bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic regulation of endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Hamilton Sandra J , Chew Gerard T , Watts Gerald F
Published: July 2007

Endothelial dysfunction is universal in diabetes, being intimately involved with the development of cardiovascular disease. The pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction in diabetes is complex. It is initially related to the effects of fatty acids and insulin resistance on ‘uncoupling’ of both endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity and mitochondrial function. Oxidative stress activates protein kinase C (PKC), polyol, hexosamine and nuclear factor kappa B pathways, thereby aggravating endothelial dysfunction.

Improvements in endothelial function in the peripheral circulation in diabetes have been demonstrated with monotherapies, including statins, fibrates, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, metformin and fish oils. These observations are supported by large clinical end point trials. Other studies show benefits with certain antioxidants, L-arginine, folate, PKC-inhibitors, peroxi-some proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)-α and -γ agonists and phosphodiesterase (PDE-5) inhibitors. However, the benefits of these agents remain to be shown in clinical end point trials. Combination treatments, for example, statins plus ACE inhibitors and statins plus fibrates, have also been demonstrated to have additive benefits on endothelial function in diabetes, but there are no clinical outcome data to date.

Measurement of endothelial dysfunction in cardiovascular research can provide fresh opportunities for exploring the mechanism of benefit of new therapeutic regimens and for planning and designing large clinical trials.
Only a minority of patients referred for elective coronary artery bypass surgery have risk factors diagnosed and treated according to established guidelines
Authors: Anderson Russell E , Brismar Kerstin , Ivert Torbjörn
Published: July 2007

Patients deserve to be medically optimised for treatment of metabolic risk factors and hypertension before referral for elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We describe here a prospective study of 347 consecutive patients referred for elective CABG. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed and metabolic risk factors and hypertension were determined pre-operatively. Compliance to treatment guidelines was calculated.

From the total of 347 patients, 80 patients (23%) had known and 66 (19%) had previously unknown diabetes. Dysglycaemia (that is, diabetes and pre-diabetes) was found in 194 (73%) of the 267 patients without known diabetes. Among patients with dysglycaemia, 111/274 (41%) received one antihypertensive medication, or none, and blood pressure guidelines were met in 39/274 (14%); statins were being taken by 206 (75%; average dose 23 mg simvastatin) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol guidelines were met in 43 (16%).

In conclusion, diabetes diagnosis and titration of risk factor treatment to guidelines is inadequate even in elective CABG patients. A pre-admission OGTT affords an opportunity to improve care significantly.
Thiazolidinediones inhibit the progression of established hypertension in the Dahl salt-sensitive rat
Authors: Bolten Charles W , Payne Maria A , McDonald William G , Blanner Patrick M , Chott Robert C , Ghosh Sarbani , Arhancet Graciela B , Staten Nicholas R , Gulve Eric A , Sullivan Patrick M , Hromockyj Alexander E , Colca Jerry R
Published: July 2007

We evaluated the effects of two thiazolidinediones (TZDs), the potent PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone currently being used to treat diabetes, and a structurally similar experimental compound that is a poor PPARγ agonist, in a non-diabetic, established hypertension model with continuous measurement of blood pressure by telemetry. Hypertension was induced in male Dahl salt-sensitive rats by a three-week pre-treatment with 4% salt before initiation of treatment. Fasting blood samples were taken for analysis of a biomarker panel to assess metabolic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of the treatments. Both TZDs significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. When used at the maximally effective doses established for metabolic improvement, both compounds produced equivalent reduction in lipids and elevation of adiponectin, yet the poorer PPARγ agonist produced significantly greater reductions in blood pressure. Neither compound had a significant effect on circulating glucose or insulin in this animal model.

The data demonstrate that these TZDs lower blood pressure significantly in Dahl rats and that this cardiovascular pharmacology is not directly correlated with the metabolic actions or with the magnitude of PPARγ activation. These data suggest that it may be possible to find insulin-sensitising agents that have beneficial cardiovascular pharmacology with broad applications for disease prevention.
The ApoAI-CIII-AIV gene cluster and its relation to lipid levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease: determination of a novel susceptible haplotype
Authors: Singh Puneetpal , Singh Monica , Gaur Sunil , Kaur Taranpal
Published: July 2007

The present study investigated genetic variation in the 3’ flanking region of ApoA-I ( PstI), the 3’ untranslated region of ApoC-III ( SstI) and intron 2 of ApoA-IV ( XbaI) in 435 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, divided according to the presence or absence of coronary heart disease (CHD). Uncommon allele frequencies (P2, S2, X2) were 17.5%, 32.5%, 16.2% and 29.5%, 17.9%, 13.8% in patients with and without CHD, respectively. Linkage disequilibrium (D’ = 0.31-0.73, p<0.01) was observed in all diallelic pairs except XbaI/ PstI and XbaI/ SstI in patients having CHD. Haplotype analysis revealed that P1-S2-X1 is a susceptibility haplotype that increases the risk of CHD in diabetes (OR 2.85, CI 1.51-5.61), exacerbating risk (OR 3.57, CI 1.81-7.45) even after adjustment for confounders.

