bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinct regulatory programs establish widespread sex-specific alternative splicing in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Hartmann Britta , Castelo Robert , Miñana Belén , Peden Erin , Blanchette Marco , Rio Donald C. , Singh Ravinder , Valcárcel Juan
Published: January 2011

In Drosophila melanogaster, female-specific expression of Sex-lethal (SXL) and Transformer (TRA) proteins controls sex-specific alternative splicing and/or translation of a handful of regulatory genes responsible for sexual differentiation and behavior. Recent findings in 2009 by Telonis-Scott et al. document widespread sex-biased alternative splicing in fruitflies, including instances of tissue-restricted sex-specific splicing. Here we report results arguing that some of these novel sex-specific splicing events are regulated by mechanisms distinct from those established by female-specific expression of SXL and TRA. Bioinformatic analysis of SXL/TRA binding sites, experimental analysis of sex-specific splicing in S2 and Kc cells lines and of the effects of SXL knockdown in Kc cells indicate that SXL-dependent and SXL-independent regulatory mechanisms coexist within the same cell. Additional determinants of sex-specific splicing can be provided by sex-specific differences in the expression of RNA binding proteins, including Hrp40/Squid. We report that sex-specific alternative splicing of the gene hrp40/squid leads to sex-specific differences in the levels of this hnRNP protein. The significant overlap between sex-regulated alternative splicing changes and those induced by knockdown of hrp40/squid and the presence of related sequence motifs enriched near subsets of Hrp40/Squid-regulated and sex-regulated splice sites indicate that this protein contributes to sex-specific splicing regulation. A significant fraction of sex-specific splicing differences are absent in germline-less tudor mutant flies. Intriguingly, these include alternative splicing events that are differentially spliced in tissues distant from the germline. Collectively, our results reveal that distinct genetic programs control widespread sex-specific splicing in Drosophila melanogaster.
Raman and Surface-Enhanced Raman Detection of Domoic Acid and Saxitoxin
Authors: Olson Tammy Y. , Schwartzberg Adam M. , Liu Jinny L. , Zhang Jin Z.
Published: January 2011

The use of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for detecting domoic acid and saxitoxin was demonstrated and vibrational modes have been assigned based on the current literature. Silver nanoparticles were used to obtain the SERS spectra of domoic acid for the first time, which displayed enhancement of nearly 70 times the normal Raman spectra. Unique features in the SERS spectrum of domoic acid allowed the binding effect and orientation of the domoic acid to the metal surface to be analyzed. Saxitoxin exhibited an undetectable normal Raman signal but revealed very prominent SERS peaks. SERS peak positions closely matched published experimental and theoretical values, but with different peak ratios, indicating variance in molecule–nanoparticle interaction depending on the SERS substrate utilized. SERS is demonstrated as a powerful analytical tool for detecting toxins at low concentration with molecular specificity and shows immense potential for fast and remote sensing of toxins in various applications.
Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) of Microorganisms: An Assessment of Algorithms for Resonance Raman Spectra
Authors: Kniggendorf Ann-Kathrin , Gaul Tobias William , Meinhardt-Wollweber Merve
Published: January 2011

Resonance Raman microspectroscopy in combination with hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) is one of the most promising tools for the rapid examination of complex biological and medical samples. HCA is a ready, computerized tool for examining large sets of data for common characteristics, and a multitude of algorithms for this purpose have been developed over the years. However, resonance Raman spectra obtained from complex biological samples may originate from different chromophores as well as from a common chromophore found in different host environments, i.e., bacteria. Therefore, algorithms applied to resonance Raman spectra must handle data of high intrinsic similarity, i.e., spectra originating from a common chromophore, and data with highly dissimilar features, i.e., spectra from different chromophores, in the same unsupervised analysis. We examined the performance of eight widely used algorithms for hierarchical cluster analysis in clustering resonance Raman spectra of bacteria: Single-Linkage (Nearest-Neighbor), Complete-Linkage (Farthest-Neighbor), Average-Linkage, Weighted-Average-Linkage, Centroid, Median, and the Ward algorithm. Algorithm performance was evaluated by comparing the results of clustering a set of high-quality reference spectra with the results obtained when clustering a set of spectra recorded from single cells. References were formed by averaging 100 spectra of individual cells. While all algorithms returned highly similar results when clustering the reference spectra, their performance differed significantly when applied to single spectra. The best-performing algorithm, Weighted-Average-Linkage, correctly grouped single spectra with a reliability of above 95% while the spectral distances between the clusters deviated less than 10% from the results obtained with reference spectra. In contrast, the algorithm performing worst showed no similarity to the reference clustering at all. The widely used Ward algorithm deviated up to 30% from the reference in the spectral distances and returned a different spectral relation between bacteria expressing the same chromophore.
Rapid Analysis of Jet Fuel Using a Handheld Near-Infrared (NIR) Analyzer
Authors: Cooper John B. , Larkin Christopher M. , Schmitigal Joel , Morris Robert E. , Abdelkader Mohamed F.
Published: January 2011

