bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Porphyromonas Gingivalis is Associated With Protease‐Activated Receptor‐2 Upregulation in Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Fagundes José Américo G. , Monoo Letícia D. , Euzébio Alves Vanessa Tubero , Pannuti Cláudio Mendes , Cortelli Sheila Cavalca , Cortelli José Roberto , Holzhausen Marinella
Published: April 2011

Background: We previously reported a higher expression of protease‐activated receptor‐2 (PAR2) together with higher interleukin (IL)‐1α, IL‐6, IL‐8, and tumor necrosis factor‐α levels, total proteolytic activity, Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) prevalence, and neutrophil‐protease 3 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression in patients with chronic periodontitis compared to healthy control patients. The aim of the present study is to expand this observation by considering the site level according to the presence of Pg.

Methods: Microbiologic and gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected from patients with chronic periodontitis. Pg presence was evaluated by polymerase chain reaction and PAR2 mRNA expression was evaluated by reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction. Total proteolytic activity in the crevicular fluid was analyzed by using a specific substrate benzoylarginine nitroanilide, and the proinflammatory mediators IL‐1α, IL‐6, IL‐8, and tumor necrosis factor‐α were analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: In Pg–positive periodontal sites, the mean probing depth and clinical attachment level, the prevalence of bleeding on probing sites, and crevicular fluid volume were higher (P <0.05) compared to Pg–negative sites. In addition, with the exception of IL‐8, all other inflammatory mediators were positively (P <0.05) associated with Pg presence. Pg presence was also positively associated with a higher proteolytic activity (P = 0.0037) and higher PAR2 mRNA expression (P = 0.0271).

Conclusions: We conclude that in chronic periodontitis, periodontal pockets presenting Pg show an upregulation of PAR2 gene expression, and higher proinflammatory profile associated with advanced clinical destruction, therefore suggesting that Pg plays a pivotal role on PAR2‐mediated periodontal inflammation in humans.
Public Perceptions of Urban Air Pollution Risks
Authors: Saksena Sumeet
Published: April 2011

Understanding public perception and attitudes toward air quality and regulation is critical for successful citizen involvement as shifts toward new technologies and management alternatives take place. While urban air pollution continues to be a major risk in most parts of the world, very few studies and surveys have been conducted to systematically study public perceptions related to air pollution. Even fewer studies have focused on developing countries. This gap is critical because of the complex interaction between poverty, livelihoods and sustainable development in developing countries. A Pressure‐State‐Response framework is used to review studies of public perceptions of air pollution and knowledge gaps are identified. The paper highlights unique characteristics of urban areas in developing countries in the context of air pollution related perceptions.
Like a phoenix from the ashes
Authors: Zaniewicz Grzegorz , Busse Przemysław
Published: April 2011

Like a phoenix from the ashes

From 1967 until 1990, populations of five Sylvia species migrating through the southwestern coast of the Baltic Sea were considerably low and significantly decreasing in the Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla), Garden Warbler (S. borin) and Barred Warbler (S. nisoria). While after that period a rapid increase in the populations of these migratory species was noted. Similar changes that had started about 1991 were shown by all five Sylvia species. Such coincidence could indicate some common factors acting upon the studied group of migrants at the same time. Apart from a clear increase in the long-term dynamics of the species observed at Bukowo-Kopań station, the Pearson correlation coefficients of these dynamics calculated for every pair of the analysed Sylvia species in 1967-2006 were high and statistically significant.

Based on the distribution of recoveries of the Lesser Whitethroat (S. curruca) we assumed that the main fraction of birds passing the south-western coast of the Baltic Sea originated from the Scandinavian Peninsula. Recent climate changes observed in this area were consistent with the time when the increase in the number of caught birds was noted. Consequently, we suspect that the analysed Sylvia species passing this part of the coast share vast breeding grounds located mainly on the Fennoscandian Peninsula, where their populations are affected by the same common factors.
Timing, age classes and water-crossing behaviour of Black Kites (Milvus migrans) during spring migration across the Central Mediterranean
Authors: Panuccio Michele , Agostini Nicolantonio
Published: April 2011

Timing, age classes and water-crossing behaviour of Black Kites (Milvus migrans) during spring migration across the Central Mediterranean

The main migratory passage of Black Kites across the Mediterranean Sea occurs at the Strait of Gibraltar, where the migration peak is observed in early March. Conversely, in the Central Mediterranean the migration of this species is scarce during the supposed peak period, while hundreds of individuals are observed migrating later in the season, mostly in April and May. In the present study we investigate the spring migration of Black Kites at two sites of the Central Mediterranean, the island of Ustica and the Strait of Messina. Timing, age classes and water-crossing behaviour of this species suggest that large numbers of non-breeders use this route during spring. However, a peculiar migration timing of breeding pairs belonging to the Italian population cannot be excluded.
The ammonium content in the Malayer igneous and metamorphic rocks (Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone, Western Iran)
Authors: Ahadnejad Vahid , Hirt Ann , Valizadeh Mohammad-Vali , Bokani Saeed
Published: April 2011

The ammonium content in the Malayer igneous and metamorphic rocks (Sanandaj-Sirjan Zone, Western Iran)

