bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compliance-induced adherens junction formation in epithelial cells and tissues is regulated by JNK
Authors: You Hui , Padmashali Roshan , Ranganathan Aishwarya , Lei Pedro , Girnius Nomeda , Davis Roger J. , Andreadis Stelios T.
Published: April 2013

We demonstrate that JNK responds to substrate stiffness and regulates AJ formation in epithelial cells in 2D cultures and in 3D tissues in vitro and in vivo. Rigid substrates led to JNK activation and AJ disassembly, while soft matrices suppressed JNK activity leading to AJ formation. Expression of constitutively active JNK (MKK7-JNK1) induced AJ dissolution even on soft substrates, while JNK knockdown (shJNK) induced AJ formation even on hard substrates. In human epidermis, basal cells expressed phosphorylated (p)-JNK but lacked AJ, while suprabasal keratinocytes contained strong AJ but lacked p-JNK. AJ formation was significantly impaired even in the upper suprabasal layers of bioengineered epidermis when prepared with stiffer scaffold or MKK7-JNK1 expressing keratinocytes. In contrast, shJNK1 or shJNK2 epidermis exhibited strong AJ even in the basal layer. The results with bioengineered epidermis were in full agreement with the epidermis of jnk1−/− or jnk2−/− mice. In conclusion, we propose that JNK mediates the effects of substrate stiffness on AJ formation in 2D and 3D context in vitro as well as in vivo.
Aging and its modulation in a long-lived worker caste of the honey bee
Authors: Münch Daniel , Kreibich Claus D. , Amdam Gro V.
Published: April 2013

Highly social animals provide alternative aging models in which vastly different lifespan patterns are flexible, and linked to social caste. Research in these species aims to reveal how environment, including social cues, can shape the transition between short-lived and extremely long-lived phenotypes with negligible senescence. Among honey bee workers, short to intermediate lifespans are typical for summer castes, while the winter caste can live up to 10 times longer. For summer castes, experimental interventions could predictably accelerate, slow or revert functional senescence. In contrast, little is known about the partic ular conditions under which periods of negligible senescence in winter castes can be disrupted or sustained. We asked how manipulation of social environment in colonies with long-lived winter bees might alter the pace of functional senescence, measured as learning performance, as well as of cellular senescence, measured as lipofuscin accumulation. We show that behavioral senescence becomes rapidly detectable when the winter state is disrupted, and changes in social task behaviors and social environment (brood) are induced. Likewise, we found that cellular senescence was induced by such social intervention. However, cellular senescence showed marked regional differences, suggesting that particular brain regions age slower than others. Finally, by preventing post-winter colonies from brood rearing, behavioral senescence became undetectable, even after transition to the usually short-lived phenotypes had occurred. We envision that social regulation of negligible functional senescence and highly dynamic accumulation of a universal symptom of cellular aging (lipofuscin) offers rewarding perspectives to target proximate mechanisms of slowed aging.
Letter: Mass Spectrometric Approach of High pH- and Copper-Induced Glutathione Oxidation
Authors: Drochioiu Gabi , Ion Laura , Ciobanu Catalina , Habasescu Laura , Mangalagiu Ionel
Published: April 2013

The interaction between copper ions and γ-L-glutamyl–L-cysteinyl–glycine [glutathione (GSH)] molecules may lead to the formation of the physiologically occurring Cu(I)–[GSH]2 and Cu(II)–GSSG complexes. Since glutathione depletion in neurons and aberrant copper metabolism have been implicated in several neurodegenerative disorders, we studied here the interaction of GSH with copper ions (Cu2+) by electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectrometry (ESI-IT-MS). Besides, we extended this approach to pH in excess of 10 by adding ethanolamine to the solution being investigated. As a result, the ESI-IT-MS spectra revealed novel aspects regarding the speciation of copper–glutathione complex.
Fragmentation Characterization and Differentiation of Isomeric Diglycosyl Flavonoids Using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Electrospray Ionization Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Tandem Mass Spectrometry in Negative Ion Mode
Authors: Guo Xuefeng , Yue Yongde , Tang Feng , Sun Jia , Wang Jin , Yao Xi , Xun Hang
Published: April 2013

Flavonoids exhibit a wide range of biological activities and the fragmentation characterization and differentiation of isomeric diglycosyl flavonoids is an important area of research. In this study, ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry was used to identify two pairs of isomeric diglycosyl flavonoids: naringin/narirutin and neohesperidin/hesperidin. The two pairs of flavonoids were identified by product ion tandem mass spectra of the precursor ions [M – H]−. The results showed that characteristic product ions distinguishing flavonoids glycosylated with rhamnosyl-(α1 α 2)-glucosyl from isomeric flavonoids glycosylated with rhamnosyl-(α1 α 6)-glucosyl were the precursor ion [M – H]− and its characteristic product ions Y0− and [0,2X0 – H]−.
A Thiophene-Containing Compound as a Matrix for Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Mass Spectrometry and the Electrical Conductivity of Matrix Crystals
Authors: Yasuda Akikazu , Ishimaru Takayuki , Nishihara Shogo , Sakai Masamichi , Kawasaki Hideya , Arakawa Ryuichi , Shigeri Yasushi
Published: April 2013

