bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural Killer T Cells Subsets in Cancer, Functional Defects in Prostate Cancer and Implications for Immunotherapy
Authors: Nowak Michael , Schmidt-Wolf Ingo G.H.
Published: September 2011

Natural killer T cells are T lymphocytes with unique activation and effector properties. The majority of NKT cells, termed type-I or iNKT cells, recognize lipid antigens presented on MHC-like CD1d molecules. Type-I NKT cells have the capacity to rapidly secrete various cytokines upon activation, thereby regulate immune responses exerts dominant anti-tumor and anti-microbial effector functions. Specific activation of type-I NKT cells in mouse models boosts immunity and prevents metastasis, which has led to a number of phase I-II clinical trials. Since the discovery of NKT cells other subsets with different specificities and effector functions have been described. This article briefly reviews the physiological functions of NKT cell subsets, their implications in cancer and the attempts that have been made to employ NKT cells for immune therapy of cancer.
Antihyperglycemic Effect of Ganoderma Lucidum Polysaccharides on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice
Authors: Li Fenglin , Zhang Yiming , Zhong Zhijian
Published: September 2011

The current study evaluated the glucose-lowering effect of ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (Gl-PS) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. The diabetic mice were randomly divided into four groups (8 mice per group): diabetic control group, low-dose Gl-PS treated group (50 mg/kg, Gl-PS), high-dose Gl-PS treated group (150 mg/kg, Gl-PS) and positive drug control treated group (glibenclamide, 4 mg/kg), with normal mice used as the control group. Body weights, fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum insulin and blood lipid levels of mice were measured. After 28 days of treatment with Gl-PS, body weights and serum insulin levels of the Gl-PS treated groups was significantly higher than that of the diabetic control group , whereas FBG levels was significantly lower. Moreover, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels of the Gl-PS treated groups had dropped, whereas the high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels had increased. In addition, according to acute toxicity studies, Gl-PS did not cause behavioral changes and any death of mice. These data suggest that Gl-PS has an antihyperglycemic effect. Furthermore, considering the Gl-PS effects on lipid proﬁle, it may be a potential hypolipidaemic agent, which will be a great advantage in treating diabetic conditions associated with atherosclerosis or hyperlipidemia.
Enzymatic Kinetic Resolution of tert-Butyl 2-(1-Hydroxyethyl)phenylcarbamate, A Key Intermediate to Chiral Organoselenanes and Organotelluranes
Authors: Piovan Leandro , Pasquini Monica D. , Andrade Leandro H.
Published: September 2011

The enzymatic kinetic resolution of tert-butyl 2-(1-hydroxyethyl) phenylcarbamate via lipase-catalyzed transesterification reaction was studied. We investigated several reaction conditions and the carbamate was resolved by Candida antarctica lipase B (CAL-B), leading to the optically pure (R)- and (S)-enantiomers. The enzymatic process showed excellent enantioselectivity (E > 200). (R)- and (S)-tert-butyl 2-(1-hydroxyethyl)phenylcarbamate were easily transformed into the corresponding (R)- and (S)-1-(2-aminophenyl)ethanols.
AN ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS MODEL FOR THE ESTIMATION OF FORMWORK LABOUR / DIRBTINIŲ NEURONINIŲ TINKLŲ MODELIS, KURIO PASKIRTIS – SKAIČIUOTI KLOJINIAMS SKIRTO DARBO APIMTIS
Authors: Dikmen S. Umit , Sonmez Murat
Published: September 2011

Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) is a problem solving technique imitating the basic working principles of the human brain. The formwork labour cost constitutes an important part within the costs of the reinforced concrete frame buildings. This study suggests a method based on artificial neural networks developed for estimating the required manhours for the formwork activity of such buildings. The introduced method has been verified in the study with reference to the test conducted involving two case studies. In all cases, the model produced results reasonably close to actual field measurements. The model is a simple and quick tool for the estimators and planners to aid them in their work. Santrauka Dirbtiniai neuroniniai tinklai (DNT) – tai problemų sprendimo metodas, imituojantis pagrindinius žmogaus smegenų veiklos principus. Statant gelžbetoninius karkasinius pastatus, nemažą sąnaudų dalį sudaro klojinių ruošimas. Šiame tyrime siūlomas dirbtiniais neuroniniais tinklais pagrįstas metodas, kurio paskirtis – apskaičiuoti, kiek žmogaus darbo valandų reikės ruošti klojinius tokiuose pastatuose. Pristatomas metodas tyrimo metu patikrintas remiantis bandymu, susijusiu su dviem atvejo tyrimais. Visais atvejais modelio pateikti rezultatai buvo gana artimi faktiniams matavimams. Modelis – tai paprastas ir greitai naudojamas įrankis, kuris pravers sąmatininkams ir planuotojams.
INVESTIGATION ON BEHAVIOUR OF SQUARE/RECTANGULAR REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMNS RETROFITTED WITH FRP JACKET / GELŽBETONINIŲ KVADRATINIO/STAČIAKAMPIO SKERSPJŪVIO FORMOS ELEMENTŲ, SUSTIPRINTŲ POLIMERINIU PLUOŠTU ARMUOTU APVALKALU, ELGSENOS TYRIMAS
Authors: Hajsadeghi Mohammad , Alaee Farshid Jandaghi , Shahmohammadi Amir
Published: September 2011

