bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food Prehension and Manipulation in Microcebus murinus (Prosimii, Cheirogaleidae)
Authors: Reghem E. , Tia B. , Bels V. , Pouydebat E.
Published: December 2011

Among primates, apes and monkeys are known to use their hands and to exhibit independent control of their fingers. In comparison, Prosimii are thought to have less digital individualization and to use their mouth more commonly for prehension. Unfortunately, prehension and manipulation studies in Prosimii have been conducted in conditions constraining the subject to grasp with the hand. Moreover, the effect of food size remains unexplored, even though it could affect the use of the hands versus the mouth. Thus, whether prosimians use the hand or the mouth to grasp and manipulate food items of different sizes in unconstrained conditions remains unclear. To address this question, we characterized the eating and manipulation patterns of Microcebus murinus in unconstrained conditions, using three food sizes. The results showed that M. murinus showed (i) an eating pattern similar to that of rodents, with smaller food items being grasped with the mouth, (ii) a greater tendency to use the hands for prehension of larger foods, and (iii) plasticity during food manipulation similar to that which has been observed in rodents. These results are discussed in the framework of grasping in mammals and are used to discuss the origins of prehension in primates.
Evolution of IGF-1 in Children Born Small for Gestational Age and with Growth Retardation, Treated by Growth Hormone Adapted to IGF-1 Levels after 1 Year
Authors: Cabrol S. , Perin L. , Colle M. , Coutant R. , Jésuran-Perelroizen M. , Le Bouc Y. , Czernichow P.
Published: December 2011

Aim: This study was designed to estimate the percentage of growth hormone (GH)-treated children born small for gestational age (SGA), with serum IGF-1 >2 SDS before and after GH dose adaptation. Methods: SGA boys aged 4–9 and girls aged 4–7 with a height <–2 SDS and an annual growth rate below the mean received a subcutaneous GH dose of 57 µg/kg/day for 2 years. The GH dose was to be decreased by 30% in children with serum IGF-1 >2 SDS at 12 months and on the previous sample. The GH dose could be reduced a second time to 35 µg/kg·day. IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 dosages were centralized. Results: Among the 49 (21 boys) children included in the study, 8 (16.3%) had an IGF-1 >2 SDS consecutively at 9 and 12 months (95% CI 7.3, 29.7). The GH dose was decreased in 6/8 children. However, IGF-1 levels were elevated at several nonconsecutive determinations in 45% (95% CI 28.4, 56.6) of the patients. Conclusion: A high IGF-1 level is observed in 45% of the GH SGA-treated children with a relatively high dose of GH. A 30% reduction in the GH dose causes a decrease in IGF-1 below 2 SDS in most children.
Signaling During Epicardium and Coronary Vessel Development
Authors: Pérez-Pomares José María , de la Pompa José Luis
Published: December 2011

The epicardium, the tissue layer covering the cardiac muscle (myocardium), develops from the proepicardium, a mass of coelomic progenitors located at the venous pole of the embryonic heart. Proepicardium cells attach to and spread over the myocardium to form the primitive epicardial epithelium. The epicardium subsequently undergoes an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition to give rise to a population of epicardium-derived cells, which in turn invade the heart and progressively differentiate into various cell types, including cells of coronary blood vessels and cardiac interstitial cells. Epicardial cells and epicardium-derived cells signal to the adjacent cardiac muscle in a paracrine fashion, promoting its proliferation and expansion. Recently, high expectations have been raised about the epicardium as a candidate source of cells for the repair of the damaged heart. Because of its developmental importance and therapeutic potential, current research on this topic focuses on the complex signals that control epicardial biology. This review describes the signaling pathways involved in the different stages of epicardial development and discusses the potential of epicardial signals as targets for the development of therapies to repair the diseased heart.
Effects of magnolol on UVB-induced skin cancer development in mice and its possible mechanism of action
Authors: Chilampalli Chandeshwari , Guillermo Ruth , Zhang Xiaoying , Kaushik Radhey S , Young Alan , Zeman David , Hildreth Michael B , Fahmy Hesham , Dwivedi Chandradhar
Published: December 2011

Background

Magnolol, a plant lignan isolated from the bark and seed cones of Magnolia officinalis, has been shown to have chemopreventive effects on chemically-induced skin cancer development. The objectives of this investigation are to study the anticarcinogenic effects of magnolol on UVB-induced skin tumor development in SKH-1 mice, a model relevant to humans, and determine the possible role of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest involved in the skin tumor development.

Methods

UVB-induced skin carcinogenesis model in SKH-1 mice was used for determining the preventive effects of magnolol on skin cancer development. Western blottings and flow cytometric analysis were used to study the effects of magnolol on apoptosis and cell cycle.

Results

Magnolol pretreated groups (30, 60 μ g) before UVB treatments (30 mJ/cm2, 5 days/week) resulted in 27-55% reduction in tumor multiplicity as compared to control group in SKH-1 mice. Magnolol pretreatment increased the cleavage of caspase-8 and poly-(-ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), increased the expression of p21, a cell cycle inhibitor, and decreased the expression of proteins involved in the G2/M phase of cell cycle in skin samples from SKH-1 mice.