The ammonium (NH4+) contents of the Malayer area (Western Iran) have been determined by using the colorimetric method on 26 samples from igneous and metamorphic rocks. This is the first analysis of the ammonium contents of Iranian metamorphic and igneous rocks. The average ammonium content of metamorphic rocks decreases from low-grade to high-grade metamorphic rocks (in ppm): slate 580, phyllite 515, andalusite schist 242. In the case of igneous rocks, it decreases from felsic to mafic igneous types (in ppm): granites 39, monzonite 20, diorite 17, gabbro 10. Altered granitic rocks show enrichment in NH4+(mean 61 ppm). The high concentration of ammonium in Malayer granites may indicate metasedimentary rocks as protoliths rather than meta-igneous rocks. These granitic rocks (S-types) have high K-bearing rock-forming minerals such as biotite, muscovite and K-feldspar which their potassium could substitute with ammonium. In addition, the high ammonium content of metasediments is probably due to inheritance of nitrogen from organic matter in the original sediments. The hydrothermally altered samples of granitic rocks show highly enrichment of ammonium suggesting external sources which intruded additional content by either interaction with metasedimentary country rocks or meteoritic solutions.
Improving Cancer Control in Canada One Case at a Time: The “knowledge Translation in Cancer” Casebook
Authors: Brouwers Melissa C. , Makarski J. , Garcia K. , Bouseh S. , Hafid T.
Published: April 2011

Purpose: In-the-field projects aiming to improve quality in cancer control provide a valuable complement to health services and knowledge translation (KT) research studies. The present paper describes the methods used to develop the Knowledge Translation for Cancer Control in Canada: A Casebook and its results. Methods: Nominations for in-the-field projects were accepted from individuals and organizations across Canada. The nominations had to demonstrate that a specific cancer control problem was identified; that a deliberate and organized effort was developed and implemented to address the identified problem; and that an evaluation—formal or informal—was used to assess the effort. A selection of nominated cases were chosen for more comprehensive analysis. Results: Thirty nominations were received. Most tackled problems related to treatment or diagnosis. Challenges related to breast, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary cancer were most common among the disease-specific projects, and most projects were regional in scope, with strategies targeting organizational solutions. Of the 30 nominations, 19 were chosen for further analysis. Of those 19, 5 were influenced by a KT model or theory, and 16 reported formal evaluation strategies. Surveys were the most common evaluation method, and process outcomes and clinical surrogate outcomes were the most frequently cited. Financial and administrative challenges were most often cited as key barriers. The key lessons learned concerned the need for a collaborative high-functioning team, project management, and support. Conclusions: The casebook provides tangible examples of in-the-field efforts to improve cancer control and provides practical direction for other individuals and institutions facing similar challenges. We discuss the interface between field projects and research projects in the KT arena and how mutual learning can help to optimize the value of each approach.
Zirconium nanoparticles prepared by the reduction of zirconium oxide using the RAPET method
Authors: Eshed Michal , Pol Swati , Gedanken Aharon , Balasubramanian Mahalingam
Published: April 2011

The aim of the current work is the synthesis and characterization of metallic Zr nanoparticles. The preparation is carried out by using the RAPET method (Reaction under Autogenic Pressure at Elevated Temperatures) developed in our lab. The RAPET reaction of commercial ZrO2 with Mg powder was carried out in a closed stainless steel cell, at 750 °C. On completion of the reaction, the additionally formed MgO is removed by treatment with acid. The characterization of the product was performed by XRD, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, SEM, TEM and elemental analysis. The XRD pattern reveals that the product is composed of pure metallic zirconium, without any traces of the MgO by-product.
L'ethnographie irlandaise : lieux et place du terrain d'enquête
Authors: Donnan Hastings
Published: April 2011

Résumé Tout en offrant un aperçu du développement de l’ethnographie en Irlande du Nord et en République d’Irlande, cet article suggère que le « lieu » ( place ) et la localité ( locality ) restent au cœur de l’analyse anthropologique, même si, en réponse aux changements traversés par la société et la culture irlandaises, et aux réorientations de la théorie sociale, les définitions du terrain ( field ) ont évolué.
La mémoire en attente
Authors: Garvey Pauline , Drazin Adam
Published: April 2011

Résumé Le parcours historique des collections ethnographiques irlandaises, historiquement les plus importantes, est inextricablement lié au passé colonialiste et post-colonialiste de l’Irlande. L’île occupe à cet égard une position tout à fait singulière. À une certaine époque, elle abrita en effet la seconde ville de l’Empire britannique, tout en figurant parmi les pays qui souffrirent le plus des effets catastrophiques de l’administration coloniale. L’histoire récente dans le domaine des musées et du patrimoine est elle aussi inhabituelle : de superbes collections ethnographiques et folkloriques sont restées enfermées pendant des décennies. Or, ces objets témoignent de l’idée que l’Irlande se fait d’elle-même et de sa position dans l’histoire. Cet article présente ce patrimoine ethnographique dont la signification anthropologique est examinée en appliquant le concept d’« objets en attente ».
Segregation of Species-Specific Male Attractiveness inF2Hybrid Lake Malawi Cichlid Fish
Authors: Svensson Ola , Egger Bernd , Gricar Boye , Woodhouse Katie , van Oosterhout Cock , Salzburger Walter , Seehausen Ole , Turner George F.
Published: April 2011

