bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oblique fault systems crossing the Seattle Basin: Geophysical evidence for additional shallow fault systems in the central Puget Lowland
Authors: Mace Chris G. , Keranen Katie M.
Published: February 2012

Upper plate seismicity in the Puget Lowland is more broadly distributed than mapped fault systems and presents a conundrum for understanding the active tectonics of the region. Although many previous studies have mapped faulting in the Puget Lowland from subsurface geophysical data, many of these efforts have focused specifically on mapping the structure of the Seattle Fault Zone and the South Whidbey Island Fault. The thick glacial sediments and extensive water bodies may conceal additional active faults away from these major structures. We map fault networks in Quaternary sediments broadly throughout the central Puget Lowland using existing marine multichannel seismic reflection data sets with widely distributed profiles to extend the results of previous work. We identify a NE‐SW zone of recent high‐angle faulting and shallow sediment deformation crossing the Seattle Uplift and the Seattle Basin that segments the Seattle Fault Zone and is distinct from previously mapped fault systems. Faults in this zone cut or deform sediments at the seafloor, and the zone trends across the central Puget Lowland at an oblique angle to major regional structures. Two additional zones of faulting trend NW‐SE and cut through the Seattle Basin and the Kingston Arch, respectively. Aeromagnetic lineations extend the NE‐SW trend of deformation across the Seattle Uplift and connect deformation of shallow sediment in the Puget Sound with deformation of shallow sediment in the Hood Canal. These oblique fault structures may partially control the wide distribution of seismicity within the central Puget Lowland and should be considered in seismic hazard assessments.
Estimation of rain kinetic energy from radar reflectivity and/or rain rate based on a scaling formulation of the raindrop size distribution
Authors: Yu Nan , Boudevillain Brice , Delrieu Guy , Uijlenhoet Remko
Published: February 2012

This study offers an approach to estimate the rainfall kinetic energy (KE) by rain intensity (R) and radar reflectivity factor (Z) separately or jointly on the basis of a one‐ or two‐moment scaled raindrop size distribution (DSD) formulation, which contains (1) R and/or Z observations and (2) the dimensionless probability density function (pdf) of a scaled raindrop diameter. The key point is to explain all variability of the DSD by the evolution of the explaining moments (R and Z); hence the pdf is considered as constant. A robust method is proposed to estimate the climatological values of the parameters with a 28 month DSD data set collected in the Cévennes‐Vivarais region of France. Three relationships (KE‐R, KE‐Z, and KE‐RZ), which link the observations (R and/or Z) to rainfall kinetic energy (KE), are established. As expected, the assessment using the disdrometer data indicates that (1) because of the proximity of the moment orders, the KE‐Z relationship exhibits less variability than the KE‐R relationship and (2) the combination of R and Z yields a significant improvement of the estimation of KE compared to the single‐moment formulations. Subsequently, a first attempt to spatialize the kinetic energy using radar and rain gauge measurements is presented for a convective event, showing a promising potential for erosion process studies. Different from the application with the disdrometer data, the performance of the KE‐Z relationship degrades compared to the KE‐R relationship as a result of a bias and/or the sampling characteristics of the radar data.
Antioxidant Roles of Heme Oxygenase, Carbon Monoxide, and Bilirubin in Cerebral Circulation during Seizures
Authors: Parfenova Helena , Leffler Charles W , Basuroy Shyamali , Liu Jianxiong , Fedinec Alexander L
Published: February 2012

Postictal cerebrovascular dysfunction is an adverse effect of seizures in newborn piglets. The brain heme oxygenase (HO) provides protection against cerebrovascular dysfunction. We investigated the contribution of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to seizure-induced vascular damage and the mechanism of HO vasoprotection. In a bicuculline model of seizures, we addressed the hypotheses: (1) seizures increase brain ROS; (2) ROS contribute to cerebral vascular dysfunction; (3) ROS initiate a vasoprotective mechanisms by activating endogenous HO; and (4) HO products have antioxidant properties. As assessed by dihydroethidium oxidation (ox-DHE), seizures increased ROS in cerebral vessels and cortical astrocytes; ox-DHE elevation was prevented by tiron and apocynin. An HO inhibitor, tin protoporphyrin, potentiated, whereas an HO-1 inducer, cobalt protoporphyrin, blocked seizure-induced increase in DHE oxidation. Heme oxygenase products carbon monoxide (CO) (CORM-A1) and bilirubin attenuated ox-DHE elevation during seizures. Antioxidants tiron and bilirubin prevented the loss of postictal cerebrovascular dilations to bradykinin, glutamate, and sodium nitroprusside. Tiron and apocynin abrogated activation of the brain HO during seizures. Overall, these data suggest that long-term adverse cerebrovascular effects of seizures are attributed to oxidative stress. On the other hand, seizure-induced ROS are required for activation of the endogenous antioxidant HO/CO/bilirubin system that alleviates oxidative stress-induced loss of postictal cerebrovascular function in piglets.
Suppression of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced ornithine decarboxylase activity by resveratrol derivatives
Authors: Luqman Suaib , Kondratyuk Tamara , Hosino Juma , Cushman Mark , Pezzuto John
Published: February 2012

