bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase I Trial of Sorafenib in Combination With 5‐Fluorouracil/Leucovorin in Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Shacham‐Shmueli Einat , Geva Ravit , Figer Arie , Bulocinic Sarah , Nalbandyan Karen , Shpigel Shulim , Atsmon Jacob , Brendel Erich
Published: January 2012

This dose escalation, uncontrolled phase I study evaluated the tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and antitumor activity of oral sorafenib 100, 200, or 400 mg twice daily (bid, continuous regimen) in combination with 5‐fluorouracil/leucovorin (5‐FU/LCV, intravenous infusion or bolus) in patients with advanced, solid tumors. A total of 47 patients (median age 57 years; colon cancer, 55%; pancreatic cancer, 21%; prior systemic therapy, 96%) received treatment; 24 were included in the PK analyses, and 38 were evaluable for tumor response. Treatment‐emergent adverse events were observed in 98% of patients (≥grade 3, 55%); the most frequently reported were fatigue (51%), stomatitis/pharyngitis (47%), and hand‐foot skin reaction (45%). Concomitant 5‐FU/LCV resulted in no clinically relevant changes in the area under the plasma concentration‐time curve in the dosing interval (AUC0–12) and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of sorafenib (100–400 mg bid) at steady state. Although the start of infusion until the last quantifiable plasma concentration (AUC0‐tn) and Cmax of 5‐FU were increased by concomitant sorafenib 100 to 200 mg, no consistent effect was observed with 400 mg sorafenib. Two (5%) patients with colon cancer achieved partial response; 16 (42%) patients (the majority with colon and pancreatic cancer) had stable disease. Sorafenib plus 5‐FU/LCV was generally well tolerated with encouraging antitumor activity and no clinically relevant drug‐drug interactions in patients with advanced solid tumors.
Design, Conduct, Analysis, and Interpretation of Clinical Studies in Patients With Impaired Kidney Function
Authors: Tortorici Michael A. , Cutler David , Zhang Lei , Pfister Marc
Published: January 2012

Chronic kidney disease has been shown to alter the pharmacokinetics of drugs that are eliminated not only via the renal pathway but also by metabolism or nonrenal transport. Guidance documents from regulatory agencies on the pharmacokinetics of drugs in patients with impaired kidney function provide a framework for facilitating study design, conduct, data analysis, and the generation of dosing recommendations. Design considerations include establishment of appropriate enrollment criteria, selection of appropriate matched control group(s), and staging of impaired kidney function by estimated glomerular filtration rate or creatinine clearance. When studies in hemodialysis patients are conducted, optimizing the timing of characterization of the pharmacokinetics profile based on the schedule of hemodialysis sessions will allow for a robust assessment in these patients. In addition to traditional noncompartmental approaches, the use of pharmacometric approaches can integrate data from multiple clinical studies and provide a quantitative rationale for dose selection in patients with impaired kidney function. This article addresses the challenges and opportunities associated with the design, conduct, analysis, and interpretation of clinical studies to allow for their future facilitation and for the establishment of safe and efficacious dosing in patients with impaired kidney function.
Quantitative Interactor Screening with next-generation Sequencing (QIS-Seq) identifies Arabidopsis thaliana MLO2 as a target of the Pseudomonas syringae type III effector HopZ2
Authors: Lewis Jennifer D , Wan Janet , Ford Rachel , Gong Yunchen , Fung Pauline , Nahal Hardeep , Wang Pauline W , Desveaux Darrell , Guttman David S
Published: January 2012

Background

Identification of protein-protein interactions is a fundamental aspect of understanding protein function. A commonly used method for identifying protein interactions is the yeast two-hybrid system.

Results

Here we describe the application of next-generation sequencing to yeast two-hybrid interaction screens and develop Quantitative Interactor Screen Sequencing (QIS-Seq). QIS-Seq provides a quantitative measurement of enrichment for each interactor relative to its frequency in the library as well as its general stickiness (non-specific binding). The QIS-Seq approach is scalable and can be used with any yeast two-hybrid screen and with any next-generation sequencing platform. The quantitative nature of QIS-Seq data make it amenable to statistical evaluation, and importantly, facilitates the standardization of experimental design, data collection, and data analysis. We applied QIS-Seq to identify theArabidopsis thalianaMLO2 protein as a target of thePseudomonas syringaetype III secreted effector protein HopZ2. We validate the interaction between HopZ2 and MLO2in plantaand show that the interaction is required for HopZ2-associated virulence.

Conclusions

We demonstrate that QIS-Seq is a high-throughput quantitative interactor screen and validate MLO2 as an interactor and novel virulence target of theP. syringaetype III secreted effector HopZ2.
"A novel in vivo model for the study of human breast cancer metastasis using primary breast tumor-initiating cells from patient biopsies"
Authors: Marsden Carolyn G , Wright Mary Jo , Carrier Latonya , Moroz Krzysztof , Pochampally Radhika , Rowan Brian G
Published: January 2012

Background

The study of breast cancer metastasis depends on the use of established breast cancer cell lines that do not accurately represent the heterogeneity and complexity of human breast tumors. A tumor model was developed using primary breast tumor-initiating cells isolated from patient core biopsies that would more accurately reflect human breast cancer metastasis.

