bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MICROENDOSCOPIC SPECTRAL IMAGING AS A TOOL FOR SMALL DUCTUAL DIAGNOSTICS: PRELIMINARY EXPERIENCE
Authors: DOUPLIK A. , LEONG W. L. , EASSON A. M. , DONE S. , WILSON B. C. , SHAHMOON A. , ZALEVSKY Z.
Published: July 2012

A technical feasibility of autofluorescence ductoscopy in breast milk ducts as blood vessels phantoms has been assessed as successful. Malignant tumor can be clearly identified through the milk ducts. We also present the operation principle as well as the preliminary experimental results of a new type of microsize multicore fiber that enables imaging through blood vessel phantoms. Imaging of a manipulated microwire through a drilled phantom is presented.
Lives With Others: Climate Change and Human-Animal Relations
Authors: Cassidy Rebecca
Published: July 2012

This review assesses the contribution that a holistic, multisited, and multiscalar anthropology can make to the investigation of climate change and its impact on various human-animal assemblages. Anthropologists have a long-standing interest in animal management under changing environmental conditions. I focus on recent material that investigates the impact of anthropogenic climate change on human-animal relations using ethnography from Africa, Amazonia, and the circumpolar rim. I argue that the value of juxtaposing work in diverse settings and across various scales is to highlight the asymmetry of encounters between different perceptions of climate change and the responses they require. Anthropology's critical, holistic approach is especially valuable in places where people, animals, landscapes, the weather, and indeed climate change itself are aspects of an undifferentiated, spiritually lively, animate environment.
Anthropology in and of the Archives: Possible Futures and Contingent Pasts. Archives as Anthropological Surrogates
Authors: Zeitlyn David
Published: July 2012

Derrida and Foucault provide key starting points to understanding archives. They see archives as hegemonic, characterizing ways of thought, modes of colonization, and the control of citizens. However, they also make clear that archives can be read subversively. With patience, counter-readings allow the excavation of the voices (sometimes names) of subaltern and otherwise suppressed others from the archive. By reading along and across the archival grain, researchers can follow the development of ideas and processes across historical periods. Archives can be seen as orphanages, containing surrogates of performances. Archives (paper and digital) also provide access to the results of anthropological research in ways mandated by ethics codes, but these are subject to controversy. What sorts of consent and what sorts of anonymization should be provided? Archives run by the groups traditionally studied by anthropologists provide models of radical archives that are very different from those conceived of by traditional archivists.

Read a French translation of this article.
Evolution and Environmental Change in Early Human Prehistory
Authors: Potts Richard
Published: July 2012

Understanding the interaction between past environmental and evolutionary change informs scientific and public awareness about natural environmental dynamics. Evidence of dramatic climate variability, cooling, and aridity over the past six million years has stimulated research about whether environmental change has been a major causal factor in the development of our species' defining characteristics. Examples pertaining to the evolution of bipedality, earliest known toolmaking, dispersal of Homo erectus, extinction of Neanderthals, and the global spread H. sapiens all point to the emergence of adaptability in response to environmental uncertainty as a recurrent theme in human evolution. A synthesis of African paleoclimate data suggests that significant events in human origins tended to occur during lengthy eras of strong climate fluctuation. Human adaptability will continue to be tested as societies face the challenges of adjusting to unprecedented change in Earth's environmental dynamics.
Primate Feeding and Foraging: Integrating Studies of Behavior and Morphology
Authors: McGraw W. Scott , Daegling David J.
Published: July 2012

Given that something as fundamental as food acquisition is subject to selection pressure, it follows that morphological and behavioral diversity among primates is reflective of a range of adaptations to diet, feeding, and foraging. The recognition of these adaptations, however, is operationally difficult because it is the interaction between morphological and ecological variables that serves to define the particular adaptation. Researchers have addressed this problem of recognition of adaptation by integrating functional and biomechanical measures of morphological performance with observations of foraging and feeding behavior of primates in natural habitats. These disparate approaches traditionally resided in separate laboratory and field domains, but technological and analytical advances have blurred the distinction between them. The success with which this integration of approaches has elucidated the nature of primate foraging adaptations is reviewed with respect to (a) ingestive strategies, (b) locomotor diversity, (c) hard-object feeding in papionin primates, and (d) the influence of “fallback foods” on behavior and morphology.
Ethnoprimatology and the Anthropology of the Human-Primate Interface
Authors: Fuentes Agustin
Published: July 2012

Humans are literal and figurative kin to other primates, with whom many of us coexist in diverse social, ecological, symbolic, conflictual, and even hopeful contexts. Anthropogenic action is changing global and local ecologies as fast as, or faster than, we can study them. Ethnoprimatology, the combining of primatological and anthropological practice and the viewing of humans and other primates as living in integrated and shared ecological and social spaces, is becoming an increasingly popular approach to primate studies in the twenty-first century. This approach plays a core linking role between anthropology and primate studies and may enable us to more effectively assess, and better understand, the complex ecologies and potential for sustainability in human–other primate communities. Here I review the basic theoretical underpinnings, historical contexts, and a selection of current research outcomes for the ethnoprimatological endeavor and indicate what this approach can tell us about human–other primate relations in the Anthropocene.
Language and Materiality in Global Capitalism
Authors: Shankar Shalini , Cavanaugh Jillian R.
Published: July 2012

