bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barrett's esophagus: progression to adenocarcinoma and markers
Authors: Fang Dianchun , Das Kiron M. , Cao Weibiao , Malhotra Usha , Triadafilopoulos George , Najarian Robert M. , Hardie Laura J. , Lightdale Charles J. , Beales Ian L.P. , Felix Valter Nilton , Schneider Paul M. , Bellizzi Andrew M.
Published: September 2011

The following on progression to adenocarcinoma and markers of Barrett's esophagus includes commentariess on the expression of claudin 4 in Barrett's adenocarcinoma; the role of acid and bile salts; the role of insulin‐like growth factor; the value of reactive oxygen species; the importance of abnormal methylation; genetic alterations in stromal cells and genomic changes in the epithelial cells; the value of confocal laser endomicroscopy for the subsurface analysis of the mucosa; indications for statins as adjuvant chemotherapeutic agent; the sequence of molecular events in malignant progression in Barrett's mucosa; and the value of the macroscopic markers and of p53 mutations.
The nonlinearity of passive extraocular muscles
Authors: Quaia Christian , Ying Howard S. , Optican Lance M.
Published: September 2011

Passive extraocular muscles (EOMs), like most biological tissues, are hyperelastic, that is, their stiffness increases as they are stretched. It has always been assumed, and in a few occasions argued, that this is their only nonlinearity and that it can be ignored in central gaze. However, using novel measurement techniques in anesthetized paralyzed monkeys, we have recently demonstrated that EOMs are characterized by another prominent nonlinearity: the forces induced by sequences of stretches do not sum. Thus, superposition, a central tenet of linear and quasi‐linear models, does not hold in passive EOMs. Here, we outline the implications of this finding, especially in light of the common assumption that it is easier for the brain to control a linear than a nonlinear plant. We argue against this common belief: the specific nonlinearity of passive EOMs may actually make it easier for the brain to control the plant than if muscles were linear.
Is there any sense in the Palisade endings of eye muscles?
Authors: Lienbacher Karoline , Mustari Michael , Hess Bernhard , Büttner‐Ennever Jean , Horn Anja K.E.
Published: September 2011

Palisade endings (PEs), which are unique to the eye muscles, are associated with multiply innervated muscle fibers. They lie at the myotendinous junctions and form a cap around the muscle fiber tip. They are found in all animals investigated so far, but their function is not known. Recently, we demonstrated that cell bodies of PEs and tendon organs lie around the periphery of the oculomotor nucleus in the C‐ and S‐groups. A morphological analysis of these peripheral neurons revealed the existence of different populations within the C‐group. We propose that a small group of round or spindle‐shaped cells gives rise to PEs, and another group of multipolar neurons provide the multiple motor endings. If PEs have a sensory function, then their cell body location close to motor neurons would be in an ideal location to control tension in extraocular muscles; in the case of the C‐group, its proximity to the preganglionic neurons of the Edinger–Westphal nucleus would permit its participation in the near response. Despite their unusual properties, PEs may have a sensory function.
Influenza vaccination in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis: efficacy and safety
Authors: Tavana Sasan , Argani Hassan , Gholamin Sharareh , Razavi Seyed‐Mostafa , Keshtkar‐Jahromi Marzieh , Talebian Amir S. , Moghaddam Keivan G. , Sepehri Zahra , Azad Talat M. , Keshtkar‐Jahromi Maryam
Published: September 2011

Please cite this paper as: Tavana et al. (2011) Influenza vaccination in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis: efficacy and safety. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses DOI: 10.1111/j.1750‐2659.2011.00290.x.

Background  Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory, granulomatous disorder of unknown etiology. The role of cellular and humoral immune systems in this disease is unclear, whereas dysregulation of the immune system is suggested. Patients with sarcoidosis show diverse responses while exposed to various antigens. Although influenza vaccination is recommended in pulmonary sarcoidosis, its efficacy and safety has not been investigated.

Objectives  To evaluate safety and immunogenicity of influenza vaccine in patients with sarcoidosis.

Patients/Methods  Influenza vaccination was performed in 23 eligible patients with sarcoidosis (SP) and 26 healthy controls (HC). Antibody titers against H1N1, H3N2, and B influenza virus antigens were evaluated just before and 1 month after vaccination. Patients were followed for 6 months to assess vaccine safety.

Results  Serological response and magnitude of changes in antibody titers against influenza vaccine antigens were comparable between SPs and HCs. Women showed a better serological response against B antigen (P = 0·034) than men. Twenty‐four‐hour urine calcium was associated with antibody response against H1N1 [correlation coefficient (CC) = 0·477, P = 0·003] and H3N2 (CC = 0·352, P = 0·028) antigens. Serum angiotensin‐converting enzyme correlated negatively with antibody response against B antigen (CC = −0·331, P = 0·040). Higher residual volume was associated with fewer rises in antibody titer against H3N2 antigen (CC = −0·377, P = 0·035). No major adverse events or disease flare‐up was observed during follow‐up.

