bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioenergetic assessment of habitat quality for stream-dwelling cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri) with implications for climate change and nutrient supplementation
Authors: Jenkins Amy R. , Keeley Ernest R.
Published: January 2010

We used a bioenergetic model to determine if cutthroat trout ( Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri ) abundance was related to net energy intake rates (NEI) and the proportion of suitable habitat and to evaluate potential changes in habitat quality due to climate change and stream fertilization efforts. We conducted monthly sampling of cutthroat trout, invertebrate drift, and physical habitat features in pool and riffle habitats. Fish in this study selected foraging positions that enabled them to maximize NEI, and most fish were capable of sustaining high growth rates from July to September. Mean NEI and the proportion of suitable habitat at sites were greater in pools relative to riffle habitats and declined from July to October, primarily due to a decline in temperature over the four months. Cutthroat trout biomass was significantly related to NEI and the proportion of suitable habitat at a site. Model simulations indicated that climate change might reduce habitat quality for small-bodied trout, while extending the growing season for larger fish. Increased food abundance provided only marginal changes to model outcomes, whereas reductions in food significantly reduced habitat quality.
Intra- and intergenomic chromosome pairings revealed by dual-color GISH in trigenomic hybrids ofBrassica junceaandB. carinatawithB. maurorum
Authors: Yao X. C. , Du X. Z. , Ge X. H. , Chen J. P. , Li Z. Y.
Published: January 2010

From dual-color genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) analysis of three trigenomic hybrids, Brassica maurorum (MM, 2n = 16) × B. juncea (AABB, 2n = 36) (M.AB), B. maurorum × B. carinata (BBCC, 2n = 34) (M.BC), and B. carinata × B. maurorum (BC.M), the three genomes of each hybrid were distinguished and autosyndesis and allosyndesis were evaluated. In M.AB, up to two autosyndetic bivalents occurred among the chromosomes of each genome; a maximum of three allosyndetic bivalents appeared between A-B, A-M, and B-M genomes. The similar pairings in M.BC and BC.M suggested that the cytoplasm of B. maurorum or B. carinata had no obvious effect on chromosome pairing. In M.BC and BC.M, a maximum of one autosyndetic bivalent was found for B and M genomes, but two were found for the C genome; from 0 to 2 allosyndetic bivalents were observed between B-C, B-M, and C-M genomes. The B-M allosyndesis frequency was higher than the A-M or C-M allosyndesis frequency in these hybrids, revealing the closer relationship of B and M genomes. The allosyndesis frequency was higher than the autosyndesis frequency among A, B, and C genomes in these combinations, suggesting that intergenomic homoeology was higher than intragenomic homoeology. The implications for genome evolution and crop breeding are discussed.
Identification and molecular characterization of a sex chromosome rearrangement causing a soft and pliable (spli) larval body phenotype in the silkworm,Bombyx mori
Authors: Fujii Tsuguru , Kuwazaki Seigo , Yamamoto Kimiko , Abe Hiroaki , Ohnuma Akio , Katsuma Susumu , Mita Kazuei , Shimada Toru
Published: January 2010

We carried out genetic and cytogenetic analyses of X-ray-induced deleterious Z chromosomes that result in a soft and pliable (spli) phenotype in the silkworm, Bombyx mori . In a B. mori strain with a spli phenotype, we found the Z chromosome broken between the sch (1–21.5) and od (1–49.6) loci. We also found a chromosomal fragment bearing a fifth-chromosome locus for egg and eye pigmentation fused to a Z chromosome fragment. By means of fluorescence in situ hybridization using bacterial artificial chromosome clones as probes, we confirmed that the fused chromosome is composed of a fragment of chromosome 5 and a fragment of the Z chromosome. Moreover, a predicted gene, GA002017, the Bombyx ortholog of the Drosophila gene acj6 (Bmacj6), was completely deleted by the Z chromosome breakage event. The relationship between Bmacj6 and the spli phenotype is discussed.
Fat-free mass and gender influences the rapid-phase excess postexercise oxygen consumption
Authors: Lamont Linda S. , Romito Rochelle , Rossi Karin
Published: January 2010

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of gender dimorphism and body composition on postexercise oxygen consumption during the rapid recovery phase. We compared the rapid-phase excess postexercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) in men and women matched for age (32.1 years), physical activity status, and maximal oxygen consumption (44.7 mL·kg–1·min–1), but not for body mass or fat-free mass (FFM). All subjects exercised for 1 h at 50% of their peak capacity. Although there were differences between genders in the magnitude of the absolute oxygen consumption and EPOC during the rapid phase of recovery, there were no differences found when EPOC was corrected for FFM. We conclude that the gender differences in the absolute O2 consumption and EPOC are related to the size of the FFM.
Applying the Meiorin Decision requirements to the fitness test for correctional officer applicants; examining adverse impact and accommodation
Authors: Jamnik Veronica K. , Thomas Scott G. , Gledhill Norman
Published: January 2010

