bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concordance rate between Wada and fMRI tests for visual memory assessment of patients with medically intractable temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Mousavi S , Massot Tarrus A , Bihari F , Hayman Abello S , Hayman Abello B , Mirsattari S
Published: June 2015

Background: There is not enough evidence to prove either invasive Wada or non-invasive fMRI test predicts postoperative memory changes more accurately in patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). In this study, concordance between fMRI and Wada test for postoperative assessment of visual memory is investigated. Methods: fMRI test with a novel scene-encoding task were conducted on our cohort of patients. fMRI laterality indices (LI) were then defined as a ratio (L-R)/(L+R) between the number of activated voxels in the left and right of two regions: hippocampus+parahippocampus (Region A) and temporal lobe - (hippocampus+parahippocampus) (Region B). fMRI results were divided into the right (LI < -0.2), left (LI > 0.2) or bilateral (-0.2 < LI <0.2) hemispheric memory dominance and compared to the results of the Wada test. Results: 19 patients were studied (14 left TLE, 3 right TLE and 2 bilateral TLE). The concordance rate between Wada and fMRI tests was 36.8% and 42.1% for regions A and B. Conclusions: Based on the results, the concordance rate between the Wada test and the fMRI test is not high. As a future work, we will investigate the correlation of each test to postoperative memory outcome.
Evaluation of the quality of life of patients with high grade subarachnoid hemorrhage following aneurysmal rupture
Authors: Obaid S , Magro E , Chaalala C , Jonathan C , Guimond J , Lesage A , Fournier J , Bojanowski MW
Published: June 2015

Introduction: Patients presenting with high grade (HG) subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) from aneurysmal rupture may have persisting neurologic deficits which may lead to questioning the decision of treating aggressively. The objective of this study aims at analyzing outcome and long-term quality of life (QOL) of patients with HG SAH treated surgically. Methods: Retrospective study of patients with Hunt Hess (HH) grade IV or V SAH treated surgically at our institution. Long-term outcome was evaluated based on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 3 years. Survivors were evaluated for QOL using various scales. Results: 63 patients (mean age of 52 year-old) were included. Intraparenchymal hemorrhage (IPH) was found in 85% of cases. 19 patients died. Predictive factors of poor prognosis and mortality were initial cerebral ischemia (p=0.003) and IPH (p=0.007). Favourable outcome (mRS 0-3) was found in 41% of patients. QOL questionnaires revealed that 80 % of responders showed more than 50% recovery. Mild or absent depression was observed in 78% of patients. Conclusion: In this surgical series, performed in an endovascular era, nearly all patients presented with SAH-associated IPH at admission. Despite the presence of such negative prognostic factor and the poor condition at admission, a high rate of favourable outcome and QOL was observed, therefore justifying aggressive surgical treatment.
Interplay between impaired brain structure and function in term newborns with congenital heart disease
Authors: Birca A , Vakorin VA , Madathil S , Chau V , Miller SP , Doesburg SM , Seed M , Blaser S , Nita DA , Duerden EG , Hickey EJ , Hahn CD
Published: June 2015

Background: Term neonates with congenital heart disease (CHD) demonstrate a high incidence of white matter injury (WMI), together with increased average diffusivity and decreased fractional anisotropy (FA) on MR diffusion tensor imaging. EEG background activity is a robust measure of functional brain maturation that becomes less discontinuous, contains more fast activity and shows higher complexity of EEG patterns with increasing age. We sought to determine the association between structural brain abnormalities and functional brain maturation in term neonates with CHD. Methods: Thirteen term newborns with CHD underwent pre-operative MR imaging and continuous EEG recordings (cEEG). The proportion of cEEG with discontinuous vs. continuous background activity was quantified by visual analysis. During continuous epochs, we differentiated between two states: wakefulness/active sleep vs. quiet/transitional sleep, and applied algorithms to measure spectral power and EEG complexity. Results: Three patients had multifocal WMI which was associated with greater EEG background discontinuity (P<0.05). Moreover, lower white matter diffusivity was associated with higher power of fast activity (P<0.05 for wakefulness/active sleep EEG pattern), while higher white matter FA showed a trend toward being associated with increased EEG complexity (P<0.1 for quiet/transitional sleep pattern). Conclusions: In this series of term neonates with CHD, structural and microstructural white matter abnormalities are associated with impaired maturation of brain function.
Arterial tortuosity: an imaging biomarker of childhood stroke pathogenesis?
Authors: Wei F , Diedrich K , Fullerton H , DeVeber G , Wintermark M , Hodge J , Kirton A
Published: June 2015