A handheld near-infrared (NIR) analyzer was used to build partial least squares (PLS) models relating jet fuel properties to the spectral data (880–1570 nm). The properties included: API gravity, % aromatics, cetane index, density, 10%/50%/90% recovered distillation temperatures, freezing point, flashpoint, hydrogen content, and % saturates. The models were validated using leave-one-out validation of the training sets and by predicting an independent test set of fuels. The repeatability of the developed NIR methods was determined by performing replicate measurements on a single master analyzer. The reproducibility of the NIR methods was determined by performing measurements on multiple samples using five different analyzers. The results indicate that the NIR methods are useful for rapid monitoring of jet fuel quality at commercial airports during transport, storage, and distribution.
A Note on Determining the Extent of the Water Raman Peak in Fluorescence Spectroscopy
Authors: Murphy Kathleen R.
Published: January 2011

A method is proposed for automatically determining the upper and lower boundaries of the Raman scatter peak in fluorescence spectroscopy from empirical data. Accurate peak boundaries are needed to calculate accurate Raman peak areas, used for normalizing fluorescence signals to produce data in units that are comparable between instruments. Comparisons of Raman peak boundaries across nine individual instruments (FluoroMax 3 (FM3) fluorometers from HORIBA Jobin Yvon and Cary Eclipse (CE) fluorometers from Varian Inc.) at the excitation wavelength λex = 350 nm reveal consistent results. At 350 nm excitation, the Raman peak was confined by the emission wavelengths of 382–418 nm, with boundaries determined for the FM3 fluorometers deviating by no more than 0.5 nm and 1.5 nm with respect to the start and end of the peak, and CE fluorometers deviating by up to 1.5 nm and 2 nm, respectively. Peak width was a function of fluorometer type and excitation wavelength. For the FM3 instruments, widths increased from approximately 30 nm at λex = 300 nm to 40 nm at λex = 380 nm, while for the CE instruments, peaks were approximately 5–8 nm narrower. Code for implementing the procedure in MATLAB, which allows for the adjustment of input parameters to compensate for noisy data, is provided in the Supplemental Material (available online).
Humor styles and relationship satisfaction in dating couples: Perceived versus self-reported humor styles as predictors of satisfaction
Authors: Cann Arnie , Davis Heather B. , Zapata Christine L.
Published: January 2011

Humor has been identified as a potentially important variable in facilitating relationship satisfaction in romantic couples. Using a measure of stable differences in how humor is expressed by individuals, the current research looks at the possibility that dating couples have similar humor styles, and at whether self-reported or perceived humor styles best predict relationship satisfaction. Individuals in a sample of 82 couples independently completed the measures of own and perceived partner's humor styles and relationship satisfaction on multiple indicators of satisfaction. The results indicate little similarity within couples on humor styles. The best predictors of satisfaction were perceptions of a partner's humor style, with humor styles that were other-directed explaining the most variability in satisfaction. The results demonstrate the usefulness of treating humor uses as a multidimensional variable to better understand the roles humor might play across circumstances and relationships.
Narrative Accounts of Research for Teaching the Processes of Science
Authors: Clopton Joe R.
Published: January 2011

To enhance learning about the processes of scientific thinking, this paper suggests that students read and write summaries of narrative accounts of research. Background is provided on the nature of narrative, learning from narrative versus expository texts, surface and deep approaches to studying, and the advantages of writing over testing for assessment. A list of narrative sources is provided.
Exploring the Anatomy of Your Own Eye
Authors: Mauser Michael W.
Published: January 2011

Features of the cornea, iris, lens, and retina can be explored by students on their own eyes with the 11 activities described in this article.
Challenging a "Why Should I Care" Attitude by Incorporating Societal Issues in the Classroom
Authors: Hoban Sean , Romero-Severson Jeanne
Published: January 2011

A continuing challenge in life-science education is to foster student engagement with complex, occasionally dry material. One approach to this challenge is to build connections between classroom topics and the “real world.” We outline here an active-learning assignment in which students write to a local representative concerning a current social or environmental problem. In their letters, students present the scientific basis of the problem, evaluate opposing viewpoints, and describe their own science-based recommendation. This assignment empowers students by recognizing their ability to build connections and contribute insight. By fostering student engagement and interdisciplinary understanding, this can be a useful and exciting complement to classroom learning.
A 5‐Year Prospective Multicenter Clinical Trial of Non‐Submerged Dental Implants With a Titanium Plasma‐Sprayed Surface in 200 Patients
Authors: Cochran David L. , Jackson Jennifer M. , Jones Archie A. , Jones John D. , Kaiser David A. , Taylor Thomas D. , Weber Hans Peter , Higginbottom Frank L. , Richardson John R. , Oates Thomas
Published: January 2011

Background:Endosseous dental implants are a popular treatment to replace missing teeth. Although many advances have occurred and affected the macrogeometry and surface characteristics of dental implants, among other aspects, it is important to document how the implants perform in patients over time. Such evaluations are helpful not only to document the clinical survival of the implants but also patient satisfaction over an extended period.

Methods:A formal prospective multicenter human clinical was performed at five centers involving 200 patients and 626 implants. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were used and detailed data collected at specified times using case report forms. An independent study monitor reviewed all study data before entry into the study database. Two implant designs were used in two different clinical indications. A non‐submerged titanium plasma‐sprayed (TPS) hollow cylindrical implant with a smooth transgingival collar was evaluated in the maxillary anterior sextant and a non‐submerged TPS solid screw implant with similar collar in the mandible.

