bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting soil permittivity and proposals to obtain gravimetric water content from time domain reflectometry measurements
Authors: Thring L.M. , Boddice D. , Metje N. , Curioni G. , Chapman D.N. , Pring L.
Published: May 2014

Time domain reflectometry (TDR) measures the apparent relative dielectric permittivity (ARDP) of a soil and is commonly used to determine the volumetric water content (VWC) of the soil. ARDP is affected by several factors in addition to water content, such as the soil’s electrical conductivity, temperature, and density. These relationships vary with soil type and are very soil-dependent, and despite previous research, they are still not fully understood. A multivariate statistical approach (principal component analysis, PCA) is used to describe a range of soils from two separate sites in the UK (clay and silty sand – sandy silt). The advantage of a PCA is that it considers several variables at a time, giving an immediate picture of their underlying relationships. It was found that for the studied soils, ARDP was positively correlated with VWC and bulk electrical conductivity, but did not show any dependence on some other geotechnical parameters. TDR has recently been used in geotechnical engineering for measuring the gravimetric water content (GWC) and dry density. However, the current approaches require a custom-made TDR probe and an extensive site specific empirical laboratory calibration. To extend the potential use of TDR in the geotechnical industry, three relatively simple methods are proposed to estimate the GWC from VWC (derived from the measured ARDP values) and dry density depending on the amount of information known about the soil. Examples of possible applications of these methods include continuous monitoring of consolidation adjacent to a structure, the effect of seasonal weather and climate change on ageing earthwork assets, and the shrink–swell potential adjacent to trees. All three methods performed well, with between 83% and 98% of the data lying within a ±5% GWC envelope, with the data for clay soils performing better than those for silty sands – sandy silts. This is partly due to the fact that the applied relationship converting ARDP to VWC performs better for clays than silty sands – sandy silts, as well as less variation of the estimated bulk density that is needed to derive the dry density.
Probing the binding of thioTEPA to human serum albumin using spectroscopic and molecular simulation approaches
Authors: Alavianmehr Mohammad Mehdi , Yousefi Reza , Keshavarz Fatemeh , Mohammad-Aghaie Delara
Published: May 2014

The present work is devoted to probing the molecular interaction of N,N′,N″-triethylenethiophosphoramide (thioTEPA) with human serum albumin (HSA) using UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopies. Further, molecular dynamics and molecular docking simulations were used to investigate the binding site of thioTEPA. The outcomes of the spectroscopic observations and also the Stern−Volmer and van’t Hoff equations were employed to determine the binding thermodynamic parameters. It was found out that the interaction of thioTEPA with HSA is enthalpy driven through a quenching mechanism that is both static and dynamic at domain I of HSA. No significant changes in the local and overall secondary structure, polarity, and hydrophobicity of HSA were observed. The low values of binding free energies and binding constants are evidence for necessary high dosage of thioTEPA in chemotherapies. These results may be attributed to the spherical geometry and steric hindrance of the free vibrating aziridinyl groups of thioTEPA.
Supervariable approach to nilpotent symmetries of a couple of N = 2 supersymmetric quantum mechanical models
Authors: Krishna S. , Shukla A. , Malik R.P.
Published: May 2014

We derive the on-shell as well as off-shell nilpotent supersymmetric (SUSY) symmetry transformations for the [Formula: see text] = 2 SUSY quantum mechanical model of a (0 + 1)-dimensional (1D) free SUSY particle by exploiting the SUSY-invariant restrictions on the (anti-)chiral supervariables of the SUSY theory that is defined on a (1, 2)-dimensional supermanifold (parametrized by a bosonic variable t and a pair of Grassmannian variables θ and [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text]). Within the framework of our novel approach, we express the Lagrangian and conserved SUSY charges in terms of the (anti-)chiral supervariables to demonstrate the SUSY invariance of the Lagrangian as well as the nilpotency of the SUSY conserved charges in a simple manner. Our approach has the potential to be generalized to the description of other [Formula: see text] = 2 SUSY quantum mechanical systems with physically interesting potential functions. To corroborate the preceding assertion, we apply our method to derive the [Formula: see text] = 2 continuous and nilpotent SUSY transformations for one of the simplest interacting SUSY systems of a 1D harmonic oscillator.
Relativistic energy levels for ions in plasma
Authors: Hu Hongwei , Chen Zhanbin , Li Fuli , Dong Chenzhong , Xie Luyou , Chen Wencong
Published: May 2014

The Ritz variational–perturbational method is developed for calculating relativistic energy levels of ions embedded in plasmas. With a review of the one-electron atom problem, hydrogen-like ions are studied, and He-like and Li-like ions are studied at the effective charge approximation. For the outer shell excited states, the results agree well with other theoretical results and experimental data.
A Systematic Review on Natural Medicines for the Prevention and Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease with Meta-Analyses of Intervention Effect of Ginkgo
Authors: Yang Mengmeng , Xu Dan Dan , Zhang Yan , Liu Xinyou , Hoeven Robin , Cho William Chi Shing
Published: May 2014

