a high‐salt diet. The i.c.v. infusion of FAD286, at a dose that had no effect systemically, significantly and reversibly lowered blood pressure in SS rats. Aldosterone synthesis in brains of SS rats is greater than in SD rats and is important in the genesis of their salt‐sensitive hypertension.
Investigation of the physical and electronic properties of indium doped zinc oxide nanofibers synthesized by electrospinning
Authors: Lotus A. F. , Kang Y. C. , Ramsier R. D. , Chase G. G.
Published: October 2009

Nanostructured metal oxides and particularly nanofiber based materials can provide significant advances for the miniaturization of electronic, optoelectronic, photonic, sensor, and energy conversion devices with enhanced performance based on their unique material properties. In this study, indium doped zinc oxide (IZO) nanofibers were synthesized by electrospinning. These nanofibers have diameters in the range 50–100nm. The effects of indium addition on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of the zinc oxide nanofiber matrices were investigated. The IZO nanofibers undergo significant changes in their optical and electrical properties compared to undoped zinc oxide nanofibers.
Removing plasma-induced sidewall damage in GaN-based light-emitting diodes by annealing and wet chemical treatments
Authors: Yang Y. , Cao X. A.
Published: October 2009

The effects of thermal annealing and wet chemical treatments on the electrical characteristics of GaN-based light emitting diodes (LEDs) integrated with a microhole array were studied. It was found that KOH can etch off the plasma-damaged materials, leading to a complete suppression of surface leakage currents. It, however, attacked metal contacts and compromised the forward turn-on characteristics. Thermal annealing removed damage in the near-surface bulk region, whereas (NH4)2S treatment only passivated surface states. Both methods produced a partial recovery of the electrical characteristics of the perforated LEDs. It has been found that a complete removal of plasma damage in the perforated LEDs can be realized by thermal annealing used in conjunction with sulfide passivation.
Indirect Emissions from Biofuels: How Important?
Authors: Melillo Jerry M. , Reilly John M. , Kicklighter David W. , Gurgel Angelo C. , Cronin Timothy W. , Paltsev Sergey , Felzer Benjamin S. , Wang Xiaodong , Sokolov Andrei P. , Schlosser C. Adam
Published: October 2009

Biofuel Backfire

For compelling economical, geopolitical, and environmental reasons, biofuels are considered an attractive alternative to fossil fuels for meeting future global energy demands.

Melillo
et al.

(p.
1397
, published online 22 October), however, suggest that a few serious drawbacks related to land use need to be considered. Based on a combined biogeochemistry and economic model, indirect land use (for example, clearing forested land for food crops to compensate for increased biofuel crop production on current farmlands) is predicted to generate more soil carbon loss than directly harvesting biofuel crops. Furthermore, increased fertilizer use for biofuels will add large amounts of nitrous oxide—a more effective heat-trapping molecule than carbon dioxide—to the atmosphere. Policy decisions regarding land and crop management thus need to consider the long-term implications of increased biofuel production.
TetR-Type Transcriptional Regulator VtpR Functions as a Global Regulator in
Vibrio tubiashii
Authors: Hasegawa Hiroaki , Häse Claudia C.
Published: October 2009

Vibrio tubiashii
, a causative agent of severe shellfish larval disease, produces multiple extracellular proteins, including a metalloprotease (VtpA), as potential virulence factors. We previously reported that VtpA is toxic for Pacific oyster (
Crassostrea gigas
) larvae. In this study, we show that extracellular protease production by
V. tubiashii
was much reduced by elevated salt concentrations, as well as by elevated temperatures. In addition,
V. tubiashii
produced dramatically less protease in minimal salts medium supplemented with glucose or sucrose as the sole carbon source than with succinate. We identified a protein that belongs to the TetR family of transcriptional regulators, VtpR, which showed high homology with
V. cholerae
HapR. We conclude that VtpR activates VtpA production based on the following: (i) a VtpR-deficient
V. tubiashii
mutant did not produce extracellular proteases, (ii) the mutant showed reduced expression of a
vtpA-lacZ
fusion, and (iii) VtpR activated
vtpA-lacZ
in a
V. cholerae
heterologous background. Moreover, we show that VtpR activated the expression of an additional metalloprotease gene (
vtpB
). The deduced VtpB sequence showed high homology with a metalloprotease, VhpA, from
V. harveyi
. Furthermore, the
vtpR
mutant strain produced reduced levels of extracellular hemolysin, which is attributed to the lower expression of the
V. tubiashii
hemolysin genes (
vthAB
). The VtpR-deficient mutant also had negative effects on bacterial motility and did not demonstrate toxicity to oyster larvae. Together, these findings establish that the
V. tubiashii
VtpR protein functions as a global regulator controlling an array of potential virulence factors.
Temporal and Spatial Diversity of the Tap Water Microbiota in a Norwegian Hospital
Authors: Rudi Knut , Tannæs Tone , Vatn Morten
Published: October 2009

