DERMATOLOGIC SURGERY, Issue 7 2009
YOHEI TANAKA MD
BACKGROUND The dermis is composed primarily of type I (soft) and type III (rigid scar-like) collagen. Collagen degradation is considered the primary cause of skin aging. Studies have proved the efficacy of infrared irradiation on collagen stimulation but have not investigated the differential long-term effects of infrared irradiation on type I and type III collagen. OBJECTIVE To determine differential long-term stimulation of type I and type III collagen after infrared (1,100,1,800 nm) irradiation. METHODS AND MATERIALS In vivo rat tissue was irradiated using the infrared device. Histology samples were analyzed for type I and III collagen stimulation, visual changes from baseline, and treatment safety up to 90 days post-treatment. RESULTS Infrared irradiation provided long-term stimulation of type I collagen and temporary stimulation of type III collagen. Treatment also created long-term smoothing of the epidermis, with no observed complications. CONCLUSIONS Infrared irradiation provides safe, consistent, long-term stimulation of type I collagen but only short-term stimulation in the more rigid type III collagen. This is preferential for cosmetic patients looking for improvement in laxity and wrinkles while seeking smoother, more youthful skin. [source]

Postplasmic/PEM RNAs: A class of localized maternal mRNAs with multiple roles in cell polarity and development in ascidian embryos

DEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS, Issue 7 2007
François Prodon
Abstract Ascidian is a good model to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms responsible for mRNA localization with the discovery of a large family of localized maternal mRNAs, called postplasmic/PEM RNAs, which includes more than 40 members in three different ascidian species (Halocynthia roretzi, Ciona intestinalis, and C. savignyi). Among these mRNAs, two types (Type I and Type II) have been identified and show two different localization patterns from fertilization to the eight-cell stage. At the eight-cell stage, both types concentrate to a macromolecular cortical structure called CAB (for Centrosome Attracting Body) in the posterior-vegetal B4.1 blastomeres. The CAB is responsible for unequal cleavages and the partitioning of postplasmic/PEM RNAs at the posterior pole of embryos during cleavage stages. It has also been suggested that the CAB region could contain putative germ granules. In this review, we discuss recent data obtained on the distribution of Type I postplasmic/PEM RNAs from oogenesis to late development, in relation to their localization and translational control. We have first regrouped localization patterns for Type I and Type II into a comparative diagram and included all important definitions in the field. We also have made an exhaustive classification of their embryonic expression profiles (Type I or Type II), and analyzed their functions after knockdown and/or overexpression experiments and the role of the 3,-untranslated region (3,UTR) controlling both their localization and translation. Finally, we propose a speculative model integrating recent data, and we also discuss the relationship between postplasmic/PEM RNAs, posterior specification, and germ cell formation in ascidians. Developmental Dynamics 236:1698,1715, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Association of Bicuspid Aortic Valve Morphology and Aortic Root Dimensions: A Substudy of the Aortic Stenosis Progression Observation Measuring Effects of Rosuvastatin (ASTRONOMER) Study

ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Issue 2 2010
Davinder S. Jassal M.D., F.R.C.P.C.
Background: Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is the leading cause of aortic stenosis in patients younger than the age of 50. A classification scheme of BAVs is based upon leaflet orientation: Type I (fusion of right and left coronary cusps) and Type II (fusion of right and noncoronary cusps). The correlation between BAV leaflet orientation and aortic root pathology however remains ill defined. Objective: The objective was to describe a potential relationship between BAV leaflet morphology and aortic root measurements in the ASTRONOMER study, a multicenter study to assess the effect of rosuvastatin on the progression of AS. Methods: BAV morphology was classified as Type I or Type II orientation based on the parasternal short-axis view. Echo measurements including left ventricular and aortic root dimensions were obtained. Results: The study population included 89 patients (56 ± 11 years; 44 males). There were 63 patients with Type I and 26 patients with Type II BAV. Baseline demographics, hemodynamics, and left heart dimensions were similar between both groups. Patients with Type I BAV had larger aortic annulus and ascending root dimensions compared to those patients with Type II BAV (P < 0.05). Conclusion: In patients with mild to moderate aortic stenosis due to a BAV, the presence of Type I valve orientation was associated with significantly greater aortic root parameters compared to Type II valve orientation. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY 2010;27:174-179) [source]

Electrophoretic mapping of highly homologous keratins: A novel marker peptide approach

ELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 17 2010
Santanu Deb-Choudhury
Abstract Identification of the intermediate filament proteins (IFPs) in the wool proteome has formerly been hampered by limited sequence information, the high degree of IFP homology and their close proximity on 2-DE maps. This has been partially rectified by the recent acquisition of four new Type I and two Type II wool IFP sequences. Among closely migrating proteins, such as IFP clusters in a 2-DE map, proteins with higher sequence coverage will be assigned higher scores, but the identification of unique peptides in such tight clusters may distinguish these closely migrating proteins. Two approaches were adopted for the study of wool IFPs. In the first, searches were conducted for peptides known to be unique to each member of the family in each spot. In the second, MALDI imaging was employed to examine peptides bound to a PVDF membrane from a poorly resolved part of the Type I IFP region of the 2-DE map. As a result, a distinct picture has emerged of the distribution of the six Type I and four Type II IFPs across the 2-DE wool protein map. [source]

Sources for sedimentary bacteriohopanepolyols as revealed by 16S rDNA stratigraphy

ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 7 2008
Marco J. L. Coolen
Summary Bacteriohopanoids are widespread lipid biomarkers in the sedimentary record. Many aerobic and anaerobic bacteria are potential sources of these lipids which sometimes complicates the use of these biomarkers as proxies for ecological and environmental changes. Therefore, we applied preserved 16S ribosomal RNA genes to identify likely Holocene biological sources of bacteriohopanepolyols (BHPs) in the sulfidic sediments of the permanently stratified postglacial Ace Lake, Antarctica. A suite of intact BHPs were identified, which revealed a variety of structural forms whose composition differed through the sediment core reflecting changes in bacterial populations induced by large changes in lake salinity. Stable isotopic compositions of the hopanols formed from periodic acid-cleaved BHPs, showed that some were substantially depleted in 13C, indicative of their methanotrophic origin. Using sensitive molecular tools, we found that Type I and II methanotrophic bacteria (respectively Methylomonas and Methylocystis) were unique to the oldest lacustrine sediments (> 9400 years BP), but quantification of fossil DNA revealed that the Type I methanotrophs, including methanotrophs related to methanotrophic gill symbionts of deep-sea cold-seep mussels, were the main precursors of the 35-amino BHPs (i.e. aminopentol, -tetrol and -triols). After isolation of the lake ,3000 years ago, one Type I methanotroph of the ,methanotrophic gill symbionts cluster' remained the most obvious source of aminotetrol and -triol. We, furthermore, identified a Synechococcus phylotype related to pelagic freshwater strains in the oldest lacustrine sediments as a putative source of 2-methylbacteriohopanetetrol (2-Me BHT). This combined application of advanced geochemical and paleogenomical tools further refined our knowledge about Holocene biogeochemical processes in Ace Lake. [source]

The active methanotrophic community in hydromorphic soils changes in response to changing methane concentration

ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2006
Claudia Knief
Summary Methanotrophic communities were studied in several periodically water-saturated gleyic soils. When sampled, each soil had an oxic upper layer and consumed methane from the atmosphere (at 1.75 ppmv). In most gleyic soils the Km(app) values for methane were between 70 and 800 ppmv. These are higher than most values observed in dry upland soils, but lower than those measured in wetlands. Based on cultivation-independent retrieval of the pmoA -gene and quantification of partial pmoA gene sequences, type II (Alphaproteobacteria) methanotrophs of the genus Methylocystis spp. were abundant (> 107pmoA target molecules per gram of dry soil). Type I (Gammaproteobacteria) methanotrophs related to the genera Methylobacter and Methylocaldum/Methylococcus were detected in some soils. Six pmoA sequence types not closely related to sequences from cultivated methanotrophs were detected as well, indicating that diverse uncultivated methanotrophs were present. Three Gleysols were incubated under different mixing ratios of 13C-labelled methane to examine 13C incorporation into phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs). Phospholipid fatty acids typical of type II methanotrophs, 16:0 and 18:1,7c, were labelled with 13C in all soils after incubation under an atmosphere containing 30 ppmv of methane. Incubation under 500 ppmv of methane resulted in labelling of additional PLFAs besides 16:0 and 18:1,7c, suggesting that the composition of the active methanotrophic community changed in response to increased methane supply. In two soils, 16:1 PLFAs typical of type I methanotrophs were strongly labelled after incubation under the high methane mixing ratio only. Type II methanotrophs are most likely responsible for atmospheric methane uptake in these soils, while type I methanotrophs become active when methane is produced in the soil. [source]

"What exactly are you inferring?"

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 5 2008
A closer look at hypothesis testing
Abstract This critical review describes the confused application of significance tests in environmental toxicology and chemistry that often produces incorrect inferences and indefensible regulatory decisions. Following a brief review of statistical testing theory, nine recommendations are put forward. The first is that confidence intervals be used instead of hypothesis tests whenever possible. The remaining recommendations are relevant if hypothesis tests are used. They are as follows: Define and justify Type I and II error rates a priori; set and justify an effect size a priori; do not confuse p(E | H0) and p(H0 | E); design tests permitting Positive Predictive Value estimation; publish negative results; estimate a priori, not post hoc, power; as warranted by study goals, favor null hypotheses that are not conventional nil hypotheses; and avoid definitive inferences from isolated tests. [source]

GENETIC STUDY: Association between the nociceptin receptor gene (OPRL1) single nucleotide polymorphisms and alcohol dependence

ADDICTION BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2008
Jia Huang
ABSTRACT OPRL1 encodes the nociceptin receptor, which has been shown to be involved in alcohol dependence in previous studies. In the present study, we investigated the association between genetic polymorphisms of OPRL1 and alcohol dependence in a Scandinavian population. We genotyped 15 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spanning the OPRL1 locus and found that SNP rs6010718 was significantly associated with both Type I and Type II alcoholics (P < 0.05). Linkage disequilibrium and haplotype analysis identified two haplotype blocks in this region. Furthermore, two haplotypes composed of five tag SNPs showed significant association with alcohol dependence. These findings suggest that genetic variants of the OPRL1 gene play a role in alcohol dependence in the Scandinavian population, warranting further investigation at the OPRL1 locus. [source]

Identity of active methanotrophs in landfill cover soil as revealed by DNA-stable isotope probing

FEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY, Issue 1 2007
Aurélie Cébron
Abstract A considerable amount of methane produced during decomposition of landfill waste can be oxidized in landfill cover soil by methane-oxidizing bacteria (methanotrophs) thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere. The identity of active methanotrophs in Roscommon landfill cover soil, a slightly acidic peat soil, was assessed by DNA-stable isotope probing (SIP). Landfill cover soil slurries were incubated with 13C-labelled methane and under either nutrient-rich nitrate mineral salt medium or water. The identity of active methanotrophs was revealed by analysis of 13C-labelled DNA fractions. The diversity of functional genes (pmoA and mmoX) and 16S rRNA genes was analyzed using clone libraries, microarrays and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. 16S rRNA gene analysis revealed that the cover soil was mainly dominated by Type II methanotrophs closely related to the genera Methylocella and Methylocapsa and to Methylocystis species. These results were supported by analysis of mmoX genes in 13C-DNA. Analysis of pmoA gene diversity indicated that a significant proportion of active bacteria were also closely related to the Type I methanotrophs, Methylobacter and Methylomonas species. Environmental conditions in the slightly acidic peat soil from Roscommon landfill cover allow establishment of both Type I and Type II methanotrophs. [source]

