bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of stolon severing on the expansion ofAlternanthera philoxeroidesfrom terrestrial to contaminated aquatic habitats
Authors: GUO WEI , HU ZHENG‐HUA
Published: August 2011

Few studies have examined the effects of clonal integration (translocation of resources between interconnected ramets) during the expansion of amphibious clonal plants from terrestrial to aquatic habitats. We conducted a greenhouse experiment to simulate the expansion of plants from terrestrial to contaminated aquatic habitats in the amphibious stoloniferous herbAlternanthera philoxeroides(alligator weed). The proximal ramets (i.e. relatively old) of clonal fragments grown in uncontaminated soils were connected to (allowing clonal integration) or disconnected from (preventing clonal integration) distal ramets (i.e. relatively young) grown either in uncontaminated water (control, no CuSO4) or in four copper‐contaminated water treatments containing 31.25, 62.5, 125 and 250 mg/L CuSO4, respectively. When a stolon connection was severed, all distal ramets grown in the contaminated water died. When the stolon connection was intact, however, the survival rate of the distal ramets was 85–100% when they were grown at the three lower levels of contamination and 43.75% at the highest level. Moreover, the survival rate and growth of the distal ramets grown in the three lower levels of contamination treatments did not differ from those in the control (uncontaminated water). These results suggest that clonal integration could greatly improve the survival and growth of alligator weed subjected to moderate levels of copper stress. Although clonal integration could also increase the survival rate of the connected distal ramets subjected to the highest level of copper stress (250 mg/L CuSO4) compared with that of disconnected distal ramets, the survival rate and growth measures were still significantly lower than those in the control. This suggests that clonal integration plays a limited role in the survival and growth of alligator weed when it is subjected to severe stress by high levels of copper contamination.
Early assessment of visual acuity after cataract surgery in rural Indonesia
Authors: Bani Anna , Wang Dandan , Congdon Nathan
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background:  The accuracy and impact on service uptake of early examination after cataract surgery is not known.

Design:  Prospective cohort study.

Participants:  Cataract patients in rural Indonesia

Methods:  Visual acuity was measured preoperatively, 1 day, 1–3, 4–6 and >12 weeks after surgery, and 6–8 months postoperatively at an outreach examination. Acceptance of second‐eye surgery and spectacles was evaluated.

Main outcome measure:  Presenting visual acuity in the operated eye.

Results:  Among 241 subjects (extracapsular surgery 84%), examinations at 1 day, 1–3, 4–6 and >12 weeks and 6–8 months were completed for 100% (241), 90.9% (219), 67.6% (163), 22.0% (53) and 80.0% (193), respectively. Among subjects at the final examination (mean age 65.8 ± 10.6 years, 51.8% male), 73.6% had bilateral preoperative presenting visual acuity ≤ 6/60. By 4–6 weeks, the proportion with good (≥6/18) or poor (≤6/60) visual acuity did not differ significantly from the final examination. Among 49 persons accepting free second‐eye surgery, 69.4% (34) and 16.3% (8) returned to clinic at 4–6 and >12 weeks, respectively. Among 131 patients (67.9%) paying US$7 for glasses, 94 (71.8%) and 30 (22.9%) attended 4‐ to 6‐ and >12‐week examinations, respectively.

Conclusion:  Even with large‐incision surgery, early assessment of postoperative vision is representative of final vision, and may help deliver postoperative services to more of those needing them.
Small interfering RNA targeting for infected‐cell polypeptide 4 inhibits herpes simplex virus type 1 replication in retinal pigment epithelial cells
Authors: Duan Fang , Ni Shiming , Nie Yuhong , Huang Qiang , Wu Kaili
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background:  This study sought to inhibit herpes simplex virus type 1 replication using small interfering RNA which targeting infected‐cell polypeptide 4 genes to mediate transcription of early and late viral genes in herpes simplex virus type 1 lytic (productive) infection in retina epithelial cells.

Methods:  After pre‐ or post‐infecting with herpes simplex virus type 1, small interfering RNAs were transfected into retina epithelial cells. The antiviral effects of small interfering RNA were evaluated by Western blot, plaque assays, indirect immunofluorescence and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The viral titre was detected by the 50% tissue culture infective dose method.

Results:  Small interfering RNA decreased infected‐cell polypeptide 4 expression in retina epithelial cells that were infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 before or after small interfering RNA transfection. Compared with herpes simplex virus type 1 infection alone or transfection with negative control small interfering RNA, the viral titre and the retina epithelial cell cytopathic effect were significantly decreased in retina epithelial cells transfected with infected‐cell polypeptide 4‐targeting small interfering RNA (50 and 100 nM) (P < 0.05). The small interfering RNA effectively silenced herpes simplex virus type 1 infected‐cell polypeptide 4 expression on both mRNA and the protein levels (P < 0.05). The inhibition of infected‐cell polypeptide 4‐targeting small interfering RNA on infected‐cell polypeptide 4 protein expression was also verified by Western blot in herpes simplex virus type 1 infected human cornea epithelial cell, human trabecular meshwork cells and Vero cells.

