bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multitissue assessment of in vivo postprandial intracellular lipid partitioning in rats using localized 1H‐[13C] magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Jonkers Richard A. M. , Geraedts Tom R. , van Loon Luc J. C. , Nicolay Klaas , Prompers Jeanine J.
Published: December 2011

Excess accumulation of lipids in nonadipose tissues such as skeletal muscle and liver has been implicated in the development of obesity‐related disorders, but the cause of this ectopic lipid overload remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine in vivo postprandial lipid partitioning in rat skeletal muscle and liver, using localized 1H‐[13C] magnetic resonance spectroscopy in combination with the oral administration of 13C‐labeled lipids. Six rats were measured at baseline and 5 and 24 h after administration of 400 mg [U‐13C]‐labeled algal lipids. Five hours after administration, fractional 13C enrichments of the lipid pools in muscle and liver were increased 3.9‐fold and 4.6‐fold (P < 0.05), respectively, indicating that part of the ingested lipids had been taken up by muscle and liver tissue. At 24 h, fractional 13C enrichments of muscle and liver lipids were decreased 1.6‐fold and 2.2‐fold (P < 0.05), respectively, compared with the 5 h values. This can be interpreted as a depletion of 13C‐labeled lipids from the intracellular lipid pools as a consequence of lipid turnover. In conclusion, the novel application of 1H‐[13C] magnetic resonance spectroscopy in combination with the oral administration of 13C‐labeled lipids is applicable for the longitudinal assessment of in vivo lipid partitioning between multiple tissues. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Magnetotelluric imaging of upper‐crustal convection plumes beneath the Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand
Authors: Bertrand E. A. , Caldwell T. G. , Hill G. J. , Wallin E. L. , Bennie S. L. , Cozens N. , Onacha S. A. , Ryan G. A. , Walter C. , Zaino A. , Wameyo P.
Published: December 2011

Broadband MT (magnetotelluric) data were recorded that form an array of measurements at the south‐eastern margin of the TVZ (Taupo Volcanic Zone), in the central North Island of New Zealand. These array data are used to investigate mechanisms by which the TVZ's extraordinarily high heat flux is transported to the surface. Taken together with seismological data, these MT data show compelling evidence that support a model of hydrothermal convection within the brittle (upper ∼6–7 km) part of the crust. Both 2‐D and 3‐D inversion models of these MT data show vertical low‐resistivity zones that connect surface geothermal fields to an inferred magmatic heat source that lies below the brittle‐ductile transition.
The dielectric relaxation behavior of (Na0.82K0.18)0.5Bi0.5TiO3 ferroelectric thin film
Authors: Dong H. , Zheng X. J. , Li W. , Gong Y. Q. , Peng J. F. , Zhu Z.
Published: December 2011

(Na1-xKx)0.5Bi0.5TiO3 (NBT-KBT-100 x) thin films were deposited on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si(100) by metal organic decomposition, and the effects of potassium content (x = 0.15, 0.18, 0.20, 0.25) on ferroelectric, piezoelectric, dielectric properties of the thin films, and the temperature dependence of dielectric permittivity of NBT-KBT-18 thin film were investigated in detail. NBT-KBT-18 thin film is of the largest effective piezoelectric coefficient d33eff, remnant polarization 2Pr, spontaneous polarization 2 Ps, dielectric constant ɛr, and the lowest dielectric loss among the thin films. The dielectric constants decrease steeply with the increase of frequency, and there are a series of resonance peaks with Debye-like relaxation. In dielectric temperature spectra, two abnormal peaks corresponding to depolarization temperature and Curie temperature are at the range of 75-90 °C and 295-320 °C, and they are associated with the phase transitions. Based on the dielectric relaxation theory, Debye-like relaxation and diffused phase transition/frequency dispersion are interpreted by space charge polarization and polar nanoregions. Because of the centrosymmetric paraelectric phase, the 2 Ps and ɛr of NBT-KBT-100 x thin film are responsible for the d33eff according to phenomenological equation. The improved d33eff may make NBT-KBT-18 thin film a promising candidate for piezoelectric thin film devices, and the enhanced Curie temperature will offer useful guidelines of safe working temperature for potential application in micro-electro-mechanical system.
In situ observation of thermomigration of Sn atoms to the hot end of 96.5Sn-3Ag-0.5Cu flip chip solder joints
Authors: Ouyang Fan-Yi , Kao C.-L.
Published: December 2011

In this study, we investigated the phenomenon of thermomigration in 96.5Sn-3Ag-0.5Cu flip chip solder joints at an ambient temperature of 150 °C. We observed mass protrusion on the chip side (hot end), indicating that Sn atoms moved to the hot end, and void formation on the substrate side (cold end). The diffusion markers also moved to the substrate side, in the same direction of the vacancy flux, indicating that the latter played a dominant role during the thermomigration process. The molar heat of transport (Q*) of the Sn atoms was 3.38 kJ/mol.
Evolutionary constraints on visual cortex architecture from the dynamics of hallucinations
Authors: Butler Thomas Charles , Benayoun Marc , Wallace Edward , van Drongelen Wim , Goldenfeld Nigel , Cowan Jack
Published: December 2011

