bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vertebral body innervation: Implications for pain
Authors: Buonocore Michelangelo , Aloisi Anna Maria , Barbieri Massimo , Gatti Anna Maria , Bonezzi Cesare
Published: December 2009

Vertebral fractures often cause intractable pain. To define the involvement of vertebral body innervation in pain, we collected specimens from male and female patients during percutaneous kyphoplasty, a procedure used for reconstruction of the vertebral body. Specimens were taken from 31 patients (9 men and 22 women) suffering high‐intensity pain before surgery. In total, 1,876 histological preparations were obtained and analysed. Immunohistochemical techniques were used to locate the nerves in the specimens. The nerve fibres were labelled by indirect immunofluorescence with the primary antibody directed against Protein Gene Product 9.5 (PGP 9.5), a pan‐neuronal marker; another primary antibody directed against type IV collagen (Col IV) was used to identify vessels and to determine their relationship with vertebral nerve fibres. The mean percentage of samples in which it was possible to identify nerve fibres was 35% in men and 29% in women. The percentages varied depending on the spinal level considered and the sex of the subject, nerve fibres being mostly present around vessels (95%). In conclusion, there is scarce innervation of the vertebral bodies, with a clear prevalence of fibres located around vessels. It seems unlikely that this pattern of vertebral body innervation is involved in vertebral pain or in pain relief following kyphoplasty. J. Cell. Physiol. 222: 488–491, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Rapamycin and tacrolimus differentially modulate acute graft-versus-host disease in rats after liver transplantation
Authors: Xu Guodong , Wang Linyan , Chen Wei , Xue Fei , Bai Xueli , Liang Liang , Shen Xuning , Zhang Mangli , Xia Dajing , Liang Tingbo
Published: December 2009

Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is a serious complication of liver transplantation (LTx); it occurs in 1% to 2% of liver allograft recipients. The condition has a poor prognosis and poses major diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. A rat model of aGVHD after LTx has been developed, and a relative decrease in regulatory T (Treg) cells has been shown to be associated with this model. Interest has been expressed in the effects of different immunosuppressive agents on CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cell homeostasis. Rats with aGVHD after LTx were treated with tacrolimus (FK506), rapamycin (RAPA), or no immunosuppressive drug. Those that received RAPA survived longer (91.4 ± 8.1 days) than those in the FK506 group (62.3 ± 13.4 days) or the control group (22.9 ± 1.2 days). Flow cytometry analysis showed that Treg cells, as a percentage of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), were more abundant in the RAPA group (6.8% ± 0.8%) than in the FK506 group (1.7% ± 0.4%) or the control group (2.0% ± 0.4%). Immunohistochemistry demonstrated more Foxp3+ staining of intestinal cells in the RAPA group than in the FK506 group or the control group. In conclusion, the reduced mortality induced by RAPA in a rat model of aGVHD after LTx was associated with higher percentages of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells in PBMCs in blood and tissues than those occurring after the administration of FK506. Liver Transpl 16:357–363, 2010. © 2009 AASLD.
Improving Gene Delivery Efficiency of Bioreducible Poly(amidoamine)s via Grafting with Dendritic Poly(amidoamine)s
Authors: Xue Ya‐Nan , Liu Min , Peng Lin , Huang Shi‐Wen , Zhuo Ren‐Xi
Published: December 2009

Dendritic poly(amidoamine)s (PAMAM)s were introduced into the side chains of disulfide‐containing poly(amidoamine)s via repetitive Michael addition and amidation. The bioreducible poly(amidoamine)s grafted with dendritic polyamidoamines showed high buffer capacity, low cytotoxicity and strong DNA binding ability at low N/P ratio. They were able to condense DNA into small sized polycation/DNA complexes, which degraded and released the incorporated DNA under reductive conditions. In comparison to the original disulfide‐containing poly(amidoamine) with aminoethyl side chain, the grafting of the bioreducible poly(amidoamine) with dendrimer greatly improved the transfection efficiencies of 293T and HeLa cells with foreign DNA at various N/P ratios. The structure–gene delivery property relations of dendrimer‐grafted polycations will provide valuable insight into the design of highly efficient and less toxic polycationic gene carriers.

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Surface Interpenetrating Networks of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) and Polyamides for Effective Biocidal Properties
Authors: Liu Song , Zhao Nan , Rudenja Sergei
Published: December 2009

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fabrics were modified by diffusing vinyl amide monomers, divinyl crosslinker N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) and photoinitiator benzophenone (BP) into the surface of the PET substrate, which was swollen in a mutual solvent. Subsequent in situ photo‐polymerization resulted in the stable entrapment of the polyamides within the surface of the PET. The PET/polyamide systems produced by this technique were physically inseparable except by melting or dissolving PET. It is referred to as a sequential interpenetrating polymer network (IPN): thermoplastic semi‐IPN. Analyses of these materials by infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the successful incorporation of polyamide and revealed that the polyamide is also uniformly distributed along the PET yarns. Modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC) indicated a certain degree of phase‐mixed structure between PET and polyacrylamide, despite the thermodynamic incompatibility of two polymers, which could be induced to separate upon heating above the melting point of PET. These materials were stable upon Soxhlet extraction with distilled water for 72 h, and also with methanol for 24 more hours. After being converted to N‐halamine via chlorine bleaching, these materials can bring 100% reduction of the hospital acquired methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus within 10 min contact.

