bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decoding glutamate receptor activation by the Ca2+ sensor protein hippocalcin in rat hippocampal neurons
Authors: Dovgan A. V. , Cherkas V. P. , Stepanyuk A. R. , Fitzgerald D. J. , Haynes L. P. , Tepikin A. V. , Burgoyne R. D. , Belan P. V.
Published: July 2010

Hippocalcin is a Ca2+‐binding protein that belongs to a family of neuronal Ca2+sensors and is a key mediator of many cellular functions including synaptic plasticity and learning. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in hippocalcin signalling remain illusive. Here we studied whether glutamate receptor activation induced by locally applied or synaptically released glutamate can be decoded by hippocalcin translocation. Local AMPA receptor activation resulted in fast hippocalcin‐YFP translocation to specific sites within a dendritic tree mainly due to AMPA receptor‐dependent depolarization and following Ca2+influx via voltage‐operated calcium channels. Short local NMDA receptor activation induced fast hippocalcin‐YFP translocation in a dendritic shaft at the application site due to direct Ca2+influx via NMDA receptor channels. Intrinsic network bursting produced hippocalcin‐YFP translocation to a set of dendritic spines when they were subjected to several successive synaptic vesicle releases during a given burst whereas no translocation to spines was observed in response to a single synaptic vesicle release and to back‐propagating action potentials. The translocation to spines required Ca2+influx via synaptic NMDA receptors in which Mg2+ block is relieved by postsynaptic depolarization. This synaptic translocation was restricted to spine heads and even closely (within 1–2 μm) located spines on the same dendritic branch signalled independently. Thus, we conclude that hippocalcin may differentially decode various spatiotemporal patterns of glutamate receptor activation into site‐ and time‐specific translocation to its targets. Hippocalcin also possesses an ability to produce local signalling at the single synaptic level providing a molecular mechanism for homosynaptic plasticity.
Patterns of diel activity and species richness in young and small fishes of European streams: a review of 20 years of point abundance sampling by electrofishing
Authors: Copp Gordon H
Published: July 2010

Originally developed to assess the relative abundance of ≥1+ fishes in large rivers, point abundance sampling by electrofishing (PASE) was adapted for 0+ fishes in the mid‐1980s. Being both economical and widely applicable, PASE for 0+ fish has become a commonly used sampling approach in Europe, but its use for estimating 0+ fish density and species richness has attracted particular concern because of size and species selectivity. As such, this review is both timely and necessary. It summarizes the development of PASE and evaluates its various applications: studies of 0+ fish community composition, relative abundance and density, species richness (S), population size structure, larval and juvenile growth dynamics, microhabitat use, diel dynamics of species–species and species–microhabitat interactions, and the analysis of data emanating from PASE databases. The use and potential misuse of replicate sampling in estimates of S are examined, with PASE data from various European rivers re‐analysed to assess geographical patterns in 0+ fish S. Comparisons of PASE and other approaches for estimating 0+ fish density and species richness have all demonstrated PASE to be cost‐effective and relatively reliable, but sampling accuracy and precision do decrease as fishes enter the juvenile period of development.
Shareholder Voting and Directors' Remuneration Report Legislation: Say on Pay in the UK
Authors: Conyon Martin , Sadler Graham
Published: July 2010

Manuscript Type:Empirical

Research Question/Issue:The paper investigates the determinants of shareholder voting and its relation to CEO pay in the UK. The context of the study is the Directors' Remuneration Report (DRR) Regulations of 2002. This legislation gave shareholders a mandatory non‐binding vote on boardroom pay in the UK.

Research Findings/Insights:First, we find that less than 10 per cent of shareholders abstain or vote against the mandated Directors' Remuneration Report (DRR) resolution. This percentage is falling over time. Second, investors are more likely to vote against DRR resolutions compared to non‐pay resolutions. Third, shareholders are more likely to vote against general executive pay resolutions, such as stock options, long‐term incentive plans, and bonus resolutions compared to non‐pay resolutions. Forth, firms with higher CEO pay attract greater voting dissent. Fifth, there is little evidence that CEO pay is lower in firms that previously experienced high levels of shareholder dissent. In addition, there is little evidence that the fraction of CEO equity pay, representing owner‐manager alignment, is greater in such firms. Currently, we find limited evidence that, on average, “say on pay” materially alters the subsequent level and design of CEO compensation.

Theoretical/Academic Implications:The study provides new insights on shareholder voting and CEO pay. Theoretically, shareholder voting is endogenously determined.