The fitness test for correctional officer applicants (FITCO) was constructed a priori to conform to requirements established by the Meiorin Decision of the Supreme Court of Canada. A critical obligation from this decision is to determine whether the FITCO has the potential of adverse impact on any subpopulation of applicants and, if so, whether it is possible to provide accommodation. The FITCO pass rate was 28.6% for 56 women and 72.7% for 22 men, which indicates adverse impact on the female applicants. There was no specific adverse impact on minority applicants. To evaluate training as accommodation for adverse impact, a subgroup of 40 females and 8 males engaged in a 6-week FITCO-specific training program with pre-FITCO and post-FITCO performance evaluations. Over the 6 weeks, the overall FITCO pass rate of the females improved to 82.5%, whereas the pass rate of the males improved to 100%, indicating that the training program removed the adverse impact that the FITCO had on the females. We conclude that although the FITCO is likely to have an adverse impact on female correctional officer applicants, a 6-week FITCO-specific training program can provide the accommodation necessary to overcome the potential adverse impact, and the FITCO meets all the requirements established by the Supreme Court of Canada’s Meiorin Decision.
The effect of training volume and intensity on competitive cyclists’ efficiency
Authors: Hopker James , Coleman Damian , Passfield Louis , Wiles Jonathan
Published: January 2010

The impact of different intensity training on cycling efficiency in competitive cyclists is unknown. Twenty-nine endurance-trained competitive male cyclists completed 3 laboratory visits during a 12-week training period. At each visit, their cycling efficiency and maximal oxygen uptake were determined. After the first visit, cyclists were randomly split into 2 groups (A and B). Over the first 6 weeks, between tests 1 and 2, group A was prescribed specific high-intensity training sessions, whereas group B was restricted in the amount of intensive work undertaken. After test 2 and for the second 6-week period, group B was allowed to conduct high-intensity training. Gross efficiency (GE) increased in group A (+1.6 ± 1.4%; p < 0.05) following the high-intensity training, whereas no significant change was seen in group B (+0.1 ± 0.7%; p > 0.05). Group B cyclists increased their GE between tests 2 and 3 (+1.4 ± 0.8%; p < 0.05) but no changes in GE were observed in group A over this period (+0.4 ± 0.4%; p > 0.05). Delta efficiency (DE) did not change significantly in either group across the study period. This study demonstrates that GE is increased following high-intensity training in competitive male cyclists after 12 weeks.
What I always wanted to know about instability training
Authors: Fowles Jonathon R.
Published: January 2010

A very popular mode of training in recent years has been the use of instability devices and exercises to train the core musculature. Instability training is viewed by many as the most effective way to train the core; however, evidence on this topic paints a slightly different picture. An extensive review of the literature by Behm et al. 2010 (Appl. Physiol. Metab. Nutr. 35(1): 91–108) identified the fact that instability training can increase core muscle activation, but it may not be the best choice in all situations. Unstable training can reduce overall muscular power output, which may have important implications if the goal of a given training program is to maximize the output or physiological stress on a given muscle, as is the case in certain types of athletic training or in certain clinical exercise situations. Nevertheless, the balance of this evidence leads to the recommendations in the position stand (Behm et al. 2010, Appl. Physiol. Metab. Nutr. 35(1): 109–112) that instability training can play an important role as part of an overall periodized program for an athlete, as part of a rehabilitation program in recovery from injury, or as an interesting and novel training mode for the general population in pursuit of musculoskeletal health benefits who may not have access to or want to complete more intensive free-weight training programs. More research is needed to establish the effectiveness of instability training in preventing injury in sports, enhancing on-field sport performance, or for use in various clinical situations outside of rehabilitation for low back pain.
ATP-bound form of the D1 AAA domain inhibits an essential function of Cdc48p/p97This paper is one of a selection of papers published in this special issue entitled 8th International Conference on AAA Proteins and has undergone the Journal's usual peer review process.
Authors: Esaki Masatoshi , Ogura Teru
Published: January 2010

Cdc48p/p97 is a highly conserved essential AAA protein that is required for many cellular processes, and is identified as a causative gene for an autosomal dominant human disorder, inclusion body myopathy associated with Paget’s disease of the bone and frontotemporal dementia (IBMPFD). Cdc48p/p97 is composed of an N-terminal domain, followed by two AAA domains (D1 and D2) whose ATPase activities have been characterized extensively. In this study, effects of mutations on the essential functions of yeast Cdc48p/p97 in vivo were systematically analyzed. IBMPFD-related mutations do not affect the essential functions of Cdc48p/p97. Loss of ATPase activity of D2 leads to loss of function of the protein in vivo. In contrast, ATPase activity of D1 per se is not essential, but a mutation locking D1 in an ATP-bound form is exceptionally lethal. Site-directed and random mutagenesis analyses suggest that the ATP-bound form of D1 changes an inter-domain interaction, thereby perturbing an essential function of Cdc48p/p97.
Rvb1–Rvb2: essential ATP-dependent helicases for critical complexesThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this special issue entitled 8th International Conference on AAA Proteins and has undergone the Journal's usual peer review process.
Authors: Huen Jennifer , Kakihara Yoshito , Ugwu Francisca , Cheung Kevin L. Y. , Ortega Joaquin , Houry Walid A.
Published: January 2010

