bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expanding the Field of Constraint: Novelization as an Example of Multiply Constrained Writing
Authors: Baetens Jan
Published: March 2010

This essay deals with the question of the multiple constraints that determine the production of highly commercialized literature, namely, novelization. As a literary genre, novelization is easy to define: it is the novelistic adaptation of an original film or, more specifically, of the screenplay of this film. As a cultural practice, however, novelization is hardly known, given its lack of prestige, therefore its near-absence in the scholarly field (novelizations seem so “bad” that nobody thinks they deserve any serious interest). Culturally and institutionally speaking, novelizations are blatant examples of commercial literature, that is, literature not written on the initiative of an individual author eager to give a personal form to certain ideas or feelings but ordered by a publisher to fulfill certain commercial needs. Despite all the prejudices against the genre, however, novelization is a fascinating literary practice which can helpfully be studied via the notion of constraint. At the same time, the notion of constraint can be usefully enriched by the example of novelization, which brings to the fore aspects that are less clearly seen when one focuses on high or elite literature. The essay presents, first, some aspects of the genre, which is less simple or homogeneous than may appear. Second, it discusses a seminal article that has opened the mainly form-oriented domain of constrained writing to the broader field of cultural and institutional constraints: R. A. Peterson's “Five Constraints on the Production of Culture: Law, Technology, Market, Organizational Structure, and Occupational Careers” (1982). Third, the essay offers a comparative analysis of the novelization genre in various cultural environments, reusing Peterson's set of institutional and cultural constraints. The case study of novelization demonstrates that constrained writing is not simply a matter of obeying internal formal constraints, as is generally believed, but also of following external, institutional constraints: the latter are less known due to the fact that the most often cited and studied examples of constrained writing belong to literary genres or domains where these external constraints are less directly felt.
Simple, recurring RNA binding sites for L-arginine
Authors: Janas Teresa , Widmann Jeremy Joseph , Knight Rob , Yarus Michael
Published: March 2010

Seven new arginine binding motifs have been selected from a heterogeneous RNA pool containing 17, 25, and 50mer randomized tracts, yielding 131 independently derived binding sites that are multiply isolated. The shortest 17mer random region is sufficient to build varied arginine binding sites using five different conserved motifs (motifs 1a, 1b, 1c, 2, and 4). Dissociation constants are in the fractional millimolar to millimolar range. Binding sites are amino acid side-chain specific and discriminate moderately between L- and D-stereoisomers of arginine, suggesting a molecular focus on side-chain guanidinium. An arginine coding triplet (codon/anticodon) is highly conserved within the largest family of Arg sites (72% of all sequences), as has also been found in minimal, most prevalent RNA binding sites for Ile, His, and Trp.
Dissecting electrostatic screening, specific ion binding, and ligand binding in an energetic model for glycine riboswitch folding
Authors: Lipfert Jan , Sim Adelene Y.L. , Herschlag Daniel , Doniach Sebastian
Published: March 2010

Riboswitches are gene-regulating RNAs that are usually found in the 5′-untranslated regions of messenger RNA. As the sugar-phosphate backbone of RNA is highly negatively charged, the folding and ligand-binding interactions of riboswitches are strongly dependent on the presence of cations. Using small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and hydroxyl radical footprinting, we examined the cation dependence of the different folding stages of the glycine-binding riboswitch from Vibrio cholerae. We found that the partial folding of the tandem aptamer of this riboswitch in the absence of glycine is supported by all tested mono- and divalent ions, suggesting that this transition is mediated by nonspecific electrostatic screening. Poisson–Boltzmann calculations using SAXS-derived low-resolution structural models allowed us to perform an energetic dissection of this process. The results showed that a model with a constant favorable contribution to folding that is opposed by an unfavorable electrostatic term that varies with ion concentration and valency provides a reasonable quantitative description of the observed folding behavior. Glycine binding, on the other hand, requires specific divalent ions binding based on the observation that Mg2+, Ca2+, and Mn2+ facilitated glycine binding, whereas other divalent cations did not. The results provide a case study of how ion-dependent electrostatic relaxation, specific ion binding, and ligand binding can be coupled to shape the energetic landscape of a riboswitch and can begin to be quantitatively dissected.
Research Note—Applying the Randomized Response Technique to Elicit Truthful Responses to Sensitive Questions in IS Research: The Case of Software Piracy Behavior
Authors: Kwan Samuel S. K. , So Mike K. P. , Tam Kar Yan
Published: March 2010

Research on software piracy often relies on self-reports by individual users and thus suffers from possible response distortion attributable to a variety of human motivations. Conclusions drawn directly from distorted self-reports may misguide managerial and policy decisions. The randomized response technique (RRT) was proposed as a remedy to response distortion. In this paper, a model based on RRT was used to illustrate how truthful responses to sensitive questions can be empirically estimated. The model was tested in two empirical studies on software piracy. Consistent with our expectations, respondents responding to RRT were more willing to disclose sensitive information about their attitudes, intentions, and behaviors on software piracy. Nontrivial distortions were demonstrated in causal relationships involving sensitive and nonsensitive variables. The study extends RRT to multivariate analysis and illustrates the feasibility and usefulness of the method in studying sensitive behavioral issues in the information systems (IS) domain.
REQUEST: A Query Language for Customizing Recommendations
Authors: Adomavicius Gediminas , Tuzhilin Alexander , Zheng Rong
Published: March 2010

