bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sliding mode recurrent wavelet neural network control for robust positioning of uncertain dynamic systems
Authors: Shin J M , Yang S H , Han S I
Published: December 2010

For an uncertain dynamic system, a hybrid control system composed of sliding mode and recurrent wavelet neural network control with friction estimation (SRWNF) has been proposed to achieve robust motion performance. In the present study, a model-free adaptive controller that does not require the system dynamics to be determined in advance is developed by the proposed recurrent wavelet neural network (RWNN). The adaptive laws of the SRWNF control system and friction estimator have been constructed from the approximation theory and the sense of the Lyapunov stability analysis for RWNN technology to mimic ideal control laws in a sliding-mode control. In addition, an adaptive bound estimation law is employed to estimate the upper boundary of approximation errors. The friction state and parameters are estimated using an adaptive friction estimation based on the LuGre friction model. The boundary of the constraint sets has also been studied. The performance of the proposed control scheme in the presence of uncertainty and friction has been verified by some simulation and an experiment.
Multi-loop two-degree-of-freedom PI controllers with adaptive set-point weighting
Authors: Garelli F , Mantz R J , De Battista H
Published: December 2010

This note describes a simple technique to adapt the set-point weighting of multivariable two-degree-of-freedom proportional–integral (PI) controllers. This controller structure has been extensively used in single-input–single-output (SISO) systems to design disturbance and set-point responses independently. In multivariable systems, the interaction among the different loops can be minimized by making the set-point weighting zero. However, the cancellation of the reference direct path leads to a degradation of set-point tracking performance. The weighting adaptation proposed here aims to conserve the interaction magnitude level corresponding to zero weighting but improving the response of the direct control loop. Variable structure control-related concepts may be used to analyse the methodology, since a switching law is used in order to generate the weighting factor.
Linear multivariable dynamic model of a hot strip finishing mill
Authors: Obregón A , Mendiola P , Evers K , Cavazos A , Leduc L
Published: December 2010

A steel hot strip finishing mill presents significant interactions between variables that considerably reduce performance. Traditionally, the control techniques implemented are based on classical approaches assuming an ideal model. Modelling interactions would allow the opportunity to suppress them by the application of modern multivariable control techniques. In this paper the derivation of a linearized multivariable model of a real-life hot strip mill based on previous schemes is presented as a case study. Linearization of the non-linear static relations around an operating point is performed. The operating conditions are the mill set-up calculations obtained from rolling schedules and non-linear relations used in the plant. Some useful details for practitioners are given. Simulations and experimental model validation are also presented. Since the mill in the real hot rolling line is in closed loop, it is not possible to carry out an experimental validation of the plant itself (i.e. in open loop); therefore, the model was experimentally validated in closed loop. As an example of the use of the multivariable model an H∞ multivariable optimal controller to attain nominal performance is designed for the looper system and results are presented.
Un-throttling a direct injection gasoline homogeneous mixture engine with variable valve actuation
Authors: Patel R , Ladommatos N , Stansfield P A , Wigley G , Garner C P , Pitcher G , Turner J W G , Nuglisch H , Helie J
Published: December 2010

Two direct injection spark ignition (DISI) engines with identical combustion chamber geometries and fuel injection systems were used to investigate fuel economy, exhaust emissions, the in-cylinder flow field, the fuel spray behaviour and combustion characteristics with early inlet valve closure (EIVC) strategies aimed at reducing parasitic induction work owing to throttling. One engine had extensive optical access through a transparent piston crown and transparent cylinder liner, while the other all-metal engine allowed continuous running. Engine running focused at low and intermediate engine loads (∼ 3 and ∼ 6 bar indicated mean effective pressure) and two engine speeds (2000 and 3500 r/min). The results show that the indicated specific fuel consumption (ISFC) could be reduced by almost 6 per cent without significant deterioration in gaseous exhaust pollutant emissions. The results also show that the in-cylinder bulk flow and turbulence and the thermodynamic conditions during combustion are affected significantly by EIVC operation.
Spray stability of outwards opening pintle injectors for stratified direct injection spark ignition engine operation
Authors: Marchi A , Nouri J , Yan Y , Arcoumanis C
Published: December 2010

The spray characteristics and spray stability from three prototype piezoelectric pintle-type injectors were investigated under different operating conditions in an optical direct injection engine designed for stratified combustion. The pintle-type outwards opening injector has the potential to address and overcome many of the typical problems related to close-spacing, spray-guided configurations owing to its hollow cone spray, exhibiting better air utilization than multihole sprays, with good penetration during early injection, and a spray angle almost independent of cylinder backpressure. The three prototype injectors have different nozzle exit geometries for optimization of spray stability under all engine operating conditions. The emerging fuel sprays for both single- and double-injection operation were visualized using Mie scattering and a high-speed CCD camera. The performance of the injectors was assessed by constructing mean and RMS images at different operating conditions of injection pressure, backpressure, injector needle lift, and engine speed. From these images, a spray angle analysis was performed by comparing the mean, standard deviation, maximum, and minimum cone angle under different operating conditions; the spray stability was quantified by analysing the mean and RMS images and the mean and RMS spray cone angles. Evaluation of the three prototypes has revealed that the positive-step inward seal band design produces the most robust spray angle ideally suited for stratified fuel/air mixture formation and combustion in spray-guided direct injection spark ignition (DISI) gasoline engines.
Study of the mixture formation processes inside a modern direct-injection gasoline engine
Authors: Koch P , Löffler M G , Wensing M , Leipertz A
Published: December 2010

