bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of aminobisphosphonated copolymer on the thermal stability and flammability of poly(methyl methacrylate)
Authors: Vahabi Hossein , Longuet Claire , Ferry Laurent , David Ghislain , Robin Jean‐Jacques , Lopez‐Cuesta José‐Marie
Published: September 2011

Methyl methacrylate was copolymerized with propyl N,N‐tetramethylbis(phosphonate)‐bis(methylene)aminemethyl methacrylate (MAC3NP2). The thermal degradation and flammability of this modified poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were compared with those of pure PMMA using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and pyrolysis combustion flow calorimetry (PCFC). The morphology of char was investigated using scanning electron microscopy and the yield of phosphorus using energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis. The gases evolved during degradation in TGA were analysed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The total heat release and heat release capacity of the reactively modified PMMA are reduced, as compared to pure PMMA. The modified PMMA presents a better thermal stability (above 290 °C) than pure PMMA and leads to an important char formation. A comparison among TGA, PCFC and the amount of phosphorus in the condensed phase gives useful information about the role of phosphorus in the flame retardancy of the copolymer. The result reveals the effect of phosphorus not only in the condensed phase but also in the vapour phase. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Retracted: Cypermethrin exposure leads to regulation of proteins expression involved in neoplastic transformation in mouse skin
Authors: George Jasmine , Srivastava Amit Kumar , Singh Richa , Shukla Yogeshwer
Published: September 2011

Cypermethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide is shown to exert carcinogenic effects in rodents; however, its underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we showed the effect of cypermethrin on protein expression involved in neoplastic transformation in mouse skin. Comparative protein expression profiles between untreated control and cypermethrin‐treated mouse skin were explored using 2‐DE. A total of 27 spots that were statistically significant (p<0.05) and differentially expressed in response to cypermethrin exposure were identified by MALDI‐TOF/TOF and LC‐MS/MS. Among them, six up‐regulated proteins (carbonic anhydrase 3 (Ca 3), Hsp‐27, S100A6, galectin‐7, S100A9, S100A11) and one down‐regulated protein (superoxide dismutase [Cu‐Zn] (Sod 1)) are associated with cancer‐related key processes. These selected dysregulated proteins were further validated in 2‐DE gels of mouse skin treated with known tumorigens (benzo‐[a]‐pyrene, 12‐O‐tetradecanoyl‐phorbol‐13‐acetate and mezerein), respectively. Comparative studies showed that Ca 3, S100A6, S100A9, S100A11 and Sod 1 are specific for stages of development and progression of tumors whereas Hsp‐27 and galectin‐7 are specific for tumor promotion stage by cypermethrin in mouse skin. Furthermore, these chosen proteins confirmed by Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were consistent with changes in 2‐DE check. This proteomic investigation for the first time provides key proteins that will contribute in understanding the mechanism behind cypermethrin‐induced neoplastic transformation.
Surface modification of poly(butylene terephthalate) nonwoven by photochemistry and biofunctionalization with peptides for blood filtration
Authors: Gérard Estelle , Bessy Emilie , Hénard Gregory , Ducoroy Laurent , Verpoort Thierry , Marchand‐Brynaert Jacqueline
Published: September 2011

The surface of meltblown poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) nonwoven was modified by photochemistry using the photolinker O‐succinimidyl 4‐azido‐2,3,5,6‐tetrafluorobenzoate for the introduction of activated ester functions and then coupling of molecular probes or biomolecules. Approximately 4000 pmol of (L)‐4,5‐[3H]‐lysine was fixed per PBT sample (1.13 cm2) and measured by liquid scintillation counting. The method consisted in a two‐step process: (a) coating of the clip (0.05 mg/sample) on the fibrous surface of the PBT followed by UV irradiation (30 min, 254 nm) and (b) coupling of amine‐terminated molecules (10−3 M in phosphate buffer–CH3CN [1/1, v/v], 20 h). Moreover, about 2000 pmol of 3H‐lysine can be immobilized on the PBT surface after UV irradiation (without clip) by aminolysis reactions with the created oxygenated functions. The derivatizations (via the clip and UV irradiation only) were stable after long‐term heating at 100 °C in water or under steam‐sterilization conditions. They induce neither modifications of the nonwoven morphology nor cytotoxicity. This method was applied for the grafting of peptides Gly‐Arg‐Gly‐Asp‐Ser and Gly‐Gly‐Gly‐Gly‐Gly to perform blood filtration experiments and to retain the leukocytes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
High Tg, ambipolar, and near‐infrared electrochromic anthraquinone‐based aramids with intervalence charge‐transfer behavior
Authors: Yen Hung‐Ju , Lin Kun‐Ying , Liou Guey‐Sheng
Published: September 2011

Two novel series of ambipolar and near‐infrared electrochromic aromatic polyamides with electroactive anthraquinone group were synthesized from new aromatic diamines, 2‐(bis(4‐aminophenyl)amino)anthracene‐9,10‐dione and 2‐(4‐(bis(4‐aminophenyl)amino)phenoxy)anthracene‐9,10‐dione, respectively, via low‐temperature solution polycondensation reaction. These polymers were readily soluble in many polar solvents and showed useful levels of thermal stability associated with high glass‐transition temperatures (Tg) (285–360 °C). Electrochemical studies of these electrochromic polyamides revealed ambipolar behavior with reversible redox couples and high contrast ratio both in the visible range and near‐infrared region. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Production of UV‐light‐detectable faeces from house mice (Mus musculus domesticus) after consumption of encapsulated fluorescent pigment in monitoring bait
Authors: Frynta Daniel , Eliášová Barbora , Fraňková Marcela , Aulický Radek , Rödl Pavel , Stejskal Václav
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND: The authors investigated whether fluorescent pigment in thermoset melamine microcapsules incorporated into monitoring baits would be excreted in the faeces of wild house mice in a quantity and intensity that would be detectable by a human observer.