Language and materiality have long been considered separate phenomena, but an increasing interest in their convergence suggests the productive potential of considering the linguistic and the material within the same analytic frame. Linguistic anthropologists and scholars in allied disciplines have ethnographically investigated how the linguistic and the material are intertwined, focusing on various ways in which this occurs. In order to highlight what is shared across these endeavors, we discuss a range of scholarship, including how words and objects may cosignify meaning and value; practices of embodiment, aesthetics, and style; linguistic objectification and the circulatory possibilities of linguistic forms; and language commodification in global capitalism. We see these efforts as contributing to an emerging field of scholarship we call “language materiality” that captures both the materiality of language as well as how the linguistic and material may interact to create meaning and value. We illustrate how such an approach may address current exigencies of neoliberal projects, global capitalism, and new forms of circulation.
Media and Religious Diversity
Authors: Eisenlohr Patrick
Published: July 2012

This review addresses recent work on media practices in situations of religious diversity. I hereby distinguish three approaches in this literature: the media politics of diversity, religious diversity and the public sphere, and the diversity of religious mediations. Whereas the first focuses on the control of representations of religious diversity and difference, the second strand of research looks at the interaction of religious difference and the public circulation of discourse and images. The third approach takes built-in links between media and religious practices as a starting point to investigate the diversity of modes of interaction between religious practitioners and religious otherworlds and the consequences these modes have for sociocultural life. This article argues that a perspective mindful of the intrinsic relationships of religion and media is best positioned to do justice to the questions provoked by the intersection of media practices and religious difference.
Paleolithic Archaeology in China
Authors: Bar-Yosef Ofer , Wang Youping
Published: July 2012

Despite almost a century of research, the Chinese Paleolithic chronocultural sequence still remains incomplete, although the number of well-dated sites is rapidly increasing. The Chinese Paleolithic is marked by the long persistence of core-and-flake and cobble-tool industries, so interpretation of cultural and social behavior of humans in East Asia based solely on comparison with the African and western Eurasian prehistoric sequences becomes problematic, such as in assessing cognitive evolutionary stages. For the Chinese Paleolithic, wood and bamboo likely served as raw materials for the production of daily objects since the arrival of the earliest migrants from western Asia, although poor preservation is a problem. Contrary to the notion of a “Movius Line” with handaxes not present on the China side, China does have a limited distribution of Acheulian bifaces and unifaces. Similarly, Middle Paleolithic assemblages are present in the Chinese sequence. Although the available raw materials have been assumed to have limited applicable knapping techniques in China, this notion is challenged by the appearance of microblade industries in the north in the Upper Paleolithic. In the south, early pottery making by foragers emerged 20,000 years ago, thus preceding the emergence of farming but heralding the long tradition of cooking in China.
Archaeological Contributions to Climate Change Research: The Archaeological Record as a Paleoclimatic and Paleoenvironmental Archive
Authors: Sandweiss Daniel H. , Kelley Alice R.
Published: July 2012

Recent decades have seen a resurgence of interest in human ecodynamics—the relationship among climate, environment, and culture. Most published research concentrates on the potential causal role of climate and environment in culture change. We approach the issue from the other side: The archaeological record often incorporates important, sometimes unique, proxy records of climate, of environment, and of change in both. We detail four case studies, from South America, Southwest Asia, North America, and the Shetland Islands. In each case, the paleoclimatic and/or paleoenvironmental data resulted from multidisciplinary archaeological projects whose major objective was to understand past human behavior. Nevertheless, in each case, the projects generated important information about the natural world in the past. Often, these data play a role in modeling future climatic and environmental change of potential significance to humans. We note a growing use of archaeological proxy data by climate scientists and predict an increase in this trend on the basis of recent history.
Pest Management in Food Systems: An Economic Perspective
Authors: Waterfield Gina , Zilberman David
Published: July 2012

Population and income growth in the coming half century will lead to a tremendous rise in the demand for food. To meet this projected growth without massive extensification of farmland, agricultural yields must increase significantly. Crop yields depend heavily on the pest pressures farmers face and on the pest control treatments available. Pest control, however, inevitably has a multitude of unintended effects on the environment, public and worker health, and the productivity of neighboring farms. The magnitudes of these effects differ widely across pest control technologies and the situations in which they are used. Optimal pest management balances the quantifiable benefits of yield improvement and risk reduction against these external costs, taking into account nonpecuniary characteristics that impact farmers' decisions and welfare. Such analysis should be the basis of government regulation of pest management.
Municipal Solid Waste and the Environment: A Global Perspective
Authors: Vergara Sintana E. , Tchobanoglous George
Published: July 2012

