bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid screening of lignans from Phyllanthus myrtifolius and stilbenoids from Syagrus romanzoffiana by HPLC‐SPE‐NMR
Authors: Wang Chen‐Yu , Lam Sio‐Hong , Tseng Li‐Hong , Lee Shoei‐Sheng
Published: February 2011

Introduction – Application of on‐line solid‐phase extraction (SPE) as an interface between HPLC and NMR has gained great improvement in solving sensitivity problems and signal interferences by the eluents.

Objective – Rapid analysis and characterisation by HPLC‐SPE‐NMR and LC/MS of the arylnaphthalene‐type lignans present in Phyllanthus myrtifolius and the minor stilbenoids present in the polyphenol‐rich fraction from the ethanol extract of the seeds of Syagrus romanzoffiana.

Methodology – Pretreatment of fractions by liquid–liquid partitioning, followed by Sephadex LH‐20 fractionation, was found very useful to facilitate the focusing and analysis of the polyphenolic fraction. HPLC‐DAD‐SPE‐NMR (400 MHz and 600 MHz) analysis was carried out using an Agilent 1100 liquid chromatography, followed by a Prospekt 2 automated solid‐phase extraction unit, containing 96 HySphere‐Resin GP cartridges (10 × 2 mm, 10–12 µm), which was connected to a 120 or 60 µL LC probe.

Results – Seven arylnaphthalene‐type lignans from the chloroform‐soluble fraction of P. myrtifolius and nine stilbenoids from a polyphenol‐rich butanol‐soluble fraction of the seeds of S. romanzoffiana were characterised.

Conclusion – HPLC‐SPE‐NMR associated with HR‐ESI/MS, which consumed only analytical amounts of partially purified mixtures, was demonstrated to be a good tool for rapid screening of both known and new natural products. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and properties of polypropylene‐based nanocomposite films for food packaging
Authors: Manikantan M. R. , Varadharaju N.
Published: February 2011

Packaging of foods in high barrier and strong materials is essential to attain food safety, and nanocomposite technology leads in search of the above kind of packaging material. The effect of compatibilizer (1.6, 5, 10, 15 and 18.4%), nanoclay (0.6, 2, 4, 6 and 7.4%) and thickness of film (35, 50, 75 100 and 120 µm) on oxygen transmission rate (OTR), water vapour transmission rate (WVTR), tensile strength and per cent elongation of polypropylene (PP)‐based nanocomposite films was studied using response surface methodology. The maximum reduction in OTR of PP‐based nanocomposite films over the control was 21.4% in treatment having 10% compatibilizer, 4% nanoclay and 120 µm thickness. A maximum of 28.1% reduction in WVTR for the treatment with 5% compatibilizer, 2% nanoclay and 100 µm thickness over the control was achieved. The regression models were developed for the prediction of OTR and WVTR of nanocomposite films. The maximum increase in the tensile strength of PP‐based nanocomposite films over the corresponding control was 71.7%. The elongation percentage of nanocomposite films was less than the control and increased with increase of thickness of film and decrease of both nanoclay and compatibilizer. Treatment having 5% compatibilizer, 2% nanoclay and 100 µm thickness of nanocomposite films showed better barrier and strength characteristics than other treatments. This paper helps to design the packaging films according to the requirement of foods to be stored using the developed regression models. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Receptor Mediated Elevation in FABP4 Levels by Advanced Glycation End Products Induces Cholesterol and Triacylglycerol Accumulation in THP‐1 Macrophages
Authors: Wang Xiao Qun , Yang Ke , He Yu Song , Lu Lin , Shen Wei Feng
Published: February 2011

Excessive formation of advanced glycation end products (AGE) and lipid accumulation in macrophages play a pivotal role in the progression of atherosclerosis in diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to determine the molecular link between AGE‐induced fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) expression and macrophage lipid accumulation. AGE–BSA markedly increased macrophage FABP4 expression via engagement of RAGE, a 35‐kDa transmembrane receptor that is able to bind extracellular AGE and responsible for the corresponding signal transduction, whereas knockdown of RAGE significantly reversed the FABP4 up‐regulation. This effect was further paralleled with elevated intracellular total cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels. Finally, administration of FABP4 inhibitor totally abolished the increased lipid contents in response to AGE–BSA. These results indicate that FABP4 up‐regulation is responsible for the enhanced macrophage lipid accumulation by AGE, which may underlie the accelerated formation of foam cells and development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases in diabetic patients.
Differential effects of nutritional folic acid deficiency and moderate hyperhomocysteinemia on aortic plaque formation and genome-wide DNA methylation in vascular tissue from ApoE-/- mice
Authors: McNeil Chris J. , Beattie John H. , Gordon M-J , Pirie Lynn P. , Duthie Susan J.
Published: February 2011

