bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANTIOXIDANT ENZYME RESPONSE AND REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES PRODUCTION IN MARINE RAPHIDOPHYTES1
Authors: Portune Kevin J. , Craig Cary Stephen , Warner Mark E.
Published: October 2010

Raphidophytes (class Raphidophyceae) produce high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), yet little is known regarding cellular scavenging mechanisms needed for protection against these radicals. Enzymatic activities of the antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were measured in conjunction with the production of superoxide (O2•−) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in batch cultures of five different raphidophytes species during early exponential, late‐exponential, and stationary growth phases. The greatest concentrations of O2•− per cell were detected during exponential growth with reduced levels in stationary phases in raphidophytes Heterosigma akashiwo (Hada) Hada ex Y. Hara et Chihara, Chattonella marina (Subrahman.) Y. Hara et Chihara, and Chattonella antiqua (Hada) Ono (strain 18). Decreasing trends from exponential to stationary phases for SOD activity and H2O2 per cell were observed in all species tested. Significant correlations between O2•− per cell and SOD activity per cell over growth phase were only observed in three raphidophytes (Heterosigma akashiwo, Chattonella marina, and Chattonella antiqua strain 18), likely due to different cellular locations of externally released O2•− radicals and intracellular SOD enzymes measured in this study. CAT activity was greatest at early exponential phase for several raphidophytes, but correlations between H2O2 per cell and CAT activity per cell were only observed for Fibrocapsa japonica Toriumi et Takano, Chattonella antiqua (strain 18), and Chattonella subsalsa Biecheler. Our results suggest that SOD and CAT play important protective roles against ROS during exponential growth of several raphidophytes, while other antioxidant pathways may play a larger role for scavenging ROS during later growth.
Epilepsy Treatment Stimulus Package? Deep Brain Stimulation in Treatment-Resistant Focal Epilepsy
Authors: Carlson Chad
Published: October 2010

Electrical Stimulation of the Anterior Nucleus of Thalamus for Treatment of Refractory Epilepsy. Fisher R, Salanova V, Witt T, Worth R, Henry T, Gross R, Oommen K, Osorio I, Nazzaro J, Labar D, Kaplitt M, Sperling M, Sandok E, Neal J, Handforth A, Stern J, DeSalles A, Chung S, Shetter A, Bergen D, Bakay R, Henderson J, French J, Baltuch G, Rosenfeld W, Youkilis A, Marks W, Garcia P, Barbaro N, Fountain N, Bazil C, Goodman R, McKhann G, Babu Krishnamurthy K, Papavassiliou S, Epstein C, Pollard J, Tonder L, Grebin J, Coffey R, Graves N; SANTE Study Group. Epilepsia 2010;51(5):899–908. PURPOSE: We report a multicenter, double-blind, randomized trial of bilateral stimulation of the anterior nuclei of the thalamus for localization-related epilepsy. METHODS: Participants were adults with medically refractory partial seizures, including secondarily generalized seizures. Half received stimulation and half no stimulation during a 3-month blinded phase; then all received unblinded stimulation. RESULTS: One hundred ten participants were randomized. Baseline monthly median seizure frequency was 19.5. In the last month of the blinded phase the stimulated group had a 29% greater reduction in seizures compared with the control group, as estimated by a generalized estimating equations (GEE) model ( p = 0.002). Unadjusted median declines at the end of the blinded phase were 14.5% in the control group and 40.4% in the stimulated group. Complex partial and “most severe” seizures were significantly reduced by stimulation. By 2 years, there was a 56% median percent reduction in seizure frequency; 54% of patients had a seizure reduction of at least 50%, and 14 patients were seizure-free for at least 6 months. Five deaths occurred and none were from implantation or stimulation. No participant had symptomatic hemorrhage or brain infection. Two participants had acute, transient stimulation-associated seizures. Cognition and mood showed no group differences, but participants in the stimulated group were more likely to report depression or memory problems as adverse events. DISCUSSION: Bilateral stimulation of the anterior nuclei of the thalamus reduces seizures. Benefit persisted for 2 years of study. Complication rates were modest. Deep brain stimulation of the anterior thalamus is useful for some people with medically refractory partial and secondarily generalized seizures.
Arrested Glutamatergic Synapse Development in Human Partial Epilepsy
Authors: Anderson Matthew P.
Published: October 2010

While studying the brain function of the human partial epilepsy gene, leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 (LGI1), a new mechanism of human epileptogenesis was revealed—persistent immaturity of glutamatergic circuitries. LGI1, a novel secreted protein, was found to be increased during the postnatal period; when glutamatergic synapses both downregulate their presynaptic vesicular release probability and reduce their postsynaptic NMDA-receptor subunit NR2B. During this same period, the dendritic arbor and spines are pruned and remodeled. Using bacterial artificial chromosome transgenic mouse techniques, excess wild-type LGI1 was shown to magnify these critical brain developmental events in the hippocampal dentate gyrus; while an epilepsy-associated, truncated, dominant-negative form of LGI1 blocked them. By contrast, the hippocampal dentate granule neuron GABAergic synapses and intrinsic excitability were unaltered. A role for LGI1 in downregulating glutamate synapse function was confirmed by germline gene deletion; this intervention also revealed a selective increase of glutamatergic synaptic transmission with unaltered GABAergic synapses and intrinsic excitability of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. Interestingly, the role of LGI1 in neurological disease was further expanded when a subset of patients with limbic encephalitis (an autoimmune disorder with memory loss in 100% and seizures in 80% of individuals) were discovered to carry autoantibodies to LGI1.
How Does Altered Metabolism Lead to Seizure Control? Partially Filling the Knowledge Gap
Authors: Rho Jong M.
Published: October 2010

