bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CDP-choline: Effects of the procholine supplement on sensory gating and executive function in healthy volunteers stratified for low, medium and high P50 suppression
Authors: Knott Verner , Smith Dylan , de la Salle Sara , Impey Danielle , Choueiry Joelle , Beaudry Elise , Smith Meaghan , Saghir Salman , Ilivitsky Vadim , Labelle Alain
Published: October 2014

Diminished auditory sensory gating and associated neurocognitive deficits in schizophrenia have been linked to altered expression and function of the alpha-7 nicotinic acetycholinergic receptor (α7 nAChR), the targeting of which may have treatment potential. Choline is a selective α7 nAChR agonist and the aim of this study was to determine whether cytidine 5′-diphosphocholine (CDP-choline), or citicoline, a dietary source of choline, increases sensory gating and cognition in healthy volunteers stratified for gating level. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind design involving acute administration of low, moderate doses (500 mg, 1000 mg) of CDP-choline, 24 healthy volunteers were assessed for auditory gating as indexed by suppression of the P50 event-related potential (ERP) in a paired-stimulus (S1, S2) paradigm, and for executive function as measured by the Groton Maze Learning Task (GMLT) of the CogState Schizophrenia Battery. CDP-choline improved gating (1000 mg) and suppression of the S2 P50 response (500 mg, 1000 mg), with the effects being selective for individuals with low gating (suppression) levels. Tentative support was also shown for increased GMLT performance (500 mg) in low suppressors. These preliminary findings with CDP-choline in a healthy, schizophrenia-like surrogate sample are consistent with a α7 nAChR mechanism and support further trials with choline as a pro-cognitive strategy.
Bonding behavior of hydrophobically modified gelatin films on the intestinal surface
Authors: Yoshizawa Keiko , Taguchi Tetsushi
Published: October 2014

The bonding behavior was determined for hydrophobically modified alkaline-treated gelatin on wet porcine intestinal surfaces. The modified gelatin films were obtained by reacting the amino groups of alkaline-treated gelatin with fatty acid chlorides of different alkyl chain lengths, namely, hexanoyl (Hx: C6) chloride, decanoyl (Dec: C10) chloride, and stearoyl (Ste: C18) chloride. Three kinds of the films were prepared, 32HxAlGltn, 24DecAlGltn, and 26SteAlGltn that had substitution ratios of hydrophobic groups to the amino groups of 32HxAlGltn, 24DecAlGltn, and 26SteAlGltn of 32%, 24%, and 26%, respectively. The 32HxAlGltn film had the strongest bonding to porcine intestinal surfaces. A thick 32HxAlGltn film remained on the intestinal surface even after the bonded film was scraped off for the measurement of bonding strength. In addition, the burst strength increased with an increase in the substitution ratio of the Hx group. Thus, the HxAlGltn film with the higher Hx modification ratio has a potential as a sealant material to prevent agglutination of intestinal surfaces.
Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors of Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: DeNysschen Carol , Brown Jean K. , Baker Mark , Wilding Gregory , Tetewsky Sheldon , Cho Maria H. , Dodd Marylin J.
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this secondary analysis was to describe the extent to which women with breast cancer, who participated in a randomized control trial on exercise, adopted American Cancer Society (ACS) guidelines for healthy lifestyle behaviors. Women in the study exercised during cancer treatment and for 6 months after completion of treatment. The sample included 106 women, average age 50.7 years ( SD = 9.6). Adherence to guidelines for 5 servings of fruits and vegetables ranged from 36% ( n = 28) to 39% ( n = 36). Adherence with alcohol consumption guidelines was 71% ( n = 28) to 83% ( n = 30). Adherence with meeting a healthy weight ranged from 52% ( n = 33) to 61% ( n = 31). Adherence with physical activity guidelines ranged from 13% ( n = 30) to 31% ( n = 35). Alcohol and healthy weight guidelines were followed by more than half of the participants, but physical activity and dietary guidelines were followed by far fewer women. Further prospective clinical studies are indicated to determine whether interventions are effective in producing a healthy lifestyle in cancer survivors.
An overview of control schemes for hydraulic shaking tables
Authors: Yao Jianjun , Dietz Matt , Xiao Rui , Yu Han , Wang Tao , Yue Donghai
Published: October 2014

Shaking table testing is a common experimental method in earthquake engineering for performance assessment of structures subjected to dynamic excitations. As most shaking tables are driven by servo hydraulic actuators to meet the potentially significant force stroke demand, the review is restricted to hydraulic shaking tables. The purpose of the control systems of hydraulic shaking tables is to reproduce reference signals with low distortion. Accurate control of actuators is vital to the effectiveness of such apparatus. However, the system dynamics of a shaking table and the specimens to be tested on the shaking table are usually very complex and nonlinear. Achieving the control goal can prove to be challenging. A variety of closed- and open-loop control algorithms has been developed to solve different control problems. With the focus placed on the control schemes for hydraulic shaking tables, the paper reviews algorithms that are currently used in the testing industry, as well as those which are the subject of academic and industrial research. It is by no means a complete survey but provides key reference for further development.
An emergency department registration kiosk can increase HIV screening in high risk patients
Authors: Hsieh Yu-Hsiang , Gauvey-Kern Megan , Peterson Stephen , Woodfield Alonzo , Deruggiero Katherine , Gaydos Charlotte A , Rothman Richard E
Published: October 2014