Initially popularized by Amazon.com, recommendation technologies have become widespread over the past several years. However, the types of recommendations available to the users in these recommender systems are typically determined by the vendor and therefore are not flexible. In this paper, we address this problem by presenting the recommendation query language REQUEST that allows users to customize recommendations by formulating them in the ways satisfying personalized needs of the users. REQUEST is based on the multidimensional model of recommender systems that supports additional contextual dimensions besides traditional User and Item dimensions and also OLAP-type aggregation and filtering capabilities. This paper also presents the recommendation algebra RA, shows how REQUEST recommendations can be mapped into this algebra, and analyzes the expressive power of the query language and the algebra. This paper also shows how users can customize their recommendations using REQUEST queries through a series of examples.
Open to scrutiny: incident reporting and transparency in the NHS
Authors: Woodward Suzette
Published: March 2010

The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) has been set up to improve patient safety for all NHS patients, wherever they are treated. An important part of the work of the NPSA is to learn from incidents that are reported nationally to provide sound, representative guidance and recommendations to reduce risk and harm in healthcare. Incident reporting should not be seen as a management system but as a culture in which patient safety is a priority.
Luminescent tetraphenylethene-substituted silanes
Authors: Zhao Zujin , Chen Shuming , Lam Jacky W. Y. , Chan Carrie Y. K. , Jim Cathy K. W. , Wang Zhiming , Wang Chunlei , Lu Ping , Kwok Hoi Sing , Ma Yuguang , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: February 2010

Tetraphenylethene (TPE)-substitued silanes [(Ph4C=C)mSi(Ph)n, m = 3–1, n = 3–1] are designed and synthesized, and their optical, thermal, and electrochemical properties are studied. Whereas they are nonluminescent in solutions, they become highly emissive when aggregated in poor solvents (such as water) or fabricated into thin films, demonstrating a novel phenomenon of aggregation-induced emission (AIE). Their amorphous films exhibit high fluorescence quantum yields (54.6–63.7 %). They enjoy high thermal stability with 5 % weight loss occurring at 320–420 °C. Multilayer electroluminescence (EL) devices (ITO/NPB/emitter/TPBi/LiF/Al) utilizing the silanes as emitting layers are fabricated, which give deep blue EL with maximum luminance and external quantum efficiency of 5672 cd/m2, and 1.6 %, respectively.
Immunitätsversprechen. Wie SS-Obergruppenführer Karl Wolff der Strafverfolgung entging
Authors: von Lingen Kerstin
Published: March 2010

Am Fall des SS-Obergruppenführers und Generals der Waffen SS, Karl Wolff, der mit Allen Dulles die deutsche Kapitulation in der Schweiz verhandelte und dafür vor Strafverfolgung geschützt wurde, lässt sich beispielhaft zeigen, wie im Zerfallsprozess der alliierten Allianz zu Kriegsende politische Erwägungen zu dominieren begannen, die dann im Kalten Krieg direkten Einfluss auf die Strafverfolgungsmechanismen ausübten. Exemplarisch wird hier eine wichtige Facette der westalliierten Kriegs- und Nachkriegsstrategie deutlich, die statt »unconditional surrender« eher auf »unconditional agreements« setzte. Die Ergebnisse im Fall Wolff zeigen, dass die Kriegsverbrecherpolitik hinter politischen Erwägungen rangierte und zur Erreichung eigener strategischer oder politischer Ziele auch Kompromisse denkbar waren, die der offiziellen politischen Linie der Westmächte widersprachen und auf der Basis ideologischer Übereinstimmungen mit den deutschen Kriegsgegnern und gegen Stalin getroffen wurden.
The waved with open eyelids (woe) Locus Is a Hypomorphic Mouse Mutation in Adam17
Authors: Hassemer E L , Le Gall S M , Liegel R , McNally M , Chang B , Zeiss C J , Dubielzig R D , Horiuchi K , Kimura T , Okada Y , Blobel C P , Sidjanin D J
Published: March 2010

The waved with open eyes (woe) locus is a spontaneous recessive mouse mutation that exhibits wavy fur, eyelids open at birth, and enlarged heart and esophagus. In this study, we confirmed the previously identified woe phenotypes and additionally identified anterior eye segment defects, absence of the meibomian glands, and defects in the semilunar cardiac valves. Positional cloning identified a C794T substitution in the Adam17 gene that ablates a putative exonic splicing enhancer (ESE) sequence in exon 7 resulting in aberrant Adam17 splicing. The predominant woe transcript, Adam17Δexon7, lacks exon 7 resulting in an in-frame deletion of 90 bp and a putative Adam17Δ252-281 protein lacking residues 252–281 from the metalloprotease domain. Western blot analysis in woe identified only the precursor form of Adam17Δ252-281 protein. Absence of cleavage of the prodomain renders Adam17Δ252-281 functionally inactive; however, constitutive and stimulated shedding of Adam17 substrates was detected in woe at significantly reduced levels. This residual Adam17 shedding activity in woe most likely originates from full-length Adam17T265M encoded by the Adam17C794T transcript identified expressed at severely reduced levels. These results show that even small amounts of functional Adam17 allow woe mice to survive into adulthood. In contrast to Adam17−/− mice that die at birth, the viability of woe mice provides an excellent opportunity for studying the role of Adam17 throughout postnatal development and homeostasis.
SIAMESE Cooperates With the CDH1-like Protein CCS52A1 to Establish Endoreplication in Arabidopsis thaliana Trichomes
Authors: Kasili Remmy , Walker Jason D , Simmons L Alice , Zhou Jing , De Veylder Lieven , Larkin John C
Published: March 2010

