bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination and application of empirically derived detergent phase boundaries to effectively crystallize membrane proteins
Authors: Koszelak‐Rosenblum Mary , Krol Adam , Mozumdar Namrita , Wunsch Kristin , Ferin Adam , Cook Eleanor , Veatch Christina K. , Nagel Raymond , Luft Joseph R. , DeTitta George T. , Malkowski Michael G.
Published: June 2009

Elucidating the structures of membrane proteins is essential to our understanding of disease states and a critical component in the rational design of drugs. Structural characterization of a membrane protein begins with its detergent solubilization from the lipid bilayer and its purification within a functionally stable protein‐detergent complex (PDC). Crystallization of the PDC typically occurs by changing the solution environment to decrease solubility and promote interactions between exposed hydrophilic surface residues. As membrane proteins have been observed to form crystals close to the phase separation boundaries of the detergent used to form the PDC, knowledge of these boundaries under different chemical conditions provides a foundation to rationally design crystallization screens. We have carried out dye‐based detergent phase partitioning studies using different combinations of 10 polyethylene glycols (PEG), 11 salts, and 11 detergents to generate a significant amount of chemically diverse phase boundary data. The resulting curves were used to guide the formulation of a 1536‐cocktail crystallization screen for membrane proteins. We are making both the experimentally derived phase boundary data and the 1536 membrane screen available through the high‐throughput crystallization facility located at the Hauptman‐Woodward Institute. The phase boundary data have been packaged into an interactive Excel spreadsheet that allows investigators to formulate grid screens near a given phase boundary for a particular detergent. The 1536 membrane screen has been applied to 12 membrane proteins of unknown structures supplied by the structural genomics and structural biology communities, with crystallization leads for 10/12 samples and verification of one crystal using X‐ray diffraction.
Common variants in 8q24 are associated with risk for prostate cancer and tumor aggressiveness in men of European ancestry
Authors: Pal Prodipto , Xi Huifeng , Guha Saurav , Sun Guangyun , Helfand Brian T. , Meeks Joshua J. , Suarez Brian K. , Catalona William J. , Deka Ranjan
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND

Recent whole genome association studies have independently identified multiple prostate cancer (PC) risk variants on 8q24. We have evaluated association of common variants in this region with PC susceptibility and tumor aggressiveness in a sample of European American men.

METHODS

Forty‐nine tagging SNPs including three previously reported significant variants (rs1447295, rs6983267, rs16901979) and seven variants in the 5′ upstream region of the MYC proto‐oncogene were tested for association with susceptibility to PC and tumor aggressiveness in 596 histologically verified PC cases and 567 ethnically matched controls.

RESULTS

Significant associations with susceptibility to PC were found at 17 SNPs, four of which (rs1016342, rs1378897, rs871135, and rs6470517) remained significant after adjusting for multiple corrections. One of the associated SNPs, rs871135, is located in the putative gene POU5F1P1 within the 8q24 region. An in slico analysis showed that the associated variant of this SNP alters a transcription factor implicating a plausible regulatory role. Additionally, one of the significantly associated SNPs, rs6470517, with PC susceptibility showed a significant over‐representation of the G allele in cases with aggressive tumor.

CONCLUSIONS

Although this study does not directly confirm associations of the three specific SNPs (cited above), it corroborates reported signals of association in 8q24 reaffirming that genetic variation on 8q24 influences susceptibility to PC in men of European ancestry. Although our study did not confirm the allelic association of rs1447295, meta‐analysis of this SNP provided support to previous reported associations. Further, this study implicates the 8q24 region with aggressive forms of PC. Prostate 69: 1548–1556, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dual‐label centromere and telomere FISH identifies human, rat, and mouse cell contribution to Multispecies recombinant urogenital sinus xenografts
Authors: Vander Griend Donald J. , Konishi Yuko , De Marzo Angelo M. , Isaacs John T. , Meeker Alan K.
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND

Recombinant xenografts of human cells growing in immunocompromised rodents are widely used for studying stem cell biology, tumor biology, and epithelial to mesenchyme transitions. Of critical importance is the correct interpretation of the cellular composition of such xenografts.

METHODS

Here we present a rapid and robust method employing protein nucleic acid (PNA) FISH probes to dual‐label centromeres and telomeres (Cen/Tel FISH). Such labeling allows unambiguous discrimination between human, mouse, and rat cells in paraffin‐embedded tissue sections, providing significant advantages over current methods used to discern human versus rodent cell types.

RESULTS

Using an in vivo prostatic developmental system where rat embryonic urogenital sinus mesenchyme is recombined with human prostate epithelial organoids and grown in an immunocompromised mouse, Cen/Tel FISH documents that all three species contribute to the development of glandular structures.

CONCLUSIONS

The method is an indispensable tool to analyze xenograft/host interactions and prevent misinterpretation of data using tissue recombination approaches. Prostate 69: 1557–1564, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Estimation of absolute risk for prostate cancer using genetic markers and family history
Authors: Xu Jianfeng , Sun Jielin , Kader A. Karim , Lindström Sara , Wiklund Fredrik , Hsu Fang‐Chi , Johansson Jan‐Erik , Zheng S. Lilly , Thomas Gilles , Hayes Richard B. , Kraft Peter , Hunter David J. , Chanock Stephen J. , Isaacs William B. , Grönberg Henrik
Published: June 2009

BACKGROUND

Multiple DNA sequence variants in the form of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been found to be reproducibly associated with prostate cancer (PCa) risk.

