bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Proteins Differentially Expressed in Cerebral Cortexes of Ginkgo biloba Extract (EGb761)-Treated Rats in a Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Model — A Proteomics Approach
Authors: Koh Phil-Ok
Published: March 2011

EGb 761 is a standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba that appears to have a neuroprotective effect against neurodegenerative diseases. Adult male rats were treated with EGb 761 (100 mg/kg) or vehicle prior to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), and brains were collected 24 h after MCAO. Proteins that were differentially expressed after EGb 761 treatment during cerebral ischemia were detected using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Protein spots with more than a 2.5-fold change in intensity between vehicle- and EGb 761-treated groups were identified by mass spectrometry. The levels of peroxiredoxin-2 and protein phosphatase 2A subunit B were significantly decreased in the vehicle-treated group in comparison to the EGb 761-treated group. In contrast, levels of the collapsing response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2) were significantly increased in vehicle-treated animals, while EGb 761 prevented the injury-induced increase of CRMP2. These results suggest that EGb 761 protects neuronal cells against ischemic brain injury through the specific up- and down-modulation of various proteins.
Injectable Caltrop Fruit Saponin Protects Against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rat Brain
Authors: Yan Ling-Geng , Lu Yin , Zheng Shi-Zhong , Wang Ai-Yun , Li Meng-Qiu , Ruan Jun-Shan , Zhang Lei
Published: March 2011

The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of injectable caltrop fruit saponin preparation (ICFSP) on ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat brain. Rats were injected with ICFSP and then subjected to cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion. Then the neurological deficit score was evaluated by Bederson's method. The infarct size was assessed by TTC staining. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO), and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in rat cerebrum were measured with kits, and the content of 6 K prostaglandin F1α (6-K-PGF 1α), thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and endothelin (ET) in blood plasma was measured by radioimmunoassay. The results demonstrated that ICFSP led to a decrease in infarct size (p < 0.01), neurological deficit score (p < 0.05) and plasma content of TXB2 and ET (p < 0.05), and an increase of the plasma level of 6-K-PGF 1α (p < 0.05) and SOD activity in cerebrum, where the MDA and NO content were decreased. The treatment improved forelimb function. ICFSP showed a similar potency compared to that of Ligustrazine hydrochloride parenteral solution (LHPS) and nimodipine (Nim). We concluded that ICFSP protects the brain damage caused by ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats, and this may be closely related to the regulation of reactive oxygen species (MDA and SOD activity) and NO levels in the rat cerebrum, as well as vasoactive factors in the plasma (6-K-PGF 1α, TXB2 and ET).
Proteomic Assessment of Tanshinone II A Sodium Sulfonate on Doxorubicin Induced Nephropathy
Authors: Liu Xuan , Wang Yingchun , Ma Chao , Zhang Lin , Wu Wanying , Guan Shuhong , Yang Min , Wang Junchen , Jiang Baohong , Guo De-An
Published: March 2011

Although doxorubicin (DXR) is an important antineoplastic agent, the serious toxicity mediated by the production of reactive oxygen species has remained a considerable clinical problem. Our hypothesis is that tanshinone II A sodium sulfonate (TSNIIA-SS), which holds significant effects against oxidative stress, protects against DXR-induced nephropathy. Firstly, the antioxidative effects of TSNIIA-SS were confirmed using oxygen radicals absorbance capacities (ORAC) assay in vitro. Then, DXR nephropathy was induced by repeated DXR treatment and verified by kidney index (20.76 ± 3.04 mg/mm versus 14.76 ± 3.04 mg/mm, p < 0.001) and histochemical stain. The mice were randomized into three groups: Control group, DXR group and DXR-TSNIIA-SS group. TSNIIA-SS treatment not only improved DXR lesion identified by histochemical stain, but also regulated the expression of several proteins related with the cytoskeleton, oxidative stress and protein synthesis or degradation detected by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE). These data have provided the evidence that TSNIIA-SS is a protective agent against DXR-induced nephropathy.
CHAOTIC AND BIFURCATION DYNAMIC BEHAVIOR OF FUNCTIONALLY GRADED CURVED PANELS UNDER AERO-THERMAL LOADS
Authors: HOSSEINI M. , FAZELZADEH S. A. , MARZOCCA P.
Published: March 2011

This paper presents the nonlinear analysis of functionally graded curved panels under high temperature supersonic gas flows. The aerothermoelastic governing equations are determined via Hamilton's variational principle. The von Karman nonlinear strain–displacement relations are used to account for large deflections. The material properties are assumed to be temperature-dependent and varying through the thickness direction according to a power law distribution in terms of the volume fractions of the constituent components. The panel is assumed to be infinitely long and simply supported. The Galerkin method is applied to convert the partial differential governing equation into a set of ordinary differential equations and the resulting system of nonlinear equations is solved through a numerical integration scheme. The effects of volume fraction index, curved panel height-rise, and aerodynamic pressure, in conjunction with the applied thermal loading, on the dynamical behavior of the panel are investigated. Regular and chaotic motions regime are determined through bifurcation analysis using Poincaré maps of maximum panel deflection, panel time history, phase-space and frequency spectra as qualitative tools, while Lyapunov's exponents and dimension are used as quantitative tools.
COMPARISON OF THE GEOMETRICAL CHARACTERS INSIDE QUARK- AND GLUON-JET PRODUCED BY DIFFERENT FLAVOR QUARKS
Authors: CHEN GANG , WEI HUI-LING
Published: March 2011