The findings in the present study suggest that each unit of P1-S2-X1 in diabetes increases the risk of CHD by a factor of 1.37+0.307 (β ± SE), which is manifest in its multiplicative mode.
Insulin resistance is an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Montagna Giovanni La , Cacciapuoti Federico , Buono Rosario , Manzella Daniela , Mennillo Gianna Angela , Arciello Alessandro , Valentini Gabriele , Paolisso Giuseppe
Published: July 2007

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between insulin resistance (IR) and sub-clinical atherosclerosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Carotid artery intima media thickness (IMT), using ultrasound evaluation, and other clinical and laboratory variables were investigated in 45 RA outpatients and in 48 controls with soft tissue disorders. IR was assayed by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA2) and metabolic syndrome by National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP ATP III) criteria.

Insulin resistance, as defined by HOMA2-IR>1, was seen in 40 (88.9%) RA patients and in three (6.2%) controls (p<0.001). No significant difference was detected in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. The median IMT was greater in RA patients (0.76 mm; interquartile range [IQR] 0.65, 0.85) than in the controls (0.66 mm; IQR 0.60, 0.72) (p<0.001). Dividing the RA patients according to the cut-off IMT value (0.72 mm), a difference was detected in both systolic (p=0.04) and diastolic blood pressure (p=0.02), disease activity score (DAS28) (p=0.008), HOMA2-IR (p<0.001) and cumulative oral steroid dose (p=0.001). Moreover, the frequency of cases with increased IMT was higher in glucocorticoid users than in non-users (21/23 vs. 9/22, respectively) (p<0.001). Spearman's rho correlation showed a significant positive relationship between IMT and HOMA2-IR (p<0.001). Multivariate stepwise analysis selected HOMA2-IR plus diastolic BP plus glucocorticoid exposure as the best predictive model for subclinical atherosclerosis (R2c=0.577, F=21, p<0.001).

In conclusion, this study showed a significantly higher prevalence of IR in RA patients and pointed out a significant association between IR and subclinical atherosclerosis. This relationship may be driven primarily by exposure to steroid therapy.
The significance of low HDL-cholesterol levels in an ageing society at increased risk for cardiovascular disease
Authors: Windler Eberhard , Schöffauer Mark , Zyriax Birgit-Christiane
Published: July 2007

In most developed and developing countries, the proportion of the population aged 60 years or more is growing faster than any other age group. Given that the vast majority of cardiovascular events occur in older individuals, new thinking is needed to reduce their risk. Epidemiological studies have shown an increasing prevalence of the metabolic syndrome with age, driven by nutrition inappropriate for a modern sedentary lifestyle. A low level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, a component of the atherogenic dyslipidaemia of the metabolic syndrome, has been shown to be an important determinant of coronary risk, which rises in prevalence with increasing age. Thus, raising HDL-cholesterol, in addition to lowering the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, seems a plausible approach to reduce cardiovascular risk in an ageing population.

Clinical studies have shown that adding nicotinic acid, which raises HDL-cholesterol by 20-25%, to a statin enhances the reduction in progression of atherosclerosis. Results of the ongoing Atherothrombosis Intervention in Metabolic syndrome with low HDL/High triglyceride and Impact on Global Health Outcomes (AIM-HIGH) study are awaited with interest to see whether such theoretical benefit translates into clinical outcome.
Homocysteine and cardiovascular disease: a review of the evidence
Authors: Wierzbicki Anthony S
Published: July 2007

Elevated homocysteine (HCY) levels can be caused by a number of factors, including folate and B-vitamin deficiency, pre-existing atherosclerotic disease, diabetes and various drugs. Epidemiological evidence, as well as data from retrospective and prospective studies, supports an association between elevated HCY levels and increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, whether lowering HCY levels by administration of folate and vitamins B6 and B12 is associated with any significant decrease in vascular risk remains the subject of ongoing debate. Although the major studies that have reported to date show that vitamin supplementation was associated with a decrease in HCY levels, this failed to have any significant effect on cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, although some lipid-modifying treatments have been shown to increase HCY levels, there is no evidence that this attenuates or compromises the beneficial effects of such treatments on cardiovascular risk.

Taken together, these data suggest that HCY is a marker, rather than a cause, of CVD and therefore do not provide support for routine screening for and treatment of elevated HCY to prevent CVD. Data from ongoing clinical trials are awaited to clarify this issue.
Effective surgical treatment of obesity may be mediated by ablation of the lipogenic gut hormone gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP): evidence and clinical opportunity for development of new obesity-diabetes drugs?
Authors: Flatt Peter R
Published: July 2007

Roux-en-Y bypass surgery is increasingly used for treatment of gross obesity due to the general inability of lifestyle change and existing drug treatments to counter the obesity epidemic. This common form of bariatric surgery involves bypass of the small intestine with significant reduction of body of weight that is independent of malabsorption. Strikingly, obesity-related diabetes is also cured by the procedure but prior to body weight loss. This is due to rapid improvement of insulin resistance and associated pancreatic beta-cell function. Several hypotheses have been proposed to account for this phenomenon, but the most attractive concerns surgical ablation of gastric inhibitory polypetide (GIP)-secreting intestinal K-cells. Thus, circulating GIP levels are decreased after Roux-en-Y bypass surgery and GIP is known to play a key role in lipid metabolism and fat deposition. Further, both genetic and chemical ablation of GIP in animal models has been shown to protect against obesity and associated metabolic disturbances. These observations in animals and man suggest that GIP receptor antagonism may afford an alternative therapeutic option for treatment of obesity-diabetes.
Acrylic pressure‐sensitive adhesive for transdermal drug delivery systems
Authors: Czech Zbigniew , Kurzawa Rafał
Published: July 2007

