bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epstein-Barr Virus Essential Antigen EBNA3C Attenuates H2AX Expression
Authors: Jha Hem C. , AJ Mahadesh Prasad , Saha Abhik , Banerjee Shuvomoy , Lu Jie , Robertson Erle S.
Published: January 2014

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latent antigen EBNA3C is implicated in B-cell immortalization and linked to several B-cell malignancies. Deregulation of H2AX can induce genomic instability with increased chromosomal aberrations, which ultimately leads to tumorigenesis. Here we demonstrated that EBNA3C can attenuate H2AX expression at the transcript and protein levels. A reduction of total H2AX levels was clearly observed upon infection of primary B cells with wild-type EBV but not with EBNA3C knockout recombinant EBV. H2AX also interacted with EBNA3C through its N-terminal domain (residues 1 to 100). Furthermore, H2AX mutated at Ser139 failed to interact with EBNA3C. Luciferase-based reporter assays also revealed that the binding domain of EBNA3C is sufficient for transcriptional inhibition of the H2AX promoter. EBNA3C also facilitated H2AX degradation through recruitment of components of the ubiquitin proteasome pathway. We further demonstrated that knockdown of H2AX in lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) led to the upregulation of the Bub1 oncoprotein and downregulated expression of p53. Overall, our study provides additional insights into EBV-associated B-cell lymphomas, which are linked to the regulation of the DNA damage response system in infected cells. The importance of these insights are as follows: (i) EBNA3C downregulates H2AX expression at the protein and transcript levels in epithelial cells, B cells, and EBV-transformed LCLs, (ii) EBNA3C binds with wild-type H2AX but not with the Ser139 mutant of H2AX, (iii) the N terminus (residues 1 to 100) of EBNA3C is critical for binding to H2AX, (iv) localization of H2AX is predominantly nuclear in the presence of EBNA3C, and (v) H2AX knocked down in LCLs led to enhanced expression of Bub1 and downregulation of the tumor suppressor p53, which are both important for driving the oncogenic process.
The M Segment of the 2009 Pandemic Influenza Virus Confers Increased Neuraminidase Activity, Filamentous Morphology, and Efficient Contact Transmissibility to A/Puerto Rico/8/1934-Based Reassortant Viruses
Authors: Campbell Patricia J. , Danzy Shamika , Kyriakis Constantinos S. , Deymier Martin J. , Lowen Anice C. , Steel John
Published: January 2014

The 2009 H1N1 lineage represented the first detection of a novel, highly transmissible influenza A virus genotype: six gene segments originated from the North American triple-reassortant swine lineage, and two segments, NA and M, derived from the Eurasian avian-like swine lineage. As neither parental lineage transmits efficiently between humans, the adaptations and mechanisms underlying the pandemic spread of the swine-origin 2009 strain are not clear. To help identify determinants of transmission, we used reverse genetics to introduce gene segments of an early pandemic isolate, A/Netherlands/602/2009 [H1N1] (NL602), into the background of A/Puerto Rico/8/1934 [H1N1] (PR8) and evaluated the resultant viruses in a guinea pig transmission model. Whereas the NL602 virus spread efficiently, the PR8 virus did not transmit. Swapping of the HA, NA, and M segments of NL602 into the PR8 background yielded a virus with indistinguishable contact transmissibility to the wild-type pandemic strain. Consistent with earlier reports, the pandemic M segment alone accounted for much of the improvement in transmission. To aid in understanding how the M segment might affect transmission, we evaluated neuraminidase activity and virion morphology of reassortant viruses. Transmission was found to correlate with higher neuraminidase activity and a more filamentous morphology. Importantly, we found that introduction of the pandemic M segment alone resulted in an increase in the neuraminidase activity of two pairs of otherwise isogenic PR8-based viruses. Thus, our data demonstrate the surprising result that functions encoded by the influenza A virus M segment impact neuraminidase activity and, perhaps through this mechanism, have a potent effect on transmissibility.

IMPORTANCEOur work uncovers a previously unappreciated mechanism through which the influenza A virus M segment can alter the receptor-destroying activity of an influenza virus. Concomitant with changes to neuraminidase activity, the M segment impacts the morphology of the influenza A virion and transmissibility of the virus in the guinea pig model. We suggest that changes in NA activity underlie the ability of the influenza M segment to influence virus transmissibility. Furthermore, we show that coadapted M, NA, and HA segments are required to provide optimal transmissibility to an influenza virus. The M-NA functional interaction we describe appears to underlie the prominent role of the 2009 pandemic M segment in supporting efficient transmission and may be a highly important means by which influenza A viruses restore HA/NA balance following reassortment or transfer to new host environments.
Successful management of Panton-Valentine leukocidine-positive necrotising pneumonia and A/H1N12009influenzavirus coinfection in adult
Authors: Riedweg-Moreno Karena , Wallet Frederic , Blazejewski Caroline , Goffard Anne
Published: January 2014

This paper presents a case of community-acquired necrotising pneumonia due to Panton-Valentine leukocidine-positive methicillin-susceptibleStaphylococcus aureusand A/H1N12009influenzavirus co-infection in a 26-year-old woman. Despite the presence of pejorative prognostic factors, the clinical course of the patient was favourable.
Non-traumatic compartment syndrome secondary to deep vein thrombosis and anticoagulation
Authors: Newman Peter Alexander , Deo Sunny
Published: January 2014

