bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional Hierarchy of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Viral Glycoproteins in Cytoplasmic Virion Envelopment and Egress
Authors: Chouljenko Dmitry V. , Kim In-Joong , Chouljenko Vladimir N. , Subramanian Ramesh , Walker Jason D. , Kousoulas Konstantin G.
Published: February 2012

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) viral glycoproteins gD (carboxyl terminus), gE, gK, and gM, the membrane protein UL20, and membrane-associated protein UL11 play important roles in cytoplasmic virion envelopment and egress from infected cells. We showed previously that a recombinant virus carrying a deletion of the carboxyl-terminal 29 amino acids of gD (gDΔct) and the entire gE gene (ΔgE) did not exhibit substantial defects in cytoplasmic virion envelopment and egress (H. C. Lee et al., J. Virol. 83:6115–6124, 2009). The recombinant virus ΔgM2, engineered not to express gM, produced a 3- to 4-fold decrease in viral titers and a 50% reduction in average plaque sizes in comparison to the HSV-1(F) parental virus. The recombinant virus containing all three mutations, gDΔct-ΔgM2-ΔgE, replicated approximately 1 log unit less efficiently than the HSV-1(F) parental virus and produced viral plaques which were on average one-third the size of those of HSV-1(F). The recombinant virus ΔUL11-ΔgM2, engineered not to express either UL11 or gM, replicated more than 1 log unit less efficiently and produced significantly smaller plaques than UL11-null or gM-null viruses alone, in agreement with the results of Leege et al. (T. Leege et al., J. Virol. 83:896-907, 2009). Analyses of particle-to-PFU ratios, relative plaque size, and kinetics of virus growth and ultrastructural visualization of glycoprotein-deficient mutant and wild-type virions indicate that gDΔct, gE, and gM function in a cooperative but not redundant manner in infectious virion morphogenesis. Overall, comparisons of single, double, and triple mutant viruses generated in the same HSV-1(F) genetic background indicated that lack of either UL20 or gK expression caused the most severe defects in cytoplasmic envelopment, egress, and infectious virus production, followed by the double deletion of UL11 and gM.
Mucosal Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Transmission in African Green Monkeys: Susceptibility to Infection Is Proportional to Target Cell Availability at Mucosal Sites
Authors: Pandrea Ivona , Parrish Nicholas F. , Raehtz Kevin , Gaufin Thaidra , Barbian Hannah J. , Ma Dongzhu , Kristoff Jan , Gautam Rajeev , Zhong Fang , Haret-Richter George S. , Trichel Anita , Shaw George M. , Hahn Beatrice H. , Apetrei Cristian
Published: February 2012

African green monkeys (AGMs) are naturally infected with a simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVagm) that is nonpathogenic in its host. Although SIVagm is common and widespread, little is known about the mechanisms that govern its transmission. Since the earliest virus-host interactions may provide key insights into the nonpathogenic phenotype of SIVagm, we developed a mucosal transmission model for this virus. Using plasma from an acutely infected AGM as the virus inoculum, we exposed adult and juvenile AGMs, as well as pigtailed macaques (PTMs) as a nonnatural host control, by mucosal routes to increasing titers of virus and compared the doses needed to establish a productive infection. Four juvenile and four adult AGMs as well as two PTMs were intrarectally (IR) exposed, while two additional adult female AGMs were intravaginally (IVAG) exposed. No animal became infected following exposure to 10
5
RNA copies. Both PTMs but none of the AGMs became infected following exposure to 10
6
RNA copies. Finally, all adult AGMs and two of the four juvenile AGMs became infected following exposure to 10
7
RNA copies, acquiring either one (2 IR infected juveniles, 1 IR infected adult, 2 IVAG infected adults) or two (3 IR infected adults) transmitted founder viruses. These results were consistent with immunophenotypic data, which revealed a significant correlation between the percentage of CD4
+
T cells expressing CCR5 in the mucosa and the susceptibility to infection, in terms of both the viral dose and the numbers of transmitted founder viruses. Moreover, studies of uninfected AGMs showed that the fraction of CCR5-expressing CD4
+
T cells increased significantly with age. These results indicate that (i) AGMs are readily infected with SIVagm by both intrarectal and intravaginal routes, (ii) susceptibility to infection is proportional to the number of available CCR5
+
CD4
+
target cells in the mucosa, and (iii) the paucity of CCR5
+
CD4
+
target cells in infant and juvenile AGMs may explain the near absence of vertical transmission.
Prasinoviruses of the Marine Green Alga Ostreococcus tauri Are Mainly Species Specific
Authors: Clerissi Camille , Desdevises Yves , Grimsley Nigel
Published: February 2012

Prasinoviruses infecting unicellular green algae in the order Mamiellales (class Mamiellophyceae) are commonly found in coastal marine waters where their host species frequently abound. We tested 40
Ostreococcus tauri
viruses on 13 independently isolated wild-type
O. tauri
strains, 4 wild-type
O. lucimarinus
strains, 1
Ostreococcus
sp. (“
Ostreococcus mediterraneus
”) clade D strain, and 1 representative species of each of two other related species of Mamiellales,
Bathycoccus prasinos
and
Micromonas pusilla
. Thirty-four out of 40 viruses infected only
O. tauri
, 5 could infect one other species of the
Ostreococcus
genus, and 1 infected two other
Ostreococcus
spp., but none of them infected the other genera. We observed that the overall susceptibility pattern of
Ostreococcus
strains to viruses was related to the size of two host chromosomes known to show intraspecific size variations, that genetically related viruses tended to infect the same host strains, and that viruses carrying inteins were strictly strain specific. Comparison of two complete
O. tauri
virus proteomes revealed at least three predicted proteins to be candidate viral specificity determinants.
Comparison of cognitive decline between dementia with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer's disease: a cohort study
Authors: Walker Zuzana , McKeith Ian , Rodda Joanne , Qassem Tarik , Tatsch Klaus , Booij Jan , Darcourt Jacques , O'Brien John
Published: February 2012

