bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cognitive control deficits in adolescents born with very low birth weight (≤ 1500 g): Evidence from dichotic listening
Authors: Bless Josef J. , Hugdahl Kenneth , Westerhausen René , Løhaugen Gro C. , Eidheim Ole Christian , Brubakk Ann‐Mari , Skranes Jon , Gramstad Arne , Håberg Asta K.
Published: February 2013

The objective of the paper is to explore bottom‐up auditory and top‐down cognitive processing abilities as part of long‐term outcome assessment of preterm birth. Fifty‐five adolescents (age 13–15) born with very low birth weight (VLBW) were compared to 80 matched controls born to term, using three consonant‐vowel dichotic listening (DL) instruction conditions (non‐forced, forced‐right and forced‐left). DL scores were correlated with cortical gray matter thickness derived from T1‐weighted structural MRI volumes using FreeSurfer to examine group differences also in the neural correlates of higher cognitive processes. While showing normal bottom‐up processing, VLBW adolescents displayed impaired top‐down controlled conflict processing related to significant cortical thickness differences in left superior temporal gryus and anterior cingulate cortex. Preterm birth with VLBW induces fundamental changes in brain function and structure posing a risk for long‐term neurocognitive impairments. Deficits emerge in situations of increasing cognitive conflict and can be related to measures of executive functions as well as morphology.
Internet‐based CBT intervention for gamblers in Finland: Experiences from the field
Authors: Castrén Sari , Pankakoski Maiju , Tamminen Manu , Lipsanen Jari , Ladouceur Robert , Lahti Tuuli
Published: February 2013

From September 2007 to May 2011 a total of 471 participants (325 males and 146 females) signed up for an 8‐week Internet‐based cognitive behavioral therapy offered for gamblers in Finland. Sixty‐four percent of the participants were pathological gamblers (PGs) (NODS 5> points), 14% were problem gamblers (NODS 3–4 points) and 10% were at risk of gambling problems (NODS 1–2 points). Two hundred and twenty four participants completed the treatment and after the treatment period significant changes were found in the following variables: gambling related problems (NODS), gambling urge, impaired control of gambling, alcohol consumption (AUDIT‐C), social consequences, gambling‐related cognitive erroneous thoughts and depression (MARD‐S). In this sample co‐morbid alcohol consumption was stronger among males. The main finding of this study was that the onset age of gambling was associated with a greater amount of gambling‐related cognitive erroneous thoughts.
A dominant‐negative form ofArabidopsisAP‐3 β‐adaptin improves intracellular pHhomeostasis
Authors: Niñoles Regina , Rubio Lourdes , García‐Sánchez María J. , Fernández José A. , Bueso Eduardo , Alejandro Santiago , Serrano Ramón
Published: February 2013

Intracellular pH(pHi) is a crucial parameter in cellular physiology but its mechanisms of homeostasis are only partially understood. To uncover novel roles and participants of the pHiregulatory system, we have screened an Arabidopsis mutant collection for resistance of seed germination to intracellular acidification induced by weak organic acids (acetic, propionic, sorbic). The phenotypes of one identified mutant,weak acid‐tolerant 1‐1D(wat1‐1D) are due to the expression of a truncated form ofAP‐3 β‐adaptin (encoded by thePAT2gene) that behaves as a as dominant‐negative. During acetic acid treatment the root epidermal cells of the mutant maintain a higher pHiand a more depolarized plasma membrane electrical potential than wild‐type cells. Additional phenotypes ofwat1‐1Droots include increased rates of acetate efflux,K+uptake andH+efflux, the latter reflecting thein vivoactivity of the plasma membraneH+‐ATPase. Thein vitroactivity of the enzyme was not increased but, as theH+‐ATPase is electrogenic, the increased ion permeability would allow a higher rate ofH+efflux. TheAP‐3 adaptor complex is involved in traffic from Golgi to vacuoles but its function in plants is not much known. The phenotypes of thewat1‐1Dmutant can be explained if loss of function of theAP‐3 β‐adaptin causes activation of channels or transporters for organic anions (acetate) and forK+at the plasma membrane, perhaps through miss‐localization of tonoplast proteins. This suggests a role of this adaptin in trafficking of ion channels or transporters to the tonoplast.
Set‐point control of RD21 protease activity by AtSerpin1 controls cell death in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lampl Nardy , Alkan Noam , Davydov Olga , Fluhr Robert
Published: February 2013

Programmed cell death (PCD) in plants plays a key role in defense response and is promoted by the release of compartmentalized proteases to the cytoplasm. Yet the exact identity and control of these proteases is poorly understood. Serpins are an important group of proteins that uniquely curb the activity of proteases by irreversible inhibition; however, their role in plants remains obscure. Here we show that during cell death the Arabidopsis serpin protease inhibitor, AtSerpin1, exhibits a pro‐survival function by inhibiting its target pro‐death protease, RD21. AtSerpin1 accumulates in the cytoplasm and RD21 accumulates in the vacuole and in endoplasmic reticulum bodies. Elicitors of cell death, including the salicylic acid agonist benzothiadiazole and the fungal toxin oxalic acid, stimulated changes in vacuole permeability as measured by the changes in the distribution of marker dye. Concomitantly, a covalent AtSerpin1–RD21 complex was detected indicative of a change in protease compartmentalization. Furthermore, mutant plants lacking RD21 or plants with AtSerpin1 over‐expression exhibited significantly less elicitor‐stimulated PCD than plants lacking AtSerpin1. The necrotrophic fungi Botrytis cinerea and Sclerotina sclerotiorum secrete oxalic acid as a toxin that stimulates cell death. Consistent with a pro‐death function for RD21 protease, the growth of these necrotrophs was compromised in plants lacking RD21 but accelerated in plants lacking AtSerpin1. The results indicate that AtSerpin1 controls the pro‐death function of compartmentalized protease RD21 by determining a set‐point for its activity and limiting the damage induced during cell death.
RNA PROCESSING FACTOR 5 is required for efficient 5′ cleavage at a processing site conserved in RNAs of three different mitochondrial genes in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Hauler Aron , Jonietz Christian , Stoll Birgit , Stoll Katrin , Braun Hans‐Peter , Binder Stefan
Published: February 2013