Low folate intake is associated with vascular disease. Causality has been attributed to hyperhomocysteinemia. However, human intervention trials have failed to show the benefit of homocysteine-lowering therapies. Alternatively, low folate may promote vascular disease by deregulating DNA methylation. We investigated whether folate could alter DNA methylation and atherosclerosis in ApoE null mice. Mice were fed one of six diets (n = 20 per group) for 16 weeks. Basal diets were either control (C; 4% lard) or high fat (HF; 21% lard and cholesterol, 0.15%) with different B-vitamin compositions: (1) folic acid and B-vitamin replete, (2) folic acid deficient (−F), (3) folic acid, B6 and B12 deficient (−F−B). −F diets decreased plasma (up to 85%; P < 0.05), whole blood (up to 70%; P < 0.05), and liver folate (up to 65%; P < 0.05) and hepatic SAM/SAH (up to 80%; P < 0.05). −F−B diets reduced plasma (up to 76%; P < 0.05), whole blood (up to 72%; P < 0.05), and liver B12 (up to 39%; P < 0.05) and hepatic SAM/SAH (up to 90%; P < 0.05). −F increased homocysteine 2-fold, while −F−B increased homocysteine 3.6- and 6.8-fold in the C and HF groups (P < 0.05). Plaque formation was increased 2-fold (P < 0.0001) in mice fed a HF diet. Feeding a HF–F diet increased lesion formation by 17% (P < 0.05). There was no change in 5-methyldeoxycytidine in liver or vascular tissue (aorta, periadventitial tissue and heart). These data suggest that atherogenesis is not associated with genome-wide epigenetic changes in this animal model.
Bullying and discrimination experiences among Korean‐American adolescents
Authors: Shin Jin Y. , D'Antonio Emily , Son Haein , Kim Seong‐A. , Park Yeddi
Published: February 2011

The bullying experiences of Korean‐American adolescents (N = 295) were explored in relation to discrimination and mental health outcomes. Bullying experiences were assessed by the Bully Survey (Swearer, 2005), discrimination by the Perceived Ethnic and Racial Discrimination Scale (Way, 1997) and depression by the Center for Epidemiological Studies – Depression Scale (CES‐D). Those who reported being bullied (31.5%) as well as those who reported both being bullied and bullying others (15.9%) experienced a higher level of depression, which was elevated beyond the clinically significant level of CES‐D. The results of a LISREL model suggest that the experiences of bullying among Korean/Asian‐American adolescents and their related mental health issues need to be addressed in a comprehensive context of their discrimination experiences, acculturation, family and school environments.
Orbital stability of semitrivial standing waves for the Klein–Gordon–Schrödinger system
Authors: Kikuchi Hiroaki
Published: February 2011

In the present paper, we study the orbital stability and instability of standing waves of the Klein–Gordon–Schrödinger system. Especially, we are interested in a standing wave which is expressed by the unique positive solution

w_{1}

to a certain scalar field equation. By utilizing the property of the positive solution

w_{1}

, we can apply the general theory of Grillakis, Shatah and Strauss (1987) [11] and show the stability and instability of the standing wave.
Minimizing $L^{∞}$-norm functional on divergence-free fields
Authors: Yan Baisheng
Published: February 2011

In this paper, we study the minimization problem on the

L^{\infty }

-norm functional over the divergence-free fields with given boundary normal component. We focus on the computation of the minimum value and the classification of certain special minimizers including the so-called absolute minimizers. In particular, several alternative approaches for computing the minimum value are given using

L^{q}

-approximations and the sets of finite perimeter. For problems in two dimensions, we establish the existence of absolute minimizers using a similar technique for the absolute minimizers of

L^{\infty }

-functionals of gradient fields. In some special cases, precise characterizations of all minimizers and the absolute minimizers are also given based on equivalent descriptions of the absolutely minimizing Lipschitz extensions of boundary functions.
Hypertrophy and neuron loss: structural changes in sheep SCG induced by unilateral sympathectomy
Authors: Fioretto Emerson T. , Rahal Sheila C. , Borges Alexandre S. , Mayhew Terry M. , Nyengaard Jens R. , Marcondes Julio S. , de Carvalho Balieiro Júlio C. , Teixeira Carlos R. , de Melo Mariana P. , Lobo Ladd Fernando V. , Lobo Ladd Aliny A.B. , de Lima Ana R. , da Silva Andrea A.P. , Coppi Antonio A.
Published: February 2011

Recently, superior cervical ganglionectomy has been performed to investigate a variety of scientific topics from regulation of intraocular pressure to suppression of lingual tumour growth. Despite these recent advances in our understanding of the functional mechanisms underlying superior cervical ganglion (SCG) growth and development after surgical ablation, there still exists a need for information concerning the quantitative nature of the relationships between the removed SCG and its remaining contralateral ganglion and between the remaining SCG and its modified innervation territory. To this end, using design‐based stereological methods, we have investigated the structural changes induced by unilateral ganglionectomy in sheep at three distinct timepoints (2, 7 and 12 weeks) after surgery. The effects of time, and lateral (left‐right) differences, were examined by two‐way analyses of variance and paired t‐tests. Following removal of the left SCG, the main findings were: (i) the remaining right SCG was bigger at shorter survival times, i.e. 74% at 2 weeks, 55% at 7 weeks and no increase by 12 weeks, (ii) by 7 weeks after surgery, the right SCG contained fewer neurons (no decrease at 2 weeks, 6% fewer by 7 weeks and 17% fewer by 12 weeks) and (iii) by 7 weeks, right SCG neurons were also larger and the magnitude of this increase grew substantially with time (no rise at 2 weeks, 77% by 7 weeks and 215% by 12 weeks). Interaction effects between time and ganglionectomy‐induced changes were significant for SCG volume and mean perikaryal volume. These findings show that unilateral superior cervical ganglionectomy has profound effects on the contralateral ganglion. For future investigations, it would be interesting to examine the interaction between SCGs and their innervation targets after ganglionectomy. Is the ganglionectomy‐induced imbalance between the sizes of innervation territories the milieu in which morphoquantitative changes, particularly changes in perikaryal volume and neuron number, occur? Mechanistically, how would those changes arise? Are there any grounds for believing in a ganglionectomy‐triggered SCG cross‐innervation and neuroplasticity?
In silico identification of new candidate genes for hereditary congenital facial paresis
Authors: Tomás‐Roca Laura , Pérez‐Aytés Antonio , Puelles Luis , Marín Faustino
Published: February 2011

