bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic capacity of automated quantification of suppression time in the EEG of post‐asphyctic full‐term neonates
Authors: Flisberg A , Kjellmer I , Löfhede J , Lindecrantz K , Thordstein M
Published: April 2011

Aim:  To evaluate the prognostic capacity of a new method for automatic quantification of the length of suppression time in the electroencephalogram (EEG) of a group of asphyxiated newborn infants.

Methods:  Twenty‐one full‐term newborn infants who had been resuscitated for severe birth asphyxia were studied. Eight channel continuous EEG was recorded for prolonged time periods during the first days of life. Artefact detection or rejection was not applied to the signals. The signals were fed through a pretrained classifier and then segmented into burst and suppression periods. Total suppression length per hour was calculated. All surviving patients were followed with structured neurodevelopmental assessments to at least 18 months of age.

Results:  The patients who developed neurodevelopmental disability or died had significant suppression periods in their EEG during the first days of life while the patients who had a normal follow‐up had no or negligible amount of suppression.

Conclusions:  This new method for automatic quantification of suppression periods in the raw, neonatal EEG discriminates infants with good from those with poor outcome.
Displacement of Dental Implants in Trabecular Bone under a Static Lateral Load in Fresh Bovine Bone
Authors: Engelke Wilfried , Müller Alois , Decco Oscar A. , Rau María J. , Cura Andrea C. , Ruscio Mara L. , Knösel Michael
Published: April 2011

Aim: The study aims to provide objective data for the displacement of titanium screw implants in trabecular bone specimens.

One hundred Semados implants (Bego, Bremen, Germany) were inserted in bovine type IV bone specimens. All implants had a diameter of 3.75 mm; 50 implants had a length of 8.5 mm and 50 implants had a length of 15 mm. Insertion torque was determined at intervals of 10, 20, and 30 Ncm. Implants were loaded horizontally with 10, 20, and 30 N for 2 seconds. An indicator strip was attached to the implant abutment to allow direct observation of implant movement relative to the bone surface. Horizontal displacement was assessed with an accuracy of measurement of 10 µm.

Seven implants got lost by visible loosening. Degree of displacement was subject to evaluation with all others. Those implants showed a mean displacement of 59 µm for 10 N (n = 100), 173 µm for 20 N (n = 99), and 211 µm for 30 N (n = 93).

The mean displacement of 15‐mm implants (16, 37, 51 µm) was significantly lower compared with 8.5‐mm implants (103, 311, 396 µm) corresponding to 10, 20, and 30 N as lateral loads.

Conclusions: Displacement of screw implants in trabecular bone can be detected and visualized using commercially available endoscopes with a high magnification. A lateral load of 20 N indicates a mean displacement of over 100 µm and therefore results in a critical displacement.
Submicron Scale‐Structured Hydrophilic Titanium Surfaces Promote Early Osteogenic Gene Response for Cell Adhesion and Cell Differentiation
Authors: Klein Marcus Oliver , Bijelic Ana , Ziebart Thomas , Koch Felix , Kämmerer Peer W. , Wieland Marco , Konerding Moritz A. , Al‐Nawas Bilal
Published: April 2011

Background and Purpose: Titanium (Ti) surface roughness and surface hydrophilicity are key factors to regulate osteogenic cell responses during dental implant healing. In detail, specific integrin‐mediated interactions with the extracellular environment trigger relevant osteogenic cell responses like differentiation and matrix synthesis via transcriptions factors. Aim of this study was to monitor surface‐dependent osteogenic cell adhesion dynamics, proliferation, and specific osteogenic cell differentiation over a period of 7 days.

Materials and Methods: Ti disks were manufactured to present smooth pretreatment (PT) surfaces and rough sandblasted/acid‐etched (SLA) surfaces. Further processing to isolate the uncontaminated TiO2 surface from contact with atmosphere provided a highly hydrophilic surface without alteration of the surface topography (modSLA). Tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS) served as control. Human osteogenic cells were cultivated on the respective substrates. After 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, and 7 days, cell morphology on the Ti substrates was visualized by scanning transmission electron microscopy. As a marker of cellular proliferation, cell count was assessed. For the analysis of cell adhesion and differentiation, specific gene expression levels of the integrin subunits β1 and αv, runx‐2, collagen type Iα (COL), alkaline phosphatase (AP), and osteocalcin (OC) were obtained by real‐time RT‐PCR for the respective time points. Data were normalized to internal controls.

Results: TCPS and PT surfaces preserved a rather immature, dividing osteogenic phenotype (high proliferation rates, low integrin levels, and low specific osteogenic cell differentiation). SLA and especially modSLA surfaces promoted both cell adhesion as well as the maturation of osteogenic precursors into post‐mitotic osteoblasts. In detail, during the first 48 hours, modSLA resulted in lowest cell proliferation rates but exhibited highest levels of the investigated integrins, runx‐2, COL, AP, and OC.

Conclusion: Our results revealed a strong synergistic effect between submicron‐scale roughness and surface hydrophilicity on early osteogenic cell adhesion and maturation.
Changes in Implant Stability Using Different Site Preparation Techniques: Twist Drills versus Piezosurgery. A Single‐Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Stacchi Claudio , Vercellotti Tomaso , Torelli Lucio , Furlan Fabio , Di Lenarda Roberto
Published: April 2011

Purpose: The objective of the present investigation was to longitudinally monitor stability changes of implants inserted using traditional rotary instruments or piezoelectric inserts, and to follow their variations during the first 90 days of healing.