Endoreplication, also known as endoreduplication, is a phyogenetically widespread modified version of the cell cycle in which DNA replication is not followed by cell division. The SIAMESE (SIM) gene of Arabidopsis thaliana encodes the founding member of a novel class of plant-specific cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors and is a key regulator of endoreplication during the development of trichomes (shoot epidermal hairs). Here, we have identified mutations in the CCS52A1 gene as genetic modifiers of the multicellular trichome phenotype of sim mutants. Loss-of-function ccs52A1 mutations dramatically enhance the multicellularity of sim mutants trichomes in double mutants, whereas overexpression of CCS52A1 completely suppresses the sim mutant phenotype. CCS52A1 encodes a CDH1/FZR-like protein, a class of proteins that function as activators of the anaphase-promoting complex. Unicellular ccs52A1 trichomes become multicellular upon overexpression of B-type cyclin, consistent with repression of the accumulation of mitotic cyclins in the developing trichome by CCS52A1. As these M-phase-specific cyclins are known to accumulate in sim mutant trichomes, our data suggest that CCS52A1 and SIM cooperate in repressing accumulation of mitotic cyclins to establish the trichome endocycle. Comparison with endoreplication pathways in Drosophila and mammals indicates that while these organisms all use similar components to initiate endoreplication, the components are deployed differently in each organism.
The Nucleosome Remodeling Factor ISWI Functionally Interacts With an Evolutionarily Conserved Network of Cellular Factors
Authors: Arancio Walter , Onorati Maria C , Burgio Giosalba , Collesano Marianna , Ingrassia Antonia M R , Genovese Swonild I , Fanto Manolis , Corona Davide F V
Published: March 2010

ISWI is an evolutionarily conserved ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling factor playing central roles in DNA replication, RNA transcription, and chromosome organization. The variety of biological functions dependent on ISWI suggests that its activity could be highly regulated. Our group has previously isolated and characterized new cellular activities that positively regulate ISWI in Drosophila melanogaster. To identify factors that antagonize ISWI activity we developed a novel in vivo eye-based assay to screen for genetic suppressors of ISWI. Our screen revealed that ISWI interacts with an evolutionarily conserved network of cellular and nuclear factors that escaped previous genetic and biochemical analyses.
Quantitative Trait Locus Mapping of Genes Under Selection Across Multiple Years and Sites inAvena barbata: Epistasis, Pleiotropy, and Genotype-by-Environment Interactions
Authors: Latta Robert G , Gardner Kyle M , Staples David A
Published: March 2010

The genetic architecture of variation in evolutionary fitness determines the trajectory of adaptive change. We identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting fitness in a mapping population of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between moist- and dry- associated ecotypes of Avena barbata. We estimated fitness in 179 RILs in each of two natural environments in each of 4 years. Two loci account for over half of the variation in geometric mean fitness across environments. These loci are associated in repulsion phase in the wild ecotypes, suggesting the potential for strong transgressive segregation, but also show significant epistasis giving hybrid breakdown. This epistasis is the result of sharply lower fitness in only one of the recombinant genotypes, suggesting that the loci may contain synergistically acting mutations. Within each trial (year/site combination), we can explain less of the variation than for geometric mean fitness, but the two major loci are associated with variation in fitness in most environments. Tests for pleiotropic effects of QTL on fitness in different environments reveal that the same loci are under selection in all trials. Genotype-by-environment interactions are significant for some loci, but this reflects variation in the strength, not the direction of selection.
Condensins Promote Coorientation of Sister Chromatids During Meiosis I in Budding Yeast
Authors: Brito Ilana L , Yu Hong-Guo , Amon Angelika
Published: March 2010

The condensin complex is a key determinant of higher-ordered chromosome structure. We show here that the complex is also important for the correct alignment of chromosomes on the meiosis I spindle. Unlike during mitosis and meiosis II, when sister chromatids attach to microtubules emanating from opposite spindle poles (biorientation), accurate meiosis I chromosome segregation requires that sister chromatids attach to microtubules emanating from the same spindle pole (coorientation). The monopolin complex, consisting of Lrs4, Csm1, and the meiosis-specific component Mam1, brings about meiosis I coorientation. We find that in the absence of functional condensin complexes, a fraction of sister kinetochores biorient on the meiosis I spindle and association of the monopolin complex subunit Mam1 with kinetochores is decreased. Our studies uncover a new locus-specific effect of the condensin complex.
Oxygen and Resuscitation of the Preterm Infant
Authors: Rabi Yacov
Published: March 2010

