bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developmental regulation of hemoglobin synthesis in the green anole lizard Anolis carolinensis
Authors: Storz Jay F. , Hoffmann Federico G. , Opazo Juan C. , Sanger Thomas J. , Moriyama Hideaki
Published: January 2011

Tetrapod vertebrates possess multiple α- and β-like globin genes that are ontogenetically regulated, such that functionally distinct hemoglobin (Hb) isoforms are synthesized during different stages of development. The α- and β-like globin genes of amphibians, birds and mammals are differentially expressed during embryonic development and postnatal life, but little is known about the developmental regulation of globin gene expression in non-avian reptiles. Here we report an investigation into the developmental regulation of Hb synthesis in the green anole lizard Anolis carolinensis. We tested two hypotheses derived from comparative genomic studies of the globin gene clusters in tetrapod vertebrates. First, we tested whether the product of the Anolis αD-globin gene is incorporated into embryonic Hb, thereby performing the role that would normally be performed by the embyronic αE-globin gene (which has been deleted from the green anole genome). Second, we tested whether two ‘lizard-specific’ β-globin paralogs have independently evolved a division of labor between an early-expressed embryonic gene and a later-expressed adult gene. Results of a proteomic analysis revealed that α- and β-like globin genes of the anole are differentially expressed during embryonic development. However, the same repertoire of α- and β-chain Hb isoforms was expressed during all stages of development and postnatal life, and the ontogenetic shifts in isoform composition were relatively subtle. In contrast to the pattern that has been documented in other tetrapod vertebrates, it appears that the developmental regulation of Hb synthesis in the green anole lizard does not involve discrete, stage-specific switches in gene activation and gene silencing.
Amblyomma americanum (L.) (Acari: Ixodidae) tick salivary gland serine protease inhibitor (serpin) 6 is secreted into tick saliva during tick feeding
Authors: Chalaire Katelyn Cox , Kim Tae Kwon , Garcia-Rodriguez Heidy , Mulenga Albert
Published: January 2011

In order to successfully feed and transmit disease agents, ticks are thought to inject serine protease inhibitors (serpins) into the host to modulate host defense responses to tick feeding, such as inflammation, the complement activation pathway and blood coagulation. In this study, we show that Amblyomma americanum (Aam) serpin (S) 6 is putatively injected into the host during tick feeding, in that the antibody to recombinant (r) AamS6 specifically reacted with the expected ∼43/45 kDa AamS6 protein band on western blots of pilocarpine-induced tick saliva. Additionally, antibodies to tick saliva proteins that were generated by repeated 48 h infestations of rabbits with adult A. americanum specifically reacted with rAamS6. We speculate that AamS6 is associated with regulating events at the start of the tick feeding process, as temporal and spatial RT-PCR and western blot analyses revealed that both AamS6 mRNA and protein are strongly expressed during the first 24–72 h of feeding time before starting to fade from 96 h. The AamS6 protein has an apparently slow turnover rate in that, although the injection of AamS6 dsRNA into unfed ticks triggered complete disruption of the AamS6 mRNA by the 48 h feeding time point, western blot analysis of protein extracts of the same animals showed that the AamS6 protein that may have been expressed prior to disruption of the AamS6 mRNA was not depleted. We speculate that the presence of the AamS6 protein in ticks despite the complete disruption of the AamS6 mRNA explains the observation that RNAi-mediated silencing of the AamS6 mRNA did not affect the ability of A. americanum ticks to attach onto host skin, successfully feed and lay eggs. These findings are discussed in regards to advances in the molecular biology of ticks.
Synthesis of Tripodal-anchor Units Having Pyridine or Amine Functional Groups and Their Adsorption Behavior on Metal Electrodes
Authors: Hirose Tomoya , Ie Yutaka , Aso Yoshio
Published: January 2011

Synthesis of new tripodal-anchor units composed of a tetraphenylmethane core with pyridine or amine as anchoring functional groups has been successfully accomplished. Cyclic voltammetry measurements of their monolayers on metal electrodes revealed the estimated surface coverage and robust adsorption of three-armed structures on the surface.
Production of p-Aminosalicylic Acid through Enzymatic Kolbe–Schmitt Reaction Catalyzed by Reversible Salicylic Acid Decarboxylase
Authors: Kirimura Kohtaro , Yanaso Satomi , Kosaka Sachiyo , Koyama Keiko , Hattori Takasumi , Ishii Yoshitaka
Published: January 2011

A reversible salicylic acid decarboxylase (Sdc), found in the yeast Trichosporon moniliiforme WU-0401, is applicable for the production of p-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) from m-aminophenol (m-AP). For the high-yield production of PAS, used as an antituberculous agent, we developed F195Y, a genetically engineered Sdc mutant. We succeeded in selectively producing PAS from m-AP through an enzymatic Kolbe–Schmitt reaction in aqueous solution by using recombinant Escherichia coli cells expressing the gene encoding F195Y. We found that 70 mM PAS was produced at 30 °C in 15 h with a conversion yield of 70% (mol/mol).
Alternating Copolymerization of Propylene Oxide/Alkylene Oxide and Carbon Dioxide: Tuning Thermal Properties of Polycarbonates
Authors: Okada Atsushi , Kikuchi Satoshi , Yamada Tohru
Published: January 2011

