bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Constituted Nature of Constituents’ Interests
Authors: Hilbink Lisa
Published: November 2009

Through an analysis of constitutional transitions in one democratizing case (Spain 1978) and one authoritarian case (Chile 1980), this article argues that judicial empowerment can be accurately explained only through reference to the historical and ideational context in which institutional designers operate. Historical and ideational factors—that is, shared experiences, beliefs, identities, ideologies, and interpretations of events and sequences of events at home or abroad—shape the way that political actors perceive their interests, formulate their strategies, and justify their decisions and are thus crucial to explaining when, why, and how institutional designers choose to empower courts.
Overdetermined Behavior, Unforeseen Consequences
Authors: Wolcott Harry F.
Published: November 2009

Drawing on his original study about the Sneaky Kid and exploring some of the motives involved, the author reviews how preferable it might be to think about, and sometimes actually employ, the phrase “overdetermined behavior,” to remind each of us that the accounts we provide are always partial and incomplete. This is implied when behavior is described as overdetermined, serving reminder that we can never predict exactly what any one human, including even oneself, will do.
On the Use of Windcatchers in Schools: Climate Change, Occupancy Patterns, and Adaptation Strategies
Authors: Mavrogianni A. , Mumovic D.
Published: November 2009

Advanced naturally ventilated systems based on integration of basic natural ventilation strategies such as cross-ventilation and stack effect have been considered to be a key element of sustainable design. In this respect, there is a pressing need to explore the potential of such systems to achieve the recommended occupant comfort targets throughout their lifetime without relying on mechanical means. This study focuses on use of a windcatcher system in typical classrooms which are usually characterized by high and intermittent internal heat gains. The aims of this paper are 3-fold. First, to describe a series of field measurements that investigated the ventilation rates, indoor air quality, and thermal comfort in a newly constructed school located at an urban site in London. Secondly, to investigate the effect of changing climate and occupancy patterns on thermal comfort in selected classrooms, while taking into account adaptive potential of this specific ventilation strategy. Thirdly, to assess performance of the ventilation system using the newly introduced performance-based ventilation standards for school buildings. The results suggest that satisfactory occupant comfort levels could be achieved until the 2050s by a combination of advanced ventilation control settings and informed occupant behavior.
Optimisation of extrusion die profile to satisfy metallurgical and manufacturing criteria
Authors: Pathak K. K. , Pagey Vikas S. , Ramakrishnan N.
Published: November 2009

In this study, die profiles of the rod extrusion processes are optimised to produce products of desirable microstructure at maximum production speed and minimum left out material in the die. The design problem is formulated as a non-linear programming problem which is solved using genetic algorithm. Selection of the processing parameters is carried out using dynamic material modelling. Using this approach, two rod extrusion problems are successfully designed.
An emerging player in the adaptive immune response: microRNA-146a is a modulator of IL-2 expression and activation-induced cell death in T lymphocytes
Authors: Curtale Graziella , Citarella Franca , Carissimi Claudia , Goldoni Marina , Carucci Nicoletta , Fulci Valerio , Franceschini Debora , Meloni Francesca , Barnaba Vincenzo , Macino Giuseppe
Published: November 2009

Activation of the T cell–mediated immune response has been associated with changes in the expression of specific microRNAs (miRNAs). However, the role of miRNAs in the development of an effective immune response is just beginning to be explored. This study focuses on the functional role of miR-146a in T lymphocyte–mediated immune response and provides interesting clues on the transcriptional regulation of miR-146a during T-cell activation. We show that miR-146a is low in human naive T cells and is abundantly expressed in human memory T cells; consistently, miR-146a is induced in human primary T lymphocytes upon T-cell receptor (TCR) stimulation. Moreover, we identified NF-kB and c-ETS binding sites as required for the induction of miR-146a transcription upon TCR engagement. Our results demonstrate that several signaling pathways, other than inflammation, are influenced by miR-146a. In particular, we provide experimental evidence that miR-146a modulates activation-induced cell death (AICD), acting as an antiapoptotic factor, and that Fas-associated death domain (FADD) is a target of miR-146a. Furthermore, miR-146a enforced expression impairs both activator protein 1 (AP-1) activity and interleukin-2 (IL-2) production induced by TCR engagement, thus suggesting a role of this miRNA in the modulation of adaptive immunity.
Comparison of gene expression profiles between human and mouse monocyte subsets
Authors: Ingersoll Molly A. , Spanbroek Rainer , Lottaz Claudio , Gautier Emmanuel L. , Frankenberger Marion , Hoffmann Reinhard , Lang Roland , Haniffa Muzlifah , Collin Matthew , Tacke Frank , Habenicht Andreas J. R. , Ziegler-Heitbrock Loems , Randolph Gwendalyn J.
Published: November 2009