The use of room air for delivery room resuscitation is gaining rapid acceptance. Several studies to date have shown tangible benefits for using room air rather than 100% oxygen, although they are largely limited to asphyxiated term infants. There are several important differences between term and preterm babies in the challenges faced during transition that result largely from differences in pulmonary physiology and antioxidant capabilities. More recently, evidence is emerging about the applicability of room air for resuscitation of the preterm population. These studies demonstrate that the inspired oxygen concentration can be titrated to reach a target oxygen saturation in the delivery room. However, they also raise important questions as to the best concentration of oxygen to use when initiating resuscitation.
Auditory Late Effects of Childhood Cancer Therapy: A Report From the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Grewal Satkiran , Merchant Thomas , Reymond Renee , McInerney Maryrose , Hodge Cathy , Shearer Patricia
Published: March 2010

Children treated for malignancies may be at risk for early- or delayed-onset hearing loss that can affect learning, communication, school performance, social interaction, and overall quality of life. Survivors at particular risk include those treated with platinum compounds (cisplatin and/or carboplatin) for neuroblastoma, hepatoblastoma, osteosarcoma, or germ-cell tumors and/or those treated with radiation that affects the ear at doses of >30 Gy for pediatric head and neck tumors. The aims of the Auditory/Hearing Late Effects Task Force of the Children's Oncology Group in this report were to (1) review ototoxicity resulting from childhood cancer therapy including platinum compounds (cisplatin and carboplatin) and radiation, (2) describe briefly cochlear pathophysiology and genetics of cisplatin-related hearing loss, (3) explain the impact of hearing loss resulting from chemotherapy and radiation, and (4) offer recommendations regarding evaluation and management of pediatric patients who are at risk for treatment-related hearing loss. A questionnaire is included as a tool to assist pediatricians in assessment.
New sea turtle from the Miocene of Peru and the iterative evolution of feeding ecomorphologies since the Cretaceous
Authors: Parham James F. , Pyenson Nicholas D.
Published: March 2010

The seven species of extant sea turtles show a diversity of diets and feeding specializations. Some of these species represent distinctive ecomorphs that can be recognized by osteological characters and therefore can be identified in fossil taxa. Specifically, modifications to the feeding apparatus for shearing or crushing (durophagy) are easily recognizable in the cranium and jaw. New sea turtle fossils from the Miocene of Peru, described as a new genus and species (Pacifichelys urbinain. gen. and n. sp.), correspond to the durophagous ecomorph. This new taxon is closely related to a recently described sea turtle from the middle Miocene of California, USA (Pacifichelys hutchisonin. comb.), providing additional information on the osteological characters of this lineage. A phylogenetic analysis ofPacifichelysand other pan-chelonioid sea turtle lineages shows that at least seven lineages independently evolved feeding specialized for shearing or crushing. the iterative evolution of these morphologies is plausibly linked to ecological factors such as the development of seagrass communities and the opening of niches through extinction that occurred from the Cretaceous to the Miocene.
Competition between a Pennsylvanian (Late Carboniferous) edrioasteroid and a bryozoan for living space on a brachiopod
Authors: Sprinkle James , Rodgers Jeri C.
Published: March 2010

We describe a Pennsylvanian (Late Carboniferous) Parapostibulla edrioasteroid that competed for living space with an encrusting cryptostome bryozoan on the brachiopod Composita. the colonial bryozoan grew faster than the solitary edrioasteroid, and the bryozoan increased its colony size by slowly encircling the edrioasteroid. Neither organism was able to overgrow the other, even where the margins became thick, and each had to accommodate the presence and possible defenses of the other. Evidence for defensive measures by edrioasteroids has not previously been reported, but this interaction does emphasize that edrioasteroids could not move away from severe crowding or overgrowth by other organisms.
A possible anomalocaridid from the Cambrian Sirius Passet Lagerstätte, North Greenland
Authors: Daley Allison C. , Peel John S.
Published: March 2010

The Sirius Passet biota of North Greenland is one of the oldest Cambrian lagerstätten, and although it is dominated by non-mineralized arthropods and lobopods, anomalocaridids have never been identified. Based on a single specimen, we herein describe for the first time an appendage with possible anomalocaridid affinities as suggested by an overall gross morphology similar to that of the frontal appendage of Anomalocaris from other localities. Tamisiocaris borealis n. gen. and n. sp. has an elongated appendage with paired spines along one margin, and differs from the frontal appendage of Anomalocaris in that segment boundaries are absent and ventral spines are relatively long and spineless. These differences may be taphonomic, but the entire surface of the appendage is covered in a fine fabric, making it unlikely that this appendage was originally segmented or sclerotized. the taxon is tentatively placed within Radiodonta, but this systematic placement cannot be confirmed while complete body specimens are lacking.
Polymorphisms and Haplotypes in the Interleukin‐4 Gene are Associated With Chronic Periodontitis in a Brazilian Population
Authors: Anovazzi Giovana , Kim Yeon J. , Viana Aline C. , Curtis Karen M.C. , Orrico Silvana R.P. , Cirelli Joni A. , Scarel‐Caminaga Raquel M.
Published: March 2010

Background: Some haplotypes in the interleukin‐4 (IL4) gene were reported to influence IL‐4 cytokine production and were associated with inflammatory diseases. Association studies focusing on IL4 gene polymorphisms and periodontal disease provided conflicting results. The aim of this study is to investigate whether IL4 gene polymorphisms and haplotypes were related to chronic periodontitis in a Brazilian population.

