bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Cyclopentadienyl Capped Polyethylene and Subsequent Block Copolymer Formation Via Hetero Diels‐Alder (HDA) Chemistry
Authors: Espinosa Edgar , Glassner Mathias , Boisson Christophe , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher , D'Agosto Franck
Published: July 2011

In the current contribution it is demonstrated – for the first time – that poly(ethylene) ($\overline {M} _{{\rm n}} $ = 1 400 as well as 2 800 g  ·  mol−1, PDI = 1.2) can be readily equipped with highly reactive cyclopentadienyl (Cp) end groups. The Cp terminal poly(ethylene) can subsequently be reacted in an efficient hetero Diels‐Alder (HDA) reaction with macromolecules (poly(isobornyl acrylate) ($\overline {M} _{{\rm n}} $ = 4 600 g  ·  mol−1, PDI = 1.10) and poly(styrene) ($\overline {M} _{{\rm n}} $ = 6 300 g  ·  mol−1, PDI = 1.13) featuring strongly electron withdrawing thiocarbonyl thio end groups, prepared via reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization employing benzylpyridin‐2‐yldithioformate (BPDF) as transfer agent. The resulting block copolymers have been analyzed via high‐temperature size exclusion chromatography (SEC) as well as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The current system allows for the removal of the excess of the non‐poly(ethylene) containing segment via filtration of the poly(ethylene)‐containing block copolymer. However, the reaction temperatures need to be judiciously selected. Characterization of the generated block copolymers at elevated temperatures can lead – depending on the block copolymer type – to the occurrence of retro Diels‐Alder processes. The present study thus demonstrates that RAFT‐HDA ligation can be effectively employed for the generation of block copolymers containing poly(ethylene) segments.

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Intra‐Articular Injection and Driving Advice: A Survey of UK Rheumatologists' Current Practice
Authors: Price Zoe , Murphy Daniel , Mackay Kirsten
Published: July 2011

Objective

To determine the current practice of UK rheumatologists regarding driving advice and intra‐articular injection. A secondary objective was to clarify legal advice on driving after intra‐articular injection.

Methods

A link to an online questionnaire was sent out via the British Society of Rheumatology (BSR) monthly e‐newsletter to all BSR members in January 2010. In addition, we contacted the Medical Defence union (MDU), Medical Protection Society (MPS), Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and insurance companies for statements regarding legal advice.

Results

A total of 134 responses were obtained. These were collected on a web‐based database. The majority of forms returned were from consultant rheumatologists. Fifty‐six per cent of respondents said that they routinely asked patients about driving prior to joint injection. Seventy‐six respondents (57%) considered driving to be an issue when injecting joints. If a patient had driven to clinic, 30% of respondents said that they would inject as normal, 28% opting to inject but ask the patient to wait following injection. Only 12% (16 respondents) said that they would not undertake an injection if the patient was driving. Sixty‐one (46%) respondents did not run an injection clinic. Of those who did (71 respondents) 55% pre‐warned patients not to drive.

Conclusion

There is no clear consensus among rheumatologists as to practice regarding driving following an intra‐articular injection. Medico‐legally, there is no absolute bar to driving following an intra‐articular injection, and guidance points to clinicians' own judgement as to the safety of driving. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Management of lower urinary tract symptoms due to BPH
Authors: Kirby Roger
Published: July 2011

Our Drug review describes the recommended management of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia in general practice, followed by an analysis of prescription data and sources of further information. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
Prescribing medications for heart disease in pregnancy
Authors: Ponnampalam Sathana , O'Brien Pat , Khalil Asma
Published: July 2011

Our series Prescribing in pregnancy provides guidance on what information to offer pregnant women about the risks and benefits of drug treatment. Here the authors outline the management of heart disease in pregnancy. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
Effect of laser pulse time profile on its absorption by argon clusters
Authors: Mishra Gaurav , Holkundkar Amol R. , Gupta N.K.
Published: July 2011

The interaction of medium sized Argon clusters (30 Å) with high-intensity femtosecond laser pulses (806 nm, 8 × 1016 W/cm2) of durations ranging from 10 fs to 120 fs have been studied using a three-dimensional relativistic time dependent molecular dynamic approach. The dynamics of cluster expansion is explained in terms of temporal evolution of electron population in the cluster and snapshots of particle positions at various times. The effects of inter-cluster distance on ionization dynamics are presented. It is observed that the collisional ionization increases with decreasing inter-cluster distance. The effect of pulse duration on laser energy absorption is also studied. For a laser pulse of gaussian time profile, there exists an optimum pulse duration for maximum absorption. No such optimum exists for a nearly flat top (super-gaussian) laser pulse. Results indicate the existence of resonance absorption inside the cluster. It is also observed that the high energy component of ion emission from cluster is anisotropic, showing a preferential direction of emission along laser polarization while the low energy ions emerge almost isotropically.
Circumventing the polydactyly ‘constraint’: the mole's ‘thumb’
Authors: Mitgutsch Christian , Richardson Michael K. , Jiménez Rafael , Martin José E. , Kondrashov Peter , de Bakker Merijn A. G. , Sánchez-Villagra Marcelo R.
Published: July 2011