We evaluated the feasibility and the patient acceptability of integrating a kiosk into routine emergency department (ED) practice for offering HIV testing. The work was conducted in four phases: phase 1 was a baseline, in which external testing staff offered testing at the bedside; phase 2 was a pilot assessment of a prototype kiosk; phase 3 was a pilot implementation and phase 4 was the full implementation with automated login. Feasibility was assessed by the proportion of offering HIV tests, acceptance, completion and result reporting. During the study period, the number of ED patients and eligible patients for screening were similar in the three main phases. However, the number and proportion of patients offered testing of those eligible for screening increased significantly from phase 1 (32%) to phase 3 (37%) and phase 4 (40%). There were slightly higher prevalences of newly diagnosed HIV with kiosk versus bedside testing (phase 1, 0%; phase 3, 0.2%; phase 4, 0.5%). Compared to patients tested at the bedside, patients tested via the kiosk were significantly younger, more likely to be female, to be black, and to report high risk behaviours. ED-based HIV screening via a registration-based kiosk was feasible, yielded similar proportions of testing, and increased the proportion of engagement of higher-risk patients in testing.
Investigating multilevel mediation with fully or partially nested data
Authors: Lachowicz Mark J. , Sterba Sonya K. , Preacher Kristopher J.
Published: October 2014

Mediation analysis has become one of the most widely used tools for investigating the mechanisms through which variables influence each other. When conducting mediation analysis with fully nested data (e.g., individuals working in teams) or partially nested data (e.g., individuals working alone in one study arm but working in teams in another arm) special considerations arise. In this article we (a) review traditional approaches for analyzing mediation in nested data, (b) describe multilevel structural equation modeling (MSEM) as a versatile technique for assessing mediation in fully nested data, and (c) explain how MSEM can be adapted for assessing mediation in partially nested data (MSEM-PN) and introduce two new MSEM-PN specifications. MSEM-PN affords options for testing equality of level-specific mediation effects in the nested arm with mediation effects in the nonnested arm. We demonstrate the application of MSEM and MSEM-PN in simulated examples from the group processes literature involving fully and partially nested data. Finally, we conclude by providing software syntax and guidelines for implementation.
What are the television viewing and eating habits of children in Peru?
Authors: Busse Peter , Díaz Ramón
Published: October 2014

While there is already consensus in the scientific community about the deleterious effects of TV exposure, especially through TV advertisements, on children’s beliefs, preferences, and food intake, the link between TV and children’s eating behaviors is under-studied in Peru, a country experiencing a steady economic growth in recent years and currently with a status of upper-middle-income country. Following research about the effects of media exposure on childhood obesity, we report on a qualitative study of TV viewing and the eating habits of children attending elementary schools in Lima, the capital. Data from eight focus groups with 38 boys and girls between 6 and 11 years old, eight focus groups with 36 female caretakers, and in-depth interviews with two fathers provided consistent information about children’s eating habits and media viewing patterns. After dual coding the entire corpus of qualitative data, we found that children watch a great deal of TV during the school season: children watch as early as when they wake up in the morning, then during lunchtime (after returning from school), and then again after completing their homework from 5 pm to 9 pm or 10 pm. Survey data from the parents showed that, on average, children watch about 5 hours of TV on weekdays and more during a weekend-day. This large amount of exposure is concerning, especially because the focus groups revealed that children (1) recall a number of TV advertisements involving food items, (2) request food items seen on TV, and (3) are able to buy food for themselves, which usually involves chocolate, candy, or potato chips. Boys and girls reported different favorite TV shows, suggesting differences in exposure to TV content related to food. In addition, some families reported drinking sodas frequently, underlining a behavior that should be discouraged by public health officials.
Endoscopic mucosal resection of large rectal adenomas in the era of centralization: Results of a multicenter collaboration
Authors: Barendse RM , Musters GD , Fockens P , Bemelman WA , de Graaf EJ , van den Broek FJ , van der Linde K , Schwartz MP , Houben MH , van Milligen de Wit AW , Witteman BJ , Winograd R , Dekker E ,   TREND
Published: October 2014

Background and objective

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) of large rectal adenomas is largely being centralized. We assessed the safety and effectiveness of EMR in the rectum in a collaboration of 15 Dutch hospitals.

Methods

Prospective, observational study of patients with rectal adenomas >3 cm, resected by piecemeal EMR. Endoscopic treatment of adenoma remnants at 3 months was considered part of the intervention strategy. Outcomes included recurrence after 6, 12 and 24 months and morbidity.

Results

Sixty‐four patients (50% male, age 69 ± 11, 96% ASA 1/2) presented with 65 adenomas (diameter 46 ± 17 mm, distance ab ano 4.5 cm (IQR 1–8), 6% recurrent lesion). Sixty‐two procedures (97%) were technically successful. Histopathology revealed invasive carcinoma in three patients (5%), who were excluded from effectiveness analyses. At 3 months’ follow‐up, 10 patients showed adenoma remnants. Recurrence was diagnosed in 16 patients during follow‐up (recurrence rate 25%). Fifteen of 64 patients (23%) experienced 17 postprocedural complications.

