bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retronasal olfactory function in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Landis Basile N. , Cao Van Hélène , Guinand Nils , Horvath Judit , Haehner Antje , Savva Elena , Hugentobler Marianne , Lacroix Jean‐Silvain , Burkhard Pierre R.
Published: September 2009

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Orthonasal olfaction is severely altered in PD patients. Retronasal olfactory function has been shown to be preserved under certain conditions even in the absence of orthonasal function. This study was undertaken to investigate retronasal versus orthonasal olfactory function in Parkinson's disease (PD).

Study Design:

Prospective study.

Methods:

A total of 45 PD patients (mean age, 61 years; range 26–82 years) underwent orthonasal olfactory testing with a standardized olfactory test (Sniffin' Sticks) and retronasal olfactory testing with a 10‐item identification kit based on aromatized powders.

Results:

Regarding orthonasal tests, all PD patients scored within the range of hyposmia and functional anosmia. The mean correct orthonasal identification score for PD patients was 56% ± 2.6%, and the mean retronasal identification rate was 60% ± 3%. There was no significant difference between ortho‐ and retronasal odor identification (P = .15).

Conclusions:

The present study shows that retronasal and orthonasal olfactory function are severely impaired in PD patients, and this impairment is of similar magnitude for both functions. The contribution of this finding to the food‐intake behavior of PD patients is discussed. Laryngoscope, 2009
Intake of Maillard reaction products reduces iron bioavailability in male adolescents
Authors: García Marta Mesías , Seiquer Isabel , Delgado‐Andrade Cristina , Galdó Gabriel , Navarro Maria Pilar
Published: September 2009

The effects of diets with different Maillard reaction products (MRPs) content on biological iron utilization were compared using in vitro/in vivo assays. Diets were rich (brown diet, BD) or poor (white diet) in MRP. In vitro studies included iron solubility after in vitro digestion of diets and iron transport across Caco‐2 cells. In the human assay 18 healthy adolescent males (11–14 years) participated in a 2‐wk randomized two‐period crossover trial. Subjects collected urine and faeces on the last 3 days of each dietary period, and fasting blood samples were obtained after periods. In vitro dietary iron availability was significantly lower with the BD than the white diet (9.52 and 12.92%, respectively), as a consequence of the lower iron solubility after the in vitro digestion, but not as a result of decreased transport of the remaining soluble iron. The BD consumption increased iron fecal excretion (∼1.4‐fold) and significantly decreased its bioavailability (∼2.7‐fold), mainly due to the effects found at digestive level. Serum biochemical parameters related to iron metabolism remained unaltered. It is concluded the presence of MRP in the diet negatively affects iron bioavailability. As iron deficiency may be related to learning impairment and to reductions of cognitive and physical functions, possible long‐term effects of excessive MRP intake during adolescence warrant attention.
Identification of 3‐hydroxy‐β‐damascone and related carotenoid‐derived aroma compounds as novel potent inducers of Nrf2‐mediated phase 2 response with concomitant anti‐inflammatory activity
Authors: Gerhäuser Clarissa , Klimo Karin , Hümmer Wolfgang , Hölzer Jana , Petermann Astrid , Garreta‐Rufas Antonio , Böhmer Frank‐D. , Schreier Peter
Published: September 2009

Structural comparison of apple constituents with known inducers of phase two cytoprotective enzymes led to the identification of 3‐hydroxy‐β‐damascone and related carotenoid derived aroma compounds as potent inducers of NAD(P)H:quinone reductase (QR) activity. Damascone‐related compounds were found to be more potent inducers than ionone derivatives, with CD values (concentrations required to double the specific activity of QR in Hepa1c1c7 cell culture) in the range of 1.0–5.7 μM. QR induction by 3‐hydroxy‐β‐damascone was shown to be mediated via transcription factor Nrf2 signaling in transient transfection experiments. We further identified aroma compounds as potent inhibitors of LPS‐induced inducible nitric oxide synthase activity in Raw 264.7 cell culture. Again, damascone derivatives were most potent with half‐maximal inhibitory concentration values of 1.8–7.9 μM. These results reveal previously unrecognized cancer chemopreventive potential of aroma compounds such as β‐damascenone, 3‐hydroxy‐β‐damascone, and related substances, which may contribute to the cancer protective efficacy of apple products and other dietary sources in animal models.
Curcumin reduces oxidative and nitrative DNA damage through balancing of oxidant–antioxidant status in hamsters infected with Opisthorchis viverrini
Authors: Pinlaor Somchai , Yongvanit Puangrat , Prakobwong Suksanti , Kaewsamut Butsara , Khoontawad Jarinya , Pinlaor Porntip , Hiraku Yusuke
Published: September 2009

