bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elution of antimicrobials from a cross‐linked dextran gel:In vivoQuantification
Authors: HART S. K. , BARRETT J. G. , BROWN J. A. , PAPICH M. G. , POWERS B. E. , SULLINS K. E.
Published: July 2012

Reasons for performing study:Use of a novel, biodegradable, antimicrobial‐impregnated gel provides an alternative method of local treatment of infections in horses.

Objectives:To determinein vivoelution of antimicrobial medications from antimicrobial‐impregnated cross‐linked dextran gel and to evaluate the effect on wound healing when implanted subcutaneously in horses.

Methods:Amikacin‐, vancomycin‐ or amikacin/clindamycin‐impregnated gel was placed subcutaneously in 11 horses' necks, using 6 replicates with a 3 month washout between experiments. Capillary ultrafiltration probes for collection of interstitial fluid were placed 0 cm and 1.5 cm from the gel‐filled incisions. Samples were collected at 0, 4, 8 and 12 h, and on Days 1–10. Blood was collected on Days 0, 1 and 7. Amikacin and vancomycin samples were analysed via fluorescence polarisation immunoassay, and clindamycin samples via high‐performance liquid chromatography. Histology of biopsy samples was performed at the completion of the study. Differences in mean histomorphological scores between groups were assessed using Wilcoxon's signed ranks test.

Results:Maximum antimicrobial concentrations were detected at 4 h (amikacin), and 8 h (vancomycin, and amikacin and clindamycin from the combination gel). Mean ± s.d. peak concentrations for amikacin, vancomycin, amikacin (amikacin/clindamycin) and clindamycin were 6133 ± 1461, 7286 ± 2769, 3948 ± 317 and 985 ± 960, respectively. Median number of days for which antimicrobial concentration remained above minimum inhibitory concentration for target microorganisms at implantation was ≥10 days for vancomycin, 9 days (± 1) for amikacin and 8 days (± 1) for clindamycin. Mean plasma amikacin and vancomycin concentrations were lower than detectable limits; mean serum clindamycin concentrations were 0.52 µg/ml and 0.63 µg/ml at 24 h and 7 days, respectively. There were no significant differences in histomorphological scores between treatment and control incisions (P≥0.22).

Conclusions and potential relevance:Cross‐linked dextran gel is a safe, effective alternative local antimicrobial delivery method.
Evidence for stress‐dependent mechanoreceptors linking intestinal biomechanics and sensory signal transduction
Authors: Gregersen Hans , Jiang Wen , Liao Donghua , Grundy David
Published: July 2012

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Do intestinal mechanoreceptors respond primarily to stress (defined as force per unit cross sectional area) or strain (non‐dimensional measure of deformation)?

What is the main finding and its importance?

By using more physiological rates of filling (distension) combined with calcium channel blockade to limit active muscle tension, the adaptive properties of individual low and high threshold mechanosensitive afferents, have been examined.

The slope of the stress‐response relationship was not significantly different for the different populations of afferents nor for different rates of distension. These data therefore suggest that afferent activity is more closely related to stress rather than to strain.

Sensory nerve endings are widely distributed throughout the body. Neither the nature of the mechanosensitive channels nor the principal mechanical stimulus for these receptors is known. Afferents supplying the gastrointestinal tract responding to distension and contraction are responsible for co‐ordinated reflex control, feeding behaviour and sensations, including pain. Different populations of intestinal afferent fibres follow different pathways to the CNS, have different terminal fields and possess different thresholds for activation that may reflect the extent to which mechanical forces are distributed and dissipated by non‐neural structures in the bowel wall. In this study, we have characterized the stimulus–response function of afferent fibres innervating the rat jejunum, correlating luminal distensions in the bowel wall with the firing frequency of mesenteric afferent nerve bundles. Combining video imaging with intraluminal pressure recordings and utilizing a strain softening protocol, we have determined whether mechanoreceptors respond primarily to stress or strain. Multiunit afferent recordings were separated using spike discrimination software into low‐threshold (LT) and high‐threshold (HT) single units. For multifibre afferent recordings and both LT and HT single units, we observed a linear relationship between circumferential stress and mesenteric afferent discharge that was independent of distension‐induced tissue softening, with correlation coefficients >0.9. A fivefold change in the rate of applied distension did not significantly alter the magnitude of the afferent response and the linearity of the stress‐dependent mechanotransduction in both multifibre preparations and the LT and HT afferent fibres (P > 0.2). Thus, the firing characteristics of intestinal mechanoreceptors are linearly associated with the input in terms of mechanical stress.
An Experimental Investigation of Steam Ejector Refrigeration Systems
Authors: Dong Jingming , Pounds D. A. , Cheng P. , Ma H. B.
Published: July 2012

A steam ejector refrigeration system with a movable primary nozzle was developed in order to determine the nozzle exit position (NXP) effect on the coefficient of performance (COP). Experimental results show that there exists an optimum NXP for the ejector system investigated herein. The effects of the operating temperature, diffuser size, nozzle throat diameter, and mixing chamber configuration on the COP and critical back pressure were investigated experimentally. It is found that the critical back pressure and COP can be increased by increasing the low temperature evaporator (LTE) temperature and pressure. Although an increase of the high temperature evaporator (HTE) temperature can increase the critical condenser pressure, the system COP does not increase as the HTE temperature increases. The diffuser size significantly affects the critical back pressure but had almost no effect on the system COP. A finned mixing chamber was tested at NXP = 0 mm and NXP = 36 mm. Compared with the regular mixing chamber, the finned mixing chamber can increase the critical back pressure.
Reconstruction of acoustic pressure fields inside a vibrating cavity
Authors: Wu Sean F. , Yu Jingyou
Published: July 2012

