bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-Similar Unsteady Flow of a Sisko Fluid in a Cylindrical Tube Undergoing Translation
Authors: Khan M. , Abelman S. , Mason D. P. , Mahomed F. M.
Published: September 2015

The governing nonlinear equation for unidirectional flow of a Sisko fluid in a cylindrical tube due to translation of the tube wall is modelled in cylindrical polar coordinates. The exact steady-state solution for the nonlinear problem is obtained. The reduction of the nonlinear initial value problem is carried out by using a similarity transformation. The partial differential equation is transformed into an ordinary differential equation, which is integrated numerically taking into account the influence of the exponentnand the material parameterbof the Sisko fluid. The initial approximation for the fluid velocity on the axis of the cylinder is obtained by matching inner and outer expansions for the fluid velocity. A comparison of the velocity, vorticity, and shear stress of Newtonian and Sisko fluids is presented.
HTLV-1 bZIP Factor RNA and Protein Impart Distinct Functions on T-cell Proliferation and Survival
Authors: Mitobe Yuichi , Yasunaga Jun-ichirou , Furuta Rie , Matsuoka Masao
Published: September 2015

Infection of T cells with human T-cell leukemia virus type-1 (HTLV-1) induces clonal proliferation and is closely associated with the onset of adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma (ATL) and inflammatory diseases. Although Tax expression is frequently suppressed in HTLV-1-infected cells, the accessory gene, HTLV-1 bZIP factor (HBZ), is continuously expressed and has been implicated in HTLV-1 pathogenesis. Here, we report that transduction of mouse T cells with specific mutants of HBZ that distinguish between its RNA and protein activity results in differential effects on T-cell proliferation and survival. HBZ RNA increased cell number by attenuating apoptosis, whereas HBZ protein induced apoptosis. However, both HBZ RNA and protein promoted S-phase entry of T cells. We further identified that the first 50 bp of the HBZ coding sequence are required for RNA-mediated cell survival. Transcriptional profiling of T cells expressing wild-type HBZ, RNA, or protein revealed that HBZ RNA is associated with genes involved in cell cycle, proliferation, and survival, while HBZ protein is more closely related to immunological properties of T cells. Specifically, HBZ RNA enhances the promoter activity of survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis, to upregulate its expression. Inhibition of survivin using YM155 resulted in impaired proliferation of several ATL cell lines as well as a T-cell line expressing HBZ RNA. The distinct functions of HBZ RNA and protein may have several implications for the development of strategies to control the proliferation and survival mechanisms associated with HTLV-1 infection and ATL. Cancer Res; 75(19); 4143–52. ©2015 AACR.
Differential Modulation of Fast Inactivation in Cardiac Sodium Channel Splice Variants by Fyn Tyrosine Kinase
Authors: Iqbal Shahid M. , Andavan Gowri S.B. , Lemmens-Gruber Rosa
Published: September 2015

Background/Aims: Post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation and dephosphorylation can finely tune the function of ion channels. Nav1.5 is the main sodium channel in human hearts and alternative splicing of the transcript generates two major splice variants, characterized by the presence (Q-pre) or absence (Q-del) of glutamine at position 1077. In the heart, both the Nav1.5 channel and Fyn tyrosine kinase are colocalized at adherens junctions. This study aimed to investigate the modulation of the aforementioned splice variants by Fyn tyrosine kinase. Methods and Results: Q-del and Q-pre were transiently expressed alone, with catalytically active Fyn kinase (FynKa) or with a catalytically dead Fyn kinase (FynKd). Co-expression of Nav1.5 channel splice variants and Fyn kinase was confirmed by Western blotting and their Interaction was established by co-immunoprecipitation experiments. The enzymatic activity of Fyn kinase and phosphorylation of Nav1.5 channel were ascertained by immunoprecipitation and anti-phosphotyrosine immunoblotting. Whole-cell ionic currents were recorded in patch clamp experiments to examine the modulation of Nav1.5 channel variants by Fyn kinase, which indicated a hyperpolarizing shift of 9.68 mV in fast inactivation of Q-del. In contrast, a depolarizing shift of 8.77 mV in fast inactivation was observed in the case of Q-pre, while activation curves remained unaltered for both splice variants. This differential modulation in fast inactivation was further assessed by mutating tyrosine 1495 to phenylalanine in the inactivation loop, which completely removed the modulatory effect of Fyn kinase in Q-pre splice variant, while in Q-del variant hyperpolarizing shift in fast inactivation was reduced to 4.74 mV. Finally, the modulatory effect of Fyn kinase was compensated at a mid-value of 94.63 ± 0.34, when both splice variants were co-expressed at a normal physiological ratio. Conclusion: Q-del and Q-pre were differentially modulated by Fyn kinase, and this fine modification resulted in smooth electrical activity in the heart.
Involvement of Sp1 in Butyric Acid-Induced HIV-1 Gene Expression
Authors: Imai Kenichi , Okamoto Takashi , Ochiai Kuniyasu
Published: September 2015