Background: Arteriopathy causes most childhood arterial ischemic stroke (AIS). Mechanisms are poorly understood but may include abnormalities of arterial structure. Extracranial dissection is common while intracranial dissection may explain idiopathic focal cerebral arteriopathy (FCA). We aimed to quantify cerebral arterial tortuosity and hypothesized increased tortuosity in extracranial dissection. Methods: Children with AIS were recruited within the Vascular-Effects-of-Infection-in-Pediatric-Stroke (VIPS) study (controls from the Calgary Pediatric Stroke Program). A validated software method calculated mean tortuosity of major cerebral arteries using 3D time-of-flight MR angiography (MRA). Blinded, multi-investigator reviews defined diagnostic categories. Tortuosity was compared between dissection (spontaneous and traumatic), FCA, moyamoya, meningitis, and cardioembolic, and controls (ANOVA, post-hoc Tukey). Results: A total of 116 children were studied. Age and gender were comparable across groups. Tortuosity scores and variances were consistent with validation studies. Tortuosity in controls (1.333±0.039, n=15) was comparable to moyamoya (1.324±0.038, p=0.99, n=15), meningitis (1.348±0.052, p=0.98, n=12) and cardioembolic (1.379±0.056, p=0.19, n=27) cases. Tortuosity was higher in dissection (1.398±0.072, p=0.02, n=22) and FCA (1.421±0.076, p=0.001, n=25). Traumatic (1.391±0.036, n=9) and non-traumatic (1.403±0.090, p=0.671, n=13) scores were not different. Conclusion: Children with dissection have more tortuous arteries. Quantified tortuosity may represent a clinically relevant biomarker of vascular biology in pediatric stroke.
Dorsal striatum mediates cognitive control, not cognitive effort per se, in decision-making: an event-related fMRI study
Authors: Robertson BD , Hiebert NM , Seergobin KN , Owen AM , MacDonald PA
Published: June 2015

Background: Whether the dorsal striatum (DS) mediates cognitive control or cognitive effort per se in decision-making is unclear because as cognitive control requirements of a task intensify, cognitive effort requirements increase proportionately. We implemented a task that disentangled cognitive control and cognitive effort to specify the function DS mediates in decision-making. Methods: Sixteen healthy young adults completed a number Stroop task with simultaneous blood-oxygenation-level-dependent response (BOLD) measurement. Participants selected the physically larger number of a pair. Discriminating smaller physical size differences increases cognitive effort, but does not demand greater cognitive control. We also investigated the effect of interdimensional conflict between physical size and numerical magnitude. Selections in this incongruent case are more cognitively effortful and require greater cognitive control to suppress responding to the irrelevant dimension. Enhancing cognitive effort or cognitive control requirements increases response times and error rates. Results: Behavioural interference occurred for both conditions; however, DS BOLD signal only correlated with interference due to increased cognitive control requirements. DS was not preferentially activated for discriminations of smaller relative to larger physical size differences between number pairs, even when using liberal statistical criteria. Conclusions: Our findings support the increasingly accepted notion that DS mediates cognitive control specifically and does not index cognitive effort per se.
Effects of levodopa on cognition in healthy volunteers: implications for Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Vo A , Seergobin KN , Jiang S , MacDonald PA
Published: June 2015

Background: Cognitive impairments are now recognized in Parkinson’s disease. Some of these deficits owe to disease pathology itself whereas others are due to paradoxical effects of dopaminergic medications, such as levodopa. The dopamine overdose hypothesis proposes that dissimilar effects of medication on cognition depend on baseline endogenous dopamine levels in underlying brain regions. We sought to directly test this prevalent theory. Methods: We tested healthy adults, who presumably have optimal endogenous dopamine levels, in two sessions. Participants received 100/25 mg of levodopa/carbidopa in one session and an equal volume of placebo in the other. During each session, participants completed a probabilistic reversal learning task. The number of trials to task completion was used as a behavioural proxy of learning performance. Results: A paired t-test covaried with drug-placebo order revealed that healthy adults learned more poorly on levodopa compared to placebo. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that baseline endogenous dopamine levels are a critical factor determining the effects of dopaminergic medications on cognition, independent of Parkinson’s disease pathology. Partitioning which cognitive functions are helped versus hindered by medication and improving our understanding of the underlying psychopharmacology of these effects is important for improving treatment strategies in Parkinson’s disease.
Bismarck and the Great Game: Germany and Anglo-Russian Rivalry in Central Asia, 1871–1890
Authors: Stone James
Published: June 2015

Otto von Bismarck, the first chancellor of a unified Germany, was an active participant in the Anglo-Russian rivalry for control of Central Asia. Even though Germany had no direct interests there and was never involved on the ground during the two decades of his chancellorship, Bismarck invested considerable resources in working to shape the course of events in that part of the world, stoking the flames of conflict whenever it suited the dictates ofRealpolitik. Over a twenty-year period, he actively pursued a consistent strategy that focused on tying down Russian troops in the remote Asian steppes, i.e., as far away from Central Europe as possible. At the same time, he manipulated Anglo-Russian rivalry in Asia to achieve various foreign policy goals that would further German interests. This article explores in detail all of these objectives, as well as their interrelationship. In particular, it unravels the perplexing mystery of how Bismarck was able to influence the politics of Central Asia from his distant headquarters in Berlin.
Serious Work for a New Europe: The Congress of Vienna after Two Hundred Years
Authors: Aaslestad Katherine B.
Published: June 2015

