bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Study of VariousE. coliStrains for Biohydrogen Production Applying Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Bakonyi Péter , Nemestóthy Nándor , Bélafi-Bakó Katalin
Published: April 2012

The proper strategy to establish efficient hydrogen-producing biosystems is the biochemical, physiological characterization of hydrogen-producing microbes followed by metabolic engineering in order to give extraordinary properties to the strains and, finally, bioprocess optimization to realize enhanced hydrogen fermentation capability. In present paper, it was aimed to show the utility both of strain engineering and process optimization through a comparative study of wild-type and genetically modifiedE. colistrains, where the effect of two major operational factors (substrate concentration and pH) on bioH2production was investigated by experimental design and response surface methodology (RSM) was used to determine the suitable conditions in order to obtain maximum yields. The results revealed that by employing the genetically engineeredE. coli(DJT 135) strain under optimized conditions (pH: 6.5; Formate conc.: 1.25 g/L), 0.63 mol H2/mol formate could be attained, which was 1.5 times higher compared to the wild-typeE. coli(XL1-BLUE) that produced 0.42 mol H2/mol formate (pH: 6.4; Formate conc.: 1.3 g/L).
A Review for Solitary Plasmacytoma of Bone and Extramedullary Plasmacytoma
Authors: Kilciksiz Sevil , Karakoyun-Celik Omur , Agaoglu Fulya Yaman , Haydaroglu Ayfer
Published: May 2012

Solitary plasmacytoma (SP) is characterized by a mass of neoplastic monoclonal plasma cells in either bone (SBP) or soft tissue without evidence of systemic disease attributing to myeloma. Biopsy confirmation of a monoclonal plasma cell infiltration from a single site is required for diagnosis. The common presentation of SBP is in the axial skeleton, whereas the extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) is usually seen in the head and neck. The ratio of SP seen at males to females is 2 : 1 and the median age of patients is 55 years. The incidence rate of SP in black race is approximately 30% higher than the white race. Incidence rate increases exponentially by advancing age. SBP has a significant higher risk for progression to myeloma, and the choice of treatment is radiotherapy (RT) that is applied with curative intent at min. 4000 cGy. By only RT application, long-term disease-free survival (DFS) is possible for approximately 30% of patients with SBP and 65% of patients with EMP.
Eutectic Salt Catalyzed Environmentally Benign and Highly Efficient Biginelli Reaction
Authors: Azizi Najmadin , Dezfuli Sahar , Hahsemi Mohmmad Mahmoodi
Published: April 2012

A simple deep eutectic solvent based on tin (II) chloride was used as a dual catalyst and environmentally benign reaction medium for an efficient synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one derivatives, from aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes, 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds, and urea in good-to-excellent yields and short reaction time. This simple ammonium deep eutectic solvent, easily synthesized from choline chloride and tin chloride, is relatively inexpensive and recyclable, making it applicable for industrial applications.
One-Pot Synthesis ofβ-Acetamido Ketones Using Boric Acid at Room Temperature
Authors: Karimi-Jaberi Zahed , Mohammadi Korosh
Published: April 2012

β-acetamido ketones were synthesized in excellent yields through one-pot condensation reaction of aldehydes, acetophenones, acetyl chloride, and acetonitrile in the presence of boric acid as a solid heterogeneous catalyst at room temperature. It is the first successful report of boric acid that has been used as solid acid catalyst for the preparation ofβ-acetamido ketones. The remarkable advantages offered by this method are green catalyst, mild reaction conditions, simple procedure, short reaction times, and good-to-excellent yields of products.
Cyclin D1 Expression and Its Correlation with Histopathological Differentiation in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Saawarn Swati , Astekar Madhusudan , Saawarn Nisheeth , Dhakar Nidhi , Gomateshwar Sagari Shitalkumar
Published: May 2012

Background. Cyclin D1 regulates the G1 to S transition of cell cycle. Its deregulation or overexpression may lead to disturbance in the normal cell cycle control and tumour formation. Overexpression of cyclin D1 has been reported in various tumors of diverse histogenesis. This case control retrospective study was carried out to study the immunohistochemical reactivity and expression of cyclin D1 and its association with site, clinical staging, and histopathological differentiation of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).Methods. Forty formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of biopsy specimens of oral squamous cell carcinoma were immunohistochemically evaluated for expression of cyclin D1.Results. Cyclin D1 expression was seen in 45% cases of OSCC. It did not correlate with site and clinical staging. Highest expression was seen in well-differentiated, followed by moderately differentiated, and poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinomas, with a statistically significant correlation.Conclusion. Cyclin D1 expression significantly increases with increase in differentiation.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Bound to PM 2.5 in Urban Coimbatore, India with Emphasis on Source Apportionment
Authors: Mohanraj R. , Dhanakumar S. , Solaraj G.
Published: April 2012