Among the huge radiations of haplochromine cichlid fish in Lakes Malawi and Victoria, closely related species are often reproductively isolated via female mate choice although viable fertile hybrids can be produced when females are confined only with heterospecific males. We generated F2hybrid males from a cross between a pair of closely related sympatric cichlid fish from Lake Malawi. Laboratory mate choice experiments using microsatellite paternity analysis demonstrated that F2hybrid males differed significantly in their attractiveness to females of the two parental species, indicating heritable variation in traits involved in mate choice that may contribute to reproductive isolation between these species. We found no significant correlation between male mating success and any measurement of male colour pattern. A simple quantitative genetic model of reproductive isolation suggests that there may be as few as two chromosomal regions controlling species-specific attractiveness. We propose that adaptive radiation of Lake Malawi cichlids could be facilitated by the presence of genes with major effects on mate choice and reproductive isolation.
Barriers of Thrombolysis Therapy in Developing Countries
Authors: Ghandehari Kavian
Published: April 2011

The developing world carries the highest burden of stroke mortality and stroke-related disability. The number of stroke patients receiving r-tPA in the developing world is extremely low. Prehospital delay, financial constraints, and lack of infrastructure are main barriers of thrombolysis therapy in developing countries. Until a cheaper thrombolytic agent and the proper infrastructure for utilization of thrombolytic therapy is available, developing countries should focus on primary and secondary stroke prevention strategies. However, governments and health systems of developing countries should efforts exerb for promotion of their infrastructure of stroke care.
Artemether-Lumefantrine Combination Therapy for Treatment of Uncomplicated Malaria: The Potential for Complex Interactions with Antiretroviral Drugs in HIV-Infected Individuals
Authors: Byakika-Kibwika Pauline , Lamorde Mohammed , Mayanja-Kizza Harriet , Khoo Saye , Merry Concepta , Van geertruyden Jean-Pierre
Published: April 2011

Treatment of malaria in HIV-infected individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) poses significant challenges. Artemether-lumefantrine (AL) is one of the artemisisnin-based combination therapies recommended for treatment of malaria. The drug combination is highly efficacious against sensitive and multidrug resistant falciparum malaria. Both artemether and lumefantrine are metabolized by hepatic cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes which metabolize the protease inhibitors (PIs) and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) used for HIV treatment. Coadministration of NNRTIs and PIs with AL could potentially cause complex pharmacokinetic drug interactions. NNRTI by inducing CYP450 3A4 enzyme and PIs by inhibiting CYP450 3A4 enzymes could influence both artemether and lumefantrine concentrations and their active metabolites dihydroartemisinin and desbutyl-lumefantrine, predisposing patients to poor treatment response, toxicity, and risk for development of resistance. There are scanty data on these interactions and their consequences. Pharmacokinetic studies to evaluate these interactions in the target populations are urgently needed.
Ramon's Syndrome: A Rare Entity
Authors: LNU Alexander , Peter Sherry , Nampoothiri Sheela , Rao Latha , Nambiar Ajith , Veeraraghavan Ravi , Puthalath Ushass
Published: April 2011

Introduction

Ramon et al in 1967 described a condition, which included mental retardation, fibrous dysplasia of the maxilla and stunted growth. De Pino et al described a Brazilian family of four who had the same features as that of Ramon's syndrome in association with juvenile arthritis. Cherubism was first described in 1933 by Jones as ‘familial multilocular cystic lesion of the jaws’, a rare benign fibroosseous disease of the jaws, which is transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait. Affected children usually present before five years of age with painless progressive swelling of the cheeks, frequently associated with dental malformations. It progresses until puberty, and shows partial or complete spontaneous involution in adulthood; therefore, management is mostly conservative. The condition was initially characterized as familial, particularly as a form of craniofacial fibrous dysplasia. The children affected with cherubism do not usually show mental or physical deformities, but when cherubism is associated with other syndromes like Noonan-like syndrome, Ramon syndrome, and Fragile X syndrome, mental and physical deformities may be seen.

Case Report

This is a case report of a 12-year-old boy who reported with a massive painless bilateral swelling of the face, which has been increasing since the age of 2 years. The patient had multiple unerupted teeth, gingival hyperplasia, hearing loss and mental retardation. A detailed case report, including the histopathology, radiographic features (extraoral, CT and MDCT), and management of the case will be discussed in detail.
Papillon-Lefevre Syndrome: A Novel Familial Presentation
Authors: Sudhakar S , MPV Prabhat , Praveen Kumar B
Published: April 2011

