bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early monitoring of the human polyomavirus BK replication and sequencing analysis in a cohort of adult kidney transplant patients treated with basiliximab
Authors: Anzivino Elena , Bellizzi Anna , Mitterhofer Anna Paola , Tinti Francesca , Barile Mario , Colosimo Maria Teresa , Fioriti Daniela , Mischitelli Monica , Chiarini Fernanda , Ferretti Giancarlo , Taliani Gloria , Pietropaolo Valeria
Published: August 2011

Background

Nowadays, better immunosuppressors have decreased the rates of acute rejection in kidney transplantation, but have also led to the emergence of BKV-associated nephropathy (BKVAN). Therefore, we prospectively investigated BKV load in plasma and urine samples in a cohort of kidney transplants, receiving basiliximab combined with a mycophenolate mofetil-based triple immunotherapy, to evaluate the difference between BKV replication during the first 3 months post-transplantation, characterized by the non-depleting action of basiliximab, versus the second 3 months, in which the maintenance therapy acts alone. We also performed sequencing analysis to assess whether a particular BKV subtype/subgroup or transcriptional control region (TCR) variants were present.

Methods

We monitored BK viruria and viremia by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR) at 12 hours (Tx), 1 (T1), 3 (T2) and 6 (T3) months post-transplantation among 60 kidney transplant patients. Sequencing analysis was performed by nested-PCR with specific primers for TCR and VP1 regions. Data were statistically analyzed using χ2 test and Student's t-test.

Results

BKV was detected at Tx in 4/60 urine and in 16/60 plasma, with median viral loads of 3,70 log GEq/mL and 3,79 log GEq/mL, respectively, followed by a significant increase of both BKV-positive transplants (32/60) and median values of viruria (5,78 log GEq/mL) and viremia (4,52 log GEq/mL) at T2. Conversely, a significantly decrease of patients with viruria and viremia (17/60) was observed at T3, together with a reduction of the median urinary and plasma viral loads (4,09 log GEq/mL and 4,00 log GEq/mL, respectively). BKV TCR sequence analysis always showed the presence of archetypal sequences, with a few single-nucleotide substitutions and one nucleotide insertion that, interestingly, were all representative of the particular subtypes/subgroups we identified by VP1 sequencing analysis: I/b-2 and IV/c-2.

Conclusions

Our results confirm previous studies indicating that BKV replication may occur during the early hours after kidney transplantation, reaches the highest incidence in the third post-transplantation month and then decreases within the sixth month, maybe due to induction therapy. Moreover, it might become clinically useful whether specific BKV subtypes or rearrangements could be linked to a particular disease state in order to detect them before BKVAN onset.
Frequency of human immunodeficiency virus type-2 in hiv infected patients in Maputo City, Mozambique
Authors: Maueia Cremildo , Costa Deise , Meggi Bindiya , Ismael Nalia , Walle Carla , Curvo Raphael , Abreu Celina , Bhatt Nilesh , Tanuri Amilcar , Jani Ilesh V , Ferreira Orlando C
Published: August 2011

The HIV/AIDS pandemic is primarily caused by HIV-1. Another virus type, HIV-2, is found mainly in West African countries. We hypothesized that population migration and mobility in Africa may have facilitated the introduction and spreading of HIV-2 in Mozambique. The presence of HIV-2 has important implications for diagnosis and choice of treatment of HIV infection. Hence, the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of HIV-2 infection and its genotype in Maputo, Mozambique.

HIV-infected individuals (N = 1,200) were consecutively enrolled and screened for IgG antibodies against HIV-1 gp41 and HIV-2 gp36 using peptide-based enzyme immunoassays (pepEIA). Specimens showing reactivity on the HIV-2 pepEIA were further tested using the INNO-LIA immunoblot assay and HIV-2 PCR targeting RT and PR genes. Subtype analysis of HIV-2 was based on the protease gene.

After screening with HIV-2 pepEIA 1,168 were non-reactive and 32 were reactive to HIV-2 gp36 peptide. Of this total, 30 specimens were simultaneously reactive to gp41 and gp36 pepEIA while two samples reacted solely to gp36 peptide. Only three specimens containing antibodies against gp36 and gp105 on the INNO-LIA immunoblot assay were found to be positive by PCR to HIV-2 subtype A.

The proportion of HIV-2 in Maputo City was 0.25% (90%CI 0.01-0.49). The HIV epidemic in Southern Mozambique is driven by HIV-1, with HIV-2 also circulating at a marginal rate. Surveillance program need to improve HIV-2 diagnosis and consider periodical survey aiming to monitor HIV-2 prevalence in the country.
Metabolic network reconstruction and genome-scale model of butanol-producing strain Clostridium beijerinckii NCIMB 8052
Authors: Milne Caroline B , Eddy James A , Raju Ravali , Ardekani Soroush , Kim Pan-Jun , Senger Ryan S , Jin Yong-Su , Blaschek Hans P , Price Nathan D
Published: August 2011

Background

Solventogenic clostridia offer a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based production of butanol--an important chemical feedstock and potential fuel additive or replacement. C. beijerinckii is an attractive microorganism for strain design to improve butanol production because it (i) naturally produces the highest recorded butanol concentrations as a byproduct of fermentation; and (ii) can co-ferment pentose and hexose sugars (the primary products from lignocellulosic hydrolysis). Interrogating C. beijerinckii metabolism from a systems viewpoint using constraint-based modeling allows for simulation of the global effect of genetic modifications.