Coimbatore is one of the fast growing industrial cities of Southern India with an urban population of 1.9 million. This study attempts to evaluate the trends of airborne fine particulates (PM 2.5) and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) on them. The PM 2.5 mass was collected in polytetra fluoroethylene filters using fine particulate sampler at monthly intervals during March 2009 to February 2010. PAHs were extracted from PM 2.5 and estimated by high-performance liquid chromatography. It is alarming to note that PM 2.5 values ranged between 27.85 and 165.75 μg/m3and exceeded the air quality standards in many sampling events. The sum of 9 PAHs bound to PM 2.5 in a single sampling event ranged from 4.1 to 1632.3 ng/m3. PAH diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis results revealed vehicular emissions and diesel-powered generators as predominant sources of PAH in Coimbatore.
Mechanistic Framework for Establishment, Maintenance, and Alteration of Cell Polarity in Plants
Authors: Dhonukshe Pankaj
Published: May 2012

Cell polarity establishment, maintenance, and alteration are central to the developmental and response programs of nearly all organisms and are often implicated in abnormalities ranging from patterning defects to cancer. By residing at the distinct plasma membrane domains polar cargoes mark the identities of those domains, and execute localized functions. Polar cargoes are recruited to the specialized membrane domains by directional secretion and/or directional endocytic recycling. In plants, auxin efflux carrier PIN proteins display polar localizations in various cell types and play major roles in directional cell-to-cell transport of signaling molecule auxin that is vital for plant patterning and response programs. Recent advanced microscopy studies applied to single cells in intact plants reveal subcellular PIN dynamics. They uncover the PIN polarity generation mechanism and identified important roles of AGC kinases for polar PIN localization. AGC kinase family members PINOID, WAG1, and WAG2, belonging to the AGC-3 subclass predominantly influence the polar localization of PINs. The emerging mechanism for AGC-3 kinases action suggests that kinases phosphorylate PINs mainly at the plasma membrane after initial symmetric PIN secretion for eventual PIN internalization and PIN sorting into distinct ARF-GEF-regulated polar recycling pathways. Thus phosphorylation status directs PIN translocation to different cell sides. Based on these findings a mechanistic framework evolves that suggests existence of cell side-specific recycling pathways in plants and implicates AGC3 kinases for differential PIN recruitment among them for eventual PIN polarity establishment, maintenance, and alteration.
Antioxidant Protection against Curative and Palliative Doses of Ionizing Irradiation in Human Blood Decreases with Aging
Authors: Kasapović Jelena , Stojiljković Vesna , Gavrilović Ljubica , Popović Nataša , Milićević Zorka
Published: May 2012

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are independently recognized to play a significant role in radiation-induced damage on healthy tissue and in aging process. However, an age-related alteration of antioxidant (AO) system in radiation response in humans is poorly investigated. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the irradiation effects on the activities and expression of AO system in the blood of healthy women during aging. Blood samples were irradiated with curative and palliative doses of 2 Gy or 9 Gyγ-rays. AO capacity for detoxification of O2•−and H2O2in response to 2 Gyγ-irradiation decreases in women above 58 years, while in response to 9 Gy shows signs of weakening after 45 years of age. Due to reduction of AO capacity during aging, cytotoxic effects of curative and palliative doses of irradiation, mediated by ROS, may significantly increase in older subjects, while removal of H2O2excess could reduce them.
Ultrasound-Assisted Emulsification Microextraction Based on Solidification Floating Organic Drop Trace Amounts of Manganese Prior to Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry Determination
Authors: Mohadesi Alireza , Falahnejad Masoumeh
Published: May 2012

In the present study, an ultrasound-assisted emulsification microextraction based on solidification floating organic drop method is described for preconcentration of trace amounts of Mn (II). 2-(5-Bromo-2-pyridylazo)-5 diethylaminophenol was added to a solution of Mn+2at ph = 10.0. After this, 1-undecanol was added to the solution as an extraction solvent, and solution was stirred. Several factors influencing the microextraction efficiency, such as pH, the amount of chelating agent, nature and volume of extraction solvent, the volume of sample solution, stirring rate, and extraction time were investigated and optimized. Then sample vial was cooled by inserting into an ice bath, and the solidified was transferred into a suitable vial for immediate melting. Finally the sample was injected into a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Under the optimum condition the linear dynamic range was 0.50–10.0 ng mL−1with a correlation coefficient of 0.9926, and the detection limit of 0.3 ng mL−1was obtained. The enrichment factor was 160. The proposed method was successfully applied for separation and determination of manganese in sea, rain, tap, and river water samples.
A Real-Time PCR Assay for Bat SARS-Like Coronavirus Detection and Its Application to Italian Greater Horseshoe Bat Faecal Sample Surveys
Authors: Balboni Andrea , Gallina Laura , Palladini Alessandra , Prosperi Santino , Battilani Mara
Published: April 2012

Bats are source of coronaviruses closely related to the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus. Numerous studies have been carried out to identify new bat viruses related to SARS-coronavirus (bat-SARS-like CoVs) using a reverse-transcribed-polymerase chain reaction assay. However, a qualitative PCR could underestimate the prevalence of infection, affecting the epidemiological evaluation of bats in viral ecology. In this work an SYBR Green-real time PCR assay was developed for diagnosing infection with SARS-related coronaviruses from bat guano and was applied as screening tool in a survey carried out on 45 greater horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) sampled in Italy in 2009. The assay showed high sensitivity and reproducibility. Its application on bats screening resulted in a prevalence of 42%. This method could be suitable as screening tool in epidemiological surveys about the presence of bat-SARS-like CoVs, consequently to obtain a more realistic scenario of the viral prevalence in the population.
Stimulated Emission Depletion (STED) Imaging of Dendritic Spines in Living Hippocampal Slices
Authors: Willig Katrin I. , Nägerl U. Valentin
Published: May 2012