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Dihydroxyaluminum Carboxylate Nanoparticles With Narrow Size Distribution: Synthesis, Characterization and Use for High Optical Transparency Protective Polymeric Coatings
Authors: Khalil Hazem , Gläsel Hans‐Jürgen , Wennrich Luise , Prager Andrea , Buchmeiser Michael R.
Published: December 2009

Nano‐sized bis(dihydroxyaluminum)maleate particles (ALMAL) were prepared via a high‐temperature precipitation reaction from different Al‐alkoxides and maleic acid in different solvents. Variations in the reactants were carried out to identify the optimum reaction conditions that lead to particles <30 nm in diameter with narrow particle size distributions and without formation of a secondary amorphous phase. A disc centrifuge was used to characterize the particles in terms of particle size distribution. ALMAL‐containing, epoxy‐based nanocomposites were prepared with ALMAL‐loadings up to 30 wt.‐% and thermally cured. The cured coatings possessed excellent scratch and abrasion resistance, surface hardness and were highly transparent (T>95%). In order to study the effect of the nature of nanoparticles on the final properties of the coatings, aluminum malate (ALMALAT), and aluminum terephthalate (ALTEREPHTHAL) nanoparticles as well as the corresponding composite coatings were prepared and characterized. For comparison, surface‐modified silica nanoparticles were used to evaluate the mechanical and optical behavior of the produced nanocomposite coatings.

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Small, Stable, and Monodispersed Bubbles Encapsulated with Biopolymers
Authors: Park Jai Il , Tumarkin Ethan , Kumacheva Eugenia
Published: December 2009

A microfluidic route to producing small (<10 µm) bubbles with a narrow size distribution and long‐time (at least, up to one month) stability is reported. The bubbles are encapsulated with a protein‐polysaccharide shell. The strategy includes the following events, occurring in sequence: (i) a microfluidic generation of bubbles from a mixture of CO2 and a minute amount of gases with low solubility in water, in an aqueous solution of lysozyme and sodium alginate; (ii) the dissolution of CO2 leading to the shrinkage of bubbles and a local increase in acidity of the medium; (iii) the deposition of lysozyme at the gas–water interface triggered by the local decrease in pH; (iv) the deposition of alginate onto the lysozyme shell, due to the electrostatically driven complexation of alginate with lysozyme.

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Molecular analysis reveals a genetic basis for the phenotypic diversity of metaplastic breast carcinomas
Authors: Geyer Felipe C , Weigelt Britta , Natrajan Rachael , Lambros Maryou BK , de Biase Dario , Vatcheva Radost , Savage Kay , Mackay Alan , Ashworth Alan , Reis‐Filho Jorge S
Published: December 2009

Cancers may be composed of multiple populations of submodal clones sharing the same initiating genetic lesions, followed by the acquisition of divergent genetic hits. Intra‐tumour genetic heterogeneity has profound implications for cancer clinical management. To determine the extent of intra‐tumour genetic heterogeneity in breast cancers, and whether the morphological diversity of breast cancers is underpinned by divergent genetic aberrations, we analysed the genomic profiles of microdissected, morphologically distinct components of six metaplastic breast carcinomas, tumours characterized by the presence of morphological areas with divergent differentiation. Each morphologically distinct component was separately microdissected and subjected to high‐resolution microarray‐based comparative genomic hybridization. Each component was also analysed by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Clonal relationship between the distinct components was tested by TP53 sequencing and human androgen receptor (HUMARA) X‐chromosome inactivation assay. In the majority of cases, all morphologically distinct components from each case were clonal and displayed remarkably similar genetic profiles. In two cases, however, morphologically distinct components harboured specific genetic aberrations. In an adenosquamous carcinoma, the differences were such that only 20% of the genome harboured similar copy number changes. The squamous component displayed EGFR gene amplification, EGFR over‐expression and lack of expression of hormone receptors, whereas the lobular component displayed the reverse pattern. The components of a biphasic spindle cell carcinoma harboured similar gains, losses, amplifications of 9p23 and 17q12 (HER2) and identical TP53 mutations, suggesting that these were relatively early events in the development of this tumour; however, each component displayed divergent focal amplifications. Importantly, the metastatic deposit of this case, despite harbouring a TP53 mutation identical to that found in the primary tumour, harboured additional specific focal amplifications. This proof‐of‐principle study provides direct evidence of intra‐tumour genetic heterogeneity in breast cancers, and shows that in some cases morphological diversity may be underpinned by distinct genetic aberrations. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial microsimulation as a method for estimating different poverty rates in Australia
Authors: Tanton Robert
Published: December 2009

This paper uses spatial microsimulation to calculate small area poverty severity and headcount poverty in Australia using the Foster‐Greer‐Thorbeck method. The estimates of poverty severity across Australia, and for certain subgroups of the population, are then compared with headcount poverty rates. Areas of difference are highlighted, and the reasons for some of these differences are investigated further. Because the spatial microsimulation gives unit record data on incomes in each small area, we can compare the microsimulated income distributions for the small areas to see what drives the difference between headcount poverty and poverty severity.