Blood of both humans and mice contains 2 main monocyte subsets. Here, we investigated the extent of their similarity using a microarray approach. Approximately 270 genes in humans and 550 genes in mice were differentially expressed between subsets by 2-fold or more. More than 130 of these gene expression differences were conserved between mouse and human monocyte subsets. We confirmed numerous of these differences at the cell surface protein level. Despite overall conservation, some molecules were conversely expressed between the 2 species' subsets, including CD36, CD9, and TREM-1. Other differences included a prominent peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) signature in mouse monocytes, which is absent in humans, and strikingly opposed patterns of receptors involved in uptake of apoptotic cells and other phagocytic cargo between human and mouse monocyte subsets. Thus, whereas human and mouse monocyte subsets are far more broadly conserved than currently recognized, important differences between the species deserve consideration when models of human disease are studied in mice.
The sterol carrier protein 2/3-oxoacyl-CoA thiolase (SCPx) is involved in cholesterol uptake in the midgut of Spodoptera litura: gene cloning, expression, localization and functional analyses
Authors: Guo Xing-Rong , Zheng Si-Chun , Liu Lin , Feng Qi-Li
Published: November 2009

Background

Sterol carrier protein-2/3-oxoacyl-CoA thiolase (SCPx) gene has been suggested to be involved in absorption and transport of cholesterol. Cholesterol is a membrane component and is a precursor of ecdysteroids, but cannot be synthesized de novo in insects. However, a direct association between SCPx gene expression, cholesterol absorption and development in lepidopteran insects remains to be experimentally demonstrated.

Results

An SCPx cDNA (Sl SCPx) cloned from the common cutworm, Spodoptera litura, was characterized. The Sl SCPx cDNA encoded a 535-amino acid protein consisting of a 3-oxoacyl-CoA thiolase (SCPx-t) domain and a SCP-2 (SCPx-2) domain. Sl SCPx mRNA was expressed predominately in the midgut, while Sl SCPx-2 mRNA was detected in the midgut, fat body and epidermis and no Sl SCPx-t mRNA was detected. A 58-kDa full-length SCPx protein and a 44-kDa SCPx-t protein were detected in the midgut of sixth instar larvae when the anti-Sl SCPx-t antibody was used in western blotting analysis; a 16-kDa SCP-2 protein was detected when anti-Sl SCPx-2 antibody was used. Sl SCPx protein was post-translationally cleaved into two smaller proteins, SCPx-t and SCPx-2. The gene appeared to be expressed into two forms of mRNA transcripts, which were translated into the two proteins, respectively. Sl SCPx-t and Sl SCPx-2 proteins have distinct and different locations in the midgut of sixth instar larvae. Sl SCPx and Sl SCPx-t proteins were detected predominately in the cytoplasm, whereas Sl SCPx-2 protein was detected in the cytoplasm and nuclei in the Spli-221 cells. Over-expression of Sl SCPx and Sl SCPx-2 proteins enhanced cholesterol uptake into the Spli-221 cells. Knocking-down Sl SCPx transcripts by dsRNA interference resulted in a decrease in cholesterol level in the hemolymph and delayed the larval to pupal transition.

Conclusion

Spatial and temporal expression pattern of this Sl SCPx gene during the larval developmental stages of S. litura showed its specific association with the midgut at the feeding stage. Over-expression of this gene increased cholesterol uptake and interference of its transcript decreased cholesterol uptake and delayed the larval to pupal metamorphosis. All of these results taken together suggest that this midgut-specific Sl SCPx gene is important for cholesterol uptake and normal development in S. litura.
Status epilepticus affects the gigantocellular network of the pontine reticular formation
Authors: Baracskay Péter , Kiglics Viola , Kékesi Katalin A , Juhász Gábor , Czurkó András
Published: November 2009

Background

The impairment of the pontine reticular formation (PRF) has recently been revealed to be histopathologically connected with focal-cortical seizure induced generalized convulsivestatus epilepticus. To elucidate whether the impairment of the PRF is a general phenomenon duringstatus epilepticus, the focal-cortical 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) application was compared with other epilepsy models. The presence of "dark" neurons in the PRF was investigated by the sensitive silver method of Gallyas in rats sacrificed at 3 h after focal 4-AP crystal or systemic 4-AP, pilocarpine, or kainic acid application. The behavioral signs of the developing epileptic seizures were scored in all rats. The EEG activity was recorded in eight rats.

Results

Regardless of the initiating drug or method of administration, "dark" neurons were consistently found in the PRF of animals entered the later phases ofstatus epilepticus. EEG recordings demonstrated the presence of slow oscillations (1.5-2.5 Hz) simultaneously with the appearance of giant "dark" neurons in the PRF.

Conclusion

We argue that the observed slow oscillation corresponds to the late periodic epileptiform discharge phase ofstatus epilepticus, and that the PRF may be involved in the progression ofstatus epilepticus.
The effect of psychological stress on iron absorption in rats
Authors: Chen Jianbo , Shen Hui , Chen Chengjie , Wang Wanyin , Yu Siyu , Zhao Min , Li Min
Published: November 2009

Background

Psychological stress (PS) is recognized as an important pathogenic factor which leads to metabolism disorder in many diseases. Previous studies have shown that systemic iron homeostasis in mammalians was changed under specific stress conditions.

Methods

In present study, we used communication box to create psychological stress model and investigated the iron apparent absorption, iron accumulation in the apical poles of villous enterocytes and protein expressions of ferroportin 1 (FPN1), ferritin, divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1).