Conclusions:  Infected‐cell polypeptide 4‐targeting small interfering RNA can inhibit herpes simplex virus type 1 replication in retina epithelial cells, providing a foundation for development of RNA interference as an antiviral therapy.
Effects of the alpha‐2 adrenoceptor agonist guanfacine on attention and working memory in aged non‐human primates
Authors: Decamp Emmanuel , Clark Kathryn , Schneider Jay S.
Published: August 2011

Alpha‐2 adrenergic receptors are potential targets for ameliorating cognitive deficits associated with aging as well as certain pathologies such as attention deficit disorder, schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease. Although the alpha‐2 agonist guanfacine has been reported to improve working memory in aged primates, it has been difficult to assess the extent to which these improvements may be related to drug effects on attention and/or memory processes involved in task performance. The present study investigated effects of guanfacine on specific attention and memory tasks in aged monkeys. Four Rhesus monkeys (18–21 years old) performed a sustained attention (continuous performance) task and spatial working memory task (self‐ordered spatial search) that has minimal demands on attention. Effects of a low (0.0015 mg/kg) and high (0.5 mg/kg) dose of gunafacine were examined. Low‐dose guanfacine improved performance on the attention task [i.e. decreased omission errors by 50.8 ± 4.3% (P = 0.001) without an effect on commission errors] but failed to improve performance on the spatial working memory task. The high dose of guanfacine had no effects on either task. Guanfacine may have a preferential effect on some aspects of attention in normal aged monkeys and in doing so may also improve performance on other tasks, including some working memory tasks that have relatively high attention demands.
Marginal Tax Rates and Tax‐Favoured Pension Savings of the Self‐Employed: Evidence from Sweden*
Authors: Selin Håkan
Published: August 2011

In recent years, the study of how individuals respond to policies that aim at promoting pension savings has emerged as a vital area of economic research. This paper adds to this body of literature by estimating the tax price elasticity of contributions to tax‐favoured pension‐savings accounts on a population of self‐employed individuals. I exploit a unique total database over the Swedish population that covers the years 1999–2005. Using instrumental variables, I obtain a tax price elasticity estimate of −0.51 and an income elasticity estimate of 0.13, whereas ordinary least‐squares (OLS) produces estimates that conflict with consumer theory.
Intergenerational Earnings Mobility Revisited: Estimates Based on Lifetime Earnings*
Authors: Nilsen Øivind Anti , Vaage Kjell , Aakvik Arild , Jacobsen Karl
Published: August 2011

Using Norwegian intergenerational data, which include a substantial part of the life‐cycle earnings for children and almost the entire life‐cycle earnings for their fathers, we present new estimates of intergenerational mobility. Extending the length of fathers’ earnings window from 5 to 25 years increases estimated elasticities. Increasing the age at which fathers’ earnings are observed has the opposite effect. Biases in the estimated elasticities are related to both transitory earnings variation and life‐cycle measurement error; the former appear to be more important than the latter. Estimation bias stemming from persistence in transitory innovations plays only a minor role. Our findings indicate that intergenerational earnings mobility in Norway might have been strongly overstated in many earlier studies with shorter earnings histories. Some of our new estimates are twice as large as earlier estimates.
Anger Expression and Persistence in Young Children
Authors: He Jie , Xu Qinmei , Degnan Kathryn Amey
Published: August 2011

This study investigated anger expression during toy removal (TR) in 92 young Chinese children, two to five years of age, and its relations to their persistence in responding to obstacles during two challenging tasks with highly desirable goals [TR and locked box (LB)] and one challenging task with a less desirable goal [impossible perfect circles (IPC)]. Anger expression during TR was positively associated with persistence during TR and LB but not during IPC. The results highlighted the positive effects of anger in the development of persistence.
Sexually Transmitted Infections and Unintended Pregnancy: A Longitudinal Analysis of Risk Transmission Through Friends and Attitudes
Authors: Henry David B. , Deptula Daneen P. , Schoeny Michael E.
Published: August 2011

Data from 1,087 adolescent participants in three waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health were used to examine the effects of peer selection and socialization processes in adolescence on later reports of sexually transmitted infections (STI) and unintended pregnancies. Friends' attitudes and behavior were assessed with friends' reports. Among male adolescents, there was evidence for selection effects on STI diagnoses and socialization effects on reports of unintended pregnancy, both involving friends' attitudes. Among female adolescents, there was evidence for long‐term effects of both socialization and selection processes involving same‐sex friends' attitudes. Discussion focuses on the importance of peer and individual attitudes as potential intervention targets.
RETRACTED: Carotenoids, Mycosporine‐Like Amino Acid Compounds, Phycobiliproteins, And Scytonemin In The Genus Scytonema (Cyanobacteria): A Chemosystematic Study1
Authors: Asencio Antonia D. , García‐Pichel Ferrán , Hoffmann Lucien
Published: August 2011

The following article from the Journal of Phycology, “Carotenoids, Mycosporine‐Like Amino Acid Compounds, Phycobiliproteins, And Scytonemin In The Genus Scytonema (Cyanobacteria): A Chemosystematic Study,” submitted by Antonia D. Asencio, and published online on August 22, 2011 on Wiley Online Library (http://www.wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the journal Editor, Robert Sheath, and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. The retraction has been agreed upon request by Ferran Garcia‐Pichel, listed as co‐author, but not having agreed to the submission or publication of the manuscript.
Inter‐Indigenous development aid: markets, corporations, and biases
Authors: Finley‐Brook Mary
Published: August 2011