The alternating copolymerization of propylene oxide/alkylene oxide and carbon dioxide has been developed with randomly incorporated poly(propylene carbonate) and poly(alkylene carbonate) units. The ratio-controlled incorporation of the poly(alkylene carbonate) units could improve the thermal properties, such as the glass-transition temperature and thermal degradation temperature, of the obtained polycarbonates.
HDL Measures, Particle Heterogeneity, Proposed Nomenclature, and Relation to Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Events
Authors: Rosenson Robert S , Brewer H Bryan , Chapman M John , Fazio Sergio , Hussain M Mahmood , Kontush Anatol , Krauss Ronald M , Otvos James D , Remaley Alan T , Schaefer Ernst J
Published: January 2011

BACKGROUND

A growing body of evidence from epidemiological data, animal studies, and clinical trials supports HDL as the next target to reduce residual cardiovascular risk in statin-treated, high-risk patients. For more than 3 decades, HDL cholesterol has been employed as the principal clinical measure of HDL and cardiovascular risk associated with low HDL-cholesterol concentrations. The physicochemical and functional heterogeneity of HDL present important challenges to investigators in the cardiovascular field who are seeking to identify more effective laboratory and clinical methods to develop a measurement method to quantify HDL that has predictive value in assessing cardiovascular risk.

CONTENT

In this report, we critically evaluate the diverse physical and chemical methods that have been employed to characterize plasma HDL. To facilitate future characterization of HDL subfractions, we propose the development of a new nomenclature based on physical properties for the subfractions of HDL that includes very large HDL particles (VL-HDL), large HDL particles (L-HDL), medium HDL particles (M-HDL), small HDL particles (S-HDL), and very-small HDL particles (VS-HDL). This nomenclature also includes an entry for the pre-β-1 HDL subclass that participates in macrophage cholesterol efflux.

We anticipate that adoption of a uniform nomenclature system for HDL subfractions that integrates terminology from several methods will enhance our ability not only to compare findings with different approaches for HDL fractionation, but also to assess the clinical effects of different agents that modulate HDL particle structure, metabolism, and function, and in turn, cardiovascular risk prediction within these HDL subfractions.
Nyctalus lasiopterus Schreber, 1780 (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae): first record for Kornati archipelago and first recent capture for Croatia
Authors: Kovač Dina , Hamidović Daniela , Fressel Norma , Drakulić Sanja
Published: January 2011

No abstract available
The Anthropocene Mass Extinction: An Emerging Curriculum Theme for Science Educators
Authors: Wagler Ron
Published: January 2011

There have been five past great mass extinctions during the history of Earth. There is an ever-growing consensus within the scientific community that we have entered a sixth mass extinction. Human activities are associated directly or indirectly with nearly every aspect of this extinction. This article presents an overview of the five past great mass extinctions; an overview of the current Anthropocene mass extinction; past and present human activities associated with the current Anthropocene mass extinction; current and future rates of species extinction; and broad science-curriculum topics associated with the current Anthropocene mass extinction that can be used by science educators. These broad topics are organized around the major global, anthropogenic direct drivers of habitat modification, fragmentation, and destruction; overexploitation of species; the spread of invasive species and genes; pollution; and climate change.
Acquired Traits Revisited
Authors: Stansfield William D.
Published: January 2011

Most biology texts villify Lamarck's concept of “inheritance of acquired characters” and leave the impression that all acquired characters are never transmitted to offspring. However, recent research indicates that this is not true! Some “acquired” traits are inherited. I profile some of these striking cases and their importance for evolution and for understanding a broader epigenetic context for heredity and ontogeny (the emerging field of “evo-devo”). Further, I discuss how such cases, even considered as exceptions, contribute to understanding the nature of science, both the role of general rules in biology and the occurrence of conceptual change, or paradigm shifts.
Doing an Ethnobotanical Survey in the Life Sciences Classroom
Authors: de Beer Josef , van Wyk Ben-Erik
Published: January 2011

On the basis of an ethnobotanical survey that we conducted on plant use by descendents of the Khoi-San people in the Northern Cape Province in South Africa, we introduce biology teachers to an adapted rapid-appraisal methodology that can be followed in the life sciences classroom. Such a project addresses a number of the content standards in the National Science Education Standards, such as science as a human endeavour, the nature of science, and the history of science. We also shed light on ethical considerations when engaging in an ethnobotanical survey, and address, among other issues, intellectual property rights. Examples are provided of how teachers in the United States can sensitize students to the rich ethnobotanical heritage of their country.
A long-term follow-up study of mortality in transsexuals receiving treatment with cross-sex hormones
Authors: Asscheman Henk , Giltay Erik J , Megens Jos A J , de Ronde W (Pim) , van Trotsenburg Michael A A , Gooren Louis J G
Published: January 2011

Objective

Adverse effects of long-term cross-sex hormone administration to transsexuals are not well documented. We assessed mortality rates in transsexual subjects receiving long-term cross-sex hormones.

Design

A cohort study with a median follow-up of 18.5 years at a university gender clinic.

Methods

Mortality data and the standardized mortality rate were compared with the general population in 966 male-to-female (MtF) and 365 female-to-male (FtM) transsexuals, who started cross-sex hormones before July 1, 1997. Follow-up was at least 1 year. MtF transsexuals received treatment with different high-dose estrogen regimens and cyproterone acetate 100 mg/day. FtM transsexuals received parenteral/oral testosterone esters or testosterone gel. After surgical sex reassignment, hormonal treatment was continued with lower doses.

