bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Division of labor in frontal eye field neurons during presaccadic remapping of visual receptive fields
Authors: Shin SooYoon , Sommer Marc A.
Published: July 2012

Our percept of visual stability across saccadic eye movements may be mediated by presaccadic remapping. Just before a saccade, neurons that remap become visually responsive at a future field (FF), which anticipates the saccade vector. Hence, the neurons use corollary discharge of saccades. Many of the neurons also decrease their response at the receptive field (RF). Presaccadic remapping occurs in several brain areas including the frontal eye field (FEF), which receives corollary discharge of saccades in its layer IV from a collicular-thalamic pathway. We studied, at two levels, the microcircuitry of remapping in the FEF. At the laminar level, we compared remapping between layers IV and V. At the cellular level, we compared remapping between different neuron types of layer IV. In the FEF in four monkeys ( Macaca mulatta), we identified 27 layer IV neurons with orthodromic stimulation and 57 layer V neurons with antidromic stimulation from the superior colliculus. With the use of established criteria, we classified the layer IV neurons as putative excitatory ( n = 11), putative inhibitory ( n = 12), or ambiguous ( n = 4). We found that just before a saccade, putative excitatory neurons increased their visual response at the RF, putative inhibitory neurons showed no change, and ambiguous neurons increased their visual response at the FF. None of the neurons showed presaccadic visual changes at both RF and FF. In contrast, neurons in layer V showed full remapping (at both the RF and FF). Our data suggest that elemental signals for remapping are distributed across neuron types in early cortical processing and combined in later stages of cortical microcircuitry.
Speed invariance of independent control of finger movements in pianists
Authors: Furuya Shinichi , Soechting John F.
Published: July 2012

Independent control of finger movements characterizes skilled motor behaviors such as tool use and musical performance. The purpose of the present study was to identify the effect of movement frequency (tempo) on individuated finger movements in piano playing. Joint motion at the digits was recorded while 5 expert pianists were playing 30 excerpts from musical pieces with different fingering and key locations either at a predetermined normal tempo or as fast as possible. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis using an expectation-maximization algorithm determined three distinct patterns of finger movement coordination for a keypress with each of the index, middle, ring, and little fingers at each of the two tempi. The finger kinematics of each coordination pattern was overall similar across the tempi. Tone sequences assigned into each cluster were also similar for both tempi. A linear regression analysis determined no apparent difference in the amount of movement covariation between the striking and nonstriking fingers at both metacarpo-phalangeal and proximal-interphalangeal joints across the two tempi, which indicated no effect of tempo on independent finger movements in piano playing. In addition, the standard deviation of interkeystroke interval across strokes did not differ between the two tempi, indicating maintenance of rhythmic accuracy of keystrokes. Strong temporal constraints on finger movements during piano playing may underlie the maintained independent control of fingers over a wider range of tempi, a feature being likely to be specific to skilled pianists.
Forward‐Backward Splitting Methods for Accretive Operators in Banach Spaces
Authors: López Genaro , Martín-Márquez Victoria , Wang Fenghui , Xu Hong-Kun
Published: July 2012

Splitting methods have recently received much attention due to the fact that many nonlinear problems arising in applied areas such as image recovery, signal processing, and machine learning are
mathematically modeled as a nonlinear operator equation and this operator is decomposed as the sum of two (possibly simpler) nonlinear operators. Most of the investigation on splitting methods is however carried out in the framework of Hilbert spaces. In this paper, we consider these methods in the setting of Banach spaces. We shall introduce two iterative forward‐backward splitting methods with relaxations and errors to find zeros of the sum of two accretive operators in the Banach spaces. We shall prove the weak and strong convergence of these methods under mild conditions. We also discuss applications of these methods to variational inequalities, the split feasibility problem, and a constrained convex minimization problem.
Determining Critical Soil pH for Grain Sorghum Production
Authors: Butchee Katy , Arnall Daryl B. , Sutradhar Apurba , Godsey Chad , Zhang Hailin , Penn Chad
Published: July 2012

Grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolorL.) has become a popular rotation crop in the Great Plains. The transition from conventional tillage to no-tillage production systems has led to an increase in the need for crop rotations. Some of the soils of the Great Plains are acidic, and there is concern that grain sorghum production may be limited when grown on acidic soils. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of soil pH for grain sorghum production. Potassium chloride-exchangeable aluminum was also analyzed to determine grain sorghum’s sensitivity to soil aluminum (Al) concentration. The relationship between relative yield and soil pH was investigated at Lahoma, Perkins, and Haskell, Oklahoma, USA with soil pH treatments ranging from 4.0–7.0. Soil pH was altered using aluminum sulfate or hydrated lime. Soil acidity reduced grain sorghum yield, resulting in a 10% reduction in yield at soil pH 5.42. Potassium chloride-exchangeable aluminum levels above 18 mg kg−1resulted in yield reductions of 10% or greater. Liming should be considered to increase soil pH if it is below these critical levels where grain sorghum will be produced.
Coupled Fixed Point Theorems of Single‐Valued Mapping for c‐Distance in Cone Metric Spaces
Authors: Fadail Zaid Mohammed , Bin Ahmad Abd Ghafur
Published: July 2012

A new concept of the c‐distance in cone metric space has been
introduced recently in 2011. The aim of this paper is to extend and generalize
some coupled fixed‐point theorems on c‐distance in cone metric space. Some
examples are given.
Exposure to Low Dose of Cinnabar (a Naturally Occurring Mercuric Sulfide (HgS)) Caused Neurotoxicological Effects in Offspring Mice
Authors: Huang Chun-Fa , Hsu Chuan-Jen , Liu Shing-Hwa , Lin-Shiau Shoei-Yn
Published: July 2012