The Helmholtz equation–least-squares (HELS) method developed by Wang and Wu [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. (to be published)] is extended to reconstruction of acoustic pressure fields inside a vibrating cavity. In this method, the acoustic pressures are reconstructed through an expansion of acoustic modes, or a set of independent functions generated via an orthonormalization with respect to the particular solutions to the Helmholtz equation on the particular surface under consideration. The coefficients associated with these acoustic modes are determined by requiring the assumed form solution to satisfy the pressure boundary condition at the measurement points. The errors incurred in this process are minimized by the least-squares method. Numerical examples of partially vibrating spheres and cylinders with various half-length to radius ratios and dimensionless frequencies are demonstrated. The results thus obtained are compared with the numerical solutions obtained by using a direct boundary-element method (BEM). Results show that the HELS method enables one to reconstruct the radiated acoustic pressure fields much more effectively and accurately than BEM does. [Work supported by the Institute for Manufacturing Research at Wayne State University.]
Three-dimensional, energy-conserving, and reciprocal one-way acoustic wave equations
Authors: Godin Oleg A.
Published: July 2012

Within the parabolic approximation, preserving energy conservation and reciprocity intrinsic to acoustic fields in stationary media is known to be vital for accurate amplitude predictions in shallow-water environments and for modeling subtle nonreciprocal acoustic effects due to ocean currents. Recently, a wide-angle parabolic equation (PE) has been derived that ensures energy conservation and reciprocity of its solutions in fluids with range-dependent, piecewise-continuous sound speed and density [O. A. Godin, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 100, 2835(A) (1996)]. In this paper, the theory is extended to 3-D problems having considerable azimuth coupling. Moreover, a technique is proposed to derive energy-conserving and reciprocal PEs with arbitrary high wide-angle capability. Formulations in cylindrical and Cartesian coordinates are compared. The ability of the 3-D energy-conserving PE to account for cross-range inhomogeneities and horizontal refraction is discussed. The asymptotic accuracy of the energy-conserving parabolic approximation is addressed and compared to that of other paraxial approximations. It is concluded that energy conservation, reciprocity, and an improved description of mode coupling can be achieved simultaneously within the 3-D parabolic approximation without adversely affecting phase accuracy. [Work supported by NSERC.]
Time-reversal focusing with less than a full water column source array
Authors: Hodgkiss W. S. , Kuperman W. A. , Song H. C. , Akal T. , Ferla C. , Jackson D. R.
Published: July 2012

Recent time-reversal mirror (TRM) experiments conducted in the Mediterranean Sea [Kuperman et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 101, 3088(A) (1997)] have demonstrated the spatial focusing and temporal stability of the phase conjugation process over ranges of up to 30 km in a shallow-water waveguide. In the May 1997 experiment, the vertical source-receive array (SRA) consisted of 23 sources and receivers spanning 77 m of a 125-m water column. One series of tests involved a probe source (PS) and 94-m aperture vertical receive array (VRA) located 15 km from the SRA. Various subsets of the SRA sources were used for retransmitting the time-reversed signals received by SRA receivers from the PS. With a single source, the results essentially were the same as those reported previously [Parvulescu and Clay, Radio Elec. Eng. 29, 223–228 (1965)]. Temporal compression is achieved but vertical spatial focusing is not. By using all 23 sources, the retransmitted field focuses distinctly at PS with levels above and below the focal region suppressed by more than 15 dB. Significant spatial focusing also was achieved with as few as six sources where these levels were suppressed by more than 10 dB. [Work supported by ONR, Code 321US.]
Paul S. Veneklasen, contributions to enviromental noise control
Authors: Ortega Jose C.
Published: July 2012

Paul had a deep and continuing interest in controlling ennviromental noise. He was instrumental in organizing one of the earliest symposiums on urban noise. His ‘‘City Noise—Los Angeles’’ paper in Noise Control Magazine in July 1956 is filled with prophetic comments on urban noise and its potential effect on people. Paul was a guiding influence on the development of a Model City Noise Ordinance commissioned by the Department of Health of the State of California. Paul not only reported on enviromental noise but was actively engaged in solving noise problems. His work on the development of a ground run-up suppressor system design for the Northrop F-89 aircraft is a text book example of defining, understanding, and the developing methods to reduce enviromental noise from a very high-level noise source.
Unalerted autodetection and other signal processor enhancements by exploiting phase fluctuations
Authors: Wagstaff Ronald A. , Mobbs Jackson
Published: July 2012

