bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of BMPS in Reducing Sediment From Unpaved Roads in the Stillwater Creek, Oklahoma Watershed1
Authors: Turton Donald J. , Smolen Michael D. , Stebler Elaine
Published: September 2009

Turton, Donald J., Michael D. Smolen, and Elaine Stebler, 2009. Effectiveness of BMPs in Reducing Sediment From Unpaved Roads in the Stillwater Creek, Oklahoma Watershed. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 45(6):1343‐1351.

Abstract:  Erosion from rural unpaved roads is thought to be an important source of sediment in sediment‐impaired streams in Oklahoma and other locations. However, no direct measurements of sediment yields from rural unpaved roads were previously available for Oklahoma. Four rural unpaved road segments in the Stillwater Creek Watershed were instrumented in a paired watershed design to measure sediment yields to streams before and after the installation of Best Management Practices (BMPs). One segment of each pair remained under current management to serve as a control. The second segment received BMPs after a 1‐year calibration period. One BMP consisted of widening the ditches, re‐shaping ditches and cutslopes, putting a proper crown on the road surface, and vegetating disturbed areas with grass. The other BMP consisted of creating a proper crown on the road bed, applying a geo‐synthetic fabric to the road bed and surfacing with 127 mm of crusher run gravel containing 12‐15% fines to serve as a binder. Road segment sediment yields for individual storms varied, depending on factors such as rainfall amount and intensity. During the pre‐BMP year, storm sediment yields ranged from 0 to 4.3 Mg on one pair of segments and from 0 to 2.8 Mg on the other. The storm sediment yields and annual yields were in the same order of magnitude as sediment yields from unpaved rural or forest roads reported in other studies. Sediment yields were significantly reduced on both segments by the installation of BMPs, approximately 80% on one segment pair and 20% on the other. The average sediment yield (across the four segments) for the pre‐BMP year was 138 Mg/ha or 120 Mg/km of road. By extrapolating these average yields across the 479 km of unpaved roads in the Stillwater Creek Watershed and comparing it to estimated sediment yields for other land uses obtained from other sources, we conclude that unpaved roads may contribute up to 35% of the total sediment load to Stillwater Creek.
Forecasting Resilience in Arctic Societies: Creating Tools for Assessing Social–Hydrological Systems1
Authors: Altaweel Mark R. , Alessa Lilian N. , Kliskey Andrew D.
Published: September 2009

Altaweel, Mark R., Lilian N. Alessa, and Andrew D. Kliskey, 2009. Forecasting Resilience in Arctic Societies: Creating Tools for Assessing Social–Hydrological Systems. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 45(6):1379‐1389.

Abstract:  Arctic communities are increasingly faced with social–ecological changes that act at variable speeds and spatial scales. Such changes will affect vital resources, particularly water supplies. Currently, there are few computational tools that integrate multiple social and environmental processes in order to aid communities’ adaptation to change through decision support systems. This paper proposes a modeling and simulation approach that can integrate such processes at different spatiotemporal scales in order to address issues affecting community water supplies. In this paper, a modeling and simulation tool is developed and applied to a case study on the Seward Peninsula. Initial results, using both field observations and computation, show projected patterns of water use, perceptions of water availability, and long‐term consumption trends. More broadly, the paper demonstrates the need for developing tools that address issues at the community level for better understanding human and hydrological interactions and policy decisions affecting water supplies.
A species‐specific real‐time PCR assay for identification of three lichen‐forming fungi, Lobaria pulmonaria, Lobaria immixta and Lobaria macaronesica
Authors: WERTH S. , CORNEJO C. , SCHEIDEGGER C.
Published: September 2009

We present a multiplex real‐time PCR assay for the simultaneous identification of three morphologically similar species of lichen‐forming fungi, Lobaria pulmonaria, Lobaria immixta and Lobaria macaronesica. Based on TaqMan MGB (minor groove binding) probes targeting the fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS nrDNA) region, our assay unambiguously identifies known samples from all the three species, thus providing a powerful alternative to the more expensive DNA‐sequencing techniques.
Theorizing Lesbian and Gay Parenting: Past, Present, and Future Scholarship
Authors: Berkowitz Dana
Published: September 2009

Research on lesbian and gay parenting has stimulated theoretical advancement in family studies. Subjective understandings of lesbian and gay parents offer scholars a novel lens through which to view identity construction, management, and negotiation. Triggered by a recent queer shift in family research, however, some lesbian and gay parenting scholarship has begun to critique identity theories as constructing hegemony around the identity “gay” or “lesbian” in that they assume a uniform subject. Queer theory challenges the foundations of identity scholarship; unpacks the assumptions that underlie research on families, gender, and sexualities; and deconstructs how the rubric of difference has framed and limited existing knowledge. I conclude with suggestions for complicating and expanding queer theory.
Critical Theorizing: Enhancing Theoretical Rigor in Family Research
Authors: Knapp Stan J.
Published: September 2009

Theory performs vital descriptive, sensitizing, integrative, explanatory, and value functions in the generation of knowledge about families. Yet theory and research can also simultaneously misconceive, desensitize, misdirect, misinterpret, and devalue. Overcoming the degenerative potentialities of theory and research requires attention to critical theorizing, a joint process of (a) critically examining the explicit and implicit assumptions of theory and research and (b) using dialogical theoretical practices. I draw upon the work of John Stuart Mill to argue that critical and dialogical theorizing is a vital and necessary practice in the production of understandings of family phenomena that are more fully scientific and empirical. A brief examination of behavioral research on marital interaction illustrates the importance of critical theorizing.
Characterization of anaerobic xylene biodegradation by two‐dimensional isotope fractionation analysis
Authors: Herrmann Steffi , Vogt Carsten , Fischer Anko , Kuppardt Anke , Richnow Hans‐Hermann
Published: September 2009