Conclusions  In this study, influenza vaccination did not cause any major adverse event in SPs, and their serological response was equal to HCs. Studies with larger sample size and a broader selection of subjects could help validate the results of this study.
Comparative safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of several anti‐H5N1 influenza experimental vaccines in a mouse and chicken models (Testing of killed and live H5 vaccine)
Authors: Gambaryan Alexandra S. , Lomakina Natalia F. , Boravleva Elizaveta Y. , Kropotkina Ekaterina A. , Mashin Vadim V. , Krasilnikov Igor V. , Klimov Alexander I. , Rudenko Larisa G.
Published: September 2011

Please cite this paper as: Gambaryan et al. (2011) Comparative safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of several anti‐H5N1 influenza experimental vaccines in a mouse and chicken models. Parallel testing of killed and live H5 vaccine. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(3), 188–195.

Objective  Parallel testing of inactivated (split and whole virion) and live vaccine was conducted to compare the immunogenicity and protective efficacy against homologous and heterosubtypic challenge by H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus.

Method  Four experimental live vaccines based on two H5N1 influenza virus strains were tested; two of them had hemagglutinin (HA) of A/Vietnam/1203/04 strain lacking the polybasic HA cleavage site, and two others had hemagglutinins from attenuated H5N1 virus A/Chicken/Kurgan/3/05, with amino acid substitutions of Asp54/Asn and Lys222/Thr in HA1 and Val48/Ile and Lys131/Thr in HA2 while maintaining the polybasic HA cleavage site. The neuraminidase and non‐glycoprotein genes of the experimental live vaccines were from H2N2 cold‐adapted master strain A/Leningrad/134/17/57 (VN‐Len and Ku‐Len) or from the apathogenic H6N2 virus A/Gull/Moscow/3100/2006 (VN‐Gull and Ku‐Gull). Inactivated H5N1 and H1N1 and live H1N1 vaccine were used for comparison. All vaccines were applied in a single dose. Safety, immunogenicity, and protectivity against the challenge with HPAI H5N1 virus A/Chicken/Kurgan/3/05 were estimated.

Results  All experimental live H5 vaccines tested were apathogenic as determined by weight loss and conferred more than 90% protection against lethal challenge with A/Chicken/Kurgan/3/05 infection. Inactivated H1N1 vaccine in mice offered no protection against challenge with H5N1 virus, while live cold‐adapted H1N1 vaccine reduced the mortality near to zero level.

Conclusions  The high yield, safety, and protectivity of VN‐Len and Ku‐Len made them promising strains for the production of inactivated and live vaccines against H5N1 viruses.
Frequency and Large T (LT) Sequence of JC Polyomavirus DNA in Oligodendrocytes, Astrocytes and Granular Cells in Non‐PML Brain
Authors: Bayliss Julianne , Karasoulos Tanja , McLean Catriona A.
Published: September 2011

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and JCV granular cell neuronopathy occur secondary to JCV polyomavirus (JCV) infection of oligodendrocytes and cerebellar granular cell neurons (CGNs) during immunosuppression. Pure populations of astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, CGNs and microglia from frontal cortex and cerebellum of 17 non‐PML patients (9 immunocompetent; 8 immunosuppressed) were isolated by laser capture microdissection (LCM). JCV large T (LT) antigen DNA was detected by triple nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Sequence analysis was performed to assess LT gene variation. JCV DNA was detected in oligodendrocytes, astrocytes and CGNs of non‐PML brains. The most common site for viral latency was cortical oligodendrocytes (65% of samples analyzed). Immunosuppressed patients were significantly more likely to harbor JCV DNA in CGN populations than immunocompetent patients (P = 0.01). Sequence analysis of the LT region revealed eight novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in four immunosuppressed patients. Of the eight novel SNPs detected, six were silent and two resulted in amino acid changes. JCV DNA is present within cells of the non‐PML brain, known to be infected during PML and granular cell neuronopathy. This supports the argument for a brain only reservoir of JCV and supports the hypothesis that reactivation of latent brain JCV may be central to disease pathogenesis.
Geochronology of the Xihuashan Tungsten Deposit in Southeastern China: Constraints from Re–Os and U–Pb Dating
Authors: WANG Fang‐Yue , LI Cong‐Ying , LING Ming‐Xing , ZHANG Hong , SUN Ya‐Li , SUN Weidong
Published: September 2011

Xihuashan tungsten deposit is one of the earliest explored tungsten deposits in southeastern China. It is a vein type deposit genetically associated with the Xihuashan granite pluton. Here we report new dating and zircon geochemistry results. Re–Os isotopic dating for molybdenite intergrowth with wolframite in the oldest generation of the Xihuashan pluton yielded an isochron age of 157.0 ± 2.5 Ma (2σ). Zircon U–Pb laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) dating shows that the pluton crystallized at 155.7 ± 2.2 Ma (2σ). This age is similar to the molybdenite Re–Os age for the ore deposit within error. This, together with published data, suggests that the major W(Mo)‐Sn mineralization occurred between 160–150 Ma in southeastern China. These deposits constitute a major part of the magmatic‐metallogenic belt of eastern Nanlin. The lower Re content in molybdenite of the Xihuashan tungsten deposit shows crustal origin for the ore‐forming material. The limited direct contributions from the subducting slab for the tungsten mineralization in the Nanling region suggest a change of the style of the paleo‐Pacific plate beneath southeastern China.
Evaluation of secondary school teachers’ knowledge about psychosis: a contribution to early detection
Authors: Masillo Alice , Monducci Elena , Pucci Daniela , Telesforo Ludovica , Battaglia Claudia , Carlotto Alessandra , Forte Alberto , Bonaccorsi Emilio , Romano Antonio , Fiori Nastro Paolo , Girardi Paolo
Published: September 2011

Aims: We sought to evaluate secondary school teachers’ knowledge about psychosis and their level of interest in this topic given the key role they may be able to play in the early detection of psychosis.

