bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The age‐related failure of adaptive responses to contractile activity in skeletal muscle is mimicked in young mice by deletion of Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase
Authors: Vasilaki Aphrodite , van der Meulen Jack H. , Larkin Lisa , Harrison Dawn C. , Pearson Timothy , Van Remmen Holly , Richardson Arlan , Brooks Susan V. , Jackson Malcolm J. , McArdle Anne
Published: September 2010

In muscle, aging is associated with a failure of adaptive responses to contractile activity, and this is hypothesized to play an important role in age‐related loss of muscle mass and function. Mice lacking the Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (Cu,ZnSOD, SOD1) show an accelerated, age‐related loss of muscle mass and function. This work determined whether adult mice lacking Cu,ZnSOD (Sod1−/− mice) show a premature failure of adaptive responses to contractions in a similar manner to old wild‐type (WT) mice. Adult Sod1−/− mice (6–8 months of age) had a ∼ 30% reduction in gastrocnemius muscle mass compared with age‐matched WT mice. This lower muscle mass was associated with an activation of DNA binding by NFκB and AP‐1 at rest. Measurements of the activity of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in single fibres from the muscles of Sod1−/− mice at rest indicated an elevation in activity compared with fibres from WT mice. Following 15 min of isometric contractions, muscle fibres from WT mice showed an increase in the intracellular ROS activities and activation of NFκB and AP‐1, but no changes in either ROS activity or NFκB and AP‐1 activation were seen in the muscles of Sod1−/− mice following contractions. This pattern of changes mimics that seen in the muscles of old WT mice, suggesting that the attenuated responses to contractile activity seen in old mice result from chronic exposure to increased oxidant activity. Data support the use of the Sod1−/− mouse model to evaluate potential mechanisms that contribute to the loss of muscle mass and function in the elderly.
Global gene expression profiles in skeletal muscle of monozygotic female twins discordant for hormone replacement therapy
Authors: Ronkainen Paula H. A. , Pöllänen Eija , Alén Markku , Pitkänen Reino , Puolakka Jukka , Kujala Urho M. , Kaprio Jaakko , Sipilä Sarianna , Kovanen Vuokko
Published: September 2010

Aging is accompanied by inexorable loss of muscle tissue. One of the underlying causes for this is the massive change in the hormonal milieu of the body. The role of a female sex steroid – estrogen – in these processes is frequently neglected, although the rapid decline in its production coincides with a steep deterioration in muscle performance. We recruited 54‐ to 62‐year‐old monozygotic female twin pairs discordant for postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT, n = 11 pairs; HRT use 7.3 ± 3.7 years) from the Finnish Twin Cohort to investigate the association of long‐term, estrogen‐based HRT with skeletal muscle transcriptome. Pathway analysis of muscle transcript profiles revealed significant HRT‐induced up‐regulation of a biological process related to regulation of cell structure and down‐regulation of processes concerning, for example, cell–matrix interactions, energy metabolism and utilization of nutrients (false discovery rate < 0.15). Lending clinical relevance to the findings, these processes explained a significant fraction of the differences observed in relative proportion of muscle within thigh and in muscle performance (R2 = 0.180–0.257, P = 0.001–0.023). Although energy metabolism was affected through down‐regulation of the transcripts related to succinate dehydrogenase complex in mitochondria, no differences were observed in mtDNA copy number or oxidative capacity per muscle cross section. In conclusion, long‐term use of HRT was associated with subtle, but significant, differences in muscle transcript profiles. The better muscle composition and performance among the HRT users appeared to be orchestrated by improved regulatory actions on cytoskeleton, preservation of muscle quality via regulation of intramuscular extracellular matrix and a switch from glucose‐oriented metabolism to utilization of fatty acids.
Beyond water, beyond boundaries: spaces of water management in the Krishna river basin, South India
Authors: VENOT JEAN‐PHILIPPE , BHARATI LUNA , GIORDANO MARK , MOLLE FRANÇOIS
Published: September 2010

As demand and competition for water resources increase, the river basin has become the primary unit for water management and planning. While appealing in principle, practical implementation of river basin management and allocation has often been problematic. This paper examines the case of the Krishna basin in South India. It highlights that conflicts over basin water are embedded in a broad reality of planning and development where multiple scales of decisionmaking and non‐water issues are at play. While this defines the river basin as a disputed ‘space of dependence’, the river basin has yet to acquire a social reality. It is not yet a ‘space of engagement’ in and for which multiple actors take actions. This explains the endurance of an interstate dispute over the sharing of the Krishna waters and sets limits to what can be achieved through further basin water allocation and adjudication mechanisms – tribunals – that are too narrowly defined. There is a need to extend the domain of negotiation from that of a single river basin to multiple scales and to non‐water sectors. Institutional arrangements for basin management need to internalise the political spaces of the Indian polity: the states and the panchayats. This re‐scaling process is more likely to shape the river basin as a space of engagement in which partial agreements can be iteratively renegotiated, and constitute a promising alternative to the current interstate stalemate.
KB‐R7943, an inhibitor of the reverse Na+/Ca2+exchanger, blocks N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor and inhibits mitochondrial complex I
Authors: Brustovetsky Tatiana , Brittain Matthew K. , Sheets Patrick L. , Cummins Theodore R. , Pinelis Vsevolod , Brustovetsky Nickolay
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEAn isothiourea derivative (2‐[2‐[4‐(4‐nitrobenzyloxy)phenyl]ethyl]isothiourea methane sulfonate (KB‐R7943), a widely used inhibitor of the reverse Na+/Ca2+exchanger (NCXrev), was instrumental in establishing the role of NCXrevin glutamate‐induced Ca2+deregulation in neurons. Here, the effects of KB‐R7943 on N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors and mitochondrial complex I were tested.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHFluorescence microscopy, electrophysiological patch‐clamp techniques and cellular respirometry with Seahorse XF24 analyzer were used with cultured hippocampal neurons; membrane potential imaging, respirometry and Ca2+flux measurements were made in isolated rat brain mitochondria.

