bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus plantarum Strain UCMA 3037
Authors: Naz Saima , Tareb Raouf , Bernardeau Marion , Vaisse Melissa , Lucchetti-Miganeh Celine , Rechenmann Mathias , Vernoux Jean-Paul
Published: May 2013

Nucleic acid of the strain
Lactobacillus plantarum
UCMA 3037, isolated from raw milk camembert cheese in our laboratory, was sequenced. We present its draft genome sequence with the aim of studying its functional properties and relationship to the cheese ecosystem.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Botrytis cinerea
BcDW1, Inoculum for Noble Rot of Grape Berries
Authors: Blanco-Ulate Barbara , Allen Greg , Powell Ann L. T. , Cantu Dario
Published: May 2013

Botrytized wines are produced from grape berries infected by
Botrytis cinerea
under specific environmental conditions. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
B. cinerea
BcDW1, a strain isolated from Sémillon grapes in Napa Valley in 1992 that is used with the intent to induce noble rot for botrytized wine production.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Moderately Halophilic Bacterium Pseudoalteromonas ruthenica Strain CP76
Authors: de la Haba Rafael R. , Sánchez-Porro Cristina , León María José , Papke R. Thane , Ventosa Antonio
Published: May 2013

Pseudoalteromonas ruthenica
strain CP76, isolated from a saltern in Spain, is a moderately halophilic bacterium belonging to the
Gammaproteobacteria
. Here we report the draft genome sequence, which consists of a 4.0-Mb chromosome, of this strain, which is able to produce the extracellular enzyme haloprotease CPI.
Draft Genome Sequence of Avibacterium paragallinarum Strain 221
Authors: Xu Fuzhou , Miao Deyuan , Du Yu , Chen Xiaoling , Zhang Peijun , Sun Huiling
Published: May 2013

Avibacterium paragallinarum
is the causative agent of infectious coryza. Here we report the draft genome sequence of reference strain 221 of
A. paragallinarum
serovar A. The genome is composed of 135 contigs for 2,685,568 bp with a 41% G+C content.
The Microbiology of Malting and Brewing
Authors: Bokulich Nicholas A. , Bamforth Charles W.
Published: May 2013

Brewing beer involves microbial activity at every stage, from raw material production and malting to stability in the package. Most of these activities are desirable, as beer is the result of a traditional food fermentation, but others represent threats to the quality of the final product and must be controlled actively through careful management, the daily task of maltsters and brewers globally. This review collates current knowledge relevant to the biology of brewing yeast, fermentation management, and the microbial ecology of beer and brewing.
Recombinant tissue plasminogen activator for massive pulmonary thromboembolism
Authors: Samejima Kouki , Takai Yasushi , Matsumura Hideyoshi , Seki Hiroyuki
Published: May 2013

Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) can result in significant adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Monteplase—a recombinant tissue plasminogen activator—is considered effective for the treatment of PTE; however, only a few reports have described cases wherein surgical procedures were performed following treatment with monteplase. Here, we present a patient diagnosed with a massive PTE at 28 weeks of gestation leading to maternal cardiac arrest and intrauterine fetal death. The patient was treated with percutaneous cardiopulmonary support and monteplase. Thrombolysis was achieved 30 min after its administration. The patient went into spontaneous labour and delivered a stillborn vaginally. Using gauze tamponade and uterotonic agents, haemostasis was achieved after 4 h, and bleeding completely ceased after 7 h. Thus, we suggest that a thrombolytic agent can be administered in critical cases, even if delivery is expected shortly.
Successful low-dose spinal anaesthesia for lower segment caesarean section in a patient with Takayasu arteritis
Authors: Gautam Shefali , Srivastava Vinod Kumar , Kumar Sanjeev , Wahal Reeta
Published: May 2013

Takayasu arteritis is a rare, chronic idiopathic, occlusive inflammation of the aorta and its major branches. It is a rare form of non-specific obliterative panarteritis of unknown aetiology. Anaesthesia for the patient with Takayasu arteritis is complicated by severe uncontrolled hypertension leading to end organ dysfunction, stenosis of major blood vessel affecting regional circulation and difficulties in the monitoring of arterial blood pressure. We report a 26-year-old woman multigravida who was diagnosed with Takayasu arteritis who underwent an emergency caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. In this case study, the whole course of anaesthesia and operation was uneventful due to thorough systemic evaluation and planned anaesthetic management.
A managed multidisciplinary programme on multi-resistantKlebsiella pneumoniaein a Danish university hospital
Authors: Andersen Stig Ejdrup , Knudsen Jenny Dahl ,   for the Bispebjerg Intervention Group
Published: May 2013

Background

Bacteria-producing extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) enzymes are resistant to commonly used antimicrobials. In 2008, routine monitoring revealed a clonal hospital outbreak of ESBL-producingKlebsiella pneumoniae(ESBL-KP).

Methods

At a 510-bed Danish university hospital, a multidisciplinary change project inspired by Kotter'sEight Steps of Changewas designed. In addition to revision of antimicrobial guidelines and restriction of selected antimicrobials, the complex, managed, multi-faceted intervention comprised training and education, enhanced isolation precautions, and a series of actions to improve the infection control measures and standardise procedures across the hospital. A prospective interrupted time series design was used to analyse data collected at hospital level from January 2008 through December 2011.