The characters of the angular distributions of quark-jets and gluon-jets with different flavors are carefully studied after introducing the cone-angle of jets. The quark-jets and gluon-jets are identified from the 3-jet events which are produced by Monte Carlo simulation Jetset7.4 in e+e-collisions at [Formula: see text] GeV. It turns out that the ranges of angular distributions of gluon-jets are obviously wider than that of quark-jets at the same energies. The average cone-angles of gluon-jets are much larger than that of quark-jets. As the multiplicity or the transverse momentum increases, the cone-angle distribution without momentum weight of both the quark-jet and gluon-jet all increases, i.e. the positive linear correlation are present, but the cone-angle distribution with momentum weight decreases at first, then increases when n > 4 or pt> 2 GeV. The characters of cone-angular distributions of gluon-jets produced by quarks with different flavors are the same, while there are obvious differences for that of the quark-jets with different flavors.
IMPACTS OF PARAMETERS ADJUSTMENT OF RELATIVISTIC MEAN FIELD MODEL ON NEUTRON STAR PROPERTIES
Authors: KASMUDIN  , SULAKSONO A.
Published: March 2011

Analysis of the parameters adjustment effects in isovector as well as in isoscalar sectors of effective field based relativistic mean field (E-RMF) model in the symmetric nuclear matter and neutron-rich matter properties has been performed. The impacts of the adjustment on slowly rotating neutron star are systematically investigated. It is found that the mass–radius relation obtained from adjusted parameter set G2** is compatible not only with neutron stars masses from 4U 0614+09 and 4U 1636-536, but also with the ones from thermal radiation measurement in RX J1856 and with the radius range of canonical neutron star of X7 in 47 Tuc, respectively. It is also found that the moment inertia of PSR J073-3039A and the strain amplitude of gravitational wave at the Earth's vicinity of PSR J0437-4715 as predicted by the E-RMF parameter sets used are in reasonable agreement with the extracted constraints of these observations from isospin diffusion data.
THE MESON PRODUCTION IN PROTON–PROTON COLLISIONS IN NEXT-TO-LEADING ORDER AND INFRARED RENORMALONS
Authors: AHMADOV A. I. , BURJALIYEV R. M.
Published: March 2011

In this paper, we investigate the next-to-leading order contribution of the higher-twist Feynman diagrams to the large-pT inclusive pion production cross-section in proton–proton collisions and present the general formulae for the higher-twist differential cross-sections in the case of the running coupling and frozen coupling approaches. We compared the resummed next-to-leading order higher-twist cross-sections with the ones obtained in the framework of the frozen coupling approach and leading-twist cross-section. The structure of infrared renormalon singularities of the higher-twist subprocess cross-section and its resummed expression (the Borel sum) are found. It is shown that the resummed result depends on the choice of the meson wave functions used in the calculations. We discuss the phenomenological consequences of possible higher-twist contributions to the meson production in proton–proton collisions in next-to-leading order at RHIC.
RECOGNITION OF THE PROJECTIVE GENERAL LINEAR GROUP PGL(2, q) BY ITS NONCOMMUTING GRAPH
Authors: ZHANG LIANGCAI , SHI WUJIE
Published: March 2011

The noncommuting graph ∇(G) of a non-abelian group G is defined as follows. The vertex set of ∇(G) is G\Z(G) where Z(G) denotes the center of G and two vertices x and y are adjacent if and only if xy ≠ yx. It has been conjectured that if P is a finite non-abelian simple group and G is a group such that ∇(P) ≅ ∇(G), then G ≅ P. In the present paper, our aim is to consider this conjecture in the case of finite almost simple groups. In fact, we characterize the projective general linear group PGL (2, q) (q is a prime power), which is also an almost simple group, by its noncommuting graph.
ON SPECIALITY OF BINARY-LIE ALGEBRAS
Authors: ARENAS MANUEL , SHESTAKOV IVAN
Published: March 2011

In the present work, binary-Lie, assocyclic, and binary (-1,1) algebras are studied. We prove that, for every assocyclic algebra A, the algebra A- is binary-Lie. We find a simple non-Malcev binary-Lie superalgebra [Formula: see text] that cannot be embedded in A-s for an assocyclic superalgebra A. We use the Grassmann envelope of [Formula: see text] to prove the similar result for algebras. This solve negatively a problem by Filippov (see [1, Problem 2.108]). Finally, we prove that the superalgebra [Formula: see text] is isomorphic to the commutator superalgebra [Formula: see text] for a simple binary (-1,1) superalgebra [Formula: see text].
CHARACTERS AND SOLUTIONS TO EQUATIONS IN FINITE GROUPS
Authors: AMIT ALON , VISHNE UZI
Published: March 2011

The number of ways an element of a finite group can be expressed as a square, a commutator, or more generally in the form w(x1, …, xr), where w is a word in the free group, defines a natural class function. We investigate some properties of these class functions, in particular their tendency to be characters or virtual characters of the underlying group. Generalizing classical results of Frobenius and others, we prove that generalized commutators yield characters in this manner, and use this to exhibit a criterion for nilpotency based on a certain equation associated with the irreducible characters.
S*-GROUPS
Authors: ALBRECHT ULRICH , BREAZ SIMION , WICKLESS WILLIAM
Published: March 2011