Results

We present the first genome-scale metabolic model (i CM925) for C. beijerinckii, containing 925 genes, 938 reactions, and 881 metabolites. To build the model we employed a semi-automated procedure that integrated genome annotation information from KEGG, BioCyc, and The SEED, and utilized computational algorithms with manual curation to improve model completeness. Interestingly, we found only a 34% overlap in reactions collected from the three databases--highlighting the importance of evaluating the predictive accuracy of the resulting genome-scale model. To validate i CM925, we conducted fermentation experiments using the NCIMB 8052 strain, and evaluated the ability of the model to simulate measured substrate uptake and product production rates. Experimentally observed fermentation profiles were found to lie within the solution space of the model; however, under an optimal growth objective, additional constraints were needed to reproduce the observed profiles--suggesting the existence of selective pressures other than optimal growth. Notably, a significantly enriched fraction of actively utilized reactions in simulations--constrained to reflect experimental rates--originated from the set of reactions that overlapped between all three databases (P = 3.52 × 10-9, Fisher's exact test). Inhibition of the hydrogenase reaction was found to have a strong effect on butanol formation--as experimentally observed.

Conclusions

Microbial production of butanol by C. beijerinckii offers a promising, sustainable, method for generation of this important chemical and potential biofuel. i CM925 is a predictive model that can accurately reproduce physiological behavior and provide insight into the underlying mechanisms of microbial butanol production. As such, the model will be instrumental in efforts to better understand, and metabolically engineer, this microorganism for improved butanol production.
Effects of atopy and rhinitis on exhaled nitric oxide values ‐ a systematic review
Authors: Linhares Daniela , Jacinto Tiago , Pereira Ana M , Fonseca João A
Published: August 2011

Background

Atopy and rhinitis are among the factors affecting exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) values and may contribute to difficulties in the clinical interpretation of FeNO measurements. However, data assessing their effects on FeNO values had never been summarized. This review aims to evaluate the effect of atopy and rhinitis in FeNO values in otherwise healthy individuals.

Methods

A systematic review was performed in Pubmed, Scopus and ISI Web of Knowledge. A two‐step selection process was completed, and from 2357 references 19 were included. The inclusion criteria were: participants without known diseases other than rhinitis; atopy assessement by SPT or Specific IgE; and FeNO measurements according to ATS/ERS recommendations.

Results

The 8 articles measuring FeNO in children showed higher values in both allergic rhinitis and atopic children when compared with healthy children. The 11 articles performed in adults observed higher FeNO in AR patients comparatively with either healthy or atopic individuals. However, adult healthy and atopic individuals had similar FeNO values.

Conclusions

FeNO values are higher in individuals with rhinitis and/or atopy without other health problems. These effects are small, seem to be independent and should be further studied using multivariate models. The effect of atopy was observed only in children. The combined effect of atopy and rhinitis produced higher FeNO values in adults. These results support that both atopy and rhinitis should be considered when interpreting or when defining FeNO reference values.
A comparison of 111In- or 64Cu-DOTA-trastuzumab Fab fragments for imaging subcutaneous HER2-positive tumor xenografts in athymic mice using microSPECT/CT or microPET/CT
Authors: Chan Conrad , Scollard Deborah A , McLarty Kristin , Smith Serena , Reilly Raymond M
Published: August 2011

Background

Our objective was to compare 111In- or 64Cu-DOTA-trastuzumab Fab fragments for imaging small or large s.c. tumor xenografts in athymic mice that display a wide range of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) expression using microSPECT/CT or microPET/CT.

Methods

Trastuzumab Fab were labeled with 111In or 64Cu by conjugation to 1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane N, N', N'', N'''-tetraacetic acid (DOTA). The purity of 111In- and 64Cu-DOTA-trastuzumab Fab was measured by SDS-PAGE and HPLC. HER2 binding affinity was determined in saturation radioligand binding assays using SKBR-3 cells (1.3 × 106 HER2/cell). MicroSPECT/CT and microPET/CT were performed in athymic mice bearing s.c. BT-20 and MDA-MB-231 xenografts with low (0.5 to 1.6 × 105 receptors/cell), MDA-MB-361 tumors with intermediate (5.1 × 105 receptors/cell) or SKOV-3 xenografts with high HER2 expression (1.2 × 106 receptors/cell) at 24 h p.i. of 70 MBq (10 μg) of 111In-DOTA-trastuzumab Fab or 22 MBq (10 μg) of 64Cu-DOTA-trastuzumab Fab or irrelevant 111In- or 64Cu-DOTA-rituximab Fab. Tumor and normal tissue uptake were quantified in biodistribution studies.

