bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PSEUDOMELANOSIS ILEI ASSOCIATED WITH INGESTION OF CHARCOAL: CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Authors: Kim Juhyung , Hwang Jin Ki , Choi Woo Seok , Lee Beom Jae , Park Jong‐Jae , Kim Jae Seon , Bak Young‐Tae , Kim Insun
Published: December 2009

Melanosis or pseudomelanosis of the gastrointestinal tract refers to an accumulation of pigment deposits in the gastrointestinal mucosa. Pigmentation can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract. Melanosis of the colon is not uncommon, but black pigmentation of the small intestine is extremely rare. We report a case of pseudomelanosis of the terminal ileum in a 52‐year‐old woman who had ingested a tablespoon of charcoal powder daily for 2 years. Numerous small and medium‐sized irregular grayish black pigmentations mostly on the background of geographic light grayish discolored mucosa and some on the normal‐looking mucosa were seen on the terminal ileum. The finding was similar to a cut surface of a dragon fruit and we named the lesion ‘dragon fruit ileum’. Follow up endoscopy 10 months later revealed no significant change in the pigmentation. We could not search any English literature on this lesion. However, we could find three cases from two papers from Korea describing similar lesions after chronic charcoal ingestion and the papers were reviewed with a report of our case.
GENERAL RULES FOR RECORDING ENDOSCOPIC FINDINGS OF ESOPHAGOGASTRIC VARICES (2ND EDITION)
Authors: Tajiri Takashi , Yoshida Hiroshi , Obara Katsutoshi , Onji Morikazu , Kage Masayoshi , Kitano Seigo , Kokudo Norihiro , Kokubu Shigehiro , Sakaida Isao , Sata Michio , Tajiri Hisao , Tsukada Kazuhiro , Nonami Toshiaki , Hashizume Makoto , Hirota Shouzou , Murashima Naoya , Moriyasu Fuminori , Saigenji Katsunori , Makuuchi Hiroyasu , Oho Kazuhiko , Yoshida Tomoharu , Suzuki Hiroaki , Hasumi Akitake , Okita Kiwamu , Futagawa Shunji , Idezuki Yasuo
Published: December 2009

General rules for recording endoscopic findings of esophageal varices were initially proposed in 1980 and revised in 1991. These rules have widely been used in Japan and other countries. Recently, portal hypertensive gastropathy has been recognized as a distinct histological and functional entity. Endoscopic ultrasonography can clearly depict vascular structures around the esophageal wall in patients with portal hypertension. Owing to progress in medicine, we have updated and slightly modified the former rules. The revised rules are simpler and more straightforward than the former rules and include newly recognized findings of portal hypertensive gastropathy and a new classification for endoscopic ultrasonographic findings.
Assessment of different techniques for subcutaneous glucose monitoring in Type 1 diabetic patients during ‘real‐life’ glucose excursions
Authors: Mader J. K. , Weinhandl H. , Köhler G. , Plank J. , Bock G. , Korsatko S. , Ratzer M. , Ikeoka D. , Köhler H. , Pieber T. R. , Ellmerer M.
Published: December 2009

Diabet. Med. 27, 332–338 (2010)

Aims  To compare the accuracy of two marketed subcutaneous glucose monitoring devices (Guardian RT, GRT; GlucoDay S, GDS) and standard microdialysis (CMA60; MD) in Type 1 diabetic patients.

Methods  Seven male Type diabetic patients were investigated over a period of 26 h simulating real‐life meal glucose excursions. Catheters of the three systems were inserted into subcutaneous adipose tissue of the abdominal region. For MD, interstitial fluid was sampled at 30‐ to 60‐min intervals for offline glucose determination. Reference samples were taken at 15‐ to 60‐min intervals. All three systems were prospectively calibrated to reference. Median differences, median absolute relative differences (MARD), median absolute differences (MAD), Bland–Altman plot and Clark Error Grid were used to determine accuracy.

Results  Bland–Altman analysis indicated a mean glucose difference (2 standard deviations) between reference and interstitial glucose of −10.5 (41.8) % for GRT, 20.2 (55.9) % for GDS and 6.5 (35.2) % for MD, respectively. Overall MAD (interquartile range) was 1.07 (0.39; 2.04) mmol/l for GRT, 1.59 (0.54; 3.08) mmol/l for GDS and 0.76 (0.26; 1.58) mmol/l for MD. Overall MARD was 15.0 (5.6; 23.4) % (GRT), 19.7 (6.1; 37.6) % (GDS) and 8.7 (4.1; 18.3) % (MD), respectively. Total sensor failure occurred in two subjects using GRT and one subject using GDS.

Conclusions  The three investigated technologies had comparable performance. Whereas GRT underestimated actual blood glucose, GDS and MD overestimated blood glucose. Considerable deviations during daily life meal glucose excursions from reference glucose were observed for all three investigated technologies. Present technologies may require further improvement until individual data can lead to direct and automated generation of therapeutic advice in diabetes management.
Effect of acute hyperglycaemia, long‐term glycaemic control and insulin on endothelial dysfunction and inflammation in Type 1 diabetic patients with different characteristics
Authors: Ceriello A. , Esposito K. , Ihnat M. , Thorpe J. , Giugliano D.
Published: December 2009

Diabet. Med. 27, 911–917 (2010)

Objective  To investigate the possibility of reversing endothelial dysfunction and inflammation by glucose normalization, antioxidants and insulin per se, in different subgroups of Type 1 diabetic patients.

