bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceived and actual diabetes risk in the Chinese and Hispanic/Latino communities in Portland, OR, USA
Authors: Maty S. C. , Tippens K. M.
Published: November 2010

Diabet. Med. 28, 658–667 (2011)

Aims  The burden of diabetes is considerable for racial and ethnic minority populations in many places in the USA and worldwide, often disproportionately affecting immigrant communities. This paper reports findings from a community‐based participatory research study that described diabetes risk and awareness, assessed the association between perceived and actual risk (high, two or more diabetes risk factors; low, fewer than two risk factors) and identified factors associated with disease risk among Chinese and Hispanic/Latino immigrant populations in Portland, OR, USA.

Methods  Cross‐sectional, self‐reported data were collected from a purposive sample of 324 Chinese (n = 159) and Hispanic/Latino (n = 165) adults, aged 18–86 years [mean (SD) age, 45.2(17.9) years; 50.7% women). Analyses described differences in variable distributions. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals in pooled and ethnic group‐specific samples.

Results  Approximately 43% of participants were at high risk for diabetes, regardless of ethnicity or age. Of those unaware of their risk, or who perceived themselves not to be at risk, 25–53% had two or more risk factors (high risk); these patterns varied by ethnicity. The proportion of participants who reported two or more risk factors and were unaware of their risk status (31.8% Hispanic/Latino; 17% Chinese) or self‐identified as not at risk (12.5% Hispanic/Latino; 13.0% Chinese) was substantial. Factors associated with diabetes risk also varied by ethnicity.

Conclusions  This study assessed the degree and determinants of diabetes risk and awareness among local Hispanic/Latino and Chinese communities and identified significant variation between groups. The results are important because they highlight substantial diabetes risk among persons who misestimate or are unaware of their risk status, regardless of ethnicity, and, in the USA, the Chinese immigrant population commonly is not considered a high‐risk group for Type 2 diabetes.
REGULATION AND RISK: A CROSS‐COUNTRY SURVEY OF REGULATED COMPANIES
Authors: Gaggero Alberto A.
Published: November 2010

This paper tests empirically whether regulation characterized by high incentives implies more risk to firms than regulation characterized by low incentives. Using a worldwide panel of 170 regulated companies operating in electricity, gas, water, telecommunication and transportation sectors during the period 1995–2004, I find that different regulatory regimes do not result in different levels of risk to their regulated firms. This result could be driven by a higher level of development of financial markets combined with a sophisticated diversifying behaviour of regulated firms.
Improving the k‐nearest neighbour rule: using geometrical neighbourhoods and manifold‐based metrics
Authors: Altιnçay Hakan
Published: November 2010

Abstract: Sample weighting and variations in neighbourhood or data‐dependent distance metric definitions are three principal directions considered for improving the k‐NN classification technique. Recently, manifold‐based distance metrics attracted considerable interest and computationally less demanding approximations have been developed. However, a careful comparison of these alternative approaches is missing. In this study, an extensive comparison is firstly performed for three alternative neighbourhood definitions and four manifold‐based distance measures. Then, a novel computationally less demanding feature line‐based method is proposed, which exploits geometrical neighbourhoods of test samples for feature line construction. Experimental results have shown that the improvements achieved by the majority of the existing schemes are not considerable. It is also verified that the proposed scheme surpasses other computationally less demanding manifold‐based schemes.
The Train has Left the Station: Do Markets Value Intracity Access to Intercity Rail Connections?
Authors: Ahlfeldt Gabriel M.
Published: November 2010

This paper is the first to provide a micro-level analysis of the impact of intercity rail connections on property prices. We use the variation in mainline accessibility provided by the reorganization of the rail system in post-unification Berlin to isolate accessibility effects from correlated individual location effects. Evidence does not support the existence of localized effects on location productivity and household utility. While the city, since unification, has undergone significant changes in its spatial structure, these effects cannot be attributed to the new transport concept. Our findings question the justification for committing substantial public funds to downtown rail redevelopment projects.
Foraging decisions and behavioural flexibility in trap‐building predators: a review
Authors: Scharf Inon , Lubin Yael , Ovadia Ofer
Published: November 2010

Foraging theory was first developed to predict the behaviour of widely‐foraging animals that actively search for prey. Although the behaviour of sit‐and‐wait predators often follows predictions derived from foraging theory, the similarity between these two distinct groups of predators is not always obvious. In this review, we compare foraging activities of trap‐building predators (mainly pit‐building antlions and web‐building spiders), a specific group of sit‐and‐wait predators that construct traps as a foraging device, with those of widely‐foraging predators. We refer to modifications of the trap characteristics as analogous to changes in foraging intensity. Our review illustrates that the responses of trap‐building and widely‐foraging predators to different internal and external factors, such as hunger level, conspecific density and predation threat are quite similar, calling for additional studies of foraging theory using trap‐building predators. In each chapter of this review, we summarize the response of trap‐building predators to a different factor, while contrasting it with the equivalent response characterizing widely‐foraging predators. We provide here evidence that the behaviour of trap‐building predators is not stereotypic or fixed as was once commonly accepted, rather it can vary greatly, depending on the individual's internal state and its interactions with external environmental factors.
The Rise of Early Sufism: A Survey of Recent Scholarship on its Social Dimensions
Authors: Bin Ramli Harith
Published: November 2010

