bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacterial flagellin elicits widespread innate immune defense mechanisms, apoptotic signaling, and a sepsis-like systemic inflammatory response in mice
Authors: Rolli Joëlle , Loukili Noureddine , Levrand Sandra , Rosenblatt-Velin Nathalie , Rignault-Clerc Stéphanie , Waeber Bernard , Feihl François , Pacher Pal , Liaudet Lucas
Published: August 2010

Introduction

Systemic inflammation in sepsis is initiated by interactions between pathogen molecular motifs and specific host receptors, especially toll-like receptors (TLRs). Flagellin is the main flagellar protein of motile microorganisms and is the ligand of TLR5. The distribution of TLR5 and the actions of flagellin at the systemic level have not been established. Therefore, we determined TLR5 expression and the ability of flagellin to trigger prototypical innate immune responses and apoptosis in major organs from mice.

Methods

Male Balb/C mice (n = 80) were injected intravenously with 1-5 μg recombinant Salmonella flagellin. Plasma and organ samples were obtained after 0.5 to 6 h, for molecular investigations. The expression of TLR5, the activation state of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) [extracellular related kinase (ERK) and c-jun-NH2 terminal kinase (JNK)], the production of cytokines [tumor necrosis alpha (TNFα), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), macrophage inhibitory protein-2 (MIP-2) and soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM-1)], and the apoptotic cleavage of caspase-3 and its substrate Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) were determined in lung, liver, gut and kidney at different time-points. The time-course of plasma cytokines was evaluated up to 6 h after flagellin.

Results

TLR5 mRNA and protein were constitutively expressed in all organs. In these organs, flagellin elicited a robust activation of NFκB and MAPKs, and induced significant production of the different cytokines evaluated, with slight interorgan variations. Plasma TNFα, IL-6 and MIP-2 disclosed a transient peak, whereas IL-1β and soluble TREM-1 steadily increased over 6 h. Flagellin also triggered a marked cleavage of caspase-3 and PARP in the intestine, pointing to its ability to promote significant apoptosis in this organ.

Conclusions

Bacterial flagellin elicits prototypical innate immune responses in mice, leading to the release of multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines in the lung, small intestine, liver and kidney, and also activates apoptotic signalling in the gut. Therefore, this bacterial protein may represent a critical mediator of systemic inflammation and intestinal barrier failure in sepsis due to flagellated micro-organisms.
Clusterin synergizes with IL-2 for the expansion and IFN-γ production of natural killer cells
Authors: Sonn Chung Hee , Yu Young-Bin , Hong Young-Joo , Shim Young-Jun , Bluestone Jeffrey A , Min Bon-Hong , Lee Kyung-Mi
Published: August 2010

CLU facilitates proliferation and IFN-γ production of murine NK cells stimulated with suboptimal dose of IL-2, without affecting natural cytotoxicity.

CLU is a secreted, multifunctional protein implicated in several immunologic and pathologic conditions. As the level of serum CLU was shown to be elevated during inflammatory responses, we questioned if CLU might interact with circulating lymphocytes leading to functional consequences. To assess this possibility directly, mouse splenocytes and purified NK cells were cultured with varying dose of CLU, and its effect on cell proliferation was examined. Our data showed that CLU up-regulated DNA synthesis and expansion of NK cells significantly in response to a suboptimal, but not maximal, dose of IL-2, and CLU alone did not exhibit such effects. This CLU-mediated synergy required the copresence of CLU at the onset of IL-2 stimulation and needed a continuous presence during the rest of the culture. Importantly, NK cells stimulated with CLU showed increased formation of cell clusters and a CD69 activation receptor, representing a higher cellular activation status compared with those from the control group. Furthermore, these NK cells displayed elevated IFN-γ production upon RMA/S tumor target exposures, implying that CLU regulates not only NK cell expansion but also effector function of NK cells. Collectively, our data present a previously unrecognized function of CLU as a novel regulator of NK cells via providing costimulation required for cell proliferation and IFN-γ secretion. Therefore, the role of CLU on NK cells should be taken into consideration for the previously observed, diverse functions of CLU in chronic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.
Randomized Phase II Study of Docetaxel and Prednisone With or Without OGX-011 in Patients With Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Chi Kim N. , Hotte Sebastien J. , Yu Evan Y. , Tu Dongsheng , Eigl Bernhard J. , Tannock Ian , Saad Fred , North Scott , Powers Jean , Gleave Martin E. , Eisenhauer Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

To determine the clinical activity of OGX-011, an antisense inhibitor of clusterin, in combination with docetaxel/prednisone in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

Patients and Methods

Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive docetaxel/prednisone either with (arm A) or without (arm B) OGX-011 640 mg intravenously weekly. The primary end point was the proportion of patients with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) decline of ≥ 50% from baseline, with the experimental therapy being considered of interest if the proportion of patients with a PSA decline was more than 60%. Secondary end points were objective response rate, progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and changes in serum clusterin.

