bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accelerated aging phenotype in mice with conditional deficiency for mitochondrial superoxide dismutase in the connective tissue
Authors: Treiber Nicolai , Maity Pallab , Singh Karmveer , Kohn Matthias , Keist Alexander F. , Ferchiu Florentina , Sante Lea , Frese Sebastian , Bloch Wilhelm , Kreppel Florian , Kochanek Stefan , Sindrilaru Anca , Iben Sebastian , Högel Josef , Ohnmacht Michael , Claes Lutz E. , Ignatius Anita , Chung Jin H. , Lee Min J. , Kamenisch York , Berneburg Mark , Nikolaus Thorsten , Braunstein Kerstin , Sperfeld Anne‐Dorte , Ludolph Albert C. , Briviba Karlis , Wlaschek Meinhard , Scharffetter‐Kochanek Karin 
Published: November 2010

SummaryThe free radical theory of aging postulates that the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species is the major determinant of aging and lifespan. Its role in aging of the connective tissue has not yet been established, even though the incidence of aging‐related disorders in connective tissue‐rich organs is high, causing major disability in the elderly. We have now addressed this question experimentally by creating mice with conditional deficiency of the mitochondrial manganese superoxide dismutase in fibroblasts and other mesenchyme‐derived cells of connective tissues in all organs. Here, we have shown for the first time that the connective tissue‐specific lack of superoxide anion detoxification in the mitochondria results in reduced lifespan and premature onset of aging‐related phenotypes such as weight loss, skin atrophy, kyphosis (curvature of the spine), osteoporosis and muscle degeneration in mutant mice. Increase in p16INK4a, a robust in vivo marker for fibroblast aging, may contribute to the observed phenotype. This novel model is particularly suited to decipher the underlying mechanisms and to develop hopefully novel connective tissue‐specific anti‐aging strategies.
The Wnt/beta‐catenin pathway is activated during advanced arterial aging in humans
Authors: Marchand Alexandre , Atassi Fabrice , Gaaya Amira , Leprince Pascal , Le Feuvre Claude , Soubrier Florent , Lompré Anne‐Marie , Nadaud Sophie 
Published: November 2010

SummaryAging is the main risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, but the associated molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. The Wnt signaling pathway was shown to be induced during aging in muscle and in the skin, but the regulation and role of Wnt signaling in the aged vessel have not yet been addressed. While screening for age‐related changes in gene expression in the intima/media of human mammary arteries, we observed that the expression of frizzled 4 (Fzd4), a Wnt receptor, and of several targets of the Wnt/β‐catenin/TCF signaling pathway [Wnt‐inducible secreted protein 1 (WISP1), versican, osteopontin (SPP1), insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP‐2), and p21] were modified with age, suggesting an activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. In contrast, we did not observe any regulation of forkhead transcription factor (FoxO) target genes. Beta‐catenin‐activating phosphorylation at position Ser675 was increased in aging mammary arteries, confirming the activation of this pathway. We confirmed in vitro that Wnt3a or Wnt1 treatment of human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) induced β‐catenin phosphorylation at Ser675 and WISP1, SPP1, and IGFBP‐2 expression. In vitro, Wnt treatment induced proliferation and cyclin D1 expression in VSMC from young (6 weeks old) rats but not in cells from older rats (8 months old), even though low‐density lipoprotein receptor–related protein 6 and β‐catenin phosphorylation, and β‐catenin nuclear translocation demonstrated β‐catenin activation in both cell types. Beta‐catenin silencing demonstrated that Wnt induction of cyclin D1 expression is β‐catenin dependent. Altogether, our data show that the Wnt/β‐catenin/TCF pathway is activated in aging human mammary artery cells, but fails to induce the proliferation of aging vascular cells.
Does no‐till farming induce water repellency to soils?
Authors: Blanco‐Canqui Humberto 
Published: November 2010