Given the current challenges to European unity, in particular Russian aggression in Ukraine and dissent in the European Union over economic policy toward Greece, Europeans should remember that, two hundred years ago, they celebrated together a long-awaited peace, as their statesmen collaborated on a lasting settlement to solve territorial questions and ensure international stability. Revisiting the Congress of Vienna, however, is not an exercise in nostalgia. New works on the Congress underscore the critical international stakes in 1814 and 1815, following two decades of war and revolution, and reveal the complexity of the negotiations, political goals, and the unsettled nature of postwar Europe. The Congress was so successful in solving the existential problems of Europe that Europeans would not fight a comparable war against each other for another century—until the Great War in 1914. The challenges that Europe faced in the twentieth century suggest, in fact, that the type of collaborative diplomacy developed at the Vienna Congress remains essential to limit conflict.
Economic History of Early Modern India:A response
Authors: ROY TIRTHANKAR
Published: June 2015

The review article onEconomic History of Early Modern India(Routledge, London, 2013;Economic Historyfrom now on) by Shami Ghosh is both a review of the book and a series of arguments about how eighteenth-century Indian history should be interpreted. These arguments suggest a few hypotheses about the pattern of economic change in this time (1707–1818), which are presented as an alternative to what the book thinks it is possible to claim, given the current state of knowledge. In pursuing the second objective, which is to seek fresh interpretation, Ghosh recommends reconnecting Indian regions with global economic history more firmly than is in evidence in the book. Overall, the article subjects the book to a close reading, and outlines a research programme that will surely help further the discourse on the eighteenth century.
Early-life temperature modifies adult encapsulation response in an invasive ectoparasite
Authors: KAUNISTO SIRPA , HÄRKÖNEN LAURA , RANTALA MARKUS J. , KORTET RAINE
Published: June 2015

Immunity of parasites has been studied amazingly little, in spite of the fact that parasitic organisms, especially the arthropod parasites, need immunity to survive their own infections to successfully complete life cycles. Long-term effects of challenging environmental temperatures on immunity have remained unstudied in insects and parasites. Our study species, the deer ked (Lipoptena cervi; Linnaeus 1758), is an invasive, blood-feeding parasitic fly of cervids. Here, it was studied whether thermal stress during the pupal diapause stage could modify adult immunity (encapsulation capacity) in L. cervi. The effect of either a low temperature or high temperature peak, experienced during winter dormancy, on encapsulation response of active adult was tested. It was found that low temperature exposure during diapause, as long as the temperature is not too harsh, had a favourable effect on adult immunity. An abnormal, high temperature peak during pupal winter diapause significantly deteriorated the encapsulation capacity of emerged adults. The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as high temperature fluctuations are likely to increase with climate change. Thus, the climate change might have previously unknown influence on host-ectoparasite interactions, by affecting ectoparasite's immune defence and survival.
The emergence of macrocyclic lactone resistance in the canine heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis.
Authors: WOLSTENHOLME ADRIAN J. , EVANS CHRISTOPHER C. , JIMENEZ PABLO D. , MOORHEAD ANDREW R.
Published: June 2015

Prevention of heartworm disease caused by Dirofilaria immitis in domestic dogs and cats relies on a single drug class, the macrocyclic lactones (MLs). Recently, it has been demonstrated that ML-resistant D. immitis are circulating in the Mississippi Delta region of the USA, but the prevalence and impact of these resistant parasites remains unknown. We review published studies that demonstrated resistance in D.immitis, along with our current understanding of its mechanisms. Efforts to develop in vitro tests for resistance have not yet yielded a suitable assay, so testing infected animals for microfilariae that persist in the face of ML treatment may be the best current option. Since the vast majority of D. immitis populations continue to be drug-sensitive, protected dogs are likely to be infected with only a few parasites and experience relatively mild disease. In cats, infection with small numbers of worms can cause severe disease and so the clinical consequences of drug resistance may be more severe. Since melarsomine dihydrochloride, the drug used to remove adult worms, is not an ML, the ML-resistance should have no impact on our ability to treat diseased animals. A large refugium of heartworms that are not exposed to drugs exists in unprotected dogs and in wild canids, which may limit the development and spread of resistance alleles.
Emotion recognition deficits as predictors of transition in individuals at clinical high risk for schizophrenia: a neurodevelopmental perspective
Authors: Corcoran C. M. , Keilp J. G. , Kayser J. , Klim C. , Butler P. D. , Bruder G. E. , Gur R. C. , Javitt D. C.
Published: June 2015

Background.

Schizophrenia is characterized by profound and disabling deficits in the ability to recognize emotion in facial expression and tone of voice. Although these deficits are well documented in established schizophrenia using recently validated tasks, their predictive utility in at-risk populations has not been formally evaluated.

Method.

The Penn Emotion Recognition and Discrimination tasks, and recently developed measures of auditory emotion recognition, were administered to 49 clinical high-risk subjects prospectively followed for 2 years for schizophrenia outcome, and 31 healthy controls, and a developmental cohort of 43 individuals aged 7–26 years. Deficit in emotion recognition in at-risk subjects was compared with deficit in established schizophrenia, and with normal neurocognitive growth curves from childhood to early adulthood.

Results.

Deficits in emotion recognition significantly distinguished at-risk patients who transitioned to schizophrenia. By contrast, more general neurocognitive measures, such as attention vigilance or processing speed, were non-predictive. The best classification model for schizophrenia onset included both face emotion processing and negative symptoms, with accuracy of 96%, and area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve of 0.99. In a parallel developmental study, emotion recognition abilities were found to reach maturity prior to traditional age of risk for schizophrenia, suggesting they may serve as objective markers of early developmental insult.