Results

Though overall antimicrobial consumption remained unaffected, the intervention led to intended, immediate and sustained reduction in the use of cefuroxime, and an increase in the use of ertapenem, piperacillin/tazobactam and β-lactamase sensitive penicillin. Moreover, a postintervention reduction in the rate of ESBL-KP in diagnostic samples and in the incidence of ESBL-KP infections was observed. The intervention may also have reduced the need for isolation precautions and may have shortened each isolation period.

Conclusions

The results indicate that an immediate and sustained change in the antimicrobial consumption and a decreasing rate of ESBL-KP are achievable through the application of a managed, multi-faceted intervention that does not require ongoing antibiotic stewardship.
Does the quality of chest compressions deteriorate when the chest compression rate is above 120/min?
Authors: Lee Soo Hoon , Kim Kyuseok , Lee Jae Hyuk , Kim Taeyun , Kang Changwoo , Park Chanjong , Kim Joonghee , Jo You Hwan , Rhee Joong Eui , Kim Dong Hoon
Published: May 2013

Objectives

The quality of chest compressions along with defibrillation is the cornerstone of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), which is known to improve the outcome of cardiac arrest. We aimed to investigate the relationship between the compression rate and other CPR quality parameters including compression depth and recoil.

Methods

A conventional CPR training for lay rescuers was performed 2 weeks before the ‘CPR contest’. CPR anytime training kits were distributed to respective participants for self-training on their own in their own time. The participants were tested for two-person CPR in pairs. The quantitative and qualitative data regarding the quality of CPR were collected from a standardised check list and SkillReporter, and compared by the compression rate.

Results

A total of 161 teams consisting of 322 students, which includes 116 men and 206 women, participated in the CPR contest. The mean depth and rate for chest compression were 49.0±8.2 mm and 110.2±10.2/min. Significantly deeper chest compression depths were noted at rates over 120/min than those at any other rates (47.0±7.4, 48.8±8.4, 52.3±6.7, p=0.008). Chest compression depth was proportional to chest compression rate (r=0.206, p<0.001), but there were significantly more incomplete chest recoils at the rate of over 120/min than at any other rates (9.8%, 6.3%, 25.6%, p=0.011).

Conclusions

The study showed conflicting results in the quality of chest compression including chest compression depth and chest recoil by chest compression rate. Further evaluation regarding the upper limit of the chest compression rate is needed to ensure complete full chest wall recoil while maintaining an adequate chest compression depth.
EQUIVARIANT HOLOMORPHIC HERMITIAN PRINCIPAL BUNDLES OVER A EUCLIDEAN SPACE
Authors: BISWAS INDRANIL
Published: May 2013

Let V be a finite dimensional complex vector space equipped with an inner product. Let G denote the group of all affine automorphisms of V preserving the metric defined by the inner product. Let H be a connected reductive affine algebraic group defined over ℂ. We give an explicit classification of the isomorphism classes of G-equivariant holomorphic hermitian principal H-bundles over V.
Mechanisms of Acid Resistance inEscherichia coli
Authors: Kanjee Usheer , Houry Walid A.
Published: May 2013

Adaptation to acid stress is an important factor in the transmission of intestinal microbes. The enterobacterium Escherichia coli uses a range of physiological, metabolic, and proton-consuming acid resistance mechanisms in order to survive acid stresses as low as pH 2.0. The physiological adaptations include membrane modifications and outer membrane porins to reduce proton influx and periplasmic and cytoplasmic chaperones to manage the effects of acid damage. The metabolic acid resistance systems couple proton efflux to energy generation via select components of the electron transport chain, including cytochrome bo oxidase, NADH dehydrogenase I, NADH dehydrogenase II, and succinate dehydrogenase. Under anaerobic conditions the formate hydrogen lyase complex catalyzes conversion of cytoplasmic protons to hydrogen gas. Finally, each major proton-consuming acid resistance system has a pyridoxal-5′-phosphate-dependent amino acid decarboxylase that catalyzes proton-dependent decarboxylation of a substrate amino acid to product and CO2, and an inner membrane antiporter that exchanges external substrate for internal product.
RNA Protein Interaction in Neurons
Authors: Darnell Robert B.
Published: May 2013

Neurons have their own systems for regulating RNA. Several multigene families encode RNA binding proteins (RNABPs) that are uniquely expressed in neurons, including the well-known neuron-specific markers ELAV and NeuN and the disease antigen NOVA. New technologies have emerged in recent years to assess the function of these proteins in vivo, and the answers are yielding insights into how and why neurons may regulate RNA in special ways—to increase cellular complexity, to localize messenger RNA (mRNA) spatially, and to regulate their expression in response to synaptic stimuli. The functions of such restricted neuronal proteins are likely to be complemented by more widely expressed RNABPs that may themselves have developed specialized functions in neurons, including Argonaute/microRNAs (miRNAs). Here we review what is known about such RNABPs and explore the potential biologic and neurologic significance of neuronal RNA regulatory systems.
Making, Baking, and Breaking: the Synthesis, Storage, and Hydrolysis of Neutral Lipids
Authors: Ruggles Kelly V. , Turkish Aaron , Sturley Stephen L.
Published: May 2013