Results

Our study showed that iron apparent absorption decreased and iron significantly accumulated in the apical poles of villous enterocytes in 3 d and 7 d PS groups. The expression of intestinal FPN1 in 3 d and 7 d PS groups was lower than that of control, while the change of intestinal ferritin was opposite. However, the expression of DMT1 did not change.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that PS can decrease iron absorption in rats, which might be related to regulation expression of iron transporters.
Predominant membrane localization is an essential feature of the bacterial signal recognition particle receptor
Authors: Mircheva Miryana , Boy Diana , Weiche Benjamin , Hucke Friederike , Graumann Peter , Koch Hans-Georg
Published: November 2009

Background

The signal recognition particle (SRP) receptor plays a vital role in co-translational protein targeting, because it connects the soluble SRP-ribosome-nascent chain complex (SRP-RNCs) to the membrane bound Sec translocon. The eukaryotic SRP receptor (SR) is a heterodimeric protein complex, consisting of two unrelated GTPases. The SRβ subunit is an integral membrane protein, which tethers the SRP-interacting SRα subunit permanently to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. The prokaryotic SR lacks the SRβ subunit and consists of only the SRα homologue FtsY. Strikingly, although FtsY requires membrane contact for functionality, cell fractionation studies have localized FtsY predominantly to the cytosolic fraction of Escherichia coli. So far, the exact function of the soluble SR in E. coli is unknown, but it has been suggested that, in contrast to eukaryotes, the prokaryotic SR might bind SRP-RNCs already in the cytosol and only then initiates membrane targeting.

Results

In the current study we have determined the contribution of soluble FtsY to co-translational targeting in vitro and have re-analysed the localization of FtsY in vivo by fluorescence microscopy. Our data show that FtsY can bind to SRP-ribosome nascent chains (RNCs) in the absence of membranes. However, these soluble FtsY-SRP-RNC complexes are not efficiently targeted to the membrane. In contrast, we observed effective targeting of SRP-RNCs to membrane-bond FtsY. These data show that soluble FtsY does not contribute significantly to cotranslational targeting in E. coli. In agreement with this observation, our in vivo analyses of FtsY localization in bacterial cells by fluorescence microscopy revealed that the vast majority of FtsY was localized to the inner membrane and that soluble FtsY constituted only a negligible species in vivo.

Conclusion

The exact function of the SRP receptor (SR) in bacteria has so far been enigmatic. Our data show that the bacterial SR is almost exclusively membrane-bound in vivo, indicating that the presence of a soluble SR is probably an artefact of cell fractionation. Thus, co-translational targeting in bacteria does not involve the formation of a soluble SR-signal recognition particle (SRP)-ribosome nascent chain (RNC) intermediate but requires membrane contact of FtsY for efficient SRP-RNC recruitment.
Lysophosphatidic Acid-3 Receptor-Mediated Feed-Forward Production of Lysophosphatidic Acid: an Initiator of Nerve Injury-Induced Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Ma Lin , Uchida Hitoshi , Nagai Jun , Inoue Makoto , Chun Jerold , Aoki Junken , Ueda Hiroshi
Published: November 2009

Background

We previously reported that intrathecal injection of lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) induced neuropathic pain through activation of the lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)-1 receptor, possibly via conversion to LPA by autotaxin (ATX).

Results

We examined in vivo LPA-induced LPA production using a biological titration assay with B103 cells expressing LPA1 receptors. Intrathecal administration of LPC caused time-related production of LPA in the spinal dorsal horn and dorsal roots, but not in the dorsal root ganglion, spinal nerve or sciatic nerve. LPC-induced LPA production was markedly diminished in ATX heterozygotes, and was abolished in mice that were deficient in LPA3, but not LPA1 or LPA2 receptors. Similar time-related and LPA3 receptor-mediated production of LPA was observed following intrathecal administration of LPA. In an in vitro study using spinal cord slices, LPA-induced LPA production was also mediated by ATX and the LPA3 receptor. Intrathecal administration of LPA, in contrast, induced neuropathic pain, which was abolished in mice deficient in LPA1 or LPA3 receptors.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that feed-forward LPA production is involved in LPA-induced neuropathic pain.
Cardiac surgery in a patient with retroperitoneal fibrosis and heart valvulopathy, both due to pergolide medication for Parkinson's disease
Authors: Apostolakis Efstratios E , Baikoussis Nikolaos G , Tselikos Dimitrios , Koniari Ioanna , Prokakis Christos , Fokaeas Eleftherios , Karanikolas Menelaos
Published: November 2009

Retroperitoneal fibrosis is best described as a chronic inflammatory process which may be idiopathic, but can rarely be brought about by medications, such as pergolide, used for treating Parkinson's disease. Pergolide can produce a fibrotic process in heart valves, resulting in valve insufficiency in up to 25% of cases. Herein we describe the case of a 68-year-old man who received pergolide for 2 years for Parkinson's disease. The patient developed retroperitoneal fibrosis resulting in renal failure from ureteral obstruction necessitating ureteral stenting, as well as significant aortic and mitral valve insufficiency. He successfully underwent surgery for combined aortic valve, mitral valve and ascending aorta replacement because of severe valve insufficiency and dilated (d = 5.8 cm) ascending aorta. Retroperitoneal fibrosis improved with pergolide cessation and corticosteroid treatment. This is the second case reported in the literature, of a patient who had double valve and ascending aorta replacement surgery because he suffered from this rare but serious adverse effect of dopamine agonists used for managing Parkinson's disease.
Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species induce protein and DNA modifications driving arthrofibrosis following total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Freeman Theresa A , Parvizi Javad , Della Valle Craig J , Steinbeck Marla J
Published: November 2009

Background

Arthrofibrosis, occurring in 3%-4% of patients following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), is a challenging condition for which there is no defined cause. The hypothesis for this study was that disregulated production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrogen species (RNS) mediates matrix protein and DNA modifications, which result in excessive fibroblastic proliferation.