We determined stable carbon and hydrogen isotope fractionation factors for anaerobic degradation of xylene isomers by several pure and mixed cultures. All cultures initiated xylene degradation by the addition of fumarate to a methyl moiety, as is known from the literature or verified by the presence of methylbenzylsuccinates as metabolic intermediates. Additionally, the A subunit of benzylsuccinate synthase (bssA) was identified in the majority of the cultures by bssA‐targeted primers. Xylene degradation was always coupled to a significant carbon and hydrogen isotope fractionation. The values of the apparent kinetic isotope effect (AKIE) for carbon and hydrogen indicate that the cleavage of a carbon–hydrogen bond is an isotope‐sensitive step during fumarate addition to xylene isomers. The slopes of the linear regression for hydrogen (Δδ2H) versus carbon (Δδ13C) discrimination (Λ = Δδ2H/Δδ13C ≈ εHbulk/εCbulk) ranged from 12 ± 4 to 29 ± 5 and were comparable to Λ values previously determined for anaerobic toluene degradation. The results suggest that combined carbon and hydrogen isotope fractionation analyses can be used to monitor anaerobic xylene degradation at contaminated sites.
ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK MODELING FOR REFORESTATION DESIGN THROUGH THE DOMINANT TREES BOLE‐VOLUME ESTIMATION
Authors: DIAMANTOPOULOU MARIA J. , MILIOS ELIAS , DOGANOS DIMITRIOS , BISTINAS IOANNIS
Published: September 2009

Abstract In the management of restoration reforestations or recreational reforestations of trees, the density of the planted trees and the site conditions can influence the growth and bole volume of the dominant tree. The ability to influence growth of these trees in a reforestation contributes greatly to the formation of large dimension trees and thereby to the production of commercially valuable wood. The potential of two artificial neural network (ANN) architectures in modeling the dominant Pinus brutia tree bole volume in reforestation configuration at 12 years of age was investigated: (1) the multilayer perceptron architecture using a back‐propagation algorithm and (2) the cascade‐correlation architecture, utilizing (a) either the nonlinear Kalman's filter theory or (b) the adaptive gradient descent learning rule. The incentive for developing bole‐volume equations using ANN techniques was to demonstrate an alternative new methodology in the field of reforestation design, which would enable estimation and optimization of the bole volume of dominant trees in reforestations using easily measurable site and competition factors. The usage of the ANNs for the estimation of dominant tree bole volume through site and competition factors can be a very useful tool in forest management practice.
PREDICTING GULL/HUMAN CONFLICTS WITH MATHEMATICAL MODELS: A TOOL FOR MANAGEMENT
Authors: HAYWARD JAMES L. , HENSON SHANDELLE M. , TKACHUCK RICHARD D. , TKACHUCK CYNTHIA M. , PAYNE BRIANNA G. , BOOTHBY CASSAUNDRA K.
Published: September 2009

Abstract Gulls are highly adaptable animals that thrive in proximity to humans. Although gulls enjoy legal protection in North America, England, and Europe, they often conflict with human interests by spreading disease, transporting contaminants, fouling public areas with droppings, and colliding with aircraft. Of particular concern are aggregates of “loafing” gulls that gather on parking lots, rooftops, and airport runways. Loafing in birds is a general state of immobility that involves behaviors such as sleeping, sitting, standing, resting, preening, and defecating. The ability to predict the incidence of aggregated loafing provides a first step toward the amelioration of bird/human conflicts. We used mathematical models to predict the aggregate loafing behavior of gulls as a function of environmental conditions and tested model portability across years, phase of breeding cycle, loafing location, and species. Because groups of loafing birds quickly reassemble after disturbance, algebraic models for the steady‐state dynamics can be obtained from the differential equations using time‐scale analysis. The accessible management tool requires data collection on an appropriate time scale and information‐theoretic model selection from a suite of alternative algebraic models.
Uniformity conditioning of diamond field emitter arrays
Authors: Jarvis J. D. , Andrews H. L. , Brau C. A. , Choi B. K. , Davidson J. , Kang W.-P. , Wong Y.-M.
Published: September 2009

The authors present recent advances in the uniformity conditioning of diamond field emitter arrays (DFEAs). Postfabrication conditioning procedures consisting of thermal annealing and high field/current operation have been examined. Nonuniformity due to varying contamination states of the emitters can be mitigated by moderate temperature (∼150–300°C) operation. Operating the emitters at elevated current levels was found to enhance the spatial uniformity in a self-limiting manner. The conditioning mechanism is most likely thermal-assisted field evaporation of the diamond nanotips, however, the nature of the dc tests does not definitively exclude back bombardment as a possible contributor. Pulsed testing is underway to remove this ambiguity, provide conditioning for high-density arrays, and demonstrate the operational current density limits of DFEAs.
Film-thickness dependence of 10 GHz Nb coplanar-waveguide resonators
Authors: Inomata Kunihiro , Yamamoto Tsuyoshi , Watanabe Michio , Matsuba Kazuaki , Tsai Jaw-Shen
Published: September 2009

