bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some Aspects of Seismic Risk Analysis of Underground Lifeline Systems
Authors: Shinozuka M. , Takada S. , Ishikawa H.
Published: November 2010

The current state of the art of the seismic risk analysis for the underground lifeline systems, particularly for the water transmission network system, is reviewed. An emphasis in the review is placed on the analysis of major causes of system damages and on the procedures of the seismic design decision analysis unique to the underground lifeline systems. A methodology of the seismic risk analysis is then developed and an example analysis performed for a simplified version of the water transmission system in the City of Los Angeles indicating each step of the analysis and each assumption used therein. The example analysis has been carried through to the point where a sample of physically damaged network systems are simulated by means of a Monte Carlo technique. Eventually, a topological analysis should be applied to such a sample of damaged systems to estimate the probability of the original system becoming unserviceable immediately following an earthquake of a given intensity. Such probability values are vitally needed for the ultimate purpose of design decision analysis.
A Shell Model of a Buried Pipe in a Seismic Environment
Authors: Muleski G. E. , Ariman T. , Aumen C. P.
Published: November 2010

In a number of recent investigations, a buried pipe undergoing seismic excitation was modelled as a beam on a visco-elastic foundation. However, it is known that two of the observed failure modes in the buried pipelines under seismic loads are buckling and fracture. Therefore, in this paper, a thin circular cylindrical shell model in a resisting soil medium is used for a buried pipe. The coupled equilibrium equations arising from this model are modified to yield three decoupled equations which somewhat simplify the analysis. Then, an application for a long buried pipe is presented and the results are discussed and compared with those of the beam model.
Experimental Studies of Tube Frettings in Steam Generators and Heat Exchangers
Authors: Ko P. L.
Published: November 2010

High flow rates in steam generators and heat exchangers may create flow-induced tube vibrations which cause local wear through impacting and rubbing on tube supports and/or with adjacent tubes. The steam generators in CANDU power plants have a design life of 30 yr; it is, therefore, essential that design criteria be developed to minimize tube fretting and to establish acceptable limits of vibration. Standard equipment has been developed to study the effect on tube fretting due to various parameters, such as tube/tube-support interaction, materials combinations, and support geometry. Tests have been conducted in water and steam at boiler operating temperature (265°C) and at room temperature.
Plastic Collapse of Thin Internally Pressurized Torispherical Shells
Authors: Radhamohan S. K. , Galletly G. D.
Published: November 2010

The plastic collapse pressures of internally pressurized thin torispherical shells are given in the present paper. The influence of both the geometric parameters (i.e., r/D, RS/D and D/t) and the material properties (yield stress σyp and the strain-hardening coefficient) on the plastic collapse pressures were investigated. Both steel and aluminium shells were analyzed and, based on the present parametric study, approximate design equations for calculating the plastic collapse pressures are suggested. The asymmetric buckling pressures, pcr, for torispherical shells (obtained from a companion paper) are also compared with the plastic collapse pressures, pc, to determine which are the lower and, thus, control the mode of failure. In addition, the approximate design equations for pcr and pc are compared with some experimental results on small machined models; the agreement between theory and test was quite good.
Paxillin expression and amplification in early lung lesions of high-risk patients, lung adenocarcinoma and metastatic disease
Authors: Mackinnon Alexander C , Tretiakova Maria , Henderson Les , Mehta Rajendra G , Yan Benjamin C , Joseph Loren , Krausz Thomas , Husain Aliya N , Reid Mary E , Salgia Ravi
Published: November 2010

Background

Paxillin is a modular protein that localises to cell adhesion sites where it facilitates bidirectional communication between the intracellular actin cytoskeleton and the extracellular matrix. These complex and dynamic interactions are essential for cell adhesion, cell migration and cell survival. The authors have previously demonstrated that paxillin is overexpressed in lung cancer tissues and identified somatic paxillin mutations in 9% of lung cancers. A murine in vivo xenograft model of the most common paxillin mutation (A127T) showed increased cell proliferation and invasive tumour growth, establishing an important role for paxillin in the development of lung cancer.

Methods

The authors analysed 279 bronchoscopy-aided biopsy specimens from 92 high-risk patients. Adenocarcinoma with bronchioloalveolar features and pure bronchioloalveolar carcinoma (BAC) were analysed with fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results

Paxillin is overexpressed in premalignant areas of hyperplasia, squamous metaplasia and goblet cell metaplasia, as well as dysplastic lesions and carcinoma in high-risk patients. Concordance between increased paxillin gene copy number and paxillin overexpression was observed in cases of adenocarcinoma eusomic for chromosome 12.

Conclusions

Paxillin overexpression occurs during the earliest stages of lung cancer development. FISH and IHC analysis of lung adenocarcinoma suggests that relatively small-scale genomic rearrangements of chromosome 12 are associated with paxillin overexpression in lung adenocarcinoma.
Software-recorded and self-reported duration of computer use in relation to the onset of severe arm–wrist–hand pain and neck–shoulder pain
Authors: IJmker Stefan , Huysmans Maaike A , van der Beek Allard J , Knol Dirk L , van Mechelen Willem , Bongers Paulien M , Blatter Birgitte M
Published: November 2010

Objectives

In both science and media, the adverse effects of a long duration of computer use at work on musculoskeletal health have long been debated. Until recently, the duration of computer use was mainly measured by self-reports, and studies using more objective measures, such as software-recorded computer duration, were lacking. The objective of this study was to examine the association between duration of computer use at work, measured with software and self-reports, and the onset of severe arm–wrist–hand and neck–shoulder symptoms.