This article describes the development in the area of resin‐free acrylic pressure‐sensitive adhesive (PSA) based on 2‐ethylhexyl acrylate, methyl acrylate, acrylic acid, N‐vinyl caprolactam, and pregnancy transdermal drug delivery systems, and shows the variety of polymer composition, residue monomers content, quality control of peel adhesion level and repeating during the time, biocompatibility of the acrylic PSA layer, and efficacy in clinical medicine. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Preparation of unsaturated polyester–silica nanocomposites
Authors: Chung Chan‐Moon , Cho Sung‐Youl , Kim Joong‐Gon , Oh Se Young
Published: July 2007

Two unsaturated polyesters (UPs), PME and PMPE, were synthesized by condensation polymerization, and another UP, BPMPE, was prepared from PMPE by blocking of its carboxyl and hydroxyl end groups. Optically transparent UP–silica nanocomposites were prepared by a sol–gel process of alkoxysilanes in the presence of the UPs. Compared to the unblocked UPs, PME and PMPE, the blocked UP, BPMPE, afforded transparent nanocomposites in a wider range of feed ratio of UP/alkoxysilane. Intermolecular hydrogen bonding and π–π interaction between the organic and inorganic components were dominant factors in the nanocomposite formation when acetone was used as a solvent. Various solvents were tested and it was thought that hydrogen bonding acceptor property and boiling point of the solvents were important factors in the formation of the transparent nanocomposites. Photo‐crosslinking of an UP in its nanocomposite resulted in the formation of an interpenetrating polymer network structure. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Organic Approaches to Endohedral Metallofullerenes: Cracking Open or Zipping Up Carbon Shells?
Authors: Rubin Yves
Published: July 2007

We have been investigating the synthesis of endohedral metallofullerenes since we successfully opened an orifice on the framework of C60 in the form of a cobalt complex having the metal sitting on top of the opening. A second approach aims at the synthesis of spherically‐shaped acetylenic macrocycles, which are expected to rearrange to endohedral metal complexes of fullerenes in a controlled process analogous to the gas‐phase coalescence of mono‐ and polycyclic polyynes during fullerene formation by the graphite evaporation method. Since the potential benefits from obtaining endohedral metal complexes of C60 are enormous, both approaches are being actively pursued in our group.
Peptide Self‐Replication Via Template‐Directed Ligation
Authors: Severin Kay , Lee David H. , Martinez Jose A. , Ghadiri M. Reza
Published: July 2007

A 32‐residue α‐helical peptide with a sequence similiar to that of the GCN4 leucine zipper region is shown to catalyze its own formation by accelerating the amide bond formation of a 17‐residue peptide, preactivated as a thiobenzyl ester, and a 15‐residue peptide with aN‐terminal cysteine. The self‐replication process displays parabolic growth characteristics as revealed by a detailed kinetic analysis. Control reactions with single‐mutant peptides strongly support a mechanism in which a ternary and/or quaternary complex of the product with both peptide fragments act(s) as the catalytically active intermediate(s). Furthermore, these experiments reveal a remarkable sequence selectivity, as evidenced by the loss of autocatalytic activity as a result of a single replacement of leucine or valine residues with an alanine at the recognition interface.
Synthesis, Separation and Characterization of the Structural Isomers of Octa‐tert‐Butylphthalocyanines and Dienophilic Phthalocyanine Derivatives
Authors: Rodríguez‐Morgade Salomé , Hanack Michael
Published: July 2007

Octa‐tert‐butylphthalocyanina‐tonickel(II) (4) was synthesized from 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylphthalonitrile (1) and nickel acetate. A nonstatistical mixture of the four structural isomers 4a–d was obtained. The isolation of the structural isomers 4a–d by preparative HPLC (MPLC) allowed their unequivocal identification and characterization by spectroscopic techniques. Moreover, a new family of tert‐butyl‐substituted phthalocya‐nines 6–10 containing dienophilic functionalities were prepared by condensation of 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylphthalonitrile (1) with 6,7–dicyano‐1,4‐epoxy‐1,4‐dihydronaphthalene (5). The separation of the phthalocyanines 6–10 and of some of their structural isomers was accomplished by normal column chromatography. The structural isomers were characterized by spectroscopic methods in terms of their symmetry.
Thermal Conversion of closo−1,2‐(SiMe3)2−1,2‐C2B4H4 to closo‐1,6‐(SiMe3)2−1,6‐C2B4H4: Structure Determination by Ab Initio Calculations, Gas‐Phase Electron Diffraction, and Low‐Temperature X‐Ray Diffraction
Authors: Maguire John A. , Lu Kai‐Juan , Thomas Colacot J. , Gray Thomas G. , Wang Ying , Eintracht Jason F. , Hosmane Narayan S. , Binder Herbert , Wanitschek Michael , Borrmann Horst , Simon Arndt , Oberhammer Heinz
Published: July 2007

closo−1,2‐(SiMe3)2−1,2‐C2B4H4 undergoes thermal conversion to 1,6‐(SiMe3)2−1,6‐C2B4H4. The reaction pathway was monitored by 11B NMR spectroscopy. The structures of the 1,2‐ and 1,6‐isomers were optimized at the HF/6‐31 G* ab initio level. Gas‐phase electron diffraction studies for both isomers are reported, as well as low‐temperature X‐ray crystal structure determinations. Comparison of calculated structural data with the data obtained experimentally shows good agreement between theory and experiment.
Toward Controllable Molecular Shuttles
Authors: Anelli Pier‐Lucio , Asakawa Masumi , Ashton Peter R. , Bissell Richard A. , Clavier Gilles , Górski Romuald , Kaifer Angel E. , Langford Steven J. , Mattersteig Gunter , Menzer Stephan , Philp Douglas , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Spencer Neil , Stoddart J. Fraser , Tolley Malcolm S. , Williams David J.
Published: July 2007

