bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Disinfection‐Resistant Bacteria During Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Scully Frank E. , Hogg Paula A. , Kennedy George , Lewicki Chuck , Rule Anna M. , Soffriti Jane G.
Published: August 2006

The Williamsburg, Virginia, wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) has periodically experienced erratic disinfection and persistence of fecal coliform bacteria in the presence of apparently adequate levels of disinfectant in the effluent. Several reasons for disinfection problems were previously investigated. This paper describes the results of a study of two factors that could affect disinfection in this plant: (1) the potential for the development of disinfection‐resistant fecal coliforms in the operation of this specific WWTP and (2) the nature of the wastewater matrix that this particular WWTP handles that could interfere with chlorine disinfection. The study suggested that the WWTP oxidation towers supported growth or recovery of fecal coliform bacteria. This bacterial subpopulation seemed to have increased resistance to routine chlorine disinfection. Inactivation rate constants calculated for periods between 15 and 45 minutes after chlorine addition were significantly lower for fecal coliforms originating from oxidation towers than for fecal coliforms from other sources. This is, to our knowledge, the first report of such conditions created by a treatment process. The study of the plant‐specific matrix determined no statistically significant effects on disinfection.
Adiponectin Increases Fatty Acid Oxidation in Skeletal Muscle Cells by Sequential Activation of AMP-Activated Protein Kinase, p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase, and Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor α
Authors: Yoon Myeong Jin , Lee Gha Young , Chung Jun-Jae , Ahn Young Ho , Hong Seung Hwan , Kim Jae Bum
Published: August 2006

Adiponectin has recently received a great deal of attention due to its beneficial effects on insulin resistance and metabolic disorders. One of the mechanisms through which adiponectin exerts such effects involves an increase in fatty acid oxidation in muscle and liver. In the present study, we demonstrate that 5′–AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) are involved in the activation of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor (PPAR)α by adiponectin in muscle cells. Adiponectin increases the transcriptional activity of PPARα and the expression of its target genes, including ACO, CPT1, and FABP3 in C2C12 myotubes. These effects were suppressed by the overexpression of a dominant-negative form of AMPK. Moreover, chemical inhibitors of AMPK and p38 MAPK potently repressed fatty acid oxidation and the induction of PPARα target gene expression by adiponectin. Interestingly, araA, an AMPK inhibitor, prevented the activation of p38 MAPK, whereas SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, did not affect AMPK activation, suggesting that p38 MAPK is a downstream signaling factor of AMPK. Taken together, these results suggest that adiponectin stimulates fatty acid oxidation in muscle cells by the sequential activation of AMPK, p38 MAPK, and PPARα.
Nuclear Factor-κB Regulates β-Cell Death
Authors: Liuwantara David , Elliot Mark , Smith Mariya W. , Yam Andrew O. , Walters Stacy N. , Marino Eliana , McShea Andy , Grey Shane T.
Published: August 2006

Apoptotic β-cell death is central to the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes and may be important in islet graft rejection. Despite this, genetic control of β-cell apoptosis is only poorly understood. We report that inhibition of gene transcription sensitized β-cells to tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α–induced apoptosis, indicating the presence of a regulated antiapoptotic response. Using oligonucleotide microarrays and real-time PCR, we identified TNFAIP3/A20 as the most highly regulated antiapoptotic gene expressed in cytokine-stimulated human and mouse islets. Cytokine induction of A20 mRNA in primary islets and insulinoma cells was rapid and observed within 1 h, consistent with A20 being an immediate early response gene in β-cells. Regulation of A20 was nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)–dependent, two NF-κB sites within the A20 promoter were found to be necessary and sufficient for A20 expression in β-cells. Activation of NF-κB by TNF receptor–associated factor (TRAF) 2, TRAF6, NF-κB–inducing kinase, or protein kinase D, which transduce signals downstream of Toll-like receptors, TNF receptors, and free radicals, respectively, were all potent activators of the A20 promoter. Moreover, A20 expression was induced in transplanted islets in vivo. Finally, A20 expression was sufficient to protect β-cells from TNF-induced apoptosis. These data demonstrate that A20 is the cardinal antiapoptotic gene in β-cells. Further, A20 expression is NF-κB dependent, thus linking islet proinflammatory gene responses with protection from apoptosis.
Sirolimus Is Associated With Reduced Islet Engraftment and Impaired β-Cell Function
Authors: Zhang Nan , Su Dongming , Qu Shen , Tse Tonia , Bottino Rita , Balamurugan A.N. , Xu Jing , Bromberg Jonathan S. , Dong H. Henry
Published: August 2006