Papillon-Lefevre syndrome (PLS) is a condition characterized by dermatological manifestations and early onset periodontitis. The pathogenesis of PLS is secondary to mutation of the cathepsin C gene. Hence, the manifestations are expressed on the areas of the body covered by epithelium, such as palms, soles, knees and keratinized oral gingiva. Various immune cells, including polymorphonuclear leukocytes, macrophages, and their precursors are also affected leading to functional disability. PLS is an autosomal recessive condition and can occur in siblings born of consanguineous marriages. This report highlights a rare instance of two siblings of a family affected with Papillon-Lefevre syndrome.
A network of autonomous surface ozone monitors in Antarctica: technical description and first results
Authors: Bauguitte S. J.-B. , Brough N. , Frey M. M. , Jones A. E. , Maxfield D. J. , Roscoe H. K. , Rose M. C. , Wolff E. W.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. A suite of 10 autonomous ozone monitoring units, each powered using renewable energy, was developed and built to study surface ozone in Antarctica during the International Polar Year (2007–2009). The monitoring systems were deployed in a network around the Weddell Sea sector of coastal Antarctica with a transect up onto the Antarctic Plateau. The aim was to measure for a full year, thus gaining a much-improved broader view of boundary layer ozone seasonality at different locations as well as of factors affecting the budget of surface ozone in Antarctica. Ozone mixing ratios were measured based on UV photometry using a modified version of the commercial 2B Technologies Inc. Model 202 instrument. All but one of the autonomous units measured successfully within its predefined duty cycle throughout the year, with some differences in performance dependent on power availability and ambient temperature. Mean data recovery after removal of outliers was on average 70% (range 44–83%) and precision varied between 1.5 and 8 ppbv, thus was sufficiently good to resolve year-round the main ozone features of scientific interest. We conclude that, with adequate power, and noting a minor communication problem, our units would be able to operate successfully at ambient temperatures down to −60 °C. Systems such as the one described in this paper, or derivatives of it, could therefore be deployed either as local or regional networks elsewhere in the Arctic or Antarctic. Here we present technical information and first results from the experiment.
Methane release from gas hydrate systems during the Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum and other past hyperthermal events: setting appropriate parameters for discussion
Authors: Dickens G. R.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. Enormous amounts of 13C-depleted carbon rapidly entered the exogenic carbon cycle during the onset of the Paleocene-Eocene thermal maximum (PETM), as attested to by a prominent negative δ13C excursion and widespread seafloor carbonate dissolution. A widely cited explanation for this carbon input has been thermal dissociation of gas hydrate, followed by release of massive CH4 from the seafloor and its subsequent oxidation to CO2 in the ocean or atmosphere. Increasingly, papers have argued against this mechanism, but without fully considering existing ideas and available data. Moreover, other explanations have been presented as plausible alternatives, even though they conflict with geological observations, they raise major conceptual problems, or both. Methane release from gas hydrates remains a congruous explanation for the δ
Skill assessment of a global hydrological model in reproducing flow extremes
Authors: Candogan Yossef N. , van Beek L. P. H. , Kwadijk J. C. J. , Bierkens M. F. P.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. As an initial step in assessing the prospect of using macro-scale hydrological models (MHMs) for hydrological forecasting, this study investigates the skill of the MHM PCR-GLOBWB in reproducing past discharge extremes on a global scale. Global terrestrial hydrology from 1958 until 2001 is simulated by forcing PCR-GLOBWB with daily meteorological data obtained by downscaling the CRU dataset to daily fields using the ERA-40 reanalysis. Simulated discharge values are compared with observed monthly streamflow records for a selection of 20 large river basins that represent all continents and a wide range of climatic zones. We assess model skill in three ways. First, the general performance of the model in reproducing hydrographs is evaluated. Second, model skill in reproducing significantly higher and lower flows than the monthly normals is assessed in terms of skill scores used for forecasts of categorical events. Third, model skill in reproducing flood and drought events is assessed by constructing binary contingency tables for floods and droughts for each basin. The results show that the model has skill in all three types of hindcasting. After bias correction the model skill in simulating hydrographs is improved considerably. For most basins it is much higher than that of the climatology. The skill in hindcasting monthly anomalies is high compared to that of an imaginary unskilled system. The model also performs better than an unskilled system in hindcasting floods and droughts, with a markedly higher skill in floods. We conclude that the prospect for using PCR-GLOBWB for monthly and seasonal hydrological forecasting is positive. Our results which we argue are representative for other similar MHMs, show that MHMs have sufficient skill for use in forecasting flow extremes.
Composition of the athletes diet
Authors: Pramuková Beáta , Čokášová Denisa , Salaj Rastislav
Published: April 2011

Sports nutrition is a constantly evolving field with many of research papers published annually. However, designing the most suitable sports diet is very difficult. It must be given to the type of training, its duration and intensity, the age and sex of the athlete and also for overall health. The aim of this article is to summarize knowledges about sports nutrition, especially intake of carbohydrates, proteins, fats and dietary supplements and their influence on the performance and recovery of the athlete.
Prolonged Fetal Bradycardia as the Presenting Clinical Sign in Congenital Syphilis Complicated by Necrotizing Funisitis: A Case Report
Authors: Kakogawa Jun , Sadatsuki Miyuki , Masuya Norio , Gomibuchi Hideto , Minoura Shigeki , Hoshimoto Kazuhusa
Published: April 2011

Syphilis remains a serious cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. In this paper, we describe a case of congenital syphilis that was fully supported by abnormal fetal heart rate patterns and placental histopathological evidence. A 24-year-old para 4 woman, who did not attend antenatal care, was admitted to our hospital with a complaint of abdominal discomfort at an estimated 31-week gestation. Fetal heart rate monitoring showed prolonged bradycardia. A neonate weighting 1,423 g with severe birth asphyxia was immediately delivered by cesarean section. Following delivery, the mother and the neonate were diagnosed with syphilis. Histopathological examination confirmed severe chorioamnionitis and necrotizing funisitis with numerous Treponema pallidum. Conclusions. Challenges in establishing the diagnosis of necrotizing funisitis are essential for optimal management of a fetus with a systemic inflammatory response in utero.
Product Property on Generalized Lindelöf Spaces
Authors: Kiliçman Adem , Fawakhreh Anwar Jabor
Published: April 2011