Materials and Methods: A randomized, controlled trial was conducted on 20 patients. Each patient received two identical, adjacent implants in the upper premolar area: the test site was prepared with piezosurgery, and the control site was prepared using twist drills. Resonance frequency analysis measurements were taken by a blinded operator on the day of surgery and after 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, 56, and 90 days.

Results: At 90 days, 39 out of 40 implants were osseointegrated (one failure in the control group). Both groups showed an initial decrease in mean implant stability quotient (ISQ) values: a shift in implant stability to increasing ISQ values occurred after 14 days in the test group and after 21 days in the control group. The lowest mean ISQ value was recorded at 14 days for test implants (97.3% of the primary stability) and at 21 days for the control implants (90.8% of the primary stability). ISQ variations with respect to primary stability differed significantly between the two groups during the entire period of observation: from day 14 to day 42, in particular, the differences were extremely significant (p < .0001). All 39 implants were in function successfully at the visit scheduled 1 year after insertion.

Conclusions: The findings from this study suggest that ultrasonic implant site preparation results in a limited decrease of ISQ values and in an earlier shifting from a decreasing to an increasing stability pattern, when compared with the traditional drilling technique. From a clinical point of view, implants inserted with the piezoelectric technique demonstrated a short‐term clinical success similar to those inserted using twist drills.
Homozygosity of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the 3′ region of the canine estrogen receptor 1 gene is greater in Toy Poodles than in Miniature Dachshunds and Chihuahuas
Authors: PATHIRANA Indunil N. , TANAKA Kakeru , KAWATE Noritoshi , TSUJI Makoto , HATOYA Shingo , INABA Toshio , TAMADA Hiromichi
Published: April 2011

Differences in the distribution of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes in the estrogen receptor α gene (ESR1) were examined in Miniature Dachshunds (n = 48), Chihuahuas (n = 20) and Toy Poodles (n = 18). Five DNA fragments located in the 40‐kb region at the 3′ end of ESR1 were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and were directly sequenced. We compared allele, genotype and estimated haplotype frequencies at each SNP in the 3′ end of ESR1 for these three breeds of small dog. The frequency of the major allele and the genotype frequency of the major allele homozygotes, were significantly higher in Toy Poodles for five SNPs (SNP #5, #14–17) than in Miniature Dachshunds, and significantly higher in Toy Poodles than Chihuahuas for three SNPs (SNP #15–17). A common haplotype block was identified in an approximately 20‐kb region encompassing four SNPs (SNPs # 14–17). The frequencies of the most abundant estimated haplotype (GTTG) and GTTG homozygotes were significantly higher in Toy Poodles than in the other two breeds. These results imply that homozygosity for the allele, genotype and haplotype distribution within the block at the 3′ end of ESR1 is greater in Toy Poodles than in Miniature Dachshunds and Chihuahuas.
Effect of ensiled hop (Humulus lupulus L.) residues on plasma acetate turnover rate in sheep
Authors: AL‐MAMUN Mohammad , SAITO Aya , SANO Hiroaki
Published: April 2011

An isotope dilution method using [1‐13C]sodium acetate was applied to determine the effect of feeding ensiled hop (Humulus lupulus L.) residues on plasma acetate turnover rate in six adult crossbred sheep. The sheep were fed 63 g/kg body weight (BW)0.75/day of either mixed hay of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) and round bale silage at 3:1 ratio (Hay‐diet), or another where round bale silage was replaced by ensiled hop residues (Hop‐diet) with a crossover design each of a 3‐week period. The isotope dilution method was performed on day 21 of each dietary treatment. Dry matter digestibility was similar between diets, and nitrogen (N) digestibility was lower (P = 0.001) for Hop‐diet than Hay‐diet. However, N retention did not differ between diets. Plasma acetate concentration was lower (P = 0.04) for Hop‐diet than Hay‐diet, and the turnover rate of plasma acetate did not differ between diets. Plasma concentration of lactate and non‐esterified fatty acids were similar between diets. Hop‐diet was found almost comparable to Hay‐diet on plasma acetate turnover rate in the present experimental conditions. Therefore, it could be concluded that hop residues partially could be used as an alternative to traditionally used round bale silage for rearing sheep.
The investigation of probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria isolated from traditional Mongolian dairy products
Authors: TAKEDA Shiro , YAMASAKI Keiko , TAKESHITA Masahiko , KIKUCHI Yukiharu , TSEND‐AYUSH Chuluunbat , DASHNYAM Bumbein , AHHMED Abdulatef M. , KAWAHARA Satoshi , MUGURUMA Michio
Published: April 2011