The confluence of innovations in transgenic labeling and light microscopy techniques in recent years has greatly advanced our understanding of dynamic cell biological events underlying neuronal function and plasticity. Increasingly, it has become possible to perform fundamental experiments inside the relevant subcellular compartments of a neuron embedded in three-dimensional living tissues. Overcoming the limiting role of diffraction in far-field light microscopy, nanoscopy is advancing our ability to see and manipulate cellular events well below the diffraction barrier of ∼200 nm. The first concrete and implemented concept of nanoscopy was STED (stimulated emission depletion) microscopy. This article gives an example of the power that STED microscopy holds for neuroscience research. It provides a method for live-cell time-lapse imaging of the dynamic morphology of dendritic spines of pyramidal neurons. Imaging is performed in an organotypic hippocampal slice culture system, with yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) used as a volume marker for the synaptic structures. In addition, the article describes the basic elements needed to assemble a custom-built STED microscope capable of live cell imaging and how to use it for physiology experiments.
Palmitoylation of virus proteins
Authors: Veit Michael
Published: May 2012

The article summarises the results of more than 30 years of research on palmitoylation (S‐acylation) of viral proteins, the post‐translational attachment of fatty acids to cysteine residues of integral and peripheral membrane proteins. Analysing viral proteins is not only important to characterise the cellular pathogens but also instrumental to decipher the palmitoylation machinery of cells. This comprehensive review describes methods to identify S‐acylated proteins and covers the fundamental biochemistry of palmitoylation: the location of palmitoylation sites in viral proteins, the fatty acid species found in S‐acylated proteins, the intracellular site of palmitoylation and the enzymology of the reaction. Finally, the functional consequences of palmitoylation are discussed regarding binding of proteins to membranes or membrane rafts, entry of enveloped viruses into target cells by spike‐mediated membrane fusion as well as assembly and release of virus particles from infected cells. The topics are described mainly for palmitoylated proteins of influenza virus, but proteins of other important pathogens, such as the causative agents of AIDS and severe acute respiratory syndrome, and of model viruses are discussed.
Carbon pools of an intact forest in Gabon
Authors: Gautam Sishir , Pietsch Stephan A.
Published: May 2012

Quantitative and qualitative loss of tropical forests prompted international policy agendas to slow down forest loss through reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD)+, ensuring carbon offset payments to developing countries. So far, many African countries lack reliable forest carbon data and monitoring systems as required by REDD+. In this study, we estimate the carbon stocks of a naturally forested landscape unaffected by direct human impact. We used data collected from 34 plots randomly distributed across the Mount Birougou National Park (690 km2) in southern Gabon. We used tree‐level data on species, diameter, height, species‐specific wood density and carbon fraction as well as site‐level data on dead wood, soil and litter carbon to calculate carbon content in aboveground, belowground, dead wood, soil and litter as 146, 28, 14, 186 and 7 Mg ha−1, respectively. Results may serve as a benchmark to assess ecosystem carbon loss/gain for the Massif du Chaillu in Gabon and the Republic of Congo, provide field data for remote sensing and also may contribute to establish national monitoring systems.
Testing the stress‐gradient hypothesis with aquatic detritivorous invertebrates: insights for biodiversity‐ecosystem functioning research
Authors: Fugère V. , Andino P. , Espinosa R. , Anthelme F. , Jacobsen D. , Dangles O.
Published: May 2012

1. The stress‐gradient hypothesis (SGH) states that environmental stress modulates species interactions, causing a shift from negative interactions to net positive interactions with increasing stress.

2. Potentially, this modulation of species interactions could in turn influence biodiversity‐ecosystem function (B‐EF) relationships along stress gradients. Although the SGH has been extensively discussed in plant community ecology in the past two decades, it has received little attention from animal ecologists.

3. To explore whether the SGH could be applied to animal communities, we conducted a litter decomposition experiment with aquatic detritivorous invertebrates in which we manipulated litter quality and measured species interactions along this resource quality gradient. Litter quality was manipulated by presenting detritivores with leaves of plant species varying in specific leaf area and decomposition rate in streams.

4. We found a switch from negative to neutral interactions with increasing resource quality stress, in line with the SGH. However, by re‐examining other published results with aquatic detritivores from the perspective of the SGH, we found that a diversity of patterns seem to characterize detritivore interactions along stress gradients.