As demonstrated previously, resveratrol (3,4',5-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) inhibits 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), the key rate limiting enzyme in mammalian polyamine synthesis. Using human bladder epithelial carcinoma HTB-24 cells in culture where resveratrol inhibits induction with an IC50 of 8.8 µM, we now report potential metabolites demonstrate greater activity [tetrabutylammonium (E)-4-(3,5-dihydroxystyryl)phenyl sulfate (IC50 1.2 µM), resveratrol tripotassium 3,5,4'-trisulfate (IC50 1.8 µM), resveratrol tripotassium 3,4'-disulfate (IC50 1.8 µM), and resveratrol tripotassium 3,5-disulfate (IC50 2.3 µM)]. Based on RT-PCR studies, ODC inhibition occurs at the transcriptional level, but this was not due to direct inhibition of protein kinase C (e.g., resveratrol IC50, 79 µM; resveratrol tripotassium 3,5-disulfate IC50, 49 µM). Additional work is underway to more fully investigate this potentially important observation. [This work was supported by program project P01 CA48112 awarded by the National Cancer Institute. SL acknowledges Indo-US Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF), New Delhi for a Research Fellowship].
Structural, magnetic, transport and magnetocaloric properties of metamagnetic DyMn0.5Co0.5O3
Authors: Ganeshraj C. , Pradheesh R. , Santhosh P. N.
Published: February 2012

Rietveld refinement of the powder diffraction data revealed that DyMn0.5Co0.5O3 (DMCO) crystallized in an orthorhombic structure containing distorted Mn/Co−O6 octahedra (sp.gr = Pnma; a = 5.5922(1) Å, b = 7.4987(1) Å, c = 5.2606(1) Å). Below 85 K, the field cooled magnetization data shows a spontaneous magnetic ordering. The metamagnetic behavior of the sample is evident from the nature of variation of magnetization with applied magnetic field. The field dependent magnetization at 5 K, points out the Mn and Co ions are aligned ferromagnetically, whereas Dy and Mn-Co sublattices are coupled antiferromagnetically. The magnitude of isothermal magnetic entropy change, |ΔSM|max is ∼ 9.30 J kg−1 K−1 in the vicinity of magnetic ordering of Dy3+for the field change of 7 T, is appreciable to consider DyMn0.5Co0.5O3 as a magnetic refrigerant at low temperatures. The temperature variation of electrical resistivity shows the highly insulating nature of the sample.
Temperature effect on dipolar and exchange interactions for SmCo5 + Fe65Co35 nanocomposite powders
Authors: Muñoz Ortega L. P. , Elizalde Galindo J. T. , Farias Mancilla J. R. , Santillan C. R. , Matutes Aquino J. A.
Published: February 2012

DC magnetization measurements were used to determine the temperature dependencies of the magnetic properties for (90%wt)SmCo5 + (10%wt)Fe65Co35 nanocomposite powders synthesized by mechanical milling and subsequent annealing. The annealing conditions were T equal to 1073 K and time, t, equal to 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 6.0 min. Maximum magnetization decreased upon cooling in temperature range from 290 to 10 K. Coercivity increased its value to a maximum at the lowest temperature. On the other hand, hysteresis loops collected at low temperatures showed a “knee” in the second quadrant of the demagnetization curve, which suggests that dipolar interactions are becoming stronger than intergrain exchange coupling as temperature is lowered. This low temperature reduction of exchange interactions is confirmed by the temperature dependence of the exchange coupled volume ratio, R. Finally, the temperature effect on magnetic properties is explained on the basis of anisotropy enhancement and reduction of thermal fluctuations as temperature decreases.
Controlled reversal of Co/Pt Dots for nanomagnetic logic applications
Authors: Breitkreutz Stephan , Kiermaier Josef , Vijay Karthik Sankar , Csaba Gyorgy , Schmitt-Landsiedel Doris , Becherer Markus
Published: February 2012

Domain reversal in perpendicular multilayer films is governed by an intrinsic distribution of anisotropy. However, control of the switching field distribution (SFD) of field-coupled, single domain Co/Pt dots is the key to building large integrated systems for nanomagnetic logic applications. In this work, partial Ga+ focused ion beam (FIB) irradiation of single-domain Co/Pt dots is employed which locally reduces the anisotropy and renders the film-inherent SFD ineffective. Controlled reduction in the switching field compared to non-irradiated dots is achieved, depending on size and dose of irradiation. TEM images of an as-grown and irradiated Co/Pt stack show a change in morphology from distinct Co/Pt interfaces to intermixed and randomly oriented grains due to the Ga+ ion impact. The presented method is highly suitable to control the switching behavior in field-coupled logic devices. Experimental results are used to demonstrate a nanomagnetic fanout operation.
Electronic and optical properties of quantum wells embedded in wrinkled nanomembranes
Authors: Cendula P. , Kiravittaya S. , Schmidt O. G.
Published: February 2012

The authors theoretically investigate quantum confinement and transition energies in quantum wells (QWs) asymmetrically positioned in wrinkled nanomembranes. Calculations reveal that the wrinkle profile induces both blue- and redshifts, depending on the lateral position of the QW probed. Relevant radiative transitions include the ground state of the electron (hole) and excited states of the hole (electron). Energy shifts as well as stretchability of the structure are studied as a function of wrinkle amplitude and period. Large tunable bandwidths of up to 70 nm are predicted for highly asymmetric, wrinkled QWs.
Polar localization of a symbiosis-specific phosphate transporter is mediated by a transient reorientation of secretion
Authors: Pumplin Nathan , Zhang Xinchun , Noar Roslyn D. , Harrison Maria J.
Published: February 2012

The arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis, formed by land plants and AM fungi, evolved an estimated 400 million years ago and has been maintained in angiosperms, gymnosperms, pteridophytes, and some bryophytes as a strategy for enhancing phosphate acquisition. During AM symbiosis, the AM fungus colonizes the root cortical cells where it forms branched hyphae called arbuscules that function in nutrient exchange with the plant. Each arbuscule is enveloped in a plant membrane, the periarbuscular membrane, that contains a unique set of proteins including phosphate transporters such as
Medicago truncatula
MtPT4 [Javot et al., (2007)
Proc Natl Acad Sci USA
104:1720–1725], which are essential for symbiotic phosphate transport. The periarbuscular membrane is physically continuous with the plasma membrane of the cortical cell, but MtPT4 and other periarbuscular membrane-resident proteins are located only in the domain around the arbuscule branches. Establishing the distinct protein composition of the periarbuscular membrane is critical for AM symbiosis, but currently the mechanism by which this composition is achieved is unknown. Here we investigate the targeting of MtPT4 to the periarbuscular membrane. By expressing MtPT4 and other plasma membrane proteins from promoters active at different phases of the symbiosis, we show that polar targeting of MtPT4 is mediated by precise temporal expression coupled with a transient reorientation of secretion and alterations in the protein cargo entering the secretory system of the colonized root cell. In addition, analysis of phosphate transporter mutants implicates the trans-Golgi network in phosphate transporter secretion.
Interprotomer motion-transmission mechanism for the hexameric AAA ATPase p97
Authors: Li Guangtao , Huang Chengdong , Zhao Gang , Lennarz William J.
Published: February 2012

Multimeric AAA ATPases represent a structurally homologous yet functionally diverse family of proteins. The essential and highly abundant hexameric AAA ATPase p97 is perhaps the best studied AAA protein, playing an essential role in various important cellular activities. During ATP-hydrolysis process, p97 undergoes dramatic conformational changes, and these changes are initiated in the C-terminal ATPase domain and transmitted across the entire length of the molecule to the N-terminal effector domain. However, the detailed mechanism of the motion transmission remains unclear. Here, we report an interprotomer motion-transmission mechanism to explain this process: The nucleotide-dependent motion transmission between the two ATPase domains of one protomer is mediated by its neighboring protomer. This finding reveals a strict requirement for interprotomer coordination of p97 during the motion-transmission process and may shed light on studies of other AAA ATPases.
What's in the Literature?
Authors: Simmons Zachary
Published: February 2012

The neuromuscular literature over the past 3 months has been diverse, including useful information on the epidemiology of several disorders. Our understanding of the genetics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis continues to grow, and in the process, it makes the distinction between familial and sporadic forms of the disorder increasingly murky. Some interesting articles about peripheral neuropathy provide insight into relationships with diabetes and with Parkinson disease and summarize the state of knowledge of the increasingly complex topic of hereditary neuropathies in children. Epidemiology and electrodiagnosis of lateral femoral cutaneous neuropathy is nicely discussed in 2 articles. Several muscle diseases, including Pompe disease, sporadic inclusion body myositis, and the congenital myopathies, receive attention in articles that provide very useful information for the clinician, and there is a treatment-oriented article on dystrophinopathies, which makes for excellent reading. There are also discussions of several uncommon disorders, including a mitochondrial myopathy, periodic paralysis, and congenital myasthenic syndromes, which are helpful in providing information to clinicians who may see such disorders only infrequently.
PEG and ABA trigger methyl jasmonate accumulation to induce the MEP pathway and increase tanshinone production in Salvia miltiorrhiza hairy roots
Authors: Yang Dongfeng , Ma Pengda , Liang Xiao , Wei Zheng , Liang Zongsuo , Liu Yan , Liu Fenghua
Published: February 2012

Tanshinones, a group of active ingredients in Salvia miltiorrhiza, are derived from at least two biosynthetic pathways, which are the mevalonate (MVA) pathway in the cytosol and the 2‐C‐methyl‐d‐erythritol‐4‐phosphate (MEP) pathway in the plastids. Abscisic acid (ABA) and methyl jasmonate (MJ) are two well‐known plant hormones induced by water stress. In this study, effects of polyethylene glycol (PEG), ABA and MJ on tanshinone production in S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots were investigated, and the role of MJ in PEG‐ and ABA‐induced tanshinone production was further elucidated. The results showed that tanshinone production was significantly enhanced by treatments with PEG, ABA and MJ. The mRNA levels of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl co‐enzyme A reductase (HMGR), 1‐deoxy‐d‐xylulose 5‐phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR) and 1‐deoxy‐d‐xylulose 5‐phosphate synthase (DXS), as well as the enzyme activities of HMGR and DXS were stimulated by all three treatments. PEG and ABA triggered MJ accumulation. Effects of PEG and ABA on tanshinone production were completely abolished by the ABA biosynthesis inhibitor [tungstate (TUN)] and the MJ biosynthesis inhibitor [ibuprofen (IBU)], while effects of MJ were almost unaffected by TUN. In addition, MJ‐induced tanshinone production was completely abolished by the MEP pathway inhibitor [fosmidomycin (FOS)], but was just partially arrested by the MVA pathway inhibitor [mevinolin (MEV)]. In conclusion, a signal transduction model was proposed that exogenous applications of PEG and ABA triggered endogenous MJ accumulation by activating ABA signaling pathway to stimulate tanshinone production, while exogenous MJ could directly induce tanshinone production mainly via the MEP pathway in S. miltiorrhiza hairy roots.
Life history and virulence are linked in the ectoparasitic salmon louse Lepeophtheirus salmonis
Authors: MENNERAT A. , HAMRE L. , EBERT D. , NILSEN F. , DÁVIDOVÁ M. , SKORPING A.
Published: February 2012

