bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
7‐Ketocholesterol is Not Cytotoxic to U937 Cells When Incorporated into Acetylated Low Density Lipoprotein
Authors: Rutherford Lucy D. , Gieseg Steven P. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe growth of the necrotic core region within advanced atherosclerotic plaque is thought to be driven by oxidised low density lipoprotein (oxLDL)‐induced death of macrophage cells. OxLDL and atherosclerotic plaque are rich in oxysterols, especially 7‐ketocholesterol (7KC). As 7KC triggers cell death at physiological concentrations when added directly to the cell culture media, 7KC and other oxysterols have been suggested to be the main cytotoxic agent of oxLDL. We investigated this hypothesis by examining the toxicity of 7KC to monocyte‐like U937 cells when incorporated into high‐uptake non‐toxic acetylated LDL (acLDL). Incorporation of 7KC into acLDL greatly reduced the oxysterol toxicity when compared with an equivalent amount of 7KC added directly to U937 cells. Enrichment of oxLDL with 7KC did not significantly enhance lipoprotein toxicity. OxLDL was highly cytotoxic yet generated only low levels of intracellular 7KC. In comparison, 7KC‐acLDL generated high intracellular 7KC concentrations with little loss in cell viability. The data show that when incorporated into lipoprotein, 7KC cytotoxicity is greatly reduced, even though intracellular levels exceed those measured when cells are incubated with oxLDL, which suggests 7KC is not the significant toxic agent within oxLDL.
Bedforms in a turbulent stream: ripples, chevrons and antidunes
Authors: Andreotti Bruno , Claudin Philippe , Devauchelle Olivier , Durán Orencio , Fourrière Antoine 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe interaction between a turbulent flow and a granular bed via sediment transport produces various bedforms associated with distinct hydrodynamical regimes. In this paper, we compare ripples (downstream-propagating transverse bedforms), chevrons and bars (bedforms inclined with respect to the flow direction) and antidunes (upstream-propagating bedforms), focusing on the mechanisms involved in the early stages of their formation. Performing the linear stability analysis of a flat bed, we study the asymptotic behaviours of the dispersion relation with respect to the physical parameters of the problem. In the subcritical regime (Froude number$\mathscr{F}$smaller than unity), we show that the same instability produces ripples or chevrons depending on the influence of the free surface. The transition from transverse to inclined bedforms is controlled by the ratio of the saturation length${L}_{\mathit{sat}} $, which encodes the stabilizing effect of sediment transport, to the flow depth$H$, which determines the hydrodynamical regime. These results suggest that alternate bars form in rivers during flooding events, when suspended load dominates over bedload. In the supercritical regime$\mathscr{F}\gt 1$, the transition from ripples to antidunes is also controlled by the ratio${L}_{\mathit{sat}} / H$. Antidunes appear around resonant conditions for free surface waves, a situation for which the sediment transport saturation becomes destabilizing. This resonance turns out to be fundamentally different from the inviscid prediction. Their wavelength selected by linear instability mostly scales on the flow depth$H$, which is in agreement with existing experimental data. Our results also predict the emergence, at large Froude numbers, of ‘antichevrons’ or ‘antibars’, i.e. bedforms inclined with respect to the flow and propagating upstream.
WHERE THE LAW BECOMES IRRELEVANT: CONSULAR ASSISTANCE AND THE EUROPEAN UNION
Authors: Vermeer-Künzli Annemarieke 
Published: November 2011