Metabolic Autocrine Regulation of Neurons Involves Cooperation Among Pannexin Hemichannels, Adenosine Receptors, and KATP Channels. Kawamura M, Jr., Ruskin DN, Masino SA. J Neurosci 2010;30(11):3886–3895. Metabolic perturbations that decrease or limit blood glucose—such as fasting or adhering to a ketogenic diet—reduce epileptic seizures significantly. To date, the critical links between altered metabolism and decreased neuronal activity remain unknown. More generally, metabolic changes accompany numerous CNS disorders, and the purines ATP and its core molecule adenosine are poised to translate cell energy into altered neuronal activity. Here we show that nonpathological changes in metabolism induce a purinergic autoregulation of hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neuron excitability. During conditions of sufficient intracellular ATP, reducing extracellular glucose induces pannexin-1 hemichannel-mediated ATP release directly from CA3 neurons. This extracellular ATP is dephosphorylated to adenosine, activates neuronal adenosine A1 receptors, and, unexpectedly, hyperpolarizes neuronal membrane potential via ATP-sensitive K+ channels. Together, these data delineate an autocrine regulation of neuronal excitability via ATP and adenosine in a seizure-prone subregion of the hippocampus and offer new mechanistic insight into the relationship between decreased glucose and increased seizure threshold. By establishing neuronal ATP release via pannexin hemichannels, and hippocampal adenosine A1 receptors coupled to ATP-sensitive K+ channels, we reveal detailed information regarding the relationship between metabolism and neuronal activity and new strategies for adenosine-based therapies in the CNS.
Stem Cell Research and Technology in Iran—Window of Opportunity in the Midst of International Tension
Authors: Miremadi Tahereh
Published: October 2010

This paper aims to explain how the key characteristics of “stem cell research” as an emerging technology facilitate the strategy of an Iranian organization, namely, “the Royan Institute” to learn by interaction and to generate knowledge. It argues that the Royan could take advantage of the window of opportunity that stem cell research and technology had temporarily opened up but its endeavors are now being hampered by unfavorable international factors and weak domestic infrastructure. The article substantiates the case by giving an objective account of networking and gatekeeping in the process of learning/innovation at the Royan and concludes by questioning the continuity of the actual learning strategy in order to sustain the Royan's knowledge production.
Environmental Federalism Revisited: Second‐Order Devolution in Air Quality Regulation
Authors: Woods Neal D. , Potoski Matthew
Published: October 2010

In this paper we examine states' use of local clean air agencies and provide a preliminary assessment of what causes states to devolve air quality policy authority to the local level. Data from a unique comparative state survey shows that states vary widely in the number of local clean air agencies they employ and the amount of authority these agencies have to set standards, monitor air quality, and enforce regulations. Multivariate analyses suggest that second‐order devolution is partly driven by a general propensity to decentralize policy authority, but that policy‐specific factors relating to the problem and interest group environment affect devolution as well. These findings indicate that local agencies play an important role in U.S. air quality regulation, and that the dynamics of state devolution to local agencies deserve further study.
Exploring Institutional Hiring Trends of Women in the U.S. STEM Professoriate
Authors: McNeely Connie L. , Vlaicu Sorina
Published: October 2010

The presence of women in the United States science and technology professoriate depends on various factors, including the availability of a pool of qualified women with relevant doctorates and the elimination of policy constraints and institutional barriers to professional access. Recognizing that initial hiring in related science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields is a crucial step affecting gender composition and representation at all levels in the academic hierarchy, we focus on hiring profiles in institutions of higher learning to examine related trends and practices. In addition to the significant and inversely proportional influence of initial hiring on future trends, differences were noted relative to public or private control of the university and other institutional characteristics, providing a basis for further analyses of institutional dynamics restricting or enhancing favorable hiring policies and practices for STEM women faculty.
Microbial Risks Associated with Cabbage, Carrots, Celery, Onions, and Deli Salads Made with These Produce Items
Authors: Erickson Marilyn C.
Published: October 2010

