bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Group of Serum Inflammatory Markers and Periodontitis–Metabolic Syndrome Coexistence in Koreans
Authors: Han Dong‐Hun , Shin Hye‐Sun , Kim Mi‐Sun , Paek Domyung , Kim Hyun‐Duck
Published: August 2011

Background: Recent epidemiologic studies have shown that individuals with periodontitis have a significantly increased risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Chronic infection and subsequent production of systemic inflammatory markers may be associated with this increased risk. The aim of present study is to determine whether the presence of periodontitis and MetS is associated with a group or an individual of C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and homocysteine (HCY) in the serum of a Korean population.

Methods: Medical and periodontal parameters, including CRP, IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, TNF‐α, and HCY, were evaluated in 118 individuals (73 healthy; 20 with periodontitis only; 13 with MetS only; and 12 with both). The community periodontal index was used to assess periodontitis. Age, sex, monthly household income, smoking, and drinking were evaluated as confounders. Analysis of covariance, linear regression analysis, and factor analysis were applied.

Results: The group of serologic cytokines was synergistically associated with the periodontitis–MetS coexistence. TNF‐α and IL‐6 were two representing serologic cytokines in the group.

Conclusions: Our results suggest that a group of systemic biologic markers represented by TNF‐α and IL‐6 might mediate the association between MetS and periodontitis adjusted for various confounders. Additional evidence is needed to generalize our results more widely.
First Generation Stochastic Gene Episilencing (Step1) Model and Applications to in Vitro Carcinogen Exposure
Authors: Scott Bobby R.
Published: August 2011

A novel first-generation stochastic gene episilencing (STEP1) model is introduced for quantitatively characterizing the probability of in vitro epigenetically silencing (episilencing) specific tumor-suppressor- microRNA (miRNA) genes by carcinogen exposure. Although the focus is mainly on in-vitro exposure of human cells to ionizing radiation, the mathematical formulations presented are general and can be applied to other carcinogens. With the STEP1 model, a fraction f j of the surviving target cells can have their tumor-suppressor- miRNA gene of type j silenced while the remaining fraction, 1 - f j, of the surviving cells do not undergo gene episilencing. Suppressor gene episilencing is assumed to arise as a Poisson process characterized with and exponential distribution of episilencing doses with mean d j. In addition to providing mathematical functions for evaluating the single-target-gene episilencing probability, functions are also provided for the multi-target-gene episilencing probability for simultaneously silencing of multiple tumor-suppressor- miRNA genes. Functional relationships are first developed for moderate doses where adaptive responses are unlikely and are then modified for low doses where adaptation can occur. Results apply to a specific follow-up time t after carcinogen exposure that exceeds the maximum time for the occurrence of an induced episilencing event.
Genetic Analysis of Adult-Onset Autoimmune Diabetes
Authors: Howson Joanna M.M. , Rosinger Silke , Smyth Deborah J. , Boehm Bernhard O. ,   the ADBW-END Study Group, Todd John A.
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVE

In contrast with childhood-onset type 1 diabetes, the genetics of autoimmune diabetes in adults are not well understood. We have therefore investigated the genetics of diabetes diagnosed in adults positive for autoantibodies.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

GAD autoantibodies (GADAs), insulinoma-associated antigen-2 antibodies (IA-2As), and islet cell autoantibodies were measured at time of diagnosis. Autoantibody-positive diabetic subjects (n = 1,384) and population-based control subjects (n = 2,235) were genotyped at 20 childhood-onset type 1 diabetes loci and FCRL3, GAD2, TCF7L2, and FTO.

RESULTS

PTPN22 (1p13.2), STAT4 (2q32.2), CTLA4 (2q33.2), HLA (6p21), IL2RA (10p15.1), INS (11p15.5), ERBB3 (12q13.2), SH2B3 (12q24.12), and CLEC16A (16p13.13) were convincingly associated with autoimmune diabetes in adults (P ≤ 0.002), with consistent directions of effect as reported for pediatric type 1 diabetes. No evidence of an HLA-DRB1*03/HLA-DRB1*04 (DR3/4) genotype effect was obtained (P = 0.55), but it remained highly predisposing (odds ratio 26.22). DR3/4 was associated with a lower age at diagnosis of disease, as was DR4 (P = 4.67 × 10−6) but not DR3. DR3 was associated with GADA positivity (P = 6.03 × 10−6) but absence of IA-2A (P = 3.22 × 10−7). DR4 was associated with IA-2A positivity (P = 5.45 × 10−6).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that the genetics of autoimmune diabetes in adults and children are differentiated by only relatively few age-dependent genetic effects. The slower progression toward autoimmune insulin deficiency in adults is probably due to a lower genetic load overall combined with subtle variation in the HLA class II gene associations and autoreactivity.
Elevated Transferrin Saturation and Risk of Diabetes
Authors: Ellervik Christina , Mandrup-Poulsen Thomas , Andersen Henrik Ullits , Tybjærg-Hansen Anne , Frandsen Merete , Birgens Henrik , Nordestgaard Børge G.
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVE

We tested the hypothesis that elevated transferrin saturation is associated with an increased risk of any form of diabetes, as well as type 1 or type 2 diabetes separately.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We used two general population studies, The Copenhagen City Heart Study (CCHS, N = 9,121) and The Copenhagen General Population Study (CGPS, N = 24,195), as well as a 1:1 age- and sex-matched population-based case-control study with 6,129 patients with diabetes from the Steno Diabetes Centre and 6,129 control subjects, totaling 8,535 patients with diabetes and 37,039 control subjects.

