bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combination of chondroitinase ABC and AAV-NT3 promotes neural plasticity at descending spinal pathways after thoracic contusion in rats
Authors: Hunanyan Arsen S. , Petrosyan Hayk A. , Alessi Valentina , Arvanian Victor L.
Published: July 2013

Transmission through descending pathways to lumbar motoneurons, although important for voluntary walking in humans and rats, has not been fully understood at the cellular level in contusion models. Major descending pathways innervating lumbar motoneurons include those at corticospinal tract (CST) and ventrolateral funiculus (VLF). We examined transmission and plasticity at synaptic pathways from dorsal (d)CST and VLF to individual motoneurons located in ventral horn and interneurons located in dorsomedial gray matter at lumbar segments after thoracic chronic contusion in adult anesthetized rats. To accomplish this, we used intracellular electrophysiological recordings and performed acute focal spinal lesions during the recordings. We directly demonstrate that after thoracic T10 chronic contusion the disrupted dCST axons spontaneously form new synaptic contacts with individual motoneurons, extending around the contusion cavity, through spared ventrolateral white matter. These detour synaptic connections are very weak, and strengthening these connections in order to improve function may be a target for therapeutic interventions after spinal cord injury (SCI). We found that degradation of scar-related chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans with the enzyme chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) combined with adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector-mediated prolonged delivery of neurotrophin NT-3 (AAV-NT3) strengthened these spontaneously formed connections in contused spinal cord. Moreover, ChABC/AAV-NT3 treatment induced the appearance of additional detour synaptic pathways innervating dorsomedial interneurons. Improved transmission in ChABC/AAV-NT3-treated animals was associated with increased immunoreactivity of 5-HT-positive fibers in lumbar dorsal and ventral horns. Improved locomotor function assessed with automated CatWalk highlights the physiological significance of these novel connections.
Photocatalytic Decomposition of Methyl Red Dye by Using Nanosized Zinc Oxide Deposited on Glass Beads in Various pH and Various Atmosphere
Authors: Ebrahimi H. R. , Modrek M.
Published: July 2013

Photocatalytic decomposition of methyl red (MR) as a pollutant in wastewater samples is investigated in this study. This photodegradation was investigated in water in neutral, alkaline, and acidic media under external UV light irradiation by zinc oxide nanosized catalysts on granule glass. The effect of four atmosphere types including air, nitrogen, oxygen, and argon was investigated. Finally, it was found that photodecomposition using nanosized ZnO layered on glass is a new alternative route for efficient wastewater treatment. The results showed that the titled dye is degraded by various rate under different atmosphere and pH.
Passivity Analysis of Markovian Jumping Neural Networks with Leakage Time-Varying Delays
Authors: Mala N. , Sudamani Ramaswamy A. R.
Published: July 2013

This paper is concerned with the passivity analysis of Markovian
jumping neural networks with leakage time-varying delays. Based on a Lyapunov
functional that accounts for the mixed time delays, a leakage delay-dependent
passivity conditions are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). The
mixed delays includes leakage time-varying delays, discrete time-varying delays,
and distributed time-varying delays. By employing a novel Lyapunov-Krasovskii
functional having triple-integral terms, new passivity leakage delay-dependent
criteria are established to guarantee the passivity performance. This performance
not only depends on the upper bound of the time-varying leakage delay but also depends on the upper bound of the derivative of the time-varying leakage
delay . While estimating the upper bound of derivative of the Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional, the discrete and distributed delays should be treated so as
to appropriately develop less conservative results. Two numerical examples are
given to show the validity and potential of the developed criteria.
Obesity and Asthma: Physiological Perspective
Authors: Brashier Bill , Salvi Sundeep
Published: July 2013

Obesity induces some pertinent physiological changes which are conducive to either development of asthma or cause of poorly controlled asthma state. Obesity related mechanical stress forces induced by abdominal and thoracic fat generate stiffening of the lungs and diaphragmatic movements to result in reduction of resting lung volumes such as functional residual capacity (FRC). Reduced FRC is primarily an outcome of decreased expiratory reserve volume, which pushes the tidal breathing more towards smaller high resistance airways, and consequentially results in expiratory flow limitation during normal breathing in obesity. Reduced FRC also induces plastic alteration in the small collapsible airways, which may generate smooth muscle contraction resulting in increased small airway resistance, which, however, is not picked up by spirometric lung volumes. There is also a possibility that chronically reduced FRC may generate permanent adaptation in the very small airways; therefore, the airway calibres may not change despite weight reduction. Obesity may also induce bronchodilator reversibility and diurnal lung functional variability. Obesity is also associated with airway hyperresponsiveness; however, the mechanism of this is not clear. Thus, obesity has effects on lung function that can generate respiratory distress similar to asthma and may also exaggerate the effects of preexisting asthma.
Influence of Hall Current and Thermal Radiation on MHD Convective Heat and Mass Transfer in a Rotating Porous Channel with Chemical Reaction
Authors: Pal Dulal , Talukdar Babulal
Published: July 2013