The authors have studied Nb λ/2 coplanar-waveguide (CPW) resonators whose resonant frequencies are 10–11 GHz. The resonators have different film thicknesses, t=0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 μm. They measured at low temperatures, T=0.02–5 K, one of the scattering-matrix element, S21, which is the transmission coefficient from one port to the other. At the base temperatures, T=0.02–0.03 K, the resonators are overcoupled to the input/output microwave lines, and the loaded quality factors are on the order of 103. The resonant frequency has a considerably larger film-thickness dependence compared to the predictions by circuit simulators which calculate the inductance of CPW taking into account Lg only, where Lg is the usual magnetic inductance determined by the CPW geometry. By fitting a theoretical S21 versus frequency curve to the experimental data, they determined for each film thickness the phase velocity of the CPW with an accuracy better than 0.1%. The large film-thickness dependence must be due to the kinetic inductance Lk of the CPW center conductor. They also measured S21 as a function of temperature up to T=4–5 K, and confirmed that both thickness and temperature dependence are consistent with the theoretical prediction for Lk.
The Geological, Isotopic, Botanical, Invertebrate, and Lower Vertebrate Surroundings of
Ardipithecus ramidus
Authors: WoldeGabriel Giday , Ambrose Stanley H. , Barboni Doris , Bonnefille Raymonde , Bremond Laurent , Currie Brian , DeGusta David , Hart William K. , Murray Alison M. , Renne Paul R. , Jolly-Saad M. C. , Stewart Kathlyn M. , White Tim D.
Published: October 2009

Sediments containing
Ardipithecus ramidus
were deposited 4.4 million years ago on an alluvial floodplain in Ethiopia’s western Afar rift. The Lower Aramis Member hominid-bearing unit, now exposed across a >9-kilometer structural arc, is sandwiched between two volcanic tuffs that have nearly identical
40
Ar/
39
Ar ages. Geological data presented here, along with floral, invertebrate, and vertebrate paleontological and taphonomic evidence associated with the hominids, suggest that they occupied a wooded biotope over the western three-fourths of the paleotransect. Phytoliths and oxygen and carbon stable isotopes of pedogenic carbonates provide evidence of humid cool woodlands with a grassy substrate.
What Happened to Global Warming? Scientists Say Just Wait a Bit
Authors: Kerr Richard A.
Published: October 2009

The blogosphere has been having a field day with global warming's apparent decade-long stagnation, but Climate researchers are beginning to answer back in their preferred venue, the peer-reviewed literature.
Characteristics of Genetic Hitchhiking around Dihydrofolate Reductase Gene Associated with Pyrimethamine Resistance in
Plasmodium falciparum
Isolates from India
Authors: Lumb Vanshika , Das Manoj K. , Singh Neeru , Dev Vas , Wajihullah  , Sharma Yagya D.
Published: September 2009

Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) resistance in
Plasmodium falciparum
has been widespread across continents, causing the major hurdle of controlling malaria. Resistance is encoded mainly by point mutations in
P. falciparum
dihydrofolate reductase (
pfdhfr
) and dihydropteroate synthase (
pfdhps
) target genes. To study the origin and evolution of pyrimethamine resistance on the Indian subcontinent, microsatellite markers flanking the
pfdhfr
gene were mapped. Here we describe the characteristics of genetic hitchhiking around the
pfdhfr
gene among 190
P. falciparum
isolates. These isolates were collected from five different geographical regions of India (Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Orissa, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands) where malarial transmission rates and levels of drug resistance vary across regions. Among the isolates, we observed a significant reduction in genetic variation in the ±20-kb vicinity of the mutant
pfdhfr
alleles due to hitchhiking. This reduction in genetic diversity was more prominent around quadruple
pfdhfr
alleles (heterozygosity [
H
e
] = 0.23) than around double (
H
e
= 0.365) and single (
H
e
= 0.465) mutant alleles. Asymmetry in the selective sweep flanking the
pfdhfr
alleles was observed with regional isolates, emphasizing the drug usage with the parasite population. All the
pfdhfr
alleles share a single microsatellite haplotype and seem to have originated from a single progenitor similar to that of Southeast Asian (Thailand)
pfdhfr
mutants. Results of the present study also indicate that the emergence of drug-resistant alleles is a recent phenomenon in India compared to Southeast Asian countries.
Atomic Force Microscopy Investigation of the Morphology and Topography of Colistin-Heteroresistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
Strains as a Function of Growth Phase and in Response to Colistin Treatment
Authors: Soon Rachel L. , Nation Roger L. , Hartley Patrick G. , Larson Ian , Li Jian
Published: September 2009