The electrical conductivity of the matrix crystal might be a new factor to enhance matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) sensitivity. In MALDI-MS, several compounds are used as a standard matrix. Utilization of such compounds is based on an a posteriori approach, but there is no theoretical guidance for selecting a matrix. In an attempt to further understand performance in MALDI-MS, we utilized peptide detection for random screening of a chemical library (12,383 compounds) for compounds with matrix functions in MALDI-MS. A lot of thiophene compounds were found to be a matrix, in which 2-[5-(2,4-dichlorobenzoyl)-2-thienyl] acetic acid (DCBTA) provided an important clue to measure the electrical conductivity of the matrix crystal, because the structure of DCBTA is analogous to conductive polymers and organic solar cells. Most of the crystals of standard matrices, such as α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA), 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxycinnamic acid [sinapinic acid, (SA)], and DCBTA showed electrical conductivity, whereas the conductivity of crystal was not observed in 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,5-DHB). On the other hand, super-DHB using 2-hydroxy-5-methoxybenzoic acid [5-methoxysalicylic acid, (MSA)] as an additive to 2,5-DHB, improved the electrical conductivity of the crystal, that followed the enhancement of peak intensity in MS spectrum. These observations might indicate that the electrical conductivity of matrix crystals is a key consideration in obtaining efficient MALDI performance.
Contemporary evaluation for medical ultrasound teachers
Authors: Colebourn Claire , Jones Linda
Published: April 2013

Modern critical care practice is increasingly making use of ultrasound to improve bedside diagnostics and enhance patient safety. Physician teachers and mentors therefore need access to mechanisms that maintain learning and professional development of ultrasound learners. We present an exploratory assessment of Distance Travelled Analysis, a novel form of continuous cyclical evaluation used in the context of a Fellowship in Critical Care Echocardiography and a practical guide to applying it to your practice. We adapted the qualitative process of ‘Distance Travelled Analysis’ from vocational education to construct the evaluation tool. We used the tool to collect primary data from the Echo Fellow over a five-month period. The quality and trustworthiness of the subjective primary data-set was triangulated using reflective conversations, spontaneous positive storytelling, face-to-face questionnaires and a summative assessment. Distance Travelled Analysis successfully translated onto the study curriculum, offering purposeful and active evaluation. The tool was able to identify a critical incident and alerted stakeholders to negative change allowing contemporaneous rather than post hoc action. An unexpected finding was that the evaluation tool significantly impacted both learner and mentor creating active learning exchange. The study findings expose the importance of reflective conversation as a balancing component of Distance Travelled Analysis. This qualitative work lends weight to the potential for continuous evaluation in high stakes curricula. The process of Distance Travelled Analysis could offer curriculum evaluators an agile alternative to traditional retrospective evaluation methods, preventing evaluation from being too little too late.
Value of Claudin-4 Immunostaining in the Diagnosis of Mesothelioma
Authors: Ordóñez Nelson G.
Published: April 2013

Claudin-4 (CL-4) is a tight junction–associated protein that is expressed in most epithelial cells but absent in mesothelial cells. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the utility of CL-4 immunostaining for assisting in the differential diagnosis of mesothelioma. Sixty mesotheliomas (40 epithelioid, 10 biphasic, and 10 sarcomatoid), 185 carcinomas of different origins that can potentially be confused with mesotheliomas, 37 soft-tissue sarcomas, and 5 melanomas were investigated for CL-4 expression. All 60 mesotheliomas were CL-4 negative. In contrast, 169 (91%) of 185 carcinomas expressed this marker. Five of 8 desmoplastic small round cell tumors and the epithelial component of all 5 biphasic synovial sarcomas were CL-4 positive, whereas none of the remaining soft-tissue sarcomas or melanomas expressed this marker. It is concluded that CL-4 is a highly specific and sensitive immunohistochemical marker for assisting in distinguishing epithelioid mesotheliomas from metastatic carcinomas to the serosal membranes.
Comparison of Automated Differential Blood Cell Counts From Abbott Sapphire, Siemens Advia 120, Beckman Coulter DxH 800, and Sysmex XE-2100 in Normal and Pathologic Samples
Authors: Meintker Lisa , Ringwald Jürgen , Rauh Manfred , Krause Stefan W.
Published: April 2013

Reliable automated blood cell characterization and quantification remain challenging in pathologic samples, whereas slide reviews due to unnecessary flagging should be avoided. We compared 4 modern hematology analyzers—Abbott Sapphire, Siemens Advia 120, Sysmex XE-2100, and Beckman Coulter DxH 800—regarding complete blood cell count (CBC), leukocyte differential count, and flagging efficacy in a total of 202 samples from hematology patients and normal controls. Manual differential count was used as reference. The analyzers exhibited very good correlation for CBC parameters. Neutrophils and eosinophils also showed very good correlations, whereas lymphocytes and monocytes correlated fairly. The Advia 120 displayed notably lower measurements for both parameters, which is attributable to classification of some events as large unstained cells. Basophil counts were unreliable with all analyzers. Flagging for blasts and immature granulocytes showed moderate sensitivity and specificity. Operators must not rely on blast flagging alone to detect leukemic samples with any analyzer.
A Subset of Rosai-Dorfman Disease Exhibits Features of IgG4-Related Disease
Authors: Zhang Xuefeng , Hyjek Elizabeth , Vardiman James
Published: April 2013