Results:Over the course of the 5‐year clinical trial, there was one early failure occurring before definitive prosthesis delivery. Three late failures were documented, one occurring at each of the 6, 12, and 18 months postoperative visits. Life table analysis at 5 years revealed a 99.4% survival rate and a 92.5% success rate. Patient satisfaction was rated as good to excellent for 96.1% of implants in regards to esthetics after 5 years; 98.8% for appearance; and 99.4% for prosthesis comfort, ability to chew and taste, fit, and general satisfaction. No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions:Implant success and survival was over 92% and 99%, respectively, in a formal 5‐year prospective multicenter clinical trial involving 200 patients and 626 non‐submerged TPS implants. These implants included hollow cylinder implants in the anterior maxilla and solid screw implants placed in the mandible. These findings document the predictability and patient satisfaction of tooth replacement using a non‐submerged surgical technique involving a tissue‐level, rough surfaced endosseous dental implant.
Comparison of Gingival Crevicular Fluid Sampling Methods in Patients With Severe Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Guentsch Arndt , Kramesberger Martin , Sroka Aneta , Pfister Wolfgang , Potempa Jan , Eick Sigrun
Published: January 2011

Background: The analysis of samplings from periodontal pockets is important in the diagnosis and therapy of periodontitis. In this study, three different sampling techniques were compared to determine whether one method yielded samples suitable for the reproducible and simultaneous determination of bacterial load, cytokines, neutrophil elastase, and arginine‐specific gingipains (Rgps). Rgps are an important virulence factor of Porphyromonas gingivalis, the exact concentration of which in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) has not been quantified.

Methods: GCF was sampled from four sites per patient (one sample per quadrant using two samples per method) in 36 patients with chronic periodontitis. One week later, the procedure was repeated with alternative methods. Variables determined were loads of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (previously Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans) and P. gingivalis, levels of interleukin‐6 and ‐8, activity of neutrophil elastase, and level of Rgps.

Results: The detected cytokine levels were higher using paper strips compared to paper points. Bacteria were found in similar loads from paper strips and paper points. Rgps were only detectable in high quantities by washing the periodontal pocket. The level of Rgps correlated with the load of P. gingivalis.

Conclusions: The use of paper strips was suitable for the simultaneous determination of microbial and immunologic parameters. Obtaining GCF by washing can be useful for special purposes. The gingipain concentration in periodontal pockets was directly determined to be ≤1.5 μM. This value indicated that most of the substrates of these proteases by in vitro assays identified until now can be easily degraded in P. gingivalis–infected sites.
Health Advocacy Organizations and the Pharmaceutical Industry: An Analysis of Disclosure Practices
Authors: Rothman Sheila M. , Raveis Victoria H. , Friedman Anne , Rothman David J.
Published: January 2011

Health advocacy organizations (HAOs) are influential stakeholders in health policy. Although their advocacy tends to closely correspond with the pharmaceutical industry's marketing aims, the financial relationships between HAOs and the pharmaceutical industry have rarely been analyzed.

We used Eli Lilly and Company's grant registry to examine its grant-giving policies. We also examined HAO Web sites to determine their grant-disclosure patterns. Only 25% of HAOs that received Lilly grants acknowledged Lilly's contributions on their Web sites, and only 10% acknowledged Lilly as a grant event sponsor. No HAO disclosed the exact amount of a Lilly grant.

As highly trusted organizations, HAOs should disclose all corporate grants, including the purpose and the amount. Absent this disclosure, legislators, regulators, and the public cannot evaluate possible conflicts of interest or biases in HAO advocacy.
Theoretical studies on polynitrobicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes in search of novel high energy density materials
Authors: Ghule Vikas , Sarangapani Radhakrishnan , Jadhav Pandurang , Tewari Surya
Published: January 2011

Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane is a highly strained hydrocarbon system due to close proximity of nonbonded bridge head carbons. Based on fully optimized molecular geometries at the density functional theory using the B3LYP/6-31G* level, densities, detonation velocities, and pressures for a series of polynitrobicyclo[1.1.1]pentanes, as well as their thermal stabilities were investigated in search for high energy density materials (HEDMs). The designed compounds with more than two nitro groups are characterized by high heat of formation and magnitude correlative with the number and space distance of nitro groups. Density was calculated using the crystal packing calculations and an increase in the number of nitro groups increases the density. The increase in density shows a linear increase in the detonation characteristics. Bond dissociation energy was analyzed to determine thermal stability. Calculations of the bond length and bond dissociation energies of the C-NO2 bond indicate that this may be the possible trigger bond in the pyrolysis mechanism. 1,2,3-Trinitrobicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (S3), 1,2,3,4-tetranitrobicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (S4), and 1,2,3,4,5-pentanitrobicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (S5) have better energetic characteristics with better stability and insensitivity, and as such may be explored in defense applications as promising candidates of the HEDMs series.
Surgical management of cervical spine manifestations of neurofibromatosis Type 1: long-term clinical and radiological follow-up in 22 cases
Authors: Taleb Faisal S. , Guha Abhijit , Arnold Paul M. , Fehlings Michael G. , Massicotte Eric M.
Published: January 2011

Object

Patients with neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF-1) at the cervical spine present significant surgical challenges due to neural compression, multiplicity of tumors, and complex spinal deformities. Iatrogenic instability following resection of tumors is underappreciated in the literature. The focus of this study was to understand the indications for stabilization in this specific group of patients.