Methods

A 2-year follow-up study was conducted between 2004 and 2006 among 1951 office workers in The Netherlands. Self-reported computer duration and other risk factors were collected at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. Computer use at work was recorded continuously with computer software for 1009 participants. Outcome questionnaires were obtained at baseline and every 3 months during follow-up. Cases were identified based on the transition within 3 months of no or minor symptoms to severe symptoms.

Results

Self-reported duration of computer use was positively associated with the onset of both arm–wrist–hand (RR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1 to 3.1 for more than 4 h/day of total computer use at work) and neck–shoulder symptoms (RR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.0 for more than 4 h/day of mouse use at work). The recorded duration of computer use did not show any statistically significant association with the outcomes.

Conclusions

In the present study, no association was found between the software-recorded duration of computer use at work and the onset of severe arm–wrist–hand and neck–shoulder symptoms using an exposure window of 3 months. In contrast, a positive association was found between the self-reported duration of computer use at work and the onset of severe arm–wrist–hand and neck–shoulder symptoms. The different findings for recorded and self-reported computer duration could not be explained satisfactorily.
Reproductive failure of the red shiner (Cyprinella lutrensis) after exposure to an exogenous estrogen
Authors: McGree Michelle M. , Winkelman Dana L. , Vieira Nicole  K.M.  , Vajda Alan  M. 
Published: November 2010

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been detected in surface waters worldwide and can lead to developmental and reproductive disruption in exposed fishes. In the US Great Plains, EDCs are impacting streams and rivers and may be causing adverse reproductive effects. To examine how estrogenic EDCs might affect reproductive success of plains fishes, we experimentally exposed male red shiners ( Cyprinella lutrensis ) to exogenous 17β-estradiol. We characterized the effects of estradiol on male gonadal histology and secondary sexual characteristics, determined whether exposure reduced reproductive success, and examined the effects of depuration. Adults were exposed to a mean concentration of 70 ng·L−1 estradiol, a solvent control, or a water control for at least 83 days. Male exposure to estradiol resulted in elevated plasma vitellogenin concentrations, changes in spermatogenesis, reduced mating coloration and tubercles, altered mating behaviors, and reduced reproductive success with no viable progeny produced. Reproductive endpoints improved upon depuration (28 days). Exposure to estradiol had significant adverse effects on red shiners, indicating that wild populations may face developmental and reproductive difficulties if they are chronically exposed to estradiol.
The tree mortality regime in temperate old-growth coniferous forests: the role of physical damage
Authors: Larson Andrew J. , Franklin Jerry F.
Published: November 2010

Aspects of the tree mortality regime were characterized for old-growth conifer forests in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, USA, using individual tree (stems ≥5 cm diameter at breast height (dbh)) records from a network of permanent forest research plots. Average annual forest-wide mortality rates of trees ≥15 cm dbh never exceeded 1% on a stem-density or basal-area basis; mortality was slightly higher for stems <15 cm dbh. Physical agents of mortality (uprooting, stem breakage, and crushing by falling debris) accounted for approximately 40% and 45% of mortality events in trees <15 and ≥15 cm dbh, respectively. These physical processes were chronic sources of mortality: they were not associated with a single or few disturbance events. Preexisting decay fungi were associated with trees that died proximately due to stem breakage (41%) and uprooting (22%), consistent with a predisposing role of decay fungi in trees that die due to mechanical damage. Given the importance of physical processes in the tree mortality regime, we suggest that a richer mechanistic understanding of the causes and consequences of tree mortality in natural forests will be achieved with models that consider the physical, as well as the physiological, attributes of trees and forests.
The importance of fruit set, fruit abortion, and pollination success in fruit production of teak (Tectona grandis)
Authors: Palupi E. R. , Owens J. N. , Sadjad S. , Sudarsono  , Solihin D. D.
Published: November 2010

Teak ( Tectona grandis L.) is believed to have been introduced from India 400–500 years ago and there appear to be no old-growth natural forests. However, Indonesia has many teak plantation forests and 40%–50% of seeds for reforestation come from seed orchards and the remainder from plantations. In both, flower and fruit abortion results in low fruit set and thus seed production. We investigated flower and fruit development in a clonal seed orchard in East Java in 1999 and 2001 using cross- and open-pollinated trees. The rates of abortion using cross-pollinations showed a similar pattern but were lower than for open-pollinations. The highest rate of abortion in cross- and open-pollinations was during pollination and fertilization, ranging 11%–23% and 31%–32%/day, respectively, less during fruit initiation (5%–6% and 6%–8%/day) and the lowest was during fruit maturation (<0.5%/day). Cross-pollinations increased fruit production by 10-fold compared with open-pollinations. About 30% of flowers were pollinated with an average of five pollen grains per stigma in open-pollinations. Pollen viability varied among clones and time of day but was not affected by position of flowers in an inflorescence. We conclude that low pollination success and low pollen viability are major causes for low fruit production in teak and are related to insect pollinators.
The role of soil drainage class in carbon dioxide exchange and decomposition in boreal black spruce (Picea mariana) forest stands
Authors: Wickland Kimberly P. , Neff Jason C. , Harden Jennifer W.
Published: November 2010