RESULTS: Experimental mice produced 24–116 UV‐visible faecal pellets per 24 h; the mean dry weight was 582 mg. The number and weight of the faeces was independent of mouse sex and weight. The defecation of UV‐visible faeces began at 2–3 h, peaked at 5–8 h and was complete at 17 h after bait ingestion. The detectability of the highly fluorescent faecal pellets using a small UV flashlight approached 100%, and no false positives were recorded.

CONCLUSION: The tested formulation is of significant value for rodent pest monitoring because faeces that are highly visible by UV light are produced for 15 h by mice after ingestion, and their detection is easy and unambiguous. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Vitamin K requirement and reproduction in bromadiolone‐resistant Norway rats
Authors: Jacob Jens , Endepols Stefan , Pelz Hans‐Joachim , Kampling Engelbert , Cooper Trevor G , Yeung Ching Hei , Redmann Klaus , Schlatt Stefan
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND:

Nucleotide polymorphisms in the VKORC1 gene can be linked to anticoagulant rodenticide resistance in Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout). This provides a fitness advantage to rats exposed to anticoagulant actives, but may also cause fitness costs. The vitamin K requirement and reproductive parameters of bromadiolone‐resistant rats (Westphalian resistant strain; VKOR variant Tyr139Cys) and bromadiolone‐susceptible Norway rats were compared.

RESULTS:

At vitamin K deficiency, blood clotting times increased in all homozygous resistant males within 8 days and in 80% of homozygous resistant females within 15 days. There was little effect on blood clotting in heterozygous males and no effect in heterozygous females and VKOR wild‐type individuals. Litter size was about 20% higher in sensitive pairs compared with resistant pairs. Testes growth, male gonad weight, sperm motility and testis cell concentration were unaffected by the mutation.

CONCLUSIONS:

The VKOR variant Tyr139Cys causes considerable physiological cost in Norway rats in terms of vitamin K requirement and reproduction. This may affect the distribution and spread of resistant individuals in the wild. Decreased litter size of resistant parents seems to be due to lowered female reproductive performance, as there was no significant effect of the mutation on any aspects of male reproduction considered, but this requires further study. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Developing Spatial Microsimulation Estimates of Small Area Advantage and Disadvantage among Older Australians
Authors: Gong Honge (Cathy) , McNamara Justine , Vidyattama Yogi , Miranti Riyana , Tanton Robert , Harding Ann , Kendig Hal
Published: September 2011

This paper presents innovative applications of spatial microsimulation techniques to develop estimates of the small area distribution of deep economic disadvantage and relative economic advantage among Australians 55 years and older, combining data on disposable income, main source of income, and housing tenure. The spatial microsimulation model produces synthetic small area measures of economic disadvantage and advantage among older people that are multidimensional. This approach recognises that income levels alone may not adequately capture the complexity of relative advantage and disadvantage among older people. We particularly focus here on addressing and investigating the limits of spatial microsimulation modelling, describing and testing a number of possible methods for validating the synthetic estimates and identifying ongoing challenges and opportunities in the estimation of older adults' economic characteristics at a small area level. We find that, once we have adjusted the benchmarks to better match our research and excluded from our analysis small areas for which the modelling is unable to produce accurate results (often because of small sample sizes or unusual population characteristics), we are able to accurately match our synthetic estimates with known small area data, with Pearson's R values between 0.95 and 0.98. Our final results show substantial small area differences in economic advantage and disadvantage among older Australians and point to the need for understanding the geographic aspects of diversity in the older population. Such an understanding will allow for the development and appropriate targeting of policy responses to the needs of older people of modest economic means. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phenomenological quantum confinement models for excitons and phonons applied to photoluminescence and Raman spectra of silicon nanocrystals
Authors: Dossot M. , Miska P. , Rinnert H. , Vergnat M. , Humbert B.
Published: September 2011

The photoluminescence and vibrational properties of silicon nanocrystals are studied in a multilayered system elaborated by successive evaporations of SiO and SiO2 layers with controlled thicknesses. The multilayer systems are deposited on a glass substrate (Herasil). The photoluminescence and Raman spectra are fitted by phenomenological exciton and phonon confinement models accounting for the size distribution of the embedded nanocrystals. Contrary to the same study realized with multilayer systems deposited on silicon substrate, the two confinement models (phononic and excitonic) do not lead to the same size distribution. An amorphous silicon phase was also detected in Raman spectroscopy that prevented a good fitting accuracy by the model. Contribution of the substrate to the thermal crystallization process is thus discussed, as well as the origin of the photoluminescence and vibrational properties in terms of quantum confinement or interfacial defects.
BENDING OF SUBMERGED WOODY RIPARIAN VEGETATION AS A FUNCTION OF HYDRAULIC FLOW CONDITIONS
Authors: Stone Mark C. , Chen Li , Kyle McKay S. , Goreham John , Acharya Kumud , Fischenich Craig , Stone Asako B.
Published: September 2011

