bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antidiabetic Actions of an Estrogen Receptor β Selective Agonist
Authors: Alonso-Magdalena Paloma , Ropero Ana B. , García-Arévalo Marta , Soriano Sergi , Quesada Iván , Muhammed Sarheed J. , Salehi Albert , Gustafsson Jan-Ake , Nadal Ángel
Published: January 2013

The estrogen receptor β (ERβ) is emerging as an important player in the physiology of the endocrine pancreas. We evaluated the role and antidiabetic actions of the ERβ selective agonist WAY200070 as an insulinotropic molecule. We demonstrate that WAY200070 enhances glucose-stimulated insulin secretion both in mouse and human islets. In vivo experiments showed that a single administration of WAY200070 leads to an increase in plasma insulin levels with a concomitant improved response to a glucose load. Two-week treatment administration increased glucose-induced insulin release and pancreatic β-cell mass and improved glucose and insulin sensitivity. In addition, streptozotocin-nicotinamide–induced diabetic mice treated with WAY200070 exhibited a significant improvement in plasma insulin levels and glucose tolerance as well as a regeneration of pancreatic β-cell mass. Studies performed in db/db mice demonstrated that this compound restored first-phase insulin secretion and enhanced pancreatic β-cell mass. We conclude that ERβ agonists should be considered as new targets for the treatment of diabetes.
Disruption of the Cerebral White Matter Network Is Related to Slowing of Information Processing Speed in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Reijmer Yael D. , Leemans Alexander , Brundel Manon , Kappelle L. Jaap , Biessels Geert Jan ,   on behalf of the Utrecht Vascular Cognitive Impairment (VCI) Study Group
Published: January 2013

Patients with type 2 diabetes often show slowing of information processing. Disruptions in the brain white matter network, possibly secondary to vascular damage, may underlie these cognitive disturbances. The current study reconstructed the white matter network of 55 nondemented individuals with type 2 diabetes (mean age, 71 ± 4 years) and 50 age-, sex-, and education-matched controls using diffusion magnetic resonance imaging–based fiber tractography. Graph theoretical analysis was then applied to quantify the efficiency of these networks. Patients with type 2 diabetes showed alterations in local and global network properties compared with controls (P < 0.05). These structural network abnormalities were related to slowing of information processing speed in patients. This relation was partly independent of cerebrovascular lesion load. This study shows that the approach of characterizing the brain as a network using diffusion magnetic resonance imaging and graph theory can provide new insights into how abnormalities in the white matter affect cognitive function in patients with diabetes.
Usability in Government Systems: User Experience Design for Citizens and Public Servants. Edited by Elizabeth Buie and Dianne Murray, Morgan Kaufmann, 2012; 407 Pages. Price $59.95, ISBN 978-0-12-391063-9
Authors: Lin Shu-Kun
Published: January 2013

As a usability specialist or interaction designer working with the government, or as a government or contractor professional involved in specifying, procuring, or managing system development, you need this book. Editors Elizabeth Buie and Dianne Murray have brought together over 30 experts to outline practical advice to both usability specialists and government technology professionals and managers.
Timescales of Growth Response of Microbial Mats to Environmental Change in an Ice-Covered Antarctic Lake
Authors: Hawes Ian , Sumner Dawn , Andersen Dale , Jungblut Anne , Mackey Tyler
Published: January 2013

Lake Vanda is a perennially ice-covered, closed-basin lake in the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica. Laminated photosynthetic microbial mats cover the floor of the lake from below the ice cover to >40 m depth. In recent decades, the water level of Lake Vanda has been rising, creating a “natural experiment” on development of mat communities on newly flooded substrates and the response of deeper mats to declining irradiance. Mats in recently flooded depths accumulate one lamina (~0.3 mm) per year and accrue ~0.18 µg chlorophyll-a cm−2 y−1. As they increase in thickness, vertical zonation becomes evident, with the upper 2-4 laminae forming an orange-brown zone, rich in myxoxanthophyll and dominated by intertwined Leptolyngbya trichomes. Below this, up to six phycobilin-rich green/pink-pigmented laminae form a subsurface zone, inhabited by Leptolyngbya, Oscillatoria and Phormidium morphotypes. Laminae continued to increase in thickness for several years after burial, and PAM fluorometry indicated photosynthetic potential in all pigmented laminae. At depths that have been submerged for >40 years, mats showed similar internal zonation and formed complex pinnacle structures that were only beginning to appear in shallower mats. Chlorophyll-a did not change over time and these mats appear to represent resource-limited “climax” communities. Acclimation of microbial mats to changing environmental conditions is a slow process, and our data show how legacy effects of past change persist into the modern community structure.
Promoting Motor Function by Exercising the Brain
Authors: Perrey Stephane
Published: January 2013

Exercise represents a behavioral intervention that enhances brain health and motor function. The increase in cerebral blood volume in response to physical activity may be responsible for improving brain function. Among the various neuroimaging techniques used to monitor brain hemodynamic response during exercise, functional near-infrared spectroscopy could facilitate the measurement of task-related cortical responses noninvasively and is relatively robust with regard to the subjects’ motion. Although the components of optimal exercise interventions have not been determined, evidence from animal and human studies suggests that aerobic exercise with sufficiently high intensity has neuroprotective properties and promotes motor function. This review provides an insight into the effect of physical activity (based on endurance and resistance exercises) on brain function for producing movement. Since most progress in the study of brain function has come from patients with neurological disorders (e.g., stroke and Parkinson’s patients), this review presents some findings emphasizing training paradigms for restoring motor function.
Extraction of Antioxidant Components from Bidens pilosa Flowers and Their Uptake by Human Intestinal Caco-2 Cells
Authors: Lee Wen-Chin , Peng Chiung-Chi , Chang Chi-Huang , Huang Shiau-Huei , Chyau Charng-Cherng
Published: January 2013

