bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autophagy and the Effects of Its Inhibition on Varicella-Zoster Virus Glycoprotein Biosynthesis and Infectivity
Authors: Buckingham Erin M. , Carpenter John E. , Jackson Wallen , Grose Charles
Published: November 2013

Autophagy and the effects of its inhibition or induction were investigated during the entire infectious cycle of varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a human herpesvirus. As a baseline, we first enumerated the number of autophagosomes per cell after VZV infection compared with the number after induction of autophagy following serum starvation or treatment with tunicamycin or trehalose. Punctum induction by VZV was similar in degree to punctum induction by trehalose in uninfected cells. Treatment of infected cells with the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) markedly reduced the viral titer, as determined by assays measuring both cell-free virus and infectious foci (
P
< 0.0001). We next examined a virion-enriched band purified by density gradient sedimentation and observed that treatment with 3-MA decreased the amount of VZV gE, while treatment with trehalose increased the amount of gE in the same band. Because VZV gE is the most abundant glycoprotein, we selected gE as a representative viral glycoprotein. To further investigate the role of autophagy in VZV glycoprotein biosynthesis as well as confirm the results obtained with 3-MA inhibition, we transfected cells with ATG5 small interfering RNA to block autophagosome formation. VZV-induced syncytium formation was markedly reduced by ATG5 knockdown (
P
< 0.0001). Further, we found that both expression and glycan processing of VZV gE were decreased after ATG5 knockdown, while expression of the nonglycosylated IE62 tegument protein was unchanged. Taken together, our cumulative results not only documented abundant autophagy within VZV-infected cells throughout the infectious cycle but also demonstrated that VZV-induced autophagy facilitated VZV glycoprotein biosynthesis and processing.
A Novel Form of Rotavirus NSP2 and Phosphorylation-Dependent NSP2-NSP5 Interactions Are Associated with Viroplasm Assembly
Authors: Criglar Jeanette M. , Hu Liya , Crawford Sue E. , Hyser Joseph M. , Broughman James R. , Prasad B. V. Venkataram , Estes Mary K.
Published: November 2013

Rotavirus (RV) replication occurs in cytoplasmic inclusions called viroplasms whose formation requires the interactions of RV proteins NSP2 and NSP5; however, the specific role(s) of NSP2 in viroplasm assembly remains largely unknown. To study viroplasm formation in the context of infection, we characterized two new monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific for NSP2. These MAbs show high-affinity binding to NSP2 and differentially recognize distinct pools of NSP2 in RV-infected cells; a previously unrecognized cytoplasmically dispersed NSP2 (dNSP2) is detected by an N-terminal binding MAb, and previously known viroplasmic NSP2 (vNSP2) is detected by a C-terminal binding MAb. Kinetic experiments in RV-infected cells demonstrate that dNSP2 is associated with NSP5 in nascent viroplasms that lack vNSP2. As viroplasms mature, dNSP2 remains in viroplasms, and the amount of diffuse cytoplasmic dNSP2 increases. vNSP2 is detected in increasing amounts later in infection in the maturing viroplasm, suggesting a conversion of dNSP2 into vNSP2. Immunoprecipitation experiments and reciprocal Western blot analysis confirm that there are two different forms of NSP2 that assemble in complexes with NSP5, VP1, VP2, and tubulin. dNSP2 associates with hypophosphorylated NSP5 and acetylated tubulin, which is correlated with stabilized microtubules, while vNSP2 associates with hyperphosphorylated NSP5. Mass spectroscopy analysis of NSP2 complexes immunoprecipitated from RV-infected cell lysates show both forms of NSP2 are phosphorylated, with a greater proportion of vNSP2 being phosphorylated compared to dNSP2. Together, these data suggest that dNSP2 interacts with viral proteins, including hypophosphorylated NSP5, to initiate viroplasm formation, while viroplasm maturation includes phosphorylation of NSP5 and vNSP2.
New World Simian Foamy Virus Infections
In Vivo
and
In Vitro
Authors: Stenbak Carolyn R. , Craig Karen L. , Ivanov Sergei B. , Wang Xiaoxing , Soliven Khanh C. , Jackson Dana L. , Gutierrez Gustavo A. , Engel Gregory , Jones-Engel Lisa , Linial Maxine L.
Published: November 2013

Foamy viruses (FV) are complex retroviruses that naturally infect all nonhuman primates (NHP) studied to date. Zoonotic transmission of Old World NHP simian foamy viruses (SFV) has been documented, leading to nonpathogenic persistent infections. To date, there have been no reports concerning zoonotic transmission of New World monkey (NWM) SFV to humans and resulting infection. In this study, we developed a Western blot assay to detect antibodies to NWM SFV, a nested PCR assay to detect NWM SFV DNA, and a β-galactosidase-containing indicator cell line to assay replication of NWM SFV. Using these tools, we analyzed the plasma and blood of 116 primatologists, of whom 69 had reported exposures to NWM. While 8 of the primatologists tested were seropositive for SFV from a NWM, the spider monkey, none had detectable levels of viral DNA in their blood. We found that SFV isolated from three different species of NWM replicated in some, but not all, human cell lines. From our data, we conclude that while humans exposed to NWM SFV produce antibodies, there is no evidence for long-term viral persistence.
Treating diarrhoeal disease in children under five: the global picture
Authors: Unger Carla Chan , Salam Shumona Sharmin , Sarker Md Shafiqul Alam , Black Robert , Cravioto Alejandro , Arifeen Shams El
Published: November 2013