Municipal solid waste (MSW) reflects the culture that produces it and affects the health of the people and the environment surrounding it. Globally, people are discarding growing quantities of waste, and its composition is more complex than ever before, as plastic and electronic consumer products diffuse. Concurrently, the world is urbanizing at an unprecedented rate. These trends pose a challenge to cities, which are charged with managing waste in a socially and environmentally acceptable manner. Effective waste management strategies depend on local waste characteristics, which vary with cultural, climatic, and socioeconomic variables, and institutional capacity. Globally, waste governance is becoming regionalized and formalized. In industrialized nations, where citizens produce far more waste than do other citizens, waste tends to be managed formally at a municipal or regional scale. In less-industrialized nations, where citizens produce less waste, which is mostly biogenic, a combination of formal and informal actors manages waste. Many waste management policies, technologies, and behaviors provide a variety of environmental benefits, including climate change mitigation. Key waste management challenges include integrating the informal waste sector in developing cities, reducing consumption in industrialized cities, increasing and standardizing the collection and analysis of solid waste data, and effectively managing increasingly complex waste while protecting people and the environment.
Evolution of Two-Component Signal Transduction Systems
Authors: Capra Emily J. , Laub Michael T.
Published: July 2012

To exist in a wide range of environmental niches, bacteria must sense and respond to a variety of external signals. A primary means by which this occurs is through two-component signal transduction pathways, typically composed of a sensor histidine kinase that receives the input stimuli and then phosphorylates a response regulator that effects an appropriate change in cellular physiology. Histidine kinases and response regulators have an intrinsic modularity that separates signal input, phosphotransfer, and output response; this modularity has allowed bacteria to dramatically expand and diversify their signaling capabilities. Recent work has begun to reveal the molecular basis by which two-component proteins evolve. How and why do orthologous signaling proteins diverge? How do cells gain new pathways and recognize new signals? What changes are needed to insulate a new pathway from existing pathways? What constraints are there on gene duplication and lateral gene transfer? Here, we review progress made in answering these questions, highlighting how the integration of genome sequence data with experimental studies is providing major new insights.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Twitching Motility: Type IV Pili in Action
Authors: Burrows Lori L.
Published: July 2012

Type IV pili (T4P) are one of the most common forms of bacterial and archaeal surface structures, involved in adherence, motility, competence for DNA uptake, and pathogenesis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa has emerged as one of the key model systems for the investigation of T4P structure and function. Although its reputation as a serious nosocomial and opportunistic pathogen is well deserved, its facile growth requirements and the ready availability of molecular tools have allowed for rapid advances in our understanding of how T4P are assembled; their contributions to motility, biofilm formation and virulence; and their complex regulation. This review covers recent findings concerning the three different types of T4P found in P. aeruginosa (type IVa, type IVb, and Tad) and provides details about the modes of translocation mediated by T4aP, the architecture and function of the T4aP assembly system, and the complex regulation of T4aP biogenesis and function.
The Hybrid Adaptive Control of T‐S Fuzzy System Based on Niche
Authors: Zhao Tong , Lu Guo-ping , Hao Yun-li , Li Yi-min
Published: July 2012

Based on the niche characteristics, a hybrid adaptive fuzzy control method with the function of continuous supervisory control is proposed in this paper. Considering the close degree of Niche as the consequent of adaptive T‐S fuzzy control system, the hybrid control law is designed by tracking, continuous supervisory, and adaptive compensation. Adaptive compensator is used in the controller to compensate the approximation error of fuzzy logic system and the effect of the external disturbance. The adaptive law of consequent parameters, which is achieved in this paper, embodies system adaptability as biological individual. It is proved that all signals in the closed‐loop system are bounded and tracking error converges to zero by Lyapunov stability theory. The effectiveness of the approach is demonstrated by the simulation results.
Adaptive Observer‐Based Fault Estimation for Stochastic Markovian Jumping Systems
Authors: He Shuping , Liu Fei
Published: July 2012

This paper studies the adaptive fault estimation problems for stochastic Markovian jump systems (MJSs) with time delays. With the aid of the selected Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functional, the adaptive fault estimation algorithm based on adaptive observer is proposed to enhance the rapidity and accuracy performance of fault estimation. A sufficient condition on the existence of adaptive observer is presented and proved by means of linear matrix inequalities techniques. The presented results are extended to multiple time‐delayed MJSs. Simulation results illustrate that the validity of the proposed adaptive faults estimation algorithms.
Control of Cultivable IAA-Producing Bacteria by the PlantArabidopsis thalianaand the EarthwormAporrectodea caliginosa
Authors: Puga-Freitas Ruben , Abbad Samir , Gigon Agnès , Garnier-Zarli Evelyne , Blouin Manuel
Published: July 2012

Some soil microorganisms are involved in the complex interactions with plants and earthworms, through the production of indole acetic acid (IAA) which modifies plant growth and development. In a factorial experiment testing the impact of the presence/absence of plants and earthworms on IAA production by cultivable bacteria, we observed that plants were decreasing IAA production of 43%, whereas earthworms were increasing it of 46%. In the presence of both plant and earthworms, IAA production was as low as in the presence of plant control, showing that plants influence on IAA production by microorganisms prevails on earthworm influence. We discuss functional reasons which could explain this result.
Pathogenic and Diagnostic Potential of BLCA-1 and BLCA-4 Nuclear Proteins in Urothelial Cell Carcinoma of Human Bladder
Authors: Santoni Matteo , Catanzariti Francesco , Minardi Daniele , Burattini Luciano , Nabissi Massimo , Muzzonigro Giovanni , Cascinu Stefano , Santoni Giorgio
Published: July 2012

Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder is one of the most common malignancies of genitourinary tract. Patients with bladder cancer need a life-long surveillance, directly due to the relatively high recurrence rate of this tumor. The use of cystoscopy represents the gold standard for the followup of previously treated patients. Nevertheless, several factors, including cost and invasiveness, render cystoscopy not ideal for routine controls. Advances in the identification of specific alterations in the nuclear structure of bladder cancer cells have opened novel diagnostic landscapes. The members of nuclear matrix protein family BLCA-1 and BLCA-4, are currently under evaluation as bladder cancer urinary markers. They are involved in tumour cell proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis. In this paper, we illustrate the role of BLCA-1 and BLCA-4 in bladder carcinogenesis and their potential exploitation as biomarkers in this cancer.
Strong Convergence Theorems for the Split Common Fixed Point Problem for Countable Family of Nonexpansive Operators
Authors: Zhang Cuijie , He Songnian
Published: July 2012

We introduce a new iterative algorithm for solving the split common fixed point problem for countable family of nonexpansive operators. Under suitable assumptions, we prove that the iterative algorithm strongly converges to a solution of the problem.
Hodgkin Lymphoma Untreated for Six Years Presenting with Tracheoesophageal Fistula
Authors: Westin Jason R. , Gibbs Amye , Mills Keith R. , Neelapu Sattva S.
Published: July 2012

Hodgkin lymphoma is a highly curable cancer with modern therapy, with five-year survival rates in excess of 80%. However, the natural history of the untreated disease is largely unknown. We present the case of a patient with Hodgkin lymphoma who went untreated for over 5 years due to patient choice. Eventually, the patient developed hypoxemia, significant weight loss, and a tracheoesophageal fistula. After a placement of a gastrostomy tube and tracheal stent, treatment with standard chemotherapy was initiated. The patient achieved an excellent response, the fistula closed without further intervention, and there is no evidence of relapse six years later. Even in a patient with significant Hodgkin-lymphoma-related sequelae, standard therapy can result in excellent long-term outcomes.
Gate Stack Engineering and Thermal Treatment on Electrical and Interfacial Properties of Ti/Pt/HfO2/InAspMOS Capacitors
Authors: Chien Chung-Yen , Hsu Jei-Wei , Chiu Pei-Chin , Chyi Jen-Inn , Li Pei-Wen
Published: July 2012

Effects of gate stack engineering and thermal treatment on electrical and interfacial properties of Ti/Pt/HfO2/InAs metal insulator semiconductor (MIS) capacitors were systematically evaluated in terms of transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, current-voltage, and capacitance-voltage characterizations. A 10 nm thick Pt metal effectively suppresses the formation of interfacial oxide, TiO2, between the Ti gate and HfO2gate dielectric layer, enhancing the gate modulation on the surface potential of InAs. Anin situHfO2deposition onto then-InAs channel with an interfacial layer (IL) of one-monolayer InP followed by a 300°C post-metal-anneal produces a high-quality HfO2/InAs interface and thus unravels the annoying Fermi-level pinning, which is evidenced by the distinct capacitance dips in the high-/low-frequencyC-Vcharacteristics. The interface trap states could be further suppressed by replacing the InP IL by an As-rich InAs, which is substantiated by a gate leakage reduction and a steep voltage-dependent depletion capacitance.
Study of Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effects of Hydroxyl‐Functionalized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes on Human Pulmonary Cells
Authors: Ursini Cinzia Lucia , Cavallo Delia , Fresegna Anna Maria , Ciervo Aureliano , Maiello Raffaele , Casciardi Stefano , Tombolini Francesca , Buresti Giuliana , Iavicoli Sergio
Published: July 2012

Chemical functionalization of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) increases their solubility, dispersion, and biological applications. Since there are only a few studies on the toxicity of functionalized MWCNTs, we investigated the cytotoxic and genotoxic‐oxidative effects of OH‐functionalized MWCNTs on human lung epithelial cells (A549) in order to obtain information on their biological effects. We exposed the cells to 10, 20, 40, and 100 μg/mL of commercial MWCNT‐OH for 24 h. Cytotoxicity was then evaluated as the reduction in cell viability, membrane damage, and apoptosis, assessed by MTT and LDH assays and fluorescence microscopic analysis, respectively. The Fpg‐modified comet assay was used to assess direct/oxidative DNA damage. We found a concentration‐dependent reduction in cell viability and an increase of percentage of apoptotic cells, with no significant cellular LDH release. There was also concentration‐dependent direct DNA damage but no oxidative DNA damage. These findings demonstrate the cytotoxicity of MWCNT‐OH, through reduction of cell viability and induction of apoptosis without cell membrane damage, and the genotoxicity, by direct DNA damage induction, suggesting that the MWCNTs enter the cell without damaging its membrane and directly interact with the nucleus. This preliminary study highlights the need for further research to examine the potential toxicity of functionalized MWCNTs before starting to use them in biological applications.
Eucalypts and Their Potential for Invasiveness Particularly in Frost-Prone Regions
Authors: Booth Trevor H.
Published: July 2012