Bidens pilosa L. var. radiata (BPR, Asteraceae) is a commonly used folk medicine for treating various disorders such as diabetes, inflammation and hypertension. Recent studies to determine its chemical composition have revealed three di-O-caffeoylquinic acids (DiCQAs) and three polyacetylene glucosides (PGAs) to be among the major bioactive markers. To obtain the major compounds of these two chemical classes, the ethyl acetate fraction (EM) obtained using liquid-liquid partition from the methanol extract resulted in a fraction with the highest total phenolic and total flavonoid contents and antioxidant activities in radical scavenging and ferric reducing power assays. To assess the bioavailability of EM, we examined the in vitro uptake using the Caco-2 human colonic cell line. The apparent permeability coefficient (Papp) for each of the compounds within PGAs measured in both apical (AP) to basolateral (BL) and BL to AP was found to preferentially appear BL to AP direction, indicated that a basolateral to apical efflux system was detected in the study. DiCQAs had a lower efflux ratio than those from PGAs (2.32–3.67 vs. 6.03–78.36). Thus, it strongly implies that most of the DiCQAs are better absorbed than the PGAs.
Do ray cells provide a pathway for radial water movement in the stems of conifer trees?
Authors: Barnard David M. , Lachenbruch Barbara , McCulloh Katherine A. , Kitin Peter , Meinzer Frederick C.
Published: January 2013

• Premise of the study: The pathway of radial water movement in tree stems presents an unknown with respect to whole‐tree hydraulics. Radial profiles have shown substantial axial sap flow in deeper layers of sapwood (that may lack direct connection to transpiring leaves), which suggests the existence of a radial pathway for water movement. Rays in tree stems include ray tracheids and/or ray parenchyma cells and may offer such a pathway for radial water transport. This study investigated relationships between radial hydraulic conductivity (ks‐rad) and ray anatomical and stem morphological characteristics in the stems of three conifer species whose distributions span a natural aridity gradient across the Cascade Mountain range in Oregon, United States.

• Methods: The ks‐rad was measured with a high‐pressure flow meter. Ray tracheid and ray parenchyma characteristics and water transport properties were visualized using autofluorescence or confocal microscopy.

• Key results: The ks‐rad did not vary predictably with sapwood depth among species and populations. Dye tracer did not infiltrate ray tracheids, and infiltration into ray parenchyma was limited. Regression analyses revealed inconsistent relationships between ks‐rad and selected anatomical or growth characteristics when ecotypes were analyzed individually and weak relationships between ks‐rad and these characteristics when data were pooled by tree species.

• Conclusions: The lack of significant relationships between ks‐rad and the ray and stem morphologies we studied, combined with the absence of dye tracer in ray tracheid and limited movement of dye into ray parenchyma suggests that rays may not facilitate radial water transport in the three conifer species studied.
Temporal and spatial regulation of glucomannan deposition and mobilization in corms of Amorphophallus konjac (Araceae)
Authors: Chua Melinda , Hocking Trevor J. , Chan Kelvin , Baldwin Timothy C.
Published: January 2013

• Premise of the study: Konjac glucomannan (KGM), the main biologically active constituent of konjac flour extracted from corms of Amorphophallus konjac (konjac), has potential to be used as a nutraceutical (satiety agent) to combat obesity. Here we present the results of an immunocytochemical investigation of the developmental regulation of the deposition and mobilization of glucomannan in corm tissues of konjac, using an antiheteromannan (mannan/glucomannan) antiserum.

• Methods: The intensity of antibody binding to glucomannan idioblasts at six developmental stages (i.e., dormancy, leaf bud emergence, leaf bud elongation, leaflet emergence, leaf expansion, and shoot senescence) was compared.

• Key results: A temporally regulated pattern of glucomannan deposition and mobilization within the glucomannan idioblasts was observed. A source–sink transition in the corm was shown to occur after leaflet emergence, prior to complete expansion of the leaves. Our data also suggest that the mobilization of KGM initiates at the periphery of the corm and proceeds inward toward the center of the corm.