Methods: A questionnaire survey of 268 secondary school teachers from eight secondary schools within the Azienda Sanitaria Locale Rome/E and Rome/A catchment areas (two of the five city health districts) in Rome. Teachers were asked to complete the Italian version Esperienza e Conoscenza delle Difficoltò Sociali ed Emotive dei Giovani of the Knowledge and Experience of Social Emotional Difficulties among Young people self‐report questionnaire that investigates the diagnosis, age of onset, aetiology, prognosis and treatment of psychosis. They were also asked about their experience with pupils with possible psychosis.

Results: Most of teachers were able to recognize psychotic symptoms from a case vignette. Approximately 25% of the teachers had experienced a pupil with possible symptoms of psychosis. However, teachers displayed little awareness of psychiatric community services available for young people.

Conclusions: Our study shows that teachers may play an important role in early detection and psychosis prevention strategies. The teachers also displayed a keen interest in gaining a deeper knowledge of early psychotic signs and in cooperating closely with a mental health specialist to obtain guidance and support when faced with serious mentally ill pupils.
Walking the tightrope of bioavailability: growth dynamics of PAH degraders on vapour‐phase PAH
Authors: Hanzel Joanna , Thullner Martin , Harms Hauke , Wick Lukas Y.
Published: September 2011

Microbial contaminant degradation may either result in the utilization of the compound for growth or act as a protective mechanism against its toxicity. Bioavailability of contaminants for nutrition and toxicity has opposite consequences which may have resulted in quite different bacterial adaptation mechanisms; these may particularly interfere when a growth substrate causes toxicity at high bioavailability. Recently, it has been demonstrated that a high bioavailability of vapour‐phase naphthalene (NAPH) leads to chemotactic movement of NAPH‐degrading Pseudomonas putida (NAH7) G7 away from the NAPH source. To investigate the balance of toxic defence and substrate utilization, we tested the influence of the cell density on surface‐associated growth of strain PpG7 at different positions in vapour‐phase NAPH gradients. Controlled microcosm experiments revealed that high cell densities increased growth rates close (< 2 cm) to the NAPH source, whereas competition for NAPH decreased the growth rates at larger distances despite the high gas phase diffusivity of NAPH. At larger distance, less microbial biomass was likewise sustained by the vapour‐phase NAPH. Such varying growth kinetics is explained by a combination of bioavailability restrictions and NAPH‐based inhibition. To account for this balance, a novel, integrated ‘Best Equation’ describing microbial growth influenced by substrate availability and inhibition is presented.
The Lean method as a clinical pathway facilitator in patients with lung cancer
Authors: Aasebø Ulf , Strøm Hans Henrik , Postmyr Merete
Published: September 2011

Introduction:  Patient flow during workup for lung cancer is often difficult to influence because of delay at many levels: patient delay, doctors' delay and waiting time for X‐ray and CT scan, referral to specialist, and waiting time for chemotherapy and radiotherapy or surgery. A mean workup time of 4 months is not unusual.

Objectives:  To improve quality and shorten the workup time for patients with lung cancer.

Methods:  It was decided to employ a program designed by the Toyota car industry, the Lean process, as a tool to improve workup time. A Lean process implicates all levels of an institution with project and focus groups having workshops to analyse present status and suggest improvements.

Results:  Since introducing the Lean project, we have decreased the workup time from a mean of 64 days to 16 days, and the median time from diagnosis to surgery was reduced from 26.5 days to 15 days.

Conclusion:  It is feasible to improve patient flow for patients with lung cancer by employing the Lean method as a pathway instrument.

Please cite this paper as: Aasebø U, Strøm HH and Postmyr M. The Lean method as a clinical pathway facilitator in patients with lung cancer. Clin Respir J 2012; 6: 169–174.
Caries and periodontal disease in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Müller Thomas , Palluch Romuald , ackowski Jochen J
Published: September 2011

Parkinson's disease (PD) has been associated with aging, reduced fine motor skills, and malnutrition caused by eating soft sticky foods and a decreased liquid intake, which may contribute to the onset of caries, periodontal disease, and tooth loss. The objective of this study was to investigate the oral health of 101 patients with PD (mean age: 66.2 ± 10.5 years) and compare them to 75 control subjects (CO) (mean age 71 ± 10.53). Patients with PD had poorer oral health than the control group (papilla bleeding index: PD 6.97 ± 8.34; CO 2.12 ± 2.73). Lower frequencies of daily toothbrushing (PD: 1.69 ± 0.83; CO: 2.08 ± 0.80), longer time since the last dentist visit (PD: 1.94 ± 1.49; CO: 1.21 ± 0.60 years), and reduced salivary flow (PD: 2.69 ± 0.94; CO: 3.53 ±1.11 ml). All of these factors may be related to the gingival recession and tooth mobility found in our patients with PD. Individuals with PD, their caregivers, and their physicians need to focus more on their oral health and quality of oral hygiene.
Phylogeographic analysis of the endemic species Sibiraea angustata reveals a marginal refugium in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Duan Yizhong , Gao Qingbo , Zhang Faqi , Li Yinghu , Fu Pengcheng , Chen Shilong
Published: September 2011