Talpid moles across all northern continents exhibit a remarkably large, sickle-like radial sesamoid bone anterior to their five digits, always coupled with a smaller tibial sesamoid bone. A possible developmental mechanism behind this phenomenon was revealed using molecular markers during limb development in the Iberian mole (
Talpa occidentalis
) and a shrew (
Cryptotis parva
), as shrews represent the closest relatives of moles but do not show these conspicuous elements. The mole's radial sesamoid develops later than true digits, as shown by
Sox9
, and extends into the digit area, developing in relation to an
Msx2
-domain at the anterior border of the digital plate.
Fgf8
expression, marking the apical ectodermal ridge, is comparable in both species. Developmental peculiarities facilitated the inclusion of the mole's radial sesamoid into the digit series; talpid moles circumvent the almost universal pentadactyly constraint by recruiting wrist sesamoids into their digital region using a novel developmental pathway and timing.
Application of the method of asymptotic homogenization to an acoustic metafluid
Authors: Smith John D.
Published: July 2011

The method of asymptotic homogenization is used to find the dynamic effective properties of a metamaterial consisting of two alternating layers of fluid, repeating periodically. As well as the effective wave equation, the method gives the effective equation of motion and constitutive relation in a natural way. When the material properties are such that resonant effects can be present in one of the layers, it is found that the metamaterial changes dynamically from a metafluid with anisotropic density and isotropic stiffness at low frequency to one with anisotropic stiffness when the frequency is near to one of the local resonances. In this region of frequency, the resulting metamaterial is not a pentamode material and thus does not belong to the class of metafluids that can be transformed to an isotropic fluid by a coordinate transformation.
Activity Prediction of Some Nontested Anticancer Compounds Using GA‐Based PLS Regression Models
Authors: Nandi Sisir , Bagchi Manish C.
Published: July 2011

This study is an attempt to formulate 3D quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D‐QSAR) model for 6‐(2,6‐dichlorophenyl)‐pyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidin‐7(8H)‐one compounds based on computed molecular descriptors. Molecular field analysis technique has been employed to find out specific contribution of structural features such as steric, electrostatic, and hydrophobic fields of these compounds showing anticancer activities by the inhibition of epidermal growth factor kinase. Three‐dimensional QSAR model is developed based on the training set using genetic algorithm feature selection combined with partial least square method. The training model is then used to predict the biological activities of some similar class of compounds which were synthesized only, but the activities were not tested. An accuracy of activity prediction has been cross‐checked by introducing a new way of QSAR model validation approach utilizing random normalization correction procedure in the data set.
Remodeling of the Collagen Fiber Architecture Due to Compaction in Small Vessels Under Tissue Engineered Conditions
Authors: Soares Ana L. F. , Stekelenburg Maria , Baaijens Frank P. T.
Published: July 2011

Mechanical loading protocols in tissue engineering (TE) aim to improve the deposition of a properly organized collagen fiber network. In addition to collagen remodeling, these conditioning protocols can result in tissue compaction. Tissue compaction is beneficial to tissue collagen alignment, yet it may lead to a loss of functionality of the TE construct due to changes in geometry after culture. Here, a mathematical model is presented to relate the changes in collagen architecture to the local compaction within a TE small blood vessel, assuming that under static conditions, compaction is the main factor responsible for collagen fiber organization. An existing structurally based model is extended to incorporate volumetric tissue compaction. Subsequently, the model is applied to describe the collagen architecture of TE constructs under either strain based or stress based stimulus functions. Our computations indicate that stress based simulations result in a helical collagen fiber distribution along the vessel wall. The helix pitch angle increases from a circumferential direction in the inner wall, over about 45 deg in the middle vessel layer, to a longitudinal direction in the outer wall. These results are consistent with experimental data from TE small diameter blood vessels. In addition, our results suggest a stress dependent remodeling of the collagen, suggesting that cell traction is responsible for collagen orientation. These findings may be of value to design improved mechanical conditioning protocols to optimize the collagen architecture in engineered tissues.
Vaccine Design Reaches the Atomic Level
Authors: Kwong Peter D. , Shapiro Lawrence
Published: July 2011

Structure-based vaccine design produces an immunogen that elicits protective
responses against diverse strains of meningococcus B, a primary cause of
meningitis.
Channeling Cognitive Performance
Authors: Niewold Timothy B.
Published: July 2011

A gene variant in a potassium channel is associated with cognitive performance in subjects with schizophrenia.
Discovery and characterization of a fructosylated capsule polysaccharide and sialylated lipopolysaccharide in a virulent strain ofActinobacillus suis
Authors: Deutschmann Rudolf , Boncheff Alexander G. , MacInnes Janet I. , Monteiro Mario A.
Published: July 2011

We are developing a serotyping system for Actinobacillus suis based on its capsule (K) and lipopolysaccharide O-chain (O) structures. Previously, we have shown that less virulent strains of this swine pathogen express a (1→6)-β-D-glucan as both K- and O-chain polysaccharides and were serologically classified as K:1/O:1. Here, we show that representative A. suis strains with a high (H91-0380; serotype K:2/O:2) and intermediate (C84; serotype K:2/O:1) degree of virulence possess a capsule polysaccharide (K:2) composed of an O-acetylated diglycosyl phosphate repeat decorated with fructose: [→4)-3-O-Ac-β-D-GlcpNAc-(1→3)-[β-D-Fruf-(2→2)]-α-D-Galp-(1→PO4–→]. In addition, the serotype O:2 lipopolysaccharide was shown to express a sialylated O-chain [→3)-β-D-Galp-(1→4)-[Neu5Ac-(2→3)-α-D-Galp-(1→6)]-β-D-Glcp-(1→6)-β-D-GlcpNAc-(1→]. As (1→6)-β-D-glucan is ubiquitous in the environment, low levels of antibodies in the animals are predicted to prevent disease by K:1/O:1 strains. The greater potential associated with K:2/O:2 and K:2/O:1 strains is most likely due to the absence of (1→6)-β-D-glucan as the K antigen and, in the case of K:2/O:2, the presence of sialic acid in the lipopolysaccharide, a nonulosonic acid known to promote evasion of host recognition.
INVISIBLE HIGGS IN WEAK BOSONS ASSOCIATIVE PRODUCTION WITH HEAVY QUARKS AT LHC: PROBING MASS AND WIDTH
Authors: BOOS E. E. , DEMIDOV S. V. , GORBUNOV D. S.
Published: July 2011