KEY RESULTSKB‐R7943 inhibited NCXrevwith IC50= 5.7 ± 2.1 µM, blocked NMDAR‐mediated ion currents, and inhibited NMDA‐induced increase in cytosolic Ca2+with IC50= 13.4 ± 3.6 µM but accelerated calcium deregulation and mitochondrial depolarization in glutamate‐treated neurons. KB‐R7943 depolarized mitochondria in a Ca2+‐independent manner. Stimulation of NMDA receptors caused NAD(P)H oxidation that was coupled or uncoupled from ATP synthesis depending on the presence of Ca2+in the bath solution. KB‐R7943, or rotenone, increased NAD(P)H autofluorescence under resting conditions and suppressed NAD(P)H oxidation following glutamate application. KB‐R7943 inhibited 2,4‐dinitrophenol‐stimulated respiration of cultured neurons with IC50= 11.4 ± 2.4 µM. With isolated brain mitochondria, KB‐R7943 inhibited respiration, depolarized organelles and suppressed Ca2+uptake when mitochondria oxidized complex I substrates but was ineffective when mitochondria were supplied with succinate, a complex II substrate.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONSKB‐R7943, in addition to NCXrev, blocked NMDA receptors in cultured hippocampal neurons and inhibited complex I in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. These findings are critical for the correct interpretation of experimental results obtained with KB‐R7943 and a better understanding of its neuroprotective action.
Effects of 15d‐PGJ2‐loaded poly(D,L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) nanocapsules on inflammation
Authors: Alves CF , de Melo NFS , Fraceto LF , de Araújo DR , Napimoga MH
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The PPAR‐γ agonist 15d‐PGJ2 is a potent anti‐inflammatory agent but only at high doses. To improve the efficiency of 15d‐PGJ2, we used poly(D,L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) nanocapsules to encapsulate it, and function as a drug carrier system. The effects of these loaded nanocapsules (15d‐PGJ2‐NC) on inflammation induced by different stimuli were compared with those of free 15d‐PGJ2.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Mice were pretreated (s.c.) with either 15d‐PGJ2‐NC or unloaded 15d‐PGJ2 (3, 10 or 30 µg·kg−1), before induction of an inflammatory response by i.p. injection of either endotoxin (LPS), carrageenan (Cg) or mBSA (immune response).

KEY RESULTS

The 15d‐PGJ2‐NC complex did not display changes in physico‐chemical parameters or drug association efficiency over time, and was stable for up to 60 days of storage. Neutrophil migration induced by i.p. administration of LPS, Cg or mBSA was inhibited by 15d‐PGJ2‐NC, but not by unloaded 15d‐PGJ2. In the Cg model, 15d‐PGJ2‐NC markedly inhibited serum levels of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐12p70. Importantly, 15d‐PGJ2‐NC released high amounts of 15d‐PGJ2, reaching a peak between 2 and 8 h after administration. 15d‐PGJ2 was detected in mouse serum after 24 h, indicating sustained release from the carrier. When the same concentration of unloaded 15d‐PGJ2 was administered, only small amounts of 15d‐PGJ2 were found in the serum after a few hours.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

The present findings clearly indicate the potential of the novel anti‐inflammatory 15d‐PGJ2 carrier formulation, administered systemically. The formulation enables the use of a much smaller drug dose, and is significantly more effective compared with unloaded 15d‐PGJ2.
Decomposing Changes in Agricultural Producer Prices
Authors: Liefert William M.
Published: September 2010

This article develops a method for decomposing changes in agricultural producer prices. The method builds on a procedure used by the World Bank, with the main variables in the decomposition being trade prices, exchange rates and trade policies. We expand on the World Bank decomposition procedure by broadening the analysis of policy effects, adding the effect from incomplete transmission of changes in trade prices and exchange rates to producer prices, and handling the effect on prices from interactions between variables as they change simultaneously. Decomposition results are presented for various commodities for the major emerging markets of Brazil, China and South Africa.
Incomplete Credit Markets and Commodity Marketing Behaviour
Authors: Stephens Emma C. , Barrett Christopher B.
Published: September 2010

We use a simple theoretical model of seasonal market participation in the presence of liquidity constraints and transaction costs to explain the ‘sell low, buy high’ puzzle in which some households do not take advantage of inter‐temporal price arbitrage through storage and sell output postharvest at prices lower than observed prices for purchases in the subsequent lean season. We test our model with data from western Kenya using maximum likelihood estimation of a multivariate sample selection model of market participation. Access to off‐farm income and credit indeed seem to influence crop sales and purchase behaviours in a manner consistent with the hypothesised patterns.
A Compact Mock Circulation Loop for the In Vitro Testing of Cardiovascular Devices
Authors: Timms Daniel L. , Gregory Shaun D. , Greatrex Nicholas A. , Pearcy Mark J. , Fraser John F. , Steinseifer Ulrich
Published: September 2010