We study the product properties of nearly Lindelöf, almost Lindelöf, and weakly Lindelöf spaces. We prove that in weak P-spaces, these topological properties are preserved under finite topological products. We also show that the product of separable spaces is weakly Lindelöf.
High eosinophil levels and poor evolution in occupational asthma due to cyanoacrylate exposure
Authors: Andujar Ruben , Cruz María‐Jesús , Villar Ana , Morell Ferran , Muñoz Xavier
Published: April 2011

We present the case of a 41‐year‐old woman who developed occupational asthma (OA) due to cyanoacrylate while working in a company that manufactured and marketed plastic products. Specific inhalation challenge confirmed the diagnosis of OA to cyanoacrylate. The patient expressed marked eosinophilic inflammation and marked deterioration of pulmonary function while in persistent contact with the causal agent. The possible etiologic mechanisms implicated in the origin of this type of OA are discussed. Patients diagnosed with this condition are advised to avoid exposure to cyanoacrylates. Am. J. Ind. Med. 54:714–718, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preparation and properties of transparent copolymers based on cyclotriphosphazene and styrene as potential flame‐retardant optical resins
Authors: Guo Ya‐Ni , Ming Jin‐Yang , Li Chao‐Yu , Qiu Jin‐Jun , Tang He‐Qing , Liu Cheng‐Mei
Published: April 2011

Transparent copolymers composed of hexa(allyl 4‐hydroxybenzoate) cyclotriphosphazene (compound 1) and styrene as potential halogen‐free, flame‐retardant optical resins were prepared by radical copolymerization. The thermal performances of the cured resins were studied with thermogravimetric analysis; the decomposition mechanism of the copolymers was investigated with integrated thermogravimetry–Fourier transform infrared analysis. Compared with conventional polystyrene, the synthesized copolymers exhibited a higher refractive index and a higher thermal stability both under nitrogen and air atmospheres at elevated temperature, and the visible‐light transmittance of the copolymers decreased slightly. With increasing ratio of compound 1 to styrene in the copolymers, the onset decomposition temperature and the char yield both increased gradually. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Towards Quantitative Catalytic Lignin Depolymerization
Authors: Roberts Virginia. M. , Stein Valentin , Reiner Thomas , Lemonidou Angeliki , Li Xuebing , Lercher Johannes A.
Published: April 2011

The products of base‐catalyzed liquid‐phase hydrolysis of lignin depend markedly on the operating conditions. By varying temperature, pressure, catalyst concentration, and residence time, the yield of monomers and oligomers from depolymerized lignin can be adjusted. It is shown that monomers of phenolic derivatives are the only primary products of base‐catalyzed hydrolysis and that oligomers form as secondary products. Oligomerization and polymerization of these highly reactive products, however, limit the amount of obtainable product oil containing low‐molecular‐weight phenolic products. Therefore, inhibition of concurrent oligomerization and polymerization reactions during hydrothermal lignin depolymerization is important to enhance product yields. Applying boric acid as a capping agent to suppress addition and condensation reactions of initially formed products is presented as a successful approach in this direction. Combination of base‐catalyzed lignin hydrolysis with addition of boric acid protecting agent shifts the product distribution to lower molecular weight compounds and increases product yields beyond 85 %.
On the Photophysics of 1,6‐Diphenyl‐1,3,5‐Hexatriene Isomers and Rotamers
Authors: Küpper Balduin , Kleinschmidt Martin , Schaper Klaus , Marian Christel M.
Published: April 2011

Herein, the low‐lying electronic states of various isomers and rotamers of 1,6‐diphenyl‐1,3,5‐hexatriene (DPH) are studied by a combination of density functional theory and multireference configuration interaction. Starting from the all‐trans nuclear arrangement, trans–cis isomerization pathways in the electronic ground state and in the first excited triplet state were determined. Further, spin–orbit coupling calculations were carried out at selected points where singlet‐triplet energy gaps are small. The calculations reveal that the primarily excited, optically bright 11Bu state undergoes a curve crossing with the optically dark multiconfigurational 21Ag state upon geometry relaxation in the excited state. The strong vibronic coupling of the two singlets in the neighborhood of the conical intersection provides a conclusive explanation for the experimentally observed fast equilibration of the states and the appearance of delayed fluorescence. With regard to the trans–cis isomerization of the central CC bond, the perpendicular conformation is found to represent a maximum on the energy profile not only of the electronic ground state, but also of the low‐lying excited states. The lack of a strong driving force along the torsional coordinate explains the low tendency of DPH for isomerization. Finally, the results of our spin–orbit coupling calculations suggest that the intramolecular formation of DPH molecules in the T1 (13Bu) state proceeds from the 11Bu state and involves intermediately the T2 (13Ag) state.
Selective effects of NF‐κB1 deficiency in CD4+ T cells on Th2 and TFh induction by alum‐precipitated protein vaccines
Authors: Serre Karine , Mohr Elodie , Bénézech Cécile , Bird Roger , Khan Mahmood , Caamaño Jorge H. , Cunningham Adam F. , MacLennan Ian C. M.
Published: April 2011