Practitioner/Policy Implications:The study provides insights for practitioners and policy makers interested in shareholder rights, the effects on corporate governance, and say on pay in the UK. Shareholder voting appears to have limited effects on curbing excess CEO pay. Boards and compensation committees may want to communicate better policies on executive compensation to avert shareholder dissent.
Designing Simulation Experiments with Controllable and Uncontrollable Factors for Applications in Healthcare
Authors: Dehlendorff Christian , Kulahci Murat , Andersen Klaus Kaae
Published: July 2010

We propose a new methodology for designing computer experiments that was inspired by the split-plot designs that are often used in physical experimentation. The methodology has been developed for a simulation model of a surgical unit in a Danish hospital. We classify the factors as controllable and uncontrollable on the basis of their characteristics in the physical system. The experiments are designed so that, for a given setting of the controllable factors, the various settings of the uncontrollable factors cover the design space uniformly. Moreover the methodology allows for overall uniform coverage in the combined design when all settings of the uncontrollable factors are considered at once.
Kant on Spatial Orientation
Authors: Bernecker Sven
Published: July 2010

Abstract: This paper develops a novel interpretation of Kant's argument from incongruent counterparts to the effect that the representations of space and time are intuitions rather than concepts. When properly understood, the argument anticipates the contemporary position whereby the meaning of indexicals cannot be captured by descriptive contents.
Age‐specific patterns of unsatisfactory results for conventional Pap smears and liquid‐based cytology: data from two randomised clinical trials
Authors: Castle PE , Bulten J , Confortini M , Klinkhamer P , Pellegrini A , Siebers AG , Ronco G , Arbyn M
Published: July 2010

Please cite this paper as: Castle P, Bulten J, Confortini M, Klinkhamer P, Pellegrini A, Siebers A, Ronco G, Arbyn M. Age‐specific patterns of unsatisfactory results for conventional Pap smears and liquid‐based cytology: data from two randomised clinical trials. BJOG 2010;117:1067–1073.

Objective  To investigate the rate of unsatisfactory cervical cell samples in liquid‐based cytology (LBC) versus conventional cytology (CC) by age.

Design  Randomised clinical trials.

Setting  Population‐based cervical cancer screening in the Netherlands and Italy.

Population  Asymptomatic women invited for screening enrolled in two randomised trials: Netherlands ThinPrep® versus conventional cytology (NETHCON; 39 010 CC, 46 064 LBC) and New Technologies in Cervical Cancer Screening (NTCC; 22 771 CC, 22 403 LBC).

Methods  Comparison of categorical variables using Pearson’s chi‐square test, logistic regression and trend tests.

Main outcome measures  Proportion of unsatisfactory samples, ratio of LBC versus CC, and variation by 5‐year group.

Results  In NETHCON, a lower percentage of LBC samples were judged to be unsatisfactory compared with CC samples (0.33 versus 1.11%). There was no significant trend in unsatisfactory results by age group for conventional cytology (Ptrend = 0.54), but there was a trend towards an increasing percentage of unsatisfactory results with increasing age for LBC (Ptrend < 0.001). In NTCC, a lower percentage of LBC samples were judged to be unsatisfactory compared with conventional cytology (2.59 versus 4.10%). There was a decrease in the unsatisfactory results by age group with conventional cytology (Ptrend < 0.001) and with LBC (Ptrend = 0.01), although the latter trend arose from the 55–60‐years age group (Ptrend = 0.62 when excluding this group).

Conclusions  The clinical trial in which the results were collected and the cytologic method used were the most important determinants of unsatisfactory cytology. In all situations, the proportion of unsatisfactory samples was lower in LBC compared with CC. The effects of age depended on the criteria used to define unsatisfactory results.
Effects of induced hyperthermia on pharmacokinetics of ropivacaine in rats
Authors: Guilhaumou Romain , Boulamery Audrey , Deluca Bénédicte , Deturmeny Elisabeth , Bruguerolle Bernard
Published: July 2010

Ropivacaine is a local anaesthetic used for epidural anaesthesia and postoperative pain relief. Hyperthermia is a very common sign of infection associated with variations in physiological parameters, which may influence drugs pharmacokinetics. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of induced hyperthermia on ropivacaine pharmacokinetics in rats. Two groups of six rats were given a single subcutaneous ropivacaine injection. Hyperthermia‐induced animals were placed in a water bath to obtain a stable mean core temperature of 39.7 °C. After blood samples collection, ropivacaine serum concentrations and pharmacokinetic parameters were determined. Two other groups of six rats were sacrificed 30 min after ropivacaine injection to determine serum and tissues (brain and heart) concentrations. Our results (median ± inter quartile range) reveal a significant increase of the total apparent clearance (0.0151 ± 0.000800 L/min vs. 0.0134 ± 0.00134 L/min), apparent volume of distribution (Vd) (2.19 ± 0.27 L vs. 1.57 ± 0.73 L) and a significant decrease in exposure (488 ± 50.6 mg.min/L vs. 572 ± 110 mg.min/L) in induced‐hyperthermia group. We observed a significant increase in brain ropivacaine concentration in hyperthermic rats (8.39 ± 8.42 μg/g vs. 3.48 ± 3.26 μg/g) and no significant difference between cardiac concentrations in the two groups (5.38 ± 4.83 μg/g vs. 3.73 ± 2.44 μg/g). Results suggest a higher tissular distribution of ropivacaine and an increase in blood–brain barrier permeability during hyperthermia. The hyperthermia‐induced increase in Vd could be responsible for an increase in cerebral ropivacaine toxicity. These experimental data provide a basis for future clinical investigations in relation to local anaesthetic use in hyperthermic patients.
Lipoxin A4 attenuates zymosan‐induced arthritis by modulating endothelin‐1 and its effects
Authors: Conte FP , Menezes‐de‐Lima O , Verri WA , Cunha FQ , Penido C , Henriques MG
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Lipoxin A4 (LXA4) is a lipid mediator involved in the resolution of inflammation. Increased levels of LXA4 in synovial fluid and enhanced expression of the formyl peptide receptor 2/lipoxin A4 receptor (FPR2/ALX) in the synovial tissues of rheumatoid arthritis patients have been reported. Endothelins (ETs) play a pivotal pro‐inflammatory role in acute articular inflammatory responses. Here, we evaluated the anti‐inflammatory role of LXA4, during the acute phase of zymosan‐induced arthritis, focusing on the modulation of ET‐1 expression and its effects.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The anti‐inflammatory effects of LXA4, BML‐111 (agonist of FPR2/ALX receptors) and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) pre‐ and post‐treatments were investigated in a murine model of zymosan‐induced arthritis. Articular inflammation was assessed by examining knee joint oedema; neutrophil accumulation in synovial cavities; and levels of prepro‐ET‐1 mRNA, leukotriene (LT)B4, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and the chemokine KC/CXCL1, after stimulation. The direct effect of LXA4 on ET‐1‐induced neutrophil activation and chemotaxis was evaluated by shape change and Boyden chamber assays respectively.

