bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biocompatibility and bone formation with porous modified PMMA in normal and irradiated mandibular tissue
Authors: Lye Kok Weng , Tideman Henk , Wolke Joop C. G. , Merkx Matthias A. W. , Chin Francis K. C. , Jansen John A.
Published: December 2011

A cemented mandibular endoprosthesis is a potentially viable option for mandibular reconstruction after ablative surgery. The commonly used PMMA cement has the inherent weakness of a lack of bioactivity. Improvement by the addition of porosities and bioactive compounds like calcium phosphates may resolve this issue.

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the bone and tissue response to two modified PMMA cements with post‐operative radiation as an additional influencing factor.

Materials & methods

An in vivo animal study was performed using a mandibular rabbit model. A porous PMMA cement (A) and a porous cement incorporated with Beta‐tricalcium phosphate particles (b‐TCP) (B) were placed in bilateral mandibular defects with exposed roots and mandibular nerve of 20 animals. Half of the animals underwent additional post‐operative radiation.

Results

The animals were healthy with only a minor complication in one rabbit. Temperature analysis showed no significant risk of thermal necrosis with the maximal in vivo cement temperature at 37.8°C. Histology demonstrated: (1) good bone ingrowth around the defect as well as within the pores of the cement and defect bridging was achieved in 70% of the specimens after 12–15 weeks of implantation, (2) no pulpal injury with minor secondary cementum response, (3) an intact mandibular nerve with no inflammation, (4) extensive degradation and resorption of the b‐TCP particles by 12–15 weeks, and (5) presence of an intervening thin fibrous tissue at the bone‐to‐cement interface. Histomorphometrical analysis revealed that there was no difference between the different cements and the presence or absence of post‐operative radiation. The 12–15 weeks specimens showed significantly more bone ingrowth and bone maturity than the 4–7 weeks specimens.

Conclusion

Both modified PMMA cements have good biocompatibility, bioactivity and support bone ingrowth and additional post‐operative radiation did not show any negative effects.
Impact of a collagen matrix on early healing, aesthetics and patient morbidity in oral mucosal wounds – a randomized study in humans
Authors: Thoma Daniel S. , Sancho‐Puchades Manuel , Ettlin Dominik A. , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Jung Ronald E.
Published: December 2011

Aim

To test whether a collagen matrix (CM) can improve early wound healing and aesthetics, and decrease wound sensitivity compared with spontaneous healing.

Methods

In 15 volunteers, 6‐mm punch biopsies were harvested at both palatal sites. ACMwas sutured in one site; the other one was left untreated (control). Measurements included the remaining defect area, the colour match to surrounding tissue and somatosensory parameters at various time‐points (pre‐operative, post‐operative, 4, 8, 15, 29 days).

Results

The defect area decreased over time for both treatments. Re‐epithelization was completed in all subjects by day 15. The defect area was significantly smaller forCM(mean ± SD: 19.3 ± 3.4 mm2) compared with control (21.3 ± 3.3 mm2) at day 4 (p < 0.05), and at day 8 (CM: 11.7 ± 2.5 mm2; control: 13.6 ± 2.9 mm2;p < 0.01). The colour match was more favourable forCMat day 4, 8 and 29 (p > 0.05). Somatosensory measurements revealed slightly lower wound sensitivity at day 4 forCMcompared with control.

Conclusions

The use ofCMcan enhance wound healing compared with spontaneous healing during the first week. This was mainly documented by a faster re‐epithelization. Colour match and wound sensitivity measurements did not reach statistical significance betweenCMand control sites.
Thermal constraints on embryonic development as a proximate cause for elevational range limits in two Mediterranean lacertid lizards
Authors: Monasterio Camila , Shoo Luke P. , Salvador Alfredo , Siliceo Ignacio , Díaz José A.
Published: December 2011

Local adaptation and range restrictions in alpine environments are central topics in biogeographic research with important implications for predicting impacts of global climate change on organisms. Temperature is strongly coupled to elevation and greatly affects life history traits of oviparous reptiles in mountain environments. Thus, species may encounter barriers for expanding their ranges if they are unable to adapt to the changing thermal conditions encountered along elevational gradients. We sought to determine whether thermal requirements for embryonic development provide a plausible explanation for elevational range limits of two species of lacertid lizards that have complementary elevational ranges in a Mediterranean mountain range (Psammodromus algirus is found at elevations below 1600 m and Iberolacerta cyreni is found at elevations above 1600 m). We combined experimental incubation of eggs in the laboratory with modelled estimates of nest temperature in the field. In both species, increasing temperature accelerated development and produced earlier hatching dates. The species associated with warmer environments (P. algirus) experienced an excessive hatching delay under the lowest incubation temperature. Moreover, newborns from eggs incubated at low temperatures showed poor body condition and very slow rates of postnatal growth. In contrast, eggs of the strictly alpine species I. cyreni exhibited shorter incubation periods than P. algirus that allowed hatching before the end of the active season even under low incubation temperatures. This was countered by lower reproductive success at higher temperatures, due to lower hatching rates and higher incidence of abnormal phenotypes. Elevational range limits of both species coincided well with threshold temperatures for deleterious effects on embryonic development. We suggest that incubation temperature is a major ecophysiological factor determining the elevational range limits of these oviparous lizards with predictable consequences for mountain distributions under future warmer climates.
Changes in potential habitat of 147 North American breeding bird species in response to redistribution of trees and climate following predicted climate change
Authors: Matthews Stephen N. , Iverson Louis R. , Prasad Anantha M. , Peters Matthew P.
Published: December 2011

