bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Biopanning Strategy To Identify Epitopes Associated with Vaccine Protection
Authors: Bachler Barbara C. , Humbert Michael , Palikuqi Brisa , Siddappa Nagadenahalli B. , Lakhashe Samir K. , Rasmussen Robert A. , Ruprecht Ruth M.
Published: February 2013

Identifying immune correlates of protection is important to develop vaccines against infectious diseases. We designed a novel, universally applicable strategy to profile the antibody (Ab) repertoire of protected vaccine recipients, using recombinant phages encoding random peptide libraries. The new approach, termed “protection-linked (PL) biopanning,” probes the Ab paratopes of protected vaccinees versus those with vaccine failure. As proof of concept, we screened plasma samples from vaccinated rhesus macaques (RMs) that had completely resisted multiple mucosal challenges with R5-tropic simian-human immunodeficiency viruses (SHIVs). The animals had been immunized with a multicomponent vaccine (multimeric HIV-1 gp160, HIV-1 Tat, and SIV Gag-Pol particles). After PL biopanning, we analyzed the phagotopes selected for amino acid homologies; in addition to the expected Env mimotopes, one recurring motif reflected the neutralizing Ab epitope at the N terminus (NT) of HIV-1 Tat. Subsequent binding and functional assays indicated that anti-Tat NT Abs were present only in completely or partially protected RMs; peak viremia of the latter was inversely correlated with anti-Tat NT Ab titers. In contrast, highly viremic, unvaccinated controls did not develop detectable Abs against the same epitope. Based upon the protective effect observedin vivo, we suggest that Tat should be included in multicomponent HIV-1 vaccines. Our data highlight the power of the new PL-biopanning strategy to identify Ab responses with significant association to vaccine protection, regardless of the mechanism(s) or targets of the protective Abs. PL biopanning is also unbiased with regard to pathogens or disease model, making it a universal tool.
Amoebae as Battlefields for Bacteria, Giant Viruses, and Virophages
Authors: Slimani Meriem , Pagnier Isabelle , Raoult Didier , La Scola Bernard
Published: February 2013

When amoebae are simultaneously infected with
Acanthamoeba polyphaga Mimivirus
(APM) and the strictly intracellular BABL1 bacterium, the latter is always lost after serial subculturing. We showed that the virophage Sputnik 1, by reducing APM fitness, preserved BABL1 growth in acute and chronic models. This capability of a virophage to modulate the virulence of mimiviruses highlights the competition that occurs between them during natural host infection.
Hamster-Adapted Sin Nombre Virus Causes Disseminated Infection and Efficiently Replicates in Pulmonary Endothelial Cells without Signs of Disease
Authors: Safronetz David , Prescott Joseph , Haddock Elaine , Scott Dana P. , Feldmann Heinz , Ebihara Hideki
Published: February 2013

To date, a laboratory animal model for the study of Sin Nombre virus (SNV) infection or associated disease has not been described. Unlike infection with Andes virus, which causes lethal hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS)-like disease in hamsters, SNV infection is short-lived, with no viremia and little dissemination. Here we investigated the effect of passaging SNV in hamsters. We found that a host-adapted SNV achieves prolonged and disseminated infection in hamsters, including efficient replication in pulmonary endothelial cells, albeit without signs of disease.
Evolution of Equine Influenza Virus in Vaccinated Horses
Authors: Murcia Pablo R. , Baillie Gregory J. , Stack J. Conrad , Jervis Carley , Elton Debra , Mumford Jennifer A. , Daly Janet , Kellam Paul , Grenfell Bryan T. , Holmes Edward C. , Wood James L. N.
Published: February 2013

Influenza A viruses are characterized by their ability to evade host immunity, even in vaccinated individuals. To determine how prior immunity shapes viral diversity
in vivo
, we studied the intra- and interhost evolution of equine influenza virus in vaccinated horses. Although the level and structure of genetic diversity were similar to those in naïve horses, intrahost bottlenecks may be more stringent in vaccinated animals, and mutations shared among horses often fall close to putative antigenic sites.
Alphavirus Genome Delivery Occurs Directly at the Plasma Membrane in a Time- and Temperature-Dependent Process
Authors: Vancini Ricardo , Wang Gongbo , Ferreira Davis , Hernandez Raquel , Brown Dennis T.
Published: February 2013

It is widely held that arboviruses such as the alphavirus Sindbis virus gain entry into cells by a process of receptor-mediated endocytosis followed by membrane fusion in the acid environment of the endosome. We have used an approach of direct observation of Sindbis virus entry into cells by electron microscopy and immunolabeling of virus proteins with antibodies conjugated to gold beads. We found that upon attaching to the cell surface, intact RNA-containing viruses became empty shells that could be identified only by antibody labeling. We found that the rate at which full particles were converted to empty particles increased with time and temperature. We found that this entry event takes place at temperatures that inhibit both endosome formation and membrane fusion. We conclude that entry of alphaviruses is by direct penetration of cell plasma membranes through a pore structure formed by virus and, possibly, host proteins.
Splenic Priming of Virus-Specific CD8 T Cells following Influenza Virus Infection
Authors: Turner Damian L. , Bickham Kara L. , Farber Donna L. , Lefrançois Leo
Published: February 2013

