bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of cholesterol biosynthetic pathway in different regions of the rat central nervous system
Authors: Segatto M. , Trapani L. , Lecis C. , Pallottini V.
Published: May 2012

Aim

In this study, we investigated the regulatory network of the key and rate‐limiting enzyme of cholesterol biosynthetic pathway, the 3‐hydroxy 3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) in different brain regions, to add new insight about lipid metabolism and physiology in the central nervous system (CNS).

Methods

HMGR levels and activation state and the proteins involved in the enzyme regulatory network were analysed by Western blot in hippocampus, cortex, cerebellum and brain stem of adult male rats.

Results

HMGR protein level and phosphorylation state exhibit a specific pattern in each brain area analysed, according to the levels and activation state of the proteins responsible for the short‐ and long‐term regulation of the enzyme. Moreover, low‐density lipoprotein receptor expression displays a similar trend to that of HMGR.

Conclusions

The obtained data indicate that cholesterol biosynthesis could be differently modulated in each brain region in adult male rat and emphasize marked differences in HMGR and low‐density lipoprotein receptor regulation. The results provide new insights into the intricate network that regulates cholesterol homoeostasis in the adult CNS in connection with the regional needs of this molecule.
KIAA1549‐BRAFFusions and IDH Mutations Can Coexist in Diffuse Gliomas of Adults
Authors: Badiali Manuela , Gleize Vincent , Paris Sophie , Moi Loredana , Elhouadani Selma , Arcella Antonietta , Morace Roberta , Antonelli Manila , Buttarelli Francesca Romana , Figarella‐ Branger Dominique , Kim Young‐Ho , Ohgaki Hiroko , Mokhtari Karima , Sanson Marc , Giangaspero Felice
Published: May 2012

KIAA1549‐BRAFfusion gene and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) mutations are considered two mutually exclusive genetic events in pilocytic astrocytomas and diffuse gliomas, respectively. We investigated the presence of theKIAA1549‐BRAFfusion gene in conjunction with IDH mutations and 1p/19q loss in 185 adult diffuse gliomas. Moreover BRAFv600Emutation was also screened. TheKIAA1549‐BRAFfusion gene was evaluated by reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and sequencing. We found IDH mutations in 125 out 175 cases (71.4%). There wereKIAA1549‐BRAFfusion gene in 17 out of 180 (9.4%) cases and BRAFv600Ein 2 out of 133 (1.5%) cases. In 11 of these 17 cases, both IDH mutations and theKIAA1549‐BRAFfusion were present, as independent molecular events. Moreover, 6 of 17 cases showed co‐presence of 1p/19q loss, IDH mutations andKIAA1549‐BRAFfusion. Among the 17 cases withKIAA1549‐BRAFfusion gene 15 (88.2%) were oligodendroglial neoplasms. Similarly, the two cases with BRAFv600Emutation were both oligodendroglioma and one had IDH mutations and 1p/19q co‐deletion. Our results suggest that in a small fraction of diffuse gliomas,KIAA1549‐BRAFfusion gene and BRAFv600Emutation may be responsible for deregulation of the Ras‐RAF‐ERK signaling pathway. Such alterations are more frequent in oligodendroglial neoplasm and may be co‐present with IDH mutations and 1p/19q loss.
Dynamic properties of a dirt and a synthetic equine racetrack surface measured by a track‐testing device
Authors: SETTERBO J. J. , FYHRIE P. B. , HUBBARD M. , UPADHYAYA S. K. , STOVER S. M.
Published: May 2012

Reasons for performing study:Racetrack surface is a risk factor for Thoroughbred racehorse injury and death that can be engineered and managed. To investigate the relationship between surface and injury, the mechanical behaviour of dirt and synthetic track surfaces must be quantified.

Objectives:To compare dynamic properties of a dirt and a synthetic surfacein situusing a track‐testing device designed to simulate equine hoof impact; and to determine the effects of impact velocity, impact angle and repeated impact on dynamic surface behaviour.

Methods:A track‐testing device measured force and displacement during impact into a dirt and a synthetic surface at 3 impact velocities (1.91, 2.30, 2.63 m/s), 2 impact angles (0°, 20° from vertical), and 2 consecutive impacts (initial, repeat). Surfaces were measured at 3 locations/day for 3 days. The effects of surface type, impact velocity, impact angle and impact number on dynamic surface properties were assessed using analysis of variance.

Results:Synthetic surface maximum forces, load rates and stiffnesses were 37–67% of dirt surface values. Surfaces were less stiff with lower impact velocities, angled impacts and initial impacts. The magnitude of differences between dirt and synthetic surfaces increased for repeat impacts and higher impact velocities.

Conclusions:The synthetic surface was generally softer than the dirt surface. Greatly increased hardness for repeat impacts corroborates the importance of maintenance. Results at different impact velocities suggest that surface differences will persist at higher impact velocities.

Potential relevance:For both surfaces it is clearly important to prevent horse exposure to precompacted surfaces, particularly during high‐speed training when the surface has already been trampled. These data should be useful in coordinating racetrack surface management with racehorse training to prevent injuries.
Is computerized cognitive‐behavioural therapy a treatment option for depression in late‐life? A systematic review
Authors: Crabb Rebecca M. , Cavanagh Kate , Proudfoot Judy , Learmonth Despina , Rafie Samantha , Weingardt Kenneth R.
Published: May 2012

Objective. Computerized cognitive‐behavioural therapy (CCBT) may enhance older adults’ access to evidence‐based depression treatment. Our objective was to determine the extent to which adults aged 65 years and older are represented in existing studies of CCBT for depression and describe available data on recruitment, retention, and outcomes.