In this study we investigated the distribution of IgG4+ plasma cells and regulatory T (TREG) cells, a major regulator of IgG4 production, in nodal and extranodal Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD). Twenty-six specimens (15 nodal, 11 extranodal) were examined, with reactive lymph nodes and site-matched extranodal specimens as controls. Overall, 84.6% (22/26) of the specimens showed various degrees of sclerosis (7 mild, 8 moderate, and 7 severe). Nineteen cases (73.1%) exhibited more than 10 IgG4+ cells/0.060 mm2 (photographed area at ×40), and 8 cases (30.8%) showed more than 40% of IgG+ cells being IgG4+. Only 1 control case exhibited more than 10 IgG4+ cells/0.060 mm2 (P < .05). The number of TREG cells was comparable between nodal RDD and controls, whereas extranodal RDD exhibited significantly higher numbers of TREG cells than controls. These findings demonstrate that a subset of RDD shows features of IgG4-related disease and indicate an overlap between certain aspects of the 2 diseases.
The Usefulness of Blast Flags on the Sysmex XE-5000 Is Questionable
Authors: Eilertsen Heidi , Vøllestad Nina K. , Hagve Tor-Arne
Published: April 2013

Hematology analyzers generate suspect flags that involve microscopic reviews to confirm the presence of pathologic cells. This study investigated the reliability of the blast flag in a side-by-side evaluation of 3 Sysmex XE-5000 instruments (Sysmex, Kobe, Japan). The repeatability of the Q values reported by each instrument for 10 replicates of the same blood samples was low (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] values, 0.62–0.74). The reproducibility of the Q values obtained by analyzing 408 samples on all 3 instruments was reasonable (ICC value, 0.85). In addition, a systematic difference was observed among the instruments in the level of reported Q values. With cutoff commonly being 100, the observed reproducibility of the blast flagging among the instruments was evaluated as poor (κ = 0.73). Based on the observed low performances, we question the usefulness of the Q value as a predictor of blasts and whether a blast flag reported by the XE-5000 is sufficient as a criterion for performing a microscopic review.
Value Stream Mapping of the Pap Test Processing Procedure
Authors: Michael Claire W. , Naik Kalyani , McVicker Michael
Published: April 2013

We developed a value stream map (VSM) of the Papanicolaou test procedure to identify opportunities to reduce waste and errors, created a new VSM, and implemented a new process emphasizing Lean tools. Preimplementation data revealed the following: (1) processing time (PT) for 1,140 samples averaged 54 hours; (2) 27 accessioning errors were detected on review of 357 random requisitions (7.6%); (3) 5 of the 20,060 tests had labeling errors that had gone undetected in the processing stage. Four were detected later during specimen processing but 1 reached the reporting stage. Postimplementation data were as follows: (1) PT for 1,355 samples averaged 31 hours; (2) 17 accessioning errors were detected on review of 385 random requisitions (4.4%); and (3) no labeling errors were undetected. Our results demonstrate that implementation of Lean methods, such as first-in first-out processes and minimizing batch size by staff actively participating in the improvement process, allows for higher quality, greater patient safety, and improved efficiency.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Rapid Progressors in Early HIV Infection Identifies a Signature Closely Correlated with Disease Progression
Authors: Zhang Zi-Ning , Xu Jun-Jie , Fu Ya-Jing , Liu Jing , Jiang Yong-Jun , Cui Hua-Lu , Zhao Bin , Sun Hong , He You-Wen , Li Qi-Jing , Shang Hong
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND

A substantial percentage (10%–15%) of HIV-infected individuals experience a sharp decline in CD4+ T-cell counts and progress to AIDS quickly after primary infection. Identification of biomarkers distinguishing rapid progressors (RPs) vs chronic progressors (CPs) is critical for early clinical intervention and could provide novel strategies to facilitate vaccine design and immune therapy.

METHODS

mRNA and microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of RPs and CPs were investigated at 111 (22) days [mean (SD)] of HIV infection. The association of mRNA and miRNA expression with disease progression was examined by ROC analysis and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis.

RESULTS

Pathway enrichment analysis showed that genes with deregulated expression in RPs were primarily involved in apoptosis pathways. Furthermore, we found that 5 miRNAs (miR-31, −200c, −526a, −99a, and −503) in RPs were significantly decreased compared to those in CPs (P < 0.05). The decreased expression of these miRNAs was associated with a rapid disease of progression of HIV infection with a 94% predictive value as measured by the area under the curve. The upregulated predicted targets from the 5 signature miRNAs and all upregulated genes identified from mRNA microarray analysis converged to the apoptosis pathway. Moreover, overexpression of miR-31 in primary human T cells promoted their survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results have identified a distinct transcriptomic signature in PBMCs of RPs and provided novel insights to the pathogenesis of HIV infection.
Deficit in Long-Term Synaptic Plasticity Is Rescued by a Computationally Predicted Stimulus Protocol
Authors: Liu Rong-Yu , Zhang Yili , Baxter Douglas A. , Smolen Paul , Cleary Leonard J. , Byrne John H.
Published: April 2013

Mutations in the gene encoding CREB-binding protein (CBP) cause deficits in long-term plasticity, learning, and memory. Here, long-term synaptic facilitation (LTF) atAplysiasensorimotor synapses in cell culture was used as a model system to investigate methods for overcoming deficits in LTF produced by a CBP knockdown. Injecting CBP–siRNA into individual sensory neurons reduced CBP levels and impaired LTF produced by a standard protocol of five 5-min pulses of serotonin (5-HT) delivered at 20 min interstimulus intervals. A computational model, which simulated molecular processes underlying LTF induction, predicted a rescue protocol of five pulses of 5-HT at non-uniform interstimulus intervals that overcame the consequences of reduced CBP and restored LTF. These results suggest that complementary empirical and computational studies can identify methods for ameliorating impairments of learning attributable to molecular lesions.
WDR81 Is Necessary for Purkinje and Photoreceptor Cell Survival
Authors: Traka Maria , Millen Kathleen J. , Collins Devon , Elbaz Benayahu , Kidd Grahame J. , Gomez Christopher M. , Popko Brian
Published: April 2013