Rvb1 and Rvb2 are highly conserved, essential AAA+ helicases found in a wide range of eukaryotes. The versatility of these helicases and their central role in the biology of the cell is evident from their involvement in a wide array of critical cellular complexes. Rvb1 and Rvb2 are components of the chromatin-remodeling complexes INO80, Swr-C, and BAF. They are also members of the histone acetyltransferase Tip60 complex, and the recently identified R2TP complex present in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Homo sapiens; a complex that is involved in small nucleolar ribonucleoprotein (snoRNP) assembly. Furthermore, in humans, Rvb1 and Rvb2 have been identified in the URI prefoldin-like complex. In Drosophila, the Polycomb Repressive complex 1 contains Rvb2, but not Rvb1, and the Brahma complex contains Rvb1 and not Rvb2. Both of these complexes are involved in the regulation of growth and development genes in Drosophila. Rvbs are therefore crucial factors in various cellular processes. Their importance in chromatin remodeling, transcription regulation, DNA damage repair, telomerase assembly, mitotic spindle formation, and snoRNP biogenesis is discussed in this review.
Structural and functional implications of phosphorylation and acetylation in the regulation of the AAA+ protein p97This paper is one of a selection of papers published in this special issue entitled 8th International Conference on AAA Proteins and has undergone the Journal's usual peer review process.
Authors: Ewens Caroline A. , Kloppsteck Patrik , Förster Andreas , Zhang Xiaodong , Freemont Paul S.
Published: January 2010

p97, also known as VCP (valosin-containing protein), is a hexameric AAA+ ATPase that participates in a variety of cellular processes. It is believed that p97 mediates these processes through the binding of various adaptor proteins. Many factors govern adaptor binding and the regulatory mechanisms are not yet well understood. Sites of phosphorylation and acetylation on p97 have been identified and such post-translational modifications may be involved in regulating p97 function. Phosphorylation and, to a lesser extent, acetylation of p97 have been shown to modify its properties — for example, by modulating adaptor binding and directing subcellular localization. These modifications have been implicated in a number of p97-mediated processes, including misfolded protein degradation, membrane fusion, and transcription factor activation. This review describes the known phosphorylation and acetylation sites on p97 and discusses their possible structural and functional implications.
Diverse functions of mitochondrial AAA+ proteins: protein activation, disaggregation, and degradationThis paper is one of a selection of papers published in this special issue entitled 8th International Conference on AAA Proteins and has undergone the Journal's usual peer review process.
Authors: Truscott Kaye N. , Lowth Bradley R. , Strack Philip R. , Dougan David A.
Published: January 2010

In eukaryotes, mitochondria are required for the proper function of the cell and as such the maintenance of proteins within this organelle is crucial. One class of proteins, collectively known as the AAA+ (ATPases associated with various cellular activities) superfamily, make a number of important contributions to mitochondrial protein homeostasis. In this organelle, they contribute to the maturation and activation of proteins, general protein quality control, respiratory chain complex assembly, and mitochondrial DNA maintenance and integrity. To achieve such diverse functions this group of ATP-dependent unfoldases utilize the energy from ATP hydrolysis to modulate the structure of proteins via unique domains and (or) associated functional components. In this review, we describe the current status of knowledge regarding the known mitochondrial AAA+ proteins and their role in this organelle.
Solid-state 27Al nuclear magnetic resonance investigation of three aluminum-centered dyes
Authors: Mroué Kamal H. , Emwas Abdul-Hamid M. , Power William P.
Published: January 2010

We report the first solid-state 27Al NMR study of three aluminum phthalocyanine dyes: aluminum phthalocyanine chloride, AlPcCl (1); aluminum-1,8,15,22-tetrakis(phenylthio)-29H,31H-phthalocyanine chloride, AlPc(SPh)4Cl (2); and aluminum-2,3-naphthalocyanine chloride, AlNcCl (3). Each of these compounds contains Al3+ ions coordinating to four nitrogen atoms and a chlorine atom. Solid-state 27Al NMR spectra, including multiple-quantum magic-angle spinning (MQMAS) spectra and quadrupolar Carr–Purcell–Meiboom–Gill (QCPMG) spectra of stationary powdered samples have been acquired at multiple high magnetic field strengths (11.7, 14.1, and 21.1 T) to determine their composition and number of aluminum sites, which were analyzed to extract detailed information on the aluminum electric field gradient (EFG) and nuclear magnetic shielding tensors. The quadrupolar parameters for each 27Al site were determined from spectral simulations, with quadrupolar coupling constants (CQ) ranging from 5.40 to 10.0 MHz and asymmetry parameters (η) ranging from 0.10 to 0.50, and compared well with the results of quantum chemical calculations of these tensors. We also report the largest 27Al chemical shielding anisotropy (CSA), with a span of 120 ± 10 ppm, observed directly in a solid material. The combination of MQMAS and computational predictions are used to interpret the presence of multiple aluminum sites in two of the three samples.
Antimuscarinic action of doxorubicin does not involve free-radical formation in isolated guinea pig hearts
Authors: Sasaki Takushi , Ueno Shunji , Hara Yukio , Uchide Tsuyoshi , Temma Kyosuke
Published: January 2010