Results

Eighty-two patients were accrued, 41 to each arm. OGX-011 adverse effects included rigors and fevers. After cycle 1, median serum clusterin decreased by 26% in arm A and increased by 0.9% in arm B (P < .001). PSA declined by ≥ 50% in 58% of patients in arm A and 54% in arm B. Partial response occurred in 19% and 25% of patients in arms A and B, respectively. Median PFS and OS times were 7.3 months (95% CI, 5.3 to 8.8 months) and 23.8 months (95% CI, 16.2 months to not reached), respectively, in arm A and 6.1 months (95% CI, 3.7 to 8.6 months) and 16.9 months (95% CI, 12.8 to 25.8 months), respectively, in arm B. Baseline factors associated with improved OS on exploratory multivariate analysis were an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 (hazard ratio [HR], 0.27; 95% CI, 0.14 to 0.51), presence of bone or lymph node metastases only (HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.79), and treatment assignment to OGX-011 (HR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.29 to 0.87).

Conclusion

Treatment with OGX-011 and docetaxel was well tolerated with evidence of biologic effect and was associated with improved survival. Further evaluation is warranted.
Body Mass Index Increases Risk of Colorectal Adenomas in Men With Lynch Syndrome: The GEOLynch Cohort Study
Authors: Botma Akke , Nagengast Fokko M. , Braem Marieke G.M. , Hendriks Jan C.M. , Kleibeuker Jan H. , Vasen Hans F.A. , Kampman Ellen
Published: August 2010

Purpose

High body mass index (BMI) is an established risk factor for sporadic colorectal cancer. Still, the influence of BMI on hereditary colorectal cancer (eg, Lynch syndrome [LS]), is unknown. The objective of this study was to assess whether BMI is associated with colorectal adenoma occurrence in persons with LS.

Patients and Methods

A prospective cohort study of 486 patients with LS was conducted. Cox regression models with robust sandwich estimates controlling for age, sex, extent of colon surgery, smoking, and alcohol intake were used to evaluate associations between BMI, height, weight, weight change, and risk of colorectal adenomas. Analyses were performed separately for those without (incident cohort; n = 243) and those with (prevalent cohort; n = 243) a history of colorectal cancer neoplasms at baseline.

Results

A statistically significant association between current overweight (≥ 25 kg/m2) and developing colorectal adenomas was seen among men in the incident cohort (overweight v normal weight hazard ratio [HR], 8.72; 95% CI, 2.06 to 36.96). This association was not observed among women (overweight v normal weight HR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.19 to 3.07), nor was it observed in the prevalent cohort. In the incident cohort, height was statistically significantly associated with a decreased risk of adenomatous polyps among men (per 5 cm HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.23 to 0.83), but the association between weight and adenomatous polyps among men was of marginal significance (per 5 kg HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.37). No statistically significant associations were observed among women in either the incident cohort or the prevalent cohort.

Conclusion

Excess body weight increased the risk of incident colorectal adenomas in people with LS. This increased risk was seen only in men.
Probing tRNA interaction with biogenic polyamines
Authors: Ouameur Amin Ahmed , Bourassa Philippe , Tajmir-Riahi Heidar-Ali
Published: August 2010

Biogenic polyamines are found to modulate protein synthesis at different levels. This effect may be explained by the ability of polyamines to bind and influence the secondary structure of tRNA, mRNA, and rRNA. We report the interaction between tRNA and the three biogenic polyamines putrescine, spermidine, spermine, and cobalt(III)hexamine at physiological conditions, using FTIR spectroscopy, capillary electrophoresis, and molecular modeling. The results indicated that tRNA was stabilized at low biogenic polyamine concentration, as a consequence of polyamine interaction with the backbone phosphate group. The main tRNA reactive sites for biogenic polyamine at low concentration were guanine-N7/O6, uracil-O2/O4, adenine-N3, and 2′OH of the ribose. At high polyamine concentration, the interaction involves guanine-N7/O6, adenine-N7, uracil-O2 reactive sites, and the backbone phosphate group. The participation of the polycation primary amino group, in the interaction and the presence of the hydrophobic contact, are also shown. The binding affinity of biogenic polyamine to tRNA molecule was in the order of spermine > spermidine > putrescine with KSpm = 8.7 × 105 M−1, KSpd = 6.1 × 105 M−1, and KPut = 1.0 × 105 M−1, which correlates with their positively charged amino group content. Hill analysis showed positive cooperativity for the biogenic polyamines and negative cooperativity for cobalt-hexamine. Cobalt(III)hexamine contains high- and low-affinity sites in tRNA with K1 = 3.2 × 105 M−1 and K2 = 1.7 × 105 M−1, that have been attributed to the interactions with guanine-N7 sites and the backbone PO2 group, respectively. This mechanism of tRNA binding could explain the condensation phenomenon observed at high Co(III) content, as previously shown in the Co(III)–DNA complexes.
Culture Clash: The Costs and Benefits of Homogeneity
Authors: Van den Steen Eric
Published: August 2010

This paper develops an economic theory of the costs and benefits of corporate culture—in the sense of shared beliefs and values—in order to study the effects of “culture clash” in mergers and acquisitions. I first use a simple analytical framework to show that shared beliefs lead to more delegation, less monitoring, higher utility (or satisfaction), higher execution effort (or motivation), faster coordination, less influence activities, and more communication, but also to less experimentation and less information collection. When two firms that are each internally homogeneous but different from each other merge, the above results translate to specific predictions about how the change in homogeneity will affect firm behavior. This paper's predictions can also serve more in general as a test for the theory of culture as shared beliefs.
Change in Serum Lipids after Acute Coronary Syndromes: Secondary Analysis of SPACE ROCKET Study Data and a Comparative Literature Review
Authors: Barth Julian H , Jackson Beryl M , Farrin Amanda J , Efthymiou Maria , Worthy Gillian , Copeland Joanne , Bailey Kristian M , Romaine Simon PR , Balmforth Anthony J , McCormack Terry , Whitehead Andrew , Flather Marcus D , Nixon Jane , Hall Alistair S ,   on behalf of the SPACE ROCKET Trial Group
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND

It has long been an accepted belief that serum cholesterol significantly falls after myocardial infarction and that a return to pre-event levels takes approximately 3 months. The magnitude and clinical significance of this fall has recently been challenged.