We find that the headcount poverty rate is in the same quintile as poverty severity for 63% of people in Australia. The headcount poverty rate tends to be lower than poverty severity in areas where there is extreme poverty, and this is confirmed by looking at the microsimulated income distribution of areas where the differences were greater. This may be because poverty severity is giving greater weight to the extreme poor compared with headcount poverty. There were very few areas where the headcount poverty was higher than poverty severity.

Looking at older single people, the picture was very different. Only 36% of aged single people were in the same quintile. In many areas, the headcount poverty was much higher than poverty severity. Areas where the headcount poverty rate was higher than the poverty severity tended to be areas where there were a number of people very close to the poverty line, which is common for aged single people on a pension. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
International entrepreneurship: leveraging internal and external knowledge sources
Authors: Fernhaber Stephanie A. , Mcdougall‐Covin Patricia P. , Shepherd Dean A.
Published: December 2009

International knowledge is a key intangible resource for international entrepreneurship. Yet, given the liabilities of newness and foreignness, how do new ventures obtain international knowledge? In this study, we draw on the knowledge‐based view to investigate both internal and external sources of international knowledge for 206 new ventures. The findings suggest international knowledge may be sourced externally, including from alliance partners, venture capital firms, and firms in close proximity. Interestingly, and contrary to absorptive capacity arguments, new ventures with limited internationally experienced top management teams benefited most from external international knowledge sources. Copyright © 2009 Strategic Management Society.
Effects of international R&D alliances on performance of high‐tech start‐ups: a longitudinal analysis
Authors: Colombo Massimo G. , Grilli Luca , Murtinu Samuele , Piscitello Lucia , Piva Evila
Published: December 2009

In this article, we use the theoretical lens of resource and competence‐based perspectives and global strategic network theory to analyze the effects of international R&D alliances on the performance of high‐tech start‐ups. In the empirical section of the article, we consider the European Union‐funded international R&D alliances established by a large sample of Italian high‐tech start‐ups over the period from 1994 to 2003. We measure firm performance through total factor productivity, and we resort to generalized method of moments system estimates to detect the treatment effect of alliance formation according to type and home country of the partners. The econometric results suggest that international R&D alliances are most beneficial to high‐tech start‐ups if (1) they involve industrial partners located in a variety of countries and (2) these countries are closer to world knowledge sources. Copyright © 2009 Strategic Management Society.
Functional Remodeling of Benign Human Prostatic Tissues In Vivo by Spontaneously Immortalized Progenitor and Intermediate Cells
Authors: Jiang Ming , Strand Douglas W. , Fernandez Suzanne , He Yue , Yi Yajun , Birbach Andreas , Qiu Qingchao , Schmid Johannes , Tang Dean G. , Hayward Simon W.
Published: December 2009

Tissue remodeling or regeneration is believed to initiate from multipotent stem and progenitor cells. We report here the establishment of two spontaneously immortalized adult non-tumorigenic human prostate epithelial cell lines, NHPrE1 and BHPrE1. NHPrE1 (CD133high/CD44high/OCT4high/PTENhigh) was characterized as a putative progenitor cell, and BHPrE1 (p63high/p53high/p21(WAF1)high/RBhigh) was characterized as a putative epithelial intermediate cell. Genomic analysis demonstrated an abnormal karyotype with genomic rearrangements including PTEN amplification in NHPrE1 and CTNNB1 (β-catenin) amplification in BHPrE1 cells. Embedded three-dimensional culture of NHPrE1 showed greater branching than BHPrE1. A tissue recombination-xenografting model was utilized to compare remodeling of human prostatic tissues in vivo. A series of tissue recombinants, made by mixing different ratios of human prostatic epithelial cells and inductive rat urogenital sinus mesenchyme, were grafted to the renal capsule of severe combined immunodeficient mice. Both cell lines were able to regenerate benign secretory ductal-acinar architecture in vivo, containing intact basal and luminal epithelial layers confirmed by the expression of appropriate CK profiles. Prostate-specific antigen, 15-lipoxygenase-2, androgen receptor, and NKX3.1 proteins were appropriately expressed in the regenerated epithelia. Regeneration of benign prostatic glandular structures could be achieved using as few as 10 NHPrE1 cells, whereas 200,000 BHPrE1 cells were required to achieve prostatic architecture. This suggests a greater proportion of progenitor/stem cells in NHPrE1 than in BHPrE1. These cell lines provide important data on progenitor and intermediate cell phenotypes and represent significant new tools for the elucidation of molecular mechanisms of human prostatic regeneration, pathogenesis, and carcinogenesis.
Optimal control of nonlinear frames by Newmark and distributed genetic algorithms
Authors: Joghataie Abdolreza , Mohebbi Mohtasham
Published: December 2009

Active control of multi‐storey frame structures with nonlinear hysteretic response has been studied in this paper. A new nonlinear optimal control algorithm based on nonlinear Newmark integration method and distributed genetic algorithm (DGA) has been developed. The objective has been to reduce the response to below any desired level. In this study, DGA has been used to determine the weights in the control law corresponding to displacement, velocity and acceleration. The capabilities of the method has been assessed through simulation where an eight‐storey frame with bilinear hysteretic behaviour has been subjected to a white noise ground acceleration and controlled by the controllers designed by the new algorithm. An active tendon control system comprised of prestressed tendons and either a single actuator, which could apply a force to one of the floors, or eight actuators, which could fully control the frame, has been used. Also, the optimum actuator placement in the single actuator case has been studied. The designed controllers have been tested under both near and far‐field earthquakes and have performed successfully. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased pain sensitivity in alcohol withdrawal syndrome
Authors: Jochum Thomas , Boettger Michael K. , Burkhardt Christin , Juckel Georg , Bär Karl‐Jürgen
Published: December 2009

Withdrawal from analgesic and addictive substances such as opioids or ethanol is associated with increased sensitivity to sensory stimulation in animal models.