Abstract:  The microbiological safety of cabbage, carrots, celery, and onions/scallions as well as deli (mayonnaise‐based) salads that contain these items is the subject of this review. Between 2000 and 2007, the number of outbreaks in the United States associated with these raw produce items ranged from 6 (celery) to 18 (carrots). For cases with confirmed etiologies involving these 4 types of produce as well as coleslaw, chicken, seafood, and other vegetable‐based salads, more than 50% of the outbreaks were attributed to viral agents. In contrast, Salmonella spp. served as the major etiological agent in outbreaks associated with potato salad. Surveys conducted on these produce items within the United States and other developed countries found either an absence or infrequent contamination with foodborne pathogens. Despite this low prevalence, experimental studies have demonstrated the potential for preharvest contamination, and this event is more likely to occur when exposure is close to harvest. Postharvest contamination of these produce items has been documented in several cases with water, equipment, and incoming product serving as the principal cross‐contamination agent. Survival of contaminated product during subsequent storage is dependent on the storage temperature, produce type, and presence of mayonnaise. Chemical interventions may be relied on to reduce cross‐contamination during produce washing operations but are limited in their ability to inactivate pathogens on the produce surface. In contrast, irradiation at dosages (1.0 kGy) approved for use in the United States is an effective treatment for killing pathogenic bacteria in fresh‐cut cabbage, carrots, and celery.
Extensive soft‐tissue involvement by plasmablastic myeloma arising from displaced humeral fractures
Authors: De Larrea Carlos Fernández , Rosiñol Laura , Cibeira María Teresa , Rozman María , Rovira Montserrat , Bladé Joan
Published: October 2010

A 44‐yr‐old man with IgG‐lambda multiple myeloma reached a complete response after induction chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation and maintenance therapy with interferon α2b and prednisone 4 yr later, he presented an increase in the M‐protein plus extramedullary myeloma involvement with sacrum and clivus plasmacytomas. Treatment with bortezomib, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone plus local radiotherapy was initiated. The patient developed a bilateral humeral pathological fracture. Surgical osteosynthesis of both humeri was performed with no immediate complications. Two months later, he developed a prominent swelling in both deltoid areas with fever and high serum LDH levels. X‐ray examination showed a displacement of bone fragments of both humeri. Humerus CT scan showed a bilateral fracture in proximal diaphysis with posterior displacement. A magnetic resonance of right scapular region revealed a very extensive infiltration originated in the humerus. A fine‐needle punction showed a diffuse plasmablastic infiltration. This case illustrates an atypical presentation of extramedullary myeloma with extensive soft‐tissue involvement, originated at the fractured lytic lesions, which was likely triggered by bone surgery. This direct mechanism of myeloma spread has been observed in experimental myeloma mouse models.
Detection of corneodesmosin on the surface of stratum corneum using atomic force microscopy
Authors: Rankl Christian , Zhu Rong , Luengo Gustavo S. , Donovan Mark , Baghdadli Nawel , Hinterdorfer Peter
Published: October 2010

Abstract:  Corneodesmosin, a protein known to be present in the stratum corneum (SC), plays an important role in its physical integrity. Here, a specific antibody to corneodesmosin was tethered via a flexible linker to an atomic force microscopy tip, and the interaction forces between this tip and the surface of the SC were successfully measured. Using the recently developed technique of simultaneous topography and recognition imaging, we were able to map the distribution of corneodesmosin on the surface of the SC at the nanoscale.
Melatonin triggers PKA activation in the rodent malaria parasite Plasmodium chabaudi
Authors: Gazarini Marcos L. , Beraldo Flávio H. , Almeida Fabiana M. , Bootman Martin , Da Silva Aline M. , Garcia Célia R. S.
Published: October 2010

Abstract:  Calcium (Ca2+) is a critical regulator of many aspects of the Plasmodium reproductive cycle. In particular, intra‐erythrocyte Plasmodium parasites respond to circulating levels of the melatonin in a process mediated partly by intracellular Ca2+. Melatonin promotes the development and synchronicity of parasites, thereby enhancing their spread and worsening the clinical implications. The signalling mechanisms underlying the effects of melatonin are not fully established, although both Ca2+ and cyclic AMP (cAMP) have been implicated. Furthermore, it is not clear whether different strains of Plasmodium use the same, or divergent, signals to control their development. The aim of this study was to explore the signalling mechanisms engaged by melatonin in P. chabaudi, a virulent rodent parasite. Using parasites at the throphozoite stage acutely isolated from mice erythrocytes, we demonstrate that melatonin triggers cAMP production and protein kinase A (PKA) activation. Interestingly, the stimulation of cAMP/PKA signalling by melatonin was dependent on elevation of Ca2+ within the parasite, because buffering Ca2+ changes using the chelator BAPTA prevented cAMP production in response to melatonin. Incubation with melatonin evoked robust Ca2+ signals within the parasite, as did the application of a membrane‐permeant analogue of cAMP. Our data suggest that P. chabaudi engages both Ca2+ and cAMP signalling systems when stimulated by melatonin. Furthermore, there is positive feedback between these messengers, because Ca2+ evokes cAMP elevation and vice versa. Melatonin more than doubled the observed extent of parasitemia, and the increase in cAMP concentration and PKA activation was essential for this effect. These data support the possibility to use melatonin antagonists or derivates in therapeutic approach.
Protective role of endogenous melatonin in the early course of human acute pancreatitis
Authors: Belyaev Orlin , Herzog Torsten , Munding Johanna , Bolik Bernd , Vosschulte Andreas , Uhl Waldemar , Müller Christophe A.
Published: October 2010