Conclusion

In a multicenter collaboration, EMR was feasible in 97% of patients. Recurrence and postprocedural morbidity rates were 25% and 23%. Our results demonstrate the outcomes of EMR in the absence of tertiary referral centers.
Methimazole-Induced Goitrogenesis in an Adult Patient With the Syndrome of Resistance to Thyroid Hormone
Authors: Glymph Kathleen , Gosmanov Aidar R.
Published: October 2014

Patients with the syndrome of resistance to thyroid hormone (RTH) have clinical (tachycardia and anxiety) and biochemical (elevated thyroid hormones level) features of hyperthyroidism. Based on previous reports in pediatric patients with the RTH, antithyroid treatment in these patients is not indicated. Clinical and biochemical sequel of antithyroid therapy in an adult patient with RTH was not previously reported. A 63-year-old African American female with history of RTH was treated with a therapy consisting of methimazole 15 mg daily and atenolol. Methimazole treatment resulted in reduction in thyroid hormone level while the patient’s TSH increased with a peak of 24.88 mIU/L. Having achieved biochemical euthyroidism, the patient developed thyroid gland enlargement associated with progressive symptoms of dysphagia and dyspnea. Examination demonstrated globally enlarged firm thyroid gland with areas of nodularity in both lobes. A computed tomography of the neck showed enlarged thyroid gland with extension around bilateral sternocleidomastoid muscles and compression onto the trachea. Methimazole therapy was discontinued and patient was treated just on atenolol. Over 12 months following discontinuation of methimazole, the patient experienced marked clinical and radiographic improvement of the goiter size associated with TSH reduction to 1.26 mIU/L and modest free thyroxine increase as expected in RTH. It seems appealing to treat patients with the RTH with antithyroid medications. However, in these patients decrease in thyroid hormone levels will stimulate TSH production, which can, in turn, predispose to goiter formation. Our report supports prior observations in children with RTH that treatment with methimazole is not indicated in adult patients with RTH.
Dissolution of interdendritic σ phase in cast Ni–Fe–Cr alloy
Authors: Zuo Q. , Liu F. , Wang L. , Chen C. , Zhang Z.
Published: October 2014

Various sizes, fractions and morphologies of interdendritic σ phase in the as cast N08028 alloy due to different solidification conditions are characterised. Dissolution behaviours of the secondary phase in both the as cast and the forged alloys are investigated during heat treatment at 1100, 1150 and 1200°C. A recently developed analytical model, subjected to necessary modification, is applied to describe the dissolution process of σ phase in the alloys with and without prior hot deformation. A recipe derived from transformed fraction is applied to evaluate the effective activation energy for dissolution. It has been found that, the prior hot deformation accelerates the dissolution process, which can be attributed to the decreased particle size and the reduced effective activation energy.
Hydrothermal synthesis of boehmite on alumina membranes for superhydrophobic surfaces
Authors: Ji W. , Wang Z. , Ma J. , Gong J.
Published: October 2014

Boehmite (γ-AlOOH) coatings with nanoflakes and flower-like structures have been successfully synthesised on alumina membrane surfaces by hydrothermal reaction. The effects of hydrothermal reaction time and temperature on the morphologies of the layers were investigated. During the hydrothermal reaction, γ-AlOOH nanoflakes grew randomly on the Al2O3 particles, which changed the surface morphology of the alumina membrane and promoted its roughness. X-ray powder diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscope were used to characterise the structure and morphology of the membranes. Contact angle measurements were used to analyse the wetting property of the alumina membrane surface. Alumina membranes coated with boehmite layers possessed the wetting property from superhydrophilic to superhydrophobic after chemical vapour deposition of 1 H,1 H,2 H,2 H-perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane.
The influence of acute hypoxic exposure on isokinetic muscle force production
Authors: Ivamoto Rafael Kenji , Nakamoto Fernanda Patti , Vancini Rodrigo Luiz , Benedito-Silva Ana Amélia , de Lira Claudio Andre Barbosa , Andrade Marília dos Santos
Published: October 2014

To investigated whether an acute hypoxic stimulus affects muscle strength development assessed by isokinetic dynamometry during maximal knee extension. A total of 15 healthy young men participated in this study (61.9 ± 6.1 kg; 1.72 ± 0.08 m; 20.9 ± 2.6 years). We evaluated knee extension and flexion isokinetic dynamometer performance in normoxic and hypoxic conditions. The analyzed parameters, for concentric contraction, were peak torque and total work measured at 1.05 and 5.23 rad/s; and fatigue index measured at 5.23 rad/s. During isokinetic testing, heart rate and oxygen saturation (SpO2) were monitored. Hypoxic conditions (3,600 m) were simulated, via a mixing chamber, with the dilution being constantly controlled by a PO2 probe. Test reproducibility results (test-retest) for all isokinetic knee parameters were classified as moderate to almost perfect (ICC = 0.694 to 0.932). SpO2 was 88.4 ± 3.4% in the hypoxic condition and 97.1 ± 0.7% in the normoxic condition (p = 0.000, effect size = 0.87). Heart rate was not significantly different between normoxic and hypoxic conditions at the end of the test. There were no significant differences in isokinetic variables evaluated for the extensor and flexor muscles at concentric contraction between the normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Our findings indicate that reduced arterial oxygenation per se has no effect on the muscular isokinetic strength of the knee extensors.
Beyond the evidence: treating pulmonary hypertension in the intensive care unit
Authors: Bauer Seth R , Tonelli Adriano R
Published: October 2014

