bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autoantibody‐mediated complement activation on platelets is a common finding in patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
Authors: Najaoui Abderrahim , Bakchoul Tamam , Stoy Johanna , Bein Gregor , Rummel Mathias J. , Santoso Sentot , Sachs Ulrich J.
Published: October 2011

Background: It is commonly accepted that antibody‐mediated removal of platelets represents a major mechanism of platelet destruction in immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Although complement activation may participate in platelet clearance, frequency and specificity of complement activation have not yet been studied systematically in ITP. Patients and methods: We examined blood samples from 240 patients with ITP. Samples were assessed for the presence of free and bound platelet autoantibodies by a standard glycoprotein‐specific assay (monoclonal antibody‐specific immobilization of platelet antigens). The ability of all sera to fix complement to a panel of human platelets was investigated in a complement fixation (CF) assay. Fixation of C1q to isolated GP IIb/IIIa was assessed by flow cytometry. Results: Glycoprotein‐specific autoantibodies were detected as platelet‐bound antibodies in 129 (54%) and as additional free antibodies in 26 (11%) and were undetectable in 111 (46%) patients. Assessing these subgroups for CF, 103 (65%), 21 (81%), and 33 (30%) sera gave positive results. If GP IIb/IIIa was absent from the test platelets, 81 (67%) lost their ability to fix complement; if GP Ib/IX was absent, 37 (30%) lost their ability to fix complement. C1q fixation to immunobeads coated with GP IIb/IIIa was observed in 50% of sera containing anti‐GP IIb/IIIa antibodies. Conclusions: In a significant number of patients with chronic ITP, platelet autoantibodies are capable of activating the classical complement pathway. CF is even present in ITP sera without detectable autoantibodies, indicating that current techniques for autoantibody detection may be insufficient. The major targets for complement‐fixing autoantibodies in ITP are GP IIb/IIIa and GP Ib/IX.
Reliability, sensitivity and responsiveness of the Infant Behavioral Assessment in very preterm infants
Authors: Koldewijn K , van Hus J , van Wassenaer A , Jeukens‐Visser M , Kok J , Nollet F , Wolf M‐J
Published: October 2011

Aim:  The aim of this study is to investigate the reliability, sensitivity and responsiveness of the Infant Behavioral Assessment (IBA) to evaluate neurobehavioural organization in very preterm infants.

Methods:  Videotaped assessments of very preterm infants participating in a recent trial served to evaluate a standardized IBA observation. Inter‐rater reliability was based on 40 videos scored by two independent observers, using percentage agreement and weighted Kappa’s. Sensitivity was evaluated by comparing the IBA results of 169 infants at 35–38 weeks postmenstrual age, dichotomized according to two developmental risk factors. For responsiveness, the effect size (ES) was calculated between 0 and 6 months corrected age in all intervention and control infants and in subgroups of high‐risk intervention and control infants with oxygen dependency ≥28 days.

Results:  Inter‐rater agreement was 93% in the total assessment; Kappa agreement was moderate to good in the behavioural categories. Significant differences were found between groups with or without risk factors. Larger differences between ESs in the randomized groups with oxygen dependency ≥28 days than in the total randomized groups reflect the responsiveness of the IBA.

Conclusion:  In this study, we found satisfactory to good clinimetric characteristics of the IBA in very preterm born infants.
A systematic review of interventions for reducing pain and distress in children undergoing voiding cystourethrography
Authors: Rao Jia , Kennedy Sean E , Cohen Simon , Rosenberg Andrew R
Published: October 2011

Voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) is commonly performed to screen for vesicoureteric reflux or other urological anomalies but has a potential to provoke distress in infants and children. We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials of interventions to reduce distress, pain or anxiety during VCUG. Eight trials (591 participants) met the inclusion criteria.

Conclusion:  Conscious sedation with midazolam effectively alleviates the distress of VCUG in children older than 1 year of age. Psychological preparation and warmed contrast medium may also be effective. Nitrous oxide 50% may be an alternative to midazolam, but further evidence is needed.
Survival and Chipping of Zirconia‐Based and Metal–Ceramic Implant‐Supported Single Crowns
Authors: Schwarz Stefanie , Schröder Christin , Hassel Alexander , Bömicke Wolfgang , Rammelsberg Peter
Published: October 2011

Purpose: The objective of this retrospective study was to compare the incidence of chipping of implant‐supported, all‐ceramic, and metal–ceramic single crowns.

Material and Methods: One hundred fifty‐three patients (51.7% male, mean age 55.0 years) received 232 cemented implant‐supported single crowns. One hundred and seventy‐nine crowns had a metal framework (gold alloy) and 53 crowns were all‐ceramic (zirconia framework and glass–ceramic veneer material). Age, gender, kind of cementation, and location of the restorations were assessed as possible factors affecting chipping.

Results: During the observation period of up to 5.8 years (mean 2.1 years; standard deviation 1.4), a total of 13 (24.5%) all‐ceramic and 17 (9.5%) metal–ceramic crowns suffered from chipping, a difference that was statistically significant. A total of ten single crowns had to be remade resulting in survival of 86.8% (all‐ceramic) and 98.3% (metal–ceramic). The other possible factors did not have a significant effect on the chipping.