Abstract:  Melatonin plays a protective role in experimental acute pancreatitis (AP) because of its antioxidative, antiinflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. This study presents the first data on the dynamic changes of endogenous melatonin in the early phase of human AP. Morning (08:00 hr) serum melatonin concentrations were measured by ELISA in 75 patients with AP for the first 5 days after the onset of pain. According to the Atlanta classification, 26 patients suffered a mild AP (MAP). The other 49 developed a severe AP (SAP). Median melatonin concentrations of healthy volunteers were used as a control. Median melatonin level in healthy controls was 18.5 pg/mL. Levels of melatonin were significantly higher in the first 24 hr after onset of disease in patients with MAP compared to those with SAP, 51.2 versus 8.7 pg/mL (P = 0.01). Melatonin values were the same in MAP and SAP during the remainder of the study period. Melatonin concentrations during the first 24 hr after the onset of pain in younger patients (<35 yrs old) were significantly higher than levels in older patients (>35 yrs): 73 versus 8.7 pg/mL (P = 0.01). No correlation existed between melatonin levels and the following parameters: gender, etiology (biliary versus alcohol induced), and histological findings (edematous versus necrotizing versus infected necrosis). High endogenous melatonin serum levels in the first 24 hr after the onset of AP played a protective role and favoured a mild course of the disease in humans, especially in young patients.
Prematurity and low birth weight as risk factors for the development of affective disorder, especially depression and schizophrenia: a register study
Authors: Knud Larsen Jens , Bendsen Birgitte B. , Foldager Leslie , Munk-Jørgensen Povl
Published: October 2010

Larsen JK, Bendsen BB, Foldager L, Munk-Jørgensen P. Prematurity and low birth weight as risk factors for the development of affective disorder, especially depression and schizophrenia: a register study.

Background:

The present study examined whether low birth weight, prematurity or low birth weight adjusted for gestational age are risk factors for the subsequent development of affective disorder, especially depression.

Methods:

A population-based case–control design was applied to the Danish Medical Birth Register and the Danish Psychiatric Central Register to identify all individuals born between 1 January 1974 and 31 December 1990 and diagnosed prior to 29 August 2003 with affective disorder alone (ICD-10 F3; 4297 females, 1861 males), schizophrenia alone (ICD-10 F2; 1364 females, 2292 males) or both disorders (ICD-10 F3 + F2; 450 females, 405 males). The association between low birth weight and the risk of developing affective disorder and/or schizophrenia was analysed by conditional logistic regression analysis.

Results:

Low birth weight was found to be associated with a significantly elevated risk of developing schizophrenia alone (p = 0.021) and both affective disorder and schizophrenia (p = 0.024), and a non-significantly elevated risk of developing affective disorder alone (p = 0.063). The effect remained significant in the affective disorder and schizophrenia groups (p = 0.039) when correcting for gestational age (premature birth), but was lost in the group with both disorders. Premature birth per se was found to be associated with a significantly elevated risk of developing both affective disorder and schizophrenia (p = 0.00018), an effect that remained significant after adjustment for low birth weight.

Conclusion:

Prematurity and low birth weight were found to be risk factors for subsequent development of affective disorder (especially depression) and schizophrenia.
Effect of chronic administration of ketamine on the mitochondrial respiratory chain activity caused by chronic mild stress
Authors: Rezin Gislaine T. , Gonçalves Cinara L. , Daufenbach Juliana F. , Carvalho-Silva Milena , Borges Lislaine S. , Vieira Julia S. , Hermani Fernanda V. , Comim Clarissa M. , Quevedo João , Streck Emilio L.
Published: October 2010

Rezin GT, Gonçalves CL, Daufenbach JF, Carvalho-Silva M, Borges LS, Vieira JS, Hermani FV, Comim CM, Quevedo J, Streck EL. Effect of chronic administration of ketamine on the mitochondrial respiratory chain activity caused by chronic mild stress.

Objective:

Recently, we reported that mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I, III and IV were inhibited in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum of rats submitted to chronic mild stress (CMS) and that acute ketamine administration reversed this effect. Therefore, we investigated whether the inhibition of these enzymes may be reversed by chronic administration of ketamine.

Methods:

Adult male Wistar rats were submitted to CMS and chronically treated with ketamine. After 40 days of CMS, consumption of sweet food, adrenal gland weight, body weight and enzymatic activity of the complexes were measured.

Results:

We verified that CMS decreased the intake of sweet food, increased the adrenal gland weight and the control group gained weight after 40 days but the stressed group did not; ketamine administration reversed these effects. We also verified that chronic administration of ketamine reversed the inhibition of complexes I, III and IV in cerebral cortex. However, in cerebellum, only complex IV inhibition was reversed. The chronic ketamine administration partially reverses the inhibition caused by CMS.

Conclusion:

We hypothesise that CMS inhibits complexes I, III and IV activities and that chronic administration of ketamine administration partially reverses such an effect. Therefore, it seems reasonable to propose that ketamine administration might be a useful therapy for patients affected by major depression.
Implant Restoration 3 Months after One Stage Sinus Lift Surgery in Severely Resorbed Maxillae: 2‐Year Results of a Multicenter Prospective Clinical Study
Authors: Canullo Luigi , Patacchia Orietta , Sisti Angelo , Heinemann Friedheilm
Published: October 2010

Objectives: This multicenter prospective study was aimed to clinically evaluate implant behavior inserted in severely resorbed maxillae and restored 3 months after sinus grafting.