Methods. We retrieved all controlled and uncontrolled trials of CCBT for depression published between 2000 and 2010. We obtained data on older adults via the article text or correspondence with authors.

Results. Older adults comprised approximately 3% of study participants in reviewed studies. Authors reported that older participants may be less likely than younger adults to drop out, but more likely to experience technical challenges.

Conclusions. Older adults are under‐represented in studies of CCBT for depression.

Practitioner Points

CCBT may be a means to help older adults gain access to evidence‐based treatment for depression.

According to our systematic review, existing studies of CCBT for depression have included very few older participants. Comments by authors of studies suggest that older adults are at least as likely as younger adults to persist with CCBT programs but may be more likely to require technical support.

Practitioners should be aware that older adults are increasingly using the Internet for health reasons and may also benefit from Internet‐based interventions for depression.

A limitation of our study is the fact that older adults who have participated in trials of CCBT for depression may be more comfortable with computer use than older adults in general.
Using Standardized Nursing Languages in End‐of‐Life Care Plans
Authors: Roecklein Nancy
Published: May 2012

PURPOSE:  This case study demonstrates the challenges to achieve dignified life closure and a comfortable death for a middle‐aged woman with terminal cancer and her family.

DATA SOURCES:  Data were obtained from a patient known through the author's clinical experiences, personal family experiences, and published sources.

DATA SYNTHESIS:  The appropriate nursing diagnosis, patient outcomes, and nursing interventions were identified through the use of NANDA‐International, the Nursing Outcomes Classification, and the Nursing Interventions Classification.

CONCLUSIONS:  This case study illustrates the appropriate nursing diagnosis, interventions, and outcomes pertinent to an individual with emotional distress at the end of life.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE:  Employing the NANDA‐International standardized nursing diagnosis, the Nursing Interventions Classification and the Nursing Outcomes Classification provided the needed constructs for considering and improving a dying patient's care in a primary and home setting.
What do we know about the α/β for prostate cancer?
Authors: Oliveira S. M. , Teixeira N. J. , Fernandes L.
Published: May 2012

Since last decade, the debate on the parameter which reflects prostate cancer sensitivity to fractionation in a radiotherapy treatment, the α/β, has become extensive. Unlike most tumors, the low labeling indices (LI) and large potential doubling time that characterize the prostate tumor led some authors to consider that it may behave as a late responding tissue. So far, the existing studies with regard to this subject point to a low value of α/β, around 2.7 Gy, which may be considered as a therapeutic gain in relation to surrounding normal tissues by using fewer and larger fractions. The aim of this paper is to review several estimates that have been made in the last few years regarding the prostate cancer α/β both from clinical and experimental data, as well as the set of factors that have potentially influenced these evaluations.
Are We Winning the War Against Posttraumatic Stress Disorder?
Authors: McNally Richard J.
Published: May 2012

The most methodologically rigorous epidemiological study on American military personnel deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan found that 4.3% of troops developed posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Among deployed combatants, 7.6% developed PTSD, whereas 1.4% of deployed noncombatants did so. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a program ensuring that all veterans with PTSD will receive evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy, and the Army has developed Battlemind postdeployment early interventions that reduce risk for the disorder.
Roots of Racism
Authors: Culotta Elizabeth
Published: May 2012

Humans everywhere divide the world into “us” and “them.” Why are we so tribal?
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy in Blast-Exposed Military Veterans and a Blast Neurotrauma Mouse Model
Authors: Goldstein Lee E. , Fisher Andrew M. , Tagge Chad A. , Zhang Xiao-Lei , Velisek Libor , Sullivan John A. , Upreti Chirag , Kracht Jonathan M. , Ericsson Maria , Wojnarowicz Mark W. , Goletiani Cezar J. , Maglakelidze Giorgi M. , Casey Noel , Moncaster Juliet A. , Minaeva Olga , Moir Robert D. , Nowinski Christopher J. , Stern Robert A. , Cantu Robert C. , Geiling James , Blusztajn Jan K. , Wolozin Benjamin L. , Ikezu Tsuneya , Stein Thor D. , Budson Andrew E. , Kowall Neil W. , Chargin David , Sharon Andre , Saman Sudad , Hall Garth F. , Moss William C. , Cleveland Robin O. , Tanzi Rudolph E. , Stanton Patric K. , McKee Ann C.
Published: May 2012

Blast exposure is associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy, impaired neuronal function, and persistent cognitive deficits in blast-exposed military veterans and experimental animals.
APOE
ε4 Status and Traumatic Brain Injury on the Gridiron or the Battlefield
Authors: Gandy Sam , DeKosky Steven T.
Published: May 2012

APOE
ε4 carriers who experience traumatic brain injury are likely to have an increased risk of dementia, raising the question of whether
APOE
genotyping should be required for high school athletes or for prospective military personnel.
You May Feel Some Discomfort—or Not!
Authors: Skarke Carsten
Published: May 2012

Developing chronic pain might be a function of certain receptor mutation.
Corynebacterium tuberculostearicum: a Potentially Misidentified and Multiresistant Corynebacterium Species Isolated from Clinical Specimens
Authors: Hinić V. , Lang C. , Weisser M. , Straub C. , Frei R. , Goldenberger D.
Published: May 2012