KEY RESULTS LXA4, BML‐111 and ASA administered as pre‐ or post‐treatment inhibited oedema and neutrophil influx induced by zymosan stimulation. Zymosan‐induced preproET‐1 mRNA, KC/CXCL1, LTB4 and TNF‐α levels were also decreased after LXA4 pretreatment. In vitro, ET‐1‐induced neutrophil chemotaxis was inhibited by LXA4 pretreatment. LXA4 treatment also inhibited ET‐1‐induced oedema formation and neutrophil influx into mouse knee joints.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION LXA4 exerted anti‐inflammatory effects on articular inflammation through a mechanism that involved the inhibition of ET‐1 expression and its effects.
Suppression of stretch reflex activity after spinal or systemic treatment with AMPA receptor antagonist NGX424 in rats with developed baclofen tolerance
Authors: Oshiro Masakatsu , Hefferan Michael P , Kakinohana Osamu , Lukacova Nadezda , Sugahara Kazuhiro , Yaksh Tony L , Marsala Martin
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEBaclofen (a GABABreceptor agonist) is the most commonly used anti‐spasticity agent in clinical practice. While effective when administered spinally or systemically, the development of progressive tolerance represents a serious limitation for its long‐term use. The goal of the present study was to characterize the treatment potency after intrathecal or systemic treatment with the selective AMPA receptor antagonist NGX424 on stretch reflex activity (SRA) and background muscle activity (BMA) in rats with developed baclofen tolerance.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHAnimals were exposed to 10 min of spinal ischaemia to induce an increase in BMA and SRA. Selected animals were implanted with an intrathecal PE‐5 catheter and infused intrathecally with baclofen (1 µg·h−1) for 14 days. Before and after baclofen infusion, changes in BMA and SRA were measured at 2 day intervals. After development of baclofen tolerance, the animals were injected intrathecally (1 µg) or subcutaneously (3, 6 or 12 mg·kg−1) with NGX424, and changes in BMA and SRA were measured.

KEY RESULTSIntrathecal or systemic delivery of NGX424 significantly suppressed the BMA and SRA in baclofen‐tolerant animals. This effect was dose dependent. The magnitude of BMA and SRA suppression seen after 1 µg (intrathecal) or 12 mg·kg−1(s.c.) of NGX424 injection was similar to that seen during the first 5 days of baclofen infusion.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSThese data demonstrate that the use of NGX424 can represent an effective therapy to modulate chronic spasticity in patients who are refractory or tolerant to baclofen treatment.

LINKED ARTICLEThis article is commented on by Gómez‐Sorianoet al., pp. 972–975 of this issue. To view this commentary visithttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.00964.x
Phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase‐δ up‐regulates L‐type Ca2+ currents and increases vascular contractility in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes
Authors: Pinho JF , Medeiros MAA , Capettini LSA , Rezende BA , Campos PP , Andrade SP , Cortes SF , Cruz JS , Lemos VS
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Vasculopathies represent the main cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetes. Vascular malfunctioning in diabetes is associated with abnormal vasoconstriction and Ca2+ handling by smooth muscle cells (SMC). Phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinases (PI3K) are key mediators of insulin action and have been shown to modulate the function of voltage‐dependent L‐type Ca2+ channels (CaV1.2). In the present work, we investigated the involvement of PI3K signalling in regulating Ca2+ current through CaV1.2 (ICa,L) and vascular dysfunction in a mouse model of type I diabetes.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Changes in isometric tension were recorded on myograph. Ca2+ currents in freshly dissociated mice aortic SMCs were measured using the whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique. Antisense techniques were used to knock‐down the PI3Kδ isoform.

KEY RESULTS Contractile responses to phenylephrine and KCl were strongly enhanced in diabetic aorta independent of a functional endothelium. The magnitude of phenylephrine‐induced ICa,L was also greatly augmented. PI3Kδ expression, but not PI3Kα, PI3Kβ, PI3Kγ, was increased in diabetic aortas and treatment of vessels with a selective PI3Kδ inhibitor normalized ICa,L and contractile response of diabetic vessels. Moreover, knock‐down of PI3Kδin vivo decreased PI3Kδ expression and normalized ICa,L and contractile response of diabetic vessels ex vivo.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase δ was essential to the increased vascular contractile response in our model of type I diabetes. PI3Kδ signalling was up‐regulated and most likely accounted for the increased ICa,L, leading to increased vascular contractility. Blockade of PI3Kδ may represent a novel therapeutic approach to treat vascular dysfunction in diabetic patients.