Tectono-sedimentary evolution of the northernmost margin of the NE German Basin between uppermost Carboniferous and Late Permian (Rotliegend)

GEOLOGICAL JOURNAL, Issue 1 2001
H. Rieke
Abstract The tectono-sedimentary evolution of the Rotliegend deposits of the northernmost margin of NE German Basin (NEGB) has been analysed on the basis of detailed sedimentary logs of 300,m of core material together with the re-evaluation of 600,km of seismic lines. Three distinct phases were recognized. During the initial Phase I, basin geometry was largely controlled by normal faulting related to deep-seated ductile shearing leading to a strong asymmetric shape, with a steep fault-controlled eastern margin and a gently, dipping western margin. The results of forward modelling along a cross-section fit the basin geometry in width and depth and reveal a footwall uplift of c. 1000,m. Adjacent to the steep faults, local sedimentation of Lithofacies Type I was confined to non-cohesive debris flow-dominated alluvial fans, whereas the gently dipping western margin was dominated by alluvial-cone sedimentation. During the post-extensional period (Phase II), cooling of the lithosphere generated additional accommodation space. The sediments of Lithofacies Type II, comprising mainly clast-supported conglomerates, are interpreted as braided ephemeral stream flow-surge deposits. Tectonic quiescence and an increase in flood events resulting from wetter climate led to progradation of this facies over the entire region. At the end of this period, the accommodation space was almost completely filled resulting in a level topography. Phase III was controlled by the thermal-induced subsidence of the southerly located NEGB in post-Illawarra times. The formerly isolated region tilted towards the SW, thus forming the northern margin of the NEGB during uppermost Havel and Elbe Subgroup times. The sediments of Lithofacies Type III were divided into a marginal sandstone-dominated environment and a finer-grained facies towards the SW. The former consists of poorly-sorted coarse-grained sandstones of a proximal and medial ephemeral stream floodplain facies. The latter comprise mud flat fines and fine-grained distal ephemeral stream deposits. The end of the tectono-sedimentary evolution is marked by the basinwide Zechstein transgression. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Oxidative Damage of the Gastric Mucosa in Helicobacter pylori Positive Chronic Atrophic and Nonatrophic Gastritis, Before and After Eradication

HELICOBACTER, Issue 5 2003
Federico Iacopini
ABSTRACT Background.,Helicobacter pylori is the main cause of gastritis and a primary carcinogen. The aim of this study was to assess oxidative damage in mucosal compartments of gastric mucosa in H. pylori positive and negative atrophic and nonatrophic gastritis. Materials and methods., Five groups of 10 patients each were identified according to H. pylori positive or negative chronic atrophic (Hp-CAG and CAG, respectively) and nonatrophic gastritis (Hp-CG and CG, respectively), and H. pylori negative normal mucosa (controls). Oxidative damage was evaluated by nitrotyrosine immunohistochemistry in the whole mucosa and in each compartment at baseline and at 2 and 12 months after eradication. Types of intestinal metaplasia were classified by histochemistry. Results., Total nitrotyrosine levels appeared significantly higher in H. pylori positive than in negative patients, and in Hp-CAG than in Hp-CG (p < .001); no differences were found between H. pylori negative gastritis and normal mucosa. Nitrotyrosine were found in foveolae and intestinal metaplasia only in Hp-CAG. At 12 months after H. pylori eradication, total nitrotyrosine levels showed a trend toward a decrease in Hp-CG and decreased significantly in Hp-CAG (p = .002), disappearing from the foveolae (p = .002), but remaining unchanged in intestinal metaplasia. Type I and II of intestinal metaplasia were present with the same prevalence in Hp-CAG and CAG, and did not change after H. pylori eradication. Conclusions., Oxidative damage of the gastric mucosa increases from Hp-CG to Hp-CAG, involving the foveolae and intestinal metaplasia. H. pylori eradication induces a complete healing of foveolae but not of intestinal metaplasia, reducing the overall oxidative damage in the mucosa. [source]

CoagMDB: a database analysis of missense mutations within four conserved domains in five vitamin K,dependent coagulation serine proteases using a text-mining tool,

HUMAN MUTATION, Issue 3 2008
Rebecca E. Saunders
Abstract Central repositories of mutations that combine structural, sequence, and phenotypic information in related proteins will facilitate the diagnosis and molecular understanding of diseases associated with them. Coagulation involves the sequential activation of serine proteases and regulators in order to yield stable blood clots while maintaining hemostasis. Five coagulation serine proteases,factor VII (F7), factor IX (F9), factor X (F10), protein C (PROC), and thrombin (F2),exhibit high sequence similarities and all require vitamin K. All five of these were incorporated into an interactive database of mutations named CoagMDB (http://www.coagMDB.org; last accessed: 9 August 2007). The large number of mutations involved (especially for factor IX) and the increasing problem of out-of-date databases required the development of new database management tools. A text mining tool automatically scans full-length references to identify and extract mutations. High recall rates between 96 and 99% and precision rates of 87 to 93% were achieved. Text mining significantly reduces the time and expertise required to maintain the databases and offers a solution to the problem of locus-specific database management and upkeep. A total of 875 mutations were extracted from 1,279 literature sources. Of these, 116 correspond to Gla domains, 86 to the N-terminal EGF domain, 73 to the C-terminal EGF domain, and 477 to the serine protease domain. The combination of text mining and consensus domain structures enables mutations to be correlated with experimentally-measurable phenotypes based on either low protein levels (Type I) or reduced functional activities (Type II), respectively. A tendency for the conservation of phenotype with structural location was identified. Hum Mutat 29(3), 333,344, 2008. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Anchor ice formation in streams: a field study

HYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 16 2009
Morten Stickler
Abstract In northern steep streams anchor ice is commonly observed during winter, and plays a key role when considering in-stream conditions. The understanding, however, of the nature of anchor ice formation is less understood, in particular, under natural conditions. In the following, observations of anchor ice formation in three stream environments with different physical characteristics are presented. Results demonstrate that anchor ice not only form in riffle areas, but also in shallow and slow running stream sections. No linkage between spatial distribution of anchor ice and calculated dimensionless numbers (Froude and Reynolds number) was found. Furthermore, analyses on growth and density showed that anchor ice may be distinguished by two main types. (1) Type I: Lower density forming on top of substrata. (2) Type II: Higher density forming between the substrata filling interstitial spaces. Distribution of anchor ice Types I and II suggests a relation between intensity of turbulence expressed by the Reynolds number, growth pattern and density. As anchor ice has both physical and biological implications on in-stream environments, findings from the present study may be of particular interest to cold region freshwater stream management. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Linear models for minimizing misclassification costs in bankruptcy prediction

INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS IN ACCOUNTING, FINANCE & MANAGEMENT, Issue 3 2001
Sudhir Nanda
This paper illustrates how a misclassification cost matrix can be incorporated into an evolutionary classification system for bankruptcy prediction. Most classification systems for predicting bankruptcy have attempted to minimize misclassifications. The minimizing misclassification approach assumes that Type I and Type II error costs for misclassifications are equal. There is evidence that these costs are not equal and incorporating costs into the classification systems can lead to better and more desirable results. In this paper, we use the principles of evolution to develop and test a genetic algorithm (GA) based approach that incorporates the asymmetric Type I and Type II error costs. Using simulated and real-life bankruptcy data, we compare the results of our proposed approach with three linear approaches: statistical linear discriminant analysis (LDA), a goal programming approach, and a GA-based classification approach that does not incorporate the asymmetric misclassification costs. Our results indicate that the proposed approach, incorporating Type I and Type II error costs, results in lower misclassification costs when compared to LDA and GA approaches that do not incorporate misclassification costs. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Second-degree atrioventricular block (Mobitz Type I) in an adolescent with anorexia nervosa: Intrinsic or acquired conduction abnormality

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EATING DISORDERS, Issue 6 2009
Nuray Ö. Kanbur MD
Abstract Anorexia nervosa (AN) can cause both functional and structural cardiac complications, including a variety of different conduction abnormalities. This is the first case report of symptomatic diurnal second-degree atrioventricular (AV) block (Mobitz Type I) in an adolescent with AN. We present a 12-year-old girl with AN, restrictor sub-type who reported cardiac symptoms during weight gain, at the time of the initial diagnosis of AV block. Second-degree AV block (Mobitz Type I) is discussed as a possible complication of the AN, as well as being an intrinsic conduction system disease. © 2009 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 2009 [source]

Simplified models for the performance evaluation of desiccant wheel dehumidification

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, Issue 1 2003
M. Beccali
Abstract In the present communication, simple models have been presented to evaluate the performance of rotary desiccant wheels based on different kind of solid desiccants e.g. silica gel and LiCl. The first part of the paper presents ,Model 54' which is developed for silica gel desiccant rotor. The model has been derived from the interpolation of experimental data obtained from the industry and the correlations have been developed for predicting outlet temperature and absolute humidity. The ,Model 54' consists of 54 coefficients corresponding to each correlation for outlet absolute humidity and temperature and it is found that the model predicts very well the performance of silica gel desiccant rotor (Type-I). In the second part of the paper, a psychrometric model has been presented to obtain relatively simple correlations for outlet temperature and absolute humidity. The developed psychometric model is based on the correlations between the relative humidity and enthalpy of supply and regeneration air streams. The model is used to predict the performance of three type of desiccant rotors manufactured by using different kind of solid desiccants (Type I, II and III). The model is tested corresponding to a wide range of measurement data. The developed psychometric model is simple in nature and able to predict very well the performance of different kind of desiccant rotors. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Role of RFLP using TspRI for carrier detection in Glanzmann's thrombasthenia: a report on two families

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LABORATORY HEMATOLOGY, Issue 1p1 2010
M. KANNAN
Summary Glanzmann's thrombasthenia (GT) was diagnosed in two patients who presented with bleeding manifestations accompanied by absent platelet aggregation, secondary to adenosine-5'-diphosphate, adrenaline, arachidonic acid and collagen. Flow cytometry analysis for GPIIb/IIIa expression was done using CD61 and CD41 markers in these patients and their family members including siblings. The patients were sub typed as Type I as he had absent glycoproteins (GP) IIb/IIIa. Family studies by flow cytometry showed reduced GPII/IIIa expression in both the parents and one sibling. However, western blot showed abnormal GPIIb protein in all the family members including siblings. It is possible that abnormal GPIIb protein by western blot in family members may reflect their carrier status. Patients' DNA was analyzed for mutation in both the GPIIb and GPIIIa genes by conformational sensitive gel electrophoresis (CSGE), followed by sequencing. CSGE showed defect in exon 12 and the promoter region of GPIIb. By sequence, it was confirmed that both the mutations were homozygous one was c.1028T>C and the other one was M33320.1:g.951G>A. For one of these mutations, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) was developed to look for the same mutation in all the family members. RFLP was developed using a restriction enzyme (TspRI) against the patient's mutation, c.1028T>C in exon 12 of GPIIb gene. RFLP followed by gel electrophoresis revealed that the mutation was heterozygous in all the family members. The findings by RFLP were double confirmed by direct DNA sequencing of the exon 12 in all the family members. Thus, TspRI marker may be used as a RFLP marker to predict the carriers in GT families, if the patients' mutation status is identified. [source]