A theoretical study is carried out to obtain an analytic solution of heat and mass transfer in a vertical porous channel with rotation and Hall current. A constant suction and injection is applied to the two insulating porous plates. A strong magnetic field is applied in the transverse direction. The entire system rotates with uniform angular velocity Ω about the axis normal to the plates. The governing equations are solved by perturbation technique to obtain the analytical results for velocity, temperature, and concentration fields and shear stresses. The steady and unsteady resultant velocities along with the phase differences for various values of physical parameters are discussed in detail. The effects of rotation, buoyancy force, magnetic field, thermal radiation, and heat generation parameters on resultant velocity, temperature, and concentration fields are analyzed.
Extension Sliding Mode Controller for Maximum Power Point Tracking of Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Authors: Wang Meng-Hui , Yau Her-Terng , Wang Tai-Yuan
Published: July 2013

Fuel cells (FCs) are characterized by low pollution, low noise, and high efficiency. However, the voltage-current response of an FC is nonlinear, with the result that there exists just one operating point which maximizes the output power given a particular set of operating conditions. Accordingly, the present study proposes a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control scheme based on extension theory to stabilize the output of an FC at the point of maximum power. The simulation results confirm the ability of the controller to stabilize the output power at the maximum power point despite sudden changes in the temperature, hydrogen pressure, and membrane water content. Moreover, the transient response time of the proposed controller is shown to be faster than that of existing sliding mode (SM) and extremum seeking (ES) controllers.
The Short-Run and Long-Run Relationships between Mortality and the Business Cycle in Canada
Authors: Janko Zuzana , Emery J. C. Herbert , Guenette Pierre
Published: July 2013

This paper investigates the relationship between health and the business cycle for the Canadian economy. The majority of existing literature shows a procyclical relationship between death rates and indicators of the business cycle, suggesting that recessions are good for one’s health. We use a time series error correction model to determine the short-run and long-run impacts of the unemployment rates on death rates. Our results indicate that temporary slowdowns in economic activity are associated with lower death rates. Moreover, once we stratify the data by sex, we find a long-run negative relationship between the unemployment rate and death rates for both sexes.
The Breakage-Fusion-Bridge Cycle ProducingMLLAmplification in a Case of Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Authors: Ta Lan , Zordan Adrian , Mercer Bruce , Campbell Lynda J. , MacKinnon Ruth N.
Published: July 2013

Telomere loss may lead to chromosomal instability via the breakage-fusion-bridge (BFB) cycle which can result in genetic amplification and the formation of ring and dicentric chromosomes. This cycle continues until stable chromosomes are formed. The case of a 72-year-old female with refractory anaemia with excess blasts type 2 illustrates these events. Conventional cytogenetics produced a complex karyotype which included unstable abnormalities of chromosomes 11, 12, and 15. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analyses including multicolor-FISH (M-FISH) and multicolor-banding (M-BAND) revealed multiple clonal populations with 5 copies ofMLLon either a ring chromosome composed entirely of chromosome 11 material or a derivative chromosome composed of chromosomes 11, 12, and 15. The FISH results also clarified the likely evolution of the karyotypic complexity. The simplest cell line contained a dic(12;15) in addition to copy number aberrations that are typical of MDS or AML. As the disease progressed, a ring 11 was formed. Subsequently, the ring 11 appears to have unwound and inserted itself into the dic(12;15) chromosome followed by an inversion of the derivative chromosome, producing a der(11;15;12). Telomeric loss and BFB cycles appear to have played an important role in the chromosomal rearrangements and clonal evolution demonstrated in the karyotype.
A Review of Ranking Models in Data Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Lotfi F. , Jahanshahloo G. R. , Khodabakhshi M. , Rostamy-Malkhlifeh M. , Moghaddas Z. , Vaez-Ghasemi M.
Published: July 2013

In the course of improving various abilities of data envelopment analysis (DEA) models, many investigations have been carried out for ranking decision-making units (DMUs). This is an important issue both in theory and practice. There exist a variety of papers which apply different ranking methods to a real data set. Here the ranking methods are divided into seven groups. As each of the existing methods can be viewed from different aspects, it is possible that somewhat these groups have an overlapping with the others. The first group conducts the evaluation by a cross-efficiency matrix where the units are self- and peer-evaluated. In the second one, the ranking units are based on the optimal weights obtained from multiplier model of DEA technique. In the third group, super-efficiency methods are dealt with which are based on the idea of excluding the unit under evaluation and analyzing the changes of frontier. The fourth group involves methods based on benchmarking, which adopts the idea of being a useful target for the inefficient units. The fourth group uses the multivariate statistical techniques, usually applied after conducting the DEA classification. The fifth research area ranks inefficient units through proportional measures of inefficiency. The sixth approach involves multiple-criteria decision methodologies with the DEA technique. In the last group, some different methods of ranking units are mentioned.
Research on Calculation of the IOL Tilt and Decentration Based on Surface Fitting
Authors: Li Lin , Wang Ke , Yan Yan , Song Xudong , Liu Zhicheng
Published: July 2013

The tilt and decentration of intraocular lens (IOL) result in defocussing, astigmatism, and wavefront aberration after operation. The objective is to give a method to estimate the tilt and decentration of IOL more accurately. Based on AS-OCT images of twelve eyes from eight cases with subluxation lens after operation, we fitted spherical equation to the data obtained from the images of the anterior and posterior surfaces of the IOL. By the established relationship between IOL tilt (decentration) and the scanned angle, at which a piece of AS-OCT image was taken by the instrument, the IOL tilt and decentration were calculated. IOL tilt angle and decentration of each subject were given. Moreover, the horizontal and vertical tilt was also obtained. Accordingly, the possible errors of IOL tilt and decentration existed in the method employed by AS-OCT instrument. Based on 6–12 pieces of AS-OCT images at different directions, the tilt angle and decentration values were shown, respectively. The method of the surface fitting to the IOL surface can accurately analyze the IOL’s location, and six pieces of AS-OCT images at three pairs symmetrical directions are enough to get tilt angle and decentration value of IOL more precisely.
Dysregulated Circulating Dendritic Cell Function in Ulcerative Colitis Is Partially Restored by Probiotic StrainLactobacillus caseiShirota
Authors: Mann Elizabeth R. , You Jialu , Horneffer-van der Sluis Verena , Bernardo David , Omar Al-Hassi Hafid , Landy Jon , Peake Simon T. , Thomas Linda V. , Tee Cheng T. , Lee Gui Han , Hart Ailsa L. , Yaqoob Parveen , Knight Stella C.
Published: July 2013

