bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barfly: Sculpting membranes at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction
Authors: Oh Eugene , Robinson Iain
Published: May 2011

The ability of a cell to change the shape of its membranes is intrinsic to many cellular functions. Proteins that can alter or recognize curved membrane structures and those that can act to recruit other proteins which stabilize the membrane curvature are likely to be essential in cell functions. The BAR (Bin, amphiphysin, RVS167 homology) domain is a protein domain that can either induce lipidic membranes to curve or can sense curved membranes. BAR domains are found in several proteins at neuronal synapses. We will review BAR domain structure and the role that BAR domain containing proteins play in regulating the morphology and function of the Drosophila neuromuscular junction. In flies the BAR domain containing proteins, endophilin and syndapin affect synaptic vesicle endocytosis, whereas CIP4, dRich, nervous wreck and syndapin affect synaptic morphology. We will review the growing evidence implicating mutations in BAR domain containing proteins being the cause of human pathologies. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 72: 33–56, 2012
Genotyping of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains by interdelta sequence typing using automated microfluidics
Authors: Franco‐Duarte Ricardo , Mendes Inês , Gomes Ana Catarina , Santos Manuel A. S. , de Sousa Bruno , Schuller Dorit
Published: May 2011

Amplification of genomic sequences flanked by delta elements of retrotransposons TY1 and TY2 is a reliable method for characterization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains. The aim of this study is to evaluate the usefulness of microfluidic electrophoresis (Caliper LabChip®) to assess the factors that affect interlaboratory reproducibility of interdelta sequence typing for S. cerevisiae strain delimitation. We carried out experiments in two laboratories, using varying combinations of Taq DNA polymerases and thermal cyclers. The reproducibility of the technique is evaluated using non‐parametric statistical tests and we show that the source of Taq DNA polymerase and technical differences between laboratories have the highest impact on reproducibility, whereas thermal cyclers have little impact. We also show that the comparative analysis of interdelta patterns is more reliable when fragment sizes are compared than when absolute and relative DNA concentrations of each band are considered. Interdelta analysis based on a smaller fraction of bands with intermediate sizes between 100 and 1000 bp yields the highest reproducibility.
Antibacterial activity of stevioside towards food‐borne pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Puri Munish , Sharma Deepika
Published: May 2011

This study determines the inhibitory effect of Stevia rebaudiana leaf extracts and its purified bioactive compound ‘stevioside’ against food‐related pathogens. The S. rebaudiana solvent extracts (1000 μg/mL) displayed antibacterial activity to Serratia marcescens, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, B. subtilis, Alcaligenes denitrificans and Salmonella typhimurium. Of the six solvents, ethanol and acetone extracts displayed the highest zone of inhibition. The bioactive compound from S. rebaudiana was purified by solvent extraction, thin‐layer chromatography followed by structural characterization by spectroscopy evidence. Purified stevioside prevented the growth of tested bacterial species, i.e. B. subtilis, K. pneumoniae and S. typhimurium. Significant zone of inhibition (12 mm) was observed against B. cereus which proposes potential application of stevioside in foods to increase their shelf life.
Experimental and analytical study of the bi‐directional behavior of the triple friction pendulum isolator
Authors: Becker Tracy C. , Mahin Stephen A.
Published: May 2011

This paper presents a non‐linear, kinematic model for triple friction pendulum isolation bearings. The model, which incorporates coupled plasticity and circular restraining surfaces for all sliding surfaces, is capable of capturing bi‐directional behavior and is able to explicitly track the movement of each internal component. The model is general so that no conditions regarding bearing properties, which effect the sequence of sliding stages, are required for the validity of the model. Controlled‐displacement and seismic‐input experiments were conducted using the shake table at the University of California, Berkeley to assess the fidelity of the proposed model under bi‐directional motion. Comparison of the experimental data with the corresponding results of the kinematic model shows good agreement. Additionally, experiments showed that the performance of TFP bearings is reliable over many motions, and the behavior is repeatable even when initial slider offsets are present. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
2.62 Ga high‐temperature metamorphism in the central part of the Eastern Dharwar Craton: implications for late Archaean tectonothermal history
Authors: Jayananda M. , Banerjee M. , Pant N. C. , Dasgupta S. , Kano T. , Mahesha N. , Mahabaleswar B.
Published: May 2011

Aluminous metasediments occurring in the central part of the Eastern Dharwar Craton (EDC), southern India, develop contrasting mineral assemblages in closely spaced domains. Detailed petrographic, mineral chemical and geothermobarometry showed ‘peak’ metamorphic conditions of 780–820 °C and ~5 kbar that resulted in partial melting of biotite‐bearing protoliths. Initial bulk compositional heterogeneity and different degrees of melt extraction produced diverse restitic mineral assemblages. P–T pseudosections, constructed from effective bulk composition, and consideration of the sequence of mineral reactions, deduced from textural criteria, define a nearly isobaric heating–cooling P–T trajectory. Monazite in the metasediments has a detrital core age of 3161 ± 78 Ma and a metamorphic age of 2625 ± 26 Ma (EPMA chemical age), which is the first record of a pre‐2500 Ma high temperature–low pressure metamorphism event in the EDC. Based on age contemporaneity with the 2.7–2.62 Ga hot juvenile magmas of tonalite–trondhjemite–granodiorite (TTG)‐greenstone accretion and the deduced P–T history, we conclude that heat advecting from rising TTG magmas and mafic magmas (greenstones) as a consequence of mantle melting, resulted in a hot transient mid‐crust during a major late Archaean tectonothermal event in the Eastern Dharwar Craton. All the phenomena are consistent with a recently proposed model involving an arc setting during ridge subduction and consequent opening of a slab window. This study therefore provides new constraints on the thermal evolution of the Eastern Dharwar Craton. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A brain‐potential study of preparation for and execution of a task‐switch with stimuli that afford only the relevant task
Authors: Elchlepp Heike , Lavric Aureliu , Mizon Guy A. , Monsell Stephen
Published: May 2011