Models of virulence evolution for horizontally transmitted parasites often assume that transmission rate (the probability that an infected host infects a susceptible host) and virulence (the increase in host mortality due to infection) are positively correlated, because higher rates of production of propagules may cause more damages to the host. However, empirical support for this assumption is scant and limited to microparasites. To fill this gap, we explored the relationships between parasite life history and virulence in the salmon louse, Lepeophtheirus salmonis, a horizontally transmitted copepod ectoparasite on Atlantic salmon Salmo salar. In the laboratory, we infected juvenile salmon hosts with equal doses of infective L. salmonis larvae and monitored parasite age at first reproduction, parasite fecundity, area of damage caused on the skin of the host, and host weight and length gain. We found that earlier onset of parasite reproduction was associated with higher parasite fecundity. Moreover, higher parasite fecundity (a proxy for transmission rate, as infection probability increases with higher numbers of parasite larvae released to the water) was associated with lower host weight gain (correlated with lower survival in juvenile salmon), supporting the presence of a virulence–transmission trade‐off. Our results are relevant in the context of increasing intensive farming, where frequent anti‐parasite drug use and increased host density may have selected for faster production of parasite transmission stages, via earlier reproduction and increased early fecundity. Our study highlights that salmon lice, therefore, are a good model for studying how human activity may affect the evolution of parasite virulence.
Study of the correlation between tumor size and cyst rupture in laparotomy and laparoscopy for benign ovarian tumor: Is 10 cm the limit for laparoscopy?
Authors: Shiota Mitsuru , Kotani Yasushi , Umemoto Masahiko , Tobiume Takako , Hoshiai Hiroshi
Published: February 2012

Aim:  Laparoscopy is the gold standard for treatment of benign ovarian cysts, although there is a risk of intraoperative cyst rupture if the lesion is cancerous. This study is aimed at comparing the incidence of cyst rupture to tumor size in both laparotomy and laparoscopy in order to select the optimum surgical procedure for ovarian cysts.

Methods:  A total of 1483 cases of benign ovarian cysts were surgically treated at our center between 1995 and 2010. These cases were divided into three groups according to the maximum diameter of the ovarian tumors: <5 cm, ≥5 cm but <10 cm, and ≥10 cm. The incidence of cyst rupture was compared between laparotomy and laparoscopy according to the size of the tumor in ovarian tumorectomy and adnexectomy.

Results:  The incidence of cyst rupture was significantly higher in ovarian tumorectomy by laparoscopy than by laparotomy. Cyst rupture occurred independent of the tumor size in both laparoscopy and laparotomy. For adnexectomy for tumors smaller than 10 cm, there was no significant difference by tumor size in the incidence of cyst rupture between laparoscopy and laparotomy; however, the incidence of cyst rupture was significantly higher in laparoscopy of tumors sized 10 cm or larger than in the laparotomy of tumors of similar size; the incidence was also greater than laparoscopy of tumors smaller than 10 cm.

Conclusion:  Laparotomy, rather than laparoscopy, is recommended in cases of ovarian cysts with any finding suggestive of malignancy.
Agranulocytosis associated with intravenous ritodrine hydrochloride therapy: Two case reports by different mechanisms
Authors: Yasuda Rino , Makino Yasuo , Matsuda Yoshio , Kawamichi Yayoi , Matsui Hideo
Published: February 2012

Ritodrine hydrochloride has been widely used for tocolysis, although serious side‐effects have been reported. We report two cases of agranulocytosis induced by ritodrine hydrochloride, which probably occurred by different mechanisms. Two patients were hospitalized because of preterm labor and were given intravenous ritodrine hydrochloride. The nadir of neutrocytes was 199/mm3 and 13/mm3 in the two cases, respectively. The total dose of ritodrine hydrochloride was calculated to be 7800 mg for 26 days and 2500 mg for 22 days, respectively. The total doses were heavier and administration duration was longer in Case 1, which suggested a toxic mechanism of agranulocytosis, while in Case 2, they were smaller and shorter, suggesting an immunological mechanism. For patients receiving ritodrine hydrochloride, the white blood cell count should be checked frequently regardless of the duration of therapy and a drug lymphocyte stimulation test should be performed.
Reshaping European metrology research – the role of national research managers
Authors: Barker Katharine E. , Cox Deborah , Sveinsdottir Thordis
Published: February 2012