Background. Dendritic cells regulate immune responses to microbial products and play a key role in ulcerative colitis (UC) pathology. We determined the immunomodulatory effects of probiotic strainLactobacillus caseiShirota (LcS) on human DC from healthy controls and active UC patients.Methods. Human blood DC from healthy controls (control-DC) and UC patients (UC-DC) were conditioned with heat-killed LcS and used to stimulate allogeneic T cells in a 5-day mixed leucocyte reaction.Results. UC-DC displayed a reduced stimulatory capacity for T cells (P<0.05) and enhanced expression of skin-homing markers CLA and CCR4 on stimulated T cells (P<0.05) that were negative for gut-homing markerβ7. LcS treatment restored the stimulatory capacity of UC-DC, reflecting that of control-DC. LcS treatment conditioned control-DC to induce CLA on T cells in conjunction withβ7, generating a multihoming profile, but had no effects on UC-DC. Finally, LcS treatment enhanced DC ability to induce TGFβproduction by T cells in controls but not UC patients.Conclusions. We demonstrate a systemic, dysregulated DC function in UC that may account for the propensity of UC patients to develop cutaneous manifestations. LcS has multifunctional immunoregulatory activities depending on the inflammatory state; therapeutic effects reported in UC may be due to promotion of homeostasis.
A High-Performance Stand-Alone Solar PV Power System for LED Lighting
Authors: Vieira José António Barros , Mota Alexandre Manuel
Published: July 2013

This paper presents new improvements and real result of a stand-alone photovoltaic power system for LED lighting that was developed previously. The actual system, during day, charges a lead acid battery using MPPT algorithm for power transfer optimization, and, during night, it supervises battery discharge and controls the current in the power LED array. The improvements are in hardware and software. The hardware was simplified using only one DC/DC converter and only one microcontroller making it more efficient. The system board uses an ATMEL ATTINY861V microcontroller, a single-ended primary inductance converter (SEPIC), and sensors to read input and output voltages and currents to control all system. The software improvements are made in the battery charging algorithm, battery discharging algorithm, and in current control of the power LED array adjusting the light intensity. Moreover, results are presented showing the balance of energy in a period of 24 hours: first results of the MPPT algorithm in bulk battery charge phase and then the over battery charge phase, both in a sunny day. The power LED current control results are also presented showing a very small error. It turns off at 00 : 00 at each day to reduce the waste of energy. Finally, the balance of energy is studied and presented to help the right projection of the PV power panel needed and the necessary battery capacity.
Gut Microbiota, Microinflammation, Metabolic Profile, and Zonulin Concentration in Obese and Normal Weight Subjects
Authors: Żak-Gołąb Agnieszka , Kocełak Piotr , Aptekorz Małgorzata , Zientara Maria , Juszczyk Łukasz , Martirosian Gayane , Chudek Jerzy , Olszanecka-Glinianowicz Magdalena
Published: July 2013

The association between gut microbiota and circulating zonulin level, a marker of intestinal permeability, has not been studied yet. The aim of the study is the assessment of plasma zonulin, haptoglobin and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-αand IL-6) levels in relation to composition of gut microbiota in obese and normal weight subjects. Circulating inflammation markers, such as TNF-α, sTNFR1, sTNFR2, IL-6, zonulin, and haptoglobin levels were measured and semiquantitative analysis of gut microbiota composition was carried out in 50 obese and 30 normal weight subjects without concomitant diseases. Higher circulating zonulin, TNF-α, sTNFR1, sTNFR2, and IL-6 levels were found in the obese subjects. Plasma zonulin level correlated positively with age (r=0.43,P<0.001), body mass (r=0.30,P<0.01), BMI (r=0.33,P<0.01), fat mass and fat percentage (r=0.31,P<0.01andr=0.23,P<0.05, resp.). Positive correlations between bacterial colony count and sTNFR1 (r=0.33,P<0.01) and plasma zonulin (r=0.26,P<0.05) but not haptoglobin levels were found. Additionally, plasma zonulin level was proportional to daily energy intake (r=0.27,P<0.05) and serum glucose concentration (r=0.18,P<0.05) and inversely proportional to diet protein percentage (r=-0.23,P<0.05). Gut microbiota-related systemic microinflammation in the obese is reflected by circulating zonulin level, a potential marker of interstitial permeability.
Celiac Disease Presenting as Fever of Unknown Origin
Authors: Cooney Megan J. , El-Matary Wael
Published: July 2013

