bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glucocorticoids Differentially Regulate the Expression of CRFR1 and CRFR2α in MIN6 Insulinoma Cells and Rodent Islets
Authors: Huising M. O. , Pilbrow A. P. , Matsumoto M. , van der Meulen T. , Park H. , Vaughan J. M. , Lee S. , Vale W. W.
Published: November 2010

Urocortin 3 (Ucn 3), member of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family of peptide hormones, is released from β-cells to potentiate insulin secretion. Ucn 3 activates the CRF type-2 receptor (CRFR2) but does not activate the type-1 receptor (CRFR1), which was recently demonstrated on β-cells. While the direct actions of Ucn 3 on insulin secretion suggest the presence of cognate receptors within the islet microenvironment, this has not been established. Here we demonstrate that CRFR2α is expressed by MIN6 insulinoma cells and by primary mouse and human islets, with no detectable expression of CRFR2β. Furthermore, stimulation of MIN6 cells or primary mouse islets in vitro or in vivo with glucocorticoids (GCs) robustly and dose-dependently increases the expression of CRFR2α, while simultaneously inhibiting the expression of CRFR1 and incretin receptors. Luciferase reporters driven by the mouse CRFR1 or CRFR2α promoter in MIN6 cells confirm these differential effects of GCs. In contrast, GCs inhibit CRFR2α promoter activity in HEK293 cells and inhibit the expression of CRFR2β in A7r5 rat aortic smooth muscle cells and differentiated C2C12 myotubes. These findings suggest that the GC-mediated increase of CRFR2α depends on the cellular context of the islet and deviates from the GC-mediated suppression of CRFR1 and incretin receptors. Furthermore, GC-induced increases in CRFR2α expression coincide with increased Ucn 3-dependent activation of cAMP and MAPK pathways. We postulate that differential effect of GCs on the expression of CRFR1 and CRFR2α in the endocrine pancreas represent a mechanism to shift sensitivity from CRFR1 to CRFR2 ligands.
11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2 Deficiency Accelerates Atherogenesis and Causes Proinflammatory Changes in the Endothelium in Apoe−/− Mice
Authors: Deuchar Graeme A. , McLean Danielle , Hadoke Patrick W. F. , Brownstein David G. , Webb David J. , Mullins John J. , Chapman Karen , Seckl Jonathan R. , Kotelevtsev Yuri V.
Published: November 2010

Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation is proinflammatory and proatherogenic. Antagonism of MR improves survival in humans with congestive heart failure caused by atherosclerotic disease. In animal models, activation of MR exacerbates atherosclerosis. The enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2) prevents inappropriate activation of the MR by inactivating glucocorticoids in mineralocorticoid-target tissues. To determine whether glucocorticoid-mediated activation of MR increases atheromatous plaque formation, we generated Apoe−/−/11β-HSD2−/− double-knockout (E/b2) mice. On chow diet, E/b2 mice developed atherosclerotic lesions by 3 months of age, whereas Apolipoprotein E (Apoe−/−) mice remained lesion free. Brachiocephalic plaques in 3-month-old E/b2 mice showed increased macrophage and lipid content and reduced collagen content compared with similar sized brachiocephalic plaques in 6-month-old Apoe−/− mice. Crucially, treatment of E/b2 mice with eplerenone, an MR antagonist, reduced plaque development and macrophage infiltration while increasing collagen and smooth muscle cell content without any effect on systolic blood pressure. In contrast, reduction of systolic blood pressure in E/b2 mice using the epithelial sodium channel blocker amiloride produced a less-profound atheroprotective effect. Vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 expression was increased in the endothelium of E/b2 mice compared with Apoe−/− mice. Similarly, aldosterone increased vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 expression in mouse aortic endothelial cells, an effect mimicked by corticosterone only in the presence of an 11β-HSD2 inhibitor. Thus, loss of 11β-HSD2 leads to striking atherogenesis associated with activation of MR, stimulating proinflammatory processes in the endothelium of E/b2 mice.
Alendronate for the Treatment of Pediatric Osteogenesis Imperfecta: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Ward L. M. , Rauch F. , Whyte M. P. , D'Astous J. , Gates P. E. , Grogan D. , Lester E. L. , McCall R. E. , Pressly T. A. , Sanders J. O. , Smith P. A. , Steiner R. D. , Sullivan E. , Tyerman G. , Smith-Wright D. L. , Verbruggen N. , Heyden N. , Lombardi A. , Glorieux F. H.
Published: November 2010

abstract

Context:

Information on the use of oral bisphosphonate agents to treat pediatric osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is limited.

Objective:

The objective of the investigation was to study the efficacy and safety of daily oral alendronate (ALN) in children with OI.

Design and Participants:

We conducted a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. One hundred thirty-nine children (aged 4–19 yr) with type I, III, or IV OI were randomized to either placebo (n = 30) or ALN (n = 109) for 2 yr. ALN doses were 5 mg/d in children less than 40 kg and 10 mg/d for those 40 kg and greater.

Main Outcome Measures:

Spine areal bone mineral density (BMD) z-score, urinary N-telopeptide of collagen type I, extremity fracture incidence, vertebral area, iliac cortical width, bone pain, physical activity, and safety parameters were measured.

