bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Higher Levels of Cystatin C Are Associated with Worse Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease: The Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort Cognitive Study
Authors: Yaffe Kristine , Kurella‐Tamura Manjula , Ackerson Lynn , Hoang Tina D. , Anderson Amanda H. , Duckworth Mark , Go Alan S. , Krousel‐Wood Marie , Kusek John W. , Lash James P. , Ojo Akinlolu , Robinson Nancy , Sehgal Ashwini R. , Sondheimer James H. , Steigerwalt Susan , Townsend Raymond R.
Published: August 2014

Objectives

To determine the association between cognition and levels of cystatin C in persons with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Chronic Renal Insufficiency Cohort Cognitive Study.

Participants

Individuals with a baseline cognitive assessment completed at the same visit as serum cystatin C measurement (N = 821; mean age 64.9, 50.6% male, 48.6% white).

Measurements

Levels of serum cystatin C were categorized into tertiles; cognitive function was assessed using six neuropsychological tests. Scores on these tests were compared across tertiles of cystatin C using linear regression and logistic regression to examine the association between cystatin C level and cognitive performance (1 standard deviation difference from the mean).

Results

After multivariable adjustment for age, race, education, and medical comorbidities in linear models, higher levels of cystatin C were associated with worse cognition on the modified Mini‐Mental State Examination, Buschke Delayed Recall, Trail‐Making Test Part (Trails) A and Part B, and Boston Naming (P < .05 for all). This association remained statistically significant for Buschke Delayed Recall (P = .01) and Trails A (P = .03) after additional adjustment for estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The highest tertile of cystatin C was associated with greater likelihood of poor performance on Trails A (odds ratio (OR) = 2.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.16–4.06), Trails B (OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 1.09–3.27), and Boston Naming (OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.07–3.19) than the lowest tertile after multivariate adjustment in logistic models.

Conclusion

In individuals with CKD, higher serum cystatin C levels were associated with worse cognition and greater likelihood of poor cognitive performance on attention, executive function, and naming. Cystatin C is a marker of cognitive impairment and may be associated with cognition independent of eGFR.
Hydrogen sulfide is essential for Schwann cell responses to peripheral nerve injury
Authors: Park Byung Sun , Kim Hyun‐Wook , Rhyu Im Joo , Park Chan , Yeo Seung Geun , Huh Youngbuhm , Jeong Na Young , Jung Junyang
Published: August 2014

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) functions as a physiological gas transmitter in both normal and pathophysiological cellular events. H2S is produced from substances by three enzymes: cystathionine β‐synthase (CBS), cystathionine γ‐lyase (CSE), and 3‐mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (MST). In human tissues, these enzymes are involved in tissue‐specific biochemical pathways for H2S production. For example, CBS and cysteine aminotransferase/MST are present in the brain, but CSE is not. Thus, we examined the expression of H2S production‐related enzymes in peripheral nerves. Here, we found that CSE and MST/cysteine aminotransferase, but not CBS, were present in normal peripheral nerves. In addition, injured sciatic nerves in vivo up‐regulated CSE in Schwann cells during Wallerian degeneration (WD); however, CSE was not up‐regulated in peripheral axons. Using an ex vivo sciatic nerve explant culture, we found that the inhibition of H2S production broadly prevented the process of nerve degeneration, including myelin fragmentation, axonal degradation, Schwann cell dedifferentiation, and Schwann cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Thus, these results indicate that H2S signaling is essential for Schwann cell responses to peripheral nerve injury.

image

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) functions as a physiological gas transmitter in both normal and pathophysiological cellular events. H2S is produced from cystathionine β‐synthase (CBS), cystathionine γ‐lyase (CSE), and 3‐mercaptopyruvate sulfur transferase (MST). Here, we found that CSE and MST/CAT were present in normal peripheral nerves. Injured static nerves in vivo up‐regulated CSE in Schwann cells during Wallerian degeneration, but CSE was not up‐regulated in peripheral axons.
Comparison of Results from Cupping and Descriptive Sensory Analysis of Colombian Brewed Coffee
Authors: Di Donfrancesco B. , Gutierrez Guzman N. , Chambers E.
Published: August 2014

Sensory profiles of 13 coffee samples from the Huila Region, Colombia were evaluated using two different sensory panels: a highly trained descriptive sensory panel and a group of Q‐certified coffee cuppers. The trained panel consisted of six descriptive panelists who developed a lexicon to evaluate and then test the coffee samples. Four “cuppers” scored the same samples based on the Specialty Coffee Association of America “cupping protocol.” In addition, cuppers generated tasting notes to characterize the different coffee samples. Data indicated little overlap between the two methods and a low relationship between the two different sets of terms. Moreover, tasting notes by cuppers indicate lack of agreement on the terms used to describe samples, with only four terms used by more than two assessors to describe a single coffee product out of a total of 59 terms used by the cuppers. The results indicate that the cupping method and sensory descriptive methods provide different information that cannot be used as an alternative to each other when describing coffee products. Instead, the results suggest that the two types of data may be used synergistically to evaluate the quality and the sensory properties to better characterize coffee samples.

Practical Applications

This research shows that “expert” coffee cupper data and trained sensory panel data cannot be used interchangeably. Thus, for research purposes sensory panel information is necessary for tracking changes in sensory properties.
The solid-state continuum: a perspective on the interrelationships between different solid-state forms in drug substance and drug product
Authors: Elder David P , Patterson James E , Holm René
Published: August 2014

Objective

The objective of the review is to provide an overview of the nomenclature used in the solid-state continuum and relate these to the development of drug substances and drug products.