Fluctuations in signals and noise are an inherent characteristic of the undersea acoustic environment. The effects of the fluctuations were usually considered a nuisance to be avoided or ignored. However, within the last few years, it has been recognized that the fluctuations in the acoustic power amplitudes received by a sonar system could be exploited to achieve additional signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) gains, enhanced resolution, clutter suppression and elimination, and unalerted autodetection/classification. This paper demonstrates that a similar capability can be achieved by exploiting the phase fluctuations in the acoustic pressures of the signals and the noise. In fact, since the phase is independent of the pressure amplitude, the phase-dependent algorithm is able to enhance the sonar’s performance on some phase-stable signals, which have fluctuation amplitudes that will cause the other techniques that exploit the amplitude fluctuations to fail. The new technique for exploiting phase fluctuations is described, and results from measured data are presented that show SNR gains of more than 6 dB, complete clutter elimination, and unalerted automatic detection/classification (submerged/not submerged) of signals from submerged sources. [Work sponsored by ONR and NRL.]
A model of auditory image flow. II. Detection of amplitude and frequency modulation
Authors: McAngus Todd Neil P.
Published: July 2012

In order to evaluate the cortical model proposed in Todd [these proceedings] it was applied to the phenomenon of modulation detection. It was assumed that a discrimination task involves the correlation of the spatio-temporal power spectra of two image sequences, such as may occur in a typical 2A-2IFC procedure. The correlation was computed by k(1−r), where r is the product moment correlation, for four different modulation frequencies, 4, 16, 64, and 256 Hz at four modulation depths for both AM and FM of a 1000-Hz carrier of 1000-ms duration against the image power spectrum of an unmodulated 1000-Hz 1000-ms tone. The obtained measures were then linearly regressed (with no intercept) as a function of the square of the modulation index. In all cases k(1−r) gave a good fit (R2>0.95) for both AM and FM. For each of the modulation frequencies the slope of the regression could be used to estimate the model thresholds. The model shows the correct behavior for AM and FM detection. This mechanism, it is suggested, may provide an account of modulation detection interference since low spatial-frequency filters span several ERBs.
The Aharonov–Bohm effect revisited by an acoustic time-reversal mirror
Authors: Roux Philippe , De Rosny Julien , Fink Mathias
Published: July 2012

The violation of time-reversal invariance for acoustic waves to achieve a new way of characterizing a vorticity field with a double acoustic time-reversal mirror (TRM) is taken advantage of. In particular, it is shown experimentally that the double TRM works as a vorticity amplifier. In the case of a vorticity filament, the sound-vorticity interaction is interpreted as the acoustical analog of the Aharonov–Bohm effect. Numerical experiments simulate the acoustical Aharonov–Bohm effect by propagating a plane wave which is scattered by a heterogeneous motionless medium.
Airborne and impact sound insulation of joist floor systems: A collection of data
Authors: Warnock Alf
Published: July 2012

An extensive series of measurements on joist floors of various types was recently completed at the National Research Council. About 190 floors with different joist types, subfloors, ceiling types, ceiling support systems and type and thickness of sound absorber were constructed and measured. The joist types comprised solid wood, wood trusses, I-joists, and steel joists. Three types of sound absorbing material were used: glass, rock and cellulose fiber. The measurements provide an extensive, consistent set for analysis. Measurements of fire resistance made at the same time at NRCC caused changes to be made to the layout of the resilient metal channels used to support the gypsum board. These resulted in reduced sound insulation. For both transmission loss and impact sound, many of the results could be predicted with sufficient accuracy by simple regression analysis using variables such as the mass of the layers, joist depth and spacing, insulation thickness and density and resilient metal channel spacing The measurements and the more important results will be presented in the paper.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Long-Term Development of Early Term Infants
Authors: Dong Ying , Chen Shao-jie , Yu Jia-lin
Published: July 2012

Background: Births between 37 0/7 and 38 6/7 weeks of gestation are newly defined as early term infants (ETIs), and are increasingly considered to be at higher risk of adverse outcomes than infants born at 39–41 weeks’ gestation. To date, the long-term development of ETIs has not been systematically reviewed. Objective: To assess the effect of being born early term on long-term developmental outcomes. Methods: The literature of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and abstracts from the Society of Pediatric Research were searched. If two or more studies regarding the same outcome were retrieved, a meta-analysis was conducted by RevMan 5. A sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the heterogeneity. Results: Eleven studies involving 4 categories of long-term development were included. Compared with infants born at 39–41 weeks’ gestation, ETIs had poorer outcomes in school performance, neurodevelopment, behavior and emotional status and long-term social outcomes. Meta-analyses showed that being born early term significantly increased the risk of cerebral palsy [relative risk, RR, 1.75 (95% confidence interval, CI, 1.32, 2.31)] and mathematical difficulties [RR 1.13 (95% CI 1.04, 1.21)]. The statistical test of heterogeneity for cerebral palsy was significant. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that variations in follow-up periods were associated with heterogeneity. Conclusion: Emerging evidence suggests that ETIs are at risk of adverse long-term outcomes. Due to paucity and heterogeneity of the existing data, future research is needed to clarify the long-term risk of being born early term.
Intervention in Conflicts from a Network Perspective
Authors: Corbetta Renato , Grant Keith A.
Published: July 2012