NF‐κB1‐dependent signaling directs the development of CD4+ Th2 cells during allergic airway inflammation and protective responses to helminth infection. Here, we show that IL‐4 and IL‐13 production is NF‐κB1‐dependent in mouse OVA‐specific CD4+ (OTII) T cells responding to alum‐precipitated OVA (alumOVA) immunization. More surprisingly, we found that NF‐κB1 deficiency in OTII cells also selectively impairs their CXCR5 induction by alumOVA without affecting upregulation of BCL6, IL‐21, OX40 and CXCR4 mRNA and PD‐1 protein. This results in functional impairment of follicular helper T cells. Thus, fewer germinal center B cells develop in LN responses to alumOVA in T‐cell‐deficient mice reconstituted with NF‐κB1−/− OTII cells as opposed to NF‐κB1+/+ OTII cells, while plasma cell numbers are comparable. Unlike CXCR5 induction in CD4+ T cells, NF‐κB1‐deficient recirculating follicular B cells are shown to express normal levels of CXCR5. The selective effects of NF‐κB1‐deficiency on Th2 and follicular helper T cell induction do not appear to be due to altered expression of the Th2‐associated transcription factors — GATA‐3, c‐Maf and Ikaros. Altogether, these results suggest that NF‐κB1 regulates the expression of CXCR5 on CD4+ T cells primed in vivo, and thus selectively controls the T‐cell‐dependent germinal center component of B‐cell response to alumOVA.
Risk of new vertebral fractures in patients with adrenal incidentaloma with and without subclinical hypercortisolism: A multicenter longitudinal study
Authors: Morelli Valentina , Eller-Vainicher Cristina , Salcuni Antonio Stefano , Coletti Francesca , Iorio Laura , Muscogiuri Giovanna , Della Casa Silvia , Arosio Maura , Ambrosi Bruno , Beck-Peccoz Paolo , Chiodini Iacopo
Published: April 2011

In patients with adrenal incidentalomas (AIs), cross-sectional studies suggested the presence of an association between subclinical hypercortisolism (SH) and an increased prevalence of vertebral fractures (VFx) and spinal deformity index (SDI), which is a clinical index of bone quality. No longitudinal studies investigated the incidence of VFx and SDI changes over time in SH. The aim of this study was to evaluate VFx risk and SDI changes in SH over time. One-hundred-three consecutive AI patients were studied at baseline and after 12 and 24 months. Patients were divided into SH+ (n = 27) and SH– (n = 76) groups on the basis of the presence of two or more among urinary free cortisol greater than 70 µg/24 hours, serum cortisol after 1-mg dexamethasone suppression test greater than 3.0 µg/dL, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) less than 10 pg/mL in 2 or more of the 3 evaluations. At baseline and after 24 months, bone mineral density (BMD) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and the presence of VFx and SDI by summing the grade of deformity for each vertebra were evaluated. At the end of follow-up, the SH+ group showed a higher prevalence of VFx (81.5%) as compared with baseline (55.6%, p = .04) and a worsening of SDI (2.11 ± 1.85 versus 1.11 ± 1.47, p = .032) associated with SH regardless of age, gender, body mass index , BMD, baseline SDI, menopause duration [odds ratio (OR) = 12.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.1–36.5, p = .001]. The incidence of new vertebral fractures was higher in the SH+ group (48%) than in the SH– group (13%; p = .001). It is concluded that subclinical hypercortisolism is associated with an increased risk of VFx and a possible deterioration of bone quality. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Nucleosides accelerate inflammatory osteolysis, acting as distinct innate immune activators
Authors: Pan George , Zheng Rui , Yang Pingar , Li Yao , Clancy John P. , Liu Jianzhong , Feng Xu , Garber David A , Spearman Paul , McDonald Jay M
Published: April 2011

The innate immune system and its components play an important role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bone destruction. Blockade of inflammatory cytokines does not completely arrest bone erosion, suggesting that other mediators also may be involved in osteolysis. Previously we showed that nucleosides promote osteoclastogenesis and bone-resorption activity in the presence of receptor activator for nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) in vitro. The studies described here further demonstrate that selected nucleosides and nucleoside analogues accelerate bone destruction in mice immunized with collagen II alone (CII) but also further enhance bone erosion in mice immunized by collagen II plus complete Freund's adjuvant (CII + CFA). Abundant osteoclasts are accumulated in destructive joints. These data indicate that nucleosides act as innate immune activators distinct from CFA, synergistically accelerating osteoclast formation and inflammatory osteolysis. The potential roles of the surface triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM) and the intracellular inflammasome in nucleoside-enhanced osteoclastogenesis have been studied. These observations provide new insight into the pathogenesis and underlying mechanism of bone destruction in inflammatory autoimmune osteoarthritis. © 2011 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
DSM‐5 and ICD‐11 on personality disorder: A lawyer's perspective
Authors: Bartlett Peter
Published: April 2011

Medical definitions are not merely abstract categorizations. They are used in the real world, where they have social effects, and nowhere is this more true than for diagnoses of personality disorder. This article considers the relevance of personality disorder in legal contexts and questions whether meaningful analysis of how the new diagnostic structures proposed for ICD‐11 and DSM‐5 will play out in real, social situations has been carried out. Without such analysis, it is not possible to know whether the new criteria will be an improvement or a step backwards. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomics of corynebacteria: From biotechnology workhorses to pathogens
Authors: Poetsch Ansgar , Haußmann Ute , Burkovski Andreas
Published: April 2011