This paper deals with the role of research and development (R&D) managers in shaping the landscape of public research in Europe. These R&D managers work in the sphere of public research within national government laboratory services. The case we present is of the reconfiguration of metrology research. Metrology is the science of measurement. We examine why scientists and research managers in nationally embedded institutes, which are performing R&D in support of national policy and local industry needs, have chosen to co‐operate in a shared research programme. This means giving up, in part, their national sovereignty over funds and decision making. Furthermore, we examine how they have achieved the shared programme, which was launched as a European Commission (EC) programme through the Article 185 initiative, which allows the European Union to participate in research programmes undertaken jointly by several Member States.
Activity‐dependent regulation of the dopamine phenotype in substantia nigra neurons
Authors: Aumann Tim , Horne Mal
Published: February 2012

J. Neurochem. (2012) 121, 497–515.

Degeneration of dopamine (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) causes the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The development of cell‐replacement therapies for Parkinson’s disease motor symptoms is hampered by poor acquisition and retention of the DA phenotype by endogenous and transplanted neurons. Factors which regulate the DA phenotype in the adult SNc are, therefore, keenly sought. Transcription of the rate‐limiting enzyme in DA synthesis, tyrosine hydroxylase, and possibly other DA genes, is known to be regulated by changes in membrane potential and intracellular Ca2+. Furthermore, emerging evidence indicates DA gene transcription is sensitive to fast membrane potential changes and intracellular Ca2+transients, that is, those associated with normal rates and patterns of neuronal activity. In other words, the DA phenotype is activity‐dependent. In this review, we highlight the importance of spatiotemporal Ca2+dynamics for regulating gene expression in cells, and the possible role of fast Ca2+dynamics associated with normal rates and patterns of neuronal activity. We review evidence supporting activity‐ and Ca2+‐dependent regulation of the DA phenotype in cells, including SNc neurons, as well as knowledge about the molecular pathways intervening between intracellular Ca2+ and TH gene expression. We describe the electrophysiology of SNc DA neurons, emphasizing features that may regulate DA gene expression. We conclude by bringing together this information in a model of how neuronal activity might regulate the DA phenotype in SNc neurons.
The histamine autoreceptor is a short isoform of the H3 receptor
Authors: Gbahou F , Rouleau A , Arrang J‐M
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The histamine H3 receptor was identified as the autoreceptor of brain histaminergic neurons. After its cloning, functional H3 receptor isoforms generated by a deletion in the third intracellular loop were found in the brain. Here, we determined if this autoreceptor was the long or the short isoform.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We hypothesized that the deletion would affect H3 receptor stereoselectivity. The effects of the enantiomers of two chiral ligands, Nα‐methyl‐α‐chloromethylhistamine (NαMe‐αClMeHA) and sopromidine, were investigated on cAMP formation at the H3(445) and H3(413) receptor isoforms, common to all species. They were further compared with their effects at autoreceptors. They were also compared on [35S]GTPγ[S] binding to membranes of rat cerebral cortex, striatum and hypothalamus, the richest area in autoreceptors.

KEY RESULTS The stereoselectivity of NαMe‐αClMeHA enantiomers as agonists was similar at the H3(413) receptor isoform and autoreceptors, but lower at the long isoform. While (S) sopromidine did not discriminate between the isoforms, (R) sopromidine was an antagonist at the H3(413) receptor isoform and autoreceptors, but a full agonist at the long isoform. In rat brain, stereoselectivity of NαMe‐αClMeHA was higher in the hypothalamus than in cerebral cortex or striatum, whereas the opposite pattern was found for sopromidine.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The pharmacological profiles of H3 receptor isoforms differed markedly, showing that the function of autoreceptors was fulfilled by a short isoform, such as the H3(413) receptor. Development of drugs selectively targeting autoreceptors might enhance their therapeutic efficacy and/or decrease incidence of side effects.
Multicenter Analysis on the Impact of Nephrologist‐Initiated Catheter Insertion Program on Peritoneal Dialysis Penetration
Authors: Ng Eng Khim , Goh Bak Leong , Chew Siew Eng , Tan Chwee Choon , Ching Chen Hua , Sha’ariah Md Yusuf Wan , Rozina Mohamed Ghazalli
Published: February 2012

The demands for timely catheter insertion have spurred the growth of peritoneoscopic catheter insertion program by nephrologists in Malaysia. We performed a multicenter analysis to study its impact on the growth of peritoneal dialysis (PD) population. Data were collected retrospectively from five centers at the point of program initiation until December 2009. In Center 1, with this program, PD population continued to grow from 25 patients in 2006 to 120 in 2009. In center 2, the program began in 2005, but comprised only 28.6% of total insertions. From 2007 onwards, nephrologists had overtaken the surgeon, inserting from 85% to 97% of the total insertions. In center 3, with the program at its infancy, a modest growth in its PD population was shown. In center 4, nephrologists maintained an annual average of 41.8% of total catheter insertions, and thus maintaining a stable PD population. In center 5, surgeon‐assisted PD catheter insertions helped to maintain the growth of its PD, seeing lesser impact from this program. Subanalysis showed that 1‐year catheter survival in Center 1 was 85.4%. This study on PD catheter insertion program by nephrologists showed the greatest impact on new center and center experiencing suboptimal catheter insertions by traditional providers.
Investigation of the relationship between the structure and function of Ts2, a neurotoxin from Tityus serrulatus venom
Authors: Cologna Camila T. , Peigneur Steve , Rustiguel Joane K. , Nonato M. Cristina , Tytgat Jan , Arantes Eliane C.
Published: February 2012