Conclusion: Chipping was found to be more frequent for all‐ceramic implant‐supported single crowns. If the reasons for the vulnerability of all‐ceramic crowns remain unknown, implants with all‐ceramic single crowns should generally be recommended with care.
The G protein coupled receptor Gpr153 shares common evolutionary origin with Gpr162 and is highly expressed in central regions including the thalamus, cerebellum and the arcuate nucleus
Authors: Sreedharan Smitha , Almén Markus S. , Carlini Valeria P. , Haitina Tatjana , Stephansson Olga , Sommer Wolfgang H. , Heilig Markus , de Barioglio Susana R. , Fredriksson Robert , Schiöth Helgi B.
Published: October 2011

The Rhodopsin family of G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) includes the phylogenetic α‐group consisting of about 100 human members. The α‐group is the only group of GPCRs that has many receptors for biogenic amines which are major drug targets. Several members of this group are orphan receptors and their functions are elusive. In this study we present a detailed phylogenetic and anatomical characterization of the Gpr153 receptor and also attempt to study its functional role. We identified the homologue of Gpr153 in the elephant shark genome and phylogenetic and synteny analyses revealed that Gpr162 and Gpr153 share a common ancestor that split most likely through a duplication event before the divergence of the tetrapods and the teleost lineage. A quantitative real‐time PCR study reveals widespread expression of Gpr153 in the central nervous system and all the peripheral tissues investigated. Detailed in situ hybridization on mouse brain showed specifically high expression in the thalamus, cerebellum and the arcuate nucleus. The antisense oligodeoxynucleotide knockdown of Gpr153 caused a slight reduction in food intake and the elevated plus maze test showed significant reduction in the percentage of time spent in the centre square, which points towards a probable role in decision making. This report provides the first detailed characterization of the evolution, expression and primary functional properties of the Gpr153 gene.

Database

Protein sequence data have been deposited to the DDJB database (http://www.ddbj.nig.ac.jp/) with accession numbers BR000916, BR000917 and BR000918 for elephant shark Gpr153_exon 1‐3, Gpr153_exon 4 and Gpr153_exon 5 respectively.
Regulation of NMDA receptors by the tyrosine kinase Fyn
Authors: Trepanier Catherine H. , Jackson Michael F. , MacDonald John F.
Published: October 2011

The phosphorylation and trafficking of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors are tightly regulated by the Src family tyrosine kinase Fyn, through dynamic interactions with various scaffolding proteins in the NMDA receptor complex. Fyn acts as a point of convergence for many signaling pathways that upregulate GluN2B‐containing NMDA receptors. In the following review, we focus on Fyn signaling downstream of different G‐protein‐coupled receptors: the dopamine D1 receptor, and receptors cognate to the pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating polypeptide. The net result of activation of each of these signaling pathways is upregulation of GluN2B‐containing NMDA receptors. The NMDA receptor is a major target of ethanol in the brain, and accumulating evidence suggests that Fyn mediates the effects of ethanol by regulating the phosphorylation of GluN2B NMDA receptor subunits. Furthermore, Fyn has been shown to regulate alcohol withdrawal and acute tolerance to ethanol through a GluN2B‐dependent mechanism. In addition to its effects on NMDA receptor function, Fyn also modifies the threshold for synaptic plasticity at CA1 synapses, an effect that probably contributes to the effects of Fyn on spatial and contextual fear learning.
Spatial structure peculiarities of influenza A virus matrix M1 protein in an acidic solution that simulates the internal lysosomal medium
Authors: Shishkov Alexander , Bogacheva Elena , Fedorova Natalia , Ksenofontov Alexander , Badun Gennadii , Radyukhin Victor , Lukashina Elena , Serebryakova Marina , Dolgov Alexey , Chulichkov Alexey , Dobrov Evgeny , Baratova Lyudmila
Published: October 2011

The structure of the C‐terminal domain of the influenza virus A matrix M1 protein, for which X‐ray diffraction data were still missing, was studied in acidic solution. Matrix M1 protein was bombarded with thermally‐activated tritium atoms, and the resulting intramolecular distribution of the tritium label was analyzed to assess the steric accessibility of the amino acid residues in this protein. This technique revealed that interdomain loops and the C‐terminal domain of the protein are the most accessible to labeling with tritium atoms. A model of the spatial arrangement of the C‐terminal domain of matrix M1 protein was generated using rosetta software adjusted to the data obtained by tritium planigraphy experiments. This model suggests that the C‐terminal domain is an almost flat layer with a three‐α‐helical structure. To explain the high level of tritium label incorporation into the C‐terminal domain of the M1 protein in an acidic solution, we also used independent experimental approaches (CD spectroscopy, limited proteolysis and MALDI‐TOF MS analysis of the proteolysis products, dynamic light scattering and analytical ultracentrifugation), as well as multiple computational algorithms, to analyse the intrinsic protein disorder. Taken together, the results obtained in the present study indicate that the C‐terminal domain is weakly structured. We hypothesize that the specific 3D structural peculiarities of the M1 protein revealed in acidic pH solution allow the protein greater structural flexibility and enable it to interact effectively with the components of the host cell.
The antibody response to an HLA mismatch: a model for nonself–self discrimination in relation to HLA epitope immunogenicity
Authors: Duquesnoy R. J.
Published: October 2011