In vitro cardiovascular device performance evaluation in a mock circulation loop (MCL) is a necessary step prior to in vivo testing. A MCL that accurately represents the physiology of the cardiovascular system accelerates the assessment of the device's ability to treat pathological conditions. To serve this purpose, a compact MCL measuring 600 × 600 × 600 mm (L × W × H) was constructed in conjunction with a computer mathematical simulation. This approach allowed the effective selection of physical loop characteristics, such as pneumatic drive parameters, to create pressure and flow, and pipe dimensions to replicate the resistance, compliance, and fluid inertia of the native cardiovascular system. The resulting five‐element MCL reproduced the physiological hemodynamics of a healthy and failing heart by altering ventricle contractility, vascular resistance/compliance, heart rate, and vascular volume. The effects of interpatient anatomical variability, such as septal defects and valvular disease, were also assessed. Cardiovascular hemodynamic pressures (arterial, venous, atrial, ventricular), flows (systemic, bronchial, pulmonary), and volumes (ventricular, stroke) were analyzed in real time. The objective of this study is to describe the developmental stages of the compact MCL and demonstrate its value as a research tool for the accelerated development of cardiovascular devices.
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group study of rufinamide as adjunctive therapy for refractory partial‐onset seizures
Authors: Biton Victor , Krauss Gregory , Vasquez‐Santana Blanca , Bibbiani Francesco , Mann Allison , Perdomo Carlos , Narurkar Milind
Published: September 2010

Purpose:  Efficacy and safety of adjunctive rufinamide (3,200 mg/day) was assessed in adolescents and adults with inadequately controlled partial‐onset seizures receiving maintenance therapy with up to three antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).

Methods:  This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, multicenter study comprised a 56‐day baseline phase (BP), 12‐day titration phase, and 84‐day maintenance phase (MP). The primary efficacy variable was percentage change in total partial seizure frequency per 28 days (MP vs. BP). Secondary efficacy outcome measures included ≥50% responder rate and reduction in mean total partial seizure frequency during the MP. Safety and tolerability evaluation included adverse events (AEs), physical and neurologic examinations, and laboratory values. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic assessments were conducted.

Results:  Three hundred fifty‐seven patients were randomized: 176 to rufinamide and 181 to placebo. Patients had a median of 13.3 seizures per 28 days during BP; 86% were receiving ≥2 AEDs. For the intent‐to‐treat population, the median percentage reduction in total partial seizure frequency per 28 days was 23.25 for rufinamide versus 9.80 for placebo (p = 0.007). Rufinamide‐treated patients were more than twice as likely to have had a ≥50% reduction in partial seizure frequency (32.5% vs. 14.3%; p < 0.001) and had a greater reduction in median total partial seizure rate per 28 days during the MP (13.2 vs. 5.2; p < 0.001). Treatment‐emergent AEs occurring at ≥5% higher incidence in the rufinamide group compared with placebo were dizziness, fatigue, nausea, somnolence, and diplopia.

Conclusions:  Adjunctive treatment with rufinamide reduced total partial seizures in refractory patients. AEs reported were consistent with the known tolerability profile of rufinamide.
Low‐grade focal cortical dysplasia is associated with prenatal and perinatal brain injury
Authors: Krsek Pavel , Jahodova Alena , Maton Bruno , Jayakar Prasanna , Dean Patricia , Korman Brandon , Rey Gustavo , Dunoyer Catalina , Vinters Harry V. , Resnick Trevor , Duchowny Michael
Published: September 2010

Purpose: Prenatal and perinatal adverse events are reported to have a pathogenetic role in focal cortical dysplasia (FCD). However, no data are available regarding the prevalence and significance of this association. A cohort of children with significant prenatal and perinatal brain injury and histologically proven mild malformations of cortical development (mMCD) or FCD was analyzed.

Methods: We retrospectively evaluated a surgical series of 200 patients with histologically confirmed mMCD/FCD. Combined historical and radiologic inclusion criteria were used to identify patients with prenatal and perinatal risk factors. Electroclinical, imaging, neuropsychological, surgical, histopathologic, and seizure outcome data were reviewed.

Results: Prenatal and perinatal insults including severe prematurity, asphyxia, bleeding, hydrocephalus, and stroke occurred in 12.5% of children with mMCD/FCD (n = 25). Their epilepsy was characterized by early seizure onset, high seizure frequency, and absence of seizure control. Patients with significant prenatal and perinatal risk factors had more abnormal neurologic findings, lower intelligence quotient (IQ) scores, and slower background EEG activity than mMCD/FCD subjects without prenatal or perinatal brain injury. MRI evidence of cortical malformations was identified in 74% of patients. Most patients underwent large multilobar resections or hemispherectomies; 54% were seizure‐free 2 years after surgery. Histologically “milder” forms of cortical malformations (mMCD and FCD type I) were observed most commonly in our series.

Conclusions: Surgically remediable low‐grade cortical malformations may occur in children with significant prenatally and perinatally acquired encephalopathies and play an important role in the pathogenesis of their epilepsy. Presurgical detection of dysplastic cortex has important practical consequences for surgical planning.
A longitudinal study of epilepsy in Kolkata, India
Authors: Banerjee Tapas Kumar , Ray Biman Kanti , Das Shyamal Kumar , Hazra Avijit , Ghosal Malay Kumar , Chaudhuri Arijit , Roy Trishit , Raut Deepak Kumar
Published: September 2010

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the prevalence, incidence, and mortality rates of epilepsy in the city of Kolkata, India. This is the first such longitudinal study in a heterogeneous urban Indian population.

Methods: A two‐stage door‐to‐door survey of a stratified random sample was undertaken within the municipal limits of Kolkata. Trained field workers detected and interviewed the cases using a simple screening questionnaire, and the detailed follow‐up was done by neurologists. The survey was conducted annually for five consecutive years from March 2003 through February 2008.