The prevalence of infections caused by multidrug-resistant gram-negative
Acinetobacter baumannii
strains and the lack of novel antibiotics under development are posing a global dilemma, forcing a resurgence of the last-line antibiotic colistin. Our aim was to use atomic force microscopy (AFM) to investigate the morphology and topography of paired colistin-susceptible and -resistant cells from colistin-heteroresistant
A. baumannii
strains as a function of bacterial growth phase and colistin exposure. An optimal AFM bacterial sample preparation protocol was established and applied to examine three paired strains. Images revealed rod-shaped colistin-susceptible cells (1.65 ± 0.27 μm by 0.98 ± 0.07 μm) at mid-logarithmic phase, in contrast to spherical colistin-resistant cells (1.03 ± 0.09 μm); the latter were also more diverse in appearance and exhibited a rougher surface topography (7.05 ± 1.3 nm versus 11.4 ± 2.5 nm for susceptible versus resistant, respectively). Cellular elongation up to ∼18 μm at stationary phase was more commonly observed in susceptible strains, although these “worm-like” cells were also observed occasionally in the resistant population. The effects of colistin exposure on the cell surface of colistin-susceptible and -resistant cells were found to be similar; topographical changes were minor in response to 0.5 μg/ml colistin; however, at 4 μg/ml colistin, a significant degree of surface disruption was detected. At 32 μg/ml colistin, cellular clumping and surface smoothening were evident. Our study has demonstrated for the first time substantial morphological and topographical differences between colistin-susceptible and -resistant cells from heteroresistant
A. baumannii
strains. These results contribute to an understanding of colistin action and resistance in regard to this problematic pathogen.
Correlation of In Vitro Activity, Serum Levels, and In Vivo Efficacy of Posaconazole against
Rhizopus microsporus
in a Murine Disseminated Infection
Authors: Rodríguez M. Mar , Pastor F. Javier , Calvo Enrique , Salas Valentina , Sutton Deanna A. , Guarro Josep
Published: September 2009

A broth microdilution method was used to evaluate the in vitro activities of seven antifungal agents against 15 clinical strains of
Rhizopus microsporus
. Amphotericin B (AMB) and posaconazole (POS) were the most active drugs. In a model of disseminated
R. microsporus
infection in immunosuppressed mice, we studied the efficacy of POS administered once or twice daily against four of the strains previously tested in vitro and compared it with that of liposomal AMB (LAMB). LAMB was the most effective treatment for the two strains with intermediate susceptibility to POS. For the two POS-susceptible strains, LAMB and POS at 20 mg/kg of body weight twice a day orally showed similar efficacies. The in vivo efficacy of POS administered twice a day orally correlated with the in vitro susceptibility data and the serum drug concentrations.
Impact of Antifungal Prophylaxis on Colonization and Azole Susceptibility of
Candida
Species
Authors: Mann Paul A. , McNicholas Paul M. , Chau Andrew S. , Patel Reena , Mendrick Cara , Ullmann Andrew J. , Cornely Oliver A. , Patino Hernando , Black Todd A.
Published: September 2009

Two large studies compared posaconazole and fluconazole or itraconazole for prophylaxis in subjects undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation or subjects with acute myelogenous leukemia. To assess the impact of prophylaxis on colonization and the development of resistance in
Saccharomyces
yeasts, identification and susceptibility testing were performed with yeasts cultured at regular intervals from mouth, throat, and stool samples. Prior to therapy, 34 to 50% of the subjects were colonized with yeasts. For all three drugs, the number of positive
Candida albicans
cultures decreased during drug therapy. In contrast, the proportion of subjects with positive
C. glabrata
cultures increased by two- and fourfold in the posaconazole and itraconazole arms, respectively. Likewise, in the fluconazole arm the proportion of subjects with positive
C. krusei
cultures increased twofold.
C. glabrata
was the species that most frequently exhibited decreases in susceptibility, and this trend did not differ significantly between the prophylactic regimens. For the subset of subjects from whom colonizing
C. glabrata
isolates were recovered at the baseline and the end of treatment, approximately 40% of the isolates exhibited more than fourfold increases in MICs during therapy. Molecular typing of the
C. albicans
and
C. glabrata
isolates confirmed that the majority of the baseline and end-of-treatment isolates were closely related, suggesting that they were persistent colonizers and not newly acquired. Overall breakthrough infections by
Candida
species were very rare (∼1%), and
C. glabrata
was the colonizing species that was the most frequently associated with breakthrough infections.
Spread of
bla
CTX-M-14
Is Driven Mainly by IncK Plasmids Disseminated among
Escherichia coli
Phylogroups A, B1, and D in Spain
Authors: Valverde Aránzazu , Cantón Rafael , Garcillán-Barcia M. Pilar , Novais Ângela , Galán Juan Carlos , Alvarado Andrés , de la Cruz Fernando , Baquero Fernando , Coque Teresa M.
Published: September 2009