METHODS

In the Secondary Prevention of Acute Coronary Events—Reduction Of Cholesterol to Key European Targets (SPACE ROCKET) trial, we measured serum lipids of individuals on day 1 and between days 2 and 4 after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Second, we performed a thorough literature review and compared all studies reporting data on absolute changes in lipids immediately after AMI, using weighted means.

RESULTS

Of 1263 SPACE ROCKET participants, 128 had paired lipid measurements where both samples had been measured using identical methods at baseline and on days 2–4 after AMI. The mean lowering in total cholesterol between day 1 and day 2–4 was 0.71 mmol/L (95% CI 0.58–0.84; P < 0.0001) and in triglycerides was 0.10 mmol/L (−0.14–0.33; P = 0.405). A total of 25 papers showing absolute lipid changes post-AMI were identified. The combined data demonstrated a mean fall in total cholesterol of 9% to 11% from baseline over days 3–14 post-AMI, whereas for triglycerides, there was a rise of 18% from baseline to between day 9 and 12 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

After a secondary analysis of SPACE ROCKET data and a comparison of previously published data, we report a 10% fall in total cholesterol after AMI—a difference that is of high clinical significance. Consequently, measurement of serum lipids in patients with AMI should be performed within the first hours after presentation.
(German-)Jewish History from Within – Concluding Remarks
Authors: Meyer Michael A.
Published: August 2010

German-Jewish history is incomplete without attention to its internal dimension, which focuses, in particular, on the Jewishness of the Jews rather than on their relationship to the world around them. Although in the course of the modern period, the internal sphere is reduced in relation to the external, it remains significant for understanding the continuation and adaptation of communal institutions and personal identities. Moreover, the boundary between external and internal becomes ever more permeable so that, for example, expressions of Jewishness become universal in the objectives they seek while values internalized from the outside become »typically« Jewish.
Association between coffee consumption and the estimated glomerular filtration rate in the general Japanese population: preliminary data regarding C-reactive protein concentrations
Authors: Kotani Kazuhiko , Sakane Naoki , Yamada Toshiyuki , Taniguchi Nobuyuki
Published: August 2010

Background: Cardiometabolic disorders including cardiovascular disease (CVD) where the relevance of regular coffee consumption is debatable, has been linked with the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). A more recent study suggests that coffee consumption is associated with normal or increased kidney function as assessed by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The present study investigated whether the association between coffee and the eGFR was independent of chronic inflammation, and whether adding sugar to coffee could affect the eGFR.

Methods: A total of 114 age- and gender-matched Japanese individuals (females/males=68/46, mean age=59.5 years), without CVD and severe CKD, were studied. Clinical variables, such as body mass index, blood pressure, blood glucose, lipids and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), in addition to eGFR [the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study equation], were measured.

Results: Coffee drinkers had higher eGFR values [73.9±16.5 (SD) mL/min/1.73 m2] than non-coffee drinkers (68.6±11.7). The difference remained significant (F=5.04, p=0.027), independently of clinical variables, including hsCRP. The eGFR values among coffee drinkers were similar between the subjects with and without use of sugar.

Conclusions: The association of coffee drinking habits to eGFR may occur independently of inflammation as assessed by hsCRP. The use of sugar may have no effect on GFR. Further research is needed to clarify this phenomenon.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:1773–6.
Accuracy of the Precision® point-of-care ketone test examined by liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in the same fingerstick sample
Authors: Janssen Marcel J.W. , Hendrickx Ben H.E. , Habets-van der Poel Carin D. , van den Bergh Joop P.W. , Haagen Anton A.M. , Bakker Jaap A.
Published: August 2010

Background: The Precision® (Abbott Diabetes Care) point-of-care biosensor test strips are widely used by patients with diabetes and clinical laboratories for measurement of plasma β-hydroxybutyrate (β-HB) concentrations in capillary blood samples obtained by fingerstick. In the literature, this procedure has been validated only against the enzymatic determination of β-HB in venous plasma, i.e., the method to which the Precision® has been calibrated.

Methods: In this study, the Precision® Xceed was compared to a methodologically different and superior procedure: determination of β-HB by liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in capillary blood spots. Blood spots were obtained from the same fingerstick sample from out of which Precision® measurements were performed. Linearity was tested by adding varying amounts of standard to an EDTA venous whole blood matrix.

Results: The Precision® was in good agreement with LC-MS/MS within the measuring range of 0.0–6.0 mmol/L (Passing and Bablok regression: slope=1.20 and no significant intercept, R=0.97, n=59). Surprisingly, the Precision® showed non-linearity and full saturation at concentrations above 6.0 mmol/L, which were confirmed by a standard addition experiment. Results obtained at the saturation level varied between 3.0 and 6.5 mmol/L.

