bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Cytocompatibility of Poly‐(N‐hexylvinylpyridinium) Used as an Antibacterial Implant Coating
Authors: Heuer W. , Winkel A. , Kohorst P. , Lutzke A. , Pfaffenroth C. , Menzel H. , Bach Fr.‐W. , Volk J. , Leyhausen G. , Stiesch M.
Published: November 2010

Medical implants made of titanium have a wide variety of applications, ranging from replacement of a single tooth to extraoral maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation or hip endoprosthesis. The long‐term success of such osseointegrated titanium implants is endangered by inflammation of periimplant hard or soft tissues caused by a bacterial infection. Therefore, implants should ideally inhibit bacterial adhesion and growth, but allows strong attachment of connective tissues or epithelium at the same time. Antimicrobial polymers like poly(vinyl‐N‐hexylpyridinium bromide) (hexyl‐PVP) are a promising approach as implant coatings to inhibit bacterial adhesion, but little is known about the biocompatibility of these polymers. The aim of the present study was to develop a method for evaluation of the cell acceptance of hexyl‐PVP or copolymers of vinyl‐N‐hexylpyridinium bromide and (4‐vinylbenzyl)phosphonic acid diethylester (poly((hexyl‐VP)‐co‐VBP)) as coating on titanium disks. Primary human gingival fibroblasts were used and biocompatibility was assessed by cell adhesion and proliferation. The cell morphology of the fibroblasts on these surfaces was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and was used as additional criterion. The results indicate no significant differences in adhesion or proliferation rate between primary human gingival fibroblasts seeded on polymer‐coated titanium disks and uncoated titanium disks as a control. Although SEM micrographs displayed moderate differences in cell morphology between the two groups, application of hexyl‐PVP or the corresponding copolymers as antibacterial coatings for medical implants or devices appears to be promising.
Der Einfluß von Anionen und ihrer Konzentration auf die polarographische Reduktion von Sauerstoff
Authors: Shams Din A. M. El , Holleck L.
Published: November 2010

In neutraler Lösung lassen sich die Halbstufenpotentiale der Sauerstoffreduktion wie folgt in ihrer Abhängigkeit von der Art und Konzentration des Anions des Leitelektrolyten darstellen: ϵ1/2 = a + b · log c; dabei ändert sich nur die Konstante a mit der Art des Anions. Diese Beziehung wird mit dem Einfluß des

Die Reduktionspotentiale von O2, liegen in NH4Cl‐Lösungen positiver als in KC1‐Lösungen gleicher Konzentration. Unterhalb etwa 5 · 102MNH4Cl spaltet die zweite Stufe in zwei Teilstufen auf. Beide Erscheinungen werden durch die katalytische Wirkung des NH4+‐Ions auf Elektrodenprozesse, an denen Protonenübergänge beteiligt sind, erklärt.

Die Geschwindigkeitskonstante k der Reaktion H2O2 + 2e− ← 2OH− wird für eine Anzahl verschiedener Leitelektrolyte ermittelt. Bei vergleichbaren Potentialen wachst log k linear mit dem Logarithmus der Leitelektrolytkonzentration c. Es wird ein Zusammenhang zwischen dem Einfluß der Salzkonzentration auf die Sauerstoffreduktion einerseits und die Korrosion von Metallen in neutraler Lösung andererseits hergeleitet.

Weiterhin wird die Wirkung von N,N‐Dimethyl‐p‐phenylendiamin auf die Sauerstoffreduktion bei saurem (KHSO4) und neutralem (KCl) Leitelektrolyten untersucht. Die Adsorption dieses Zusatzes an der Elektrodenoberfläche bewirkt die Unterdrückung des Maximums der ersten Stufe, die Katalyse der Wasserstoffentwicklung in saurer Lösung und eine Inhibition der zweiten Sauerstoffreduktionsstufe in neutraler Lösung.
Diversity Through a Branched Reaction Pathway: Generation of Multicyclic Scaffolds and Identification of Antimigratory Agents
Authors: Wang Zhiming , Castellano Sabrina , Kinderman Sape S. , Argueta Christian E. , Beshir Anwar B. , Fenteany Gabriel , Kwon Ohyun
Published: November 2010

A library of 91 heterocyclic compounds composed of 16 distinct scaffolds has been synthesized through a sequence of phosphine‐catalyzed ring‐forming reactions, Tebbe reactions, Diels–Alder reactions, and, in some cases, hydrolysis. This effort in diversity‐oriented synthesis produced a collection of compounds that exhibited high levels of structural variation both in terms of stereochemistry and the range of scaffolds represented. A simple but powerful sequence of reactions thus led to a high‐diversity library of relatively modest size with which to explore biologically relevant regions of chemical space. From this library, several molecules were identified that inhibit the migration and invasion of breast cancer cells and may serve as leads for the development of antimetastatic agents.
Phosphate Homeostasis
Authors: Dennis Vincent W.
Published: November 2010

The sections in this article are:

Phosphate Regulation

Plasma Phosphate Concentration

Renal Handling of Phosphate

Ulfrafilterability of Plasma Phosphate

Localization and Direction of Phosphate Transport

Heterogeneity of Phosphate Transport Rates

Secretion of Phosphate

Cellular Mechanisms of Phosphate Transport

Phosphate Entry

Phosphate Exit

Intracellular Conditions

Intracellular Mediators and Regulators of Phosphate Transport

Interactions between Phosphate Transport and Cellular Metabolism

Metabolic Requirement for Inorganic Phosphate

Regulation of Phosphate Excretion

Dietary Adaptation

Parathyroid Hormone

Vitamin D Metabolites

Thyroid Hormone

Calcitonin

Somatotropin (Growth Hormone)