It has been proposed that the cardiotoxicity of anthracycline anticancer drugs involves free-radical formation. One early manifestation of toxicity appears to be caused by the antimuscarinic actions of these drugs. Accordingly, we examined whether the antimuscarinic action of one of these drugs, doxorubicin, is altered by antioxidants. In electrically stimulated left atrial muscle preparations obtained from guinea pig hearts, doxorubicin significantly increased the tissue concentration of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance indicating increased lipid peroxidation. This effect of doxorubicin was significantly suppressed by the antioxidants α-tocopherol, dexrazoxane, and epigallocatechin gallate. Carbachol produced a concentration-dependent negative inotropic effect in our atrial preparations. Doxorubicin caused a seemingly parallel rightward shift of the concentration–response curve for carbachol. Neither α-tocopherol, dexrazoxane, nor epigallocatechin gallate reversed this effect of doxorubicin. The results indicate that in extirpated heart tissue, doxorubicin causes lipid peroxidation through the formation of free radicals. However, this effect of doxorubicin is unrelated to its antimuscarinic action.
Antidiabetic properties of purified polysaccharide fromHedysarum polybotrys
Authors: Hu Fangdi , Li Xiaodong , Zhao Lianggong , Feng Shilan , Wang Chunming
Published: January 2010

Hedysarum polybotrys polysaccharide (HPS) is the principal active fraction responsible for the antidiabetic properties of this species. The aim of this study was to determine the antidiabetic properties of 4 purified fractions of different molecular weight range HPSs (HPS1, HPS2, HPS3, HPS4). HPS3 was selected for examination of its hypoglycemic mechanism because of its significant hypoglycemic effect in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. The changes in blood glucose levels and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) showed that hypoglycemia was more pronounced in HPS3-treated groups than in the diabetes mellitus model (DM) control group. The interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, leptin, and free fatty acid levels were significantly lower in the HPS3-treated groups and HPS3 + metformin (HPS3+MET) group than in the DM control group, while plasma insulin, hepatic glycogen, superoxide dismutase, and nitric oxide synthetase activity were significantly higher. Treatment with HPS3 or HPS3+MET also significantly lowered malonaldehyde levels compared with the DM control group, while it elevated the nitric oxide and total antioxidant capacity. HPS3 altered the plasma lipid levels by lowering cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations, while elevating the plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. Therefore, these results suggest that HPS3 may partly ameliorate hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia associated with type 2 diabetes through increased insulin secretion, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, promotion of sensitivity to insulin, suppression of gluconeogenesis and reduction in the biosynthesis fatty acid, cholesterol and cell cytokines related to insulin resistance, and it could be a useful adjunct therapy to a proven first-line therapy for type 2 diabetes using metformin.
Microanatomy and bacterial flora of the perineal glands of the North American porcupine
Authors: Roze U. , Leung K. T. , Nix E. , Burton G. , Chapman D. M.
Published: January 2010

The perineal glands of the porcupine, Erethizon dorsatum (L., 1758), are sexually dimorphic, paired pockets sprouting osmetrichial hairs. They lie between the anus and urethra, lateral to the midline, amid a sebaceous glandular expanse. In their active state, the glandular pockets secrete an amber substance with a terpenoid odor. When inactive, the glands produce no stain or odor. In males, activation of the glands is associated with fully descended testes. The glandular pockets yield a microbiota (“microflora”) in both their active and inactive states. We hypothesize that the active-state microflora transforms a sebaceous secretion into a pheromonally active product that is disseminated by anal dragging. The glandular microflora was characterized by gas chromatography of bacterial fatty acid methyl esters (GC-FAME) and polymerase chain reaction – denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) of 16S ribosomal RNA gene fragments of bacteria. PCR-DGGE results showed the resulting bacteria profiles were the same in both sexes, but differed between the active and inactive states. Active-state microfloras were dominated by members of the Actinobacteria and showed greater coefficients of similarity than inactive-state microfloras. The microflora of individual animals changed with time and with secretory state. We argue for a reproductive role for the activated perineal glands.
EFFECT OF COSMIC STRING IN SPHERICALLY SYMMETRIC BLACK HOLE ON THE DIRAC PERTURBATION
Authors: SINI R. , VARGHESE NIJO , KURIAKOSE V. C.
Published: January 2010

The effect of cosmic string on the quasinormal modes (QNMs) of massless Dirac field perturbations were studied in different black hole spacetimes. Quasi-normal mode frequencies of massless Dirac field in Schwarzschild, RN extremal, SdS and near extremal SdS black hole spacetimes with cosmic string are obtained using WKB approximation. Our study shows a clear deviation in QNMs due to presence of cosmic string from those in the absence of string. The influence of cosmic string coded in the form of an increase in the oscillation frequency and damping time of QNMs.
A NEW SYSTEMATIC METHOD FOR EFFICIENTLY SOLVING HOLONOMIC (AND NONHOLONOMIC) CONSTRAINT PROBLEMS
Authors: GREGORY JOHN
Published: January 2010

A new systematic approach to holonomic constraint is presented. By holonomic we mean a constraint problem in the calculus of variations/optimal control theory where the constraints are independent of the derivative of the dependent variable. It is seen that these new methods follow from a general theory of constraint optimization previously given by the author. A major, new emphasis of this work is the necessity of properly handling the boundary values of our introduced variables.

The author's previous theory allows the solution of a wide variety of general or anholonomic problems which include those identified with the areas of control, delay, stochastic, and partial differential equations in the sense that simpler constraint problems in these areas can be solved exactly by analytical means while more complex problems can be solved by efficient numerical algorithms with an a priori maximal error of O(h2), where h is the node size. Thus, our methods in this paper are immediately applicable to holonomic problems in these other diverse areas.

