bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of remarkably tough polyHIPE materials via polymerization of oil‐in‐water HIPEs involving 1‐vinyl‐5‐aminotetrazole
Authors: Youssef Carlos , Backov Rénal , Treguer Mona , Birot Marc , Deleuze Hervé
Published: May 2010

Interconnected microcellular polymeric monoliths having unexpected high mechanical strength have been prepared using the high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) methodology. Oil‐in water concentrated emulsions of aqueous 1‐vinyl‐5‐amino [1,2,3,4]tetrazole (1‐VAT) mixed with a low molar ratio (7%) of N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide as crosslinking agent were prepared using dodecane as dispersed phase and a mixture of hydrophilic surfactants. “Reverse” polyHIPE materials were obtained after radical copolymerization, solvent extraction, and drying. Their morphology, chemical composition, and physicochemical behavior are discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2942–2947, 2010
The implementation and assessment of a comprehensive communication skills training curriculum for oncologists
Authors: Bylund Carma L. , Brown Richard , Gueguen Jennifer A. , Diamond Catherine , Bianculli Jennifer , Kissane David W.
Published: May 2010

Objective: The objective of this paper is to report the implementation and assessment of the Comskil Training Curriculum at Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer Center.

Method: Twenty‐eight attending physicians and surgeons participated in communication skills training modules as part of a train‐the‐trainer program. Doctors were video recorded in clinical consultations with patients two times before training and two times after training, resulting in 112 video recordings for analysis. Recordings were coded using the Comskil Coding System.

Results: Communication skills related to two of the six major skill sets, Establishing the Consultation Framework and Checking, increased following training. Limited changes emerged in three skill sets, while one skill set, Shared Decision Making, did not change. Doctors who attended more training modules had higher levels of change. Female participants demonstrated three skills more frequently than males post‐training.

Conclusions: The intervention produced significant communication skills uptake in a group of experienced attending clinicians, mediated by the amount of training. Future research should focus on the dose of training necessary to achieve skills uptake and the effect of skills training on patient outcomes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Communicating between the kernel and user‐space in Linux using Netlink sockets
Authors: Neira‐Ayuso Pablo , Gasca Rafael M. , Lefevre Laurent
Published: May 2010

When developing Linux kernel features, it is a good practice to expose the necessary details to user‐space to enable extensibility. This allows the development of new features and sophisticated configurations from user‐space. Generally, software developers have to face the task of looking for a good way to communicate between the kernel and user‐space in Linux. This tutorial introduces you to Netlink sockets, a flexible and extensible messaging system that provides communication between kernel and user‐space. We provide the fundamental guidelines for practitioners who wish to develop Netlink‐based interfaces. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recurrence of Radiation Enterocolitis within 1 Year is Predictive of 5‐Year Mortality in Surgical Cases of Radiation Enterocolitis: Our 18‐Year Experience in a Single Center
Authors: Chen Ming‐Cheng , Chiang Feng‐Fan , Wang Hwei‐Ming , Chen Joe‐Bin , Chao Te‐Hsin , Ma Hsiu‐Feng
Published: May 2010

Background

Pelvic irradiation is commonly used in the treatment of pelvic malignancies. Chronic radiation enterocolitis is the most serious complication resulting from such treatment, and it frequently requires surgery. The prognosis for patients after surgery remains ill‐defined. We conducted a retrospective study to identify risk factors associated with mortality for patients who received surgery for chronic radiation enterocolitis.

Methods

From 1985 to 2009, a total of 89 patients were diagnosed as having chronic radiation enterocolitis in Taichung Veterans General Hospital. The chart records of 35 surgical and 54 nonsurgical patients were reviewed. A total of 21 candidate risk factors were selected from (1) those related to rapid disease progression (recurrence within 1 year, reoperation within 1 year, short latency), (2) those mentioned in published series (diabetes mellitus, history of smoking, history of abdominopelvic surgery), and (3) other risk factors that might adversely affect outcomes (older age, higher radiation dosage, longer latency period). Factors with p < 0.1 in univariate analysis were subjected to multivariate analysis to identify those that were independent risk factors.

Results

Surgical patients were significantly older (65.09 vs. 61.61 years, p = 0.011), had a longer latency period (17.08 vs. 8.09 months, p = 0.037), and were associated with a higher percentage of radiation uropathy (54.28 vs. 12.96%, p < 0.0001) than nonsurgical patients. There was no difference in radiation dosage between surgical and nonsurgical cases (p = 0.152). Recurrence of radiation enterocolitis within 1 year following surgery (p = 0.022), older age (p = 0.002), and uncured cancer (p = 0.001) were identified as independent risk factors for poor overall survival after surgery. All patients (100%) who had recurrent radiation enterocolitis within 1 year of surgery died within 5 years of recurrence.