Mounting evidence shows that organisms have already begun to respond to global climate change. Advances in our knowledge of how climate shapes species distributional patterns has helped us better understand the response of birds to climate change. However, the distribution of birds across the landscape is also driven by biotic and abiotic components, including habitat characteristics. We therefore developed statistical models of 147 bird species distributions in the eastern United States, using climate, elevation, and the distributions of 39 tree species to predict contemporary bird distributions. We used randomForest, a robust regression‐based decision tree ensemble method to predict contemporary bird distributions. These models were then projected onto three models of climate change under high and low emission scenarios for both climate and the projected change in suitable habitat for the 39 tree species. The resulting bird species models indicated that breeding habitat will decrease by at least 10% for 61–79 species (depending on model and emissions scenario) and increase by at least 10% for 38–52 species in the eastern United States. Alternatively, running the species models using only climate/elevation (omitting tree species), we found that the predictive power of these models was significantly reduced (p<0.001). When these climate/elevation‐only models were projected onto the climate change scenarios, the change in suitable habitat was more extreme in 60% of the species. In the end, the strong associations with vegetation tempers a climate/elevation‐only response to climate change and indicates that refugia of suitable habitat may persist for these bird species in the eastern US, even after the redistribution of tree species. These results suggest the importance of interacting biotic processes and that further fine‐scale research exploring how climate change may disrupt species specific requirements is needed.
Comparison of the fracture resistance of simulated immature permanent teeth using various canal filling materials and fiber posts
Authors: Tanalp Jale , Dikbas Idil , Malkondu Özlem , Ersev Handan , Güngör Tufan , Bayırlı Gündüz
Published: December 2011

Abstract –  Background:  The purpose of this study was to compare the fracture resistances of immature teeth treated with MTA along with root canal obturation methods using AH Plus, MetaSEAL, MTA Fillapex sealers + lateral compaction technique, and Unicore quartz fiber posts.

Materials and methods:  Fifty single‐rooted maxillary anterior teeth were divided into five groups. The crowns were dissected and root canals were enlarged. #6 Peeso reamers were allowed to protrude 1 mm. beyond the apex to simulate immature teeth. The apical 4–5 mm of each tooth was filled using Angelus white MTA. The remaining portions of canals were obturated as follows: Group 1: No backfilling (control), Group 2: AH Plus + gutta‐percha, lateral compaction, Group 3: MetaSEAL + gutta‐percha, lateral compaction, Group 4: MTA Fillapex + gutta‐percha, lateral compaction, Group 5: UniCore Fiber posts luted using PermaFlo DC. The specimens were embedded into self‐curing acrylic poured into identical cylinders which were mounted on a jig providing a 45° angle. A compressive load increasing at 1 mm min−1 was applied and the maximum load at which fracture occurred was recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn’s multiple tests.

Results:  The highest fracture resistance was obtained with Group 5 (Fiber posts) whereas Group 4 (MTA Fillapex) yielded the lowest values. The mean fracture resistance value of Group 2 (AH Plus) was significantly higher than Group 4 (MTA Fillapex) (P = 0.001). The mean fracture value of Group 5 (Fiber posts) was significantly higher than Group 2 (AH Plus), Group 3 (MetaSEAL), and Group 4 (MTA Fillapex) (P = 0.02, 0.004, and 0.0001, respectively).

Conclusion:  Within the limitations of this study, UniCore quartz fiber posts provided the highest resistance. This methodology may specifically be advantageous for teeth with arrest of development at early stages, as these teeth are more susceptible to fracture owing to their excessively weak dentinal walls.
Low‐nutrient soils, pollination and plant diversity
Authors: Sinclair Steve J.
Published: December 2011

Question

Why do some shrublands growing on low‐nutrient soils have such rich floras?

Location

Diverse shrublands growing on low‐nutrient soils occur around the globe, with examples in the Cape region of Africa, in the Mediterranean basin and the south‐west of Australia.

Methods

This Forum paper discusses and evaluates an hypothesis against the evidence in previously available (but hitherto separated) publications.

Results

Low‐nutrient soils create an effective excess of carbon. This makes the production of carbon‐based floral rewards relatively cheap. Cheap rewards encourage the use of animal pollinators and this may lead to the generation and maintenance of elevated species‐richness in some plant groups, via a number of mechanisms. The literature is used to develop 9 testable predictions of this hypothesis.