Hereditary congenital facial paresis (HCFP) consists of the paralysis or weakness of facial muscles caused by a maldevelopment of the facial branchiomotor (FBM) nucleus and its nerve. Linkage analyses have related this disorder to two loci, HCFP1 and HCFP2, placed respectively in human chromosomes 3q21.2‐q22.1 and 10q21.3‐q22.1, but the causative genes are still unknown. In this work we aimed to identify which genes from these loci are expressed in the developing hindbrain and particularly in the FBM nucleus. To this end, we retrieved from the ENSEMBL genomic database the list of these genes as well as their respective mouse orthologs. Subsequently we examined their respective expression patterns in the mouse embryo by using the GenePaint gene expression database. As a result of this screening, we found a new gene (Mgll) from the HCFP1 locus that has strong and specific expression in the developing FBM nucleus. In its turn, the HCFP2 locus appeared as a large gene‐desert region, flanked by two genes, Reep3, with specific expression in the FBM nucleus, and Lrrtm3, broadly expressed in the brainstem, including the same nucleus. The concurrence of genomic position and neural expression pattern makes these genes new potential candidates for HCFP.
Self-reported energy intake by FFQ compared with actual energy intake to maintain body weight in 516 adults
Authors: Siebelink Els , Geelen Anouk , de Vries Jeanne H. M.
Published: February 2011

It is generally assumed that a FFQ is not suitable to estimate the absolute levels of individual energy intake. However, in epidemiological studies, reported nutrients by FFQ are often corrected for this intake. The objective of the present study was to assess how accurately participants report their energy intakes by FFQ. We compared reported energy intake with actual energy intake needed to maintain stable body weights during eleven controlled dietary trials. FFQ were developed to capture at least 90 % of energy intake. Participants, 342 women and 174 men, with a mean BMI of 22·8 (sd3·1) kg/m2filled out the FFQ just before the trials. Energy intakes during the trials were calculated from provided foods and reported free-food items, representing 90 and 10 % of energy intake, respectively. Mean reported energy intake was 97·5 (sd12·7) % of actual energy intake during the trials; it was 98·9 (sd15·2) % for women and 94·7 (sd16·3) % for men (P = 0·004 for difference between sexes). Correlation coefficients between reported and actual energy intakes were 0·82 for all participants, 0·74 for women and 0·80 for men. Individual reported energy intake as a percentage of actual intake ranged from 56·3 to 159·6 % in women and from 43·8 to 151·0 % in men. In conclusion, the FFQ appeared to be accurate for estimating the mean level of energy intakes of these participants and for ranking them according to their intake. However, the large differences found on the individual level may affect the results of epidemiological studies in an unknown direction if nutrients are corrected for energy intakes reported by FFQ.
Dairy constituents and neurocognitive health in ageing
Authors: Camfield David A. , Owen Lauren , Scholey Andrew B. , Pipingas Andrew , Stough Con
Published: February 2011

Age-related cognitive decline (ARCD) and dementia are of increasing concern to an ageing population. In recent years, there has been considerable research focused on effective dietary interventions that may prevent or ameliorate ARCD and dementia. While a number of studies have considered the impact that dairy products may have on physiological health, particularly with regard to the metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular health, further research is currently needed in order to establish the impact that dairy products have in the promotion of healthy brain function during ageing. The present review considers the available evidence for the positive effects of dairy products on the metabolic syndrome and glucose regulation, with consideration of the implications for neurocognitive health. A literature search of current (September 2010) meta-analyses/reviews and original research regarding dairy products and cognition was conducted through SCOPUS using the following search terms for dairy consituents: dairy, milk, cheese, yoghurt, probiotics, whey protein, alpha lactalbumin, calcium, B-12, bioactive peptides and colostrinin (CLN). These search terms for dairy products were combined with the following search terms related to cognition and health: cognition, cognitive decline, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, insulin resistance and glucose regulation. Concerns regarding SFA and other fatty acids found in dairy products are also reviewed in relation to different forms of dairy products. The review also considers recent evidence for positive neurocognitive effects associated with bioactive peptides, CLN and proline-rich polypeptides, α-lactalbumin, vitamin B12, calcium and probiotics. Future directions for the extraction and purification of beneficial constituents are also discussed. It is concluded that low-fat dairy products, when consumed regularly as part of a balanced diet, may have a number of beneficial outcomes for neurocognitive health during ageing.
Variations on Kolmogorov flow: turbulent energy dissipation and mean flow profiles
Authors: ROLLIN B. , DUBIEF Y. , DOERING C. R.
Published: February 2011