We performed a systematic review to evaluate the efficacy of natural medicines for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Disease-specific and intervention terms were searched in MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and PsycINFO to identify RCTs for the AD intervention of natural medicines, and searched for literatures in English language. The RCTs compared natural medicines and either placebo or orthodox medication in AD patients. The quality of literature was evaluated by Jadad's score and the Cochrane assessing tool to reduce the risk of bias. Meta-analysis and the heterogeneity of results across the trials were performed. Out of the literatures, 21 clinical reports were included in this review that satisfied the particular selection criteria. Apart from Ginkgo, other treatments we came across had minimal benefits and/or the methodological quality of the available trials was poor. The meta-analyses showed that Ginkgo had better outcomes than the placebo, with the standardized mean difference (SMD) between Ginkgo and the placebo on cognition being -1.62 (95% CI: -2.69 to -0.56) and on activities of daily living being -1.55 (95% CI: -2.55 to -0.55), with the existence of significant heterogeneity across studies. The meta-analysis for assessing the prevention effect of Ginkgo against AD suggested that risk ratio (RR) is 1.06 (95% CI: 0.92 to 1.22) between Gingko and the placebo, with no significant heterogeneity across studies (test for heterogeneity, p = 0.49). Our results suggest that Ginkgo may help established AD patients with cognitive symptoms but cannot prevent the neurodegenerative progression of the disease.
Effect of Cantharidins in Chemotherapy for Hepatoma: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhang Wei , Ma Yu-Zhen , Song Lei , Wang Chen-Hua , Qi Tong-Gang , Shao Guang-Rui
Published: May 2014

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of cantharidins, a traditional Chinese medicine, in chemotherapy for the treatment of hepatoma. From August 2011 to December 2012, 96 patients with hepatoma, who were eligible for transcatheter hepatic arterial chemoembolization and received cantharidins, were selected for comparison with the control group of 95 patients without cantharidins. The treatment effect, clinical symptoms and adverse effects were analyzed. The results of the study showed that the cantharidins group had a higher overall efficient rate than the control group (p < 0.001). The improvement rate of the Karnofsky score in the cantharidins group was significantly higher than that of the control group (p = 0.014). In the cantharidins group, there was a decrease in white blood cell (WBC) count and gastrointestinal response rates were lower than those of the control group (p < 0.05). Therefore, the traditional Chinese medicine cantharidins showed effects of easing the progress of liver cancer, relieving side effects of chemotherapy and improving the quality of life in the treatment of hepatoma.
The Indispensable Value of Clinical Trials in the Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine: 12 Years' Experience at CUHK and Future Perspectives
Authors: Liang Willmann , Yew David T. , Hon Kam Lun , Wong Chun Kwok , Kwok Timothy C. Y. , Leung Ping Chung
Published: May 2014

The last decade has seen a wealth of information reporting the beneficial effects of Chinese herbal medicines. While a lot more studies were done using in vitro and in vivo research platforms, much fewer investigations were conducted according to evidence-based requirements in clinical settings. The Institute of Chinese Medicine at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has had the opportunity to collaborate with clinicians over the years to initiate and conduct dozens of clinical trials investigating and verifying the therapeutic values of Chinese herbs in selected disease conditions. Of the many disorders, we chose to focus on those that are known for their difficulties achieving perfect results with conventional treatment methods. Examples include non-healing ulcers, allergic conditions, degenerative diseases and cancer. Protective effects of the herbs in such chronic diseases as coronary artery disease and osteoporosis were also part of our focus. Even in healthy individuals and those recovering from chemotherapy, Chinese herbs could help with the immune system and were studied in our clinical trials as well. This paper aims to highlight the important findings from these clinical studies while at the same time, stressing the indispensable value of clinical trials in modernizing the use of Chinese herbs in present-day medicine.
Blood Pressure Lowering Effect of Korea Ginseng Derived Ginseol K-g1
Authors: Rhee Moo-Yong , Cho Belong , Kim Kwang-Il , Kim Joohee , Kim Mi Kyung , Lee Eun-Kyung , Kim Hye-Jin , Kim Cheol-Ho
Published: May 2014

We investigated the effect of Panax ginseng extract, which is rich in the ginsenoside protopanaxatriol (Ginseol K-g1), on blood pressure (BP). Adults over 20 years old with a systolic BP (SBP) between 120 and 159 mm Hg or a diastolic BP (DBP) between 80 and 99 mm Hg were included. At the end of an initial 2-week washout period, the patients were divided into three groups: the control group (placebo), the low-dose Ginseol K-g1 group (100 mg), and the high-dose Ginseol K-g1 (300 mg) group. The primary end point was the difference in seated SBP (seSBP) and seated DBP (seDBP) changes between the placebo and Ginseol K-g1 groups after 8 weeks of treatment. A total of 90 subjects participated in the study (mean age; 55.2 ± 11.8 years, 43 males). At week 8, levels of seSBP and seDBP were significantly decreased from baseline in the high-dose Ginseol K-g1 group (-3.1 mm Hg and -2.3 mm Hg, respectively, p < 0.05). In contrast, there was no significant decrease in seSBP or seDBP in the control or low-dose Ginseol K-g1 groups. No significant difference of seSBP and seDBP was identified among the three treatment groups at week 8. In patients who had a seSBP ≥ 130 mm Hg or an seDBP ≥ 85 mm Hg, the high dose of Ginseol K-g1 decreased the BP compared with the control group at week 4; however, there was no significant difference at week 8. The proportions of patients who experienced adverse events were comparable among the treatment groups. In conclusion, Ginseol K-g1 has a favorable effect on BP after 4 weeks of treatment, especially at a high dose. However, the effect is not maintained over 8 weeks. (Clinical trial registration information is available at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov , identifier: NCT01483430.)
Houttuynia cordata Attenuates Lipid Accumulation via Activation of AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Signaling Pathway in HepG2 Cells
Authors: Kang Hyun , Koppula Sushruta
Published: May 2014