Rates of childhood mortality due to diarrhoea remain unacceptably high and call for renewed global focus and commitment. Affordable, simple and effective diarrhoeal treatments have already been available for many years, yet a shift in international health priorities has seen coverage of recommended treatments slow to a near-standstill since 1995. This article reviews coverage of recommended childhood diarrhoeal treatments (low-osmolarity oral rehydration solution (ORS) and zinc), globally and regionally, and provides an overview of the major barriers to wide-scale coverage. It is argued that to ensure smooth supply and equitable distribution of ORS and zinc, adequate financing, relevant policy changes, strong public, private and non-government organisation (NGO) collaboration, local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals, mass media awareness and campaigning, in conjunction with strong government support, are necessary for successful treatment scale-up.
Lyme disease in the United Kingdom
Authors: Dubrey Simon W , Bhatia Ajay , Woodham Sarah , Rakowicz Wojtek
Published: November 2013

Lyme disease, while still an uncommon disease in the UK, is on the increase. Case numbers have increased by 3.6-fold since 2001, with over 950 cases reported by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) in 2011, compared with less than 500 cases annually pre-2004. HPA indications of the true incidence are suggested to be closer to 3000 cases/year, of which around 82% of cases are indigenously acquired. Three genospecies, Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia afzelli and Borrelia garinii, represent the predominant pathogenic variants in the UK. Erythema migrans is the commonest manifestation, occurring in 60%–91% of cases. In the UK, neuroborelliosis is the most common complication, while myocarditis is unusual, and death from either conduction disease or carditis is extremely rare. The role of Borrelia infection in chronic dilated cardiomyopathy in the UK remains unproven. Controversy over the existence of either ‘chronic Lyme disease’ and/or ‘post-Lyme disease syndrome’ continues unabated. National medical societies, patient advocacy groups, insurance companies, lawyers, doctors, the private health medical sector and scientific journals have all become embroiled in this bitter controversy. New developments include diagnostic tests able to detect Lyme disease at an earlier stage, shorter durations of antibiotic therapy and potential advances in vaccines against Borrelia.
Performance of an 11 m high block-faced geogrid wall designed using the K-stiffness method
Authors: Allen Tony M. , Bathurst Richard J.
Published: November 2013

An 11 m high dry-stacked masonry concrete block wall reinforced with a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) geogrid was designed, instrumented, and monitored for a period of 2 years as part of a highway-widening project southeast of Seattle, Washington, in the USA. An extensive materials-testing program was conducted to characterize the geogrid and backfill soil properties. The empirical-based K-stiffness method was used to design the wall, and this approach resulted in a 35% reduction in total required reinforcement strength compared with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials / Federal Highway Administration (AASHTO/FHWA) simplified method. The cost savings more than compensated for the cost of the instrumentation program. Geogrid strains were measured using strain gauges and extensometers, and the walls were surveyed to monitor facing deformations. The stiffness of the geogrid materials was computed from the results of laboratory in-isolation constant-load (creep) tests. The time- and strain-dependent stiffness values, in combination with measured strains, were used to compute measured reinforcement loads at the reinforcement connections and at locations within the reinforced soil backfill. The measured loads were compared with class A, B, and C1 predictions using the AASHTO/FHWA simplified and K-stiffness methods. These comparisons demonstrate that the simplified method significantly overestimated reinforcement loads, whereas the K-stiffness method provided estimates that were judged to be in better agreement with the measured results. The paper also quantifies the influence of construction procedures on reinforcement strains and load, shows that long-term creep of the reinforcement after 2 years after construction is negligible, and identifies lessons learned.
Bioremediation of oily hypersaline soil and water via potassium and magnesium amendment
Authors: Al-Mailem D.M. , Eliyas M. , Radwan S.S.
Published: November 2013

Ten hydrocarbonoclastic halobacterial species and 5 haloarchaeal species that had been isolated on a mineral medium with oil as the sole carbon source grew better and consumed more crude oil, as measured by gas–liquid chromatography, in media receiving between 0.50 and 0.75 mol/L KCl and between 1.50 and 2.25 mol/L MgSO4. Chemical analysis revealed that within a certain limit, the higher the KCl and MgSO4 concentrations in the medium, the more K+ and Mg2+, respectively, was accumulated by cells of all the tested halobacteria and haloarchaea. Also, in experiments in which total natural microbial consortia in hypersaline soil and water samples were directly used as inocula, the consumption of hydrocarbons was enhanced in the presence of the above given concentrations of KCl and MgSO4. It was concluded that amendment with calculated concentrations of K+ and Mg2+ could be a promising practice for hydrocarbon bioremediation in hypersaline environments.
Optical properties of Se–Te–Sb thin films
Authors: El-Shazly O. , Khalifa H.M. , Sweyllam A. , El-Sanabary F.F. , El-Wahidy E.F.
Published: November 2013