RESULTS

In the combined studies, odds ratios in those with transferrin saturation ≥50% vs. <50% were 2.1 (95% CI 1.3–3.4; P = 0.003) for any form of diabetes; 2.6 (1.2–5.6; P = 0.01) for type 1 diabetes; and 1.7 (1.4–2.1; P = 0.001) for type 2 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated transferrin saturation confers a two- to threefold increased risk of developing any form of diabetes, as well as type 1 and type 2 diabetes separately.
Effect of Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D on Risk for Type 2 Diabetes May Be Partially Mediated by Subclinical Inflammation
Authors: Thorand Barbara , Zierer Astrid , Huth Cornelia , Linseisen Jakob , Meisinger Christa , Roden Michael , Peters Annette , Koenig Wolfgang , Herder Christian
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) and incident type 2 diabetes and to determine whether the association is mediated by subclinical inflammation.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Using a case-cohort design, baseline levels of 25-OHD were measured in 416 case subjects with incident type 2 diabetes and 1,267 noncase subjects selected from a source population of 7,936 middle-aged participants in the population-based Monitoring of Trends and Determinants in Cardiovascular Disease (MONICA)/Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg (KORA) study.

RESULTS

A significant inverse association was observed between serum 25-OHD and incident type 2 diabetes after adjustment for diabetes risk factors and season. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI comparing tertile extremes was 0.63 (0.44–0.90) (Ptrend = 0.010). Further adjustment for C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and interferon-γ–inducible protein-10 attenuated this association by 16% (HR 0.73 [0.50–1.05], P = 0.090).

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin D status is inversely related to type 2 diabetes risk and our data suggest that this association may be partially mediated by subclinical inflammation.
On Galois cohomology and realizability of 2-groups as Galois groups II
Authors: Michailov Ivo
Published: August 2011

In [Michailov I.M., On Galois cohomology and realizability of 2-groups as Galois groups, Cent. Eur. J. Math., 2011, 9(2), 403–419] we calculated the obstructions to the realizability as Galois groups of 14 non-abelian groups of order 2n, n ≥ 4, having a cyclic subgroup of order 2n−2, over fields containing a primitive 2n−3th root of unity. In the present paper we obtain necessary and sufficient conditions for the realizability of the remaining 8 groups that are not direct products of smaller groups.
Retroperitoneal hematoma — a rare complication after cervical conization because of cervicoisthmic arteriovenous malformation: a case report
Authors: Habek Dubravko , Turudić Tatjana
Published: August 2011

A rare case is presented concerning retroperitoneal hemorrhage in a 28-year-old patient after a cold knife conization and cervical suture reconstruction. Arteriovenous cervicoisthmic malformation is a risk factor that was identified in a hysterectomy sample.
Pseudocyesis as a cause of abdomen enlargement in a female adolescent
Authors: Škrabić Veselin , Vlastelica Željka , Vučinović Zoran
Published: August 2011

Pseudocyesis is a rare condition in the pediatric population characterized by all signs and symptoms of pregnancy except the existence of a fetus [1]. In some patients it is associated with organic etiology, in others with mental disorders, also occurs in those without disorders in their medical history. Pseudocyesis occurs in both sexes, but more frequently in women. An effective treatment is a combination of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy with antidepressants and antipsychotics [2]. We present a 15,9-year old girl with pseudocyesis as a cause of abdomen enlargement, who comes from an ordinary family with a negative history of psychiatric illness. The organic etiology of her condition was excluded, and therefore she was treated with antidepressants which contributed to the resolution of her case.
Dynamic simulations of waste water treatment plant operation
Authors: Derco Ján , Černochová Lenka , Krcho Ľubomír , Lalai Antonio
Published: August 2011

Activated Sludge Model No. 1 (ASM1) was used to model the biological stage of an actual waste water treatment plant (WWTP). Some possibilities for the utilisation of simulation programs for WWTP operation are presented. Simulation calculations were performed taking the conditions of WWTP in Nové Zámky, the Slovak Republic, into consideration, where measurements of the diurnal variations in waste water flow and composition at the inlet and outlet were carried out. A calibrated model predicting the influence of changes in the waste water composition and the operational parameters on the effluent waste water quality and related operational costs is available. Values of the operational parameters (solids retention time, internal recirculation flow, dissolved oxygen concentration) for effective operation (effluent concentration values, oxygen consumption, charges, i.e. charges for waste water discharge into the recipient water body) of the WWTP were obtained by simulations. The presented results are for illustration purposes only and are not intended as instructions for the operation of a waste water treatment plant. They correspond to the calibrated mathematical model ASM 1 based on the results of experimental measurements and operational data, as well as on the technical and monitoring level of the WWTP.
A simple and efficient one-pot synthesis of Hantzsch 1,4-dihydropyridines using silica sulphuric acid as a heterogeneous and reusable catalyst under solvent-free conditions
Authors: Kolvari Eskandar , Zolfigol Mohammad , Koukabi Nadiya , Shirmardi-Shaghasemi Behzad
Published: August 2011