While our new results do not involve a significant formal mathematical jump from the author's previous theory of constraint optimization, the treatment of boundary values is significant and of note. For this reason we will give several examples to illustrate these ideas. Finally, we illustrate how our methods can be used to solve a wide variety of meaningful holonomic constraint or generalized coordinate problems in the study of dynamics/classical mechanics, using the simple pendulum problem as an example.
A SPARSE GREEDY SELF-ADAPTIVE ALGORITHM FOR CLASSIFICATION OF DATA
Authors: SRIVASTAVA ANKUR , MEADE ANDREW J.
Published: January 2010

Kernels have become an integral part of most data classification algorithms. However, the kernel parameters are generally not optimized during learning. In this work a novel adaptive technique called Sequential Function Approximation (SFA) has been developed for classification that determines the values of the control and kernel hyper-parameters during learning. This tool constructs sparse radial basis function networks in a greedy fashion. Experiments were carried out on synthetic and real-world data sets where SFA had comparable performance to other popular classification schemes with parameters optimized by an exhaustive grid search.
FORECASTING THE AIR TRAFFIC FOR NORTH-EAST INDIAN CITIES
Authors: MALLIKARJUNA C. , RAGHU KANTH S. T. G.
Published: January 2010

In this article, a new strategy for modeling and forecasting the air traffic data series is presented. The empirical mode decomposition technique is used to decompose the monthly air traffic time series into finite number of intrinsic modes. This helps in identifying the last empirical mode as a trend and the summation of remaining modes as the fluctuation in the data. The fluctuation part is handled by artificial neural network (ANN) techniques, whereas the trend is amenable for modeling through simple regression concepts. It is found that the proposed model explains 46–89% of the variability of five air traffic time series considered here. The model is efficient in statistical forecasting of air traffic as verified on an independent subset of the data series.
NOISE-MODULATED EMPIRICAL MODE DECOMPOSITION
Authors: TSUI PO-HSIANG , CHANG CHIEN-CHENG , HUANG NORDEN E.
Published: January 2010

The empirical mode decomposition (EMD) is the core of the Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT). In HHT, the EMD is responsible for decomposing a signal into intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) for calculating the instantaneous frequency and eventually the Hilbert spectrum. The EMD method as originally proposed, however, has an annoying mode mixing problem caused by the signal intermittency, making the physical interpretation of each IMF component unclear. To resolve this problem, the ensemble EMD (EEMD) was subsequently developed. Unlike the conventional EMD, the EEMD defines the true IMF components as the mean of an ensemble of trials, each consisting of the signal with added white noise of finite, not infinitesimal, amplitude. In this study, we further proposed an extension and alternative to EEMD designated as the noise-modulated EMD (NEMD). NEMD does not eliminate mode but intensify and amplify mixing by suppressing the small amplitude signal but the larger signals would be preserved without waveform deformation. Thus, NEMD may serve as a new adaptive threshold amplitude filtering. The principle, algorithm, simulations, and applications are presented in this paper. Some limitations and additional considerations of using the NEMD are also discussed.
Hemochromatosis and pregnancy: iron stores in the Hfe−/− mouse are not reduced by multiple pregnancies
Authors: Neves João Vilares , Olsson Ingrid Anna Sofia , Porto Graça , Rodrigues Pedro Nuno
Published: January 2010

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH), a widespread hereditary iron metabolism disorder, is characterized by an excessive absorption of dietary iron, resulting in increased body iron stores. Some studies indicate a sex difference in disease expression, with women showing a slower disease progression and a less severe clinical profile. This is usually attributed to iron loss during menstruation and pregnancy. However, this link has not been clearly demonstrated. The Hfe−/− mouse model recapitulates key aspects of HH, including an iron overload phenotype similar to that observed in human patients. In this study, we use it to test the impact of multiple pregnancies in the iron stores. One-year-old nulliparous and pluriparous (averaging 29 weaned pups per female) C57BL/6 (B6) and Hfe−/− mice were euthanized, and blood and tissues were collected. Several serological and erythroid parameters were evaluated, as well as tissue nonheme iron content and serum ferritin. Hepcidin 1, hepcidin 2, and bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP6) expressions in the liver were determined by real-time PCR. No significant differences were observed for many serological and erythroid parameters although differences occurred in transferrin saturation and mean corpuscular volume in Hfe−/− mice and total iron-binding capacity in B6 mice. Hepatic iron concentration was similar for nulliparous and pluriparous mice of both genotypes, but total iron per organ (liver, spleen, heart, and pancreas) was higher overall in pluriparous females than nulliparous. Hepcidin 1 and 2 and BMP6 expressions were significantly decreased in pluriparous females, when compared with nulliparous, in both genotypes. In conclusion, multiple pregnancies do not reduce body iron stores in Hfe−/− mice.
Modern approaches for investigating epigenetic signaling pathways
Authors: Evertts Adam G. , Zee Barry M. , Garcia Benjamin A.
Published: January 2010

Epigenetics is increasingly being recognized as a central component of physiological processes as diverse as obesity and circadian rhythms. Primarily acting through DNA methylation and histone posttranslational modifications, epigenetic pathways enable both short- and long-term transcriptional activation and silencing, independently of the underlying genetic sequence. To more quantitatively study the molecular basis of epigenetic regulation in physiological processes, the present review informs the latest techniques to identify and compare novel DNA methylation marks and combinatorial histone modifications across different experimental conditions, and to localize both DNA methylation and histone modifications over specific genomic regions.
Raf-1 Kinase Regulates Smooth Muscle Contraction in the Rat Mesenteric Arteries
Authors: Sathishkumar Kunju , Yallampalli Uma , Elkins Rebekah , Yallampalli Chandra
Published: January 2010