Cinnabar, a naturally occurring mercuric sulfide (HgS), has long been used in Chinese mineral medicine for more than 2000 years. Although mercury is well-known for its toxicity, whether cinnabar induces neurotoxicity, especially in infants and children, is unknown. The purpose of this study was to explore the neurotoxic effects of low-dose of cinnabar (10 mg/kg/day) on developing mice. The results revealed neurobehavioral defects in F1-C-Cin group, which were associated with Hg accumulation, increased NOxlevels in whole blood, and Na+/K+-ATPase activities in brain tissues. F1- and F2-Cin-V groups were found to increase brain Hg contents and prominent neurobehavioral defects compared with F1-C-V group, suggesting that the fetal brain was more susceptible to irreversible effects for cinnabar-induced damage. Moreover, F1- and F2-Cin-Cin groups had severely neurobehavioral dysfunctions, closely correlated with the further alteration of NOxlevels and Na+/K+-ATPase activities than F1- and F2-C-Cin groups. Effects in F2-Cin-Cin group were more significant than those in F1-Cin-Cin group. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that exposure to low-dose of cinnabar during the perinatal and developmental stages results in irreversible and severe injuries of the neurotoxicity in offspring, and NOxand Na+/K+-ATPase activities may exist potential and useful biomarkers for neurotoxicity-induced by low-doses of mercuric compounds.
Larix laricina, an Antidiabetic Alternative Treatment from the Cree of Northern Quebec Pharmacopoeia, Decreases Glycemia and Improves Insulin SensitivityIn Vivo
Authors: Harbilas Despina , Vallerand Diane , Brault Antoine , Saleem Ammar , Arnason John T. , Musallam Lina , Haddad Pierre S.
Published: July 2012

Larix laricinaK. Koch is a medicinal plant belonging to traditional pharmacopoeia of the Cree of Eeyou Istchee (Eastern James Bay area of Canada).In vitroscreening studies revealed that, like metformin and rosiglitazone, it increases glucose uptake and adipogenesis, activates AMPK, and uncouples mitochondrial function. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic and antiobesity potential ofL. laricinain diet-induced obese (DIO) C57BL/6 mice. Mice were subjected for eight or sixteen weeks to a high fat diet (HFD) or HFD to whichL. laricinawas incorporated at 125 and 250 mg/kg either at onset (prevention study) or in the last 8 of the 16 weeks of administration of the HFD (treatment study).L. laricinaeffectively decreased glycemia levels, improved insulin resistance, and slightly decreased abdominal fat pad and body weights. This occurred in conjunction with increased energy expenditure as demonstrated by elevated skin temperature in the prevention study and improved mitochondrial function and ATP synthesis in the treatment protocol.L. laricinais thus a promising alternative and complementary therapeutic approach for the treatment and care of obesity and diabetes among the Cree.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor in the Cecum of a Horse
Authors: Stephan S. , Hug S. , Hilbe M.
Published: July 2012

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are defined as specific CD117-(Kit, stem cell factor receptor) expressing tumors of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. They are believed to originate from the interstitial pacemaker cells of Cajal (ICC) or their progenitor cells. In horses only a few cases of GISTs are described in the literature. In the present paper the macroscopical, histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural features of an equine cecal GIST are described.
Tripled Coincidence Point Theorems for Nonlinear Contractions in Partially Ordered Metric Spaces
Authors: Choudhury Binayak S. , Karapınar Erdal , Kundu Amaresh
Published: July 2012

Tripled fixed points are extensions of the idea of coupled fixed points introduced in a recent paper by Berinde and Borcut, 2011. Here using a separate methodology we extend this result to a triple coincidence point theorem in partially ordered metric spaces. We have defined several concepts pertaining to our results. The main results have several corollaries and an illustrative example. The example shows that the extension proved here is actual and also the main theorem properly contains all its corollaries.
Zero Spatial Frequency Limit: Method to Characterize Photopolymers as Optical Recording Material
Authors: Gallego Sergi , Márquez Andrés , Ortuño Manuel , Neipp Cristian , Pascual Inmaculada , Beléndez Augusto
Published: July 2012

Photopolymers are useful for different holographic applications such as holographic data storage or diffractive optical elements. However, due to the presence of two different phenomena, polymer formation and monomer diffusion, it is difficult to characterize each parameter independently. We propose a direct method based on zero spatial frequency recording, to eliminate the diffusion influence, and on interferometric techniques, both in transmission and in reflection, to obtain quantitative values of shrinkage, polymerization rate, polymer refractive index and relation between intensity and polymerization, and so forth, This method has been implemented in the Holography and Optical Processing Group from the University of Alicante to characterize different photopolymers. In this paper, we present a compilation of the results obtained with this method for different photopolymers and we compare their characteristics.
Biomarkers of Adverse Response to Mercury: Histopathology versus Thioredoxin Reductase Activity
Authors: Branco Vasco , Ramos Paula , Canário João , Lu Jun , Holmgren Arne , Carvalho Cristina
Published: July 2012