Results: A total of 52,377 (52.74% men) individuals were screened. There were 309 prevalent and 66 incident cases of active epilepsy. The prevalence and average annual incidence rate (AAIR) with 95% confidence interval (CI), age‐standardized to World Standard Population, were 572.8 (509.79–641.54) per 100,000 and 27.27 (21.03–34.80) per 100,000 per year, respectively. The age‐specific incidence rates of epilepsy showed bimodal distribution. During the 5‐year period, 20 cases of active epilepsy died. The average annual mortality rate (AAMR) was 7.63 (95% CI 4.45–11.26) per 100,000 population per year. Compared to the general population of Kolkata, the all‐cause standardized mortality ratio (SMR) for persons with epilepsy was 2.58 overall (men 3.67; women 1.77). There was no significant difference between slum and nonslum dwellers in epidemiologic parameters.

Conclusions: The AAIR of epilepsy is comparable to that observed in developed countries, but AAMR is higher. The all‐cause SMR for epilepsy relative to the general population is, however, similar to that of developed nations.
Two distinct regions in 2q24.2‐q24.3 associated with idiopathic epilepsy
Authors: Krepischi Ana Cristina Victorino , Knijnenburg Jeroen , Bertola Debora Romeo , Kim Chong Ae , Pearson Peter Lees , Bijlsma Emilia , Szuhai Karoly , Kok Fernando , Vianna‐Morgante Angela Maria , Rosenberg Carla
Published: September 2010

Approximately 50% of all carriers of 2q21‐q31 deletions present epileptic seizures. The band 2q24 constitutes the smallest commonly deleted segment in these patients, and contains the voltage‐gated sodium channel genes SCN1A and SCN2A, associated with Dravet syndrome and benign familial neonatal–infantile seizures, respectively. A further putative locus involving epilepsy in the region was previously identified through disruption of the SLC4A10 gene by translocation. In the course of performing high‐resolution DNA copy number analyses on syndromic mentally impaired individuals, we encountered three patients with overlapping deletions in chromosome region 2q24. Two of these patients exhibited epileptic seizures in addition to mental deficiency. The deletion in one of the epileptic patients did not include the SCN cluster, demonstrating that a less severe form of epilepsy maps to an adjacent genomic region. This second region comprises about 3 Mb and contains the candidate gene SLC4A10, providing further support for the potential role of this gene in epilepsy.
The EEG response to pyridoxine‐IV neither identifies nor excludes pyridoxine‐dependent epilepsy
Authors: Bok Levinus A. , Maurits Natasha M. , Willemsen Michèl A. , Jakobs Cornelis , Teune Laura K. , Poll‐The Bwee Tien , De Coo Irenaeus F. , Toet Mona C. , Hagebeuk Eveline E. , Brouwer Oebele F. , Van Der Hoeven Johannes H. , Sival Deborah A.
Published: September 2010

Purpose:  Pyridoxine‐dependent epilepsy (PDE) is characterized by therapy‐resistant seizures (TRS) responding to intravenous (IV) pyridoxine. PDE can be identified by increased urinary alpha‐aminoadipic semialdehyde (α‐AASA) concentrations and mutations in the ALDH7A1 (antiquitin) gene. Prompt recognition of PDE is important for treatment and prognosis of seizures. We aimed to determine whether immediate electroencephalography (EEG) alterations by pyridoxine‐IV can identify PDE in neonates with TRS.

Methods:  In 10 neonates with TRS, we compared online EEG alterations by pyridoxine‐IV between PDE (n = 6) and non‐PDE (n = 4). EEG segments were visually and digitally analyzed for average background amplitude and total power and relative power (background activity magnitude per frequency band and contribution of the frequency band to the spectrum).

Results:  In 3 of 10 neonates with TRS (2 of 6 PDE and 1 of 4 non‐PDE neonates), pyridoxine‐IV caused flattening of the EEG amplitude and attenuation of epileptic activity. Quantitative EEG alterations by pyridoxine‐IV consisted of (1) decreased central amplitude, p < 0.05 [PDE: median −30% (range −78% to −3%); non‐PDE: −20% (range −45% to −12%)]; (2) unaltered relative power; (3) decreased total power, p < 0.05 [PDE: −31% (−77% to −1%); −27% (−73% to −13%); −35% (−56% to −8%) and non‐PDE: −16% (−43% to −5%); −28% (−29% to −17%); −26% (−54% to −8%), in delta‐, theta‐ and beta‐frequency bands, respectively]; and (4) similar EEG responses in PDE and non‐PDE.

Discussion:  In neonates with TRS, pyridoxine‐IV induces nonspecific EEG responses that neither identify nor exclude PDE. These data suggest that neonates with TRS should receive pyridoxine until PDE is fully excluded by metabolic and/or DNA analysis.
An examination of the predictors of blood donors' intentions to donate during two phases of an avian influenza outbreak
Authors: Masser Barbara M. , White Katherine M. , Hamilton Kyra , McKimmie Blake M.
Published: September 2010

BACKGROUND: Data from prior health scares suggest that an avian influenza outbreak will impact on people's intention to donate blood; however, research exploring this is scarce. Using an augmented theory of planned behavior (TPB), incorporating threat perceptions alongside the rational decision‐making components of the TPB, the current study sought to identify predictors of blood donors' intentions to donate during two phases of an avian influenza outbreak.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Blood donors (n = 172) completed an on‐line survey assessing the standard TPB predictors as well as measures of threat perceptions from the health belief model (i.e., perceived susceptibility and severity). Path analyses examined the utility of the augmented TPB to predict donors' intentions to donate during a low‐ and high‐risk phase of an avian influenza outbreak.