AbstractIn recent years, the European Union (‘eu’) has taken a number of initiatives with a view to co-ordinating consular assistance in third countries. Not only have EU citizens an entitlement to consular assistance by any EU Member State in the absence of a representation of their own, but EU Member States themselves are encouraged to co-operate by means of the Lead State Concept and other forms of co-operation. While this may seem relatively unproblematic from the perspective of the EU, it is very difficult to reconcile with general international law. The various EU agreements in this area have no application to third States: some do not have legally binding form and even those that do only apply to the parties to the treaties, ie EU Member States. This article will present the situation, analyse its complexities and offer some reflections on the global application and desirability of the regime created by the EU.
The departmental impact of magnetic resonance imaging in the management of cervical cancer brachytherapy: a discussion paper
Authors: Warren M.J. , Eddy A. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThis discussion paper will explore the impact of using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in the treatment of cervical cancer with brachytherapy. It is written from the perspective of current departmental practice in the UK and aims to highlight the issues associated with using MRI as a tool for image guided brachytherapy planning. To support the discussion, a literature review was undertaken focussing specifically on the use of MRI in brachytherapy treatment planning for cervical cancer. Results from planning case studies and clinical series were analysed, and the literature showed that image guided brachytherapy treatment planning is a promising development. MRI assisted planning could theoretically be implemented in centres that have access to a MRI scanner. Alternative brachytherapy technologies (e.g. Computed Tomography (CT) assisted planning), and alternative radiotherapy modalities (e.g. an external beam radiotherapy boost), were not found to be superior in effect or of implementation. Although MRI shows great promise, the evidence base for MRI in brachytherapy planning for cervical cancer is currently limited and therefore careful implementation and evaluation is required. It is suggested by the authors that new methods of working are devised to ensure consistency and quality in implementation and delivery, and that outcomes are measured and audited to evaluate efficacy.
An Acoustic and Perceptual Study of Final Stops Produced by Profoundly Hearing Impaired Adolescents
Authors: Khouw Edward , Ciocca Valter 
Published: November 2011

Purpose
This study investigated formant frequencies for their role as acoustic and perceptual correlates to the place of articulation of Cantonese final stops produced by profoundly hearing impaired speakers.

Method
Speakers were 10 Cantonese adolescents (mean age = 13;5 [years;months]) who were profoundly hearing impaired (HI). Control speakers were 10 adolescents (mean age = 13;5) with normal hearing. Stimuli were Cantonese words that were minimally contrastive in place of final stops (/p, t, k/). Listeners were 10 final-year speech therapy students. The frequencies of F1, F2, and F3 were measured at the middle, 40 ms before the end, and at the end of the vocalic segments.

Results
Control speakers distinguished place contrasts through formant frequency differences at the end positions of the vowels. HI speakers produced final stops with missing formant transitions and neutralized vowels preceding final stops. Listeners relied on F2 transition cues for stops produced by control speakers, whereas F1 and F3 transition cues were used for stops produced by HI speakers.

Conclusions
Formant frequencies of final stops produced by HI speakers showed reduced place distinction. When listeners identified the place of final stops produced by HI speakers, they relied on formant frequency cues that were different from those used for stops produced by control speakers.
Melatonin administration does not alter muscle glycogen concentration during recovery from exhaustive exercise in rats
Authors: Özdemir Özgür , Özdem Sebahat , Özkaya Yaşar Gül 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of melatonin administration on muscle glycogen concentration during recovery after exhaustive swimming exercise in sedentary and trained rats. Male Wistar rats were assigned to one of four groups: sedentary control (C), sedentary melatonin‐injected (M), exercise‐trained (T), and trained and melatonin‐injected (MT) groups. Exercise‐trained groups were subjected to six weeks of swimming exercise. All rats completed an exhaustive swimming exercise. Two daily subcutaneous injections of melatonin at a dose of 3 mg·kg−1 were given to the rats in the M and MT groups immediately after the exhaustive exercise. Plasma melatonin, glucose and lactate concentrations, and glycogen concentrations of the soleus and epitrochlearis muscle tissues were measured after exhaustive exercise. Plasma lactate concentration was significantly lower in the T and MT groups than in the C group. Plasma melatonin concentration was higher in the supplemented groups than in the C group. Plasma glucose concentration was significantly higher in the T and MT groups than in the C group. Both epitrochlearis and soleus muscle glycogen concentrations were higher in the trained groups than in the C group. In conclusion, although exercise training results in improvement in muscle glycogen, exogenous melatonin administration after exhaustive exercise did not restore the glycogen concentrations in fast‐ or slow‐twitch muscle tissues.
Indirect facilitation promotes macrophyte survival and growth in freshwater ecosystems threatened by eutrophication
Authors: Le Bagousse‐Pinguet Yoann , Liancourt Pierre , Gross Nicolas , Straile Dietmar 
Published: November 2011

