bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel effects of statins in enhancing efficacy of chemotherapy in vitro in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Wang Weihua , Le Wei , Cho Do‐Yeon , Hwang Peter H. , Upadhyay Daya
Published: April 2011

Background

Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is a relatively uncommon malignant epithelial cancer seen worldwide. The treatment of NPC has evolved toward combined modality treatment with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. However, chemotherapeutic agents currently have a secondary role, due to their lack of efficacy as curative agents. Recent identification of a novel property of statin drugs raises a promising hope that concurrent use of statins may enhance the efficacy of single‐drug chemotherapy in NPC. However, the effects of statins have not been studied before in NPC. In this in vitro study, we demonstrate a unique property of statins that can enhance the efficacy of cisplatin in NPC.

Methods

Primary human NPC cells (CCL‐30) were treated with statins and cisplatin concurrently, and the effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell colony formation were examined.

Results

Statins caused significant decrease in cell proliferation and viability in NPC. Statins also induced loss of cell attachment, change in cellular morphology, decrease in colony forming units, and loss of sphere formation in soft gel agar, which are the important properties of tumorigenicity in NPC. Furthermore, we found that the effects of statins occur by a mevalonate (MA)‐mediated pathway in these cells.

Conclusions

We demonstrate a unique property of statins that can enhance the antitumor effects of cisplatin in NPC. Statins may act as a relatively safe and cost effective chemoadjuvant agent in the treatment of NPC. © 2011 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
Increased presence of dendritic cells and dendritic cell chemokines in the sinus mucosa of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis
Authors: Ayers Chris M. , Schlosser Rodney J. , O'Connell Brendan P. , Atkinson Carl , Mulligan Ryan M. , Casey Sarah E. , Bleier Benjamin S. , Wang Eric W. , Sansoni Eugene R. , Kuhlen James L. , Mulligan Jennifer K.
Published: April 2011

Background

The aim of this study was to determine if there is a link between local dendritic cells (DCs) and various subtypes of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS): CRS with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP), CRS without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP), and allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS). Once DC presence was established we considered possible mechanisms for DC recruitment to the sinuses.

Methods

Biopsy specimens were taken from the osteomeatal complex during endoscopic sinus surgery in patients with AFRS (n ≥ 5), CRSsNP (n ≥ 6), and CRSwNP (n ≥ 6). Control patients (n ≥ 5) were undergoing either tumor resection or repair of cerebrospinal fluid leak and had no radiographic or endoscopic evidence of inflammatory sinus disease. Tissue samples were immunohistochemically stained for DC marker, CD209, costimulatory molecules, CD80 and CD86, and chemokine receptors, CCR2 and CCR6. Sinus tissue lysates were examined for levels of the DC chemoattractants, chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) and CCL20.

Results

Analysis of sinus tissue from AFRS and CRSwNP revealed elevated numbers of cells staining positive for CD209, CD80, CD86, CCR2, and CCR6 compared to controls. CCL2 and CCL20 levels were elevated in AFRS and CRSwNP compared to controls, similar to increases in their receptors, CCR2 and CCR6, respectively. While there were trends toward increases in all markers in CRSsNP, none was statistically significant compared to control.

Conclusion

AFRS and CRSwNP have increased numbers of DCs displaying costimulatory molecules, DC chemoattractants, and their corresponding receptors in the sinus mucosa compared to controls. These differences represent a possible mechanism for increased numbers of DCs with a T helper 2 (Th2)‐skewed profile seen in CRSwNP and AFRS. © 2011 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.
Genotoxicity investigation of ELF‐magnetic fields in Salmonella typhimurium with the sensitive SOS‐based VITOTOX test
Authors: Verschaeve Luc , Anthonissen Roel , Grudniewska Magda , Wudarski Jakub , Gevaert Lieven , Maes Annemarie
Published: April 2011

We performed a genotoxicity investigation of extremely low‐frequency (ELF) magnetic fields (MFs, 50 Hz, 100 and 500 µT, 1 and 2 h exposure) alone and in combination with known chemical mutagens using the VITOTOX test. This test is a very sensitive reporter assay of Salmonella typhimurium bacteria based on the SOS response. Our study showed that ELF‐MFs do not induce SOS‐based mutagenicity in S. typhimurium bacteria and do not show any synergetic effect when combined with chemical mutagens. Bioelectromagnetics 32:580–584, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Elevated soluble CD40 ligand in diabetic patients with painless myocardial infarction
Authors: Huang Yu , Qiu Jianping , Zhang Denghai , Qiu Geng
Published: April 2011

Because a useful biomarker for painless myocardial infarction (MI) has yet to be identified, the aim of this study was to identify a biomarker for diabetic patients with painless MI. A case‐control design was used to compare inflammatory cytokine levels among 111 patients with diabetes mellitus, including 31 patients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD), 30 patients with painful MI, 20 patients with painless MI, and 30 age‐ and sex‐matched patients without CHD (control group). In addition to baseline parameters, cytokine levels, including plasma high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (HsCRP), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), and soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) levels, were analyzed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). No differences in baseline characteristics were observed for patients with painless MI as compared to the other patient groups. Significantly higher sCD40L, HsCRP, IL‐6, and TNF‐α levels were detected in patients with MI, and markedly elevated sCD40L and IL‐6 levels were observed in patients with painless MI as compared to those with painful MI. sCD40L may be a useful biomarker for painless MI in diabetic patients, which could reduce misdiagnosis and expedite treatment. Further studies are required to validate the diagnostic utility of this putative biomarker as well as investigate the mechanism by which sCD40L is elevated in these patients.
Eisfische – die etwas anderen Fische. Wirbeltiere ohne Blut?
Authors: Kock Karl‐Hermann
Published: April 2011