AbstractSoil water repellency (SWR) is an intrinsic and dynamic soil property that can influence soil hydrology and crop production. Although several land use systems have been shown to induce water repellency in soil, the specific effects of no‐till cropping on SWR are poorly understood. This article reviews the impacts of no‐till on SWR and identifies research needs. No‐till cropping generally induces 1.5 to 40 times more SWR than conventional tillage, depending on soil type. This may result from near‐surface accumulation of hydrophobic organic C compounds derived from crop residues, microbial activity and reduced soil disturbance. While large SWR may have adverse impacts on soil hydrology and crop production, the level of SWR under no‐till relative to conventional tillage may contribute to aggregate stabilization and intra‐aggregate C sequestration. More research is needed to discern the extent and relevance of no‐till induced SWR. This includes: (1) further assessment of SWR under different tillage systems across a wide range of soil textures and climates, (2) comparison of the various methods for measuring SWR over a range of water contents, (3) inclusion of SWR in routine soil analysis and its use as a parameter to evaluate management impacts, (4) assessment of the temporal and spatial changes in SWR under field conditions, (5) further assessment of the impacts of the small differences in SWR between no‐till and conventionally tilled soils on crop production, soil hydrology and soil C sequestration, and (6) development of models to predict SWR for different tillage systems and soils.
Comparison of the molecular interactions of two antagonists, MEN16132 or icatibant, at the human kinin B2receptor
Authors: Meini S , Bellucci F , Catalani C , Cucchi P , Giolitti A , Giuliani S , Quartara L , Rotondaro L , Zappitelli S , Maggi CA 
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEIcatibant is a well‐known kinin B2receptor antagonist currently used for angiooedema attacks. MEN16132 is a non‐peptide B2receptor antagonist, more potent and long lasting than icatibant in different models. Here we studied the reasons for these differences between the two antagonists.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHRate of reversibility (over about 3 h) of the functional receptor blockade exerted by the antagonists was compared (inositol phosphates accumulation assay) in CHO cells expressing the human B2receptor and in human synovial cells. Antagonist pretreated cells were washed with medium and the time taken to restore bradykinin (BK) response measured. Antagonist affinity was measured by radioligand binding to wild type and mutated B2receptors.KEY RESULTSRecovery of BK‐induced responses was slower in cells pretreated with MEN16132 than in those treated with icatibant. The affinity of icatibant (for the [3H]‐BK or the B2receptor antagonist [3H]‐MEN11270 binding site) was compared to that of MEN16132 using a panel of point‐mutated receptors with mutations located at the transmembrane regions of the B2receptor, previously shown to decrease MEN16132 high affinity interaction. No consistent decrease of icatibant affinity was observed. From the different affinity of MEN16132 derivatives at wild type and W86A (transmembrane 2 region) receptors, and by evaluating its antagonist profile at the D266A/D284A double mutant receptor, a model of the MEN16132‐B2receptor complex is proposed.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSMEN16132 dissociated from the B2receptor compartment more slowly than icatibant and interacted at a deeper level in transmembrane regions of the receptor.
Lipoamide or lipoic acid stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes via the endothelial NO synthase‐cGMP‐protein kinase G signalling pathway
Authors: Shen Weili , Hao Jiejie , Feng Zhihui , Tian Chuan , Chen Weijun , Packer Lester , Shi Xianglin , Zang Weijin , Liu Jiankang 
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Metabolic dysfunction due to loss of mitochondria plays an important role in diabetes, and stimulation of mitochondrial biogenesis by anti‐diabetic drugs improves mitochondrial function. In a search for potent stimulators of mitochondrial biogenesis, we examined the effects and mechanisms of lipoamide and α‐lipoic acid (LA) in adipocytes.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Differentiated 3T3‐L1 adipocytes were treated with lipoamide or LA. Mitochondrial biogenesis and possible signalling pathways were examined.KEY RESULTS Exposure of 3T3‐L1 cells to lipoamide or LA for 24 h increased the number and mitochondrial mass per cell. Such treatment also increased mitochondrial DNA copy number, protein levels and expression of transcription factors involved in mitochondrial biogenesis, including PGC‐1α, mitochondrial transcription factor A and nuclear respiratory factor 1. Lipoamide produced these effects at concentrations of 1 and 10 µmol·L−1, whereas LA was most effective at 100 µmol·L−1. At 10 µmol·L−1, lipoamide, but not LA, stimulated mRNA expressions of PPAR‐γ, PPAR‐α and CPT‐1α. The potency of lipoamide was 10–100‐fold greater than that of LA. Lipoamide dose‐dependently stimulated expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and formation of cGMP. Knockdown of eNOS (with small interfering RNA) prevented lipoamide‐induced mitochondrial biogenesis, which was also blocked by the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor, ODQ and the protein kinase G (PKG) inhibitor, KT5823. Thus, stimulation of mitochondrial biogenesis by lipoamide involved signalling via the eNOS‐cGMP‐PKG pathway.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our data suggest that lipoamide is a potent stimulator of mitochondrial biogenesis in adipocyte, and may have potential therapeutic application in obesity and diabetes.
Governance of sustainability at airports: Moving beyond the debate between growth and noise
Authors: Boons Frank , Van Buuren Arwin , Teisman Geert 
Published: November 2010

