bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PB1-F2 Modulates Early Host Responses but Does Not Affect the Pathogenesis of H1N1 Seasonal Influenza Virus
Authors: Meunier Isabelle , von Messling Veronika
Published: February 2012

In the context of infections with highly pathogenic influenza A viruses, the PB1-F2 protein contributes to virulence and enhances lung inflammation. In contrast, its role in the pathogenesis of seasonal influenza viral strains is less clear, especially in the H1N1 subtype, where strains can have a full-length 87- to 90-amino-acid protein, a truncated 57-amino-acid version, or lack the protein altogether. Toward this, we introduced the full-length 1918 PB1-F2, or prevented PB1-F2 expression, in H1N1 A/USSR/90/77, a seasonal strain that naturally expresses a truncated PB1-F2. All viruses replicated with similar efficiency in ferret or macaque
ex vivo
lung cultures and elicited similar cytokine mRNA profiles. In contrast, the virus expressing the 1918 PB1-F2 protein caused a delay of proinflammatory responses in ferret blood-derived macrophages, while the PB1-F2 knockout virus resulted in a more rapid response. A similar but less pronounced delay in innate immune activation was also observed in the nasal wash cells of ferrets infected with the 1918 PB1-F2-expressing virus. However, the three viruses did not differ in their virulence or clinical course in ferrets, supporting speculations that PB1-F2 is of limited importance for the pathogenesis of primary viral infection with human seasonal H1N1 viruses.
A MULTIPLE GENERALIZED FOURIER–FEYNMAN TRANSFORM VIA A ROTATION ON WIENER SPACE
Authors: CHOI JAE GIL , SKOUG DAVID , CHANG SEUNG JUN
Published: February 2012

In this paper we use a rotation property of Wiener measure to define a very general multiple Fourier–Feynman transform on Wiener space. We then proceed to establish its many algebraic properties as well as to establish several relationships between this generalized multiple transform and the corresponding generalized convolution product.
STRUCTURE OF THE BROKEN PHASE OF THE SINE-GORDON MODEL USING FUNCTIONAL RENORMALIZATION
Authors: PANGON V.
Published: February 2012

We study in this paper the sine-Gordon model using functional renormalization group at local potential approximation using different renormalization group (RG) schemes. In d = 2, using Wegner–Houghton RG we demonstrate that the location of the phase boundary is entirely driven by the relative position to the Coleman fixed point even for strongly coupled bare theories. We show the existence of a set of IR fixed points in the broken phase that are reached independently of the bare coupling. The bad convergence of the Fourier series in the broken phase is discussed and we demonstrate that these fixed points can be found only using a global resolution of the effective potential. We then introduce the methodology for the use of average action method where the regulator breaks periodicity and show that it provides the same conclusions for various regulators. The behavior of the model is then discussed in d≠2 and the absence of the previous fixed points is interpreted.
SUBDIRECTLY IRREDUCIBLE DIFFERENTIAL MODES
Authors: STANOVSKÝ DAVID
Published: February 2012

We study a variety of modes (idempotent algebras with mutually commuting term operations), so called differential modes, having a strongly solvable chain 0 ≤ α ≤ 1 in their congruence lattices. We show an explicit description of subdirectly irreducible algebras in this variety, and use it to compute residual bounds of its subvarieties. It follows from our results that all subvarieties with a finite residual bound are finitely based.
GROUPS IN WHICH THE NORMAL CLOSURES OF CYCLIC SUBGROUPS HAVE FINITE SECTION RANK
Authors: KURDACHENKO LEONID A. , MUÑOZ-ESCOLANO JOSÉ M. , OTAL JAVIER
Published: February 2012

A group G is said to have finite section p-rankrp(G) = r (here p is a prime) if every elementary abelian p-section U/V of G is finite of order at most pr and there is an elementary abelian p-section A/B of G such that |A/B| = pr. If ℙ is the set of all primes and λ : ℙ → ℕ ∪ {0} is a function, we say that a group G has λ-bounded section rank if rp(G) ≤ λ(p) for each p ∈ ℙ. In this paper we show that if G is a locally generalized radical group in which the normal closures of the cyclic subgroups of G have finite λ-bounded section rank, then [G,G] has [Formula: see text]-bounded section rank for some function [Formula: see text]. This is a wide generalization of some results by Neumann, Smith and many others. Moreover we are able to give explicit formulas for the involved bounds.
FLEXIBLE AND ROBUST NETWORKS
Authors: VAKULENKO SERGEY A. , RADULESCU OVIDIU
Published: February 2012

We consider networks with two types of nodes. The v-nodes, called centers, are hyperconnected and interact with one another via many u-nodes, called satellites. This centralized architecture, widespread in gene networks, possesses two fundamental properties. Namely, this organization creates feedback loops that are capable of generating practically any prescribed patterning dynamics, chaotic or periodic, or having a number of equilibrium states. Moreover, this organization is robust with respect to random perturbations of the system.
BIFURCATION AND SPATIOTEMPORAL PATTERNS IN A HOMOGENEOUS DIFFUSION-COMPETITION SYSTEM WITH DELAYS
Authors: ZHANG JIA-FANG , LI WAN-TONG , YAN XIANG-PING
Published: February 2012