Methods: The polymorphisms –590(C/T) and +33(C/T) in the IL4 gene were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment‐length polymorphism methods; the variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) was identified by PCR. To assess the differences between the periodontitis group (n = 125) and control group (n = 125), the χ2 test was used to assess genotype and allele distributions of individual polymorphisms. For haplotypes reconstructed by an expectation‐maximization algorithm, the CLUMP program and Fisher exact test were used. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was used to assess the association of age, gender, smoking status, and polymorphism/haplotype with periodontitis.

Results: The −590(T), +33(C), and insertion (I) of 70‐base pair (bp) alleles and genotypes were more prevalent in the periodontitis group, even after adjusting for covariates. The −590, +33, and insertion (TCI) haplotype was associated with a susceptibility to periodontitis (adjusted odds ratio [ORadjusted] = 2.68; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.50 to 4.80) as was the genotype TCI/CCI (ORadjusted = 5.27; 95% CI = 2.28 to 12.18), whereas the TTD (ORadjusted = 0.48; 95% CI = 0.26 to 0.91), CTI (ORadjusted = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.11 to 0.70), and TTD/CTI (ORadjusted = 0.29; 95% CI = 0.08 to 1.13) genotypes were a associated with protection against the development of chronic periodontitis.

Conclusion: Significant associations between alleles, genotypes, and haplotypes of polymorphisms in the IL4 gene and chronic periodontitis were verified in Brazilian individuals.
Knowledge and Orientations of Internal Medicine Trainees Toward Periodontal Disease
Authors: Quijano Aimee , Shah Amit J. , Schwarcz Aron I. , Lalla Evanthia , Ostfeld Robert J.
Published: March 2010

Background: There is growing evidence that periodontal disease may be a source of systemic inflammation that impacts overall health. As such, periodontal disease is associated with an increased risk of systemic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and adverse outcomes in diabetes mellitus and pregnancy. With the aim of assessing oral health knowledge and orientations of physicians in training, we surveyed incoming internal medicine trainees about their general knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors/practices about periodontal health and disease.

Methods: A 16‐question survey was distributed during orientation to incoming internal medicine trainees at a single urban teaching hospital in New York City in 2007 and 2008. Questions aimed to assess the knowledge levels of the subjects about periodontal disease and their attitudes toward discussing/evaluating the periodontal status of their patients. The study was approved by the Montefiore Institutional Review Board.

Results: Of 125 incoming medical trainees queried, 115 responded (92% response rate). Of the 115 responders, 96% were medical interns. The median age of the trainees was 27 years (interquartile range: 26 to 29 years), and 61% were female. Overall, 34% of the trainees answered all five true/false general knowledge questions correctly, 82% reported that they never asked patients if they were diagnosed with periodontal disease, 90% reported not receiving any training about periodontal disease during medical school, 69% reported that they were not comfortable at all performing a simple periodontal examination, 17% agreed that patients expect physicians to discuss/screen for periodontal disease, 46% felt that discussing/evaluating the periodontal status of their patients was peripheral to their role as physicians, 76% reported never screening patients for periodontal disease, and 23% stated that they never referred patients to dentists.

Conclusions: In this study, incoming internal medicine trainees had inadequate knowledge regarding periodontal disease. They were also generally uncomfortable with performing a simple periodontal examination. Oral health training in medical school and the medical postgraduate setting is recommended.
Salivary Interleukin‐6, Matrix Metalloproteinase‐8, and Osteoprotegerin in Patients With Periodontitis and Diabetes
Authors: Costa Priscila P. , Trevisan Glauce L. , Macedo Guilherme O. , Palioto Daniela B. , Souza Sergio L.S. , Grisi Marcio F.M. , Novaes Arthur B. , Taba Mario
Published: March 2010

Background: Diabetes and periodontitis produce a protein discharge that can be reflected in saliva. This study evaluates the salivary concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐6, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐8, and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in patients with periodontitis with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: Whole saliva samples were obtained from 90 subjects who were divided into four groups: healthy (control; n = 22), untreated periodontitis (UPD; n = 24), diabetes mellitus (DM; n = 20), and UPD + DM (n = 24) groups. Clinical and metabolic data were recorded. Salivary IL‐6, MMP‐8, and OPG concentrations were determined by a standard enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: The UPD and UPD + DM groups exhibited higher salivary IL‐6 than the control and DM groups (P <0.01). The salivary MMP‐8 concentrations in all diseased groups (UPD, DM, and UPD + DM) were higher than in the control group (P <0.01). The salivary OPG concentrations in the DM group were higher than in the UPD and control groups (P <0.05). In the UPD + DM group, salivary IL‐6 was correlated with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels (r = 0.60; P <0.05). The regression analysis indicated that the number of remaining teeth, clinical attachment level, and IL‐6 might have influenced the HbA1c levels in patients with diabetes.