The Canadian government and the Meadow Lake Tribal Council sponsored a forest extraction corporation in eastern Nicaragua that restructured 16 Miskitu and Mayangna villages and transformed local human‐environment interactions. The Central American aid project demonstrated paternalistic and interventionist tendencies and exposed biases in inter‐Indigenous aid that rendered it inseparable from conventional aid. This case encourages reflection on social and ecological impacts from the marketing of collective resources, the creation of Indigenous development corporations, and the decision‐making criteria and processes driving foreign aid. The case study demonstrates how foreign aid programs targeting Indigenous Peoples may actually thwart the self‐determination that they set out to encourage. Aid agencies and business partners, who had limited knowledge of local cultures and institutions, created externally defined rules that instigated resource conflicts and undermined the authority of customary leaders without resolving poverty or uneven development.
Effect of habitat area and isolation on plant trait distribution in European forests and grasslands
Authors: Lindborg Regina , Helm Aveliina , Bommarco Riccardo , Heikkinen Risto K. , Kühn Ingolf , Pykälä Juha , Pärtel Meelis
Published: August 2011

A number of studies show contrasting results in how plant species with specific life‐history strategies respond to fragmentation, but a general analysis on whether traits affect plant species occurrences in relation to habitat area and isolation has not been performed. We used published data from forests and grasslands in north‐central Europe to analyse if there are general patterns of sensitivity to isolation and dependency of area for species using three traits: life‐span, clonality, and seed weight. We show that a larger share of all forest species was affected by habitat isolation and area as compared to grassland species. Persistence‐related traits, life‐span and clonality, were associated to habitat area and the dispersal and recruitment related trait, seed weight, to isolation in both forest and grassland patches. Occurrence of clonal plant species decreased with habitat area, opposite to non‐clonal plant species, and long‐lived plant species decreased with grassland area. The directions of these responses partly challenge some earlier views, suggesting that further decrease in habitat area will lead to a change in plant species community composition, towards relatively fewer clonal and long‐lived plants with large seeds in small forest patches and fewer clonal plants with small seeds in small grassland patches. It is likely that this altered community has been reached in many fragmented European landscapes consisting of small and isolated natural and semi‐natural patches, where many non‐clonal and short‐lived species have already disappeared. Our study based on a large‐scale dataset reveals general and useful insights concerning area and isolation effects on plant species composition that can improve the outcome of conservation and restoration efforts of plant communities in rural landscapes.
Caenorhabditis elegans Numb Inhibits Endocytic Recycling by Binding TAT‐1 Aminophospholipid Translocase
Authors: Nilsson Lars , Jonsson Eva , Tuck Simon
Published: August 2011

Numb regulates endocytosis in many metazoans, but the mechanism by which it functions is not completely understood. Here we report that the Caenorhabditis elegans Numb ortholog, NUM‐1A, a regulator of endocytic recycling, binds the C isoform of transbilayer amphipath transporter‐1 (TAT‐1), a P4 family adenosine triphosphatase and putative aminophospholipid translocase that is required for proper endocytic trafficking. We demonstrate that TAT‐1 is differentially spliced during development and that TAT‐1C‐specific splicing occurs in the intestine where NUM‐1A is known to function. NUM‐1A and TAT‐1C colocalize in vivo. We have mapped the binding site to an NXXF motif in TAT‐1C. This motif is not required for TAT‐1C function but is required for NUM‐1A's ability to inhibit recycling. We demonstrate that num‐1A and tat‐1 defects are both suppressed by the loss of the activity of PSSY‐1, a phosphatidylserine (PS) synthase. PS is mislocalized in intestinal cells with defects in tat‐1 or num‐1A function. We propose that NUM‐1A inhibits recycling by inhibiting TAT‐1C's ability to translocate PS across the membranes of recycling endosomes.
Special Issue: Protein Structure and Proteomics
Authors: Appella Ettore , Johansson Jan
Published: August 2011

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Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: Incidence and treatment outcome in a single institution in Korea
Authors: LIM Taekyu , LEE Jeeyun , KIM Jae J , LEE Jong Kyun , LEE Kyu Taek , KIM Young Ho , KIM Kwang‐Won , KIM Sung , SOHN Tae Sung , CHOI Dong Wook , CHOI Seong Ho , CHUN Ho‐Kyung , LEE Woo Young , KIM Kyoung‐Mee , JANG Kee‐Taek , PARK Young Suk
Published: August 2011

Aim:  We studied to identify the clinicopathological features, treatment outcome, and prognostic factors for patients with gastrointestinal and hepatopancreaticobiliary neuroendocrine tumor (NET).

Method:  Between February 2001 and May 2006, a total of 470 patients were diagnosed with NET arising from the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and hepatobiliary system. The retrospective patient cohort was obtained and analyzed.

