bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INTERCONNECTEDNESS AND RESILIENCE OF THE U.S. ECONOMY
Authors: XU MING , ALLENBY BRAD R. , CRITTENDEN JOHN C.
Published: August 2011

An economy consists of interconnected sectors which are specialized in producing different products or providing particular services. We study the interconnectedness of the U.S. economy using a network approach, finding that sectors are highly clustered in this "economy network" and play different roles in facilitating the transactions within the economy. When it comes to resilience of the economy as a whole, however, all sectors play different but nontrivial roles by facilitating alternative input–output routes when a crisis occurs in single or multiple sectors. Diversity in sectors' specialties appears to be the truly important characteristic that keeps the economy functional when facing internal and external challenges.
RECONSTRUCTION OF EPSILON-MACHINES IN PREDICTIVE FRAMEWORKS AND DECISIONAL STATES
Authors: BRODU NICOLAS
Published: August 2011

This article introduces both a new algorithm for reconstructing epsilon-machines from data, as well as the decisional states. These are defined as the internal states of a system that lead to the same decision, based on a user-provided utility or pay-off function. The utility function encodes some a priori knowledge external to the system, it quantifies how bad it is to make mistakes. The intrinsic underlying structure of the system is modeled by an epsilon-machine and its causal states. The decisional states form a partition of the lower-level causal states that is defined according to the higher-level user's knowledge. In a complex systems perspective, the decisional states are thus the "emerging" patterns corresponding to the utility function. The transitions between these decisional states correspond to events that lead to a change of decision. The new REMAPF algorithm estimates both the epsilon-machine and the decisional states from data. Application examples are given for hidden model reconstruction, cellular automata filtering, and edge detection in images.
SEQUENCE-BASED ENZYME CATALYTIC DOMAIN PREDICTION USING CLUSTERING AND AGGREGATED MUTUAL INFORMATION CONTENT
Authors: CHOI KWANGMIN , KIM SUN
Published: August 2011

Characterizing enzyme sequences and identifying their active sites is a very important task. The current experimental methods are too expensive and labor intensive to handle the rapidly accumulating protein sequences and structure data. Thus accurate, high-throughput in silico methods for identifying catalytic residues and enzyme function prediction are much needed. In this paper, we propose a novel sequence-based catalytic domain prediction method using a sequence clustering and an information-theoretic approaches. The first step is to perform the sequence clustering analysis of enzyme sequences from the same functional category (those with the same EC label). The clustering analysis is used to handle the problem of widely varying sequence similarity levels in enzyme sequences. The clustering analysis constructs a sequence graph where nodes are enzyme sequences and edges are a pair of sequences with a certain degree of sequence similarity, and uses graph properties, such as biconnected components and articulation points, to generate sequence segments common to the enzyme sequences. Then amino acid subsequences in the common shared regions are aligned and then an information theoretic approach called aggregated column related scoring scheme is performed to highlight potential active sites in enzyme sequences. The aggregated information content scoring scheme is shown to be effective to highlight residues of active sites effectively. The proposed method of combining the clustering and the aggregated information content scoring methods was successful in highlighting known catalytic sites in enzymes of Escherichia coli K12 in terms of the Catalytic Site Atlas database. Our method is shown to be not only accurate in predicting potential active sites in the enzyme sequences but also computationally efficient since the clustering approach utilizes two graph properties that can be computed in linear to the number of edges in the sequence graph and computation of mutual information does not require much time. We believe that the proposed method can be useful for identifying active sites of enzyme sequences from many genome projects.
Synthesis and characterization of high molecular weight phthalocyanine-PPV copolymers through post-polymerization functionalization
Authors: Cid Juan-José , Duchateau Jan , Van Severen Ineke , Ganivet Carolina R. , de la Torre Gema , Vázquez Purificación , Cleij Thomas , Lutsen Laurence , Vanderzande Dirk , Torres Tomás
Published: August 2011

High molecular weight poly(p-phenylenenevinylene) PPV copolymers laterally substituted with zinc (II) phthalocyanines ( Zn(II)Pc -PPV 1 and 2) have been synthesized by means of post-polymerization functionalization reactions through DCC-mediated esterifications between hydroxy-phthalocyanines 4 and 6 and carboxy-bearer PPV copolymers, comprising 2-methoxy-5-(3,7-dimethyloctyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene (MDMO-PPV) and 1,4-(2-(5-carboxypentyloxy)-5-methoxyphenylenevinylene (CPM-PPV) units in a 9:1 (3) and 1:1 (5) ratio, respectively. The resulting copolymer 1 contains a 7 mol % of Pc molecules, while copolymer 2, which is isolated as the soluble fraction of the reaction with the starting 1:1 copolymer (namely having around 50% of COOH -containing monomeric units), holds a 9 mol % of zinc(II) phthalocyanines. 1 and 2 were fully characterized by 1H NMR, UV-vis and FT-IR spectroscopies.
SIZE EFFECTS IN PEROVSKITE FERROELECTRIC NANOSTRUCTURES: CURRENT PROGRESS AND FUTURE PERSPECTIVES
Authors: ZHU XINHUA , LIU ZHIGUO
Published: August 2011