The main result of this paper gives several characterizations for Abelian groups A to have the property that the class of A-adstatic modules is closed with respect to submodules of bounded index. Especially, a group has this property if and only if it is flat and faithful with respect to torsion when viewed as a left module over its endomorphism ring.
SUBALGEBRAS OF THE POLYNOMIAL ALGEBRA IN POSITIVE CHARACTERISTIC AND THE JACOBIAN
Authors: GAVRILOV ALEXEY V.
Published: March 2011

Let 𝕜 be a field of characteristic p > 0 and R be a subalgebra of 𝕜[X] = 𝕜[x1, …, xn]. Let J(R) be the ideal in 𝕜[X] defined by [Formula: see text]. It is shown that if it is a principal ideal then [Formula: see text], where q = pn(p - 1)/2.
MORITA EQUIVALENCE AND HOMOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF SEMIRINGS
Authors: KATSOV Y. , NAM T. G.
Published: March 2011

In this paper, we consider from two different perspectives the concept of "Morita equivalence" in a (non-additive) semiring setting, as well as its application to homological characterization of semirings. Among other results, we present an analog of the Eilenberg–Watts theorem for module categories in the semimodule setting and give various homological characterizations of semisimple and subtractive semirings. We also solve Problem 3.9 in [Y. Katsov, On flat semimodules over semirings, Algebra Universalis51 (2004) 287–299] for the class of additively regular semisimple semirings, showing that for semimodules over semirings of this class the concepts of "mono-flatness" and "flatness" coincide.
THE HYDROLYTIC DEAMINATION MECHANISM OF PROTONATED ADENINE: A DFT STUDY
Authors: LIU XINLIN , ZENG HUI , MENG FANCUI , LIU JUNXIANG
Published: March 2011

The hydrolytic deamination mechanism of protonated adenine has been studied using density functional theory method. There are five pathways according to adenine protonated at N1, N3 and N7, respectively. As for the N1 protonated adenine only one pathway has been found, while for N3 and N7 protonated adenine two pathways have been found. Pathway c2 is preferred due to lowest activation free energy barrier of 53.02 kcal/mol. In this pathway, the hydroxyl group of water attacks C6 atom and hydrogen atom attacks N10 atom to produce enol form of protonated hypoxanthine and ammonia, then hydrogen transfer occurs to cause enol-keto tautomerization of protonated hypoxanthine with the assistance of ammonia. Adenine deamination is easier to take place under acidic condition than under neutral condition owing to lower activation energy barrier.
UNDERSTANDING DIFFERENT LCST LEVELS OF POLY(N-ALKYLACRYLAMIDE)S BY MOLECULAR DYNAMICS SIMULATIONS AND QUANTUM MECHANICS CALCULATIONS
Authors: PANG JUAN , YANG HU , MA JING , CHENG RONGSHI
Published: March 2011

Poly(N-alkylacrylamide) is a group of thermo-sensitive polymers that include poly (N-isopropylacrylamide), poly(N-n-propylacrylamide), poly(N-isopropylmethacryl-amide), and so on. The polymers exhibit different levels of lower critical solution temperatures (LCST) in aqueous solutions. In this article, their monomers and oligomers with 10 repeating units are selected, respectively, to demonstrate the cause of different LCST levels of the polymers in aqueous solutions using molecular dynamics simulations and quantum mechanics calculations. The monomers have functional groups of different steric volume that greatly affect the conformational transition of chains and LCST levels of the polymers. A branched chain of N-propyl group in N-isopropylacrylamide and an additional methyl group at α-carbon in N-isopropylmethacrylamide both increase the steric effect, making it more difficult for monomers to draw closer and resulting in higher LCST levels of the polymers. In addition, the simulated results from their corresponding oligomers exhibit the similar trend to those from the monomers.
TIME-DEPENDENT DENSITY FUNCTIONAL THEORY STUDY ON THE ELECTRONIC EXCITED-STATE HYDROGEN BONDING DYNAMICS OF METHYL ACETATE IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION
Authors: TAN JIAO-JIE , HAO CE , WEI NING-NING , ZHANG MING-XING , DAI XI-YANG
Published: March 2011

The time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) method has been carried out to investigate the hydrogen-bonding dynamics of methyl acetate ( CH 3 CO 2 CH 3) in hydrogen-donating water solvent. The ground-state geometry optimizations, electronic transition energies and corresponding oscillation strengths of the low-lying electronically-excited states for the isolated CH 3 CO 2 CH 3 and H2O monomers, the hydrogen-bonded CH3CO2CH3-(H2O)1, 2 complexes have been calculated using DFT and TDDFT methods respectively. One intermolecular hydrogen bond C=O⋯H–O is formed between CH3CO2CH3 and one water molecule in CH3CO2CH3-H2O dimer. Meanwhile, in CH3CO2CH3-(H2O)2 trimer, two intermolecular hydrogen bonds C=O⋯H–O are formed between CH3CO2CH3 and two water molecules. By theoretically monitoring the excitation energy changes among the CH3CO2CH3 monomer, the CH3CO2CH3-H2O dimer, and the CH3CO2CH3-(H2O)2 trimer, we have demonstrated interestingly that in some electronically-excited states, the intermolecular hydrogen bonds are strengthened inducing electronic spectral redshifts, while in others weakened with electronic spectral blueshifts. The phenomenon that hydrogen bonds are strengthened in some electronic states while weakened in others can arouse further probe into CH3CO2CH3-(H2O)1, 2 complexes.
IS NO DRAMA QUANTUM THEORY POSSIBLE?
Authors: AKHMETELI ANDREY
Published: March 2011