Insulin

Catecholamines

Atrial Natriuretic Peptides

Vasopressin

Glucagon

Glucocorticoids

Nonhormonal Factors Affecting Phosphate

Metabolic Acidosis

Respiratory Alkalosis

Hypercapnea

Extracellular Volume Expansion

Influence of Calcium on Phosphate Excretion
Tubular Transport of Monocarboxylates, Krebs Cycle Intermediates, and Inorganic Sulfate
Authors: Murer Heini , Manganel Michel , Roch‐Ramel Françoise
Published: November 2010

The sections in this article are:

Overall Renal Handling

Mono‐, Di‐, and Tricarboxylates

Sulfate and Thiosulfate

Tubular Handling as Studied by Micropuncture and Microperfusion

Monocarboxylates

Di‐ftricarboxylates

Sulfate/Thiosulfate

Transport in Isolated Membrane Vesicles

Monocarboxylates

Di‐ltricarboxylates

Sulfate/Thiosulfate

Characterization of Proteins Involved in Transmembrane Transport

Reconstitution of Mono‐, Di‐, and Tricarboxylate Transport in Artificial Liposomes

Partial Purification of a Dicarboxylic Acid‐Binding Protein

Identification of a Protein Involved in Basolateral Sulfate Transport

Cellular Models

Monocarboxylates

Di‐/tricarboxylates

Sulfate/Thiosulfate
Pathophysiological Responses of the Auditory Organ to Excessive Sound
Authors: Falk Stephen A.
Published: November 2010

The sections in this article are:

Morphology and Physiology of Normal Auditory Organ

Noise‐Induced Hearing Loss

Distinguished from Blast Trauma

Characteristics of Exposure

Pathogenesis of 4‐kHz Dip

Pathology of Permanent Threshold Shift

Pathology of Temporary Threshold Shift

Ionic and Biochemical Changes

Vascular Changes

Age Dependency

Potentiation by Ototoxic Drugs

Blast Trauma

Pathogenesis and Pathology

Audiometric Changes
Effects of Ionizing Radiation on Mammalian Cells
Authors: Little John B. , Williams Jerry R.
Published: November 2010

The sections in this article are:

Physical and Chemical Events

Development of Radiation Injury

The Target Theory

Direct and Indirect Effects, Radiation Chemistry

Effects on Cell Division

Division Delay

Mitotic Inhibition (Reproductive Failure)

Radiation Sensitivity in Different Phases of the Life Cycle

Chromosomal Damage

Interphase Death

Nonlethal Heritable Changes

Biological Variation in Radiation Sensitivity

Mechanisms

Modification of Radiation Effects

Physical Factors

Chemical Radiation Protection and Sensitization

Oxygen Effect

Intracellular Recovery Processes

Repair of Potentially Lethal Damage

Repair of Sublethal Damage (Split‐Dose Recovery)

Molecular Repair Processes

Damage Observed inDNA

Cellular Repair Systems forDNADamage

Repair Activities in Mammalian Cells

Correlation ofDNARepair with Biological Effects

Concluding Remarks

Addendum
Food Additives and Contaminants
Authors: Campbell A. D. , Horwitz W. , Burke J. A. , Jelinek C. F. , Rodricks J. V. , Shibko S. I.
Published: November 2010

The sections in this article are:

Additives

Food Additives

Color Additives

Feed Additives

Pesticides

Contaminants

Plant Toxins

Animal Toxins

Microbial Toxins

Organic Industrial Chemicals

Toxic Elements
Enantioselective Ring Opening Reaction of meso‐Epoxides with Aromatic and Aliphatic Amines Catalyzed by Magnesium Complexes of BINOL Derivatives
Authors: Bao Hongli , Wu Jiang , Li Hongji , Wang Zheng , You Tianpa , Ding Kuiling
Published: November 2010

Catalyzed by the Mg complexes of BINOL derivatives, the enantioselective ring opening reaction of various meso‐epoxides proceeded smoothly with either aromatic or aliphatic amines as the nucleophiles to afford the corresponding chiral β‐amino alcohols in moderate‐to‐high yields with good to excellent enantioselectivities.
Genetic variant in PSCA predicts survival of diffuse‐type gastric cancer in a Chinese population
Authors: Wang Meilin , Bai Jin , Tan Yongfei , Wang Shizhi , Tian Yuanyuan , Gong Weida , Zhou Yan , Gao Yan , Zhou Jianwei , Zhang Zhengdong
Published: November 2010