Results:

ALN increased spine areal BMD by 51% vs. a 12% increase with placebo (P < 0.001); the mean spine areal BMD z-score increased significantly from −4.6 to −3.3 (P < 0.001) with ALN, whereas the change in the placebo group (from −4.6 to −4.5) was insignificant. Urinary N-telopeptide of collagen type I decreased by 62% in the ALN-treated group, compared with 32% with placebo (P < 0.001). Long-bone fracture incidence, average midline vertebral height, iliac cortical width, bone pain, and physical activity were similar between groups. The incidences of clinical and laboratory adverse experiences were also similar between the treatment and placebo groups.

Conclusions:

Oral ALN for 2 yr in pediatric patients with OI significantly decreased bone turnover and increased spine areal BMD but was not associated with improved fracture outcomes.
High Expression of the Urokinase Plasminogen Activator and Its Cognate Receptor Associates with Advanced Stages and Reduced Disease-Free Interval in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Ulisse Salvatore , Baldini Enke , Sorrenti Salvatore , Barollo Susi , Gnessi Lucio , Catania Antonio , Pellizzo Maria Rosa , Nardi Francesco , Mian Caterina , De Antoni Enrico , D'Armiento Massimino , Frati Luigi
Published: November 2010

abstract

Context:

The urokinase plasminogen activating system is implicated in neoplastic progression, and high tissue levels of urokinase plasminogen activating system components correlate with poor prognosis in various human cancers.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to investigate the prognostic relevance of the urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), its cognate receptor (uPAR), and the plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) in human papillary thyroid cancer (PTC).

Design:

The expression of uPA, uPAR, and PAI-1 genes was analyzed in PTC and normal matched tissues by quantitative RT-PCR. The case study consisted of 99 patients (21 males and 78 females) affected by PTC including 77 classical, 15 follicular, four tall cell, and three oncocytic variants. Forty-one patients had lymph node metastases at the time of diagnosis. All the patients underwent thyroidectomy and radioiodine therapy followed by thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Follow-up data were available for 76 patients up to 64 months.

Results:

The uPA, uPAR, and PAI-1 mRNA levels were significantly higher in PTC compared with normal matched tissues by 9.63 ± 1,29-, 4.82 ± 0.45-, and 5.64 ± 0.71-fold, respectively. The increased expression of uPA and uPAR correlated statistically with advanced pT and N status. The uPA was also significantly associated with advanced tumor node metastasis stages. The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a significant association of uPA and uPAR levels with reduced patient disease-free interval (DFI), and this association was stronger in stage I patients.

Conclusion:

The study demonstrated that in PTC the increased gene expression of uPA and uPAR is associated with tumor invasiveness, advanced stages, and shorter DFI, suggesting their prognostic relevance. These observations warrant further investigation in larger patient populations with longer follow-up.
Changes in Placental CRH, Urocortins, and CRH-Receptor mRNA Expression Associated with Preterm Delivery and Chorioamnionitis
Authors: Torricelli Michela , Novembri Romina , Bloise Errico , De Bonis Maria , Challis John R. , Petraglia Felice
Published: November 2010

abstract

Context:

The pathogenesis of preterm delivery (PTD) is not clear, although inflammation/infection play a major role. Corticotropin releasing-hormone (CRH) and Urocortins (Ucns) are involved in the pathophysiology of PTD.

Objective:

This study evaluates trophoblast mRNA expression of CRH, Ucn, Ucn2, Ucn3, and their receptors [CRH-type 1 receptor (CRH-R1), CRH-R2] in infective conditions. To determine whether infection or glucocorticoids contribute to change their placental mRNA expression, the effects of lipopolysaccharide or dexamethasone was evaluated.

Design:

Placentas were obtained from spontaneous PTD; premature rupture of membranes (pPROM) and pPROM with chorioamnionitis.

Setting:

Placental specimens were collected from women receiving perinatal care at our Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Patients or Other Participants:

Pregnant women delivered preterm were enrolled.

Interventions:

mRNA expression was evaluated by RT-PCR.

Main Outcome Measure:

Because CRH and Ucns are involved in immunological functions we evaluated their involvement in PTD with or without infection.

Results:

CRH, Ucn2, and CRH-R1 mRNA expression were higher, while Ucn and CRHR-2 were lower in pPROM with chorioamnionitis than in PTD and pPROM. Ucn3 mRNA expression was lower in pPROM with and without chorioamnionitis than in PTD. The addition of lipopolysaccharide in trophoblast explants decreased Ucn, Ucn3, and CRH-R2 and increased CRH, Ucn2, and CRH-R1 mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner. Dexamethasone increased CRH and decreased Ucn2 mRNA expression in a dose dependent manner.