Here, we investigated perception of innocuous and noxious thermal or electric stimuli applied to the left hand or sternum in 30 male patients undergoing withdrawal from alcohol, 30 male abstained alcoholics and matched controls. The alcohol withdrawal scale and the Banger score were obtained to estimate the severity of withdrawal. In addition, the Beck depression inventory was used to estimate the influence of depressive symptoms on pain perception.

The data presented provide substantial evidence that subjects undergoing alcohol withdrawal show increased heat pain sensitivity. Interestingly, this effect was observed both on the left hand and sternum. Pain thresholds and tolerances of electric stimuli did not differ between groups. However, in a subgroup analysis, a higher sensitivity for electrical pain thresholds and tolerances was observed in those patients that were identified to require pharmacological treatment for withdrawal according to disease severity. Furthermore, the perceived painful thermal and electrical sensation was substantially influenced by the affective state of patients. No differences were found between patients of the abstained group and control subjects for any pain parameter.

In conclusion, we demonstrate withdrawal‐induced hyperalgesia upon thermal stimulation in patients. Since the influence of affective symptoms on pain perception during withdrawal is remarkable, we assume that peripheral and central mechanisms might account for this finding, which should be assessed in detail in future studies.
Disease‐associated variants of microsomal retinol dehydrogenase 12 (RDH12) are degraded at mutant‐specific rates
Authors: Lee Seung-Ah , Belyaeva Olga V. , Kedishvili Natalia Y.
Published: December 2009

MINT‐7383581, MINT‐7383598: RDH12 (uniprotkb:Q96NR8) physically interacts (MI:0915) with ubiquitin (uniprotkb:P62988) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)
Sharp‐1 modulates the cellular response to DNA damage
Authors: Liu Jian-Jun , Chung Teng-Kai , Li Jiali , Taneja Reshma
Published: December 2009

DNA damage checkpoints are essential for maintenance of genome integrity. We report here that inducible overexpression of the transcription factor Sharp‐1 results in an S and G2/M cell cycle arrest, concomitant with the upregulation of Brca1 and GADD45α expression. In addition, we show that endogenous Sharp‐1 mRNA is increased by DNA‐damaging agents. Consistently, Sharp‐1 overexpressing cells exhibit reduced apoptosis in response to chemotherapeutic drugs along with lower p53 expression and activity. Our studies identify a novel function for Sharp‐1 in cell cycle arrest and DNA damage‐induced apoptosis. Inappropriate Sharp‐1 expression may therefore be associated with tumorigenesis.
Screening‐based discovery of drug‐like O‐GlcNAcase inhibitor scaffolds
Authors: Dorfmueller Helge C. , van Aalten Daan M.F.
Published: December 2009

O‐GlcNAcylation is an essential posttranslational modification in metazoa. Modulation of O‐GlcNAc levels with small molecule inhibitors of O‐GlcNAc hydrolase (OGA) is a useful strategy to probe the role of this modification in a range of cellular processes. Here we report the discovery of novel, low molecular weight and drug‐like O‐GlcNAcase inhibitor scaffolds by high‐throughput screening. Kinetic and X‐ray crystallographic analyses of the binding modes with human/bacterial O‐GlcNAcases identify some of these as competitive inhibitors. Comparative kinetic experiments with the mechanistically related human lysosomal hexosaminidases reveal that three of the inhibitor scaffolds show selectivity towards human OGA. These scaffolds provide attractive starting points for the development of non‐carbohydrate, drug‐like OGA inhibitors.
Changes in the Nomenclature of the American Left
Authors: JEFFREYS-JONES RHODRI
Published: December 2009

A frequency survey of Google Books and other digital sources indicates that in political terminology the use of the phrase “American socialism” yielded to “American left” in the course of the twentieth century. Reasons for this include the tactical and personal ambitions of reformers who saw advantage in dropping the socialist tag in the face of domestic antisocialism. In mid-century, domestic antisocialism revived both in extremist rhetoric and in mainstream Republican charges of “creeping socialism.” The Cold War also played a role in changing the nomenclature balance, as it led to the identification of American socialism with the creed of the Soviet adversary. At the same time, a broadening in the left's agenda beyond the election platforms of the Socialist Party of America contributed to the change. The nomenclative “-ism” failure is significant as an indicator of left tendencies because it relates to perceptions of the failure of socialism itself.
Cannabis use and neuropsychological performance in healthy individuals and patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Scholes K. E. , Martin-Iverson M. T.
Published: December 2009

Background

The effects of cannabis use on neuropsychological indices that show characteristic disturbances in schizophrenia are unclear. The effect of cannabis use on these cognitive functions is of particular interest given the hypothesized association between cannabis use and schizophrenia. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of cannabis use on attentional control, working memory and executive functioning, in both healthy individuals and patients with schizophrenia.