Whether neutral or on the side of a combatant, third-party states’ intervention in ongoing interstate conflicts is a triadic phenomenon which involves ties between a joining state and the two originators of the dispute. Existing studies on this topic have failed to fully capture the triadic nature of intervention, preferring instead to focus either on the joiner’s motivations or on the distinct dyadic relationships between joiners and the two separate combatants. Building on classic structural theories of triadic balance and on prior work by Maoz et al. (2007), in this article we address the triadic aspect of both mediation and “joining behavior”. The nature of the triadic relations among disputants and third parties influences not just the likelihood of intervention, but also the type of intervention. When triadic relations are unbalanced, third parties are more likely to intervene as intermediaries. On the contrary, when triadic relations are balanced, third parties are more likely to intervene in a partisan manner. We explore our main hypotheses by constructing a triadic data set that combines Corbetta and Dixon’s (2005) data on partisan third-party interventions and Frazier and Dixon’s (2006) data on neutral (intermediary) interventions in militarized interstate disputes with a friendship–hostility scale extracted from international events data (IDEA and COPDAB).
Robust static planning tool for military village search missions: model and heuristics
Authors: Maxwell Paul , Maciejewski Anthony A , Siegel Howard Jay , Potter Jerry , Pfister Gregory , Smith Jay , Friese Ryan
Published: July 2012

In the contemporary military environment, making decisions on how to best utilize resources to accomplish a mission with a set of specified constraints is difficult. A Cordon and Search of a village (a.k.a. village search) is an example of such a mission. Leaders must plan the mission, assigning assets (e.g. soldiers, robots, unmanned aerial vehicles, military working dogs) to accomplish the given task in accordance with orders from higher headquarters. Computer tools can assist these leaders in making decisions, and do so in a manner that will ensure the chosen solution is within mission constraints and is robust against uncertainty in environmental parameters. Currently, no such tools exist at the tactical or operational level to assist decision makers in their planning process and, as a result, individual experience and simplistic data tables are the only tools available. Using robustness concepts, this paper proposes a methodology, a mathematical model, and resource allocation heuristics for static planning of village searches that result in a decision-making tool for military leaders.
Hepatitis viruses infection and risk of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: evidence from a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Yanming , Zhao Yanfang , Li Bin , Huang Jiyi , Wu Lupeng , Xu Donghui , Yang Jiamei , He Jia
Published: July 2012

Background

Studies investigating the association between Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) have reported inconsistent findings. We conducted a meta-analysis of epidemiological studies to explore this relationship.

Methods

A comprehensive search was conducted to identify the eligible studies of hepatitis infections and ICC risk up to September 2011. Summary odds ratios (OR) with their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated with random-effects models using Review Manager version 5.0.

Results

Thirteen case–control studies and 3 cohort studies were included in the final analysis. The combined risk estimate of all studies showed statistically significant increased risk of ICC incidence with HBV and HCV infection (OR = 3.17, 95% CI, 1.88-5.34, and OR = 3.42, 95% CI, 1.96-5.99, respectively). For case–control studies alone, the combined OR of infection with HBV and HCV were 2.86 (95% CI, 1.60-5.11) and 3.63 (95% CI, 1.86-7.05), respectively, and for cohort studies alone, the OR of HBV and HCV infection were 5.39 (95% CI, 2.34-12.44) and 2.60 (95% CI, 1.36-4.97), respectively.

Conclusions

This study suggests that both HBV and HCV infection are associated with an increased risk of ICC.
Control of growth and inflammatory response of macrophages and foam cells with nanotopography
Authors: Mohiuddin Mohammed , Pan Hsu-An , Hung Yao-Ching , Huang Guewha Steven
Published: July 2012

Macrophages play an important role in modulating the immune function of the human body, while foam cells differentiated from macrophages with subsequent fatty streak formation play a key role in atherosclerosis. We hypothesized that nanotopography modulates the behavior and function of macrophages and foam cells without bioactive agent. In the present study, nanodot arrays ranging from 10‐ to 200‐nm were used to evaluate the growth and function of macrophages and foam cells. In the quantitative analysis, the cell adhesion area in macrophages increased with 10- to 50-nm nanodot arrays compared to the flat surface, while it decreased with 100- and 200-nm nanodot arrays. A similar trend of adhesion was observed in foam cells. Immunostaining, specific to vinculin and actin filaments, indicated that a 50-nm surface promoted cell adhesion and cytoskeleton organization. On the contrary, 200-nm surfaces hindered cell adhesion and cytoskeleton organization. Further, based on quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction data, expression of inflammatory genes was upregulated for the 100- and 200-nm surfaces in macrophages and foam cells. This suggests that nanodots of 100‐ and 200‐nm triggered immune inflammatory stress response. In summary, nanotopography controls cell morphology, adhesions, and proliferation. By adjusting the nanodot diameter, we could modulate the growth and expression of function-related genes in the macrophages and foam cell system. The nanotopography-mediated control of cell growth and morphology provides potential insight for designing cardiovascular implants.
Induction of antigen-specific immune responses in mice by recombinant baculovirus expressing premembrane and envelope proteins of West Nile virus
Authors: Zhu Bibo , Ye Jing , Lu Ping , Jiang Rong , Yang Xiaohong , Fu Zhen F , Chen Huanchun , Cao Shengbo
Published: July 2012

Background

West Nile Virus (WNV) is an emerging arthropod-born flavivirus with increasing distribution worldwide that is responsible for a large proportion of viral encephalitis in humans and horses. Given that there are no effective antiviral drugs available for treatment of the disease, efforts have been directed to develop vaccines to prevent WNV infection. Recently baculovirus has emerged as a novel and attractive gene delivery vehicle for mammalian cells.