Houttuynia cordata (H. cordata) from the family Saururaceae is a perennial herb native to Southeast Asia. It possesses a range of medicinal properties to treat several disease symptoms including allergic inflammation and anaphylaxis. In the present investigation, we provided the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of H. cordata extract (HCE) in the prevention of high glucose-induced lipid accumulation in human HepG2 hepatocytes. HepG2 cells were pre-treated with various concentrations of HCE (0, 10, 20, 40, and 80 μg/mL) and treated with serum-free medium with normal glucose (5 mM) for 1 h, followed by exposure to high glucose (25 mM D-glucose) for 24 h. HCE significantly and dose-dependently attenuated lipid accumulation in human HepG2 hepatocytes when exposed to high glucose (25 mM D-glucose) (p < 0.05, p < 0.01 and p < 0.001 at 20, 40, and 80 μg/mL concentrations, respectively). Further, HCE attenuated the expression of fatty acid synthase (FAS), sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 and glycerol 3-phosphate acyltransferases (GPATs). The adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was also activated by HCE treatment when exposed to high glucose (25 mM D-glucose) in human HepG2 hepatocytes. This study suggests the hypolipidemic effects of HCE by the inhibition of lipid biosynthesis mediated through AMPK signaling, which may play an active role and can be developed as an anti-obesity agent.
Effects of Cichoric Acid Extract fromEchinacea purpureaon Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Rats
Authors: Jiang Ling , Li Weizu , Wang Yuchan , Zhang Xiaosu , Yu Deqiang , Yin Yanyan , Xie Zhongwen , Yuan Yi
Published: May 2014

Cichoric acid extract (CAE) from Echinacea purpurea L. was used to investigate the anti-arthritic effect by using collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat model. The hind paw swelling volume and the body weight were measured and recorded. All the drug solutions were administered orally to rats for a total of 28 days. On day 28, the rats were anaesthetized and decapitated. The thymus and spleen were weighed for the determination of the organ index. The concentration of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE-2) in the serum was measured using commercially available ELISA kits. Total and phosphor-NF-κB and Cox-2 protein expression in synovial tissues were determined by histological slides quantification and western blot analysis. Our data showed that administration of all doses of CAE (8, 16, and 32 mg/kg) significantly decreased the paw swelling, restored body weight gain and decreased the organ index of the thymus and spleen compared with that of the CIA group. CAE (8, 16, and 32 mg/kg) treatment significantly reduced the levels of TNFα, IL-1β and PGE-2 in serum compared with the CIA group. Histopathological analysis demonstrated that CAE has obvious anti-arthritic activity. In addition, CAE (32 mg/kg) significantly decreased the levels of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), TNFα and cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox-2) in synovium tissues of the ankle joint compared with the CIA group. Furthermore, CAE administration significantly decreased the protein expression of phosphor-NF-κB and Cox-2 in synovium tissues of the knee joint compared with the CIA group. The results suggest that the anti-inflammatory activity of CAE may account for its anti-arthritic effect, and CAE could be a potential therapeutic drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Nonconventional ergodic theorems for quantum dynamical systems
Authors: Fidaleo Francesco
Published: May 2014

We study the so-called Nonconventional Ergodic Theorem for noncommutative generic measures introduced by Furstenberg in classical ergodic theory, and the relative three-point multiple correlations of arbitrary length arising from several situations of interest in quantum case. We deal with the diagonal state canonically associated to the product state (i.e. quantum "diagonal measures") in the ergodic situation, and with the case concerning convex combinations (i.e. direct integral) of diagonal measures in nonergodic one. We also treat in the full generality the case of compact dynamical systems, that is when the unitary generating the dynamics in the Gelfand–Naimark–Segal representation is almost periodic. In all the above-mentioned situations, we provide the explicit formula for the involved ergodic average. Such an explicit knowledge of the limit of the three-point correlations is naturally relevant for the investigation of the long time behavior of a dynamical system.
Research on Contrastive Viewpoint Summarization for Opinionated Texts
Authors: LIANG XU , QU YOULI , MA GUIXIANG
Published: May 2014

This paper presents a two-stage approach for multi-topic contrastive viewpoint summarization on opinionated texts. In the first stage, we model the opinionated texts with TAM and get the topic and aspect attribute of each sentence. In the second stage, we successively use the basic LexRank, Comparative LexRank, Topic-sensitive tf*idf LexRank, Topic-sensitive tf*idf & Comparative LexRank, and Biased & Comparative LexRank to evaluate the centrality of each sentence, based on which the summary is finally generated. Experimental results show that the best summary comes from the proposed Topic-sensitive tf*idf LexRank and Topic-sensitive tf*idf & Comparative LexRank.
Optimization Models for Deriving Optimum Target of Key Characteristics
Authors: Rosyidi Cucuk Nur , Irianto Dradjad , Cakravastia Andi , Toha Isa Setiasyah , Hamada Kunihiro
Published: May 2014