Amorphous thin films of Se80Te(20–X)SbX (X = 0, 4, 8, and 10 at. %) were deposited onto clean quartz substrates by vapour deposition (thermal evaporation) under a vacuum of 10−5 Torr. The transmission spectra at normal incidence in the spectral range of 250–2500 nm were measured at room temperature. The optical energy gap Eg was found to be indirect. The value of Eg was found to decrease from 1.69 to 1.43 eV with increasing Sb content. The composition dependence of the optical energy gap is discussed in terms of the chemical bond approach. The band tail width of localized states Ee was found to increase from 0.0297 to 0.0551 eV with increasing Sb content.
ON THE GRAVITATIONAL CHERN–SIMONS ACTION AS ENTROPY FUNCTIONAL FOR THREE-MANIFOLDS
Authors: CARTAS-FUENTEVILLA R.
Published: November 2013

We determine the more general geometrical flow in the space of metrics corresponding to the steepest descent for the three-dimensional gravitational Chern–Simons action, extending the results considered recently by Özgür Kisisel et al. [Class. Quantum Grav.25 (2008) 165019].
RAMANUJAN SUMS FOR IMAGE PATTERN ANALYSIS
Authors: CHEN GUANGYI , KRISHNAN SRIDHAR , BUI TIEN D.
Published: November 2013

Ramanujan Sums (RS) have been found to be very successful in signal processing recently. However, as far as we know, the RS have not been applied to image analysis. In this paper, we propose two novel algorithms for image analysis, including moment invariants and pattern recognition. Our algorithms are invariant to the translation, rotation and scaling of the 2D shapes. The RS are robust to Gaussian white noise and occlusion as well. Our algorithms compare favourably to the dual-tree complex wavelet (DTCWT) moments and the Zernike's moments in terms of correct classification rates for three well-known shape datasets.
Near-eye light field displays
Authors: Lanman Douglas , Luebke David
Published: November 2013

We propose near-eye light field displays that enable thin, lightweight head-mounted displays (HMDs) capable of presenting nearly correct convergence, accommodation, binocular disparity, and retinal defocus depth cues. Sharp images are depicted by out-of-focus elements by synthesizing light fields corresponding to virtual objects within a viewer's natural accommodation range. We formally assess the capabilities of microlens arrays to achieve practical near-eye light field displays. Building on concepts shared with existing integral imaging displays and light field cameras, we optimize performance in the context of near-eye viewing. We establish fundamental trade-offs between the quantitative parameters of resolution, field of view, and depth of field, as well as the ergonomic parameters of form factor and ranges of allowed eye movement. As with light field cameras, our design supports continuous accommodation of the eye throughout a finite depth of field; as a result, binocular configurations provide a means to address the accommodation-convergence conflict occurring with existing stereoscopic displays. We construct a complete prototype display system, comprising: a custom-fabricated HMD using modified off-the-shelf parts and real-time, GPU-accelerated light field renderers (including a general ray tracing method and a "backward compatible" rasterization method supporting existing stereoscopic content). Through simulations and experiments, we motivate near-eye light field displays as thin, lightweight alternatives to conventional near-eye displays.
Aging increases CCN1 expression leading to muscle senescence
Authors: Du Jie , Klein Janet D. , Hassounah Faten , Zhang Jin , Zhang Cong , Wang Xiaonan H.
Published: November 2013

Using microarray analysis, we found that aging sarcopenia is associated with a sharp increase in the mRNA of the matricellular protein CCN1 (Cyr61/CTGF/Nov). CCN1 mRNA was upregulated 113-fold in muscle of aged vs. young rats. CCN1 protein was increased in aging muscle in both rats (2.8-fold) and mice (3.8-fold). When muscle progenitor cells (MPCs) were treated with recombinant CCN1, cell proliferation was decreased but there was no change in the myogenic marker myoD. However, the CCN1-treated MPCs did express a senescence marker (SA-βgal). Interestingly, we found CCN1 increased p53, p16Ink4A, and pRP (hypophosphorylated retinoblastoma protein) protein levels, all of which can arrest cell growth in MPCs. When MPCs were treated with aged rodent serum CCN1 mRNA increased by sevenfold and protein increased by threefold suggesting the presence of a circulating regulator. Therefore, we looked for a circulating regulator. Wnt-3a, a stimulator of CCN1 expression, was increased in serum from elderly humans (2.6-fold) and aged rodents (2.0-fold) compared with young controls. We transduced C2C12 myoblasts with wnt-3a and found that CCN1 protein was increased in a time- and dose-dependent manner. We conclude that in aging muscle, the circulating factor wnt-3a acts to increase CCN1 expression, prompting muscle senescence by activating cell arrest proteins.
PP1γ functionally augments the alternative splicing of CaMKIIδ through interaction with ASF
Authors: Huang Chao , Cao Wenwen , Liao Rujia , Wang Jia , Wang Yuzhe , Tong Lijuan , Chen Xiangfan , Zhu Weizhong , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2013

Protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase δ (CaMKIIδ) are upregulated in heart disorders. Alternative splicing factor (ASF), a major splice factor for CaMKIIδ splicing, can be regulated by both protein kinase and phosphatase. Here we determine the role of PP1 isoforms in ASF-mediated splicing of CaMKIIδ in cells. We found that 1) PP1γ, but not α or β isoform, enhanced the splicing of CaMKIIδ in HEK293T cells; 2) PP1γ promoted the function of ASF, evidenced by the existence of ASF-PP1γ association as well as the PP1γ overexpression- or silencing-mediated change in CaMKIIδ splicing in ASF-transfected HEK293T cells; 3) CaMKIIδ splicing was promoted by overexpression of PP1γ and impaired by application of PP1 inhibitor 1 (I1PP1) or pharmacological inhibitor tautomycetin in primary cardiomyocytes; 4) CaMKIIδ splicing and enhancement of ASF-PP1γ association induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation followed by reperfusion (OGD/R) were potentiated by overexpression of PP1γ and suppressed by inhibition of PP1γ with I1PP1 or tautomycetin in primary cardiomyocytes; 5) functionally, overexpression and inhibition of PP1γ, respectively, potentiated or suppressed the apoptosis and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, which were associated with the enhanced activity of CaMKII in OGD/R-stimulated cardiomyocytes; and 6) CaMKII was required for the OGD/R induced- and PP1γ exacerbated-apoptosis of cardiomyocytes, evidenced by a specific inhibitor of CaMKII KN93, but not its structural analog KN92, attenuating the apoptosis and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in OGD/R and PP1γ-treated cells. In conclusion, our results show that PP1γ promotes the alternative splicing of CaMKIIδ through its interacting with ASF, exacerbating OGD/R-triggered apoptosis in primary cardiomyocytes.
Diminishing impairments in glucose uptake, mitochondrial content, and ADP-stimulated oxygen flux by mesenchymal stem cell therapy in the infarcted heart
Authors: Hughey Curtis C. , James Freyja D. , Ma Lianli , Bracy Deanna P. , Wang Zhizhang , Wasserman David H. , Rottman Jeffrey N. , Shearer Jane
Published: November 2013

A constant provision of ATP is of necessity for cardiac contraction. As the heart progresses toward failure following a myocardial infarction (MI), it undergoes metabolic alterations that have the potential to compromise the ability to meet energetic demands. This study evaluated the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation into the infarcted heart to minimize impairments in the metabolic processes that contribute to energy provision. Seven and twenty-eight days following the MI and MSC transplantation, MSC administration minimized cardiac systolic dysfunction. Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps, coupled with 2-[14C]deoxyglucose administration, were employed to assess systemic insulin sensitivity and tissue-specific, insulin-mediated glucose uptake 36 days following the MI in the conscious, unrestrained, C57BL/6 mouse. The improved systolic performance in MSC-treated mice was associated with a preservation of in vivo insulin-stimulated cardiac glucose uptake. Conserved glucose uptake in the heart was linked to the ability of the MSC treatment to diminish the decline in insulin signaling as assessed by Akt phosphorylation. The MSC treatment also sustained mitochondrial content, ADP-stimulated oxygen flux, and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation efficiency in the heart. Maintenance of mitochondrial function and density was accompanied by preserved peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α, a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis. These studies provide insight into mechanisms of action that lead to an enhanced energetic state in the infarcted heart following MSC transplantation that may assist in energy provision and dampen cardiac dysfunction.
Characteristics of single large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels and their regulation of action potentials and excitability in parasympathetic cardiac motoneurons in the nucleus ambiguus
Authors: Lin Min , Hatcher Jeff T. , Wurster Robert D. , Chen Qin-Hui , Cheng Zixi (Jack)
Published: November 2013

Large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (BK) regulate action potential (AP) properties and excitability in many central neurons. However, the properties and functional roles of BK channels in parasympathetic cardiac motoneurons (PCMNs) in the nucleus ambiguus (NA) have not yet been well characterized. In this study, the tracer X-rhodamine-5 (and 6)-isothiocyanate (XRITC) was injected into the pericardial sac to retrogradely label PCMNs in FVB mice at postnatal 7–9 days. Two days later, XRITC-labeled PCMNs in brain stem slices were identified. Using excised patch single-channel recordings, we identified voltage-gated and Ca2+-dependent BK channels in PCMNs. The majority of BK channels exhibited persistent channel opening during voltage holding. These BK channels had a conductance of 237 pS and a 50% opening probability at +27.9 mV, the channel open time constant was 3.37 ms at +20 mV, and dwell time increased exponentially as the membrane potential depolarized. At the +20-mV holding potential, the [Ca2+]50 was 15.2 μM with a P0.5 of 0.4. Occasionally, some BK channels showed a transient channel opening and fast inactivation. Using whole cell voltage clamp, we found that BK channel mediated outward currents and afterhyperpolarization currents ( IAHP). Using whole cell current clamp, we found that application of BK channel blocker iberiotoxin (IBTX) increased spike half-width and suppressed fast afterhyperpolarization (fAHP) amplitude following single APs. In addition, IBTX application increased spike half-width and reduced the spike frequency-dependent AP broadening in trains and spike frequency adaption (SFA). Furthermore, BK channel blockade decreased spike frequency. Collectively, these results demonstrate that PCMNs have BK channels that significantly regulate AP repolarization, fAHP, SFA, and spike frequency. We conclude that activation of BK channels underlies one of the mechanisms for facilitation of PCMN excitability.
A critical view of the use of genetic tools to unveil neural circuits: the case of leptin action in reproduction
Authors: Elias Carol F.
Published: November 2013