A simple, inexpensive and efficient one-pot synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridine derivatives under solvent-free conditions using silica sulphuric acid (SSA) as a heterogeneous and recyclable catalyst is reported.
Influence of recycling and temperature on the swelling ability of paper
Authors: Letková Erika , Letko Michal , Vrška Milan
Published: August 2011

Hornification is the loss of fiber wall swelling which is detrimental to subsequent recycling resulting from drying. It is known that dried fibers lose their conformability and swelling capacity. The effect of recycling treatment on the swelling ability of hardwood bleached kraft pulp fibers was determined. Modelling paper recycling, sheets were recycled using heat treatment (23°C, 60°C, 100°C). The results were compared with those for natural fibers from bleached kraft pulp. Swelling kinetics of sheets was measured by a modified method monitoring interactions of pulp with water. Swelling ability decreased during the recycling in comparison with never-recycled pulp at all temperatures. Recycling of sheets caused only small changes in the cupri-ethylene-diamine viscosity, however, the water retention value decreased considerably.
Age and sedimentological features of fluvial series in the Toruń Basin and the Drwęca Valley (Poland)
Authors: Weckwerth Piotr , Przegiętka Krzysztof , Chruścińska Alicja , Woronko Barbara , Oczkowski Hubert
Published: August 2011

The deposits of the Toruń Basin are dominated by a few-metre thick sand series which fill up buried valley-like depressions. In many cases they underlie the Weichselian till which builds up the ice marginal streamway (pradolina) terraces or they are exposed at the basin slopes. As the results of the geological and sedimentological studies, as well as of the dating of the deposits at the sites in the Toruń Basin indicate, the deposits include two fluvial series accumulated before the advancement of the Leszno Phase ice sheet, i.e. in Middle Weichselian and at the beginning of Late Weichselian. The oldest fluvial series connected with the Saalian Glaciation was found at the mouth section of the Drwęca Valley. The fluvial system of the Toruń Basin during Middle Weichselian and at the beginning of Late Weichselian developed in two phases of the sand-bed braided river. During the first one the river channel were dominated by large mid-riverbed sandbars, while during the second phase the water flow was smaller and, as a result, low transverse sandbars and two-dimensional dunes developed. Other active river channel also showed low-energy flows, more intensive meandering than in the case of the braided rivers, as well as sandy side-bars. Analysis of the rounding and frosting of the quartz grains indicate that the studied series of the Weichselian sandy deposits represent alluvia of a river which were fed from two diverse sources. The first one might have represented the alluvia of a warm river which transformed its load, while the other one might have mainly carried the underlying Quaternary deposits.
Calculation and Measurement of Coil Inductance Profile in Tubular Linear Reluctance Motor and its Validation by Three Dimensional FEM
Authors: Mosallanejad Ali , Shoulaie Abbas
Published: August 2011

Calculation and Measurement of Coil Inductance Profile in Tubular Linear Reluctance Motor and its Validation by Three Dimensional FEM

This paper reports a study of coil inductance profile in all positions of plunger in tubular linear reluctance motors (TLRMs) with open type magnetic circuits. In this paper, maximum inductance calculation methods in winding of tubular linear reluctance motors are described based on energy method. Furthermore, in order to calculate the maximum inductance, equivalent permeability is measured. Electromagnetic finite-element analysis for simulation and calculation of coil inductance in this motor is used. Simulation results of coil inductance calculation using 3-D FEM with coil current excitation is compared to theoretical and experimental results. The comparison yields a good agreement.
New Investment: An Exploratory Case Study of Three Mature Edinburgh Festivals and Their Future Funding Opportunities
Authors: Lin Kuan-Wen , Stein Patrick , Goldblatt Joe
Published: August 2011

This article examines how festival holding organizations (FHOs) may identify emerging sources of alternative financing from banks, venture capitalists, and venture philanthropic organizations. The research includes both quantitative analysis of 10 years of economic data from festivals
in Edinburgh, Scotland and qualitative interviews with a leader in both the banking and cultural community. The research concludes that there is a growing need for FHOs to identify new sources of funding beyond that historically provided by the public sector or earned income such as ticket
sales and that a combination of banks, venture capital firms, and venture philanthropic organizations may provide valuable alternative funding sources in the future.
Predicting the Sound Transmission Loss of Honeycomb Panels using the Wave Propagation Approach
Authors: Kumar Sathish , Feng Leping , Orrenius Ulf
Published: August 2011

The sound transmission properties of sandwich panels can be predicted with sufficient degree of accuracy by calculating the wave propagation properties of the structure. This method works well for sandwich panels with isotropic cores but applications to panels with anisotropic cores
are hard to find. Honeycomb is an example of anisotropic material which when used as a core, results in a sandwich panel with anisotropic properties. In this paper, honeycomb panels are treated as being orthotropic and the wavenumbers are calculated for the two principle directions. These
calculated wavenumbers are validated with the measured wavenumbers estimated from the resonance frequencies of freely hanging honeycomb beams. A combination of wave propagation and standard orthotropic plate theory is used to predict the sound transmission loss of honeycomb panels. These predictions
are validated through sound transmission measurements. Passive damping treatment is a common way to reduce structural vibration and sound radiation, but they often have little effect on sound transmission. Visco-elastic damping with a constraining layer is applied to two honeycomb panels with
standard and enhanced fluid coupling properties. This enhanced fluid coupling in one of the test panels is due to an extended coincidence range observed from the dispersion curves. The influence of damping treatments on the sound transmission loss of these panels is investigated. Results show
that, after the damping treatment, the sound transmission loss of an acoustically bad panel and a normal panel are very similar.
Towards Traffic Situation Noise Emission Models
Authors: Can A. , Botteldooren D.
Published: August 2011