The 5′ ends of many mitochondrial transcripts are generated post‐transcriptionally. Recently, we identified three RNA PROCESSING FACTORs required for 5′ end maturation of different mitochondrial mRNAs in Arabidopsis thaliana. All of these factors are pentatricopeptide repeat proteins (PPRPs), highly similar to RESTORERs OF FERTILTY (RF), that rescue male fertility in cytoplasmic male‐sterile lines from different species. Therefore, we suggested a general role of these RF‐like PPRPs in mitochondrial 5′ processing. We now identified RNA PROCESSING FACTOR 5, a PPRP not classified as an RF‐like protein, required for the efficient 5′ maturation of the nad6 and atp9 mRNAs as well as 26S rRNA. The precursor molecules of these RNAs share conserved sequence elements, approximately ranging from positions −50 to +9 relative to mature 5′ mRNA termini, suggesting these sequences to be at least part of the cis elements required for processing. The knockout of RPF5 has only a moderate influence on 5′ processing of atp9 mRNA, whereas the generation of the mature nad6 mRNA and 26S rRNA is almost completely abolished in the mutant. The latter leads to a 50% decrease of total 26S rRNA species, resulting in an imbalance between the large rRNA and 18S rRNA. Despite these severe changes in RNA levels and in the proportion between the 26S and 18S rRNAs, mitochondrial protein levels appear to be unaltered in the mutant, whereas seed germination capacity is markedly reduced.
Lifetimes of Arabidopsis cryptochrome signaling states in vivo
Authors: Herbel Vera , Orth Christian , Wenzel Ringo , Ahmad Margaret , Bittl Robert , Batschauer Alfred
Published: February 2013

One crucial component in light signaling is the quantity of photoreceptor present in the active signaling state. The lifetime of the signaling state of a photoreceptor is limited because of thermal or otherwise back reversion of the chromophore to the ground state, and/or degradation of the photoreceptor in the light‐activated state. It was previously shown that the lit state of plant cryptochromes contains flavin‐neutral semiquinone, and that the half‐lives of the lit state were in the range of 3–4 min in vitro. However, it was unknown how long‐lived the signaling states of plant cryptochromes are in situ. Based on the loss of degradation of cry2 after prolonged dark incubation and loss of reversibility of photoactivated cry1 by a pulse of green light, we estimate the in vivo half‐lives of the signaling states of cry1 and cry2 to be in the range of 5 and 16 min, respectively. Based on electron paramagnetic resonance measurements, the lifetime of the Arabidopsis cry1 lit state in insect cells was found to be ~6 min, and thus very similar to the lifetime of the signaling state in planta. Thus, the signaling state lifetimes of plant cryptochromes are not, or are only moderately, stabilized in planta.
Tariffication and Welfare in a Differentiated Duopoly
Authors: Hwang Hong , Peng Cheng‐Hau , Wu Hsiu‐Ling
Published: February 2013

Converting non‐tariff barriers such as quotas into tariffs has been referred to as tariffication and is one of the most important outcomes of the Uruguay Round. Due to the burgeoning trend of free trade agreements around the world, tariffication has also been popular among Asian economies. By utilising a duopoly model with heterogeneous products, this paper compares the efficiency of three tariffication schemes: a quota is converted into an import‐volume‐equivalent tariff, import‐price‐equivalent tariff or profit‐equivalent tariff. It is found that tariffication always increases the world welfare no matter which equivalent tariff is adopted by the domestic government. This result echoes the spirit of tariffication proposed by the WTO and explains why more and more countries are using tariffs instead of nontariff barriers. If we further assume that the quota rent equals the tariff revenue, the domestic welfare will also increase after tariffication. By contrast, the domestic firm’s profit can be higher or lower after tariffication, depending on the tariffication schemes. Finally, the foreign firm is always worse off.
Enhanced Specific Heat Capacity of Nanomaterials Synthesized by Dispersing Silica Nanoparticles in Eutectic Mixtures
Authors: Shin Donghyun , Banerjee Debjyoti
Published: February 2013

Anomalous enhancements in the specific heat capacity values of nanomaterials were measured in this study. Silica nanoparticles (∼2–20 nm) were dispersed into eutectic of lithium carbonate and potassium carbonate (62:38 by molar ratio) at 1.5% mass concentration. The specific heat capacity measurements were performed using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The specific heat capacity of the silica nanocomposite (solid phase) was enhanced by 38–54% and the specific heat of the silica nanofluid (liquid phase) was enhanced by 118–124% over that of the pure eutectic. Electron microscopy of the samples shows that the nanoparticles induce phase change (forms a higher density “compressed phase”) within the solvent material. Hence, a new model is proposed to account for the contribution of the compressed phase to the total specific heat capacity of the nanomaterials. The proposed model is found to be in good agreement with the experimental data. These results have wide ranging implications, such as for the development of efficient thermal storage systems that can enable significant reduction in the cost of solar thermal power.
Effect of Viscous Dissipation, Internal Heat Source/Sink, and Thermal Radiation on a Hydromagnetic Liquid Film Over an Unsteady Stretching Sheet
Authors: Liu I-Chung , Wang Hung-Hsun , Umavathi Jawali C.
Published: February 2013