In healthy individuals, influenza virus (IAV) infection generally remains localized to the epithelial cells of the respiratory tract. Previously, IAV-specific effector CD8 T cells found systemically during the course of IAV infection were thought to have been primed in lung-draining lymph nodes with subsequent migration to other tissues. However, little is known about whether other lymphoid sites participate in the generation of virus-specific CD8 T cells during localized IAV infection. Here, we present evidence of early CD8 T cell priming in the spleen following respiratory IAV infection independent of lung-draining lymph node priming of T cells. Although we found early indications of CD8 T cell activation in the lymph nodes draining the respiratory tract, we also saw evidence of virus-specific CD8 T cell activation in the spleen. Furthermore, CD8 T cells primed in the spleen differentiated into memory cells of equivalent longevity and with similar recall capacity as CD8 T cells primed in the draining lymph nodes. These data showed that the spleen contributes to the virus-specific effector and memory CD8 T cell populations that are generated in response to respiratory infection.
Postpneumococcal Moyamoya syndrome case report and review of the postinfective cases
Authors: Pinardi Federica , Stracciari Andrea , Spinardi Luca , Guarino Maria
Published: February 2013

Our aim was to describe a patient who experienced a postpneumococcal Moyamoya syndrome (MMS), with a great involvement of the posterior cerebral circulation, and to review the MMS postinfective cases. A 55-year-old Pakistani man with a history of pneumococcal meningitis 3 months before developed acute headache, left otalgia and body paresthesiae. Brain CT showed a right occipital ischaemic lesion. Seven days later, he developed acute left haemianopsia, haemiplegia, haemineglect and ‘frontal’ cognitive and behavioural symptoms. A second brain CT and MRI disclosed an increase in the occipital lesion and the appearance of a further one in the right frontal lobe. Cerebral CT and MRI-angiography were consistent with Moyamoya vessel alterations. Treatment with antiplatelets, methylprednisolone, followed by prednisone tapering, and motor rehabilitation began. Six months later, no relapses had occurred. Our case represents a delayed manifestation of postmeningitis vasculopathy. Meningitis may represent a risk factor for developing a disabling cerebrovascular disease like MMS.
Rhino-orbital mucourmycosis in a non-immunocompromised patient
Authors: Rahman Asifur , Akter Khaleda , Hossain Shakhawat , Rashid Harun Ur
Published: February 2013

Mucormycosis, also known as phycomycosis or zygomycosis, is caused by common Zygomycete fungi frequently found in soil and decaying vegetation. These mainly infect immunocompromised patients and cause an acute fulminating fungal disease; mucormycosis rarely affects otherwise healthy people. Mucormycosis is a fatal infection with a poor prognosis. Of the different types of mucormycosis, the rhinocerebral type is the most severe one, and its type 2 subtype, the rhino-orbital-cerebral form is the deadliest variety. Here, we report a case of mucormycosis presenting with extensive necrosis of the maxilla with extension into the retrobulbar and infrabulbar region in an otherwise healthy patient. He underwent extensive debriding surgery followed by amphotericin B first and then oral antifungal therapy, but unfortunately, even after extensive surgery and medical treatment, he did not survive.
Paraneoplastic neurological syndrome as an initial indicator of small cell carcinoma of the lung
Authors: Porto Lénea , Miranda Mafalda , Gomes Ana , André Rui , Rodrigues Bárbara
Published: February 2013

Paraneoplastic syndromes are indirect manifestations of cancer due to functional peptides/hormones produced by a tumour, or due to cross reactivity between tumour and host antigens. Here the case of a 58-year-old woman presenting with ataxia, paraesthesia and subacute and progressive loss of vision is reported. The patient exhibited strong serum positivity for anti-Hu and anti-CV2 antibodies, and a chest CT scan showed a hypodense nodule in proximity of the right upper lobe bronchus and an enlarged ipsilateral paratracheal lymph node that was not visible on a lung x-ray. Histopathological examination of a biopsy specimen from this lymph node showed that small cell carcinoma of the lung was present. The patient's deficits were subsequently diagnosed as three coexisting paraneoplastic neurological syndromes (PNSs): subacute cerebellar ataxia, sensory neuropathy and retinopathy, respectively. Although rare, PNSs can be the first manifestations of cancer, and their rapid recognition facilitates an early treatment.
Determining the frequency and preventability of adverse drug reaction-related admissions to an Irish University Hospital: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ahern Fiona , Sahm Laura J , Lynch Deirdre , McCarthy Suzanne
Published: February 2013

Background

Adverse drug reactions (ADR) cause considerable morbidity and mortality.

Methods

This 4-week study was undertaken in Cork University Hospital, Ireland, for all admissions from the emergency department (ED). A panel independently reviewed patients with suspected ADRs. Causality assessment was performed using the Naranjo ADR probability scale and the Hallas criteria was used to assess preventability of the ADRs.

Results

During the study period, 1258 patients were admitted from the ED; of these, 856 patients were included in the study; 75 patients (8.8%) had an ADR-related admission. Over half were deemed to be ‘possibly’ or ‘definitely’ avoidable. The level of agreement between reviewers using the Naranjo and Hallas criteria was very low.

In the ADR group (n=75), 50.7% were men compared with 53.1% in the non-ADR group (n=781). The median age for patients in the ADR group was 73 years compared with 45 years in the non-ADR group. The average number of prescribed drugs per patient in the ADR group was 7.5 (SD±3.8) compared with 2.4 (SD±3.6) in the non-ADR group. Classified by drug type, 74.2% of the ADRs were attributed to cardiovascular and central nervous system drugs.