We analyzed the temporal and spatial diversity of the microbiota in a low-usage and a high-usage hospital tap. We identified a tap-specific colonization pattern, with potential human pathogens being overrepresented in the low-usage tap. We propose that founder effects and local adaptation caused the tap-specific colonization patterns. Our conclusion is that tap-specific colonization represents a potential challenge for water safety.
Optimization of a Rapid Viability Assay for
Mycobacterium avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
by Using alamarBlue
Authors: Carroll James , Douarre Pierre , Coffey Aidan , Buckley Jim , Cashman Bill , O'Farrell Kevin , O'Mahony Jim
Published: October 2009

A microtiter alamarBlue assay was adapted and optimized for
Mycobacterium avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
. Using cell concentrations ranging from 10
4
to 10
8
CFU/ml, a minimum incubation time to indicate viability was obtained after 24 h. Rifampin (rifampicin) was used to demonstrate that this method has applications for high-throughput screening against
M. avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
.
Development of a Markerless Genetic Exchange System for
Desulfovibrio vulgaris
Hildenborough and Its Use in Generating a Strain with Increased Transformation Efficiency
Authors: Keller Kimberly L. , Bender Kelly S. , Wall Judy D.
Published: October 2009

In recent years, the genetic manipulation of the sulfate-reducing bacterium
Desulfovibrio vulgaris
Hildenborough has seen enormous progress. In spite of this progress, the current marker exchange deletion method does not allow for easy selection of multiple sequential gene deletions in a single strain because of the limited number of selectable markers available in
D. vulgaris
. To broaden the repertoire of genetic tools for manipulation, an in-frame, markerless deletion system has been developed. The counterselectable marker that makes this deletion system possible is the pyrimidine salvage enzyme, uracil phosphoribosyltransferase, encoded by
upp
. In wild-type
D. vulgaris
, growth was shown to be inhibited by the toxic pyrimidine analog 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), whereas a mutant bearing a deletion of the
upp
gene was resistant to 5-FU. When a plasmid containing the wild-type
upp
gene expressed constitutively from the
aph
(3′)-II promoter (promoter for the kanamycin resistance gene in Tn
5
) was introduced into the
upp
deletion strain, sensitivity to 5-FU was restored. This observation allowed us to develop a two-step integration and excision strategy for the deletion of genes of interest. Since this in-frame deletion strategy does not retain an antibiotic cassette, multiple deletions can be generated in a single strain without the accumulation of genes conferring antibiotic resistances. We used this strategy to generate a deletion strain lacking the endonuclease (
hsdR
, DVU1703) of a type I restriction-modification system that we designated JW7035. The transformation efficiency of the JW7035 strain was found to be 100 to 1,000 times greater than that of the wild-type strain when stable plasmids were introduced via electroporation.
Importance of Trehalose Biosynthesis for
Sinorhizobium meliloti
Osmotolerance and Nodulation of Alfalfa Roots
Authors: Domínguez-Ferreras Ana , Soto María J. , Pérez-Arnedo Rebeca , Olivares José , Sanjuán Juan
Published: October 2009

The disaccharide trehalose is a well-known osmoprotectant, and trehalose accumulation through de novo biosynthesis is a common response of bacteria to abiotic stress. In this study, we have investigated the role of endogenous trehalose synthesis in the osmotolerance of
Sinorhizobium meliloti
. Genes coding for three possible trehalose synthesis pathways are present in the genome of
S
.
meliloti
1021: OtsA, TreYZ, and TreS. Among these, OtsA has a major role in trehalose accumulation under all of the conditions tested and is the main system involved in osmoadaptation. Nevertheless, the other two systems are also important for growth in hyperosmotic medium. Genes for the three pathways are transcriptionally responsive to osmotic stress. The presence of at least one functional trehalose biosynthesis pathway is required for optimal competitiveness of
S
.
meliloti
to nodulate alfalfa roots.
Roles of the
Bacillus anthracis
Spore Protein ExsK in Exosporium Maturation and Germination
Authors: Severson Kari M. , Mallozzi Michael , Bozue Joel , Welkos Susan L. , Cote Christopher K. , Knight Katherine L. , Driks Adam
Published: October 2009

The
Bacillus anthracis
spore is the causative agent of the disease anthrax. The outermost structure of the
B. anthracis
spore, the exosporium, is a shell composed of approximately 20 proteins. The function of the exosporium remains poorly understood and is an area of active investigation. In this study, we analyzed the previously identified but uncharacterized exosporium protein ExsK. We found that, in contrast to other exosporium proteins, ExsK is present in at least two distinct locations, i.e., the spore surface as well as a more interior location underneath the exosporium. In spores that lack the exosporium basal layer protein ExsFA/BxpB, ExsK fails to encircle the spore and instead is present at only one spore pole, indicating that ExsK assembly to the spore is partially dependent on ExsFA/BxpB. In spores lacking the exosporium surface protein BclA, ExsK fails to mature into high-molecular-mass species observed in wild-type spores. These data suggest that the assembly and maturation of ExsK within the exosporium are dependent on ExsFA/BxpB and BclA. We also found that ExsK is not required for virulence in murine and guinea pig models but that it does inhibit germination. Based on these data, we propose a revised model of exosporium maturation and assembly and suggest a novel role for the exosporium in germination.
Structural and Genetic Analysis of X-Ray Scattering by Spores of
Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Qiu Xiangyun , Setlow Peter
Published: October 2009