Behavioural and neurophysiological studies of task‐switching have tended to employ ‘bivalent’ stimuli (which afford responses in two tasks). Using brain potential recordings, we investigated task‐switching with ‘univalent’ stimuli affording responses in only one of the tasks, and compared the outcomes to those recently obtained with bivalent stimuli (Lavric et al. [2008]: Eur J Neurosci 1‐14), in order to examine two phenomena. First, when only univalent stimuli are presented, the processing of task cues becomes optional. Our results showed that in these circumstances linguistic (but not pictorial) cues were still effective in eliciting at least some degree of preparation for a task‐switch, as evidenced by the reduction in the error cost of switching at the longer preparation interval and by a posterior switch‐induced ERP positivity at about 450–800 ms in the cue‐stimulus interval. Second, single affordance stimuli not only reduced behavioural switch costs relative to bivalent stimuli; they also produced a smaller post‐stimulus switch‐induced negativity, consistent with the latter being a marker of conflict between task‐sets. However, using stimuli not associated with responses in the alternative task did not completely eliminate the negativity. We speculate that the residue reflects other sources of conflict: attention to the irrelevant perceptual dimension and/or persistence of task goals. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The absence of the calcium‐buffering protein calbindin is associated with faster age‐related decline in hippocampal metabolism
Authors: Moreno Herman , Burghardt Nesha S. , Vela‐Duarte Daniel , Masciotti James , Hua Fan , Fenton André A. , Schwaller Beat , Small Scott A.
Published: May 2011

Although reductions in the expression of the calcium‐buffering proteins calbindin D‐28K (CB) and parvalbumin (PV) have been observed in the aging brain, it is unknown whether these changes contribute to age‐related hippocampal dysfunction. To address this issue, we measured basal hippocampal metabolism and hippocampal structure across the lifespan of C57BL/6J, calbindin D‐28k knockout (CBKO) and parvalbumin knockout (PVKO) mice. Basal metabolism was estimated using steady state relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV), which is a variant of fMRI that provides the highest spatial resolution, optimal for the analysis of individual subregions of the hippocampal formation. We found that like primates, normal aging in C57BL/6J mice is characterized by an age‐dependent decline in rCBV‐estimated dentate gyrus (DG) metabolism. Although abnormal hippocampal fMRI signals were observed in CBKO and PVKO mice, only CBKO mice showed accelerated age‐dependent decline of rCBV‐estimated metabolism in the DG. We also found age‐independent structural changes in CBKO mice, which included an enlarged hippocampus and neocortex as well as global brain hypertrophy. These metabolic and structural changes in CBKO mice correlated with a deficit in hippocampus‐dependent learning in the active place avoidance task. Our results suggest that the decrease in CB that occurs during normal aging is involved in age‐related hippocampal metabolic decline. Our findings also illustrate the value of using multiple MRI techniques in transgenic mice to investigate mechanisms involved in the functional and structural changes that occur during aging. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The service climate‐firm performance chain: The role of customer retention
Authors: Towler Annette , Lezotte Daniel V. , Burke Michael J.
Published: May 2011

This study examines the role of customer retention as a mediator in the service climate–firm performance chain. Using a predictive design that involves data collected from 1,500 automotive service stores from 12,518 employees and approximately 30,000 customers, a model linking service climate (a concern for employees and customers), customer satisfaction, customer retention, and firm performance was tested. Notably, the results support the overall model and the hypothesized mediating effect of customer retention regarding the relationship between customer satisfaction and firm performance. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Knowledge transfer in multinationals: The role of inpatriates' boundary spanning
Authors: Reiche B. Sebastian
Published: May 2011

Viewing knowledge as rooted in individuals, this study investigates knowledge transfer in multinational corporations (MNCs) from an individual‐level perspective. Specifically, the author focuses on inpatriates as a particular group of knowledge actors in MNCs and examines the role of inpatriates' boundary spanning between their home unit and the headquarters for transferring their knowledge to headquarters staff. Based on a sample of 269 inpatriates in 10 German MNCs, the author found that inpatriates' boundary spanning is positively related to inpatriates' individual efforts to transfer knowledge and inpatriates' perceptions of HQ staff efforts to acquire subsidiary‐specific knowledge. Both perceived HQ absorptive capacity and mentoring by HQ staff moderate these relationships. This study's findings contribute to our understanding of the theoretical mechanisms through which MNC knowledge flows occur and highlight key requirements for the design of international staffing practices. ©2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Alignment, integration, and consistency in HRM across multi‐employer networks
Authors: Marchington Mick , Rubery Jill , Grimshaw Damian
Published: May 2011