Recent genome‐wide association study (GWAS) has identified that the prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) rs2294008 is involving in regulating gastric epithelial‐cell proliferation, influencing the risk of diffuse‐type gastric cancer. We hypothesized that PSCA rs2294008 is also associated with gastric cancer survival. We genotyped PSCA rs2294008 using TaqMan method in 943 patients with surgically resected gastric cancer. Analyses of genotype association with survival outcomes were assessed by the Kaplan‐Meier method, Cox proportional hazards models and the log‐rank test. There was no significant association between rs2294008 and survival of gastric cancer (log‐rank p = 0.085 for CT/TT versus CC). However, in the stratification analysis of histology, we found that rs2294008 CT/TT genotypes were associated with significantly improved survival among diffuse‐type gastric cancer (log‐rank p = 0.025, hazard ratio [HR] = 0.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.59–0.96), compared to the CC genotype. Moreover, this protective effect was more predominant for diffuse‐type gastric cancer patients with tumor size >5 cm and distant metastasis. If validated in further studies, PSCA rs2294008 could be useful marker of survival assessment and individualized clinical therapy for gastric cancer, particularly among the diffuse‐type gastric cancer.
Circulating MicroRNAs: a novel class of biomarkers to diagnose and monitor human cancers
Authors: Zen Ke , Zhang Chen‐Yu
Published: November 2010

Specific and sensitive non‐invasive biomarkers for the detection of human epithelial malignancies are urgently required to reduce the worldwide morbidity and mortality caused by cancer. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are 19–24 nt noncoding RNAs that are frequently dysregulated in cancer and have shown great promise as tissue‐based markers for cancer classification. Once thought to be unstable RNA molecules, miRNAs are now shown to be stably expressed in serum, plasma, urine, saliva, and other body fluids. Moreover, the unique expression patterns of these circulating miRNAs are correlated with certain human diseases, including various types of cancer. Therefore, tumor‐derived miRNAs in serum or plasma are emerging as novel blood‐based fingerprints for the detection of human cancers, especially at an early stage. This review presented newly uncovered cellular and molecular mechanisms of the sources and stability of circulating miRNAs, revealing their great potential as a class of highly specific and sensitive biomarkers for tumor classification and prognostication. Meanwhile, this review also addressed certain critical issues that hinder the wide application of this new approach. Some potential challenges for the transition of circulating miRNAs from a research setting to a clinical application were also highlighted, with a future perspective of the incorporation of circulating miRNAs in the field of clinical oncology, especially their great potential from diagnostic to prognostic and predictive applications.  © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev
Recognition of Damaged DNA: Structure and Dynamic Markers
Authors: Germann Markus W. , Johnson Christopher N. , Spring Alexander M.
Published: November 2010

DNA damage, a consequence of external factors and inherent metabolic processes, is omnipresent. Nature has devised multiple strategies to safeguard the genetic information and developed intricate repair mechanisms and pathways to reverse an array of different DNA lesions, including mismatches. Failure of the DNA repair systems may result in mutation, premature ageing, and cancer. In this review, we focus on structural and dynamic aspects of detection of lesions in base excision and mismatch repair. A thorough understanding of repair, pathways, and regulation is necessary to develop strategies for targeting DNA‐related pathologies.  © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev, 32, No. 3, 659–683, 2012
Spinosad as an effective larvicide for control of Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti, vectors of dengue in southern Mexico
Authors: Marina Carlos F , Bond J Guillermo , Casas Mauricio , Muñoz José , Orozco Arnoldo , Valle Javier , Williams Trevor
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND: Field trials were conducted during the wet and dry seasons in periurban and semi‐rural cemeteries in southern Mexico to determine the efficacy of a suspension concentrate formulation of spinosad (Tracer 480SC) on the inhibition of development of Aedes albopictus L. and Ae. aegypti Skuse. For this, oviposition traps were treated with spinosad (1 or 5 mg L−1), Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti, VectoBac 12AS), a sustained release formulation of temephos and a water control.

RESULTS: Ae. albopictus was subordinate to Ae. aegypti during the dry season, but became dominant or codominant during the wet season at both sites. The two species could not be differentiated in field counts on oviposition traps. Mean numbers of larvae + pupae of Aedes spp. in Bti‐treated containers were similar to the control at both sites during both seasons. The duration of complete absence of aquatic stages varied from 5 to 13 weeks for the spinosad treatments and from 6 to 9 weeks for the temephos treatment, depending on site, season and product concentration. Predatory Toxorhynchites theobaldi Dyar and Knab suffered low mortality in control and Bti treatments, but high mortality in spinosad and temephos treatments. Egg counts and percentage of egg hatch of Aedes spp. increased significantly between the dry and wet seasons, but significant treatment differences were not detected.

CONCLUSION: Temephos granules and a suspension concentrate formulation of spinosad were both highly effective larvicides against Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus. These compounds merit detailed evaluation for inclusion in integrated control programs targeted at Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus in regions where they represent important vectors of human diseases. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Quantum‐dot excitons in nanostructured environments
Authors: Hvam Jørn M. , Stobbe Søren , Lodahl Peter
Published: November 2010

The interaction between light and quantum‐dot (QD) excitons is strongly influenced by the environment in which the QD is placed. We have investigated the interaction by measuring the time‐resolved spontaneous‐emission rate of QD excitons in different nanostructured environments. Thereby, we have determined the oscillator strength, quantum efficiency and spin‐flip rates of QD excitons as well as their dependencies on emission wavelength and QD size. Enhancement and inhibition of QD spontaneous emission in photonic crystal membranes (PCMs) is observed. Efficient coupling to PCM waveguides is demonstrated and the influence of disorder is discussed. The findings have a strong bearing on future nanophotonic devices.

magnified image

QD emitter placed in a photonic crystal membrane waveguide (artist's view).
The frontal osteoplastic flap: does it still have a place in rhinological surgery?
Authors: Isa A Y , Mennie J , McGarry G W
Published: November 2010

Objective:

To review outcomes and complications in a series of adults undergoing a frontal osteoplastic flap procedure without obliteration, for endoscopically inaccessible sinus disease.