Dormant spores of
Bacillus subtilis
exhibit two prominent X-ray scattering peaks. These peaks persisted in spores lacking most α/β-type small, acid-soluble protein or the CotE protein responsible for assembly of much spore coat protein, but they were absent from spores of strains lacking the late sporulation-specific transcription factor GerE.
Eccentric hip adduction and abduction strength in elite soccer players and matched controls: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Thorborg K , Couppé C , Petersen J , Magnusson S P , Hölmich P
Published: October 2009

Background

Eccentric hip adduction and abduction strength plays an important role in the treatment and prevention of groin injuries in soccer players. Lower extremity strength deficits of less than 10% on the injured side, compared to the uninjured side, have been suggested as the clinical milestone before returning to sports following injury.

Objective

To examine whether a side-to-side eccentric hip adduction or abduction strength symmetry can be assumed in non-injured soccer players and matched controls.

Material and Methods

Nine elite soccer players 19.4 (1.5) years and nine recreational athletes 19.5 (2.0) years matched for sex, height and weight were included. Eccentric hip adduction and abduction strength of the dominant and non-dominant leg was tested for all the participants using an eccentric break test with a handheld dynamometer.

Results

The dominant leg was 14% stronger than the non-dominant leg for hip adduction in the soccer players (p<0.05). No other side-to-side strength differences existed in soccer players or controls. In soccer players, hip abduction strength was 17–31% greater than controls for the dominant (p<0.05) and non-dominant leg (p<0.001).

Conclusion

Eccentric hip adduction strength was greater in the dominant leg than in the non-dominant leg in soccer players, but not in matched controls. Eccentric hip abduction strength was greater in soccer players than matched controls, but soccer does not seem to induce a similar eccentric strength adaptation in the hip adductors.
A simulation model to predict the fiscal and public health impact of a change in cigarette excise taxes
Authors: van Walbeek Corné
Published: October 2009

Objectives

(1) To present a model that predicts changes in cigarette consumption and excise revenue in response to excise tax changes, and (2) to demonstrate that, if the industry has market power, increases in specific taxes have better tobacco control consequences than increases in ad valorem taxes.

Design

All model parameters are user-determined. The model calculates likely changes in cigarette consumption, smoking prevalence and excise tax revenues due to an excise tax change. The model is applicable to countries that levy excise tax as specific or ad valorem taxes.

Results

For a representative low-income or middle-income country a 20% excise tax increase decreases cigarette consumption and industry revenue by 5% and increases excise tax revenues by 14%, if there is no change in the net-of-tax price. If the excise tax is levied as a specific tax, the industry has an incentive to raise the net-of-tax price, enhancing the consumption-reducing impact of the tax increase. If the excise tax is levied as an ad valorem tax, the industry has no such incentive. The industry has an incentive to reduce the net-of-tax price in response to an ad valorem excise tax increase, undermining the public health and fiscal benefits of the tax increase.

Conclusions

This paper presents a simple web-based tool that allows policy makers and tobacco control advocates to estimate the likely consumption, fiscal and mortality impacts of a change in the cigarette excise tax.

If a country wishes to reduce cigarette consumption by increasing the excise tax, a specific tax structure is better than an ad valorem tax structure.
Secondhand smoke exposure (PM2.5) in outdoor dining areas and its correlates: Figure 1
Authors: Cameron Melissa , Brennan Emily , Durkin Sarah , Borland Ron , Travers Mark J , Hyland Andrew , Spittal Matthew J , Wakefield Melanie A
Published: October 2009

Background

This study assessed the magnitude of secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure when people smoke in outdoor dining areas and explored conditions influencing exposure levels.

Methods

Data were gathered from 69 outdoor dining areas in Melbourne, Australia, during April/May 2007. Sitting at tables within 1 metre of an active smoker, the authors measured the concentration of particulate pollution (PM2.5) using TSI SidePak Personal Aerosol Monitors. PM2.5data were recorded by the monitor at 30-second intervals, and data were collected over an average of 25.8 minutes per venue. Information was collected about the presence of overhead coverings and the number of patrons and lit cigarettes.

Results

The average background level of PM2.5was 8.4 μg/m3(geometric mean (GM)=6.1 μg/m3), increasing to an average of 17.6 μg/m3(GM=12.7 μg/m3) over the observational period and 27.3 μg/m3(GM=17.6 μg/m3) during the time that cigarettes were actively smoked near the monitor. There was substantial variation in exposure levels, with a maximum peak concentration of 483.9 μg/m3when there were lit cigarettes close to the monitor. Average exposure levels increased by around 30% for every additional active smoker within 1 metre of the monitor. Being situated under an overhead cover increased average exposure by around 50%.