Most patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension succumb to their disease in the ICU; however, limited evidence-based information exists to guide treatment in those that present with advanced right ventricular failure. Critical care physicians should be aware of the complexities of the treatment of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and should develop a strategy for their care. Current management is based on the pathophysiology of the disease and involves a multidisciplinary team supported by institutional polices directed at optimizing patient safety.
On the parallel efficiency and scalability of the correntropy coefficient for image analysis
Authors: Rêgo Fontes Aluisio I , Xavier-de-Souza Samuel , Dória Neto Adrião D , de Queiroz Silveira Luiz Felipe
Published: October 2014

Background

Similarity measures have application in many scenarios of digital image processing. The correntropy is a robust and relatively new similarity measure that recently has been employed in various engineering applications. Despite other competitive characteristics, its computational cost is relatively high and may impose hard-to-cope time restrictions for high-dimensional applications, including image analysis and computer vision.

Methods

We propose a parallelization strategy for calculating the correntropy on multi-core architectures that may turn the use of this metric viable in such applications. We provide an analysis of its parallel efficiency and scalability.

Results

The simulation results were obtained on a shared memory system with 24 processing cores for input images of different dimensions. We performed simulations of various scenarios with images of different sizes. The aim was to analyze the parallel and serial fraction of the computation of the correntropy coefficient and the influence of these fractions in its speedup and efficiency.

Conclusions

The results indicate that correntropy has a large potential as a metric for image analysis in the multi-core era due to its high parallel efficiency and scalability.
Alpha-synuclein biology in Lewy body diseases
Authors: Kim Woojin Scott , Kågedal Katarina , Halliday Glenda M
Published: October 2014

α-Synuclein is an abundantly expressed neuronal protein that is at the center of focus in understanding a group of neurodegenerative disorders called α-synucleinopathies, which are characterized by the presence of aggregated α-synuclein intracellularly. Primary α-synucleinopathies include Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies and multiple system atrophy, with α-synuclein also found secondarily in a number of other diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. Understanding how α-synuclein aggregates form in these different disorders is important for the understanding of its pathogenesis in Lewy body diseases. PD is the most prevalent of the α-synucleinopathies and much of the initial research on α-synuclein Lewy body pathology was based on PD but is also relevant to Lewy bodies in other diseases (dementia with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer's disease). Polymorphism and mutation studies of SNCA, the gene that encodes α-synuclein, provide much evidence for a causal link between α-synuclein and PD. Among the primary α-synucleinopathies, multiple system atrophy is unique in that α-synuclein deposition occurs in oligodendrocytes rather than neurons. It is unclear whether α-synuclein originates from oligodendrocytes or whether it is transmitted somehow from neurons. α-Synuclein exists as a natively unfolded monomer in the cytosol, but in the presence of lipid membranes it is thought to undergo a conformational change to a folded α-helical secondary structure that is prone to forming dimers and oligomers. Posttranslational modification of α-synuclein, such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination and nitration, has been widely implicated in α-synuclein aggregation process and neurotoxicity. Recent studies using animal and cell models, as well as autopsy studies of patients with neuron transplants, provided compelling evidence for prion-like propagation of α-synuclein. This observation has implications for therapeutic strategies, and much recent effort is focused on developing antibodies that target extracellular α-synuclein.
Effect of PEEP on breath sound power spectra in experimental lung injury
Authors: Räsänen Jukka , Nemergut Michael E , Gavriely Noam
Published: October 2014

Background

Acute lung injury (ALI) is known to be associated with the emergence of inspiratory crackles and enhanced transmission of artificial sounds from the airway opening to the chest wall. Recently, we described the effect of ALI on the basic flow-induced breath sounds, separated from the crackles. In this study, we investigated the effects of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) on these noncrackling basic lung sounds augmented during ALI.

Methods

Lung sounds were recorded in six anesthetized, intubated, and mechanically ventilated pigs at three locations bilaterally on the chest wall. Recordings were obtained before and after induction of lung injury with oleic acid and during application of incremental positive end-expiratory pressure.

Results

Oleic acid injections caused severe pulmonary edema predominately in the dependent-lung regions. Inspiratory spectral power of breath sounds increased in all lung regions over a frequency band from 150 to 1,200 Hz, with further power augmentation in dependent-lung areas at higher frequencies. Incremental positive end-expiratory pressure reversed the spectral power augmentation seen with ALI, reducing it to pre-injury levels with PEEP of 10 and 15 cmH2O in all lung regions at all frequencies. The application of positive end-expiratory pressure to normal lungs attenuated spectral power slightly and only over a band from 150 to 1,200 Hz.