Corynebacterium tuberculostearicumis a lipophilic corynebacterium validly characterized in 2004. We provide clinical information on 18 patients from whom this organism was isolated. The majority of the patients were hospitalized and had a history of prolonged treatment with broad-spectrum antimicrobials. In 7 (38.9%) of the 18 cases, the isolates were found to be clinically relevant. The present report also includes detailed data on the biochemical and molecular identification ofC. tuberculostearicum, as well as its identification by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Our data demonstrate that routine biochemical tests do not provide reliable identification ofC. tuberculostearicum. MALDI-TOF MS represents a helpful tool for the identification of this species, since all of the strains matchedC. tuberculostearicumas the first choice and 58.3% (7/12) of the strains processed with the full extraction protocol generated scores of >2.000. Nevertheless, partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing still represents the gold standard for the identification of this species. Due to the challenging identification ofC. tuberculostearicum, we presume that this organism is often misidentified and its clinical relevance is underestimated. The antimicrobial susceptibility profile ofC. tuberculostearicumpresented here reveals that 14 (87.5%) of the 16 strains analyzed exhibited multidrug resistance.
Gene-Based Vaccination with a Mismatched Envelope Protects against Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Flatz Lukas , Cheng Cheng , Wang Lingshu , Foulds Kathryn E. , Ko Sung-Youl , Kong Wing-Pui , Roychoudhuri Rahul , Shi Wei , Bao Saran , Todd John-Paul , Asmal Mohammed , Shen Ling , Donaldson Mitzi , Schmidt Stephen D. , Gall Jason G. D. , Pinschewer Daniel D. , Letvin Norman L. , Rao Srinivas , Mascola John R. , Roederer Mario , Nabel Gary J.
Published: May 2012

The RV144 trial demonstrated that an experimental AIDS vaccine can prevent human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in humans. Because of its limited efficacy, further understanding of the mechanisms of preventive AIDS vaccines remains a priority, and nonhuman primate (NHP) models of lentiviral infection provide an opportunity to define immunogens, vectors, and correlates of immunity. In this study, we show that prime-boost vaccination with a mismatched SIV envelope (Env) gene, derived from simian immunodeficiency virus SIVmac239, prevents infection by SIVsmE660 intrarectally. Analysis of different gene-based prime-boost immunization regimens revealed that recombinant adenovirus type 5 (rAd5) prime followed by replication-defective lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (rLCMV) boost elicited robust CD4 and CD8 T-cell and humoral immune responses. This vaccine protected against infection after repetitive mucosal challenge with efficacies of 82% per exposure and 62% cumulatively. No effect was seen on viremia in infected vaccinated monkeys compared to controls. Protection correlated with the presence of neutralizing antibodies to the challenge viruses tested in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. These data indicate that a vaccine expressing a mismatched Env gene alone can prevent SIV infection in NHPs and identifies an immune correlate that may guide immunogen selection and immune monitoring for clinical efficacy trials.
Single Amino Acid Modification of Adeno-Associated Virus Capsid Changes Transduction and Humoral Immune Profiles
Authors: Li Chengwen , Diprimio Nina , Bowles Dawn E. , Hirsch Matthew L. , Monahan Paul E. , Asokan Aravind , Rabinowitz Joseph , Agbandje-McKenna Mavis , Samulski R. Jude
Published: May 2012

Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have the potential to promote long-term gene expression. Unfortunately, humoral immunity restricts patient treatment and in addition provides an obstacle to the potential option of vector readministration. In this study, we describe a comprehensive characterization of the neutralizing antibody (NAb) response to AAV type 1 (AAV1) through AAV5 bothin vitroandin vivo. These results demonstrated that NAbs generated from one AAV type are unable to neutralize the transduction of other types. We extended this observation by demonstrating that a rationally engineered, muscle-tropic AAV2 mutant containing 5 amino acid substitutions from AAV1 displayed a NAb profile different from those of parental AAV2 and AAV1. Here we found that a single insertion of Thr from AAV1 into AAV2 capsid at residue 265 preserved high muscle transduction, while also changing the immune profile. To better understand the role of Thr insertion at position 265, we replaced all 20 amino acids and evaluated both muscle transduction and the NAb response. Of these variants, 8 mutants induced higher muscle transduction than AAV2. Additionally, three classes of capsid NAb immune profile were defined based on the ability to inhibit transduction from AAV2 or mutants. While no relationship was found between transduction, amino acid properties, and NAb titer or its cross-reactivity, these studies map a critical capsid motif involved in all steps of AAV infectivity. Our results suggest that AAV types can be utilized not only as templates to generate mutants with enhanced transduction efficiency but also as substrates for repeat administration.
Marek's Disease Virus Expresses Multiple UL44 (gC) Variants through mRNA Splicing That Are All Required for Efficient Horizontal Transmission
Authors: Jarosinski Keith W. , Osterrieder Nikolaus
Published: May 2012