Conclusions

The surgical cases were older, had a longer latency period, and had a higher percentage of radiation uropathy. Recurrence of radiation enterocolitis within 1 year after surgery, older age, and uncured cancer were independent risk factors associated with mortality for patients who received surgery for chronic radiation enterocolitis.
Multi-peak bound states for Schrödinger equations with compactly supported or unbounded potentials
Authors: Ba Na , Peng Shuangjie , Deng Yinbin
Published: May 2010

In this paper, we will study the existence and qualitative property of standing waves

\psi (x,t) = e^{−\frac{iEt}{\varepsilon }}u(x)

for the nonlinear Schrödinger equation

i\varepsilon \frac{\partial \psi }{\partial t} + \frac{\varepsilon ^{2}}{2m}\mathrm{\Delta }_{x}\psi −(V(x) + E)\psi + K(x)|\psi |^{p−1}\psi = 0

,

(t,x) \in \mathbb{R}_{ + } \times \mathbb{R}^{N}

. Let

G(x) = [V(x)]^{\frac{p + 1}{p−1}−\frac{N}{2}}[K(x)]^{−\frac{2}{p−1}}

and suppose that

G(x)

has

k

local minimum points. Then, for any

l \in \{1,…,k\}

, we prove the existence of the standing waves in

H^{1}(\mathbb{R}^{N})

having exactly

l

local maximum points which concentrate near

l

local minimum points of

G(x)

respectively as

\varepsilon \rightarrow 0

. The potentials

V(x)

and

K(x)

are allowed to be either compactly supported or unbounded at infinity. Therefore, we give a positive answer to a problem proposed by Ambrosetti and Malchiodi (2007) [2].
Mediterranean diet and upper aerodigestive tract cancer: the Greek segment of the Alcohol-Related Cancers and Genetic Susceptibility in Europe study
Authors: Samoli Evangelia , Lagiou Areti , Nikolopoulos Elias , Lagogiannis Georgios , Barbouni Anastasia , Lefantzis Dimitrios , Trichopoulos Dimitrios , Brennan Paul , Lagiou Pagona
Published: May 2010

Several dietary factors have been associated with the occurrence of cancers of the oral cavity and oropharynx, larynx and oesophagus, collectively called upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) cancers, but the evidence is considered as inconclusive. We hypothesised that the traditional Mediterranean dietary pattern may be more strongly inversely associated with UADT cancer risk than individual dietary components, and may explain the unexpectedly low incidence of these cancers in Greece. In the context of the European alcohol-related cancers and genetic susceptibility in Europe project, we have conducted a hospital-based case–control study in Athens, Greece, comparing 239 incident UADT cases and 194 hospital controls with admission diagnoses unrelated to tobacco, alcohol or diet. Adherence to Mediterranean diet was assessed through a widely used score, which ranges from 0 (minimal adherence) to 9 (maximal adherence) and increases with high consumption of plant foods and olive oil and low consumption of meat, dairy products and saturated lipids. Stricter adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a substantial and significant decrease in UADT cancer risk (30 % for a two-unit increase in score), whereas after mutual adjustment, no individual dietary component of this diet was significantly associated with this risk. Adherence to the traditional Mediterranean diet is associated with reduced risk of UADT cancers, and may explain the lower incidence of UADT cancers in Greece, in spite of the smoking and drinking habits of this population.
A weakly nonlinear evolution model for long internal waves in a large lake
Authors: SAKAI TAKAHIRO , REDEKOPP L. G.
Published: May 2010

A wind-forced weakly nonlinear weakly dispersive evolution model is derived for a continuously stratified circular lake of slowly varying depth under the effect of the Earth's rotation. The model was numerically integrated to investigate the evolution of long internal waves of vertical mode one for various sets of environmental parameters. It is demonstrated that the Kelvin wave steepens as it propagates, and the steepened front subsequently generates a train of oscillatory waves. It is demonstrated that Poincaré waves do not steepen, but their amplitude is modulated in an oscillatory manner with time, exhibiting a pseudo recurrence character. The model was applied to the wind forced problem, confirming that Kelvin and Poincaré waves are the dominant response. Energy partition among Kelvin and Poincaré wave modes is estimated as a function of wind-forcing parameters. For large lakes, the most significant wave amplitude is found in the Kelvin wave mode, but the gross field energy is most significantly contained in Poincaré wave modes.
Behavioural fever in infected honeybees: parasitic manipulation or coincidental benefit?
Authors: CAMPBELL JENNIFER , KESSLER BETH , MAYACK CHRISTOPHER , NAUG DHRUBA
Published: May 2010

Infection by a parasite often induces behavioural changes in the host and these changes may benefit either the host or the parasite. However, whether these changes are active host defence mechanisms or parasitic manipulations or simply incidental byproducts of the infection is not always clear. It has been suggested that understanding the proximate mechanisms of these changes as well as comparative studies could help distinguish these alternatives better. Behavioural fever is a common response to an infection in many animals and we investigated the phenomenon in the novel host-parasite relationship between the honeybee and the temperature-sensitive microsporidianNosema ceranae. Our results show that infected bees prefer higher temperatures and even though this seems to benefit the pathogen, the proximate mechanism underlying this change is the pathological stress underlying the infection. Especially because it is a new host-parasite relationship, it is best to label the observed behavioural change as a case of incidental benefit although this does not rule out selection acting on it. We discuss the importance of looking at the behavioural outcomes of host-parasite relationships and the importance of studying them at multiple levels for understanding their origin and maintenance.
Effect of GSK-3 activity, enzymatic inhibition and gene silencing by RNAi on tick oviposition and egg hatching
Authors: FABRES ARIANNE , DE ANDRADE CAROLINE PINTO , GUIZZO MELINA , SORGINE MARCOS HENRIQUE F. , DE O. PAIVA-SILVA GABRIELA , MASUDA AOI , DA SILVA VAZ ITABAJARA , LOGULLO CARLOS
Published: May 2010

Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is classically described as a key enzyme involved in glycogen metabolism in mammals. It has been shown to be highly conserved among several organisms, mainly in the catalytic domain region. This enzyme has already been described inRhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplusand the ovaries of females appeared to be the major site of GSK-3 transcription. The treatment with GSK-3 specific inhibitor (alsterpaullone, bromo-indirubin-oxime 6 and indirubin-3-oxime) caused a reduction in oviposition and egg hatching in completely engorged female ticks. The effect was more pronounced in partially engorged females when alsterpaullone was administrated by artificial capillary feeding. Moreover, GSK-3 gene silencing by RNAi in partially engorged females reduced significantly both oviposition and hatching. The study of tick embryogenesis and proteins that participate in this process has been suggested as an important means for the development of novel strategies for parasite control. GSK-3 is an essential protein involved in embryonic processes and for this reason it has already been suggested as a possible antigen candidate for tick control.
Probing the tri-trophic interaction between insects, nematodes andPhotorhabdus
Authors: ELEFTHERIANOS I. , JOYCE S. , FFRENCH-CONSTANT R. H. , CLARKE D. J. , REYNOLDS S. E.
Published: May 2010

Photorhabdussp. are entomopathogenic bacteria which, upon experimental infection, interact with the insect immune system, but little is known about the roles of their symbiotic nematode partnersHeterorhabditissp. in natural infections. Here, we investigated the respective contributions of nematodes and bacteria by examining humoral and cellular immune reactions of the model lepidopteran insectManduca sextaagainstHeterorhabditiscarryingPhotorhabdus, nematodes free of bacteria (axenic nematodes) and bacteria alone. Insect mortality was slower following infection with axenic nematodes than when insects were infected with nematodes containingPhotorhabdus, or the bacteria alone. Nematodes elicited host immune responses to a lesser extent than bacteria. Transcription of certain recognition and antibacterial genes was lower when insects were naturally infected with nematodes carrying no bacteria compared to insects that received bacteria, either with or without nematodes. Axenic nematodes also did not elicit such high levels of phenoloxidase activity and haemocyte aggregates as did treatments involvingPhotorhabdus. By contrast, the phagocytic capability of host haemocytes was decreased by both axenic and bacteria-associated nematodes, but not byPhotorhabdusalone. These results imply that both bacteria and nematodes contribute separately to the pathogenic modulation of host immune responses during natural infections by the mutualisticHeterorhabdus-Photorhabduscomplex.
Nutritional programming of gastrointestinal tract development. Is the pig a good model for man?
Authors: Guilloteau Paul , Zabielski Romuald , Hammon Harald M. , Metges Cornelia C.
Published: May 2010

The consequences of early-life nutritional programming in man and other mammalian species have been studied chiefly at the metabolic level. Very few studies, if any, have been performed in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) as the target organ, but extensive GIT studies are needed since the GIT plays a key role in nutrient supply and has an impact on functions of the entire organism. The possible deleterious effects of nutritional programming at the metabolic level were discovered following epidemiological studies in human subjects, and confirmed in animal models. Investigating the impact of programming on GIT structure and function would need appropriate animal models due to ethical restrictions in the use of human subjects. The aim of the present review is to discuss the use of pigs as an animal model as a compromise between ethically acceptable animal studies and the requirement of data which can be interpolated to the human situation. In nutritional programming studies, rodents are the most frequently used model for man, but GIT development and digestive function in rodents are considerably different from those in man. In that aspect, the pig GIT is much closer to the human than that of rodents. The swine species is closely comparable with man in many nutritional and digestive aspects, and thus provides ample opportunity to be used in investigations on the consequences of nutritional programming for the GIT. In particular, the ‘sow–piglets’ dyad could be a useful tool to simulate the ‘human mother–infant’ dyad in studies which examine short-, middle- and long-term effects and is suggested as the reference model.
Avian pneumoviruses and emergence of a new type in the United States of America
Authors: Seal Bruce S.
Published: May 2010

Avian pneumovirus (APV) primarily causes an upper respiratory disease recognized as turkey rhinotracheitis (TRT) or swollen head syndrome (SHS) in chickens. The virus was first isolated in South Africa during the early 1970s and has subsequently been reported in Europe, Asia and South America. In February 1997, a serologically distinct APV isolate was officially reported in the USA following an outbreak of TRT during the previous year. This was the first report of these virus types in the USA; they were previously considered exotic to the USA and Canada. The predicted matrix (M) proteins of European APV type A and B isolates share 89% identity in their amino acid sequence. However, the predicted M protein of APV/CO is only 78%similar to the APV type A and 77% similar to the APV type B protein sequence. The predicted amino acid sequence of the US APV isolate's fusion (F) protein has 72% sequence identity to the F protein of APV type A and 71%sequence identity to the F protein of type B. This compares with the 83%sequence identity between the predicted amino acid sequences of the F proteins of APV types A and B. The lack of sequence heterogeneity among the US APV isolates over 2 years suggests that these viruses have maintained a relatively stable population since the first outbreak of TRT. Phylogenetic analysis of the M and F proteins, together with the serological uniqueness of the US APV isolates, supports their classification as a new APV, designated type C.
Reverse immunogenetic and polyepitopic approaches for the induction of cell-mediated immunity against bovine viral pathogens
Authors: Hegde Nagendra R. , Srikumaran S.
Published: May 2010