We investigated the potential role of Raf-1 kinase in mesenteric arterial contraction. Inhibitors of Raf-1 kinase, GW5074, L779450 and ZM 336372 reversed phenylephrine (PE)-induced mesenteric vascular contraction. Studies in vivo in rats showed that GW5074 inhibited PE-induced increase in mean arterial pressure in adult female Sprague-Dawley rats. Isometric tension studies in mesenteric arteries of rats showed that GW5074 did not change the KCl-evoked contraction but significantly inhibited the contractions to PE, 5-HT, U46619, endothelin 1, angiotensin II and phorbol 12, 13-dibutyrate (PDBu). In mesenteric vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), PE stimulated increase in Raf-1 phosphorylation which was inhibited by GW5074. Measurement of [Ca2+]i with Fura-2 showed that GW5074-mediated inhibition of PE-induced contraction was not associated with decreases in [Ca2+]i. VSMCs treated with PE exhibited higher levels of the contractile proteins, p-MYPT1 and p-MLC20, which was inhibited by GW5074. Similarly, PDBu induced increases in phosphorylation of Raf-1, MLC20 and MYPT1 and this was inhibited by GW5074. However, GW5074 did not have any significant effect on PE/PDBu-induced MEK/ERK activation. The results indicate that Raf-1 kinase plays an important role in the regulation of vascular contractility through regulation of calcium sensitization.
Overview of Amphetamine-Type Stimulant Mortality Data – UK, 1997–2007
Authors: Schifano Fabrizio , Corkery John , Naidoo Vinesha , Oyefeso Adenekan , Ghodse Hamid
Published: January 2010

Background/Aims: Despite being amphetamine derivatives, MDMA and its analogues show a number of clinical pharmacological differences with respect to both amphetamine (AMP) and methylamphetamine (METH). We aimed here at reporting and analysing information relating to the socio-demographics and clinical circumstances of the AMP-type stimulant-related deaths for the whole of the UK. Methods: Data (1997–2007) were taken from the National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths (np-SAD) database, collecting information from UK coroners/procurators fiscal. To calculate rates of fatalities per 100,000 users, appropriate AMP/METH and ecstasy users’ numbers were taken from the 2001–2007 British Crime Survey. Results: Overall, 832 AMP/METH- and 605 ecstasy (mostly MDMA and methylenedioxyamphetamine/MDA)-related deaths were respectively identified. In comparison with AMP/METH victims, the ecstasy ones were more likely to be younger (28.3 vs. 32.7 years; p < 0.0001) and less likely to be known as drug users (PR = 1.9; CI 1.5–2.6). Ecstasy was more likely to be identified on its own than AMP/METH (p = 0.0192). Contributory factors were more frequently mentioned by coroners in the ‘AMP/METH-only’ (106 cases) group than in the ‘ecstasy-only’ (104 cases) one (p = 0.0043). Both poly- and monodrug AMP/METH fatalities per 100,000 16- to 59-year-old users were significantly more represented than ecstasy fatalities (respectively 17.87 ± 4.77 deaths vs. 10.89 ± 1.27; p = 0.000; 2.09 ± 0.88 vs. 1.75 ± 0.56; p = 0.0096). However, mono-intoxication ecstasy fatalities per 100,000 16- to 24-year-old users were significantly more represented than AMP/METH fatalities (1.67 ± 0.52 vs. 0.8 ± 0.65; p = 0.0007). Conclusion: With respect to AMP/METH, ecstasy was here more typically identified in victims who were young, healthy, and less likely to be known as drug users. AMP/METH high mortality rates may be explained by users’ high levels of physical co-morbidity; excess ecstasy-related fatality rates in young users may be a reason for concern. Although the coroners’ response rate was of 90–95%, study limitations include both reporting inconsistency over time and lack of routine information on drug intake levels prior to death.
ABCG1 Deficiency in Mice Promotes Endothelial Activation and Monocyte–Endothelial Interactions
Authors: Whetzel Angela M. , Sturek Jeffrey M. , Nagelin Melissa H. , Bolick David T. , Gebre Abraham K. , Parks John S. , Bruce Anthony C. , Skaflen Marcus D. , Hedrick Catherine C.
Published: January 2010

Objective—

Activated endothelium and increased monocyte–endothelial interactions in the vessel wall are key early events in atherogenesis. ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporters play important roles in regulating sterol homeostasis in many cell types. Endothelial cells (EC) have a high capacity to efflux sterols and express the ABC transporter, ABCG1. Here, we define the role of ABCG1 in the regulation of lipid homeostasis and inflammation in aortic EC.