AbstractAirports increasingly are contested areas where many sustainability aspects are relevant. Especially in cases where airport development and urban development coincide, the actors involved are engaged in decision‐making processes where only a small subset of the broader scope of sustainability issues is discussed. In this article we use a conceptual framework building on complexity theory to shed light on this phenomenon and its consequences for the case of Schiphol Airport in The Netherlands. First, we analyze the systemic causes for the narrow debate about sustainability. We then use the framework to recommend ways forward to broaden the debate about the sustainable development of airports by creating the institutional space for a reflexive and collaborative dialogue.
Measuring firing costs: The case for direct methods
Authors: FREYENS Benoît Pierre 
Published: November 2010

Abstract.Firing costs, together with the legislative and regulatory frameworks governing employment relations, are often blamed for poor labour market outcomes. Yet, research on the economic impacts of these costs is inconclusive. There has been much focus on functional assumptions and the significance of parameters, but very little on the quality and precision of the cost measures upon which most results hinge. Reviewing the indirect and direct measurement methods commonly used, the author argues that direct quantitative methods, rarely used in research, are much needed to complement more popular indirect measures. A recent survey experiment conducted in Australia illustrates this point.
On‐the‐job training in Europe: Determinants and wage returns
Authors: ALBERT Cecilia , GARCÍA‐SERRANO Carlos , HERNANZ Virginia 
Published: November 2010

