bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of microsomal prostaglandin E2synthase‐1 as a molecular basis for the anti‐inflammatory actions of boswellic acids from frankincense
Authors: Siemoneit U , Koeberle A , Rossi A , Dehm F , Verhoff M , Reckel S , Maier TJ , Jauch J , Northoff H , Bernhard F , Doetsch V , Sautebin L , Werz O 
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEFrankincense, the gum resin derived fromBoswelliaspecies, showed anti‐inflammatory efficacy in animal models and in pilot clinical studies. Boswellic acids (BAs) are assumed to be responsible for these effects but their anti‐inflammatory efficacyin vivoand their molecular modes of action are incompletely understood.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHA protein fishing approach using immobilized BA and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy were used to reveal microsomal prostaglandin E2synthase‐1 (mPGES1) as a BA‐interacting protein. Cell‐free and cell‐based assays were applied to confirm the functional interference of BAs with mPGES1. Carrageenan‐induced mouse paw oedema and rat pleurisy models were utilized to demonstrate the efficacy of defined BAsin vivo.KEY RESULTSHuman mPGES1 from A549 cells orin vitro‐translated human enzyme selectively bound to BA affinity matrices and SPR spectroscopy confirmed these interactions. BAs reversibly suppressed the transformation of prostaglandin (PG)H2to PGE2mediated by mPGES1 (IC50 = 3–10 µM). Also, in intact A549 cells, BAs selectively inhibited PGE2generation and, in human whole blood, β‐BA reduced lipopolysaccharide‐induced PGE2biosynthesis without affecting formation of the COX‐derived metabolites 6‐keto PGF1αand thromboxane B2. Intraperitoneal or oral administration of β‐BA (1 mg·kg−1) suppressed rat pleurisy, accompanied by impaired levels of PGE2and β‐BA (1 mg·kg−1, given i.p.) also reduced mouse paw oedema, both induced by carrageenan.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSSuppression of PGE2formation by BAs via interference with mPGES1 contribute to the anti‐inflammatory effectiveness of BAs and of frankincense, and may constitute a biochemical basis for their anti‐inflammatory properties.
Calcium signalling mediated through α7 and non‐α7 nAChR stimulation is differentially regulated in bovine chromaffin cells to induce catecholamine release
Authors: del Barrio Laura , Egea Javier , León Rafael , Romero Alejandro , Ruiz Ana , Montero Mayte , Álvarez Javier , López Manuela G. 
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSECa2+signalling and exocytosis mediated by nicotinic receptor (nAChR) subtypes, especially the α7 nAChR, in bovine chromaffin cells are still matters of debate.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHWe have used chromaffin cell cultures loaded with Fluo‐4 or transfected with aequorins directed to the cytosol or mitochondria, several nAChR agonists (nicotine, 5‐iodo‐A‐85380, PNU282987 and choline), and the α7 nAChR allosteric modulator PNU120596.KEY RESULTSMinimal [Ca2+]ctransients, induced by low concentrations of selective α7 nAChR agonists and nicotine, were markedly increased by the α7 nAChR allosteric modulator PNU120596. These potentiated responses were completely blocked by the α7 nAChR antagonist α‐bungarotoxin (α7‐modulated‐response). Conversely, high concentrations of the α7 nAChR agonists, nicotine or 5‐iodo‐A‐85380 induced larger [Ca2+]ctransients, that were blocked by mecamylamine but were unaffected by α‐bungarotoxin (non‐α7 response). [Ca2+]cincreases mediated by α7 nAChR were related to Ca2+entry through non‐L‐type Ca2+channels, whereas non‐α7 nAChR‐mediated signals were related to L‐type Ca2+channels; Ca2+‐induced Ca2+‐release contributed to both responses. Mitochondrial involvement in the control of [Ca2+]ctransients, mediated by either receptor, was minimal. Catecholamine release coupled to α7 nAChRs was more efficient in terms of catecholamine released/[Ca2+]c.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS[Ca2+]cand catecholamine release mediated by α7 nAChRs required an allosteric modulator and low doses of the agonist. At higher agonist concentrations, the α7 nAChR response was lost and the non‐α7 nAChRs were activated. Catecholamine release might therefore be regulated by different nAChR subtypes, depending on agonist concentrations and the presence of allosteric modulators of α7 nAChRs.
