bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Characterization and Control of Miniaturized Pneumatic Artificial Muscle
Authors: Chakravarthy Shanthanu , Aditya K. , Ghosal Ashitava
Published: August 2014

Robotic surgical tools used in minimally invasive surgeries (MIS) require miniaturized and reliable actuators for precise positioning and control of the end-effector. Miniature pneumatic artificial muscles (MPAMs) are a good choice due to their inert nature, high force to weight ratio, and fast actuation. In this paper, we present the development of miniaturized braided pneumatic muscles with an outer diameter of ∼1.2 mm, a high contraction ratio of about 18%, and capable of providing a pull force in excess of 4 N at a supply pressure of 0.8 MPa. We present the details of the developed experimental setup, experimental data on contraction and force as a function of applied pressure, and characterization of the MPAM. We also present a simple kinematics and experimental data based model of the braided pneumatic muscle and show that the model predicts contraction in length to within 20% of the measured value. Finally, a robust controller for the MPAMs is developed and validated with experiments and it is shown that the MPAMs have a time constant of ∼10 ms thereby making them suitable for actuating endoscopic and robotic surgical tools.
Study on Flaw-to-Surface Proximity Rule for Transforming Subsurface Flaws to Surface Flaws Based on Fatigue Crack Growth Experiments
Authors: Hasegawa Kunio , Li Yinsheng , Saito Koichi
Published: August 2014

If a subsurface flaw is located very near a component surface, the subsurface flaw is categorized as a surface flaw. The boundary of the subsurface and surface flaws is required for flaw evaluation. The subsurface flaw is transformed to a surface flaw in accordance with a flaw-to-surface proximity rule. The recharacterization process from subsurface to surface flaw is adopted in all fitness-for-service (FFS) codes. However, the specific criteria of the recharacterizations are different among the FFS codes. Cyclic tensile experiment was conducted on a carbon steel flat plate with a subsurface flaw at ambient temperature. The objective of the paper is to compare the experiment and calculation of fatigue crack growth behavior for a subsurface flaw and the transformed surface flaw, and to check the validity of the flaw-to-surface proximity rule defined by ASME Code Section XI, JSME S NA1 Code and other codes.
On the Contact of Curved Rough Surfaces: Contact Behavior and Predictive Formulas
Authors: Beheshti Ali , Khonsari M. M.
Published: August 2014

The statistical microcontact models of Greenwood–Williamson (GW), Kogut–Etsion (KE), and Jackson–Green (JG) are employed along with the elastic bulk deformation of the contacting solids to predict the characteristics of rough elliptical point contact such as the pressure profile, real area of contact, and contact dimensions. In addition, the contribution of the bulk deformation and the asperity deformation to the total displacement is evaluated for different surface properties and loads. The approach involves solving the microcontact and separation equations simultaneously. Also presented are formulas that can be readily used for the prediction of the maximum contact pressure, contact dimensions, contact compliance, real area of contact, and pressure distribution.
Interaction Between the Thyroarytenoid and Lateral Cricoarytenoid Muscles in the Control of Vocal Fold Adduction and Eigenfrequencies
Authors: Yin Jun , Zhang Zhaoyan
Published: August 2014

Although it is known vocal fold adduction is achieved through laryngeal muscle activation, it is still unclear how interaction between individual laryngeal muscle activations affects vocal fold adduction and vocal fold stiffness, both of which are important factors determining vocal fold vibration and the resulting voice quality. In this study, a three-dimensional (3D) finite element model was developed to investigate vocal fold adduction and changes in vocal fold eigenfrequencies due to the interaction between the lateral cricoarytenoid (LCA) and thyroarytenoid (TA) muscles. The results showed that LCA contraction led to a medial and downward rocking motion of the arytenoid cartilage in the coronal plane about the long axis of the cricoid cartilage facet, which adducted the posterior portion of the glottis but had little influence on vocal fold eigenfrequencies. In contrast, TA activation caused a medial rotation of the vocal folds toward the glottal midline, resulting in adduction of the anterior portion of the glottis and significant increase in vocal fold eigenfrequencies. This vocal fold-stiffening effect of TA activation also reduced the posterior adductory effect of LCA activation. The implications of the results for phonation control are discussed.
Experimental Investigation of Purge Flow Effects on a High Pressure Turbine Stage
Authors: Regina K. , Kalfas A. I. , Abhari R. S.
Published: August 2014

In the present paper, an experimental investigation of the effects of rim seal purge flow on the performance of a highly loaded axial turbine stage is presented. The test configuration consists of a one-and-a-half stage, unshrouded, turbine, with a blading representative of high pressure (HP) gas turbines. Efficiency measurements for various purge flow injection levels have been carried out with pneumatic probes at the exit of the rotor and show a reduction of isentropic total-to-total efficiency of 0.8% per percent of injected mass flow. For three purge flow conditions, the unsteady aerodynamic flow field at rotor inlet and rotor exit has been measured with the in-house developed fast response aerodynamic probe (FRAP). The time-resolved data show the unsteady interaction of the purge flow with the secondary flows of the main flow and the impact on the radial displacement of the rotor hub passage vortex (HPV). Steady measurements at off-design conditions show the impact of the rotor incidence and of the stage flow factor on the resulting stage efficiency and the radial displacement of the rotor HPV. A comparison of the effect of purge flow and of the off-design conditions on the rotor incidence and stage flow factor shows that the detrimental effect of the purge flow on the stage efficiency caused by the radial displacement of the rotor HPV is dominated by the increase of stage flow factor in the hub region rather than by the increase of negative rotor incidence.
Histone H3 lysine-to-methionine mutants as a paradigm to study chromatin signaling
Authors: Herz Hans-Martin , Morgan Marc , Gao Xin , Jackson Jessica , Rickels Ryan , Swanson Selene K. , Florens Laurence , Washburn Michael P. , Eissenberg Joel C. , Shilatifard Ali
Published: August 2014

