bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological pre‐ and post‐conditioning with the sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor modulator FTY720 after myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion
Authors: Hofmann U , Hu K , Walter F , Burkard N , Ertl G , Bauersachs J , Ritter O , Frantz S , Bonz A
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose:  Our recent experiments demonstrated that the Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) receptor agonist FTY720 (2‐amino‐2‐[2‐(4‐octylphenyl)ethyl]‐1,3‐propanediol hydrochloride) improves recovery of function after myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion ex vivo. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that pharmacological post‐conditioning with FTY720 reduces infarct size after myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion in vivo.

Experimental approach:  Myocardial ischaemia was induced in Wistar rats by ligation of the left coronary artery for 45 min. FTY720 (0.5 mg·kg−1) was applied i.p. either once, before reperfusion, or twice, 24 h before myocardial ischaemia and before reperfusion. After 24 h reperfusion, we determined infarct size by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining and granulocyte infiltration by immunohistochemistry. Tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF)‐α concentration was determined by elisa. S1P receptor expression was studied by Western blot. Calcium transients were evaluated in Indo‐1‐loaded cardiomyocytes.

Key results:  In both groups, FTY720 significantly reduced lymphocyte count in peripheral blood. FTY720 treatment attenuated granulocyte infiltration and TNF‐α protein expression in reperfused myocardium. However, both treatment regimens were not able to reduce infarct size. FTY720 increased mortality due to induction of fatal ventricular tachyarrhythmias when administered once before reperfusion, but protected against reperfusion arrhythmias when given 24 h prior to ischaemia. Pretreatment selectively down‐regulated S1P1 receptor expression within the myocardium. S1P receptor agonists did not induce calcium deregulation in cardiomyocytes.

Conclusions and implications:  FTY720 applied during reperfusion did not reduce infarct size but increased mortality during myocardial ischaemia–reperfusion due to induction of arrhythmias. Pretreatment with FTY720 before ischaemia abrogated the deleterious pro‐arrhythmic effects without reducing infarct size.
Neuroprotective potential of CB1receptor agonists in anin vitromodel of Huntington's disease
Authors: Scotter EL , Goodfellow CE , Graham ES , Dragunow M , Glass M
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose: The therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in Huntington's disease (HD) has been investigated by several groups with complex and sometimes contrasting results. We sought to examine key points of intersection between cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) signalling, survival and the formation of mutant huntingtin aggregates in HD.

Experimental approach: Using a simplified pheochromocytoma (PC12) cell model of HD expressing exon 1 of wild‐type or mutant huntingtin, we assayed cell death and aggregate formation using high‐throughput cytotoxicity and image‐based assays respectively.

Key results: CB1activation by HU210 conferred a small but significant level of protection against mutant huntingtin‐induced cell death.Pertussistoxin uncoupled HU210 from the inhibition of cAMP, preventing rescue of cell death. Phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) was also critical to CB1‐mediated rescue. Conversely, treatments that elevated cAMP exacerbated mutant huntingtin‐induced cell death. Despite opposing effects on HD cell survival, both HU210 and compounds that elevated cAMP increased the formation of mutant huntingtin aggregates. The increase in aggregation by HU210 was insensitive toPertussistoxin and UO126, suggesting a G‐protein alpha subtype s (Gs)‐linked mechanism.

Conclusions and implications: We suggest that the CB1receptor, through G‐protein alpha subtype i/o (Gi/o)‐linked, ERK‐dependent signal transduction, is a therapeutic target in HD. However the protective potential of CB1may be limited by promiscuous coupling to Gs, the stimulation of cAMP formation and increased aggregate formation. This may underpin the poor therapeutic efficacy of cannabinoids in more complex model systems and suggest that therapies that are selective for the Gi/o, ERK pathway may be of most benefit in HD.

This article is part of a themed issue on Cannabinoids. To view the editorial for this themed issue visithttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.00831.x
Crystallization Behavior and Dielectric Properties of a New High Dielectric Constant Low‐Temperature Cofired Ceramics Material Based on Nd2O3–TiO2–SiO2 Glass–Ceramics
Authors: Hsiang Hsing‐I. , Mei Li‐Then , Liao Wen‐Chang , Yen Fu‐Su
Published: March 2010

The crystallization and sintering behaviors of glass–ceramics (Nd2O3–TiO2–SiO2) have been investigated using the differential thermal analyzer, thermal mechanical analyzer, X‐ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that the onset of glass shrinkage occurred at around the glass transition temperature (Tg=708°C). The first crystalline phase, Nd2Ti4O11, was observed at around 775°C. Fully densified NdTiSi glass can be obtained via glass viscous flow before the second crystalline phase, Nd0.66TiO3, occurring at about 850°C. The as‐prepared NdTiSi glass–ceramics sintered at 900°C exhibited a high dielectric constant of 23 and a quality factor of about 600, which provided a promising candidate for low‐temperature cofired ceramics applications.
Synthesis of Fully Dense Nanostabilized Undoped Tetragonal Zirconia
Authors: Maglia Filippo , Dapiaggi Monica , Tredici Ilenia , Maroni Beatrice , Anselmi‐Tamburini Umberto
Published: March 2010

