bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Strain Rate Effect on Dynamic Strain Aging and Safety Margin of Pipe Elbow at Seismic Event
Authors: Kobayashi Hiro , Urabe Yoshio
Published: July 2010

This paper presents the technical reasoning and justification for using the B2′ = (2/3)*B2 in Paragraphs NB-3656(b) and NC/ND-3655(b) of Section III. ASME revised the rules for piping subjected to seismic and other building filtered loads in the 1994 addenda to the 1992 Code to provide an alternative to the existing rules. The purpose of the revision was to recognize the results of significant testing and experience that supported a decrease in the multiplier (B index) of the moment term, among other changes. The use of a B2′ index set equal to 2/3 of the current B2 index effectively raised the Level D allowable 50%. As part of its review in 10CFR50.55a, the NRC noted that use of the new rules was not permitted, due to disagreements in the approach. Since the 1994 addenda were published, the NRC and ASME have worked together to revise the changes. At this time, it is ASME’s understanding that the rules proposed for inclusion in the 2007 Code will be accepted by the NRC, with the exception of the use of a B2′ index equal to 2/3 of B2 for bends and tees. For those items, the NRC believes a multiplier of 3/4 is more appropriate for ferritic steels at temperatures above 300°F, due to dynamic strain aging. Concern has been expressed that since the tests that form part of the basis for setting B2′ = (2/3)*B2 were conducted at ambient temperature, the effect of dynamic strain aging of carbon steels could reduce the seismic margins at temperatures in excess of 300°F (150°C). In response to this concern, the authors prepared this paper as a team working under the Piping Seismic Task Group, ASME Code Committee. This paper demonstrates that: 1) In order to investigate this possibility, authors collected test data at room temperature, and then benchmarked its analytical work against both its tests and data from the EPRI test program since dynamic testing of components at elevated temperature and high stress levels can be quite difficult. From its analytical and test work on components, plus elevated temperature and strain rate work on small specimens, it was concluded that strain rate effects at typical seismic strain rates and amplitudes are not a concern. 2) For typical carbon steel under seismic strain rate loading, at elevated temperature [(above 300°F (150°C)] and at stress levels permitted by the alternative Code equation [NB-3556(b)(2) and NB-3556(b)(3)], the margin to failure is at least 1.5, as recommended by Dr. R.P. Kennedy(1). Thus, the use of B2′ = (2/3)*B2 results in a component with acceptable margin. This is a part of the paper prepared as a team working under the Piping Seismic Task Group under ASME Sec. III, Subgroup Design.
A Universal Design Method Based on Analysis for Cylindrical Shells With Nozzles Due to Internal Pressure, External Forces and Moments: Part II
Authors: Xue Ming-De , Du Qing-Hai , Hwang Keh-Chih , Xiang Zhi-Hai
Published: July 2010

A universal design method for pressurized cylindrical shells with attached nozzles subjected to external forces (moments) and internal pressure are presented based on theoretical stress analysis. The applicable ranges of the presented design methods are extended to d/D≤0.9 and λ=d/(DT)1/2≤12. As a first step of design the required reinforcement thicknesses both of main shell and nozzle due to internal pressure can be determined by the presented theoretical solutions. When the junctions are subjected to external nozzle loads, the next step is to determine the absolute values of dimensionless longitudinal and circumferential, normal and shear, membrane and bending stresses in the main shell at the junction subjected to internal pressure and six external nozzle load components by reading out from a number of sets of curves calculated by the present theoretical method. Then the stress components at eight examination points are calculated and superposed for the combined loads. Finally the membrane and primary plus secondary stress intensities can be calculated, respectively, to meet the design criteria.
Scatterometric porosimetry: A new characterization technique for porous material patterned structures
Authors: Bouyssou R. , El Kodadi M. , Licitra C. , Chevolleau T. , Besacier M. , Posseme N. , Joubert O. , Schiavone P.
Published: July 2010

A new technique, so called “scatterometric porosimetry” (SP) has been developed to improve our knowledge on the properties of porous material patterned structures. None of the existing techniques is able to characterize the porous material structures after patterning. SP is based on the measurement of the refractive index variation of porous material structures (lines and holes) when filled with a solvent (toluene, methanol, and water). This technique is applied to monitor the modifications in low-K dielectric materials (porous SiOCH) after the plasma patterning steps used to form lines and vias in the porous materials in a typical dual damascene CMOS technology process.
Contrasting Décollement and Prism Properties over the Sumatra 2004–2005 Earthquake Rupture Boundary
Authors: Dean Simon M. , McNeill Lisa C. , Henstock Timothy J. , Bull Jonathan M. , Gulick Sean P. S. , Austin James A. , Bangs Nathan L. B. , Djajadihardja Yusuf S. , Permana Haryadi
Published: July 2010

Quake Control

Large earthquakes occur at the margins of two colliding plates, where one plate subducts beneath the other at a shallow angle. These megathrust earthquakes often cause destructive tsunamis owing to the displacement of large volumes of water at the fault along the plate boundary. Two related studies of the seismic structure of subduction zones attempt to reveal the underlying mechanisms of megathrust earthquakes (see the Perspective by

Wang

).

Kimura
et al.

(p.
210
) compared seismic reflection images and microearthquake locations at the Philippine Sea plate where it subducts obliquely beneath Japan. The locations of repeating microearthquakes correspond to active transfer of material from the subducting plate to the continent—a process only previously assumed from exhumed metamorphic rocks.