5. Although the basic pattern proposed by the SGH may not apply to animal systems in general, we show that aquatic detritivore interactions do change along stress gradients, which underlines the importance of incorporating environmental stressors more explicitly in B‐EF research.
Population genetic structure and long‐distance dispersal among seabird populations: Implications for colony persistence
Authors: BICKNELL A. W. J. , KNIGHT M. E. , BILTON D. , REID J. B. , BURKE T. , VOTIER S. C.
Published: May 2012

Dramatic local population decline brought about by anthropogenic‐driven change is an increasingly common threat to biodiversity. Seabird life history traits make them particularly vulnerable to such change; therefore, understanding population connectivity and dispersal dynamics is vital for successful management. Our study used a 357‐base pair mitochondrial control region locus sequenced for 103 individuals and 18 nuclear microsatellite loci genotyped for 245 individuals to investigate population structure in the Atlantic and Pacific populations of the pelagic seabird, Leach’s storm‐petrelOceanodroma leucorhoa leucorhoa. This species is under intense predation pressure at one regionally important colony on St Kilda, Scotland, where a disparity between population decline and predation rates hints at immigration from other large colonies.amova,FST,ΦSTand Bayesian cluster analyses revealed no genetic structure among Atlantic colonies (Global ΦST = −0.02P > 0.05, GlobalFST = 0.003,P > 0.05,structureK = 1), consistent with either contemporary gene flow or strong historical association within the ocean basin. The Pacific and Atlantic populations are genetically distinct (Global ΦST = 0.32P < 0.0001, GlobalFST = 0.04,P < 0.0001,structureK = 2), but evidence for interocean exchange was found with individual exclusion/assignment and population coalescent analyses. These findings highlight the importance of conserving multiple colonies at a number of different sites and suggest that management of this seabird may be best viewed at an oceanic scale. Moreover, our study provides an illustration of how long‐distance movement may ameliorate the potentially deleterious impacts of localized environmental change, although direct measures of dispersal are still required to better understand this process.
Measuring the stiffness of bacterial cells from growth rates in hydrogels of tunable elasticity
Authors: Tuson Hannah H. , Auer George K. , Renner Lars D. , Hasebe Mariko , Tropini Carolina , Salick Max , Crone Wendy C. , Gopinathan Ajay , Huang Kerwyn Casey , Weibel Douglas B.
Published: May 2012

Although bacterial cells are known to experience large forces from osmotic pressure differences and their local microenvironment, quantitative measurements of the mechanical properties of growing bacterial cells have been limited. We provide an experimental approach and theoretical framework for measuring the mechanical properties of live bacteria. We encapsulated bacteria in agarose with a user‐defined stiffness, measured the growth rate of individual cells and fit data to a thin‐shell mechanical model to extract the effective longitudinal Young's modulus of the cell envelope of Escherichia coli (50–150 MPa), Bacillus subtilis (100–200 MPa) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (100–200 MPa). Our data provide estimates of cell wall stiffness similar to values obtained via the more labour‐intensive technique of atomic force microscopy. To address physiological perturbations that produce changes in cellular mechanical properties, we tested the effect of A22‐induced MreB depolymerization on the stiffness of E. coli. The effective longitudinal Young's modulus was not significantly affected by A22 treatment at short time scales, supporting a model in which the interactions between MreB and the cell wall persist on the same time scale as growth. Our technique therefore enables the rapid determination of how changes in genotype and biochemistry affect the mechanical properties of the bacterial envelope.
Meta‐analysis of the association between cognitive abilities and everyday functioning in bipolar disorder
Authors: Depp Colin A , Mausbach Brent T , Harmell Alexandrea L , Savla Gauri N , Bowie Christopher R , Harvey Philip D , Patterson Thomas L
Published: May 2012

Depp CA, Mausbach BT, Harmell AL, Savla GN, Bowie CR, Harvey PD, Patterson TL. Meta‐analysis of the association between cognitive abilities and everyday functioning in bipolar disorder. Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 217–226. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  Neurocognitive deficits are common in bipolar disorder and contribute to functional disability. However, the degree to which general and specific cognitive deficits affect everyday functioning in bipolar disorder is unknown. The goal of this meta‐analysis was to examine the magnitude of the effect of specific neurocognitive abilities on everyday functioning in bipolar disorder.

Methods:  We conducted a comprehensive meta‐analysis of studies that reported associations between performance on objective neuropsychological tasks and everyday functioning among individuals with bipolar disorder. From an initial pool of 486 papers, 22 studies met inclusion criteria, comprising a total of 1344 participants. Correlation coefficients were calculated for 11 cognitive domains and four measurement modalities for functioning. We also examined effect moderators, such as sample age, clinical state, and study design.

Results:  The mean Pearson correlation between neurocognitive ability and functioning was 0.27, and was significant for all cognitive domains and varied little by cognitive domain. Correlations varied by methods of everyday functioning assessment, being lower for clinician and self‐report than performance‐based tasks and real‐world milestones such as employment. None of the moderator analyses were significant.

Conclusions:  Overall, the strength of association between cognitive ability and everyday functioning in bipolar disorder is strikingly similar to that seen in schizophrenia, with little evidence for differences across cognitive domains. The strength of association differed to a greater extent according to functional measurement approach.
Impact of crimson clover dying mulch on two eggplant insect herbivores
Authors: Hooks C. R. R. , Hinds J. , Zobel E. , Patton T.
Published: May 2012

