bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The changing effects of Alaska’s boreal forests on the climate systemThis article is one of a selection of papers from The Dynamics of Change in Alaska’s Boreal Forests: Resilience and Vulnerability in Response to Climate Warming.
Authors: Euskirchen E.S. , McGuire A.D. , Chapin F.S. , Rupp T.S.
Published: July 2010

In the boreal forests of Alaska, recent changes in climate have influenced the exchange of trace gases, water, and energy between these forests and the atmosphere. These changes in the structure and function of boreal forests can then feed back to impact regional and global climates. In this manuscript, we examine the type and magnitude of the climate feedbacks from boreal forests in Alaska. Research generally suggests that the net effect of a warming climate is a positive regional feedback to warming. Currently, the primary positive climate feedbacks are likely related to decreases in surface albedo due to decreases in snow cover. Fewer negative feedbacks have been identified, and they may not be large enough to counterbalance the large positive feedbacks. These positive feedbacks are most pronounced at the regional scale and reduce the resilience of the boreal vegetation – climate system by amplifying the rate of regional warming. Given the recent warming in this region, the large variety of associated mechanisms that can alter terrestrial ecosystems and influence the climate system, and a reduction in the boreal forest resilience, there is a strong need to continue to quantify and evaluate the feedback pathways.
The role of mosses in ecosystem succession and function in Alaska’s boreal forestThis article is one of a selection of papers from The Dynamics of Change in Alaska’s Boreal Forests: Resilience and Vulnerability in Response to Climate Warming.
Authors: Turetsky Merritt R. , Mack Michelle C. , Hollingsworth Teresa N. , Harden Jennifer W.
Published: July 2010

Shifts in moss communities may affect the resilience of boreal ecosystems to a changing climate because of the role of moss species in regulating soil climate and biogeochemical cycling. Here, we use long-term data analysis and literature synthesis to examine the role of moss in ecosystem succession, productivity, and decomposition. In Alaskan forests, moss abundance showed a unimodal distribution with time since fire, peaking 30–70 years post-fire. We found no evidence of mosses compensating for low vascular productivity in low-fertility sites at large scales, although a trade-off between moss and vascular productivity was evident in intermediate-productivity sites. Mosses contributed 48% and 20% of wetland and upland productivity, respectively, but produced tissue that decomposed more slowly than both nonwoody and woody vascular tissues. Increasing fire frequency in Alaska is likely to favor feather moss proliferation and decrease Sphagnum abundance, which will reduce soil moisture retention and decrease peat accumulation, likely leading to deeper burning during wildfire and accelerated permafrost thaw. The roles of moss traits in regulating key aspects of boreal performance (ecosystem N supply, C sequestration, permafrost stability, and fire severity) represent critical areas for understanding the resilience of Alaska’s boreal forest region under changing climate and disturbance regimes.
Resilience of Alaska’s boreal forest to climatic changeThis article is one of a selection of papers from The Dynamics of Change in Alaska’s Boreal Forests: Resilience and Vulnerability in Response to Climate Warming.
Authors: Chapin F.S. , McGuire A.D. , Ruess R.W. , Hollingsworth T.N. , Mack M.C. , Johnstone J.F. , Kasischke E.S. , Euskirchen E.S. , Jones J.B. , Jorgenson M.T. , Kielland K. , Kofinas G.P. , Turetsky M.R. , Yarie J. , Lloyd A.H. , Taylor D.L.
Published: July 2010

This paper assesses the resilience of Alaska’s boreal forest system to rapid climatic change. Recent warming is associated with reduced growth of dominant tree species, plant disease and insect outbreaks, warming and thawing of permafrost, drying of lakes, increased wildfire extent, increased postfire recruitment of deciduous trees, and reduced safety of hunters traveling on river ice. These changes have modified key structural features, feedbacks, and interactions in the boreal forest, including reduced effects of upland permafrost on regional hydrology, expansion of boreal forest into tundra, and amplification of climate warming because of reduced albedo (shorter winter season) and carbon release from wildfires. Other temperature-sensitive processes for which no trends have been detected include composition of plant and microbial communities, long-term landscape-scale change in carbon stocks, stream discharge, mammalian population dynamics, and river access and subsistence opportunities for rural indigenous communities. Projections of continued warming suggest that Alaska’s boreal forest will undergo significant functional and structural changes within the next few decades that are unprecedented in the last 6000 years. The impact of these social–ecological changes will depend in part on the extent of landscape reorganization between uplands and lowlands and on policies regulating subsistence opportunities for rural communities.
Uncertainty assessment of forest road modeling with the Distributed Hydrology Soil Vegetation Model (DHSVM)
Authors: Surfleet Christopher G. , Skaugset Arne E. , McDonnell Jeffrey J.
Published: July 2010

