bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glycogen synthase kinase-3β is required for the induction of skeletal muscle atrophy
Authors: Verhees Koen J. P. , Schols Annemie M. W. J. , Kelders Marco C. J. M. , Op den Kamp Céline M. H. , van der Velden Jos L. J. , Langen Ramon C. J.
Published: August 2011

Skeletal muscle atrophy commonly occurs in acute and chronic disease. The expression of the muscle-specific E3 ligases atrogin-1 (MAFbx) and muscle RING finger 1 (MuRF1) is induced by atrophy stimuli such as glucocorticoids or absence of IGF-I/insulin and subsequent Akt signaling. We investigated whether glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), a downstream molecule in IGF-I/Akt signaling, is required for basal and atrophy stimulus-induced expression of atrogin-1 and MuRF1, and myofibrillar protein loss in C2C12 skeletal myotubes. Abrogation of basal IGF-I signaling, using LY294002, resulted in a prominent induction of atrogin-1 and MuRF1 mRNA and was accompanied by a loss of myosin heavy chain fast (MyHC-f) and myosin light chains 1 (MyLC-1) and -3 (MyLC-3). The synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (Dex) also induced the expression of both atrogenes and likewise resulted in the loss of myosin protein abundance. Genetic ablation of GSK-3β using small interfering RNA resulted in specific sparing of MyHC-f, MyLC-1, and MyLC-3 protein levels after Dex treatment or impaired IGF-I/Akt signaling. Interestingly, loss of endogenous GSK-3β suppressed both basal and atrophy stimulus-induced atrogin-1 and MuRF1 expression, whereas pharmacological GSK-3β inhibition, using CHIR99021 or LiCl, only reduced atrogin-1 mRNA levels in response to LY294002 or Dex. In conclusion, our data reveal that myotube atrophy and myofibrillar protein loss are GSK-3β dependent, and demonstrate for the first time that basal and atrophy stimulus-induced atrogin-1 mRNA expression requires GSK-3β enzymatic activity, whereas MuRF1 expression depends solely on the physical presence of GSK-3β.
Hypersensitivity to acute ANG II in female growth-restricted offspring is exacerbated by ovariectomy
Authors: Ojeda Norma B. , Intapad Suttira , Royals Thomas P. , Black Joshua T. , Dasinger John Henry , Tull F. Lee , Alexander Barbara T.
Published: August 2011

Female growth-restricted offspring are normotensive in adulthood. However, ovariectomy induces a marked increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP) that is abolished by renin angiotensin system (RAS) blockade, suggesting RAS involvement in the etiology of hypertension induced by ovariectomy in adult female growth-restricted offspring. Blockade of the RAS also abolishes hypertension in adult male growth-restricted offspring. Moreover, sensitivity to acute ANG II is enhanced in male growth-restricted offspring. Thus, we hypothesized that an enhanced sensitivity to acute ANG II may contribute to hypertension induced by ovariectomy in female growth-restricted offspring. Female offspring were subjected to ovariectomy (OVX) or sham ovariectomy (intact) at 10 wk of age. Cardio-renal hemodynamic parameters were determined before and after an acute infusion of ANG II (100 ng·kg−1·min−1 for 30 min) at 16 wk of age in female offspring pretreated with enalapril (40 mg·kg−1·day−1 for 7 days). Acute ANG II induced a significant increase in MAP in intact growth-restricted offspring (155 ± 2 mmHg, P < 0.05) relative to intact control (145 ± 4 mmHg). Ovariectomy augmented the pressor response to ANG II in growth-restricted offspring (163 ± 2 mmHg, P < 0.05), with no effect in control (142 ± 2 mmHg). Acute pressor responses to phenylephrine did not differ in growth-restricted offspring relative to control, intact, or ovariectomized. Furthermore, renal hemodynamic responses to acute ANG II were significantly enhanced only in ovariectomized female growth-restricted offspring. Thus, these data suggest that enhanced responsiveness to acute ANG II is programmed by intrauterine growth restriction and that sensitivity to acute ANG II is modulated by ovarian hormones in female growth-restricted offspring.
Validity of auscultatory and Penaz blood pressure measurements during profound heat stress alone and with an orthostatic challenge
Authors: Ganio Matthew S. , Brothers R. Matthew , Lucas Rebekah A. I. , Hastings Jeffrey L. , Crandall Craig G.
Published: August 2011

Despite frequent reporting of blood pressure (BP) during profound passive heat stress, both with and without a hypotensive challenge, the method by which BP is measured often varies between laboratories. It is unknown whether auscultatory and finger BP measures accurately reflect intra-arterial BP during dynamic changes in cardiac output and peripheral resistance associated with the aforementioned conditions. The purpose of this investigation was to test the hypothesis that auscultatory BP measured at the brachial artery, and finger BP measured by the Penaz method, are valid measures of intra-arterial BP during a passive heat stress and a heat-stressed orthostatic challenge, via lower body negative pressure (LBNP). Absolute (specific aim 1) and the change in (specific aim 2) systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), and mean BPs (MBP) were compared at normothermia, after a core temperature increase of 1.47 ± 0.09°C, and during subsequent LBNP. Heat stress did not change auscultatory SBP (6 ± 11 mmHg; P = 0.16), but Penaz SBP (−22 ± 16 mmHg; P < 0.001) and intra-arterial SBP (−11 ± 13 mmHg P = 0.017) decreased. In contrast, DBP and MBP did not differ between methods throughout heat stress. Compared with BP before LBNP, the magnitude of the reduction in BP with all three methods was similar throughout LBNP ( P > 0.05). In conclusion, auscultatory SBP and Penaz SBP failed to track the decrease in intra-arterial SBP that occurred during the profound heat stress, while decreases in arterial BP during an orthostatic challenge are comparable between methodologies.
Integrative responses of neurons in nucleus tractus solitarius to visceral afferent stimulation and vestibular stimulation in vertical planes
Authors: Sugiyama Yoichiro , Suzuki Takeshi , DeStefino Vincent J. , Yates Bill J.
Published: August 2011