LINKED ARTICLE This article is commented on by Sturek, pp. 1455–1457 of this issue. To view this commentary visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.00997.x
The Interaction of Gestational and Postnatal Ethanol Experience on the Adolescent and Adult Odor‐Mediated Responses to Ethanol in Observer and Demonstrator Rats
Authors: Eade Amber M. , Youngentob Steven L.
Published: July 2010

Background:  Gestational ethanol exposure enhances the adolescent reflexive sniffing response to ethanol odor. Postnatal exposures of naïve animals as either an observer (i.e., conspecific) or demonstrator (i.e., intoxicated peer) using a social transmission of food odor preference paradigm also yields enhanced odor‐mediated responses. Studies on the interaction of fetal and postnatal exposures using the social transmission paradigm have been limited to the responses of observers. When combined, the enhanced response is greater than either form of exposure alone and, in observer females, yields adult persistence. The absence of a male effect is noteworthy, given that chemosensory mechanisms are suggested to be an important antecedent factor in the progression of ethanol preference. Observers gain odor information on the breath of the demonstrator through social interaction. Demonstrators experience the pharmacologic properties of ethanol along with retronasal and hematogenic olfaction. Thus, we tested whether augmentation of the fetal ethanol‐induced behavioral response with postnatal exposure as a demonstrator differed from that as an observer. We also examined whether re‐exposure as a demonstrator yields persistence in both sexes.

Methods:  Pregnant dams were fed an ethanol containing or control liquid diet throughout gestation. Progeny received four ethanol or water exposures: one every 48 hours through either intragastric infusion or social interaction with the infused peer beginning on P29. The reflexive behavioral sniffing response to ethanol odor was tested at postnatal (P) day 37 or P90, using whole‐body plethysmography.

Results:  When tested in either adolescence or adulthood ‐ fetal ethanol exposed adolescent ethanol observers and demonstrators significantly differed in their odor‐mediated response to ethanol odor both between themselves and from their respective water controls. Nonetheless, adolescent ethanol re‐exposure as a demonstrator, like an observer, enhanced the reflexive sniffing response to ethanol odor at both testing ages by augmenting the known effects of prior fetal ethanol experience. At each age, the magnitude of the enhanced odor response in demonstrators was similar to that of observers. Interestingly, only re‐exposure as a demonstrator resulted in persistence of the behavioral response into adulthood in both sexes.

Conclusions:  The method of ethanol re‐exposure plays an important role in prolonging the odor‐mediated effects of fetal exposure. While ethanol odor‐specific exposure through social interaction is important, additional factors such as the pairing of retronasal and hematogenic olfaction with ethanol’s intoxicating properties appear necessary to achieve persistence in both sexes.
Ethanol Alters the Osteogenic Differentiation of Amniotic Fluid‐Derived Stem Cells
Authors: Hipp Jennifer A. , Hipp Jason D. , Atala Anthony , Soker Shay
Published: July 2010

Background:  Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a set of developmental defects caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. Clinical manifestations of FASD are highly variable and include mental retardation and developmental defects of the heart, kidney, muscle, skeleton, and craniofacial structures. Specific effects of ethanol on fetal cells include induction of apoptosis as well as inhibition of proliferation, differentiation, and migration. This complex set of responses suggests that a bioinformatics approach could clarify some of the pathways involved in these responses.

Methods:  In this study, the responses of fetal stem cells derived from the amniotic fluid (AFSCs) to treatment with ethanol have been examined. Large‐scale transcriptome analysis of ethanol‐treated AFSCs indicates that genes involved in skeletal development and ossification are up‐regulated in these cells. Therefore, the effect of ethanol on osteogenic differentiation of AFSCs was studied.

Results:  Exposure to ethanol during the first 48 hours of an osteogenic differentiation protocol increased in vitro calcium deposition by AFSCs and increased alkaline phosphatase activity. In contrast, ethanol treatment later in the differentiation protocol (day 8) had no significant effect on the activity of alkaline phosphatase.

Conclusions:  These results suggest that transient exposure of AFSCs to ethanol during early differentiation enhances osteogenic differentiation of the cells.
Assemblage patterns of fish functional groups relative to habitat connectivity and conditions in floodplain lakes
Authors: Miyazono S. , Aycock J. N. , Miranda L. E. , Tietjen T. E.
Published: July 2010