Conclusions.

Profound deficits in emotion recognition exist in at-risk patients prior to schizophrenia onset. They may serve as an index of early developmental insult, and represent an effective target for early identification and remediation. Future studies investigating emotion recognition deficits at both mechanistic and predictive levels are strongly encouraged.
The role of elicited verbal imitation in toddlers’ word learning
Authors: HODGES ROSEMARY , MUNRO NATALIE , BAKER ELISE , McGREGOR KARLA , DOCKING KIMBERLEY , ARCIULI JOANNE
Published: June 2015

This study is about the role of elicited verbal imitation in toddler word learning. Forty-eight toddlers were taught eight nonwords linked to referents. During training, they were asked to imitate the nonwords. Naming of the referents was tested at three intervals (one minute later [uncued], five minutes, and 1–7 days later [cued]) and recognition at the last two intervals. Receptive vocabulary, nonword repetition, and expressive phonology were assessed. The accuracy of elicited imitation during training predicted naming at one and five minutes, but not 1–7 days later. Neither nonword repetition nor expressive phonology was associated with naming over time but extant vocabulary predicted performance at all time intervals. We hypothesize that elicited imitation facilitates word learning in its earliest stages by supporting encoding of the word form into memory and allowing practice of the articulatory-phonological plan. At later stages, vocabulary facilitates integration of the word form into the lexical network.
Radar and Automatic Identification System Track Fusion in an Electronic Chart Display and Information System
Authors: Kazimierski Witold , Stateczny Andrzej
Published: June 2015

This paper presents the results of research on the fusion of tracking radar and an Automatic Identification System (AIS) in an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS). First, the concept of these systems according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is described, then a set of theoretical information on radar tracking and the fusion method itself is given and finally numerical results with real data are presented. Two methods of fusion, together with their parameters, are examined. A proposal for calculating the covariance matrix for radar and AIS data is also given, and the paper ends with conclusions.
A large Great Britain-wide outbreak of STEC O157 phage type 8 linked to handling of raw leeks and potatoes
Authors: LAUNDERS N. , LOCKING M. E. , HANSON M. , WILLSHAW G. , CHARLETT A. , SALMON R. , COWDEN J. , ADAK G. K.
Published: June 2015

Between December 2010 and July 2011, 252 cases of STEC O157 PT8stx1 + 2infection were reported in England, Scotland and Wales. This was the largest outbreak of STEC reported in England and the second largest in the UK to date. Eighty cases were hospitalized, with two cases of haemolytic uraemic syndrome and one death reported. Routine investigative data were used to generate a hypothesis but the subsequent case-control study was inconclusive. A second, more detailed, hypothesis generation exercise identified consumption or handling of vegetables as a potential mode of transmission. A second case-control study demonstrated that cases were more likely than controls to live in households whose members handled or prepared leeks bought unwrapped [odds ratio (OR) 40, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2·08-769·4], and potatoes bought in sacks (OR 13·13, 95% CI 1·19-145·3). This appears to be the first outbreak of STEC O157 infection linked to the handling of leeks.
Maternal emotion dysregulation is related to heightened mother–infant synchrony of facial affect
Authors: Lotzin Annett , Schiborr Julia , Barkmann Claus , Romer Georg , Ramsauer Brigitte
Published: June 2015

A heightened synchrony between the mother's and infant's facial affect predicts adverse infant development. We know that maternal psychopathology is related to mother–infant facial affect synchrony, but it is unclear how maternal psychopathology is transmitted to mother–infant synchrony. One pathway might be maternal emotion dysregulation. We examined (a) whether maternal emotion dysregulation is positively related to facial affect synchrony and (b) whether maternal emotion dysregulation mediates the effect of maternal psychopathology on mother–infant facial affect synchrony. We observed 68 mothers with mood disorders and their 4- to 9-month-old infants in the Still-Face paradigm during two play interactions. The mother's and infant's facial affect were rated from high negative to high positive, and the degree of synchrony between the mother's and infant's facial affect was computed with a time-series analysis. Emotion dysregulation was measured with the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, and psychopathology was assessed with the Symptom Checklist–90–Revised. Higher maternal emotion dysregulation was significantly associated with higher facial affect synchrony; emotion dysregulation fully mediated the effect of maternal psychopathology on facial affect synchrony. Our findings demonstrate that maternal emotion dysregulation rather than maternal psychopathology per se places mothers and infants at risk for heightened facial affect synchrony.
Design and evaluation of a wireless CMOS energy harvester for biomedical sensor networks
Authors: Gong Cihun-Siyong Alex
Published: June 2015

An efficient platform of wireless power delivery through a pair of coupling coils with a fully integrated complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) rectifier is designed and evaluated in this paper. The research is intended for inductively powered energy harvesting application of biomedical sensor network. By making use of high-performance active diodes fulfilling almost ideal switching (zero forward voltage drop) and circuit to be provided with negative resistance, the proposed rectifier circuit is able to achieve a maximum conversion efficiency of more than 90%. This makes it ultra low-loss without any special device requiring additional manufacturing procedures, thereby featuring dramatically reduced production cost. Experimental studies with respect to all aspects of its performance including that used to emulate a truly biological tissue are given as proof of concept.
Super wideband antenna with single band suppression
Authors: Manohar Murli , Kshetrimayum Rakhesh Singh , Gogoi Anup Kumar
Published: June 2015