Objectives

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) accounts for 10%–15% of dementia cases at autopsy and has distinct clinical features associated with earlier institutionalisation and a higher level of carer distress than are seen in Alzheimer's disease (AD). At present, there is on-going debate as to whether DLB is associated with a more rapid cognitive decline than AD. An understanding of the rate of decline of cognitive and non-cognitive symptoms in DLB may help patients and carers to plan for the future.

Design

In this cohort study, the authors compared 100 AD and 58 DLB subjects at baseline and at 12-month follow-up on cognitive and neuropsychiatric measures.

Setting

Patients were recruited from 40 European centres.

Participants

Subjects with mild–moderate dementia. Diagnosis of DLB or AD required agreement between consensus panel clinical diagnosis and visual rating of 123I-FP-CIT (dopamine transporter) single photon emission computed tomography neuroimaging.

Outcome measures

The Cambridge Cognitive Examination including Mini-Mental State Examination and Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI).

Results

The AD and DLB groups did not differ at baseline in terms of age, gender, Clinical Dementia Rating score and use of cholinesterase inhibitors or memantine. NPI and NPI carer distress scores were statistically significantly higher for DLB subjects at baseline and at follow-up, and there were no differences between AD and DLB in cognitive scores at baseline or at follow-up. There was no significant difference in rate of progression of any of the variables analysed.

Conclusions

DLB subjects had more neuropsychiatric features at baseline and at follow-up than AD, but the authors did not find any statistically significant difference in rate of progression between the mild–moderate AD and DLB groups on cognitive or neuropsychiatric measures over a 12-month follow-up period.
Treading carefully: a qualitative ethnographic study of the clinical, social and educational uses of exercise ECG in evaluating stable chest pain: Table 1
Authors: Cramer Helen , Evans Maggie , Featherstone Katie , Johnson Rachel , Zaman M Justin S , Timmis Adam D , Hemingway Harry , Feder Gene
Published: February 2012

Objective

To examine functions of the exercise ECG in the light of the recent National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines recommending that it should not be used for the diagnosis or exclusion of stable angina.

Design

Qualitative ethnographic study based on interviews and observations of clinical practice.

Setting

3 rapid access chest pain clinics in England.

Participants

Observation of 89 consultations in chest pain clinics, 18 patient interviews and 12 clinician interviews.

Main outcome measure

Accounts and observations of consultations in chest pain clinics.

Results

The exercise ECG was observed to have functions that extended beyond diagnosis. It was used to clarify a patient's story and revise the initial account. The act of walking on the treadmill created an additional opportunity for dialogue between clinician and patient and engagement of the patient in the diagnostic process through precipitation of symptoms and further elaboration of symptoms. The exercise ECG facilitated reassurance in relation to exercise capacity and tolerance, providing a platform for behavioural advice particularly when exercise was promoted by the clinician.

Conclusions

Many of the practices that have been built up around the use of the exercise ECG are potentially beneficial to patients and need to be considered in the re-design of services without that test. Through its contribution to the patient's history and to subsequent advice to the patient, the exercise ECG continues to inform the specialist assessment and management of patients with new onset stable chest pain, beyond its now marginalised role in diagnosis.
Incentivising safe sex: a randomised trial of conditional cash transfers for HIV and sexually transmitted infection prevention in rural Tanzania
Authors: de Walque Damien , Dow William H , Nathan Rose , Abdul Ramadhani , Abilahi Faraji , Gong Erick , Isdahl Zachary , Jamison Julian , Jullu Boniphace , Krishnan Suneeta , Majura Albert , Miguel Edward , Moncada Jeanne , Mtenga Sally , Mwanyangala Mathew Alexander , Packel Laura , Schachter Julius , Shirima Kizito , Medlin Carol A
Published: February 2012

Objective

The authors evaluated the use of conditional cash transfers as an HIV and sexually transmitted infection prevention strategy to incentivise safe sex.

Design

An unblinded, individually randomised and controlled trial.

Setting

10 villages within the Kilombero/Ulanga districts of the Ifakara Health and Demographic Surveillance System in rural south-west Tanzania.

Participants

The authors enrolled 2399 participants, aged 18–30 years, including adult spouses.

Interventions

Participants were randomly assigned to either a control arm (n=1124) or one of two intervention arms: low-value conditional cash transfer (eligible for $10 per testing round, n=660) and high-value conditional cash transfer (eligible for $20 per testing round, n=615). The authors tested participants every 4 months over a 12-month period for the presence of common sexually transmitted infections. In the intervention arms, conditional cash transfer payments were tied to negative sexually transmitted infection test results. Anyone testing positive for a sexually transmitted infection was offered free treatment, and all received counselling.

Main outcome measures

The primary study end point was combined prevalence of the four sexually transmitted infections, which were tested and reported to subjects every 4 months:Chlamydia trachomatis,Neisseria gonorrhoeae,Trichomonas vaginalisandMycoplasma genitalium. The authors also tested for HIV, herpes simplex virus 2 and syphilis at baseline and month 12.