The combustion process inside a direct injection spark ignition engine with charge stratification is a very complex process with a large number of variables existing for the definition of the engine characterization map. In this work, two different tracer-based laser-induced fluorescence techniques were applied to analyse the charge motion during the mixing process. For two different operation points with and without a complex in-cylinder flowfield, the two-line excitation LIF technique was applied for temperature and residual gas fraction imaging, and the FARLIF technique for fuel/air ratio imaging. It was found that the mixing of air and residual gas was very fast, and hence no inhomogeneities were found at ignition time. For the mixture preparation process, the swirl makes it difficult to position the fuel vapour cloud near the spark plug at ignition. As a solution to overcome this, a double-injection strategy was applied. With careful parameter choice, depending on the second injection mass and timing, the desired charge situation could be achieved.
Effects of increased injection pressures of up to 1000 bar – opportunities in stratified operation in a direct-injection spark-ignition engine
Authors: Buri S , Kubach H , Spicher U
Published: December 2010

The gasoline direct-injection engine with spray-guided combustion is one of the most promising strategies to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of spark-ignition engines. This benefit results primarily from lean and unthrottled operation, which is realized with a highly stratified mixture at part load.

At the upper load limit of stratified charge operation, charge stratification is insufficient to realize substantial fuel economy benefits, especially when using multihole injectors. This can be attributed to a lower injector flowrate than is available from outward-opening piezo injectors. One measure to increase the flowrate is to increase the injection pressure. A higher stratification gradient thereby can be achieved, which leads to combustion at richer air–fuel ratios. As a result, combustion duration and hydrocarbon emissions decrease. The enhanced evaporation due to the increased injection pressure reduces soot emissions.

This paper presents the results of thermodynamic and optical investigations at the upper load limit of stratified charge operation in a spray-guided direct-injection engine. To this end, variations of the injection pressure from 200 to 1000 bar are performed. The associated effects on mixture preparation and soot formation are investigated.

The mixture preparation process and flame propagation information are recorded using a high-speed intensified complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera. In order to investigate soot formation and oxidation behaviour, soot concentrations are measured using the extended two-colour method.
Irregular combustion in supercharged spark ignition engines – pre-ignition and other phenomena
Authors: Dahnz C , Spicher U
Published: December 2010

Downsizing is one of the most promising concepts to reduce fuel consumption of gasoline engines. However, it is currently limited by the occurrence of irregular combustion phenomena at high loads. This paper provides an overview of the combustion phenomena to be taken into account. At first, knock, extreme knock, surface ignition, and pre-ignition are briefly introduced by a description of their phenomenology. Since pre-ignition is the newest and least explored of these phenomena, the results of a study about its phenomenology and reasons for its occurrence are presented. Finally, auto-ignition in general is discussed, taking into account its occurrence, its effect, and its avoidance. Thereby, the general remarks about auto-ignition are related to the phenomena observable in real engines.
TECHNICAL NOTE—The Adaptive Knapsack Problem with Stochastic Rewards
Authors: İlhan Taylan , Iravani Seyed M. R. , Daskin Mark S.
Published: December 2010

Given a set of items with associated deterministic weights and random rewards, the adaptive stochastic knapsack problem (adaptive SKP) maximizes the probability of reaching a predetermined target reward level when items are inserted sequentially into a capacitated knapsack before the reward of each item is realized. This model arises in resource allocation problems that permit or require sequential allocation decisions in a probabilistic setting. One particular application is in obsolescence inventory management. In this paper, the adaptive SKP is formulated as a dynamic programming (DP) problem for discrete random rewards. The paper also presents a heuristic that mixes adaptive and static policies to overcome the “curse of dimensionality” in the DP. The proposed heuristic is extended to problems with normally distributed random rewards. The heuristic can solve large problems quickly, and its solution always outperforms a static policy. The numerical study indicates that a near-optimal solution can be obtained by using an algorithm with limited look-ahead capabilities.
Hemorrhagic Stroke Associated with Mixed Amphetamine Salts: Acyclovir-Induced Immune Thrombocytopenia: Recall Pneumonitis during Treatment with Sunitinib: Coagulopathy Caused by Cephradine-Induced Factor V Inhibition: Psoriasis Caused by Certolizumab Pegol: Excellent Reviews: Glucocorticoids and Increased Mortality in Hospitalized Patients with C. difficile-Associated Disease; Drug-Induced Osteoporosis; Adverse Drug Reactions (Part 1)
Authors: Shuster Joel
Published: December 2010

The purpose of this feature is to heighten awareness of specific adverse drug reactions (ADRs), discuss methods of prevention, and promote reporting of ADRs to the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) Med Watch program (800-FDA-1088). If you have reported an interesting, preventable ADR to Med Watch, please consider sharing the account with our readers.
Identification and Prevention of Antiretroviral Medication Errors at an Academic Medical Center
Authors: Horace Alexis E , Philips Marjorie
Published: December 2010

Background

Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) taking antiretroviral therapy are at an increased risk for medication-related problems when transitioning into the inpatient setting.