In this study, the effect of magnetic field, viscous dissipation, nonuniform heat source, and/or sink and thermal radiation on flow and heat transfer in a hydromagnetic liquid film over an unsteady stretching sheet with prescribed heat flux condition is investigated. The governing equations are transformed into a set of ordinary differential equations with six free parameters by using a similarity transformation before being solved numerically. The temperature profiles depending on the governing parameters are displayed in graphical form and the relevant thermal characteristics are depicted in tabular representation. It is found that the dimensionless temperature profile, sheet temperature, and free surface temperature, with a specific unsteadiness parameter, are enhanced as the increase in magnetic parameter, Eckert number, space- and temperature-dependent parameters, and they are reduced for increasing effective Prandtl number.
Analytical Investigation of Gaussian Roughness Effects on the Thermal Performance of Conical Microfins
Authors: Ayoobi A. , Ramezanizadeh M.
Published: February 2013

Effects of Gaussian surface roughness on different aspects of thermal performance of conical microfins are investigated. A new analytical model is developed, applying the Adomian decomposition method. Convergence of the Adomian solution to the exact solution is shown, by increasing the number of computed decomposition terms. In addition, to verify the present solution, the obtained results are compared with the analytical results of Bahrami et al. (2007, “Role of Random Roughness on Thermal Performance of Microfins,” J. Thermophys. Heat Transfer, 21(1), pp. 153–157) for the uniform cross-section microfin. Surface roughness effects on temperature distribution, base heat flux at different Nusselt numbers, and thermal resistance of the microfin are investigated. It is observed that the thermal resistance of the smooth microfin is higher than the rough one and by increasing the roughness, the thermal resistance experiences further reduction.
Widening Absorption Band of Grating Structure With Complex Dual-Groove Grating
Authors: Jiao Y. , Liu L. H. , Hsu P.-F.
Published: February 2013

The wavelength-selective radiative property is becoming a noticeable requirement in various technological fields. There are many researches that have been focused on the radiative properties of metal periodic microstructure surface. However, the spectral bandwidth of high absorptance is often too narrow if excited by the conventional grating structures. In order to solve this problem, two novel periodic grating structures are proposed in this paper, which can increase the effective bandwidth of high absorption peaks. One of the new periodic grating structures, called dual-groove grating, is constructed by adding a rectangular groove at the bottom of the simple grating's groove through a secondary microscale processing. The other grating structure, which is called complex dual-groove grating, is constructed by superposing a dual-groove grating with a simple grating within one period. Aluminum grating structure is taken as an example to show the advantage of proposed structures on increasing effective bandwidth of high absorption peaks within mid-infrared and far-infrared spectra. The rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA) is used to calculate the absorptance of periodic grating structures. The results shows that, two close absorption peaks and three connecting absorption peaks are obtained respectively for the two periodic grating structures. The effective bandwidth of high absorption peaks within interested wavelength band is improved obviously by these two microscale grating structures.
Computational Fluid Dynamics and Particle Image Velocimetry Characterization of a Solar Cyclone Reactor
Authors: Ozalp Nesrin , Chien Min-Hsiu , Morrison Gerald
Published: February 2013

Solar thermal cracking of methane produces two valuable products, hydrogen gas and solid carbon, both of which can be used as a fuel and as a commodity. During the course of this two-phase phenomenon, carbon particles tend to deposit on the solar reactor window, wall, and exit. When they accumulate at the reactor exit, the agglomeration of these particles completely blocks the exit. This problem has been the major issue preventing solar cracking reactors from running continuously. To address this problem, a cyclone solar reactor was designed to enhance the residence time and allow carbon particles to rotate in the reactor instead of moving towards the exit inlarge particle groups together. A prototype reactor was manufactured to test the concept, to better understand and explain the flow dynamics inside the solar cyclone reactor and to analyze the flow via particle image velocimetry (PIV). Advanced measurement and computational techniques were applied to build the prototype reactor. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis employing discrete phase model (DPM) was used to predict the particle transport phenomenadel (DPM), whereas PIV was applied for the experimental part of the work. To understand the flow evolution along the vortex line, several images in the axial direction along the vortex line were captured. The results showed that when the main flow was increased by 25%, the axial velocity components became larger. It was also observed that the vertical vortices along the vortex line showed stronger interaction with outward fluid in the core region. This implied that the horizontal twisting motion dominated the region due to the main flow, which could trap the particles in the reactor for a longer time. Furthermore, when the main flow was increased by 50%, the flow displayed a cyclone-dominated structure. During the velocity evolution along the vortex line, more vortices emerged between the wall region and core region, implying that the energy was transferred from order to disorder. In summary, by appropriate selection of parameters, the concept of an aero-shielded solar cyclone reactor can be an attractive option to overcome the problem of carbon particle deposition at the reactor walls and exit.
Development of planar x-ray source using gated carbon nanotube emitter
Authors: Manabe Tomoya , Nitta Shogo , Abo Satoshi , Wakaya Fujio , Takai Mikio
Published: February 2013