Eisfischen fehlt das Hämoglobin. Sie können den lebenswichtigen Sauerstoff nicht – wie alle anderen Wirbeltiere –, chemisch gebunden, sondern nur in physikalischer Lösung im Blut transportieren. Dies führte zu einer Reihe von Anpassungen, wie einem größeren Herz, einem höheren Blutvolumen und größeren Gefäßdurchmessern, die die Nachteile der geringeren Sauerstofftransportkapazität nur zum Teil kompensieren. Wie Eisfische es geschafft haben, trotz dieses offensichtlichen Defizits den Lebensraum Südpolarmeer erfolgreich und in großer Zahl zu besiedeln, beschreibt dieser Artikel.
Ein Hauch von Mittelmeer im Herzen Europas. Exkursion: Saarland und Lothringen
Authors: Petrischak Hannes
Published: April 2011

Die Halbtrockenrasen in den Muschelkalk‐Regionen des Saarlands sind eingebettet in die Kulturlandschaften des Biosphärenreservats Bliesgau und des Naturparks Saar‐Hunsrück. Sie weisen bemerkenswert viele wärmeliebende Arten auf, die ihren Verbreitungsschwerpunkt in der Mittelmeerregion haben. Die Trockenrasen auf den lothringischen Jura‐Kalken in der Region von Metz sind bereits stark mediterran geprägt und belegen die Rolle des Mosel‐Tals als Korridor für südliche Arten in das lothringisch‐saarländische Schichtstufenland hinein. Insbesondere Orchideen, Schmetterlinge und Heuschrecken zeigen eine außergewöhnliche Vielfalt im Saarland und in Lothringen. Einige mediterrane Arten erweitern seit einigen Jahren ihr Areal spürbar.
Aufbruch zu neuen Tiefen
Authors: Groß Michael
Published: April 2011

Nach einem aufwändigen Umbau soll das altgediente Tauchboot Alvin noch besser zur Erforschung des Lebens in der Tiefsee geeignet sein. Auch Titanic‐Regisseur James Cameron will in neue Tiefen vordringen.
Mikroalgen aus der Wüste
Authors: Bergmann Peter , Rutschke Nils , Patzelt Heiko , Klöck Gerd
Published: April 2011

Die absehbare Erschöpfung der fossilen Brennstoffe hat zu einer Reihe von industriellen Entwicklungen zur Gewinnung erneuerbarer Kraftstoffe geführt. Bioethanol aus Mais oder Biodiesel aus Palmöl werden heute kritisch betrachtet, da die landwirtschaftliche Produktion von Energiepflanzen in Konkurrenz zur Nahrungsmittelproduktion steht. Mikroalgen lassen sich dagegen im Prinzip auch dort kultivieren, wo Kulturpflanzen nicht gedeihen können.
Nachrichten des Verbandes Biologie, Biowissenschaften & Biomedizin in Deutschland
Authors: Englbrecht Claudia
Published: April 2011

Aus den Fachgesellschaften

Gesellschaft für Mykologie (DGfM)

Ausbildung und Karriere

Wie weiter nach dem Bio‐Studium?

Orientierung im Master‐Dschungel

Aus den Landesverbänden

Bayern

Schleswig‐Holstein
A graph‐based shape matching scheme for 3D articulated objects
Authors: Chao Min‐Wen , Lin Chao‐Hung , Chang Chih‐Chieh , Lee Tong‐Yee
Published: April 2011

In this paper, a novel graph‐based shape matching scheme for three‐dimensional articulated objects is introduced. The underlying graph structure of a given 3D model is composed of its topological skeleton and local geometric features. Matching two graph structures is generally an NP‐hard combinatorial optimization problem. To reduce computation cost, two graphs are embedded on a high‐dimensional space, and then matched based on an extension of Earth Mover's Distance (EMD). Furthermore, the symmetric components of an articulated object are determined by a voting algorithm with a self‐matching strategy to refine the matching correspondences. Experimental results show that the proposed approach is robust, even when the models are under the surface disturbances of noise addition, smoothing, simplification, similarity transformation, and pose deformation. In addition, the proposed approach is capable of handling both global and partial shape matching. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling ocean waves and interaction between objects and ocean water for cartoon animation
Authors: Liao Jing , Yu Jinhui , Patterson John
Published: April 2011

We present a scheme for the animation of ocean waves in a recognizable drawn animation cartoon style. This consists principally of two parts: the first part is the ocean surface generated by a procedural model which governs the dynamics of the ocean surface and rendered with stylized whitewater forms over the ocean wave crests; the second part is water effects caused by interactions between the ocean water and obstacle objects, such as waves crashing against obstacles‐like rocks or boats and forms surrounding objects, and those effects are simulated with different hierarchical models. The ocean surface can be used either alone or in conjunction with effects caused by the interactions according to the scene. With minimum user intervention, i.e., specification of a few parameters, our model is able to generate cartoon ocean wave animations using these procedural methods, as shown by examples given in the paper. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simulation theory and anticipation for interactive virtual character in an uncertain world
Authors: Buche Cédric , Jeannin‐Girardon Anne , De Loor Pierre
Published: April 2011