Conclusions

This study estimated the incidence of ADR-related admissions to an Irish hospital at 8.8%, with 57.3% of these deemed to have been potentially avoidable. Older patients were more likely to have an ADR-related admission. Prescribers must be aware of this increased likelihood of an ADR when prescribing new drugs to this patient population, and regularly review treatment.
Is air transport of stroke patients faster than ground transport? A prospective controlled observational study
Authors: Hesselfeldt Rasmus , Gyllenborg Jesper , Steinmetz Jacob , Do Hien Quoc , Hejselbæk Julie , Rasmussen Lars S
Published: February 2013

Background

Helicopters are widely used for interhospital transfers of stroke patients, but the benefit is sparsely documented. We hypothesised that helicopter transport would reduce system delay to thrombolytic treatment at the regional stroke centre.

Methods

In this prospective controlled observational study, we included patients referred to a stroke centre if their ground transport time exceeded 30 min, or they were transported by a secondarily dispatched, physician-staffed helicopter. The primary endpoint was time from telephone contact to triaging neurologist to arrival in the stroke centre. Secondary endpoints included modified Rankin Scale at 3 months, 30-day and 1-year mortality.

Results

A total of 330 patients were included; 265 with ground transport and 65 with helicopter, of which 87 (33%) and 22 (34%), received thrombolysis, respectively (p=0.88). Time from contact to triaging neurologist to arrival in the regional stroke centre was significantly shorter in the ground group (55 (34–85) vs 68 (40–85) min, p<0.01). The distance from scene to stroke centre was shorter in the ground group (67 (42–136) km) than in the helicopter group (83 (46–143) km) (p<0.01). We did not detect significant differences in modified Rankin Scale at 3 months, in 30-day (9.4% vs 0%; p=0.20) nor 1-year (18.8% vs 13.6%; p=0.76) mortality between ground and helicopter transport.

Conclusions

We found significantly shorter time from contact to triaging neurologist to arrival in the regional stroke centre if stroke patients were transported by primarily dispatched ground ambulance compared with a secondarily dispatched helicopter.
Vaccinations and the Animal Welfare Act
Authors: Whiting Martin
Published: February 2013

Articles in this series give readers the opportunity to consider and contribute to discussion of some of the ethical dilemmas that can arise in veterinary practice. Each month, a case scenario is presented, followed by discussion of some of the issues involved. In addition, a possible way forward is suggested; however, there is rarely a cut‐and‐dried answer in such cases, and readers may wish to suggest an alternative approach. This month's dilemma, ‘Vaccinations and the Animal Welfare Act’, is presented and discussed by Martin Whiting. Readers with comments to contribute are invited to send them as soon as possible, so that they can be considered for publication in the next issue. Discussion of the dilemma ‘A corneal cat‐astrophe?’, which was published in the January issue of In Practice, appears on page 103.

The series is being coordinated by Siobhan Mullan, of the University of Bristol. It is hoped it will provide a framework that will help practices find solutions when facing similar dilemmas.
Driving employee engagement for business success
Authors: Stevens Mandy
Published: February 2013

Best Companies accreditation is based around employee engagement and listed companies are noted for ‘excelling in every area throughout the workplace’. Particularly recognised is an organisation's commitment to its most important asset – its workforce. Mandy Stevens shares her thoughts on employee engagement, explaining what it is, how veterinary practices can build it and why it is an essential part of business success.
Validation of key indicators in cattle farms at high risk of animal welfare problems: a qualitative case‐control study
Authors: Kelly P. C. , More S. J. , Blake M. , Higgins I. , Clegg T. , Hanlon A.
Published: February 2013

The objective of this study was to validate four key farmer performance indicators (KFPI), identified in a previous study, as indicators of on‐farm cattle welfare incidents in Ireland, through comparison of the distribution of these KPFIs in the national herd (n=109,925) and in case herds (n=18), where welfare incidents were previously studied. The KFPIs identified were late registrations, and exits from the herd by on‐farm burial, by moves to knackeries and by moves to ‘herd unknown’. Data were extracted from two Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine databases for the national herd and the case herds. All four KFPIs differed significantly between the case herds and the national herd, and one further KFPI was identified, namely moves to factories. The data for these KFPIs are routinely stored on national databases, which were established in order to comply with Regulation (EC) 1760/2000. Based on the results obtained in this study, it may be possible in the future to use routine data capture to improve strategy towards on‐farm animal welfare. At this point, however, based on calculated specificities and sensitivities, none of these five KFPIs, at the cut‐offs investigated and using several combinations, are able to distinguish herds with and without on‐farm animal welfare problems at an accuracy suitable for routine national use in Ireland.
Influence of upper-body exercise order on hormonal responses in trained men
Authors: Simão Roberto , Leite Richard Diego , Speretta Guilherme Fleury Fina , Maior Alex Souto , de Salles Belmiro Freitas , de Souza Junior Tácito Pessoa , Vingren Jakob L. , Willardson Jeffrey M.
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to examine acute hormonal responses after different sequences of an upper-body resistance-exercise session. Twenty men completed 2 sessions (3 sets; 70% 1-repetition maximum; 2 min passive rest between sets) of the same exercises in opposite sequences (larger to smaller vs. smaller to larger muscle-group exercises). Total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), testosterone/cortisol (T/C) ratio, sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), growth hormone (GH), and cortisol (C) concentrations were measured before and immediately after each sequence. The results indicate that the GH concentration increased after both sessions, but the increase was significantly greater (p < 0.05) after the sequence in which larger muscle-group exercises were performed prior to the smaller muscle-group exercises. No differences were observed between sessions for TT, FT, SHBG, C, or the T/C ratio at baseline or immediately after resistance exercise. These results indicate that performing larger muscle-group exercises first in an upper-body resistance-exercise session leads to a significantly greater GH response. This may have been due to the significantly greater exercise volume accomplished. In summary, the findings of this investigation support the common prescriptive recommendation to perform larger-muscle group exercises first during a resistance-exercise session.
Numerical modelling of perimeter pile groups in clay
Authors: Rose A.V. , Taylor R.N. , El Naggar M.H.
Published: February 2013