We used a generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation procedure with the Distributed Hydrology Soil Vegetation Model (DHSVM) for two streamflow and 11 road ditchflow locations. We observed considerable uncertainty in DHSVM simulations of forest road and stream runoff. The accuracy of simulations decreased as the size of the area modeled decreased. For streamflow, 44% of attempted model structures exceeded a 0.5 Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency threshold for a 630 ha catchment; 12% of attempted model structures exceeded a 0.5 Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency threshold for a 55 ha catchment. DHSVM simulations produced behavioral model structures for only six of the 11 road ditchflow sites (<10 ha). Cumulative distribution functions of parameter values did not indicate specific parameter ranges of parameter values across all locations, indicating that parameter values in DHSVM are influenced by their interaction with other parameters. The sensitivity of parameters and the range of that sensitivity varied across simulations of road ditchflow and streamflow. DHSVM simulations for two streamflow locations varied outside the uncertainty bounds for 10%–22% of storm volumes and 12%–22% of peak flows, respectively. Twenty-eight percent to 52% of storm volumes and 28%–48% of peak flows were outside the uncertainty bounds for the six road ditchflow locations.
Adsorption of the herbicide terbuthylazine across a range of New Zealand forestry soils
Authors: Watt Michael S. , Wang Hailong , Rolando Carol A. , Zaayman Morkel , Martin Katrina
Published: July 2010

The growing importance of environmental certification in plantation forestry is increasing the pressure to discontinue the use of chemicals including herbicides classified as highly hazardous. One of these herbicides is terbuthylazine, a triazine used widely to control a broad range of weeds in plantation forests in New Zealand. Using soil samples obtained from a national trial series, the key objectives of this study were to (i) determine the variation in soil adsorption of terbuthylazine as measured by distribution constant (Kd) across a range of soil types and (ii) develop a multiple regression model to predict Kd from key soil chemical properties. Across the 34 sampled sites, Kd averaged 21.9 L·kg–1 and ranged 38-fold from 3.9 to 146.7 L·kg–1. There was a highly significant (P < 0.0001) relationship between organic carbon and Kd, which was best described by a power function, that explained 86% of the variance in Kd. Addition of pH to the model using an exponential decay function was significant and increased the R2 for the model to 0.99. Across soil orders, Kd varied significantly by 10-fold. Values of Kd were lowest on Raw and Recent soil orders, which have low soil organic carbon and a relatively high pH.
A LEAST-SQUARES MODEL TO ORTHOGONAL LINEAR DISCRIMINANT ANALYSIS
Authors: ZHANG TAIPING , FANG BIN , TANG YUAN YAN , SHANG ZHAOWEI , HE GUANGHUI
Published: July 2010

Orthogonal transformation can delete the correlations among candidate features such that the extracted features do not disturb each other. An orthogonal set of discriminant vectors is more powerful than the classical discriminant vectors. In this paper, we present a new orthogonal linear discriminant analysis (OLDA) model based on least-squares approximation called LS-OLDA for pattern classification, which aims to find an orthogonal transformation W and a diagonal matrix D such that the difference between [Formula: see text] and WDWT is minimized in the least-squares sense, and the trace of D is maximized simultaneously. Theoretical analysis shows that the proposed model coincides with classical OLDA criterion. The experimental results on different standard data sets compared with related methods show that LS-OLDA achieves or approximates closely to the best accuracy, and has lower computational cost.
EVALUATION FRAMEWORK FOR K-BEST SPHERE DECODERS
Authors: SHEN CHUNG-AN , ELTAWIL AHMED M. , SALAMA KHALED N.
Published: July 2010

While Maximum-Likelihood (ML) is the optimum decoding scheme for most communication scenarios, practical implementation difficulties limit its use, especially for Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) systems with a large number of transmit or receive antennas. Tree-searching type decoder structures such as Sphere decoder and K-best decoder present an interesting trade-off between complexity and performance. Many algorithmic developments and VLSI implementations have been reported in literature with widely varying performance to area and power metrics. In this semi-tutorial paper we present a holistic view of different Sphere decoding techniques and K-best decoding techniques, identifying the key algorithmic and implementation trade-offs. We establish a consistent benchmark framework to investigate and compare the delay cost, power cost, and power-delay-product cost incurred by each method. Finally, using the framework, we propose and analyze a novel architecture and compare that to other published approaches. Our goal is to explicitly elucidate the overall advantages and disadvantages of each proposed algorithms in one coherent framework.
COMPLEX CMOS GATE COLLAPSING TECHNIQUE AND ITS APPLICATION TO TRANSIENT TIME
Authors: KABBANI ADNAN
Published: July 2010

In this paper we present a technique to collapse a CMOS gate into an equivalent inverter. This technique considers deep submicron effects such as mobility degradation and velocity saturation as well as operation regions of both the NMOS and PMOS networks of the considered CMOS gate. In addition, the model accounts for the effect of the gate's internodal capacitances on the behavior of the equivalent Series Connected MOSFET Structure. Depending on the CMOS inverter transition time model presented in Ref. 1, the developed model has accurately predicted the transition time of different CMOS gates. Considering various loads, input switching, and transistor sizes, the model shows an average error of 6%, including the error introduced by the inverter model, as compared to BSIM3v3 using Spectre.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY IN INTER-ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS — FINDINGS FROM AN INTERVIEW STUDY
Authors: LUOMA TUIJA , PAASI JAAKKO , VALKOKARI KATRI
Published: July 2010