METHODS

Absolute risk for PCa among men with various numbers of inherited risk alleles and family history of PCa was estimated in a population‐based case–control study in Sweden (2,893 cases and 1,781 controls), and a nested case–control study from the Prostate, Lung, Colon and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial in the U.S. (1,172 cases and 1,157 controls).

RESULTS

Increased number of risk alleles and positive family history were independently associated with PCa risk. Considering men with 11 risk alleles (mode) and negative family history as having baseline risk, men who had ≥14 risk alleles and positive family history had an odds ratio (OR) of 4.92 [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.64–6.64] in the Swedish study. These associations were confirmed in the U.S. population. Once a man's SNP genotypes and family history are known, his absolute risk for PCa can be readily calculated and easily interpreted. For example, 55‐year‐old men with a family history and ≥14 risk alleles have a 52% and 41% risk of being diagnosed with PCa in the next 20 years in the Swedish and U.S. populations, respectively. In comparison, without knowledge of genotype and family history, these men had an average population absolute risk of 13%.

CONCLUSION

This risk prediction model may be used to identify men at considerably elevated PCa risk who may be selected for chemoprevention. Prostate 69: 1565–1572, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Periodic renewal of spare parts using Weibull
Authors: Dieter A. , Pickard K. , Bertsche B.
Published: June 2009

The periodical renewal of spare parts in a manufacturing system is optimized by a novel approach using the well‐known Weibull distribution. In essence, this is achieved by the use of a geometrical stepping in the description of the reliability to the points of renewal, hence, the spare parts required in the system to achieve the reliability target are then determined. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The X̄ control chart under non‐normality
Authors: Schoonhoven Marit , Does Ronald J. M. M.
Published: June 2009

This paper studies design schemes for the X̄ control chart under non‐normality. Different estimators of the standard deviation are considered and the effect of the estimator on the performance of the control chart under non‐normality is investigated. Two situations are distinguished. In the first situation, the effect of non‐normality on the X̄ control chart is investigated by using the control limits based on normality. In the second situation we incorporate the knowledge of non‐normality to correct the limits of the X̄ control chart. The schemes are evaluated by studying the characteristics of the in‐control and the out‐of‐control run length distributions. The results indicate that when the control limits based on normality are applied the best estimator is the pooled sample standard deviation both under normality and under non‐normality. When the control limits are corrected for non‐normality, the estimator based on Gini's mean sample differences is the best choice. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of model misspecification on the exponential EWMA charts: a robustness study when the time‐between‐events are not exponential
Authors: Pehlivan Canan , Testik Murat Caner
Published: June 2009

Exponential EWMA control chart for the time‐between‐events (TBE) has been suggested to monitor high‐quality processes for the early detection of process deteriorations. Although the assumed model for the TBE observations is the exponential distribution, departures from the exponential form may occur in practice. The aim of this research is to investigate the sensitivity of the exponential EWMA chart in detecting mean shifts. It is assumed that the TBE mean is known but the assumption of exponential TBE distribution is incorrect. As test cases, various Weibull and lognormal distributions of the TBE are considered while the chart is being designed under the assumption of exponential TBE distribution. Markov chain method is implemented for calculating the performance measures such as average run length, standard deviation of run length, and percentiles of the run length distribution. A wide range of chart designs are examined and it is observed that the exponential EWMA charts can be designed to be extremely robust to departures from the assumed distribution. Numerical results and practical suggestions are provided in the following. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Surface‐Charge Study on Cellular‐Uptake Behavior of F3‐Peptide‐Conjugated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Zhang Yu , Yang Mo , Park Ji‐Ho , Singelyn Jennifer , Ma Huiqing , Sailor Michael J. , Ruoslahti Erkki , Ozkan Mihrimah , Ozkan Cengiz
Published: June 2009

Surface‐charge measurements of mammalian cells in terms of Zeta potential are demonstrated as a useful biological characteristic in identifying cellular interactions with specific nanomaterials. A theoretical model of the changes in Zeta potential of cells after incubation with nanoparticles is established to predict the possible patterns of Zeta‐potential change to reveal the binding and internalization effects. The experimental results show a distinct pattern of Zeta‐potential change that allows the discrimination of human normal breast epithelial cells (MCF‐10A) from human cancer breast epithelial cells (MCF‐7) when the cells are incubated with dextran coated iron oxide nanoparticles that contain tumor‐homing F3 peptides, where the tumor‐homing F3 peptide specifically bound to nucleolin receptors that are overexpressed in cancer breast cells.
Time‐dependent exposure of nicotine and smoke modulate ultrasubcellular organelle localization of dopamine D1 and D2 receptors in the rat caudate‐putamen
Authors: Naha N. , Li S.P. , Yang B.C. , Park T.J. , Kim M.O.
Published: June 2009