A number of nanometer‐scale molecular assemblies, based on rotaxane‐type structures, have been synthesized by means of a template‐directed strategy from simple building blocks that, on account of the molecular recognition arising from the noncovalent interactions between them, are able to self‐assemble into potential molecular abacuses. In all the cases investigated, the π‐electron‐deficient tetracationic cyclophane cyclobis(paraquat‐p‐phenylene) is constrained mechanically around a dumbbell‐shaped component consisting of a linear polyether chain intercepted by at least two, if not three, π‐electron‐rich units and terminated at each end by blocking groups or stoppers. The development of an approach toward constructing these molecular abacuses, in which the tetracationic cyclophane is able to shuttle back and forth with respect to the dumbbell‐shaped component, begins with the self‐assembly of a [2]rotaxane consisting of two hydroquinone rings symmetrically positioned within a polyether chain terminated by triisopropylsilyl ether blocking groups. In this first so‐called molecular shuttle, the tetracationic cyclophane oscillates in a degenerate fashion between the two π‐electron‐rich hydroquinone rings. Replacement of one of the hydroquinone rings—or the insertion of another π‐electron‐rich ring system between the two hydroquinine rings—introduces the possibility of translational isomerism, a phenomenon that arises because of the different relative positions and populations of the tetracationic cyclophane with respect to the π‐donor sites on the dumbbell‐shaped component. In two subsequent [2]rotaxanes, one of the hydroquinone rings in the dumbbell‐shaped component is replaced, first by a p‐xylyl and then by an indole unit. Finally, a tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) unit is positioned between two hydroquinone rings in the dumbbell‐shaped component. Spectroscopic and electrochemical investigations carried out on these first‐generation molecular shuttles show that they could be developed as molecular switches.
Bidirectional and Convergent Routes to oligo(Tetrahydrofurans)
Authors: Koert Ulrich , Stein Matthias , Wagner Holger
Published: July 2007

Oligo(tetrahydrofurans) (oligo‐THFs) 8–12 have been synthesised stereoselectively. Multiple Williamson reactions were used as key steps. While oligo‐THFs with an even number of THF rings like the bi‐THFs 8 and 9 as well as the tetra‐THFs 10 and 11 were obtained by a bidirectional strategy, the penta‐THF 12 with an odd number of THF rings was prepared by a convergent strategy with a sulfone–aldehyde coupling as connecting step. The oligo‐THF products are important structural features of natural (Annonaceae acetogenins) and non‐natural (artificial ion channels) products.
Eating disorder not otherwise specified in an inpatient unit: the impact of altering the DSM‐IV criteria for anorexia and bulimia nervosa
Authors: Dalle Grave Riccardo , Calugi Simona
Published: July 2007

Objective

To evaluate (1) the Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) prevalence in an eating disorder inpatient unit; (2) the impact of altering the diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa on the prevalence of EDNOS.

Method

One hundred and eighty six eating disorder patients consecutively hospitalised were included in the study. The prevalence of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and EDNOS was evaluated with the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE). The EDNOS prevalence was recalculated after the alteration of three diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa and one for bulimia nervosa.

Results

Seventy eight patients (41.9%) met the diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa, 33 (17.8%) for bulimia nervosa and 75 (40.3%) for EDNOS. The alteration of the DSM‐IV diagnostic criteria reduced the prevalence of EDNOS to 28 cases (15%).

Conclusion

EDNOS is a very frequent diagnostic category in an inpatient setting. Altering the diagnostic criteria for anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa reduced significantly the prevalence of EDNOS. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Personality in non‐clinical adolescents with eating disorders
Authors: Sancho Carolina , Arija María Victoria , Canals Josepa
Published: July 2007

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine whether personality‐related differences also exist in non‐clinical adolescents with any given type of eating disorder (ED) and whether personality characteristics are associated with changes in the course of the diagnosis.

Method

An initial sample of 1336 boys and girls (mean age: 11.37, SD = 0.62) was assessed in a two‐phase long‐term study. A total of 258 subjects were selected from the initial sample (T1) and contacted again 2 years later (T2) (n = 200). These subjects comprise the sample group of this study. Of these, 51 were diagnosed with ED (37 with diagnosis type anorexia (DTA) and 14 with diagnosis type bulimia (DTB)). An experimental version of the Junior Temperament and Character Inventory (JTCI) was applied.

Results

Subjects with DTA had significantly higher scores on Reward Dependence and Self‐Directedness factors than subjects with no diagnosis or DTB, respectively. Subjects with DTB had higher scores on Novelty Seeking, Harm Avoidance and Spirituality factors than subjects with forms of anorexia or without diagnosed ED. Subjects with ED remission had significantly lower scores on Persistence and Self‐Directedness scales. ED incident subjects had significantly higher scores on Harm Avoidance.