We describe an unusual case of non-traumatic compartment syndrome in three compartments of the left lower limb in a 57-year-old male inpatient. He had recently been started on anticoagulation therapy for multiple pulmonary emboli and deep vein thrombosis of the left posterior tibial and peroneal veins. Three of the four osteofascial compartments had pressures above 70 mm Hg, hence four compartment fasciotomies were performed. Postoperatively, intravenous heparin therapy was started resulting in a significant blood loss, but he had no neurovascular deficit. At reoperation, for primary wound closure, his tissues looked healthy. Non-traumatic causes of acute compartment syndrome, including deep venous thrombosis and anticoagulation, are considered.
Decreased consciousness: bilateral thalamic infarction and its relation to the artery of Percheron
Authors: Turner Jennifer , Richardson Tejal , Kane Ingrid , Vundavalli Sriram
Published: January 2014

This case series highlights two patients seen in the same stroke centre presenting with unusual symptoms. They were later diagnosed with bilateral thalamic infarcts, probably related to an unusual anatomical variant. The difficulties in establishing the diagnoses due to their relative rarity and complexity could have impacted on patient outcomes.
Polycystic liver disease
Authors: Leão Rodrigo Nazário , Salustio Raquel , Ribeiro José Vaz
Published: January 2014

A widespread use of ultrasound (US) examination is contributing to an increase in the diagnosis of renal and hepatic cysts. However, the vast majority of these lesions are benign with an indolent course during the patient's lifespan. Adult polycystic kidney disease (APKD) is one of the most common diagnosed entities. APKD is a genetic disease defined by the presence of multiple kidney cysts, occasionally accompanied by hepatic cysts. The presence of hepatic cysts sparing kidneys is very rare and thereby must be assumed as a different clinical entity.

This article describes a case of an exuberant hepatomegaly due to the presence of isolated multiple hepatic cysts without renal involvement.
Atypical presentation of typical carcinoid
Authors: El-Kersh Karim , Gauhar Umair , Saad Mohamed
Published: January 2014

Bronchial carcinoid tumours can present with symptoms of distal airway obstruction, local airway irritation or bleeding due to hypervascularity. Presentation with a spontaneous pneumothorax (SP) is rare. We present a case of typical endobronchial carcinoid tumour that presented with a SP. We explored the possible mechanisms of this rare presentation, especially the check-valve mechanism of airway obstruction, which was evident during the fiberoptic bronchoscopic examination.
Shared decision-making as a cost-containment strategy: US physician reactions from a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Tilburt Jon C , Wynia Matthew K , Montori Victor M , Thorsteinsdottir Bjorg , Egginton Jason S , Sheeler Robert D , Liebow Mark , Humeniuk Katherine M , Goold Susan Dorr
Published: January 2014

Objective

To assess US physicians’ attitudes towards using shared decision-making (SDM) to achieve cost containment.

Design

Cross-sectional mailed survey.

Setting

US medical practice.

Participants

3897 physicians were randomly selected from the AMA Physician Masterfile. Of these, 2556 completed the survey.

Main outcome measures

Level of enthusiasm for “Promoting better conversations with patients as a means of lowering healthcare costs”; degree of agreement with “Decision support tools that show costs would be helpful in my practice” and agreement with “should promoting SDM be legislated to control overall healthcare costs”.

Results

Of 2556 respondents (response rate (RR) 65%), two-thirds (67%) were ‘very enthusiastic’ about promoting SDM as a means of reducing healthcare costs. Most (70%) agreed decision support tools that show costs would be helpful in their practice, but only 24% agreed with legislating SDM to control costs. Compared with physicians with billing-only compensation, respondents with salary compensation were more likely to strongly agree that decision support tools showing costs would be helpful (OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.1 to 1.7). Primary care physicians (vs surgeons, OR 1.4; 95% CI 1.0 to 1.6) expressed more enthusiasm for SDM being legislated as a means to address healthcare costs.

Conclusions

Most US physicians express enthusiasm about using SDM to help contain costs. They believe decision support tools that show costs would be useful. Few agree that SDM should be legislated as a means to control healthcare costs.
Association between apolipoprotein C3 Sst I, T-455C, C-482T and C1100T polymorphisms and risk of coronary heart disease
Authors: Lin Bin , Huang Yiwei , Zhang Mingying , Wang Jun , Wu Yihua
Published: January 2014

Objectives

Apolipoprotein C3 (ApoC3) polymorphisms have been suggested to be associated with risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). However, the results of relevant studies were inconsistent. We aimed to systematically evaluate this issue.

Design

PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane library databases (up to March 2013) were systematically searched to identify studies evaluating the association between ApoC3 polymorphisms and CHD risk. Two reviewers independently identified studies, extracted and analysed the data. Either a fixed-effects or a random-effects model was adopted to estimate overall ORs.

Studies reviewed

Finally, 20 studies comprising 15 591 participants were included in this systematic review. Fifteen studies with 11 539 individuals were included in the meta-analysis of Sst I polymorphism, four studies comprising 3378 individuals assessed T-455C polymorphism, four studies with 3070 participants evaluated C-482T polymorphism and C1100T polymorphism was assessed by three studies comprising 4662 participants.