The load distribution among piles in a group varies such that the inner piles often carry a smaller share of the total load compared to the outer piles, which is a result of increased soil–pile interaction. The main objective of this paper is to establish the relative effectiveness of pile groups with no inner piles (perimeter group), when compared to the more common grid configuration. The numerical investigation utilized the finite element programme ABAQUS and considered a range of variables that affect pile group behaviour including number of piles, pile spacing, length/diameter ratio, and soil strength. It was demonstrated that a complete grid group is less efficient than a perimeter group, where efficiency is defined as the load capacity of the whole group expressed as a ratio of the number of piles in the group multiplied by the load capacity of a single isolated pile. Efficiencies close to unity were observed for some perimeter groups. Perimeter groups also showed that a “block” type group failure could occur, where piles were placed at a spacing of less than 2.0 pile diameters,d, centre-to-centre. This often, but not always, led to a reduction in the efficiency of the pile group.
13C NMR chemical shift calculations of charged surfactants in water — A combined density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD) methodological study
Authors: Mineva T. , Tsoneva Y. , Kevorkyants R. , Goursot A.
Published: February 2013

Structural and magnetic properties of one anionic and one cationic amphiphile molecule (sodium octanoate and hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, respectively) in water are studied comparing different methods to account for the presence of the solvent. Calculated 13C NMR chemical shifts are used as the probe for accuracy of the theoretical electronic structures obtained with different descriptions of the surfactants in water solution. The best agreement with the experimental data are obtained by averaging 13C NMR isotropic chemical shifts over a large number of conformational structures of sodium octanoate while considering the electronic structure of the solvent molecules. The 13C chemical shift values of the hexadecyltrimethylammonium alkane chain are systematically overestimated by 10–15 ppm even if an extensive conformational sampling and water as the polarized continuum medium have been taken into consideration. The role of the basis set quality has been studied and discussed as well.
Does the shear strength of reinforced concrete beams and slabs depend upon the flexural reinforcement ratio or the reinforcement strain?
Authors: Khaja Mitra Noghreh , Sherwood Edward G.
Published: February 2013

Beam tests are conducted to investigate the effect of the reinforcement ratio, ρ, and the shear span to depth ratio, a/d, on the shear strength of reinforced concrete beams and slabs without stirrups. The a/d ratio is shown to have a very significant effect on shear strength at both low values of a/d (where failure is governed by strut-and-tie mechanisms) and large values of a/d (where failure is governed by breakdown in beam action). Increases in ρ associated with increases in a/d such that the strain, or M/ρVd ratio, is kept constant will result in constant failure shear stresses. Shear design methods that do not account for a/d (e.g., ACI Committee 440) cannot predict the observed experimental behaviour, whereas the general method of the CSA A23.3 code can. Using the ACI 440 equation for Vcmay reduce the economic competitiveness of fibre-reinforced polymer reinforcement versus steel reinforcement.
DOES THE BALASSA–SAMUELSON THEORY EXPLAIN THE LINK BETWEEN RELATIVE POPULATION GROWTH AND PURCHASING POWER PARITY?
Authors: HASSAN A. F. M. KAMRUL , SALIM RUHUL
Published: February 2013

Relative population growth affects relative prices through the so-called Balassa–Samuelson (BS) mechanism and that in turn impacts PPP. This paper empirically investigates the relationship between the PPP exchange rate and relative population growth in a panel of 80 selected countries. Following the BS hypothesis, this paper argues that relative population growth affects nominal wages that impact price levels and thereby impacts PPP. Using panel cointegration and fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS), the empirical results show that there is a stable relationship between PPP exchange rate and relative population growth in the long run. These empirical findings suggest that population growth have an important role in exchange rate determination through PPP.
MODIFIED WAVE EQUATION FOR SPINLESS PARTICLES AND ITS SOLUTIONS IN AN EXTERNAL MAGNETIC FIELD
Authors: KRUGLOV S. I.
Published: February 2013

The wave equation for spinless particles with the Lorentz violating term is considered. We formulate the third-order in derivatives wave equation leading to the modified dispersion relation. The first-order formalism is considered and the density matrix is obtained. The Schrödinger form of equations is presented and the quantum-mechanical Hamiltonian is found. Exact solutions of the wave equation are obtained for particles in the constant and uniform external magnetic field. The change of the synchrotron radiation radius due to quantum gravity corrections is calculated.
EIGENVALUE HYPOTHESIS FOR RACAH MATRICES AND HOMFLY POLYNOMIALS FOR 3-STRAND KNOTS IN ANY SYMMETRIC AND ANTISYMMETRIC REPRESENTATIONS
Authors: ITOYAMA H. , MIRONOV A. , MOROZOV A. , MOROZOV AND.
Published: February 2013