• Conclusions: This study represents a significant milestone in our understanding of the mechanisms involved in the physiological and biochemical control of KGM biosynthesis, partitioning, storage, and remobilization. Moreover, this information and the methodology presented provide valuable data for future improvement of the yield and productivity of this important crop.
Large-scale features of Pliocene climate: results from the Pliocene Model Intercomparison Project
Authors: Haywood A. M. , Hill D. J. , Dolan A. M. , Otto-Bliesner B. L. , Bragg F. , Chan W.-L. , Chandler M. A. , Contoux C. , Dowsett H. J. , Jost A. , Kamae Y. , Lohmann G. , Lunt D. J. , Abe-Ouchi A. , Pickering S. J. , Ramstein G. , Rosenbloom N. A. , Salzmann U. , Sohl L. , Stepanek C. , Ueda H. , Yan Q. , Zhang Z.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. Climate and environments of the mid-Pliocene warm period (3.264 to 3.025 Ma) have been extensively studied. Whilst numerical models have shed light on the nature of climate at the time, uncertainties in their predictions have not been systematically examined. The Pliocene Model Intercomparison Project quantifies uncertainties in model outputs through a coordinated multi-model and multi-model/data intercomparison. Whilst commonalities in model outputs for the Pliocene are clearly evident, we show substantial variation in the sensitivity of models to the implementation of Pliocene boundary conditions. Models appear able to reproduce many regional changes in temperature reconstructed from geological proxies. However, data/model comparison highlights that models potentially underestimate polar amplification. To assert this conclusion with greater confidence, limitations in the time-averaged proxy data currently available must be addressed. Furthermore, sensitivity tests exploring the known unknowns in modelling Pliocene climate specifically relevant to the high latitudes are essential (e.g. palaeogeography, gateways, orbital forcing and trace gasses). Estimates of longer-term sensitivity to CO2 (also known as Earth System Sensitivity; ESS), support previous work suggesting that ESS is greater than Climate Sensitivity (CS), and suggest that the ratio of ESS to CS is between 1 and 2, with a "best" estimate of 1.5.
Flash-flood early warning using weather radar data: from nowcasting to forecasting
Authors: Liechti K. , Panziera L. , Germann U. , Zappa M.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. This study explores the limits of radar-based forecasting for hydrological runoff prediction. Two novel probabilistic radar-based forecasting chains for flash-flood early warning are investigated in three catchments in the Southern Swiss Alps and set in relation to deterministic discharge forecast for the same catchments. The first probabilistic radar-based forecasting chain is driven by NORA (Nowcasting of Orographic Rainfall by means of Analogues), an analogue-based heuristic nowcasting system to predict orographic rainfall for the following eight hours. The second probabilistic forecasting system evaluated is REAL-C2, where the numerical weather prediction COSMO-2 is initialized with 25 different initial conditions derived from a four-day nowcast with the radar ensemble REAL. Additionally, three deterministic forecasting chains were analysed. The performance of these five flash-flood forecasting systems was analysed for 1389 h between June 2007 and December 2010 for which NORA forecasts were issued, due to the presence of orographic forcing. We found a clear preference for the probabilistic approach. Discharge forecasts perform better when forced by NORA rather than by a persistent radar QPE for lead times up to eight hours and for all discharge thresholds analysed. The best results were, however, obtained with the REAL-C2 forecasting chain, which was also remarkably skilful even with the highest thresholds. However, for regions where REAL cannot be produced, NORA might be an option for forecasting events triggered by orographic precipitation.
Influences on Academic Achievement of Primary School Pupils in Cambodia
Authors: Song Sopheak
Published: January 2013

Employing education production function approach, this article investigates the influences of school and pupil background factors on academic achievement of primary school pupils in Cambodia. Based on achievement data of 1,080 Grade 6 pupils from one rural and one semi-urban area, the study reveals that school and teacher quality exerts a considerable effect on pupils’ performance. Teachers’ experience and teacher guides are positively correlated with academic achievement, while instructional time loss is significantly associated with poor performance. In light of these results, policies to boost academic achievement of primary school pupils in Cambodia are discussed.
Latin American and Caribbean Countries in the Global Quest for World Class Academic Recognition: An Analysis of Publications in Scopus and the Science Citation Index between 1990 and 2010
Authors: Delgado Jorge Enrique , Weidman John C.
Published: January 2013

The article investigates global participation in academic research productivity through the growth of publications from Latin America and the Caribbean (LA&C) in two of the most prestigious bibliographic indexes, Scopus and the Science Citation Index (SCI). Data were obtained from the SCImago Journal and Country Rank and the Iberian-American and Inter-American Network of Science and Technology Indicators databases. Tables were created for the number of citable documents in Scopus, the publications in SCI, and the comparative indicators of the number of publications in SCI from LA&C countries adjusted for number of researchers, full-time researchers, inhabitants, and national research and development (R&D) expenditure. The countries with the highest number of publications since 1990 SCI and 1996 Scopus were Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile. Colombia shows the largest growth in research productivity over the periods studied and became in 2010 the country with the fifth highest number of publications in both indexes. Comparative indicators adjusted for numbers of researchers, population and national R&D expenditures do not show clear differences in performance across countries. The article concludes with suggestions for the need to provide greater contextual analysis and including other bibliographic indexes and databases in order to have a fuller understanding of the reasons for particular levels of research productivity across LA&C countries.
Investigación sobre los orígenes del Código Civil de Nicaragua
Authors: Rodríguez Serrano Felipe
Published: January 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/derecho.v0i2.924 Revista de Derecho No.2 2002 pp.1-16
Breves comentarios a la ley patentes, modelo de utilidad y diseños industriales
Authors: Bendaña Guerrero Guy José
Published: January 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/derecho.v0i2.928 Revista de Derecho No.2 2002 pp.115-124
Corte Centroamericana de Justicia Honduras vs. Nicaragua por Ley 325. Escrito de conclusiones de Honduras
Authors: Corte Centroamericana de Justicia SICA
Published: January 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/derecho.v0i2.933 Revista de Derecho No.2 2002 pp.191-216
A national study of the association between language use and health insurance coverage in the United States
Authors: Graham Garth Nigel , Dorsey Rashida
Published: January 2013