Conclusions: The Precision® β-HB test strips demonstrate good comparison with LC-MS/MS. Inter-individual variation around the saturation level, however, is large. Therefore, we advise reporting readings above 3.0 as >3.0 mmol/L. The test is valid for use in the clinically relevant range of 0.0–3.0 mmol/L.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:1781–4.
Germ cell dynamics in the testis of the postnatal common marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus)
Authors: Albert S , Ehmcke J , Wistuba J , Eildermann K , Behr R , Schlatt S , Gromoll J
Published: August 2010

The seminiferous epithelium in the nonhuman primate Callithrix jacchus is similarly organized to man. This monkey has therefore been used as a preclinical model for spermatogenesis and testicular stem cell physiology. However, little is known about the developmental dynamics of germ cells in the postnatal primate testis. In this study, we analyzed testes of newborn, 8-week-old, and adult marmosets employing immunohistochemistry using pluripotent stem cell and germ cell markers DDX4 (VASA), POU5F1 (OCT3/4), and TFAP2C (AP-2γ). Stereological and morphometric techniques were applied for quantitative analysis of germ cell populations and testicular histological changes. Quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) of testicular mRNA was applied using 16 marker genes establishing the corresponding profiles during postnatal testicular development. Testis size increased during the first 8 weeks of life with the main driver being longitudinal outgrowth of seminiferous cords. The number of DDX4-positive cells per testis doubled between birth and 8 weeks of age whereas TFAP2C- and POU5F1-positive cells remained unchanged. This increase in DDX4-expressing cells indicates dynamic growth of the differentiated A-spermatogonial population. The presence of cells expressing POU5F1 and TFAP2C after 8 weeks reveals the persistence of less differentiated germ cells. The mRNA and protein profiles determined by qRT-PCR and western blot in newborn, 8-week-old, and adult marmosets corroborated the immunohistochemical findings. In conclusion, we demonstrated the presence of distinct spermatogonial subpopulations in the primate testis exhibiting different dynamics during early testicular development. Our study demonstrates the suitability of the marmoset testis as a model for human testicular development.
Survival, growth, and maturation of secondary follicles from prepubertal, young, and older adult rhesus monkeys during encapsulated three-dimensional culture: effects of gonadotropins and insulin
Authors: Xu Jing , Bernuci Marcelo P , Lawson Maralee S , Yeoman Richard R , Fisher Thomas E , Zelinski Mary B , Stouffer Richard L
Published: August 2010

A three-dimensional culture system supports the development of primate preantral follicles to the antral stage with appreciable steroid production. This study assessed i) whether in vitro developmental competence of follicles is age dependent, ii) the role of gonadotropins and insulin in supporting folliculogenesis, and iii) anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production by growing follicles. Ovaries were obtained from prepubertal, young, and older adult rhesus macaques. Secondary follicles were encapsulated into alginate beads and cultured individually for 40 days in media containing 0.05 or 5 μg/ml insulin, with or without recombinant human (rh) FSH (500 mIU/ml). No follicles survived in the culture without rhFSH. In the presence of rhFSH, survival was lower for follicles from older animals, whereas growth, i.e. follicle diameter, was less by day 40 for follicles from prepubertal animals. The surviving follicles were categorized as no-grow (NG; ≤250 μm), slow-grow (SG; 250–500 μm), and fast-grow (FG; ≥500 μm) according to their diameters. SG follicles cultured with 5 μg/ml insulin produced more ovarian steroids than those cultured with 0.05 μg/ml insulin by week 5. SG and FG follicles produced more AMH and VEGF than the NG, and levels peaked at weeks 2 and 5 respectively. After 100 ng/ml rh chorionic gonadotropin treatment for 34 h, more healthy oocytes were retrieved from young adults whose follicles were cultured with 5 μg/ml insulin. This culture system offers an opportunity to characterize the endocrine and paracrine function of primate follicles that influence follicle growth and oocyte maturation.
Neonatal Outcomes of Extremely Preterm Infants From the NICHD Neonatal Research Network
Authors: Stoll Barbara J. , Hansen Nellie I. , Bell Edward F. , Shankaran Seetha , Laptook Abbot R. , Walsh Michele C. , Hale Ellen C. , Newman Nancy S. , Schibler Kurt , Carlo Waldemar A. , Kennedy Kathleen A. , Poindexter Brenda B. , Finer Neil N. , Ehrenkranz Richard A. , Duara Shahnaz , Sánchez Pablo J. , O'Shea T. Michael , Goldberg Ronald N. , Van Meurs Krisa P. , Faix Roger G. , Phelps Dale L. , Frantz Ivan D. , Watterberg Kristi L. , Saha Shampa , Das Abhik , Higgins Rosemary D. ,   for the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE:

This report presents data from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network on care of and morbidity and mortality rates for very low birth weight infants, according to gestational age (GA).

METHODS:

Perinatal/neonatal data were collected for 9575 infants of extremely low GA (22–28 weeks) and very low birth weight (401–1500 g) who were born at network centers between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2007.