This article proposes a methodology to account for vehicle kinematics in a fast and efficient way when using single vehicle noise emission models such as the Harmonoise/Imagine, Nord2000 or NMPB. A model is built, which mimics the traffic situation emission models developed in the field
of airborne pollutants research. The model aggregates the sound power emitted over driving cycles which are statistically representative of real-world driving conditions. Four different driving conditions are included in the cycles, ranging from free-flowing to stop-and-go traffic conditions.
The sound power levels estimated with this new approach are significantly different from the ones estimated with the mean speed approach recommended by the noise mapping guidelines, especially when traffic is congested, suggesting that the method could prove relevant for improving noise map
accuracy, in particular in urban context.
Cutting Edge: Accelerated Autoimmune Diabetes in the Absence of LAG-3
Authors: Bettini Maria , Szymczak-Workman Andrea L. , Forbes Karen , Castellaw Ashley H. , Selby Mark , Pan Xiaoyu , Drake Charles G. , Korman Alan J. , Vignali Dario A. A.
Published: August 2011

Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3; CD223) is a CD4 homolog that is required for maximal regulatory T cell function and for the control of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell homeostasis. Lag3−/− NOD mice developed substantially accelerated diabetes with 100% incidence. Adoptive transfer experiments revealed that LAG-3 was primarily responsible for limiting the pathogenic potential of CD4+ T cells and, to a lesser extent, CD8+ T cells. Lag3−/− mice exhibited accelerated, invasive insulitis, corresponding to increased CD4+ and CD8+ T cell islet infiltration and intraislet proliferation. The frequencies of islet Ag-reactive chromogranin A-specific CD4+ T cells and islet specific glucose-6-phosphatase-specific CD8+ T cells were significantly increased in the islets of Lag3−/− mice, suggesting an early expansion of pathogenic clones that is normally restrained by LAG-3. We conclude that LAG-3 is necessary for regulating CD4+ and CD8+ T cell function during autoimmune diabetes, and thus may contribute to limiting autoimmunity in disease-prone environments.
ORAI1 Deficiency Impairs Activated T Cell Death and Enhances T Cell Survival
Authors: Kim Kyun-Do , Srikanth Sonal , Yee Ma-Khin Win , Mock Dennis C. , Lawson Gregory W. , Gwack Yousang
Published: August 2011

ORAI1 is a pore subunit of Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ channels that mediate TCR stimulation-induced Ca2+ entry. A point mutation in ORAI1 (ORAI1R91W) causes SCID in human patients that is recapitulated in Orai1−/− mice, emphasizing its important role in the immune cells. In this study, we have characterized a novel function of ORAI1 in T cell death. CD4+ T cells from Orai1−/− mice showed robust proliferation with repetitive stimulations and strong resistance to stimulation-induced cell death due to reduced mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and altered gene expression of proapoptotic and antiapoptotic molecules (e.g., Fas ligand, Noxa, and Mcl-1). Nuclear accumulation of NFAT was severely reduced in ORAI1-deficient T cells, and expression of ORAI1 and a constitutively active mutant of NFAT recovered cell death. These results indicate NFAT-mediated cell death pathway as one of the major downstream targets of ORAI1-induced Ca2+ entry. By expressing various mutants of ORAI1 in wild-type and Orai1−/− T cells to generate different levels of intracellular Ca2+, we have shown that activation-induced cell death is directly proportional to the intracellular Ca2+ concentration levels. Consistent with the in vitro results, Orai1−/− mice showed strong resistance to T cell depletion induced by injection of anti-CD3 Ab. Furthermore, ORAI1-deficient T cells showed enhanced survival after adoptive transfer into immunocompromised hosts. Thus, our results demonstrate a crucial role of the ORAI1–NFAT pathway in T cell death and highlight the important role of ORAI1 as a major route of Ca2+ entry during activated T cell death.
An Acquired Defect in IgG-Dependent Phagocytosis Explains the Impairment in Antibody-Mediated Cellular Depletion in Lupus
Authors: Ahuja Anupama , Teichmann Lino L. , Wang Haowei , Dunn Robert , Kehry Marilyn R. , Shlomchik Mark J.
Published: August 2011

B cells play important roles in autoimmune diseases ranging from multiple sclerosis to rheumatoid arthritis. B cells have also long been considered central players in systemic lupus erythematosus. However, anti-CD20–mediated B cell depletion was not effective in two clinical lupus studies, whereas anti-B lymphocyte stimulator, which inhibits B cell survival, was effective. Others and we previously found that anti-CD20–based depletion was surprisingly ineffective in tissues of lupus-prone mice, but that persistent high doses eventually led to depletion and ameliorated lupus. Lupus patients might also have incomplete depletion, as suggested in several studies, and which could have led to therapeutic failure. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of resistance to Ab-mediated cellular depletion in murine lupus. B cells from lupus-prone mice were easily depleted when transferred into normal environments or in lupus-prone mice that lacked serum Ig. Serum from lupus-prone mice transferred depletion resistance, with the active component being IgG. Because depletion is FcγR-dependent, we assayed macrophages and neutrophils exposed to lupus mouse serum, showing that they are impaired in IgG-mediated phagocytosis. We conclude that depletion resistance is an acquired, reversible phagocytic defect depending on exposure to lupus serum IgG. These results have implications for optimizing and monitoring cellular depletion therapy.
Comparison of Gene Expression in Human Embryonic Stem Cells, hESC-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Barbet Romain , Peiffer Isabelle , Hatzfeld Antoinette , Charbord Pierre , Hatzfeld Jacques A.
Published: August 2011