The matter field can be naturally eliminated from the equations of the Klein-Gordon-Maxwell electrodynamics in the unitary gauge. The resulting equations describe independent dynamics of the electromagnetic field: if components of the 4-potential of the electromagnetic field and their first derivatives with respect to time are known in the entire space at some time point, the values of their second derivatives with respect to time can be calculated for the same time point, so the Cauchy problem can be posed, and integration yields the 4-potential in the entire space-time. This surprising result both permits mathematical simplification and can be useful for interpretation of quantum theory. For example, in the Bohm interpretation, the electromagnetic field can replace the wave function as the guiding field. Independent of the interpretation, quantum phenomena can be described in terms of electromagnetic field only. For the system of nonlinear partial differential equations of the Klein-Gordon-Maxwell electrodynamics, a generalized Carleman linearization procedure generates a system of linear equations in the Hilbert space, which looks like a second-quantized theory and is equivalent to the original nonlinear system on the set of solutions of the latter. Similar, but less general results are obtained for the Dirac-Maxwell electrodynamics.
DECAY OF NONLOCALITY DUE TO ADIABATIC AND QUANTUM NOISE IN THE SOLID STATE
Authors: BELLOMO B. , COMPAGNO G. , D'ARRIGO A. , FALCI G. , FRANCO R. LO , PALADINO E.
Published: March 2011

We study the decay of quantum nonlocality, identified by the violation of the Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt (CHSH) Bell inequality, for two noninteracting Josephson qubits subject to independent baths with broadband spectra typical of solid state nanodevices. The bath noise can be separated in an adiabatic (low-frequency) and in a quantum (high-frequency) part. We point out the qualitative different effects on quantum nonlocal correlations induced by adiabatic and quantum noise. A quantitative analysis is performed for typical noise figures in Josephson systems. Finally we compare, for this system, the dynamics of nonlocal correlations and of entanglement.
ENTANGLEMENT TRANSFER IN A MULTIPARTITE CAVITY QED OPEN SYSTEM
Authors: BINA MATTEO , CASAGRANDE FEDERICO , LULLI ALFREDO , GENONI MARCO G. , PARIS MATTEO G. A.
Published: March 2011

We describe the dynamics of tripartite state mapping and entanglement transfer from qubit-like radiation states to two-level atoms via optical cavity modes. When the entangled radiation is carried to the cavities by single-mode fibers, optimal pure and mixed state transfer is predicted for perfect mirror transmittance, and entanglement sudden death (and birth) is demonstrated for Werner input states. The general case of multi-mode fiber coupling is also discussed. The dynamics is finally investigated under various dissipative effects.
CHOOSING A PHOTOEMISSIVE DETECTOR SUITABLE FOR PHOTON-NUMBER STATISTICS OF PULSED FIELDS
Authors: BONDANI MARIA , ALLEVI ALESSIA , ANDREONI ALESSANDRA
Published: March 2011

We investigate the possibility of using linear detectors that exhibit a response to dark just resolved from that corresponding to a single detected photon to reconstruct the photon-number statistics of pulsed fields containing sizeable numbers of photons per pulse. We demonstrate that by applying a self-consistent procedure to analyze the output pulses of such detectors, we can properly measure statistical distributions of the number of detected photons and photon number correlations. The lack of fulfillment of such minimal requirements impairs the possibility of reliable shot-by-shot determinations of photon numbers.
A PATH INTEGRAL FOR CLASSICAL DYNAMICS, ENTANGLEMENT, AND JAYNES-CUMMINGS MODEL AT THE QUANTUM-CLASSICAL DIVIDE
Authors: ELZE HANS-THOMAS , GAMBAROTTA GIOVANNI , VALLONE FABIO
Published: March 2011

The Liouville equation differs from the von Neumann equation "only" by a characteristic superoperator. We demonstrate this for Hamiltonian dynamics, in general, and for the Jaynes-Cummings model, in particular. Employing superspace (instead of Hilbert space), we describe time evolution of density matrices in terms of path integrals, which are formally identical for quantum and classical mechanics. They only differ by the interaction contributing to the action. This allows us to import tools developed for Feynman path integrals, in order to deal with superoperators instead of quantum mechanical commutators in real time evolution. Perturbation theory is derived. Besides applications in classical statistical physics, the "classical path integral" and the parallel study of classical and quantum evolution indicate new aspects of (dynamically assisted) entanglement (generation). Our findings suggest to distinguish intra- from inter-space entanglement.
INTERFERENCE OF AN ARRAY OF INDEPENDENT BOSE-EINSTEIN CONDENSATES WITH FIXED NUMBER OF ATOMS
Authors: ANDO SATOSHI , YUASA KAZUYA , IAZZI MAURO
Published: March 2011