This paper deals with simulations of real‐time interactive character behavior. The underlying idea is to take into account principles from cognitive science, in particular, the human ability to anticipate and simulate the world behavior. For that purpose, we propose a conceptual framework where the entity possesses an autonomous world of simulation within simulation, in which it can simulate itself (with its own model of behavior) and the environment (with an abstract representation, which can be learnt, of the other entities behaviors). This principle is illustrated by the development of an artificial juggler, which predicts the motion of balls in the air and uses its predictions to coordinate its own behavior while juggling. Thanks to this model it is possible to add a human user to launch balls that the virtual juggler can catch whilst juggling. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GPU‐friendly shape interpolation based on trajectory warping
Authors: Chen Lu , Huang Jin , Zhang Hongxin , Hua Wei
Published: April 2011

In this paper, we propose a GPU‐friendly shape interpolation method. In contrast with state‐of‐the‐art interpolation algorithms, our method computes the trajectory of each vertex independently instead of solving large linear systems in every interpolation step. Given two poses being interpolated, we find trajectory parameters for each vertex by optimization with the consideration of the key pose reconstruction and as‐rigid‐as‐possible deformation in the pre‐computing stage. During run‐time, the vertices coordinates on the intermediate shape can be computed in parallel according to a close form formulation. In the results we demonstrate that our method achieves extremely high performance on modern GPU and can be extended easily to multi‐pose interpolation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real‐time smoke simulation with improved turbulence by spatial adaptive vorticity confinement
Authors: He Shengfeng , Wong Hon‐Cheng , Pang Wai‐Man , Wong Un‐Hong
Published: April 2011

Turbulence modeling has recently drawn many attentions in fluid animation to generate small‐scale rolling features. Being one of the widely adopted approaches, vorticity confinement method re‐injects lost energy dissipation back to the flow. However, previous works suffer from deficiency when large vorticity coefficient ε is used, due to the fact that constant ε is applied all over the simulated domain. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to enhance the visual effect by employing an adaptive vorticity confinement which varies the strength with respect to the helicity instead of a user‐defined constant. To further improve fine details in turbulent flows, we are not only applying our proposed vorticity confinement to low‐resolution grid, but also on a finer grid to generate sub‐grid level turbulence. Since the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations are solved only in low‐resolution grid, this saves a significant amount of computation. Several experiments demonstrate that our method can produce realistic smoke animation with enhanced turbulence effects in real‐time. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Meshless simulation of brittle fracture
Authors: Liu Ning , He Xiaowei , Li Sheng , Wang Guoping
Published: April 2011

We propose a meshless method to simulate brittle fracture. For brittle solids, stress computation can be difficult because brittle materials generally require small timesteps which bring about heavy computational burden. Furthermore, treating the brittle objects as deformable bodies will cause inevitable visual artifact. We treat the brittle objects as fully rigid bodies and solve the brittle stress distribution with Meshless Local Petrov‐Galerkin as a quasistatic problem, so visual artifact disppears and no timestep restriction exists. As a meshless framework, our method has the advantage of easy‐resampling around high stress areas to improve computation accuracy. To generate fractured pieces, unlike previous methods which explicitly track the crack propagation, we also present a novel damage based model. Our model supports user‐control of the fracture pattern which is especially useful when simulating anisotropic materials such as glass or wood. Results show that our meshless framework is physically feasible and user controllable. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiproliferative Compounds of Cyphostemma greveana from a Madagascar Dry Forest
Authors: Cao Shugeng , Hou Yanpeng , Brodie Peggy , Miller James S. , Randrianaivo Richard , Rakotobe Etienne , Rasamison Vincent E. , Kingston David G. I.
Published: April 2011

Bioassay‐guided fractionation of the EtOH extracts obtained from a plant identified as Cyphostemma greveana Desc. (Vitaceae) led to the identification of one macrolide, lasiodiplodin (1), three sesquiterpenoids, 12‐hydroxy‐15‐oxoselina‐4,11‐diene (2), 1β,6α‐dihydroxyeudesm‐4(15)‐ene (3), and (7R*)‐opposit‐4(15)‐ene‐1β,7‐diol (5), and a new diterpenoid, 16,18‐dihydroxykolavenic acid lactone (4). All the isolates were tested against the A2780 human ovarian cancer cell line, and compound 4 and a fraction containing 5 as the major constituent showed antiproliferative activities with IC50 values of 0.44 μM (0.14 μg/ml) and 0.045 μg/ml, respectively. A partial synthesis of compound 5 was carried out, but the pure synthetic compound was inactive, indicating that the activity of the fraction containing it must be due to a very minor and as yet unidentified substance.
Potential O‐Acyl‐Substituted (−)‐Epicatechin Gallate Prodrugs as Inhibitors of DMBA/TPA‐Induced Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Skin in Swiss Albino Mice
Authors: Vyas Sandeep , Manon Benu , Vir Singh Tej , Dev Sharma Pritam , Sharma Manu
Published: April 2011