Chromatin mutations disrupt development

Histone proteins form the core packaging material for our genomic DNA, and covalent modifications to amino acid residues in their structure play an important role in the epigenetic control of gene expression. Herz
et al.
show that specific mutations in the residues that are normally modified to regulate expression cause severe disruption of normal development in the fruit fly. Similar mutations are known to be involved in a subtype of aggressive pediatric brain cancers. Insights into the epigenetic regulatory pathways disrupted by these mutations in
Drosophila
may suggest possible treatments for human cancers.

Science
, this issue p.
1065
The genetic prehistory of the New World Arctic
Authors: Raghavan Maanasa , DeGiorgio Michael , Albrechtsen Anders , Moltke Ida , Skoglund Pontus , Korneliussen Thorfinn S. , Grønnow Bjarne , Appelt Martin , Gulløv Hans Christian , Friesen T. Max , Fitzhugh William , Malmström Helena , Rasmussen Simon , Olsen Jesper , Melchior Linea , Fuller Benjamin T. , Fahrni Simon M. , Stafford Thomas , Grimes Vaughan , Renouf M. A. Priscilla , Cybulski Jerome , Lynnerup Niels , Lahr Marta Mirazon , Britton Kate , Knecht Rick , Arneborg Jette , Metspalu Mait , Cornejo Omar E. , Malaspinas Anna-Sapfo , Wang Yong , Rasmussen Morten , Raghavan Vibha , Hansen Thomas V. O. , Khusnutdinova Elza , Pierre Tracey , Dneprovsky Kirill , Andreasen Claus , Lange Hans , Hayes M. Geoffrey , Coltrain Joan , Spitsyn Victor A. , Götherström Anders , Orlando Ludovic , Kivisild Toomas , Villems Richard , Crawford Michael H. , Nielsen Finn C. , Dissing Jørgen , Heinemeier Jan , Meldgaard Morten , Bustamante Carlos , O’Rourke Dennis H. , Jakobsson Mattias , Gilbert M. Thomas P. , Nielsen Rasmus , Willerslev Eske
Published: August 2014

Arctic genetics comes in from the cold

Despite a well-characterized archaeological record, the genetics of the people who inhabit the Arctic have been unexplored. Raghavan
et al.
sequenced ancient and modern genomes of individuals from the North American Arctic (see the Perspective by Park). Analyses of these genomes indicate that the Arctic was colonized 6000 years ago by a migration separate from the one that gave rise to other Native American populations. Furthermore, the original paleo-inhabitants of the Arctic appear to have been completely replaced approximately 700 years ago.

Science
, this issue
10.1126/science.1255832
; see also p.
1004
Observation of the transition state for pressure-induced BO
3
→ BO
4
conversion in glass
Authors: Edwards Trenton , Endo Takatsugu , Walton Jeffrey H. , Sen Sabyasachi
Published: August 2014

Catching changing boron coordination

Laboratory glassware and kitchen cookware alike are made of glass that contains different cations, including boron, sodium, and aluminum. Properties of glass depend on the number and location of oxygen atoms surrounding each cation. Edwards
et al.
combine nuclear magnetic resonance measurements with theoretical calculations to understand structural transformations in borosilicate glass (see the Perspective by Youngman). Boron atoms in planar threefold coordination move out of plane with increasing pressure to form trigonal pyramids. Identification of this type of transition state connects structural evolution with stress-induced processes in amorphous materials. In borosilicate glass, the transition leads to the formation of tetrahedral fourfold-coordinated boron that tunes glass properties for use in numerous applications.

Science
, this issue p.
1027
; see also p.
998
Influenza Virus-Specific Neutralizing IgM Antibodies Persist for a Lifetime
Authors: Skountzou Ioanna , Satyabhama Lakshmipriyadarshini , Stavropoulou Anastasia , Ashraf Zuhha , Esser E. Stein , Vassilieva Elena , Koutsonanos Dimitrios , Compans Richard , Jacob Joshy
Published: August 2014

Detection of immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies has long been used as an important diagnostic tool for identifying active viral infections, but their relevance in later stages has not been clearly definedin vivo. In this study, we followed the kinetics, longevity, and function of influenza virus-specific IgM antibodies for 2 years following sublethal infection of mice with live mouse-adapted A/PR/8/34 virus or immunization with formalin-inactivated virus. These groups mounted robust protective immune responses and survived lethal challenges with 50× 50% lethal dose (LD50) mouse-adapted A/PR/8/34 virus 600 days after the primary exposure. Surprisingly, the virus-specific IgM antibodies persisted along with IgG antibodies, and we found a significantly higher number of IgM-positive (IgM+) virus-specific plasma cells than IgG+plasma cells that persisted for at least 9 months postexposure. The IgM antibodies were functional as they neutralized influenza virus in the presence of complement just as well as IgG antibodies did.
Evaluation of Performance of the Real-Q NTM-ID Kit for Rapid Identification of Eight Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Species
Authors: Huh Hee Jae , Park Kyung Sun , Jang Mi-Ae , Kim Ji-Youn , Kwon Hyeon Jeong , Ki Chang-Seok , Lee Nam Yong
Published: August 2014