Results:  The male to female ratio was 1.5:1, and the median age was 55 years (range, 16–81). The most common primary site was the rectum (55.8%). Overall 29 (6.2%) originated from the hepatobiliary system. At initial presentation, 60 patients (12.8%) showed distant metastases. Curative surgery or endoscopic resection was performed in 401 patients. Histopathological distributions were as follows: well differentiated tumor (82.1%), well differentiated carcinoma (10.2%) and poorly differentiated carcinoma (7.7%). The frequency of the poorly differentiated type was somewhat higher in the hepatobiliary system than in the pancreas and gastrointestinal tract (44.8, 15.4 and 2.8%, respectively, P < 0.05). The estimated 5‐year overall survival rate for all patients was 89.6%. Multivariate analysis showed that distant metastases (P = 0.018), origin from the hepatobiliary system (P < 0.001) and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma (P < 0.001) were independent predictors for poor survival outcome.

Conclusion:  Patients with locoregional NET had a favorable long‐term survival after curative resection. Distant metastases, hepatobiliary localization and a poor degree of tumor cell differentiation were poor prognostic factors. Further investigational approaches for treatment of advanced disease are needed.
Small Cell Lung Cancer: Patterns of care and their influence on survival – 25 years experience of a single Australian oncology unit
Authors: BISHNOI Sarwan , PITTMAN Kenneth , COLBECK Margaret , TOWNSEND Amanda , HARDINGHAM Jennifer , SUKUMARAN Shawgi , HOOPER Beverley , TUCK Margaret , RODER David , LUKE Colin , PRICE Timothy
Published: August 2011

Aim:  Evidence supporting improved outcomes for small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in recent decades is limited. This study aimed to identify patterns of care and survival over two time periods; 1 January 1987 to 31 December 1996 (cohort A) and 1 January 1997 to 31 December 2006 9 (cohort B).

Methods:  Patients' characteristics, management and outcome data were extracted from the Hospital Cancer Registry and clinical records. Survival analysis was determined using the Kaplan–Meier method and the log–rank test. Factors influencing survival outcome were assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results:  The total number of patients was 392 (224 in cohort A, 168 in cohort B). Overall 38% patients in cohort A and 24% in cohort B had limited stage (LS) disease at diagnosis. Combined chemoradiotherapy for LS increased from 5% in cohort A to 65% in cohort B. Overall 19% of patients in cohort A and 24% in cohort B received symptomatic treatment alone (STA). Median survival for LS in cohort B was significantly higher (19.5 months), than in cohort A (11.8 months) (P = 0.03). In extensive stage (ES) disease, median survival was 6.2 months in cohort A and 4.3 months in cohort B (P = 0.7). Variables for poorer outcome were STA, male gender, poor performance status, ES and whether the diagnosis was made in the earlier time period in cohort A.

Conclusion:  Outcomes for LS SCLC have improved with combined chemoradiotherapy, in keeping with worldwide data. The trends may also reflect recent improvements in staging and standardization of treatment. The outcome for ES‐SCLC remains poor.
Dietetic care of hip fracture patients across Australia: Are we doing enough?
Authors: MILTE Rachel , MILLER Michelle
Published: August 2011

Aim:  To determine the composition of usual nutrition care provided by Australian dietitians to patients with a falls related femoral neck fracture.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional survey administered via the World Wide Web using SurveyMonkey to dietitians across Australia.

Results:  One hundred and sixty‐eight dietitians working with patients with a femoral neck fracture in Australia responded to the survey. Few dietitians (n = 7) indicated they worked in the community setting. Nutritional screening was used among respondents (n = 93), but 32/93 indicated they did not use a validated tool. Most commonly used interventions included strategies to increase intake of nutrients, such as provision of nourishing meals, snacks and oral supplements.

Conclusions:  Some concerns remain regarding provision of optimal nutritional care of femoral neck fracture patients in Australia. There were few respondents working in the community with falls related femoral neck fracture patients, with a greater number of dietitians working in the metropolitan area responding to the survey. The Dietitians working in this area are implementing a great variety of screening methods, with a large number using non‐validated screening tools. Clearer guidelines for health professionals involved in femoral neck fracture aftercare would be beneficial to standardise care in this area. A useful first step for dietitians would be to advocate for the use of evidence‐based practice resources in selection of site and age appropriate nutrition screening tools.
Detecting sweet and umami tastes in the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Iwatsuki K. , Ichikawa R. , Uematsu A. , Kitamura A. , Uneyama H. , Torii K.
Published: August 2011

Information about nutrients is a critical part of food selection in living creatures. Each animal species has developed its own way to safely seek and obtain the foods necessary for them to survive and propagate. Necessarily, humans and other vertebrates have developed special chemosensory organs such as taste and olfactory organs. Much attention, recently, has been given to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract as another chemosensory organ. Although the GI tract had been considered to be solely for digestion and absorption of foods and nutrients, researchers have recently found taste‐signalling elements, including receptors, in this tissue. Further studies have revealed that taste cells in the oral cavity and taste‐like cells in the GI tract appear to share common characteristics. Major receptors to detect umami, sweet and bitter are found in the GI tract, and it is now proposed that taste‐like cells reside in the GI tract to sense nutrients and help maintain homeostasis. In this review, we summarize recent findings of chemoreception especially through sweet and umami sensors in the GI tract. In addition, the possibility of purinergic transmission from taste‐like cells in the GI tract to vagus nerves is discussed.
A fine‐grained spatial prediction model for the red‐listed vascular plant Scorzonera humilis
Authors: Edvardsen Anette , Bakkestuen Vegar , Halvorsen Rune
Published: August 2011