The correlation of the subcellular localization of dopamine D1 and D2 receptors (DA D1 R, DA D2 R) with nicotine addiction has not been studied. We demonstrated the ultrasubcellular organelle localization of DA D1 and D2 Rs in the caudate‐putamen (CPu) area of rat brain in vivo exposed to nicotine (3 mg/day; oral) and passive cigarette smoking (500 ml each; 3 times/day) for 1, 4, and 12 weeks, respectively. Our results revealed DA D1 R localization in the presynaptic and postsynaptic dendrites, endocytic vesicles, and secretory granules, and DA D2 R localization in the presynaptic dendrites and vesicles. DA D1 R immunogold particles were highly decreased in the secretory granules of CPu, and increased in the postsynaptic area and vesicles after prolonged nicotine and smoking exposures, suggesting the strong influence of long time smoking and nicotine exposures on DA D1 R subcellular organelle localization. DA D2 R immunoreactivity was comparatively less changed than that of the DA D1 R. Western blot analysis also showed the differential expression of DA D1 and D2 R proteins upon nicotine and smoking exposures as compared to the untreated controls. Taken together, the results for the first time suggests the execution of addictive behavior of nicotine through modulation of mesolimbic dopaminergic system targeting subcellular organelle of DA D1 and D2 Rs in the CPu of adult rat brain that may lead to novel therapeutic approaches related to nicotine's neuropsychological disorders including drug addiction. Synapse 63:847–854, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bridging the economic divide in the Republic of South Africa: A corporate social responsibility perspective
Authors: Babarinde Olufemi A.
Published: June 2009

Almost 15 years since the end of apartheid rule in the Republic of South Africa, the society is still profoundly bifurcated today as it was in 1994 when the first nonracial general elections were held. A majority of the population is impoverished, official unemployment is staggering, the economy has cooled, wealth/income is grossly unevenly distributed (particularly along racial lines), crime has soared, HIV/AIDS is debilitating, and the population is getting restless. This inquiry discusses how and what the business community is doing in the manner of “giving back” to the community, via corporate social responsibility, to help ameliorate the untenable situation. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Numerical simulations of wake characteristics of a wind turbine in uniform inflow
Authors: Troldborg Niels , Sorensen Jens N. , Mikkelsen Robert
Published: June 2009

The wake of a wind turbine operating in a uniform inflow at various tip speed ratios is simulated using a numerical method, which combines large eddy simulations with an actuator line technique. The computations are carried out in a numerical mesh with about 8.4·106 grid points distributed to facilitate detailed studies of basic features of both the near and far wake, including distributions of interference factors, vortex structures and formation of instabilities. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Socio‐Demographic Correlates of Fear of Crime and the Social Context of Contemporary Urban China
Authors: Liu Jianhong , Messner Steven F. , Zhang Lening , Zhuo Yue
Published: June 2009

Previous research in the West has established major socio‐demographic correlates of fear of crime. The interpretation of these correlates is typically based on the concept of physical or social vulnerability of individuals. These correlates are implicitly regarded as invariant to social or community contexts, reflecting universal human behavioral patterns. The present study argues that social change may alter patterns of perceptions associated with fear among socio‐demographic groups, thus affecting socio‐demographic correlates of fear of crime. We explore how social changes in China have created a generational gap that influences the effects of age and education on fear of crime. The study finds that, in contrast with the well‐established patterns in Western communities, the young and educated exhibit a higher level of fear of crime in urban China than their counterparts. The study also finds that consistent with Western literature, females are fearful and that personal victimization experience increases the level of fear. We discuss the social and community processes that produce these interesting patterns.
Preparation of Novel Cationic Surfactants from Epichlorohydrin: their Surface Properties and Biological Activities
Authors: Mohamed A. S. , Mohamed M. Z.
Published: June 2009

A novel series of mono‐quaternary ammonium salts was prepared by the reaction of fatty esters of methyldiethanolamine with epichlorohydrin in the presence of amine hydrochloride. The ease of the reaction with epichlorohydrin was found to be due to the assistance of amine hydrochloride in opening the epoxide ring and to neighboring‐group participation by the hydroxyl group of the mono‐ammonium salt in the quaternization step. The surface properties of the prepared compounds and their biological activities were measured. The prepared compounds had good water solubility and showed characteristic surface active properties.
Effect of Temperature and Other Variables on the Optimum Formulation of Anionic Extended Surfactant–Alkane–Brine Systems
Authors: Velásquez Josmary , Scorzza Cesar , Vejar Francia , Forgiarini Ana M. , Antón Raquel E. , Salager Jean‐Louis
Published: June 2009

Anionic extended surfactants of the alkyl polypropylene oxide sulfate type are found to obey the linear correlation lnS =kACN for optimum formulation (three‐phase behavior) of ionic surfactant–oil–water systems, with akvalue essentially the same as forn‐alkyl sulfates. The addition ofn‐pentanol produces a shift in optimum formulation without significant change ink. An increase in temperature is found to produce a decrease in surfactant hydrophilicity, which is opposite to the expected behavior of anionic species. This trend, which is typical of nonionic surfactant behavior, is probably due to the partial hydration of the very first propylene oxide units which are located close to the anionic head group.
Chemical Characterization of the Seed and Antioxidant Activity of Various Parts of Salvadora persica
Authors: Mariod Abdalbasit Adam , Matthäus Bertrand , Hussein I. H.
Published: June 2009