The relation between the form of a body force driving a turbulent shear flow and the dissipation factor β = ϵℓ/U3 is investigated by means of rigorous upper bound analysis and direct numerical simulation. We consider unidirectional steady forcing functions in a three-dimensional periodic domain and observe that a rigorous infinite Reynolds number bound on β displays the same qualitative behaviour as the computationally measured dissipation factor at finite Reynolds number as the force profile is varied. We also compare the measured mean flow profiles with the Stokes flow profile for the same forcing. The mean and Stokes flow profiles are strikingly similar at the Reynolds numbers obtained in the numerical simulations, lending quantitative credence to the notion of a turbulent eddy viscosity.
Driving force analysis for the secondary adjustable system in FAST
Authors: Shao Zhu-Feng , Tang Xiaoqiang , Chen Xu , Wang Li-Ping
Published: February 2011

The Secondary Adjustable System (SAS) addressed here is a central component of the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST). It is a 6-degree-of-freedom rigid Stewart manipulator, in which one platform (the end-effector) should be controlled to track-desired trajectory when another platform (denoted as the base) is moving. Driving force analysis of the SAS is the basis for selecting rational servomotors and guaranteeing the dynamic performance, which will affect the terminal pose accuracy of the FAST. In order to determine the driving forces of the SAS, using the Newton–Euler method, the inverse dynamics of the Stewart manipulator is modeled by considering the motion of the base. Compared with the traditional dynamic models, the inverse dynamic model introduced here possesses an inherent wider application range. By adopting the kinematic and dynamic parameters of the FAST prototype, the driving force analysis of the SAS is carried out, and the driving force optimization strategies are proposed. Calculation and analysis presented in the paper reveal that there are three main factors affecting the driving forces of the SAS. In addition, the driving force analysis of this paper lays out guidelines for the design and control of the FAST prototype, as well as the structure and trajectory optimization.
Tobacco: a product like any other?
Authors: Danishevskiy Kirill , McKee Martin
Published: February 2011

Legislation in most countries regulates trade in poisons and highly addictive products, such as narcotics. The statements that (1) tobacco harms health and (2) causes addiction are established as facts in international and national law. Yet in Russia, and in many other countries, there is a contradiction between the open sale of this addictive poison and basic laws, such as those on product safety. Provisions in both the Russian constitution and the criminal code can be interpreted as making the sale of tobacco illegal, setting out severe penalties for those involved. Yet, remarkably, tobacco is treated quite differently from other products. In this paper, we describe the experience so far in seeking to enforce this legislation in Russia. Attempts to persuade the police to enforce the legislation have been unsuccessful, although they accept that there is a prima facie case for action but, in private, express fear of taking it. The case for action is currently being argued before the Russian Supreme Court but this could take many years to reach a conclusion. In the mean time, new legislation on the regulation of tobacco production has been passed by the State Duma, with the support of the tobacco industry, which implicitly assumes that tobacco is a lawful product, thereby creating legal confusion. We argue that the only way to redress this situation is to recognize that tobacco production and sales must be regulated in the same way as any other harmful and addictive substance.
Imprecise probabilistic evaluation of sewer flooding in urban drainage systems using random set theory
Authors: Fu Guangtao , Butler David , Khu Soon‐Thiam , Sun Si'Ao
Published: February 2011

Uncertainty analysis is widely applied in water system modeling to quantify prediction uncertainty from models and data. Conventional methods typically handle various kinds of uncertainty using a single characterizing approach, be it probability theory or fuzzy set theory. However, using a single approach may not be appropriate, particularly when uncertainties are of different types. For example, in sewer flood estimation problems, random rainfall variables are used as model inputs and imprecise or subjective information is used to define model parameters. This paper presents a general framework for sewer flood estimation that enables simultaneous consideration of two types of uncertainty: randomness from rainfall data represented using imprecise probabilities and imprecision from model parameters represented by fuzzy numbers. These two types of uncertainties are combined using random set theory and then propagated through a hydrodynamic urban drainage model. Two propagation methods, i.e., discretization and Monte Carlo based methods, are presented and compared, with the latter shown to be much more computationally efficient and hence recommended for high‐dimensional problems. The model output (flood depth) is generated in the form of lower and upper cumulative probabilities, which are best estimates given the various stochastic and epistemic uncertainties considered and which embrace the unknown true cumulative probability. The distance between the cumulative probabilities represents the extent of imprecise, incomplete, or conflicting information and can be reduced only when more knowledge is available. The proposed methodology has a more complete and thus more accurate representation of uncertainty in data and models and can effectively handle different uncertainty characterizations in a single, integrated framework for sewer flood estimation.
How far did the surface rupture of the 1999 İzmit earthquake reach in Sea of Marmara?
Authors: Gasperini Luca , Polonia Alina , Bortoluzzi Giovanni , Henry Pierre , Le Pichon Xavier , Tryon Michael , Çağatay Namik , Géli Louis
Published: February 2011