Marek's disease (MD) is a devastating oncogenic viral disease of chickens caused byGallid herpesvirus 2, or MD virus (MDV). MDV glycoprotein C (gC) is encoded by the alphaherpesvirus UL44 homolog and is essential for the horizontal transmission of MDV (K. W. Jarosinski and N. Osterrieder, J. Virol. 84:7911-7916, 2010). Alphaherpesvirus gC proteins are type 1 membrane proteins and are generally anchored in cellular membranes and the virion envelope by a short transmembrane domain. However, the majority of MDV gC is secretedin vitro, although secondary-structure analyses predict a carboxy-terminal transmembrane domain. In this report, two alternative mRNA splice variants were identified by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR analyses, and the encoded proteins were predicted to specify premature stop codons that would lead to gC proteins that lack the transmembrane domain. Based on the size of the intron removed for each UL44 (gC) transcript, they were termed gC104 and gC145. Recombinant MDV viruses were generated in which only full-length viral gC (vgCfull), gC104 (vgC104), or gC145 (vgC145) was expressed. Predictably, gCfull was expressed predominantly as a membrane-associated protein, while both gC104 and gC145 were secreted, suggesting that the dominant gC variants expressedin vitroare the spliced variants. In experimentally infected chickens, the expression of each of the gC variants individually did not alter replication or disease induction. However, horizontal transmission was reduced compared to that of wild-type or revertant viruses when the expression of only a single gC was allowed, indicating that all three forms of gC are required for the efficient transmission of MDV in chickens.
The Chimeric Genome of
Sphaerochaeta
: Nonspiral Spirochetes That Break with the Prevalent Dogma in Spirochete Biology
Authors: Caro-Quintero A. , Ritalahti K. M. , Cusick K. D. , Löffler F. E. , Konstantinidis K. T.
Published: May 2012

Spirochaetes
is one of a few bacterial phyla that are characterized by a unifying diagnostic feature, namely, the helical morphology and motility conferred by axial periplasmic flagella. Their unique morphology and mode of propulsion also represent major pathogenicity factors of clinical spirochetes. Here we describe the genome sequences of two coccoid isolates of the recently described genus
Sphaerochaeta
which are members of the phylum
Spirochaetes
based on 16S rRNA gene and whole-genome phylogenies. Interestingly, the
Sphaerochaeta
genomes completely lack the motility and associated signal transduction genes present in all sequenced spirochete genomes. Additional analyses revealed that the lack of flagella is associated with a unique, nonrigid cell wall structure hallmarked by a lack of transpeptidase and transglycosylase genes, which is also unprecedented in spirochetes. The
Sphaerochaeta
genomes are highly enriched in fermentation and carbohydrate metabolism genes relative to other spirochetes, indicating a fermentative lifestyle. Remarkably, most of the enriched genes appear to have been acquired from nonspirochetes, particularly clostridia, in several massive horizontal gene transfer events (>40% of the total number of genes in each genome). Such a high level of direct interphylum genetic exchange is extremely rare among mesophilic organisms and has important implications for the assembly of the prokaryotic tree of life.

IMPORTANCE
Spiral shape and motility historically have been the unifying hallmarks of the phylum
Spirochaetes
. These features also represent important virulence factors of highly invasive pathogenic spirochetes such as the causative agents of syphilis and Lyme disease. Through the integration of genome sequencing, microscopy, and physiological studies, we conclusively show that the spiral morphology and motility of spirochetes are not universal morphological properties. In particular, we found that the genomes of the members of the recently described genus
Sphaerochaeta
lack the genes encoding the characteristic flagellar apparatus and, in contrast to most other spirochetes, have acquired many metabolic and fermentation genes from clostridia. These findings have major implications for the isolation and study of spirochetes, the diagnosis of spirochete-caused diseases, and the reconstruction of the evolutionary history of this important bacterial phylum. The
Sphaerochaeta
sp. genomes offer new avenues to link ecophysiology with the functionality and evolution of the spirochete flagellar apparatus.
The multifunctional glycolytic protein glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) is a novel macrophage lactoferrin receptor1This article is part of Special Issue entitled Lactoferrin and has undergone the Journal's usual peer review process.
Authors: Rawat Pooja , Kumar Santosh , Sheokand Navdeep , Raje Chaaya Iyengar , Raje Manoj
Published: May 2012

Several proteins with limited cell type distribution have been shown to bind lactoferrin. However, except in the case of hepatic and intestinal cells, these have not been definitively identified and characterized. Here we report that the multifunctional glycolytic protein glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) functions as a novel receptor for lactoferrin (Lf) in macrophages. GAPDH is a well-known moonlighting protein, and previous work from our laboratory has indicated its localization on macrophage cell surfaces, wherein it functions as a transferrin (Tf) receptor. The KDvalue for GAPDH–lactoferrin interaction was determined to be 43.8 nmol/L. Utilizing co-immunoprecipitation, immunoflorescence, and immunogold labelling electron microscopy we could demonstrate the trafficking of lactoferrin to the endosomal compartment along with GAPDH. We also found that upon iron depletion the binding of lactoferrin to macrophage cell surface is enhanced. This correlated with an increased expression of surface GAPDH, while other known lactoferrin receptors CD14 and lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) were found to remain unaltered in expression levels. This suggests that upon iron depletion, cells prefer to use GAPDH to acquire lactoferrin. As GAPDH is an ubiquitously expressed molecule, its function as a receptor for lactoferrin may not be limited to macrophages.
LF immunomodulatory strategies: mastering bacterial endotoxin1This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Lactoferrin and has undergone the Journal's usual peer review process.
Authors: Latorre Daniela , Berlutti Francesca , Valenti Piera , Gessani Sandra , Puddu Patrizia
Published: May 2012