Antibodies to HLA mismatches are specific for epitopes rather than antigens. HLAMatchmaker considers each HLA antigen as a string of eplets that represent key elements of epitopes. Certain antibodies are specific for single eplets, but recent studies have demonstrated that epitopes defined by eplet pairs always involve one nonself‐eplet and a self‐eplet shared between the immunizing antigen and the antibody producer. This suggests an autoreactive component of the alloantibody response to an HLA mismatch and this report expands this concept. During B‐cell development, VH and VL gene rearrangements produce a diversity of Ig receptors that can recognize epitopes on autologous proteins. It is hypothesized that B cells carry low‐affinity receptors for self‐HLA antigens. Their interactions with self‐HLA proteins will not lead to B‐cell activation or antibody production. In contrast, exposure to HLA mismatches induces often strong alloantibody responses. The activation of self‐HLA‐specific B cell by a nonself‐eplet may require that the remainder of the structural epitope of the immunizing antigen has considerable structural similarity with one of the antibody producer’s alleles. This hypothesis has been tested in molecular modelling studies with six epitopes defined by human monoclonal antibodies. In each case, one allele of the antibody producer had no or few differences with the immunizing allele in antibody‐accessible positions defined by a 15 Ångstrom radius of the mismatched eplet. The other alleles of the antibody producer showed significantly greater numbers of residue differences with the immunizer (5.8 ± 2.0 versus 1.0 ± 0.6, P < 0.0001). These data support the concept that HLA antibodies originate from B cells with self‐HLA immunoglobulin receptors that recognize mismatched eplets as nonself entities on immunizing antigens. The nonself–self paradigm provides a new insight of HLA epitope immunogenicity and may explain why sensitized patients have antibodies to a restricted number of mismatched epitopes.
Design, Synthesis and Screening of Quinoline‐Incorporated Thiadiazole as a Potential Anticonvulsant
Authors: Kumar Suresh , Kaushik Darpan , Bawa Sandhya , Khan Suroor A.
Published: October 2011

A series of quinoline‐incorporated substituted thiadiazole were designed and synthesized using appropriate synthetic route keeping in view the structural requirement of pharmacophore and evaluated for anticonvulsant and CNS activities. After intraperitoneal injection to mice, some synthesized derivatives were examined in the maximal electroshock seizure (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazol (scPTZ)‐induced seizure and neurotoxicity screens. Those found potent were also evaluated for behavioural impairment and depression activity. Among the compounds tested, 6d and 6e showed protection from seizures in both the animal models at dose level of 30 mg/kg while 7f showed protection against both models at 100 mg/kg dose level. These compounds exhibited lesser CNS depression and neurotoxicity compared with clinically effective drug.
The Philosophical Significance of Attention
Authors: Watzl Sebastian
Published: October 2011

What is the philosophical significance of attention? The present article provides an overview of recent debates surrounding the connections between attention and other topics of philosophical interest. In particular, it discusses the interplay between attention and consciousness, attention and agency, and attention and reference. The article outlines the questions and contemporary positions concerning how attention shapes the phenomenal character of experience, whether it is necessary or sufficient for consciousness, and whether it plays a special role in the best philosophical theories of action or conceptual reference. Various interdependencies between the answers to these questions are indicated, as well as how these answers might depend on the metaphysics of attention. Together with its companion piece (‘The Nature of Attention') this article serves as an introduction to the philosophy of attention.
Cardiac response to exercise in normal‐weight and obese, Hispanic men and women: implications for exercise prescription
Authors: Vella C. A. , Paul D. R. , Bader J.
Published: October 2011

Aim:  The effects of obesity on cardiac function during incremental exercise to peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) have not been previously described. The purpose of this study was to compare submaximal and maximal cardiac function during exercise in normal‐weight and obese adults.

Methods:  Normal‐weight (n = 20; means ± SE: age = 21.9 ± 0.5 years; BMI = 21.8 ± 0.4 kg m−2) and obese (n = 15; means ± SE: age = 25.1 ± 5.2 years; BMI = 34.1 ± 01.0 kg m−2) participants were assessed for body composition, VO2peak and cardiac variables (thoracic bioimpedance analysis) at rest and at heart rates (HR) of 110, 130, 150 and 170 beats min−1 and maximal HR during incremental cycling exercise to exhaustion. Differences between groups were assessed with mixed‐model ancova with repeated measures. Cardiac variables were statistically indexed for body surface area and resting HR. VO2 and arteriovenous oxygen difference (a‐vO2) were statistically indexed for fat‐free mass and resting HR.