Miyazono S, Aycock JN, Miranda LE, Tietjen TE. Assemblage patterns of fish functional groups relative to habitat connectivity and conditions in floodplain lakes. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 2010: 19: 578–585. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Abstract –  We evaluated the influences of habitat connectivity and local environmental factors on the distribution and abundance patterns of fish functional groups in 17 floodplain lakes in the Yazoo River Basin, USA. The results of univariate and multivariate analyses showed that species–environmental relationships varied with the functional groups. Species richness and assemblage structure of periodic strategists showed strong and positive correlations with habitat connectivity. Densities of most equilibrium and opportunistic strategists decreased with habitat connectivity. Densities of certain equilibrium and opportunistic strategists increased with turbidity. Forested wetlands around the lakes were positively related to the densities of periodic and equilibrium strategists. These results suggest that decreases in habitat connectivity, forested wetland buffers and water quality resulting from environmental manipulations may cause local extinction of certain fish taxa and accelerate the dominance of tolerant fishes in floodplain lakes.
Characterization of a Novel Rice Metallothionein Gene Promoter: Its Tissue Specificity and Heavy Metal Responsiveness
Authors: Dong Chun‐Juan , Wang Yun , Yu Shi‐Shi , Liu Jin‐Yuan
Published: July 2010

The rice (Oryza sativa L.) metallothionein gene OsMT‐I‐4b has previously been identified as a type I MT gene. To elucidate the regulatory mechanism involved in its tissue specificity and abiotic induction, we isolated a 1 730 bp fragment of the OsMT‐I‐4b promoter region. Histochemical β‐glucuronidase (GUS) staining indicated a precise spacial and temporal expression pattern in transgenic Arabidopsis. Higher GUS activity was detected in the roots and the buds of flower stigmas, and relatively lower GUS staining in the shoots was restricted to the trichomes and hydathodes of leaves. No activity was observed in the stems and seeds. Additionally, in the root of transgenic plants, the promoter activity was highly upregulated by various environmental signals, such as abscisic acid, drought, dark, and heavy metals including Cu2+, Zn2+, Pb2+ and Al3+. Slight induction was observed in transgenic seedlings under salinity stress, or when treated with Co2+ and Cd2+. Promoter analysis of 5′‐deletions revealed that the region −583/−1 was sufficient to drive strong GUS expression in the roots but not in the shoots. Furthermore, deletion analysis indicated important promoter regions containing different metal‐responsive cis‐elements that were responsible for responding to different heavy metals. Collectively, these findings provided important insight into the transcriptional regulation mechanisms of the OsMT‐I‐4b promoter, and the results also gave us some implications for the potential application of this promoter in plant genetic engineering.
Aquaporin‐2 urinary excretion in preterm infants: relationship to diuresis and vasopressin
Authors: Iacobelli S. , Gouyon J.B. , Bonsante F. , Mastrofrancesco L. , Svelto M. , Valenti G.
Published: July 2010

Aims:  Few investigations have explored the urinary aquaporin‐2 (u‐AQP2) excretion pattern after birth in preterm infants with conflicting results regarding the correlation between u‐AQP2, urinary osmolality and vasopressin. The aims of this study were to evaluate u‐AQP2 excretion during the first week of life in preterm infants, to correlate u‐AQP2 with other markers of renal function and to investigate the relationship between u‐AQP2, urinary tonicity and arginine‐vasopressin in the immature kidney.

Methods:  In infants born less than 33 weeks daily diuresis, u‐AQP2, urinary arginine‐vasopressin, urine and plasma tonicity, creatinine and electrolytes were measured through the first 7 days of life.

Results:  Fifty‐five infants were evaluated. u‐AQP2 excretion showed the following profile: the highest u‐AQP2 levels were found on day 2 and values remained significantly higher until day 5 with respect to day 1. On day 6, u‐AQP2 levels significantly decreased to values closer to those found on day 1. u‐AQP2 excretion was not associated with arginine‐vasopressin while significant, but weak association was found with urinary tonicity (r = −0.20; −0.32 < r < −0.11; P < 0.05). u‐AQP2 excretion and creatinine clearance were significantly associated during the study period (r = 0.19; 0.08 < r < 0.29; P < 0.05). There was a strong association between totally u‐AQP2 excretion and diuresis over the week (r = 0.72; 0.66 < r < 0.76; P < 0.0001).

Conclusion:  Significant variations occur in AQP2 expression levels during the first week of life in preterm infants. AQP2 does not seem to contribute to the urinary concentration ability after birth. Further investigations are required to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the strong association between diuresis and u‐AQP2 excretion in early postnatal life.
Functional interaction of regulator of G protein signaling‐2 with melanin‐concentrating hormone receptor 1
Authors: Miyamoto‐Matsubara Mayumi , Chung Shinjae , Saito Yumiko
Published: July 2010

Melanin‐concentrating hormone receptor 1 (MCHR1) is a G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) highly expressed in the central nervous system. MCHR1 mediates many physiological functions including energy homeostasis and emotional processing. By acting as GTPase‐activating proteins, regulators of G protein–signaling (RGS) proteins are negative modulators of GPCRs. We previously elucidated that RGS8 of the B/R4 RGS subfamily potently inhibits the action of both Gαq‐ and Gαi/o‐dependent MCHR1 signaling. In the present study of living cells, we provide evidence that another B/R4 protein, RGS2, is an efficient regulator of MCHR1‐mediated calcium signaling exclusively via the Gαq‐dependent pathway. This effect was not observed for RGS4 and RGS5 proteins. Cotransfection of RGS2 with RGS8 additively increased the potency for inhibition of MCHR1 signaling. Truncation experiments revealed that an internal sequence within the N‐terminal region of RGS2 (amino acids 28–80) was involved in the RGS2 modulation of MCHR1 activity. Our data suggest that RGS2 and RGS8 differentially associate with MCHR1 and may represent two distinct modes of signaling mechanisms in vivo.
Hypothermia Reduces Brain Edema, Spontaneous Recurrent Seizure Attack, and Learning Memory Deficits in the Kainic Acid Treated Rats
Authors: Wang Yu , Liu Ping‐Ping , Li Liang‐yong , Zhang Hui‐Min , Li Tao
Published: July 2010