Perovskite ferroelectric nanostructures offer a wide range of functional properties (e.g., dielectric switchability, piezoelectricity, pyroelectricity, high permittivities and strong electro-optic effects), which have received much attention in the fields of microelectronic devices miniaturization over the last few years. Pronounced size effects of the functional properties have been demonstrated in the perovskite ferroelectric nanostructures. Besides its intrinsic scientific value, fundamental understanding of the size effects in perovskite ferroelectric nanostructures has become critical item for developing a new generation of revolutionary nanodevices. In this article, a comprehensive review of the state-of-the-art research progress on the size effects in perovskite ferroelectric nanostructures which have been achieved from both experiment and theory is provided. It begins with a historical perspective of the size effects in perovskite ferroelectrics, and then highlight the recent progress on the theoretical studies of the size effects in perovskite ferroelectric nanostructures which have been achieved by using different numerical approaches (e.g., phenomenological approaches, first-principle computations and the Ising model in a transverse field). The current progress of the experimental testing of the size effects in perovskite ferroelectric nanostructures (e.g., nanoparticles, nanowires, nanotubes and nanofilms) is summarized. Finally, the perspectives toward the future challenges of the size effects in perovskite ferroelectric nanostructures is reviewed.
Temperature Dependent Emission of Strontium-Barium Orthosilicate (Sr2−xBax)SiO4:Eu2+ Phosphors for High-Power White Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Baginskiy I. , Liu R. S. , Wang C. L. , Lin R.T. , Yao Y. J.
Published: August 2011

Samples of (Sr1.9−xBax)SiO4:Eu0.1 were synthesized by a solid-state reaction. The maximum emission intensity under 460 nm excitation was obtained at a Ba content, x, of 1.6. All Sr1.9−xBaxSiO4:Eu0.1 samples except for Ba1.9SiO4:Eu0.1 exhibited a temperature-driven blue-shift of the emission band. The thermostability of emission in (Sr1.9−xBax)SiO4:Eu0.1 depended strongly on the Ba/Sr ratio. The thermal quenching temperature reached its maximum at a Ba concentration x of 1.2–1.6 and was much lower for Ba1.9SiO4:Eu2+
0.1.
Aldosterone stimulates vacuolar H+-ATPase activity in renal acid-secretory intercalated cells mainly via a protein kinase C-dependent pathway
Authors: Winter Christian , Kampik Nicole B. , Vedovelli Luca , Rothenberger Florina , Păunescu Teodor G. , Stehberger Paul A. , Brown Dennis , John Hubert , Wagner Carsten A.
Published: August 2011

Urinary acidification in the collecting duct is mediated by the activity of H+-ATPases and is stimulated by various factors including angiotensin II and aldosterone. Classically, aldosterone effects are mediated via the mineralocorticoid receptor. Recently, we demonstrated a nongenomic stimulatory effect of aldosterone on H+-ATPase activity in acid-secretory intercalated cells of isolated mouse outer medullary collecting ducts (OMCD). Here we investigated the intracellular signaling cascade mediating this stimulatory effect. Aldosterone stimulated H+-ATPase activity in isolated mouse and human OMCDs. This effect was blocked by suramin, a general G protein inhibitor, and GP-2A, a specific Gαq inhibitor, whereas pertussis toxin was without effect. Inhibition of phospholipase C with U-73122, chelation of intracellular Ca2+ with BAPTA, and blockade of protein kinase C prevented the stimulation of H+-ATPases. Stimulation of PKC by DOG mimicked the effect of aldosterone on H+-ATPase activity. Similarly, aldosterone and DOG induced a rapid translocation of H+-ATPases to the luminal side of OMCD cells in vivo. In addition, PD098059, an inhibitor of ERK1/2 activation, blocked the aldosterone and DOG effects. Inhibition of PKA with H89 or KT2750 prevented and incubation with 8-bromoadenosine-cAMP mildly increased H+-ATPase activity. Thus, the nongenomic modulation of H+-ATPase activity in OMCD-intercalated cells by aldosterone involves several intracellular pathways and may be mediated by a Gαq protein-coupled receptor and PKC. PKA and cAMP appear to have a modulatory effect. The rapid nongenomic action of aldosterone may participate in the regulation of H+-ATPase activity and contribute to final urinary acidification.
Purinergic regulation of high-glucose-induced caspase-1 activation in the rat retinal Müller cell line rMC-1
Authors: Trueblood Katherine E. , Mohr Susanne , Dubyak George R.
Published: August 2011

Chronic activation of proinflammatory caspase-1 in the retinas of diabetic animals and patients in vivo and retinal Müller cells in vitro is well documented. In this study we characterized how elevated glucose and extracellular purines contribute to the activation of caspase-1 in a cultured rat Müller cell (rMC-1) model. The ability of high glucose (25 mM, 24 h) to activate caspase-1 was attenuated by either apyrase, which metabolizes extracellular ATP to AMP, or adenosine deaminase (ADA), which metabolizes extracellular adenosine to inosine. This suggested that autocrine stimulation of ATP-sensing P2 receptors and adenosine-sensing P1 receptors may in part mediate the response to high glucose. Exogenous ATP, 5′- N-ethylcarboxamido-adenosine (NECA), a nonselective P1 receptor agonist, or forskolin (FSK) increased caspase-1 activity in rMC-1 cells cultured in control glucose (5 mM) medium. Accumulation of active caspase-1 was also increased by dipyridamole, which suppresses adenosine reuptake. High-glucose stimulation of caspase-1 was attenuated by suramin, a nonselective P2 antagonist, or A2 adenosine receptor antagonists, but not by antagonism of P2X7 ATP-gated ion channel receptors. Although high glucose increased P2X7 mRNA, neither P2X7 protein nor function was detected in rMC-1 cells. The increased caspase-1 activity stimulated by high glucose, FSK, NECA, or ATP was correlated with increased gene expression of caspase-1 and thioredoxin-interacting-protein (TXNIP). These findings support a novel role for autocrine P1 and P2 purinergic receptors coupled to cAMP signaling cascades and transcriptional induction of caspase-1 in mediating the high-glucose-induced activation of caspase-1 and secretion of IL-1β in a cell culture model of nonhematopoietic retinal Müller cells.
Ion channels and transporters in cancer. 6. Vascularizing the tumor: TRP channels as molecular targets
Authors: Pla Alessandra Fiorio , Avanzato Daniele , Munaron Luca , Ambudkar Indu S.
Published: August 2011