In this paper, a band-notched compact printed monopole super wideband (SWB) antenna has been designed and fabricated. The SWB antenna composed of a radiating patch with a 50 Ω triangular tapered feed line which is connected through a feed region, and a chamfered ground plane (CGP), that covers the frequency band from 0.9–100 GHz (ratio bandwidth of 111.1:1) with a reflection coefficient |S11| < −10 dB, except in the notched band of 4.7–6 GHz for Wireless local area network IEEE 802.11a and HIPERLAN/2 WLAN band. To realize the band notch characteristics a C-shape parasitic element is employed near the CGP etched with two symmetrical L-slots and placed under the radiating patch. Proposed antenna structure occupies a relatively small space (30 × 40 × 0.787 mm3) and achieved much wider impedance bandwidth as well as higher gain compared with the existing ultra wideband and SWB antennas.
Thiazolides promote apoptosis in colorectal tumor cells via MAP kinase-induced Bim and Puma activation
Authors: Brockmann A , Bluwstein A , Kögel A , May S , Marx A , Tschan M P , Brunner T
Published: June 2015

While many anticancer therapies aim to target the death of tumor cells, sophisticated resistance mechanisms in the tumor cells prevent cell death induction. In particular enzymes of the glutathion-S-transferase (GST) family represent a well-known detoxification mechanism, which limit the effect of chemotherapeutic drugs in tumor cells. Specifically, GST of the class P1 (GSTP1-1) is overexpressed in colorectal tumor cells and renders them resistant to various drugs. Thus, GSTP1-1 has become an important therapeutic target. We have recently shown that thiazolides, a novel class of anti-infectious drugs, induce apoptosis in colorectal tumor cells in a GSTP1-1-dependent manner, thereby bypassing this GSTP1-1-mediated drug resistance. In this study we investigated in detail the underlying mechanism of thiazolide-induced apoptosis induction in colorectal tumor cells. Thiazolides induce the activation of p38 and Jun kinase, which is required for thiazolide-induced cell death. Activation of these MAP kinases results in increased expression of the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 homologs Bim and Puma, which inducibly bind and sequester Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL leading to the induction of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Of interest, while an increase in intracellular glutathione levels resulted in increased resistance to cisplatin, it sensitized colorectal tumor cells to thiazolide-induced apoptosis by promoting increased Jun kinase activation and Bim induction. Thus, thiazolides may represent an interesting novel class of anti-tumor agents by specifically targeting tumor resistance mechanisms, such as GSTP1-1.
Activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 induces apoptosis in hippocampus through downregulating PI3K/Akt and upregulating p38 MAPK signaling pathways
Authors: Jie P , Hong Z , Tian Y , Li Y , Lin L , Zhou L , Du Y , Chen L , Chen L
Published: June 2015

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is a calcium-permeable cation channel that is sensitive to cell swelling, arachidonic acid and its metabolites, epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, which are associated with cerebral ischemia. The activation of TRPV4 induces cytotoxicity in many types of cells, accompanied by an increase in the intracellular free calcium concentration. TRPV4 activation modulates the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidyl inositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/ protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathways that regulate cell death and survival. Herein, we examined TRPV4-induced neuronal apoptosis by intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of a TRPV4 agonist (GSK1016790A) and assessed its involvement in cerebral ischemic injury. ICV injection of GSK1016790A dose-dependently induced apoptosis in the mouse hippocampi (GSK-injected mice). The protein level of phosphorylated p38 MAPK (p-p38 MAPK) was markedly increased and that of phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (p-JNK) was virtually unchanged. TRPV4 activation also decreased Bcl-2/Bax protein ratio and increased the cleaved caspase-3 protein level, and these effects were blocked by a PI3K agonist and a p38 MAPK antagonist, but were unaffected by a JNK antagonist. ICV injection of the TRPV4 antagonist HC-067047 reduced brain infarction after reperfusion for 48 h in mice with middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). In addition, HC-067047 treatment attenuated the decrease in the phosphorylated Akt protein level and the increase in p-p38 MAPK protein level at 48 h after MCAO, while the increase in p-JNK protein level remained unchanged. Finally, the decreased Bcl-2/Bax protein ratio and the increased cleaved caspase-3 protein level at 48 h after MCAO were markedly attenuated by HC-067047. We conclude that activation of TRPV4 induces apoptosis by downregulating PI3K/Akt and upregulating p38 MAPK signaling pathways, which is involved in cerebral ischemic injury.
Brain death and marginal grafts in liver transplantation
Authors: Jiménez-Castro M B , Gracia-Sancho J , Peralta C
Published: June 2015

