bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Further investigations on acoustically coupled spaces using scale-model technique
Authors: Su Zuhre , Xiang Ning , Summers Jason E.
Published: October 2013

Recently, architectural acousticians have been increasingly interested in halls that incorporate coupled-volume systems because of their potential for creating nonexponential sound energy decay. Effects of coupling-aperture configuration and source and receiver locations on energy decay are essential aspects of acoustically coupled spaces that have not yet been extensively investigated. In order to further understand these effects on sound fields in coupled rooms, a systematic experimental study is carried out. An acoustic scale model technique is used in collecting room impulse responses of a two-room coupled system for varying aperture configurations and surface-scattering conditions. Baseline behavior is established by varying aperture area for a fixed aperture shape and analyzing relevant energy-decay parameters at different locations. Effects of aperture shape and number are systematically investigated by varying these parameters while holding coupling area fixed. Similarly, effects of receiver location are systematically investigated by varying the distance of the receiver from the coupling aperture for a fixed aperture configuration. Schroeder decay-function decompositions by Bayesian analysis reveal sensitivities to receiver location and aperture configuration across different frequency bands.
Pacific Ocean Heat Content During the Past 10,000 Years
Authors: Rosenthal Yair , Linsley Braddock K. , Oppo Delia W.
Published: October 2013

Deep Heating

Global warming is popularly viewed only as an atmospheric process, when, as shown by marine temperature records covering the last several decades, most heat uptake occurs in the ocean. How did subsurface ocean temperatures vary during past warm and cold intervals?

Rosenthal
et al.

(p.
617
) present a temperature record of western equatorial Pacific subsurface and intermediate water masses over the past 10,000 years that shows that heat content varied in step with both northern and southern high-latitude oceans. The findings support the view that the Holocene Thermal Maximum, the Medieval Warm Period, and the Little Ice Age were global events, and they provide a long-term perspective for evaluating the role of ocean heat content in various warming scenarios for the future.
Structure-Based Design of a Fusion Glycoprotein Vaccine for Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Authors: McLellan Jason S. , Chen Man , Joyce M. Gordon , Sastry Mallika , Stewart-Jones Guillaume B. E. , Yang Yongping , Zhang Baoshan , Chen Lei , Srivatsan Sanjay , Zheng Anqi , Zhou Tongqing , Graepel Kevin W. , Kumar Azad , Moin Syed , Boyington Jeffrey C. , Chuang Gwo-Yu , Soto Cinque , Baxa Ulrich , Bakker Arjen Q. , Spits Hergen , Beaumont Tim , Zheng Zizheng , Xia Ningshao , Ko Sung-Youl , Todd John-Paul , Rao Srinivas , Graham Barney S. , Kwong Peter D.
Published: October 2013

Designer Vaccine

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the last remaining childhood diseases without an approved vaccine. Using a structure-based approach,

McLellan
et al.

(p.
592
) designed over 150 fusion glycoprotein variants, assessed their antibody reactivity, determined crystal structures of stabilized variants, and measured their ability to elicit protective responses. This approach yielded an immunogen that elicits higher protective responses than the postfusion form of the fusion glycoprotein, which is one of the current leading RSV vaccine candidates entering clinical trials. Importantly, highly protective responses were elicited in both mice and macaques.
Mosaic Copy Number Variation in Human Neurons
Authors: McConnell Michael J. , Lindberg Michael R. , Brennand Kristen J. , Piper Julia C. , Voet Thierry , Cowing-Zitron Chris , Shumilina Svetlana , Lasken Roger S. , Vermeesch Joris R. , Hall Ira M. , Gage Fred H.
Published: October 2013

Not All Neurons Are Alike

As life proceeds, many cells acquire individualized mutations. In the immune system, genome rearrangements generate useful antibody diversity.

McConnell
et al.

(p.
632
; see the Perspective by

Macosko and McCarroll

) now show that human neurons also diversify. Neurons taken from postmortem human frontal cortex tissue and neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cell differentiation in vitro showed surprising diversity in individual cell genomes. Up to 41% of the frontal cortex neurons had copy number variations—no two alike—with deletions more common than duplications.
Play It Again, Brain
Authors: Bendor Daniel
Published: October 2013

Cues associated with a previous experience, presented again during sleep, may improve your memory of this experience.
Rhythmic Respiration
Authors: Rey Guillaume , Reddy Akhilesh B.
Published: October 2013

Cellular respiration is under circadian control.

[Also see Research Article by

Peek
et al.

]
Using Pharmacogenetic Markers in Clinical Treatment: The Pros and Cons of Preemptive Genetic Testing
Authors: Broeckel Ulrich
Published: October 2013

Genetic variations in genes that metabolize and transport drugs in the body are known to affect the therapeutic response in different individuals by altering the absorption, distribution, metabolism, or elimination (ADME) of those drugs. Preemptively assessing multiple pharmacogenetic factors holds tremendous potential to improve treatment by understanding the effect of important genetic variants in advance, rather than waiting to test a patient for genetic markers for each individual drug at the time of prescription. Higher throughput and more comprehensive clinical genetic testing is now available, allowing clinical testing to expand from a single gene to comprehensive panels of relevant genes—a more attractive and cost-effective approach. Preemptive clinical testing for pharmacogenetic genes has been implemented in a pediatric setting. This approach has great advantages for both the patient and the physician. However, careful consideration with regard to medical data management and communication with patients and health care providers is necessary.
Hepatitis C Virus Late Relapse after Sustained Virologic Response from Interferon and Ribavirin Treatment as Confirmed by RNA Sequencing
Authors: Lu Yidan , Andonov Anton , Wong David K. H.
Published: October 2013