Methods

Tumorspheres were isolated under serum-free culture conditions from core biopsies collected from five patients with clinical diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). Isolated tumorspheres were transplanted into the mammary fat pad of NUDE mice to establish tumorigenicity in vivo. Tumors and metastatic lesions were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin (H+E) staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results

Tumorspheres were successfully isolated from all patient core biopsies, independent of the estrogen receptor α (ERα)/progesterone receptor (PR)/Her2/neu status or tumor grade. Each tumorsphere was estimated to contain 50-100 cells. Transplantation of 50 tumorspheres (1-5 × 103 cells) in combination with Matrigel into the mammary fat pad of NUDE mice resulted in small, palpable tumors that were sustained up to 12 months post-injection. Tumors were serially transplanted three times by re-isolation of tumorspheres from the tumors and injection into the mammary fat pad of NUDE mice. At 3 months post-injection, micrometastases to the lung, liver, kidneys, brain and femur were detected by measuring content of human chromosome 17. Visible macrometastases were detected in the lung, liver and kidneys by 6 months post-injection. Primary tumors variably expressed cytokeratins, Her2/neu, cytoplasmic E-cadherin, nuclear β catenin and fibronectin but were negative for ERα and vimentin. In lung and liver metastases, variable redistribution of E-cadherin and β catenin to the membrane of tumor cells was observed. ERα was re-expressed in lung metastatic cells in two of five samples.

Conclusions

Tumorspheres isolated under defined culture conditions from patient core biopsies were tumorigenic when transplanted into the mammary fat pad of NUDE mice, and metastasized to multiple mouse organs. Micrometastases in mouse organs demonstrated a dormancy period prior to outgrowth of macrometastases. The development of macrometastases with organ-specific phenotypic distinctions provides a superior model for the investigation of organ-specific effects on metastatic cancer cell survival and growth.
Atorvastatin treatment is effective when used in combination with mefloquine in an experimental cerebral malaria murine model
Authors: Souraud Jean-Baptiste , Briolant Sébastien , Dormoi Jérome , Mosnier Joel , Savini Hélène , Baret Eric , Amalvict Rémy , Soulard Raoulin , Rogier Christophe , Pradines Bruno
Published: January 2012

Background

One of the major complications of Plasmodium falciparum infection is cerebral malaria (CM), which causes one million deaths worldwide each year, results in long-term neurological sequelae and the treatment for which is only partially effective. Statins are recognized to have an immunomodulatory action, attenuate sepsis and have a neuroprotective effect. Atorvastatin (AVA) has shown in vitro anti-malarial activity and has improved the activity of mefloquine (MQ) and quinine.

Methods

The efficiency of 40 mg/kg intraperitoneal AVA, alone or in association with MQ, was assessed in an experimental Plasmodium berghei ANKA rodent parasite model of CM and performed according to different therapeutic schemes. The effects on experimental CM were assessed through the evaluation of brain histopathological changes and neuronal apoptosis by TUNEL staining.

Results

AVA alone in the therapeutic scheme show no effect on survival, but the prophylactic scheme employing AVA associated with MQ, rather than MQ alone, led to a significant delay in mouse death and had an effect on the onset of CM symptoms and on the level of parasitaemia. Histopathological findings show a correlation between brain lesions and CM onset. A neuronal anti-apoptotic effect of AVA in the AVA + MQ combination was not shown.

Conclusions

The combination of AVA and MQ therapy led to a significant delay in mouse mortality. There were differences in the incidence, time to cerebral malaria and the level of parasitaemia when the drug combination was administered to mice. When used in combination with MQ, AVA had a relevant effect on the in vivo growth inhibition and clinical outcome of P. berghei ANKA-infected mice.
Both FA- and mPEG-conjugated chitosan nanoparticles for targeted cellular uptake and enhanced tumor tissue distribution
Authors: Hou Zhenqing , Zhan Chuanming , Jiang Qiwei , Hu Quan , Li Le , Chang Di , Yang Xiangrui , Wang Yixiao , Li Yang , Ye Shefang , Xie Liya , Yi Yunfeng , Zhang Qiqing
Published: January 2012

Both folic acid (FA)- and methoxypoly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG)-conjugated chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) had been designed for targeted and prolong anticancer drug delivery system. The chitosan NPs were prepared with combination of ionic gelation and chemical cross-linking method, followed by conjugation with both FA and mPEG, respectively. FA-mPEG-NPs were compared with either NPs or mPEG-/FA-NPs in terms of their size, targeting cellular efficiency and tumor tissue distribution. The specificity of the mPEG-FA-NPs targeting cancerous cells was demonstrated by comparative intracellular uptake of NPs and mPEG-/FA-NPs by human adenocarcinoma HeLa cells. Mitomycin C (MMC), as a model drug, was loaded to the mPEG-FA-NPs. Results show that the chitosan NPs presented a narrow-size distribution with an average diameter about 200 nm regardless of the type of functional group. In addition, MMC was easily loaded to the mPEG-FA-NPs with drug-loading content of 9.1%, and the drug releases were biphasic with an initial burst release, followed by a subsequent slower release. Laser confocal scanning imaging proved that both mPEG-FA-NPs and FA-NPs could greatly enhance uptake by HeLa cells. In vivo animal experiments, using a nude mice xenograft model, demonstrated that an increased amount of mPEG-FA-NPs or FA-NPs were accumulated in the tumor tissue relative to the mPEG-NPs or NPs alone. These results suggest that both FA- and mPEG-conjugated chitosan NPs are potentially prolonged drug delivery system for tumor cell-selective targeting treatments.
Hepatic reference gene selection in adult and juvenile female Atlantic salmon at normal and elevated temperatures
Authors: Anderson Kelli C , Elizur Abigail
Published: January 2012