The esterification of amphiphilic alcohols with fatty acids is a ubiquitous strategy implemented by eukaryotes and some prokaryotes to conserve energy and membrane progenitors and simultaneously detoxify fatty acids and other lipids. This key reaction is performed by at least four evolutionarily unrelated multigene families. The synthesis of this “neutral lipid” leads to the formation of a lipid droplet, which despite the clear selective advantage it confers is also a harbinger of cellular and organismal malaise. Neutral lipid deposition as a cytoplasmic lipid droplet may be thermodynamically favored but nevertheless is elaborately regulated. Optimal utilization of these resources by lipolysis is similarly multigenic in determination and regulation. We present here a perspective on these processes that originates from studies in model organisms, and we include our thoughts on interventions that target reductions in neutral lipids as therapeutics for human diseases such as obesity and diabetes.
Trends and Variation in Assortative Mating: Causes and Consequences
Authors: Schwartz Christine R.
Published: May 2013

Assortative mating fundamentally shapes the characteristics of families and the reproduction of populations. It organizes people into families and determines the characteristics of parents. In this article, I review the literature on the causes and consequences of trends and variation in assortative mating. Explanations for why assortative mating varies have been dominated by modernization theory, but perspectives emphasizing economic inequality and gender inequality have gained momentum in recent years. Underexplored is how changes in the structure of search have affected mate selection. The idea that assortative mating affects inequality and population composition is one of the primary motivations for its study but, until recently, has rarely been tested empirically. I review the literature on the consequences of assortative mating for (a) inequality within generations, (b) inequality between generations, (c) long-run population change, and (d) relationship quality and dissolution. I conclude with suggestions for future research.
Drugs, Violence, and the State
Authors: Roberts Bryan R. , Chen Yu
Published: May 2013

The article examines the relations among illicit drugs, violence, and the state, focusing on why certain drugs are prohibited whereas others are not. The moral concerns underlying prohibition and the stereotyping of drug users along racial and class lines historically and in the present are reviewed. One conclusion is that modern states use drug prohibition as a way of defining the moral and social boundaries of exclusion and inclusion. In this definition, medical treatment and public health considerations play an auxiliary role. Other conclusions are the inflexibility of the international drug control regime and the need to consider experiments in drug legalization. Inflexibility, economic globalization, and worldwide drug trafficking have perverse consequences, which vary with the institutional capacity of states. The rise of incarceration and other forms of violence are particularly evident in economically and socially marginal communities and where the authority of states is weakened by internal corruption and external conflict.
Overactive bladder mediated by accelerated Ca2+ influx mode of Na+/Ca2+ exchanger in smooth muscle
Authors: Yamamura Hisao , Cole William C. , Kita Satomi , Hotta Shingo , Murata Hidemichi , Suzuki Yoshiaki , Ohya Susumu , Iwamoto Takahiro , Imaizumi Yuji
Published: May 2013

The Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) is thought to be a key molecule in the regulation of cytosolic Ca2+ dynamics. The relative importance of the two Ca2+ transport modes of NCX activity leading to Ca2+ efflux (forward) and influx (reverse) in smooth muscle, however, remains unclear. Unexpectedly, spontaneous contractions of urinary bladder smooth muscle (UBSM) were enhanced in transgenic mice overexpressing NCX1.3 (NCX1.3tg/tg). The enhanced activity was attenuated by KB-R7943 or SN-6. Whole cell outward NCX current sensitive to KB-R7943 or Ni2+ was readily detected in UBSM cells from NCX1.3tg/tg but not wild-type mice. Spontaneous Ca2+ transients in myocytes of NCX1.3tg/tg were larger and frequently resulted in propagating events and global elevations in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration. Significantly, NCX1.3tg/tg mice exhibited a pattern of more frequent urination of smaller volumes and this phenotype was reversed by oral administration of KB-R7943. On the other hand, KB-R7943 did not improve it in KB-R7943-insensitive (G833C-)NCX1.3tg/tg mice. We conclude that NCX1.3 overexpression is associated with abnormal urination owing to enhanced Ca2+ influx via reverse mode NCX leading to prolonged, propagating spontaneous Ca2+ release events and a potentiation of spontaneous UBSM contraction. These findings suggest the possibility that NCX is a candidate molecular target for overactive bladder therapy.
Vasoconstrictor-induced endocytic recycling regulates focal adhesion protein localization and function in vascular smooth muscle
Authors: Poythress Ransom H. , Gallant Cynthia , Vetterkind Susanne , Morgan Kathleen G.
Published: May 2013