Results

We found increased numbers of macrophages and lymphocytes, along with elevated amounts of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in arthrofibrotic tissues when compared to control tissues. MPO expression, an enzyme that generates ROS/RNS, is usually limited to neutrophils and some macrophages, but was found by immunohistochemistry to be expressed in both macrophages and fibroblasts in arthrofibrotic tissue. As direct measurement of ROS/RNS is not feasible, products including DNA hydroxylation (8-OHdG), and protein nitrosylation (nitrotyrosine) were measured by immunohistochemistry. Quantification of the staining showed that 8-OHdg was significantly increased in arthrofibrotic tissue. There was also a direct correlation between the intensity of inflammation and ROS/RNS to the amount of heterotopic ossification (HO). In order to investigate the aberrant expression of MPO, a real-time oxidative stress polymerase chain reaction array was performed on fibroblasts isolated from arthrofibrotic and control tissues. The results of this array confirmed the upregulation of MPO expression in arthrofibrotic fibroblasts and highlighted the downregulated expression of the antioxidants, superoxide dismutase1 and microsomal glutathione S-transferase 3, as well as the significant increase in thioredoxin reductase, a known promoter of cell proliferation, and polynucleotide kinase 3'-phosphatase, a key enzyme in the base excision repair pathway for oxidative DNA damage.

Conclusion

Based on our current findings, we suggest that ROS/RNS initiate and sustain the arthrofibrotic response driving aggressive fibroblast proliferation and subsequent HO.
Diagnostic imaging for chronic plantar heel pain: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: McMillan Andrew M , Landorf Karl B , Barrett Joanna T , Menz Hylton B , Bird Adam R
Published: November 2009

Background

Chronic plantar heel pain (CPHP) is a generalised term used to describe a range of undifferentiated conditions affecting the plantar heel. Plantar fasciitis is reported as the most common cause and the terms are frequently used interchangeably in the literature. Diagnostic imaging has been used by many researchers and practitioners to investigate the involvement of specific anatomical structures in CPHP. These observations help to explain the underlying pathology of the disorder, and are of benefit in forming an accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment plan. The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the diagnostic imaging features associated with CPHP, and evaluate study findings by meta‐analysis where appropriate.

Methods

Bibliographic databases including Medline, Embase, CINAHL, SportDiscus and The Cochrane Library were searched electronically on March 25, 2009. Eligible articles were required to report imaging findings in participants with CPHP unrelated to inflammatory arthritis, and to compare these findings with a control group. Methodological quality was evaluated by use of the Quality Index as described by Downs and Black. Meta‐analysis of study data was conducted where appropriate.

Results

Plantar fascia thickness as measured by ultrasonography was the most widely reported imaging feature. Meta‐analysis revealed that the plantar fascia of CPHP participants was 2.16 mm thicker than control participants (95% CI = 1.60 to 2.71 mm, P < 0.001) and that CPHP participants were more likely to have plantar fascia thickness values greater than 4.0 mm (OR = 105.11, 95% CI = 3.09 to 3577.28, P = 0.01). CPHP participants were also more likely to show radiographic evidence of subcalcaneal spur than control participants (OR = 8.52, 95% CI = 4.08 to 17.77, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This systematic review has identified 23 studies investigating the diagnostic imaging appearance of the plantar fascia and inferior calcaneum in people with CPHP. Analysis of these studies found that people with CPHP are likely to have a thickened plantar fascia with associated fluid collection, and that thickness values >4.0 mm are diagnostic of plantar fasciitis. Additionally, subcalcaneal spur formation is strongly associated with pain beneath the heel.
Effect of cardiopulmonary bypass on activated partial thromboplastin time waveform analysis, serum procalcitonin and C-reactive protein concentrations
Authors: Delannoy Bertrand , Guye Marie-Laurence , Slaiman Davy Hay , Lehot Jean-Jacques , Cannesson Maxime
Published: November 2009

Introduction

Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is a frequent condition after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and makes conventional biological tests fail to detect postoperative sepsis. Biphasic waveform (BPW) analysis is a new biological test derived from activated partial thromboplastin time that has recently been proposed for sepsis diagnosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of BPW to detect sepsis after cardiac surgery under CPB.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study in American Society of Anesthesiologists' (ASA) physical status III and IV patients referred for cardiac surgery under CPB. Procalcitonin (PCT) and BPW were recorded before surgery and every day during the first week following surgery. Patients were then divided into three groups: patients presenting no SIRS, patients presenting with non-septic SIRS and patients presenting with sepsis.