The control of several infectious diseases of animals by vaccination is perhaps the most outstanding accomplishment of veterinary medicine in the last century. Even the eradication of some pathogens is in sight, at least in some parts of the world. However, infectious diseases continue to cost millions of dollars to the livestock industry. One of the reasons for the failure to control certain pathogens is the limited emphasis placed on cell-mediated immunity (CMI) in the design of vaccines against these pathogens. Traditionally, vaccine-induced immunity has been studied in relation to antibody-mediated protection. More recent studies, however, have focused on understanding CMI and developing means of inducing CMI. This review focuses on recent advances made in the study of CMI in general and of cytotoxic T lymphocytes in particular. Parallels from studies in human and mouse immunology are drawn in order to point out implications to bovine immunology, specifically for immunity against bovine herpesvirus 1.
A parametric study on the diffuse auroral precipitation by resonant interaction with whistler mode chorus
Authors: Su Zhenpeng , Zheng Huinan , Wang Shui
Published: May 2010

The diffuse aurora is generally believed to be the result of ∼keV electron precipitation from the magnetosphere, which presents an important sink of magnetospheric particles, a primary high‐latitude ionospheric energy source, and a strong magnetosphere‐ionosphere coupling mechanism. Resonant scattering of the plasma sheet electrons by electron cyclotron harmonic and whistler mode chorus waves is suggested to be responsible for the diffuse auroral precipitation. The dependence of quasi‐linear diffusion rates and consequent diffuse auroral precipitation on the spatial position L, normal angle, and frequency distribution of both upper‐band chorus (UBC) and lower‐band chorus (LBC) is investigated in detail. Whistler mode chorus waves are found to be more effective in the production of diffuse aurora at larger L shells. The normal angle and frequency distribution of UBC can significantly affect the diffusion rates for ∼keV electrons and the consequent diffuse aurora precipitation. Numerical results show that the strong diffusion limit for ∼keV electrons can be reached up to large pitch angles closer to 90°, and the diffuse auroral precipitation can be remarkably enhanced when the UBC waves possessing a relatively larger normal angle range or centering higher in the band. In contrast, the diffusion rates and diffuse auroral precipitation of electrons with energies Ek < 2 keV are largely independent of the normal angle and frequency distribution of LBC waves. Enhanced precipitations of ∼5 keV electrons are found to occur when the LBC waves centering higher in the band. The current results suggest that the significant variability of wave characteristics and the variation with spatial position should be taken into account in order to identify the dominant mechanism for diffuse aurora.
Tropical Pacific Ocean and the Madden‐Julian Oscillation: Role of wind and buoyancy forcing
Authors: Zhang Xu , Lu Youyu , Thompson Keith R. , Jiang Jing , Ritchie Hal
Published: May 2010

A global ocean circulation model is used to examine the dynamical response of the tropical Pacific Ocean to forcing associated with the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO). Model sensitivity experiments first reveal that MJO‐related changes in sea level are caused primarily by changes in wind stress. Further, the MJO‐related changes in sea surface temperature (SST) are mainly caused by buoyancy (heat) flux in the Indian Ocean, by wind stress in the central tropical Pacific, and by both buoyancy flux and wind stress in the eastern tropical Pacific. Additional model sensitivity studies quantify the tropical Pacific Ocean response to MJO wind forcing. The simulations reveal that the subsurface temperature variations associated with the MJO propagate eastward along the thermocline and rise to the surface in the eastern Pacific. Zonal advection plays a dominant role in SST variation in the central Pacific; vertical advection plays an important role in the evolution of subsurface and surface temperatures in the eastern Pacific. Finally, it is shown that MJO wind forcing can rectify SST variations through nonlinear interactions of the intraseasonal variations of the zonal currents and the zonal SST gradient.
Evidence of solar and tropical‐ocean forcing of hydroclimate cycles in southeastern Australia for the past 6500 years
Authors: McGowan Hamish A. , Marx Samuel K. , Soderholm Joshua , Denholm John
Published: May 2010

Evidence of solar and tropical‐ocean forcing of climate cycles has been found in numerous palaeoclimate records. Numerical modelling studies show physical mechanisms by which direct and indirect solar forcing may affect climate, while there is mounting evidence of solar forcing of tropical ocean‐atmosphere teleconnections. This study has developed a 6500 year record of dust deposition, a proxy for regional hydroclimate variability for the Snowy Mountains region of Australia. Spectral analysis of the record provides evidence of statistically significant cycles in dust deposition of 35–43 years, 62–73 years, 161 years and 2200 years. These correlate with variability in solar irradiance and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). We present evidence to support physical links between variability in solar irradiance and change in the hydroclimate of southeast Australia and suggest that the effects of global warming and solar maxima on atmospheric circulation over extra‐tropical regions may exacerbate these impacts.
Calcium- and polyphosphate-containing acidic granules of sea urchin eggs are similar to acidocalcisomes, but are not the targets for NAADP
Authors: Ramos Isabela B. , Miranda Kildare , Pace Douglas A. , Verbist Katherine C. , Lin Fu-Yang , Zhang Yonghui , Oldfield Eric , Machado Ednildo A. , De Souza Wanderley , Docampo Roberto
Published: May 2010