Scorpion toxins targeting voltage‐gated sodium (NaV) channels are peptides that comprise 60–76 amino acid residues cross‐linked by four disulfide bridges. These toxins can be divided in two groups (α and β toxins), according to their binding properties and mode of action. The scorpion α‐toxin Ts2, previously described as a β‐toxin, was purified from the venom of Tityus serrulatus, the most dangerous Brazilian scorpion. In this study, seven mammalian NaV channel isoforms (rNaV1.2, rNaV1.3, rNaV1.4, hNaV1.5, mNaV1.6, rNaV1.7 and rNaV1.8) and one insect NaV channel isoform (DmNaV1) were used to investigate the subtype specificity and selectivity of Ts2. The electrophysiology assays showed that Ts2 inhibits rapid inactivation of NaV1.2, NaV1.3, NaV1.5, NaV1.6 and NaV1.7, but does not affect NaV1.4, NaV1.8 or DmNaV1. Interestingly, Ts2 significantly shifts the voltage dependence of activation of NaV1.3 channels. The 3D structure of this toxin was modeled based on the high sequence identity (72%) shared with Ts1, another T. serrulatus toxin. The overall fold of the Ts2 model consists of three β‐strands and one α‐helix, and is arranged in a triangular shape forming a cysteine‐stabilized α‐helix/β‐sheet (CSαβ) motif.

Database Model data are available in the PMDB under accession number PM0077533.
The Basic Psychological Needs at Work Scale: Measurement Invariance between Canada and France
Authors: Brien Maryse , Forest Jacques , Mageau Geneviève A. , Boudrias Jean‐Sébastien , Desrumaux Pascale , Brunet Luc , Morin Estelle M.
Published: February 2012

The purpose of this study is to develop and validate the Basic Psychological Needs at Work Scale (BPNWS) in French, but items are also provided in English in the article. The BPNWS is a work‐related self‐report instrument designed to measure the degree to which the needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, as identified by Self‐Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000), are satisfied at work. Using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, the first study examines the structure of the BPNWS in a group of 271 workers. The second study tests the measurement invariance of the scale in a group of 851 teachers from two different cultures, Canada and France. Results support the three‐factor structure and show adequate internal consistency, as well as nomological validity across samples.
Urinary Biomarkers of Renal Disease in Dogs with X‐Linked Hereditary Nephropathy
Authors: Nabity M.B. , Lees G.E. , Cianciolo R. , Boggess M.M. , Steiner J.M. , Suchodolski J.S.
Published: February 2012

Background

Sensitive and specific biomarkers for early tubulointerstitial injury are lacking.

Hypothesis

The excretion of certain urinary proteins will correlate with the state of renal injury in dogs with chronic kidney disease.

Animals

Twenty‐five male colony dogs affected with X‐linked hereditary nephropathy (XLHN) and 19 unaffected male littermates were evaluated.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of urine samples collected every 2–4 weeks was performed. Urine proteins evaluated were retinol binding protein (uRBP/c), β2‐microglobulin (uB2M),N‐acetyl‐β‐d‐glucosaminidase (uNAG/c), neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (uNGAL/c), and immunoglobulin G (uIgG/c). Results were correlated with serum creatinine concentration (sCr), glomerular filtration rate (GFR), urine protein : creatinine ratio, and histopathologic analysis of serial renal biopsies. Analytical validation was performed for all assays;uNAGstability was evaluated.

Results

All urinary biomarkers distinguished affected dogs from unaffected dogs early in their disease process, increasing during early and midstages of disease.uRBP/c correlated most strongly with conventional measures of disease severity, including increasing sCr (r = 0.89), decreasingGFR(r = −0.77), and interstitial fibrosis (r = 0.80),P < .001. However, multivariate analysis revealed age, sCr, uIgG/c, and uB2M, but notuRBP/c, as significant independent predictors ofGFR(P < .05).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

All urinary biomarkers were elevated before sCr increased, but typically after proteinuria developed in dogs with progressive glomerular disease because ofXLHN.uRBP/c measurement might be promising as a noninvasive tool for diagnosis and monitoring of tubular injury and dysfunction in dogs.
Assessing Risk and Driving Risk Mitigation for First-of-a-Kind Advanced Reactors
Authors: Collins John W.
Published: February 2012

Planning and decision making amidst programmatic and technological risks represent significant challenges for projects. This presentation addresses the four-step risk assessment process needed to determine a clear path forward to mature needed technology and design, license, and construct advanced first-of-a-kind nuclear power plants, including Small Modular Reactors. This four-step process has been carefully applied to the Next Generation Nuclear Plant.
Lack of Association of the S769N Mutation in Plasmodium falciparum SERCA (PfATP6) with Resistance to Artemisinins
Authors: Cui Long , Wang Zenglei , Jiang Hongying , Parker Daniel , Wang Haiyan , Su Xin-Zhuan , Cui Liwang
Published: February 2012