Results

Thirty two patients were included. SIRS occurred in 16 patients (50%) including 5 sepsis (16%) and 11 (34%) non-septic SIRS. PCT and BPW were significantly increased in SIRS patients compared to no SIRS patients (0.9 [0.5-2.2] vs. 8.1 [2.0-21.3] ng/l for PCT and 0.10 [0.09-0.14] vs. 0.29 [0.16-0.56] %T/s for BPW; P < 0.05 for both). We observed no difference in peak PCT value between the sepsis group and the non-septic SIRS group (8.4 [7.5-32.2] vs. 7.8 [1.9-17.5] ng/l; P = 0.67). On the other hand, we found that BPW was significantly higher in the sepsis group compared to the non-septic SIRS group (0.57 [0.54-0.78] vs. 0.19 [0.14-0.29] %T/s; P < 0.01). We found that a BPW threshold value of 0.465%T/s was able to discriminate between sepsis and non-septic SIRS groups with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 93% (area under the curve: 0.948 +/- 0.039; P < 0.01). Applying the previously published threshold of 0.25%T/s, we found a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 72% to discriminate between these two groups. Neither C-reactive protein (CRP) nor PCT had significant predictive value (area under the curve for CRP was 0.659 +/- 0.142; P = 0.26 and area under the curve for PCT was 0.704 +/- 0.133; P = 0.15).

Conclusions

BPW has potential clinical applications for sepsis diagnosis in the postoperative period following cardiac surgery under CPB.
Addressing Fertility in Patients With Advanced Cancer: How the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative Standards and ASCO Guidelines Facilitate Ethical Communication
Authors: Debono David J. , Kohnke Jenna M. , Helft Paul R.
Published: November 2009

The ASCO Recommendations on Fertility Preservation in Cancer Patients were issued in 2006, but evidence suggests many oncologists are unaware of the guidelines and are reluctant to initiate conversations pertaining to fertility with patients.
Origins of the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative
Authors: Simone Joseph V.
Published: November 2009

In 2002, the ASCO Board of Directors reviewed a proposal for a new approach to promoting high-quality cancer care. Today, the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative has 500 participating practices that report data on approximately 35,000 medical records annually.
News and Notes From the 2009 Carrier Advisory Committee Meeting: Medical Necessity, Off-Label Chemotherapy, and More
Authors: McAneny Barbara , Marsland Thomas , King Kristen
Published: November 2009

A discussion of two compelling topics at this summer's Hematology-Oncology Carrier Advisory Committee Network Meeting: coverage for off-label uses of anticancer drugs and medical necessity for oral versus intravenous antiemetics.
National Collaborative to Improve Oncology Practice: The National Cancer Institute Community Cancer Centers Program Quality Oncology Practice Initiative Experience
Authors: Siegel Robert D. , Clauser Steven B. , Lynn Jean M.
Published: November 2009

Collaboration between QOPI and the NCCCP sites represents an evolution in the QOPI process, in which QOPI provides a metric for measuring quality and serves as a springboard for comprehensive quality improvement across independent but mutually committed practices.
Improving the Quality of Cancer Care: Crossroads or Convergence?
Authors: Schneider Eric C.
Published: November 2009

Insurers and payers are demanding performance measurement, whereas professional boards are urging practice-based quality improvement projects. Will these two streams improve day-to-day practice or add administrative burden?
Private Practice Administrative Costs Influenced by Insurance Payer Mix
Authors: Luna Jorge M. , Thurman Paul W. , Wolfe Margaret , Yagoda Daniel , Reed Edward , Figg William D.
Published: November 2009

This report provides a foundation for analysis and study design of an examination of administrative costs associated with insurance and billing processing in private hematology-oncology practices and measurement of financial exposure by predominant payer mix.
Retinoic Acid Is a Cofactor for Translational Regulation of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Human Endometrial Stromal Cells
Authors: Sidell Neil , Feng Yue , Hao Lijuan , Wu Juanjuan , Yu Jie , Kane Maureen A. , Napoli Joseph L. , Taylor Robert N.
Published: November 2009

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and endometrial angiogenesis play a critical role in successful embryonic implantation. Despite many studies of the effects of estrogen and progesterone on VEGF expression, its focal regulation at the site of implantation is unknown. Retinoic acid (RA) has been reported to regulate VEGF in a variety of cell types. Because localized RA synthesis occurs within the periimplantation endometrium, we tested the possibility that RA regulates VEGF production in endometrial stromal cells. Using primary and telomerase-immortalized human endometrial stromal cells, we determined that RA alone did not alter constitutive levels of VEGF production, but markedly amplified secretion when the cells were cotreated with activators of VEGF gene transcription (12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate, TPA; TGF-β; and IL-1β). Whereas TPA or TGF-β alone stimulated VEGF promoter activity and up-regulated mRNA levels, significant protein secretion was detected only after RA was added to the culture systems. Analysis of retinoids in secretory phase endometrial biopsies indicated that endogenous RA accumulated at concentrations sufficient to induce VEGF secretion. Polyribosome profile analysis showed that the addition of RA to transcriptional activators of VEGF shifted the translational suppressed VEGF mRNA transcripts into larger polyribosome complexes engaged in active translation. Although the precise mechanism(s) of the RA effect remains to be defined, it appears to be mediated by reactive oxygen species; the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine inhibited RA+TPA-stimulated secretion of VEGF by more than 80%. Together, our results demonstrate that in human endometrial stromal cells, RA can combine with transcriptional activators of VEGF to augment VEGF secretion through a translational mechanism of action mediated by reactive oxygen species. These findings suggest a link between the spatiotemporal changes of retinoid synthesis in the periimplantation stroma and the capacity to quickly up-regulate focal VEGF secretion needed to induce early angiogenic events of pregnancy.
Passive maintenance of high angle of attack and its lift generation during flapping translation in crane fly wing
Authors: Ishihara D. , Yamashita Y. , Horie T. , Yoshida S. , Niho T.
Published: November 2009