Conclusions

We confirm a gravity-related spectral amplitude increase of basic flow-induced breath sounds recorded over lung regions affected by permeability-type pulmonary edema and show that such changes are reversible by alveolar recruitment with PEEP.
Halokinetic deformation adjacent to the deepwater Auger diapir, Garden Banks 470, northern Gulf of Mexico: Testing the applicability of an outcrop-based model using subsurface data
Authors: Hearon Thomas E. , Rowan Mark G. , Giles Katherine A. , Hart William H.
Published: October 2014

Composite halokinetic sequences (CHS) are unconformity-bounded successions of upturned and thinned strata that form due to drape folding of diapir roofs during passive salt rise. Tabular and tapered CHS have narrow (50–200 m) and broad (300–1000 m) zones of folding, respectively. CHS are originally defined as exposed diapirs bounded by shallow-water strata in La Popa Basin, Mexico. This paper tests the concepts of CHS development at the subsurface, deepwater Auger diapir in the northern Gulf of Mexico. We used 3D wide-azimuth seismic data, well and biostratigraphic data, and structural restorations to interpret and analyzed 11 well-imaged Pleistocene CHS that correlate around the diapir. The lower and uppermost flanks are characterized exclusively by tapered CHS, with wide zones of thinning (240–660 m) and broad taper angles (41°–75°). In between are four discrete CHS with mixed tapered and tabular geometries, with the latter displaying narrow zones of thinning ([Formula: see text]) and negligible taper. Three of the intervals switch geometry around the diapir. The CHS-bounding unconformities typically intersect the salt at cusps and are continuous with bright amplitudes in the minibasins that tie to biostratigraphically defined condensed sections. CHS represent 50–500 kyr time spans and correlate well with fourth-order sea-level cycles. We corroborated many aspects of the published model of CHS development, showed that the formation of CHS due to drape folding was independent of depositional environment and related to fluctuations in sea level and sediment input. The style of CHS is generally determined by the interplay between salt-rise and sediment-accumulation rates, but variable CHS geometries around the diapir within the same interval suggested that the ultimate control is the roof thickness. Our results are critical to understanding and predicting aspects of hydrocarbon traps against salt, including trap geometry, and reservoir distribution.
Geological and geophysical expression of a primary salt weld: An example from the Santos Basin, Brazil
Authors: Jackson Christopher A.-L. , Rodriguez Clara R. , Rotevatn Atle , Bell Rebecca E.
Published: October 2014

Primary salt welds form at the base of minibasins in response to complete evacuation of autochthonous salt. Analytical and numerical models suggest it is difficult to completely remove salt from a weld by viscous flow alone, which is especially true in multilayered evaporites, within which flow is likely heterogeneous due to lithologically controlled viscosity variations. Welds are important in the hydrocarbon industry because they may provide a hydrodynamic seal and trap hydrocarbons, or may allow transmission of fluids from source to reservoir rocks. Few papers document the subsurface expression of welds, principally because they have not been penetrated by wells or because the associated data are proprietary. We use 3D seismic and borehole data from the Santos Basin, offshore Brazil to characterize the geological and geophysical expression of a primary weld associated with flow of Aptian salt. The seismic data that we evaluated suggested that, locally, presalt and postsalt rocks are in contact at the base of an Upper Cretaceous minibasin, implying that several apparent welds, separated by low-relief salt pillows, are present. However, borehole data indicated that 22 m of anhydrite, carbonate, and sandstone are present in one of the welds, indicating that this and other welds may be incomplete. We find that seismic data may be unable to discriminate between a complete and incomplete weld, and we suggested that, during the subsurface analysis of welds, the term apparent weld is used until borehole data unequivocally proves the absence of salt. Furthermore, we speculate that preferential expulsion of halite and potash salt from the autochthonous layer during viscous flow and welding resulted in the formation of an incomplete weld, which, when compared with the initial autochthonous layer, is volumetrically enriched in nonevaporite lithologies and relatively viscous evaporite lithologies (anhydrite). The composition and stratigraphy of the autochthonous layer may thus dictate weld thickness and seal potential.
Phosphorylation of the cytoskeletal protein CAP1 controls its association with cofilin and actin
Authors: Zhou Guo-Lei , Zhang Haitao , Wu Huhehasi , Ghai Pooja , Field Jeffrey
Published: October 2014

Cell signaling can control the dynamic balance between filamentous and monomeric actin by modulating actin-regulatory proteins. One conserved actin-regulatory protein that controls actin dynamics is CAP (Cyclase-associated Protein). However, cell signals that regulate CAP remained unknown. We mapped phosphorylation sites on mouse CAP1 and found Ser307/Ser309 is a regulatory site. We further identified GSK3 (Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3) as a kinase for Ser309. The phosphomimetic mutant S307D/S309D lost binding to its partner cofilin, when expressed in cells, caused an accumulation of actin stress fibers similar to those in cells with reduced CAP expression. In contrast, the unphosphorylatable S307A/S309A mutant had drastically increased cofilin binding, but lost actin binding. These results suggest that the phosphorylation may serve to facilitate release of cofilin for a subsequent cycle of actin filament severing. Moreover, our results suggest that Ser307 and Ser309 function as tandem sites; neither the alterations in binding cofilin/actin, nor the defects in rescuing the phenotype in CAP1 knockdown cells was observed in single point mutants of either Ser307 or Ser309. In summary, we identify a novel regulatory mechanism of CAP1 through phosphorylation.
Commercial antibodies and their validation
Authors: Voskuil JLA
Published: October 2014

