bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PERFECT TELEPORTATION BETWEEN ARBITRARY SPLIT OF SIX PARTITES BY A MAXIMALLY GENUINELY ENTANGLED SIX-QUBIT STATE
Authors: LONG YINXIANG , QIU DAOWEN , LONG DONGYANG
Published: September 2010

In this paper, we show that any S(S = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) persons can unite to teleport min(S, 6 - S) qubits to the other 6 - S persons if they a priori share a maximally genuinely entangled six-qubit state introduced by Borras et al. [A. Borras, A. R. Plastino, J. Batle, C. Zander, M. Casas and A. Plastino, J. Phys. A40 (2007) 13407]. Also, explicit protocols for perfectly teleporting arbitrary one-qubit state, two-qubit state as well as three-qubit state between arbitrary split of six partites are constructed. Moreover, to fulfil the protocol, either the senders or the receivers can make local operations individually in distant places.
AN ARITHMETICAL INVARIANT OF ORBITS OF AFFINE ACTIONS AND ITS APPLICATION TO SIMILARITY CLASSES OF QUADRATIC SPACES
Authors: KABLE ANTHONY C.
Published: September 2010

Given an action of an affine algebraic group on an affine variety and a relatively invariant regular function, all defined over the ring of integers of a number field and having suitable additional properties, an invariant of the rational orbits of the action is defined. This invariant, the reduced replete Steinitz class, takes its values in the reduced replete class group of the number field. The general framework is then applied to obtain an invariant of similarity classes of non-degenerate quadratic spaces of even rank. The invariant is related to more familiar invariants. It is shown that if the similarity classes are weighted by the volume of an associated automorphism group then their reduced replete Steinitz classes are asymptotically uniformly distributed with respect to a natural parameter.
POLYNOMIAL PARAMETRIZATION OF PYTHAGOREAN TUPLES
Authors: VASERSTEIN LEONID , SAKKALIS TAKIS , FRISCH SOPHIE
Published: September 2010

A Pythagorean (k, l)-tuple over a commutative ring A is a vector x = (xi) ∈ Ak+l, where k, l ∈ ℕ, k ≥ l which satisfies [Formula: see text]. In this paper, a polynomial parametrization of Pythagorean (k, l)-tuples over the ring F [t] is given, for l ≥ 2. In the case where l = 1, solutions of the above equation are provided for k = 2, 3, 4, 5, and 9.
BOUNDS FOR THE TORSION OF ELLIPTIC CURVES OVER EXTENSIONS WITH BOUNDED RAMIFICATION
Authors: LOZANO-ROBLEDO ÁLVARO , LUNDELL BENJAMIN
Published: September 2010

Let E be a semi-stable elliptic curve defined over ℚ, and fix N ≥ 2. Let KN/ℚ be a maximal algebraic Galois extension of ℚ whose ramification indices are all at most N. We show that there exists a computable bound B(N), which depends only on N and not on the choice of E/ℚ, such that the size of E(KN) Tors is always at most B(N).
ON TSFASMAN–VLĂDUŢ INVARIANTS OF INFINITE GLOBAL FIELDS
Authors: LEBACQUE PHILIPPE
Published: September 2010

In this paper, we study certain asymptotic properties of global fields. We consider the set of Tsfasman–Vlăduţ invariants of infinite global fields and answer some natural questions arising from their work. In particular, we prove the existence of infinite global fields having finitely many strictly positive invariants at given places, and the existence of infinite number fields with certain prescribed invariants being zero. We also give precisions on the deficiency of infinite global fields and on the primes decomposition in those fields.
EULER'S CRITERION FOR SEPTIC NONRESIDUES
Authors: TANTI JAGMOHAN , KATRE S. A.
Published: September 2010

Let p be a prime ≡ 1 (mod 7). In this paper, we obtain an explicit expression for a primitive seventh root of unity ( mod p) in terms of coefficients of a Jacobi sum of order 7 and also in terms of a solution of a Diophantine system of Leonard and Williams, and then obtain Euler's criterion for septic nonresidues D ( mod p) in terms of this seventh root. Explicit results are given for septic nonresidues for D = 2, 3, 5, 7.
CONGRUENCES RELATED TO MODULAR FORMS
Authors: VERRILL H. A.
Published: September 2010

Let f be a modular form of weight k for a congruence subgroup Γ ⊂ SL 2(Z), and t a weight 0 modular function for Γ. Assume that near t = 0, we can write f = ∑n≥0bn tn, bn ∈ Z. Let ℓ(z) be a weight k + 2 modular form with q-expansion ∑γnqn, such that the Mellin transform of ℓ can be expressed as an Euler product. Then we show that if [Formula: see text] for some integers ai, di, then the congruence relation bmpr -γpbmpr-1 + εppk+1bmpr-2 ≡ 0 ( mod pr) holds. We give a number of examples of this phenomena.
SQUARE-FREE DISCRIMINANTS OF FROBENIUS RINGS
Authors: DAVID CHANTAL , URROZ JORGE JIMÉNEZ
Published: September 2010