Aims:It is unknown whether hypothermia can disrupt the progress of epileptogenesis. The present study aimed to determine the effect of hypothermia on brain edema and epileptogenesis and to establish whether brain edema is associated with epileptogenesis after severe status epilepticus (SE).Methodology:Rats were injected with a single dose of Kainic acid (KA) to produce either chronic epileptic rats (rats with spontaneous recurrent seizure, SRS) or rats without spontaneous recurrent seizure (no‐SRS rats). A second KA injection was used to induce SE in SRS rats and in no‐SRS rats. The number of SRS was counted and the brain edema induced by SE was assessed by brain water content measurement. The cognitive function was assessed by the radial‐arm maze (RAM) test.Results:A second KA injection resulted in brain edema that was more severe in SRS rats than in no‐SRS rats. After second injection of KA, hypothermia treatment attenuated the KA induced brain edema and reduced the SRS attack in SRS rats. Additionally cognitive function was better in hypothermia‐treated SRS rats than in nomothermia treated SRS rats 1 month after the second KA injection.Conclusions:Hypothermia treatment immediately after SE not only exhibited protective effects against the chronic spontaneous recurrent convulsant seizures but also improved cognitive function. These antiepileptogenic properties of hypothermia may be related to its attenuating effect on brain edema induced by SE. They therefore suggest that brain edema may be involved in the progress of epileptogenesis.
Postia cana sp. nov. (Basidiomycota, Polyporales) from Shanxi Province, northern China
Authors: Yuan Hai‐Sheng , Dai Yu‐Cheng , Wei Yu‐Lian
Published: July 2010

Postia cana sp. nov. is described as new based on four specimens collected on spruce in Lishan Nature Reserve, Shanxi Province, northern China. The new species is similar to P. tephroleuca, but differs by an upper surface with a clay pink tint when fresh, discoloring to grey or dark grey and becoming coarsely strigose on drying. Additionally, 104 other species of polypores were identified from the area.
Bony Avulsion of the Medial Head of Triceps Brachii
Authors: Barnes James R. , Atwal Navraj , Sarangi Partha
Published: July 2010

We describe a 69-year-old patient who presented with an isolated avulsion fracture of the medial head of triceps brachii after a fall onto her elbow. As far as we are aware, this pattern of injury has not been previously described in the literature.

Our patient had no functional deficit and was managed conservatively. She was referred for physiotherapy, and discharged once her pain subsequently subsided. Although the literature favours surgical management of similar injuries, we feel that our case shows that good results may still be achieved from conservative management.
Association of Chlamydia pneumoniae immunoglobulin G antibodies with the risk of lung cancer among non‐smoking women in Liaoning, China
Authors: Liu Zhuang , Su Meng , Yu Shi‐cheng , Yin Zhi‐hua , Zhou Bao‐sen
Published: July 2010

The role of Chlamydia pneumoniae in the cause of lung cancer is controversial. In this study, we investigated the association between C. pneumoniae immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibodies and risk of lung cancer among non‐smoking women. C. pneumoniae IgG antibody levels were compared between 192 adult Chinese women who met the diagnostic criteria of lung cancer and 90 healthy controls. C. pneumoniae IgG antibodies were tested with the use of an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The prevalence of C. pneumoniae IgG seropositivity was 61.98% of cases and 28.89% of controls (P < 0.05). According to the results of the multiple logistic analysis model, the odds ratios for C. pneumoniae IgG antibody seropositivity, body mass index, and educational levels were 3.919 (P < 0.001), 0.731 (P= 0.274), and 1.646 (P= 0.069), respectively. C. pneumoniae infection may be a risk factor for lung cancer.
Mitochondrial metabolism and diabetes
Authors: Kwak Soo Heon , Park Kyong Soo , Lee Ki‐Up , Lee Hong Kyu
Published: July 2010

The oversupply of calories and sedentary lifestyle has resulted in a rapid increase of diabetes prevalence worldwide. During the past two decades, lines of evidence suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a key role in the pathophysiology of diabetes. Mitochondria are vital to most of the eukaryotic cells as they provide energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate by oxidative phosphorylation. In addition, mitochondrial function is an integral part of glucose‐stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic β‐cells. In the present article, we will briefly review the major functions of mitochondria in regard to energy metabolism, and discuss the genetic and environmental factors causing mitochondrial dysfunction in diabetes. In addition, the pathophysiological role of mitochondrial dysfunction in insulin resistance and β‐cell dysfunction are discussed. We argue that mitochondrial dysfunction could be the central defect causing the abnormal glucose metabolism in the diabetic state. A deeper understanding of the role of mitochondria in diabetes will provide us with novel insights in the pathophysiology of diabetes. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2010.00047.x, 2010)
The Finite Element Method in the Design Process of Spur Gears
Authors: Moya J. L. , Machado A. S. , Goytisolo R. A. , Becerra A. M.
Published: July 2010