The behaviour of fibre reinforced polymer (FRP)-wrapped concrete in circular columns has been extensively studied; however, much less is known about concrete in FRP-confined square/rectangular columns, in which the concrete is non-uniformly confined and the effectiveness of confinement is considerably reduced. This article presents the results of the numerical analysis of square/rectangular reinforced concrete (RC) columns confined with FRP jackets. Two prisms of size 250×250×500 mm and 150×300×500 mm were modelled and analysis was carried out using a non-linear finite element method. Two parameters of wrap thickness and fibre orientation were considered. The finite element analysis results were in good agreement with experimental data presented by other researchers. The numerical analysis results demonstrated significant enhancement in the compressive strength and ductility of the FRP-wrapped square/rectangular RC columns compared to unconfined RC columns. It was observed that the behaviour of the columns was greatly affected by the analysis parameters. Santrauka Apskritojo skerspjūvio armuotų betoninių elementų sustiprintų polimeriniu pluoštu armuotu apvalkalu, elgsena yra išsamiai išnagrinėta. Daug mažiau žinoma apie tokių stačiakampio skerspjūvio elementų elgseną. Tokiuose elementuose betono deformacijos suvaržomos nevienodai, dėl to mažėja sustiprinimo efektyvumas. Straipsnyje pateikiami kvadratinio ir stačiakampio skerspjūvio gelžbetoninių elementų skaitinio tyrimo rezultatai. Taikant baigtinių elementų metodą buvo atlikta dviejų 250×250×500 mm ir 150×300×500 mm prizmių netiesinė analizė. Buvo išnagrinėta po du apvalkalo storio ir pluošto orientacijos atvejus. Baigtinių elementų analizės rezultatai gerai sutapo su eksperimentiniais kitų tyrėjų pateiktais duomenimis. Tyrimo rezultatai parodė, kad sustiprinimas žymiai padidina elementų gniuždomajį stiprį ir stamantrumą lyginant su analogiškais nesustiprintų elementų rodikliais. Buvo pastebėta, kad sustiprėjimo poveikis priklauso nuo apvalkalo rodiklių.
NUMERICAL STUDIES ON SMOKE SPREAD IN THE CAVITY OF A DOUBLE-SKIN FAÇADE / SKAITINIS DŪMŲ SKLIDIMO DVIGUBO FASADO ERTMĖJE TYRIMAS
Authors: Chow Cheuk Lun
Published: September 2011

Double-skin façade (DSF) is an environmental friendly architectural feature. However, fire hazard is a concern. A scenario of having a flashover room fire adjacent to the façade was identified. Heat and mass would be trapped in the façade cavity. This paper examines air flow driven out of a flashover room fire to the cavity of a DSF by Computational Fluid Dynamics. The software Fire Dynamics Simulator developed at the Building and Fire Research laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, USA was selected as the simulation tool. Three DSF features labeled as DSF1, DSF2 and DSF3 were considered. Detailed simulations were carried out to understand the fire-induced aerodynamics in a 5-level model DSF1 with a fire room at the third level. Hot gas spreading out to the façade cavity was simulated under two heat release rates of 1 MW and 5 MW. Air cavity depths of 0.5 m, 1 m, 1.5 m and 2 m were considered. Three stages of flame spreading out to a DSF with a wide air cavity depth were identified. Results suggested that wider air cavity depths would be more dangerous, with higher risk of the upper interior glass pane's breaking. To study spreading of heat and mass up the façade cavity as vertical channel flow, two taller DSF façade features DSF2 and DSF3 with differing air cavity depths were simulated. Both features were of height 24 m but of differing fire room height. Vertical temperature profiles with and without the DSF feature were compared. Santrauka Dvigubas fasadas yra ekologiškas architektūrinis sprendimas. Tačiau dvigubas fasadas yra problemiškas gaisrinės saugos požiūriu. Nagrinėjamas scenarijus, kai greta dvigubo fasado esančioje patalpoje įvyksta gaisro pliūpsnis. Dvigubo fasado ertmėje gali būti uždaryti karštis ir masė. Taikomi skaitmeninės skysčių dinamikos metodai nustatyti, kaip iš patalpos, kurįoje įvyksta gaisro pliūpsnis, oras ir degimo produktai išstumiami ī dvigubo fasado ertmę. Modeliuoti naudojama kompiuterinė programa, parengta JAV Nacionaliniame standartų ir technologijos institute. Nagrinėjami trys dvigubų fasadų sprendimai. Atliekamas detalus pirmojo sprendimo fasado modeliavimas siekiant suprasti gaisro lemiamą aerodinamiką penkių aukštų fasade, kai gaisras kyla trečiame aukšte. Modeliuojamas karštu dujų sklidimas iš fasado ertmės viršaus teigiant, kad gaisro išskiriama Siluma yra 1 MW ir 5 MW. Ertmės plotis imamas lygiu 0,5 m, 1,5 m ir 2 m. Nustatomi trys liepsnos sklidimo iš dvigubo fasado etapai. Gauti rezultatai leidžia daryti išvadą, kad platesni fasadai yra pavojingesni, nes didina viršutinių stiklo diskų dužimo tikimybę. Aukštesni antro ir trečio sprendimo fasadai naudoti tirti, kaip karštis ir masė juda vertikalia fasado ertme. Skyrėsi šių fasadų ertmės plotis. Abu fasadai buvo 24 m aukščio, tačiau skyrėsi gaisro patalpos aukštis. Buvo palygintas vertikalusis temperatūros pasiskirstymas dvigubo fasado ertmėje.
Ozone Inhalation Promotes CX3CR1-Dependent Maturation of Resident Lung Macrophages That Limit Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Authors: Tighe Robert M. , Li Zhuowei , Potts Erin N. , Frush Sarah , Liu Ningshan , Gunn Michael D. , Foster W. Michael , Noble Paul W. , Hollingsworth John W.
Published: September 2011