Anatomical studies have demonstrated that the vestibular nuclei project to nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), but little is known about the effects of vestibular inputs on NTS neuronal activity. Furthermore, lesions of NTS abolish vomiting elicited by a variety of different triggering mechanisms, including vestibular stimulation, suggesting that emetic inputs may converge on the same NTS neurons. As such, an emetic stimulus that activates gastrointestinal (GI) receptors could alter the responses of NTS neurons to vestibular inputs. In the present study, we examined in decerebrate cats the responses of NTS neurons to rotations of the body in vertical planes before and after the intragastric administration of the emetic compound copper sulfate. The activity of more than one-third of NTS neurons was modulated by vertical vestibular stimulation, with most of the responsive cells having their firing rate altered by rotations in the head-up or head-down directions. These responses were aligned with head position in space, as opposed to the velocity of head movements. The activity of NTS neurons with baroreceptor, pulmonary, and GI inputs could be modulated by vertical plane rotations. However, injection of copper sulfate into the stomach did not alter the responses to vestibular stimulation of NTS neurons that received GI inputs, suggesting that the stimuli did not have additive effects. These findings show that the detection and processing of visceral inputs by NTS neurons can be altered in accordance with the direction of ongoing movements.
Deletion of soluble epoxide hydrolase gene improves renal endothelial function and reduces renal inflammation and injury in streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes
Authors: Elmarakby Ahmed A. , Faulkner Jessica , Al-Shabrawey Mohammed , Wang Mong-Heng , Maddipati Krishna Rao , Imig John D.
Published: August 2011

Studies suggest that soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) inhibition reduces end-organ damage in cardiovascular diseases. We hypothesize that sEH gene ( Ephx2) knockout (KO) improves endothelial function and reduces renal injury in streptozotocin-induced diabetes. After 6 wk of diabetes, afferent arteriolar relaxation to acetylcholine was impaired in diabetic wild-type (WT) mice, as the maximum relaxation was 72% of baseline diameter in the WT but only 31% in the diabetic mice. Ephx2 KO improved afferent arteriolar relaxation to acetylcholine in diabetes as maximum relaxation was 58%. Urinary monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) excretion significantly increased in diabetic WT mice compared with control (868 ± 195 vs. 31.5 ± 7 pg/day), and this increase was attenuated in diabetic Ephx2 KO mice (420 ± 98 pg/day). The renal phospho-IKK-to-IKK ratio and nuclear factor-κB were significantly decreased, and hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression increased in diabetic Ephx2 KO compared with diabetic WT mice. Renal NADPH oxidase and urinary thiobarbituric acid reactive substances excretion were reduced in diabetic Ephx2 KO compared with diabetic WT mice. Albuminuria was also elevated in diabetic WT mice compared with control (170 ± 43 vs. 37 ± 13 μg/day), and Ephx2 KO reduced this elevation (50 ± 15 μg/day). Inhibition of sEH using trans-4-[4-(3-adamantan-1-yl-ureido)-cyclohexyloxy]-benzoic acid (tAUCB) also reduced renal inflammation and injury in diabetic WT mice. Furthermore, inhibition of HO with stannous mesoporphyrin negated the reno-protective effects of tAUCB or Ephx2 KO during diabetes. These data demonstrate that Ephx2 KO improves endothelial function and reduces renal injury during diabetes. Additionally, our data also suggest that activation of HO-1 contributes to improved renal injury in diabetic Ephx2 KO mice.
Role of PGC-1α in exercise and fasting-induced adaptations in mouse liver
Authors: Haase Tobias Nørresø , Ringholm Stine , Leick Lotte , Biensø Rasmus Sjørup , Kiilerich Kristian , Johansen Sune , Nielsen Maja Munk , Wojtaszewski Jørgen FP , Hidalgo Juan , Pedersen Per Amstrup , Pilegaard Henriette
Published: August 2011

The transcriptional coactivator peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ coactivator (PGC)-1α plays a role in regulation of several metabolic pathways. By use of whole body PGC-1α knockout (KO) mice, we investigated the role of PGC-1α in fasting, acute exercise and exercise training-induced regulation of key proteins in gluconeogenesis and metabolism in the liver. In both wild-type (WT) and PGC-1α KO mice liver, the mRNA content of the gluconeogenic proteins glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) was upregulated during fasting. Pyruvate carboxylase (PC) remained unchanged after fasting in WT mice, but it was upregulated in PGC-1α KO mice. In response to a single exercise bout, G6Pase mRNA was upregulated in both genotypes, whereas no significant changes were detected in PEPCK or PC mRNA. While G6Pase and PC protein remained unchanged, liver PEPCK protein content was higher in trained than untrained mice of both genotypes. The mRNA content of the mitochondrial proteins cytochrome c (Cyt c) and cytochrome oxidase (COX) subunit I was unchanged in response to fasting. The mRNA and protein content of Cyt c and COXI increased in the liver in response to a single exercise bout and prolonged exercise training, respectively, in WT mice, but not in PGC-1α KO mice. Neither fasting nor exercise affected the mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes in the liver, and knockout of PGC-1α had no effect. In conclusion, these results suggest that PGC-1α plays a pivotal role in regulation of Cyt c and COXI expression in the liver in response to a single exercise bout and prolonged exercise training, which implies that exercise training-induced improvements in oxidative capacity of the liver is regulated by PGC-1α.
Tim-1 promotes cisplatin nephrotoxicity
Authors: Nozaki Yuji , Nikolic-Paterson David J. , Yagita Hideo , Akiba Hisaya , Holdsworth Stephen R. , Kitching A. Richard
Published: August 2011