Opisthorchis viverrini (OV) infection is endemic in northeastern Thailand. We have previously reported that OV infection induces oxidative and nitrative DNA damage via chronic inflammation, which contributes to the disease and cholangiocarcinogenesis. Here, we examined the effect of curcumin, an antioxidant, on pathogenesis in OV‐infected hamsters. DNA lesions were detected by double immunofluorescence and the hepatic expression of oxidant‐generating and antioxidant genes was assessed by quantitative RT‐PCR analysis. Dietary 1.0% curcumin significantly decreased OV‐induced accumulation of 8‐oxo‐7,8‐dihydro‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐oxodG), an oxidative DNA lesion, and 8‐nitroguanine, a nitrative DNA lesion, in the nucleus of bile duct epithelial and inflammatory cells. Expression of oxidant‐generating genes (inducible nitric oxide synthase; iNOS, its nuclear transcriptional factor, NF‐κB, and cyclooxygenase‐2), and plasma levels of nitrate, malondialdehyde, and alanine aminotransferase, were also decreased in curcumin‐treated group. In contrast, curcumin increased the mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes (Mn‐superoxide dismutase and catalase), and ferric‐reducing anti‐oxidant power in the plasma. In conclusion, curcumin reduced oxidative and nitrative DNA damage by suppression of oxidant‐generating genes and enhancement of antioxidant genes, leading to inhibition of oxidative and nitrative stress. Therefore, curcumin may be used as a chemopreventive agent to reduce the severity of OV–associated diseases and the risk of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA).
High sensitivity detection of the glial fibrillary acidic protein as indicator for TSE risk material in meat products using an immuno‐PCR
Authors: Kuczius Thorsten , Becker Karsten , Karch Helge , Zhang Wenlan
Published: September 2009

The emergence of prion diseases in cattle during the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) epidemic and the transmission to humans causing variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease by consume of BSE‐contaminated meat has focused attention on the use of tissues from the central nervous system (CNS) in food. To avoid food contamination, it is regulated by law that specified risk material has to be removed from food chains. Detection of well‐expressed CNS indicator proteins such as the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) assumes an important role in detection of food contamination; however, the sensitivity of detection performed on basis of ELISAs is limited. Consequently, there is an urgent need for high‐sensitivity detection methods. We describe the development of an immuno‐PCR assay with enhancement of the immunoreaction by amplification of a DNA fragment linked to the antigen–antibody complex. This immuno‐PCR assay shows enhanced sensitivity in GFAP detection of at least two orders of magnitude compared to the ELISA technique carried out under identical conditions. The immuno‐PCR proves to be a suitable tool for the high‐sensitivity detection of marker proteins in food imported by food chain processes. It is applicable for use by food and veterinary facilities, and institutes involved in food monitoring.
Detection of potential markers of primary fibromyalgia syndrome in human saliva
Authors: Bazzichi Laura , Ciregia Federica , Giusti Laura , Baldini Chiara , Giannaccini Gino , Giacomelli Camillo , Sernissi Francesca , Bombardieri Stefano , Lucacchini Antonio
Published: September 2009

In the last few years, many attempts have been carried out for the research of specific biological biomarkers in fibromyalgia (FM) since, so far, no laboratory tests have been appropriately validated for the diagnosis and the prognostic stratification of the disease. In our study for the first time, we carried out a proteomic analysis of the whole saliva of FM patients in order to evaluate salivary biomarkers. Twenty‐two FM patients with all fulfilling the American College of Rheumathology diagnostic criteria for FM and 26 sex‐and age‐matched healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. Proteomic analysis was performed by combining 2‐DE and MALDI‐TOF‐MS. The most relevant observation which emerged from the data analysis was the exclusive and significant over‐expression of transaldolase and phosphoglycerate mutase I. These findings were validated by Western blot analysis and the total optical density confirmed the significant up‐regulation of transaldolase and phosphoglycerate mutase I in FM samples with respect to healthy subjects. It was noteworthy that seven further salivary proteins resulted differentially expressed, namely: calgranulin A, calgranulin C, cyclophilin A, profilin 1, Rho GDP‐dissociation inhibitor 2, proteasome subunit‐α‐type‐2 and haptoglobin‐related protein precursor. These preliminary results demonstrated the utility of salivary proteomic analysis in the identification of salivary biomarkers in FM patients and in clarifying some of the pathogenetic aspects of the disease.
High incidence of profound biotinidase deficiency detected in newborn screening blood spots in the Somalian population in Minnesota
Authors: Sarafoglou K. , Bentler K. , Gaviglio A. , Redlinger‐Grosse K. , Anderson C. , McCann M. , Bloom B. , Babovic‐Vuksanovic D. , Gavrilov D. , Berry S. A.
Published: September 2009

Newborns identified with profound biotinidase deficiency (BTD) by the Minnesota Newborn Screening Program (MN NBS) between 1 October 2004 and 30 May 2008 were all from new immigrant groups. Thirty‐three positive cases of BTD were identified out of 264 727 infants screened by the Wolf colorimetric system during the period of this study by MN NBS. Five cases of profound BTD (0.1 to <0.6 nmol/min per ml) and 26 cases of partial BTD (0.9 to 2.3 nmol/min per ml) were later confirmed through measurement of serum biotinidase activity. The incidence of combined partial and profound BTD of 1/8540 and that of profound BTD of 1/52 945 in Minnesota are unusually high in comparison with the reported worldwide numbers of 1/61 067 for combined BTD and 1/137 401 for profound BTD. Four out of the 5 cases of profound BTD ascertained in the MN NBS cohort were of Somali ethnic background, and the remaining case was of Asian (Pakistani/Indian) ethnic background. All four Somali patients have the P497S mutation, with one of the four being homozygous for the mutation. The three compound heterozygotes all have a novel mutation (P142T) and two of them have another change (Y428Y) that has never been described. Within the last two decades, Minnesota has become home to an estimated 40 000 Somali immigrants and their children (<1% of the total Minnesota population). New population demographics prompt careful analysis of case cohorts to identify specific groups at risk for rare inborn errors of metabolism.
Cardiomyopathy in the congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG): a case of late presentation and literature review
Authors: Footitt E. J. , Karimova A. , Burch M. , Yayeh T. , Dupré T. , Vuillaumier‐Barrot S. , Chantret I. , Moore S. E. H. , Seta N. , Grunewald S.
Published: September 2009

The congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) are a recently described group of inherited multisystem disorders characterized by defects predominantly of N‐ and O‐glycosylation of proteins. Cardiomyopathy in CDG has previously been described in several subtypes; it is usually associated with high morbidity and mortality and the majority of cases present in the first 2 years of life. This is the first case with presentation in late childhood and the article reviews current literature. An 11‐year‐old female with a background of learning difficulties presented in cardiac failure secondary to severe dilated cardiomyopathy. Prior to the diagnosis of CDG, her condition deteriorated; she required mechanical support (Excor Berlin Heart) and was listed for cardiac transplant. Investigations included screening for glycosylation disorders, and isoelectric focusing of transferrin revealed an abnormal type 1 pattern. Analysis of phosphomannomutase and phosphomannose isomerase showed normal enzyme activity, excluding PMM2 (CDG Ia) and MPI (CDG Ib). Lipid‐linked oligosaccharide and mutational studies have not yet defined the defect. Despite aggressive therapy there were persistent difficulties achieving adequate anticoagulation and she developed multiple life‐threatening thrombotic complications. She was removed from the transplant list and died from overwhelming sepsis 5 weeks following admission. This case emphasizes the need to screen all children with an undiagnosed cardiomyopathy for CDG, regardless of age, and where possible to exclude CDG before the use of cardiac bridging devices. It highlights the many practical and ethical challenges that may be encountered where clinical knowledge and experience are still evolving.
Aging and inactivity—capitalizing on the protective effect of planned physical activity in old age
Authors: Mechling Heinz , Netz Yael
Published: September 2009

The paper discusses two parallel biocultural trends—aging and inactivity. The principle of economy in movement in modern society versus the dependency of human beings on movement for their development and health is described. The results of inactivity are sometimes mistakenly considered irreversible losses caused by aging, but in actual fact, inactivity accelerates the irreversible losses caused by the aging process. The paper then describes the contribution of physical activity in terms of increasing positive aspects or decreasing risks: increasing life expectancy or decreasing risk of mortality, increasing cardiovascular fitness or decreasing risk of cardiovascular disease, increasing muscle mass or decreasing falls and instability, improving cognitive performance or reducing cognitive decline and neurological disorders, and improving well-being or reducing depression. The optimal dose of physical activity is then described, followed by recommendations for further research on mechanisms determining physical activity behavior.
Physical and Sensory Attributes of a trans‐Free Spread Formulated with a Blend Containing a Structured Lipid, Palm Mid‐Fraction, and Cottonseed Oil
Authors: Lumor Stephen E. , Pina‐Rodriguez Ashanty M. , Shewfelt Robert L. , Akoh Casimir C.
Published: September 2009

Physical and sensory attributes of an experimental trans‐free margarine spread (MG‐X) and two commercial margarine spreads (MG‐A and MG‐B) were studied. The trans‐free margarine spread was formulated with a blend containing a structured lipid (SL) synthesized by reacting canola oil with 40% stearic acid (w/w), palm mid‐fraction (PMF), and cottonseed oil (CTO). No trans fatty acids were detected in MG‐X, whereas the trans fatty acid contents of MG‐A and MG‐B were 0.3 and 3.7% (w/w), respectively. MG‐X was considerably firmer than MG‐A and MG‐B, less cohesive, and its adhesiveness was intermediate between those of MG‐A and MG‐B. MG‐X’s stability to syneresis was also intermediate between those of MG‐A and MG‐B. Sensory evaluation showed that MG‐X was comparable to MG‐A in terms of spreadability and texture only, but was significantly different from MG‐B in all attributes.
Activation of adenylate cyclase by forskolin increases the protein stability of RCAN1 (DSCR1 or Adapt78)
Authors: Seo Su Ryeon , Kim Seon Sook , Chung Kwang Chul
Published: September 2009

MINT‐7262390:PKA(uniprotkb:P22694)phosphorylates(MI:0217)RCAN1(uniprotkb:P53805) byprotein kinase assay(MI:0424)
Enzymatic activity of the alternative complex III as a menaquinol:auracyanin oxidoreductase in the electron transfer chain of Chloroflexus aurantiacus
Authors: Gao Xinliu , Xin Yueyong , Blankenship Robert E.
Published: September 2009

The surprising lack of the cytochrome bc
1 complex in the filamentous anoxygenic phototrophic bacterium Chloroflexus aurantiacus suggests that a functional replacement exists to link the cyclic electron transfer chain. Earlier work identified the alternative complex III (ACIII) as a substitute of cytochrome bc
1 complex. Herein, the enzymatic activity of ACIII is studied. The results strongly support the view that the ACIII functions as menaquinol:auracyanin oxidoreductase in the C. aurantiacus electron transfer chain. Among all the substrates tested, auracyanin is the most efficient electron acceptor of ACIII, suggesting that ACIII directly transfers the electron to auracyanin instead of cytochrome c‐554. The lack of sensitivity to common inhibitors of the cytochrome bc
1 complex indicates a different catalytic mechanism for the ACIII complex.
Melanocortin 1 receptor mutations impact differentially on signalling to the cAMP and the ERK mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathways
Authors: Herraiz Cecilia , Jiménez-Cervantes Celia , Zanna Paola , García-Borrón José C.
Published: September 2009

Melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), a Gs protein‐coupled receptor expressed in melanocytes, is a major determinant of skin pigmentation, phototype and cancer risk. MC1R activates cAMP and mitogen‐activated protein kinase ERK1/ERK2 signalling. When expressed in rat pheochromocytoma cell line cells, the R151C, R160W and D294H MC1R variants associated with melanoma and impaired cAMP signalling mediated ERK activation and ERK‐dependent, agonist‐induced neurite outgrowth comparable with wild‐type. Dose–response curves for ERK activation and cAMP production indicated higher sensitivity of the ERK response. Thus, the melanoma‐associated MC1R mutations impact differently on cAMP and ERK signalling, suggesting that cAMP is not responsible for functional coupling of MC1R to the ERK cascade.
Diphosphonucleotide phosphatase/phosphodiesterase (PPD1) from yellow lupin (Lupinus luteus L.) contains an iron–manganese center
Authors: Olczak Mariusz , Ciuraszkiewicz Justyna , Wójtowicz Halina , Maszczak Dorota , Olczak Teresa
Published: September 2009

Yellow lupin diphosphonucleotide phosphatase/phosphodiesterase (PPD1) represents a novel group of enzymes. Here we report that it possesses one iron atom and one manganese atom (1:1 molar ratio) per subunit. The enzyme exhibits visible absorption maximum at ∼530 nm. Prolonged oxidation of PPD1 leads to loss of the charge‐transfer band and catalytic activity, whereas after reduction PPD1 remains active. Replacement of conserved amino‐acid residues coordinating metals results in the loss of enzymatic activity. Despite low amino‐acid sequence homology of PPD1 to well‐characterized ∼55‐kDa purple acid phosphatases, their overall fold, topology of active center and metal content are highly similar.
Involvement of SigT and RstA in the differentiation of Streptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Mao Xu-Ming , Zhou Zhan , Cheng Liang-Ying , Hou Xiao-Ping , Guan Wen-Jun , Li Yong-Quan
Published: September 2009

MINT‐7262574: RstA (uniprotkb:Q9S6U2) physically interacts (MI:0915) with sigT (uniprotkb:O86856) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)
Consumption of a fermented dairy product containing the probioticLactobacillus caseiDN-114 001 reduces the duration of respiratory infections in the elderly in a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Guillemard E. , Tondu F. , Lacoin F. , Schrezenmeir J.
Published: September 2009

Common infectious diseases (CID) of the airways and the gastrointestinal tract are still a considerable cause of morbidity and mortality in elderly. The present study examined the beneficial effect of a dairy product containing the probiotic strainLactobacillus caseiDN-114 001 (fermented product) on the resistance of free-living elderly to CID. The study was multicentric, double blind and controlled, involving 1072 volunteers (median age = 76·0 years) randomised for consumption of either 200 g/d of fermented (n537) or control (non-fermented) dairy product (n535) for 3 months, followed by an additional 1 month's follow-up. The results showed that, when considering all CID, the fermented product significantly reduced the average duration per episode of CID (6·5v. 8 d in control group;P = 0·008) and the cumulative duration of CID (7v. 8 d in control group;P = 0·009). Reduction in both episode and cumulative durations was also significant for all upper respiratory tract infections (URTI;P < 0·001) and for rhinopharyngitis (P < 0·001). This was accompanied with an increase ofL. caseispecies in stools throughout the fermented product consumption (2–3·8 × 107equivalents of colony-forming unit/g of stools,P < 0·001). The cumulative number of CID (primary outcome) was not different between groups nor was the CID severity, fever, pathogens' occurrence, medication, immune blood parameters and quality of life. The fermented product was safe and well tolerated. In conclusion, consumption of a fermented dairy product containing the probiotic strainL. caseiDN-114 001 in elderly was associated with a decreased duration of CID in comparison with the control group, especially for URTI such as rhinopharyngitis.
Protective effect of serotonin derivatives on glucose-induced damage in PC12 rat pheochromocytoma cells
Authors: Piga Rosaria , Naito Yuji , Kokura Satoshi , Handa Osamu , Yoshikawa Toshikazu
Published: September 2009

Oxidative damage is believed to be associated with ageing, cancer and several degenerative diseases. Previous reports have shown that safflower-seed extract and its major antioxidant constituents, serotonin hydroxycinnamic amides, possess a powerful free radical-scavenging and antioxidative activity, paying particular attention to atherosclerotic reactive oxygen species (ROS)-related dysfunctions. In the present report, we examined a still unknown cell-based mechanism of serotonin derivatives against ROS-related neuronal damage, phenomena that represent a crucial event in neurodegenerative diseases. Serotonin derivatives N-(p-coumaroyl)serotonin and N-feruloylserotonin exerted a protective effect on high glucose-induced cell death, inhibited the activation of caspase-3 which represents the last and crucial step within the cascade of events leading to apoptosis, and inhibited the overproduction of the mitochondrial superoxide, which represents the most dangerous radical produced by hyperglycaemia, by acting as scavengers of the superoxide radical. In addition, serotonin derivative concentration inside the cells and inside the mitochondria was increased in a time-dependent manner. Since recent studies support the assertion that mitochondrial dysfunctions related to oxidative damage are the major contributors to neurodegenerative diseases, these preliminary cell-based results identify a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant property of serotonin derivatives that could represent a novel therapeutic approach against the neuronal disorders and complications related to ROS.
Classification of individuals with dyslipidaemia controlled by statins according to plasma biomarkers of oxidative stress using cluster analysis
Authors: Botelho Patrícia B. , Fioratti Cyntia O. , Abdalla Dulcinéia S. P. , Bertolami Marcelo C. , Castro Inar A.
Published: September 2009

