bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyclooxygenase-2 Deficiency Leads to Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction and Increased Mortality during Polymicrobial Sepsis
Authors: Fredenburgh Laura E. , Suárez Velandia Margarita M. , Ma Jun , Olszak Torsten , Cernadas Manuela , Englert Joshua A. , Chung Su Wol , Liu Xiaoli , Begay Cynthia , Padera Robert F. , Blumberg Richard S. , Walsh Stephen R. , Baron Rebecca M. , Perrella Mark A.
Published: October 2011

Sepsis remains the leading cause of death in critically ill patients, despite modern advances in critical care. Intestinal barrier dysfunction may lead to secondary bacterial translocation and the development of the multiple organ dysfunction syndrome during sepsis. Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 is highly upregulated in the intestine during sepsis, and we hypothesized that it may be critical in the maintenance of intestinal epithelial barrier function during peritonitis-induced polymicrobial sepsis. COX-2−/− and COX-2+/+ BALB/c mice underwent cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) or sham surgery. Mice chimeric for COX-2 were derived by bone marrow transplantation and underwent CLP. C2BBe1 cells, an intestinal epithelial cell line, were treated with the COX-2 inhibitor NS-398, PGD2, or vehicle and stimulated with cytokines. COX-2−/− mice developed exaggerated bacteremia and increased mortality compared with COX-2+/+ mice following CLP. Mice chimeric for COX-2 exhibited the recipient phenotype, suggesting that epithelial COX-2 expression in the ileum attenuates bacteremia following CLP. Absence of COX-2 significantly increased epithelial permeability of the ileum and reduced expression of the tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1, occludin, and claudin-1 in the ileum following CLP. Furthermore, PGD2 attenuated cytokine-induced hyperpermeability and zonula occludens-1 downregulation in NS-398–treated C2BBe1 cells. Our findings reveal that absence of COX-2 is associated with enhanced intestinal epithelial permeability and leads to exaggerated bacterial translocation and increased mortality during peritonitis-induced sepsis. Taken together, our results suggest that epithelial expression of COX-2 in the ileum is a critical modulator of tight junction protein expression and intestinal barrier function during sepsis.
Prospects of Nanobiomaterials for Biosensing
Authors: Singh Ravindra P.
Published: October 2011

Progress and development in biosensor development will inevitably focus upon the technology of the nanomaterials that offer promise to solve the biocompatibility and biofouling problems. The biosensors using smart nanomaterials have applications for rapid, specific, sensitive, inexpensive, in-field, on-line and/or real-time detection of pesticides, antibiotics, pathogens, toxins, proteins, microbes, plants, animals, foods, soil, air, and water. Thus, biosensors are excellent analytical tools for pollution monitoring, by which implementation of legislative provisions to safeguard our biosphere could be made effectively plausible. The current trends and challenges with nanomaterials for various applications will have focus biosensor development and miniaturization. All these growing areas will have a remarkable influence on the development of new ultrasensitive biosensing devices to resolve the severe pollution problems in the future that not only challenges the human health but also affects adversely other various comforts to living entities. This review paper summarizes recent progress in the development of biosensors by integrating functional biomolecules with different types of nanomaterials, including metallic nanoparticles, semiconductor nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, inorganic/organic hybrid, dendrimers, and carbon nanotubes/graphene.
Production of Xylanase fromArthrobactersp. MTCC 6915 Using Saw Dust As Substrate under Solid State Fermentation
Authors: Murugan Sevanan , Arnold Donna , Pongiya Uma Devi , Narayanan P.M.
Published: October 2011

Saw dust was used as substrate for xylanase production fromArthrobactersp. MTCC 6915. The study of period of incubation, temperature, pH, carbon, and nitrogen sources for xylanase production was optimized. Xylanase production was found to be optimum at an incubation period of 96 hrs (117.0 U/mL), temperature 30°C (105.0 U/mL), and pH 9.0 (102.9 U/mL). The results showed that the xylanase production was found to be higher in the presence of carboxymethylcellulose (176.4 U/mL) and dextrose (126.0 U/mL). It was also observed that peptone (170.1 U/mL) and beef extract (161.7 U/mL) supported maximum xylanase production.The enzyme was characterized and found to be fairly active at pH 9 (764.4 U/mL) and temperature 60°C (819 U/mL). Even in the present study, a major difference in the production temperature (30°C) and optimal temperature (60°C) of the enzyme activity was observed. However, the pH of the production media and the enzyme activity were found to be the same (pH 9).
Efficient Non-Viral Integration and Stable Gene Expression in Multipotent Adult Progenitor Cells
Authors: Wilber Andrew , Ulloa Montoya Fernando , Hammer Luke , Moriarity Branden S. , Geurts Aron M. , Largaespada David A. , Verfaillie Catherine M. , McIvor R. Scott , Lakshmipathy Uma
Published: October 2011