Methodology

A retrospective chart review was used to find common highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)-related medication problems for 50 adult and pediatric patients who were admitted during the calendar year 2007 with a diagnosis of HIV at a 478-bed academic medical center. The results from the retrospective review were used to design a pilot program that consisted of a pharmacist making interventions when potential medication-related problems were identified. Data were collected after implementation of the program to assess whether this corrective measure decreased medication concerns associated with HAART.

Results

Results from the retrospective review revealed that 24% of patients did not have a complete home medication list on admission. HAART was discontinued in 21 patients (42%) and, of these, 14 patients (67%) did not have an appropriate reason documented. Antiretroviral medications were not appropriately dosed and scheduled for 18% of patients. For patients managed by the pilot program, the documentation of home medication lists improved by 24% and matching inpatient orders to the patient's home regimens improved by 26%. Only 9% of the HIV patients admitted had their medications discontinued for more than 24 hours, and all of those patients had an appropriate reason documented. The rate at which antiretroviral medications were appropriately dosed and scheduled increased by 21%.

Conclusion

Pharmacists can play a vital role in reducing medication errors for HIV patients admitted to the hospital.
Perspectives: Small-Team Synergy: A Multiperspective Systems Approach
Authors: Stasio Michael J.
Published: December 2010

“I think we can all agree that long-duration mission training and development must prepare crews to handle not only extreme circumstances but also the ups and downs of daily life.”

Fear is normal. … Courage is not the absence of fear. … We cannot live long enough to make all the mistakes ourselves. … We must learn from our own as well as others' experiences.

— Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, Celebrity Forum Speakers Series, October 1, 2010
The Role of Affect in Naturalistic Decision Making
Authors: Mosier Kathleen L. , Fischer Ute
Published: December 2010

The field of naturalistic decision making (NDM) assumes a “cold” cognitive model in that nonemotional, valence-neutral cues and information are predicted to influence decision making in identifiable ways. Judgment and decision-making research over the past 10 to 15 years, however, has greatly enhanced knowledge of the ways in which affect that is present at the time of decision making influences how people make decisions—specifically, how they process information, how they respond to risk, and which outcomes they prefer. The purpose of this article is to review relevant aspects of the literature on affect and decision making and to present the argument that NDM researchers need to be cognizant of the potential impact of affect on decision processes to adequately describe and predict expert decision making.
Single-Trial Speech Suppression of Auditory Cortex Activity in Humans
Authors: Flinker Adeen , Chang Edward F. , Kirsch Heidi E. , Barbaro Nicholas M. , Crone Nathan E. , Knight Robert T.
Published: December 2010

The human auditory cortex is engaged in monitoring the speech of interlocutors as well as self-generated speech. During vocalization, auditory cortex activity is reported to be suppressed, an effect often attributed to the influence of an efference copy from motor cortex. Single-unit studies in non-human primates have demonstrated a rich dynamic range of single-trial auditory responses to self-speech consisting of suppressed, nonsuppressed and excited auditory neurons. However, human research using noninvasive methods has only reported suppression of averaged auditory cortex responses to self-generated speech. We addressed this discrepancy by recording electrocorticographic activity from neurosurgical subjects performing auditory repetition tasks. We observed that the degree of suppression varied across different regions of auditory cortex, revealing a variety of suppressed and nonsuppressed responses during vocalization. Importantly, single-trial high-gamma power (γHigh, 70–150 Hz) robustly tracked individual auditory events and exhibited stable responses across trials for suppressed and nonsuppressed regions.
A Late-Phase, Long-Term Memory Trace Forms in the γ Neurons ofDrosophilaMushroom Bodies after Olfactory Classical Conditioning
Authors: Akalal David-Benjamin G. , Yu Dinghui , Davis Ronald L.
Published: December 2010

Using functional optical imagingin vivo, we demonstrate that the γ mushroom body (MB) neurons ofDrosophila melanogasterrespond with axonal calcium influx when odors or electric shock stimuli are presented to the fly. Pairing of odor and electric shock stimuli in a single training trial or multiple, massed training trials failed to modify the odor-evoked calcium signal when flies were tested at several different times after training. In contrast, animals that received multiple but spaced odor–shock pairings exhibited a robust increase in calcium influx into the MB axons when tested between 18 and 48 h after training. This time window for the γ neuron memory trace is displaced relative to the modifications that occur between 9 and 24 h after training in the α branch of the α/β MB neurons. The α/β and the γ neuron long-term memory traces were both blocked by expressing a repressor of the transcription factor cAMP response element-binding protein or a calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II hairpin RNA. These results demonstrate that behavioral long-term olfactory memory is encoded as modifications of calcium influx into distinct MB neurons during overlapping but different windows of time after training.
Dependence of Serotonergic and Other Nonadrenergic Enteric Neurons on Norepinephrine Transporter Expression
Authors: Li Zhishan , Caron Marc G. , Blakely Randy D. , Margolis Kara G. , Gershon Michael D.
Published: December 2010