Methods and Results—

Using EC isolated from ABCG1-deficient mice (ABCG1 KO), we observed reduced cholesterol efflux to high-density lipoprotein compared to C57BL/6 (B6) EC. However, total cholesteryl ester levels were not changed in ABCG1 KO EC. Secretions of KC, MCP-1, and IL-6 by ABCG1 KO EC were significantly increased, and surface expressions of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and E-selectin were increased several-fold on ABCG1 KO EC. Concomitant with these findings, we observed a 4-fold increase in monocyte adhesion to the intact aortic endothelium of ABCG1 KO mice ex vivo and to isolated aortic EC from these mice in vitro. In a gain-of-function study in vitro, restoration of ABCG1 expression in ABCG1 KO EC reduced monocyte–endothelial interactions. Utilizing pharmacological inhibitors for STAT3 and the IL-6 receptor, we found that blockade of STAT3 and IL-6 receptor signaling in ABCG1 KO EC completely abrogated monocyte adhesion to ABCG1 KO endothelium.

Conclusion—

ABCG1 deficiency in aortic endothelial cells activates endothelial IL-6–IL-6 receptor–STAT3 signaling, thereby increasing monocyte–endothelial interactions and vascular inflammation.
Nutrient Modification of the Innate Immune Response
Authors: Schwartz Eric A. , Zhang Wei-Yang , Karnik Sheetal K. , Borwege Sabine , Anand Vijay R. , Laine Phyllis S. , Su Yali , Reaven Peter D.
Published: January 2010

Objective—

Monocyte/macrophage inflammation is an important contributor to diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Studies have suggested saturated fatty acids (SFA) induce monocyte inflammation in a Toll-like receptor-4–dependent manner, but recent data suggest SFA do not directly interact with Toll-like receptor-4. The present study tests the novel hypothesis that metabolism of SFA cooperatively amplifies Toll-like receptor-4–mediated inflammation.

Methods and Results—

THP-1 monocytes exposed to 100 μmol/L SFA in vitro for 16 hours followed by 1 ng/mL lipopolysaccharide demonstrated enhanced IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA and protein expression (≈3-fold higher than the sum of individual responses to SFA and lipopolysaccharide). SFA had similar effects on THP-1 macrophages and primary human monocytes. This amplified lipopolysaccharide response could be blocked by inhibition of SFA metabolism to ceramide and restored by cell-permeable ceramide. Both SFA and ceramide activated PKC-ζ and the mitogen-activated protein kinases Erk, JNK, and p38. Inhibition of these pathways prevented the SFA-induced increase in cytokine expression.

Conclusion—

These results provide evidence for potent amplification of monocyte/macrophage innate immune responses by a novel pathway requiring metabolism of SFA to ceramide and activation of PKC-ζ/mitogen-activated protein kinases. These findings demonstrate how nutrient excess may modulate innate immune system activation and possibly contribute to development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Pathological Neovascularization Is Reduced by Inactivation of ADAM17 in Endothelial Cells but Not in Pericytes
Authors: Weskamp Gisela , Mendelson Karen , Swendeman Steve , Le Gall Sylvain , Ma Yan , Lyman Stephen , Hinoki Akinari , Eguchi Satoru , Guaiquil Victor , Horiuchi Keisuke , Blobel Carl P.
Published: January 2010

Rationale:

Pathological neovascularization is a critical component of diseases such as proliferative retinopathies, cancer and rheumatoid arthritis, yet much remains to be learned about the underlying causes. Previous studies showed that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A activates the membrane-anchored metalloproteinase ADAM17 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17) in endothelial cells, thereby stimulating crosstalk between VEGF receptor 2 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase. These findings raised interesting questions about the role of ADAM17 in angiogenesis and neovascularization in vivo.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to inactivate ADAM17 in endothelial cells or in pericytes to determine how this affects developmental angiogenesis, pathological retinal neovascularization and heterotopic tumor growth.

Methods and Results:

We generated animals in which floxed ADAM17 was removed by Tie2-Cre in endothelial cells, or by smooth muscle (sm) Cre in smooth muscle cells and pericytes. There were no evident developmental defects in either conditional knockout strain, but pathological retinal neovascularization and growth of heterotopically injected tumor cells was reduced in
Adam17flox/flox/Tie2-Cre
mice, although not in
Adam17flox/flox/sm-Cre
mice. Moreover, lack of ADAM17 in endothelial cells decreased ex vivo chord formation, and this could be largely restored by addition of the ADAM17 substrate HB-EGF (heparin-binding epidermal growth factor–like growth factor). Finally we found that ADAM17 is important for the VEGF receptor 2 stimulated processing of several receptors with known functions in endothelial cell biology.

Conclusions:

These results provide the first evidence for a role for ADAM17 in pathological neovascularization in vivo. Because ADAM17 does not appear to be required for normal developmental angiogenesis or vascular homeostasis, it could emerge as a good target for treatment of pathological neovascularization.
The Evolution of Class Inequality in Higher Education
Authors: Alon Sigal
Published: January 2010

This study develops a comprehensive theoretical framework regarding the evolution of the class divide in postsecondary education. I conceptualize three prototypes of class inequality—effectively maintained, declining, and expanding—and associate their emergence with the level of competition in college admissions. I also unearth the twin mechanisms, exclusion and adaptation, that link class hierarchy to a highly stratified postsecondary system in an allegedly meritocratic environment. Intra- and inter-cohort comparisons reveal that while the class divide regarding enrollment and access to selective postsecondary schooling is ubiquitous, it declines when competition for slots in higher education is low and expands during periods of high competition. In such a regime of effectively expanding inequality (EEI), a greater emphasis on a certain selection criterion (like test scores) in admission decisions—required to sort the influx of applicants—is bolstered by class-based polarization vis-à-vis this particular criterion. This vicious cycle of exclusion and adaptation intensifies and expedites the escalation of class inequality. The results show that adaptation is more effective than exclusion in expanding class inequality in U.S. higher education.
Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Pernicova Ida , Garg Scot , Bourantas Christos V. , Alamgir Farqad , Hoye Angela
Published: January 2010