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) viremia is unusual (<5%) after successful treatment, defined as sustained virologic response (SVR) or undetectable HCV PCR 12 to 24 weeks after therapy. We present a case of late virologic relapse (
de novo
infection was excluded by RNA sequencing) after SVR followed by spontaneous viral clearance.
A Novel Cytotoxic Sequence Contributes to Influenza A Viral Protein PB1-F2 Pathogenicity and Predisposition to Secondary Bacterial Infection
Authors: Alymova Irina V. , Samarasinghe Amali , Vogel Peter , Green Amanda M. , Weinlich Ricardo , McCullers Jonathan A.
Published: October 2013

Enhancement of cell death is a distinguishing feature of H1N1 influenza virus A/Puerto Rico/8/34 protein PB1-F2. Comparing the sequences (amino acids [aa] 61 to 87 using PB1-F2 amino acid numbering) of the PB1-F2-derived C-terminal peptides from influenza A viruses inducing high or low levels of cell death, we identified a unique I68, L69, and V70 motif in A/Puerto Rico/8/34 PB1-F2 responsible for promotion of the peptide's cytotoxicity and permeabilization of the mitochondrial membrane. When administered to mice, a 27-mer PB1-F2-derived C-terminal peptide with this amino acid motif caused significantly greater weight loss and pulmonary inflammation than the peptide without it (due to I68T, L69Q, and V70G mutations). Similar to the wild-type peptide, A/Puerto Rico/8/34 elicited significantly higher levels of macrophages, neutrophils, and cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of mice than its mutant counterpart 7 days after infection. Additionally, infection of mice with A/Puerto Rico/8/34 significantly enhanced the levels of morphologically transformed epithelial and immune mononuclear cells recruited in the airways compared with the mutant virus. In the mouse bacterial superinfection model, both peptide and virus with the I68, L69, and V70 sequence accelerated development of pneumococcal pneumonia, as reflected by increased levels of viral and bacterial lung titers and by greater mortality. Here we provide evidence suggesting that the newly identified cytotoxic sequence I68, L69, and V70 of A/Puerto Rico/8/34 PB1-F2 contributes to the pathogenesis of both primary viral and secondary bacterial infections.
Apolipoprotein E Codetermines Tissue Tropism of Hepatitis C Virus and Is Crucial for Viral Cell-to-Cell Transmission by Contributing to a Postenvelopment Step of Assembly
Authors: Hueging Kathrin , Doepke Mandy , Vieyres Gabrielle , Bankwitz Dorothea , Frentzen Anne , Doerrbecker Juliane , Gumz Frauke , Haid Sibylle , Wölk Benno , Kaderali Lars , Pietschmann Thomas
Published: October 2013

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) predominantly infects human hepatocytes, although extrahepatic virus reservoirs are being discussed. Infection of cells is initiated via cell-free and direct cell-to-cell transmission routes. Cell type-specific determinants of HCV entry and RNA replication have been reported. Moreover, several host factors required for synthesis and secretion of lipoproteins from liver cells, in part expressed in tissue-specific fashion, have been implicated in HCV assembly. However, the minimal cell type-specific requirements for HCV assembly have remained elusive. Here we report that production of HCV
trans
-complemented particles (HCV
TCP
) from nonliver cells depends on ectopic expression of apolipoprotein E (ApoE). For efficient virus production by full-length HCV genomes, microRNA 122 (miR-122)-mediated enhancement of RNA replication is additionally required. Typical properties of cell culture-grown HCV (HCVcc) particles from ApoE-expressing nonliver cells are comparable to those of virions derived from human hepatoma cells, although specific infectivity of virions is modestly reduced. Thus, apolipoprotein B (ApoB), microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTTP), and apolipoprotein C1 (ApoC1), previously implicated in HCV assembly, are dispensable for production of infectious HCV. In the absence of ApoE, release of core protein from infected cells is reduced, and production of extracellular as well as intracellular infectivity is ablated. Since envelopment of capsids was not impaired, we conclude that ApoE acts after capsid envelopment but prior to secretion of infectious HCV. Remarkably, the lack of ApoE also abrogated direct HCV cell-to-cell transmission. These findings highlight ApoE as a host factor codetermining HCV tissue tropism due to its involvement in a late assembly step and viral cell-to-cell transmission.
Replication of Oral BK Virus in Human Salivary Gland Cells
Authors: Burger-Calderon Raquel , Madden Victoria , Hallett Ryan A. , Gingerich Aaron D. , Nickeleit Volker , Webster-Cyriaque Jennifer
Published: October 2013