This study investigated the fatty acid, tocopherol, sterol and total phenolic compounds of Salvadora percica seeds as well as the potential antioxidant activity of the leaves, bark and seedcake extracts. Two samples of S. persica seed collected from Kordofan (sandy soil) and Gezira (heavy clay soil) states in Sudan were used. The predominant fatty acids were 14:0, 16:0 and 18:1 representing 45.50, 35.12 and 10.20% for Kordofan and 45.20, 34.49 and 10.66% for Gezira samples. Gamma‐tocopherol was the predominant tocopherol in both samples representing 61.3 and 61.7% of the total tocopherols, respectively, followed by α‐tocopherol at 21.1 and 20.2%, respectively. Total sterol content was 3399.6 and 3385.3 mg/kg for Kordofan and Gezira samples, respectively. Beta‐sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol and Δ5‐avenasterol were predominant. The content of total phenolic compounds was determined in S. persica bark (SPB), S. persica leaves (SPL), and S. persica seedcake (SPC) extracts of each sample according to the Folin–Ciocalteau method as 111.70, 132.60, and 66.10 mg GAE/g extract for the Kordofan sample. They were found to be 105.90, 129.10 and 62.90 mg GAE/g extract in the Gezira sample, respectively. The two samples were significantly (P < 0.05) different in total phenolic content with SPL as the highest in both samples. The methanolic extracts of SPL, SPB, and SPC in both samples were markedly effective in inhibiting the oxidation of linoleic acid and subsequent bleaching of β‐carotene in comparison with the control. But they were less effective than butylated hydroxyanisole.
e-TREAM—improve your knowledge on transport
Authors: Kipp Tobias
Published: June 2009

e-TREAM is an e-learning tool which offers training in transport issues like mobility management and alternative fuels. The main target groups are energy agencies but everybody is welcome who is seeking to develop new skills for implementing mobility services and reducing energy consumption in the area of transport. The platform can be found via www.e-TREAM.eu.
The Youth Psychopathic traits Inventory: Psychometric properties and its relation to substance use and interpersonal style in a Dutch sample of non‐referred adolescents
Authors: Hillege Sanne , Das Jacqueline , de Ruiter Corine
Published: June 2009

This study presents evidence on the reliability and construct validity of the Dutch version of the Youth Psychopathic traits Inventory (YPI), a self‐report instrument for psychopathic traits in adolescent boys and girls. In a sample of 776 Dutch non‐referred adolescents, the YPI was found to have good internal consistency. Furthermore, exploratory Principal Components Analysis (PCA) indicated a three‐factor structure for the YPI, including a Grandiose–manipulative, Callous–unemotional, and Impulsive–irresponsible dimension. Good internal consistency was demonstrated for all dimensions in boys as well as girls, except for the Callous–unemotional dimension. Results further indicated strong correlations between psychopathic traits and dominant and hostile interpersonal style. The Grandiose–manipulative dimension predicted dominant interpersonal behavior in boys, but not in girls. In girls, a dominant interpersonal style was predicted by the Impulsive–irresponsible dimension. Psychopathic traits, mainly the Impulsive–irresponsible dimension, were related to a higher frequency of self‐reported drug and alcohol use in boys and girls.
Effects of different extracellular matrices and co‐cultures on human limbal stem cell expansion in vitro
Authors: Ahmadiankia Naghmeh , Ebrahimi Marzieh , Hosseini Ahmad , Baharvand Hossein
Published: June 2009

To elucidate the effect of extracellular matrices (ECMs) and related and nonrelated‐limbal feeder cells as substitutes for the in vivo niche on the phenotype and genotype of the limbal stem cell (SC) expansion in vitro, human limbal SCs were used. The limbus explants were expanded on human amniotic membrane (AM), commercial ECMs including matrigel (MAT), collagen (COL), and control (no ECM) in presence and absence of feeder cells including human limbal fibroblasts (LFs), a limbus‐specific cell and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Proliferation, cell death, immunocytochemistry, expression of specific genes, ultrastructural characteristics, and size and granularity of expanded human limbal SCs in different groups were evaluated. The growth, cell proliferation, and survival of limbal SCs were enhanced by AM and MAT matrices. Ultrastructure and expression of stemness markers revealed that there was no significance difference between AM and MAT. However, flow cytometric analysis showed that the size and granularity of cultured cells increased in the presence of MAT and COL as well as in no ECM group. Moreover, co‐culturing of limbal explants with LFs and MEFs on AM and MAT groups, enhanced the expansion and survival of cultured cells in comparison with others. In conclusion, the cultivation of human limbal explants on AM co‐culturing with human LFs promises to be a good model for preparing undifferentiated epithelial sheets suitable for transplantation.
Adenosine deaminase activity, lipid peroxidation and astrocyte responses in the cerebral cortex of rats after neonatal hypoxia ischemia
Authors: Pimentel V.C. , Bellé L.P. , Pinheiro F.V. , De Bona K.S. , Da Luz S.C.A. , Moretto M.B.
Published: June 2009