Eucalypts are being considered for biofuel production in the Lower Coastal Plain of the United States. The evolution of eucalypts in Australia has equipped some species to be successful in plantations and has also influenced their potential as invasive species. More than 200 eucalypt species have been evaluated in many countries around the world. Generally eucalypts have proved to have limited invasive potential for a number of reasons, including their poor dispersal capabilities. Two regions with climates similar to the Lower Coastal Plain of the United States are identified in Argentina and China. Frosts, particularly sudden frosts, are an important limitation for eucalypts in these regions, so existing plantations are very limited. However, invasive eucalypts do not appear to be a major problem in other regions of either country. The use of carefully selected frost-tolerant species and the development of genetically modified eucalypts may now open up more frost-affected areas for eucalypt plantations. Some control actions may be necessary and research needs are outlined, but it is concluded that experience in other regions around the world suggests that eucalypts are likely to be a relatively low risk as invasive species in the Lower Coastal Plain.
Prenatal Mouth Movements: Can We Identify Co-Ordinated Fetal Mouth and LIP Actions Necessary for Feeding?
Authors: Reissland Nadja , Mason Claire , Schaal Benoist , Lincoln Karen
Published: July 2012

Observations of prenatal movement patterns of mouth and lips essential for feeding could have the potential for an assessment of the readiness to feed after birth. Although there is some research on suckingper se, we know very little about prenatal preparatory movements for sucking, namely, the ability to co-ordinate opening the mouth widely and then pursing the lips as if around a teat or nipplein utero. The purpose of the present study was to test two hypotheses using an adapted version of the Facial Action Coding Scheme: first that mouth stretch (AU 27) will be followed by lip pucker (AU 18), and second that these coordinated movement patterns will increase as a function of gestational age. Fifteen healthy fetuses were scanned four times between 24 and 36 weeks gestation using 4D ultrasound visualization. Results showed a decreased number of mouth stretches with increasing fetal age. Contrary to our expectations, we did not find an increase in movement patterns of mouth stretch followed by lip pucker in preparation for feedingex utero. The results are discussed in terms of sensory triggersin uterorequired to elicit preparatory movements for feedingex utero.
Structural Properties of Zn‐ZnO Core‐Shell Microspheres Grown by Hot‐Filament CVD Technique
Authors: López R. , Díaz T. , García G. , Galeazzi R. , Rosendo E. , Coyopol A. , Pacio M. , Juárez H. , Oliva A. I.
Published: July 2012

We report the hot‐filament chemical vapor deposition (HFCVD) growth of Zn‐ZnO core‐shell microspheres in the temperature range of 350–650°C only using ZnO pellets as raw material. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. SEM micrographs showed the presence of solid microspheres and a Zn‐ZnO layer in all samples. The observed heterogeneous morphology on each sample suggested two different growth mechanisms. On the one hand, solid microspheres were formed by means of gas phase nucleation of Zn atoms. The Zn‐ZnO layer was formed on the substrate as result of surface reactions. It is possible that Zn microspheres condensed during the natural cooling of the HFCVD reactor as they were observed on the Zn‐ZnO layer.
Treatment with Aqueous Extract fromCroton cajucaraBenth Reduces Hepatic Oxidative Stress in Streptozotocin-Diabetic Rats
Authors: Rodrigues Graziella Ramos , Di Naso Fábio Cangeri , Porawski Marilene , Marcolin Éder , Kretzmann Nélson Alexandre , Ferraz Alexandre de Barros Falcão , Richter Marc Francois , Marroni Cláudio Augusto , Marroni Norma Possa
Published: July 2012

Croton cajucaraBenth is a plant found in Amazonia, Brazil and the bark and leaf infusion of this plant have been popularly used to treat diabetes and hepatic disorders. The present study was designed to evaluate the oxidative stress as well as the therapeutic effect ofCroton cajucaraBenth (1.5 mL of theC. cajucaraextract i.g.) in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.Croton cajucaraBenth was tested as an aqueous extract for its phytochemical composition, and its antioxidant activityin vitrowas also evaluated. Lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione reductase activities were measured in the hepatic tissue, as well as the presence activation of p65 (NF-κB), through western blot. Phytochemical screening ofCroton cajucaraBenth detected the presence of flavonoids, coumarins and alkaloids. The extract exhibited a significant antioxidant activity in the DPPH-scavenging and the hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase assays. Liver lipid peroxidation increased in diabetic animals followed by a reduction in theCroton-cajucara-Benth-treated group. There was activation of p65 nuclear expression in the diabetic animals, which was attenuated in the animals receiving theCroton cajucaraBenth aqueous extract. The liver tissue in diabetic rats showed oxidative alterations related to the streptozotocin treatment. In conclusion theCroton cajucaraBenth aqueus extract treatment effectively reduced the oxidative stress and contributed to tissue recovery.
Toxic Effects of Mercury on the Cardiovascular and Central Nervous Systems
Authors: Fernandes Azevedo Bruna , Barros Furieri Lorena , Peçanha Franck Maciel , Wiggers Giulia Alessandra , Frizera Vassallo Paula , Ronacher Simões Maylla , Fiorim Jonaina , Rossi de Batista Priscila , Fioresi Mirian , Rossoni Luciana , Stefanon Ivanita , Alonso María Jesus , Salaices Mercedes , Valentim Vassallo Dalton
Published: July 2012