The aims of this study were to investigate the diversity of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from traditional Mongolian dairy products, and to estimate the probiotic potential of the isolated strains. We collected 66 samples of the traditional Mongolian dairy products tarag (n = 45), airag (n = 7), aaruul (n = 8), byasulag (n = 1) and eezgii (n = 5), from which 543 LAB strains were isolated and identified based on 16S ribosomal DNA sequence. The predominant species of those products were Lactobacillus (L.) delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus, L. helveticus, L. fermentum, L. delbrueckii ssp. lactis and Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis. However, we could not detect any LAB strains from eezgii. All LAB isolates were screened for tolerance to low pH and to bile acid, gas production from glucose, and adherence to Caco‐2 cells. In vitro, we found 10 strains possess probiotic properties, and almost identified them as L. plantarum or L. paracasei subspecies, based on 16S ribosomal DNA and carbohydrate fermentation pattern. These strains were differentiated from each other individually by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA analysis. Additionally, it was notable that 6/10 strains were isolated from camel milk tarag from the Dornogovi province.
Effect of liquid whey feeding on fecal microbiota of mature and growing pigs
Authors: KOBAYASHI Yasuo , ITOH Aya , MIYAWAKI Kanae , KOIKE Satoshi , IWABUCHI Osamu , IIMURA Yuji , KOBASHI Yuri , KAWASHIMA Tomoyuki , WAKAMATSU Junichi , HATTORI Akihito , MURAKAMI Hiroshi , MORIMATSU Fumiki , NAKAEBISU Takashi , HISHINUMA Takeshi
Published: April 2011

The effect of liquid whey feeding on fecal bacteria and their metabolites was assessed in five pregnant sows and 66 growing pigs. Sows were fed a control diet for 4 weeks (control period) followed by the same diet but with whey feeding (5 L/day/pig) for 4 weeks (whey period). One group of growing pigs was given 267 L of whey per pig (whey group), while the other group was not (control group). In both cases, liquid whey was given separately from control diet. Sows in the whey period had feces showing lower pH, lower ammonia concentration, and larger population sizes of total bacteria, lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. The bacterial gene library analysis indicated that Mitsuokella and Megasphaera were more frequently detected, while Clostridium disporicum were detected less frequently in the whey period. Feces from whey‐fed growing pigs showed lower pH than that from control pigs in the early stage of growing. Also, larger populations of total bacteria, lactobacilli and bifidobacteria were recorded in the whey group. From the bacterial gene library analysis, the detection frequency of Lactobacillus reuteri tended to be higher in the whey group. These results indicate that whey feeding influences the hindgut microbiota of pigs, possibly leading to a fermentation shift that is favorable for animal health.
Influences of grassland degradation on forage availability by sheep in the Inner Mongolian steppes of China
Authors: WANG Chengjie , WANG Shiping , ZHOU He , Li Zhiqiang , HAN Guodong
Published: April 2011

In China and throughout the world, evaluation of the nutrient values of forages has always lagged behind research regarding the nutrient requirements of animals. In this study, the effective degradability and availability of forages were evaluated on undegraded and degraded grassland using a technique where nylon bags were incubated in sheep rumen. We found that the concentrations of organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), non‐fiber carbohydrates (NFC) and carbohydrates (CHO) of forage were higher (P < 0.05) and the crude protein (CP) concentration was lower (P < 0.05) in the degraded grassland than in the undegraded grassland. The effective degradability (ED) of NFC (EDNFC) was higher (P < 0.05) and EDCHO and EDNDF were lower in the undegraded grassland than in the degraded grassland. The EDOM and EDCP were not affected by the type of grassland, which may explain why ED is an inadequate parameter for the evaluation of forage availability. According to an analysis of the ratio of effectively degraded N to OM and NFC, plants of the undegraded grassland can provide more digestive nutrients to meet the requirements of grazing animals compared to plants of the degraded grassland. Results suggested that it is inadequate to consider only chemical composition and effective degradability when evaluating forage availability with grassland degradation. The ratio of effectively degraded N to OM and NFC was an appropriate indicator.
Consensual Validation of the Nursing Diagnoses Fear and Anxiety Identified at the Immediate Preoperative Period in Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery
Authors: Suriano Maria Lucia Fernandez , Michel Jeanne Marlene , Zeitoun Sandra Salloum , Herdman T. Heather , de Barros Alba Lucia Botura Leite
Published: April 2011

PURPOSE.  To identify the most frequent defining characteristics (DCs) for the diagnoses fear and anxiety in Brazilian patients in the immediate preoperative period following elective cardiac surgery; to develop conceptual and operational definitions for the DCs; to develop consensual validation.

METHODS.  Clinical and observational, descriptive study developed in two phases.

FINDINGS.  Forty DCs were identified for fear and 19 for anxiety. One expert judged it necessary to include “altered bowel motility” as a DC for fear. There was 100% agreement among the five experts in relation to the DCs.

CONCLUSIONS.  To add “altered bowel motility” to the DCs for the nursing diagnosis fear.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE.  To enable nurses to more accurately assess patients for these diagnoses.

OBJETIVOS.  Selecionar as características definidoras mais freqüentes dos diagnósticos de enfermagem de medo e ansiedade em pacientes brasileiros no pré‐operatório imediato submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca eletiva; formular definições conceituais e operacionais para as características definidoras; realizar a validação consensual.

MÉTODOS.  Estudo clínico e observacional desenvolvido em duas fases.

RESULTADOS.  Foram identificadas 14 características definidoras para medo e 19 para ansiedade. Inicialmente, um especialista julgou necessária a inclusão de “mobilidade intestinal alterada” para medo. Posteriormente, foram atingidos 100% de concordância entre os cinco especialistas em relação às características definidoras.