The aim of this research is to develop optimization models in deriving optimum target of key characteristic (KC). There are two kinds of product KCs introduced in this paper, namely performance and dimension product KC. The performance product KC target values must be determined by balancing customer and designer utilities subject to design cost and time provided by a company. The KCs of a product can be visualized using a KC flow-down which shows the hierarchical structure of the product. The flow-down may consist of many levels from product KC to process KC. Using axiomatic design as a methodology to map the flow-down, we conclude that product KC, assembly-components KC, and process KC are in functional domain, physical domain, and process domain respectively. In this paper, the objective function of the model for deriving optimum product KC target is to minimize utility gap between customer and designer subject to design cost and time. The assembly-component KCs have to be derived considering the product KC targets. In the absence of product KC target, the objective function of the model is to maximize the desired effect or minimizing the undesired effect. In the existence of product KC target, the objective function of the model is to attain the target considering technical constraints of the product. We use a shaft design problem as a numerical example to show the implementation of the models.
Experimental Investigations on Tensile Strength of Flux Bounded TIG Welds of AA2219-T87 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Babu A. V. Santhana , Giridharan P. K. , Narayanan P. Ramesh , Narayana Murty S. V. S. , Sharma V. M. J.
Published: May 2014

Limitation in depth of penetration is a concern in conventional tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding process. To improve penetration capability of TIG process, flux bounded TIG (FBTIG) has been recently developed. Tensile strength of FBTIG welds of aluminum alloy AA2219-T87 is investigated in the present study and compared with that of conventional TIG welds and base metal. Tensile strength of FBTIG weld was found to be better than conventional TIG weld due to fine grain structure of FBTIG welds.
DETERMINANTS OF R&D COLLABORATION: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS
Authors: HENTTONEN KAISA , HURMELINNA-LAUKKANEN PIA
Published: May 2014

The focus of the study is on the determinants of R&D collaboration and their effects on its breadth and depth. Using a sample from an original survey of 193 Finnish firms, we examine the effects of R&D intensity, incoming spillovers, size, specific motives and selected appropriability mechanisms on R&D collaboration with various actors. The findings indicate that R&D intensity and incoming spillovers have a positive impact on the breadth of collaboration, and that firm size is relevant. Size is also quite decisive in terms of depth in that it relates to the existence of collaboration with five out of six different partner types. Finally, the determinants differ slightly depending on the external organizations with which the firm collaborates. The study complements previous research on the determinants of R&D collaboration in focusing on a variety of factors and examining them in terms of both breadth and depth.
Fiscal Challenges After the Global Financial Crisis: A Survey of Key Issues
Authors: Lopez-Claros Augusto
Published: May 2014

The global financial crisis and the response to it have contributed to a sharp increase in public indebtedness in a large number of countries. While there have been episodes of high debt in the past, there are a number of long-term challenges today that are likely to complicate the implementation of sustainable fiscal policies in the coming years. Population ageing and climate change are factors that are likely to contribute to rising fiscal pressures and the crisis has highlighted the risks and vulnerabilities stemming from reduced fiscal space. This paper argues that heightened fiscal challenges can only be dealt successfully by adopting a long-term fiscal planning horizon. The paper analyzes a range of available policy tools that countries have used in the past to improve fiscal management.
Climatic and eustatic controls on the development of a Late Triassic source rock in the Jameson Land Basin, East Greenland
Authors: Andrews Steven D. , Kelly Simon R. A. , Braham William , Kaye Matt
Published: May 2014

Complex environmental controls have influenced deposition of the Gråklint Beds, a prospective oil- and gas-prone Late Triassic (Mid-Carnian) source rock in the Jameson Land Basin, East Greenland. The identification of a Late Triassic source rock is significant for hydrocarbon exploration in the North Atlantic region. Detailed sedimentological analysis, biostratigraphy and geochemical analysis provide insights into the controls on source rock development and have wider implications for palaeoclimatic trends and palaeogeographical reconstructions of the North Atlantic at this time. The Gråklint Beds were deposited in a predominantly lacustrine setting during a phase of climatic cooling that can be ascribed to the ‘Mid-Carnian Pluvial Event’. This further extends the evidence for the global effect of such climatic perturbations and furthermore highlights the potential for the use of climatic events for global and regional correlation between varying environmental settings. Evidence is also recorded for marine ingression, which resulted in the precipitation of magadiite (NaSi
7
(OH)
3
.3H
2
O) and the brief influx of a marine fauna. This provides the most southerly record of marine influence from the Boreal Ocean at this time and has important implications for palaeoenvironmental reconstructions and correlation in the region.
Behaviour of zircon and monazite during crustal melting
Authors: Yakymchuk Chris , Brown Michael
Published: May 2014