The homeostasis model assessment of the insulin resistance score is not predictive of a sustained virological response in chronic hepatitis C patients
Authors: Fattovich Giovanna , Covolo Loredana , Pasino Michela , Perini Eleonora , Rossi Luigi , Brocco Giorgio , Guido Maria , Cristofori Chiara , Belotti Caterina , Puoti Massimo , Gaeta Giovanni Battista , Santantonio Teresa , Raimondo Giovanni , Bruno Raffaele , Minola Eliseo , Negro Francesco , Donato Francesco ,   The Italian Hepatitis C Cohort Study (ITAHECS) Collaborative Group
Published: September 2010

AbstractObjectives:To investigate the independent association between the homeostasis model assessment of the insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) score and rapid virological response (RVR) and sustained virological response (SVR) in chronic hepatitis C (CHC).Methods:Observational prospective cohort study of 412 CHC patients [59% males; mean age 45 years; genotype 1 (44%), 2 (32%), 3 (19%) and 4 (5%)] treated with pegylated interferon α plus ribavirin.Results:A HOMA‐IR ≥2.0 was present in 49% and a metabolic syndrome in 4% of patients. By multivariate analysis, independent predictors of SVR were the lack of advanced fibrosis (≥F3) in genotype 1 and a lower body mass index in genotype 3 patients. In the subgroup of patients in whom HCV‐RNA was evaluated at week 4 (n=281), independent predictors of RVR were HCV‐RNA <700 000 IU/ml, age <40 years and lower aspartate aminotransferase:alanine aminotransferase ratio in genotype 1 and baseline HOMA‐IR ≤2 in genotype 3 patients. No predictive factor of RVR was identified among genotype 2 patients. RVR was the strongest predictor of SVR among genotype 1 or 3 patients.Conclusions:In this series of treatment‐naïve, Caucasian CHC patients at a low risk for the metabolic syndrome, HOMA‐IR is not a predictor of SVR, irrespective of the HCV genotype, although it may predict RVR in genotype 3 infection.
Does the anti‐hypertensive drug clonidine affect the short‐term variation in CTG recordings?
Authors: THORNTON Charlene E. , MAKRIS Angela , TOOHER Jane M. , OGLE Robert F. , HENNESSY Annemarie 
Published: September 2010

Background:  Cardiotocographic (CTG) recordings of the fetal heart remain standard obstetric practice among hypertensive women. Changes in the short‐term variation (STV) in the fetal heart are often attributed to the effect of anti‐hypertensive medications, regardless of the fact that this principle has never been validated.Aim:  To assess the STV of CTG recordings pre‐ and post‐ the anti‐hypertensive medication, clonidine.Methods:  Forty hypertensive pregnant women, already receiving the anti‐hypertensive clonidine, were recruited. The CTGs were conducted pre‐ and post‐dose administration. The CTGs were assessed by the Sonicaid Team® automated CTG analysis (Oxford Instruments, UK) to avoid CTG assessor bias. Baseline fetal heart rate (FHR) (delta change from pre‐ and post‐dose) and STV were compared using spss v.14® utilising Student t‐tests.Results:  No statistical difference was found in the pre‐ and post‐baseline FHRs (P = 0.48). The mean delta baseline heart rate before and after drug administration was −0.54 bpm. The STV of the CTGs recorded pre‐ and post‐clonidine dose was also not affected by administration of the drug (P = 0.34). The mean delta STV before and after drug administration was 0.39 ms. Two women received betamethasone 12 mg intramuscularly within the 12‐h period prior to CTG recordings to enhance fetal lung maturity. The mean STV for the fetuses of these women pre‐drug was 4.8 ms and 13.2 ms post‐administration. This was the largest delta seen in all STVs recorded in this dataset.Conclusion:  The anti‐hypertensive drug clonidine does not alter baseline FHRs or affect the STV of the FHR in hypertensive pregnant women.