RESULTS: In both phases, the model provided a good fit to the data explaining 69% (low risk) and 72% (high risk) of the variance in intentions. Attitude, subjective norm, and perceived susceptibility significantly predicted donor intentions in both phases. Within the low‐risk phase, sex was an additional significant predictor of intention, while in the high‐risk phase, perceived behavioral control was significantly related to intentions.

CONCLUSIONS: An augmented TPB model can be used to predict donors' intentions to donate blood in a low‐risk and a high‐risk phase of an outbreak of avian influenza. As such, the results provide important insights into donors' decision‐making that can be used by blood agencies to maintain the blood supply in the context of an avian influenza outbreak.
Successful Stenting of a Left Main Coronary Artery Occlusion as a Complication of RF Ablation for Wolff‐Parkinson‐White Syndrome
Authors: YALIN KIVANC , GOLCUK EBRU , BILGE AHMET KAYA , UMMAN SABAHATTIN , ADALET KAMIL
Published: September 2010

Wolff‐Parkinson‐White (WPW) syndrome is a disorder characterized by presence of an accessory pathway that predisposes patients to tachyarrhythmias and sudden death. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is both effective and safe for patients with symptomatic tachyarrhythmias mediated by accessory atrioventricular pathways. During the procedure, fatal complications may occur but it is considered low in relation to the morbidity associated with the WPW syndrome. Coronary artery occlusion, as a complication of an RF catheter ablation, is quite rare. In this report, we present a 56‐year‐old male patient with a left main coronary artery (LMCA) occlusion during the ablation of left anterolateral wall accessory pathway. It should be kept in mind if the patient complains of new onset of severe chest pain, an immediate angiography should be performed. PACE 2012; 35:e43–e46)
Ranolazine Safely Decreases Ventricular and Atrial Fibrillation in Timothy Syndrome (LQT8)
Authors: SHAH DIPAK P. , BAEZ‐ESCUDERO JOSE L. , WEISBERG IAN L. , BESHAI JOHN F. , BURKE MARTIN C.
Published: September 2010

Long QT eight (LQT8), otherwise known as Timothy syndrome (TS), is a genetic disorder causing hyper‐activation of the L‐type calcium channel Cav 1.2. This calcium load and the resultant increase in the QT interval provide the substrate for ventricular arrhythmias. We previously presented a case in a patient with TS who had a profound decrease in his burden of ventricular arrhythmias after institution of an L‐type calcium channel blocker. Although this patient's arrhythmia burden had decreased, he displayed an increasing burden of atrial fibrillation and still had bouts of ventricular fibrillation requiring defibrillator therapy. Basic research has recently shown that ranolazine, a multipotent ion‐channel blocker, may be of benefit in patients with LQT8 syndrome. This case report details the decrease of atrial fibrillation and ventricular fibrillation events in our LQT8 patient with the addition of ranolazine. (PACE 2010; 1–3)
Pseudo SVT in the Pacemaker Patient
Authors: MODI SIMON , BARKER DIANE , COOPER ROBERT , PATWALA ASH , HALL MARK
Published: September 2010