Conclusions

When individuals sit in outdoor dining venues where smokers are present it is possible that they will be exposed to substantial SHS levels. Significant increases in exposure were observed when monitors were located under overhead covers, and as the number of nearby smokers increased. The role of outdoor smoking restrictions in minimising exposure to SHS must be considered.
The geochemistry of the carbonate-rich Espanola Formation (Huronian) with emphasis on the rare earth elements
Authors: McLennan Scott M. , Fryer B. J. , Young Grant M.
Published: October 2009

The Espanola Formation, part of the Lower Proterozoic Huronian sequence, is unique in the Huronian succession in that it contains abundant carbonate material.Chemical analysis of bulk samples suggest that the dominant control on the distribution of Al, Si, Ti, K, P, Rb, Zr, Ba, Zn, Cr, Ni, Li, and Ga is the noncarbonate fraction of the rocks. This terrigenous component was derived from a source compositionally similar to that of other fine-grained Huronian formations. Sr is controlled by the substitution for Ca in calcite and dolomite. Na and Y are strongly affected by both the carbonate and noncarbonate fraction. Cu displays erratic behaviour. Microprobe analyses reveal high concentrations of Fe in calcite and dolomite, possibly related to substitution for Mg. Mn may have had a similar control. Whether this control is related to incorporation of Fe and Mn at the time of deposition, during diagenesis, or during metamorphism is uncertain.The distribution of the rare earth elements is similar to that of normal terrigenous clastic rocks of post-Archean age. However, high concentrations of REE in the soluble portion of carbonate-rich samples may suggest incorporation of REE into the carbonate structure. The lack of anomalous Ce behaviour implies that these rocks were deposited in water not equilibrated with manganese nodule formation.
Finite-temperature effects in enzymatic reactions — Insights from QM/MM free-energy simulations
Authors: Senn Hans Martin , Kästner Johannes , Breidung Jürgen , Thiel Walter
Published: October 2009

We report potential-energy and free-energy data for three enzymatic reactions: carbon–halogen bond formation in fluorinase, hydrogen abstraction from camphor in cytochrome P450cam, and chorismate-to-prephenate Claisen rearrangement in chorismate mutase. The results were obtained by combined quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) optimizations and two types of QM/MM free-energy simulations (free-energy perturbation and umbrella sampling) using semi-empirical or density-functional QM methods. Based on these results and our previously published free-energy data on electrophilic substitution in para-hydroxybenzoate hydroxylase, we discuss the importance of finite-temperature effects in the chemical step of enzyme reactions. We find that the entropic contribution to the activation barrier is generally rather small, usually of the order of 5 kJ mol–1 or less, consistent with the notion that enzymes bind and pre-organize the reactants in the active site. A somewhat larger entropic contribution is encountered in the case of chorismate mutase where the pericyclic transition state is intrinsically more rigid than the chorismate reactant (also in the enzyme). The present results suggest that barriers from QM/MM geometry optimization may often be close to free-energy barriers for the chemical step in enzymatic reactions.
Mechanistic insight into the selective trans-1,4-polymerization of butadiene by terpyridine–iron(II) complexes — A computational study
Authors: Tobisch Sven
Published: October 2009

The density functional theory (DFT) method has been employed to unravel mechanistic intricacies of the 1,4-polymerization of 1,3-butadiene mediated by the [(η3-RC3H4)FeII(C15H11N3)(η2-C4H6)]+ terpyridine–iron(II) active catalyst species. The π-allyl-insertion mechanism is operative for chain growth, whilst the alternative σ-allyl-insertion mechanism has been explicitly demonstrated as being inoperable. This study elucidates the mechanism of cis–trans regulation and unveils the factors that govern the observed high trans-1,4 stereoselectivity, in particular, the discriminative role of allylic isomerization. An atactic trans-1,4-polydiene is expected from polymerization of a terminally monosubstituted butadiene, the experimental results of which have not been reported thus far.
Tests of an exact-exchange-based density-functional theory on transition-metal complexes
Authors: Johnson Erin R. , Becke Axel D.
Published: October 2009

We have compiled a benchmark set of mean ligand-removal enthalpies for 32 transition-metal complexes of relevance in organometallic and catalysis chemistry. Our recent exact-exchange-based density-functional model, DF07 ( J. Chem. Phys. 2007, 127 (12), 124108 ), is assessed on this benchmark set along with other representative GGA, meta-GGA, and hybrid functionals. DF07 performs remarkably well, despite its exact-exchange foundation, indicating that it properly describes nondynamical correlation in transition-metal–ligand bonds.
Growth, phenology, and cold hardiness of 32 Douglas-fir full-sib families
Authors: Hawkins B. J. , Stoehr M.
Published: October 2009

Thirty-two full-sib families of coastal Douglas-fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco var. menziesii) with a range of predicted breeding values were monitored for growth rate, phenology, and cold hardiness over 2 years on two sites to investigate if other traits are being selected when family selection is based on height. Significant differences among families existed in most phenological, growth, and cold-hardiness traits. On average, taller families burst bud later but did not have significantly different growth rates or length of growing period than other families. We found no significant correlations between family date of bud burst and cold hardiness in late spring or between duration of shoot growth or height and autumn freezing damage. Family differences in freezing tolerance were greatest in September and October. In these months, family current-year leaf nitrogen was positively correlated with cold hardiness. Families that were most hardy in the autumn were not the most hardy families in spring. We conclude that, for the studied breeding series, selection based on height does not have a significant impact on cold hardiness. We found no consistent relationships between phenological, growth, or cold-hardiness parameters and final height that could explain family ranking by height. Relationships between grandparent elevation and dates of bud burst and cold hardiness were observed.
Tree-line dynamics in relation to climate variability in the Shennongjia Mountains, central China
Authors: Dang Haishan , Zhang Kerong , Zhang Yanjun , Tan Shuduan , Jiang Mingxi , Zhang Quanfa
Published: October 2009