Lactoferrin (LF), an iron-binding glycoprotein expressed in most biological fluids, represents a major component of mammalian innate immune system. The multiple activities of LF rely not only on its capacity to bind iron but also to interact with molecular and cellular components of both the host and pathogens. LF can bind and sequester lipopolysaccharide thus preventing proinflammatory pathway activation, sepsis, and tissue damage. However, the interplay between LF and lipopolysaccharide is complex and may lead to different outcomes including both the suppression of inflammatory response and immune activation. Understanding the molecular basis and the functional consequences of this complex interaction is critically relevant in the development of LF-based therapeutic interventions in humans.
ON VAN HOVE SINGULARITIES IN PURE CUBIC CRYSTALS
Authors: FUJITA SHIGEJI , PIENTKA JAMES , SUZUKI AKIRA
Published: May 2012

Sharp peaks (van Hove singularities) occur when the density of states is plotted as a function of the phonon frequency. The singularities, jumps in the derivative of the density of states, occur in three and two dimensions when the constant-frequency plane touches the Brillouin zone boundary and undergoes a curvature inversion. The face-centered cubic lattice is composed of two simple cubic sablattices and one tetragonal sub-lattice. The first (second) major peaks in the observed density of states in aluminum ( Al ) are shown to arise from the transverse phonons associated with the cubic (tetragonal) sublattices.
ROAD TRIPS IN GEODESIC METRIC SPACES AND GROUPS WITH QUADRATIC ISOPERIMETRIC INEQUALITIES
Authors: BISHOP-ROSS RACHEL , CORSON JON M.
Published: May 2012

We introduce a property of geodesic metric spaces, called the road trip property, that generalizes hyperbolic and convex metric spaces. This property is shown to be invariant under quasi-isometry. Thus, it leads to a geometric property of finitely generated groups, also called the road trip property. The main result is that groups with the road trip property are finitely presented and satisfy a quadratic isoperimetric inequality. Examples of groups with the road trip property include hyperbolic, semihyperbolic, automatic and CAT(0) groups.
RECONSTITUTION OF A PROTEIN MONOLAYER ON THIOLATES FUNCTIONALIZED GaAs SURFACE
Authors: BIENAIME A. , LEBLOIS T. , LUCCHI G. , BLONDEAU-PATISSIER V. , DUCOROY P. , BOIREAU W. , ELIE-CAILLE C.
Published: May 2012

In the aim to realize an efficient resonant biosensor, gallium arsenide (GaAs) presents many advantages. In addition to its properties of transduction, GaAs is a crystal for which microfabrication processes were developed, conferring the possibility to miniaturize the device and integrate electronic circuit. Moreover, the biofunctionalization could be realized on the crystalline surface without layer deposition, constituting a real advantage to perform reusable sensor. The functionalization of GaAs surface was engaged in order to immobilize a protein monolayer on this substrate. Functionalization was done using a mixed self assembled monolayer of thiolate molecules. Characterizations at micro and nanoscale were performed to control the surface state, the establishment of thiolates self-assembled monolayer, the surface atomic composition and the topography of the GaAs substrate at the different steps of the process. Protein immobilization on thiolates modified GaAs was revealed through a detailed AFM study and in situ MALDI-TOF MS and MS/MS modified surface interrogations.
TOP-10 DATA MINING CASE STUDIES
Authors: MELLI GABOR , WU XINDONG , BEINAT PAUL , BONCHI FRANCESCO , CAO LONGBING , DUAN RONG , FALOUTSOS CHRISTOS , GHANI RAYID , KITTS BRENDAN , GOETHALS BART , MCLACHLAN GEOFF , PEI JIAN , SRIVASTAVA ASHOK , ZAÏANE OSMAR
Published: May 2012

We report on the panel discussion held at the ICDM'10 conference on the top 10 data mining case studies in order to provide a snapshot of where and how data mining techniques have made significant real-world impact. The tasks covered by 10 case studies range from the detection of anomalies such as cancer, fraud, and system failures to the optimization of organizational operations, and include the automated extraction of information from unstructured sources. From the 10 cases we find that supervised methods prevail while unsupervised techniques play a supporting role. Further, significant domain knowledge is generally required to achieve a completed solution. Finally, we find that successful applications are more commonly associated with continual improvement rather than by single "aha moments" of knowledge ("nugget") discovery.
G-INFLATION: INFLATION WITH THE MOST GENERAL SECOND-ORDER FIELD EQUATIONS
Authors: KOBAYASHI TSUTOMU , YAMAGUCHI MASAHIDE , YOKOYAMA JUN'ICHI
Published: May 2012

In this talk, we have discussed generalized Galileons as a framework to develop the most general single-field inflation models ever, (Generalized) G-inflation, containing previous examples such as k-inflation, extended inflation, and new Higgs inflation as special cases. We have also investigated the background and perturbation evolution in this model, calculating the most general quadratic actions for tensor and scalar cosmological perturbations to give the stability criteria and the power spectra of primordial fluctuations.
Physical and functional interaction between the ID1 and p65 for activation of NF-κB
Authors: Peng Xiao , Wang Yuna , Kolli Swapna , Deng Junpeng , Li Li , Wang Zhixin , Raj J. Usha , Gou Deming
Published: May 2012