Conclusions

Subjects without full‐blown syndromes have similar temperament characteristics to subjects with full eating disorders. These results support the theory that non‐full‐blown syndromes differ from full syndromes only in pathological severity. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Concurrent chemoradiotherapy with weekly paclitaxel and carboplatin for locally advanced head and neck cancer: Long‐term follow‐up of a Brown University Oncology Group Phase II Study (HN‐53)
Authors: Chougule Prakash B. , Akhtar Muhammad S. , Rathore Ritesh , Koness James , McRae Robert , Nigri Peter , Radie‐Keane Kathie , Kennedy Teresa , Wanebo Harold J. , Ready Neal
Published: July 2007

Background.

A phase II study was conducted using concurrent paclitaxel, carboplatin, and external beam radiotherapy (RT) in patients with advanced head and neck cancer.

Methods.

Forty‐three patients (stage III, n = 12; stage IV, n = 31) were treated with 8 cycles of weekly paclitaxel (60 mg/m2), carboplatin (area under the curve [AUC] = 1), and RT (1.8 Gy daily; total dose, 66–72 Gy). Patients with initially palpable lymph nodes underwent neck dissection.

Results.

The overall clinical response rate was 91% (65% complete, 26% partial). Severe mucositis occurred in 37 (90%) patients, necessitating hospitalization in 13 (31%) patients. With a median follow‐up of 49 months, the locoregional and distant failure rates were 26% and 21%, respectively.

Conclusions.

Concurrent paclitaxel, carboplatin, and RT for advanced head and neck cancer results in high complete response rates. Long‐term follow‐up has revealed the curative potential of this regimen, though the doses used resulted in unacceptable toxicity. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 2008
Clinical Application of Resorbable Polymers in Guided Bone Regeneration
Authors: Ip Wing‐Yuik , Gogolewski Sylwester
Published: July 2007

Summary: Guided bone regeneration was shown to be successful in vitro and in vivo using resorbable or nonresorbable materials. Resorbable material has the advantage of progressive substitution by bone. Resorbable polymers of ∝‐hydroxy acids like polylactide or polyglycolide are commonly used for tissue engineering and in guided bone regeneration. In clinical studies, guided bone regeneration was successful in non‐weight bearing bone, e.g. in dental surgery and craniofacial surgery. This paper reports the preliminary result of using resorbable poly(L/DL‐lactide) 80/20% scaffolds in weight bearing bone with infected large segmental defects as well as in small bony defects of hand due to benign tumour, bone graft donor sites and as an adjunct for joint fusion. Resorbable polylactide implants were used in the form of membranes, large 3‐D sponges, chips or as injectable paste. Implants were impregnated with marrow blood to add an osteoinductive component. Long‐term follow up revealed that these implants are promising candidates for bone graft substitutes.
Higher plant chloroplasts import the mRNA coding for the eucaryotic translation initiation factor 4E
Authors: Nicolaï Maryse , Duprat Anne , Sormani Rodnay , Rodriguez Cecilia , Roncato Marie-Anne , Rolland Norbert , Robaglia Christophe
Published: July 2007

Plant chloroplasts probably originate from an endosymbiosis event between a photosynthetic bacteria and a eucaryotic cell. The proper functioning of this association requires a high level of integration between the chloroplastic genome and the plant cell genome. Many chloroplastic genes have been transferred to the nucleus of the host cell and the proteins coded by these genes are imported into the chloroplast. Chloroplastic activity also regulates the expression of these genes at the transcriptional and post‐transcriptional levels. The importation of nucleic acids from the host cell into the chloroplast has never been observed. This work show that the mRNA coding for the eucaryotic translation factor 4E, an essential regulator of translation, enters the chloroplast in four different plant species, and is located in the stroma. Furthermore, the localization in the chloroplast of an heterologous GFP mRNA fused to the eIF4E RNA was also observed.
Evaluation of the use of thermal thresholds to investigate NSAID analgesia in a model of inflammatory pain in cats
Authors: Taylor Polly M , Robertson Sheilah A , Dixon Michael J.
Published: July 2007

This study evaluated thermal threshold (TT) testing for investigation into NSAID analgesia in cats. Seven cats participated in two crossover studies. TTs were measured on thoracic skin using a device developed specifically for cats. Skin temperature was recorded, then the heater activated. At the behavioural end point heating was stopped and temperature (=TT) recorded. In part 1, TTs were measured following subcutaneous (SC) ketoprofen or saline. In part 2, the process was repeated after intradermal kaolin induced mild inflammation at the test site. TTs were measured before treatment and two hourly for 24 h. In part 1, skin temperature did not change but in part 2 it increased more after saline than ketoprofen. TT did not change significantly after any treatment. However, after ketoprofen TT fell below the 95% confidence interval (CI) in part 1 and increased above it in part 2. The method detected some NSAID effects but is unlikely to be sufficiently sensitive for study of NSAID analgesia.
A geoelectrical model of the Barguzin basin in the Baikal Rift Zone
Authors: Epov M.I. , Nevedrova N.N. , Sanchaa A.M.
Published: July 2007