By the late mediaeval period, Sufism (sometimes defined as Islamic mysticism) was a clear presence in every Muslim town or village, and Sufis were present in many different levels of Muslim society. However, if we were to look back to the earliest centuries of Islamic history, it becomes increasingly harder to find evidence of individuals going by the description of ‘Sufi’. Individuals with the name appear around the late eighth century C.E., but we only start to see the rise of a particular group using that name in the mid‐nineth century. But how and why did Sufism rise in this period, and what were the reasons behind its growing importance for Muslim society? By looking at the contributions of scholars in recent decades, this article will try to trace the development of Sufism from its early origins, up to its consolidation as a visible social institution during the 12th century.
For Class and Nation: Dominant Trends in the Historiography of Twentieth‐Century Wales
Authors: Johnes Martin
Published: November 2010

Welsh identity has often centred on tensions between labour and political/cultural nationalist traditions. Those tensions have influenced writing about the history of modern Wales to the extent where Welsh history might even be thought to be justifying different interpretations of Wales. But both nationalist and labour interpretations of Wales actually overlap and both have played their part in strengthening a sense of Welsh identity. This paper explores these twin themes in the historiography of 20th‐century Wales and how they relate to the contexts in which they were produced and read.
A Multi‐Center Double‐Blind Pilot Comparison of OnabotulinumtoxinA and Topiramate for the Prophylactic Treatment of Chronic Migraine
Authors: Cady Roger K. , Schreiber Curtis P. , Porter John A.H. , Blumenfeld Andrew M. , Farmer Kathleen U.
Published: November 2010

(Headache 2011;51:21‐32)

Objective.— This multi‐center pilot study compared the efficacy of onabotulinumtoxinA with topiramate (a Food and Drug Administration approved and widely accepted treatment for prevention of migraine) in individuals with chronic migraine (CM).

Methods.— A total of 59 subjects with CM were randomly assigned to one of 2 groups: Group 1 (n = 30) received topiramate plus placebo injections, Group 2 (n = 29) received onabotulinumtoxinA injections plus placebo tablets. Subjects maintained daily headache diaries over a 4‐week baseline period and a 12‐week active study period. The primary endpoint was the Physician Global Assessment, which measured the treatment responder rate and indicated improvement in both groups over 12 weeks. Secondary endpoints, measured at weeks 4 and 12, included headache days per month, migraine days, headache‐free days, days on acute medication, severity of headache episodes, Migraine Impact & Disability Assessment, Headache Impact Test, effectiveness of and satisfaction with current treatment on the amount of medication needed, and the frequency and severity of migraine symptoms. At 12 weeks subjects were re‐evaluated and tapered off oral study medications over a 2‐week time period. Subjects not reporting a >50% reduction of headache frequency at 12 weeks were invited to participate in a 12‐week open label extension study with onabotulinumtoxinA. Of these, 20 subjects, 9 from the Topiramate Group and 11 from the OnabotulinumtoxinA Group, volunteered for this extension from weeks 14 to 26.

Results.— This study demonstrated positive benefit for both onabotulinumtoxinA and topiramate in subjects with CM. Overall, the results were statistically significant within groups but not between groups. By week 26, subjects had a reduction of headache days per month compared with baseline. This was a significant within‐group finding.

Conclusion.— OnabotulinumtoxinA and topiramate demonstrated similar efficacy for subjects with CM as determined by Global Physician Assessment and supported by multiple secondary endpoint measures.
Excellent Tolerability But Relatively Low Initial Clinical Efficacy of Telcagepant in Migraine
Authors: Tfelt‐Hansen Peer
Published: November 2010

(Headache 2011;51:118‐123)

In 3 randomized clinical trials (n = 1585) the calcitonin gene‐related peptide antagonist telcagepant 300 mg orally had an incidence of adverse events similar to placebo when used in the acute treatment of migraine. Telcagepant, thus, has excellent tolerability in migraine.

Only a quarter (26%) (334/1307) of patients were, however, pain free after 2 hours, while 56% (729/1297) of patients had pain relief at 2 hours. Telcagepant 300 mg in one randomized clinical trial was equipotent to zolmitriptan 5 mg. Based on results from a meta‐analysis, rizatriptan 10 mg (41%) and almotriptan (35%) seem superior to telcagepant (26%) for pain free at 2 hours whereas rizatriptan 10 mg (25%) showed no difference from telcagepant 300 mg (19 %) for sustained pain free (2‐24 hours). The introduction of calcitonin gene‐related peptide receptor antagonism in the acute treatment of migraine is a major step forward but so far mostly because of its specific mode of action and excellent tolerability.
Bronchial Hyper‐Reactivity in Migraine Without Aura: Is It a New Clue for Inflammation?
Authors: Kaleagasi Hakan , Özgür Eylem , Özge Cengiz , Özge Aynur
Published: November 2010

Objective.— We attempted to investigate the relationship between migraine without aura (MwoA) and bronchial hyper‐reactivity to postulate inflammation as an underlying mechanism in migraine.

Background.— Comorbidity of migraine and atopic diseases such as asthma has been an argument for suspected immune system dysfunction in migraineurs.