Sleep Duration and Mortality According to Health Status in Older Adults
Authors: Mesas Arthur Eumann , López‐García Esther , León‐Muñoz Luz Ma , Guallar‐Castillón Pilar , Rodríguez‐Artalejo Fernando 
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between usual sleep duration and mortality according to physical and mental health status in older adults.DESIGN: Prospective study conducted from 2001 to 2008.SETTING: Community‐based study.PARTICIPANTS: Cohort study of 3,820 persons representative of the noninstitutionalized population aged 60 and older in Spain.MEASUREMENTS: Sleep duration was self‐reported at baseline. Analyses were performed using Cox regression and adjusted for the main confounders. The analyses were then stratified according to numerous indicators of health status.RESULTS: During follow‐up, 897 persons died. Mortality was higher in those who slept 8 hours (relative risk (RR)=1.34, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.02–1.76), 9 hours (RR 1.48, 95% CI=1.12–1.96), 10 hours (RR 1.73, 95% CI=1.30–2.29) and 11 hours or more (RR 1.66, 95% CI=1.23–2.24) than in those who slept 7 hours (P for trend <.001). The association between long sleep duration (≥10 vs 7 hours) and mortality was observed even in persons with good health status: optimal perceived health, good cognitive function (Mini‐Mental State Examination score >27), no depression, quality of life better than the cohort median (Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item Short Form Survey Physical Component Summary score ≥46 and Mental Component Summary score ≥52), and without disability in instrumental activities of daily living. Sleeping 6 hours or less was not associated with higher mortality than sleeping 7 hours in persons with good health status.CONCLUSION: Self‐reported sleep duration was associated with 7‐year mortality in this cohort of older adults, even when adjusted for health status. Further research is needed to determine the mechanisms and clinical implications of these findings.
The Evaluation of Urban Public Facility Location: An Alternative to Benefit‐Cost Analysis
Authors: Austin C. Murray 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThis paper attempts to overcome some specific problems which exist with the use of benefit‐cost analysis in evaluating the impact of public facilities. The concepts developed explicitly recognize the importance of the spatial distribution of impacts and the fact that tastes can differ substantially among people. By utilizing the concepts of the generalized environment and of place utility, a more general and valuable conceptual model can be developed which may be useful in preventing much current conflict over public investment decisions. The model has an explicit concern with the problem of equity and is thus only a small step in a growing field of inquiry within geography.
On Covering Problems and the Central Facilities Location Problem
Authors: White John A. , Case Kenneth E. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractA number of variations of facilities location problems have appeared in the research literature in the past decade. Among these are problems involving the location of multiple new facilities in a discrete solution space, with the new facilities located relative to a set of existing facilities having known locations. In this paper a number of discrete solution space location problems are treated. Specifically, the covering problem and the central facilities location problem are shown to be related.The covering problem involves the location of the minimum number of new facilities among a finite number of sites such that all existing facilities (customers) are covered by at least one new facility. The central facilities location problem consists of the location of a given number of new facilities among a finite number of sites such that the sum of the weighted distances between existing facilities and new facilities is minimized. Computational experience in using the same heuristic solution procedure to solve both problems is provided and compared with other existing solution procedures.
Measuring the Shape Distortions of Retail Market Areas
Authors: Simons Peter L. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractExisting measures of shape rely upon prespecifying boundaries and have little relationship to theory. Where definite shape boundaries do not exist, these problems can be overcome by use of weighted data points and statistical moments. Measures of various shape properties are identified, including compactness and the degree of distortion from the circular shape underlying central place theory and, the gravity model; a bivariate normal distribution is assumed. Examples are included of the application of the measures to suburban retail market areas, although the measures are applicable to all situations in which the statistical model is a reasonable assumption and only subjective boundaries of shape can be identified.
The Optimal Nodal Location of Public Facilities With Price‐Sensitive Demand
Authors: Wagner J. L. , Falkson L. M. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to present some models for the location of public facilities in nodal networks that explicitly maximize social welfare by accounting for price‐elastic demand functions. The models presented here are general; yet they are mathematically equivalent to the plant location problem and are therefore amenable to solution procedures developed for the plant location problem. The models presented here distinguish between two institutional environments that reflect the degree of power of the consumer to choose which facility to patronize. If consumers can be assigned arbitrarily to facilities and can be denied service, then the environment is one of public fiat. If consumers must be served at the facility of their choice, then a “serve‐allcomers” environment exists. Separate models for each environment are specified, and the relationship between optimal assignments and pricing policies is developed.