Results

Under dominant model, Sst I polymorphism was borderline significantly associated with CHD risk (S1S2+S2S2 vs S1S1, pooled OR=1.19, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.42). Subgroup analyses suggested that Sst I polymorphism was significantly associated with myocardial infarction (MI) risk (pooled OR=1.42, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.91), and Sst I polymorphism was statistically associated with CHD risk among Asian population (pooled OR=1.35, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.69) and in retrospective studies (pooled OR=1.30, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.61). A significant association was observed between T-455C polymorphism and CHD risk (TC+CC vs TT, pooled OR=1.22, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.42). A borderline significant association was suggested between T-455C polymorphism and MI risk (pooled OR=1.21, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.46). C-482T and C1100T polymorphisms were not indicated to be associated with CHD risk or MI risk.

Conclusions

ApoC3 Sst I and T-455C polymorphisms might be associated with CHD risk.
A stepped-wedge cluster randomised controlled trial for evaluating rates of falls among inpatients in aged care rehabilitation units receiving tailored multimedia education in addition to usual care: a trial protocol
Authors: Hill Anne-Marie , Waldron Nicholas , Etherton-Beer Christopher , McPhail Steven M , Ingram Katharine , Flicker Leon , Haines Terry P
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Falls are the most frequent adverse event reported in hospitals. Approximately 30% of in-hospital falls lead to an injury and up to 2% result in a fracture. A large randomised trial found that a trained health professional providing individualised falls prevention education to older inpatients reduced falls in a cognitively intact subgroup. This study aims to investigate whether this efficacious intervention can reduce falls and be clinically useful and cost-effective when delivered in the real-life clinical environment.

Methods

A stepped-wedge cluster randomised trial will be used across eight subacute units (clusters) which will be randomised to one of four dates to start the intervention. Usual care on these units includes patient's screening, assessment and implementation of individualised falls prevention strategies, ongoing staff training and environmental strategies. Patients with better levels of cognition (Mini-Mental State Examination >23/30) will receive the individualised education from a trained health professional in addition to usual care while patient's feedback received during education sessions will be provided to unit staff. Unit staff will receive training to assist in intervention delivery and to enhance uptake of strategies by patients. Falls data will be collected by two methods: case note audit by research assistants and the hospital falls reporting system. Cluster-level data including patient's admissions, length of stay and diagnosis will be collected from hospital systems. Data will be analysed allowing for correlation of outcomes (clustering) within units. An economic analysis will be undertaken which includes an incremental cost-effectiveness analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by The University of Notre Dame Australia Human Research Ethics Committee and local hospital ethics committees.

Results

The results will be disseminated through local site networks, and future funding and delivery of falls prevention programmes within WA Health will be informed. Results will also be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and medical conferences.

Trial registration

The study is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials registry (ACTRN12612000877886).
An investigation into drug products withdrawn from the EU market between 2002 and 2011 for safety reasons and the evidence used to support the decision-making
Authors: McNaughton Rhian , Huet Gwenaël , Shakir Saad
Published: January 2014

Objectives

The objective of this study was to determine the nature of evidence used to support the withdrawal of marketing authorisations of drug products for safety reasons throughout the European Union (EU) between 2002 and 2011.

Setting

Products withdrawn, either by a medicines agency or a marketing authorisation holder, during the period 2002–2011 were identified by conducting detailed searches of the WHO, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and national medicines agency websites throughout the EU plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. The scientific evidence used to support the decision was identified from a search within PubMed, the EMA and national medicines agencies websites. Information about spontaneous case reports entered into EudraVigilance and unavailable on the EMA website was received by email from the EMA.

Results

19 drugs were withdrawn from the market, throughout the EU, for safety reasons from 2002 to 2011. Case reports were cited in 95% of withdrawals (18/19) and case–control studies (4/19), cohort studies (4/19), randomised controlled trials (RCTs) (12/19) or meta-analysis (5/19) were cited in 63% of withdrawals (12/19). Cardiovascular events or disorders were the main reason for withdrawal (9/19), followed by hepatic disorders (4/19) and neurological or psychiatric disorders (4/19).

Conclusions

This study has shown that the level of evidence used to support drug withdrawal has improved during the past 10 years, with an increased use of case–control studies, cohort studies, RCTs and meta-analyses. This research has demonstrated that such studies have contributed to decision-making in almost two-thirds of cases.
The impact of mass media interventions on tuberculosis awareness, health-seeking behaviour and health service utilisation: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Nglazi Mweete D , Bekker Linda-Gail , Wood Robin , Shey Muki S , Uthman Olalekan A , Wiysonge Charles S
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious public health problem in many parts of the world. Strategies to curb the spread of TB must match the multifaceted nature of the epidemic. The use of mass media is one of the important strategies in communicating behavioural change in relation to TB prevention and the treatment. However, the benefits of this intervention are unclear. We, therefore, plan to conduct a systematic review on the effects of mass media interventions on TB awareness, health-seeking behaviour and health service utilisation.

Methods and analysis

We will preferably include randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in this systematic review. However, non-randomised studies will be included if there is an inadequate number of RCTs. We will perform electronic searches in PubMed, Scopus and other databases, along with manual searches. Articles written (or translated) in English and French and published between 1 January 1980 and 31 October 2013 will be eligible for inclusion in this review. The primary outcomes will be TB knowledge, attitudes and awareness, healthcare-seeking behaviour and service utilisation. The secondary outcomes will include stigma and discrimination against people with TB and the costs of the interventions. We will investigate clinical and statistical heterogeneity and pool studies judged to be clinically and statistically homogeneous. Relative risks will be calculated for dichotomous outcomes and mean differences for continuous outcomes, both with their corresponding 95% CIs.

Ethics and dissemination

The systematic review will use data that is not linked to individuals. The review findings may have implications for clinical practice and future research, and will be disseminated electronically and in print through peer-reviewed publications.