This is an interesting report of a supraventricular tachycardia in a paced patient with intermittent atrioventricular nodal block. Only electrophysiology testing revealed the correct diagnosis. Images explain how pacemaker timing cycles and refractory periods can confuse an otherwise straightforward diagnosis. (PACE 2010; 1–3)
Tintinnophagus acutus n. g., n. sp. (Phylum Dinoflagellata), an Ectoparasite of the Ciliate Tintinnopsis cylindrica Daday 1887, and Its Relationship to Duboscquodinium collini Grassé 1952
Authors: COATS D. WAYNE , KIM SUNJU , BACHVAROFF TSVETAN R. , HANDY SARA M. , DELWICHE CHARLES F.
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT. The dinoflagellate Tintinnophagus acutus n. g., n. sp., an ectoparasite of the ciliate Tintinnopsis cylindrica Daday, superficially resembles Duboscquodinium collini Grassé, a parasite of Eutintinnus fraknoii Daday. Dinospores of T. acutus are small transparent cells having a sharply pointed episome, conspicuous eyespot, posteriorly positioned nucleus with condensed chromosomes, and rigid form that may be supported by delicate thecal plates. Dinospores attach to the host via a feeding tube, losing their flagella, sulcus, and girdle to become spherical or ovoid cells. The trophont of T. acutus feeds on the host for several days, increasing dramatically in size before undergoing sporogenesis. Successive generations of daughter sporocytes are encompassed in an outer membrane or cyst wall, a feature not evident in trophonts. Tintinnophagus acutus differs from D. collini in host species, absence of a second membrane surrounding pre‐sporogenic stages, and failure to differentiate into a gonocyte and a trophocyte at the first sporogenic division. Phylogenetic analyses based on small subunit (SSU) ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences placed T. acutus and D. collini in the class Dinophyceae, with T. acutus aligned loosely with Pfiesteria piscicida and related species, including Amyloodinium ocellatum, a parasite of fish, and Paulsenella vonstoschii, a parasite of diatoms. Dubosquodinium collini nested in a clade composed of several Scrippsiella species and Peridinium polonicum. Tree construction using longer rDNA sequences (i.e. SSU through partial large subunit) strengthened the placement of T. acutus and D. collini within the Dinophyceae.
Evidence for Cryptic Speciation in Carchesium polypinum Linnaeus, 1758 (Ciliophora: Peritrichia) Inferred from Mitochondrial, Nuclear, and Morphological Markers
Authors: GENTEKAKI ELENI , LYNN DENIS H.
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT. Protist diversity is currently a much debated issue in eukaryotic microbiology. Recent evidence suggests that morphological and genetic diversity might be decoupled in some groups of protists, including ciliates, and that these organisms might be much more diverse than their morphology implies. We sought to assess the genetic and morphological diversity of Carchesium polypinum, a widely distributed peritrich ciliate. The mitochondrial marker cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and the nuclear small subunit ribosomal RNA were used to examine genetic diversity. For the morphological assessment, live microscopy and Protargol staining were used. The mitochondrial marker revealed six robust, deeply diverging, and strongly supported clades, while the nuclear gene was congruent for three of these clades. There were no major differences among individuals from the different clades in any of the morphological features examined. Thus, the underlying genetic diversity in C. polypinum is greater than what its morphology suggests, indicating that morphology and genetics are not congruent in this organism. Furthermore, because the clades identified by the mitochondrial marker are so genetically diverse and are confirmed by a conserved nuclear marker in at least three cases, we propose that C. polypinum be designated as a “cryptic species complex.” Our results provide another example where species diversity can be underestimated in microbial eukaryotes when using only morphological criteria to estimate species richness.
Cell Morphology and Formal Description of Ergobibamus cyprinoides n. g., n. sp., Another Carpediemonas‐Like Relative of Diplomonads
Authors: PARK JONG SOO , KOLISKO MARTIN , SIMPSON ALASTAIR G.B.
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT. About 20 new isolates of Carpediemonas‐like organisms (CLOs) have been reported since 2006. Small subunit rRNA gene phylogenies divide CLOs into six major clades: four contain described exemplars (i.e. Carpediemonas, Dysnectes, Hicanonectes, and Kipferlia), but two include only undescribed organisms. Here we describe a representative of one of these latter clades as Ergobibamus cyprinoides n. g., n. sp., and catalogue its ultrastructure. Ergobibamus cyprinoides is a bean‐shaped biflagellated cell, 7–11.5 μm long, with a conspicuous groove. Instead of classical mitochondria there are cristae‐lacking rounded organelles 300–400 nm in diameter. The posterior flagellum has a broad ventral vane and small dorsal vane. There are normally four basal bodies, two non‐flagellated. There is one anterior root (AR), containing six microtubules. The posterior flagellar apparatus follows the “typical excavate” pattern of a splitting right root supported by fibres “I,”“B,” and “A,” a “composite” fibre, a singlet root, and a left root (LR) with a “C” fibre. The B fibre originates against the LR—a synapomorphy of the taxon Fornicata—supporting the assignation of Ergobibamus to Fornicata, along with diplomonads, retortamonads, and other CLOs. Distinctive features of E. cyprinoides include the complexity of the AR, which is intermediate between Hicanonectes, and Carpediemonas and Dysnectes, and a dorsal extension of the C fibre.
Electrophoretic Karyotype Polymorphism of Sibling Species of the Paramecium aurelia Complex
Authors: NEKRASOVA IRINA V. , PRZYBOŚ EWA , RAUTIAN MARIA S. , POTEKHIN ALEXEY A.
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACT. Variability of karyotypes is one of the main mechanisms of speciation in organisms. Electrophoretic karyotypes of the macronucleus (MAC) obtained by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis were compared for 86 strains of all 15 sibling species of the Paramecium aurelia complex in order to determine if karyotype differences corresponded to biological species boundaries. Because the electrophoretic karyotype of the MAC reflects indirectly the frequency and distribution of fragmentation sites in the micronuclear (MIC) chromosomes, any change in MAC electrophoretic karyotype may be a marker of certain chromosomal mutations in the MIC. Thirteen main variants of electrophoretic MAC karyotypes were observed in this species complex. Ten of them appeared to correspond to biological species, while the three other variants characterized several species each. Intraspecific polymorphism was observed for several species: in some cases a certain variant of MAC karyotype was specific for all strains from the same part of the world. Distribution of the MAC karyotype variants along molecular phylogenetic trees of the P. aurelia complex shows that isolation of each species or group of species of this complex was accompanied by divergence in the molecular organization of the genome.
Influence of the Host Phase on the Vibrational Spectra of Europium‐Doped Zirconia Prepared by Hydrothermal Processing
Authors: Hemmer Eva , Soga Kohei , Konishi Tomoya , Watanabe Tomoaki , Taniguchi Takaaki , Mathur Sanjay
Published: September 2010

Nanocrystalline zirconia (ZrO2) powders doped with 0.5 up to 5 mol% europium (Eu3+) were prepared by hydrothermal process using ZrCl4 and EuCl3·6H2O as starting materials. Optical emission and vibrational properties of as‐prepared and calcined samples were investigated by phonon sideband (PSB), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) and photoluminescence spectroscopy as well as lifetime measurements. We found that the doping degree had a strong effect on the crystalline phase, m‐ and t‐ZrO2, of the host material, which also influenced on its shape and intensity of the PSB spectra. Residual water in the as‐prepared samples indicated by FT‐IR spectra induced water relating vibrations in the PSB spectra. The obtained PSB were compared with the peaks in the recorded FT‐IR spectra and related to the vibrational modes of m‐ and t‐ZrO2.
Ultra‐Low‐Fire Te2(Mo1−xWx)O7 Ceramics: Microstructure and Microwave Dielectric Properties
Authors: Wang Sea‐Fue , Wang Yuh‐Ruey , Hsu Yung‐Fu , Lu Hsi‐Chuan , Tsai Jung‐Shiung
Published: September 2010