Woody riparian vegetation provides numerous ecological benefits such as stabilizing streambanks, storing and cycling nutrients, shading streams and providing habitat for wildlife. However, vegetation also increases hydraulic roughness and reduces the effective flow area, resulting in an increased water surface elevation for a given streamflow. Balancing the desire to preserve woody vegetation in stream corridors with the need to manage flood risks requires accurate techniques for predicting the influence of vegetation on stream hydraulics. However, this is a challenging problem because woody vegetation responds to the flow field itself by bending and streamlining in response to hydraulic forces. The goal of this study was to predict the bending behaviour of woody riparian vegetation as a function of hydraulic flow conditions. Field tests were performed to elucidate tree biomechanical properties for select riparian taxa of the southwestern USA. Biomechanical results served as input parameters for a numerical algorithm designed to predict tree bending for water velocities likely to be encountered during flood events. Bending simulations revealed appreciable variability in bent tree heights. Variability was likely a manifestation of the extensive variance in plant characteristics and properties inherent in biological specimens. However, no trees were expected to bend to a height lower than approximately 42% of their original height, even in water moving at 2.5 m·s‐1. The results of this work provide an important first step in an effort to predict a dynamic hydraulic roughness for vegetated channels and floodplains under flood conditions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiphoton microscopic imaging of in vivo hair mouse skin based on two‐photon excited fluorescence and second harmonic generation
Authors: Jiang Xingshan , Zhuo Shuangmu , Xu Ren'an , Chen Jianxin
Published: September 2011

Mouse is an important animal model to investigate skin physiological and pathological states. In this article, multiphoton microscopic imaging of in vivo hair mouse skin based on two‐photon excited fluorescence and second harmonic generation was examined. Our results show that multiphoton microscopy can clearly display microstructure of stratum corneum, stratum spinosum, and dermis of in vivo mouse skin. The main components of epidermis and dermis such as corneocytes, spinosum cell, collagen fibers, and hair follicles can be distinctly identified in MPM images. Using the optional HRZ 200fine focusing stage, thickness of different layers can be easily assessed. The results demonstrate that MPM can be regarded as an efficient method for in vivo investigation of skin physiological and pathological states by using hair mouse animal model. SCANNING 34: 170–173, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surface characterization and depth profiling of biological molecules by electrospray droplet impact/SIMS
Authors: Asakawa Daiki , Hiraoka Kenzo
Published: September 2011

Electrospray droplet impact (EDI) was applied to the analysis of peptides. The etching rate of bradykinin was estimated to be ~2 nm/min. This value is about one order of magnitude greater than the etching rate for SiO2 (0.2 nm/min). Considering that the etching rate of argon cluster ions Ar700+ for organic compounds is more than two orders of magnitude larger than that for inorganic materials, the rather small difference in etching rates of EDI for organic and inorganic materials is unique. When water/ethanol (1/1, vol%) solution of gramicidin S and arginine was dried in air, [gramicidin S + H]+ was observed as a predominant signal with little [Arg + H]+ right after the EDI irradiation, indicating that EDI is capable of detecting the analytes enriched on the sample surface. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CD133+ Cancer Stem Cell–like Cells Derived from Uterine Carcinosarcoma (Malignant Mixed Müllerian Tumor)
Authors: Choijamts Batsuren , Jimi Shiro , Kondo Toru , Naganuma Yasuko , Matsumoto Taichi , Kuroki Masahide , Iwasaki Hiroshi , Emoto Makoto
Published: September 2011

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) that display tumor-initiating properties have recently been identified. CD133, a surface glycoprotein linked to organ-specific stem cells, has been described as a marker of CSCs in different tumor types. We herein identify and characterize CSCs in human uterine carcinosarcoma (malignant mixed Müllerian tumor), which is one of the most aggressive and therapy-resistant gynecological malignancies and is considered to be of mesodermal origin. The CD133+ population was increased in uterine carcinosarcoma, and this population showed biphasic properties in the primary tumor. CD133+ cells predominantly formed spheres in culture and were able to differentiate into mesenchymal lineages. CD133+ cells were more resistant to cisplatin/paclitaxel-induced cytotoxicity in comparison with CD133− cells. A real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis of the genes implicated in stem cell maintenance revealed that CD133+ cells express significantly higher levels of Oct4, Nanog, Sox2, and Bmi1 than CD133− cells. Moreover, CD133+ cells showed a high expression level of Pax2 and Wnt4, which are genes essential for Müllerian duct formation. These CD133+ cells form serially transplantable tumors in vivo and the resulting CD133+ tumors replicated the EpCAM, vimentin, and estrogen and progesterone receptor expression of the parent tumor, indicating that CSCs likely differentiated into cells comprising the uterine carcinosarcoma tissue. Moreover, strong CD133 expression in both epithelial and mesenchymal elements in primary tumor demonstrated significant prognostic value. These findings suggest that CD133+ cells have the characteristics of CSCs and Müllerian mesenchymal progenitors.
Fatty Acids in Heterocyclic Synthesis Part XII: Synthesis of Surfactants from Pyrazole, Isoxazole, Pyrimidine and Triazine, Incorporating the 1,3,4‐Thiadiazole Moiety Having Dyeing and Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Amine Mahasen S. , Mahmoud Amal A. , Badr Samy K. , Gouda Alaa S.
Published: September 2011