A planar x-ray source using gated carbon nanotube (CNT) emitters was developed. In the diode structure measurement, the turn-on electric field of the CNT cathode was approximately 1.2 V/μm. In the triode structure measurement, characteristic x-ray peaks of Cu and bremsstrahlung x-rays were observed. The maximum energies of the bremsstrahlung x-rays were in agreement with anode voltages. Pulse x-rays synchronized with pulsed gate voltages. Clear x-ray transmission images with high spatial resolution ≤165 μm were obtained.
Lloyd's mirror interferometer using a single-mode fiber spatial filter
Authors: Sun Yi-Lin , Mikolas David , Chang En-Chiang , Lin Pao-Te , Fu Chien-Chung
Published: February 2013

An ultraviolet single-mode fiber is used for beam transport, spatial filtering, and beam expansion for a Lloyd's mirror interferometer for laser interference lithography. Polarized laser light at 325 nm from a HeCd laser was coupled to a nonpolarization-maintaining step-index fiber, which preserved the linear polarization with an extinction ratio exceeding 100:1. The linear polarization direction of the output beam was remotely adjusted by a half-wave plate in front of the laser. The output beam profile matched the predicted far-field distribution of the single LP01 mode step-index fiber, with a numerical aperture of 0.09 at 325 nm. By illuminating a Lloyd's mirror interferometer with the beam produced by a single fiber, line/space photoresist patterns with a pitch of 220 nm were demonstrated. Various mechanical and optical aspects that may be helpful to other research groups which are building a simple but stable interference lithography system of this technique are discussed.
Growth and structure of ZnO thin films on polar (√3 × √3)R30° reconstructed and unreconstructed MgO(111) surfaces by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Pradhan Kallol , Lyman Paul F.
Published: February 2013

Polar heterointerfaces of MgO(111) and the II–VI semiconductor ZnO are of technological interest for transparent conducting electrode applications. Growth and structure of thin films on polar surfaces can be different than on nonpolar surfaces due to the large surface energy of polar surfaces. The authors have grown ZnO on unreconstructed MgO(111)-(1 × 1)-OH terminated and reconstructed MgO(111)-(√3 × √3)R30° polar oxide surfaces using atomic layer deposition (ALD). A homemade ultrahigh vacuum-interfaced viscous-flow ALD reactor with in situ quartz crystal monitor was used to grow ZnO thin films on the MgO(111) substrates. In the ALD process temperature window, the growth rate was found to be ∼2.3 Å/cycle. Atomic force microscopy revealed that the surface roughness increases with ZnO film thickness and that reconstructed MgO(111) is a better substrate for production of smooth ZnO films. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that ZnO thin films grown at 130 °C are polycrystalline, having the wurtzite structure, with preferential growth along the c-axis. ZnO grown on MgO(111)-(√3 × √3)R30° substrates shows strong preferential growth along the (002) direction. In contrast, growth along the (100) and (101) directions is also observed when grown on MgO(111)-(1 × 1) substrates. These observations indicate that the crystal orientation during ALD ZnO growth depends not only on temperature but also on the surface terminations of the substrates. Optical transmittance spectra were used to find the bandgap of 3.27 eV and sharp ultraviolet cutoff of 380 nm for ALD-grown ZnO thin films. The optical transmission was found to be more then 80% in the visible region.
An accuracy assessment of different rigid body image registration methods and robotic couch positional corrections using a novel phantom
Authors: Arumugam Sankar , Jameson Michael G. , Xing Aitang , Holloway Lois
Published: February 2013

Purpose:

Image guided radiotherapy (IGRT) using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images greatly reduces interfractional patient positional uncertainties. An understanding of uncertainties in the IGRT process itself is essential to ensure appropriate use of this technology. The purpose of this study was to develop a phantom capable of assessing the accuracy of IGRT hardware and software including a 6 degrees of freedom patient positioning system and to investigate the accuracy of the Elekta XVI system in combination with the HexaPOD robotic treatment couch top.

Methods:

The constructed phantom enabled verification of the three automatic rigid body registrations (gray value, bone, seed) available in the Elekta XVI software and includes an adjustable mount that introduces known rotational offsets to the phantom from its reference position. Repeated positioning of the phantom was undertaken to assess phantom rotational accuracy. Using this phantom the accuracy of the XVI registration algorithms was assessed considering CBCT hardware factors and image resolution together with the residual error in the overall image guidance process when positional corrections were performed through the HexaPOD couch system.

Results:

The phantom positioning was found to be within 0.04 (σ = 0.12)°, 0.02 (σ = 0.13)°, and −0.03 (σ = 0.06)° in X, Y, and Z directions, respectively, enabling assessment of IGRT with a 6 degrees of freedom patient positioning system. The gray value registration algorithm showed the least error in calculated offsets with maximum mean difference of −0.2(σ = 0.4) mm in translational and −0.1(σ = 0.1)° in rotational directions for all image resolutions. Bone and seed registration were found to be sensitive to CBCT image resolution. Seed registration was found to be most sensitive demonstrating a maximum mean error of −0.3(σ = 0.9) mm and −1.4(σ = 1.7)° in translational and rotational directions over low resolution images, and this is reduced to −0.1(σ = 0.2) mm and −0.1(σ = 0.79)° using high resolution images.