Let E be an elliptic curve over ℚ. We know that the ring of endomorphisms of its reduction modulo an ordinary prime p is an order of the quadratic imaginary field generated by the Frobenius element πp. However, except in the trivial case of complex multiplication, very little is known about the fields that appear as algebras of endomorphisms when p varies. In this paper, we study the endomorphism ring by looking at the arithmetic of [Formula: see text], the discriminant of the characteristic polynomial of πp. In particular, we give a precise asymptotic for the function counting the number of primes p up to x such that [Formula: see text] is square-free and in certain congruence class fixed a priori, when averaging over elliptic curves defined over the rationals. We discuss the relation of this result with the Lang–Trotter conjecture, and some other questions on the curve modulo p.
VERSATILE DNA-PACKAGING NANOMOTOR OF BACTERIOPHAGE phi29 WITH APPLICATIONS IN NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
Authors: GENG JIA , VONDERHEIDE ANNE P.
Published: September 2010

Nanobiotechnology entails the use of nanosized materials to build structures that can be applied in both biotechnology and medicine. In one vein of this field of study, scientists seek to mimic the wide variety of nanomachines and macromolecular structures that exist in nature and to replicate them in both structure and function. As a most intriguing example, the bacterial virus phi29 uses a self-contained nanomotor to package its DNA after replication. The 30-nm nanomotor contains 12 copies of a protein (gp10) which together form a 3.6-nm central channel through which the genomic DNA passes into the procapsid during viral assembly and exits during infection. This connector has been recently reengineered and embedded into a lipid bilayer, creating a system with tremendous application for DNA detection and characterization through electrophysiological measurement. A second component of the phi29 bacteriophage is an ATP-binding pRNA that forms a hexameric ring to gear the motor. The pRNA has been utilized to construct nanoparticles of dimers, trimers, hexamers and patterned superstructures via the interaction of two interlocking loops. Such structures constructed via bottom-up assembly have been used in the delivery of drugs, siRNA, ribozymes, and genes to specific cells, both in vitro and in vivo. This review summarizes current studies on the structure, function, and mechanism of the phi29 DNA packaging motor, as well as addresses the applications of these motor components in the field of nanobiotechnology.
NANOPATTERNED INTERFACES FOR CONTROLLING CELL BEHAVIOR
Authors: CHUNG KEVIN , DeQUACH JESSICA A. , CHRISTMAN KAREN L.
Published: September 2010

Many studies have demonstrated that microscale changes to surface chemistry and topography affect cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and gene expression. More recently, studies have begun to examine cell behavior interactions with structures on the nanoscale since in vivo, cells recognize and adhere to cell adhesion receptors that are spatially organized on this scale. These studies have been enabled through various fabrication methods, many of which were initially developed for the semiconductor industry. This review explores cell responses to a variety of controlled topographical and biochemical cues using an assortment of nanoscale fabrication methods in order to elucidate which pattern dimensions are beneficial for controlling cell adhesion and differentiation.
MAGNETIC NANOPARTICLE HYPERTHERMIA IN CANCER TREATMENT
Authors: GIUSTINI ANDREW J. , PETRYK ALICIA A. , CASSIM SHIRAZ M. , TATE JENNIFER A. , BAKER IAN , HOOPES P. JACK
Published: September 2010

The activation of magnetic nanoparticles (mNPs) by an alternating magnetic field (AMF) is currently being explored as technique for targeted therapeutic heating of tumors. Various types of superparamagnetic and ferromagnetic particles, with different coatings and targeting agents, allow for tumor site and type specificity. Magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia is also being studied as an adjuvant to conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy. This review provides an introduction to some of the relevant biology and materials science involved in the technical development and current and future use of mNP hyperthermia as clinical cancer therapy.
CARBON NANOTUBE RIBBON AND THREAD SUPPORT ATTACHMENT AND DIFFERENTIATION OF NEURAL STEM CELLS
Authors: HOPKINS TRACY M. , VENNEMEYER JOHN , JAYASINGHE CHAMINDA , SHANOV VESSELIN , PIXLEY SARAH K.
Published: September 2010

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have properties that promise an exciting role in nervous tissue repair. CNTs are strong, extremely light weight, biocompatible and electrically conductive. A relatively novel form of CNT material, multiple strands of CNTs spun into thread, accentuates the linear geometry of CNTs while retaining electrical conductivity. We propose that CNT thread, which is strong, pliable and readily manipulated, has the potential to support longitudinal growth of nerves after injury, in nervous system prostheses. Towards understanding how CNT materials support nervous tissue regeneration, we examined the in vitro interactions between CNT materials and neural stem cell-containing neurospheres, prepared from newborn mouse cortices. Intact neurospheres attached to pieces of as-grown arrays of CNTs, CNT "ribbon" material pulled from the arrays, and CNT thread. Stem cells differentiated into both neurons and glia under these conditions. Processes and cells aligned with the longitudinal axis of the CNT materials, both with and without coatings. For comparisons, dissociated neurosphere cells were plated on CNT thread, polypropylene surgical suture thread and commercial carbon fibers. Initial cell attachment (within seconds) and attachment at 24 h was greater on CNT thread than on the other fiber types. Stem cells on CNT threads differentiated into neurons and astrocytes over several days, on all fibers. The presence of serum greatly aided the health and spreading of both neurons and astrocytes. These findings demonstrate that CNT materials, in particular the thread form, are viable preparations for neural cell attachment, outgrowth and differentiation.
NANOSTRUCTURED SCAFFOLDS FOR BIOLOGY AND TISSUE ENGINEERING
Authors: BARBER JOHN G. , LI WAN-JU
Published: September 2010