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) is the most common viral pathogen among allograft patients. Increasing evidence links BKPyV to the human oral compartment and to HIV-associated salivary gland disease (HIVSGD). To date, few studies have analyzed orally derived BKPyV. This study aimed to characterize BKPyV isolated from throat wash (TW) samples from HIVSGD patients. The replication potential of HIVSGD-derived clinical isolates HIVSGD-1 and HIVSGD-2, both containing the noncoding control region (NCCR) architecture OPQPQQS, were assessed and compared to urine-derived virus. The BKPyV isolates displayed significant variation in replication potential. Whole-genome alignment of the two isolates revealed three nucleotide differences that were analyzed for a potential effect on the viral life cycle. Analysis revealed a negligible difference in NCCR promoter activity despite sequence variation and emphasized the importance of functional T antigen (Tag) for efficient replication. HIVSGD-1 encoded full-length Tag, underwent productive infection in both human salivary gland cells and kidney cells, and expressed viral DNA and Tag protein. Additionally, HIVSGD-1 generated DNase-resistant particles and by far surpassed the replication potential of the kidney-derived isolate in HSG cells. HIVSGD-2 encoded a truncated form of Tag and replicated much less efficiently. Quantitation of infectious virus, via the fluorescent forming unit assay, suggested that HIVSGD BKPyV had preferential tropism for salivary gland cells over kidney cells. Similarly, the results suggested that kidney-derived virus had preferential tropism for kidney cells over salivary gland cells. Evidence of HIVSGD-derived BKPyV oral tropism and adept viral replication in human salivary gland cells corroborated the potential link between HIVSGD pathogenesis and BKPyV.
Variation of Two Primate Lineage-Specific Residues in Human SAMHD1 Confers Resistance to N Terminus-Targeted SIV Vpx Proteins
Authors: Wei Wei , Guo Haoran , Gao Qimeng , Markham Richard , Yu Xiao-Fang
Published: October 2013

Sterile alpha motif and HD domain-containing protein 1 (SAMHD1) restricts human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in myeloid cells but is inactivated by certain classes of simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) Vpx proteins. Vpx proteins recruit the DCAF1-CRL4 E3 ubiquitin ligase to trigger species-specific SAMHD1 degradation. Determinants of SIV Vpx-mediated primate SAMHD1 degradation have been mapped to its C terminus. In this study, we have identified the N terminus of human SAMHD1 as a major species-specific determinant of Vpx-mediated suppression. The SIVmnd2 and SIVrcm Vpx proteins recognize the N terminus of rhesus, but not human, SAMHD1. We have also demonstrated that variation of two primate lineage-specific residues between human and rhesus SAMHD1 proteins determine resistance to SIVmnd2 and SIVrcm Vpx proteins. These residues (Cys15 and Ser52) are sequentially mutated to Phe in different lineages of Old World monkeys. Consequently, SIVmnd2 and SIVrcm Vpx proteins that could recognize Phe15- and Phe52-containing SAMHD1 could not inactivate human SAMHD1, which contains Cys15 and Ser52. In contrast, SIVmac Vpx, which targets the C terminus of SAMHD1 molecules, could inactivate various primate SAMHD1 molecules with divergent C-terminal sequences. Both C terminus-targeted SIVmac Vpx and N terminus-targeted SIVrcm Vpx require DCAF1 for the induction of SAMHD1 degradation. The ability of SIV Vpx to restrict SAMHD1 among different primate species is a manifestation of the SAMHD1 evolutionary pattern among those species.
Facial cutaneous metastasis of colorectal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Hashimi Yasmin , Dholakia Shamik
Published: October 2013

Facial cutaneous metastasis from carcinoma is a rare and late clinical finding that is associated with disseminated disease and a poor prognosis. Skin metastases predominantly originate from primary tumours of the lung and melanoma. Skin metastases from colon tumours occur in only 4–6.5% of cases of metastatic colorectal cancer. They are most often located on the abdominal skin. We present an unusual case in which a primary colorectal adenocarcinoma metastasised to the face. This cutaneous lesion occurred 4 years after diagnosis of the primary tumour. This case highlights the importance of prompt investigation of new or evolving skin lesions in patients with a history of malignancy. Early detection and initiation of treatment may prevent development of widespread skin metastases and extend life expectancy.
Direct puncture sclerotherapy of a thoracic duct cyst presenting as an enlarging left supraclavicular mass
Authors: Kadkhodayan Yasha , Yano Motoyo , Cross DeWitte T
Published: October 2013

A 58-year-old woman presented with a palpable mass at the base of the left neck which she had first noticed 12 years previously, shortly after abdominal surgery. The mass had progressively enlarged, resulting in dysphagia, dyspnea and occasional pain. Imaging showed a septated but otherwise simple cystic mass extending into the mediastinum and containing lymphocytic fluid on aspiration. A diagnosis of the rare entity of a thoracic duct cyst with supraclavicular extension was made. The patient opted for percutaneous sclerotherapy of the lesion, which was performed using glacial acetic acid. This resulted in complete resolution of the mass with one treatment. After exclusion of other causes of cystic left supraclavicular masses including cystic neoplasms and pseudoaneurysms of the carotid or subclavian arteries, direct puncture sclerotherapy can be safe and effective.
Metastatic transitional cell carcinoma of the tibia radiologically mimicking osteosarcoma
Authors: Cunningham Laurence Patrick , O'Neill Barry James , Quinlan John Francis
Published: October 2013

We report a case of a 73-year-old lady with transitional cell carcinoma and no evidence of metastatic disease presenting with gradual weight loss, pretibial swelling and painful weightbearing. Investigations revealed a lesion of the right tibial diaphysis. The radiological and clinical appearance was that of primary osteosarcoma. Biopsy results revealed metastatic transitional cell carcinoma of the tibia. Intramedullary nailing was performed which relieved pain on weightbearing. The patient declined radiotherapy and was started on a palliative care regimen. This case illustrates the importance of histological diagnosis in the treatment of diaphyseal lesions.
Postnatal pyomyoma: a diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Sirha Ravneet , Miskin Aditi , Abdelmagied Amin
Published: October 2013