Summary1. Eutrophication is a major threat for freshwater ecosystems. Submerged aquatic plants (macrophytes) can maintain clear water conditions in eutrophic lakes by competing with phytoplankton for light and nutrients. The interactions between macrophytes and phytoplankton may lead to indirect facilitation among plants and the maintenance of high macrophyte diversities in eutrophic conditions. Nonetheless, the role of indirect facilitation in promoting macrophyte‐dominated clear water states under eutrophication has never been demonstrated experimentally despite important implications for these ecosystems.2. We predicted that (i) submerged aquatic plants buffer negative consequences of eutrophication by strongly affecting biotic (phytoplankton) and environmental conditions (light, nutrients) in the water column, (ii) competition with phytoplankton results in indirect facilitation among submerged aquatic plants, and (iii) the response to indirect facilitation depends on the tolerance of submerged aquatic plants to light attenuation by phytoplankton.3. We experimentally simulated eutrophication through fertilization and manipulated the presence of neighbouring plants in a mesocosm. By manipulating the presence of neighbours with and without fertilization, we were able to test whether competitive or facilitative interactions occur during the eutrophication of lakes.4. Fertilization caused turbid water states by increasing phytoplankton content and light attenuation. The presence of neighbouring plants reduced phytoplankton growth and promoted survival and biomass production of macrophytes under eutrophication.5. Synthesis. Indirect facilitation among plants can buffer the direct negative interactions between aquatic plants and phytoplankton. Indirect facilitation may prevent the decline in aquatic plant diversity of freshwater ecosystems threatened by eutrophication. Because the experimental design used here is comparable to the manipulations frequently carried out across a wide range of terrestrial ecosystems, this study may contribute to the comparison of patterns and processes in aquatic and terrestrial environments.
Regional divergence and mosaic spatial distribution of two closely related damselfly species (Enallagma hageniandEnallagma ebrium)
Authors: BOURRET A. , McPEEK M. A. , TURGEON J. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractNorth AmericanEnallagmadamselflies radiated during the Pleistocene, and species differ mainly by reproductive structures. Although morphologically very different,Enallagma hageniandEnallagma ebriumare genetically very similar. Partitioning of genetic variation (AFLP), isolation by distance and clustering analyses indicate that these morphospecies are locally differentiated genetically. Spatial analyses show that they are rarely sympatric at local sites, and their distributions form a mosaic of patches where one is clearly dominant over hundreds of square kilometers. However, these morphospecies are also not genetically more similar when they are sympatric, indicating that hybridization is probably not occurring. Given that these morphospecies are ecologically equivalent, strong assortative mating, reproductive interference and fast post‐glacial recolonization may explain the origin and maintenance of these distributional patches across eastern North America. By limiting opportunities for gene flow, reproductive interference may play an unsuspected role in accelerating genetic differentiation in the early phases of nonecological speciation.
Temperature stress increases hybrid incompatibilities in the parasitic wasp genus Nasonia
Authors: KOEVOETS T. , Van De ZANDE L. , BEUKEBOOM L. W. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractHybrid incompatibilities, measured as mortality and sterility, are caused by the disruption of gene interactions. They are important post‐zygotic isolation barriers to species hybridization, and much effort is put into the discovery of the genes underlying these incompatibilities. In hybridization studies of the haplodiploid parasitic wasp genus Nasonia, genic incompatibilities have been shown to affect mortality and sterility. The genomic regions associated with mortality have been found to depend on the cytotype of the hybrids and thus suggest cytonuclear incompatibilities. As environmental conditions can affect gene expression and gene interaction, we here investigate the effect of developmental temperature on sterility and mortality in Nasonia hybrids. Results show that extreme temperatures strongly affect both hybrid sterility (mainly spermatogenic failure) and mortality. Molecular mapping revealed that extreme temperatures increase transmission ratio distortion of parental alleles at incompatible loci, and thus, cryptic incompatible loci surface under temperature stress that remain undiscovered under standard temperatures. Our results underline the sensitivity of hybrid incompatibilities to environmental factors and the effects of unstable epistasis.
A Group III histidine kinase (mhk1) upstream of high‐osmolarity glycerol pathway regulates sporulation, multi‐stress tolerance and virulence of Metarhizium robertsii, a fungal entomopathogen
Authors: Zhou Gang , Wang Jie , Qiu Lei , Feng Ming‐Guang 
Published: November 2011