Fibre type composition of the human psoas major muscle with regard to the level of its origin

JOURNAL OF ANATOMY, Issue 6 2009
Juraj Arbanas
Abstract The aim of our study was to explore the fibre type composition of the human psoas major muscle at different levels of its origin, from the first lumbar to the fourth lumbar vertebra, and to compare the muscle fibre size and distribution of different fibre types between levels with respect to its complex postural and dynamic function. Muscle samples were collected from 15 young males (younger than 35 years). Serial transverse sections (5 ,m) of the samples were cut by cryomicrotome. Type I, IIA and IIX muscle fibres were typed using myosin heavy chain identification. The serial sections were analysed using a light microscope with a magnitude of 100×. The differences between measurements were evaluated using a repeated-measures anova and Scheffé test for post-hoc analysis. Our study showed that the human psoas major muscle was composed of type I, IIA and IIX muscle fibres. It had a predominance of type IIA muscle fibres, whereas type I muscle fibres had the largest cross-sectional area. Type IIX muscle fibres were present as a far smaller percentage and had the smallest cross-sectional area. Moreover, the fibre type composition of the psoas major muscle was different between levels of its origin starting from the first lumbar to the fourth lumbar vertebra. We conclude that the fibre type composition of the psoas major muscle indicated its dynamic and postural functions, which supports the fact that it is the main flexor of the hip joint (dynamic function) and stabilizer of the lumbar spine, sacroiliac and hip joints (postural function). The cranial part of the psoas major muscle has a primarily postural role, whereas the caudal part of the muscle has a dynamic role. [source]

Purification and characterization of the main laccase produced by the white-rot fungus Pleurotus pulmonarius on wheat bran solid state medium

JOURNAL OF BASIC MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2003
Cristina Giatti Marques de Souza
The wood-degrading fungus Pleurotuspulmonarius produces at least two laccase isoforms, Lcc1 and Lcc2, when grown on wheat bran solid state medium. The main laccase, Lcc2, was purified to apparent electrophoretic homogeneity by using acetone precipitation, anion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration. Lcc2 had been purified 5.9-fold with a yield of 49%. A specific activity of 19,750 U/mg protein was found using syringaldazine as a substrate under standard assay conditions. The enzyme is a homodimeric glycoprotein containing 44% glycosilation and an apparent molecular mass of 46 kDa. Type I and type III Cu2+ centers were identified by spectrophotometry. The laccase showed optimal activity at pH 6.2,6.5, 4.0,5.5, and 6.0,8.0 with syringaldazine, ABTS and guaiacol as substrates, respectively. For all substrates, the highest oxidation rates were obtained at 50 °C. The enzyme was stable over a large range of pH (4.5,8.0) and at temperatures up to 50 °C. Under standard assay conditions, the apparent KM values were 12, 210 and 550 ,M for syringaldazine, ABTS and guaiacol, respectively. Purified Lcc2 was strongly inhibited by sodium azide, 2-mercaptoethanol and Hg2+, and slightly inhibited by Mn+2 and the chelant agents, EDTA and EGTA. The enzyme was activated by Cu2+ and it retained a high percentage of its activity in the presence of organic solvents, such as acetonitrile and acetone. [source]

Understanding the pathology and mechanisms of type I diabetic bone loss

JOURNAL OF CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2007
*Article first published online: 1 NOV 200, Laura R. McCabe
Abstract Type I (T1) diabetes, also called insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), is characterized by little or no insulin production and hyperglycemia. One of the less well known complications of T1-diabetes is bone loss which occurs in humans and animal models. This complication is receiving increased attention because T1-diabetics are living longer due to better therapeutics, and are faced with their existing health concerns being compounded by complications associated with aging, such as osteoporosis. Both male and female, endochondrial and intra-membranous, and axial and appendicular bones are susceptible to T1-diabetic bone loss. Exact mechanisms accounting for T1-diabetic bone loss are not known. Existing data indicate that the bone defect in T1-diabetes is anabolic rather than catabolic, suggesting that anabolic therapeutics may be more effective in preventing bone loss. Potential contributors to T1-diabetic suppression of bone formation are discussed in this review and include: increased marrow adiposity, hyperlipidemia, reduced insulin signaling, hyperglycemia, inflammation, altered adipokine and endocrine factors, increased cell death, and altered metabolism. Differences between T1-diabetic- and age-associated bone loss underlie the importance of condition specific, individualized treatments for osteoporosis. Optimizing therapies that prevent bone loss or restore bone density will allow T1-diabetic patients to live longer with strong healthy bones. J. Cell. Biochem. 102: 1343,1357, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

VARIATIONS IN COMPOSITION, PETROLEUM POTENTIAL AND KINETICS OF ORDOVICIAN , MIOCENE TYPE I AND TYPE I-II SOURCE ROCKS (OIL SHALES): IMPLICATIONS FOR HYDROCARBON GENERATION CHARACTERISTICS

JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM GEOLOGY, Issue 1 2010
H. I. Petersen
Lacustrine and marine oil shales with Type I and Type I-II kerogen constitute significant petroleum source rocks around the world. Contrary to common belief, such rocks show considerable compositional variability which influences their hydrocarbon generation characteristics. A global set of 23 Ordovician , Miocene freshwater and brackish water lacustrine and marine oil shales has been studied with regard to their organic composition, petroleum potential and generation kinetics. In addition their petroleum generation characteristics have been modelled. The oil shales can be classified as lacosite, torbanite, tasmanite and kukersite. They are thermally immature. Most of the shales contain >10 wt% TOC and the highest sulphur contents are recorded in the brackish water and marine oil shales. The kerogen is sapropelic and is principally composed of a complex of algal-derived organic matter in the form of: (i) telalginite (Botryococcus-, Prasinophyte- (Tasmanites?) or Gloeocapsomorpha-type); (ii) lamalginite (laminated, filamentous or network structure derived from Pediastrum- or Tetraedron-type algae, from dinoflagellate/acritarch cysts or from thin-walled Prasinophyte-type algae); (iii) fluorescing amorphous organic matter (AOM) and (iv) liptodetrinite. High atomic H/C ratios reflect the hydrogen-rich Type I and Type I-II kerogen, and Hydrogen Index values generally >300 mg HC/g TOC and reaching nearly 800 mg HC/g TOC emphasise the oil-prone nature of the oil shales. The kerogen type and source rock quality appear not to be related to age, depositional environment or oil shale type. Therefore, a unique, global activation energy (Ea) distribution and frequency factor (A) for these source rocks cannot be expected. The differences in kerogen composition result in considerable variations in Ea -distributions and A-factors. Generation modelling using custom kinetics and the known subsidence history of the Malay-Cho Thu Basin (Gulf of Thailand/South China Sea), combined with established and hypothetical temperature histories, show that the oil shales decompose at different rates during maturation. At a maximum temperature of ,120°C reached during burial, only limited kerogen conversion has taken place. However, oil shales characterised by broader Ea -distributions with low Ea -values (and a single approximated A-factor) show increased decomposition rates. Where more deeply buried (maximum temperature ,150°C), some of the brackish water and marine oil shales have realised the major part of their generation potential, whereas the freshwater oil shales and other brackish water oil shales are only ,30,40% converted. At still higher temperatures between ,165°C and 180°C all oil shales reach 90% conversion. Most hydrocarbons from these source rocks will be generated within narrow oil windows (,20,80% kerogen conversion). Although the brackish water and marine oil shales appear to decompose faster than the freshwater oil shales, this suggests that with increasing heatflow the influence of kerogen heterogeneity on modelling of hydrocarbon generation declines. It may thus be critical to understand the organic facies of Type I and Type I-II source rocks, particularly in basins with moderate heatflows and restricted burial depths. Measurement of custom kinetics is recommended, if possible, to increase the accuracy of any computed hydrocarbon generation models. [source]

DOLOMITIZATION OF THE EARLY EOCENE JIRANI DOLOMITE FORMATION, GABES-TRIPOLI BASIN, WESTERN OFFSHORE, LIBYA

JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM GEOLOGY, Issue 4 2000
I. Y. Mriheel
Dolomitization in the early Eocene Jirani Formation in the Gabes-Tripoli Basin (offshore western Libya) occurred in two stages. Stage I dolomites are composed of two types, one associated with anhydrite (Type I) the other anhydrite free (Type II,). The stratigraphic and sedimentological settings together with petrographic and geochemical criteria suggest that dolomitization was effected by refluxed evaporative seawater. Stable isotope and trace element analyses suggest dolomitization of both Types from a fluid of near-surface seawater composition under oxidising conditions modified by evaporation. Non-luminescence and lack ofzonation of all the dolomite indicate that the dolomitizing fluids maintained a relatively constant composition. The geologic setting during the early Eocene, interpreted as hypersaline lagoon, supports an evaporative reflux origin for the anhydritic dolomite Type I. Type II developed under less saline conditions in the transition zone between lagoon and open marine shelf. Stage II dolomitization is recorded by negative isotope values in both Types I and II indicating their dissolution and recrystallization (neomorphism) by dilute solutions. A period of exposure of the overlying Jdeir Formation following a relative sea-level fall allowed ingress of meteoric waters into both the Jdeir and the underlying Jirani Formations. Flushing by meteoric waters also resulted in development of excellent secondaly porosity and caused major dissolution of anhydrite to form the anhydritic-free dolomite facies typical of Type II. Following, and possibly during, both Stages I and II, low temperature dolomites (Type IIIa) precipitated in pore spaces from residual jluids at shallow burial depths, partially occluding porosity. In the late stage of basin evolution, medium clystalline, pore-filling saddle dolomite precipitated, causing some filling of mouldic and vuggy porosity (Type IIIb). Very light oxygen isotopic signatures confirm that it developed from high temperature fluids during deep burial diagenesis. Calculation of temperatures and timings of the dolomitization and cement phases show that the main dolomitization phases and Type IIIa cements occurred in the early Eocene, and that the saddle dolomite precipitated in the Miocene; these results are consistent with age relationships established from stratigraphic, petrographic and geochemical signatures. The most common porosity includes intercrystal, vuggy and mouldic types. Porosity is both pre-dolomitization and syn-dolomitization in origin, but the latter is the most dominant. Hence, reservoir quality is largely controlled by fluid dynamics. [source]

Random poly(fluorenylene-vinylene)s containing 3,7-Dibenzothiophene-5,5-dioxide units: Synthesis, photophysical, and electroluminescence properties

JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 8 2009
Roberto Grisorio
Abstract The synthesis of new random poly(arylene-vinylene)s containing the electron withdrawing 3,7-dibenzothiophene-5,5-dioxide unit was achieved by the Suzuki,Heck cascade polymerization reaction. The properties of poly[9,9-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-2,7-fluorenylene-vinylene- co -3,7-dibenzothiophene-5,5-dioxide-vinylene] (50/50 mol/mol, P1) and poly[1,4-bis(2-ethylhexyloxy)-2,5-phenylene-vinylene- co -3,7-dibenzothiophene-5,5-dioxide-vinylene] (50/50 mol/mol, P2) were compared with those of terpolymers obtained by combining the fluorene, dibenzothiophene, and 1,4-bis(2-ethylexyloxy)benzene in 20/40/40 (P3), 50/25/25 (P4), and 80/10/10 (P5) molar ratios. The polymers were characterized by 1H NMR and IR, whereas their thermal properties were investigated by TGA and DSC. Polymers P1,5 are blue,green emitters in solution (,em between 481 and 521 nm) whereas a profound red shift observed in the solid state is emission (,em from 578 to 608 nm) that can be attributed both to the charge transfer stabilization exerted by the polar medium and to intermolecular interactions occurring in the solid state. Cyclic voltammetry permitted the evaluation of the ionization potentials and also revealed a quasi-reversible behavior in the reduction scans for the polymers (P1,4) containing the higher amounts of 3,7-dibenzothiophene-5,5-dioxide units. Electroluminescent devices with both ITO/PEDOT-PSS/P1,5/Ca/Al (Type I) and ITO/PEDOT-PSS/P1,5/Alq3/Ca/Al (Type II) configuration were fabricated showing a yellow to yellow,green emission. In the case of P4, a luminance of 1835 cd/m2 and an efficiency of 0.25 cd/A at 14 V were obtained for the Type II devices. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 2093,2104, 2009 [source]

Bureaucratic Advice and Political Governance

JOURNAL OF PUBLIC ECONOMIC THEORY, Issue 4 2008
ROBIN BOADWAY
This paper studies the conflict of interest between politicians and better-informed bureaucrats when they have differing preferences over a public project. We start with a baseline model where a bureaucrat advises a single decision maker (politician) whether to adopt a project. The bureaucrat can be punished if his misrepresentation of the project is detected. We extend this to multiple projects and multiple bureaucrats, and compare the level of Type I and Type II errors generated with centralized and decentralized decision making. This typically depends on the form of the distribution function that determines the bureaucrats' expectation of being disciplined. [source]

Biologic and clinical variations of adenocarcinoma at the esophago,gastric junction: Relevance of a topographic-anatomic subclassification,

JOURNAL OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 3 2005
J. Rüdiger Siewert
Abstract A topographic-anatomic subclassification of adenocarcinomas of the esophago,gastric junction (AEG) in distal esophageal adenocarcinoma (AEG Type I), true carcinoma of the cardia (AEG Type II), and subcardial gastric cancer (AEG Type III) was introduced in 1987 and is now increasingly accepted and used worldwide. Our experience with now more than 1,300 resected AEG tumors indicates that the subtypes differ markedly in terms of surgical epidemiology, histogenesis and histomorphologic tumor characteristics. While underlying specialized intestinal metaplasia can be found in basically all patients with AEG Type I tumors, this is uncommon in Type II tumors and virtually absent in Type III tumors. Stage distribution and overall long-term survival after surgical resection also shows marked differences between the AEG subtypes. Surgical treatment strategies based on tumor type allow a differentiated approach and result in survival rates superior to those reported with other approaches. The subclassification of AEG tumors thus provides a useful tool for the selection of the surgical procedure and allows a better comparison of treatment results. J. Surg. Oncol. 2005;90:139,146. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Investigating the importance of flow when utilizing hyaluronan scaffolds for tissue engineering

JOURNAL OF TISSUE ENGINEERING AND REGENERATIVE MEDICINE, Issue 2 2010
Gail C. Donegan
Abstract Esterified hyaluronan scaffolds offer significant advantages for tissue engineering. They are recognized by cellular receptors, interact with many other extracellular matrix proteins and their metabolism is mediated by intrinsic cellular pathways. In this study differences in the viability and structural integrity of vascular tissue models cultured on hyaluronan scaffolds under laminar flow conditions highlighted potential differences in the biodegradation kinetics, processes and end-products, depending on the culture environment. Critical factors are likely to include seeding densities and the duration and magnitude of applied biomechanical stress. Proteomic evaluation of the timing and amount of remodelling protein expression, the resulting biomechanical changes arising from this response and metabolic cell viability assay, together with examination of tissue morphology, were conducted in vascular tissue models cultured on esterified hyaluronan felt and PTFE mesh scaffolds. The vascular tissue models were derived using complete cell sheets derived from harvested and expanded umbilical cord vein cells. This seeding method utilizes high-density cell populations from the outset, while the cells are already supported by their own abundant extracellular matrix. Type I and type IV collagen expression in parallel with MMP-1 and MMP-2 expression were monitored in the tissue models over a 10 day culture period under laminar flow regimes using protein immobilization technologies. Uniaxial tensile testing and scanning electron microscopy were used to compare the resulting effects of hydrodynamic stimulation upon structural integrity, while viability assays were conducted to evaluate the effects of shear on metabolic function. The proteomic results showed that the hyaluronan felt-supported tissues expressed higher levels of all remodelling proteins than those cultured on PTFE mesh. Overall, a 21% greater expression of type I collagen, 24% higher levels of type IV collagen, 24% higher levels of MMP-1 and 34% more MMP-2 were observed during hydrodynamic stress. This was coupled with a loss of structural integrity in these models after the introduction of laminar flow, as compared to the increases in all mechanical properties observed in the PTFE mesh-supported tissues. However, under flow conditions, the hyaluronan-supported tissues showed some recovery of the viability originally lost during static culture conditions, in contrast to PTFE mesh-based models, where initial gains were followed by a decline in metabolic viability after applied shear stress. Proteomic, cell viability and mechanical testing data emphasized the need for extended in vitro evaluations to enable better understanding of multi-stage remodelling and reparative processes in tissues cultured on biodegradable scaffolds. This study also highlighted the possibility that in high-density tissue culture with a biodegradable component, dynamic conditions may be more conducive to optimal tissue development than the static environment because they facilitate the efficient removal of high concentrations of degradation end-products accumulating in the pericellular space. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Recipient and donor factors influence the incidence of graft-vs.-host disease in liver transplant patients