Tumor vascularization is a critical process that determines tumor growth and metastasis. In the last decade new experimental evidence obtained from in vitro and in vivo studies have challenged the classical angiogenesis model forcing us to consider new scenarios for tumor neovascularization. In particular, the genetic stability of tumor-derived endothelial cells (TECs) has been recently questioned in several studies, which show that TECs, as well as pericytes, differ significantly from their normal counterparts at genetic and functional levels. In addition to such an epigenetic action of tumor microenvironment on endothelial cells (ECs) commitment, the distinct characteristics of TECs could be due to differences in their origin compared with preexisting differentiated ECs. Intracellular Ca2+ signals are involved at different critical phases in the regulation of the complex process of angiogenesis and tumor progression. These signals are generated by a wide variety of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Several key components of Ca2+ signaling including Ca2+ channels in the plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum, calcium pumps, and mitochondria contribute to the generation, amplitude, and frequency of these Ca2+ change. In particular, several members of the transient receptor potential (TRP) family of calcium-permeable channels have profound effects on the function of ECs. Because of its multifaceted role in the control of cell function, proliferation, and motility, TRP channels have been suggested as a potential molecular target for control of tumor neovascularization. Since plasma membrane Ca2+ channels are easily and directly accessible via the bloodstream, they are potential targets for a number of pharmacological and antibody-targeted therapeutic strategies, with specificity being the main limitation. In this review we discuss recent advances in understanding the role of Ca2+ channels, with specific reference to TRP channels, in tumor vascularization process.
Ammonia excretion via Rhcg1 facilitates Na+uptake in larval zebrafish, Danio rerio, in acidic water
Authors: Kumai Yusuke , Perry Steve F.
Published: August 2011

The involvement of a Na+/H+exchanger (NHE) in mediating Na+uptake by freshwater fish is currently debated. Although supported indirectly by empirical molecular and pharmacological data, theoretically its operation should be constrained thermodynamically, owing to unfavorable chemical gradients. Recently, there has been an increasing focus on ammonia channels (Rh proteins) as potentially contributing to Na+uptake across the freshwater fish gill. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that Rhcg1, a specific apical isoform of Rh protein, is critically important in facilitating Na+uptake in zebrafish larvae via its interaction with NHE. Treating larvae (4 days postfertilization) with 5-( N-ethyl- N-isopropyl) amiloride (EIPA), an inhibitor of NHE, caused a significant reduction in Na+uptake in fish reared in acidic water (pH ∼ 4.0). A role for NHE in Na+uptake was further confirmed by translational knockdown of NHE3b, an isoform of NHE thought to be responsible for Na+/H+exchange in zebrafish larvae. Exposing the larvae reared in acidic water to 5 mM external ammonium sulfate or increasing the buffering capacity of the water with 10 mM HEPES caused concurrent reductions in ammonia excretion and Na+uptake. Furthermore, translational knockdown of Rhcg1 significantly reduced ammonia excretion and Na+uptake in larvae chronically (4 days) or acutely (24 h) exposed to acidic water. Unlike in sham-injected larvae, EIPA did not affect Na+uptake in fish experiencing Rhcg1 knockdown. Additionally, exposure of larvae to bafilomycin A1 (an inhibitor of H+-ATPase) significantly reduced Na+uptake in fish reared in acidic water. These observations suggest the existence of multiple mechanisms of Na+uptake in larval zebrafish in acidic water: one in which Na+uptake via NHE3b is linked to ammonia excretion via Rhcg1, and another facilitated by H+-ATPase.
Renal oxidative stress, oxygenation, and hypertension
Authors: Palm Fredrik , Nordquist Lina
Published: August 2011

Hypertension is closely associated with progressive kidney dysfunction, manifested as glomerulosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis, proteinuria, and eventually declining glomerular filtration. The postulated mechanism for development of glomerulosclerosis is barotrauma caused by increased capillary pressure, but the reason for development of interstitial fibrosis and the subsequently reduced kidney function is less clear. However, it has been hypothesized that tissue hypoxia induces fibrogenesis and progressive renal failure. This is very interesting, since recent reports highlight several different mechanisms resulting in altered oxygen handling and availability in the hypertensive kidney. Such mechanisms include decreased renal blood flow due to increased vascular tone induced by ANG II that limits oxygen delivery and increases oxidative stress, resulting in increased mitochondrial oxygen usage, increased oxygen usage for tubular electrolyte transport, and shunting of oxygen from arterial to venous blood in preglomerular vessels. It has been shown in several studies that interventions to prevent oxidative stress and to restore kidney tissue oxygenation prevent progression of kidney dysfunction. Furthermore, inhibition of ANG II activity, by either blocking ANG II type 1 receptors or angiotensin-converting enzyme, or by preventing oxidative stress by administration of antioxidants also results in improved blood pressure control. Therefore, it seems likely that tissue hypoxia in the hypertensive kidney contributes to progression of kidney damage, and perhaps also persistence the high blood pressure.
A major role for the EP4 receptor in regulation of renin
Authors: Facemire Carie S. , Nguyen Mytrang , Jania Leigh , Beierwaltes William H. , Kim Hyung-Suk , Koller Beverly H. , Coffman Thomas M.
Published: August 2011