Results

111In- and 64Cu-DOTA-trastuzumab were > 98% radiochemically pure and bound HER2 with high affinity (K
d = 20.4 ± 2.5 nM and 40.8 ± 3.5 nM, respectively). MDA-MB-361 and SKOV-3 tumors were most clearly imaged using 111In- and 64Cu-DOTA-trastuzumab Fab. Significantly higher tumor/blood (T/B) ratios were found for 111In-DOTA-trastuzumab Fab than 111In-DOTA-rituximab Fab for BT-20, MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-361 xenografts, and there was a direct association between T/B ratios and HER2 expression. In contrast, tumor uptake of 64Cu-DOTA-trastuzumab Fab was significantly higher than 64Cu-DOTA-rituximab Fab in MDA-MB-361 tumors but no direct association with HER2 expression was found. Both 111In- and 64Cu-DOTA-trastuzumab Fab imaged small (5 to 10 mm) or larger (10 to 15 mm) MDA-MB-361 tumors. Higher blood, liver, and spleen radioactivity were observed for 64Cu-DOTA-trastuzumab Fab than 111In-DOTA-trastuzumab Fab.

Conclusions

We conclude that 111In-DOTA-trastuzumab Fab was more specific than 64Cu-DOTA-trastuzumab Fab for imaging HER2-positive tumors, especially those with low receptor density. This was due to higher levels of circulating radioactivity for 64Cu-DOTA-trastuzumab Fab which disrupted the relationship between HER2 density and T/B ratios. Use of alternative chelators that more stably bind 64Cu may improve the association between T/B ratios and HER2 density for 64Cu-labeled trastuzumab Fab.
The head-regeneration transcriptome of the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea
Authors: Sandmann Thomas , Vogg Matthias C , Owlarn Suthira , Boutros Michael , Bartscherer Kerstin
Published: August 2011

Background

Planarian flatworms can regenerate their head, including a functional brain, within less than a week. Despite the enormous potential of these animals for medical research and regenerative medicine, the mechanisms of regeneration and the molecules involved remain largely unknown.

Results

To identify genes that are differentially expressed during early stages of planarian head regeneration, we generated a de novo transcriptome assembly from more than 300 million paired-end reads from planarian fragments regenerating the head at 16 different time points. The assembly yielded 26,018 putative transcripts, including very long transcripts spanning multiple genomic supercontigs, and thousands of isoforms. Using short-read data from two platforms, we analyzed dynamic gene regulation during the first three days of head regeneration. We identified at least five different temporal synexpression classes, including genes specifically induced within a few hours after injury. Furthermore, we characterized the role of a conserved Runx transcription factor, smed-runt-like1. RNA interference (RNAi) knockdown and immunofluorescence analysis of the regenerating visual system indicated that smed-runt-like1 encodes a transcriptional regulator of eye morphology and photoreceptor patterning.

Conclusions

Transcriptome sequencing of short reads allowed for the simultaneous de novo assembly and differential expression analysis of transcripts, demonstrating highly dynamic regulation during head regeneration in planarians.
Specific Regulatory Motifs Predict Glucocorticoid Responsiveness of Hippocampal Gene Expression
Authors: Datson N. A. , Polman J. A. E. , de Jonge R. T. , van Boheemen P. T. M. , van Maanen E. M. T. , Welten J. , McEwen B. S. , Meiland H. C. , Meijer O. C.
Published: August 2011

The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is an ubiquitously expressed ligand-activated transcription factor that mediates effects of cortisol in relation to adaptation to stress. In the brain, GR affects the hippocampus to modulate memory processes through direct binding to glucocorticoid response elements (GREs) in the DNA. However, its effects are to a high degree cell specific, and its target genes in different cell types as well as the mechanisms conferring this specificity are largely unknown. To gain insight in hippocampal GR signaling, we characterized to which GRE GR binds in the rat hippocampus. Using a position-specific scoring matrix, we identified evolutionary-conserved putative GREs from a microarray based set of hippocampal target genes. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation, we were able to confirm GR binding to 15 out of a selection of 32 predicted sites (47%). The majority of these 15 GREs are previously undescribed and thus represent novel GREs that bind GR and therefore may be functional in the rat hippocampus. GRE nucleotide composition was not predictive for binding of GR to a GRE. A search for conserved flanking sequences that may predict GR-GRE interaction resulted in the identification of GC-box associated motifs, such as Myc-associated zinc finger protein 1, within 2 kb of GREs with GR binding in the hippocampus. This enrichment was not present around nonbinding GRE sequences nor around proven GR-binding sites from a mesenchymal stem-like cell dataset that we analyzed. GC-binding transcription factors therefore may be unique partners for DNA-bound GR and may in part explain cell-specific transcriptional regulation by glucocorticoids in the context of the hippocampus.
A Cross-National Investigation into the Marketing Department's Influence Within the Firm: Toward Initial Empirical Generalizations
Authors: Verhoef Peter C. , Leeflang Peter S.H. , Reiner Jochen , Natter Martin , Baker William , Grinstein Amir , Gustafsson Anders , Morrison Pamela , Saunders John
Published: August 2011

This study of the influence of the marketing department (MD), as well as its relationship with firm performance, includes seven industrialized countries and aims to generalize the conceptual model presented by Verhoef and Leeflang (2009) . This investigation considers the antecedents of perceived MD influence, top management respect for the MD, and MD decision influence, as well as the relationships of these three influence variables with market orientation (MO) and business performance (BP). Meta-analytic procedures reveal initial empirical generalizations: Accountability, MD innovativeness, and the customer connection capabilities of the MD relate consistently to all three studied MD influence measures. The generalization also shows that MD influence contributes to BP indirectly through its positive relationship with MO and directly through its positive direct relationship with BP.
How Top Management's Social Capital Fosters the Development of Specialized Marketing Capabilities: A Cross-Cultural Comparison
Authors: Kemper Jan , Engélen Andreas , Brettel Malte
Published: August 2011