Methods

The authors performed a retrospective review of 20 cases involving NF-1 patients with symptomatic cervical spine neurofibromas who underwent surgical decompression and tumor resection, with or without instrumentation, between 1991 and 2008. They also included 2 additional cases involving patients treated before 1991. Imaging findings and data pertaining to clinical presentation, intraoperative management, and postoperative assessment were compiled to clarify the indications for stabilization. An ordinal pain scale based on patient self-assessment was used. Neurological function was evaluated using American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale scores.

Results

The patient group comprised 13 men and 9 women. Their median age at presentation was 42.5 years; their median age at initial diagnosis of NF-1 was 30 years (range 8–74 years). The median duration of follow-up (since presentation) was 7 years (range 1–32 years). Progressive myelopathy was the main presenting symptom. Spinal cord compression was identified in 13 patients on presentation. Complete removal of the symptomatic tumors was performed in 11 patients. Ten patients underwent instrumented fusion during their first surgery. Six of these 10 required a second surgery—with fixation in 4 cases and without in 2. Of the 12 patients who did not receive instrumented fusion in their first surgery, 8 required a second surgery—with fixation in 5 cases and without in 3. Neurological deterioration due to progressive deformity was the indication for the second surgery in 3 of the 5 patients who required instrumented fusion only in their second surgery; the other 2 patients presented with neurological deterioration secondary to tumor progression. Four patients needed a third operation and instrumented fusion: 3 for deformity-related deficit and 1 for tumor progression. Based on the latest follow-up, 21 patients were stable clinically and radiologically, and 1 patient had died.

Conclusions

This specific group of patients represents a significant surgical challenge. In this retrospective analysis, emphasis is placed on early stabilization of the cervical spine to prevent late deformity as part of the comprehensive management of patients with NF-1.
Responses of laboratory stock culture contaminated bacteria against phenol, pH, temperature and antibiotics
Authors: Habib SM Ahsan , Fakhruddin ANM , Alam Md Korshed
Published: January 2011

Responses of two bacteria isolated from the contamination of laboratory stock culture of phenol degrading bacteria against the stresses induced by phenol, temperature, pH and antibiotics were studied. The isolated bacteria were found to belong to the genus Streptobacillus and Corynebacterium. Growth of these two isolates on phenol resulted in changes in cell shape from rod to cocci as well as the reduction of cell size. Cell shape and size remained unchanged in nutrient broth. There was a decrease in optical density and increase in cell surface hydrophobicity when grown on phenol. Bacterial adherence to hydrocarbons assays showed cells grown on higher concentrations of phenol to be more hydrophobic than those grown on phenol with lower concentrations. Changes in growth of these two isolates were also evident for changing pH and temperature from their optimal as their response to these stresses. Antibiotic Susceptibility Test showed that both isolates were resistant to Amoxicillin and susceptible to tetracycline and phenoxymethylpenicilline. Key words: Streptobacillus; Corynebacterium; Stress; Growth; Hydrophobicity DOI: 10.3329/jbas.v34i2.6857Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 34, No. 2, 133-141, 2010
Discretized current distribution for active endcap transverse gradient coil design for magnetic resonance imaging using stream function approach
Authors: Al-Quaderi G Dastegir , Momen M Arshad , Baig Tanvir Noor
Published: January 2011

The authors present the discretized form of the current distribution using the stream function approach starting from a continuous current distribution obtained recently for an active endcap transverse gradient coil in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine. The present discretized current distribution is compared with the one found using apodized current distributions on the cylinder and the cap surfaces separately and its advantages are discussed. Key words: Gradient coils; Stream function; Active endcap DOI: 10.3329/jbas.v34i2.6858Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 34, No. 2, 143-152, 2010
Physical and mechanical properties of (Acacia auriculiformis x A mangium) hybrid Acacia
Authors: Rokeya UK , Hossain M Akter , Ali M Rowson , Paul SP
Published: January 2011

The physical and mechanical properties of hybrid Acacia, produced from natural crossing between two introduced timber species (Acacia auriculiformis and Acacia mangium) were studied. The timber hybrid Acacia is of medium dense having specific gravity 0.56 at green condition which is less than that of teak (Tectona grandis). The volumetric shrinkage of hybrid Acacia wood was found greater than that of teak but the specific gravity was found less than that of teak. From the study of physical and mechanical properties it is evident that the species is moderately strong. The species is suitable for making furniture and other household articles. Key words: Hybrid Acacia; Specific gravity; Physical properties; Mechanical properties DOI: 10.3329/jbas.v34i2.6864Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 34, No. 2, 181-187, 2010
Effects of sintering temperature on microstructure and magnetic properties of NiFe2O4 prepared from nano size powder of NiO and Fe2O3
Authors: Bhuiyan Mahabub Alam , Hoque Sheikh Manjura , Choudhury Shamima
Published: January 2011