Methods  Three subgroups of Type 1 diabetic patients were studied: patients within 1 month of diagnosis (subgroup 1); patients with approximately 5 years’ disease duration and with glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) ≤ 7.0% (subgroup 2) or > 7.0% since diagnosis (subgroup 3). Participants underwent four procedures: 2‐h hyperglycaemic clamp followed by: (A) 12 h near‐normalization of blood glucose, with the addition of vitamin C during the last 6 h; (B) 12‐h vitamin C and near‐normalization of blood glucose for the last 6 h; (C) both vitamin C and near‐normalization of blood glucose for 12 h; (D) hyperglycaemic–hyperinsulinaemic clamp for 12 h, with the addition of vitamin C during the last 6 h.

Results  After 2 h of hyperglycaemia, markers of endothelial dysfunction, nitrotyrosine, 8‐iso prostaglandin F2α, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, soluble vascular adhesion molecule‐1, interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐18 were increased in all the subgroups. Levels were normalized, at all time points, by treatments A, B and C in the subgroups 1 and 2. In the third subgroup, levels were normalized only by the simultaneous normalization of blood glucose and vitamin C treatment. During treatment D, the levels were improved at 6 h in all the subgroups, but normalized at 12 h only after vitamin C in subgroups 1 and 2, but not in subgroup 3.

Conclusions  This study suggests that different subgroups of Type 1 diabetic patients react identically to acute hyperglycaemia and insulin, but differently to glucose normalization.
THE ECONOMICS OF FISCAL DECENTRALIZATION
Authors: Vo Duc Hong
Published: December 2009

Abstract There is no complete overview or discussion of the literature of the economics of federalism and fiscal decentralization, even though scholarly interest in the topic has been increasing significantly over recent years. This paper provides a general, brief but comprehensive overview of the main insights from the literature on fiscal federalism and decentralization. In doing so, literature on fiscal federalism and decentralization is grouped into two main approaches: ‘first generation approach’ and ‘an emerging second generation approach’. The discussion generally covers the two notions of fiscal decentralization: ‘fiscal autonomy’ and ‘fiscal importance’ of subnational governments as the background of the most recently developed index of fiscal decentralization in Vo. The relevance of this discussion to any further development of a fiscal decentralization index is briefly noted.
The Greenhouse Development Rights Framework: Drawing Attention to Inequality within Nations in the Global Climate Policy Debate
Authors: Baer Paul , Kartha Sivan , Athanasiou Tom , Kemp‐Benedict Eric
Published: December 2009

The urgency of the climate problem seems to require that stringent emissions reductions begin under the political economic institutions that currently exist. Any global climate treaty must, however, at least not make global inequality worse, and ideally should embody desirable principles of justice. The Greenhouse Development Rights framework (GDRs), described briefly here, is a proposal for such a fair division of the burdens of emissions reductions and adaptation to climate change that won't be avoided, based on an assessment of capacity (ability to pay) and responsibility (contribution to the problem). The GDRs considers both inequality within countries and inequality between countries: national obligations are based on the exemption of poor individuals (under a ‘development threshold’) from global burdens. GDRs accepts the link between ‘development’ and the growth in consumption of the world's poor majority, an obvious requirement if it is to be taken seriously by Southern governments intent on ‘development as usual’. It also does not directly challenge the institutions of capitalism or the sovereignty of nation states. Nonetheless, in its focus on poor and rich people it is consistent with a class‐based rather than nation‐based approach to economic justice. We conclude by raising a variety of questions both about the limits of approaches like GDRs, and the need for policies that address climate change even during or after a transition beyond the current global capitalist regime.
Can Climate Change be Reversed under Capitalism?
Authors: Markandya Anil
Published: December 2009

This contribution seeks to examine the prospects for tackling climate change in a world dominated by capitalist economies. Since climate change is a relatively new phenomenon, we have to review the successes and failures of such economies in addressing other environmental issues. This review reveals a mixed picture, but the evidence suggests that once an issue is raised in the public consciousness the prospects for effective action are quite good as long as there is openness and transparency. Experience certainly indicates that the prospects are better in capitalist than in centrally planned economies. In the case of climate change the magnitude of the changes needed is immense and time is now running out. Studies indicate that convergence in living standards between the North and the South through development is possible with strict carbon targets, but it will need agreement on the allocation of rights and, furthermore, a system in which either such rights are traded or a common carbon tax is imposed. Such a system must be seen as fair by all parties and these parties must trust each other and the institutions they set up. That is where the biggest problems still lie.
Socially Sustainable Economic De‐growth
Authors: Alier Joan Martinez
Published: December 2009