Method

Neuropsychological performance was assessed in 36 cannabis users who were otherwise healthy, 35 healthy non-users, 22 cannabis-using patients with schizophrenia, and 49 non-using patients with schizophrenia. Participants were administered the Stroop task, the letter–number sequencing and spatial span subtests of the Wechsler Memory Scale, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST).

Results

Patients with schizophrenia (both cannabis users and non-users) showed significantly poorer performance across all neuropsychological tasks, relative to controls; however, there were no significant differences between schizophrenic cannabis users and schizophrenic non-users on any measures, with the exception of increased non-perseverative errors on the WCST in cannabis-using patients. Similarly, healthy cannabis users showed no significant differences from healthy non-users in any of the cognitive domains, with the exception of a schizophrenic-like increase in perseveration on the WCST.

Conclusions

Amongst both healthy individuals and patients with schizophrenia there appears to be little difference in cognitive performance between cannabis users and non-users, suggesting that cannabis use has only subtle effects on the neurocognitive performance indices assessed here, which have been well established to be disturbed in schizophrenia.
An American Insect in Imperial Germany: Visibility and Control in Making the Phylloxera in Germany, 1870–1914
Authors: Jansen Sarah
Published: December 2009

The Argument

The vine lousePhylloxera vastatrixbecame a “pest” as it was transferred from North America and from France to Germany during the 1870s. Embodying the “invading alien,” it assumed a cultural position that increasingly gained importance in Imperial Germany. In this process, the minute insect, living invisibly underground, was made visible and became constitutive of the scientific-technological object, “pest,” pertaining to a scientific discipline, modern economic entomology. The “pest” phylloxera emerged by being made visible in a way that enabled control measures against it. Thus, visibility functioned as a prerequisite for control measures. I differentiate between social visibility and physical visibility, as well as between social control and physical control of the “introduced pest.” The object phylloxera emerged at the intersection of techniques of social control such as surveillance, techniques of physical control such as disinfection, and representational practices of the sciences such as mathematics and graphics. The space of its visibility was not the vineyard as property of a vintner but the vineyard as national territory, where German (viti-) culture was defended against foreign infiltration and destruction. Many vintners had alternate visions of the grapevine disease, they resented the invasion and destruction of their vineyards by government officers, and thus they did not participate in the social and epistemic constitution of the “pest.” By 1914, the “introduced pest” had not yet become an effective “machinery.” However, the “pest” as an object of scientific knowledge emerged together with economic entomology. The field became organized as a discipline in Germany in 1913, forty years after the phylloxera had first aroused the minds of some worried Wilhelmians, and, together with its nationalistic images, the field of “pest” control became organized towards a redefinition of German society and its perceived dangers.
Police Chemistry
Authors: Wakefield R. Andre
Published: December 2009

The Argument

Johann von Justi, the foremost literary cameralist of his generation, served as chief police commissioner in Göttingen between 1755 and 1757. While in Göttingen, Justi offered lectures at the university on the “œconomic, police and cameral sciences.” He also arrested vagrants, wrote on chemistry, disciplined unruly students, conducted chemical experiments, supervised the pricing of Göttingen's staple goods, engaged in a public controversy with a prominent Berlin chemist, edited and published a bi-weekly periodical (Göttingische Policey-Amts Nachrichien), and worked with the university's curator to refashion the academic structure of the sciences. Taken together, these various activities reflected his broad vision for social and academic change, a vision with important implications for the form and content of the sciences. Drawing on archival material in Göttingen, on articles from thePolicey-Amts Nachrichten, and on Justi's other cameralist and chemical writings, I use his everyday experiences as a local police official to explore the meaning of his chemical work. I argue that Justi's chemistry was suffused with the cameralist dreams and ambitions of a small-town police commissioner. It is what I call police chemistry.
On the secular evolution of groundwater on Mars
Authors: Grimm Robert E. , Painter Scott L.
Published: December 2009

We modeled the subsurface transport of H2O and CO2on Mars in a two‐dimensional pole‐to‐equator cross‐section, starting with sudden surface freezing representing ancient climate change. We find that excursions to low obliquity strongly drive ice sublimation and subsequent groundwater evaporation at low latitudes. This creates a hydraulic gradient in the saturated zone that moves water equatorward and even sublimates the base of high‐latitude ice. Eventually, all H2O is lost at latitudes less than ∼30°. A subcryospheric vadose zone may be retained at higher latitudes, but ultimately only a few monolayers of adsorbed water will be held. A subcryospheric phreatic zone is preserved in the same regions only where lateral heterogeneity restricts horizontal fluid flow. The predicted contemporary state of Mars is drier and with groundwater—if present at all—in different locations than previously considered.
Relation of the Expression of Transcriptional Factor TFAP2B to That of Adipokines in Subcutaneous and Omental Adipose Tissues
Authors: Ugi Satoshi , Nishio Yoshihiko , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Ikeda Kazuhiro , Kobayashi Masaaki , Tsukada Shuichi , Kondo Motoyuki , Morino Katsutaro , Obata Toshiyuki , Yoshizaki Takeshi , Uzu Takashi , Naitoh Hiroyuki , Tani Toru , Maeda Shiro , Kashiwagi Atsunori , Maegawa Hiroshi
Published: December 2009