In the cat or primate primary visual cortex (V1), normal vision corresponds to a state where neural excitation patterns are driven by external visual stimuli. A spectacular failure mode of V1 occurs when such patterns are overwhelmed by spontaneously generated spatially self-organized patterns of neural excitation. These are experienced as geometric visual hallucinations. The problem of identifying the mechanisms by which V1 avoids this failure is made acute by recent advances in the statistical mechanics of pattern formation, which suggest that the hallucinatory state should be very robust. Here, we report how incorporating physiologically realistic long-range connections between inhibitory neurons changes the behavior of a model of V1. We find that the sparsity of long-range inhibition in V1 plays a previously unrecognized but key functional role in preserving the normal vision state. Surprisingly, it also contributes to the observed regularity of geometric visual hallucinations. Our results provide an explanation for the observed sparsity of long-range inhibition in V1—this generic architectural feature is an evolutionary adaptation that tunes V1 to the normal vision state. In addition, it has been shown that exactly the same long-range connections play a key role in the development of orientation preference maps. Thus V1’s most striking long-range features—patchy excitatory connections and sparse inhibitory connections—are strongly constrained by two requirements: the need for the visual state to be robust and the developmental requirements of the orientational preference map.
Contribution of rpfB to Cell-to-Cell Signal Synthesis, Virulence, and Vector Transmission of Xylella fastidiosa
Authors: Almeida Rodrigo P. P. , Killiny Nabil , Newman Karyn L. , Chatterjee Subhadeep , Ionescu Michael , Lindow Steven E.
Published: December 2011

In Xylella fastidiosa the fatty acid signal molecule diffusible signaling factor (DSF) is produced and sensed by components of the regulation of pathogenicity factors (rpf) cluster; lack of DSF production in RpfF mutants results in a non-vector-transmissible phenotype yet cells are hypervirulent to grape. rpfB has not been characterized in Xylella fastidiosa, although its homolog has been suggested to be required for DSF synthesis in Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris. We show that RpfB is involved in DSF processing in both Xylella fastidiosa and Xanthomonas campestris, affecting the profile of DSF-like fatty acids observed in thin-layer chromatography. Although three fatty acids whose production is dependent on RpfF were detected in Xylella fastidiosa and Xanthomonas campestris wild-type strains, their respective rpfB mutants accumulated primarily one chemical species. Although no quantifiable effect of rpfB on plant colonization by Xylella fastidiosa was found, insect colonization and transmission was reduced. Thus, RpfB apparently is involved in DSF processing, and like Xanthomonas campestris, Xylella fastidiosa also produces multiple DSF molecules. It is possible that Xylella fastidiosa coordinates host vector and plant colonization by varying the proportions of different forms of DSF signals via RpfB.
XopR, a Type III Effector Secreted by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, Suppresses Microbe-Associated Molecular Pattern-Triggered Immunity in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Akimoto-Tomiyama Chiharu , Furutani Ayako , Tsuge Seiji , Washington Erica J. , Nishizawa Yoko , Minami Eiichi , Ochiai Hirokazu
Published: December 2011

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae is the causal agent of bacterial blight of rice. The XopR protein, secreted into plant cells through the type III secretion apparatus, is widely conserved in xanthomonads and is predicted to play important roles in bacterial pathogenicity. Here, we examined the function of XopR by constructing transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants expressing it under control of the dexamethasone (DEX)-inducible promoter. In the transgenic plants treated with DEX, slightly delayed growth and variegation on leaves were observed. Induction of four microbe-associated molecular pattern (MAMP)-specific early-defense genes by a nonpathogenic X. campestris pv. campestris hrcC deletion mutant were strongly suppressed in the XopR-expressing plants. XopR expression also reduced the deposition of callose, an immune response induced by flg22. When transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana, a XopR::Citrine fusion gene product localized to the plasma membrane. The deletion of XopR in X. oryzae pv. oryzae resulted in reduced pathogenicity on host rice plants. Collectively, these results suggest that XopR inhibits basal defense responses in plants rapidly after MAMP recognition.
First Report of Cucumber mosaic virus in Desert Rose in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Y. K. , Chang Y. S. , Lin Y. W. , Wu M. Y.
Published: December 2011

Desert rose (Adenium obesum (Forssk.) Roem. & Schult, family Apocynaceae) is native to southeastern Africa, and is a perennial potted ornamental with colorful flowers that are popular in Taiwan. Symptoms of mosaic and chlorotic ringspots and line patterns on leaves were observed in July 2010, on all eight plants in a private garden in Potzu, Chiayi, Taiwan. Spherical virus particles with a diameter of approximately 28 nm were observed in crude sap prepared from symptomatic leaves. Virus culture was established by successive local lesion isolation in Chenopodium quinoa and was maintained in the systemic host Nicotiana tabacum van Hicks. The virus was mechanically transmissible to indicator plants and induced symptoms similar to those incited by Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV). Observed symptoms included local lesions on inoculated leaves of C. amaranticolor and systemic mosaic in Cucumis sativus, Lycopersicon esculentum, N. benthamiana, N. glutinosa, and N. rustica. On N. tabacum, necrotic ringspots developed on inoculated leaves followed by systemic mosaic. Serological tests using ELISA assays and western blotting indicated that the virus reacted positively to a rabbit antiserum prepared to CMV (4). Amplicons of an expected size (1.1 kb) were obtained in reverse transcription-PCR with primers specific to the 3′-half of CMV RNA 3 (3) using total RNA extracted from infected desert rose and N. tabacum. The amplified cDNA fragment was cloned and sequenced (GenBank Accession No. AB667971). Nucleotide sequences of the coat protein open reading frame (CP ORF) (657 nt) had 92 to 96% and 76 to 77% sequence identity to those of CMV in subgroups I (GenBank Accession Nos. NC_001440, D00385, M57602, D28780, and AB008777) and II (GenBank Accession Nos. L15336, AF127976, AF198103, and M21464), respectively. Desert roses infected by Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) (1) and CMV (2) have been reported previously. In spite of the plants showing mosaic symptoms similar to that caused by CMV (2) and chlorotic ringspots and line patterns caused by TSWV (1), only CMV was detected in and isolated from these infected desert roses. However, the possibility of mixed infection of CMV and other viruses were not excluded in this research. To our knowledge, this is the first report of CMV infection in desert rose plants occurring in Taiwan.