Inhalation of ambient ozone alters populations of lung macrophages. However, the impact of altered lung macrophage populations on the pathobiology of ozone is poorly understood. We hypothesized that subpopulations of macrophages modulate the response to ozone. We exposed C57BL/6 mice to ozone (2 ppm × 3 h) or filtered air. At 24 h after exposure, the lungs were harvested and digested and the cells underwent flow cytometry. Analysis revealed a novel macrophage subset present in ozone-exposed mice, which were distinct from resident alveolar macrophages and identified by enhanced Gr-1+ expression [Gr-1 macrophages (Gr-1 Macs)]. Further analysis showed that Gr-1+ Macs exhibited high expression of MARCO, CX3CR1, and NAD(P)H:quinone oxioreductase 1. Gr-1+ Macs were present in the absence of CCR2, suggesting that they were not derived from a CCR2-dependent circulating intermediate. Using PKH26-PCL to label resident phagocytic cells, we demonstrated that Gr-1 Macs were derived from resident lung cells. This new subset was diminished in the absence of CX3CR1. Interestingly, CX3CR1-null mice exhibited enhanced responses to ozone, including increased airway hyperresponsiveness, exacerbated neutrophil influx, accumulation of 8-isoprostanes and protein carbonyls, and increased expression of cytokines (CXCL2, IL-1β, IL-6, CCL2, and TNF-α). Our results identify a novel subset of lung macrophages, which are derived from a resident intermediate, are dependent upon CX3CR1, and appear to protect the host from the biological response to ozone.
Mating and Parental Care in Lake Tanganyika's Cichlids
Authors: Sefc Kristina M.
Published: September 2011

Cichlid fishes of Lake Tanganyika display a variety of mating and parental care behaviors, including polygamous and monogamous mouthbrooding and substrate breeding, cooperative breeding, as well as various alternative reproductive tactics such as sneaking and piracy. Moreover, reproductive behaviors sometimes vary within species both in space and in time. Here, I survey reports on mating and parenting behaviors of Lake Tanganyika cichlid species and address the evolution of mating and parental care patterns and sexual dimorphism. Notes on measures of sexual selection intensity and the difficulties of defining mating systems and estimating selection intensities at species level conclude the essay.
Male-Male Competition as a Force in Evolutionary Diversification: Evidence in Haplochromine Cichlid Fish
Authors: Dijkstra Peter D. , Groothuis Ton G. G.
Published: September 2011

It has been suggested that intrasexual competition can be a source of negative frequency-dependent selection, causing agonistic character displacement and facilitating speciation and coexistence of (sibling) species. In this paper we synthesise the evidence that male-male and female-female competition contributes to cichlid diversification, showing that competition is stronger among same-coloured individuals than those with different colours. We argue that intrasexual selection is more complex because there are several examples where males do not bias aggression towards their own type. In addition, sibling species or colour morphs often show asymmetric dominance relationships. We briefly discuss potential mechanisms that might promote the maintenance of covariance between colour and aggression-related traits even in the face of gene-flow. We close by proposing several avenues for future studies that might shed more light on the role of intrasexual competition in cichlid diversification.
Genetic Association between Akt1 Polymorphisms and Alzheimer′s Disease in a Japanese Population
Authors: Shibata Nobuto , Ohnuma Tohru , Kuerban Bolati , Komatsu Miwa , Baba Hajime , Arai Heii
Published: September 2011

A recent paper reported that Aβ oligomer causes neuronal cell death through the phosphatidylinositol‐3‐OH kinase (PI3K)‐Akt‐mTOR signaling pathway. Intraneuronal Aβ, a main pathological finding of Alzheimer′s disease (AD), is also known as inhibiting activation of Akt. This study aims to investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the Akt1 gene are associated with AD. SNPs genotyped using TaqMan technology was analyzed using a case‐control study design. Our case‐control dataset consisted of 180 AD patients and 130 age‐matched controls. Although two SNPs showed superficial positive, Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) tests, and linkage disequilibrium (LD) analyses suggested that genetic regions of the gene are highly polymorphic. We failed to detect any synergetic association among Akt1 polymorphisms, Apolipoprotein E (APO E), and AD. Further genetic studies are needed to clarify the relationship between the Akt1 and AD.
Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation in Men
Authors: Gielen Evelien , Boonen Steven , Vanderschueren Dirk , Sinnesael Mieke , Verstuyf Annemieke , Claessens Frank , Milisen Koen , Verschueren Sabine
Published: September 2011

Calcium and vitamin D supplements reverse secondary hyperparathyroidism and are widely prescribed to prevent osteoporotic fractures, with proven antifracture efficacy when targeted to individuals with documented insufficiencies. Men who should particularly be considered for calcium and vitamin D supplements include elderly or institutionalized individuals, patients with documented osteoporosis on antiresorptive or anabolic medication, and individuals receiving glucocorticoids. Benefits are most apparent when a daily dose of 1000–1200 mg calcium is complemented with 800 IU vitamin D. Compliance is the key to optimizing clinical efficacy. While (conventionally dosed) vitamin D has not been associated with safety concerns, recent meta-analytic data have provided evidence to suggest that calcium supplements (without coadministered vitamin D) may potentially be associated with cardiovascular risks.
Evaluating Voting Competence in Persons with Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Tiraboschi Pietro , Chitò Erica , Sacco Leonardo , Sala Marta , Stefanini Stefano , Defanti Carlo Alberto
Published: September 2011