Inhibitor of differentiation or DNA binding-1 (ID1) is an important helix-loop-helix (HLH) transcription factor involved in diverse biological functions including cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and senescence. Recently, it was reported that ID1 can activate the NF-κB signaling pathway in a variety of cancer cells and a T cell line, but the mechanisms involved in ID1-mediated transactivation of NF-κB are not clear. In this study, we demonstrate by both in vitro pull-down assays and a cell-based in vivo two-hybrid system that ID1-mediated NF-κB activation is due to its physical interaction with p65. We have identified that the transcriptional activation domain (TAD) in p65 and the HLH domain in ID1 are vital for their interaction. Interestingly, a single site mutation (Leu76) in the HLH domain of ID1 protein drastically decreased its ability to bind with p65. Using a dual-luciferase assay, we demonstrated that the interaction between ID1 and p65 modulates activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway in vivo. In addition, we demonstrated that, by affecting the nuclear translocation of p65, ID1 is essential in regulating TNF-α-induced p65 recruitment to its downstream target, the cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein 2 (cIAP2) promoter.
TDAG51 mediates epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in human proximal tubular epithelium
Authors: Carlisle Rachel E. , Heffernan Alana , Brimble Elise , Liu Limin , Jerome Danielle , Collins Celeste A. , Mohammed-Ali Zahraa , Margetts Peter J. , Austin Richard C. , Dickhout Jeffrey G.
Published: May 2012

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes to renal fibrosis in chronic kidney disease. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, a feature of many forms of kidney disease, results from the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the ER and leads to the unfolded protein response (UPR). We hypothesized that ER stress mediates EMT in human renal proximal tubules. ER stress is induced by a variety of stressors differing in their mechanism of action, including tunicamycin, thapsigargin, and the calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporine A. These ER stressors increased the UPR markers GRP78, GRP94, and phospho-eIF2α in human proximal tubular cells. Thapsigargin and cyclosporine A also increased cytosolic Ca2+concentration and T cell death-associated gene 51 (TDAG51) expression, whereas tunicamycin did not. Thapsigargin was also shown to increase levels of active transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 in the media of cultured human proximal tubular cells. Thapsigargin induced cytoskeletal rearrangement, β-catenin nuclear translocation, and α-smooth muscle actin and vinculin expression in proximal tubular cells, indicating an EMT response. Subconfluent primary human proximal tubular cells were induced to undergo EMT by TGF-β1 treatment. In contrast, tunicamycin treatment did not produce an EMT response. Plasmid-mediated overexpression of TDAG51 resulted in cell shape change and β-catenin nuclear translocation. These results allowed us to develop a two-hit model of ER stress-induced EMT, where Ca2+dysregulation-mediated TDAG51 upregulation primes the cell for mesenchymal transformation via Wnt signaling and then TGF-β1 activation leads to a complete EMT response. Thus the release of Ca2+from ER stores mediates EMT in human proximal tubular epithelium via the induction of TDAG51.
Neural ITD coding with bilateral cochlear implants: effect of binaurally coherent jitter
Authors: Hancock Kenneth E. , Chung Yoojin , Delgutte Bertrand
Published: May 2012

Poor sensitivity to the interaural time difference (ITD) constrains the ability of human bilateral cochlear implant users to listen in everyday noisy acoustic environments. ITD sensitivity to periodic pulse trains degrades sharply with increasing pulse rate but can be restored at high pulse rates by jittering the interpulse intervals in a binaurally coherent manner (Laback and Majdak. Binaural jitter improves interaural time-difference sensitivity of cochlear implantees at high pulse rates. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 105: 814–817, 2008). We investigated the neural basis of the jitter effect by recording from single inferior colliculus (IC) neurons in bilaterally implanted, anesthetized cats. Neural responses to trains of biphasic pulses were measured as a function of pulse rate, jitter, and ITD. An effect of jitter on neural responses was most prominent for pulse rates above 300 pulses/s. High-rate periodic trains evoked only an onset response in most IC neurons, but introducing jitter increased ongoing firing rates in about half of these neurons. Neurons that had sustained responses to jittered high-rate pulse trains showed ITD tuning comparable with that produced by low-rate periodic pulse trains. Thus, jitter appears to improve neural ITD sensitivity by restoring sustained firing in many IC neurons. The effect of jitter on IC responses is qualitatively consistent with human psychophysics. Action potentials tended to occur reproducibly at sparse, preferred times across repeated presentations of high-rate jittered pulse trains. Spike triggered averaging of responses to jittered pulse trains revealed that firing was triggered by very short interpulse intervals. This suggests it may be possible to restore ITD sensitivity to periodic carriers by simply inserting short interpulse intervals at select times.
Frequency-dependent amplification of stretch-evoked excitatory input in spinal motoneurons
Authors: Powers Randall K. , Nardelli Paul , Cope T. C.
Published: May 2012