Conclusions

The hypothesis discussed here is a plausible and testable explanation for the observed patterns in plant diversity. It is not, however, likely to be the only explanation, and could easily operate alongside several other mechanisms.
Livestock–wildlife joint land use in dry lands of Kenya: A case study of the Lolldaiga Hills ranch
Authors: MIZUTANI Fumi , KADOHIRA Mutsuyo , PHIRI Bernard
Published: December 2011

This study aimed to examine livestock–wildlife interactions at the micro level and to quantify how resources are shared in joint land use by comparing the monitoring records collected on the Lolldaiga Hills ranch in Laikipia, Kenya from 1990s onwards. Livestock and wildlife distributions together with existing water points were geo‐referenced; by air and road census total animal biomass densities were estimated. Through 38‐h observation at a water point, livestock–wildlife interaction was recorded. During this period, water decline has been identified as an acute factor for farming and ranching. It was found that distributions of livestock and wildlife were related to water and pasture availability during the severe drought in 2009. Although there is seasonality in densities of both livestock and wildlife populations, results of air census indicated that the stable resident populations of wildlife have resided on the ranch. In this paper, we describe how livestock and wildlife interact at a water point and on pastures on the ranch in terms of biomass density. Such resources shared at different times need to be investigated further as a key factor to improve productivity of livestock–wildlife joint land use.
Dietary animal proteins alter monoamine metabolism in the brain
Authors: NAGASAWA Mao , MURAKAMI Tatsuro , SATO Mikako , TAKAHATA Yoshihisa , MORIMATSU Fumiki , FURUSE Mitsuhiro
Published: December 2011

Several amino acids have effects on mental function, including sedative, antidepressant‐like and anxiolytic‐like effects. However, the influence of integrated amino acid nutrition as protein constituents on mental function remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to compare the influence of chicken, pork and beef protein extracts on brain monoamine metabolism in mice. Changes in monoamine levels and their turnover rates in the brain were induced by different protein sources. In particular, chicken protein group showed the highest norepinephrine levels in the hippocampus and hypothalamus, and beef protein extract caused an activation of the serotonergic system in the hypothalamus, although there were no significant differences in amino acid compositions of these protein extracts. Therefore, it was revealed that amino acid compositions in dietary protein did not induce alteration in monoamine metabolism. However, there were differences in small molecular peptides, such as creatine, carnosine and anserine levels in animal protein extracts. In conclusion, monoamine metabolism was altered by dietary protein sources. However, it was indicated that the alteration in monoamine metabolism may be independent from amino acid compositions in dietary protein. In addition, alteration in monoamine metabolism depending on the dietary protein sources may be induced by small molecular peptides.
A mechanistic study on the effect of ethanol and importance of water on permeation of drugs through human third‐degree burn eschar
Authors: Ghaffari Azadeh , Moghimi Hamid R , Manafi Ali , Hosseini Habibolah
Published: December 2011

Ethanol that affects hydration of skin and used in wound treatment formulations was studied here for its effect on permeation of drugs through burn eschar and to investigate the presence of a porous pathway in this barrier.

In this study, permeations of clindamycin phosphate (CP, hydrophilic) and diazepam (lipophilic) through human burn eschar were investigated in the presence and absence of ethanol. Permeability coefficients (Kp) of CP and diazepam through hydrated eschar were calculated to be 13·1 × 10−3 and 17·4 × 10−3 cm/h respectively. These Kp values were decreased by about 1·5–5·3 and 2–10·7 times respectively upon the addition of 20–70% ethanol. Increased amount of ethanol decreased permeation flux of CP (2–20 times) and increased that of diazepam (3–80 times) from saturated solutions. Thermal analysis showed that ethanol dehydrates eschar and also changes its internal proteineous structure. Such changes were concluded to be the main reasons behind decreased Kp of both drugs. Comparison of Kp data suggests the possibility and importance of a pore pathway in permeation of both drugs through the hydrated burn eschar. Present results show that ethanol, and possibly other dehydrating agents, can decrease the permeability of eschar and that this effect should be considered in formulation developments.
Cytogenetic analysis of de novo CD5‐positive diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: KANEKO Hiroto , SHIMURA Kazuho , HORIIKE Shigeo , KURODA Junya , MATSUMOTO Yosuke , YOKOTA Shohei , NISHIDA Koichi , OHKAWARA Yasuo , TANIWAKI Masafumi
Published: December 2011

Aims:  De novo CD5‐positive diffuse large B cell lymphoma (CD5+DLBL) is a subtype of DLBL with poor clinical outcome. To investigate the cytogenetic pathogenesis of CD5+DLBL, we analyzed the chromosomal findings of 18 patients with CD5+DLBL.

Methods:  Tumor cells were cultured and metaphase was captured by colchicine exposure. Using trypsin‐Giemsa banding, the chromosomes were analyzed according to the International System for Human Cytogenetic Nomenclature.

Results:  Metaphase was acquired from 12 patients. Normal karyotypes were seen in two patients and abnormal karyotypes in the remaining 10. The numbers of chromosomes ranged from 45 to 90. Gain, loss and rearrangements of various chromosomes were seen. Frequent breakpoints were located at chromosome 1 band p13, 3q27, 6q13, 7q32, 14q32, 18q21 and 19q13. There was no diagnosis‐specific abnormality. A relationship between chromosomal findings and clinical outcomes such as involved site, relapse or survival, was not observed.