The main purpose of this research is to investigate the role of top management's social capital as a microlevel origin of four specialized marketing capabilities: pricing, product development, distribution, and marketing communication. The authors investigate the moderating effect of national culture on the link between social capital and marketing capability using survey data from 891 firms across four countries (China, Germany, Hong Kong, and the United States). The findings indicate that the elements of social capital—managerial tie utilization, trust, and solidarity—are strong drivers of the four marketing capabilities. Managerial tie utilization and solidarity tend to be more important when national culture's power distance is low, collectivism is high, and uncertainty avoidance is low, whereas the effect of trust is not subject to national cultural variations. From a managerial perspective, this research emphasizes the strong role and responsibility of top management team members, including marketing managers who are at this level, in building organization-level marketing capabilities.
Factor Xa subsite mapping by proteome-derived peptide libraries improved using WebPICS, a resource for proteomic identification of cleavage sites
Authors: Schilling Oliver , dem Keller Ulrich auf , Overall Christopher M.
Published: August 2011

Proteomic identification of protease cleavage site specificity (PICS) is a recent proteomic approach for the easy mapping of protease subsite preferences that determines both the prime- and non-prime side specificity concurrently. Here we greatly facilitate user access by providing an automated and simple web-based data-analysis resource termed WebPics (http://clipserve.clip.ubc.ca/pics/). We demonstrate the utility of WebPics analysis of PICS data by determining the substrate specificity of factor Xa from P6-P6’, an important blood coagulation protease that proteolytically generates thrombin from prothrombin. PICS confirms existing data on non-prime site specificity and refines our knowledge of factor Xa prime-site selectivity.
Determination of Transmembrane Water Fluxes in Neurons Elicited by Glutamate Ionotropic Receptors and by the Cotransporters KCC2 and NKCC1: A Digital Holographic Microscopy Study
Authors: Jourdain Pascal , Pavillon Nicolas , Moratal Corinne , Boss Daniel , Rappaz Benjamin , Depeursinge Christian , Marquet Pierre , Magistretti Pierre J.
Published: August 2011

Digital holographic microscopy (DHM) is a noninvasive optical imaging technique that provides quantitative phase images of living cells. In a recent study, we showed that the quantitative monitoring of the phase signal by DHM was a simple label-free method to study the effects of glutamate on neuronal optical responses (Pavillon et al., 2010). Here, we refine these observations and show that glutamate produces the following three distinct optical responses in mouse primary cortical neurons in culture, predominantly mediated by NMDA receptors: biphasic, reversible decrease (RD) and irreversible decrease (ID) responses. The shape and amplitude of the optical signal were not associated with a particular cellular phenotype but reflected the physiopathological status of neurons linked to the degree of NMDA activity. Thus, the biphasic, RD, and ID responses indicated, respectively, a low-level, a high-level, and an “excitotoxic” level of NMDA activation. Moreover, furosemide and bumetanide, two inhibitors of sodium-coupled and/or potassium-coupled chloride movement strongly modified the phase shift, suggesting an involvement of two neuronal cotransporters, NKCC1 (Na-K-Cl) and KCC2 (K-Cl) in the genesis of the optical signal. This observation is of particular interest since it shows that DHM is the first imaging technique able to monitor dynamically andin situthe activity of these cotransporters during physiological and/or pathological neuronal conditions.
Small Heat Shock Proteins Induce a Cerebral Inflammatory Reaction
Authors: Bruinsma Ilona B. , de Jager Mieke , Carrano Anna , Versleijen Alexandra A. M. , Veerhuis Robert , Boelens Wilbert , Rozemuller Annemieke J. M. , de Waal Robert M. W. , Verbeek Marcel M.
Published: August 2011

More than 80% of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients have some degree of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). In addition to arteries and veins, capillaries can also be affected. Capillary CAA (capCAA), rather than CAA in larger vessels, is associated with flame-like amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposits that may extend beyond the vessel wall and radiate into the neuropil, a phenomenon also known as “dyshoric angiopathy.” Aβ deposits in AD, parenchymal as well as (cap)CAA and dyshoric angiopathy, are associated with a local inflammatory reaction, including activation of microglial cells and astrocytes that, among others, produce cytokines and reactive oxygen species. This neuroinflammatory reaction may account for at least part of the cognitive decline. In previous studies we observed that small heat shock proteins (sHsps) are associated with Aβ deposits in AD. In this study the molecular chaperones Hsp20, HspB8 and HspB2B3 were found to colocalize with CAA and capCAA in AD brains. In addition, Hsp20, HspB8 and HspB2B3 colocalized with intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) in capCAA-associated dyshoric angiopathy. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Hsp20, HspB8 and HspB2B3 induced production of interleukin 8, soluble ICAM-1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 by human leptomeningeal smooth muscle cells and human brain astrocytesin vitroand that Hsp27 inhibited production of transforming growth factor beta 1 and CD40 ligand. Our results suggest a central role for sHsps in the neuroinflammatory reaction in AD and CAA and thus in contributing to cognitive decline.
Associative Learning Increases Trial-by-Trial Similarity of BOLD-MRI Patterns
Authors: Visser Renée M. , Scholte H. Steven , Kindt Merel
Published: August 2011