Results

In the MtF group, total mortality was 51% higher than in the general population, mainly from increased mortality rates due to suicide, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, cardiovascular disease, drug abuse, and unknown cause. No increase was observed in total cancer mortality, but lung and hematological cancer mortality rates were elevated. Current, but not past ethinyl estradiol use was associated with an independent threefold increased risk of cardiovascular death. In FtM transsexuals, total mortality and cause-specific mortality were not significantly different from those of the general population.

Conclusions

The increased mortality in hormone-treated MtF transsexuals was mainly due to non-hormone-related causes, but ethinyl estradiol may increase the risk of cardiovascular death.

In the FtM transsexuals, use of testosterone in doses used for hypogonadal men seemed safe.
Observing pretibial myxedema in patients with Graves' disease using digital infrared thermal imaging and high-resolution ultrasonography: for better records, early detection, and further investigation
Authors: Shih Shyang-Rong , Lin Mao-Shin , Li Hung-Yuan , Yang Hsin-Yi , Hsiao Yung-Lien , Chang Met-Ting , Chen Chung-Ming , Chang Tien-Chun
Published: January 2011

Objective

Pretibial myxedema (PM) is a manifestation of Graves' disease (GD). Currently, its diagnosis depends on physicians' observation and biopsy. No satisfactory, objective, and non-invasive tool is available to record and investigate lesions. Digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI) detects surface temperature, and sonography reflects composition changes in soft tissue. This study was aimed to observe changes in DITI and sonography in PM, and to evaluate their clinical usefulness.

Methods

Nineteen GD patients with PM, 22 GD patients with mild diffuse non-pitting edema over lower legs, 46 GD patients with normal appearance of lower legs, and 14 normal volunteers were recruited for observation with DITI; 8, 21, 21, and 11 of them respectively also received soft tissue sonography for investigating the pathogenesis of DITI change.

Results

Lower leg temperatures of normal volunteers decreased gradually from proximal to distal parts. In all 19 patients with PM, DITI showed abnormally low focal temperatures over the lesions. In GD patients with mild diffuse non-pitting edema and GD patients with normal appearance of lower legs, DITI showed abnormally low focal temperature in 90.9 and 65.2% of the patients respectively. Areas of clinically visible PM and low focal temperature detected by DITI were sonographically characterized with increased skin thickness, hypoechoic substance deposition in the cutaneous tissue, and blurred boundary lines between dermis and subcutaneous tissue. TSH receptor antibody level correlated positively and significantly with skin thickness change and adjusted temperature difference between the center of temperature defect and the surrounding skin (P=0.046 and 0.033 respectively).

Conclusions

By using DITI and sonography, we detected characteristic changes in PM. These techniques are helpful in recording and may be useful tools to detect early changes of PM.
A Comparative Study on the Measurements of Palatal Shelf Area and Gradient for Adult Patients with Unoperated Cleft Palate
Authors: Ye Bin , Ruan Changhu , Hu Jing , Yang Yunqiang , Thomas Jimy , Zhang Guozhi
Published: January 2011

Objective

To determine the maxillary growth potential of cleft palate patients compared with the normal population.

Methods

By using a three-dimensional computed tomography scanning and imaging system, the gradient and surface area of the palatal shelves were measured and analyzed statistically among 30 adults with normal occlusion, 30 adult patients with operated unilateral complete cleft lip and palate, and 30 adults with unoperated unilateral complete cleft lip and palate.

Results

In comparison with the control group, for the unoperated unilateral complete cleft lip and palate subjects, the gradient of the palatal shelves at both the cleft and noncleft sides was larger, meaning that the palatal shelves were rotated cranially and were more vertically positioned. The palatal surface area was significantly smaller in the unoperated and operated unilateral complete cleft lip and palate groups than in the noncleft control group; although, there was no significant difference between the unoperated and operated unilateral complete cleft lip and palate groups.

Conclusions

There is an intrinsic tissue deficiency in the palate/maxilla of unilateral complete cleft lip and palate patients.
Sodium Supplementation in Neonates with Pierre Robin Sequence Significantly Improves Weight Gain if Urinary Sodium is Low
Authors: Skillman J. , Cole A. , Slator R.
Published: January 2011

Objective

To investigate whether sodium supplementation increases weight gain in babies with grade 3 Pierre Robin sequence if their urinary sodium is low.

Design

Retrospective review of all medical, dietitian, and nursing notes of babies admitted from 2000 to 2007, inclusive.

Setting

Tertiary center for cleft care.

Patients

A total of 33 babies requiring nasogastric and nasopharangeal intubation for Pierre Robin sequence were identified. Those for whom weights could not be measured accurately (n = 4) were excluded from further study.

Interventions

Urinary sodium was low and weight gain poor in 21 of the remaining 29 babies (72%), and oral sodium supplementation was given to establish and maintain a normal urinary sodium (10 to 20 mmol/L).

Main Outcome Measure

Mean daily weight gain.

Results

The mean daily weight gain of the 18 babies with low urinary sodium admitted in the first few days of life improved from 20 to 34 g ( p < .001) following oral sodium supplementation. This gave a mean difference of 14 g (lower quartile = 6 g, upper quartile = 25 g, 95% confidence interval = 20, 90% confidence interval = 10). The mean daily weight gain of the eight patients who did not require sodium supplementation was 33.6 g.