Methods.— Twenty patients with MwoA and 5 control subjects without history of atophy and asthma were included in study. Subjects with abnormal physical examination and chest radiographs were excluded. After a normal spirometry, methacholine bronchoprovocation test was performed in all subjects and controls according to 5 breath dosimeter methods.

Results.— Sixteen of 20 patients and 2 of 5 control subjects were women. Mean ages were 37.5 (19‐56) and 33.8 (26‐43) years, respectively. Methacholine bronchoprovocation test was positive in 3 patients (15%) but was normal in all controls (0%).

Conclusions.— The relationship between MwoA and bronchial hyper‐reactivity may help to postulate the inflammation in migraine as an underlying mechanism.
Long‐Term Tolerability of Telcagepant for Acute Treatment of Migraine in a Randomized Trial
Authors: Connor Kathryn M. , Aurora Sheena K. , Loeys Tom , Ashina Messoud , Jones Christopher , Giezek Hilde , Massaad Rachid , Williams‐Diaz Angela , Lines Christopher , Ho Tony W.
Published: November 2010

(Headache 2011;51:73‐84)

Objective.— To evaluate the long‐term tolerability of telcagepant for acute treatment of intermittent migraine attacks.

Background.— Telcagepant is a calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist being investigated for the acute treatment of migraine.

Methods.— Migraine patients were randomized 2:1 to double‐blind treatment with telcagepant 280/300 mg or rizatriptan 10 mg for an acute mild, moderate, or severe migraine. Patients could administer a second dose within 2‐24 hours for nonresponse or migraine recurrence. Patients could treat up to 8 attacks per month for up to 18 months. Safety assessments included spontaneous reports of adverse events and collection of vital signs, electrocardiograms, and laboratory assessments. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients with ≥1 triptan‐related adverse events in the 14‐day period post dose.

Results.— Of 1068 patients randomized, 641 (90%) patients treated ≥1 attack with telcagepant and 313 (88%) treated ≥1 attack with rizatriptan. A total of 19,820 attacks were treated with telcagepant (mean per patient = 31) and 10,981 with rizatriptan (mean per patient = 35). Fewer triptan‐related adverse events (difference: −6.2%; 95% CI −10.4, −2.6; P < .001) and drug‐related adverse events (difference: −15.6%; 95% CI −22.2, −9.0) were reported for telcagepant vs rizatriptan. The most common adverse events appeared to have generally similar incidence proportions between the treatment groups. Those with an incidence >5% in the telcagepant group were dry mouth (9.7%, rizatriptan = 13.7%), somnolence (9.2%, rizatriptan = 16.6%), dizziness (8.9%, rizatriptan = 10.2%), and nausea (9.0%, rizatriptan = 6.4%).

Conclusions.— Telcagepant was generally well tolerated when administered for the acute intermittent treatment of migraine for up to 18 months. The incidences of triptan‐related and drug‐related adverse events favored telcagepant over rizatriptan.
ON THE ROLE OF THE CYTOSKELETON IN COCCOLITH MORPHOGENESIS: THE EFFECT OF CYTOSKELETON INHIBITORS1
Authors: Langer Gerald , de Nooijer Lennart Jan , Oetjen Kerstin
Published: November 2010

The coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi (Lohmann) W. W. Hay et H. Mohler was cultured in natural seawater with the addition of either the microtubule‐inhibitor colchicine, the actin‐inhibitor cytochalasin B, or the photosynthesis inhibitor 3‐(3,4 dichlorophenyl)‐1,1‐dimethyl‐urea (DCMU). Additionally, E. huxleyi was cultured at different light intensities and temperatures. Growth rate was monitored, and coccolith morphology analyzed. While every treatment affected growth rate, the percentage of malformed coccoliths increased with colchicine, cytochalasin B, and at higher than optimal temperature. These results represent the first experimental evidence for the role of microtubules and actin microfilaments in coccolith morphogenesis.
LIGHT‐INDUCED RESPONSES OF OXYGEN PHOTOREDUCTION, REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES PRODUCTION AND SCAVENGING IN TWO DIATOM SPECIES1
Authors: Waring Jen , Klenell Markus , Bechtold Ulrike , Underwood Graham J. C. , Baker Neil R.
Published: November 2010

Diatoms are frequently exposed to high light (HL) levels, which can result in photoinhibition and damage to PSII. Many microalgae can photoreduce oxygen using the Mehler reaction driven by PSI, which could protect PSII. The ability of Nitzschia epithemioides Grunow and Thalassiosira pseudonana Hasle et Heimdal grown at 50 and 300 μmol photons · m−2 · s−1 to photoreduce oxygen was examined by mass spectrometric measurements of 18O2. Both species exhibited significant rates of oxygen photoreduction at saturating light levels, with cells grown in HL exhibiting higher rates. HL‐grown T. pseudonana had maximum rates of oxygen photoreduction five times greater than N. epithemoides, with 49% of electrons transported through PSII being used to reduce oxygen. Exposure to excess light (1,000 μmol photons · m−2 · s−1) produced similar decreases in the operating quantum efficiency of PSII (Fq′/Fm′) of low light (LL)‐ and HL‐grown N. epithemoides, whereas HL‐grown T. pseudonana exhibited much smaller decreases in Fq′/Fm′ than LL‐grown cells. HL‐grown T. pseudonana and N. epithemioides exhibited greater superoxide and hydrogen peroxide production, higher activities (in T. pseudonana) of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and increased expression of three SOD‐ and one APX‐encoding genes after 60 min of excess light compared to LL‐grown cells. These responses provide a mechanism that contributes to the photoprotection of PSII against photodamage.
THE POTENTIAL OF ERGOSTEROL AS CHEMOTAXONOMIC MARKER TO DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN “CHLORELLA” SPECIES (CHLOROPHYTA)1
Authors: Görs Manuela , Schumann Rhena , Gustavs Lydia , Karsten Ulf
Published: November 2010