Successful islet transplantation depends on the infusion of sufficiently large quantities of islets, but only a fraction of transplanted islets can survive and become engrafted, and yet the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we examined the effect of sirolimus, a key component of the immunosuppressive regimen in clinical islet transplantation, on islet engraftment and function. To distinguish the effect of sirolimus on immune rejection from its effect on islet engraftment, we used a syngeneic model. Diabetic mice were transplanted with 250 islets under the renal capsule, followed by treatment with sirolimus or vehicle for 14 days. Thirty days posttransplantation, islet grafts were retrieved for the determination of insulin content and vascular density. Compared with mock-treated controls, diabetic recipient mice receiving sirolimus exhibited impaired blood glucose profiles and reduced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, correlating with reduced intragraft insulin content and decreased vascular density. Islets exposed to sirolimus for 24 h in culture displayed significantly diminished glucose-stimulated insulin release, coinciding with decreased pancreas duodenum homeobox-1 and GLUT2 expression in cultured islets. Furthermore, sirolimus-treated diabetic recipient mice, as opposed to mock-treated controls, were associated with dyslipidemia. These data suggest that sirolimus, administered in the early posttransplantation phase, is a confounding factor for reduced islet engraftment and impaired β-cell function in transplants.
New Polymorphism of ENPP1 (PC-1) Is Associated With Increased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Among Obese Individuals
Authors: Bochenski Jacek , Placha Grzegorz , Wanic Krzysztof , Malecki Maciej , Sieradzki Jacek , Warram James H. , Krolewski Andrzej S.
Published: August 2006

The K121Q polymorphism in ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1) is associated with type 2 diabetes and obesity. The possibility of other ENPP1 polymorphisms influencing these phenotypes has received little attention. Our aim was to examine the associations of tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes of the linkage disequilibrium (LD) block containing K121Q polymorphism with type 2 diabetes in a Polish population, controlling for any effect of obesity. We genotyped 426 type 2 diabetic case and 370 control subjects for seven SNPs in ENPP1. In the total group, neither type 2 diabetes nor obesity was significantly associated with any SNP. However, in obese subjects, two SNPs were significantly associated with type 2 diabetes: the Q allele of K121Q (odds ratio 1.6 [95% CI 1.003–2.6]) and T allele of rs997509 (4.7 [1.6–13.9]). In the LD block, four SNPs plus the K121Q polymorphism distinguished six haplotypes, three of which carried the Q allele. Interestingly, the T allele of rs997509 sufficed to distinguish a 121Q-carrying haplotype that was significantly more associated with type 2 diabetes than the other two (4.2 [1.3–13.5]). These other two 121Q-carrying haplotypes were not associated with type 2 diabetes. In conclusion, we found a new SNP, rs997509, in intron 1 that is strongly associated with risk of type 2 diabetes in obese individuals. The molecular mechanisms underlying this association are unknown.
RAGE Control of Diabetic Nephropathy in a Mouse Model
Authors: Myint Khin-Mar , Yamamoto Yasuhiko , Doi Toshio , Kato Ichiro , Harashima Ai , Yonekura Hideto , Watanabe Takuo , Shinohara Harumichi , Takeuchi Masayoshi , Tsuneyama Koichi , Hashimoto Noriyoshi , Asano Masahide , Takasawa Shin , Okamoto Hiroshi , Yamamoto Hiroshi
Published: August 2006

Diabetic nephropathy is a major microvascular complication in long-standing diabetic patients who eventually undergo renal dialysis or transplantation. To prevent development of this disease and to improve advanced kidney injury, effective therapies directed toward the key molecular target are required. In this study, we examined whether inhibition of the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) could attenuate changes in the diabetic kidney. Here, we show that inactivation of the RAGE gene in a mouse model of diabetic nephropathy results in significant suppression of kidney changes, including kidney enlargement, increased glomerular cell number, mesangial expansion, advanced glomerulosclerosis, increased albuminuria, and increased serum creatinine compared with wild-type diabetic mice. The degree of kidney injury was proportional to RAGE gene dosage. Furthermore, we show that low–molecular weight heparin (LMWH) can bind RAGE at a mean equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) value of ∼17 nmol/l and act as an antagonist to RAGE. LMWH treatment of mice significantly prevented albuminuria and increased glomerular cell number, mesangial expansion, and glomerulosclerosis in a dose-dependent manner; it also significantly improved the indexes of advanced-stage diabetic nephropathy. This study provides insight into the pathological role of RAGE in both early- and advanced-phase diabetic nephropathy and suggests that RAGE antagonists will be a useful remedy in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy.
Fat Depot–Specific Characteristics Are Retained in Strains Derived From Single Human Preadipocytes
Authors: Tchkonia Tamara , Giorgadze Nino , Pirtskhalava Tamar , Thomou Thomas , DePonte Matthew , Koo Ada , Forse R. Armour , Chinnappan Dharmaraj , Martin-Ruiz Carmen , von Zglinicki Thomas , Kirkland James L.
Published: August 2006

Fat depots vary in size, function, and potential contribution to disease. Since fat tissue turns over throughout life, preadipocyte characteristics could contribute to this regional variation. To address whether preadipocytes from different depots are distinct, we produced preadipocyte strains from single abdominal subcutaneous, mesenteric, and omental human preadipocytes by stably expressing human telomere reverse transcriptase (hTERT). These strains could be subcultured repeatedly and retained capacity for differentiation, while primary preadipocyte adipogenesis and replication declined with subculturing. Primary omental preadipocytes, in which telomeres were longest, replicated more slowly than mesenteric or abdominal subcutaneous preadipocytes. Even after 40 population doublings, replication, abundance of the rapidly replicating preadipocyte subtype, and resistance to tumor necrosis factor α–induced apoptosis were highest in subcutaneous, intermediate in mesenteric, and lowest in omental hTERT-expressing strains, as in primary preadipocytes. Subcutaneous hTERT-expressing strains accumulated more lipid and expressed more adipocyte fatty acid–binding protein (aP2), peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ2, and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α than omental cells, as in primary preadipocytes, while hTERT abundance was similar. Thus, despite dividing 40 population doublings, hTERT strains derived from single preadipocytes retained fat depot–specific cell dynamic characteristics, consistent with heritable processes contributing to regional variation in fat tissue function.
Declining Death Rates From Hyperglycemic Crisis Among Adults With Diabetes, U.S., 1985–2002
Authors: Wang Jing , Williams Desmond E. , Narayan K.M. Venkat , Geiss Linda S.
Published: August 2006