Key findings

The importance of a rational approach to solid-state form selection, including integrated decision making (ensuring equal weight is given to the needs of the drug substance and the drug product), is vital for the effective development of a drug candidate. For example, how do secondary processing considerations influence the selection of drug substance solid-state form and resulting formulation, and how can drug substance solid-state form be used to optimise secondary processing? Further, the potential use of ‘crystal’ engineering to optimise stability, purity and optical resolutions, and the linked regulatory requirements, will be discussed.

The nomenclature used in the solid-state continuum, which contains a large number of different crystalline and non-crystalline forms, for example, amorphous systems, was reviewed. Further, the significant role of the drug substance within the solid oral dose form from a physicochemical perspective was covered.
Records of the Moon‐forming impact and the 470 Ma disruption of the L chondrite parent body in the asteroid belt from U‐Pb apatite ages of Novato (L6)
Authors: Yin Qing‐Zhu , Zhou Qin , Li Qiu‐Li , Li Xian‐Hua , Liu Yu , Tang Guo‐Qiang , Krot Alexander N. , Jenniskens Peter
Published: August 2014

Novato, a newly observed fall in the San Francisco Bay area, is a shocked and brecciated L6 ordinary chondrite containing dark and light lithologies. We have investigated the U‐Pb isotope systematics of coarse Cl‐apatite grains of metamorphic origin in Novato with a large geometry ion microprobe. The U‐Pb systematics of Novato apatite reveals an upper intercept age of 4472 ± 31 Ma and lower intercept age of 473 ± 38 Ma. The upper intercept age is within error identical to the U‐Pb apatite age of 4452 ± 21 Ma measured in the Chelyabinsk LL5 chondrite. This age is interpreted to reflect a massive collisional resetting event due to a large impact associated with the peak arrival time at the primordial asteroid belt of ejecta debris from the Moon‐forming giant impact on Earth. The lower intercept age is consistent with the most precisely dated Ar‐Ar ages of 470 ± 6 Ma of shocked L chondrites, and the fossil meteorites and extraterrestrial chromite relicts found in Ordovician limestones with an age of 467.3 ± 1.6 Ma in Sweden and China. The lower intercept age reflects a major disturbance related to the catastrophic disruption of the L chondrite parent body most likely associated with the Gefion asteroid family, which produced an initially intense meteorite bombardment of the Earth in Ordovician period and reset and degassed at least approximately 35% of the L chondrite falls today. We predict that the 470 Ma impact event is likely to be found on the Moon and Mars, if not Mercury.
Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate functions as a physiological regulator by modulating the jasmonic acid pathway
Authors: Hong Gaojie , Wang Jie , Hochstetter Danielle , Gao Yuanyuan , Xu Ping , Wang Yuefei
Published: August 2014

Flavonoids, a class of plant polyphenols derived from plant secondary metabolism, play important roles in plant development and have beneficial effects on human health. Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant polyphenol, and its molecular and biochemical mechanism have been followed with interest. The shared signaling heritage or convergence of organisms has allowed us to extend this research into the model plant, Arabidopsis thaliana. Here, we showed that EGCG could promote jasmonic acid (JA) signaling in A. thaliana. EGCG not only inhibited seed germination but also elevated the resistance to necrotrophic Botrytis cinerea, partly by altering the relative strength of JA signaling. Accordingly, JA marker gene induction, seed germination inhibition and the increased resistance to B. cinerea were attenuated in the JA‐insensitive coi1‐2 mutant. The coi1‐2 mutant was partially insensitive to the treatment of EGCG, further implicating the function of EGCG in JA signaling and/or perception. Our results indicate that EGCG, a member of the flavonoid class of polyphenols, affects signal processing in seed development and disease susceptibility via modulation of JA signaling.
Ambulatory measurement of the ECG T‐wave amplitude
Authors: van Lien René , Neijts Melanie , Willemsen Gonneke , de Geus Eco J. C.
Published: August 2014

Ambulatory recording of the preejection period (PEP) can be used to measure changes in cardiac sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity under naturalistic conditions. Here, we test the ECG T‐wave amplitude (TWA) as an alternative measure, using 24‐h ambulatory monitoring of PEP and TWA in a sample of 564 healthy adults. The TWA showed a decrease in response to mental stress and a monotonic decrease from nighttime sleep to daytime sitting and more physically active behaviors. Within‐participant changes in TWA were correlated with changes in the PEP across the standardized stressors (r = .42) and the unstandardized naturalistic conditions (mean r = .35). Partialling out changes in heart rate and vagal effects attenuated these correlations, but they remained significant. Ambulatory TWA cannot replace PEP, but simultaneous recording of TWA and PEP provides a more comprehensive picture of changes in cardiac SNS activity in real‐life settings.
Use of Cholesterol‐Loaded Cyclodextrin in Donkey Semen Cryopreservation Improves Sperm Viability but Results in Low Fertility in Mares
Authors: Oliveira RR , Rates DM , Pugliesi G , Ker PG , Arruda RP , Moraes EA , Carvalho GR
Published: August 2014