Nephrotoxicity is a frequent complication of cisplatin-based chemotherapy, in which T cells are known to promote acute kidney injury. In this study, we examined the role of T cell immunoglobulin mucin 1 (Tim-1) in cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury using an inhibitory anti-Tim-1 antibody. Tim-1 acts to modulate T cell responses, but it is also expressed by damaged proximal tubules in the kidney, where it is known as kidney injury molecule-1 (Kim-1). Anti-Tim-1 antibodies attenuated cisplatin nephrotocity, with less histologic damage, improved renal function, and fewer leukocytes infiltrating the kidney compared with control antibody-treated mice. Renal NF-κB activation and apoptosis were reduced, and proinflammatory renal cytokine and chemokine mRNA expression was decreased. Renal Kim-1 expression was reduced, consistent with the diminished kidney injury after anti-Tim-1 antibody treatment. Furthermore, anti-Tim-1 antibodies reduced early systemic CD4+ and CD8+ T cell activation, apoptosis, and cytokine production. To determine whether the protective actions of anti-Tim-1 antibodies were due to effects on renal tubular cells, cisplatin nephrotoxicity was studied in Rag1−/− mice. Anti-Tim-1 antibodies did not affect renal dysfunction or histologic damage in Rag1−/− mice, showing that the benefits of inhibiting Tim-1 come from T cell effects. As Tim-1 plays an important role in promoting cisplatin nephrotoxicity, inhibiting Tim-1 may be a therapeutic strategy to prevent cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury.
Unilateral nephrectomy causes an abrupt increase in inflammatory mediators and a simultaneous decrease in plasma ADMA: a study in living kidney donors
Authors: Kielstein Jan T. , Veldink Hendrik , Martens-Lobenhoffer Jens , Haller Hermann , Perthel Ronny , Lovric Svjetlana , Lichtinghagen Ralf , Kliem Volker , Bode-Böger Stefanie M.
Published: August 2011

Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of nitric oxide synthases (NOS). Reducing inducible NOS activity in acute inflammation seems to be desirable. In vitro data show that ADMA increases in response to inflammatory mediators, yet the effect of acute inflammation in vivo is scarcely studied. The aim of the study was to evaluate ADMA plasma levels before, during, and after the acute (nonbacterial) inflammatory-like state. Plasma ADMA, l-arginine, C-reactive protein, and IL-6 were determined in 24 healthy subjects undergoing living related kidney donation before as well as 1, 6, 12, 24, 72, and 168 h thereafter. Six hours after nephrectomy, ADMA levels decreased compared with baseline (0.488 ± 0.075 vs. 0.560 ± 0.060 μmol/l, P < 0.05). This difference became even more marked 24 h after the operation (0.478 ± 0.083 μmol/l, P < 0.01 vs. baseline), when the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6 peaked. Seven days after unilateral nephrectomy, ADMA levels were elevated above baseline (0.63 ± 0.05 μmol/l, P < 0.001 vs. baseline). l-Arginine levels decreased already 1 h after nephrectomy (97.5 ± 22.5 μmol/l, P < 0.01 vs. baseline) and paralleled the change in ADMA thereafter. At the end of the observation period when inflammation markers were regressing, l-arginine levels were significantly elevated above baseline (160.6 ± 25.1 μmol/l, P < 0.001 vs. baseline). In summary, this is the first study showing that both ADMA and l-arginine decrease temporarily after unilateral nephrectomy coinciding with the increase in inflammatory mediators. The l-arginine/ADMA ratio, a surrogate for NO production capacity, was only altered for <24 h.
Mechanisms of the contextual interference effect in individuals poststroke
Authors: Schweighofer Nicolas , Lee Jeong-Yoon , Goh Hui-Ting , Choi Youggeun , Kim Sung Shin , Stewart Jill Campbell , Lewthwaite Rebecca , Winstein Carolee J.
Published: August 2011

Although intermixing different motor learning tasks via random schedules enhances long-term retention compared with “blocked” schedules, the mechanism underlying this contextual interference effect has been unclear. Furthermore, previous studies have reported inconclusive results in individuals poststroke. We instructed participants to learn to produce three grip force patterns in either random or blocked schedules and measured the contextual interference effect by long-term forgetting: the change in performance between immediate and 24-h posttests. Nondisabled participants exhibited the contextual interference effect: no forgetting in the random condition but forgetting in the blocked condition. Participants at least 3 mo poststroke exhibited no forgetting in the random condition but marginal forgetting in the blocked condition. However, in participants poststroke, the integrity of visuospatial working memory modulated long-term retention after blocked schedule training: participants with poor visuospatial working memory exhibited little forgetting at 24 h. These counterintuitive results were predicted by a computational model of motor memory that contains a common fast process and multiple slow processes, which are competitively updated by motor errors. In blocked schedules, the fast process quickly improved performance, therefore reducing error-driven update of the slow processes and thus poor long-term retention. In random schedules, interferences in the fast process led to slower change in performance, therefore increasing error-driven update of slow processes and thus good long-term retention. Increased forgetting rates in the fast process, as would be expected in individuals with visuospatial working memory deficits, led to small updates of the fast process during blocked schedules and thus better long-term retention.
Subglottal pressure, tracheal airflow, and intrinsic laryngeal muscle activity during rat ultrasound vocalization
Authors: Riede Tobias
Published: August 2011