On the Statistical Significance of the Observed Map in Spatial Diffusion
Authors: Yapa Lakshman S. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThis paper examines the problem of determining the statistical significance of an observed spatial distribution vis‐à‐vis a simulated pattern of the “Hägerstrand type.” It is argued that the sampling distribution for a Hägerstrand type simulator is multinomial. The diffusion model considered is logically equivalent to a multinomial experiment with independent assignment of adoptions to areal cells according to a probability distribution that remains fixed for a given time interval. Conventional tests for goodness of multinomial fit are thus appropriate.
Theoretical and Computational Links between the p‐Median, Location Set‐covering, and the Maximal Covering Location Problem
Authors: Church Richard L. , ReVelle Charles S. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractIt has been shown that the p‐median problem, the location set‐covering and the maximal covering location problems are important facility location models. This paper gives a historical perspective of the development of these models and identifies the theoretical links between them. It is shown that the maximal covering location problem can be structured and solved as a p‐median problem in addition to the several approaches already developed. Computational experience for several maximal covering location problems is given.
Large Sample‐Size Distribution of Statistics Used In Testing for Spatial Correlation
Authors: Sen Ashish 
Published: September 2010

AbstractTest statistics for testing for spatial correlation in continuous variables have been given by both Moran and Geary and have subsequently been generalized. It has been conjectured for a long time that under the hypothesis of no spatial correlations all these statistics are normally distributed when the sample size is large. This paper proves a very general theorem on the large sample normality of quadratic forms. As corollaries to the theorem the asymptotic normality, under the hypothesis, of all the above‐mentioned statistics is established. The necessary conditions are quite unrestrictive. It is also shown, by means of a counter example, that the conditions given in a similar theorem (Cliff and Ord) are inadequate to ensure normality.
Modeling Suburbanization as an Evolutionary System Dynamic
Authors: Straussfogel Debra 
Published: September 2010

The research undertaken investigates the applicability of Allen and Sanglier's dynamic model of urban system evolution to the process of suburbanization occurring in the post‐World War II United States. The model, derived from principles of the theory of dissipative structures formulated by Ilya Prigogine, considers the urban system as open and far from equilibrium, thereby allowing a dynamic evolution which has the following properties. The structure of a system at any point in its development is historically contingent upon the sequence of structures it has exhibited in its past, and on the precise nature of random fluctuations which have acted to induce structural change. The joint action of chance and determinism influence a system's evolution through the complex interactions and feedback mechanisms embedded in its structure. The critical point at which these forces cause the system to undergo a structural change is called a bifurcation point. The model allows that the microdynamics of the system underlie its macrostate. This implies, therefore, the opportunity for individuals to influence the system's structure and for the possibility for creative system evolution to occur.The central question of the research was whether the processes of deconcentration of population and dispersal of employment from the central cities to the suburbs of large U.S. metropolises, with the resulting morphological shifts from mono‐ to polycentric urban forms, represent structural changes of the sort defined and modeled by Allen and Sanglier's adaptation of Prigogine's theory. The introduction of a calibration procedure, unspecified in previous applications of the model, provides a means whereby the calibration of the many system parameters can proceed in a systematic fashion, offering insight into the function of these parameters in the overall dynamic and their interactions with one another. Research results highlight the benefits of Allen and Sanglier's approach and areas inviting further investigation.