(−)‐Epicatechin‐3‐gallate (1) is one of the principal catechins of green tea and exhibits cancer‐preventive activities in various animal models. However, this compound is unstable in neutral or alkaline medium and, therefore, has a poor bioavailability. To improve its stability, O‐acyl derivatives of 1 were prepared by isolating the partially purified tea catechin fraction from green tea extract and treating it with a variety of acylating agents. The resulting derivatives, compounds 2–6, were screened for their antitumor potential against 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)/12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA)‐induced squamous cell carcinogenesis of skin in mice. The results showed that the antitumor activity decreased with the increase in size of the chain length of the acyl groups, i.e., from compound 2, derivative with an Ac group, to compound 6, possessing a valeryl group. Moreover, the C4 derivative with a branched acyl chain, 5, had a lower activity than the linear C4 derivative 4. This reduction in the inhibitory activity may be due to the steric hindrance by the two Me groups. Moreover, significant increases in the protein levels analyzed by ELISA of c‐Jun, p65, and p53 were observed in the skin of DMBA/TPA treated mice, whereas mice treated with 2 and DMBA/TPA had a similar expression of these transcription factors than the control mice. The prodrug potential of the O‐acyl derivatives 2–6 showed that they were adequately stable to be absorbed intact from the intestine, more stable at gastric pH, and suitable for oral administration.
In vitro Evaluation of Antileishmanial Activity and Toxicity of Essential Oils of Artemisia absinthium and Echinops kebericho
Authors: Tariku Yinebeb , Hymete Ariaya , Hailu Asrat , Rohloff Jens
Published: April 2011

Potential toxicity, costs, and drug‐resistant pathogens necessitate the development of new antileishmanial agents. Medicinal and aromatic plants constitute a major source of natural organic compounds. In this study, essential oils of Artemisia absinthium L. and Echinops kebericho Mesfin were investigated by GC and GC/MS analyses. Isolated oils were screened for antileishmanial activity against two Leishmania strains (L. aethiopica and L. donovani), and toxicity on the human monocytic leukemia (THP‐1) cell line and red blood cells in vitro. GC/MS Analysis revealed 65 compounds (93.74%) for Artemisia absinthium and 43 compounds (92.85%) for Echinops kebericho oil. The oils contained the oxygenated monoterpene camphor (27.40%) and the sesquiterpene lactone dehydrocostus lactone (41.83%) as major constituents, respectively. Both oils showed activity against promastigote (MIC 0.0097–0.1565 μl/ml) and axenic amastigote forms (EC50 0.24–42.00 nl/ml) of both leishmania species. Weak hemolytic effect was observed for both oils, showing a slightly decreased selectivity index (SI 0.8–19.2) against the THP‐1 cell line. Among the two oils tested, E. kebericho exerted strong antileishmanial activity that was even higher than that of amphotericin B with significant cytotoxicity. This study, therefore, demonstrated the potential use of both oils as source of novel agents for the treatment of leishmaniasis.
Potential risk of provisional stenting in left main coronary artery bifurcation in multivessel‐related acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Murasato Yoshinobu , Yamamoto Tomohiko , Suematsu Yasunori
Published: April 2011

We present a case of an elderly man suffering from an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with preshock vital signs and remarkable ST–T wave depression in leads V4–V6, and ST elevation in lead aVR. Coronary angiography showed total occlusion of the right coronary artery (RCA) and impending occlusion in the distal left main coronary artery (LMCA) with a tandem lesion in the proximal left anterior descending artery (LAD). After insertion of an intra‐aortic balloon pump both the LAD and left circumflex artery (LCX) were dilated alternatively; and cross‐over stenting in the LMCA bifurcation was subsequently performed. However, total occlusion of the LCX occurred and it caused acute hemodynamic collapse and ventricular fibrillation storm. Immediate installation of percutaneous cardio‐pulmonary support system allowed stent deployment to be performed in the RCA and subsequent reopening of the LCX that led to a return to sinus rhythm. The patient recovered almost normal left ventricular wall motion and previous activity without any neurological deficit within 2 weeks. Provisional stenting in ACS in the LMCA bifurcation with multivessel disease has a potential risk of acute hemodynamic collapse; a planned two‐stent deployment strategy may assure a higher rate of safety in such cases. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Firm Resources and Corporate Venturing Investment
Authors: Chiu Yi‐Chia , Liaw Yi‐Ching , Tseng Wei‐Kuo
Published: April 2011

Corporate venturing (CV) in which established firms invest in new entrepreneurial businesses involves identifying opportunities and creating new combinations of resources to seize opportunities. Moving beyond literature that has focused predominantly on the consequences of CV, we adopt a resource‐based view to examine how knowledge‐based and organizational‐slack resources relate to the level of firm CV. The implications of the findings for future research are discussed. Copyright © 2011 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fatigue, vitality, sleep, and neurocognitive functioning in adult survivors of childhood cancer
Authors: Clanton Nancy R. , Klosky James L. , Li Chenghong , Jain Neelam , Srivastava Deo Kumar , Mulrooney Daniel , Zeltzer Lonnie , Stovall Marilyn , Robison Leslie L. , Krull Kevin R.
Published: April 2011

BACKGROUND:

Long‐term survivors of childhood cancer are at risk for fatigue, sleep problems, and neurocognitive impairment, although the association between these outcomes has not been previously examined.