We processed data from geophysical survey archives of the 1950s acquired in intermontane basins in the Baikal rift, including a large collection of vertical electric soundings (VES) from the Barguzin basin, which remained only partly interpreted. The processing and reinterpretation became possible with the advanced computing facilities and software for forward modeling and inversion, and GIS tools. We estimated the electrical parameters and modeled the complex block structure of the uppermost basement and sediments beneath the Barguzin basin.
The effect of seismic events on sliding deformations of the Bratsk water reservoir shores
Authors: Trzhtsinsky Yu.B. , Kozyreva E.A. , Radziminovich Ya.B.
Published: July 2007

Research has shown that the creation of the Bratsk water reservoir considerably changed the seismic conditions in this area of the Siberian Platform. Seismic records revealed a significant increase in the energy classes of earthquakes with epicenters in the north of the reservoir, in trap intrusion zone. The change in engineering-geologic conditions and frequent seismic events affected the rate of development of gravitational deformations on the shore slopes.
Evolutionary nature of structure formation in lithospheric material: universal principle for fractality of solids
Authors: Makarov P.V.
Published: July 2007

Destruction of geomaterials and geomedia material, as well as general brittle and ductile materials, have been treated theoretically and experimentally using the general approach of nonlinear dynamic systems. The process of destruction in loaded solids (inelastic deformation, damage accumulation, fracture) is presented as a space-time evolution of a nonlinear dynamic system, which allows interpreting all deformation and fracture within the limits of a single theory. The space-time hierarchies of nonlinear systems were found out to undergo collective effects and self-organization. The experimental and theoretical studies of the evolution of loaded solids revealed their universal fractality and showed brittle fracture and plastic deformation to be self-similar processes at different scales, for which scaling parameters have been estimated. The evolution of inelastic strain and destruction of solids is modeled numerically in terms of hierarchic systems.
Seismic strain in the Altai-Sayan active seismic area and elements of collisional geodynamics
Authors: Gol’din S.V. , Kuchai O.A.
Published: July 2007

Seismic strain estimated from about 900 earthquake mechanisms in the Altai-Sayan area indicates that the area evolves mainly under N-S compression caused by the India-Eurasia collision. Plastic flow in the mountains of the western and central Altai-Sayan area is controlled by convergence of aseismic rigid blocks, including the Dzungarian microplate, the Minusa basin, the Tuva basin, Uvs Nuur and other basins in the region of Great Lakes in Mongolia. Earthquake rupture follows the existing fault pattern. The pattern of rigid blocks and mountain ranges correlates well with upper mantle thermal heterogeneity as imaged by seismic tomography.

Earthquake mechanisms in the presence of plate convergence depend on different factors. Slip geometry depends on focal depth at a given geodynamic regime, and the latter, in terms of the seismic process, is controlled by lateral (W-E) constraint. Reverse-slip earthquakes most often originate at shallow depths in regions of constrained compression, such as the Tien Shan, and strike slip is the dominant mechanism under non-constrained and moderately constrained compression. The direction of slip is governed by the parallel component of convergence and by the fault pattern. In regions of strain shadow, slip occurs mostly on normal planes, and shallow earthquakes have strike-slip mechanisms. The crust in the collisional region is divided into systems of rigid and plastic blocks (rheological structure) and of fault blocks (fault-block structure). The two types of systems coexist and determine the generally similar but specifically different features of local mass transfer.
Democratic Theory and Political Science: A Pragmatic Method of Constructive Engagement
Authors: FUNG ARCHON
Published: July 2007

This article develops two conceptual tools to synthesize democratic theory and the empirical study of institutions. The first is a standard to assess conceptions of democracy calledpragmatic equilibrium. A conception of democracy is in pragmatic equilibrium just in case the consequences of its institutional prescriptions realize its values well and better than any other feasible institutional arrangements across a wide range of problems and contexts. Pragmatic equilibrium is a kind of Rawlsian reflective equilibrium. The second is amethod of practical reasoningabout the consequences of alternative institutional choices that brings conceptions of democracy closer to pragmatic equilibrium. These two ideas are then applied to four conceptions of democracy—minimal, aggregative, deliberative, and participatory—and to two governance problems—deciding rules of political structure and minority tyranny—to show how each conception can improve through reflection on the empirical consequences of various institutional arrangements.
Evaluation of a compartmental model to describe non-esterified fatty acid kinetics in Holstein dairy cows
Authors: Moate Peter J , Roche John R , Chagas Lucia M , Boston Raymond C
Published: July 2007

The dynamics of non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) metabolism in lactating dairy cows requires quantification if we are to understand how dietary treatments and disease influence changes in body condition (adipose reserves) and the production of milk fat. Recently, Thomaseth & Pavan (2003) presented a compartmental model (Thomaseth model), which employs the pattern of plasma insulin concentrations in humans to predict the dynamic changes that occur in the plasma concentrations of glucose and NEFA during an intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT). The Thomaseth model, or at least a similar model, could have potential application to the field of energy metabolism in ruminants because it would enable the estimation of parameters that describe the rates of whole body disposition of glucose, and the production and utilization of NEFA. In this study we investigated the suitability of the Thomaseth model to describe NEFA and glucose kinetics in 10 lactating Holstein-Friesian cows given a standard IVGTT in early lactation. The Thomaseth model described the general pattern of the NEFA response and, in particular, described the downward-slope and nadir in NEFA concentrations reasonably well. However, it failed to describe the initial latency period (the period before NEFA concentrations decline precipitously), and it could not describe terminal ‘rebound’ plateau in NEFA concentration. Because of these inherent problems, the parameters of the Thomaseth model cannot be considered to provide accurate estimates of rates of NEFA production or utilization. It is concluded that the Thomaseth model is not suitable for describing NEFA kinetics in lactating dairy cows.
The Private Sector and Peace in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Colombia
Authors: RETTBERG ANGELIKA
Published: July 2007