Vocal production requires complex planning and coordination of respiratory, laryngeal, and vocal tract movements, which are incompletely understood in most mammals. Rats produce a variety of whistles in the ultrasonic range that are of communicative relevance and of importance as a model system, but the sources of acoustic variability were mostly unknown. The goal was to identify sources of fundamental frequency variability. Subglottal pressure, tracheal airflow, and electromyographic (EMG) data from two intrinsic laryngeal muscles were measured during 22-kHz and 50-kHz call production in awake, spontaneously behaving adult male rats. During ultrasound vocalization, subglottal pressure ranged between 0.8 and 1.9 kPa. Pressure differences between call types were not significant. The relation between fundamental frequency and subglottal pressure within call types was inconsistent. Experimental manipulations of subglottal pressure had only small effects on fundamental frequency. Tracheal airflow patterns were also inconsistently associated with frequency. Pressure and flow seem to play a small role in regulation of fundamental frequency. Muscle activity, however, is precisely regulated and very sensitive to alterations, presumably because of effects on resonance properties in the vocal tract. EMG activity of cricothyroid and thyroarytenoid muscle was tonic in calls with slow or no fundamental frequency modulations, like 22-kHz and flat 50-kHz calls. Both muscles showed brief high-amplitude, alternating bursts at rates up to 150 Hz during production of frequency-modulated 50-kHz calls. A differentiated and fine regulation of intrinsic laryngeal muscles is critical for normal ultrasound vocalization. Many features of the laryngeal muscle activation pattern during ultrasound vocalization in rats are shared with other mammals.
Effect of sensory feedback from the proximal upper limb on voluntary isometric finger flexion and extension in hemiparetic stroke subjects
Authors: Hoffmann Gilles , Schmit Brian D. , Kahn Jennifer H. , Kamper Derek G.
Published: August 2011

This study investigated the potential influence of proximal sensory feedback on voluntary distal motor activity in the paretic upper limb of hemiparetic stroke survivors and the potential effect of voluntary distal motor activity on proximal muscle activity. Ten stroke subjects and 10 neurologically intact control subjects performed maximum voluntary isometric flexion and extension, respectively, at the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints of the fingers in two static arm postures and under three conditions of electrical stimulation of the arm. The tasks were quantified in terms of maximum MCP torque [MCP flexion (MCPflex) or MCP extension (MCPext)] and activity of targeted (flexor digitorum superficialis or extensor digitorum communis) and nontargeted upper limb muscles. From a previous study on the MCP stretch reflex poststroke, we expected stroke subjects to exhibit a modulation of voluntary MCP torque production by arm posture and electrical stimulation and increased nontargeted muscle activity. Posture 1 (flexed elbow, neutral shoulder) led to greater MCPflexin stroke subjects than posture 2 (extended elbow, flexed shoulder). Electrical stimulation did not influence MCPflexor MCPextin either subject group. In stroke subjects, posture 1 led to greater nontargeted upper limb flexor activity during MCPflexand to greater elbow flexor and extensor activity during MCPext. Stroke subjects exhibited greater elbow flexor activity during MCPflexand greater elbow flexor and extensor activity during MCPextthan control subjects. The results suggest that static arm posture can modulate voluntary distal motor activity and accompanying muscle activity in the paretic upper limb poststroke.
Spinal locomotor inputs to individually identified reticulospinal neurons in the lamprey
Authors: Buchanan James T.
Published: August 2011

Locomotor feedback signals from the spinal cord to descending brain stem neurons were examined in the lamprey using the uniquely identifiable reticulospinal neurons, the Müller and Mauthner cells. The same identified reticulospinal neurons were recorded in several preparations, under reduced conditions, to address whether an identified reticulospinal neuron shows similar locomotor-related oscillation timing from animal to animal and whether these timing signals can differ significantly from other identified reticulospinal neurons. Intracellular recordings of membrane potential in identified neurons were made in an isolated brain stem-spinal cord preparation with a high-divalent cation solution on the brain stem to suppress indirect neural pathways and with d-glutamate perfusion to the spinal cord to induce fictive swimming. Under these conditions, the identified reticulospinal neurons show significant clustering of the timings of the peaks and troughs of their locomotor-related oscillations. Whereas most identified neurons oscillated in phase with locomotor bursting in ipsilateral ventral roots of the rostral spinal cord, the B1 Müller cell, which has an ipsilateral descending axon, and the Mauthner cell, which has a contralateral descending axon, both had oscillation peaks that were out of phase with the ipsilateral ventral roots. The differences in oscillation timing appear to be due to differences in synaptic input sources as shown by cross-correlations of fast synaptic activity in pairs of Müller cells. Since the main source of the locomotor input under these experimental conditions is ascending neurons in the spinal cord, these experiments suggest that individual reticulospinal neurons can receive locomotor signals from different subsets of these ascending neurons. This result may indicate that the locomotor feedback signals from the spinal locomotor networks are matched in some way to the motor output functions of the individual reticulospinal neurons, which include command signals for turning and for compensatory movements.
Management and Outcome in 32 Neonates with Thrombotic Events
Authors: van Elteren H. A. , Veldt H. S. , te Pas A. B. , Roest A. A. W. , Smiers F. J. , Kollen W. J. , Sramek A. , Walther F. J. , Lopriore E.
Published: August 2011