We evaluated a multiplex real-time PCR and melting curve analysis assay (Real-Q NTM-ID kit; Biosewoom, Seoul, South Korea) for the identification of eight common nontuberculous mycobacterial species, using 30 type strains and 230 consecutive clinical isolates. The concordance rate of this assay with multigene sequence-based typing was 97.0% (223/230 isolates).
Human-Specific Bacterial Pore-Forming Toxins Induce Programmed Necrosis in Erythrocytes
Authors: LaRocca Timothy J. , Stivison Elizabeth A. , Hod Eldad A. , Spitalnik Steven L. , Cowan Peter J. , Randis Tara M. , Ratner Adam J.
Published: August 2014

A subgroup of the cholesterol-dependent cytolysin (CDC) family of pore-forming toxins (PFTs) has an unusually narrow host range due to a requirement for binding to human CD59 (hCD59), a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked complement regulatory molecule. hCD59-specific CDCs are produced by several organisms that inhabit human mucosal surfaces and can act as pathogens, including
Gardnerella vaginalis
and
Streptococcus intermedius
. The consequences and potential selective advantages of such PFT host limitation have remained unknown. Here, we demonstrate that, in addition to species restriction, PFT ligation of hCD59 triggers a previously unrecognized pathway for programmed necrosis in primary erythrocytes (red blood cells [RBCs]) from humans and transgenic mice expressing hCD59. Because they lack nuclei and mitochondria, RBCs have typically been thought to possess limited capacity to undergo programmed cell death. RBC programmed necrosis shares key molecular factors with nucleated cell necroptosis, including dependence on Fas/FasL signaling and RIP1 phosphorylation, necrosome assembly, and restriction by caspase-8. Death due to programmed necrosis in RBCs is executed by acid sphingomyelinase-dependent ceramide formation, NADPH oxidase- and iron-dependent reactive oxygen species formation, and glycolytic formation of advanced glycation end products. Bacterial PFTs that are hCD59 independent do not induce RBC programmed necrosis. RBC programmed necrosis is biochemically distinct from eryptosis, the only other known programmed cell death pathway in mature RBCs. Importantly, RBC programmed necrosis enhances the growth of PFT-producing pathogens during exposure to primary RBCs, consistent with a role for such signaling in microbial growth and pathogenesis.

IMPORTANCE
In this work, we provide the first description of a new form of programmed cell death in erythrocytes (RBCs) that occurs as a consequence of cellular attack by human-specific bacterial toxins. By defining a new RBC death pathway that shares important components with necroptosis, a programmed necrosis module that occurs in nucleated cells, these findings expand our understanding of RBC biology and RBC-pathogen interactions. In addition, our work provides a link between cholesterol-dependent cytolysin (CDC) host restriction and promotion of bacterial growth in the presence of RBCs, which may provide a selective advantage to human-associated bacterial strains that elaborate such toxins and a potential explanation for the narrowing of host range observed in this toxin family.
Deformational behavior of fouled railway ballast
Authors: Ebrahimi Ali , Tinjum James M. , Edil Tuncer B.
Published: August 2014

Plastic strain of railway ballast subjected to various fouling conditions was determined under simulated traffic loading through testing with large-scale cyclic triaxial equipment. Mechanisms by which fouling material affects the plastic strain of railway ballast were investigated. Fouling content (% by weight of particles <12 mm) increased the plastic strain of ballast by contaminating the contact points of ballast particles. Increasing moisture (>3%) resulted in larger accumulation of plastic strain in fouled ballast under traffic loading. Soil-suction tests showed that plastic strain of fouled ballast with suction >2000 kPa is similar to that of clean ballast, regardless of fouling and moisture content. For noncohesive fouling material (mineral and coal fouling), plastic strain is affected by fouling and moisture; therefore, a noncohesive fouling index (NFI) is proposed. In cohesive (clay) fouling, plastic strain is controlled by moisture and fouling content, as well as compositional characteristics of the cohesive fouling material, primarily represented by Atterberg limits and % mass <0.075 mm. A cohesive fouling index (CFI) is proposed to characterize the deformation of cohesive fouled ballast.
Tumor necrosis factor alpha protects heart cultures against hypoxic damage via activation of PKA and phospholamban to prevent calcium overload
Authors: El-Ani Dalia , Philipchik Irena , Stav Hagit , Levi Moran , Zerbib Jordana , Shainberg Asher
Published: August 2014

This study aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) provides protection from hypoxic damage to neonatal rat cardiomyocyte cultures. We show that when intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) levels are elevated by extracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]o) or by hypoxia, then TNFα decreased [Ca2+]i in individual cardiomyocytes. However, TNFα did not reduce [Ca2+]i after its increase by thapsigargin, (a SERCA2a inhibitor), indicating that TNFα attenuates Ca2+ overload through Ca2+ uptake by SERCA2a. TNFα did not reduce [Ca2+]i, following its elevation when [Ca2+]o levels were elevated in TNFα receptor knock-out mice. H-89, a protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, attenuated the protective effect of TNFα when the cardiomyoctyes were subjected to hypoxia, as determined by lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) released and from the cardiomyocytes. Moreover, when the levels of [Ca2+]i were increased by hypoxia, H-89, but not KN93, (a calmodulin kinase II inhibitor), prevented the reduction in [Ca2+]i by TNFα. TNFα increased the phosphorylation of PKA in normoxic and hypoxic cardiomyoctes, indicating that the cardioprotective effect of TNFα against hypoxic damage was via PKA activation. Hypoxia decreased phosphorylated phospholamban levels; however, TNFα attenuated this decrease following hypoxia. It is suggested that TNFα activates phospholamban phosphorylation in hypoxic heart cultures via PKA to stimulate SERCA2a activity to limit Ca2+ overload.
Effect of craniotomy on oxidative stress and its effect on plasma l-carnitine levels
Authors: Li Huan-ting , Zhao Zhen-huan , Ding Hai-yan , Wang Le-xin , Cao Yu
Published: August 2014