The norepinephrine transporter (NET), which is expressed on the plasma membranes of noradrenergic neurons, is important in terminating neurotransmission. The noradrenergic sympathetic neurons that innervate the bowel express NET, but they are extrinsic and their cell bodies are not components of the enteric nervous system (ENS). Subsets of neurons were nevertheless found in the murine ENS that express transcripts encoding NET, NET protein, and dopamine β-hydroxylase; these neurons lack tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and thus are not catecholaminergic. Enteric NET expression, moreover, preceded the ingrowth of sympathetic axons during development and did not disappear when the gut was extrinsically denervated. Transiently catecholaminegic (TC), neural crest-derived precursors of enteric neurons expressed NET at embryonic day 10 (E10) and NET expression in the fetal gut peaked coincidentally with early neurogenesis at E12. Serotonergic neurons, which are born early from TC progenitors, were found to express NET in the adult ENS, as did also other early-born neurons containing calretinin or neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) immunoreactivities. NET was not expressed in TH-immunoreactive dopaminergic neurons, which are born perinatally. Genetic deletion of NET almost eliminated tryptophan hydroxylase 2 expression and significantly reduced the numbers of total, 5-HT- and calretinin-immunoreactive enteric neurons, without affecting the immunoreactivities of nNOS or TH. These observations indicate that TC precursors of subsets of noncatecholaminergic enteric neurons express NET that persists in the successors of these cells despite their loss of TH. NET expression is essential for development and/or survival of some (5-HT- and calretinin-expressing), but not all (nNOS-expressing), of these neurons.
The Interaction between Tropomyosin-Related Kinase B Receptors and Presynaptic Muscarinic Receptors Modulates Transmitter Release in Adult Rodent Motor Nerve Terminals
Authors: Garcia Neus , Tomàs Marta , Santafé Manel M. , Besalduch Nuria , Lanuza Maria A. , Tomàs Josep
Published: December 2010

The neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) and the receptors tropomyosin-related kinase B (trkB) and p75NTRare present in the nerve terminals on the neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) of the levator auris longus muscle of the adult mouse. Exogenously added BDNF or NT-4 increased evoked ACh release after 3 h. This presynaptic effect (the size of the spontaneous potentials is not affected) is specific because it is not produced by neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and is prevented by preincubation with trkB-IgG chimera or by pharmacological block of trkB [K-252a (C27H21N3O5)] or p75NTR[Pep5 (C86H111N25O19S2)] signaling. The effect of BDNF depends on the M1and M2muscarinic acetylcholine autoreceptors (mAChRs) because it is prevented by atropine, pirenzepine and methoctramine. We found that K-252a incubation reduces ACh release (∼50%) in a short time (1 h), but the p75NTRsignaling inhibitor Pep5 does not have this effect. The specificity of the K-252a blocking effect on trkB was confirmed with the anti-trkB antibody 47/trkB, which reduces evoked ACh release, like K-252a, whereas the nonpermeant tyrosine kinase blocker K-252b does not. Neither does incubation with the fusion protein trkB-IgG (to chelate endogenous BDNF/NT-4), anti-BDNF or anti-NT-4 change ACh release. Thus, the trkB receptor normally seems to be coupled to ACh release when there is no short-term local effect of neurotrophins at the NMJ. The normal function of the mAChR mechanism is a permissive prerequisite for the trkB pathway to couple to ACh release. Reciprocally, the normal function of trkB modulates M1- and M2-subtype muscarinic pathways.
Visual Receptive Field Properties of Neurons in the Superficial Superior Colliculus of the Mouse
Authors: Wang Lupeng , Sarnaik Rashmi , Rangarajan Krsna , Liu Xiaorong , Cang Jianhua
Published: December 2010

The mouse is a promising model in the study of visual system function and development because of available genetic tools. However, a quantitative analysis of visual receptive field properties had not been performed in the mouse superior colliculus (SC) despite its importance in mouse vision and its usefulness in developmental studies. We have made single-unit extracellular recordings from superficial layers of the SC in urethane-anesthetized C57BL/6 mice. We first map receptive fields with flashing spot stimuli and show that most SC neurons have spatially overlapped ON and OFF subfields. With drifting sinusoidal gratings, we then determine the tuning properties of individual SC neurons, including selectivity for stimulus direction and orientation, spatial frequency tuning, temporal frequency tuning, response linearity, and size preference. A wide range of receptive field sizes and selectivity are observed across the population and in various subtypes of SC neurons identified morphologically. In particular, orientation-selective responses are discovered in the mouse SC, and they are not affected by cortical lesion or long-term visual deprivation. However, ON/OFF characteristics and spatial frequency tuning of SC neurons are influenced by cortical inputs and require visual experience during development. Together, our results provide essential information for future investigations on the functional development of the superior colliculus.
A Novel Form of Presynaptic Plasticity Based on the Fast Reactivation of Release Sites Switched Off during Low-Frequency Depression
Authors: Doussau Frédéric , Humeau Yann , Benfenati Fabio , Poulain Bernard
Published: December 2010