Pyomyoma is a rare, yet potentially fatal complication of uterine leiomyoma. Clinically difficult to diagnose as a result of non-specific symptoms, its presentation is commonly confused with fibroid degeneration. Late diagnosis has severe implications, with the mortality of the condition remaining high. Despite the availability of powerful antibiotics, surgical intervention is frequently required for the curative treatment of the critically ill patient. Here, we report a case of postpartum pyomyoma developing after a complicated antenatal course of placenta praevia resulting in recurrent antepartum haemorrhage, preterm prelabour rupture of membranes and eventual emergency caesarean section for cord prolapse. We highlight the diagnostic difficulty and delay in definitive surgical intervention. Using this case, we have emphasised the importance of strong clinical suspicion when faced with a triad of pain, sepsis without an obvious source and a known diagnosis of leiomyoma to prevent fatalities.
Rupture of the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle belly during isometric weight training
Authors: Chow Whitney , Dickson John , Khan Umraz
Published: October 2013

Isometric weight training is a well-recognised technique used by fitness trainers to increase muscle strength. We report a case of a flexor digitorum superficialis muscle belly rupture that occurred during this form of muscle training. Rupture of the belly of the forearm flexor muscles is rare. When the muscle undergoes tractional force in isometric weight training, there is a potential for it to rupture and result in the formation of a haematoma. This can lead to raised intracompartmental pressures which would require treatment with urgent fasciotomy. An awareness of this potential injury mechanism will help with early recognition and appropriate treatment.
Massive splenomegaly and lymphopenia: a unique case of obstructive shock
Authors: Huprikar Nikhil Anand , Kurtz Maria T , Mount Cristin A
Published: October 2013

We present a patient with intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL)-induced obstructive shock. This case represents a unique presentation of the disease, while highlighting the difficulty of establishing the diagnosis. Although there was a high clinical suspicion for a lymphomatous process, the obstructive shock component of the patient's presentation was perplexing. It was not until the autopsy reports demonstrated lymphocytes within the pulmonary vasculature that the clinical picture of altered mental status, weight loss and obstructive shock were unified to the diagnosis of intravascular large B-cell lymphoma.
ON THE REST AND FLAT LIMITS OF THE SCALAR MODES ON THE DE SITTER SPACETIME
Authors: COTĂESCU ION I. , PASCU GABRIEL , DREGOESC FLAVIUS ALIN
Published: October 2013

The scalar mode functions on the spatially flat FLRW chart of the de Sitter spacetime are redefined in order to obtain a natural frequencies separation in the special local charts where the momentum vanishes, called here (natural) rest frames. This can be done since in such frames the mode functions are eigenfunctions of the energy operator. Moreover, the most general criteria for choosing the suitable phase factors of the mode functions able to simultaneously determine the correct rest and flat limits are established. These results are compared to the different original choices from the literature.
SCATTERING BY AN ADSORBED CHAIN ON METALLIC HEXAGONAL SURFACE
Authors: BOUCHERRAB M. , TIGRINE R. , BOURAHLA B. , KHATER A.
Published: October 2013

We develop a theoretical approach to calculate the scattering and localization properties in the inhomogeneous hexagonal nanostructure system with adsorbed chain. Our numerical results are presented for three different positions of the defect, Top, Hollow and Bridge. The breakdown of translation symmetry induced by the inhomogeneity, gives rise to localized elastic wave modes at its neighborhood. The Landauer and Buttiker method is used to analyze the elastic wave scattering phenomena for atomic sites that constitute a minimum representation set in the neighborhood of the defect. The transmission and reflection probabilities as well as the phonons average transmittance across and the vibration density of states are determined for a large band of incident scattering energies. The coherent coupling between the localized elastic wave and the propagating modes of the perfect hexagonal structure leads to Fano resonances in the phononic conductance spectra of the studied structure. This is directly related to the measurable physical thermal conductivity of the perturbed domain.
Towards Faster Mining of Disjunction-Based Concise Representations of Frequent Patterns
Authors: Hamrouni T. , Ben Yahia S. , Mephu Nguifo E.
Published: October 2013

In many real-life datasets, the number of extracted frequent patterns was shown to be huge, hampering the effective exploitation of such amount of knowledge by human experts. To overcome this limitation, exact condensed representations were introduced in order to offer a small-sized set of elements from which the faithful retrieval of all frequent patterns is possible. In this paper, we introduce a new exact condensed representation only based on particular elements from the disjunctive search space. In this space, a pattern is characterized by its disjunctive support, i.e., the frequency of complementary occurrences – instead of the ubiquitous co-occurrence link – of its items. For several benchmark datasets, this representation has been shown interesting in compactness terms compared to the pioneering approaches of the literature. In this respect, we mainly focus here on proposing an efficient tool for mining this representation. For this purpose, we introduce an algorithm, called DSSRM, dedicated to this task. We also propose several techniques to optimize its mining time as well as its memory consumption. The carried out empirical study on benchmark datasets shows that DSSRM is faster by several orders of magnitude than the MEP algorithm.
Comprehensive Survey on Privacy Preserving Association Rule Mining: Models, Approaches, Techniques and Algorithms
Authors: Alwatban Ibrahim S. , Emam Ahmed Z.
Published: October 2013