Results

At the end of the 12-month period, for the combined prevalence of any of the four sexually transmitted infections, which were tested and reported every 4 months (C trachomatis,N gonorrhoeae,T vaginalisandM genitalium), unadjusted RR for the high-value conditional cash transfer arm compared to controls was 0.80 (95% CI 0.54 to 1.06) and the adjusted RR was 0.73 (95% CI 0.47 to 0.99). Unadjusted RR for the high-value conditional cash transfer arm compared to the low-value conditional cash transfer arm was 0.76 (95% CI 0.49 to 1.03) and the adjusted RR was 0.69 (95% CI 0.45 to 0.92). No harm was reported.

Conclusions

Conditional cash transfers used to incentivise safer sexual practices are a potentially promising new tool in HIV and sexually transmitted infections prevention. Additional larger study would be useful to clarify the effect size, to calibrate the size of the incentive and to determine whether the intervention can be delivered cost effectively.

Trial registration number

NCT00922038ClinicalTrials.gov.
Endovascular treatment with ‘kissing’ flow diverter stents of two unruptured aneurysms at a fenestrated vertebrobasilar junction
Authors: Consoli Arturo , Renieri Leonardo , Nappini Sergio , Ricciardi Fabrizio , Grazzini Giulia , Scarpini Giulia , Capaccioli Leonardo , Mangiafico Salvatore
Published: February 2012

Background and purpose

Fenestration of the vertebrobasilar junction (VBJ) is a rare condition which may be associated with the presence of aneurysms. The endovascular approach is usually the first-line treatment in these cases since the location of the aneurysm may be unsuitable for a surgical approach. This anatomical variation may even influence the endovascular strategy, particularly in those cases in which the sacrifice of a vessel could be avoided. This paper describes an innovative approach of flow diversion in such challenging situations.

Methods

Two women were admitted after an occasional diagnosis of an aneurysm arising from a fenestrated VBJ. In both cases the endovascular approach was performed with two flow diverter stents and dual antiplatelet therapy was administered for 6 months.

Results

Complete exclusion of the two aneurysms was obtained after 6 and 7 months, respectively, and the clinical outcome was excellent.

Conclusions

Endovascular treatment of unruptured aneurysms located on a fenestrated VBJ with flow diverter stents represents a valid therapeutic approach with excellent clinical and radiological outcomes.
HAWKING RADIATION FOR SCALAR AND DIRAC FIELDS IN FIVE-DIMENSIONAL DILATONIC BLACK HOLE VIA ANOMALIES
Authors: BECAR RAMÓN , GONZÁLEZ P. A.
Published: February 2012

We study massive scalar fields and Dirac fields propagating in a five-dimensional dilatonic black hole background. We expose that for both fields the physics can be described by a two-dimensional theory, near the horizon. Then, in this limit, by applying the covariant anomalies method we find the Hawking flux by restoring the gauge invariance and the general coordinate covariance, which coincides with the flux obtained from integrating the Planck distribution for fermions.
MODELING OF THREE DIMENSIONAL STRUCTURE OF HUMAN ALPHA-FETOPROTEIN COMPLEXED WITH DIETHYLSTILBESTROL: DOCKING AND MOLECULAR DYNAMICS SIMULATION STUDY
Authors: TERENTIEV ALEXANDER A. , MOLDOGAZIEVA NURBUBU T. , LEVTSOVA OLGA V. , MAXIMENKO DMITRY M. , BOROZDENKO DENIS A. , SHAITAN KONSTANTIN V.
Published: February 2012

It has been long experimentally demonstrated that human alpha-fetoprotein (HAFP) has an ability to bind immobilized estrogens with the most efficiency for synthetic estrogen analog — diethylstilbestrol (DES). However, the question remains why the human AFP (HAFP), unlike rodent AFP, cannot bind free estrogens. Moreover, despite the fact that AFP was first discovered more than 50 years ago and is presently recognized as a "golden standard" among onco-biomarkers, its three-dimensional (3D) structure has not been experimentally solved yet. In this work using MODELLER program, we generated 3D model of HAFP on the basis of homology with human serum albumin (HSA) and Vitamin D–binding protein (VTDB) with subsequent molecular docking of DES to the model structure and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation study of the complex obtained. The model constructed has U-shaped structure in which a cavity may be distinguished. In this cavity the putative estrogen-binding site is localized. Validation by RMSD calculation and with the use of PROCHECK program showed good quality of the model and stability of extended region of four alpha-helical structures that contains putative hormone-binding residues. Data extracted from MD simulation trajectory allow proposing two types of interactions between amino acid residues of HAFP and DES molecule: (1) hydrogen bonding with involvement of residues S445, R452, and E551; (2) hydrophobic interactions with participation of L138, M448, and M548 residues. A suggestion is made that immobilization of the hormone using a long spacer provides delivery of the estrogen molecule to the binding site and, thereby, facilitates interaction between HAFP and the hormone.
ON METRIZABILITY OF INVARIANT AFFINE CONNECTIONS
Authors: TANAKA ERICO , KRUPKA DEMETER
Published: February 2012