Dean
et al.

(p.
207
) observe an expansive structure in the sea-floor sediment near the location of the 2004 and 2005 Sumatra earthquakes in Indonesia that suggests sediment properties may influence the magnitude of megathrust ruptures and their subsequent tsunamis.
Late for the Epidemic: HIV/AIDS in Eastern Europe
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: July 2010

The virus spared the region until the mid-1990s; treatment is becoming widely available, but prevention programs raise political antagonism.
Law Enforcement and Drug Treatment: A Culture Clash
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: July 2010

A raid on an opiate-substitution treatment center in Ukraine has highlighted the tense relationship between police, injecting drug users, and harm-reduction advocates.
Prevalence and Persistence of
Escherichia coli
Strains with Uropathogenic Virulence Characteristics in Sewage Treatment Plants
Authors: Anastasi E. M. , Matthews B. , Gundogdu A. , Vollmerhausen T. L. , Ramos N. L. , Stratton H. , Ahmed W. , Katouli M.
Published: July 2010

We investigated the prevalence and persistence of
Escherichia coli
strains in four sewage treatment plants (STPs) in a subtropical region of Queensland, Australia. In all, 264
E. coli
strains were typed using a high-resolution biochemical fingerprinting method and grouped into either a single or a common biochemical phenotype (S-BPT and C-BPT, respectively). These strains were also tested for their phylogenetic groups and 12 virulence genes associated with intestinal and extraintestinal
E. coli
strains. Comparison of BPTs at various treatment stages indicated that certain BPTs were found in two or all treatment stages. These BPTs constituted the highest proportion of
E. coli
strains in each STP and belonged mainly to phylogenetic group B2 and, to a lesser extent, group D. No virulence genes associated with intestinal
E. coli
were found among the strains, but 157 (59.5%) strains belonging to 14 C-BPTs carried one or more virulence genes associated with uropathogenic strains. Of these, 120 (76.4%) strains belonged to seven persistent C-BPTs and were found in all four STPs. Our results indicate that certain clonal groups of
E. coli
with virulence characteristics of uropathogenic strains can survive the treatment processes of STPs. These strains were common to all STPs and constituted the highest proportion of the strains in different treatment tanks of each STP.
Transcriptional Regulation of the Heterocyst Patterning Gene
patA
from
Anabaena
sp. Strain PCC 7120
Authors: Young-Robbins Shirley S. , Risser Douglas D. , Moran Jennifer R. , Haselkorn Robert , Callahan Sean M.
Published: July 2010

The filamentous cyanobacterium
Anabaena
sp. strain PCC 7120 forms a periodic pattern of nitrogen-fixing heterocysts when grown in the absence of combined nitrogen. PatA is necessary for proper patterning of heterocysts along filaments. In this study, apparent transcriptional start points (tsps) were identified at nucleotides −305, −614, and −645 relative to the translational start site (−305, −614, and −645 tsps). Transcriptional reporter fusions were used to show that transcription from the −305 tsp was induced in all cells of filaments in response to nitrogen deprivation, required
hetR
for induction, and increased in a
patA
mutant. Transcription from −614/−645 tsp reporter fusions was spatially regulated and occurred primarily in cells that would become heterocysts. Complementation of a
patA
mutant strain by alleles encoding substitutions in, or deletion of, the putative phosphoacceptor C-terminal domain indicates that the PATAN domain can function independently of the C-terminal domain of PatA. Localization of a ring of PatA-GFP at sites of cell division, as well as the formation of enlarged cells with altered cell morphology when
patA
was overexpressed, suggests that PatA may participate in cell division.
Properties of the NAC (Nitrogen Assimilation Control Protein)-Binding Site within the
ureD
Promoter of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Frisch Ryan L. , Bender Robert A.
Published: July 2010

The nitrogen assimilation control protein (NAC) of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
is a LysR-type transcriptional regulator that activates transcription when bound to a DNA site (ATAA-N5-TnGTAT) centered at a variety of distances from the start of transcription. The NAC-binding site from the
hutU
promoter (NBS

hutU

) is centered at −64 relative to the start of transcription but can activate the
lacZ
promoter from sites at −64, −54, −52, and −42 but not from sites at −47 or −59. However, the NBSs from the
ureD
promoter (
ureDp
) and
codB
promoter (
codBp
) are centered at −47 and −59, respectively, and NAC is fully functional at these promoters. Therefore, we compared the activities of the NBS

hutU

and NBS

ureD

within the context of
ureDp
as well as within
codBp
. The NBS

hutU

functioned at both of these sites. The NBS

ureD

has the same asymmetric core as the NBS

hutU

. Inverting the NBS

ureD

abolished more than 99% of NAC's ability to activate
ureDp
. The key to the activation lies in the TnG segment of the TnGTAT half of the NBS

ureD

. Changing TnG to GnT, TnT, or GnG drastically reduced
ureDp
activation (to 0.5%, 6%, or 15% of wild-type activation, respectively). The function of the NBS

ureD

, like that of the NBS

hutU

, requires that the TnGTAT half of the NBS be on the promoter-proximal (downstream) side of the NBS. Taken together, our data suggest that the positional specificity of an NBS is dependent on the promoter in question and is more flexible than previously thought, allowing considerable latitude both in distance and on the face of the DNA helix for the NBS relative to that of RNA polymerase.
Evidence of Human-to-Swine Transmission of the Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Influenza Virus in South Korea
Authors: Song Min-Suk , Lee Jun Han , Pascua Philippe Noriel Q. , Baek Yun Hee , Kwon Hyeok-il , Park Kuk Jin , Choi Hwan-Woon , Shin Yeun-Kyung , Song Jae-Young , Kim Chul-Joong , Choi Young-Ki
Published: July 2010