References: (1) S. Adkins and C. A. Baker. Plant Dis. 89:526, 2005. (2) C. A. Baker et al. Plant Dis. 87:1007, 2003. (3) Y. K. Chen et al. Arch. Virol. 146:1631, 2001. (4) Y. K. Chen and C. C. Yang. Plant Dis. 89:529, 2005.
Adipocytokine zinc α2 glycoprotein (ZAG) as a novel urinary biomarker for normo‐albuminuric diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Lim S. C. , Liying D. Q. , Toy W. C. , Wong M. , Yeoh L. Y. , Tan C. , Lau D. , Tan C. , Subramaniam T. , Sum C. F.
Published: December 2011

Diabet. Med. 29, 945–949 (2012)

Objective  A substantial proportion of diabetic nephropathy individuals are non‐albuminuric. Using a proteomic approach, we searched for novel urinary biomarkers.

Methods  We studied three groups (n = 6 per group) of males with Type 2 diabetes: (1) normal renal function; (2) classical diabetic nephropathy (urinary albumin–creatinine ratio > 1000 mg/g and glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min.1.73 m2) and (3) non‐albuminuric diabetic nephropathy (glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min.1.73 m2 and urinary albumin–creatinine ratio < 30 mg/g). We used two‐dimensional fluorescence differential gel electrophoresis, matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry peptide identification and western blot validation in the study.

Results  Sixty protein spots were differentially abundant between the non‐albuminuric and macro‐albuminuric subjects (> 2.5‐fold, P < 0.05). In the non‐albuminuric subjects, in addition to previously reported α1‐microglobulin, the next most interesting spot (upregulated 3.44‐fold, P = 0.0026) was human zinc‐α2‐glycoprotein, a novel adipose‐cytokine associated with glomerular injury. This was confirmed by western blot and replicated in female diabetic nephropathy subjects.

Conclusions  From our preliminary results, human zinc‐α2‐glycoprotein may be a novel urinary biomarker for non‐albuminuric diabetic nephropathy.
Social Problem Solving in High‐risk Mother–Child Dyads: An Intergenerational Study
Authors: Martin Julie P. , Stack Dale M. , Serbin Lisa A. , Schwartzman Alex E. , Ledingham Jane
Published: December 2011

This study examined the contribution of maternal childhood histories of aggression and social withdrawal to the prediction of mother–child social problem solving in the next generation. Fifty‐seven women (M = 37.32 years), previously rated (on a version of the pupil evaluation inventory) by their peers during childhood on measures of aggression and withdrawal, discussed conflicts with their 9‐ to 13‐year‐old children. Problem‐defining statements, solutions, and resolution strategies were coded using an observational measure developed by the authors. Maternal childhood histories of aggression and withdrawal predicted poorly sophisticated solutions in both mothers and children as well as antisocial solutions in children. Histories of withdrawal predicted solitary solutions in children as well as less guidance and structure during decision making. Findings suggest that mothers who were withdrawn, and those aggressive and withdrawn in childhood, display less sophisticated problem solving, which may be mirrored in children. Results have implications for the development of aggressive and withdrawn girls into parenthood and highlight a potential pathway for the transfer of risk.
Headache Following Intracranial Neuroendovascular Procedures
Authors: Baron Eric P. , Moskowitz Shaye I. , Tepper Stewart J. , Gupta Rishi , Novak Eric , Hussain Muhammad Shazam , Stillman Mark J.
Published: December 2011

(Headache 2012;52:739‐748)

Aims.— Predicting who will develop post‐procedure headache (PPH) following intracranial endovascular procedures (IEPs) would be clinically useful and potentially could assist in reducing the excessive diagnostic testing so often obtained in these patients. Although limited safety data exist, the use of triptans or dihydroergotamine (DHE) often raise concern when used with pre/post‐coiled aneurysms. We sought to determine risk factors for PPH following IEP, to evaluate the utility of diagnostic testing in patients with post‐coil acute headache (HA), and to record whether triptans and DHE have been used safely in this clinical setting.

Methods.— We conducted a retrospective chart review of adult patients undergoing IEPs. Bivariate analyses were conducted to compare patients who did and did not develop PPH.

Results.— We reviewed records pertaining to 372 patients, of whom 263 underwent intracranial coil embolizations, 21 acrylic glue embolizations, and 88 stent placements. PPH occurred in 72% of coil patients, 33% of glue patients, and 14% of stent patients. Significant risk factors for post‐coil HA were female gender, any pre‐coil HA history, smoking, and anxiety/depression. A pre‐stent history of HA exceeding 1 year's duration, and smoking were risk factors for post‐stent HA. A pre‐glue history of HA exceeding 1 year was the only risk factor for post‐glue HA. In the small subgroup available for study, treatment with triptans or DHE was not associated with adverse events in pre/post‐coiled aneurysms. Diagnostic testing was low yield.