The metrizability problem for a symmetric affine connection on a manifold, invariant with respect to a group of diffeomorphisms G, is considered. We say that the connection is G-metrizable, if it is expressible as the Levi-Civita connection of a G-invariant metric field. In this paper we analyze the G-metrizability equations for the rotation group G = SO (3), acting canonically on three- and four-dimensional Euclidean spaces. We show that the property of the connection to be SO(3)-invariant allows us to find complete explicit description of all solutions of the SO(3)-metrizability equations.
OPEN ONTOLOGY-BASED INTEGRATION PLATFORM FOR MODELING AND SIMULATION IN ENGINEERING
Authors: KARHELA TOMMI , VILLBERG ANTTI , NIEMISTÖ HANNU
Published: February 2012

The benefits of the use of modeling and simulation in engineering are acknowledged widely. It has proven its advantages e.g., in virtual prototyping i.e., simulation aided design and testing as well as in training and R&D. It is recognized to be a tool for modern decision making. However, there are still reasons that slow down the wider utilization of modeling and simulation in companies. Modeling and simulation tools are separate and are not an integrated part of the other engineering information management in the company networks. They do not integrate well enough into the used CAD, PLM/PDM and control systems. The co-use of the simulation tools themselves is poor and the whole modeling process is considered often to be too laborious. In this article we introduce an integration solution for modeling and simulation based on the semantic data modeling approach. Semantic data modeling and ontology mapping techniques have been used in database system integration, but the novelty of this work is in utilizing these techniques in the domain of modeling and simulation. The benefits and drawbacks of the chosen approach are discussed. Furthermore, we describe real industrial project cases where this new approach has been applied.
FE SIMULATION AND EXPERIMENTAL VALIDATION OF POWDER MIXED EDM PROCESS FOR ESTIMATING THE TEMPERATURE DISTRIBUTION AND VOLUME REMOVED IN SINGLE CRATER
Authors: BHATTACHARYA ANIRBAN , BATISH AJAY , SINGH KULWINDER
Published: February 2012

This study reports the results of a finite element simulation of powder mixed electric discharge machining process for H11 Hot Die steel material using relevant boundary conditions and reasonable assumptions. The crater shape was developed using simulated temperature profiles to estimate the volume removed in a single crater. The temperature distribution on the workpiece was used to predict the cooling rate and calculate the stresses generated due to thermal loading. Subsequently, the simulation results were experimentally validated by physically measuring the crater shape and volume. From the results it was concluded that about 25% of heat is transmitted to the workpiece during machining at the process conditions used in the experiment. The microscopic pictures showed bigger craters with increase in current. The machined surface showed overlapping craters with surface cracks suggesting a high cooling rate.
Aldosterone induces active K+ secretion by enhancing mucosal expression of Kcnn4c and Kcnma1 channels in rat distal colon
Authors: Singh Satish K. , O'Hara Bryan , Talukder Jamilur R. , Rajendran Vazhaikkurichi M.
Published: February 2012

Although both Kcnn4c and Kcnma1 channels are present on colonic mucosal membranes, only Kcnma1 has been suggested to mediate K+ secretion in the colon. Therefore, studies were initiated to investigate the relative roles of Kcnn4c and Kcnma1 in mediating aldosterone (Na-free diet)-induced K+ secretion. Mucosal to serosal (m-s), serosal to mucosal (s-m), and net 86Rb+ (K+ surrogate) fluxes as well as short circuit currents ( Isc; measure of net ion movement) were measured under voltage clamp condition in rat distal colon. Active K+ absorption, but not K+ secretion, is present in normal, while aldosterone induces active K+ secretion (1.04 ± 0.26 vs. −1.21 ± 0.15 μeq·h−1·cm−2; P < 0.001) in rat distal colon. Mucosal VO4 (a P-type ATPase inhibitor) inhibited the net K+ absorption in normal, while it significantly enhanced net K+ secretion in aldosterone animals. The aldosterone-induced K+ secretion was inhibited by the mucosal addition of 1) either Ba2+ (a nonspecific K+ channel blocker) or charybdotoxin (CTX; a common Kcnn4 and Kcnma1 channel blocker) by 89%; 2) tetraethyl ammonium (TEA) or iberiotoxin (IbTX; a Kcnma1 channel blocker) by 64%; and 3) TRAM-34 (a Kcnn4 channel blocker) by 29%. TRAM-34, but not TEA, in the presence of IbTX further significantly inhibited the aldosterone-induced K+ secretion. Thus the aldosterone-induced Ba2+/CTX-sensitive K+ secretion consists of IbTX/TEA-sensitive (Kcnma1) and IbTX/TEA-insensitive fractions. TRAM-34 inhibition of the IbTX-insensitive fraction is consistent with the aldosterone-induced K+ secretion being mediated partially via Kcnn4c. Western and quantitative PCR analyses indicated that aldosterone enhanced both Kcnn4c and Kcnma1α protein expression and mRNA abundance. In vitro exposure of isolated normal colonic mucosa to aldosterone also enhanced Kcnn4c and Kcnma1α mRNA levels, and this was prevented by exposure to actinomycin D (an RNA synthesis inhibitor). These observations indicate that aldosterone induces active K+ secretion by enhancing mucosal Kcnn4c and Kcnma1 expression at the transcriptional level.
Impaired insulin-stimulated myosin phosphatase Rho-interacting protein signaling in diabetic Goto-Kakizaki vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Lee Jin Hee , Palaia Thomas , Ragolia Louis
Published: February 2012