Celiac disease (CD) is a common autoimmune enteropathy that occurs, in affected individuals, with exposure to gluten in the diet and improves with removal of dietary gluten. Although CD is readily considered in patients with classical presentations of the disease, atypical manifestations may be the only presenting symptoms. We present a case of CD in a 16-year-old female presenting as fever of unknown origin, which has not been reported previously. The postulated mechanism for fever in CD and the importance of clinicians having a low threshold for considering CD in the differential diagnosis of fever of unknown origin and other enigmatic clinical presentations is discussed.
Does Percutaneous Kyphoplasty Have Better Functional Outcome Than Vertebroplasty in Single Level Osteoporotic Compression Fractures? A Comparative Prospective Study
Authors: Omidi-Kashani F. , Samini F. , Hasankhani E. G. , Kachooei A. R. , Toosi K. Z. , Golhasani-Keshtan F.
Published: July 2013

Purpose. To evaluate the relative differences in surgical outcome of kyphoplasty (KP) versus vertebroplasty (VP) in the patients with single level refractory osteoporotic compression fractures (OCFs).Method. From August 2008 to May 2012, we intermittently treated 57 patients with single level OCF by PV and KP (Groups A and B, resp.). We used visual analogue scale (VAS) and short form 36 (SF36) questionnaire to measure functional recovery and followed them for six months. Independent samplest- and Kendall’s tau-b tests were for statistics.Results. In terms of age, number, and bone mineral density of the patients, there were no significant differences between the two groups. In both groups, VAS and SF-36 scores improved significantly and remained relatively stable throughout the follow-up period. We had 9 and 6 asymptomatic cement extravasations and 5 and 8 new vertebral fractures in Group A and B, respectively. In comparing the two groups, the results indicated that KP almost failed to show any significant higher effect relative to VP during this period.Conclusions. In considering the high cost of KP relative to VP in the developing countries like Iran, there is no logical reason to use KP in a single level refractory OCF in these regions.
Research on the Scattering Characteristics and the RCS Reduction of Circularly Polarized Microstrip Antenna
Authors: Jiang W. , Hong T. , Gong S. X.
Published: July 2013

Based on the study of the radiation and scattering of the circularly polarized (CP) antenna, a novel radar cross-section (RCS) reduction technique is proposed for CP antenna in this paper. Quasi-fractal slots are applied in the design of the antenna ground plane to reduce the RCS of the CP antenna. Both prototype antenna and array are designed, and their time-, frequency-, and space-domain characteristics are studied to authenticate the proposed technique. The simulated and measured results show that the RCS of the prototype antenna and array is reduced up to 7.85 dB and 6.95 dB in the band of 1 GHz–10 GHz. The proposed technique serves a candidate in the design of low RCS CP antennas and arrays.
Calculating the Energy Spectrum of Complex Low‐Dimensional Heterostructures in the Electric Field
Authors: Khonina Svetlana N. , Volotovsky Sergey G. , Kharitonov Sergey I. , Kazanskiy Nikolay L.
Published: July 2013

An algorithm for solving the steady‐state Schrödinger equation for a complex piecewise‐constant potential in the presence of the E‐field is developed and implemented. The algorithm is based on the consecutive matching of solutions given by the Airy functions at the band boundaries with the matrix rank increasing by no more than two orders, which enables the characteristic solution to be obtained in the convenient form for search of the roots. The algorithm developed allows valid solutions to be obtained for the electric field magnitudes larger than the ground‐state energy level, that is, when the perturbation method is not suitable.
Measuring Clothing Color and Design Symbolism Preferences and Purchase Intentions of Asian Indian Females
at Different Levels of Acculturation
Authors: Presley Ann Beth , Campassi Whitney Upchurch
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable and valid instrument to measure color, design clothing preferences, and purchase intentions of Asian-Indian female consumers; secondarily, to determine if westernized clothes with Asian-Indian ethnic dress elements might be purchased more often than westernized clothing with design attributes primarily symbolic of American culture at different levels of acculturation. The instrument included a modified acculturation scale, limited demographics, and the developed Clothing Preferences and Purchase Intention Instrument. The instrument consisted of four components: Color Symbolism and Purchase Intention, Design Symbolism and Purchase Intention, Symbolic Attributes Scale, and Clothing Preference and Purchase Intention for Mainstream American versus Asian-Indian Inspired. All of the scales had high reliability. Of the 30 colors in the instrument, red, magenta, orange gold, yellow, cobalt blue, and purple were symbolic of Asian-Indian dress; hunter green, navy blue, baby blue, and blue were considered western colors. Neutral colors were eliminated. Nine of the 27 tunics in the instrument were highly indicative of Asian-Indian clothing; 11 were indicative of westernized clothing. Secondarily, Asian-Indians preferred and showed intent to purchase westernized clothing with colors and designs associated with their native country’s traditional dress regardless of acculturation.
Bernstein-Type Inequality for Widely Dependent Sequence and Its Application to Nonparametric Regression Models
Authors: Shen Aiting
Published: July 2013

We present the Bernstein-type inequality for widely dependent random variables. By using the Bernstein-type inequality and the truncated method, we further study the strong consistency of estimator of fixed design regression model under widely dependent random variables, which generalizes the corresponding one of independent random variables. As an application, the strong consistency for the nearest neighbor estimator is obtained.
Extensive Tympanic Membrane Cholesteatoma with Marginal Perforation: An Unusual Case
Authors: Sakalli Erdal , Kaya Deniz , Celikyurt Cengiz , Erdurak Selcuk Cem
Published: July 2013