RESULTS:

Rates of survival to discharge increased with increasing GA (6% at 22 weeks and 92% at 28 weeks); 1060 infants died at ≤12 hours, with most early deaths occurring at 22 and 23 weeks (85% and 43%, respectively). Rates of prenatal steroid use (13% and 53%, respectively), cesarean section (7% and 24%, respectively), and delivery room intubation (19% and 68%, respectively) increased markedly between 22 and 23 weeks. Infants at the lowest GAs were at greatest risk for morbidities. Overall, 93% had respiratory distress syndrome, 46% patent ductus arteriosus, 16% severe intraventricular hemorrhage, 11% necrotizing enterocolitis, and 36% late-onset sepsis. The new severity-based definition of bronchopulmonary dysplasia classified more infants as having bronchopulmonary dysplasia than did the traditional definition of supplemental oxygen use at 36 weeks (68%, compared with 42%). More than one-half of infants with extremely low GAs had undetermined retinopathy status at the time of discharge. Center differences in management and outcomes were identified.

CONCLUSION:

Although the majority of infants with GAs of ≥24 weeks survive, high rates of morbidity among survivors continue to be observed.
Synthesis of InN nanowires grown on droplets formed with Au and self-catalyst on Si(111) by using metalorganic chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Yun Seok-Hyo , Kissinger Suthan , Kim Don Wook , Cha Jun-Ho , Ra Yong-Ho , Lee Cheul-Ro
Published: August 2010

We demonstrated the growth of indium nitride (InN) nanowires on Si(111) substrates by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition without the use of any intermediate GaN or AlN buffer layer. The InN nanowires were grown by forming the Au + In droplets and In droplets on the Au- and In-coated Si substrate. The growth conditions such as chamber pressure, chamber temperature, reaction gas flow rate, and carrier gas flow rate were optimized to yield nanowires free from contamination. Depending on the growth parameters different growth regimes for the InN nanowires were identified. The strength of self-catalytic route has been highlighted. The morphology and microstructures of samples were characterized by x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The transmission electron microscopy and SEM investigations showed that the InN nanowires are single crystals with diameters ranging from 40 to 400 nm, and lengths up to 3 µm. Photoluminescence spectra of the InN nanowires showed a strong broad emission peak at 0.77 eV.
Thermodynamics and liquid phase separation in the Cu–Co–Nb ternary alloys
Authors: Yu Yan , Liu Xingjun , Jiang Zhipeng , Wang Cuiping , Kainuma Ryosuke , Ishida Kiyohito
Published: August 2010

This work first deals with the effect of Nb addition on the liquid phase separation in the Cu–Co system, which displays a metastable liquid miscibility gap. The isothermal sections at 800, 900, 1000, 1100, and 1200 °C in the Cu–Co–Nb system have been experimentally determined by optical microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, and x-ray diffraction on the equilibrated alloys, and the phase equilibria in the Cu–Co–Nb ternary system were thermodynamically assessed by using CALPHAD (Calculation of Phase Diagrams) method on the basis of the presently determined experimental data. Nb additions can stabilize the metastable liquid phase separation in the Cu–Co binary system and significantly increase its critical temperature. The solidified Cu–Co–Nb alloys appearing on the top-bottom separated microstructural morphology under low cooling rate while forming core-type macrostructural morphology under high cooling rate have been confirmed.
Bactericidal efficacy of electrospun pure and Fe-doped titania nanofibers
Authors: Azad Abdul-Majeed , Hershey Ryan , Ali Saqib , Goel Vijay
Published: August 2010

This paper reports the development of nonwoven nanofibers of pure and iron-doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) and evaluation of their antimicrobial attributes for using them as disinfectant gauze for wound healing upon brief activation by ultraviolet/infrared (UV/IR) illumination. It was found that the fibers exhibited superior bactericidal affinity when exposed briefly (3–12 s) to either multiphoton laser or infrared radiations. On the other hand, exposure to a UV beam for up to 20 min was not effective in mitigating the bacterial colonization of theEscherichia coli.
Uniaxial stress dependence of the dielectric properties in the Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3–NaTaO3 system
Authors: König Jakob , Spreitzer Matjaž , Jančar Boštjan , Tolchard Julian , Einarsrud Mari-Ann , Suvorov Danilo
Published: August 2010

The dependence of the dielectric properties on the uniaxial compressive stress and the stress-strain properties was investigated for the case of (1-x)Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3–xNaTaO3 ceramics. Special attention was focused on the time component and the reversibility of the permittivity–stress dependence. The results were interpreted according to the samples' polar and symmetry states and the ferroelasticity. The time dependence and irreversible changes of the dielectric properties were connected with the domain structure of the materials, which is modified under the applied stress. The irreversible changes observed in the macroscopically nonferroelectric compositions were related to the ferroelastic properties. The stress sensitivity increased with the addition of NaTaO3 from 3% in pure Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 to 14% in the sample with 15 mol% of NaTaO3 (at 200 MPa and 1 MHz). The reversibility was improved by mechanical modification of the samples' domain state, while the dielectric response remained time dependent.
A Modified Plastic Shell Technique for Cement-Retained Implant Restorations
Authors: Özçelik Tuncer Burak , Yılmaz Burak
Published: August 2010