The phylogeography of Sibiraea angustata, an endemic shrub species, was studied in the Qinghai–Tibet plateau (QTP). We investigated 466 individuals of S. angustata from 39 populations basically covering its total distribution area. Eight haplotypes (A–H) were detected by sequencing the intergenic chloroplast spacer trnS–trnG (600 bp), and one ancestral haplotype (A) was found to be widely distributed. The level of differentiation among populations was very high (GST=0.768; NST=0.850) and a significant phylogeographical structure was revealed (NST>GST). Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) similarily revealed a high level of differentiation among populations (84%, FST=0.842), indicating that little gene flow has occurred among populations mutually isolated by high mountains and rivers in the QTP. On the QTP platform there was only one widespread haplotype (A) in most populations, while populations along the eastern and southeastern edges had high diversity and unique haplotypes. Our results suggest that a glacial refugium may have been located on the eastern or southeastern edges of QTP during the last glaciation, and that interglacial and postglacial range expansion occurred from that refugium. Nested clade analysis (NCA) also suggests this scenario, which indicates that the current spatial distribution of cpDNA haplotypes and populations mainly resulted from long distance colonization, possibly coupled with subsequent or past fragmentation followed by range expansion and allopatric fragmentation.
Primulina guangxiensis sp. nov. (Gesneriaceae) from a karst cave in Guangxi, China
Authors: Liu Yan , Xu Wei‐Bin , Huang Yu‐Song
Published: September 2011

Primulina guangxiensis Yan Liu & W. B. Xu, a new species of Gesneriaceae from Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is related to Primulina tabacum Hance, but differs in the leaf blade being obliquely ovate to obliquely oblong‐ovate, 2.5–6.0×1.3–4.3 cm, eith margin entire to repand and base inequilateral, petiole slimly terete, 1.5–6.0 cm long, ca 2–3 mm across, cymes 1–2‐branched, 1–5‐flowered and corolla tube hypocrateriform, 20–25 mm long, 2 mm across. The new species is rare, currently known only from one site in a karst cave in western Guangxi.
Drinkers, non‐drinkers and deferrers: Reconsidering the beer/footy couplet amongst Australian Rules football fans1
Authors: Thompson Kirrilly , Palmer Catherine , Raven Melissa
Published: September 2011

There is a common perception that football and alcohol go hand in hand and that players and fans routinely engage in excessive and irresponsible drinking. In Australia, this is manifest in the stereotypical ‘Pissed Aussie Rules fan’. Following research with Australian Rules football fans in South Australia, we identified three categories of fans according to their (non)engagement with alcohol: Drinkers, Non‐Drinkers and Deferrers. Deferrers were self‐identified drinkers who separated alcohol consumption from spectating, for fear of ‘contamination’. Our identification of counter‐stereotypic ways in which fans engage with alcohol (or not) challenges the assumptive worlds in which popular commentary on football and drinking operates. This was, to our knowledge, the first ethnography of drinking behaviour amongst Australian Rules football fans. It demonstrates the advantage of using ethnographic research techniques to understand the relationship between identity and consumption.
Activation of β‐adrenergic receptors increases the in vitro migration of malignant hepatocytes
Authors: Lodewyks Carly , Rodriguez Jose F. , Yan Jing , Lerner Betty , Sun DongFeng , Rempel Julia D. , Uhanova Julia , Labine Meaghan , Minuk Gerald Y.
Published: September 2011

Aim:  Activation of adrenergic receptors (AR) has been reported to enhance the growth and invasion of various malignancies. The effects of AR agonists on malignant hepatocyte proliferation and migration have yet to be determined.

Methods:  PLC/PRF/5 (PLC) and Huh‐7 cells were exposed to a wide range of concentrations of the AR agonists noradrenaline (NA) and isoprenaline. Cell proliferation, migration, intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), protein kinase A (PKA) and C (PKC), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)‐2, ‐3, ‐7 and ‐9, and α1‐, β1‐ and β2‐AR expression were documented in both cell lines.

Results:  Cell proliferative activity was unaltered following exposure to physiological and stress‐related concentrations of AR agonists but migration was accelerated, an effect that was inhibited by the nonselective β‐AR antagonist labetalol. cAMP, PKA, PKC or MMP expression remained unchanged. Although α1‐ and β1‐AR expressions were abundant, β2‐AR expression was limited in both cell lines.

Conclusion:  Unlike other malignancies studied to date, in this study, the proliferative activity of malignant hepatocytes was not increased by exposure to AR agonists, a finding that could be explained by downregulation of β2‐AR expression. The increase in malignant hepatocyte migration observed remains unexplained but does not appear to involve adenyl cyclase or MMP signaling pathways.
Favorable factors for re‐treatment with pegylated interferon α2a plus ribavirin in patients with high viral loads of genotype 1 hepatitis C virus
Authors: Tamori Akihiro , Kioka Kiyohide , Kurai Osamu , Sakaguchi Hiroki , Enomoto Masaru , Fujii Hideki , Kobayashi Sawako , Iwai Shuji , Morikawa Hiroyasu , Yamaguchi Seiko , Kawasaki Yasuko , Oka Hiroko , Tanaka Yasuhito , Kawada Norifumi
Published: September 2011

Aim:  Effect of re‐treatment for pegylated interferon (PEG‐IFN) plus ribavirin was not fully evaluated. We examined the effects of re‐treatment with PEG‐IFN plus ribavirin in patients with high viral loads of genotype 1 hepatitis C virus who failed to achieve a sustained virological response (SVR) with combination therapy.