Background: A significant proportion of individuals seen in US hospitals speak a language other than English. A number of reports have shown that individuals who speak a language other than English have diminished access to care, but few have examined specifically language barriers and its relationship to health insurance coverage. Objectives: To estimate the impact of language use on prevalence of reported health insurance coverage across multiple racial and ethnic groups and among persons living in the U.S. for varying periods of time. Design and participants: Cross sectional study using data from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey. Main measures: The main outcome measure is health insurance status. Key results: Persons who spoke Spanish or a language other than English were less likely to have insurance. Among Hispanics who speak Spanish or a language other than English, only 50.6% report having health insurance coverage compared to 76.7% of Hispanics who speak only or mostly English. For non-Hispanic whites who speak Spanish or a language other than English, 71.7% report having health insurance coverage compared to 83.4% of non-Hispanic whites who speak only or mostly English, this same pattern was observed across all racial/ethnic groups. Among those speaking only or mostly English living in the U.S. <15 years had significantly lower adjusted odds of reporting health insurance coverage compared to those born in the United States. Conclusions: This was a large nationally representative study describing language differences in insurance access using a multi-ethnic population. This data suggest that individuals who speak a language other than English are less likely to have insurance across all racial and ethnic groups and nativity and years in the United States groups, underscoring the significant independent importance of language as a predictor for access to insurance.
Microwave irradiation solvothermal technique: an optimized protocol for size‐control synthesis of Ru nanoparticles
Authors: Suryawanshi Y. R. , Chakraborty M. , Jauhari S. , Mukhopadhyay S. , Shenoy K. T. , Shridharkrishna R.
Published: January 2013

Ruthenium (III) chloride salt and Poly (N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone) (PVP as a capping agent) was dissolved in ethylene glycol, which played a dual role for synthesis, as solvent and also as reducing agent. Microwave (MW) irradiation was applied to the solvent which provided controllable thermal activation for synthesis of ruthenium nanoparticles and also restricted the agglomeration of particles in presence of excess amount of solvent, which was recovered by distillation after completion of reaction. Synthesized particle was found to be in the range of 2–20 nm with narrow size distribution and average particle size was around 14 nm. Particle size and size distribution were studied by varying different parameters e.g. reaction temperature, time, PVP/RuCl3 molar ratio and irradiation power and was characterized by Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Mathematical model has been developed using matlab software to obtain the particle size as a function of microwave power.
River barriers and cryptic biodiversity in an evolutionary museum
Authors: Voelker G. , Marks B. D. , Kahindo C. , A'genonga U. , Bapeamoni F. , Duffie L. E. , Huntley J. W. , Mulotwa E. , Rosenbaum S. A. , Light J. E.
Published: January 2013

The Riverine Barriers Hypothesis (RBH) posits that tropical rivers can be effective barriers to gene flow, based on observations that range boundaries often coincide with river barriers. Over the last 160 years, the RBH has received attention from various perspectives, with a particular focus on vertebrates in the Amazon Basin. To our knowledge, no molecular assessment of the RBH has been conducted on birds in the Afrotropics, despite its rich avifauna and many Afrotropical bird species being widely distributed across numerous watersheds and basins. Here, we provide the first genetic evidence that an Afrotropical river has served as a barrier for birds and for their lice, based on four understory bird species collected from sites north and south of the Congo River. Our results indicate near‐contemporaneous, Pleistocene lineage diversification across the Congo River in these species. Our results further indicate differing levels of genetic variation in bird lice; the extent of this variation appears linked to the life‐history of both the host and the louse. Extensive cryptic diversity likely is being harbored in Afrotropical forests, in both understory birds and their lice. Therefore, these forests may not be “museums” of old lineages. Rather, substantial evolutionary diversification may have occurred in Afrotropical forests throughout the Pleistocene, supporting the Pleistocene Forest Refuge Hypothesis. Strong genetic variation in birds and their lice within a small part of the Congo Basin forest indicates that we may have grossly underestimated diversity in the Afrotropics, making these forests home of substantial biodiversity in need of conservation.
Sinusoidal current‐tracking control for utility interactive inverter with an LCL filter
Authors: Kato Toshiji , Inoue Kaoru , Donomoto Yoshihisa
Published: January 2013

A voltage source inverter with an LCL filter is often used for a utility interface to control its output current to a grid side because of its harmonic reduction advantages. The integral compensator is often used to reduce the steady‐state errors. However, there is always a control delay due to sinusoidal variations. This paper proposes a digital sinusoidal compensator which is based on the internal model principle to realize a fast sinusoidal response with no delay. It is based on the internal model principle to realize a response with no deviation for a periodic sinusoidal reference input. It has a simple numerator and a denominator z2 − 2z cosωT + 1 of a transfer function which is equal to the z function of a sinusoidal waveform of the angular frequency ω and the sample time T. Compensator and feedback gains of the inverter are determined by the deadbeat or the optimal control principle. The proposed method is investigated for performances and it is validated through simulation and experimental results by a DSP control system. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electr Eng Jpn, 183(2): 22–28, 2013; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI 10.1002/eej.22339
Monolacunary Germanomolybdates Binding with Transition‐Metal Ions (CoII, NiII, and MnII) in Aqueous Solution: Synthesis, Crystal Structures, and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Wang Na , Li Fengyan , Wang Yuchao , Xu Lin , Cui Keyu , Xu Bingbing
Published: January 2013