Protocol registration number

PROSPERO CRD42013005867
Falls in Older people with Cataract, a longitudinal evalUation of impact and riSk: the FOCUS study protocol
Authors: Keay Lisa , Palagyi Anna , McCluskey Peter , Lamoureux Ecosse , Pesudovs Konrad , Lo Serigne , Ivers Rebecca , Boufous Soufiane , Morlet Nigel , Ng Jonathon Q , Stapleton Fiona , Fraser Michelle , Meuleners Lynn
Published: January 2014

Background

Falls result in >$1 billion in treatment, disability, lost output and mortality each year in Australia and people with cataract are at increased risk. Previous research is inconclusive; one large Australian study using linked hospital data found no protective effect of cataract surgery. We aim to examine the impact of cataract-related vision impairment on falls risk and the additional effects of delays in access to surgery, refractive management (type of spectacles and changes to spectacle prescription) and the resulting level of function, particularly binocular function which can impact balance.

Method/design

A prospective, 24-month cohort study is planned involving over 700 patients aged 70 years or older with bilateral cataract presenting for surgery at five public hospital eye clinics in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, Australia. The primary outcomes will be self-reported falls and falls requiring medical care, assessed objectively using administrative data sets. Secondary outcomes include community participation, quality of life, mood and depressive symptoms. McNemar's test will be used to evaluate differences in falls rate before, after first eye and after second eye cataract surgery. Generalised Estimating Equations linear regression analysis will be undertaken to examine factors associated with falls risk and the secondary outcomes.

Discussion

With limited resources to further shorten public waiting lists, there is a need to better understand an individuals’ risk of fall injury or other negative consequences while waiting for surgery. The findings of this project will inform the development of strategies to reduce falls risk in the many older people with cataract.
Bovine caesarean section 2. Difficult caesareans (potential pitfalls and how to overcome them)
Authors: Alexander Dominic
Published: January 2014

An article in the November/December issue of In Practice explained how to perform a bovine caesarean section on farm (In Practice, November/December 2013, vol 35, pp 574‐588). This, the second article in this two‐part series, considers ‘difficult’ bovine caesareans. Areas covered include: handling temperamental/dangerous cows; additional pre/perioperative medication; complications during surgery; fetid and emphysematous fetuses; suturing a torn or friable uterus; and postoperative care of the sick cow.
How your website is viewed
Authors: Samuel Susie
Published: January 2014

Google Analytics is a free tool that generates detailed statistics about a website's traffic. Susie Samuel discusses how it can be used by vets to measure the technical performance of a practice's online presence.
Comments on the dilemma in the November/December issue: ‘Pest or patient?’
Authors: Mullan Siobhan
Published: January 2014

The dilemma in the November/December issue concerned the morality of vaccinating and neutering foxes in an area where they are legally kept as pets, since they are often considered pests for preying on wildlife, farm animals and small pets, while potentially also acting as vectors for disease (In Practice, November/December 2013, volume 35, pages 614‐615). Anne Fawcett and Sy Woon first commented on the meaning and application of the word ‘pest’, adding that it might be unjust to refuse veterinary treatment to a specific animal based purely on its species. They also suggested that the more pertinent question might be whether it is even appropriate to keep wild species, such as foxes, as pets. Finally, they reflected on the ethical dilemma within the framework of the four principles of non‐maleficence, beneficence, justice and autonomy, and concluded that, based on these, it was not useful to think in terms of ‘pest versus pets’ but instead to simply treat the foxes as any other patient.
A qualitative study of the use of the four quadrant approach to assist ethical decision-making during deployment
Authors: Bernthal Elizabeth M M , Russell R J , Draper H J A
Published: January 2014

Aim

The aim of the study was to explore how useful clinicians deployed to the Field Hospital in Afghanistan found using the four quadrant approach (4QA) as a tool to aid ethical decision-making. In addition, the study aimed to determine whether the 4QA needed to be amended to make it more effective in assisting the ethical decision-making process for military health professionals on deployment.

Method

A qualitative pilot study in two phases was undertaken between September 2012 and January 2013. In Phase I, senior deployed clinicians completed a pro forma of the 4QA on cases that potentially raised ethical issues. Thirteen pro formas were submitted on four cases; the Deployed Medical Director submitted a log of 14 cases that had involved using the 4QA. Phase II consisted of interviews with five senior clinicians who had recently returned from deployment in Afghanistan to discuss their experiences and perceptions of using the 4QA.

Results

Phase I identified a variation in the level of detail recorded and where that information was placed on the quadrant. Four themes were generated from Phase II. These included the characteristics of ethical decisions; the processes used to make ethical decisions; use, usefulness and limitations of the 4QA; and views about training in ethics. The findings suggested that amendments to the pro forma may improve its utility.