Ages retrieved from accessory minerals in high-grade metamorphic rocks place important constraints on the timing of events and the rates of tectonometamorphic processes operating in the deep crust. In suprasolidus rocks, the dissolution and growth of zircon and monazite are strongly dependent on the
P–T
conditions of metamorphism and the chemistry and quantity of anatectic melt present. Along a clockwise
P–T
path, prograde heating above the solidus leads to episodic melt loss and changes in melt chemistry that have important implications for the dissolution and growth of zircon and monazite. In this study, phase equilibria modelling of open-system melting is coupled with experimental data on zircon and monazite solubility to evaluate the stability of these minerals at suprasolidus conditions along several schematic clockwise
P–T
paths. In migmatite melanosomes and residual granulites, some zircon is expected to survive heating to peak temperature and subsequent isothermal decompression, whereas monazite may be completely consumed, consistent with the observation that inherited cores are less common in monazite than in zircon. After decompression, during cooling to the solidus, new zircon and monazite growth from melt trapped along grain boundaries in melanosomes and residual granulites is expected to be limited. By contrast, leucosomes in migmatites and anatectic granites are predicted to contain mostly newly formed zircon and monazite with minimal inherited components, unless significant entrainment of these minerals from the source occurs. The preservation of cores inside newly formed zircon, as observed in many anatectic granites, demonstrates that segregation, ascent and emplacement is commonly fast enough to limit dissolution of these inherited grains.
An effective medium model for the stress-dependence of anisotropic seismic velocities in fractured rock
Authors: Gibson Richard L. , Gao Kai
Published: May 2014

Reliable analysis of time-lapse seismic data to detect movements of pore fluids requires consideration of variations in subsurface stress as well as fluid saturations. Achieving this goal requires reliable rock physics models that relate these stress changes to seismic velocity. Although there are many theories for the effective elastic properties of fractured media, only a small number directly include stress-dependence. Therefore, we have developed a new model that provides expressions that are comparatively easy to work with and requires estimation of only a small number of parameters. In this paper, we apply this model for the first time to the inversion of published laboratory measurements of pressure-dependent anisotropic seismic velocities. Specifically, we utilize measured velocities in two orthogonal directions to estimate the model parameters for a transversely isotropic medium. The model is then used to predict directional velocity variation in other directions at ambient pressure, and the errors in all cases are small. Synthetic shear wave seismograms computed for a hypothetical carbonate reservoir model show the changes in shear wave splitting and travel times that are predicted when seismic properties are computed using the theoretical model and help to illustrate the potential applications of the theoretical model to reservoir characterization.
Calcium-sensing receptor 20 years later
Authors: Alfadda Tariq I. , Saleh Ahmad M. A. , Houillier Pascal , Geibel John P.
Published: May 2014

The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) has played an important role as a target in the treatment of a variety of disease states over the past 20 plus years. In this review, we give an overview of the receptor at the cellular level and then provide details as to how this receptor has been targeted to modulate cellular ion transport mechanisms. As a member of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family, it has a high degree of homology with a variety of other members in this class, which could explain why this receptor has been identified in so many different tissues throughout the body. This diversity of locations sets it apart from other members of the family and may explain how the receptor interacts with so many different organ systems in the body to modulate the physiology and pathophysiology. The receptor is unique in that it has two large exofacial lobes that sit in the extracellular environment and sense changes in a wide variety of environmental cues including salinity, pH, amino acid concentration, and polyamines to name just a few. It is for this reason that there has been a great deal of research associated with normal receptor physiology over the past 20 years. With the ongoing research, in more recent years a focus on the pathophysiology has emerged and the effects of receptor mutations on cellular and organ physiology have been identified. We hope that this review will enhance and update the knowledge about the importance of this receptor and stimulate future potential investigations focused around this receptor in cellular, organ, and systemic physiology and pathophysiology.
miR-182 attenuates atrophy-related gene expression by targeting FoxO3 in skeletal muscle
Authors: Hudson Matthew B. , Rahnert Jill A. , Zheng Bin , Woodworth-Hobbs Myra E. , Franch Harold A. , Russ Price S.
Published: May 2014

Skeletal muscle atrophy occurs in response to a variety of conditions including chronic kidney disease, diabetes, cancer, and elevated glucocorticoids. MicroRNAs (miR) may play a role in the wasting process. Activation of the forkhead box O3 (FoxO3) transcription factor causes skeletal muscle atrophy in patients, animals, and cultured cells by increasing the expression of components of the ubiquitin-proteasome and autophagy-lysosome proteolytic systems. To identify microRNAs that potentially modulate the atrophy process, an in silico target analysis was performed and miR-182 was predicted to target FoxO3 mRNA. Using a combination of immunoblot analysis, quantitative real-time RT-PCR, and FoxO3 3′-UTR luciferase reporter genes, miR-182 was confirmed to regulate FoxO3 expression in C2C12 myotubes. Transfection of miR-182 into muscle cells decreased FoxO3 mRNA 30% and FoxO3 protein 67% ( P < 0.05) and also prevented a glucocorticoid-induced upregulation of multiple FoxO3 gene targets including MAFbx/atrogin-1, autophagy-related protein 12 (ATG12), cathepsin L, and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3). Treatment of C2C12 myotubes with dexamethasone (Dex) (1 μM, 6 h) to induce muscle atrophy decreased miR-182 expression by 63% ( P < 0.05). Similarly, miR-182 was decreased 44% ( P < 0.05) in the gastrocnemius muscle of rats injected with streptozotocin to induce diabetes compared with controls. Finally, miR-182 was present in exosomes isolated from the media of C2C12 myotubes and Dex increased its abundance. These data identify miR-182 as an important regulator of FoxO3 expression that participates in the control of atrophy-inducing genes during catabolic diseases.
A preferred pattern of joint coordination during arm movements with redundant degrees of freedom
Authors: Dounskaia Natalia , Wang Wanyue
Published: May 2014