Exposure to mercury is normally assessed by measuring its accumulation in hair, blood or urine. Currently, the biomarkers of effect that have been proposed for mercurials, such as coproporphyrines or oxidative stress markers, are not sensitive enough and lack specificity. Selenium and selenoproteins are important targets for mercury and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) in particular was shown to be very sensitive to mercury compounds bothin vitroandin vivo. In this study we looked into the relation between the inhibition of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) activity and histopathological changes caused by exposure to mercurials. Juvenile zeabra-seabreams were exposed to Hg2+or MeHg for 28 days and histopathological changes were analyzed in the liver and kidney as well as TrxR activity. Both mercurials caused histopathological changes in liver and kidney, albeit Hg2+caused more extensive and severe lesions. Likewise, both mercurials decreased TrxR activity, being Hg2+a stronger inhibitor. Co-exposure to Hg2+and Se fully prevented TrxR inhibition in the liver and reduced the severity of lesions in the organ. These results show that upon exposure to mercurials, histopathological alterations correlate with the level of TrxR activity and point to the potential use of this enzyme as a biomarker of mercury toxicity.
Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment and Control of Coexistence of Diabetes and Hypertension in Thai Population
Authors: Tiptaradol Siriwat , Aekplakorn Wichai
Published: July 2012

Diabetes and hypertension are major independent risk factors for cardiovascular and renal diseases; however, prevalence and characteristics of the coexistence in general population is not clear. Data from Thai National Health Examination Survey III were used to estimate the prevalence of coexistence of diabetes and hypertension, and to estimate the proportion of awareness, treatment and control of both conditions. A total of 36,877 (male 17,614 and female 19,263) participants were included in the study. The prevalence of people with diabetes and hypertension was 3.2% (male 2.8% and female 3.6%). Approximately half of the diabetes patients (49.0%, 95%CI 45.6, 52.5) had hypertension, and 14.4% (95%CI 13.0, 16.0) of hypertensive patients had diabetes. After controlling for covariates, factors associated with coexistence of diabetes and hypertension included; age ≥60 years (adjust odds ratio 1.38, 95%CI 1.14, 1.73), having education less than 6 years (1.83, 95%CI 1.03, 3.38) and abdominal obesity (2.49, 95%CI 2.00, 3.10). More than 80% were unaware of having both conditions. Target for control of both glucose and blood pressure among those treated was achieved in only 6.2%. In conclusion, patients with diabetes or hypertension should be promoted to have weight control and screening for the comorbidity.
Lineage Switching in Acute Leukemias: A Consequence of Stem Cell Plasticity?
Authors: Dorantes-Acosta Elisa , Pelayo Rosana
Published: July 2012

Acute leukemias are the most common cancer in childhood and characterized by the uncontrolled production of hematopoietic precursor cells of the lymphoid or myeloid series within the bone marrow. Even when a relatively high efficiency of therapeutic agents has increased the overall survival rates in the last years, factors such as cell lineage switching and the rise of mixed lineages at relapses often change the prognosis of the illness. During lineage switching, conversions from lymphoblastic leukemia to myeloid leukemia, or vice versa, are recorded. The central mechanisms involved in these phenomena remain undefined, but recent studies suggest that lineage commitment of plastic hematopoietic progenitors may be multidirectional and reversible upon specific signals provided by both intrinsic and environmental cues. In this paper, we focus on the current knowledge about cell heterogeneity and the lineage switch resulting from leukemic cells plasticity. A number of hypothetical mechanisms that may inspire changes in cell fate decisions are highlighted. Understanding the plasticity of leukemia initiating cells might be fundamental to unravel the pathogenesis of lineage switch in acute leukemias and will illuminate the importance of a flexible hematopoietic development.
Neimark‐Sacker Bifurcation Analysis for a Discrete‐Time System of Two Neurons
Authors: Xu Changjin
Published: July 2012

A class of discrete‐time system modelling a network with two neurons is considered. First, we investigate the global stability of the given system. Next, we study the local stability by techniques developed by Kuznetsov to discrete‐time systems. It is found that Neimark‐Sacker bifurcation (or Hopf bifurcation for map) will occur when the bifurcation parameter exceeds a critical value. A formula determining the direction and stability of Neimark‐Sacker bifurcation by applying normal form theory and center manifold theorem is given. Finally, some numerical simulations for justifying the theoretical results are also provided.
The Role of Thoracic Medial Branch Blocks in Managing Chronic Mid and Upper Back Pain: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Active-Control Trial with a 2-Year Followup
Authors: Manchikanti Laxmaiah , Singh Vijay , Falco Frank J. E. , Cash Kimberly A. , Pampati Vidyasagar , Fellows Bert
Published: July 2012

Study Design. A randomized, double-blind, active-control trial.Objective. To determine the clinical effectiveness of therapeutic thoracic facet joint nerve blocks with or without steroids in managing chronic mid back and upper back pain.Summary of Background Data. The prevalence of thoracic facet joint pain has been established as 34% to 42%. Multiple therapeutic techniques utilized in managing chronic thoracic pain of facet joint origin include medial branch blocks, radiofrequency neurotomy, and intraarticular injections.Methods. This randomized double-blind active controlled trial was performed in 100 patients with 50 patients in each group who received medial branch blocks with local anesthetic alone or local anesthetic and steroids. Outcome measures included the numeric rating scale (NRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), opioid intake, and work status, at baseline, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months.Results. Significant improvement with significant pain relief and functional status improvement of 50% or more were observed in 80% of the patients in Group I and 84% of the patients in Group II at 2-year followup.Conclusions. Therapeutic medial branch blocks of thoracic facets with or without steroids may provide a management option for chronic function-limiting thoracic pain of facet joint origin.
Curcumin Protects against UVB-Induced Skin Cancers in SKH-1 Hairless Mouse: Analysis of Early Molecular Markers in Carcinogenesis
Authors: Tsai Kuen-Daw , Lin Jung-Chung , Yang Shu-mei , Tseng Min-Jen , Hsu Jeng-Dong , Lee Yi-Ju , Cherng Jaw-Ming
Published: July 2012