EggplantSolanum melongenaL., is often colonized by two early season insect defoliators. The Colorado potato beetle (CPB),Leptinotarsa decemlineata(Say), and flea beetlesEpitrixspp., emerge from their overwintering sites in early spring and seek out emerging host plants such as eggplant. During the 2009 and 2010 growing season, field studies were conducted to investigate the impact of inter‐planting eggplant into a crimson clover (CC),Trifolium incarnatumL., winter cover crop on populations of flea beetles, CPB and their associated arthropod predators. The experiment consisted also of two levels of insecticide usage such as an application of azadirachtins plus pyrethrins followed by several applications of spinosad or no insecticide sprays as subplot treatments. During both study years, significantly fewer (adults, larvae and egg masses) were found on eggplant inter‐planted into CC than in bare‐ground (BG) eggplant plots. Although flea beetle abundance was greater in BG eggplant during 2010, they appeared to be less influenced by the presence of CC than were CPB. Additionally, there was no apparent impact of insecticide treatment on CPB populations on eggplant inter‐planted into CC. However, there was a decline in CPB following treatments with insecticides in BG eggplant plots. This suggests that a winter cover crop such as CC can be used to help manage CPB in eggplant, however, using this tactic in tandem with insecticide sprays may not result in greater CPB management.
Colorectal stenting for malignant obstruction: an 8‐year clinical experience
Authors: Chouhan Hanumant , Wong Christopher X. , Maharaj Preeya , Lawrence Mathew J. , Hunter Andrew , Moore James W.
Published: May 2012

Background:  A substantial percentage of patients with colorectal cancer present with obstructive symptoms. In such patients, surgery is often required and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Colorectal stenting is an increasingly commonplace alternative with potentially fewer risks than open surgery. We present our clinical experience over an 8‐year period with colorectal stenting in a major tertiary Australian hospital.

Methods:  From 2000 to 2008, patients undergoing colorectal stenting were identified via medical records. Clinical data collected included patient demographics, tumour type, extent of metastatic disease, stent characteristics, technical and clinical success, acute and chronic complications, and long‐term follow‐up status.

Results:  Thirty‐five patients (69 ± 13 years, 25 male) received a total of 39 stents. Technical success was achieved in 37 (95%), and clinical relief of obstruction was achieved in 34 (89%). One case was complicated by perforation at the time of procedure and three cases experienced delayed perforation. Reintervention was required in 17% of patients, all of whom had less than 50% hepatic volume replacement by metastatic disease.

Conclusions:  Colorectal stenting is a feasible and safe alternative for patients presenting with obstructive symptoms but the benefit may be restricted to patients with a short expected survival.
Culture and the absurd: the means and meanings of Aboriginal identity in the time of cultural revivalism
Authors: COWLISHAW GILLIAN
Published: May 2012

This essay proposes that a fundamental arbitrariness and absurdity at the heart of culture becomes visible in times of radical social change. As the Australian nation attempts to celebrate and revive Aboriginal Culture, and institutions call upon culture to remedy Aboriginal ills, Aboriginal traditions are also being held responsible for present distress and social disorder. However, some Aboriginal people are also developing new relationships with ‘their culture’, taking up opportunities to refashion or construct identities that are free of ancestral power, and encouraging new forms of subjective identification, social recognition, and self‐assertion. Equivalent processes are explored in remote and suburban Australia at semiotic, political, and social levels.

Le présent essai postule que les périodes de changements sociaux radicaux dévoilent l'arbitraire et l'absurdité fondamentaux qui se nichent au cœur de la culture. À l'heure où la nation australienne tente de mettre en lumière et de ranimer la Culture Aborigène et où les institutions en appellent à la culture pour remédier aux maux des Aborigènes, les traditions aborigènes sont aussi tenues responsables de la détresse et des désordres sociaux actuels. Certains peuples aborigènes sont cependant en train de tisser de nouveaux liens avec « leur culture » en profitant des occasions de remodeler des identités dégagées du pouvoir des ancêtres et en favorisant de nouvelles formes d'identification collective, de reconnaissance sociale et d'affirmation de soi. L'auteure explore des processus équivalents, au niveau sémiotique, politique et social, dans les zones isolées et suburbaines d'Australie.
Regulation of the glucocorticoid response to stress‐related disorders by the Hsp90‐binding immunophilin FKBP51
Authors: Galigniana Natalia M. , Ballmer Luzia T. , Toneatto Judith , Erlejman Alejandra G. , Lagadari Mariana , Galigniana Mario D.
Published: May 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 122, 4–18.

Immunophilin is the collective name given to a family of proteins that bind immunosuppressive drugs: Some immunophilins are Hsp90‐binding cochaperones that affect steroid receptor function. Mood and anxiety disorders are stress‐related diseases characterized by an impaired function of the mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors, two of the major regulatory elements of the hypothalamus‐pituitary‐adrenocortical axis. Genetic variations of the FK506‐binding protein of 51‐kDa, FKBP51, one of the immunophilins bound to those steroid receptor complexes, were associated with the effectiveness of treatments against depression and with a major risk‐factor for the development of post‐traumatic stress disorders. Interestingly, immunophilins show polymorphisms and some polymorphic isoforms of FKBP51 correlate with a greater impairment of steroid receptor functions. In this review, we discuss different aspects of the role of FKBP51 in such steroid receptor function and the impact of genetic variants of the immunophilin on the dysregulation of the stress response.
Therapeutic effects of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 positive allosteric modulator CDPPB on phencyclidine‐induced cognitive deficits in mice
Authors: Horio Mao , Fujita Yuko , Hashimoto Kenji
Published: May 2012