Character expansion expresses extended HOMFLY polynomials through traces of products of finite-dimensional [Formula: see text]- and Racah mixing matrices. We conjecture that the mixing matrices are expressed entirely in terms of the eigenvalues of the corresponding [Formula: see text]-matrices. Even a weaker (and, perhaps, more reliable) version of this conjecture is sufficient to explicitly calculate HOMFLY polynomials for all the 3-strand braids in arbitrary (anti)symmetric representations. We list the examples of so obtained polynomials for R = [3] and R = [4], and they are in accordance with the known answers for torus and figure-eight knots, as well as for the colored special and Jones polynomials. This provides an indirect evidence in support of our conjecture.
QUALITATIVE CALCULATION OF HEAT TRANSFER IN A CYLINDRICAL COMPOSITE CONDUCTOR Cu/NbTi
Authors: CUI YING-MIN , WANG YIN-SHUN , LV GANG , GUAN RONG-HUA
Published: February 2013

A two-dimensional numerical modeling has been developed to analyze the dynamic evolution of heat transfer in a cylindrical composite conductor Cu/NbTi . The model solves the transient heat equation coupled with current shift in NbTi and copper. The minimum quench energy and quench propagation velocity are calculated and analyzed, these numerical results yield the experiment results. The effect of different cross-section ratio of copper to superconductor on the electric field produced by heat disturbance is discussed.
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE OF THE n PARAMETER IN THE DISSADO–HILL MODEL
Authors: DOFF A. , GENTILINI J. C. , CAMBRUZZI O.
Published: February 2013

The response of a dielectric material to the application of an external electric field is characterized by the dependence of the complex dielectric polarization susceptibility on frequency ω and external factors such as temperature T. Even today, we do not have a universal model that describes the behavior for all materials. However, Dissado and Hill (DH) have proposed a model based on many-body interactions that is able to explain the dielectric response observed in many dielectric materials. By considering an analogy between the description given in the cluster approach to the structure of imperfect materials and the formalism developed in quantum field theory (QFT), particularly the scale invariance behavior displayed by the dependence of the running coupling constant of quantum electrodynamics (QED) on the energy scale Λ, we will include temperature dependence in the (n) and (m) parameters of the DH model to consider the effects of temperature on the dielectric response of some materials.
A MULTILEVEL DISTORTION MEASURE FOR BLOCK BASED MOTION ESTIMATION USING INTEGRAL FRAMES
Authors: PURWAR R. K. , RAJPAL NAVIN
Published: February 2013

Motion estimation is used to remove interpixel redundancy in video data and block based motion estimation algorithms are widely used for it. Computation in these algorithms is reduced by limiting the number of candidate search points within the search window or simplifying the distortion measurement criterion. In literature, there are integral frame based block motion estimation algorithms which drastically reduce computation cost. However, these algorithms have a serious drawback of spurious block matching possibility, leading to poor quality results. In this manuscript, a multilevel block matching criterion based on integral frame concept is proposed to minimize this drawback. Experimental results show that an increase up to 12% in terms of PSNR (dB) has been achieved than integral frame based sum of absolute difference block sum criterion (SAD_BS) with almost same execution time. Further, in terms of [Formula: see text] ratio, proposed method has 25–26% gain over SAD_BS.
DISTRIBUTED RELIABLE RENDERING METHOD FOR PARAMETRIC MODELING
Authors: SKALA TIBOR , TODOROVAC MIRSAD , SKALA KAROLJ
Published: February 2013

Paper presents the achievement on parallelized distributed reliable rendering method shown on 3D electromotor designed to be performed on Cluster computer system. In this paper we will describe a proof of concept model of rendering using parametric POVRay model, client-server on-demand rendering architecture with RFC 822 + 1 SMTP and HTTP like keep-alive extensible protocol, using open source elements, configurable rendering architecture, available to use at no cost added to cost of hardware, with new solutions for simple configuration file mechanisms, and resilient behavior of software, based on best effort strategy of work distribution.

The paper presents an innovative way of creating distributed reliable rendering method using huge range of computers for parametric modeling. The main aim of this paper is to present a solution that will use existing resources in order to make modeling method more sufficient and for applying complex computer services/jobs under distributed architecture. The implementation also includes logistics and support for automatic computer clustering and for service/job programs execution. The primary goal is to use existing resources for useful applications in the 3D parametric modeling, image programming and simulation rendering.
ASTRODYNAMICAL SPACE TEST OF RELATIVITY USING OPTICAL DEVICES I (ASTROD I) — MISSION OVERVIEW
Authors: SELIG HANNS , LÄMMERZAHL CLAUS , NI WEI-TOU
Published: February 2013