Conclusion:  Since previous and the present studies on the chromosomal analysis of CD5+DLBL are also contradictory, more detailed comprehensive genetic analysis appears to be needed to elucidate the biological mechanisms of CD5+DLBL.
Oxygen and Ethene Biostimulation for a Persistent Dilute Vinyl Chloride Plume
Authors: Begley James F. , Czarnecki Monica , Kemen Susan , Verardo Angela , Robb Amanda K. , Fogel Samuel , Begley Gail S.
Published: December 2011

Contamination of groundwater with chlorinated ethenes is common and represents a threat to drinking water sources. Standard anaerobic bioremediation methods for the highly chlorinated ethenes PCE and TCE are not always effective in promoting complete degradation. In these cases, the target contaminants are degraded to the daughter products DCE and/or vinyl chloride. This creates an additional health risk, as vinyl chloride is even more toxic and carcinogenic than its precursors. New treatment modalities are needed to deal with this widespread environmental problem. We describe successful bioremediation of a large, migrating, dilute vinyl chloride plume in Massachusetts with an aerobic biostimulation treatment approach utilizing both oxygen and ethene. Initial microcosm studies showed that adding ethene under aerobic conditions stimulated the rapid degradation of VC in site groundwater. Deployment of a full‐scale treatment system resulted in plume migration cutoff and nearly complete elimination of above‐standard VC concentrations.
Probabilistic Simulation of Remediation at a Site Contaminated by Trichloroethylene
Authors: Liang Hailian , Falta Ronald W. , Henderson James K. , Shoemaker Steve
Published: December 2011

A new probabilistic remediation simulation package, PREMChlor, was used to simulate the effect of contaminant source and plume remediation at a site contaminated by trichloroethylene (TCE). First, the PREMChlor model was calibrated to the plume using a deterministic approach to represent the site conditions prior to remediation activities, which occurred in 1999. The calibrated model was then used in a probabilistic mode to conduct a simulation of the effects of field source and plume remediation activities during the period after 1999. This probabilistic simulation considers uncertainties in seven key parameters: the initial source mass and concentration, the relationship between source mass removal and source concentration, the effectiveness of the source remediation, the groundwater velocity, the background plume degradation rate, and the plume treatment effectiveness. The simulation results compare favorably with the observed data collected after 1999, and show the influence of the remediation efforts on the plume.
Small Molecule Inhibitors of Anthrax Toxin–induced Cytotoxicity Targeted Against Protective Antigen
Authors: Rubert Pérez Charles , López‐Pérez Daneli , Chmielewski Jean , Lipton Mark
Published: December 2011

Two molecular scaffolds were designed using the CAVEAT molecular design package to inhibit the oligomerization of protective antigen (PA63), a key protein component of anthrax toxin. The inhibitors were designed to prevent heptamerization of PA63 by mimicking key residues of PA63 needed for the intermolecular interactions that stabilize the heptamer. Using the scaffolds identified by CAVEAT, seven candidate inhibitors were synthesized and tested for their ability to inhibit anthrax toxin–induced cytotoxicity, with three of the agents demonstrating modest inhibition in murine J774A.1 macrophage cells.
Autophagy in Lysosomal Myopathies
Authors: Malicdan May Christine V. , Nishino Ichizo
Published: December 2011

Lysosomal myopathies are hereditary myopathies characterized morphologically by the presence of autophagic vacuoles. In mammals, autophagy plays an important role for the turnover of cellular components, particularly in response to starvation or glucagons. In normal muscle, autolysosomes or autophagosomes are typically inconspicuous. In distinct neuromuscular disorders, however, lysosomes become structurally abnormal and functionally impaired, leading to the accumulation of autophagic vacuoles in myofibers. In some instances, the accumulation of autophagic vacuoles can be a prominent feature, implicating autophagy as a contributor to disease pathomechanism and/or progression. At present, there are two disorders in the muscle that are associated with a primary defect in lysosomal proteins, namely Pompe disease and Danon disease. This review will give a brief discussion on these disorders, highlighting the role of autophagy in disease progression.
In Vitro Photodynamic Inactivation of Cryptococcus neoformans Melanized Cells with Chloroaluminum Phthalocyanine Nanoemulsion
Authors: Rodrigues Gabriela B. , Primo Fernando L. , Tedesco Antonio C. , Braga Gilberto U. L.
Published: December 2011

The selection of fungi resistant to currently used fungicides and the emergence of new pathogenic species make the development of alternative fungus‐control techniques highly desirable. Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PACT) is a promising method which combines a nontoxic photosensitizer (PS) with visible light to cause selective killing of microbial cells. The development of PACT to treat mycoses or kill fungi in the environment depends on identifying effective PS for the different pathogenic species and delivery systems able to expand and optimize their use. In the present study, the in vitro susceptibility of Cryptococcus neoformans melanized cells to the photodynamic effects of the PS agent ClAlPc in nanoemulsion (ClAlPc/NE) was examined. Cells were killed in a PS concentration‐ and light dose‐dependent manner. Treatment with ClAlPc/NE, using PS concentrations (e.g. 4.5 μm) and light doses (e.g. 10 J cm−2) compatible with PACT, resulted in a reduction of up to 6 logs in survival. Washing the cells to remove unbound PS before light exposure did not inhibit fungal photodynamic inactivation. Internalization of ClAlPc by C. neoformans was confirmed by confocal fluorescence microscopy, and the degree of uptake was dependent on PS concentration.
Elucidation of Cell Killing Mechanism by Comparative Analysis of Photoreactions on Different Types of Bacteria
Authors: Swetha S. , Kumari Singh Maheshwari , Minchitha K. U. , Geetha Balakrishna R.
Published: December 2011