Background/Aims: The ability of human immunodeficiency virus-1(HIV-1) to establish latent infection and its re-activation is considered critical for progression of HIV-1 infection. We previously reported that a bacterial metabolite butyric acid, acting as a potent inhibitor of histone deacetylases (HDACs), could lead to induction of HIV-1 transcription; however, the molecular mechanism remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of butyric acid on HIV-1 gene expression. Methods: Butyric acid-mediated HIV-1 gene expression was determined by luciferase assay and Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Western blot analysis and ELISA were used for the detection of HIV-1. Results: We found that Sp1 binding sites within the HIV-1 promoter are primarily involved in butyric acid-mediated HIV-1 activation. In fact, Sp1 knockdown by small interfering RNA and the Sp1 inhibitor mithramycin A abolished the effect of butyric acid. We also observed that cAMP response element-binding-binding protein (CBP) was required for butyric acid-induced HIV-1 activation. Conclusions: These results suggest that butyric acid stimulates HIV-1 promoter through inhibition of the Sp1-associated HDAC activity and recruitment of CBP to the HIV-1 LTR. Our findings suggest that Sp1 should be considered as one of therapeutic targets in anti-viral therapy against HIV-1 infection aggravated by butyric acid-producing bacteria.
LAPTM4B Down Regulation Inhibits the Proliferation, Invasion and Angiogenesis of HeLa Cells In Vitro
Authors: Meng Fanling , Chen Xiuwei , Song Hongtao , Lou Ge
Published: September 2015

Background/Aims: LAPTM4B (lysosome-associated protein transmembrane 4 beta) is a novel oncogene with important functions in aggressive human carcinomas, including cervical cancer. However, the specific functions and internal molecular mechanisms associated with this gene in the context of cervical cancer remain unclear. Methods: In this study, we explored the effects and mechanisms of LAPTM4B on tumor growth, metastasis and angiogenesis in vitro by depletion of LAPTM4B in Hela cell. RNA interference was used to induce down regulation of LAPTM4B gene expression in Hela cells. The motility, migration potential, and proliferation of the Hela cells were measured by flow cytometry, Transwell migration assays, wound healing assays, and Cell Counting Kit-8 assays. In addition, the cell cycle analysis utilized fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Results: In this study, RNAi-mediated LAPTM4B knockdown inhibited cell growth and angiogenesis. In vitro, HeLa cells with down regulated LAPTM4B also exhibited decreased migration and invasion activity as well as significantly reduced CDK12, HIF-1α, MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF expression. LAPTM4B blockade significantly decreased cord lengths and branch points in a tube formation assay. Conclusions: These results suggested that LAPTM4B inactivation could be a novel therapeutic target for cervical cancer.
Formononetin Induces Apoptosis of Human Osteosarcoma Cell Line U2OS by Regulating the Expression of Bcl-2, Bax and MiR-375 In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Hu Wei , Xiao ZengMing
Published: September 2015

Background/Aims: Phytoestrogens are known to prevent tumor progression by inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. Formononetin is one of the main components of red clover plants, and is considered as a typical phytoestrogen. This study investigates formononetin induction of apoptosis of human osteosarcoma cell line U2OS by regulating Bcl-2 and Bax expression in vitro and in vivo. Methods: U2OS cells were treated with different concentrations of formononetin and the proliferation of the cells was measured using an MTT assay. Cell apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry. The levels of miR-375, Bax and Bcl-2 protein expression in treated cells were determined by Western blot and RT-PCR. The antitumor activity of formononetin was also evaluated in vivo in nude mice bearing orthotopic tumor implants. Results: High concentrations of formononetin significantly suppress the proliferation of U2OS cells and induce cell apoptosis. Moreover, compared to control group the expression of Bcl-2 and miR-375 decreases with formononetin in the U2OS cells, while Bax increases. Conclusion: Formononetin has inhibitory effects on the proliferation of U2SO cells, both in vitro and in vivo. This antitumor effect is directly correlated with formononetin concentration.
Topical Application of Propolis Enhances Cutaneous Wound Healing by Promoting TGF-Beta/Smad-Mediated Collagen Production in a Streptozotocin-Induced Type I Diabetic Mouse Model
Authors: Hozzein Wael N. , Badr Gamal , Al Ghamdi Ahmad A. , Sayed Ayat , Al-Waili Noori S. , Garraud Olivier
Published: September 2015

Background/Aims: Impaired wound healing is considered to be one of the most serious complications associated with diabetes as it significantly increases the susceptibility of patients to infection. Propolis is a natural bee product used extensively in foods and beverages that has significant benefits to human health. In particular, propolis has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects that could be useful for improving wound healing. In this study, we investigated the effects of topical application of propolis on the healing and closure of diabetic wounds in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type I diabetic mouse model. Methods: Sixty male mice were distributed equally into 3 experimental groups: group 1, non-diabetic control mice; group 2, diabetic mice; and group 3, diabetic mice treated daily with a topical application of propolis. Results: We found that diabetic mice exhibited delayed wound closure characterized by a significant decrease in the levels of TGF-β1 and a prolonged elevation of the levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) and MMP9 in wound tissues compared with control non-diabetic mice. Moreover, the wound tissues of diabetic mice showed a marked reduction in the phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3 as well as a marked reduction in collagen production. Interestingly, compared with untreated diabetic mice, topical application of propolis significantly enhanced the closure of diabetic wounds and decreased the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and MMP9 to near normal levels. Most importantly, compared with untreated diabetic mice, the treatment of diabetic mice with propolis significantly enhanced the production of collagen via the TGF-β1/Smad2,3 signaling axis in wounded tissues. Conclusion: Our findings reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying the improved healing and closure of diabetic wounds following topical propolis application.
Effect of Dimethyl Sulfoxide and Melatonin on the Isolation of Human Primary Hepatocytes
Authors: Solanas Estela , Sostres Carlos , Serrablo Alejandro , García-Gil Agustín , García Joaquín J. , Aranguren Francisco J. , Jiménez Pilar , Hughes Robin D. , Serrano María T.
Published: September 2015