Hypoxia ischemia (HI) is a common cause of damage in the fetal and neonatal brain. Lifelong disabilities such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, behavioral and learning disorders are some of the consequences of brain injury acquired in the perinatal periods. Inflammation and formation of free radicals appear to play key roles in neonatal HI. The aim of this study was to describe the chronological sequence of adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity, the oxidative damage changes and astrocyte response using the classic model of neonatal HI. We observed an increase in the activity of ADA and lipid peroxidation in the cerebral cortex 8 days after neonatal HI. This was accompanied by a GFAP‐positive, and the degree of brain damage was determined histochemically by hematoxylin–eosin (HE). Taking into account the important anti‐inflammatory role of adenosine, ADA may provide an efficient means for scavenging cell‐surrounding adenosine and play an important part in subsequent events of neonatal HI in association with GFAP reactive gliosis. The present investigation showed that neonatal HI causes the increase of free radicals and significant damage in the cerebral cortex. The increase in ADA activity may reflect the activation of the immune system caused by HI because the morphological analysis exhibited a lymphocytic infiltration.
Prenatal auditory stimulation alters the levels of CREB mRNA, p‐CREB and BDNF expression in chick hippocampus
Authors: Chaudhury Sraboni , Wadhwa Shashi
Published: June 2009

Prenatal auditory stimulation influences the development of the chick auditory pathway and the hippocampus showing an increase in various morphological parameters as well as expression of calcium‐binding proteins. Calcium regulates the activity of cyclic adenosine monophosphate‐response element binding (CREB) protein. CREB is known to play a role in development, undergo phosphorylation with neural activity as well as regulate transcription of BDNF. BDNF is important for the survival of neurons and regulates synaptic strength. Hence in the present study, we have evaluated the levels of CREB mRNA and protein along with p‐CREB protein as well as BDNF mRNA and protein levels in the chick hippocampus at embryonic days (E) 12, E16, E20 and post‐hatch day (PH) 1 following activation by prenatal auditory stimulation. Fertilized eggs were exposed to species‐specific sound or sitar music (frequency range: 100–6300 Hz) at 65 dB levels for 15 min/h over 24 h from E10 till hatching. The control chick hippocampus showed higher CREB mRNA and p‐CREB protein in the early embryonic stages, which later decline whereas BDNF mRNA and BDNF protein levels increase until PH1. The CREB mRNA and p‐CREB protein were significantly increased at E12, E16 and PH1 in the auditory stimulated groups as compared to control group. A significant increase in the level of BDNF mRNA was observed from E12 and the protein expression from E16 onwards in both auditory stimulated groups. Therefore, enhanced phosphorylation of CREB during development following prenatal sound stimulation may be responsible for cell survival. Increased levels of p‐CREB again at PH1 may trigger synthesis of proteins necessary for synaptic plasticity. Further, the increased levels of BDNF may also help in regulating synaptic plasticity.
Short‐term metformin treatment for clomiphene citrate–resistant women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Kazerooni Talieh , Ghaffarpasand Fariborz , Kazerooni Yasaman , Kazerooni Marjaneh , Setoodeh Sasan
Published: June 2009

Objective

To evaluate the effect of a short‐course pretreatment with metformin on hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, cervical scores, and pregnancy rates in women with clomiphene citrate (CC)‐resistant polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

Thirty‐seven women with CC‐resistant PCOS were randomly assigned to be pretreated with 500 mg of metformin or placebo 3 times per day for 2 cycles, and 100 mg of CC was given on days 5 through 9 of the second cycle in both groups. Luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), dehydroepiandrostendione sulfate (DHEAS), total testosterone (T), glucose, and insulin levels were measured at baseline and after the first cycle, as well as body mass index (BMI), cervical score, and pregnancy rate.

Results

After 1 cycle, BMI, total T level, and percentage of participants with insulin resistance were significantly decreased in the metformin group, without any significant decrease in LH, FSH, and DHEAS levels; and in the second cycle, CC treatment resulted in a higher ovulation rate and a thicker endometrium in the metformin group. The pregnancy rate and cervical scores were also higher in that group.

Conclusion

The short‐course pretreatment with metformin decreased hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance and improved cervical sores, ovulation rate, and pregnancy rate among women with CC‐resistant PCOS.
Exercise improves cognition and hippocampal plasticity in APOE ɛ4 mice
Authors: Nichol Kathryn , Deeny Sean P. , Seif Joseph , Camaclang Kevin , Cotman Carl W.
Published: June 2009

Background

Human studies on exercise, cognition, and apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype show that ɛ4 carriers may benefit from regular physical activity.

Methods

We examined voluntary wheel‐running, memory, and hippocampal plasticity in APOE ɛ3 and APOE ɛ4 transgenic mice at 10–12 months of age.

Results

Sedentary ɛ4 mice exhibited deficits in cognition on the radial‐arm water maze (RAWM), a task dependent on the hippocampus. Six weeks of wheel‐running in ɛ4 mice resulted in improvements on the RAWM to the level of ɛ3 mice. Hippocampal brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were similar in ɛ3 and ɛ4 mice, and after exercise BDNF was similarly increased in both ɛ3 and ɛ4 mice. In sedentary ɛ4 mice, tyrosine kinase B (Trk B) receptors were reduced by 50%. Exercise restored Trk B in ɛ4 mice to the level of ɛ3 mice, and in ɛ4 mice, exercise dramatically increased synaptophysin, a marker of synaptic function.

