bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A simple micromanipulator for conifer bud analysis
Authors: Pollard D. F. W. , Selby R. D.
Published: September 2010

Plans are given for the construction of an inexpensive micromanipulator. The instrument acts as a holder for small objects such as buds; it provides unrestricted rotation in one axis and partial rotation in another. Its low cost makes it suitable for classroom activities.
VARIATIONAL THEORY OF BALANCE SYSTEMS
Authors: PRESTON SERGE
Published: September 2010

In this work, we apply the Poincaré–Cartan formalism of Classical Field Theory to study the systems of balance equations (balance systems). We introduce the partial k-jet bundles [Formula: see text] of the configurational bundle π : Y → X and study their basic properties: partial Cartan structure, prolongation of vector fields, etc. A constitutive relation C of a balance system [Formula: see text] is realized as the mapping between a (partial) k-jet bundle [Formula: see text] and the extended dual bundle [Formula: see text] similar to the Legendre mapping of the Lagrangian Field Theory. The invariant (variational) form of the balance system [Formula: see text] corresponding to a constitutive relation [Formula: see text] is studied. Special cases of balance systems — Lagrangian systems of order 1 with arbitrary sources and RET (Rational Extended Thermodynamics) systems are characterized in geometrical terms. The action of automorphisms of the bundle π on the constitutive mappings [Formula: see text] is studied and it is shown that the symmetry group [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] acts on the sheaf of solutions [Formula: see text] of balance system [Formula: see text]. A suitable version of Noether theorem for an action of a symmetry group is presented together with the special forms for semi-Lagrangian and RET balance systems. Examples of energy momentum and gauge symmetries balance laws are provided. At the end, we introduce the secondary balance laws for a balance system and classify these laws for the Cattaneo heat propagation system.
ON COSMOLOGICAL-TYPE SOLUTIONS IN MULTI-DIMENSIONAL MODEL WITH GAUSS–BONNET TERM
Authors: IVASHCHUK V. D.
Published: September 2010

A (n + 1)-dimensional Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet (EGB) model is considered. For diagonal cosmological-type metrics, the equations of motion are reduced to a set of Lagrange equations. The effective Lagrangian contains two "minisuperspace" metrics on ℝn. The first one is the well-known 2-metric of pseudo-Euclidean signature and the second one is the Finslerian 4-metric that is proportional to n-dimensional Berwald–Moor 4-metric. When a "synchronous-like" time gauge is considered, the equations of motion are reduced to an autonomous system of first-order differential equations. For the case of the "pure" Gauss–Bonnet model, two exact solutions with power-law and exponential dependence of scale factors (with respect to "synchronous-like" variable) are obtained. (In the cosmological case, the power-law solution was considered earlier in papers of N. Deruelle, A. Toporensky, P. Tretyakov and S. Pavluchenko.) A generalization of the effective Lagrangian to the Lowelock case is conjectured. This hypothesis implies existence of exact solutions with power-law and exponential dependence of scale factors for the "pure" Lowelock model of mth order.
FURTHER EXTENDED THEORIES OF GRAVITATION: PART I
Authors: DI MAURO M. , FATIBENE L. , FERRARIS M. , FRANCAVIGLIA M.
Published: September 2010

We shall here propose a class of relativistic theories of gravitation, based on a foundational paper of Ehlers Pirani and Schild (EPS). All "extended theories of gravitation" (also known as f(R) theories) in Palatini formalism are shown to belong to this class. In a forthcoming paper, we shall show that this class of theories contains other more general examples. EPS framework helps in the interpretation and solution of these models that however have exotic behaviors even compared to f(R) theories.
ERRATUM: "COMPLEXIFIED FRACTIONAL HEAT KERNEL AND PHYSICS BEYOND THE SPECTRAL TRIPLET ACTION IN NON-COMMUTATIVE GEOMETRY"
Authors: EL-NABULSI AHMAD RAMI
Published: September 2010

From points of view of physics, fractional operators represent a vital role for describing intermediate processes and critical phenomena in physics. Subsequently, fractional Action-like Variational Approach in the sense of Riemann–Liouville fractional integral has lately gained significance in exploring non-conservative dynamical systems found in classical and quantum field theories. Within the same framework, fractional Dirac operators are introduced and the fractional spectral action principle is constructed and some interesting consequences are discussed. In particular, we show that the fractional spectral triplet action is complexified and the disturbing huge cosmological term may be eliminated. The generalization of the problem in view of the generalized fractional integration operators, namely the Erdelyi–Kober fractional integral, is discussed as well.
Syntaxin 3 is necessary for cAMP- and cGMP-regulated exocytosis of CFTR: implications for enterotoxigenic diarrhea
Authors: Collaco Anne , Marathe Jai , Kohnke Hannes , Kravstov Dmitri , Ameen Nadia
Published: September 2010