Insulin resistance associated with Type 2 diabetes contributes to impaired vasorelaxation and therefore contributes to the enhanced incidence of hypertension observed in diabetes. In this study, we examined the role of insulin on the association of the myosin-binding subunit of myosin phosphatase (MYPT1) to myosin phosphatase Rho-interacting protein (MRIP), a relatively novel member of the myosin phosphatase complex that directly binds RhoA in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Through a series of molecular and cellular studies, we investigated whether insulin stimulates the binding of MRIP to MYPT1 and compared the results generated from VSMCs isolated from both Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) control and Goto-Kakizaki (GK) diabetic rats. We demonstrate for the first time that insulin stimulates the binding of MRIP to MYPT1 in a dose- and time-dependent manner, as determined by immunoprecipitation, implying a regulatory role for MRIP in insulin-induced vasodilation signaling via MYPT1 interaction. VSMCs from GK model of Type 2 diabetes had impaired insulin-induced MRIP/MYPT1 binding as well as reduced MRIP expression. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of MRIP in GK VSMCs led to significantly improved insulin-stimulated MRIP/MYPT1 binding. Finally, insulin-stimulated MRIP translocation out of stress fibers, which was observed in control VSMCs, was impaired in GK VSMCs. We believe the impaired expression of MRIP, and therefore decreased insulin-stimulated MRIP/MYPT1 association, in the GK diabetic model may contribute to the impaired insulin-mediated vasodilation observed in the diabetic vasculature and provides a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.
Thyroid hormone receptor-α and vascular function
Authors: Makino Ayako , Wang Hong , Scott Brian T. , Yuan Jason X.-J. , Dillmann Wolfgang H.
Published: February 2012

Thyroid hormone (TH) treatment exerts beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system: it lowers cholesterol and LDL levels and enhances cardiac contractile function. However, little is known about the effect of TH on vascular function or the functional role of TH receptors (TRs) in the regulation of vascular tone. We have investigated the contribution of TRs to vascular contractility in the heart. Among different TR subtype-specific knockout (KO) mice, vascular contraction was significantly enhanced in coronary arteries isolated from TRα KO compared with wild-type mice, while chronic TH treatment significantly attenuated coronary vascular contraction. We found that TRα is the predominant TR in mouse coronary smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Coronary SMCs isolated from TRα KO mice exhibited a significant decrease in K+ channel activity, whereas TH treatment increased K+ channel activity in a dose-dependent manner. These data suggest that TRα in SMCs has prominent effects on regulation of vascular tone and TH treatment helps decrease coronary vascular tone by increasing K+ channel activity through TRα in SMCs.
RhoA guanine exchange factor expression profile in arteries: evidence for a Rho kinase-dependent negative feedback in angiotensin II-dependent hypertension
Authors: Cario-Toumaniantz Chrystelle , Ferland-McCollough David , Chadeuf Gilliane , Toumaniantz Gilles , Rodriguez Marianne , Galizzi Jean-Pierre , Lockhart Brian , Bril Antoine , Scalbert Elizabeth , Loirand Gervaise , Pacaud Pierre
Published: February 2012

Sustained overactivation of RhoA is a common component for the pathogenesis of several cardiovascular disorders, including hypertension. Although activity of Rho proteins depends on Rho exchange factors (Rho-GEFs), the identity of Rho-GEFs expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and participating in the control of Rho protein activity and Rho-dependent functions remains unknown. To address this question, we analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR the expression profile of 28 RhoA-GEFs in arteries of normotensive (saline-treated) and hypertensive (ANG II-treated) rats. Sixteen RhoA-GEFs were downregulated in mesenteric arteries of hypertensive rats, among which nine are also downregulated in cultured VSMC stimulated by ANG II (100 nM, 48 h), suggesting a direct effect of ANG II. Inhibition of type 1 ANG II receptors (losartan, 1 μM) or Rho kinase (fasudil, 10 μM) prevented ANG II-induced RhoA-GEF downregulation. Functionally, ANG II-induced downregulation of RhoA-GEFs is associated with decreased Rho kinase activation in response to endothelin-1, norepinephrine, and U-46619. This work thus identifies a group of RhoA-GEFs that controls RhoA and RhoA-dependent functions in VSMC, and a negative feedback of RhoA/Rho kinase activity on the expression of these RhoA-GEFs that may play an adaptative role to limit RhoA/Rho kinase activation.
Homeostatic regulation of protein intake: in search of a mechanism
Authors: Morrison Christopher D. , Reed Scott D. , Henagan Tara M.
Published: February 2012

Free-living organisms must procure adequate nutrition by negotiating an environment in which both the quality and quantity of food vary markedly. Recent decades have seen marked progress in our understanding of neural regulation of feeding behavior. However, this progress has occurred largely in the context of energy intake, despite the fact that food intake is influenced by more than just the energy content of the diet. A large number of behavioral studies indicate that both the quantity and quality of dietary protein can markedly influence food intake. High-protein diets tend to reduce intake, low-protein diets tend to increase intake, and rodent models seem to self-select between diets in order to meet protein requirements and avoid diets that are imbalanced in amino acids. Recent work suggests that the amino acid leucine regulates food intake by altering mTOR and AMPK signaling in the hypothalamus, while activation of GCN2 within the anterior piriform cortex contributes to the detection and avoidance of amino acid-imbalanced diets. This review focuses on the role that these and other signaling systems may play in mediating the homeostatic regulation of protein balance, and in doing so, highlights our lack of knowledge regarding the physiological and neurobiological mechanisms that might underpin such a regulatory phenomenon.
Enhanced locomotor adaptation aftereffect in the “broken escalator” phenomenon using anodal tDCS
Authors: Kaski D. , Quadir S. , Patel M. , Yousif N. , Bronstein A. M.
Published: February 2012