ASTROD I is the first planned space mission in a series of ASTROD missions for testing relativity in space using optical devices. The main aims are (i) to test general relativity with an improvement of three orders of magnitude compared to current results, (ii) to measure solar and solar system parameters with improved accuracy, (iii) to test the constancy of the gravitational constant and in general to get a deeper understanding of gravity. The first ideas for the ASTROD missions go back to the last century when new technologies in the area of laser physics and time measurement began to appear on the horizon. ASTROD is a mission concept that is supported by a broad international community covering the areas of space technology, fundamental physics, high performance laser and clock technology and drag-free control. While ASTROD I is a single-spacecraft concept that performs measurements with pulsed laser ranging between the spacecraft and earthbound laser ranging stations, ASTROD-GW is planned to be a three spacecraft mission with inter-spacecraft laser ranging. ASTROD-GW would be able to detect gravitational waves at frequencies below the eLISA/NGO bandwidth. As a third step Super-ASTROD with larger orbits could even probe primordial gravitational waves. This paper gives an overview on the basic principles especially for ASTROD I.
Geochronology (Ar/Ar and K–Ar) of the South Atlantic post-break-up magmatism
Authors: Geraldes M. C. , Motoki A. , Costa A. , Mota C. E. , Mohriak W. U.
Published: February 2013

This work integrates the available geological information and geochronology data for the Cretaceous–Recent magmatism in the South Atlantic, represented by onshore and offshore magmatic events, including the oceanic islands along the transform faults and near the mid-ocean ridge. The analysis of the igneous rocks and their tectonic settings allows new insights into the evolution of the African and Brazilian continental margins during the South Atlantic opening. Following the abundant volcanism in the Early Cretaceous, the magmatic quiescence during the Aptian–Albian times is a common characteristic of almost all Brazilian and West African marginal basins. However, rocks ascribed to the Cabo Granite (104 Ma) are observed in NE Brazil. In West Africa, sparse Aptian–Albian ages are observed in a few coastal igneous centres. In the SE Brazilian margin, an east–west alkaline magmatic trend is observed from Poços de Caldas to Cabo Frio, comprising igneous intrusions dated from 87 to 64 Ma. Mafic dyke swarms trending NW also occur in the region extending from the Cabo Frio Province towards the Central Brazilian Craton. On the West African side, Early Cretaceous–Recent volcanism is observed in the Walvis Ridge (139 Ma), the St Helena Ridge (81 Ma) and the Cameroon Volcanic Line (Early Tertiary–Recent). Volcanic islands such as Ascencion (1.0–0.65 Ma), Tristão da Cunha (2.5–0.13 Ma) and the St Helena islands (12 Ma) most probably correspond to mantle plumes or hot spots presently located near the mid-Atlantic spreading centre. Within the South America platform and deep oceanic regions, the following volcanic islands are observed: the Rio Grande Rise (88–86 Ma), Abrolhos (54–44 Ma), the Vitória–Trindade Chain (no age), Trindade (2.8–1.2 Ma) and Fernando de Noronha (12–1.5 Ma). There are several volcanic features along the NW–SE-trending Cruzeiro do Sul Lineament from Cabo Frio to the Rio Grande Rise, but they have not been dated. The only known occurrence of serpentinized mantle rocks in the South Atlantic margin is associated with the Saint Peter and Saint Paul Rocks located along the São Paulo Fracture Zone. The Cameroon Volcanic Line in NW Africa is related to the magmatism that started in the Late Cretaceous and shows local manifestations up to the Present. The compilation of all available magmatic ages suggests an asymmetrical evolution between the African and South America platforms with more pre-break-up and post-break-up magmatism observed in the Brazilian margin. This is most likely to have resulted from the different geological processes operating during the South Atlantic Ocean opening, shifts in the spreading centre, and, possibly, the rising and waning of mantle plumes.

Supplementary material:

A complete table with radiometric dates that have been obtained by universities, government agencies and research groups is available at:
www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18596
Angiotensin type 1 receptor resistance to blockade in the opossum proximal tubule cell due to variations in the binding pocket
Authors: Nistala Ravi , Andresen Bradley T. , Pulakat Lakshmi , Meuth Alex , Sinak Catherine , Mandavia Chirag , Thekkumkara Thomas , Speth Robert C. , Whaley-Connell Adam , Sowers James R.
Published: February 2013

Blockade of the angiotensin (ANG) II receptor type 1 (AT1R) with angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) is widely used in the treatment of hypertension. However, ARBs are variably effective in reducing blood pressure, likely due, in part, to polymorphisms in the ARB binding pocket of the AT1R. Therefore, we need a better understanding of variations/polymorphisms that alter binding of ARBs in heterogeneous patient populations. The opossum proximal tubule cell (OKP) line is commonly used in research to evaluate renal sodium handling and therefore blood pressure. Investigating this issue, we found natural sequence variations in the opossum AT1R paralleling those observed in the human AT1R. Therefore, we posited that these sequence variations may explain ARB resistance. We demonstrate that OKP cells express AT1R mRNA, bind125I-labeled ANG II, and exhibit ANG II-induced phosphorylation of Jak2. However, Jak2 phosphorylation is not inhibited by five different ARBs commonly used to treat hypertension. Additionally, nonradioactive ANG II competes125I-ANG II efficiently, whereas a 10-fold molar excess of olmesartan and the ANG II receptor type 2 blocker PD-123319 is unable to block125I-ANG II binding. In contrast, ANG II binding to OKP cells stably expressing rat AT1ARs, which have a conserved AT1R-binding pocket with human AT1R, is efficiently inhibited by olmesartan. A novel observation was that resistance to ARB binding to opossum AT1Rs correlates with variations from the human receptor at positions 108, 163, 192, and 198 within the ARB-binding pocket. These observations highlight the potential utility of evaluating AT1R polymorphisms within the ARB-binding pocket in various hypertensive populations.
Sex-dependent expression of Oat3 (Slc22a8) and Oat1 (Slc22a6) proteins in murine kidneys
Authors: Breljak Davorka , Brzica Hrvoje , Sweet Douglas H. , Anzai Naohiko , Sabolic Ivan
Published: February 2013