Background

The use of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) has become widespread due to its specificity, sensitivity and apparent ease of use. However, experimental error can be introduced at many stages during sample processing and analysis, and for this reason qPCR data are often normalised to an internal reference gene. The present study used three freely available algorithms (GeNorm, NormFinder and BestKeeper) to assess the stability of hepatically expressed candidate reference genes (Hprt1, Tbp, Ef1α and β-tubulin) in two experiments. In the first, female Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) broodstock of different ages were reared at either 14 or 22°C for an entire reproductive season, therefore a reference gene that does not respond to thermal challenge or reproductive condition was sought. In the second, estrogen treated juvenile salmon were maintained at the same temperatures for 14 days and a reference gene that does not respond to temperature or estrogen was required. Additionally, we performed independent statistic analysis to validate the outputs obtained from the program based analysis.

Results

Based on the independent statistical analysis performed the stability of the genes tested was Tbp > Ef1α > Hprt1 > β-tubulin for the temperature/reproductive development experiment and Ef1α > Hprt1 > Tbp for the estrogen administration experiment (β-tubulin was not analysed). Results from the algorithms tested were quite ambiguous for both experiments; however all programs consistently identified the least stable candidate gene. BestKeeper provided rankings that were consistent with the independent analysis for both experiments. When an inappropriate candidate reference gene was used to normalise the expression of a hepatically expressed target gene, the ability to detect treatment-dependent changes in target gene expression was lost for multiple groups in both experiments.

Conclusions

We have highlighted the need to independently validate the results of reference gene selection programs. In addition, we have provided a reference point for those wishing to study the effects of thermal challenge and/or hormonal treatment on gene stability in Atlantic salmon and other teleost species.
Plasma proteins present in osteoarthritic synovial fluid can stimulate cytokine production via Toll-like receptor 4
Authors: Sohn Dong Hyun , Sokolove Jeremy , Sharpe Orr , Erhart Jennifer C , Chandra Piyanka E , Lahey Lauren J , Lindstrom Tamsin M , Hwang Inyong , Boyer Katherine A , Andriacchi Thomas P , Robinson William H
Published: January 2012

Introduction

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease characterized by cartilage breakdown in the synovial joints. The presence of low-grade inflammation in OA joints is receiving increasing attention, with synovitis shown to be present even in the early stages of the disease. How the synovial inflammation arises is unclear, but proteins in the synovial fluid of affected joints could conceivably contribute. We therefore surveyed the proteins present in OA synovial fluid and assessed their immunostimulatory properties.

Methods

We used mass spectrometry to survey the proteins present in the synovial fluid of patients with knee OA. We used a multiplex bead-based immunoassay to measure levels of inflammatory cytokines in serum and synovial fluid from patients with knee OA and from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as well as in sera from healthy individuals. Significant differences in cytokine levels between groups were determined by significance analysis of microarrays, and relations were determined by unsupervised hierarchic clustering. To assess the immunostimulatory properties of a subset of the identified proteins, we tested the proteins' ability to induce the production of inflammatory cytokines by macrophages. For proteins found to be stimulatory, the macrophage stimulation assays were repeated by using Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-deficient macrophages.

Results

We identified 108 proteins in OA synovial fluid, including plasma proteins, serine protease inhibitors, proteins indicative of cartilage turnover, and proteins involved in inflammation and immunity. Multiplex cytokine analysis revealed that levels of several inflammatory cytokines were significantly higher in OA sera than in normal sera, and levels of inflammatory cytokines in synovial fluid and serum were, as expected, higher in RA samples than in OA samples. As much as 36% of the proteins identified in OA synovial fluid were plasma proteins. Testing a subset of these plasma proteins in macrophage stimulation assays, we found that Gc-globulin, α1-microglobulin, and α2-macroglobulin can signal via TLR4 to induce macrophage production of inflammatory cytokines implicated in OA.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that plasma proteins present in OA synovial fluid, whether through exudation from plasma or production by synovial tissues, could contribute to low-grade inflammation in OA by functioning as so-called damage-associated molecular patterns in the synovial joint.
Building Communities: Immigration, Occupation, and the Boundaries of Limousin Solidarity in Nineteenth-Century Paris
Authors: Silver Kiva
Published: January 2012

In contrast to a familiar assimilation model whereby peasants were “transformed into Frenchmen,” this study of Limousin migrant masons illustrates how occupational specialization, rural-based social networking, and circular migration strategies encouraged residential concentration in Paris in the second half of the nineteenth century. After addressing circular migration and the characteristics of the building trades that promoted social networking, this study draws on census and electoral records to map the boundaries of Limousin solidarity in Paris during the Third Republic (1871–1914). Rather than constituting a “colony,” Limousin migrant masons established “microcommunities” based on familial and village-based social ties. The article concludes with an analysis detailing the functions of residential concentration by considering how collective living arrangements in hôtels garnis (boardinghouses) enabled the procurement of work, maintained the cohesion of the work team, and promoted links connecting Paris to the Departments of the Haute-Vienne and the Creuse in central France.