OBJECTIVE—To examine trends in death rates for hyperglycemic crisis (diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state) among adults with diabetes in the U.S. from 1985 to 2002.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Deaths with hyperglycemic crisis as the underlying cause were identified from national mortality data. Death rates were calculated using estimates of adults with diabetes from the National Health Interview Survey as the denominator and age adjusted to the 2000 U.S. population. The trends from 1985 to 2002 were tested using joinpoint regression analysis.

RESULTS—Deaths due to hyperglycemic crisis dropped from 2,989 in 1985 to 2,459 in 2002. During the time period, age-adjusted death rates decreased from 42.4 to 23.8 per 100,000 adults with diabetes (4.4% decrease per year, P for trend <0.01). Death rates declined in all age-groups, with the greatest decrease occurring among individuals aged ≥65 years. Age-adjusted death rates fell for all race-sex subgroups, with black men experiencing the smallest decline. About one-fifth of deaths occurred at home or on arrival at the hospital, and the death rates for hyperglycemic crisis occurring at these places declined only modestly over time (2.1% decrease per year, P for trend = 0.049).

CONCLUSIONS—Overall death rates due to hyperglycemic crisis among adults with diabetes have declined in the U.S. However, scope for further improvement remains, especially to further reduce death rates among black men and to prevent deaths occurring at home.
Adherence to Preventive Medications
Authors: Walker Elizabeth A. , Molitch Mark , Kramer M. Kaye , Kahn Steven , Ma Yong , Edelstein Sharon , Smith Kellie , Johnson Mariana Kiefer , Kitabchi Abbas , Crandall Jill ,   for the Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group
Published: August 2006

OBJECTIVE—To evaluate barriers to and strategies for medication adherence and predictors of adherence and the primary outcome in the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Within a randomized, controlled primary prevention study for type 2 diabetes, we collected data on study medication adherence, its predictors, and health outcomes in 27 clinical centers across mainland U.S. and Hawaii. Medication arm participants included 2,155 adults with impaired glucose tolerance randomly assigned to either metformin or matched placebo treatment arms. Structured interviews were used to promote medication adherence and to collect data regarding adherence. Adherence was measured by pill count. The primary DPP outcome of type 2 diabetes was assessed by fasting plasma glucose and oral glucose tolerance test.

RESULTS—Older age-groups were more adherent than the youngest group (P = 0.01) in the metformin group. The most frequently reported barrier to adherence was “forgetting” (22%). Women reported more adverse effects of metformin (15 vs. 10%, P = 0.002) in the metformin group. Odds of nonadherence increased as participants reported more than one barrier (odds ratio 19.1, P < 0.001). Odds of adherence increased as participants reported multiple strategies to take medication (2.69, P < 0.0001). There was a 38.2% risk reduction for developing diabetes for those adherent to metformin compared with those adherent to placebo (P < 0.0003).

CONCLUSIONS—DPP medication adherence results are unique in primary prevention for a chronic disease in a large multiethnic sample. Our finding that adherence was associated with risk reduction for diabetes supports the development of brief interventions in clinical settings where medication adherence is a challenge.
Effect of Weight Loss With Lifestyle Intervention on Risk of Diabetes
Authors: Hamman Richard F. , Wing Rena R. , Edelstein Sharon L. , Lachin John M. , Bray George A. , Delahanty Linda , Hoskin Mary , Kriska Andrea M. , Mayer-Davis Elizabeth J. , Pi-Sunyer Xavier , Regensteiner Judith , Venditti Beth , Wylie-Rosett Judith ,   for the Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group
Published: August 2006

OBJECTIVE—Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) participants randomized to the intensive lifestyle intervention (ILS) had significantly reduced risk of diabetes compared with placebo participants. We explored the contribution of changes in weight, diet, and physical activity on the risk of developing diabetes among ILS participants.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—For this study, we analyzed one arm of a randomized trial using Cox proportional hazards regression over 3.2 years of follow-up.

RESULTS—A total of 1,079 participants were aged 25–84 years (mean 50.6 years, BMI 33.9 kg/m2). Weight loss was the dominant predictor of reduced diabetes incidence (hazard ratio per 5-kg weight loss 0.42 [95% CI 0.35–0.51]; P < 0.0001). For every kilogram of weight loss, there was a 16% reduction in risk, adjusted for changes in diet and activity. Lower percent of calories from fat and increased physical activity predicted weight loss. Increased physical activity was important to help sustain weight loss. Among 495 participants not meeting the weight loss goal at year 1, those who achieved the physical activity goal had 44% lower diabetes incidence.