Conclusions.— Occurrence of PPH was common after IEPs and especially so with coiling and in women, smokers, and those with anxiety/depression, and was often of longer duration than allowed by current International Classification of Headache Disorders‐II criteria. The yield of diagnostic testing was low, and in a small subgroup treatment with triptans or DHE did not cause adverse events in pre/post‐coiled aneurysms. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Inversion of the Fundamental Thermodynamic Equations for Isentropic Nozzle Flow Analysis
Authors: Majdalani Joseph , Maicke Brian A.
Published: December 2011

The isentropic flow equations relating the thermodynamic pressures, temperatures, and densities to their stagnation properties are solved in terms of the area expansion and specific heat ratios. These fundamental thermofluid relations are inverted asymptotically and presented to arbitrary order. Both subsonic and supersonic branches of the possible solutions are systematically identified and exacted. Furthermore, for each branch of solutions, two types of recursive approximations are provided: a property-specific formulation and a more general, universal representation that encompasses all three properties under consideration. In the case of the subsonic branch, the asymptotic series expansion is shown to be recoverable from Bürmann’s theorem of classical analysis. Bosley’s technique is then applied to verify the theoretical truncation order in each approximation. The final expressions enable us to estimate the pressure, temperature, and density for arbitrary area expansion and specific heat ratios with no intermediate Mach number calculation or iteration. The analytical framework is described in sufficient detail to facilitate its portability to other nonlinear and highly transcendental relations where closed-form solutions may be desirable.
A Control Strategy for Intelligent Stamp Forming Tooling
Authors: Emblom William J. , Weinmann Klaus J.
Published: December 2011

This paper describes the development and implementation of closed-loop control for oval stamp forming tooling using MATLAB®’s SIMULINK® and the dSPACE®CONTROLDESK®. A traditional PID controller was used for the blank holder pressure and an advanced controller utilizing fuzzy logic combining a linear quadratic gauss controller and a bang–bang controller was used to control draw bead position. The draw beads were used to control local forces near the draw beads. The blank holder pressures were used to control both wrinkling and local forces during forming. It was shown that a complex, advanced controller could be modeled using MATLAB’s SIMULINK and implemented in DSPACE CONTROLDESK. The resulting control systems for blank holder pressures and draw beads were used to control simultaneously local punch forces and wrinkling during the forming operation thereby resulting in a complex control strategy that could be used to improve the robustness of the stamp forming processes.
Impact of CdSe/ZnS quantum dot spectrum converters on InGaP/GaAs/Ge multi-junction solar cells
Authors: Huang Chun-Yuan
Published: December 2011

Multijunction solar cells (MJSCs) with a quantum dot (QD) spectrum converter have been proposed and studied to boost the device performance. Our QD spectrum converter consisted of a thin double side-polished sapphire substrate coated with a blue-emitting (λPL = 480 nm) CdSe/ZnS core/shell QD layer. To evaluate the effect of emission/re-absorption, the thickness of QD layer was modulated by adjusting the concentration of QD-toluene solution in spin-coat process. The quantum yield of the QD-toluene solution was about 88%. Considering the influence of QD concentration on the absorption/re-emission of incident light, the MJSCs could have better performance with the QD spectrum converter attached. With a 15-nm-thick QD spectrum converter attached, the short-circuit current density and power conversion efficiency of the MJSC were improved from 10.69 to 11.22 mA/cm2 and from 22.29 to 23.41%, respectively. The possible reasons for the limited improvement were also proposed.
Partial Excision of
bla
KPC
from Tn
4401
in Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Chen Liang , Chavda Kalyan D. , Mediavilla José R. , Jacobs Michael R. , Levi Michael H. , Bonomo Robert A. , Kreiswirth Barry N.
Published: December 2011

We describe a novel Tn
4401
variant (Tn
4401d
) in epidemic
Klebsiella pneumoniae
clone ST258, from which a partial
bla
KPC
fragment has been excised along with IS
Kpn7
and a partial
tnpA
fragment. Nested-PCR experiments confirmed that this region can be removed from distinct Tn
4401
isoforms in both
K. pneumoniae
and
Escherichia coli
. This study highlights that the region surrounding
bla
KPC
is undergoing recombination and that Tn
4401
itself is heterogeneous and highly plastic.
55-Week Treatment of Mice with theUnaniandAyurvedicMedicine Pomegranate Flower Ameliorates Ageing-Associated Insulin Resistance and Skin Abnormalities
Authors: Wang Jianwei , Rong Xianglu , Um Irene S. I. , Yamahara Johji , Li Yuhao
Published: December 2011

PPARs play a pivotal role in regulating lipid and glucose homeostasis and are involved in diverse biological activities in skin. Pomegranate flower (PGF, an antidiabetic therapy inUnaniandAyurvedicmedicines) has been previously demonstrated to activate both PPARalpha/gamma. Here, we found that treatment of mice with the diet containing PGF powder over 55 weeks attenuated ageing-induced abnormal increases in the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, glucose concentrations during oral glucose tolerance test, and adipose insulin resistance index. The diet tended to decrease the excessive peri-ovary fat mass. It, however, increased the thinned subcutaneous fat thickness. In addition, the diet restored decreases in skin water content, epidermis thickness, and collagen density in corium. Thus, our results demonstrate that long-term treatment with theUnaniandAyurvedictherapy ameliorates ageing-induced insulin resistance, which is associated with reversal of ageing-induced fat redistribution. Further, PGF attenuates ageing-mediated undesirable skin abnormalities.
Albuterol Isomers Modulate Platelet-Activating Factor Synthesis and Receptor Signaling in Human Bronchial Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Bae Rena , Arteaga Alba , Raj J. Usha , Ibe Basil O.
Published: December 2011