Voting by persons with dementia raises questions about their decision‐making capacity. Methods specifically addressing voting capacity of demented people have been proposed in the US, but never tested elsewhere. We translated and adapted the US Competence Assessment Tool for Voting (CAT‐V) to the Italian context, using it before 2006 elections for Prime Minister. Consisting of a brief questionnaire, this tool evaluates the following decision‐making abilities: understanding nature and effect of voting, expressing a choice, and reasoning about voting choices. Subjects′ performance was examined in relation to dementia severity. Of 38 subjects with Alzheimer′s disease (AD) enrolled in the study, only three scored the maximum on all CAT‐V items. MMSE and CAT‐V scores correlated only moderately (r = 0.59; P < 0.0001) with one another, reflecting the variability of subjects′ performance at any disease stage. Most participants (90%), although performing poorly on understanding and reasoning items, scored the maximum on the choice measure. Our results imply that voting capacity in AD is only roughly predicted by MMSE scores and may more accurately be measured by a structured questionnaire, such as the CAT‐V. Among the decision‐making abilities evaluated by the CAT‐V, expressing a choice was by far the least affected by the dementing process.
Formation of hydroxyl radical from San Joaquin Valley particles extracted in a cell-free surrogate lung fluid
Authors: Shen H. , Anastasio C.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. Previous studies have suggested that the adverse health effects from ambient particulate matter (PM) are linked to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by PM in cardiopulmonary tissues. While hydroxyl radical (•OH) is the most reactive of the ROS species, there are few quantitative studies of •OH generation from PM. Here we report on •OH formation from PM collected at an urban (Fresno) and rural (Westside) site in the San Joaquin Valley (SJV) of California. We quantified •OH in PM extracts using a cell-free, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution with or without 50 μM ascorbate (Asc). The results show that generally the urban Fresno PM generates much more •OH than the rural Westside PM. The presence of Asc at a physiologically relevant concentration in the extraction solution greatly enhances •OH formation from all the samples. Fine PM (PM2.5) generally makes more •OH than the corresponding coarse PM (PMcf, i.e. with diameters of 2.5 to 10 μm) normalized by air volume collected, while the coarse PM typically generates more •OH normalized by PM mass. •OH production by SJV PM is reduced on average by (97 ± 6) % when the transition metal chelator desferoxamine (DSF) is added to the extraction solution, indicating a dominant role of transition metals. By measuring calibration curves of •OH generation from copper and iron, and quantifying copper and iron concentrations in our particle extracts, we find that PBS-soluble copper is primarily responsible for •OH production by the SJV PM, while iron often makes a significant contribution. Extrapolating our results to expected burdens of PM-derived •OH in human lung lining fluid suggests that typical daily PM exposures in the San Joaquin Valley are unlikely to result in a high amount of pulmonary •OH, although high PM events could produce much higher levels of •OH, which might lead to cytotoxicity.
Atmospheric ammonia measurements in Houston, TX using an external-cavity quantum cascade laser-based sensor
Authors: Gong L. , Lewicki R. , Griffin R. J. , Flynn J. H. , Lefer B. L. , Tittel F. K.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. In order to improve the current understanding of the dynamics of ammonia (NH3) in a major industrial and urban area, intensive measurements of atmospheric NH3 were conducted in Houston during two sampling periods (12 February 2010–1 March 2010 and 5 August 2010–25 September 2010). The measurements were performed with a 10.4-μm external cavity quantum cascade laser (EC-QCL)-based sensor employing conventional photo-acoustic spectroscopy. The mixing ratio of NH3 ranged from 0.1 to 8.7 ppb with a mean of 2.4 ± 1.2 ppb in winter and ranged from 0.2 to 27.1 ppb with a mean of 3.1 ± 2.9 ppb in summer. The larger levels in summer probably are due to higher ambient temperature. A notable morning increase and a mid-day decrease were observed in the diurnal profile of NH3 mixing ratios. Motor vehicles were found to be major contributors to the elevated levels during morning rush hours in winter. However, changes in vehicular catalytic converter performance and other local or regional emission sources from different wind directions governed the behavior of NH3 during morning rush hours in summer. There was a large amount of variability, particularly in summer, with several episodes of elevated NH3 mixing ratios that could be linked to industrial facilities. A considerable discrepancy in NH3 mixing ratios existed between weekdays and weekends. This study suggests that NH3 mixing ratios in Houston occasionally exceeded previous modeling predictions when sporadic and substantial enhancements occurred, potentially causing profound effects on particulate matter formation and local air quality.
Compatibilization of polypropylene/ poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) blends
Authors: Sadi Roberta K. , Kurusu Rafael S. , Fechine Guilhermino J. M. , Demarquette Nicole R.
Published: September 2011