An open problem concerning the Mw 7.4, 1999 İzmit earthquake along the North Anatolian Fault (NAF) system is the apparent conflict between estimates of strike‐slip deformation based on field and remote sensing data. This is due to the fact that the main strand of the NAF west of the epicenter lies below the Sea of Marmara. Seismological evidence and models based on synthetic aperture radar interferometry suggest that coseismic and early postseismic displacement accumulated after the earthquake could have reached the western end of the İzmit Gulf and possibly the southern edge of the Çınarcık Basin, tapering off along the northern coast of the Armutlu Peninsula, more than 60 km from the epicenter. This scenario is not confirmed by onshore field observations that point toward a termination of the surface rupture around 30 km to the east. These discrepancies convey high uncertainties in the estimate of the tectonic load produced by the İzmit earthquake on the adjacent fault segment toward Istanbul. We analyzed data from different sources, including high‐resolution marine geophysical surveys and two Nautile dives along the fault‐controlled canyon that connects İzmit Çınarcık basins. Our observations suggest that the surface rupture of the 1999 İzmit earthquake propagated through the shallow Gulf but did not reach the deep Marmara basins. In fact, along the slope between Çınarcık and the western end of the İzmit Gulf, we do not observe fault‐related ruptures affecting the seafloor but rather a series of active gas seeps and “black patches” that mark the presence of known active faults. Our findings have implications for seismic risk assessment in the highly populated region of Istanbul, both for the estimate of tectonic load transferred to the next fault segments and the location of the next earthquake.
Pediatric Facial Fractures and Potential Long-Term Growth Disturbances
Authors: Wheeler Jonathan , Phillips John
Published: February 2011

Fractures of the pediatric craniofacial skeleton can be challenging to manage. The initial injury and subsequent treatment can cause long-term growth disturbances yielding problematic secondary deformities. This review considers the normal growth of the craniofacial skeleton and typical facial fracture presentations in children and discusses the potential long-term sequelae from these injuries and their management.
Nasal Foreign Bodies: A Review of Management Strategies and a Clinical Scenario Presentation
Authors: Patil Pavan M. , Anand Rajeev
Published: February 2011

We report a case of a toothbrush head lodged into the nasal cavity, which required an external rhinoplasty for retrieval. A review of the literature on management strategies in case of nasal foreign bodies is presented.
Manipulation of the catalyst-support interactions for inducing nanotube forest growth
Authors: Esconjauregui S. , Fouquet M. , Bayer B. C. , Eslava S. , Khachadorian S. , Hofmann S. , Robertson J.
Published: February 2011

We show how an oxidative pretreatment of Fe, Co, or Ni growth catalyst on SiO2 support can be used to switch the growth mode of carbon nanotubes from tip growth to root growth, thus favoring the growth of dense, vertically aligned nanotube forests. The oxidative treatment creates a strong catalyst–support interaction at the catalyst–silica interface, which limits the surface diffusion and sintering of the catalyst nanoparticles and binds the catalyst to the SiO2 surface. This shows that the alignment and growth mode of nanotubes can be controlled, increasing the range of support materials giving dense nanotube forests.
Morphology dependent electron transport in an n-type electron accepting small molecule for solar cell applications
Authors: Krueger Karsten B. , Schwenn Paul E. , Gui Ke , Pivrikas Almantas , Meredith Paul , Burn Paul L.
Published: February 2011

We report on the charge transport properties of a simple solution processable small-molecule electron acceptor, 2-[{7-(9,9-di-n-propyl-9H-fluoren-2-yl)benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazol-4-yl}methylene]malononitrile (K12), designed for use in bulk-heterojunction organic photovoltaic cells. It was found that the molecular order in as-cast films can be dramatically improved by annealing at moderate temperatures (60 °C), which leads to a greatly enhanced electron mobility. Using the photoinduced charge extraction in linearly increasing voltage technique we measured bulk electron mobilities to be as high as 10−4 cm2 V−1 s−1, comparable with some of the best nonfullerene acceptor materials reported to date.
Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors attenuate cardiac hypertrophy by suppressing autophagy
Authors: Cao Dian J. , Wang Zhao V. , Battiprolu Pavan K. , Jiang Nan , Morales Cyndi R. , Kong Yongli , Rothermel Beverly A. , Gillette Thomas G. , Hill Joseph A.
Published: February 2011

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) regulate cardiac plasticity; however, their molecular targets are unknown. As autophagy contributes to pathological cardiac remodeling, we hypothesized that HDAC inhibitors target autophagy. The prototypical HDAC inhibitor (HDACi), trichostatin A (TSA), attenuated both load- and agonist-induced hypertrophic growth and abolished the associated activation of autophagy. Phenylephrine (PE)-triggered hypertrophy and autophagy in cultured cardiomyocytes were each blocked by a panel of structurally distinct HDAC inhibitors. RNAi-mediated knockdown of either Atg5 or Beclin 1, two essential autophagy effectors, was similarly capable of suppressing ligand-induced autophagy and myocyte growth. RNAi experiments uncovered the class I isoforms HDAC1 and HDAC2 as required for the autophagic response. To test the functional requirement of autophagic activation, we studied mice that overexpress Beclin 1 in cardiomyocytes. In these animals with a fourfold amplified autophagic response to TAC, TSA abolished TAC-induced increases in autophagy and blunted load-induced hypertrophy. Finally, we subjected animals with preexisting hypertrophy to HDACi, finding that ventricular mass reverted to near-normal levels and ventricular function normalized completely. Together, these data implicate autophagy as an obligatory element in pathological cardiac remodeling and point to HDAC1/2 as required effectors. Also, these data reveal autophagy as a previously unknown target of HDAC inhibitor therapy.
The relationship between personality, social functioning, and depression: A structural equation modeling analysis
Authors: Tse Wai S. , Rochelle Tina L. , Cheung Jacky C. K.
Published: February 2011