The everyday experience of stepping onto a stationary escalator causes a stumble, despite our full awareness that the escalator is broken. In the laboratory, this “broken escalator” phenomenon is reproduced when subjects step onto an obviously stationary platform (AFTER trials) that was previously experienced as moving (MOVING trials) and attests to a process of motor adaptation. Given the critical role of M1 in upper limb motor adaptation and the potential for transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to increase cortical excitability, we hypothesized that anodal tDCS over leg M1 and premotor cortices would increase the size and duration of the locomotor aftereffect. Thirty healthy volunteers received either sham or real tDCS (anodal bihemispheric tDCS; 2 mA for 15 min at rest) to induce excitatory effects over the primary motor and premotor cortex before walking onto the moving platform. The real tDCS group, compared with sham, displayed larger trunk sway and increased gait velocity in the first AFTER trial and a persistence of the trunk sway aftereffect into the second AFTER trial. We also used transcranial magnetic stimulation to probe changes in cortical leg excitability using different electrode montages and eyeblink conditioning, before and after tDCS, as well as simulating the current flow of tDCS on the human brain using a computational model of these different tDCS montages. Our data show that anodal tDCS induces excitability changes in lower limb motor cortex with resultant enhancement of locomotor adaptation aftereffects. These findings might encourage the use of tDCS over leg motor and premotor regions to improve locomotor control in patients with neurological gait disorders.
Bridging the gap: global disparity processing in the human visual cortex
Authors: Cottereau Benoit R. , McKee Suzanne P. , Norcia Anthony M.
Published: February 2012

The human stereoscopic system is remarkable in its ability to utilize widely separated features as references to support fine depth discrimination. In a search for possible neural substrates of this ability, we recorded high-density EEG and used a distributed inverse technique to estimate population-level disparity responses in five regions of interest (ROIs): V1, V3A, hMT+, V4, and lateral occipital complex (LOC). The stimulus was a central modulating disk surrounded by a correlated “reference” annulus presented in the fixation plane. We varied a gap separating the disk from the annulus parametrically from 0 to 5.5° as a test of long-range disparity integration. In the V1, LOC, and hMT+ ROIs, the responses with gaps >0.5° were equal to those obtained in a control condition where the surround was composed of uncorrelated noise (no reference). By contrast, in the V4 and V3A ROIs, responses with gaps as large as 5.5° were still significantly higher than the control. As a test of the spatial distribution of the disparity reference information, we manipulated the properties of the stimulus by placing noise between the center and the surround or throughout the surround. The V3A ROI was particularly sensitive to disparity noise between the center and annulus regions, suggesting an important contribution of disparity edge detectors in this ROI.
A Conservative Bioadhesive Approach to the Reattachment of Complicated Crown Fractures in Permanent First Molars: A Case Report with a 2-Year Followup
Authors: Mirikar Pragati
Published: February 2012

This paper presents a clinical report demonstrating combined restorative bioadhesive treatment and prosthetic rehabilitation of uncommon type of dental injury in an eighteen-year-old female involving crown fracture of all the permanent first molars and left upper premolars due to a bicycle riding accident. To restore the coronal fracture with invasion of biologic width, flap surgery with osteotomy and osteoplasty localized on the fractured teeth was performed, and the tooth remnant was reattached to the crown with a self-etch adhesive system. Frank pulp exposure was treated by self-etch dentin adhesive after surface disinfection prior to sealing of the wound site. At 2-year recall, the teeth continue to be aesthetically and functionally stable with a favourable pulpal and periapical environment.
Towards a Prototype of a Spherical Tippe Top
Authors: Ciocci M. C. , Malengier B. , Langerock B. , Grimonprez B.
Published: February 2012

Among spinning objects, the tippe top exhibits one of the most bizarre and counterintuitive behaviours. The commercially available tippe tops basically consist of a section of a sphere with a rod. After spinning on its rounded body, the top flips over and continues spinning on the stem. The commonly used simplified mathematical model for the tippe top is a sphere whose mass distribution is axially but not spherically symmetric, spinning on a flat surface subject to a small friction force that is due to sliding. Three main different dynamical behaviours are distinguished: tipping, nontipping, hanging, that is, the top rises but converges to an intermediate state instead of rising all the way to the vertical state. Subclasses according to the stability of relative equilibria can further be distinguished. Our concern is the degree of confidence in the mathematical model predictions, we applied 3D printing and rapid prototyping to manufacture a “3‐in‐1 toy” that could catch the three main characteristics defining the three main groups in the classification of spherical tippe tops as mentioned above. We propose three designs. This “toy” is suitable to validate the mathematical model qualitatively and quantitatively.
Pollinator-Driven Speciation in Sexually Deceptive Orchids
Authors: Xu Shuqing , Schlüter Philipp M. , Schiestl Florian P.
Published: February 2012