Contrairement au modèle républicain d’assimilation, cette étude des maçons limousins émigrés à Paris illustre comment la spécialisation de l’occupation, la solidarité du groupe et la migration circulaire ont propagé la concentration résidentielle pendant la seconde moitié du dixneuvième siècle. Après une analyse de la migration circulaire et les caractéristiques de l’industrie du bâtiment, cette étude montre les limites de la cohésion des communautés limousines à Paris. Au lieu de constituer une colonie, les maçons limousins émigrés établissaient des « microcommunautés » basées sur des liens familiaux et sociaux, tous les deux emmenant du village. Cet article termine avec une analyse des fonctions de la concentration résidentielle en considérant comment l’habitation collective dans des hôtels garnis a facilité l’obtention du travail, a maintenu la cohésion de la force ouvrière et a fortifié les liens entre Paris et les départements de la Haute-Vienne et de la Creuse au centre de la France.
Selection of Variables Based on Most Stable Normalised Partial Least Squares Regression Coefficients in an Ensemble Monte Carlo Procedure
Authors: Esquerre Carlos , Gowen Aoife A. , Downey Gerard , O'Donnell Colm P.
Published: January 2012

A modification of ensemble Monte Carlo uninformative variable elimination (EMCUVE) is proposed, which does not involve the use of random variables, with the aim of improving the performance of partial least squares (PLS) regression models, increasing the consistency of results and reducing processing time by selecting the most informative variables in a spectral dataset. The proposed method (ensemble Monte Carlo variable selection—EMCVS) and the robust version (REMCVS) were compared to PLS models and with the existing EMCUVE method using three near infrared (NIR) datasets, i.e. prediction of n-butanol in a five-solvent mixture, moisture in corn and glucosinolates in rapeseed. The proposed methods were more consistent, produced models with better predictive accuracy (lower root mean squared error of prediction) and required less computational time than the conventional EMCUVE method on these datasets. In this application, the proposed method was applied to PLS regression coefficients but it may, in principle, be used on any regression vector.
The Value of Repeated Games with an Informed Controller
Authors: Renault Jérôme
Published: January 2012

We consider the general model of zero-sum repeated games (or stochastic games with signals), and assume that one of the players is fully informed and controls the transitions of the state variable. We prove the existence of the uniform value, generalizing several results of the literature. A preliminary existence result is obtained for a particular class of stochastic games played with pure strategies.
Splitting Randomized Stationary Policies in Total-Reward Markov Decision Processes
Authors: Feinberg Eugene A. , Rothblum Uriel G.
Published: January 2012

This paper studies a discrete-time total-reward Markov decision process (MDP) with a given initial state distribution. A (randomized) stationary policy can be split on a given set of states if the occupancy measure of this policy can be expressed as a convex combination of the occupancy measures of stationary policies, each selecting deterministic actions on the given set and coinciding with the original stationary policy outside of this set. For a stationary policy, necessary and sufficient conditions are provided for splitting it at a single state as well as sufficient conditions for splitting it on the whole state space. These results are applied to constrained MDPs. The results are refined for absorbing (including discounted) MDPs with finite state and actions spaces. In particular, this paper provides an efficient algorithm that presents the occupancy measure of a given policy as a convex combination of the occupancy measures of finitely many (stationary) deterministic policies. This algorithm generates the splitting policies in a way that each pair of consecutive policies differs at exactly one state. The results are applied to constrained problems to efficiently compute an optimal policy by computing and splitting a stationary optimal policy.
An electro-amalgamation approach to produce 175Yb suitable for radiopharmaceutical applications
Authors: Chakravarty Rubel , Das Tapas , Venkatesh Meera , Dash Ashutosh
Published: January 2012

175Yb is a prospective reactor produced radionuclide suitable for preparation of therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals. However, a major restraint in the use of 175Yb produced via the (n, γ) reaction, for therapeutic applications, is the presence of longer-lived 177Lu impurity which is co-produced along with 175Yb on irradiation of natural Yb2O3 target. A radiochemical separation procedure adopting electro-amalgamation approach for the removal of 177Lu impurity from 175Yb has been critically evaluated. The experimental parameters such as applied potential, electrolysis time and the pH of the electrolyte, affecting the electrochemical separation process, were studied and optimized. The developed radiochemical procedure was extensively tested for purification of up to 15 GBq of 175Yb. The purified 175Yb could be obtained in HCl medium with ∼95% yield. The 177Lu impurity could not be detected in the purified product and 175Yb was found suitable for the preparation of potential radiotherapeutic agents.
In vivo biological evaluation of 131I radiolabeled-paclitaxel glucuronide (131I-PAC-G)
Authors: Aslan Onder , Biber Muftuler Fazilet Zumrut , Yurt Kilcar Ayfer , Ichedef Cigdem , Unak Perihan
Published: January 2012

Paclitaxel (PAC) is a natural occurring diterpene alkoloid originally isolated from the bark of Taxus Brevifolia. It is one of the most important antitumor agents for clinical treatment of ovarian, breast non-small cell lung and prostate cancers. It is known that these types of cancer cells have high β-glucuronidase enzyme which can catalyze the hydrolysis of glucuronides. This is why the synthesis compounds which undergo glucuronidation come into question in the imaging and therapy of these cancer cells.