The titled compounds were prepared from 2‐amino‐5‐heptadecyl[1,3,4]thiadiazole (1). Diazotization of (1) produced (2) which was coupled with active methylene compounds and gave azo ⇌ hydrazono derivatives (3A, 3B)a–d. It was found that there is regio‐specificity for addition of different nucleophiles to these tautomers; thus, nitrogen nucleophiles such as hydrazine hydrate, hydroxylamine hydrochloride and thiourea were reacted via Azo tautomer (3A) to yield pyrazole, isoxazole and pyrimidine respectively (5‐7), while carbon nucleophiles as phenylisocyanate was reacted via the hydrazono tautomer (3B) and produced triazine derivatives (4). Additionally, the diazonium chloride (2) was coupled with alkaline 2‐naphthol and produced 2‐(5‐heptadecyl‐[1,3,4]thiadiazol‐2‐yl)‐1,2‐dihydro‐3‐oxa‐1,2‐diaza‐cyclopenta[a]naphthalene (8). UV–visible spectra of the synthesized colored compounds (2‐8) showed λ max at 374–398 nm, while screening these compounds in vitro against micro‐organisms (including structure‐activity relationship SAR study) revealed high antibacterial and moderate antifungal activities. Propoxylation of compounds 1, 3, 5, 6, 7 and 8 with 3, 5, 7 mol of propylene oxide produced nonionic surfactants I(a–c)–IX(a–c) having surface active properties so, it is clear that the tested surfactants can be used in the manufacture of dyes, drugs, cosmetics, emulsifiers, pesticides, luminphores for optical applications and many other industries with low toxicity to human beings and the environment owing to their high solubility and good biodegradability.
An Analysis of Black-White Wage Differences in Nursing: Wage Gap or Wage Premium?
Authors: McGregory Richard Carey
Published: September 2011

This paper analyzes whether a black-white racial wage differential exists in the nursing labor market in the US. Despite claims of a nursing shortage, little examination of whether racial inequalities in the labor market might contribute to this purported shortage has occurred. Possible explanations for black-white differences in RN compensation include racial differences in: occupation; returns to skills; metropolitan residency; union membership. Regression analysis on wages for registered nurses (RNs) was conducted. Findings suggest a wage penalty for nonunion black nurses compared to non-union white nurses as well as the absence of a racial wage differential for union nurses.
Cold exposure down-regulates adiponutrin/PNPLA3 mRNA expression and affects its nutritional regulation in adipose tissues of lean and obese Zucker rats
Authors: Oliver Paula , Caimari Antoni , Díaz-Rúa Rubén , Palou Andreu
Published: September 2011

Adiponutrin/PNPLA3 is a protein highly produced in adipose tissue whose expression is under tight nutritional regulation. It possesses lipogenic/lipolytic capacity and, although adiponutrin polymorphisms are related to obesity, its physiological role is not clear. To help clarify its role, we studied the effect of acute cold exposure on adiponutrin mRNA expression in different adipose tissues of lean/obese Zucker rats subjected to feeding/fasting/refeeding. The effect of cold on the expression of key lipogenic enzymes and on uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) was evaluated in selected adipose depots. Adiponutrin mRNA levels were also determined in the adipose tissue of isoprenaline-treated rats and in cultured adipocytes treated with noradrenaline, isoprenaline and a selective β3-adrenoceptor (AR) agonist. Adiponutrin expression was strongly down-regulated by cold in the different adipose depots in lean animals, while this down-regulation was impaired in obese rats. Adiponutrin pattern of expression in response to cold correlated positively with that of the lipogenic enzymes and negatively with UCP1 expression. Acute intraperitoneal administration of isoprenaline also produced a decrease in adiponutrin expression in adipose tissue.In vitrodata suggest that adiponutrin's inhibitory effect could be mediated, at least in part, by the sympathetic system via β1/β2-AR. In addition, improvement in metabolic parameters related to obesity in cold-exposed animals was related to an improvement in adiponutrin nutritional regulation. Thus, cold inhibition of adiponutrin expression in adipose tissue (which correlates with the response of lipogenic enzymes) supports a physiological role for this protein in lipogenesis. Moreover, alterations in adiponutrin expression and regulation in adipose tissue are related to obesity.
Interaction of soyasaponins with plant ingredients in diets for Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.
Authors: Chikwati Elvis M. , Venold Fredrik F. , Penn Michael H. , Rohloff Jens , Refstie Ståle , Guttvik Arne , Hillestad Marie , Krogdahl Åshild
Published: September 2011