Although takotsubo cardiomyopathy is a rare entity, it is an important differential in patients presenting with symptoms, signs, and electrocardiographic changes suggestive of an acute myocardial infarction. Since it was first recognized in 1991, it has gained increasing attention worldwide; however, its etiology and consequently the optimal management still remains unclear. Here, the authors provide a review of the current literature accompanied with images of a typical case from our department.
Can Statins Suppress the Development of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms? A Review of the Current Evidence
Authors: Saratzis Athanasios , Kitas George D. , Saratzis Nikolaos , Melas Nikolaos
Published: January 2010

Statins possess several pleiotropic effects and have been shown in vitro and in vivo to inhibit the expression of inflammatory mediators and downregulate molecules involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Recent observational studies in humans suggest that statins may have a role in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) prevention or may even inhibit aneurysm expansion. In this review, we summarize the effects of statins on the vessel wall of aneurysmal aortas and currently available data concerning their inhibitory effects on aneurysm progression.
The Gender Gap in Alcohol Consumption during Late Adolescence and Young Adulthood: Gendered Attitudes and Adult Roles
Authors: Christie-Mizell C. André , Peralta Robert L.
Published: January 2010

We utilize data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth young adult sample (N = 1,488) to investigate whether gender role attitudes and the occupation of and transition to three adult roles (i.e., employment, marriage, and parenthood) contribute to the maintenance of the gender gap in the frequency and quantity of alcohol use. Our results indicate that traditional gender role attitudes are related to less frequent drinking for both men and women, but role attitudes are not associated with the number of drinks consumed. We also find that employment and transitions to employment increase the frequency and quantity of drinking, but less so for women compared to men. Furthermore, marriage, parenthood, and transitions to parenthood are related to less frequent drinking for women only. In terms of the number of drinks consumed, only employment and transitions to employment distinguish men and women. Employment is related to increased quantity of drinking for men, but decreased drinking for women, while transitions to employment have no effect on men, but do decrease the amount of drinking for women. Marriage decreases the number of drinks consumed equally for both men and women.
Perceived Ethnic Discrimination versus Acculturation Stress: Influences on Substance Use among Latino Youth in the Southwest
Authors: Kulis Stephen , Marsiglia Flavio Francisco , Nieri Tanya
Published: January 2010

Using a predominately Mexican-origin Latino sample of 5th grade students from the Southwestern United States, this study examined the relative effects of perceived discrimination and acculturation stress on substance use, and it assessed whether these effects were moderated by linguistic acculturation or time in the United States. Although rates of substance use were generally low in the sample, given the young age of the participants, over half (59%) of the sample perceived some discrimination, and almost half (47%) experienced some acculturation stress. Spanish-dominant and bilingual youth perceived more discrimination than English-dominant youth, whereas youth who have been in the United States five or fewer years perceived more discrimination than youth with more time in the United States. Youth who were Spanish-dominant or were recent arrivals experienced the most acculturation stress, with levels declining as linguistic acculturation and time in the United States increased. Multiple regression estimates indicated that perceived discrimination was associated with larger amounts and higher frequency of recent substance use and an array of substance use attitudes, such as stronger intentions to use substances, espousal of pro-drug norms, more positive substance use expectancies, and peer approval of substance use. Although acculturation stress was not associated with substance use, it was positively associated with several substance use attitudes, which are known antecedents of actual use. With a few exceptions, linguistic acculturation and time in the United States did not moderate the effects of perceived discrimination or acculturation stress.
Living Arrangements, Social Integration, and Loneliness in Later Life: The Case of Physical Disability
Authors: Russell David
Published: January 2010

Despite the theoretical linkages between household composition and social integration, relatively limited research has considered how living arrangements affect risk for loneliness in later life. Prior work has also failed to consider whether physical disability moderates this potentially important relationship. Using data from a sample of older adults with and without a physical disability (N = 868), this study aims to (1) document variations in loneliness across living arrangements, (2) assess whether any observed association varies by physical disability status, and (3) evaluate the mediating role of social integration and social support. Results reveal that those living alone or with people other than a spouse (children, extended family members) report greater loneliness than those living with a spouse. However, the magnitude of these differences is greater for older adults with a physical disability. Measures of social integration and social support attenuated, but did not fully explain, inter-household variations in loneliness. These findings point to the independent significance of living arrangements for experiences of loneliness in later life among both disabled and nondisabled adults.
Adaptive Neuro-fuzzy Inference System with Subtractive Clustering: A Model to Predict Fiber and Yarn Relationship
Authors: Lalita Sunil Admuthe  , Apte Shaila
Published: January 2010

The spinning process is an important process in the Textile Industry. The yarn (output) coming out of the spinning process has a unique relationship with the input fibers. The input and output properties show a non-linear relationship between them. Many techniques, such as multiple regression, Artificial Neural Network (ANN) model, etc, have been used in an attempt to develop the said relation. In this paper, the Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), combined with subtractive clustering, is used to predict yarn properties. The ANFIS technique is evaluated for different datasets and its performance is compared with the ANN model.