The paper describes findings from an interview study about intellectual property management practices in inter-organisational relationships. A total of 40 companies and public organisations in Finland and in the Netherlands were studied using semi-structured face-to-face interviews. The organisations represented different sizes and fields of industry. About 90% of the interviewed companies collaborated in their innovation efforts. However, the companies generally mentioned that the management of intellectual property and knowledge is very challenging when other actors are involved in parts of the innovation development process. Confidentiality agreements are typically used to ensure knowledge protection in these relationships. Patenting is important for about half of the companies, but joint patenting is not a common practice. Companies in Finland and in the Netherlands are seen to behave very similarly with regards to the collaboration activities and intellectual property (IP) management in these relationships.
A PARTICIPATORY SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT PROCESS FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN LESOTHO
Authors: LETSELA LIMPHO , PELSER ANDRE , SEAMAN MAITLAND
Published: July 2010

Sustainability assessment processes are increasingly being applied towards integration of the sustainability agenda within diverse decision-making jurisdictions. This paper seeks to contribute insights from a process undertaken within rural areas in Lesotho. A learning-by-doing and people-centred approach was explored within a qualitative multiple case study to integrate biodiversity considerations within the broader livelihoods sustainability context. Stakeholders collectively determined interpretations, aspirations and priorities for action planning and pathways that sustain biodiversity. This process yielded a functional context-specific sustainability assessment framework to guide stakeholders when embarking on biodiversity interventions that enhance supply of ecosystem services in and outside protected areas. However, the effectiveness of the process requires that it should be nested within an enabling environment characterised by relevant international and national biodiversity policy and strategic frameworks, decision- making structures, funding, tools and expertise, sensitisation and capacity-building.
Quantitative characterization of textures in mantle spinel peridotite xenoliths
Authors: Tabor Felicity A. , Tabor Bryan E. , Downes Hilary
Published: July 2010

A method for quantitative characterization of grain size in thin sections has been established for mantle spinel peridotite xenoliths, using optical scanning of large areas of thin sections, skeletonization of grain-section outlines and computerized measurement of individual grain-section areas. Measurements range from 218 for the coarsest example to more than 3000 in the finest grained. Variability of the samples has been examined in relation to size and number of grain-section areas measured by using multiple and orthogonal sections from several xenoliths. The results show a linear relationship of arithmetic mean against additive standard deviation, including data from coarse-grained protogranular, through porphyroclastic to the finer-grained equigranular examples. This suggests that peridotite textures form a continuous series rather than discrete groups, as suggested by qualitative (subjective) assessment. The observed distributions of grain-section areas have been explored in relation to their description and possible mechanistic origin. By direct measurement and comparison of cumulative number and area distribution curves, we show that qualitatively assessed ‘typical grain sizes’ are influenced by a small number of larger grain sections. Although the arithmetic mean and standard deviation provide a convenient method for comparison, in practice grain-section area distributions show marked positive skewness more consistent with log-normal or power-law functions. Linear log-probability curves also support the existence of a continuous series of peridotite textures, suggesting that the shallow lithospheric mantle has been subject to processes of comminution and/or grain growth dependent on the Law of Proportionate Effect.

Supplementary material:

Details of resolution and boundary recognition can be found at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18398
.
The Lanzo peridotite massif, Italian Western Alps: Jurassic rifting of the Ligurian Tethys
Authors: Piccardo Giovanni B.
Published: July 2010

The Lanzo Massif in the Western Alps consists of three bodies (North, Central and South) of mantle peridotites that were exhumed from the subcontinental mantle lithosphere to the sea floor during lithosphere extension related to the formation of the Jurassic Ligurian Tethys oceanic basin. The North Lanzo protoliths were located at shallower lithospheric levels than the South Lanzo protoliths. During exhumation, early MORB-type fractional melts from the asthenosphere infiltrated and modified the South Lanzo protoliths. Later on, aggregate MORB melts passed through the South Lanzo peridotites, migrating within replacive peridotite channels, and impregnated the North Lanzo peridotites. Ongoing lithosphere extension and stretching caused break-up of the continental crust and sea-floor exposure of the Lanzo peridotites. The North Lanzo peridotites, deriving from shallower lithospheric levels, were exhumed and exposed at more external ocean–continent transition (OCT) zones of the basin, whereas the South Lanzo peridotites, deriving from deeper lithospheric levels, were exhumed and exposed at more internal oceanic (MIO) settings of the basin. Field, petrographical–structural and petrological–geochemical studies on the Lanzo mantle peridotites provide mantle constraints regarding the geodynamic evolution of the Europe–Adria extensional system during the rifting and opening of the Ligurian Tethys basin.
A Toll-like receptor 9-mediated pathway stimulates perilipin 3 (TIP47) expression and induces lipid accumulation in macrophages
Authors: Gu Jian-Qiu , Wang Di-Fei , Yan Xiao-Guang , Zhong Wei-Li , Zhang Jin , Fan Bin , Ikuyama Shoichiro
Published: July 2010