Conclusions:

The phantom, capable of rotating independently about three orthogonal axes was successfully used to assess the accuracy of an IGRT system considering 6 degrees of freedom. The overall residual error in the image guidance process of XVI in combination with the HexaPOD couch was demonstrated to be less than 0.3 mm and 0.3° in translational and rotational directions when using the gray value registration with high resolution CBCT images. However, the residual error, especially in rotational directions, may increase when the seed registration is used with low resolution images.
Spherical Tippe Tops
Authors: Cross Rod
Published: February 2013

A tippe top (see Fig. 1) is usually constructed as a truncated sphere with a cylindrical peg on top, as indicated in Fig. 2(a). When spun rapidly on a horizontal surface, a tippe top spins about a vertical axis while rotating slowly about a horizontal axis until the peg touches the surface. At that point, weight is transferred to the peg, the truncated sphere rises off the surface, and the top spins on the peg until it is upright. A feature of a tippe top is that its center of mass, labeled G in Fig. 2, is below the geometric center of the sphere, C, when the top is at rest. That is where it will return if the top is tilted sideways and released since that is the stable equilibrium position. The fact that a tippe top turns upside down when it spins is therefore astonishing. The behavior of a tippe top is quite unlike that of a regular top since the spin axis remains closely vertical the whole time. The center of mass of a regular top can also rise, but the spin axis tilts upward as the top rises and enters a “sleeping” position.
Wiimote Experiments: Circular Motion
Authors: Kouh Minjoon , Holz Danielle , Kawam Alae , Lamont Mary
Published: February 2013

The advent of new sensor technologies can provide new ways of exploring fundamental physics. In this paper, we show how a Wiimote, which is a handheld remote controller for the Nintendo Wii video game system with an accelerometer, can be used to study the dynamics of circular motion with a very simple setup such as an old record player or a bicycle wheel.
Teachers' self-assessed level of preparation
Authors: White Susan
Published: February 2013

We asked high school physics teachers to assess their level of preparation across a number of domains. Almost all (98%) reported feeling adequately or well prepared in terms of their basic physics knowledge. The chart presents teachers' responses to their self-assessed level of preparation in six different areas. Almost all feel at least adequately prepared with respect to their science knowledge in other areas and the applications of physics to everyday experience. However, only two-thirds feel adequately or well prepared in recent developments in physics.
F
=
q
v
×
B
:
v
is with Respect to What?
Authors: Scheller Kent W. , Pickett Thomas J.
Published: February 2013

In introductory physics classes, we typically introduce the magnetic force, F = qv × B, on a moving charge and its vector nature using a right-hand rule, as described by numerous textbooks.1–4 When presented to students, it is often assumed that the velocity of the charge used in this calculation is relative to the magnetic field in which it travels. Previously5–6 the relativity of the magnetic force has been discussed to show that v is not with respect to the magnetic field. Here we demonstrate with a couple of Gedanken experiments the actual relativity of the magnetic force and to what the charge's velocity is relative.
Discrepant Results in a 2-D Marble Collision
Authors: Kalajian Peter
Published: February 2013

Video analysis of 2-D collisions is an excellent way to investigate conservation of linear momentum. The often-desired experimental design goal is to minimize the momentum loss in order to demonstrate the conservation law. An air table with colliding pucks is an ideal medium for this experiment, but such equipment is beyond the budget of many schools. Substituting marbles on a table for air pucks introduces angular momentum and sliding friction so that simple video analysis will demonstrate that linear momentum is not conserved.1,2 Nevertheless, these labs offer students insights into the real-world application of physics. During a recent classroom trial, an unexpected result forced my students to think creatively and critically about what happened in the experiment.
The
C9orf72
GGGGCC Repeat Is Translated into Aggregating Dipeptide-Repeat Proteins in FTLD/ALS
Authors: Mori Kohji , Weng Shih-Ming , Arzberger Thomas , May Stephanie , Rentzsch Kristin , Kremmer Elisabeth , Schmid Bettina , Kretzschmar Hans A. , Cruts Marc , Van Broeckhoven Christine , Haass Christian , Edbauer Dieter
Published: February 2013

Unusual Aggregates

Several recent papers have revealed the unexpected genetic and pathological overlap between frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The most common genetic cause is the GGGGCC hexanucleotide repeat expansion upstream of the
C9orf72
coding region affecting about 10% of all patients. It is currently unknown how repeat expansion might lead to neurodegeneration.
C9orf72
patients show two distinct types of ubiquitinated inclusions in the central nervous system, one of which was identified as phosphorylated TDP-43 protein. However, all inclusions in the cerebellum and most inclusions in the hippocampus and neocortex lack TDP-43, and the actual disease protein is unknown.

Mori
et al.

(p.
1335
, published online 7 February; see the Perspective by

Taylor

) discovered that most of these characteristic inclusions contain poly-(Gly-Ala) and, to a lesser extent, poly-(Gly-Pro) and poly-(Gly-Arg) dipeptide-repeat proteins that are generated by non-ATG–initiated translation from the expanded GGGGCC repeats in three reading frames. The findings yield mechanistic insight into the pathogenesis of FTLD/ALS with
C9orf72
repeat expansions and directly link this common mutation to the characteristic pathology.
Physicochemical Quality and Chemical Safety of Chlorine as a Reconditioning Agent and Wash Water Disinfectant for Fresh-Cut Lettuce Washing
Authors: Van Haute Sam , Sampers Imca , Holvoet Kevin , Uyttendaele Mieke
Published: February 2013