The gene encoding the WD repeat-containing protein 81 (WDR81) has recently been described as the disease locus in a consanguineous family that suffers from cerebellar ataxia, mental retardation, and quadrupedal locomotion syndrome (CAMRQ2). Adult mice from theN-ethyl-N-nitrosourea-induced mutant mouse linenur5display tremor and an abnormal gait, as well as Purkinje cell degeneration and photoreceptor cell loss. We have used polymorphic marker mapping to demonstrate that affectednur5mice carry a missense mutation, L1349P, in theWdr81gene. Moreover, homozygousnur5mice that carry a wild-typeWdr81transgene are rescued from the abnormal phenotype, indicating thatWdr81is the causative gene innur5. WDR81 is expressed in Purkinje cells and photoreceptor cells, among other CNS neurons, and like the human mutation, thenur5modification lies in the predicted major facilitator superfamily domain of the WDR81 protein. Electron microscopy analysis revealed that a subset of mitochondria in Purkinje cell dendrites of the mutant animals displayed an aberrant, large spheroid-like structure. Moreover, immunoelectron microscopy and analysis of mitochondrial-enriched cerebellum fractions indicate that WDR81 is localized in mitochondria of Purkinje cell neurons. Because thenur5mouse mutant demonstrates phenotypic similarities to the human disease, it provides a valuable genetic model for elucidating the pathogenic mechanism of theWDR81mutation in CAMRQ2.
MicroRNAs Regulate Human Brain Endothelial Cell-Barrier Function in Inflammation: Implications for Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Reijerkerk Arie , Lopez-Ramirez M. Alejandro , van het Hof Bert , Drexhage Joost A.R. , Kamphuis Wouter W. , Kooij Gijs , Vos Joost B. , van der Pouw Kraan Tineke C.T.M. , van Zonneveld Anton J. , Horrevoets Anton J. , Prat Alexandre , Romero Ignacio A. , de Vries Helga E.
Published: April 2013

Blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction is a major hallmark of many neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). Using a genomics approach, we defined a microRNA signature that is diminished at the BBB of MS patients. In particular, miR-125a-5p is a key regulator of brain endothelial tightness and immune cell efflux. Our findings suggest that repair of a disturbed BBB through microRNAs may represent a novel avenue for effective treatment of MS.
In VivoSynaptic Scaling Is Mediated by GluA2-Lacking AMPA Receptors in the Embryonic Spinal Cord
Authors: Garcia-Bereguiain Miguel Angel , Gonzalez-Islas Carlos , Lindsly Casie , Butler Ellie , Hill Atlantis Wilkins , Wenner Peter
Published: April 2013

When spiking activity within a network is perturbed for hours to days, compensatory changes in synaptic strength are triggered that are thought to be important for the homeostatic maintenance of network or cellular spiking activity. In one form of this homeostatic plasticity, called synaptic scaling, all of a cell's AMPAergic miniature postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) are increased or decreased by some scaling factor. Although synaptic scaling has been observed in a variety of systems, the mechanisms that underlie AMPAergic scaling have been controversial. Certain studies find that synaptic scaling is mediated by GluA2-lacking calcium receptors (CP-AMPARs), whereas others have found that scaling is mediated by GluA2-containing calcium-impermeable receptors (CI-AMPARs). Spontaneous network activity is observed in most developing circuits, and in the spinal cord this activity drives embryonic movements. Blocking spontaneous network activity in the chick embryo by infusing lidocainein vivotriggers synaptic scaling in spinal motoneurons; here we show that AMPAergic scaling occurs through increases in mEPSC conductance that appear to be mediated by the insertion of GluA2-lacking AMPA receptors at the expense of GluA2-containing receptors. We have previously reported thatin vivoblockade of GABAAtransmission, at a developmental stage when GABA is excitatory, also triggered AMPAergic synaptic scaling. Here, we show that this form of AMPAergic scaling is also mediated by CP-AMPARs. These findings suggest that AMPAergic scaling triggered by blocking spiking activity or GABAAreceptor transmission represents similar phenomena, supporting the idea that activity blockade triggers scaling by reducing GABAAtransmission.
A Brain Area for Visual Numerals
Authors: Shum Jennifer , Hermes Dora , Foster Brett L. , Dastjerdi Mohammad , Rangarajan Vinitha , Winawer Jonathan , Miller Kai J. , Parvizi Josef
Published: April 2013