Conclusions:

Our findings showed a significant impact of pPROM with chorioamnionitis on placental CRH peptides and receptors, suggesting that placental expression of stress-related pathways is activated in infective process.
TGF-β Inhibits Muscle Differentiation by Blocking Autocrine Signaling Pathways Initiated by IGF-II
Authors: Gardner Samantha , Alzhanov Damir , Knollman Paul , Kuninger David , Rotwein Peter
Published: November 2010

Skeletal muscle differentiation and regeneration are regulated by interactions between exogenous hormone- and growth factor-activated signaling cascades and endogenous muscle-specific transcriptional programs. IGF-I and IGF-II can promote muscle differentiation in vitro and can enhance muscle maintenance and repair in vivo. In contrast, members of the TGF-β superfamily prominently inhibit muscle differentiation and regeneration. In this study, we have evaluated functional interactions between IGF- and TGF-β-regulated signaling pathways during skeletal muscle differentiation. In the mouse C2 muscle cell line and in human myoblasts in primary culture, addition of TGF-β1 blocked differentiation in a dose-dependent way, inhibited expression of muscle-specific mRNAs and proteins, and impaired myotube formation. TGF-β1 also diminished stimulation of IGF-II gene expression in myoblasts, decreased IGF-II secretion, and reduced IGF-I receptor activation. To test the hypothesis that TGF-β1 prevents muscle differentiation primarily by blocking IGF-II production, we examined effects of IGF analogues on TGF-β actions in myoblasts. Although both IGF-I and IGF-II restored muscle gene and protein expression, and stimulated myotube formation in the presence of TGF-β1, they did not reduce TGF-β1-stimulated signaling, as measured by no decline in phosphorylation of SMA and mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (Smad)3, or in induction of TGF-β-activated target genes, including a Smad-dependent promoter-reporter plasmid. Our results demonstrate that TGF-β disrupts an IGF-II-stimulated autocrine amplification cascade that is necessary for muscle differentiation in vitro. Because this inhibitory pathway can be overcome by exogenous IGFs, our observations point toward potential strategies to counteract disorders that reduce muscle mass and strength.
Relationship between Thyrotropin Receptor Hinge Region Proteolytic Posttranslational Modification and Receptor Physiological Function
Authors: Hamidi Sepehr , Chen Chun-Rong , Mizutori-Sasai Yumiko , McLachlan Sandra M. , Rapoport Basil
Published: November 2010

The glycoprotein hormone receptor hinge region is the least conserved component and the most variable in size; the TSH receptor (TSHR) being the longest (152 amino acids; residues 261–412). The TSHR is also unique among the glycoprotein hormone receptor in undergoing in vivo intramolecular cleavage into disulfide-linked A- and B-subunits with removal of an intervening ‘C-peptide’ region. Experimentally, hinge region amino acids 317–366 (50 residues) can be deleted without alteration in receptor function. However, in vivo, more than 50 amino acids are deleted during TSHR intramolecular cleavage; furthermore, the boundaries of this deleted region are ragged and poorly defined. Studies to determine the extent to which hinge region deletions can be tolerated without affecting receptor function (‘minimal hinge’) are lacking. Using as a template the functionally normal TSHR with residues 317–366 deleted, progressive downstream extension of deletions revealed residue 371 to be the limit compatible with normal TSH binding and coupling with cAMP signal transduction. Based on the foregoing downstream limit, upstream deletion from residue 307 (307–371 deletion) was also tolerated without functional alteration, as was deletion of residues 303–366. Addressing a related issue regarding the functional role of the TSHR hinge region, we observed that downstream hinge residues 377–384 contribute to coupling ligand binding with cAMP signal transduction. In summary, we report the first evaluation of TSHR function in relation to proteolytic posttranslational hinge region modifications. Deletion of TSHR hinge amino acids 303–366 (64 residues) or 307–371 (65 residues) are the maximum hinge region deletions compatible with normal TSHR function.
Formation of Amylose–Poly(tetrahydrofuran) Inclusion Complexes in Ionic Liquid Media
Authors: Kaneko Yoshiro , Kyutoku Tsuyoshi , Shimomura Naoyuki , Kadokawa Jun-ichi
Published: November 2010

In this study, we found that amylose–poly(tetrahydrofuran) (PTHF) inclusion complexes were formed when a mixture of amylose with PTHF was stirred in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride of an ionic liquid at high temperature under reduced pressure, followed by cooling and precipitation by addition of methanol.
Graphene Nanoplatelets via Exfoliation of Platelet Carbon Nanofibers and Its Electric Double Layer Capacitance
Authors: Sato Jun , Takasu Yoshio , Fukuda Katsutoshi , Sugimoto Wataru
Published: November 2010

Graphite oxide nanoplatelets with thickness of approximately 1 nm were synthesized via exfoliation of platelet carbon nanofibers with average diameter of 150 nm. The lateral size of the graphite oxide nanoplatelets was in accord with the diameter of the parent platelet carbon nanofibers. Subsequent chemical reduction of the graphite oxide nanoplatelets resulted in graphene nanoplatelet aggregates. Specific capacitance of 132 F g−1 in sulfuric acid electrolyte was obtained for the graphene nanoplatelet electrodes, which is about 1.6 times higher than graphene nanosheet aggregates obtained from natural graphite. The capacitive properties are discussed based on the size of the graphene nanoplatelets.
Use of videoconferencing for consultation in dental prosthetics and oral rehabilitation
Authors: Ignatius Eino , Perälä Sami , Mäkelä Kari
Published: November 2010