Associative learning is a dynamic process that allows us to incorporate new knowledge within existing semantic networks. Even after years, a seemingly stable association can be altered by a single significant experience. Here, we investigate whether the acquisition of new associations affects the neural representation of stimuli and how the brain categorizes stimuli according to preexisting and emerging associations. Functional MRI data were collected during a differential fear conditioning procedure and at test (4–5 weeks later). Two pictures of faces and two pictures of houses served as stimuli. One of each pair coterminated with a shock in half of the trials (partial reinforcement). Applying Multivoxel Pattern Analysis (MVPA) in a trial-by-trial manner, we quantified changes in the similarity of neural representations of stimuli over the course of conditioning. Our findings show an increase in similarity of neural patterns throughout the cortex on consecutive trials of the reinforced stimuli. Furthermore, neural pattern similarity reveals a shift from original categories (faces/houses) toward new categories (reinforced/unreinforced) over the course of conditioning. This effect was differentially represented in the cortex, with visual areas primarily reflecting similarity of low-level stimulus properties (original categories) and frontal areas reflecting similarity of stimulus significance (new categories). Effects were not dependent on overall response amplitude and were still present during follow-up. We conclude that trial-by-trial MVPA is a useful tool for examining how the human brain encodes relevant associations and forms new associative networks.
TrkB and Protein Kinase M ζ Regulate Synaptic Localization of PSD-95 in Developing Cortex
Authors: Yoshii Akira , Murata Yasunobu , Kim Jihye , Zhang Chao , Shokat Kevan M. , Constantine-Paton Martha
Published: August 2011

Postsynaptic density 95 (PSD-95), the major scaffold at excitatory synapses, is critical for synapse maturation and learning. In rodents, eye opening, the onset of pattern vision, triggers a rapid movement of PSD-95 from visual neuron somata to synapses. We showed previously that the PI3 kinase–Akt pathway downstream of BDNF/TrkB signaling stimulates synaptic delivery of PSD-95 via vesicular transport. However, vesicular transport requires PSD-95 palmitoylation to attach it to a lipid membrane. Also, PSD-95 insertion at synapses is known to require this lipid modification. Here, we show that BDNF/TrkB signaling is also necessary for PSD-95 palmitoylation and its transport to synapses in mouse visual cortical layer 2/3 neurons. However, palmitoylation of PSD-95 requires the activation of another pathway downstream of BDNF/TrkB, namely, signaling through phospholipase Cγ and the brain-specific PKC variant protein kinase M ζ (PKMζ). We find that PKMζ selectively regulates phosphorylation of the palmitoylation enzyme ZDHHC8. Inhibition of PKMζ results in a reduction of synaptic PSD-95 accumulationin vivo, which can be rescued by overexpressing ZDHHC8. Therefore, TrkB and PKMζ, two critical regulators of synaptic plasticity, facilitate PSD-95 targeting to synapses. These results also indicate that palmitoylation can be regulated by a trophic factor. Our findings have implications for neurodevelopmental disorders as well as aging brains.
Munc13-1 Is Required for Presynaptic Long-Term Potentiation
Authors: Yang Ying , Calakos Nicole
Published: August 2011

Long-lasting forms of synaptic plasticity involve modification of presynaptic strength in many brain regions. Although a presynaptic site for expression is well established, the detailed molecular mechanisms that lead to sustained changes in neurotransmitter release remain unclear. Here, we use acutein vivogenetic manipulation of synaptic proteins to investigate the molecular basis for presynaptic long-term potentiation (LTP) at hippocampal mossy fiber synapses. Munc13 proteins are active zone proteins that are essential for synaptic vesicle priming and neurotransmitter release. Munc13 proteins also interact with RIM1α, an active zone protein required for presynaptic long-term plasticity. By taking advantage of the observation that the RIM-binding domain of Munc13 is separable from the domain that is required for neurotransmitter release, we selectively tested whether Munc13-1 is an effector for RIM1α in presynaptic LTP. Our results provide the first evidence for the involvement of Munc13-1 in presynaptic long-term synaptic plasticity. We further demonstrate that the interaction between RIM1α and Munc13-1 is required for this plasticity. These results advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of presynaptic plasticity and suggest that modulation of vesicle priming may provide the cellular substrate for expression of LTP at mossy fiber synapses.
The Postnatal Accumulation of Junctional E-Cadherin Is Inversely Correlated with the Capacity for Supporting Cells to Convert Directly into Sensory Hair Cells in Mammalian Balance Organs
Authors: Collado Maria Sol , Thiede Benjamin R. , Baker Wendy , Askew Charles , Igbani Lisa M. , Corwin Jeffrey T.
Published: August 2011