Blending polypropylene (PP) with biodegradable poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) can be a nice alternative to minimize the disposal problem of PP and the intrinsic brittleness that restricts PHB applications. However, to achieve acceptable engineering properties, the blend needs to be compatibilized because of the immiscibility between PP and PHB. In this work, PP/PHB blends were prepared with different types of copolymers as possible compatibilizers: poly(propylene‐g‐maleic anhydride) (PP–MAH), poly (ethylene‐co‐methyl acrylate) [P(E–MA)], poly(ethylene‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate) [P(E–GMA)], and poly(ethylene‐co‐methyl acrylate‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate) [P(E–MA–GMA)]. The effect of each copolymer on the morphology and mechanical properties of the blends was investigated. The results show that the compatibilizers efficiency decreased in this order: P(E–MA–GMA) > P(E–MA) > P(E–GMA) > PP–MAH; we explained this by taking into consideration the affinity degree of the compatibilizers with the PP matrix, the compatibilizers properties, and their ability to provide physical and/or reactive compatibilization with PHB. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Stereoselective pharmacokinetics of stable isotope (+/−)‐[13C]‐pantoprazole: Implications for a rapid screening phenotype test of CYP2C19 activity
Authors: Thacker David L. , Modak Anil , Nguyen Phuong D. , Flockhart David A. , Desta Zeruesenay
Published: September 2011

Aims: We have previously shown that the (±)‐[13C]‐pantoprazole breath test is a promising noninvasive probe of CYP2C19 activity. As part of that trial, plasma, breath test indices and CYP2C19 (*2, *3, and *17) genotype were collected. Here, we examined whether [13C]‐pantoprazole exhibits enantioselective pharmacokinetics and whether this enantioselectivity is correlated with indices of breath test.

Methods: Plasma (−)‐ and (+)‐[13C]‐pantoprazole that were measured using a chiral HPLC were compared between CYP2C19 genotypes and correlated with breath test indices.

Results: The AUC(0‐∞) of (+)‐[13C]‐pantoprazole in PM (*2/*2, n = 4) was 10.1‐ and 5.6‐fold higher that EM (*1/*1or *17, n = 10) and IM (*1/*2or *3, n = 10) of CYP2C19, respectively (P < 0.001). The AUC(0‐∞) of (−)‐[13C]‐pantoprazole only significantly differed between PMs and EMs (1.98‐fold; P = 0.05). The AUC(0‐∞) ratio of (+)‐/(−)‐[13C]‐pantoprazole was 3.45, 0.77, and 0.67 in PM, IM, and EM genotypes, respectively. Breath test index, delta over baseline show significant correlation with AUC(0‐∞) of (+)‐[13C]‐pantoprazole (Pearson's r = 0.62; P < 0.001).

Conclusions: [13C]‐pantoprazole exhibits enantioselective elimination. (+)‐[13C]‐pantoprazole is more dependent on CYP2C19 metabolic status and may serve as a more attractive probe of CYP2C19 activity than (−)‐[13C]‐pantoprazole or the racemic mixture. Chirality, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Afferent and efferent projections of the mesopallium in the pigeon (Columba livia)
Authors: Atoji Yasuro , Wild J. Martin
Published: September 2011

The mesopallium is a thick cell plate occupying a substantial portion of the avian dorsal pallium, but its hodology is incompletely known. In pigeons we examined fiber connections of the frontodorsal (MFD) and frontoventral mesopallium (MFV), the ventrolateral mesopallium (MVL), the lateral (MIVl) and medial (MIVm) parts of the intermediate ventral mesopallium, and the caudal mesopallium (MC). MFV, MIVl, and MC connect reciprocally with secondary centers of the trigeminal, tectofugal, and auditory systems, respectively. MVL forms reciprocal connections with both the entopallial core and belt. MFV, MIVl, MVL, and MC receive thalamic inputs different from those of primary sensory pallial regions and have reciprocal connections with the caudolateral nidopallium (NCL) or arcopallium. MIVm has a strong reciprocal connection with the intermediate medial nidopallium. It receives afferents from the visual Wulst, rostral MC, posterior dorsointermediate thalamic nucleus, and caudal part of the posterior dorsolateral thalamic nucleus, is connected reciprocally with the arcopallium, and projects to NCL. MFD has reciprocal connections with the medial frontal nidopallium, arcopallium, posterior pallial amygdala, dorsolateral corticoid area, and projects to the medial part of medial striatum and hypothalamus. These results indicate that six subdivisions of the mesopallium have strong connections with corresponding portions of the nidopallium. In particular, the sensory mesopallial components of MFV, MIVl, MVL, and MC form parallel pathways to the one‐way sensory streams in the nidopallium and make either feedback or feedforward circuits to the secondary centers of the nidopallium. J. Comp. Neurol., 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Direct visualization of the subthalamic nucleus and its iron distribution using high‐resolution susceptibility mapping
Authors: Schäfer Andreas , Forstmann Birte U. , Neumann Jane , Wharton Sam , Mietke Alexander , Bowtell Richard , Turner Robert
Published: September 2011