Most studies of human resource management (HRM) have been conducted within the context of the single employing organization, which is strange given the recent growth in multi‐employer networks. In this study, the authors examine whether alignment, integration, and consistency—concepts central to or implicit in most analyses of HRM—has meaning and relevance in the multi‐employer context. They focus specifically on networks in which collaboration is intended to deliver high levels of product quality or customer service, precisely where one might expect employers would be attracted to “strong” HRM systems. Data was collected via interviews and document analysis in four networks, spanning both the public and private sectors in the United Kingdom. Despite a set of potentially favorable conditions within these networks to promote alignment, integration, and consistency, implementation was impeded by other equally powerful forces, including differences in employer goals within networks, especially between public and private sector organizations; intraorganizational tensions within internal labor markets for organizations involved in networks; using divergent HR policies between organizations within multi‐employer networks; and contradictions between the pursuit of “among employee” or “temporal” consistency for workers. Rather than prescribing a one‐size‐fits‐all solution for these problems, it is argued that detailed analysis of each network is necessary. ©2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vapor–liquid equilibrium of ammonia–water–lithium nitrate solutions
Authors: Sathyabhama A. , Ashok Babu T.P.
Published: May 2011

Experimental results on the pressure–temperature data for the NH3‐H2O binary and NH3‐H2O‐LiNO3 ternary solutions are reported. The pressure was varied between 100 and 800 kPa, while the mass fraction of ammonia was varied in the range 0–0.30. The lithium nitrate concentration of the solution was chosen in the range of 10–50% of mass ratio of lithium nitrate in pure water. An analytical equation for the equilibrium pressure as a function of temperature and concentration was obtained with a good fit to experimental data. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.20351
Numerical investigation of turbulent heat transfer in channels with detached rib‐arrays
Authors: Changcharoen Wayo , Eiamsa‐ard Smith
Published: May 2011

A numerical investigation is conducted to analyze the flow‐field and heat transfer characteristics in a rectangular passage of width‐to‐height ratio of 6:1 with detached ribs on one wall, where constant wall temperature condition is applied. The effect of detached‐rib geometry on heat transfer coefficient, friction factor, and thermal enhancement factor is investigated covering the range of the detached‐clearance ratios (c/a) of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4, the Reynolds number based on the channel hydraulic diameter ranges from 8000 to 24,000. The numerical results show that the flow‐field, temperature pattern, local Nusselt number distribution, average Nusselt number, and friction factor are strongly dependent on the detached‐clearance ratios. The thermal enhancement factor (TEF) under the same pumping power constraint is calculated in order to examine the overall effect of the detached‐clearance ratio. For the present range investigated, the maximum TEF of 1.22 is achieved by the use of the ribs with c/a of 0.1 at Reynolds number of 8000. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.20357
On seasonal approach to flood frequency modelling. Part II: flood frequency analysis of Polish rivers
Authors: Kochanek K. , Strupczewski W. G. , Bogdanowicz E.
Published: May 2011

The annual peak flow series of Polish rivers are mixtures of summer and winter flows. As Part II of a sequence of two papers, practical aspects of applicability of seasonal approach to flood frequency analysis (FFA) of Polish rivers are discussed. Taking A Two‐Component Extreme Value (TCEV1) model as an example it was shown in the first part that regardless of estimation method, the seasonal approach can give profit in terms of upper quantile estimation accuracy that rises with the return period of the quantile and is the greatest for no seasonal variation. In this part, an assessment of annual maxima (AM) versus seasonal maxima (SM) approach to FFA was carried out with respect to seasonal and annual peak flow series of 38 Polish gauging stations. First, the assumption of mutual independence of the seasonal maxima has been tested. The smoothness of SM and AM empirical probability distribution functions was analysed and compared. The TCEV1 model with seasonally estimated parameters was found to be not appropriate for most Polish data as it considerably underrates the skewness of AM distributions and upper quantile values as well. Consequently, the discrepancies between the SM and AM estimates of TCEV1 are observed. Taking SM and TCEV1 distribution, the dominating season in AM series was confronted with predominant season for extreme floods. The key argument for presumptive superiority of SM approach that SM samples are more statistically homogeneous than AM samples has not been confirmed by the data. An analysis of fitness to SM and AM of Polish datasets made for seven distributions pointed to Pearson (3) distribution as the best for AM and Summer Maxima, whereas it was impossible to select a single best model for winter samples. In the multi‐model approach to FFA, the tree functions, i.e., Pe(3), CD3 and LN3, should be involved for both SM and AM. As the case study, Warsaw gauge on the Vistula River was selected. While most of AM elements are here from winter season, the prevailing majority of extreme annual floods are the summer maxima. The upper quantile estimates got by means of classical annual and two‐season methods happen to be fairly close; what's more they are nearly equal to the quantiles calculated just for the season of dominating extreme floods. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On seasonal approach to flood frequency modelling. Part I: Two‐component distribution revisited
Authors: Strupczewski W. G. , Kochanek K. , Bogdanowicz E. , Markiewicz I.
Published: May 2011