Treatment of A431 cells with magnolol decreased cell viability and cell proliferation in a concentration dependent manner. Magnolol induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest in A431 cells at 12 h with a decreased expression of cell cycle proteins such as cyclin B1, cyclin A, CDK4, Cdc2 and simultaneous increase in the expression of Cip/p21, a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor. Magnolol induced apoptosis in vivo and in vitro with an increased cleavage of caspase-8 and PARP. Phospho-signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (Tyr705), B-Raf, p-MEK, and p-AKT were down-regulated, whereas phosphorylation of ERK was induced by magnolol in A431 cells.

Conclusions

Magnolol pretreatments prevent UVB-induced skin cancer development by enhancing apoptosis, causing cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase, and affecting various signaling pathways. Magnolol could be a potentially safe and potent anticarcinogenic agent against skin cancer.
Rotavirus nonstructural protein 1 antagonizes innate immune response by interacting with retinoic acid inducible gene I
Authors: Qin Lan , Ren Lili , Zhou Zhuo , Lei Xiaobo , Chen Lan , Xue Qinghua , Liu Xinlei , Wang Jianwei , Hung Tao
Published: December 2011

Background

The nonstructural protein 1 (NSP1) of rotavirus has been reported to block interferon (IFN) signaling by mediating proteasome-dependent degradation of IFN-regulatory factors (IRFs) and (or) the β-transducin repeat containing protein (β-TrCP). However, in addition to these targets, NSP1 may subvert innate immune responses via other mechanisms.

Results

The NSP1 of rotavirus OSU strain as well as the IRF3 binding domain truncated NSP1 of rotavirus SA11 strain are unable to degrade IRFs, but can still inhibit host IFN response, indicating that NSP1 may target alternative host factor(s) other than IRFs. Overexpression of NSP1 can block IFN-β promoter activation induced by the retinoic acid inducible gene I (RIG-I), but does not inhibit IFN-β activation induced by the mitochondrial antiviral-signaling protein (MAVS), indicating that NSP1 may target RIG-I. Immunoprecipitation experiments show that NSP1 interacts with RIG-I independent of IRF3 binding domain. In addition, NSP1 induces down-regulation of RIG-I in a proteasome-independent way.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that inhibition of RIG-I mediated type I IFN responses by NSP1 may contribute to the immune evasion of rotavirus.
Ethnic differences in use values and use patterns of Parkia biglobosa in Northern Benin
Authors: Koura Kourouma , Ganglo Jean C , Assogbadjo Achille E , Agbangla Clément
Published: December 2011

Background

African locust bean tree (Parkia biglobosa) is a multipurpose species used widely in arid Africa by local communities. The present study focused on ethnic differences in use values and use patterns of P. biglobosa in Northern Benin, where the species widely grows. The use values according to the various ethnic groups in the study area have been evaluated in detail for P. biglobosa.

Methods

From 13 ethnic groups, 1587 people were interviewed in the study area using semi-structured questionnaires. Principal Component Analysis was applied to analyze the use value and the use patterns of P. biglobosa for the different ethnic groups.

Results

All interviewees in the study area knew at least one use of P. biglobosa. The various uses identified were medicinal (47%), handicraft and domestic (3%), medico-magic (1%), veterinary (1%), cultural (1%), food (25%) and commercial (22%). The various parts involved in these types of uses were: fruits [shell (2%), pulp (22%) and seeds (36%)], bark (17%), leaves (9%), roots (3%), flowers (1%) and branches (10%). The ethnic group consensus values for P. biglobosa parts showed that the seeds are used the most. The interviewees diversity value (ID) and equitability value (IE) indicated that knowledge concerning P. biglobosa use was distributed homogeneously among the ethnic groups.

Conclusions

P. biglobosa is well-known and used in different ways by the local populations in the study area. Local knowledge on the species is diversified and influenced by ethnic group. Ethnic differences in use values and use patterns of the species were evident in this study.
Decreased CXCR1 and CXCR2 expression on neutrophils in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody-associated vasculitides potentially increases neutrophil adhesion and impairs migration
Authors: Hu Nan , Westra Johanna , Rutgers Abraham , Doornbos-Van der Meer Berber , Huitema Minke G , Stegeman Coen A , Abdulahad Wayel H , Satchell Simon C , Mathieson Peter W , Heeringa Peter , M Kallenberg Cees G
Published: December 2011

Introduction

In anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitides (AAV), persistent inflammation within the vessel wall suggests perturbed neutrophil trafficking leading to accumulation of activated neutrophils in the microvascular compartment. CXCR1 and CXCR2, being major chemokine receptors on neutrophils, are largely responsible for neutrophil recruitment. We speculate that down-regulated expression of CXCR1/2 retains neutrophils within the vessel wall and, consequently, leads to vessel damage.

Methods

Membrane expression of CXCR1/2 on neutrophils was assessed by flow cytometry. Serum levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), angiopoietin 1 and angiopoietin 2 from quiescent and active AAV patients and healthy controls (HC) were quantified by ELISA. Adhesion and transendothelial migration of isolated neutrophils were analyzed using adhesion assays and Transwell systems, respectively.

Results

Expression of CXCR1 and CXCR2 on neutrophils was significantly decreased in AAV patients compared to HC. Levels of IL-8, which, as TNFα, dose-dependently down-regulated CXCR1 and CXCR2 expression on neutrophils in vitro, were significantly increased in the serum of patients with active AAV and correlated negatively with CXCR1/CXCR2 expression on neutrophils, even in quiescent patients. Blocking CXCR1 and CXCR2 with repertaxin increased neutrophil adhesion and inhibited migration through a glomerular endothelial cell layer.