The aim of current study is conjugation of glucuronic acid (G) to the starting substance PAC, labeling with 131I and to perform its in vivo biological evaluation. Glucuronic acid derived paclitaxel compound [paclitaxel-glucuronide (PAC-G)] was labeled with 131I using iodogen method. According to thin layer radio chromatography (TLRC) method, the radiochemical yield of 131I-PAC-G was 84.30 ± 7.40% (n=10). The biodistribution of 131I-PAC-G in healthy female and male Wistar Albino rats has been investigated. Imaging studies on male Balb-C mice were performed by using the Kodak FX PRO in vivo Imaging System. The range of the breast/blood, breast/muscle; ovary/blood, ovary/muscle ratios is approximately between 1.29 and 11.34 in 240 min, and between 0.71 and 8.24 in 240 min for female rats. The prostate/blood and prostate/muscle ratio is between 1.94 and 6.95 in 30 min for male rats. All these experimental studies indicate that 131I-PAC-G may potentially be used in breast, ovary and prostate tissues as an imaging agent. Also it is thought that 131I-PAC-G bears a theraphy potential because of the 131I radionuclide and can be improved with further investigations.
The Necessity of Enemies in Thailand's Troubled Politics
Authors: Chachavalpongpun Pavin
Published: January 2012

Thailand's traditional elite continues to depict former Premier Thaksin Shinawatra and his “redshirt” supporters as the enemies of the state. This study examines how the making of “otherness” is employed to conceal the dark reality of Thai politics in which the existence of enemies legitimizes the elite's power position and interests.
Anti-American and Anti-Alliance Sentiments in South Korea
Authors: Shin Gi-Wook , Izatt Hilary Jan
Published: January 2012

The strain between the U.S. and the ROK is often seen as a result of South Korea's anti-Americanism. However, alliance strain and anti-Americanism have not necessarily changed together. This conceptual disparity calls for the need to specify, rather than assume, causality. We utilize newly collected data from two major Korean dailies to show this need.
Profiting from Environmental Regulatory Uncertainty: Integrated Strategies for Competitive Advantage
Authors: Fremeth Adam R. , Richter Brian K.
Published: January 2012

This article offers two integrated strategies managers can use in the face of environmental regulatory uncertainty. As integrated strategies, they both recognize non-market forces while taking into account market realities. Advocating for pragmatic, progressive policies enables firms to shape future policy around existing environmental strengths; this strategy raises competitors' costs when competitors have yet to develop identical competencies. Systematically embracing advancing regulation enables firms to satisfy activists who are pressuring policymakers to force firms to conform to higher environmental standards in other jurisdictions; this strategy allows managers to adapt to coming regulation at their own pace while leveraging market competencies. This article presents four case studies that highlight how some firms have implemented these strategies, and why some have been successful at mitigating regulatory uncertainty and some have not.
Regulatory Uncertainty and Opportunity Seeking: The Case of Clean Development
Authors: Kolk Ans , Mulder Gerhard
Published: January 2012

Regulatory uncertainty has been inherent in climate change policy due to the absence of a successor to the Kyoto Protocol. Many companies have called for more certainty and a stable policy framework. However, besides having clear disadvantages, regulatory uncertainty may also benefit some companies if they recognize the opportunities of flux and move early. This article explores business opportunities that have emerged for different types of companies, including utilities, banks, project development & carbon offset companies, brokers, exchanges, consultants, auditors and legal services providers with respect to clean development projects and the related carbon market.
Globalization from the Bottom Up: Irvine, California, and the Birth of Suburban Cosmopolitanism
Authors: Piggot William Benjamin
Published: January 2012

Using the city of Irvine, California, as its case study, this article connects modern globalization to the rise of a post-industrial knowledge economy, demonstrating how immigration and transnational capital flows have worked to transform metropolitan America, particularly in western states like California. In the Irvine context, Asian immigration and Asian corporate investment were particularly important in transforming the city's institutional and commercial life. Yet Irvine's Asians were not the only important transformative agents. The community's white residents were just as instrumental, facilitating and generally embracing the changes the Asian newcomers brought. The article thus demonstrates that the contemporary era of globalization has been directed and given its meaning at a localized, grass-roots level as much as it has been by national and international elites.
Oestradiol transmission from males to females in the context of the Bruce and Vandenbergh effects in mice (Mus musculus)
Authors: Guzzo Adam C , Jheon Jihwan , Imtiaz Faizan , deCatanzaro Denys
Published: January 2012

Male mice actively direct their urine at nearby females, and this urine reliably contains unconjugated oestradiol (E2) and other steroids. Giving inseminated females minute doses of exogenous E2, either systemically or intranasally, can cause failure of blastocyst implantation. Giving juvenile females minute doses of exogenous E2promotes measures of reproductive maturity such as uterine mass. Here we show that tritium-labelled E2(3H-E2) can be traced from injection into novel male mice to tissues of cohabiting inseminated and juvenile females. We show the presence of3H-E2in male excretions, transmission to the circulation of females and arrival in the female reproductive tract. In males,3H-E2given systemically was readily found in reproductive tissues and was especially abundant in bladder urine. In females,3H-E2was found to enter the system via both nasal and percutaneous routes, and was measurable in the uterus and other tissues. As supraoptimal E2levels can both interfere with blastocyst implantation in inseminated females and promote uterine growth in juvenile females, we suggest that absorption of male-excreted E2can account for major aspects of the Bruce and Vandenbergh effects.
Specific Cooperation Between Imp-α2 and Imp-β/Ketel in Spindle Assembly DuringDrosophilaEarly Nuclear Divisions
Authors: Virágh Erika , Gorjánácz Mátyás , Török István , Eichhorn Tolga , Kallakuri Sowjanya , Szlanka Tamás , Kiss István , Mechler Bernard M
Published: January 2012