Prostaglandins have been implicated as paracrine regulators of renin secretion, but the specific pathways and receptor(s) carrying out these functions have not been fully elucidated. To examine the contributions of prostanoid synthetic pathways and receptors to regulation of renin in the intact animal, we used a panel of mice with targeted disruption of several key genes: cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), microsomal PGE synthases 1 and 2 (mPGES1, mPGES2), EP2 and EP4 receptors for PGE2, and the IP receptor for PGI2. To activate the macula densa signal for renin stimulation, mice were treated with furosemide over 5 days and renin mRNA levels were determined by real-time RT-PCR. At baseline, there were no differences in renin mRNA levels between wild-type and the various strains of mutant mice. Furosemide caused marked stimulation of renin mRNA expression across all groups of wild-type control mice. This response was completely abrogated in the absence of COX-2, but was unaffected in mice lacking mPGES1 or mPGES2. The absence of Gs/cAMP-linked EP2 receptors had no effect on stimulation of renin by furosemide and there was only a modest, insignificant reduction in renin responses in mice lacking the IP receptor. By contrast, renin stimulation in EP4−/− mice was significantly reduced by ∼70% compared with wild-type controls. These data suggest that stimulation of renin by the macula densa mechanism is mediated by PGE2 through a pathway requiring COX-2 and the EP4 receptor, but not EP2 or IP receptors. Surprisingly, mPGES1 or mPGES2 are not required, suggesting other alternative mechanisms for generating PGE2 in response to macula densa stimulation.
Nitric oxide-induced regulation of renal organic cation transport after renal ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Schneider R. , Meusel M. , Betz B. , Kersten M. , Möller-Ehrlich K. , Wanner C. , Koepsell H. , Sauvant C.
Published: August 2011

Renal organic cation transporters are downregulated by nitric oxide (NO) in rat endotoxemia. NO generated by inducible NO synthase (iNOS) is substantially increased in the renal cortex after renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Therefore, we investigated the effects of iNOS-specific NO inhibition on the expression of the organic cation transporters rOct1 and rOct2 (Slc22a1 and Slc22a2, respectively) after I/R injury both in vivo and in vitro. In vivo, N6-(1-iminoethyl)-l-lysine (l-NIL) completely inhibited NO generation after I/R injury. Moreover, l-NIL abolished the ischemia-induced downregulation of rOct1 and rOct2 as determined by qPCR and Western blotting. Functional evidence was obtained by measuring the fractional excretion (FE) of the endogenous organic cation serotonin. Concordant with the expression of the rate-limiting organic cation transporter, the FE of serotonin decreased after I/R injury and was totally abolished by l-NIL. In vitro, ischemia downregulated both rOct1 and rOct2, which were also abolished by l-NIL; the same was true for the uptake of the organic cation MPP. We showed that renal I/R injury downregulates rOct1 and rOct2, which is most probably mediated via NO. In principle, this may be an autocrine effect of proximal tubular epithelial cells. We conclude that rOct1, or rOct1 and rOct2 limit the rate of the renal excretion of serotonin.
Speeding of V̇o2 kinetics during moderate-intensity exercise subsequent to heavy-intensity exercise is associated with improved local O2 distribution
Authors: Murias Juan M. , Spencer Matthew D. , DeLorey Darren S. , Gurd Brendon J. , Kowalchuk John M. , Paterson Donald H.
Published: August 2011

The relationship between the adjustment of muscle deoxygenation (Δ[HHb]) and phase II VO2p during moderate-intensity exercise was examined before (Mod 1) and after (Mod 2) a bout of heavy-intensity “priming” exercise. Moderate intensity VO2p and Δ[HHb] kinetics were determined in 18 young males (26 ± 3 yr). VO2p was measured breath-by-breath. Changes in Δ[HHb] of the vastus lateralis muscle were measured by near-infrared spectroscopy. VO2p and Δ[HHb] response profiles were fit using a monoexponential model, and scaled to a relative % of the response (0–100%). The Δ[HHb]/V̇o2 ratio for each individual (reflecting the local matching of O2 delivery to O2 utilization) was calculated as the average Δ[HHb]/V̇o2 response from 20 s to 120 s during the exercise on-transient. Phase II τVO2p was reduced in Mod 2 compared with Mod 1 ( P < 0.05). The effective τ′Δ[HHb] remained the same in Mod 1 and Mod 2 ( P > 0.05). During Mod 1, there was an “overshoot” in the Δ[HHb]/V̇o2 ratio (1.08; P < 0.05) that was not present during Mod 2 (1.01; P > 0.05). There was a positive correlation between the reduction in the Δ[HHb]/V̇o2 ratio and the smaller τVO2p from Mod 1 to Mod 2 ( r = 0.78; P < 0.05). This study showed that a smaller τVO2p during a moderate bout of exercise subsequent to a heavy-intensity priming exercise was associated with improved microvascular O2 delivery during the on-transient of exercise, as suggested by a smaller Δ[HHb]/V̇o2 ratio.
Combining transcranial direct current stimulation and neuroimaging: novel insights in understanding neuroplasticity
Authors: Venkatakrishnan Anusha , Sandrini Marco
Published: August 2011