Chlorella is one of the best‐studied green microalgal genera because of its wide use as a model system and its utilization in biotechnology. Since the description of the type species Chlorella vulgaris Beij., more than a hundred species have been established in the literature. However, the taxonomic description and identification of these small (<15 μm) spherical or elliptical coccoid cells is difficult due to the lack of characteristic morphologic features. In addition to molecular investigations, biochemical criteria are employed to distinguish between the numerous “Chlorella” species, of which the sterol composition seems to be a reliable chemotaxonomic marker within several groups of these morphologically similar algae. In this study, the distribution of ergosterol was examined in 20 species of the “true” genus Chlorella and more distant “Chlorella” species using HPLC. Ergosterol in concentrations up to 4.5 μg · mg−1 dry weight (dwt) was detected in nine species, which are all related representatives of the Chlorellaceae. More distant relatives within the Trebouxiophyceae or representatives of the Chlorophyceae did not contain ergosterol. The results coincide with the latest molecular investigations of the genus Chlorella and further promote the potential of ergosterol as chemical marker to differentiate between members of the Chlorellaceae and other “Chlorella‐like” species.
DEMOGRAPHIC MECHANISMS DETERMINING THE DYNAMICS OF THE RELATIVE ABUNDANCE OF PHASES IN BIPHASIC LIFE CYCLES1
Authors: da Silva Vieira Vasco Manuel Nobre de Carvalho , Pimenta Santos Rui Orlando
Published: November 2010

Studies investigating the demographic traits that drive the patterns of phase dominance (the ploidy ratio) in isomorphic biphasic life cycles have not found an integrative solution. Either fertility or survival has been suggested independently as the main driver. Here, we provide a global theoretical framework on how demographic mechanisms determine the ploidy ratio, unifying previous numerical and observational attempts at this question. The analytical solutions of both the ploidy ratio and its elasticities to model parameters of a stage/size‐structured model patterned after the life cycle of a marine alga were derived and analyzed. A complex interaction among vital rates determines the patterns of phase dominance of biphasic life cycles. Three co‐occurring processes—growth, fertility, and looping—may dominate the dynamics of the population, determining both its growth rate and ploidy ratio. Our analyses show that in species where fertility is low, the ploidy ratio is highly elastic to looping transitions (survival, breakage, and clonal growth). Consequently, the subtle morphological, ecophysiological, and biochemistry phase differences that have been reported in isomorphic life cycles as not explaining the observed ploidy ratios, may, in fact, explain them if they translate into slight phase differences in looping transitions. In species where fertility is low, the looping dissimilarities between phases cannot be too high favoring simultaneously one phase, as the population structure would be completely dominated by that phase. In the case of ecological similarity between phases (equal looping and growth rates between phases), a ploidy ratio different from one can only be set by strong phase differences in fertility.
Assessing the Radiological Impact of Radiation Exposure Devices
Authors: Tofani Alessandro
Published: November 2010