The migration of squamous epithelium of external ear through a tympanic membrane perforation into the middle ear forms a cholesteatoma. But it is extremely a rare condition to observe extensive cholesteatoma on the medial surface of tympanic membrane with perforation. This condition is termed tympanic membrane cholesteatoma (TMC). We herein present an exceptional case of extensive TMC with marginal perforation.
Persistent Primitive Olfactory Artery in Serbian Population
Authors: Vasović Ljiljana , Trandafilović Milena , Vlajković Slobodan , Jovanović Ivan , Ugrenović Slađana
Published: July 2013

The continuation of the cranial branch of the primitive internal carotid artery is called the primitive olfactory artery (POℓA). It takes this name according to the fact that it is mainly concerned with supplying the developing nasal region. We reported two new cases of the persistent POℓA (PPOℓA) in Serbian population after retrospective analysis of digital images of 200 fetal and 269 adult cases. This PPOℓA originated from the precommunicating part (A1) of the right anterior cerebral artery, coursed along the olfactory tract, and turned on the medial cerebral hemisphere in both male adults. Some vascular variations (fenestration of the A1 and the median artery of the corpus callosum) were associated with this persistent vessel. According to the fact that we did not find aneurysm in our previous and two recent cases, we are of the opinion that PPOℓA is usually asymptomatic in Serbian population.
Identification of Magnetizing Inrush and Internal Short-Circuit Fault Current in V/x-Type Traction Transformer
Authors: Li Y. H. , Tian X. J. , Li X. Q.
Published: July 2013

This paper deals with the fault diagnosis methodology for the V/x-type traction transformer in railway passenger-dedicated lines. A kind of the protection methodology to combine empirical mode decomposition (EMD), energy weight, and information entropy is proposed. This method can sensitively reflect the dynamic information changes of traction transformer differential current, so it can not only effectively identify internal short-circuit fault current from magnetizing inrush but also better identify fault current accompanied with magnetizing inrush. In this method, the differential current is decomposed by EMD and the energy weight of each intrinsic mode function (IMF) is calculated, and the feature vector of the fault pattern recognition is obtained by constructing IMF energy entropy. The field-measured data illustrate that the new method not only has the advantages of high sensitivity, faster identification speed, and clear concept but also is available for the diagnosis of the complicated dynamic system.
A Bijection between Lattice-Valued Filters and Lattice-Valued Congruences in Residuated Lattices
Authors: Wei Wei , Qiang Yan , Zhang Jing
Published: July 2013

The aim of this paper is to study relations between lattice-valued filters and lattice-valued congruences in residuated lattices. We introduce a new definition of congruences which just depends on the meet∧and the residuum→. Then it is shown that each of these congruences is automatically a universal-algebra-congruence. Also, lattice-valued filters and lattice-valued congruences are studied, and it is shown that there is a one-to-one correspondence between the set of all (lattice-valued) filters and the set of all (lattice-valued) congruences.
The Role of the Innate Immune System in Alzheimer’s Disease and Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration: An Eye on Microglia
Authors: Ridolfi Elisa , Barone Cinzia , Scarpini Elio , Galimberti Daniela
Published: July 2013

In the last few years, genetic and biomolecular mechanisms at the basis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) have been unraveled. A key role is played by microglia, which represent the immune effector cells in the central nervous system (CNS). They are extremely sensitive to the environmental changes in the brain and are activated in response to several pathologic events within the CNS, including altered neuronal function, infection, injury, and inflammation. While short-term microglial activity has generally a neuroprotective role, chronic activation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, including AD and FTLD. In this framework, the purpose of this review is to give an overview of clinical features, genetics, and novel discoveries on biomolecular pathogenic mechanisms at the basis of these two neurodegenerative diseases and to outline current evidence regarding the role played by activated microglia in their pathogenesis.
Pivotal Roles of T-Helper 17-Related Cytokines, IL-17, IL-22, and IL-23, in Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Qu Ning , Xu Mingli , Mizoguchi Izuru , Furusawa Jun-ichi , Kaneko Kotaro , Watanabe Kazunori , Mizuguchi Junichiro , Itoh Masahiro , Kawakami Yutaka , Yoshimoto Takayuki
Published: July 2013

T-helper 17 (Th17) cells are characterized by producing interleukin-17 (IL-17, also called IL-17A), IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22 and potentially TNF-αand IL-6 upon certain stimulation. IL-23, which promotes Th17 cell development, as well as IL-17 and IL-22 produced by the Th17 cells plays essential roles in various inflammatory diseases, such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, rheumatoid arthritis, colitis, and Concanavalin A-induced hepatitis. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of the functional role of Th17 cells, with particular focus on the Th17 cell-related cytokines such as IL-17, IL-22, and IL-23, in mouse models and human inflammatory diseases.
Myoferlin Is a Key Regulator of EGFR Activity in Breast Cancer
Authors: Turtoi Andrei , Blomme Arnaud , Bellahcène Akeila , Gilles Christine , Hennequière Vincent , Peixoto Paul , Bianchi Elettra , Noel Agnès , De Pauw Edwin , Lifrange Eric , Delvenne Philippe , Castronovo Vincent
Published: July 2013