Contents

The use of cholesterol‐loaded cyclodextrin (CLC) on semen cryopreservation has been related with better sperm viability in several species; however, the effect on fertility is not known in donkey semen. Ejaculates (n = 25) from five donkeys were diluted inS‐MEDIUMwith 0, 1, 2 or 3 mg ofCLC/120 × 106spermatozoa. Semen was frozen, and thawed samples were evaluated by computer‐assisted sperm analyser system (CASA), supravital test, hyposmotic swelling test and fluorescent dyes to assess the integrity of sperm membranes. Mares (n = 60) were inseminated with frozen‐thawed semen treated with the doses of 0 or 1 mgCLC. Percentages of sperm with progressive motility and with functional plasma membrane were greater (p < 0.05) in theCLC‐treated groups than in the control. Percentages of intact plasma membrane and intact plasma membrane and acrosome detected by fluorescent dyes were also greater (p < 0.05) inCLC‐treated groups. Although no difference (p > 0.05) in conception rates was detected between groups (control, 3/30, 10%;CLC‐treated, 1/30, 3.3%), fertility was low for artificial insemination programs in mares. Therefore, we firstly demonstrated that frozen semen treated withCLCinS‐MEDIAextender before freezing improves thein vitrosperm viability, but semen treated or not withCLCinS‐MEDIUMextender results in a very low conception rate in mares inseminated with thawed donkey semen.
Clinical COPD Questionnaire in patients with chronic respiratory disease
Authors: Canavan Jane L. , Dilaver Deniz , Clark Amy L. , Jones Sarah E. , Nolan Claire M. , Kon Samantha S. C. , Man William D.‐C.
Published: August 2014

Background and objective

The Clinical Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Questionnaire (CCQ) is an easy to complete, health‐related quality of life questionnaire which has been well‐validated in COPD. The responsiveness of the CCQ in chronic respiratory disease patients other than COPD has not been previously described. The study aims were to determine if the CCQ in chronic respiratory disease correlates with other health related quality of life questionnaires, to assess the responsiveness of the CCQ to pulmonary rehabilitation and to determine the minimum important difference.

Methods

The CCQ, COPD Assessment Test (CAT), the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ) and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) were measured in 138 chronic respiratory disease patients completing pulmonary rehabilitation. Change in CCQ with pulmonary rehabilitation was correlated with change in the other questionnaires. The minimum important difference of the CCQ was calculated using distribution and anchor‐based approaches.

Results

The CCQ, CAT, CRQ and SGRQ improved significantly with rehabilitation with effect sizes of −0.43, −0.26, 0.62, −0.37. Change in CCQ correlated significantly with CAT, CRQ and SGRQ (r = 0.53, −0.64, 0.30, all P < 0.0001). The minimum important difference was −0.42 at the population level and −0.4 at the individual level.

Conclusions

The CCQ is responsive to pulmonary rehabilitation in chronic respiratory disease patients, with an MID estimated at −0.4 at the individual level.
Vascular endothelial growth factor A polymorphism and risk of Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus viremia in kidney allograft recipients
Authors: Alkharsah K.R. , Alzahrani A.J. , Obeid O.E. , El‐Harith E.‐H.A. , Guella A. , Mohamed E.A. , Haykal A.H. , Stuhrmann M. , Al‐Ali A.K.
Published: August 2014

Background

Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) causes Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), primary effusion lymphoma, and multicentric Castleman's disease in immunocompromised patients including allograft recipients. Detection of KSHV DNA in blood, as well as host genetic polymorphisms has been found to be associated with an increased risk for KS. We investigated an association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) gene region and KSHV viremia in kidney transplant recipients (KTR) in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

In total, 152 KTR who have survived kidney transplantation for at least 6 months were included in the study. KSHV viremia was determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Genotyping of SNPs in the VEGFA region was performed by PCR and direct sequencing, as well as by restriction fragment length polymorphism.

Results

KSHV DNA was detected in 28.9% (n = 44) of the study population. The A‐allele at position C172A VEGFA gene promoter region was found to be associated with KSHV viremia (odd ratio [OR] = 4.8, P = 0.005). In addition, the G‐allele at position C+405G in the 5′‐untranslated region was associated with KSHV viremia in women, but not in men (OR = 3.98, P = 0.004).

Conclusions

Our results suggest an association of VEGFA polymorphisms with KSHV viremia among KTR in this study population. A limitation of our study is that the results can only be predicated for patients 6 months after kidney transplantation and should be validated in another cohort with larger sample size.
Quantitative and qualitative morphologic, cytochemical, and ultrastructural characteristics of blood cells in captive Asian water monitors
Authors: Salakij Chaleow , Salakij Jarernsak , Prihirunkit Kreangsak , Narkkong Naul‐Anong , Sanyathitiseree Pornchai , Kranjanapitukkul Kwanjai
Published: August 2014

Background

The Asian water monitor (Varanus salvator) is the most common monitor lizard in Thailand. Reported data regarding hematology and morphology of blood cells for this species are scarce.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to assess routine hematologic variables and characterize the morphology, cytochemical staining, and ultrastructural features of blood cells in the Asian water monitor.

Methods

Blood samples from 55 monitors (22 males and 33 females) were obtained for aCBC. Cytochemical staining (Sudan black B [SBB], peroxidase [PO], α‐naphthyl acetate esterase [ANAE], and beta‐glucuronidase [BG]), and scanning and transmission electron microscopy were performed using standard methods.