Zirconia‐based materials, with very low or null doping contents (YO1.5 between 0% and 4% mol), were prepared in the form of bulk nanostructured materials through a two‐step process. Nanometric powders of size‐stabilized tetragonal zirconia were synthesized by the Pechini method and subsequently densified using the high‐pressure field‐assisted rapid sintering method at temperatures around 850°–900°C for 5 min under a pressure of ∼800 MPa. By this method, theoretical densities of ∼98% were achieved while retaining the grain size in the final product between 40 and 50 nm. The transition to the thermodynamically stable monoclinic phase was consequently prevented, allowing for the first time the synthesis of size‐stabilized zirconia in a high‐density bulk form.
Nanosized CdSe Particles Synthesized by an Air Pressure Solution Process Using Ethylene‐Glycol‐Based Solvent
Authors: Wang Tao , Jin Zhengguo , Liu Tongjun , Li Wenle , Ni Yong
Published: March 2010

Nanosized CdSe particles were synthesized at a temperature of 115°–175°C by a solution method with air pressure condition. Ethylene glycol (EG) was used as the main solvent and sodium selenite and cadmium nitrate‐tetrahydrate as inorganic sources. The influence of refluxing temperature and time on growth morphology and crystallization was investigated by transmission electron microscope, high‐resolution transmission electron microscope, and X‐ray diffraction. The chemical reaction was deducted based on X‐ray photoelectron spectra. The optical absorption property was measured by UV‐vis. The CdSe nanoparticles synthesized through this EG solvent system was single wurtzite crystallization and had a nanoscale size below 15 nm diameter with a narrow size distribution. The reduction of Se4+→Se0→Se2−and the disproportionation of Se0 occurred during the synthetic process and dominated the chemical reaction.
Thermal and Structural Property Characterization of Commercially Moldable Glasses
Authors: Gaylord Scott , Ananthasayanam Balajee , Tincher Benjamin , Petit Laeticia , Cox Chris , Fotheringham Ulrich , Joseph Paul , Richardson Kathleen
Published: March 2010

In this paper, we report the development of a kinetic model for precisely predicting glass material property response to a defined molding profile. The glass viscosity, thermal expansion, and specific heat properties for two commercial optical glasses, P‐SK57 and L‐BAL35 were measured and are reported in this paper. These data were used with the Tool–Narayanaswamy–Moynihan (TNM) model for glass structural relaxation in order to develop a thermal expansion model that simulates the glass workpiece changes through the critical cooling profile where the final workpiece shape is determined. The results show a structural relaxation model incorporated into an ABAQUS FEM code that precisely models the thermal expansion behavior acknowledging that the theory of structural relaxation is a critical element in predicting the final size and shape of a molded lens.
Distribution of orthodontic services in Norway
Authors: Grytten Jostein , Skau Irene , Stenvik Arild
Published: March 2010

Grytten J, Skau I, Stenvik A. Distribution of orthodontic services in Norway. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2010; 38: 267–273. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract –  Background and objectives:  There is a lack of studies that have evaluated how different ways of organizing and financing orthodontic services perform with respect to access to care, and the cost of care. In Norway, orthodontic services for children and adolescents are partly financed by the state, and the size of the state subsidy depends on the severity of the malocclusion. Orthodontists have the freedom to establish a practice where they wish. The aim of this study was to examine whether there are inequalities with respect to access to orthodontic services in Norway, and to study the development of costs of the services from 2004 to 2007.

Methods:  Data on mean waiting time for starting treatment and working hours in practice were collected using a questionnaire that was sent to all the orthodontists in the country (n = 165). The response rate was 74%. The number of patients who received treatment according to different criteria of need was recorded from data in each practice. Information about the development of costs for orthodontic treatment was obtained from the National Insurance Administration.

Results:  In almost all the areas, waiting time for starting treatment was within clinically acceptable limits, and there were only small differences in supply of orthodontic treatment in different areas. Patients with the greatest need were given priority over patients with the least need, which is in line with the aims of the authorities. In 2007 the reimbursements for orthodontic treatment from the National Insurance Administration amounted to Euro 48 million. In deflated prices this was virtually the same amount as in 2004.