CONCLUSÃO.  Acrescentar “mobilidade intestinal alterada” para o diagnóstico de enfermagem de medo.

IMPLICACÕES PARA A PRÁTICA.  Fornecer subsídios para uma melhor avaliação dos pacientes com tais diagnósticos.
Increased Productivity and Reduced Seed Predation Favor a Large‐seeded Palm in Small Atlantic Forest Fragments
Authors: Andreazzi Cecilia S. , Pimenta Clarissa S. , Pires Alexandra S. , Fernandez Fernando A. S. , Oliveira‐Santos Luiz G. , Menezes Jorge F. S.
Published: April 2011

Large‐seeded plants are especially vulnerable to the loss of seed dispersers in small forest fragments. The palm Attalea humilis goes against this trend by reaching high abundances in small remnants. Productivity, seed dispersal and seed predation of A. humilis were investigated in two large (2400 and 3500 ha) and three small (19, 26 and 57 ha) Atlantic Forest fragments in southeastern Brazil. Palms in the small fragments produced more female inflorescences, resulting in a higher fruit production in these places. Seed dispersal rates were higher in the large fragments, where scatter hoarding was more frequent. Scolytine beetles were the main seed predators and damaged a larger number of seeds in small fragments, but predation by rodents and bruchine beetles was low irrespective of fragment size. As scolytines do not necessarily kill the seeds, low predation by bruchines and rodents, together with its own high productivity, allow A. humilis to be more abundant in small fragments despite the scarcity of its main dispersers. This increased abundance, by its turn, can increase competitive interactions between A. humilis and other plants in small fragments. Thus, abundance patterns of A. humilis are a good example of fragmentation affecting the balance of ecological interactions in a complex way, emphasizing the role of preserving ecological processes for conserving biodiversity in fragmented tropical landscapes.

Abstract in Portuguese is available at http://www.blackwell‐synergy.com/loi/btp.
An elusive radio halo in the merging cluster Abell 781?
Authors: Venturi T. , Giacintucci G. , Dallacasa D. , Brunetti G. , Cassano R. , Macario G. , Athreya R.
Published: April 2011

Deep radio observations of the galaxy cluster Abell 781 have been carried out using the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope at 325 MHz and have been compared to previous 610-MHz observations and to archival Very Large Array (VLA) 1.4-GHz data. The radio emission from the cluster is dominated by a diffuse source located at the outskirts of the X-ray emission, which we tentatively classify as a radio relic. We detected residual diffuse emission at the cluster centre at the level of S325 MHz∼ 15–20 mJy. Our analysis disagrees with Govoni et al., and on the basis of simple spectral considerations, we do not support their claim of a radio halo with the flux density of 20–30 mJy at 1.4 GHz. Abell 781, a massive and merging cluster, is an intriguing case. Assuming that the residual emission is indicative of the presence of a radio halo barely detectable at our sensitivity level, it could be a very steep spectrum source.
EFFICACY OF OZONE PRODUCE WASHERS IN REDUCING NATURAL AND ARTIFICIALLY INOCULATED MICROORGANISMS ON ROMA TOMATOES AND GREEN ONIONS
Authors: LONG III WILBERT , PAO STEVEN , INSERRA PAULA , WESTBROOK EDWINA , AHN SOOHYOUN
Published: April 2011

This study investigated the efficacy of ozone washing appliances for microbial decontamination of tomatoes and green onions. Produce were submerged for light or heavy washing in ozone Washer‐A or ‐B (Washer‐B generates higher levels of ozone and agitation) or nonozone Washer‐C. Ozone washings reduced total aerobic mesophile counts on whole tomatoes but not green onions when compared to unwashed samples. Washer‐B at heavy setting reduced coliform numbers on whole tomatoes by 1.9 cfu/g. Furthermore, Washer‐B yielded more than 2.0 log reductions of Escherichia coli (inoculation level at ∼6.3 log cfu/g) on the edible portions of tomatoes than Washer‐A at comparable settings. A follow‐up study using Washer‐B showed that ozone application can significantly reduce E. coli and Salmonella in produce wash water to prevent cross‐contamination. However, when compared to nonozone washing of produce, improved reduction of natural and artificially inoculated microorganisms by ozone applications was not found. Microscopic observation corroborates microbial enumeration showing that removing nonedible portions (stem scars or root bulbs) of washed tomatoes and green onions is beneficial for microbial decontamination.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Contaminated produce is a major cause of bacterial‐related foodborne illnesses in the U.S.A. To meet consumer's demand for safer produce, effective sanitizing methods need to be developed and verified. Data from this study expands our knowledge of ozone‐based kitchen appliances for produce sanitization and their practical value for preventing cross‐contamination during produce washing. Furthermore, the findings highlight the importance of removing stem‐scar and root bulb portions of washed produce for food safety.
ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE SECONDARY METABOLITES FROM METASEQUOIA GLYPTOSTROBOIDES MIKI EX HU
Authors: BAJPAI VIVEK K. , KANG SUN CHUL
Published: April 2011