Non-viral integrating systems, PhiC31 phage integrase (ϕC31), andSleeping Beautytransposase (SB), provide an effective method forex vivogene delivery into cells. Here, we used a plasmid-encoding GFP and neomycin phosphotransferase along with recognition sequences for bothϕC31 and SB integrating systems to demonstrate that both systems effectively mediated integration in cultured human fibroblasts and in rat multipotent adult progenitor cells (rMAPC). Southern blot analysis of G418-resistant rMAPC clones showed a 2-fold higher number of SB-mediated insertions per clone compared toϕC31. Sequence identification of chromosomal junction sites indicated a random profile for SB-mediated integrants and a more restricted profile forϕC31 integrants. Transgenic rMAPC generated with both systems maintained their ability to differentiate into liver and endothelium albeit with marked attenuation of GFP expression. We conclude that both SB andϕC31 are effective non-viral integrating systems for genetic engineering of MAPC in basic studies of stem cell biology.
Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa seedling tolerance to wave exposure
Authors: Infantes Eduardo , Orfila Alejandro , Bouma Tjeerd J. , Simarro Gonzalo , Terrados Jorge
Published: October 2011

We studied the role of hydrodynamics in the establishment of sea grass seedlings for two Mediterranean sea grass species, Posidonia oceanica and Cymodocea nodosa, by combining flume and field studies. Flume measurements under both unidirectional and oscillatory flow showed that P. oceanica seedlings experienced higher drag forces than C. nodosa, which could be related to the larger total leaf area. Drag coefficients were between 0.01 and 0.1 for Reynolds numbers of 103 and 105. As a result, P. oceanica seedlings required 40‐50% of root length anchored to the sediment before being dislodged, whereas C. nodosa required ≈ 20%. To validate the flume results, seedling survival in sandy beds was evaluated for two depths (12 and 18 m) at two field locations. To calculate near‐bottom orbital velocities at the planting sites, deep‐water waves were propagated to shallow water using a numerical model. Our results showed that P. oceanica seedlings experienced high losses after the first autumn storms when near‐bottom orbital velocities exceeded 18 cm s‐1. The loss of C. nodosa seedlings was much lower and some seedlings survived velocities as high as 39 cm s‐1. Thus, flume and field results are consistent in explaining relative higher losses of P. oceanica seedlings than for C. nodosa.
Seasonal stability of a flexible algal–cnidarian symbiosis in a highly variable temperate environment
Authors: Dimond J. L. , Bingham B. L. , Muller-Parker G. , Wuesthoff K. , Francis L.
Published: October 2011

We evaluated the seasonal stability of two algal symbiont populations in the temperate intertidal sea anemone Anthopleura elegantissima on San Juan Island, Washington, where the relatively thermally tolerant dinoflagellate Symbiodinium muscatinei coexists with the less thermally tolerant chlorophyte Elliptochloris marina. Random collection of anemones along repeatedly sampled transects over four seasons and three shore heights revealed S. muscatinei to be the dominant symbiont, with E. marina mostly limited to anemones in the lower intertidal zone. At the lowest shore height sampled (+0.2 m), the proportion of E. marina was between 40% and 50% of the total symbiont population throughout the year. Symbiont distribution patterns persisted despite considerable seasonal variation in aerial exposure, temperature, irradiance, nutrients, and phytoplankton concentration, as well as a high potential for symbiont shuffling, with mixed‐symbiont assemblages occurring in 51% of all anemones sampled. Symbiont density in anemones also changed little despite three‐ to fourfold‐higher division frequencies of both symbionts during July and November. Although the intertidal zonation of these symbionts was stable over an annual period, we predict that their spatial distributions will be responsive to longer‐term environmental change, and anticipate that this anemone symbiosis will be a useful and highly tractable barometer for future climate change, with this study serving as a baseline.
Vascular Access Flow Reduction for Arteriovenous Fistula Salvage in Symptomatic Patients with Central Venous Occlusion
Authors: Jennings William C. , Miller Gregg A. , Coburn M. Zachary , Howard C. Anthony , Lawless Michael A.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

Vascular access patients with central vein (CV) stenosis or occlusion may have significant symptoms. Treatment is generally by balloon angioplasty, with or without stenting. However, CV lesions may not be correctable and when treated, tend to recur. Surgical bypass of CV obstruction is a major procedure and ligation of the access may leave the patient dependent on catheter dialysis. We review a precision inflow banding procedure to limit vascular access flow and pressure for symptomatic patients with CV obstruction while preserving access functionality.

Materials and Methods

All individuals with symptomatic CV occlusive disease who underwent an autogenous vascular access inflow restriction procedure by the two senior authors were identified. All had failed attempts to correct CV lesions by angioplasty and stent placement. A precision banding procedure was used for access inflow reduction with the addition of real-time intravascular flow monitoring.

Results

Twenty-two patients were identified. Ages were 22–72 years (mean=43 years). Nine patients (40.9%) were women, and 8 (36.4%) obese. Mean access flow was 1640 mL/minute before banding decreased to 820 mL/minute after banding (P<.01). All patients had access salvage. Swelling resolved promptly in 20 patients and was markedly improved in two individuals. Three patients underwent aneurysm repair with simultaneous inflow banding and decreased intra-access pressure after flow restriction. Two fistulas failed at eight and 13 months. Mean follow-up was 8 months.