Radiation exposure devices (REDs) are radiological weapons obtained by concealing a strong gamma‐emitting source in a place frequented by public to cause radiation injuries following the absorption of elevated radiation doses. The present work aims to assess the radiological impact of an RED by simulating its effects in both dynamical and static conditions of the covertly exposed population, with individual position and motion obtained through a Monte Carlo approach. The results indicate that in small enclosures the motion of people amplify the effects of radiation exposure with respect to the static case because it turns out in a larger number of individuals receiving doses above the threshold for the onset of deterministic effects. This behavior is mitigated in medium and large enclosures due to dose spreading over trajectories moving far away from the critical region close to the RED. The scaling laws obtained with a simple circular geometry were successfully applied to a more complex geometry like that of a stadium. The potentially large number of victims and the possibility to reiterate the attack raise the question of early detection. This can be achieved either by radiation survey or by indirectly inferring the presence of a strong radioactive source following the triage of patients with radiation sickness symptoms collected by the same hospital. In the former case careful design and operation of aerial or in situ monitoring is needed, while in the latter specific training should be given to healthcare personnel aimed to improve their discrimination and cooperation capabilities.
Melatonin inhibits microglial activation, reduces pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels, and rescues hippocampal neurons of adult rats with acute Klebsiella pneumoniae meningitis
Authors: Wu Un‐In , Mai Fu‐Der , Sheu Ji‐Nan , Chen Li‐You , Liu Yu‐Ting , Huang Hai‐Cheng , Chang Hung‐Ming
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Acute bacterial meningitis caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is a major health threat with a high mortality rate and severe neuro‐cognitive sequelae. The intense pro‐inflammatory cytokine released from calcium‐mediated microglial activation plays an important role in eliciting neuronal damage in the hippocampal region. Considering melatonin possesses anti‐inflammatory and immuno‐modulatory properties, the present study determined whether melatonin can effectively decrease inflammatory responses and prevent hippocampal damage in animals subjected to K. pneumoniae. Adult rats inoculated with K. pneumoniae received a melatonin injection immediately thereafter at doses of 5, 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg. Following 24 h of survival, all experimental animals were processed for time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (for detecting glial calcium intensity), isolectin‐B4 histochemistry (reliable marker for microglial activation), pro‐inflammatory cytokine measurement as well as cytochrome oxidase and in situ dUTP end‐labeling (representing neuronal bio‐energetic status and apoptotic changes, respectively). Results indicate that in K. pneumoniae‐infected rats, numerous calcium‐enriched microglia, enhanced pro‐inflammatory cytokine, and various apoptotic neurons with low bio‐energetic activity were detected in hippocampus. Following melatonin administration, however, all parameters including glial calcium intensity, microglial activation, pro‐inflammatory cytokine levels, and number of apoptotic neurons were successfully decreased with maximal change observed at a melatonin dose of 100 mg/kg. Enzymatic data corresponded well with above findings in which all surviving neurons displayed high bio‐energetic activity. As effectively reducing glia‐mediated inflammatory response is neuro‐protective to hippocampal neurons, the present study supports the clinical use of melatonin as a potential therapeutic agent to counteract K. pneumoniae meningitis‐induced neuro‐cognitive damage.
Circadian dysfunction in P23H rhodopsin transgenic rats: effects of exogenous melatonin
Authors: Lax Pedro , Otalora Beatriz Baño , Esquiva Gema , Rol María de los Ángeles , Madrid Juan Antonio , Cuenca Nicolás
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  This study focuses on the effects of retinal degeneration on the circadian patterns of P23H rats, as well as on the effect of exogenous melatonin administration. To this end, the body temperature of P23H and Sprague–Dawley rats was continuously monitored and their retinas examined at different stages of degeneration, by means of histological labeling and electroretinogram recordings. Melatonin (2 mg/kg BW/day) was supplied ad libitum throughout the experiment to a subset of animals. The body temperature recordings from wild‐type and mutant animals showed no differences in the periodogram and the pattern of the mean waveform. However, a progressive decrease in the relative amplitude of the rhythm (RA), a decline in the coupling strength of the rhythm to environmental zeitgebers (interdaily stability, IS) and increased rhythm fragmentation (intradaily variability, IV) were observed in P23H rats, when compared to wild‐type animals. The P23H animals showed a progressive decrease in light‐induced retinal responses until reaching 18 months of age. By this age, all photoreceptors had already disappeared, and no responses were found in the EGRs. Exogenous administration of melatonin improved the visual response of P23H rats. In fact, the maximum b‐wave recorded at 14 months of age was significantly higher in melatonin‐treated P23H rats than in the control animals. Furthermore, the maximum b‐wave recorded for P23H rats at the age of 14 months significantly correlated with RA, IS, and IV. This leads us to conclude that vision loss in P23H rats is correlated with a progressive fragmentation of their circadian patterns. Both effects are partially reversed by melatonin administration.
Regulation of Thermogenesis in Plants: The Interaction of Alternative Oxidase and Plant Uncoupling Mitochondrial Protein
Authors: Zhu Yan , Lu Jianfei , Wang Jing , Chen Fu , Leng Feifan , Li Hongyu
Published: November 2010

Thermogenesis is a process of heat production in living organisms. It is rare in plants, but it does occur in some species of angiosperm. The heat is generated via plant mitochondrial respiration. As possible involvement in thermogenesis of mitochondrial factors, alternative oxidases (AOXs) and plant uncoupling mitochondrial proteins (PUMPs) have been well studied. AOXs and PUMPs are ubiquitously present in the inner membrane of plant mitochondria. They serve as two major energy dissipation systems that balance mitochondrial respiration and uncoupled phosphorylation by dissipating the H+ redox energy and proton electrochemical gradient (ΔμH+) as heat, respectively. AOXs and PUMPs exert similar physiological functions during homeothermic heat production in thermogenic plants. AOXs have five isoforms, while PUMPs have six. Both AOXs and PUMPs are encoded by small nuclear multigene families. Multiple isoforms are expressed in different tissues or organs. Extensive studies have been done in the area of thermogenesis in higher plants. In this review, we focus on the involvement and regulation of AOXs and PUMPs in thermogenesis.
Pretreatment with H2O2 Alleviates Aluminum‐induced Oxidative Stress in Wheat Seedlings
Authors: Xu Fang Jie , Jin Chong Wei , Liu Wen Jing , Zhang Yong Song , Lin Xian Yong
Published: November 2010