A competitive Lotka–Volterra reaction-diffusion system with two delays subject to Neumann boundary conditions is considered. It is well known that the positive constant steady state of the system is globally asymptotically stable if the interspecies competition is weaker than the intraspecies one and is unstable if the interspecies competition dominates over the intraspecies one. If the latter holds, then we show that Hopf bifurcation can occur as the parameters (delays) in the system cross some critical values. In particular, we prove that these Hopf bifurcations are all spatially homogeneous if the diffusive rates are suitably large, which has the same properties as Hopf bifurcation of the corresponding delayed system without diffusion. However, if the diffusive rates are suitably small, then the system generates the spatially nonhomogeneous Hopf bifurcation. Furthermore, we derive conditions for determining the direction of spatially nonhomogeneous Hopf bifurcations and the stability of bifurcating periodic solutions. These results indicate that the diffusion plays an important role for deriving the complex spatiotemporal dynamics.
OBSERVATION OF NONLINEAR VERTICUM-TYPE SYSTEMS APPLIED TO ECOLOGICAL MONITORING
Authors: MOLNÁR S. , GÁMEZ M. , LÓPEZ I.
Published: February 2012

In this paper the concept of a nonlinear verticum-type observation system is introduced. These systems are composed from several "subsystems" connected sequentially in a particular way: a part of the state variables of each "subsystem" also appears in the next "subsystem" as an "exogenous variable" which can also be interpreted as a control generated by an "exosystem". Therefore, these "subsystems" are not observation systems, but formally can be considered as control-observation systems. The problem of observability of such systems can be reduced to rank conditions on the "subsystems". Indeed, under the condition of Lyapunov stability of an equilibrium of the "large", verticum-type system, it is shown that the Kalman rank condition on the linearization of the "subsystems" implies the observability of the original, nonlinear verticum-type system.

For an illustration of the above linearization result, a stage-structured fishery model with reserve area is considered. Observability for this system is obtained by applying the above linearization and decomposition approach. Furthermore, it is also shown that, applying an appropriate observer design method to each subsystem, from the observation of the biomass densities of the adult (harvested) stage, in both areas, the biomass densities of the pre-recruit stage can be efficiently estimated.
Vascular endothelial growth factor enhances macrophage clearance of apoptotic cells
Authors: Kearns Mark T. , Dalal Samay , Horstmann Sarah A. , Richens Tiffany R. , Tanaka Takeshi , Doe Jenna M. , Boe Darren M. , Voelkel Norbert F. , Taraseviciene-Stewart Laimute , Janssen William J. , Lee Chun G. , Elias Jack A. , Bratton Donna , Tuder Rubin M. , Henson Peter M. , Vandivier R. William
Published: February 2012

Efficient clearance of apoptotic cells from the lung by alveolar macrophages is important for the maintenance of tissue structure and function. Lung tissue from humans with emphysema contains increased numbers of apoptotic cells and decreased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Mice treated with VEGF receptor inhibitors have increased numbers of apoptotic cells and develop emphysema. We hypothesized that VEGF regulates apoptotic cell clearance by alveolar macrophages (AM) via its interaction with VEGF receptor 1 (VEGF R1). Our data show that the uptake of apoptotic cells by murine AMs and human monocyte-derived macrophages is inhibited by depletion of VEGF and that VEGF activates Rac1. Antibody blockade or pharmacological inhibition of VEGF R1 activity also decreased apoptotic cell uptake ex vivo. Conversely, overexpression of VEGF significantly enhanced apoptotic cell uptake by AMs in vivo. These results indicate that VEGF serves a positive regulatory role via its interaction with VEGF R1 to activate Rac1 and enhance AM apoptotic cell clearance.
Map kinase phosphatase 5 protects against sepsis-induced acute lung injury
Authors: Qian Feng , Deng Jing , Gantner Benjamin N. , Flavell Richard A. , Dong Chen , Christman John W. , Ye Richard D.
Published: February 2012

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) play a critical role in inflammation. Although activation of MAPK in inflammatory cells has been studied extensively, much less is known about the inactivation of these kinases. MAPK phosphatase 5 (MKP5) is a member of the dual-specificity phosphatase family that dephosphorylates activated MAPKs. Here we report that MKP5 protects sepsis-induced acute lung injury. Mice lacking MKP5 displayed severe lung tissue damage following LPS challenge, characterized with increased neutrophil infiltration and edema compared with wild-type (WT) controls. In response to LPS, MKP5-deficient macrophages produced significantly more inflammatory factors including inflammatory cytokines, nitric oxide, and superoxide. Phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, JNK, and ERK were enhanced in MKP5-deficient macrophages upon LPS stimulation. Adoptive transfer of MKP5-deficient macrophages led to more severe lung inflammation than transfer of WT macrophages, suggesting that MKP5-deficient macrophages directly contribute to acute lung injury. Taken together, these results suggest that MKP5 is crucial to homeostatic regulation of MAPK activation in inflammatory responses.
Mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned media recovers lung fibroblasts from cigarette smoke-induced damage
Authors: Kim Sun-Yong , Lee Ji-Hyun , Kim Hyo Jeong , Park Mi Kyeong , Huh Jin Won , Ro Jai Youl , Oh Yeon-Mok , Lee Sang-Do , Lee Yun-Song
Published: February 2012