Acidocalcisomes are acidic calcium-storage compartments described from bacteria to humans and characterized by their high content in poly P (polyphosphate), a linear polymer of many tens to hundreds of Pi residues linked by high-energy phosphoanhydride bonds. In the present paper we report that millimolar levels of short-chain poly P (in terms of Pi residues) and inorganic PPi are present in sea urchin extracts as detected using 31P-NMR, enzymatic determinations and agarose gel electrophoresis. Poly P was localized to granules randomly distributed in the sea urchin eggs, as shown by labelling with the poly-P-binding domain of Escherichia coli exopolyphosphatase. These granules were enriched using iodixanol centrifugation and shown to be acidic and to contain poly P, as determined by Acridine Orange and DAPI (4′,6′-diamidino-2-phenylindole) staining respectively. These granules also contained large amounts of calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium and zinc, as detected by X-ray microanalysis, and bafilomycin A1-sensitive ATPase, pyrophosphatase and exopolyphosphatase activities, as well as Ca2+/H+ and Na+/H+ exchange activities, being therefore similar to acidocalcisomes described in other organisms. Calcium release from these granules induced by nigericin was associated with poly P hydrolysis. Although NAADP (nicotinic acid–adenine dinucleotide phosphate) released calcium from the granule fraction, this activity was not significantly enriched as compared with the NAADP-stimulated calcium release from homogenates and was not accompanied by poly P hydrolysis. GPN (glycyl-L-phenylalanine-naphthylamide) released calcium when added to sea urchin homogenates, but was unable to release calcium from acidocalcisome-enriched fractions, suggesting that these acidic stores are not the targets for NAADP.
Inherent excitonic luminescence in metal halide promising for potential applications in light-emitting devices
Authors: Kondo S. , Ohsawa H. , Asada H. , Saito T.
Published: May 2010

So far, excitonic luminescence in metal halide (MH) has extensively been studied by many workers, with the interest not only in physics of excitons but also in its possible application in optoelectronics. In the actual MHs, however, excitonic luminescence is so weak that it is beyond the scope of applications. Here we report the rediscovery that inherent excitonic luminescence in MH is dominated by a dramatically high light-emitting mechanism. This is demonstrated using improved films of MH yielded by two simple, independent methods, both applicable to several MHs. For example, improved CsPbCl3 and CuBr films exhibit more than 103–104 times stronger excitonic luminescence than conventional films. Inherent excitonic luminescence in MH is promising for applications in exciton-based light-emitting devices, particularly in shorter-wavelength devices than the traditional, nonexcitonic ones because it is MH and only MH that includes many compounds with large band gap and large exciton binding energies.
Evidence of formation of site-selective inclusion complexation between β-cyclodextrin and poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(propylene oxide)- block-poly(ethylene oxide) copolymers
Authors: Tsai Chi-Chun , Zhang Wen-Bin , Wang Chien-Lung , Van Horn Ryan M. , Graham Matthew J. , Huang Jing , Chen Yongming , Guo Mingming , Cheng Stephen Z. D.
Published: May 2010

A series of inclusion complexes of poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(propylene oxide)-block-poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO-b-PPO-b-PEO) with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) was prepared. Their formation, structure, and dynamics were investigated by solution two-dimensional rotating-frame Overhauser effect spectroscopy (2D ROESY) and one-dimensional (1D) and 2D solid-state C13 NMR. The inclusion complexes between the PEO-b-PPO-b-PEO copolymers and the β-CDs were formed in aqueous solution and detected by 2D ROESY. The high efficiency of cross polarization and spin diffusion experiments in C13 solid-state NMR showed that the mobility of the PPO blocks dramatically decreases after β-CD complexation, indicating that they are selectively incorporated onto the PPO blocks. The hydrophobic cavities of β-CD restrict the PPO block mobility, which is evidence of the formation of inclusion complexes in the solid state. The 2D wide-line separation NMR experiments suggested that β-CDs only thread onto the PPO blocks while forming the inclusion complexes. The stoichiometry of inclusion complexes was studied using H1 NMR, and a 3:1 (PO unit to β-CD) was found for all inclusion complexes, which indicated that the number of threaded β-CDs was only dependent on the molecular weight of the PPO blocks. 1D wide angle x-ray diffraction studies demonstrated that the β-CD in the inclusion complex formed a channel-like structure that is different from the pure β-CD crystal structure.
Tracking Grizzly Bears in British Columbia's Environmental Politics
Authors: Dempsey Jessica
Published: May 2010

Geographers and others have written many words about British Columbian environmental politics. Stories about this place often revolve around conflicts between the government, the forest industry, First Nations, and environmentalists, battling it out to secure their vision of appropriate land use on the ground. This paper examines a particularly heated conflict over land use in the Great Bear Rainforest region, a large tract of temperate rainforest blanketing the central and north coasts of British Columbia. But this essay takes a different cut into understanding this particular political event, in that it tracks an often-unrecognized actor through the politics there: the grizzly bear. Drawing inspiration from scholarship that challenges the primacy of humans in our understandings of politics and social life, I argue that the grizzly bear influences and inflects BC's coastal forest politics; it is an important player in the transformation of the Great Bear Rainforest. I tell the story of environmental politics there by tracing the grizzly bear's shifting relationships with others, including with settlers, conservation biologists, environmentalists and money, all of which are consequential for the grizzly bear, and for others in the region.
Pigmented poroid neoplasm mimicking nodular melanoma
Authors: MITSUISHI Tsuyoshi , ANSAI Shin‐ichi , UENO Takashi , KAWANA Seiji
Published: May 2010