Conclusions

The 4QA is a useful tool within an operational setting but amending its diagrammatic presentation could improve its effectiveness. Pre-deployment training should include practising using the quadrant as described inClinical Guidelines for Operations. This is particularly important as the participants relied heavily on experience to help them make ethical decisions, and this experience may not be available in future operations outside Afghanistan.
Nature of gap states in GeSbTe phase change memory materials
Authors: Yu X. , Robertson J.
Published: January 2014

We have calculated the states associated with valence alternation pair defects in a Te-rich amorphous GeTe random network. Two-fold Te sites and four-fold Ge sites are found to introduce states that are resonant with the valence and conduction bands, respectively. The system has a band gap, but these defect states are in the same energy range as those found by modulated photocurrent experiments. The absence of electron spin resonance signals is still not explained.
Peculiarities of Bi doping of Ge–Sb–Te thin films for PCM devices
Authors: Kozyukhin Sergey , Sherchenkov Alexey , Babich Alexey , Lazarenko Petr , Nguyen Huy Phuc , Prikhodko Oleg
Published: January 2014

The influence of Bi doping on the thermal, electrical, and optical properties of Ge2Sb2Te5 thin films was investigated. The existence of two Bi concentration ranges with different influence of dopant on the properties of thin films was established. At low concentrations (0.5–1.0 wt.% of Bi), anomalous deviations of physical properties from monotonous concentration dependences were observed. This effect is explained by the use of percolation theory, where formation of infinite clusters is accompanied by critical phenomena at critical concentrations.
PROTON IRRADIATION INFLUENCE ON THE MAGNETIC PROPERTIES OF GMR-SVs
Authors: YIN CONG , XIE DAN , XU JIAN-LONG , REN TIAN-LING
Published: January 2014

In this paper, crystal and magnetic properties of proton irradiated giant magnetoresistance spin valves (GMR-SVs) were investigated based on Ta / NiFe / CoFe / Cu / CoFe / IrMn / Ta stack. GMR-SVs were fabricated by magnetron sputtering and irradiated by 5 MeV proton energy. After irradiation, the magnetic phase of GMR-SV core structures was not affected distinctly while the crystal structure of Ta changed with the radiation dose and dose rate. Degradation of the saturated magnetization and the magnetoresistance ratio was shown in the proton-irradiated samples from the magnetization hysteresis curves and the magnetoresistance measurements, which was explained from the change in the zero-field resistance and the exchange interaction.
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES/CARBON NANOFIBERS VIA ELECTROSPINNING WITH RESEARCH ON THEIR CATALYTIC PROPERTIES
Authors: LIU HUAN , BAI JIE , WANG QI , LI CHUNPING , WANG SHAN , SUN WEIYAN , HUANG YARONG
Published: January 2014

Ag nanoparticles ( Ag NPs) embedded carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were prepared by a new route which included chemical reaction process, electrospinning and calcination technique. The morphology and structure of the composite nanofibers were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. It indicated that Ag NPs were uniformly distributed in the CNFs. This effective synthesis method can be used to prepare other composite nanofibers with functionality. The Ag NPs/CNFs that served as supported catalysts were used in the styrene epoxidation by TBHP. The Ag NPs/CNFs catalyst showed its highly catalytic activity for the epoxidation of styrene (conversion: 40.6%, SO selectivity: 35.9%). This kind of composite nanofiber membrane was proved effectively catalytic activity and recycled easily in the styrene epoxidation.
TOWARD RANDOMIZED TESTING OF q-MONOMIALS IN MULTIVARIATE POLYNOMIALS
Authors: CHEN SHENSHI , CHEN YAQING , YANG QUANHAI
Published: January 2014

Given any fixed integer q ≥ 2, a q-monomial is of the format [Formula: see text] such that 1 ≤ sj ≤ q - 1, 1 ≤ j ≤ t. q-monomials are natural generalizations of multilinear monomials. Recent research on testing multilinear monomials and q-monomials for prime q in multivariate polynomials relies on the property that Zq is a field when q ≥ 2 is prime. When q > 2 is not prime, it remains open whether the problem of testing q-monomials can be solved in some compatible complexity. In this paper, we present a randomized O*(7.15k) algorithm for testing q-monomials of degree k that are found in a multivariate polynomial that is represented by a tree-like circuit with a polynomial size, thus giving a positive, affirming answer to the above question. Our algorithm works regardless of the primality of q and improves upon the time complexity of the previously known algorithm for testing q-monomials for prime q > 7.
P5-FACTORIZATION OF CARTESIAN PRODUCT OF GRAPHS
Authors: TAMIL ELAKKIYA A. , MUTHUSAMY A.
Published: January 2014

Partition of G into edge-disjoint H-factors is called H-factorization of G. Muthusamy and Paulraja have conjectured that for k ≥ 3, Km□Kn has a Pk-factorization if and only if mn ≡ 0 ( mod k) and k(m + n - 2) ≡ 0 ( mod 2(k - 1)), where □ denote cartesian product of graphs. In this paper, it is shown that the necessary conditions mn ≡ 0 ( mod 5) and 5(m + 1) ≡ 0 ( mod 8) are sufficient for the existence of a P5-factorization of Km□Cn when

(i) m = 7, n ≡ 0 ( mod 5),

(ii) m ≡ 175 ( mod 280), n ≡ 0( mod 5).

Further, it is shown that the necessary conditions mn ≡ 0 ( mod 5) and 5(m + n - 2) ≡ 0 ( mod 8) are sufficient for the existence of a P5-factorization of Km□Kn in the following cases:

(i) m ≡ 5 ( mod 40), n ≡ 5 ( mod 40),

(ii) m ≡ 10 ( mod 40), n ≡ 0 ( mod 40),

(iii) m ≡ 15 ( mod 120), n = 3 and m ≡ 15 ( mod 120), n ≡ 75 ( mod 120),

(iv) m ≡ 20 ( mod 40), n ≡ 30 ( mod 120),

(v) m ≡ 25 ( mod 40), n ≡ 25 ( mod 40),

(vi) m ≡ 30 ( mod 120), n = 4 and m ≡ 30 ( mod 120), n ≡ 20 ( mod 40),

(vii) m ≡ 75 ( mod 120), n ≡ 15 ( mod 120),

(viii) m ≡ 0 ( mod 40), n = 2 and m ≡ 0 ( mod 40), n ≡ 10 ( mod 40).