The private sector plays a fundamental role in peace negotiations and in the implementation of agreements, as comparison between El Salvador, Guatemala and Colombia indicates. However, private sector involvement in peace negotiations varies: Conflict cost perceptions, degrees of unity of the pro-peace business faction, and varied access to the peace policymaking process account for important differences across the cases. Thus this article points to the need to fine-tune our understanding of private sector behaviour in the context of armed conflict and peace and underscores how private sector characteristics and business-state relations affect the emergence of peace negotiations and shape resultant outcomes.
Piece of mind; a full systems approach is required
Authors: Rae Caroline
Published: July 2007

Intelligence studies are confounded by an inability to image the mind, as well as by heterogeneity in intelligence constructs, gender, and age. The ghost (of future, not past) sitting at the table is a molecular one. Biochemistry and molecular biology factors can contribute to or take away from intelligence to a great and not yet fully explored extent.
Variety and genesis of the pyroxene-bearing S- and I-type granitoids from the Hidaka Metamorphic Belt, Hokkaido, northern Japan
Authors: Shimura Toshiaki , Owada Masaaki , Osanai Yasuhito , Komatsu Masayuki , Kagami Hiroo
Published: July 2007

The high-dT/dP-type Hidaka Metamorphic Belt in Hokkaido, northern Japan, represents a tilted crustal section of a magmatic arc of Tertiary age. The highest metamorphic grades reached are granulite facies, and the syn-metamorphic granitic rocks are widely distributed in this metamorphic terrane. The granitic rocks are mainly tonalitic and granodioritic in composition, and are classified into peraluminous (S-type) and metaluminous (I-type) granitoids. A large amount of pyroxene-bearing S-type tonalites (garnet-orthopyroxene tonalite) is distributed in the Niikappu river region in the northern part of the Hidaka Metamorphic Belt. Pyroxene-bearing I-type tonalite (two-pyroxene hornblende tonalite) bodies are also distributed in this area.

The pyroxene-bearing tonalites are classified into several sub-types on the basis of their field occurrence, texture, mineral assemblage and geochemical features. Homogeneous IH- and SH-type tonalite are thought to represent original magmas, i.e. those which have been generated by partial melting of mafic metamorphic rocks and pelitic-psammitic metamorphic rocks, respectively. Model calculations assuming batch partial melting indicate that possible restites are garnet-two-pyroxene mafic granulite for IH-type and garnet-orthopyroxene aluminous granulite for SH-type. The unexposed lowermost crust of the ‘Hidaka crust’ is thought to be composed of garnet-two-pyroxene mafic granulite, garnet-orthopyroxene aluminous granulite and metagabbros.
Polarization control of 1.15μm vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers using autocloned photonic crystal polarizer
Authors: Babu Dayal P. , Kitabayashi N. , Miyamoto T. , Koyama F. , Kawashima T. , Kawakami S.
Published: July 2007

The authors propose and demonstrate the polarization control of 1.15μm, single-mode vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) with the hybrid integration of autocloned photonic crystal polarizer (PCP). The authors experimentally found that transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) modes of polarizations of the PCP can be selected for the in-phase and the out-of-phase conditions with respect to the positioning of PCP on the top surface of VCSELs. The lasing spectrum of TE (TM) mode in the in-phase (the out-of-phase) condition shows polarization suppression ratio of 18 (14)dB. This simple method offers stable polarization operation of VCSELs without penalties in laser performances.
Companion crop performance in the absence and presence of agronomic manipulation
Authors: Harris R. H. , Hirth J. R. , Crawford M. C. , Bellotti W. D. , Peoples M. B. , Norng S.
Published: July 2007

A field experiment located in southern New South Wales compared the component yields of cereal–lucerne companion crops (cereals sown into established lucerne) with the yields of cereal and lucerne monocultures. In-crop lucerne herbicide suppression, cereal crop types (wheat and barley), and top-dressed nitrogen (N) were evaluated for the potential to improve cereal production in the presence of lucerne. Plant populations and biomass, cereal grain yields, and grain quality (protein, screenings, and contamination) were measured. Over the 3-year study, cereals sown into established lucerne (4 years of age at the commencement of the experiment) yielded 17% less (P < 0.05) grain than the cereal monoculture. Companion cropping also resulted in a 71% reduction (P < 0.05) in lucerne biomass over the growing season compared with the lucerne monoculture, but a 3-fold (P < 0.05) increase in total (cereal and lucerne) biomass production. There were no differences between wheat and barley crops in the presence of lucerne, although extensive lodging in the 2003-barley monoculture did result in a significant main treatment (+/0 lucerne and +/0 in-crop lucerne suppression) × crop type (wheat and barley) interaction in grain yield, but not cereal biomass. N top-dressed after tillering onto cereal–lucerne companion crops did not increase grain yield, although it did increase cereal biomass in 2003. Whilst in-crop lucerne suppression did not increase cereal grain yields, it did increase (P < 0.05) cereal biomass and reduced lucerne biomass at cereal maturity and contamination (lucerne pods and flowers) of the cereal grain. However, this practice reduced (P < 0.05) lucerne populations, and therefore potentially threatens the longer term viability of lucerne stands so more research is recommended to develop less detrimental strategies for achieving effective in-crop lucerne suppression. This study combined with results from others, suggests that rainfall was a major factor determining cereal responses in the presence of lucerne, and although there were responses in cereal biomass to additional N and herbicide suppression, these strategies appear to only have potential under favourable growing-season conditions.
Clonal success of piliated penicillin nonsusceptible pneumococci
Authors: Sjöström K. , Blomberg C. , Fernebro J. , Dagerhamn J. , Morfeldt E. , Barocchi M. A. , Browall S. , Moschioni M. , Andersson M. , Henriques F. , Albiger B. , Rappuoli Rino , Normark S. , Henriques-Normark B.
Published: July 2007