Economic growth is not compatible with environmental sustainability. The effort to push up the rate of growth by increasing obligations to repay financial debts is in direct conflict with the availability of exhaustible resources and with the capacity of waste sinks. The economic crisis of 2008–09 has resulted in a welcome change to the totally unsustainable trend of increasing carbon dioxide emissions. The Kyoto Protocal of 1997 was generous to the rich countries, giving them property rights on the carbon sinks and the atmosphere in exchange for the promise of a reduction of 5 per cent of their emissions relative to1990. This modest Kyoto objective will be fulfilled more easily because of the economic crisis. This shows that economic de‐growth, leading to a steady state, is a plausible objective for the rich industrial economies. This would be supported by the environmental justice movements of the South, which are active in resource extraction conflicts.
Relations among Sadness Regulation, Peer Acceptance, and Social Functioning in Early Adolescence: The Role of Gender
Authors: Perry‐Parrish Carisa , Zeman Janice
Published: December 2009

Using a multi‐informant approach, this study examined emotion regulation within the social context of White and Black adolescent peer groups by assessing two aspects of sadness expression management (i.e., inhibition, disinhibition) and their linkages to peer acceptance and social functioning as a function of gender and ethnicity. Seventh‐ and eighth‐grade adolescents (N = 155, 52 percent female, 54.8 percent Black) completed self‐reports and peer nominations of sadness management and sociometric ratings of peer acceptance. Parents rated their child's social competence and social problems. Results revealed specific patterns of sadness regulation across informants that were associated with social functioning and varied by gender, but not ethnicity. Boys were more likely than girls to minimize sadness displays; boys who violated this pattern had lower peer acceptance and higher parent‐rated social problems. In contrast, although girls were rated as displaying overt sadness more frequently than boys, this was unrelated to peer acceptance.
Professional risk for skin cancer development in male mountain guides – a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Lichte V , Dennenmoser B , Dietz K , Häfner H‐M , Schlagenhauff B , Garbe C , Fischer J , Moehrle M
Published: December 2009

Objective  For reasons of their outdoor work, mountain guides (MG) are heavily exposed to ultraviolet radiation during their work.

Methods  A standardized interview and examination were performed on 283 male MG (median 41 years) from Germany, Switzerland and Austria and 309 age‐matched controls. The median occupation time as MG was 17 years; 39.9% were working full‐time.

Results  The incidence of skin cancer and precancerous lesions was obtained. Precancerous lesions as solar keratosis (SK) were significantly more frequent in MG (25.4% vs. 7.4%). There was no skin cancer [BCC, SSC, melanoma (MEL)] in the control subjects. Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) was diagnosed in 20 MG (7.1%) and SSC in four MG (1.4%). There were 10 highly suspicious melanocytic lesions; one MG had a histologically confirmed malignant MEL. Risk factors for SK in the multivariate analysis included occupation (P < 0.0001), age (P < 0.0001) and skin type (P = 0.0002). Within the MG group, age (P < 0.0001) and hair colour (P = 0.0058) were independent risk factors for SK. Severe lifetime sunburns (P = 0.0007) and skin type (P = 0.041) were the significant risk factors for BCC, within the MG group in addition to the number of guiding days (P = 0.010). The risk factor for skin cancer (BCC, SCC and MEL) was the number of heavy sunburns during lifetime (P = 0.0014).

Conclusion  The present study demonstrates an association between high occupational ultraviolet‐exposure and an increased prevalence of precancerous skin lesions and skin cancer. MG may be considered as an example for other outdoor professionals. Skin cancer of outdoor workers is likely to be an occupational disease. Primary and secondary prevention should be enforced.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Negotiating autonomy within the family: the experiences of young adults with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Mill Aviva , Mayes Rachel , McConnell David
Published: December 2009

Accessible summary

In this study we asked six young people with intellectual disabilities what they thought about becoming independent in their families.

One person wanted more independence within her family and sometimes this caused fights. Three people were happy with the independence they had in their families and did not want things to change. Two people, with the help and support of their families, were trying to be more independent.

Families play an important part in young people becoming more independent. It was important for this group of young people for their families to understand and support their points of view.

There is a small but expanding literature about the transition to adulthood for young people with intellectual disabilities. However, voices of young people with intellectual disabilities are under‐represented. This study explored the perspectives of young people with intellectual disabilities on their transition to adulthood, focusing particularly on the process of negotiating autonomy within the family. This exploratory study employed a life history approach, involving six young people with mild intellectual disabilities, aged 18–25 years, and two waves of responsive interviews. First interviews explored participants’ life roles, relationships and goals. Second interviews focused on the process of negotiating autonomy within the family. Three approaches to negotiating autonomy within the family were identified: defiant, passive and proactive. The particular approach taken by each participant was associated with the level of congruence between their perceived and desired levels of autonomy and parental support. The study suggests that the transition to adulthood for young people with intellectual disabilities and their parents is not inevitably conflict‐ridden. Parents and professionals may support young people with intellectual disabilities through this life stage by including them in family and service decision‐making, and by supporting them to take on varied and valued roles and responsibilities within the family and community.
Taking service providers to court: people with learning disabilities and Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995
Authors: Lerpiniere Jennifer , Stalker Kirsten
Published: December 2009

Accessible summary

 Many people with learning disabilities experience unfair treatment when they go to shops, banks or pubs.

 Very few people take legal action or go to court about the unfair treatment they experience.

 It can be difficult for a judge to decide if treatment is unfair if, e.g., a sports centre gives free carer’s tickets to some disabled people but not to others.