The availability of fully functional human hepatocytes is critical for progress in human hepatocyte transplantation and the development of bioartificial livers and in vitro liver systems. However, the cell isolation process impairs the hepatocyte status and determines the number of viable cells that can be obtained. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of using dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and melatonin in the human hepatocyte isolation protocol. Human hepatocytes were isolated from liver pieces resected from 10 patients undergoing partial hepatectomy. Each piece was dissected into 2 equally sized pieces and randomized, in 5 of 10 isolations, to perfusion with 1% DMSO-containing perfusion buffer or buffer also containing 5 mM melatonin using the 2-step collagenase perfusion technique (experiment 1), and in the other 5 isolations to standard perfusion or perfusion including 1% DMSO (experiment 2). Tissues perfused with DMSO yielded 70.6% more viable hepatocytes per gram of tissue (p = 0.076), with a 26.1% greater albumin production (p < 0.05) than those perfused with control buffer. Melatonin did not significantly affect (p > 0.05) any of the studied parameters, but cell viability, dehydrogenase activity, albumin production, urea secretion, and 7-ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase activity were slightly higher in cells isolated with melatonin-containing perfusion buffer compared to those isolated with DMSO. In conclusion, addition of 1% DMSO to the hepatocyte isolation protocol could improve the availability and functionality of hepatocytes for transplantation, but further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms involved.
Spinal Cord Disorders
Authors: Tettenborn Barbara , Hägele-Link Stefan
Published: September 2015

Background: The spinal cord is the main pathway for information, connecting the brain and the peripheral nervous system. Any disorder that results in spinal cord dysfunction will have a dramatic impact on the patient's quality of life. This review focusses on myelopathy, specifically, on the acute and subacute clinical presentations and the inflammatory and vascular etiology of this widespread disorder. Summary: Myelopathy following spinal cord injury is a generic term referring to a lesion that affects the spinal cord following traumatic injury, or autoimmune, infectious, neoplastic, vascular and hereditary degenerative diseases. Depending on the patient's medical history, the underlying clinical syndrome and the temporal course of the manifestation, the clinician must account for a wide range of possible differential diagnoses. Key Messages: Spinal cord disorders pose a tremendous challenge for the clinician, as they show great variability in clinical presentation but can have potentially de-vastating sequelae. The acute and sometimes urgent nature of therapeutic management is highly dependent on the underlying disorder, often necessitating a combination of approaches including surgical or conservative therapies (including immunomodulatory therapy) and an interdisciplinary approach to achieve the best outcomes.
Mechanical Thrombectomy Is Now the Gold Standard for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Implications for Routine Clinical Practice
Authors: Palaniswami Murugan , Yan Bernard
Published: September 2015

Background: This review aims to summarize the findings of the recently published randomized controlled studies which provide overwhelming evidence in support of mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke with large artery occlusion. The five studies, Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke in the Netherlands (MR CLEAN), Endovascular Revascularization with Solitaire Device versus Best Medical Therapy in Anterior Circulation Stroke within 8 h (REVASCAT), Endovascular Treatment for Small Core and Proximal Occlusion Ischemic Stroke (ESCAPE), Solitaire™ FR as Primary Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke (SWIFT PRIME) and Extending the Time for Thrombolysis in Emergency Neurological Deficits with Intra-Arterial Therapy (EXTEND IA) have demonstrated the critical role of selecting patients by advanced neuroimaging, the superior recanalization capacity of stent retrievers and the effects of minimization of work processes delay. Summary: This review outlines lessons gained from the 5 positive studies which assessed mechanical thrombectomy as part of endovascular therapy for patients with proximal artery occlusion in the internal carotid and middle cerebral arteries. It discusses the role of age and stroke severity on treatment while also comparing the unique trial designs and selection criteria used amongst the 5 studies. In addition to examining the importance of unique imaging parameters such as collateral circulation, mismatch ratio and ischemic core volume, the review outlines differences in workflow parameters within the context of outcome. Finally the benefit of neuroimaging to broaden treatment eligibility and the issues associated with general anesthesia will be discussed in this review. Key Messages: Questions remain over the applicability of mechanical thrombectomy to stroke subgroups including wake-up strokes and basilar artery thrombosis. The role of imaging is integral to this process and can lead to broadening eligibility criteria in the future. Workflow practices have been streamlined in the 5 positive randomized controlled studies, but guidelines will need to be revised accordingly if similar patient outcomes are to be replicated in a wider population.
Reconfiguration of the Carotid Artery after Angioplasty and Stenting: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Xu Gelin , Fan Xinying , Ma Minmin , Liu Xinfeng
Published: September 2015