Myoferlin is a member of the ferlin family of proteins that participate in plasma membrane fusion, repair, and endocytosis. While some reports have implicated myoferlin in cancer, the extent of its expression in and contributions to cancer are not well established. In this study, we show that myoferlin is overexpressed in human breast cancers and that it has a critical role in controlling degradation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor (EGFR) after its activation and internalization in breast cancer cells. Myoferlin depletion blocked EGF-induced cell migration and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Both effects were induced as a result of impaired degradation of phosphorylated EGFR via dysfunctional plasma membrane caveolae and alteration of caveolin homo-oligomerization. In parallel, myoferlin depletion reduced tumor development in a chicken chorioallantoic membrane xenograft model of human breast cancer. Considering the therapeutic significance of EGFR targeting, our findings identify myoferlin as a novel candidate function to target for future drug development. Cancer Res; 73(17); 5438–48. ©2013 AACR.
Association Analysis of CFH and ARMS2 Gene Polymorphisms in a Brazilian Cohort with Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Almeida Luciana N. , Melilo-Carolino Rachel , Veloso Carlos E. , Pereira Patrícia A. , Bastos-Rodrigues Luciana , Sarubi Helena , Miranda Debora M. , Soubrane Gisele , De Marco Luiz , Nehemy Marcio B.
Published: July 2013

Purpose: To investigate the association between the CFH and ARMS2 gene polymorphisms and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in a Brazilian cohort. Methods: We examined 163 individuals with AMD and 154 controls recruited at the Department of Ophthalmology of the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, at the Instituto da Visão, and at the Centro Especializado em Olhos, in Brazil, between 2007 and 2012. Genotyping for CFH rs1061170 and ARMS2 rs10490924 single-nucleotide polymorphisms was performed. The odds ratios (OR) for all of the studied genotypes (heterozygous and homozygous) of both genes were calculated compared to homozygous ancestral alleles. Results: Homozygosity for the CFH and ARMS2 at-risk allele was 33.3 and 23.6%, respectively, for AMD individuals and 10.3 and 7.1%, respectively, for controls (p < 0.0001). The OR was 7.2 (95% CI 3.6-14.5; p < 0.001) for the CFH at-risk genotype (CC) and 5.5 (95% CI 2.6-11.8; p < 0.0001) for ARMS2 (TT). Subjects homozygous for both polymorphisms had a much higher risk of developing AMD (n = 14 patients, OR 33.3, 95% CI 12.8-86.4). The proportion of ancestry in each group indicated that AMD patients had a higher European (Caucasian) component than controls. Conclusion:CFH and ARMS2 polymorphisms were strongly associated with AMD in this Brazilian cohort.
Exploring Diagonal Gait Using a Forward Dynamic Three-Dimensional Chimpanzee Simulation
Authors: Sellers W.I. , Margetts L. , Bates K.T. , Chamberlain A.T.
Published: July 2013

Primates are unusual among terrestrial quadrupedal mammals in that at walking speeds they prefer diagonal rather than lateral gaits. A number of reasons have been proposed for this preference in relation to the arboreal ancestry of modern primates: stability, energetic cost, neural control, skeletal loading, and limb interference avoiding. However, this is a difficult question to explore experimentally since most primates only occasionally use anything other than diagonal gaits. An alternative approach is to produce biologically realistic computer simulations of primate gait that enable the constraints of biomechanical loading and the energetics of different modes of locomotion to be explored. In this paper we describe such a model for the chimpanzeePan troglodytes. The simulation is able to produce spontaneous quadrupedal locomotion, and the footfall sequences generated are split between lateral and diagonal footfall sequences with no obvious energetic benefit associated with either option. However, out of 10 successful simulation runs, 5 were lateral sequence/lateral couplet gaits indicating a preference for a specific lateral footfall sequence with a relatively tightly constrained phase difference between the fore- and hindlimbs. This suggests that the choice of diagonal walking gaits in chimpanzees is not a simple mechanical phenomenon and that diagonal walking gaits in primates are selected for by multiple factors.
Successful Endoscopic Resection of Large Pedunculated Brunner's Gland Hamartoma Causing Gastrointestinal Bleeding Arising from the Pylorus
Authors: Jung Yunho , Chung Il Kwun , Lee Tae Hoon , Cho Young Sin , Jo Yeong Geol , Park Sang Heum , Cho Hyundeuk , Kim Sun Joo
Published: July 2013

Brunner's gland hamartoma is a rare benign small bowel neoplasm and most lesions are small and asymptomatic. However, large hamartoma-related obstructive symptoms and hemorrhage related to tumor ulceration manifest as hematemesis or melena. The exact pathogenesis if these lesions is not well known, but they are thought to be frequently associated with Helicobacter pylori infections and chronic pancreatitis. We report the case of a 45-year-old man who presented with melena due to a large pedunculated Brunner's gland hamartoma arising from the pylorus. It was successfully removed by endoscopic mucosal resection with piecemeal technique because of too large tumor size for application of a conventional snare.
Feasible Isolated Liver Transplantation for a Cirrhotic Patient on Chronic Hemodialysis
Authors: Morita Kazutoyo , Shirabe Ken , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Ikegami Toru , Masuda Toshiro , Hashimoto Naotaka , Mano Yohei , Miyata Tatsunori , Soejima Yuji , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: July 2013