This study was undertaken to examine the effects of CDPPB (3‐cyano‐N‐(1,3‐diphenyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐yl)benzamide), a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGlu5), on cognitive deficits in mice after repeated administration of the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist phencyclidine (PCP). In the novel object recognition test, PCP (10 mg/kg/day for 10 days)‐induced cognitive deficits in mice were not improved by a single administration of CDPPB (10 mg/kg/day). However, PCP (10 mg/kg/day for 10 days)‐induced cognitive deficits in mice were significantly improved by subsequent subchronic (14 days) administration of CDPPB (10 mg/kg/day), but not of CDPPB (1.0 mg/kg/day). This study suggests that PCP‐induced cognitive deficits in mice are improved by subsequent subchronic administration of CDPPB. Therefore, mGlu5 PAMs would be potential therapeutic drugs for cognitive deficits in schizophrenia.
Doing Our Best: Optimization and the Management of Risk
Authors: Ben‐Haim Yakov
Published: May 2012

Tools and concepts of optimization are widespread in decision‐making, design, and planning. There is a moral imperative to “do our best.” Optimization underlies theories in physics and biology, and economic theories often presume that economic agents are optimizers. We argue that in decisions under uncertainty, what should be optimized is robustness rather than performance. We discuss the equity premium puzzle from financial economics, and explain that the puzzle can be resolved by using the strategy of satisficing rather than optimizing. We discuss design of critical technological infrastructure, showing that satisficing of performance requirements—rather than optimizing them—is a preferable design concept. We explore the need for disaster recovery capability and its methodological dilemma. The disparate domains—economics and engineering—illuminate different aspects of the challenge of uncertainty and of the significance of robust‐satisficing.
Acute Effects of Right Ventricular Apical Pacing on Left Atrial Remodeling and Function
Authors: XIE JUN‐MIN , FANG FANG , ZHANG QING , SANDERSON JOHN E. , YAT‐SUN CHAN JOSEPH , LAM YAT‐YIN , YU CHEUK‐MAN
Published: April 2012

Background
: The acute effects of right ventricular apical (RVA) pacing on left atrial (LA) function in patients with normal ejection fraction are not clear.

Methods
: A total of 94 patients (age 68.1 ± 11.1 years, 26 men) with implanted RVA‐based dual‐chamber pacemakers were recruited into this study. Patients who were pacemaker‐dependent, in persistent atrial fibrillation or left ventricular ejection fraction <45% were excluded. Echocardiography (iE33, Philips, Andover, MA, USA) was performed during intrinsic ventricular conduction (V‐sense) and RVA pacing (V‐pace) with 15 minutes between switching modes. The total maximal LA volume (LAVmax), preatrial contraction volume (LAVpre), and minimal volume (LAVmin) were assessed by area‐length method. Peak systolic, early diastolic, and peak late diastolic (atrial contractile) velocity (Sm‐la, Em‐la, and Am‐la) and strain (ɛs‐la, ɛe‐la, and ɛa‐la) were measured by color‐coded tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) in four mid‐LA walls at apical four‐ and two‐chamber views.

Results
: During V‐pace, LA volumes increased significantly compared with V‐sense (LAVmax: 52.0 ± 18.8 vs 55.2 ± 21.1 mL, P = 0.005; LAVpre: 39.8 ± 16.4 vs 41.3 ± 16.6 mL, P = 0.014; LAVmin: 27.4 ± 14.0 vs 29.1 ± 15.1 mL, P = 0.001). TDI parameters showed significant reduction in Sm‐la and Em‐la. Furthermore, ɛs‐la, ɛe‐la, and ɛa‐la decreased significantly, especially in patients with preexisting diastolic dysfunction (all P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

RVA pacing acutely induced LA enlargement and impaired atrial contractility. Patients with preexisting diastolic dysfunction may be more vulnerable to develop LA dysfunction and remodeling after acute RVA pacing. (PACE 2011;XX:1–7)
Is Pursuit of Termination of Atrial Fibrillation During Catheter Ablation of Great Value in Patients with Longstanding Persistent Atrial Fibrillation?
Authors: PARK YAE M. , CHOI JONG‐IL , LIM HONG E. , PARK SANG W. , KIM YOUNG‐HOON
Published: May 2012

Termination of Atrial Fibrillation During Catheter Ablation Predicts Better Outcome. Background: The reliable endpoint for ablation of longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation (LPAF) has not been clearly established.

Methods and Results: This study included 140 patients who underwent catheter ablation for drug‐refractory LPAF. A stepwise ablation approach included circumferential pulmonary vein isolation followed by left atrial and right atrial complex fractionated electrogram‐guided ablation. Atrial fibrillation (AF) was terminated by radiofrequency application during catheter ablation in 95 patients (67.9%). Among them, 33 patients (23.6%) converted to sinus rhythm directly, whereas 62 patients (44.3%) via atrial tachycardias (ATs). Patients in whom AF terminated during the index procedure had a lower recurrence rate of atrial arrhythmia than patients in whom AF did not terminate (45.3% vs 68.9%, P = 0.009, follow‐up 18.7 ± 7.6 months). Among patients in whom AF terminated, there was no significant difference in recurrence rate according to the termination mode, whether converted to AT or not (P = NS). However, patients who converted to AT had a higher recurrence rate of AT (54.8% vs 81%; P = 0.016). Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that termination of AF during ablation (HR 0.440; 95% CI: 0.200–0.969, P = 0.041) and structural heart disease (HR 2.633; 95% CI: 1.211–5.723; P = 0.015) were significant independent factors predicting the recurrence of atrial arrhythmia.