Conclusion:  Our results show that the combination of public funding and freedom to establish a practice ensures that services are available for the individuals who are most in need of treatment. The authorities also have control over costs. The experiences from the orthodontic services in Norway are useful for policymakers in other countries. In particular, an important finding is that an orthodontic service where the state subsidy depends on the severity of the malocclusion can secure both equal access to the services and contain costs.
Local Applications of GM‐CSF Induce the Recruitment of Immune Cells in Cervical Low‐Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions
Authors: Hubert Pascale , Doyen Jean , Capelle Xavier , Arafa Mohammad , Renoux Virginie , Bisig Bettina , Seidel Laurence , Evrard Brigitte , Bousarghin Latifa , Gerday Colette , Boniver Jacques , Foidart Jean‐Michel , Delvenne Philippe , Jacobs Nathalie
Published: March 2010

Citation Hubert P, Doyen J, Capelle X, Arafa M, Renoux V, Bisig B, Seidel L, Evrard B, Bousarghin L, Gerday C, Boniver J, Foidart J‐M, Delvenne P, Jacobs N. Local applications of GM‐CSF induce the recruitment of immune cells in cervical low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 64: 126–136

Problem  Quantitative alterations of antigen‐presenting cells (APC) in (pre)neoplastic lesions of the uterine cervix associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection suggest a diminished capacity to capture viral antigens and to induce a protective immune response.

Method of study  To test whether a cervical application of GM‐CSF could restore an immune response against HPV in women with cervical low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), we performed two clinical trials with 11 healthy women and 15 patients with LSIL.

Results  GM‐CSF applications were well tolerated in all enrolled women, and no difference in toxicity between the treated and placebo groups was observed during the follow‐up (until 30 months). Interestingly, in the GM‐CSF treated group, a significant increase of APC and cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte infiltration was observed in the cervical biopsies with no change in regulatory T cell numbers. All the HPV16+ patients exhibited an immune response against HPV16 after GM‐CSF applications, as shown by NK and/or T cells producing IFN‐γ whereas no cellular immune response was observed before the treatment. Moreover, the anti‐virus‐like particles antibody titers also increased after the treatment.

Conclusion  These encouraging results obtained from a limited number of subjects justify further study on the therapeutic effect of APC in cervical (pre)neoplastic lesions.
Placental Apoptosis in Health and Disease
Authors: Sharp Andrew N. , Heazell Alexander E.P. , Crocker Ian P. , Mor Gil
Published: March 2010

Citation Sharp AN, Heazell AEP, Crocker IP, Mor G. Placental apoptosis in health and disease. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 64: 159–169

Apoptosis, programmed cell death, is an essential feature of normal placental development but is exaggerated in association with placental disease. Placental development relies upon effective implantation and invasion of the maternal decidua by the placental trophoblast. In normal pregnancy, trophoblast apoptosis increases with placental growth and advancing gestation. However, apoptosis is notably exaggerated in the pregnancy complications, hydatidiform mole, pre‐eclampsia, and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Placental apoptosis may be initiated by a variety of stimuli, including hypoxia and oxidative stress. In common with other cell‐types, trophoblast apoptosis follows the extrinsic or intrinsic pathways culminating in the activation of caspases. In contrast, the formation of apoptotic bodies is less clearly identified, but postulated by some to involve the clustering of apoptotic nuclei and liberation of this material into the maternal circulation. In addition to promoting a favorable maternal immune response, the release of this placental‐derived material is thought to provoke the endothelial dysfunction of pre‐eclampsia. Widespread apoptosis of the syncytiotrophoblast may also impair trophoblast function leading to the reduction in nutrient transport seen in IUGR. A clearer understanding of placental apoptosis and its regulation may provide new insights into placental pathologies, potentially suggesting therapeutic targets.
REVIEW ARTICLE: Sex Hormone Regulation of Innate Immunity in the Female Reproductive Tract: The Role of Epithelial Cells in Balancing Reproductive Potential with Protection against Sexually Transmitted Pathogens
Authors: Wira Charles R. , Fahey John V. , Ghosh Mimi , Patel Mickey V. , Hickey Danica K. , Ochiel Daniel O.
Published: March 2010

Citation Wira CR, Fahey JV, Ghosh M, Patel MV, Hickey DK, Ochiel DO. Sex hormone regulation of innate immunity in the female reproductive tract: the role of epithelial cells in balancing reproductive potential with protection against sexually transmitted pathogens. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010

The immune system in the female reproductive tract (FRT) does not mount an attack against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STI) with a single endogenously produced microbicide or with a single arm of the immune system. Instead, the body deploys dozens of innate antimicrobials to the secretions of the female reproductive tract. Working together, these antimicrobials along with mucosal antibodies attack many different viral, bacterial and fungal targets. Within the FRT, the unique challenges of protection against sexually transmitted pathogens coupled with the need to sustain the development of an allogeneic fetus have evolved in such a way that sex hormones precisely regulate immune function to accomplish both tasks. The studies presented in this review demonstrate that estradiol and progesterone secreted during the menstrual cycle act both directly and indirectly on epithelial cells and other immune cells in the reproductive tract to modify immune function in a way that is unique to specific sites throughout the FRT. As presented in this review, studies from our laboratory and others demonstrate that the innate immune response is under hormonal control, varies with the stage of the menstrual cycle, and as such is suppressed at mid‐cycle to optimize conditions for successful fertilization and pregnancy. In doing so, a window of STI vulnerability is created during which potential pathogens including HIV enter the reproductive tract to infect host targets.
A conceptual model of plant community changes following cessation of cultivation in semi‐arid grassland
Authors: Wong Nathan K. , Morgan John W. , Dorrough Josh
Published: March 2010

Question: Can vegetation changes that occur following cessation of cultivation for cereal crop production in semi‐arid native grasslands be described using a conceptual model that explains plant community dynamics following disturbance?