A computer-aided methodology that applies the Finite Element Method (FEM) to gear design is presented in this work. The analysis takes into account the real tooth profile created by the involute flank of the tooth and the trochoidal fillet at the bottom of the tooth. The method enables gears with modified addendum and with any number of teeth to be modeled, so it can be used in CAD systems that require accurate models. Finally, the design process uses finite element modeling as an analysis tool to study the behaviour of components or products before they physically exist, thereby eliminating the need to create physical prototypes and providing a clean engineering design process.
CNC Press Based on the High-Speed Linear Servo Motor and Two-Stage Symmetrical Orthogonal Toggle Force Amplifying Mechanism
Authors: Zhong Kangmin , Dou Yunxia , Su Dongning , Wang Hongyan
Published: July 2010

The mechanical press driven by the common AC motor and based on the crank-linkage-slider mechanism is still widely used in the field of mechanical manufacturing. Such press is characterized by poor dynamics performance, serious noise pollution, low energy efficiency, unbalanced overall structure and cumbersome appearance. The object of this paper is to introduce a CNC press driven by the high-speed linear servo motor and based on the two-stage symmetrical orthogonal toggle force amplifying mechanism. Its working principle is to amplify the thrust or tension generated by the high-speed linear servo motor through the two-stage orthogonal toggle force amplifier and then to transmit to the output slider, called pressure head, which finishes the press work on the work piece. The electromechanical integration press has the following advantages: (1) Comparatively low noise pollution for the removal of rapid rotating motor and components. (2) Improved dynamics performance by the computer numeral control of the speed of the pressure head. (3)The magnitude of the stroke and output force of the pressure head can be adjusted in a wide range by editing the program to control initial pressure angle and end pressure angle of the toggle mechanism. (4) Because the force acted on the pressure head in the horizontal direction is symmetric and balanced, theoretically, there is no friction on the pressure head. It is not only good for energy saving, but also for the prolonging of the service life of the machine. (5) Higher level of automation and intelligence than the hydraulic press, and it is free from hydraulic oil pollution.
Development of a Spectral Radiation Model to Predict the Transient Performance of a Metal Reheating Furnace
Authors: Ward J. , Tan C. K. , Tucker R. J.
Published: July 2010

The use of computational fluid dynamics for simulation of combustion processes has made significant advances in recent years particularly for the design of individual burners and the prediction of pollutant formation and emission. However, the computational requirements of these models can still be too great for overall furnace thermal design purposes particularly if the transient performance is required. Thermal radiation is usually the dominant mode of heat transfer to the load or stock in industrial fuel-fired furnaces since the contribution of convection is relatively small. Thus prediction of the thermal performance of a furnace requires an accurate calculation of the complex radiation interchange between the surfaces and the combustion products. This can be achieved by the so-called Hottel zone method of radiation analysis and as a result this method has been applied to a wide range of industrial heating processes. The method sub-divides the non-isothermal furnace enclosure into a series of isothermal volume and surface zones and energy balances are then formulated and solved simultaneously for each zone. The computational demands are modest so that the process can be repeated successively throughout a period of furnace operation to simulate the transient behaviour of the system. However in these models all the surfaces are usually assumed to be grey and the radiation properties of the combustion products are normally represented by a mixture of grey and clear gases. These assumptions can lead to errors in the predictions, in applications such as the installation of high emissivity coatings on the furnace lining, where it is necessary to allow for the spectral variation in surface emissivity and the banded nature of the radiation properties of carbon dioxide and water vapour in the combustion gases. Consequently the proposed paper describes the development of “spectral” zone model, which takes these effects into account, to predict the transient performance of a furnace heating steel bars to a discharge temperature of 1200°C. The model also allows for broadening of the spectral bands with changes in the temperature of the combustion products. The work differs from that in previous papers on this type of model, which have been confined to steady-state simulations and do not allow for broadening. Finally the model is applied to investigate the effect of coating the refractory lining of the furnace with high emissivity materials.
A Computational Method to Support Product Architecture Design
Authors: Wyatt David F. , Wynn David C. , Clarkson P. John
Published: July 2010

The choice of product architecture can affect many factors, from the technical performance of a product to the design effort required, production costs, and satisfaction of lifecycle requirements. This paper explores how computational tools can augment creative methods in product architecture design. It describes a method for synthesising product architectures in the form of networks of components. The set of architectures for a product is specified using constraints on the structure of the network. The method has been implemented as a software tool, and an example illustrates how this might be used in practice. Discussion of the example highlights some of the issues which arise through using the method, particularly those of constructing an appropriate set of constraints, and of identifying promising architectures from the large set of synthesis results. Further work will address these issues and evaluate the approach in practice, to compare the cost-benefit ratio with more conventional methods for architecture design (e.g. brainstorming).
Light-Load Linear Reciprocating Motion Device Based on Servo Motor and Small Eccentricity Crank Mechanism
Authors: Su D. N. , Song Q. , Dou Y. X. , Zhong K. M.
Published: July 2010