Cartilage defects remain one of the most challenging musculoskeletal tissues to treat owing to its poor healing capacity. The lack of sufficient clinical treatments has led to a drive in tissue engineering advancements that combine chondrogenic cells with scaffolds to aid in cartilage regeneration. Nanoscale materials are commonly used in scaffold synthesis because of their ability to mimic the size of extracellular matrix (ECM). This review focuses on the use of nanostructured scaffolds in combination with cells for cartilage tissue engineering. We detail the fabrication methods and materials used to produce nanostructured scaffolds, with a focus on nanofibers and their role in modulating cell biology. Lastly, we discuss various techniques that further functionalize the nanostructured scaffolds to enhance cellular responses.
PERSPECTIVES ON NANOPARTICULATE DELIVERY OF THERAPEUTIC PROTEINS BY ORAL ADMINISTRATION
Authors: COUÉ GRÉGORY , ENGBERSEN JOHAN F. J.
Published: September 2010

The oral route is the most common and preferred route of drug delivery in view of its convenience and patient acceptance. However for oral administration of therapeutic proteins, several hurdles have to be overcome. For this purpose the use of polymers, with their ease of modification in physical and chemical properties, are attractive in protein drug carriers. They can protect their therapeutic protein loading from degradation in the gastrointestinal tract, and enhance their bioavailability at targeted sites of the body. In this review, potential and currently used polymers for fabrication of protein delivery systems and their applications for oral administration will be discussed.
Calcitonin gene-related peptide promotes angiogenesis via AMP-activated protein kinase
Authors: Zheng Shuai , Li Wenjing , Xu Mingjiang , Bai Xue , Zhou Zhou , Han Jingyan , Shyy John Y.-J. , Wang Xian
Published: September 2010

Ischemia induces angiogenesis as a compensatory response. Although ischemia is known to causes synthesis and release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), it is not clear whether CGRP regulates angiogenesis under ischemia and how does it function. Thus we investigated the role of CGRP in angiogenesis and the involved mechanisms. We found that CGRP level was increased in the rat hindlimb ischemic tissue. The expression of exogenous CGRP by adenovirus vectors enhanced blood flow recovery and increased capillary density in ischemic hindlimbs. In vitro, CGRP promoted human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) tube formation and migration. Further more, CGRP activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) both in vivo and in vitro, and pharmacological inhibition of CGRP and cAMP attenuated the CGRP-activated AMPK in vitro. CGRP also induced endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) phosphorylation in HUVECs at Ser1177 and Ser633 in a time-dependent manner, and such effects were abolished by AMPK inhibitor Compound C. As well, Compound C blocked CGRP-enhanced HUVEC tube formation and migration. These findings indicate that CGRP promotes angiogenesis by activating the AMPK-eNOS pathway in endothelial cells.
Intracellular pH modulates inner segment calcium homeostasis in vertebrate photoreceptors
Authors: Križaj David , Mercer Aaron J. , Thoreson Wallace B. , Barabas Peter
Published: September 2010

Neuronal metabolic and electrical activity is associated with shifts in intracellular pH (pHi) proton activity and state-dependent changes in activation of signaling pathways in the plasma membrane, cytosol, and intracellular compartments. We investigated interactions between two intracellular messenger ions, protons and calcium (Ca2+), in salamander photoreceptor inner segments loaded with Ca2+ and pH indicator dyes. Resting cytosolic pH in rods and cones in HEPES-based saline was acidified by ∼0.4 pH units with respect to pH of the superfusing saline (pH = 7.6), indicating that dissociated inner segments experience continuous acid loading. Cytosolic alkalinization with ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) depolarized photoreceptors and stimulated Ca2+ release from internal stores, yet paradoxically also evoked dose-dependent, reversible decreases in [Ca2+]i. Alkalinization-evoked [Ca2+]i decreases were independent of voltage-operated and store-operated Ca2+ entry, plasma membrane Ca2+ extrusion, and Ca2+ sequestration into internal stores. The [Ca2+]i-suppressive effects of alkalinization were antagonized by the fast Ca2+ buffer BAPTA, suggesting that pHi directly regulates Ca2+ binding to internal anionic sites. In summary, this data suggest that endogenously produced protons continually modulate the membrane potential, release from Ca2+ stores, and intracellular Ca2+ buffering in rod and cone inner segments.
Influence of acute tryptophan depletion on gastric sensorimotor function in humans
Authors: Geeraerts Brecht , Van Oudenhove Lukas , Boesmans Werend , Vos Rita , Vanden Berghe Pieter , Tack Jan
Published: September 2010

Peripheral serotonin (5-hydrodytryptamine; 5-HT) is involved in the regulation of gastrointestinal motility and sensation, whereas centrally it plays a role in mood regulation. A dysfunctional serotonergic system may provide a plausible link between functional dyspepsia symptoms and its high psychosocial comorbidity such as anxiety and depression. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of decreased 5-HT synthesis by acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) on gastric sensorimotor function and nutrient tolerance, anxiety scores, and gastrointestinal mucosal 5-HT concentrations in healthy volunteers. All subjects were studied under a control condition and during ATD. Gastric sensorimotor function and nutrient tolerance were assessed using a barostat ( n = 16, mean age 28.8 ± 1.4 yr) and a satiety drinking test ( n = 13, mean age 27.3 ± 1.4 yr). Anxiety during the barostat was evaluated using State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire. 5-HT concentrations were measured in fundic and duodenal mucosal biopsies by means of ELISA and immunohistochemistry. ATD significantly decreased plasma tryptophan levels compared with control in every experiment. ATD did not affect gastric sensitivity and compliance but decreased the sensation of nausea during balloon distension (AUC: 17.4 ± 4.3 vs. 11.4 ± 3.4 mm·mmHg, P = 0.030). ATD enhanced the postprandial volume increase (ANOVA, P < 0.05), but this was not accompanied by augmented nutrient tolerance (848 ± 110 vs. 837 ± 99 ml, nonsignificant). ATD had no effect on STAI state anxiety scores. No evidence was found for an effect on the number of enterochromaffin cells, but ATD reduced 5-HT levels in the duodenal mucosa. ATD alters gastric postprandial motor function and distension-induced nausea. These findings confirm involvement of 5-HT in the control of gastric accommodation and sensitivity.
Multiple α1-adrenergic receptor subtypes support synergistic stimulation of vasopressin and oxytocin release by ATP and phenylephrine
Authors: Song Zhilin , Gomes Dayane A. , Stevens Wanida , Sladek Celia D.
Published: September 2010