Objective. To determine the incidence, management, complications, and outcome in neonates with thrombotic events.Study Design. We performed a retrospective study of all neonates with thrombotic events admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit from January 2004 to July 2010.Results. Thrombotic events were identified in 32 of 4734 neonates (0.7%). Seven neonates were managed expectantly and 25 neonates received anticoagulant treatment. Complete resolution of the clot within 3 months of age was found in 68% (17/25) of the treated and in 86% (6/7) of the nontreated neonates. Major complications due to anticoagulant therapy occurred in 3/25 cases (12%) and included severe hemorrhage () and abscess at the injection site ().Conclusion. Complete or partial clot resolution in neonatal thrombosis occurred in both the treated group and nontreated group. Randomized controlled trials are warranted to determine the optimal management in neonatal thrombosis.
Do Telemedicine Wound Care Specialist Consults Meet the Needs of the Referring Physician? A Survey of Primary Care Providers
Authors: Dobke Marek K. , Bhavsar Dhaval , Herrera Fernando
Published: August 2011

The purpose of our study was to determine the factors that influence the use of telemedicine consultation by primary care physicians (PCPs) in the management of patients with problem wounds. A short questionnaire was administered to thirty-six PCPs who referred to our Wound Care Program within one year. Participants were asked to rate the importance of specific concerns and benefits regarding the role of wound care surgical specialist (WCSS) and the use of telemedicine consults prior to possible face-to-face consultation. Sixty percent of respondents felt comfortable with telemedicine consultation based on recommendations alone. The total number of patients referred for telemedicine consult was 230, and face-to-face consultation with a WCSS was offered and arranged for 30% of patients. The perception of shared decision making, streamlining patient care, and an opportunity for followup were all highly ranked benefits. The majority of PCPs (93%) agreed that telemedicine wound care consult is a useful tool in their practice and would continue to use the telemedicine consult service.
Protein Biomarkers for the Early Detection of Breast Cancer
Authors: Misek David E. , Kim Evelyn H.
Published: August 2011

Advances in breast cancer control will be greatly aided by early detection so as to diagnose and treat breast cancer in its preinvasive state prior to metastasis. For breast cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related death among women in the United States, early detection does allow for increased treatment options, including surgical resection, with a corresponding better patient response. Unfortunately, however, many patients' tumors are diagnosed following metastasis, thus making it more difficult to successfully treat the malignancy. There are, at present, no existing validated plasma/serum biomarkers for breast cancer. Only a few biomarkers (such as HER-2/neu, estrogen receptor, and progesterone receptor) have utility for diagnosis and prognosis. Thus, there is a great need for new biomarkers for breast cancer. This paper will focus on the identification of new serum protein biomarkers with utility for the early detection of breast cancer.
The Relationship between Personality and Depression in Expectant Parents
Authors: Andriola Elda , Di Trani Michela , Grimaldi Annarita , Donfrancesco Renato
Published: August 2011

Several studies assessed the relationship between depression and dimensions of temperament/character using the Cloninger's model of personality and the TCI-R. The aim of this study is clarify the relation between depression and personality in men and women who are expecting a baby. The Temperament and Character Inventory—Revised Form and the Beck Depression Inventory were administered to 65 pregnant women and 37 husbands during the last quarter of pregnancy. ANOVAs showed that pregnant women had higher levels of depression, reward dependence, and self-transcendence than the expectant fathers. Hierarchical Multiple Regression Analysis in the pregnant women group showed that harm avoidance and self-directedness were significant predictors of the level of depression. In the expectant fathers, only self-directedness was a significant predictor of depression. Low TCI-R self-directedness is a strong predictor of depression in expectant parents during pregnancy regardless of gender, and high TCI-R harm avoidance is an additional predictor of depression in expectant mothers.
Use of Airborne Hyperspectral Imagery to Map Soil Properties in Tilled Agricultural Fields
Authors: Hively W. Dean , McCarty Gregory W. , Reeves James B. , Lang Megan W. , Oesterling Robert A. , Delwiche Stephen R.
Published: August 2011

Soil hyperspectral reflectance imagery was obtained for six tilled (soil) agricultural fields using an airborne imaging spectrometer (400–2450 nm,∼10 nm resolution, 2.5 m spatial resolution). Surface soil samples (n=315) were analyzed for carbon content, particle size distribution, and 15 agronomically important elements (Mehlich-III extraction). When partial least squares (PLS) regression of imagery-derived reflectance spectra was used to predict analyte concentrations, 13 of the 19 analytes were predicted withR2>0.50, including carbon (0.65), aluminum (0.76), iron (0.75), and silt content (0.79). Comparison of 15 spectral math preprocessing treatments showed that a simple first derivative worked well for nearly all analytes. The resulting PLS factors were exported as a vector of coefficients and used to calculate predicted maps of soil properties for each field. Image smoothing with a3×3low-pass filter prior to spectral data extraction improved prediction accuracy. The resulting raster maps showed variation associated with topographic factors, indicating the effect of soil redistribution and moisture regime on in-field spatial variability. High-resolution maps of soil analyte concentrations can be used to improve precision environmental management of farmlands.
A Note on Hölder Continuity of Solution Set for Parametric Vector Quasiequilibrium Problems
Authors: Hu Xian-Fu
Published: August 2011