In recent years, noninvasive brain stimulation techniques like transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) have gained immense popularity owing to their effects on modulating cortical activity and consequently motor and cognitive performance. However, the neurophysiology underlying such neuroplastic changes is less understood. This article critically evaluates the contemporary approach of combined tDCS and neuroimaging as a means to provide novel insights in understanding the neurophysiological and neuroplastic processes modulated by this brain stimulation technique. We end by briefly suggesting further lines of inquiry.
Low-magnesium medium induces epileptiform activity in mouse olfactory bulb slices
Authors: Igelström Kajsa M. , Shirley Cristina H. , Heyward Philip M.
Published: August 2011

Magnesium-free medium can be used in brain slice studies to enhance glutamate receptor function, but this manipulation causes seizure-like activity in many cortical areas. The rodent olfactory bulb (OB) slice is a popular preparation, and potentially ictogenic ionic conditions have often been used to study odor processing. We studied low Mg2+-induced epileptiform discharges in mouse OB slices using extracellular and whole cell electrophysiological recordings. Low-Mg2+ medium induced two distinct types of epileptiform activity: an intraglomerular delta-frequency oscillation resembling slow sniff-induced activity and minute-long seizure-like events (SLEs) consisting of large negative-going field potentials accompanied by sustained depolarization of output neurons. SLEs were dependent on N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors and sodium currents and were facilitated by α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate receptors. The events were initiated in the glomerular layer and propagated laterally through the external plexiform layer at a slow time scale. Our findings confirm that low-Mg2+ medium should be used with caution in OB slices. Furthermore, the SLEs resembled the so-called slow direct current (DC) shift of clinical and experimental seizures, which has recently been recognized as being of great clinical importance. The OB slice may therefore provide a robust and unique in vitro model of acute seizures in which mechanisms of epileptiform DC shifts can be studied in isolation from fast oscillations.
Pre- and postsynaptic properties of glutamatergic transmission in the immature inhibitory MNTB-LSO pathway
Authors: Case Daniel T. , Gillespie Deda C.
Published: August 2011

The lateral superior olive (LSO) integrates excitatory inputs driven by sound arriving at the ipsilateral ear with inhibitory inputs driven by sound arriving at the contralateral ear in order to compute interaural intensity differences needed for localizing high-frequency sound sources. Specific mechanisms necessary for developmental refinement of the inhibitory projection, which arises from the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB), have only been partially deciphered. The demonstration that immature MNTB-LSO synapses release glutamate has led to a model in which early glutamate neurotransmission plays a major role in inhibitory plasticity. We used whole cell electrophysiology in acute auditory brain stem slices of neonatal rats to examine glutamatergic transmission in the developing MNTB-LSO pathway. Unexpectedly, AMPA receptor (AMPAR)-mediated responses were prevalent at the earliest ages. We found a salient developmental profile for NMDA receptor (NMDAR) activation, described both by the proportion of total glutamate current and by current durations, and we found evidence for distinct release probabilities for GABA/glycine and glutamate in the MNTB-LSO pathway. The developmental profile of NMDAR is consistent with the possibility that the inhibitory MNTB-LSO pathway experiences a sensitive period, driven by cochlear activity and mediated by GluN2B-containing NMDARs, between postnatal days 3 and 9. Differing neurotransmitter release probabilities could allow the synapse to switch between GABA/glycinergic transmission and mixed glutamate/GABA/glycinergic transmission in response to changing patterns of spiking activity.
Inhibition of spinal cord dorsal horn neuronal activity by electrical stimulation of the cerebellar cortex
Authors: Hagains Christopher E. , Senapati Arun K. , Huntington Paula J. , He Ji-Wei , Peng Yuan B.
Published: August 2011

The cerebellum plays a major role in not only modulating motor activity, but also contributing to other functions, including nociception. The intermediate hemisphere of the cerebellum receives sensory input from the limbs. With the extensive connection between the cerebellum to brain-stem structures and cerebral cortex, it is possible that the cerebellum may facilitate the descending system to modulate spinal dorsal horn activity. This study provided the first evidence to support this hypothesis. Thirty-one wide-dynamic-range neurons from the left lumbar and 27 from the right lumbar spinal dorsal horn were recorded in response to graded mechanical stimulation (brush, pressure, and pinch) at the hind paws. Electrical stimulation of the cerebellar cortex of the left intermediate hemisphere significantly reduced spinal cord dorsal horn neuron-evoked responses bilaterally in response to peripheral high-intensity mechanical stimuli. It is concluded that the cerebellum may play a potential antinociceptive role, probably through activating descending inhibitory pathways indirectly.
Permanent central synaptic disconnection of proprioceptors after nerve injury and regeneration. I. Loss of VGLUT1/IA synapses on motoneurons
Authors: Alvarez Francisco J. , Titus-Mitchell Haley E. , Bullinger Katie L. , Kraszpulski Michal , Nardelli Paul , Cope Timothy C.
Published: August 2011