The recent emergence of artemisinin (ART) resistance in
Plasmodium falciparum
in western Cambodia, manifested as delayed parasite clearance, is a big threat to the long-term efficacy of this family of antimalarial drugs. Among the multiple candidate genes associated with ART resistance in
P. falciparum
, the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
-ATPase PfATP6 has been postulated as a specific target of ARTs. The
PfATP6
gene harbors multiple single-nucleotide polymorphisms in field parasite populations, and S769N has been associated with decreased sensitivity to artemether in parasite populations from French Guiana. In this study, we used an allelic exchange strategy to engineer parasite lines carrying the S769N mutations in
P. falciparum
strain 3D7 and evaluated whether introduction of this mutation modulated parasite sensitivity to ART derivatives. Using three transgenic lines carrying the 769N mutation and two transgenic lines carrying the wild-type 769S as controls, we found that S769N did not affect
PfATP6
gene expression. We compared the sensitivities of these parasite lines to three ART derivatives, artemether, artesunate, and dihydroartemisinin, in 18 biological experiments and detected no significant effect of the S769N mutation on parasite response to these ART derivatives. This study provides further evidence for the lack of association of PfATP6 with ART resistance.
Involvement of Host Cell Integrin α2 in Cryptosporidium parvum Infection
Authors: Zhang Haili , Guo Fengguang , Zhu Guan
Published: February 2012

Cryptosporidium parvum
is an opportunistic pathogen in AIDS patients. It is an intracellular but extracytoplasmic parasite residing in a host cell-derived parasitophorous vacuole. It is still poorly understood how this parasite interacts with host cells. We observed that expression of the integrin α2 (ITGA2) gene in host cells was significantly upregulated upon
C. parvum
infection, and a higher level of ITGA2 protein was present in the parasite infection sites. The infection could be reduced by the treatment of antibodies against ITGA2 and integrin β1 (ITGB1) subunits, as well as by type I collagen (an integrin α2β1 ligand). We also generated stable knockdown of ITGA2 gene expression in HCT-8 cells and observed consistent reduction of parasite infection in these knockdown cells. Collectively, our evidence indicates that host cell ITGA2 might be involved in interacting with
Cryptosporidium
during infection, probably acting as part of the regulatory elements upstream of the reported recruiting and reorganization of F actin at the infection sites.
Updating Perspectives on the Initiation of Bacillus anthracis Growth and Dissemination through Its Host
Authors: Weiner Zachary P. , Glomski Ian J.
Published: February 2012

Since 1957, it has been proposed that the dissemination of inhalational anthrax required spores to be transported from the lumena of the lungs into the lymphatic system. In 2002, this idea was expanded to state that alveolar macrophages act as a “Trojan horse” capable of transporting spores across the lung epithelium into draining mediastinal lymph nodes. Since then, the Trojan horse model of dissemination has become the most widely cited model of inhalational infection as well as the focus of the majority of studies aiming to understand events initiating inhalational anthrax infections. However, recent observations derived from animal models of
Bacillus anthracis
infection are inconsistent with aspects of the Trojan horse model and imply that bacterial dissemination patterns during inhalational infection may be more similar to the cutaneous and gastrointestinal forms than previously thought. In light of these studies, it is of significant importance to reassess the mechanisms of inhalational anthrax dissemination, since it is this form of anthrax that is most lethal and of greatest concern when
B. anthracis
is weaponized. Here we propose a new “jailbreak” model of
B. anthracis
dissemination which applies to the dissemination of all common manifestations of the disease anthrax. The proposed model impacts the field by deemphasizing the role of host cells as conduits for dissemination and increasing the role of phagocytes as central players in innate defenses, while moving the focus toward interactions between
B. anthracis
and lymphoid and epithelial tissues.
Gaining wisdom from crowds
Authors: Savage Neil
Published: February 2012

Online games are harnessing humans' skills to solve scientific problems that are currently beyond the ability of computers.
Turing's Titanic machine?
Authors: Cooper S. Barry
Published: February 2012

Embodied and disembodied computing at the Turing Centenary.
Implementing OS components in hardware using AOP
Authors: Muck Tiago Rogerio , Frohlich Antonio Augusto , Gernoth Michael , Schroder-Preikschat Wolfgang
Published: February 2012

In this paper we propose a SystemC-based design methodology focusing on the implementation of operating system components in hardware by using Aspect-oriented Programming concepts. As a case study to validate our approach, we have designed and implemented a hardware thread scheduler and a debugging aspect program. For comparison purposes, a hand-made scheduler with debugging capabilities was also implemented. The hardware synthesis results shown that Aspect-oriented Programming concepts and techniques can be efficiently applied to digital hardware design in SystemC through the proposed methodology. The observed overhead in terms of area was less than 1% and the increase in the longest path delay for the circuit was less than 3%. Being SystemC an extension of C++, our strategy puts effective hardware implementation of operating system components into reach for many operating system developers.
Building a three dimensional work breakdown structure
Authors: Katz Barry , Lerman Naftali
Published: February 2012

With the proliferation of project management software tools, the growth of more and more complex software projects and the dissatisfaction and limitation of the capabilities of the current tools, more companies are looking at the possibility of developing their own project management tools. This paper presents the basic principles and considerations for developing the functional specifications for developing a three dimensional Work Breakdown Structure.

A metric for measuring the progress is presented. The metric states that, tracking the progress of the development of a software system is a function of the relative value of the outputs to be undertaken for each node of the software architecture, the phase in which the work will be undertaken and the tasks to complete the work.