Interference of an array of independent Bose-Einstein condensates, whose experiment has been performed recently, is theoretically studied in detail. Even if the number of the atoms in each gas is kept finite and the phases of the gases are not well-defined, interference fringes are observed on each snapshot. The statistics of the snapshot interference patterns, i.e. the average fringe amplitudes and their fluctuations (covariance), are computed analytically, and concise formulas for their asymptotic values for long time of flight are derived. Processes contributing to these quantities are clarified and the relationship with the description on the basis of the symmetry-breaking scenario is revealed.
Numerical modelling of Plio-Quaternary slope evolution based on geological constraints: a case study from the Caramanico Valley (Central Apennines, Italy)
Authors: Bianchi Fasani G. , Di Luzio E. , Esposito C. , Martino S. , Scarascia-Mugnozza G.
Published: March 2011

Evidence of deep-seated gravitational slope deformations (DSGSD) and of large prehistoric landslides is fairly widespread within the Central Apennines (Italy). These gravity-induced processes accompanied the intense Plio-Quaternary uplift phases that affected the mountain chain. In this study a multidisciplinary approach has been adopted in order to better constrain the relationship between the tectonic evolution and the gravitational morphogenesis of a typical Apennine morphostructure, such as the Caramanico Valley. For this purpose a conceptual model of the morphostructural evolution of the area has been reconstructed, on the basis of geological constraints derived by the integration of detailed geological–structural and geomorphological surveys with available literature data. Based on this evolutionary model, a multistage numerical modelling using the finite difference method code FLAC 6.0 has been performed in order to: (i) evaluate the effect of the uplift-related morphological changes of the valley–slope system; and (ii) assess the role of the horizontal/vertical stress ratio variations due to geodynamic regime shifts. The results of the numerical model show a good fit with the actual geomorphical evidence and also confirm the presence during some evolutionary stages of stress–strain conditions compatible with those necessary to produce the massive rock slope failures testified by the presence of large palaeo-landslide deposits.
Paraglacial gravitational deformations in the SW Alps: a review of field investigations,
10
Be cosmogenic dating and physical modelling
Authors: El Bedoui S. , Bois T. , Jomard H. , Sanchez G. , Lebourg T. , Trics E. , Guglielmi Y. , Bouissou S. , Chemenda A. , Rolland Y. , Corsini M. , Pérez J. L.
Published: March 2011

Catastrophic deep-seated landslides (DSL) are generally considered to be the result of large slope deformations also known as deep-seated gravitational slope deformation (DSGSD). This paper aims to build a synthesis of multiple studies made in the Tinée Valley (southern French Alps) to assess the geometrical, kinematical, mechanical and chronological relationships between these two gravitational processes.

At the scale of the valley, data issued from geological, geomorphological and
10
Be dating indicate a clear geometrical link between DSGSD and DSL occurring at the base of the slope and suggest that gravitational slope evolution began after the glacial retreat (13 ka BP). This is supported by the example of the well-documented La Clapière slope. A continuous evolution process is characterized geometrically and temporally from geomorphic observations and analogue modelling. Coupling structural, geomorphological, physical and chronological studies allowed us to propose a four-dimensional (4D) deformation model mechanically correlated with progressive failure concept. The validity and variability of this reference site are discussed at the valley scale (taking Isola and Le Pra slope deformation as examples).

It allows a rough estimation of the state of slope deformation at the valley scale to be constructed and the slope evolution with time to be considered. This 4D model could then be considered as a reference for other deep-seated gravitational slope deformations in comparable Alpine valleys.
Inheritance of ductile and brittle structures in the development of large rock slope instabilities: examples from western Norway
Authors: Saintot A. , Henderson I. H. C. , Derron M.-H.
Published: March 2011

The high density of slope failures in western Norway is due to the steep relief and to the concentration of various structures that followed protracted ductile and brittle tectonics. On the 72 investigated rock slope instabilities, 13 were developed in soft weathered mafic and phyllitic allochthons. Only the intrinsic weakness of such rocks increases the susceptibility to gravitational deformation. In contrast, the gravitational structures in the hard gneisses reactivate prominent ductile or/and brittle fabrics. At 30 rockslides along cataclinal slopes, weak mafic layers of foliation are reactivated as basal planes. Slope-parallel steep foliation forms back-cracks of unstable columns. Folds are specifically present in the Storfjord area, together with a clustering of potential slope failures. Folding increases the probability of having favourably orientated planes with respect to the gravitational forces and the slope. High water pressure is believed to seasonally build up along the shallow-dipping Caledonian detachments and may contribute to destabilization of the rock slope upwards. Regional cataclastic faults localized the gravitational structures at 45 sites. The volume of the slope instabilities tends to increase with the amount of reactivated prominent structures and the spacing of the latter controls the size of instabilities.
Bovine rumen epithelium undergoes rapid structural adaptations during grain-induced subacute ruminal acidosis
Authors: Steele Michael A. , Croom Jim , Kahler Melissa , AlZahal Ousama , Hook Sarah E. , Plaizier Kees , McBride Brian W.
Published: March 2011