Results:  Significant main effects for group indicated obese participants had higher cardiac output (Q) index and stroke volume (SV) index but lower ejection fraction (EF) and a‐vO2 index during incremental exercise to exhaustion compared with their normal‐weight peers, despite similar submaximal and maximal VO2 and absolute power outputs (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:  Our findings suggest that although Q index and SV index were higher in obese, young adults, EF and a‐vO2 index were significantly lower when compared to matched, normal‐weight adults.
The Typology of Templates
Authors: Good Jeff
Published: October 2011

The notion of a template has been used in a number of linguistic domains to refer to grammatical patterns where the form of some linguistic constituent appears to be well conceptualized as consisting of a fixed linear structure, whether in terms of the arrangement of its subconstituents or its overall length. Most work on templates has restricted the topic of investigation to a single grammatical domain, e.g., morphophonology, rather than looking at templatic phenomena across grammatical domains. Such comparison reveals that a commonality among templatic constructions is that they involve ‘unexpected’ linear stipulation. This leaves open many questions regarding how they might be typologically compared, but the existing literature, nevertheless, indicates some dimensions of variation worthy of further investigation that could form the basis of a comprehensive study of template typology.
Evaluation of a Regionalization Approach for Daily Flow Duration Curves in Central and Southern California Watersheds1
Authors: Hope Allen , Bart Ryan
Published: October 2011

Hope, Allen and Ryan Bart, 2011. Evaluation of a Regionalization Approach for Daily Flow Duration Curves in Central and Southern California Watersheds. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 48(1): 123‐133. DOI:10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2011.00597.x

Abstract:  Discontinuities in flow regimes of ephemeral rivers in California make the modeling of daily flow duration curves (FDCs) in ungauged watersheds challenging. A regionalization approach previously developed for perennial and ephemeral watersheds in Portugal was tested in central and southern California. This approach, which is based on the theory of total probability, requires the prediction of three key flow variables in ungauged watersheds: the percentage of time the river is dry, the nonzero flow equalled or exceeded 80% of the time, and the mean daily flow for nonzero flows. Data from 41 watersheds in California were used to develop and validate regression equations for these three metrics. The methodology included an “all possible models” regression approach, an extensive set of watershed descriptors as potential independent variables, and two different methods for constructing observed FDCs. Suitable regression models could not be identified for predicting any of the required flow metrics. The contrasting results from the studies in Portugal and California were primarily attributed to differences in the aridity of watersheds in the two samples.
Sensitivity Analysis of Best Management Practices Under Climate Change Scenarios1
Authors: Woznicki Sean A. , Nejadhashemi A. Pouyan
Published: October 2011

Woznicki, Sean A. and A. Pouyan Nejadhashemi, 2011. Sensitivity Analysis of Best Management Practices Under Climate Change Scenarios. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 48(1): 90‐112. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2011.00598.x

Abstract:  Understanding the sensitivity of best management practices (BMPs) implementation as climate changes will be important for water resources management. The objective of this study was to determine how the sensitivity of BMPs performance vary due to changes in precipitation, temperature, and CO2 using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool. Sediment, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus loads on an annual and monthly basis were estimated before and after implementation of eight agricultural BMPs for different climate scenarios. Downscaled climate change data were obtained from the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Climate System Model for the Tuttle Creek Lake watershed in Kansas and Nebraska. Using a relative sensitivity index, native grass, grazing management, and filter strips were determined to be the most sensitive for all climate change scenarios, whereas porous gully plugs, no‐tillage, and conservation tillage were the least sensitive on an annual basis. The monthly sensitivity analysis revealed that BMP sensitivity varies largely on a seasonal basis for all climate change scenarios. The results of this research suggest that the majority of agricultural BMPs tested in this study are significantly sensitive to climate change. Therefore, caution should be exercised in the decision‐making processes.
Patients' attitudes toward screening for medical conditions in a dental setting
Authors: Greenberg Barbara L. , Kantor Mel L. , Jiang Shuying S. , Glick Michael
Published: October 2011

Objectives: Previous studies demonstrated the efficacy of chairside medical screening by dentists to identify patients who are at increased risk for developing cardiovascular‐associated events and the favorable attitude of dentists toward chairside medical screening. This study assessed patient attitudes toward chairside medical screening in a dental setting.

Methods: A self‐administered questionnaire of eight five‐point response scale questions was given to a convenience sample of adult patients attending an inner‐city dental school clinic and two private practice settings. Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney tests and t‐tests were used to compare responses between study groups. Friedman nonparametric analysis of variance was used to compare response items within each question.

Results: Regardless of setting, the majority of respondents was willing to have a dentist conduct screening for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, human immunodeficiency virus infection, and hepatitis infection (55‐90 percent); discuss results immediately (79 percent and 89 percent); provide oral fluids, finger‐stick blood, blood pressure measurements, and height and weight (60‐94 percent); and pay up to $20 (50‐67 percent). Respondents reported that their opinion of the dentist would improve regarding the dentist's professionalism, knowledge, competence, and compassion (48‐77 percent). The fact that the test was not done by a physician was ranked as the least important potential barrier. While all respondents expressed a favorable attitude toward chairside screening, the mean score was significantly lower among clinic patients across most questions/items. The priority rankings within an item were similar for both groups.

Conclusions: Acceptance by patients of chairside medical screening in a dental setting is a critical element for successful implementation of this strategy.
School screening and parental reminders in increasing dental care for children in need: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Nelson Suchitra , Mandelaris Jason , Ferretti Gerald , Heima Masahiro , Spiekerman Charles , Milgrom Peter
Published: October 2011

Objective: The objective of this study is to assess follow‐up dental care received by children given baseline screening and referrals as part of an ongoing clinical trial.