Here designs innovatively a kind of NC light-load straight reciprocating motion device which has relative fully technical function. It is driven by a low-power servo motor to actuate small eccentricity crank mechanism to rotate or swing. The rotation or swing drives piston to move linearly short distance. With the help of the simple and functional device, the internal-reflux area-differential hydraulic stroke amplifying device, the small linear displacement of the piston can be amplified dozens times or even more than one hundred times, so the output plunger can obtain relative large linear displacement to meet the required output force and motion. This device of hydrau-electromechanial integration has the following advantages: (1) easy to control the frequency of straight reciprocating motion by editing the program to control the rotating/swing frequency of the servo motor; (2) easy to get the needed stroke of the output plunger by editing program to control the oscillation angle of the servo motor; (3) higher precision in motion and displacement than pneumatic/hydraulic transmission device while the same good buffering as in pneumatic/hydraulic transmission device.
Improving Impact Properties of Fiber/Metal Laminates by Using Suitable Layer Arrangement According to Different Standard Test Methods
Authors: Sadighi M. , Dariushi S.
Published: July 2010

Fiber metal laminates (FMLs) are hybrid composites consisting of alternating thin layers of metal sheets and fiber adhesive layers. This paper describes an experimental investigation of the impact energy absorption capability of glass fiber/aluminum laminates in relation to stacking sequence. Six groups of specimens were studied. Each unsymmetrical group consisted of two specimens with exactly similar layers but in different positions. Changing the arrangement of layers does not change the cost or weight but improve the properties considerably. Test results show that using 45° glass layer at the front (where the striker impacts) is better than 90° glass layer and using 90° glass layer at the front is better than zero degree layer. The best arrangement is 45° glass layer at the front and zero degree glass layer at the back.
Analysis of the Weld Quality of Plasma Arc Welds: A Case Study of Conductor Welds in an Electrical Stator
Authors: Medelli´n-Castillo Hugo I. , de Lange Dirk F. , Rami´rez Fernando , Ferna´ndez Eliel
Published: July 2010

Plasma arc welding (PAW) is a technique used in the electrical component industry for joining electrical conductors in devices such as motors and alternators. With the limited number of theoretical methods and simulation tools to predict the metal flow characteristics and its interaction with the process parameters during the welding process, weld design must still rely on the designers experience and the trial and error method. As a consequence, the process parameters and the weld quality may not be as originally expected at the design process. Based on the fact that a good quality of the final product has to be guaranteed, the analysis of the PAW process and the resulting weld quality is presented in this paper. The aim of the work was to obtain a clear perspective on the influence of various process parameters on the weld quality. In order to measure the influence on quality, first “quality” was defined. Secondly, there were various options to measure the quality, some of them being destructive, others being non-destructive. The development of the measurement methods was then proposed based on electrical tests, mechanical tests and visual inspection of the welds. Finally, using these methods and the experimental data obtained from the actual welding process, a new approach to evaluate the weld quality was proposed and is presented in this paper. The results reveal that the electrical impedance, the mechanical strength and the geometry (visual measure) of the weld are related and can be used to estimate the weld quality.
Optimal Design of a Composite Scarf Repair Patch Under Tensile Loading
Authors: Breitzman T. D. , Iarve E. V. , Ripberger E. R.
Published: July 2010

Mechanics of the composite scarf repair under tensile loading with and without overlay plies was examined for nontraditional patch ply orientations. Three-dimensional nonlinear analysis was performed for repair failure prediction and good baseline comparison for open-hole scarfed panels and panels repaired by using standard ply-by-ply replacement patch composition was achieved. Multidimensional optimization was performed to calculate the repair patch ply orientations which minimize the von Mises stresses in the adhesive. These optimal stacking sequences achieved significant reduction of the stress levels and resulted in predicted up to 75% and 85% strength restoration for flush and single ply thickness over-ply repair. These results are intended to illustrate additional design variables available for efficient composite repair design, namely the composition of the repair patch.
Characterization of the Torque Limits and Clamping Force Relationships for Small Stainless Steel Screws in Tensile Loaded Joints of Various Metals
Authors: Bernardin John D. , Flores Eugene M.
Published: July 2010

This study originated during the design of ChemCam, a Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and imaging instrument being developed for NASA’s Mars Science Lab Rover. The mission needs for miniaturization, reduced weight, high reliability, minimal use of thread locking compounds, and the ability to handle harsh environmental conditions dictated the use of small, high strength screws to be threaded into a variety of metal alloys including Be-S200f, Al-6061-T6, Mg-ZK60A-T5, and Ti-6Al-4V. The lack of a credible fastener torque database for small (#0 through #8) high strength stainless steel screws in various parent materials, led to the development of an experimental program to characterize the following: a. The screw torque value versus angular rotation (which indicates yielding in the screw or parent material) as a function of screw diameter, screw head configuration, depth of thread engagement, type of parent material, type of surface treatment on parent material, presence of thread locking compound, repeatable threaded hole use, and degree of screw pedigree. b. The relationship between fastener torque and clamping force for a subset of the above mentioned variables. The database generated from this study will serve as a design reference for utilizing small stainless steel fasteners and provide trending information for other researchers who may be interested in broadening its range of parameters. This paper reviews the related fastener torque and clamping force information from the literature, describes the experimental screw torque and clamping force monitoring equipment, presents the test matrix and experimental procedures, and discusses the empirical results.