Enterotoxins elaborated by Vibrio cholerae and Escherichia coli cannot elicit fluid secretion in the absence of functional cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channels. After enterotoxin exposure, CFTR channels are rapidly recruited from endosomes and undergo exocytic insertion into the apical plasma membrane of enterocytes to increase the number of channels on the cell surface by at least fourfold. However, the molecular machinery that orchestrates exocytic insertion of CFTR into the plasma membrane is largely unknown. The present study used immunofluorescence, immunoblotting, surface biotinylation, glutathione S-transferase (GST) pulldown assays, and immunoprecipitation to identify components of the exocytic soluble N-ethylmaleimide (NEM)-sensitive factor attachment receptor (SNARE) vesicle fusion machinery in cyclic nucleotide-activated exocytosis of CFTR in rat jejunum and polarized intestinal Caco-2BBe cells. Syntaxin 3, an intestine-specific SNARE, colocalized with CFTR on the apical domain of enterocytes in rat jejunum and polarized Caco-2BBe cells. Coimmunoprecipitation and GST binding studies confirmed that syntaxin 3 interacts with CFTR in vivo. Moreover, heat-stable enterotoxin (STa) activated exocytosis of both CFTR and syntaxin 3 to the surface of rat jejunum. Silencing of syntaxin 3 by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) interference abrogated cyclic nucleotide-stimulated exocytosis of CFTR in cells. These observations reveal a new and important role for syntaxin 3 in the pathophysiology of enterotoxin-elicited diarrhea.
Bone morphogenetic protein 4 enhances canonical transient receptor potential expression, store-operated Ca2+entry, and basal [Ca2+]iin rat distal pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells
Authors: Lu Wenju , Ran Pixin , Zhang Dandan , Lai Ning , Zhong Nanshan , Wang Jian
Published: September 2010

Recent advances have identified an important role of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) in pulmonary vascular remodeling, yet the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. We have previously found that Ca2+influx through store-operated calcium channels (SOCC), which are mainly thought to be composed of canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) proteins, likely contribute to the pathogenic development of chronic hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. In this study, we investigated the effect of BMP4 on expression of TRPC and store-operated Ca2+entry (SOCE) in pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting revealed that treatment with BMP4 (50 ng/ml, 60 h) increased TRPC1, TRPC4, and TRPC6 mRNA and protein expression in growth-arrested rat distal PASMCs. Moreover, in comparison to vehicle control, cells treated with BMP4 also exhibited enhanced SOCE, and elevated basal intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) as determined by fluorescent microscopy using the Ca2+indicator Fura-2 AM. Perfusing cells with Ca2+-free Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate solution (KRBS) or KRBS containing SOCC antagonists SKF-96365 or NiCl2attenuated the increases in basal [Ca2+]icaused by BMP4. Specific knockdown of BMP4 by small interference RNA significantly decreased the mRNA and protein expression of TRPC1, TRPC4, and TRPC6 and reduced SOCE and basal [Ca2+]iin serum-stimulated PASMCs. We conclude that BMP4 regulates calcium signaling in PASMCs likely via upregulation of TRPC expression, leading to enhanced SOCE and basal [Ca2+]iin PASMCs, and by this mechanism contributes to pulmonary vascular remodeling during pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Role of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids as autocrine metabolites in glutamate-mediated K+signaling in perivascular astrocytes
Authors: Higashimori Haruki , Blanco Víctor M. , Tuniki Vengopal Raju , Falck John R. , Filosa Jessica A.
Published: September 2010

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs), synthesized and released by astrocytes in response to glutamate, are known to play a pivotal role in neurovascular coupling. In vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), EETs activate large-conductance, Ca2+-activated K+(BK) channels resulting in hyperpolarization and vasodilation. However, the functional role and mechanism of action for glial-derived EETs are still to be determined. In this study, we evaluated the effect of the synthetic EET analog 11-nonyloxy-undec-8(Z)-enoic acid (NUD-GA) on outward K+currents mediated by calcium-activated K+channels. Addition of NUD-GA significantly increased intracellular Ca2+and outward K+currents in perivascular astrocytes. NUD-GA-induced currents were significantly inhibited by BK channel blockers paxilline and tetraethylammonium (TEA) (23.4 ± 2.4%; P < 0.0005). Similarly, NUD-GA-induced currents were also significantly inhibited in the presence of the small-conductance Ca2+-activated K+channel inhibitor apamin along with a combination of blockers against glutamate receptors (12.8 ± 2.70%; P < 0.05). No changes in outward currents were observed in the presence of the channel blocker for intermediate-conductance K+channels TRAM-34. Blockade of the endogenous production of EETs with N-methylsulfonyl-6-(2-propargyloxyphenyl)hexanamide (MS-PPOH) significantly blunted ( dl)-1-aminocyclopentane-trans-1,3-dicarboxylic acid ( t-ACPD)-induced outward K+currents ( P < 0.05; n = 6). Both NUD-GA and t-ACPD significantly increased BK channel single open probability; the later was blocked following MS-PPOH incubation. Our data supports the idea that EETs are potent K+channel modulators in cortical perivascular astrocytes and further suggest that these metabolites may participate in NVC by modulating the levels of K+released at the gliovascular space.
Maternal obesity markedly increases placental fatty acid transporter expression and fetal blood triglycerides at midgestation in the ewe
Authors: Zhu Mei J. , Ma Yan , Long Nathan M. , Du Min , Ford Stephen P.
Published: September 2010