Is there a distinct area within the human visual system that has a preferential response to numerals, as there is for faces, words, or scenes? We addressed this question using intracranial electrophysiological recordings and observed a significantly higher response in the high-frequency broadband range (high γ, 65–150 Hz) to visually presented numerals, compared with morphologically similar (i.e., letters and false fonts) or semantically and phonologically similar stimuli (i.e., number words and non-number words). Anatomically, this preferential response was consistently localized in the inferior temporal gyrus and anterior to the temporo-occipital incisure. This region lies within or close to the fMRI signal-dropout zone produced by the nearby auditory canal and venous sinus artifacts, an observation that may account for negative findings in previous fMRI studies of preferential response to numerals. Because visual numerals are culturally dependent symbols that are only learned through education, our novel finding of anatomically localized preferential response to such symbols provides a new example of acquired category-specific responses in the human visual system.
Acute Stress Contributes to Individual Differences in Pain and Pain-Related Brain Activity in Healthy and Chronic Pain Patients
Authors: Vachon-Presseau Etienne , Martel Marc-Oliver , Roy Mathieu , Caron Etienne , Albouy Geneviève , Marin Marie-France , Plante Isabelle , Sullivan Michael J. , Lupien Sonia J. , Rainville Pierre
Published: April 2013

Individual differences in pain sensitivity and reactivity are well recognized but the underlying mechanisms are likely to be diverse. The phenomenon of stress-induced analgesia is well documented in animal research and individual variability in the stress response in humans may produce corresponding changes in pain. We assessed the magnitude of the acute stress response of 16 chronic back pain (CBP) patients and 18 healthy individuals exposed to noxious thermal stimulations administered in a functional magnetic resonance imaging experiment and tested its possible contribution to individual differences in pain perception. The temperature of the noxious stimulations was determined individually to control for differences in pain sensitivity. The two groups showed similar significant increases in reactive cortisol across the scanning session when compared with their basal levels collected over 7 consecutive days, suggesting normal hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis reactivity to painful stressors in CBP patients. Critically, after controlling for any effect of group and stimulus temperature, individuals with stronger cortisol responses reported less pain unpleasantness and showed reduced blood oxygenation level-dependent activation in nucleus accumbens at the stimulus onset and in the anterior mid-cingulate cortex (aMCC), the primary somatosensory cortex, and the posterior insula. Mediation analyses indicated that pain-related activity in the aMCC mediated the relationship between the reactive cortisol response and the pain unpleasantness. Psychophysiological interaction analysis further revealed that higher stress reactivity was associated with reduced functional connectivity between the aMCC and the brainstem. These findings suggest that acute stress modulates pain in humans and contributes to individual variability in pain affect and pain-related brain activity.
Cognitive Control and the Salience Network: An Investigation of Error Processing and Effective Connectivity
Authors: Ham Timothy , Leff Alex , de Boissezon Xavier , Joffe Anna , Sharp David J.
Published: April 2013

The Salience Network (SN) consists of the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and bilateral insulae. The network responds to behaviorally salient events, and an important question is how its nodes interact. One theory is that the dACC provides the earliest cortical signal of behaviorally salient events, such as errors. Alternatively, the anterior right insula (aRI) has been proposed to provide an early cognitive control signal. As these regions frequently coactivate, it has been difficult to disentangle their roles using conventional methods. Here we use dynamic causal modeling and a Bayesian model evidence technique to investigate the causal relationships between nodes in the SN after errors. Thirty-five human subjects performed the Simon task. The task has two conditions (congruent and incongruent) producing two distinct error types. Neural activity associated with errors was investigated using fMRI. Subjects made a total of 1319 congruent and 1617 incongruent errors. Errors resulted in robust activation of the SN. Dynamic causal modeling analyses demonstrated that input into the SN was most likely via the aRI for both error types and that the aRI was the only region intrinsically connected to both other nodes. Only incongruent errors produced behavioral adaptation, and the strength of the connection between the dACC and the left insulae correlated with the extent of this behavioral change. We conclude that the aRI, not the dACC, drives the SN after errors on an attentionally demanding task, and that a change in the effective connectivity of the dACC is associated with behavioral adaptation after errors.
Reach and Gaze Representations in Macaque Parietal and Premotor Grasp Areas
Authors: Lehmann Sebastian J. , Scherberger Hansjörg
Published: April 2013

Voluntary movements are frequently composed of several actions that are combined to achieve a specific behavior. For example, prehension involves reaching and grasping actions to transport the hand to a target to grasp or manipulate it. For controlling these actions, separate parietofrontal networks have been described for generating reaching and grasping actions. However, this separation has been challenged recently for the dorsomedial part of this network (area V6A). Here we report that the anterior intraparietal (AIP) and the rostral ventral premotor area (F5) in the macaque, which are both part of the dorsolateral parietofrontal network and causally linked to hand grasping movements, also represent spatial information during the execution of a reach-to-grasp task. In addition to grip type information, gaze and target positions were represented in AIP and F5 and could be readily decoded from single unit activity in these areas. Whereas the fraction of grip type tuned units increased toward movement execution, the number of cells with spatial representations stayed relatively constant throughout the task, although more prominently in AIP than in F5. Furthermore, the recorded target position signals were substantially encoded in retinotopic coordinates. In conclusion, the simultaneous presence of grasp-related and spatial information in AIP and F5 suggests at least a supportive role of these spatial signals for the planning of grasp actions. Whether these spatial signals in AIP and F5 also play a causal role for the planning of reach actions would need to be the subject of further investigations.
Mechanical characteristics of self-compacting concrete with and without fibres
Authors: Aslani Farhad , Nejadi Shami
Published: April 2013