It is well known that most organs for transplantation are currently procured from brain-dead donors; however, the presence of brain death is an important risk factor in liver transplantation. In addition, one of the mechanisms to avoid the shortage of liver grafts for transplant is the use of marginal livers, which may show higher risk of primary non-function or initial poor function. To our knowledge, very few reviews have focused in the field of liver transplantation using brain-dead donors; moreover, reviews that focused on both brain death and marginal grafts in liver transplantation, both being key risk factors in clinical practice, have not been published elsewhere. The present review aims to describe the recent findings and the state-of-the-art knowledge regarding the pathophysiological changes occurring during brain death, their effects on marginal liver grafts and summarize the more controversial topics of this pathology. We also review the therapeutic strategies designed to date to reduce the detrimental effects of brain death in both marginal and optimal livers, attempting to explain why such strategies have not solved the clinical problem of liver transplantation.
A network comprising short and long noncoding RNAs and RNA helicase controls mouse retina architecture
Authors: Krol Jacek , Krol Ilona , Alvarez Claudia Patricia Patino , Fiscella Michele , Hierlemann Andreas , Roska Botond , Filipowicz Witold
Published: June 2015

Brain regions, such as the cortex and retina, are composed of layers of uniform thickness. The molecular mechanism that controls this uniformity is not well understood. Here we show that during mouse postnatal development the timed expression of Rncr4, a retina-specific long noncoding RNA, regulates the similarly timed processing of pri-miR-183/96/182, which is repressed at an earlier developmental stage by RNA helicase Ddx3x. Shifting the timing of mature miR-183/96/182 accumulation or interfering with Ddx3x expression leads to the disorganization of retinal architecture, with the photoreceptor layer being most affected. We identify Crb1, a component of the adhesion belt between glial and photoreceptor cells, as a link between Rncr4-regulated miRNA metabolism and uniform retina layering. Our results suggest that the precise timing of glia–neuron interaction controlled by noncoding RNAs and Ddx3x is important for the even distribution of cells across layers.
Activated carbon for aerobic oxidation: Benign approach toward 2-benzoylbenzimidazoles and 2-benzoylbenzoxazoles synthesis
Authors: Bao Kai , Li Fuqing , Liu Hanjing , Wang Zhiwei , Shen Qirong , Wang Jian , Zhang Weige
Published: June 2015

A general strategy involving a novel and highly efficient aerobic benzylic oxidation promoted by cheap, reusable activated carbon in water is developed. Application of this method has been demonstrated in the benign synthesis of bioactive 2-benzoylbenzimidazoles and 2-benzoylbenzoxazoles derivatives. Furthermore, the activated carbon catalyst could be recovered and reused at least three times without significantly losing its activity. Preliminary research suggests that the oxidation mechanism may involve intermediate hydroperoxidation and that a portion of the final carbonyl product is obtained through a secondary benzylic alcohol intermediate. Finally, theoretical calculations reveal that the oxidation yield is closely associated with the electric density at the benzylic position of the substrate.
Aqueous dispersions of few-layer-thick chemically modified magnesium diboride nanosheets by ultrasonication assisted exfoliation
Authors: Das Saroj Kumar , Bedar Amita , Kannan Aadithya , Jasuja Kabeer
Published: June 2015

The discovery of graphene has led to a rising interest in seeking quasi two-dimensional allotropes of several elements and inorganic compounds. Boron, carbon’s neighbour in the periodic table, presents a curious case in its ability to be structured as graphene. Although it cannot independently constitute a honeycomb planar structure, it forms a graphenic arrangement in association with electron-donor elements. This is exemplified in magnesium diboride (MgB2): an inorganic layered compound comprising boron honeycomb planes alternated by Mg atoms. Till date, MgB2 has been primarily researched for its superconducting properties; it hasn’t been explored for the possibility of its exfoliation. Here we show that ultrasonication of MgB2 in water results in its exfoliation to yield few-layer-thick Mg-deficient hydroxyl-functionalized nanosheets. The hydroxyl groups enable an electrostatically stabilized aqueous dispersion and create a heterogeneity leading to an excitation wavelength dependent photoluminescence. These chemically modified MgB2 nanosheets exhibit an extremely small absorption coefficient of 2.9 ml mg−1 cm−1 compared to graphene and its analogs. This ability to exfoliate MgB2 to yield nanosheets with a chemically modified lattice and properties distinct from the parent material presents a fundamentally new perspective to the science of MgB2 and forms a first foundational step towards exfoliating metal borides.
Arsenic profile distribution of the wetland argialbolls in the Sanjiang plain of northeastern China
Authors: Lin Chunye , Wang Jing , Cheng Hongguang , Ouyang Wei
Published: June 2015

The wetland Argialbolls pedon was chosen to investigate the effects of pedogenic processes and anthropogenic activities on the vertical distribution of As concentrations. Two wetland Argialboll cores (90 cm long) were collected from the Sanjiang Plain in northeastern China and analyzed for pH, soil organic matter (SOM), Fe, Mn and As. The results indicate that SOM accumulated in the upper horizons, while Fe and Mn were reductively leached from the upper horizons and significantly accumulated in the lower argillic horizons. Atmospheric As deposition and As redistribution during the pedogenic process led to the unique vertical distribution of As concentrations in the wetland Argialbolls. Overall, As was leached from upper horizons and then accumulated in the lower argillic horizons. However, continual atmospheric As deposition maintained a slightly elevated As concentration in the top layer. In detail, As concentration in the upper horizons ranged from 1.1 to 5.3 mg kg−1, while it ranged from 18.2 to 65.7 mg kg−1 in the lower argillic horizons. The high As concentration in the argillic horizons might pose a risk to shallow groundwater in the area.
A Biologically Inspired Network Design Model
Authors: Zhang Xiaoge , Adamatzky Andrew , Chan Felix T.S. , Deng Yong , Yang Hai , Yang Xin-She , Tsompanas Michail-Antisthenis I. , Sirakoulis Georgios Ch. , Mahadevan Sankaran
Published: June 2015