In recent years, a new research area known as privacy preserving data mining (PPDM) has emerged and captured the attention of many researchers interested in preventing the privacy violations that may occur during data mining. In this paper, we provide a review of studies on PPDM in the context of association rules (PPARM). This paper systematically defines the scope of this survey and determines the PPARM models. The problems of each model are formally described, and we discuss the relevant approaches, techniques and algorithms that have been proposed in the literature. A profile of each model and the accompanying algorithms are provided with a comparison of the PPARM models.
Minimum Weighted Minkowski Distance Power Models for Intuitionistic Fuzzy Madm with Incomplete Weight Information
Authors: Li Deng-Feng , Wan Shu-Ping
Published: October 2013

Owing to more vague concepts frequently represented in decision data, intuitionistic fuzzy sets (IFSs) are more flexibly used to model real-life decision situations. At the same time, with ever increasing complexity in many decision situations in reality, there are often some challenges for a decision maker to provide complete attribute preference information, i.e., the weights may be completely unknown or partially known. The aim of this paper is to develop an effective method for solving intuitionistic fuzzy multi-attribute decision making (MADM) problems with incomplete weight information. In this method, ratings of alternatives on attributes are expressed with IFSs. The multi-objective programming models are established to calculate unknown weights by using weight information partially known a priori. The derived minimum weighted Minkowski distance power models are used to determine the unknown weights and to generate the ranking order of the alternatives simultaneously. The proposed models are easily extended to intuitionistic fuzzy MADM problems with different weight information structures. An example of the supplier selection problem is examined to demonstrate applicability and flexibility of the proposed models and method.
LIST INJECTIVE COLORING OF PLANAR GRAPHS WITH GIRTH g ≥ 5
Authors: BU YUEHUA , YANG SHENG
Published: October 2013

An injective-k coloring of a graph G is a mapping cV(G) → {1, 2, …, k}, such that c(u) ≠ c(v) for each u, v ∈ V(G), whenever u, v have a common neighbor in G. If G has an injective-k coloring, then we call that G is injective-k colorable. Call χi(G) = min {k | G is injective-k colorable} is the injective chromatic number of G. Assign each vertex v ∈ V(G) a coloring set L(v), then L = {L(v) | v ∈ V(G)} is said to be a color list of G. Let L be a color list of G, if G has an injective coloring c such that c(v) ∈ L(v), ∀v ∈ V(G), then we call c an injective L-coloring of G. If for any color list L, such that |L(v)| ≥ k, G has an injective L-coloring, then G is said to be injective k-choosable. Call [Formula: see text] is injective k-choosable} is the injective chromatic number of G. So far, for the plane graph G of girth g(G) ≥ 5 and maximum degree Δ(G) ≥ 8, the best result of injective chromatic number is χi(G) ≤ Δ + 8. In this paper, for the plane graph G, we proved that [Formula: see text] if girth g(G) ≥ 5 and maximum degree Δ(G) ≥ 8.
A NOTE ON EDGE WEIGHT CHOOSABILITY OF GRAPHS
Authors: FU JINGCHENG , WANG GUANGHUI , WU JIANLIANG , XU JIN
Published: October 2013

In 2004, Karoński, Łuczak, and Thomason conjectured that the edges of any connected graph on at least 3 vertices may be weighted from the set {1, 2, 3} so that the vertices are properly colored by the sums of their incident edge weights. Bartnicki, Grytczuk and Niwcyk introduced its list version. Assign to each edge e ∈ E(G) a list of k real numbers, say L(e), and choose a weight w(e) ∈ L(e) for each e ∈ E(G). The resulting function w : E(G) → ⋃e∈E(G) L(e) is called an edge k-list-weighting. Given a graph G, the smallest k such that any assignment of lists of size k to E(G) permits an edge k-list-weighting which is a vertex coloring by sums is denoted by [Formula: see text] and called the edge weight choosability of G. Bartnicki, Grytczuk and Niwcyk conjectured that if G is a nice graph (without a component isomorphic to K2), then [Formula: see text]. There is no known constant K such that [Formula: see text] for any nice graph G. Ben Seamone proved that [Formula: see text] for any nice graph G with maximum degree Δ(G) by using Alon's Combinatorial Nullstellensatz. In this paper, we improve this bound to [Formula: see text].
Direct control of Na+-K+-2Cl−-cotransport protein (NKCC1) expression with aldosterone
Authors: Ding Bo , Frisina Robert D. , Zhu Xiaoxia , Sakai Yoshihisa , Sokolowski Bernd , Walton Joseph P.
Published: October 2013

Sodium/potassium/chloride cotransporter (NKCC1) proteins play important roles in Na+ and K+ concentrations in key physiological systems, including cardiac, vascular, renal, nervous, and sensory systems. NKCC1 levels and functionality are altered in certain disease states, and tend to decline with age. A sensitive, effective way of regulating NKCC1 protein expression has significant biotherapeutic possibilities. The purpose of the present investigation was to determine if the naturally occurring hormone aldosterone (ALD) could regulate NKCC1 protein expression. Application of ALD to a human cell line (HT-29) revealed that ALD can regulate NKCC1 protein expression, quite sensitively and rapidly, independent of mRNA expression changes. Utilization of a specific inhibitor of mineralocorticoid receptors, eplerenone, implicated these receptors as part of the ALD mechanism of action. Further experiments with cycloheximide (protein synthesis inhibitor) and MG132 (proteasome inhibitor) revealed that ALD can upregulate NKCC1 by increasing protein stability, i.e., reducing ubiquitination of NKCC1. Having a procedure for controlling NKCC1 protein expression opens the doors for therapeutic interventions for diseases involving the mis-regulation or depletion of NKCC1 proteins, for example during aging.
Puberty alters renal water handling
Authors: Mahler B. , Kamperis K. , Ankarberg-Lindgren C. , Frøkiær J. , Djurhuus J. C. , Rittig S.
Published: October 2013