Location: Eighteen native grasslands with varying time‐since‐last cultivation across northern Victoria, Australia.

Methods: We examined recovery of native grasslands after cessation of cultivation along a space for‐ time chronosequence. By documenting floristic composition and soil properties of grasslands with known cultivation histories, we established a conceptual model of the vegetation states that occur following cessation of cultivation and inferred transition pathways for community recovery.

Results: Succession from an exotic‐dominated grassland to native grassland followed a linear trajectory. These changes represent an increase in richness and cover of native forbs, a decrease in cover of exotic annual species and little change in native perennial graminoids and exotic perennial forbs. Using a state‐and‐transition model, two distinct vegetation states were evident: (1) an unstable, recently cultivated state, dominated by exotic annuals, and (2) a more diverse, stable state. The last‐mentioned state can be divided into two further states based on species composition: (1) a never‐cultivated state dominated by native perennial shrubs and grasses, and (2) a long‐uncultivated state dominated by a small number of native perennial and native and exotic annual species that is best described as a subset of the never‐cultivated state. Transitions between these states are hypothesized to be dependent upon landscape context, seed availability and soil recovery.

Conclusions: Legacies of past land use on soils and vegetation of semi‐arid grasslands are not as persistent as in other Australian communities. Recovery appears to follow a linear, directional model of post‐disturbance regeneration which may be advanced by overcoming dispersal barriers hypothesised to restrict recovery.
WHY A LAWYER?—THE IMPORTANCE OF CLIENT‐DIRECTED LEGAL REPRESENTATION FOR YOUTH
Authors: Khoury Andrea
Published: March 2010

This article begins with a discussion about the importance of ensuring that all children have lawyers in abuse and neglect cases. Lawyers provide a vital role in giving youth a voice in proceedings that sound profoundly affect their lives. The article then discusses why the client‐directed lawyer's role is consistent with federal law and legal ethics. Finally, the article discusses the growing support for client‐directed representation and what the American Bar Association has done to support this type of child representation.
Discovery of an unusual new radio source in the star-forming galaxy M82: faint supernova, supermassive black hole or an extragalactic microquasar?
Authors: Muxlow T. W. B. , Beswick R. J. , Garrington S. T. , Pedlar A. , Fenech D. M. , Argo M. K. , Van Eymeren J. , Ward M. , Zezas A. , Brunthaler A.
Published: March 2010

A faint new radio source has been detected in the nuclear region of the starburst galaxy M82 using Multi-Element Radio-Linked Interferometer Network radio observations designed to monitor the flux density evolution of the recent bright supernova SN2008iz. This new source was initially identified in observations made between 2009 May 1 and 5 but had not been present in observations made 1 week earlier, or in any previous observations of M82. In this Letter, we report the discovery of this new source and monitoring of its evolution over its first 9 months of existence. The true nature of this new source remains unclear, and we discuss whether this source is an unusual and faint supernova, a supermassive black hole associated with the nucleus of M82 or intriguingly the first detection of radio emission from an extragalactic microquasar.
CEO Incentives—It's Not How Much You Pay, But How*
Authors: Jensen Michael C. , Murphy Kevin J.
Published: March 2010

In this 1990 Harvard Business Review classic, the authors begin by correcting a number of widespread misconceptions:

Contrary to headlines at the time, top executives at the end of the 1980s were not receiving record salaries and bonuses. Instead they were catching up to real levels of pay that prevailed during the 1930s and had dropped sharply since then.

Annual changes in executive compensation during the 1970s and 1980s were largely unrelated to changes in corporate performance, with CEO total compensation varying by only about $3 with every $1,000 change in shareholder wealth. (And the variability of total CEO pay was no higher than that of the compensation of hourly and salaried employees.)

With respect to pay for performance, U.S. compensation practices in the '70s and '80s were getting worse rather than better over time. The percentage of stock ownership by CEOs in large public companies was ten times greater in the 1930s than in the 1980s. And during the previous 15 years (1975‐1989), CEO holdings as a fraction of value had actually fallen.

With the aim of reversing these trends, the authors offered three recommendations:

Substantial equity ownership by CEOs.

Structuring of cash compensation to provide big rewards for outstanding performance and meaningful penalties for poor performance.

Increased threat of dismissal for poor performance.

Since publication of this article in 1990, the first and third of these goals have largely been accomplished (while the second has proved more elusive).
Active Investors, LBOs, and the Privatization of Bankruptcy
Authors: Jensen Michael C.
Published: March 2010

In this testimony to the House Ways and Means Committee on February 1, 1989 (when LBOs and other highly leveraged transactions were under fierce attack by politicians and the media), the author identified “LBO associations” such as KKR and Forstmann Little as a valuable innovation in organizational form—a new model of management and governance that was competing directly with the headquarters of large public corporations, especially conglomerates. In the author's words, LBOs “substitute incentives provided by compensation and ownership plans for the direct monitoring and often centralized decision‐making in the typical corporate bureaucracy.”