Repetitive firing of neurons at a low frequency often leads to a decrease in synaptic strength. The mechanism of this low-frequency depression (LFD) is poorly understood. Here, LFD was studied atAplysiacholinergic synapses. The absence of a significant change in the paired-pulse ratio during LFD, together with the facts that neither the time course nor the extent of LFD were affected by the initial release probability, suggests that LFD is not related to a depletion of the ready-to-fuse synaptic vesicles (SVs) or to a decrease in the release probability, but results from the silencing of a subpopulation of release sites. A subset of SVs or release sites, which acquired a high release probability status during LFD, permits synapses to rapidly and temporarily recover the initial synaptic strength when the stimulation is stopped. However, the recovery of the full capacity of the synapse to sustain repetitive stimulations is slow and involves spontaneous reactivation of the silent release sites. Application of tetanic stimulations accelerates this recovery by immediately switching on the silent sites. This high-frequency-dependent phenomenon underlies a new form of synaptic plasticity that allows resetting of presynaptic efficiency independently of the recent history of the synapse. Microinjection of a mutatedAplysiasynapsin that cannot be phosphorylated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), or a PKA inhibitor both prevented high-frequency-dependent awakening of release sites. Changes in the firing pattern of neurons appear to be able to regulate the on–off status of release sites via a molecular cascade involving PKA-dependent phosphorylation of synapsin.
Immunotherapy Targeting Pathological Tau Prevents Cognitive Decline in a New Tangle Mouse Model
Authors: Boutajangout Allal , Quartermain David , Sigurdsson Einar M.
Published: December 2010

Harnessing the immune system to clear protein aggregates is emerging as a promising approach to treat various neurodegenerative diseases. In Alzheimer's disease (AD), several clinical trials are ongoing using active and passive immunotherapy targeting the amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide. Limited emphasis has been put into clearing tau/tangle pathology, another major hallmark of the disease. Recent findings from the first Aβ vaccination trial suggest that this approach has limited effect on tau pathology and that Aβ plaque clearance may not halt or slow the progression of dementia in individuals with mild-to-moderate AD. To assess within a reasonable timeframe whether targeting tau pathology with immunotherapy could prevent cognitive decline, we developed a new model with accelerated tangle development. It was generated by crossing available strains that express all six human tau isoforms and the M146L presenilin mutation. Here, we show that this unique approach completely prevents severe cognitive impairment in three different tests. This remarkable effect correlated well with extensive clearance of abnormal tau within the brain. Overall, our findings indicate that immunotherapy targeting pathological tau is very feasible for tauopathies, and should be assessed in clinical trials in the near future.
Diverse Patterns of Odor Representation by Neurons in the Anterior Piriform Cortex of Awake Mice
Authors: Zhan Cheng , Luo Minmin
Published: December 2010

The mammalian piriform cortex receives direct synaptic input from the olfactory bulb and is likely the locus for the formation of odor percept. It remains unclear how individual cortical neurons encode olfactory information in unanesthetized animals. By single-cell recordings from head-restrained awake mice, we studied the odor response profiles of individual neurons in the anterior piriform cortex (aPCX). Neurons were juxtacellularly labeled, and their cell types were determined by their morphology and neurotransmitter phenotypes. We found a considerable level of variability in selectivity patterns among pyramidal neurons (PNs). Approximately one-quarter of PNs were broadly activated by structurally dissimilar odorants, whereas the excitations to the rest of PNs were highly selective. Broad inhibition was only observed from a subpopulation of PNs. GABAergic neurons displayed nonselective excitatory responses to test odorants and rarely exhibited inhibition. In contrast, non-GABAergic nonpyramidal neurons in the deep layer tended to be strongly inhibited by multiple different odorants. Our findings suggest that odor representation is accomplished by both broadly tuned and narrow-tuned PNs in the aPCX of awake animals. In addition, various types of interneurons may play different roles in the intracortical processing of olfactory information.
Involvement of TRPV2 Activation in Intestinal Movement through Nitric Oxide Production in Mice
Authors: Mihara Hiroshi , Boudaka Ammar , Shibasaki Koji , Yamanaka Akihiro , Sugiyama Toshiro , Tominaga Makoto
Published: December 2010

Transient receptor potential channel vanilloid 2 (TRPV2) can detect various stimuli such as temperature (>52°C), stretch, and chemicals, including 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, probenecid, and lysophospholipids. Although expressed in many tissues, including sensory and motor neurons, TRPV2 expression and function in the gastrointestinal tract is poorly understood. Here, we show TRPV2 expression in the murine intestine and its involvement in intestinal function. Almost all mouse intestinal intrinsic sensory and inhibitory motor neurons, both cell bodies and nerve fibers, showed TRPV2 immunoreactivity. Several known TRPV2 activators increased cytosolic Ca2+concentrations and evoked TRPV2-like current responses in dissociated myenteric neurons. Interestingly, mechanical stimuli activated inward currents in a strength-dependent manner, which were inhibited by a TRPV2 inhibitor tranilast. TRPV2 activation in isolated intestine inhibited spontaneous circular muscle contraction, which did not occur in the presence of the TRPV2 antagonist, tetrodotoxin or nitro oxide (NO) synthase pathway inhibitors. Also, increased intestinal NO production was observed in response to a TRPV2 agonist, and gastrointestinal transitin vivowas accelerated by TRPV2 agonists or an NO donor. In conclusion, TRPV2 may contribute to intestinal motility through NO production, and TRPV2 is a promising target for controlling intestinal movement.
Calcium Binding to PICK1 Is Essential for the Intracellular Retention of AMPA Receptors Underlying Long-Term Depression
Authors: Citri Ami , Bhattacharyya Samarjit , Ma Cong , Morishita Wade , Fang Scarlett , Rizo Josep , Malenka Robert C.
Published: December 2010

NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-dependent long-term depression (LTD) in the hippocampus is mediated primarily by the calcium-dependent removal of AMPA receptors (AMPARs) from the postsynaptic density. The AMPAR-binding, PDZ (PSD-95/Dlg/ZO1) and BAR (Bin/amphiphysin/Rvs) domain-containing protein PICK1 has been implicated in the regulation of AMPAR trafficking underlying several forms of synaptic plasticity. Using a strategy involving small hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown of PICK1 and its replacement with recombinant PICK1, we performed a detailed structure–function analysis of the role of PICK1 in hippocampal synaptic plasticity and the underlying NMDAR-induced AMPAR trafficking. We found that PICK1 is not necessary for maintenance of the basal synaptic complement of AMPARs or expression of either metabotropic glutamate receptor-dependent LTD or NMDAR-dependent LTP. Rather, PICK1 function is specific to NMDAR-dependent LTD and the underlying AMPAR trafficking. Furthermore, although PICK1 does not regulate the initial phase of NMDAR-induced AMPAR endocytosis, it is required for intracellular retention of internalized AMPARs. Detailed biophysical analysis of an N-terminal acidic motif indicated that it is involved in intramolecular electrostatic interactions that are disrupted by calcium. Mutations that interfered with the calcium-induced structural changes in PICK1 precluded LTD and the underlying NMDAR-induced intracellular retention of AMPARs. These findings support a model whereby calcium-induced modification of PICK1 structure is critical for its function in the retention of internalized AMPARs that underlies the expression of hippocampal NMDAR-dependent LTD.
Oshima Revisited
Authors: Nowell-Smith Geoffrey
Published: December 2010

Nagisa Oshima's films of the 1960s made him a darling of left-wing cinephiles, who responded to their radicalism and embraced it as revolutionary optimism. Thirty years on, however, the films seem much more pessimistic, skeptical, and unlikable—and arguably all the greater as a consequence.
Novel GLIS3 mutations demonstrate an extended multisystem phenotype
Authors: Dimitri P , Warner J T , Minton J A L , Patch A M , Ellard S , Hattersley A T , Barr S , Hawkes D , Wales J K , Gregory J W
Published: December 2010

Introduction

Mutations in the GLI-similar 3 (GLIS3) gene encoding the transcription factor GLIS3 are a rare cause of neonatal diabetes and congenital hypothyroidism with six affected cases from three families reported to date. Additional features, described previously, include congenital glaucoma, hepatic fibrosis, polycystic kidneys, developmental delay and facial dysmorphism.

Subjects

We report two new cases from unrelated families with distinct novel homozygous partial GLIS3 deletions. Both patients presented with neonatal diabetes mellitus, severe resistant hypothyroidism in the presence of elevated thyroglobulin and normal thyroid anatomy, degenerative liver disease, cystic renal dysplasia, recurrent infections and facial dysmorphism. These novel mutations have also resulted in osteopenia, bilateral sensorineural deafness and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, features that have not previously been associated with GLIS3 mutations. Gene dosage analysis showed that the parents were carriers of a deletion encompassing exons 1–2 (case 1) or exons 1–4 (case 2) of the 11 exon gene. Genome-wide SNP analysis did not reveal a common ancestral GLIS3 haplotype in patient 2.

Conclusions

Our results confirm partial gene deletions as the most common type of GLIS3 mutations, accounting for four of five families identified to date. We propose that mutations in GLIS3 lead to a wider clinical phenotype than previously recognised. We also report the first case of a recessive GLIS3 mutation causing neonatal diabetes and congenital hypothyroidism in a child from a non-consanguineous pedigree, highlighting the importance of molecular genetic testing in any patient with this phenotype.
Food supplements on the domestic market in Hungary. Nutritional assessment of the ingredients, risks and benefits, the role of food supplements in human nutrition
Authors: Lugasi Andrea , Horacsek Márta , Martos Éva
Published: December 2010