Conclusions

The symptoms of hemodialysis vascular access patients associated with non-correctable central venous lesions resolved successfully and their access was maintained using a precision inflow banding procedure.
--Accretive Mappings and a New System of Generalized Variational Inclusions with --Accretive Mappings in Banach Spaces
Authors: Nazemi Sayyedeh Zahra
Published: October 2011

We introduce a new class of generalized accretive mappings, named --accretive mappings, in Banach spaces. We define a resolvent operator associated with --accretive mappings and show its Lipschitz continuity. We also introduce and study a new system of generalized variational inclusions with --accretive mappings in Banach spaces. By using the resolvent operator technique associated with --accretive mappings, we construct a new iterative algorithm for solving this system of generalized variational inclusions in Banach spaces. We also prove the existence of solutions for the generalized variational inclusions and the convergence of iterative sequences generated by algorithm. Our results improve and generalize many known corresponding results.
Armor, Development of: Medieval to Modern
Authors: RICHARDSON THOM
Published: October 2011

By the time of the fall of the Roman Empire in the West a number of different fighting styles, and in consequence armor styles, had become established across the Eurasian landmass. In the West, hand‐to‐hand combat, mainly on foot with throwing weapons or spears and swords, the style of the Roman legions and their German opponents, was the preferred fighting style. Against this a combination of plate helmet, mail shirt, and wooden shield was the most popular form of armor. Across most of Asia the use of archery from horseback was the preferred fighting style, and the armor used reflected that, with lamellar becoming the dominant type.
China, Invasion of (1931, 1937–1945)
Authors: BJORGE GARY J.
Published: October 2011

Japan's invasions of China during the 1930s initiated and then expanded the largest war fought between two countries during the twentieth century. For Japan, this was a war fought for resources and geopolitical position. For China, it was a war for national survival. Japan possessed a powerful modern army and pursued a strategy of quick decisive victory. China responded with masses of soldiers and traded space for time in an attrition strategy. In the initial invasion of 1931, Japan rapidly gained control over the three northeastern provinces of China known as Manchuria. In the subsequent major thrust of 1937–1938, the Japanese overran most of northern and central China. Yet the Chinese refused to surrender and Japan found herself stuck in an unforeseen quagmire. Unable to extricate herself from this strategic predicament, Japan compounded her problems by responding to the outbreak of war in Europe in ways that eventually led to her decision to attack the United States. By this action, Japan made her war with China part of World War II, a war in which she met total defeat and was forced to surrender all she had gained in China since 1931 and more.
Pacifism
Authors: CEADEL MARTIN
Published: October 2011

“Pacifism” is a word used with at least three degrees of exactitude. It is still sometimes applied, in a loose and derogatory way, to any lack of enthusiasm for war or rearmament. But it was originally coined by a peace activist early in the twentieth century to refer, more precisely and respectfully, to the ideas of the organized peace movement as a whole. And within a few decades, particularly in the English‐speaking world, its principal meaning narrowed further, so as to apply only to the thinking of the absolutist wing of that movement, which completely rejected military force. These differing usages will now be discussed; then the two main strands within pacifism in the sense of peace‐movement thought will be analyzed in more detail.
Punic Wars (264–241, 218–201, 149–146 BCE)
Authors: HOYOS DEXTER
Published: October 2011

Three wars fought between Romans and Carthaginians (
Poeni
) between 264 and 146
BCE
. The first was one of the longest in history (264–241), the second (218–201) notable for the generalship of the Carthaginian Hannibal and the Roman Scipio, and the third (149–146) for the total destruction of Carthage by Scipio's adopted grandson and namesake.
Controlling Polarization Dependent Reactions to Fabricate Multi‐Component Functional Nanostructures
Authors: Conklin David , Park Tae‐Hong , Nanayakkara Sanjini , Therien Michael J. , Bonnell Dawn A.
Published: October 2011

In spite of novel lithographic processes that enable new approaches to fabricating materials, directed assembly of multi‐component hybrid devices remains a challenge. Ferroelectric nanolithography exploits polarization dependent surface interactions to pattern nanoparticles, but the factors that control the particle size and distribution are not sufficiently well understood to produce hybrid nanostructures. Here the effects of photon energy, photon flux, and polarization vector orientation on ferroelectric domain specific photoreactions are quantified, leading to an understanding of the nanoparticle deposition mechanism. Patterned nanoparticle arrays functionalized with optically active porphyrin complexes are configured into optoelectronic devices.
Sorption studies of neutral red dye onto poly(acrylamide‐co‐maleic acid)‐kaolinite/montmorillonite composites
Authors: Abdel‐Aziz H. M. , El‐Zahhar A. A. , Siyam T.
Published: October 2011

In this study, a procedure for preparation of organic–inorganic composite was established. The procedure was based on gamma irradiation polymerization of polyacrylamide (PAAm) in presence of maleic acid (MA), clay minerals [kaolinite (K)], or [montmorillonite (M)] and methylenebisacrylamide (NMBA) as a crosslinker. The functionality of the produced adsorbents were assayed using FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, and XRD and were evaluated for sorption of neutral red (NR) dye from aqueous solutions via batch sorption experiments. Various factors influencing the sorption behavior (e.g., pH, sorbent dose, and dye concentration) were studied. The sorption data fitted well with Langmuir isotherm model. Batch kinetic experiments showed that the adsorption followed pseudosecond‐order kinetic model with correlation coefficients greater than 0.999. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
In situ hybridization and characterization of fibrous hydroxyapatite/chitosan nanocomposite
Authors: Zhang C. Y. , Chen J. , Zhuang Z. , Zhang T. , Wang X. P. , Fang Q. F.
Published: October 2011