Conclusions

Urinary sodium tests are simple and noninvasive and allow monitoring of urinary sodium. If low, adequate supplementation improved weight gain ( p < .001), reversing failure to thrive in babies with severe Pierre Robin sequence. These findings have been unreported previously.
Does the Breast Cancer Age at Diagnosis Differ by Ethnicity? A Study on Immigrants to Sweden
Authors: Hemminki Kari , Mousavi Seyed Mohsen , Sundquist Jan , Brandt Andreas
Published: January 2011

Background.

Age-specific incidence rates for breast cancer in low-risk and high-risk ethnic populations differ by age at which the incidence maximum is reached: around 50 years in low-risk populations and over 60 years in high-risk populations. The interpretation of these differences remains unsettled, one line primarily referring to biological differences, the second one to cohort effects of rapidly increasing rates in young populations, and the third one to incomplete registration of cancer in the elderly.

Methods.

The nationwide Family-Cancer Database was used to analyze standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and age at diagnosis of breast cancer in female immigrants to Sweden by their region of origin compared with women native to Sweden matched on birth year and other relevant factors.

Results.

We showed first that the SIRs for breast cancer were lower in many immigrant groups compared with natives of Sweden; women from Turkey had the lowest SIR of 0.45, followed by those from Chile (0.54) and Southeast Asia (0.57). Women from nine regions showed an earlier mean age at diagnosis than their matched Swedish controls, the largest differences being 5.5 years for women from Turkey, 5.1 years for those from Asian Arab and “Other African” countries, 4.3 years for those from Iran, and 4.0 years for those from Iraq.

Conclusions.

The results show that in many immigrant groups, the diagnostic age is earlier (<50 years) than in natives of Sweden (>50 years), suggesting that true biological factors underlie the differences. These factors may explain much of the international variation in breast cancer incidence. Identifying these factors should advance understanding of breast cancer etiology and prevention.
Treatment Outcome and Prognostic Factors for Patients with Bone-Only Metastases of Breast Cancer: A Single-Institution Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Niikura Naoki , Liu Jun , Hayashi Naoki , Palla Shana L. , Tokuda Yutaka , Hortobagyi Gabriel N. , Ueno Naoto T. , Theriault Richard L.
Published: January 2011

Purpose.

Limited information is available about the optimal management and clinical outcome of bone-only metastases in breast cancer patients. The objective of this study was to define prognostic factors for patients with bone-only metastases. Our second objective was to compare progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) between patients with hormone receptor (HR)+ tumors and bone-only metastases who received combinatory therapy (chemotherapy followed by endocrine therapy, or endocrine therapy combined with molecular targeted therapy) and those treated with endocrine or chemotherapy alone.

Patients and Methods.

We retrospectively identified 351 breast cancer patients diagnosed with bone-only metastasis in 1997–2008 at our institution.

Results.

Patients with metastasis detected at the time of their primary breast cancer diagnosis (rather than at recurrence), a single metastasis, or asymptomatic bone disease had a longer PFS interval, and patients with a performance status of 0–1, a single metastasis, or asymptomatic bone disease had a longer OS time. Among patients with HR+ human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)-2− disease, combinatory therapy was associated with longer PFS and OS times than with endocrine therapy. In multivariate analyses, combinatory therapy was not associated with longer PFS or OS times than with endocrine therapy. Among patients with HER-2+ disease, trastuzumab led to a longer PFS interval but no difference in the OS time.

Conclusion.

Our results indicate that, for HR+ disease, a prospective trial of chemotherapy followed by endocrine therapy is warranted to determine whether it prolongs survival more than endocrine therapy alone in patients with bone-only metastases.
Log-Linear Modelling of Protein Dipeptide Structure Reveals Interesting Patterns of Side-Chain-Backbone Interactions
Authors: Hommola Kerstin , Gilks Walter R. , Mardia Kanti V.
Published: January 2011

It has long been known that the amino-acid sequence of a protein determines its 3-dimensional structure, but accurate ab initio prediction of structure from sequence remains elusive. We gain insight into local protein structure conformation by studying the relationship of dihedral angles in pairs of residues in protein sequences (dipeptides). We adopt a contingency table approach, exploring a targeted set of hypotheses through log-linear modelling to detect patterns of association of these dihedral angles in all dipeptides considered. Our models indicate a substantial association of the side-chain conformation of the first residue with the backbone conformation of the second residue (side-to-back interaction) as well as a weaker but still significant association of the backbone conformation of the first residue with the side-chain conformation of the second residue (back-to-side interaction). To compare these interactions across different dipeptides, we cluster the parameter estimates for the corresponding association terms. This reveals a striking pattern. For the side-to-back term, all dipeptides which have the same first residue jointly appear in distinct clusters whereas for the back-to-side term, we observe a much weaker pattern. This suggests that the conformation of the first residue affects the conformation of the second.
The XPS study of pyrochlore matrixes for the radioactive waste disposal
Authors: Teterin Anton , Maslakov Konstantin , Teterin Yury , Ivanov Kirill , Yudintsev Sergei , Stefanovsky Sergei , Livshits Tatyana , Lapina Mariya
Published: January 2011