Subalpine tree lines are particularly sensitive to climate variability. In this study, tree-ring chronologies and age structure of the subalpine fir Abies fargesii Franch. are developed to examine subalpine tree-line dynamics in relation to climate variability on the northern and southern aspects of the Shennongjia Mountains in central China. Response function analysis shows that radial growth is significantly positively correlated with temperatures during the previous November and in February and March of the current year on the northern aspect and with temperatures during the previous October and in March, April, and June of the current year on the southern aspect. Recruitment of A. fargesii is positively influenced by temperature in March and April on the northern aspect and in February, March, and May on the southern aspect. Precipitation shows no significant correlation with radial growth or recruitment of A. fargesii on either aspect. Thus, spring temperatures are the major factor limiting both radial growth and seedling establishment of this subalpine fir species. Radial growth and recruitment of A. fargesii show similar responses to climate variability and provide critical information for assessing the impacts of climate warming on tree-line dynamics, such as an increase in tree density and an upward shift of the altitudinal tree line in this mountainous region of central China.
Carbon pools of managed and unmanaged stands of ponderosa and lodgepole pine forests in Wyoming
Authors: Chatterjee A. , Vance G. F. , Tinker D. B.
Published: October 2009

Forest management practices can have a significant effect on above- and below-ground carbon (C) pools. To better understand the distribution of forest C pools, we evaluated representative forest stands within two dominant Wyoming forest types to assess differences resulting from management practices that have occurred over several decades. Study sites included four ponderosa pine ( Pinus ponderosa Douglas ex Lawson & C.Lawson) treatments (100-year-old unmanaged, 46-year-old even-aged, 110-year-old uneven-aged, and 90-year-old intensively harvested) and two lodgepole pine ( Pinus contorta Engelm. var. latifolia (Engelm. ex Wats.) Critchfield) treatments (145-year-old unmanaged and 45-year-old even-aged). Comparisons of aboveground C pools revealed that distributions of live and dead biomass C pools were different between unmanaged and managed stands; however, belowground soil C pools were similar among stands within the two forest types. Overall, unmanaged stands of both forest types had higher total ecosystem C pools (249 and 247 Mg C·ha–1for ponderosa and lodgepole pine, respectively) compared with managed stands (ponderosa pine: even-aged, 164 Mg C·ha–1; uneven-aged, 170 Mg C·ha–1; intensively harvested, 200 Mg C·ha–1; and lodgepole pine even-aged, 117 Mg C·ha–1). Our results indicate timber harvesting has a major influence on total ecosystem C pools by reducing live tree biomass.
The Political Economy of Prosecution
Authors: Gordon Sanford C. , Huber Gregory A.
Published: October 2009

Contemporary advances in the field of political economy, particularly those concerning the subject of delegated authority, can provide a unifying framework for analyzing the behavior and political context of criminal prosecutors in the United States. This perspective, which focuses on the extent of conflict between an official's motives and those of other actors, and the degree to which information is unevenly distributed among those actors, is well suited for studying prosecutors—the vast majority of whom are elected but whose accountability is frequently called into question. We apply this perspective to three areas in the existing literature on prosecutors: plea bargaining, courtroom communities, and public corruption prosecution.
Welfare, Workfare, and Citizenship in the Developed World
Authors: Handler Joel F.
Published: October 2009

This review discusses the changes in welfare policies and the role of law in those changes in the United States and the developed world. In 1996, the U.S. Congress and President Clinton committed to “ending welfare as we know it” and changed welfare to workfare. Under the “work first” strategy, recipients are pressured to take the first entry-level job they are offered. Caseworkers, overworked and undertrained, are under pressure to produce favorable statistical results. They concentrate on those who are the most employable or take the least amount of time to become employable. Left out are those who have significant barriers to employment. There has been a rapid decline in welfare caseloads. Most who left the rolls have been sanctioned, have been denied entry to welfare, have taken low-paid work, and remain in poverty. This welfare-to-work strategy has spread to other parts of the developed world. Faced with sluggish economies and growing unemployment, welfare states have been changed from passive to active. Welfare has become targeted and conditional, in what is now termed active labor market policy. Management of welfare programs has devolved to local governments and private organizations, termed marketization.
Morality in the Law: The Psychological Foundations of Citizens’ Desires to Punish Transgressions
Authors: Darley John M.
Published: October 2009