Chlorine was assessed as a reconditioning agent and wash water disinfectant in the fresh-cut produce industry. Artificial fresh-cut lettuce wash water, made from butterhead lettuce, was used for the experiments. In the reconditioning experiments, chlorine was added to artificial wash water inoculated withEscherichia coliO157 (6 log CFU/ml). Regression models were constructed based on the inactivation data and validated in actual wash water from leafy vegetable processing companies. The model that incorporated chlorine dose and chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the wash water accurately predicted inactivation.Listeria monocytogeneswas more resistant to chlorine reconditioning in artificial wash water thanSalmonellaspp. andEscherichia coliO157. During the washing process with inoculated lettuce (4 log CFU/g), in the absence of chlorine, there was a rapid microbial buildup in the water that accumulated to 5.4 ± 0.4 log CFU/100 ml after 1 h. When maintaining a residual concentration of 1 mg/liter free chlorine, wash water contamination was maintained below 2.7, 2.5, and 2.5 log CFU/100 ml for tap water and artificial process water with COD values of 500 and 1,000 mg O2/liter, respectively. A model was developed to predict water contamination during the dynamic washing process. Only minor amounts of total trihalomethanes were formed in the water during reconditioning. Total trihalomethanes accumulated to larger amounts in the water during the wash water disinfection experiments and reached 124.5 ± 13.4 μg/liter after 1 h of execution of the washing process in water with a COD of 1,000 mg O2/liter. However, no total trihalomethanes were found on the fresh-cut lettuce after rinsing.
Genome Sequence of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris Strain Xca5
Authors: Bolot Stéphanie , Guy Endrick , Carrere Sébastien , Barbe Valérie , Arlat Matthieu , Noël Laurent D.
Published: February 2013

An annotated high-quality draft genome sequence for
Xanthomonas campestris
pv. campestris race 1 strain Xca5 (originally described as
X. campestris
pv. armoraciae), the causal agent of black rot on
Brassicaceae
plants, has been determined. This genome sequence is a valuable resource for comparative genomics within the campestris pathovar.
Genome Sequence of Bacillus licheniformis CGMCC3963, a Stress-Resistant Strain Isolated in a Chinese Traditional Solid-State Liquor-Making Process
Authors: Wu Qun , Peng Suqin , Yu Yao , Li Yixue , Xu Yan
Published: February 2013

Bacillus licheniformis
CGMCC3963 is an important mao-tai flavor-producing strain. It was isolated from the starter (
Daqu
) of a Chinese mao-tai-flavor liquor fermentation process with solid-state fermentation. We report its genome of 4,525,096 bp here. Many potential insertion genes that are responsible for the unique properties of
B. licheniformis
CGMCC3963 in mao-tai-flavor liquor production were identified.
Complete Genome Sequence of Mycoplasma hyorhinis Strain SK76
Authors: Goodison Steve , Urquidi Virginia , Kumar Dibyendu , Reyes Leticia , Rosser Charles J.
Published: February 2013

Mycoplasma hyorhinis
is a eubacterium belonging to the
Mollicutes
class and is responsible for porcine respiratory and arthritic diseases. It is also the major contaminant of mammalian tissue cultures in laboratories worldwide. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
M. hyorhinis
strain SK76.
Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strain N002, Isolated from Crude Oil-Contaminated Soil from Geleky, Assam, India
Authors: Roy Abhjit Sarma , Baruah Reshita , Gogoi Dhrubajyoti , Borah Maina , Singh Anil Kumar , Deka Boruah Hari Prasanna
Published: February 2013

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of crude oil-degrading
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
strain N002, isolated from a crude oil-polluted soil sample from Geleky, Assam, India. Multiple genes potentially involved in crude oil degradation were identified.
Draft Genome Sequence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus SNUVpS-1 Isolated from Korean Seafood
Authors: Jun Jin Woo , Kim Ji Hyung , Choresca Casiano H. , Shin Sang Phil , Han Jee Eun , Park Se Chang
Published: February 2013

Vibrio parahaemolyticus
is the leading cause of food-borne diseases, and several pathogenic strains cause global gastroenteritis outbreaks. Here, we report a draft genome sequence of
V. parahaemolyticus
SNUVpS-1, which was isolated from seafood in a fishery market in the Republic of Korea and contained TL,
toxR
, and
toxRS
old
genes. The current draft genome sequence will contribute to the effort to monitor the spread of
V. parahaemolyticus
seafood isolates and clinical isolates.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Francisella tularensis subsp.
holarctica
Strain from Germany Causing Lethal Infection in Common Marmosets
Authors: Antwerpen Markus H. , Schacht E. , Kaysser P. , Splettstoesser W. D.
Published: February 2013

Here, we describe the genome sequence of the
Francisella tularensis
subsp.
holarctica
strain F92, belonging to the Franco-Iberian subgroup. This strain represents the first-time isolate of this subgroup in Germany and was obtained from naturally infected marmosets.
Towards the Description of the Genome Catalogue of
Pseudomonas
sp. Strain M1
Authors: Soares-Castro Pedro , Santos Pedro M.
Published: February 2013

Pseudomonas
sp. strain M1 is a soil isolate with remarkable biotechnological potential. The genome of
Pseudomonas
sp. M1 was sequenced using both 454 and Illumina technologies. A customized genome assembly pipeline was used to reconstruct its genome sequence to a single scaffold.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Probiotic Enterococcus faecalis Symbioflor 1 Clone DSM 16431
Authors: Fritzenwanker Moritz , Kuenne Carsten , Billion Andre , Hain Torsten , Zimmermann Kurt , Goesmann Alexander , Chakraborty Trinad , Domann Eugen
Published: February 2013