The multifunctional factors Imp-α and Imp-β are involved in nuclear protein import, mitotic spindle dynamics, and nuclear membrane formation. Furthermore, each of the three members of the Imp-α family exerts distinct tasks during development. In Drosophila melanogaster, the imp-α2 gene is critical during oogenesis for ring canal assembly; specific mutations, which allow oogenesis to proceed normally, were found to block early embryonic mitosis. Here, we show that imp-α2 and imp-β genetically interact during early embryonic development, and we characterize the pattern of defects affecting mitosis in embryos laid by heterozygous imp-α2D14 and imp-βKetRE34 females. Embryonic development is arrested in these embryos but is unaffected in combinations between imp-βKetRE34 and null mutations in imp-α1 or imp-α3. Furthermore, the imp-α2D14/imp-βKetRE34 interaction could only be rescued by an imp-α2 transgene, albeit not imp-α1 or imp-α3, showing the exclusive imp-α2 function with imp-β. Use of transgenes carrying modifications in the major Imp-α2 domains showed the critical requirement of the nuclear localization signal binding (NLSB) site in this process. In the mutant embryos, we found metaphase-arrested mitoses made of enlarged spindles, suggesting an unrestrained activity of factors promoting spindle assembly. In accordance with this, we found that Imp-βKetRE34 and Imp-βKetD bind a high level of RanGTP/GDP, and a deletion decreasing RanGTP level suppresses the imp-βKetRE34 phenotype. These data suggest that a fine balance among Imp-α2, Imp-β, RanGTP, and the NLS cargos is critical for mitotic progression during early embryonic development.
Microstructure Dependence of Hydrogen Sensing Properties of Palladium Functionalized Tungsten Oxide Films
Authors: Zhao Meng , Huang Jian-Xing , Ong Chung-Wo
Published: January 2012

Tungsten oxide (WO3) films were prepared by using magnetron sputtering. Substrate temperature and sputtering pressure were adjusted to vary the microstructure. The films were found to contain nanoclusters; while their size L, and porosity θ and surface roughness zRMS of the film can be varied. After adding a palladium coating on the film surface, the hydrogen (H2) sensing properties of the films, including sensitivity of detection, response time and recovery time were measured. Their dependences on L, θ and zRMS were analyzed and interpreted. The information achieved is useful for improving H2 sensor technology.
A camisola do dia: patrimônio têxtil da cultura material nupcial (Rio Grande do Sul, do início a meados do século XX)
Authors: Cerqueira Fábio Vergara , Santos Denise Ondina Marroni dos
Published: January 2012

O presente artigo tem como objeto a camisola do dia, peça do enxoval da noiva feita exclusivamente para a noite de núpcias, usada entre finais do século XIX e meados do século XX. Consideramos, na qualidade de um bem patrimonial têxtil, que é um dos componentes centrais da "cultura material nupcial", carregando consigo um simbolismo associado ao lugar da mulher e do casamento na sociedade cristã moderna ocidental. Nossa atenção volta-se tanto para o saber fazer (a técnica do bordado), quanto para as memórias associadas. Procuramos entender a sua dimensão imaterial, para desvendarmos a rede de significados que a envolve.
Check list of snakes from the Brejos de Altitude of Paraíba and Pernambuco, Brazil
Authors: Pereira Filho Gentil Alves , Montingelli Giovanna Gondim
Published: January 2012

The Atlantic Forest is one of the priority areas for conservation in the world, since exhibits an overwhelming biodiversity of species. Among this biome stands the biogeographic unit located north of San Francisco River, which extends from the state of Alagoas to Rio Grande do Norte. On this portion of Atlantic Forest some isolated fragments of humid forests can be found, inserted in the arid Caatinga, known as Brejos de Altitude or Brejos Nordestinos. There is a total of 43 Brejos distributed in the states of Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba and Pernambuco and with the exception of some humid enclaves in the state of Ceará, the snake fauna of these areas are poorly known. Thus, our aim is to evaluate the current status of the snakes that inhabited these areas present on Paraíba and Pernambuco states, furnishing a preliminary list of the species housed on two representative collections concerning this region, Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo (MZUSP) and Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB). As a result, we recorded 27 species of snakes showing that this composition includes species primarily distributed in forest and open areas and also species widely distributed in different kind of biomes. We also stated that due to the present deforestation and the use of these areas for agricultural purposes the knowledge of its biodiversity is imperative, especially to generate information that will enable future management and conservation plans for these areas.
Mammalian and avian diversity of the Rewa Head, Rupununi, Southern Guyana
Authors: Pickles Robert Stuart Alexander , McCann Niall Patrick , Holland Ashley Peregrine
Published: January 2012