Three unusual transition‐metal‐monosubstituted germanomolybdates, [C3H5N2]6[GeMo11Co(H2O)O39]·9H2O (1), [C3H5N2]6[GeMo11Ni(H2O)O39]·9H2O (2), and [C3H5N2]6[GeMo11Mn(H2O)O39]·6H2O (3), have been synthesized by the reactions of transition‐metal ions (Co2+, Ni2+, Mn2+) with H4[α‐GeMo12O40]·14H2O in aqueous solution, isolated as the imidazole salts, and characterized by single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction analyses, IR and UV/Vis spectrometry, cyclic voltammetry, elemental analysis, magnetic properties, and thermal gravimetric analysis. These are the first examples of transition‐metal‐monosubstituted germanomolybdates. The UV/Vis spectra of compounds 1–3 were recorded to investigate the influences of pH on the stability of the compounds in aqueous solution. The magnetic studies of compounds 1 and 2 indicate magnetic behavior typical of single transition‐metal ions. The catalytic activity of complex 1 was also explored, and indicated its potential application in homogeneous catalysis.
A Series of Dinuclear Copper Complexes Bridged by Phosphanylbipyridine Ligands: Synthesis, Structural Characterization and Electrochemistry
Authors: Lilio Alyssia M. , Grice Kyle A. , Kubiak Clifford P.
Published: January 2013

The phosphanylbipyridine ligands 6‐(diphenylphosphanyl)‐4,4′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine (PPh2‐Me2‐bipy, a), 4,4′‐di‐tert‐butyl‐6‐(diphenylphosphanyl)‐2,2′‐bipyridine (PPh2‐tBu2‐bipy, b), and 6‐(diisopropylphosphanyl)‐2,2′‐bipyridine (PiPr2bipy, c) and the corresponding dinuclear copper complexes [Cu2(μ‐PPh2‐Me2‐bipy)2(NCCH3)2](PF6)2 (1), [Cu2(μ‐PPh2‐tBu2‐bipy)2(NCCH3)2](PF6)2 (2), [Cu2(μ‐PiPr2bipy)2(μ‐NCCH3)](PF6)2 (3), and [Cu2(μ‐PiPr2bipy)2{μ‐CNCH(CH3)2}](PF6)2 (4) were synthesized. The X‐ray structures of 1–4 show that the complexes are dinuclear with the bidentate bipyridine coordinating to one copper atom and the phosphane moiety coordinating the other copper center. Complexes 3 and 4 possess short Cu–Cu distances with bridging acetonitrile and isocyanide ligands. The cyclic voltammograms of 1–4 were examined under N2 and CO2. Under N2, 1–3 show four quasi‐reversible 1e– reductions, and under CO2, they show current enhancement at the second reduction. In comparison, complex 4 shows four irreversible reductions under N2 and no current enhancement under CO2.
Synthesis of a Pillar[5]arene‐Based Heteroditopic Host and Its Complexation with n‐Octyltriethylammonium Salts
Authors: Gao Lingyan , Dong Shengyi , Zheng Bo , Huang Feihe
Published: January 2013

A new pillar[5]arene‐based heteroditopic receptor containing a urea anion recognition site was designed and made. It was demonstrated that the introduction of the urea group remarkably promoted the binding affinity to n‐octyltriethylammonium salts with different counterions in chloroform, as the corresponding monotopic host, 1,4‐dimethoxypillar[5]arene, showed weak complexation with these guests. The important role of the urea unit was investigated and it was shown that the urea group and the macrocyclic unit not only provided positioned binding sites for the guests but also acted cooperatively in binding these guests.
Pituitary homeobox 2 (PITX2) protects renal cancer cell lines against doxorubicin toxicity by transcriptional activation of the multidrug transporter ABCB1
Authors: Lee Wing‐Kee , Chakraborty Prabir K. , Thévenod Frank
Published: January 2013

The multidrug resistance (MDR) P‐glycoprotein ABCB1 plays a major role in MDR of malignant cells and is regulated by various transcription factors, including Wnt/β‐catenin/TCF4. The transcription factor PITX2 (Pituitary homeobox‐2) is essential for embryonic development. PITX2 operates by recruiting and interacting with β‐catenin to increase the expression of growth‐regulating genes, such as cyclin D1/2 and c‐Myc. The importance of PITX2 in malignancy is not yet known. Here we demonstrate that in the renal cancer cell lines ACHN and A498, the level of ABCB1 expression and function correlate with nuclear PITX2 localization and PITX2‐luciferase reporter gene activity (A498 > ACHN). In A498 cells, doxorubicin toxicity is augmented by the ABCB1 inhibitor, PSC833. PITX2 overexpression increases ABCB1 expression and cell survival in ACHN cells. Silencing of PITX2 by siRNA downregulates ABCB1 and induces a greater chemotherapeutic response to doxorubicin in A498 cells, as determined by MTT cell viability and clonogenic survival assays. Two PITX2 binding sequences were identified in the ABCB1 promoter sequence. PITX2 binding was confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation. β‐Catenin is not required for PITX2 upregulation of ABCB1 because ABCB1 mRNA increased and doxorubicin toxicity decreased upon PITX2 overexpression in β‐catenin−/− cells. The data show for the first time that ABCB1 is a target gene of PITX2 transcriptional activity, promoting MDR and cell survival of cancer cells.
Quality evaluation of sour and duke cherries cultivated in south‐west Europe
Authors: Pérez‐Sánchez Rodrigo , Morales‐Corts María Remedios , Gómez‐Sánchez María Ángeles
Published: January 2013

Background

The results of many studies describing sour cherry polyphenols and their positive effects on human health have been reported. However, there are no detailed studies concerning the physical quality of fresh fruits of sour and duke cherry.