Results

Determined mean (range) hematologic results of all monitors includedPCV0.32 L/L (0.20–0.44 L/L),HGB106 g/L (62–157 g/L),WBC15.9 × 109/L (4.0–34.0 × 109/L), heterophil 6.3 × 109/L (1.5–17.1 × 109/L, azurophil 2.6 × 109/L (0.7–9.5 × 109/L), basophil 0.1 (0.1–0.5 × 109/L), lymphocyte 6.8 × 109/L (0.5–13.1 × 109/L), and monocyte 0.2 × 109/L (0.04–1 × 109/L) counts. Heterophils and basophils stained strongly positive withSBB,ANAE, andBG. Heterophils contained 2 types of granules, roundSBB‐positive andPO‐negative granules, and electron‐dense, large rod‐shaped granules. Gamonts ofHepatozoonsp. were found in <1%RBCof 43 monitors. There was no significant difference between hematologic variables inHepatozoon‐positive and ‐negative monitors.

Conclusion

Heterophils in Asian water monitors may also function as eosinophils based on cytochemical and ultrastructural features. The quantitative results may be used as base for further studies in healthy and diseased Asian water monitors.
Sampling strategies for subsampled segmented EPI PRF thermometry in MR guided high intensity focused ultrasound
Authors: Odéen Henrik , Todd Nick , Diakite Mahamadou , Minalga Emilee , Payne Allison , Parker Dennis L.
Published: August 2014

Purpose:

To investigate k‐space subsampling strategies to achieve fast, large field‐of‐view (FOV) temperature monitoring using segmented echo planar imaging (EPI) proton resonance frequency shift thermometry for MR guided high intensity focused ultrasound (MRgHIFU) applications.

Methods:

Five different k‐space sampling approaches were investigated, varying sample spacing (equally vs nonequally spaced within the echo train), sampling density (variable sampling density in zero, one, and two dimensions), and utilizing sequential or centric sampling. Three of the schemes utilized sequential sampling with the sampling density varied in zero, one, and two dimensions, to investigate sampling the k‐space center more frequently. Two of the schemes utilized centric sampling to acquire the k‐space center with a longer echo time for improved phase measurements, and vary the sampling density in zero and two dimensions, respectively. Phantom experiments and a theoretical point spread function analysis were performed to investigate their performance. Variable density sampling in zero and two dimensions was also implemented in a non‐EPI GRE pulse sequence for comparison. All subsampled data were reconstructed with a previously described temporally constrained reconstruction (TCR) algorithm.

Results:

The accuracy of each sampling strategy in measuring the temperature rise in the HIFU focal spot was measured in terms of the root‐mean‐square‐error (RMSE) compared to fully sampled “truth.” For the schemes utilizing sequential sampling, the accuracy was found to improve with the dimensionality of the variable density sampling, giving values of 0.65 °C, 0.49 °C, and 0.35 °C for density variation in zero, one, and two dimensions, respectively. The schemes utilizing centric sampling were found to underestimate the temperature rise, with RMSE values of 1.05 °C and 1.31 °C, for variable density sampling in zero and two dimensions, respectively. Similar subsampling schemes with variable density sampling implemented in zero and two dimensions in a non‐EPI GRE pulse sequence both resulted in accurate temperature measurements (RMSE of 0.70 °C and 0.63 °C, respectively). With sequential sampling in the described EPI implementation, temperature monitoring over a 192 × 144 × 135 mm3 FOV with a temporal resolution of 3.6 s was achieved, while keeping the RMSE compared to fully sampled “truth” below 0.35 °C.

Conclusions:

When segmented EPI readouts are used in conjunction with k‐space subsampling for MR thermometry applications, sampling schemes with sequential sampling, with or without variable density sampling, obtain accurate phase and temperature measurements when using a TCR reconstruction algorithm. Improved temperature measurement accuracy can be achieved with variable density sampling. Centric sampling leads to phase bias, resulting in temperature underestimations.
Exploring the Utility of Collaborative Governance in a National Sport Organization
Authors: Shilbury David , Ferkins Lesley
Published: August 2014

This paper presents the outcomes of an 18-month developmental action research study to enhance the governance capability of a national sport organization. Bowls Australia, the national governing body for lawn bowls in Australia, includes nine independent state and territory member-associations. An intervention was designed and implemented with the Bowls Australia Board. The purpose of the intervention was to enact collaborative governance to overcome a perceived cultural malaise in the governance of the sport. This study is one of the first to examine collaborative governance in a federal sport structure. Results demonstrate the utility of collaborative governance to overcome adversarial national, member-state relations for the purpose of establishing a common and unifying vision for bowls, while also enhancing governance capability. This study identified the importance of collective board leadership in governance decision-making throughout the sport. It also highlights future research directions in relation to collective board leadership in federal governance structures.
One step closer to O
2
Authors: Britt R. David , Oyala Paul H.
Published: August 2014

A crucial step in photosynthesis is becoming clearer

[Also see Report by

Cox
et al.