The annual peak flow series of the Polish rivers are mixtures of summer and winter flows. In the Part I of a sequence of two papers, theoretical aspects of applicability of seasonal approach to flood frequency analysis (FFA) in Poland are discussed. A testing procedure is introduced for the seasonal model and the data overall fitness. Conditions for objective comparative assessment of accuracy of annual maxima (AM) and seasonal maxima (SM) approaches to FFA are formulated and finally Gumbel (EV1) distribution is chosen as seasonal distribution for detailed investigation. Sampling properties of AM quantile x(F) estimates are analysed and compared for the SM and AM models for equal seasonal variances. For this purpose, four estimation methods were used, employing both asymptotic approach and sampling experiments. Superiority of the SM over AM approach is stated evident in the upper quantile range, particularly for the case of no seasonal variation in the parameters of Gumbel distribution. In order to learn whether the standard two‐ and three‐parameter flood frequency distributions can be used to model the samples generated from the Two‐Component Extreme Value 1 (TCEV1) distribution, the shape of TCEV1 probability density function (PDF) has been tested in terms of bi‐modality. Then the use of upper quantile estimate obtained from the dominant season of extreme floods (DEFS) as AM upper quantile estimate is studied and respective systematic error is assessed. The second part of the paper deals with advantages and disadvantages of SM and AM approach when applied to real flow data of Polish rivers. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of potential subsidence related to pumping in the Almería basin (SE Spain)
Authors: Pulido‐Bosch Antonio , Delgado José , Sola Fernando , Vallejos Ángela , Vicente Fernando , López‐Sánchez Juan M. , Mallorquí Jordi J.
Published: May 2011

Ground subsidence of detrital deposits in the Almería basin (SE Spain) was studied using the remote sensing technique of Differential Interferometry SAR (DInSAR). This basin is one of the most arid in Europe, receiving an average rainfall of 250 mm per year. Over the last 60 years the region has experienced an enormous agricultural and urban expansion, whose water demand has been largely supplied from groundwater, leading to the current situation of overexploitation of water resources. This paper outlines the likely relationship between groundwater abstraction and subsidence. To this end, 34 ERS and Envisat images, taken between 2003 and 2009, were analysed to estimate ground surface deformations, and hence, compared with water table variations measured in a number of piezometers in the basin. The analysis shows a clear parallelism between the variations in piezometric level and deformation of the ground surface. In addition, the zones of greatest subsidence coincide with those areas where groundwater abstractions are concentrated. Subsidence over the examined period varies from 10 to 30 mm, with extreme values as high as 50 mm, which translates to a rate of between 1·7 and 5 mm/year, reaching maximum rates of 8 mm/year at some points. Given such subsidence rates, damage to urban infrastructures are, for the moment, incipient. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Floodplain hydrology of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Authors: Hung Nguyen Nghia , Delgado José Miguel , Tri Vo Khac , Hung Le Manh , Merz Bruno , Bárdossy András , Apel Heiko
Published: May 2011

The Mekong Delta is one of the largest and most intensively used estuaries in the world. Each year it witnesses widespread flooding which is both the basis of the livelihood for more than 17 million people but also the major hazard. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the hydrologic and hydraulic features is urgently required for various planning purposes. While the general causes and characteristics of the annual floods are understood, the inundation dynamics in the floodplains in Vietnam which are highly controlled by dikes and other control structures have not been investigated in depth. Especially, quantitative analyses are lacking, mainly due to scarce data about the inundation processes in the floodplains. Therefore, a comprehensive monitoring scheme for channel and floodplain inundation was established in a study area in the Plain of Reeds in the northeastern part of the Vietnamese Delta. This in situ data collection was complemented by a series of high‐resolution inundation maps derived from the TerraSAR‐X satellite for the flood seasons 2008 and 2009. Hence, the inundation dynamics in the channels and floodplains, and the interaction between channels and floodplains, could be quantified for the first time. The study identifies the strong human interference which is governed by flood protection levels, cropping patterns and communal water management. In addition, we examine the tidal influence on the inundation in various parts of the Delta, since it is expected that climate change‐induced sea level rise will increase the tidal contribution to floodplain inundation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The synergistic therapeutic effect of cisplatin with Human papillomavirus E6/E7 short interfering RNA on cervical cancer cell lines in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Jung Hun Soon , Erkin Ozgur Cem , Kwon Mi Jeong , Kim Seok Hyung , Jung Jae In , Oh Yu‐Kyoung , Her Song Wook , Ju Woong , Choi Yoon‐La , Song Sang Yong , Kim Joong Kyu , Kim Young Deug , Shim Ga Yong , Shin Young Kee
Published: May 2011