In the mouse kidney, organic anion transporter 3 (mOat3, Slc22a8) was previously localized to the basolateral membrane (BLM) of proximal tubule (PT), thick ascending limb of Henle, macula densa, distal tubule, and cortical collecting duct. However, the specificity of anti-Oat3 antibodies (Oat3-Ab) used in these studies was not properly verified. Moreover, the sex-dependent expression of mOat3, and of the functionally similar transporter mOat1 (Slc22a6), in the mouse kidney has been studied at mRNA level, whereas their protein expression is poorly documented. Here we investigated 1) specificity of Oat3-Abs by using Oat3 knockout (KO) mice, 2) cell localization of renal mOat3 with a specific mOat3-Ab, 3) sex-dependent expression of renal mOat3 and mOat1 proteins, and 4) hormone(s) responsible for observed sex differences. As previously shown, an Oat3-Ab against the rat protein stained the BLM of various nephron segments in wild-type (WT) mice, but the same staining pattern was noted along the nephron of Oat3 KO mice. However, the mOat3-Ab exclusively stained the BLM of PT in WT mice, where it colocalized with the mOat1 protein, whereas no staining of Oat3 protein was noted in the kidney of Oat3 KO mice. The expression of mOat3 protein was lower in male mice, upregulated by castration, and downregulated by testosterone treatment. The expression of mOat1 protein was stronger in males, downregulated by castration, and upregulated by testosterone treatment. Thus, at the protein level, mOat3 and mOat1 exhibit sex-dependent expression with an opposite pattern; mOat3 is female dominant due to androgen inhibition, while mOat1 is male dominant due to androgen stimulation.
Renal protective effects of α-calcitonin gene-related peptide in deoxycorticosterone-salt hypertension
Authors: Li Jianping , Carnevale Kevin A. , DiPette Donald J. , Supowit Scott C.
Published: February 2013

Deoxycorticosterone salt (DOC-salt) hypertension-induced renal damage is enhanced in α-calcitonin gene-related peptide (α-CGRP) knockout (KO) compared with wild-type (WT) mice. However, since the α-CGRP KO mice have a 15–20 mmHg higher baseline mean arterial pressure (MAP) than WT mice, they also have a higher MAP than WT mice throughout the course of DOC-salt hypertension. To determine the mechanism by which the absence of α-CGRP enhances hypertension-induced renal damage, DOC-salt hypertension was induced in telemetry probe implanted α-CGRP KO and WT mice. To equalize the blood pressure (BP) to that of DOC-salt WT mice, an additional group of DOC-salt α-CGRP KO mice was given 0.025% hydralazine to drink. The DOC-salt protocol increased the final MAP in α-CGRP KO mice to 155 ± 6 mmHg and in WT mice to 140 ± 5 mmHg. The MAP of the hydralazine-treated DOC-salt α-CGRP KO mice was 139 ± 6 mmHg. Urinary excretion of microalbumin and isoprostane, a marker for oxidative stress, was increased, and creatinine clearance was decreased in DOC-salt α-CGRP KO compared with DOC-salt WT mice. Equalization of the MAP in DOC-salt α-CGRP KO to that of DOC-salt WT mice did not significantly improve these parameters. Renal macrophage infiltration; desmin, a marker of podocyte damage; and the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ and the chemokines monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α) were increased in DOC-salt α-CGRP KO mice and were not reduced by hydralazine treatment. However, BP equalization did improve the renal histopathological damage, as determined by light microscopy. Therefore, in DOC-salt hypertension in mice, the mechanism(s) of the renal protective effects of α-CGRP are both BP independent and BP dependent.
Role of Nox2 in diabetic kidney disease
Authors: You Young-Hyun , Okada Shinichi , Ly San , Jandeleit-Dahm Karin , Barit David , Namikoshi Tamehachi , Sharma Kumar
Published: February 2013

NADPH oxidase (Nox) isoforms have been implicated in contributing to diabetic microvascular complications, but the functional role of individual isoforms in diabetic kidney are unclear. Nox2, in particular, is highly expressed in phagocytes and may play a key inflammatory role in diabetic kidney disease. To determine the role of Nox2, we evaluated kidney function and pathology in wild-type (WT; C57BL/6) and Nox2 knockout (KO) mice with type 1 diabetes. Diabetes was induced in male Nox2 KO and WT mice with a multiple low-dose streptozotocin protocol. Groups were studied for kidney disease after 8 and 20 wk of diabetes. Hyperglycemia and body weights were similar in WT and Nox2 KO diabetic mice. All functional and structural features of early and later stage diabetic kidney disease (albuminuria, mesangial matrix, tubulointerstitial disease, and gene expression of matrix and transforming growth factor-β) were similar in both diabetic groups compared with their respective nondiabetic groups, except for reduction of macrophage infiltration and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in the diabetic Nox2 KO mice. Systolic blood pressure by telemetry was surprisingly increased in Nox2 KO mice; however, the systolic blood pressure was reduced in the diabetic WT and Nox2 KO mice by tail-cuff. Interestingly, diabetic Nox2 KO mice had marked upregulation of renal Nox4 at both the glomerular and cortical levels. The present results demonstrate that lack of Nox2 does not protect against diabetic kidney disease in type 1 diabetes, despite a reduction in macrophage infiltration. The lack of renoprotection may be due to upregulation of renal Nox4.
TNF-α type 2 receptor mediates renal inflammatory response to chronic angiotensin II administration with high salt intake in mice
Authors: Singh Purnima , Bahrami Laleh , Castillo Alexander , Majid Dewan S. A.
Published: February 2013