We explored the applied use of distribution modelling as a tool for making spatial predictions of occurrences of the red‐listed vascular plant species Scorzonera humilis in a study area in southeast Norway. Scorzonera is typical of extensively managed semi‐natural grasslands. A Maxent model was trained on all known records of the species, accurately georeferenced and gridded to fine resolution (grid cells of 25×25 m). Model performance was assessed on the training data by data‐splitting (by which some records were set off for evaluation) and on independent evaluation data collected in the field. Of the eight predictor variables used in the modelling, distance to roads and to arable land were most important followed by land‐cover class and altitude. Judged from the area under curve (AUC), the model was good to excellent and a significant, positive relationship was found between relative probabilities of occurrence predicted by the model and true probability of presence provided by the independently collected evaluation data. The model was used together with the evaluation data to estimate presence of Scorzonera humilis in 0.7% of the grid cells in the study area. The grid cells in which the model predicted highest probability for Scorzonera to be present had a true probability of presence of ca 12%, i.e. 17×higher than in an average cell. The present study demonstrates that, even when only simple predictor variables are available, spatial prediction modelling contributes important knowledge about rare species such as prevalence estimates, spatial prediction maps and insights into the species’ autecology. Spatial prediction modelling also makes cost‐efficient monitoring of rare species possible. However, it is pointed out that these benefits require evaluation of the model on independently sampled evaluation data.
Friendship trumps ethnicity (but not sexual orientation): Comfort and discomfort in inter‐group interactions
Authors: Cook Jonathan E. , Calcagno Justine E. , Arrow Holly , Malle Bertram F.
Published: August 2011

An experience sampling study tested the degree to which interactions with out‐group members evoked negative affect and behavioural inhibition after controlling for level of friendship between partners. When friendship level was statistically controlled, neither White nor Black participants reported feeling more discomfort interacting with ethnic out‐group members compared to ethnic in‐group members. When partners differed in sexual orientation, friendship level had a less palliating effect. Controlling for friendship, both gay and straight men – but not women – felt more behaviourally inhibited when interacting with someone who differed in sexual orientation, and heterosexual participants of both genders continued to report more negative affect with gay and lesbian interaction partners. However, gay and lesbian participants reported similar levels of negative affect interacting with in‐group (homosexual) and out‐group (heterosexual) members after friendship level was controlled. Results suggest that much of the discomfort observed in inter‐ethnic interactions may be attributable to lower levels of friendship with out‐group partners. The discomfort generated by differences in sexual orientation, however, remains a more stubborn barrier to comfortable inter‐group interactions.
SynDIG1 regulation of excitatory synapse maturation
Authors: Díaz Elva
Published: August 2011

Abstract  During development of the central nervous system (CNS), precise synaptic connections between pre‐ and postsynaptic neurons are formed that ultimately give rise to higher order cognitive skills such as learning and memory. Previously, my group identified a novel type II transmembrane protein, synapse differentiation induced gene 1 (SynDIG1), that regulates synaptic AMPA receptor content in dissociated rat hippocampal neurons. The magnitude of this effect matches that of the prototypical scaffold postsynaptic density protein of 95 kDa (PSD‐95) identifying SynDIG1 as a previously unknown central regulator of excitatory synaptic strength. SynDIG1‐mediated regulation of synaptic AMPA receptor targeting shares characteristics related to two distinct classes of transmembrane synaptic proteins: (1) ion channel auxiliary factors such as transmembrane AMPA receptor regulatory proteins (TARPs) important for AMPA receptor surface expression and channel gating properties; and (2) trans‐synaptic organizing molecules such as leucine rich repeat transmembrane protein 2 (LRRTM2) that influence synapse maturation by recruitment of AMPA receptors to nascent synapses. An interesting aspect of SynDIG1 is that its distribution at excitatory synapses is regulated by activity, suggesting that SynDIG1 might also play a role in synaptic plasticity.
The primate reticulospinal tract, hand function and functional recovery
Authors: Baker Stuart N.
Published: August 2011

Abstract  The primate reticulospinal tract is usually considered to control proximal and axial muscles, and to be involved mainly in gross movements such as locomotion, reaching and posture. This contrasts with the corticospinal tract, which is thought to be involved in fine control, particularly of independent finger movements. Recent data provide evidence that the reticulospinal tract can exert some influence over hand movements. Although clearly secondary to the corticospinal tract in healthy function, this could assume considerable importance after corticospinal lesion(such as following stroke), when reticulospinal systems could provide a substrate for some recovery of function. We need to understand more about the abilities of the reticular formation to process sensory input and guide motor output, so that rehabilitation strategies can be optimised to work with the innate capabilities of reticular motor control.
Causes and management of complications in wound healing
Authors: Demetriou Jackie , Stein Silke
Published: August 2011