Methods: A retrospective study with two cohorts of kindergarten children who had baseline and follow‐up (9 months later) dental exams was used. The parents/caregivers of children with routine restorative or urgent needs at baseline received a referral letter and telephone reminders to seek care for their child. Children with referrals were evaluated at follow‐up exam for the receipt of care. A baseline caregiver questionnaire provided information on the individual and family characteristics of the children.

Results: A total of 303 children had dental exams at both time periods. At baseline, 42 percent (126/303) received referrals and among the referred group19 percent (24/126) received follow‐up care. A greater proportion with urgent referrals (10/30, 33 percent) received care than those with routine referrals (14/96, 15 percent). Baseline dmft decayed, missing, filled primary teeth and DMFT decayed, missing, filled permanent teeth was similar between children who did/did not receive follow‐up care (P = 0.178 and 0.491, respectively). Children receiving referrals had caregivers with less education, higher Medicaid participation, fewer routine care visits, poorer self‐rating of teeth, and a higher proportion of children reporting tooth pain. Children without receipt of follow‐up care had caregivers who were more likely to report not visiting a dentist within the last 5 years and a greater number of missed days from work because of tooth problems.

Conclusion: The rate of dental utilization was low even with school screening, referral and parental reminders among poor, largely minority inner‐city kindergarten children.
Dental anxiety and oral health outcomes among rural older adults
Authors: Bell Ronny A. , Arcury Thomas A. , Anderson Andrea M. , Chen Haiying , Savoca Margaret R. , Gilbert Gregg H. , Quandt Sara A.
Published: October 2011

Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine the degree to which rural older adults are able to complete a measure of dental anxiety and to assess the prevalence, as well as the demographic and oral health characteristics, of individuals reporting high dental anxiety.

Methods: A population‐based sample of 635 African American, American Indian and White older adults (age ≥60 years) completed an in‐home survey, and 362 dentate participants completed an oral examination. Dental anxiety was measured using the four‐item Corah's Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS). Gender, ethnicity, age, education, and oral health outcomes were compared between those who completed all four DAS questions (completers) and those who did not (noncompleters) as well as, among completers, those with high versus low DAS scores.

Results: There were 94 (14.8%) noncompleters. Noncompletion was associated with older age, lower education, being edentulous, and having gingival recession. 12.4% of DAS completers had high DAS scores, which was more common among those aged 60‐70 years, women, and those with oral pain and sore or bleeding gums. In logistic regression analysis, only sore and bleeding gums had a significant association with a high DAS score (odds ratio = 2.40, 95% confidence interval 1.09‐5.26).

Conclusions: About one in eight rural older adults have high dental anxiety, which is associated with poor oral health outcomes. Identifying new approaches to measure dental anxiety among a population with limited interaction with dental care providers is needed.
New social directions in UK flood risk management: moving towards flood risk citizenship?
Authors: Nye M. , Tapsell S. , Twigger‐Ross C.
Published: October 2011

This paper explores the evolution of a more sociotechnical variety of flood and coastal risk management (FCRM) in the UK that emphasises community engagement and personal or community level responsibility for flood risk planning, awareness and resilience alongside more traditional, centrally managed structural and technical measures. Specifically, it explores three interlocking drivers of the social turn in UK FCRM: (i) the need to adapt to climate change and address the lessons from associated high profile flood events; (ii) pressures to integrate FCRM with the sustainable development agenda; and (iii) a broader trend towards a ‘civic model’ in UK environmental policy‐making and delivery. The paper also explores the practical impact and manifestation of these drivers in current FCRM planning and delivery frameworks, and suggests several critical pathways for a deeper embedding of the approach.
Molecular data do not support the current division of Orthotrichum (Bryophyta) species with immersed stomata
Authors: SAWICKI Jakub , PLÁŠEK Vítězslav , SZCZECIŃSKA Monika
Published: October 2011

Abstract  Genetic relationships between 27 Orthotrichum species of the subgenera Orthotrichum and Pulchella were reconstructed using the internal transcribed spacer regions 1 and 2, the chloroplast trnH‐psbA region, and intron–exon splice junction (ISJ) and inter‐simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers. A phylogenetic analysis did not reflect the current division of the subgenus Pulchella into the sections Diaphana, Pulchella, and Rivularia. Species of the section Rivularia did not form a monophyletic group, and the only markers that indicated the distinctness of the section Pulchella were ISJ and ISSR. The most genetically diverse section was Diaphana, whose species were divided into several clades. The only proper phylogenetic unit was the subgenus Orthotrichum. The applied markers revealed the process of cryptic speciation in species of both subgenera.
Coexistence and geographical distribution of Leguminosae in an area of Atlantic forest in the semi‐arid region of Brazil
Authors: LIMA Jacira R. , MANSANO Vidal F. , ARAÚJO Francisca S.
Published: October 2011