Nano‐fibrous hydroxyapatite/chitosan (HA/CS) composites with HA contents of 0–70 wt % were prepared by in situ hybridization with a preprepared chitosan film as semipermeable membrane to slow down the hybridization process. The phase composition, microstructure, and morphology of the composites were characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. It was found that the in situ prepared inorganic phase was hydroxyapatite nano‐fibers that were uniformly dispersed in the chitosan matrix. The average diameter of the fibers were about 3 nm, while the length of the fibers increases from 20 to 60 nm when the hydroxyapatite content increased from 10 to 70 wt %. The compressive strength and Young's modulus of these nano‐fibrous HA/CS composites increased with the increasing HA content and reached the highest values of 170 and 1.7 GPa, respectively, at the HA content of 50–70 wt %, which were much higher than the values of samples prepared by coprecipitation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Effects of argon plasma treatment on surface characteristic of photopolymerization PEGDA–HEMA hydrogels
Authors: Tan Guoxin , Chen Rong , Ning Chengyun , Zhang Lin , Ruan Xiongjie , Liao Jingwen
Published: October 2011

The aim of this research was to determine the influence of argon plasma treatment condition on the surface properties of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA)–hydroxyethly methacrylate hydrogel films, a kind of scaffold materials for tissue engineering. The changes of surface properties have been evaluated by contact angles, X‐ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). From the contact angle measurements of different liquids, the surface free energy of the hydrogel was calculated according to approaches by Owens–Wendt–Kaelble. Results showed that the contact angle of the hydrogel to water decreased remarkably after argon plasma treatment, which was caused by the changes in morphology (SEM images) and chemical composition (XPS results) of the argon plasma‐treated surface. The surface free energy increased with the increase of the argon plasma treated time and power, and these increasing was mainly due to the increase of polar component. The XPS results confirmed that plasma oxidation reaction produced oxygen‐containing functional groups onto the surface. This functional group played an important role in increasing the hydrophilic properties of the hydrogel. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Effect of the molecular structure of polyurethane elastomers on the thermomechanical properties of PUE/PC blends
Authors: Tan Juanjuan , Jia Zhiyuan , Sheng Dekun , Liu Xiangdong , Yang Yuming
Published: October 2011

Polyurethane elastomers (PUEs) based on 4,4′‐diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), 1,4‐butanediol (BDO) and two kinds of aliphatic polycaprolactone (PCL) diols with molecular weight of 1000 Da and 2000 Da have been synthesized and melt‐blended with polycarbonate (PC). The compatibility of PC and PUEs was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that the glass transition temperature (Tg) of PC decreased by 0–40°C when 0–10 wt % of PUEs incorporated into the PC matrix. Phase separation in the blends was not detected by means of DSC characterization, but measurements of DMA and SEM indicated that phase separation existed in the blends of PC and PUEs synthesized with 1000 Da PCL‐diol. As for PUEs/PC blend in which 2000 Da PCL‐diol as PUEs' soft segments, it turned from completely compatible to partially when the NCO/OH ratio for the PUEs prepolymer was increased from 2 : 1 to 4 : 1. The compatibilities of PC and PUEs were greatly influenced by the molecular weight of polyols and the ratio of NCO/OH in the PUE prepolymer, higher molecular weight of polyols and lower NCO/OH ratio resulted in better compatibility. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Electrical Resistivity Tomography Investigations of Multilayered Archaeological Settlements: Part II – A Case from Old Smyrna Höyük, Turkey
Authors: Berge Meriç Aziz , Drahor Mahmut Göktuğ
Published: October 2011

To determine the data acquisition and inversion capabilities of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), which is used in multilayered archaeological settlements, an ERT survey was carried out at the Old Smyrna Höyük site, in the city of İzmir, Turkey. This site dates from the third millennium bc and ERT applications were performed using five different arrays (Wenner–alpha, Wenner–Schlumberger, dipole–dipole, pole–pole and pole–dipole). The resistivity distribution of the subsurface was investigated by two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional inversion routines, which use data obtained along orthogonal lines. To test the inversion treatments, ‘semi‐fully three‐dimensional’ and ‘quasi‐three‐dimensional’ approaches were also investigated, and comparison indicated a clear distinction between them. The results show that the quasi‐three‐dimensional solution had insufficient resolution, whereas the semi‐fully three‐dimensional data sets provide interpretable images of the subsurface. In addition, the effects of electrode array type and line interval and orientation were tested to define suitable ERT survey strategies for multilayered archaeological settlements. The array investigations show that dipole–dipole, pole–pole and pole–dipole arrays presented better quality images than the others. The line orientation tests performed in two perpendicular directions (N–S and E–W oriented lines) show that the N–S oriented lines are more suitable in terms of defining the buried architectural plan of Old Smyrna Höyük according to depth‐slicing visualizations. However, the combination of the two perpendicular data sets could be useful if large between‐line intervals are used. Finally, this ERT study clearly revealed the layered stratigraphy of Old Smyrna Höyük. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An Evaluation of UiO‐66 for Gas‐Based Applications
Authors: Wiersum Andrew D. , Soubeyrand‐Lenoir Estelle , Yang Qingyuan , Moulin Beatrice , Guillerm Vincent , Yahia Mouna Ben , Bourrelly Sandrine , Vimont Alexandre , Miller Stuart , Vagner Christelle , Daturi Marco , Clet Guillaume , Serre Christian , Maurin Guillaume , Llewellyn Philip L.
Published: October 2011