Background: Racemic albuterol is a 50:50 mixture of the (R)- and (S)-enantiomers of albuterol. Its clinical efficacy resides in the (R)-enantiomer (levalbuterol). Studies have shown that (S)-albuterol induces human bronchial smooth muscle cell (HBSMC) proliferation via a pathway linked to platelet-activating factor (PAF), but the underlying mechanism by which (S)-albuterol augments PAF effects is not clear. In this study, we compared effect of levalbuterol and (S)-albuterol on PAF receptor (PAFr)-mediated signaling and PAF metabolism by HBSMCs after incubation with the albuterol isomers. Methods: PAF binding and inositol phosphate (IP3) release were studied on adherent cultured cells. PAFr protein expression was measured by Western blotting, PAF synthesis and catabolism were measured in membrane and cytosolic proteins of cells incubated with albuterol isomers. Results: Compared to control conditions, (S)-albuterol increased PAF binding by 70% after 30 min of preincubation and by 150% after 24 h of preincubation. Levalbuterol had no effect on PAF binding under both conditions. (S)-albuterol also augmented PAF stimulation of IP3 release, while levalbuterol and the racemic mixture had no effect. WEB 2170, a PAFr antagonist, inhibited the ability of (S)-albuterol to increase PAF binding or stimulate IP3 release. (S)-albuterol stimulated PAFr protein expression. With PAF metabolism, (S)-albuterol treatment augmented PAF synthesis, but significantly inhibited PAF catabolism. Conclusions: Our data suggest that one mechanism by which (S)-albuterol stimulates HBSMC proliferation involves upregulation of PAFr-mediated effects including increased PAF synthesis and decreased PAF catabolism.
Deletion of G Protein–Coupled Estrogen Receptor Increases Endothelial Vasoconstriction
Authors: Meyer Matthias R. , Amann Kerstin , Field Angela S. , Hu Chelin , Hathaway Helen J. , Kanagy Nancy L. , Walker Mary K. , Barton Matthias , Prossnitz Eric R.
Published: December 2011

Endogenous estrogens mediate protective effects in the cardiovascular system, affecting both endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent mechanisms. Previous studies have suggested that nonselective estrogen receptor agonists such as endogenous estrogens inhibit endothelium-dependent vasoconstriction; however, the role of estrogen receptors in this response has not yet been clarified. This study investigated whether the intracellular transmembrane G protein–coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) regulates vascular reactivity in mice. Effects of chronic deficiency (using mice lacking the GPER gene) and acute inhibition (using the GPER-selective antagonist G15) on endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vascular reactivity, and the effects of GPER deficiency on vascular gene expression and structure were investigated. We found that chronic GPER deficiency is associated with increased endothelial prostanoid-mediated vasoconstriction but has no effect on endothelial nitric oxide bioactivity, gene expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and thromboxane prostanoid (TP) receptor, or vascular structure. GPER deletion also increases TP receptor–mediated contraction. Acute GPER blockade enhances endothelium-dependent contractions and reduces endothelial nitric oxide bioactivity. Contractions in response to TP receptor activation are unaffected by G15. In conclusion, this study identifies GPER as the first estrogen receptor with inhibitory activity on endothelium-dependent contractility. These findings may be important for understanding and treating diseases associated with increased endothelial vasoconstrictor prostanoid activity such as hypertension and obesity.
Mechanisms of Dopamine D
1
and Angiotensin Type 2 Receptor Interaction in Natriuresis
Authors: Padia Shetal H. , Kemp Brandon A. , Howell Nancy L. , Keller Susanna R. , Gildea John J. , Carey Robert M.
Published: December 2011

Renal dopamine D
1
–like receptors (D
1
Rs) and angiotensin type 2 receptors (AT
2
Rs) are important natriuretic receptors counterbalancing angiotensin type 1 receptor–mediated tubular sodium reabsorption. Here we explore the mechanisms of D
1
R and AT
2
R interactions in natriuresis. In uninephrectomized, sodium-loaded Sprague-Dawley rats, direct renal interstitial infusion of the highly selective D
1
R agonist fenoldopam induced a natriuretic response that was abolished by the AT
2
R-specific antagonist PD-123319 or by microtubule polymerization inhibitor nocodazole but not by actin polymerization inhibitor cytochalasin D. By confocal microscopy and immunoelectron microscopy, fenoldopam translocated AT
2
Rs from intracellular sites to the apical plasma membranes of renal proximal tubule cells, and this translocation was abolished by nocodazole. Because D
1
R activation induces natriuresis via an adenylyl cyclase/cAMP signaling pathway, we explored whether this pathway is responsible for AT
2
R recruitment and AT
2
R-mediated natriuresis. Renal interstitial coinfusion of the adenylyl cyclase activator forskolin and 3-isobutly-1-methylxanthine induced natriuresis that was abolished either by PD-123319 or nocodazole but was unaffected by specific the D
1
R antagonist SCH-23390. Coadministration of forskolin and 3-isobutly-1-methylxanthine also translocated AT
2
Rs to the apical plasma membranes of renal proximal tubule cells; this translocation was abolished by nocodazole but was unaffected by SCH-23390. The results demonstrate that D
1
R-induced natriuresis requires AT
2
R recruitment to the apical plasma membranes of renal proximal tubule cells in a microtubule-dependent manner involving an adenylyl cyclase/cAMP signaling pathway. These studies provide novel insights regarding the mechanisms whereby renal D
1
Rs and AT
2
Rs act in concert to promote sodium excretion in vivo.
Partly Cloudy with a Chance of Migration: Weather, Radars, and Aeroecology
Authors: Chilson Phillip B. , Frick Winifred F. , Kelly Jeffrey F. , Howard Kenneth W. , Larkin Ronald P. , Diehl Robert H. , Westbrook John K. , Kelly T. Adam , Kunz Thomas H.
Published: December 2011