Abstract  Understanding the factors that affect plant species distribution and coexistence in areas with high plant species diversity is a challenge for ecologists. According to some authors, species occupy specific niches, but for others, species coexistence and geographical distribution patterns are random. Floristic composition of the family Leguminosae was studied on moist and dry slopes of the Baturité mountains in semi‐arid northeastern Brazil and was compared with findings for other plant formations elsewhere in Brazil. Substantial floristic differences were found between the moist windward and dry leeward slopes of the Baturité mountains despite their close geographical proximity. The leeward slope was slightly more diverse than the windward slope. Similarity analyses showed that the windward face is floristically allied to the Amazon forest, whereas the leeward slope is similar to other dry‐area formations of northeastern Brazil, such as thorny woodland (caatinga) and seasonal forests. The strong floristic differences that were observed between the windward and leeward slopes corroborate the theory of ecological niche conservatism, which holds that species occurrence is closely linked to environmental factors, such as temperature and precipitation.
Neutralizing effect of green tea epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate on nicotine‐induced toxicity and chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 5 secretion in human oral epithelial cells and fibroblasts
Authors: Desjardins Jacynthe , Grenier Daniel
Published: October 2011

Aim:  Tobacco use has been identified as the most important environmental risk factor for periodontitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of green tea epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate on the nicotine‐induced toxic and inflammatory responses in oral epithelial cells and gingival fibroblasts.

Methods:  The effect of nicotine, alone and in combination with the lipopolysaccharide of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, on the viability of oral epithelial cells and fibroblasts was evaluated using a 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide colorimetric assay. The ability of epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate to neutralize the nicotine‐induced cytotoxicity was then investigated. The nicotine‐induced cytokine secretion in epithelial cells and the inhibitory effect of epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:  Our results indicated that nicotine caused a dose‐dependent loss of viability in both epithelial cells and fibroblasts. A mixture of nicotine and A. actinomycetemcomitans lipopolysaccharide demonstrated additive instead of synergistic effects on loss of cell viability. Pretreatment of cells with epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate efficiently neutralized the nicotine‐induced toxic effects in epithelial cells and fibroblasts. It also dose dependently inhibited the nicotine‐induced secretion of chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 5 by epithelial cells.

Conclusions:  The present study suggests that epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate, the major polyphenol in green tea, may represent a novel preventive/therapeutic agent for smoking‐related periodontitis.
Models for species‐detection data collected along transects in the presence of abundance‐induced heterogeneity and clustering in the detection process
Authors: Guillera‐Arroita Gurutzeta , Ridout Martin S. , Morgan Byron J. T. , Linkie Matthew
Published: October 2011

1. Models have been devised previously that allow the estimation of abundance from detection data of unmarked individuals while accounting for imperfect detection, but these are restricted to models for discrete sampling protocols, i.e. replicated detection/non‐detection or count data. Furthermore, these models assume that the detections from each individual are independent; however, there are cases in which this assumption is likely to be violated. For example, in surveys along transects, clustering in the signs left by each individual could be expected.

2. Here, we propose models to estimate abundance from species‐detection data collected continuously along transects considering two cases: (i) independent detections and (ii) clustering within the detections of each individual. We account for clustering by describing the detection process as a Markov‐modulated Poisson process. We study the properties of the estimators via simulation, assessing the impact of unmodelled detection clustering.

3. We show that bias may be induced in the estimator of abundance if clustering in individual detections is not accounted for and how an estimator with better coverage properties is obtained if clustering is modelled. We demonstrate that both abundance and the clustering pattern can be well estimated simultaneously, given enough data.

4. To illustrate our approach, we fit the models to tiger pugmark detection data from transect surveys in Kerinci Seblat National Park in Sumatra. The analysis suggested strong abundance‐induced heterogeneity in detections when clustering was disregarded, but the evidence reduced drastically when clustering was accounted for. This example illustrates how unmodelled clustering can affect the estimation of abundance.

5. Estimates of abundance need to be reliable to ensure that conservation and management interventions are not misguided. Provided certain model assumptions are met, abundance can be estimated from detection data of unmarked individuals. This requires an adequate description of the detection process, or otherwise, bias may be induced in the abundance estimator. The models and discussion provided here deal with the issue of clustering within the detections of individuals and are of relevance for ecologists interested in methodological developments for the estimation of animal abundance.
Analysing the role of COX-2 in acute oesophagitis and in melatonin-exerted protection against experimental reflux oesophagitis in rats
Authors: Singh Pratibha , Singh Neetu , Palit Gautam
Published: October 2011

Objectives

Cyclooxygenase(COX)-2 is implicated in variety of pathophysiological processes, although its role in acute reflux oesophagitis is debatable. This study was designed to evaluate the role of COX-2 during oesophagitis and in melatonin-elicited protection in rats.

Methods

Reflux oesophagitis was induced in rats by ligating the pyloric end and the limiting ridge of the stomach for 5 h. Celecoxib (COX-2 blocker; 10 mg/kg), 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandinE2 (dmPGE2; a synthetic analogue of PGE2; 10 µg/kg), melatonin (20 and 40 mg/kg) and omeprazole (10 mg/kg) were given intra-peritoneally 45 min before induction of oesophagitis in rats. Alterations in COX-1 and 2 gene expression and protein levels level were analysed via RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Mucosal PGE2 level and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were measured using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kit and spectrophotometrically, respectively.