Histological studies have shown a relatively high iron concentration in the subthalamic nucleus (STN). T2‐ and T2*‐weighted sequences have previously been used to visualize the STN in vivo. The phase information of gradient‐echo images reflects the magnetic tissue properties more directly, e.g., iron is more paramagnetic than water. Unfortunately, phase images suffer from non‐local effects and orientation dependency. The goal of this study is to delineate the STN more precisely using susceptibility maps, calculated from phase images, which directly index magnetic tissue properties while removing the non‐local effects and orientation dependency. Use of 7T MRI enables high spatial resolution with good signal to noise ratio (SNR). Eight healthy subjects were scanned at 7T using a high‐resolution 3D gradient‐echo sequence. Susceptibility maps were calculated from phase data using a thresholding Fourier approach and a regularization approach using spatial priors. The susceptibility maps clearly distinguish the STN from the adjacent substantia nigra (SN). Their susceptibilities are quantitatively different (0.06 and 0.1 ppm for the STN and SN, respectively). These maps allowed the STN, SN, and the red nucleus to be manually segmented, thus providing 3D visualization of their boundaries. In sum, the STN can be more clearly distinguished from adjacent structures in susceptibility maps than in T2*‐weighted images or phase images. Hum Brain Mapp, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Apoptosis in the digestive tract of herbivorous Rana pipiens larvae and carnivorous Ceratophrys ornata larvae: An immunohistochemical study
Authors: Kaltenbach Jane C. , Fry Anne E. , Colpitts Katherine M. , Faszewski Ellen E.
Published: September 2011

The lifespan of herbivorous Rana pipiens larvae is ∼3 months, while that of carnivorous Ceratophrys ornata larvae is only about 2 weeks. During metamorphic climax, the larval gut shortens dramatically, especially in R. pipiens, and its luminal epithelium is replaced by adult‐type epithelium. To determine when programmed cell death occurs during the metamorphic restructuring of the gut, we prepared cross‐sections of the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine from representative larval stages and from juvenile frogs of both species. The sections were incubated with monoclonal antibody against active caspase‐3, one of the key enzymes in the apoptotic cascade. We observed apoptosis in some luminal epithelial cells in each of the three regions of the larval gastrointestinal tract of both species. However, apoptotic cells appeared earlier in larval stages of R. pipiens than C. ornata and few were seen in juvenile frogs of either species. The results demonstrate the occurrence of apoptosis in the metamorphic remodeling of the gut of both R. pipiens larvae and C. ornata larvae. J. Morphol., 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel Polymeric Nanoparticles Assembled by Metal Ion Addition
Authors: Skodova Michaela , Hruby Martin , Filippov Sergey K. , Karlsson Goran , Mackova Hana , Spirkova Milena , Kankova Dana , Steinhart Milos , Stepanek Petr , Ulbrich Karel
Published: September 2011

Potentially biodegradable graft polymer core‐shell nanoparticles assembling by addition of metal ions intended to be used for radionuclide and drug delivery purposes are described. With Cu2+ions, the self‐assembly is slow (within minutes) with low efficiency. With Fe3+ions the nanoparticles are formed immediately and are of convenient size for passive tumor accumulation by the enhanced permeation and retention effect. Full in vitro degradation of these particles is achieved with deferoxamine as a model of in vivo transchelation capacity.
STATCOM/SVC impact on the performance of transmission line distance protection
Authors: Khederzadeh Mojtaba , Ghorbani Amir
Published: September 2011

The impact of 48‐pulse STATCOM/SVC on the apparent impedance seen by the transmission line distance relay is investigated in this paper. Analytical results are presented and verified by detailed simulations. The STATCOM/SVC control systems are modeled in full details and practical constraints are applied. It is shown that the presence of a current limiter in the control system of STATCOM could significantly mitigate the impact of STATCOM on the relay's calculated apparent impedance. Six different phase‐to‐phase and phase‐to‐ground measuring units of the distance relay are simulated to resemble the behavior of the relay. It is shown that the impact of SVC on the apparent impedance seen by the phase‐to‐ground fault measuring units is more pronounced. Different power system operating conditions, STATCOM/SVC control system settings and fault scenarios are considered in the simulations. The STATCOM/SVC effects on the distance relay tripping characteristics are also analyzed. © 2011 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Validation of a double fed induction generator wind turbine model and wind farm verification following the Spanish grid code
Authors: Jiménez Francisco , Gómez‐Lázaro Emilio , Fuentes Juan Alvaro , Molina‐García Angel , Vigueras‐Rodríguez Antonio
Published: September 2011

Wind turbine manufacturers are required by transmission system operators for fault ride‐through capability as the penetration of wind energy in the electrical systems grows. For this reason, testing and modeling of wind turbines and wind farms are required by the national grid codes to verify the fulfillment of this capability.

Therefore, wind turbine models are required to simulate the evolution of voltage, current, reactive and active power during faults. The simulation results obtained from these wind turbine models are used for verification, validation and certification against the real wind turbines measurement results, although evolution of electrical variables during the fault and its clearance is not easy to fulfill.

The purpose of this paper is to show the different stages involved in the fulfillment of the procedure of operation for fault ride‐through capability of the Spanish national grid code (PO 12.3) and the ‘procedure for verification, validation and certification of the requirements of the PO 12.3 on the response of wind farms in the event of voltage dips’. The process has been applied to a wind farm composed of Gamesa G52 wind turbines, and the results obtained are presented. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Feasibility of a dual microcatheter‐dual interlocking detachable coil technique in preoperative embolization in preparation for distal pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac axis resection for locally advanced pancreatic body cancer
Authors: Abo Daisuke , Hasegawa Yu , Sakuhara Yusuke , Terae Satoshi , Shimizu Tadashi , Tha Khin Khin , Tanaka Eiichi , Hirano Satoshi , Kondo Satoshi , Shirato Hiroki
Published: September 2011

Purpose

To describe the feasibility of a dual microcatheter‐dual interlocking detachable coil (DMDI) technique for preoperative embolization of the common hepatic artery (CHA) in preparation for distal pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac axis resection (DP‐CAR) for locally advanced pancreatic body cancer.