Severe carotid stenosis or occlusion may cause insufficient blood flow and lead to distal artery wall collapse and extensive lumen contraction. Whether this ‘adaptive narrowing' can restitute after carotid recanalization is unclear. We report a patient with global ischemia due to occlusions of bilateral carotid and right vertebral arteries. The occluded left carotid was recanalized successfully with angioplasty and stenting. The adaptively narrowed distal carotid did not restitute immediately but regained its morphology 1 week after the procedure. Carotid adaptive narrow distal occlusion or stenosis may not regain its original morphology immediately but several days after recanalization. This knowledge is instructive for treating occlusive carotid diseases.
Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke: Updates and Future Implications
Authors: Gao Jie , Dai Qiliang , Liu Xinfeng
Published: September 2015

Stroke constitutes the primary cause of acquired disability in adults and is a second leading cause of death worldwide. The low recanalization rate after intravenous thrombolysis calls for an alternate therapy for acute ischemic stroke. The methodology for endovascular treatment has evolved greatly over the past two decades. The past 6 months have seen great progress in this area, with several randomized clinical trials all proving the efficacy and safety of endovascular treatment. Three key factors are important for good functional outcome after endovascular treatment: fast imaging to prove proximal occlusion and to exclude large infarct core, using mainly the stent retriever thrombectomy devices and establishing an efficient workflow to achieve fast reperfusion. Although positive results of RCTs are encouraging and bring what is urgently needed in the field, transforming these positive results into clinical practice will be both a challenge and opportunity of the next 5 years. It will need hard work, leadership and cooperation of all members involved in the chain of treating a stroke patient. In the wake of these positive trials, hospitals and professional organizations are working together to save every minute when fighting against this devastating disease.
The Latest Information on Intracranial Atherosclerosis: Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Koo Jaseong
Published: September 2015

Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) is the most common cause of ischemic stroke in the world. ICAS is especially common in the Asian population accounting for 30-50% of all ischemic strokes. The risk of recurrent stroke in patients with symptomatic ICAS is the highest among the stroke subtypes. Two major factors associated with recurrent stroke are high degree (>70%) of stenosis and progression of ICAS. Transcranial Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography, MR angiography, and conventional catheter angiography are used for the diagnosis of ICAS. Today, high-resolution MRI can provide important information to improve the understanding of pathophysiology and diagnosis of ICAS. For prevention of recurrent stroke in patients with ICAS, surgery and endovascular intervention failed to show benefit over best medical treatment. Best medical treatment includes intensive risk factor control and antiplatelet therapy. Various antiplatelet drugs or their combination can be used for prevention of recurrent stroke in patients with ICAS. Cilostazol with or without aspirin is effective in preventing progression of symptomatic ICAS. Cilostazol is also safer than aspirin in terms of bleeding complications.
Severe Methanol Poisoning with Supralethal Serum Formate Concentration: A Case Report
Authors: Nurieva Olga , Kotikova Katerina
Published: September 2015

Objective: To present a case of survival without visual and central nervous system sequelae at a formate concentration of twice the reported lethal level. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: This was a case of a 33-year-old man who ingested 1 liter of a toxic mixture of methanol and ethanol. Upon admission, he presented with anxiety, tachycardia and hypertension and had a serum formate level of 1,400 mg/l (normal range 0.9-2.1 mg/l), a methanol level of 806 mg/l (normal range 2-30 mg/l), an undetectable ethanol concentration and a normal lactate level. A 10% solution of ethanol and folinic acid was administered intravenously and two 8-hour sessions of intermittent hemodialysis were performed. The patient was discharged on the fifth day without sequelae of poisoning. The follow-up examinations 3 months and 2 years later revealed no damage to the basal ganglia. The patient had normal visual-evoked potential and findings on optical coherence tomography. The genetic analysis revealed a rare minor allele for the gene coding CYP2E1 enzyme of the microsomal ethanol oxidizing system. Conclusion: The patient survived acute methanol poisoning without long-term sequelae despite a high serum level of formic acid upon admission.
A Novel Recurrent Breakpoint Responsible for Rearrangements in the Williams-Beuren Region
Authors: Plaja Alberto , Castells Neus , Cueto-González Anna M. , del Campo Miguel , Vendrell Teresa , Lloveras Elisabet , Izquierdo Luis , Borregan Mar , Rodríguez-Santiago Benjamín , Carrió Anna , Miró Rosa , Tizzano Eduardo
Published: September 2015