Black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.) forest stands range from well drained to poorly drained, typically contain large amounts of soil organic carbon (SOC), and are often underlain by permafrost. To better understand the role of soil drainage class in carbon dioxide (CO2) exchange and decomposition, we measured soil respiration and net CO2 fluxes, litter decomposition and litterfall rates, and SOC stocks above permafrost in three Alaska black spruce forest stands characterized as well drained (WD), moderately drained (MD), and poorly drained (PD). Soil respiration and net CO2 fluxes were not significantly different among sites, although the relation between soil respiration rate and temperature varied with site (Q10: WD > MD > PD). Annual estimated soil respiration, litter decomposition, and groundcover photosynthesis were greatest at PD. These results suggest that soil temperature and moisture conditions in shallow organic horizon soils at PD were more favorable for decomposition compared with the better drained sites. SOC stocks, however, increase from WD to MD to PD such that surface decomposition and C storage are diametric. Greater groundcover vegetation productivity, protection of deep SOC by permafrost and anoxic conditions, and differences in fire return interval and (or) severity at PD counteract the relatively high near-surface decomposition rates, resulting in high net C accumulation.
Comment on “Estimating canopy fuel characteristics in five conifer stands in the western United States using tree and stand measurements”Appears in Can. J. For. Res. 36: 2803–2814 (2006).
Authors: Cruz Miguel G. , Alexander Martin E. , Wakimoto Ronald H.
Published: November 2010

Reinhardt et al. (E. Reinhardt, J. Scott, K. Gray, and R. Keane, Can. J. For. Res. 36: 2803–2814, 2006) questioned the validity of the regression equations for estimating canopy base heights in coniferous forest fuel types developed by Cruz et al. (M.G. Cruz, M.E. Alexander, and R.H. Wakimoto, Int. J. Wildland Fire, 12: 39–50, 2003) to produce logical results when applied to simulations involving low thinning. This turns out to be an error in interpretation with regard to the stand height input parameter.
PROPERTIES OF ALPHA DECAY TO ROTATIONAL BANDS OF HEAVY NUCLEI
Authors: WANG Y. Z. , GU J. Z. , DONG J. M. , PENG B. B.
Published: November 2010

In the framework of the generalized liquid drop model (GLDM) and improved Royer's formula, we investigate the branching ratios and half-lives of α-decay to the members of the ground-state rotational bands of heavy even–even Fm and No isotopes. The calculated results are in good agreement with the available experimental data and some useful predictions are provided for future experiments.
A NOVEL TIME-SHARED FLUOROMETER GIVES THE MITOCHONDRIAL REDOX STATE AS THE RATIO OF TWO COMPONENTS OF THE RESPIRATORY CHAIN OF THE ANIMAL AND HUMAN BUCCAL CAVITY WITH QUANTITATIVE MEASURES OF THE REDOX ENERGY STATE
Authors: CHANCE BRITTON , NIOKA SHOKO , QUO A. , HORNG JENQ-RUEY
Published: November 2010

The source of energy for life is the tissue mitochondria and they demand a complex chain of biochemicals to ensure proper physiological function. Classically, the blood levels, and not the tissue levels of these metabolites, are determined by expensive and time-consuming biochemical analyses. Since the tissue mitochondria are the consumers of the substrates of glycolysis and of fatty acid metabolism, their redox state is a unique accessible monitor of tissue metabolism and its blockade due to toxins.
PHOTOACOUSTIC GENERATION OF FOCUSED QUASI-UNIPOLAR PRESSURE PULSES
Authors: MASLOV KONSTANTIN , ZHANG HAO F. , WANG LIHONG V.
Published: November 2010

The photoacoustic effect was employed to generate short-duration quasi-unipolar acoustic pressure pulses in both planar and spherically focused geometries. In the focal region, the temporal profile of a pressure pulse can be approximated by the first derivative of the temporal profile near the front transducer surface, with a time-averaged value equal to zero. This approximation agreed with experimental results acquired from photoacoustic transducers with both rigid and free boundaries. For a free boundary, the acoustic pressure in the focal region is equal to the sum of a positive pressure that follows the spatial profile of the optical energy deposition in the medium and a negative pressure that follows the temporal profile of the laser pulse.
Optimality of size-degree tradeoffs for polynomial calculus
Authors: Galesi Nicola , Lauria Massimo
Published: November 2010

There are methods to turn short refutations in
polynomial calculus
(Pc) and
polynomial calculus with resolution
(Pcr) into refutations of low degree. Bonet and Galesi [1999, 2003] asked if such size-degree tradeoffs for Pc [Clegg et al. 1996; Impagliazzo et al. 1999] and Pcr [Alekhnovich et al. 2004] are optimal.