CONCLUSIONS—Interventions to reduce diabetes risk should primarily target weight reduction.
Modified dual-beam method for welding galvanized steel sheets in lap configuration
Authors: Gualini M. M. S. , Iqbal S. , Grassi F.
Published: August 2006

The dual laser beams method to lap weld galvanized steel sheets is being discussed, modeled, and analyzed, involving a precursor beam and a higher-power actual beam used in tandem and generated independently or otherwise split from the same source (Nd:yttrium-aluminum-garnet or CO2 laser). The first beam cuts a slot, thus making an exit path for the zinc vapors, while the second beam welds as required. The article also presents and discusses some experiments performed in laboratory using this method, along with the metallurgical analysis results from laboratory showing total absence of zinc in the weld area.
A two-dimensional thermal finite element model of laser transmission welding for T joint
Authors: Mayboudi L. S. , Birk A. M. , Zak G. , Bates P. J.
Published: August 2006

Recent years have seen wider application of laser transmission welding (LTW) as a means for joining of plastic components. Advantages of LTW arise from it being a contact-free method for delivering precisely controlled energy to the surfaces of the welded components and from flexibility with regard to welding geometry afforded by the laser being under computer control. LTW involves a laser beam passing through a laser-transparent component being absorbed by the laser-absorbent component at the weld interface. Heat generated at the interface melts a thin layer of plastic in both components and thus forms a joint through molecular interdiffusion. To form a strong bond, it is important that the weld interface is exposed to sufficient heat to melt the polymer without degrading it. Delivery of the thermal energy by the laser beam is affected by process parameters, such as laser power, scan speed, beam spot size, and material properties, such as absorptivity, presence of reinforcements, and other additives. Development of a model for this thermal process capable of accurately predicting the extent of the molten zone in space and over time is vital for in-depth understanding of LTW and its optimization. This article presents a two-dimensional (2D) thermal model of LTW solved with the finite element method. A modified T-like joint geometry is modeled for unreinforced nylon 6 specimens. This thermal model addresses heating and cooling stages in a laser welding process. The 2D model is capable of predicting the molten zone depth as well as transient temperature distribution along the weld line. The molten zone predicted by the model was compared to the one observed from the cross sections of unfilled Nylon 6 modified T-joint specimens welded using a 150 W diode laser.
Enhancement of molecular polarizabilities by the push-pull mechanism; a DFT study of substituted benzene, furan, thiophene and related molecules
Authors: Hinchliffe Alan , Mkadmh Ahmed , Nikolaidi Beatrice , Soscún Humberto , Abu-Awwad Fakhr
Published: August 2006

We report Density Functional Theory (DFT) studies of the dipole polarizabilities of benzene, furan and thiophene together with a number of substituted and related systems. All geometries were optimized (and characterized) at the B3LYP/6-311g(2d,1p) level of theory and polarizabilities then calculated with B3LYP/6-311++G(2d,1p). For the R-ring systems we find group polarizabilities in the order R = NO2 ∼ OCH3 ∼ CN ∼ CHO > NH2 > OH > H = 0. For systems R-ring-R, 〈α〉 differs little from the additivity model, with small positive and negative increments. For systems D-ring-A (where D and A are deactivating and activating groups) we find a positive enhancement to 〈α〉 over and above the value expected on the basis of pure additivity for all pairs A and D studied. This enhancement can be increased greatly by extending the length of the conjugated chain to D-ring-CH=CH-ring-A and D-ring-N=N-ring-A systems. Empirical models of polarizability such as AM1 agree badly with the DFT calculations in an absolute sense but give excellent statistical correlation coefficients. Calculated 〈α〉’s also agree well in a statistical sense with the molecular volumes calculated from molecular mechanics force fields

Analysis of the results in terms of the π electrons alone is not satisfactory.
NK cell-based immunotherapies against tumors
Authors: Radons Jürgen , Stangl Stefan , Multhoff Gabriele
Published: August 2006

Natural killer (NK) cells provide the first line of defence against pathogens and tumors. Their activation status is regulated by pro-inflammatory cytokines and by ligands that either target inhibitory or activating cell surface receptors belonging to the immunoglobulin-like, C-type lectin or natural cytotoxicity receptor families. Apart from non-classical HLA-E, membrane-bound heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) has been identified as a tumor-specific recognition structure for NK cells expressing high amounts of the C-type lectin receptor CD94, acting as one component of an activating heterodimeric receptor complex. Full-length Hsp70 protein (Hsp70) or the 14-mer Hsp70 peptide T-K-D-N-N-L-L-G-R-F-E-L-S-G (TKD) in combination with pro-inflammatory cytokines enhances the cytolytic activity of NK cells towards Hsp70 membrane-positive tumors. Based on these findings cytokine/TKD-activated NK cells were adoptively transferred in tumor patients. These findings were compared to results of clinical trials using cytokine-activated NK cells.
Not at risk — Nevertheless a pressure ulcer
Authors: Lahmann Nils , Halfens Ruud , Dassen Theo
Published: August 2006