We present a strategy to identify developmental/differentiation and plasma membrane marker genes of the most primitive human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSCs). Using sensitive and quantitative TaqMan Low Density Arrays (TLDA) methodology, we compared the expression of 381 genes in human Embryonic Stem Cells (hESCs), hESC-derived MSCs (hES-MSCs), and hMSCs. Analysis of differentiation genes indicated that hES-MSCs express the sarcomeric muscle lineage in addition to the classical mesenchymal lineages, suggesting they are more primitive than hMSCs. Transcript analysis of membrane antigens suggests thatIL1R1low,BMPR1Blow,FLT4low,LRRC32low, and CD34 may be good candidates for the detection and isolation of the most primitive hMSCs. The expression in hMSCs of cytokine genes, such as IL6, IL8, or FLT3LG, without expression of the corresponding receptor, suggests a role for these cytokines in the paracrine control of stem cell niches. Our database may be shared with other laboratories in order to explore the considerable clinical potential of hES-MSCs, which appear to represent an intermediate developmental stage between hESCs and hMSCs.
Cost-Effective Production and Optimization of Alkaline Xylanase by Indigenous Bacillus mojavensis AG137 Fermented on Agricultural Waste
Authors: Akhavan Sepahy Abbas , Ghazi Shokoofeh , Akhavan Sepahy Maryam
Published: August 2011

A xylanase producer Bacillus mojavensis strain, called AG137, isolated from cotton farm (Kashan-Iran). The optimal xylanase activity reached at 55∘C & pH 9.0. Enzyme yield was studied using a medium with different agricultural wastes as inducers. Xylanase production of about 249.308 IU/mL was achieved at pH 8 and 37∘C, within 48 h submerged fermentation in enzyme production medium supplemented with 2% (w/v) oat bran as an optimum carbon source. A mixture of 1% (w/v) yeast extract and 1% (w/v) tryptone as optimum nitrogen sources, agitation speed 200 rpm, and inoculum size 2% (v/v) were the optimums for maximum production. Accordingly, xylanase yield from 194.68 IU/mL under non-optimized fermentation condition enhanced to 302.466 IU/mL in optimized condition. Screened xylanase is thermostable, presenting 70% stability at 60∘C during 30 min. Further enzyme incubation in higher temperature caused a decrease in the residual enzyme activity, yet it retained 68%–50% of its activity after 1 hour from 45∘C to 55∘C. Besides, it is stable in pH 9 and 10, maintaining over 70% of its activity for 2 h. The enzyme also could preserve 71% and 63% of its initial activity after 3 hours of pre-incubation in the same alkaline condition. Produced xylanase therefore was introduced as an alkaline-active and stable one, displaying suitable thermostability feature, confirmed by HPLC analysis. Hence, all xylanase properties highlight its promising uses in industrial scale.
MAD Saturated Families and SANE Player
Authors: Shelah Saharon
Published: August 2011

We throw some light on the question: is there a MAD family (a maximal family of infinite subsets of ℕ, the intersection of any two is finite) that is saturated (=completely separable i.e., any X ⊆ ℕ is included in a finite union of members of the family or includes a member (and even continuum many members) of the family). We prove that it is hard to prove the consistency of the negation:

(i) if 2ℵ0 < ℵω, then there is such a family;

(ii) if there is no such family, then some situation related to pcf holds whose consistency is large (and if a* > ℵ1 even unknown);

(iii) if, e.g., there is no inner model with measurables, then there is such a family.
Gosset Polytopes in Picard Groups of del Pezzo Surfaces
Authors: Lee Jae-Hyouk
Published: August 2011

In this article, we study the correspondence between the geometry of del Pezzo surfaces Sr and the geometry of the r-dimensional Gosset polytopes (r − 4)21. We construct Gosset polytopes (r −4)21 in Pic Sr ꕕ ℚ whose vertices are lines, and we identify divisor classes in Pic Sr corresponding to (a − 1)-simplexes (a ≤ r), (r − 1)-simplexes and (r − 1)-crosspolytopes of the polytope (r − 4)21. Then we explain how these classes correspond to skew a-lines(a ≤ r), exceptional systems, and rulings, respectively.