Influence of residual alveolar bone height on osseointegration of implants in the maxilla: a pilot study
Authors: Fenner Matthias , Vairaktaris Eleftherios , Fischer Kathrin , Schlegel Karl Andreas , Neukam Friedrich Wilhelm , Nkenke Emeka 
Published: September 2010

AbstractAims/Background: For sinus floor augmentation and simultaneous implant placement, a minimum of 5 mm of residual bone height has been recommended empirically. This study was designed to test this assumption in an experimental animal trial.Material and methods: In eight mini pigs, three premolars and two molars were removed on one side of the maxilla. Three months later, the animals were assigned to four groups of two animals each. A cavity was created at the base of the alveolar process so that the residual bone height was reduced to 2, 4, 6 and 8 mm, respectively. Six implants were installed and an inlay augmentation procedure was carried out using a particulated iliac bone graft. Implants were loaded with fixed provisional restorations after a healing period of 6 months. The animals were sacrificed after 6 months of functional loading. Histologic specimens were prepared and histomorphometric analysis was performed [bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) ratio, interthread bone area, peri‐implant bone area, crestal bone resorption (CBR)].Results: Two implants were lost during follow‐up and fibrous encapsulation was detected in one additional implant. All failures occurred in one animal with a residual alveolar height of 2 mm. On the buccal aspect, BIC turned out to be significantly higher for 6 mm when compared with 2/4 mm (75.8 ± 26.1 vs. 58 ± 23.2/53.9 ± 22.8; P<0.05), while on the palatal aspect, BIC was significantly higher for 6/8 mm when compared with 2/4 mm (80 ± 17.8/78.9 ± 10.3 vs. 55.8 ± 26.5/55.6 ± 21.3; P<0.05). For an alveolar height of 8 mm, CBR tended to be significantly lower than for bone heights of 2/4 mm (3.8 ± 2.3 vs. 5.3 ± 2.6/5.8 ± 3.9; P<0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a significant association of BIC and interthread bone area as well as a negative association to CBR on the palatal aspect.Conclusion: The results of the present study show that the combination of maxillary inlay grafting and simultaneous implant placement does not hinder osseous integration even though the alveolar crest has been reduced to a residual height of 4 mm and below. However, according to histomorphometry, the highest predictability is gained in sites with residual bone heights of 6 and 8 mm.
The Eden model: Innovation in Australian aged care?
Authors: Petersen Maree , Warbuton Jeni 
Published: September 2010

Aim:  The Eden model of care is part of discourse associated with innovation in aged care. There is, however, limited rigorous research to identify its essential claims. This paper examines the implementation of the Eden model in one integrated health service in rural Australia.Methods:  Data are derived from a small qualitative study that explored the views of staff.Results:  Findings highlight that while the discourse of the Eden model is accessible to all staff within aged care and is linked to person‐centred care, there is tension with this practice of aged care within the Australian context.Conclusion:  It is appropriate to ask if this form of care is innovative; what constitutes innovation and the importance of accounting for wider contextual factors. There is a need to build on this exploratory study with dialogue and research of not only the Eden model, but innovation in aged care within Australia.
Interactive Effects of Elevated CO2 and Growth Temperature on the Tolerance of Photosynthesis to Acute Heat Stress in C3 and C4 Species
Authors: Hamilton III E. William , Heckathorn Scott A. , Joshi Puneet , Wang Dan , Barua Deepak 
Published: September 2010

Abstract Determining effects of elevated CO2 on the tolerance of photosynthesis to acute heat‐stress (heat wave) is necessary for predicting plant responses to global warming, as photosynthesis is thermolabile and acute heat‐stress and atmospheric CO2 will increase in the future. Few studies have examined this, and past results are variable, which may be due to methodological variation. To address this, we grew two C3 and two C4 species at current or elevated CO2 and three different growth temperatures (GT). We assessed photosynthetic thermotolerance in both unacclimated (basal tolerance) and pre‐heat‐stressed (preHS = acclimated) plants. In C3 species, basal thermotolerance of net photosynthesis (Pn) was increased in high CO2, but in C4 species, Pn thermotlerance was decreased by high CO2 (except Zea mays at low GT); CO2 effects in preHS plants were mostly small or absent, though high CO2 was detrimental in one C3 and one C4 species at warmer GT. Though high CO2 generally decreased stomatal conductance, decreases in Pn during heat stress were mostly due to non‐stomatal effects. Photosystem II (PSII) efficiency was often decreased by high CO2 during heat stress, especially at high GT; CO2 effects on post‐PSII electron transport were variable. Thus, high CO2 often affected photosynthetic theromotolerance, and the effects varied with photosynthetic pathway, growth temperature, and acclimation state. Most importantly, in heat‐stressed plants at normal or warmer growth temperatures, high CO2 may often decrease, or not benefit as expected, tolerance of photosynthesis to acute heat stress. Therefore, interactive effects of elevated CO2 and warmer growth temperatures on acute heat tolerance may contribute to future changes in plant productivity, distribution, and diversity.