LIVER TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 4 2007
Edie Y. Chan
Acute cellular graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD) following liver transplantation has an incidence of 1 to 2% and a mortality rate of 85%. Our aim was to identify a patient population at high risk for developing GVHD using a large clinical database to study both recipient and donor factors. We compared our liver transplant patients who developed GVHD to those that did not for recipient and donor factors and combinations of factors. For 2003,2004 we had 205 first-time liver transplant patients surviving >30 days. From this group, 4 (1.9%) developed GVHD. Compared to the control group, there were no significant differences in recipient age, recipient gender, donor age, donor gender, total ischemia time, donor-recipient human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatch, or donor-recipient age difference. Percentages of liver disease etiologies among the patients who developed GVHD were as follows: 16% (1/6) autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) (P = 0.003), 5.6% (3/54) alcoholic liver disease (ALD) (P = 0.057), and 7.1% (3/42) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (P = 0.026). The incidence of GVHD in patients with glucose intolerance (either Type I or Type II diabetes mellitus [DM]) was significant (P = 0.022). Focusing on patients only with high-risk factors for GVHD during the years 2003,2005, we had 19 such patients. Four of these high-risk patients developed GVHD. Three of these 4 patients had received a donor liver with steatosis of degree ,mild compared to only 2 of the 15 high-risk patients who did not develop GVHD (P = 0.037). In conclusion, we have identified liver transplant patients with AIH or the combination of ALD, HCC, and glucose intolerance who receive a steatotic donor liver as being at high risk for developing GVHD. Liver Transpl 13:516,522, 2007. © 2007 AASLD. [source]

Types of lymphoscintigraphy and indications for lymphaticovenous anastomosis

MICROSURGERY, Issue 6 2010
Jiro Maegawa M.D.
Several authors have reported the usefulness and benefits of lymphoscintigraphy. However, it is insufficient to indicate microvascular treatment based on lymphedema. Here, we present the relationships between lymphoscintigraphic types and indications for lymphatic microsurgery. Preoperative lymphoscintigraphy was performed in 142 limbs with secondary lymphedema of the lower extremity. The images obtained were classified into five types. Type I: Visible inguinal lymph nodes, lymphatics along the saphenous vein and/or collateral lymphatics. Type II: Dermal backflow in the thigh and stasis of an isotopic material in the lymphatics. Type III: Dermal backflow in the thigh and leg. Type IV: Dermal backflow in the leg. Type V: Radiolabeled colloid remaining in the foot. Lymphaticovenous anastomosis was performed in 35 limbs. The average number of anastomoses per limb was 3.3 in type II, 4.4 in type III, 3.6 in type IV, and 3 in type V. The highest number of anastomosis was performed in type III. In conclusion, type III is suggested to be the best indication for anastomosis compared with types IV and V. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 30:437,442, 2010. [source]

MPowering ecologists: community assembly tools for community assembly rules

OIKOS, Issue 7 2010
Joshua Ladau
Null model tests of presence,absence data (,NMTPAs') provide important tools for inferring effects of competition, facilitation, habitat filtering, and other ecological processes from observational data. Many NMTPAs have been developed, but they often yield conflicting conclusions when applied to the same data. Type I and II error rates, size, power, robustness and bias provide important criteria for assessing which tests are valid, but these criteria need to be evaluated contingent on the sample size, null hypothesis of interest, and assumptions that are appropriate for the data set that is being analyzed. In this paper, we confirm that this is the case using the software MPower, evaluating the validity of NMTPAs contingent on the null hypothesis being tested, assumptions that can be made, and sample size. Evaluating the validity of NMTPAs contingent on these factors is important towards ensuring that reliable inferences are drawn from observational data about the processes controlling community assembly. [source]

DICHOTOMY OF CORTICAL PAIN PROCESSING

PAIN MEDICINE, Issue 2 2002
Article first published online: 4 JUL 200
Jahangir Maleki, Rollin M. Gallagher, Pain Medicine and Rehabilitation Center, MCP/Hahnemann School of Medicine Introduction: Functional MRI and PET studies of cortical pain processing indicate segregated pain pathways above the thalamus. Although experimental pain may result in multiple areas of altered cortical activity, it is postulated that thalamic pain fibers known as the lateral system, projecting to sensory cortex, serve to localize pain, whereas medial pathways projecting to limbic cortex, process affective aspects of pain. Case Study: A 27 y/o female, with left upper extremity pain and severe allodynia from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Type I (CRPS I / RSD), after receiving intra-pleural bupivacaine blocks developed an ipsilateral focal-onset secondary generalized tonic clonic seizure. This was followed by one hour of post-ictal confusion. Simultaneously she developed a dense left-sided motor and sensory deficit (Todd's palsy) with a motor deficit resolving in one day whereas a sensory deficit lasted 2 days. Throughout the duration of the sensory deficit she denied any left arm pain, although she continued to report the same intensity of pain, but now localized to her epigastric region. Interestingly, despite the lack of sensory perception on the left side, palpation of her left arm resulted in increased epigastric pain and suffering. Discussion: This case indicates a bifurcation of the pain pathway between the thalamus and cortex. Due to focal seizure activity, the sensory cortex (i.e. lateral system) was transiently rendered dysfunctional, during which time the continued presence of pain and allodynia without appropriate localization likely resulted from pain conduction, from the thalamus to functional limbic structures such as Cingulum (i.e. via the medial fibre system). Conclusion: This case report strongly supports the hypothesis of medial and lateral pain conducting fibers branching at the level of thalamus with medial sub-serving the emotional aspects of pain by projection to limbic cortex, whereas lateral fibres project to sensory cortex, primarily serving a localizing function. [source]