In fact our results partially answer the above conjecture when k = 5.
EFFECT OF CONTROL OPTIMIZATION OF CO2 TRANSCRITICAL SPLIT AIR CONDITIONER ON THERMAL COMFORT OF OCCUPANTS IN SINGLE ZONE ROOM
Authors: KADAM ASHISH , PADALKAR ATUL , MARTÍNEZ-BALLESTER S.
Published: January 2014

Energy, environment and economics are considered as very vital parameters for the evaluation of an air conditioning system and associated indoor environment. The cooling performance of an air conditioner has an effect on the thermal comfort of occupants in the room. Transcritical CO 2 air conditioner (System B) with a control for gas cooler pressure has better energy performance than a transcritical CO 2 air conditioner (System A) without any control on the gas cooler pressure. An experimental technique is used for generating performance equations to define transcritical CO 2 air conditioners in the EnergyPlus program. EnergyPlus simulates combined model of a transcritical CO 2 air conditioner and room for known yearly weather data for an effect on thermal comfort in the room. Thermal comfort in the room is evaluated using the Fanger thermal comfort model and the Pierce two node model. The better energy performance of System B results in improved indoor room environment of the room. The total cooling of System B is 15.78–20.2% higher than that of System A. The Fanger thermal comfort model shows that 95% to 133% people are more dissatisfied with an indoor thermal environment during the morning and 85% to 127% people during the afternoon for a room coupled with System A vis-à-vis room with System B.
SPIN WAVES ALONG THE EDGE STATES
Authors: LARA A. , METLUSHKO V. , GARCÍA-HERNÁNDEZ M. , ALIEV F. G.
Published: January 2014

Spin waves (SWs) have been studied experimentally and by simulations in 1000 nm side equilateral triangular Permalloy dots in the Buckle state (B, with in-plane field along the triangle base) and the Y state (Y, with in-plane field perpendicular to the base). The excess of exchange energy at the triangles edges creates channels that allow effective spin wave propagation along the edges in the B state. These quasi one-dimensional SWs emitted by the vertex magnetic charges gradually transform from propagating to standing due to interference and (as pointed out by simulations) are weakly affected by small variations of the aspect ratio (from equilateral to isosceles dots) or by interdot dipolar interaction present in our dot arrays. SWs excited in the Y state have mainly a two-dimensional character. Propagation of the SWs along the edge states in triangular dots opens possibilities for creation of new and versatile spintronic devices.
Basal renal O2consumption and the efficiency of O2utilization for Na+reabsorption
Authors: Evans Roger G. , Harrop Gerard K. , Ngo Jennifer P. , Ow Connie P. C. , O’Connor Paul M.
Published: January 2014

We examined how the presence of a fixed level of basal renal O2consumption (V̇o2basal; O2used for processes independent of Na+transport) confounds the utility of the ratio of Na+reabsorption (TNa+) to total renal V̇o2(V̇o2total) as an index of the efficiency of O2utilization for TNa+. We performed a systematic review and additional experiments in anesthetized rabbits to obtain the best possible estimate of the fractional contribution of V̇o2basalto V̇o2totalunder physiological conditions (basal percent renal V̇o2). Estimates of basal percent renal V̇o2from 24 studies varied from 0% to 81.5%. Basal percent renal V̇o2varied with the fractional excretion of Na+(FENa+) in the 14 studies in which FENa+was measured under control conditions. Linear regression analysis predicted a basal percent renal V̇o2of 12.7–16.5% when FENa+= 1% ( r2= 0.48, P = 0.001). Experimentally induced changes in TNa+altered TNa+/V̇o2totalin a manner consistent with theoretical predictions. We conclude that, because V̇o2basalrepresents a significant proportion of V̇o2total, TNa+/V̇o2totalcan change markedly when TNa+itself changes. Therefore, caution should be taken when TNa+/V̇o2totalis interpreted as a measure of the efficiency of O2utilization for TNa+, particularly under experimental conditions where TNa+or V̇o2totalchanges.
Lack of an effect of collecting duct-specific deletion of adenylyl cyclase 3 on renal Na+and water excretion or arterial pressure
Authors: Kittikulsuth Wararat , Stuart Deborah , Van Hoek Alfred N. , Stockand James D. , Bugaj Vladislav , Mironova Elena , Blount Mitsi A. , Kohan Donald E.
Published: January 2014