Conclusions

Expression of CXCR1 and CXCR2 is decreased in AAV, potentially induced by circulating proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-8. Down-regulation of these chemokine receptors could increase neutrophil adhesion and impair its migration through the glomerular endothelium, contributing to neutrophil accumulation and, in concert with ANCA, persistent inflammation within the vessel wall.
Nondense mammographic area and risk of breast cancer
Authors: Pettersson Andreas , Hankinson Susan E , Willett Walter C , Lagiou Pagona , Trichopoulos Dimitrios , Tamimi Rulla M
Published: December 2011

Introduction

The mechanisms underlying the strong association between percentage dense area on a mammogram and the risk of breast cancer are unknown. We investigated separately the absolute dense area and the absolute nondense area on mammograms in relation to breast cancer risk.

Methods

We conducted a nested case-control study on prediagnostic mammographic density measurements and risk of breast cancer in the Nurses' Health Study and the Nurses' Health Study II. Premenopausal mammograms were available from 464 cases and 998 controls, and postmenopausal mammograms were available from 960 cases and 1,662 controls. We used a computer-assisted thresholding technique to measure mammographic density, and we used unconditional logistic regression to calculate OR and 95% CI data.

Results

Higher absolute dense area was associated with a greater risk of breast cancer among premenopausal women (ORtertile 3 vs 1 = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.45 to 2.77) and among postmenopausal women (ORquintile 5 vs 1 = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.65 to 2.89). However, increasing absolute nondense area was associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer among premenopausal women (ORtertile 3 vs 1 = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.36 to 0.72) and among postmenopausal women (ORquintile 5 vs 1 = 0.46, 95% CI = 0.34 to 0.62). These associations changed minimally when we included both absolute dense area and absolute nondense area in the same statistical model. As expected, the percentage dense area was the strongest risk factor for breast cancer in both groups.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that absolute dense area is independently and positively associated with breast cancer risk, whereas absolute nondense area is independently and inversely associated with breast cancer risk. Since adipose tissue is radiographically nondense, these results suggest that adipose breast tissue may have a protective role in breast carcinogenesis.
Malabsorption and nutritional balance in the ICU: fecal weight as a biomarker: a prospective observational pilot study
Authors: Wierdsma Nicolette J , Peters Job HC , Weijs Peter JM , Keur Martjin B , Girbes Armand RJ , van Bodegraven Ad A , Beishuizen Albertus
Published: December 2011

Introduction

Malabsorption, which is frequently underdiagnosed in critically ill patients, is clinically relevant with regard to nutritional balance and nutritional management. We aimed to validate the diagnostic accuracy of fecal weight as a biomarker for fecal loss and additionally to assess fecal macronutrient contents and intestinal absorption capacity in ICU patients.

Methods

This was an observational pilot study in a tertiary mixed medical-surgical ICU in hemodynamically stable adult ICU patients, without clinically evident gastrointestinal malfunction. Fecal weight (grams/day), fecal energy (by bomb calorimetry in kcal/day), and macronutrient content (fat, protein, and carbohydrate in grams/day) were measured. Diagnostic accuracy expressed in terms of test sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV), and receiver operator curves (ROCs) were calculated for fecal weight as a marker for energy malabsorption. Malabsorption was a priori defined as < 85% intestinal absorption capacity.

Results

Forty-eight patients (63 ± 15 years; 58% men) receiving full enteral feeding were included. A cut-off fecal production of > 350 g/day (that is, diarrhea) was linked to the optimal ROC (0.879), showing a sensitivity and PPV of 80%, respectively. Specificity and NPV were both 96%. Fecal weight (grams/day) and intestinal energy-absorption capacity were inversely correlated (r = -0.69; P < 0.001). Patients with > 350 g feces/day had a significantly more-negative energy balance compared with patients with < 350 g feces/day (loss of 627 kcal/day versus neutral balance; P = 0.012).

Conclusions

A fecal weight > 350 g/day in ICU patients is a biomarker applicable in daily practice, which can act as a surrogate for fecal energy loss and intestinal energy absorption. Daily measurement of fecal weight is a feasible means of monitoring the nutritional status of critically ill patients and, in those identified as having malabsorption, can monitor responses to changes in dietary management.
Going Public
Authors: Mangum Teresa
Published: December 2011

Of the many fields affected by current economic conditions, the humanities are often hit especially hard because the very category “humanities” is inchoate. Mangum joins scholars who seek ways to bring the values of fields such as literature and history into focus for various public audiences. Engaging nonspecialists in practices of the humanities offers one way of “going public.” The forms of publicly engaged teaching, learning, scholarship, and collaboration can stretch as far as teachers' and scholars' imaginations and are applicable to social sciences and other disciplines as well.
Nervous systems of the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis are generated by ectoderm and endoderm and shaped by distinct mechanisms
Authors: Nakanishi Nagayasu , Renfer Eduard , Technau Ulrich , Rentzsch Fabian
Published: December 2011