Two pyrochlore ceramic samples were studied in this work. The X-ray
diffraction and the scanning electron microscopy showed that the ceramics
with the calculated composition CaThSn2O7 was formed by the dominating
pyrochlore phase with the traces of thorianite and hematite, while the
CaThZr2O7 ceramics - by the dominating pyrochlore phase with the minor
admixtures of thorianite and perovskite. The real compositions of pyrochlore
phases determined by the scaning electron microscopy are Ca0.88Th0.92Sn2O6.72
and Ca0.84Th0.80Zr2O6.44. On the basis of the X-ray photoelectron spectral
parameters of the outer and core electrons in the binding energy range of
0-1250 eV it was found that tin, zirconium and thorium in pyrochlore are at
least 93%-94% tetravalent. Sn-O and Zr-O interatomic distances in
BO6-octahedrons in the pyrochlore were found to be 0.210 nm and 0.220 nm,
respectively, and these octahedrons are possible to be tetragonaly distorted.
An astrophysical analysis of weather based on the solar wind parameters
Authors: Nikolic Jugoslav , Radovanovic Milan , Milijasevic Dragana
Published: January 2011

The paper represents an attempt to establish whether the specific processes
on the Sun had preceded the sudden weather condition changes in Torino for a
selected time period by using the method of analogy. The analysis represents
a test on the heliocentric approach, i. e., case analysis which is selected
arbitrarily. The results of Mann-Whitney U test on the global level are the
basis of the approach to the analysis. In case when 100 MeV protons are
observed, the significant difference exists only between the day before the
origin of the disturbance and the second day after the origin. At protons in
the energy range of 10 MeV, the significant difference exists between the
second and the first day before the origin of the disturbance, the day in
which it came to the disturbance of the atmosphere, as well as the day after
that. Observing 1 MeV protons, the significant difference exists between the
second day before the origin of the disturbance in the atmosphere and the
next three days (the day before the origin, the day of the origin, and the
day after the origin of the disturbance).
Prevention of radiation-induced hepatic damage in Swiss albino mice by Aloe Vera leaf extract
Authors: Gehlot Prashasnika , Soyal Dhanraj , Goyal Pradeep
Published: January 2011

The radioprotective effect of the Aloe vera leaf extract was studied in Swiss
albino mice against radiation-induced changes in the liver. The mice were
treated with 1000 mg/kg of body weight orally, once a day for 15 consecutive
days, before exposure to a single dose of gamma radiation (6 Gy), half an
hour after the last administration. The irradiation of mice caused a
significant elevation in lipid peroxidation followed by a decrease in
glutathione, acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase. The treatment of mice
before irradiation elevated the glutathione, acid phosphatase and alkaline
phosphatase, and was accompanied by a decline in lipid peroxidation. Recovery
and regeneration from radiation damage were faster in pretreated animals than
the animals in the irradiation-only group. The data clearly indicate that the
Aloe vera leaf extract significantly reduced the deleterious effects of
radiation on the liver and it could be a useful agent in reducing the side
effects of therapeutic radiation.
Assessment of dose due to exposure to indoor radon and thoron progeny
Authors: Prasad Ganesh , Gusain Gurupad , Joshi Veena , Ramola Rakesh
Published: January 2011

The components of the effective dose through inhalation from radon and its
progeny are important for human health since they contribute to more than 50%
of the total radiation dose from natural sources. As a consequence, radon has
been identified as the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Radon and its short lived decay products (218Po, 214Pb, 214Bi, 214Po) present
in dwellings are a radiation hazard, particularly if such sources are
concentrated in the enclosed areas like poorly ventilated houses and
underground mines. The indoor radon, thoron, and progeny concentrations were
measured in a small hilly town of Budhakedar and the surrounding area of
Tehri Garhwal, India, by using LR-115 Type II plastic track detector in a
twin cup radon dosimeter. The concentrations of radon progeny were measured
as the highest in winter and the lowest in summer while the thoron progeny
concentration was found maximum in rainy season and minimum in autumn. The
annual exposure to the potential alpha energy of radon and thoron were found
to vary from 0.04 WLM to 0.69 WLM with an average value of 0.29 WLM, and 0.03
WLM to 0.37 WLM with an aver- age value of 0.16 WLM, respectively. The annual
effective dose due to the exposure to indoor radon and progeny in Budhakedar
homes was found to vary from 0.16 mSv to 2.72 mSv with an average value of
1.14 mSv and the effective dose due to the exposure to thoron and progeny was
found to vary from 0.18 mSv to 2.49 mSv with an average value of 1.05 mSv.
The results of systematic study have been obtained by considering the room as
a space in which the radon and thoron levels are directly related to the
dynamic and static parameters.
Improving the performance of 241Am-Be for PGNAA applications using a proper shielding for neutron source and the NaI detector
Authors: Panjeh Hamed , Hakimabad Hashem , Motavalli Lalle
Published: January 2011

The gamma ray spectrum resolution from a 241Am-Be source-based prompt gamma
ray activation analysis set-up has been observed to increase in the energy
region of interest with enclosing the NaI detector in a proper neutron and
gamma ray shield. We have investigated the tact that the peak resolution of
prompt gamma rays in the region of interest from the set-up depends on the
source activity to the great extent, size and kind of the detector and the
geometry of the detector shield. In order to see the role of a detector
shield, five kinds of the detector shield were used and finally the proper
kind was introduced. Since the detector shield has an important contribution
in the reduction of the undesirable and high rate gamma rays coming to the
gamma ray detector, a good design of a proper shield enables the elimination
of the unwanted events, such as a pulse pile-up. By improving the shielding
design, discrete and distinguishable photoelectric peaks in the energy region
of interest have been observed in the spectrum of prompt gamma rays.
Assessment of scattered dose contribution to healthy tissue in radiation therapy using water phantom
Authors: Arshed Waheed , Qazi Ikramullah , Ullah Asad , Mahmood Khalid , Hussain Iftikhar , Zia-Ur-Rehman Z , Akhter Perveen , Akhtar Muhammad
Published: January 2011