Cigarette smoking causes apoptotic death, senescence, and impairment of repair functions in lung fibroblasts, which maintain the integrity of alveolar structure by producing extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Therefore, recovery of lung fibroblasts from cigarette smoke-induced damage may be crucial in regeneration of emphysematous lung resulting from degradation of ECM proteins and subsequent loss of alveolar cells. Recently, we reported that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned media (MSC-CM) led to angiogenesis and regeneration of lung damaged by cigarette smoke. In this study, to further investigate reparative mechanisms for MSC-CM-mediated lung repair, we attempted to determine whether MSC-CM can recover lung fibroblasts from cigarette smoke-induced damage. In lung fibroblasts exposed to cigarette smoke extract (CSE), MSC-CM, not only inhibited apoptotic death, but also induced cell proliferation and reversed CSE-induced changes in the levels of caspase-3, p53, p21, p27, Akt, and p-Akt. MSC-CM also restored expression of ECM proteins and collagen gel contraction while suppressing CSE-induced expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and microsomal PGE2synthase-2. The CSE-opposing effects of MSC-CM on cell fate, expression of ECM proteins, and collagen gel contraction were partially inhibited by LY294002, a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor. In rats, MSC-CM administration also resulted in elevation of p-Akt and restored proliferation of lung fibroblasts, which was suppressed by exposure to cigarette smoke. Taken together, these data suggest that MSC-CM may recover lung fibroblasts from cigarette smoke-induced damage, possibly through inhibition of apoptosis, induction of proliferation, and restoration of lung fibroblast repair function, which are mediated in part by the PI3K/Akt pathway.
A brief overview of mouse models of pulmonary arterial hypertension: problems and prospects
Authors: Gomez-Arroyo Jose , Saleem Sheinei J. , Mizuno Shiro , Syed Aamer A. , Bogaard Harm J. , Abbate Antonio , Taraseviciene-Stewart Laimute , Sung Yon , Kraskauskas Donatas , Farkas Daniela , Conrad Daniel H. , Nicolls Mark R. , Voelkel Norbert F.
Published: February 2012

Many chronic pulmonary diseases are associated with pulmonary hypertension (PH) and pulmonary vascular remodeling, which is a term that continues to be used to describe a wide spectrum of vascular abnormalities. Pulmonary vascular structural changes frequently increase pulmonary vascular resistance, causing PH and right heart failure. Although rat models had been standard models of PH research, in more recent years the availability of genetically engineered mice has made this species attractive for many investigators. Here we review a large amount of data derived from experimental PH reports published since 1996. These studies using wild-type and genetically designed mice illustrate the challenges and opportunities provided by these models. Hemodynamic measurements are difficult to obtain in mice, and right heart failure has not been investigated in mice. Anatomical, cellular, and genetic differences distinguish mice and rats, and pharmacogenomics may explain the degree of PH and the particular mode of pulmonary vascular adaptation and also the response of the right ventricle.
Sympathetic overactivity precedes metabolic dysfunction in a fructose model of glucose intolerance in mice
Authors: Angelis Katia De , Senador Danielle D. , Mostarda Cristiano , Irigoyen Maria C. , Morris Mariana
Published: February 2012

Consumption of high levels of fructose in humans and animals leads to metabolic and cardiovascular dysfunction. There are questions as to the role of the autonomic changes in the time course of fructose-induced dysfunction. C57/BL male mice were given tap water or fructose water (100 g/l) to drink for up to 2 mo. Groups were control (C), 15-day fructose (F15), and 60-day fructose (F60). Light-dark patterns of arterial pressure (AP) and heart rate (HR), and their respective variabilities were measured. Plasma glucose, lipids, insulin, leptin, resistin, adiponectin, and glucose tolerance were quantified. Fructose increased systolic AP (SAP) at 15 and 60 days during both light (F15: 123 ± 2 and F60: 118 ± 2 mmHg) and dark periods (F15: 136 ± 4 and F60: 136 ± 5 mmHg) compared with controls (light: 111 ± 2 and dark: 117 ± 2 mmHg). SAP variance (VAR) and the low-frequency component (LF) were increased in F15 (>60% and >80%) and F60 (>170% and >140%) compared with C. Cardiac sympatho-vagal balance was enhanced, while baroreflex function was attenuated in fructose groups. Metabolic parameters were unchanged in F15. However, F60 showed significant increases in plasma glucose (26%), cholesterol (44%), triglycerides (22%), insulin (95%), and leptin (63%), as well as glucose intolerance. LF of SAP was positively correlated with SAP. Plasma leptin was correlated with triglycerides, insulin, and glucose tolerance. Results show that increased sympathetic modulation of vessels and heart preceded metabolic dysfunction in fructose-consuming mice. Data suggest that changes in autonomic modulation may be an initiating mechanism underlying the cluster of symptoms associated with cardiometabolic disease.
Solar Activity and Svalbard Temperatures
Authors: Solheim Jan-Erik , Stordahl Kjell , Humlum Ole
Published: February 2012

The long temperature series at Svalbard (Longyearbyen) show large variations and a positive trend since its start in 1912. During this period solar activity has increased, as indicated by shorter solar cycles. The temperature at Svalbard is negatively correlated with the length of the solar cycle. The strongest negative correlation is found with lags 10–12 years. The relations between the length of a solar cycle and the mean temperature in the following cycle are used to model Svalbard annual mean temperature and seasonal temperature variations. Residuals from the annual and winter models show no autocorrelations on the 5 per cent level, which indicates that no additional parameters are needed to explain the temperature variations with 95 per cent significance. These models show that 60 per cent of the annual and winter temperature variations are explained by solar activity. For the spring, summer, and fall temperatures autocorrelations in the residuals exist, and additional variables may contribute to the variations. These models can be applied as forecasting models. We predict an annual mean temperature decrease for Svalbard of °C from solar cycle 23 to solar cycle 24 (2009–20) and a decrease in the winter temperature of °C.
Effects of Trauma-Hemorrhage and IL-6 Deficiency on Splenic Immune Function in a Murine Trauma Model
Authors: Mommsen P. , Barkhausen T. , Zeckey C. , Andruszkow H. , Krettek C. , Neunaber C.
Published: February 2012