As a sister group to Bilateria, Cnidaria is important for understanding early nervous system evolution. Here we examine neural development in the anthozoan cnidarian Nematostella vectensis in order to better understand whether similar developmental mechanisms are utilized to establish the strikingly different overall organization of bilaterian and cnidarian nervous systems. We generated a neuron-specific transgenic NvElav1 reporter line of N. vectensis and used it in combination with immunohistochemistry against neuropeptides, in situ hybridization and confocal microscopy to analyze nervous system formation in this cnidarian model organism in detail. We show that the development of neurons commences in the ectoderm during gastrulation and involves interkinetic nuclear migration. Transplantation experiments reveal that sensory and ganglion cells are autonomously generated by the ectoderm. In contrast to bilaterians, neurons are also generated throughout the endoderm during planula stages. Morpholino-mediated gene knockdown shows that the development of a subset of ectodermal neurons requires NvElav1, the ortholog to bilaterian neural elav1 genes. The orientation of ectodermal neurites changes during planula development from longitudinal (in early-born neurons) to transverse (in late-born neurons), whereas endodermal neurites can grow in both orientations at any stage. Our findings imply that elav1-dependent ectodermal neurogenesis evolved prior to the divergence of Cnidaria and Bilateria. Moreover, they suggest that, in contrast to bilaterians, almost the entire ectoderm and endoderm of the body column of Nematostella planulae have neurogenic potential and that the establishment of connectivity in its seemingly simple nervous system involves multiple neurite guidance systems.
The aporphine alkaloid boldine improves endothelial function in spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Lau Yeh-Siang , Machha Ajay , Achike Francis I , Murugan Dharmani , Mustafa Mohd Rais
Published: December 2011

Boldine, a major aporphine alkaloid found in Chilean boldo tree, is a potent antioxidant. Oxidative stress plays a detrimental role in the pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction in hypertension. In the present study, we investigated the effects of boldine on endothelial dysfunction in hypertension using spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), the most studied animal model of hypertension. SHR and their age-matched normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were treated with boldine (20 mg/kg per day) or its vehicle, which served as control, for seven days. Control SHR displayed higher systolic blood pressure (SBP), reduced endothelium-dependent aortic relaxation to acetylcholine (ACh), marginally attenuated endothelium-independent aortic relaxation to sodium nitroprusside (SNP), increased aortic superoxide and peroxynitrite production, and enhanced p47phox protein expression as compared with control WKY rats. Boldine treatment significantly lowered SBP in SHR but not in WKY. Boldine treatment enhanced the maximal relaxation to ACh in SHR, but had no effect in WKY, whereas the sensitivity to ACh was increased in both SHR and WKY aortas. Boldine treatment enhanced sensitivity, but was without effect on maximal aortic relaxation responses, to SNP in both WKY and SHR aortas. In addition, boldine treatment lowered aortic superoxide and peroxynitrite production and downregulated p47phox protein expression in SHR aortas, but had no effect in the WKY control. These results show that boldine treatment exerts endothelial protective effects in hypertension, achieved, at least in part, through the inhibition of NADPH-mediated superoxide production.
Acupuncture at ST36 prevents chronic stress-induced increases in neuropeptide Y in rat
Authors: Eshkevari Ladan , Egan Rupert , Phillips Dylan , Tilan Jason , Carney Elissa , Azzam Nabil , Amri Hakima , Mulroney Susan E
Published: December 2011

Chronic stress, as seen in post-traumatic stress disorder, can exacerbate existing diseases. Electroacupuncture (EA) has been proposed to treat chronic stress, although information on its efficacy or mechanism(s) of action is limited. While many factors contribute to the chronic stress response, the sympathetic peptide, neuropeptide Y (NPY), has been shown to be elevated in chronic stress and is hypothesized to contribute to the physiological stress response. Our objective was to determine if EA at acupuncture point stomach 36 (ST36) is effective in mitigating cold stress-induced increase in NPY in rats. Both pretreatment and concomitant treatment with EA ST36 effectively suppressed peripheral and central NPY after 14 d of cold stress ( P < 0.05). The effect was specific, as NPY in Sham-EA rats was not different than observed in stress-only rats. Additionally, the effect of EA ST36 was long-lasting, as NPY levels remained suppressed despite early cessation of EA ST36, while exposure to cold stress was continued. In the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), it was notable that changes in NPY mirrored plasma NPY levels, and that the significant elevation in PVN Y1 receptor observed with stress was also prevented with EA ST36. The findings indicate that EA ST36 is effective in preventing one of the sympathetic pathways stimulated during chronic stress, and thus may be a useful adjunct therapy in stress-related disorders.
Simple calcaneal bone cysts
Authors: Yildirim C. , Akmaz I. , Sahin O. , Keklikci K.
Published: December 2011

This pilot study analysed the outcome of open versus endoscopic curettage and bone grafting for the treatment of simple calcaneal bone cysts. A total of 26 patients were evaluated into two equal groups: group 1 was treated with traditional open curettage and bone grafting and group 2 was treated with endoscopic curettage and percutaneous bone grafting. Cyst size, operating time, length of stay, time to healing, complications, further surgery and radiological healing were recorded and differences were statistically compared.