Material and method:

Retrospective case note review of patients treated at Glasgow Royal Infirmary between January 2004 and October 2008.

Results:

Ten patients were identified (age range 19–81 years, mean age 46.3 years). No major intra- or post-operative complications occurred. There were three minor complications: superficial discharging wound, forehead swelling and haematoma.

Conclusion:

The frontal osteoplastic flap still has a role in frontal sinus surgery. With minor technical modifications, this procedure may be performed with minimal complication and morbidity for patients with endoscopically inaccessible frontal sinus disease.
Polygyny, Family and Sharafat: Discourses amongst North Indian Muslims, circa 1870–1918
Authors: ALAM ASIYA
Published: November 2010

While historians of South Asia have examined in elaborate detail critiques of sati and child marriage in the Hindu community, a similar approach to Muslim familial reform also needs serious attention. By investigating discourses on the question of polygyny1, this paper is an attempt in this direction. In the light of these discourses, the paper argues that polygyny, influenced by modern sensibilities of reform and social change, underwent different interpretations during the colonial period. The debate on polygyny was not homogenous and uniform and research reveals a plurality of viewpoints on the subject. The argument was often based on an assumption of sexual difference which, in some cases, emphasized the infertility and reproductive incapacity of the first wife, and in others, presented an idealization of domestic ideology where the second wife made the ‘perfect’ home. Simultaneously, there were also strong critiques of polygyny by women writers who underscored the misery of the first wife. These debates do not necessarily settle the question in favour of a particular position, but reflect a conversation held on marriage, children and family,andexpress how love, conjugality and affection were narrated in the public sphere.
Maya Settlement and Trade on Ambergris Caye, Belize
Authors: Guderjan Thomas H.
Published: November 2010

Archaeological fieldwork was conducted on Ambergris Caye, Belize, for three years beginning in 1986. Nineteen archaeological sites were identified during survey work. Intensive excavations were conducted at three sites and limited excavation at several others. In addition, a fourth site has been excavated by another party. This data base gives us the opportunity to examine the diachronic and functional variability of the archaeological record.
The Reigning Dynasty of Uaxactun During the Early Classic: The rulers and the ruled
Authors: Valdés Juan Antonio , Fahsen Federico
Published: November 2010

From the Preclassic on, architectural complexes with defined functions were built in the Maya lowlands as a reflection of societal complexity and of the centralization of power in the hands of a sovereign with divine rights. Two of these types of complexes—acropoli and astronomical commemoration complexes—complement each other, as a model for a new generation of elites with ideas of grandeur and with the vision to realize ambitious projects. Thus, in Tikal and Uaxactun, the acropoli and the astronomical commemoration complexes (also called Group E) were built. These, together with other evidence for political, economic, and artistic progress, led the sites to become powerful centers that radiated prosperity and wealth.
A sensitivity study of the dense shelf water formation in the Okhotsk Sea
Authors: Sasajima Y. , Hasumi H. , Nakamura T.
Published: November 2010

Sensitivity of Dense Shelf Water (DSW) formation to tidal mixing around the Kuril Straits, wind stress, and river runoff in the Okhotsk Sea is examined by an ice‐ocean coupled model. Horizontal resolution of the model is set to 3–8 km in the northern Okhotsk Sea for well resolving the coastal polynyas which is believed to be the principal region of DSW formation. The model shows a good performance in terms of sea ice production and the consequent DSW formation. DSW is also found to be formed in the offshore region apart from the coastal polynya. DSW is defined independently for each experiment such that it identifies the water influenced by brine. By introducing such definition the sensitivity of the DSW formation is assessed separately for change of density and that of formation rate. The density of DSW exhibits high sensitivity to all the elements considered herein, while its formation rate is sensitive only to winds. Winds affect the DSW formation rate mainly by influencing that occurs in the offshore region.
Controls and limits on bedrock channel geometry
Authors: Yanites Brian J. , Tucker Gregory E.
Published: November 2010

Data on channel geometry in naturally incising bedrock rivers reveal variable relationships between channel width, slope, and erosion rate. To explain the range of relationships between these parameters, we propose an optimized channel geometry model. The model reproduces previous theoretical and numerical modeling scaling relationships; however, to explain the field data, the model must incorporate the effects of immobile sediment cover that reduces vertical incision efficiency. Adding sediment to a system for a given rate of base level fall both widens and steepens the channel. We also find that a constant width to depth ratio is only valid for streams where the shear stress required for sediment transport is insignificant compared to the shear required to erode at the imposed base level fall. Our model offers an explanation of seemingly contradictory field observations of controls on channel width and shows that channel width fundamentally controls the erosive potential of a river especially when it carries a significant bed load.
Exploring Structural Controls on Sumatran Earthquakes
Authors: Henstock Tim , McNeill Lisa , Dean Simon , Barton Penny , Tilmann Frederik , Rietbrock Andreas , Robinson David , Gulick Sean , Austin Jamie , Natawidjaja Danny , Permana Haryadi , Bonneville Alain , Lucazeau Francis , Weber Michael , Djajadihardja Yusuf
Published: November 2010