By using a scalarization technique, we extend and sharpen the results in S. Li and X. Li (2011) on the Hölder continuity of the solution sets of parametric vector equilibrium problems to the case
of parametric vector quasiequilibrium problems in metric spaces. Furthermore, we also give an example to
illustrate that our main results are applicable.
A Case of Hemorrhagic Necrosis of Ectopic Liver Tissue within the Gallbladder Wall
Authors: Nagar Sapna , Koffron Alan , Raofi Vandad
Published: August 2011

Ectopic liver tissue is a rare clinical entity that is mostly asymptomatic and found incidentally. In certain situations, however, patients may present with symptoms of abdominal pain secondary to torsion, compression, obstruction of adjacent organs, or rupture secondary to malignant transformation. Herein, we report a case of a 25-year-old female that presented with acute onset of epigastric pain found to have ectopic liver tissue near the gallbladder complicated by acute hemorrhage necessitating operative intervention in the way of laparoscopic excision and cholecystectomy. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful. Gross pathology demonstrated a  cm firm purple ovoid structure that histologically revealed extensive hemorrhagic necrosis of benign ectopic liver tissue.
Crystallization Behavior and Microstructural Analysis of Lead-Rich () Glass Ceramics Containing 1 mole
Authors: Gautam C. R. , Kumar Devendra , Parkash Om
Published: August 2011

Solid solution of perovskite Pb,SrTiO3in Pb-rich composition can be crystallized in borosilicate glassy matrix. The addition of rare earth and transition metal oxides is known to influence the crystallization behavior and surface morphology of perovskite crystallites in glassy matrix. In the present paper, the glasses in the lead-rich system 64[(PbxSr1-x)·TiO3]-25[2SiO2·B2O3]-5[K2O]-5[BaO] () with the addition of 1 mol % La2O3were prepared to study its effect on their crystallization behavior. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) patterns show one or more exothermic crystallization sharp peaks, which shift towards higher temperature with increasing concentration of SrO. The glasses were subjected to various heat-treatment schedules for crystallization. X-ray diffraction analysis of these glass ceramic samples shows that major crystalline phase of the entire glass ceramic sample with was found to have tetragonal structure similar to PbTiO3ceramic, and addition of La2O3enhances the crystallization of the perovskite phase and retards the crystallization of minor phases.
Homeomorphisms of Compact Sets in Certain Hausdorff Spaces
Authors: Grainger Arthur D.
Published: August 2011

We construct a class of Hausdorff spaces (compact and noncompact) with the property that nonempty compact subsets of these spaces that have the same cardinality are homeomorphic. Also, it is shown that these spaces contain compact subsets that are infinite.
Improvement of Accuracy in Flow Immunosensor System by Introduction ofPoly-2-[3-(methacryloylamino)propylammonio]ethyl 3-aminopropyl Phosphate
Authors: Fuchiwaki Yusuke , Yasuzawa Mikito , Futagami Norimichi , Rikitake Kotaro
Published: August 2011

In order to improve the accuracy of immunosensor systems,poly-2-[3-(methacryloylamino)propylammonio]ethyl 3-aminopropyl phosphate (poly-3MAm3AP), which includes both phosphorylcholine and amino groups, was synthesized and applied to the preparation of antibody-immobilized beads. Acting as an antibody-immobilizing material,poly-3MAm3AP is expected to significantly lower nonspecific adsorption due to the presence of the phosphorylcholine group and recognize large numbers of analytes due to the increase in antibody-immobilizing sites. The elimination of nonspecific adsorption was compared between the formation of a blocking layer on antibody-immobilized beads and the introduction of a material to combine antibody with beads. Determination with specific and nonspecific antibodies was then investigated for the estimation of signal-to-noise ratio. Signal intensities with superior signal-to-noise ratios were obtained whenpoly-3MAm3AP was introduced. This may be due to the increase in antibody-immobilizing sites and the extended space for antigen-antibody interaction resulting from the electrostatic repulsion ofpoly-3MAm3AP. Thus, the application ofpoly-3MAm3AP coatings to immunoassay beads was able to improve the accuracy of flow immunosensor systems.
Molecular Structure and Vibrational Analysis of 1-Bromo-2-Chlorobenzene Using ab initio HF and Density Functional Theory (B3LYP) Calculations
Authors: Shakila G. , Periandy S. , Ramalingam S.
Published: August 2011

The FT-Raman and FT-IR spectra for 1-bromo-2-chlorobenzene (1B2CB) have been recorded in the region 4000–100 cm−1 and compared with the harmonic vibrational frequencies calculated using HF/DFT (B3LYP) method by employing 6-31+G (d, p) and 6-311++G (d, p) basis set with appropriate scale factors. IR intensities and Raman activities are also calculated by HF and DFT (B3LYP) methods. Optimized geometries of the molecule have been interpreted and compared with the reported experimental values of some substituted benzene. The experimental geometrical parameters show satisfactory agreement with the theoretical prediction from HF and DFT. The scaled vibrational frequencies at B3LYP/6-311++G (d, p) seem to coincide with the experimentally observed values with acceptable deviations. The theoretical spectrograms (IR and Raman) have been constructed and compared with the experimental FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra. Some of the vibrational frequencies of the benzene are affected upon profusely with the halogen substitutions in comparison to benzene, and these differences are interpreted.
On a Gauss‐Kuzmin‐Type Problem For a Generalized Gauss‐Kuzmin Operator
Authors: Ganatsiou Chrysoula
Published: August 2011