Polycrystalline NiFe2O4 was prepared by solid state reaction from nano size powder of NiO and Fe2O3 which were synthesized by wet chemical method. The inverse spinel single phase of the sample has been confirmed by the X-ray diffraction patterns. SEM micrographs of the samples revealed that the grain size increases and the porosity decreases with the increase in sintering temperature and has great influence on the magnetic properties of NiFe2O4 . Enhancement of real part of initial permeability (μ′) as a function of frequency has been observed with the increase in sintering temperature. Temperature dependence real part of initial permeability has been observed at various sintering temperature and gives the manifestation of Hopkinson effect. Variation of Curie temperature (Tc) has been found with the variation of sintering temperature. Key words: Sintering temperature; Microstructure; Magnetic properties DOI: 10.3329/jbas.v34i2.6865Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 34, No. 2, 189-195, 2010
Extreme Fisher Information, Non-Equilibrium Thermodynamics and Reciprocity Relations
Authors: Flego Silvana , Olivares Felipe , Plastino Angelo , Casas Montserrat
Published: January 2011

In employing MaxEnt, a crucial role is assigned to the reciprocity relations that relate the quantifier to be extremized (Shannon’s entropy S), the Lagrange multipliers that arise during the variational process, and the expectation values that constitute the a priori input information. We review here just how these ingredients relate to each other when the information quantifier S is replaced by Fisher’s information measure I. The connection of these proceedings with thermodynamics constitute our physical background.
Prospects and Limitations of Using Endogenous Neural Stem Cells for Brain Regeneration
Authors: Kaneko Naoko , Kako Eisuke , Sawamoto Kazunobu
Published: January 2011

Neural stem cells (NSCs) are capable of producing a variety of neural cell types, and are indispensable for the development of the mammalian brain. NSCs can be induced in vitro from pluripotent stem cells, including embryonic stem cells and induced-pluripotent stem cells. Although the transplantation of these exogenous NSCs is a potential strategy for improving presently untreatable neurological conditions, there are several obstacles to its implementation, including tumorigenic, immunological, and ethical problems. Recent studies have revealed that NSCs also reside in the adult brain. The endogenous NSCs are activated in response to disease or trauma, and produce new neurons and glia, suggesting they have the potential to regenerate damaged brain tissue while avoiding the above-mentioned problems. Here we present an overview of the possibility and limitations of using endogenous NSCs in regenerative medicine.
RETRACTED: RNA Interference Targeting Slug Increases Cholangiocarcinoma Cell Sensitivity to Cisplatin via Upregulating PUMA
Authors: Zhang Kejun , Chen Dong , Wang Xingang , Zhang Shaoyan , Wang Jigang , Gao Yuan , Yan Bomin
Published: January 2011

Slug is an E-cadherin repressor and a suppressor of PUMA (p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis) and it has recently been demonstrated that Slug plays an important role in controlling apoptosis. In this study, we examined whether Slug’s ability to silence expression suppresses the growth of cholangiocarcinoma cells and/or sensitizes cholangiocarcinoma cells to chemotherapeutic agents through induction of apoptosis. We targeted the Slug gene using siRNA (Slug siRNA) via full Slug cDNA plasmid (Slug cDNA) transfection of cholangiocarcinoma cells. Slug siRNA, cisplatin, or Slug siRNA in combination with cisplatin, were used to treat cholangiocarcinoma cells in vitro. Western blot was used to detect the expression of Slug, PUMA, and E-cadherin protein. TUNEL, Annexin V Staining, and cell cycle analysis were used to detect apoptosis. A nude mice subcutaneous xenograft model of QBC939 cells was used to assess the effect of Slug silencing and/or cisplatin on tumor growth. Immunohistochemical staining was used to analyze the expression of Slug and PUMA. TUNEL was used to detect apoptosis in vivo. The results showed that PUMA and E-cadherin expression in cholangiocarcinoma cells is Slug dependent. We demonstrated that Slug silencing and cisplatin both promote apoptosis by upregulation of PUMA, not by upregulation of E-cadherin. Slug silencing significantly sensitized cholangiocarcinoma cells to cisplatin through upregulation of PUMA. Finally, we showed that Slug silencing suppressed the growth of QBC939 xenograft tumors and sensitized the tumor cells to cisplatin through PUMA upregulation and induction of apoptosis. Our findings indicate that Slug is an important modulator of the therapeutic response of cholangiocarcinoma cells and is potentially useful as a sensitizer in cholangiocarcinoma therapy. One of the mechanisms is the regulation of PUMA by Slug.
Polyphenols and Human Health: Prevention of Disease and Mechanisms of Action
Authors: Vauzour David , Rodriguez-Mateos Ana , Corona Giulia , Oruna-Concha Maria Jose , Spencer Jeremy P. E.
Published: January 2011