Evidence from a number of research methods converges to suggest that when a person registers a transgression against self or others, the person experiences an intuitively produced, emotionally tinged reaction of moral outrage. The reaction is driven by the just deserts–based retributive reactions of the person to the transgression rather than, for instance, considerations of the deterrent force of the punishment. In experimental games arranged so that trust and fairness transgressions occur, participants punish transgressors and experience rewarding brain states while doing so, and they punish even if they were not themselves the target of the violation. What, if any, implications does this have for the punishment component of societal systems of justice? Would it be possible to construct sentencing practices that, to some extent, incorporated citizens’ sense of just punishments? What would be gained by doing so? And what would be lost?
Glucose enhances expression of TRPC1 and calcium entry in endothelial cells
Authors: Bishara N. B. , Ding H.
Published: October 2009

Hyperglycemia is a major risk factor for endothelial dysfunction and vascular disease, and in the current study, the link to glucose-induced abnormal intracellular Ca2+ (Cai2+) homeostasis was explored in bovine aortic endothelial cells in high glucose (HG; 25 mmol/l) versus low glucose (LG; 5.5 mmol/l; control). Transient receptor potential 1 (TRPC1) ion channel protein, but not TRPC3, TRPC4, or TRPC6 expression, was significantly increased in HG versus LG at 72 h. HG for 4, 24, and 72 h did not change basal Cai2+ or ATP-induced Cai2+ release; however, the amplitude of sustained Cai2+ was significantly increased at 24 and 72 h and reduced by low concentration of the putative, but nonspecific, TRPC blockers, gadolinium, SKF-96365, and 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate. Treatment with TRPC1 antisense significantly reduced TRPC1 protein expression and ATP-induced Ca2+ entry in bovine aortic endothelial cells. Although the link between HG-induced changes in TRPC1 expression, enhanced Ca2+ entry, and endothelial dysfunction require further study, the current data are suggestive that targeting these pathways may reduce the impact of HG on endothelial function.
Viral aggregating and opsonizing activity in collectin trimers
Authors: Hartshorn Kevan L. , White Mitchell R. , Tecle Tesfaldet , Sorensen Grith , Holmskov Uffe , Crouch Erika C.
Published: October 2009

Collectins are collagenous lectins present in blood, respiratory lining fluid, and other mucosal secretions that play important roles in innate defense against infection. The collectin, surfactant protein D (SP-D), limits infection by viruses and bacteria in the respiratory tract, eye, and female genital tract. Multimeric SP-D has strong antiviral activity and is a potent viral and bacterial agglutinin and opsonin; however, trimers composed of the neck and carbohydrate recognition domain (hSP-D-NCRD) of SP-D lack these activities. We now show that, in contrast, a trimeric neck and CRD construct of bovine serum collectin CL-46 induces aggregation of influenza A virus (IAV) and potently increases IAV uptake by neutrophils. CL-46-NCRD showed calcium-dependent and sugar-sensitive binding to both neutrophils and IAV. Replacement of specific residues of the CRD of human SP-D with those found in bovine serum collectins conferred opsonizing activity. The most effective substitution involved replacement of arginine 343 with valine (hSP-D-NCRD/R343V). hSP-D-NCRD/R343V greatly increased viral uptake by neutrophils and monocytes and also potentiated neutrophil respiratory burst responses. These effects were further increased by cross-linking of hSP-D-NCRD/R343V trimers with MAbs directed against areas of the hSP-D-NCRD not involved in viral binding. Unlike the wild-type human SP-D hSP-D-NCRD, hSP-D-NCRD/R343V also induced viral aggregation. These results indicate that collectins can act as opsonins for IAV even in the absence of the collagen domain or higher order multimerization. This may involve increased affinity of individual CRDs for glycoconjugates displayed on host cells or the viral envelope.
Spaceflight modulates expression of extracellular matrix, adhesion, and profibrotic molecules in mouse lung
Authors: Tian Jian , Pecaut Michael J. , Slater James M. , Gridley Daila S.
Published: October 2009

NASA has reported pulmonary abnormalities in astronauts on space missions, but the molecular changes in lung tissue remain unknown. The goal of the present study was to explore the effects of spaceflight on expression of extracellular matrix (ECM), cell adhesion, and pro-fibrotic molecules in lungs of mice flown on Space Shuttle Endeavour (STS-118). C57BL/6Ntac mice housed in animal enclosure modules during a 13-day mission in space (FLT) were killed within hours after return; ground controls were treated similarly for comparison (GRD). Analysis of genes associated with ECM and adhesion molecules was performed according to quantitative RT-PCR. The data revealed that FLT lung samples had statistically significant transcriptional changes, i.e., at least 1.5-fold, in 25 out of 84 examined genes ( P < 0.05); 15 genes were upregulated and 10 were downregulated. The genes that were upregulated by more than twofold were Ctgf, Mmp2, Ncam1, Sparc, Spock1, and Timp3, whereas the most downregulated genes were Lama1, Mmp3, Mmp7, vcam-1, and Sele. Histology showed profibrosis-like changes occurred in FLT mice, more abundant collagen accumulation around blood vessels, and thicker walls compared with lung samples from GRD mice. Immunohistochemistry was used to compare expression of six selected proteins associated with fibrosis. Immunoreactivity of four proteins (MMP-2, CTGF, TGF-β1, and NCAM) was enhanced by spaceflight, whereas, no difference was detected in expression of MMP-7 and MMP-9 proteins between the FLT and GRD groups. Taken together, the data demonstrate that significant changes can be readily detected shortly after return from spaceflight in the expression of factors that can adversely influence lung function.
Locally Supported Orthogonal Wavelet Bases on the Sphere via Stereographic Projection
Authors: Roşca Daniela , Antoine Jean-Pierre
Published: October 2009