Environmental contamination has exposed humans to various metal agents, including mercury. This exposure is more common than expected, and the health consequences of such exposure remain unclear. For many years, mercury was used in a wide variety of human activities, and now, exposure to this metal from both natural and artificial sources is significantly increasing. Many studies show that high exposure to mercury induces changes in the central nervous system, potentially resulting in irritability, fatigue, behavioral changes, tremors, headaches, hearing and cognitive loss, dysarthria, incoordination, hallucinations, and death. In the cardiovascular system, mercury induces hypertension in humans and animals that has wide-ranging consequences, including alterations in endothelial function. The results described in this paper indicate that mercury exposure, even at low doses, affects endothelial and cardiovascular function. As a result, the reference values defining the limits for the absence of danger should be reduced.
Increased Caffeine Intake Is Associated with Reduced Risk of Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Skin
Authors: Song Fengju , Qureshi Abrar A. , Han Jiali
Published: July 2012

Studies in animals suggest that caffeine administration helps prevent squamous cell skin cancer development, but there have been limited epidemiologic studies on the association between caffeine consumption and skin cancer risk. Using data from the Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, we prospectively examined risks of basal cell carcinoma (BCC, 22,786 cases), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC, 1,953 cases), and melanoma (741 cases) in relation to caffeine intake. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). The amount of caffeine intake from all dietary sources was inversely associated with BCC risk. Compared with the lowest quintile, the highest quintile had the lowest risk (RR, 0.82 in women; 95% CI:,0.77–0.86 and RR, 0.87 in men; 95% CI, 0.81–0.94; Ptrend < 0.0001 in both). A significant inverse association was also found between caffeinated coffee consumption and BCC risk. Compared with individuals who consumed caffeinated coffee less than 1 cup per month, women who consumed more than 3 cups/d had the lowest risk (RR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.74–0.85; Ptrend < 0.0001) and the RR for men was 0.90 (95% CI, 0.80–1.01; Ptrend = 0.003). Caffeine from other dietary sources (tea, cola, and chocolate) was also inversely associated with BCC risk. Decaffeinated coffee consumption was not associated with a similar decrease in BCC risk. In contrast, caffeine intake was not found to be inversely associated with risks of SCC or melanoma. Our findings argue that caffeine intake in men and women is inversely associated with risk of BCC. Cancer Res; 72(13); 3282–9. ©2012 AACR.
Glucose-Regulated Protein 78 Controls Cross-talk between Apoptosis and Autophagy to Determine Antiestrogen Responsiveness
Authors: Cook Katherine L. , Shajahan Ayesha N. , Wärri Anni , Jin Lu , Hilakivi-Clarke Leena A. , Clarke Robert
Published: July 2012

While more than 70% of breast cancers express estrogen receptor-α (ER+), endocrine therapies targeting these receptors often fail. The molecular mechanisms that underlie treatment resistance remain unclear. We investigated the potential role of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) in mediating estrogen resistance. Human breast tumors showed increased GRP78 expression when compared with normal breast tissues. However, GRP78 expression was reduced in ER+ breast tumors compared with HER2-amplifed or triple-negative breast tumors. ER+ antiestrogen-resistant cells and ER+ tumors with an acquired resistant antiestrogen phenotype were both shown to overexpress GRP78, which was not observed in cases of de novo resistance. Knockdown of GRP78 restored antiestrogen sensitivity in resistant cells, and overexpression of GRP78 promoted resistance in sensitive cells. Mechanistically, GRP78 integrated multiple cellular signaling pathways to inhibit apoptosis and stimulate prosurvival autophagy, which was dependent on TSC2/AMPK-mediated mTOR inhibition but not on beclin-1. Inhibition of autophagy prevented GRP78-mediated endocrine resistance, whereas caspase inhibition abrogated the resensitization that resulted from GRP78 loss. Simultaneous knockdown of GRP78 and beclin-1 synergistically restored antiestrogen sensitivity in resistant cells. Together, our findings reveal a novel role for GRP78 in the integration of cellular signaling pathways including the unfolded protein response, apoptosis, and autophagy to determine cell fate in response to antiestrogen therapy. Cancer Res; 72(13); 3337–49. ©2012 AACR.
Negative Impact of Linezolid on Human Neutrophil Functions in vitro
Authors: Grüger Thomas , Schmidt Thomas , Schnitzler Norbert , Nidermajer Sabine , Brandenburg Kerstin , Zündorf Josef
Published: July 2012