The relationship between personality, social functioning, and depression remains unclear. The present study employs structural equation modeling to examine the mediating role of social functioning between harm avoidance (HA), self‐directedness (SD), and depression. A sample of 902 individuals completed a self‐report questionnaire consisting of the following scales: HA and SD subscales of the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Social Adaptation Self‐Evaluation Scale (SASS). Structural equation modeling via analysis of moment structure was used to estimate the fit of nine related models. Results indicated that social functioning is a mediator between harm avoidance or self‐directness and depression. Self‐directedness was also shown to have direct effects on depression. The results support the social reinforcement theory of depression and provide a theoretical account of how the variables are related based on correlation methods. Suggestions are offered for future experimental and longitudinal research.
Isabella Bird Bishop (1831–1904) and Her Travels in Persia and Kurdistan in 1890
Authors: Scarce Jennifer
Published: February 2011

Isabella Bird Bishop was one of the remarkable Victorian women who traveled independently in both Persia and the neighboring countries of the Ottoman Empire. She came to Persia as a very experienced and respected travel writer who had journeyed alone and adventurously in the Americas, Australia, Japan and Malaya. Her travels in Persia in 1890 were possibly the hardest and most challenging of her life. She meticulously observed, recorded and finally published all that she saw—the terrain, meetings with the Qajar court, Bakhtiari and Kurdish tribal chiefs and the families, and the daily life and customs of the people.
Persian Ambassadors, their Circassians, and the Politics of Elizabethan and Regency England
Authors: Eskandari-Qajar Manoutchehr
Published: February 2011

The coincidence of the appearance of two Circassian women as wives of ambassadors on the Anglo-Persian diplomatic and political stage has generated more than passing interest in academic and lay literature. Though the story of Sir Robert Sherley and Lady Teresia Sherley is better known in British circles, and has even generated renewed interest with two simultaneous exhibitions in 2009 in London, the story of Fath Ali Shah's Ambassador to the Court of St. James, Abol Hassan Khan, has not received sufficient attention, and has certainly not been fully explored in the context of the politics of Regency England. The present article revisits key moments of the life of the Sherleys and of Abol Hassan Khan and Delaram, his Circassian wife, but goes beyond the retelling of their journeys to focus on how the latter two's visit to England generated bawdy depictions in the popular press and became the vehicle for political satire quite unconnected to their persons.
WHY SWISS-GERMANS DISLIKE GERMANS
Authors: Helbling Marc
Published: February 2011

This paper considers two common assumptions that often arise in the empirical literature on xenophobia – namely that xenophobic attitudes are found mostly among the poorly educated, and that xenophobia mainly concerns immigrants from low social classes and from geographically and culturally disparate nations. These arguments will be discussed in the context of the migration of high-skilled Germans to Switzerland, a phenomenon that has increased markedly in the last few years, leading to major controversies. A survey conducted in the city of Zurich has shown that Germans are considered less likable than other Western Europeans. Over the course of our analyses, two arguments are tested. First, I consider whether the boundaries between culturally similar groups are actually less fragile than those occurring between more dissimilar groups. Following this line of reasoning, I consider whether Swiss-Germans perceive German immigration as a cultural threat. Second, I consider whether well-educated people in high positions or people who seek to improve their job positions may feel threatened by new arrivals who are similarly well-educated. This rationale corresponds to the classic argument that working class people are xenophobic out of a fear that immigrants will take their jobs. Ultimately, this study finds empirical support for both arguments.
Effects of ingesting a sports drink during exercise and recovery on subsequent endurance capacity
Authors: Lee Jason K. W. , Nio Amanda Q. X. , Ang Wee Hon , Law Lydia Y. L. , Lim Chin Leong
Published: February 2011

Most rehydration studies prohibit fluid ingestion during the preceding bout of dehydrating exercise. However, an athlete using a widely researched carbohydrate‐electrolyte sports drink as a nutritional strategy is likely to consume the fluid both during and after exercise, warranting a study design with administration of test fluids during a preceding exercise bout and recovery. This is further enhanced with the incorporation of wind speed to mimic outdoor conditions. Improved performance, usually extrapolated from improved recovery, was directly quantified in this investigation with an endurance capacity test. Twelve males (mean±s: age 24.3±1.6 years; body fat 14.6±4.0%; 53.9±8.8 ml · kg−1 · min−1) performed three trials in which they ingested water, placebo or a carbohydrate‐electrolyte sports drink during exercise and ensuing recovery to evaluate their efficacy in replacing fluids and carbohydrates, and the effects on subsequent endurance capacity. Double‐blind administration of the placebo and sports drink minimized any researcher and participant bias. A total volume equivalent to 150% of sweat loss was ingested during 75 min cycling at 65% peak aerobic capacity () in the heat (temperature 32.1±0.3°C; relative humidity 66±1%, wind speed 2.5±0.1 m · s−1) and within 1 h of recovery (temperature=23°C, relative humidity=60%). An exercise capacity test at 65% was conducted after a further 4 h of recovery. A paired t‐test with Bonferroni correction was used to analyse variation between two trials (P<0.017). Percent fluid retention was higher with the sports drink than the placebo (water 36±10%, placebo 33±9%, sports drink 41±6%; P=0.004). Following rehydration, mean serum sodium concentration was higher with the sports drink (water 136±1 mmol · l−1, placebo 137±1 mmol · l−1, sports drink 138±1 mmol · l−1; P<0.001). Percent change in plasma volume at 5 h of recovery, relative to 0 min of exercise, was greater with the sports drink than with water (water 3±2%, placebo 3±3%, sports drink 6±3%; P=0.014). Blood glucose concentration was higher with the sports drink at 0 min (water 5.0±0.3 mmol · l−1, placebo 5.0±0.3 mmol · l−1, sports drink 6.2±1.4 mmol · l−1; P<0.017) and 1 h (water 4.8±0.3 mmol · l−1, placebo 4.9±0.3 mmol · l−1, sports drink 7.3±0.7 mmol · l−1; P<0.001) of recovery. Endurance capacity was greater with the sports drink (1.14±0.22 h) than with water (0.85±0.27 h; P<0.001) or placebo (0.92±0.25 h; P=0.013). Ingestion of the sports drink during and after moderate‐intensity exercise replaces fluids and energy lost more effectively than water and a placebo, leading to an improvement in subsequent endurance capacity.
Reduced cardiovascular risk is associated with aerobic fitness in university students
Authors: Hoyos Itziar , Irazusta Amaia , Gravina Leyre , Gil Susana M. , Gil Javier , Irazusta Jon
Published: February 2011