Excessive accumulation of lipids in macrophages results in formation of foam cells and is a hallmark of atherosclerosis. The PAT family of proteins has been implicated in this process, but details of their involvement in foam cell formation have not been fully elucidated. One of dominant members of the PAT proteins, perilipin 3 (TIP47), is likely to be involved in such a regulatory mechanism. In this study, we demonstrated that the Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9)-mediated pathway stimulates perilipin 3 expression and accumulation of lipids, especially triglycerides, in macrophages. Oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) 1826, a ligand of TLR9, significantly enhanced perilipin 3 expression in RAW264.7 cells, and chloroquine, a TLR9 inhibitor, almost completely inhibited ODN1826-induced perilipin 3 expression. The inhibitors of c-jun NH2-terminal kinase and PI 3-kinase suppressed the level of perilipin 3 mRNA induced by ODN1826. ODN1826 induced the expression of IL-1α and IFNβ, both of which increased perilipin 3 expression. Antibodies against these cytokines suppressed the ODN1826-induced perilipin 3 mRNA levels. These results suggest that the expression of perilipin 3 in macrophages is in part regulated through the TLR9-mediated mechanism. Furthermore, ODN1826 increased intracellular lipid accumulation in the presence of oxLDL, which was reduced by perilipin 3 siRNA. Perilipin 3 expression was not stimulated by oxLDL. Depletion of perilipin 3 by siRNA specifically reduced triglyceride content in the cells but not cholesterol content, indicating that perilipin 3 is involved mainly in triglyceride accumulation. In conclusion, the TLR9-mediated pathway facilitates foam cell formation in part through increased expression of perilipin 3.
Greater dietary fat oxidation in obese compared with lean men: an adaptive mechanism to prevent liver fat accumulation?
Authors: Hodson Leanne , McQuaid Siobhán E. , Humphreys Sandy M. , Milne Ross , Fielding Barbara A. , Frayn Keith N. , Karpe Fredrik
Published: July 2010

Liver fat represents a balance between input, secretion, and oxidation of fatty acids. As humans spend the majority of a 24-h period in a postprandial state, dietary fatty acids make an important contribution to liver fat metabolism. We compared hepatic fatty acid partitioning in healthy lean ( n = 9) and abdominally obese ( n = 10) males over 24 h. Volunteers received three mixed meals adjusted for basal metabolic rate. U-13C-labeled fatty acids were incorporated into the meals, and [2H2]palmitate was infused intravenously to distinguish between sources of fatty acids incorporated into VLDL-TG. Immunoaffinity chromatography was used to isolate VLDL-TG of hepatic origin. Liver and whole body fatty acid oxidation was assessed by isotopic enrichment of 3-hydoxybutyrate and breath CO2.We found a similar contribution of dietary fatty acids to VLDL-TG in the two groups over 24 h. The contribution of fatty acids from splanchnic sources was higher ( P < 0.05) in the abdominally obese group. Ketogenesis occurred to a significantly greater extent in abdominally obese compared with lean males, largely due to lessened downregulation of postprandial ketogenesis ( P < 0.001). The appearance of13C in breath CO2was also greater ( P < 0.001) in abdominally obese compared with lean men. Hepatic elongation and desaturation of palmitic acid were higher ( P < 0.05) in abdominally obese than in lean males. Oxidation of dietary fatty acids and hepatic desaturation and elongation of palmitic acid occurred to a greater extent in abdominally obese men. These alterations may represent further pathways for redirection of fatty acids into export from the liver or oxidation to prevent liver fat accumulation.
Fatty acids increase glucose uptake and metabolism in C2C12myoblasts stably transfected with human lipoprotein lipase
Authors: Capell Warren H. , Schlaepfer Isabel R. , Wolfe Pamela , Watson Peter A. , Bessesen Daniel H. , Pagliassotti Michael J. , Eckel Robert H.
Published: July 2010

Cellular effects of FFA might differ from those of lipoprotein triglyceride (TG)-derived fatty acids (TGFA). The aim of the current study was to examine the relationship between lipoprotein lipase (LPL) expression, TGFA, or FFA availability and glucose metabolism in the absence of insulin in C2C12myoblasts. Control myoblasts or myoblasts stably transfected with human lipoprotein lipase (C2/LPL; 15-fold greater LPL activity) were incubated for 12 h in fetal bovine serum-free medium in the absence or presence of Intralipid-20. Intracellular retention of labeled medium glucose was assessed in a subset of experiments. In the presence of Intralipid, medium glucose disappearance was increased in C2/LPL cells but not in control cells. In both cell types, glucose label retention in cellular TG was increased in the presence of Intralipid; incubation with albumin-bound oleate produced similar results. In the presence of Intralipid, the LPL hydrolytic inhibitor tetrahydrolipstatin blocked excess glucose retention in cellular TG but did not significantly decrease glucose disappearance in C2/LPL cells. Changes in glucose transport or hexokinase II did not explain the altered glucose disappearance in C2/LPL cells. Our results suggest that LPL overexpression in these cells leads to chronic metabolic adaptations that alter glucose uptake and retention.
Influence of genetic background on ex vivo and in vivo cardiac function in several commonly used inbred mouse strains
Authors: Barnabei Matthew S. , Palpant Nathan J. , Metzger Joseph M.
Published: July 2010