As the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza virus continues to infect human populations globally, reports on epidemiologically linked animal infections are also on the rise. Since December 2009, pandemic (H1N1) 2009-like viruses have been isolated in pigs from different swine farms of South Korea. Genetic and phylogenetic analyses of viral segments demonstrated several events of human-to-swine transmission with no apparent signs of reassortment. These events were also supported by serological surveillance in pig sera collected from April to December, suggesting that reverse transmission probably started between June and July with a drastic increase in prevalence the following months. Although molecular characterization indicates that the swine isolates are generally stable, some viruses are genetically evolving, most notably in their surface proteins. Animal studies (ferrets and mice) reveal that swine pandemic isolates epitomize biological properties attributed to the currently circulating human pandemic viruses, including replication kinetics and efficient transmission, indicating their potential to return to circulation among humans. Overall, these results indicate widespread human-to-animal transmission of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza viruses in South Korea. With the significant role of pigs in the ecology of influenza viruses, these transmission events should be closely monitored and minimized to prevent the risk of generating viruses with greater human health concerns.
New Genotypes within Respiratory Syncytial Virus Group B Genotype BA in Niigata, Japan
Authors: Dapat Isolde C. , Shobugawa Yugo , Sano Yasuko , Saito Reiko , Sasaki Asami , Suzuki Yasushi , Kumaki Akihiko , Zaraket Hassan , Dapat Clyde , Oguma Taeko , Yamaguchi Masahiro , Suzuki Hiroshi
Published: July 2010

Phylogenetic analysis of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) group B genotype BA strains from the 2002-2003 to 2009-2010 seasons collected in Niigata, Japan, revealed four distinct clusters, designated new BA genotypes BA7, BA8, BA9, and BA10. These new genotypes were not associated with large outbreaks in the community.
Evaluation of Transported Dry and Wet Cervical Exfoliated Samples for Detection of Human Papillomavirus Infection
Authors: Feng Qinghua , Cherne Stephen , Winer Rachel L. , Popov Viorica , Zambrano Hector , Yerovi Carlos , Hawes Stephen E. , Koutsky Laura A. , Kiviat Nancy B.
Published: July 2010

We determined the feasibility of human papillomavirus (HPV) detection in cervical exfoliated cells collected as dry swab samples. Both dry cervical swab and specimen transport medium (STM) cervical swab samples were collected from 135 patients attending either colposcopy or women's clinics in Guayaquil, Ecuador, who had a cytology diagnosis within 6 months. HPV was detected by dot blot hybridization and genotyped by the liquid bead microarray assay (LBMA). Overall, 23.1% of dry samples were positive for any high-risk HPV types, and 24.6% of STM samples were positive for any high-risk HPV types. Of 125 paired samples, the type-specific high-risk HPV proportion positive agreement was 60.7% (kappa, 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.53 to 0.82). Of six women with cytological evidence of invasive cervical cancer, high-risk HPV DNA was detected in three of their STM samples and in five of their dry samples. Dry samples were more likely to be insufficient for HPV testing than STM samples. Consistent with this observation, the amount of genomic DNA quantitated with the β-actin gene was almost 20 times lower in dry samples than in STM samples when detected by the real-time TaqMan assay; however, HPV DNA viral loads in dry samples were only 1.6 times lower than those in matched STM samples. We concluded that exfoliated cervical cells could be collected as dry swab samples for HPV detection.
Development and Evaluation of a Flocked Nasal Midturbinate Swab for Self-Collection in Respiratory Virus Infection Diagnostic Testing
Authors: Smieja Marek , Castriciano Santina , Carruthers Susan , So Geoffrey , Chong Sylvia , Luinstra Kathy , Mahony James B. , Petrich Astrid , Chernesky Max , Savarese Mario , Triva Daniele
Published: July 2010

We developed and evaluated flocked nasal midturbinate swabs obtained from 55 asymptomatic and 108 symptomatic volunteers. Self-collected swabs obtained from asymptomatic volunteers yielded numbers of respiratory epithelial cells comparable to those of staff-collected nasal (n= 55) or nasopharyngeal (n= 20) swabs. Specific viruses were detected in swabs self-collected by 42/108 (38.9%) symptomatic volunteers by multiplex PCR.
Exploiting Drug Repositioning for Discovery of a Novel HIV Combination Therapy
Authors: Clouser Christine L. , Patterson Steven E. , Mansky Louis M.
Published: July 2010