In illustrating his point, the author noted that whereas the CEOs of U.S. companies during the '70s and '80s saw their personal wealth go up by only about $3 for every $1,000 increase in firm value, the average CEO in an LBO experienced a change of $64 per $1,000—and for the partners of the LBO firm, the closest equivalent to a conglomerate CEO, the change was about $200 per $1,000.

Based on the performance of the first wave of LBOs to return to public ownership, such dramatic concentrations of equity ownership appear to have produced large gains in operating efficiency. (And since the author's testimony, these findings have been confirmed by subsequent studies of later periods and in other countries.) The heavy debt loads in these transactions, besides making possible the concentration of equity ownership, also perform an important control function, intensifying the search for efficiencies and discouraging reinvestment in low‐return projects. For those LBOs that have trouble servicing their debt loads, the author argues that the costs of insolvency should turn out to be significantly lower than for traditional public companies because LBOs provide strong incentives to keep the process of reorganizing troubled companies out of the bankruptcy court (a prediction that, although proving wrong in the early‘90s, has turned out to be true of the most recent wave of private equity deals).
Executive Compensation: An Overview of Research on Corporate Practices and Proposed Reforms
Authors: Faulkender Michael , Kadyrzhanova Dalida , Prabhala N. , Senbet Lemma
Published: March 2010

Two landmark episodes of the last decade, the 2001 dot‐com crisis and the 2008 bursting of the housing bubble, have drawn attention to the size and structure of executive pay plans and their possible role in propagating or worsening the crises. In this policy‐oriented piece, the authors discuss the key issues in the debate on executive pay and express their support for a number of reform proposals that have been advanced in academic and policy circles.

The article begins by dividing the compensation debate into four key issues:

First, while public outrage has focused on thesizeof the pay packages at failed financial institutions, it is perhaps more important to focus on thestructureof compensation and theprocessof setting compensation to prevent future crises. An effective pay package isnotnecessarily the one most laden with equity incentives. Too much equity exposure can cause excessive risk‐taking, manipulation, and shift executive attention away from true value creation.

Second, incentive structures should incorporate indexing and clawbacks to guard against the possibility that performance benchmarks are rewarding luck more than sustainable, long‐run performance.

Third, the compensation‐setting process should be placed in the hands of shareholders, boards, and advisors who are not only independent but also possess ample expertise in the financial instruments used to incentivize pay.

Fourth and finally, any proposals for changes in compensation design or the taxation of compensation should anticipate how executives will alter their behavior in response to the changes, and evaluate the effect of the changes net of such offsetting responses.
AN AEOLIANITE IN THE UPPER DALAN MEMBER (KHUFF FORMATION), SOUTH PARS FIELD, IRAN
Authors: Frébourg G. , Davaud E. , Gaillot J. , Virgone A. , Kamali M.
Published: March 2010

A laterally continuous, 3m thick oolitic grainstone has been studied in cores from two wells from the South Pars field (offshore Iran). This high porosity but low permeability interval occurs at the top of the gas‐bearing succession in the Permian Upper Dalan Member, and is equivalent to the informally‐defined K4 unit of the Khuff Formation. This interval can easily be traced between the wells and overlies high‐energy marine deposits. It is composed of oomouldic, fine‐grained azooic grainstones with cm‐thick coarser‐grained layers. Horizontal to oblique lamination or steep foresets were observed together with pinstripe lamination.

Petrographic observations indicate a clean oomouldic grainstone with very thin chitonic rims associated with pedogenetic imprints as first‐generation cements. Later cements include early vadose meniscus and pendant cements in coarser‐grained layers and pseudophreatic cements in the finer‐grained material with a tighter pore network, prior to ooid dissolution. Rhizoliths were observed in cores and thin‐sections. The pedogenic imprints and the early vadose cementation, both related to emergence, as well as the presence of pinstripe lamination, suggest an aeolian depositional setting.

This interval is the first aeolianite recorded within the Khuff Formation or equivalent units, and the first hydrocarbon‐bearing carbonate aeolianite described in a hydrocarbon‐producing unit. The discovery of aeolianites has important implications for regional sequence‐stratigraphic interpretations and reservoir volume calculations. These deposits do not conform to classic subaqueous sequence stratigraphy and do not record eustatic variations in the associated marine basin. Their recognition is crucial for well‐to‐well correlations.
Fat as a fuel: emerging understanding of the adipose tissue–skeletal muscle axis
Authors: Frayn K. N.
Published: March 2010