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a key reactive oxygen species (ROS) in signal transduction pathways leading to activation of plant defenses against biotic and abiotic stresses. In this study, we investigated the effects of H2O2 pretreatment on aluminum (Al) induced antioxidant responses in root tips of two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes, Yangmai‐5 (Al‐sensitive) and Jian‐864 (Al‐tolerant). Al increased accumulation of H2O2 and O2•− leading to more predominant lipid peroxidation, programmed cell death and root elongation inhibition in Yangmai‐5 than in Jian‐864. However, H2O2 pretreatment alleviated Al‐induced deleterious effects in both genotypes. Under Al stress, H2O2 pretreatment increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase and monodehydroascorbate reductase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase as well as the levels of ascorbate and glutathione more significantly in Yangmai‐5 than in Jian‐864. Furthermore, H2O2 pretreatment also increased the total antioxidant capacity evaluated as the 2, 2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl‐radical scavenging activity and the ferric reducing/antioxidant power more significantly in Yangmai‐5 than in Jian‐864. Therefore, we conclude that H2O2 pretreatment improves wheat Al acclimation during subsequent Al exposure by enhancing the antioxidant defense capacity, which prevents ROS accumulation, and that the enhancement is greater in the Al‐sensitive genotype than in the Al‐tolerant genotype.
The Effect of Toluene‐Substrate Concentration on Biological Clogging and Sloughing in Porous Media
Authors: Cheng W.C. , Kuo M.C. Tom
Published: November 2010

One‐dimensional flow experiments on biological clogging were carried out by biostimulating columns packed with glass beads, sterilized, and inoculated with toluene‐utilizing bacteria. Biostimulation consisted of continuously injecting toluene at four concentrations (3.0 ± 0.9, 6.1 ± 0.8, 8.7 ± 1.6, and 11.3 ± 0.8 mg/L). The results of column flow experiments indicated that a threshold concentration of toluene exists below which the total biomass in the column can be kept at a steady‐state level. The column cores were extruded and segmented to determine the biomass distribution throughout the column at clogging. Clogging resulted in a significant buildup of filamentous bacteria close to the inlet end. Based on the nucleotide sequence of 16S rRNA genes, the dominant filamentous bacteria were identified as Nocardia farcinica. A 235‐d column experiment demonstrated that the clogging near injection points can be controlled by keeping the influent concentration of toluene below the threshold.
Thermal and Rheological Properties of Breadfruit Starch
Authors: Wang Xueyu , Chen Ling , Li Xiaoxi , Xie Fengwei , Liu Hongshen , Yu Long
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  The thermal and rheological properties of breadfruit starch were studied using DSC and 2 different rheometers. It was found that the gelatinization temperature of starch with excess moisture content (>70%) was at approximately 75 °C. A new endotherm was detected at about 173 °C when the moisture content was lower than required for full gelatinization of the starch. A detailed examination revealed that this endotherm represented the melting of amylose–lipid complexes. Breadfruit starch paste exhibited shear‐thinning fluid characteristics, and good thermal and pH stability. The setback viscosity of the breadfruit starch was lower than that of potato and corn starches. The rheological properties of the breadfruit starch paste was well described by the Herschel–Bulkley model at a shear rate of 0 to 100 s−1, where R2 is greater than 0.95, and it behaved like a yield‐pseudoplastic fluid. Both the storage modulus and loss modulus of the paste initially increased sharply, then dropped after reaching the gelatinization peak. Breadfruit starch gel showed both flexibility and viscosity. Suspension with 6% starch content exhibited very weak gel rigidity; however, this increased significantly at starch contents above 20%.
Control of Lipid Oxidation in Extruded Salmon Jerky Snacks
Authors: Kong Jian , Perkins L. Brian , Dougherty Michael P. , Camire Mary Ellen
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  A shelf‐life study was conducted to evaluate the effect of antioxidants on oxidative stability of extruded jerky‐style salmon snacks. Deterioration of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) due to lipid oxidation is a major concern for this healthy snack. A control jerky with no added antioxidants and 4 jerkies with antioxidants (rosemary, mixed tocopherols, tertiary butylhydroquinone, and ascorbyl palmitate) added as 0.02% of the lipid content were extruded in duplicate in a Coperion ZSK‐25 twin screw extruder. Salmon jerkies from each formulation were placed in 3 mil barrier pouches, flushed with nitrogen, and stored at 35 °C and 75% relative humidity. Lipid oxidation was evaluated as by peroxide value and malonaldehyde content. Other chemical analyses included total fatty acid composition, lipid content, moisture, water activity, pH, and salt. Astaxanthin and CIE L*, a*, b* color were also analyzed at 4‐wk intervals. Rosemary inhibited peroxide formation better than did other antioxidants at week 8; no treatment inhibited malonaldehyde levels. All jerkies had lower astaxanthin levels after 8 wk, but rosemary‐treated jerky had higher pigment concentrations than did the control at weeks 4 and 8. Protection of omega‐3 lipids in these extruded jerkies must be improved to offer consumers a convenient source of these healthful lipids.

Practical Application:  Salmon flesh can be extruded to produce a jerky that provides 410 mg of omega‐3 lipids per serving. Natural antioxidants such as rosemary should be added at levels over 0.02% of the lipid content to help control lipid oxidation. Astaxanthin and CIE a* values correlated well with lipid stability and could be used to monitor quality during storage if initial values are known.
How beneficial is bacterial prophylaxis to periodontal health?
Authors: Reddy Manchala Sesha , Narendera Babu Mandalapu
Published: November 2010

The term “probiotics” has become common among general practitioners. There has been an explosion in the interest regarding this topic, which is reflected in the number of scientific publications. The World Health Organization defined probiotics as: “Living microorganisms which when administered in adequate amount confirms a health benefit on the host”. Probiotics have been studied extensively in the gastrointestinal tract for their health‐promoting effects and have shown promising results.