A network design problem is to select a subset of links in a transport network that satisfy passengers or cargo transportation demands while minimizing the overall costs of the transportation. We propose a mathematical model of the foraging behaviour of slime mould P. polycephalum to solve the network design problem and construct optimal transport networks. In our algorithm, a traffic flow between any two cities is estimated using a gravity model. The flow is imitated by the model of the slime mould. The algorithm model converges to a steady state, which represents a solution of the problem. We validate our approach on examples of major transport networks in Mexico and China. By comparing networks developed in our approach with the man-made highways, networks developed by the slime mould and a cellular automata model inspired by slime mould, we demonstrate the flexibility and efficiency of our approach.
Networks: On the relation of bi- and multivariate measures
Authors: Mader Wolfgang , Mader Malenka , Timmer Jens , Thiel Marco , Schelter Björn
Published: June 2015

A reliable inference of networks from observations of the nodes’ dynamics is a major challenge in physics. Interdependence measures such as a the correlation coefficient or more advanced methods based on, e.g., analytic phases of signals are employed. For several of these interdependence measures, multivariate counterparts exist that promise to enable distinguishing direct and indirect connections. Here, we demonstrate analytically how bivariate measures relate to the respective multivariate ones; this knowledge will in turn be used to demonstrate the implications of thresholded bivariate measures for network inference. Particularly, we show, that random networks are falsely identified as small-world networks if observations thereof are treated by bivariate methods. We will employ the correlation coefficient as an example for such an interdependence measure. The results can be readily transferred to all interdependence measures partializing for information of thirds in their multivariate counterparts.
Exploring RNA polymerase regulation by NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Drögemüller Johanna , Strauß Martin , Schweimer Kristian , Wöhrl Birgitta M. , Knauer Stefan H. , Rösch Paul
Published: June 2015

RNA synthesis is a central process in all organisms, with RNA polymerase (RNAP) as the key enzyme. Multisubunit RNAPs are evolutionary related and are tightly regulated by a multitude of transcription factors. Although Escherichia coli RNAP has been studied extensively, only little information is available about its dynamics and transient interactions. This information, however, are crucial for the complete understanding of transcription regulation in atomic detail. To study RNAP by NMR spectroscopy we developed a highly efficient procedure for the assembly of active RNAP from separately expressed subunits that allows specific labeling of the individual constituents. We recorded [1H,13C] correlation spectra of isoleucine, leucine and valine methyl groups of complete RNAP and the separately labeled β’ subunit within reconstituted RNAP. We further produced all RNAP subunits individually, established experiments to determine which RNAP subunit a certain regulator binds to and identified the β subunit to bind NusE.
Mechanical writing of n-type conductive layers on the SrTiO3 surface in nanoscale
Authors: Wang Yuhang , Zhao Kehan , Shi Xiaolan , Li Geng , Xie Guanlin , Lai Xubo , Ni Jun , Zhang Liuwan
Published: June 2015

The fabrication and control of the conductive surface and interface on insulating SrTiO3 bulk provide a pathway for oxide electronics. The controllable manipulation of local doping concentration in semiconductors is an important step for nano-electronics. Here we show that conductive patterns can be written on bare SrTiO3 surface by controllable doping in nanoscale using the mechanical interactions of atomic force microscopy tip without applying external electric field. The conductivity of the layer is n-type, oxygen sensitive and can be effectively tuned by the gate voltage. Hence, our findings have potential applications in oxide nano-circuits and oxygen sensors.
Electron spin coherence near room temperature in magnetic quantum dots
Authors: Moro Fabrizio , Turyanska Lyudmila , Wilman James , Fielding Alistair J. , Fay Michael W. , Granwehr Josef , Patanè Amalia
Published: June 2015

We report on an example of confined magnetic ions with long spin coherence near room temperature. This was achieved by confining single Mn2+spins in colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) and by dispersing the QDs in a proton-spin free matrix. The controlled suppression of Mn–Mn interactions and minimization of Mn–nuclear spin dipolar interactions result in unprecedentedly long phase memory (TM ~ 8 μs) and spin–lattice relaxation (T1 ~ 10 ms) time constants for Mn2+ions atT = 4.5 K and in electron spin coherence observable near room temperature (TM ~ 1 μs).
Radio-frequency capacitance spectroscopy of metallic nanoparticles
Authors: Frake James C. , Kano Shinya , Ciccarelli Chiara , Griffiths Jonathan , Sakamoto Masanori , Teranishi Toshiharu , Majima Yutaka , Smith Charles G. , Buitelaar Mark R.
Published: June 2015