Simultaneous exposure of explants of the hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal system (HNS) to ATP and the α1-adrenergic receptor (α1-R) agonist, phenylephrine (ATP+PE) induces a synergistic stimulation of vasopressin and oxytocin (VP/OT) release that is sustained for hours ( 23 ). The current studies confirm that the synergism is dependent upon activation of α1-R by demonstrating that an α1-R antagonist prevents the response. The role of the α1A, B, and D-adrenergic receptor subtypes in the synergistic effect of ATP+PE on intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) in supraoptic nucleus (SON) neurons and VP/OT release from neural lobe was evaluated. The increase in [Ca2+]iinduced by PE in SON predominantly reflects release from intracellular stores and is mediated by activation of the α1A adrenergic receptor subtype. The α1A subtype is also required for the sustained elevation in [Ca2+]iinduced by ATP+PE. In contrast, although synergistic stimulation of VP/OT release was eliminated by removal of PE and was blunted by benoxathian, an α1-R antagonist that is not subtype selective, no single α1-R subtype selective antagonist prevented sustained stimulation of VP/OT release by ATP+PE. Thus, sustained activation of α1-R is essential for the synergistic VP and OT response to ATP+PE, but multiple α1-R subtypes can support the response. Redundancy amongst the α1-R subunits in supporting this response is consistent with the predicted importance of the response for sustaining the elevated VP release required to prevent cardiovascular collapse during hemorrhage and sepsis.
Inhibition of chymase protects against diabetes-induced oxidative stress and renal dysfunction in hamsters
Authors: Maeda Yasutaka , Inoguchi Toyoshi , Takei Ryoko , Sawada Fumi , Sasaki Shuji , Fujii Masakazu , Kobayashi Kunihisa , Urata Hidenori , Nishiyama Akira , Takayanagi Ryoichi
Published: September 2010

Accumulating evidence suggests that the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system may be involved in the progression of diabetic nephropathy. Chymase is a potent local angiotensin II-forming enzyme in several species, including humans and hamsters. However, the pathophysiological role of chymase is not fully understood. Here, we report a causal role of chymase in diabetic nephropathy and the therapeutic effectiveness of chymase inhibition. In the present study, renal chymase expression was markedly upregulated in streptozotocin-induced diabetic hamsters. Oral administration of a specific chymase inhibitor, TEI-F00806, completely ameliorated proteinuria, the overexpression of transforming growth factor-β and fibronectin in glomeruli, and renal mesangial expansion, by normalizing the increase in intrarenal angiotensin II levels in diabetic hamsters independently of blood pressure levels. In contrast, ramipril did not show such sufficient effects. These effects occurred in parallel with improvements in superoxide production and expression of NAD(P)H oxidase components [NAD(P)H oxidase 4 and p22phox] in glomeruli. This study showed for the first time that chymase inhibition may protect against elevated intrarenal angiotensin II levels, oxidative stress, and renal dysfunction in diabetes. These findings suggest that chymase offers a new therapeutic target for diabetic nephropathy.
Partial Disinhibition Is Required for Transition of Stimulus-Induced Sharp Wave–Ripple Complexes Into Recurrent Epileptiform Discharges in Rat Hippocampal Slices
Authors: Liotta Agustin , Çalışkan Gürsel , ul Haq Rizwan , Hollnagel Jan O. , Rösler Anton , Heinemann Uwe , Behrens Christoph J.
Published: September 2010

Sharp wave–ripple complexes (SPW-Rs) in the intact rodent hippocampus are characterized by slow field potential transients superimposed by close to 200-Hz ripple oscillations. Similar events have been recorded in hippocampal slices where SPW-Rs occur spontaneously or can be induced by repeated application of high-frequency stimulation, a standard protocol for induction of long-lasting long-term potentiation. Such stimulation is reminiscent of protocols used to induce kindling epilepsy and ripple oscillations may be predictive of the epileptogenic zone in temporal lobe epilepsy. In the present study, we investigated the relation between recurrent epileptiform discharges (REDs) and SPW-Rs by studying effects of partial removal of inhibition. In particular, we compared the effects of nicotine, low-dose bicuculline methiodide (BMI), and elevated extracellular potassium concentration ([K+]o) on induced SPW-Rs. We show that nicotine dose-dependently transformed SPW-Rs into REDs. This transition was associated with reduced inhibitory conductance in CA3 pyramidal cells. Similar results were obtained from slices where the GABAergic conductance was reduced by application of low concentrations of BMI (1–2 μM). In contrast, sharp waves were diminished by phenobarbital. Elevating [K+]ofrom 3 to 8.5 mM did not transform SPW-Rs into REDs but significantly increased their incidence and amplitude. Under these conditions, the equilibrium potential for inhibition was shifted in depolarizing direction, whereas inhibitory conductance was significantly increased. Interestingly, the propensity of elevated [K+]oto induce seizure-like events was reduced in slices where SPW-Rs had been induced. In conclusion, recruitment of inhibitory cells during SPW-Rs may serve as a mechanism by which hyperexcitation and eventually seizure generation might be prevented.
Spatial Asymmetry in the Mechanosensory Phenotypes of the C. elegans DEG/ENaC Gene mec-10
Authors: Chatzigeorgiou Marios , Grundy Laura , Kindt Katie S. , Lee Wei-Hsiang , Driscoll Monica , Schafer William R.
Published: September 2010