When conducting prevalence surveys pressure ulcers were found in participants clearly identified not to be at risk. This article determines and analyses persons in German hospitals and nursing homes who suffer from pressure ulcers but are not at risk. In the years 2002, 2003 and 2004 there were 7,097 nursing home residents and 23,966 hospital patients examined in annual pressure ulcer prevalence surveys. A risk assessment according to the Braden Scale was performed for each participant on the day of the survey. “Not at risk” participants were defined by Braden score cut-off > 20 points. There were 440 of 3,012 (14.6%) persons with pressure ulcer who were considered not to be at risk. In hospitals, 16.1% of all patients with pressure ulcers were not at risk, in nursing homes it was 8.2%. A high variance between medical specialties and individual institutions was found in the number of those not at risk but with pressure ulcer. In the group not at risk, persons with and without a pressure ulcer differed regarding activity and friction and shear in nursing homes. In hospitals those persons differed regarding age and all single items of the Braden scale apart from sensory perception. Pressure ulcers that are more severe, located at the hip or lower back or the origin of which is unknown are more likely to be considered to be at risk by the Braden risk assessment tool.

The results may indicate insufficient abilities of the Braden scale for certain kind of pressure ulcer wounds.
An intracrine view of angiogenesis
Authors: Re Richard N. , Cook Julia L.
Published: August 2006

Angiogenesis, the generation of new blood vessels from pre‐existing vessels, is an integral component of wound healing, responses to inflammation and other physiologic processes. It is also an essential part of tumor growth; in the absence of new vessel formation, tumors cannot expand beyond a small volume. Although much is known about angiogenesis and its regulation, there is no overall theory that describes or explains this process. It is here suggested that the intracrine hypothesis, which ascribes to certain extracellular signaling peptides (whether hormones, growth factors, DNA‐binding proteins or enzymes) a role in both intracellular biology and extracellular signaling, can contribute to a more general understanding of angiogenesis. Intracrine factors participate in angiogenesis in the following ways: (1) they can act within the cells that synthesized them (type I intracrine action), (2) they can be secreted and then taken up by their cell of synthesis to act intracellularly (type II intracrine action ), or (3) they can be secreted and internalized by a distant target cell (type III intracrine action). The parallels between the intracrine growth factor mechanisms cancer cells employ in stimulating their own growth and the mechanisms operative in endothelial cell proliferation during angiogenesis (“intracrine reciprocity”) are discussed. Collectively, these explorations lead to testable hypotheses regarding the regulation of normal and pathological angiogenesis, and point to similarities between tumor‐induced angiogenesis and tissue differentiation. BioEssays 28: 943–953, 2006. © 2006 Wiley periodicals, Inc.
Selective desorption of carbon dioxide from sewage sludge for in situ methane enrichment—part I: Pilot‐plant experiments
Authors: Lindberg Anna , Rasmuson Åke C.
Published: August 2006

In situ methane enrichment in anaerobic digestion of sewage sludge has been investigated by experiments and by modeling. In this first part, the experimental work on the desorption of carbon dioxide and methane from sewage sludge is reported. The bubble column, had a diameter of 0.3 m and a variable height up to 1.8 m. At operation the dispersion height in the column was between 1 and 1.3 m. Outdoor air was used. The column was placed close to a full‐scale sewage sludge digester, at a municipal wastewater treatment plant. The digester was operated at mesophilic conditions with a hydraulic retention time of about 20 days. The bubble column was operated to steady‐state, at which carbon dioxide concentration and alkalinity were determined on the liquid side, and the concentration of carbon dioxide and methane on the gas side. Thirty‐eight experiments were performed at various liquid and gas flow rates. The experimental results show that the desorption rates achieved for carbon dioxide ranges from 0.07 to 0.25 m3 CO2/m3 sludge per day, which is comparable to the rate of generation by the anaerobic digestion. With increasing liquid flow rate and decreasing gas flow rate the amount of methane desorbed per amount of carbon dioxide desorbed increases. The lowest methane loss achieved is approximately 2% of the estimated methane production in the digestion process. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Water‐soluble carbon nanotube‐enzyme conjugates as functional biocatalytic formulations
Authors: Asuri Prashanth , Karajanagi Sandeep S. , Sellitto Edward , Kim Dae‐Yun , Kane Ravi S. , Dordick Jonathan S.
Published: August 2006

We report the activity, stability, and reusability of enzyme‐carbon nanotube conjugates in aqueous solutions. A variety of enzymes were covalently attached to oxidized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). These conjugates were soluble in aqueous buffer, retained a high fraction of their native activity, and were stable at higher temperatures relative to their solution phase counterparts. Furthermore, the high surface area of MWNTs afforded high enzyme loadings, yet the intrinsic high length of the MWNT led to facile filtration. These water‐soluble carbon nanotube‐enzyme conjugates represent novel preparations that possess the virtues of both soluble and immobilized enzymes, thus providing a unique combination of useful attributes such as low mass transfer resistance, high activity and stability, and reusability. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analysis of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthase gene in activated sludge that produces PHA containing 3‐hydroxy‐2‐methylvalerate
Authors: Michinaka Atsuko , Arou Jun , Onuki Motoharu , Satoh Hiroyasu , Mino Takashi
Published: August 2006