Aeroecology is an emerging scientific discipline that integrates atmospheric science, Earth science, geography, ecology, computer science, computational biology, and engineering to further the understanding of biological patterns and processes. The unifying concept underlying this new transdisciplinary field of study is a focus on the planetary boundary layer and lower free atmosphere (i.e., the aerosphere), and the diversity of airborne organisms that inhabit and depend on the aerosphere for their existence. Here, we focus on the role of radars and radar networks in aeroecological studies. Radar systems scanning the atmosphere are primarily used to monitor weather conditions and track the location and movements of aircraft. However, radar echoes regularly contain signals from other sources, such as airborne birds, bats, and arthropods. We briefly discuss how radar observations can be and have been used to study a variety of airborne organisms and examine some of the many potential benefits likely to arise from radar aeroecology for meteorological and biological research over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. Radar systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated with the advent of innovative signal processing and dual-polarimetric capabilities. These capabilities should be better harnessed to promote both meteorological and aeroecological research and to explore the interface between these two broad disciplines. We strongly encourage close collaboration among meteorologists, radar scientists, biologists, and others toward developing radar products that will contribute to a better understanding of airborne fauna.
Inner Ear Effects of Canal Wall Down Mastoidectomy
Authors: Leonetti John P. , Kircher Matthew L. , Jaber James J. , Benscoter Brent J. , Marmora Joseph J. , Feustel Paul J.
Published: December 2011

Objective

To evaluate the inner ear effects of canal wall down (CWD) mastoidectomy without ossiculoplasty in the treatment of chronic otitis media (COM) with regard to sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and reported tinnitus and dizziness‐related disability.

Setting

Tertiary care academic medical center.

Subjects and Methods

Prospective study of 86 patients treated by CWD mastoidectomy without ossiculoplasty for COM with or without cholesteatoma. Standard patient workup included preoperative audiogram and completion of 2 surveys: Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI). Patients underwent repeat audiogram, DHI, and THI surveys at 4 to 6 months postoperatively. Preoperative and postoperative data were analyzed.

Results

No significant SNHL occurred after CWD mastoidectomy. Thirteen patients (13/34 [38%]) had DHI improvement greater than 18 points, indicating a significant improvement in dizziness‐related disability. Three patients developed new‐onset postoperative dizziness complaints. Twenty patients (20/43 [46.5%]) had THI improvement greater than 7 points, indicating a significant improvement in tinnitus‐related disability. Five patients developed new‐onset postoperative tinnitus complaints. The odds ratio for improving DHI and THI scores after surgery was 6.6 (1.8 to 25.0) and 4.2 (95% confidence interval, 1.45% to 12.2%), respectively.

Conclusion

In this study, CWD mastoidectomy without ossiculoplasty in the treatment of COM did not cause significant SNHL. In addition, using the DHI and THI measures, patient‐perceived disability from dizziness and tinnitus, respectively, was shown to decrease after mastoid surgery.
Clinical characteristics and prognosis of acute bacterial meningitis in elderly patients over 65: a hospital-based study
Authors: Lai Wei-An , Chen Shu-Fang , Tsai Nai-Wen , Chang Chiung-Chih , Chang Wen-Neng , Lu Cheng-Hsien , Chuang Yao-Chung , Chien Chun-Chih , Huang Chi-Ren
Published: December 2011

Background

To examine the clinical characteristics of bacterial meningitis in elderly patients.

Methods

261 patients with adult bacterial meningitis (ABM), collected during a study period of 11 years (2000-2010), were included for study. Among them, 87 patients aged ≥ 65 years and were classified as the elderly group. The clinical and laboratory characteristics and prognostic factors were analyzed, and a clinical comparison with those of non-elderly ABM patients was also made.

Results

The 87 elderly ABM patients were composed of 53 males and 34 females, aged 65-87 years old (median = 71 years). Diabetes mellitus (DM) was the most common underlying condition (34%), followed by end stage renal disease (7%), alcoholism (4%) and malignancies (4%). Fever was the most common clinical manifestation (86%), followed by altered consciousness (62%), leukocytosis (53%), hydrocephalus (38%), seizure (30%), bacteremia (21%) and shock (11%). Thirty-nine of these 87 elderly ABM patients had spontaneous infection, while the other 48 had post-neurosurgical infection. Forty-four patients contracted ABM in a community-acquired state, while the other 43, a nosocomial state. The therapeutic results of the 87 elderly ABM patients were that 34 patients expired and 53 patients survived. The comparative results of the clinical and laboratory characteristics between the elderly and non-elderly ABM patients showed that only peripheral blood leukocytosis was significant. Presence of shock and seizure were significant prognostic factors of elderly ABM patients.