New physics coupled to the Higgs boson may hide it in the standard decay channels to be investigated at LHC. We consider the models where new invisible dominant decay modes of the Higgs boson are responsible for this hiding. We propose to study at LHC the weak boson production associated with heavy quarks: our analysis revealed that boson pair invariant mass distribution is sensitive to both mass and width of the invisible Higgs boson, if it is not too far from the weak boson pair threshold. We present tree-level results for the most relevant cases of top quarks and of bottom quarks in Standard Model extensions with large b-quark Yukawa coupling. We argue that QCD corrections do not spoil these results allowing for unambiguous extraction of the Higgs boson mass and width from the analysis of large enough amount of data.
TWO SHARP UPPER BOUNDS FOR THE SIGNLESS LAPLACIAN SPECTRAL RADIUS OF GRAPHS
Authors: CHEN YA-HONG , PAN RONG-YING , ZHANG XIAO-DONG
Published: July 2011

The signless Laplacian matrix of a graph is the sum of its degree diagonal and adjacency matrices. In this paper, we present a sharp upper bound for the spectral radius of the adjacency matrix of a graph. Then this result and other known results are used to obtain two new sharp upper bounds for the signless Laplacian spectral radius. Moreover, the extremal graphs which attain an upper bound are characterized.
Increased Expression of the Tail-Anchored Membrane Protein SLMAP in Adipose Tissue from Type 2Tally HoDiabetic Mice
Authors: Chen Xiaoliang , Ding Hong
Published: July 2011

The tail-anchored membrane protein, sarcolemmal membrane associated protein (SLMAP) is encoded to a single gene that maps to the chromosome 3p14 region and has also been reported in certain diabetic populations. Our previous studies with db/db mice shown that a deregulation of SLMAP expression plays an important role in type 2 diabetes. MaleTally Homice were bred to present with either normoglycemia (NG) or hyperglycemia (HG). Abdominal adipose tissue from maleTally Homice of the HG group was found to have a significantly lower expression of the membrane associated glucose transporter-4 (GLUT-4) and higher expression of SLMAP compared to tissue from NG mice. There were 3 isoforms expressed in the abdominal adipose tissue, but only 45?kDa isoform of SLMAP was associated with the GLUT-4 revealed by immunoprecipitation data. Knock down studies using SLMAP siRNA with adipocytes resulted in a significant reduction in SLMAP and a decrease in glucose uptake. Thus, SLMAP may be an important regulator of glucose uptake or involved in GLUT-4 fusion/translocation into the plasma membrane of mouse abdominal adipose tissue and changes in SLMAP expression are linked to hyperglycemia and diabetes.
A Statistical Framework to Identify the Influence of Large-Scale Weather Events on Regional Air Pollution
Authors: Singh Angadh , Palazoglu Ahmet
Published: July 2011

Regional air pollution episodes occur as a result of increased emissions and prevalence of conducive meteorological conditions. The frequency of occurrence of such favorable conditions on a regional scale may be influenced by large-scale climatic events like ENSO and the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO). The scarcity of measurements of criteria pollutants, especially ozone and particulate matter (PM), prior to the last 10–15-yr period, limits the scope of observing the influence of climate variability during recent decades on regional pollution levels. The authors propose a novel statistical framework to utilize available measurements and characterize synoptic influences on regional PM pollution in California’s Central Valley during 1998–2008. The identified target conditions are used to develop a classification scheme to scan historical climate datasets dating back to 1948. The procedure identifies exceedance-conducive days during 1950–98, when no PM2.5 measurements were available. Temporal patterns in seasonal frequency of these identified exceedance-conducive days are investigated for temporal patterns driven by ENSO and PDO.
IGFBP-2 Enhances VEGF Gene Promoter Activity and Consequent Promotion of Angiogenesis by Neuroblastoma Cells
Authors: Azar Walid J. , Azar Sheena H. X. , Higgins Sandra , Hu Ji-Fan , Hoffman Andrew R. , Newgreen Donald F. , Werther George A. , Russo Vincenzo C.
Published: July 2011