Voltage-dependent calcium and sodium channels mediating persistent inward currents (PICs) amplify the effects of synaptic inputs on the membrane potential and firing rate of motoneurons. CaPIC channels are thought to be relatively slow, whereas the NaPIC channels have fast kinetics. These different characteristics influence how synaptic inputs with different frequency content are amplified; the slow kinetics of Ca channels suggest that they can only contribute to amplification of low frequency inputs (<5 Hz). To characterize frequency-dependent amplification of excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs), we measured the averaged stretch-evoked EPSPs in cat medial gastrocnemius motoneurons in decerebrate cats at different subthreshold levels of membrane potential. EPSPs were produced by muscle spindle afferents activated by stretching the homonymous and synergist muscles at frequencies of 5–50 Hz. We adjusted the stretch amplitudes at different frequencies to produce approximately the same peak-to-peak EPSP amplitude and quantified the amount of amplification by expressing the EPSP integral at different levels of depolarization as a percentage of that measured with the membrane hyperpolarized. Amplification was observed at all stretch frequencies but generally decreased with increasing stretch frequency. However, in many cells the amount of amplification was greater at 10 Hz than at 5 Hz. Fast amplification was generally reduced or absent when the lidocaine derivative QX-314 was included in the electrode solution, supporting a strong contribution from Na channels. These results suggest that NaPICs can combine with CaPICs to enhance motoneuron responses to modulations of synaptic drive over a physiologically significant range of frequencies.
Oral Health Nursing Education and Practice Program
Authors: Dolce Maria C. , Haber Judith , Shelley Donna
Published: May 2012

Millions of Americans have unmet oral healthcare needs and profound oral health disparities persist in vulnerable and underserved populations, especially poor children, older adults, and racial and ethnic minorities. Nurses can play a significant role in improving the quality of oral health including access to care with appropriate education and training. The purpose of this paper is to describe New York University College of Nursing’s response to this challenge. TheOral Health Nursing Education and Practice(OHNEP) program is a national initiative aimed at preparing a nursing workforce with the competencies to prioritize oral disease prevention and health promotion, provide evidence-based oral healthcare in a variety of practice settings, and collaborate in interprofessional teams across the healthcare system. The overarching goal of this national initiative is to create an educational infrastructure for the nursing profession that advances nursing’s contribution to reducing oral health disparities across the lifespan.
Multimodal Semantics Extraction from User-Generated Videos
Authors: Cricri Francesco , Dabov Kostadin , Roininen Mikko J. , Mate Sujeet , Curcio Igor D. D. , Gabbouj Moncef
Published: May 2012

User-generated video content has grown tremendously fast to the point of outpacing professional content creation. In this work we develop methods that analyze contextual information of multiple user-generated videos in order to obtain semantic information about public happenings (e.g., sport and live music events) being recorded in these videos. One of the key contributions of this work is a joint utilization of different data modalities, including such captured by auxiliary sensors during the video recording performed by each user. In particular, we analyze GPS data, magnetometer data, accelerometer data, video- and audio-content data. We use these data modalities to infer information about the event being recorded, in terms of layout (e.g., stadium), genre, indoor versus outdoor scene, and the main area of interest of the event. Furthermore we propose a method that automatically identifies the optimal set of cameras to be used in a multicamera video production. Finally, we detect the camera users which fall within the field of view of other cameras recording at the same public happening. We show that the proposed multimodal analysis methods perform well on various recordings obtained in real sport events and live music performances.
A New Texture Synthesis Algorithm Based on Wavelet Packet Tree
Authors: Hsin Hsi Chin , Sung Tze-Yun , Shieh Yaw-Shih , Cattani Carlo
Published: May 2012

This paper presents an efficient texture synthesis based on wavelet packet tree (TSWPT). It has the advantage of using a multiresolution representation with a greater diversity of bases functions for the nonlinear time series applications such as fractal images. The input image is decomposed into wavelet packet coefficients, which are rearranged and organized to form hierarchical trees called wavelet packet trees. A 2‐step matching, that is, coarse matching based on low‐frequency wavelet packet coefficients followed by fine matching based on middle‐high‐frequency wavelet packet coefficients, is proposed for texture synthesis. Experimental results show that the TSWPT algorithm is preferable, especially in terms of computation time.
Distribution of Urocortins and Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Receptors in the Cardiovascular System
Authors: Takahashi Kazuhiro
Published: May 2012

Urocortins are human homologues of urotensin I, a fish corticotropin-releasing-factor- (CRF-) like peptide secreted from the urophysis. There are three urocortins: urocortin 1, urocortin 2, and urocortin 3 in mammals. We have shown that urocortin 1 and urocortin 3 are endogenously synthesized in the myocardial cells of human heart and may act on CRF type 2 receptor (CRFR2) expressed in the heart. Expression levels of urocortin 1 in the heart and plasma urocortin 1 levels are elevated in patients with heart failure. Recent studies have shown that urocortins have various biological actions in the cardiovascular system, such as a vasodilator action, a positive inotropic action, a cardioprotective action against ischemia/reperfusion injury, and suppressive actions against the renin angiotensin system and the sympathetic nervous system. Urocortins and CRFR2 may therefore be a potential therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases, such as congestive heart failure, hypertension, and myocardial infarction.
Host-Tree Monoterpenes and Biosynthesis of Aggregation Pheromones in the Bark BeetleIps paraconfusus
Authors: Byers John A. , Birgersson Göran
Published: May 2012