The development of HIV drugs is an expensive and a lengthy process. In this study, we used drug repositioning, a process whereby a drug approved to treat one condition is used to treat a different condition, to identify clinically approved drugs that have anti-HIV activity. The data presented here show that a combination of two clinically approved drugs, decitabine and gemcitabine, reduced HIV infectivity by 73% at concentrations that had minimal antiviral activity when used individually. Decreased infectivity coincided with a significant increase in mutation frequency and a shift in the HIV mutation spectrum. These results indicate that an increased mutational load is the primary antiviral mechanism for inhibiting the generation of infectious progeny virus from provirus. Similar results were seen when decitabine was used in combination with another ribonucleotide reductase inhibitor. Our results suggest that HIV infectivity can be decreased by combining a nucleoside analog that forms noncanonical base pairs with certain ribonucleotide reductase inhibitors. Such drug combinations are relevant since members of these drug classes are used clinically. Our observations support a model in which increased mutation frequency decreases infectivity through lethal mutagenesis.
Emodin Down-Regulates Expression of TRPV1 mRNA and Its Function in DRG Neurons in Vitro
Authors: Sui Feng , Huo Hai-Ru , Zhang Chang-Bin , Yang Na , Guo Jian-You , Du Xin-Liang , Zhao Bao-Sheng , Liu Hong-Bin , Li Lan-Fang , Guo Shu-Ying , Jiang Ting-Liang
Published: July 2010

Emodin is a principle ingredient isolated from rhubarb rhizome, which is commonly used for constipation or pain-related diseases in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice. The transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 ion channel proteins (TRPV1) are abundantly expressed in the peripheral sensory neurons and are assumed to act as a kind of nociceptor involved in the perception of pain and development of hyperalgesia. The aim of this study was to further unravel the analgesic mechanisms of rhubarb through investigating the effects of its main constitutive ingredient emodin on the expression of TRPV1 mRNA as well as on its calcium- mediating functions in vitro. The primary DRG neurons with a high purity and viability were obtained, and the TRPV1 mRNA expression levels were examined by using real-time RT-PCR and the elevated amplitudes of intracellular [ Ca2+ ] i in the DRG neurons evoked by TRPV1 agonist capsaicin were examined by confocal microscopy. The results showed that emodin could significantly down-regulate both the mRNA expression of TRPV1 and the capsaicin-evoked intracellular fluorescent intensity in the DRG neurons under both 37°C and 39°C in vitro. Concomitantly, all of the changes induced by emodin could not be blocked by pretreatment of the primary neurons with capsazepine, an antagonist of TRPV1. In conclusion, we established that the mRNA expression level of TRPV1 and its calcium-mediating function in naive DRG neurons could be down-regulated by emodin through perhaps the non-TRPV1 channel pathways, and this might be the molecular mechanisms for rhubarb to inhibit hyperalgesia induced by inflammatory stimuli.
ON A GENERAL FORMALISM OF NONLINEAR CHARGE COHERENT STATES, THEIR QUANTUM STATISTICS AND NONCLASSICAL PROPERTIES
Authors: EFTEKHARI F. , TAVASSOLY M. K.
Published: July 2010

In this paper, we will present a general formalism for constructing the nonlinear charge coherent states which in special case lead to the standard charge coherent states. The su Q(1, 1) algebra as a nonlinear deformed algebra realization of the introduced states is established. In addition, the corresponding even and odd nonlinear charge coherent states have also been introduced. The formalism has the potentiality to be applied to systems either with known "nonlinearity function" f(n) or solvable quantum system with known "discrete nondegenerate spectrum" en. As some physical appearances, a few known physical systems in the two mentioned categories have been considered. Finally, since the construction of nonclassical states is a central topic of quantum optics, nonclassical features and quantum statistical properties of the introduced states have been investigated by evaluating single- and two-mode squeezing, su (1, 1)-squeezing, Mandel parameter and antibunching effect (via g-correlation function) as well as some of their generalized forms we have introduced in the present paper.
A COMPLETE AND MINIMAL CATALOGUE OF MSSM GAUGE INVARIANT MONOMIALS
Authors: BASBØLL ANDERS
Published: July 2010

We present a complete and minimal catalogue of MSSM gauge invariant monomials. That is, the catalogue of Gherghetta, Kolda and Martin is elaborated to include generational structure for all monomials. Any gauge invariant operator can be built as a linear combination of elements of the catalogue lifted to nonnegative integer powers. And the removal of any one of the monomials would deprive the catalogue of this feature. It contains 712 monomials, plus 3 generations of right-handed neutrinos if one extends the model to the νMSSM. We note that νMSSM flat directions can all be lifted by the sixth-order superpotential compared to the ninth-order needed in MSSM.
IMPLEMENTATION OF AN RF CMOS QUADRATURE LC VOLTAGE-CONTROLLED OSCILLATOR BASED ON THE SWITCHED TAIL TRANSISTOR TOPOLOGY
Authors: THANACHAYANONT APINUNT , KRAIRIKSH MONAI
Published: July 2010

This paper describes the design and implementation of an RF CMOS quadrature LC voltage-controlled oscillator in a 0.35 μm technology. The proposed oscillator employs the switched tail transistor topology and differential switch capacitor tuning to achieve low phase noise operation. A modified series coupling mechanism is used for quadrature signal generation with wide output signal swing. The oscillator core circuit was designed to operate with a 2.5 V power supply voltage with a 4 mA total supply current. Measurement results showed that the prototype oscillator could achieve a nominal oscillation frequency of 2.2 GHz with -110 dBc/Hz phase noise at 1 MHz offset frequency.
ASYMPTOTIC BEHAVIOR OF GLOBAL SOLUTIONS TO A MODEL OF CELL INVASION
Authors: LIŢCANU GABRIELA , MORALES-RODRIGO CRISTIAN
Published: July 2010