The early pioneers in the field of metabolism during exercise such as Lindhard and Krogh understood the importance of fat as a fuel for muscle contraction. But they could not have understood the details of the pathways involved, as neither the metabolic role of adipose tissue nor the transport role of non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) in the plasma was clearly understood at the time. We now recognize that the onset of muscular contraction coincides with an increase in the delivery of NEFA from adipose tissue, probably coordinated by the sympatho‐adrenal system. During light exercise, adipose tissue‐derived NEFA make up the majority of the oxidative fuel used by muscle. As exercise is prolonged, the importance of NEFA increases. The onset of exercise is marked by an increased proportion of NEFAs entering β‐oxidation rather than re‐esterification and recycling. At moderate intensities of exercise, other sources of fat, potentially plasma‐ and intramyocellular‐triacylglycerol, supplement the supply of plasma NEFA. The delivery of NEFA is augmented by increased adipose tissue blood flow and by other stimuli such as atrial natriuretic peptide. Only during high‐intensity exercise is there a failure of adipose tissue to deliver sufficient fatty acids for muscle (which is coupled with an inability of muscle to use them, even when fatty acids are supplied artificially). This limitation of adipose tissue NEFA delivery may reflect some feedback inhibition of lipolysis, perhaps via lactate, or possibly α‐adrenergic inhibition of lipolysis at very high catecholamine concentrations.
Marine microbial genomics in Europe: current status and perspectives
Authors: Glöckner Frank Oliver , Joint Ian
Published: March 2010

The oceans are the Earth's largest ecosystem, covering 70% of our planet and providing goods and services for the majority of the world's population. Understanding the complex abiotic and biotic processes on the micro‐ to macroscale is the key to protect and sustain the marine ecosystem. Marine microorganisms are the ‘gatekeepers’ of the biotic processes that control the global cycles of energy and organic matter. A multinational, multidisciplinary approach, bringing together research on oceanography, biodiversity and genomics, is now needed to understand and finally predict the complex responses of the marine ecosystem to ongoing global changes. Such an integrative approach will not only bring better understanding of the complex interplay of the organisms with their environment, but will reveal a wealth of new metabolic processes and functions, which have a high potential for biotechnological applications. This potential has already been recognized by the European commission which funded a series of workshops and projects on marine genomics in the sixth and seventh framework programme. Nevertheless, there remain many obstacles to achieving the goal – such as a lack of bioinformatics tailored for the marine field, consistent data acquisition and exchange, as well as continuous monitoring programmes and a lack of relevant marine bacterial models. Marine ecosystems research is complex and challenging, but it also harbours the opportunity to cross the borders between disciplines and countries to finally create a rewarding marine research era that is more than the sum of its parts.
Standards for documenting and monitoring bird reintroduction projects
Authors: Sutherland William J. , Armstrong Doug , Butchart Stuart H. M , Earnhardt Joanne M. , Ewen John , Jamieson Ian , Jones Carl G. , Lee Rebecca , Newbery Peter , Nichols James D. , Parker Kevin A. , Sarrazin François , Seddon Philip J. , Shah Nirmal , Tatayah Vikash
Published: March 2010

It would be much easier to assess the effectiveness of different reintroduction methods, and so improve the success of reintroductions, if there was greater standardization in documentation of the methods and outcomes. We suggest a series of standards for documenting and monitoring the methods and outcomes associated with reintroduction projects for birds. Key suggestions are: documenting the planned release before it occurs, specifying the information required on each release, postrelease monitoring occurring at standard intervals of 1 and 5 years (and 10 for long‐lived species), carrying out a population estimate unless impractical, distinguishing restocked and existing individuals when supplementing populations, and documenting the results. We suggest these principles would apply, largely unchanged, to other vertebrate classes. Similar methods could be adopted for invertebrates and plants with appropriate modification. We suggest that organizations publically state whether they will adopt these approaches when undertaking reintroductions. Similar standardization would be beneficial for a wide range of topics in environmental monitoring, ecological studies, and practical conservation.
Natural Antioxidants and Hypertension: Promise and Challenges
Authors: Kizhakekuttu Tinoy J. , Widlansky Michael E.
Published: March 2010

Hypertension reigns as a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality worldwide. Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) have emerged as a central common pathway by which disparate influences may induce and exacerbate hypertension. Potential sources of excessive ROS in hypertension include nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase, mitochondria, xanthine oxidase, endothelium‐derived NO synthase, cyclooxygenase 1 and 2, cytochrome P450 epoxygenase, and transition metals. While a significant body of epidemiological and clinical data suggests that antioxidant‐rich diets reduce blood pressure and cardiovascular risk, randomized trials and population studies using natural antioxidants have yielded disappointing results. The reasons behind this lack of efficacy are not completely clear, but likely include a combination of (1) ineffective dosing regimens, (2) the potential pro‐oxidant capacity of some of these agents, (3) selection of subjects less likely to benefit from antioxidant therapy (too healthy or too sick), and (4) inefficiency of nonspecific quenching of prevalent ROS versus prevention of excessive ROS production. Commonly used antioxidants include Vitamins A, C and E, L‐arginine, flavanoids, and mitochondria‐targeted agents (Coenzyme Q10, acetyl‐L‐carnitine, and alpha‐lipoic acid). Various reasons, including incomplete knowledge of the mechanisms of action of these agents, lack of target specificity, and potential interindividual differences in therapeutic efficacy preclude us from recommending any specific natural antioxidant for antihypertensive therapy at this time. This review focuses on recent literature evaluating naturally occurring antioxidants with respect to their impact on hypertension.
Management of hepatitis C; Report of the Consensus Meeting at the 45th Annual Meeting of the Japan Society of Hepatology (2009)
Authors: Namiki Izumi , Nishiguchi Shuhei , Hino Keisuke , Suzuki Fumitaka , Kumada Hiromitsu , Itoh Yoshihito , Asahina Yusuhiro , Tamori Akihiro , Hiramatsu Naoki , Hayashi Norio , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: March 2010