However, in recent times, probiotics have also been used in periodontal health and have shown promising results in controlling gastrointestinal tract infections.

Probiotics have potential, but as with many other clinical situations, multicenter or randomized, controlled studies on humans are still required before they can be recommended as prophylaxis for caries or periodontal disease.

In the present study, we review the effects of probiotics on maintaining periodontal health. Relevant studies were identified from 1970 to February 2010 using Old Medline, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar.
Introducing a ‘stochastic movement simulator’ for estimating habitat connectivity
Authors: Palmer Stephen C. F. , Coulon Aurélie , Travis Justin M. J.
Published: November 2010

1. Estimating and improving landscape connectivity has become a key topic in conservation biology. While a range of connectivity indices exist and are widely used to inform spatial planning, they have potentially serious limitations.

2. We introduce a new method for modelling animals moving between habitat patches across a heterogeneous matrix. Our approach integrates features of least cost path analysis with stochastic movement modelling. Importantly, it relaxes assumptions that are implicit in the least cost path algorithm: our method does not assume omniscience nor does it assume that an individual has a planned destination when it leaves a habitat patch. The algorithm incorporates resistance values for matrix elements and parameters that relate to both perceptual range and to the degree of correlation in movement. By simulating sets of movements for individuals emigrating from habitat patches, relative connectivities between habitat patches are estimated.

3. Using an already published stylised landscape, we demonstrate that the connectivities estimated using our new method can differ considerably from those provided by structural methods and by least cost path analysis. Further, our results emphasise the sensitivity of the relative connectivities to an organism’s perceptual range and the degree of correlation between movement steps.

4. We believe that using stochastic movement modelling can improve estimates of connectivity and also provide a method for determining how robust the indices derived from simpler methods are likely to be for different types of organisms.
Constrained Optimal Control of a Heaving Buoy Wave-Energy Converter
Authors: Hals Jørgen , Falnes Johannes , Moan Torgeir
Published: November 2010

The question of optimal operation of wave-energy converters has been a key issue since modern research on the topic emerged in the early 1970s, and criteria for maximum wave-energy absorption soon emerged from frequency domain analysis. However, constraints on motions and forces give the need for time-domain modeling, where numerical optimization must be used to exploit the full absorption potential of an installed converter. A heaving, semisubmerged sphere is used to study optimal constrained motion of wave-energy converters. Based on a linear model of the wave-body interactions, a procedure for the optimization of the machinery force is developed and demonstrated. Moreover, a model-predictive controller is defined and tested for irregular sea. It repeatedly solves the optimization problem online in order to compute the optimal constrained machinery force on a receding horizon. The wave excitation force is predicted by use of an augmented Kalman filter based on a damped harmonic oscillator model of the wave process. It is shown how constraints influence the optimal motion of the heaving wave-energy converter, and also how close it is possible to approach previously published theoretical upper bounds. The model-predictive controller is found to perform close to optimum in irregular waves, depending on the quality of the wave force predictions. An absorbed power equal to or larger than 90% of the ideal constrained optimum is achieved for a chosen range of realistic sea states. Under certain circumstances, the optimal wave-energy absorption may be better in irregular waves than for a corresponding regular wave having the same energy period and wave-power level. An argument is presented to explain this observation.
Fabrication and characterization of coupled metal-dielectric-metal nanoantennas
Authors: Joshi Bhuwan , Wen Xuejin , Sun Kai , Lu Wu , Wei Qi-Huo
Published: November 2010

The authors fabricated two dimensional arrays of metal-dielectric-metal nanoantennas consisting of a thin layer of light-emitting polymers sandwiched between two Ag parallel cuboids and characterized them by measuring the optical transmission through the antenna arrays. The measured transmission spectra show two resonant dips. Numerical simulations reproduce the experimental results and show that the left dip is due to a cavity resonance mode and the right dip is due to the absorption of the polymer. With this vertical antenna design, the dielectric gap can be made much smaller with an extremely small mode volume, making it a potential candidate for single molecule studies using surface enhanced Raman scattering and for various other optoelectronic applications.
Fabrication of nanostar arrays by nanoimprint lithography
Authors: Veres Teodor , Cui Bo , Clime Liviu
Published: November 2010

Using a low-cost and high-throughput process, this work demonstrates the fabrication of nanostar arrays over a large surface area, which would be an efficient substrate for surface enhanced Raman scattering applications. In the method, the nanostar is defined by the gap between four nanoholes “touching” each other. The two-dimensional periodic hole array was fabricated by nanoimprint lithography, and then the array pattern was transferred into a polymer layer sandwiched between two hard mask layers. Next, the holes in the polymer layer were enlarged by oxygen reactive ion etching (RIE) until its diameter was equal to the array period. The nanostar array was formed in the bottom hard layer after RIE, or it can be further transferred into a noble metal layer by lift-off steps. The authors fabricated a nanostar array with 200 nm tip-tip distance (equal to array period) and down to sub-10-nm apex and gap between adjacent stars. Numerical simulation confirmed the great enhancement of electromagnetic field near the star apexes.
Microelectromechanical systems for biomimetical applications
Authors: Latif Rhonira , Mastropaolo Enrico , Bunting Andy , Cheung Rebecca , Koickal Thomas , Hamilton Alister , Newton Michael , Smith Leslie
Published: November 2010