The remarkable development and refinement of the Cre-loxP system coupled with the nonstop production of new mouse models and virus vectors have impelled the growth of various fields of investigation. In this article, I will discuss the data collected using these genetic tools in our area of interest, giving specific emphasis to the identification of the neuronal populations that relay leptin action in reproductive physiology. A series of mouse models that allow manipulation of the leptin receptor gene have been generated. Of those, I will discuss the use of two models of leptin receptor gene reexpression ( LepR neo/neo and LepR loxTB/loxTB) and one model of leptin signaling blockade ( LepR flox/flox). I will also highlight the differences of using stereotaxic delivery of virus vectors expressing DNA-recombinases (Flp and Cre) and mouse models expressing Cre-recombinase. Our findings indicate that leptin action in the ventral premammillary nucleus is sufficient, but not required, for leptin action in reproduction and that leptin action in Kiss1 neurons arises after pubertal maturation; therefore, direct leptin signaling in Kiss1 neurons is neither required nor sufficient for the permissive action of leptin in pubertal development. It also became evident that the full action of leptin in the reproductive neuroendocrine axis requires the engagement of an integrated circuitry, yet to be fully unveiled.
Effect of chronic renal failure on the hepatic, intestinal, and renal expression of bile acid transporters
Authors: Gai Zhibo , Chu Lei , Hiller Christian , Arsenijevic Denis , Penno Carlos A. , Montani Jean-Pierre , Odermatt Alex , Kullak-Ublick Gerd A.
Published: November 2013

Although the kidney is believed to play a minor role in bile acid (BA) excretion, chronic renal failure (CRF) has been reported to be associated with increased serum bile acid levels and alterations in BA homeostasis. The mechanisms for elevated BA levels are poorly understood in both clinical and experimental studies. This study was designed to examine the effects of naturally progressing CRF of longer duration on the hepatic and renal mRNA and protein levels of the BA-synthesizing enzyme Cyp7a1 and the BA transporters Ntcp, Bsep, Mrp3, Ost-α, and Ost-β. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to the CRF group (⅚ nephrectomy) or to the sham-operated control group and were analyzed 8 wk after surgery. Results obtained in the CRF rats were compared with those obtained in rats that had undergone uninephrectomy (UNX). The CRF group exhibited significantly increased plasma cholesterol and BA concentrations. Hepatic Cyp7a1 mRNA and protein levels were almost identical in the two groups. Hepatic Mrp3, Ost-α, and Ost-β expression was increased, suggesting increased basolateral efflux of bile acids into the blood. However, no such changes in BA transporter expression were observed in the remnant kidney. In UNX rats, similar changes in plasma BA levels and in the expression of BA transporters were found. We hypothesize that the increase in plasma BA is an early event in the progression of CRF and is caused by increased efflux across the basolateral hepatocyte membrane.
Differences in gastrointestinal calcium absorption after the ingestion of calcium-free phosphate binders
Authors: Behets Geert J. , Dams Geert , Damment Stephen J. , Martin Patrick , De Broe Marc E. , D'Haese Patrick C.
Published: November 2013

Both calcium-containing and noncalcium-containing phosphate binders can increase gastrointestinal calcium absorption. Previously, we observed that lanthanum carbonate administration to rats with renal failure is not associated with increased calciuria. Additionally, lanthanum carbonate treatment in dialysis patients has been associated with a less pronounced initial decrease in serum parathyroid hormone compared with other phosphate binders. For 8 days, male Wistar rats received a diet supplemented with 2% lanthanum carbonate, 2% sevelamer, 2% calcium carbonate, or 2% cellulose. Calciuria was found to be increased in animals with normal renal function treated with sevelamer or calcium carbonate but not with lanthanum carbonate. In animals with renal failure, cumulative calcium excretion showed similar results. In rats with normal renal function, serum ionized calcium levels were increased after 2 days of treatment with sevelamer, while calcium carbonate showed a smaller increase. Lanthanum carbonate did not induce differences. In animals with renal failure, no differences were found between sevelamer-treated, calcium carbonate-treated, and control groups. Lanthanum carbonate, however, induced lower ionized calcium levels within 2 days of treatment. These results were confirmed in normal human volunteers, who showed lower net calcium absorption after a single dose of lanthanum carbonate compared with sevelamer carbonate. In conclusion, these two noncalcium-containing phosphate-binding agents showed a differential effect on gastrointestinal calcium absorption. These findings may help to improve the management of calcium balance in patients with renal failure, including concomitant use of vitamin D.
Stem cells: potential and challenges for kidney repair
Authors: Herrera Marcela , Mirotsou Maria
Published: November 2013

Renal damage resulting from acute and chronic kidney injury poses an important problem to public health. Currently, patients with end-stage renal disease rely solely on kidney transplantation or dialysis for survival. Emerging therapies aiming to prevent and reverse kidney damage are thus in urgent need. Although the kidney was initially thought to lack the capacity for self-repair, several studies have indicated that this might not be the case; progenitor and stem cells appear to play important roles in kidney repair under various pathological conditions. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the role of progenitor/stem cells on kidney repair as well as discuss their potential as a therapeutic approach for kidney diseases.
Dynamics and cortical distribution of neural responses to 2D and 3D motion in human
Authors: Cottereau Benoit R. , McKee Suzanne P. , Norcia Anthony M.
Published: November 2013