Az étrend-kiegészítők olyan élelmiszerek, amelyek koncentráltan tartalmaznak tápanyagokat, köztük vitaminokat és ásványi anyagokat, valamint egyéb élettani vagy táplálkozási hatással rendelkező anyagokat. Hazánkban az étrend-kiegészítőket az Európai Unióhoz történt csatlakozás óta előzetes engedélyezés nélkül, az Országos Élelmezés- és Táplálkozástudományi Intézetnél tett bejelentéssel egy időben piacra lehet helyezni. A termékek forgalmazását, összetételét, jelölését, a fogyasztó felé történő kommunikációját számos jogszabály határozza meg, ugyanakkor bizonyos területeken, a közösségi szinten harmonizált rendeletek hiánya jelentős problémákat okozhat. A tanulmány második részében (első rész: Orv. Hetil., 2010,
39,
1563–1572.) az étrend-kiegészítőkben előforduló összetevők táplálkozás-élettani értékelésének folyamata, a felmerülő közegészségügyi problémák, valamint az étrend-kiegészítők táplálkozásban betöltött szerepének bemutatására kerül sor. Orv. Hetil., 2010,
48,
1964–1975.
Histometric Analysis of Bone Repair in Bone-Implant Interface Using a Polylactic/Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer Associated With Implants in Rabbit Tibia
Authors: Freire Alexandre Rodrigues , Rossi Ana Cláudia , Queiroz Thallita Pereira , Gulinelli Jéssica Lemos , Souza Francisley Ávila , Margonar Rogério , Garcia-Júnior Idelmo Rangel , Hochuli-Vieira Eduardo , Okamoto Roberta
Published: December 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of the combination of polylactic/polyglycolic acid around implants installed with and without primary stability through the histometric analysis of bone-implant interface. We used male rabbits, each of which received 2 titanium implants in each tibial metaphysis. The animals were divided into 4 groups: control with primary stability (CPS), control without primary stability (C), polymer with primary stability (PPS), and polymer without primary stability (P). Euthanasia was performed at postoperative days 40 and 90. The pieces were embedded in resin, sectioned, scraped, and stained with alizarin red and Stevenel blue. Histometric analysis evaluated the linear extension of contact between the bone and implant surface on the implant collar (CIC) and contact between the bone and implant surface on the first thread (CFT). Also evaluated was the area of newly formed bone (ANB) in the first thread. The results showed that there was new bone formation in all groups and during all periods. At 40 days, the ANB was higher in the PPS group than in the P group (P < .001); the CFT was statistically higher in the CPS group than the PPS group (P < .001) and was higher in the CPS group than the C group (P < .001). At 40 and 90 days, the CIC was higher in the P group than in the C group (P < .001). In conclusion, the copolymer had biocompatibility, enhanced bone healing, and presented osteoconductive properties, thus raising the contact between bone and implant, even without primary stability.
Biometria de frutos e sementes e germinação de Plathymenia reticulata benth. e Plathymenia foliolosa benth. (Fabaceae - mimosoideae)
Authors: Lopes Renata de Melo Ferreira , Freitas Valéria Lúcia de Oliveira , Lemos Filho José Pires de
Published: December 2010

Este estudo objetivou comparar características biométricas de frutos e sementes e o efeito de diferentes escarificações, temperaturas e luz na germinação de Plathymenia reticulata Benth. e Plathymenia foliolosa Benth. Foram registrados comprimento, largura, espessura, massa da matéria seca e fresca de frutos (n = 100) e sementes (n = 100) de cada espécie. Os diferentes tratamentos foram escarificações mecânica e química e temperaturas (fotoperíodo/nictoperíodo) de 20, 30 e 35/15 °C (12/12 e 0/24) e 25 e 35 °C (12/12). Os frutos de P. foliolosa mostraram-se mais largos, espessos e pesados e as sementes, mais compridas e espessas do que as de P. reticulata. As sementes de ambas as espécies não apresentaram fotoblastismo. A escarificação ácida não aumentou significativamente a germinabilidade das sementes em relação ao grupo-controle, enquanto a escarificação mecânica incrementou significativamente a germinabilidade apenas de P. foliolosa. As germinabilidades a 25 °C das sementes de P. reticulata intactas, escarificadas com ácido e lixa foram, respectivamente, de 55%, 60% e 89%. Para as sementes de P. foliolosa esses valores foram 48%, 37,5% e 83%, respectivamente.Esses resultados apontam limitações na germinação de P. foliolosa impostas pelo tegumento, entretanto o efeito deste restringindo a germinação das sementes intactas decresceu com a elevação da temperatura.
Relações fonte: dreno e crescimento vegetativo do meloeiro
Authors: Duarte Tatiana da S , Peil Roberta MN
Published: December 2010

Avaliou-se o efeito de diferentes relações fonte:dreno, determinadas a partir de variações da densidade de plantio e do número de frutos/planta, sobre o crescimento vegetativo de plantas de meloeiro. Foram realizados dois experimentos no período de primavera-verão de 2004/2005, em estufa plástica. Em um dos experimentos, 3 densidades de plantio (1,7; 2,4 e 3,0 plantas m-2) e dois números de frutos/planta (3 e 4) foram estudados. No outro experimento estabeleceu-se dois tratamentos: remoção de todos os frutos e três frutos/planta, a fim de avaliar o efeito da ausência de frutos na planta. A partir dos dados de matéria seca e fresca e da área foliar (AF), aos 68 dias após o transplante, foi determinada a produção e a distribuição de matéria seca para a fração vegetativa, bem como o índice de área foliar (IAF), a área foliar específica (AFE) e os teores de matéria seca do caule e das folhas. O aumento da densidade de plantio não incrementou a força de fonte, não alterando o crescimento vegetativo em épocas de alta disponibilidade de radiação solar. A AF alcançada ao final do cultivo foi relativamente baixa, o que diminuiu o efeito de maior sombreamento mútuo e permitiu a penetração de radiação solar no interior do dossel, mesmo em densidades mais elevadas. O aparecimento de um novo fruto compete mais com os frutos remanescentes do que com os órgãos vegetativos. Os frutos competem com as partes vegetativas aéreas indistintamente, ou seja, o caule e as folhas atuam como um órgão único. As plantas de meloeiro se adaptam à baixa demanda de drenos através do acúmulo de fotoassimilados nos órgãos vegetativos.
Distribution of cadmium in a cultivated soil in Britanny, France
Authors: Hadlich Gisele Mara , Ucha José Martin
Published: December 2010