An etch release process capable of releasing long resonant gate transistor bridges from a sacrificial layer has been studied as a step towards developing a system to mimic the cochlear mechanism inside the human ear. The developed etch release process involves the use of a gentle etch tool that is capable of a clean and damage-free etch release. The influence of temperature and oxygen/nitrogen gas flow rates on the undercut etch rates and the profiles of photoresist and polyimide sacrificial layers have been investigated. An array of aluminum bridges of length 0.278–1.618 mm, which cover the frequencies from 1 to 33.86 kHz, has been designed and released from a sacrificial layer. The resonating beams have been measured.
Direct transformation of a resist pattern into a graphene field effect transistor through interfacial graphitization of liquid gallium
Authors: Fujita Jun-ichi , Miyazawa Yosuke , Ueki Ryuichi , Sasaki Mio , Saito Takeshi
Published: November 2010

The authors found that an extremely thin resist pattern on a silicon dioxide can be directly transformed into a graphene channel through interfacial graphitization of liquid gallium. These patterned graphene field effect transistors show p-type field effect conductance characteristics and a maximum conductance modulation of 100% against an applied gate voltage range from −50 to +50 V at room temperature, which is almost identical to the on/off ratio of 2. These conductance modulation ratios improved with decreasing the initial resist thickness below 2 nm; however, the absolute value of the channel conductance also deteriorated with decreasing the resist thickness, suggesting that electron scattering at the domain boundary dominates the channel conductance.
Prevention of Muscle Aging by Myofiber-Associated Satellite Cell Transplantation
Authors: Hall John K. , Banks Glen B. , Chamberlain Jeffrey S. , Olwin Bradley B.
Published: November 2010

Transplantation of myofibers and associated stem cells into injured muscle protects against age-related muscle degeneration in mice.
TLR9 Differentiates Rapidly from Slowly Progressing Forms of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Trujillo Glenda , Meneghin Alessia , Flaherty Kevin R. , Sholl Lynette M. , Myers Jeffrey L. , Kazerooni Ella A. , Gross Barry H. , Oak Sameer R. , Coelho Ana Lucia , Evanoff Holly , Day Elizabeth , Toews Galen B. , Joshi Amrita D. , Schaller Matthew A. , Waters Beatrice , Jarai Gabor , Westwick John , Kunkel Steven L. , Martinez Fernando J. , Hogaboam Cory M.
Published: November 2010

Compared to slow progressors, patients with rapidly progressive idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis express more TLR9, which recognizes unmethylated CpG DNA and stimulates the fibrotic process.
The Virus in the Machine
Authors: Minzenberg Michael J.
Published: November 2010

HIV interferes with dopamine function in the brain's subcortical motor system, explaining some of its neurological effects.
Attacking Lung Cancer, One Mutation at a Time
Authors: Morozov Alexei
Published: November 2010

Lung cancers that carry the EML4-ALK translocation are uniquely sensitive to an ALK inhibitor.
Head-to-Tail Intramolecular Interaction of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Regulatory Protein ICP27 Is Important for Its Interaction with Cellular mRNA Export Receptor TAP/NXF1
Authors: Hernandez Felicia P. , Sandri-Goldin Rozanne M.
Published: November 2010

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) protein ICP27 has many important functions during infection that are achieved through interactions with a number of cellular proteins. In its role as a viral RNA export protein, ICP27 interacts with TAP/NXF1, the cellular mRNA export receptor, and both the N and C termini of ICP27 must be intact for this interaction to take place. Here we show by bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) that ICP27 interacts directly with TAP/NXF1 during infection, and this interaction failed to occur with an ICP27 mutant bearing substitutions of serines for cysteines at positions 483 and 488 in the C-terminal zinc finger. Recently, we showed that ICP27 undergoes a head-to-tail intramolecular interaction, which could make the N- and C-terminal regions accessible for binding to TAP/NXF1. To determine the importance of intramolecular association of ICP27 to its interaction with TAP/NXF1, we performed BiFC-based fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) by acceptor photobleaching. BiFC-based FRET showed that the interaction between ICP27 and TAP/NXF1 occurred in living cells upon head-to-tail intramolecular association of ICP27, further establishing that TAP/NXF1 interacts with both the N and C termini of ICP27.

IMPORTANCE
ICP27 is a key regulatory protein during herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection. ICP27 interacts with a number of cellular proteins, and an important question asks how these interactions are regulated during infection. We showed previously that ICP27 undergoes a head-to-tail intramolecular interaction, and here we show that the cellular mRNA export receptor protein TAP/NXF1 interacts with ICP27 after its head-to-tail association. Several proteins that interact with ICP27 require that the N and C termini of ICP27 be intact. These results demonstrate that the head-to-tail interaction of ICP27 may regulate some of its protein interactions perhaps through alternating between open and closed configurations.