Objective: to investigate the impact of craniotomy on oxidative stress and its effect on levels of plasma l-carnitine (LC). Methods: plasma levels of reactive oxygen species, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathion peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were measured in 34 patients (26 males and 8 females, mean age 47.7 ± 6.7 years) before and after craniotomy. Plasma levels of LC, acetyl-l-carnitine (ALC), and propionyl-l-carnitine (PLC) were also measured before and after the craniotomy. Results: the plasma concentrations of SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, and T-AOC within the first 4 h after craniotomy were lower than their baseline values (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the mean plasma levels of SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, or T-AOC between the baseline and 24 h post-operative values. The level of TBARS at 4 h after the craniotomy was lower than the pre-operative level (P < 0.05), but the 24 h post-operative value was similar to the baseline concentration (P > 0.05). Plasma levels of LC, ALC, and PLC were lower after the craniotomy (P < 0.05), but these levels returned to the baseline levels 24 h after the operation. Conclusions: craniotomy and the associated procedures for surgery/anesthesia temporarily reduce antioxidant activity and plasma levels of l-carnitine.
Age- and gender-related changes in glucose homeostasis in glucocorticoid-treated rats
Authors: dos Santos Cristiane , Ferreira Francielle Batista D. , Gonçalves-Neto Luiz M. , Taboga Sebastião Roberto , Boschero Antonio Carlos , Rafacho Alex
Published: August 2014

The disruption to glucose homeostasis upon glucocorticoid (GC) treatment in adult male rats has not been fully characterized in older rats or in females. Thus, we evaluated the age- and gender-related changes in glucose homeostasis in GC-treated rats. We injected male and female rats at 3 months and 12 months of age with either dexamethasone (1.0 mg/kg body mass, intraperitoneally) or saline, daily for 5 days. All of the GC-treated rats had decreased body mass and food intake, and adrenal hypotrophy. Increased glycemia was observed in all of the GC-treated groups and only the 3-month-old female rats were not glucose intolerant. Dexamethasone treatment resulted in hyperinsulinemia and hypertriacylglyceridemia in all of the GC-treated rats. The glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) was higher in all of the dexamethasone-treated animals, but it was less pronounced in the older animals. The β-cell mass was increased in the younger male rats treated with dexamethasone. We conclude that dexamethasone treatment induces glucose intolerance in both the 3- and 12-month-old male rats as well as hyperinsulinemia and augmented GSIS. Three-month-old female rats are protected from glucose intolerance caused by GC, whereas 12-month-old female rats developed the same complications that were present in 3- and 12-month-old male rats.
Pseudorapidity distributions of charged particles produced in p–p collisions at center-of-mass energies from 23.6 GeV to 900 GeV
Authors: Jiang Z. J. , Zhang H. L.
Published: August 2014

In p–p collisions there are two leading particles, one in the projectile and the other in the target fragmentation region. In this paper we show that, just like in nucleus–nucleus collisions, the revised Landau hydrodynamic model alone does not provide a good enough description of the measured pseudorapidity distributions of charged particles produced in p–p collisions. Only after the leading particles are taken into account can the experimental data be properly matched with the theoretical model in the entire available energy region from [Formula: see text] to 900 GeV.
AN IMAGE EFFECT CREATION SYSTEM
Authors: LIN HSIAU WEN , LIN HWEI JEN , YANG FU WEN , CHANG HSIAO WEI , LI YUE SHENG
Published: August 2014

This paper proposes an image effect creation system that can create various types of effects for images, to satisfy different needs of users for specific design goals. Some operations needed for creating image effects, such as flow-based bilateral filter, flow-based Gaussian filter, curve-shaped filters, line drawing, pencil texture generator, and modified shock filter, are first proposed, and various image effects that can be converted by the proposed system are illustrated. The experiments show very rich results in terms of image effects.
CHRONOS Ed: A Tool for Handling Temporal Ontologies in Protégé
Authors: Preventis Alexandros , Petrakis Euripides G. M. , Batsakis Sotirios
Published: August 2014

Representing information evolving in time in ontologies is a difficult problem to deal with. Temporal relations are in fact ternary (i.e., properties of objects that change in time involve also a temporal value in addition to the object and the subject) and cannot be handled directly by OWL. The standard solution to this problem is to map all temporal relations to a set of binary ones with new (intermediate) classes introduced by the temporal model applied. Nevertheless, ontologies then become complicated and difficult to handle by standard editors such as Protégé (e.g., property restrictions of temporal classes might refer to the new classes rather than to the classes on which they were meant to be defined). It also requires that the user be familiar with the peculiarities of the temporal representation. This is exactly the problem this work is dealing with. We introduce CHRONOS Ed, a plug-in for Protégé that enables handling of temporal ontologies in Protégé the same way static ontologies are handled. It is implemented as a Tab plug-in for Protégé and can be downloaded from the Web.
COMPUTATIONAL METHOD FOR ELASTIC–PLASTIC AND ANISOTROPIC SUPERCONDUCTING CABLE UNDER SIMPLE LOAD
Authors: LI YINGXU , WANG XU , GAO YUANWEN
Published: August 2014