We investigated the influence of sex and puberty stage on circadian urine production and levels of antidiuretic hormone [arginine vasopressin (AVP)] in healthy children. Thirty-nine volunteers (9 prepuberty boys, 10 prepuberty girls, 10 midpuberty boys, and 10 midpuberty girls) were included. All participants underwent a 24-h circadian inpatient study under standardized conditions regarding Na+and fluid intake. Blood samples were drawn every 4 h for measurements of plasma AVP, serum 17-β-estradiol, and testosterone, and urine was fractionally collected for measurements of electrolytes, aquaporin (AQP)2, and PGE2. We found a marked nighttime decrease in diuresis (from 1.69 ± 0.08 to 0.86 ± 0.06 ml·kg−1·h−1, P < 0.001) caused by a significant nighttime increase in solute-free water reabsorption (TcH2O; day-to-night ratio: 0.64 ± 0.07, P < 0.001) concurrent with a significant decrease in osmotic excretion (day-to-night ratio: 1.23 ± 0.06, P < 0.001). Plasma AVP expressed a circadian rhythm ( P < 0.01) with a nighttime increase and peak levels at midnight (0.49 ± 0.05 pg/ml). The circadian plasma AVP rhythm was not influenced by sex ( P = 0.56) or puberty stage ( P = 0.73). There was significantly higher nighttime TcH2O in prepuberty children. This concurred with increased nighttime urinary AQP2 excretion in prepuberty children. Urinary PGE2exhibited a circadian rhythm independent of sex or puberty stage. Levels of serum 17β-estradiol and testosterone were as expected for sex and puberty stage, and no effect on the AVP-AQP2-TcH2O axis was observed. This study found a circadian rhythm of plasma AVP independent of sex and puberty stage, although nighttime TcH2O was higher and AQP2 excretion was more pronounced in prepuberty children, suggesting higher prepuberty renal AVP sensitivity.
Semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase and kidney disease
Authors: Wong May Y. W. , Saad Sonia , Pollock Carol , Wong Muh Geot
Published: October 2013

With better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning chronic kidney disease, the roles of inflammation and fibrosis are becoming increasingly inseparable. The progression of renal disease is characterized by pathomorphological changes that consist of early inflammatory responses followed by tubulointerstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy, and glomerular and vascular sclerosis. Currently available therapies that reduce hypertension, proteinuria, hyperglycemia, and interruption of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system are at best only partially effective. Hence, there remains a need to explore agents targeting nonrenin-angiotensin-aldosterone system pathways. In this review, we discuss mechanistic aspects in the physiological and pathological role of semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase, a protein enzyme involved in cellular trafficking and inflammation, with respect to the kidney. We explore the evidence for the use of semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase inhibitors as potential agents in renal fibrosis to delay the onset and progression of chronic kidney disease.
Long-term measurement of muscle denervation and locomotor behavior in individual wild-type and ALS model mice
Authors: Akay Turgay
Published: October 2013

The increasing number of mouse models of human degenerative and injury-related diseases that affect motor behavior raises the importance of in vivo methodologies allowing measurement of physiological and behavioral changes over an extended period of time in individual animals. A method that provides long-term measurements of muscle denervation and its behavioral consequences in individual mice for several months is presented in this article. The method is applied to mSod1G93A mice, which model human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The denervation process of gastrocnemius and soleus muscles in mSod1G93A mice is demonstrated for up to 3 mo. The data suggest that as muscle denervation progresses, massive behavioral compensation occurs within the spinal cord that allows animals to walk almost normally until late ages. Only around the age of 84 days is the first sign of abnormal movement during walking behavior detected as an abnormal tibialis anterior activity profile that is manifested in subtle but abnormal swing movement during walking. Additionally, this method can be used with other mouse models of human diseases, such as spinal cord injury, intracerebral hemorrhage, Parkinson's diseases, and spinal muscular atrophy.
How adaptation currents change threshold, gain, and variability of neuronal spiking
Authors: Ladenbauer Josef , Augustin Moritz , Obermayer Klaus
Published: October 2013

Many types of neurons exhibit spike rate adaptation, mediated by intrinsic slow K+ currents, which effectively inhibit neuronal responses. How these adaptation currents change the relationship between in vivo like fluctuating synaptic input, spike rate output, and the spike train statistics, however, is not well understood. In this computational study we show that an adaptation current that primarily depends on the subthreshold membrane voltage changes the neuronal input-output relationship (I-O curve) subtractively, thereby increasing the response threshold, and decreases its slope (response gain) for low spike rates. A spike-dependent adaptation current alters the I-O curve divisively, thus reducing the response gain. Both types of an adaptation current naturally increase the mean interspike interval (ISI), but they can affect ISI variability in opposite ways. A subthreshold current always causes an increase of variability while a spike-triggered current decreases high variability caused by fluctuation-dominated inputs and increases low variability when the average input is large. The effects on I-O curves match those caused by synaptic inhibition in networks with asynchronous irregular activity, for which we find subtractive and divisive changes caused by external and recurrent inhibition, respectively. Synaptic inhibition, however, always increases the ISI variability. We analytically derive expressions for the I-O curve and ISI variability, which demonstrate the robustness of our results. Furthermore, we show how the biophysical parameters of slow K+ conductances contribute to the two different types of an adaptation current and find that Ca2+-activated K+ currents are effectively captured by a simple spike-dependent description, while muscarine-sensitive or Na+-activated K+ currents show a dominant subthreshold component.
Activity of long-lead burst neurons in pontine reticular formation during head-unrestrained gaze shifts
Authors: Walton Mark M. G. , Freedman Edward G.
Published: October 2013