We reported the case of a 92‐year‐old woman with a pigmented and non‐pigmented surface of the pedunculated nodule on her lower leg. Microscopic examination revealed that this nodule consisted of a component of small, dark, homogenous, poroid cells and cuticular cells in the dermis. The histopathological features of the lesion were consistent with poroid neoplasm. Immunohistochemistry showed that HMB‐45 and Melan‐A were positive in malanocytes and melanophages of the pigmented areas. Unlike most poroid neoplasms, this case showed pigmented lesion mimicked nodular melanoma.
Mechanistic insights into acquired drug resistance in epidermal growth factor receptor mutation‐targeted lung cancer therapy
Authors: Ji Hongbin
Published: May 2010

Oncogenic mutation of epidermal growth factor receptor kinase domain is strongly associated with clinical response to tyrosine kinase inhibitors in non‐small‐cell lung carcinoma. Despite an initial encouraging response, patients eventually develop drug resistance and relapse. Great efforts have been made to identify the molecular mechanisms of drug resistance. With the recognition of cancer as a whole complex system, here it is proposed that cancer may evolve drug resistance in a cancer‐cell‐autonomous manner as well as a non‐cancer‐cell‐autonomous manner. The former mainly arises at three levels: the robustness of the epidermal growth factor receptor signaling network; cancer epigenetic changes; or cancer genetic alteration, which may be dependent on the therapeutics methods and treatment duration. As cancer stroma plays an essential role in lung cancerigenesis, we further discuss the potential mechanisms for drug resistance development in a non‐cancer‐cell‐autonomous manner, which may arise from the interaction between cancer cells and cancer stroma, including stromal cells and extracellular matrix. (Cancer Sci 2010)
Drug treatment of chronic‐intermittent abdominal cramping and pain: a multi‐national survey on usage and attitudes
Authors: Mueller‐Lissner S. , Quigley E. M. M. , Helfrich I. , Schaefer E.
Published: May 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 472–477

Background  Data on drug treatment of abdominal cramping and pain are sparse.

Aim  To compare treatment of abdominal cramping and pain across countries worldwide.

Methods  A multi‐national survey was conducted in the USA, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Belgium, Italy and the UK. In each country, approximately 210 people were interviewed on various aspects of drug treatment of their complaints.

Results  In total, 1717 participants were interviewed. Respondents from the Americas used more medication (approximately 90%) than those from Europe (approximately 70%). Over‐the‐counter remedies were much more used than prescription drugs (except for Mexico). Medication was mainly taken on demand to relieve a pain episode. In the Latin American countries, antispasmodics were most popular (up to 73%), in Germany antacids, and in the UK antacids and analgesics. Regarding expectations of treatment, ‘fast onset of action’ ranked the highest, followed by ‘highly effective’ and ‘well tolerated’.

Conclusions  A majority of people afflicted by abdominal cramping and pain use medication and take them on demand. Consequently, rapid onset of action is mentioned as most important. Antispasmodics are the class most frequently used with considerable variation from country to country.
Dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome in China: a population‐based endoscopy study of prevalence and impact
Authors: Zhao Y. , Zou D. , Wang R. , Ma X. , Yan X. , Man X. , Gao L. , Fang J. , Yan H. , Kang X. , Yin P. , Hao Y. , Li Q. , Dent J. , Sung J. , Halling K. , Wernersson B. , Johansson S. , He J.
Published: May 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2010; 32: 562–572

Background  Dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are common in Western populations.

Aim  To determine the epidemiology of dyspepsia and IBS in China.

Methods  A representative sample of 18 000 adults from five regions of China were asked to complete the modified Rome II questionnaire; 20% were asked to complete the 36‐item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36). Participants from Shanghai were invited to provide blood samples and undergo oesophagogastroduodenoscopy. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined using a multivariate logistic regression model.

Results  The survey was completed by 16 091 individuals (response rate: 89.4%). Overall, 387 participants (2.4%) had dyspepsia and 735 (4.6%) had IBS. All SF‐36 dimension scores were at least five points lower in individuals with than without dyspepsia or IBS (P ≤ 0.001). In Shanghai, 1030 (32.7%) of the 3153 respondents agreed to endoscopy; neither dyspepsia nor IBS was found to be associated with reflux oesophagitis, peptic ulcer disease or Helicobacter pylori infection.

Conclusions  Prevalence estimates for dyspepsia and IBS in China are lower than in Western populations. In China, dyspepsia or IBS symptoms are generally not associated with underlying organic disease.
Transferrin receptor‐1 gene polymorphisms are associated with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Fernández‐Real José Manuel , Mercader Josep Maria , Ortega Francisco José , Moreno‐Navarrete Jose Maria , López‐Romero Pedro , Ricart Wifredo
Published: May 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (7): 600–607

Background  Iron is involved in oxidative stress and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Transferrin receptor (TFRC) constitutes the major receptor by which most cells take up iron. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether TFRC gene polymorphisms are associated with T2D.