International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) Cable-in-conduit Conductor (CICC) presents a typical hierarchical twisted configuration. An unpredictable stress–strain distribution is generated in each-level subcable under experimental loading tests or realistic operating conditions. The mechanical response relates to the threshold of transport currents on CICC which indicates the performance and stability of ITER magnets. To quantitatively assess mechanical deformation we develop an analytical scheme based on the hierarchical approach in the classical wire rope theory, following a successive top-down algorithm from the highest cable level to the lowest. The determination and evaluation of complex contact occurrence among adjacent strands is a key aspect which is formulated via a friction–contact model. Finite element (FE) method is used to extend the analytical approach that treats only elastic and isotropic material to the anisotropy and plasticity. The results show that the interstrand friction acts as a moderation for the axial deformation, and the interaction among the conductors has a stronger impact on the cable deformation than that between the conductor and jacket. It is suggested that under tensile load, the displacement constraints at the end and the strand anisotropy help to reduce the cable longitudinal deformation. It is also recommended that increasing the subsequent pitch is beneficial to reducing the cable deformation level.
Bellwethers of composition operators for typical-growth spaces
Authors: Wolf Elke
Published: August 2014

Let 𝔻kdenote the unit polydisk in ℂk, k ≥ 1, and H(𝔻k) the set of all holomorphic functions on 𝔻k. Now, let v : 𝔻k→ (0, ∞) be a weight and [Formula: see text] the Banach space of holomorphic functions f on 𝔻ksuch that supz ∈ 𝔻kv(z)|f(z)| < ∞. A holomorphic self-map ϕ : 𝔻k→ 𝔻kinduces the linear composition operator Cϕ: H(𝔻k) → H(𝔻k), f ↦ f ◦ ϕ. We investigate under which conditions on the symbol ϕ and the weight v the operator Cϕacting on [Formula: see text] is a bellwether for boundedness of composition operators, where Cϕbeing a bellwether means that Cϕacts boundedly on [Formula: see text] if and only if all composition operators act boundedly on [Formula: see text].
Stone like duality in almost distributive lattices
Authors: Rao G. C. , Sundari Katakam S. B. T.
Published: August 2014

In this paper, we establish Stone like duality between the class of relatively complemented almost distributive lattices and the class of locally Boolean spaces.
Joint Development Possibilities in the South China Sea: a Vietnamese Perspective
Authors: TRUONG-MINH Vu , HUYNH Tam Sang
Published: August 2014

Southeast Asian countries have refused to accept China's proposal to set aside disputes and pursue joint development since 2009. Why? This paper argues that China is becoming too powerful and has increasingly possessed more hard power such as economic and military capability. It, however, has not agreed to limit its power by institutional frameworks. Southeast Asian countries have little sympathy for China's cooperative projects given the lack of “constitutional order”.
Fascin 1 is an actin filament-bundling protein that regulates ectoplasmic specialization dynamics in the rat testis
Authors: Gungor-Ordueri N. Ece , Celik-Ozenci Ciler , Cheng C. Yan
Published: August 2014

In the testis, spermatids are polarized cells, with their heads pointing toward the basement membrane during maturation. This polarity is crucial to pack the maximal number of spermatids in the seminiferous epithelium so that millions of sperms can be produced daily. A loss of spermatid polarity is detected after rodents are exposed to toxicants (e.g., cadmium) or nonhormonal male contraceptives (e.g., adjudin), which is associated with a disruption on the expression and/or localization of polarity proteins. In the rat testis, fascin 1, an actin-bundling protein found in mammalian cells, was expressed by Sertoli and germ cells. Fascin 1 was a component of the ectoplasmic specialization (ES), a testis-specific anchoring junction known to confer spermatid adhesion and polarity. Its expression in the seminiferous epithelium was stage specific. Fascin 1 was localized to the basal ES at the Sertoli cell-cell interface of the blood-testis barrier in all stages of the epithelial cycle, except it diminished considerably at late stage VIII. Fascin 1 was highly expressed at the apical ES at stage VII–early stage VIII and restricted to the step 19 spermatids. Its knockdown by RNAi that silenced fascin 1 by ∼70% in Sertoli cells cultured in vitro was found to perturb the tight junction-permeability barrier via a disruption of F-actin organization. Knockdown of fascin 1 in vivo by ∼60–70% induced defects in spermatid polarity, which was mediated by a mislocalization and/or downregulation of actin-bundling proteins Eps8 and palladin, thereby impeding F-actin organization and disrupting spermatid polarity. In summary, these findings provide insightful information on spermatid polarity regulation.
Growth factors/chemokines in diabetic vitreous and aqueous alter the function of bone marrow-derived progenitor (CD34+) cells in humans
Authors: Balaiya Sankarathi , Grant Maria B. , Priluck Joshua , Chalam Kakarla V.
Published: August 2014