To determine the potential role of the transcriptional factor‐activating enhancer‐binding protein‐2β (TFAP2B) in the regulation of expression of adipokines, adiponectin, leptin, and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in vivo, we quantified the mRNA expression levels of these adipokines and TFAP2B in visceral (omental) and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissues of 66 individuals with variable degree of adiposity and studied their correlations with BMI and their plasma concentrations. We found that BMI correlated negatively with plasma adiponectin levels and positively with those of leptin. Adiponection mRNA expression in subcutaneous fat correlated negatively with BMI, whereas leptin mRNA levels in the omentum correlated with plasma leptin levels and BMI. In contrast, IL‐6 mRNA levels in subcutaneous and omental fat did not correlate with BMI. IL‐6 mRNA levels in the omental fat correlated with plasma IL‐6 levels. Whereas TFAP2B mRNA expression did not correlate with BMI, it correlated negatively with adiponectin expression in the subcutaneous adipose tissue. Furthermore, TFAP2B mRNA expression correlated negatively with leptin and positively with IL‐6 expression in both subcutaneous and omental adipose tissues. These relationships are consistent with our in vitro observations and indicate that TFAP2B seems to regulate the expression of various adipokines in vivo.
Subcutaneous and Visceral Adipose Tissue Gene Expression of Serum Adipokines That Predict Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Samaras Katherine , Botelho Natalia K. , Chisholm Donald J. , Lord Reginald V.
Published: December 2009

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) is predicted by central obesity and circulating adipokines regulating inflammation. We hypothesized that visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in T2D expresses greater levels of proinflammatory molecules. Paired samples of subcutaneous (SAT) and VAT were excised at elective surgery (n = 16, 6 with T2D, n = 8 age‐ and gender‐ matched controls). Metabolic parameters were measured in the fasted state: body composition by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and insulin action by hyperinsulinemic–euglycemic clamp. Adipose tissue mRNA gene expression was measured by quantitative reverse transcriptase‐PCR. Subjects with T2D had higher VAT expression of molecules regulating inflammation (tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP), interleukin‐8 (IL‐8)). Fasting glucose related to VAT expression of TNFα, MIP, serum amyloid A (SAA), IL‐1α, IL‐1β, IL‐8, and IL‐8 receptor. Abdominal fat mass was related to VAT expression of MIP, SAA, cAMP response element–binding protein (CREBP), IL‐1β, and IL‐8. Insulin action related inversely to VAT complement C3 expression only. There were depot‐specific differences in expression of serum T2D predictors: VAT expressed higher levels of complement C3; SAT expressed higher levels of retinol‐binding protein‐4 (RBP4), adiponectin, and leptin. In summary, VAT in T2D expresses higher levels of adipokines involved in inflammation. VAT expression of these molecules is related to fasting glucose and insulin action. Increased production of these proinflammatory molecules by VAT may explain the links observed between visceral obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes risk.
Effects of a Low‐intensity Intervention That Prescribed a Low‐carbohydrate vs. a Low‐fat Diet in Obese, Diabetic Participants
Authors: Iqbal Nayyar , Vetter Marion L. , Moore Reneé H. , Chittams Jesse L. , Dalton‐Bakes Cornelia V. , Dowd Monique , Williams‐Smith Catherine , Cardillo Serena , Wadden Thomas A.
Published: December 2009

Low‐carbohydrate diets have been associated with significant reductions in weight and HbA1c in obese, diabetic participants who received high‐intensity lifestyle modification for 6 or 12 months. This investigation sought to determine whether comparable results to those of short‐term, intensive interventions could be achieved over a 24‐month study period using a low‐intensity intervention that approximates what is feasible in outpatient practice. A total of 144 obese, diabetic participants were randomly assigned to a low‐carbohydrate diet (<30 g/day) or to a low fat diet (≤30% of calories from fat with a deficit of 500 kcal/day). Participants were provided weekly group nutrition education sessions for the first month, and monthly sessions thereafter through the end of 24 months. Weight, HbA1c, glucose, and lipids were measured at baseline and 6, 12, and 24 months. Of the 144 enrolled participants, 68 returned for the month 24 assessment visit. Weights were retrieved from electronic medical records for an additional 57 participants (total, 125 participants) at month 24. All participants with a baseline measurement and at least one of the three other measurements were included in the mixed‐model analyses (n = 138). The low‐intensity intervention resulted in modest weight loss in both groups at month 24. At this time, participants in the low‐carbohydrate group lost 1.5 kg, compared to 0.2 kg in the low‐fat group (P = 0.147). Lipids, glycemic indexes, and dietary intake did not differ between groups at month 24 (or at months 6 or 12) (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00108459).
Breaking the code: Ca2+ sensors in plant signalling
Authors: DeFalco Thomas A. , Bender Kyle W. , Snedden Wayne A.
Published: December 2009