DEG/ENaC channels have been broadly implicated in mechanosensory transduction, yet many questions remain about how these proteins contribute to complexes that sense mechanical stimuli. In C. elegans, two DEG/ENaC channel subunits are thought to contribute to a gentle touch transduction complex: MEC-4, which is essential for gentle touch sensation, and MEC-10, whose importance is less well defined. By characterizing a mec-10 deletion mutant, we have found that MEC-10 is important, but not essential, for gentle touch responses in the body touch neurons ALM, PLM, and PVM. Surprisingly, the requirement for MEC-10 in ALM and PLM is spatially asymmetric; mec-10 animals show significant behavioral and physiological responses to stimulation at the distal end of touch neuron dendrites, but respond poorly to stimuli applied near the neuronal cell body. The subcellular distribution of a rescuing MEC-10::GFP translational fusion was found to be restricted to the neuronal cell body and proximal dendrite, consistent with the hypothesis that MEC-10 protein is asymmetrically distributed within the touch neuron process. These results suggest that MEC-10 may contribute to only a subset of gentle touch mechanosensory complexes found preferentially at the proximal dendrite.
Voluntary Activation of the Different Compartments of the Flexor Digitorum Profundus
Authors: van Duinen Hiske , Gandevia Simon C. , Taylor Janet L.
Published: September 2010

Flexor digitorum profundus (FDP), the sole flexor of the fingertips, is critical for tasks such as grasping. It is a compartmentalized multitendoned muscle with both neural and mechanical links between the fingers. We determined whether voluntary activation (VA), the level of neural drive to muscle, could be measured separately in its four compartments, whether VA differed between the fingers, and whether maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force and VA changed when the non-test fingers were extended from full flexion to 90° flexion to partially “disengage” the test finger. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the motor cortex was used to measure VA, in a position in which only FDP generated force at the fingertip. Despite differences among the fingers in MVCs, VA for each finger was ∼92% ( n = 8), with no differences between fingers. When the test finger was partially disengaged by extending the other fingers to 90° flexion, performance was more variable both within and between subjects. MVCs decreased significantly by about 25–40% for the four fingers. However, VA was not significantly changed ( n = 6) and was similar for the four fingers. In both positions, there were strong linear relationships between the voluntary forces and the superimposed twitch sizes, indicating that the method to measure VA was very reliable. Our results indicate that maximal VA is similar for all four compartments of FDP when force production by the other fingers is unconstrained. When altered mechanical connections between the compartments decrease voluntary force output there is little difference in neural drive.
Speed and Eccentricity Tuning Reveal a Central Role for the Velocity-Based Cue to 3D Visual Motion
Authors: Czuba Thaddeus B. , Rokers Bas , Huk Alexander C. , Cormack Lawrence K.
Published: September 2010

Two binocular cues are thought to underlie the visual perception of three-dimensional (3D) motion: a disparity-based cue, which relies on changes in disparity over time, and a velocity-based cue, which relies on interocular velocity differences. The respective building blocks of these cues, instantaneous disparity and retinal motion, exhibit very distinct spatial and temporal signatures. Although these two cues are synchronous in naturally moving objects, disparity-based and velocity-based mechanisms can be dissociated experimentally. We therefore investigated how the relative contributions of these two cues change across a range of viewing conditions. We measured direction-discrimination sensitivity for motion though depth across a wide range of eccentricities and speeds for disparity-based stimuli, velocity-based stimuli, and “full cue” stimuli containing both changing disparities and interocular velocity differences. Surprisingly, the pattern of sensitivity for velocity-based stimuli was nearly identical to that for full cue stimuli across the entire extent of the measured spatiotemporal surface and both were clearly distinct from those for the disparity-based stimuli. These results suggest that for direction discrimination outside the fovea, 3D motion perception primarily relies on the velocity-based cue with little, if any, contribution from the disparity-based cue.
High Ratio of Synaptic Excitation to Synaptic Inhibition in Hilar Ectopic Granule Cells of Pilocarpine-Treated Rats
Authors: Zhan Ren-Zhi , Timofeeva Olga , Nadler J. Victor
Published: September 2010