A generalized limit probability measure associated with a random system with complete connections for a generalized Gauss‐Kuzmin operator, only for a special case, is defined, and its behaviour is investigated. As a consequence a specific version of Gauss‐Kuzmin‐type problem for the above generalized operator is obtained.
Road Networks Winter Risk Estimation Using On-Board Uncooled Infrared Camera for Surface Temperature Measurements over Two Lanes
Authors: Marchetti M. , Moutton M. , Ludwig S. , Ibos L. , Feuillet V. , Dumoulin J.
Published: August 2011

Thermal mapping has been implemented since the late eighties to establish the susceptibility of road networks to ice occurrence with measurements from a radiometer and some atmospheric parameters. They are usually done before dawn during wintertime when the road energy is dissipated. The objective of this study was to establish if an infrared camera could improve the determination of ice road susceptibility, to build a new winter risk index, to improve the measurements rate, and to analyze its consistency with seasons and infrastructures environment. Data analysis obtained from the conventional approved radiometer sensing technique and the infrared camera has shown great similarities. A comparison was made with promising perspectives. The measurement rate to analyse a given road network could be increased by a factor two.
Multiplicity of Solutions for Nonlocal Elliptic System of (p, q)‐Kirchhoff Type
Authors: Cheng Bitao , Wu Xian , Liu Jun
Published: August 2011

This paper is concerned with the following nonlocal elliptic system of (p,q)‐Kirchhoff
type , in Ω, , in Ω, u = v = 0, on ∂Ω. Under bounded condition on M and some novel and periodic condition on F, some new
results of the existence of two solutions and three solutions of the above mentioned nonlocal elliptic system are obtained by
means of Bonanno′s multiple critical points theorems without the Palais‐Smale condition
and Ricceri′s three critical points theorem, respectively.
The Roles and Evolutionary Patterns of Intronless Genes in Deuterostomes
Authors: Zou Ming , Guo Baocheng , He Shunping
Published: August 2011

Genes without introns are a characteristic feature of prokaryotes, but there are still a number of intronless genes in eukaryotes. To study these eukaryotic genes that have prokaryotic architecture could help to understand the evolutionary patterns of related genes and genomes. Our analyses revealed a number of intronless genes that reside in 6 deuterostomes (sea urchin, sea squirt, zebrafish, chicken, platypus, and human). We also determined the conservation for each intronless gene in archaea, bacteria, fungi, plants, metazoans, and other eukaryotes. Proportions of intronless genes that are inherited from the common ancestor of archaea, bacteria, and eukaryotes in these species were consistent with their phylogenetic positions, with more proportions of ancient intronless genes residing in more primitive species. In these species, intronless genes belong to different cellular roles and gene ontology (GO) categories, and some of these functions are very basic. Part of intronless genes is derived from other intronless genes or multiexon genes in each species. In conclusion, we showed that a varying number and proportion of intronless genes reside in these 6 deuterostomes, and some of them function importantly. These genes are good candidates for subsequent functional and evolutionary analyses specifically.
On Common Solutions for Fixed‐Point Problems of Two Infinite Families of Strictly Pseudocontractive Mappings and the System of Cocoercive Quasivariational Inclusions Problems in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Tianchai Pattanapong
Published: August 2011

This paper is concerned with a common element of the set of common fixed points for two infinite families of strictly pseudocontractive mappings and the set of solutions of a system of cocoercive quasivariational inclusions problems in Hilbert spaces. The strong convergence theorem for the above two sets is obtained by a novel general iterative scheme based on the viscosity approximation method, and applicability of the results has shown difference with the results of many others existing in the current literature.
Global Nonexistence of Positive Initial‐Energy Solutions for Coupled Nonlinear Wave Equations with Damping and Source Terms
Authors: Fei Liang , Hongjun Gao
Published: August 2011

This work is concerned with a system of nonlinear wave equations with nonlinear damping and source terms acting on both equations. We prove a global nonexistence theorem for certain solutions with positive initial energy.
Blackwell Spaces and -Approximations of Markov Chains
Authors: Aletti Giacomo , Saada Diane
Published: August 2011

On a weakly Blackwell space we show how to define a Markov chain approximating problem, for the target problem. The approximating problem
is proved to converge to the optimal reduced problem under different pseudometrics.
Primary Renal Synovial Sarcoma
Authors: Gulum Mehmet , Yeni Ercan , Savas Murat , Ozardali Ilyas , Ozdemir Ismail , Mil Dilek , Altunkol Adem , Ciftci Halil
Published: August 2011

Synovial sarcomas are generally deep-seated tumors that most often occur in the proximity of large joints of adolescents and young adults. We describe two cases of primary renal synovial sarcoma that were treated successfully by radical nephrectomy. Synovial sarcoma originating from the kidney is extremely rare and the histogenesis is uncertain. Surgical resection and ifosfamide based chemotherapy are the mainstay for the management of renal synovial sarcoma. Fewer than 40 patients have been described in the English literature. Physicians should be aware of the possibility of malignancy in cystic renal masses and raise the suspicion of synovial sarcoma, especially when patients with renal masses are a young adult.
White Matter Abnormalities and Animal Models Examining a Putative Role of Altered White Matter in Schizophrenia
Authors: Xu Haiyun , Li Xin-Min
Published: August 2011

Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder affecting about 1% of the population worldwide. Although the dopamine (DA) hypothesis is still keeping a dominant position in schizophrenia research, new advances have been emerging in recent years, which suggest the implication of white matter abnormalities in schizophrenia. In this paper, we will briefly review some of recent human studies showing white matter abnormalities in schizophrenic brains and altered oligodendrocyte-(OL-) and myelin-related genes in patients with schizophrenia and will consider abnormal behaviors reported in patients with white matter diseases. Following these, we will selectively introduce some animal models examining a putative role of white matter abnormalities in schizophrenia. The emphasis will be put on the cuprizone (CPZ) model. CPZ-fed mice show demyelination and OLs loss, display schizophrenia-related behaviors, and have higher DA levels in the prefrontal cortex. These features suggest that the CPZ model is a novel animal model of schizophrenia.
Differential Subordination and Superordination for Srivastava‐Attiya Operator
Authors: Haji Mohd Maisarah , Darus Maslina
Published: August 2011

Due to the well‐known Srivastava‐Attiya operator, we investigate here some results relating the p‐valent of the operator with differential subordination and subordination. Further, we obtain some interesting results on sandwich‐type theorem for the same.
Induction ofManduca sextaLarvae Caspases Expression in Midgut Cells byBacillus thuringiensisCry1Ab Toxin
Authors: Porta Helena , Muñoz-Minutti Carlos , Soberón Mario , Bravo Alejandra
Published: August 2011

Bacillus thuringiensisproduces crystal toxins known as Cry that are highly selective against important agricultural and human health-related insect pests. Cry proteins are pore-forming toxins that interact with specific receptors in the midgut cell membrane of susceptible larvae making pores that cause osmotic shock, leading finally to insect death. In the case of pore-forming toxins that are specific to mammalian cells, death responses at low doses may induce apoptosis or pyroptosis, depending on the cell type. The death mechanism induced by Cry toxins in insect midgut cells is poorly understood. Here, we analyze thecaspasesexpression by RT-PCR analysis, showing that the initial response ofManduca sextamidgut cells after low dose of Cry1Ab toxin administration involves a fast and transient accumulation of caspase-1 mRNA, suggesting that pyroptosis was activated by Cry1Ab toxin as an initial response but was repressed later. In contrast,caspase-3mRNA requires a longer period of time of toxin exposure to be activated but presents a sustained activation, suggesting that apoptosis may be a cell death mechanism induced also at low dose of toxin.
Biocompatibility Evaluation of a New Hydrogel Dressing Based on Polyvinylpyrrolidone/Polyethylene Glycol
Authors: Biazar Esmaeil , Roveimiab Ziba , Shahhosseini Gholamreza , Khataminezhad Mohammadreza , Zafari Mandana , Majdi Ali
Published: August 2011

The composition of the dressings is based on polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyethylene glycol (PEG), and agar. The electron beam irradiation technique has been used to prepare hydrogel wound dressings. Thein vitrobiocompatibility of the hydrogel was investigated by check samples (hydrocolloid Comfeel), antibacterial test (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia Colik12), anti fungal test (Candida Albicans) and cytotoxicity test (Fibroblast L929). Results have shown cell attachment characteristics and nontoxicity of all samples. Antibacterial testing also showed that the antibacterial effect of the hydrogel sample to the check sample increased to 30%. Also, investigation of antifungal analysis did not show any trace of fungi growth on the surface of the hydrogel, whereas antifungal effect did not observe on the surface of the check sample. Finally, this hydrogel sample showed a goodin vitrobiocompatibility.
Application of Resonant Nuclear Reactions for Studying the Diffusion of Nitrogen and Silicon in Ti-Modified Stainless Steel
Authors: Arunkumar J. , David C. , Nair K. G. M. , Panigrahi B. K. , Sundar C. S.
Published: August 2011

Resonant nuclear reaction analysis can be used for the study of diffusion behaviour of minor alloying elements in reactor structural materials. In the present paper,15N(p,αγ)12Cand30Si(p,γ)31Preactions have been used to profile the ion-implanted15Nand30Siin D9 alloy (titanium-modified austenitic stainless steel). The diffusion coefficients at various temperatures have been estimated from the broadening of the implantation profiles during thermal annealing, and the activation energies are deduced.
Radiographic Evaluation of Children with Febrile Urinary Tract Infection: Bottom-Up, Top-Down, or None of the Above?
Authors: Prasad Michaella M. , Cheng Earl Y.
Published: August 2011

The proper algorithm for the radiographic evaluation of children with febrile urinary tract infection (FUTI) is hotly debated. Three studies are commonly administered: renal-bladder ultrasound (RUS), voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG), and dimercapto-succinic acid (DMSA) scan. However, the order in which these tests are obtained depends on the methodology followed: bottom-up or top-down. Each strategy carries advantages and disadvantages, and some groups now advocate even less of a workup (none of the above) due to the current controversies about treatment when abnormalities are diagnosed. New technology is available and still under investigation, but it may help to clarify the interplay between vesicoureteral reflux, renal scarring, and dysfunctional elimination in the future.