Inbred mouse strains play a critical role in biomedical research. Genetic homogeneity within inbred strains and their general amenability to genetic manipulation have made them an ideal resource for dissecting the physiological function(s) of individual genes. However, the inbreeding that makes inbred mice so useful also results in genetic divergence between them. This genetic divergence is often unaccounted for but may be a confounding factor when comparing studies that have utilized distinct inbred strains. Here, we compared the cardiac function of C57BL/6J mice to seven other commonly used inbred mouse strains: FVB/NJ, DBA/2J, C3H/HeJ, BALB/cJ, 129X1/SvJ, C57BL/10SnJ, and 129S1/SvImJ. The assays used to compare cardiac function were the ex vivo isolated Langendorff heart preparation and in vivo real-time hemodynamic analysis using conductance micromanometry. We report significant strain-dependent differences in cardiac function between C57BL/6J and other commonly used inbred strains. C57BL/6J maintained better cardiac function than most inbred strains after ex vivo ischemia, particularly compared with 129S1/SvImJ, 129X1/SvJ, and C57BL/10SnJ strains. However, during in vivo acute hypoxia 129X1/SvJ and 129S1/SvImJ maintained relatively normal cardiac function, whereas C57BL/6J animals showed dramatic cardiac decompensation. Additionally, C3H/HeJ showed rapid and marked cardiac decompensation in response to esmolol infusion compared with effects of other strains. These findings demonstrate the complex effects of genetic divergence between inbred strains on cardiac function. These results may help inform analysis of gene ablation or transgenic studies and further demonstrate specific quantitative traits that could be useful in discovery of genetic modifiers relevant to cardiac health and disease.
On the Modeling of the Synovial Fluid
Authors: Hron J. , Málek J. , Pustějovská P. , Rajagopal K. R.
Published: July 2010

Synovial fluid is a polymeric liquid which generally behaves as a viscoelastic fluid due to the presence of hyaluronan molecules. We restrict ourselves to the regime in which the fluid responds as a viscous fluid. A novel generalized power-law fluid model is developed wherein the power-law exponent depends on the concentration of the hyaluronan. Such a model will be adequate to describe the flows of such fluids as long as they are not subjected to instantaneous stimuli. Assuming two different structures for the form of the power law exponent, both in keeping with physical expectations, we numerically solve for the flow of the synovial fluid (described by the constraint of incompressibility, the balance of linear momentum, and a convection-diffusion equation for the concentration of hyaluronan) in a rectangular cavity. The solutions obtained with our models are compared with the predictions of those based on a model that has been used in the past to describe synovial fluids. While all the three models seem to agree well with available experimental results, one of the models proposed by us seems to fit the data the best; it would, however, be hasty to pass judgment based on this one particular experimental correlation.
Human Genetics of Diabetic Retinopathy: Current Perspectives
Authors: Ng Daniel P. K.
Published: July 2010

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a most severe microvascular complication which, if left unchecked, can be sight-threatening. With the global prevalence of diabetes being relentlessly projected to rise to 438 million subjects by 2030, DR will undoubtedly pose a major public health concern. Efforts to unravel the human genetics of DR have been undertaken using the candidate gene and linkage approaches, while GWAS efforts are still lacking. Aside from evidence for a few genes including aldose reductase and vascular endothelial growth factor, the genetics of DR remain poorly elucidated. Nevertheless, the promise of impactful scientific discoveries may be realized if concerted and collaborative efforts are mounted to identify the genes for DR. Harnessing new genetic technologies and resources such as the upcoming 1000 Genomes Project will help advance this field of research, and potentially lead to a rich harvest of insights into the biological mechanisms underlying this debilitating complication.
Chronic Inflammation in Obesity and the Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Monteiro Rosário , Azevedo Isabel
Published: July 2010

The increasing incidence of obesity and the metabolic syndrome is disturbing. The activation of inflammatory pathways, used normally as host defence, reminds the seriousness of this condition. There is probably more than one cause for activation of inflammation. Apparently, metabolic overload evokes stress reactions, such as oxidative, inflammatory, organelle and cell hypertrophy, generating vicious cycles. Adipocyte hypertrophy, through physical reasons, facilitates cell rupture, what will evoke an inflammatory reaction. Inability of adipose tissue development to engulf incoming fat leads to deposition in other organs, mainly in the liver, with consequences on insulin resistance. The oxidative stress which accompanies feeding, particularly when there is excessive ingestion of fat and/or other macronutrients without concomitant ingestion of antioxidant-rich foods/beverages, may contribute to inflammation attributed to obesity. Moreover, data on the interaction of microbiota with food and obesity brought new hypothesis for the obesity/fat diet relationship with inflammation. Beyond these, other phenomena, for instance psychological and/or circadian rhythm disturbances, may likewise contribute to oxidative/inflammatory status. The difficulty in the management of obesity/metabolic syndrome is linked to their multifactorial nature where environmental, genetic and psychosocial factors interact through complex networks.
Cardiovascular Diseases among Suiciders: A Population-Based Study in Northern Finland Population
Authors: Mainio Arja , Hakko Helinä , Räsänen Pirkko , Timonen Markku
Published: July 2010

Objective. Depression has been found to be an independent risk factor with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and also associated with increased mortality among these patients. Method. We used a comprehensive database of all suicides (n=2,283) committed in Northern Finland with information on all hospital-treated cardiovascular diseases and psychiatric disorders.
Results. Coronary artery disease (CAD) had been present in 7.7% and other cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in 11.6% of the suiciders. The likelihood of suicide for patients with hospital-treated CAD was estimated to be two-fold compared to the general population while likelihood for suicide was not elevated among those with other CVDs. Males with CAD and females with CAD or any CVD had been hospitalized significantly more often with depression compared to reference group. Conclusions. Suicidality among patients with cardiovascular diseases has been suggested to associate with depression. Psychiatric consultation is highly recommended in clinical practice for cardiac patients with depression or alcohol-related disorders.
On the Deformation Theory of Structure Constants for Associative Algebras
Authors: Konopelchenko B. G.
Published: July 2010