An increase in foodborne diseases has prompted the search for novel antibacterial agents to control foodborne pathogens. In this study, an abietane type diterpenoid, sugiol was isolated from Metasequoia glyptostroboides using a column chromatographic analysis. The structure of the compound was elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis. The sugiol (50 µg/disc) showed potential antibacterial effect as diameters of inhibition zones (10.2 ± 0.3 to 16 ± 0.4 mm) against foodborne pathogenic bacteria. The minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations values of sugiol against the employed bacteria were found in the range of 62.5 to 250 and 125 to 250 µg/mL, respectively. Also the compound had strong antibacterial effect on the viable counts of the tested bacteria. Scanning electron microscopic study demonstrated potential detrimental effect of sugiol on the morphology of Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19166. These findings indicate that sugiol could be a possible candidate for using in food industry to control foodborne pathogens.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Foodborne pathogens are the leading causes of illness and death in developed countries. These pathogens are responsible for millions of cases of infectious gastrointestinal diseases each year, costing billions of dollars in medical care and lost productivity. New foodborne pathogens and foodborne diseases are likely to emerge driven by factors such as pathogen evolution, changes in food manufacturing practices, and changes to the human host status. Fuelled by these concerns, research on plant‐based natural and biologically active secondary metabolites to control the foodborne pathogens has escalated to unprecedented levels in recent years. Plant‐based antimicrobials have been found to suppress the growth of foodborne pathogens in various in vitro and in vivo models. The findings of this study clearly indicate that biologically active diterpenoid, sugiol isolated form Metasequoia glyptostroboides could be used as an affective candidate to control the growth of certain important foodborne pathogens.
A Three‐Dimensional Pharmacophore Model for IMPDH Inhibitors
Authors: Yang Na , Wang Jian , Li Jian , Wang Qing‐He , Wang Yu , Cheng Mao‐Sheng
Published: April 2011

Inosine 5′‐monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) is a key enzyme in the de novo synthesis of guanosine nucleotides. It is considered an important target in the quest for drugs in the immunosuppressive, antiviral, antibacterial and anticancer therapeutic areas. In this study, a chemical feature‐based pharmacophore model of IMPDH inhibitors has been firstly developed with the aid of the HypoRefine protocol within Discovery Studio 2.5. The best model for IMPDH inhibitors, Hypo1‐1, was characterized by the best correlation coefficient (0.97595) and the lowest RMSD (0.582058). It consisted of one hydrogen‐bond donor, one hydrogen‐bond acceptor, one aromatic ring and one hydrophobic feature, as well as two excluded volumes. The model was validated using a wide range of test molecules and a cross‐validation. Furthermore, the pharmacophore features were confirmed by molecular docking studies. The pharmacophore model could quantitatively predict inhibitor activity and identify highly potent molecules. Therefore, the present results could be valuable for the discovery and development of specific IMPDH inhibitors.
The Wnt/Frizzled pathway as a therapeutic target for cardiac hypertrophy: where do we stand?
Authors: ter Horst P. , Smits J. F. M. , Blankesteijn W. M.
Published: April 2011

Cardiac hypertrophy is an enlargement of the heart muscle in response to wall stress. This hypertrophic response often leads to heart failure. In recent years, several studies have shown the involvement of Wnt signalling in hypertrophic growth. In this review, the role of Wnt signalling and the possibilities for therapeutic interventions are discussed. In healthy adult heart tissue, Wnt signalling is very low. However, under pathological condition such as hypertension, Wnt signalling is activated. In recent years, it has become clear that both β‐catenin‐dependent signalling and β‐catenin‐independent signalling are involved in hypertrophic growth. Several studies, both in vitro and in vivo, have shown that genetic interventions in Wnt signalling at different levels resulted in an attenuated or diminished hypertrophic response. Therefore, inhibition of Wnt signalling could provide a new therapeutic strategy for cardiac hypertrophy, but further research on the Wnts and Frizzleds involved in the different forms of cardiac hypertrophy will be needed to achieve this goal.
Effects of adrenaline on lactate, glucose, lipid and protein metabolism in the placebo controlled bilaterally perfused human leg
Authors: Gjedsted J. , Buhl M. , Nielsen S. , Schmitz O. , Vestergaard E. T. , Tønnesen E. , Møller N.
Published: April 2011

Aim:  Adrenaline has widespread metabolic actions, including stimulation of lipolysis and induction of insulin resistance and hyperlactatemia. Systemic adrenaline administration, however, generates a very complex hormonal and metabolic scenario. No studies employing regional, placebo controlled and adrenaline infusion exist. Our study was designed to test the hypothesis that local placebo controlled leg perfusion with adrenaline directly increases local lactate release, stimulates lipolysis, induces insulin resistance and leaves protein metabolism unaffected.

Methods:  We studied seven healthy volunteers with bilateral femoral vein and artery catheters during 3‐h basal and 3‐h hyperinsulinemic (0.6 mU kg−1 min−1) euglycemic clamp conditions. One femoral artery was perfused with saline and the other with adrenaline (0.4 μg min m−2). Lipid metabolism was quantified with [9,10‐3H] palmitate and amino acid metabolism with 15N‐phenylalanine and lactate and glucose by raw arterio‐venous differences.

Results:  Femoral vein plasma adrenaline increased ≈eightfold in the perfused leg with unaltered blood flows. Adrenaline perfusion significantly increased local leg lactate release from 0.01 to 0.25 mmol min−1 per leg, palmitate release in the basal state 11.5–16.9 μmol min−1 per leg and during the clamp 2.62–8.44 μmol min−1 per leg. Glucose uptake decreased during the clamp from ≈180 to 30 μmol min−1 per leg. Phenylalanine kinetics was not affected by adrenaline.