Materials and Methods: In three clinical centers, 67 totally rough wide diameter implants were inserted during 30 consecutive sinus lifts. Computed tomography and panoramic analysis were preoperatively requested for each patient. Sinus grafting was performed using a nano‐crystalline hydroxyapatite sole bone filler; no membrane was used to cover the buccal window. Preoperative residual bone height ranged between 1–4 mm (mean value: 2.70 mm, standard deviation [SD]: 0.9 mm). Uncovering procedure was carried out following 3 months of healing; 2 weeks later, a definitive restoration was seated using platform switching concept. To monitor stability changes, resonance frequency analysis was performed and implant stability quotient (ISQ) values were collected at the first surgery (baseline, T0), at the abutment connection (T1), and at 2‐year follow‐up (T2). To measure bone changes, patients underwent panoramic analysis after 2‐year follow‐up. The image analysis software calculated the grafted bone height changes at level of implant site comparing preoperative and follow‐up panoramic films; the software compensated for eventual radiographic distortion.

Results: Mean ISQ value was 35.7 (SD: 8.8) at baseline, 66.61 (SD: 4.76) at T1, and 77.9 (SD: 4.7) at T2. Statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.005) regarding ISQ mean values were found between T1 and T0, as well as between T1 and T2. After 24 months of functional loading, only two implants were lost (cumulative survival rate: 97%). During the same observation period, the mean value of radiographic vertical height of grafted sinus was 13.75 mm (SD = 1.3 mm), with a mean gain of 11 mm.

Conclusions: Within the limits of this study, despite preoperative residual bone height ranging 1 to 4 mm and absence of the membrane covering the buccal bone wall, maxillary sinus lift restoration 14 weeks after first surgery seems to be a reliable procedure using totally‐rough surfaced implants restored using platform switching concept and nano‐structured hydroxyapatite as sole bone filler.
Localizing matrix metalloproteinase activities in the pericellular environment
Authors: Murphy Gillian , Nagase Hideaki
Published: October 2010

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a group of structurally related proteolytic enzymes containing a zinc ion in the active site. They are secreted from cells or bound to the plasma membrane and hydrolyze extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell surface‐bound molecules. They therefore play key roles in morphogenesis, wound healing, tissue repair and remodeling in diseases such as cancer and arthritis. Although the cell anchored membrane‐type MMPs (MT‐MMPs) function pericellularly, the secreted MMPs have been considered to act within the ECM, away from the cells from which they are synthesized. However, recent studies have shown that secreted MMPs bind to specific cell surface receptors, membrane‐anchored proteins or cell‐associated ECM molecules and function pericellularly at focussed locations. This minireview describes examples of cell surface and pericellular partners of MMPs, as well as how they alter enzyme function and cellular behaviour.
Roles of matrix metalloproteinases in cancer progression and their pharmacological targeting
Authors: Gialeli Chrisostomi , Theocharis Achilleas D. , Karamanos Nikos K.
Published: October 2010

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) consist of a multigene family of zinc‐dependent extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling endopeptidases implicated in pathological processes, such as carcinogenesis. In this regard, their activity plays a pivotal role in tumor growth and the multistep processes of invasion and metastasis, including proteolytic degradation of ECM, alteration of the cell–cell and cell–ECM interactions, migration and angiogenesis. The underlying premise of the current minireview is that MMPs are able to proteolytically process substrates in the extracellular milieu and, in so doing, promote tumor progression. However, certain members of the MMP family exert contradicting roles at different stages during cancer progression, depending among other factors on the tumor stage, tumor site, enzyme localization and substrate profile. MMPs are therefore amenable to therapeutic intervention by synthetic and natural inhibitors, providing perspectives for future studies. Multiple therapeutic agents, called matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors (MMPIs) have been developed to target MMPs, attempting to control their enzymatic activity. Even though clinical trials with these compounds do not show the expected results in most cases, the field of MMPIs is ongoing. This minireview critically evaluates the role of MMPs in relation to cancer progression, and highlights the challenges, as well as future prospects, for the design, development and efficacy of MMPIs.
RNF13: an emerging RING finger ubiquitin ligase important in cell proliferation
Authors: Jin Xianglan , Cheng He , Chen Jie , Zhu Dahai
Published: October 2010

Protein ubiquitination mediated by ubiquitin ligases plays a very important role in a wide spectrum of biological processes including development and disease pathogenesis. RING finger protein 13 (RNF13) is a recently identified ubiquitin ligase which contains an N‐terminal protease‐associated domain and a C‐terminal RING finger domain separated by a transmembrane region. RNF13 is an evolutionarily conserved protein. Most interestingly, RNF13 expression is developmentally regulated during myogenesis and is upregulated in various human tumors. These data suggest that RNF13, acting as an ubiquitin ligase, might have profound biological functions during development and disease. This minireview summarizes recent work on RNF13 functions related to cell proliferation, differentiation and cancer development.
Microstructural Characterization of a Cf/ZrC Composite Manufactured by Reactive Melt Infiltration
Authors: Zou Linhua , Wali Natalie , Yang Jenn‐Ming , Bansal Narottam P. , Yan Dong
Published: October 2010