The sintering temperatures of common microwave dielectric ceramics fall in the range between 1200° and 1500°C. In this study, prepared new microwave dielectric ceramics of Te2(Mo1−xWx)O7 showed a sintering temperature of 520°C. Only monoclinic (P21/c) Te2(Mo1−xWx)O7 phase was found in the X‐ray diffraction patterns after sintering, an observation further confirmed by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy results. Microstructures were composed of angular grains in the sizes of 2–5 μm. The microwave dielectric properties of pure Te2MoO7 and Te2(Mo0.95W0.05)O7 ceramics sintered at 520°C can be summarized as ɛr≈13.6, Q×f≈46 900 GHz, and τf≈−36.0 ppm/°C and ɛr≈13.9, Q×f≈25 820 GHz, and τf≈−12.8 ppm/°C.
Major Effects on Impulse Aging Behavior of ZnO–Pr6O11–CoO–Cr2O3–Er2O3 Varistor Ceramics with Small Sintering Changes
Authors: Nahm Choon‐W.
Published: September 2010

The impulse aging behavior of the ZnO–Pr6O11–CoO–Cr2O3–Er2O3 varistor ceramics was investigated at the sintering temperature of 1335°–1345°C. Small change in the sintering temperature significantly affected the initial electric field–current density (E–J) characteristics, which decreased from 2878 to 1839 V/cm in the breakdown field and from 70.4 to 48.3 in the nonlinear coefficient. The clamp voltage ratio (V1200A/V1mA) for impulse current (1200 A) increased from 2.48 to 2.63 with the increasing sintering temperature. The varistors sintered at 1335°C exhibited the best clamp characteristics. The varistor sintered at 1345°C exhibited the best electrical stability, with %ΔEB=−2.7%, %Δα=−11.8%, and %ΔJL=−6.7% after applying the multi‐impulse stress of 1200 A.
The Characterization of N Interstitials and Dangling Bond Point Defects on Ion‐Implanted GaN Nanowires Studied by Photoluminescence and X‐Ray Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Lee Kuo‐Hao , Chiou Jau‐Wern , Chen Jin‐Ming , Lee Jyh‐Fu , Braud Alain , Lorenz Katharina , Alves Eduardo , Chen In‐Gann
Published: September 2010

Photoluminescence and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurement were used to characterize the near‐band edge (NBE) emission intensity and electronic structure of as‐implanted GaN nanowires (NWs) that had been implanted with Eu ions to different fluences. The N K‐ and Ga L3‐edge of total electron yield XAS spectra showed the formation of N interstitials (Ni) and dangling bond (Ndb) point defects and the formation of metallic Ga layers on the surface of NWs. X‐ray diffraction, Ga K‐ and L3‐edge of total fluorescence yield XAS spectra consistently revealed the wurtzite structure of the as‐implanted NWs up to the highest fluence. The ratio of absorption intensity found in sp3 and sp2 environment and the NBE intensity were strongly affected by the implantation. It is suggested that the decrease of NBE intensity was closely related to the change from sp3 to sp2 environment. The absorption intensity ratio between the as‐grown and as‐implanted samples of Ndb and Ni was directly proportional to the fluences indicating that these defects are preferentially formed during implantation.
Two‐Step Sintering: An Approach to Broaden the Sintering Temperature Range of Alkaline Niobate‐Based Lead‐Free Piezoceramics
Authors: Fang Jian , Wang Xiaohui , Tian Zhibin , Zhong Caifu , Li Longtu , Zuo Ruzhong
Published: September 2010

In this paper, a typical Li‐ and Ta/Sb‐modified alkaline niobate‐based ceramics prepared by conventional sintering and two‐step sintering were investigated in terms of their phase transition behaviors and various properties. The phase structures of the ceramics sintered by conventional sintering shifted remarkably from a polymorphic phase transition (PPT) to a tetragonal symmetry with the increase of sintering temperature. However, the ceramics sintered by two‐step sintering maintained PPT over a wide sintering temperature range. Similar to that, the various properties of the ceramics sintered by conventional sintering are strongly dependent on sintering temperature and the ceramics with good properties can only be obtained in a narrow sintering temperature range, while the ceramics with excellent properties were obtained by two‐step sintering over a wide sintering temperature range. The results indicate that two‐step sintering is an effective way to broaden the sintering temperature range of (K, Na)NbO3‐based ceramics.
Samarium‐Doped Fluorochlorozirconate Glass–Ceramics as Red‐Emitting X‐Ray Phosphors
Authors: Koughia Cyril , Edgar Andy , Varoy Christopher R. , Okada Go , von Seggern Heinz , Belev George , Kim Chang‐Yong , Sammynaiken Ramaswami , Kasap Safa
Published: September 2010

We have examined the photoluminescence (PL) and X‐ray luminescence (XL) of fluorochlorozirconate (FCZ) glass–ceramics (FCZ‐GC) doped with Sm3+ and Sm2+ ions. Sm‐doped FCZ‐GCs have been prepared by annealing a ZBLAN glass of nominal composition 53% ZrF4, 20% NaF, 3% AlF3, 3% LaF3, 1% SmF3, 1% BaF2, 19% BaCl2 (mol%) above the glass transition of the host glass matrix. SmF3 was added to the initial glass mix for trivalent samarium doping. Sm2+ doping was achieved by reducing Sm3+ to Sm2+ during the melting of the initial mix by the addition of NaBH4. FCZ‐GC contains BaCl2 nanocrystals formed during the annealing with embedded Sm2+ ions, which dominate PL and XL. The PL of Sm2+ ions embedded in BaCl2 nanocrystals strongly depends on their crystal structure (hexagonal or orthorhombic) and may be used to identify that structure. The correlation of the PL spectra with X‐ray diffraction data is used to estimate the size of nanocrystals. The nanocrystals with average dimensions <∼30 nm are mainly hexagonal while larger crystals are mostly orthorhombic. XL is more efficient in glass–ceramics containing relatively large BaCl2 nanocrystals with hexagonal crystal structure.
Effect of Starting Particle Size and Oxygen Content on Densification of ZrB2
Authors: Thompson Matthew , Fahrenholtz William G. , Hilmas Greg
Published: September 2010