We answer this question by showing a polynomial encoding of the
graph ordering principle
on
m
variables which requires Pc and Pcr refutations of degree Ω(√
m
). Tradeoff optimality follows from our result and from the short refutations of the graph ordering principle in Bonet and Galesi [1999, 2001].

We then introduce the algebraic proof system Pcr

k

which combines together polynomial calculus and
k-DNF resolution
(Res

k

). We show a size hierarchy theorem for Pcr

k

: Pcr

k

is exponentially separated from Pcr

k+1

. This follows from the previous degree lower bound and from techniques developed for Res

k

.

Finally we show that random formulas in conjunctive normal form (3-CNF) are hard to refute in Pcr

k

.
Peer-to-peer location-based search
Authors: Kovacevic Aleksandra
Published: November 2010

Personalization of Internet services is a significant feature and exploiting the users' location brings the most value to it. Location-based services have a wide application range - from emergency, tracking, and navigation services to informational and entertainment services. In existing centrally managed solutions, the results of location-based search are often incomplete or outdated. Additional information about the searched object (e.g. the menu, facilities, prices) is usually not available, as such a huge amount of data and frequent updates (e.g. the number of free places in restaurant) would overload the server.
Efficient mobile multimedia streaming
Authors: Hsu Cheng-Hsin
Published: November 2010

Modern mobile devices have evolved into small computers that can render multimedia streaming content anywhere and anytime. These devices can extend the viewing time of users and provide more business opportunities for service providers. Mobile devices, however, make a challenging platform for providing high-quality multimedia services. The goal of this thesis is to identify these challenges from various aspects, and propose efficient and systematic solutions to solve them. In particular, we study mobile video broadcast networks in which a base station concurrently transmits multiple video streams over a shared air medium to many mobile devices. We propose algorithms to optimize various quality-of-service metrics, including streaming quality, bandwidth efficiency, energy saving, and channel switching delay. We analytically analyze the proposed algorithms, and we evaluate them using numerical methods and simulations. In addition, we implement the algorithms in a real testbed to show their practicality and efficiency. Our analytical, simulation, and experimental results indicate that the proposed algorithms can: (i) maximize energy saving of mobile devices, (ii) maximize bandwidth efficiency of the wireless network, (iii) minimize channel switching delays on mobile devices, and (iv) efficiently support heterogeneous mobile devices. Last, we give network operators guidelines on choosing solutions suitable for their mobile broadcast networks, which allow them to provide millions of mobile users much better viewing experiences, attract more subscribers, and thus increase the revenues.
Implementation and performance aspects of Kahn process networks
Authors: Vrba Zeljko
Published: November 2010

The appearance of commodity multi-core processors has spawned a wide interest in parallel programming, which is widely-regarded as more challenging than sequential programming. Existing distributed processing frameworks like MapReduce and Dryad are intentionally meant for large batch workloads and fail to efficiently support cyclic workloads with deadlines. In this respect, a Kahn Process Networks (KPN) is a model of concurrency that relies exclusively on message passing, and that has some advantages over parallel programming tools in wide use today: simplicity, graphical representation, and determinism.
Virtual context based services
Authors: Bergsträsser Sonja
Published: November 2010

The importance of virtual worlds is steadily growing both in general as well as from an economical perspective and they register increasing member counts. The virtual worlds observed in research most often nowadays are the very popular gaming worlds of Multiplayer Online Games (MOGs). They are among the most popular collaborative applications and are often referred to as cutting edge in cooperative online worlds. In virtual worlds of Multiplayer Online Games, millions of gamers from all over the world meet and establish social networks. Multiplayer Online Games are the core of a complex, networked, technical and social structure with interaction being a fundamental aspect. This includes cooperation, community, exchange and learning with specifically informal learning being of great importance. Mixed collaborative spaces, as they are provided by Multiplayer Online Games, are also suited to provide a common platform for other areas like interdisciplinary research.
The Theft of Business Innovation: An ACM-BCS Roundtable on Threats to Global Competitiveness
Authors: Creeger Mache
Published: November 2010

Valuable information assets stretch more broadly than just bank accounts, financial-services transactions, or secret, patentable inventions. In many cases, everything that defines a successful business model resides on one or more directly or indirectly Internet-connected personal computers (e-mail, spreadsheets, word-processing documents, etc.), in corporate databases, in software that implements business practices, or collectively on thousands of TCP/IP-enabled realtime plant controllers. While not the traditional high-powered information repositories one normally thinks of as attractive intellectual property targets, these systems do represent a complete knowledge set of a business’ operations. Criminals, who have come to understand that these information assets have very real value, have set up mechanisms to steal and resell them, bringing great financial harm to their original owners.
The Bacterial Cytoskeleton
Authors: Cabeen Matthew T. , Jacobs-Wagner Christine
Published: November 2010