In addition to its high thermal stability, repetitive hydration/dehydration tests have revealed that the porous zirconium terephthalate UiO‐66 switches reversibly between its dehydroxylated and hydroxylated versions. The structure of its dehydroxylated form has thus been elucidated by coupling molecular simulations and X‐ray powder diffraction data. Infrared measurements have shown that relatively weak acid sites are available while microcalorimetry combined with Monte Carlo simulations emphasize moderate interactions between the UiO‐66 surface and a wide range of guest molecules including CH4, CO, and CO2. These properties, in conjunction with its significant adsorption capacity, make UiO‐66 of interest for its further evaluation for CO2 recovery in industrial applications. This global approach suggests a strategy for the evaluation of metal–organic frameworks for gas‐based applications.
Neue Konzepte im Holzbau mit Furnierschichtholz – Die Holztragkonstruktion des Metropol Parasol in Sevilla
Authors: Schmid Volker , Koppitz Jan‐Peter , Thurik Anja
Published: October 2011

Der aus Sicht der Tragwerksplaner interessanteste und auch für die Besucher spektakulärste Teil des Projekts Metropol Parasol ist die 150 m lange und bis zu 28 m hohe, begehbare Holzkonstruktion aus mehrlagig verklebten Furnierschichtholzscheiben. Die Realisierung gelang nur dank einiger konstruktiver Innovationen, wie der 2 bis 3 mm dicken Polyurethan‐Beschichtung, montageoptimierten Verbindungsdetails und der weltweit erstmals im Holzbau eingesetzten Temperung des für das Einkleben der Gewindestangen verwendeten Epoxid‐Harzes. Außerdem erläutert der Bericht besondere Fragestellungen zur statischen Berechnung, der Herstellung und der Montage.

New concepts in timber structures with LVL plates – The timber structure of Metropol Parasol in Seville. The most impressive part of the Metropol Parasol from a structural engineer’s point of view as well as from the visitor’s perspective is the 150 m long and up to 28 m high timber structure of the parasols made of multi‐glued laminated veneer lumber (LVL) panels. Realisation succeeded due to several constructive innovations like 2–3 mm thick polyurethane coating, easy to install node details and the world premiere of tempered epoxy resin for glued‐in rods in a timber construction. Beyond this, the article elucidates special questions concerning the structural design, production and assembly.
Wheat‐based biorefining strategy for fermentative production and chemical transformations of succinic acid
Authors: Lin Carol S. K. , Luque Rafael , Clark James H. , Webb Colin , Du Chenyu
Published: October 2011

This contribution aims to provide an overview of various aspects of novel process strategies for biorefineries based on the production of succinic acid (SA) and its transformation into high added‐value derivatives. The focus is on recent developments of a wheat‐based biorefinery entailing upstream processing strategies to convert low cost raw materials into fermentable sugars as well as on key insights into the improvement of SA production (e.g. strain development, fermentation kinetics, and fermentation optimization). The incorporation of these processes in future biorefineries for the production of value‐added products and fuels will undoubtedly be an important contribution to the world's highest priority target of sustainable development. © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Fenofibrate‐induced decrease of expression of CYP2C11 and CYP2C6 in rat
Authors: Večeřa Rostislav , Zachařová Alice , Orolin Jan , Strojil Jan , Škottová Nina , Anzenbacher Pavel
Published: October 2011

This short communication is aimed to investigate whether the widely used hypolipidemic drug fenofibrate affects CYP2C11 and CYP2C6 in rats, both counterparts of human CYP2C9, known to metabolise many drugs including S‐warfarin and largely used non‐steroidal antiinflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, diclofenac and others. The effects of fenofibrate on the expression of rat liver CYP2C11 and CYP2C6 were studied in both healthy Wistar rats and hereditary hypertriglyceridemic rats. Both strains of rats were fed on diet containing fenofibrate (0.1% w/w) for 20 days. Fenofibrate highly significantly suppressed the expression of mRNA of CYP2C11 and less that of CYP2C6 in liver microsomes of both rat strains; this effect was associated with a corresponding decrease in protein levels. The results indicate that the combination of fenofibrate with drugs metabolised by CYP2C9 in humans should be taken with caution as it may lead, for example, to the potentiation of warfarin effects. This type of drug interaction has been observed previously and the results presented here could contribute to the explanation of their mechanism. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the mental foramen and accessory mental foramen in Turkish patients using cone‐beam computed tomography images reconstructed from a volumetric rendering program
Authors: Kalender A. , Orhan K. , Aksoy U.
Published: October 2011