Oxidative stress is a physiological condition that is associated with atherosclerosis, and it can be influenced by diet. Our objective was to group fifty-seven individuals with dyslipidaemia controlled by statins according to four oxidative biomarkers, and to evaluate the diet pattern and blood biochemistry differences between these groups. Blood samples were collected and the following parameters were evaluated: diet intake; plasma fatty acids; lipoprotein concentration; glucose; oxidised LDL (oxLDL); malondialdehyde (MDA); total antioxidant activity by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing ability power assays. Individuals were separated into five groups by cluster analysis. All groups showed a difference with respect to at least one of the four oxidative stress biomarkers. The separation of individuals in the first axis was based upon their total antioxidant activity. Clusters located on the right side showed higher total antioxidant activity, higher myristic fatty acid and lower arachidonic fatty acid proportions than clusters located on the left side. A negative correlation was observed between DPPH and the peroxidability index. The second axis showed differences in oxidation status as measured by MDA and oxLDL concentrations. Clusters located on the upper side showed higher oxidative status and lower HDL cholesterol concentration than clusters located on the lower side. There were no differences in diet among the five clusters. Therefore, fatty acid synthesis and HDL cholesterol concentration seem to exert a more significant effect on the oxidative conditions of the individuals with dyslipidaemia controlled by statins than does their food intake.
The effect of the protein level in a pre-starter diet on the post-hatch performance and activation of ribosomal protein S6 kinase in muscle of neonatal broilers
Authors: Everaert Nadia , Swennen Quirine , Coustard Sonia Métayer , Willemsen Hilke , Careghi Christine , Buyse Johan , Bruggeman Veerle , Decuypere Eddy , Tesseraud Sophie
Published: September 2009

The cytoplasmic serine/threonine ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K1) plays a critical role in controlling protein translation. There is evidence that amino acids regulate S6K1 and protein synthesis in avian species, but the effect of dietary protein level on the activation of S6K1 in neonatal chicks is unknown. Therefore, the aim of the present experiment was to investigate the effect of different protein levels, supplied during the first 5 d post-hatch, on body growth, breast muscle development and on the activation of S6K1 and its downstream target, the S6, in neonatal chicks. Chicks were fed a pre-starter diet during the first 5 d post-hatch containing low (19·6 % crude protein (CP); LP), medium (23·1 % CP; MP) or high (26·7 % CP) levels (HP) of protein. Weight gain of chicks fed the HP diet was higher (P < 0·05) compared with those fed the LP diet during day (d)3–d5 and the numerical advantage of this group was maintained from d2 to d7. On d2 and d3, greater levels of S6K1 and S6 phosphorylation and/or activity were observed in chicks receiving the HP diet compared with LP and MP diets, without differences between results of the latter two dietary treatments. In conclusion, the present results suggest that early protein nutrition impacts the development of broiler chicks.
Zinc and DHA have opposing effects on the expression levels of histones H3 and H4 in human neuronal cells
Authors: Suphioglu Cenk , Sadli Nadia , Coonan Damon , Kumar Loveleen , De Mel Damitha , Lesheim Jessica , Sinclair Andrew J. , Ackland Leigh
Published: September 2009

Zn and DHA have putative neuroprotective effects and these two essential nutrients are known to interact biochemically. We aimed to identify novel protein candidates that are differentially expressed in human neuronal cell line M17 in response to Zn and DHA that would explain the molecular basis of this interaction. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and MS were applied to identify major protein expression changes in the protein lysates of human Ml7 neuronal cells that had been grown in the presence and absence of Zn and DHA. Proteomic findings were further investigated using Western immunoblot and real-time PCR analyses. Four protein spots, which had significant differential expression, were identified and selected for in-gel trypsin digestion followed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionisation MS analysis. The resultant peptide mass fingerprint for each spot allowed their respective identities to be deduced. Two human histone variants H3 and H4 were identified. Both H3 and H4 were downregulated by Zn in the absence of DHA (Zn effect) and upregulated by DHA (DHA effect) in the presence of Zn (physiological condition). These proteomic findings were further supported by Western immunoblot and real-time PCR analyses using H3- and H4-specific monoclonal antibodies and oligonucleotide primers, respectively. We propose that dietary Zn and DHA cause a global effect on gene expression, which is mediated by histones. Such novel information provides possible clues to the molecular basis of neuroprotection by Zn and DHA that may contribute to the future treatment, prevention and management of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.
History Meets Fiction in Doctor Who, ‘The Fires of Pompeii’: A BBC Reception of Ancient Rome on Screen and Online
Authors: HOBDEN FIONA
Published: September 2009