Methods:  We examined 38 patients who were re‐treated with PEG‐IFN α2a plus ribavirin for more than 60 weeks, among whom 14 were non‐responders and 24 were relapsers after previous treatment with PEG‐IFN α2b plus ribavirin. IL28B genotyping was done in 21 patients.

Results:  The overall SVR rate was 34%. Analysis of baseline characteristics showed that the relapsers had a significantly higher SVR rate than the non‐responders (50.0%, 12/24 vs. 7.1%, 1/14, respectively, P = 0.012) The SVR rates of re‐treated patients who had turned hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA‐negative at weeks 8, 12, 24, and 48 of the previous therapy were 67% (4/6), 67% (4/6), 29% (2/7), and 25% (1/4), respectively. Re‐treatment achieved an SVR in five of 12 patients with IL28B major alleles and three of nine patients with IL28B minor alleles. During the re‐treatment, patients with complete viral suppression at week‐12 achieved a significantly higher SVR rate (P = 0.001).

Conclusions:  Re‐treatment with PEG‐IFN α2a plus ribavirin therapy is effective in patients who relapse after a course of PEG‐IFN α2b plus ribavirin therapy. Re‐treatment is a particularly useful option for patients who achieve early viral clearance during previous therapy.
Anticarcinogenic impact of interferon therapy on the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic viral infection
Authors: Shimomura Soji , Nishiguchi Shuhei
Published: September 2011

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is mainly caused by a persistent infection due to the hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus. The number of HCC cases is increasing in Asian and African countries, as well as in European and American countries. Interferon (IFN) therapy, used for type B chronic liver diseases, inhibits hepatic carcinogenesis in patients with compensated cirrhosis. However, there is insufficient evidence that IFN therapy inhibits hepatic carcinogenesis in patients with chronic hepatitis B. There are few cases of HCC due to chronic hepatitis B, and long‐term follow‐up periods verifying the inhibitory effect of IFN on hepatic carcinogenesis have not been obtained. To improve the prognosis of type B chronic liver diseases, it is important that hepatitis treatment follows guidelines in which a patient's age and the extent of hepatic fibrosis are taken into account. As for chronic hepatitis C, since a sustained virological response (SVR) in IFN therapy inhibits hepatic carcinogenesis and improves prognosis, treatment that aims for an SVR while taking into consideration host‐sided and virus‐sided factors is recommended for patients with type C chronic liver diseases. In areas with low incidence of HCC (e.g. USA), a large number of cases and a long‐term follow‐up period are needed before it can be accepted that IFN therapy inhibits hepatic carcinogenesis. After locally curative treatment of HCC, IFN therapy suppresses recurrence and improves survival rates.
A 3‐D study of mineral inclusions in chromite from ordinary chondrites using synchrotron radiation X‐ray tomographic microscopy—Method and applications
Authors: ALWMARK Carl , SCHMITZ Birger , HOLM Sanna , MARONE Federica , STAMPANONI Marco
Published: September 2011

Abstract– A method is described for imaging in 3‐D the interiors of meteoritic chromite grains and their inclusions using synchrotron radiation X‐ray tomographic microscopy. In ordinary chondrites, chromite is the only common mineral that survives long‐term weathering on Earth. Information about the silicate matrix of the original meteorite, however, can be derived from mineral inclusions preserved in the protecting chromite. The inclusions are crucial in the classification of fossil meteorites as well as sediment‐dispersed chromite grains from decomposed meteorites and larger impacts, as these are used for characterizing the past influx of material to Earth, but have previously been difficult to locate. The method is non‐destructive and time efficient for locating inclusions. The method allowed quantitative and morphological studies of both host chromite grains and inclusions in three dimensions. The study of 385 chromite grains from eight chondrites (H4–6, L4–6, LL4, LL6) reveals that inclusions are abundant and equally common in all samples. Almost two‐thirds of all chromite grains contain inclusions, regardless of group and type. The study also shows that the size of the inclusions and the host chromite grains, as well as the number of inclusions, within the host chromite grains vary with petrographic type. Thus, the petrographic type of the host of a suite of chromite grains can be determined based solely on inclusion content. The study also revealed that the amount of fractures in the host chromite can be correlated to previously assigned shock stages for the various chondrites. The study has thus shown that the features and inclusions of fossil chromite grains can give similar information about a former host meteorite as do studies of an unweathered whole meteorite, meaning that this technique is essential in the studies of ancient meteorite flux to Earth.
Understanding the mechanisms of formation of nanophase compounds from Stardust: Combined experimental and observational approach
Authors: ABREU Neyda M. , RIETMEIJER Frans J. M. , NUTH Joseph A.
Published: September 2011