End-stage liver and kidney disease (ELKD) is an indication for deceased donor simultaneous liver-kidney transplantation. Although a few cases of living donor liver-kidney transplantation have been reported, the invasiveness remains to be discussed. Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is an alternative choice for ELKD, but has never been reported. Here, we report a case of successful LDLT for a patient with ELKD on hemodialysis. The patient was a 63-year-old male and had decompensated hepatitis C cirrhosis with seronegativity for hepatitis C virus. He had non-diabetic end-stage renal failure and had been on hemodialysis for 3 years. He was in good general condition except for hepatic and renal failure. The living donor was his 58-year-old healthy wife. A right lobe graft was transplanted to the recipient under continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF) and extracorporeal veno-venous bypass. CHDF was continued until postoperative day 4, at which point CHDF was converted to hemodialysis. His posttransplant course was good and he was discharged on postoperative day 36. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of LDLT for a patient on chronic hemodialysis. Therefore, being on hemodialysis is not a contraindication for LDLT. LDLT is feasible for a patient with ELKD on hemodialysis.
Weighted Gene Coexpression Network Analysis of Human Left Atrial Tissue Identifies Gene Modules Associated With Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Tan Nicholas , Chung Mina K. , Smith Jonathan D. , Hsu Jeffrey , Serre David , Newton David W. , Castel Laurie , Soltesz Edward , Pettersson Gosta , Gillinov A. Marc , Van Wagoner David R. , Barnard John
Published: July 2013

Background—

Genetic mechanisms of atrial fibrillation (AF) remain incompletely understood. Previous differential expression studies in AF were limited by small sample size and provided limited understanding of global gene networks, prompting the need for larger-scale, network-based analyses.

Methods and Results—

Left atrial tissues from Cleveland Clinic patients who underwent cardiac surgery were assayed using Illumina Human HT-12 mRNA microarrays. The data set included 3 groups based on cardiovascular comorbidities: mitral valve (MV) disease without coronary artery disease (n=64), coronary artery disease without MV disease (n=57), and lone AF (n=35). Weighted gene coexpression network analysis was performed in the MV group to detect modules of correlated genes. Module preservation was assessed in the other 2 groups. Module eigengenes were regressed on AF severity or atrial rhythm at surgery. Modules whose eigengenes correlated with either AF phenotype were analyzed for gene content. A total of 14 modules were detected in the MV group; all were preserved in the other 2 groups. One module (124 genes) was associated with AF severity and atrial rhythm across all groups. Its top hub gene,
RCAN1
, is implicated in calcineurin-dependent signaling and cardiac hypertrophy. Another module (679 genes) was associated with atrial rhythm in the MV and coronary artery disease groups. It was enriched with cell signaling genes and contained cardiovascular developmental genes including
TBX5
.

Conclusions—

Our network-based approach found 2 modules strongly associated with AF. Further analysis of these modules may yield insight into AF pathogenesis by providing novel targets for functional studies.
On an Armenian Word List from the Cairo Geniza
Authors: Russell James R.
Published: July 2013

This study deals with a short text on a small piece of paper, a conversational glossary, found in the Cairo Geniza. It is likely to be nearly a millennium old, and consists of a list of twenty Judaeo-Arabic words and phrases with their equivalents in Armenian written in Hebrew script. It suggests that members of the two communities met in a convivial setting, possibly a Barekendan (Mardi Gras) party where an official was parodied as a goat in effigy— a custom encountered in other Armenian celebrations of the holiday at Lvov in the 16th century; and Tiflis, in the 19th. The other words in the list reflect economic and cultural realia of the 11th-13th centuries.
A History of Violence: Ethnic Group Identity and the Iraqi Kurds
Authors: Albert Craig Douglas
Published: July 2013

One of the more interesting aspects of world concern during “Operation Iraqi Freedom” was how to incorporate Iraq’s Kurdish population into an American military strategy. Furthermore, as the war was winding down, and the United States and Iraq began to construct a new Iraqi state, government, and Constitutional regime, the focus shifted on what role would the Kurds play in the new government, or even if they should be included in a government. But for most policy-makers, it was unclear who were the Kurds. How were they different than the other ethnic and religious populations of Iraq and the region generally? What was their history with the Iraqi regime under Saddam Hussein? The purpose of this paper is to provide answers to these most important questions through the lens of Political Science. As Iraq continues to form its new identity, it is important to understand what constitutes the identity of one of its most prominent ethnic groups, the Kurds. In tracing and describing Kurdish ethnic attributes, it is also important to delineate the history between the Iraqi government under Saddam Hussein, how Iraqi identity was constructed in opposition to Kurdish identity (often oppressing it), and to understand the tense relationship between the two, a relationship that is most aptly described as having a history of violence.
An Overview of Normative Frameworks for the Protection of Development-Induced IDPs in Kenya
Authors: Juma Laurence
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Based on the assumption that development induced displacement brings new challenges that the existing protection frameworks may not be aptly suited to deal with, this article analyses how the existing laws have met this challenge and the prospects for further improvement. While its focus is on Kenya, it evaluates the normative quality of protection and standards offered by regional instruments against the existing, as well emerging, parameters for implementation at the domestic level. In this regard, the article examines the propriety of Kenya’s newly promulgated law on internal displacement in providing for protection for the development induced IDPs, the implementation programme that it establishes and its prospects for furthering the vision of the UN Guiding Principles on Internally Displaced and other regional instruments.
Austral Hepaticae 50. Gackstroemia in New Zealand, together with an interesting new species
Authors: ENGEL JOHN J.
Published: July 2013

Gackstroemia novae-zelandiae sp. nov. is added to the genus Gackstroemia, a genus confined to the south temperate. The new species has been previously included within G. weindorferi, and is endemic to New Zealand. Gackstroemia weindorferi of New Zealand and Australia (Tasmania, Victoria, and New South Wales) and G. alpina are also treated.
The type locality of Scinax dolloi (Werner, 1903) (Anura, Hylidae)
Authors: CARAMASCHI ULISSES , NUNES IVAN , NASCIMENTO LUCIANA B. , CARVALHO Jr RONALD R.
Published: July 2013