We conducted a 13-month study to investigate whether videoconferencing could be used for diagnosis and for making treatment plans for patients requiring prosthetic or oral rehabilitation treatment. The consultations took place between a specialist dental treatment unit in a central hospital and general dental practitioners in seven regional health centres. Videoconferencing was conducted using standard commercial units via an IP network, at bandwiths of 762 kbit/s – 2 Mbit/s. In total, 24 patients and 25 professionals (18 dentists, 2 dental hygienists and 5 nurses) took part. There were no technical problems. In 24 out of 27 teleconsultations, a diagnosis or treatment plan could be made. All participating dentists were satisfied with the consultation process and indicated that the technology used was of sufficient quality for clinical purposes. A patient satisfaction questionnaire indicated that patients were also satisfied. Videoconsultation in dentistry has the potential to increase the total number of dental specialist services in sparsely populated areas, such as those in Finland.
Target RNA-directed tailing and trimming purifies the sorting of endo-siRNAs between the two Drosophila Argonaute proteins
Authors: Ameres Stefan L. , Hung Jui-Hung , Xu Jia , Weng Zhiping , Zamore Phillip D.
Published: November 2010

In flies, 22–23-nucleotide (nt) microRNA duplexes typically contain mismatches and begin with uridine, so they bind Argonaute1 (Ago1), whereas 21-nt siRNA duplexes are perfectly paired and begin with cytidine, promoting their loading into Ago2. A subset of Drosophila endogenous siRNAs—the hairpin-derived hp-esiRNAs—are born as mismatched duplexes that often begin with uridine. These would be predicted to load into Ago1, yet accumulate at steady-state bound to Ago2. In vitro, such hp-esiRNA duplexes assemble into Ago1. In vivo, they encounter complementary target mRNAs that trigger their tailing and trimming, causing Ago1-loaded hp-esiRNAs to be degraded. In contrast, Ago2-associated hp-esiRNAs are 2′-O-methyl modified at their 3′ ends, protecting them from tailing and trimming. Consequently, the steady-state distribution of esiRNAs reflects not only their initial sorting between Ago1 and Ago2 according to their duplex structure, length, and first nucleotide, but also the targeted destruction of the single-stranded small RNAs after their loading into an Argonaute protein.
Ceramide synthases in mammalians, worms, and insects: emerging schemes
Authors: Voelzmann André , Bauer Reinhard
Published: November 2010

The ceramide synthase (CerS) gene family comprises a group of highly conserved transmembrane proteins, which are found in all studied eukaryotes. The key feature of the CerS proteins is their role in ceramide synthase activity. Therefore, their original name ‘longevity assurance gene (Lass) homologs’, after the founding member, the yeast longevity assurance genelag1, was altered to ‘CerS’. All CerS have high sequence similarity in a domain called LAG1 motif and a subset of CerS proteins is predicted to contain a Homeobox (Hox) domain. These domains could be the key to the multiple roles CerS have. CerS proteins play a role in diverse biological processes such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, stress response, cancer, and neurodegeneration. In this review, we focus on CerS structure and biological function with emphasis of biological functions in the widely used model systemsCaenorhabditis elegansandDrosophila melanogaster. Also, we focus on the accumulating data suggesting a role for CerS in lipid homeostasis.
The epigenetic regulator Cfp1
Authors: Skalnik David G.
Published: November 2010

Numerous epigenetic modifications have been identified and correlated with transcriptionally active euchromatin or repressed heterochromatin and many enzymes responsible for the addition and removal of these marks have been characterized. However, less is known regarding how these enzymes are regulated and targeted to appropriate genomic locations. Mammalian CXXC finger protein 1 is an epigenetic regulator that was originally identified as a protein that binds specifically to any DNA sequence containing an unmethylated CpG dinucleotide. Mouse embryos lacking CXXC finger protein 1 die prior to gastrulation, and embryonic stem cells lacking CXXC finger protein 1 are viable but are unable to achieve cellular differentiation and lineage commitment. CXXC finger protein 1 is a regulator of both cytosine and histone methylation. It physically interacts with DNA methyltransferase 1 and facilitates maintenance cytosine methylation. Rescue studies reveal that CXXC finger protein 1 contains redundant functional domains that are sufficient to support cellular differentiation and proper levels of cytosine methylation. CXXC finger protein 1 is also a component of the Setd1 histone H3-Lys4 methyltransferase complexes and functions to target these enzymes to unmethylated CpG islands. Depletion of CXXC finger protein 1 leads to loss of histone H3-Lys4 tri-methylation at CpG islands and inappropriate drifting of this euchromatin mark into areas of hetero-chromatin. Thus, one function of CXXC finger protein 1 is to serve as an effector protein that interprets cytosine methylation patterns and facilitates crosstalk with histone-modifying enzymes.
Mechanisms of Ion Conduction in Polyelectrolyte Multilayers and Complexes
Authors: Schönhoff Monika , Imre Árpád W. , Bhide Amthra , Cramer Cornelia
Published: November 2010

This paper reviews the progress made in understanding of the mechanisms of ion conduction in polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEM) and polyelectrolyte complexes (PEC). The basis are experimental conductivity data obtained by impedance spectroscopy as a function of relative humidity and temperature, respectively. Mechanically stable thin films of PEM have interesting perspectives as ion conductors, however, being prepared by self-assembly, their stoichiometry and content of ionic charge carriers is unknown. Therefore PEC act as a model material with a variable stoichiometry and known ion content.