In this paper, we analyze a mathematical model focusing on key events of the cell invasion process. The three equations of the corresponding coupled system describe the behavior of the invasive cells, the extracellular matrix and the degradative enzymes. We employ a fix-point method and a priori estimates to prove local and global existence, uniqueness and regularity properties of the solutions. Our approach enable us to find estimates that are uniform in time. This is essential in proving, in the last part of the paper, new results that establish the asymptotic behavior of the solutions.
Muscle and Joint Function in Human Locomotion
Authors: Pandy Marcus G. , Andriacchi Thomas P.
Published: July 2010

This review describes how computational modeling can be combined with noninvasive gait measurements to describe and explain muscle and joint function in human locomotion. Five muscles—the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius, vasti, soleus, and gastrocnemius—contribute most significantly to the accelerations of the center of mass in the vertical, fore-aft, and medio-lateral directions when humans walk and run at their preferred speeds. Humans choose to switch from a walk to a run at speeds near 2 m s−1 to enhance the biomechanical performance of the ankle plantarflexors and to improve coordination of the knee and ankle muscles during stance. Muscles that do not span a joint can contribute to the contact force transmitted by that joint and therefore affect its stability. In walking, for example, uniarticular muscles that cross the hip and ankle act to create the adduction moment at the knee, thereby contributing to the contact force present in the medial compartment.
Tumor necrosis factor-α suppresses angiotensinogen expression through formation of a p50/p50 homodimer in human renal proximal tubular cells
Authors: Satou Ryousuke , Miyata Kayoko , Katsurada Akemi , Navar L. Gabriel , Kobori Hiroyuki
Published: July 2010

Angiotensinogen (AGT) expression in renal proximal tubular cells (RPTCs) and intrarenal tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels are increased in hypertension and renal diseases However, the contribution of TNF-α to AGT expression in RPTCs has not been established. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to determine influence of TNF-α on AGT expression in RPTCs. Human kidney-2 (HK-2) cells, immortalized human RPTCs, were treated with several concentrations of TNF-α up to 24 h. AGT mRNA and protein expression were evaluated by RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) by TNF-α was evaluated by Western blot analysis, immunocytochemistry, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). TNF-α suppressed AGT mRNA expression in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Maximum AGT mRNA reduction was caused by 40 ng/ml of TNF-α (0.52 ± 0.09, ratio to control, at 24 h) and at 24 h (0.66 ± 0.05, ratio to control, by 10 ng/ml TNF-α). TNF-α reduced AGT protein accumulation in the medium between 8 and 24 h (0.62 ± 0.13 by 40 ng/ml TNF-α, ratio to control). TNF-α activated and induced translocalization of p50 and p65, which are NF-κB subunits. Elevated formation of p50/p65 and p50/p50 dimers by TNF-α were observed by EMSA and supershift assay. Gene silencing of p50, but not p65, attenuated the effect of TNF-α on reduction of AGT expression in RPTCs. These results indicate that TNF-α suppresses AGT expression through p50/p50 homodimer formation in human RPTCs, suggesting a possible counteracting mechanism that limits excessive intrarenal AGT production.
Ca2+ overload and mitochondrial permeability transition pore activation in living δ-sarcoglycan-deficient cardiomyocytes
Authors: Fraysse Bodvaël , Nagi Sadia M. , Boher Belinda , Ragot Hélène , Lainé Jeanne , Salmon André , Fiszman Marc Y. , Toussaint Marcel , Fromes Yves
Published: July 2010

Muscular dystrophies are often associated with significant cardiac disease that can be the prominent feature associated with gene mutations in sarcoglycan. Cardiac cell death is a main feature of cardiomyopathy in sarcoglycan deficiency and may arise as a cardiomyocyte intrinsic process that remains unclear. Deficiency of δ-sarcoglycan (δ-SG) induces disruption of the dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex, a known cause of membrane instability that may explain cardiomyocytes cytosolic Ca2+ increase. In this study we assessed the hypothesis that cytosolic Ca2+ increase triggers cardiomyocyte death through mitochondrial Ca2+ overload and dysfunction in the δ-SG-deficient CHF147 hamster. We showed that virtually all isolated CHF147 ventricular myocytes exhibited elevated cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca2+ levels by the use of the Fura-2 and Rhod-2 fluorescent probes. Observation of living cells with Mito-Tracker red lead to the conclusion that ∼15% of isolated CHF147 cardiomyocytes had disorganized mitochondria. Transmission electron microscope imaging showed mitochondrial swelling associated with crest and membrane disruption. Analysis of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) activity using calcein revealed that mitochondria of CHF147 ventricular cells were twofold leakier than wild types, whereas reactive oxygen species production was unchanged. Bax, Bcl-2, and LC3 expression analysis by Western blot indicated that the intrinsic apoptosis and the cell death associated to autophagy pathways were not significantly activated in CHF147 hearts. Our results lead to conclusion that cardiomyocytes death in δ-SG-deficient animals is an intrinsic phenomenon, likely related to Ca2+-induced necrosis. In this process Ca2+ overload-induced MPTP activation and mitochondrial disorganization may have an important role.
Endogenously produced adiponectin protects cardiomyocytes from hypertrophy by a PPARγ-dependent autocrine mechanism
Authors: Amin Rajesh H. , Mathews Suresh T. , Alli Adebisi , Leff Todd
Published: July 2010