‘Ancient Rome!’ The door of the iconic police box squeaks open. The camera pans, following a dark-haired man as he emerges, pushes through a curtained doorway, and, with a glint in his eye, glee in his smile, and a touch of London in his voice, announces their destination to his redhead companion. So begins ‘The Fires of Pompeii’, the second episode in the fourth season of the current BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) science-fiction drama Doctor Who. And so, no doubt, began the scribbling of pens on notebooks, as classicists who examine popular receptions of ancient Greece and Rome recognized a fresh opportunity to explore the dynamics of modern engagements with the classical world. At the time of broadcast, I was ensconced in my Liverpool office, writing the final lecture of a new undergraduate module devoted to Roman society. The topic was ‘Receptions of Roman Life’. My plan was to contrast depictions of Roman life in different media from distinct periods to encourage our students to recognize how modern reconstructions of Roman society are variously informed by questions of authority, genre, and cultural contexts. Serendipitously, ‘The Fires of Pompeii’ provided an engaging contemporary reception of the Roman world on television.
The Construction of Etruscan ‘Otherness’ in Latin Literature
Authors: BITTARELLO MARIA BEATRICE
Published: September 2009

This paper deals with issues of ethnic representation; it aims at highlighting how Roman authors tend to portray the Etruscans as ‘others’, whose cultural models deeply differ from those proposed by Rome. Several studies, conducted from different disciplinary and methodological positions, have highlighted the existence, in the Greek world, of complex representations of ‘other peoples’, representations that served political, cultural, and economic purposes. Whether the study of alterity is to be set in the context of a Greek response to the Persian wars (as P. Cartledge and others have pointed out, the creation of the barbarian seems to be primarily a Greek ideology opposing the Greeks to all other peoples), or not, it seems clear from scholarly studies that the Romans often drew upon and reworked Greek characterizations, and created specific representations of other peoples. Latin literature, which (as T. N. Habinek has noted), served the interests of Roman power, abounds with examples of ethnographic and literary descriptions of foreign peoples consciously aimed at defining and marginalizing ‘the other’ in relation to Roman founding cultural values, and functional to evolving Roman interests. Outstanding examples are Caesar's Commentarii and Tacitus' ideological and idealized representation of the Germans as an uncorrupted, warlike people in the Germania. In several cases there is evidence of layering in the representation of foreign peoples, since Roman authors often re-craft Greek representations: thus, the biased Roman portrayal of the Near East or of the Sardinians largely draws on Greek representations; in portraying the Samnites, Latin authors reshaped elements already elaborated by the Tarentines.
Dynamics of a charged particle in progressive plane waves propagating in vacuum or plasma: Stochastic acceleration
Authors: Bourdier A. , Drouin M.
Published: September 2009

The dynamics of a charged particle in a relativistic strong electromagnetic plane wave propagating in a nonmagnetized medium is studied first. The problem is shown to be integrable when the wave propagates in vacuum. When it propagates in plasma, and when the full plasma response is considered, an exhaustive numerical work allows us to conclude that the problem is not integrable. The dynamics of a charged particle in a relativistic strong electromagnetic plane wave propagating along a constant homogeneous magnetic field is studied next. The problem is integrable when the wave propagates in vacuum. When it propagates in plasma, the problem becomes nonintegrable. Finally, one particle in a high intensity wave, propagating in a nonmagnetized medium, perturbed by a low intensity traveling wave is considered. Resonances are identified and conditions for resonance overlap are studied. Stochastic acceleration is shown by considering a single particle. It is confirmed in plasma in realistic situations with particle-in-cell code simulations.
Soft X-ray emissions from neon gas-puff Z-pinch powered by Qiang Guang-I accelerator
Authors: Kuai B. , Wu G. , Qiu A. , Wang L. , Cong P. , Wang X.
Published: September 2009

The X-ray emission, especially the K-shell emission, from a neon gas-puff Z-pinch powered by the Qiang Guang-I accelerator, about 1.5 MA in amplitude and 100 ns in rise time, were calculated based on the two-level model and measured with X-ray diodes and an eight-frame X-ray pinhole camera. The simulation results showed that the K-shell yield is highly sensitive to the peak current. The experimental results confirmed that the matching of the Z-pinch load (mass and initial radius) to the current is crucial for getting a higher X-ray yield. Being determined by the imploding time, the pinch current plays a more important role than the current amplitude in K-shell emission. It seems that the preferable imploding time is about 110 ns. The K-shell radiation power with double shells, as a whole, is higher than that using single neon shell. While an implosion of a light (32 µg/cm) and small (20 mm in diameter) neon shell evolves with rather twist and asymmetries, a heavier (41 µg/cm) and bigger (25 mm in diameter) neon shell implodes more symmetrically. The double neon shells, 30 mm and 30 µg/cm for the outer shell, and 15-mm and 10 µg/cm for the inner shell, create almost “perfect” implosions evidenced by the early-time plasma shells with little perturbation and late stagnated pinch liners with a good axial uniformity. It was found that the “Zippering” effect leads to an earlier K-shell emission in the cathode region than that in the anode region, which extends the pulse width of K-shell emission.
High quality GeV proton beams from a density-modulated foil target
Authors: Yu T.P. , Chen M. , Pukhov A.
Published: September 2009