The perception of motion-in-depth is important for avoiding collisions and for the control of vergence eye-movements and other motor actions. Previous psychophysical studies have suggested that sensitivity to motion-in-depth has a lower temporal processing limit than the perception of lateral motion. The present study used functional MRI-informed EEG source-imaging to study the spatiotemporal properties of the responses to lateral motion and motion-in-depth in human visual cortex. Lateral motion and motion-in-depth displays comprised stimuli whose only difference was interocular phase: monocular oscillatory motion was either in-phase in the two eyes (lateral motion) or in antiphase (motion-in-depth). Spectral analysis was used to break the steady-state visually evoked potentials responses down into even and odd harmonic components within five functionally defined regions of interest: V1, V4, lateral occipital complex, V3A, and hMT+. We also characterized the responses within two anatomically defined regions: the inferior and superior parietal cortex. Even harmonic components dominated the evoked responses and were a factor of approximately two larger for lateral motion than motion-in-depth. These responses were slower for motion-in-depth and were largely independent of absolute disparity. In each of our regions of interest, responses at odd-harmonics were relatively small, but were larger for motion-in-depth than lateral motion, especially in parietal cortex, and depended on absolute disparity. Taken together, our results suggest a plausible neural basis for reduced psychophysical sensitivity to rapid motion-in-depth.
Looking for Links between Natural Fibres’ Structures and Their Physical Properties
Authors: Everitt Nicola M. , Aboulkhair Nesma T. , Clifford Mike J.
Published: November 2013

Natural fibres have excited growing attention in the last decade since they offer the potential to act as candidates substituting for man-made fibres as composite reinforcements. Their superiority over synthetic fibres is that they are environmentally friendly and biodegradable. Numerous industrial sectors are interested in such composites, including but to name a few the aeronautical and the automotive fields. However natural fibres tend to suffer from large variability in properties compared to the “traditional” man-made fibres, and the performance of their composites often does not conform to that theoretically predicted from single-fibre tests. This study investigates the properties of the single fibres. The mechanical properties of the fibres were correlated to their microstructure. There are factors that were found to contribute to the reported variability, some of which are inherent in the fibres and some are related to testing parameters.
Autoimmune T-Cell Reactivity to Myelin Proteolipids and Glycolipids in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Greer Judith M.
Published: November 2013

Central nervous system (CNS) myelin, the likely major target of autoimmune attack in multiple sclerosis (MS), contains a number of unique components that are potential targets of the attack. Two classes of molecules that are greatly enriched in CNS myelin compared to other parts of the body are certain types of proteolipids and glycolipids. Due to the hydrophobic nature of both of these classes of molecules, they present challenges for use in immunological assays and have therefore been somewhat neglected in studies of T-cell reactivity in MS compared to more soluble molecules such as the myelin basic proteins and the extracellular domain of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein. This review firstly looks at the makeup of CNS myelin, with an emphasis on proteolipids and glycolipids. Next, a retrospective of what is known of T-cell reactivity directed against proteolipids and glycolipids in patients with MS is presented, and the implications of the findings are discussed. Finally, this review considers the question of what would be required to prove a definite role for autoreactivity against proteolipids and glycolipids in the pathogenesis of MS.
Region Duplication Forgery Detection Technique Based on SURF and HAC
Authors: Mishra Parul , Mishra Nishchol , Sharma Sanjeev , Patel Ravindra
Published: November 2013

Region duplication forgery detection is a special type of forgery detection approach and widely used research topic under digital image forensics. In copy move forgery, a specific area is copied and then pasted into any other region of the image. Due to the availability of sophisticated image processing tools, it becomes very hard to detect forgery with naked eyes. From the forged region of an image no visual clues are often detected. For making the tampering more robust, various transformations like scaling, rotation, illumination changes, JPEG compression, noise addition, gamma correction, and blurring are applied. So there is a need for a method which performs efficiently in the presence of all such attacks. This paper presents a detection method based on speeded up robust features (SURF) and hierarchical agglomerative clustering (HAC). SURF detects the keypoints and their corresponding features. From these sets of keypoints, grouping is performed on the matched keypoints by HAC that shows copied and pasted regions.
The Effects of Minimal Length in Entropic Force Approach
Authors: Majumder Barun
Published: November 2013

With Verlinde’s recent proposal which says that gravity can be identified with an entropic force and considering the effects of generalized uncertainty principle in the black hole entropy-area relation we derive the modified equations for Newton’s law of gravitation, modified Newtonian dynamics, and Einstein’s general relativity. The corrections to the Newtonian potential is compared with the corrections that come from Randall-Sundrum II model and an effective field theoretical model of quantum general relativity. The effect of the generalized uncertainty principle introduces aareatype correction term in the entropy-area relation whose consequences in different scenarios are discussed.
Anthropometry and Body Composition Status during Ramadan among Higher Institution Learning Centre Staffs with Different Body Weight Status
Authors: Rohin Mohd Adzim Khalili , Rozano Nurismalina , Abd Hadi Norhayati , Mat Nor Mohd Nasir , Abdullah Shaharudin , Dandinasivara Venkateshaiah Muralidhara
Published: November 2013

This study was done to observe the anthropometry and body composition changes before, during, and after the holy month of Ramadan. This study was carried out on 46 staff from one of the local universities, which comprised of 14 males and 32 females ranging in age from 25 to 40 years old. There were four sessions done to complete this study, namely, a week before Ramadan (T1), 1st week of Ramadan (T2), 3rd week of Ramadan (T3), and a month after Ramadan (T4). All subjects were assessed according to weight, body circumference, and body composition status. It was found that subjects with different weight status showed a significant reduction in weight (P < 0.01) but no significant reduction in body fat percentage (P < 0.05). The findings suggest that weight reduction does not promise a reduction in body fat. Changes in neck circumference were only found in normal subjects. Hence, it can be said that overweight and obese subjects showed no changes in anthropometry status during Ramadan. No changes in body composition were reported in all three weight groups except for trunk body fat. In conclusion, normal subjects showed significant changes in various anthropometry parameters, but overweight and obese subjects showed no obvious difference.
Dynamic Mean-Variance Model with Borrowing Constraint under the Constant Elasticity of Variance Process
Authors: Chang Hao , Rong Xi-min
Published: November 2013