An algebraic scheme for constructing deformations of structure constants
for associative algebras generated by deformation driving algebras
(DDAs) is discussed. An ideal of left divisors of zero plays a central role in
this construction. Deformations of associative three‐dimensional algebras
with the DDA being a three‐dimensional Lie algebra and their connection
with integrable systems are studied.
Successful Eradication of Established Peritoneal Ovarian Tumors in SCID-Beige Mice following Adoptive Transfer of T Cells Genetically Targeted to the MUC16 Antigen
Authors: Chekmasova Alena A. , Rao Thapi D. , Nikhamin Yan , Park Kay J. , Levine Douglas A. , Spriggs David R. , Brentjens Renier J.
Published: July 2010

Purpose: Most patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer will ultimately die from their disease. For this reason, novel approaches to the treatment of this malignancy are needed. Adoptive transfer of a patient's own T cells, genetically modified ex vivo through the introduction of a gene encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeted to a tumor-associated antigen, is a novel approach to the treatment of ovarian cancer.

Experimental Design: We have generated several CARs targeted to the retained extracellular domain of MUC16, termed MUC-CD, an antigen expressed on most ovarian carcinomas. We investigate the in vitro biology of human T cells retrovirally transduced to express these CARs by coculture assays on artificial antigen-presenting cells as well as by cytotoxicity and cytokine release assays using the human MUC-CD+ ovarian tumor cell lines and primary patient tumor cells. Further, we assess the in vivo antitumor efficacy of MUC-CD–targeted T cells in SCID-Beige mice bearing peritoneal human MUC-CD+ tumor cell lines.

Results: CAR-modified, MUC-CD–targeted T cells exhibited efficient MUC-CD–specific cytolytic activity against both human ovarian cell and primary ovarian carcinoma cells in vitro. Furthermore, expanded MUC-CD–targeted T cells infused through either i.p. injection or i.v. infusion into SCID-Beige mice bearing orthotopic human MUC-CD+ ovarian carcinoma tumors either delayed progression or fully eradicated disease.

Conclusion: These promising preclinical studies justify further investigation of MUC-CD–targeted T cells as a potential therapeutic approach for patients with high-risk MUC16+ ovarian carcinomas. Clin Cancer Res; 16(14); 3594–606. ©2010 AACR.
Therapeutic Approach of Fetal Thyroid Disorders
Authors: Polak Michel , Van Vliet Guy
Published: July 2010

Recent advances in fetal imaging techniques and fetal hormonology allow the identification in the fetus of thyroid function disorders that can potentially be treated in utero by giving drugs to the mother. In women with Graves’ disease (when fetal hyperthyroidism is present), it can generally be treated in a noninvasive way by optimizing treatment of the mother. For goitrous nonimmune fetal hypothyroidism leading to hydramnios, intra-amniotic injections of thyroxine have been reported to decrease the size of the fetal thyroid. Experience with such a procedure is limited and the risk of provoking premature labor or infections should be carefully evaluated. Thus, follow-up of the efficacy and the possible long-term undesired consequences of medical interventions administered to the fetus are of great importance. Such interventions should only be performed by specialized teams with extensive experience in perinatal care.
Automatic Determination of Left- and Right-Hand Bone Age in the First Zurich Longitudinal Study
Authors: Martin David D. , Neuhof Julia , Jenni Oskar G. , Ranke Michael B. , Thodberg Hans Henrik
Published: July 2010

Background/Aims: A more advanced bone age (BA) has been reported for the left hand relative to the right hand, while another study has found no such effect. The aim was to study the average difference of automated BoneXpert BA determination (left- vs. right-hand) for normal children, examine the precision of automatic BA and provide a BA reference for normal Caucasian children. Methods: Radiographs of both hands (age range: 2–20 years) were digitised and analysed automatically to determine Greulich-Pyle BA, producing analysis results for 3,374 left-hand and 2,752 right-hand images. Results: Comparison of left- and right-hand BA showed no average difference (<0.07 years, 95% confidence). The SD of the differences between left and right sides was 0.25 years for boys as well as girls, implying the precision of automated Greulich-Pyle BA determination was 0.18 years or better. Greulich-Pyle BA for boys and girls were on average 0.10 and 0.21 years below the chronological age. Conclusion: The left and right hand give the same BA on average and the SD between the sides is 0.25 years, indicating an excellent precision of the automated method.
Validation of Bone Age Methods by Their Ability to Predict Adult Height
Authors: Thodberg Hans Henrik , Neuhof Julia , Ranke Michael B. , Jenni Oskar G. , Martin David D.
Published: July 2010