Copy number variants (CNVs) of the Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) 7q11.23 region are responsible for neurodevelopmental disorders with multisystem involvement and variable expressivity. We found 2 patients with a deletion and 1 patient with a duplication in this region sharing a common breakpoint located between the LIMK1 and EIF4H(WBSCR1) genes. One patient had a WBS phenotype, although testing with a commercially available FISH assay was negative for the deletion. A further test using array CGH showed an atypical WBS region deletion. The second patient showed global developmental delay, speech delay and poor motor skills with a deletion outside the WBS region. The third patient had manifestations compatible with an autism spectrum disorder showing a duplication in the WBS region. Our findings point to the existence of a previously unrecognized recurrent breakpoint responsible for rearrangements in the WBS region. Given that most commercial FISH assays include probes flanking this novel breakpoint, further testing with array CGH should be performed in patients with WBS and negative FISH results.
Does Serum Visfatin Represent a Biochemical Marker to an Experimental Peripheral Neuropathic Pain in Mice?
Authors: Darwish Inas El Sayed , Dessouky Iman Samy
Published: September 2015

The effects of pregabalin on neuropathic pain relief and the serum visfatin level were assessed using an experimental model of neuropathy in a study conducted on 40 male mice with sciatic nerve constriction. The mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups, each with 10 mice. The mice were subjected to experimental chronic partial constriction of the sciatic nerve and compared to sham-operated, saline-treated control mice (group I). The experimental groups (II-IV) were subjected to partial constriction of the left sciatic nerve. A series of behavioral tests, electrophysiological studies and biochemical measures were performed after 3 weeks of daily oral treatment with pregabalin (20 and 40 mg/kg in groups III and IV, respectively). The study revealed the actions of pregabalin against the nociceptive effects of chronic sciatic nerve constriction in mice (p < 0.01), including replenishment of the glutathione level (p < 0.05) and reduction of the serum visfatin level. No significant effect on the tissue malondialdehyde level was found for any of the pregabalin doses. The percentage differences in the maximum tetanic force between the ipsilateral and contra lateral legs were significant in both pregabalin-treated groups (p < 0.05). We concluded that pregabalin reduced the serum visfatin level and produced a dose-dependent antinociceptive antioxidant effect.
Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase–Derived Nitric Oxide Prevents Dihydrofolate Reductase Degradation via Promoting S-Nitrosylation
Authors: Cai Zhejun , Lu Qiulun , Ding Ye , Wang Qilong , Xiao Lei , Song Ping , Zou Ming-Hui
Published: September 2015

Objective—

Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) is a key protein involved in tetrahydrobiopterin (BH
4
) regeneration from 7,8-dihydrobiopterin (BH
2
). Dysfunctional DHFR may induce endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) uncoupling resulting in enzyme production of superoxide anions instead of NO. The mechanism by which DHFR is regulated is unknown. Here, we investigate whether eNOS-derived NO maintains DHFR stability.

Approach and Results—

DHFR activity, BH
4
content, eNOS activity, and S-nitrosylation were assessed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and in aortas isolated from wild-type and eNOS knockout mice. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells, depletion of intracellular NO by transfection with eNOS-specific siRNA or by the NO scavenger 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (PTIO)—both of which had no effect on DHFR mRNA levels—markedly reduced DHFR protein levels in parallel with increased DHFR polyubiquitination. Supplementation of S-nitroso-
l
-glutathione (GSNO), a NO donor, or MG132, a potent inhibitor of the 26S proteasome, prevented eNOS silencing and PTIO–induced DHFR reduction in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. PTIO suppressed S-nitrosylation of DHFR, whereas GSNO promoted DHFR S-nitrosylation. Mutational analysis confirmed that cysteine 7 of DHFR was S-nitrosylated. Cysteine 7 S-nitrosylation stabilized DHFR from ubiquitination and degradation. Experiments performed in aortas confirmed that PTIO or eNOS deficiency reduces endothelial DHFR, which can be abolished by MG132 supplementation.

Conclusions—

We conclude that S-nitrosylation of DHFR at cysteine 7 by eNOS-derived NO is crucial for DHFR stability. We also conclude that NO-induced stabilization of DHFR prevents eNOS uncoupling via regeneration of BH
4
, an essential eNOS cofactor.
Contact Force in Atrial Fibrillation: Role of Atrial Rhythm and Ventricular Contractions
Authors: Sarkozy Andrea , Shah Dipen , Saenen Johan , Sieira Juan , Phlips Thomas , Boris Wim , Namdar Mehdi , Vrints Christiaan
Published: September 2015

Background—

In an experimental model, variable and intermittent contact force (CF) resulted in a significant decrease in lesion volume. In humans, variability of CF during pulmonary vein isolation has not been characterized.

Methods and Results—

In 20 consecutive patients undergoing CF-guided circumferential pulmonary vein isolation, 914 radiofrequency applications (530 in sinus rhythm and 384 in atrial fibrillation) were analyzed. The variability of the 60% CF range (CF
60%
) was 17±9.6 g. Hundred seventy-one (19%) applications were delivered with constant, 717 (78%) with variable, and 26 (3%) with intermittent CF. The mean CF and force-time integral were significantly higher during applications with variable than with intermittent or constant CF. There was no significant difference in CF variability, CF
60%
variability, and force-time integral between applications delivered in sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation. The main reasons for CF variability were systolo-diastolic heart movement (29%) and respiration (27%). In 10 additional patients, during adenosine-induced atrioventricular block, the minimum CF significantly increased at 19 sites (5.3±4.4 versus 13.4±5.9 g;
P
<0.001) and at 16 sites intermittent or variable CF became constant. At only 1 site systolo-diastolic movement remained the main reason for variable CF.