Abstract–We have experimentally produced nanophase sulfide compounds and magnetite embedded in Si‐rich amorphous materials by flash‐cooling of a gas stream. Similar assemblages are ubiquitous, and often dominant components of samples of impact‐processed silica aerogel tiles and submicron grains from comet 81P/Wild 2 were retrieved by NASA’s Stardust mission. Although the texture and compositions of nanosulfide compounds have been reproduced experimentally, the mechanisms of formation of these minerals and their relationship with the surrounding amorphous materials have not been established. In this study, we present evidence that both of these materials may not only be produced through cooling of a superheated liquid but they may have also been formed simultaneously by flash‐cooling and subsequent deposition of a gas dominated by Fe‐S‐SiO‐O2. In a dust generator at the Goddard Space Flight Center, samples are produced by direct gas‐phase condensation from gaseous precursors followed by deposition, which effectively isolates the effects of gas‐phase reactions from the effects of melting and condensation. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy images and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy analysis show that these experiments replicate key features of materials from type B and type C Stardust tracks, including textures, distribution of inclusions, nanophase size, and compositional diversity. We argue that gas‐phase reactions may have played a significant role in the capture environment for nanophase materials. Our results are consistent with a potential progenitor assemblage of micron and submicron‐sized sulfides and submicron silica‐bearing phases, which are commonly observed in chondritic interplanetary dust particles and in the matrices of the most pristine chondritic meteorites.
Cross sections from 5 to 35 MeV for the reactions natMg(3He,x)26Al, 27Al(3He,x)26Al, natCa(3He,x)41Ca, and natCa(3He,x)36Cl: Implications for early irradiation in the solar system
Authors: HERZOG Gregory F. , CAFFEE Marc W. , FAESTERMANN Thomas , HERTENBERGER R. , KORSCHINEK Gunther , LEYA Ingo , REEDY Robert C. , SISTERSON J. M.
Published: September 2011

Abstract– Cross sections were measured for the nuclear reactions natMg(3He,x)26Al, 27Al(3He,x)26Al, natCa(3He,x)41Ca, and natCa(3He,x)36Cl in the energy region from approximately 5–35 MeV. The rates of these reactions are important for studies of early solar system irradiation scenarios. The 26Al, 36Cl, and 41Ca were separated chemically, and the numbers of atoms produced in each reaction channel were measured using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). From these results, 26 cross sections were determined and compared with predictions of the TALYS code. Agreement is within 40% for most cross sections. Our measurements were used to model the production of 7Be, 10Be, 26Al, and 41Ca in the early solar system. For projectiles 1H, 3He, and 4He, we assumed energy spectra of the general form E−α. For a wide range of parameterizations, the modeled ratios of 7Be/Be and 10Be/Be on the one hand and of 26Al/27Al and 41Ca/Ca on the other are coupled because the excitation functions for the relevant nuclear reactions have similar shapes. Modeling of a closed system with the constraint that 10Be/9Be = 0.001 fails to reproduce simultaneously the range of 7Be/9Be, 26Al/27Al, and 41Ca/Ca ratios inferred for the early solar system from studies of meteorites.
The environment of early Mars and the missing carbonates
Authors: FERNÁNDEZ‐REMOLAR David C. , SÁNCHEZ‐ROMÁN Mónica , HILL Andrew C. , GÓMEZ‐ORTÍZ David , BALLESTEROS Olga Prieto , ROMANEK Christopher S. , AMILS Ricardo
Published: September 2011

Abstract– A model is presented in which the aqueous conditions needed to generate phyllosilicate minerals in the absence of carbonates found in the ancient Noachian crust are maintained by an early CO2‐rich atmosphere, that, together with iron (II) oxidation, would prevent carbonate formation at the surface. After cessation of the internal magnetic dynamo, a CO2‐rich primordial atmosphere was stripped by interactions with the solar wind and surface conditions evolved from humid to arid, with ground waters partially dissolving subsurface carbonate and sulfide minerals to produce acid‐sulfate evaporitic deposits in areas with upwelling ground water. In a subsequent geochemical state (Late Noachian to Hesperian), surface and subsurface acidic solutions were neutralized in the subsurface through interaction with basaltic crust, allowing the precipitation of secondary carbonates. This model suggests that, in the early Noachian, the surface waters of Mars maintained acidity because of a drop in temperature. This would have favored increased dissolution of CO2 and a reduction in atmospheric pressure. In this scenario, physicochemical conditions precluded the formation of surface carbonates, but induced the precipitation of carbonates in the subsurface.
Subconjunctival voriconazole for the treatment of mycotic keratitis in a horse
Authors: Gilmour M. A.
Published: September 2011

Fungal keratitis in the horse is a common but challenging disease. This report describes the successful treatment ofFusariumkeratitis with both topical and subconjunctival voriconazole 1%. Voriconazole is a new triazole antifungal that has demonstrated efficacy against common fungal pathogens. Topical voriconazole is able to penetrate the intact corneal epithelium making it a good choice for superficial or deep mycotic keratitis. Reports of subconjunctival use of antifungal drugs are sparse in the veterinary literature. We found subconjunctival voriconazole was well tolerated and easy to safely administer.
Cytotoxic constituents of propolis inducing anticancer effects: a review
Authors: Watanabe Maria Angélica Ehara , Amarante Marla Karine , Conti Bruno José , Sforcin José Maurício
Published: September 2011

Objectives

Propolis is a honeybee product used extensively in traditional medicine for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and anticancer effects. Propolis exhibits a broad spectrum of biological activities because it is a complex mixture of natural substances. In this review, the antitumour effects of propolis extracts and its constituents (e.g. flavonoids, terpenes and caffeic acid phenethyl ester) are discussed.