Materials and methods  We evaluated TFRC gene polymorphism (rs3817672, 210AG, S142G) in a sample of T2D patients and nondiabetic controls (n = 722), and 39 SNPs within the TFRC genomic region analysed by the Welcome Trust Case Control Consortium (WTCCC) (1921 T2D subjects and 3000 controls). In a subset of subjects, glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were also studied.

Results  The frequency of the G allele at the position 210 of the TFRC gene was significantly higher in T2D patients. Both GG and GA genotypes had a 69% (P < 0·01) greater risk of developing T2D estimated under a dominant model. The increased prevalence of the G allele run in parallel to increased sex‐adjusted log‐serum ferritin and slightly increased soluble transferrin receptor among patients with T2D. Furthermore, post‐load glucose and insulin sensitivity were significantly associated with circulating soluble transferrin receptor, and insulin sensitivity was significantly associated with serum ferritin among G allele carriers, (r = −0·33, P = 0·001) but not in AA homozygotes. Sixteen other TFRC SNPs were also associated to T2D according to the Welcome Trust Case Control Consortium data.

Conclusion  TFRC gene variants are associated with T2D.
Impaired cardiovascular response to standing in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Authors: Hollingsworth Kieren G. , Jones David E. J. , Taylor Roy , Blamire Andrew M. , Newton Julia L.
Published: May 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (7): 608–615

Background  Impaired skeletal muscle metabolism is recognized in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). This study examined the relationship between skeletal and cardiac muscle function and symptoms on standing in CFS using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and impedance cardiography.

Materials and methods  Phosphocreatine (PCr)/adenosine triphosphate (ATP) ratio by cardiac MRS, PCr/ADP and proton efflux by muscle MRS were performed in 12 CFS (Fukuda) and 8 controls. Head up tilt (HUT) and cardiac contractility (left ventricular work index, LVWI) (n = 64 CFS and matched controls) were found. Fatigue impact was accessed by Fatigue Impact Scale and orthostatic symptoms by Orthostatic Grading Scale (OGS).

Results  Cardiac PCr/ATP correlated with measures of muscle bioenergetic function (half‐time PCr recovery [κ = −0·71, P = 0·005] and half‐time ADP recovery [κ = −0·60, P = 0·02]) suggesting that the muscle and cardiac bioenergetic function correlate in CFS. Four of 12 (33·3%) CFS patients had PCr/ATP values consistent with significant cardiac impairment. Those with impaired cardiac energy metabolism had significantly reduced maximal and initial proton efflux rates (P < 0·05). Cardiac PCr/ATP ratio correlated with myocardial contractility (LVWI) in response to standing (P = 0·03). On HUT, LVWI on standing was significantly higher in CFS (P = 0·05) with symptoms on standing (OGS) occurring in 61/64 (95%) (vs. 25/64 [39%] controls; P < 0·0001). OGS scores were significantly higher in those with abnormal LVWI responses to standing (P = 0·04), with the LVWI on standing correlating with OGS scores (r2 = 0·1; P = 0·03). HUT was positive in 19 (32%).

Conclusions  Skeletal muscle and cardiac bioenergetic abnormalities associate in CFS. Cardiac bioenergetic metabolism associates with increase in cardiac contractility on standing. Haemodynamic assessment in CFS is well tolerated and safe with a high diagnostic yield comparable with unexplained syncope.
Cholesteryl ester transfer protein in patients with coronary heart disease
Authors: Duwensee Kristina , Breitling Lutz Philipp , Tancevski Ivan , Rothenbacher Dietrich , Demetz Egon , Patsch Josef R. , Ritsch Andreas , Eller Philipp , Brenner Hermann
Published: May 2010

Eur J Clin Invest 2010; 40 (7): 616–622

Background  The impact of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) in the development of atherosclerosis is a matter for ongoing debate. In this study, we analyse associations of CETP with cardiovascular endpoints in a cohort of patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD).

Design  KAROLA is a prospective observational study of patients with CAD and a median follow‐up of 8 years (n = 1132). CETP levels were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results  Cholesteryl ester transfer protein levels were lower in men (P = 0·0016), positively correlated to low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and inversely correlated to triglyceride levels (P < 0·0001 and P = 0·011 respectively). There was no significant difference in mortality between patients in different CETP quartiles; the hazard ratio of lowest vs. highest quartile was 1·33 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0·77–2·30) for mortality and 1·24 (95% CI: 0·75–2·03) for secondary events. In post hoc analyses, comparing nondiabetic subjects with CETP below vs. above median, the adjusted hazard ratio for death in patients with low CETP levels was 1·84 (95% CI: 1·10–3·09).

Conclusion  Although statistically significant associations were found only in post hoc analyses, the effect sizes in this study were in line with previous findings in the Framingham and LURIC population. In combination, the emerging evidence challenges the concept of pharmacological CETP inhibition.
Role of neurocrine somatostatin on sphincter of Oddi contractility and intestinal ischemia reperfusion‐induced acute pancreatitis in macaques
Authors: Chen P. , Hu B. , Tan Q. , Liu L. , Li D. , Jiang C. , Wu H. , Li J. , Tang C.
Published: May 2010

Background  Intestinal ischemia‐reperfusion (IIR) is implicated in the pathogenesis of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). This study investigates the impact of neurocrine somatostatin (SST) on the contraction of sphincter of Oddi (SO) during IIR.