Results

In the present study, recombinant baculoviruses expressing WNV premembrane (prM) and envelope (E) proteins under the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter with or without vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSV/G) were constructed. The recombinant baculoviruses designated Bac-G-prM/E and Bac-prM/E, efficiently express E protein in mammalian cells. Intramuscular injection of the two recombinant baculoviruses (at doses of 108 or 109 PFU/mouse) induced the production of WNV-specific antibodies, neutralizing antibodies as well as gamma interferon (IFN-γ) in a dose-dependent pattern. Interestingly, the recombinant baculovirus Bac-G-prM/E was found to be a more efficient immunogen than Bac-prM/E to elicit a robust immune response upon intramuscular injection. In addition, inoculation of baculovirus resulted in the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IL-2 and IL-6.

Conclusions

These recombinant baculoviruses are capable of eliciting robust humoral and cellular immune responses in mice, and may be considered as novel vaccine candidates for West Nile Virus.
Orf virus interferes with MHC class I surface expression by targeting vesicular transport and Golgi
Authors: Rohde Jörg , Emschermann Frederic , Knittler Michael R , Rziha Hanns-Joachim
Published: July 2012

Background

The Orf virus (ORFV), a zoonotic Parapoxvirus, causes pustular skin lesions in small ruminants (goat and sheep). Intriguingly, ORFV can repeatedly infect its host, despite the induction of a specific immunity. These immune modulating and immune evading properties are still unexplained.

Results

Here, we describe that ORFV infection of permissive cells impairs the intracellular transport of MHC class I molecules (MHC I) as a result of structural disruption and fragmentation of the Golgi apparatus. Depending on the duration of infection, we observed a pronounced co-localization of MHC I and COP-I vesicular structures as well as a reduction of MHC I surface expression of up to 50%. These subversion processes are associated with early ORFV gene expression and are accompanied by disturbed carbohydrate trimming of post-ER MHC I. The MHC I population remaining on the cell surface shows an extended half-life, an effect that might be partially controlled also by late ORFV genes.

Conclusions

The presented data demonstrate that ORFV down-regulates MHC I surface expression in infected cells by targeting the late vesicular export machinery and the structure and function of the Golgi apparatus, which might aid to escape cellular immune recognition.
Systematic variations associated with renal disease uncovered by parallel metabolomics of urine and serum
Authors: Gao Xianfu , Chen Wanjia , Li Rongxia , Wang Minfeng , Chen Chunlei , Zeng Rong , Deng Yueyi
Published: July 2012

Background

Membranous nephropathy is an important glomerular disease characterized by podocyte injury and proteinuria, but no metabolomics research was reported as yet. Here, we performed a parallel metabolomics study, based on human urine and serum, to comprehensively profile systematic metabolic variations, identify differential metabolites, and understand the pathogenic mechanism of membranous nephropathy.

Results

There were obvious metabolic distinctions between the membranous nephropathy patients with urine protein lower than 3.5 g/24 h (LUPM) and those higher than 3.5 g/24 h (HUPM) by Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) model analysis. In total, 26 urine metabolites and 9 serum metabolites were identified to account for such differences, and the majority of metabolites were significantly increased in HUPM patients for both urines and serums. Combining the results of urine with serum, all differential metabolites were classified to 5 classes. This classification helps globally probe the systematic metabolic alterations before and after blood flowing through kidney. Citric acid and 4 amino acids were markedly increased only in the serum samples of HUPM patients, implying more impaired filtration function of kidneys of HUPM patients than LUPM patients. The dicarboxylic acids, phenolic acids, and cholesterol were significantly elevated only in urines of HUPM patients, suggesting more severe oxidative attacks than LUPM patients.

Conclusions

Parallel metabolomics of urine and serum revealed the systematic metabolic variations associated with LUPM and HUPM patients, where HUPM patients suffered more severe injury of kidney function and oxidative stresses than LUPM patients. This research exhibited a promising application of parallel metabolomics in renal diseases.
Cytomolecular characterization of de novo formed rye B chromosome variants
Authors: Marques André , Klemme Sonja , Guerra Marcelo , Houben Andreas
Published: July 2012

Background

B chromosomes (Bs) are dispensable elements which occur in many species including rye (Secale cereale). We determined the organization of B variants to obtain insights into the origin of B polymorphisms in rye.

Results

The observed B variants were classified according to their morphology and in situ hybridization patterns with the B-specific repeats D1100 and CL11 into (I) long arm iso B, (II) D1100-deficient B and (III) small metacentric B variants. Long arm iso Bs are likely products of a meiotic centromere misdivision and subsequent duplication of the long arm, whereas small B variants are probably generated by chromosome breakage. Some deficient Bs experienced extensive amplification of CL11 repeats.