Ocular ischemic microenvironment plays a critical role in the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR). In this study, we investigated the effect of vitreous and aqueous obtained from proliferative DR patients on the function of CD34+cells derived from healthy humans. Human CD34+cells were incubated with vitreous or aqueous of subjects with PDR. After incubation, cell migration of CD34+was evaluated with CXCL12. Intracellular levels of nitric oxide (NO) were measured with DAF-FM. Tube formation assay was used to evaluate the effect of treated CD34+cells on in vitro angiogenesis. Angiogenic protein array and mass spectrometry (MS) were performed to ascertain the factors secreted by healthy nondiabetic CD34+cells exposed to diabetic vitreous or aqueous. PDR vitreous/aqueous reduced migration of CD34+cells (672.45 ± 42.1/736.75 ± 101.7 AFU; P < 0.01) and attenuated intracellular NO levels (182 ± 1.4/184.5 ± 6.3 AFU, P = 0.002). Pretreatment with PDR vitreous suppressed tube formation of human retinal endothelial cells (64 ± 1.6 vs. 80 ± 2.5). CD34+exposed to PDR vitreous resulted in the increased expression of CXCL4 and serpin F1, whereas CD34+exposed to PDR aqueous showed increased expression of CXCL4, serpin F1, and endothelin-1 (ET-1). MS analysis of CD34+(exposed to PDR vitreous) expressed J56 gene segment, isoform 2 of SPARC-related modular calcium-binding protein 2, isoform 1 of uncharacterized protein c1 orf167, integrin α-M, and 40s ribosomal protein s21. Exposure of healthy nondiabetic CD34+cells to PDR vitreous and aqueous resulted in decreased migration, reduced generation of NO, and altered paracrine secretory function. Our results suggest that the contribution of CD34+cells to the aberrant neovascularization observed in PDR is driven more by the proangiogenic effects of the retinal cells rather than the influence of the vitreous.
Constitutive activation of CaMKKα signaling is sufficient but not necessary for mTORC1 activation and growth in mouse skeletal muscle
Authors: Ferey Jeremie L. A. , Brault Jeffrey J. , Smith Cheryl A. S. , Witczak Carol A.
Published: August 2014

Skeletal muscle loading/overload stimulates the Ca2+-activated, serine/threonine kinase Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase-α (CaMKKα); yet to date, no studies have examined whether CaMKKα regulates muscle growth. The purpose of this study was to determine if constitutive activation of CaMKKα signaling could stimulate muscle growth and if so whether CaMKKα is essential for this process. CaMKKα signaling was selectively activated in mouse muscle via expression of a constitutively active form of CaMKKα using in vivo electroporation. After 2 wk, constitutively active CaMKKα expression increased muscle weight (∼10%) and protein content (∼10%), demonstrating that activation of CaMKKα signaling can stimulate muscle growth. To determine if active CaMKKα expression stimulated muscle growth via increased mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling and protein synthesis, [3H]phenylalanine incorporation into proteins was assessed with or without the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin. Constitutively active CaMKKα increased protein synthesis ∼60%, and this increase was prevented by rapamycin, demonstrating a critical role for mTORC1 in this process. To determine if CaMKKα is essential for growth, muscles from CaMKKα knockout mice were stimulated to hypertrophy via unilateral ablation of synergist muscles (overload). Surprisingly, compared with wild-type mice, muscles from CaMKKα knockout mice exhibited greater growth (∼15%) and phosphorylation of the mTORC1 substrate 70-kDa ribosomal protein S6 kinase (Thr389; ∼50%), demonstrating that CaMKKα is not essential for overload-induced mTORC1 activation or muscle growth. Collectively, these results demonstrate that activation of CaMKKα signaling is sufficient but not necessary for activation of mTORC1 signaling and growth in mouse skeletal muscle.
Physiological impacts of elevated carbon dioxide and ocean acidification on fish
Authors: Heuer Rachael M. , Grosell Martin
Published: August 2014

Most fish studied to date efficiently compensate for a hypercapnic acid-base disturbance; however, many recent studies examining the effects of ocean acidification on fish have documented impacts at CO2levels predicted to occur before the end of this century. Notable impacts on neurosensory and behavioral endpoints, otolith growth, mitochondrial function, and metabolic rate demonstrate an unexpected sensitivity to current-day and near-future CO2levels. Most explanations for these effects seem to center on increases in Pco2and HCO3−that occur in the body during pH compensation for acid-base balance; however, few studies have measured these parameters at environmentally relevant CO2levels or directly related them to reported negative endpoints. This compensatory response is well documented, but noted variation in dynamic regulation of acid-base transport pathways across species, exposure levels, and exposure duration suggests that multiple strategies may be utilized to cope with hypercapnia. Understanding this regulation and changes in ion gradients in extracellular and intracellular compartments during CO2exposure could provide a basis for predicting sensitivity and explaining interspecies variation. Based on analysis of the existing literature, the present review presents a clear message that ocean acidification may cause significant effects on fish across multiple physiological systems, suggesting that pH compensation does not necessarily confer tolerance as downstream consequences and tradeoffs occur. It remains difficult to assess if acclimation responses during abrupt CO2exposures will translate to fitness impacts over longer timescales. Nonetheless, identifying mechanisms and processes that may be subject to selective pressure could be one of many important components of assessing adaptive capacity.
Periodic Solutions of Multispecies Mutualism System with Infinite Delays
Authors: Zhao Wenbo , Ma Caocuan , Zheng Taotao , Sun Xiao-Ke
Published: August 2014