The aims of this study were to assess the physical activity and aerobic fitness of a group of university students (n=399) and to evaluate their risk for cardiovascular disease. Leisure‐time physical activity, body composition, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and maximal oxygen uptake () were assessed. During leisure time, the majority (53.5%) of female students were found to be sedentary, while the majority of male students (49.6%) were found to be active (P<0.001). Active students, both males (P<0.05) and females (P<0.05), had higher absolute and relative values than their sedentary counterparts. No statistically significant differences were found in anthropometric or blood pressure values according to the different physical activity classification levels. In contrast, relative was negatively associated with percentage body fat (males: P<0.01; females: P<0.01) and body mass index (males: P<0.01; females: P<0.01). We also found a negative association between relative and systolic (males: P<0.05; females: P<0.01) and diastolic blood pressure (males: P<0.01; females: P<0.01). The present results indicate that poor physical fitness, evaluated in terms of relative , is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease in university students. This is a cause for concern, especially for male studentsp, since their aerobic capacity was found to be rather low.
Reproducibility of two electrical stimulation techniques to assess neuromuscular fatigue
Authors: Coso Juan Del , Hamouti Nassim , Estevez Emma , Mora‐Rodriguez Ricardo
Published: February 2011

The main aim of this study was to compare the reliability of percutaneous electrical stimulation over the muscle (MES) and electrical stimulation over the nerve (NES) to assess quadriceps muscle voluntary activation and muscle contractile properties. A secondary aim was to determine whether MES detects the fatigue induced by prolonged exercise in the heat. For the first purpose, eight participants performed on three non‐consecutive days: quadriceps maximal voluntary contractions (MVC) with superimposed electrical stimulation to assess voluntary activation, and electrically evoked contractions to assess peak force (PEVO), using NES (ball‐shaped cathode) or MES (adhesive electrodes). For the second purpose, the same participants pedalled for 2 h at 60% VO2max in a 36°C environment. Quadriceps maximal voluntary contractions, voluntary activation, and PEVO were measured before and just after the completion of exercise using MES. Voluntary activation assessed with MES presented lower intra‐day (1.3±0.2 vs. 2.5±0.5%) and inter‐day (1.7±0.3 vs. 2.9 ±0.4%) coefficients of variation than with NES. PEVO had lower intra‐day and inter‐day coefficients of variation (5.6±1.0 vs. 17.0±3.3%) and higher intraclass correlation values (ICC 0.95 vs. 0.85) when using MES than with NES either when stimulating at 20 or 80 Hz. Prolonged exercise in the heat reduced MVC (11±2%) and quadriceps muscle voluntary activation (5.2±0.5%) from pre‐exercise values (P<0.05), as previously found. PEVO was unaffected by exercise in the heat. In conclusion, MES is more reliable than NES to assess quadriceps muscle voluntary activation and PEVO. In addition, MES readily detects the reduction in voluntary activation induced by prolonged exercise in the heat.
Physiological demands of match‐play in elite tennis: A case study
Authors: Gomes Rodrigo V. , Coutts Aaron J. , Viveiros Luis , Aoki Marcelo S.
Published: February 2011

The physiological and perceptual demands together with match notation of a four‐set tennis match were studied in two elite professional players during the preparation for the 2008 Davis Cup. The design of this case report is unique in that it is the first to describe the demands of prolonged match‐play (197 min) over four sets in ecologically valid conditions. The variables measured before and after each set included blood lactate and glucose concentrations, body mass, and perception of effort. Stroke count for each rally and heart rate were recorded during each set while salivary cortisol concentration was determined before and after the match. The rally length decreased as the match progressed. The results showed significant physiological stress, with each player losing greater than 2.5% of body mass (as fluid) and having elevated salivary cortisol concentrations after the match. Heart rate and perception of effort were also increased following each set indicating increasing stress. However, blood lactate decreased following the fourth set while blood glucose was maintained. The results also suggest that elite players may adjust work rates or tactics to cope with the increased perception of effort. This report shows that four sets of tennis are associated with increasing stress and fatigue.
Variability and predictability of elite competitive slalom canoe‐kayak performance
Authors: Nibali Maria , Hopkins Will G. , Drinkwater Eric
Published: February 2011