We report the results of a short expedition to the remote headwaters of the River Rewa, a tributary of the River Essequibo in the Rupununi, Southern Guyana. We used a combination of camera trapping, mist netting and spot count surveys to document the mammalian and avian diversity found in the region. We recorded a total of 33 mammal species including all 8 of Guyana's monkey species as well as threatened species such as lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris), giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) and bush dog (Speothos venaticus). We recorded a minimum population size of 35 giant otters in five packs along the 95 km of river surveyed. In total we observed 193 bird species from 47 families. With the inclusion of Smithsonian Institution data from 2006, the bird species list for the Rewa Head rises to 250 from 54 families. These include 10 Guiana Shield endemics and two species recorded as rare throughout their ranges: the harpy eagle (Harpia harpyja) and crested eagle (Morphnus guianensis).
Long‐Term Evaluation of the Influence of Mechanical Pruning on Olive Growing
Authors: Dias A. B. , Peça J. O. , Pinheiro A.
Published: January 2012

In Portugal, olive (Olea europaea L.) traditional groves of around 100 trees ha−1 necessitate increasing pruning costs every year. As a result farmers tend to lengthen pruning intervals. With the purpose of studying an alternative to the expensive, labor‐intensive manual pruning practice, field trials were established with three treatments: (i) manual pruning with a chain saw; (ii) mechanical pruning, performed by a tractor mounted circular disc‐saws cutting bar; and (iii) mechanical pruning, as in the mechanical pruning treatment, followed by a manual pruning complement. Olive production and harvesting efficiency were evaluated every year for 8 yr. Olives were harvested with a trunk shaker, and the remaining nondetached fruits were collected manually. The pruning rate of mechanical pruning (487 trees h−1man−1) was substantially higher than the values of manual pruning and mechanical+manual pruning, which were the same (20 trees h−1man−1). Over the 8‐yr period, mechanical pruning had an average yield of 36.4 kg tree−1 yr−1 which was significantly higher than the 30.1 kg tree−1 yr−1 of manual pruning and no significantly different from the 34.1 kg tree−1 yr−1 of mechanical+manual pruning. The shaker efficiency was significantly influenced by the year, ranging from 72 to 96%; no significant differences were found between treatments in terms of harvesting efficiency. Results indicate that after mechanical pruning trees can be kept for at least 8 yr without any significant loss in olive yield and no effect in harvesting efficiency, therefore reducing costs. Mechanical+manual pruning, performed in the same year, did not yield further improvement.
Late‐Season Corn Measurements to Assess Soil Residual Nitrate and Nitrogen Management
Authors: Forrestal Patrick J. , Kratochvil Robert J. , Meisinger John J.
Published: January 2012

Evaluation of corn (Zea mays L.) N management and soil residual NO3–N late in the growing season could provide important management information for subsequent small grain crops and about potential NO3–N loss. Our objective was to evaluate the ability of several late‐season corn measurements, which have been advocated to assess N management, to identify sites with elevated soil residual NO3–N. These crop‐based measurements were collected at three reproductive phases and included normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI) at 10 site‐years and green‐leaf number and chlorophyll (SPAD) meter readings at six of these sites. The corn stalk nitrate test (CSNT) and postharvest soil residual NO3–N were measured at all sites. Four levels of N were applied, ranging from N deficient (0 or 67 kg N ha−1) to excessive (269 kg N ha−1). The CSNT was positively (p < 0.001) correlated with residual NO3–N, although residual NO3–N was not always low at CSNT values <2.0 g NO3–N kg−1, where drought reduced production. Drought stress was a major factor influencing excess N supply and residual soil NO3–N. Canopy measurement values at growth stages R3–R4, including NDVI, which can be measured remotely, were effective indicators of drought stress. Across sites, relative canopy readings best predicted relative grain yield when collected at R3–R4, underscoring the importance of reference strips. Use of remotely measured NDVI would allow policymakers to identify drought sites in the late summer and target them for cover crop planting, thus reducing potential winter NO3–N losses in humid regions.
Corn Hybrid Growth Stage Influence on Crop Reflectance Sensing
Authors: Sheridan Alexander H. , Kitchen Newell R. , Sudduth Kenneth A. , Drummond Scott T.
Published: January 2012

Active‐light crop canopy sensing for corn (Zea mays L.) N fertilizer rate decisions typically include measurements of N‐sufficient plants as a reference. When producers use multiple hybrids in one field, the question is raised of whether an N‐sufficient reference is needed for each hybrid. The objective of this research was to assess the impact of sufficiently N‐fertilized, similar‐maturing corn hybrids on crop‐reflectance measurements. Eleven similar‐maturing hybrids were selected from three sites in 2008 and eight hybrids from two sites in 2009. When the corn was about 10 cm tall and on 3 to 5 d intervals canopy reflectance, leaf chlorophyll, and plant height measurements were obtained. Results were classed into two growth periods based on crop height: 20 to 70 cm and 71 to 120 cm. In three of the four growing periods assessed corn hybrid had no significant effect on reflectance. In 2008, reflectance for corn 71 to 120 cm tall was affected by hybrid; however the effect was minor leading to an average N rate recommendation difference of 10 kg ha−1. More pronounced differences occurred among hybrids for leaf chlorophyll measurements, resulting in differences in N fertilizer recommendations of 55 kg ha−1. Reflectance differences among similar maturing hybrids would have minimal impact on N fertilizer recommendations. Models were also developed to represent typical upper and lower values for various vegetative indices as a function of corn height. These models can help guard against using questionable data when assessing N‐sufficient corn.
An asymptotic observer-based monitoring scheme for a class of plug flow reactors
Authors: Aguilar-Garnica Efrén , García-Sandoval Juan Paulo , Aceves-Lara César Arturo , Escalante Froylán Mario E.
Published: January 2012