METHODS:

Outcomes were evaluated in 1426 survivors from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study using a validated Neurocognitive Questionnaire. Relative risks for neurocognitive impairment were calculated using demographic and treatment factors, and survivors' report on the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy‐Fatigue, the Short Form‐36 Vitality Scale, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale.

RESULTS:

Neurocognitive impairment was identified in >20% of survivors, using sibling‐based norms for comparison. Multivariate logistic regression models revealed that fatigue (risk ratio [RR], 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13‐1.59), daytime sleepiness (RR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.55‐1.83), poor sleep quality (RR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.01‐1.49), and decreased vitality (RR, 1.75; 95% CI 1.33‐2.30) were all associated with impaired task efficiency. Likewise, fatigue (RR, 1.77; 95% CI, 1.23‐2.55), sleepiness (RR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.14‐1.67), and decreased vitality (RR, 3.08; 95% CI, 1.98‐4.79) were predictive of emotional regulation problems. Diminished organization was associated with increased sleepiness (RR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.31‐2.48) and decreased vitality (RR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.37‐2.63). Impaired memory was associated with poor sleep quality (RR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.19‐1.76), increased sleepiness (RR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.63‐2.58), and decreased vitality (RR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.42‐2.86). The impact of fatigue, sleepiness, sleep quality, and vitality on neurocognitive outcomes was independent of the effects of cranial radiation therapy, steroids and antimetabolite chemotherapy, sex, and current age.

CONCLUSIONS:

Neurocognitive function in long‐term survivors of childhood cancer appears particularly vulnerable to the effects of fatigue and sleep disruption. These findings suggest sleep hygiene should be emphasized among survivors, as it may provide an additional mechanism for intervention to improve neurocognitive outcomes. Cancer 2011;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Beyond the “identity”‐paradigm: Conflict resolution and the dynamics of self‐understanding
Authors: Seibt Johanna
Published: April 2011

In this introduction, Guest Editor Johanna Seibt examines the importance of identity for the process of conflict transformation, while giving an overview of key concepts and the pieces that make up this special colloquy edition of Conflict Resolution Quarterly.
Consciousness in culture‐based conflict and conflict resolution
Authors: Nan Susan Allen
Published: April 2011

This article makes the case for bringing theory of consciousness to the understanding of individual transformation in conflict resolution practice. It does so by highlighting consciousness engaged explicitly and implicitly in many conflict resolution practices and consciousness dynamics considered in the emerging literature by conflict resolution practitioners. In particular, increasing awareness, consciousness structures, shifts in consciousness, transitional space, and embodied engagement are useful frameworks for understanding individual transformation within conflict resolution processes. The article concludes that the study of conflict resolution is incomplete without consideration of consciousness in conflict and conflict resolution. Furthermore, formally engaging consciousness dynamics as part of the study of conflict resolution holds promise for improving conflict resolution practice.
Dealing with conflicts after the conflict: European and indigenous approaches to conflict transformation in East Timor
Authors: Loch Alexander , Prueller Vanessa
Published: April 2011

The East Timor conflict appeared to be resolved in 1999 by a referendum; however, the fragile state has experienced various new conflicts over the last years. The indigenous perspective on the postconflict dynamics considers conflicts as caused by disharmony between the world of the living and the dead. Numerous international actors in East Timor have a fundamentally different understanding and try to resolve the tensions in the country through measures such as trauma workshops or poverty reduction programs. The conceptual challenge is an integration of modern and traditional approaches for conflict transformation at the various levels where new conflicts arise.
Stability of mitochondrial DNA against reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in diabetes
Authors: Savu Octavian , Sunkari Vivekananda Gupta , Botusan Ileana Ruxandra , Grünler Jacob , Nikoshkov Andrej , Catrina Sergiu‐Bogdan
Published: April 2011

Background

Increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mitochondria has been proposed as the pathogenic mechanism for chronic complications of diabetes. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is more vulnerable to reactive oxygen species. However, there are few data on the mitochondrial DNA damage in diabetes and these are available only from patients with different duration of the disease and tissues not relevant to the chronic complications of diabetes. We therefore proposed to study the stability of mitochondrial DNA under controlled experimental conditions, to understand its contribution to chronic complications of diabetes.

Methods

The mitochondrial DNA damage was evaluated by long‐fragment polymerase chain reaction in human dermal fibroblasts exposed to high glucose level and hypoxia (an additional source of reactive oxygen species) or in organs from diabetic animals (db/db mice) at different ages. Reactive oxygen species production was assessed in vitro by fluorescence and in vivo by nitrosylation of the proteins. The antioxidant enzymes were assessed by enzyme activity and by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction while the mitochondrial repair activity (base excision repair) was determined by using abasic site‐containing oligonucleotides as substrates.

Results

Hyperglycaemia, when combined with hypoxia, is able to induce mitochondrial DNA damage in human dermal fibroblasts. The deleterious effect is mediated by mitochondrial reactive oxygen species, being abolished when the mitochondria electron transport is blocked. The accumulation of mitochondrial DNA damage in vivo is, however, decreased in ‘old’ diabetic animals (db/db) despite higher reactive oxygen species levels. This mitochondrial DNA protection might be conferred by an increased base excision repair activity.