Splenic immune function is known to be depressed following hemorrhage. The present study investigates the effects of femoral shaft fracture, isolated or in combination with hemorrhage, on early stage cytokine production capacity of splenocytes and observes the role of IL-6 under these conditions. Male IL-6 knockout (IL-6−/−) and wild-type mice (WT) were randomly divided into three groups: sham (S), isolated femoral fracture (Fx), and femoral fracture + volume controlled hemorrhage (TH-Fx) ( per group). Animals were sacrificed four hours after induction of hemorrhage and fracture. Cytokine release (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10) of isolated and LPS-stimulated splenocytes was determined by cytometric bead array. Femoral fracture with or without hemorrhage caused a suppression of in vitro cytokine production capacity of splenocytes at an early posttraumatic stage in WT and IL-6−/−. In the absence of IL-6, the profile of splenic cytokine secretion is significantly altered, identifying this cytokine as a potential therapeutic target to modulate the posttraumatic immune response.
Osteopetrosis, Hypophosphatemia, and Phosphaturia in a Young Man: A Case Presentation and Differential Diagnosis
Authors: Mitri Zahi , Tangpricha Vin
Published: February 2012

We report the case of a 30-year-old African-American male with osteopetrosis and hypophosphatemia, presenting with diffuse myalgias. Laboratory evaluation performed revealed a low serum phosphorus level with urinary phosphate wasting, low calcium, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations, as well as elevated alkaline phosphatase. Skull and pelvic radiographs revealed high bone density consistent with high bone mass found on bone mineral density reports. PHEX gene mutation analysis was negative. Patient was started on calcium and phosphorus replacement, and he clinically improved. This paper will review the different subtypes of osteopetrosis, and the evaluation of hypophosphatemia.
A Gain-Computation Enhancements Resource Allocation for Heterogeneous Service Flows in IEEE 802.16 m Mobile Networks
Authors: Ben Hassen Wafa , Afif Meriem
Published: February 2012

This paper deals with radio resource allocation in fourth generation (4G) wireless mobile networks based on Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) as an access method. In IEEE 802.16 m standard, a contiguous method for subchannel construction is adopted in order to reduce OFDMA system complexity. In this context, we propose a new subchannel gain computation method depending on frequency responses dispersion. This method has a crucial role in the resource management and optimization. In a single service access, we propose a dynamic resource allocation algorithm at the physical layer aiming to maximize the cell data rate while ensuring fairness among users. In heterogeneous data traffics, we study scheduling in order to provide delay guaranties to real-time services, maximize throughput of non-real-time services while ensuring fairness to users. We compare performances to recent existing algorithms in OFDMA systems showing that proposed schemes provide lower complexity, higher total system capacity, and fairness among users.
Hematopoietic Cell Transplant and Use of Massage for Improved Symptom Management: Results from a Pilot Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Mehling Wolf E. , Lown E. Anne , Dvorak Christopher C. , Cowan Morton J. , Horn Biljana N. , Dunn Elizabeth A. , Acree Michael , Abrams Donald I. , Hecht Frederick M.
Published: February 2012

Background. Pediatric hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) is a lifesaving treatment that often results in physical and psychological discomfort. An acupressure-massage intervention may improve symptom management in this setting.Methods. This randomized controlled pilot trial compared a combined massage-acupressure intervention to usual care. Children were offered three practitioner-provided sessions per week throughout hospitalization. Parents were trained to provide additional acupressure as needed. Symptoms were assessed using nurses' reports and two questionnaires, the behavioral affective and somatic experiences scale and the Peds quality of life cancer module.Results. We enrolled 23 children, ages 5 to 18. Children receiving the intervention reported fewer days of mucositis (Hedges' g effect sizeES=0.63), lower overall symptom burden (ES=0.26), feeling less tired and run-down (ES=0.86), having fewer moderate/severe symptoms of pain, nausea, and fatigue (ES=0.62), and less pain (ES=0.42). The intervention group showed trends toward increasing contentness/serenity (ES=+0.50) and decreasing depression (ES=−0.45), but not decreased anxiety (ES=+0.42). Differences were not statistically significant.Discussion. Feasibility of studying massage-acupressure was established in children undergoing HCT. Larger studies are needed to test the efficacy of such interventions in reducing HCT-associated symptoms in children.
Role of PPARs inTrypanosoma cruziInfection: Implications for Chagas Disease Therapy
Authors: Hovsepian Eugenia , Penas Federico , Mirkin Gerardo A. , Goren Nora B.
Published: February 2012

Chagas disease, which is caused byTrypanosoma cruzi(T. cruzi), remains a substantial public health concern and an important cause of morbidity and mortality in Latin America.T. cruziinfection causes an intense inflammatory response in diverse tissues by triggering local expression of inflammatory mediators, which results in the upregulation of the levels of cytokines and chemokines, and important cardiac alterations in the host, being one of the most characteristic damages of Chagas disease. Therefore, controlling the inflammatory reaction becomes critical for the control of the proliferation of the parasite and of the evolution of Chagas disease. The nuclear receptors known as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) have emerged as key regulators of lipid metabolism and inflammation. The precise role of PPAR ligands inT. cruziinfection or in Chagas disease is poorly understood. This review summarizes our knowledge aboutT. cruziinfection as well as about the activation of PPARs and the potential role of their ligands in the resolution of inflammation, with the aim to address a new pharmacological approach to improve the host health.
Numerical Analysis of Flow Field and Heat Transfer of 2D Wavy Ducts and Optimization by Entropy Generation Minimization Method
Authors: Nourani Zonouz Ouldouz , Salmanpour Mehdi
Published: February 2012