IGF binding protein (IGFBP)-2 is one of the most significant genes in the signature of major aggressive cancers. Previously, we have shown that IGFBP-2 enhances proliferation and invasion of neuroblastoma cells, suggesting that IGFBP-2 activates a protumorigenic gene expression program in these cells. Gene expression profiling in human neuroblastoma SK-N-SHEP (SHEP)-BP-2 cells indicated that IGFBP-2 overexpression activated a gene expression program consistent with enhancement of tumorigenesis. Regulation was significant for genes involved in proliferation/survival, migration/adhesion, and angiogenesis, including the up-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA (>2-fold). Specific transcriptional activation of the VEGF gene by IGFBP-2 overexpression was demonstrated via cotransfection of a VEGF promoter Luciferase construct in SHEP-BP-2. Cotransfection of VEGF promoter Luciferase construct with IGFBP-2 protein in wild-type SHEP cells indicated that transactivation of VEGF promoter only occurs in the presence of intracellular IGFBP-2. Cell fractionation and immunofluorescence in SHEP-BP-2 cells demonstrated nuclear localization of IGFBP-2. These findings suggest that transcriptional activation of VEGF promoter is likely to be mediated by nuclear IGFBP-2. The levels of secreted VEGF (up to 400 pg/106 cells) suggested that VEGF might elicit angiogenic activity. Hence, SHEP-BP-2 cells and control clones cultured in collagen sponge were xenografted onto chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane. Neomicrovascularization was observed by 72 h, solely in the SHEP-BP-2 cell xenografts. In conclusion, our data indicate that IGFBP-2 is an activator of aggressive behavior in cancer cells, involving nuclear entry and activation of a protumorigenic gene expression program, including transcriptional regulation of the VEGF gene and consequent proangiogenic activity of NB cell xenografts in vivo.
The gap junction protein Cx43 regulates B-lymphocyte spreading and adhesion
Authors: Machtaler Steven , Dang-Lawson May , Choi Kate , Jang Caren , Naus Christian C. , Matsuuchi Linda
Published: July 2011

The gap junction protein connexin43 (Cx43) is widely expressed in mammalian cells and forms intercellular channels for the transfer of small molecules between adjacent cells, as well as hemichannels that mediate bidirectional transport of molecules between the cell and the surrounding environment. Cx43 regulates cell adhesion and migration in neurons and glioma cells, and we now show that Cx43 influences BCR-, LFA-1- and CXCL12-mediated activation of the Rap1 GTPase. Using shRNA knockdown of Cx43 in WEHI 231 cells, we show that Cx43 is required for sustained Rap1 activation and BCR-mediated spreading. To determine the domains of Cx43 that are important for this effect, Cx43-null J558 μm3 B cells (which express a wild-type IgM BCR) were transfected with wild-type Cx43–GFP or a C-terminal-truncated Cx43 (Cx43ΔT–GFP). Expression of wild-type Cx43–GFP, but not Cx43ΔT–GFP, was sufficient to restore sustained, BCR-mediated Rap1 activation and cell spreading. Cx43, and specifically the C-terminal domain, was also important for LFA-1- and CXCL12-mediated Rap1 activation, spreading and adhesion to an endothelial cell monolayer. These data show that Cx43 has an important and previously unreported role in B-cell processes that are essential to normal B-cell development and immune responses.
Health-safety and environmental risk assessment of power plants using multi criteria decision making method
Authors: Jozi Ali , Pouriyeh Alsadat
Published: July 2011

Growing importance of environmental issues at global and regional levels
including pollution of water, air etc. as well as the outcomes such as global
warming and climate change has led to being considered environmental aspects
as effective factors for power generation. Study ahead, aims at examination
of risks resulting from activities of Yazd Combined Cycle Power Plant located
in Iran. Method applied in the research is analytical hierarchy process.
After identification of factors causing risk, the analytical hierarchy
structure of the power plant risks were designed and weight of the criteria
and sub-criteria were calculated by intensity probability product using
Eigenvector Method and EXPERT CHOICE Software as well. Results indicate that
in technological, health-safety, biophysical and socio economic sections of
the power plant, factors influenced by the power plant activities like fire
and explosion, hearing loss, quantity of groundwater, power generation are
among the most important factors causing risk in the power plant. The drop in
underground water levels is the most important natural consequence influenced
on Yazd Combined Cycle Power Plant.
Constructivist Beliefs of Latvian Mathematics Teachers: Looking into Future
Authors: Šapkova Oļesja
Published: July 2011

Constructivist Beliefs of Latvian Mathematics Teachers: Looking into Future

The aim of the research is to clarify the profile of constructivist/traditional beliefs sustained by the mathematics teachers in Latvia. The research sample comprised 390 mathematics teachers representing all regions of Latvia. The present study is part of an international research within the NorBa project "Nordic-Baltic comparative research in mathematics education" that makes use of a quantitative questionnaire elaborated by project participants. The initial results show that the beliefs of Latvian teachers of mathematics on efficient teaching are oriented more towards a constructivist approach, yet there exist significant differences of teachers of different social and demographical groups in their beliefs on approaches in teaching and effective instruction. The obtained results provide a possibility to develop pre-service teacher education and teachers' professional development courses in order to assure sustainability of the learning process.
The Biology of Canadian Weeds. 146.Rhododendron groenlandicum(Oeder) Kron and Judd
Authors: Hébert François , Thiffault Nelson
Published: July 2011