We study proton acceleration from a foil target with a transversely varying density using multi-dimensional Particle-in-Cell (PIC) simulations. In order to reduce electron heating and deformation of the target, circularly polarized Gaussian laser pulses at intensities on the order of 1022 Wcm−2 are used. It is shown that when the target density distribution fits that of the laser intensity profile, protons accelerated from the center part of the target have quasi-monoenergetic spectra and are well collimated. In our two-dimensional PIC simulations, the final peak energy can be up to 1.4 GeV with the full-width of half maximum divergence cone of less than 4°. We observe highly efficient energy conversion from the laser to the protons in the simulations.
The Bird Tree
Authors: HINZE RALF
Published: September 2009

Sadly, Richard Bird is stepping down as the editor of the ‘Functional Pearls’ column. As a farewell present, I would like to dedicate a tree to him. A woody plant is appropriate for at least two reasons: Richard has been preoccupied with trees in many of his pearls, and where else would you find a bird's nest? Actually, there is a lot of room for nests, as the tree is infinite. Figure 1 displays the first five levels. The Bird tree, whose nodes are labelled with rational numbers, enjoys several remarkable properties.
The effects of a control-enhancing intervention for nursing home residents: Cognition and locus of control as moderators
Authors: ANDERSON-HANLEY CAY , MESHBERG SARAH R. , MARSH MELISSA A.
Published: September 2009

Objective: This study aimed to clarify which older adults benefit most from a control-enhancing intervention; in particular, whether cognitive functioning or locus of control might moderate the benefit derived.

Methods: Nursing home residents were randomly assigned to two conditions: (1) a control-enhanced condition that provided the option of caring for a plant (n = 10), and (2) a comparison condition that monitored any change under the standard of care (n = 10). Comparison group participants were subsequently offered the intervention, which led to a total of 17 intervention participants.

Results: Cognitive function and locus of control were found to significantly moderate the effects of the control-enhancing intervention on residents' perceived health competency, but not depression or life satisfaction.

Significance of results: Interventions for nursing home residents could be tailored to fit specific needs. Screening for cognitive function and locus of control may help predict who is likely to benefit from control-enhancing interventions.
Relative importance of organic coatings for the heterogeneous hydrolysis of N2O5 during summer in Europe
Authors: Riemer N. , Vogel H. , Vogel B. , Anttila T. , Kiendler‐Scharr A. , Mentel T. F.
Published: September 2009

The heterogeneous reaction probability of N2O5 depends largely on the aerosol chemical composition. Several recent laboratory studies have shown that the presence of organic coatings on aqueous aerosols can suppress heterogeneous N2O5 hydrolysis. In this study we investigated the relative importance of organic coatings, formed via gas‐to‐particle conversion on aqueous aerosols, to N2O5 hydrolysis on local and regional scales during summer in Europe. We present results of one‐dimensional process studies and of regional‐scale model simulations for Europe with the comprehensive model system COSMO‐ART. To treat N2O5 hydrolysis, we used recent results from laboratory studies that quantified on the basis of the organic coating thickness. The simulations showed that during any episode the conditions for formation of N2O5 and secondary organic compounds were very variable and depended strongly on the meteorological conditions. In regions of the model domain where both components were built‐up, the formation of organic coatings could decrease particulate nitrate concentrations by up to 90%. Where these conditions were not met, the impact of the organic coating was negligible.
Deposition of anthropogenic aerosols in a southeastern Tibetan glacier
Authors: Xu Bai‐Qing , Wang Mo , Joswiak Daniel R. , Cao Jun‐Ji , Yao Tan‐Dong , Wu Guang‐Jian , Yang Wei , Zhao Hua‐Biao
Published: September 2009

Measurements of elemental carbon (EC), water‐insoluble organic carbon (WIOC), and inorganic ions from a very high resolution snow/firn core retrieved from a glacier on the southeastern Tibetan Plateau reveal increasing concentrations associated with deposition of anthropogenic aerosols during the period 1998–2005. EC, WIOC, and SO42− concentrations in the core were 4.7, 56.0, and 4.2 ng g−1 in 1998, but increased to 16.8, 144.4, and 162.1 ng g−1 in 2005, respectively. Comparison of EC to SO42− and K+ concentrations indicates a relatively greater impact of fossil fuel burning on EC deposition compared to biomass burning. Significant contribution of secondary OC production is apparent from the low EC/WIOC ratios. EC concentrations show large seasonal variability, with nonmonsoon precipitation containing more than double the concentrations found in monsoon snowfall. Since snow cover on the Tibetan Plateau extends to its maximum aerial extent during the nonmonsoon season, the high EC concentrations in snowfall during this time can cause advanced snowmelt and enhanced radiative forcing.
Properties of the X‐ray emission from rocket‐triggered lightning as measured by the Thunderstorm Energetic Radiation Array (TERA)
Authors: Saleh Z. , Dwyer J. , Howard J. , Uman M. , Bakhtiari M. , Concha D. , Stapleton M. , Hill D. , Biagi C. , Rassoul H.
Published: September 2009