Conclusions: Termination of AF during catheter ablation is associated with a better clinical outcome in patients with LPAF. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 23 pp. 1051‐1058, October 2012)
Evolving diagnostic and prognostic imaging of the various cardiomyopathies
Authors: Sanz Javier
Published: May 2012

Several noninvasive imaging modalities, particularly cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), have of late provided important diagnostic and prognostic insights into various cardiomyopathies. Myocardial delayed enhancement on CMR after administration of contrast accurately delineates a scar, a powerful marker of poor prognosis in dilated cardiomyopathy. Also in heart failure, loss of integrity of the cardiac sympathetic nervous system, as demonstrated by reduced myocardial uptake of the radioisotope meta‐iodo‐benzylguanidine with nuclear imaging similarly provides information on outcomes. The presence/absence of a scar on CMR has emerged as an important diagnostic and/or prognostic tool for specific cardiomyopathies, such as Tako‐Tsubo, sarcoidosis, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In addition, the quantification of the myocardial parameter T2* on CMR has been validated for accurate quantification of iron myocardial overload and as the strongest predictor for incident heart failure. In these diseases, coronary angiography with computed tomography (CT) may be very useful in ruling out underlying coronary disease noninvasively.
Are we ignoring the dilated thoracic aorta?
Authors: Castellano Jose M. , Kovacic Jason C. , Sanz Javier , Fuster Valentin
Published: May 2012

The pathophysiology of thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) formation involves a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, cardiovascular risk factors, and hemodynamic forces. The medical community has resorted to the use of pharmacologic agents based on weak data transplanted from either abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) or Marfan syndrome. However, aneurysms differ significantly based on their anatomic location and etiology. Epidemiologic and experimental data demonstrate that different genetic and nongenetic risk factors as well as diverse physiologic processes are responsible for the development and progression of sporadic TAA, familial TAA, and AAA. Therefore, these disease processes need to be considered as distinct entities and not hastily grouped together. The extrapolation of data from one aneurysmal disease process to another is still ill‐founded and potentially harmful. Clinical trials in TAA are required before medical therapies, such as β‐blockers, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, statins, or macrolide antibiotics, can be recommended.
The Role of Music in Everyday Life: Current Directions in the Social Psychology of Music
Authors: Rentfrow Peter J.
Published: May 2012

Music is a crucial element of everyday life. People spend hours listening to it and billions of dollars buying it. Yet despite the pervasiveness of music, mainstream social‐personality psychology has hardly given any attention to this universal social phenomenon. Why is music important to people? What role does music play in everyday life? This article reviews research in fields outside mainstream psychology concerned with the social and psychological factors that influence how people experience and use music in their daily lives. The research in this area shows that music can have considerable effects on cognition, emotion, and behavior. It also indicates that people use music to serve various functions, from emotion regulation to self‐expression to social bonding. Research in this emerging field reveals how social‐personality psychology can inform our understanding of music, and in doing so it highlights the real‐world relevance of mainstream theory and research.
DNA barcoding of six Ceroplastes species (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Coccidae) from China
Authors: DENG JUN , YU FANG , ZHANG TONG‐XIN , HU HAO‐YUAN , ZHU CHAO‐DONG , WU SAN‐AN , ZHANG YAN‐ZHOU
Published: May 2012

Ceroplastes Gray (wax scales) is one of the genera of Coccidae, most species of which are considered to be serious economic pests. However, identification of Ceroplastes species is always difficult owing to the shortage of easily distinguishable morphological characters. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) sequences (or DNA barcodes) and the D2 expansion segments of the large subunit ribosomal RNA gene 28S were used for accurate identification of six Ceroplastes species (C. floridensis Comstock, C. japonicus Green, C. ceriferus (Fabricius), C. pseudoceriferus Green, C. rubens Maskell and C. kunmingensis Tang et Xie) from 20 different locations in China. For COI data, low G·C content was found in all species, averaging about 20.4%. Sequence divergences (K2P) between congeneric species averaged 12.19%, while intra‐specific divergences averaged 0.42%. All 112 samples fell into six reciprocally monophyletic clades in the COI neighbour‐joining (NJ) tree. The NJ tree inferred from 28S showed almost same results, but samples of two closely related species, C. ceriferus and C. pseudoceriferus, were clustered together. This research indicates that the standard barcode region of COI can efficiently identify similar Ceroplastes species. This study provides an example of the usefulness of barcoding for Ceroplastes identification.
Risk factors for progression of normal‐tension glaucoma under β‐blocker monotherapy
Authors: Araie Makoto , Shirato Shiroaki , Yamazaki Yoshio , Matsumoto Chota , Kitazawa Yoshiaki , Ohashi Yasuo ,   for the Nipradilol‐Timolol Study Group
Published: May 2012

Purpose:  To prospectively study prognostic factors for normal‐tension glaucoma (NTG) under treatment with topical β‐blocker.