The mechanism of biocidal action of nano titania on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus has been evaluated by various biochemical techniques like lipid peroxidation, hydrolysis of orthonitrophenol β‐d‐galactopyranoside, estimation of protein–amino acid and bacterial nucleic acids leakage into solution, in addition to morphology studies by electron microscopy (TEM and SEM) and K+ ion leakage by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The active anatase phase of nano titania has been synthesized by sol‐gel and pulverization techniques to obtain particle sizes averaging around 11 nm. The nano semiconductor with a bandgap of 3.2 eV responds well to the UV source to liberate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Gram negative bacteria easily succumb to the ROS at a faster rate than gram‐positive bacteria with an observable difference in the mode of attack. The use of analytical techniques revealed the release of peroxidized lipid (26 nmol mL−1) and protein content (370 μg mL−1) with a K+ ion concentration of 22 000 ppb on complete destruction of E. coli.
UV‐B Exposure Causes DNA Damage and Changes in Protein Expression in Northern Pike (Esox lucius) Posthatched Embryos
Authors: Vehniäinen Eeva‐Riikka , Vähäkangas Kirsi , Oikari Aimo
Published: December 2011

The ongoing anthropogenically caused ozone depletion and climate change has increased the amount of biologically harmful UV‐B radiation, which is detrimental to fish in embryonal stages. The effects of UV‐B radiation on the levels and locations of DNA damage manifested as cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and p53 protein in newly hatched embryos of pike were examined. Pike larvae were exposed in the laboratory to current and enhanced doses of UV‐B radiation. UV‐B exposure caused the formation of CPDs in a fluence rate‐dependent manner, and the CPDs were found deeper in the tissues with increasing fluence rates. UV‐B radiation induced HSP70 in epidermis, and caused plausible p53 activation in the brain and epidermis of some individuals. Also at a fluence rate occurring in nature, the DNA damage in the brain and eyes of pike and changes in protein expression were followed by severe behavioral disorders, suggesting that neural molecular changes were associated with functional consequences.
Mortality and Morbidity During and After the Antihypertensive and Lipid‐Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial
Authors: Cushman William C. , Davis Barry R. , Pressel Sara L. , Cutler Jeffrey A. , Einhorn Paula T. , Ford Charles E. , Oparil Suzanne , Probstfield Jeffrey L. , Whelton Paul K. , Wright Jackson T. , Alderman Michael H. , Basile Jan N. , Black Henry R. , Grimm Richard H. , Hamilton Bruce P. , Julian Haywood L. , Ong Stephen T. , Piller Linda B. , Simpson Lara M. , Stanford Carol , Weiss Robert J. ,   for the ALLHAT Collaborative Research Group
Published: December 2011

A randomized, double‐blind, active‐controlled, multicenter trial assigned 32,804 participants aged 55 years and older with hypertension and ≥1 other coronary heart disease risk factors to receive chlorthalidone (n=15,002), amlodipine (n=8898), or lisinopril (n=8904) for 4 to 8 years, when double‐blinded therapy was discontinued. Passive surveillance continued for a total follow‐up of 8 to 13 years using national administrative databases to ascertain deaths and hospitalizations. During the post‐trial period, fatal outcomes and nonfatal outcomes were available for 98% and 65% of participants, respectively, due to lack of access to administrative databases for the remainder. This paper assesses whether mortality and morbidity differences persisted or new differences developed during the extended follow‐up. Primary outcome was cardiovascular mortality and secondary outcomes were mortality, stroke, coronary heart disease, heart failure, cardiovascular disease, and end‐stage renal disease. For the post‐trial period, data are not available on medications or blood pressure levels. No significant differences (P<.05) appeared in cardiovascular mortality for amlodipine (hazard ratio [HR], 1.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.93–1.06) or lisinopril (HR, 0.97; CI, 0.90–1.03), each compared with chlorthalidone. The only significant differences in secondary outcomes were for heart failure, which was higher with amlodipine (HR, 1.12; CI, 1.02–1.22), and stroke mortality, which was higher with lisinopril (HR, 1.20; CI, 1.01–1.41), each compared with chlorthalidone. Similar to the previously reported in‐trial result, there was a significant treatment‐by‐race interaction for cardiovascular disease for lisinopril vs chlorthalidone. Black participants had higher risk than non‐black participants taking lisinopril compared with chlorthalidone. After accounting for multiple comparisons, none of these results were significant. These findings suggest that neither calcium channel blockers nor angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors are superior to diuretics for the long‐term prevention of major cardiovascular complications of hypertension.
Sozialdialog und Governance in der sozialen Sicherheit aus aktueller IAO‐Sicht
Authors: Ghellab Youcef , Varela Nancy , Woodall John
Published: December 2011