SummaryThe role of Metarhizium robertsii Group III histidine kinase (mhk1) in regulating various phenotypes of the fungal entomopathogen and the transcripts of 25 downstream genes likely associated with the phenotypes were probed by constructing Δmhk1 and Δmhk1/mhk1 mutants. All examined Δmhk1 phenotypes except unchanged sensitivity to fungicide (dimethachlon) differed significantly from those of wild type and Δmhk1/mhk1, which were similar to each other. Significant phenotypic changes in Δmhk1 included increased conidial yields on two media, increased tolerance to H2O2, decreased tolerance to menadione, increased tolerance to hyperosmolarity, increased conidial thermotolerance, decreased conidial UV‐B resistance and reduced virulence to Tenebrio molitor larvae. The mhk1 disruption elevated the transcripts of nine genes, including two associated with conidiation (flbC and hymA) and three encoding catalases but decreased seven other gene transcripts, including three for superoxide dismultases, under normal conditions. The high‐osmolarity glycerol pathway MAPK phosphorylation level in Δmhk1 culture was increased 1.0‐ to 1.8‐fold by KCl, sucrose and menadione stresses but reduced drastically by H2O2 or heat (40°C) stress, accompanied with different transcript patterns of all examined genes under the stresses. Our results confirmed the crucial role of mhk1 in regulating the expression of the downstream genes and associated phenotypes important for the fungal biocontrol potential.
Carbon Tax and OPEC’s Rents Under a Ceiling Constraint*
Authors: Dullieux Rémy , Ragot Lionel , Schubert Katheline 
Published: November 2011

AbstractWe study the Markov‐perfect Nash equilibrium (MPNE) of a game between oil‐importing countries, who seek to maintain the atmospheric carbon concentration under a given ceiling, and oil‐exporting countries. The oil‐importing countries set a carbon tax and the oil‐exporting countries control the producer price. We obtain implicit feedback rules and explicit non‐linear time paths of extraction, carbon tax, and producer price. Consumers are always able to reap some share of the scarcity and monopoly rents, whereas producers partially pre‐empt the carbon tax only if the marginal damage under the ceiling is small. We compare the MPNE to the efficient, open‐loop, and cartel‐without‐tax equilibria.
Amyloid β: linking synaptic plasticity failure to memory disruption in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ma Tao , Klann Eric 
Published: November 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120 (Suppl. 1), 140–148.AbstractMounting evidence suggests that amyloid beta‐induced impairments in synaptic plasticity that is accompanied by cognitive decline and dementia represent key pathogenic steps of Alzheimer’s disease. In this study, we review recent advances in the study of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying Alzheimer’s disease‐associated synaptic dysfunction and memory deficits, and how these mechanisms could provide novel avenues for therapeutic intervention to treat this devastating neurodegenerative disease.
Identification and biology of β‐secretase
Authors: Kandalepas Patty C. , Vassar Robert 
Published: November 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120 (Suppl. 1), 55–61.AbstractOur knowledge of the etiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has advanced tremendously since the discovery of amyloid beta (Aβ) aggregation in diseased brains. Accumulating evidence suggests that Aβ plays a causative role in AD. The β‐secretase enzyme, beta‐site APP cleaving enzyme‐1 (BACE1), is also implicated in AD pathogenesis, given that BACE1 cleavage of amyloid precursor protein is the initiating step in the formation of Aβ. As a result, BACE1 inhibition has been branded as a potential AD therapy. In this study, we review the identification and basic characteristics of BACE1, as well as the progress in our understanding of BACE1 cell biology, substrates, and phenotypes of BACE1 knockout mice that are informative about the physiological functions of BACE1 beyond amyloid precursor protein cleavage. These data are crucial for predicting potential mechanism‐based toxicity that would arise from inhibiting BACE1 for the treatment or prevention of AD.
Effects of a brief Valsalva manoeuvre on hemodynamic response to strength exercises
Authors: Niewiadomski Wiktor , Pilis Wiesław , Laskowska Dorota , Gąsiorowska Anna , Cybulski Gerard , Strasz Anna 
Published: November 2011