Employing poly(sodium 4-styrene sulfonate) (NaPSS) and poly(diallyldimethyl ammoniumchloride) (PDADMAC), we present conductivity spectra of dried polyelectrolyte complexes of type xNaPSS·(1-x)PDADMAC as a function of temperature and composition, respectively. The dependence of the dc conductivity is discussed along with scaling properties of the spectra. The results show that the conductivity is always determined by the sodium ions, even in PEC with an excess of PDADMAC. The ion dynamics and transport mechanisms are, however, different in PDADMAC-rich than in NaPSS-rich PEC.

PEM of different polyionic compounds are investigated in dependence on relative humidity. A general law of an exponential increase of the dc conductivity with relative humidity is found. Absolute values of the conductivity and the strength of the humidity dependence are different for different polyion materials, however, they do not depend on the type of small counterion employed in layer formation. Therefore, it is concluded that in hydrated PEM, protons are the dominant charge carriers.

For both PEM and PEC we show that the MIGRATION concept developed by Funke and co-workers can be used for describing the experimental spectra over wide ranges in frequency. This implies that forward-backward hopping motions of small ions play a vital role in solid polyelectrolyte materials. Apart from these potentially successful hops, localized motions of charged particles are found to influence the conductivity spectra as well.
Acute Arsine Poisoning Confirmed by Speciation Analysis of Arsenic Compounds in the Plasma and Urine by HPLC‐ICP‐MS
Authors: Yoshimura Yukihiro , Endo Yoko , Shimoda Yasuyo , Yamanaka Kenzo , Endo Ginji
Published: November 2010

Acute Arsine Poisoning Conirmed by Speciation Analysis of Arsenic Compounds in the Plasma and Urine by HPLC‐ICP‐MS: Yukihiro Yoshimura, et al. Department of Infectious Disease, Yokohama Municipal Citizen's Hospital—

Objectives

Arsine, a potent hemolytic agent, is widely used in the semiconductor industry. We report a case of arsine poisoning conirmed by arsenic speciation analysis in serum and urine that occurred in a recycling factory.

Case

A male worker in his twenties noticed hematuria 3 h after inishing work and was admitted into our hospital 34 h later. Speciation analysis of arsenics in serum and urine samples was performed using HPLCICP‐MS. On admission, anemia, hematuria, and renal and liver dysfunction were observed. His clinicalcondition had improved remarkably after 5‐days of transfusion and 4 units of RBC transfusion. The total arsenic content in the serum was 244.8 µg/l at admission and 97.1 µg/l at discharge. In the speciation analysis, four kinds of As compounds derived from arsine metabolism were detected in serum and urine. The concentrations of arsenite (AsIII), arsenate (AsV), monomethylarsonic acid (MMA) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMA) in serum at admission were 45.8, 5.2, 17.9 and 9.3 µg/l, respectively. The concentrations of AsIII, AsV and MMA decreased with biological half‐lives (BHL) of 30.1, 43.0, and 96.3 h, respectively, while that of DMA was increased towards discharge. The urinary AsIII, AsV, MMA, and DMA concentrations at discharge were384.5, 20.8, 547.4 and 1816.3 µg/g creatinine, respectively. These concentrations in urine subsequently decreased and their BHL was 15 days.

Conclusion

The results of the present study suggest that arsine is quickly metabolized to AsCII and then metabolized via MMA to DMA in humans.
Change in Coping Strategies Following Intensive Intervention for Special‐service Military Personnel as Civil Emergency Responders
Authors: Bian Yongqiao , Xiong Hongyan , Zhang Lu , Tang Tian , Liu Zhen , Xu Rufu , Lin Hui , Xu Bing
Published: November 2010

Change in Coping Strategies Following Intensive Intervention for Special‐service Military Personnel as Civil Emergency Responders: Yongqiao Bian, et al. Department of Military Epidemiology, College of Military Prevention, Third Military Medical University, China

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness of a coping training program for the Chinese Special‐Service Military Personnel (SSMP) as civil emergency responders.

Methods

A parallel control trial was carried out in four specialservice units (camps) stationed in Chongqing, China from Feb. 14th to May 30th, 2009. A total of 396 subjects were recruited and were randomly divided into an intervention group (n=201) and a control group (n=195) by clustering. Over the trial, participants in the intervention group Received an additional coping‐training program with 14 weekly two‐hour sessions while the control group continued their normal work.

Results

Of all 396 participants, 343 attended all the sessions and completed the given measures. In comparison to their own scores in coping strategies at pre‐intervention, significant and positive changes were observed in the intervention group (n=176) at post‐intervention. Except for the strategy of self‐blaming, the coping strategies including problem‐solving, help‐seeking, avoidance, fantasy and rationalization were improved. The descending order of the absolute change values over the trial in 5 coping strategies was fantasy, help‐seeking, avoidance, problem‐solving and rationalization. In addition, most subscales of social support and self consistency, as powerful predictors of coping strategies, changed significantly over the intervention, while these changes were not observed in the control group (n=167). Conclusions: With the combined use of modular contents and procedural methods, our intervention not only led to fewer choices of immature coping strategies like fantasy, escape and rationalization, but also raised the use of mature coping strategies such as problemsolving and help‐seeking. Accordingly, the intervention will be very helpful for regular coping training of Special‐Service Units, something which can be verified and generalized for the whole SSMP in a future study.
New clinical data with metformin therapy in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Jermendy György
Published: November 2010