Methods

From January 2007 to December 2009, 26 patients underwent embolization of the CHA by the DMDI technique. We compared the results with those of 37 patients in whom the CHA was embolized by conventional techniques from August 1998 to February 2007.

Results

With the DMDI technique, no coil migration or other embolization‐related complications occurred. The success rate was 100%. The rate of embolization‐related complications was significantly lower in the DMDI embolization group (0%) than in the conventional embolization group (24.3%) (P = 0.008). The frequency of improper positioning of the embolic material necessitating its removal during DP‐CAR was significantly lower in the DMDI embolization group (10%) than in the conventional embolization group (37.5%) (P = 0.044).

Conclusion

The DMDI technique allows the development of collateral pathways, reduces the surgeon's burden in ligating the distal CHA, and prevents coil migration. For these reasons, we believe that this technique is feasible for embolization of the CHA in preparation for DP‐CAR for locally advanced pancreatic body cancer.
Characterization of OsSUT2 Expression and Regulation in Germinating Embryos of Rice Seeds
Authors: Siao Wei , Chen Jia-Yi , Hsiao Hui-Hsin , Chung Ping , Wang Shu-Jen
Published: September 2011

OsSUT2encodes a putative sucrose transporter containing 12 transmembrane domains in rice plants. Subcellular localization of the OsSUT2::GFP fusion protein indicated that OsSUT2 is a cell membrane protein. In embryos of germinating seeds, the expression ofOsSUT2gradually increased during the early germinating stage. The developmental regulations ofOsSUT2in germinating embryos could be mediated by sugars transported from endosperms.OsSUT2expression was up-regulated by glucose through a hexokinase-independent pathway. Exogenous sucrose was sensed by a sensor localized on the plasma membrane and functioned as an enhancer to promoteOsSUT2expression. Based onOsSUT2promoter::GUSexpression in germinating seeds of transgenic rice,OsSUT2was significantly expressed in the embryos and aleurone layers. In embryos, strong GUS expression was detected in the scutellum and vascular bundle tissues. Developmental stage- and sugar-dependentOsSUT2expression was suggested to be controlled by transcriptional regulation of the promoter region.
Social action in young adults: Voluntary and political engagement
Authors: Marzana Daniela , Marta Elena , Pozzi Maura
Published: September 2011

The present study examines the antecedents of social action (Snyder & Omoto, 2007), understood as voluntary action and political action, by operationalizing Penner's constructs (2004). We affirm the essential homogeneity between these two forms of social action and their antecedents.

The study has a twofold aim: 1) testing the identified antecedents on the volunteer participants by means of discriminant analysis, and 2) testing the same variables on youth engaged in politics.

Participants were 706 young people – engaged and not engaged – distributed throughout Italy – aged 19‐29 (M = 22.36, SD = 1.10). The instrument used was a self‐report questionnaire.

The findings reveal that several variables discriminate between engaged and not engaged youth. They also show the presence of several areas of overlap between variables considered in the engaged groups (political and voluntary action).
Ceylon cinnamon does not affect postprandial plasma glucose or insulin in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance
Authors: Wickenberg Jennie , Lindstedt Sandra , Berntorp Kerstin , Nilsson Jan , Hlebowicz Joanna
Published: September 2011

Previous studies on healthy subjects have shown that the intake of 6 g Cinnamomum cassia reduces postprandial glucose and that the intake of 3 g C. cassia reduces insulin response, without affecting postprandial glucose concentrations. Coumarin, which may damage the liver, is present in C. cassia, but not in Cinnamomum zeylanicum. The aim of the present study was to study the effect of C. zeylanicum on postprandial concentrations of plasma glucose, insulin, glycaemic index (GI) and insulinaemic index (GII) in subjects with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). A total of ten subjects with IGT were assessed in a crossover trial. A standard 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was administered together with placebo or C. zeylanicum capsules. Finger-prick capillary blood samples were taken for glucose measurements and venous blood for insulin measurements, before and at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 min after the start of the OGTT. The ingestion of 6 g C. zeylanicum had no significant effect on glucose level, insulin response, GI or GII. Ingestion of C. zeylanicum does not affect postprandial plasma glucose or insulin levels in human subjects. The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment in Europe has suggested the replacement of C. cassia by C. zeylanicum or the use of aqueous extracts of C. cassia to lower coumarin exposure. However, the positive effects seen with C. cassia in subjects with poor glycaemic control would then be lost.
Computer-Facilitated Assessment of Disaster Preparedness for Remote Hospitals in a Long-Distance, Virtual Tabletop Drill Model
Authors: Gillett Brian , Silverberg Mark , Roblin Patricia , Adelaine John , Valesky Walter , Arquilla Bonnie
Published: September 2011

Introduction: Emergency preparedness experts generally are based at academic or governmental institutions. A mechanism for experts to remotely facilitate a distant hospital’s disaster readiness is lacking.

Objective: The objective of this study was to develop and examine the feasibility of an Internet-based software tool to assess disaster preparedness for remote hospitals using a long-distance, virtual, tabletop drill.