The mean age of the patients was 22.9 years (18 to 28) and the mean follow-up was 28.7 months (24 to 36). There were no statistically significant differences in regard to age of patients, cyst size and the follow-up periods in the two groups. The operating time and mean length of stay of group 2 patients was significantly shorter than group 1 patients (p <  0.001). The time to healing was similar in the two groups. The overall success rates for groups 1 and 2 were 92.3% (12 of 13) and 100% (13 of 13), respectively, and there were no statistically significant differences regarding radiological healing. This pilot study suggests that endoscopic curettage and percutaneous grafting is a simple and safe form of treatment, with similar results to those following open treatment.
Retrieval analysis of squeaking alumina ceramic-on-ceramic bearings
Authors: Walter W. L. , Kurtz S. M. , Esposito C. , Hozack W. , Holley K. G. , Garino J. P. , Tuke M. A.
Published: December 2011

This multicentre study analysed 12 alumina ceramic-on-ceramic components retrieved from squeaking total hip replacements after a mean of 23 months in situ (11 to 61). The rates and patterns of wear seen in these squeaking hips were compared with those seen in matched controls using retrieval data from 33 ‘silent’ hip replacements with similar ceramic bearings. All 12 bearings showed evidence characteristic of edge-loading wear. The median rate of volumetric wear was 3.4 mm3/year for the acetabular component, 2.9 mm3/year on the femoral heads and 6.3 mm3/year for head and insert combined. This was up to 45 times greater than that of previously reported silent ceramic-on-ceramic retrievals. The rate of wear seen in ceramic components revised for squeaking hips appears to be much greater than in that seen in retrievals from ‘silent’ hips.
The I2/Et3SiH system: A versatile combination with multiple applications in carbohydrate chemistry
Authors: Adinolfi Matteo , Iadonisi Alfonso , Pastore Antonello , Valerio Silvia
Published: December 2011

In this contribution, a brief survey of the multiple synthetic opportunities offered by the I2/Et3SiH combined system is presented. Both reagents are cheap and easy to handle, and their combination allows HI to be quickly formed in situ. A suitable stoichiometry of the mixture can be addressed to a set of very useful transformations of carbohydrate chemistry ranging from glycosidation reactions to functional group manipulation of sugars.
The Relationship of Meta-Worry and Intolerance of Uncertainty With Pathological Worry, Anxiety, and Depression
Authors: Khawaja Nigar G. , McMahon Janette
Published: December 2011

This study explored how meta-worry and intolerance of uncertainty relate to pathological worry, generalised anxiety, obsessive–compulsive disorder, social phobia, and depression. University students (n = 253)completed a questionnaire battery. A series of regression analyses were conducted. The results indicated that meta-worry was associated with GAD, social phobia, obsessive–compulsive, and depressive symptoms. Intolerance of uncertainty was related to GAD, social phobia, and obsessive–compulsive symptoms, but not depressive symptoms. The importance of meta-worry and intolerance of uncertainty as predictors of pathological worry, GAD, social phobia, obsessive–compulsive and depressive symptoms was also examined. Even though both factors significantly predicted the aforementioned symptoms, meta-worry emerged as a stronger predictor of GAD and obsessive compulsive symptoms than did intolerance of uncertainty. Intolerance of uncertainty, compared with meta-worry, appeared as a stronger predictor of social phobia symptoms. Findings emphasise the importance of addressing meta-worry and/or intolerance of uncertainty not only for the assessment and treatment of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), but also obsessive–compulsive disorder, social phobia, and depression.
What Have We Learned About Uncertainty? Are We Still Playing with Fire?
Authors: Keltner Ned
Published: December 2011

Accurate characterization of the thermal environment in fires and fire safety tests is crucial to understanding the impact of fire on materials and assemblies and the work on modeling those impacts. Standardized fire resistance test methods have been used to help evaluate building materials and assemblies since the early 1900s and have been part of a successful effort to improve fire safety. However, current methods use predominately temperature measurements and do not provide sufficient heat transfer data to support the development and validation of fire protection engineering models. This paper looks at measurement techniques that were used successfully in pool fire research and how they could be applied to modeling structure fires.
Two ways to get out: Radial Category Profiling and the Russian prefixes vy- and iz-
Authors: Nesset Tore , Endresen Anna , Janda Laura A.
Published: December 2011

We undertake a detailed analysis of the two closely related Russian aspectual prefixes vy- and iz. The meanings of these prefixes are analyzed in terms of networks of related subcategories, termed radial categories. This method facilitates precise comparison of submeanings and statistical analysis. Our analysis sharpens the traditional insight that elements of Church Slavic origin like iz- have a more abstract meaning than historically East Slavic elements like vy-. Furthermore, the distribution of meanings attested gives support to the hypothesis that the meanings of base verbs and prefixes overlap in the formation of prefixed aspectual partner verbs, contra the tradition of the so-called “empty prefix”.
Effect of a hyperlipidic diet rich in omegas 3, 6 and 9 on aberrant crypt formation in rat colonic mucosa
Authors: Burlamaqui Idália Maria Brasil , Dornelas Conceição Aparecida , Valença Júnior José Telmo , Mota Daniel Magalhães Coutinho , Mesquita Francisco José Cabral , Veras Lara Burlamaqui , Vasconcelos Paulo Roberto Leitão , Rodrigues Lusmar Veras
Published: December 2011