Fibre-reinforced self-compacting concrete (FRSCC) is a high-performance building material that combines positive aspects of fresh properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC) with improved characteristics of hardened concrete as a result of fibre addition. Considering these properties, the application ranges of both FRSCC and SCC can be covered. A test program is carried out to develop information about the mechanical properties of FRSCC. For this purpose, four SCC mixes – plain SCC, steel, polypropylene and hybrid FRSCC – are considered in the test program. The properties include compressive and splitting tensile strengths, modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, and compressive stress–strain curve. These properties are tested at 3, 7, 14, 28, 56 and 91 days. Relationships are established to predict the compressive and splitting tensile strengths, modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, and compressive stress–strain curve. The models provide predictions matching the measurements.
Second law analysis of laminar forced convection in a rotating curved duct
Authors: Razavi Esmail , Soltanipour Hosseinali , Choupani Parisa
Published: April 2013

In this paper, flow characteristics, heat transfer and entropy generation in
a rotating curved duct are studied numerically. The continuity, Navier-Stokes
and energy equations are solved using control volume method. The effects of
Dean number, non-dimensional wall heat flux, and force ratio (the ratio of
Coriolis to centrifugal forces) on the entropy generation due to friction and
heat transfer irreversibility and also overall entropy generation are
presented. Optimal thermal operating conditions (based on dimensionless
parameters) are determined from the viewpoint of thermodynamics second law.
The comparison of numerical results at different force ratios indicates that
for any fixed Dean number or non-dimensional heat flux, the minimal
frictional entropy generation occurs when the Coriolis and centrifugal forces
have the same value but in the opposite direction. For a specific
non-dimensional heat flux, there is a force ratio with maximum heat transfer
irreversibility which depends on Dean number. Based on optimal analysis, the
optimal force ratio with minimal total entropy generation depends on heat
flux and Dean number.
Experimental studies on effect of bonding the twisted tape with pins to the inner surface of the circular tube
Authors: Selvam S. , Thiyagarajan Pr. , Suresh S.
Published: April 2013

Heat transfer and friction factor characteristics are studied for water
flowing through the tube in tube heat exchanger for two different
configurations, namely,(1) twisted tape with pins (TTP) and (2) twisted tape
with pins bonded to the inner surface of the test section (TTPB).
Experiments are carried out for different twist pitch to the width of the
twisted tape ratios (y/w) for TTP and TTPB. But very few research works have
been done based on the above mentioned heat transfer enhancement techniques.
This paper presents the effect of twisted tape with pins on the heat
transfer for a fully developed turbulent flow. Experiments are conducted by
maintaining constant wall temperature. The heat transfer rate and pressure
drop is found to be high for TTPB of y/w=3.33 when compared to all other
configurations. The empirical correlations developed for different twisted
tape with pins results in ?7.28% deviation for Nusselt number and ?7.16% for
friction factor.
Effect of orthodontic treatment on oral health–related quality of life
Authors: Feu Daniela , Miguel Jose Augusto M. , Celeste Roger K. , Oliveira Branca Heloisa
Published: April 2013

Objective:

To assess changes in oral health–related quality of life (OHQoL) in children undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment and compare it to that of two groups not receiving treatment.

Materials and Methods:

Two hundred eighty-four subjects aged 12–15 years were followed for 2 years; 87 were undergoing treatment at a university clinic (TG), 101 were waiting for treatment at this clinic (WG), and 96 were attending a public school and had never sought treatment (SG). OHQoL was assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). All subjects were examined and interviewed at baseline (T1), 1 year later (T2), and 2 years later (T3). OHIP-14 scores were analyzed using negative binomial regression in generalized estimating equations for correlated data.

Results:

During the follow-up period, the WG and TG OHIP-14 scores showed a statistically significant increase and decrease, respectively (P < .001). At T1, the TG had an OHIP-14 score that was 1.9 times higher than that of the SG; however at T3, the TG score was 60% lower than the initial score of the SG. Adjusting for age, gender, dental health status (DMFT), socioeconomic position, malocclusion severity, and self-perceived esthetics did not change the effect of orthodontic treatment on OHQoL.

Conclusion:

Fixed orthodontic treatment in Brazilian children resulted in significantly improved OHQoL after 2 years.
IsThe Da Vinci CodeTrue?
Authors: Propp William H. C.
Published: April 2013

Abstract:

The immense popularity of Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code may be traced to several factors, among them good suspense writing, an intriguing mystery, and popular anti-Catholicism. This essay, however, focuses on its themes of masculine conspiracy and misogyny. In the widespread folktale “The Swan Maiden,” a man subdues and weds a mythical female. Her eventual murder of her husband and escape into freedom exposes underlying tensions between the genders. This essay compares the plot of The Da Vinci Code with a “Swan Maiden” myth from New Guinea, where men’s fear of women has led to the creation of secret men’s societies. That similar themes are found in an American best-seller and a myth from Melanesia indicates that they are widespread if not universal masculine concerns.
Sex-habit and Sexually Transmitted Infection (STIs) Among The Drug Abusers Undergoing Detoxification
Authors: Hossain Kazi Jahangir , Karim Md. Rizwanul , Karim Abul Masud Md. Nurul , Kamal Md. Mustafa
Published: April 2013