The microstructure of a carbon fiber‐reinforced ZrC matrix composite, Cf/ZrC, manufactured by reactive melt infiltration (RMI) was characterized by optical microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD), and transmission electron microscopy. Characterization results revealed a heterogeneous microstructure typical of composites processed by RMI. The major features that were observed include ZrC single crystals in the matrix, Zr–ZrC eutectic phase, and the fiber/matrix interface. The hardness and modulus of ZrC single crystals and the eutectic phase were determined through micro‐ and nanoindentation. EBSD studies proved that ZrC matrix grains distribute randomly. Fiber bundle areas were examined and revealed poor intrabundle infiltration. Closer inspection of the ZrC crystals revealed the presence of never‐before reported inclusions. Analysis of the inclusions revealed their phase composition and a microstructural formation mechanism outlines their development during processing. The phase composition was proved to be nanosized α‐Zr with round or needle‐like shape. There are two plausible mechanisms for the formation of the inclusion. One is the trapping mechanism that some liquid zirconium from grain boundaries of ZrC grains may become trapped inside ZrC particles during their coalescence growth. The other is precipitation mechanism that α‐Zr may precipitate inside some ZrC grains during formation of Zr–ZrC eutectic phase or ZrC grains with deficient carbon under cooling.
Access and Benefit Sharing User Measures in Switzerland
Authors: Kraus Daniel , Rüssli Markus
Published: October 2010

This article, based on a study commissioned by the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment, aims at identifying what legal, administrative and policy measures could be designed in a country such as Switzerland to promote compliance by users of genetic resources and traditional knowledge with measures regarding access and benefit sharing (ABS). The framework of the study is set by the existing international legal system and the international regime currently being discussed in the negotiations of the Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization. This article states the situation as at June 2010. Stakeholders in Switzerland have already taken numerous measures in order to comply with the ABS provisions contained in the Convention on Biological Diversity, such as the declaration of the source of genetic resources and traditional knowledge in patent applications or the development of best practice guidelines and recommendations. Can more be done? Two basic options for ABS user measures in Switzerland are examined, depending on the development of the international regime, with or without international certification. Whatever system is finally chosen, it should not reduce the stimulation in research and development, ought to be as little intrusive as possible into trade activities and should avoid duplications.
The relationship between hyoid and laryngeal displacement and swallowing impairment
Authors: Steele C.M. , Bailey G.L. , Chau T. , Molfenter S.M. , Oshalla M. , Waito A.A. , Zoratto D.C.B.H.
Published: October 2010

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2011, 36, 30–36

Objectives:  Reduced range of hyoid and laryngeal movement is thought to contribute to aspiration risk and pharyngeal residues in dysphagia. Our aim was to determine the extent to which movements of the hyoid and larynx are correlated in the superior and anterior directions in swallowing, and whether movement range is predictive of penetration–aspiration or pharyngeal residue.

Design:  Prospective, single‐blind study of penetration–aspiration and pharyngeal residue with objective frame‐by‐frame measures of hyoid and laryngeal excursion from videofluoroscopy.

Setting:  Tertiary hospital and rehabilitation teaching hospital.

Participants:  Twenty‐eight participants referred for videofluoroscopy: 13 women, aged 57–77; 15 men, aged 54–70. Individuals with known neurodegenerative diseases or prior surgery to the neck were excluded. Each swallowed three boluses of 40% w/v thin liquid barium suspension.

Outcomes:  Two speech‐language pathologists independently rated penetration–aspiration, vallecular and pyriform sinus residue. Cervical spine length, hyoid and laryngeal displacement were traced frame‐by‐frame. Predictive power was calculated.

Results:  Cervical spine length was significantly greater in men. Hyoid displacement ranged from 34–63% of the C2–4 distance. Arytenoid displacement ranged from 18–66%, with significantly smaller anterior displacement in men. Positive hyoid–laryngeal movement correlations in both axes were the most common pattern observed. Participants with reduced displacement ranges (≤first quartile) and with abnormal correlation patterns were more likely to display penetration–aspiration. Those with reduced anterior hyoid displacement and abnormal correlation patterns had a greater risk of post‐swallow pharyngeal residues.

Conclusions:  It is difficult for clinicians to make on‐line appraisals of the extent to which hyoid and laryngeal movement may be contributing to functional swallowing consequences during videofluoroscopy. This study suggests that it is most important for clinicians to discern whether reduced anterior displacement of these structures is contributing to a patient’s swallowing impairment. Measures of structural displacement in thin liquid swallowing should be corrected for variations in participant height. Reductions in anterior hyoid and laryngeal movement below the first‐quartile boundaries are statistically associated with increased risk for penetration–aspiration and post‐swallow residues.
Deactivation of Excited States of Kynurenine Covalently Linked to Nitroxides
Authors: Tsentalovich Yuri P. , Yanshole Vadim V. , Polienko Yuliya F. , Morozov Sergey V. , Grigor’ev Igor A.
Published: October 2010