We have studied the passive maintenance of high angle of attack and its lift generation during the crane fly's flapping translation using a dynamically scaled model. Since the wing and the surrounding fluid interact with each other, the dynamic similarity between the model flight and actual insect flight was measured using not only the non-dimensional numbers for the fluid (the Reynolds and Strouhal numbers) but also those for the fluid—structure interaction (the mass and Cauchy numbers). A difference was observed between the mass number of the model and that of the actual insect because of the limitation of available solid materials. However, the dynamic similarity during the flapping translation was not much affected by the mass number since the inertial force during the flapping translation is not dominant because of the small acceleration. In our model flight, a high angle of attack of the wing was maintained passively during the flapping translation and the wing generated sufficient lift force to support the insect weight. The mechanism of the maintenance is the equilibrium between the elastic reaction force resulting from the wing torsion and the fluid dynamic pressure. Our model wing rotated quickly at the stroke reversal in spite of the reduced inertial effect of the wing mass compared with that of the actual insect. This result could be explained by the added mass from the surrounding fluid. Our results suggest that the pitching motion can be passive in the crane fly's flapping flight.
Spatial distribution of opsin-encoding mRNAs in the tiered larval retinas of the sunburst diving beetle Thermonectus marmoratus (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae)
Authors: Maksimovic Srdjan , Cook Tiffany A. , Buschbeck Elke K.
Published: November 2009

Larvae of the sunburst diving beetle, Thermonectus marmoratus, have a cluster of six stemmata (E1-6) and one eye patch on each side of the head. Each eye has two retinas: a distal retina that is closer to the lens, and a proximal retina that lies directly underneath. The distal retinas of E1 and E2 are made of a dorsal and a ventral stack of at least twelve photoreceptor layers. Could this arrangement be used to compensate for lens chromatic aberration, with shorter wavelengths detected by the distal layers and longer wavelengths by the proximal layers? To answer this question we molecularly identified opsins and their expression patterns in these eyes. We found three opsin-encoding genes. The distal retinas of all six eyes express long-wavelength opsin (TmLW) mRNA, whereas the proximal retinas express ultraviolet opsin (TmUV I) mRNA. In the proximal retinas of E1 and E2, the TmUV I mRNA is expressed only in the dorsal stack. A second ultraviolet opsin mRNA (TmUV II), is expressed in the proximal retinas of E1 and E2 (both stacks). The finding that longer-wavelength opsins are expressed distally to shorter-wavelength opsins makes it unlikely that this retinal arrangement is used to compensate for lens chromatic aberration. In addition, we also described opsin expression patterns in the medial retina of E1 and in the non-tiered retina of the lensless eye patch. To our knowledge, this is also the first report of multiple UV opsins being expressed in the same stemma.
The freshwater Amazonian stingray, Potamotrygon motoro, up-regulates glutamine synthetase activity and protein abundance, and accumulates glutamine when exposed to brackish (15‰) water
Authors: Ip Y. K. , Loong A. M. , Ching B. , Tham G. H. Y. , Wong W. P. , Chew S. F.
Published: November 2009

This study aimed to examine whether the stenohaline freshwater stingray, Potamotrygon motoro, which lacks a functional ornithine—urea cycle, would up-regulate glutamine synthetase (GS) activity and protein abundance, and accumulate glutamine during a progressive transfer from freshwater to brackish (15‰) water with daily feeding. Our results revealed that, similar to other freshwater teleosts, P. motoro performed hyperosmotic regulation, with very low urea concentrations in plasma and tissues, in freshwater. In 15‰ water, it was non-ureotelic and non-ureoosmotic, acting mainly as an osmoconformer with its plasma osmolality, [Na+] and [Cl−] comparable to those of the external medium. There were significant increases in the content of several free amino acids (FAAs), including glutamate, glutamine and glycine, in muscle and liver, but not in plasma, indicating that FAAs could contribute in part to cell volume regulation. Furthermore, exposure of P. motoro to 15‰ water led to up-regulation of GS activity and protein abundance in both liver and muscle. Thus, our results indicate for the first time that, despite the inability to synthesize urea and the lack of functional carbamoyl phosphate synthetase III (CPS III) which uses glutamine as a substrate, P. motoro retained the capacity to up-regulate the activity and protein expression of GS in response to salinity stress. Potamotrygon motoro was not nitrogen (N) limited when exposed to 15‰ water with feeding, and there were no significant changes in the amination and deamination activities of hepatic glutamate dehydrogenase. In contrast, P. motoro became N limited when exposed to 10‰ water with fasting and could not survive well in 15‰ water without food.
Carbonic anhydrase expression and CO2 excretion during early development in zebrafishDanio rerio
Authors: Gilmour K. M. , Thomas K. , Esbaugh A. J. , Perry S. F.
Published: November 2009