PURPOSE: To determine whether a hypercaloric and hyperlipidic diet enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids influences the formation of aberrant crypt foci (ACF) in colonic mucosa of Wistar rats treated with azoxymethane (AOM). METHODS: At eight weeks of life, the rats were assigned to four groups: Group I―standard diet (STD) not treated with AOM; Group II―hypercaloric and hyperlipidic diet (FED), not treated with AOM; Group III―STD, treated with AOM; Group IV―FED, treated with AOM. At 16 weeks, the animals were injected intraperitoneal with 0.9% saline solution (Group I and II) or AOM at 15mg/Kg (Groups III and IV) once a week for two weeks. Fifteen weeks later, the animals were euthanized. RESULTS: FED promoted weight gain in Groups II and IV compared to Groups I and III, respectively. The groups did not differ with regard to the total number of ACF. The Chi-square test revealed no predominance of the presence of foci with <4 crypts. However, foci with ≥5 crypts were proportionally more prevalent in Group III than in Group IV (p=0.043). CONCLUSION: The administration of polyunsaturated fatty acids did not interfere with the formation of aberrant crypt foci, but reduced ACF multiplicity, exercising an attenuating effect on carcinogenesis.
The Mitochondria of Stallion Spermatozoa Are More Sensitive Than the Plasmalemma to Osmotic‐Induced Stress: Role of c‐Jun N‐terminal Kinase (JNK) Pathway
Authors: García Beatriz Macías , Moran Alvaro Miró , Fernández Lauro González , Ferrusola Cristina Ortega , Rodriguez Antolin Morillo , Bolaños Juan Maria Gallardo , da Silva Carolina Maria Balao , Martínez Heriberto Rodríguez , Tapia Jose A. , Peña Fernando J.
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT: Cryopreservation introduces extreme temperature and osmolality changes that impart lethal and sublethal effects on spermatozoa. Additionally, there is evidence that the osmotic stress induced by cryopreservation causes oxidative stress to spermatozoa. The main sources of reactive oxygen species in mammalian sperm are the mitochondria. In view of this, the aim of our study was to test whether or not osmotic stress was able to induce mitochondrial damage and to explore the osmotic tolerance of the mitochondria of stallion spermatozoa. Ejaculates from 7 stallions were subjected to osmolalities ranging from 75 to 1500 mOsm/kg, and the effect on sperm membrane integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential was studied. Additionally, the effects of changes in osmolality from hyposmotic to isosmotic and from hyperosmotic to isosmotic solutions were studied (osmotic excursions). The cellular volume of stallion spermatozoa under isosmotic conditions was 20.4 ± 0.33 μm3. When exposed to low osmolality, the stallion spermatozoa behaved like a linear osmometer, whereas exposure to high osmolalities up to 900 mOsm/kg resulted in decreased sperm volume. Although sperm membranes were relatively resistant to changes in osmolality, mitochondrial membrane potential decreased when osmolalities were low or very high (10.7 ± 1.74 and 16.5 ± 1.70 at 75 and 150 mOsm/kg, respectively, and 13.1 ± 1.83 at 1500 mOsm/kg), whereas in isosmolar controls the percentage of stallion sperm mitochondria with a high membrane potential was 41.1 ± 1.69 (P < .01). Osmotic excursions induced greater damage than exposure of spermatozoa to a given nonphysiologic osmolality, and again the mitochondria were more prone to damage induced by osmotic excursions than was the sperm plasma membrane. In search of intracellular components that could mediate these changes, we have detected for the first time the c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase 1/2 in stallion spermatozoa, which are apparently involved in the regulation of the viability of these cells.
Negative Androgen‐Response Elements Mediate Androgen‐Dependent Transcriptional Inhibition of TGF‐β1 and CDK2 Promoters in the Prostate Gland
Authors: Qi Wei , Gao Shen , Chu Jun , Zhou Liran , Wang Zhengxin
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT: The androgen receptor (AR) is a ligand‐dependent transcription factor that mediates androgen functions by regulating the expression of genes it targets. In the present study, we mapped 2 regions in human transforming growth factor β1 and cyclin‐dependent kinase 2 promoters that negatively regulated transcriptional activity in an androgen‐dependent manner in close proximity to positive androgen‐response elements (pARE). We identified 7 negative androgen‐response elements (nARE) in the negative androgen‐response region in the TGF‐β1 promoter. Each nARE is composed of 15 nucleotides and mediates androgen‐dependent inhibition of transcription in close proximity of pAREs. The 5′ portions of nAREs are highly conserved and resemble core half sites in pAREs. The nAREs interacted weakly with AR DNA‐binding domain (AR DBD) in gel shift assays. Mutations on the conserved nucleotides in the nARE abolished its interaction with the AR DBD and abolished its inhibition of androgen‐driven transcription, suggesting that nARE/AR interaction is essential for nARE‐mediated inhibition of transcription. Taken together, these findings indicate that the AR negatively regulates the expression of its target genes via a negative androgen‐response region composed of multiple nAREs.
The Composition and Structure of Stones in Enlarged Prostatic Utricles (EPU)
Authors: Song Ning‐Hong , Wu Hong‐Fei , Xu Nai‐Cen , Yang Jie
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT: Our objective was to comprehensively test the composition, morphology, and structure of enlarged prostatic utricle (EPU) stones, which, as a kind of biolite in abnormal anatomical structures of the genitourinary system, have not yet been reported. Thirty‐one EPU stones coming from 8 patients, who had been treated in our center from 1985 to 2009, were taken out by transurethral fenestration of EPU and were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, x‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and Fourier transformation infrared spectral (FTIS) analysis. Under scanning electron microscope, all these EPU calculi were seen to be constituted of many intensive minicrystals and amorphous matrix. By XRD and FTIS analysis, we determined that the 31 EPU stones in our research were all hydroxyapatite crystal. We consider that EPU calculi should belong to the category of prostatic pseudocalculi and that the formation of EPU calculi is not caused by the abnormal change of urine composition, but should be ascribed to continuously concentrated EPU liquid by absorption of capsule walls and calculous matrix mainly coming from deciduous epithelial cells of EPUs. The role of the amorphous matrix is to link microcrystals, which promotes the growth of EPU stones.
Potential Role of Poly(ADP‐Ribose) Polymerase Activation in the Pathogenesis of Experimental Left Varicocele
Authors: Tekcan Merih , Koksal Ismail Turker , Tasatargil Arda , Kutlu Omer , Gungor Ece , Celik‐Ozenci Ciler
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the poly(adenosine diphosphate[ADP]–ribose) polymerase (PARP) pathway is activated by experimental left varicocele. Rats underwent partial ligation of the left renal vein to induce experimental varicocele, and left testes were analyzed 13 weeks after surgery. Tubule degeneration was evaluated by Johnsen score. Expression of 4‐hydroxy‐2‐nonenal (4‐HNE)–modified proteins, PARP‐1, and poly(‐ADP‐ribose) (PAR) was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The degree of apoptosis within testes was determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling. Light microscopy revealed testicular damage comprising various degrees of seminiferous tubule degeneration. Germ cell apoptotic index and 4‐HNE, PAR, and PARP‐1 expression in germ cells increased after varicocele induction. Increased oxidative stress and PARP overactivation in testes might be important with regard to impaired testicular function associated with varicocele.
Review of Tabloid Medicine: How the Internet is Being Used to Hijack Medical Science for Fear and Profit
Authors: May Kyle P.
Published: December 2011