Human papillomavirus (HPV) types 16 and 18 are the major etiologic factors in the development of cervical epithelial neoplasia. Our study was designed to validate antiviral short interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting the E6 and E7 oncogenes as a potential chemosensitizer of cisplatin (cis‐diaminedichloroplatinum II; CDDP) in cervical carcinoma. Specifically, the therapeutic efficacy of combination of CDDP and E6/E7‐specific siRNA was assessed in an in vivo cervical cancer xenograft models. The combination of CDDP and E6/E7‐specific siRNA had greater efficacy than the combination of CDDP and E6‐specific siRNA especially in terms of inducing cellular senescence. Through in vitro and in vivo experiments, the mechanism of synergy between these two treatments was revealed, demonstrating that the combination of E6/E7‐specific siRNA and CDDP therapy was significantly superior to either modality alone. In vitro, long‐term exposure of HeLa cells to the combination of CDDP and E6/E7‐specific siRNA induced apoptosis and cellular senescence. In vivo, E6/E7‐specific siRNA potentiated the antitumor efficacy of CDDP via induction of apoptosis, senescence and antiangiogenesis. Our results suggest that E6/E7‐specific siRNA may be an effective sensitizer of CDDP chemotherapy in cervical cancer.
High throughput sequencing reveals diversity of Human Papillomaviruses in cutaneous lesions
Authors: Ekström Johanna , Bzhalava Davit , Svenback Daniel , Forslund Ola , Dillner Joakim
Published: May 2011

There are at least 120 completely characterized human papillomavirus (HPV) types and putative new types are continuously found. Both squamous cell carcinoma of the skin (SCC) and other skin lesions commonly contain multiple cutaneous HPV types. The objective of this study was to achieve an improved resolution of the diversity of HPV types in lesions such as SCCs, actinic keratoses (AKs) and keratoacanthomas (KAs). Fresh frozen biopsies from 37 SCC lesions, 36 AK lesions and 92 KA lesions and swab samples from the top of the lesion from 86 SCCs and 92 AKs were amplified using the general HPV primers FAP and mixed to three pools followed by high throughput sequencing. We obtained 2196 reads with homology to HPV. In the pool of SCC/AK biopsies 48 different HPV types were found. Eighty‐three types were found in the pool of SCC/AK swab samples and 64 types in the KA biopsies, respectively. For 9 novel putative HPV types most of the amplimer sequence was obtained, whereas for an additional 35 novel putative HPV types only partial amplimer sequences were obtained. Most of the novel putative types belonged to the genus Gamma. In conclusion, high throughput sequencing was an effective means to identify both known and previously unknown HPV types in putatively HPV‐associated lesions and has revealed an extended diversity of HPV types.
Mammographic density and risk of breast cancer by adiposity: An analysis of four case‐control studies
Authors: Conroy Shannon M. , Woolcott Christy G. , Koga Karin R. , Byrne Celia , Nagata Chisato , Ursin Giske , Vachon Celine M. , Yaffe Martin J. , Pagano Ian , Maskarinec Gertraud
Published: May 2011

The association of mammographic breast density with breast cancer risk may vary by adiposity. To examine effect modification by body mass index (BMI), the authors standardized mammographic density data from four case‐control studies (1994–2002) conducted in California, Hawaii and Minnesota and Gifu, Japan. The 1,699 cases and 2,422 controls included 45% Caucasians, 40% Asians and 9% African‐Americans. Using ethnic‐specific BMI cut points, 34% were classified as overweight and 19% as obese. A single reader assessed density from mammographic images using a computer‐assisted method. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) while adjusting for potential confounders. Modest heterogeneity in the relation between percent density and breast cancer risk across studies was observed (pheterogeneity = 0.08). Cases had a greater age‐adjusted mean percent density than controls: 31.7% versus 28.5%, respectively (p <0.001). Relative to <20 percent density, the ORs for >35 were similar across BMI groups whereas the OR for 20‐35 was slightly higher in overweight (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.28, 2.24) and obese (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.12, 2.33) than in normal weight women (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.11, 2.01). Furthermore, limited evidence of effect modification by BMI of the OR per 10% increase in percent density (pinteraction = 0.06) was observed, including subgroup analyses by menopausal status and in analyses that excluded women at the extremes of the BMI scale. Our findings indicate little, if any, modification by BMI of the effects of breast density on breast cancer risk.
Overexpression of NaV1.6 channels is associated with the invasion capacity of human cervical cancer
Authors: Hernandez‐Plata Everardo , Ortiz Cindy S. , Marquina‐Castillo Brenda , Medina‐Martinez Ingrid , Alfaro Ana , Berumen Jaime , Rivera Manuel , Gomora Juan C.
Published: May 2011

Functional activity of voltage‐gated sodium channels (VGSC) has been associated to the invasion and metastasis behaviors of prostate, breast and some other types of cancer. We previously reported the functional expression of VGSC in primary cultures and biopsies derived from cervical cancer (CaC). Here, we investigate the relative expression levels of VGSC subunits and its possible role in CaC. Quantitative real‐time PCR revealed that mRNA levels of NaV1.6 α‐subunit in CaC samples were ∼40‐fold higher than in noncancerous cervical (NCC) biopsies. A NaV1.7 α‐subunit variant also showed increased mRNA levels in CaC (∼20‐fold). All four NaVβ subunits were also detected in CaC samples, being NaVβ1 the most abundant. Proteins of NaV1.6 and NaV1.7 α‐subunits were immunolocalized in both NCC and CaC biopsies and in CaC primary cultures as well; however, although in NCC sections proteins were mainly relegated to the plasma membrane, in CaC biopsies and primary cultures the respective signal was stronger and widely distributed in both cytoplasm and plasma membrane. Functional activity of NaV1.6 channels in the plasma membrane of CaC cells was confirmed by whole‐cell patch‐clamp experiments using Cn2, a NaV1.6‐specific toxin, which blocked ∼30% of the total sodium current. Blocking of sodium channels VGSC with tetrodotoxin and Cn2 did not affect proliferation neither migration, but reduced by ∼20% the invasiveness of CaC primary culture cells in vitro assays. We conclude that NaV1.6 is upregulated in CaC and could serve as a novel molecular marker for the metastatic behavior of this carcinoma.
Bistable switch in migration stimulating factor expression: Regulation by the concerted signalling of transforming growth factor‐β1 and the extracellular matrix
Authors: Schor Seth L. , Ellis Ian R. , Jones Sarah J. , Woolston Anne‐Marie , Schor Ana M.
Published: May 2011