 It is easier for a judge to decide treatment is unfair if a person with learning disabilities has been refused something. For example, if someone was refused a tattoo even though other customers were not refused.

Despite evidence of poor service provision for people with learning disabilities in the UK (e.g. DRC, Code of practice. Rights of access: services to the public, public authority functions, private clubs and premises. London: The Stationery Office, 2006; Sloan, J Inform Law Tech [electronic journal], 2001), very little use has been made of Part III (Goods, Facilities and Services) of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 by people with learning disabilities (personal communication, Disability Rights Commission Conciliation Management Unit). Difficulties faced by individuals who might consider pursuing a claim against a service provider are well‐documented and include stress, time and financial constraints (Crit Soc Policy, 20: 533–549, 2000). Once a complaint has been made or a claim lodged other legislative barriers can make it difficult to pursue a case (Industr Law J, 32: 164–184, 2003). The aim of this article is to investigate the effectiveness of legislative use of Part III of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 in promoting equality for people with learning disabilities. Effectiveness will be gauged through analysis of the legal process engaged in by two people with learning disabilities who made claims against service providers under Part III of this Act.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: ‘I am a normal man’: a narrative analysis of the accounts of older people with Down’s syndrome who lived in institutionalised settings
Authors: Brown Jennifer , Dodd Karen , Vetere Arlene
Published: December 2009

Accessible summary

 This study is about the life stories of six older people with Down’s syndrome who spent some part of their childhoods in institutionalised settings.

 They have interesting and moving stories to tell about their lives. They talked about their childhood and current lives, their likes and dislikes, their strengths and difficulties and their hopes and dreams. They also spoke about the important people in their lives.

 The participants did not talk about themselves as being ‘old’, ‘disabled’ or as having ‘Down’s syndrome’. They talked about themselves in other ways, such as being ‘normal’, being a ‘man’ or a ‘beautiful lady’.

 The researcher learnt about herself whilst doing this study. She learned about the value of taking time to listen to people and she reflected on her own life story.

This paper is a narrative analysis of the accounts of six older people with Down’s syndrome who spent part of their childhood in institutional environments. The study aimed to find out how the participants talked about themselves. Different types of narrative analysis were used, including those of Murray (Qualitative psychology: a practical guide to research methods, London, UK, Sage, 2003), Gergen & Gergen (Hist Social Psychol, Hillsdale, NJ, Erlbaum, 1984) and Labov & Waletsky (Essays on the verbal and visual arts, Seattle, University of Washington Press, 1967). All of the participants spoke about their childhood, current and future lives. Most participants were able to reflect upon their strengths, limitations and hopes. The analysis highlighted the commonalities across the accounts: loss, abuse, health, significant others, transition, resilience and identity. Significantly, none of the participants identified themselves as having ‘Down’s syndrome’ or a ‘learning disability,’ nor did they identify with being ‘older’. Instead, individuals identified themselves in relation to gender and social roles. The accounts varied in terms of their form, structure, coherence and reflexive capacity. Clinical implications are discussed.
Behavioural interventions for self injurious behaviour: a review of recent evidence (1998–2008)
Authors: Prangnell Simon J.
Published: December 2009

Accessible summary

 One in four people with a severe learning disability harm themselves.

 This affects their health and quality of life.

 This study looks at research on helping people who harm themselves.

 More research needs to be done to find better ways of helping people who harm themselves.

Estimates suggest that up to one quarter of people who have a severe learning disability engage in self injurious behaviour (SIB). SIB poses serious risks, both to the person’s physical health and their quality of life. Behavioural approaches have made a contribution to supporting people who engage in SIB, although the last review of these approaches was completed in 2001. The current study provides an update to this review, and has considered papers published over the last 10 years. A systematic search of peer reviewed journals and the ‘grey’ literature identified 34 relevant documents, the majority of which were single case studies. These papers tended to report only on changes in the frequency of SIB during the intervention; one cannot conclude, therefore, about the long term efficacy and generalisability of these approaches. Reductions in SIB were highly variable, often produced in controlled environments and with the use of aversive interventions. The current study presents implications for research and clinical practice and highlights the need for more research reporting on the effectiveness of new interventions such as positive behavioural support.
Biological monitoring of non‐thermal effects of mobile phone radiation: recent approaches and challenges
Authors: Gaestel Matthias
Published: December 2009