Despite an impressive growth in the business of research antibodies a general lack of trust in commercial antibodies remains in place. A variety of issues, each one potentially causing an antibody to fail, underpin the frustrations that scientists endure. Lots of money goes to waste in buying and trying one failing antibody after the other without realizing all the pitfalls that come with the product: Antibodies can get inactivated, both the biological material and the assay itself can potentially be flawed, a single antibody featuring in many different catalogues can be deemed as a set of different products, and a bad choice of antibody type, wrong dilutions, and lack of proper validation can all jeopardize the intended experiments. Antibodies endorsed by scientific research papers do not always meet the scientist’s requirements either due to flawed specifications, or due to batch-to-batch variations. Antibodies can be found with Quality Control data obtained from previous batches that no longer represent the batch on sale. In addition, one cannot assume that every antibody is fit for every application. The best chance of success is to try an antibody that already was confirmed to perform correctly in the required platform.
Johannes von Epiphaneia – Klassizismus und Literarische Tradition in der Spätantiken Geschichtsschreibung
Authors: Brodka Dariusz
Published: October 2014

Johannes von Epiphaneia - Classicism and Literary Tradition in Late Antiquity Historiography

The article discusses the historical work of a late 6th century Greek historian John of Epiphania. He wrote a history of Roman-Persian war from its outbreak in 572 to the Khosrau’s restoration to the Persian throne by the emperor Maurice in 591. The work is lost but one fragment survives containing the preface and first five chapters. The analysis of the preserved text shows the impact of the classical authors on John’ approach to history and on his modes of thought.
Author, Narrator, and Literary Character:A Study of Xenophon’s Anabasis
Authors: Hajduk Jacek
Published: October 2014

Author, Narrator, and Literary Character:A Study of Xenophon’s Anabasis

The article discusses Xenophon’s Anabasis. Its main aim is to present some new research perspectives for Classical Studies. It analyzes such aspects of Xenophon’s opus as author, implied author, narrator, narratee and narrative, as well as literary character and the human context. The article is a sort of introduction to narratological studies, concerning classical narrative texts, which has not so far been thoroughly tested for its inner structure.
Rhetorical theory in the third book of Quintilian’s Institutio oratoria
Authors: Śnieżewski Stanisław
Published: October 2014

Rhetorical theory in the third book of Quintilian’s Institutio oratoria

Quintilian focuses on presenting the beginnings of rhetorical art, its components, how it is expressed and formed. Rhetoric is an art, though it serves a practical, useful function. Nature gave birth to speech, while observation created the art of speech. Every speech is built out of that which is signified (quae significantur) and that which signifies (quae significant), that is, out of res and verba. The ability to speak is perfected by nature, art and practice, though some authors add imitation as well, whereas Quintilian believes imitation to be a part of ars. The most important question discussed by Quintilian is status, i.e. the basis or foundation, the point of contention in a judiciary dispute. Some call it constitutio, others quaestio, still others quod ex quaestione appareat, while Theodorus of Gadara names it caput, that is kefalaion genikotaton. The Greeks use the term stasis and claim this name was not invented by Hermagoras, but by Naucrates, student of Isocrates, or by Zopyros of Clazomenae. This is the moment when the first clash between the two parties takes place or because it forms the basis of the whole case. However, there does not exist any agreement between the authors on the number and definitions of the term status, nor on the difference between status generales and speciales. In every kind of case there is a cause (causa), the crux of the matter (iudicatio) and the main argument (continens). Insistent begging (rogare), foretelling (iudicare), argumentation (rationem reddere) exist in judiciary, advisory and epideictic speeches. Hermagoras`s opinion that we should consider the subject of the case (quaestio), line of defense (ratio), crux of the matter (iudicatio), the main argument (continens) or, as others call it, the main point of their accusation or defense (firmamentum). There exists a common consensus that quaestio originates from another quaestio and that species can be divided into other species. Quaestio principalis (fundamental) is called zetema. Ratio is a method of defense in a situation when the deed was committed. Quintilian uses a widely known example provided by his predecessors; Orestes killed his mother, he admits it and claims that what he did was right. What counts the most is the authority of the speaker. The orator should possess knowledge and extraordinary virtues of character.
Odysseus’ Most Memorable Exploit
Authors: West Stephanie
Published: October 2014

Odysseus’ Most Memorable Exploit

The paper discusses the meaning and development of Odysseus’ meeting with the Cyclops as described in the Odyssey, taking into account its possible origins and parallels in folklore.
Commutative Stochastic Games
Authors: Venel Xavier
Published: October 2014

We are interested in the convergence of the value of n-stage games as n goes to infinity and the existence of the uniform value in stochastic games with a general set of states and finite sets of actions where the transition is commutative. This means that playing an action profile a1 followed by an action profile a2, leads to the same distribution on states as playing first the action profile a2 and then a1. For example, absorbing games can be reformulated as commutative stochastic games.