In this paper a monitoring tool is designed for a class of plug flow reactors whose mathematical model is described by a set of first-order partial differential equations with different coefficients in the convective terms. The infinite dimensional structure of such a tool is derived according to the methodology established in the design of the well-known asymptotic observer. As a consequence, it preserves the robustness of the aforementioned observer against the lack of information of the nonlinear terms involved in the model. The original structure of the estimator is then represented as a couple of integral equations by means of the method of characteristics and its behaviour is analyzed through simulation experiments. These simulations show that the mean square observation error is 0.58 when the proposed observer is implemented in a solid-waste anaerobic digestion process to estimate the evolution of biomass concentration.
Optimization of municipal sludge and grease co-digestion using disintegration technologies
Authors: Bouchy L. , Pérez A. , Camacho P. , Rubio P. , Silvestre G. , Fernández B. , Cano R. , Polanco M. , Díaz N.
Published: January 2012

Many drivers tend to foster the development of renewable energy production in wastewater treatment plants as many expectations rely upon energy recovery from sewage sludge, for example through biogas use. This paper is focused on the assessment of grease waste (GW) as an adequate substrate for co-digestion with municipal sludge, as it has a methane potential of 479–710 LCH4/kg VS, as well as the evaluation of disintegration technologies as a method to optimize the co-digestion process. With this objective three different pre-treatments have been selected for evaluation: thermal hydrolysis, ultrasound and enzymatic treatment. Results have shown that co-digestion processes without pre-treatment had a maximum increment of 128% of the volumetric methane productivity when GW addition was 23% inlet (at 20 days of HRT and with an OLR of 3.0 kg COD/m3d), compared with conventional digestion of sewage sludge alone. Concerning the application of the selected disintegration technologies, all pre-treatments showed improvements in terms of methane yield (51.8, 89.5 and 57.6% more for thermal hydrolysis, ultrasound and enzymatic treatment, respectively, compared with non-pretreated wastes), thermal hydrolysis of GW and secondary sludge being the best configuration as it improved the solubilization of the organic matter and the hydrodynamic characteristics of digestates.
Cardiac Ischemia and Ischemia/Reperfusion Cause Wide Proteolysis of the Coronary Endothelial Luminal Membrane: Possible Dysfunctions
Authors: Arroyo-Flores Blanca , Chi-Ahumada Erika , Briones-Cerecero Erika , Barajas-Espinosa Alma , Perez-Aguilar Sandra , de la Rosa Ana Barba , Knabb Maureen , Rubio Rafael
Published: January 2012

Background:

Ischemia and ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) are common clinical insults that disrupt the molecular structure of coronary vascular endothelial luminal membrane (VELM) that result in diverse microvasculature dysfunctions. However, the knowledge of the associated biochemical changes is meager. We hypothesized that ischemia and I/R-induced structural and functional VELM alterations result from biochemical changes. First, these changes need to be described and later the mechanisms behind be identified.

Methods:

During control conditions, in isolated perfused rat hearts VELM proteins were labeled with biotin. The groups of hearts were: control (C), no flow ischemia (I; 25 min), and I/R (I; 25 min, reperfusion 30 min). The biotinylated luminal endothelial membrane proteins in these three different groups were examined by 2-D electrophoresis and identified. But, it must be kept in mind the proteins were biotin-labeled during control.

Results:

A comparative analysis of the protein profiles under the 3 conditions following 2D gel electrophoresis showed differences in the molecular weight distribution such that MWC > MWI > MWI/R. Similar analysis for isoelectric points (pHi) showed a shift toward more acidic pHi under ischemic conditions. Of 100 % proteins identified during control 66% and 88% changed their MW-pHi during ischemia and I/R respectively. Among these lost proteins there were 9 proteins identified as adhesins and G-protein coupled receptors.

General significance:

I and I/R insults alter MW-pHi of most luminal glycocalyx proteins due to the activation of nonspecific hydrolizing mechanisms; suspect metalloproteases and glycanases. This makes necessary the identification of hydrolyzing enzymes reponsible of multiple microvascular dysfunctions in order to maintain the integrity of vascular endothelial membrane. VELM must become a target of future therapeutics.
Extended time of cold ischemia and its influence on the physiological function of human adult pancreatic islets
Authors: Nikolic D.M. , Djordjevic P.B. , Radak Dj. , Lackovic Vesna , Bajcetic Milos , Milic Gordana , Gostiljac D. , Ilic M. , Raketic Nevenka , Stojiljkovic Vesna , Grubor Nikica , Jovanovic M.D. , Latincic S.M.
Published: January 2012

In this study we compared the effects of duration of cold ischemia (longer
and shorter ischemia) on the yield, viability and preservation of the
physiological function and insulin secretion of adult human pancreatic
islets in short-term (seven days) culture. Based on the tested parameters,
we established that there are no major differences between these two test
groups and that the storage and transport of pancreatic tissue in
physiological solution at 4oC gives quite satisfactory results.