Hébert, F. and Thiffault, N. 2011. The Biology of Canadian Weeds. 146. Rhododendron groenlandicum (Oeder) Kron and Judd. Can. J. Plant Sci. 91: 725–738. Rhododendron groenlandicum (Oeder) Kron and Judd, bog Labrador tea, is an evergreen shrub from the Ericacae family native to North America. Bog Labrador tea is associated with the later stages of forest successions in black spruce forest stands of the boreal ecosystems with cool climates, but responds aggressively to forest openings where it is already present. In general, bog Labrador tea is associated with nutrient-poor, acidic soils, with drainage ranging from moist to wet. Layering is the main regeneration strategy of the species; evidence suggests that this could be especially true following disturbances that open the forest canopy. Sexual reproduction maintains viability in undisturbed communities through wind or water dispersal. Rhododendron groenlandicum acclimates more rapidly relative to black spruce after perturbations through a higher rate of resource utilization when resources are available. The species is a highly competitive shrub for soil nutrients; it competes with regenerating conifers for soil nitrogen and phosphorus. It can also assimilate organic nitrogen from the soil through its mycorhizae. These characteristics may lead to the formation of ericaceous heaths that can stay unforested indefinitely. However, this species can be eradicated by herbicides (glyphosate) and heavy site scarification can limit its propagation.
Shape‐Persistent Two‐Component 2 D Networks with Atomic‐Size Tunability
Authors: Liu Jia , Zhang Xu , Wang Dong , Wang Jie‐Yu , Pei Jian , Stang Peter J. , Wan Li‐Jun
Published: July 2011

Over the past few years, two‐dimensional (2D) nanoporous networks have attracted great interest as templates for the precise localization and confinement of guest building blocks, such as functional molecules or clusters on the solid surfaces. Herein, a series of two‐component molecular networks with a 3‐fold symmetry are constructed on graphite using a truxenone derivative and trimesic acid homologues with carboxylic‐acid‐terminated alkyl chains. The hydrogen‐bonding partner‐recognition‐induced 2D crystallization of alkyl chains makes the flexible alkyl chains act as rigid spacers in the networks to continuously tune the pore size with an accuracy of one carbon atom per step. The two‐component networks were found to accommodate and regulate the distribution and aggregation of guest molecules, such as COR and CuPc. This procedure provides a new pathway for the design and fabrication of molecular nanostructures on solid surfaces.
An inverse to the Optical Society of America‐Uniform Color System
Authors: Moroney Nathan , Fairman Hugh S. , Chong Patrick
Published: July 2011

The Optical Society of America Uniform Color Scales (OSA‐UCS) possesses many salutary properties, but it is presently under‐utilized. The authors believe the reason may be that the transformation from CIE notation to the OSA system presently has no known inverse. In an effort to rectify that lack, the OSA system is presented in its forward transformation, and then an inverse transformation using a Newton–Raphson iterative algorithm is described. The authors' experience with parameters associated with implementing the algorithm is related, and a few worked examples are provided to assist potential users in their implementation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 2011
Understanding threshold effects of organized activity involvement in adolescents: Sex and family income as moderators
Authors: Randall Edin T. , Bohnert Amy M.
Published: July 2011

The current study examined the curvilinear links between involvement in organized activities (OA) and sport activities specifically and various indicators of psychological and social development. Participants included 150 9th and 10th graders (57% females) from an urban, selective‐enrollment high school. Eligibility for admission is based on city residence, high GPA, and high scores on standardized tests and an admission exam. Findings indicated that benefits of OA involvement leveled off at approximately 5–7 h/week, with diminishing returns for adolescents participating in more than 10 h/week. Results also suggest that OA involvement uniquely impacts male and lower‐income participants. Males reported threshold effects in terms of perceived friendship competence and depressive symptoms. Male sport participants and lower‐income adolescents reported a similar pattern for loneliness. Findings suggest that among a high achieving sample of urban adolescents, social and psychological benefits are linked to moderate but not intense involvement in OAs and sports.
Safety, feasibility, and acceptability of visual inspection with acetic acid and immediate treatment with cryotherapy in rural Laos
Authors: Phongsavan Keokedthong , Phengsavanh Alongkone , Wahlström Rolf , Marions Lena
Published: July 2011

Objective

To assess the safety, acceptability, and feasibility of visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) followed by immediate treatment with cryotherapy as a single‐visit approach for the prevention of cervical cancer among women in rural Laos.

Methods

In 2009, women from 2 provinces in Laos were recruited for cervical cancer screening using VIA. If the inspection of the cervix showed a well‐defined acetowhite lesion close to the os, immediate cryotherapy was offered.

Results

Of the 1926 women who were included, 134 (7.0%) tested positive on VIA. Of these, 113 (84.3%) underwent immediate cryotherapy and none declined treatment. One year after immediate cryotherapy, 77 (68.1%) women returned for a follow‐up assessment and 68 (88.3%) were now VIA‐negative. There was no report of a major complication during or after treatment. The acceptance of both VIA and cryotherapy was high.

Conclusion

Visual inspection with acetic acid is a simple test that requires minimal infrastructure and expenditure. Integration of VIA with cryotherapy at the primary care level may constitute a feasible program for the prevention of cervical cancer in Laos.
Novel correlations between the genotype and the phenotype of hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathy: results from the German Competence Network Heart Failure
Authors: Waldmüller Stephan , Erdmann Jeanette , Binner Priska , Gelbrich Götz , Pankuweit Sabine , Geier Christian , Timmermann Bernd , Haremza Janine , Perrot Andreas , Scheer Steffen , Wachter Rolf , Schulze‐Waltrup Norbert , Dermintzoglou Anastassia , Schönberger Jost , Zeh Wolfgang , Jurmann Beate , Brodherr Turgut , Börgel Jan , Farr Martin , Milting Hendrik , Blankenfeldt Wulf , Reinhardt Richard , Özcelik Cemil , Osterziel Karl‐Josef , Loeffler Markus , Maisch Bernhard , Regitz‐Zagrosek Vera , Schunkert Heribert , Scheffold Thomas ,   on behalf of the German Competence Network Heart Failure
Published: July 2011

Aims

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) can both be due to mutations in the genes encoding β‐myosin heavy chain (MYH7) or cardiac myosin‐binding protein C (MYBPC3). The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence and spectrum of mutations in both genes in German HCM and DCM patients and to establish novel genotype‐to‐phenotype correlations.