Conclusion:  Adrenaline directly increases lactate release and lipolysis and inhibits insulin‐stimulated glucose uptake in the perfused human leg. Adrenaline has no direct effects on peripheral amino acid metabolism. Adrenaline‐induced lactate release from striated muscle may be an important mechanism underlying hyperlactatemia in the critically ill.
Second International Workshop for Glycosylation Defects in Muscular Dystrophies, 11–12 November, 2010, Charlotte, USA
Authors: Chan Yiumo M. , Brown Susan C. , Lu Qi
Published: April 2011

The second International Workshop for Glycosylation Defects in Muscular Dystrophies took place on November 11 and 12, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. The meeting was hosted by the Carolinas Medical Center with financial support from the Carolinas Muscular Dystrophy Research Endowment at the Carolinas HealthCare Foundation, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and funds raised by the “Jeans, Genes & Geniuses” event organized by Jane and Luther Lockwood. Since conducting the first workshop in May 2008, significant progress has been made in a subset of muscular dystrophies associated with defects in alpha‐dystroglycan (α‐DG) glycosylation. New findings on α‐DG glycosylation and creation of novel animal models have expanded our understanding of the disease mechanism. The 2010 workshop focused on the following topics; (i) functional glycosylation of α‐DG; (ii) animal models; and (iii) novel experimental therapies. The workshop brought together a total of 22 internationally renowned scientists and clinicians from US, UK, Denmark and Japan with active research and expertise in these areas. Overall, the workshop provided a unique opportunity to discuss the significance of recent progress, facilitate international collaboration, and identify new approaches to treat the disease.
Natural Disasters: An Assessment of Family Resiliency Following Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Hackbarth Maria , Pavkov Thomas , Wetchler Joseph , Flannery Michael
Published: April 2011

This study explored the role of family characteristics in the coping process of a family after having experienced Hurricane Katrina to gain an understanding of the relationship between family resiliency, hope, family hardiness, and spirituality for survivors of this natural disaster. It was hypothesized that families who demonstrate higher levels of hope, family hardiness, and spirituality would be more likely to effectively cope after the storm. Further, great resource loss was hypothesized to diminish a family’s ability to cope. Four hundred fifty‐two participants completed the survey. Results indicate a relationship between hope, family hardiness and spirituality, and the criterion variable, family coping. The importance of these findings in terms of exploring family resiliency following a natural disaster is discussed.
The Mental Health Recovery Movement and Family Therapy, Part II: A Collaborative, Appreciative Approach for Supporting Mental Health Recovery
Authors: Gehart Diane R.
Published: April 2011

A continuation of Part I, which introduced mental health recovery concepts to family therapists, Part II of this article outlines a collaborative, appreciative approach for working in recovery‐oriented contexts. This approach draws primarily upon postmodern therapies, which have numerous social justice and strength‐based practices that are easily adapted in recovery‐oriented contexts. The model outlined in this article includes an overview of the recovery partnership (i.e., therapeutic relationship), mapping recovery (i.e., assessment and case conceptualization), recovery planning (i.e., treatment planning), facilitating recovery (i.e., intervention), accessing resources (i.e., case management), recovery maintenance, and service contexts as well as a case study.
Optimizing methods for PCR‐based analysis of predation
Authors: SINT DANIELA , RASO LORNA , KAUFMANN RÜDIGER , TRAUGOTT MICHAEL
Published: April 2011

Molecular methods have become an important tool for studying feeding interactions under natural conditions. Despite their growing importance, many methodological aspects have not yet been evaluated but need to be considered to fully exploit the potential of this approach. Using feeding experiments with high alpine carabid beetles and lycosid spiders, we investigated how PCR annealing temperature affects prey DNA detection success and how post‐PCR visualization methods differ in their sensitivity. Moreover, the replicability of prey DNA detection among individual PCR assays was tested using beetles and spiders that had digested their prey for extended times postfeeding. By screening all predators for three differently sized prey DNA fragments (range 116–612 bp), we found that only in the longest PCR product, a marked decrease in prey detection success occurred. Lowering maximum annealing temperatures by 4 °C resulted in significantly increased prey DNA detection rates in both predator taxa. Among the three post‐PCR visualization methods, an eightfold difference in sensitivity was observed. Repeated screening of predators increased the total number of samples scoring positive, although the proportion of samples testing positive did not vary significantly between different PCRs. The present findings demonstrate that assay sensitivity, in combination with other methodological factors, plays a crucial role to obtain robust trophic interaction data. Future work employing molecular prey detection should thus consider and minimize the methodologically induced variation that would also allow for better cross‐study comparisons.
Epac1 promotes melanoma metastasis via modification of heparan sulfate
Authors: Baljinnyam Erdene , Umemura Masanari , De Lorenzo Mariana S. , Iwatsubo Mizuka , Chen Suzie , Goydos James S. , Iwatsubo Kousaku
Published: April 2011