Since its first description in 2000, CTX-M-14 has become one of the most widespread extended-spectrum β-lactamases in Spain. In the present
Escherichia coli
multilevel population genetic study involving the characterization of phylogroups, clones, plasmids, and genetic platforms, 61 isolates from 16 hospitalized patients and 40 outpatients and healthy volunteers recovered from 2000 to 2005 were analyzed. Clonal relatedness (XbaI pulsed-field gel electrophoresis [PFGE] type, phylogenetic group, multilocus sequence type [MLST]) was established by standard methods. Analysis of transferred plasmids (I-
Ceu
I; S1 nuclease; restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis; and analysis of RNA interference, replicase, and relaxase) was performed by PCR, sequencing, and hybridization. The genetic environment of
bla
CTX-M-14
was characterized by PCR on the basis of known associated structures (IS
Ecp1
, IS
903
, IS
CR1
). The isolates were mainly recovered from patients in the community (73.8%; 45/61) with urinary tract infections (62.2%; 28/45). They were clonally unrelated by PFGE and corresponded to phylogenetic groups A (36.1%), D (34.4%), and B1 (29.5%). MLST revealed a high degree of sequence type (ST) diversity among phylogroup D isolates and the overrepresentation of the ST10 complex among phylogroup A isolates and ST359/ST155 among phylogroup B1 isolates. Two variants of
bla
CTX-M
-14
previously designated
bla
CTX-M-14a
(
n
= 59/61) and
bla
CTX-M-14b
(
n
= 2/61) were detected.
bla
CTX-M-14a
was associated with either IS
Ecp1
within IncK plasmids (
n
= 27), IS
CR1
linked to an IncHI2 plasmid (
n
= 1), or IS
CR1
linked to IncI-like plasmids (
n
= 3). The
bla
CTX-M-14b
identified was associated with an IS
CR1
element located in an IncHI2 plasmid (
n
= 1) or with IS
Ecp1
located in IncK (
n
= 1). The CTX-M-14-producing
E. coli
isolates in our geographic area are frequent causes of community-acquired urinary tract infections. The increase in the incidence of such isolates is mostly due to the dissemination of IncK plasmids among
E. coli
isolates of phylogroups A, B1, and D.
Cellular Targeting of Engineered Heterologous Antigens Is a Determinant Factor for Bovine Herpesvirus 4-Based Vaccine Vector Development
Authors: Donofrio Gaetano , Franceschi Valentina , Capocefalo Antonio , Taddei Simone , Sartori Chiara , Bonomini Sabrina , Cavirani Sandro , Cabassi Clotilde S. , Flammini Cesidio F.
Published: October 2009

In a previous study, an apathogenic strain of bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4) cloned as a bacterial artificial chromosome and expressing a chimeric peptide (gE2/gD) as a secreted form was described. Recombinant virus-inoculated animals produced antibodies against bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) gE2 and BoHV-1 gD. However, neutralizing antibodies were produced only against BVDV, not against BoHV-1. In the present work a recombinant BoHV-4 expressing a membrane-linked form of gE2/gD chimeric peptide was constructed, and inoculated rabbits produced serum-neutralizing antibodies against both BVDV and BoHV-1. Protein cell sorting and targeting are a very important issue when immunodominant antigens are engineered for recombinant virus vaccine development.
MyD88-Deficient Mice Exhibit Decreased Parasite-Induced Immune Responses but Reduced Disease Severity in a Murine Model of Neurocysticercosis
Authors: Mishra Bibhuti B. , Gundra Uma Mahesh , Wong Kondi , Teale Judy M.
Published: September 2009

The symptomatic phase of neurocysticercosis (NCC), a parasitic disease of the central nervous system (CNS) in humans, is characterized by inflammatory responses leading to neuropathology and, in some cases, death. In an animal model of NCC in which mice were intracranially inoculated with the parasiteMesocestoides corti, the infection in mice lacking the myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88−/−) resulted in decreased disease severity and improved survival compared with that in wild-type (WT) mice. The CNS of MyD88−/−mice was more quiescent, with decreased microgliosis and tissue damage. These mice exhibited substantially reduced primary and secondary microglial nodule formations and lacked severe astrogliotic reactions, which were seen in WT mice. Significantly reduced numbers of CD11b+myeloid cells, αβ T cells, γδ T cells, and B cells were present in the brains of MyD88−/−mice in comparison with those of WT mice. This decrease in cellular infiltration correlated with a decrease in blood-brain barrier permeability, as measured by reduced fibrinogen extravasation. Comparisons of cytokine expression indicated a significant decrease in the CNS levels of several inflammatory mediators, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha, gamma interferon, CCL2, and interleukin-6, during the course of infection in MyD88−/−mice. Collectively, these findings suggest that MyD88 plays a prominent role in the development of the hyperinflammatory response, which in turn contributes to neuropathology and disease severity in NCC.
Vaccination with the ML0276 Antigen Reduces Local Inflammation but Not Bacterial Burden during Experimental
M
ycobacterium
leprae
Infection
Authors: Raman Vanitha S. , O'Donnell Joanne , Bailor H. Remy , Goto Wakako , Lahiri Ramanuj , Gillis Thomas P. , Reed Steven G. , Duthie Malcolm S.
Published: September 2009

Leprosy elimination has been a goal of the WHO for the past 15 years. Widespread BCG vaccination and multidrug therapy have dramatically reduced worldwide leprosy prevalence, but new case detection rates have remained relatively constant. These data suggest that additional control strategies, such as a subunit vaccine, are required to block transmission and to improve leprosy control. We recently identified several
M
ycobacterium
leprae
antigens that stimulate gamma interferon (IFN-γ) secretion upon incubation with blood from paucibacillary leprosy patients, a group who limit
M. leprae
growth and dissemination. In this study, we demonstrate that
M. leprae
-specific mouse T-cell lines recognize several of these antigens, with the ML0276 protein stimulating the most IFN-γ secretion. We then examined if the ML0276 protein could be used in a subunit vaccine to provide protection against experimental
M. leprae
infection. Our data demonstrate that combining ML0276 with either a Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) (EM005), TLR7 (imiquimod), or TLR9 (CpG DNA) agonist during immunization induces Th1 responses that limit local inflammation upon experimental
M. leprae
infection. Our data indicate that only the ML0276/EM005 regimen is able to elicit a response that is transferable to recipient mice. Despite the potent Th1 response induced by this regimen, it could not provide protection in terms of limiting bacterial growth. We conclude that EM005 is the most potent adjuvant for stimulating a Th1 response and indicate that while a subunit vaccine containing the ML0276 protein may be useful for the prevention of immune pathology during leprosy, it will not control bacterial burden and is therefore unlikely to interrupt disease transmission.
How-to guide on biomarkers: biomarker definitions, validation and applications with examples from cardiovascular disease
Authors: Puntmann V O
Published: September 2009