SummaryStrength training is a recommended measure against loss of strength and muscle mass because of age‐ or illness‐induced inactivity. Strength exercises may impose heavy cardiovascular load by increasing heart rate and blood pressure. To increase strength efficiently, a heavy load has to be applied; this, however, leads to a spontaneous Valsalva manoeuvre, which additionally raises blood pressure. Avoidance of this manoeuvre is recommended. If the additional rise in arterial blood pressure caused by Valsalva manoeuvre is smaller than intrathoracic or intracranial pressures during this manoeuvre, Valsalva manoeuvre may actually protect arteries located in the thorax and in the brain by diminishing transmural pressure acting across these vessels. Effect of controlled breathing or brief Valsalva manoeuvre on arterial pressure at rest and during knee extension against 15‐repetition maximum resistance was evaluated. In 12 healthy young men blood pressure was measured continuously and non‐invasively, knee angle, speed of respiratory air or mouth pressure (MP) were continuously registered. Each combination of respiratory and exercise manoeuvres was repeated six times, for every of last three repetitions peak and trough systolic and diastolic pressure were determined. Strength exercises elevated peak pressures more than trough pressures, systolic more than diastolic. Valsalva manoeuvre increased only peak systolic and peak diastolic pressure. This increase was in average lesser than MP, thus rendering an argument in favour of protective role of brief Valsalva manoeuvre because of decline in transmural pressure acting on thoracic and possibly cerebral arteries. However, there was strong individual variability, and in few instances, arterial pressure increased because of brief Valsalva manoeuvre more than MP; thus in some subjects, the manoeuvre might enhance transmural pressure acting on thorax arteries.
Pravastatin‐induced proangiogenic effects depend upon extracellular FGF‐2
Authors: Shiota Masayuki , Hikita Yuko , Kawamoto Yukiko , Kusakabe Hiromi , Tanaka Masako , Izumi Yasukatsu , Nakao Takafumi , Miura Katsuyuki , Funae Yoshihiko , Iwao Hiroshi 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) have been shown to exert several protective effects on the vasculature that are unrelated to changes in the cholesterol profile, and to induce angiogenesis. The proangiogenic effect exerted by statins has been attributed to the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway in endothelial cells; however, it is unclear how statins activate this pathway. Pravastatin‐mediated activation of Akt and MAPK occurs rapidly (within 10 min.) and at low doses (10 nM). Here, we hypothesized that FGF‐2 contributes to the proangiogenic effect of statins. We found that pravastatin, a hydrophilic statin, induced phosphorylation of the FGF receptor (FGFR) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. SU5402, an inhibitor of FGFR, abolished pravastatin‐induced PI3K/Akt and MAPK activity. Likewise, anti‐FGF‐2 function‐blocking antibodies inhibited Akt and MAPK activity. Moreover, depletion of extracellular FGF‐2 by heparin prevented pravastatin‐induced phosphorylation of Akt and MAPK. Treatment with FGF‐2 antibody inhibited pravastatin‐enhanced endothelial cell proliferation, migration and tube formation. These observations indicate that pravastatin exerts proangiogenic effects in endothelial cells depending upon the extracellular FGF‐2.
Vitamin D status of pregnant and non‐pregnant women of reproductive age living in Hanoi City and the Hai Duong province of Vietnam
Authors: Hien Vu Thi Thu , Lam Nguyen Thi , Skeaff C Murray , Todd Joanne , McLean Judy M. , Green Timothy J. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractVitamin D insufficiency during pregnancy has been associated with a number of adverse outcomes for both mother and child. Vitamin D insufficiency has been well described in many populations of both pregnant and non‐pregnant women of childbearing age, but there is a lack of data on women living in South‐East Asia. We measured plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D in a representative sample of pregnant (n = 64) and non‐pregnant (n = 477) women (15–49 years) living in Hanoi City (n = 270) and rural Hai Duong Province (n = 271) in northern Vietnam. Mean 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (95% confidence interval) concentration was 81 (79, 84) nmol L−1. Mean 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentration differed between urban and rural (78 vs. 85 nmol L−1; P = 0.016), farming and non‐farming (89 vs. 77 nmol L−1; P < 0.001) but not pregnant and non‐pregnant or older vs. younger women. Only one woman had a 25‐hydroxyvitamin D less than 25 nmol L−1, a concentration indicative of vitamin D deficiency. Of the women, 7% and 48% of the women were vitamin D insufficient based on cut‐offs for plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D of 50 and 75 nmol L−1, respectively. Mean plasma 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentrations of these Vietnamese women were much higher than those reported in other studies of pregnant and non‐pregnant women in the region.