Conclusions: Salivary IL‐6 concentrations were elevated in patients with periodontitis with or without diabetes. Salivary MMP‐8 and OPG concentrations were elevated regardless of periodontal inflammation in patients with diabetes. Therefore, periodontitis and diabetes are conditions that may interfere with protein expression and should be considered when using saliva for diagnoses.
Isostatic response and geomorphological evolution of the Nile valley during the Messinian salinity crisis
Authors: Gargani Julien , Rigollet Christophe , Scarselli Sonia
Published: March 2010

During the Messinian salinity crisis (5.96–5.33 Ma), the Mediterranean Sea was disconnected from the Atlantic Ocean. As a consequence, a dramatic sea-level fall occurred during part of the crisis and deep erosion has been observed on the Mediterranean margins as well as on the continent. Here, we demonstrate that the erosion and the large sea-level fall generated a significant uplift along the Nile River delta valley, due to isostatic rebound. Based on a quantitative analysis, our results suggest that the uplift of the Egyptian margin and of the Nile valley flanks may have triggered an enclosed environment during the Messinian salinity crisis (MSC). We estimated a mean rate of regressive erosion of −2.5 m/y along the River Nile during the MSC and of 1.25 and 0.4 m/y for the smaller rivers. The water discharge of the River Nile necessary to trigger this erosion rate was at least 5 to 25 times superior than the water discharge of the smaller one’s.
Sea bottom current activity recorded on the southern margin of the Vocontian basin (southeastern France) during the lower Aptian. Evidence for a climatic signal
Authors: Cotillon Pierre
Published: March 2010

Numerous current marks are recorded on an Early Aptian unconformity surface observed over a large area of the Vocontian basin and its southern margin (southeastern France, Subalpine ranges). They occur in the transition zone between that basin and the adjacent Provence platform and correspond to various erosion marks, oriented biogenic remains (sponge spicules, belemnite rostra) and trace fossil directions (Rhizocorallium). Three local current orientations occur : 1) a westward orientation in the neritic zone, probably resulting from the trade winds that prevailed in the Tethyan domain; 2) a northward orientation in the deeper hemipelagic and pelagic zones probably resulting from a deviation of the westward currents by the Coriolis force; 3) a southward orientation in the eastern and western margins of the studied area, possibly induced by upwellings resulting from offshore northward deviated currents. These upwellings were characterized by cold water enriched with silica, phosphorous and organic matter. Some characteristics of the Early Aptian unconformity surface result from these different currents : 1) a specific type of erosion linked to mechanical and/or chemical features, 2) an erosion intensity displayed by the importance of the pre-Aptian stratigraphic gaps, 3) an erosion duration illustrated by the importance of the post-Aptian gaps. The spatial distribution of these features was controlled by the water-depth, depending locally on the occurrence of hemipelagic submarine reliefs of tectonic origin.

Increases in current activity in the Early Aptian, linked to an acceleration of the atmospheric circulation, and highlighed by erosion and phosphatisation had previously been recorded for many other Eurasian and North Atlantic sites. This large spatial distribution suggests a global cause such as a temporary increase in the latitudinal thermal gradient and seasonal contrasts. According to the literature, these events may be related to the Early Aptian cooling, described by several authors in both high and low latitudes, which led to a remarkable pause in the middle Cretaceous warming.
On the Mathematical Modelling of Diffusion-Migration Mass Transport of Protons
Authors: Ruiz José Augusto , Zinola Carlos Fernando
Published: February 2010

A one-dimensional-isothermal model and an analytical solution for the mass transport (migration and diffusion) of protons in a single PEM fuel cell have been developed. Under a linear approximation between current density and electric potential (pseudo-primary current distribution) we have obtained the proton concentration profile along the cathodic and anodic gas diffusers as a function of the position. The graphical shape of the function allows us to discuss the effect of the physicochemical parameters in our model especially on the anodic side of the diffuser. From the dependence of the electric potential and current density with the position we have obtained a theoretical polarization curve. Under the pseudo-primary current distribution, the fitting of the first points yields a high Tafel slope for the cell operation performance. In spite of being a limited model for the cell performance, this is one of the least analytical and exact solved solutions obtained from mass balances in the course of the hydrogen electrooxidation and oxygen electroreduction. We consider that this situation would probably put some more knowledge in the understanding of the PEMFC functional description.
Kinetics of Acid Hydrolysis of Arabinogalactans
Authors: Kusema Bright T , Xu Chunlin , Mäki-Arvela Päivi , Willför Stefan , Holmbom Bjarne , Salmi Tapio , Murzin Dmitry Y
Published: March 2010

The kinetics of the acid hydrolysis of arabinogalactans (AG) was studied isothermally in a batch reactor. AG was hydrolyzed with hydrochloric acid and the main parameters established were the acid concentration (pH), temperature and AG concentration. The hydrolysis rate increased with the acid concentration (pH) and temperature. Complete hydrolysis of AG to arabinose and galactose was achieved at 90°C and pH 1 without any further degradation of the sugars. A first-order kinetic model including two simultaneous reactions for the formation of arabinose and galactose was successfully fitted to the experimental data. The rate constants and activation energies were calculated from the model. The decrease of the average molecular weight was also explained by the model.
The Antioxidant, Iron Chelating and DNA Protective Properties of 70% Methanolic Extract of 'Katha' (Heartwood extract of Acacia catechu)
Authors: Hazra Bibhabasu , Sarkar Rhitajit , Biswas Santanu , Mandal Nripendranath
Published: March 2010