Curcumin (CUR) has been shown to possess a preventive effect against various cancers and interfere with multiple-cell signaling pathways. We evaluated the protective effects of CUR in regression of UVB-induced skin tumor formation in SKH-1 hairless mice and its underlying early molecular biomarkers associated with carcinogenesis. Mice irradiated with UVB at 180 mJ/cm2twice per week elicited 100% tumor incidence at 20 weeks. Topical application of CUR prior to UVB irradiation caused delay in tumor appearance, multiplicity, and size. Topical application of CUR prior to and immediately after a single UVB irradiation (180 mJ/cm2) resulted in a significant decrease in UVB-induced thymine dimer-positive cells, expression of proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling, and apoptotic sunburn cells together with an increase in p53 and p21/Cip1-positive cell population in epidermis. Simultaneously, CUR also significantly inhibited NF-κB, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and nitric oxide (NO) levels. The results suggest that the protective effect of CUR against photocarcinogenesis is accompanied by downregulation of cell proliferative controls, involving thymine dimer, PCNA, apoptosis, transcription factors NF-κB, and of inflammatory responses involving COX-2, PGE2, and NO, while upregulation of p53 and p21/Cip1 to prevent DNA damage and facilitate DNA repair.
Existence and Multiplicity of Solutions for Semipositone Problems Involvingp-Laplacian
Authors: Dai Guowei , Yang Chunfeng
Published: July 2012

We prove existence and multiplicity of positive solutions for semipositone problems involvingp-Laplacian in a bounded smooth domain ofℝNunder the cases of sublinear and superlinear nonlinearities term.
Leptin Deficiency and Its Effects on Tibial and Vertebral Bone Mechanical Properties in Mature Genetically Lean and Obese JCR:LA-Corpulent Rats
Authors: Reimer Raylene A. , LaMothe Jeremy M. , Zernicke Ronald F.
Published: July 2012

Leptin signaling deficient rodents have emerged as models of obesity/insulin resistance syndrome. Altered leptin signaling, however, can affect axial and appendicular bone geometrical properties differently, and, thus, we hypothesized that leptin-deficiency would differentially influence mechanical properties of vertebrae and tibiae compared to lean rats. Mature (9 mo) leptin receptor deficient obese (cp/cp;n=8) and lean (+/?;n=7) male JCR:LA-corpulent rats were used to test that hypothesis. Tibiae and the sixth lumbar vertebrae(L6)were scanned with micro-CT and were broken in three point-bending (tibiae) or axial loading(L6). Supporting the hypothesis, vertebrae and tibiae were differentially affected by leptin signaling deficiency. Tibiae, but not vertebrae, were significantly shorter in obese rats and achieved a significantly greater load (>18%), displacement (>15%), and stress (>18%) at the proportional limit, relative to the lean rats. Conversely,L6in obese rats had significantly reduced displacement (>25%) and strain (>32%) at proportional limit, relative to the lean rats. Those combined results suggest that the etiology and duration of obesity may be important determinants of bone mechanical properties, and axial and appendicular bones may be affected differently.
Extrinsic Factors Influencing Fetal Deformations and Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Authors: Moh Wendy , Graham John M. , Wadhawan Isha , Sanchez-Lara Pedro A.
Published: July 2012

The causes of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) are multifactorial with both intrinsic and extrinsic influences. While many studies focus on the intrinsic pathological causes, the possible long-term consequences resulting from extrinsic intrauterine physiological constraints merit additional consideration and further investigation. Infants with IUGR can exhibit early symmetric or late asymmetric growth abnormality patterns depending on the fetal stage of development, of which the latter is most common occurring in 70–80% of growth-restricted infants. Deformation is the consequence of extrinsic biomechanical factors interfering with normal growth, functioning, or positioning of the fetus in utero, typically arising during late gestation. Biomechanical forces play a critical role in the normal morphogenesis of most tissues. The magnitude and direction of force impact the form of the developing fetus, with a specific tissue response depending on its pliability and stage of development. Major uterine constraining factors include primigravida, small maternal size, uterine malformation, uterine fibromata, early pelvic engagement of the fetal head, aberrant fetal position, oligohydramnios, and multifetal gestation. Corrective mechanical forces similar to those that gave rise to the deformation to reshape the deformed structures are often used and should take advantage of the rapid postnatal growth to correct form.
Stability and Probability 1 Convergence for Queueing Networks via Lyapunov Optimization
Authors: Neely Michael J.
Published: July 2012

Lyapunov drift is a powerful tool for optimizing stochastic queueing networks subject to stability. However, the most convenient drift conditions often provide results in terms of a time average expectation, rather than a pure time average. This paper provides an extended drift‐plus‐penalty result that ensures stability with desired time averages with probability 1. The analysis uses the law of large numbers for martingale differences. This is applied to quadratic and subquadratic Lyapunov methods for minimizing the time average of a network penalty function subject to stability and to additional time average constraints. Similar to known results for time average expectations, this paper shows that pure time average penalties can be pushed arbitrarily close to optimality, with a corresponding tradeoff in average queue size. Further, in the special case of quadratic Lyapunov functions, the basic drift condition is shown to imply all major forms of queue stability.
The Role of TNPO3 in HIV-1 Replication
Authors: Diaz-Griffero Felipe
Published: July 2012