The effects of combining soyasaponins with plant ingredients on intestinal function and fish health were investigated in an 80 d study with Atlantic salmon (270 g) distributed thirty each into twenty-four tanks with seawater. Soyasaponins were supplemented (2 g/kg) to diets with maize gluten (MG), pea protein concentrate (PPC) and sunflower (SFM), rapeseed (RSM) or horsebean meals. A diet with soyabean meal (SBM) and another with wheat gluten and soyasaponins served as reference diets. Marked soyasaponin effects were observed when combined with PPC. This combination induced inflammation in the distal intestine (DI) similar to SBM, reduced feed intake, apparent digestibility of lipid, most amino acids and ash, decreased bile salt levels in intestinal chyme and decreased leucine aminopeptidase (LAP) activity but increased trypsin activity in the DI. No enteritis was observed in other diet groups, but small consistent negative soyasaponin effects were seen on lipid and fatty acid digestibility, faecal DM and LAP activity of the DI. Soyasaponin combination with RSM reduced digestibility of all nutrients including minerals. The mineral effect was also seen for SFM, whereas with MG and SFM a positive soyasaponin effect on feed intake was observed. Caution should be exercised to avoid ingredient combinations giving high saponin levels, a condition that appears to be a key factor in diet-induced enteritis together with certain plant ingredients.
Separating the Church from State: The Kenyan High Court's Decision in Jesse Kamau and 25 Others v Attorney General (Judgment of 24 May 2010)
Authors: Mujuzi Jamil Ddamulira
Published: September 2011

Section 66 of the 1963 Kenyan Constitution established the Kadhi's courts with the jurisdiction to determine “questions of Muslim law relating to personal status, marriage, divorce or inheritance in proceedings in which all the parties profess the Muslim religion”. 26 Christians petitioned the High Court and argued that section 66 was unconstitutional because it, inter alia, violated the principle of separation of Church and state. The court found in their favour and held that Kenya is a secular state, that section 66 violated the doctrine of separation of state and Church, and that it was discriminatory and contrary to section 82 of the constitution which prohibits discrimination. This note gives the facts of the case, the issues before the court and the court's decision. It also analyses the court's decision.
Delayed cochlear implantation after surgical labyrinthectomy
Authors: Osborn H A , Yeung R , Lin V Y W
Published: September 2011

Background:

Cochlear implantation has been used to rehabilitate profoundly deafened adults for more than 25 years. However, surgical labyrinthectomy is often considered a contraindication to cochlear implantation, especially if there is a significant delay between the two procedures. As the role of cochlear implantation continues to expand, this idea requires reconsideration.

Case report:

A 59-year-old woman presented to our clinic after undergoing bilateral surgical labyrinthectomies for intractable Ménière's disease 21 years prior. Despite the significant time delay, she underwent cochlear implantation with a good audiological outcome and improved quality of life.

Conclusion:

Changes to the cochlea and vestibule following surgical labyrinthectomy include cochlear ossification and obliteration of the vestibule. These issues have been thought to limit the potential for cochlear implantation, especially when there is a significant delay between the two procedures. However, delayed cochlear implantation, even decades after labyrinthectomy, remains a viable treatment option which can benefit selected patients.
ThePraetoriumof Edmund Artis: A Summary of Excavations and Surveys of the Palatial Roman Structure at Castor, Cambridgeshire 1828–2010
Authors: Upex Stephen G. , Challands Adrian , Hall Jackie , Jackson Ralph , Peacock David , Wild Felicity C.
Published: September 2011

Antiquarian and modern excavations at Castor, Cambs., have been taking place since the seventeenth century. The site, which lies under the modern village, has been variously described as a Roman villa, a guild centre and a palace, while Edmund Artis working in the 1820s termed it the ‘Praetorium’. The Roman buildings covered an area of 3.77 ha (9.4 acres) and appear to have had two main phases, the latter of which formed a single unified structure some 130 by 90 m. This article attempts to draw together all of the previous work at the site and provide a comprehensive plan, a set of suggested dates, and options on how the remains could be interpreted.
Canada’s Aging Population (1986) Redux
Authors: McDaniel Susan A. , Rozanova Julia
Published: September 2011

Canada’s Aging Population par Susan McDaniel était le livre inaugurale dans la série Butterworths sur le vieillissement dans les années 1980. Ceci a ouvert une industrie d’expansion dans la recherche sur le vieillissement. Maintenant, on sait beaucoup plus sur les processus – à la fois individuels et collectives – qui font partie du vieillissement. Maintenant, on peut faire des projections plus fiables de la population future. Cela dit, les mythes et les malentendus persistent – en particulier sur les implications politiques du vieillissement de la population. Il semble que les mêmes craintes et les mêmes angoisses se répètent maintes fois. Il reste une déconnexion entre nos connaissances croissantes au sujet de la population et les médias ou les réponses politiques.
Subcritical open channel flows in four branch intersections
Authors: Rivière N. , Travin G. , Perkins R. J.
Published: September 2011

Subcritical flow in an intersection composed of four similar orthogonal channels has been studied experimentally in a configuration with two inflows and two outflows for a wide range of experimental conditions. The results have been used to develop a relationship between the incoming flow rates and the flow distribution in the two outlet channels, based on the conservation of discharge and momentum in the intersection, and suitable stage‐discharge relationships for the downstream controls in the outflow channels. A final equation is provided by an empirical correlation for the outflow in one of the channels, based on the experimental data obtained from these experiments; this correlation agrees with all the available data to within ±5%. It is shown how the resulting set of equations can be used to compute the discharge distribution in any similar intersection, given the incoming flow rates and some form of stage‐discharge relationship for the outlet conditions.
Insights into subtle conformational differences in the substrate-binding loop of fungal 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase: a combined structural and kinetic approach
Authors: Cassetta Alberto , Krastanova Ivet , Kristan Katja , Brunskole Švegelj Mojca , Lamba Doriano , Lanišnik Rižner Tea , Stojan Jure
Published: September 2011