The best possible fit of prosthetic components should be the aim of the clinician. The technical report presented here describes the use of a modified plastic shell technique for modeling a cement-retained single-implant restoration. This approach will help to prevent potential errors caused by the wax modeling technique.
Histomorphometric Analysis and Removal Torque of Small Diameter Implants With Alternative Surface Treatments and Different Designs
Authors: Ahn Su-Jin , Leesungbok Richard , Lee Suk-Won
Published: August 2010

This study was designed to investigate the histomorphometric and biomechanical comparison of small-diameter implants with different designs. These implants can be placed surgically in narrow bone spaces, such as the lower incisor region, that have low occlusal loading. Specimens of screw-shaped pin implants were designed for the study. These specimen implants were divided into 6 groups: group 1, machined implants; group 2, resorbable blast media (RBM)-treated implants; group 3, machined implants with a long vertical groove; group 4, RBM-treated implants with a long vertical groove; group 5, RBM-treated implants with a vertical groove on the upper thread; and group 6, RBM-treated implants with a vertical groove on the lower trunk. The specimen implants were placed surgically on the medial side of the rabbit tibia. Animals were sacrificed 2, 4, and 8 weeks after surgery. The removal torque was measured and tissues were prepared for histologic and histomorphometric analysis. The bone-to-implant contact and the percentage of the bone area inside the threads were measured. RBM-treated implants with vertical groove groups showed significantly higher values of removal torque, bone-implant contact, and bone area rate than the ones of machined surface groups.
The high level of RANTES in the ectopic milieu recruits macrophages and induces their tolerance in progression of endometriosis
Authors: Wang Xiao-Qiu , Yu Jing , Luo Xue-Zhen , Shi Ying-Li , Wang Yun , Wang Ling , Li Da-Jin
Published: August 2010

RANTES (C–C chemokine, regulated on activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted) is involved in progression of endometriosis, but the precise mechanism is understood inadequately. This study is to elucidate the roles of RANTES in macrophage recruitment and tolerance in the endometriotic milieu. The expression of RANTES was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The cell co-cultures were applied to simulate the endometriotic milieu to investigate the regulation of RANTES secretion and its receptor CCR1 expression. Transwell migration assay was used for chemotaxis of U937 cells (macrophage line) to endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) and/or human pelvic mesothelial cells. The expression of CCR1 was analyzed by RT-PCR and qPCR in transcription and by western blot in translation respectively. Concentrations of RANTES, IL10, and IL12p70 were determined by ELISA. The phenotype of U937 cells and apoptosis of ESCs were analyzed by flow cytometry. We have found that the expression of RANTES is significantly higher in the endometriotic tissue and eutopic endometrium than that of the normal endometrium without endometriosis. The combination of 17β-estradiol and dioxin 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin increases significantly RANTES secretion in the endometriosis-associated cell co-culture which can recruit more macrophages, upregulate CCR1 expression, and induce tolerant phenotype, which inhibits the apoptosis of ESC in the milieu. In conclusion, the higher levels of RANTES in the ectopic milieu facilitate the onset and progression of endometriosis by macrophage recruitment and tolerance that in turn inhibits apoptosis and enhances growth of ESC.
Rainbow trout somatostatin receptor subtypes SSTR1A, SSTR1B, and SSTR2 differentially activate the extracellular signal-regulated kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling pathways in transfected cells
Authors: Hagemeister Alison L , Kittilson Jeffrey D , Bergan Heather E , Sheridan Mark A
Published: August 2010