Alterations in rumen epithelial structure and function during grain-induced subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) are largely undescribed. In this study, four mature nonlactating dairy cattle were transitioned from a high-forage diet (HF; 0% grain) to a high-grain diet (HG; 65% grain). After feeding the HG diet for 3 wk, the cattle were transitioned back to the original HF diet, which was fed for an additional 3 wk. Continuous ruminal pH was measured on a weekly basis, and rumen papillae were biopsied during the baseline and at the first and final week of each diet. The mean, minimum, and maximum daily ruminal pH were depressed ( P < 0.01) in the HG period compared with the HF period. During the HG period, SARA was diagnosed only during week 1, indicating ruminal adaptation to the HG diet. Microscopic examination of the papillae revealed a reduction ( P < 0.01) in the stratum basale, spinosum, and granulosum layers, as well as total depth of the epithelium during the HG period. The highest ( P < 0.05) papillae lesion scores were noted during week 1 when SARA occurred. Biopsied papillae exhibited a decline in cellular junctions, extensive sloughing of the stratum corneum, and the appearance of undifferentiated cells near the stratum corneum. Differential mRNA expression of candidate genes, including desmoglein 1 and IGF binding proteins 3, 5, and 6, was detected between diets using qRT-PCR. These results suggest that the structural integrity of the rumen epithelium is compromised during grain feeding and is associated with the differential expression of genes involved in epithelial growth and structure.
The influence of predicted arm biomechanics on decision making
Authors: Cos Ignasi , Bélanger Nicolas , Cisek Paul
Published: March 2011

There is considerable debate on the extent to which biomechanical properties of movements are taken into account before and during voluntary movements. For example, while several models have described reach planning as primarily kinematic, some studies have suggested that implicit knowledge about biomechanics may also exert some influence on the planning of reaching movements. Here, we investigated whether decisions about reaching movements are influenced by biomechanical factors and whether these factors are taken into account before movement onset. To this end, we designed an experimental paradigm in which humans made free choices between two potential reaching movements where the options varied in path distance as well as biomechanical factors related to movement energy and stability. Our results suggest that the biomechanical properties of potential actions strongly influence the selection between them. In particular, in our task, subjects preferred movements whose final trajectory was better aligned with the major axis of the arm's mobility ellipse, even when the launching properties were very similar. This reveals that the nervous system can predict biomechanical properties of potential actions before movement onset and that these predictions, in addition to purely abstract criteria, may influence the decision-making process.
Oxidative Stress and Longevity in Okinawa: An Investigation of Blood Lipid Peroxidation and Tocopherol in Okinawan Centenarians
Authors: Suzuki Makoto , Willcox D. Craig , Rosenbaum Matthew W. , Willcox Bradley J.
Published: March 2011

Background. The Free Radical Theory of Aging mechanistically links oxidative stress to aging. Okinawa has among the world's longest-lived populations but oxidative stress in this population has not been well characterized.Methods. We compared plasma lipid peroxide (LPO) and vitamin E—plasma and intracellular tocopherol levels (total α, β, and γ), in centenarians with younger controls.Results. Both LPO and vitamin E tocopherols were lower in centenarians, with the exception of intracellular β-tocopherol, which was significantly higher in centenarians versus younger controls. There were no significant differences between age groups for tocopherol: cholesterol and tocopherol: LPO ratios. Correlations were found between α-Tocopherol and LPO in septuagenarians but not in centenarians.Conclusions. The low plasma level of LPO in Okinawan centenarians, compared to younger controls, argues for protection against oxidative stress in the centenarian population and is consistent with the predictions of the Free Radical Theory of Aging. However, the present work does not strongly support a role for vitamin E in this phenomenon. The role of intracellular β-tocopherol deserves additional study. More research is needed on the contribution of oxidative stress and antioxidants to human longevity.
A Novel Algorithm for the Assessment of Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability Suggests That Brain Topical Application of Endothelin-1 Does Not Cause Early Opening of the Barrier in Rats
Authors: Jorks D. , Milakara D. , Alam M. , Kang E. J. , Major S. , Friedman A. , Dreier J. P.
Published: March 2011

There are a number of different experimental methods for ex vivo assessment of blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening based on Evans blue dye extravasation. However, these methods require many different steps to prepare the brain and need special equipment for quantification. We here report a novel, simple, and fast semiquantitative algorithm to assess BBB integrity ex vivo. The method is particularly suitable for cranial window experiments, since it keeps the spatial information about where the BBB opened. We validated the algorithm using sham controls and the established model of brain topical application of the bile salt dehydrocholate for early BBB disruption. We then studied spreading depolarizations in the presence and the absence of the vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 and found no evidence of early BBB opening (three-hour time window). The algorithm can be used, for example, to assess BBB permeability ex vivo in combination with dynamic in vivo studies of BBB opening.
Varicella Zoster Virus and Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Sotelo Julio , Corona Teresa
Published: March 2011

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disorder; however, little is known about the triggering factors of the abnormal immune response. Different viruses from the herpes family have been mentioned as potential participants. Here, we review the evidences that support the association of varicella zoster virus (VZV) with MS. Epidemiological studies from geographical areas, where incidence of MS has increased in recent decades, pointed out a high frequency of varicella and zoster in the clinical antecedents of MS patients, and also laboratory investigations have found large quantities of DNA from VZV in leucocytes and cerebrospinal fluid of MS patients restricted to the ephemeral period of MS relapse, followed by disappearance of the virus during remission. The above observations and the peculiar features of VZV, mainly characterized by its neurotropism and long periods of latency followed by viral reactivation, support the idea on the participation of VZV in the etiology of MS. However, as with reports from studies with other viruses, particularly Epstein Barr virus, conflicting results on confirmatory studies about the presence of viral gene products in brain tissue indicate the need for further research on the potential participation of VZV in the etiology of MS.
Esophageal Inlet Patch
Authors: Behrens C. , Yen Peggy P. W.
Published: March 2011