Background/Aims: In a recent phase III clinical trial on linezolid, more patients in the linezolid treatment arm acquired Gram-negative catheter-related bloodstream infections despite the adequate therapy of infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria. We tested our hypothesis that linezolid impairs phagocytosis and the killing of Gram-negative bacteria by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). Methods: The influence of clinically relevant concentrations (5, 20 and 50 mg/l) of linezolid on granulocyte function in vitro was tested. Phagocytosis was determined by flow cytometry, and killing of bacteria was evaluated by plate counting. Chemotaxis was examined by an under-agarose cell migration assay. Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were used. Results: Linezolid significantly impaired phagocytosis of a specific Escherichia coli strain in a concentration-dependent manner, whereas the effect on Pseudomonas aeruginosa was less prominent. No such effects were observed with a different E. coli strain or Staphylococcus aureus. Neither killing nor the chemotactic behaviour of PMN was significantly affected by linezolid. Conclusions: The observed concentration-dependent impairment of the phagocytic function might contribute to the higher frequency of catheter-related Gram-negative bloodstream infections in patients treated with linezolid. Individual patient risk may also depend on the causative Gram-negative strain.
Inhibitory Effect of p53 Upregulated Modulator of Apoptosis Targeting siRNA on Hypoxia/Reoxygenation-Induced Cardiomyocyte Apoptosis in Rats
Authors: Tu Shuo , Liu Zhuo-Qi , Fu Jing-Jing , Zhu Wei-Feng , Luo Da-Ya , Wan Fu-Sheng
Published: July 2012

Objectives: The effect of p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA) in hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced cardiomyocyte injuries in rats was investigated. Methods: PUMA-targeting (si-PUMA) and scramble siRNAs were designed and transfected into primarily rat cardiomyocytes in vitro. Results: RT-PCR and Western blot analysis showed that 50 nmol/l of si-PUMA can specifically inhibit PUMA expression. MTT assay and lactate dehydrogenase activity detection showed that the cell survival rate in the si-PUMA group was enhanced and that the lactate dehydrogenase enzymatic activity dramatically decreased compared with the control group (p < 0.01). Spectrophotometry, as well as annexin V and propidium iodide staining, combined with flow cytometry, revealed that caspase-3 activity in the si-PUMA group was downregulated and the apoptotic rate was decreased (p < 0.01). RT-PCR also showed that Bax expression was downregulated and Bcl-2 expression was upregulated in the si-PUMA group, compared with the control group (p < 0.05). si-PUMA protects cardiomyocytes from apoptosis. Conclusion: PUMA mediates hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, which can be a potential target of gene therapy for ischemia/reperfusion cardiomyocyte injuries.
Proteomic Profiling Identifies Haptoglobin as a Potential Serum Biomarker for Steroid-Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Wen Qiong , Huang Lan-Ting , Luo Ning , Wang Yong-Tao , Li Xiao-Yan , Mao Hai-Ping , Zhang Li , Dong Xiu-Qing , Yu Xue-Qing
Published: July 2012

Background: Long-term outcomes for patients with adult idiopathic nephrotic syndrome correlate closely with steroid responsiveness. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the difference in serum proteomes between steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) and steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) patients and identify potential biomarkers for the prediction of SRNS. Methods: We performed a gel-based proteomic study of serum obtained from SRNS and SSNS patients and healthy controls at the time of presentation (n = 6 for each group). Proteins from the serum samples were separated using 2-D electrophoresis, digested in-gel and subjected to MALDI-TOF-MS/MS analysis. Further validation was performed utilizing Western blot and ELISA. The sensitivities and specificities of the candidate proteins for predicting SRNS were determined using receiver operating characteristic curves. Results: Thirteen differentially expressed proteins were identified as haptoglobin (Hp) with different isoelectric points and molecular weights. Western blot and ELISA analysis of samples from 146 subjects (healthy controls = 52, SSNS = 54, SRNS = 40) showed a markedly increased level of Hp in the serum, but not urine, of SRNS compared to SSNS patients. The optimal serum cutoff level of Hp was set at ≥1,279 µg/ml using the receiver operating characteristic curve. The sensitivity and specificity for predicting SRNS were 85.0 and 96.3%, respectively. Conclusions: This study provides a novel overview of the difference in serum proteomes of SSNS and SRNS patients. Serum Hp may be a useful predictive biomarker for steroid therapy efficacy in the treatment of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome.
Prevalence, Pathophysiology, Health Consequences and Treatment Options of Obesity in the Elderly: A Guideline
Authors: Mathus-Vliegen Elisabeth M.H. , Basdevant Arnaud , Finer Nick , Hainer Vojtech , Hauner Hans , Micic Dragan , Maislos Maximo , Roman Gabriela , Schutz Yves , Tsigos Constantine , Toplak Hermann , Yumuk Volkan , Zahorska-Markiewicz Barbara
Published: July 2012