Conclusions

Both the pericentromere and the nondisjunction control region seem to be involved in the generation of rye B chromosome variants. However, due to the loss of the B-specific nondisjuction control region most of the variants generated are not capable to accumulate in a population.
‘MicroRNA Targets’, a new AthaMap web-tool for genome-wide identification of miRNA targets in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Bülow Lorenz , Bolívar Julio C , Ruhe Jonas , Brill Yuri , Hehl Reinhard
Published: July 2012

Background

The AthaMap database generates a genome-wide map for putative transcription factor binding sites for A. thaliana. When analyzing transcriptional regulation using AthaMap it may be important to learn which genes are also post-transcriptionally regulated by inhibitory RNAs. Therefore, a unified database for transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation will be highly useful for the analysis of gene expression regulation.

Methods

To identify putative microRNA target sites in the genome of A. thaliana, processed mature miRNAs from 243 annotated miRNA genes were used for screening with the psRNATarget web server. Positional information, target genes and the psRNATarget score for each target site were annotated to the AthaMap database. Furthermore, putative target sites for small RNAs from seven small RNA transcriptome datasets were used to determine small RNA target sites within the A. thaliana genome.

Results

Putative 41,965 genome wide miRNA target sites and 10,442 miRNA target genes were identified in the A. thaliana genome. Taken together with genes targeted by small RNAs from small RNA transcriptome datasets, a total of 16,600 A. thaliana genes are putatively regulated by inhibitory RNAs. A novel web-tool, ‘MicroRNA Targets’, was integrated into AthaMap which permits the identification of genes predicted to be regulated by selected miRNAs. The predicted target genes are displayed with positional information and the psRNATarget score of the target site. Furthermore, putative target sites of small RNAs from selected tissue datasets can be identified with the new ‘Small RNA Targets’ web-tool.

Conclusions

The integration of predicted miRNA and small RNA target sites with transcription factor binding sites will be useful for AthaMap-assisted gene expression analysis. URL: http://www.athamap.de/
Comparison of memory impairments among two groups of patients with diabetes with different disease durations
Authors: Heidari Gorji Mohamad Ali , Ghahremanlu Heshmatollah , Haghshenas Mohsen , Sadeghi Mohammad Reza , Heidari Gorji Ali Morad
Published: July 2012

Background

Modest cognitive impairment has been reported in adults with diabetes. Therefore, we aimed to compare memory impairments among two groups of patients with diabetes with different disease durations.

This study included 120 patients treated at the diabetes clinic at Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ardebil, Iran, over 14 months (2009–2010). The patients were divided into two groups according to their disease duration as >5 years or <1 year (recently diagnosed). The two groups were approximately matched in terms of age and education. Memory impairments were examined using the Wechsler Memory Scale. Data are presented descriptively, and were compared between groups using multivariate analysis of variance.

Finding

Overall, there were no significant differences in total scores or individual subscales between the two groups. However, 59% of all patients had below-average scores on the Wechsler memory questionnaire.

Conclusion

Both groups reported below-average scores on the Wechsler Memory Scale that were independent of disease duration. The present study agreed with the results of other studies showing impaired memory among patients with diabetes. The current findings require further investigation in longitudinal studies.
Generation and characterization of a highly effective protein substrate for analysis of FLT3 activity
Authors: Chen Yun , Guo Yao , Han Jiayu , Ho Wanting Tina , Li Shibo , Fu Xueqi , Zhao Zhizhuang Joe
Published: July 2012

Background

Gain-of-function mutations of tyrosine kinase FLT3 are frequently found in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This has made FLT3 an important marker for disease diagnosis and a highly attractive target for therapeutic drug development. This study is intended to generate a sensitive substrate for assays of the FLT3 enzymatic activity.

Methods

We expressed in Escherichia coli cells a glutathione S-transferase (GST) fusion protein designated GST-FLT3S, which contains a peptide sequence derived from an autophosphorylation site of FLT3. The protein was used to analyze tyrosine kinase activity of baculovirus-expressed FLT3 and crude cell extracts of bone marrow cells from AML patients. It was also employed to perform FLT3 kinase assays for FLT3 inhibitor screening.

Results

GST-FLT3S in solution or on beads was strongly phosphorylated by recombinant proteins carrying the catalytic domain of wild type FLT3 and FLT3D835 mutants, with the latter exhibiting much higher activity and efficiency. GST-FLT3S was also able to detect elevated tyrosine kinase activity in bone marrow cell extracts from AML patients. A small-scale inhibitor screening led to identification of several potent inhibitors of wild type and mutant forms of FLT3.

Conclusions

GST-FLT3S is a sensitive protein substrate for FLT3 assays. It may find applications in diagnosis of diseases related to abnormal FLT3 activity and in inhibitor screening for drug development.
Histone H3K79 methyltransferase Dot1L is directly activated by thyroid hormone receptor during Xenopus metamorphosis
Authors: Matsuura Kazuo , Fujimoto Kenta , Das Biswajit , Fu Liezhen , Lu Christopher D , Shi Yun-Bo
Published: July 2012

Background

Thyroid hormone (T3) is important for adult organ function and vertebrate development. Amphibian metamorphosis is totally dependent on T3 and offers a unique opportunity to study how T3 controls postembryonic development in vertebrates. Earlier studies have demonstrated that TR mediates the metamorphic effects of T3 in Xenopus laevis. Liganded TR recruits histone modifying coactivator complexes to target genes during metamorphosis. This leads to nucleosomal removal and histone modifications, including methylation of histone H3 lysine (K) 79, in the promoter regions, and the activation of T3-inducible genes.