A biomarker is a characteristic that can be objectively measured and evaluated as an indicator of normal biological processes, pathogenic processes or pharmacological responses to a therapeutic intervention. Many commonly used tests in clinical practice can serve as biomarkers. The majority have been identified on the basis of insight or underlying physiology or biological mechanisms. With increasing knowledge and practical experience, some of these tests have evolved into a measurable end point in clinical research, applied as an indicator of change, for the better or worse. The traditional identification of biomarkers as an observational side product of clinical practice is increasingly turning into an industrialised process of biomarker discovery, supported by standardised paradigms of biomarker validation and translation from bench to bedside. The potential utility of biomarkers in clinical studies, investigating either new treatments or new strategies of clinical management, is capitalising on recent advances in technology, from molecular sciences to powerful imaging, bearing the promise of expediting the discovery of new treatments. In the active search for new biomarkers, many potential candidates can be considered side by side, allowing many failures but a few great winners. Biomarker discovery is an ongoing process, with translation being tested de novo in every single study, providing us with the opportunity to revise our knowledge of the complex scheme of human physiology and pathophysiology. In predicting what Nature has set in place, advances in technology may be only the first step. This review provides an introduction to the field of biomarker discovery and translation. It deals with evolving nomenclature, basic principles of the validation process, and, drawing on examples in cardiovascular medicine, their significance for clinical application.
A gene-based risk score for lung cancer susceptibility in smokers and ex-smokers
Authors: Young R P , Hopkins R J , Hay B A , Epton M J , Mills G D , Black P N , Gardner H D , Sullivan R , Gamble G D
Published: September 2009

Background

Epidemiological and family studies suggest that lung cancer results from the combined effects of age, smoking and genetic factors. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is also an independent risk factor for lung cancer and coexists in 40–60% of lung cancer cases.

Methods

In a two-stage case–control association study, genetic markers associated with either susceptibility or protection against lung cancer were identified. In a test cohort of 439 Caucasian smokers or ex-smokers, consisting of healthy smokers and lung cancer cases, 157 candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were screened. From this, 30 SNPs were identified, the genotypes (codominant or recessive model) of which were associated with either the healthy smokers (protective) or lung cancer (susceptibility) phenotype. After genotyping of this 30-SNP panel in a second validation cohort of 491 subjects and using the same protective and susceptibility genotypes from our test cohort, a 20-SNP panel was selected on the basis of independent univariate analyses.

Results

Using multivariate logistic regression, including the 20 SNPs, it was also found that age, history of COPD, family history of lung cancer and gender were significantly and independently associated with lung cancer.

Conclusions

When numeric scores were assigned to both the SNP and demographic data, and sequentially combined by a simple algorithm in a risk model, the composite score was found to be linearly related to lung cancer risk with a bimodal distribution. Genetic data may therefore be combined with other risk variables from smokers or ex-smokers to identify individuals who are most susceptible to developing lung cancer.
Quantification of the relationship between glycemia and β-cell mass adaptation in vivo
Authors: Atkinson Laura L. , Topp Brian G. , Au Jenny , Vinerian Horatiu V. , Dhatt Narinder , Finegood Diane T.
Published: September 2009

β-cell mass dynamics play an important role in the adaptation to obesity, as well as in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Here we used a 24-hour modified hyperglycemic clamp protocol to investigate the effect of increasing glucose concentrations (15, 20, 25, or 35 mmol/L) on β-cell mass and rates of β-cell replication, death, and neogenesis in 6-week-old Sprague Dawley rats (n = 40). During the first 4 h of glucose infusion, plasma insulin levels rose to an approximate steady state in each group, but by the end of 24 h, there was no difference in insulin levels between any of the groups. There was also no difference in β-cell mass between groups. Mean β-cell replication rates displayed a linear relationship to mean plasma glucose levels in all hyperglycemic animals (r2 = 0.98, p < 0.05). Relative to the uninfused basal control animals, replication rates were significantly reduced in the 15 mmol/L glucose group. The percentage of TUNEL-positive β-cells was not different between groups. There was also no significant difference in markers of neogenesis. Thus, these data demonstrate that hyperglycemia for 24 h had no effect on β-cell mass, death, or neogenesis in 6-week-old Sprague Dawley rats. We demonstrate a linear relationship, however, between hyperglycemia and β-cell replication rates in vivo.
Wet and dry extraction of coconut oil: impact on lipid metabolic and antioxidant status in cholesterol coadministered rats
Authors: Nevin K. Govindan , Rajamohan Thankappan
Published: September 2009