]
Maternal mental illness
Authors: Kozhimannil Katy B. , Kim Helen
Published: August 2014

In the United States, more than half a million women experience postpartum depression every year; among teens and low-income mothers, the rate is one in four. For many depressed mothers, symptoms begin during pregnancy and may also include disabling anxiety. In addition, maternal mental illness adversely affects infant brain development and subsequent social and emotional health as a result of inadequate prenatal care, poor birth outcomes, and impaired parenting practices. The broad implications of these disorders have led several states to require perinatal depression screening and/or education. Also, a provision of the U.S. Affordable Care Act calls for further research on screening and treatment. These policies are a good start, but laws already on the books must be adequately funded and evaluated. In addition, there are immediate policy actions that can be taken to improve the well-being of mothers and families.
Civilian casualties in Afghanistan
Authors: Shortland Neil , Bohannon John
Published: August 2014

The first release of military data on civilian casualties in Afghanistan is now publicly available.
Evaluation of the Nanosphere Verigene BC-GN Assay for Direct Identification of Gram-Negative Bacilli and Antibiotic Resistance Markers from Positive Blood Cultures and Potential Impact for More-Rapid Antibiotic Interventions
Authors: Hill Joseph T. , Tran Kim-Dung T. , Barton Karen L. , Labreche Matthew J. , Sharp Susan E.
Published: August 2014

The Verigene BC-GN assay correctly identified all 51 Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) from positive blood cultures and all 14 carbapenemase enzymes tested. The assay gave organism identification (ID) results an average of 24 h faster compared to conventional identifications. Medical management could have been modified for 31.8% of patients an average 33 h sooner. In conclusion, the BC-GN assay is a very accurate, rapid assay which would allow for more-immediate medical management decisions in patients with bacteremia from GNB.
Methyltransferase-Defective Avian Metapneumovirus Vaccines Provide Complete Protection against Challenge with the Homologous Colorado Strain and the Heterologous Minnesota Strain
Authors: Sun Jing , Wei Yongwei , Rauf Abdul , Zhang Yu , Ma Yuanmei , Zhang Xiaodong , Shilo Konstantin , Yu Qingzhong , Saif Y. M. , Lu Xingmeng , Yu Lian , Li Jianrong
Published: August 2014

Avian metapneumovirus (aMPV), also known as avian pneumovirus or turkey rhinotracheitis virus, is the causative agent of turkey rhinotracheitis and is associated with swollen head syndrome in chickens. Since its discovery in the 1970s, aMPV has been recognized as an economically important pathogen in the poultry industry worldwide. The conserved region VI (CR VI) of the large (L) polymerase proteins of paramyxoviruses catalyzes methyltransferase (MTase) activities that typically methylate viral mRNAs at guanine N-7 (G-N-7) and ribose 2′-O positions. In this study, we generated a panel of recombinant aMPV (raMPV) Colorado strains carrying mutations in the
S
-adenosyl methionine (SAM) binding site in the CR VI of L protein. These recombinant viruses were specifically defective in ribose 2′-O, but not G-N-7 methylation and were genetically stable and highly attenuated in cell culture and viral replication in the upper and lower respiratory tracts of specific-pathogen-free (SPF) young turkeys. Importantly, turkeys vaccinated with these MTase-defective raMPVs triggered a high level of neutralizing antibody and were completely protected from challenge with homologous aMPV Colorado strain and heterologous aMPV Minnesota strain. Collectively, our results indicate (i) that aMPV lacking 2′-O methylation is highly attenuated
in vitro
and
in vivo
and (ii) that inhibition of mRNA cap MTase can serve as a novel target to rationally design live attenuated vaccines for aMPV and perhaps other paramyxoviruses.

IMPORTANCE
Paramyxoviruses include many economically and agriculturally important viruses such as avian metapneumovirus (aMPV), and Newcastle disease virus (NDV), human pathogens such as human respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus, human parainfluenza virus type 3, and measles virus, and highly lethal emerging pathogens such as Nipah virus and Hendra virus. For many of them, there is no effective vaccine or antiviral drug. These viruses share common strategies for viral gene expression and replication. During transcription, paramyxoviruses produce capped, methylated, and polyadenylated mRNAs. Using aMPV as a model, we found that viral ribose 2′-
O
methyltransferase (MTase) is a novel approach to rationally attenuate the virus for vaccine purpose. Recombinant aMPV (raMPV) lacking 2′-
O
MTase were not only highly attenuated in turkeys but also provided complete protection against the challenge of homologous and heterologous aMPV strains. This novel approach can be applicable to other animal and human paramyxoviruses for rationally designing live attenuated vaccines.
Increased Replicative Fitness Can Lead to Decreased Drug Sensitivity of Hepatitis C Virus
Authors: Sheldon Julie , Beach Nathan M. , Moreno Elena , Gallego Isabel , Piñeiro David , Martínez-Salas Encarnación , Gregori Josep , Quer Josep , Esteban Juan Ignacio , Rice Charles M. , Domingo Esteban , Perales Celia
Published: August 2014

Passage of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in human hepatoma cells resulted in populations that displayed partial resistance to alpha interferon (IFN-α), telaprevir, daclatasvir, cyclosporine, and ribavirin, despite no prior exposure to these drugs. Mutant spectrum analyses and kinetics of virus production in the absence and presence of drugs indicate that resistance is not due to the presence of drug resistance mutations in the mutant spectrum of the initial or passaged populations but to increased replicative fitness acquired during passage. Fitness increases did not alter host factors that lead to shutoff of general host cell protein synthesis and preferential translation of HCV RNA. The results imply that viral replicative fitness is a mechanism of multidrug resistance in HCV.