Conclusions

Elderly ABM patients accounted for 34.8% of the overall ABM cases, and this relatively high incidence rate may signify the future burden of ABM in the elderly population in Taiwan. The relative frequency of implicated pathogens of elderly ABM is similar to that of non-elderly ABM. Compared with non-elderly patients, the elderly ABM patients have a significantly lower incidence of peripheral blood leukocytosis. The mortality rate of elderly ABM remains high, and the presence of shock and seizures are important prognostic factors.
Primary hyperparathyroidism diagnosed after surgical ablation of a costal mass mistaken for giant-cell bone tumor: a case report
Authors: Vera Lara , Dolcino Mara , Mora Marco , Oddo Silvia , Gualco Marina , Minuto Francesco , Giusti Massimo
Published: December 2011

Introduction

Primary hyperparathyroidism is a common endocrine disorder characterized by elevated parathyroid hormone levels, which cause continuous osteoclastic bone resorption. Giant cell tumor of bone is an expansile osteolytic tumor that contains numerous osteoclast-like giant cells. There are many similarities in the radiological and histological features of giant cell tumor of bone and brown tumor. This is a rare benign focal osteolytic process most commonly caused by hyperparathyroidism.

Case presentation

We report the unusual case of a 40-year-old Caucasian woman in which primary hyperparathyroidism was diagnosed after surgical ablation of a costal mass. The mass was suspected of being neoplastic and histopathology was compatible with a giant cell tumor of bone. On the basis of the biochemical results (including serum calcium, phosphorous and intact parathyroid hormone levels) primary hyperparathyroidism was suspected and a brown tumor secondary to refractory hyperparathyroidism was diagnosed.

Conclusions

Since giant cell tumor is a bone neoplasm that has major implications for the patient, the standard laboratory tests in patients with bone lesions are important for a correct diagnosis.
Activation of Peripheral-Blood Granulocytes Is Strongly Correlated With Patient Outcome After Immunotherapy With Anti-GD2 Monoclonal Antibody and Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor
Authors: Cheung Irene Y. , Hsu Katharine , Cheung Nai-Kong V.
Published: December 2011

Purpose

Adjuvant therapy using anti-GD2 monoclonal antibody and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) has shown treatment success for patients with high-risk neuroblastoma (NB). Although there is ample evidence on how the antibody targets NB, in vivo contribution by GM-CSF remains unclear. This report investigates granulocyte activation and its correlation with treatment outcome.

Patients and Methods

Patients enrolled onto NCT00072358 received multiple treatment cycles, each consisting of anti-GD2 antibody 3F8 plus subcutaneous (SC) GM-CSF. Peripheral-blood (PB) samples from 151 patients were collected on day 0 and day 4 of cycle 1. PB from a subgroup of 35 patients had intravenous (IV) instead of SC GM-CSF during cycle 4. Samples were analyzed by flow cytometry for CD11a, CD63, CD87, and CD11b and its activation epitope CBRM1/5.

Results

Comparing cycle 1 day 4 PB samples with day 0 PB samples, five of five activation marker–positive granulocytes were significantly higher. The change in frequency and mean fluorescence intensity of CBRM1/5-positive granulocytes correlated with progression-free survival (PFS; P = .024 and P = .008, respectively). A multivariable analysis identified increasing CBRM1/5-positive granulocytes and missing killer immunoglobulin-like receptor ligand as positive independent prognostic factors for PFS, whereas second-line cyclophosphamide-based therapy before protocol entry negatively influenced outcome. Thirty-five patients who received SC GM-CSF at cycle 1 and IV GM-CSF at cycle 4 had significantly less CBRM1/5 activation after IV GM-CSF. In contrast, 63 patients who received SC GM-CSF at both cycles had comparable CBRM1/5 activation.

Conclusion

GM-CSF–induced granulocyte activation in vivo is associated with improved patient outcome. This activation was more apparent when GM-CSF was given by the SC route instead of IV route.
The creativity of social action: A composite account from art, philosophy, and political science
Authors: Harter Nathan
Published: December 2011

The pursuit of innovation depends on creativity as a competency, yet creativity-especially in organizational settings — is difficult to understand, let alone manage. By consulting works of Maurice Merleau-Ponty (art), Martin Heidegger (philosophy), and Hannah Arendt (political science), this article offers a composite account of creativity that suggests the aggressive pursuit of creativity in an organizational setting should include an expenditure of effort by leaders to create a social environment where participants can reflect upon and accept their own inner creativity, known as natality, as well as the creativity of others as a collective response to aspects of a reality we ordinarily overlook.
Experimental and Numerical Modelling of Cellular Beams with Circular and Elongated Web Openings at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Naili El-Hadi , Nadjai Ali , Han Sanghoon , Ali Faris , Choi Sengkwan
Published: December 2011

This paper describes an experimental and numerical study at elevated temperatures on the behaviour of full scale composite floor cellular steel beams with circular and elongated web openings. A total of three specimens, comprising three different steel geometries and loading conditions were tested at elevated temperatures. Finite element models were established with both material and geometrical non-linearity to compare with the experimental results. This paper also demonstrates the capability of a developed simple design approach in comparison with numerical modelling, experimental tests and existing design software used by the Steel Construction Institute (SCI).
Endocranial petrosal anatomy ofBothriogenys(Mammalia, Artiodactyla, Anthracotheriidae), and petrosal volume and density comparisons among aquatic and terrestrial artiodactyls and outgroups
Authors: O'Leary Maureen A. , Patel Biren A. , Coleman Mark N.
Published: December 2011

We provide the first detailed endocranial description of the petrosal bone of the ear region of the anthracotheriid artiodactylBothriogenys, based on two new specimens from the early Oligocene of the Jebel Qatrani Formation, Fayum, Egypt. The new fossils have petrosals with a hyperinflated (pachyostotic) tegmen tympani (the roof over the middle ear), resembling the condition in certain cetancodontans such as hippopotamids and basal cetaceamorphans (fossil stem taxa to extant Cetacea).