Ca2+ ions play a vital role as second messengers in plant cells during various developmental processes and in response to environmental stimuli. Plants have evolved a diversity of unique proteins that bind Ca2+ using the evolutionarily conserved EF-hand motif. The currently held hypothesis is that these proteins function as Ca2+ sensors by undergoing conformational changes in response to Ca2+-binding that facilitate their regulation of target proteins and thereby co-ordinate various signalling pathways. The three main classes of these EF-hand Ca2+sensors in plants are CaMs [calmodulins; including CMLs (CaM-like proteins)], CDPKs (calcium-dependent protein kinases) and CBLs (calcineurin B-like proteins). In the plant species examined to date, each of these classes is represented by a large family of proteins, most of which have not been characterized biochemically and whose physiological roles remain unclear. In the present review, we discuss recent advances in research on CaMs and CMLs, CDPKs and CBLs, and we attempt to integrate the current knowledge on the different sensor classes into common physiological themes.
Look before You Leap: Jumping Ability Affects Distance Perception
Authors: Lessard David A , Linkenauger Sally A , Proffitt Dennis R
Published: December 2009

Previous research has demonstrated that changing perceivers' action capabilities can affect their perception of the extent over which an action is performed. In the current study, we manipulated jumping ability by having participants wear ankle weights and examined the influence of this manipulation on the perception of jumpable and un-jumpable extents. When wearing ankle weights, jumpable gaps appeared longer than when not wearing ankle weights; however, for un-jumpable gaps, there was no difference in the apparent gap extent, regardless of whether the participant was wearing ankle weights. This suggests that the perception of a jumpable extent is affected by one's action boundary for jumping, but only if jumping is an action that can be performed over the extent.
Exposure to androgenised steers did not improve the fertility obtained in progesterone-based fixed-timed artificial insemination programs in extensively managed cows and heifers
Authors: Ungerfeld R.
Published: December 2009

Biostimulation – the stimulation of females’ reproductive activity by the presence of males – has been used to stimulate postpartum rebreeding in cows, and to advance puberty in heifers. The objective of the present experiment was to determine whether previous exposure to androgenised steers improves conception rates after a progesterone-based fixed-timed artificial insemination program applied during spring. Three trials were carried out between October and January (spring–early summer) with a total of 903 Hereford and Hereford × Angus cows and heifers. All of the females were isolated from male contact (minimum distance = 4000 m) 3 months before the beginning of the experiments. While one group (EXP) in each trial was exposed to androgenised steers for 20 days, the other group (ISO) remained isolated from males (bulls, steers) during the experiment. In trial 1, 248 and 267 heifers were included in the EXP and ISO groups, respectively; in trial 2, 141 and 134 spring calving cows were used for the same treatments; and in trial 3, 53 and 60 autumn-calving cows were respectively included in the experimental groups. All animals were joined and a traditional progesterone-based fixed-timed artificial insemination program was applied to all of them. Pregnancy was determined 45–50 days after insemination with transrectal ultrasound. There were no differences between the EXP and ISO groups in any of the trials. The general conception rate was 54.6, 50.2 and 54.0% in trials 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Overall, it was concluded that exposition to androgenised steers does not improve the fertility obtained in progesterone-based fixed-timed artificial insemination programs in extensively managed cows and heifers.
Yield stability of rainfed durum wheat and GGE biplot analysis of multi-environment trials
Authors: Mohammadi Reza , Haghparast Reza , Amri Ahmed , Ceccarelli Salvatore
Published: December 2009

Integrating yield and stability of genotypes tested in unpredictable environments is a common breeding objective. The main goals of this research were to identify superior durum wheat genotypes for the rainfed areas of Iran and to determine the existence of different mega-environments in the growing areas of Iran by testing 20 genotypes in 4 locations for 3 years via GGE (genotype + genotype-by-environment) biplot analysis. Stability of performance was assessed by the Kang’s yield-stability statistic (YSi) and 2 new methods of yield-regression statistic (Ybi) and yield-distance statistic (Ydi).The combined analysis of variance showed that environments were the most important source of yield variability, and accounted for 76% of total variation. The magnitude of the GE interaction was ~10 times the magnitude of the G effect. The GGE biplot suggested the existence of 2 durum wheat mega-environments in Iran. The first mega-environment consisted of environments corresponding to ‘cold’ locations (Maragheh and Shirvan) and a moderately cold location (Kermanshah), where ‘Sardari’ was the best adapted cultivar; the second mega-environment comprised ‘warm’ environments, including the Ilam and Kermanshah locations, where the recommended breeding lines G16 (Gcn//Stj/Mrb3), G17 (Ch1/Brach//Mra-i), and G18 (Lgt3/4/Bcr/3/Ch1//Gta/Stk) produced the highest yields. Ranking of genotypes based on GGE was found to be highly correlated with that based on the statistics YSi and Ybi. The discriminating power v. the representative view of the GGE biplot identified Kermanshah as the location with the least discriminating ability but greater representation, suggesting the possible of testing genotypes adapted to both warm and cold locations at the Kermanshah site. The results verified that the statistics YSi and Ybi were highly correlated (r = 0.94**) and could be a good alternative for GGE biplot analysis for selecting superior genotypes with high-yielding and stable performance.
Effects of feeding fresh citrus pulp to Merino wethers on wool growth and animal performance
Authors: Fung Y. T. E. , Sparkes J. , Van Ekris I. , Chaves A. V. , Bush R. D.
Published: December 2009