As an application, we work on the monoidal transform for lines to study the local geometry of the polytope (r−4)21. And we show that the Gieser transformation and the Bertini transformation induce a symmetry of polytopes 321 and 421, respectively.
Bounce behavior of freshly nucleated biogenic secondary organic aerosol particles
Authors: Virtanen A. , Kannosto J. , Kuuluvainen H. , Arffman A. , Joutsensaari J. , Saukko E. , Hao L. , Yli-Pirilä P. , Tiitta P. , Holopainen J. K. , Keskinen J. , Worsnop D. R. , Smith J. N. , Laaksonen A.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. The assessment of the climatic impacts and adverse health effects of atmospheric aerosol particles requires detailed information on particle properties. However, very limited information is available on the morphology and phase state of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) particles. The physical state of particles greatly affects particulate-phase chemical reactions, and thus the growth rates of newly formed atmospheric aerosol. Thus verifying the physical phase state of SOA particles gives new and important insight into their formation, subsequent growth, and consequently potential atmospheric impacts. According to our recent study, biogenic SOA particles produced in laboratory chambers from the oxidation of real plant emissions as well as in ambient boreal forest atmospheres can exist in a solid phase in size range >30 nm. In this paper, we extend previously published results to diameters in the range of 17–30 nm. The physical phase of the particles is studied by investigating particle bounce properties utilizing electrical low pressure impactor (ELPI). We also investigate the effect of estimates of particle density on the interpretation of our bounce observations. According to the results presented in this paper, particle bounce clearly decreases with decreasing particle size in sub 30 nm size range. The comparison measurements by ammonium sulphate and investigation of the particle impaction velocities strongly suggest that the decreasing bounce is caused by the differences in composition and phase of large (diameters greater than 30 nm) and smaller (diameters between 17 and 30 nm) particles.
Combining Bayesian methods and aircraft observations to constrain the HO. + NO2 reaction rate
Authors: Henderson B. H. , Pinder R. W. , Crooks J. , Cohen R. C. , Carlton A. G. , Pye H. O. T. , Vizuete W.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. Tropospheric ozone is the third strongest greenhouse gas, and has the highest uncertainty in radiative forcing of the top five greenhouse gases. Throughout the troposphere, ozone is produced by radical oxidation of nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO + NO2). In the upper troposphere (8–10 km), current chemical transport models under-estimate nitrogen dioxide (NO2) observations. Improvements to simulated NOx emissions from lightning have increased NO2 predictions, but the predictions in the upper troposphere remain biased low. The upper troposphere has low temperatures (T < 250 K) that increase the uncertainty of many important chemical reaction rates. This study constrains uncertain reaction rates by combining model predictions with measurements from the Intercontinental Chemical Transport Experiment-North America observational campaign. The results show that the nitric acid formation rate, which is the dominant sink of NO2 and radicals, is currently over-estimated by 22 % in the upper troposphere. The results from this study suggest that the temperature sensitivity of nitric acid formation is lower than currently recommended. Since the formation of nitric acid removes nitrogen dioxide and radicals that drive the production of ozone, the revised reaction rate will affect ozone concentrations in upper troposphere impacting climate and air quality in the lower troposphere.
ADLIF: a new large-displacement beam-based flexure joint
Authors: Pei X. , Yu J.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. A flexure joint is an important component in flexure mechanisms. Most of well known flexure joints have always a trade-off among such performances as precision, stiffness, and stroke, which heavily affect the overall performances of flexure mechanisms. In this paper, a new flexure joint, named an anti-symmetric double leaf-type isosceles-trapezoidal flexure joint (ADLIF), is introduced. The joint is constructed by two leaf-type isosceles-trapezoidal flexure (LITF) building blocks in an anti-symmetrical form. In order to investigate such characteristics as precision, stiffness and stroke, two ADLIFs with different structural parameters are compared with a cartwheel hinge. In addition, a simple and accurate pseudo-rigid body (PRB) joint model of the ADLIF is formulated to simplify the parametric model and achieve the structural optimization. The results show that the ADLIF can gain a great improvement in precision as well as maintain other characteristics such as stiffness and ranges of motion similar. Even the ADLIF gets more than 16 times improvement in precision in the case that the rotational angle is less than five degrees (5°). The ADLIF can thus be used for the replacement of the cartwheel joint in some precision application fields.
The dehydration kinetics, physical properties and nutritional content of banana textured by instantaneous controlled pressure drop
Authors: Setyopratomo Puguh , Fatmawati Akbarningrum , Sutrisna Putu Doddy , Savitri Emma , Allaf Karim
Published: August 2011

Texturing by instantaneous controlled pressure drop is used to modify texture of banana slices, which was aimed to improve properties of banana flour. Texturing step is inserted between initial and final hot air drying steps. The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of the texturing on the dehydration kinetic, physical properties and nutritional characteristic of banana. Some impacts of the texturing have been identified. The results of this work showed that the texturing increased the effective moisture diffusivity and the water holding capacity, but reduced the oil holding capacity of banana. This work also showed that the banana texturing inhibited the transformation of banana starch to reduction of sugar that might be attributable to enzyme deactivation during the texturing process. © 2011 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coagulation–flocculation of colloidal suspensions of kaolinite, bentonite, and alumina by chitosan sulfate
Authors: Rios‐Donato Nely , Navarro Ricardo , Avila‐Rodriguez Mario , Mendizábal Eduardo
Published: August 2011