Corynebacteria belong to the high G+C Gram‐positive bacteria (Actinobacteria) and are closely related to Mycobacterium and Nocardia species. The best investigated member of this group of almost seventy species is Corynebacterium glutamicum, a soil bacterium isolated in 1957, which is used for the industrial production of more than two million tons of amino acids per year. This review focuses on the technical advances made in proteomics approaches during the last years and summarizes applications of these techniques with respect to C. glutamicum metabolic pathways and stress response. Additionally, selected proteome applications for other biotechnologically important or pathogenic corynebacteria are described.
Prediction models for the Abraham hydrogen bond donor strength: comparison of semi‐empirical,ab initio, and DFT methods
Authors: Schwöbel Johannes A. H. , Ebert Ralf‐Uwe , Kühne Ralph , Schüürmann Gerrit
Published: April 2011

Hydrogen bonding has a great impact on the partitioning of organic compounds in biological and environmental systems as well as on the shape and functionality of macromolecules. Electronic characteristics of single molecules, localized at the H‐bond (HB) donor site, are able to estimate the donor strength in terms of the Abraham parameterA. The quantum chemically calculated properties encode electrostatic, polarizability, and charge‐transfer contributions to hydrogen bonding. A recently introduced respective approach is extended to amides with more than one H atom per donor site, and adapted to the semi‐empirical AM1 scheme. For 451 organic compounds covering acidic CH, NH, and OH groups, the squared correlation coefficient is 0.95 for the Hartree–Fock and density functional theory (B3LYP) level of calculation, and 0.84 with AM1. The discussion includes separate analyses for weak, moderate, and strong HB donors, a comparison with the performance of increment methods, and opportunities for consensus modeling through the combined use of increment and quantum chemical methods. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ellipsometry as a probe of crystallization in binary blends of a sphere‐forming diblock copolymer
Authors: Carvalho Jessica L. , Somers Michael E. , Dalnoki‐Veress Kari
Published: April 2011

Ellipsometry is used to measure the crystallization and melting temperature of a bidisperse blend of a crystalline‐amorphous diblock copolymer. Binary blends of sphere‐forming poly(butadiene‐ethylene oxide) (PB‐PEO) of two different molecular weights are prepared. The two PB‐PEO diblocks that are used share the same amorphous majority PB block length but different crystalline PEO minority block length. As the concentration of higher molecular weight diblock in the blend is increased, the size of the PEO spherical domains swell, providing access to the full range of domain sizes between the limits of the two neat diblock components. The change in domain size is consistent with a monotonic change in both the crystallization and melting temperatures. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
Phenol Glycosides with In Vitro anti‐Helicobacter pylori Activity from Hypericum erectum Thunb
Authors: Moon Hyung‐In , Lee Young‐Choon , Lee Jai‐Heon
Published: April 2011

To evaluate the anti‐Helicobacter pylori activity of Hypericum erectum methanol extracts in order to provide the primary evidence for their use in clinical practice. An ethyl acetate fraction of H. erectum suspension‐cell cultures inhibited the growth of H. pylori in vitro, with a MIC50 range of 38.7–63.2 μg/mL, comparable to metronidazole (MIC50 = 43.2 μg/mL). To further investigate the involved active compounds of the H. erectum extracts, four phenol glycosides were isolated for the current study: quercetin‐3′‐O‐β‐d‐galactopyranoside, quercetin‐3′‐O‐(2′′‐acetyl)‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside, 4,6‐dihydroxy‐2‐methoxyphenyl‐1‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside and 4‐hydroxy‐2,6‐dimethoxyphenyl‐1‐O‐α‐l‐rhamnopyranosyl(1–6)‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside. The MIC50 values of 4,6‐dihydroxy‐2‐methoxyphenyl‐1‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside and 4‐hydroxy‐2,6‐dimethoxyphenyl‐1‐O‐α‐l‐rhamnopyranosyl(1–6)‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside from ATCC43504 strains were 7.3 and 27.3 μg/mL, respectively. The other two phenol glycosides did not show anti‐H. pylori activity. The results of this work suggest that H. erectum has some therapeutic potential against H. pylori infection, which could be explored for patients with gastroduodenal disorders. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Directed Expression of Gata2, Mash1, and Foxa2 Synergize to Induce the Serotonergic Neuron Phenotype During In Vitro Differentiation of Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Nefzger Christian M. , Haynes John M. , Pouton Colin W.
Published: April 2011