Previously, we reported that extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and protein kinase B (Akt), a downstream target of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), mediated somatostatin (SS) inhibition of GH receptor, IGF1, and IGF1 receptor expression. In this study, we used Chinese hamster ovary-K1 cells that stably transfected individually with trout SS receptors (SSTR1A, SSTR1B, and SSTR2) to elucidate receptor–effector pathway linkages. SS induced ERK and Akt activation in a time- and concentration-related manner in all SSTR-expressing cells; however, the PI3K/Akt pathway was activated to a greater extent through SSTR1A than through either SSTR1B or SSTR2, whereas the ERK pathway was activated to a greater extent though SSTR2 than through either SSTR1A or SSTR1B. Although the ERK pathway inhibitor U0126 had no effect on Akt activation, the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 reduced ERK activation to near control levels in all SSTR-expressing cell lines, suggesting some cross talk between the pathways, possibly at the level of c-Raf, the phosphorylation of which also was induced by SS via each SSTR. Pertussis toxin (PTX) completely abolished SS-induced activation of ERK and Akt in SSTR1A-, SSTR1B-, and SSTR2-expressing cells, suggesting that these receptors link to the ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways via PTX-sensitive G-proteins. SS-induced activation of Elk1, Stat3, and C/EBPβ also was mediated by each of the trout SSTRs. These findings establish important receptor–effector pathway linkages for fish SSTRs and provide insight into the molecular mechanisms by which SSs may elicit diverse physiological effects in target cells.
Dynamic behavior of reinforced slopes: horizontal acceleration response
Authors: Huang C.-C. , Horng J.-C. , Chang W.-J. , Chueh S.-Y. , Chiou J.-S. , Chen C.-H.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: Shaking-table tests on plane-strain geosynthetic-reinforced model slopes using stepwise intensified sinusoidal pulse loads with specific frequencies were conducted to investigate the influence of peak ground accelerations, wave frequencies and plastic slope displacements on the horizontal acceleration response of the slope. A comparative study on the crest response behavior suggested that the tests using pulse loads give useful insights into the dynamic behavior of soil structures subjected to earthquake loads. Test results indicate that both the horizontal acceleration response at the crest and the lateral slope displacement are influenced by the horizontal peak ground acceleration, the wave frequency, and the cumulative permanent displacement of the slope. Amplification factors at the crest of the slope are functions of input wave frequencies; they decrease exponentially with increasing input horizontal peak ground acceleration. Transitions from an amplification state to a de-amplification state at the slope crest occur at certain levels of input ground accelerations, which are associated with the development of major slip planes in the slope mass (or with noticeable slope displacement). It was found that a ratio between the plastic slope displacement and the total slope height (Dmax/Ht) of the order of 0.42–5.9 × 10−2 is relevant to this amplification–deamplification transition. A practical implication of these observations is that the resonance acceleration of the slope is a major factor that needs to be considered in seismic stability analyses of reinforced slopes with a small plastic slope displacement of Dmax/Ht ≈ 2.5 × 10−3; it does not need to be considered in the seismic stability evaluation for reinforced slopes with plastic slope displacements of Dmax/Ht = 5.0–5.9 × 10−2.
Effect of NaCl on hydraulic properties of bentonite and bentonite–palygorskite mixture
Authors: Frankovská J. , Andrejkovičová S. , Janotka I.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT: Sodium bentonite (Na-bentonite) is used as a sealing component in geosynthetic clay liners (GCL). Na-bentonite is very sensitive to chlorides, and flocculation occurs when it is exposed to saline environments. The purpose of this work is to investigate the properties of Na-bentonite and bentonite–palygorskite filler material for GCL in saline solutions in the range between 0.5% and 10% (0.09 and 1.8 M) NaCl concentration. The investigation has been carried out to evaluate and study the chemical and geotechnical properties of Na-bentonite and bentonite–palygorskite mixture. The observations suggest that the resistance of Na-bentonite to chlorides is increased by adding 40% palygorskite. The bentonite–palygorskite mixture is characterised by high liquid and plastic limits, and also by high water adsorption and free swell in water, crude oil and petrol. Hydraulic conductivity was determined for water and for 10% NaCl (1.80 M) solution. The results show that Na-bentonite palygorskite mixture serves as an effective absorber of both water and saline solutions up to a concentration of 10% (1.80 M) of NaCl without increasing the hydraulic conductivity.
Centrifuge modelling of circular shallow foundations on sand
Authors: Govoni L , Gourvenec S , Gottardi G
Published: August 2010

Drum centrifuge tests on circular footings resting on medium dense silica sand subjected to combined vertical, moment and horizontal loading are reported and compared with existing data from similar studies carried out at 1g. Vertical loading tests and displacement-controlled horizontal and rotational swipe tests were carried out; the results are reported in terms of load–displacement relationships and yield surfaces in (V, M/D, H) load space. The centrifuge test results from this study are well described using the existing theoretical framework of strain-hardening plasticity applied to surface footings on sand, developed on the basis of experimental data from 1g tests. Attention is given to the embedment effect, which can be especially pointed out by centrifuge testing.
White‐emitting OLED devices in an RGBW format with microelement white subpixels
Authors: Cok Ronald S. , Shore Joel D.
Published: August 2010

Abstract— OLED devices with an RGBW pixel format using an unpatterned white emitter have the potential to provide very good efficiency and color gamut while enabling lower‐cost and large‐format manufacturing. However, the white subpixel often has unacceptably large color shifts with viewing angle. Furthermore, for some architectures such as top‐emitting microcavity devices, it can even be difficult to produce a white subpixel with good on‐axis color. In this paper, we describe the use of a white subpixel made up of a combination of differently tuned microelements and demonstrate how such an approach can overcome these problems. By carefully tuning the color and areas of each of the microelements in the white subpixel, we can trade off between better on‐axis color, less color change with angle, and higher efficiency. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that an RGBW top‐emitter microcavity device with a microelement white subpixel can achieve an increase in both power efficiency and color gamut relative to a conventional RGBW bottom‐emitter non‐microcavity device.
Optical simulation for cross‐talk evaluation and improvement of autostereoscopic 3‐D displays with a projector array
Authors: Chen Cheng‐Huan , Huang Hsin‐Hsuan , Hsu Tzu‐Hui , Kuo Ming‐Huang , Tsai Chao‐Hsu
Published: August 2010

Abstract— Multi‐view spatial‐multiplexed autostereoscopic 3‐D displays normally use a 2‐D image source and divide the pixels to generate perspective images. Due to the reduction in the resolution of each perspective image for a large view number, a super‐high‐resolution 2‐D image source is required to achieve 3‐D image quality close to the standard of natural vision. This paper proposes an approach by tiling multiple projection images with a low magnification ratio from a microdisplay to resolve the resolution issue. Placing a lenticular array in front of the tiled projection image can lead to an autostereoscopic display. Image distortion and cross‐talk issues resulting from the projection lens and pixel structure of the microdisplay have been addressed with proper selection of the active pixel and adequate pixel grouping and masking. Optical simulation has shown that a 37‐in. 12‐view autostereoscopic display with a full‐HD (1920 × 1080) resolution can be achieved with the proposed 3‐D architecture.
Floral and nesting resources, habitat structure, and fire influence bee distribution across an open‐forest gradient
Authors: Grundel Ralph , Jean Robert P. , Frohnapple Krystalynn J. , Glowacki Gary A. , Scott Peter E. , Pavlovic Noel B.
Published: August 2010