An inlet patch is a congenital anomaly consisting of ectopic gastric mucosa at or just distal to the upper esophageal sphincter. Most inlet patches are largely asymptomatic, but in problematic cases complications related to acid secretion such as esophagitis, ulcer, web and stricture may occur. The diagnosis of inlet patch is strongly suggested on barium swallow where the most common pattern consists of two small indentations on the wall of the esophagus. The diagnosis of inlet patch is confirmed via endoscopy with biopsy. At endoscopy, the lesion appears salmon-coloured and velvety and is easily distinguished from the normal grey-white squamous epithelium of the esophagus. The prominent margins correlate with the radiological findings of indentations and rim-like shadows on barium swallow. Histopathology provides the definitive diagnosis by demonstrating gastric mucosa adjacent to normal esophageal mucosa. No treatment is required for asymptomatic inlet patches. Symptomatic cases are treated with proton pump inhibitors to relieve symptoms related to acid secretion. Strictures and webs are treated with serial dilatation and should be biopsied to rule out malignancy.
The Etiological Role of Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction in Seizure Disorders
Authors: Marchi Nicola , Tierney William , Alexopoulos Andreas V. , Puvenna Vikram , Granata Tiziana , Janigro Damir
Published: March 2011

A wind of change characterizes epilepsy research efforts. The traditional approach, based on a neurocentric view of seizure generation, promoted understanding of the neuronal mechanisms of seizures; this resulted in the development of potent anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). The fact that a significant number of individuals with epilepsy still fail to respond to available AEDs restates the need for an alternative approach. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction is an important etiological player in seizure disorders, and combination therapies utilizing an AED in conjunction with a “cerebrovascular” drug could be used to control seizures more effectively than AED therapy alone. The fact that the BBB plays an etiologic role in other neurological diseases will be discussed in the context of a more “holistic” approach to the patient with epilepsy, where comorbidity variables are also encompassed by drug therapy.
Pathogenicity of Misfolded and Dimeric HLA-B27 Molecules
Authors: Antoniou Antony N. , Lenart Izabela , Guiliano David B.
Published: March 2011

The association between HLA-B27 and the group of autoimmune inflammatory arthritic diseases, the spondyloarthropathies (SpAs) which include ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and Reactive Arthritis (ReA), has been well established and remains the strongest association between any HLA molecule and autoimmune disease. The mechanism behind this striking association remains elusive; however animal model and biochemical data suggest that HLA-B27 misfolding may be key to understanding its association with the SpAs. Recent investigations have focused on the unusual biochemical structures of HLA-B27 and their potential role in SpA pathogenesis. Here we discuss how these unusual biochemical structures may participate in cellular events leading to chronic inflammation and thus disease progression.
Metastatic Malignant Melanoma Presenting as an Appendiceal Mucocele
Authors: Alduaij A. A. , Resnick M. B. , Kawata M. , Pricolo V. E.
Published: March 2011

Melanoma metastatic to the appendix is extremely rare. Here we describe a case of a 31-year-old female from Bolivia with a remote history of metastatic malignant melanoma first diagnosed as a cutaneous malignant melanoma ten years prior to this presentation. The patient was being followed for a mucocele which on resection was found to be metastatic melanoma. “Mucocele” is a generic diagnosis that warrants further characterization and treatment.
Depressive Symptoms and Psychosocial Functioning in Preadolescent Children
Authors: McCabe Marita , Ricciardelli Lina , Banfield Sophie
Published: March 2011

The current study was designed to determine the percentage of children “at-risk” of depression or evidencing clinical levels of depression. In addition, the study examined how the “at-risk” and the clinical groups differed from children who demonstrated no depressive symptoms on positive and negative affect, four aspects of self-concept, and peer ratings of popularity. Respondents were 510 children (270 boys 240 girls) who ranged in age from 7 to 13 years (mean = 9.39). The results demonstrated that 23% of children were either in the “at-risk” or clinical range of depression. Children in both the clinical and the “at-risk” range demonstrated higher negative affect but lower positive affect and lower self-concepts than children in the normal range. However, children's peers only differentiated between the “clinical” and “normal” groups. It is harder for peers, and other informants such as teachers and parents, to detect the problems of children with elevated depressive symptoms but who do not meet the diagnostic criteria. It is important to implement intervention programs for children who evidence depression symptoms, as well as “at-risk” children. “At-risk” children with elevated levels of depressive symptoms may be more disadvantaged, as their problems are less likely to be detected and treated.
Interactions of Carbon Nanotube with Lipid Bilayer Membranes
Authors: Gangupomu Vamshi K. , Capaldi Franco M.
Published: March 2011

Understanding the interaction between a carbon nanotube and biological macromolecules such as lipid bilayers is important for the design and development of nanovectors for gene and drug delivery. The forces of penetration and the free energies of rupture of lipid bilayers during nanotube penetration were studied using nonequilibrium, all-atom molecular dynamics simulations for pure POPC and POPC/cholesterol bilayers. The presence of cholesterol did not alter the magnitude of the rupture force and minimally increased the estimated free energy of rupture. However, the ability of the nanotube to disrupt the membrane leading to membrane poration increased with increasing cholesterol content.
Intra-Abdominal Hypertension and Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Mechanically Ventilated Patients
Authors: Reintam Blaser Annika , Parm Pille , Kitus Reet , Starkopf Joel
Published: March 2011