Antibiotic resistance in pneumococci is due to the spread of strains belonging to a limited number of clones. The Spain
9V
-3 clone of sequence type (ST)156 is one of the most successful clones with reduced susceptibility to penicillin [pneumococci nonsusceptible to penicillin (PNSP)]. In Sweden during 2000–2003, a dramatic increase in the number of PNSP isolates was observed. Molecular characterization of these isolates showed that a single clone of sequence type ST156 increased from 40% to 80% of all serotype 14, thus causing the serotype expansion. Additionally, during the same time period, we examined the clonal composition of two serotypes 9V and 19F: all 9V and 20% of 19F isolates belonged to the clonal cluster of ST156, and overall ≈50% of all PNSP belonged to the ST156 clonal cluster. Moreover, microarray and PCR analysis showed that all ST156 isolates, irrespective of capsular type, carried the
rlrA
pilus islet. This islet was also found to be present in the penicillin-sensitive ST162 clone, which is believed to be the drug-susceptible ancestor of ST156. Competitive experiments between related ST156 serotype 19F strains confirmed that those containing the
rlrA
pilus islet were more successful in an animal model of carriage. We conclude that the pilus island is an important biological factor common to ST156 isolates and other successful PNSP clones. In Sweden, a country where the low antibiotic usage does not explain the spread of resistant strains, at least 70% of all PNSP isolates collected during year 2003 carried the pilus islet.
A unified genetic theory for sporadic and inherited autism
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyue , Leotta Anthony , Kustanovich Vlad , Lajonchere Clara , Geschwind Daniel H. , Law Kiely , Law Paul , Qiu Shanping , Lord Catherine , Sebat Jonathan , Ye Kenny , Wigler Michael
Published: July 2007

Autism is among the most clearly genetically determined of all cognitive-developmental disorders, with males affected more often than females. We have analyzed autism risk in multiplex families from the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE) and find strong evidence for dominant transmission to male offspring. By incorporating generally accepted rates of autism and sibling recurrence, we find good fit for a simple genetic model in which most families fall into two types: a small minority for whom the risk of autism in male offspring is near 50%, and the vast majority for whom male offspring have a low risk. We propose an explanation that links these two types of families: sporadic autism in the low-risk families is mainly caused by spontaneous mutation with high penetrance in males and relatively poor penetrance in females; and high-risk families are from those offspring, most often females, who carry a new causative mutation but are unaffected and in turn transmit the mutation in dominant fashion to their offspring.
Hepatic Gene Expression Changes in Mice Associated with Prolonged Sublethal Microcystin Exposure
Authors: Clark Shawn P. , Davis Myrtle A. , Ryan Timothy P. , Searfoss George H. , Hooser Stephen B.
Published: July 2007

Microcystin-LR (MCLR) is an acute hepatotoxicant and suspected carcinogen. Previous chronic studies have individually described hepatic morphologic changes, or alterations in the cytoskeleton, cell signaling or redox pathways. The objective of this study was to characterize chronic effects of MCLR in wild-type mice utilizing gene array analysis, morphology, and plasma chemistries. MCLR was given daily for up to 28 days. RNA from the 28-day study was hybridized onto mouse genechip arrays. RNA from 4 hours, 24 hours, 4 days, 1 day, and 28 days for selected genes was processed for quantitative-PCR. Increases in plasma hepatic enzyme activities and decreases in total protein, albumin and glucose concentrations were identified in MCLR-treated groups at 14 and 28 days. Histologically, marked hepatokaryomegaly was identified in the 14-day MCLR group with the addition of giant cells at 28 days. Major gene transcript changes were identified in the actin organization, cell cycle, apoptotic, cellular redox, cell signaling, albumin metabolism, and glucose homeostasis pathways, and the organic anion transport polypeptide system. Using toxicogenomics, we have identified key molecular pathways involved in chronic sublethal MCLR exposure in wild-type mice, genes participating in those critical pathways and related them to cellular and morphologic alterations seen in this and other studies.
Issues in Alcohol Training Programs
Authors: Knight Rosemary , Powell Keith
Published: July 2007

Abstract: The present paper addresses the issue of training programs in Australia concerned with alcohol‐related problems. The main difficulties (both conceptual and practical) in this area are outlined and some solutions are proposed. Following an introduction, the paper proceeds by a series of questions as follows: 1) Why train? 2) Who trains? 3) Whom to train? 4) How to train? 5) Where to train? and 6) The future of training. Reference is made to the literature where appropriate.