Results

Several physical, chemical and colour fruit‐characteristics of 10 sour and duke cherry cultivars cultivated for industrial use in south‐west Europe were investigated during a 3‐year (2008–2010) period. Some of the cultivars showed distinctive and interesting agronomical characters, such as low susceptibility to fruit cracking and high soluble solids and total polyphenol levels. This was the case with the duke cherry cultivar Guindo Garrafal Negro. Its fruits were quite sweet (18.49°Brix), resistant to cracking (6.34%) and rich in polyphenols (17.16 g gallic acid kg−1 dry weight). Other relevant cherry cultivars were Guindo Tomatillo and Seixas, which had large and fleshy fruits (4.71 and 3.69 cm3, respectively) and Guindo Silvestre, for which the lowest fruit cracking values (3.12%) were recorded.

Conclusions

Sour and duke cherries are rich in healthy compounds such as polyphenols. Studies including the physical, chemical and colour properties of sour and duke cherry fruits are very interesting to engineers in the design of equipment for harvesting and post‐harvest technology. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Tribological properties of Ta‐C‐N and Ta‐N thin films
Authors: Yan X. H. , Yin J. , Cheng X. N. , Liu J. Q.
Published: January 2013

The amorphous Ta‐C‐N and Ta‐N thin films were deposited using magnetron sputtering on silicon wafer under the similar condition. The as‐prepared thin films were characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), optical profiling system, nano‐indentation and friction test instruments. The results show that, compared with the Ta‐N thin film, the Ta‐C‐N thin film has higher nano‐hardness (9.45 GPa) and elastic modulus (225.71 GPa). Furthermore, the lower friction coefficient and wear rate of the Ta‐C‐N thin film are 0.238 and 5.94×10–6 mm–3· N–1·m–1, respectively. The wear surface of Ta‐C‐N thin film is smoother than that of the Ta‐N thin film. Therefore, it shows better anti‐wear properties.
Endocannabinoids in obesity: brewing up the perfect metabolic storm?
Authors: Lipina Christopher , Rastedt Wiebke , Irving Andrew J. , Hundal Harinder S.
Published: January 2013

In recent years, abnormal regulation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been proposed as a key factor in the development of obesity‐related metabolic disorders such as diabetes. Indeed, this signaling system which includes the cannabinoid type 1 and 2 receptors (CB1R and CB2R) and their endogenous lipid ligands, has been shown to inﬂuence feeding behavior, energy expenditure, as well as glucose and lipid metabolism. Importantly, blocking CB1R function has been demonstrated to counteract metabolic aberrations associated with obesity in various murine models and in humans. Here we provide an update on recent ﬁndings describing the role of the ECS in energy balance and metabolism, and explore how recent experimental and clinical studies have delivered new insights into the therapeutic potential of this physiological system as a means of treating obesity‐induced metabolic disorders. WIREs Membr Transp Signal 2013, 2:49–63. doi: 10.1002/wmts.79

For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
Factors Influencing the Success of In Vivo Sentinel Lymph Node Procedure in Colon Cancer Patients
Authors: Viehl Carsten T. , Guller Ulrich , Langer Igor , Laffer Urban , Oertli Daniel , Zuber Markus
Published: January 2013

Background

The sentinel lymph node (SLN) procedure has the potential to provide relevant improvement in nodal staging in colon cancer patients. However, there remains room for improvement for SLN identification and sensitivity. Therefore, the objective of the present investigation was to analyze factors influencing the success of the SLN procedure in colon cancer patients.

Methods

One hundred seventy‐four consecutive colon cancer patients were prospectively enrolled in this multicenter study and underwent in vivo SLN procedure with isosulfan blue 1 % followed by open standard oncologic colon resection. Several patient‐, tumor‐, and procedure‐related factors possibly influencing the SLN identification and sensitivity were analyzed.

Results

Sentinel lymph node identification rate and accuracy were 89.1 and 83.9 %, respectively. Successful identification of SLN was significantly associated with the intraoperative visualization of blue lymphatic vessels (p < 0.001) and with female gender (p = 0.024). True positive SLN results were significantly associated with higher numbers of SLN (p = 0.026) and with pN2 stage (p = 0.004). There was a trend toward better sensitivity in patients with lower body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.050).

Conclusions

The success of the SLN procedure in colon cancer patients depends on both procedure‐related factors (intraoperative visualization of blue lymphatic vessels, high number of SLN identified) and patient factors (gender, BMI). While patient factors can not be influenced, intraoperative visualization of blue lymphatics and identification of high numbers of SLN are key for a successful SLN procedure.
Cambridge Illustrated Dictionary of Astronomy
Authors: Mitton Jacqueline
Published: January 2013

This lavishly illustrated new dictionary written by an experienced writer and consultant on astronomy provides an essential guide to the universe for amateur astronomers of all ages. Around 1300 carefully selected and cross-referenced entries are complemented by hundreds of beautiful colour illustrations, taken from space missions, the Hubble Space Telescope, and other major observatories on Earth and in space. Distinguished stellar illustrator Wil Tirion has drawn 20 new star maps especially for inclusion here. A myriad of named astronomical objects, constellations, observatories and space missions are described in detail, as well as biographical sketches for 70 of the most luminous individuals in the history of astronomy and space science. Acronyms and specialist terms are clearly explained, making for the most thorough and carefully assembled reference resource that teachers and enthusiasts of astronomy will ever need.
Explaining Long-Term Trends in Health and Longevity
Authors: Fogel Robert W.
Published: January 2013