Here, we report the complete and annotated genome sequence of the probiotic
Enterococcus faecalis
Symbioflor 1 clone DSM 16431, included in a commercial probiotic product used for more than 50 years without any reports of infection. This sequence will provide new insights into the biology of this nonpathogenic and probiotic microorganism.
Patellar tendon rupture: an ultrasound case report
Authors: Berg Kenneth , Peck Jeff , Boulger Creagh , Bahner David P
Published: February 2013

This article discusses a case in which ultrasound was the primary modality for diagnosis of traumatic patellar tendon rupture. Traditionally, this diagnosis has been made using MRI. This case highlights the growing need for emergency medicine physicians to become facile with bedside ultrasound and its indications as a supplement to traditional musculoskeletal examination. Normal and pathological patellar tendon examinations with ultrasound are discussed in detail. Furthermore, the advantages of ultrasound over the more traditional imaging modalities of x-ray and MRI in cases where tendon rupture is suspected are discussed.
Uterine arteriovenous malformation
Authors: Sellers Francisco , Palacios-Marqués Ana , Moliner Belen , Bernabeu Rafael
Published: February 2013

Uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a little known condition of which, to date, very few cases have been described. It has a very diverse symptomatology, even though in most cases, it is diagnosed during a severe and acute haemorrhagic event. Its treatment can vary from expectant management to hysterectomy; however, current evidence suggests that the embolisation of uterine arteries is the most effective approach, especially if fertility is to be preserved. We present a case report classified as AVM, with additional images that show the appearance of this pathology in a short span of time. This case has a number of peculiarities: unusual persistence of human chorionic gonadotropin hormone (β-HCG), asymptomatic patient, quick establishment of the lesion and its duration with unchanging characteristics and finally its spontaneous resolution without further consequences. This entity shows an aetiopathogenesis, that is, not well established or described. We discuss its physiopathology and aetiopathogenesis.
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy imaging of live epithelial cancer cells under non-aqueous media
Authors: Soh JunYi , Chueng Adeline , Adio Aminat , Cooper Alan J , Birch Brian R , Lwaleed Bashir A
Published: February 2013

Aims

Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) imaging is increasingly being applied to biomedical specimens, but strong IR absorption by water complicates live cell imaging. This study investigates the viability of adherent epithelial cells maintained for short periods under mineral oils in order to facilitate live cell spectroscopy using FT-IR with subsequent imaging.

Methods

The MGH-U1 urothelial or CaCo2 colorectal cancer cell lines were grown on plastic surfaces or mid-range infrared transparent windows. Medium in established cultures was replaced with paraffin mineral oil, or Fluorolube, for up to 2 h, and viability assessed by supravital staining. Drug handling characteristics were also assessed. Imaging of preparations was attempted by reflectance and transmission using a Varian FT-IR microscope.

Results

Cells covered by mineral oil remained viable for 2 h, with recovery into normal medium possible. MTT ((3-(4,5-dimethylthlazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium) conversion to crystalline formazan and differential patterns of drug uptake were maintained. The combination of a calcium fluoride substrate, Fluorolube oil, and transmission optics proved best for spectroscopy. Spectral features were used to obtain images of live cells.

Conclusions

The viability of cells overlaid with IR transparent oils was assessed as part of a technique to optimise conditions for FT-IR imaging. Images of untreated cells were obtained using both reflectance and transmission. This represents an effective means of imaging live cells by IR spectroscopy, and also means that imaging is not necessarily a terminal event. It also increases options for producing images based on real-time biochemistry in a range of in vitro experimental and ‘optical biopsy’ contexts.
Antithrombotic therapy in atrial fibrillation: aspirin is rarely the right choice
Authors: Sabir Ian N , Matthews Gareth D K , Huang Christopher L-H
Published: February 2013

Atrial fibrillation, the commonest cardiac arrhythmia, predisposes to thrombus formation and consequently increases risk of ischaemic stroke. Recent years have seen approval of a number of novel oral anticoagulants. Nevertheless, warfarin and aspirin remain the mainstays of therapy. It is widely appreciated that both these agents increase the likelihood of bleeding: there is a popular conception that this risk is greater with warfarin. In fact, well-managed warfarin therapy (INR 2–3) has little effect on bleeding risk and is twice as effective as aspirin at preventing stroke. Patients with atrial fibrillation and a further risk factor for stroke (CHA2DS2-VASc >0) should therefore either receive warfarin or a novel oral agent. The remainder who are at the very lowest risk of stroke are better not prescribed antithrombotic therapy. For stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation; aspirin is rarely the right choice.
MOLTEN SALT SYNTHESIS OF La2O2SO4 NANOSHEETS AND THEIR LUMINESCENT PROPERTIES WITH Eu3+ DOPING
Authors: HUANG XIAO-ZHU , LIU ZHEN , YANG YIYI , TIAN YANG
Published: February 2013

Two-dimensional nanosheets of lanthanum oxysulfates ( La2O2SO4 ) are prepared for the first time by a facile, effective molten salt synthesis route at a low temperature (400°C). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) shows that the nanosheets are 100 nm to 200 nm thick and several micrometers in in-plane size. The intrinsic crystallography of the nanosheets is characterized by X-ray diffraction, high-resolution TEM, and selected area electron diffraction. The composition of the sample is studied by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The formation process of the nanosheets in molten salts is also investigated. The luminescence properties of the obtained La2O2SO4 nanosheets are investigated by doping with Eu3+ at different concentrations. The nanosheets are found to exhibit good monochromaticity with high color saturation.
Regulation of urea synthesis during the acute-phase response in rats
Authors: Thomsen Karen Louise , Jessen Niels , Møller Andreas Buch , Aagaard Niels Kristian , Grønbæk Henning , Holst Jens Juul , Vilstrup Hendrik
Published: February 2013