This article reports on the removal of colloidal suspensions of kaolinite, bentonite, and alumina using chitosan sulfate (ChS). ChS was synthesized by partial introduction of sulfate groups in the chitosan (Ch) structure. The polyampholyte (chitosan sulfate) shows variable charge depending on the pH of the solution. ChS was characterized by FTIR, 13C‐NMR, elemental analysis, and potentiometric titrations. The ChS coagulation–flocculation capacity for kaolinite, bentonite, and alumina aqueous suspensions was systematically studied. The coagulation–flocculation process was carried out at various pH values and ChS concentrations. The pH range in which the largest ChS removal capacity was observed depended on particle type (4.5–5.5 for kaolinite, 4.5–7.0 for bentonite, and 7.0–8.0 for alumina). The removal of colloidal particles is explained by charge neutralization due to electrostatic interactions between ChS and particles and particle entrapping when the polyelectrolyte precipitates. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Effect of bark flour on melt rheological behavior of high density polyethylene
Authors: Sewda Kamini , Maiti S. N.
Published: August 2011

The melt rheological behavior of neem bark flour (BF) filled high density polyethylene (HDPE) has been studied at varying volume fraction (ϕf) from 0 to 0.26 at 180, 190, and 200°C in the shear rate range from 100 to 5000 s−1 using extruded pellets of the composites. The melt viscosity of HDPE increases with ϕf because the BF particles obstruct the flow of HDPE. With the incorporation of the coupling agent HDPE‐g‐MAH, the viscosity decreased compared to the corresponding compositions in the HDPE/BF systems due to a plasticizing/lubricating effect by HDPE‐g‐MAH. The composites obeyed power law behavior in the melt flow. The power law index decreases with increase in the filler content and increases with temperature for the corresponding systems while the consistency index showed the opposite trend. The activation energy for viscous flow exhibited inappreciable change with either ϕf or inclusion of the coupling agent, however, the pre‐exponential factor increased with filler concentration. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Synthesis of functionalizable and biodegradable polymers via ring‐opening polymerization of 5‐benzyloxy‐trimethylene carbonate and ε‐caprolactone
Authors: Lai Kui‐Lin , Ji Li‐Jie , Long Chun‐Yan , Li Li , He Bin , Wu Yao , Gu Zhong‐Wei
Published: August 2011

The biomedical applications of poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) were limited for its high hydrophobicity and crystallinity. In this study, we copolymerized CL with amorphous 5‐hydroxyl‐trimethylene carbonate (HTMC) to solve the problem. The 5‐benzyloxy‐trimethylene carbonate (BTMC) was synthesized to copolymerize with CL, then hydrogenolyzed to obtain hydroxyl pendant groups. A serial of copolymers with different BTMC molar ratio were synthesized and their chemical structures and thermal properties were thoroughly studied with NMR, FT‐IR, GPC, XRD, DSC, and TGA. Finally we examined the water contact angle of the copolymers. DSC and XRD results showed that the PCL segments in the copolymers crystallized below 16.8%. BTMC molar content and the crystallinity of the copolymers increased after hydrolysis. With the introduced hydroxyl pendant groups, the deprotected copolymers improved their hydrophilic property significantly, and the copolymer with 9.3% HTMC molar content had static water contact angle as low as 36.5°. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Surface modification of vulcanized rubber by radiation grafting, part 2: Improvement in performance of wiper rubber
Authors: Mizote N. , Katakai A. , Tamada M.
Published: August 2011

Surface of natural rubber was modified by radiation‐induced grafting of hydrophilic monomer, 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), to improve the properties of surface hardness, dry friction, wiping performance, and wear duration. The ratio of grafted‐HEMA to the rubber near the surface layer of HEMA‐grafted rubber was analyzed by FT‐IR and expressed as composition ratio. The composition ratio was controlled from 0.29 to 0.93 by changing HEMA concentration and dose in graft polymerization. When this composition ratio was higher than 0.8, the surface hardness was higher than 70 and the coefficient of dry friction lower than 0.65. Those values became better than those of commercially available chlorinated‐rubber in terms of wear and friction against glass. The surface hardness in wet state became very close to natural rubber since grafted‐HEMA was softened by contacting with water. As a result, the grafted‐HEMA rubber realized 95% and higher wiping performance of water on glass. Additionally, the wear resistance was eight times higher than chlorinated rubber. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Engineering lysine‐rich caleosins as carrier proteins to render biotin as a hapten on artificial oil bodies for antibody production
Authors: Liu Ting‐Hang , Chyan Chia‐Lin , Li Feng‐Yin , Chen Ying‐Jie , Tzen Jason T. C.
Published: August 2011

It has been demonstrated that caleosin alone is sufficient to stabilize artificial oil bodies. A series of recombinant caleosins, mutated with 3, 5, 8, 11, 13, 15, and 17 extra Lys residues and over‐expressed in Escherichia coli, were used as carrier proteins to render biotin as a hapten on the surface of artificial oil bodies for antibody production. Biotinylation levels of the recombinant caleosins were step‐wisely elevated as the number of extra Lys residues increased, and the biotinylated Lys residues were identified by mass spectrometric analysis. Polyclonal antibodies against biotin were successfully generated in rats injected with artificial oil bodies constituted with each of the biotinylated caleosins. Moreover, those generated via the biotinylated caleosins with eight or more extra Lys residues no longer recognized caleosin. It appears that engineered Lys‐rich caleosins are suitable carrier proteins for the production of antibodies against small molecules. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011
Rat lymphocytes express NMDA receptors that take part in regulation of cytokine production
Authors: Vladychenskaya Elizaveta , Tyulina Olga , Urano Shiro , Boldyrev Alexander
Published: August 2011