Due to ability of stable nitroxides to interact with free radicals, they are used as antioxidants for therapeutic and research goals in biology and medicine. A modern trend in medical chemistry is the design of multifunctional molecules such as UV absorbers covalently bound to nitroxides, which provides both UV protection and antioxidant properties combined in the same molecule. In the present work, we report the synthesis of conjugates of a natural UV filter kynurenine (KN) with nitroxides (KN‐RNO• conjugates) and the study of their photochemical properties in aqueous and methanol solutions. Due to the spin‐exchange interaction between KN and nitroxide moieties, the triplet lifetimes in conjugates are much shorter than in KN molecule, but the triplet quantum yields are significantly higher. The reaction of intramolecular electron transfer between photoexcited KN and nitroxide moieties is the main factor determining the quantum yield of KN‐RNO• conjugates photodecomposition. Consequently, KN‐RNO• conjugates in aqueous solution are photochemically less stable than the parent KN molecule. Nevertheless, the photostability of KN‐RNO• conjugates is much higher than that of cinnamates which are widely used as UV absorbers in modern sunscreen formulations. Thus, the combination of the endogenous chromophore KN with nitroxides is very promising for medical applications.
Global mismatch between research effort and conservation needs of tropical coral reefs
Authors: Fisher Rebecca , Radford Ben T. , Knowlton Nancy , Brainard Russell E. , Michaelis Frances B. , Caley M. Julian
Published: October 2010

Tropical coral reefs are highly diverse and globally threatened. Management to ensure their persistence requires sound biological knowledge in regions where coral reef biodiversity and/or the threats to it are greatest. This paper uses a novel text analysis approach and Google Maps™ to examine the spatial coverage of scientific papers on coral reefs listed in Web of Science®. Results show that research is highly clumped spatially, positively related to per capita gross domestic product, negatively related to coral species richness, and unrelated to threats to coral reefs globally; indicating a serious mismatch between conservation needs and the knowledge required for effective management. Greater research effort alone cannot guarantee better conservation outcomes, but given some regions of the world (e.g., Central Indo‐Pacific) remain severely understudied, priority allocation of resources to fill such knowledge gaps should support greater adaptive management capacity through the development of an improved knowledge base for reef managers.
Reflexive Modernization at the Source: Local Media Coverage of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy in Rural Alberta
Authors: DAVIDSON DEBRA J. , BOGDAN EVA
Published: October 2010

L'importance de la modernisation réflective est liée a de multiple facteurs, cependant il est crucial de reconnaitre l'importance du risque, particulièrement au sein des groupes pouvant jouer un rôle majeur dans sa minimisation. Cette étude propose une analyse du traitement de l'information fait par les médias locaux lors de l'attaque épidémique d'encéphalopathie spongiforme bovine (ESB) dans les régions rurales d'élevage bovin de l'Alberta. Selon les théoriciens de la modernisation réflective l'encéphalopathie spongiforme bovine représente un des risques globaux qui peuvent déboucher sur une société suffisament réfléchie dans laquelles ces risques seraient justement minimisés. L'analyse de la presse écrite locale montre cependant que les journaux ont choisi de présenter l'ESB de manière à maximiser la cohésion sociale et à protéger la culture locale. Cette couverture médiatique sélective et biasée de l'ESB dans l'Alberta rural a certainement contribuéà, ou pour le moins consolidé, le soutien dont bénéficie les structures institutionelles actuelles de l'agriculture Canadienne dans les régions d'élevage bovins.
Reports of the Death of the Sociology of Science Have Been Greatly Exaggerated
Authors: ARMSTRONG PAUL , BLUTE MARION
Published: October 2010

Selon les histoires, la sociologie de la science a été complètement remplacée par ces écoles de pensées : la sociologie de connaissance scientifique (SCS), les études sociales de la science, et l'épistémologie sociale. Au minimum, ces écoles de pensées sont considérées comme ayant réussi à dominer la sociologie de la science. Ici nous présenterons des données démontrant que les rapports au sujet de la mort de la sociologie de la science ont été fort exagérés. Comme avec chaque école de pensée, ici aussi on trouve que le terrain de recherche n`a pas resté tranquille. Mais malgré l'addition de nouveaux descripteurs, la sociologie de la science a maintenue ses caractéristiques uniques et ne se trouve pas dominer par ces autres formes.
Experimental petrology, crystallization history, and parental magma characteristics of olivine‐phyric shergottite NWA 1068: Implications for the petrogenesis of “enriched” olivine‐phyric shergottites
Authors: FILIBERTO Justin , MUSSELWHITE Donald S. , GROSS Juliane , BURGESS Katherine , LE Loan , TREIMAN Allan H.
Published: October 2010

Abstract– Northwest Africa (NWA) 1068 is one of the few olivine‐phyric shergottites (e.g., NWA 1068, Larkman Nunatak [LAR] 06319, and Roberts Massif [RBT] 04262) that is not depleted in light rare earth elements (LREE). Its REE pattern is similar to that of the basaltic shergottite Shergotty, suggesting a possible connection between the olivine‐phyric and the basaltic shergottites. To test this possible link, we have investigated the high‐pressure near‐liquidus phase equilibria for the NWA 1068 meteorite bulk composition. Our results show that the NWA 1068 bulk composition does not represent an unmodified mantle‐derived melt; the olivine and pyroxene in our near‐liquidus experiments are more magnesian than in the rock itself, which suggests that NWA 1068 contains cumulate minerals (extra olivine). We have then used these experimental results combined with the pyroxene compositions in NWA 1068 to constrain the possible high‐pressure crystallization history of the parental magma. These results suggest that NWA 1068 had a complex polybaric history. Finally, we have calculated a model parental magma composition for the NWA 1068 meteorite. The calculated parental magma is an evolved basaltic composition which is too ferroan to be a primitive melt directly derived from the mantle. We suggest that it ponded and crystallized at approximately the base of the crust. This provided an opportunity for the magma to become contaminated by an “enriched” crustal component prior to crystallization. The results and modeling from these experiments are applicable not only to the NWA 1068 meteorite, but also to LAR 06319 and possibly any other enriched olivine‐phyric shergottite.
Beyond stochastic dynamic programming: a heuristic sampling method for optimizing conservation decisions in very large state spaces
Authors: Nicol Sam , Chadès Iadine
Published: October 2010