Turnover of focal adhesions (FAs) is known to be critical for cell migration and adhesion of proliferative vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells. However, it is often assumed that FAs in nonmigratory, differentiated VSM (dVSM) cells embedded in the wall of healthy blood vessels are stable structures. Recent work has demonstrated agonist-induced actin polymerization and Src-dependent FA phosphorylation in dVSM cells, suggesting that agonist-induced FA remodeling occurs. However, the mechanisms and extent of FA remodeling are largely unknown in dVSM. Here we show, for the first time, that a distinct subpopulation of dVSM FA proteins, but not the entire FA, remodels in response to the α-agonist phenylephrine. Vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein and zyxin displayed the largest redistributions, while β-integrin and FA kinase showed undetectable redistribution. Vinculin, metavinculin, Src, Crk-associated substrate, and paxillin displayed intermediate degrees of redistribution. Redistributions into membrane fractions were especially prominent, suggesting endosomal mechanisms. Deconvolution microscopy, quantitative colocalization analysis, and Duolink proximity ligation assays revealed that phenylephrine increases the association of FA proteins with early endosomal markers Rab5 and early endosomal antigen 1. Endosomal disruption with the small-molecule inhibitor primaquine inhibits agonist-induced redistribution of FA proteins, confirming endosomal recycling. FA recycling was also inhibited by cytochalasin D, latrunculin B, and colchicine, indicating that the redistribution is actin- and microtubule-dependent. Furthermore, inhibition of endosomal recycling causes a significant inhibition of the rate of development of agonist-induced dVSM contractions. Thus these studies are consistent with the concept that FAs in dVSM cells, embedded in the wall of the aorta, remodel during the action of a vasoconstrictor.
Early responses of vascular endothelial cells to topographic cues
Authors: Dreier Britta , Gasiorowski Joshua Z. , Morgan Joshua T. , Nealey Paul F. , Russell Paul , Murphy Christopher J.
Published: May 2013

Vascular endothelial cells in vivo are exposed to multiple biophysical cues provided by the basement membrane, a specialized extracellular matrix through which vascular endothelial cells are attached to the underlying stroma. The importance of biophysical cues has been widely reported, but the signaling pathways that mediate cellular recognition and response to these cues remain poorly understood. Anisotropic topographically patterned substrates with nano- through microscale feature dimensions were fabricated to investigate cellular responses to topographic cues. The present study focuses on early events following exposure of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to these patterned substrates. In serum-free medium and on substrates without protein coating, HUVECs oriented parallel to the long axis of underlying ridges in as little as 30 min. Immunocytochemistry showed clear differences in the localization of the focal adhesion proteins Src, p130Cas, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in HUVECs cultured on topographically patterned surfaces and on planar surfaces, suggesting involvement of these proteins in mediating the response to topographic features. Knockdown experiments demonstrated that FAK was not necessary for HUVEC alignment in response to topographic cues, although FAK knockdown did modulate HUVEC migration. These data identify key events early in the cellular response to biophysical stimuli.
Overexpression of glutathione peroxidase 4 prevents β-cell dysfunction induced by prolonged elevation of lipids in vivo
Authors: Koulajian Khajag , Ivovic Alexander , Ye Kaitai , Desai Tejas , Shah Anu , George Fantus I. , Ran Qitao , Giacca Adria
Published: May 2013

We have shown that oxidative stress is a mechanism of free fatty acid (FFA)-induced β-cell dysfunction. Unsaturated fatty acids in membranes, including plasma and mitochondrial membranes, are substrates for lipid peroxidation, and lipid peroxidation products are known to cause impaired insulin secretion. Therefore, we hypothesized that mice overexpressing glutathione peroxidase-4 (GPx4), an enzyme that specifically reduces lipid peroxides, are protected from fat-induced β-cell dysfunction. GPx4-overexpressing mice and their wild-type littermate controls were infused intravenously with saline or oleate for 48 h, after which reactive oxygen species (ROS) were imaged, using dihydrodichlorofluorescein diacetate in isolated islets, and β-cell function was assessed ex vivo in isolated islets and in vivo during hyperglycemic clamps. Forty-eight-hour FFA elevation in wild-type mice increased ROS and the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde and impaired β-cell function ex vivo in isolated islets and in vivo, as assessed by decreased disposition index. Also, islets of wild-type mice exposed to oleate for 48 h had increased ROS and lipid peroxides and decreased β-cell function. In contrast, GPx4-overexpressing mice showed no FFA-induced increase in ROS and lipid peroxidation and were protected from the FFA-induced impairment of β-cell function assessed in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. These results implicate lipid peroxidation in FFA-induced β-cell dysfunction.
Interferon regulatory factor 7 deficiency prevents diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance
Authors: Wang Xin-An , Zhang Ran , Zhang Shumin , Deng Shan , Jiang Dingsheng , Zhong Jinfeng , Yang Li , Wang Tao , Hong Shufen , Guo Sen , She Zhi-Gang , Zhang Xiao-Dong , Li Hongliang
Published: May 2013

Obesity-related inflammation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. In this study, we addressed the potential role of interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7), a master regulator of type I interferon-dependent immune responses, in the regulation of energy metabolism. The expression levels of IRF7 were increased in white adipose tissue, liver tissue, and gastrocnemius muscle of both diet-induced obese mice and ob/ ob mice compared with their lean counterparts. After feeding a high-fat diet (HFD) for 24 wk, IRF7 knockout (KO) mice showed less weight gain and adiposity than wild-type controls. KO of IRF7 improved glucose and lipid homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. Additionally, KO of IRF7 ameliorated diet-induced hepatic steatosis. Next, we assessed the inflammatory state of the IRF7 KO mice on the HFD. These mice showed less macrophage infiltration into multiple organs and were protected from local and systemic inflammation. This study demonstrates a role for IRF7 in diet-induced alterations in energy metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Our results also suggest that IRF7 is involved in the etiology of metabolic abnormalities, which suggests a new strategy for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Neuropeptide Y inhibits biliary hyperplasia of cholestatic rats by paracrine and autocrine mechanisms
Authors: DeMorrow Sharon , Meng Fanyin , Venter Julie , Leyva-Illades Dinorah , Francis Heather , Frampton Gabriel , Pae Hae Yong , Quinn Matthew , Onori Paolo , Glaser Shannon , McDaniel Kelly , Mancinelli Romina , Gaudio Eugenio , Alpini Gianfranco , Franchitto Antonio
Published: May 2013