This review describes recent developments in analysing the influence of radio‐frequency electromagnetic fields (RF‐EMFs ) on biological systems by monitoring the cellular stress response as well as overall gene expression. Recent data on the initiation and modulation of the classical cellular stress response by RF‐EMFs, comprising expression of heat shock proteins and stimulation of stress‐activated protein kinases, are summarised and evaluated. Since isothermic RF‐EMF exposure is assumed rather than proven there are clear limitations in using the stress response to describe non‐thermal effects of RF‐EMFs. In particular, further experiments are needed to characterise better the threshold of the thermal heat shock response and the homogeneity of the cellular response in the whole sample for each biological system used. Before then, it is proposed that the absence of the classical stress response can define isothermal experimental conditions and qualifies other biological effects of RF‐EMFs detected under these conditions to be of non‐thermal origin. To minimise the probability that by making this assumption valuable insights into the nature of biological effects of RF‐EMFs could be lost, proteotoxic non‐thermal RF‐EMF effects should also be monitored by measuring activities of labile intracellular enzymes and/or levels of their metabolites before the threshold for the heat shock response is reached. In addition, non‐thermal induction of the stress response via promoter elements distinct from the heat shock element (HSE) should be analysed using HSE‐mutated heat shock promoter reporter constructs. Screening for non‐thermal RF‐EMF effects in the absence of a classical stress response should be performed by transcriptomics and proteomics. Recent approaches demonstrate that due to their high‐throughput characteristics, these methods inherently generate false positive results and require statistical evaluation based on quantitative expression analysis from a sufficient number of independent experiments with identical parameters. In future approaches, positive results must be confirmed by independent quantitative methods and should also be evaluated in vivo to prove possible non‐thermal effects of RF‐EMFs on living beings. If successful, this strategy should contribute to identification of new underlying molecular mechanisms of interaction between RF‐EMFs and living beings distinct from absorption of thermal energy.
Floral evolution in the Annonaceae: hypotheses of homeotic mutations and functional convergence
Authors: Saunders Richard M. K.
Published: December 2009

The recent publication of hypotheses explaining the homeotic control of floral organ identity together with the availability of increasingly comprehensive and well‐resolved molecular phylogenies presents an ideal opportunity for reassessing current knowledge of floral diversity and evolution in the Annonaceae. This review summarizes currently available information on selected aspects of floral structure and function, including: changes in the number of perianth whorls and the number of perianth parts per whorl; the evolution of sympetaly; the diversity and evolution of pollination chambers (with a novel classification of seven main structural forms of floral chamber based on the different arrangement, size and shape of petals); the evolution of perianth glands; floral unisexuality and hypotheses explaining the unexpectedly high frequency of occurrence of androdioecy; the origin and possible function of inner and outer staminodes; the evolution of stamen connective diversity and theca septation; and the origin of ‘true’ syncarpy and functionally equivalent extragynoecial compita. In each case, current ideas on the origin, evolution and function are discussed. The information presented in this review enables two main conclusions to be drawn. The first is that changes in the homeotic control of floral organ identity may have had a profound impact on floral structure in several disparate lineages in the family. This is most obvious inFenerivia, in which a centrifugal shift of floral organ identity has occurred, and inDasymaschalon, in which a reverse (centripetal) shift has occurred. Other genera that have gained or lost entire perianth whorls are likely to have undergone similar homeotic changes. Attention is also drawn to the extensive functional convergence in Annonaceae flowers, with widespread homoplasy in many characters that have previously been emphasized in higher‐level classifications.
Digging deeper: fine‐root responses to rising atmospheric CO2 concentration in forested ecosystems
Authors: Iversen Colleen M.
Published: December 2009

Experimental evidence from a diverse set of forested ecosystems indicates that CO2 enrichment may lead to deeper rooting distributions. While the causes of greater root production at deeper soil depths under elevated CO2 concentration ([CO2]) require further investigation, altered rooting distributions are expected to affect important ecosystem processes. The depth at which fine roots are produced may influence root chemistry, physiological function, and mycorrhizal infection, leading to altered nitrogen (N) uptake rates and slower turnover. Also, soil processes such as microbial decomposition are slowed at depth in the soil, potentially affecting the rate at which root detritus becomes incorporated into soil organic matter. Deeper rooting distributions under elevated [CO2] provide exciting opportunities to use novel sensors and chemical analyses throughout the soil profile to track the effects of root proliferation on carbon (C) and N cycling. Models do not currently incorporate information on root turnover and C and N cycling at depth in the soil, and modification is necessary to accurately represent processes associated with altered rooting depth distributions. Progress in understanding and modeling the interface between deeper rooting distributions under elevated [CO2] and soil C and N cycling will be critical in projecting the sustainability of forest responses to rising atmospheric [CO2].
Post‐translational protein modification as a tool for transcription reprogramming
Authors: Spoel Steven H. , Tada Yasuomi , Loake Gary J.
Published: December 2009

Precise modulation of transcription plays a vital role in both development and the response of all higher organisms to their environment. Temporal activation or repression of specific genes is accomplished via a plethora of transcriptional regulators. However, relatively little is known about how the activities of these proteins are controlled. Recent findings indicate that post‐translational modifications fine‐tune the function of transcription regulators by affecting their localization, conformation or stability. Here, we discuss these regulatory mechanisms in the context of the plant immune response. This system lends itself particularly well to studies of transcriptional regulators as activation of plant immunity is associated with rapid and dramatic reprogramming of the transcriptome. A case study of the plant immune coactivator NPR1 (nonexpressor of pathogenesis‐related (PR) genes 1) illustrates that transcription regulator activity may be controlled by redox‐based modifications of cysteine thiols (e.g. disulphide bonding and S‐nitrosylation), phosphorylation, and ubiquitinylation coupled to protein degradation. Importantly, cross‐talk between distinct protein modifications may determine the spatial and temporal activity of transcription regulators that in turn profile the cellular transcriptome.
Requirement for small side chain residues within the GxGD‐motif of presenilin for γ‐secretase substrate cleavage
Authors: Pérez‐Revuelta Blanca Isabel , Fukumori Akio , Lammich Sven , Yamasaki Aya , Haass Christian , Steiner Harald
Published: December 2009