TNPO3, transportin-SR2 or Tnp3, a member of the karyopherin β superfamily of proteins, is important for the ability of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) to achieve productive infection, as TNPO3 depletion in human cells leads to a dramatic reduction of infection. Here we describe and discuss recent findings suggesting that TNPO3 assists HIV-1 replication in the nucleus and in fact that TNPO3 may assist PIC maturation in the nucleus. In addition, the viral determinant for the requirement of TNPO3 in HIV-1 infection is discussed. This paper summarizes the most significant recent discoveries about this important host factor and its role in HIV-1 replication.
Size‐Dependent Dynamic Behavior of a Microcantilever Plate
Authors: Wang Xiaoming , Wang Fei
Published: July 2012

Material length scale considerably affects the mechanical properties of microcantilever components. Recently, cantilever‐plate‐like structures have been commonly used, whereas the lack of studies on their size effects constrains the design, testing, and application of these structures. We have studied the size‐dependent dynamic behavior of a cantilever plate based on a modified couple stress theory and the differential quadrature method in this note. The numerical solutions of microcantilever plate equation involving the size effect have been presented. We have also analyzed the bending and vibration of the microcantilever plates considering the size effect and discussed the dependence of the size effect on their geometric dimensions. The results have shown that (1) the mechanical characteristics of the cantilever plate show obvious size effects; as a result, the bending deflection of a microcantilever plate reduces whereas the natural frequency increases effectively and (2) for the plates with the same material, the size effect becomes more obvious when the plates are thinner.
Synthesis and Control of the Shell Thickness of Polyaniline and Polypyrrole Half Hollow Spheres Using the Polystyrene Cores
Authors: Yun Su-Ryeon , Kim Gyeong-Ok , Lee Chan Woo , Jo Nam-Ju , Kang Yongku , Ryu Kwang-Sun
Published: July 2012

Polyaniline (Pani) and polypyrrole (Ppy) half hollow spheres with different shell thicknesses were successfully synthesized by three steps process using polystyrene (PS) as the core. The PS core was synthesized by emulsion polymerization. Aniline and pyrrole monomers were polymerized on the surface of the PS core. The shells of Pani and Ppy were fabricated by adding different amounts of aniline and pyrrole monomers. PS cores were dissolved and removed from the core shell structure by solvent extraction. The thicknesses of the Pani and Ppy half hollow spheres were observed by FE‐SEM and FE‐TEM. The chemical structures of the Pani and Ppy half hollow spheres were characterized by FT‐IR spectroscopy and UV‐Vis spectroscopy. The shell thicknesses of the Pani half hollow spheres were 30.2, 38.0, 42.2, 48.2, and 52.4 nm, while the shell thicknesses of the Ppy half hollow spheres were 16.0, 22.0, 27.0, and 34.0 nm. The shell thicknesses of Pani and Ppy half hollow spheres linearly increased as the amount of the monomer increased. Therefore, the shell thickness of the Pani and Ppy half hollow spheres can be controlled in these ranges.
Hemorrhage Detection and Segmentation in Traumatic Pelvic Injuries
Authors: Davuluri Pavani , Wu Jie , Tang Yang , Cockrell Charles H. , Ward Kevin R. , Najarian Kayvan , Hargraves Rosalyn H.
Published: July 2012

Automated hemorrhage detection and segmentation in traumatic pelvic injuries is vital for fast and accurate treatment decision making. Hemorrhage is the main cause of deaths in patients within first 24 hours after the injury. It is very time consuming for physicians to analyze all Computed Tomography (CT) images manually. As time is crucial in emergence medicine, analyzing medical images manually delays the decision-making process. Automated hemorrhage detection and segmentation can significantly help physicians to analyze these images and make fast and accurate decisions. Hemorrhage segmentation is a crucial step in the accurate diagnosis and treatment decision-making process. This paper presents a novel rule-based hemorrhage segmentation technique that utilizes pelvic anatomical information to segment hemorrhage accurately. An evaluation measure is used to quantify the accuracy of hemorrhage segmentation. The results show that the proposed method is able to segment hemorrhage very well, and the results are promising.
Highlights for Management of a Child with a Urinary Tract Infection
Authors: Habib Sabeen
Published: July 2012

Urinary tract infections remain the most common bacterial infection in childhood.Escherichia coliis responsible for over 80% of Pediatric UTIs. Other common gram negative organisms include Kleibsiella, Proteus, Enterobacter and occasionally Pseudomonas. Signs and symptoms vary greatly by age of the patient becoming more specific as the child grows older. Even in the absence of specific signs a UTI should be included in the differential diagnosis of high grade fever. In younger children, presence of upper respiratory infections, otitis media or gastroenteritis does not eliminate the possibility of a UTI. Culture of the urine remains the gold standard for diagnosing UTIs. All males and females with well documented UTIs should be imaged for the presence of urological anomalies associated with UTI. Depending on patient's clinical symptoms and tolerance, therapy can be oral or parenteral as they have both been found equally efficacious. Healthcare professionals should ensure that when a child or young person has been identified as having a suspected UTI, they and their parents are given information about the need for treatment, the importance of completing any course of treatment and advice about prevention and possible long-term management.
Oligopolistic Banks, Bounded Rationality, and the Credit Cycle
Authors: Rötheli Tobias F.
Published: July 2012