Migration stimulating factor (MSF) is an oncofetal motogenic/angiogenic cytokine constitutively expressed by epithelial and stromal cells in fetal and neoplastic tissues. Fibroblasts derived from healthy adult skin do not express MSF but can be induced to do so by treatment with transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1). As the bioactivities of both MSF and TGF‐β1 are modulated by the extracellular matrix, we investigated whether the induction of MSF expression by TGF‐β1 is also matrix dependent. We now report that adult fibroblasts are induced to express MSF by a transient treatment with TGF‐β1 (as short as 2 hr) but only when the cells are adherent to a “wound” matrix, such as denatured type I collagen, fibrin or plastic tissue culture dishes. Unexpectedly, this induction of MSF expression persists unabated for the entire subsequent lifespan of the treated cells in the absence of further TGF‐β1 and irrespective of the substratum. Such “activated” MSF expression may, however, be persistently switched off again by a second transient exposure to TGF‐β1 but this time only when the cells are adherent to a “healthy” matrix of native type I collagen. Significantly, the constitutive expression of MSF by fetal and cancer patient fibroblasts could also be persistently switched off by this means. We conclude that TGF‐β1 may both switch on and switch off MSF expression in a manner critically determined by the nature of the matrix substratum and suggest that this may be a possible mechanism underlying the observed dual functionality of TGF‐β1 as both a tumour suppressor and tumour promoter.
MODELLING DRAINAGE WATER SALINITY FOR AGRICULTURAL LANDS UNDER LEACHING USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS
Authors: KAshefipour S.M. , Sadr M.K. , Naseri A.A.
Published: May 2011

In this study, an artificial neural network (ANN) method was applied to model the electrical conductivity (EC) of drainage water, based on the effects of irrigation water quality parameters such as HCO3‐, Cl‐, SO42‐, Ca2+, Ma2+, Na+, area information (leaching area and planted area), weather conditions (temperature, evaporation and precipitation) and time (days and years of system in operation). Data (312 sets) for the years 2001–2008 were available from a site located in Shoeibieh, south‐west Iran. About 70% of these data were applied to train the model, 20% for verification and about 10% were used for a final test of the ANN model produced. Many runs were carried out with different combinations of the parameters. Comparison of the results obtained for the training, validation and test patterns with the corresponding measured values showed relatively good agreement between both sets of EC values. It was also found that the most important parameters for EC simulation were the years after leaching started and the water salinity of the Karoon River, the main water supply for these lands. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adipose tissue‐derived stem cells display a proangiogenic phenotype on 3D scaffolds
Authors: Neofytou Evgenios A. , Chang Edwin , Patlola Bhagat , Joubert Lydia‐Marie , Rajadas Jayakumar , Gambhir Sanjiv S. , Cheng Zhen , Robbins Robert C. , Beygui Ramin E.
Published: May 2011

Ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Recent studies suggest that adipose tissue‐derived stem cells (ASCs) can be used as a potential source for cardiovascular tissue engineering due to their ability to differentiate along the cardiovascular lineage and to adopt a proangiogenic phenotype. To understand better ASCs' biology, we used a novel 3D culture device. ASCs' and b.END‐3 endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and vessel morphogenesis were significantly enhanced compared to 2D culturing techniques. ASCs were isolated from inguinal fat pads of 6‐week‐old GFP+/BLI+ mice. Early passage ASCs cells (P3‐P4), PKH26‐labeled murine b.END‐3 cells or a co‐culture of ASCs and b.END‐3 cells were seeded at a density of 1 × 105 on three different surface configurations: (a) a 2D surface of tissue culture plastic, (b) Matrigel, and (c) a highly porous 3D scaffold fabricated from inert polystyrene. VEGF expression, cell proliferation, and tubulization, were assessed using optical microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, 3D confocal microscopy, and SEM imaging (n = 6). Increased VEGF levels were seen in conditioned media harvested from co‐cultures of ASCs and b.END‐3 on either Matrigel or a 3D matrix. Fluorescence, confocal, SEM, bioluminescence revealed improved cell, proliferation, and tubule formation for cells seeded on the 3D polystyrene matrix. Collectively, these data demonstrate that co‐culturing ASCs with endothelial cells in a 3D matrix environment enable us to generate prevascularized tissue‐engineered constructs. This can potentially help us to surpass the tissue thickness limitations faced by the tissue engineering community today. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2011.
Reduction of protein adsorption and macrophage and astrocyte adhesion on ventricular catheters by polyethylene glycol and N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine
Authors: Harris Carolyn A. , Resau James H. , Hudson Eric A. , West Richard A. , Moon Candice , Black Andrew D. , McAllister James P.
Published: May 2011