Two studies were conducted to determine the effects of replacing lupins with fresh citrus pulp in Merino wethers diets: (i) an in vitro study, which measured ruminal fermentation; and (ii) an in vivo study in which 18 mature Merino wethers were fed dietary treatments (n = 3) over 56 days to evaluate effects on performance [i.e. DM intake, average daily gain and wool growth]. In both the in vitro and in vivo studies, the control treatment consisted (in diet DM) of lucerne chaff (69.9%), lupins (30.1%) and phosphate (0.3%), whereas the citrus pulp treatments (n = 2; replacing lupins on 20 and 30% DM basis, respectively) consisted of lucerne chaff (61.7 and 63.3%), lupins (18.5 and 6.3%), phosphate (0.34 and 0.33%) and fresh citrus pulp (19.5 and 30.1%). Data were analysed using the MIXED model of SAS and orthogonal polynomial contrasts were used to determine linear (L) and quadratic responses to the level of citrus pulp. In the in vitro study, gas production, net total volatile fatty acid production as well as in vitro DM digestibility were similar (P > 0.05) among the dietary treatments. Ammonia production in citrus pulp treatments were twofold lower compared with the control (L, P < 0.01). The addition of citrus pulp to the diet increased the molar proportions of acetic acid and decreased that of butyric, branched-chain volatile fatty acids, and valeric acids (all L, P < 0.01) compared with the control diet. In the in vivo study, DM intake, average daily gain and feed conversion were similar among treatments (P > 0.52). Wool production parameters including clean fleece weight, yield and staple length were not different between diets (P > 0.30). Hence, fresh citrus pulp can be included up to 30% on a DM basis replacing lupins without detrimental effects on wool production and animal performance.
Empirical model for predicting concentrations of refractory hydrophobic organic compounds in digested sludge from municipal wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Deo Randhir P. , Halden Rolf U.
Published: December 2009

Environmental context. Tens of thousands of manmade chemicals are discharged into municipal wastewaters on a continual basis by consumers around the world but surprisingly little is known about the occurrence and fate of these substances in the environment. The present study furnishes an easily applicable model that can help to predict the presence and concentration of manmade chemicals in digested municipal sludge (biosolids) destined for disposal on land. The new tool can be used to prescreen and identify in chemical databases potential environmental pollutants.
Abstract. An empirical model is presented allowing for the prediction of concentrations of hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs) prone to accumulate and persist in digested sludge (biosolids) generated during conventional municipal wastewater treatment. The sole input requirements of the model are the concentrations of the individual HOCs entering the wastewater treatment plant in raw sewage, the compound’s respective pH-dependent octanol-water partitioning coefficient (DOW), and an empirically determined fitting parameter (pfit) that reflects persistence of compounds in biosolids after accounting for all potential removal mechanisms during wastewater treatment. The accuracy of the model was successfully confirmed at the 99% confidence level in a paired t test that compared predicted concentrations in biosolids to empirical measurements reported in the literature. After successful validation, the resultant model was applied to predict levels of various HOCs for which occurrence data in biosolids thus far are lacking.
Mast cells regulate homeostatic intestinal epithelial migration and barrier function by a chymase/Mcpt4-dependent mechanism
Authors: Groschwitz Katherine R. , Ahrens Richard , Osterfeld Heather , Gurish Michael F. , Han Xiaonan , Åbrink Magnus , Finkelman Fred D. , Pejler Gunnar , Hogan Simon P.
Published: December 2009

Altered intestinal barrier function is postulated to be a central predisposing factor to intestinal diseases, including inflammatory bowel diseases and food allergies. However, the mechanisms involved in maintaining homeostatic intestinal barrier integrity remain undefined. In this study, we demonstrate that mice deficient in mast cells (

Kit
W-sh/W-sh

[Wsh]) or mast cell chymase (Mcpt4
−/−
) have significantly decreased basal small intestinal permeability compared with wild-type (WT) mice. Altered intestinal barrier function was linked to decreased intestinal epithelial cell migration along the villus/crypt axis, altered intestinal morphology, and dysregulated claudin-3 crypt expression. Remarkably, engraftment of
Wsh
mice with WT but not Mcpt4
−/−
mast cells restored intestinal epithelial cell migration, morphology, and intestinal epithelial barrier function. Collectively, these findings identify a mechanism by which mast cells regulate homeostatic intestinal epithelial migration and barrier function.
Nanoscale cues regulate the structure and function of macroscopic cardiac tissue constructs
Authors: Kim Deok-Ho , Lipke Elizabeth A. , Kim Pilnam , Cheong Raymond , Thompson Susan , Delannoy Michael , Suh Kahp-Yang , Tung Leslie , Levchenko Andre
Published: December 2009

Heart tissue possesses complex structural organization on multiple scales, from macro- to nano-, but nanoscale control of cardiac function has not been extensively analyzed. Inspired by ultrastructural analysis of the native tissue, we constructed a scalable, nanotopographically controlled model of myocardium mimicking the in vivo ventricular organization. Guided by nanoscale mechanical cues provided by the underlying hydrogel, the tissue constructs displayed anisotropic action potential propagation and contractility characteristic of the native tissue. Surprisingly, cell geometry, action potential conduction velocity, and the expression of a cell–cell coupling protein were exquisitely sensitive to differences in the substratum nanoscale features of the surrounding extracellular matrix. We propose that controlling cell–material interactions on the nanoscale can stipulate structure and function on the tissue level and yield novel insights into in vivo tissue physiology, while providing materials for tissue repair.