Hyla dolloi was described by Werner (1903) based on two female specimens housed at the Institut Royal des Sciences Naturelles in Brussels, Belgium (IRSNB 6481). The locality of these syntypes was referred as Brasilien (leider nicht genauer bekannt), in free translation, Brazil (unfortunately nothing more precise is known). Since then, the type locality of the species was generically cited as in the original description (e.g., Nieden 1923; Harding 1983), as “Brasil” (e.g., Bokermann 1966; Duellman, 1977; Frost 1985), or “Brazil” (e.g., Lutz 1973). Moreover, besides treated as a “Doubtful species” by Lutz (1973), Hyla dolloi was considered a “name not associated with any known species” in a note by W.E. Duellman presented in Frost (1985). The combination Scinax dolloi (Werner, 1903) was established by Faivovich et al. (2005) and the species was included in the Scinax ruber clade, among the species not assigned to a species group, although considering that Scinax dolloi, S. hayii, and S. perereca form a morphologically similar group of species.
A new species of Halaphanolaimus (Nematoda: Leptolaimidae) from the southern Black Sea (Turkey) with a modified key for species identification
Authors: ÜRKMEZ DERYA , BRENNAN MICHAEL L.
Published: July 2013

Halaphanolaimus sergeevae n. sp. is described and illustrated from the Sinop coasts (southern Black Sea, Turkey). The new species morphologically resembles H. pellucidus Southern, 1914, but differs from it by having a higher number of tubular supplements (12–14 vs 6–7), longer spicules (68–70 µm vs 47–52 µm), smaller tail/spicule ratio (1.6 vs 2.7), smaller body size (926–1273 vs 1500 μm), and smaller De Man indices of a, b and c’. An updated identification key to the species of Halaphanolaimus is proposed.
Two new Japanese species of Gastrotricha (Chaetonotida, Chaetonotidae, Lepidodermella and Dichaeturidae, Dichaetura), with Comments on the Diversity of Gastrotrichs in Rice Paddies
Authors: SUZUKI TAKAHITO G. , MAEDA MASAKO , FURUYA HIDETAKA
Published: July 2013

Two new species of freshwater gastrotrichs are described from rice paddies in Otsu, Shiga, Japan. Lepidodermella acantholepida n. sp. is a medium sized species attaining a length of 145 μm, scales are flattened ovals and similar to those of L. squamata except that two dorsal scales near the furca have a claw-like spine. Dichaetura filispina n. sp. is a medium sized species attaining a length of 185 μm, characterized by a thin, fiber-like spine, a spined furca with a constriction near its base and an elongate body. A total of 44 species (seven genera) including two new species were found in the rice paddies. The diversity of rice paddy gastrotrichs is briefly discussed.
Taxonomic revision of Trypanidius Blanchard, 1846 in South America (Insecta: Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
Authors: CARELLI ALLAN , MONNÉ MARCELA L. , MACHADO VANESSA SOUZA
Published: July 2013

The genus Trypanidius Blanchard, 1846 includes 15 species in the Neotropical Region, nine of which occur in South America. In this contribution, the genus and South American species are redescribed and Trypanidius mimicavus sp. nov. is described from Bolivia. New distributional data are given for T. andicola Blanchard, 1846; T. dimidiatus Thomson, 1860; and T. notatus (Fabricius, 1787). All species are illustrated and a key to all species is provided.
A new genus of the tribe Hemisphaeriini (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Issidae) from China
Authors: MENG RUI , WANG YINGLUN , QIN DAOZHENG
Published: July 2013

A new issid genus in the tribe Hemisphaeriini (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Issidae) is described from China: Rotundiforma gen. nov.. One new species, Rotundiforma nigrimaculata sp. nov. (China: Yunnan, Menglun), is described and illustrated. Distribution and morphological diversity of tribe Hemisphaeriini are discussed briefly. A checklist for the 14 genera of Hemisphaeriini is provided.
Unusual preservation of fossil mantis shrimp (Stomatopoda): occurrence of mandibles from the Pleistocene Ogushi Formation, Kyushu, Japan
Authors: ANDO YUSUKE , UGAI HIROAKI , KAWANO SHIGENORI , HIROSE KOJI , NAKATANI DAISUKE , KUROSU HIROMI , KARASAWA HIROAKI
Published: July 2013

Stomatopoda Latreille, 1817 are known from the late Devonian to Holocene strata around the world (e.g., Hof & Briggs 1997; Schram 2010; Haug C. et al. in press). However, the Pleistocene record of Stomatopoda comprises only one species, Squilla empusa Say, 1818 from Maryland and Connecticut, U.S.A. (Rathbun 1935; Blake 1953; Waage et al. 2001). The authors collected some fossil mandibles associated with fragments of the raptorial claw of Stomatopoda from the Pleistocene Ogushi Formation, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan. Fossil stomatopod mandibles have been reported from the Carboniferous of U.S.A. (Jenner et al. 1998), Carboniferous of Belgium (Schöllmann 2004) and Jurassic of Germany (Haug J.T. et al. 2008, 2010). The purpose of the present paper is to record the occurrence of stomatopod mandibles, first found in the Cenozoic deposits. The figured specimens are deposited in the Mizunami Fossil Museum (MFM) and Goshoura Cretaceous Museum (GCM-IVP).