This study determined the occurrence and location of the mental foramen (MF) and accessory mental foramen (AMF) in Turkish patients using cone‐beam computed‐tomography (CBCT) with 3D‐imaging software. CBCT scans of 386 sites in 193 (92 male, 101 female) patients were retrospectively analyzed to determine MF and AMF occurrence, sizes, and locations. Digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) data were transferred to surface‐rendering software to generate 3D images. Distances between the MF and AMF and from both foramina to the alveolar ridge and to the closest tooth were measured. Differences in AMF incidence by sex, side, and location were evaluated using chi‐squared tests, and MF and AMF measurements were evaluated using Mann–Whitney U‐tests. AMFs were observed in 6.5% of patients and were most commonly in an anteroinferior location. Mean AMF size did not differ significantly by sex or side [males: horizontal = 1.5 mm (1.0–2.4 mm), vertical = 1.4 mm (0.8–2.4 mm); females: horizontal = 1.5 mm (0.8–3 mm), vertical = 1.3 mm (0.8–2.1 mm); P > 0.05]. Males showed significantly greater mean vertical and horizontal MF dimensions compared with females [males: horizontal = 3.9 mm (1.0–7.0 mm), vertical = 3.6 mm (1.2–7.0 mm); females: horizontal = 3.5 mm (1.3–5.6 mm), vertical = 3.3 mm (0.8–5.8 mm); P < 0.05]. Awareness of the AMF is important to avoid mental nerve damage during surgical intervention and anesthetic applications. CBCT is useful for AMF detection, distributes less ionizing radiation, and allows 3D imaging. Clin. Anat. 25:584–592, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Subdivision connectivity remeshing and its applications
Authors: Hu Jianping , Liu Xiuping , Xie Qi
Published: October 2011

This paper presents a subdivision connectivity remeshing approach for closed genus 0 meshes. It is based on spherical parameterization and umbrella‐operator smoothing. Our main contribution lies in adopting a low‐distortion spherical parameterization approach to generate high‐quality subdivision connectivity meshes. Besides, a simple and efficient point location method on the sphere based on the uniform partition of the rectangle is presented, which is used to find the containing triangle in the spherical mesh for each point on the sphere rapidly. Our method can generate high‐quality subdivision connectivity meshes fast, which can be applied to level of detail and progressive transmission. All the application examples demonstrate that our remeshing procedure is robust and efficient. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Urolithin as a Converging Scaffold Linking Ellagic acid and Coumarin Analogues: Design of Potent Protein Kinase CK2 Inhibitors
Authors: Cozza Giorgio , Gianoncelli Alessandra , Bonvini Paolo , Zorzi Elisa , Pasquale Riccardo , Rosolen Angelo , Pinna Lorenzo A. , Meggio Flavio , Zagotto Giuseppe , Moro Stefano
Published: October 2011

Casein kinase 2 (CK2) is a ubiquitous, essential, and highly pleiotropic protein kinase; its abnormally high constitutive activity is suspected to underlie its pathogenic potential in neoplasia and other relevant diseases. Previously, using different in silico screening approaches, two potent and selective CK2 inhibitors were identified by our group: ellagic acid, a naturally occurring tannic acid derivative (Ki=20 nM) and 3,8‐dibromo‐7‐hydroxy‐4‐methylchromen‐2‐one (DBC, Ki=60 nM). Comparing the crystallographic binding modes of both ellagic acid and DBC, an X‐ray structure‐driven merging approach was taken to design novel CK2 inhibitors with improved target affinity. A urolithin moiety is proposed as a possible bridging scaffold between the two known CK2 inhibitors, ellagic acid and DBC. Optimization of urolithin A as the bridging moiety led to the identification of 4‐bromo‐3,8‐dihydroxy‐benzo[c]chromen‐6‐one as a novel, potent and selective CK2 inhibitor, which shows a Ki value of 7 nM against the protein kinase, representing a significant improvement in affinity for the target compared with the two parent fragments.
A novel efficient power‐saving MAC protocol for multi‐hop MANETs
Authors: Hwang Ren‐Hung , Wang Chiung‐Ying , Wu Chi‐Jen , Chen Guan‐Nan
Published: October 2011

Following recent advances in the performance of ad hoc networks, the limited life of batteries in mobile devices poses a bottleneck in their development. Consequently, how to minimize power consumption in the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer of ad hoc networks is an essential issue. The power‐saving mode (PSM) of IEEE 802.11 involves the Timing Synchronization Function to reduce power consumption for single‐hop mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs). However, the IEEE 802.11 PSM is known to result in unnecessary energy consumption as well as the problems of overheating and back‐off time delay. Hence, this study presents an efficient power‐saving MAC protocol, called p‐MANET, based on a Multi‐hop Time Synchronization Protocol, which involves a hibernation mechanism, a beacon inhibition mechanism, and a low‐latency next‐hop selection mechanism for general‐purpose multi‐hop MANETs. The main purposes of the p‐MANET protocol are to reduce significantly the power consumption and the transmission latency. In the hibernation mechanism, each p‐MANET node needs only to wake up during one out of every N beacon interval, where N is the number of beacon intervals in a cycle. Thus, efficient power consumption is achieved. Furthermore, a beacon inhibition mechanism is proposed to prevent the beacon storm problem that is caused by synchronization and neighbor discovery messages. Finally, the low‐latency next‐hop selection mechanism is designed to yield low transmission latency. Each p‐MANET node is aware of the active beacon intervals of its neighbors by using a hash function, such that it can easily forward packets to a neighbor in active mode or with the least remaining time to wake up. As a consequence, upper‐layer routing protocols can cooperate with p‐MANET to select the next‐hop neighbor with the best forwarding delay. To verify the proposed design and demonstrate the favorable performance of the proposed p‐MANET, we present the theoretical analysis related to p‐MANET and also perform experimental simulations. The numerical results show that p‐MANET reduces power consumption and routing latency and performs well in extending lifetime with a small neighbor discovery time. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Logit modeling for classification of monocultivar olive oils from southwest Spain: A preliminary study
Authors: Sayago Ana , de la Luz Pizarro María , Beltrán María , Beltrán Rafael
Published: October 2011