Polyphenols are found ubiquitously in plants and their regular consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of a number of chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and neurodegenerative disorders. Rather than exerting direct antioxidant effects, the mechanisms by which polyphenols express these beneficial properties appear to involve their interaction with cellular signaling pathways and related machinery that mediate cell function under both normal and pathological conditions. We illustrate that their interactions with two such pathways, the MAP kinase (ERK, JNK, p38) and PI3 kinase/Akt signaling cascades, allow them to impact upon normal and abnormal cell function, thus influencing the cellular processes involved in the initiation and progression of cancer, CVD and neurodegeneration. For example, their ability to activate ERK in neurons leads to a promotion of neuronal survival and cognitive enhancements, both of which influence the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, whilst ERK activation by polyphenols in vascular endothelial cells influences nitric oxide production, blood pressure and ultimately CVD risk. The main focus of this review is to provide an overview of the role that polyphenols play in the prevention of cancer, cardiovascular disease and neurodegeneration. We present epidemiological data, human intervention study findings, as well as animal and in vitro studies in support of these actions and in each case we consider how their actions at the cellular level may underpin their physiological effects.
IMPLEMENTATION OF INTEGRAL TELECOMMUNICATION ENVIRONMENT FOR HARMONISED AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL WITH SCALABLE FLIGHT DISPLAY SYSTEMS
Authors: Zhukov Igor
Published: January 2011

Creation of digital a telecommunication environment requires the integration of satellite and wideband wireless communication facilities into a single telecommunication system and development of hardware and software for formation and transmission of multimedia traffic in real time for harmonised air traffic control with scalable flight display systems.

Given article is devoted to integral telecommunication environment for navigation and communication with fundamentally new flight display systems.

Santrauka

Skaitmeninei telekomunikacinei aplinkai sukurti reikalingas ne tik palydoviniu ir plačiajuostes bevieles telekomunikacines irangos integravimas I viena telekomunikacine sistema, bet taip pat ir technines bei programines irangos vystymas, siekiant sukurti ir perduoti realaus laiko multimedini eisma tam, kad būtu harmonizuotas skrydžiu valdymas su ivairaus pajegumo skrydžiu valdymo vaizduoklio sistemomis. Nagrinejama integrali telekomunikacine sistema, kuri skirta naujus skrydžio valdymo vaizduoklius naudojančiai navigacijai ir telekomunikacijai.
Evaluation of simulated photochemical partitioning of oxidized nitrogen in the upper troposphere
Authors: Henderson B. H. , Pinder R. W. , Crooks J. , Cohen R. C. , Hutzell W. T. , Sarwar G. , Goliff W. S. , Stockwell W. R. , Fahr A. , Mathur R. , Carlton A. G. , Vizuete W.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. Regional and global chemical transport models underpredict NOx (NO + NO2) in the upper troposphere where it is a precursor to the greenhouse gas ozone. The NOx bias has been shown in model evaluations using aircraft data (Singh et al., 2007) and total column NO2 (molecules cm−2) from satellite observations (Napelenok et al., 2008). The causes of NOx underpredictions have yet to be fully understood due to the interconnected nature of simulated emission, transport, and chemistry processes. Recent observation-based studies, in the upper troposphere, identify chemical rate coefficients as a potential source of error (Olson et al., 2006; Ren et al., 2008). Since typical chemistry evaluation techniques are not available for upper tropospheric conditions, this study develops an evaluation platform from in situ observations, stochastic convection, and deterministic chemistry. We derive a stochastic convection model and optimize it using two simulated datasets of time since convection, one based on meteorology, and the other on chemistry. The chemistry surrogate for time since convection is calculated using seven different chemical mechanisms, all of which predict shorter time since convection than our meteorological analysis. We evaluate chemical simulations by inter-comparison and by pairing results with observations based on NOx:HNO3, a photochemical aging indicator. Inter-comparison reveals individual chemical mechanism biases and recommended updates. Evaluation against observations shows that all chemical mechanisms overpredict NOx removal relative to long-lived methanol and carbon monoxide. All chemical mechanisms underpredict observed NOx by at least 30%, and further evaluation is necessary to refine simulation sensitivities to initial conditions and chemical rate uncertainties.
Solar radiation trend across China in recent decades: a revisit with quality-controlled data
Authors: Tang W.-J. , Yang K. , Qin J. , Cheng C. C. K. , He J.
Published: January 2011

Abstract. Solar radiation is one of the most important factors affecting climate and environment, and its long-term variation is of much concern in climate change studies. In the light of the limited number of radiation stations with reliable long-term time series observations, this paper presents a new evaluation of the long-term variation of surface solar radiation over China by combining quality-controlled observed data and two radiation models. One is the ANN-based (Artificial Neutral Network) model and the other is a physical model. The two models produce radiation trends comparable to the observed ones at a few validation stations possessing reliable and continuous data. Then, the trend estimate is extended by the ANN-based model to all 96 radiation stations and furthermore extended by the physical model to all 716 China Meteorological Administration (CMA) routine stations. The new trend estimate is different from previous ones in two aspects. First, the magnitude of solar radiation over China decreased by about −0.23 W m−2 yr−1 between 1961 and 2000, which is greatly less in magnitude than trend slopes estimated in previous studies (ranging over −0.41 ~ −0.52 W m−2 yr−1). Second, the "From Dimming to Brightening" transition in China during the late 1980s ~ the early 1990s was addressed in previous studies, but this study indicates the solar radiation reached a stable level since the 1990s and the transition is not noticeable. These differences indicate the importance of data-quality control and analysis approaches. Finally, an obvious transition from brightening to dimming around 1978 is found over the Tibetan Plateau, where aerosol loads are very low, indicating that the importance of cloud changes in altering solar radiation may be comparable to that of the aerosol changes.
Colloids
Authors: Schramm Laurier L.
Published: January 2011