Results

We show that Dot1L, the only histone methyltransferase capable of methylating H3K79, is directly regulated by TR via binding to a T3 response element in the promoter region during metamorphosis in Xenopus tropicalis, a highly related species of Xenopus laevis. We further show that Dot1L expression in both the intestine and tail correlates with the transformation of the organs.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that TR activates Dot1L, which in turn participates in metamorphosis through a positive feedback to enhance H3K79 methylation and gene activation by liganded TR.
Two new aliphatic lactones from the fruits of Coriandrum sativum L.
Authors: Naquvi Kamran J , Ali Mohammed , Ahmad Javed
Published: July 2012

Background

The present paper describes the isolation and characterization of two new aliphatic δ-lactones along with three glycerides and n-nonadecanyl cetoleate from the fruits of Coriandrum sativum L. (Apiaceae). The structures of all the isolated phytoconstituents have been established on the basis of spectral data analysis and chemical reactions.

Results

Phytochemical investigation of the methanolic extract of C. sativum L. (Apiaceae) fruits resulted in the isolation of two new aliphatic δ-lactones characterized as 2α-n-heptatriacont-(Z)-3-en-1,5-olide (1) (coriander lactone) and 2α-n-tetracont-(Z,Z)-3,26-dien-18α-ol-1,5-olide (2) (hydroxy coriander lactone) together with glyceryl-1,2-dioctadec-9,12-dienoate-3-octadec-9-enoate (3); glyceryl-1,2,3-trioctadecanoate (4); n-nonadecanyl-n-docos-11-enoate (5) and oleiyl glucoside (6).

Conclusions

Phytochemical investigation of the methanolic extract of C. sativum gave coriander lactone and hydroxy coriander lactone as the new phytoconstituents.
How biotechnology and society co-constitute each other
Authors: Pandilovski Melentie
Published: July 2012

This article deals with a critical examination of the philosophical underpinnings in regard to the development of technology in general, and biotechnology in particular. The text also focuses on the political and economic spectrum reflecting the socio-political consequences of the biotech
revolution, and in that context also looks into the connections between the organization of biopolitics and biopower, and circumstances relative to the arts, sciences and social struggles, presenting biotech culture through a wide array of experiences and influences. This text looks at how
biotechnology is used for biopolitical purposes, in the sense of a political spectrum that reflects positions towards the social, economic and cultural consequences of the biotech revolution.
Never Say I! Networking as a disciplinary system: Exit strategies
Authors: Bianchi Amos
Published: July 2012

The main assumption of this presentation is that networking can be conceived in terms of an effect of apparatuses. It is characterized by hierarchical observations, normalizing judgements, examinations. From this point of view, networking is not an inter-disciplinary system or –
even – a-disciplinary, but it is in fact a discipline. Then, given that one of the main aspects of networking is that we are completely merged with it, it is quite difficult to consider it as a discipline with a critical eye; and we can perceive its consequences mainly within the educational
system. The aim of this presentation is, first, to describe networking as a contemporary practice, coextensive with a specific disciplinary system. In this case, I would like to demonstrate how networking (specifically its most massive and less ingenuous branch, social networking) is one of
the most powerful apparatus for contemporary subjectivation processes. Following Deleuze, it will be pointed out how networking is based on a peculiar regime of signs that reduces drastically the processes of subjectivation it determines, to the scarce possibilities offered by the apparatus.
Second, some exit strategies from the (social) networking apparatus are suggested, built on three keywords: anomie, anonymity and untimeliness. They are based on the assumption that – against a continual push towards the presence or the telepresence – the absence can be a concrete
contemporary kind of process of subjectivation.
@legion #WeAreMany: Sorcery on the Internet
Authors: Earhart Blanka
Published: July 2012

Day to day, we are used to living in a world of beings with well-defined edges. This world is ruled by dialectical modes of engagement that reinforce the individual being in the context of other beings. Concepts like the Freudian Other serve to confirm the place and the boundaries of
a subject. Congruently, reaching beyond the reality, myths negotiate the relationship of the individual with the sublime. The dialectically conceived world does not provide a sufficiently complex conceptualization of our existence today. In searching for an alternative ontology, I am looking
at structures that place human and informational multiplicity at their core. The type of individuation arising from a complex system does not form a subject, but instead crystallizes as an entity akin to a demon. In order to interact with such forces, one turns to sorcerous methodologies,
which facilitate the transgression into many. In exchanging the vertically conceived subject for a horizontally defined multiplicity, one enters into a pact with the demon. I am interested in artistic expressions of such alliance and the role of a network user as a sorcerer dealing with the
demon.
New city landscape – Mapping urban Twitter usage
Authors: Neuhaus Fabian
Published: July 2012

The micro blogging platform Twitter is actively used by millions of people. By using the geo tags of the messages sent a virtual landscape of online activity at a certain place is generated to visualize the interface between the real-world location and the virtual activity. These New
City Landscapes (NCL) visualize the amount of activity as density surfaces with hills, peaks and valleys. Across a set of different cities from around the world the resulting landscape morphologies are compared and characterized as types. This article focuses on temporal narratives and how
they travel through the urban fabric via the virtual landscape in different cities around the world. The findings are discussed as cross comparisons according to activity in time and space.
Emosphera: An autopoeisis synaesthetic space
Authors: Teixeira Frederico Fialho , Belek Müge
Published: July 2012