Given bees' central effect on vegetation communities, it is important to understand how and why bee distributions vary across ecological gradients. We examined how plant community composition, plant diversity, nesting suitability, canopy cover, land use, and fire history affected bee distribution across an open–forest gradient in northwest Indiana, USA, a gradient similar to the historic Midwest United States landscape mosaic. When considered with the other predictors, plant community composition was not a significant predictor of bee community composition. Bee abundance was negatively related to canopy cover and positively to recent fire frequency, bee richness was positively related to plant richness and abundance of potential nesting resources, and bee community composition was significantly related to plant richness, soil characteristics potentially related to nesting suitability, and canopy cover. Thus, bee abundance was predicted by a different set of environmental characteristics than was bee species richness, and bee community composition was predicted, in large part, by a combination of the significant predictors of bee abundance and richness. Differences in bee community composition along the woody vegetation gradient were correlated with relative abundance of oligolectic, or diet specialist, bees. Because oligoleges were rarer than diet generalists and were associated with open habitats, their populations may be especially affected by degradation of open habitats.

More habitat‐specialist bees were documented for open and forest/scrub habitats than for savanna/woodland habitats, consistent with bees responding to habitats of intermediate woody vegetation density, such as savannas, as ecotones rather than as distinct habitat types. Similarity of bee community composition, similarity of bee abundance, and similarity of bee richness between sites were not significantly related to proximity of sites to each other. Nestedness analysis indicated that species composition in species‐poor sites was not merely a subset of species composition at richer sites. The lack of significant proximity or nestedness effects suggests that factors at a small spatial scale strongly influence bees' use of sites. The findings indicate that patterns of plant diversity, nesting resource availability, recent fire, and habitat shading, present at the scale of a few hundred meters, are key determinants of bee community patterns in the mosaic open–savanna–forest landscape.
Contrasting changes in taxonomic vs. functional diversity of tropical fish communities after habitat degradation
Authors: Villéger Sébastien , Miranda Julia Ramos , Hernández Domingo Flores , Mouillot David
Published: August 2010

Human activities have strong impacts on ecosystem functioning through their effect on abiotic factors and on biodiversity. There is also growing evidence that species functional traits link changes in species composition and shifts in ecosystem processes. Hence, it appears to be of utmost importance to quantify modifications in the functional structure of species communities after human disturbance in addition to changes in taxonomic structure. Despite this fact, there is still little consensus on the actual impacts of human‐mediated habitat alteration on the components of biodiversity, which include species functional traits. Therefore, we studied changes in taxonomic diversity (richness and evenness), in functional diversity, and in functional specialization of estuarine fish communities facing drastic environmental and habitat alterations. The Terminos Lagoon (Gulf of Mexico) is a tropical estuary of primary concern for its biodiversity, its habitats, and its resource supply, which have been severely impacted by human activities. Fish communities were sampled in four zones of the Terminos Lagoon 18 years apart (1980 and 1998). Two functions performed by fish (food acquisition and locomotion) were studied through the measurement of 16 functional traits. Functional diversity of fish communities was quantified using three independent components: richness, evenness, and divergence. Additionally, we measured the degree of functional specialization in fish communities. We used a null model to compare the functional and the taxonomic structure of fish communities between 1980 and 1998. Among the four largest zones studied, three did not show strong functional changes. In the northern part of the lagoon, we found an increase in fish richness but a significant decrease of functional divergence and functional specialization. We explain this result by a decline of specialized species (i.e., those with particular combinations of traits), while newly occurring species are redundant with those already present. The species that decreased in abundance have functional traits linked to seagrass habitats that regressed consecutively to increasing eutrophication. The paradox found in our study highlights the need for a multifaceted approach in the assessment of biodiversity changes in communities under pressure.
Flaws and pitfalls in the chemical analysis of feathers: bad news–good news for avian chemoecology and toxicology
Authors: Bortolotti Gary R.
Published: August 2010

Ecologists have frequently used biochemical assays as proxies for processes or phenomena too difficult to explore by traditional means of investigation. Feathers have been subjected to a number of chemical analyses to study such things as their elemental composition, contaminants, and hormones. The reliance on standard methodology of using concentrations to express quantities of chemical substances is seriously problematic because it creates artifacts by ignoring the physiology of feathers. Some elements and compounds are incorporated into the feather as part of the very building blocks of the keratin. However, others that are less functionally important to feathers (but not necessarily to the bird) enter the developing cells in proportion to their abundance in the bloodstream; in other words, feathers are merely receptacles, and deposition of chemicals is time dependent. In the latter case, one that applies to much of the work done on feather chemistry, data expressed as concentrations are meaningless because the varying mass across the feather alters concentrations in a way that has no biological significance. I discuss this problem and various pitfalls in the chemical analysis of feathers, and offer solutions that ultimately will offer a better understanding of the mechanisms influencing feather composition and, thus, the ecological patterns and processes they were meant to study.