In cancer therapy using gamma radiation one of the limiting factors in dose
delivery is the safety of the healthy tissues and organs around the cancerous
mass. Better collimation and dose fractionation are employed to achieve this.
In the present paper results of scattered dose to healthy tissues around the
incident beam cross-section or beam boundaries have been estimated using IAEA
standard water phantom and Co-60 incident radiation. It has been observed
that scattered dose to healthy tissues increases linearly from 4% to 7% of
the incident dose of 185 cGy to 200 cGy at the centre of the beam, at 5 cm
depth in water, as we increase the incident beam field size from 5 cm x 5 cm
to 10 cm x 10 cm. Also the maximum unwanted scattered dose for any field size
remains closer to the incident beam boundaries.
Outcomes of an international initiative for harmonization of low power and shutdown probabilistic safety assessment
Authors: Manna Giustino , Kuzmina Irina , Holy Jaroslav
Published: January 2011

Many probabilistic safety assessment studies completed to the date have
demonstrated that the risk dealing with low power and shutdown operation of
nuclear power plants is often comparable with the risk of at-power operation,
and the main contributors to the low power and shutdown risk often deal with
human factors. Since the beginning of the nuclear power generation, human
performance has been a very important factor in all phases of the plant
lifecycle: design, commissioning, operation, maintenance, surveillance,
modification, decommissioning and dismantling. The importance of this aspect
has been confirmed by recent operating experience. This paper provides the
insights and conclusions of a workshop organized in 2007 by the IAEA and the
Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, on Harmonization of low
power and shutdown probabilistic safety assessment for WWER nuclear power
plants. The major objective of the workshop was to provide a comparison of
the approaches and the results of human reliability analyses and gain
insights in the enhanced handling of human factors.
Decommissioning of the ASTRA research reactor: Planning, executing and summarizing the project
Authors: Meyer Franz
Published: January 2011

The decommissioning of the ASTRA research reactor at the Austrian Research
Centres Seibersdorf was described within three technical papers already
released in Nuclear Technology & Radiation Protection throughout the years
2003, 2006, and 2008. Following a suggestion from IAEA the project was
investigated well after the files were closed regarding rather administrative
than technical matters starting with the project mission, explaining the
project structure and identifying the key factors and the key performance
indicators. The continuous documentary and reporting system as implemented to
fulfil the informational needs of stake-holders, management, and project
staff alike is described. Finally the project is summarized in relationship
to the performance indicators.
Progress in the decommissioning planning for the Kiev’s research reactor WWR-M
Authors: Lobach Yuri , Lysenko Michail , Makarovsky Vladimir , Shevel Valery
Published: January 2011

The Kiev?s research reactor WWR-M has been in operation for more than 50
years and its further operation is planned for no less than 8-10 years. The
acting nuclear legislation of Ukraine demands from the operator to perform
the decommissioning planning during the reactor operation stage as early as
possible. Recently, the Decommissioning Program has been approved by the
regulatory body. The Program is based on the plans for the further use of the
reactor site and foresees the strategy of immediate dismantling. The Program
covers the whole de- commissioning process and represents the main guiding
document during the whole decommissioning period, which determines and
substantiates the principal technical and organizational activities on the
preparation and implementation of the reactor decommissioning, the
consequence of the decommissioning stages, the sequence of planned works and
measures as well as the necessary conditions and infrastructure for the
provision and safe implementation.
Implementation of the partial dismantling of research reactor IRT-Sofia prior to its refurbishment
Authors: Apostolov Tihomir , Anastasova Elka , Anastassov Valentin
Published: January 2011

In 2001, the Bulgarian Government decided to refurbish and convert the
research reactor in Sofia into a low-power reactor. Due to this, a partial
dismantling of IRT-Sofia?s old systems and equipment was carried out with the
intention of reusing the concrete bioshield in the construction of the new
low-power research reactor. For a more efficient use of available resources,
an engineering project known as ?The plan for the partial dismantling of
IRT-Sofia equipment as a part of its refurbishment into a low-power research
reactor? was drawn up and has since been successfully implemented.
Adiponectin Pretreatment Counteracts the Detrimental Effect of a Diabetic Environment on Endothelial Progenitors
Authors: Leicht Simon F. , Schwarz Theresa M. , Hermann Patrick C. , Seissler Jochen , Aicher Alexandra , Heeschen Christopher
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE

It has been shown that vascular progenitors from patients with diabetes are dysfunctional. However, therapeutic strategies to counteract their reduced functional capacity are still lacking. Because adiponectin has reported salutary effects on endothelial function, we investigated the functional effects of globular adiponectin (gAcrp), the active domain of adiponectin, on isolated endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFC).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

ECFC were isolated from peripheral blood of type 2 diabetic patients (dmECFC) and compared with ECFC of healthy young volunteers (yECFC) and nondiabetic age-matched control subjects (hECFC). Cells were treated with gAcrp for 48 h followed by assessment of cell counts, cell cycle analysis, and migration capacity. For in vivo evaluation, human ECFC were injected into normoglycemic or streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic nu/nu mice after hind limb ischemia.