In experimental animal and cell culture models, activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ in heart has been shown to have beneficial effects on cardiac function and cardiomyocyte physiology. The goal of this study was to identify the signaling pathway by which PPARγ activation protects cardiomyocytes from the deleterious effects of hypertrophic stimuli. In primary cardiomyocyte cultures, we found that genetic or pharmacological activation of PPARγ protected cells from cardiac hypertrophy induced by α-adrenergic stimulation. Examination of gene expression in these cells revealed a surprising increase in the expression of adiponectin in cardiomyocytes and secretion of the high-molecular-weight form of the hormone into media. Using RNAi to block PPARγ-induced adiponectin production or adiponectin receptor gene expression, we found that the PPARγ-mediated anti-hypertrophic effect required cardiomyocyte-produced adiponectin, as well as an intact adiponectin signaling pathway. Furthermore, mice expressing constitutive-active PPARγ and cardiomyocyte specific adiponectin expression were protected from high-fat diet-induced cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling. These findings demonstrate that functional adiponectin hormone can be produced from the heart and raise the possibility that beneficial effects of PPARγ activation in heart could be due in part to local production of adiponectin that acts on cardiomyocytes in an autocrine manner.
Myostatin expression is increased by food deprivation in a muscle-specific manner and contributes to muscle atrophy during prolonged food deprivation in mice
Authors: Allen David L. , Cleary Allison S. , Lindsay Sarah F. , Loh Amanda S. , Reed Jason M.
Published: July 2010

During food deprivation (FD), skeletal muscle protein is broken down to produce amino acids for hepatic gluconeogenesis to maintain blood glucose levels. However, it is unclear what role, if any, the secreted antigrowth factor myostatin (MSTN) plays in the muscle atrophy induced by FD. We therefore examined expression and function of MSTN in FD in mice. Two days of FD significantly decreased muscle mass and protein content and increased mRNA levels of ubiquitin ligases MuRF-1 and atrogin-1 in fast-twitch tibialis anterior (TA) muscle but not slow-twitch soleus (Sol) muscle, while 2 days of refeeding returned these to fed values in TA. MSTN mRNA levels were significantly increased approximately threefold by 2 days, but not 1 day, of FD and returned to fed levels with 2 days of refeeding in TA but were not significantly affected by FD or refeeding in Sol. TA mass decreased to a similar amount after 1 day of FD in wild-type mice and mice null for the MSTN gene but was decreased to a greater amount in wild-type than MSTN-null mice by 2 days of FD. In addition, blood glucose levels decreased and corticosterone levels increased to a greater extent in MSTN-null mice after 2 days of FD, but surprisingly muscle MuRF-1 and atrogin-1 mRNA levels were not affected by the lack of MSTN during FD. Similarly, changes in hepatic enzyme expression in response to FD were identical between wild-type and MSTN-null mice. Our data are consistent with the hypothesis that MSTN is dispensable for the initial atrophy occurring in response to FD but attenuates the decrease in fast-twitch muscle mass during prolonged FD.
Comparison between maximal lengthening and shortening contractions for biceps brachii muscle oxygenation and hemodynamics
Authors: Muthalib Makii , Lee Hoseong , Millet Guillaume Y. , Ferrari Marco , Nosaka Kazunori
Published: July 2010

Eccentric contractions (ECC) require lower systemic oxygen (O2) and induce greater symptoms of muscle damage than concentric contractions (CON); however, it is not known if local muscle oxygenation is lower in ECC than CON during and following exercise. This study compared between ECC and CON for changes in biceps brachii muscle oxygenation [tissue oxygenation index (TOI)] and hemodynamics [total hemoglobin volume (tHb) = oxygenated-Hb + deoxygenated-Hb], determined by near-infrared spectroscopy over 10 sets of 6 maximal contractions of the elbow flexors of 10 healthy subjects. This study also compared between ECC and CON for changes in TOI and tHb during a 10-s sustained and 30-repeated maximal isometric contraction (MVC) task measured immediately before and after and 1–3 days following exercise. The torque integral during ECC was greater ( P < 0.05) than that during CON by ∼30%, and the decrease in TOI was smaller ( P < 0.05) by ∼50% during ECC than CON. Increases in tHb during the relaxation phases were smaller ( P < 0.05) by ∼100% for ECC than CON; however, the decreases in tHb during the contraction phases were not significantly different between sessions. These results suggest that ECC utilizes a lower muscle O2 relative to O2 supply compared with CON. Following exercise, greater ( P < 0.05) decreases in MVC strength and increases in plasma creatine kinase activity and muscle soreness were evident 1–3 days after ECC than CON. Torque integral, TOI, and tHb during the sustained and repeated MVC tasks decreased ( P < 0.01) only after ECC, suggesting that muscle O2 demand relative to O2 supply during the isometric tasks was decreased after ECC. This could mainly be due to a lower maximal muscle mass activated as a consequence of muscle damage; however, an increase in O2 supply due to microcirculation dysfunction and/or inflammatory vasodilatory responses after ECC is recognized.
Mechanisms of Sustained High Firing Rates in Two Classes of Vestibular Nucleus Neurons: Differential Contributions of Resurgent Na, Kv3, and BK Currents
Authors: Gittis Aryn H. , Moghadam Setareh H. , du Lac Sascha
Published: July 2010