cAMP is a key mediator of connecting tubule and collecting duct (CD) Na+and water reabsorption. Studies performed in vitro have suggested that CD adenylyl cyclase (AC)3 partly mediates the actions of vasopressin; however, the physiological role of CD AC3 has not been determined. To assess this, mice were developed with CD-specific disruption of AC3 [CD AC3 knockout (KO)]. Inner medullary CDs from these mice exhibited 100% target gene recombination and had reduced ANG II- but not vasopressin-induced cAMP accumulation. However, there were no differences in urine volume, urinary urea excretion, or urine osmolality between KO and control mice during normal water intake or varying degrees of water restriction in the presence or absence of chronic vasopressin administration. There were no differences between CD AC3 KO and control mice in arterial pressure or urinary Na+or K+excretion during a normal or high-salt diet, whereas plasma renin and vasopressin concentrations were similar between the two genotypes. Patch-clamp analysis of split-open cortical CDs revealed no difference in epithelial Na+channel activity in the presence or absence of vasopressin. Compensatory changes in AC6 were not responsible for the lack of a renal phenotype in CD AC3 KO mice since combined CD AC3/AC6 KO mice had similar arterial pressure and renal Na+and water handling compared with CD AC6 KO mice. In summary, these data do not support a significant role for CD AC3 in the regulation of renal Na+and water excretion in general or vasopressin regulation of CD function in particular.
Application of the [γ-32P] ATP kinase assay to study anabolic signaling in human skeletal muscle
Authors: McGlory Chris , White Amanda , Treins Caroline , Drust Barry , Close Graeme L. , MacLaren Don P. M. , Campbell Iain T. , Philp Andrew , Schenk Simon , Morton James P. , Hamilton D. Lee
Published: January 2014

AMPK (AMP-dependant protein kinase)-mTORC1 (mechanistic target of rapamycin in complex 1)-p70S6K1 (ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 of 70 kDa) signaling plays a crucial role in muscle protein synthesis (MPS). Understanding this pathway has been advanced by the application of the Western blot (WB) technique. However, because many components of the mTORC1 pathway undergo numerous, multisite posttranslational modifications, solely studying the phosphorylation changes of mTORC1 and its substrates may not adequately represent the true metabolic signaling processes. The aim of this study was to develop and apply a quantitative in vitro [γ-32P] ATP kinase assay (KA) for p70S6K1 to assess kinase activity in human skeletal muscle to resistance exercise (RE) and protein feeding. In an initial series of experiments the assay was validated in tissue culture and in p70S6K1-knockout tissues. Following these experiments, the methodology was applied to assess p70S6K1 signaling responses to a physiologically relevant stimulus. Six men performed unilateral RE followed by the consumption of 20 g of protein. Muscle biopsies were obtained at pre-RE, and 1 and 3 h post-RE. In response to RE and protein consumption, p70S6K1 activity as assessed by the KA was significantly increased from pre-RE at 1 and 3 h post-RE. However, phosphorylated p70S6K1thr389was not significantly elevated. AMPK activity was suppressed from pre-RE at 3 h post-RE, whereas phosphorylated ACCser79was unchanged. Total protein kinase B activity also was unchanged after RE from pre-RE levels. Of the other markers we assessed by WB, 4EBP1thr37/46phosphorylation was the only significant responder, being elevated at 3 h post-RE from pre-RE. These data highlight the utility of the KA to study skeletal muscle plasticity.
Effects of mechanical stimulation of the feet on gait and cardiovascular autonomic control in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Barbic Franca , Galli Manuela , Dalla Vecchia Laura , Canesi Margherita , Cimolin Veronica , Porta Alberto , Bari Vlasta , Cerri Gabriella , Dipaola Franca , Bassani Tito , Cozzolino Domenico , Pezzoli Gianni , Furlan Raffaello
Published: January 2014

Motor impairment in Parkinson's disease (PD) is partly due to defective central processing of lower limb afferents. Concomitant alterations in cardiovascular autonomic control leading to orthostatic hypotension may worsen motor ability. We evaluated whether mechanical activation of feet sensory afferents could improve gait and modify the response of cardiovascular autonomic control to stressors in 16 patients (age 66 ± 2 yr) with idiopathic PD (Hoehn & Yhar scale 2–3) on their usual therapy. Eight subjects ( group A) were randomized to undergo skin pressure (0.58 ± 0.04 kg/mm2) stimulation at the hallux tip and first metatarsal joint (effective stimulation; ES) of both feet. Eight remaining patients ( group B) underwent sham stimulation (SS) followed by ES. Three-dimensional movement analysis provided quantitative indexes of movement disability before (baseline) and 24 h after ES and SS. Spectral analysis of heart rate and blood pressure variability provided markers of cardiac sympatho-vagal (LF/HF) and vascular sympathetic (LFSAP) modulations. Markers were measured at rest and during 75° head-up tilt, before and 24 h after ES and SS. After ES, step length and gait velocity increased, upright rotation velocity was enhanced, and step number was decreased. After ES, LFSAP declined. The increase in LF/HF and LFSAP induced by tilt was greater than before feet stimulation. No changes in gait and autonomic parameters were observed after SS. Twenty-four hours after ES, patients with PD showed improved gait and increased cardiac and vascular sympathetic modulation during upright position compared with baseline. Conversely, SS was ineffective on both movement and autonomic parameters, indicating a site specificity effect of the stimulation.
The pronociceptive dorsal reticular nucleus contains mostly tonic neurons and shows a high prevalence of spontaneous activity in block preparation
Authors: Sousa Mafalda , Szucs Peter , Lima Deolinda , Aguiar Paulo
Published: January 2014