The identification of phaC which encodes PHA synthase, that is involved in the formation of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) containing 3‐hydroxy‐2‐methylvalerate (3H2MV), was attempted. As of now, PHA containing 3H2MV has been reported to be produced only by mixed microbial cultures in activated sludge, but no pure bacterial cultures. A laboratory‐scale activated sludge process was operated for 67 days. During the operation of the activated sludge process, its capacity to produce PHA containing 3H2MV, and the diversity of the partial phaC genes in the activated sludge microorganisms were monitored periodically. Analysis of the partial phaC genes was conducted by PCR followed by cloning and DNA sequencing, or by PCR followed by terminal‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP). The cloning‐sequencing of the 263 clones gave 11 distinct genetic groups (GGs). All of the genetic groups had similarities to known phaC higher than 48%, and one of them had similarity as high as 96% to that of Alcaligenes sp. The behavior of each of the genetic groups during the operation of the activated sludge process was monitored by the T‐RFLP method. The restriction enzyme AccII, with the help of MboI, enabled the monitoring of each of the genetic groups. One of the genetic groups was found to have a strong correlation with the capability of the activated sludge to produce PHA containing 3H2MV, and its DNA sequence together with its amino acid sequence are reported. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;96:871–880. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sustainability and stakeholder management: the need for new corporate performance evaluation and reporting systems
Authors: Perrini Francesco , Tencati Antonio
Published: August 2006

Corporate sustainability, that is the capacity of a firm to continue operating over a long period of time, depends on the sustainability of its stakeholder relationships. This new stakeholder view of the firm goes beyond previous work on the triple bottom line and balanced scorecard. Companies need appropriate systems to measure and control their own behaviour in order to assess whether they are responding to stakeholder concerns in an effective way and to communicate the results achieved. These sustainability accounting systems should have the purpose of broadening and integrating the traditional financial approaches to corporate performance measurement, taking stakeholder needs into due account. This article presents the sustainability evaluation and reporting system (SERS), an integrated methodology aimed at monitoring and tracking from a qualitative and quantitative viewpoint the overall corporate performance according to a stakeholder framework, in line with small and medium‐sized enterprises' managerial requirements. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
An integrated framework for the financial analysis of sustainability
Authors: Castro Noelia Romero , Chousa Juan Piñeiro
Published: August 2006

Financial analysis, traditionally considered as a suitable tool for assessing a company's financial and economic situation and guiding the decision‐making processes of companies and financial markets, should embrace sustainability issues within its logic, under some kind of scheme or framework that permits the evaluation of a company's sustainable management system and the impact of sustainability issues on financial performance. An integrated model is needed that takes into account the social, environmental and economic performances of a company and their expression using data that is both quantitative and qualitative, accounting and non‐accounting, physical and monetary. In this paper an integrated framework for the financial analysis of the creation of sustainability‐oriented value in companies is proposed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Antagonist effect of flufenamic acid on TRPM2 cation channels activated by hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Nazıroğlu Mustafa , Lückhoff Andreas , Jüngling Eberhard
Published: August 2006

The melastatin‐related transient receptor potential channel TRPM2 is a plasma membrane Ca2+‐permeable cation channel that is activated by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a consequence of oxidative stress although the channel activation by H2O2 appears to represent a cell‐specific process in cells with endogenous expression of TRPM2. Flufenamic acid (FA) is a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory compound. Whether H2O2 activates or FA inhibits TRPM2 channels in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell is currently unknown. Due to lack of known antogonists of this channel, we demonstrate in CHO cells that FA inhibits TRPM2 activated by extracellular H2O2. CHO cells were transfected with cDNA coding for TRPM2. Cells were studied with the conventional whole‐cell patch clamp technique. The intracellular solution used EDTA (10 mM) as chelator for Ca2+ and heavy metal ions. H2O2 (10 mM) and FA (0.1 mM) were applied extracellularly. Non‐selective cation currents were consistently induced by H2O2. The time cause of H2O2 effects was characterized by a delay of 2–5 min and a slow current induction to reach a plateau. The H2O2‐ induced inward current was effectively inhibited by 0.1 mM FA applied extracellularly. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that FA is an effective antogonist of TRPM2 channels and H2O2activated currents in CHO cells. FA in CHO cells may be considered, at best, a starting point for the development of TRPM2 channel blockers. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum and plasmalemmal Ca2+‐ATPase activities in cremaster muscles and sacs differ according to the associated inguinal pathology
Authors: Ulusu N. N. , Tandoğan B. , Tanyel F. C.
Published: August 2006

Sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase (SERCA) and plasmalemmal Ca2+‐ATPase (PMCA) activities in cremaster muscles and sacs, which have been subjected to different autonomic tonuses, were determined and compared. Samples of cremaster muscles and sacs associated with male or female inguinal hernia, hydrocele or undescended testis were obtained from children during operations and activities of SERCA and PMCA were determined. While highest SERCA and PMCA activities were encountered among cremaster muscles and sacs associated with undescended testis, least activities were encountered among structures associated with hydrocele. The alterations in SERCA and PMCA activities in cremaster muscles associated with undescended testis appear to reflect the attempts at maintaining the levels of cytosolic calcium. Despite similar total calcium contents, lower SERCA and PMCA activities were found in sacs associated with hydrocele compared to those associated with undescended testis suggest a difference among the levels of cytosolic calcium. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Apo E gene polymorphism on development of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: İlhan Necip , Kahraman Neslihan , Seçkin Dilara , İlhan Nevin , Çolak Ramis
Published: August 2006