Methods and results

Coding exons and intron flanks of the two genes MYH7 and MYBPC3 of 236 patients with HCM and 652 patients with DCM were sequenced by conventional and array‐based means. Clinical records were established following standard protocols. Mutations were detected in 41 and 11% of the patients with HCM and DCM, respectively. Differences were observed in the frequency of splice site and frame‐shift mutations in the gene MYBPC3, which occurred more frequently (P< 0.02, P< 0.001, respectively) in HCM than in DCM, suggesting that cardiac myosin‐binding protein C haploinsufficiency predisposes to hypertrophy rather than to dilation. Additional novel genotype‐to‐phenotype correlations were found in HCM, among these a link between MYBPC3 mutations and a particularly large thickness of the interventricular septum (P= 0.04 vs. carriers of a mutation in MYH7). Interestingly, this correlation and a link between MYH7 mutations and a higher degree of mitral valve regurgitation held true for both HCM and DCM, indicating that the gene affected by a mutation may determine the magnitude of structural and functional alterations in both HCM and DCM.

Conclusion

A large clinical‐genetic study has unravelled novel genotype‐to‐phenotype correlations in HCM and DCM which warrant future investigation of both the underlying mechanisms and the prognostic use.
Intranasal Application of Xenon Reduces Opioid Requirement and Postoperative Pain in Patients Undergoing Major Abdominal Surgery
Authors: Holsträter Thorsten Frederik , Georgieff Michael , Föhr Karl Josef , Klingler Werner , Uhl Miriam Elisabeth , Walker Tobias , Köster Sarah , Grön Georg , Adolph Oliver
Published: July 2011

Background

Both central sensitization after peripheral tissue injury and the development of opioid tolerance involve activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. At subanesthetic doses the NMDA receptor antagonist xenon suppresses pain-evoked sensitization of pain-processing areas in the central nervous system. Although numerous studies describe the effect of NMDA receptor antagonists on postoperative pain, clinical studies elucidating their intraoperative analgesic potency when applied in a low dosage are still largely missing.

Methods

To analyze the analgesic effect of low-dose xenon using new application methods, the authors tested nasally applied xenon as an add-on treatment for analgesia in 40 patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy. Within a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study design, intraoperative and postoperative requirement of opioids as well as postoperative subjective experiences of pain were measured as primary outcome variables.

Results

Intranasal application of xenon significantly reduced intraoperative opioid requirement (mean difference [MD] -2.0 μg/min; 95% CI [CI95]-0.53 to -3.51, Bonferroni correction adjusted P value [pcorr]= 0.028) without relevant side effects and significantly reduced postoperative pain (MD -1.34 points on an 11-point rating scale; CI95 -0.60 to -2.09, pcorr = 0.002). However, postoperative morphine consumption (MD -8.8 μg/min; CI95 1.2 to -18.8, pcorr = 0.24) was not significantly reduced in this study.

Conclusions

Low-dose xenon significantly reduces intraoperative analgesic use and postoperative pain perception. Because NMDA receptor antagonists suppress central sensitization, prevent the development of opioid tolerance, and reduce postoperative pain, the intraoperative usage of NMDA receptor antagonists such as xenon is suggested to improve effectiveness of pain management within a concept of multimodal analgesia.
Effects of dietary flavonoids, luteolin, and quercetin on the reversal of epithelial–mesenchymal transition in A431 epidermal cancer cells
Authors: Lin Yung‐Sheng , Tsai Pei‐Hsun , Kandaswami Chithan C. , Cheng Chia‐Hsiung , Ke Ferng‐Chun , Lee Ping‐Ping , Hwang Jiuan‐Jiuan , Lee Ming‐Ting
Published: July 2011

Highly invasive A431‐III cells, which are derived from parental A431‐P cells, were originally isolated by three successive passages through a Boyden chamber using a Matrigel‐coated membrane support. The greater invasion potential shown by A431‐III cells was due to their increased ability to spread/migrate, which was associated with enhanced MMP activity. The tumor progression events evoked by A431‐P cells compared to A431‐III cells may help identify useful strategies for evaluating the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and these cell lines could be a reliable model for evaluating tumor metastasis events. Using this approach, we evaluated the effects of luteolin and quercetin using the A431‐P/A431‐III EMT model. These flavonoids reversed cadherin switching, downregulated EMT markers, and nullified the invasion ability of A431‐III cells. Overexpression of MMP‐9 resulted in induction of the EMT in A431‐P cells and this could be reversed by treating with luteolin or quercetin. Cotreatment of A431‐P and A431‐III cells with epidermal growth factor (EGF) plus luteolin or quercetin resulted in a more epithelial‐like morphology, led to reduced levels of EGF‐induced markers of EMT, and caused the restoration of cell–cell junctions. E‐cadherin was decreased by EGF, but increased by luteolin and quercetin. Our results suggest that luteolin and quercetin are potentially beneficial agents that target and prevent the occurrence of EMT in epidermal carcinoma cells. These chemicals also have the ability to attenuate tumor progression in A431‐III cells. Luteolin and quercetin show inherent potential as chemopreventive/antineoplastic agents and do this by abating tumor progression through a reversal of EMT. (Cancer Sci 2011; 102: 1829–1839)
Relationships among net primary productivity, nutrients and climate in tropical rain forest: a pan‐tropical analysis
Authors: Cleveland Cory C. , Townsend Alan R. , Taylor Philip , Alvarez‐Clare Silvia , Bustamante Mercedes M. C. , Chuyong George , Dobrowski Solomon Z. , Grierson Pauline , Harms Kyle E. , Houlton Benjamin Z. , Marklein Alison , Parton William , Porder Stephen , Reed Sasha C. , Sierra Carlos A. , Silver Whendee L. , Tanner Edmund V. J. , Wieder William R.
Published: July 2011