The consensus meeting for the diagnosis, management and treatment for hepatitis C was held in 45th annual meeting for the Japan Society of Hepatology (JSH) in June 2009 where the recommendations and informative statements were discussed including organizers and presenters. The Several important informative statements and recommendations have been shown. This was the fourth JSH consensus meeting of hepatitis C, however, the recommendations have not been published in English previously. Thus, this is the first report of JSH consensus of hepatitis C. The rate of development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in HCV‐infected patients in Japan is higher than in the USA, because the average age of the HCV‐infected patients is greater and there are more patients with severe fibrosis of the liver than in the USA. In Japan, more than 60% of HCV‐infected patients are genotype 1b infection, and they show lower response to perinterferon and ribavirin combination treatment. To improve the response rate is also an important issue in our country. To establish the original recommendations and informative statements to prevent the development of HCC is a very important issue in Japan.
Category Captainship vs. Retailer Category Management under Limited Retail Shelf Space
Authors: Kurtuluş Mümin , Toktay L. Beril
Published: March 2010

Shelf‐space scarcity is a predominant aspect of the consumer goods industry. This paper analyzes its implications for category management. We consider a model where two competing manufacturers sell their differentiated products through a single retailer who determines the shelf space allocated to the category. The scope of category management is pricing. We consider two category management mechanisms: retailer category management (RCM), where the retailer determines product prices and category captainship (CC), where a manufacturer in the category determines them. Our analysis reveals that the retailer can use the form of category management and the category shelf space to control the intensity of competition between manufacturers to his benefit. We also show that the emergence of CC depends on the degree of product differentiation, the opportunity cost of shelf space, and the profit sharing arrangement in the alliance. The equilibrium category shelf space under CC may be higher than under RCM if the value to the retailer of eliminating double marginalization and putting price pressure on the non‐captain manufacturer dominates the loss from sharing the profit with the category captain. CC has been criticized for disadvantaging non‐captain manufacturers. While we provide some support for this claim, we also find that CC may benefit non‐captain manufacturers when implemented by a powerful retailer in categories with sufficiently differentiated products, because the shelf space allocated to the category increases in this case.
A Partnership Approach to Improving Student Attitudes About Sharks and Scientists
Authors: Seraphin Kanesa Duncan
Published: March 2010

This article describes the methods and impact of a student–teacher–scientist research partnership on student attitudes. The partnership objective was to teach students about the diverse roles of sharks in the marine environment while personally connecting students with scientific study. Students (N = 229) participated in lessons about shark biology and helped the partnering scientist design experimental protocols and analyze data. A self‐selected subset of students also volunteered (n = 82) for a field component working with live hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewinii). Student surveys before and after the partnership suggested that negative attitudes about sharks are due largely to lack of exposure, and direct attention to students' stereotypes about sharks resulted in significant attitude improvement. Change in students' attitudes toward scientists, however, was minimal. Students' negative views of scientists did decline significantly, but their overall views of scientists were relatively positive to begin with. Also of interest was the students' unremitting association of scientists with specialized equipment and the students' lack of personal connection to scientific ways of examining the world, suggesting that partnerships may be more effective at personally connecting students with scientific process if they explicitly incorporate activities designed to improve students' view of themselves as scientists.
RADICAL COMMENTS ON “RADICAL CONNECTIONISM”
Authors: Garzon Max
Published: March 2010

The commentary is presented in three sections. Section 1 presents a brief summary of the main theses in Cummins' paper. In section 2, I argue that this analysis is not peculiar to cognition, and that in fact, a similar, more general analysis has been given [3] in fundamental areas of inquiry, hitherto independent of cognitive science. Finally, in section 3, it is argued that, if this general form of Cummins' analysis is correct, it calls for a profound re‐evaluation of our conception of science.
The Soulless Tribe
Authors: Brenner William H.
Published: March 2010

Speculation. A tribe that we have brought into subjection, which we want to make into a slave race…. The government and the scientists give it out that the people of this tribe have no souls; so they can be used without scruple for any purpose whatever.