Type 2 diabetes causes premature morbidity and mortality due to the complications of atherosclerosis and diabetic nephropathy (DN). Polymorphism of Apo E gene is known to influence lipid metabolism. Apo E is polymorphic, consisting of three common isoforms (ε2, ε3 and ε4) encoded by three alleles (2, 3 and 4) in exon 4 on chromosome 19. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Apo E polymorphism as a prognostic risk factor for the development of DN. A total of 108 NIDDM patients were recruited from the Nephrology and Endocrinology Departments of our hospital. All subjects were divided into three groups: Group I: diabetes with nephropathy (n:37), group II: diabetes without nephropathy (n:71), group III: controls (n:46). Apo E genotypes were determined by real‐time PCR. The ε4 allele frequency was significantly higher in‐group I (10.8%) than in‐group III (2.2%), (p < 0.05). In diabetics without nephropathy, the total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels were significantly lower in subjects with ε2 alleles than ε3 and ε4 alleles. In conclusion, the present prospective study indicates that the ε4 allele of the Apo E polymorphism is one of the prognostic risk factors involved in the development of DN with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of hyperthermia on heat shock protein expression, alkaline phosphatase activity and proliferation in human osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Trieb K. , Blahovec H. , Kubista B.
Published: August 2006

Hyperthermia can be used as a possible adjuvant therapy in treatment of cancer patients. In this study, the direct effect of hyperthermia on osteosarcoma derived cell lines HOS85, MG‐63 and SaOS‐2 was investigated. Heat shock at 42°C inhibited proliferation significantly in all three cell lines tested. Furthermore a sub‐lethal heat shock (42°C, 1 h) decreases alkaline phosphatase activity, the absolute marker for osteoblast‐like cells, in all of the three cell lines. Hsp70 was expressed constitutively and was found to be upregulated in a time‐dependent manner; by up to 150% in Western blot analysis. The results of this study indicate that heat shock has an inhibitory effect on human osteosarcoma cells. These data suggest that hyperthermia has an anti‐tumour effect on cancers of the bone and might, therefore, become an adjuvant treatment option. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reactions of Th and U Atoms with C2H2: Infrared Spectra and Relativistic Calculations of the Metallacyclopropene, Actinide Insertion, and Ethynyl Products
Authors: Andrews Lester , Kushto Gary P. , Marsden Colin J.
Published: August 2006

Reactions of laser‐ablated Th and U atoms with C2H2 during condensation with excess argon at 7 K give several new product species. The metallacyclopropene, inserted hydride, and actinide ethynyl are identified from isotopic frequencies and relativistic DFT calculations. The higher‐energy vinylidine isomer was not observed. These actinide metallacyclopropenes exhibit substantially stronger bonding interactions than found recently for the Pd and Pt metals. In the case of Th(C2H2) the argon matrix interaction is strong enough to reverse the computed order of states (MR‐CISD) in favor of a triplet ground state for the (Ar)n(Th(C2H2)) complex. The nature of the electronic interactions between various metal atoms and acetylene is compared and the origin of the particularly strong interaction for U and Th is traced to the higher energy of their 6d orbitals. The ThCCH and UCCH actinide ethynyl products are also observed and characterized by CC stretching modes 38±2 cm−1 lower than acetylene itself.
Homochirality as a Consequence of Thermodynamic Equilibrium?
Authors: Crusats Joaquim , Veintemillas‐Verdaguer Sabino , Ribó Josep M.
Published: August 2006

Recent results on the crystallisation/dissolution equilibrium of enantiomorphic crystals of NaClO3 lead to the conclusion that liquid‐phase systems composed of achiral or fast racemising compounds yielding enantiomorphic solid phases (racemic conglomerates) can derive spontaneously to a single homochiral solid phase. This is a thermodynamically driven total resolution, which can only occur when the system is so perturbed that chiral recognition between the species of the system becomes feasible.
Synthetically Tailored Excited States: Phosphorescent, Cyclometalated Iridium(III) Complexes and Their Applications
Authors: Lowry Michael S. , Bernhard Stefan
Published: August 2006

Phosphorescent iridium(III) complexes are being widely explored for their utility in diverse photophysical applications. The performance of these materials in such roles depends heavily on their excited‐state properties, which can be tuned through ligand and substituent effects. This concept article focuses on methods for synthetically tailoring the properties of bis‐cyclometalated iridium(III) materials, and explores the factors governing the nature of their lowest excited state.
How much can current interventions reduce colorectal cancer mortality in the U.S.?
Authors: Vogelaar Iris , van Ballegooijen Marjolein , Schrag Deborah , Boer Rob , Winawer Sidney J. , Habbema J. Dik F. , Zauber Ann G.
Published: August 2006

BACKGROUND.

Although colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S., available interventions to reduce CRC mortality are disseminated only partially throughout the population. This study assessed the potential reduction in CRC mortality that may be achieved through further dissemination of current interventions for risk‐factor modification, screening, and treatment.