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) exerts its functions through six subtypes of receptors (Y1–Y6). Biliary homeostasis is regulated by several factors through autocrine/paracrine signaling. NPY inhibits cholangiocarcinoma growth; however, no information exists regarding the autocrine/paracrine role of NPY on biliary hyperplasia during cholestasis. The aims of this study were to determine: 1) the expression of NPY and Y1–Y5 in cholangiocytes and 2) the paracrine/autocrine effects of NPY on cholangiocyte proliferation. Normal or bile duct ligation (BDL) rats were treated with NPY, neutralizing anti-NPY antibody, or vehicle for 7 days. NPY and NPY receptor (NPYR) expression was assessed in liver sections and isolated cholangiocytes. NPY secretion was assessed in serum and bile from normal and BDL rats, as well as supernatants from normal and BDL cholangiocytes and normal rat cholangiocyte cell line [intrahepatic normal cholangiocyte culture (NRICC)]. We evaluated intrahepatic bile ductal mass (IBDM) in liver sections and proliferation in cholangiocytes. With the use of NRICC, the effects of NPY or anti-NPY antibody on cholangiocyte proliferation were determined. The expression of NPY and all NPYR were increased after BDL. NPY levels were lower in serum and cholangiocyte supernatant from BDL compared with normal rats. NPY secretion from NRICC was detected at both the basolateral and apical domains. Chronic NPY treatment decreased proliferating cellular nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression and IBDM in BDL rats. Administration of anti-NPY antibody to BDL rats increased cholangiocyte proliferation and IBDM. NPY treatment of NRICC decreased PCNA expression and increased the cell cycle arrest, whereas treatment with anti-NPY antibody increased proliferation. Therapies targeting NPY-mediated signaling may prove beneficial for the treatment of cholangiopathies.
Alterations in pulse wave propagation reflect the degree of outflow tract banding in HH18 chicken embryos
Authors: Shi Liang , Goenezen Sevan , Haller Stephen , Hinds Monica T. , Thornburg Kent L. , Rugonyi Sandra
Published: May 2013

Hemodynamic conditions play a critical role in embryonic cardiovascular development, and altered blood flow leads to congenital heart defects. Chicken embryos are frequently used as models of cardiac development, with abnormal blood flow achieved through surgical interventions such as outflow tract (OFT) banding, in which a suture is tightened around the heart OFT to restrict blood flow. Banding in embryos increases blood pressure and alters blood flow dynamics, leading to cardiac malformations similar to those seen in human congenital heart disease. In studying these hemodynamic changes, synchronization of data to the cardiac cycle is challenging, and alterations in the timing of cardiovascular events after interventions are frequently lost. To overcome this difficulty, we used ECG signals from chicken embryos (Hamburger-Hamilton stage 18, ∼3 days of incubation) to synchronize blood pressure measurements and optical coherence tomography images. Our results revealed that, after 2 h of banding, blood pressure and pulse wave propagation strongly depend on band tightness. In particular, while pulse transit time in the heart OFT of control embryos is ∼10% of the cardiac cycle, after banding (35% to 50% band tightness) it becomes negligible, indicating a faster OFT pulse wave velocity. Pulse wave propagation in the circulation is likewise affected; however, pulse transit time between the ventricle and dorsal aorta (at the level of the heart) is unchanged, suggesting an overall preservation of cardiovascular function. Changes in cardiac pressure wave propagation are likely contributing to the extent of cardiac malformations observed in banded hearts.
Cessation of physical exercise changes metabolism and modifies the adipocyte cellularity of the periepididymal white adipose tissue in rats
Authors: Sertie Rogerio A. L. , Andreotti Sandra , Proença André R. G. , Campana Amanda B. , Lima-Salgado Thais M. , Batista Miguél L. , Seelaender Marilia C. L. , Curi Rui , Oliveira Ariclecio C. , Lima Fabio B.
Published: May 2013

All of the adaptations acquired through physical training are reversible with inactivity. Although significant reductions in maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o2max) can be observed within 2 to 4 wk of detraining, the consequences of detraining on the physiology of adipose tissue are poorly known. Our aim was therefore to investigate the effects of discontinuing training (physical detraining) on the metabolism and adipocyte cellularity of rat periepididymal (PE) adipose tissue. Male Wistar rats, aged 6 wk, were divided into three groups and studied for 12 wk under the following conditions: 1) trained (T) throughout the period; 2) detrained (D), trained during the first 8 wk and detrained during the remaining 4 wk; and 3) age-matched sedentary (S). Training consisted of treadmill running sessions (1 h/day, 5 days/wk, 50–60% V̇o2max). The PE adipocyte size analysis revealed significant differences between the groups. The adipocyte cross-sectional area (in μm2) was significantly larger in D than in the T and S groups (3,474 ± 68.8; 1,945.7 ± 45.6; 2,492.4 ± 49.08, respectively, P < 0.05). Compared with T, the isolated adipose cells (of the D rats) showed a 48% increase in the ability to perform lipogenesis (both basal and maximally insulin-stimulated) and isoproterenol-stimulated lipolysis. No changes were observed with respect to unstimulated lipolysis. A 15% reduction in the proportion of apoptotic adipocytes was observed in groups T and D compared with group S. The gene expression levels of adiponectin and PPAR-gamma were upregulated by factors of 3 and 2 in D vs. S, respectively. PREF-1 gene expression was 3-fold higher in T vs. S. From these results, we hypothesize that adipogenesis was stimulated in group D and accompanied by significant adipocyte hypertrophy and an increase in the lipogenic capacity of the adipocytes. The occurrence of apoptotic nuclei in PE fat cells was reduced in the D and T rats; these results raise the possibility that the adipose tissue changes after detraining are obesogenic.
Study on Thixojoining Process Using Partial Remelting Method
Authors: Mohammed M. N. , Omar M. Z. , Salleh M. S. , Alhawari K. S.
Published: May 2013