Pollinator-mediated selection has been suggested to play a major role for the origin and maintenance of the species diversity in orchids. Sexually deceptive orchids are one of the prime examples for rapid, pollinator-mediated plant radiations, with many species showing little genetic differentiation, lack of postzygotic barriers, but strong prezygotic reproductive isolation. These orchids mimic mating signals of female insects and employ male insects as pollinators. This kind of sexual mimicry leads to highly specialised pollination and provides a good system for investigating the process of pollinator-driven speciation. Here, we summarise the knowledge of key processes of speciation in this group of orchids and conduct a meta-analysis on traits that contribute to species differentiation, and thus potentially to speciation. Our study suggests that pollinator shift through changes in floral scent is predominant among closely related species in sexually deceptive orchids. Such shifts can provide a mechanism for pollinator-driven speciation in plants, if the resulting floral isolation is strong. Furthermore, changes in floral scent in these orchids are likely controlled by few genes. Together these factors suggest speciation in sexually deceptive orchids may happen rapidly and even in sympatry, which may explain the remarkable species diversity observed in this plant group.
Is There a Relationship between Ovarian Epithelial Dysplasia and Infertility?
Authors: Chene Gautier , Penault-Llorca Frédérique , Tardieu Anne , Cayre Anne , Lagarde Nicole , Jaffeux Patricia , Aublet-Cuvelier Bruno , Dechelotte Pierre , Felloni Bertrand , Pouly Jean-Luc , Dauplat Jacques
Published: February 2012

Aim.Ovarian epithelial dysplasia was initially described in material from prophylactic oophorectomies performed in patients at genetic risk of ovarian cancer. Similar histopathological abnormalities have been revealed after ovulation stimulation. Since infertility is also a risk factor for ovarian neoplasia, the aim of this study was to study the relationship between infertility and ovarian dysplasia.Methods.We blindly reviewed 127 histopathological slides of adnexectomies or ovarian cystectomies according to three groups—an exposed group to ovulation induction (n= 30), an infertile group without stimulation (n= 35), and a spontaneously fertile control group (n= 62)—in order to design an eleven histopathological criteria scoring system.Results.The ovarian dysplasia score was significantly higher in exposed group whereas dysplasia score was low in infertile and control groups (resp., 8.21 in exposed group, 3.69 for infertile patients, and 3.62 for the controls). In the subgroup with refractory infertility there was a trend towards a more severe dysplasia score (8.53 in ovulation induction group and 5.1 in infertile group).Conclusion.These results raise questions as to the responsibility of drugs used to induce ovulation and/or infertility itself in the genesis of ovarian epithelial dysplasia.
Chemokine and Free Fatty Acid Levels in Insulin-Resistant State of Successful Pregnancy: A Preliminary Observation
Authors: Naruse Katsuhiko , Noguchi Taketoshi , Sado Toshiyuki , Tsunemi Taihei , Shigetomi Hiroshi , Kanayama Seiji , Akasaka Juria , Koike Natsuki , Oi Hidekazu , Kobayashi Hiroshi
Published: February 2012

Increased insulin resistance and inflammatory action are observed in pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), but similar insulin resistance is observed also in successful pregnancy. To estimate insulin resistance and inflammatory activity in normal pregnancy and PIH, serum concentrations of free fatty acids (FFA; corrected with albumin to estimate unbound FFA), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, and high-molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin were measured in severe PIH patients with a BMI less than 25 kg/m2and were measured 3 times during the course of pregnancy in women with normal pregnancies. FFA/albumin, MCP-1, and HMW adiponectin concentrations were significantly higher in PIH patients than in women with normal pregnancies. The 3 measurements of FFA/albumin showed a significant increase through the course of uncomplicated pregnancies. In contrast, MCP-1 and HMW adiponectin were significantly decreased during the course of pregnancy. These results suggest that the reduced MCP-1 concentration in normal pregnancy may be a pathway to inhibit the induction of pathological features from physiological insulin resistance and homeostatic inflammation.
Raman Spectroscopic Study of Carbon Nanotubes Prepared Using Fe/ZnO‐Palm Olein‐Chemical Vapour Deposition
Authors: Mohd Zobir Syazwan Afif , Abu Bakar Suriani , Abdullah Saifollah , Zainal Zulkarnain , Sarijo Siti Halimah , Rusop Mohamad
Published: February 2012

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthesized using Fe/ZnO catalyst by a dual‐furnace thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method at 800–1000°C using nitrogen gas with a constant flow rate of 150 sccm/min as a gas carrier. Palm olein (PO), ferrocene in the presence of 0.05 M zinc nitrate, and a p‐type silicon wafer were used as carbon source, catalyst precursor, and sample target, respectively. D, G, and G′ bands were observed at 1336–1364, 1559–1680, and 2667–2682 cm−1, respectively. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with the highest degree of crystallinity were obtained at around 8000°C, and the smallest diameter of about 2 nm was deposited on the silicon substrate at 1000°C.
The Oxidative Function of Diferric Transferrin
Authors: Crane Frederick L. , Löw Hans
Published: February 2012

There is evidence for an unexpected role of diferric transferrin as a terminal oxidase for the transplasma membrane oxidation of cytosolic NADH. In the original studies which showed the reduction of iron in transferrin by the plasma membranes NADH oxidase, the possible role of the reduction on iron uptake was emphasized. The rapid reoxidation of transferrin iron under aerobic conditions precludes a role for surface reduction at neutral pH for release of iron for uptake at the plasma membrane. The stimulation of cytosolic NADH oxidation by diferric transferrin indicates that the transferrin can act as a terminal oxidase for the transplasma membrane NADH oxidase or can bind to a site which activates the oxidase. Since plasma membrane NADH oxidases clearly play a role in cell signaling, the relation of ferric transferrin stimulation of NADH oxidase to cell control should be considered, especially in relation to the growth promotion by transferrin not related to iron uptake. The oxidase can also contribute to control of cytosolic NAD concentration, and thereby can activate sirtuins for control of ageing and growth.
New Approach of Anti-VEGF Agents for Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Park Young Gun , Rhu Hyun Wook , Kang Seungbum , Roh Young Jung
Published: February 2012