Auszug

Unter allen Themen aus der Arbeitswelt dürfte es kaum eines geben, das die Grundsätze von Dreigliedrigkeit und Sozialdialog besser verkörpert als die soziale Sicherheit. So stellt sich naturgemäß die Frage, wie effektiv diese zentralen Elemente einer soliden Governance bisher waren und es noch sind, um die wichtigen Fragen anzugehen, die sich den Systemen der sozialen Sicherheit in vielen Ländern zurzeit stellen. Die Reform der sozialen Sicherheit, insbesondere im Rentenbereich, stand in vielen Ländern in den letzten Jahrzehnten zuoberst auf der politischen Tagesordnung und widerspiegelt die Auswirkungen von Faktoren wie Globalisierung und demografischer Alterung. Aufgrund der weltweiten Finanz‐ und Wirtschaftskrise kam es seit kurzem zu neuerlichen Belastungen. Das Internationale Arbeitsamt (IAA) versuchte diese Fragen zu analysieren und zu verstehen, indem die IAA‐Abteilungen für Sozialdialog und soziale Sicherheit gemeinsam vor und nach der Wirtschaftskrise Studien durchführten. Die Ergebnisse sind unterschiedlich ausgefallen. In einer Reihe von Ländern, die eine lange Tradition eines effektiven Sozialdialogs kennen, bestätigte sich dessen Wert. In einigen Ländern indes handelten die Regierungen leider im Alleingang, häufig unter dem Druck schwerer wirtschaftlicher Belastungen und eindringlicher Forderungen der Internationalen Finanzinstitutionen (IFI) und bisweilen mit wenig Rücksicht auf ihre verfassungsmäßigen Verpflichtungen. Die Autoren schliessen daraus, dass eine erneute Fokussierung des politischen Willens und Engagements in angemessenem Umfang auf den trilateralen Sozialdialog nötig und möglich ist, um die oft komplexen und heiklen politischen Fragen im Bereich der sozialen Sicherheit anzugehen.
CETP Inhibitor Torcetrapib Promotes Reverse Cholesterol Transport in Obese Insulin‐Resistant CETP‐ApoB100 Transgenic Mice
Authors: Briand François , Thieblemont Quentin , André Agnès , Ouguerram Khadija , Sulpice Thierry
Published: December 2011

Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are associated with low HDL‐cholesterol (HDL‐c) levels, which would impair reverse cholesterol transport (RCT). A promising therapeutic strategy is to raise HDL with cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitors, but their effects on RCT remains to be demonstrated in vivo. We therefore evaluated the effects of CETP inhibitor torcetrapib in CETP‐apolipoprotein (apo)B100 mice made obese and insulin resistant with a 60% high‐fat diet. High‐fat diet over 3 months increased body weight and homeostasis model of insulin resistance index by 30% and 846%, respectively (p < 0.01 for both vs. chow‐fed mice). Total cholesterol (TC) increased by 46% and HDL‐c/TC ratio decreased by 28% (both p < 0.05). Compared to vehicle, high‐fat‐fed mice treated with torcetrapib (30 mg/kg/day, 3 weeks) showed increased HDL‐c levels and HDL‐c/TC ratio by 41% and 37% (both p < 0.05). Torcetrapib increased in vitro macrophage cholesterol efflux by 22% and in vivo RCT through a 118% increase in 3H‐bile acids fecal excretion after 3H‐cholesterol labeled macrophage injection (p < 0.01 for both). Fecal total bile acids mass was also increased by 158% (p < 0.001). In conclusion, CETP inhibition by torcetrapib improves RCT in CETP‐apoB100 mice. These results emphasize the potential of CETP inhibition to prevent cardiovascular diseases. Clin Trans Sci 2011; Volume 4: 414–420
Stretching the Posterior Shoulder Structures in Subjects with Internal Rotation Deficit: Comparison of Two Stretching Techniques
Authors: Cools Ann M. , Johansson Fredrik R. , Cagnie Barbara , Cambier Dirk C. , Witvrouw Erik E.
Published: December 2011

Background

Glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) and posterior shoulder stiffness have been associated with impingement symptoms in the overhead athlete. Stretching of the posterior shoulder is advised in injury prevention as well as rehabilitation programs. The purpose of the present study was to determine if stretching of the posterior shoulder improves ROM and reduces symptoms, and to compare angular with non-angular stretching techniques.

Methods

60 overhead athletes with GIRD (age 25 ± 7.2 years, height 176 ± 8 cm, weight 69.8 ± 10.2 kg) participated to the study. Thirty athletes had no shoulder pain, 30 had impingement symptoms on the dominant shoulder. The subjects were randomly assigned into an “angular” or a “non-angular” treatment group. They were treated for 3 weeks (9 sessions) and followed for another period of 3 weeks after completion of the treatment. Treatment outcome variables were glenohumeral internal rotation range of motion, and, in the patient group, pain (VAS) scores and functional performance (ROWE-score).

Results

Statistical analysis showed a significant increase in ROM ( p < .05) in both treatment groups, in the patient as well as in the healthy control group. In addition, patients showed a significant improvement in pain assessment scores, and a significant increase in the Modified Rowe Score. There were no significant differences between both treatment techniques.

Discussion

Stretching, angular as well as non-angular techniques, increases internal rotation ROM in overhead athletes, and may decrease sport specific shoulder pain in overhead athletes with impingement symptoms.
Results and Functional Outcome of Arthroscopically-assisted Fixation of Glenoid Fractures: Three Cases
Authors: Marsland Daniel , Al-Khateeb Hesham , Andrews Edward , Goldie Boyd , Ahmed Hasan A.
Published: December 2011