A colloid comprises a collection of small particles, droplets, or bubbles of one phase with at least one dimension between about 1 and 1000 nm and dispersed in a second phase. Either or both phases may be in gas, liquid, solid, or supercritical phase states. Another property that distinguishes colloidal dispersions is the extremely large area of the interface between the two phases compared with the mass of the dispersed phase. A consequence is that any chemical and physical phenomena that depend on the existence of an interface become prominent in colloidal dispersions. Colloidal systems are important because they feature prominently, in both desirable and undesirable contexts, in a wide variety of practical disciplines, products, and industrial processes. The field of colloids also overlaps heavily with the field of nanotechnology. The problems associated with colloids are usually interdisciplinary in nature, and a broad scientific base is required to understand them completely. This article provides an introduction to the field of colloids, emphasizing the wide range of practical and industrial applications.
Molybdenum Compounds
Authors: Stiefel Edward I.
Published: January 2011

The chemistry of molybdenum (Mo) is among the most diverse of the transition metals. Molybdenum is found naturally mostly as the disulfide. Molybdenum forms binary compounds with many nonmetallic elements and a number of these, namely halides, oxides, sulfides, carbides, nitrides, and silicides are of interest. The most important oxidation states are VI, V, IV, III, II, and 0.Molybdenum is an essential component of many enzymes and plays an important role in nitrogen fixation and nitrite reduction in bacteria and plants and sulfite and xanthine oxidation for microorganisms, plants and animals. Molybdenum compounds are important in lubrication where the disulfide and oil‐soluble Mo sulfur complexes serve as antifriction and antiwear agents. Mo compounds are also used in hydrodesulfurization and hydrotreating catalysis, as oxidation catalysts, in coatings, paints, and pigments as anticorrosion agents, as smoke suppressants, as a soil nutrient, and in nuclear medicine.
Different Formats for the Communication of Risks: Verbal, Numerical, and Graphical Formats
Authors: Timmermans Danielle , Oudhoff Jurriaan
Published: January 2011

Different formats are available for the communication of the quantitative aspect of risks: verbal terms, numbers, and graphical representations. Verbal terms, such as alarge chance, are often used but may lead to confusion, because the exact meaning is not clear. The majority of people therefore, prefer to receive risk information in numerical terms. These numerical formats have the drawback, however, that people often find them difficult to comprehend. When using numerical risk formats two generic characteristics are important for optimizing risk perceptions and decision making. First, more concrete formats seem to evoke more meaningful risk images, which improve risk perception. Therefore, it seems advisable to use a frequency format and small numbers, for example, lower denominators (“1 inX”). Second, in more complex situations, it is particularly important to minimize the complexity of risk information and to present risks so that errors are prevented. This means, for instance, that the risks that are most relevant for the specific decision need to be made explicit and that computations should be avoided. Graphical formats may also be used to communicate risks. There is limited evidence that suggests that graphical formats substantially improve understanding and aid decision making. However, graphical displays can look appealing and could be effective in drawing a person's attention, which may lead to increased awareness of the risk.
A model to predict cardiovascular events in patients with newly diagnosed Wegener's granulomatosis and microscopic polyangiitis
Authors: Suppiah Ravi , Judge Andrew , Batra Rajbir , Flossmann Oliver , Harper Lorraine , Höglund Peter , Javaid M. Kassim , Jayne David , Mukhtyar Chetan , Westman Kerstin , Davis John C. , Hoffman Gary S. , McCune W. Joseph , Merkel Peter A. , St.Clair E. William , Seo Philip , Spiera Robert , Stone John H. , Luqmani Raashid
Published: January 2011

Objective

To create a prognostic tool to quantify the 5‐year cardiovascular (CV) risk in patients with newly diagnosed Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) without premorbid CV disease.

Methods

We reviewed CV outcomes during the long‐term followup of patients in the first 4 European Vasculitis Study Group (EUVAS) trials of WG and MPA. CV events were defined as CV death, stroke, myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass graft, or percutaneous coronary intervention. Logistic regression was performed to create a model to predict the absolute risk of a CV event. The model was tested using the Wegener's Granulomatosis Etanercept Trial (WGET) cohort.

Results

Seventy‐four (13.8%) of 535 patients with 5 years of followup from the EUVAS trials had at least 1 CV event: 33 (11.7%) of 281 WG versus 41 (16.1%) of 254 MPA. The independent determinants of CV outcomes were older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.45, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.11–1.90), diastolic hypertension (OR 1.97, 95% CI 0.98–3.95), and positive proteinase 3 (PR3) antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) status (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.20–0.74). The model was validated using the WGET cohort (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.80).