Key findings

The effect of propolis on experimental carcinogenesis is discussed, as well as its possible mechanisms of action against tumours, involving apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and interference on metabolic pathways. Propolis seems to be efficient against different tumour cells both in vitro and in vivo, which suggests its potential in the development of new anticancer drugs.

Propolis extracts may be important economically and would allow a relatively inexpensive cancer treatment. Preclinical investigations are needed to further elucidate the benefits of propolis and its antitumour properties.
Power in group contexts: The influence of group status on promotion and prevention decision making
Authors: Scheepers Daan , Ellemers Naomi , Sassenberg Kai
Published: September 2011

This research examines how group status affects the impact of individual power positions on promotion versus prevention choices in group decision making. We consider that high power not only implies control, but also indicates responsibility for the achievement of group goals. We argue that the nature of these goals depends on the current status of the group. In Experiment 1, individuals who were accorded high power showed more promotion‐oriented decisions in the low group status condition while decisions were more prevention oriented under high group status. Experiment 2 replicated these effects, and further demonstrated that they only emerge when those in power are explicitly made accountable for the achievement of group goals. These results are discussed in relation to regulatory focus theory, power theories, and the role of social identities and group goals in group dynamics.
By any means necessary: The effects of regulatory focus and moral conviction on hostile and benevolent forms of collective action
Authors: Zaal Maarten P. , Laar Colette Van , Ståhl Tomas , Ellemers Naomi , Derks Belle
Published: September 2011

In two studies, we investigate the effect of individuals’ promotion and prevention focus on engagement in collective action. We show that responding to group‐based disadvantage out of a sense of moral conviction motivates prevention‐oriented– but not promotion‐oriented– individuals to engage in collective action. Furthermore, holding such strong moral convictions about the fair treatment of their group causes the prevention‐oriented to disregard societal rules against hostile forms of collective action (i.e., forms of action that are aimed at harming the interests of those held responsible for the group's disadvantage). Study 1 showed that prevention‐oriented individuals, but not promotion‐oriented individuals, with a strong moral conviction about the fair treatment of their group are willing to support both hostile and benevolent forms of collective action. Study 2 replicated this effect and showed that for prevention‐oriented individuals but not for promotion‐oriented individuals, holding a strong moral conviction about the fair treatment of the group overrides moral objections to hostile forms of collective action in the decision to support these forms of action.
Slowed relaxation and preserved maximal force in soleus muscles of mice with targeted disruption of the Serca2 gene in skeletal muscle
Authors: Sjåland Cecilie , Lunde Per Kristian , Swift Fredrik , Munkvik Morten , Ericsson Madelene , Lunde Marianne , Boye Sigurd , Christensen Geir , Ellingsen Øyvind , Sejersted Ole M. , Andersson Kristin B.
Published: September 2011

Non‐technical summary  Muscle function depends on tightly regulated Ca2+ movement between the intracellular sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+ store and cytoplasm in muscle cells. Disturbances in these processes have been linked to impaired muscle function and muscle disease. We disrupted the gene for the SERCA2 SR Ca2+ pump in mouse skeletal muscle to study how decreased transport of Ca2+ into the SR would affect soleus muscle function. We found that the SERCA2 content was strongly reduced in the 40% fraction of soleus muscle fibres normally expressing SERCA2. Muscle relaxation was slowed, supporting the hypothesis that reduced SERCA2 would reduce Ca2+ transport into the SR and prolong muscle relaxation time. Surprisingly, the muscles maintained maximal force, despite the fact that less SERCA2 in these fibres would be expected to lower the amount of Ca2+ released during contraction, and thereby lower the maximal force. Our findings raise important questions regarding the roles of SERCA2 and SR in muscle function.
A Self-Sealing Suction Cup Array for Grasping
Authors: Kessens Chad C. , Desai Jaydev P.
Published: September 2011

While suction technology was invented long ago, the application of suction to object manipulation thus far has been confined to many small, well-defined problem sets. Its potential for grasping a large range of unknown objects remains relatively unexplored. This paper introduces the design of a suction cup that is “self-sealing.” The suction cups comprising the grasper exert no suction force when the cup(s) are not in contact with an object, but instead exert suction force only when they are in physical contact with an object. Since grasping is achieved purely by passive means, the cost and weight associated with individual sensors, valves, and/or actuators are essentially eliminated. This paper presents the design, analysis, fabrication, and experimental results of an array of such self-sealing suction cups. Finite element analysis of the cup is shown for both compressive and tensile loading, and the quality of the internal seal is quantified. Finally, performance is shown to be comparable to that of a commercially available cup, and grasping capability is demonstrated on a wide range of objects.
Effect of Torque-Velocity Relationship on Manipulability for Robot Manipulators
Authors: Watanabe Tetsuyou
Published: September 2011