Conclusions

Our results support the hypothesis that exercise can improve cognitive function, particularly in ɛ4 carriers.
Creating a transatlantic research enterprise for preventing Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Khachaturian Zaven S. , Camí Jordi , Andrieu Sandrine , Avila Jesús , Boada Rovira Mercè , Breteler Monique , Froelich Lutz , Gauthier Serge , Gómez‐Isla Teresa , Khachaturian Ara S. , Kuller Lewis H. , Larson Eric B. , Lopez Oscar L. , Martinez‐Lage José Manuel , Petersen Ronald C. , Schellenberg Gerard D. , Sunyer Jordi , Vellas Bruno , Bain Lisa J.
Published: June 2009

In recognition of the global problem posed by Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, an international think‐tank meeting was convened by Biocat, the Pasqual Maragall Foundation, and the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute in February 2009. The meeting initiated the planning of a European Union‐North American collaborative research enterprise to expedite the delay and ultimate prevention of dementing disorders. The key aim is to build parallel and complementary research infrastructure that will support international standardization and inter‐operability among researchers in both continents. The meeting identified major challenges, opportunities for research resources and support, integration with ongoing efforts, and identification of key domains to influence the design and administration of the enterprise.
Intralesional amphotericin B in a cat with refractory localised sporotrichosis
Authors: Gremião Isabella D.F. , Schubach Tânia Maria P. , Pereira Sandro A. , Rodrigues Aline M. , Chaves Adriana R. , Barros Mônica B.L.
Published: June 2009

The present report concerns a case of sporotrichosis in a 3-year-old male crossbred cat. After 9 months of oral itraconazole (20 mg/kg) therapy, all skin lesions had resolved with the exception of a single nodular lesion located on the bridge of the nose. Therefore, a combined therapy that included intralesional (IL) amphotericin B (1 mg/kg) was started. The lesion resolved completely after three weekly administrations of IL amphotericin B, given in concert with oral itraconazole. The cat remains well 1 year after discontinuing therapy, with no signs of recurrence.
Local production of antigen‐specific IgE in different anatomic subsites of allergic fungal rhinosinusitis patients
Authors: Ahn Chadwick N. , Wise Sarah K. , Lathers Deanne M.R. , Mulligan Ryan M. , Harvey Richard J. , Schlosser Rodney J.
Published: June 2009

Objective

Local production of antigen‐specific IgE in allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS) is likely integral to the expression of allergy. This study examines if there are anatomic variations in local IgE expression or if variations among fungal and nonfungal IgE exist.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Tertiary medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Specimens from 11 AFRS, 8 chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps (CRSsNP), and 9 control patients underwent immunohistochemical localization for IgE and evaluation for antigen‐specific IgE by ImmunoCAP testing.

Results

Inferior turbinate (IT) epithelium had greater IgE staining in AFRS than control (P = 0.013) and CRSsNP (P = 0.002). A significant difference was also found at the IT subepithelial level for AFRS compared with controls (P = 0.001) and CRSsNP (P < 0.001). Within AFRS, IgE staining was increased in the subepithelium compared to epithelium (P = 0.003). ImmunoCAP analysis on IT tissue from AFRS and controls demonstrated increased antigen‐specific IgE for 5 of 14 antigens (P < 0.05) and total IgE (P < 0.001). There were no significant anatomic differences between IT and sinus IgE staining.

Conclusion

More fungal and nonfungal IgE is expressed in IT and sinus tissues of AFRS patients, as compared with control and CRSsNP patients.
Real‐time PCR detection of Helicobacter pylori and virulence‐associated cagA in nasal polyps and laryngeal disorders
Authors: Ozyurt Mustafa , Gungor Atila , Ergunay Koray , Cekin Engin , Erkul Evren , Haznedaroglu Tuncer
Published: June 2009

Objective

To identify Helicobacter pylori and major virulance factor, cagA, in patients with laryngeal diseases and nasal polyps.

Study Design

Cross‐sectional study with planned data collection.

Setting

The study was performed on fresh tissue samples from patients with 32 nasal polyps, 29 normal nasal mucosa, and 27 laryngeal diseases presenting to the Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery department of a major military hospital in Istanbul, Turkey.

Subjects and Methods

Tissue specimens were evaluated by in‐house polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and real‐time PCR for bacterial DNA and by real‐time PCR for cagA. The impact of commercial and in‐house DNA extraction methods was also evaluated.

Results

H pylori DNA was detected only by real‐time PCR in 59.4 percent of nasal polyps, 70.4 percent of nasal mucosa samples, and 58.6 percent of larynx samples. cagA was identified in 78.9, 89.5, and 82.4 percent of positive polyp, nasal mucosa, and larynx samples, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed between groups. DNA purification methods were equally effective.