This paper studies a continuous-time dynamic mean-variance portfolio selection problem with the constraint of a higher borrowing rate, in which stock price is governed by a constant elasticity of variance (CEV) process. Firstly, we apply Lagrange duality theorem to change an original mean-variance problem into an equivalent optimization one. Secondly, we use dynamic programming principle to get the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation for the value function, which is a more sophisticated nonlinear second-order partial differential equation. Furthermore, we use Legendre transform and dual theory to transform the HJB equation into its dual one. Finally, the closed-form solutions to the optimal investment strategy and efficient frontier are derived by applying variable change technique.
Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Cells for Bone Regereneration: State of the Art
Authors: Barba Marta , Cicione Claudia , Bernardini Camilla , Michetti Fabrizio , Lattanzi Wanda
Published: November 2013

Adipose tissue represents a hot topic in regenerative medicine because of the tissue source abundance, the relatively easy retrieval, and the inherent biological properties of mesenchymal stem cells residing in its stroma. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) are indeed multipotent somatic stem cells exhibiting growth kinetics and plasticity, proved to induce efficient tissue regeneration in several biomedical applications. A defined consensus for their isolation, classification, and characterization has been very recently achieved. In particular, bone tissue reconstruction and regeneration based on ASCs has emerged as a promising approach to restore structure and function of bone compromised by injury or disease. ASCs have been used in combination with osteoinductive biomaterial and/or osteogenic molecules, in either static or dynamic culture systems, to improve bone regeneration in several animal models. To date, few clinical trials on ASC-based bone reconstruction have been concluded and proved effective. The aim of this review is to dissect the state of the art on ASC use in bone regenerative applications in the attempt to provide a comprehensive coverage of the topics, from the basic laboratory to recent clinical applications.
On the Convergence of the Homotopy Analysis Method for Inner-Resonance of Tangent Nonlinear Cushioning Packaging System with Critical Components
Authors: Ghoreishi Mohammad , Ismail A. I. B. Md. , Rashid Abdur
Published: November 2013

Homotopy analysis method (HAM) is applied to obtain the approximate solution of inner-resonance of tangent cushioning packaging system based on critical components. The solution is obtained in the form of infinite series with components which can be easily calculated. Using a convergence-control parameter, the HAM utilizes a simple method to adjust and control the convergence region of the infinite series solution. The obtained results show that the HAM is a very accurate technique to obtain the approximate solution.
CX3CR1 Receptor Polymorphisms, Th1 Cell Recruitment, and Acute Myocardial Infarction Outcome: Looking for a Link
Authors: Pucci S. , Mazzarelli P. , Zonetti M. J. , Fisco T. , Bonanno E. , Spagnoli L. G. , Mauriello A.
Published: November 2013

Fractalkine is a proinflammatory chemokine that participates in atherosclerotic process mediating the interactions of vascular cells and leukocytes and selective recruitment of Th1 lymphocytes, through interaction with CX3CR1 receptor. The polymorphism of the fractalkine receptor 280M-containing haplotype, which codifies for a receptor with minor expression and with a reduced binding capability, represents a novel protective factor of atherosclerotic disease. We investigated the association among CX3CR1 genotype, the inflammatory infiltrate subpopulations recruited in the plaque, and the in situ expression of fractalkine and its receptor, in patients who died of myocardial infarction (AMI) compared with subjects who died of noncardiac causes. Patients with nonlethal AMI (AMI survivors) were also investigated to correlate the CX3CR1 polymorphisms and the incidence of lethal AMI. A strong T cells infiltrate was found in infarct related artery (IRA) plaques of AMI patients presenting the V249T280haplotype (84%). Conversely, a decreased T cell recruitment was associated with I249T280haplotype in the controls (64%). The significant higher presence of the variant allele I249 in homo- and heterozygosis, found in controls (91%) and in AMI survivors (94%), with respect to the patients who died of AMI (48%), showed the relevance of this polymorphism both in the onset and outcome of acute myocardial infarction. The presence of CX3CR1 polymorphisms could influence the incidence and the outcome of acute myocardial infarction, altering the inflammation of the whole coronary tree by the impaired recruitment of Th1 polarized subpopulation in the coronary plaque.
Algebraic Structures Based on a Classifying Space of a Compact Lie Group
Authors: Lee Dae-Woong
Published: November 2013

We analyze the algebraic structures based on a classifying space of a compact Lie group. We construct the connected graded free Lie algebra structure by considering the rationally nontrivial indecomposable and decomposable generators of homotopy groups and the cohomology cup products, and we show that the homomorphic image of homology generators can be expressed in terms of the Lie brackets in rational homology. By using the Milnor-Moore theorem, we also investigate the concrete primitive elements in the Pontrjagin algebra.
Ductility Enhancement of Post‐Northridge Connections by Multilongitudinal Voids in the Beam Web
Authors: Naimi Sepanta , Celikag Murude , Hedayat Amir A.
Published: November 2013