This article provided a research for the trend of heat transfer and flow field through a 2-dimensional wavy duct. To construct a grid mesh, the physical domain was transferred to the computational domain and finite volume scheme was used for discretizing the governing equations. Through the simulation, the flow regime stayed in laminar mode. Constant temperature boundary condition has been used for solid walls. Air was used as a working fluid. Existence of waves makes some phenomenon like flow separation. Effect of Reynolds number, wave width, and wave number has been analyzed and velocity distribution, heat transfer coefficient, and tangential stress were computed for different cases. The final results were compared with the same straight duct. The entropy generation minimization method has been used for better comparison between final results.
An Empirical Path-Loss Model for Wireless Channels in Indoor Short-Range Office Environment
Authors: Wang Ye , Lu Wen-jun , Zhu Hong-bo
Published: February 2012

A novel empirical path-loss model for wireless indoor short-range office environment at 4.3–7.3 GHz band is presented. The model is developed based on the experimental datum sampled in 30 office rooms in both line of sight (LOS) and non-LOS (NLOS) scenarios. The model is characterized as the path loss to distance with a Gaussian random variableXdue to the shadow fading by using linear regression. The path-loss exponentnis fitted by the frequency using power function and modeled as a frequency-dependent Gaussian variable as the standard deviationσofX. The presented works should be available for the research of wireless channel characteristics under universal indoor short-distance environments in the Internet of Things (IOT).
Volvulus of the Sigmoid Colon during Pregnancy: A Case Report
Authors: Ribeiro Nascimento Enzo Fabrício , Chechter Michelle , Fonte Fábio Piovezan , Puls Nara , Valenciano Juliana Santos , Fernandes Filho Cláudio Luciano Penna , Nonose Ronaldo , Bonassa Crhistiny Emmanuelle Gabriel , Martinez Carlos Augusto Real
Published: February 2012

Colonic obstruction due to sigmoid colon volvulus during pregnancy is a rare but complication with significant maternal and fetal mortality. We describe a case of sigmoid volvulus in a patient with 33 weeks of gestation that developed complete necrosis of the left colon.Case. 27-year-old woman was admitted with 3 days of abdominal distention, vomit, and the stoppage of the passage of gases and feces. She was admitted with poor clinical conditions with septic shock, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and signs of diffuse peritonitis. Abdominal radiography showed severe dilation of the colon with horseshoe signal suggesting a sigmoid volvulus, pneumoperitoneum and we could not we could not identify fetal heartbeats. With a diagnosis of complicate sigmoid volvulus she was underwent to the laparotomy where we found necrosis of all descending colon due to double twist volvulus of the sigmoid. We performed a colectomy with a confection of a proximal colostomy, and closing of the rectal stump. Due to an uncontrollable uterine bleeding during cesarean due, it was required a hysterectomy. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course thereafter and was discharged on a regular diet on the 15th postoperative day.
Research on the Human Dynamics in Mobile Communities Based on Social Identity
Authors: Yan Qiang , Wu Lianren , Yi Lanli
Published: February 2012

Through analyzing the data about the releases, comment, and forwarding of 120,000 microblog messages in a year, this paper finds out that the intervals between information releases and comment follow a power law; besides, the analysis of data in each 24 hours reveals obvious differences between microblogging and website visit, email, instant communication, and the use of mobile phone, reflecting how people use fragments of time via mobile internet technology. The paper points out the significant influence of the user′s activity on the intervals of information releases and thus demonstrates a positive correlation between the activity and the power exponent. The paper also points out that user′s activity is influenced by social identity in a positive way. The simulation results based on the social identity mechanism fit well with the actual data, which indicates that this mechanism is a reasonable way to explain people′s behavior in the mobile Internet.
Series-Fed Microstrip Array Antenna with Circular Polarization
Authors: Han Tuan-Yung
Published: February 2012

This study proposes a novel 2 × 2 array antenna design with broadband and circularly-polarized (CP) operation. The proposed design uses a simple series-fed network to increase the CP bandwidth without requiring one-by-one adjustment of each array element or a complex feed network. Selecting the appropriate spacing between each array element allows the proposed array antenna to generate CP radiation with a low axial ratio. Experimental results based on a prototype show that this 2 × 2 microstrip array antenna achieves a wide 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth of more than 10%. Simulated data are also provided to confirm the measured results.
Hydroxyapatite Coating of Titanium Implants Using Hydroprocessing and Evaluation of Their Osteoconductivity
Authors: Kuroda Kensuke , Okido Masazumi
Published: February 2012

Many techniques for the surface modification of titanium and its alloys have been proposed from the viewpoint of improving bioactivity. This paper contains an overview of surface treatment methods, including coating with hydroxyapatite (HAp), an osteoconductive compound. There are two types of coating methods: pyroprocessing and hydroprocessing. In this paper, hydroprocessing for coating on the titanium substrate with HAp, carbonate apatite (CO3–Ap), a CO3–Ap/CaCO3composite, HAp/collagen, and a HAp/gelatin composite is outlined. Moreover, evaluation by implantation of surface-modified samples in rat tibiae is described.
Photovoltaic Greenhouses: Comparison of Optical and Thermal Behaviour for Energy Savings
Authors: Carlini Maurizio , Honorati Tommaso , Castellucci Sonia
Published: February 2012