Conclusion

H pylori DNA is present in nasal polyp and larynx tissues as well as normal nasal mucosa, as detected by a sensitive real‐time PCR assay. cagA‐positive strains dominate in all groups.
Interactions Between Students and Tutor in Problem‐Based Learning: The Significance of Deep Learning
Authors: Azer Samy A.
Published: June 2009

Problem‐based learning (PBL) is an excellent opportunity for students to take responsibility for their learning and to develop a number of cognitive skills. These include identifying problems in the trigger, generating hypotheses, constructing mechanisms, developing an enquiry plan, ranking their hypotheses on the basis of available evidence, interpreting clinical and laboratory findings, identifying their learning needs, and dealing with uncertainty. Students also need to work collaboratively in their group, communicate effectively, and take active roles in the tutorials. Therefore, interaction in the group between students and their tutor is vital to ensure deep learning and successful outcomes. The aims of this paper are to discuss the key principles for successful interaction in PBL tutorials and to highlight the major symptoms of superficial learning and poor interactions. This comprises a wide range of symptoms for different group problems, including superficial learning. By early detection of such problems, tutors will be able to explore actions with the group and negotiate changes that can foster group dynamics and enforce deep learning.
Factors Affecting the Quality of Problem‐Based Learning in A Hybrid Medical Curriculum
Authors: Chan Li‐Chong
Published: June 2009

Background

For medical schools that wish to implement or are involved in problem‐based learning (PBL) as part of their medical curriculum, there are many factors which can affect its quality. This paper discusses four critical issues—the need for sufficient protected time for PBL; the structure of the PBL case and its alignment with learning outside the tutorial room; the role of tutors and assessment in PBL—which can affect tutor and students' performance.
The First Attempt at Initiating Problem‐Based Learning as A Method of Teaching–Learning at the University of Medical Sciences in Poznan, Poland
Authors: Grzeskowiak Malgorzata , Podlewski Roland , Turowska‐Koska Anna , Zaba Zbigniew , Drobnik Leon
Published: June 2009

The main objective of problem‐based learning (PBL) is to provoke students to solve a new problem by themselves. The aim of this study was to investigate whether PBL was a better method of teaching basic and advanced life support to medical students compared with the classical method. The research was undertaken in 2002 in accordance with the European Guidelines 2000 and involved 36 medical students in year 4. The students were divided into two groups: experimental PBL group (17 students) and the control‐classical method group (19 students). After the advanced life support course, the students wrote two tests to assess their knowledge on how to open the airway and how to perform basic and advanced resuscitation. The questions contained true or false answers. The students' skills of basic and advanced methods of opening the airway and advanced resuscitation were checked by practical tests. The Mann‐Whitney test was used for statistical analysis. The experimental PBL group received significantly better results: 30–45 points (mean, 38.29 points) and 30–47 points (mean, 40.94 points) for the written and practical tests, respectively, compared with the control‐classical group (22–34 points [mean, 29.36 points] and 22–35 points [mean, 28.63 points], respectively). Therefore, PBL offers a better method for teaching basic and advanced life support to medical students compared with the classical method.
Inhomogeneous distribution of a rigid fibre undergoing rectilinear flow between parallel walls at high Péclet numbers
Authors: PARK JOONTAEK , BUTLER JASON E.
Published: June 2009

We use slender-body theory to simulate a rigid fibre within simple shear flow and parabolic flow at zero Reynolds number and high Péclet numbers (weak Brownian motion). Hydrodynamic interactions of bulk fibres with the bounding walls are included using previously developed methods (Harlen, Sundararajakumar & Koch, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 388, 1999, pp. 355–388; Butler & Shaqfeh, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 468, 2002, pp. 205–237). We also extend a previous analytic theory (Park, Bricker & Butler, Phys. Rev. E, vol. 76, 2007, 04081) predicting the centre-of-mass distribution of rigid fibre suspensions undergoing rectilinear flow near a wall to compare the steady and transient distributions. The distributions obtained by the simulation and theory are in good agreement at sufficiently high shear rates, validating approximations made in the theory which predicts a net migration of the rigid fibres away from the walls due to a hydrodynamic lift force. The effect of the inhomogeneous distribution on the effective stress is also investigated.
Dynamics of laminar separation bubbles at low-Reynolds-number aerofoils
Authors: HAIN R. , KÄHLER C. J. , RADESPIEL R.
Published: June 2009

The laminar separation bubble on an SD7003 aerofoil at a Reynolds numberRe= 66000 was investigated to determine the dominant frequencies of the transition process and the flapping of the bubble. The measurements were performed with a high-resolution time-resolved particle image velocimetry (TR-PIV) system. Contrary to typical measurements performed through conventional PIV, the different modes can be identified by applying TR-PIV. The interaction between the shed vortices is analysed, and their significance for the production of turbulence is presented. In the shear layer above the bubble the generation and amplification of vortices due to Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities is observed. It is found that these instabilities have a weak coherence in the spanwise direction. In a later stage of transition these vortices lead to a three-dimensional breakdown to turbulence.
Cylinders with square cross-section: wake instabilities with incidence angle variation
Authors: SHEARD GREGORY J. , FITZGERALD MATTHEW J. , RYAN KRIS
Published: June 2009