Methods:  One hundred and forty‐six eyes of 146 patients with NTG with a mean untreated intraocular pressure (IOP) of 14 mmHg, mild to moderate visual field damage and mean spherical equivalent refraction of −3.5 (−8.0 to +2.0) dioptre were randomized to topical nipradilol or timolol and followed for 3 years. The Humphrey full threshold 30‐2 visual field test was performed every 6 months, and optic disc photographs were obtained every 12 months. Progression was defined as visual field progression, optic disc and/or peripapillary nerve fibre layer change, and factors relating to progression were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models.

Results:  IOP decreased by 1.0 mmHg over the 3‐year period, during which 35% showed progression according to the aforementioned criteria. Optic disc haemorrhage (hazard ratio [HR] 4.00, p < 0.001) and less extent of myopia (per dioptre, HR 1.15, p = 0.013) were significant risk factors. When progression was defined by visual field progression only, less extent of myopia was again a significant risk factor (HR 1.17, p = 0.038).

Conclusion:  Beside optic disc haemorrhage, less extent of myopia was a risk factor for progression in the current NTG population where most patients were mildly myopic and IOP during follow‐up averaged 13.2 mmHg under topical β‐blocker.
A New Species of Liadotaulius (Insecta: Trichoptera) from the Middle Jurassic of Daohugou, Inner Mongolia
Authors: Hao WU , Diying HUANG
Published: May 2012

Diverse caddis flies are recently collected from the Middle Jurassic Daohugou fauna in Ningcheng County, Inner Mongolia, northern China, and different types of caddis cases have been reported in the same locality. A new species of caddisfly, Liadotaulius daohugouensis sp. nov. is described and illustrated; the establishment is based on a well‐preserved isolated forewing collected from the Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation of Daohugou. The family status of Liadotaulius is discussed on the basis of new material and is referred to the family Philopotamidae. The Daohugou fauna continues to provide new data for studying the early evolution of Trichoptera.
Seismotectonics of the 26 November 2005 Jiujiang‐Ruichang, Jiangxi, Ms 5.7 Earthquake
Authors: Zhujun HAN , Fushui LU , Fengju JI , Xinfu ZENG , Yanfen An
Published: May 2012

The 26 November 2005 Jiujiang‐Ruichang, Jiangxi, Ms 5.7 earthquake occurred in a seismotectonic setting of moderate earthquake. The northwest‐trending Xiangfan‐Guangji fault (XFG) does not enter into the epicenter vicinity, but the northeast‐trending Ruichang‐Wuning fault (RWF) as a regional fault extends to the epicenter nearby, appearing as the Ruichang basin and its marginal faults. Tilting of the Ruichang Basin (RCB) in the Quaternary was controlled by the RCB southeast‐marginal, buried fault (RSMBF). Shallow geophysical survey reveals that the RSMBF caused an offset of the reflection layers. Drill hole columnar section demonstrates that there are about 10–12 m displacement in the lower section of the middle‐Pleistocene Series along the RSMBF, but no disruption is found in the upper section of the middle‐Pleistocene Series. The RSMBF not only has activity in the Quaternary, but also coincides with the nodal plane I from the focal mechanism of the Jiujiang‐Ruichang Ms 5.7 earthquake. This evidence, including aftershock distribution and isoseismic lines, strongly suggests that the RSMBF might be the seismogenic tectonics. The RWF is discontinuous at the surface, and consists of three en echelon Quaternary basins, which are the Ruichang, Fanzhen and Wuning basins. Three moderate earthquakes, the Fanzhen ML 4.9 earthquake, the Yejiapu ML 4.1 earthquake and the Jiujiang‐Ruichang Ms 5.7 earthquake, have happened in the basins since 1995. The seismogenic tectonics of the Jiujiang‐Ruichang Ms 5.7 earthquake is not isolated, but may be controlled by the RWF at depth, the slip of which causes the accumulation of energy for earthquake occurrence.
Agmatine Induces Rat Prostate Relaxation through Activation of Peripheral Imidazoline I2‐Receptors
Authors: LEE Liang‐Ming , LIN Chia‐Ho , CHUNG Hsien‐Hui , CHENG Juei‐Tang , CHEN I‐Hung , TONG Yat‐Ching
Published: May 2012

Objectives: The effect of agmatine on prostate contractility as well as the roles of imidazoline receptors and potassium channels in this action were studied using isolated Wistar rat prostate tissue.

Methods: Rat prostate strips were pre‐contracted with 1 µmol/L phenylephrine or 50 mmol/L KCl. The relaxation response to agmatine (1–100 µmol/L) was measured. The effects of imidazoline receptor blockers: efaroxan, BU224, KU14R; ATP‐sensitive K+ channels (KATP) channel inhibitor: glibenclamide; cyclic AMP (cAMP) phosphodiesterase inhibitor: IBMX; or protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor: H‐89 on the agmatine‐induced relaxation were studied.

Results: Agmatine produced relaxation in prostate strips pre‐contracted with phenylephrine or KCl in a dose‐dependent manner. This relaxation was significantly reduced by BU224, a selective I2 imidazoline receptor (IR) blocker, but not by I1 or I3 IR blockers (efaroxan, KU14R respectively). Moreover, the agmatine‐induced relaxation was attenuated by glibenclamide and H‐89, but enhanced by IBMX.

Conclusion: The results suggest that agmatine causes rat prostate relaxation by activation of the I2 IR, which opens KATP channels through cAMP/PKA pathway.