The 17β-HSD (17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) from the filamentous fungus Cochliobolus lunatus (17β-HSDcl) is a NADP(H)-dependent enzyme that preferentially catalyses the interconversion of inactive 17-oxo-steroids and their active 17β-hydroxy counterparts. 17β-HSDcl belongs to the SDR (short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase) superfamily. It is currently the only fungal 17β-HSD member that has been described and represents one of the model enzymes of the cP1 classical subfamily of NADPH-dependent SDR enzymes. A thorough crystallographic analysis has been performed to better understand the structural aspects of this subfamily and provide insights into the evolution of the HSD enzymes. The crystal structures of the 17β-HSDcl apo, holo and coumestrol-inhibited ternary complex, and the active-site Y167F mutant reveal subtle conformational differences in the substrate-binding loop that probably modulate the catalytic activity of 17β-HSDcl. Coumestrol, a plant-derived non-steroidal compound with oestrogenic activity, inhibits 17β-HSDcl [IC50 2.8 μM; at 100 μM substrate (4-oestrene-3,17-dione)] by occupying the putative steroid-binding site. In addition to an extensive hydrogen-bonding network, coumestrol binding is stabilized further by π–π stacking interactions with Tyr212. A stopped-flow kinetic experiment clearly showed the coenzyme dissociation as the slowest step of the reaction and, in addition to the low steroid solubility, it prevents the accumulation of enzyme–coenzyme–steroid ternary complexes.
MeCP2 and Rett syndrome: reversibility and potential avenues for therapy
Authors: Gadalla Kamal K.E. , Bailey Mark E.S. , Cobb Stuart R.
Published: September 2011

Mutations in the X-linked gene MECP2 (methyl CpG-binding protein 2) are the primary cause of the neurodevelopmental disorder RTT (Rett syndrome), and are also implicated in other neurological conditions. The expression product of this gene, MeCP2, is a widely expressed nuclear protein, especially abundant in mature neurons of the CNS (central nervous system). The major recognized consequences of MECP2 mutation occur in the CNS, but there is growing awareness of peripheral effects contributing to the full RTT phenotype. MeCP2 is classically considered to act as a DNA methylation-dependent transcriptional repressor, but may have additional roles in regulating gene expression and chromatin structure. Knocking out Mecp2 function in mice recapitulates many of the overt neurological features seen in RTT patients, and the characteristic postnatally delayed onset of symptoms is accompanied by aberrant neuronal morphology and deficits in synaptic physiology. Evidence that reactivation of endogenous Mecp2 in mutant mice, even at adult stages, can reverse aspects of RTT-like pathology and result in apparently functionally mature neurons has provided renewed hope for patients, but has also provoked discussion about traditional boundaries between neurodevelopmental disorders and those involving dysfunction at later stages. In the present paper we review the neurobiology of MeCP2 and consider the various genetic (including gene therapy), pharmacological and environmental interventions that have been, and could be, developed to attempt phenotypic rescue in RTT. Such approaches are already providing valuable insights into the potential tractability of RTT and related conditions, and are useful pointers for the development of future therapeutic strategies.
Functional heterogeneity of non‐small lung adenocarcinoma cell sub‐populations
Authors: Bechyne Iga , Szpak Katarzyna , Madeja Zbigniew , Czyż Jarosław
Published: September 2011

The morphological and functional heterogeneity of solid tumour cells can be observed in cancer cell lines cultured in vitro. We have combined analyses of microclones developed from single cells with micropore transmigration assays to demonstrate the co‐existence of cellular subsets differing in morphology and motile activity, as well as Cx43 (connexin 43) and N‐cadherin expression within lung carcinoma A549 populations. ‘Fibroblastoid’ cells, characterized by high motility, polarized morphology and plasmalemmal localization of Cx43, displayed the strongest aptitude for transmigration through narrow obstacles. Due to high mitotic activity, they maintain the whole population but can also give rise to a sub‐population of quiescent and immobile ‘epithelioid’ cells. Our observations indicate that phenotypic transitions between the fibroblastoid and epithelioid phenotype account for the heterogeneity of metastable A549 cell populations.
Enhanced Differentiation of Human Adipose Tissue-derived Stromal Cells into Insulin-producing Cells with Glucagon-like Peptide-1
Authors: Wei A.-H. , Wang W.-J. , Mu X.-P. , Li H.-M. , Yan W.-Q.
Published: September 2011

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is mainly caused by reduction of the endogenous insulin secretion due to autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β cells, and a promising therapeutic approach for T1DM is pancreas and islet cell replacement. The major obstacle is the limited source of insulin-producing cells. Here, we report an efficient approach to induce human adipose-derived stromal cells (hADSCs) to differentiate into insulin-producing cells, with glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). hADSCs were successfully isolated from the adipose tissue, with adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation potency. Islet-like cell clusters formed in the culture, which was enhanced with the treatment of GLP-1. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis showed the expression of the pancreas-related genes in the differentiated cells, such as pdx-1, ngn3, insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, glucokinase n and glut2. Immunocytochemical analysis showed that the induced cells co-expressed insulin, C-peptide and PDX-1. The GLP-1 receptor was present in the differentiated cells. In addition, flow cytometry analysis and ELISA showed that, in the presence of GLP-1, the percentage of insulin-producing cells was increased from 5.9% to 28.0% and the release of insulin increased from 9.53±0.7 pmol/106 cells to 15.86±1.3 pmol/106 cells. Insulin was released in response to glucose stimulation in a manner comparable to that of adult human islets. These results indicated that hADSCs isolated from adipose tissues can be induced to differentiate into insulin-producing cells, which is further enhanced with the treatment of GLP-1. These findings confirm that the differentiation of hADSCs to insulin-producing cells is indeed possible and indicate that the differentiated insulin-producing cells can be used as a potential source for transplantation into patients with T1DM.
ERK1/2 MAPKs and Wnt Signaling Pathways are Independently Involved in Adipocytokine-Mediated Aldosterone Secretion
Authors: Vleugels K. , Schinner S. , Krause D. , Morawietz H. , Bornstein S. , Ehrhart-Bornstein M. , Krug A.
Published: September 2011