This paper studies how boundedly rational default expectations affect the credit cycle. I propose a simple model of oligopolistic bank competition which serves to compare situations with just a portion of boundedly rational banks to situations where either all banks are rational or all banks are boundedly rational. When all banks are boundedly rational, the credit cycle is most amplified relative to the situation where all banks are rational. However, the amplifying effect of bounded rationality on the side of banks largely remains even when only a portion of banks are boundedly rational. Hence, the interest rate decisions of a minority of boundedly rational banks induce the more rational competitors to aggravate the credit cycle.
Small Number Discrimination in Early Human Development: The Case of One versus Three
Authors: Ceulemans Annelies , Loeys Tom , Warreyn Petra , Hoppenbrouwers Karel , Rousseau Sofie , Desoete Annemie
Published: July 2012

The current study aims to investigate in infants the discrimination of the number set 1 versus 3. This number set has not been studied before within the field of early number discrimination. Participants were 16 full term 8-month-olds. They were assessed for their number discrimination ability with a computerized habituation task in combination with an eye tracking device as an accurate measure for looking time in infants. The stimuli (dots) were controlled for continuous variables. Attention was given to different approaches to analyse data retrieved from the habituation paradigm. The main results showed that 8-month-olds discriminated 1 from 3 dots by looking longer at a novel number after habituation to another number. This supports small number discrimination in infancy. Results retrieved through other analyse approaches are discussed.
Fourier Transform Infrared Radiation Spectroscopy Applied for Wood Rot Decay and Mould Fungi Growth Detection
Authors: Jelle Bjørn Petter , Hovde Per Jostein
Published: July 2012

Material characterization may be carried out by the attenuated total reflectance (ATR) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) radiation spectroscopical technique, which represents a powerful experimental tool. The ATR technique may be applied on both solid state materials, liquids, and gases with none or only minor sample preparations, also including materials which are nontransparent to IR radiation. This facilitation is made possible by pressing the sample directly onto various crystals, for example, diamond, with high refractive indices, in a special reflectance setup. Thus ATR saves time and enables the study of materials in a pristine condition, that is, the comprehensive sample preparation by pressing thin KBr pellets in traditional FTIR transmittance spectroscopy is hence avoided. Materials and their ageing processes, both ageing by natural and accelerated climate exposure, decomposition and formation of chemical bonds and products, may be studied in an ATR-FTIR analysis. In this work, the ATR-FTIR technique is utilized to detect wood rot decay and mould fungi growth on various building material substrates. An experimental challenge and aim is to be able to detect the wood rot decay and mould fungi growth at early stages when it is barely visible to the naked eye. Another goal is to be able to distinguish between various species of fungi and wood rot.
Effect of Achyranthes aspera Root and Terminalia arjuna Bark on Aerotolerant Responses in Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Mahima C. , Begum V. Hazeena
Published: July 2012

In the present study, the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Achyranthes aspera root (AAR) and Terminalia arjuna bark (TAB) on the aerotolerant capacities of Streptococcus mutans was examined. AAR and TAB extracts were found to inhibit the prime antioxidant enzymes like manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), NADH oxidases, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), altering the aerotolerant responses in S. mutans. Consequently, S. mutans are unable to withstand the oxidative stress and thus are made more susceptible to the antimicrobial activity.
Silica Sulfuric Acid: An Eco‐Friendly and Reusable Catalyst for Synthesis of Benzimidazole Derivatives
Authors: Sadeghi Bahareh , Ghasemi Nejad Mahboobeh
Published: July 2012

Silica sulfuric acid (SiO2‐OSO3H) as an eco‐friendly, readily available, and reusable catalyst is applied to benzimidazole derivatives synthesis under reflux in ethanol. The procedure is very simple and the products are isolated with an easy workup in good‐to‐excellent yields.
Truncated DNMT3B Isoform DNMT3B7 Suppresses Growth, Induces Differentiation, and Alters DNA Methylation in Human Neuroblastoma
Authors: Ostler Kelly R. , Yang Qiwei , Looney Timothy J. , Zhang Li , Vasanthakumar Aparna , Tian Yufeng , Kocherginsky Masha , Raimondi Stacey L. , DeMaio Jessica G. , Salwen Helen R. , Gu Song , Chlenski Alexandre , Naranjo Arlene , Gill Amy , Peddinti Radhika , Lahn Bruce T. , Cohn Susan L. , Godley Lucy A.
Published: July 2012

Epigenetic changes in pediatric neuroblastoma may contribute to the aggressive pathophysiology of this disease, but little is known about the basis for such changes. In this study, we examined a role for the DNA methyltransferase DNMT3B, in particular, the truncated isoform DNMT3B7, which is generated frequently in cancer. To investigate if aberrant DNMT3B transcripts alter DNA methylation, gene expression, and phenotypic character in neuroblastoma, we measured DNMT3B expression in primary tumors. Higher levels of DNMT3B7 were detected in differentiated ganglioneuroblastomas compared to undifferentiated neuroblastomas, suggesting that expression of DNMT3B7 may induce a less aggressive clinical phenotype. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the effects of enforced DNMT3B7 expression in neuroblastoma cells, finding a significant inhibition of cell proliferation in vitro and angiogenesis and tumor growth in vivo. DNMT3B7-positive cells had higher levels of total genomic methylation and a dramatic decrease in expression of the FOS and JUN family members that comprise AP1 transcription factors. Consistent with an established antagonistic relationship between AP1 expression and retinoic acid receptor activity, increased differentiation was seen in the DNMT3B7-expressing neuroblastoma cells following treatment with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) compared to controls. Our results indicate that DNMT3B7 modifies the epigenome in neuroblastoma cells to induce changes in gene expression, inhibit tumor growth, and increase sensitivity to ATRA. Cancer Res; 72(18); 4714–23. ©2012 AACR.
NLRR1 Enhances EGF-Mediated MYCN Induction in Neuroblastoma and Accelerates Tumor Growth In Vivo
Authors: Hossain Shamim , Takatori Atsushi , Nakamura Yohko , Suenaga Yusuke , Kamijo Takehiko , Nakagawara Akira
Published: July 2012