Because coconut oil extracted by wet process (virgin coconut oil, VCO) is gaining popularity among consumers, this study was conducted to evaluate VCO compared with coconut oil extracted by dry process (copra oil, CO) for their influence on lipid parameters, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant status in rats coadministered with cholesterol. VCO, CO, and cholesterol were fed in a semi-synthetic diet to 24 male Sprague–Dawley rats for 45 days. After the experimental period, lipid and lipid peroxide levels and antioxidant enzyme activities were observed. Chemical composition and antioxidant properties of the polyphenolic fraction from VCO and CO were also analyzed. The results showed that lipid and lipid peroxide levels were lower in VCO-fed animals than in animals fed either CO or cholesterol alone. Antioxidant enzyme activities in VCO-fed animals were comparable with those in control animals. Although the fatty acid profiles of both oils were similar, a significantly higher level of unsaponifiable components was observed in VCO. Polyphenols from VCO also showed significant radical-scavenging activity compared with those from CO. This study clearly indicates the potential benefits of VCO over CO in maintaining lipid metabolism and antioxidant status. These effects may be attributed in part to the presence of biologically active minor unsaponifiable components.
Effects of cadmium on cardiac metallothionein induction and ischemia–reperfusion injury in rats
Authors: Devaux Sylvie , Maupoil Véronique , Berthelot Alain
Published: September 2009

Myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury is associated with an imbalance between the formation and the scavenging of reactive oxygen species. In this context, the protective role of the antioxidant metallothionein, a thiol-rich protein that is induced in different organs in response to heavy metals and oxidative conditions, has mainly been investigated in metallothionein-knockout mice or metallothionein-overexpressing mice. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the administration of cadmium has a protective effect against cardiac ischemia–reperfusion injury and whether this is associated with induction of in vivo cardiac metallothionein. Forty-eight hours after an injection of 0, 1, or 2 mg/kg cadmium, isolated perfused rat hearts were submitted to 30 min of total global ischemia and 30 min of reperfusion.   The ischemia–reperfusion sequence was associated with a significant decrease in cardiac metallothionein levels. Pretreatment with cadmium at a dose of 2 mg/kg (i) prevented this decrease and (ii) improved the postischemic recuperation of the coronary flow, the ventricular developed pressure, and therefore, the global postischemic functional recovery. These results showed that pretreatment of rats with 2 mg/kg cadmium induced cardioprotection against ischemia–reperfusion injuries, perhaps through an in vivo metallothionein induction that may be related to a metal activation of antioxidant systems.
Myocardial remodelling induced by repeated low doses of isoproterenol
Authors: Mikušová Andrea , Kráľová Eva , Tylková Lucia , Novotová Marta , Stankovičová Tatiana
Published: September 2009

In the present work, the effect of isoproterenol on the electrical properties of the rat heart and on the cytoarchitecture of the surviving cardiomyocytes was studied. Myocardial remodelling was induced by the daily administration of 5 mg/kg isoproterenol (Iso) for 7 days. Administration resulted in a significant increase (52%) in the ratio of left ventricular weight to body weight. ECG voltage criteria confirmed the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy. QT interval prolongation by 23% and 58% was found in Iso rats and in the corresponding isolated hearts, respectively. Spontaneously beating Iso hearts had a higher incidence of dysrhythmias. The surviving cardiomyocytes showed an irregular shape with cytoplasmic processes rich in ribosomes and rough endoplasmic reticulum. In these regions, myofibril disorganization and mitochondrial fission were observed. A greatly increased incidence of caveolae was seen in the plasma membrane and in the mouth of t-tubules. The membranes of t-tubules showed vesiculation, especially near the dyads. Repeated administration of isoproterenol led to hypertrophy, characterized by the existence of myocytes with simultaneous signs of both mature and postnatally developing cardiomyocytes. Structural microheterogeneities at the level of individual cells may represent one of the factors leading to electrical imbalance in the myocardial tissue remodelled by isoproterenol.
STABLE TWO-BRANE MODELS WITH BULK TACHYON MATTER
Authors: DAS A. , KAR SAYAN , SENGUPTA SOUMITRA
Published: September 2009

We explore the possibility of constructing stable, warped two-brane models which solve the hierarchy problem, with a bulk noncanonical scalar field (tachyon matter) as the source term in the action. Among our examples are two models — one with a warp factor (denoted as e-2f(σ)) which differs from that of the standard Randall–Sundrum by the addition of a quadratic piece in the f(σ) and another, where the warping is superexponential. We investigate the issue of resolution of hierarchy and perform a stability analysis by obtaining the effective interbrane potentials, in each case. Our analysis reveals that there does exist stable values of the modulus consistent with hierarchy resolution in both the models. Thus, these models, in which the bulk scalar field generates the geometry and also ensures stability, provide viable alternatives to the standard Randall–Sundrum two-brane scenario.
QUANTUM CANONICAL TRANSFORMATIONS IN WEYL–WIGNER–GROENEWOLD–MOYAL FORMALISM
Authors: DERELİ TEKİN , HAKİOĞLU TUĞRUL , TEĞMEN ADNAN
Published: September 2009

A conjecture in quantum mechanics states that any quantum canonical transformation can decompose into a sequence of three basic canonical transformations; gauge, point and interchange of coordinates and momenta. It is shown that if one attempts to construct the three basic transformations in star-product form, while gauge and point transformations are immediate in star-exponential form, interchange has no correspondent, but it is possible in an ordinary exponential form. As an alternative approach, it is shown that all three basic transformations can be constructed in the ordinary exponential form and that in some cases this approach provides more useful tools than the star-exponential form in finding the generating function for given canonical transformation or vice versa. It is also shown that transforms of c-number phase space functions under linear–nonlinear canonical transformations and intertwining method can be treated within this argument.
ARBITRARY l-WAVE SOLUTIONS OF THE SCHRÖDINGER EQUATION WITH THE HULTHÉN POTENTIAL MODEL
Authors: JIA CHUN-SHENG , DIAO YONG-FENG , YI LIANG-ZHONG , CHEN TAO
Published: September 2009