Although most wound complications are not life‐threatening, they can involve prolonged periods of discomfort for the animal and extended veterinary care, as well as increased costs for owners. However, with the appropriate treatment, most wound complications can be managed successfully. This article describes what might be expected of a normal healing wound, and discusses the common causes of complications in small animals and how these can be managed.
New results of robust stability analysis for neutral-type neural networks with time-varying delays and Markovian jumping parameters1The work of authors was supported by Department of Science and Technology, New Delhi, India, under the sanctioned No. SR/S4/MS:485/07.
Authors: Lakshmanan S. , Balasubramaniam P.
Published: August 2011

In this paper, robust stability analysis for neutral-type neural networks with time-varying delays and Markovian jumping parameters is conducted. By using the delay-decomposition approach, a new Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional is constructed. Based on this Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional and some stochastic stability theory, delay-dependent stability criteria are obtained in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Finally, three numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness and reduced conservatism of our theoretical results.
Dynamics of the universe as a “test 3-brane” in a 5D bulk
Authors: Farajollahi Hossein , Ravanpak Arvin
Published: August 2011

In this paper, as a toy model, we study the dynamics of a 5D bulk space–time with our universe as a “test 3-brane” located in the bulk; an idealized model of a topological object whose physical properties are negligible in comparison with those of the bulk. We obtain the result that our universe experiences acceleration and phantom crossing as a result of the geometry of bulk space–time.
Modifying the porphyrin core — a chemist's jigsaw
Authors: Arnold Lena , Müllen Klaus
Published: August 2011

Core modified porphyrinoids are porphyrin analogs which differ from these by containing at least one non-pyrrolic aromatic ring. The result of core modification is to produce systems with novel and unique physical and electronic properties. In this review, the various possible core modified porphyrins and their syntheses are summarized starting by porphyrinoids with one pyrrolic nitrogen replaced followed by porphyrin-related macrocycles with two or more pyrrole rings exchanged. In addition the spectroscopic properties, especially the UV-vis absorption profiles and proton NMR shifts emanating from their core modifications are discussed and summarized in a table.
CARBON ELECTRODE COMPOSITES FOR Li-ION BATTERIES PREPARED FROM POLYMER PRECURSORS
Authors: MOLENDA MARCIN
Published: August 2011

The conductive carbon layers (CCL) derived from hydrophilic polymer precursors based on poly( N -vinylformamide) were applied in preparation of cathode as well as anode composites for Li -ion batteries. The electrical, chemical and textural properties of obtained electrode composites were determined for the defined purpose. The results show that proposed method of composite preparation is very versatile and easy to control. Moreover, a water mediated method of the electrode composites preparation should be environmentally friendly. The proposed surface modification of the electrode materials should improve the safety and performance of the Li -ion batteries.
FABRICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ANODE SUPPORTED SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELLS
Authors: KOSEDOWSKI SZYMON , MOLIN SEBASTIAN , JASINSKI PIOTR
Published: August 2011

In this work, slurry spraying is evaluated as a deposition method of thin electrolytes for solid oxide fuel cells. This method is cost effective, uncomplicated and have several advantages in respect to widely used screen printing method. Influence of deposition parameters: slurry concentration, spraying pressure are discussed. Anode supported cells are produced with three different electrolyte thicknesses: 5, 10 and 20 μm showing flexibility of the developed method. Prepared fuel cells achieve satisfactory power densities of almost 1 W cm-2 at 800°C. As evidenced by impedance spectroscopy, performance of cells is determined by the polarization resistance. Cross sections of cells show that all electrolyte layers are of high quality. Slurry spraying is a feasible method for fabrication of functional cells and can be easily scaled for large quantity production.
A defect in Nrf2 signaling constitutes a mechanism for cellular stress hypersensitivity in a genetic rat model of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Bitar Milad S. , Al-Mulla Fahd
Published: August 2011

Nrf2 regulates the expression and coordinated induction of a battery of antioxidant phase 2 genes that protect cells against the cumulative damaging effects of oxidative stress (OS), a major contributor in the development of chronic diabetic complications. Using cultured dermal fibroblasts from rats with type 2 diabetes (DFs), we investigated the intracellular redox status and the adaptive response to OS, in which Nrf2 plays a central role. Our data confirmed that the generation of superoxide by NADPH oxidase and the mitochondria was enhanced in DFs compared with corresponding controls. This was associated with a decrease in the antioxidant capacity and an increase in the sensitivity of these DFs to hydrogen peroxide-induced necrotic cell death. Nrf2 levels in total cell extracts were diminished, and this abnormality appears to stem from a diabetes-related decrease in Nrf2 protein stability. Endogenous (oligomycin) and exogenous ( tert-butylhydroquinone) induction of OS enhanced the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and increased the mRNA expression of Nrf2-sensitive genes in control but not DFs. The activity of the GSK-3β/Fyn axis was increased markedly in DFs when compared with the corresponding controls. Chemical inhibition of GSK-3β mitigated the diabetes-related suppression of the OS-induced nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 and the transcriptional activation of the genes downstream of Nrf2. Overall, these findings suggest that an augmentation in GSK-3β/Fyn signaling during diabetes contributes to a deficit in both the cellular redox state and the Nrf2-based adaptive response to OS. Moreover, they may also offer a new perspective in the understanding and treatment of nonhealing diabetic wounds.
The Role of Autophagy in Cancer: Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Yang Zhineng J. , Chee Cheng E. , Huang Shengbing , Sinicrope Frank A.
Published: August 2011