The dynamics and fusion of multiple media into one space has been thoroughly studied by Frederick J. Kiesler. His investigations into a multi-dimensional, space are in fact the beginnings of what would become a radically new concept of form and content appropriately called ‘Endless
Space’. In the 1930s entitled the ‘Correalist Theory’ believes that the essence of reality is not in the ‘thing’ itself, but in the way it correlates and orders itself to its environment, to its spatial dynamics and to its atmosphere. Kiesler also deemed that
it was essential to disregard the boundaries that separate the different arts and media. These boundaries needed to be dissolved and proclaimed that painters, sculptors and designers, driven away by functionalism, would return from exile to be welcomed by architecture. Since his death in 1965,
his notion of Endless Space and his studies ‘On correalism and biotechnique’ in particular, have resurfaced in recent art discourse. New technologies have emerged that are now provoking different questions regarding the techno-ethics of integrated biotech and post-digital tectonic
potentials that withhold the concept of an ubiquitous and synaesthetic space.
Re/think Re/design
Authors: Roio Denis Jaromil
Published: July 2012

This report illustrates the concepts and outcomes of the Re/think Re/design workshop held at NIMk during the last quarter of 2011, with the participation of the Montessori Lyceum Amsterdam.
Sistemas de programação da produção com capacidade finita: uma decisão estratégica?
Authors: Pedroso Marcelo Caldeira , Corrêa Henrique Luiz
Published: July 2012

Este artigo analisa o impacto, na competitividade das empresas, da crescente utilização em nível nacional e mundial, dos denominados "sistemas de programação da produção com capacidade finita". Para tanto, o artigo conceitua estes sistemas, bem como discute as possíveisimplicações decorrentes da implantação destes sistemas na estratégia de manufatura das empresas. Os autores propõem uma classificação destes sistemas e apresentam brevemente aqueles comercialmente disponíveis no Brasil.
Parâmetros químicos, bioquímicos e mecânicos de fêmures de frangos de corte submetidos a diferentes balanços eletrolíticos
Authors: Müller Elisa Sialino , Barbosa Anderson de Almeida , Moraes George Henrique Kling de , Vieites Flávio Medeiros , Araújo Gilson Mendes
Published: July 2012

Objetivou-se avaliar as características ósseas de frangos de corte tratados com diferentes níveis de balanço eletrolítico (BE) na ração. Foram criados 936 pintos de corte Cobb de 1 dia de idade distribuídos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com seis tratamentos (BE: -50, 0, 50, 100, 150 e 200 mEq/kg), seis repetições e 26 aves por unidade experimental. A ração basal para as duas fases - inicial, 1 a 21 dias, e de crescimento, 22 a 42 dias de idade - foi constituída de milho e farelo de soja, com balanço eletrolítico de 200 mEq/kg. Para obtenção dos outros niveis de BE, a ração basal foi suplementada com cloreto de amônio. Foram avaliados os teores de minerais e proteínas ósseas e os parâmetros geométricos dos fêmures aos 7, 14, 21 e 42 dias de idade. Aos 7 dias de idade, as aves alimentadas com a ração com BE de 200 mEq/kg apresentaram o maior teor de magnésio no osso. Os teores de cálcio e fósforo obtidos com BE de 150 mEq/kg não diferiram dos obtidos com BE de 200 mEq/kg. A maior relação cálcio:fósforo foi observada nos ossos das aves alimentadas com as rações com BE de 0 e 50 mEq/kg e o menor teor de cinzas, naquelas cujo BE da ração foi de 200 mEq/kg. O balanço eletrolítico de 200 mEq/kg de ração promoveu o menor teor de cálcio aos 42 dias de idade, mas, na avaliação da relação cálcio:fósforo, não diferiu do balanço de150 mEq/kg. Os teores de proteínas colagenosas não diferiram aos 21 dias entre os BE de 150 e 200 mEq/kg de ração. Na avaliação dos parâmetros biomecânicos aos 7 dias, o maior valor de força máxima na flexão foi obtido com o BE de 200 mEq/kg de ração, demonstrando que na idade de 7 dias, os animais foram mais sensíveis às variações de BE da ração. Aos 14, 21 e 42 dias, podem ser usadas variações mais amplas, de 150 a 200 mEq/kg, nos níveis do balanço eletrolítico, pois não prejudicam as propriedades ósseas de frangos de corte.
The alkali-silica reaction in OPC/silica glass mortar with particular reference to pessimum effects
Authors: Zhang X. , Groves G. W.
Published: July 2012

The expansion of mortar bars containing silica glass and alkaline ordinary Portland cement has been studied as afunction of alkali content, proportion of silica glass in the aggregate, silica glass/cement ratio, silica glass particle size, alkali compound used and temperature. Pessimum effects have been found in relation to the effect of alkali content, glass/cement ratio and particle size. It is suggested that these pessimum effects can be related to a pessimum (effective SiO2/Na2O equivalent) ratio.