Primates explore a visual scene through a succession of saccades. Much of what is known about the neural circuitry that generates these movements has come from neurophysiological studies using subjects with their heads restrained. Horizontal saccades and the horizontal components of oblique saccades are associated with high-frequency bursts of spikes in medium-lead burst neurons (MLBs) and long-lead burst neurons (LLBNs) in the paramedian pontine reticular formation. For LLBNs, the high-frequency burst is preceded by a low-frequency prelude that begins 12–150 ms before saccade onset. In terms of the lead time between the onset of prelude activity and saccade onset, the anatomical projections, and the movement field characteristics, LLBNs are a heterogeneous group of neurons. Whether this heterogeneity is endemic of multiple functional subclasses is an open question. One possibility is that some may carry signals related to head movement. We recorded from LLBNs while monkeys performed head-unrestrained gaze shifts, during which the kinematics of the eye and head components were dissociable. Many cells had peak firing rates that never exceeded 200 spikes/s for gaze shifts of any vector. The activity of these low-frequency cells often persisted beyond the end of the gaze shift and was usually related to head-movement kinematics. A subset was tested during head-unrestrained pursuit and showed clear modulation in the absence of saccades. These “low-frequency” cells were intermingled with MLBs and traditional LLBNs and may represent a separate functional class carrying signals related to head movement.
Resource Efficient Hardware Architecture for Fast Computation of Running Max/Min Filters
Authors: Torres-Huitzil Cesar
Published: October 2013

Running max/min filters on rectangular kernels are widely used in many digital signal and image processing applications. Filtering with a k × k kernel requires of k2 − 1 comparisons per sample for a direct implementation; thus, performance scales expensively with the kernel size k. Faster computations can be achieved by kernel decomposition and using constant time one‐dimensional algorithms on custom hardware. This paper presents a hardware architecture for real‐time computation of running max/min filters based on the van Herk/Gil‐Werman (HGW) algorithm. The proposed architecture design uses less computation and memory resources than previously reported architectures when targeted to Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) devices. Implementation results show that the architecture is able to compute max/min filters, on 1024 × 1024 images with up to 255 × 255 kernels, in around 8.4 milliseconds, 120 frames per second, at a clock frequency of 250 MHz. The implementation is highly scalable for the kernel size with good performance/area tradeoff suitable for embedded applications. The applicability of the architecture is shown for local adaptive image thresholding.
Ideal Convergence of Random Variables
Authors: Hazarika B. , Mohiuddine S. A.
Published: October 2013

The aim of this paper is to introduce and study the notion ofI-convergence of random variables via probabilistic norms. Furthermore, we introduceI-convergence inLpspace and establish some interesting results.
Psychomotor Retardation in Depression: A Systematic Review of Diagnostic, Pathophysiologic, and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Bennabi Djamila , Vandel Pierre , Papaxanthis Charalambos , Pozzo Thierry , Haffen Emmanuel
Published: October 2013

Psychomotor retardation is a central feature of depression which includes motor and cognitive impairments. Effective management may be useful to improve the classification of depressive subtypes and treatment selection, as well as prediction of outcome in patients with depression. The aim of this paper was to review the current status of knowledge regarding psychomotor retardation in depression, in order to clarify its role in the diagnostic management of mood disorders. Retardation modifies all the actions of the individual, including motility, mental activity, and speech. Objective assessments can highlight the diagnostic importance of psychomotor retardation, especially in melancholic and bipolar depression. Psychomotor retardation is also related to depression severity and therapeutic change and could be considered a good criterion for the prediction of therapeutic effect. The neurobiological process underlying the inhibition of activity includes functional deficits in the prefrontal cortex and abnormalities in dopamine neurotransmission. Future investigations of psychomotor retardation should help improve the understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying mood disorders and contribute to improving their therapeutic management.
Measurement of Stigma in Men Who Have Sex with Men in Hanoi, Vietnam: Assessment of a Homosexuality-Related Stigma Scale
Authors: Ha Huy , Ross Michael W. , Risser Jan M. H. , Nguyen Huong T. M.
Published: October 2013