Redundancy of degrees of freedom (DOFs) during natural human movements is a central problem of motor control research. This study tests a novel interpretation that during arm movements, the DOF redundancy is used to support a preferred, simplified joint control pattern that consists of rotating either the shoulder or elbow actively and the other (trailing) joint predominantly passively by interaction and gravitational torques. We previously revealed the preference for this control pattern during nonredundant horizontal arm movements. Here, we studied whether this preference persists during movements with redundant DOFs and the redundancy is used to enlarge the range of directions in which this control pattern can be utilized. A free-stroke drawing task was performed that involved production of series of horizontal center-out strokes in randomly selected directions. Two conditions were used, with the arm's joints unconstrained (U) and constrained (C) to the horizontal plane. In both conditions, directional preferences were revealed and the simplified control pattern was used in the preferred and not in nonpreferred directions. The directional preferences were weaker and the range of preferred directions was wider in the U condition, with higher percentage of strokes performed with the simplified control pattern. This advantage was related to the usage of additional DOFs. We discuss that the simplified pattern may represent a feedforward control strategy that reduces the challenge of joint coordination caused by signal-dependent noise during movement execution. The results suggest a possibility that the simplified pattern is used during the majority of natural, seemingly complex arm movements.
NaV1.5 sodium channel window currents contribute to spontaneous firing in olfactory sensory neurons
Authors: Frenz Christopher T. , Hansen Anne , Dupuis Nicholas D. , Shultz Nicole , Levinson Simon R. , Finger Thomas E. , Dionne Vincent E.
Published: May 2014

Olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) fire spontaneously as well as in response to odor; both forms of firing are physiologically important. We studied voltage-gated Na+ channels in OSNs to assess their role in spontaneous activity. Whole cell patch-clamp recordings from OSNs demonstrated both tetrodotoxin-sensitive and tetrodotoxin-resistant components of Na+ current. RT-PCR showed mRNAs for five of the nine different Na+ channel α-subunits in olfactory tissue; only one was tetrodotoxin resistant, the so-called cardiac subtype NaV1.5. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that NaV1.5 is present in the apical knob of OSN dendrites but not in the axon. The NaV1.5 channels in OSNs exhibited two important features: 1) a half-inactivation potential near −100 mV, well below the resting potential, and 2) a window current centered near the resting potential. The negative half-inactivation potential renders most NaV1.5 channels in OSNs inactivated at the resting potential, while the window current indicates that the minor fraction of noninactivated NaV1.5 channels have a small probability of opening spontaneously at the resting potential. When the tetrodotoxin-sensitive Na+ channels were blocked by nanomolar tetrodotoxin at the resting potential, spontaneous firing was suppressed as expected. Furthermore, selectively blocking NaV1.5 channels with Zn2+ in the absence of tetrodotoxin also suppressed spontaneous firing, indicating that NaV1.5 channels are required for spontaneous activity despite resting inactivation. We propose that window currents produced by noninactivated NaV1.5 channels are one source of the generator potentials that trigger spontaneous firing, while the upstroke and propagation of action potentials in OSNs are borne by the tetrodotoxin-sensitive Na+ channel subtypes.
Explaining autism spectrum disorders: central coherence vs. predictive coding theories
Authors: Chan Jason S. , Naumer Marcus J.
Published: May 2014

In this article, we review a recent paper by Stevenson et al. ( J Neurosci 34: 691–697, 2014). This paper illustrates the need to present different forms of stimuli in order to characterize the perceptual abilities of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Furthermore, we will discuss their behavioral results and offer an opposing viewpoint to the suggested neuronal drivers of ASD.
Invisible visual stimuli elicit increases in alpha-band power
Authors: Bareither Isabelle , Chaumon Maximilien , Bernasconi Fosco , Villringer Arno , Busch Niko A.
Published: May 2014

The cerebral cortex responds to stimuli of a wide range of intensities. Previous studies have demonstrated that undetectably weak somatosensory stimuli cause a functional deactivation or inhibition in somatosensory cortex. In the present study, we tested whether invisible visual stimuli lead to similar responses, indicated by an increase in EEG alpha-band power—an index of cortical excitability. We presented subliminal and supraliminal visual stimuli after estimating each participant's detection threshold. Stimuli consisted of peripherally presented small circular patches that differed in their contrast to a background consisting of a random white noise pattern. We demonstrate that subliminal and supraliminal stimuli each elicit specific neuronal response patterns. Supraliminal stimuli evoked an early, strongly phase-locked lower-frequency response representing the evoked potential and induced a decrease in alpha-band power from 400 ms on. By contrast, subliminal visual stimuli induced an increase of non-phase-locked power around 300 ms that was maximal within the alpha-band. This response might be due to an inhibitory mechanism, which reduces spurious visual activation that is unlikely to result from external stimuli.
Distinct subclassification of DRG neurons innervating the distal colon and glans penis/distal urethra based on the electrophysiological current signature
Authors: Rau Kristofer K. , Petruska Jeffrey C. , Cooper Brian Y. , Johnson Richard D.
Published: May 2014