IMPORTANCE
Viral drug resistance is usually attributed to the presence of amino acid substitutions in the protein targeted by the drug. In the present study with HCV, we show that high viral replicative fitness can confer a general drug resistance phenotype to the virus. The results exclude the possibility that genomes with drug resistance mutations are responsible for the observed phenotype. The fact that replicative fitness can be a determinant of multidrug resistance may explain why the virus is less sensitive to drug treatments in prolonged chronic HCV infections that favor increases in replicative fitness.
How the quantum emerges from gravity
Authors: Sharma Anushrut , Singh Tejinder P.
Published: August 2014

The dynamics of a massive, relativistic spinning particle could be described either by the Dirac equation or by the Kerr solution of Einstein equations. However, one does not know a priori as to which of the two systems of equations should be used in a given situation and the choice is dictated by experiments. It is expected that the Dirac equation holds for microscopic masses and the Kerr solution for macroscopic masses. This suggests that Einstein gravity and the Dirac theory are limiting cases of a common underlying theoretical framework. Here we propose that such a framework is provided by a geometric theory of gravity on a Riemann–Cartan spacetime, which includes torsion. The Dirac equation emerges as the torsion-dominated, gravity-free limit of this framework.
Some remarks on nonminimal coupling of the inflaton
Authors: Mahajan Namit
Published: August 2014

The nonminimal coupling of the inflaton is known to alleviate the smallness of the quartic coupling λ in the chaotic inflation with ϕ4 potential. A large ξ is required to obtain the cosmic microwave background (CMB) power spectrum while a small value ~ 1/6 seems to be preferred from spectral index. There are issues related to conformal transformations, choice of frame and natural value(s) of ξ for a given potential. We revisit some of these issues and invoke field theoretic arguments (which exist in different context and have not been employed previously in the context of inflation) in order to address the same. A rather strong and general conclusion reached, based on the requirements of renormalizability and finiteness of specific matrix elements in a quantum theory, is that it is generically not possible to eliminate the nonminimal coupling by going from the Jordan to the Einstein frame via conformal transformations. We also comment on Higgs inflation.
BILATERAL BIPARTITE CARPAL SCAPHOID: A CASE REPORT AND LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Takemitsu Yoshiharu , Nakayama Yoshikazu , Ota Hideki , Matsumoto Yoshiyuki , Kida Hirotaka
Published: August 2014

Congenital bipartite carpal scaphoid has been reported as an extremely rare congenital anomaly. We report a case of a 47-year-old man who was found with bilateral bipartite carpal scaphoids with no history of injury. Radiographs demonstrated symmetric findings of the distinct bipartition of the scaphoid without obvious degenerative change in both wrists. The patient complained of no other symptoms. The diagnostic differentiation of scaphoid bipartition from the pseudarthrosis of the scaphoid could be important in avoiding unnecessary surgery and inappropriate assessment in compensation cases.
Outdoor Localization for Quad-Rotor Using Extended Kalman Filter and Path Planning
Authors: Jeong Keon-Woo , Kim Ki-Jung , Kim Yun-Ki , Kim Hyun-Woo , Lee Jangmyung
Published: August 2014

This paper proposes a new technique that can be used to produce improved localization accuracy and to remove out the noises in sensing when the low-cost GPS/INS system has been used for a quad-rotor. The level of localization accuracy could be worse when the quad-rotor flies through the air by forming a curve. Also, the accuracy is influenced by the performance of GPS/INS system. The location data by the GPS/INS system include high frequency noises caused by various factors such as measurement noises and external disturbances. When the quad-rotor flies outdoor, it is possible to estimate the moving path for a short interval since the path can be assumed to be straight for a short interval. Therefore, the extended Kalman filter has been adopted to improve the localization accuracy. Also the global path can be more precisely estimated by fitting the location data obtained by the GPS/INS system to the planned path. Through the foregoing processes of the extended Kalman filter and path planning algorithm, the improved localization information can be obtained when the quad-rotor flies. Performance improvement of the proposed system has been verified based on various outdoor experiments.
NOVEL HIERARCHICAL NANORODS OF SILICON-DOPED Bi2O2CO3 AND ITS PHOTOCATALYTIC ACTIVITY
Authors: SUN PENG , JIN YUJIAN , ZHAO YUNXUAN , XU JUAN , CHEN MINDONG , YAO WENQING , ZHU YONGFA , TENG FEI
Published: August 2014

The silicon-doped Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 nanorods with the interesting hierarchical structure are synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method. The samples are characterized by XRD, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), Ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-DRS) and nitrogen sorption isotherms. It is found that with the increase of silicon content, the XRD peak of the sample significantly shifts toward a low diffraction angle and the particle morphologies change from nanosheets, nanoflowers to hierarchical nanorods. Moreover, the silicon-doped Bi 2 O 2 CO 3 hierarchical nanorods exhibit improved photocatalytic degradation activities for different types of dyes under simulated solar light irradiation. The improved activity has been mainly attributed to the unique hierarchical nanorods structure and the formation of Si – O – Bi bonds.
Controllable Shape Evolution of Cu2O Flowers and Their Morphologies-Dependent Selective CO Oxidation
Authors: Zhao Daoli , Guo Xuefei , Zheng Yuchuan , Wang Linlin , Yang Qing
Published: August 2014