Bacteria, like eukaryotes, employ cytoskeletal elements to perform many functions, including cell morphogenesis, cell division, DNA partitioning, and cell motility. They not only possess counterparts of eukaryotic actin, tubulin, and intermediate filament proteins, but they also have cytoskeletal elements of their own. Unlike the rigid sequence and structural conservation often observed for eukaryotic cytoskeletal proteins, the bacterial counterparts can display considerable diversity in sequence and function across species. Their wide range of function highlights the flexibility of core cytoskeletal protein motifs, such that one type of cytoskeletal element can perform various functions, and one function can be performed by different types of cytoskeletal elements.
Integrons
Authors: Cambray, Guillaume , Guerout, Anne-Marie , Mazel Didier
Published: November 2010

Integrons are genetic elements able to acquire and rearrange open reading frames (ORFs) embedded in gene cassette units and convert them to functional genes by ensuring their correct expression. They were originally identified as a mechanism used by Gram-negative bacteria to collect antibiotic resistance genes and express multiple resistance phenotypes in synergy with transposons. More recently, their role has been broadened with the discovery of chromosomal integron (CI) structures in the genomes of hundreds of bacterial species. This review focuses on the resources carried in these elements, on their unique recombination mechanisms, and on the different mechanisms controlling the cassette dynamics. We discuss the role of the toxin/antitoxin (TA) cassettes for the stabilization of the large cassette arrays carried in the larger CIs, known as superintegrons. Finally, we explore the central role played by single-stranded DNA in the integron cassette dynamics in light of the recent discovery that the integron integrase expression is controlled by the SOS response.
Evolution of Sex Chromosomes in Insects
Authors: Kaiser Vera B. , Bachtrog Doris
Published: November 2010

Sex chromosomes have many unusual features relative to autosomes. Y (or W) chromosomes lack genetic recombination, are male- (female-) limited, and show an abundance of genetically inert heterochromatic DNA but contain few functional genes. X (or Z) chromosomes also show sex-biased transmission (i.e., X chromosomes show female-biased and Z-chromosomes show male-biased inheritance) and are hemizygous in the heterogametic sex. Their unusual ploidy level and pattern of inheritance imply that sex chromosomes play a unique role in many biological processes and phenomena, including sex determination, epigenetic chromosome-wide regulation of gene expression, the distribution of genes in the genome, genomic conflict, local adaptation, and speciation. The vast diversity of sex chromosome systems in insects—ranging from the classical male heterogametic XY system in Drosophila to ZW systems in Lepidoptera or mobile genes determining sex as found in house flies—implies that insects can serve as unique model systems to study various functional and evolutionary aspects of these different processes.
Man's Best Friend Becomes Biology's Best in Show: Genome Analyses in the Domestic Dog
Authors: Parker Heidi G. , Shearin Abigail L. , Ostrander Elaine A.
Published: November 2010

In the last five years, canine genetics has gone from map construction to complex disease deconstruction. The availability of a draft canine genome sequence, dense marker chips, and an understanding of the genome architecture has changed the types of studies canine geneticists can undertake. There is now a clear recognition that the dog system offers the opportunity to understand the genetics of both simple and complex traits, including those associated with morphology, disease susceptibility, and behavior.

In this review, we summarize recent findings regarding canine domestication and review new information on the organization of the canine genome. We discuss studies aimed at finding genes controlling morphological phenotypes and provide examples of the way such paradigms may be applied to studies of behavior. We also discuss the many ways in which the dog has illuminated our understanding of human disease and conclude with a discussion on where the field is likely headed in the next five years.
Bacterial Contact-Dependent Delivery Systems
Authors: Hayes Christopher S. , Aoki Stephanie K. , Low David A.
Published: November 2010

Bacteria have developed remarkable systems that sense neighboring target cells upon contact and initiate a series of events that enhance their survival and growth at the expense of the target cells. Four main classes of bacterial cell surface structures have been identified that interact with prokaryotic or eukaryotic target cells to deliver DNA or protein effectors. Type III secretion systems (T3SS) use a flagellum-like tube to deliver protein effectors into eukaryotic host cells, whereas Type IV systems use a pilus-based system to mediate DNA or protein transfer into recipient cells. The contact-dependent growth inhibition system (CDI) is a Type V system, using a long β-helical cell surface protein to contact receptors in target cells and deliver a growth inhibitory signal. Type VI systems utilize a phage-like tube and cell puncturing device to secrete effector proteins into both eukaryotic and prokaryotic target cells.
Whey and casein labeled withl-[1-13C]leucine and muscle protein synthesis: effect of resistance exercise and protein ingestion
Authors: Reitelseder Søren , Agergaard Jakob , Doessing Simon , Helmark Ida C. , Lund Peter , Kristensen Niels B. , Frystyk Jan , Flyvbjerg Allan , Schjerling Peter , van Hall Gerrit , Kjaer Michael , Holm Lars
Published: November 2010