A metforminterápia ma széles körben használatos a 2-es típusú cukorbetegek kezelésében. Az utóbbi években olyan tanulmányok jelentek meg, amelyek a metformin további előnyeire, újabb potenciális alkalmazási lehetőségeire hívják fel a figyelmet. Így adatok szólnak az 1-es típusú diabetesben történő alkalmazás előnyeiről (inzulinkezelés mellett, elsősorban akkor, ha felnőttkorban a 2-es típusú diabetes fenotípusjegyei megjelennek). Epidemiológiai megfigyelések igazolják, hogy metformin használata mellett a daganatos betegségek kockázata csökken. Szórványos adatok hívják fel a figyelmet arra, hogy szívelégtelenségben is előnye lehet a metformin adásának. A 2-es típusú cukorbetegek inzulinterápiájának megkezdésekor érdemes a korábbi metformint megtartani, mert remélhető, hogy adásával csökkenhet a szükséges inzulin dózisa, javulhat az anyagcserekontroll, mérséklődik az inzulinterápia kapcsán jelentkező testsúlygyarapodás, és csökkenhet a macrovascularis szövődmények kialakulásának kockázata. A 2-es típusú diabetes kórfejlődésének korai szakában metforminnal biztosított jó anyagcserehelyzet késői, kedvező utóhatásai is detektálhatók a cukorbetegség hosszú kórlefolyása során. Bár az új klinikai megfigyelések biztatóak, s további vizsgálatokra adnak ösztönzést, a klinikai gyakorlatban jelenleg csak az alkalmazási előiratnak megfelelő módon használhatjuk a metformint a 2-es típusú diabetesben szenvedők kezelése során. Orv. Hetil., 2010, 49, 2025–2030.
Light microscope observation of circulating human lymphocytes cultured in vitro
Authors: Oliveira Naila Francis Paulo de , Dolder Mary Anne Heidi , Genari Selma Candelária
Published: November 2010

The purpose of this work was to study the isolation and a light microscopy technique for cultured lymphocytes. Blood samples were obtained by venipuncture with an anticoagulant added and centrifuged in a Percoll density gradient to separate the leukocytes. Lymphocytes were placed in 25 cm ³ tissue culture flasks at 37ºC. After culturing, they were fixed and stained with the methods used for blood smears. Results showed that not all fixing solutions and stains were an equally good choice for cultured lymphocytes.
An invariant of nonpositively curved contact manifolds
Authors: Kuessner Thilo
Published: November 2010

We define an invariant of contact structures and foliations (on Riemannian manifolds of nonpositive sectional curvature) which is upper semi-continuous with respect to deformations and thus gives an obstruction to the topology of foliations which can be approximated by isotopies of a given contact structure.
Unbounded solutions of third order delayed differential equations with damping term
Authors: Bartušek Miroslav , Cecchi Mariella , Došlá Zuzana , Marini Mauro
Published: November 2010

Globally positive solutions for the third order differential equation with the damping term and delay, $$
x''' + q(t)x'(t) - r(t)f(x(\phi (t))) = 0,
$$ are studied in the case where the corresponding second order differential equation $$
y'' + q(t)y = 0
$$ is oscillatory. Necessary and sufficient conditions for all nonoscillatory solutions of (*) to be unbounded are given. Furthermore, oscillation criteria ensuring that any solution is either oscillatory or unbounded together with its first and second derivatives are presented. The comparison of results with those in the case when (**) is nonoscillatory is given, as well.
Short-wave excitations in non-local Gross-Pitaevskii model
Authors: Ivashin Anatoly , Poluektov Yuri
Published: November 2010

We show that a non-local form of the Gross-Pitaevskii equation describes not only long-wave excitations, but also the short-wave ones in Bose-condensate systems. At certain parameter values, the excitation spectrum mimics the Landau spectrum of quasi-particle excitations in superfluid helium with roton minimum. The excitation wavelength, at which the roton minimum exists, is close to the inter-particle interaction range. We determine how the roton gap and the effective roton mass depend on the interaction potential parameters, and show that the existence domain of the spectrum with a roton minimum is reduced if one accounts for an inter-particle attraction.
Numerical analysis of the Anderson localization
Authors: Markoš P.
Published: November 2010

Numerical analysis of the Anderson localization

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate, by simple numerical simulations, the main transport properties of disordered electron systems. These systems undergo the metal insulator transition when either Fermi energy crosses the mobility edge or the strength of the disorder increases over critical value. We study how disorder affects the energy spectrum and spatial distribution of electronic eigenstates in the diffusive and insulating regime, as well as in the critical region of the metal-insulator transition. Then, we introduce the transfer matrix and conductance, and we discuss how the quantum character of the electron propagation influences the transport properties of disordered samples. In the weakly disordered systems, the weak localization and anti-localization as well as the universal conductance fluctuation are numerically simulated and discussed. The localization in the one dimensional system is described and interpreted as a purely quantum effect. Statistical properties of the conductance in the critical and localized regimes are demonstrated. Special attention is given to the numerical study of the transport properties of the critical regime and to the numerical verification of the single parameter scaling theory of localization. Numerical data for the critical exponent in the orthogonal models in dimension 2 <
Guide to mathematical concepts of quantum theory
Authors: Heinosaari Teiko , Ziman Mario
Published: November 2010