Cellular obstruction of poly(dimethyl)siloxane (PDMS) catheters is one of the most prevalent causes of shunt failure in the treatment of hydrocephalus. By modifying PDMS using short‐ and long‐chain mono‐functional polyethylene glycol (PEG604 and PEG5K, respectively) and N‐acetyl‐L‐cysteine via adsorption and covalent binding (NAC and NAC/EDC/NHS, respectively), we increased surface wettability. We hypothesized that these surface modifications would inhibit protein adsorption and decrease host macrophage and astrocyte adhesion. Tested in a bioreactor set to mimic physiological flow, all modified surfaces significantly decreased albumin adsorption compared with PDMS (p < 0.05) except for PEG604‐modified PDMS (p = 0.14). All four modification strategies significantly reduced (p < 0.01) fibronectin adsorption. PEG604, PEG5K, NAC, and NAC/EDC/NHS reduced the average level of macrophage adhesion by 53%, 63%, 40%, and 58% (p <.0.05 except when comparing PDMS with NAC) and astrocyte adhesion by 47%, 83%, 91%, and 72% (p < 0.05 except when comparing PDMS with PEG604), respectively. Combined with saline soak results which suggest that the surface wettability is stable over 30 days for each modification, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that these modifications decrease cell adhesion on catheters in vitro for the treatment of hydrocephalus. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2011.
Stereo‐specific inhibition of acetyl‐ and butyryl‐cholinesterases by enantiomers of cis,cis‐decahydro‐2‐naphthyl‐N‐n‐butylcarbamate
Authors: Lin Ming‐Cheng , Yeh Shyh‐Jei , Chen I‐Ru , Lin Gialih
Published: May 2011

Enantiomers of cis,cis‐decahydro‐2‐naphthyl‐N‐n‐butylcarbamate show stereo‐specific inhibition for acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. For both inhibition reaction, (2S,4aR,8aS)‐cis,cis‐decahydro‐2‐naphthyl‐N‐n‐ butylcarbamate is more potent than (2R,4aS,8aR)‐cis,cis‐decahydro‐2‐naphthyl‐N‐n‐butylcarbamate. Optically pure (2S,4aR,8aS)‐(−)‐ and (2R,4aS,8aR)‐(+)‐cis,cis‐decahydro‐2‐naphthols are resolved by the porcine pancreatic lipase‐catalyzed acetylation of decahydro‐2‐naphthols with vinyl acetate. Absolute configurations and the enantiomeric excess values of (2S,4aR,8aS)‐(−)‐ and (2R,4aS,8aR)‐(+)‐cis,cis‐decahydro‐2‐naphthols are determined from the 19F NMR spectra of their Mosher's ester derivatives. We fail to resolve (2S,4aR,8aR)‐ and (2R,4aS,8aS)‐trans,cis‐decahydro‐2‐naphthols from the porcine pancreatic lipase‐catalyzed acetylation of decahydro‐2‐naphthols with vinyl acetate. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 25:330–339, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.20394
Re‐establishment of biting mouthparts in desert‐living dung beetles (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) feeding on plant litter—Old structures reacquired or new ones evolved?
Authors: Holter Peter , Scholtz Clarke H.
Published: May 2011

Evolution of mouthparts in adult dung beetles (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) for eating moist, fresh dung was linked with a loss of the ability to chew. However, the desert‐living genus Pachysoma, probably evolved from a wet‐dung feeding, Scarabaeus‐like ancestor, has switched to a diet of dry fecal pellets (of rodents or small ruminants) and plant litter that requires re‐establishment of chewing. Indeed, gut contents of a litter‐feeding Pachysoma species indicate efficient food comminution. Based on scanning electron microscopy, cutting and grinding mouthpart structures in six Pachysoma species, of two lineages and with different food preferences, are described and compared with homologous structures in wet‐dung feeding Scarabaeus species. In Pachysoma, cutting and breaking of large food items is probably performed by a clypeal scraper, a prominent epipharyngeal tooth and large maxillary galeal hooks. Further comminution is achieved by a large, grinding area evolved on the mandibular molae. Interspecific differences and the probable function and evolution of these structures are discussed. Particularly, the unique tools for cutting/breaking are completely novel structures and not results of some reacquisition of normal biting mouthparts. J. Morphol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Finite element modeling of shell shape in the freshwater turtle Pseudemys concinna reveals a trade‐off between mechanical strength and hydrodynamic efficiency
Authors: Rivera Gabriel , Stayton C. Tristan
Published: May 2011