Cold-work tool steel is considered to be a nonweldable metal due to its high percentage content of carbon and alloy elements. The application of a new process of the semisolid joining of two dissimilar metals is proposed. AISI D2 cold-work tool steel was thixojoined to 304 stainless steel by using a partial remelting method. After thixojoining, microstructural examination including metallographic analysis, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and Vickers hardness tests was performed. From the results, metallographic analyses along the joint interface between semisolid AISI D2 and stainless steel showed a smooth transition from one to another and neither oxides nor microcracking was observed. Hardness values obtained from the points in the diffusion zone were much higher than those in the 304 stainless steel but lower than those in the AISI D2 tool steel. The study revealed that a new type of nonequilibrium diffusion interfacial structure was constructed at the interface of the two different types of steel. The current work successfully confirmed that avoidance of a dendritic microstructure in the semisolid joined zone and high bonding quality components can be achieved without the need for force or complex equipment when compared to conventional welding processes.
Partial Resolution of Complex Cones over Fanoℬ
Authors: Dwivedi Siddharth , Ramadevi P.
Published: May 2013

In our recent paper, we systematized an inverse algorithm to obtain quiver gauge theory living on theM2-branes probing the singularities of a special kind of Calabi-Yau fourfold which were complex cones over toric Fanoℙ3,ℬ1,ℬ2,ℬ3. These quiver gauge theories cannot be given a dimer tiling presentation. We use the method of partial resolution to show that the toric data ofℂ4and Fanoℙ3can be embedded inside the toric data of Fanoℬtheories. This method indirectly justifies that the two-node quiver Chern-Simons theories corresponding toℂ4, Fanoℙ3, and their orbifolds can be obtained by higgsing matter fields of the three-node parent quiver corresponding to Fanoℬ1,ℬ2,ℬ3,ℬ4threefold.
TOA-Based Source Localization: A Linearization Approach Adopting Coordinate System Translation
Authors: Sun Shunyuan , Zhu Shouhong , Ding Zhiguo , Xu Baoguo
Published: May 2013

This paper addresses the localization of a timing signal source based on the time of arrival (TOA) measurements that are collected from nearby sensors that are position known and synchronized to each other. Generally speaking, for such TOA-based source localization, the corresponding observation equations contain nonlinear relationship between measurements and unknown parameters, which normally results in the nonexistence of any efficient unbiased estimator that attains the Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB). In this paper, we devise a new approach that utilizes linearization and adopts suitable coordinate system translation to eliminate nonlinearity from the converted observation equations. The performance analysis and simulation study conducted show that our proposed algorithm can achieve the CRLB when the zero-mean Gaussian and independent measurement errors are sufficiently small.
Effects of Adiposity and Prader-Willi Syndrome on Postexercise Heart Rate Recovery
Authors: Castner Diobel M. , Rubin Daniela A. , Judelson Daniel A. , Haqq Andrea M.
Published: May 2013

Heart rate recovery (HRR) is an indicator of all-cause mortality in children and adults. We aimed to determine the effect of adiposity and Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS), a congenital form of obesity, on HRR. Sixteen children of normal weight (NW = body fat % ≤85th percentile, 9.4 ± 1.1 y), 18 children with obesity (OB = body fat % >95th percentile, 9.3 ± 1.1 y), and 11 PWS youth (regardless of body fat %; 11.4 ± 2.5 y) completed peak and submaximal bike tests on separate visits. HRR was recorded one minute following peak and submaximal exercises. All groups displayed similar HRR from peak exercise, while NW (54 ± 16 beats) and OB (50 ± 12 beats) exhibited a significantly faster HRR from submaximal exercise than PWS (37 ± 14 beats). These data suggest that excess adiposity does not influence HRR in children, but other factors such as low cardiovascular fitness and/or autonomic dysfunction might be more influential.
The Behavior of Masonry Walls with Reinforced Plaster Mortar
Authors: Basaran Hakan , Demir Ali , Bagci Muhiddin
Published: May 2013

The purpose of this study is the improvement of the behaviors of walls constructed with masonry bricks using reinforced plaster mortars. In this study,400×400×100 mm sized walls were constructed using 1 : 2 scaled100×50×30 mm sized masonry bricks. The walls were plastered using normal and various proportions of polypropylene and steel fiber reinforced plaster mortars and were subjected to vertical loads at 30°, 45°, 60°, and 90° angles. As a result of the experiments, attempts were made to present the strength, stiffness, and ductility of all of the walls. At the end of the study, an evaluation concerning failure envelope curve (σ-τ) obtained from test results according to plastered masonry walls types was performed.
Equivalent Characterizations of Some Graph Problems by Covering-Based Rough Sets
Authors: Wang Shiping , Zhu Qingxin , Zhu William , Min Fan
Published: May 2013