The flower-like Cu 2 O nanostructures were hydrothermally synthesized without using any template or surfactant. The influences of hydrothermal temperature, reaction time and reactants concentrations on the growth of nanostructures were investigated in detail. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). Cu 2 O crystals with different shapes, i.e., flower-like (F-product) cubic box (CB-product) and cubic box with holes in each face (CBH-product), were synthesized by controlling the synthesis parameters and explored for CO catalytic oxidation. It was found that F-product showed higher catalytic than others.
ABCG2pos lung mesenchymal stem cells are a novel pericyte subpopulation that contributes to fibrotic remodeling
Authors: Marriott Shennea , Baskir Rubin S. , Gaskill Christa , Menon Swapna , Carrier Erica J. , Williams Janice , Talati Megha , Helm Karen , Alford Catherine E. , Kropski Jonathan A. , Loyd James , Wheeler Lisa , Johnson Joyce , Austin Eric , Nozik-Grayck Eva , Meyrick Barbara , West James D. , Klemm Dwight J. , Majka Susan M.
Published: August 2014

Genesis of myofibroblasts is obligatory for the development of pathology in many adult lung diseases. Adult lung tissue contains a population of perivascular ABCG2pos mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) that are precursors of myofibroblasts and distinct from NG2 pericytes. We hypothesized that these MSC participate in deleterious remodeling associated with pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and associated hypertension (PH). To test this hypothesis, resident lung MSC were quantified in lung samples from control subjects and PF patients. ABCG2pos cell numbers were decreased in human PF and interstitial lung disease compared with control samples. Genetic labeling of lung MSC in mice enabled determination of terminal lineage and localization of ABCG2 cells following intratracheal administration of bleomycin to elicit fibrotic lung injury. Fourteen days following bleomycin injury enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP)-labeled lung MSC-derived cells were increased in number and localized to interstitial areas of fibrotic and microvessel remodeling. Finally, gene expression analysis was evaluated to define the response of MSC to bleomycin injury in vivo using ABCG2pos MSC isolated during the inflammatory phase postinjury and in vitro bleomycin or transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-treated cells. MSC responded to bleomycin treatment in vivo with a profibrotic gene program that was not recapitulated in vitro with bleomycin treatment. However, TGF-β1 treatment induced the appearance of a profibrotic myofibroblast phenotype in vitro. Additionally, when exposed to the profibrotic stimulus, TGF-β1, ABCG2, and NG2 pericytes demonstrated distinct responses. Our data highlight ABCG2pos lung MSC as a novel cell population that contributes to detrimental myofibroblast-mediated remodeling during PF.
Autophagy is essential to support skeletal muscle plasticity in response to endurance exercise
Authors: Sanchez Anthony M. J. , Bernardi Henri , Py Guillaume , Candau Robin B.
Published: August 2014

Physical exercise is a stress that can substantially modulate cellular signaling mechanisms to promote morphological and metabolic adaptations. Skeletal muscle protein and organelle turnover is dependent on two major cellular pathways: Forkhead box class O proteins (FOXO) transcription factors that regulate two main proteolytic systems, the ubiquitin-proteasome, and the autophagy-lysosome systems, including mitochondrial autophagy, and the MTORC1 signaling associated with protein translation and autophagy inhibition. In recent years, it has been well documented that both acute and chronic endurance exercise can affect the autophagy pathway. Importantly, substantial efforts have been made to better understand discrepancies in the literature on its modulation during exercise. A single bout of endurance exercise increases autophagic flux when the duration is long enough, and this response is dependent on nutritional status, since autophagic flux markers and mRNA coding for actors involved in mitophagy are more abundant in the fasted state. In contrast, strength and resistance exercises preferentially raise ubiquitin-proteasome system activity and involve several protein synthesis factors, such as the recently characterized DAGK for mechanistic target of rapamycin activation. In this review, we discuss recent progress on the impact of acute and chronic exercise on cell component turnover systems, with particular focus on autophagy, which until now has been relatively overlooked in skeletal muscle. We especially highlight the most recent studies on the factors that can impact its modulation, including the mode of exercise and the nutritional status, and also discuss the current limitations in the literature to encourage further works on this topic.
Adaptation of high-gamma responses in human auditory association cortex
Authors: Eliades Steven J. , Crone Nathan E. , Anderson William S. , Ramadoss Deepti , Lenz Frederick A. , Boatman-Reich Dana
Published: August 2014

This study investigates adaptation of high-frequency cortical responses [>60 Hz; high-gamma (HG)] to simple and complex sounds in human nonprimary auditory cortex. We used intracranial electrocorticographic recordings to measure event-related changes in HG power as a function of stimulus probability. Tone and speech stimuli were presented in a series of traditional oddball and control paradigms. We hypothesized that HG power attenuates with stimulus repetition over multiple concurrent time scales in auditory association cortex. Time-frequency analyses were performed to identify auditory-responsive sites. Single-trial analyses and quantitative modeling were then used to measure trial-to-trial changes in HG power for high (frequent), low (infrequent), and equal (control) stimulus probabilities. Results show strong reduction of HG responses to frequently repeated tones and speech, with no differences in responses to infrequent and equal-probability stimuli. Adaptation of the HG frequent response, and not stimulus-acoustic differences or deviance-detection enhancement effects, accounted for the differential responses observed for frequent and infrequent sounds. Adaptation of HG responses showed a rapid onset (less than two trials) with slower adaptation between consecutive, repeated trials (2–10 s) and across trials in a stimulus block (∼7 min). The auditory-evoked N100 response also showed repetition-related adaptation, consistent with previous human scalp and animal single-unit recordings. These findings indicate that HG responses are highly sensitive to the regularities of simple and complex auditory events and show adaptation on multiple concurrent time scales in human auditory association cortex.
Modulation of motoneuron firing by recurrent inhibition in the adult rat in vivo
Authors: Obeidat Ahmed Z. , Nardelli Paul , Powers Randall K. , Cope Timothy C.
Published: August 2014