Background. We aimed to describe the incidence of intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and related outcome in mechanically ventilated (MV) patients.Methods. Intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and gastric residual volumes were measured at least twice daily. IAH was defined as a mean daily value ofIAP≥12 mmHg.Results. 398 patients were monitored for all together 2987 days. GI symptom(s) occurred in80.2%patients. 152 (38.2%) patients developed IAH. Majority (93.4%) of patients with IAH had GI symptoms. The more severe IAH was associated with the higher number of concomitant GI symptoms (P<.001). 142 (35.7%) patients developed both IAH and at least one GI symptom at any time in ICU, and in 77 patients they occurred simultaneously on the same day. This subgroup had the highest ICU mortality (21.8%). In contrast, the small group of patients presenting only IAH, but not GI symptoms (10 patients), had no lethal outcome. Three patients (4.4%) died without showing either IAH or GI symptoms.Conclusions. GI symptoms and IAH often, but not always, occur together. The patients having IAH solely without developing GI symptoms have rather good outcome.
Oncogene-Mediated Human Lung Epithelial Cell Transformation Produces Adenocarcinoma Phenotypes In Vivo
Authors: Sasai Ken , Sukezane Taiko , Yanagita Emmy , Nakagawa Harumi , Hotta Azusa , Itoh Tomoo , Akagi Tsuyoshi
Published: March 2011

It has been challenging to engineer lung adenocarcinoma models via oncogene-mediated transformation of primary cultured normal human cells. Although viral oncoprotein-mediated malignant transformation has been reported, xenografts derived from such transformed cells generally represent poorly differentiated cancers. Here, we demonstrate that the combined expression of multiple cellular factors induces malignant transformation in normal human lung epithelial cells. Although a combination of four genetic alterations, including hTERT overexpression, inactivation of the pRB and p53 pathways, and KRAS activation, is insufficient for normal human small airway epithelial cells to be fully transformed, expression of one additional oncogene induces malignant transformation. Notably, we have succeeded in reproducing human lung adenocarcinoma phenotypes in the flanks of nude mice by introducing an active form of PIK3CA, CYCLIN-D1, or a dominant-negative form of LKB1 in combination with the four genetic alterations above. Besides differentiated lung cancer, poorly differentiated cancer models can also be engineered by employing c-MYC as one of the genetic elements, indicating that histologic features and degree of differentiation of xenografts are controllable to some extent by changing the combination of genetic elements introduced. This is the first study reporting malignant transformation of normal lung epithelial cells in the absence of viral oncoproteins. We propose that our model system would be useful to identify the minimal and most crucial set of changes required for lung tumorigenesis, and that it would provide a broadly applicable approach for discovering attractive therapeutic targets. Cancer Res; 71(7); 2541–9. ©2011 AACR.
Differentiation of NUT Midline Carcinoma by Epigenomic Reprogramming
Authors: Schwartz Brian E. , Hofer Matthias D. , Lemieux Madeleine E. , Bauer Daniel E. , Cameron Michael J. , West Nathan H. , Agoston Elin S. , Reynoird Nicolas , Khochbin Saadi , Ince Tan A. , Christie Amanda , Janeway Katherine A. , Vargas Sara O. , Perez-Atayde Antonio R. , Aster Jon C. , Sallan Stephen E. , Kung Andrew L. , Bradner James E. , French Christopher A.
Published: March 2011

NUT midline carcinoma (NMC) is a lethal pediatric tumor defined by the presence of BRD-NUT fusion proteins that arrest differentiation. Here we explore the mechanisms underlying the ability of BRD4-NUT to prevent squamous differentiation. In both gain-of and loss-of-expression assays, we find that expression of BRD4-NUT is associated with globally decreased histone acetylation and transcriptional repression. Bulk chromatin acetylation can be restored by treatment of NMC cells with histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), engaging a program of squamous differentiation and arrested growth in vitro that closely mimics the effects of siRNA-mediated attenuation of BRD4-NUT expression. The potential therapeutic utility of HDACi differentiation therapy was established in three different NMC xenograft models, where it produced significant growth inhibition and a survival benefit. Based on these results and translational studies performed with patient-derived primary tumor cells, a child with NMC was treated with the FDA-approved HDAC inhibitor, vorinostat. An objective response was obtained after five weeks of therapy, as determined by positron emission tomography. These findings provide preclinical support for trials of HDACi in patients with NMC. Cancer Res; 71(7); 2686–96. ©2011 AACR.
Targeting BRAF in Advanced Melanoma: A First Step toward Manageable Disease
Authors: Vultur Adina , Villanueva Jessie , Herlyn Meenhard
Published: March 2011

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and its incidence has been increasing worldwide. The disease manifests itself as clinically and genetically distinct subgroups, indicating the need for patient-specific diagnostic and treatment tools. The discovery of activating mutations (V600E) in the BRAF kinase in approximately 50% of patients spurred the development of compounds to inhibit aberrant BRAF activity, and the first drug candidate to show promising clinical activity is PLX4032 (also known as RG7204). Most recent clinical data from a phase II trial indicate that PLX4032 causes tumor regression and stabilized disease in >50% of advanced melanoma patients harboring BRAF V600E tumors. These data validate the effectiveness of oncogene-targeted therapy against advanced melanoma and offer hope that the disease can be overcome. However, as melanoma is dynamic and heterogeneous, careful treatment strategies and combination therapies are warranted to obtain long-term clinical effects. Clin Cancer Res; 17(7); 1658–63. ©2011 AACR.