A characterization study of the main olive oil cultivars of southwest Spain (Picual, Arbequina, and Verdial) has been performed in order to establish logistic regression models. Several quality characteristics (free acidity, peroxide value, K232, K270, oxidative stability index) and chemical data (fatty acids, sterols, erythrodiol–uvaol composition) were measured. Logit regressions were used to evaluate the correlation of the parameters and to create models that allow saving costs on identifying oils as Arbequina, Picual, or Verdial type. Multiple logit regression models were developed: one for Arbequina, three models for Picual, and two models for Verdial cultivar, allowing in this way to minimize the cost for classifying oil samples.

Practical application: The olive oil marketing is increasingly focused on the chemical differentiation and characterization of the product because the chemical composition of these virgin oils is responsible for their valuable sensory and nutritional properties. Here we present a characterization study (quality characteristics and chemical data) from the main olive oil cultivars of southwest Spain, Picual, Arbequina, and Verdial, as a first step for the traceability of these three types of monocultivar virgin olive oils. The results may be used as a training to create models for other olive oil cultivars.
Need and potential value of the Pig‐ain vivo mutation assay—A hesi perspective
Authors: Schuler Maik , Gollapudi B. Bhaskar , Thybaud Véronique , Kim James H.
Published: October 2011

The Health and Environmental Sciences Institute (HESI), a global branch of the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI), initiated a project committee entitled “Relevance and Follow‐up of Positive Results from In Vitro Genetic Toxicity Testing (IVGT)” with the overall objective of improving the scientific basis for the interpretation of results from genetic toxicology testing. The IVGT committee has also recognized the need to develop follow‐up strategies for determining the relevance of in vitro test results to human health, and moving genetic toxicology testing from the sole purpose of hazard identification toward a more quantitative risk assessment approach. In this context, a group of experts evaluated the potential utility of the emerging in vivo mutational assessment model commonly known as the Pig‐a gene mutation assay to follow‐up positive in vitro genetic toxicology findings and to generate robust dose‐response data for quantitative assessment of the in vivo mutagenicity. The IVGT experts participating in this effort represented academia, industry, and government agencies from across the globe and addressed such issues as the optimal sample size and experimental design for generating robust dose‐response data. This expert group concluded that the emerging Pig‐a gene mutation assay holds great promise as an in vivo mutagenicity assay, either as a stand‐alone study or integrated into repeat‐dose toxicology studies, and therefore supports further validation of the model. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Including of branch resistances in linear power transmission distribution factors for fast contingency analysis
Authors: Krsman Vladan D. , Sarić Andrija T. , Kovački Neven V.
Published: October 2011

This paper proposes an extension of the traditional DC‐based power flow model for obtaining the linear power transmission distribution factors (PTDFs) that includes the influence of the branch resistances. The proposed model is adopted for the fast contingency analysis, including cases of injection changes, branch outages and their combination. Proposed formulation saves the efficiency of the DC‐based model, such as linearity, fast matrix inversion by matrix inversion lemma for branch outages as well as fast block matrix inversion. This model is appropriate for subtransmission and transmission networks, where neglecting the branch resistances and other approximations introduced in DC‐based power model is not acceptable. The proposed generalized linear PTDF‐based model is successfully verified on the basis of the results for two examples: small (for educational purposes) test system and large‐scale (for industry applicability purposes) test system of Continental Europe Synchronous Area (ex‐UCTE) for characteristic contingencies (including the generation/load changes and branch outages). Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Single end feeder arcing fault location using mutual inductance
Authors: Alamuti Mohsen Mohammadi , Nouri Hassan
Published: October 2011

Impedance‐based fault location methods to date are able to locate only permanent and linear faults. Current fault location methods assume that arc resistance is constant to locate the fault. However, because of the variable nature of the arc resistance, arcing faults cannot be considered as a linear fault. Furthermore, the duration of intermittent and transitory faults is not necessarily enough for fundamental frequency‐based fault location methods. Therefore, available methods are not applicable for arcing fault location. In this article, a novel method is proposed for arcing fault location using time‐based formulation. The advantages of the proposed method over available methods are as follows: (i) fewer samples are necessary for the algorithm to calculate the location, (ii) it is capable of locating variable resistance faults, and (iii) it is independent of arcing fault type.