When there is only one player and the transition function is deterministic, we show that the existence of a uniform value in pure strategies implies the existence of 0-optimal strategies. In the framework of two-player stochastic games, we study a class of games where the set of states is ℝm and the transition is deterministic and 1-Lipschitz for the L1-norm, and prove that these games have a uniform value. A similar proof shows the existence of an equilibrium in the nonzero-sum case.

These results remain true if one considers a general model of finite repeated games, where the transition is commutative and the players observe the past actions but not the state.
Clean and unhealthy
Authors: Jones Julia
Published: October 2014

Concerns about safety, stranger danger and exposure to germs, fuelled by modern lifestyles and our 24-hour media has the potential to do much more harm than good to our children.
The power of the elements – fire
Authors: Garner Lynne
Published: October 2014

In the last of our elements series, Lynne Garner uses practical activities to examine the forces of nature that shape our lives and the very places we live. This month, fire.
The effects of smoking on the eye: the role of the ophthalmic nurse
Authors: Cope Graham
Published: October 2014

Cigarette smoking is an important factor in the pathogenesis and progression of several diseases of the eye, including age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and Graves’ ophthalmopathy, and also reduces the efficacy of therapy and surgical treatment. Nicotine and reactive oxygen species contribute to vasoconstriction, reduced oxygen availability and chronic inflammation. The awareness among eye care professionals of the effects of smoking on the eye is adequate, but many do not participate actively in identifying smokers and providing them with advice and support to quit.

A barrier to quitting smoking in patients with eye diseases is their lack of knowledge that smoking can be harmful to their eyesight. More awareness is needed to increase the education process and to engage with patients to advise and support them to quit.
Uric acid levels in blood are associated with clinical outcome in soft-tissue sarcoma patients
Authors: Szkandera Joanna , Gerger Armin , Liegl-Atzwanger Bernadette , Stotz Michael , Samonigg Hellmut , Ploner Ferdinand , Stojakovic Tatjana , Gary Thomas , Leithner Andreas , Pichler Martin
Published: October 2014

Recent evidence indicates toward a role of uric acid (UA) as a potential antioxidant. Elevated UA levels were shown to be associated with better survival in various malignancies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic relevance of pre-operative UA levels on cancer-specific survival (CSS) in soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) patients who underwent curative surgical resection.

Three hundred and fifty-seven patients with STS were included in the study. Pre-operative serum UA level was measured using an enzymatic colorimetric assay. The effect of UA levels on CSS was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves. To further evaluate the prognostic impact of UA levels, univariate and multivariate Cox proportional models were calculated.

Among the 357 STS patients, cancer-related deaths occurred in 20 (24.7%) of 81 patients with a serum UA level <279.6 µmol/L and in 36 (13%) of 276 patients with a UA level ≥279.6 µmol/L. In univariate analysis, elevated UA levels were significantly associated with increased CSS in STS patients [hazard ratio (HR) 0.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.26–0.77, p=0.004]. Furthermore, elevated UA levels remain a significant factor for better CCS in multivariate analysis (HR 0.42, 95% CI 0.23–0.75, p=0.003).

Our study is the first one to demonstrate that higher UA levels are associated with positive clinical outcome in STS patients. UA levels are a simple and cost-effective test for the assessment of the prognosis of STS patients.
Diophantine cryptography in free metabelian groups: Theoretical base
Authors: Myasnikov Alexei , Roman'kov Vitalii
Published: October 2014

In this paper we study so-called Diophantine cryptology, a collection of cryptographic schemes where the computational security assumptions are based on hardness of solving some Diophantine equations, and some general ideas and techniques that occur in this area. In particular, we study an interesting variation of the endomorphism problem in groups, termed the
A combined view on composition, molecular structure, and micromechanics of fungal degraded softwood
Authors: Wagner Leopold , Bader Thomas K. , Ters Thomas , Fackler Karin , de Borst Karin
Published: October 2014

Fungal decay alters the composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties of wood cell walls. To understand better the structure-function relationships during fungal decay, selected annual rings of fungal deteriorated Scots pine sapwood were analyzed in terms of their composition, microstructure, and micromechanical properties. The datasets were acquired separately for earlywood and latewood concerning the S2 cell wall layer and the cell corner middle lamella (CCML) and analyzed by means of principal component analysis and partial least squares regression analysis. Links between cell wall stiffness and hardness and the composition and microstructure could be established. Increased mechanical properties in the CCML, as obtained by nanoindentation, were correlated to the degradation of pectins. In the S2 layer, the altered data were related to the degradation of hemicelluloses and lignin modification during fungal decay.
Presynaptic T-Type Ca2+Channels Modulate Dendrodendritic Mitral–Mitral and Mitral–Periglomerular Connections in Mouse Olfactory Bulb
Authors: Fekete Adam , Johnston Jamie , Delaney Kerry R.
Published: October 2014