A series of linked marine and land studies have recently targeted the Sumatra subduction zone, focusing on the 2004 and 2005 plate boundary earthquake ruptures in Indonesia. A collaborative research effort by scientists from the United Kingdom (UK Sumatra Consortium), Indonesia, United States, France, and Germany is focusing on imaging the crustal structure of the margin to examine controls on along‐strike and updip earthquake rupture propagation. The fundamental science objective is to examine how margin architecture and properties control earthquake rupture location and propagation.
Subduction Systems Revealed: Studies of the Hikurangi Margin
Authors: Wallace Laura M. , Ellis Susan , Bannister Stephen , Henrys Stuart , Sutherland Rupert , Bell Rebecca , Townend John , Barnes Philip
Published: November 2010

Convergence between tectonic plates at subduction boundaries is mostly accommodated as slip along the subduction interface thrust fault. The portion of the fault where earthquakes nucleate is known as the seismogenic zone. In the seismogenic zone the fault is thought to be locked (due to friction) during the time between earthquakes, and most of the motion between the subducting and overriding plates occurs instantaneously in major megathrust earthquakes, which include the largest earthquakes recorded on the planet. However, in some cases subduction thrust slip occurs as steady aseismic creep (without a major earthquake), and it has been recently discovered that portions of many subduction thrusts slip episodically in slow slip events (SSEs) that take weeks to years to occur [see, e.g., Schwartz and Rokosky, 2007].
Silicon nanowire-array-textured solar cells for photovoltaic application
Authors: Chen Chen , Jia Rui , Yue Huihui , Li Haofeng , Liu Xinyu , Wu Deqi , Ding Wuchang , Ye Tianchun , Kasai Seiya , Tamotsu Hashizume , Chu Junhao , Wang Shanli
Published: November 2010

In this paper, a vertical-aligned silicon nanowires (Si NWs) array has been synthesized and implemented to the Si NW-array-textured solar cells for photovoltaic application. The optical properties of a Si NWs array on both the plane and pyramid-array-textured substrates were examined in terms of optical reflection property. Less than 2% reflection ratio at 800 nm wavelength was achieved. Using leftover monocrystalline Si (c-Si) wafer (125×125 mm2), a 16.5% energy conversion efficiency, with 35.4% enhancement compared to the pyramid-array-textured c-Si solar cells, was made by the Si NW-array-textured solar cells due to their enhanced optical absorption characteristics. However, without SiNx passivation, the short circuit current reduced due to the increased surface recombination when using Si NWs array as surface texturing, indicating that an optimum surface passivation was prerequisite in high-efficiency Si NW-array-textured solar cells.
High-quality epitaxial CoFe/Si(111) heterostructures fabricated by low-temperature molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Maeda Y. , Hamaya K. , Yamada S. , Ando Y. , Yamane K. , Miyao M.
Published: November 2010

We demonstrate atomically controlled heterojunctions consisting of ferromagnetic CoFe alloys and silicon (Si) using low-temperature molecular beam epitaxy with a good atomic matching at the (111) plane. The saturation magnetization of the CoFe layers grown reaches ∼85% of the value of bulk samples reported so far, and can be systematically controlled by tuning the ratio of Co to Fe, indicating that the silicidation reactions between CoFe and Si are suppressed and the heterojunctions are very high quality. We find that the Schottky barrier height of the high-quality CoFe/Si(111) junctions is unexpectedly low compared to the previous data for other metal/Si ones, implying the reduction in the Fermi-level-pinning effect. We can expand the available high-quality ferromagnet/Si heterostructures in the field of Si-based spintronics.
The F-BAR domain of SRGP-1 facilitates cell–cell adhesion during C. elegans morphogenesis
Authors: Zaidel-Bar Ronen , Joyce Michael J. , Lynch Allison M. , Witte Kristen , Audhya Anjon , Hardin Jeff
Published: November 2010

Robust cell–cell adhesion is critical for tissue integrity and morphogenesis, yet little is known about the molecular mechanisms controlling cell–cell junction architecture and strength. We discovered that SRGP-1 is a novel component of cell–cell junctions in Caenorhabditis elegans, localizing via its F-BAR (Bin1, Amphiphysin, and RVS167) domain and a flanking 200–amino acid sequence. SRGP-1 activity promotes an increase in membrane dynamics at nascent cell–cell contacts and the rapid formation of new junctions; in addition, srgp-1 loss of function is lethal in embryos with compromised cadherin–catenin complexes. Conversely, excess SRGP-1 activity leads to outward bending and projections of junctions. The C-terminal half of SRGP-1 interacts with the N-terminal F-BAR domain and negatively regulates its activity. Significantly, in vivo structure–function analysis establishes a role for the F-BAR domain in promoting rapid and robust cell adhesion during embryonic closure events, independent of the Rho guanosine triphosphatase–activating protein domain. These studies establish a new role for this conserved protein family in modulating cell–cell adhesion.
The intersection of gender and race/ethnicity in smoking behaviors among menthol and non‐menthol smokers in the United States
Authors: Cubbin Catherine , Soobader Mah‐Jabeen , LeClere Felicia B.
Published: November 2010

Aims  To determine whether menthol is related to initiation, quantity or quitting, we examined differences in smoking behaviors among menthol and non‐menthol smokers, stratified by gender and race/ethnicity, and adjusting for age, income and educational attainment.

Design  Cross‐sectional, using data from the 2005 National Health Interview Survey and Cancer Control Supplement.

Setting  United States.

Participants  Black, Hispanic and white women and men aged 25–64 years.