Aquatic species can experience different selective pressures on morphology in different flow regimes. Species inhabiting lotic regimes often adapt to these conditions by evolving low‐drag (i.e., streamlined) morphologies that reduce the likelihood of dislodgment or displacement. However, hydrodynamic factors are not the only selective pressures influencing organismal morphology and shapes well suited to flow conditions may compromise performance in other roles. We investigated the possibility of morphological trade‐offs in the turtle Pseudemys concinna. Individuals living in lotic environments have flatter, more streamlined shells than those living in lentic environments; however, this flatter shape may also make the shells less capable of resisting predator‐induced loads. We tested the idea that “lotic” shell shapes are weaker than “lentic” shell shapes, concomitantly examining effects of sex. Geometric morphometric data were used to transform an existing finite element shell model into a series of models corresponding to the shapes of individual turtles. Models were assigned identical material properties and loaded under identical conditions, and the stresses produced by a series of eight loads were extracted to describe the strength of the shells. “Lotic” shell shapes produced significantly higher stresses than “lentic” shell shapes, indicating that the former is weaker than the latter. Females had significantly stronger shell shapes than males, although these differences were less consistent than differences between flow regimes. We conclude that, despite the potential for many‐to‐one mapping of shell shape onto strength, P. concinna experiences a trade‐off in shell shape between hydrodynamic and mechanical performance. This trade‐off may be evident in many other turtle species or any other aquatic species that also depend on a shell for defense. However, evolution of body size may provide an avenue of escape from this trade‐off in some cases, as changes in size can drastically affect mechanical performance while having little effect on hydrodynamic performance. J. Morphol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Activity of the ovarian germinal epithelium in the freshwater catfish,Pimelodus maculatus(Teleostei: Ostariophysi: Siluriformes): Germline cysts, follicle formation and oocyte development
Authors: Quagio‐Grassiotto Irani , Grier Harry , Mazzoni Talita Sarah , Nóbrega Rafael Henrique , de Arruda Amorim João Paulo
Published: May 2011

Distinct types of oogonia are found in the germinal epithelium that borders the ovarian lamellae ofPimelodus maculatus: A‐undifferentiated, A‐differentiated and B‐oogonia. This is similar to the situation observed for spermatogonia in the vertebrate testis. The single A‐undifferentiated oogonia divide by mitosis giving rise to A‐groups of single differentiated oogonia, each enclosed by epithelial cells that are prefollicle cells. Subsequently, the single A‐differentiated oogonia proliferate to generate B‐oogonia that are interconnected by cytoplasmic bridges, hence, forming germline cysts. The prefollicle cells associated with them also divide. Within the germline cysts, B‐oogonia enter meiosis becoming oocytes. Meiotic prophase and early folliculogenesis occur within the germline cysts. During folliculogenesis, prefollicle cells grow between the oocytes, encompassing and individualizing each of them. The intercellular bridges disappear, and the germline cysts are broken down. Next, a basement membrane begins to form around the nascent follicle, separating an oocyte and its associated prefollicle cells from the cell nest. Folliculogenesis is completed when the oocyte and the now follicle cells are totally encompassed by a basement membrane. Cells derived from the ovarian stroma encompass the newly‐formed ovarian follicle, and become the theca, thereby completing the formation of the follicle complex. Follicle complexes remain attached to the germinal epithelium as they share a portion of basement membrane. This attachment site is where the oocyte is released during ovulation. The postovulatory follicle complex is continuous with the germinal epithelium as both are supported by a continuous basement membrane. The findings inP. maculatusreinforce the hypothesis that ovarian follicle formation represents a conserved process throughout vertebrate evolution. J. Morphol. 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
GCM projections for the Pacific Decadal Oscillation under greenhouse forcing for the early 21st century
Authors: Lapp Suzan L. , St. Jacques Jeannine‐Marie , Barrow Elaine M. , Sauchyn David J.
Published: May 2011

The climatology and hydrology of western North America display strong periodic cycles which are correlated with the low‐frequency Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). The PDO's signature is seen throughout the entire North Pacific region, with related significant associations to hydrology and ecology in western North America and northeastern Asia. Therefore, the status of the PDO in a warmer world caused by anthropogenic climate change is of great interest. We developed early 21st‐century projections of the PDO, using data from archived runs of the most recent high‐resolution global climate models from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report (Phase 3 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project). Because of the geographical adjacency and hypothesized interactions between the PDO and the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and between the PDO and the North Atlantic Oscillation/Arctic Oscillation (NAO/AO), we also developed concurrent projections of ENSO and the NAO and examined their relationships with the projected PDO. For the B1, A1B and A2 Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (SRES) emission scenarios, the PDO projections for 2000–2050 showed a weak multi‐model mean shift towards more occurrences of the negative phase PDO, which becomes statistically significant for the time period 2000–2099. However, not all the models showed a consistent shift to negative PDO conditions. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
A new method for abrupt dynamic change detection of correlated time series
Authors: He Wenping , Feng Guolin , Wu Qiong , He Tao , Wan Shiquan , Chou Jifan
Published: May 2011

On the basis of detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA), a new method, moving cut data‐DFA (MC‐DFA), was presented to detect abrupt dynamic change in correlated time series. The numerical tests show the capability of the presented method to detect abrupt change time‐instants in model time series generated by Logistic map. Moving DFA (MDFA) and approximate entropy (ApEn) can provide some information such as a single time‐instant of abrupt dynamic change, but both of them cannot exactly detect all of the abrupt change regions. Some traditional methods, such as moving t‐test, Cramer method, Mann–Kendall test and Yamamoto method, even cannot provide any information of abrupt dynamic change in these model time series. Meanwhile, results showed that windows sizes and strong noise have some less effect on the MC‐DFA results. In summary, MC‐DFA provides a reliable measure to detect the abrupt dynamic change in correlated time series, and perfectively make up the deficiencies of MDFA and ApEn. The applications in daily surface air pressure records further verify the validity of the present method. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society