Since the earthquakes in Northridge and Kobe in 1994 and 1995, respectively, many investigations have been carried out towards improving the strength and ductility of steel beam to column pre‐ and post‐Northridge connections. In order to achieve these objectives, recent researches are mainly focused on three principles: reducing the beam section to improve the beam ductility, adding different kinds of slit damper to beam and column flanges to absorb and dissipate the input earthquake energy in the connection and strengthening the connection area using additional elements such as rib plates, cover plates, and flange plates to keep the plastic hinges away from the column face. This paper presents a reduced beam section approach via the introduction of multilongitudinal voids (MLV) in the beam web for various beam depths varying from 450 mm to 912 mm. ANSYS finite element program was used to simulate the three different sizes of SAC sections: SAC3, SAC5, and SAC7. Results showed an improvement in the connection ductility since the input energy was dissipated uniformly along the beam length and the total rotation of the connection was over four percent radian.
Protective Effects of Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields on Cardiomyocytes from Ischemia Reperfusion InjuryviaROS and NO/ONOO−
Authors: Ma Sai , Zhang Zhengxun , Yi Fu , Wang Yabin , Zhang Xiaotian , Li Xiujuan , Yuan Yuan , Cao Feng
Published: November 2013

Background. Cardiac ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury is associated with overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Low frequency pulse magnetic fields (LFMFs) have been reported to decrease ROS generation in endothelial cells. Whether LFMFs could assert protective effects on myocardial from I/R injuryviaROS regulation remains unclear.Methods. To simulatein vivocardiac I/R injury, neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were subjected to hypoxia reoxygenation (H/R) with or without exposure to LFMFs. Cell viability, apoptosis index, ROS generation (includingO2-and ONOO−), and NO production were measured in control, H/R, and H/R + LFMF groups, respectively.Results. H/R injury resulted in cardiomyocytes apoptosis and decreased cell viability, whereas exposure to LFMFs before or after H/R injury significantly inhibited apoptosis and improved cell viability (P<0.05). LFMFs treatment could suppress ROS (includingO2-and ONOO−) generation induced by H/R injury, combined with decreased NADPH oxidase activity. In addition, LFMFs elevated NO production and enhanced NO/ONOO−balance in cardiomyocytes, and this protective effect wasviathe phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS).Conclusion. LFMFs could protect myocardium against I/R injuryviaregulating ROS generation and NO/ONOO−balance. LFMFs treatment might serve as a promising strategy for cardiac I/R injury.
Global Existence and Uniform Energy Decay Rates for the Semilinear Parabolic Equation with a Memory Term and Mixed Boundary Condition
Authors: Fang Zhong Bo , Qiu Liru
Published: November 2013

This work is concerned with a mixed boundary value problem for the semilinear parabolic equation with a memory term and generalized Lewis functions which depends on both spacial variable and time. Under suitable conditions, we prove the existence and uniqueness of global solutions and the energy functional decaying exponentially or polynomially to zero as the time goes to infinity by introducing brief Lyapunov function and precise priori estimates.
Biomass from Paddy Waste Fibers as Sustainable Acoustic Material
Authors: Putra A. , Abdullah Y. , Efendy H. , Mohamad W. M. F. W. , Salleh N. L.
Published: November 2013

Utilization of biomass for green products is still progressing in the effort to provide alternative clean technology. This paper presents the utilization of natural waste fibers from paddy as acoustic material. Samples of sound absorbing material from paddy waste fibers were fabricated. The effect of the fiber density, that is, the fiber weight and the sample thickness, and also the air gap on the sound absorption coefficient is investigated through experiment. The paddy fibers are found to have good acoustic performance with normal incidence absorption coefficient greater than 0.5 from 1 kHz and can reach the average value of 0.8 above 2.5 kHz. This result is comparable against that of the commercial synthetic glass wool. Attachment of a single layer of polyester fabric is shown to further increase the absorption coefficient.
A Case of Erythrocytosis in a Patient Treated with an Aromatase Inhibitor for Breast Cancer
Authors: Iyengar Abhinav , Sheppard Dawn
Published: November 2013

A previously healthy 79-year-old female was referred to hematology for further evaluation of erythrocytosis. Two years earlier she had been diagnosed with ER/PR-positive ductal carcinoma of the breast and was receiving hormonal therapy with exemestane. No secondary cause of erythrocytosis was identified. Serum erythropoietin (EPO) level was normal, and molecular testing for the JAK2 V617F and exon 12 mutations was negative. A bone marrow biopsy showed a mild increase in erythropoiesis, and no spontaneous erythroid colonies were demonstrated. Erythrocytosis is common reason for referral to a hematologist. The myeloproliferative disorder, polycythemia vera, and the rare congenital polycythemias represent primary erythrocytosis. Common secondary causes include smoking, obstructive sleep apnea, and other pulmonary diseases. Erythrocytosis is well described with certain classes of drugs, including androgens. We hypothesize that exemestane contributed to the development of erythrocytosis in our patient. To our knowledge, erythrocytosis has not been previously described in association with aromatase inhibitors. These drugs prevent the conversion of androstenedione and testosterone to estrogen; thus the physiologic mechanisms may be similar to those responsible for erythrocytosis seen with exogenous androgens. These mechanisms are not well understood, but may include altered iron metabolism by a reduction in hepcidin levels.