The production of energy from renewable sources, the diversification of the productive activities, and the development of photovoltaic technology and integrated systems have led to the development of solar greenhouses. The interest of the developers and designers is now to seek new approaches to combine the electricity and food production optimally. The interaction of factors as outside local climate, exposure, slope, soil, altitude, wind conditions, structural materials, or cultivated plant species, influences greatly the energy balance.
This paper illustrates the comparison of optical and thermal behavior of a solar greenhouse and a similar glass greenhouse, devoted to the production of soil‐less tomatoes in three different Italian areas, with computational aspects and methods of the TRNSYS simulation. Values of climatic parameters are obtained as a responce for the feasibility of the cultivation under PV modules. The results show energy savings both for heating and cooling due to PV panels, adding a new reason for the realization of these systems.
Antigen-Specific T Cells and Cytokines Detection as Useful Tool for Understanding Immunity against Zoonotic Infections
Authors: Agnone Annalisa , Torina Alessandra , Vesco Gesualdo , Villari Sara , Vitale Fabrizio , Caracappa Santo , La Manna Marco Pio , Dieli Francesco , Sireci Guido
Published: February 2012

Zoonoses include a broad range of diseases, that are becoming of great interest, due to the climate changing, that cause the adaptation of vectors to new niches and environments. Host immune responses play a crucial role in determining the outcome of infections, as documented by expansion of antigen-specific T cells during several zoonotic infections. Thus, understanding of the contribution of antigen-specific T-cell subsets in the host immune response is a powerful tool to evaluate the different immunological mechanisms involved in zoonotic infections and for the development of effective vaccines. In this paper we discuss the role of T cells in some eukaryotic and prokaryotic infectious models.
Airway Tube Exchanger Techniques in Morbidly Obese Patients
Authors: Udomtecha Danai
Published: February 2012

Morbidly obese patients may present a challenge during airway management. When airway tube exchange is required, it can even be more challenging than the primary intubation. With the increasing prevalence of morbid obesity over the years, there will be increasing numbers of these patients presenting for surgical procedures, including ones that require endotracheal tube exchanges. It is therefore important for anesthesiologists to be familiar with options and limitations of the airway tube exchanger techniques.
Postvaginal Delivery Caecal Volvulus and Perforation
Authors: Abdullah Agha M. M.
Published: February 2012

Intestinal obstruction is an uncommon complication of pregnancy and pueperium. It has different etiologies and voluvlus is one of the common causes. High index of suspicion is needed to diagnose it as initial presentation is nonspecific and that is critical to avoid adverse outcomes. We presented here one of these cases that followed vaginal delivery and ended with caecal perforation and hemicolectomy.
Frequency of Driver Mutations in Lung Adenocarcinoma from Female Never-Smokers Varies with Histologic Subtypes and Age at Diagnosis
Authors: Zhang Yang , Sun Yihua , Pan Yunjian , Li Chenguang , Shen Lei , Li Yuan , Luo Xiaoyang , Ye Ting , Wang Rui , Hu Haichuan , Li Hang , Wang Lei , Pao William , Chen Haiquan
Published: February 2012

Purpose: Our previous study revealed that 90% [47 of 52; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.79–0.96] of Chinese never-smokers with lung adenocarcinoma harbor known oncogenic driver mutations in just four genes EGFR, ALK, HER2, and KRAS. Here, we examined the status of known driver mutations specifically in female never-smokers with lung adenocarcinoma.

Experimental Design: Tumors were genotyped for mutations in EGFR, KRAS, ALK, HER2, and BRAF. Data on age, stage, tumor differentiation, histologic subtypes, and molecular alterations were recorded from 349 resected lung adenocarcinomas from female never-smokers. We further compared the clinicopathologic parameters according to mutational status of these genes.

Results: Two hundred and sixty-six (76.2%) tumors harbored EGFR mutations, 16 (4.6%) HER2 mutations, 15 (4.3%) EML4-ALK fusions, seven (2.0%) KRAS mutations, and two (0.6%) BRAF mutations. In univariate analysis, patients harboring EGFR mutations were significantly older (P < 0.001), whereas patients harboring HER2 mutations were significantly younger (P = 0.036). Higher prevalence of KRAS (P = 0.028) and HER2 (P = 0.021) mutations was found in invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma (IMA). The frequency of EGFR mutations was positively correlated with acinar predominant tumors (P = 0.002). Multivariate analysis revealed that older age at diagnosis (P = 0.013) and acinar predominant subtype (P = 0.005) were independent predictors of EGFR mutations. Independent predictors of HER2 mutations included younger age (P = 0.030) and IMA (P = 0.017). IMA (P = 0.006) and poor differentiation (P = 0.028) were independently associated with KRAS mutations.