Tabloid Medicine: How the Internet is Being Used to Hijack Medical Science for Fear and Profit provides a pointed account of the Internet tactics employed by some to halt advancement in the name of safety. Dr. Goldberg provides real world examples and references scientific papers en route to detailing how to keep scientific advancement moving forward. This work presents multiple arguments that American consumers may be doing a disservice to themselves and others by insisting on absolute safety and efficacy from medicine's manufacturers and providers.
Applications of Syndromic Surveillance in Resource Poor Settings
Authors: May Larissa , Katz Rebecca L. , Test Elissa , Baker Julia
Published: December 2011

Purpose: The aim of this study is to demonstrate how syndromic surveillance systems are being used in low‐resource settings, to identify key best practices and considerations, and to describe the use of syndromic surveillance as a feasible solution to meeting the disease surveillance requirements in the World Health Organization's International Health Regulations (2005). Methods: Information on established syndromic surveillance systems was collected from peer‐reviewed articles, conference proceedings and searches through reference lists of papers, from the years 1998‐2010. In addition, web pages of international health organizations, surveillance networks, and Ministries of Health were explored. After reviewing identified systems, eight were selected and examined in detail to extract transferable information. Results: The literature demonstrates the many successful syndromic surveillance efforts being implemented, and the variety of data sources, data transmission techniques, and analysis methodologies being instituted. Frequently, syndromic surveillance systems are a coordinated effort among several partners, supplement existing systems, incorporate both specific and non‐specific disease detection, and are used in conjunction with laboratory‐based surveillance. Conclusions: Though not without challenges, syndromic surveillance has the potential to serve as a valuable disease detection tool in resource‐limited settings. Further examination and evaluation of these systems will benefit global disease surveillance capacity.
Japan Medical Association's Actions in the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake
Authors: Ishii Masami , Nagata Takashi , Aoki Katsuhito
Published: December 2011

A complex disaster struck eastern Japan on March 11, 2011. The Great Eastern Japan Earthquake consisted of a large‐scale earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear accident and resulted in extensive damage and loss of life. In response to the disaster, the Japan Medical Association (JMA) initiated the dispatch of disaster medical teams, JMATs, to affected areas through prefectural medical associations. JMA relief efforts did not end with coordinating JMAT operations: autopsies, medical supply transport, and advocating for healthcare for evacuees and survivors were other major efforts of the JMA following “3.11”. The JMA's healthcare support in Fukushima and other prefectures was unique and effective. However, the JMA recognizes the need for continued planning and preparation for disaster response and relief because of Japan's high risk for future disasters. Thus, current priorities of the JMA are the restoration of the healthcare system in disaster‐affected areas and preparation for future disasters.
Asymptotic purity for very general hypersurfaces of ℙn × ℙn of bidegree (k, k)
Authors: Burr Michael
Published: December 2011

For a complex irreducible projective variety, the volume function and the higher asymptotic cohomological functions have proven to be useful in understanding the positivity of divisors as well as other geometric properties of the variety. In this paper, we study the vanishing properties of these functions on hypersurfaces of ℙn × ℙn. In particular, we show that very general hypersurfaces of bidegree (k, k) obey a very strong vanishing property, which we define as asymptotic purity: at most one asymptotic cohomological function is nonzero for each divisor. This provides evidence for the truth of a conjecture of Bogomolov and also suggests some general conditions for asymptotic purity.
Formulation Optimization of Gluten-Free Functional Spaghetti Based on Maize Flour and Oat Bran Enriched in b-Glucans
Authors: Padalino Lucia , Mastromatteo Marcella , Sepielli Grazia , Nobile Matteo Alessandro Del
Published: December 2011