We studied the delayed periodic mutualism system with Gilpin-Ayala effect. Some new and interesting sufficient conditions are obtained to guarantee the existence of periodic solution for the multispecies mutualism system with infinite delays. Our method is based on Mawhin's coincidence degree. To the best knowledge of the authors, there is no paper considering the existence of periodic solutions forn-species mutualism system with infinite delays.
Characterisation of Potential Antidiabetic-Related Proteins fromPleurotus pulmonarius(Fr.) Quél. (Grey Oyster Mushroom) by MALDI-TOF/TOF Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Wahab Nurul Azwa Abd. , Abdullah Noorlidah , Aminudin Norhaniza
Published: August 2014

Pleurotus pulmonariushas been reported to have a potent remedial effect on diabetic property and considered to be an alternative for type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment. This study aimed to investigate the antidiabetic properties of ammonium sulphate precipitated protein fractions fromP. pulmonariusbasidiocarps. Preliminary results demonstrated that 30% (NH4)2SO4precipitated fraction (F30) inhibitedSaccharomyces cerevisiaeα-glucosidase activity (24.18%), and 100% (NH4)2SO4precipitated fraction (F100) inhibited porcine pancreatic α-amylase activity (41.80%). Following RP-HPLC purification, peak 3 from F30 fraction demonstrated inhibition towards α-glucosidase at the same time with meagre inhibition towards α-amylase activity. Characterisation of proteins using MALDI-TOF/TOF MS demonstrated the presence of four different proteins, which could be implicated in the regulation of blood glucose level via various mechanisms. Therefore, this study revealed the presence of four antidiabetic-related proteins which are profilin-like protein, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase-like protein, trehalose phosphorylase-like (TP-like) protein, and catalase-like protein. Hence,P. pulmonariusbasidiocarps have high potential in lowering blood glucose level, reducing insulin resistance and vascular complications.
New Imaging Strategies Using a Motion-Resistant Liver Sequence in Uncooperative Patients
Authors: Kim Bong Soo , Lee Kyung Ryeol , Goh Myeng Ju
Published: August 2014

MR imaging has unique benefits for evaluating the liver because of its high-resolution capability and ability to permit detailed assessment of anatomic lesions. In uncooperative patients, motion artifacts can impair the image quality and lead to the loss of diagnostic information. In this setting, the recent advances in motion-resistant liver MR techniques, including faster imaging protocols (e.g., dual-echo magnetization-prepared rapid-acquisition gradient echo (MP-RAGE), view-sharing technique), the data under-sampling (e.g., gradient recalled echo (GRE) with controlled aliasing in parallel imaging results in higher acceleration (CAIPIRINHA), single-shot echo-train spin-echo (SS-ETSE)), and motion-artifact minimization method (e.g., radial GRE with/without k-space-weighted image contrast (KWIC)), can provide consistent, artifact-free images with adequate image quality and can lead to promising diagnostic performance. Understanding of the different motion-resistant options allows radiologists to adopt the most appropriate technique for their clinical practice and thereby significantly improve patient care.
Motion Freeze for Respiration Motion Correction in PET/CT: A Preliminary Investigation with Lung Cancer Patient Data
Authors: Huang Tzung-Chi , Chou Kuei-Ting , Wang Yao-Ching , Zhang Geoffrey
Published: August 2014

Purpose. Respiratory motion presents significant challenges for accurate PET/CT. It often introduces apparent increase of lesion size, reduction of measured standardized uptake value (SUV), and the mismatch in PET/CT fusion images. In this study, we developed the motion freeze method to use 100% of the counts collected by recombining the counts acquired from all phases of gated PET data into a single 3D PET data, with correction of respiration by deformable image registration.Methods. Six patients with diagnosis of lung cancer confirmed by oncologists were recruited. PET/CT scans were performed with Discovery STE system. The 4D PET/CT with the Varian real-time position management for respiratory motion tracking was followed by a clinical 3D PET/CT scan procedure in the static mode. Motion freeze applies the deformation matrices calculated by optical flow method to generate a single 3D effective PET image using the data from all the 4D PET phases.Results. The increase in SUV and decrease in tumor size with motion freeze for all lesions compared to the results from 3D and 4D was observed in the preliminary data of lung cancer patients. In addition, motion freeze substantially reduced tumor mismatch between the CT image and the corresponding PET images.Conclusion. Motion freeze integrating 100% of the PET counts has the potential to eliminate the influences induced by respiratory motion in PET data.
Developing a Topographic Model to Predict the Northern Hardwood Forest Type within Carolina Northern Flying Squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus) Recovery Areas of the Southern Appalachians
Authors: Evans Andrew , Odom Richard , Resler Lynn , Ford W. Mark , Prisley Steve
Published: August 2014

The northern hardwood forest type is an important habitat component for the endangered Carolina northern flying squirrel (CNFS;Glaucomys sabrinus coloratus) for den sites and corridor habitats between boreo-montane conifer patches foraging areas. Our study related terrain data to presence of northern hardwood forest type in the recovery areas of CNFS in the southern Appalachian Mountains of western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, and southwestern Virginia. We recorded overstory species composition and terrain variables at 338 points, to construct a robust, spatially predictive model. Terrain variables analyzed included elevation, aspect, slope gradient, site curvature, and topographic exposure. We used an information-theoretic approach to assess seven models based on associations noted in existing literature as well as an inclusive global model. Our results indicate that, on a regional scale, elevation, aspect, and topographic exposure index (TEI) are significant predictors of the presence of the northern hardwood forest type in the southern Appalachians. Our elevation + TEI model was the best approximating model (the lowest AICc score) for predicting northern hardwood forest type correctly classifying approximately 78% of our sample points. We then used these data to create region-wide predictive maps of the distribution of the northern hardwood forest type within CNFS recovery areas.
Are Eurozone Fixed Income Markets Integrated? An Analysis Based on Wavelet Multiple Correlation and Cross Correlation
Authors: Dar Arif Billah , Shah Firdous Ahmad
Published: August 2014