Conclusions: The frequency of driver mutations in never-smoking female lung adenocarcinoma varies with histologic subtypes and age at diagnosis. These data have implications for both clinical trial design and therapeutic strategies. Clin Cancer Res; 18(7); 1947–53. ©2012 AACR.
Distribution of pH Changes in Mouse Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischaemic Insult
Authors: Kendall Giles S. , Hristova Mariya , Zbarsky Virginia , Clements Amanda , Peebles Donald M. , Robertson Nicola J. , Raivich Gennadij
Published: February 2012

We assessed the distribution in brain pH after neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic insult and its correlation with local injury. Postnatal day 7 mice were injected with neutral red and underwent left carotid occlusion and exposure to 8% oxygen. Images captured from the cut surface of snap-frozen brain were used to calculate the pH from the blue-green absorbance ratios. Carotid occlusion alone had no effect, but combined with hypoxia caused rapid, biphasic pH decline, with the first plateau at 15–30 min, and the second at 60–90 min. The ipsilateral dorsal cortex, hippocampus, striatum and thalamus were most affected. Contralateral pH initially showed only 30% of the ipsilateral decline, becoming more acidotic with increasing duration. Systemic blood analysis revealed, compared with hypoxia alone, that combined insult caused a 63% decrease in blood glucose (1.3 ± 0.2 mM), a 2-fold increase in circulating lactate (17.7 ± 2.9 mM), a reduction in CO2 to 1.9 ± 0.1 kPa and a drop in pH (7.26 ± 0.06). Re-oxygenation resulted in the normalisation of systemic changes, as well as a global alkaline rebound in brain pH at 4–6 h. A topographic comparison of brain injury showed only a partial correlation with pH changes, with the severest injury occurring in the ipsilateral hippocampus and sparing acidic parts of the contralateral cortex.
Evaluation of Neurodegeneration in a Mouse Model of Infantile Batten Disease by Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Munasinghe Jeeva , Zhang Zhongjian , Kong Eryan , Heffer Alison , Mukherjee Anil B.
Published: February 2012

Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) represent a group of common hereditary childhood neurodegenerative storage disorders that have no effective treatment. Mutations in eight different genes cause various forms of NCLs. Infantile NCL (INCL), the most lethal disease, is caused by inactivating mutations in the palmitoyl-protein thioesterase-1 (PPT1) gene. The availability of Ppt1-knockout (Ppt1-KO) mice, which recapitulate virtually all clinical and pathological features of INCL, provides an opportunity to test the effectiveness of novel therapeutic strategies in vivo. However, such studies will require noninvasive methods that can be used to perform serial evaluations of the same animal receiving an experimental therapy. Thus, the development of noninvasive method(s) of evaluation is urgently needed. Here, we report our evaluation of the progression of neurodegeneration in Ppt1-KO mice starting at 3 months of age by MRI and MR spectroscopy (MRS) and repeating these tests using the same mice at 4, 5 and 6 months of age. Our results showed progressive cerebral atrophy, which was associated with histological loss of neuronal content and increase in astroglia. Remarkably, while the brain volumes in Ppt1-KO mice progressively declined with advancing age, the MRS signals, which were significantly lower than those of their wild-type littermates, remained virtually unchanged from 3 to 6 months of age. In addition, our results also showed an abnormality in cerebral blood flow in these mice, which showed progression with age. Our findings provide methods to serially examine the brains of mouse models of neurodegenerative diseases (e.g. Ppt1-KO mice) using noninvasive and nonlethal procedures such as MRI and MRS. These methods may be useful in studies to understand the progression of neuropathology in animal models of neurodegenerative diseases as they allow repeated evaluations of the same animal in which experimental therapies are tested.
APOE-Mimetic Peptides Reduce Behavioral Deficits, Plaques and Tangles in Alzheimer’s Disease Transgenics
Authors: Vitek M.P. , Christensen D.J. , Wilcock D. , Davis J. , Van Nostrand W.E. , Li F.Q. , Colton C.A.
Published: February 2012

Background: After age, the second largest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype, where APOE4 is associated with lower apoE protein levels, more severer brain pathology, enhanced inflammation and disease. Small peptides corresponding to the receptor-binding region of apoE mimic the anti-inflammatory activity of the apoE holoprotein. These apoE mimetics greatly improve behavioral outcomes and neuronal survival in head trauma models that display AD pathology and neuronal loss. Objective: To determine whether apoE mimetics change behavior, inflammation and pathology in CVND-AD (SwDI-APP/NOS2–/–) transgenic mice. Methods: Starting at 9 months, apoE peptides were subcutaneously administered 3 times per week for 3 months followed by behavioral, histochemical and biochemical testing. Results: Treatment with apoE mimetics significantly improved behavior while decreasing the inflammatory cytokine IL-6, neurofibrillary tangle-like and amyloid plaque-like structures. Biochemical measures matched the visible pathological results. Conclusions: Treatment with apoE mimetics significantly improved behavior, reduced inflammation and reduced pathology in CVND-AD mice. These improvements are associated with apoE-mimetic-mediated increases in protein phosphatase 2A activity. Testing in additional AD models showed similar benefits, reinforcing this novel mechanism of action of apoE mimetics. These data suggest that the combination of anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities of apoE mimetics represents a new generation of potential therapeutics for AD.
Mutant GBA1 Expression and Synucleinopathy Risk: First Insights from Cellular and Mouse Models
Authors: Sardi S. Pablo , Singh Priyanka , Cheng Seng H. , Shihabuddin Lamya S. , Schlossmacher Michael G.
Published: February 2012