Key findings

COX-2 over-expression during reflux oesophagitis promotes inflammation of the oesophagus as celecoxib pretreatment significantly reduced tissue damage and MPO activity in rats with reflux oesophagitis (RE-rats). By contrast, dmPGE2 pretreatment significantly exacerbated tissue injury and simultaneously increased COX-2 expression, PGE2 levels and MPO activity in RE-rats. Further, melatonin pretreatment significantly reduced the tissue injury, COX-2 over-expression, PGE2 level and MPO activity in RE-rats. Melatonin offered more potent suppression of COX-2, PGE2 and MPO activity than the proton-pump inhibitor omeprazole; however, both reduced the lesion injury to a similar extent. Melatonin at a dose of 20 mg/kg failed to inhibit significantly the dmPGE2-induced tissue damage, COX-2 expression, PGE2 level and MPO activity in RE-rats while at a higher dose of 40 mg/kg it significantly attenuated these changes.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that COX-2 plays an important pro-inflammatory role during acute reflux oesophagitis in rats and its inhibition contributes significantly to melatonin-exerted protection against reflux oesophagitis.
Monascus purpureus-fermented rice inhibits tumor necrosis factor-α-induced upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 in human aortic smooth muscle cells
Authors: Lin Chih-Pei , Huang Po-Hsun , Tsai Hui-Szu , Wu Tao-Cheng , Leu Hsin-Bang , Liu Po-Len , Chen Yung-Hsiang
Published: October 2011

Objectives

Inflammation is associated with atherosclerosis. Cholestin (Monascus purpureus-fermented rice) contains a naturally occurring statin, which has lipid-modulating, anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Cholestin extract on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-treated human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs).

Methods

Zymography, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot analyses were used for analysis of MMP expression of TNF-α-stimulated HASMCs. Gel shift assay was used for analysis of transcription factor nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was also analysed.

Key findings

The supplement of HASMCs with Cholestin extract significantly suppresses enzymatic activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in TNF-α-stimulated HASMCs. RT-PCR and immunoblot analyses show that Cholestin extract significantly attenuates TNF-α-induced mRNA and protein expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Gel shift assays show that Cholestin treatment reduces TNF-α-activated NF-κB. Furthermore, Cholestin also attenuates intracellular ROS generation in TNF-α-treated HASMCs. The supplement with an ROS scavenger N-acetyl-cysteine (glutathione precursor) gives similar results to Cholestin.

Conclusions

Cholestin reduces TNF-α-stimulated MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression as well as downregulating NF-κB activation and intracellular ROS formation in HASMCs, supporting the notion that the natural compound Cholestin may have potential application in clinical atherosclerosis disease.
Friction and Wear of Hemiarthroplasty Biomaterials in Reciprocating Sliding Contact With Articular Cartilage
Authors: Chan S. M. T. , Neu C. P. , Komvopoulos K. , Reddi A. H. , Di Cesare P. E.
Published: October 2011

Friction and wear of four common orthopaedic biomaterials, alumina (Al2O3), cobalt-chromium (CoCr), stainless steel (SS), and crosslinked ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), sliding against bovine articular cartilage explants were investigated by reciprocating sliding, nanoscale friction and roughness measurements, protein wear assays, and histology. Under the experimental conditions of the present study, CoCr yielded the largest increase in cartilage friction coefficient, largest amount of protein loss, and greatest change in nanoscale friction after sliding against cartilage. UHMWPE showed the lowest cartilage friction coefficient, least amount of protein loss, and insignificant changes in nanoscale friction after sliding. Although the results are specific to the testing protocol and surface roughness of the examined biomaterials, they indicate that CoCr tends to accelerate wear of cartilage, whereas the UHMWPE shows the best performance against cartilage. This study also shows that the surface characteristics of all biomaterials must be further improved to achieve the low friction coefficient of the cartilage/cartilage interface.
HOLOGRAPHIC SUPERCONDUCTOR FOR A LIFSHITZ FIXED POINT
Authors: SIN SANG-JIN , XU SHAN-SHAN , ZHOU YANG
Published: October 2011

We consider the gravity dual of strongly coupled system at a Lifshitz-fixed point and finite temperature, which was constructed in a recent work arXiv:0909.0263. We construct an Abelian–Higgs model in that background and calculate condensation and conductivity using holographic techniques. We find that condensation happens and DC conductivity blows up when temperature turns below a critical value. We also study the zero temperature limit of strongly coupled system at the Lifshitz-fixed point.
LIFSHITZ-TYPE QUANTUM FIELD THEORIES IN PARTICLE PHYSICS
Authors: ALEXANDRE JEAN
Published: October 2011

This introduction to Lifshitz-type field theories reviews some of its aspects in Particle Physics. Attractive features of these models are described with different examples, as the improvement of graphs convergence, the introduction of new renormalizable interactions, dynamical mass generation, asymptotic freedom, and other features related to more specific models. On the other hand, problems with the expected emergence of Lorentz symmetry in the IR are discussed, related to the different effective light cones seen by different particles when they interact.
PERTURBATIVE HAMILTONIAN CONSTRAINTS FOR HIGHER-ORDER THEORIES
Authors: MARTÍNEZ S. A. , MONTEMAYOR R. , URRUTIA L. F.
Published: October 2011