Spinal sensory neurons innervating visceral and mucocutaneous tissues have unique microanatomic distribution, peripheral modality, and physiological, pharmacological, and biophysical characteristics compared with those neurons that innervate muscle and cutaneous tissues. In previous patch-clamp electrophysiological studies, we have demonstrated that small- and medium-diameter dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons can be subclassified on the basis of their patterns of voltage-activated currents (VAC). These VAC-based subclasses were highly consistent in their action potential characteristics, responses to algesic compounds, immunocytochemical expression patterns, and responses to thermal stimuli. For this study, we examined the VAC of neurons retrogradely traced from the distal colon and the glans penis/distal urethra in the adult male rat. The afferent population from the distal colon contained at least two previously characterized cell types observed in somatic tissues (types 5 and 8), as well as four novel cell types (types 15, 16, 17, and 18). In the glans penis/distal urethra, two previously described cell types (types 6 and 8) and three novel cell types (types 7, 14, and 15) were identified. Other characteristics, including action potential profiles, responses to algesic compounds (acetylcholine, capsaicin, ATP, and pH 5.0 solution), and neurochemistry (expression of substance P, CGRP, neurofilament, TRPV1, TRPV2, and isolectin B4 binding) were consistent for each VAC-defined subgroup. With identification of distinct DRG cell types that innervate the distal colon and glans penis/distal urethra, future in vitro studies related to the gastrointestinal and urogenital sensory function in normal as well as abnormal/pathological conditions may be benefitted.
Immune Modulating Capability of Two Exopolysaccharide-ProducingBifidobacteriumStrains in a Wistar Rat Model
Authors: Salazar Nuria , López Patricia , Garrido Pablo , Moran Javier , Cabello Estefanía , Gueimonde Miguel , Suárez Ana , González Celestino , de los Reyes-Gavilán Clara G. , Ruas-Madiedo Patricia
Published: May 2014

Fermented dairy products are the usual carriers for the delivery of probiotics to humans,BifidobacteriumandLactobacillusbeing the most frequently used bacteria. In this work, the strainsBifidobacterium animalissubsp.lactisIPLA R1 andBifidobacterium longumIPLA E44 were tested for their capability to modulate immune response and the insulin-dependent glucose homeostasis using male Wistar rats fed with a standard diet. Three intervention groups were fed daily for 24 days with 10% skimmed milk, or with 109cfu of the corresponding strain suspended in the same vehicle. A significant increase of the suppressor-regulatory TGF-βcytokine occurred with both strains in comparison with a control (no intervention) group of rats; the highest levels were reached in rats fed IPLA R1. This strain presented an immune protective profile, as it was able to reduce the production of the proinflammatory IL-6. Moreover, phosphorylated Akt kinase decreased in gastroctemius muscle of rats fed the strain IPLA R1, without affecting the glucose, insulin, and HOMA index in blood, or levels of Glut-4 located in the membrane of muscle and adipose tissue cells. Therefore, the strainB. animalissubsp.lactisIPLA R1 is a probiotic candidate to be tested in mild grade inflammation animal models.
Cardioprotective Effects of Osteopontin-1 during Development of Murine Ischemic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Duerr Georg D. , Mesenholl Bettina , Heinemann Jan C. , Zoerlein Martin , Huebener Peter , Schneider Prisca , Feisst Andreas , Ghanem Alexander , Tiemann Klaus , Dewald Daniela , Welz Armin , Dewald Oliver
Published: May 2014

Repetitive brief ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) is associated with ventricular dysfunction in pathogenesis of murine ischemic cardiomyopathy and human hibernating myocardium. We investigated the role of matricellular protein osteopontin-1 (OPN) in murine model of repetitive I/R. One 15-min LAD-occlusion followed by reperfusion was performed daily over 3, 5, and 7 consecutive days in C57/Bl6 wildtype- (WT-) and OPN−/−-mice (n=8/group). After echocardiography hearts were processed for histological and mRNA-studies. Cardiac fibroblasts were isolated, cultured, and stimulated with TGF-β1. WT-mice showed an early, strong, and cardiomyocyte-specific osteopontin-expression leading to interstitial macrophage infiltration and consecutive fibrosis after 7 days I/R in absence of myocardial infarction. In contrast, OPN−/−-mice showed small, nontransmural infarctions after 3 days I/R associated with significantly worse ventricular dysfunction. OPN−/−-mice had different expression of myocardial contractile elements and antioxidative mediators and a lower expression of chemokines during I/R. OPN−/−-mice showed predominant collagen deposition in macrophage-rich small infarctions. We found lower induction of tenascin-C, MMP-9, MMP-12, and TIMP-1, whereas MMP-13-expression was higher in OPN−/−-mice. Cultured OPN−/−-myofibroblasts confirmed these findings. In conclusion, osteopontin seems to modulate expression of contractile elements, antioxidative mediators, and inflammatory response and subsequently remodel in order to protect cardiomyocytes in murine ischemic cardiomyopathy.
Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester and Therapeutic Potentials
Authors: Murtaza Ghulam , Karim Sabiha , Akram Muhammad Rouf , Khan Shujaat Ali , Azhar Saira , Mumtaz Amara , Bin Asad Muhammad Hassham Hassan
Published: May 2014