Conclusions—

CF during pulmonary vein isolation remains highly variable despite efforts to optimize contact. CF and CF parameters were similar during sinus rhythm and atrial fibrillation. The main reasons for CF variability are systolo-diastolic heart movement and respiration. The systolo-diastolic peaks and nadirs of CF are because of ventricular contractions at the large majority of pulmonary vein isolation sites.
Bandit-Based Task Assignment for Heterogeneous Crowdsourcing
Authors: Zhang Hao , Ma Yao , Sugiyama Masashi
Published: September 2015

We consider a task assignment problem in crowdsourcing, which is aimed at collecting as many reliable labels as possible within a limited budget. A challenge in this scenario is how to cope with the diversity of tasks and the task-dependent reliability of workers; for example, a worker may be good at recognizing the names of sports teams but not be familiar with cosmetics brands. We refer to this practical setting as heterogeneous crowdsourcing. In this letter, we propose a contextual bandit formulation for task assignment in heterogeneous crowdsourcing that is able to deal with the exploration-exploitation trade-off in worker selection. We also theoretically investigate the regret bounds for the proposed method and demonstrate its practical usefulness experimentally.
STICK: Spike Time Interval Computational Kernel, a Framework for General Purpose Computation Using Neurons, Precise Timing, Delays, and Synchrony
Authors: Lagorce Xavier , Benosman Ryad
Published: September 2015

There has been significant research over the past two decades in developing new platforms for spiking neural computation. Current neural computers are primarily developed to mimic biology. They use neural networks, which can be trained to perform specific tasks to mainly solve pattern recognition problems. These machines can do more than simulate biology; they allow us to rethink our current paradigm of computation. The ultimate goal is to develop brain-inspired general purpose computation architectures that can breach the current bottleneck introduced by the von Neumann architecture. This work proposes a new framework for such a machine. We show that the use of neuron-like units with precise timing representation, synaptic diversity, and temporal delays allows us to set a complete, scalable compact computation framework. The framework provides both linear and nonlinear operations, allowing us to represent and solve any function. We show usability in solving real use cases from simple differential equations to sets of nonlinear differential equations leading to chaotic attractors.
Plasticity in metamorphic traits of Chinese brown frog (Rana chensinensis) tadpoles: the interactive effects of food level and rearing temperature
Authors: Yu Tong Lei , Pang Rui Hua , Chen Kun
Published: September 2015

Larval amphibians are especially likely to encounter variation in temperature and resource availability because they live in a variety of aquatic habitats. In this study, plasticity in growth rates, survivorship, age and size at metamorphosis were examined in the Chinese brown frog (Rana chensinensis) under different combinations of rearing temperature and food level. Tadpoles reared at 23.2°C had larger mass at metamorphosis and a longer larval period than tadpoles reared at 25.3 and 28.1°C. High food level shortened the larval period and produced a larger size at metamorphosis. The interaction of rearing temperature and food level significantly influenced the growth and survival of Chinese brown frog tadpoles. At a low food level, tadpoles reared at 23.2°C displayed faster growth than tadpoles reared at the higher temperatures, and tadpoles had lower survival at 28.1°C than at the lower temperatures. Therefore, global warming or local manipulations of the environment could limit growth and development of Chinese brown frog tadpoles, resulting in low survival, but food availability may mediate effects of temperature. We suggest that Chinese brown frog tadpoles prefer cool a temperature and high food level for longer larval periods to capitalize on the opportunity of entering the terrestrial habitat with a larger body size.
On the anatomy of the costa in Fissidens
Authors: Bruggeman-Nannenga M. A.
Published: September 2015

Based on a study of ca. 120 Fissidens species covering all sections and subgenera, there types of costae are recognized. One type is characteristic of sect. Amblyothallia and of F. asplenioides, F. fasciculatus and F. plumosus (the fasciculatus-group); the second of subg. Serridium, subg. Fissidens sect. Crispidiumand F. grandifrons (subg. Pachyfissidens) and the third type fo subg. Fissidens sect. Aloma, sect. Crenularia, sect. Semilimbidium, sect. Pycnothallia, and sect. Areofissidens, subg. Octodiceras, and subg. Sarawakia.
Muriphaeosphaeria galatellae gen. et sp. nov. in Phaeosphaeriaceae (Pleosporales)
Authors: Phukhamsakda Chayanard , Ariyawansa Hiran A. , Phookamsak Rungtiwa , Chomnunti Putarak , Bulgakov Timur S. , Yange Jun Bo , Bhat Darbhe J. , Bahkalih Ali H. , Hyde Kevin D.
Published: September 2015