Ecology Letters (2011) 14: 939–947

Tropical rain forests play a dominant role in global biosphere‐atmosphere CO2 exchange. Although climate and nutrient availability regulate net primary production (NPP) and decomposition in all terrestrial ecosystems, the nature and extent of such controls in tropical forests remain poorly resolved. We conducted a meta‐analysis of carbon‐nutrient‐climate relationships in 113 sites across the tropical forest biome. Our analyses showed that mean annual temperature was the strongest predictor of aboveground NPP (ANPP) across all tropical forests, but this relationship was driven by distinct temperature differences between upland and lowland forests. Within lowland forests (< 1000 m), a regression tree analysis revealed that foliar and soil‐based measurements of phosphorus (P) were the only variables that explained a significant proportion of the variation in ANPP, although the relationships were weak. However, foliar P, foliar nitrogen (N), litter decomposition rate (k), soil N and soil respiration were all directly related with total surface (0–10 cm) soil P concentrations. Our analysis provides some evidence that P availability regulates NPP and other ecosystem processes in lowland tropical forests, but more importantly, underscores the need for a series of large‐scale nutrient manipulations – especially in lowland forests – to elucidate the most important nutrient interactions and controls.
‘Seeking permission’: an interviewing stance for finding connection with hard to reach families
Authors: Aggett Percy , Swainson Mary , Tapsell Dave
Published: July 2011

The systemic therapy literature is dominated by clinic‐based accounts of therapy. The work of an outreach, home‐based therapy team is described, in a tradition of systemic therapies which directly seek to challenge service access constraints and social injustice. In paying careful attention to the micro‐interactions of initial contact, seeking permission is suggested as an interviewing stance for connecting with families who are not engaged with services, where there have been histories of partner violence.
Primary focal hyperhidrosis: current treatment options and a step‐by‐step approach
Authors: Hoorens I. , Ongenae K.
Published: July 2011

Primary focal hyperhidrosis is a common disorder for which treatment is often a therapeutic challenge. A systematic review of current literature on the various treatment modalities for primary focal hyperhidrosis was performed and a step‐by‐step approach for the different types of primary focal hyperhidrosis (axillary, palmar, plantar and craniofacial) was established. Non‐surgical treatments (aluminium salts, local and systemic anticholinergics, botulinum toxin A (BTX‐A) injections and iontophoresis) are adequately supported by the current literature. More invasive surgical procedures (suction curettage and sympathetic denervation) have also been extensively investigated, and can offer a more definitive solution for cases of hyperhidrosis that are unresponsive to non‐surgical treatments. There is no consensus on specific techniques for sympathetic denervation, and this issue should be further examined by meta‐analysis. There are numerous treatment options available to improve the quality of life (QOL) of the hyperhidrosis patient. In practice, however, the challenge for the dermatologist remains to evaluate the severity of hyperhidrosis to achieve the best therapeutic outcome, this can be done most effectively using the Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS).
Activation of innate immunity accelerates sialoadenitis in a mouse model for Sjögren’s syndrome‐like disease
Authors: Nandula S‐R , Scindia YM , Dey P , Bagavant H , Deshmukh US
Published: July 2011

Oral Diseases (2011) 17, 801–807

Objective:  Sjögren’s syndrome is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by progressive lymphocytic infiltration within the salivary and lacrimal glands. This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of innate immunity activation on sialoadenitis in a mouse strain genetically susceptible for development of SS‐like disease.

Methods:  Female New Zealand Black X New Zealand White F1 mice were repeatedly treated with toll‐like 3 receptor agonist poly(I:C). Submandibular glands were investigated at different time points for sialoadenitis by immunohistochemistry and for gene expression of different chemokines by quantitative PCR. Submandibular gland–infiltrating cells were characterized by flow cytometry.

Results:  Poly(I:C) treatment significantly upregulated the expression of multiple chemokines within the submandibular glands. The severity and incidence of sialoadenitis was considerably higher in poly(I:C)‐treated mice. There was a preponderance of dendritic cells and NK cells in the initial inflammatory cell infiltrates, and these were followed by CD4+ T cells.