Investigation of serotonergic neuronal activity and its relationship to disease has been limited by a lack of physiologically relevant in vitro cell models. Serotonergic neurons derived from embryonic stem cells (ESCs) could provide a platform for such studies and provide models for use in drug discovery. Here, we report enhancement of serotonergic differentiation using a genetic approach. Expression of Gata2 increased the yield of serotonergic neurons. Enhancement was only achieved when Gata2 was expressed under the control of the tissue-specific promoter of the transcription factor Nkx6.1. High levels of Gata2 expression in ESCs compromised pluripotency and induced non-neuronal differentiation. Combined directed expression of Gata2, proneural gene Mash1, and forkhead transcription factor Foxa2 further enhanced serotonergic neural differentiation, resulting in a 10-fold increase in serotonin content. These neurons were also capable of depolarization (KCl, 30 mM)-induced elevations of intracellular Ca2+. The presence of sonic hedgehog during differentiation produced a further modest increase in numbers (1.5-fold). Transgene expression did not influence the number of tyrosine hydroxylase positive neurons in the cultures after 20 days, implying that Gata2, Mash1, and Foxa2 modulate in vitro differentiation at a time beyond the decision-point for dopaminergic or nondopaminergic commitment. This study demonstrates that the directed expression of specific transcription factors enhances serotonergic neuron differentiation in vitro and highlights the importance of transgene expression at the right stage of ESC differentiation to effect the generation of a desired neural subtype.
Changes in stand structure due to the cessation of traditional land use in wooded meadows impoverish epiphytic lichen communities
Authors: LEPPIK Ede , JÜRIADO Inga , LIIRA Jaan
Published: April 2011

Wooded meadows with a history of traditional land use over thousands of years support a great diversity of various taxa. Today, however, high-species-rich communities in wooded meadows are threatened because of the cessation of traditional management in large areas. We studied lichen communities on 136 deciduous trees (Betulaspp.,Fraxinus excelsiorandQuercus robur) in 12 wooded meadows in three regions of Estonia, and assessed the effect of habitat change due to the abandonment of traditional management on epiphytic lichen species composition, considering factors on three spatial scales: regional, habitat and individual tree. The variation partitioning approach in partial Canonical Correspondence Analysis (pCCA) revealed that most of the variation in species composition is described by the species of host tree and tree bark pH. Other tree level variables, foremost tree diameter, described as much of the compositional variation as geographic location (region) or environmental conditions in wooded meadows. Of the environmental factors studied, woodland canopy cover is the strongest predictor of the change in epiphytic lichen species composition from the community type of semi-open wooded meadows to species-poor communities characteristic of secondary forest. General Linear Model (GLM) analysis of the abundance of the 35 most frequently observed lichen species revealed that more than half of them (21) are influenced by site openness (canopy cover and/or undergrowth density), showing that increasing canopy cover has a negative effect on the abundance of epiphytic lichen species characteristic of traditionally managed semi-open wooded meadows. The results emphasize that the preservation of large old deciduous trees of various species and the maintenance of the semi-open structure of stands are vitally important for the protection of epiphytic lichen communities in wooded meadows.
Chemotaxonomic study of the Lethariella cladonioides complex (lichenized Ascomycota, Parmeliaceae)
Authors: NIU Dong-ling , HARADA Hiroshi , WANG Li-song , ZHANG Ying-jun , YANG Chong-ren
Published: April 2011

A chemotaxonomic study was carried out on the Lethariella cladonioides complex, including L. sernanderi and L. cashmeriana of the subgenus Chlorea, based on extensive field surveys and a detailed morphological and chemical analysis. Only one species, L. cladonioides made up of five chemical races, is recognized. Lethariella sernanderi and L. cashmeriana are reduced to synonyms under L. cladonioides. The presence of a remarkable chemical polymorphism within the population of L. cladonioides is demonstrated. New data on the chemistry and the distribution of the species are presented.
Cross-focusing of two hollow Gaussian laser beams in plasmas
Authors: Gupta Ruchika , Sharma Prerana , Rafat M. , Sharma R.P.
Published: April 2011

This article presents the cross-focusing of two high power dark hollow Gaussian beams in plasma when relativistic nonlinearity is operative. A paraxial like approach has been used in the present analysis. In this study, the non-linear dielectric function has been expanded in terms of radial distance from the maximum of the irradiance, rather than from the axis, as is the case of Gaussian beams. The nature of propagation of a hollow Gaussian beam propagating in plasmas has been studied under the influence of relativistic non-linearity. The effect on the order (n) of hollow Gaussian beam on the cross-focusing of two beams has been explored in relativistic non-linearity in this publication.
Making Minstrelsy of Murder: George Washington Harris, the Ku Klux Klan, and the Reconstruction Aesthetic of Black Fright
Authors: Silver Andrew
Published: April 2011

In George Washington Harris's Reconstruction sketch, “Trapping a Sheriff, Almost,” a rowdy Southern hero named Wirt Staples thunders outside of a courthouse waving a terrified African-American boy over his head in one hand and a dried venison steak in the other. With his muscles moving “like rabbits onder the skin,” and his hips and thighs “[playing] like the swell on the river” (Sut Lovingood, 244), Wirt Staples represents Harris's fantasy of Southern superiority reemergent amidst Reconstruction chaos. The sketch ends with Wirt throwing the venison steak at a Reconstruction judge's head and kicking the boy through the shop window of a watch repairman, assaulting a figure of Northern authority and brutally exiling the black threat from Southern territory. As a final, triumphant gesture, Wirt saddles his horse and bellows, “The Lion's loose, shet your doors!” (Sut Lovingood, 254). The collection in which the sketch appeared,Sut Lovingood: Yarns Spun by a “Nat'ral Born Durn'd Fool”(1867). was published by a Northern press and advertised along with titles of parlor humor such asDick's Ethiopian Scenes, Tambo's End-Men's Gags, andBrudder Bons' Book of Stump Speeches. “It would be difficult,” the advertisement assures readers, “to cram a larger amount of pungent humor into 300 pages than will be found in this really funny book” (Sut Lovingood, 312).