Conclusion

Increased base excision repair activity in tissues affected by the chronic complications of diabetes is a potential mechanism that can overcome mitochondrial DNA damage induced by hyperglycaemia‐related reactive oxygen species overproduction. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oral anti‐CD3 monoclonal antibody delays diabetes in non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice: effects on pregnancy and offspring—a preliminary report
Authors: Bevier Wendy C. , Trujillo Angelina L. , Primbs George B. , Bradley Maia K. , Jovanovič Lois
Published: April 2011

Background

The objective was to observe the effect of oral anti‐CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) on non‐obese diabetic mice, pregnancy, and offspring.

Methods

Three protocols are classified as: (1) Twenty non‐obese diabetic/ShiLtJ female mice were monitored for type 1 diabetes mellitus. If the blood glucose level was ≥ 250 mg/dL, the mice were treated for 8 days with either 50 or 100 µg oral anti‐CD3 monoclonal antibody. If the diabetes resolved, the mice were bred. (2) F1 offspring were monitored for diabetes; 15 female mice became diabetic. Non‐diabetic F1 female mice were divided into two groups [ten antibody (Ab) and ten control (C)] and bred. Ab female mice were given 100 µg monoclonal antibody before diabetes development and during pregnancy for 6 weeks. (3) Twenty‐five F2 Ab and 23 F2 C mice were monitored. At 15–17 weeks, Ab mice, both female and male, were given 100 µg monoclonal antibody for 8 weeks.

Results

(1) The diabetes in four female mice treated with 50 µg did not resolve; in three of the six diabetic female mice treated with 100 µg, the diabetes resolved and the mice were bred. The remaining ten non‐diabetic female mice were given 100 µg oral monoclonal antibody and then bred. No diabetes developed during pregnancy; 13 litters were born. (2) Three diabetic Ab female mice sustained their pregnancies versus one diabetic C female mouse (p ≤ 0.05). (3) At 30 weeks, six Ab female and three Ab male mice and seven C female and three C male mice developed diabetes. The number of diabetic Ab and C mice was not different; diagnosis age was significantly different—Ab 23.3 ± 5.1 and C 18.8 ± 3.7 weeks (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions

In female non‐obese diabetic mice, oral anti‐CD3 monoclonal antibody was effective in reversing diabetes and allowing pregnancy and extending longevity, but it did not prevent diabetes in the offspring. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Insulin secretion is decreased in non‐diabetic individuals with hypomagnesaemia
Authors: Rodríguez‐Morán Martha , Guerrero‐Romero Fernando
Published: April 2011

Background

Magnesium modulates insulin‐mediated glucose uptake but data regarding its role in insulin secretion are scarce; therefore, in this study we determined whether decreased serum magnesium levels are associated with the impairment of insulin secretion in non‐diabetic individuals.

Methods

A total of 182 apparently healthy subjects, men and non‐pregnant women, 18–65 years of age, were enrolled in a population‐based cross‐sectional study and allocated to groups with hypomagnesaemia and normomagnesaemia. The groups in the study were subsequently stratified according to glucose status: normal glucose tolerance, impaired fasting glucose, and impaired glucose tolerance. Insulin secretion was evaluated by the first and second phases of insulin secretion.

Results

The Spearman coefficient between serum magnesium and the first and second phases of insulin secretion showed a significant positive correlation in the overall (r = 0.265, p < 0.0005; r = 0.541, p < 0.0005), normal glucose tolerance (r = 0.369, p = 0.001; r = 0.618, p < 0.0005), impaired fasting glucose (r = 0.320, p = 0.02; r = 0.449, p = 0.001), and impaired glucose tolerance (r = 0.129, p = 0.37; r = 0.522, p < 0.0005) groups.

The multivariate linear regression analysis showed a significant association between serum magnesium levels and the first and second phases of insulin secretion: for the entire groups [B = 75.2; 95% confidence interval (CI) 27.6–122.7; B = 25.4; 95% CI 16.4–34.3], normal glucose tolerance (B = 129.6, 95% CI 38.1–221.1; B = 40.3, 95% CI 23.7–56.8), impaired fasting glucose (B = 75.2, 95% CI 27.6–122.7; B = 15.1, 95% CI 4.2–30.2), and impaired glucose tolerance (B = 57.4, 95% CI 23.5–138.3; B = 25.4, 95% CI 16.4–34.3) groups.

Conclusions

Our results show that hypomagnesaemia is associated with the decrease of the first and second phases of insulin secretion in non‐diabetic subjects with hypomagnesaemia. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Digital filter design with state space method for 1‐bit signal processing based on delta‐sigma modulation
Authors: Ito Yuji , Doki Shinji , Okuma Sigeru
Published: April 2011

One‐bit signal processing based on delta‐sigma modulation has been studied for hardware implementation of signal processing systems. In the 1‐bit signal processing, finite word‐length problems such as overflow and coefficient quantization error occur. To solve the problems, a new design method with state space is proposed in this paper. Digital filters are designed to show the feasibility of the method. First, the L1/L2‐sensitivity is shown to evaluate coefficient quantization error and L2 scaling constraints to prevent overflow. Second, a state space equation is presented and the L1/L2‐sensitivity and L2‐scaling constraints are extended to take the filter structure and oversampling effects into account. Finally, the proposed method is shown to attain a higher SNR than conventional ones. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 175(4): 48–56, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21075
Novel voltage limiter for fast torque response of IPMSM in voltage saturation region
Authors: Lerdudomsak Smith , Doki Shinji , Okuma Shigeru
Published: April 2011