Muscle protein turnover following resistance exercise and amino acid availability are relatively well described. By contrast, the beneficial effects of different sources of intact proteins in relation to exercise need further investigation. Our objective was to compare muscle anabolic responses to a single bolus intake of whey or casein after performance of heavy resistance exercise. Young male individuals were randomly assigned to participate in two protein trials ( n = 9) or one control trial ( n = 8). Infusion of l-[1-13C]leucine was carried out, and either whey, casein (0.3 g/kg lean body mass), or a noncaloric control drink was ingested immediately after exercise. l-[1-13C]leucine-labeled whey and casein were used while muscle protein synthesis (MPS) was assessed. Blood and muscle tissue samples were collected to measure systemic hormone and amino acid concentrations, tracer enrichments, and myofibrillar protein synthesis. Western blots were used to investigate the Akt signaling pathway. Plasma insulin and branched-chain amino acid concentrations increased to a greater extent after ingestion of whey compared with casein. Myofibrillar protein synthesis was equally increased 1–6 h postexercise after whey and casein intake, both of which were higher compared with control ( P < 0.05). Phosphorylation of Akt and p70S6Kwas increased after exercise and protein intake ( P < 0.05), but no differences were observed between the types of protein except for total 4E-BP1, which was higher after whey intake than after casein intake ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, whey and casein intake immediately after resistance exercise results in an overall equal MPS response despite temporal differences in insulin and amino acid concentrations and 4E-BP1.
Neonatal programming of innate immune function
Authors: Spencer S. J. , Galic M. A. , Pittman Q. J.
Published: November 2010

The early life environment can be crucial in influencing the development of an animal's long-term physiology. There is now much evidence to suggest that perinatal challenges to an animal's immune system will result in changes in adult rat behavior, physiology, and molecular pathways following a single inflammatory event during development caused by the bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In particular, it is now apparent that neonatal LPS administration can influence the adult neuroimmune response to a second LPS challenge through hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis modifications, some of which are caused by alterations in peripheral prostaglandin synthesis. These pronounced changes are accompanied by a variety of alterations in a number of disparate aspects of endocrine physiology, with significant implications for the health and well-being of the adult animal. In this review, we discuss the newly elucidated mechanisms by which neonatal immune challenge can permanently alter an animal's endocrine and metabolic physiology and the implications this has for various disease states.
Nephron blood flow dynamics measured by laser speckle contrast imaging
Authors: Holstein-Rathlou Niels-Henrik , Sosnovtseva Olga V. , Pavlov Alexey N. , Cupples William A. , Sorensen Charlotte Mehlin , Marsh Donald J.
Published: November 2010

Tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) has an important role in autoregulation of renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Because of the characteristics of signal transmission in the feedback loop, the TGF undergoes self-sustained oscillations in single-nephron blood flow, GFR, and tubular pressure and flow. Nephrons interact by exchanging electrical signals conducted electrotonically through cells of the vascular wall, leading to synchronization of the TGF-mediated oscillations. Experimental studies of these interactions have been limited to observations on two or at most three nephrons simultaneously. The interacting nephron fields are likely to be more extensive. We have turned to laser speckle contrast imaging to measure the blood flow dynamics of 50–100 nephrons simultaneously on the renal surface of anesthetized rats. We report the application of this method and describe analytic techniques for extracting the desired data and for examining them for evidence of nephron synchronization. Synchronized TGF oscillations were detected in pairs or triplets of nephrons. The amplitude and the frequency of the oscillations changed with time, as did the patterns of synchronization. Synchronization may take place among nephrons not immediately adjacent on the surface of the kidney.
Multiple cytochromeP-450 genes are concomitantly regulated by vitamin A under steady-state conditions and by retinoic acid during hepatic first-pass metabolism
Authors: Ross A. Catharine , Cifelli Christopher J. , Zolfaghari Reza , Li Nan-qian
Published: November 2010

Vitamin A (retinol) is an essential precursor for the production of retinoic acid (RA), which in turn is a major regulator of gene expression, affecting cell differentiation throughout the body. Understanding how vitamin A nutritional status, as well as therapeutic retinoid treatment, regulates the expression of retinoid homeostatic genes is important for improvement of dietary recommendations and therapeutic strategies using retinoids. This study investigated genes central to processes of retinoid uptake and storage, release to plasma, and oxidation in the liver of rats under steady-state conditions after different exposures to dietary vitamin A (deficient, marginal, adequate, and supplemented) and acutely after administration of a therapeutic dose of all- trans-RA. Over a very wide range of dietary vitamin A, lecithin:retinol acyltransferase (LRAT) as well as multiple cytochrome P-450s (CYP26A1, CYP26B1, and CYP2C22) differed by diet and were highly correlated with one another and with vitamin A status assessed by liver retinol concentration (all correlations, P < 0.05). After acute treatment with RA, the same genes were rapidly and concomitantly induced, preceding retinoic acid receptor (RAR)β, a classical direct target of RA. CYP26A1 mRNA exhibited the greatest dynamic range (change of log 26in 3 h). Moreover, CYP26A1 increased more rapidly in the liver of RA-primed rats than naive rats, evidenced by increased CYP26A1 gene expression and increased conversion of [3H]RA to polar metabolites. By in situ hybridization, CYP26A1 mRNA was strongly regulated within hepatocytes, closely resembling retinol-binding protein (RBP)4 in location. Overall, whether RA is produced endogenously from retinol or administered exogenously, changes in retinoid homeostatic gene expression simultaneously favor both retinol esterification and RA oxidation, with CYP26A1 exhibiting the greatest dynamic change.
Vascular gene expression in mice overexpressing human endothelin-1 targeted to the endothelium
Authors: Simeone Stefania M. C. , Li Melissa W. , Paradis Pierre , Schiffrin Ernesto L.
Published: November 2010