1. When managing endangered species the consequences of making a poor decision can be extinction. To make a good decision, we must account for the stochastic dynamic of the population over time. To this end stochastic dynamic programming (SDP) has become the most widely used tool to calculate the optimal policy to manage a population over time and under uncertainty.

2. However, as a result of its prohibitive computational complexity, SDP has been limited to solving small dimension problems, which results in SDP models that are either oversimplified or approximated using greedy heuristics that only consider the immediate rewards of an action.

3. We present a heuristic sampling (HS) method that approximates the optimal policy for any starting state. The method is attractive for problems with large state spaces as the running time is independent of the size of the problem state space and improves with time.

4. We demonstrate that the HS method out‐performs a commonly used greedy heuristic and can quickly solve a problem with 33 million states. This is roughly 3 orders of magnitude larger than the largest problems that can currently be solved with SDP methods.

5. We found that HS out‐performs greedy heuristics and can give near‐optimal policies in shorter timeframes than SDP. HS can solve problems with state spaces that are too large to optimize with SDP. Where the state space size precludes SDP, we argue that HS is the best technique.
A unified analysis of niche overlap incorporating data of different types
Authors: Geange Shane W. , Pledger Shirley , Burns Kevin C. , Shima Jeffrey S.
Published: October 2010

1. Competition theory predicts that community structure may be shaped by resource partitioning between co‐occurring species. As such, quantifying the degree of resource partitioning (i.e., niche overlap) is a key component of studies examining community structure and species coexistence.

2. For many organisms, multiple resource axes quantify niche space. Each axis may be described by a different type of data (e.g. categorical, continuous, count or binary data, as well as electivity scores), with different data types requiring different statistical treatments. Therefore, incorporating multiple axes into a single measure of niche space is problematic.

3. Here, we propose general methods for combining multiple niche axes, each characterized by different data types, within a unified analysis of niche overlap. Using appropriate transformations and probability models, we show that each data type can give rise to directly comparable measures of niche overlap, with the overlap statistic between two species defined as the overlapping area between the distributions for each species.

4. Measurements derived from different types of data can be combined into a single unified analysis of niche overlap by averaging over multiple axes.

5. We then describe null model permutation tests that assess statistical differences in niche overlap, which can address questions commonly posed by population ecologists (e.g. do two species occupy different niche space?) and community ecologists (e.g. are multiple species evenly distributed across niche space?).

6. To illustrate the use of these newly devised indices, we use an example from reef fishes that combines ratio, categorical and electivity data, and an example from alpine plants that combines continuous and ratio data.

7. The methods described in this article are relevant to a wide variety of ecological projects, including the investigation of invasive species, relative abundance distributions, global change, species coexistence and evolutionary diversification.
On the Dimension of Certain Graded Lie Algebras Arising in Geometric Integration of Differential Equations
Authors: Iserles Arieh , Zanna Antonella
Published: October 2010

Many discretization methods for differential equations that evolve in Lie groups and homogeneous spaces advance the solution in the underlying Lie algebra. The main expense of computation is the calculation of commutators, a task that can be made significantly cheaper by the introduction of appropriate bases of function values and by the exploitation of redundancies inherent in a Lie-algebraic structure by means of graded spaces. In many Lie groups of practical interest a convenient alternative to the exponential map is a Cayley transformation, and the subject of this paper is the investigation of graded algebras that occur in this context. To this end we introduce a new concept, a hierarchical algebra, a Lie algebra equipped with a countable number of m-nary multilinear operations which display alternating symmetry and a ‘hierarchy condition’. We present explicit formulae for the dimension of graded subspaces of free hierarchical algebras and an algorithm for the construction of their basis. The paper is concluded by reviewing a number of applications of our results to numerical methods in a Lie-algebraic setting.
A Domain-Theoretic Approach to Integration in Hausdorff Spaces
Authors: Howroyd J. D.
Published: October 2010

In this paper we generalize the construction of a domain-theoretic integral, introduced by Professor Abbas Edalat, in locally compact separable Hausdorff spaces, to general Hausdorff spaces embedded in a domain. Our main example of such spaces comprises general metric spaces embedded in the rounded ideal completion of the partially ordered set of formal balls. We go on to discuss analytic subsets of a general Hausdorff space, and give a sufficient condition for a measure supported on an analytic set to be approximated by a sequence of simple valuations. In particular, this condition is always satisfied in a metric space embedded in the rounded ideal completion of its formal ball space. We finish with a comments section, where we highlight some potential areas for future research and discuss some questions of computability.