The validity of the devised algorithm is studied within the power system computer aided design‐electromagnetic DC (PSCAD‐EMTDC) environment. Two different arc models have been simulated, and the produced data have been used for fault location algorithm. The results show a good accuracy for both arcing fault models. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MINIMUM SAVINGS REQUIREMENTS IN SHARED SAVINGS PROVIDER PAYMENT
Authors: Pope Gregory C. , Kautter John
Published: October 2011

Payer (insurer) sharing of savings is a way of motivating providers of medical services to reduce cost growth. A Medicare shared savings program is established for accountable care organizations in the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. However, savings created by providers cannot be distinguished from the normal (random) variation in medical claims costs, setting up a classic principal–agent problem. To lessen the likelihood of paying undeserved bonuses, payers may pay bonuses only if observed savings exceed minimum levels. We study the trade‐off between two types of errors in setting minimum savings requirements: paying bonuses when providers do not create savings and not paying bonuses when providers create savings. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Variations in glutathione‐S‐transferase genes influence risk of chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Özten Nur , Sunguroğlu Asuman , Bosland Maarten C.
Published: October 2011

Glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) are phase II enzymes that detoxify hazardous xenobiotics including carcinogens. Inter‐individual variations in GSTM1 and GSTT1 loci have been associated with several types of cancer, including leukemias. In this study, we investigated the possible association between GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms and susceptibility to chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in a Turkish population. In a case‐control study, 106 CML patients and 190 healthy controls were evaluated for GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms. GSTM1 null (GSTM1‐) genotype frequencies in CML cases and controls were 45.3% and 42.6%, respectively. GSTT1 null (GSTT1‐) genotype frequencies were 44.3% and 18.4%, respectively. The frequency of the GSTT1‐ genotype among CML patients was significantly higher than in controls [odds ratio (OR) 3.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.08‐6.00; P < 0.0001]. Individuals with the GSTM1‐ genotype did not have increased risk of CML [OR: 1.11; 95% CI: 0.69‐1.80; P = 0.714]. The combined GSTM1‐/ GSTT1‐ genotype was significantly associated with risk of CML compared to the GSTM1+/GSTT1+ genotype which was most frequent in both cases and controls [OR: 9.47; 95% CI: 3.61‐24.87]. Similar findings have only been obtained in Turkish and Indian populations but not elsewhere. The GSTM1+/GSTT1‐ genotype was associated with a 2.5‐fold increased risk compared with the GSTM1‐/GSTT1+ genotype, the second most frequent genotype (OR; 2.46; 95% CI: 1.17, 5.20), suggesting a complex interaction between GSTM1 and GSTT1. Our results indicate an association between the GSTT1‐ genotype, either alone or in combination with GSTM1‐ genotype, and risk of CML, suggesting a possible interaction between GSTM1 and GSTT1. These findings, which are possibly restricted to Turkey and India, warrant further research. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antibacterial nanofiber materials activated by light
Authors: Jesenská Soňa , Plíštil Lukáš , Kubát Pavel , Lang Kamil , Brožová Libuše , Popelka Štěpán , Szatmáry Lórant , Mosinger Jiří
Published: October 2011

Electrospun polymeric nanofiber materials doped with 5,10,15,20‐tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) photosensitizer were prepared from four different polymers and were characterized with microscopic methods, steady‐state, and time‐resolved fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy. The polymers used included polyurethane Larithane™ (PUR), polystyrene (PS), polycaprolactone (PCL), and polyamide 6 (PA6). The antibacterial activity of all nanofiber materials against E. coli was activated by visible light and it was dependent on oxygen permeability/diffusion coefficients and the diameter of the polymeric nanofibers. This activity is based on oxidation ability of singlet oxygen O2(1Δg) that is generated upon irradiation. All tested nanofiber materials exhibited prolonged antibacterial properties, even in the dark after long‐duration irradiation. The post‐irradiation effect was explained by the photogeneration of H2O2, which provided the material with long‐lasting antibacterial properties. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
In vitro evaluation of glass–glass ceramic thermoseed‐induced hyperthermia on human osteosarcoma cell line
Authors: Alcaide María , Ramírez‐Santillán Cecilia , Feito María José , de la Concepción Matesanz María , Ruiz‐Hernández Eduardo , Arcos Daniel , Vallet‐Regí María , Portolés María Teresa
Published: October 2011

The use of biomaterials as implantable thermoseeds under the action of an external magnetic field is a very interesting methodology to focus the heat into the target tumors as osteosarcoma. In this study, biocompatible and bioactive G15GC85 thermoseeds, tailored through the combination of sol–gel glasses (G) with a magnetic glass ceramic (GC), were used to induce hyperthermia on cultured human osteosarcoma cells after exposition to alternating magnetic field (MF, 100 kHz/200 Oe). G15GC85 magnetic glass–glass ceramic thermoseeds induced in vitro effective hyperthermia with drastic reduction in proliferation of human osteosarcoma Saos‐2 cells and high increase of apoptotic cells after two 40 min consecutive sessions of MF. Deep cell morphology alterations were observed after this hyperthermic treatment, and the proteomic analysis revealed modification of gamma actin molecular properties related to cytoskeleton alterations. These results indicate that G15GC85 thermoseeds allow to induce in vitro effective hyperthermia on human osteosarcoma cells. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2012.