Aim: Several bone age (BA) methods are in use today. The aim of this study was to introduce a framework for assessing the validity of a BA method by its ability to predict adult height (H) and to apply it to manual ratings based on Greulich-Pyle (GP) and Tanner-Whitehouse 3 (TW) and to the fully automated BoneXpert method. Material: The study used X-rays of 232 children from the First Zurich Longitudinal Study recorded close to each anniversary. Method: For each height measurement (h), we calculated the growth potential (gp), defined as gp = (H – h)/H. The standard deviation of the gp prediction error for children of the same age was taken as a measure of the validity of the BA method and averaged over the age range 10–18 years for boys and 8–16 years for girls to obtain the overall gp prediction error (GPPE). Results: Manual TW yielded GPPE = 1.32% [95% CI 1.28–1.36], and was significantly outperformed by manual GP with GPPE = 1.26% [1.22–1.30]. The automated rating obtained GPPE = 1.23%, and omitting radius and ulna yielded GPPE = 1.22%. Conclusion: Manual GP rating is better than manual TW rating in predicting adult height, and the fully automated method works as well as manual GP rating.
Reduced Mobility But Unaffected Startle Response in Female Rats Exposed to Prenatal Dexamethasone: Different Sides to a Phenotype
Authors: Kjaer S.L. , Wegener G. , Rosenberg R. , Hougaard K.S.
Published: July 2010

An adverse fetal environment is strongly associated with behavioral and emotional development in later life, and environmental interactions with the genome are essential in the development of pathophysiology. This implicates that a genetic vulnerability or other predisposition may interact with the environment and stressful life events to trigger mental disease. The startle reflex is highly sensitive to fear and anxiety in humans and animals. Elevated startle magnitude has been proposed as a marker for neurodevelopmental disorders. We have recently established an animal model for possible development of anxiety, where female rats are exposed to two stressful life events, during prenatal life and as adolescents, respectively. A blood sampling procedure 3 months prior to startle testing has previously been found to increase basal startle, but only in prenatally stressed rats. As the experimental procedure of acoustic startle response (ASR) measurement resembles the aversive blood sampling procedure, this suggests that effects on ASR may be caused by aversive contextual similarities between blood sampling under restraint and the ASR test. In the present study, postnatal blood sampling was replaced by another dissimilar stressful event. Animals exposed to a high prenatal glucocorticoid level (i.e. 150 µg dexamethasone/kg) were statistically significantly more immobile in the forced swim test (FST) than animals exposed to a lower level of dexamethasone (50 µg/kg) and control animals. Exposure to a novel contextual stressor at 3 months of age (FST) was unassociated with changes in basal startle. These data suggest, since the high prenatal dexamethasone group showed increased immobility in the FST but coped equally well with controls in the ASR, that the outcome of environmental influences is determined by the individual circumstances as different situations require different coping abilities in the same individual.
Increased Expression of Toll-Like Receptor 2 in Rat Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Li Fanglin , Yang Niansheng , Zhang Lili , Tan Hechang , Huang Bin , Liang Yingjie , Chen Miaoyan , Yu Xueqing
Published: July 2010

Background/Aims: Inflammation is implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). This study examined the role of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) in the progression of renal injury in a model of rat DN. Methods: DN was induced by intravenous injection of streptozotocin and rats were sacrificed at week 2, 4 and 8. Functional and pathologic markers, inflammatory infiltration, expression of TLR2, MCP-1, MyD88, HSP70, HMGB1 and activation of NF-ĸB were assessed. The effects of glucose on the expression of TLR2 by renal tubular epithelial cells were also examined in vitro. Results: The expression of TLR2 mRNA and protein level was significantly upregulated in the kidneys of diabetic rats (p < 0.01), which was associated with increased renal expression of MyD88 and MCP-1, activation of NF-ĸB and infiltration of macrophages. The expression of HSP70 and HMGB1, endogenous ligands of TLRs, was also significantly upregulated in the kidneys of diabetic rats. In human renal biopsy of DN, there was prominent expression of TLR2 in both the glomeruli and tubulointerstitium. In vitro study showed that high glucose induced the expression of TLR2 mRNA by NRK-52E cells (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Enhanced renal expression of TLR2 is associated with inflammatory infiltration in DN.
Association between Tryptophan Hydroxylase 2 Polymorphism and Anger-Related Personality Traits among Young Korean Women
Authors: Yang Jaewon , Lee Moon-Soo , Lee So-Hee , Lee Boung-Chul , Kim Seung-Hyun , Joe Sook-Haeng , Jung In-Kwa , Choi Ihn-Geun , Ham Byung-Joo
Published: July 2010

Background/Aims: It has been suggested that the serotonergic systems are associated with anger and aggressive behaviors. We investigated the association between several single nucleotide polymorphisms in the serotonergic genes and anger-related personality traits. Methods: A total of 228 healthy female Korean women participated in this study. All subjects were assessed with the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI) and were genotyped for 3 polymorphisms: serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR), tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) A218C, and TPH2 G-703T. Results: The Anger Expression-Out (AX-Out) subscale scores of the STAXI differed significantly between the genotypes for the TPH2 G-703T polymorphism (F = 4.825, p = 0.009). G/G homozygous subjects scored significantly higher on the AX-Out subscale than those with the G/T genotype. However, no significant differences were observed in the relationships between the STAXI subscale scores of subjects with other polymorphisms. Conclusions: This study suggests that the TPH2 G-703T polymorphism might contribute to anger-related traits, especially to the expression of anger.
Clinical Outcome of Hemoperfusion in Poisoned Patients
Authors: Gil Hyo-Wook , Kim Su-Ji , Yang Jong-Oh , Lee Eun-Young , Hong Sae-Yong
Published: July 2010