Obesity is one major risk factor for the development of arterial hypertension, and the development of obesity-related hypertension has been associated with increased plasma aldosterone levels. Our previous work shows a direct stimulatory effect of adipokines on aldosterone secretion from human adrenocortical cells, mediated via ERK1/2-dependent upregulation of steroid acute regulatory protein (StAR) activity. Recent evidence also indicates the involvement of the Wnt-signaling pathway in fat cell-mediated aldosterone secretion. Wnt-signaling molecules are secreted by adipocytes and regulate the activity of SF-1, a key transcription factor in adrenal steroidogenesis. The goal of this study was to investigate the cellular mechanisms of adipocyte-induced aldosterone secretion in detail, and to evaluate effects and possible interactions of the ERK1/2 MAPK- and the Wnt-signaling pathways on adipocyte-induced adreno­cortical aldosterone secretion. Our results show that, similar to adipocyte-conditioned medium (ACM), β-catenin, which is an intracellular mediator of canonical Wnt-signaling, induced StAR promotor activity in human NCI-H295R adrenocortical cells, and ACM-induced StAR promotor activity depended on intact SF-1 binding sites. Wnt antagonist sFRP-1 inhibited adipokine-mediated StAR activity, but did not affect ERK1/2 MAPK activation. Accordingly, Wnt did not stimulate ERK1/2 phosphorylation in adrenocortical cells, indicating that ERK1/2 MAPK and Wnt signaling pathways are independently involved in adipocyte-mediated aldosterone secretion.
Metformin after Bariatric Surgery – an Acid Problem
Authors: Aberle J. , Reining F. , Dannheim V. , Flitsch J. , Klinge A. , Mann O.
Published: September 2011

Metformin is the oral drug of first choice in type 2 diabetes. Therefore a large number of patients undergoing bariatric surgery will be on Metformin treatment. However, use of Metformin has been associated with lactate acidosis. Weight loss following bariatric surgery is most pronounced during the first weeks after the operation and this creates a phase of negative energy balance with ketone body formation. To shed more light on this situation we measured ketone bodies in 90 patients 5 days–18 months after bariatric surgery. Ketone bodies were markedly elevated during the first 3–4 months. Metformin use should therefore be critically reconsidered after bariatric operations.
Ferrohydrodynamic pumping of a ferrofluid or electrohydrodynamic pumping of a polar liquid through a circular tube
Authors: Felderhof B. U.
Published: September 2011

Ferrohydrodynamic pumping of a ferrofluid through a circular tube by means of a running magnetic wave is studied in the framework of magnetostatics. The theory for electrohydrodynamic pumping of a polar liquid by means of a running electric wave is shown to be nearly identical. For given fluid parameters, the net flow rate can be optimized by suitable choice of wavenumber and frequency of the running wave.
Tuning of a cavity in a silicon photonic crystal by thermal expansion of an elastomeric infill
Authors: Koray Erdamar A. , van Leest M. M. , Picken S. J. , Caro J.
Published: September 2011

We use an elastomer as infill material for a photonic crystal. As a result of the thermal-expansion-induced strongly negative thermal optical coefficient, this material is highly suitable for thermal tuning of the transmission of a cavity. This is demonstrated by global infilling of a hole-type silicon photonic crystal slab and global thermal tuning. In the temperature range 20-60 °C the cavity peak shows a pronounced elastomer-induced blue shift of 2.7 nm, which amply overcompensates the red shift arising from the thermo-optic property of the silicon. These results qualify the elastomer for tuning by local optical heating.
Design and application of a class of sensors to monitor Ca
2+
dynamics in high Ca
2+
concentration cellular compartments
Authors: Tang Shen , Wong Hing-Cheung , Wang Zhong-Min , Huang Yun , Zou Jin , Zhuo You , Pennati Andrea , Gadda Giovanni , Delbono Osvaldo , Yang Jenny J.
Published: September 2011

Quantitative analysis of Ca
2+
fluctuations in the endoplasmic/sarcoplasmic reticulum (ER/SR) is essential to defining the mechanisms of Ca
2+
-dependent signaling under physiological and pathological conditions. Here, we developed a unique class of genetically encoded indicators by designing a Ca
2+
binding site in the EGFP. One of them, calcium sensor for detecting high concentration in the ER, exhibits unprecedented Ca
2+
release kinetics with an off-rate estimated at around 700 s
−1
and appropriate Ca
2+
binding affinity, likely attributable to local Ca
2+
-induced conformational changes around the designed Ca
2+
binding site and reduced chemical exchange between two chromophore states. Calcium sensor for detecting high concentration in the ER reported considerable differences in ER Ca
2+
dynamics and concentration among human epithelial carcinoma cells (HeLa), human embryonic kidney 293 cells (HEK-293), and mouse myoblast cells (C2C12), enabling us to monitor SR luminal Ca
2+
in flexor digitorum brevis muscle fibers to determine the mechanism of diminished SR Ca
2+
release in aging mice. This sensor will be invaluable in examining pathogenesis characterized by alterations in Ca
2+
homeostasis.
Bilingual mathematics: development and practice in Wales
Authors: Jones Dylan V.
Published: September 2011