Methods: An Internet-based system that remotely acquires information and analyzes disaster preparedness for hospitals at a distance in a virtual, tabletop drill model was piloted. Nine hospitals in Cape Town, South Africa designated as receiving institutions for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Games and its organizers, utilized the system over a 10-week period. At one-week intervals, the system e-mailed each hospital’s leadership a description of a stadium disaster and instructed them to login to the system and answer questions relating to their hospital’s state of readiness. A total of 169 questions were posed relating to operational and surge capacities, communication, equipment, major incident planning, public relations, staff safety, hospital supplies, and security in each hospital. The system was used to analyze answers and generate a real-time grid that reflectied readiness as a percent for each hospital in each of the above categories. It also created individualized recommendations of how to improve preparedness for each hospital. To assess feasibility of such a system, the end users’ compliance and response times were examined.

Results: Overall, compliance was excellent with an aggregate response rate of 98%. The mean response interval, defined as the time elapsed between sending a stimuli and receiving a response, was eight days (95% CI = 8–9 days).

Conclusions: A web-based data acquisition system using a virtual, tabletop drill to remotely facilitate assessment of disaster preparedness is efficient and feasible. Weekly reinforcement for disaster preparedness resulted in strong compliance.
Reconsidering US Immigration Reform: The Temporal Principle of Citizenship
Authors: Cohen Elizabeth F.
Published: September 2011

The uncertain political status of America's millions of undocumented immigrants and their children has exposed deep and ongoing disagreement about how US citizenship should be accorded to foreign-born persons. I identify the principle ofjus temporis,a law of measured calendrical time, that has worked in concert withjus soliand consent to construct citizenship law since the nation's founding.Jus temporistranslates measured durations of time such as “time in residence” or “time worked” into entitlement to rights and status. It creates temporal algorithms in which measured calendrical time plus additional variables (e.g., physical presence, education, or behavior) equals consent to citizenship. I explore recent scholarly references to temporal principles and trace the history of howjus temporiswas invoked by the nation's first Supreme Court jurisprudence on citizenship and the first Congressional debates about immigration and naturalization. Scholarly convergence on the principle ofjus temporisas well as its originalist pedigree imbue this principle with the potential to resolve contemporary disagreements about the rights and status of foreign-born persons in the US.
Irregular migrants and the human right to health care: a case-study of health-care provision for irregular migrants in France and the UK
Authors: da Lomba Sylvie
Published: September 2011

International human rights law attaches the right of health care to the person. States, however, predicate this right on membership in the national community and access to publicly subsidised health care is normally contingent on national membership. With this in mind, this article considers the significance of a human rights approach to access to health care and undertakes a comparative study of health-care provision for irregular migrants in France and the UK. Irregular migrants are ineligible for national membership because they have breached immigration laws. Consequently their right to health care may only arise from international human rights law. This comparative study, however, shows that states resist the idea of a right to health care for people they regard as a threat to national sovereignty. Yet the author posits that the exercise of the government's immigration power may be reconciled with the realisation of irregular migrants' human right to health care.
Heavy chain-only antibodies and tetravalent bispecific antibody neutralizing
Staphylococcus aureus
leukotoxins
Authors: Laventie Benoît-Joseph , Rademaker Hendrik Jan , Saleh Maher , de Boer Ernie , Janssens Rick , Bourcier Tristan , Subilia Audrey , Marcellin Luc , van Haperen Rien , Lebbink Joyce H. G. , Chen Tao , Prévost Gilles , Grosveld Frank , Drabek Dubravka
Published: September 2011

Panton–Valentine leukocidin (PVL) is a pore-forming toxin associated with current outbreaks of community-associated methicillin-resistant strains and implicated directly in the pathophysiology of
Staphylococcus aureus
-related diseases. Humanized heavy chain-only antibodies (HCAb) were generated against
S. aureus
PVL from immunized transgenic mice to neutralize toxin activity. The active form of PVL consists of the two components, LukS-PV and LukF-PV, which induce osmotic lysis following pore formation in host defense cells. One anti–LukS-PV HCAb, three anti–LukF-PV HCAbs with affinities in the nanomolar range, and one engineered tetravalent bispecific HCAb were tested in vitro and in vivo, and all prevented toxin binding and pore formation. Anti–LukS-PV HCAb also binds to γ-hemolysin C (HlgC) and inhibits HlgC/HlgB pore formation. Experiments in vivo in a toxin-induced rabbit endophthalmitis model showed that these HCAbs inhibit inflammatory reactions and tissue destruction, with the tetravalent bispecific HCAb performing best. Our findings show the therapeutic potential of HCAbs, and in particular, bispecific antibodies.
CT-based study of internal structure of the anterior pillar in extinct hominins and its implications for the phylogeny of robust
Australopithecus
Authors: Villmoare Brian A. , Kimbel William H.
Published: September 2011

The phylogeny of the early African hominins has long been confounded by contrasting interpretations of midfacial structure. In particular, the anterior pillar, an externally prominent bony column running vertically alongside the nasal aperture, has been identified as a homology of South African species
Australopithecus africanus
and
Australopithecus robustus
. If the anterior pillar is a true synapomorphy of these two species, the evidence for a southern African clade of
Australopithecus
would be strengthened, and support would be given to the phylogenetic hypothesis of an independent origin for eastern and southern African “robust” australopith clades. Analyses of CT data, however, show that the internal structure of the circumnasal region is strikingly different in the two South African australopith species. In
A. africanus
the anterior pillar is a hollow column of cortical bone, whereas in
A. robustus
it is a column of dense trabecular bone. Although
Australopithecus boisei
usually lacks an external pillar, it has internal morphology identical to that seen in
A. robustus
. This result supports the monophyly of the “robust” australopiths and suggests that the external similarities seen in the South African species are the result of parallel evolution.