Drug abuse is increasing alarmingly with time among the young-adults in Bangladesh. The objective of the study was to investigate sex-habit and STIs of the drug abusers. A total of 1076 drug abusers undergoing detoxification voluntarily at the Central Drug Addiction Treatment Centre (CTC), Tejgaon, Dhaka were investigated from September 2010 to August 2011. They were selected consecutively on the basis of defined selection criteria. Research instrument was an interviewer questionnaire and blood specimen. Results showed that 82.1% (n=883) were heterosexual and 16.2% (n=174) had no sex. The majority of them (55.3%, n=595) had enjoyed sex with multiple partners. They enjoyed sex with commercial sex sellers (11.1%, n=119) but majority of them (34.2%, n=368) had sex with all categories including spouse. Results also showed that majority of them had unethical sex, of which 24.9%(n=268) had experience about extramarital sex and 30.4%(n=327) premarital sex respectively. Around 55.0%(n=594) of them did not use condom during sex and 21.9%(n=236) used it occasionally. The 14.5%(n=156) of them had signsymptoms of gonorrhea and syphilis, of which 1.8%(n=19) had genital ulcer, 3.7%(n=40) genital discharge and 9.0%(n=97) had both ulcer and discharge respectively. In laboratory analysis, 16.3%(n=175) had STIs positive results, of which 9.9%(n=107) were RPR reactive, 1.8%(n=19) URS reactive and 4.6%(n=49) both RPR and URS reactive respectively. In drug habit, results also showed that 82.6% (n=889) of them had been using heroin and the rests used cannabis (8.6%, n=93), phensedyl (5.4%, n=58) and injections (3.3%, n=25) respectively. Forty two percent (n=455) of them had been abusing it for 1-5 years, 31.4% (n=338) for 6-10 years and 26.3%(n=283) for 11-20 years. Most of them (91.1%, n=980) used multiple illicit drugs and their ultimate choice of drug was heroin (77.3%, n=832). About 22.6%(n=243) addicts abused injection drugs in their lifetime. Altering behaviors, especially their drug habit and sexual lifestyle are still the only applicable ways to stop this human catastrophe. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v14i1.14529 J MEDICINE 2013; 14 : 5-10
Treatment Supporters and Their Impact on Treatment Outcomes In Routine Tuberculosis Program Conditions In District Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Authors: Soomro Munawar Hussain , Qadeer Ejaz , Khan Muhammad Amir , Morkve Odd
Published: April 2013

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of mortality and is affecting millions of people in third world countries. In DOTS patients are monitored facility based and treatment supporter based; by these two ways patients  are observed for the treatment. The aim of the study was to explore the role of treatment supporters and their impact on the treatment outcomes. Material and Method: The study was a cross-sectional survey within routine TB control program operational context. All sputum smear positive TB patients diagnosed, registered in public sector, urban and rural diagnostic centre during year 2008 with available outcomes were included in the study. Data was collected during August- October 2010 from 15 health facilities of 451 patients. Results: The majority of the patients (89.6%) were provided with treatment supporters. In 404 (89.6%) cases in which treatment supporters were provided, 203 (50.2%) were lady health worker, 46 (11.4%) were community health worker and health facility worker, and 155 (38.4%) were family member and community volunteer. 384 (85.1%) were categorized as treatment success, 31 (6.9%), as transferred out, 17 (3.8%), as dead, 16 (3.5%) as defaulted and three (0.7%) as treatment failure. The treatment success rates in patients supervised by lady health worker, community health worker and health facility worker, and family member and community volunteer was 93.1%, 89.1% and 73.5%, respectively. Conclusions: We found a significantly higher treatment success (93.1%) in patients supervised by lady health workers compared to other types of treatment support. The overall treatment success rate was 85.1%.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v14i1.14535 J MEDICINE 2013; 14 : 40-46
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in Thyroid Gland
Authors: Roshed Md. Mahabubur , Ahsan Sk. Manowar , Rashed Kazi Abu
Published: April 2013

A rare case of primary non-Hodgkins Lymphoma in a 52-year-old female presented with a large mass in the right lobe of thyroid. The diagnosis was established by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) followed by surgery andfinally confirmed by histopathology.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v14i1.14584 J MEDICINE 2013; 14 : 83-84
Erythema Nodosum  An Unusual Presenting Feature of Leptospirosis
Authors: George Peter , Fernandes Divya Marina
Published: April 2013

No Abstract AvailableDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v14i1.14592 J MEDICINE 2013; 14 : 99
Diabetes is the Leading Cause of ESRD in Haemodialysis Patients
Authors: Mahbub Tania , Chowdhury Md. Nizam Uddin , Jahan Ferdous , Arefeen Sakibjjaman , Rahman Motlebur , Sarker MS
Published: April 2013

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of ESRD and the no of diabetes patients is increasing day by day.In the developed world it is the first and foremost cause of renal failure. However in the developing countries it has beenconsidered as second most common cause after GN.This study was a cross sectional study conducted during Oct 2010 to Sept 2011, in the dept of Nephrology, Dhaka Medical College and Hospital to determine the cause of renal failure with specific object to find out the leading cause of ESRD among the Haemodialysis patients. This study found Diabetes as the leading cause of ESRD accounting 44.1% of whole population.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v14i1.14595 J MEDICINE 2013; 14 : 62-64
Assessing Tolerance-Based Robust Short-Term Load Forecasting in Buildings
Authors: Borges Cruz , Penya Yoseba , Fernández Iván , Prieto Juan , Bretos Oscar
Published: April 2013