J. Neurochem. (2009) 112, 940–950.

γ‐Secretase is a pivotal intramembrane‐cleaving protease complex and important drug target for Alzheimer’s disease. The protease not only releases small peptides, such as the amyloid‐β peptide, which drives Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis, but also intracellular domains, which can have critical functions in nuclear signaling. Unlike typical aspartyl proteases, γ‐secretase contains a non‐classical GxGD active site motif in its catalytic subunit presenilin (PS) 1 or PS2. It is not known whether both glycines are of similar functional relevance and why the glycine residues are invariant elements of the motif. Here we identify the N‐terminal glycine of the GxGD motif in PS1, G382, as a critical residue of the active site domain of γ‐secretase. Substitution of G382 by a number of different amino acids abrogated γ‐secretase activity. Only the smallest possible G382A substitution allowed substantial γ‐secretase activity. Depending on the substrate, however, the presence of G382 could become even an absolute functional requirement of γ‐secretase. Very similar results were obtained for the C‐terminal glycine residue (G384) of the GxGD motif. Our data thus identify a requirement for small side chain residues in the active site domain of γ‐secretase and suggest that the glycines of the GxGD motif could be evolutionary conserved to allow cleavage of all possible γ‐secretase substrates, including those, which are highly sensitive to minimal alteration of the PS active site domain. These findings broaden our understanding of γ‐secretase substrate recognition and cleavage, which may prove crucial for therapeutic targeting of the enzyme.
Isolation and pharmacological characterization of AdTx1, a natural peptide displaying specific insurmountable antagonism of the α1A‐adrenoceptor
Authors: Quinton L , Girard E , Maiga A , Rekik M , Lluel P , Masuyer G , Larregola M , Marquer C , Ciolek J , Magnin T , Wagner R , Molgó J , Thai R , Fruchart‐Gaillard C , Mourier G , Chamot‐Rooke J , Ménez A , Palea S , Servent D , Gilles N
Published: December 2009

Background and purpose:  Venoms are a rich source of ligands for ion channels, but very little is known about their capacity to modulate G‐protein coupled receptor (GPCR) activity. We developed a strategy to identify novel toxins targeting GPCRs.

Experimental approach:  We studied the interactions of mamba venom fractions with α1‐adrenoceptors in binding experiments with 3H‐prazosin. The active peptide (AdTx1) was sequenced by Edman degradation and mass spectrometry fragmentation. Its synthetic homologue was pharmacologically characterized by binding experiments using cloned receptors and by functional experiments on rabbit isolated prostatic smooth muscle.

Key results:  AdTx1, a 65 amino‐acid peptide stabilized by four disulphide bridges, belongs to the three‐finger‐fold peptide family. It has subnanomolar affinity (Ki= 0.35 nM) and high specificity for the human α1A‐adrenoceptor subtype. We showed high selectivity and affinity (Kd= 0.6 nM) of radio‐labelled AdTx1 in direct binding experiments and revealed a slow association constant (kon= 6 × 106·M−1·min−1) with an unusually stable α1A‐adrenoceptor/AdTx1 complex (t1/2diss= 3.6 h). AdTx1 displayed potent insurmountable antagonism of phenylephrine's actions in vitro (rabbit isolated prostatic muscle) at concentrations of 10 to 100 nM.

Conclusions and implications:  AdTx1 is the most specific and selective peptide inhibitor for the α1A‐adrenoceptor identified to date. It displays insurmountable antagonism, acting as a potent relaxant of smooth muscle. Its peptidic nature can be exploited to develop new tools, as a radio‐labelled‐AdTx1 or a fluoro‐labelled‐AdTx1. Identification of AdTx1 thus offers new perspectives for developing new drugs for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia.
The sphingosine kinase inhibitor N,N‐dimethylsphingosine inhibits neointimal hyperplasia
Authors: McDonald Robert A , Pyne Susan , Pyne Nigel J , Grant Anne , Wainwright Cherry L , Wadsworth Roger M
Published: December 2009

Background and purpose:  Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate and its receptors may be involved in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation following vascular injury. Here, we evaluate the effect of d‐erythro‐N,N‐dimethylsphingosine (DMS), a sphingosine kinase (SK) inhibitor, on VSMC proliferation, apoptosis and neointimal formation.

Experimental approach:  Growth responses in vitro to fetal calf serum (FCS) were measured by [3H]‐thymidine incorporation and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase‐1/2 (ERK‐1/2) activation in quiescent primary cultures of porcine VSMC in the presence and absence of various concentrations of the SK inhibitor DMS. In vivo treatment with DMS was delivered with a local endoluminal catheter, following balloon injury of coronary arteries. The artery intimal formation was investigated by angiography, myography and histomorphometry.