Objective. To develop and assess a homosexuality-related stigma scale among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Hanoi, Vietnam.Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study using respondent-driven sampling in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2011. We used a cross-validation approach. Factor analysis was performed, and interitem correlation matrices were constructed to identify the latent factor structures, examine the goodness of fit, and assess convergent and discriminant validity of the determined scales. Internal consistency checks were performed in split samples and whole sample, and separately for each determined factor.Results. The findings were consistent in split samples. Three homosexuality-related stigma factors were identified: enacted homosexual stigma, perceived homosexual stigma, and internalized homosexual stigma. The fit indices of the confirmatory factor analysis in both split samples supported the hypothesized three-factor structures (in subsamples A and B:χ2/degrees of freedom ratio = 1.77 and 1.59, nonnormed fit index = 0.92 and 0.94, comparative fit index = 0.93 and 0.95, and the root mean square of approximation = 0.06 and 0.05, resp.). The interitem correlation supported the convergent and discriminant validity of the scales. The reliability of the three scales indicated good consistency (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.79–0.84) across split samples and for the whole data.Conclusion. Our scales have good psychometric properties for measuring homosexuality-related stigma. These comprehensive and practical tools are crucial not only to assess stigma against MSM and its consequence, but also to guide the development of interventions targeting MSM, as well as to evaluate the efficacy of existing stigma reduction efforts in Vietnam and other countries with similar settings.
Modification of a Rodent Hindlimb Model of Secondary Lymphedema: Surgical Radicality versus Radiotherapeutic Ablation
Authors: Park Hyung Sub , Jung In Mok , Choi Geum Hee , Hahn Soli , Yoo Young Sun , Lee Taeseung
Published: October 2013

Secondary lymphedema is an intractable disease mainly caused by damage of the lymphatic system during surgery, yet studies are limited by the lack of suitable animal models. The purpose of this study was to create an improved model of secondary lymphedema in the hindlimbs of rodents with sustained effects and able to mimic human lymphedema. This was achieved by combining previously reported surgical methods and radiation to induce chronic lymphedema. Despite more radical surgical destruction of superficial and deep lymphatic vessels, surgery alone was not enough to sustain increased hindlimb volume. Radiotherapy was necessary to prolong these effects, with decreased lymphatic flow on lymphoscintigraphy, but hindlimb necrosis occurred after 4 weeks due to radiation toxicity. The applicability of this model for studies of therapeutic lymphangiogenesis was subsequently tested by injecting muscle-derived stem cells previously cocultured with the supernatant of human lymphatic endothelial cells in vitro. There was a tendency for increased lymphatic flow which significantly increased lymphatic vessel formation after cell injection, but attenuation of hindlimb volume was not observed. These results suggest that further refinement of the rodent hindlimb model is needed by titration of adequate radiation dosage, while stem cell lymphangiogenesis seems to be a promising approach.
Similar Adverse Pregnancy Outcome in Native and Nonnative Dutch Women with Pregestational Type 2 Diabetes: A Multicentre Retrospective Study
Authors: Groen Bart , Links Thera P. , van den Berg Paul P. , Hellinga Marieke , Moerman Sharon , Visser Gerard H. A. , Sluiter Wim J. , Faas Marijke M. , Schreuder Manon C. J. , Visser Willy , Geelhoed-Duijvestijn Petronella H. L. M. , Bianchi Rutgert , Bartelink Anton K. M. , de Valk Harold W.
Published: October 2013

Objective. To assess the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcome in native and nonnative Dutch women with pregestational type 2 diabetes (T2D) in a multicenter study in The Netherlands. Methods. Maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcome were retrospectively reviewed and the influence of ethnicity on outcome was evaluated using independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, and chi-square test. Results. 272 pregnant women (80 native and 192 non-native Dutch) with pregestational T2D were included. Overall outcome was unfavourable, with a perinatal mortality of 4.8%, major congenital malformations of 6.3%, preeclampsia of 11%, preterm birth of 19%, birth weight >90th percentile of 32%, and a Caesarean section rate of 42%. In nonnative Dutch women, the glycemic control was slightly poorer and the gestational age at booking somewhat later as compared to native Dutch women. However, there were no differences in incidence of preeclampsia/HELLP, preterm birth, perinatal mortality, macrosomia, and congenital malformations between those two groups. Conclusions. A high incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes was found in women with pregestational T2D, although the outcome was comparable between native and non-native Dutch women. This suggests that easy access to and adequate participation in the local health care systems contribute to these comparable outcomes, offsetting potential disadvantages in the non-native group.
Pathology Survey on a Captive‐Bred Colony of the Mexican Goodeid, Nearly Extinct in the Wild, Zoogoneticus tequila (Webb & Miller 1998)
Authors: Arbuatti Alessio , Della Salda Leonardo , Romanucci Mariarita
Published: October 2013

The Mexican Goodeid, Zoogoneticus tequila, is considered nearly extinct in the wild and it is maintained in captivity by the nonprofit international “Goodeid Working Group.” The unique Italian colony has produced about 180 fish so far. The observable diseases were registered and some fish were submitted, immediately after spontaneous death, to necroscopic and histopathologic exams. Encountered diseases included the following: 7 cases of scoliosis (2 males and 5 females); 2 fish with a similar congenital deviation of ocular axis; 1 adult male with left corneal opacity, presumably of traumatic origin; 1 female fish with a large subocular fluid‐filled sac, histologically referable to a lymphatic cyst, similarly to the eye sacs of a Goldfish variety (Carassius auratus) called bubble eye; and 1 female fish with recurrent abdominal distension consequent to distal bowel dilation and thinning, associated with complete mucosal atrophy, and comparable to intestinal pseudo‐obstruction syndromes described in humans and various animal species. The absence of infectious or parasitic diseases, as well as the low incidence of diseases potentially related to environmental alterations or nutritional disorders such as spinal deformities, suggests the adequacy of breeding management techniques of Z. tequila for its conservation and reintroduction in to the original habitat in the near future.