Motor and sensory proprioceptive axons reinnervate muscles after peripheral nerve transections followed by microsurgical reattachment; nevertheless, motor coordination remains abnormal and stretch reflexes absent. We analyzed the possibility that permanent losses of central IA afferent synapses, as a consequence of peripheral nerve injury, are responsible for this deficit. VGLUT1 was used as a marker of proprioceptive synapses on rat motoneurons. After nerve injuries synapses are stripped from motoneurons, but while other excitatory and inhibitory inputs eventually recover, VGLUT1 synapses are permanently lost on the cell body (75–95% synaptic losses) and on the proximal 100 μm of dendrite (50% loss). Lost VGLUT1 synapses did not recover, even many months after muscle reinnervation. Interestingly, VGLUT1 density in more distal dendrites did not change. To investigate whether losses are due to VGLUT1 downregulation in injured IA afferents or to complete synaptic disassembly and regression of IA ventral projections, we studied the central trajectories and synaptic varicosities of axon collaterals from control and regenerated afferents with IA-like responses to stretch that were intracellularly filled with neurobiotin. VGLUT1 was present in all synaptic varicosities, identified with the synaptic marker SV2, of control and regenerated afferents. However, regenerated afferents lacked axon collaterals and synapses in lamina IX. In conjunction with the companion electrophysiological study [Bullinger KL, Nardelli P, Pinter MJ, Alvarez FJ, Cope TC. J Neurophysiol (August 10, 2011). doi:10.1152/jn.01097.2010], we conclude that peripheral nerve injuries cause a permanent retraction of IA afferent synaptic varicosities from lamina IX and disconnection with motoneurons that is not recovered after peripheral regeneration and reinnervation of muscle by sensory and motor axons.
Permanent central synaptic disconnection of proprioceptors after nerve injury and regeneration. II. Loss of functional connectivity with motoneurons
Authors: Bullinger Katie L. , Nardelli Paul , Pinter Martin J. , Alvarez Francisco J. , Cope Timothy C.
Published: August 2011

Regeneration of a cut muscle nerve fails to restore the stretch reflex, and the companion paper to this article [Alvarez FJ, Titus-Mitchell HE, Bullinger KL, Kraszpulski M, Nardelli P, Cope TC. J Neurophysiol (August 10, 2011). doi:10.1152/jn.01095.2010] suggests an important central contribution from substantial and persistent disassembly of synapses between regenerated primary afferents and motoneurons. In the present study we tested for physiological correlates of synaptic disruption. Anesthetized adult rats were studied 6 mo or more after a muscle nerve was severed and surgically rejoined. We recorded action potentials (spikes) from individual muscle afferents classified as IA like (*IA) by several criteria and tested for their capacity to produce excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in homonymous motoneurons, using spike-triggered averaging (STA). Nearly every paired recording from a *IA afferent and homonymous motoneuron (93%) produced a STA EPSP in normal rats, but that percentage was only 17% in rats with regenerated nerves. In addition, the number of motoneurons that produced aggregate excitatory stretch synaptic potentials (eSSPs) in response to stretch of the reinnervated muscle was reduced from 100% normally to 60% after nerve regeneration. The decline in functional connectivity was not attributable to synaptic depression, which returned to its normally low level after regeneration. From these findings and those in the companion paper, we put forward a model in which synaptic excitation of motoneurons by muscle stretch is reduced not only by misguided axon regeneration that reconnects afferents to the wrong receptor type but also by retraction of synapses with motoneurons by spindle afferents that successfully reconnect with spindle receptors in the periphery.
A Cool Channel in Cold Transduction
Authors: Latorre Ramón , Brauchi Sebastián , Madrid Rodolfo , Orio Patricio
Published: August 2011

Transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8), a calcium-permeable cation channel activated by cold, cooling compounds and voltage, is the main molecular entity responsible for detection of cold temperatures in the somatosensory system. Here, we review the biophysical properties, physiological role, and near-membrane trafficking of this exciting polymodal ion channel.
erbB2Overexpression in Uterine Serous Cancer: A Molecular Target for Trastuzumab Therapy
Authors: ElSahwi Karim S. , Santin Alessandro D.
Published: August 2011

Endometrial cancer is the most common female genital tract malignancy in the United States. Type I endometrial cancer is usually diagnosed at an early stage, and has a good prognosis. Type II is very aggressive, and is responsible for most uterine cancer relapses and deaths. Uterine serous adenocarcinomas (USC) constitute the majority of Type II variants. They have a higher propensity for lymph node and distant metastases. They are frequently aneuploid and associated with p53 mutations. erbB2 overexpression in USC has been described. The incidence, which is higher in African Americans, ranges from 18–80%. erbB2 overexpression was found to be associated with higher stage, chemoresistance, and worse survival. Trastuzumab a humanized mAb was approved by the FDA for treatment of breast cancers that overexpress erbB2 in combination with standard chemotherapy. Evidence of trastuzumab activity in USC has been reported in vitro, as well as in case reports of advanced and recurrent cases. Promising results were obtained in these heavily pretreated patients either with trastuzumab alone or in combination with chemotherapy. This supports the hypothesis that trastuzumab may very well be an attractive and viable treatment option for advanced stage USC tumors that overexpress the erbB2, and is worthy of further study.
Comparative Effects ofα-,β-, andγ-Carbolines on Platelet Aggregation and Lipid Membranes
Authors: Tsuchiya Hironori
Published: August 2011

Cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption possibly affect platelet functions. To verify the hypothesis that someα-,β-, andγ-carboline components in cigarette smoke and alcoholic beverages may change platelet aggregability, their effects on human platelets were determined by aggregometry together with investigating their membrane effects by turbidimetry. Carbolines inhibited platelet aggregation induced by five agents with the potency being 3-amino-1,4-dimethyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole > 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole > 1-methyl-9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole. The most potent 3-amino-1,4-dimethyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole showed 50% aggregation-inhibitory concentrations of 6–172 μM. Bothγ-carbolines interacted with phosphatidylcholine membranes to lower the lipid phase transition temperature with the potency correlating to the antiplatelet activity, suggesting that the interaction with platelet membranes to increase their fluidity underlies antiplatelet effects. Given their possible concentration and accumulation in platelets,γ- andβ-carbolines would provide cigarette smokers and alcohol drinkers with reduced platelet aggregability, and they may be responsible for the occurrence of hemorrhagic diseases associated with heavy smoking and alcoholics.
Involvement of Activating NK Cell Receptors and Their Modulation in Pathogen Immunity
Authors: Marras Francesco , Bozzano Federica , De Maria Andrea
Published: August 2011