By using an improved new approximation scheme to deal with the centrifugal term, we investigate the bound state solutions of the Schrödinger equation with the Hulthén potential for the arbitrary angular momentum number. The bound state energy spectra and the unnormalized radial wave functions have been approximately obtained by using the supersymmetric shape invariance approach and the function analysis method. The numerical experiments show that our approximate analytical results are in better agreement with those obtained by using numerical integration approach for small values of the screening parameter δ than the other analytical results obtained by using the conventional approximation to the centrifugal term.
PROSPECTS OF SEARCHING FOR (UN)PARTICLES FROM HIDDEN SECTORS USING RAPIDITY CORRELATIONS IN MULTIPARTICLE PRODUCTION AT THE LHC
Authors: SANCHIS-LOZANO MIGUEL-ANGEL
Published: September 2009

Most signatures of new physics have been studied on the transverse plane with respect to the beam direction at the LHC where background is much reduced. In this paper we propose the analysis of inclusive longitudinal (pseudo)rapidity correlations among final-state (charged) particles in order to search for (un)particles belonging to a hidden sector beyond the Standard Model, using a selected sample of p–p minimum bias events (applying appropriate off-line cuts on events based on, e.g. minijets, high-multiplicity, event shape variables, high-p⊥ leptons and photons, etc.) collected at the early running of the LHC. To this aim, we examine inclusive and semi-inclusive two-particle correlation functions, forward–backward correlations, and factorial moments of the multiplicity distribution, without resorting to any particular model but under very general (though simplifying) assumptions. Finally, motivated by some analysis techniques employed in the search for quark–gluon plasma in heavy-ion collisions, we investigate the impact of such intermediate (un)particle stuff on the (multi)fractality of parton cascades in p–p collisions, by means of a Lévy stable law description and a Ginzburg–Landau model of phase transitions. Results from our preliminary study seem encouraging for possible dedicated analyses at LHC and Tevatron experiments.
FORMAL ANALOGIES BETWEEN GRAVITATION AND ELECTRODYNAMICS
Authors: GOULART E. , FALCIANO F. T.
Published: September 2009

We develop a theoretical framework that allows us to compare electromagnetism with gravitation in a fully covariant way. This new scenario does not rely on any kind of approximation nor associate objects with different operational meaning as it is sometimes done in the literature. We construct the electromagnetic analogue to Riemann and Weyl tensors and develop the equations of motion for these objects. In particular, we are able to identify precisely how and in what conditions gravity can be mapped to electrodynamics. As a consequence, many of the geometrical tools of General Relativity can be applied to electromagnetism and vice versa. We hope our results would shed new light in the nature of electromagnetic and gravitational theories.
Muscle Giants: Molecular Scaffolds in Sarcomerogenesis
Authors: Kontrogianni-Konstantopoulos Aikaterini , Ackermann Maegen A. , Bowman Amber L. , Yap Solomon V. , Bloch Robert J.
Published: September 2009

Myofibrillogenesis in striated muscles is a highly complex process that depends on the coordinated assembly and integration of a large number of contractile, cytoskeletal, and signaling proteins into regular arrays, the sarcomeres. It is also associated with the stereotypical assembly of the sarcoplasmic reticulum and the transverse tubules around each sarcomere. Three giant, muscle-specific proteins, titin (3–4 MDa), nebulin (600–800 kDa), and obscurin (∼720–900 kDa), have been proposed to play important roles in the assembly and stabilization of sarcomeres. There is a large amount of data showing that each of these molecules interacts with several to many different protein ligands, regulating their activity and localizing them to particular sites within or surrounding sarcomeres. Consistent with this, mutations in each of these proteins have been linked to skeletal and cardiac myopathies or to muscular dystrophies. The evidence that any of them plays a role as a “molecular template,” “molecular blueprint,” or “molecular ruler” is less definitive, however. Here we review the structure and function of titin, nebulin, and obscurin, with the literature supporting a role for them as scaffolding molecules and the contradictory evidence regarding their roles as molecular guides in sarcomerogenesis.
Peptide Hormone Regulation of Angiogenesis
Authors: Clapp Carmen , Thebault Stéphanie , Jeziorski Michael C. , Martínez De La Escalera Gonzalo
Published: September 2009

It is now apparent that regulation of blood vessel growth contributes to the classical actions of hormones on development, growth, and reproduction. Endothelial cells are ideally positioned to respond to hormones, which act in concert with locally produced chemical mediators to regulate their growth, motility, function, and survival. Hormones affect angiogenesis either directly through actions on endothelial cells or indirectly by regulating proangiogenic factors like vascular endothelial growth factor. Importantly, the local microenvironment of endothelial cells can determine the outcome of hormone action on angiogenesis. Members of the growth hormone/prolactin/placental lactogen, the renin-angiotensin, and the kallikrein-kinin systems that exert stimulatory effects on angiogenesis can acquire antiangiogenic properties after undergoing proteolytic cleavage. In view of the opposing effects of hormonal fragments and precursor molecules, the regulation of the proteases responsible for specific protein cleavage represents an efficient mechanism for balancing angiogenesis. This review presents an overview of the actions on angiogenesis of the above-mentioned peptide hormonal families and addresses how specific proteolysis alters the final outcome of these actions in the context of health and disease.