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) has been implicated in salt-sensitive hypertension and renal injury (RI) induced by angiotensin II (ANG II). To determine the receptor type of TNF-α involved in this mechanism, we evaluated the responses to chronic ANG II infusion (25 ng/min by implanted minipump) given with high-salt diet (HS; 4% NaCl) for 2 wk in gene knockout mice for TNF-α receptor type 1 (TNFR1KO; n = 6) and type 2 (TNFR2KO; n = 6) and compared the responses with those in wild-type (WT; C57BL/6; n = 6) mice. Blood pressure in these mice was measured by implanted radiotelemetry as well as by tail-cuff plethysmography. RI responses were assessed by measuring macrophage cell infiltration (CD68+immunohistochemistry), glomerulosclerosis (PAS staining), and interstitial fibrosis (Gomori's trichrome staining) in renal tissues at the end of the treatment period. The increase in mean arterial pressure induced by ANG II + HS treatment was not different in these three groups of mice (TNFR1KO, 114 ± 1 to 161 ± 7 mmHg; TNFR2KO, 113 ± 1 to 161 ± 3 mmHg; WT, 110 ± 3 to 154 ± 3 mmHg). ANG II + HS-induced RI changes were similar in TNFR1KO mice but significantly less in TNFR2KO mice (macrophage infiltration, 0.02 ± 0.01 vs. 1.65 ± 0.45 cells/mm2; glomerulosclerosis, 26.3 ± 2.6 vs. 35.7 ± 2.2% area; and interstitial fibrosis, 5.2 ± 0.6 vs. 8.1 ± 1.1% area) compared with the RI changes in WT mice. The results suggest that a direct activation of TNF-α receptors may not be required in inducing hypertensive response to chronic ANG II administration with HS intake, but the induction of inflammatory responses leading to renal injury are mainly mediated by TNF-α receptor type 2.
Cerebellar damage diminishes long-latency responses to multijoint perturbations
Authors: Kurtzer Isaac , Trautman Paxson , Rasquinha Russell J. , Bhanpuri Nasir H. , Scott Stephen H. , Bastian Amy J.
Published: February 2013

Damage to the cerebellum can cause significant problems in the coordination of voluntary arm movements. One prominent idea is that incoordination stems from an inability to predictively account for the complex mechanical interactions between the arm's several joints. Motivated by growing evidence that corrective feedback control shares important capabilities and neural substrates with feedforward control, we asked whether cerebellar damage impacts feedback stabilization of the multijoint arm appropriate for the arm's intersegmental dynamics. Specifically, we tested whether cerebellar dysfunction impacts the ability of posterior deltoid to incorporate elbow motion in its long-latency response (R2 = 45–75 ms and R3 = 75–100 ms after perturbation) to an unexpected torque perturbation. Healthy and cerebellar-damaged subjects were exposed to a selected pattern of shoulder-elbow displacements to probe the response pattern from this shoulder extensor muscle. The healthy elderly subjects expressed a long-latency response linked to both shoulder and elbow motion, including an increase/decrease in shoulder extensor activity with elbow flexion/extension. Critically, cerebellar-damaged subjects displayed the normal pattern of activity in the R3 period indicating an intact ability to rapidly integrate multijoint motion appropriate to the arm's intersegmental dynamics. However, cerebellar-damaged subjects had a lower magnitude of activity that was specific to the long-latency period (both R2 and R3) and a slightly delayed onset of multijoint sensitivity. Taken together, our results suggest that the basic motor pattern of the long-latency response is housed outside the cerebellum and is scaled by processes within the cerebellum.
Early Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease Pathology in Urban Children: Friend versus Foe Responses—It Is Time to Face the Evidence
Authors: Calderón-Garcidueñas Lilian , Franco-Lira Maricela , Mora-Tiscareño Antonieta , Medina-Cortina Humberto , Torres-Jardón Ricardo , Kavanaugh Michael
Published: February 2013

Chronic exposure to particulate matter air pollution is known to cause inflammation leading to respiratory- and cardiovascular-related sickness and death. Mexico City Metropolitan Area children exhibit an early brain imbalance in genes involved in oxidative stress, inflammation, and innate and adaptive immune responses. Early dysregulated neuroinflammation, brain microvascular damage, production of potent vasoconstrictors, and perturbations in the integrity of the neurovascular unit likely contribute to progressive neurodegenerative processes. The accumulation of misfolded proteins coincides with the anatomical distribution observed in the early stages of both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson's diseases. We contend misfolding of hyperphosphorylated tau (HPπ), alpha-synuclein, and beta-amyloid could represent a compensatory early protective response to the sustained systemic and brain inflammation. However, we favor the view that the chronic systemic and brain dysregulated inflammation and the diffuse vascular damage contribute to the establishment of neurodegenerative processes with childhood clinical manifestations. Friend turns Foe early; therefore, implementation of neuroprotective measures to ameliorate or stop the inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes is warranted in exposed children. Epidemiological, cognitive, structural, and functional neuroimaging and mechanistic studies into the association between air pollution exposures and the development of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in children are of pressing importance for public health.