Zirconium diboride (ZrB2) ceramics were densified by pressureless sintering (PS), hot pressing, or spark plasma sintering (SPS) of powders with a range of starting particle sizes and oxygen contents. Microstructural analysis of the ZrB2 ceramics revealed a wide range of final grain sizes. SPS resulted in an average grain size as small as 1.6 μm after densification at 1900°C, while the largest grains, 31 μm, were produced by PS at 2100°C. Oxygen impurities in boride ceramics caused grain coarsening in all densification techniques, but inhibited full densification only for PS. Carbon was added to react with and remove oxygen impurities, which promoted densification, reduced ZrB2 grain size, and led to increased room‐temperature flexure strengths. The highest strength was 527 MPa for SPS ZrB2, while the lowest strength was measured for pressurelessly sintered ZrB2, 300 MPa. Overall, SPS was the superior technique for providing the highest strength and greatest ability to remove oxygen.
A Framework for Estimating Probability of a Match in Forensic Bite Mark Identification*,†
Authors: Tuceryan Mihran , Li Fang , Blitzer Herbert L. , Parks Edwin T. , Platt Jeffrey A.
Published: September 2010

Abstract:  In forensic dentistry, a human expert typically does the comparison and identification based on bite marks. Unlike DNA analysis, however, there is no quantitative basis with which to assign a probability for this given match. This paper proposes a framework for empirically estimating the probability of such a bite mark match and reports on initial experimental results. The methodology involved collection of dental population data (3D dental casts and bite mark images), image analysis for quantitatively measuring the degree of match (based on chamfer distance), and performing a logistic regression analysis using the collected population data to estimate the probability of match from the calculated degree of match. The model correctly predicted 35 of the 42 matches and 585 of the 588 mismatches. The method also has potential for use in other forensic applications in which the assignment of quantitative probabilities is important.
Mismatched Multiplex PCR Amplification and Subsequent RFLP Analysis to Simultaneously Identify Polymorphisms of ErythrocyticESD,GLO1, andGPTGenes*
Authors: Pang Hao , Ding Ye , Li Yan , Wang Lizhi , Tian Xiaofei , Wang Baojie , Ding Mei
Published: September 2010

Abstract: ESD(esterase D),GLO1(glyoxalase I), andGPT(glutamate pyruvate transaminase) are human erythrocytic isoenzymes and have previously been applied in forensic medicine caseworks. The molecular bases of the polymorphic gene expression products have been demonstrated to be because of SNPs in respective coding regions. However, it has not been revealed whether the SNPs conferring the polymorphisms to the aforementioned erythrocytic isoenzymes could be simultaneously detected by using a simple PCR method. In this study, we used mismatched primers to simultaneously amplify three common isoenzyme loci so that all amplified products contained the sameHphI cleavage sites. The products were then digested withHphI and electrophoretically separated and stained so that alleles were identified. The accumulated values for the probability of discrimination power and excluding the probability of paternity to the aforementioned systems attained 90.41% and 41.72%, respectively, in the Chinese Han population. This assay could be extremely valuable for future forensic medicine practices.
Serotonin and fluoxetine receptors are expressed in enamel organs and LS8 cells and modulate gene expression in LS8 cells
Authors: Riksen Elisabeth A. , Stunes Astrid K. , Kalvik Anne , Gustafsson Björn I. , Snead Malcolm L. , Syversen Unni , Lyngstadaas Ståle P. , Reseland Janne E.
Published: September 2010

Riksen EA, Stunes AK, Kalvik A, Gustafsson BI, Snead ML, Syversen U, Lyngstadaas SP, Reseland JE. Serotonin and fluoxetine receptors are expressed in enamel organs and LS8 cells and modulate gene expression in LS8 cells. Eur J Oral Sci 2010; 118: 566–573. © 2010 Eur J Oral Sci

The selective serotonin re‐uptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine is widely used in the treatment of depression in children and fertile women, but its effect on developing tissues has been sparsely investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate if enamel organs and ameloblast‐derived cells express serotonin receptors that are affected by peripherally circulating serotonin or fluoxetine. Using RT‐PCR and western blot analysis we found that enamel organs from 3‐d‐old mice and ameloblast‐like cells (LS8 cells) express functional serotonin receptors, the rate‐limiting enzyme in serotonin synthesis (Thp1), as well as the serotonin transporter (5HTT), indicating that enamel organs and ameloblasts are able to respond to serotonin and regulate serotonin availability. Fluoxetine and serotonin enhanced the alkaline phosphatase activity in the cell culture medium from cultured LS8 cells, whereas the expression of enamelin (Enam), amelogenin (Amel), and matrix metalloproteinase‐20 (MMP‐20) were all significantly down‐regulated. The secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP‐1), and interferon‐inducible protein 10 (IP‐10) was also reduced compared with controls. In conclusion, enamel organs and ameloblast‐like cells express functional serotonin receptors. Reduced transcription of enamel proteins and secretion of vascular factors may indicate possible adverse effects of fluoxetine on amelogenesis.