A new voltage limiter for fast torque response of IPMSM in the voltage saturation region is proposed, which we name the “maximum torque response voltage limiter.” In transient condition, the fastest response is vital while voltage saturation occurs. Thus, the problem is to divide the limited voltage into d‐ and q‐axis voltages so as to generate the fastest torque response. The nonlinear relation between the torque and the d‐q axis currents of the IPMSM makes the problem complicated. In our proposed method, both voltage equations and a torque equation of the IPMSM are considered and, based on the Lagrange optimization technique, explicit expressions for the d‐ and q‐axis voltages are derived. Compared with conventional voltage limiters such as the constant phase angle method, the constant back emf method, and the constant d‐axis voltage method, the proposed limiter yields faster torque response in the voltage saturation region, which is confirmed by computer simulation and experimental results. Furthermore, the proposed method uses simple software calculations, and it can be readily implemented without any modification of the hardware system. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 175(4): 57–69, 2011; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.21078
High frequency of autoantibody‐secreting cells and long‐lived plasma cells within inflamed kidneys of NZB/W F1 lupus mice
Authors: Starke Charlotte , Frey Silke , Wellmann Ute , Urbonaviciute Vilma , Herrmann Martin , Amann Kerstin , Schett Georg , Winkler Thomas , Voll Reinhard E.
Published: April 2011

Autoantibodies to double‐stranded (ds) DNA represent a serological hallmark of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and may critically contribute to the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis. Self‐reactive antibodies might be partially produced by long‐lived plasma cells (PCs), which mainly reside within the bone marrow and spleen. In contrast to short‐lived PCs, long‐lived PCs are extremely resistant to therapy and may sustain refractory disease courses. Recently, antibody‐secreting cells were found within the inflamed kidneys of New Zealand black/white (NZB/W) F1 lupus mice as well as of patients with SLE. To analyze the longevity of the IgG‐producing cells present in nephritic kidneys of NZB/W F1 mice we performed in vivo BrdU‐labeling. We identified a higher frequency of long‐lived than short‐lived renal PCs, indicating that survival niches for long‐lived PCs also exist within inflamed kidneys. Using ELISPOT assays, we found that on average 31% of renal IgG‐producing cells reacted with dsDNA and 24% with nucleolin. Moreover, the frequencies of IgG‐secreting cells specific for the autoantigens dsDNA and nucleolin were higher in the kidneys compared with those in the spleen and bone marrow.
ST2 deletion enhances innate and acquired immunity to murine mammary carcinoma
Authors: Jovanovic Ivan , Radosavljevic Gordana , Mitrovic Maja , Lisnic Juranic Vanda , McKenzie Andrew N. J. , Arsenijevic Nebojsa , Jonjic Stipan , Lukic Miodrag L.
Published: April 2011

ST2 is a member of the IL‐1 receptor family and IL‐33 was recently identified as its natural ligand. The IL‐33/ST2 pathway regulates Th1/Th2 immune responses in autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, but the role of ST2 signaling in tumor growth and metastasis has not been investigated. We aimed to investigate whether ST2 gene deletion affects tumor appearance, growth, and metastasis, and antitumor immunity in an experimental metastatic breast cancer model. Deletion of ST2 in BALB/c mice bearing mammary carcinoma attenuated tumor growth and metastasis, which was accompanied by increased serum levels of IL‐17, IFN‐γ, and TNF‐α and decreased IL‐4. Tumor‐bearing ST2−/− mice had significantly higher percentages of activated CD27highCD11bhigh NK cells, CD69+ and KLRG− NK cells and higher cytotoxic activity of splenocytes, NK cells, and CD8+ T cells in vitro. A significantly higher number of NK cells expressing IFN‐γ were found in ST2−/− mice compared with WT recipients. In vivo depletion of CD8+ or NK cells revealed a key role for NK cells in enhanced antitumor immunity in ST2−/− mice. We report for the first time that suppressed breast cancer progression and metastasis in mice lacking ST2 corresponds mainly with enhanced cytotoxic activity of NK cells, and increased systemic Th1/Th17 cytokines.
Electrochemiluminescent Behavior of Eosin Y and Its Application for Detection of Some Bioactive Molecules
Authors: Lin Yanyu , Dai Hong , Yang Caiping , Lin Shen , Chen Guonan
Published: April 2011

Herein the electrochemiluminescent behavior of a promising and cheap electrochemiluminescence (ECL) luminophore, Eosin yellowish (2′,4′,5′,7′‐tetrabromofluorescein, EYH2), was investigated. A stable and strong ECL emission of Eosin yellowish could be achieved at electrochemical pretreated glassy carbon electrode in mild acidic media. Based on proposed stable cathodic ECL of Eosin yellowish on the electrochemically pretreated GCE, some important bioactive molecules, such as H2O2, guanine, adenine, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), uric acid and vitamin C, were found as enhanced coreactants towards the cathodic ECL of Eosin yellowish.
Analysis of Some Selected Persistent Organic Chlorinated Pesticides in Marine Water and Food Stuffs by Differential Pulse‐Cathodic Stripping Voltammetry
Authors: El‐Shahawi M. S. , Hamza A. , Bashammakh A. S. , Al‐Sibaai A. A. , Al‐Saggaf W. T.
Published: April 2011