Heterozygous mutations in the glucocerebrosidase gene (GBA1) are associated with increased risk for α-synuclein aggregation disorders (‘synucleinopathies’), which include Parkinson’s disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Homozygous GBA1 mutations lead to reduced GBA1 lysosomal activity underlying three variants of Gaucher disease (GD). Despite the wealth of clinical and genetic evidence supporting the association between mutant genotypes and synucleinopathy risk, the precise mechanisms by which GBA1 mutations lead to PD and DLB remain unclear. Here, we summarize recent findings that highlight the complexity of this pathogenetic link. In neural cells, both gain and loss of function mechanisms, as conferred by mutant GBA1 expression and activity loss, respectively, seem to promote aberrant α-synuclein processing. In addition, we draw attention to recent insights gleaned from GD animal models regarding axonal pathology, brain inflammation and memory dysfunction. From a translational perspective, we discuss the concepts of neural enzyme replacement therapy and pharmacological agents as potential treatment strategies for GBA1-associated synucleinopathies. Finally, we touch on the issue whether aberrant α-synuclein species may coregulate GBA1 activity in the vertebrate brain, thereby providing a reverse link, i.e., between an important synucleinopathy risk factor and the enzyme’s lysosomal function. In summary, several leads connecting GBA1 mutations with α-synuclein misprocessing have emerged as potential targets for the treatment of GBA1-related synucleinopathies, and possibly, for non-GBA1-associated neurodegenerative diseases.
Sexual Dimorphism and Laterality in the Evolution of the Primate Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Smaers Jeroen B. , Mulvaney Poppy I. , Soligo Christophe , Zilles Karl , Amunts Katrin
Published: February 2012

Social selective pressures are commonly considered as the main driving force of primate brain evolution. Primate social behaviour is, however, known to be sexually dimorphic, and no previous study has made a direct comparison between male and female brain structures across species. We quantify sex-specific evolutionary trends in the prefrontal cortex of anthropoid primates (including humans) to investigate how sexual selection has shaped brain evolution in primates. The prefrontal cortex is of particular importance to the investigation of sexual dimorphism in primate brain evolution because of its association to those cognitive capacities central to primate (and human) evolution: sociality and higher-order cognitive processing. Our results demonstrate sex-by-hemisphere differences in the evolution of the prefrontal cortex in humans and non-human anthropoid primates congruent with the principal selective pressures considered to underlie anthropoid behavioural evolution. Our findings further show how sexual selection can shape brain adaptation in primates and provide an evolutionary framework for interpreting sex and sex-by-hemisphere differences in cortical organization in humans and non-human primates.
Ischemic Conditioning Protects the Uremic Heart in a Rodent Model of Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Byrne Conor J. , McCafferty Kieran , Kieswich Julius , Harwood Steven , Andrikopoulos Petros , Raftery Martin , Thiemermann Christoph , Yaqoob Muhammad M.
Published: February 2012

Background—

Outcomes after acute myocardial infarction in patients with chronic kidney disease are extremely poor. Ischemic conditioning techniques are among the most powerful cytoprotective strategies discovered to date. However, experimental data suggest that comorbidity may attenuate the protective effects of ischemic conditioning.

Methods and Results—

We conducted investigations into the effects of chronic uremia on myocardial infarct size and the protective effects of ischemic preconditioning (IPC), remote ischemic preconditioning, and ischemic postconditioning in 2 rodent models of chronic uremia. In addition, a limited investigation into the signaling mechanisms involved in cardioprotection after IPC was performed in both uremic and nonuremic animals. Myocardial infarct size was increased in uremic animals, but all 3 conditioning strategies (IPC, remote IPC, ischemic postconditioning) proved highly efficacious in reducing myocardial infarct size (relative reduction, 86%, 39%, and 65% [
P
<0.005,
P
<0.05, and
P
<0.05], respectively). Moreover, some protocols (IPC and ischemic postconditioning) appeared to be more effective in uremic than in sham (nonuremic) animals. Analysis of the signaling mechanisms revealed that components of both the reperfusion injury salvage kinase and survivor activating factor enhancement pathways were similarly upregulated in both uremic and nonuremic animals after an IPC stimulus.

Conclusion—

Conditioning strategies may present the best opportunity to improve outcomes for patients with chronic kidney disease after an acute coronary syndrome.
Offspring Sex Preference in Frontier America
Authors: Bohnert Nora , Jåstad Hilde Leikny , Vechbanyongratana Jessica , Walhout Evelien
Published: February 2012

Analysis of the fertility histories of women born between 1850 and 1900, as given in the Utah Population Database (updb), reveals the effect of the number, as well as the sex composition, of previous children on birth-stopping and birth-spacing decisions. Specifically, agricultural and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (lds) households—two sub-populations that might have placed different values on male and female children for economic, social, and/or cultural reasons—showed a distinct preference for male children, as expressed by birth stopping after the birth of a male child and shorter birth intervals in higher-parity births when most previous children were female. Remarkably, women in both the early “natural fertility” and the later contraceptive eras used spacing behavior to achieve a desired sex mix. Although the lds population had relatively high fertility rates, it had the same preferences for male children as the non-lds population did. Farmers, who presumably had a need for family labor, were more interested in the quantity than in the sex mix of their children.
Lovely Weather: Reflecting on the Letterkenny Donegal Art & Climate Residencies and Exhibition
Authors: Bureaud Annick
Published: February 2012

The Lovely Weather Donegal Residencies was a Leonardo/Olats art-and-climate project that took place in Donegal, Ireland, in 2010. In this paper, the curator reflects on the art-science-local communities approach taken as a basis for the residencies and the results of the process, which caused her in the end to reconsider the universal versus the specific context for creation.