The wakes behind square cylinders with variation in incidence angle are computed over a range of Reynolds numbers to elucidate the three-dimensional stability and dynamics up to a Reynolds number of Re = 300, based on the projected height of the inclined square cylinder. Three-dimensional instability modes are predicted and computed using a linear stability analysis technique and three-dimensional simulations, respectively. Depending on the incidence angle, the flow is found to transition to three-dimensional flow through either a mode A instability, or a subharmonic mode C instability. The mode A instability is predicted as the first-occurring instability at incidence angles smaller than 12° and greater than 26°, with the mode C instability predicted between these incidence angles. At a zero-degree angle of incidence, the wake instabilities closely match modes A, B and a quasi-periodic mode predicted in earlier studies behind square and circular cylinders. With increasing angle of incidence, the three-dimensional wake transition Reynolds number first increases from Re = 164 as the mode A instability weakens, before decreasing again beyond an incidence angle of 12° as the wake becomes increasingly unstable to the mode C instability, and then again to the mode A instability as the incidence angle approaches 45°. A spanwise autocorrelation analysis from computations over a cylinder span 20 times the square cross-section side length reveals that beyond the onset of three-dimensional instabilities, the vortex street breaks down with patterns consistent with spatio-temporal chaos. This effect was more pronounced at higher incidence angles.
Large-eddy simulation of a mildly curved open-channel flow
Authors: VAN BALEN W. , UIJTTEWAAL W. S. J. , BLANCKAERT K.
Published: June 2009

After validation with experimental data, large-eddy simulation (LES) is used to study in detail the open-channel flow through a curved flume. Based on the LES results, the present paper addresses four issues. Firstly, features of the complex bicellular pattern of the secondary flow, occurring in curved open-channel flows, and its origin are investigated. Secondly, the turbulence characteristics of the flow are studied in detail, incorporating the anisotropy of the turbulence stresses, as well as the distribution of the kinetic energy and the turbulent kinetic energy. Moreover, the implications of the pattern of the production of turbulent kinetic energy is discussed within this context. Thirdly, the distribution of the wall shear stresses at the bottom and sidewalls is computed. Fourthly, the effects of changes in the subgrid-scale model and the boundary conditions are investigated. It turns out that the counter-rotating secondary flow cell near the outer bank is a result of the complex interaction between the spatial distribution of turbulence stresses and centrifugal effects. Moreover, it is found that this outer bank cell forms a region of a local increase of turbulent kinetic energy and of its production. Furthermore, it is shown that the bed shear stresses are amplified in the bend. The distribution of the wall shear stresses is deformed throughout the bend due to curvature. Finally, it is shown that changes in the subgrid-scale model, as well as changes in the boundary conditions, have no strong effect on the results.
Investigation of optical limiting based on the combination of stimulated Brillouin scattering and carbon nanotube/HT-270 suspension
Authors: Hasi W.L.J. , Lu Z.W. , Fu M.L. , Lu H.H. , Gong S. , Lin D.Y. , He W.M.
Published: June 2009

In order to improve the optical limiting performance based on stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS), a combination of SBS and carbon nanotube/HT-270 suspension for optical limiting is proposed in this paper. The dependence of output energy of optical limiting based on this hybrid approach on the pump energy is numerically simulated, and validated in Continuum's Nd: YAG seed-injected laser. The results indicate that the output energy based on this hybrid approach shows much better performance compared with that based on single SBS. In this approach, the SBS threshold can be controlled by adjusting the gain coefficient of medium and focal length of the lens, and the threshold of suspension can be controlled by altering the concentration and focal length of the lens, therefore, this hybrid approach to realize optical limiting has great potential in practical application.
Characteristics of amplified spectrum of a weak frequency-detuned signal in a Brillouin amplifier
Authors: Gao W. , Lu Z.W. , He W.M. , Dong Y.K. , Hasi W.L.J.
Published: June 2009

We will theoretically and experimentally study the effect of the linewidth and the frequency of a weak detuned signal on its amplified spectrum in the Brillouin amplifier. We will show that the spectral profile of the input signal is preserved during amplification only when the signal linewidth is much narrower than the Brillouin linewidth of the amplifier. If the signal linewidth is near or above the Brillouin linewidth, the frequency shift of the amplified signal with respect to the pump will be close to the Brillouin shift of the amplifier, and will be independent of the frequency shift of the input signal.
SUPPRESSING LIBERTY, CENSORING INFORMATION, WASTING RESOURCES, AND CALLING IT GOOD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Clark J. R. , Lee Dwight R.
Published: June 2009

This paper considers prevailing environmental policy in the United States with the emphasis on liberty, markets, utilizing information, entrepreneurial discovery, and the economic analysis of political decisions (public choice). The general discussion is illustrated by the concern over global warming and policies for addressing this concern. The political incentives to confront environmental problems directly with mandates, restrictions, and subsidies ignore the power of liberty and market incentives to solve problems by fostering an impressive network of information transfer, increasing innovation, and expanding prosperity. Indeed, most environmental policies systematically suppress liberty, censor the communication of information, and retard innovation and prosperity, with the result that they provide less environmental quality at greater cost than is possible. While such flawed policies might be justified in cases where pollution problems pose clear, serious, and immediate threats, we argue this is not true of global warming, and the most effective response to concerns over carbon emissions may be limiting the discretionary power of government to take direct action and rely on the indirect effects of liberty and market incentives to move us beyond the petroleum age more quickly and efficiently than will result from the direct action of government.
Funding, Funding
Authors: Altman Micah
Published: June 2009

I show herein how to develop fundable proposals to support your research. Although the proposal strategy I discuss is commonly used in successful proposals, most junior faculty (and many senior scholars) in political science and other social sciences seem to be unaware of it. I dispel myths about funding, and discuss how to find funders and target funding programs. I then outline how to write a proposal; and detail how to respond to reviews.