Recent reports show that synaptic inhibition can modulate postsynaptic spike timing without having strong effects on firing rate. Thus synaptic inhibition can achieve multiplicity in neural circuit operation through variable modulation of postsynaptic firing rate vs. timing. We tested this possibility for recurrent inhibition (RI) of spinal motoneurons. In in vivo electrophysiological studies of adult Wistar rats anesthetized by isoflurane, we examined repetitive firing of individual lumbosacral motoneurons recorded in current clamp and modulated by synchronous antidromic electrical stimulation of multiple motor axons and their centrally projecting collateral branches. Antidromic stimulation produced recurrent inhibitory postsynaptic potentials (RIPSPs) having properties similar to those detailed in the cat. Although synchronous RI produced marked short-term modulation of motoneuron spike timing and instantaneous firing rate, there was little or no suppression of average firing rate. The bias in firing modulation of timing over average rate was observed even for high-frequency RI stimulation (100 Hz), perhaps because of the brevity of RIPSPs, which were more than twofold shorter during motoneuron firing compared with rest. These findings demonstrate that RI in the mammalian spinal cord has the capacity to support and not impede heightened motor pool activity, possibly during rapid, forceful movements.
Role of spinal bombesin-responsive neurons in nonhistaminergic itch
Authors: Akiyama Tasuku , Tominaga Mitsutoshi , Takamori Kenji , Carstens Mirela Iodi , Carstens E.
Published: August 2014

Intrathecal administration of the neurotoxin bombesin-saporin reduces or abolishes pruritogen-evoked scratching behavior. We investigated whether spinal neurons that respond to intradermal (ID) injection of pruritogens also respond to spinal superfusion of bombesin and vice versa. Single-unit recordings were made from superficial lumbar spinal dorsal horn neurons in anesthetized mice. We identified neurons with three search strategies: 1) ID injection of the nonhistaminergic itch mediator chloroquine, 2) spinal superfusion of bombesin, and 3) noxious pinch. All units were tested with an array of itch mediators (chloroquine, histamine, SLIGRL, BAM8-22), algogens [capsaicin, allyl isothiocyanate (AITC)], and physical stimuli (brush, pinch, noxious heat, cooling) applied to the hindlimb receptive field. The vast majority of chloroquine-responsive units also responded to bombesin. Of 26 chloroquine-sensitive units tested, most responded to SLIGRL, half responded to histamine and/or BAM8-22, and most responded to capsaicin and/or AITC as well as noxious thermal and mechanical stimuli. Of 29 bombesin-responsive units, a large majority also responded to other itch mediators as well as AITC, capsaicin, and noxious thermal and mechanical stimuli. Responses to successive applications of bombesin exhibited tachyphylaxis. In contrast, of 36 units responsive to noxious pinch, the majority (67%) did not respond to ID chloroquine or spinal bombesin. It is suggested that chloroquine- and bombesin-sensitive spinal neurons signal itch from the skin.
Ultra-Low-Voltage CMOS-Based Current Bleeding Mixer with High LO-RF Isolation
Authors: Tan Gim Heng , Sidek Roslina Mohd , Ramiah Harikrishnan , Chong Wei Keat , Lioe De Xing
Published: August 2014

This journal presents an ultra-low-voltage current bleeding mixer with high LO-RF port-to-port isolation, implemented on 0.13 μm standard CMOS technology for ZigBee application. The architecture compliments a modified current bleeding topology, consisting of NMOS-based current bleeding transistor, PMOS-based switching stage, and integrated inductors achieving low-voltage operation and high LO-RF isolation. The mixer exhibits a conversion gain of 7.5 dB at the radio frequency (RF) of 2.4 GHz, an input third-order intercept point (IIP3) of 1 dBm, and a LO-RF isolation measured to 60 dB. The DC power consumption is 572 µW at supply voltage of 0.45 V, while consuming a chip area of 0.97 × 0.88 mm2.
Performance-Based Seismic Design of Steel Frames Utilizing Colliding Bodies Algorithm
Authors: Veladi H.
Published: August 2014

A pushover analysis method based on semirigid connection concept is developed and the colliding bodies optimization algorithm is employed to find optimum seismic design of frame structures. Two numerical examples from the literature are studied. The results of the new algorithm are compared to the conventional design methods to show the power or weakness of the algorithm.
Response of Soybean to Early-Season Planting Dates along the Upper Texas Gulf Coast
Authors: Grichar W. James , Biles Stephen P.
Published: August 2014

Soybeans (Glycine maxL.) can be planted along the upper Texas Gulf Coast from mid-March through May to take advantage of early season rains and to complete harvest before hurricane season and fall rains become a problem. However, in the Calhoun County area (28.5° north latitude), these planting dates have resulted in below average yields and reasons for these yield reductions are not clear. To determine if earlier planting dates could be an option to eliminate the low yields, field studies were conducted from 2005 through 2010 in Calhoun County, Texas, to determine soybean cultivar response to planting dates which ranged from mid-February through the last of April. Typically, soil temperatures in this area are above 18°C in mid-February and depending on weather patterns may not fall much lower during any time in the early portion of the growing season. The greatest yield was obtained with the mid-February and mid-March planting dates compared with early- or late-April planting dates. Typically, as planting date was delayed, the interval between planting and harvest decreased.