The first part of this paper provides a brief historical account of the development of mathematics teaching and learning through the medium of Welsh. It provides a review of developments which have seen the teaching and learning of mathematics through a native but minority language become an accepted part of the curriculum for a great number of pupils. It goes on to examine the nature of bilingual education currently to be found in Wales by considering two main types of bilingual schools which currently serve Welsh pupils and which have contributed towards a modest but notable minority language revival. It is in this context that current practice relating to Welsh‐medium mathematics is explored and a number of questions concerning current mathematics teaching, learning and assessment practices are raised. While celebrating the success and expansion of bilingual education in Wales, attention is drawn to the need to subject current practice to closer scrutiny. Although the paper focuses on the particular situation to be found in Wales, the issues and questions raised are clearly of interest to those involved with other bilingual educational programmes.
‘Challenge and support’: the role of the critical friend in continuing professional development
Authors: Holden Gary
Published: September 2011

In this paper, the writer, a senior teacher in a comprehensive school, describes his role as a critical friend to two teachers who were undertaking self‐initiated action research projects as part of a school‐based, award‐bearing curriculum development scheme offered in conjunction with the local higher education institute (HEI). He concludes that such a relationship, in providing both challenge and support for colleagues who are attempting to improve practice, is a powerful vehicle for the professional development of teachers and has a positive impact on whole‐school development.
S6 kinase localizes to the presynaptic active zone and functions with PDK1 to control synapse development
Authors: Cheng Ling , Locke Cody , Davis Graeme W.
Published: September 2011

The dimensions of neuronal dendrites, axons, and synaptic terminals are reproducibly specified for each neuron type, yet it remains unknown how these structures acquire their precise dimensions of length and diameter. Similarly, it remains unknown how active zone number and synaptic strength are specified relative the precise dimensions of presynaptic boutons. In this paper, we demonstrate that S6 kinase (S6K) localizes to the presynaptic active zone. Specifically, S6K colocalizes with the presynaptic protein Bruchpilot (Brp) and requires Brp for active zone localization. We then provide evidence that S6K functions downstream of presynaptic PDK1 to control synaptic bouton size, active zone number, and synaptic function without influencing presynaptic bouton number. We further demonstrate that PDK1 is also a presynaptic protein, though it is distributed more broadly. We present a model in which synaptic S6K responds to local extracellular nutrient and growth factor signaling at the synapse to modulate developmental size specification, including cell size, bouton size, active zone number, and neurotransmitter release.
Influence of material ductility and crack surface roughness on fracture instability
Authors: Khezrzadeh Hamed , Wnuk Michael P , Yavari Arash
Published: September 2011

This paper presents a stability analysis for fractal cracks. First, the Westergaard stress functions are proposed for semi-infinite and finite smooth cracks embedded in the stress fields associated with the corresponding self-affine fractal cracks. These new stress functions satisfy all the required boundary conditions and according to Wnuk and Yavari's (2003 Eng. Fract. Mech.
70 1659–74) embedded crack model they are used to derive the stress and displacement fields generated around a fractal crack. These results are then used in conjunction with the final stretch criterion to study the quasi-static stable crack extension, which in ductile materials precedes the global failure. The material resistance curves are determined by solving certain nonlinear differential equations and then employed in predicting the stress levels at the onset of stable crack growth and at the critical point, where a transition to the catastrophic failure occurs. It is shown that the incorporation of the fractal geometry into the crack model, i.e. accounting for the roughness of the crack surfaces, results in (1) higher threshold levels of the material resistance to crack propagation and (2) higher levels of the critical stresses associated with the onset of catastrophic fracture. While the process of quasi-static stable crack growth (SCG) is viewed as a sequence of local instability states, the terminal instability attained at the end of this process is identified with the global instability. The phenomenon of SCG can be used as an early warning sign in fracture detection and prevention.
Sovereignty
Authors: Philpott Daniel
Published: September 2011

Sovereignty has borne too many conflicting meanings over the centuries. Nevertheless, there arguably exists a definition of sovereignty that is flexible enough to accommodate much of the concept's historical diversity yet concrete enough to be meaningful: supreme authority within a territory. Authority—“the right to command and correlatively, the right to be obeyed,” in Robert Paul Wolff's definition—implies that sovereignty is a matter of right or legitimacy, not one of mere power. But authority alone does not specify sovereignty; plenty of holders of authority exist who do not have sovereignty. Another ingredient is crucial: supremacy. The holder of sovereignty's authority is highest and may not be questioned or opposed. Supremacy was stressed by sovereignty's first modern articulators, sixteenth-century French philosopher Jean Bodin and seventeenth-century English philosopher Thomas Hobbes, and has been reflected widely by users of the concept ever since. A final ingredient is territoriality. This is the principle that defines the set of people who live under the holder of sovereignty, or the supreme authority.