Natural Killer (NK) cells are endowed with cell‐structure‐sensing receptors providing inhibitory protection from self‐destruction (inhibitory NK receptors, iNKRs, including killer inhibitory receptors and other molecules) and rapid triggering potential leading to functional cell activation by Toll‐like receptors (TLRs), cytokine receptors, and activating NK cell receptors including natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs, i.e., NKp46, NKp46, and NKp44). NCR and NKG2D recognize ligands on infected cells which may be endogenous or may directly bind to some structures derived from invading pathogens. In this paper, we address the known direct or indirect interactions between activating receptors and pathogens and their expression during chronic HIV and HCV infections.
Noninvasive Remote Sensing Techniques for Infrastructures Diagnostics
Authors: Palombo Angelo , Pignatti Stefano , Perrone Angela , Soldovieri Francesco , Stabile Tony Alfredo , Pascucci Simone
Published: August 2011

The present paper aims at analyzing the potentialities of noninvasive remote sensing techniques used for detecting the conservation status of infrastructures. The applied remote sensing techniques are ground-based microwave radar interferometer and InfraRed Thermography (IRT) to study a particular structure planned and made in the framework of the ISTIMES project (funded by the European Commission in the frame of a joint Call “ICT and Security” of the Seventh Framework Programme). To exploit the effectiveness of the high-resolution remote sensing techniques applied we will use the high-frequency thermal camera to measure the structures oscillations by high-frequency analysis and ground-based microwave radar interferometer to measure the dynamic displacement of several points belonging to a large structure. The paper describes the preliminary research results and discusses on the future applicability and techniques developments for integrating high-frequency time series data of the thermal imagery and ground-based microwave radar interferometer data.
Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma Metastatic to the Thyroid, Presenting Like Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Pollak Natasha , Renner Gregory J. , Miick Ronald , Frazier Shellaine R.
Published: August 2011

Metastasis of uterine cancer to the head and neck is extremely rare. We report what we believe to be the first documented case of endometrioid adenocarcinoma metastasizing to the thyroid gland. An 80-year-old woman was referred to the otolaryngology service with a rapidly growing neck mass. The mass appeared to originate from the thyroid gland. Her clinical presentation was consistent with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. A tracheostomy was performed. An open biopsy established the diagnosis of moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma, consistent with a gynecologic primary. The patient had undergone a hysterectomy 5 years prior for endometrioid adenocarcinoma. The thyroid tumor histology and immunophenotype corresponded well with her prior endometrial carcinoma, indicating that the thyroid mass was a metastasis from the endometrial primary. Radiotherapy appears to offer good local disease control in this rare case of endometrioid adenocarcinoma metastatic to the thyroid.
Multidisciplinary Approach to a Recovery Plan of Historical Buildings
Authors: Orlando Luciana
Published: August 2011

The paper emphasizes the advantages of employing multiple data techniques—geology, GPS, surveys of cracking, boreholes, seismic refraction and electrical resistivity tomography—to image the shallow stratigraphy and hypothesize the cause of instability of an urban area. The study is focused on the joint interpretation of the crack pattern, topographic monitoring and the features of the underground, to define the area affected by instability and the direction of ground motion with the objective to advance a hypothesis on the cause of the instability of the area and to depict the main features. Borehole stratigraphies for a univocal interpretation of the lithology of electrical and seismic data and electrical resistivity tomography to constrain the interpretation of the lateral velocity variations and thickness of seismic bedrock were used. The geophysical surveys reveals to be complementary in the depicting of underground features. The study is approached at small and medium scale.
Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography in Diffuse Unilateral Subacute Neuroretinitis
Authors: Garcia Filho Carlos Alexandre de A. , Soares Ana Claudia Medeiros de A. G. , Penha Fernando Marcondes , Garcia Carlos Alexandre de Amorim
Published: August 2011

Purpose. To describe the SD-OCT findings in patients with diffuse unilateral subacute neuroretinitis (DUSN) and evaluate CRT and RNFL thickness.Methods. Patients with clinical diagnosis of DUSN who were submitted to SD-OCT were included in the study. Complete ophthalmologic examination and SD-OCT were performed. Cirrus scan strategy protocols used were macular cube, optic nerve head cube, and HD-5 line raster.Results. Eight patients with DUSN were included. Mean RNFL thickness was 80.25 μm and 104.75 μm for affected and normal eyes, respectively. Late stage had mean RNFL thickness of 74.83 μm compared to 96.5 μm in early stage. Mean CMT was 205.5 μm for affected eyes and 255.13 μm for normal fellow eyes.Conclusion. RNFL and CMT were thinner in DUSN eyes compared to normal eyes. Late-stage disease had more pronounced thinning compared to early-stage patients. This thinning in RNFL and CMT may reflect the low visual acuity in patients with DUSN.
SILS Incisional Hernia Repair: Is It Feasible in Giant Hernias? A Report of Three Cases
Authors: Barbaros Umut , Demirel Tugrul , Sumer Aziz , Deveci Ugur , Tukenmez Mustafa , Cansunar Mehmet Ibrahim , Kalayci Murat , Dİnccag Ahmet , Seven Ridvan , Mercan Selcuk
Published: August 2011