This paper investigates the synchronization of fixed income markets within Eurozone countries using the new wavelet based methodology. Conventional wavelet methods that use multivariate set of variables to calculate pairwise correlation and cross correlation lead to spurious correlation due to possible relationships with other variables, amplification of type-1 errors, and results, in the form of large set of erroneous graphs. Given these disadvantages of conventional wavelet based pairwise correlation and cross-correlation method, we avoid these limitations by using wavelet multiple correlation and multiple cross correlations to analyze the relationships in Eurozone fixed income markets. Our results based on this methodology indicate that Eurozone fixed income markets are highly integrated and this integration grows with timescales, and hence there is almost no scope for independent monetary policy and bond diversification in these countries.
High-Sensitivity Troponin T: A Biomarker for Diuretic Response in Decompensated Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Ferreira João Pedro , Santos Mário , Almeida Sofia , Marques Irene , Bettencourt Paulo , Carvalho Henrique
Published: August 2014

Background.Patients presenting with acutely decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and positive circulating cardiac troponins were found to be a high-risk cohort. The advent of high-sensitive troponins resulted in a detection of positive troponins in a great proportion of heart failure patients. However, the pathophysiological significance of this phenomenon is not completely clear.Objectives.The aim of this study is to determine the early evolution and clinical significance of high-sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT) in ADHF.Methods.Retrospective, secondary analysis of a prospective study including 100 patients with ADHF.Results.Globally, high-sensitivity troponin T decreased from day 1 to day 3(P=0,039). However, in the subgroup of patients who remained decompensated no significant differences in hsTnT from day 1 to day 3 were observed(P=0,955), whereas in successfully compensated patients a significant reduction in hsTnT levels was observed(P=0,025). High-sensitivity troponin T decrease was correlated with NTproBNP reduction(P=0,007). Patients with hsTnT increase had longer length of stay(P=0,033).Conclusions.Episodes of ADHF are associated with transient increases in the blood levels of hsTnT that are reduced with effective acute episode treatment. The decrease in hsTnT can translate less myocardial damage along with favourable ADHF treatment.
Euler Polynomials and Combinatoric Convolution Sums of Divisor Functions with Even Indices
Authors: Kim Daeyeoul , Bayad Abdelmejid , Park Joongsoo
Published: August 2014

We study combinatoric convolution sums of certain divisor functions involving even indices. We express them as a linear combination of divisor functions and Euler polynomials and obtain identitiesD2k(n)=(1/4)σ2k+1,0(n;2)-2·42kσ2k+1(n/4)  -(1/2)[∑d|n,d≡1  (4){E2k(d)+E2k(d-1)}+22k∑d|n,d≡1  (2)E2k((d+(-1)(d-1)/2)/2)],U2k(p,q)=22k-2[-((p+q)/2)E2k((p+q)/2+1)+((q-p)/2)E2k((q-p)/2)-E2k((p+1)/2)-E2k((q+1)/2)+E2k+1((p+q)/2+1)-E2k+1((q-p)/2)], andF2k(n)=(1/2){σ2k+1†(n)-σ2k†(n)}. As applications of these identities, we give several concrete interpretations in terms of the procedural modelling method.
Functional Screening of Antibiotic Resistance Genes from a Representative Metagenomic Library of Food Fermenting Microbiota
Authors: Devirgiliis Chiara , Zinno Paola , Stirpe Mariarita , Barile Simona , Perozzi Giuditta
Published: August 2014

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) represent the predominant microbiota in fermented foods. Foodborne LAB have received increasing attention as potential reservoir of antibiotic resistance (AR) determinants, which may be horizontally transferred to opportunistic pathogens. We have previously reported isolation of AR LAB from the raw ingredients of a fermented cheese, while AR genes could be detected in the final, marketed product only by PCR amplification, thus pointing at the need for more sensitive microbial isolation techniques. We turned therefore to construction of a metagenomic library containing microbial DNA extracted directly from the food matrix. To maximize yield and purity and to ensure that genomic complexity of the library was representative of the original bacterial population, we defined a suitable protocol for total DNA extraction from cheese which can also be applied to other lipid-rich foods. Functional library screening on different antibiotics allowed recovery of ampicillin and kanamycin resistant clones originating fromStreptococcus salivariussubsp.thermophilusandLactobacillus helveticusgenomes. We report molecular characterization of the cloned inserts, which were fully sequenced and shown to confer AR phenotype to recipient bacteria. We also show that metagenomics can be applied to food microbiota to identify underrepresented species carrying specific genes of interest.
On Distribution Reduction and Algorithm Implementation in Inconsistent Ordered Information Systems
Authors: Zhang Yanqin
Published: August 2014

As one part of our work in ordered information systems, distribution reduction is studied in inconsistent ordered information systems (OISs). Some important properties on distribution reduction are studied and discussed. The dominance matrix is restated for reduction acquisition in dominance relations based information systems. Matrix algorithm for distribution reduction acquisition is stepped. And program is implemented by the algorithm. The approach provides an effective tool for the theoretical research and the applications for ordered information systems in practices. For more detailed and valid illustrations, cases are employed to explain and verify the algorithm and the program which shows the effectiveness of the algorithm in complicated information systems.