The morphology of the petrosal, particularly its relative size and density, has been considered an important indicator of the ability of a marine mammal to localize sound transmitted in water, yet petrosal size (pachyostosis) and density (osteosclerosis) have not previously been quantified independent of each other. We examine the new fossils in the context of a preliminary CT-based study of petrosal density (extant taxa only) and petrosal volume (extant and extinct taxa) in a sample of artiodactyls and outgroups. In our extant comparative sample, the petrosals of cetaceans are both dense and voluminous as has been previously stated. We find, however, that the tegmen tympani is relatively voluminous (pachyostotic) without being particularly dense (osteosclerotic) inHippopotamus amphibius, an extant taxon that has been documented to show some aquatic hearing behaviors, albeit less derived ones than those seen in cetaceans. A voluminous tegmen tympani, which is present inBothriogenys, may have specific implications for behavior that are distinct from increases in petrosal density.
An early Cambrian shallow-marine ichnofauna from the Puncoviscana Formation of northwest Argentina: the interplay between sophisticated feeding behaviors, matgrounds and sea-level changes
Authors: Buatois Luis A. , Mángano María Gabriela
Published: December 2011

An early Cambrian ichnofauna consisting ofHelminthoidichnites tenuis,Helminthopsis tenuis,Multinaisp.,Oldhamia alata, andPilichnuscf.dichotomusis documented from shallow-marine deposits ranging from the upper offshore to the offshore transition in the Puncoviscana Formation of northwest Argentina. Although the ichnogenusOldhamiais more common in Cambrian deep-marine environments, this occurrence provides further evidence that it is also present in shallow-marine environments. The burrow networkMultina(senior synonym ofOlenichnus) is preserved at the base of tempestites, representing the activity of post-storm colonizers. A drowning surface separating offshore-transition deposits below from upper-offshore deposits above contains widespread evidence of trace fossils in direct association with matgrounds. The undermat minersOldhamia alataandPilichnuscf.P. dichotomusoccur on this surface, revealing exploitation of organic matter in the biomat. Low sediment rate during drowning and paucity of bioturbation by sediment bulldozers may have promoted the establishment of the matground. In comparison with the simpler animal-matground interactions characteristic of the Ediacaran, the combination of Cambrian evolutionary innovations and the presence of microbial mats promoted more sophisticated interactions. Complex feeding trace fossils revealing that systematic undermat mining, as displayed byOldamia alataandPilichnuscf.dichotomus, is a product of the Cambrian explosion.
Surface-Area vs. Conductivity-Type Fracture Treatments in Shale Reservoirs
Authors: Ramurthy Muthukumarappan , Barree Robert D. , Kundert Donald P. , Petre Erik , Mullen Mike
Published: December 2011

Hydraulic fracturing continues to be the primary mechanism to produce hydrocarbons out of tight shale reservoirs. Ever since the success of the Barnett shale program, operators are inclined to pump similar large-volume water-fracture (waterfrac) treatments with little or no proppant in their respective shale plays. This assumes that all shale plays are the same and react accordingly to large-volume treatments. The basic objective behind such treatments is to contact large surface area, which has been very successful in the Barnett shale play. Such large-volume treatments in other shale plays may not be an optimized solution for the specific shale attributes, and the response may lead to uneconomical production results. Some shales might require a conductivity fracture treatment on the basis of their reservoir characteristics. So, it is important to understand the characteristics of these shales before deciding on the stimulation treatments. In addition to core and log analysis of these shales, fluid-sensitivity tests, Brinell hardness (BHN) tests, unpropped-fracture-conductivity tests, and, more importantly, a diagnostic fracture injection test (DFIT) can help define the guidelines for choosing between a surface-area and a conductivity-type fracture treatment.

Integrating the various data sources is important in arriving at these guidelines. The main objective of this paper is to provide these guidelines along with examples so that a costly trial-and-error approach for stimulating shales can be avoided. Examples from both oil and gas shales (i.e., the Gothic, Haynesville, Eagle Ford, and Barnett shale plays in the USA) are included in this work.
Experimental Evaluation of Guar-Fracture-Fluid Filter-Cake Behavior
Authors: Xu Ben , Hill A.D.. D. , Zhu Ding , Wang Lei
Published: December 2011

Guar gum and its derivatives have been the most commonly used polymers to increase the viscosity of fracturing fluids. However, the conductivity of many fractures created with guar-based polymers is low because of residual unbroken polymer gel remaining in the fracture. This residue can cause permeability impairment in the proppant pack, resulting in low fracture conductivity and decreased effective fracture length. In this study, we experimentally evaluated two important aspects of the gel damage process—the thickness of the polymer-gel filter cake that is created as fracture-fluid filtrate leaks off into the formation and the yield stress of the concentrated polymer gel that accumulates in the fracture. The thickness of the filter cake created during the leakoff process was measured as a function of the polymer loading and the volume of leakoff. We created the filter cake following the procedure described by Ayoub et al. (2006) and then measured the filter-cake thickness with a precise laser profilometer. We found that the filter-cake thickness varied linearly with leakoff volume, meaning that the gel concentration factor is constant for this guar polymer fluid. The concentrated polymer filter cakes created by leakoff behave rheologically as Herschel-Bulkley fluids having a yield stress. The yield stress of this material is a critical parameter influencing whether the gel can be removed from the fracture. We measured the yield stress of borate-crosslinked guar polymer fracture fluids at concentrations up to 200 lbm/1,000 gals by use of a unique flat-plate device. The yield stresses of the polymer filter cakes were found to depend strongly on the concentration of both polymer and breaker.