Cadmium (Cd) can be potentially toxic to the environment, and its bioavailability is related to the chemical forms it occurs in the soils. The distribution of Cd into the solid phase and its availability was investigated in a cultivated soil in Britanny, France. Cd sequential extraction was performed using a modified Tessier's sequential extraction protocol. Total content of Cd (n = 22 samples) ranged from 0.13 to 0.37 mg kg¹. Long term history of organic and mineral fertilizers application increased Cd concentration in the surface horizon. The fate of Cd was correlated with soil available P2O5 concentration and pH. The regression analysis (linear and non-linear) and Principal Component Analysis revealed the synergistic effect of P2O5 in the retention of Cd in cultivated soils. The following fractions' sequence was observed: bounded to Fe and Al oxides + phosphates > exchangeable > bound to organic matter » residual fraction.
Reações aos diferentes pigmentos de tatuagens: relato de dois casos
Authors: Cruz Fernanda André Martins , Lage Denise , Frigério Rafaela Marega , Zaniboni Mariana Colombini , Arruda Lúcia Helena Fávaro
Published: December 2010

A tatuagem é definida como deposição de pigmento intencional ou acidental na pele. Os pigmentos têm sido associados a diversas dermatoses, como a dermatite de contato alérgica, a dermatite liquenoide e as reações fotoinduzidas, granulomatosas, sarcoídeas e pseudolinfomatosas. Enfocam-se os diversos tipos de reações aos pigmentos e a importância de reconhecê-los clinicamente. São relatados dois casos: um de dermatite liquenoide sobre o pigmento vermelho e outro de pseudolinfoma sobre os pigmentos vermelho e lilás e de reação fotoinduzida sobre o amarelo. A remoção geralmente requer múltiplos tratamentos, e a maioria não retira as cores completamente.
Uma relação delicada: estudo do encontro professor-aluno
Authors: Rios Izabel Cristina , Schraiber Lilia Blima
Published: December 2010

O tecnicismo e o esvaziamento do lugar do médico como cuidador são determinados pela formação centrada na aquisição de conhecimentos biomédicos. Críticas levaram as escolas médicas a incluir no currículo disciplinas de humanidades, o que se mostrou insuficiente. Fatores culturais como ambiente educacional e comportamentos também estariam envolvidos. Objetivou-se compreender o encontro intersubjetivo de professores e alunos, ressaltando aspectos referidos à cultura contemporânea identificados como importantes para a construção da identidade e atitude médica. Por meio de estudo de caso, triangulando a observação participante, entrevistas com professores e alunos e documentos oficiais de uma escola médica no estado de São Paulo, abordaram-se as relações pedagógicas e intersubjetivas no cotidiano do processo educacional. Na análise, construíram-se as configurações do 'eu e o outro', da 'tecnologia' e das 'relações intersubjetivas de professores e alunos', encontrando-se modos polares de interatividade: relações de vínculo e confiança; de desqualificação e onipotência; e violências.
Avaliação da retenção de sedimentos pela vegetação ripária pela caracterização morfológica e físico-química do solo
Authors: Oliveira Carloeme A. de , Kliemann Huberto J. , Correchel Vladia , Santos Felipe C. V. dos
Published: December 2010

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a retenção de sedimentos por meio da caracterização morfológica e físico-química de um Latossolo Vermelho distrófico ao longo de uma transeção de 204 m demarcada no sentido do declive, iniciada no meio da encosta cultivada com algodão em sistema de preparo convencional e finalizada no interior da mata ciliar localizada a jusante da área cultivada em Panamá, GO. Todas as amostras de solo foram coletadas ao longo da transeção em camadas de 0-5, 5-10 e 10-20 cm. Na mata ciliar foram abertas quatro trincheiras para avaliação morfológica dos perfis de solo. A descrição morfológica das duas primeiras trincheiras abertas na entrada da mata indicou a presença de camadas de material não pedogenizado sobre o horizonte A, proveniente de sedimentos carreados da lavoura para a mata ciliar por processos erosivos. A interpretação das avaliações morfológicas dos perfis, associada aos resultados de análises do solo, revela que o cultivo intensivo altera os atributos físicos e químicos, especialmente a agregação e os teores de matéria orgânica e Ca.
Fish diet from Manacapuru Big Lake complex (Amazon): a approach starting from the traditional knowledge
Authors: Rebelo Sérgio Roberto Moraes , Freitas Carlos Edwar de Carvalho , Soares Maria Gercilia Mota
Published: December 2010

In the Amazon fishing is one of the main economic activities and higher value to traditional riverine communities of the region. Considering this importance is to suppose that the riverine populations have knowledge about fish fauna explores for them, because their forming culture that maintain a strait relationship with natural resources. This study aim to elevate the traditional knowledge of the fishermen from the riverine communities in the Big Lake Complex about the fish alimentary diet caught for commercialization and consumption. This study was realized in the Manacapuru Big Lake Complex through interview jointed with 62 fishermen. The results presents a detailed knowledge about the tambaqui, tucunaré, pacu, acará-açú, curimatã, aruanã, matrinxã, piranha and pirapitinga fish feeding compatible with the laboratory analyzes and with the specifics literature. Finally the traditional ecological knowledge from the fishermen about the fish ecology in the Big Lake must be used as a subsidy study of lakes management, establishing in this way, an information resource for scientific works at the same time to minimize the cost with a long research.