Covering is a widely used form of data structures. Covering-based rough set theory provides a systematic approach to this data. In this paper, graphs are connected with covering-based rough sets. Specifically, we convert some important concepts in graph theory including vertex covers, independent sets, edge covers, and matchings to ones in covering-based rough sets. At the same time, corresponding problems in graphs are also transformed into ones in covering-based rough sets. For example, finding a minimal edge cover of a graph is translated into finding a minimal general reduct of a covering. The main contributions of this paper are threefold. First, any graph is converted to a covering. Two graphs induce the same covering if and only if they are isomorphic. Second, some new concepts are defined in covering-based rough sets to correspond with ones in graph theory. The upper approximation number is essential to describe these concepts. Finally, from a new viewpoint of covering-based rough sets, the general reduct is defined, and its equivalent characterization for the edge cover is presented. These results show the potential for the connection between covering-based rough sets and graphs.
Lower Serum Androstenedione Levels in Pre-Rheumatoid Arthritis versus Normal Control Women: Correlations with Lower Serum Cortisol Levels
Authors: Masi Alfonse T. , Elmore Kevin B. , Rehman Azeem A. , Chatterton Robert T. , Goertzen Ned J. , Aldag Jean C.
Published: May 2013

Serum adrenal androgens (AAs), including androstenedione (Δ4A) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), have been reported to be lower in female rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with early disease. Few data are available on hormonal status of women before the onset of clinical rheumatoid arthritis (pre-RA). A broad baseline panel of serum adrenal and sex steroids was compared in 36 female pre-RA to 144 matched cohort control (CN) subjects to determine differences in their mean values and in patterns of hormonal correlations. Study subjects having lower versus higher baseline serum cortisol levels than the total group's mean value were also analyzed separately to investigate differences in their hormonal levels and correlational patterns. In total subjects, mean (±SE) Δ4A level (nmol/L) was lower (P=0.018) in 28 pre-RA cases (6.4±0.40) versus 108 CN (7.8±0.28). The significant (P=0.013) difference was restricted to 9 pre-RA versus 53 CN subjects having lower cortisol levels (5.6±0.73versus8.0±0.42 nmol/L, resp.). In total subjects, no significant difference was found between study subjects in their bivariate correlations of the hormonal panel variables, unlike results found in the subgroups stratified by lower versus higher cortisol levels. A subgroup of pre-RA females may have relative adrenal cortical insufficiency, as reflected by lower Δ4A, especially observed among those subjects with lower cortisol levels.
Natural Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Based on Highly Ordered TiO2Nanotube Arrays
Authors: Li Na , Pan Nengqian , Li Danhong , Lin Shiwei
Published: May 2013

The dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have been fabricated using highly ordered TiO2nanotube arrays as photoelectrode and natural dyes as photosensitizers. The natural dyes were extracted from the abundant plants in the tropical region, such asTradescantia zebrina, kapok, and pitaya. The dyes could chemically couple with TiO2nanotubes and effectively convert visible light into electricity in DSSCs. A power conversion efficiency could be achieved up to 0.3% in the solar cell sensitized by the extracts from kapok with a short-circuit current of 0.86 mA/cm2. Furthermore, the influences of the crystal structure of TiO2nanotube arrays on the performance of the natural DSSCs were discussed.
Surgical Management in Primary Congenital Glaucoma: Four Debates
Authors: Chang Ta C. , Cavuoto Kara M.
Published: May 2013

Primary congenital glaucoma is a worldwide diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Although medical management is often a temporizing measure, early surgical intervention is the definitive treatment. As the abundance of surgical treatment options continues to expand, the authors will compare and contrast the available options and attempt to provide a consensus on surgical management.
Grafting of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes with Chicken Feather Keratin
Authors: Estévez-Martínez Yoxkin , Velasco-Santos Carlos , Martínez-Hernández Ana-Laura , Delgado Guadalupe , Cuevas-Yáñez Erick , Alaníz-Lumbreras Daniel , Duron-Torres Sergio , Castaño Víctor M.
Published: May 2013

Keratin, obtained from chicken feathers, was grafted on the surface of commercially available carbon nanotubes. The original procedure developed allows a covalent interaction between some specific chemical groups characteristic of the keratin, with some functional groups introduced on purpose on the surface of the nanotubes, as revealed by infrared and Raman spectroscopies, which also allowed to determine structural changes introduced during the process, such as crystallinity, which lead to changes in other properties, as well.
Construction of Classifier Based on MPCA and QSA and Its Application on Classification of Pancreatic Diseases
Authors: Jiang Huiyan , Zhao Di , Feng Tianjiao , Liao Shiyang , Chen Yenwei
Published: May 2013