Severely displaced glenoid fractures require open reduction and internal fixation to avoid chronic instability or degenerative changes. Arthroscopic techniques potentially facilitate accurate fracture reduction and fixation without the need for extensive surgical dissection. We report three male patients (mean age 26 years; range 17 years to 40 years) who underwent arthroscopically-assisted reduction and internal fixation for a displaced Ideberg type III (two cases) or IV glenoid (one case) fracture. Cannulated, partially-threaded screws were inserted percutaneously via a superior approach just anterior to the clavicle in all cases. Patients were assessed postoperatively with serial radiographs and clinically using the Constant–Murley shoulder score (0 points to 100 points) at 1 year. There were no recorded complications of surgery, and all fractures united within 3 months. At 6 months, all patients returned to their previous levels of activity and regained an excellent range of motion. The mean Constant–Murley shoulder score at 1 year was 95 points (range 94 to 96), and there was no radiological evidence of arthrosis. Arthroscopic fixation of transverse-orientated glenoid fractures can have excellent functional results, and percutaneous screw insertion via a superior approach appears to be a safe and reproducible technique.
Management of the Post-traumatic Stiff Elbow
Authors: Murray Odhrán , Macdonald Duncan , Nunn Tom , Mceachan Jane , Rymaszewski Lech
Published: December 2011

Restriction of elbow motion after trauma is a well-recognized problem. Most cases improve with time and use, although significant stiffness may persist and interfere with function. Over the last 20 years, surgical procedures have been reported that can safely improve the range of motion in most patients. A wide variety of different operative procedures and postoperative regimes have been described, with comparable results. Surgical techniques range from arthroscopic procedures, through increasingly extensive open releases, up to those requiring a dynamic external fixator to provide stability. Postoperative passive stretching with manipulation or splinting is often advocated, although evidence of effectiveness is lacking. We provide an overview of the current literature, and propose a new surgical guide to aid with the management of stiff elbows.
Leadership and Commitment: The United States of America and the Future of the Northeast Asian Order*
Authors: Atkinson Carol , Chiozza Giacomo
Published: December 2011

Since the end of World War II, peace, prosperity, and democracy have flourished in Northeast Asia in large part due to the USA's willingness to devote extraordinary resources and exert leadership through a series of bilateral commitments to the nations of the region. In the past two decades, crises in other parts of the world have captured US attention and resources: in Eastern Europe after the fall of the Soviet Union and now in the Middle East. What are the consequences of these demands on how the USA envisions its future role in Northeast Asia? We assess these consequences by evaluating the strategies that the USA has elaborated for the region and how those strategies resonate with people in the USA and in the region. Our analysis focuses on two questions: How does the USA envision its role in Northeast Asia? Does the USA have the political will to bear the costs to fulfill this role? We argue that despite increased demands on its attention and resources, the USA remains firmly committed to its leadership role in the region and the US‐centric security architecture of bilateral institutions. Multilateral institutions will remain relatively ineffective and inefficient in addressing the most pressing regional issues.
South Korea's Developmental Democracy and Migrant Workers Policy
Authors: Lee Byoungha , Kim Sungmoon
Published: December 2011

This paper investigates how the Korean government, under the double pressure of liberal‐democratic consolidation and economic growth, has developed its migrant workers policy in the past 2 decades. Its central claim is that even though the Korean government has revised the laws regarding migrant workers in an increasingly liberal way and driven more progressive migrant workers policies with special focus on socioeconomic rights, it could not live up to Korean democracy's liberal ideal by differently treating migrant workers on the basis of the expected contributions of their skills to Korean economy, thus failing to fully respect individual migrant workers' rights. The paper attempts to analyze the practical aporia with which Korean democracy struggles under the aforementioned double pressure from the perspective of “developmental democracy” in which liberal democracy and national economic utilitarianism are mutually constraining each other.
Lipopolysaccharides mediate leukotoxin secretion in Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
Authors: Tang G. , Kawai T. , Komatsuzawa H. , Mintz K.P.
Published: December 2011

We previously reported that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) ‐related sugars are associated with the glycosylation of the collagen adhesin EmaA, a virulence determinant of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. In this study, the role of LPS in the secretion of other virulence factors was investigated. The secretion of the epithelial adhesin Aae, the immunoglobulin Fc receptor Omp34 and leukotoxin were examined in a mutant strain with inactivated TDP‐4‐keto‐6‐deoxy‐d‐glucose 3,5‐epimerase (rmlC), which resulted in altered O‐antigen polysaccharides (O‐PS) of LPS. The secretion of Aae and Omp34 was not affected. However, the leukotoxin secretion, which is mediated by the TolC‐dependent type I secretion system, was altered in the rmlC mutant. The amount of secreted leukotoxin in the bacterial growth medium was reduced nine‐fold, with a concurrent four‐fold increase of the membrane‐bound toxin in the mutant compared with the wild‐type strain. The altered leukotoxin secretion pattern was restored to the wild‐type by complementation of the rmlC gene in trans. Examination of the ltxA mRNA levels indicated that the leukotoxin secretion was post‐transcriptionally regulated in the modified O‐PS containing strain. The mutant strain also showed increased resistance to vancomycin, an antibiotic dependent on TolC for internalization, indicating that TolC was affected. Overexpression of TolC in the rmlC mutant resulted in an increased TolC level in the outer membrane but did not restore the leukotoxin secretion profile to the wild‐type phenotype. The data suggest that O‐PS mediate leukotoxin secretion in A. actinomycetemcomitans.
Modulatory effects of gentisic acid against genotoxicity and hepatotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide in Swiss albino mice
Authors: Nafees Sana , Ahmad Shiekh Tanveer , Arjumand Wani , Rashid Summya , Ali Nemat , Sultana Sarwat
Published: December 2011

Objectives

This study evaluated the protective effects of gentisic acid (GA) against genotoxicity and hepatotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide (CP) in Swiss albino mice.