Mitral cells express low-voltage activated Cav3.3 channels on their distal apical tuft dendrites (McKay et al., 2006; Johnston and Delaney, 2010). They also discharge Na+-dependent dendritic action potentials and release glutamate from these dendrites. Around resting membrane potentials, between −65 and −50 mV, Cav3.x channels are a primary determinant of cytoplasmic [Ca2+]. In this study using C57 mice, we present evidence that subthreshold Cav3.x-mediated Ca2+influx modulates action potential evoked transmitter release and directly drives asynchronous release from distal tuft dendrites. Presynaptic hyperpolarization and selective block of Cav3.x channels with Z941 (Tringham et al., 2012) reduce mitral-to-mitral EPSP amplitude, increase the coefficient of variation of EPSPs, and increase paired-pulse ratios, consistent with a reduced probability of transmitter release. Both hyperpolarization and Cav3.x channel blockade reduce steady-state cytoplasmic [Ca2+] in the tuft dendrite without reducing action potential evoked Ca2+influx, suggesting that background [Ca2+] modulates evoked release. We demonstrate that Cav3.x-mediated Ca2+influx from even one mitral cell at membrane potentials between −65 and −50 mV is sufficient to produce feedback inhibition from periglomerular neurons. Deinactivation of Cav3.x channels by hyperpolarization increases T-type Ca2+influx upon repolarization and increases feedback inhibition to produce subthreshold modulation of the mitral–periglomerular reciprocal circuit.
The Matrix Protein Hikaru genki Localizes to Cholinergic Synaptic Clefts and Regulates Postsynaptic Organization in theDrosophilaBrain
Authors: Nakayama Minoru , Matsushita Fumiya , Hama Chihiro
Published: October 2014

The synaptic cleft, a crucial space involved in neurotransmission, is filled with extracellular matrix that serves as a scaffold for synaptic differentiation. However, little is known about the proteins present in the matrix and their functions in synaptogenesis, especially in the CNS. Here, we report that Hikaru genki (Hig), a secreted protein with an Ig motif and complement control protein domains, localizes specifically to the synaptic clefts of cholinergic synapses in theDrosophilaCNS. The data indicate that this specific localization is achieved by capture of secreted Hig in synaptic clefts, even when it is ectopically expressed in glia. In the absence of Hig, the cytoskeletal scaffold protein DLG accumulated abnormally in cholinergic postsynapses, and the synaptic distribution of acetylcholine receptor (AchR) subunits Dα6 and Dα7 significantly decreased.higmutant flies consistently exhibited resistance to the AchR agonist spinosad, which causes lethality by specifically activating the Dα6 subunit, suggesting that loss of Hig compromises the cholinergic synaptic activity mediated by Dα6. These results indicate that Hig is a specific component of the synaptic cleft matrix of cholinergic synapses and regulates their postsynaptic organization in the CNS.
Role of Glutamatergic Projections from Ventral Tegmental Area to Lateral Habenula in Aversive Conditioning
Authors: Root David H. , Mejias-Aponte Carlos A. , Qi Jia , Morales Marisela
Published: October 2014

The ventral tegmental area (VTA) plays roles in both reward and aversion. The participation of VTA in diverse behaviors likely reflects its heterogeneous neuronal phenotypes and circuits. Recent findings indicate that VTA GABAergic neurons that coexpress tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) projecting to lateral habenula (LHb) play a role in reward. In addition to these mesohabenular TH-GABAergic neurons, the VTA has many neurons expressing vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGluT2) that also project to LHb. To determine the behavioral role of mesohabenular VGluT2 neurons, we targeted channelrhodopsin2 to VTA VGluT2 neurons of VGluT2::Cre mice. These mice were tested in an apparatus where moving into one chamber stimulated VTA VGluT2 projections within the LHb, and exiting the chamber inactivated the stimulation. We found that mice spent significantly less time in the chamber where VGluT2 mesohabenular fiber stimulation occurred. Mice that received injections of mixed AMPA and NMDA glutamate receptor antagonists in LHb were unresponsive to VGluT2-mesohabenular fiber stimulation, demonstrating the participation of LHb glutamate receptors in mesohabenular stimulation-elicited aversion. In the absence of light stimulation, mice showed a conditioned place aversion to the chamber that was previously associated with VGluT2-mesohabenular fiber stimulation. We conclude that there is a glutamatergic signal from VTA VGluT2-mesohabenular neurons that plays a role in aversion by activating LHb glutamatergic receptors.
Apolipoprotein E4 Produced in GABAergic Interneurons Causes Learning and Memory Deficits in Mice
Authors: Knoferle Johanna , Yoon Seo Yeon , Walker David , Leung Laura , Gillespie Anna K. , Tong Leslie M. , Bien-Ly Nga , Huang Yadong
Published: October 2014

Apolipoprotein (apo) E4 is expressed in many types of brain cells, is associated with age-dependent decline of learning and memory in humans, and is the major genetic risk factor for AD. To determine whether the detrimental effects of apoE4 depend on its cellular sources, we generated human apoE knock-in mouse models in which the humanAPOEgene is conditionally deleted in astrocytes, neurons, or GABAergic interneurons. Here we report that deletion of apoE4 in astrocytes does not protect aged mice from apoE4-induced GABAergic interneuron loss and learning and memory deficits. In contrast, deletion of apoE4 in neurons does protect aged mice from both deficits. Furthermore, deletion of apoE4 in GABAergic interneurons is sufficient to gain similar protection. This study demonstrates a detrimental effect of endogenously produced apoE4 on GABAergic interneurons that leads to learning and memory deficits in mice and provides a novel target for drug development for AD related to apoE4.