When the slaves say something happens in them, … does this confirm that they have souls? … If they say now “something happens in my head—my soul—” that only shows that they use a certain picture.
Effect of Upstream Rotor Vortical Disturbances on the Time-Averaged Performance of Axial Compressor Stators: Part 1—Framework of Technical Approach and Wake–Stator Blade Interactions
Authors: Valkov T. V. , Tan C. S.
Published: March 2010

In a two-part paper, key computed results from a set of first-of-a-kind numerical simulations on the unsteady interaction of axial compressor stators with upstream rotor wakes and tip leakage vortices are employed to elucidate their impact on the time-averaged performance of the stator. Detailed interrogation of the computed flow field showed that for both wakes and tip leakage vortices, the impact of these mechanisms can be described on the same physical basis. Specifically, there are two generic mechanisms with significant influence on performance: reversible recovery of the energy in the wakes/tip vortices (beneficial) and the associated nontransitional boundary layer response (detrimental). In the presence of flow unsteadiness associated with rotor wakes and tip vortices, the efficiency of the stator under consideration is higher than that obtained using a mixed-out steady flow approximation. The effects of tip vortices and wakes are of comparable importance. The impact of stator interaction with upstream wakes and vortices depends on the following parameters: axial spacing, loading, and the frequency of wake fluctuations in the rotor frame. At reduced spacing, this impact becomes significant. The most important aspect of the tip vortex is the relative velocity defect and the associated relative total pressure defect, which is perceived by the stator in the same manner as a wake. In Part 1, the focus will be on the framework of technical approach, and the interaction of stator with the moving upstream rotor wakes.
Periodic Transition on an Axial Compressor Stator: Incidence and Clocking Effects: Part I—Experimental Data
Authors: Walker G. J. , Hughes J. D. , Solomon W. J.
Published: March 2010

Periodic wake-induced transition on the outlet stator of a 1.5-stage axial compressor is examined using hot-film arrays on both the suction and pressure surfaces. The time-mean surface pressure distribution is varied by changing the blade incidence, while the free-stream disturbance field is altered by clocking of the stator relative to an inlet guide vane row. Ensemble-averaged plots of turbulent intermittency and relaxation factor (extent of calmed flow following the passage of a turbulent spot) are presented. These show the strength of periodic wake-induced transition phenomena to be significantly influenced by both incidence and clocking effects. The nature and extent of transition by other modes (natural, bypass, and separated flow transition) are altered accordingly. Leading edge and midchord separation bubbles are affected in a characteristically different manner by changing free-stream periodicity. There are noticeable differences between suction and pressure surface transition behavior, particularly as regards the strength and extent of calming. In Part II of this paper, the transition onset observations from the compressor stator are used to evaluate the quasi-steady application of conventional transition correlations to predict unsteady transition onset on the blading of an embedded axial compressor stage.
Effect of Unsteady Wake With Trailing Edge Coolant Ejection on Film Cooling Performance for a Gas Turbine Blade
Authors: Du H. , Ekkad S. V. , Han J.-C.
Published: March 2010

The effect of unsteady wakes with trailing edge coolant ejection on surface heat transfer coefficients and film cooling effectiveness is presented for a downstream film-cooled turbine blade. The detailed heat transfer coefficient and film effectiveness distributions on the blade surface are obtained using a transient liquid crystal technique. Unsteady wakes are produced by a spoked wheel-type wake generator upstream of the five-blade linear cascade. The coolant jet ejection is simulated by ejecting coolant through holes on the hollow spokes of the wake generator. For a blade without film holes, unsteady wake increases both pressure side and suction side heat transfer levels due to early boundary layer transition. Adding trailing edge ejection to the unsteady wake further enhances the blade surface heat transfer coefficients particularly near the leading edge region. For a film-cooled blade, unsteady wake effects slightly enhance surface heat transfer coefficients but significantly reduces film effectiveness. Addition of trailing edge ejection to the unsteady wake has a small effect on surface heat transfer coefficients compared to other significant parameters such as film injection, unsteady wakes, and grid generated turbulence, in that order. Trailing edge ejection effect on film effectiveness distribution is stronger than on the heat transfer coefficients.
Numerical Simulation of the Shock-Tip Leakage Vortex Interaction in a HPC Front Stage
Authors: Hoeger M. , Fritsch G. , Bauer D.
Published: March 2010

For a single-stage transonic compressor rig at the TU Darmstadt, three-dimensional viscous simulations are compared to L2F measurements and data from the EGV leading edge instrumentation to demonstrate the predictive capability of the Navier–Stokes code TRACE_S. In a second step the separated regions at the blade tip are investigated in detail to gain insight into the mechanisms of tip leakage vortex-shock interaction at operating points close to stall, peak efficiency, and choke. At the casing the simulations reveal a region with axially reversed flow, leading to a rotationally asymmetric displacement of the outermost stream surface and a localized additional pitch-averaged blockage of approximately 2 percent. Loss mechanisms and streamline patterns deduced from the simulation are also discussed. Although the flow is essentially three-dimensional, a simple model for local blockage from tip leakage is demonstrated to significantly improve two-dimensional simulations on S1-surfaces.