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of visual loss in older population. Angiogenesis is an important factor associated with the development of CNV due to AMD. Treatment of CNV with intravitreal anti-VEGF monotherapy is currently the standard of care. However, not all patients respond to monotherapy, and modified anti-VEGF treatment regimen and combination therapy may target reducing treatment frequency or improving visual outcome. This paper reviews the many clinical trials that have been performed utilizing several treatment regimens. While many trials have shown that this variable therapy is justifiable, further study is required to determine correct regimens and dosage.
Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome according to Sasang Constitutional Medicine in Korean Subjects
Authors: Song Kwang Hoon , Yu Sung-Gon , Kim Jong Yeol
Published: February 2012

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a complex disorder defined by a cluster of abdominal obesity, atherogenic dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension; the condition is recognized as a risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This study assessed the effects of the Sasang constitution group (SCG) on the risk of MS in Korean subjects. We have analyzed 1,617 outpatients of Korean oriental medicine hospitals who were classified into three SCGs, So-Yang, So-Eum, and Tae-Eum. Significant differences were noted in the prevalence of MS and the frequencies of all MS risk factors among the three SCGs. The odds ratios for MS as determined via multiple logistic regression analysis were 2.004 for So-Yang and 4.521 for Tae-Eum compared with So-Eum. These results indicate that SCG may function as a significant risk factor of MS; comprehensive knowledge of Sasang constitutional medicine may prove helpful in predicting susceptibility and developing preventive care techniques for MS.
Trichotillomania and Dermatitis Artefacta: A Rare Coexistence
Authors: Varyani Neeraj , Garg Sunny , Gupta Garima , Singh Shivendra , Tripathi Kamlakar
Published: February 2012

A 24-year-old pregnant female patient presented with complains of bilateral lower limb swelling and fever for 1 month. On examination, blood pressure was 144/94 mmHg along with pitting pedal edema. She had bizarre skin lesions, aligned longitudinally and distributed over the approachable site of the body with tapering ends and in various stages of healing. Lower limbs examination also revealed similar lesions with signs of cellulitis. Her scalp had short and distorted hair suggesting pulling and plucking. These skin lesions and the denial of self-infliction by the patient made us reach the diagnosis of dermatitis artefacta with trichotillomania. Psychotherapy was advocated along with conservative management of skin lesions. The patient improved and is under our follow up.
Comparison of Different Analytic Solutions to Axisymmetric Squeezing Fluid Flow between Two Infinite Parallel Plates with Slip Boundary Conditions
Authors: Khan Hamid , Islam S. , Ali Javed , Ali Shah Inayat
Published: February 2012

We investigate squeezing flow between two large parallel plates by transforming the basic governing equations of the first grade fluid to an ordinary nonlinear differential equation using the stream functions ur(r, z, t) = (1/r)(∂ψ/∂z) and uz(r, z, t) = −(1/r)(∂ψ/∂r) and a transformation ψ(r, z) = r2F(z). The velocity profiles are investigated through various analytical techniques like Adomian decomposition method, new iterative method, homotopy perturbation, optimal homotopy asymptotic method, and differential transform method.
Language Mapping in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy in Children: Special Considerations
Authors: de Ribaupierre Sandrine , Wang An , Hayman-Abello Susan
Published: February 2012

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) in children is a slightly different entity than TLE in adults not only because of its semiology and pathology but also because of the different approach to surgical treatment. Presurgical investigations for eloquent cortex, especially language, must take these differences into account. Most diagnostic tests were created for adults, and many of the assessment tools need to be adapted for children because they are not just small adults. This paper will highlight the specific challenges and solutions in mapping language in a pediatric population with TLE.
Distinguishing Stationary/Nonstationary Scaling Processes Using Wavelet Tsallis q‐Entropies
Authors: Ramirez Pacheco Julio , Torres Román Deni , Toral Cruz Homero
Published: February 2012

Classification of processes as stationary or nonstationary has been recognized as an important and unresolved problem in the analysis of scaling signals. Stationarity or nonstationarity determines not only the form of autocorrelations and moments but also the selection of estimators. In this paper, a methodology for classifying scaling processes as stationary or nonstationary is proposed. The method is based on wavelet Tsallis q‐entropies and particularly on the behaviour of these entropies for scaling signals. It is demonstrated that the observed wavelet Tsallis q‐entropies of 1/f signals can be modeled by sum‐cosh apodizing functions which allocates constant entropies to a set of scaling signals and varying entropies to the rest and that this allocation is controlled by q. The proposed methodology, therefore, differentiates stationary signals from non‐stationary ones based on the observed wavelet Tsallis entropies for 1/f signals. Experimental studies using synthesized signals confirm that the proposed method not only achieves satisfactorily classifications but also outperforms current methods proposed in the literature.
Nail Isthmus: A Distinct Region of the Nail Apparatus
Authors: Oiso Naoki , Kurokawa Ichiro , Kawada Akira
Published: February 2012

The nail unit is constructed by distinctly regulated components. The nail isthmus is a lately proposed region as a transitional zone between the most distal part of the nail bed and the hyponychium. It is difficult to recognize the nail isthmus in the normal nail, but it is easy to identify the region in nail disorders such as pterygium inversum unguis and ectopic nail. We describe structure and putative function of the nail isthmus via histopathologic features of pterygium inversum unguis and ectopic nail.