Autophagy is a homeostatic, catabolic degradation process whereby cellular proteins and organelles are engulfed by autophagosomes, digested in lysosomes, and recycled to sustain cellular metabolism. Autophagy has dual roles in cancer, acting as both a tumor suppressor by preventing the accumulation of damaged proteins and organelles and as a mechanism of cell survival that can promote the growth of established tumors. Tumor cells activate autophagy in response to cellular stress and/or increased metabolic demands related to rapid cell proliferation. Autophagy-related stress tolerance can enable cell survival by maintaining energy production that can lead to tumor growth and therapeutic resistance. As shown in preclinical models, inhibition of autophagy restored chemosensitivity and enhanced tumor cell death. These results established autophagy as a therapeutic target and led to multiple early phase clinical trials in humans to evaluate autophagy inhibition using hydroxychloroquine in combination with chemotherapy or targeted agents. Targeting autophagy in cancer will provide new opportunities for drug development, because more potent and specific inhibitors of autophagy are needed. The role of autophagy and its regulation in cancer cells continues to emerge, and studies aim to define optimal strategies to modulate autophagy for therapeutic advantage. Mol Cancer Ther; 10(9); 1533–41. ©2011 AACR.
Activation of the Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Receptor Induces Resistance to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Antagonism in Head and Neck Squamous Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Jameson Mark J. , Beckler Andrew D. , Taniguchi Linnea E. , Allak Amir , VanWagner Lisa B. , Lee Nora G. , Thomsen William C. , Hubbard Matthew A. , Thomas Christopher Y.
Published: August 2011

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) have poor efficacy in head and neck squamous carcinoma cells (HNSCC). Because the IGF-1 receptor (IGF1R) generates potent prosurvival signals and has been implicated in therapeutic resistance, its ability to induce resistance to EGFR-TKIs was studied in vitro. Five HNSCC cell lines showed reduced sensitivity to the EGFR-TKI gefitinib when the IGF1R was activated. In SCC-25 and Cal27 cells, gefitinib inhibited basal and EGF-stimulated EGFR, extracellular signal–regulated kinase (Erk), and Akt phosphorylation and reduced cell number. This correlated with initiation of apoptosis based on a 4-fold increase in PARP cleavage and a 2.5-fold increase in Annexin V positivity. The apoptotic response and reduction in cell number were blocked by IGF1R activation, which resulted in phosphorylation of both Erk and Akt. In both the cell lines, IGF1R-induced Erk, but not Akt, activation was eliminated by gefitinib. IGF1R-induced gefitinib resistance was unaffected by MAP/Erk kinase inhibition with U0126 but was partially impaired by inhibition of phosphoinositide-3-kinase with LY294002. The IGF1R-TKI PQ401 inhibited growth of SCC-25 and Cal27 cells alone and also acted synergistically with gefitinib. Thus, the IGF1R can make HNSCC cells resistant to EGFR-TKI treatment via a prosurvival mechanism. Of the 8 HNSCC tumor samples studied, all samples expressed the IGF1R and 5 showed detectable IGF1R phosphorylation, suggesting that this receptor may be relevant in vivo, and thus, combined EGFR/IGF1R inhibition may be necessary in some patients for effective targeted molecular therapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 10(11); 2124–34. ©2011 AACR.
Effects of Age on the Neural Correlates of Familiarity as Indexed by ERPs
Authors: Wang Tracy H. , de Chastelaine Marianne , Minton Brian , Rugg Michael D.
Published: August 2011

ERPs were recorded from samples of young (18–29 years) and older (63–77 years) participants while they performed a modified “remember–know” recognition memory test. ERP correlates of familiarity-driven recognition were obtained by contrasting the waveforms elicited by unrecollected test items accorded “confident old” and “confident new” judgments. Correlates of recollection were identified by contrasting the ERPs elicited by items accorded “remember” and confident old judgments. Behavioral analyses revealed lower estimates of both recollection and familiarity in older participants than in young participants. The putative ERP correlate of recollection—the “left parietal old–new effect”—was evident in both age groups, although it was slightly but significantly smaller in the older sample. By contrast, the putative ERP correlate of familiarity—the “midfrontal old–new effect”—could be identified in young participants only. This age-related difference in the sensitivity of ERPs to familiarity was also evident in subgroups of young and older participants, in whom familiarity-based recognition performance was equivalent. Thus, the inability to detect a reliable midfrontal old–new effect in older participants was not a consequence of an age-related decline in the strength of familiarity. These findings raise the possibility that familiarity-based recognition memory depends upon qualitatively different memory signals in older and young adults.
Mapping out the field of equality and diversity: Rise of individualism and voluntarism
Authors: Özbilgin Mustafa , Tatli Ahu
Published: August 2011