Guide to mathematical concepts of quantum theory

Quantum Theory is one of the pillars of modern science developed over the last hundred years. In this review paper we introduce, step by step, the quantum theory understood as a mathematical model describing quantum experiments. We start with splitting the experiment into two parts: a preparation process and a measurement process leading to a registration of a particular outcome. These two ingredients of the experiment are represented by states and effects, respectively. Further, the whole picture of quantum measurement will be developed and concepts of observables, instruments and measurement models representing the three different descriptions on experiments will be introduced. In the second stage, we enrich the model of the experiment by introducing the concept of quantum channel describing the system changes between preparations and measurements. At the very end we review the elementary properties of quantum entanglement. The text contains many examples and exercise covering also many topics from quantum information theory and quantum measurement theory. The goal is to give a mathematically clear and self-containing explanation of the main concepts of the modern language of quantum theory.
Electronic structure quantum Monte Carlo
Authors: Bajdich Michal , Mitas Lubos
Published: November 2010

Electronic structure quantum Monte Carlo

Quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) is an advanced simulation methodology for studies of manybody quantum systems. The QMC approaches combine analytical insights with stochastic computational techniques for efficient solution of several classes of important many-body problems such as the stationary Schrödinger equation. QMC methods of various flavors have been applied to a great variety of systems spanning continuous and lattice quantum models, molecular and condensed systems, BEC-BCS ultracold condensates, nuclei, etc. In this review, we focus on the electronic structure QMC, i.e., methods relevant for systems described by the electron-ion Hamiltonians. Some of the key QMC achievements include direct treatment of electron correlation, accuracy in predicting energy differences and favorable scaling in the system size. Calculations of atoms, molecules, clusters and solids have demonstrated QMC applicability to real systems with hundreds of electrons while providing 90-95% of the correlation energy and energy differences typically within a few percent of experiments. Advances in accuracy beyond these limits are hampered by the so-called fixed-node approximation which is used to circumvent the notorious fermion sign problem. Many-body nodes of fermion states and their properties have therefore become one of the important topics for further progress in predictive power and efficiency of QMC calculations. Some of our recent results on the wave function nodes and related nodal domain topologies will be briefly reviewed. This includes analysis of few-electron systems and descriptions of exact and approximate nodes using transformations and projections of the highly-dimensional nodal hypersurfaces into the 3D space. Studies of fermion nodes offer new insights into topological properties of eigenstates such as explicit demonstrations that generic fermionic ground states exhibit the minimal number of two nodal domains. Recently proposed trial wave functions based on Pfaffians with pairing orbitals are presented and their nodal properties are tested in calculations of first row atoms and molecules. Finally, backflow "dressed" coordinates are introduced as another possibility for capturing correlation effects and for decreasing the fixed-node bias.
Statistical physics of hard optimization problems
Authors: Zdeborová Lenka
Published: November 2010

Statistical physics of hard optimization problems

Optimization is fundamental in many areas of science, from computer science and information theory to engineering and statistical physics, as well as to biology or social sciences. It typically involves a large number of variables and a cost function depending on these variables. Optimization problems in the non-deterministic polynomial (NP)-complete class are particularly difficult, it is believed that the number of operations required to minimize the cost function is in the most difficult cases exponential in the system size. However, even in an NP-complete problem the practically arising instances might, in fact, be easy to solve. The principal question we address in this article is: How to recognize if an NP-complete constraint satisfaction problem is typically hard and what are the main reasons for this? We adopt approaches from the statistical physics of disordered systems, in particular the cavity method developed originally to describe glassy systems. We describe new properties of the space of solutions in two of the most studied constraint satisfaction problems - random satisfiability and random graph coloring. We suggest a relation between the existence of the so-called frozen variables and the algorithmic hardness of a problem. Based on these insights, we introduce a new class of problems which we named "locked" constraint satisfaction, where the statistical description is easily solvable, but from the algorithmic point of view they are even more challenging than the canonical satisfiability.
Quantum theory of unambiguous measurements
Authors: Sedlák Michal
Published: November 2010

Quantum theory of unambiguous measurements

In the present paper I formulate a framework that accommodates many unambiguous discrimination problems. I show that the prior information about any type of constituent (state, channel, or observable) allows us to reformulate the discrimination among finite number of alternatives as the discrimination among finite number of average constituents. Using this framework I solve several unambiguous tasks. I present a solution to optimal unambiguous comparison of two ensembles of unknown quantum states. I consider two cases: 1) The two unknown states are arbitrary pure states of qudits. 2) Alternatively, they are coherent states of single-mode optical fields. For this case I propose simple and optimal experimental setup composed of beam-splitters and a photodetector. As a second tasks I consider an unambiguous identification (UI) of coherent states. In this task identical quantum systems are prepared in coherent states and labeled as unknown and reference states, respectively. The promise is that one reference state is the same as the unknown state and the task is to find out unambiguously which one it is. The particular choice of the reference states is unknown to us, and only the probability distribution describing this choice is known. In a general case when multiple copies of unknown and reference states are available I propose a scheme consisting of beamsplitters and photodetectors that is optimal within linear optics. UI can be considered as a search in a quantum database, whose elements are the reference states and the query is represented by the unknown state. This perspective motivated me to show that reference states can be recovered after the measurement and might be used (with reduced success rate) in subsequent UI. Moreover, I analyze the influence of noise in preparation of coherent states on the performance of the proposed setup. Another problem I address is the unambiguous comparison of a pair of unknown qudit unitary channels. I characterize all solutions and identify the optimal ones. I prove that in optimal experiments for comparison of unitary channels the entanglement is necessary. The last task I studied is the unambiguous comparison of unknown non-degenerate projective measurements. I distinguish between measurement devices with apriori labeled and unlabeled outcomes. In both cases only the difference of the measurements can be concluded unambiguously. For the labeled case I derive the optimal strategy if each unknown measurement is used only once. However, if the apparatuses are not labeled, then each measurement device must be used (at least) twice. In particular, for qubit measurement apparatuses with unlabeled outcomes I derive the optimal test state in the two-shots scenario.
Critical Appreciation of Power System in Bangladesh
Authors: Haque MA , Azad J , Rahman J
Published: November 2010