To fire at high rates, neurons express ionic currents that work together to minimize refractory periods by ensuring that sodium channels are available for activation shortly after each action potential. Vestibular nucleus neurons operate around high baseline firing rates and encode information with bidirectional modulation of firing rates up to several hundred Hz. To determine the mechanisms that enable these neurons to sustain firing at high rates, ionic currents were measured during firing by using the action potential clamp technique in vestibular nucleus neurons acutely dissociated from transgenic mice. Although neurons from the YFP-16 line fire at rates higher than those from the GIN line, both classes of neurons express Kv3 and BK currents as well as both transient and resurgent Na currents. In the fastest firing neurons, Kv3 currents dominated repolarization at all firing rates and minimized Na channel inactivation by rapidly transitioning Na channels from the open to the closed state. In slower firing neurons, BK currents dominated repolarization at the highest firing rates and sodium channel availability was protected by a resurgent blocking mechanism. Quantitative differences in Kv3 current density across neurons and qualitative differences in immunohistochemically detected expression of Kv3 subunits could account for the difference in firing range within and across cell classes. These results demonstrate how divergent firing properties of two neuronal populations arise through the interplay of at least three ionic currents.
Racial Disparities between the Sex Steroid Milieu and the Metabolic Risk Profile
Authors: Perry Arlette , Wang Xuewen , Goldberg Ronald , Ross Robert , Jackson Loreto
Published: July 2010

Aims and Method. The present study examined the relationship between the metabolic risk profile (MRP) and total testosterone (TT) and free testosterone using the free androgen index (FAI) and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in 36 Caucasian American (CA) and 30 African-American (AA) women volunteering for a weight loss study.Results. After controlling for age, significant relationships were found between TT and diastolic blood pressure (P=.004andP=.015in CA and AA women, resp.). Additionally, total cholesterol (P=.003), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (P=.004), apolipoprotein B (P=.006), and the total cholesterol/high density lipoprotein cholesterol (P=.027) were significantly related to TT in AA women only. In CA women, similar measures of glucose/insulin status related to FAI, were also related to SHBG. In both CA and AA women, SHBG was related to waist (P=.031andP=.022resp.).Conclusion. Our findings showed racial disparities in the relationship between the sex steroid milieu and the MRP in overweight/obese CA and AA women.
A Method to Assess Robustness of GPS C/A Code in Presence of CW Interferences
Authors: Motella Beatrice , Savasta Simone , Margaria Davide , Dovis Fabio
Published: July 2010

Navigation/positioning platforms integrated with wireless communication systems are being used in a rapidly growing number of new applications. The mutual benefits they can obtain from each other are intrinsically related to the interoperability level and to a properly designed coexistence.
In this paper a new family of curves, called Interference Error Envelope (IEE), is used to assess the impact of possible interference due to other systems (e.g., communications) transmitting in close bandwidths to Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals. The focus is on the analysis of the GPS C/A code robustness against Continuous Wave (CW) interference.
Solving Unit Commitment Problem Using Modified Subgradient Method Combined with Simulated Annealing Algorithm
Authors: Başaran Filik Ümmühan , Kurban Mehmet
Published: July 2010

This paper presents the solving unit commitment (UC) problem using Modified Subgradient Method (MSG) method combined with Simulated Annealing (SA) algorithm. UC problem is one of the important power system engineering hard‐solving problems. The Lagrangian relaxation (LR) based methods are commonly used to solve the UC problem. The main disadvantage of this group of methods is the difference between the dual and the primal solution which gives some significant problems on the quality of the feasible solution. In this paper, MSG method which does not require any convexity and differentiability assumptions is used for solving the UC problem. MSG method depending on the initial value reaches zero duality gap. SA algorithm is used in order to assign the appropriate initial value for MSG method. The major advantage of the proposed approach is that it guarantees the zero duality gap independently from the size of the problem. In order to show the advantages of this proposed approach, the four‐unit Tuncbilek thermal plant and ten‐unit thermal plant which is usually used in literature are chosen as test systems. Penalty function (PF) method is also used to compare with our proposed method in terms of total cost and UC schedule.
Claudin Family of Proteins and Cancer: An Overview
Authors: Singh Amar B. , Sharma Ashok , Dhawan Punita
Published: July 2010

Tight junctions are the apical cell-cell adhesion that regulate paracellular permeability and are critical for epithelial cell polarity. Molecular architecture of tight junction has been studied extensively, which has confirmed that claudin family of proteins is integral component of tight junction. Loss of cell-cell adhesion is central to the cellular transformation and acquisition of metastatic potential; however, the role of claudin family of proteins play in a series of pathophysiological events, including human carcinoma development, is only now beginning to be understood. Several claudin mouse knockout models have been generated and the diversity of phenotypes observed clearly demonstrates their important roles in the maintenance of tissue integrity in various organs and suggest that claudins also participate in cellular contexts other than tight junctions. The mechanisms of claudin regulation and their exact roles in normal physiology and disease are being elucidated, but much work remains to be done. In this review, we have discussed the conceptual framework concerning claudins and their potential implication in cancer. We predict that next several years will likely witness a boom in our understanding of the potential role of claudins in the regulation of tumorigenesis, which may, in turn, provide new approaches for the targeted therapy.
Key Role of Human ABC Transporter ABCG2 in Photodynamic Therapy and Photodynamic Diagnosis
Authors: Ishikawa Toshihisa , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Hagiya Yuichiro , Nonoguchi Naosuke , Miyatake Shin-ichi , Kuroiwa Toshihiko
Published: July 2010