Mammals experience permanent impairments from hair cell (HC) losses, but birds and other non-mammals quickly recover hearing and balance senses after supporting cells (SCs) give rise to replacement HCs. Avian HC epithelia express little or no E-cadherin, and differences in the thickness of F-actin belts at SC junctions strongly correlate with different species' capacities for HC replacement, so we investigated junctional cadherins in human and murine ears. We found strong E-cadherin expression at SC–SC junctions that increases more than sixfold postnatally in mice. When we cultured utricles from young mice with γ-secretase inhibitors (GSIs), striolar SCs completely internalized their E-cadherin, without affecting N-cadherin.HesandHeyexpression also decreased and the SCs began to expressAtoh1. After 48 h, those SCs expressed myosins VI and VIIA, and by 72 h, they developed hair bundles. However, some scattered striolar SCs retained E-cadherin and the SC phenotype. In extrastriolar regions, the vast majority of SCs also retained E-cadherin and failed to convert into HCs even after long GSI treatments. Microscopic measurements revealed that the junctions between extrastriolar SCs were more developed than those between striolar SCs. In GSI-treated utricles as old as P12, differentiated striolar SCs converted into HCs, but such responses declined with age and ceased by P16. Thus, temporal and spatial differences in postnatal SC-to-HC phenotype conversion capacity are linked to the structural attributes of E-cadherin containing SC junctions in mammals, which differ substantially from their counterparts in non-mammalian vertebrates that readily recover from hearing and balance deficits through hair cell regeneration.
The Role of Hong Kong in Mainland China's Modernization in Manufacturing
Authors: Sharif Naubahar , Tseng Mitchell M.
Published: August 2011

We examine Hong Kong's role in the modernization of manufacturing industries in Mainland China and its province of Guangdong. Hong Kong's role has evolved from trading intermediary to low-cost mainland manufacturer to provider of key business, fnancial, and supply chain services.
Who's Influencing Whom? Exploring the Influence of Hong Kong on Politics and Governance in China
Authors: Cheung Peter T. Y.
Published: August 2011

This paper explores how Hong Kong has influenced Chinese politics and governance in the constitutional, political, ideational, and intergovernmental dimensions since 1997. Despite the growing political and economic impact of the Mainland on the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the latter has continued to influence the Mainland, especially southern China.
The Influence of Hong Kong's Policing on China
Authors: Shiu-Hing Lo Sonny
Published: August 2011

Police cooperation includes joint anti-crime campaigns, intelligence sharing, evidence collection, as well as mutual exchanges and training. Mainland police have been impressed by the Hong Kong police's practices of operating in accordance with the Police Order, their use of handbooks, the rotation of offcers, and the services of psychological counseling. Knowledge transfer in policing has taken place from Hong Kong to Mainland China.
Musical Communities: Rethinking the Collective in Music
Authors: Shelemay Kay Kaufman
Published: August 2011

This essay discusses the study of musical communities, taking as its point of departure the growing avoidance of the term “community” within much of recent musical scholarship. After exploring factors that have been responsible for the move away from community studies, the paper details both the creation of new nomenclature and the discourse surrounding the introduction of these new terms. Based on insights drawn from musical ethnography with recent African immigrants to the United States, the paper goes on to propose a revised framework for approaching “community.” It suggests that attention to processes of descent, dissent, and affinity both elucidates music's generative role in shaping new collectivities and unsettles the notion of music as a static sonic marker of social groupings. The conclusion touches briefly on new research from the sciences that is beginning to shed new light on music's role in generating social outcomes and the potential it holds for future collaboration with music scholars across disciplinary boundaries.
Distribution of multiple congenital abnormalities including anotia and microtia
Authors: Paput László , Falvai Judit , Bánhidy Ferenc
Published: August 2011

To evaluate cases with unclassified multiple congenital abnormalities including microtia and anotia as component congenital abnormalities in order to reveal the characteristic pattern of other associated component congenital abnormalities and to make an attempt to establish a registry diagnosis on the pattern of associated congenital abnormalities and to stimulate the establishment of an international registry of cases with unclassified multiple congenital abnormalities comprising of microtia and anotia. Methods: The large population-based dataset of the Hungarian Case-Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities, 1980–1996. Results: A total of 156 cases with unclassified multiple congenital abnormalities including microtia and anotia were analyzed according to the number of 2–9 component congenital abnormalities. The comparison of the distribution and frequency of component congenital abnormalities in these cases showed significant differences from the data of other unclassified multiple congenital abnormalities. Of the 156 cases, registry diagnosis was possible in 48 (30.8%) cases. Conclusions: The evaluation of available dataset of unclassified multiple anotia and microtia may help the delineation of new syndromes and associations with better prognosis and recurrence risk estimation, thus finally a better chance for their prevention. Orv. Hetil., 2011, 152, 1399–1416.
Palate Dimensions in Six-Year-Old Children with Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: A Six-Center Study on Dental Casts
Authors: Koželj Vesna , Vegnuti Miljana , Drevenšek Martina , Hortis-Dzierzbicka Maria , Gonzalez-Landa Gonzalo , Hanstein Siiri , Klimova Irena , Kobus Kazimierz , Kobus-Zaleśna Katarzyna , Semb Gunvor , Shaw Bill
Published: August 2011

Objective

To compare palatal dimensions in 6-year-old children with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) treated by different protocols with those of noncleft children.

Design

Retrospective intercenter outcome study.

Patients

Upper dental casts from 129 children with repaired UCLP and 30 controls were analyzed by the trigonometric method.