Conclusion

Within 5 years of diagnosis of WG or MPA, 14% of patients will have a CV event. We have constructed and validated a tool to quantify the risk of a CV event based on age, diastolic hypertension, and PR3 ANCA status in patients without prior CV disease. In patients with vasculitis, PR3 ANCA is associated with a reduced CV risk compared to myeloperoxidase ANCA or negative ANCA status.
Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia in giant cell arteritis: A case series
Authors: Kermani Tanaz A. , Ytterberg Steven R. , Warrington Kenneth J.
Published: January 2011

Objective

To describe the clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and outcome of patients with Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) and biopsy‐proven giant cell arteritis (GCA) seen at a tertiary referral center.

Methods

Using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes, all patients with GCA and PCP between January 1, 1976 and December 31, 2008 were identified. Medical records were reviewed. PCP was defined by the identification of Pneumocystis jiroveci organisms in the clinical setting of pneumonia.

Results

We identified 7 patients with GCA (5 women and 2 men) who developed PCP (the mean ± SD age at diagnosis was 71.6 ± 6.1 years). The median time from GCA diagnosis to PCP diagnosis was 3 months (range 1–18 months). All patients were taking prednisone (the median dosage 50 mg/day [range 30–80]) when diagnosed as having PCP. No patients were receiving PCP prophylaxis. PCP was diagnosed by positive smear on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in 6 patients (86%) and by positive sputum polymerase chain reaction in 1 patient. All the patients were hospitalized (median duration 17 days [range 12–39 days]). Four patients (57%) were admitted to the intensive care unit. Three patients (43%) required mechanical ventilation. Two patients (29%) died; both were on mechanical ventilation.

Conclusion

Although PCP is rare among patients with GCA, this preventable infection is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
Synthesis, characterization and microwave‐assisted catalytic activity of novel benzimidazole salts bearing piperidine and morpholine moieties in Heck cross‐coupling reactions
Authors: Küçükbay Hasan , Şireci Nihat , Yılmaz Ülkü , Akkurt Mehmet , Yalçın Şerife Pınar , Nawaz Tahir M. , Ott Holger
Published: January 2011

A mixture of novel benzimidazole salts (2a–f), Pd(OAc)2 and K2CO3 in DMFH2O catalyzes, in high yield, the Heck cross‐coupling reaction assisted by microwave irradiation in a short time. All synthesized novel benzimidazole derivatives were characterized by elemental analysis and NMR spectroscopy. In addition, the molecular structure of 2a was determined by X‐ray crystallography. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Accommodating risk in the valuation of expected travel time savings
Authors: Hensher David A. , Li Zheng , Rose John M.
Published: January 2011

Valuation of travel time savings is a critical measure in transport infrastructure appraisal, traffic modelling and network performance. It has been recognised for some time that the travel times associated with repeated trips are subject to variation, and hence there is risk embedded in the treatment of expected travel time. In the context of the expected utility framework, we use a nonlinear probability weighting function to accommodate choice made under risk. Although the empirical findings suggest small differences between the value of expected travel time savings (VETTS) in the presence and absence of risk, the mean estimate does make a noticeable difference to time benefits when applied to real projects. By incorporating nonlinear probability weighting, our model reveals that the probabilities associated with specific travel times that are shown to respondents in the choice experiment are transformed, resulting in overweighting of outcomes with low probabilities and underweighting of outcomes with high probabilities. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anthraquinone‐Sensitized Photooxidation of 5‐Methylcytosine in DNA Leading to Piperidine‐Induced Efficient Strand Cleavage
Authors: Yamada Hisatsugu , Kitauchi Yuya , Tanabe Kazuhito , Ito Takeo , Nishimoto Sei‐ichi
Published: January 2011

One‐electron photooxidations of 5‐methyl‐2′‐deoxycytidine (dmC) and 5‐trideuteriomethyl‐2′‐deoxycytidine ([D3]dmC) by sensitization with anthraquinone (AQ) derivatives were investigated. Photoirradiation of an aerated aqueous solution containing dmC and anthraquinone 2‐sulfonate (AQS) afforded 5‐formyl‐2′‐deoxycytidine (dfC) and 5‐hydroxymethyl‐2′‐deoxycytidine (dhmC) in good yield through an initial one‐electron oxidation process. The deuterium isotope effect on the AQS‐sensitized photooxidation of dmC suggests that the rate‐determining step in the photosensitized oxidation of dmC involves internal transfer of the C5‐hydrogen atom of a dmC‐tetroxide intermediate to produce dfC and dhmC. In the case of a 5‐methylcytosine (mC)‐containing duplex DNA with an AQ chromophore that is incorporated into the backbone of the DNA strand so as to be immobilized at a specific position, mC underwent efficient direct one‐electron oxidation by the photoexcited AQ, which resulted in an exclusive DNA strand cleavage at the target mC site upon hot piperidine treatment. In accordance with the suppression of the strand cleavage at 5‐trideuterio‐methylcytosine observed in a similar AQ photosensitization, it is suggested that deprotonation at the C5‐methyl group of an intermediate mC radical cation may occur as a key elementary reaction in the photooxidative strand cleavage at the mC site. Incorporation of an AQ sensitizer into the interior of a strand of the duplex enhanced the one‐electron photooxidation of mC, presumably because of an increased intersystem crossing efficiency that may lead to efficient piperidine‐induced strand cleavage at an mC site in a DNA duplex.