A paradigm developed in the 1970s thatIpsbark beetles biosynthesize their aggregation pheromone components ipsenol and ipsdienol by hydroxylating myrcene, a host tree monoterpene. Similarly, hostα-pinene was hydroxylated to a third pheromone componentcis-verbenol. In 1990, however, we reported that amounts of ipsenol and ipsdienol produced by maleIps paraconfusus(Coleoptera: Scolytinae) feeding in five host pine species were nearly the same, even though no detectable myrcene precursor was detected in one of these pines (Pinus sabiniana). Subsequent research showed ipsenol and ipsdienol are also biosynthesized from smaller precursors such as acetate and mevalonate, and thisde novopathway is the major one, while host tree myrcene conversion by the beetle is the minor one. We report concentrations of myrcene,α-pinene and other major monoterpenes in five pine hosts (Pinus ponderosa,P. lambertiana,P. jeffreyi,P. sabiniana, andP. contorta) ofI. paraconfusus. A scheme for biosynthesis of ipsdienol and ipsenol from myrcene and possible metabolites such as ipsenone is presented. Mass spectra and quantities of ipsenone are reported and its possible role in biosynthesis of aggregation pheromone. Coevolution of bark beetles and host trees is discussed in relation to pheromone biosynthesis, host plant selection/suitability, and plant resistance.
Bounded Oscillation of a Forced Nonlinear Neutral Differential Equation
Authors: Liu Zeqing , Xu Yuguang , Kang Shin Min , Kwun Young Chel
Published: May 2012

This paper is concerned with the nth‐order forced nonlinear neutral differential equation . Some necessary and sufficient conditions for the oscillation of bounded solutions and several sufficient conditions for the existence of uncountably many bounded positive and negative solutions of the above equation are established. The results obtained in this paper improve and extend essentially some known results in the literature. Five interesting examples that point out the importance of our results are also included.
Redundant Logic Insertion and Latency Reduction in Self‐Timed Adders
Authors: Balasubramanian P. , Edwards D. A. , Toms W. B.
Published: May 2012

A novel concept of logic redundancy insertion is presented that facilitates significant latency reduction in self‐timed adder circuits. The proposed concept is universal in the sense that it can be extended to a variety of self‐timed design methods. Redundant logic can be incorporated to generate efficient self‐timed realizations of iterative logic specifications. Based on the case study of a 32‐bit self‐timed carry‐ripple adder, it has been found that redundant implementations minimize the data path latency by 21.1% at the expense of increases in area and power by 2.3% and 0.8% on average compared to their nonredundant counterparts. However, when considering further peephole logic optimizations, it has been observed in a specific scenario that the delay reduction could be as high as 31% while accompanied by only meager area and power penalties of 0.6% and 1.2%, respectively. Moreover, redundant logic adders pave the way for spacer propagation in constant time and garner actual case latency for addition of valid data.
Viscous Flow over Nonlinearly Stretching Sheet with Effects of Viscous Dissipation
Authors: Alinejad Javad , Samarbakhsh Sina
Published: May 2012

The flow and heat transfer characteristics of incompressible viscous flow over a nonlinearly stretching sheet with the presence of viscous dissipation is investigated numerically. The similarity transformation reduces the time‐independent boundary layer equations for momentum and thermal energy into a set of coupled ordinary differential equations. The obtained equations, including nonlinear equation for the velocity field f and differential equation by variable coefficient for the temperature field θ, are solved numerically by using the fourth order of Runge‐Kutta integration scheme accompanied by shooting technique with Newton‐Raphson iteration method. The effect of various values of Prandtl number, Eckert number and nonlinear stretching parameter are studied. The results presented graphically show some behaviors such as decrease in dimensionless temperature θ due to increase in Pr number, and curve relocations are observed when heat dissipation is considered.
Evaluation of Seismic Response Trends from Long-Term Monitoring of Two Instrumented RC Buildings Including Soil-Structure Interaction
Authors: Butt Faheem , Omenzetter Piotr
Published: May 2012

This paper presents analyses of the seismic responses of two reinforced concrete buildings monitored for a period of more than two years. One of the structures was a three-storey reinforced concrete (RC) frame building with a shear core, while the other was a three-storey RC frame building without a core. Both buildings are part of the same large complex but are seismically separated from the rest of it. Statistical analysis of the relationships between maximum free field accelerations and responses at different points on the buildings was conducted and demonstrated strong correlation between those. System identification studies using recorded accelerations were undertaken and revealed that natural frequencies and damping ratios of the building structures vary during different earthquake excitations. This variation was statistically examined and relationships between identified natural frequencies and damping ratios, and the peak response acceleration at the roof level were developed. A general trend of decreasing modal frequencies and increasing damping ratios was observed with increased level of shaking and response. Moreover, the influence of soil structure interaction (SSI) on the modal characteristics was evaluated. SSI effects decreased the modal frequencies and increased some of the damping ratios.
Existence Results for General Mixed Quasivariational Inequalities
Authors: Noor Muhammad Aslam , Noor Khalida Inayat
Published: May 2012

We consider and study a new class of variational inequality, which is called the general mixed quasivariational inequality. We use the auxiliary principle technique to study the existence of a solution of the general mixed quasivariational inequality. Several special cases are also discussed. Results proved in this paper may stimulate further research in this area.
Difference‐Equation‐Based Digital Frequency Synthesizer
Authors: Ko Lu-Ting , Chen Jwu-E. , Shieh Yaw-Shih , Hsin Hsi-Chin , Sung Tze-Yun
Published: May 2012

This paper presents a novel algorithm and architecture for digital frequency synthesis (DFS). It is based on a simple difference equation. Simulation results show that the proposed DFS algorithm is preferable to the conventional phase‐locked‐loop frequency synthesizer and the direct digital frequency synthesizer in terms of the spurious‐free dynamic range (SFDR) and the peak‐signal‐to‐noise ratio (PSNR). Specifically, the results of SFDR and PSNR are more than 186.91 dBc and 127.74 dB, respectively. Moreover, an efficient DFS architecture for VLSI implementation is also proposed, which has the advantage of saving hardware cost and power consumption.