METHODS.

The MISCAN‐COLON microsimulation model was used to simulate the 2000 U.S. population with respect to CRC risk‐factor prevalence, screening use, and treatment use. The model was used to project age‐standardized CRC mortality from 2000 to 2020 for 3 intervention scenarios.

RESULTS.

Without changes in risk‐factor prevalence, screening use, and treatment use after 2000, CRC mortality would decrease by 17% by the Year 2020. If the 1995 to 2000 trends continue, then the projected reduction in mortality would be 36%. However, if trends in the prevalence of risk‐factors could be improved above continued trends, if screening use increased to 70% of the target population, and if the use of chemotherapy increased among all age groups, then a 49% reduction would be possible. Screening drove most (23%) of the projected mortality reduction with these optimistic trends; however, decreasing risk‐factors (16%) and increasing use of chemotherapy (10%) also contributed substantially. The contribution of risk‐factors may have been overestimated, because effect estimates could not be obtained from randomized controlled trials.

CONCLUSIONS.

Currently available interventions for risk‐factor modification, screening, and treatment have the potential to reduce CRC mortality by almost 50% by the Year 2020. However, without action now to further increase the uptake of current effective interventions, the reduction in CRC mortality may be only 17%. Cancer 2006. © American Cancer Society.
Paget disease of the breast: Changing patterns of incidence, clinical presentation, and treatment in the U.S.
Authors: Chen Chin‐Yau , Sun Li‐Min , Anderson Benjamin O.
Published: August 2006

BACKGROUND.

Paget disease is an uncommon presentation of breast cancer that increased in incidence in the U.S. between 1973 and 1987. Characterized by malignant crusting or ulceration of the nipple, Paget disease can present in 1 of 3 ways: 1) in conjunction with an underlying invasive cancer, 2) in conjunction with underlying ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), or 3) alone without any underlying invasive breast carcinoma or DCIS. Paget disease can be treated with breast conservation by undergoing central lumpectomy. The objective of this study was to determine how the incidence, presentation, biomarkers, operative approach, and outcome of Paget disease have evolved in the U.S. since 1988.

METHODS.

Between 1988 and 2002, 1738 women who were diagnosed with Paget disease were reported in the 9 registries of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. To the authors' knowledge, the current study on tumor characteristics, surgical intervention, and survival represented the largest series of Paget disease ever reported.

RESULTS.

Although the overall incidence of breast cancer increased between 1988 and 2002, the incidence of Paget disease concomitantly decreased by 45% (95% confidence interval, from −35% to −53%). This decreasing incidence was greatest for Paget disease associated with invasive cancer or DCIS. Invasive cancer associated with Paget disease more commonly was estrogen receptor negative, progesterone receptor negative, and of high histologic grade. Even when 60% of the disease was located centrally, only 293 of 1642 patients with Paget disease (18%) who were treated surgically underwent central lumpectomy. Patients with Paget disease who underwent breast conservation had outcomes equivalent to the outcomes among patients who underwent mastectomy.

CONCLUSIONS.

The incidence of Paget disease associated with underlying invasive cancer or DCIS decreased since 1988. Patients who underwent central lumpectomy and patients who underwent mastectomy for Paget disease had similar outcomes; nonetheless, most patients who were candidates for preservation underwent mastectomy. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Pelvic plexus contributes ganglion cells to the hindgut enteric nervous system
Authors: Nagy Nandor , Brewer Katherine C. , Mwizerwa Olive , Goldstein Allan M.
Published: August 2006

The hindgut enteric nervous system (ENS) contains cells originating from vagal and sacral neural crest. In avians, the sacral crest gives rise to the nerve of Remak (NoR) and pelvic plexus. Whereas the NoR has been suggested to serve as the source of sacral crest‐derived cells to the gut, the contribution of the pelvic ganglia is unknown. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that the pelvic ganglia contribute ganglion cells to the hindgut ENS. We observed that the quail pelvic plexus develops from neural crest‐derived cells that aggregate around the cloaca at embryonic day 5. Using chick–quail tissue recombinations, we found that hindgut grafts did not contain enteric ganglia unless the pelvic plexus was included. Neurofibers extended from the NoR into the intestine, but no ganglion cell contribution from the NoR was identified. These results demonstrate that the pelvic plexus, and not the NoR, serves as the staging area for sacral crest‐derived cells to enter the avian hindgut, confirming the evolutionary conservation of this important embryologic process. Developmental Dynamics 236:73–83, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A new role for CCR5 in innate immunity – binding to bacterial heat shock protein 70
Authors: Mackay Charles R. , Sallusto Federica
Published: August 2006

CCR5 has been associated with adaptive immune responses, because of its expression on effector and memory T cells, and dentric cells. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, Whittall et al. identify CCR5 as a receptor that binds bacterial heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). Thus HSP70 may stimulate responses by CCR5+ T cells or dendritic cells, particularly at epithelial surfaces. These findings imply a role for CCR5 in innate immunity, in addition to its more established role as a chemoattractant receptor for adaptive immune responses.

See accompanying article http:dx.doi.org/10.1002/eji.200635953