Methods  Intestinal ischemia‐reperfusion model in macaques was induced by occluding the superior mesenteric artery. Pancreatitis was confirmed by pancreatic histology and serum levels of amylase and lipase. SST and its receptors (SSTRs) in SO were visualized by immunohistochemistry. Effects of SST on the contraction of the isolated SO were recorded in vitro.

Key Results  Inflammatory scores of the pancreas and serum levels of amylase or lipase in the macaques that underwent IIR were significantly higher than those in the control group. The frequency and amplitude of phasic contraction of the circular muscle in SO was increased by SST in a concentration‐dependent manner. Compared with the control group, SST innervation or SSTR2 expression in SO of macaques treated with IIR was increased 5.2 fold or 5.6 fold respectively. Prophylactic infusion of SST before IIR significantly reduced SST immunoreactive fibers in SO as compared to those in the IIR group and remarkably alleviated the pathophysiologic changes due to IIR.

Conclusions & Inferences  Increased SST innervation in SO during the early phase of IIR associated with the contraction of circular muscle of SO, which might be one of the promoting factors associated with the development of SAP. Prevention of IIR or intervention of SO contraction after occurrence of acute pancreatitis might be beneficial for preventing SAP.
Ex vivo assessment of serum cytokines in patients with cystic echinococcosis of the liver
Authors: TAMAROZZI F. , MERONI V. , GENCO F. , PICCOLI L. , TINELLI C. , FILICE C. , BRUNETTI E.
Published: May 2010

To investigate the usefulness of serum cytokine levels in the diagnosis of active cystic echinococcosis, we evaluated the cytokine profile of patients with hepatic cystic echinococcosis in different cyst stages, CE 1‐2 (active), CE3a‐3b (transitional) and CE4‐5 (inactive). Ex vivo assessment of Th1 (IL12, TNFα) and Th2 (IL4, IL10) cytokines in sera was carried out using ELISA. Percentages of positive samples and median levels of IL12, TNFα and IL10 did not differ significantly between groups. However, patients with CE3b cysts, a stage clinically unresponsive to treatments, had statistically significantly higher median levels of IL4 and percentage of positive samples for IL4. We conclude that the analysis of serum cytokine dosage, at least in its present form, is not useful as a marker of cyst activity. However, our results support recent findings suggesting the chronic activity of CE3b cysts and suggest that this might be partly because of a skewed Th2 response.
The small heat shock protein 20 RSI2 interacts with and is required for stability and function of tomato resistance protein I‐2
Authors: Van Ooijen Gerben , Lukasik Ewa , Van Den Burg Harrold A. , Vossen Jack H. , Cornelissen Ben J. C. , Takken Frank L. W.
Published: May 2010

Race‐specific disease resistance in plants depends on the presence of resistance (R) genes. Most R genes encode NB‐ARC‐LRR proteins that carry a C‐terminal leucine‐rich repeat (LRR). Of the few proteins found to interact with the LRR domain, most have proposed (co)chaperone activity. Here, we report the identification of RSI2 (Required for Stability of I‐2) as a protein that interacts with the LRR domain of the tomato R protein I‐2. RSI2 belongs to the family of small heat shock proteins (sHSPs or HSP20s). HSP20s are ATP‐independent chaperones that form oligomeric complexes with client proteins to prevent unfolding and subsequent aggregation. Silencing of RSI2‐related HSP20s in Nicotiana benthamiana compromised the hypersensitive response that is normally induced by auto‐active variants of I‐2 and Mi‐1, a second tomato R protein. As many HSP20s have chaperone properties, the involvement of RSI2 and other R protein (co)chaperones in I‐2 and Mi‐1 protein stability was examined. RSI2 silencing compromised the accumulation of full‐length I‐2 in planta, but did not affect Mi‐1 levels. Silencing of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) and SGT1 led to an almost complete loss of full‐length I‐2 accumulation and a reduction in Mi‐1 protein levels. In contrast to SGT1 and HSP90, RSI2 silencing led to accumulation of I‐2 breakdown products. This difference suggests that RSI2 and HSP90/SGT1 chaperone the I‐2 protein using different molecular mechanisms. We conclude that I‐2 protein function requires RSI2, either through direct interaction with, and stabilization of I‐2 protein or by affecting signalling components involved in initiation of the hypersensitive response.
Hormonal interplay during adventitious root formation in flooded tomato plants
Authors: Vidoz Maria Laura , Loreti Elena , Mensuali Anna , Alpi Amedeo , Perata Pierdomenico
Published: May 2010

Soil flooding, which results in a decline in the availability of oxygen to submerged organs, negatively affects the growth and productivity of most crops. Although tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is known for its sensitivity to waterlogging, its ability to produce adventitious roots (ARs) increases plant survival when the level of oxygen is decreased in the root zone. Ethylene entrapment by water may represent the first warning signal to the plant indicating waterlogging. We found that treatment with the ethylene biosynthesis inhibitor aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG) and the auxin transport inhibitor 1‐naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) resulted in a reduction of AR formation in waterlogged plants. We observed that ethylene, perceived by the Never Ripe receptor, stimulated auxin transport. In a process requiring the Diageotropica gene, auxin accumulation in the stem triggered additional ethylene synthesis, which further stimulated a flux of auxin towards to the flooded parts of the plant. Auxin accumulation in the base of the plant induces growth of pre‐formed root initials. This response of tomato plants results in a new root system that is capable of replacing the original one when it has been damaged by submergence.