Carbonic anhydrase (CA) is critical for CO2 excretion in adult fish, but little is known of the expression or function of CA during early development. The present study examined the hypothesis that, as rates of CO2 production increased during early development in zebrafish (Danio rerio), CA would become necessary for effective CO2 excretion, and that the pattern of CA expression during early development would reflect this transition. Real-time RT-PCR was used to examine the mRNA expression of the two main intracellular CA isoforms over a time course of early development ranging from 0 to 120 h post fertilization (h.p.f.). The mRNA expression of zCAb was generally higher than that of zCAc, particularly during the earliest stages of development. Rates of CO2 excretion increased approximately 15-fold from 24 to 48 h.p.f. whereas rates of O2 uptake increased only 6.7-fold over the same period, indicating a relative stimulation of CO2 excretion over O2 uptake. Treatment of 48 h.p.f. larvae with the CA inhibitor acetazolamide resulted in CO2 excretion rates that were 52% of the value in control larvae, a significant difference that occurred in the absence of any effect on O2 uptake. Antisense morpholino oligonucleotides were used to selectively knock down one or both of the main intracellular CA isoforms. Subsequent measurement of gas transfer rates at 48 h.p.f. indicated that CA knockdown caused a significant relative inhibition of CO2 excretion over O2 uptake, regardless of which cytosolic CA isoform was targeted for knockdown. These results suggest that between 24 h.p.f. and 48 h.p.f., developing zebrafish begin to rely on CA to meet requirements for increased CO2 excretion.
Brood pheromone suppresses physiology of extreme longevity in honeybees (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Smedal B. , Brynem M. , Kreibich C. D. , Amdam G. V.
Published: November 2009

Honeybee (Apis mellifera) society is characterized by a helper caste of essentially sterile female bees called workers. Workers show striking changes in lifespan that correlate with changes in colony demography. When rearing sibling sisters (brood), workers survive for 3-6 weeks. When brood rearing declines, worker lifespan is 20 weeks or longer. Insects can survive unfavorable periods on endogenous stores of protein and lipid. The glyco-lipoprotein vitellogenin extends worker bee lifespan by functioning in free radical defense, immunity and behavioral control. Workers use vitellogenin in brood food synthesis, and the metabolic cost of brood rearing (nurse load) may consume vitellogenin stores and reduce worker longevity. Yet, in addition to consuming resources, brood secretes a primer pheromone that affects worker physiology and behavior. Odors and odor perception can influence invertebrate longevity but it is unknown whether brood pheromone modulates vitellogenin stores and survival. We address this question with a 2-factorial experiment where 12 colonies are exposed to combinations of absence vs presence of brood and brood pheromone. Over an age-course of 24 days, we monitor the amount of vitellogenin stored in workers' fat body (adipose tissue). Thereafter, we track colony survival for 200 days. We demonstrate that brood rearing reduces worker vitellogenin stores and colony long-term survival. Yet also, we establish that the effects can result solely from exposure to brood pheromone. These findings indicate that molecular systems of extreme lifespan regulation are integrated with the sensory system of honeybees to respond to variation in a primer pheromone secreted from larvae.
Isoform- and cell-specific function of tyrosine decarboxylase in theDrosophilaMalpighian tubule
Authors: Blumenthal Edward M.
Published: November 2009

The biogenic amine tyramine (TA) is a potent diuretic factor when applied to the Malpighian tubule (MT) of Drosophila melanogaster, stimulating both urine production and transepithelial chloride conductance. Isolated MTs can respond not only to TA but also to its precursor, tyrosine; this observation led to the proposal that MTs are able to synthesize TA from applied tyrosine through the action of the enzyme tyrosine decarboxylase (TDC). In the current study it is shown that the non-neuronal isoform of TDC, Tdc1, is expressed in the principal cells of the MT. A mutant allele of Tdc1, Tdc1f03311, was identified that reduced expression of the mature Tdc1 transcript by greater than 100-fold. MTs isolated from Tdc1f03311 homozygous flies showed no significant depolarization of their transepithelial potential (TEP) or diuresis in response to tyrosine while retaining normal sensitivity to TA. By contrast, a previously identified null mutant allele of the neuronal TDC isoform Tdc2 had no effect on either tyrosine or TA sensitivity. To determine in which cell type of the MT Tdc1 expression is required, flies were generated carrying a UAS-Tdc1 transgene and cell-type-specific Gal4 drivers on a Tdc1f03311 homozygous background. Rescue of Tdc1 expression in principal cells fully restored sensitivity to tyrosine whereas expression of Tdc1 in stellate cells had no rescuing effect. It is concluded that synthesis of TA by Tdc1 in the principal cells of the MT is required for physiological responses to tyrosine. TA synthesis in the MT is the first reported physiological role for Drosophila Tdc1.
The Rising Instability of U.S. Earnings
Authors: Gottschalk Peter , Moffitt Robert
Published: November 2009

The inequality of earnings and of family incomes in the United States has increased since the late 1970s. The large rise in earnings inequality between the 1970s and the 1990s could reflect either a rise in disparity of permanent incomes, a rise in earnings instability, or some portion of both. In this paper, we provide longitudinal measures that separate changes in income inequality into changes that permanently change income to new levels and those that only reflect transitory change. We refer to the latter as changes in “income instability” and discuss how the instability of individual earnings and family income in the United States has evolved— as whole as well as for different types of individuals and families—over the last quarter century. We consider alternative definitions of instability that have been proposed, and establish that all studies find that instability is considerably higher today than in the mid-1970s. This increase in instability is not a recent phenomenon. Earnings instability rose sharply in the late 1970s and early 1980s, then stabilized at these high levels through the recent period, although it may be increasing once again. We also discuss the factors that may be driving this increase in instability.
The Changing Selectivity of American Colleges
Authors: Hoxby Caroline M.
Published: November 2009