After experimental status epilepticus, many dentate granule cells born into the postseizure environment migrate aberrantly into the dentate hilus. Hilar ectopic granule cells (HEGCs) have also been found in persons with epilepsy. These cells exhibit a high rate of spontaneous activity, which may enhance seizure propagation. Electron microscopic studies indicated that HEGCs receive more recurrent mossy fiber innervation than normotopic granule cells in the same animals but receive much less inhibitory innervation. This study used hippocampal slices prepared from rats that had experienced pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus to test the hypothesis that an imbalance of synaptic excitation and inhibition contributes to the hyperexcitability of HEGCs. Mossy fiber stimulation evoked a much smaller GABAA receptor–mediated inhibitory postsynaptic currents (IPSC) in HEGCs than in normotopic granule cells from either control rats or rats that had experienced status epilepticus. However, recurrent mossy fiber-evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) of similar size were recorded from HEGCs and normotopic granule cells in status epilepticus–experienced rats. HEGCs exhibited the highest frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) and the lowest frequency of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) of any granule cell group. On average, both mEPSCs and mIPSCs were of higher amplitude, transferred more charge per event, and exhibited slower kinetics in HEGCs than in granule cells from control rats. Charge transfer per unit time in HEGCs was greater for mEPSCs and much less for mIPSCs than in the normotopic granule cell groups. A high ratio of excitatory to inhibitory synaptic function probably accounts, in part, for the hyperexcitability of HEGCs.
Dynamics of Stimulus-Evoked Spike Timing Correlations in the Cat Lateral Geniculate Nucleus
Authors: Ito Hiroyuki , Maldonado Pedro E. , Gray Charles M.
Published: September 2010

Precisely synchronized neuronal activity has been commonly observed in the mammalian visual pathway. Spike timing correlations in the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) often take the form of phase synchronized oscillations in the high gamma frequency range. To study the relations between oscillatory activity, synchrony, and their time-dependent properties, we recorded activity from multiple single units in the cat LGN under stimulation by stationary spots of light. Autocorrelation analysis showed that approximately one third of the cells exhibited oscillatory firing with a mean frequency ∼80 Hz. Cross-correlation analysis showed that 30% of unit pairs showed significant synchronization, and 61% of these pairs consisted of synchronous oscillations. Cross-correlation analysis assumes that synchronous firing is stationary and maintained throughout the period of stimulation. We tested this assumption by applying unitary events analysis (UEA). We found that UEA was more sensitive to weak and transient synchrony than cross-correlation analysis and detected a higher incidence (49% of cell pairs) of significant synchrony (unitary events). In many unit pairs, the unitary events were optimally characterized at a bin width of 1 ms, indicating that neural synchrony has a high degree of temporal precision. We also found that approximately one half of the unit pairs showed nonstationary changes in synchrony that could not be predicted by the modulation of firing rates. Population statistics showed that the onset of synchrony between LGN cells occurred significantly later than that observed between retinal afferents and LGN cells. The synchrony detected among unit pairs recorded on separate tetrodes tended to be more transient and have a later onset than that observed between adjacent units. These findings show that stimulus-evoked synchronous activity within the LGN is often rhythmic, highly nonstationary, and modulated by endogenous processes that are not tightly correlated with firing rate.
Serine Protease Variants Encoded byEchis ocellatusVenom Gland cDNA: Cloning and Sequencing Analysis
Authors: Hasson S. S. , Mothana R. A. , Sallam T. A. , Al-balushi M. S. , Rahman M. T. , Al-Jabri A. A.
Published: September 2010

Envenoming byEchissaw-scaled viper is the leading cause of death and morbidity in Africa due to snake bite. Despite its medical importance, there have been few investigations into the toxin composition of the venom of this viper. Here, we report the cloning of cDNA sequences encoding four groups or isoforms of the haemostasis-disruptive Serine protease proteins (SPs) from the venom glands ofEchis ocellatus. All these SP sequences encoded the cysteine residues scaffold that form the 6-disulphide bonds responsible for the characteristic tertiary structure of venom serine proteases. All theEchis ocellatus EoSPgroups showed varying degrees of sequence similarity to published viper venom SPs. However, these groups also showed marked intercluster sequence conservation across them which were significantly different from that of previously published viper SPs. Because viper venom SPs exhibit a high degree of sequence similarity and yet exert profoundly different effects on the mammalian haemostatic system, no attempt was made to assign functionality to the newEchis ocellatus EoSPson the basis of sequence alone. The extraordinary level of interspecific and intergeneric sequence conservation exhibited by theEchis ocellatus EoSPsand analogous serine proteases from other viper species leads us to speculate that antibodies to representative molecules should neutralise (that we will exploit, by epidermal DNA immunization) the biological function of this important group of venom toxins in vipers that are distributed throughout Africa, the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent.
The Misregulation of Cell Adhesion Components during Tumorigenesis: Overview and Commentary
Authors: Andl Claudia D.
Published: September 2010

Cell adhesion complexes facilitate attachment between cells or the binding of cells to the extracellular matrix. The regulation of cell adhesion is an important step in embryonic development and contributes to tissue homeostasis allowing processes such as differentiation and cell migration. Many mechanisms of cancer progression are reminiscent of embryonic development, for example, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and involve the disruption of cell adhesion and expression changes in components of cell adhesion structures. Tight junctions, adherens junctions, desmosomes, and focal adhesion besides their roles in cell-cell or cell-matrix interaction also possess cell signaling function. Perturbations of such signaling pathways can lead to cancer. This article gives an overview of the common structures of cell adhesion and summarizes the impact of their loss on cancer development and progression with articles highlighted from the present issue.
A Fixed Point Theorem for Mappings Satisfying a Contractive Condition of Rational Type on a Partially Ordered Metric Space
Authors: Harjani J. , López B. , Sadarangani K.
Published: September 2010

The purpose of this paper is to present a fixed point theorem using a contractive condition of rational type in the context of partially ordered metric spaces.
Paleotsunami Inundation of a Beach Ridge Plain: Cobble Ridge Overtopping and Interridge Valley Flooding in Seaside, Oregon, USA
Authors: Peterson Curt D. , Jol Harry M. , Horning Tom , Cruikshank Kenneth M.
Published: September 2010