Extracorporeal removal techniques are effective methods for toxin removal from the body. To define the safety and clinical outcomes of hemoperfusion, we evaluated retrospectively clinical outcomes of hemoperfusion over a 3-year period in our clinical center. From January 2006 to December 2008, we analyzed 803 patients. Mortality, catheter-related bleeding, systemic bleeding, hypocalcemia, and thrombocytopenia were investigated. Medical drugs (n = 54) and pesticide toxins (n = 749) were represented. Pesticides included herbicides (n = 598), insecticides (n = 130), mixed herbicides and insecticides (n = 4), and unknown pesticides (n = 17). Among those with herbicide poisoning, 493 cases were caused by paraquat, and among those affected by insecticides, 67 cases were caused by organophosphate insecticides. After hemoperfusion, systemic bleeding complications were observed in 26 cases (3.0%). Systemic bleeding was a greater mortality risk factor than nonsystemic bleeding (OR 2.779, 95% CI 1.07–7.23). Hypocalcemia was observed in 69.1% and thrombocytopenia in 31.1%. Excess mortality was 44.4%. In hemoperfusion cases, systemic bleeding is a major factor to predict adverse outcome.
A Role of the Bile Salt Receptor FXR in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Hageman Jurre , Herrema Hilde , Groen Albert K. , Kuipers Folkert
Published: July 2010

This study reviews current insights into the role of bile salts and bile salt receptors on the progression and regression of atherosclerosis. Bile salts have emerged as important modifiers of lipid and energy metabolism. At the molecular level, bile salts regulate lipid and energy homeostasis mainly via the bile salt receptors FXR and TGR5. Activation of FXR has been shown to improve plasma lipid profiles, whereas
Fxr
−/−
mice have increased plasma triglyceride and very-low-density lipoprotein levels. Nevertheless, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels are increased in these mice, suggesting that FXR has both anti- and proatherosclerotic properties. Interestingly, there is increasing evidence for a role of FXR in “nonclassical” bile salt target tissues, eg, vasculature and macrophages. In these tissues, FXR has been shown to influence vascular tension and regulate the unloading of cholesterol from foam cells, respectively. Recent publications have provided insight into the antiinflammatory properties of FXR in atherosclerosis. Bile salt signaling via TGR5 might regulate energy homeostasis, which could serve as an attractive target to increase energy expenditure and weight loss. Interventions aiming to increase cholesterol turnover (eg, by bile salt sequestration) significantly improve plasma lipid profiles and diminish atherosclerosis in animal models. Bile salt metabolism and bile salt signaling pathways represent attractive therapeutic targets for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
International Standards and National Ownership? Judicial Independence in Hybrid Courts: The Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia
Authors: Bertelman Hanna
Published: July 2010

The Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC) was established in 2004 through an agreement between the United Nations (UN) and the Cambodian government, as a means to address the crimes committed during the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia between 1975 and 1979. The ECCC is one in a row of international judicial institutions set up in response to gross violations of human rights, known as 'hybrid' courts, encompassing both national and international elements in their structure, composition and jurisdiction. Hybrid courts, allowing for a higher degree of participation by national actors, are expected to be better placed to give long-lasting effects in the societies in which mass atrocities have taken place. This article examines that claim with regard to the ECCC, and explores the value added by participation by various national actors in the judicial proceedings. After giving an overview of international standards of judicial independence, it provides an analysis of concerns that may be raised with regard to the judicial independence of the ECCC. This article argues that some aspects of national ownership may be promoted at the cost of lowering international standards of justice, and may cause an overall lack of ownership or accountability of the proceedings.
Grasping the Nettle of Nonstate Policing
Authors: Baker Bruce
Published: July 2010

For citizens of post-conflict states nonstate agencies are the primary providers of protection; deterrence; investigation; resolution; and punishment in most circumstances. For this reason alone, peacekeeping missions should be evaluating what if anything should be the contribution of the nonstate sector in the future. The paper begins by setting out some of the distinctive features and commonalties of nonstate policing. It then proceeds to examine the arguments for and against peacekeeping missions supporting its activities. In conclusion, it argues the case for the construction of new alliances and the strengthening of existing ones between nonstate and state
From Ideals to Reality in International Rule of Law Work – the Case of Papua New Guinea
Authors: Dinnen Sinclair
Published: July 2010

Papua New Guinea’s famous diversity manifests itself in extraordinarily high levels of normative and legal pluralism. These have posed considerable challenges to efforts to establish a rule of law system along Western lines. Rule of law mechanisms often come into direct contestation with indigenous belief systems and practices and this has been a significant factor behind the limited success of international rule of law support. An exploration of the social complexities of PNG viewed through an historical lens provides the context for arguing that international rule of law assistance needs to take on forms attuned to local realities rather than the pursuit of unrealistic – and often inappropriate – international ideals. In PNG, this necessarily means engagement with a broad spectrum of both state and non-state justice actors. The evolving character of international assistance in PNG in recent years provides some practical clues as to how a more socially attuned engagement might look.