RESULTS

Whereas dmECFC were functionally impaired compared with yECFC and hECFC, gAcrp significantly enhanced their in vitro proliferation and migratory activity. In vitro effects were significantly stronger in hECFC compared with dmECFC and were mediated through the cyclooxygenase-2 pathway. Most important, however, we observed a profound and sustained increase of the in vivo neovascularization in mice receiving gAcrp-pretreated dmECFC compared with untreated dmECFC under both normoglycemic and hyperglycemic conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Pretreatment of ECFC with gAcrp enhanced the functional capacity of ECFC in vitro and in vivo in normoglycemic and hyperglycemic environments. Therefore, preconditioning of dmECFC with gAcrp may be a novel approach to counteract their functional impairment in diabetes.
The Adipocyte-Expressed Forkhead Transcription Factor Foxc2 Regulates Metabolism Through Altered Mitochondrial Function
Authors: Lidell Martin E. , Seifert Erin L. , Westergren Rickard , Heglind Mikael , Gowing Adrienne , Sukonina Valentina , Arani Zahra , Itkonen Paula , Wallin Simonetta , Westberg Fredrik , Fernandez-Rodriguez Julia , Laakso Markku , Nilsson Tommy , Peng Xiao-Rong , Harper Mary-Ellen , Enerbäck Sven
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE

Previous findings demonstrate that enhanced expression of the forkhead transcription factor Foxc2 in adipose tissue leads to a lean and insulin-sensitive phenotype. These findings prompted us to further investigate the role of Foxc2 in the regulation of genes of fundamental importance for metabolism and mitochondrial function.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The effects of Foxc2 on expression of genes involved in mitochondriogenesis and mitochondrial function were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. The potential of a direct transcriptional regulation of regulated genes was tested in promoter assays, and mitochondrial morphology was investigated by electron microscopy. Mitochondrial function was tested by measuring oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification rates as well as palmitate oxidation.

RESULTS

Enhanced expression of FOXC2 in adipocytes or in cells with no endogenous Foxc2 expression induces mitochondriogenesis and an elongated mitochondrial morphology. Together with increased aerobic metabolic capacity, increased palmitate oxidation, and upregulation of genes encoding respiratory complexes and of brown fat-related genes, Foxc2 also specifically induces mitochondrial fusion genes in adipocytes. Among tested forkhead genes, Foxc2 is unique in its ability to trans-activate the nuclear-encoded mitochondrial transcription factor A (mtTFA/Tfam) gene—a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis. In human adipose tissue the expression levels of mtTFA/Tfam and of fusion genes also correlate with that of Foxc2.

CONCLUSIONS

We previously showed that a high-calorie diet and insulin induce Foxc2 in adipocytes; the current findings identify a previously unknown role for Foxc2 as an important metabo-regulator of mitochondrial morphology and metabolism.
Hepatic Glycogen Supercompensation Activates AMP-Activated Protein Kinase, Impairs Insulin Signaling, and Reduces Glycogen Deposition in the Liver
Authors: Winnick Jason J. , An Zhibo , Ramnanan Christopher J. , Smith Marta , Irimia Jose M. , Neal Doss W. , Moore Mary Courtney , Roach Peter J. , Cherrington Alan D.
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine how increasing the hepatic glycogen content would affect the liver’s ability to take up and metabolize glucose.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

During the first 4 h of the study, liver glycogen deposition was stimulated by intraportal fructose infusion in the presence of hyperglycemic-normoinsulinemia. This was followed by a 2-h hyperglycemic-normoinsulinemic control period, during which the fructose infusion was stopped, and a 2-h experimental period in which net hepatic glucose uptake (NHGU) and disposition (glycogen, lactate, and CO2) were measured in the absence of fructose but in the presence of a hyperglycemic-hyperinsulinemic challenge including portal vein glucose infusion.

RESULTS

Fructose infusion increased net hepatic glycogen synthesis (0.7 ± 0.5 vs. 6.4 ± 0.4 mg/kg/min; P < 0.001), causing a large difference in hepatic glycogen content (62 ± 9 vs. 100 ± 3 mg/g; P < 0.001). Hepatic glycogen supercompensation (fructose infusion group) did not alter NHGU, but it reduced the percent of NHGU directed to glycogen (79 ± 4 vs. 55 ± 6; P < 0.01) and increased the percent directed to lactate (12 ± 3 vs. 29 ± 5; P = 0.01) and oxidation (9 ± 3 vs. 16 ± 3; P = NS). This change was associated with increased AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation, diminished insulin signaling, and a shift in glycogenic enzyme activity toward a state discouraging glycogen accumulation.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that increases in hepatic glycogen can generate a state of hepatic insulin resistance, which is characterized by impaired glycogen synthesis despite preserved NHGU.
Phosphatidylinositol-4-Phosphate-5-Kinase α Deficiency Alters Dynamics of Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Release to Improve Glucohomeostasis and Decrease Obesity in Mice
Authors: Huang Ping , Yeku Oladapo , Zong Haihong , Tsang Phyllis , Su Wenjuan , Yu Xiao , Teng Shuzhi , Osisami Mary , Kanaho Yasunori , Pessin Jeffrey E. , Frohman Michael A.
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE

Phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate-5-kinase (PI4P5K) has been proposed to facilitate regulated exocytosis and specifically insulin secretion by generating phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). We sought to examine the role of the α isoform of PI4P5K in glucohomeostasis and insulin secretion.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The response of PI4P5Kα−/− mice to glucose challenge and a type 2-like diabetes-inducing high-fat diet was examined in vivo. Glucose-stimulated responses and PI4P5Kα−/− pancreatic islets and β-cells were characterized in culture.