Neuronal leucine-rich repeat protein-1 (NLRR1), a type-1 transmembrane protein highly expressed in unfavorable neuroblastoma, is a target gene of MYCN that is predominately expressed in primary neuroblastomas with MYCN amplification. However, the precise biological role of NLRR1 in cell proliferation and tumor progression remains unknown. To investigate its functional importance, we examined the role of NLRR1 in EGF and insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1)–mediated cell viability. We found that NLRR1 positively regulated cell proliferation through activation of extracellular signal–regulated kinase mediated by EGF and IGF-1. Interestingly, EGF stimulation induced endogenous MYCN expression through Sp1 recruitment to the MYCN promoter region, which was accelerated in NLRR1-expressing cells. The Sp1-binding site was identified on the promoter region for MYCN induction, and phosphorylation of Sp1 was important for EGF-mediated MYCN regulation. In vivo studies confirmed the proliferation-promoting activity of NLRR1 and established an association between NLRR1 expression and poor prognosis in neuroblastoma. Together, our findings indicate that NLRR1 plays an important role in the development of neuroblastoma and therefore may represent an attractive therapeutic target for cancer treatment. Cancer Res; 72(17); 4587–96. ©2012 AACR.
Fasting Hypoglycaemia and Postprandial Hyperglycaemia as a Prodrome of Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Rafeullah Nayaz , Cackett Nicola , Hussain Khalid
Published: July 2012

The pathophysiology of type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) involves the selective autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic beta-cells [Pihoker et al.: Diabetes 2005;54(suppl 2):S52–S61]. The onset of type 1 DM is characterised by hyperglycaemia. Islet cell antibody (ICA), anti-insulin, anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase and the antibody against tyrosine phosphatase-like protein known as ICA-512 (IA-2) usually appear before the clinical onset of DM and are markers of the autoimmune process. Hypoglycaemia in type 1 DM is a common complication and a result of the interaction between excess insulin administration and a compromised glucose counterregulatory hormonal response [Cryer: Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am 2010;39:641–654]. Spontaneous fasting hypoglycaemia alternating with hyperglycaemia prior to the onset of antibody-positive type 1 DM has not been described before.
An Intact Kidney Slice Model to Investigate Vasa Recta Properties and Function in situ
Authors: Crawford C. , Kennedy-Lydon T. , Sprott C. , Desai T. , Sawbridge L. , Munday J. , Unwin R.J. , Wildman S.S.P. , Peppiatt-Wildman C.M.
Published: July 2012

Background: Medullary blood flow is via vasa recta capillaries, which possess contractile pericytes. In vitro studies using isolated descending vasa recta show that pericytes can constrict/dilate descending vasa recta when vasoactive substances are present. We describe a live kidney slice model in which pericyte-mediated vasa recta constriction/dilation can be visualized in situ. Methods: Confocal microscopy was used to image calcein, propidium iodide and Hoechst labelling in ‘live’ kidney slices, to determine tubular and vascular cell viability and morphology. DIC video-imaging of live kidney slices was employed to investigate pericyte-mediated real-time changes in vasa recta diameter. Results: Pericytes were identified on vasa recta and their morphology and density were characterized in the medulla. Pericyte-mediated changes in vasa recta diameter (10–30%) were evoked in response to bath application of vasoactive agents (norepinephrine, endothelin-1, angiotensin-II and prostaglandin E2) or by manipulating endogenous vasoactive signalling pathways (using tyramine, L-NAME, a cyclo-oxygenase (COX-1) inhibitor indomethacin, and ATP release). Conclusions: The live kidney slice model is a valid complementary technique for investigating vasa recta function in situ and the role of pericytes as regulators of vasa recta diameter. This technique may also be useful in exploring the role of tubulovascular crosstalk in regulation of medullary blood flow.
Heparin Disrupts the CXCR4/SDF-1 Axis and Impairs the Functional Capacity of Bone Marrow–Derived Mononuclear Cells Used for Cardiovascular Repair
Authors: Seeger Florian H. , Rasper Tina , Fischer Ariane , Muhly-Reinholz Marion , Hergenreider Eduard , Leistner David M. , Sommer Katharina , Manavski Yosif , Henschler Reinhard , Chavakis Emmanouil , Assmus Birgit , Zeiher Andreas M. , Dimmeler Stefanie
Published: July 2012

Rationale:

Cell therapy is a promising option for the treatment of acute or chronic myocardial ischemia. The intracoronary infusion of cells imposes the potential risk of cell clotting, which may be prevented by the addition of anticoagulants. However, a comprehensive analysis of the effects of anticoagulants on the function of the cells is missing.