A description of some of the basic considerations for generating a WBS, PERT, Gantt, and Manpower Distribution Graph are presented.
The Influence of Brightness on Functional Assessment by mfERG: A Study on Scaffolds Used in Retinal Cell Transplantation in Pigs
Authors: Christiansen A. T. , Kiilgaard J. F. , Smith M. , Ejstrup R. , Wnek G. E. , Prause J. U. , Young M. J. , Klassen H. , Kaplan H. , La Cour M.
Published: February 2012

To determine the effect of membrane brightness on multifocal electroretinograms (mfERGs), we implanted poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) membranes in the subretinal space of 11 porcine eyes. We compared membranes with their native shiny white color with membranes that were stained with a blue dye (Brilliant Blue). Histological and electrophysiological evaluation of the overlying retina was carried out 6 weeks after implantation. Histologically, both white and blue membranes degraded in a spongiform manner leaving a disrupted outer retina with no preserved photoreceptor segments. Multifocal ERG revealed the white membranes to have a significantly higher P1-amplitude ratio than the blue(P=0.027),and a correlation between brightness ratio and P1-amplitude ratio was found(r=0.762). Based on our findings, we conclude that bright subretinal objects can produce normal mfERG amplitude ratios even when the adjacent photoreceptors are missing. Functional assessment with mfERG in scaffold implant studies should therefore be evaluated with care.
SWR: Smartness Provided by Simple, Efficient, and Self-Adaptive Algorithm
Authors: Soyturk Mujdat , Altilar Deniz Turgay
Published: February 2012

Resource limitations of sensor nodes in wireless sensor networks (WSN) bound the performance on its implementations. Main concern becomes utilizing these limited resources (CPU, memory, bandwidth, battery) as efficient as possible. Their efficiency is mostly affected by the applied routing algorithm, which carries gathered data to inclined/intended destinations. In this paper, a novel routing algorithm, stateless weight routing (SWR), is proposed. The SWR differs from other protocols in many ways. Major feature of the SWR is its simplicity. It is a completely stateless protocol without requiring any network or neighborhood information for routing. This feature decreases packet transmissions and energy consumption dramatically. For reliability, data flows to the sink node over multiple paths. Moreover, nodes have the ability of recovering from voids. Nodes process each packet independently and apply an adaptive approach according to the current conditions. These mechanisms are part of the applied simple routing algorithm, the SWR. The resultant of these features assures flexibility and smartness at nodes and in the network. Therefore, topological changes have a little effect on data packet transmissions. Performance evaluation of the proposed approach shows that the SWR is scalable for WSNs whose topology change instantly and frequently as well as remain stationary.
Analysis of Interfering Fully Developed, Colinear Deepwater Waves
Authors: Le Roux J. P.
Published: February 2012

The sea surface is normally irregular as a result of dissimilar waves generated in different areas. To describe such a sea state, various methods have been proposed, but there is no general consensus as to the best characterizing parameters of the interwaves. Three simple methods are proposed here to calculate a characteristic interwave period, length, and height for fully developed, colinear deepwater waves. The results of this study indicate that the interwave period and length are equal or very close to the period and length of the dominant component wave, irrespective of the periods of the subordinate waves. In cases where the dominant wave period is double or more than double the periods of the subordinate waves, the wave period, length and height are within 4% of the dominant wave parameters, so that such interfering, irregular waves have virtually the same characteristics as monochromatic waves. Secondary, individual interwaves propagate at the velocity of the component wave with the shortest period, that is, slower than the primary interwaves which have the same celerity as the dominant component wave.
Genetic Characterization of Six Stocks ofLitopenaeus vannameiUsed in Cuba for Aquaculture by Means of Microsatellite Loci
Authors: Pérez-Beloborodova Anna , Artiles-Valor Adriana , Pérez-Jar Lourdes , Hernández-Martínez Damir , Guerra-Aznay Missael , Espinosa-López Georgina
Published: February 2012

Four microsatellite loci were used to achieve genetic characterization of six stocks fromLitopenaeus vannameiused for aquaculture in Cuba: second generation from first introduction (S2-1), first generation from the second one (S1-2), from the third one (S1-3), and the fourth one (S1-4) and the crossings from two parental population: first generation from the first with first generation from the third (S1-1 × S1-3) and first generation from the second with first generation from the third (S1-2 × S1-3). 66% (16/24) of genetic systems in total loci were in genetic disequilibrium. The four microsatellite loci were polymorphic for all six stocks. Major quantities of allelic variants correspond to locus Pvan 1758, which is at the same time that one where there are private alleles from first generation of the third. All Fst comparisons were significant. This indicates big differences between stocks. The highest values are those in which there is presence of the second introduction. This introduction and its descendants are also more consanguineous.
Decimative Spectral Estimation with Unconstrained Model Order
Authors: Fotinea Stavroula-Evita , Dologlou Ioannis , Bakamidis Stylianos , Athanaselis Theologos
Published: February 2012

This paper presents a new state-space method for spectral estimation that performs decimation by any factor, it makes use of the full set of data and brings further apart the poles under consideration, while imposing almost no constraints to the size of the Hankel matrix (model order), as decimation increases. It is compared against two previously proposed techniques for spectral estimation (along with derived decimative versions), that lie among the most promising methods in the field of spectroscopy, where accuracy of parameter estimation is of utmost importance. Moreover, it is compared against a state-of-the-art purely decimative method proposed in literature. Experiments performed on simulated NMR signals prove the new method to be more robust, especially for low signal-to-noise ratio.