Conclusions:  Our data clearly demonstrate that systemic activation of innate immunity accelerates sialoadenitis in a mouse model for SS‐like disease. These findings suggest that chronic activation of innate immunity can influence certain features of SS.
Urban legends: recurrent aphthous stomatitis
Authors: Baccaglini L , Lalla RV , Bruce AJ , Sartori‐Valinotti JC , Latortue MC , Carrozzo M , Rogers RS
Published: July 2011

Oral Diseases (2011) 17, 755–770

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is the most common idiopathic intraoral ulcerative disease in the USA. Aphthae typically occur in apparently healthy individuals, although an association with certain systemic diseases has been reported. Despite the unclear etiopathogenesis, new drug trials are continuously conducted in an attempt to reduce pain and dysfunction. We investigated four controversial topics: (1) Is complex aphthosis a mild form of Behçet’s disease (BD)? (2) Is periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome a distinct medical entity? (3) Is RAS associated with other systemic diseases [e.g., celiac disease (CD) and B12 deficiency]? (4) Are there any new RAS treatments? Results from extensive literature searches, including a systematic review of RAS trials, suggested the following: (1) Complex aphthosis is not a mild form of BD in North America or Western Europe; (2) Diagnostic criteria for PFAPA have low specificity and the characteristics of the oral ulcers warrant further studies; (3) Oral ulcers may be associated with CD; however, these ulcers may not be RAS; RAS is rarely associated with B12 deficiency; nevertheless, B12 treatment may be beneficial, via mechanisms that warrant further study; (4) Thirty‐three controlled trials published in the past 6 years reported some effectiveness, although potential for bias was high.
The Development of
Performance Prediction Methods for an Automotive CO2 A/C
Cycle
Authors: Kaneko Akira , Katsuta Masafumi , Oshiro Takahiro , Bae Sangchul , Komatsu Shunji , Ohno Yohei
Published: July 2011

In previous research, we have been focusing on the performance of the each element heat transfer and hydraulic performance of refrigeration cycle. Experimental investigations have been repeated several times, and finally, we have substantial database including the effect of lubricant oil. Moreover, the maldistribution of two-phase in an evaporator can be also predicted from the experimental database. Under these circumstances, this study is intended to effectively put the construction of an automotive CO2 air conditioning system into practical design use through the simulation using the above-mentioned database. This paper describes the refrigeration cycle performance prediction of each element (e.g., an evaporator, a gas-cooler, and so on) by a simulation using substantial database and various available correlations proposed by us and several other researchers. In the performance prediction model of heat exchangers, local heat transfer and flow characteristics are considered and, in addition, the effects of lubricant oil on heat transfer and pressure drop are duly considered. The comparison is also made between simulation results and bench test results using a real automotive air conditioning system. Finally, the developed simulation method can predict the cooling capacity successfully within ±10% for A/C system simulation. By incorporating the lubricant oil effect, the simulation results are improved to ±5% and ±15% for the cooling capacity and pressure drop for evaporator simulation, respectively.
LEPTONIC ELECTROWEAK SPIN-TORSION INTERACTIONS
Authors: FABBRI LUCA
Published: July 2011

In this paper we consider the most general field equations for a system of two fermions of which one single-handed, showing that the spin-torsion interactions among these spinors have a structure identical to that of the electroweak forces among leptons; possible extensions are discussed.
ON NONRELATIVISTIC $Q\bar Q$ POTENTIAL VIA THE WILSON LOOP IN GALILEAN SPACETIME
Authors: SIAHAAN HARYANTO M.
Published: July 2011

We calculate the static Wilson loop from string/gauge correspondence to obtain the [Formula: see text] potential in nonrelativistic quantum field theory, i.e. CFT with Galilean symmetry. We analyze the convexity conditions13 for [Formula: see text] potential in this theory, and obtain restrictions for the acceptable dynamical exponent z.
THREE- AND FOUR-POINT CORRELATORS OF OPERATORS DUAL TO FOLDED STRING SOLUTIONS IN AdS5 × S5
Authors: ARNAUDOV D. , RASHKOV R. C. , VETSOV T.
Published: July 2011

Recently there has been progress on the calculation of n-point correlation functions with two "heavy" (with large quantum numbers) states at strong coupling. We extend these findings by computing three-point functions corresponding to a folded three-spin semiclassical string with one angular momentum in AdS and two equal spins in the sphere. We recover previous results as limiting cases. Also, following a recent paper by Buchbinder and Tseytlin, we provide relevant four-point functions and consider some of their limits.
ON THE SECOND LARGEST SPECTRAL RADIUS OF UNICYCLIC BIPARTITE GRAPHS
Authors: NATH MILAN
Published: July 2011

In this paper, we determine the two graphs in the class of unicyclic bipartite graphs with n vertices, having the first two largest spectral radius.
Novel Approach to Bile Duct Damage in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis: Participation of Cellular Senescence and Autophagy
Authors: Sasaki Motoko , Nakanuma Yasuni
Published: July 2011

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is characterized by antimitochondrial autoantibodies (AMAs) in patients' sera and histologically by chronic nonsuppurative destructive cholangitis in small bile ducts, eventually followed by extensive bile duct loss and biliary cirrhosis. The autoimmune-mediated pathogenesis of bile duct lesions, including the significance of AMAs, triggers of the autoimmune process, and so on remain unclear. We have reported that cellular senescence in biliary epithelial cells (BECs) may be involved in bile duct lesions and that autophagy may precede the process of biliary epithelial senescence in PBC. Interestingly, BECs in damaged bile ducts show characteristicsof cellular senescence and autophagy in PBC. A suspected causative factor of biliary epithelial senescence is oxidative stress. Furthermore, senescent BECs may modulate the microenvironment around bile ducts by expressing various chemokines and cytokines called senescence-associated secretory phenotypes and contribute to the pathogenesis in PBC.