The stereographic projection determines a bijection between the two‐sphere, minus the
North Pole, and the tangent plane at the South Pole. This correspondence induces a unitary
map between the corresponding L2
spaces. This map in turn leads to equivalence between
the continuous wavelet transform formalisms on the plane and on the sphere. More precisely,
any plane wavelet may be lifted, by inverse stereographic projection, to a wavelet on the sphere.
In this work we apply this procedure to orthogonal compactly supported wavelet bases in the
plane, and we get continuous, locally supported orthogonal wavelet bases on the sphere. As
applications, we give three examples. In the first two examples, we perform a singularity
detection, including one where other existing constructions of spherical wavelet bases fail. In
the third example, we show the importance of the local support, by comparing our construction
with the one based on kernels of spherical harmonics.
FE Models of GFRP and CFRP Strengthening of Reinforced Concrete Beams
Authors: Chansawat Kasidit , Potisuk Tanarat , Miller Thomas H. , Yim Solomon C. , Kachlakev Damian I.
Published: October 2009

Three-dimensional finite element (FE) models are developed to simulate the behavior of full-scale reinforced concrete beams strengthened with glass and carbon fiber-reinforced polymer sheets (an unstrengthened control beam, a flexural-strengthened beam, a shear-strengthened beam, and a beam with both shear and flexural strengthening). FE models use eight-node isoparametric elements with a smeared cracking approach for the concrete and three-dimensional layered elements to model the FRP composites. Analysis results are compared with data obtained from full-scale beam tests through the linear and nonlinear ranges up to failure. It was found that the FE models could identify qualitatively trends observed in the structural behavior of the full-scale beams. Predicted crack initiation patterns resemble the failure modes observed for the full-scale beam tests.
Profound Intraoperative Metabolic Acidosis and Hypotension in a Child Undergoing Multilevel Spinal Fusion
Authors: Shukry Mohanad , D'Angelo Jonathan A. , Joshi Minal , Cure Jorge A. , de Armendi Alberto J.
Published: October 2009

The prone position may cause cardiovascular system depression. Yet, the mechanisms involved and preemptive measures are not well understood (Edgcombe et al. (2008)). During spinal surgery in the prone position, hypotension may occur. Implicated factors include prolonged abdominal compression impeding venous return resulting in increased blood loss, decreased cardiovascular reserve, and the use of total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) which has been shown to blunt the sympathetic response more than inhalation anesthesia. We present a case of hypotension during spinal surgery with all its challenges. Hypotension and acidosis persisted despite all supporting measures, and only to improve with supine positioning. Differential diagnosis for such an event are discussed. Although abdominal compression may not be obvious before the start of surgery, compressing the spine during surgery may lead to abdominal compression and hypoperfusion to abdominal organs.
Solution to an Optimal Control Problem via Canonical Dual Method
Authors: Zhu Jinghao , Zhou Jiani
Published: October 2009

The analytic solution to an optimal control problem is investigated using the canonical dual method. By means of the Pontryagin principle and a transformation of the cost functional, the optimal control of a nonconvex problem is obtained. It turns out that the optimal control can be expressed by the costate via canonical dual variables. Some examples are illustrated.
Acceleration of Material Waves in Fermi Accelerator
Authors: Akram Javed , Naseer Khalid , Rehman Inam-ur , Saif Farhan
Published: October 2009

Cold Atoms bouncing on modulated atomic mirror exhibits acceleration and dynamical localization subject to modulated strength. We explain characteristics of acceleration and define control
parameters in terms of effective Planck′s constant. We show that the effective Planck′s constant plays a vital role in limiting
classical‐like overall linear growth of the variance of accelerated atoms with time. For large values
of the effective Planck′s constant the atomic quantum acceleration is seized as localization window
overlaps the accelerated window.
Asymptotic Expansions of the Wavelet Transform for Large and Small Values of b
Authors: Pathak R. S. , Pathak Ashish
Published: October 2009

Asymptotic expansions of the wavelet transform for large and small values of the translation parameter b are obtained using asymptotic expansions of the Fourier transforms of the function and the wavelet. Asymptotic expansions of Mexican hat wavelet transform, Morlet wavelet transform, and Haar wavelet transform are obtained as special cases. Asymptotic expansion of the wavelet transform has also been obtained for small values of b when asymptotic expansions of the function and the wavelet near origin are given.
Spectral Singularities of Sturm‐Liouville Problems with Eigenvalue‐Dependent Boundary Conditions
Authors: Bairamov Elgiz , Yokus Nihal
Published: October 2009