Our previous report suggested the potential role of the exchange protein directly activated by cyclic AMP (Epac) in melanoma metastasis via heparan sulfate (HS)‐mediated cell migration. In order to obtain conclusive evidence that Epac1 plays a critical role in modification of HS and melanoma metastasis, we extensively investigated expression and function of Epac1 in human melanoma samples and cell lines. We have found that, in human melanoma tissue microarray, protein expression of Epac1 was higher in metastatic melanoma than in primary melanoma. In addition, expression of Epac1 positively correlated with that of N‐sulfated HS, and N‐deacetylase/N‐sulfotransferase‐1 (NDST‐1), an enzyme that increases N‐sulfation of HS. Further, an Epac agonist increased, but ablation of Epac1 decreased, expressions of NDST‐1, N‐sulfated HS, and cell migration in various melanoma cell lines. Finally, C8161 cells with stable knockdown of Epac1 showed a decrease in cell migration, and metastasis in mice. These data suggest that Epac1 plays a critical role in melanoma metastasis presumably because of modification of HS.
The Effect of Radiofrequency Energy on Ambient Fluid Temperature in an Enclosed Compartment: An in Vitro Model of the Subacromial Space
Authors: Cloke David J. , Hinsche Andreas , Healey T. Jamie , Stanley David
Published: April 2011

Background

Radiofrequency (RF) devices are widely used in arthroscopic shoulder surgery for tissue ablation and other effects. They have heating effect during tissue application. It is known that chondrocyte death occurs with temperatures above 45 °C. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of various factors on the heating effect of RF probes in a controlled in vitro model.

Methods

A perspex model was used, in which volume, flow, outflow position, duration of RF probe use and inflow temperature could be closely controlled.

Results

Temperature rises in the bathing fluid sufficient to cause cell death were seen. The temperature rise was most noticeable when there was no fluid flow through the compartment, at smaller fluid volumes, if the fluid inflow temperature is elevated, and if the outflow is distant from the RF device. Of note, 30 seconds of use in a volume of 20 mL with no flow led to temperatures above 50 °C.

Discussion

Most of the factors affecting temperature rises using RF devices are directly under the surgeon's control. Further work is needed in this area to define the potential clinical effects of the use of these devices.
Communitas: Liturgy and Identity
Authors: Carvalhaes Cláudio
Published: April 2011

Abstract
As many churches express concern about dwindling resources and even survival, they are simultaneously being confronted by the presence and needs of immigrants. Though often confessionally identified with the receiving congregations, immigrants pose specific challenges, the key to which is, perhaps unexpectedly, liturgy. Liturgical openness to a variety of worship ways facilitates new and necessary changes in power structure, mission thinking beyond mere multiculturalism, and new forms of community and discipleship.
“We Are Not Alone”: Historical Journey of the United Church of Canada's Response to Become an Intercultural Church
Authors: Cho Hyuk
Published: April 2011

Abstract
The 39th General Council of the United Church of Canada (2006) declared that the “church must be intercultural.” The Ethnic Ministries Unit of the General Council proposed a vision for the church “where there is mutually respectful diversity and full and equitable participation of all Aboriginal, Francophone, ethnic minority, and ethnic majority constituencies in the total life, mission, and practices of the whole church”.1 The vision of the church is that all people, regardless of their racial backgrounds, be invited to participate equally in the building of mutual relations in its life and work. The proposal is not the first in the history of the United Church of Canada (UCC) with the intention of improving meaningful relations among peoples of different cultural heritages. Many of the proposals presented over the years by various committees related to concerns raised by diverse ethnic communities within the church and intended to contribute toward building an inclusive faith community will be explored in this paper.
‘This is ordinary behaviour’: Categorization and culpability in Hamas leaders’ accounts of the Palestinian/Israeli conflict
Authors: McKinlay Andy , McVittie Chris , Sambaraju Rahul
Published: April 2011

The present paper examines the talk of three senior figures from the Palestinian Hamas political movement. Data are drawn from a series of journalistic interviews that were conducted in the months leading up to the invasion of Gaza by Israel in December 2007. Using membership categorization analysis, we explore the membership categories and category‐bound attributes that interviewers use in questions about responsibility for potentially culpable actions and the ways that these are taken up, challenged, or reworked by interviewees in presenting their own versions. The analytic findings show that interviewers deploy categories bound up with terrorism while interviewees develop alternative categorizations of resistance. Interviewers construct Palestinians as victims of Hamas’ actions while interviewees construct them as victims of Israeli aggression and international indifference. In warranting these alternative constructions, the interviewees contrast current behaviours of the international community with those of the past and align current Palestinian actions with those previously taken by Western nations in resisting illegitimate occupations. Through these descriptions of categories and actions, the interviewees attribute to the wider international community responsibility for addressing the events of the ongoing conflict.
Efficient Computation of p-Adic Heights
Authors: Harvey David
Published: April 2011

We analyse and drastically improve the running time of the algorithm of Mazur, Stein and Tate for computing the canonical cyclotomic p-adic height of a point on an elliptic curve E/Q, where E has good ordinary reduction at p ≥ 5.
Decomposing Replicable Functions
Authors: McKay J. , Sevilla David
Published: April 2011

We describe an algorithm to decompose rational functions from which we determine the poset of groups fixing these functions.
Hilbert's Seventeenth Problem and Hyperelliptic Curves
Authors: Mahé Valéry
Published: April 2011

This article deals with a constructive aspect of Hilbert's seventeenth problem: producing a collection of real polynomials in two variables, of degree 8 in one variable, which are positive but are not sums of three squares of rational fractions.