Short-term load forecasting (STLF) in buildings differs from its broader counterpart in that the load to be predicted does not seem to be stationary, seasonal and regular but, on the contrary, it may be subject to sudden changes and variations on its consumption behaviour. Classical STLF methods do not react fast enough to these perturbations (i.e., they are not robust) and the literature on building STLF has not yet explored this area. Hereby, we evaluate a well-known post-processing method (Learning Window Reinitialization) applied to two broadly-used STLF algorithms (Autoregressive Model and Support Vector Machines) in buildings to check their adaptability and robustness. We have tested the proposed method with real-world data and our results state that this methodology is especially suited for buildings with non-regular consumption profiles, as classical STLF methods are enough to model regular-profiled ones.
MiR199b Suppresses Expression of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1α (HIF-1α) in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Shang Weiwei , Chen Xueqin , Nie Ling , Xu Miao , Chen Ni , Zeng Hao , Zhou Qiao
Published: April 2013

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small noncoding RNAs that post-transcriptionally repress expression of target genes via imperfect base-pairing with the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR). The transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) plays important roles in physiology and pathology. Constitutive over-expression of HIF-1α is observed in many types of cancers including prostate carcinoma, but the mechanisms underlying this event remain largely unknown. Here we investigated the expression of miR199b and HIF-1α in normal prostate tissue, prostate cancer tissues and prostate carcinoma (PCa) cell lines LNCaP, PC-3 and DU145.We found that miR-199b expression level was decreased in prostate cancer while HIF-1α was significantly over-expressed. Furthermore, we postulated the posttranscriptional regulation of HIF-1α by miR199b through bioinformatics analysis, and herein we experimentally demonstrated that miR199b negatively regulated HIF-1α by targeting its 3'-untranslated region. Artificial over-expression of miR199b by using adenoviral vectors in prostate cancer PC-3 and DU145 cells significantly down-regulated HIF-1α, together with reduced cell growth and increased cell death.
Dual Role of MicroRNAs in NAFLD
Authors: Ceccarelli Sara , Panera Nadia , Gnani Daniela , Nobili Valerio
Published: April 2013

MicroRNAs are important post-transcriptional regulators in different pathophysiological processes. They typically affect the mRNA stability or translation finally leading to the repression of target gene expression. Notably, it is thought that microRNAs are crucial for regulating gene expression during metabolic-related disorders, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Several studies identify specific microRNA expression profiles associated to different histological features of NAFLD, both in animal models and in patients. Therefore, specific assortments of certain microRNAs could have enormous diagnostic potentiality. In addition, microRNAs have also emerged as possible therapeutic targets for the treatment of NAFLD-related liver damage. In this review, we discuss the experimental evidence about microRNAs both as potential non-invasive early diagnostic markers and as novel therapeutic targets in NAFLD and its more severe liver complications.
Role of UPR Pathway in Defense Response of Aedes aegypti against Cry11Aa Toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis
Authors: Bedoya-Pérez Leidy , Cancino-Rodezno Angeles , Flores-Escobar Biviana , Soberón Mario , Bravo Alejandra
Published: April 2013

The insecticidal Cry toxins are pore-forming toxins produced by the bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis that disrupt insect-midgut cells. Cells can trigger different survival mechanisms to counteract the effects of sub-lytic doses of pore forming toxins. Particularly, two signaling pathways have been demonstrated to play a role in the defense mechanism to other toxins in Caenorhabditis elegans and in mammalian cells. These are the unfolded protein response (UPR) and the sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBP) pathways, which are proposed to facilitate membrane repair responses. In this work we analyzed the role of these pathways in Aedes aegypti response to intoxication with Cry11Aa toxin. We show that UPR is activated upon toxin ingestion. The role of these two pathways was analyzed in vivo by using RNA interference. We silenced the expression of specific proteins in A. aegypti larvae. Gene silencing of Ire-1 and Xbp-1 proteins from UPR system, resulted in hypersensitive to Cry11Aa toxin action. In contrast, silencing of Cas-1, Scap and S2P from SREBP pathway had no affect on Cry11Aa toxicity in A. aegypti larvae. However, the role of SREBP pathway requires further studies to be conclusive. Our data indicate that the UPR pathway is involved in the insect defense against Cry toxins.
Antibacterial Activity of the Alkaloid-Enriched Extract from Prosopis juliflora Pods and Its Influence on in Vitro Ruminal Digestion
Authors: Dos Santos Edilene , Pereira Mara , Da Silva Camilla , Souza-Neta Lourdes , Geris Regina , Martins Dirceu , Santana Antônio , Barbosa Luiz , Silva Herymá , Freitas Giovana , Figueiredo Mauro , De Oliveira Fernando , Batista Ronan
Published: April 2013

The purpose of this study was to assess the in vitro antimicrobial activity of alkaloid-enriched extracts from Prosopis juliflora (Fabaceae) pods in order to evaluate them as feed additives for ruminants. As only the basic chloroformic extract (BCE), whose main constituents were juliprosopine (juliflorine), prosoflorine and juliprosine, showed Gram-positive antibacterial activity against Micrococcus luteus (MIC = 25 μg/mL), Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 50 μg/mL) and Streptococcus mutans (MIC = 50 μg/mL), its influence on ruminal digestion was evaluated using a semi-automated in vitro gas production technique, with monensin as the positive control. Results showed that BCE has decreased gas production as efficiently as monensin after 36 h of fermentation, revealing its positive influence on gas production during ruminal digestion. Since P. juliflora is a very affordable plant, this study points out this alkaloid enriched extract from the pods of Prosopis juliflora as a potential feed additive to decrease gas production during ruminal digestion.