Based on the redox characteristics of two selected organochlorine pesticides namely alachlor (ALC) and chlorfenvinphos (CHL) in Britton–Robinson (B–R) buffer at a hanging mercury drop, Pt and Au working electrode (HMDE), a fast, simple and selective differential pulse cathodic stripping voltammetric (DP CSV) method was developed for their determination. The cathodic stripping peak currents for ALC versus concentrations was linear in the range from 7.4×10−9 to 1.4×10−7 mol L−1 and in the range from 2.7×10−9 to 1.6×10−8 mol L−1 for CHL. The method was applied for the analysis of trace concentrations of ALC and CHL in fresh‐ and marine water (Atlantic and Red Sea) and sediment samples and food stuffs.
Determinatiom of 8‐Hydroxy 2′‐Deoxyguanosine Using Electrodes Modified with a Dispersion of Carbon Nanotubes in Polyethylenimine
Authors: Gutiérrez Alejandro , Gutiérrez Silvia , García Guadalupe , Galicia Laura , Rivas Gustavo A.
Published: April 2011

Hydroxyl radicals easily oxidize biomolecules such as proteins and DNA. The most abundant oxidative product of DNA is 8‐hydroxy 2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) and this is considered a biomarker of oxidative DNA damage. This work studies the electrochemical behavior of 8‐OHdG on electrodes modified with carbon nanotubes dispersed in polyethylenimine. The technique of differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV) enables quantification of 8‐OHdG in the presence of its major interferents, such as ascorbic acid and uric acid. We obtained linear calibration plots in the range from 5.0×10−7 M to 3.0×10−5 M, with detection limit (DL) of 1.0×10−7 M and the quantification limit (QL) of 3.0×10−7 M.
Integral vorticity transport method on an overset grid
Authors: Renjitham S. , Marshall J. S.
Published: April 2011

We present an overset grid method for solution of the integro‐differential vorticity–velocity formulation of the Navier–Stokes equations for two‐dimensional, incompressible flow. The method uses a body‐fitted inner grid, on which vorticity is evolved semi‐implicitly, and a Cartesian outer grid with explicit vorticity evolution. The Biot–Savart integral is solved using an adaptive, optimized multipole acceleration method. The Biot–Savart integration is performed over all inner grid cells, over all ‘active cells’ of the outer grid that lie entirely outside of the inner grid, and over sub‐elements of a set of ‘overhanging’ cells of the outer grid that overlap part of the inner grid. A novel method is developed using a level‐set distance function to rapidly and easily partition the overhanging grid cells, which is essential for the Biot–Savart integration in order to avoid double‐counting vorticity in the overhanging region. A similar decomposition into outer, inner and overhanging cells is used in solving for pressure using a boundary‐element formulation, which requires evaluation of an integral over the vorticity field using a method similar to that used for the Biot–Savart integral. The new overset grid method is applied to flow past stationary and moving bodies in two dimensions and found to agree well with prior experimental and numerical results. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The application of visible/near‐infrared reflectance (VNIR) spectroscopy to chert: A case study from the Dover Quarry sites, Tennessee
Authors: Parish Ryan Michael
Published: April 2011

Prehistoric cultural material is commonly composed of chert, due in large part to its physical properties that are conducive to tool manufacture. Despite its ubiquity, archaeologists are faced with an arduous task when attempting to source chert artifacts to known quarries/deposits. The application of visible/near‐infrared reflectance (VNIR) spectroscopy to chert sourcing attains a cost‐efficient, fast, non‐destructive, and accurate means of identifying material type and geologic/geographic origin. This study examines the merits of VNIR spectroscopy within chert sourcing studies by highlighting a material‐based case study from the Dover Quarry sites, Tennessee. Results demonstrate the ability of VNIR spectroscopy to differentiate chert types from different geologic formations with 98% accuracy. However, accuracy significantly decreased when attempting to distinguish particular outcrops within the same formation. Although the application of VNIR spectroscopy to chert sourcing is in its experimental phase, the preliminary results compare favorably with other provenance techniques whose aim is to quantify inter‐outcrop variation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Micromorphology revealsin situMesolithic living floors and archaeological features in multiphase sites in central Sudan
Authors: Zerboni Andrea
Published: April 2011

In the Khartoum region of central Sudan, Mesolithic sites were established on sandy ridges distributed along the Nile. Most of the excavations carried out in recent decades have revealed limited preserved archaeological structures or layers corresponding to subsequent phases of human presence due to the disturbance of the deposits. Post‐depositional processes affecting Mesolithic sites include (1) the excavation of Neolithic to Post‐Meroitic cemeteries at the same sites, (2) surface erosion, and (3) pedoturbation leading to the mixing of the stratigraphy. During a recent field operation along the western bank of the White Nile, archaeological contexts that were only partially disturbed were identified. Employing a geoarchaeological approach and the micromorphological study of sediments (supported by14C dating), settlements were placed in their paleoenvironmental contexts and differences betweenin situMesolithic layers and those disturbed by later processes were identified. Furthermore, it was possible to interpret the functional aspects of three categories of pits containing Mesolithic pottery (fireplace pits, fireplace pits with shell accumulations, and waste pits) and to discuss their significance within the wider framework of North African archaeology. Finally, this project has demonstrated the importance of integrating the geosciences (especially micromorphology) and archaeology in the study of processes leading to the formation and preservation of open‐air prehistoric sites in arid landscapes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.