The prevalence of obesity is rising progressively, even among older age groups. By the year 2030–2035 over 20% of the adult US population and over 25% of the Europeans will be aged 65 years and older. The predicted prevalence of obesity in Americans, 60 years and older was 37% in 2010. The predicted prevalence of obesity in Europe in 2015 varies between 20 and 30% dependent on the model used. This means 20.9 million obese 60+ people in the USA in 2010 and 32 million obese elders in 2015 in the EU. Although cut-off values of BMI, waist circumference and percentages of fat mass have not been defined for the elderly (nor for the elderly of different ethnicity), it is clear from several meta-analyses that mortality and morbidity associated with overweight and obesity only increases at a BMI above 30 kg/m2. Thus, treatment should only be offered to patients who are obese rather than overweight and who also have functional impairments, metabolic complications or obesity-related diseases, that can benefit from weight loss. The weight loss therapy should aim to minimize muscle and bone loss but also vigilance as regards the development of sarcopenic obesity – a combination of an unhealthy excess of body fat with a detrimental loss of muscle and fat-free mass including bone – is important in the elderly, who are vulnerable to this outcome. Life-style intervention should be the first step and consists of a diet with a 500 kcal (2.1 MJ) energy deficit and an adequate intake of protein of high biological quality together with calcium and vitamin D, behavioural therapy and multi-component exercise. Multi-component exercise includes flexibility training, balance training, aerobic exercise and resistance training. The adherence rate in most studies is around 75%. Knowledge of constraints and modulators of physical inactivity should be of help to engage the elderly in physical activity. The role of pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery in the elderly is largely unknown as in most studies people aged 65 years and older have been excluded.
Large-Scale Diagnostics of Tropical Cyclogenesis Potential Using Environment Variability Metrics and Logistic Regression Models
Authors: Waters Jeffrey J. , Evans Jenni L. , Forest Chris E.
Published: July 2012

The authors propose that inclusion of medium- to high-frequency variability information will provide improved metrics of tropical cyclogenesis (TCG) applicable to climate GCM diagnostics. Capabilities of the Community Atmosphere Model version 3.1 (CAM3.1) GCM are assessed for detecting both large-scale and localized conditions for TCG in the tropical North Atlantic by comparison with the 40-yr European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Re-Analysis (ERA-40) and observed TCG occurrences. CAM3.1 seasonality of large-scale environmental factors conducive to TCG compares favorably with the ERA-40. It is determined that most of the TCG-related high-frequency temporal variability in the ERA-40 is explained by dynamic variability; each of the CAM3.1 ensemble members has lower variability in these dynamic fields. Seventeen environmental variables are evaluated as potential indicators of TCG activity based on daily anomalous variability with respect to a 15-day base period. Principal component analysis (PCA) is employed to synthesize these into a set of uncorrelated parameters. ERA-40 PCA composite variables are used to develop logistic and Poisson regression models for TCG detection and frequency in the North Atlantic main development region. Some skill metrics for the logistic model are promising, but the threat score and hit rate signify that further development of the logistic regression model is warranted; results from the Poisson regression model based on the same inputs are weaker, implying that weighting by TCG counts does not improve the results. These findings indicate merit in incorporating medium- to high-frequency variability in TCG metrics for diagnostics of seasonal activity and for application to climate models.
Quality Control Algorithms for the Kennedy Space Center 50-MHz Doppler Radar Wind Profiler Winds Database
Authors: Barbré Robert E.
Published: July 2012

This paper presents the process used by the Marshall Space Flight Center Natural Environments Branch (EV44) to quality control (QC) data from the Kennedy Space Center’s 50-MHz Doppler radar wind profiler (DRWP) for use in vehicle wind loads and steering commands. The database has been built to mitigate limitations of using the currently archived databases from weather balloons. The DRWP database contains wind measurements from approximately 2.7- to 18.6-km altitude at roughly 5-min intervals for the August 1997–December 2009 period of record, and the extensive QC process was designed to remove spurious data from various forms of atmospheric and nonatmospheric artifacts. The QC process is largely based on DRWP literature, but two new algorithms have been developed to remove data contaminated by convection and excessive first-guess propagations from the median filter/first-guess algorithm. In addition to describing the automated and manual QC process in detail, this paper describes the extent of the data retained. Roughly 58% of all possible wind observations exist in the database, with approximately 100 times as many complete profile sets existing relative to the EV44 balloon databases. This increased sample of near-continuous wind profile measurements may help increase launch availability by reducing the uncertainty of wind changes during launch countdown.
The Efficacy of County-Level Sex Offender Residence Restrictions in New York
Authors: Socia Kelly M.
Published: July 2012

Residence restrictions seek to protect community members from registered sex offenders (RSOs) reentering society following incarceration. These policies, first passed in 1995 at the state level and in 2005 at the county and local levels, have become extremely popular throughout the United States but without proof that they are effective. To date, the research on these policies has been extremely limited and has largely focused on the unintended consequences that these policies cause for RSOs. This study examines whether county residence restrictions were associated with reduced sex crime arrest rates in New York State. In doing so, this study draws on the limited prior research regarding the effectiveness of residence restrictions and on the extensive literature regarding the incapacitation and deterrence of crime through public policy measures. Results indicate that residence restrictions were not associated with significantly reduced arrests for sex crimes committed either by RSOs (regardless of victim) or by non-RSOs against child victims. However, results suggested that these policies may be associated with a general deterrence effect, resulting in a decrease of sex crimes against adults by first-time sex offenders (non-RSOs). Implications for future research and policy making are discussed.