A novel method is proposed to establish the classifier which can classify the pancreatic images into normal or abnormal. Firstly, the brightness feature is used to construct high-order tensors, then using multilinear principal component analysis (MPCA) extracts the eigentensors, and finally, the classifier is constructed based on support vector machine (SVM) and the classifier parameters are optimized with quantum simulated annealing algorithm (QSA). In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, the normal SVM method has been chosen as comparing algorithm. The experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively extract the eigenfeatures and improve the classification accuracy of pancreatic images.
Extraction of Fast Changes in the Structure of a Disordered Ensemble of Photoexcited Biomolecules
Authors: Poon H.-C. , Schmidt M. , Saldin D. K.
Published: May 2013

Using pump-probe experiments of varying time intervals between pump and probe, the method of time-resolved crystallography has given many insights into the fast time variations of crystallized molecules as a result of photoexcitation. We show here that quantities extractable from multiple diffraction patterns of dissolved molecules in random orientations, as measured using powerful ultrashort pulses of X-rays, also contain information about structural changes of a molecule on photoexcitation.
An Evaluation Model of Quantitative and Qualitative Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach for Location Selection of Transshipment Ports
Authors: Ding Ji-Feng , Chou Chien-Chang
Published: May 2013

The role of container logistics centre as home bases for merchandise transportation has become increasingly important. The container carriers need to select a suitable centre location of transshipment port to meet the requirements of container shipping logistics. In the light of this, the main purpose of this paper is to develop a fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model to evaluate the best selection of transshipment ports for container carriers. At first, some concepts and methods used to develop the proposed model are briefly introduced. The performance values of quantitative and qualitative subcriteria are discussed to evaluate the fuzzy ratings. Then, the ideal and anti-ideal concepts and the modified distance measure method are used in the proposed model. Finally, a step-by-step example is illustrated to study the computational process of the quantitative and qualitative fuzzy MCDM model. The proposed approach has successfully accomplished our goal. In addition, the proposed fuzzy MCDM model can be empirically employed to select the best location of transshipment port for container carriers in the future study.
Study of Propagation Mechanisms in Dynamical Railway Environment to Reduce Computation Time of 3D Ray Tracing Simulator
Authors: Hairoud Siham , Combeau Pierre , Pousset Yannis , Cocheril Yann , Berbineau Marion , Vauzelle Rodolphe
Published: May 2013

In order to better assess the behaviours of the propagation channel in a confined environment such as a railway tunnel for subway application, we present an optimization method for a deterministic channel simulator based on 3D ray tracing associated to the geometrical optics laws and the uniform theory of diffraction. This tool requires a detailed description of the environment. Thus, the complexity of this model is directly bound to the complexity of the environment and specifically to the number of facets that compose it. In this paper, we propose an algorithm to identify facets that have no significant impact on the wave propagation. This allows us to simplify the description of the geometry of the modelled environment by removing them and by this way, to reduce the complexity of our model and therefore its computation time. A comparative study between full and simplified environment is led and shows the impact of this proposed method on the characteristic parameters of the propagation channel. Thus computation time obtained from the simplified environment is 6 times lower than the one of the full model without significant degradation of simulation accuracy.
Modelling Snowmelt Runoff under Climate Change Scenarios in an Ungauged Mountainous Watershed, Northwest China
Authors: Ma Yonggang , Huang Yue , Chen Xi , Li Yongping , Bao Anming
Published: May 2013

An integrated modeling system has been developed for analyzing the impact of climate change on snowmelt runoff in Kaidu Watershed, Northwest China. The system couples Hadley Centre Coupled Model version 3 (HadCM3) outputs with Snowmelt Runoff Model (SRM). The SRM was verified against observed discharge for outlet hydrological station of the watershed during the period from April to September in 2001 and generally performed well for Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient (EF) and water balance coefficient (RE). The EF is approximately over 0.8, and the water balance error is lower than ± 10%, indicating reasonable prediction accuracy. The Statistical Downscaling Model (SDSM) was used to downscale coarse outputs of HadCM3, and then the downscaled future climate data were used as inputs of the SRM. Four scenarios were considered for analyzing the climate change impact on snowmelt flow in the Kaidu Watershed. And the results indicated that watershed hydrology would alter under different climate change scenarios. The stream flow in spring is likely to increase with the increased mean temperature; the discharge and peck flow in summer decrease with the decreased precipitation under Scenarios 1 and 2. Moreover, the consideration of the change in cryosphere area would intensify the variability of stream flow under Scenarios 3 and 4. The modeling results provide useful decision support for water resources management.
Management of Hyperthyroidism in Pregnancy: Comparison of Recommendations of American Thyroid Association and Endocrine Society
Authors: Alamdari Shahram , Azizi Fereidoun , Delshad Hossein , Sarvghadi Farzaneh , Amouzegar Atieh , Mehran Ladan
Published: May 2013

Appropriate diagnosis and treatment of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy are of outmost importance, because hyperthyroidism has major adverse impact on both mother and fetus. Since data on the management of thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy is rapidly evolving, two guidelines have been developed by the American Thyroid Association and the Endocrine society in the last 2 years. We compare here the recommendations of these two guidelines regarding management of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy. The comparison reveals no disagreement or controversy on the various aspects of diagnosis and treatment of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy between the two guidelines. Propylthiouracil has been considered as the first-line drug for treatment of hyperthyroidism in the first trimester of pregnancy. In the second trimester, consideration should be given to switching to methimazole for the rest of pregnancy. Methimazole is also the drug of choice in lactating hyperthyroid women.