Explaining Long-Term Trends in Health and Longevity is a collection of essays by Nobel laureate Robert W. Fogel on the theory and measurement of ageing and health-related variables. Dr Fogel analyzes historic data on height, health, nutrition and life expectation to provide a clearer understanding of the past, illustrate the costs and benefits of using such measures and note the difficulties of drawing conclusions from data intended for different purposes. Dr Fogel explains how the basic findings of the anthropometric approach to historical analysis have helped reinterpret the nature of economic growth. Rising life expectancies and lower disease rates in countries experiencing economic growth highlight the importance of improving nutrition and agricultural productivity.
Natural boundary for the susceptibility function of generic piecewise expanding unimodal maps
Authors: BALADI V. , MARMI S. , SAUZIN D.
Published: January 2013

For a piecewise expanding unimodal interval map$f$with unique absolutely continuous invariant probability measure$\mu $, a perturbation$X$, and an observable$\varphi $, the susceptibility function is$\Psi _\varphi (z)= \sum _{k=0}^\infty z^k \int X(x) \varphi '( f^k)(x) (f^k)'(x) \, d\mu $. Combining previous results [V. Baladi, On the susceptibility function of piecewise expanding interval maps.Comm. Math. Phys.275(2007), 839–859; V. Baladi and D. Smania, Linear response for piecewise expanding unimodal maps.Nonlinearity21(2008), 677–711] (deduced from spectral properties of Ruelle transfer operators) with recent work of Breuer–Simon [Natural boundaries and spectral theory.Adv. Math.226(2011), 4902–4920] (based on techniques from the spectral theory of Jacobi matrices and a classical paper of Agmon [Sur les séries de Dirichlet.Ann. Sci. Éc. Norm. Supér.(3)66(1949), 263–310]), we show that density of the postcritical orbit (a generic condition) implies that$\Psi _\varphi (z)$has a strong natural boundary on the unit circle. The Breuer–Simon method provides uncountably many candidates for the outer functions of$\Psi _\varphi (z)$, associated with precritical orbits. If the perturbation$X$is horizontal, a generic condition (Birkhoff typicality of the postcritical orbit) implies that the non-tangential limit of$\Psi _\varphi (z)$as$z\to 1$exists and coincides with the derivative of the absolutely continuous invariant probability measure with respect to the map (‘linear response formula’). Applying the Wiener–Wintner theorem, we study the singularity type of non-tangential limits of$\Psi _\varphi (z)$as$z\to e^{i\omega }$for real$\omega $. An additional ‘law of the iterated logarithm’ typicality assumption on the postcritical orbit gives stronger results.
Variability in the intensity of nematode larvae from gastrointestinal tissues of a natural herbivore
Authors: VAN KUREN ANDREW T. , BOAG BRIAN , HRUBAN EMILIE , CATTADORI ISABELLA M.
Published: January 2013

The migration of infective nematode larvae into the tissues of their hosts has been proposed as a mechanism of reducing larval mortality and increase parasite lifetime reproductive success. Given that individual hosts differ in the level of exposure, strength of immune response and physiological conditions we may expect the number of larvae in tissue to vary both between and within hosts. We used 2 gastrointestinal nematode species common in the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and examined how the number of larvae in the tissue changed with the immune response, parasite intensity-dependent constraints in the lumen and seasonal weather factors, in rabbits of different age, sex and breeding status. For both nematode species, larvae from the gastrointestinal tissue exhibited strong seasonal and host age-related patterns with fewer larvae recovered in summer compared to winter and more in adults than in juveniles. The number of larvae of the 2 nematodes was positively associated with intensity of parasite infection in the lumen and antibody responses while it was negatively related with air temperature and rainfall. Host sex, reproductive status and co-infection with the second parasite species contributed to increase variability between hosts. We concluded that heterogeneities in host conditions are a significant cause of variability of larval abundance in the gastrointestinal tissues. These findings can have important consequences for the dynamics of nematode infections and how parasite's life-history strategies adjust to host changes.
Prevalence and epidemiological traits of HIV infections in populations with high-risk behaviours as revealed by genetic analysis of HBV
Authors: KOJIMA Y. , KAWAHATA T. , MORI H. , FURUBAYASHI K. , TANIGUCHI Y. , IWASA A. , TANIGUCHI K. , KIMURA H. , KOMANO J.
Published: January 2013