We present an alternative method for constructing a consistent perturbative low energy canonical formalism for higher-order time-derivative theories, which consists in applying the standard Dirac method to the first-order version of the higher-order Lagrangian, augmented by additional perturbative Hamiltonian constraints. The method is purely algebraic, provides the dynamical formulation directly in phase space and can be used in singular theories without the need of initially fixing the gauge. We apply it to two paradigmatic examples: the Pais–Uhlenbeck oscillator and the Bernard–Duncan scalar field with self-interaction. We also compare the results, both at the classical and quantum level, with the ones corresponding to a direct perturbative construction applied to the exact higher-order theory, after incorporating the projection to the space of physical modes. This comparison highlights the soundness of the present formalism.
MODELING M-THEORY VACUA VIA GAUGED S-DUALITY
Authors: KONISHI EIJI
Published: October 2011

We construct a model of M-theory vacua using gauged S-duality and the Chan–Paton symmetries by introducing an infinite number of open string charges. In the Bechi–Rouet–Stora–Tyutin formalism, the local description of the gauged S-duality on its moduli space of vacua is fully determined by one physical state condition on the vacua. We introduce the string probe of the spatial degrees of freedom and define the increment of the cosmic time. The dimensionality of space–time and the gauge group of the low energy effective theory originate in the symmetries (with or without their breakdown) in our model. This modeling leads to the derived category formulation of the quantum mechanical world including gravity and to the concept of a nonlinear potential of gauged and affinized S-duality which specifies the morphism structure of this derived category.
REPRESENTATIONS OF LIE ALGEBRAS BUILT OVER HILBERT SPACE
Authors: JORGENSEN PALLE E. T.
Published: October 2011

Starting with a complex Hilbert space, using inductive limits, we build Lie algebras, and find families of representations. They include those often studied in mathematical physics in order to model quantum statistical mechanics or quantum fields. We explore natural actions on infinite tensor algebras T(H) built with a functorial construction, starting with a fixed Hilbert space H.

While our construction applies also when H is infinite-dimensional, the case with N ≔ dim H finite is of special interest as the symmetry group we consider is then a copy of the non-compact Lie group U(N, 1). We give the tensor algebra T(H) the structure of a Hilbert space, i.e. the unrestricted infinite tensor product Fock space [Formula: see text]. The tensor algebra T(H) is naturally represented as acting by bounded operators on [Formula: see text], and U (N, 1) as acting as a unitary representation. From this we built a covariant system, and we explore how the fermion, the boson, and the q on Hilbert spaces are reduced by the representations. In particular we display the decomposition into irreducible representations of the naturally defined U (N, 1) representation.
BACKWARD SDEs AND SOBOLEV SOLUTIONS FOR SEMILINEAR PARABOLIC PDEs WITH SINGULAR COEFFICIENTS
Authors: ZHANG TUSHENG , RAN QIKANG
Published: October 2011

In this paper, we construct the solutions of semilinear parabolic PDEs with singular coefficients and establish the link to solutions of backward stochastic differential equations.
QUANTUM SECURE DIRECT COMMUNICATION WITH QUANTUM IDENTIFICATION
Authors: SUN ZHI-WEI , DU RUI-GANG , LONG DONG-YANG
Published: October 2011

A one-way quantum secure direct communication protocol with quantum identification utilizing two-photon three-qubit linear cluster states is proposed. The protocol can be used to transmit a secret message and identify user's identification simultaneously. The transmission of information is instantaneous, i.e. the information can be decoded during the transmission and no final transmission of additional information is needed. We prove its robustness against attacks: Any attempt of an adversary to obtain information (and even a bit of information) necessarily induces some errors that the legitimate parties could notice, even in noisy environments. Moreover, this protocol achieves a high efficiency and source capacity since more qubits can be encoded on the same photon.
SUPPORT VECTOR REGRESSION AND FUNCTIONAL NETWORKS FOR VISCOSITY AND GAS/OIL RATIO CURVES ESTIMATION
Authors: KHOUKHI AMAR , OLOSO MUNIRUDEEN , ELSHAFEI MOSTAFA , ABDULRAHEEM ABDULAZEEZ , AL-MAJED ABDULAZIZ
Published: October 2011

In oil and gas industry, prior prediction of certain properties is needed ahead of exploration and facility design. Viscosity and gas/oil ratio (GOR) are among those properties described through curves with their values varying over a specific range of reservoir pressures. However, the usual single point prediction approach could result into curves that are inconsistent, exhibiting scattered behavior as compared to the real curves. Support Vector Regressors and Functional Networks are explored in this paper to solve this problem. Inputs into the developed models include hydrocarbon and non-hydrocarbon crude oil compositions and other strongly correlating reservoir parameters. Graphical plots and statistical error measures, including root mean square error and average absolute percent relative error, have been used to evaluate the performance of the models. A comparative study is performed between the two techniques and with the conventional feed forward artificial neural networks. Most importantly, the predicted curves are consistent with the shapes of the physical curves of the mentioned oil properties, preserving the need of such curves for interpolation and ensuring conformity of the predicted curves with the conventional properties.