The Seaside beach ridge plain was inundated by six paleotsunamis during the last ~2500 years. Large runups (adjusted >10 m in height) overtopped seawardmost cobble beach ridges (7 m elevation) at ~1.3 and ~2.6 ka before present. Smaller paleotsunami (6–8 m in height) likely entered the beach plain interior (4-5 m elevation) through the paleo-Necanicum bay mouth. The AD 1700 Cascadia paleotsunami had a modest runup (6-7 m height), yet it locally inundated to 1.5 km landward distance. Bed shear stresses (100–3,300 dyne cm−2) are estimated for paleotsunami surges (0.5–2 m depths) that flowed down slopes (0.002–0.017 gradient) on the landward side of the cobble beach ridges. Critical entrainment shear stresses of 1,130–1,260 dyne cm−2
were needed to dislodge the largest clasts (26–32 cm diameter) in paleotsunami coulees that were cut (100–200 m width) into the landward side of the cobble ridges.
Vasculitis in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Kao Lily , Weyand Cornelia
Published: September 2010

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multiorgan connective tissue disease characterized by autoantibody production and fibroproliferative stenosis of the microvasculature. The vascoluopathy associated with SSc is considered to be noninflammatory, yet frank vasculitis can complicate SSc, posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Here, we have reviewed the literature for reports of small-, medium-, and large-vessel vasculitis occurring in SSc. Amongst 88 reported cases of vasculitis in SSc, patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis appear to present a unique subclass in that they combined typical features of SSc with the renal manifestation of ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis. Other vasculitic syndromes, including large-vessel vasculitis, Behcet's disease, cryoglobulinemia, and polyarteritis nodosa, are rarely encountered in SSc patients. ANCA-associated vasculitis needs to be considered as a differential diagnosis in SSc patients presenting with renal insufficiency, as renal manifestations may result from distinct disease processes and require appropriate diagnostic testing and treatment.
Esophageal Crohn's Disease Treated “Topically” with Swallowed Aerosolized Budesonide
Authors: Zezos Petros , Kouklakis Georgios , Oikonomou Anastasia , Pitiakoudis Michail , Simopoulos Constantinos
Published: September 2010

Proximal Crohn's disease, involving the esophagus, the stomach, the duodenum, and the proximal jejunum, is uncommon. Treatment for proximal Crohn's disease is based on data derived from case series than from controlled trials. We present a case of Crohn's colitis with concomitant proximal esophagogastroduodenal involvement treated with conventional treatment plus swallowed aerosolized budesonide as a novel adjuvant topical treatment for the esophageal disease, and we review the treatment options for proximal Crohn's disease.
Public Spending in a Model of Endogenous Growth with Habit Formation
Authors: Gómez Manuel A.
Published: September 2010

This paper introduces habit‐forming preferences in a Barro‐type endogenous growth model with productive public services. Government
expenditure, which may be subject to congestion, is financed by distortionary income taxation. Different from the standard time‐separable model,
the presence of habits makes the economy feature transitional dynamics, which are solved in closed form. Setting the income tax so as to equate
the elasticity of public services in production is shown to maximize both long‐run growth and welfare as in the standard model. This second‐best solution coincides with the first‐best outcome only in the presence of proportional congestion.
On a Hyperbolic Coefficient Inverse Problem via Partial Dynamic Boundary Measurements
Authors: Daveau Christian , Douady Diane Manuel , Khelifi Abdessatar
Published: September 2010

This paper is devoted to the identification of the unknown smooth coefficient c entering the hyperbolic equation in a bounded smooth domain in ℝd from partial (on part of the boundary) dynamic boundary measurements. In this paper, we prove that the knowledge of the partial Cauchy data for this class of hyperbolic PDE on any open subset Γ of the boundary determines explicitly the coefficient c provided that c is known outside a bounded domain. Then, through construction of appropriate test functions by a geometrical control method, we derive a formula for calculating the coefficient c from the knowledge of the difference between the local Dirichlet‐to‐Neumann maps.
On Compiler Error Messages: What TheySayand What TheyMean
Authors: Traver V. Javier
Published: September 2010

Programmers often encounter cryptic compiler error messages that are difficult to understand and thus difficult to resolve. Unfortunately, most related disciplines, including compiler technology, have not paid much attention to this important aspect that affects programmers significantly, apparently because it is felt that programmers should adapt to compilers. In this article, however, this problem is studied from the perspective of the discipline of human-computer interaction to gain insight into why compiler errors messages make the work of programmers more difficult, and how this situation can be alleviated. Additionally, because poorly designed error messages affect novice programmers more adversely, the problems faced by computer science students while learning to program are analyzed, and the obstacles originated by compilers are identified. Examples of actual compiler error messages are provided and carefully commented. Finally, some possible measures that can be taken are outlined, and some principles for compiler error message design are included.
An Iterative Method for Solving the Generalized System of Relaxed Cocoercive Quasivariational Inclusions and Fixed Point Problems of an Infinite Family of Strictly Pseudocontractive Mappings
Authors: Tianchai Pattanapong , Wangkeeree Rabian
Published: September 2010