Muriphaeosphaeria galatellae was collected from Galatella villosa in Russia and is introduced as a novel monotypic genus and species in the family Phaeosphaeriaceae (Pleosporales). Muriphaeosphaeria is distinct from other genera of the family Phaeosphaeriaceae by its unique suite of characters such as, superficial ascomata with an ascomatal wall comprising thin-walled brown cells, cellular pseudoparaphyses, muriform ascospores; and conidiomata with a thick hyaline inner wall layer producing cylindrical to subclavate, 1−3-transversely septate, brown conidia. The asexual morph of M. galatellae developed in cultures when grown on sterilized pine needles and bamboo pieces. A phylogenetic analysis based on combined LSU, SSU and ITS sequence data showed that M. galatellae forms a distinct lineage in Phaeosphaeriaceae. The new genus and species are introduced and compared with other taxa in the family.
Curcuma woodii (Zingiberaceae), a new species from Thailand
Authors: Chen Juan , Lindstrom Anders J , Xia Nianhe
Published: September 2015

Curcuma woodii, a new species of Curcuma subg. Ecomata (Zingiberaceae) from Thailand is described and illustrated here. It differs from C. rhomba by the leaf blades abaxially pubescent, the bracts whitish green, the labellum white with orange bands at the center, the lateral staminodes white with orange dots at the apex, and the ovary nearly glabrous.
Sabellariidae from Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, including a new species of Lygdamis and notes on external morphology of the median organ
Authors: CAPA MARÍA , FARONI-PEREZ LARISSE , HUTCHINGS PAT
Published: September 2015

We document herein the occurrence of three species of Sabellariidae at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, including a new Lygdamis species. Sabellaria lungalla, described from Northern Territory, is reported for Queensland for the first time. The genus Gesaia, represented by a planktonic larva collected in shallow waters of the Archipelago, is a new record for Australia. Lygdamis nasutus n. sp. is characterised by one of the most conspicuous median organ described in the family (cylindrical, distally pigmented and is provided with a flattened, teardrop corona), its paleae morphology (with straight paleae, outer ones with asymmetrical pointed tips and subtle thecal sculpture and inner paleae with blunt tips and smooth surface), three lateral lobes on chaetiger 2, abdominal chaetigers with two type of neurochaetae, and notopodial uncini with 1–4 longitudinal rows of teeth. Comparison of the external morphology of the medial organ and median ridge of several species has been undertaken. Even though its function remains uncertain, the median organ morphology seems species specific and may provide relevant information about the evolutionary history and adaptations of sabellariids.
Nereididae (Annelida: Phyllodocida) of Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Authors: GLASBY CHRISTOPHER J.
Published: September 2015

Nereididae is one of the most ubiquitous of polychaete families, yet knowledge of their diversity in the northern Great Barrier Reef is poor; few species have been previously reported from any of the atolls or islands including Lizard Island. In this study, the diversity of the family from Lizard Island and surrounding reefs is documented based on museum collections derived from surveys conducted mostly over the last seven years. The Lizard Island nereidid fauna was found to be represented by 14 genera and 38 species/species groups, including 11 putative new species. Twelve species are newly reported from Lizard Island; four of these are also first records for Australia. For each genus and species, diagnoses and/or taxonomic remarks are provided in addition to notes on their habitat on Lizard Island, and general distribution; the existence of tissue samples tied to vouchered museum specimens is indicated. Fluorescence photography is used to help distinguish closely similar species of Nereis and Platynereis. A key is provided to facilitate identification and encourage further taxonomic, molecular and ecological studies on the group.
Nephtyidae (Annelida: Phyllodocida) of Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Authors: MURRAY ANNA , WONG EUNICE , HUTCHINGS PAT
Published: September 2015

Seven species of the family Nephtyidae are recorded from Lizard Island, none previously reported from the Great Barrier Reef. Two species of Aglaophamus, four species of Micronephthys, one new and one previously unreported from Australia, and one species of Nephtys, were identified from samples collected during the Lizard Island Polychaete Workshop 2013, as well as from ecological studies undertaken during the 1970s and deposited in the Australian Museum marine invertebrate Collections. A dichotomous key to aid identification of these species newly reported from Lizard Island is provided.
Minibrachium, a new subgenus of Rhamphobrachium (Annelida: Onuphidae) from Australia with the description of three new species
Authors: PAXTON HANNELORE , BUDAEVA NATALIYA
Published: September 2015

This study describes a new subgenus of miniature, progenetic Rhamphobrachium species from eastern Australia. Minibrachium, n. subg. is characterised by such paedomorphic features as lack of peristomial cirri and branchiae, possession of only two pairs of modified parapodia with spiny recurved hooks and very early onset of subacicular hooks. Three new species are described, of which at least R. (Minibrachium) nutrix n. sp., the type species (from Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef), is a fully grown adult, brooding several 16- to 20-chaetiger juveniles in the parental tubes. Rhamphobrachium (M.) talboti n. sp. (from off Sydney) and R. (M.) fractum n. sp. (from Bass Strait), although twice as large as the type species, have only partially developed frontal lips, indicating either incomplete growth or presenting an additional paedomorphic character. We discuss the position of the new subgenus in the Rhamphobrachium complex and present a key to the subgenera of Rhamphobrachium and species of R. (Minibrachium).
Spionidae (Annelida) from Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia: the genera Aonides, Dipolydora, Polydorella, Prionospio, Pseudopolydora, Rhynchospio, and Tripolydora
Authors: RADASHEVSKY VASILY I.
Published: September 2015