The overall civilization of a nation depends on electricity. This is essential for a more stable and livable world, particularly in this age of globalization, information and communication technology. In Bangladesh power system is interconnection of power generation, transmission and distribution. Due to interconnection, the power system becomes large and complex. Shortage of power is a serious problem and strong barrier for the development of our country. Development of power sector indicates the enhancing power generation, reducing system loss and ensures proper distribution among the consumers. In this paper it has been analyzed the main problems and a proposal has been proposed for overcoming those problems that will help to development the power system. Key words: Compact Florescent Lamp (CFL); Independent power producers (IPP); Underground transmission line; Proper load management; Transformers and switchgear; Misuse and corruption and system loss. DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v45i3.6531Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 45(3), 233-242, 2010
Secondary Metabolite Production in Callus Cultures of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni
Authors: Janarthanam B , Gopalakrishnan M , Sekar T
Published: November 2010

Stevia rebaudiana is and an important non-caloric sweetening herb contains diterpene glycosides need to be explored for its commercialization. The evolving commercial importance of secondary metabolites in recent years has resulted in a great demand in the Pharma industry. Callus cultures were established from nodal and leaf explants. Leaf explants showed better callus initiation than nodal explants. Maximum callus biomass was observed in MS medium supplemented with 2, 4-D 1.0 mg/l. Further screening of callus culture was carried out on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with different concentration and combinations of 2, 4-D, NAA, IAA, IBA, BA and KN individually and in combinations. Remarkable callus biomass of 11.6 g/l dry weight (182.3 g/l fresh weight) was observed in MS media containing 0.5 mg/l 2, 4-D, 0.5 mg/l NAA and 1.0 mg/l KN. The harvested cell biomass was subjected to extraction of active principles. In this study, cell biomass extracts were compared with extracts from leaves of mother plants of Stevia rebaudiana. HPLC analysis of these extracts showed that the main components of the active principles namely Stevioside were present in sufficiently large amounts in the undifferentiated cultured cells. Keywords: In vitro culture; Biomass; Stevia rebaudiana; Stevioside DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v45i3.6532Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 45(3), 243-248, 2010
Screening of Keratinolytic Bacteria from Poultry Wastes
Authors: Jahan Z , Khan SN , Hoque M Mozammel
Published: November 2010

The aim of this study was to characterize keratinolytic bacteria isolated from feather waste. Six isolates were recovered from poultry feather- decomposed materials. Isolate Z3 and Z4 showed important feather degrading activity when grown on basal medium containing 1% native feather as the only source of energy, carbon and nitrogen. All isolates were Gram positive and rod-shaped bacilli. Based on microscopic and biochemical analysis, the isolates were identified as Bacillus spp. Keratinolytic activities of these isolates were measured after cultivation of the bacteria on raw feathers. Maximum keratinase activity was showed by the isolate Z4 (22.3 U/ml) with the specific activity of 40.5 U/mg. Bacillus sp. Z4 is a potent producer of keratinase, which can be used for production of the enzyme in large scale. Key words: Identification; Purification; Characterization; Keratinase; Feather DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v45i3.6535Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 45(3), 261-266, 2010
Autologous Cell Delivery to the Skin-Implant Interface via the Lumen of Percutaneous Devices in vitro
Authors: Peramo Antonio
Published: November 2010

Induced tissue regeneration around percutaneous medical implants could be a useful method to prevent the failure of the medical device, especially when the epidermal seal around the implant is disrupted and the implant must be maintained over a long period of time. In this manuscript, a novel concept and technique is introduced in which autologous keratinocytes were delivered to the interfacial area of a skin-implant using the hollow interior of a fixator pin as a conduit. Full thickness human skin explants discarded from surgeries were cultured at the air-liquid interface and were punctured to fit at the bottom of hollow cylindrical stainless steel fixator pins. Autologous keratinocytes, previously extracted from the same piece of skin and cultured separately, were delivered to the specimens thorough the interior of the hollow pins. The delivered cells survived the process and resembled undifferentiated epithelium, with variations in size and shape. Viability was demonstrated by the lack of morphologic evidence of necrosis or apoptosis. Although the cells did not form organized epithelial structures, differentiation toward a keratinocyte phenotype was evident immunohistochemically. These results suggest that an adaptation of this technique could be useful for the treatment of complications arising from the contact between skin and percutaneous devices in vivo.