Key results:  In vitro experiments indicated that DMS induced a dose‐dependent reduction in [3H]‐thymidine incorporation and ERK‐1/2 activation via a protein kinase C (PKC) independent mechanism with an IC50 value of 12 ± 6 and 15 ± 10 µM respectively. DMS also reduced Akt signalling. Four weeks following in vivo delivery of DMS, complete functional endothelial regeneration was observed in all treatment groups, with significant reduction of intimal formation (vehicle 23.7 ± 4.6% vs. DMS infusion 8.92 ± 2.9%, P < 0.05).

Conclusions and implications:  Taken together, these results demonstrate that local administration of the SK inhibitor, DMS, reduced neointimal formation, and this effect could involve inhibition of ERK‐1/2 and Akt signalling, and modulation of smooth muscle growth.
Simultaneous Electrical and Mechanical Mapping Using 3D Cardiac Mapping System: Novel Approach for Optimal Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: RYU KYUNGMOO , D'AVILA ANDRE , HEIST E. KEVIN , ROSENBERG STUART P. , CHOU JESSIE , YANG MICHAEL , SINGH JAGMEET P.
Published: December 2009

Electrical and Mechanical Mapping During CRT. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) restores synchrony in heart failure patients. However, a significant proportion of patients implanted with CRT devices do not realize any benefit from CRT. Placing a left ventricular (LV) lead at the sites of electrical or mechanical delay has been advocated to maximize response to CRT, but there is currently no technique described to measure mechanical delay in real‐time. We describe a novel technique that can be used intraoperatively to assess mechanical and electrical activation of the coronary sinus for guidance of LV pacing site optimization during CRT implantation. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 219‐222, February 2010)
An In Vitro Assessment of Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Imaging for Visualizing Cardiac Radiofrequency Ablation Lesions
Authors: EYERLY STEPHANIE A. , HSU STEPHEN J. , AGASHE SHRUTI H. , TRAHEY GREGG E. , LI YANG , WOLF PATRICK D.
Published: December 2009

Ablation Lesion Quantification with ARFI Imaging. Introduction: Lesion placement and transmurality are critical factors in the success of cardiac transcatheter radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatments for supraventricular arrhythmias. This study investigated the capabilities of catheter transducer based acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) ultrasound imaging for quantifying ablation lesion dimensions.

Methods and Results:
RFA lesions were created in vitro in porcine ventricular myocardium and imaged with an intracardiac ultrasound catheter transducer capable of acquiring spatially registered B‐mode and ARFI images. The myocardium was sliced along the imaging plane and photographed. The maximum ARFI‐induced displacement images of the lesion were normalized and spatially registered with the photograph by matching the surfaces of the tissue in the B‐mode and photographic images. The lesion dimensions determined by a manual segmentation of the photographed lesion based on the visible discoloration of the tissue were compared to automatic segmentations of the ARFI image using 2 different calculated thresholds. ARFI imaging accurately localized and sized the lesions within the myocardium. Differences in the maximum lateral and axial dimensions were statistically below 2 mm and 1 mm, respectively, for the 2 thresholding methods, with mean percent overlap of 68.7 ± 5.21% and 66.3 ± 8.4% for the 2 thresholds used.

Conclusion:
ARFI imaging is capable of visualizing myocardial RFA lesion dimensions to within 2 mm in vitro. Visualizing lesions during transcatheter cardiac ablation procedures could improve the success of the treatment by imaging lesion line discontinuity and potentially reducing the required number of ablation lesions and procedure time. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 557‐563, May 2010)
Atrial Fibrillation Ablation by Aortic Retrograde Approach Using a Magnetic Navigation System
Authors: MIYAZAKI SHINSUKE , NAULT ISABELLE , HAÏSSAGUERRE MICHEL , HOCINI MÉLÈZE
Published: December 2009

AF Ablation by Aortic Retrograde Approach Using an MNS.  Stereotaxis remote magnetic navigation system (MNS) (St. Louis, MO, USA) is a new technology with applications in the field of catheter ablation of cardiac arrhythmias. We report a case where the Stereotaxis MNS was successfully used to perform pulmonary vein isolation by a retrograde approach in a patient with atrial fibrillation in whom transseptal access was impossible. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 455–457, April 2010)
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Photoluminescence of Sr‐α‐SiAlON:Eu2+
Authors: Shioi Kousuke , Hirosaki Naoto , Xie Rong‐Jun , Takeda Takashi , Li Yuan Qiang , Matsushita Yoshitaka
Published: December 2009

Sr‐containing α‐SiAlON (Srm/2Si12‐m–nAlm+nOnN16–n:Eu2+) phosphor was obtained as a major phase in compositions having small m and n values, by firing the powder mixture of SrSi2, SrO, α‐Si3N4, AlN, and Eu2O3 at 2000°C for 2 h under 1 MPa nitrogen atmosphere. The crystal structure of Sr‐α‐SiAlON was refined by the Rietveld analysis of the synchrotron X‐ray powder diffraction pattern. The crystal structure showed that the Sr–N2 bonding distance of Sr‐α‐SiAlON was fairly large compared with that of Ca‐α‐SiAlON. The displacement of N2 sites probably allow the interstices in α‐SiAlON to accommodate the introduction of the large Sr ion. Sr‐α‐SiAlON:Eu2+ phosphor has an excitation wavelength ranging from the ultraviolet region to 500 nm and emits a strong yellow light.
Processing of Aluminum Oxynitride Through Aqueous Colloidal Forming Techniques
Authors: Senthil Kumar Rajendran , Rajeswari Kotikalapudi , Praveen Balakrishnan , Hareesh Unnikrishnan Nair Saraswathy , Johnson Roy
Published: December 2009