The Thunderstorm Energetic Radiation Array (TERA) is located at the University of Florida, Florida Tech International Center for Lightning Research and Testing (ICLRT) at Camp Blanding, Florida. The array includes forty‐five 7.6‐cm‐diameter NaI/photomultiplier tube detectors enclosed in 24 separate aluminum boxes that shield the detectors from light, moisture, and RF noise. The array covers the ∼1 km2 ICLRT facility, centered on the rocket launch tower, used to trigger lightning. From 2005 to 2007, TERA recorded seven rocket‐triggered lightning flashes. In this paper we present an analysis of the X‐ray emission of three of these flashes. The X‐ray emission is observed to occur during the dart leader phase of each stroke, just prior to the time of the return stroke. Significant X‐rays are observed on all the detectors to a distance of 500 m from the lightning channel for times up to 200 μs prior to the start of the return stroke. Using Monte Carlo simulations to model the X‐ray propagation, we find that the energetic electrons that emit the X‐rays have a characteristic energy of about 1 MeV for one particular dart‐stepped leader event. The X‐ray emission for all three events has a radial fall off proportional to [exp (−r/120)]/r and is most consistent with the energetic source electrons being emitted isotropically from the leader. It is also found that the X‐ray and energetic electron luminosities of the leader channel decreases with increasing height above the ground. These results help shed light onto the mechanism for producing energetic radiation from lightning. For instance, a characteristic energy of 1 MeV is not consistent with the relativistic runaway electron avalanche mechanism, suggesting that so‐called cold runaway electrons, produced by very strong electric fields, dominate the production of the X‐rays.
Reconstruction of spatial structure of thin layer in sporadic E region by using VHF coherent scatter radar
Authors: Chu Yen‐Hsyang , Yang Kuo‐Feng
Published: September 2009

On the basis of interferometer technique implemented at a VHF coherent scatter radar, a method of measuring tilted angle and true horizontal extent of a thin layer structure containing 3‐m field‐aligned irregularities (FAIs) in ionospheric sporadic E (Es) region is proposed in this article. The essential part of this method is to measure the length and the orientation of the striation‐like echo pattern resolved by interferometry technique, which is the result of the interception of the layered structure by a fan‐like effective antenna beam pattern defined by the product of the physical antenna beam and the aspect sensitivity of the backscatter from Es FAIs. From the projections of the striated echo pattern on mutually orthogonal planes, the zenith and azimuth angles of the unit vector normal to the layer can be estimated in accordance with a set of line equations describing the length and the orientation of the echo pattern. It is found that the Es thin layer for the present case is primarily tilted in the northeast‐southwest direction with a maximum zenith angle of 11°. In addition, quasi‐periodic variations in layer height and tilted angle with a period of approximately 3–5 min were observed, in which the peak‐to‐peak amplitudes of the layer height variation were in a range of 0.3–1.2 km. These features provide solid evidences that the thin Es layer was modulated by a quasi‐periodic oscillation not only in the layer height, but also in the tilt of the layer surface. Interferometer measurement reveals that the layer is in an anisotropic shape with major axis aligned in the northwest‐southeast direction making an angle of approximately 45° with respect to the west direction. The width (or minor axis length) of the thin layer varied with time in a range 8.8–13 km, and the axial ratio of the anisotropy is no less than 1.73. Although the azimuth alignment of the anisotropic thin layer is in harmony with that of the Es layer instability proposed by Cosgrove and Tsunoda (2002), the measured Doppler velocity, drift direction of the FAIs, and interferometer‐resolved horizontal extent of the layer do not favor the theoretical predictions. In light of the fact that the oscillating period is larger than Brunt‐Vaisala period in Es region and the amplitude of the layer modulation is consistent with that of a propagating gravity wave, it suggests that the oscillation was very likely associated with a short‐period gravity wave with period of 3–5 min propagating in the northeast‐southwest direction.
Ontology-based Trial Management System (ObTiMA)
Authors: Brochhausen Mathias , Weiler Gabriele , Schera Fatima , Rauch Jochen , Graf Norbert , Kiefer Stephan
Published: September 2009

The ACGT project which aims to foster the sharing of research result from both, clinical and molecular research for the benefit of cancer patients uses ontology-driven semantic services. One novelty ACGT provides is a tool named ObTiMA which allows to build questionnaires directly from the ACGT Master Ontology. This will facilitate the process of creating Case Report Forms. Furthermore, the clinical data collected is already annotated in the terms of the ontology.
Thyroid-hormone-dependent activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt cascade requires Src and enhances neuronal survival
Authors: Cao Xia , Kambe Fukushi , Yamauchi Masako , Seo Hisao
Published: September 2009

We have reported previously a non-genomic action of T3 (3,3′,5-tri-iodothyronine), which stimulates the PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase)/Akt pathway via p85α, the regulatory subunit of PI3K, in human skin fibroblasts. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the mechanism by which T3 activates PI3K, and to investigate the physiological role of this T3 action in neuronal cells. We found that T3 activates PI3K/Akt through Src. First, T3 rapidly induced the activation of Src and Akt in N2a cells expressing TRα1 (thyroid hormone receptor α1; N2aTRα), and both were attenuated by either the addition of a Src inhibitor or Src siRNA. In contrast, a PI3K inhibitor could only block the activation of Akt. Secondly, T3 enhanced TRα1–p85α–Src complex formation, which was also abrogated by a Src inhibitor. The activation of Src and PI3K/Akt contributes to the anti-apoptotic effect of T3 in N2aTRα cells. Moreover, it was also observed in primary cerebral cortical neurons that T3 induced the activation of PI3K/Akt and suppressed serum-deprivation-induced apoptosis. Together, the findings of the present study demonstrate a novel non-genomic action of T3 on neuronal cell survival, and provide new insights into the mechanism underlying this action, which involves Src activation and TRα1–p85α–Src complex formation.