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a bioactive compound of propolis extract. The literature search elaborates that CAPE possesses antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic properties. The principal objective of this review article is to sum up and critically assess the existing data about therapeutic effects of CAPE in different disorders. The findings elaborate that CAPE is a versatile therapeutically active polyphenol and an effective adjuvant of chemotherapy for enhancing therapeutic efficacy and diminishing chemotherapy-induced toxicities.
Attitude and Vibration Control of Flexible Spacecraft Using Singular Perturbation Approach
Authors: Shahravi Morteza , Azimi Milad
Published: May 2014

This paper addresses a composite two-time-scale control system for simultaneous three-axis attitude maneuvering and elastic mode stabilization of flexible spacecraft. By choosing an appropriate time coordinates transformation system, the spacecraft dynamics can be divided into double time-scale subsystems using singular perturbation theory (SPT). Attitude and vibration control laws are successively designed by considering a time bandwidths separation between the oscillatory flexible parts motion describing a fast subsystem and rigid body attitude dynamics as a slow subsystem. A nonlinear quaternion feedback control, based on modified sliding mode (MSM), is chosen for attitude control design and a strain rate feedback (SRF) scheme is developed for suppression of vibrational modes. In the attitude control law, the modification to sliding manifold for slow subsystem ensures that the spacecraft follows the shortest possible path to the sliding manifold and highly reduces the switching action. Stability proof of the overall closed-loop system is given via Lyapunov analysis. The proposed design approach is demonstrated to combine excellent performance in the compensation of residual flexible vibrations for the fully nonlinear system under consideration, as well as computational simplicity.
Redox Imbalance and Morphological Changes in Skin Fibroblasts in Typical Rett Syndrome
Authors: Signorini Cinzia , Leoncini Silvia , De Felice Claudio , Pecorelli Alessandra , Meloni Ilaria , Ariani Francesca , Mari Francesca , Amabile Sonia , Paccagnini Eugenio , Gentile Mariangela , Belmonte Giuseppe , Zollo Gloria , Valacchi Giuseppe , Durand Thierry , Galano Jean-Marie , Ciccoli Lucia , Renieri Alessandra , Hayek Joussef
Published: May 2014

Evidence of oxidative stress has been reported in the blood of patients with Rett syndrome (RTT), a neurodevelopmental disorder mainly caused by mutations in the gene encoding the Methyl-CpG-binding protein 2. Little is known regarding the redox status in RTT cellular systems and its relationship with the morphological phenotype. In RTT patients (n= 16) we investigated four different oxidative stress markers, F2-Isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs), F4-Neuroprostanes (F4-NeuroPs), nonprotein bound iron (NPBI), and (4-HNE PAs), and glutathione in one of the most accessible cells,that is, skin fibroblasts, and searched for possible changes in cellular/intracellular structure and qualitative modifications of synthesized collagen. Significantly increased F4-NeuroPs (12-folds), F2-IsoPs (7.5-folds) NPBI (2.3-folds), 4-HNE PAs (1.48-folds), and GSSG (1.44-folds) were detected, with significantly decreased GSH (−43.6%) and GSH/GSSG ratio (−3.05 folds). A marked dilation of the rough endoplasmic reticulum cisternae, associated with several cytoplasmic multilamellar bodies, was detectable in RTT fibroblasts. Colocalization of collagen I and collagen III, as well as the percentage of type I collagen as derived by semiquantitative immunofluorescence staining analyses, appears to be significantly reduced in RTT cells. Our findings indicate the presence of a redox imbalance and previously unrecognized morphological skin fibroblast abnormalities in RTT patients.
A Note on Optimality Conditions for DC Programs Involving Composite Functions
Authors: Sun Xiang-Kai , Fu Hong-Yong
Published: May 2014

By using the formula of theε-subdifferential for the sum of a convex function with a composition of convex functions, some necessary and sufficient optimality conditions for a DC programming problem involving a composite function are obtained. As applications, a composed convex optimization problem, a DC optimization problem, and a convex optimization problem with a linear operator are examined at the end of this paper.
Misidentification ofCandida guilliermondiiasC. famataamong Strains Isolated from Blood Cultures by the VITEK 2 System
Authors: Kim Si Hyun , Shin Jeong Hwan , Mok Jeong Ha , Kim Shine Young , Song Sae Am , Kim Hye Ran , Kook Joong-Ki , Chang Young-Hyo , Bae Il Kwon , Lee Kwangha
Published: May 2014

Introduction. The aim of this study was to differentiate betweenCandida famataandCandida guilliermondiicorrectly by using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and gene sequencing.Methods. Twenty-eightCandidastrains from blood cultures that had been identified asC. famata(N=25),C. famata/C. guilliermondii(N=2), andC. guilliermondii(N=1) by the VITEK 2 system using the YST ID card were included. We identified these strains by MALDI-TOF MS and gene sequencing using the 28S rRNA andITSgenes and compared the results with those obtained by the VITEK 2 system.Results. All 28 isolates were finally identified asC. guilliermondii.Sequencing analysis of the 28S rRNA gene showed 99.80%–100% similarity withC. guilliermondiifor all 28 strains. TheITSgene sequencing of the strains showed 98.34%–100% homology withC. guilliermondii.By MALDI-TOF, we could correctly identify 21 (75%) of 28C. guilliermondiiisolates.Conclusion. We should suspect misidentification whenC. famatais reported by the VITEK 2 system, and we always should keep in mind the possibility of misidentification of any organism when an uncommon species is reported.