We introduce an iterative scheme by the viscosity approximation to find the set of solutions of the generalized system of relaxed cocoercive quasivariational inclusions and the set of common fixed points of an infinite family of strictly pseudocontractive mappings problems in Hilbert spaces. We suggest and analyze an iterative scheme under some appropriate conditions imposed on the parameters; we prove that another strong convergence theorem for the above two sets is obtained. The results presented in this paper improve and extend the main results of Li and Wu (2010) and many others.
Electrical Resistivity Structure and Helium Isotopes around Naruko Volcano, Northeastern Japan and Its Implication for the Distribution of Crustal Magma
Authors: Asamori Koichi , Umeda Koji , Ogawa Yasuo , Oikawa Teruki
Published: September 2010

The two-dimensional electrical resistivity structure beneath Naruko volcano was determined using magnetotelluric soundings. The resulting model shows that a prominent conductor exists through the middle crust to the uppermost mantle beneath the volcano. The location of the conductor agrees closely with a seismic low-velocity zone. Low-frequency microearthquakes occur near the conductor around the Moho depth. The cutoff depth of crustal earthquakes is coincident with the upper boundary of the conductor, implying that the conductor has a temperature appreciably higher than C. Furthermore, new helium isotope data from hot springs around the volcano were obtained. The spatial distribution of the observed / ratios reveals the extent of mantle-derived materials beneath Naruko volcano. Consequently, it is apparent that the conductor determined beneath the volcano reflects the presence of high-temperature mantle-derived materials such as magmas and/or related fluids derived from active magmatism in the northeastern Japan subduction zone.
Bilateral Deep Peroneal Nerve Paralysis Following Kerosene Self-Injection into External Hemorrhoids
Authors: Rostami Khalil , Farzaneh Esmaeil , Abolhassani Hassan
Published: September 2010

Along with conventional therapies, some abrogated traditional treatment had been used for hemorrhoids like local Kerosene injection especially for extremely irritated external hemorrhoids. We report a rare case of Kerosene self-injection into the hemorrhoid. Despite antibiotics therapy, extent debridement, and colostomy, the patient died after 24 hours because of heart attack. Moreover, we discuss here the case with contact or injection of hydrocarbon materials and early care action to decrease the extensions of injury and side effects.
Simultaneous Screening of 24 Target Genes of Foodborne Pathogens in 35 Foodborne Outbreaks Using Multiplex Real-Time SYBR Green PCR Analysis
Authors: Fukushima Hiroshi , Kawase Jun , Etoh Yoshiki , Sugama Kumiko , Yashiro Shunshuke , Iida Natsuko , Yamaguchi Keiji
Published: September 2010

A set of 8 multiplex real-time SYBR Green PCR (SG-PCR) assays including 3 target primers and an internal amplification control (IAC) primer was simultaneously evaluated in 3 h or less with regard to detection of 24 target genes of 23 foodborne pathogens in 7 stool specimens of foodborne outbreak using a 96-well reaction plate. This assay, combined with DNA extraction (QIAamp DNA Stool Mini kit), offered detection of greater than103-104foodborne pathogens per g in stool specimens. The products formed were identified using melting point temperature (Tm) curve analysis. This assay was evaluated for the detection of foodborne pathogens in 33 out of 35 cases of foodborne outbreak, using 4 different PCR instruments in 5 different laboratories. No interference from the multiplex real-time SG-PCR assay, including IAC, was observed in stool specimens in any analysis. We found multiplex real-time SG-PCR assay for simultaneous detection of 24 target genes of foodborne pathogens to be comprehensive, rapid, inexpensive, accurate, of high selectivity, and good for screening probability.
Current and Future Trends in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Assessments of the Response of Breast Tumors to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Authors: Arlinghaus Lori R. , Li Xia , Levy Mia , Smith David , Welch E. Brian , Gore John C. , Yankeelov Thomas E.
Published: September 2010

The current state-of-the-art assessment of treatment response in breast cancer is based on the response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST). RECIST reports on changes in gross morphology and divides response into one of four categories. In this paper we highlight how dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and diffusion-weighted MRI (DW-MRI) may be able to offer earlier, and more precise, information on treatment response in the neoadjuvant setting than RECIST. We then describe how longitudinal registration of breast images and the incorporation of intelligent bioinformatics approaches with imaging data have the potential to increase the sensitivity of assessing treatment response. We conclude with a discussion of the potential benefits of breast MRI at the higher field strength of 3T. For each of these areas, we provide a review, illustrative examples from clinical trials, and offer insights into future research directions.
Does Acupuncture Improve Quality of Life for Patients with Pain Associated with the Spine? A Systematic Review
Authors: Lu Shao-chen , Zheng Zhen , Xue Charlie Changli
Published: September 2010

This paper aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture for qualities of life (QoL) in patients suffering from pain associated with the spine (PAWS). Acupuncture has been shown to reduce pain severity, but its effect on QoL is unknown. PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials as well as EMBASE were searched. Published randomized controlled trials on PAWS comparing acupuncture with waiting‐list or sham interventions were considered. Eight out of 186 trials were included. For physical functioning, acupuncture was better than waiting‐list at immediate and short‐term followups; and was better than sham interventions at immediate assessment (SMD = 0.40. 95% CI 0.06 to 0.74). For mental functioning, acupuncture was better than waiting‐list at short‐term followup and sham interventions at intermediate‐term followup (SMD = 0.27. 95% CI 0.03 to 0.51). A similar effect was observed on pain reduction. Discrepancies in point selection for relieving anxiety and insufficient training of trial acupuncturists were also identified. Acupuncture has a moderate effect on the improvement of physical functioning and pain for PAWS patients in the short term; but the effect for mental functioning is small and delayed. Future trials should address point selection and consistency in the qualifications of trial acupuncturists.