Setting

Six European cleft centers.

Main outcome measures

Sagittal, transverse, and vertical dimensions of the palate were observed.

Statistics

Palate variables were analyzed with descriptive methods and nonparametric tests. Regarding several various characteristics measured on a relatively small number of subjects, hierarchical, k-means clustering, and principal component analyses were used.

Results

Mean values of the observed dimensions for five cleft groups differed significantly from the control (p < .05). The group with one-stage closure of the cleft differed significantly from all other cleft groups in most variables (p < .05). Principal component analysis of all 159 cases identified three clusters with specific morphologic characteristics of the palate. A similar number of treated children were classified into each cluster, while all children without clefts were classified in the same cluster. The percentage of treated children from a particular group that fit this cluster ranged from 0% to 70% and increased with age at palatal closure and number of primary surgical procedures.

Conclusion

At 6 years of age, children with stepwise repair and hard palate closure after the age of two more frequently result in palatal dimensions of noncleft control than children with earlier palatal closure and one-stage cleft repair.
Nasal Changes after Presurgical Nasoalveolar Molding (PNAM) in the Unilateral Cleft Lip Nose
Authors: Gomez David F. , Donohue Sean T. , Figueroa Alvaro A. , Polley John W.
Published: August 2011

Purpose

Nasal reconstruction for patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) is a challenge for the reconstructive surgeon. Presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) was introduced to reshape the cleft nasal structures prior to lip repair. This study analyzed two-dimensional nasal changes before and after PNAM in patients with complete UCLP.

Methods

Thirty UCLP patients (19 males; 11 females) who received PNAM before lip repair were included in this study. PNAM was applied for 100 days. Nasal casts were obtained before and after PNAM. Frontal and 45° standardized digital photographs were taken from all casts, and a photogrammetric analysis (16 linear, six angular, and two area measurements) was performed. Paired Student's t tests were used to search for differences by time, and time versus side (cleft versus noncleft).

Results

Significant reduction of cleft columella deviation with an increase in columella length, nostril height, and axial inclination on the cleft side were recorded. This resulted in an increase in the projection of the nasal tip. The noncleft measurements remained without significant changes. The cleft nostril area increased significantly more than the noncleft side by 90% with PNAM treatment. Significant normal growth changes were observed in nasal width and nasal height.

Conclusion

A favorable reshaping of the nose after PNAM was achieved, resulting in an improvement in form before lip surgery. These changes lead to improved nasal symmetry before primary lip and nasal reconstruction in UCLP patients.
Structural Abnormalities of the Central Auditory Pathway in Infants with Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and/or Palate
Authors: Yang Frank F. , McPherson Bradley , Shu Huang , Xie Na , Xiang Kui
Published: August 2011

Objective

To investigate possible structural abnormalities of the central auditory pathway in infants with nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCL/P).

Participants

Twenty-seven Chinese infants with NSCL/P, aged from 6 to 24 months.

Intervention

Morphological magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements of the central auditory nervous system (CANS) in infants with NSCL/P were analyzed and compared with those of age- and sex-matched normal controls.

Results

No significant group differences were found in general brain measurements, including volumes of the brain stem and right hemisphere. However, infants with NSCL/P had statistically significantly smaller volumes of the left thalamus and left auditory cortex and notably decreased thickness of the left auditory cortex.

Conclusion

Cortical abnormalities were more marked compared with other MRI measurements. Structural CANS abnormalities in infants with NSCL/P may be located mainly in the left cerebral hemisphere. The development and maturation of the auditory cortex in infants with NSCL/P may be abnormal when compared with those of normal children.
Electrofluidic displays: Fundamental platforms and unique performance attributes
Authors: Yang S. , Heikenfeld J. , Kreit E. , Hagedon M. , Dean K. , Zhou K. , Smith S. , Rudolph J.
Published: August 2011

Abstract— Electrofluidic displays transpose brilliant pigment dispersions between a fluid reservoir of small viewable area and a channel of large viewable area. Recent progress in the technology, a new multi‐stable device architecture, and a novel approach for segmented displays that can display pigment without the optical losses of pixel borders is reported. The fundamental aspects of electrofluidics that make it compelling for the next generation of e‐paper products is reviewed.
Annealing effect of low‐temperature (<150°C) Cat‐CVD gate dielectric silicon nitride films diluted with atomic hydrogen
Authors: Keum Ki‐Su , Lee Kyoung‐Min , Hwang Jae‐Dam , No Kil‐Sun , Hong Wan‐Shick
Published: August 2011

Abstract— The effect of in‐situ hydrogen pretreatment on dielectric properties of silicon nitride (SiNx) thin films for a gate dielectric layer has been studied. SiNxthin films were grown at a low temperature (150°C) by Catalytic CVD followed by conventional furnace annealing at 150°C for 2 hours. The in‐situ hydrogen pretreatment was performed without vacuum break before the sample was transferred to the furnace for thermal annealing. Capacitance—voltage (C‐V) and current‐density—voltage (J‐V) measurement showed that the hydrogen pretreatment was effective in reducing the hysteresis in the C‐V curve and in increasing the breakdown voltage. Without the treatment, the 150°C annealing failed to produce reliable C‐V and I‐V characteristics. The C‐V hysteresis and the threshold voltage shift of SiNx were improved by furnace annealing as the hydrogen dilution ratio increased. Also, addition of hydrogen to the deposition gas mixture helped to improve the dielectric properties of the SiNx films after thermal annealing. The combination of hydrogen dilution of the source gas and the in‐situ hydrogen treatment was successful in producing low‐temperature SiNx films applicable to a‐Si TFTs. The TFT fabricated by using these films showed a field‐effect mobility of 0.23 cm2/V‐sec and a Vth of 3.1 V.
In‐cell capacitive‐type touch sensor using LTPS TFT‐LCD technology
Authors: Nakamura Takashi
Published: August 2011