Abstract.Using data from the European Community Household Panel on six countries over the period 1995–2001, this article investigates the determinants of workers’ participation in training activities and the effects of training on wages. Based on measures of four distinct training types, the authors find that while OLS estimates yield significant wage returns to training for nearly all of the countries, fixed‐effects estimations show returns to be not statistically different from zero. This suggests that wage returns to training might be overstated due to failure to take adequate account of the correlation of training with confounding factors that affect wages.
Magneto-elastic oscillations and the damping of crustal shear modes in magnetars
Authors: Gabler Michael , Cerdá-Durán Pablo , Font José A. , Müller Ewald , Stergioulas Nikolaos 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
In a realistic model of magneto-elastic oscillations in magnetars, we find that crustal shear oscillations, often invoked as an explanation of quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) seen after giant flares in soft gamma-ray repeaters (SGRs), are damped by resonant absorption on time-scales of at most 0.2 s, for a lower limit on the dipole magnetic field strength of 5 × 1013 G. At higher magnetic field strengths (typical in magnetars) the damping time-scale is even shorter, as anticipated by earlier toy models. We have investigated a range of equations of state and masses and if magnetars are dominated by a dipole magnetic field, our findings exclude torsional shear oscillations of the crust from explaining the observed low-frequency QPOs. In contrast, we find that the Alfvén QPO model is a viable explanation of observed QPOs, if the dipole magnetic field strength exceeds a minimum strength of about several times 1014–1015 G. Then, Alfvén QPOs are no longer confined to the fluid core, but completely dominate in the crust region and have a maximum amplitude at the surface of the star.
Spectral evolution of Fermi/GBM short gamma-ray bursts
Authors: Ghirlanda G. , Ghisellini G. , Nava L. , Burlon D. 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
We study the spectral evolution of 13 short-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) detected by the Gamma Burst Monitor onboard Fermi. We study spectra resolved in time at the level of 2–512 ms in the 8 keV–35 MeV energy range. We find a strong correlation between the observed peak energy Epeak and the flux P within individual short GRBs. The slope of the Epeak∝Ps correlation for individual bursts ranges between ∼0.4 and ∼1. There is no correlation between the low-energy spectral index and the peak energy or the flux. Our results show that in our 13 short GRBs, Epeak evolves in time tracking the flux. This behaviour is similar to what found in the population of long GRBs and it is in agreement with the evidence that long GRBs and (the still few) short GRBs with measured redshifts follow the same rest-frame Epeak–Liso correlation. Its origin is most likely to be found in the radiative mechanism that has to be the same in both classes of GRBs.
The evolution of proton pump inhibitors for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Friedlander Elizabeth A. , Pallentino Julia , Miller Sally K. , VanBeuge Susan S. 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose: This article reviews the diagnosis and current treatment options for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) available to nurse practitioners, with a focus on advances in proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. Data Sources: Review of scientific literature and clinical management guidelines for GERD treatment and PPI therapy from the PubMed database, Google Scholar, and other World Wide Web resources. Conclusions: A number of safe and effective treatment options exist for GERD. Recent developments in PPI technology may begin to address unmet needs in PPI therapy. Implications for Practice: GERD is commonly diagnosed and treated by nurse practitioners in the primary care setting. Acid suppression therapy is the primary medical therapy for GERD. PPI therapy provides symptomatic relief of heartburn and regurgitation, as well as effective healing and maintenance of erosive esophagitis. Newer PPIs lengthen the duration of acid suppression and allow for more flexibility in dosing, which may improve medication adherence and decrease episodes of acid breakthrough.
Functional Increase of Brain Histaminergic Signaling in Huntington's Disease
Authors: van Wamelen Daniel J. , Shan Ling , Aziz N. Ahmad , Anink Jasper J. , Bao Ai‐Min , Roos Raymund A. C. , Swaab Dick F. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractTo evaluate whether central histaminergic signaling in Huntington's disease (HD) patients is affected, we assessed mRNA levels of histidine decarboxylase (HDC), volume of and neuron number in the hypothalamic tuberomamillary nucleus (TMN) (HD n = 8, controls n = 8). In addition, we assessed histamine N‐methyltransferase (HMT) and histamine receptor (H1R, H2R and H3R) mRNA levels in the inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) (n = 9 and 9) and caudate nucleus (CN) (n = 6 and 6) by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. In HD patients, TMN volume and neuronal number was unaltered (P = 0.72, P = 0.25). The levels of HDC mRNA (P = 0.046), IFG HMT (P < 0.001), H1R (P < 0.001) and H3R mRNA levels (P = 0.011) were increased, while CN H2R and H3R mRNA levels were decreased (P = 0.041, P = 0.009). In HD patients, we observed a positive correlation between IFG H3R mRNA levels and CAG repeat length (P = 0.024) and negative correlations between age at onset of disease and IFG HMT (P = 0.015) and H1R (P = 0.021) mRNA levels. These findings indicate a functional increase in brain histaminergic signaling in HD, and provide a rationale for the use of histamine receptor antagonists.
The chromomycin CmmA acetyltransferase: a membrane‐bound enzyme as a tool for increasing structural diversity of the antitumour mithramycin
Authors: García Beatriz , González‐Sabín Javier , Menéndez Nuria , Braña Alfredo F. , Núñez Luz Elena , Morís Francisco , Salas José A. , Méndez Carmen 
Published: November 2010