Endothelin (ET)-1 plays an important pathophysiological role in several vascular diseases including hypertension and atherosclerosis. Transgenic mice overexpressing human preproET-1 selectively in the endothelium (eET-1) exhibit vascular injury in the absence of blood pressure elevation. ET-1 overexpression may induce vascular injury by inducing changes in gene expression. To understand mechanisms whereby ET-1 induces vascular damage, vascular gene expression profiling was performed using DNA microarrays. RNA from mesenteric arteries of male and female young (6–7 wk) and mature (6–8 mo) eET-1 and wild-type (WT) mice was isolated, and changes in gene expression were determined by genome-wide expression profiling using Illumina microarray and FlexArray software. Data were analyzed using a relaxed and a stringent statistical approach. The gene lists were compared and analyzed as well with Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. The most common change was an increase in the expression of lipid metabolism genes. Four of these genes were validated by qPCR, cyp51, dgat2, and scd1 genes in young and elovl6 in both young and mature male mice, supporting a role of ET-1 in atherosclerosis. To test the hypothesis that ET-1 participates in mechanisms leading to atherosclerosis, we crossed eET-1 with atherosclerosis-prone apoE−/−mice to determine whether ET-1 overexpression exacerbates high-fat diet (HFD)-induced atherosclerosis using oil red O staining of descending thoracic aorta. HFD increased lipid plaques by 3-, 27-, and 86-fold in eET-1, apoE−/−, and crossed mice, respectively, vs. WT. This suggests that increased endothelial ET-1 expression results in early changes in gene expression in the vascular wall that enhance lipid biosynthesis and accelerate progression of atherosclerosis.
Women and Bone Health: Maximizing the Benefits of Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy
Authors: Tang Shou-Ching
Published: November 2010

Postmenopausal women with early breast cancer (EBC) are already at risk for bone loss, osteoporosis and fracture as they age because of declining estrogen levels. Adjuvant hormonal therapy with aromatase inhibitors (AIs; e.g. letrozole, anastrozole, exemestane) can exacerbate this risk. All three AIs appear to have similar effects on bone, increasing bone turnover and fracture risk in postmenopausal women with EBC. Risk factors for bone loss can be used to assess fracture risk and the need for ongoing assessment and/or treatment in postmenopausal women receiving AIs for EBC. The concomitant, up-front use of intravenous bisphosphonate therapy, such as zoledronic acid, in combination with AIs can inhibit bone loss. In addition, a strong body of evidence suggests an anticancer activity of bisphosphonate therapy with zoledronic acid in EBC in both the pre- and postmenopausal adjuvant setting. Zoledronic acid thus provides a therapeutic option for postmenopausal women with EBC who may be at higher risk for bone loss while on AIs, allowing more patients to receive treatment with effective adjuvant hormonal therapy to prevent recurrence.
Is There a Yet Unreported Unbalanced Chromosomal Abnormality without Phenotypic Consequences in Proximal 4p?
Authors: Liehr T. , Bartels I. , Zoll B. , Ewers E. , Mrasek K. , Kosyakova N. , Merkas M. , Hamid A.B. , von Eggeling F. , Posorski N. , Weise A.
Published: November 2010

Unbalanced chromosomal abnormalities (UBCA) are reported for >50 euchromatic regions of almost all human autosomes. UBCA are comprised of a few megabases of DNA, and carriers are in many cases clinically healthy. Here we report on a partial trisomy of chromosome 4 of the centromere-near region of the short arm of chromosome 4 present as a small supernumerary marker chromosome (sSMC). The sSMC was present in >70% of amnion cells and in 60% of placenta. Further delineation of the size of the duplicated region was done by molecular cytogenetics and array comparative genomic hybridization. Even though the sSMC lead to a partial trisomy of ∼9 megabase pairs, a healthy child was born, developing normally at 1 year of age. No comparable cases are available in the literature. Thus, we discuss here the possibility of having found a yet unrecognized chromosomal region subject to UBCA.
A Case of Y-Autosome Reciprocal Translocation in a Holstein-Friesian Bull
Authors: Switonski M. , Szczerbal I. , Krumrych W. , Nowacka-Woszuk J.
Published: November 2010

Cytogenetic evaluation of young bulls of the Polish Holstein-Friesian breed, tested before approving for use in artificial insemination, revealed a carrier of a Y-autosome reciprocal translocation. The applied chromosome banding techniques and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), with the use of locus-specific BAC probes, facilitated description of the translocation as t(Y;21)(p11;q11). The bull presented normal development, including body weight and the size of testicles, as well as libido. Testosterone concentration at the age of 8 months was similar in the carrier and a normal bull of the same age, but at the age of 12 months the testosterone concentration appeared to be lower in the carrier.
Association between Adiponectin and Low-Grade Albuminuria Is BMI-Dependent in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Pongrac Barlovic Drazenka , Zaletel Jelka , Prezelj Janez
Published: November 2010