Abstract— An LTPS TFT‐LCD with an in‐cell capacitive‐type touch sensor has been proposed and prototyped. The embedded sensor in the pixel was designed to amplify the voltage change caused by capacitive coupling between the detection electrode and conductive object (user's finger). No touch force is needed for sensor actuation and no extra electrical connection for the counter‐substrate is needed. The validity of the observed voltage difference of the sensor output on the TFT substrate was examined. The proposed architecture is considered to be applicable to larger LCDs for various applications such as smartphones, automotive navigation systems, and mobile internet devices.
Improving content visibility for high‐ambient‐illumination viewable display and energy‐saving display
Authors: Xu Xinyu , Kerofsky Louis
Published: August 2011

Abstract— Nowadays, low‐contrast viewing of LC displays (LCDs) occurs very often, which includes the viewing of mobile LCDs at high ambient illumination and the viewing of LCDs at low‐power mode. These cases result in low‐content visibility and low contrast, leading to an unpleasant viewing experience. In this paper, a technique to improve the perceived contrast and visibility of images at low‐contrast viewing conditions is proposed. The proposed approach enhances image brightness with content and ambient adaptive image brightening and highlights visual parts and boundaries with non‐photorealistic rendering. The proposed technique enables longer battery life for mobile LC devices and makes mobile LC devices viewable at high ambient illumination. It also enables TVs with extreme low‐power consumption and smart‐grid responsive TVs.
Numerical Simulation of Packed Liquid Food Thermal Process Using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
Authors: Augusto Pedro Esteves Duarte , Cristianini Marcelo
Published: August 2011

Thermal processing is one of the safest and most used methods of food preservation. Although the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been used by several authors for liquid food thermal processing evaluation, just a few studies have compared the data obtained by CFD with experiments. The present work evaluated a liquid model food pasteurization in two commercial bottles using CFD. The model validation was carried out by comparing the obtained thermal profile with experimental data. The fluid behavior during heating and cooling was detailed. The data obtained using CFD described well the experimental processing, which suggest the possibility of using CFD for temperature profile evaluation in thermal processing of packaged convective foods.
Effect of management, marketing, and certified health programs on the sale price of beef calves sold through a livestock video auction service from 1995 through 2009
Authors: Seeger Jon T. , King Michael E. , Grotelueschen Dale M. , Rogers Glenn M. , Stokka Gerald S.
Published: August 2011

Objective—To evaluate and update the previously quantified effects of management, marketing, and certified health programs on the sale price of beef calves sold through a livestock video auction service.

Design—Longitudinal study.

Sample—41,657 lots representing 5,042,272 beef calves sold from 1995 through 2009.

Procedures—Data describing each lot of beef calves marketed from 1995 through 2009 by a livestock video auction service were obtained from sale catalogues. For each year of the study, multiple regression analysis was used to quantify the effect of management, marketing, and certified health programs on sale price.

Results—Sale date, base sale weight, quadratic effect of base weight, sex of calf, region of origin, breed description, inclusion in a certified health program, and number of calves in the lot significantly affected sale price for every year of the study. Variation in body weight, flesh score, and number of days between sale and delivery date had significant effects on price in most of the years; frame score and calves with horns affected price in 7 of 15 years; age and source verification influenced sale price in every year since source verification was introduced in 2005; and the auction service's progressive genetics program increased price during the 1 year that program was available.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Some management, marketing, and certified health initiatives have consistently increased the sale price of beef calves, and producers can increase the price of their calves by implementing these practices.
Generation of Hauptmoduln of Γ1(N) by Weierstrass units and application to class fields
Authors: Kim Chang , Koo Ja
Published: August 2011

We show that the modular functions j
1,N
generate function fields of the modular curve X
1(N), N ∈ {7; 8; 9; 10; 12}, and apply them to construct ray class fields over imaginary quadratic fields.
Effects of baffle length on turbulent flows generated in stirred vessels
Authors: Ammar Meriem , Driss Zied , Chtourou Wajdi , Abid Mohamed
Published: August 2011

The aim of this paper is to study the effect of baffles length on the turbulent flows in stirred tanks. The hydrodynamic behaviour induced by a Rushton turbine (RT6) is numerically predicted by solving the Navier-Stokes equations in conjunction with the Renormalization Group (RNG) of the k-ɛ turbulence model. These equations are solved by a control volume discretization method. The numerical results from the application of the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code Fluent with the multi-reference frame (MRF) model are presented in the vertical and horizontal planes in the impeller stream region. Our studies were carried out on three different systems. The most effective system was selected based on its calculated power consumption figure. All numerical results showed good agreement with experimental data.