The prevalence and epidemiological traits of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections in high-risk populations (HRPs) remained unclarified in Japan. We determined the prevalence of HIV, HBV and Treponema pallidum (TP) and the viral genotypes in HRPs who attended primary sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics in Osaka province during 2006–2011. Of 7898 specimens, 133 (1·7%) were HIV positive, which was significantly higher than the figures reported by Japanese Red Cross (0·0019%) and public health centres (0·27%) in Japan. The frequency of HIV-1 subtype B was 88·7%, followed by CRF01_AE (2·3%) and C (0·8%), which were almost identical to the national trend. HBV seroprevalence was surprisingly high in the HIV-positive group (63·2%), which was significantly higher than that in the HIV-negative group (25·6%). By contrast, there was no statistical correlation between HIV and TP infection. Interestingly, the distinct HBV genotypes Ae and G were prevalent in the HIV-positive population (60·0% and 20·0%, respectively), although both were rarely detected during nationwide surveillance. The transmission of HIV and HBV appeared to occur largely within a closed community early in life. Of note, about one-quarter of HIV-positive cases would have remained untested if health professionals had not motivated individuals to undergo HIV testing. This is the first evidence-based assessment of HIV positivity and HIV/HBV co-infection in HRPs at primary STIs in Japan and the effect of the involvement of health professionals in the diagnosis of HIV infections in asymptomatic carriers. The genotyping of HBV provided valuable information for understanding HIV epidemical traits.
An evaluation of SaTScan for the prospective detection of space-timeCampylobacterclusters in the North East of England
Authors: HUGHES G. J. , GORTON R.
Published: January 2013

Campylobacteriosis is the commonest cause of bacterial enteritis in England yet the epidemiology of apparently sporadic cases is not well understood. Here we evaluated the feasibility of applying a space-time cluster detection method to routine laboratory surveillance data in the North East of England by simulating prospective weekly space-time cluster detection using SaTScan as if it had been performed for 2008–2011. From the 209 simulated weekly runs using a circular window, 20 distinct clusters were found which contained a median of 30 cases (interquartile range 15–66) from a median population of ∼134 000 persons. This corresponds to detection of a new cluster every 10 weeks. We found significant differences in age, sex and deprivation score distributions between areas within clusters compared to those without. The results of this study suggest that space-time detection ofCampylobacterclusters could be used to find groups of cases amenable to epidemiological investigation.
A common risk classification system for the Actuarial Profession ‐ Abstract of the London discussion
Authors: Kelliher Patrick
Published: January 2013

This abstract relates to the following paper:

KelliherP.O.J., WilmotD., VijJ. and KlumpesP.J.M.A common risk classification system for the Actuarial Profession.British Actuarial Journal, doi:10.1017/S1357321712000293
Zielorientierungen von Lehrkräften als Prädiktoren lernrelevanten Verhaltens
Authors: Nitsche Sebastian , Dickhäuser Oliver , Dresel Markus , Fasching Michaela S.
Published: January 2013

In der vorliegenden Studie wird erstmalig untersucht, welche Rolle Zielorientierungen von Lehrkräften für das Aufsuchen von drei Lerngelegenheiten im Lehrerberuf (die Lektüre von Fachzeitschriften, die Teilnahme an schulinternen Fortbildungen und die Teilnahme an schulexternen Fortbildungen) spielen. Vertiefend wird der Frage nachgegangen, inwiefern das Streben nach Kompetenzerweiterung im pädagogischen, fachlichen und fachdidaktischen Bereich (bereichsspezifische Lernzielorientierungen) den Anteil dieser Themenbereiche im Rahmen freiwillig besuchter Fortbildungen vorhersagt. Auf Basis pfadanalytischer Auswertung der Daten von 667 Lehrkräften erwiesen sich Lernzielorientierung und Annäherungsleistungszielorientierung als positive Prädiktoren der Lektüre von Fachzeitschriften und der Teilnahme an schulexternen Fortbildungen. Arbeitsvermeidung sagte die Lektüre von Fachzeitschriften negativ vorher und Vermeidungsleistungszielorientierung erwies sich als negativer Prädiktor der Teilnahme an schulexternen Fortbildungen. Weiterhin zeigte sich, dass Lehrkräfte vermehrt solche Fortbildungsthemen aufsuchen, die ihren bereichsspezifischen Lernzielorientierungen entsprechen. Die Ergebnisse werden vor dem Hintergrund selbstregulierten Lernens im Lehrerberuf diskutiert.
Ben Simpson
Authors: Heide Kathleen M.
Published: January 2013

This chapter discusses the case of Ben Simpson who at age 18 shot both his parents. Mr. Simpson died of multiple gunshot wounds within a few days; Mrs. Simpson survived but her recovery took a few months. Ben was subsequently charged with capital murder in connection with the death of his father and with attempted first-degree murder with respect to his mother. Ben's case is significant because it does not fit into one of the three basic types of parricide offenders: he does not fit the profile of the severely abused child, the dangerously antisocial child, or the mentally ill child. Many factors came together for a “perfect storm” to cause death and destruction. One early contributing factor was Ben's parents' failure to set consistent limits for Ben. Unquestionably out of love, they over-indulged their son and tried to right his wrongs. As a result, Ben did not grow up. At 18, he had not learned how to tolerate frustration and solve his problems. The shooting likely would not have occurred if Ben had not become severely intoxicated and returned home in his delusional and enraged state. The ready availability of firearms made it all the more difficult for this youth to resist the impulse to react violently.
Experience and the Perception of Biological Motion
Authors: Pollick Frank E. , Jola Corinne , Petrini Karin , McKay Lawrie S. , McAleer Phil , Jang Seon Hee , MacLeod, Christine , Simmons David R.
Published: January 2013

Many discussions of biological motion perception involve a description of observers’ attunements for recognizing gender, emotion, action, and identity from point-light displays. This chapter describes an often-neglected determinant of biological motion perception: the role of expertise. First, the authors describe how variability among observers is essential for developing a comprehensive theory of biological motion perception. Then, they describe how the distributed network of brain areas devoted to biological motion perception provides an opportunity for this brain network to be applied to new tasks and environments.