The acute-phase response is a catabolic event involving increased waste of amino-nitrogen (N) via hepatic urea synthesis, despite an increased need for amino-N incorporation into acute-phase proteins. This study aimed to clarify the regulation of N elimination via urea during different phases of the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced acute-phase response in rats. We used four methods to study the regulation of urea synthesis: We examined urea cycle enzyme mRNA levels in liver tissue, the hepatocyte urea cycle enzyme proteins, the in vivo capacity of urea-N synthesis (CUNS), and known humoral regulators of CUNS at 1, 3, 24, and 72 h after TNF-α injection (25 μg/kg iv rrTNF-α) in rats. Serum acute-phase proteins and their liver mRNA levels were also measured. The urea cycle enzyme mRNA levels acutely decreased and then gradually normalized, whereas the urea cycle enzyme proteins remained essentially unchanged over time. The CUNS rose after 3 h and then normalized. The acute-phase response was fully activated at 24 h with markedly increased serum levels of the acute-phase proteins. TNF-α acutely upregulated the CUNS. Later, despite the fully established 24-h acute-phase response and the decreased activity of the urea cycle enzyme genes, there was no change in the urea cycle enzyme proteins or the CUNS. Thus in no phase after the initiation of the acute-phase response was in vivo urea synthesis orchestrated in combination with acute-phase protein synthesis so as to limit N waste.
Histamine-dependent prolongation by aldosterone of vasoconstriction in isolated small mesenteric arteries of the mouse
Authors: Schjerning Jeppe , Uhrenholt Torben R. , Svenningsen Per , Vanhoutte Paul M. , Skøtt Ole , Jensen Boye L. , Hansen Pernille B. L.
Published: February 2013

In arterioles, aldosterone counteracts the rapid dilatation (recovery) following depolarization-induced contraction. The hypothesis was tested that this effect of aldosterone depends on cyclooxygenase (COX)-derived products and/or nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) inhibition. Recovery of the response to high K+ was observed in mesenteric arteries of wild-type and COX-2−/− mice but it was significantly diminished in preparations from endothelial NOS (eNOS)−/− mice. Aldosterone pretreatment inhibited recovery from wild-type and COX-2−/− mice. The NO donor sodium nitroprusside (SNP) restored recovery in arteries from eNOS−/− mice, and this was inhibited by aldosterone. Actinomycin-D abolished the effect of aldosterone, indicating a genomic effect. The effect was blocked by indomethacin and by the COX-1 inhibitor valeryl salicylate but not by NS-398 (10−6 mol/l) or the TP-receptor antagonist S18886 (10−7 mol/l). The effect of aldosterone on recovery in arteries from wild-type mice and the SNP-mediated dilatation in arteries from eNOS−/− mice was inhibited by the histamine H2 receptor antagonist cimetidine. RT-PCR showed expression of mast cell markers in mouse mesenteric arteries. The adventitia displayed granular cells positive for toluidine blue vital stain. Confocal microscopy of live mast cells showed loss of quinacrine fluorescence and swelling after aldosterone treatment, indicating degranulation. RT-PCR showed expression of mineralocorticoid receptors in mesenteric arteries and in isolated mast cells. These findings suggest that aldosterone inhibits recovery by stimulation of histamine release from mast cells along mesenteric arteries. The resulting activation of H2 receptors decreases the sensitivity to NO of vascular smooth muscle cells. Aldosterone may chronically affect vascular function through paracrine release of histamine.
ANG II causes insulin resistance and induces cardiac metabolic switch and inefficiency: a critical role of PDK4
Authors: Mori Jun , Alrob Osama Abo , Wagg Cory S. , Harris Robert A. , Lopaschuk Gary D. , Oudit Gavin Y.
Published: February 2013

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) may alter cardiac energy metabolism in heart failure. Angiotensin II (ANG II), the main effector of the RAS in heart failure, has emerged as an important regulator of cardiac hypertrophy and energy metabolism. We studied the metabolic perturbations and insulin response in an ANG II-induced hypertrophy model. Ex vivo heart perfusion showed that hearts from ANG II-treated mice had a lower response to insulin with significantly reduced rates of glucose oxidation in association with increased pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) levels. Palmitate oxidation rates were significantly reduced in response to insulin in vehicle-treated hearts but remained unaltered in ANG II-treated hearts. Furthermore, phosphorylation of Akt was also less response to insulin in ANG II-treated wild-type (WT) mice, suggestive of insulin resistance. We evaluated the role of PDK4 in the ANG II-induced pathology and showed that deletion of PDK4 prevented ANG II-induced diastolic dysfunction and normalized glucose oxidation to basal levels. ANG II-induced reduction in the levels of the deacetylase, SIRT3, was associated with increased acetylation of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) and a reduced PDH activity. In conclusion, our findings show that a combination of insulin resistance and decrease in PDH activity are involved in ANG II-induced reduction in glucose oxidation, resulting in cardiac inefficiency. ANG II reduces PDH activity via acetylation of PDH complex, as well as increased phosphorylation in response to increased PDK4 levels.