To do this we use a reformulation of this problem in terms of hyperelliptic curves due to Huisman and Mahé and we follow a method of Cassels, Ellison and Pfister which involves the computation of a Mordell–Weil rank over ℝ(x).
Explicit Calculations of Automorphic Forms for Definite Unitary Groups
Authors: Loeffler David
Published: April 2011

I give an algorithm for computing the full space of automor-phic forms for definite unitary groups over ℚ, and apply this to calculate the automorphic forms of level G(hat{Z}) and various small weights for an example of a rank 3 unitary group. This leads to some examples of various types of endoscopic lifting from automorphic forms for U1 × U1 × U1 and U1 × U2, and to an example of a non-endoscopic form of weight (3, 3) corresponding to a family of 3-dimensional irreducible ℓ-adic Galois representations. I also compute the 2-adic slopes of some automorphic forms with level structure at 2, giving evidence for the local constancy of the slopes.
Rational 6-Cycles Under Iteration of Quadratic Polynomials
Authors: Stoll Michael
Published: April 2011

We present a proof, which is conditional on the Birch and Swinnerton-Dyer Conjecture for a specific abelian variety, that there do not exist rational numbers x and c such that x has exact period N = 6 under the iteration x ↦ x2 + c. This extends earlier results by Morton for N = 4 and by Flynn, Poonen and Schaefer for N = 5.
Gas Turbine Power Augmentation: Parametric Study Relating to Fog Droplet Size and Its Influence on Evaporative Efficiency
Authors: Chaker Mustapha , Meher-Homji Cyrus B.
Published: April 2011

Several gas turbine power augmentation techniques are available to counter the detrimental drop in power and thermal efficiency that occur at high ambient temperatures. Inlet fogging and wet compression are two common and relatively simple techniques. This paper addresses the influence and importance of droplet size on evaporative cooling performance and efficiency. Spray nozzles used for inlet fogging and wet compression include impaction pin, swirl jet, air assisted, and swirl flash nozzle designs. The evaporation efficiency of the atomized droplets from these nozzles depends on the droplet size, size distribution, and spray plume shape. Droplets size varies with nozzle type, configuration, operating conditions, and nozzle manifold location in the gas turbine inlet duct and are affected by airflow velocity, residence time, coalescence effects, and water carryover. The proper selection of nozzle type, nozzle manifold location, and nozzle distribution are of cardinal importance to avoid large droplets and under-/oversaturated areas, which would affect compressor mechanical and aerodynamic efficiency. Analytical and numerical studies are compared with experimental results. This paper provides a comprehensive treatment of parameters affecting droplet size and will be of value to gas turbine fog system designers and users.
Establishment of a High Quality Database for the Acoustic Modeling of Perforated Liners
Authors: Lahiri Claus , Enghardt Lars , Bake Friedrich , Sadig Sermed , Gerendás Miklós
Published: April 2011

Perforated liners, especially in combination with a bias flow, are very effective sound absorbers. When appplied to gas turbine combustors, they can suppress thermo-acoustic instabilities and thus allow the application of new combustion concepts concerning higher efficiency and lower emissions. While the successful application of such a damping concept has been shown, it is still not possible to accurately predict the damping performance of a given configuration. This paper provides a comprehensive database of high quality experimental data. Variations of geometric, fluid mechanic, and acoustic parameters have been studied, including realistic engine configurations. The results demonstrate each parameter influence on the damping performance. A low order thermo-acoustic model is used to simulate the test configurations numerically. The model shows a good agreement with the measurements for a wide range of geometries and Strouhal and bias flow Mach numbers.
Comparison of Propane and Methane Performance and Emissions in a Turbocharged Direct Injection Dual Fuel Engine
Authors: Gibson C. M. , Polk A. C. , Shoemaker N. T. , Srinivasan K. K. , Krishnan S. R.
Published: April 2011

With increasingly restrictive NOx and particulate matter emissions standards, the recent discovery of new natural gas reserves, and the possibility of producing propane efficiently from biomass sources, dual fueling strategies have become more attractive. This paper presents experimental results from dual fuel operation of a four-cylinder turbocharged direct injection (DI) diesel engine with propane or methane (a natural gas surrogate) as the primary fuel and diesel as the ignition source. Experiments were performed with the stock engine control unit at a constant speed of 1800 rpm, and a wide range of brake mean effective pressures (BMEPs) (2.7–11.6 bars) and percent energy substitutions (PESs) of C3H8 and CH4. Brake thermal efficiencies (BTEs) and emissions (NOx, smoke, total hydrocarbons (THCs), CO, and CO2) were measured. Maximum PES levels of about 80–95% with CH4 and 40–92% with C3H8 were achieved. Maximum PES was limited by poor combustion efficiencies and engine misfire at low loads for both C3H8 and CH4, and the onset of knock above 9 bar BMEP for C3H8. While dual fuel BTEs were lower than straight diesel BTEs at low loads, they approached diesel BTE values at high loads. For dual fuel operation, NOx and smoke reductions (from diesel values) were as high as 66–68% and 97%, respectively, but CO and THC emissions were significantly higher with increasing PES at all engine loads.