Accumulating evidence indicates that ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter ABCG2 plays a key role in regulating the cellular accumulation of porphyrin derivatives in cancer cells and thereby affects the efficacy of photodynamic therapy and photodynamic diagnosis. The activity of porphyrin efflux can be affected by genetic polymorphisms in theABCG2gene. On the other hand, Nrf2, an NF-E2-related transcription factor, has been shown to be involved in oxidative stress-mediated induction of theABCG2gene. Since patients have demonstrated individual differences in their response to photodynamic therapy, transcriptional activation and/or genetic polymorphisms of theABCG2gene in cancer cells may affect patients' responses to photodynamic therapy. Protein kinase inhibitors, including imatinib mesylate and gefitinib, are suggested to potentially enhance the efficacy of photodynamic therapy by blocking ABCG2-mediated porphyrin efflux from cancer cells. This review article provides an overview on the role of human ABC transporter ABCG2 in photodynamic therapy and photodynamic diagnosis.
The Design of LQG Controller for Active Suspension Based on Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Chai Lingjiang , Sun Tao
Published: July 2010

A full vehicle model with seven degrees of freedom based on active suspension control is established, and linear quadratic gaussian (LQG) is designed by applying optimal control theory. Especially, the methodology of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is used to make the selection of weighted coefficients of performance indexes, which can reduce ineffective job in contrast with experience method. From the simulation results, it is shown that ride quality of the vehicle with active suspension has been effectively improved in comparison with the vehicle of passive suspension by the methodology of AHP applying to the selection of the weights.
Study on the Imprinting Status of Insulin‐Like Growth Factor II (IGF‐II) Gene in Villus during 6–10 Gestational Weeks
Authors: Chen Jianhong , Fang Qun , Chen Baojiang , Zhou Yi , Luo Yanmin
Published: July 2010

Objective. To compare the difference of imprinting status of insulin‐like growth factor II (IGF‐II) gene in villus between normal embryo development group and abnormal embryo development group and to investigate the relationship between karyotype and the imprinting status of IGF‐II gene. Methods. A total of 85 pregnant women with singleton pregnancy were divided into two groups: one with abnormal embryo development (n = 38) and the other with normal embryo development (n = 47). Apa I polymorphism of IGF‐II gene in chorionic villus was assayed with reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The relationship between chromosomal abnormal karyotype and IGF‐II gene imprinting status was analyzed by primary cell culture and G‐banding chromosomal karyotype analysis. Results. IGF‐II imprinting loss rate was higher in the abnormal embryo development group than the normal embryo development group (44.7% versus 31.6%), but without significant difference (P > .05). The percentage of abnormal chromosomes of chorionic villus in the abnormal embryo development group was 42.5%, in which IGF‐II imprinting loss rate reached 64.7%. No abnormal karyotypes were found in the normal embryo development group. However, there was significant difference in IGF‐II imprinting loss rate between two groups (P > .05). Conclusion. During weeks 6–10 of gestation, abnormal embryonic development is correlated with chromosomal abnormalities. The imprinting status of IGF‐II gene played important roles in embryonic development, and imprinting loss might be related to chromosomal abnormalities.
GlcNAcylation Plays an Essential Role in Breast Cancer Metastasis
Authors: Gu Yuchao , Mi Wenyi , Ge Yuqing , Liu Haiyan , Fan Qiong , Han Cuifang , Yang Jing , Han Feng , Lu Xinzhi , Yu Wengong
Published: July 2010

GlcNAcylation, a dynamic posttranslational modification, is involved in a wide range of biological processes and some human diseases. Although there is emerging evidence that some tumor-associated proteins are modified by GlcNAcylation, the role of GlcNAcylation in tumor progression remains unclear. Here, we show that GlcNAcylation enhances the migration/invasion of breast cancer cells in vitro and lung metastasis in vivo. The decrease of cell surface E-cadherin is the molecular mechanism underlying GlcNAcylation-induced breast cancer metastasis. p120 and β-catenin, but not E-cadherin, are GlcNAcylated; the GlcNAcylation of p120 and β-catenin might play roles in the decrease of cell surface E-cadherin. Moreover, immunohistochemistry analysis indicated that the global GlcNAcylation level in breast tumor tissues is elevated significantly as compared with that in the corresponding adjacent tissues; further, GlcNAcylation was significantly enhanced in metastatic lymph nodes compared with their corresponding primary tumor tissues. This is the first report to clearly elucidate the roles and mechanisms whereby GlcNAcylation influences the malignant properties of breast cancer cells. These results also suggest that GlcNAcylation might be a potential target for the diagnosis and therapy of breast cancer. Cancer Res; 70(15); 6344–51. ©2010 AACR.
Cyclins, Cdks, E2f, Skp2, and More at the First International RB Tumor Suppressor Meeting
Authors: Bremner Rod , Zacksenhaus Eldad
Published: July 2010

The RB1 gene was cloned because its inactivation causes the childhood ocular tumor, retinoblastoma. It is widely expressed, inactivated in most human malignancies, and present in diverse organisms from mammals to plants. Initially, retinoblastoma protein (pRB) was linked to cell cycle regulation, but it also regulates senescence, apoptosis, autophagy, differentiation, genome stability, immunity, telomere function, stem cell biology, and embryonic development. In the 23 years since the gene was cloned, a formal international symposium focused on the RB pathway has not been held. The “First International RB Tumor Suppressor Meeting” (Toronto, Canada, November 19-21, 2009) established a biennial event to bring experts in the field together to discuss how the RB family (“pocket proteins”), as well as its regulators and effectors, influence biology and human disease. We summarize major new breakthroughs and emerging trends presented at the meeting. Cancer Res; 70(15); 6114–8. ©2010 AACR.