RESULTS

We show that PI4P5Kα−/− mice exhibit increased first-phase insulin release and improved glucose clearance, and resist high-fat diet-induced development of type 2-like diabetes and obesity. PI4P5Kα−/− pancreatic islets cultured in vitro exhibited decreased numbers of insulin granules docked at the plasma membrane and released less insulin under quiescent conditions, but then secreted similar amounts of insulin on glucose stimulation. Stimulation-dependent PIP2 depletion occurred on the plasma membrane of the PI4P5Kα−/− pancreatic β-cells, accompanied by a near-total loss of cortical F-actin, which was already decreased in the PI4P5Kα−/− β-cells under resting conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that PI4P5Kα plays a complex role in restricting insulin release from pancreatic β-cells through helping to maintain plasma membrane PIP2 levels and integrity of the actin cytoskeleton under both basal and stimulatory conditions. The increased first-phase glucose-stimulated release of insulin observed on the normal diet may underlie the partial protection against the elevated serum glucose and obesity seen in type 2 diabetes-like model systems.
Selective Inactivation of c-Jun NH2-Terminal Kinase in Adipose Tissue Protects Against Diet-Induced Obesity and Improves Insulin Sensitivity in Both Liver and Skeletal Muscle in Mice
Authors: Zhang Xinmei , Xu Aimin , Chung Sookja K. , Cresser Justin H.B. , Sweeney Gary , Wong Rachel L.C. , Lin Anning , Lam Karen S.L.
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE

Obesity is associated with increased activation of the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) in several metabolic organs, including adipose tissue, liver, and skeletal muscle. In this study, we aimed to define the role of JNK activation in adipose tissue in the development of obesity-related insulin resistance.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Transgenic mice with adipose tissue–specific overexpression of dominant-negative JNK (ap2-dn-JNK) under the transcriptional control of the aP2 gene promoter were generated and subjected to metabolic characterization together with the wild-type littermates.

RESULTS

On a high-fat diet (HFD), the ap2-dn-JNK mice displayed a marked suppression of both JNK1 and JNK2 activation in their adipose tissue, accompanied by a marked reduction in weight gain, fat mass, and size of the adipocytes. The transgenic mice were resistant to the deleterious impact of an HFD on systemic insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, and hepatic steatosis. Reduced hepatic gluconeogenesis was evident in in vivo and ex vivo studies and showed greater insulin-induced glucose uptake in skeletal muscles. These changes were accompanied by reduced macrophage infiltration in adipose tissue, decreased production of proinflammatory adipokines, and increased expression of adiponectin. Indirect calorimetry analysis showed that the transgenic mice had significant increases in oxygen consumption and reductions in respiration exchange rates compared with their wild-type littermates.

CONCLUSIONS

Selective suppression of JNK activation in adipose tissue alone is sufficient to counteract HFD-induced obesity and its associated metabolic dysregulations, in part through an increase in energy expenditure and a decrease in systemic inflammation.
Differential Lipid Partitioning Between Adipocytes and Tissue Macrophages Modulates Macrophage Lipotoxicity and M2/M1 Polarization in Obese Mice
Authors: Prieur Xavier , Mok Crystal Y.L. , Velagapudi Vidya R. , Núñez Vanessa , Fuentes Lucía , Montaner David , Ishikawa Ko , Camacho Alberto , Barbarroja Nuria , O’Rahilly Stephen , Sethi Jaswinder K. , Dopazo Joaquin , Orešič Matej , Ricote Mercedes , Vidal-Puig Antonio
Published: January 2011

OBJECTIVE

Obesity-associated insulin resistance is characterized by a state of chronic, low-grade inflammation that is associated with the accumulation of M1 proinflammatory macrophages in adipose tissue. Although different evidence explains the mechanisms linking the expansion of adipose tissue and adipose tissue macrophage (ATM) polarization, in the current study we investigated the concept of lipid-induced toxicity as the pathogenic link that could explain the trigger of this response.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We addressed this question using isolated ATMs and adipocytes from genetic and diet-induced murine models of obesity. Through transcriptomic and lipidomic analysis, we created a model integrating transcript and lipid species networks simultaneously occurring in adipocytes and ATMs and their reversibility by thiazolidinedione treatment.

RESULTS

We show that polarization of ATMs is associated with lipid accumulation and the consequent formation of foam cell–like cells in adipose tissue. Our study reveals that early stages of adipose tissue expansion are characterized by M2-polarized ATMs and that progressive lipid accumulation within ATMs heralds the M1 polarization, a macrophage phenotype associated with severe obesity and insulin resistance. Furthermore, rosiglitazone treatment, which promotes redistribution of lipids toward adipocytes and extends the M2 ATM polarization state, prevents the lipid alterations associated with M1 ATM polarization.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data indicate that the M1 ATM polarization in obesity might be a macrophage-specific manifestation of a more general lipotoxic pathogenic mechanism. This indicates that strategies to optimize fat deposition and repartitioning toward adipocytes might improve insulin sensitivity by preventing ATM lipotoxicity and M1 polarization.