The present study was carried out to determine the antioxidant and iron chelating property of 70% methanolic extract of 'katha' (heartwood extract of Acacia catechu). The extract was found to be an antioxidant with a TEAC value of 0.72 ± 0.02. The extract has shown its scavenging activity for different radical and 17.8 ± 0.63 ?g/ml, 39.55 ± 1.36 ?g/ml, 55.31 ± 7.12 ?g/ml, 746.85 ± 30.46 ?g/ml, 44.2 ± 4.48 mg/ml, 57.5 ± 4.23 ?g/ml, 155.48 ± 3.78 ?g/ml were determined as IC50 value for DPPH, superoxide, nitric oxide, peroxynitrite, hydrogen peroxide, singlet oxygen and hypochlorous acid radicals, respectively. The plant was found to inhibit lipid peroxidation with an IC50 of 12.35 ± 0.43 ?g/ml. The extract also has the ability to chelate iron with an IC50 of 810.8 ± 20.74 ?g/ml as well as DNA protective property with [P]50 of 60.44 ± 5.73 ?g/ml. It was also observed that the plant extract (100 mg) has 97.13 ± 0.006 mg/ml gallic acid equivalent phenolic and 383.66 ± 0.014 mg/ml quercetin equivalent flavonoid content. In a word, the present results provide evidence that 70% methanol extract of katha' acts as an antioxidant, iron chelator and DNA protector which is partly due to the phenolic and flavonoid compounds present in it.
GJB2 Mutations in Non Syndromic Hearing Loss in the Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Stefanovska E , Momirovska A , Cakar M , Efremov G
Published: February 2010

GJB2 Mutations in Non Syndromic Hearing Loss in the Republic of Macedonia

Hearing impairment is a common sensori-neural disorder with the incidence of profound deafness in one per 1,000 births. Non syndromic recessive deafness (NSHL), accounts for approximately 80% of cases of hereditary deafness. It is extremely heterogeneous genetically with over 130 gene loci. Mutations in the GJB2 and GJB6 genes for DFNB1 locus (13q12) are responsible for about half of all cases of autosomal recessive prelingual hearing loss.

We determined the prevalence and mutations in the GJB2 gene, and the presence of delD13S1830 in the GJB6 gene in DNA samples from 33 unrelated Macedonian families with recesive NSHL and 200 normal hearing individuals using single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis followed by direct sequencing and specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

We found mutations in the GJB2 gene in 12 patients, but no delD13S1830 in the GJB6 gene. In 22 mutated chromosomes, 15 (68.2%) had the 35delG mutation, four (6.1%) W24X, two (3.0%) V37I and one (1.5%) R127H.

Because of the high mutation rate (36.4%) in the GJB2 gene in NSHL patients, testing should be performed in all cases with prelingual deafness.
Copy Number Changes in 1q21.3 and 1q23.3 have Different Clinical Relevance in Ovarian Tumors
Authors: Dimova I , Orsetti B , Theillet Ch. , Dimitrov R. , Toncheva D
Published: February 2010

Copy Number Changes in 1q21.3 and 1q23.3 have Different Clinical Relevance in Ovarian Tumors

Many studies have reported aberrations such as amplifications, deletions and translocations of 1q21-q23 in ovarian tumors. These findings increase the scientific interest in analyzing this region using specific gene probes. We investigated the frequency of copy number changes of two specific bacterial artificial chromosomes (BAC) clones in 1q21.3 and 1q23.3 by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) on tissue microarrays consisting of 540 ovarian tumors of different malignancies, histology, stage and grade. Such changes in 1q21.3 were established in 9.64% of malignant (2.41% amplification), in 8.33% of low malignant potential (LMP) and in 13.13% of benign ovarian tumors. Copy number changes of 1q23.3 were found in 17.78% of malignant (1.48% amplification), in 16.67% of LMP and in 12.64% of benign ovarian tumors. We found a significantly higher gain of 1q23.3 in non epithelial (50%) compared to epithelial tumors (14.73%) (p <0.03). The gain of 1q21.3 prevailed in non serous malignant and LMP ovarian tumors in comparison to serous tumors. In non serous tumors, both gains were associated with higher grade. The frequency of gain in 1q23.3 was 2.5-times higher than that in 1q21.3 of ovarian cancers.
Contrast medium nephrotoxicity after renal artery and coronary angioplasty
Authors: Marraccini Paolo , Bianchi Massimiliano , Fommei Enza , Palmieri Cataldo , Ciriello Giuseppe , Ciardetti Marco , Mazzarisi Alessandro , Djukic Goran , L'Abbate Antonio
Published: March 2010

Background: Renal dysfunction induced by iodinated contrast medium (CM) administration can minimize the benefit of the interventional procedure in patients undergoing renal angioplasty (PTRA).

Purpose: To compare the susceptibility to nephrotoxic effect of CM in patients undergoing PTRA with that of patients submitted to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Material and Methods: A total of 33 patients successfully treated with PTRA (PTRA group, mean age 70±12 years, 23 female, basal creatinine 1.46±0.79, range 0.7–4.9 mg/dl) were compared with 33 patients undergoing successful PCI (PCI group), matched for basal creatinine (1.44±0.6, range 0.7–3.4 mg/dl), gender, and age. In both groups postprocedural (48 h) serum creatinine was measured.

Results: Postprocedural creatinine level decreased nonsignificantly in the PTRA group (1.46±0.8 vs. 1.34±0.5 mg/dl, P=NS) and increased significantly in the PCI group (1.44±0.6 vs. 1.57±0.7 mg/dl, P<0.02). Changes in serum creatinine after intervention (after-before) were significantly different between the PTRA and PCI groups (−0.12±0.5 vs. 0.13±0.3, P=0.014). This difference was not related to either a different clinical risk profile or to the volume of CM administered.