Let L denote the operator generated in L2(R+) by Sturm‐Liouville equation −y′′ + q(x)y = λ2y, x ∈ R+ = [0, ∞), y′(0)/y(0) = α0 + α1λ + α2λ2, where q is a complex‐valued function and αi ∈ ℂ, i = 0, 1, 2 with α2 ≠ 0. In this article, we investigate the eigenvalues and the spectral singularities of L and obtain analogs of
Naimark and Pavlov conditions for L.
Navigation by Induction-Based Magnetoreception in Elasmobranch Fishes
Authors: Molteno T. C. A. , Kennedy W. L.
Published: October 2009

A quantitative frequency-domain model of induction-based magnetoreception is presented for elasmobranch fishes. We show that orientation with respect to the geomagnetic field can be determined by synchronous detection of electrosensory signals at harmonics of the vestibular frequency. The sensitivity required for this compass-sense mechanism is shown to be less than that known from behavioral experiments. Recent attached-magnet experiments have called into doubt the induction-based mechanism for magnetoreception. We show that the use of attached magnets would interfere with an induction-based mechanism unless relative movement between the electrosensory system and the attached magnet is less than 100 m. This suggests that further experiments may be required to eliminate induction as a basis for magnetoreception.
Increased Porphyrins in Primary Liver Cancer Mainly Reflect a Parallel Liver Disease
Authors: Kaczynski Jerzy , Hansson Göran , Wallerstedt Sven
Published: October 2009

Hepatic porphyries have been associated with an increased risk of primary liver cancer (PLC), which on the other hand may cause an increased porphyrin production. To evaluate the role of an underlying liver disorder we analyzed porphyrins in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)(n=65), cholangiocellular carcinoma(n=3), or suspected PLC, which turned out to be metastases(n=18)or a benign disorder(n=11). None of the patients had a family history of porphyry or clinical signs of porphyry. Increased aminolevulinic acid or porphyrin values were common not only in patients with PLC (43%) but also in metastatic (50%) and benign (64%) liver disorders. The corresponding proportion for HCC patients with liver cirrhosis (55%) was higher(P<.05)than in those without cirrhosis (17%). We conclude that symptomatic porphyries are unusual in PLC, whereas elevated urinary and/or faecal porphyrins are common, primarily reflecting a parallel liver disease and not the PLC.
Monoamines, BDNF, Dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA-Sulfate, and Childhood Depression—An Animal Model Study
Authors: Malkesman O. , Asaf T. , Shbiro L. , Goldstein A. , Maayan R. , Weizman A. , Kinor N. , Okun E. , Sredni B. , Yadid G. , Weller A.
Published: October 2009

Basal levels of monoamines and DHEA in four main limbic brain regions were measured in prepubertal Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats (a putative animal model of childhood depression). Basal levels of “Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)” were also determined in two regions in the hippocampus, compared with Wistar strain controls. In the second phase, we examined the responsiveness of prepubertal WKY rats to different types of chronic antidepressant treatments: Fluoxetine, Desipramine, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS). WKY prepubertal rats exhibited different monoamine levels in the limbic system, reduced DHEA levels in the VTA and lower levels of BDNF in the hippocampus CA3 region compared to controls. In prepubertal WKY rats, only treatment with DHEAS produced a statistically significant decrease in immobility, compared to saline-administered controls in the forced swim test. Wistar controls were not affected by any antidepressant. The results imply that DHEA(S) and BDNF may be involved in the pathophysiology and pharmacotherapy of childhood depression.
STIFDB—Arabidopsis Stress Responsive Transcription Factor DataBase
Authors: Shameer K. , Ambika S. , Varghese Susan Mary , Karaba N. , Udayakumar M. , Sowdhamini R.
Published: October 2009

Elucidating the key players of molecular mechanism that mediate the complex stress‐responses in plants system is an important step to develop improved variety of stress tolerant crops. Understanding the effects of different types of biotic and abiotic stress is a rapidly emerging domain in the area of plant research to develop better, stress tolerant plants. Information about the transcription factors, transcription factor binding sites, function annotation of proteins coded by genes expressed during abiotic stress (for example: drought, cold, salinity, excess light, abscisic acid, and oxidative stress) response will provide better understanding of this phenomenon. STIFDB is a database of abiotic stress responsive genes and their predicted abiotic transcription factor binding sites in Arabidopsis thaliana. We integrated 2269 genes upregulated in different stress related microarray experiments and surveyed their 1000 bp and 100 bp upstream regions and 5′UTR regions using the STIF algorithm and identified putative abiotic stress responsive transcription factor binding sites, which are compiled in the STIFDB database. STIFDB provides extensive information about various stress responsive genes and stress inducible transcription factors of Arabidopsis thaliana. STIFDB will be a useful resource for researchers to understand the abiotic stress regulome and transcriptome of this important model plant system.
The Return Map for a Planar Vector Field with Nilpotent Linear Part: A Direct and Explicit Derivation
Authors: Costin Rodica D.
Published: October 2009

Using a direct approach the return map near a focus of a planar vector field with nilpotent linear part is found as a convergent power series which is a perturbation of the identity and whose terms can be calculated iteratively. The first nontrivial coefficient is the value of an Abelian integral, and the following ones are explicitly given as iterated integrals.