Methods

Mice were pretreated with GA orally at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days before the administration of a single intraperitoneal dose of 50 mg/kg CP. The ameliorative effect of GA on genotoxicity was studied using the in-vivo bone marrow micronuclei induction test, DNA integrity and alkaline unwinding assay. The activity of various oxidative stress enzymes were estimated in hepatic tissue.

Key findings

A single intraperitoneal administration of CP in mice increased the malondialdehyde level, depleted the glutathione content and antioxidant enzyme activity (glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, catalase and quinone reductase), and induced DNA strand breaks and micronuclei induction. Oral pretreatment with GA at both doses caused a significant reduction in malondialdehyde and glutathione levels, restoration of antioxidant enzyme activity, reduction in micronuclei formation and DNA fragmentation. Serum toxicity marker enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase were increased after CP treatment but restored in GA pretreated groups.

Conclusion

The results support the protective effect of GA against CP induced genotoxicity and hepatotoxicity.
Reduced Modeling for Turbine Rotor-Blade Coupled Bending Vibration Analysis
Authors: Okabe Akira , Kudo Takeshi , Shiohata Koki , Matsushita Osami , Fujiwara Hiroyuki , Yoda Hideo , Sakurai Shigeo
Published: December 2011

In a traditional turbine-generator set, rotor shaft designers and blade designers have their own models and design process which neglects the coupled effect. Since longer blade systems have recently been employed (Saito et al. 1998, “Development of a 3000 rpm 43-in. last stage blade with high efficiency and reliability,” International Joint Power Generation Conference, pp. 89–96.) for advanced turbine sets to get higher output and efficiency, additional consideration is required concerning rotor bending vibrations coupled with a one-nodal (k = 1) blade system. Rotor-blade coupled bending conditions generally include two types so that the parallel and tilting modes of the shaft vibrations are respectively coupled with in-plane and out-of-plane modes of blade vibrations with a one-nodal diameter (k = 1). This paper proposes a method to calculate the natural frequency of a shaft blade coupled system. According to this modeling technique, a certain blade mode is reduced to a single mass system, which is connected to the displacement and angle motions of the shaft. The former motion is modeled by the m-k system to be equivalent to the blade on the rotating coordinate. The latter motion is commonly modeled in discrete form using the beam FEM on an inertia coordinate. Eigenvalues of the hybrid system covering both coordinates provide the natural frequency of the coupled system. In order to solve the eigenfrequencies of the coupled system, a tracking solver method based on sliding mode control concept is used. An eight-blade system attached to a cantilever bar is used for an example to calculate a coupled vibration with a one-nodal diameter between the blade and shaft.
Air Flow Modulation for Refined Control of the Combustion Dynamics Using a Novel Actuator
Authors: Giuliani Fabrice , Lang Andreas , Johannes Gradl Klaus , Siebenhofer Peter , Fritzer Johannes
Published: December 2011

A specific actuator able to modulate the air feed of a gas a burner at a given frequency and amplitude is presented. The Combustion Department at the Institute for Thermal Turbomachinery and Machine Dynamics at the Graz University of Technology has experience on the study of combustion instabilities in gas turbines using a flow excitor. The stability of an industrial burner is tested at elevated pressure and temperature conditions in the frame of the NEWAC project. For practical matters of operation among which the possibility to induce progressively a perturbation when the flame conditions are all set, the need was expressed to design, construct and validate a flexible actuator able to set an air flow modulation at a given frequency and at a desired amplitude level, with the possibility during operation to let these two factors vary in a given range independently from each other. This device should operate within the 0–1 kHz range and 0%–20% amplitude range at steady-state, during transients, or follow a specific time sequence. It should be robust and sustain elevated pressures. The objective is to bring a perturbation in the flow to which the combustor will respond, or not. For elevated levels of pulsation, it can simulate the presence of vortex-driven combustion instabilities. It can also act as a real-time actuator able to respond in frequency and in phase to actively damp a “natural” combustion instability. Other issues are a better and quicker mixing due to the enhanced turbulence level, and pushing forward the blow out limits at lean conditions with controlled injection dynamics. The basic construction is the one of a siren, with an elevated pressure side where the air is throttled, and a low pressure outlet where the resulting sonic jet is sheared by a rotating wheel. A mechanism allows to let vary the surface of interaction between the wheel and the jet. Two electromotors driven by Labview set both frequency and amplitude levels. This contribution describes the actuator’s principles, design, operation range and the results of the characterization campaign.
A New Approach to Elastodynamic Response of Cylindrical Shell Based on Developed Solution Structure Theorem for Wave Equation
Authors: Xu Shugen , Wang Weiqiang , Cui Yuliang , Liu Yan
Published: December 2011

In this paper, a developed solution structure theorem has been provided. It can be used to solve the wave equation about the structural response of cylinder under the dynamic pressure. This new approach also can be used to solve a batch of partial differential equations having the similar form. A detailed derivation process has been given to show how the solution is obtained. Finally, a practical example is presented, and the finite element result is also provided to validate the accuracy of methodology proposed in this paper. The result shows that it has a high accuracy for solving the elastodynamic response of the cylinder.