Measurements  For each group, we examined (i) proportion of menthol smokers (comparing current and former smokers); (ii) age of initiation, cigarettes smoked per day and quit attempt in the past year (comparing menthol and non‐menthol current smokers); and (iii) time since quitting (comparing menthol and non‐menthol former smokers). We calculated predicted values for each demographic group, adjusting for age, income and educational attainment.

Findings  After adjusting for age, income and education, black (compared with Hispanic and white) and female (compared with male) smokers were more likely to choose menthol cigarettes. There was only one statistically significant difference in age of initiation, cigarettes smoked per day, quit attempts or time since quitting between menthol and non‐menthol smokers: white women who smoked menthol cigarettes reported longer cessation compared with those who smoked non‐menthol cigarettes.

Conclusions  The results do not support the hypothesis that menthol smokers initiate earlier, smoke more or have a harder time quitting compared with non‐menthol smokers. A menthol additive and the marketing of it, given the clear demographic preferences demonstrated here, however, may be responsible for enticing the groups least likely to smoke into this addictive behavior.
Ambulatory oesophageal pressure, pH and ECG recording in patients with normal and pathological coronary angiography and intermittent chest pain
Authors: LUX G. , VAN ELS I. , THE G. S. , BOZKURT T. , ORTH K. H. , BEHRENBECK D.
Published: November 2010

Abstract The present study was performed to compare pain‐related oesophageal motility, gastro‐oesophageal reflux and ST‐segment deviations in patients with intermittent chest pain and normal or pathological coronary angiography. Thirty patients (11 males, 19 females; mean age 54.8 years) with normal and 15 patients (12 males, 3 females; mean age 66.7 years) with pathological coronary angiography were investigated by 24‐h oesophageal pressure, pH and ECG recording. Chest pain correlated with motility abnormalities or gastro‐oesophageal reflux occurred in 33% (10/30) of patients with normal coronary arteries and in 26% of patients with pathological coronary angiography. Symptomatic and asymptomatic ST‐segment changes were less frequently observed in patients with normal angiography (4/30) than in patients with pathological coronary angiography (7/14; P = 0.02). Oesophageal dysfunction coincided with ST‐segment deviation in 6.7% (2/30) of patients with normal and 40% (6/15) of patients with pathological coronary angiography (P = 0.02). The conclusions reached were: (1) pain‐correlated abnormal motility or gastro‐oesophageal reflux occurred in patients with normal and pathological coronary angiography at the same frequency; (2) ambulatory motility and pH recording alone does not appear to differentiate between cardiac and non‐cardiac chest pain; (3) simultaneous ECG recording reveals a significant correlation of ST‐segment deviation and gastro‐oesophageal reflux or abnormal motility in patients with coronary artery stenosis.
Postural changes in proximal gastric volume and pressure measured using a gastric barostat
Authors: HEBBARD G. S. , REID K. , SUN W. M. , HOROWITZ M. , DENT J.
Published: November 2010

A barostat was used to examine the effect of changes in posture on the volume and pressure in a bag positioned in the proximal stomach of 14 normal volunteers. Volumes in the supine position were compared with those in the standing, left lateral and right lateral positions at a constant pressure 2 mmHg above basal intragastric pressure. A separate series of measurements was then used to evaluate the effects of the same postural changes on pressure within the bag whilst its volume was kept constant. Changing from the supine to the left lateral position decreased bag volume by 62% when pressure was controlled; pressure increased by 60% when volume was controlled. In contrast, movement from the supine to the right lateral position resulted in a 68% increase in bag volume and a 31% fall in pressure. Moving from supine to standing had inconsistent effects on bag volume and pressure. There was a negative correlation between the magnitudes of the changes in pressure and volume (r2 = 0.557). The observed effects of posture probably result from changes in the compression of the stomach by abdominal viscera and indicate that subject position must be specified and maintained constant in studies of proximal gastric motor function using a barostat.
Heterogeneity in electrical activity of the canine ileal circular muscle: interaction of two pacemakers
Authors: JIMÉNEZ M. , CAYABYAB F. S. , VERGARA P. , DANIEL E. E.
Published: November 2010

Abstract In cross‐sectioned slabs from the muscularis externa or in the isolated circular muscle devoid of longitudinal muscle and myenteric plexus (MyP) of ileum, a slow wave, sigmoidal or triangular in shape, was recorded from microelectrode impalements near the deep muscular plexus (DMP) region in the whole‐thickness preparation. From the MyP region of whole‐thickness preparations, a slow wave which oscillated at a similar frequency (9–10 cycles min−1) was characterized by a fast upstroke and a square shape. Slow waves of μmixed pattern were recorded in the outer circular muscle (OCM) while triangular slow waves were present near the submucous plexus (SMP). In this preparation but not in isolated circular muscle, the inhibitory junction potentials (IJPs) produced by supramaximal electrical field stimulation triggered slow waves. The amplitudes (15–25 mV) of spontaneous and triggered slow waves (TSWs) were greatest in the MyP region, significantly so compared to those of DMP and SMP regions and to those in all regions of isolated circular muscle. Frequencies of slow waves recorded from the MyP and DMP were slightly but significantly higher than those recorded from either the OCM or the SMP or from all regions of isolated circular muscle. A 10–15 mV gradient in resting membrane potential (more hyperpolarized near MyP) existed across the intact (but not the isolated) circular muscle layer. Both types of slow waves, TSWs and IJPs were unaffected by muscarinic, adrenergic or tachykinergic blockade. We suggest that a MyP pacemaker network generated a plateau‐type slow wave while a DMP one induced a triangular slow wave. Each source can function independently but the MyP network may dominate and entrain DMP slow waves.
Effect of Different Cytokinins on Ethylene Production by Mung Bean Hypocotyls in the Presence of Indole‐3‐Acetic Acid or Calcium Ion
Authors: LAU OI‐LIM , JOHN WILLIAM W. , YANG SHANG F.
Published: November 2010