Aim. Three incisional ventral abdominal wall hernias were repaired by placing a 20 × 30 cm composite mesh via single incision of 2 cm.
Methods. All three cases had previous operations and presented with giant incisional defects clinically. The defects were repaired laparoscopically via single incision with the placement of a composite mesh of 20 × 30 cm. Nonabsorbable sutures were needed to hang and fix the mesh only in the first case. Double-crown technique was used in all of the cases to secure the mesh to the anterior abdominal wall.
Results. The mean operation time was 120 minutes. The patients were mobilized and led for oral intake at the first postoperative day. No morbidity occurred.
Conclusion. Abdominal incisional hernias can be repaired via single incision with a mesh application in experienced centers.
Acute Haematogenous Metacarpal Osteomyelitis in Children: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Colomina Morales Jordi , Soria Villegas Laura , Monllau García Joan Carles
Published: August 2011

Metatarsal osteomyelitis in children is a very uncommon disease, and this can make diagnosis difficult leading to a delay in treatment that can cause complications like brachymetacarpia or loss of function. We present an infant affected by granulomatous chronic disease with acute haematogenous osteomyelitis of the fourth metacarpal.Serratia marcescenswas found to be the pathogenic agent. Treatment was antibiotics and debridement. Bone healed with little length discrepancy but functional result was normal.
Extensive Bilateral Extraluminal Perivascular Pulmonary Haemorrhage Associated with Stanford Type A Aortic Dissection
Authors: Reid Angeline , Stride Peter , Hunter Jonathan , Liew Katerina , Wood T. , Seleem Mostafa
Published: August 2011

We present the case of an 80-year old man with a Stanford Type A dissecting thoracic aortic aneurysm plus the unusual CT finding of extramural haemorrhage along the pulmonary vessels. The clinical and radiological picture has an extremely high mortality
A Wide Lock-Range Referenceless CDR with Automatic Frequency Acquisition
Authors: Lee Seon-Kyoo , Kim Young-Sang , Park Hong-June , Sim Jae-Yoon
Published: August 2011

A wide lock-range referenceless CDR circuit is proposed with an automatic tracking of data rate. For efficient frequency acquisition, a DLL-based loop is used with a simple phase/frequency detector to extract 1-bit period of input data stream. The CDR, implemented in a 65 nm CMOS, shows a lock range of 650 Mb/s-to-8 Gb/s and BER of less than 10-12at 8 Gb/s with low power consumption.
Electrochemical Capacitance DNA Sensing at Hairpin-Modified Au Electrodes
Authors: Rivera-Gandía Joel , del Mar Maldonado Maria , De La Torre-Meléndez Yarimar , Ortiz-Quiles Edwin O. , Vargas-Barbosa Nella M. , Cabrera Carlos R.
Published: August 2011

An interfacial capacitance measurement electrochemical technique has been used for the sensing of self-assembled DNA hairpin probes (M. tuberculosisandB. anthracis) attached to Au electrodes. The double-layer capacitance (Cdl) was determined with electrochemical perturbations from 0.2 V to 0.5 V versus Ag/AgCl at a Au/M. tuberculosisDNA hairpin probe at surface coverage Au electrodes. The capacitance study was done at pH 7, which was necessary to maintain theM. tuberculosis and B. anthracisDNA probes closed during the electrochemical perturbation. Detailed experimental analysis carried out by repetitively switching the electrochemical potential between 0.2 and 0.5 V (versus Ag/AgCl) strongly supports the use of capacitance measurements as a tool to detect the hybridization of DNA targets. A large change in the capacitance deference between 0.2 and 0.5 V was observed in the DNA hybridization process. Therefore, no fluorophores or secondary transducers were necessary to sense a DNA target for both DNA hairpins.
Positive Solution to a Fractional Boundary Value Problem
Authors: Guezane-Lakoud A. , Khaldi R.
Published: August 2011

A fractional boundary value problem is considered. By
means of Banach contraction principle, Leray‐Schauder nonlinear alternative,
properties of the Green function, and Guo‐Krasnosel′skii fixed point
theorem on cone, some results on the existence, uniqueness, and positivity
of solutions are obtained.
On Categories of Fuzzy Petri Nets
Authors: Srivastava Arun K. , Tiwari S. P.
Published: August 2011

We introduce the concepts of fuzzy Petri nets and marked fuzzy Petri nets along with their appropriate morphisms, which leads to two categories of such Petri nets. Some aspects of the internal structures of these categories are then explored, for example, their reflectiveness/coreflectiveness and symmetrical monoidal closed structure.
Clopidogrel-Induced Neutropenia after Coronary Stenting: Is Cilostazol a Good Alternative?
Authors: Montalto Massimo , Porto Italo , Gallo Antonella , Camaioni Claudia , Della Bona Roberta , Grieco Antonio , Crea Filippo , Landolfi Raffaele
Published: August 2011

Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin plus thienopyridines has become the standard treatment of patients undergoing coronary stenting. Clopidogrel has mostly replaced the use of ticlopidine due to its more favourable adverse event profile. However, also the use of clopidogrel is not without side effects. Clopidogrel major adverse events are represented by marrow suppression, manifesting with aplastic anaemia, thrombocytopenia and neutropenia. When clopidogrel toxicity occurs, there are few and unsubstantiated alternative treatments and thus, in these cases, medical decisions may be very difficult. We report a case of clopidogrel-induced bone marrow toxicity manifesting with severe neutropenia in a patient treated with multiple coronary stents and provide suggestions for an alternative treatment.