The aim of this work concerns the manufacturing process of gluten-free functional spaghetti based on maize flour and oat bran, enriched with b-glucans (22%). More specifically, the goal of the study was to obtain oat bran-loaded maize spaghetti with sensory properties close to unloaded pasta. To this aim, the study has been organized in two subsequent trials. In the first one, the oat bran amount added to spaghetti was continuously increased until the overall sensory quality of pasta reached the set sensory threshold (oat bran concentration = 20%). The second experimental step was aimed to improve the overall sensory quality of oat bran loaded maize spaghetti. In particular, an attempt was made to increase the sensory quality of spaghetti added with 20% oat bran by means of structuring agents. To this aim, the effects of different kinds of some hydrocolloids and egg white powder on the rheological properties of dough, as well as on quality attributes of pasta were examined. The rheological analysis showed that the addition of hydrocolloids and white egg to the dough enriched with 20% oat bran did not cause any substantial difference in the viscoelastic properties, compared to samples without any structuring agents. The best overall quality for both fresh and dry spaghetti was obtained by the addition of carboxymethylcellulose and chitosan at a concentration of 2%.
Discovery of Potential M2 Channel Inhibitors Based on the Amantadine Scaffold via Virtual Screening and Pharmacophore Modeling
Authors: Tran Linh , Choi Sy Bing , Al-Najjar Belal O. , Yusuf Muhammad , Wahab Habibah A. , Le Ly
Published: December 2011

The M2 channel protein on the influenza A virus membrane has become the main target of the anti-flu drugs amantadine and rimantadine. The structure of the M2 channel proteins of the H3N2 (PDB code 2RLF) and 2009-H1N1 (Genbank accession number GQ385383) viruses may help researchers to solve the drug-resistant problem of these two adamantane-based drugs and develop more powerful new drugs against influenza A virus. In the present study, we searched for new M2 channel inhibitors through a combination of different computational methodologies, including virtual screening with docking and pharmacophore modeling. Virtual screening was performed to calculate the free energies of binding between receptor M2 channel proteins and 200 new designed ligands. After that, pharmacophore analysis was used to identify the important M2 protein-inhibitor interactions and common features of top binding compounds with M2 channel proteins. Finally, the two most potential compounds were determined as novel leads to inhibit M2 channel proteins in both H3N2 and 2009-H1N1 influenza A virus.
A Study on Overlapping Commutation Time in Permanent Magnet Brushless DC Motor
Authors: Wang Shu Hong , Wu Pan , Wang Li Mei
Published: December 2011

To determine the control method using overlapping commutation overlap time, this article on the four-phase permanent magnet brushless DC motor torque ripple based on the analysis of the use of overlapping commutation torque ripple suppression in the overlap time were derived by Ansoft software calculated four-phase permanent magnet brushless DC motor parameters, using MATLAB/Simulink software and simulate the model, simulation results were derived.
Impact of Rotor Inter-Turn Short-Circuit on Generator Rotor Force
Authors: Li Yong Gang , Zhou Guo Wei , Wu Yu Ca , Li He Ming
Published: December 2011

This paper analyzes the calculation method of unbalanced electromagnetic force by rotor winding inter-turn short-circuit fault, analytical calculating method neglects saturation, cogging and other factors, so the calculation accuracy is not high, in order to accurately calculate the magnetic field and the unbalanced electromagnetic force, this paper propose to analyze generator magnetic field by a finite element software Ansys, the obtained magnetic field data are further used to analyze the distributed electromagnetic force and the total force that generator rotor suffered, electromagnetic force distribution law of different slots, different levels of inter-turn short-circuit are got, which provide a basis for further studying the full force on generator rotor.
Research of Adaptive Line Selection Leakage Protection Based on DSP in Mine
Authors: Xu Dan , Zhang Zhan
Published: December 2011

In view of the present our country coal mine high-voltage power grid widely used 6kV or 10kV cable direct power supply condition. To describe a DSP-based adaptive line selection leakage protection program of high-voltage power grid. It adopts under-compensation, adaptive random tuning and phase-sensitive comparison to judge the fault branch and achieve selective leakage protection, and make the protection system more perfect and reliable.
Detent Force Modeling and Analysis for Vertical Permanent-Magnet Linear Synchronous Motor Using Equivalent Magnetic Network Method
Authors: Xu Xiao Zhuo , Wang Xu Dong , Feng Hai Chao , Si Ji Kai
Published: December 2011

This paper investigates the detent force modeling of a slotted iron core type vertical permanent magnet linear synchronous motor (PMLSM) for ropeless elevator applications. Variable network non-linear magnetic equivalent circuit model is established to predict the detent force of PMLSM. The topology structure of equivalent magnetic circuit is developed and the permeances are derived and calculated. The end effect of two end teeth is essential for analysis of detent force and it is focused in the modeling. Magnetic saturation of primary iron-core also be taken into account. In final some 3-D finite-element numerical calculation results are used to validate the feasibility of the proposed method.
Research of UHV DC Transmission Based on the Current Control
Authors: Zhao Hai Long , Lin Zhong Ying
Published: December 2011

Compared with AC (alternating current) transmission, DC(direct current) transmission has obvious superiority at high power, long distance, submarine cable transmission and asynchronous interconnected between exchange systems etc.. This paper constructed a kind of 12 pulse bridge UHV DC transmission system that includes control protection function through MATLAB/Simulink tool. By setting the breaker parameters, this paper studied the 12 pulse bridge UHV DC transmission system AC/DC side in case of setting down time, type and cleared. The simulation results demonstrate that this system has a good effect in harmonic control and it has no power compensations in realizing HV DC process, and it can completely work as an important reference in constructing HV DC power grid.