Incubation of rat lymphocytes with homocysteine (HC) or homocysteic acid (HCA) was found to increase the stationary levels of free radicals in lymphocytes, the effect of both ligands being mediated by ionotropic receptors activated by N‐methyl‐D‐aspactic acid (NMDA), the expression of which on rat lymphocyte membranes was earlier demonstrated. In agreement with these data, increase of free radicals in the lymphocyte cytoplasm is preceded by an increase in the intracellular calcium levels, activation of protein kinase C, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase and/or nitric oxide synthase. Both HC and HCA increase the production of IFN‐γ and TNF‐α by lymphocytes and antagonist of NMDA receptors; MK‐801 prevents this effect. The data presented show that rat lymphocyte membrane contains functionally active NMDA receptors, which regulate cytokine accumulation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reproductive changes in American kestrels (Falco sparverius) in relation to exposure to technical hexabromocyclododecane flame retardant
Authors: Fernie Kim J , Marteinson Sarah C , Bird David M , Ritchie Ian J , Letcher Robert J
Published: August 2011

Recently, the ban of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), a high-production-volume flame retardant, was announced in Europe and North America. However, the effects of HCBD remain understudied in birds. The objectives of the present comparative effects study were to determine whether exposure to an HBCD technical mixture (HBCD-TM) altered avian reproductive measures at an environmentally relevant concentration. American kestrels were exposed daily by food to HBCD-TM, i.e., 0.51 µg HBCD/g kestrel/d; exposed kestrels laid eggs that had α-HBCD concentrations (163.5 ± 75.1 ng/g wet wt) tenfold greater than β- and γ-HBCD isomers, an isomer profile and concentrations similar to those of eggs of wild peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus). Concentrations of HBCD were not detected in the control kestrel eggs. In comparison with controls, the kestrels exposed to HBCD began to lay their eggs 6 d earlier and laid larger clutches of smaller eggs. The size of the eggs was inversely correlated with the in ovo α-HBCD concentrations. The smaller eggs of the HBCD exposed kestrels also lost more weight by midincubation, suggesting increased eggshell porosity since eggshell thickness was comparable. Generally birds that lay more eggs and lay earlier in the breeding season gain the advantage of better hatching and fledging success, yet the kestrels exposed to HBCD failed to have better reproductive success than the control birds. These reproductive changes were a function of HBCD exposure, likely through changes in food consumption, with possible impacts on, for example, reproductive behavior and/or alterations in thyroid hormones. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:2570–2575. © 2011 SETAC
Platelet‐derived growth factor‐responsive neural precursors give rise to myelinating oligodendrocytes after transplantation into the spinal cords of contused rats and dysmyelinated mice
Authors: Plemel Jason R. , Chojnacki Andrew , Sparling Joseph S. , Liu Jie , Plunet Ward , Duncan Greg J. , Park So Eyun , Weiss Samuel , Tetzlaff Wolfram
Published: August 2011

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in substantial oligodendrocyte death and subsequent demyelination leading to white‐matter defects. Cell replacement strategies to promote remyelination are under intense investigation; however, the optimal cell for transplantation remains to be determined. We previously isolated a platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐responsive neural precursor (PRP) from the ventral forebrain of fetal mice that primarily generates oligodendrocytes, but also astrocytes and neurons. Importantly, human PRPs were found to possess a greater capacity for oligodendrogenesis than human epidermal growth factor‐ and/or fibroblast growth factor‐responsive neural stem cells. Therefore, we tested the potential of PRPs isolated from green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐expressing transgenic mice to remyelinate axons in the injured rat spinal cord. PRPs were transplanted 1 week after a moderate thoracic (T9) spinal cord contusion in adult male rats. After initial losses, PRP numbers remained stable from 2 weeks posttransplantation onward and those surviving cells integrated into host tissue. Approximately one‐third of the surviving cells developed the typical branched phenotype of mature oligodendrocytes, expressing the marker APC‐CC1. The close association of GFP cells with myelin basic protein as well as with Kv1.2 and Caspr in the paranodal and juxtaparanodal regions of nodes of Ranvier indicated that the transplanted cells successfully formed mature myelin sheaths. Transplantation of PRPs into dysmyelinated Shiverer mice confirmed the ability of PRP‐derived cells to produce compact myelin sheaths with normal periodicity. These findings indicate that PRPs are a novel candidate for CNS myelin repair, although PRP‐derived myelinating oligodendrocytes were insufficient to produce behavioral improvements in our model of SCI. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Regulation of anti‐apoptotic BCL2‐proteins by non‐canonical interactions: The next step forward or two steps back?
Authors: Beverly Levi J.
Published: August 2011

All aspects of cellular biology affect the process of regulated cell death, or apoptosis, and disruption of this process is a causative event in many diseases. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of all pathways that regulate apoptosis would increase our knowledge of basic cellular functions, as well as the etiologies of many diseases. In turn, we may be able to use this knowledge to better treat patients with diseases, including cancer. Although the basic signaling pathway that regulates apoptosis has been known for over 10 years, we still have much to learn about the upstream signaling components that can directly regulate the core apoptosis machinery. The focus of this review will be to direct attention to non‐canonical regulators of the BCL2‐family of proteins, especially our void of understanding of such interactions, and the controversy that surrounds some such interactions. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 3–12, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.