Drawing on 66 interviews with key actors in the equality and diversity field in the UK, we operationalize Bourdieu’s conception of the field, across the axes of individualism versus collectivism and regulation versus voluntarism, and map out the location of the key actors in this field. The contribution of this article is three-fold. First, we advance the understanding of the equality and diversity field at national level by analysing the accounts of the influential actors, whose interests and actions shape the field. Second, the article illustrates how the multi-actor and contested nature of the equality and diversity field manifests in these accounts, and presents evidence in support of policy and strategic thinking that goes beyond a single-actor focus. Finally, we contribute to the theoretical maturity and expansion of the equality and diversity scholarship through the use of Bourdieuan sociology.
Dosing Celecoxib in Pediatric Patients With Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Krishnaswami Sriram , Hutmacher Matt M. , Robbins Jeffery L. , Bello Akintunde , West Christine , Bloom Bradley J.
Published: August 2011

The objective was to derive dosing recommendations for the use of celecoxib in patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) using pharmacokinetic (PK) and exposure‐response data. PK and efficacy data from a randomized, double‐blind, 12‐week study of celecoxib dosed at 3 and 6 mg/kg twice a day (bid) as an investigational suspension formulation in 152 JRA patients aged 2 to 17 years, PK data from 36 adult RA patients, and relative bioavailability data in healthy adults comparing suspension or capsule sprinkles with the commercial capsule were analyzed. Typical oral clearance (L/h) values were 40% and 24% lower in patients weighing 10 and 25 kg, respectively, compared with a 70‐kg patient. Longitudinal, logistic pharmacodynamic models incorporating linear effects of dose/area under the plasma concentration—time curve (AUC) over 0 to 12 hours (AUC0–12) suggested that the percentage of responders increased with celecoxib exposure. Systemic exposures (AUC) were similar for the suspension, capsule sprinkles, and intact capsule. Administration of a 50‐mg bid capsule (or sprinkles) for patients weighing 10 to 25 kg and 100 mg bid for patients >25 kg was predicted to yield similar exposures and response rates as those observed in the JRA trial. Doses and dosage forms not studied in the JRA trial were approved based on the results of this analysis.
Explaining Couple Cohesion in Different Types of Gay Families
Authors: van Eeden-Moorefield Brad , Pasley Kay , Crosbie-Burnett Margaret , King Erin
Published: August 2011

This Internet-based study used data from a convenience sample of 176 gay men in current partnerships to examine differences in outness, cohesion, and relationship quality between three types of gay male couples: first cohabiting partnerships, repartnerships, and gay stepfamilies. Also, we tested whether relationship quality mediated the link between outness and cohesion and the moderating role of type of relationship. Results showed that those in first cohabiting partnerships had the lowest levels of relationship quality and cohesion, whereas those in gay stepfamilies reported having the highest levels of relationship quality and those in repartnerships reported the highest levels of cohesion. For all couples, the link between outness and cohesion was partially mediated by relationship quality, and this was moderated for those in repartnerships.
Hyaline Glomerulopathy with Tubulo-Fibrillary Deposits in Young ddY Mice
Authors: Kouchi Mami , Toyosawa Kaoru , Matsumoto Izumi , Michimae Yoshiko , Tochitani Tomoaki , Koujitani Takatoshi , Okimoto Kazuo , Funabashi Hitoshi , Seki Takaki
Published: August 2011

Hyaline glomerulopathy with tubulo-fibrillary deposits was observed in two young female ddY mice. One of the mice showed gross systemic edema and bilateral enlargement and pale color of the kidneys, whereas no significant gross findings were noted in the other mouse. Microscopically, a large number of the glomeruli in both mice were enlarged because of diffuse and global deposition of amorphous eosinophilic materials. The deposits were negatively stained with Congo red and positively stained with IgG, IgM, IgA, C3, and periodic acid–Schiff. Electron microscopic examination revealed microtubular and fibrillary deposits with diameters of 80–100 and 9–16 nm, respectively, in the subendothelial space of the glomeruli. These features are histopathologically similar to immunotactoid glomerulopathy or fibrillary glomerulonephritis according to the classification of human glomerular lesions. Understanding of these characteristics of hyaline glomerulopathy in ddY mice is essential when evaluating pharmacological, pharmacokinetic, and toxicological studies using this mouse strain.
Effect of acrylamide on some hormones and endocrine tissues in male rats
Authors: Hamdy SM , Bakeer HM , Eskander EF , Sayed ON
Published: August 2011

Acrylamide is oxidized by cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) to its epoxide form, glycidamide, which is believed to be responsible for the mutagenic and carcinogenic activities. This study was carried out to investigate the early changes that may be related to the carcinogenic activity of acrylamide in thyroid, adrenal glands and testis in male rats. Forty adult Sprague Dawley male rats were divided equally into four groups, rats of Group I served as control, and rats of Groups II, III and IV were treated orally with acrylamide with doses 5, 10, 15 mg/kg/day body weight for 8 weeks. The results indicated that the plasma carcino embryonic antigen (CEA) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels are higher, but free and total testosterone, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine, or 3,5,3′,5′-tetraiodothyronine (T4) and corticosterone levels are lower in rats treated with acrylamide than that in control rats. This study provides evidence of endocrine disturbance to the testis, thyroid and adrenal glands, which are also the organs in which acrylamide has been shown to cause tumors in experimental animals.