Despite the importance and significant clinical impact of understanding information processing in the nociceptive system, the functional properties of neurons in many parts of this system are still unknown. In this work we performed whole cell patch-clamp recording in rat brain stem blocks to characterize the electrophysiological properties of neurons in the dorsal reticular nucleus (DRt), a region known to be involved in pronociceptive modulation. We also compared properties of DRt neurons with those in the adjacent parvicellular reticular nucleus and in neighboring regions outside the reticular formation. We found that neurons in the DRt and parvicellular reticular nucleus had similar electrophysiological properties and exhibited mostly toniclike firing patterns, whereas neurons outside the reticular formation showed a larger diversity of firing patterns. Interestingly, more than one-half of the neurons also showed spontaneous activity. While the general view of the reticular formation, being a loosely associated mesh of groups of neurons with diverse function, and earlier reports suggests more electrophysiological heterogeneity, we showed that this is indeed not the case. Our results indicate that functional difference of neurons in the reticular formation may mostly be determined by their connectivity profiles and not by their intrinsic electrophysiological properties. The dominance of tonic neurons in the DRt supports previous conclusions that these neurons encode stimulus intensity through their firing frequency, while the high prevalence of spontaneous activity most likely shapes nociceptive modulation by this brain stem region.
Preserved high-centrality hubs but efficient network reorganization during eyes-open state compared with eyes-closed resting state: an MEG study
Authors: Jin Seung-Hyun , Jeong Woorim , Lee Dong-Soo , Jeon Beom Seok , Chung Chun Kee
Published: January 2014

A question to be addressed in the present study is how different the eyes-closed (EC) and eyes-open (EO) resting states are across frequency bands in terms of efficiency and centrality of the brain functional network. We investigated both the global and nodal efficiency and betweenness centrality in the EC and EO resting states from 39 volunteers. Mutual information was used to obtain the functional connectivity for each of the four frequency bands (theta, alpha, beta, and gamma). We showed that the cortical hubs with high betweenness centrality were maintained in the EC and EO resting states. We further showed that these hubs were associated with more than three frequency bands, suggesting that these hubs play an important role in the brain functional network at multiple temporal scales in the resting states. Enhanced global efficiency values were found in the theta and alpha bands in the EO state compared with those in the EC state. Moreover, it turned out that in the EO state the functional network was reorganized to enhance nodal efficiency at the nodes related to both the default mode and the dorsal attention networks and sensory-related resting-state networks. This result suggests that in the EO state the brain functional network was efficiently reorganized, facilitating the adaptation of the brain network to the change in state, which could help in understanding brain disorders that have a disturbance in communication with external environments by using the adaptation ability of brain functional networks.
CD133+ Cancer Stem-like Cells in Small Cell Lung Cancer Are Highly Tumorigenic and Chemoresistant but Sensitive to a Novel Neuropeptide Antagonist
Authors: Sarvi Sana , Mackinnon Alison C. , Avlonitis Nicolaos , Bradley Mark , Rintoul Robert C. , Rassl Doris M. , Wang Wei , Forbes Stuart J. , Gregory Christopher D. , Sethi Tariq
Published: January 2014

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a highly aggressive malignancy with poor survival rates, with initial responses nearly invariably followed by rapid recurrence of therapy-resistant disease. Drug resistance in SCLC may be attributable to the persistence of a subpopulation of cancer stem-like cells (CSC) that exhibit multiple drug resistance. In this study, we characterized the expression of CD133, one important marker of CSC in other cancers, in SCLC cancer cells. CD133 expression correlated with chemoresistance and increased tumorigenicity in vitro and in vivo accompanied by increased expression of Akt/PKB and Bcl-2. CD133 expression was increased in mouse and human SCLC after chemotherapy, an observation confirmed in clinical specimens isolated longitudinally from a patient receiving chemotherapy. We discovered in CD133+ SCLC cells, an increased expression of the mitogenic neuropeptide receptors for gastrin-releasing peptide and arginine vasopressin. Notably, these cells exhibited increased sensitivity to the growth inhibitory and proapoptotic effects of a novel broad spectrum neuropeptide antagonist (related to SP-G), which has completed a phase I clinical trial for SCLC. Our results offer evidence that this agent can preferentially target chemoresistant CD133+ cells with CSC character in SCLC, emphasizing its potential utility for improving therapy in this setting. Cancer Res; 74(5); 1554–65. ©2014 AACR.
Suppression of MicroRNA-9 by Mutant EGFR Signaling Upregulates FOXP1 to Enhance Glioblastoma Tumorigenicity
Authors: Gomez German G. , Volinia Stefano , Croce Carlo M. , Zanca Ciro , Li Ming , Emnett Ryan , Gutmann David H. , Brennan Cameron W. , Furnari Frank B. , Cavenee Webster K.
Published: January 2014

The EGF receptor (EGFR) is amplified and mutated in glioblastoma, in which its common mutation (ΔEGFR, also called EGFRvIII) has a variety of activities that promote growth and inhibit death, thereby conferring a strong tumor-enhancing effect. This range of activities suggested to us that ΔEGFR might exert its influence through pleiotropic effectors, and we hypothesized that microRNAs might serve such a function. Here, we report that ΔEGFR specifically suppresses one such microRNA, namely miR-9, through the Ras/PI3K/AKT axis that it is known to activate. Correspondingly, expression of miR-9 antagonizes the tumor growth advantage conferred by ΔEGFR. Silencing of FOXP1, a miR-9 target, inhibits ΔEGFR-dependent tumor growth and, conversely, de-repression of FOXP1, as a consequence of miR-9 inhibition, increases tumorigenicity. FOXP1 was sufficient to increase tumor growth in the absence of oncogenic ΔEGFR signaling. The significance of these findings is underscored by our finding that high FOXP1 expression predicts poor survival in a cohort of 131 patients with glioblastoma. Collectively, these data suggest a novel regulatory mechanism by which ΔEGFR suppression of miR-9 upregulates FOXP1 to increase tumorigenicity. Cancer Res; 74(5); 1429–39. ©2014 AACR.