Over the past few decades, the average college has not become more selective: the reverse is true, though not dramatically. People who believe that college selectivity is increasing may be extrapolating from the experience of a small number of colleges such as members of the Ivy League, Stanford, Duke, and so on. These colleges have experienced rising selectivity, but their experience turns out to be the exception rather than the rule. Only the top 10 percent of colleges are substantially more selective now than they were in 1962. Moreover, at least 50 percent of colleges are substantially less selective now than they were in 1962. To understand changing selectivity, we must focus on how the market for college education has re-sorted students among schools as the costs of distance and information have fallen. In the past, students' choices were very sensitive to the distance of a college from their home, but today, students, especially high-aptitude students, are far more sensitive to a college's resources and student body. It is the consequent re-sorting of students among colleges that has, at once, caused selectivity to rise in a small number of colleges while simultaneously causing it to fall in other colleges. This has had profound implications for colleges' resources, tuition, and subsidies for students. I demonstrate that the stakes associated with choosing a college are greater today than they were four decades ago because very selective colleges are offering very large per-student resources and per-student subsidies, enabling admitted students to make massive human capital investments.
Managing risk to reputation
Authors: Boyd Mr Magnus
Published: November 2009

Doctors, particularly in aesthetic surgery, are increasingly under public and press scrutiny. This paper sets out how, and why, the press can influence the outcome of a professional investigation or the expression of anger by a disgruntled patient. Seven steps are set out which clinicians can follow to minimize the risk to their reputation.
France sets standards for practice of aesthetic surgery
Authors: Fogli Alain
Published: November 2009

Dr Alain Fogli is a member of the ISAPS Specialty Promotion Committee and ISAPS National Secretary for France. Dr Fogli has been Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Syndicate of Plastic Surgery in France for over five years. The National Syndicate is a National Union whose purpose is to protect the specialty and the Syndicate has an official spokesperson for the Government. Members of the Board of Directors are elected by French plastic surgeons. The changes initiated in France were in response to extensive publicity about cosmetic surgery that drew attention to the lack of traditional safeguards for patients. It became necessary for the Government to learn more about the field of cosmetic surgery, including its financial and safety aspects. The Government initiated an inquiry and the Syndicate was subsequently invited to participate in the writing new regulations. Dr Fogli and Dr Hepner met with the Health Minister to assist in formulating the regulations and the final proposition was put to Parliament and passed into Law.

The regulations are also designed to monitor the practice of cosmetic surgery and to avoid possible abuse.
Clinical risk in cosmetic surgery
Authors: Bradbury Eileen
Published: November 2009

Psychological issues are central to cosmetic surgery procedures. Motivation is driven by the aim of achieving improved psychological and social wellbeing. A poor technical outcome will undermine those aims in the normal population, but for those vulnerable individuals with underlying psychopathology or personality disorders, the risk to their psychological state can be significant. Some patients will always be at psychological risk, whatever the technical outcome, and are less able to make an informed consent to treatment.

This paper describes the types of psychological risk associated with specific procedures, and the psychiatric conditions most commonly found in the cosmetic surgery population.

Clinical guidelines are given for both patient and practitioner. Prospective patients are give advice on how to reduce their exposure to psychological risk, and practitioners are given guidelines on the selection of patients for procedures, and ways of developing referral pathways to mental health services where appropriate.
Adsorption of Phenol from Aqueous Solution onto Fly Ash from a Thermal Power Plant
Authors: Sharan Richa , Singh Gurdeep , Gupta Sunil K.
Published: November 2009

Phenol ranks as one of the most common hazardous pollutants present in water and industrial effluents. The object of the work describe herein was to assess the phenol adsorption capacity of fly ash under varying experimental conditions such as adsorbent dosage, pH, varying phenol concentration and contact time. The study showed that, at a phenol concentration of 100 mg/ℓ, the percentage removal of phenol was 95.69% at an optimum dosage of 7 g/ℓ fly ash. The effect of the initial phenol concentration indicated that the percentage phenol removal increased with increasing phenol concentration, being a maximum (98.08%) at a phenol concentration of 700 mg/ℓ. Further increase in phenol concentration (1000 mg/ℓ) resulted in a slight decrease in phenol removal. The adsorption of phenol also varied with the pH and was found to be a maximum at a pH value of 8. Adsorption equilibrium studies indicated that an equilibrium time of 2 h was necessary for the maximum removal of phenol. Isotherm studies showed that the adsorption of phenol onto fly ash was best described by the Langmuir isotherm relative to the Freundlich isotherm. Accordingly, the Langmuir adsorption coefficients, i.e. the maximum adsorption capacity (q0) and the Langmuir adsorption constant (KL) were evaluated and found to be 142.86 mg/g and 0.0199 ℓ/g, respectively. Analysis of the kinetic data indicated that the kinetics of phenol adsorption closely follow the pseudo-second-order model.