Aqueous colloidal forming techniques like slip/gel casting have been attempted to prepare monoliths of aluminum oxynitride (AlON) starting from the constituent raw materials of high‐purity alumina and aluminum nitride. A surface treatment conducive to prevent hydrolysis of aluminum nitride in an aqueous medium was carried out before the shaping technique. The slurry, leading to an AlON composition of Al23O27N5, was prepared with high solid loading (76–80 wt%) in water and casted into molds, dried, and sintered in the temperature range 1725°–1925°C in a nitrogen atmosphere. AlON phase formation was followed by XRD and it was observed that phase‐pure AlON was obtained at temperatures above 1825°C. The samples were further characterized for mechanical and microstructural properties.
Processing of Silicon Carbide Fibers from Polycarbosilane with Polypropylene as the Additive
Authors: Su Zhiming , Tang Ming , Wang Zhoucheng , Zhang Litong , Chen Lifu
Published: December 2009

The effects of polypropylene on the processing of low‐oxygen silicon carbide (SiC) fibers by the polycarbosilane (PCS) route have been studied. Polypropylene acts as a high‐temperature solvent for PCS, reducing the spinning temperature. A small amount of polypropylene (≤5 wt%) significantly improves the spinning ability and the tensile strength of the as‐spun precursor fibers because of its excellent fiber‐forming ability. During blending and spinning, no noticeable chemical interaction has been detected between PCS and polypropylene. In the early stage of electron beam irradiation of the polypropylene‐containing precursor fibers, free radicals are formed from both PCS and polypropylene. They combine with each other, forming a cross‐linked structure and promoting the curing. The introduction of polypropylene has no detrimental effects on the properties of the final SiC fibers.
Effects of Mg Substitution on Microstructures and Microwave Dielectric Properties of Ba(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3 Perovskite Ceramics
Authors: Fu Mao Sen , Liu Xiao Qiang , Chen Xiang Ming , Zeng Yao Wu
Published: December 2009

Ba[(Zn1−xMgx)1/3Nb2/3]O3 ceramics were synthesized by the solid‐state reaction process, and their microstructure and microwave dielectric properties were investigated. Surface secondary phase Ba5Nb4O15 due to the ZnO loss during sintering was detected for all the compositions except for x=1.0. Mg2+ substitution increased the order–disorder transition temperature and all the Mg2+‐substituted ceramics were well ordered at a rather high sintering temperature. The dielectric constant and τf decreased approximately in the same linear trend except for x=0.6 and 0.8, while the Qf values for the as‐sintered and annealed ceramics indicated nonlinear variations with compositions inconsistent with the variation of cation‐ordering degree. These results suggested that Q value in the ordered perovskite ceramics was determined not only by the cation‐ordering degree but also by the domain size and its distribution, and the homogeneous domain structure with domain size around 40 nm should be critical for high Q. Good combination of microwave dielectric properties was obtained in the as‐sintered ceramics with x=0.4: ɛr=36, Qf=94 400 GHz, and τf=28.6 ppm/°C.
Enhanced Ferroelectric Properties of Intragranular‐Porous Pb(Zr0.95Ti0.05)O3 Ceramic Fabricated with Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Nie Heng Chang , Feng Ning Bo , Chen Xue Feng , Wang Gen Shui , Dong Xian Lin , Gu Yan , He Hong Liang , Liu Yu Sheng
Published: December 2009

The intragranular‐porous ferroelectric ceramic was fabricated for the first time with carbon nanotubes as pore formers and the effects of intragranular pores on the ferroelectric and dielectric properties were investigated. It was found that compared with dense ceramic the introduction of a small amount of intragranular pores led to an enhanced remnant polarization, an improved bulk resistivity, higher dielectric breakdown strength, a lower dielectric constant, and thus an enhanced energy storage density by 20%. Plus, a shift of the Curie temperature of ceramics was found in intragranular‐porous ferroelectric ceramic and possible reasons for these effects were interpreted.
Laser Patterning of ZnO Crystals on the Surface of Borosilicate Glass
Authors: Nagai Reo , Honma Tsuyoshi , Komatsu Takayuki
Published: December 2009

The laser‐induced crystallization technique has been applied to a borosilicate glass with a high ZnO content in order to pattern ZnO crystals on the glass surface. A glass with the composition of 65.5ZnO–19B2O3–9.5SiO2–6Sm2O3 is developed, in which Sm2O3 is added to transfer laser energy to thermal energy, and it is found that usual heat treatments in an electric furnace results in the formation of ZnO crystals with a hexagonal wurztite structure not only at the surface but also inside the glass. It is confirmed from X‐ray diffraction analyses and micro‐Raman scattering spectra that ZnO crystals are formed at the glass surface by irradiations of Yb:YVO4 fiber laser (wavelength: 1080 nm, power: 1.3 W, scanning speed: S=7 μm/s). The present study is a first step for spatially selected patterning and design of functional ZnO crystals by laser‐induced crystallization in glasses.