Aim: Low-grade albuminuria is a marker of increased risk for both cardiovascular and renal disease. Adiponectin, with its insulin-sensitizing, anti-inflammatory and antiatherogenic properties, is associated with cardiovascular as well as renal disease. Limited and conflicting data exist on the association of adiponectin with low-grade albuminuria. Our aim was to explore the association of plasma adiponectin and low-grade albuminuria in patients with type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, we were interested whether this association is dependent upon insulin sensitivity. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, plasma adiponectin and urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) were determined in 71 patients by radioimmunoassay. Insulin sensitivity was measured by hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp and expressed as the M value. The relationship between variables was described using univariate and multiple linear regression. Results: Adiponectin and UAER were negatively associated (R = –0.285, p < 0.05) only in patients with BMI >25. The association was independent of the clamp-derived M value, gender, BMI, arterial pressure or cholesterol. Conclusion: In obese patients with type 2 diabetes, there is an inverse association between adiponectin and low-grade albuminuria, the association being independent of insulin resistance. The consequences of such a relationship in terms of renal disease progression and cardiovascular survival remain to be evaluated.
Chromosome Mapping of Retrotransposable Elements Rex1 and Rex3 in Three Fish Species in the Subfamily Hypoptopomatinae (Teleostei, Siluriformes, Loricariidae)
Authors: Ferreira D.C. , Oliveira C. , Foresti F.
Published: November 2010

Transposons and retrotransposons represent a great portion of the eukaryotic genome. These repeated elements can be defined as genetic entities capable of self-inserting into different positions within the genome modifying the functions of the genes with which they are associated. The purpose of the present work was to isolate, identify, and map the sequences of Rex1 and Rex3 transposable elements present in the genomes of fishes of the family Loricariidae. The retrotransposable elements were identified through amplification with Rex1 and Rex3 primers, and the nucleotide composition of the retrotransposons was determined by automatic sequencing. In all the species analyzed it was possible to isolate Rex1 partial sequences from 520 to 563 bp in size and Rex3 partial sequences from 407 to 454 bp in size. Comparisons with the available literature showed that Loricariidae retrotransposons Rex1 and Rex3 have a high sequence similarity to putative homologous genes in different fish orders. Fluorescence in situ hybridization experiments conducted in 3 species, Hisonotus leucofrenatus, Pseudotocinclus tietensis, and Parotocinclus maculicauda, using the retrotransposable elements isolated for each species as probes, revealed that Rex1 and Rex3 share a similar dispersion pattern and are both found on all chromosomes of the 3 species organized in small clusters and dispersed on all the chromosomes, including euchromatic and heterochromatic regions, although a larger concentration was observed in the heterochromatic regions of H. leucofrenatus. The data found in the present study contradict much of the literature that substantiates that the retrotranspon elements are preferentially accumulated in the heterochromatin regions in fishes.
B Chromosomes in Nierembergiaaristata (Solanaceae): Nucleolar Activity and Competition with the A Chromosomes
Authors: Acosta M.C. , Moscone E.A.
Published: November 2010

B chromosomes are additional dispensable chromosomes that may be present in some individuals, populations, or species, which have probably arisen from the A chromosomes but follow their own evolutionary pathway. Supposedly, B chromosomes do not contain major genes except for ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences that have been mapped on the supernumerary chromosomes of many plants and animals. This paper is a new report of B chromosome occurrence in plants. B chromosomes with nucleolar organizing regions (NORs) were found in a diploid sample of Nierembergiaaristata D. Don (sub nom. N. stricta Miers) (2n = 2x = 16). This is an extreme case in which B chromosomes possess not only strong nucleolar activity, as revealed by conventional staining methods, AgNOR and fluorescence banding, and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), but also show nucleolar competition with the A chromosomes. The observed phenomenon could be analogous to the nucleolar dominance or ‘differential amphiplasty’ phenomenon that occurs in interspecific hybrids.
Kaposi’s Sarcoma after Repeated Surgical Procedures in an Immunocompetent Patient: The Lymphatic Hypothesis
Authors: Kostaki M. , Pham X.C. , Toutous-Trellu L. , Piguet V. , Kaya G. , Fasel J.H.D. , Stimec B.V. , Becker M. , Salomon D.
Published: November 2010

A 63-year-old Swiss patient developed acquired nodules on his right palm after 3 localized surgeries, called ‘needle fasciotomy’, for Dupuytren’s disease. Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) was diagnosed in a biopsy of a nodule. A positive immunolabeling and serology for human herpesvirus 8 has been found, but human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C identification remained negative. The nodules were limited to the surgically traumatized area. This first report of a nonimmunocompromised patient developing a KS after repeated surgeries in a unique peculiar localized area with a dense lymphatic network sustains the hypothesis that tissue alterations involving the lymphatic system could play a central role in the occurrence of KS.