Conclusion: In this preliminary study patients submitted to PTRA showed a lower susceptibility to renal damage induced by CM administration than PCI patients. The effectiveness of PTRA on renal function seems to be barely influenced by CM toxicity.
Gesundheit durch Naturschutz? (Essay) | Good health through nature conservation? (Essay)
Authors: Kistemann Thomas
Published: March 2010

Nature conservation needs to find acceptance by the population. That is why it is suggested that specialists in nature protection seek strategic alliances with suitable partners. Cooperation with the health sector would provide a solution. Health is a theme with a positive echo and nature and its preservation are important for health. In Germany, with this in the background and with the help of a survey amongst experts, existing and potential common fields of action in the spheres of health and nature conservation were identified. In a research project leading on from this the actual alliances between the two fields of action were investigated in three national parks. In the survey amongst experts, key people from interdisciplinary fields (environment and health, town and regional development) in particular were open-minded about the question of potential synergies, though those concerned with health were more optimistic than representatives from nature conservation. In the three national parks, the people concerned were also receptive to the theme. However, people from the central fields of health or nature conservation are not in the front line when it comes to putting this into practice, but rather those responsible for the management of national parks together with the tourist branch, those concerned with management of health cures, and environmental educationalists. Nature conservation is being offered the opportunity to form an alliance with the sphere of health and thereby to profit from the positive image that the latter carries. However, considerable efforts are yet required, both at national and at regional levels.
Psychophysiologische Effekte atmosphärischer Qualitäten der Landschaft | Psychophysiological effects of landscape's atmospheric qualities
Authors: Frohmann Erwin , Grote Vincent , Avian Alexander , Moser Maximilian
Published: March 2010

Approaching space in a contemplative manner has shown that landscapes possess varying forms of vitality which impact both human psyche and body. Thus, when encountering space more profoundly physical and emotional processes are set off which, via the vegetative system, can have a calming or stimulating effect on humans. The present study investigates the psychological and physical effects the space atmosphere of varying landscapes has on the state of humans. Fourteen persons were asked to stand with their eyes closed in contemplative silence at three different locations around Krimmler Waterfalls in Austria – close to a waterfall, in a small forest and in rocky terrain with boulders. The method of heart rate variability which measures the cardiovascular system was used to survey the physiological reactions and the Basel Mood Inventory was applied to monitor psychological and emotional effects. Results of the physiological data show significant variations among the individual landscapes. Test persons' heart rates were the most activated at the waterfall. Vegetative relaxation was the highest in the copse. Subjective perception showed that test persons felt more active and vital at the waterfall than at either of the other locations. The surveyed impact on heart variability and on the emotional state, thus, show that a landscape's atmosphere has effects on both a human's psyche and body. In addition, test results further holistic comprehension of landscape and provide growth potential in the areas of tourism and recreation.
Patients' experiences and use of a therapeutic garden: from a designer's perspective | Patients' experiences and use of a therapeutic garden: from a designer's perspective
Authors: Ivarsson Carina Tenngart , Grahn Patrik
Published: March 2010

The object of this study is to broaden our knowledge on how a therapeutic landscape is used and experienced by its patients. Data refer to qualitative, semi-structured and hour-long interviews with ten patients in a Swedish healing garden. All patients have stress-related diseases and are participants in a rehabilitation programme with nature-assisted therapy. A thematic analysis resulted in two main themes: “to escape, observe and get sensory stimulation” and “to achieve satisfaction, socialize and re-evaluate”, with two and three sub-themes respectively. To grasp both the experience and the use, the themes are described both as phenomena and in relation to where they occur. The experiences described and how they might be aspects of healing, as well as the need to include a perspective related to this process in the design of therapeutic settings, is elaborated on in the discussion. Aspects of results in the thematic analysis are discussed with relation to design and theories in environmental psychology and can be seen as a kind of evaluation of the design of the garden. Also discussed is how this information can be used to contribute to a more evaluation-based knowledge in the design of therapeutic settings.
Anthony Alder (1838–1915), Queensland taxidermist and bird painter
Authors: Byrne Dianne F. , Lambkin Kevin J.
Published: February 2010

Anthony Alder was born into a family of taxidermists and naturalists and was a talented and dedicated taxidermist and bird painter. He first visited Queensland in the 1860s collecting natural history specimens in remote Cape York Peninsula at the beginning of settlement there. He returned to England to carry on the family taxidermy business, but returned to Queensland in 1875 and established as a taxidermist in Brisbane. Except for a short period as a hotel proprietor, Alder operated continuously as a commercial taxidermist until 1907 when he achieved his long-held wish to be employed as taxidermist in the Queensland Museum. He exhibited his taxidermic work widely at the Queensland stands of major international exhibitions of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the exhibits generally characterized by his penchant for the dramatic and the anthropocentric. The style and design of his oil paintings of Queensland birds are reflective of his taxidermic perspective, either as anthropocentric expressions of bird personalities, or as museum displays of bird diversity. Alder was the only significant local painter of Queensland birds in the late nineteenth century and his work is not only of historical significance, but is also aesthetically appealing in the richness of its colour and the taxidermic basis of its design.