Nineteen species in seven genera of spionid polychaetes are described and illustrated based on new material collected from the intertidal and shallow waters around the Lizard Island Group, northern Great Barrier Reef. Only one of these species had been previously reported from the Reef. Six species are described as new to science, and the taxonomy of seven species should be clarified in the future. Prionospio sensu lato is the most diverse group with 11 species identified in the present study. One species is identified in each of the genera Dipolydora, Polydorella, Rhynchospio and Tripolydora, and two species are identified in each of the genera Aonides and Pseudopolydora. The fauna of spionid polychaetes of the Great Barrier Reef seems to be more diverse than previously described and more species are expected to be found in the future. An identification key is provided to 16 genera of Spionidae reported from or likely to be found on the Great Barrier Reef.
Six genetically distinct clades of Palola (Eunicidae, Annelida) from Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Authors: SCHULZE ANJA
Published: September 2015

A total of 36 lots of Palola spp. (Eunicidae, Annelida) were collected during the Lizard Island Polychaete Workshop on Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia. Of these, 21 specimens were sequenced for a portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene. These sequences were analysed in conjunction with existing sequences of Palola spp. from other geographic regions. The samples from Lizard Island form six distinct clades, although none of them can clearly be assigned to any of the nominal species. Four of the six Lizard Island clades fall into species group A and the remaining two into species group B (which also includes the type species, Palola viridis). All sequenced specimens were characterized morphologically as far as possible and a dichotomous key was assembled. Based on this key, the remaining samples were identified as belonging to one of the clades.
Neosabellides lizae, a new species of Ampharetidae (Annelida) from Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Authors: ALVESTAD TOM , BUDAEVA NATALIYA
Published: September 2015

Neosabellides lizae, a new species of Ampharetidae, is described from the intertidal zone off Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland, Australia. The new species is referred to the genus Neosabellides based on the shape of the prostomium, three pairs of branchiae, 14 thoracic segments with notopodia, 12 thoracic uncinigerous segments, and the first two pairs of abdominal uncinigers of thoracic type. The new species differs from all known species of Neosabellides in having 14 abdominal uncinigerous segments.
Recipe for Disaster: How the Dynamic Ingredients of Risk and Exposure Are Changing the Tornado Disaster Landscape
Authors: Ashley Walker S. , Strader Stephen M.
Published: September 2015

Tornado disasters and their potential are a product of both hazard risk and underlying physical and social vulnerabilities. This investigation appraises exposure, which is an important component and driver of vulnerability, and its interrelationship with tornado risk in the United States since the mid-twentieth century. The research demonstrates how each of these dynamic variables have evolved individually and interacted collectively to produce differences in hazard impact and disaster potential at the national, regional, and local scales. Results reveal that escalating tornado impacts are driven fundamentally by growing built-environment exposure. The increasing tornado disaster probability is not uniform across the landscape, with the mid-South region containing the greatest threat based on the juxtaposition of an immense tornado footprint risk and elevated exposure/development rates, which manifests—at least for one important impact marker—in the area’s high mortality rate. Contemporary, high-impact tornado events are utilized to emphasize how national- and regional-level changes in exposure are also apparent at the scale of the tornado. The study reveals that the disaster ingredients of risk and exposure do vary markedly across scales, and where they have increasing and greater overlap, the probability of disaster surges. These findings have broad implications for all weather and climate hazards, with both short- and long-term mitigation strategies required to reduce future impacts and to build resilience in the face of continued and amplifying development in hazard-prone regions.
Vertical Structure of Upper-Ocean Seasonality: Annual and Semiannual Cycles with Oceanographic Implications
Authors: Chen Ge , Wang Xuan
Published: September 2015

A decade of newly available Argo float data for the period 2004–13 are used to investigate the three-dimensional structures of upper-ocean seasonality with emphasis on the vertical aspects of annual and semiannual cycles, yielding three main findings with oceanographic implications. First, the vertical evolution of the horizontal pattern of annual and semiannual amplitudes appears to be highly “nonlinear,” suggesting that the thermodynamic causes are depth dependent. The global ocean seasonality exhibits a vertically varying pattern in space, including midlatitude maxima in the near-surface layer due to solar forcing, zonal “strips” in the subsurface layer due to the equatorial current system, and systematic westward phase propagation in the intermediate layer due to annual Rossby waves. Second, a zone of 500 ± 300-m depths along with a 6-month periodicity are chosen as appropriate space–time “windows” for detecting eddy signatures via Argo-derived temperature amplitude and phase, respectively. It is revealed that the eddy-induced “blobby” pattern observed previously by satellite altimeter appears in the Agro result as “woodsy” bulks, which can be well illustrated in the semiannual amplitude and phase maps at window depths. Meanwhile, six eddy deserts paired in each ocean basin have also been identified. Third, the existence of a dozen vertical quasi-annual amphidromes is first reported, with cophase lines that may radiate toward the ~2000-m lower limit of Argo measurement. The well-known global meridional overturning circulation and the pseudozonal overturning currents in the equatorial Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans may possibly contribute to the observed vertical amphidromes.