Recent years have seen great progress in our understanding of the electronic properties of nanomaterials in which at least one dimension measures less than 100 nm. However, contacting true nanometer scale materials such as individual molecules or nanoparticles remains a challenge as even state-of-the-art nanofabrication techniques such as electron-beam lithography have a resolution of a few nm at best. Here we present a fabrication and measurement technique that allows high sensitivity and high bandwidth readout of discrete quantum states of metallic nanoparticles which does not require nm resolution or precision. This is achieved by coupling the nanoparticles to resonant electrical circuits and measurement of the phase of a reflected radio-frequency signal. This requires only a single tunnel contact to the nanoparticles thus simplifying device fabrication and improving yield and reliability. The technique is demonstrated by measurements on 2.7 nm thiol coated gold nanoparticles which are shown to be in excellent quantitative agreement with theory.
Surface Curvature Relation to Protein Adsorption for Carbon-based Nanomaterials
Authors: Gu Zonglin , Yang Zaixing , Chong Yu , Ge Cuicui , Weber Jeffrey K. , Bell David R. , Zhou Ruhong
Published: June 2015

The adsorption of proteins onto carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNs) is dictated by hydrophobic and π-π interactions between aliphatic and aromatic residues and the conjugated CBN surface. Accordingly, protein adsorption is highly sensitive to topological constraints imposed by CBN surface structure; in particular, adsorption capacity is thought to increase as the incident surface curvature decreases. In this work, we couple Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations with fluorescence spectroscopy experiments to characterize this curvature dependence in detail for the model protein bovine serum albumin (BSA). By studying BSA adsorption onto carbon nanotubes of increasing radius (featuring descending local curvatures) and a flat graphene sheet, we confirm that adsorption capacity is indeed enhanced on flatter surfaces. Naïve fluorescence experiments featuring multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), however, conform to an opposing trend. To reconcile these observations, we conduct additional MD simulations with MWCNTs that match those prepared in experiments; such simulations indicate that increased mass to surface area ratios in multi-walled systems explain the observed discrepancies. In reduction, our work substantiates the inverse relationship between protein adsorption capacity and surface curvature and further demonstrates the need for subtle consideration in experimental and simulation design.
A new arylbenzofuran derivative functions as an anti-tumour agent by inducing DNA damage and inhibiting PARP activity
Authors: Chen Hongbo , Zeng Xiaobin , Gao Chunmei , Ming Pinghong , Zhang Jianping , Guo Caiping , Zhou Lanzhen , Lu Yin , Wang Lijun , Huang Laiqiang , He Xiangjiu , Mei Lin
Published: June 2015

We previously reported that 7-hydroxy-5, 4’-dimethoxy-2-arylbenzofuran (HDAB) purified from Livistona chinensis is a key active agent. The present study investigated the function and molecular mechanism of HDAB. HDAB treatment of cervical cancer cells resulted in S phase arrest and apoptosis, together with cyclin A2 and CDK2 upregulation. Cyclin A2 siRNA and a CDK inhibitor efficiently relieved S phase arrest but increased the apoptosis rate. Mechanistic studies revealed that HDAB treatment significantly increased DNA strand breaks in an alkaline comet assay and induced ATM, CHK1, CHK2 and H2A.X phosphorylation. Wortmannin (a broad inhibitor of PIKKs) and CGK733 (a specific ATM inhibitor), but not LY294002 (a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor) or NU7026 (a DNA-PK specific inhibitor), prevented H2A.X phosphorylation and γH2A.X-positive foci formation in the nuclei, reversed S phase arrest and promoted the HDAB-induced apoptosis, suggesting that HDAB is a DNA damaging agent that can activate the ATM-dependent DNA repair response, thereby contributing to cell cycle arrest. In addition, molecular docking and in vitro activity assays revealed that HDAB can correctly dock into the hydrophobic pocket of PARP-1 and suppress PARP-1 ADP-ribosylation activity. Thus, the results indicated that HDAB can function as an anti-cancer agent by inducing DNA damage and inhibiting PARP activity.
Meiosis completion and various sperm responses lead to unisexual and sexual reproduction modes in one clone of polyploid Carassius gibelio
Authors: Zhang Jun , Sun Min , Zhou Li , Li Zhi , Liu Zhen , Li Xi-Yin , Liu Xiao-Li , Liu Wei , Gui Jian-Fang
Published: June 2015

Unisexual polyploid vertebrates are commonly known to reproduce by gynogenesis, parthenogenesis, or hybridogenesis. One clone of polyploidCarassius gibeliohas been revealed to possess multiple modes of unisexual gynogenesis and sexual reproduction, but the cytological and developmental mechanisms have remained unknown. In this study, normal meiosis completion was firstly confirmed by spindle co-localization of β-tubulin and Spindlin. Moreover, three types of various nuclear events and development behaviors were revealed by DAPI staining and BrdU-incorporated immunofluorescence detection during the first mitosis in the fertilized eggs by three kinds of different sperms. They include normal sexual reproduction in response to sperm from the same clone male, typical unisexual gynogenesis in response to sperm from the male of another speciesCyprinus carpioand an unusual hybrid-similar development mode in response to sperm from another different clone male. Based on these findings, we have discussed cytological and developmental mechanisms on multiple reproduction modes in the polyploid fish and highlighted evolutionary significance of meiosis completion and evolutionary consequences of reproduction mode diversity in polyploid vertebrates.