Kinetin has been shown to act synergistically with indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) or calcium ion (Ca2+) to stimulate ethylene production. Several commercially available cytokinins (kinetin, kinetin‐riboside, benzyladenine, benzyladenine‐riboside, isopentenyladenine, isopentenyladenine‐riboside, and zeatin) as well as noncytokinin bases (adenine and xanthine) were administered to mung bean (Phaseolus aureus Roxb.) hypocotyls to study their effects, alone or in combination with IAA or Ca2+, on ethylene production. In the presence of IAA or Ca2+, all cytokinins tested synergistically stimulated ethylene production and were as effective or nearly as effective as kinetin. Noncytokinin bases (adenine and xanthine) were, however, inactive in this system.
Role of endothelial cells in IgA nephropathy
Authors: YAP Hui‐Kim
Published: November 2010

Summary: Various polyspecific autoantibodies have been described in the sera of patients with IgA nephropathy, including anti‐IgG, anti‐IgA, antigalactosyl, antifibronectin and antimesangial antibodies. We and other authors have demonstrated the presence of antivascular endothelial cell (VEC) antibodies, in up to 32% of patients with IgA nephropathy. These antibodies were directed against molecules on the endothelial cell surface. Some of these antibodies were directed against HLA class I antigens; the majority, however, were reactive against antigens present on unstimulated endothelial cells, as prior stimulation of the cells with interferon‐γ or interleukin 1 did not result in an increase in anti‐VEC activity of the sera. The clinical significance of these anti‐VEC antibodies in IgA nephropathy is unknown. A significant correlation was demonstrated between these antibodies and the presence of heavy proteinuria. A significant association was also shown between the presence of these antibodies and the histopathologic markers of activity such as crescents and focal and segmental necrotizing lesions, as well as immunoglobulin and C3 deposition in the vessel walls.
Non‐immune therapy of IgA glomerulonephritis
Authors: CHENG Ignatius KP
Published: November 2010

Summary: The involvement of the IgA immune system and complement components in IgA glomerulonephritis (IgAGN) has prompted the use of immunosuppressive drugs in therapy, but none has so far been shown to alter the natural course of the disease. Because most patients with IgAGN present during the chronic phase of their illness, at the time when the initiating immune events may no longer be active, nonimmune therapy which targets the common pathway of progressive renal injury is likely to be more useful. There is increasing evidence that angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) reduce proteinuria and renal injury in patients with IgAGN, and this effect may be observed in both normotensive and hypertensive patients. Yet to be determined is whether this effect is specific for ACEI and whatever other effective antihypertensive drugs may achieve a similar result. Fish oil has recently been shown to retard the progression of renal failure in patients with aggressive IgAGN, but a narrow therapeutic window appears to exist for this form of treatment. Antiplatelet agents on their own appear to be ineffective but in combination with anticoagulation (low dose warfarin) have been shown to have an antiproteinuric effect and may preserve renal function in patients with progressive disease. Future directions of non‐immune therapy of IgAGN include evaluation of the renoprotective effect of angiotensin II receptor antagonists, free‐radical scavengers and antilipid drugs. More work should also be done to identify factors which put the patients at risk of developing progressive disease and which predict therapeutic response, as has been done recently with the identification of the deletion polymorphism of the angiotensin‐converting enzyme gene as a marker of progressive disease and therapeutic response to ACEI in patients with IgAGN.
Market power, market outcomes, and remedies in the UK groceries market
Authors: Davis Peter , Reilly Alan
Published: November 2010

This article describes a number of the issues that played a central role in the UK Competition Commission's investigation into the UK Groceries Sector. We describe the questions at issue, the evidence collected to address those questions, and the conclusions drawn. We go on to describe the CC's remedies both vertically vis‐à‐vis the supply chain and horizontally vis‐à‐vis markets of high local concentration.
The crossover of bisphosphonates to cancer therapy
Authors: Sun Merry , Iqbal Jameel , Singh Sukhjeet , Sun Li , Zaidi Mone
Published: November 2010

Bisphosphonates form a class of drugs commonly used to treat disorders of osteoclastic bone resorption, including osteoporosis, Paget's disease of the bone, rheumatoid arthritis, and bone metastases. Although long established as the therapy of choice to treat such disorders, bisphosphonates’ potential in treating cancer is garnering interest. Bisphosphonates have been demonstrated to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis, induce apoptosis in tumor cells, and encourage immune reactions against tumor cells. Current applications of bisphosphonates in cancer treatment include their use to treat skeletal metastases and as an adjuvant to endocrine therapy. This review explores bisphosphonates’ current clinical utility and potential as a crossover cancer therapy.
A systems approach to bone pathophysiology
Authors: Weiss Aaron J. , Lipshtat Azi , Mechanick Jeffrey I.
Published: November 2010