Little is known about the race performance characteristics of elite‐level slalom canoeists or the magnitude of improvement necessary to enhance medal‐winning prospects. Final placing in this sport is determined by the aggregate of semi‐final and final run times inclusive of penalty times. We therefore used mixed linear modelling to analyse these times for finalists ranked in the top and bottom half in the men's canoe, men's kayak, and women's kayak boat classes at World Cups, World Championships, and Olympic Games from 2000 to 2007. The run‐to‐run variability for top‐ranked athletes at different courses ranged from 0.8% to 3.2% (90% confidence limits ×/÷1.11–1.31), reflecting differences in how challenging these courses were. The race‐to‐race variability of aggregate run time was 1.2–2.1% (×/÷~1.09); 0.3 of this variability yields the smallest worthwhile enhancement of 0.4–0.6%. The variabilities of bottom‐ranked finalists were approximately double those of top‐ranked finalists. The home advantage was small (0.3–0.8%), and incurring a penalty had a marginal effect on reducing actual run time (0.2–0.7%). Correlation coefficients for performance predictability within competitions (0.06–0.35), within years (0.12–0.47), and between years (0.12–0.43) were poor. In conclusion, the variability of performance and smallest worthwhile enhancements in slalom canoe‐kayaking are larger than those of comparable sports, and race outcomes are largely unpredictable.
Set up to fail: consociational political structures in post-war Iraq, 2003–2010
Authors: Younis Nussaibah
Published: February 2011

Since Arend Lijphart’s development of the theory of consociationalism in 1969, dominant schools of thought have accepted that ‘power sharing’ and ‘group autonomy’ are the basic preconditions of democratic governance in divided societies. The constitution and electoral framework adopted by post-invasion Iraq instituted many of Lijphart’s recommendations, including proportional representation, federalism and a parliamentary system with a weak presidency. But this democratic framework has failed Iraq. Eight months on from its 2010 parliamentary election and still struggling to establish an effective government, Iraq is facing constitutional crisis. This article uses the case study of Iraq to uncover fundamental flaws in orthodox arguments about democracy in divided societies and it goes on to recommend changes that would better enable stable and effective governance.
Inhibitory signaling blocks activating receptor clustering and induces cytoskeletal retraction in natural killer cells
Authors: Abeyweera Thushara P. , Merino Ernesto , Huse Morgan
Published: February 2011

Natural killer (NK) lymphocytes use a variety of activating receptors to recognize and kill infected or tumorigenic cells during an innate immune response. To prevent targeting healthy tissue, NK cells also express numerous inhibitory receptors that signal through immunotyrosine-based inhibitory motifs (ITIMs). Precisely how signals from competing activating and inhibitory receptors are integrated and resolved is not understood. To investigate how ITIM receptor signaling impinges on activating pathways, we developed a photochemical approach for stimulating the inhibitory receptor KIR2DL2 during ongoing NK cell–activating responses in high-resolution imaging experiments. Photostimulation of KIR2DL2 induces the rapid formation of inhibitory receptor microclusters in the plasma membrane and the simultaneous suppression of microclusters containing activating receptors. This is followed by the collapse of the peripheral actin cytoskeleton and retraction of the NK cell from the source of inhibitory stimulation. These results suggest a cell biological basis for ITIM receptor signaling and establish an experimental framework for analyzing it.
Intratumor T helper type 2 cell infiltrate correlates with cancer-associated fibroblast thymic stromal lymphopoietin production and reduced survival in pancreatic cancer
Authors: De Monte Lucia , Reni Michele , Tassi Elena , Clavenna Daniela , Papa Ilenia , Recalde Helios , Braga Marco , Di Carlo Valerio , Doglioni Claudio , Protti Maria Pia
Published: February 2011

Pancreatic cancer is a very aggressive disease characterized by a marked desmoplasia with a predominant Th2 (GATA-3+) over Th1 (T-bet+) lymphoid infiltrate. We found that the ratio of GATA-3+/T-bet+ tumor-infiltrating lymphoid cells is an independent predictive marker of patient survival. Patients surgically treated for stage IB/III disease with a ratio inferior to the median value had a statistically significant prolonged overall survival, implying an active role for Th2 responses in disease progression. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), which favors Th2 cell polarization through myeloid dendritic cell (DC) conditioning, was secreted by cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) after activation with tumor-derived tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 1β. TSLP-containing supernatants from activated CAFs induced in vitro myeloid DCs to up-regulate the TSLP receptor (TSLPR), secrete Th2-attracting chemokines, and acquire TSLP-dependent Th2-polarizing capability in vitro. In vivo, Th2 chemoattractants were expressed in the tumor and in the stroma, and TSLPR-expressing DCs were present in the tumor stroma and in tumor-draining but not in nondraining lymph nodes. Collectively, this study identifies in pancreatic cancer a cross talk between tumor cells and CAFs, resulting in a TSLP-dependent induction of Th2-type inflammation which associates with reduced patient survival. Thus, blocking TSLP production by CAFs might help to improve prognosis in pancreatic cancer.