This paper presents novel manipulability analysis for robotic manipulators, taking the effect of generating joint torques on generable joint velocities and vice versa into consideration. The conventional manipulability is analysis in velocity domain and cannot concern force effect such as gravity of payload and external forces exerted on the endeffector. Gravitational force has been regarded that it just changes the origin of the manipulability ellipsoid expressing the set of generable tip velocities, and its evaluation (its volume) does not change. However, if robot grasps a heavy object, the robot cannot move with the same speed as the case of grasping a light object, because the power of the robot is limited. It indicates that the robot performance evaluation by conventional manipulability has serious problem that the force effect cannot be included. The power of the robot is determined by the operation range of every actuator, which tells us the relationship between generating torque/velocity and addable velocity/torque. Then, this paper presents novel manipulability analysis which can take the force effect into consideration, based on the torque-velocity relationship. This analysis shows that manipulability is influenced by payload, gravitational force, and external forces.
Dynamic Response of Intraocular Pressure and Biomechanical Effects of the Eye Considering Fluid-Structure Interaction
Authors: Salimi S. , Simon Park S. , Freiheit T.
Published: September 2011

The vibration characteristics of shell structures such as eyes have been shown to vary with intraocular pressure (IOP). Therefore, vibration characteristics of the eye have the potential to provide improved correlation to IOP over traditional IOP measurements. As background to examine an improved IOP correlation, this paper develops a finite element model of an eye subject to vibration. The eye is modeled as a shell structure filled with inviscid pressurized fluid in which there is no mean flow. This model solves a problem of a fluid with coupled structural interactions of a generally spherically shaped shell system. The model is verified by comparing its vibrational characteristics with an experimental modal analysis of an elastic spherical shell filled with water. The structural dynamic effects due to change in pressure of the fluid are examined. It is shown that the frequency response of this fluid-solid coupled system has a clear increase in natural frequency as the fluid pressure rises. The fluid and structure interaction is important for accurate prediction of system dynamics. This model is then extended to improve its accuracy in modeling the eye by including the effect of the lens to study corneal vibration. The effect of biomechanical parameters such as the thicknesses of different parts of the eye and eye dimensions in altering measured natural frequencies is investigated and compared to the influence of biomechanical parameters in Goldmann applanation tonometry models. The dynamic response of the eye is found to be less sensitive to biomechanical parameters than the applanation tonometry model.
Preliminary Mechanical Characterization of the Small Bowel for In Vivo Robotic Mobility
Authors: Terry Benjamin S. , Lyle Allison B. , Schoen Jonathan A. , Rentschler Mark E.
Published: September 2011

In this work we present test methods, devices, and preliminary results for the mechanical characterization of the small bowel for intra luminal robotic mobility. Both active and passive forces that affect mobility are investigated. Four investigative devices and testing methods to characterize the active and passive forces are presented in this work: (1) a novel manometer and a force sensor array that measure force per cm of axial length generated by the migrating motor complex, (2) a biaxial test apparatus and method for characterizing the biomechanical properties of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, (3) a novel in vitro device and protocol designed to measure the energy required to overcome the self-adhesivity of the mucosa, and (4) a novel tribometer that measures the in vivo coefficient of friction between the mucus membrane and the robot surface. The four devices are tested on a single porcine model to validate the approach and protocols. Mean force readings per cm of axial length of intestine that occurred over a 15 min interval in vivo were 1.34 ± 0.14 and 1.18 ± 0.22 N cm−1 in the middle and distal regions, respectively. Based on the biaxial stress/stretch tests, the tissue behaves anisotropically with the circumferential direction being more compliant than the axial direction. The mean work per unit area for mucoseparation of the small bowel is 0.08 ± 0.03 mJ cm−2. The total energy to overcome mucoadhesion over the entire length of the porcine small bowel is approximately 0.55 J. The mean in vivo coefficient of friction (COF) of a curved 6.97 cm2 polycarbonate sled on live mucosa traveling at 1 mm s−1 is 0.016 ± 0.002. This is slightly lower than the COF on excised tissue, given the same input parameters. We have initiated a comprehensive program and suite of test devices and protocols for mechanically characterizing the small bowel for in vivo mobility. Results show that each of the four protocols and associated test devices has successfully gathered preliminary data to confirm the validity of our test approach.
Simulations of Stochastic Biological Phenomena
Authors: Hayot Fernand
Published: September 2011

Lecture notes, slides, and a student assignment illustrate a strategy for teaching stochastic modeling of biological systems.
First Damaging, Then Repairing
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: September 2011

By infiltrating the epithelial layer, neutrophils cause damage but also stimulate repair.
Organized for Memory
Authors: Adler Elizabeth M.
Published: September 2011

The increased presence of nanoclusters of oligomeric TCRs on memory cells may enable them to mount a more rapid and vigorous response.
ERK to Conserve Resources
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: September 2011

ERK7 suppresses protein secretion in response to amino acid starvation.
Dendritic Cells Regulate Natural Killer Cell Activation and Epithelial Injury in Experimental Biliary Atresia
Authors: Saxena Vijay , Shivakumar Pranavkumar , Sabla Gregg , Mourya Reena , Chougnet Claire , Bezerra Jorge A.
Published: September 2011

Plasmacytoid and conventional dendritic cells both contribute to natural killer cell activation and epithelial tissue injury in a mouse model of biliary atresia.
Disclosure of Clinical Trial Results When Product Development Is Abandoned
Authors: Rogawski Michael A. , Federoff Howard J.
Published: September 2011

Researchers have an ethical obligation to publicly report clinical trial results for all products.
More than Just “Getting In”
Authors: Rytting Erik
Published: September 2011

A dual-targeting strategy promotes the transport of nanoparticles across the blood-brain barrier and also directs them toward glial cells.