With evolving interest in multiscalar biological systems one could assume that reductionist approaches may not fully describe biological complexity. Instead, tools such as mathematical modeling, network analysis, and other multiplexed clinical‐ and research‐oriented tests enable rapid analyses of high‐throughput data parsed at the genomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and physiomic levels. A physiomic‐level approach allows for recursive horizontal and vertical integration of subsystem coupling across and within spatiotemporal scales. Additionally, this methodology recognizes previously ignored subsystems and the strong, nonintuitively obvious and indirect connections among physiological events that potentially account for the uncertainties in medicine. In this review, we flip the reductionist research paradigm and review the concept of systems biology and its applications to bone pathophysiology. Specifically, a bone‐centric physiome model is presented that incorporates systemic‐level processes with their respective therapeutic implications.
Low seasonal variability in community composition of sediment bacteria in large and shallow lake
Authors: Tšertova Natalja , Kisand Anu , Tammert Helen , Kisand Veljo
Published: November 2010

The community composition of bacteria with highly dynamic abundance and activity was observed to be with low variability in a shallow lake sediment with frequent physical disturbance. This suggests that physical disturbance did not create more niches and did not lead to highly variable bacterial community. The major part of the bacterial community was homogeneous, with 40% of phylotypes being ubiquitous and present in all samples. A minor part was responding to two contrasting periods – permanent ice cover and open lake. During the period of ice cover the total number of phylotypes decreased by ∼ 10%, the productivity of sediment bacteria varied by 15‐fold (decreased by 40% under ice) and the abundance of bacteria by up to sixfold (decreased by 20%), suggesting that community of sediment bacteria with stable species composition might be highly dynamic in numbers and activity. Phylotypes identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing were close to those observed in similar environments. All sequences were closely related only to uncultured phylotypes. Proteobacteria, particularly of the Beta subgroup, were the most common identified species in Lake Võrtsjärv sediment samples. A few other phylotypes, mostly those typical of anoxic sediments, were observed, but were uncommon.
Periodontal status and associated factors in 15‐year‐old Sri Lankans
Authors: Amarasena Gangani , Ekanayake Lilani
Published: November 2010

Aim:  The aim of the present study was to determine the periodontal status and associated factors in 15‐year‐old Sri Lankans.

Methods:  This was a cross‐sectional study where the data were collected by means of a self‐administered questionnaire and a clinical examination. A total of 400 15 year olds were selected using a two‐stage cluster sampling technique from schools in the Nattandiya education division of the Puttalam district of Sri Lanka.

Results:  The prevalence of gingival inflammation was 86%, and nearly 7% of the adolescents had chronic periodontitis. The mean gingival index, debris index, calculus index, and oral hygiene index scores of the sample were 0.47 ± 0.3, 0.31 ± 0.2, 0.46 ± 0.3, and 0.78 ± 0.5, respectively. A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the debris level, calculus level, frequency of toothbrushing, and the level of education of the mother were significantly associated with gingival status.

Conclusion:  The prevalence of gingival inflammation was high, and both the debris and calculus levels were strongly associated with gingival status in these adolescents.
A SIMPLE OBSERVER OF THE HYPERCHAOTIC RÖSSLER SYSTEM
Authors: WANG XING-YUAN , SONG JUN-MEI
Published: November 2010

This paper studies the hyperchaotic Rössler system and the state observation problem of such a system being investigated. Based on the time-domain approach, a simple observer for the hyperchaotic Rössler system is proposed to guarantee the global exponential stability of the resulting error system. The scheme is easy to implement and different from the other observer design that it does not need to transmit all signals of the dynamical system. It is proved theoretically, and numerical simulations show the effectiveness of the scheme finally.
STUDY ON THE MODELING, ALGORITHM AND APPLICATION OF PRODUCT KINEMATIC SIMULATION VIRTUAL-ENVIRONMENT-ORIENTED
Authors: CHENG ZHIHONG , WANG BAOMING , ZHU ZHENCAI , YAN HAIFENG , CAI WENSHU
Published: November 2010

Kinematic simulation in virtual environment is the key technique of product performance evaluation. Based on graph theory, the paper gives the integrity knowledge expression of product motion model, including the topological structure, motion dimension and driver information. It builds a solver of kinematic analysis for planar linkage interactive-oriented, which based on auto-identifying of Assur groups and auto-generating of kinematic analysis routine by operating labeled adjacency matrix. A new method of kinematic simulation for virtual prototyping is put forward based on the kinematic mapping of pseudo-linkage. The achievements have been applied to the kinematic simulation of internal-combustion engine, punch and crusher.
Scafida
Authors: Gyarmati László , Trinh Tuan Anh
Published: November 2010

Data centers have a crucial role in current Internet architecture supporting content-centric networking. State-of-the-art data centers have different architectures like fat-tree, DCell, or BCube. However, their architectures share a common property: symmetry. Due to their symmetric nature, a tricky point with these architectures is that they are hard to be extended in small quantities. Contrary to state-of-the-art data center architectures, we propose an asymmetric data center topology generation method called Scafida inspired by scale-free networks; these data centers have not only small diameters and high fault tolerance, inherited by scale-free networks, but can also be scaled in smaller and less homogenous increments. We extend the original scale-free network generation algorithm of Barabasi and Albert to meet the physical constraints of switches and routers. Despite the fact that our method artificially limits the node degrees in the network, our data center architectures keep the preferable properties of scale-free networks. Based on extensive simulations we present preliminary results that are promising regarding the error tolerance, scalability, and flexibility of the architecture.