SummaryMithramycin and chromomycin A3 are two structurally related antitumour compounds, which differ in the glycosylation profiles and functional group substitutions of the sugars. Chromomycin contains two acetyl groups, which are incorporated during the biosynthesis by the acetyltransferase CmmA in Streptomyces griseus ssp. griseus. A bioconversion strategy using an engineered S. griseus strain generated seven novel acetylated mithramycins. The newly formed compounds were purified and characterized by MS and NMR. These new compounds differ from their parental compounds in the presence of one, two or three acetyl groups, attached at 3E, 4E and/or 4D positions. All new mithramycin analogues showed antitumour activity at micromolar of lower concentrations. Some of the compounds showed improved activities against glioblastoma or pancreas tumour cells. The CmmA acetyltransferase was located in the cell membrane and was shown to accept several acyl‐CoA substrates. All these results highlight the potential of CmmA as a tool to create structural diversity in these antitumour compounds.
Dispositions en matière de sécuritééconomique dans le contexte du vieillissement de la population en Inde
Authors: Bloom David E. , Mahal Ajay , Rosenberg Larry , Sevilla Jaypee 
Published: November 2010

RésuméVu le vieillissement rapide de la population indienne, la migration des régions rurales et la concentration continue de la population active dans le secteur informel, il est nécessaire de prendre des mesures concrètes afin d'assurer la sécuritééconomique des personnes âgées. Ces dernières courent, d'ailleurs, un risque accru d'être pauvres ou de tomber dans la pauvreté en raison de l'effritement des liens familiaux traditionnels qui sont essentiels pour leur garantir un minimum de sécurité ainsi que de l'augmentation de la longévité qui entraîne une hausse des dépenses pour leurs soins. Parallèlement aux efforts déployés pour s'attaquer à ce problème, le gouvernement indien et certains Etats de l'Inde ont lancé une série de programmes visant à fournir à la grande majorité des Indiens des services de soins de santé et d'assurance maladie auxquels ils n'ont pas suffisamment accès. Bien que les travailleurs du secteur structuré jouissent d'une plus grande sécurité sociale que ceux du secteur informel, ils ne représentent qu'une faible part de la population active. Les femmes sont, quant à elles, extrêmement vulnérables à l'insécuritééconomique. L'expérience indienne sert de leçon à d'autres pays. Quoiqu'il y ait de la place pour des initiatives privées dans le domaine de la sécurité sociale, force est de constater que la plupart d'entre elles devront être financées par l'impôt. Même si la plus grande partie du financement provient de sources publiques, les prestataires privés jouent un rôle considérable, mais ils seront confrontés à des défis plus importants à mesure qu'un plus grand nombre de personnes demanderont des prestations. L'Inde a également montré que les Etats peuvent souvent mener à bien la mise en œuvre de mesures financées par le gouvernement central, avec bien sûr des avantages et des inconvénients propres à une telle décentralisation. Enfin, la pratique indienne peut éclairer des questions comme le ciblage, l'utilisation des technologies de l'information dans les systèmes de sécurité sociale et la gestion des ressources humaines.
Les problèmes de fourniture d'une protection sociale aux migrants dans le contexte de l'évolution des flux migratoires
Authors: Sabates‐Wheeler Rachel , Koettl Johannes 
Published: November 2010

RésuméPour les migrants internationaux, l'accès à la protection sociale varie considérablement selon les cas. Cet article est consacréà la question des cotisations liées aux gains versées aux programmes de sécurité sociale, ainsi qu'à leur manque (fréquent) de transférabilitéà travers les frontières — un problème qui affecte plus particulièrement les migrants Sud‐Sud. De plus, on remarque que dans de nombreux pays à faible revenu, le manque de capacités administratives pour la mise en œuvre des programmes de sécurité sociale est souvent, en premier lieu, un problème plus grave encore que celui du manque de transférabilité des droits acquis potentiels aux prestations en espèces payées par ces programmes. Les migrants ne pouvant couramment bénéficier ni des programmes de sécurité sociale en vigueur dans leur pays d'origine, ni de ceux de leur pays d'accueil, leur bien‐être et leur sécurité en sont fortement réduits, de même ceux de leurs familles. L'article conclut que la migration Sud‐Sud doit être comprise comme un phénomène très différent de la migration Nord‐Nord, pour laquelle il est beaucoup plus facile de résoudre les problèmes de protection sociale.