Objective:

Here, we investigated the effects of heparin and the thrombin inhibitor bivalirudin on bone marrow–derived mononuclear cell (BMC) functional activity and homing capacity.

Methods and Results:

Heparin, but not bivalirudin profoundly and dose-dependently inhibited basal and stromal cell–derived factor 1 (SDF-1)–induced BMC migration. Incubation of BMCs with 20 U/mL heparin for 30 minutes abrogated SDF-1–induced BMC invasion (16±8% of control;
P
<0.01), whereas no effects on apoptosis or colony formation were observed (80±33% and 100±44% of control, respectively). Pretreatment of BMCs with heparin significantly reduced the homing of the injected cells in a mouse ear-wound model (69±10% of control;
P
<0.05). In contrast, bivalirudin did not inhibit in vivo homing of BMCs. Mechanistically, heparin binds to both, the chemoattractant SDF-1 and its receptor, chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), blocking CXCR4 internalization as well as SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling after SDF-1 stimulation.

Conclusions:

Heparin blocks SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling by binding to the ligand as well as the receptor, thereby interfering with migration and homing of BMCs. In contrast, the thrombin inhibitor bivalirudin did not interfere with BMC homing or SDF-1/CXCR4 signaling. These findings suggest that bivalirudin but not heparin might be recommended as an anticoagulant for intracoronary infusion of BMCs for cell therapy after cardiac ischemia.
Human Molecular Genetic and Functional Studies Identify
TRIM63
, Encoding Muscle RING Finger Protein 1, as a Novel Gene for Human Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Chen Suet Nee , Czernuszewicz Grazyna , Tan Yanli , Lombardi Raffaella , Jin Jianping , Willerson James T. , Marian Ali J.
Published: July 2012

Rationale:

A delicate balance between protein synthesis and degradation maintains cardiac size and function. TRIM63 encoding Muscle RING Finger 1 (MuRF1) maintains muscle protein homeostasis by tagging the sarcomere proteins with ubiquitin for subsequent degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS).

Objective:

To determine the pathogenic role of TRIM63 in human hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

Methods and Results:

Sequencing of TRIM63 gene in 302 HCM probands (250 white individuals) and 339 control subjects (262 white individuals) led to identification of 2 missense (p.A48V and p.I130M) and a deletion (p.Q247*) variants exclusively in the HCM probands. These 3 variants were absent in 751 additional control subjects screened by TaqMan assays. Likewise, rare variants were enriched in the white HCM population (11/250, 4.4% versus 3/262, 1.1%, respectively,
P
=0.024). Expression of the mutant TRIM63 was associated with mislocalization of TRIM63 to sarcomere Z disks, impaired auto-ubiquitination, reduced ubiquitination and UPS-mediated degradation of myosin heavy chain 6, cardiac myosin binding protein C, calcineurin (PPP3CB), and p-MTOR in adult cardiac myocytes. Induced expression of the mutant TRIM63 in the mouse heart was associated with cardiac hypertrophy, activation of the MTOR-S6K and calcineurin pathways, and expression of the hypertrophic markers, which were normalized on turning off expression of the mutant protein.

Conclusions:

TRIM63 mutations, identified in patients with HCM, impart loss-of-function effects on E3 ligase activity and are probably causal mutations in HCM. The findings implicate impaired protein degradation in the pathogenesis of HCM.
Detection of Anti–β1-AR Autoantibodies in Heart Failure by a Cell-Based Competition ELISA
Authors: Holthoff Hans-Peter , Zeibig Stefan , Jahns-Boivin Valerie , Bauer Johannes , Lohse Martin J. , Kääb Stefan , Clauss Sebastian , Jahns Roland , Schlipp Angela , Münch Götz , Ungerer Martin
Published: July 2012

Rationale:

Autoantibodies directed against the second extracellular loop of the cardiac β1-adrenergic receptor (β1-AR) are thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and Chagas heart disease. Various approaches have been used to detect such autoantibodies; however, the reported prevalence varies largely, depending on the detection method used.

Objective:

We analyzed sera from 167 DCM patients (ejection fraction <45%) and from 110 age-matched volunteers who did not report any heart disease themselves, with an often used simple peptide-ELISA approach, and compared it with a novel whole cell–based ELISA, using cells expressing the full transgene for the human β1-AR. Additionally, 35 patients with hypertensive heart disease with preserved ejection fraction were investigated.

Methods and Results:

The novel assay was designed according to the currently most reliable anti-TSH receptor antibody-ELISA used to diagnose Graves disease (“third-generation assay”) and also detects the target antibodies by competition with a specific monoclonal anti–β1-AR antibody (β1-AR MAb) directed against the functionally relevant β1-AR epitope. Anti–β1-AR antibodies were detected in ≈60% of DCM patients and in ≈8% of healthy volunteers using the same cutoff values. The prevalence of these antibodies was 17% in patients with hypertensive heart disease. Anti–β1-AR antibody titers (defined as inhibition of β1-AR MAb-binding) were no longer detected after depleting sera from IgG antibodies by protein G adsorption. In contrast, a previously used ELISA conducted with a linear 26-meric peptide derived from the second extracellular β1-AR loop yielded a high number of false-positive results precluding any specific identification of DCM patients.

Conclusions:

We established a simple and efficient screening assay detecting disease-relevant β1-AR autoantibodies in patient sera yielding a high reproducibility also in high throughput screening. The assay was validated according to “good laboratory practice” and can serve as a companion biodiagnostic assay for the development and evaluation of antibody-directed therapies in antibody-positive heart failure.