Obesity of women at conception is increasing, a condition associated with offspring obesity. We hypothesized that maternal obesity increases placental fatty acid transporter (FATP) expression, enhancing delivery of fatty acids to their fetuses. Sheep are a commonly utilized biomedical model for pregnancy studies. Nonpregnant ewes were randomly assigned to a control group [100% of National Research Council (NRC) recommendations] or obese group (OB, 150% of NRC) from 60 days before conception to 75 or 135 days of gestation (dG; term = 150 dG), when placental cotyledonary tissue was collected for analysis. Fetuses of OB ewes were markedly heavier ( P < 0.05) on 75 dG than fetuses from control ewes, but this difference disappeared by 135 dG. Maternal obesity markedly increased ( P < 0.05) cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations of both maternal and fetal blood. There is no difference in lipoprotein lipase mRNA expression between control and OB group at either gestational age. On 75 dG, the mRNA expression of FATP1 ( P < 0.05), FATP4 ( P = 0.08), and fatty acid translocase CD (cluster of differentiation) 36 ( P < 0.05) proteins were more enhanced in cotyledonary tissue from OB than control ewes; consistently, protein expression of FATP1 and FATP4 was increased ( P < 0.05). Similarly, on 135 dG, the mRNA levels of FATP1, FATP4, and CD36 were all higher ( P < 0.05), but only FATP4 protein content was enhanced ( P < 0.05) in OB cotyledonary tissue. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ regulates the expression of FATPs. Both the mRNA expression and protein content of PPARγ were increased in OB cotyledonary in the midgestation. In conclusion, maternal obesity enhances the mRNA expression and protein content of FATPs in cotyledonary in the midgestation, which is associated with higher PPARγ content in cotyledonary.
AICAR treatment for 14 days normalizes obesity-induced dysregulation of TORC1 signaling and translational capacity in fasted skeletal muscle
Authors: Drake Joshua C. , Alway Stephen E. , Hollander John M. , Williamson David L.
Published: September 2010

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 14 days of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1β-4-ribofuranoside (AICAR) treatment on mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling and mTOR-regulated processes (i.e., translation initiation) in obese mouse skeletal muscle. Our hypothesis was that daily treatment (14 days) with AICAR would normalize obesity-induced alterations in skeletal muscle mTOR signaling and mTOR-regulated processes to lean levels and positively affect muscle mass. Fourteen-week-old male, lean (L; 31.3 g body wt) wild-type and ob/ob (O; 59.6 g body wt) mice were injected with the AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) activator AICAR (A) at 0.5 mg·g body wt−1·day−1or saline control (C) for 14 days. At 24 h after the last injection (including a 12-h fast), all mice were killed, and the plantar flexor complex muscle (gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantaris) was excised for analysis. Muscle mass was lower in OC (159 ± 12 mg) than LC, LA, and OA (176 ± 10, 178 ± 9, and 166 ± 16 mg, respectively) mice, independent of a body weight change. A decrease in obese muscle mass corresponded with higher muscle cross section staining intensity for lipid and glycogen, higher blood glucose and insulin levels, and lower nuclear-enriched fractions for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α protein expression in OC skeletal muscle, which was normalized with AICAR treatment. AMPK and acetyl-cocarboxylase phosphorylation was reduced in OC mice and augmented by AICAR treatment in OA mice. Conversely, OC mice displayed higher activation of downstream targets (S6 kinase-1 and ribosomal protein S6) of mTOR and lower raptor-associated mTOR than LC mice, which were reciprocally altered after 14 days of AICAR treatment. Dysregulation of translational capacity was improved in OA mice, as assessed by sucrose density gradient fractionation of ribosomes, total and ribosome-associated RNA content, eukaryotic initiation factor 4F complex formation, and eukaryotic initiation factor 4G phosphorylation. These data show that short-term (14 days) AMPK agonist treatment augments regulatory processes in atrophic obese mouse skeletal muscle through the normalization of mTOR signaling and mRNA translation closer to lean levels.
Effects of combined aging and heart failure on visceral sympathetic nerve and cardiovascular responses to progressive hyperthermia in F344 rats
Authors: Margiocco M. L. , Borgarelli M. , Musch T. I. , Hirai D. M. , Hageman K. S. , Fels R. J. , Garcia A. A. , Kenney M. J.
Published: September 2010

Sympathetic nerve discharge (SND) responses to hyperthermia are attenuated in aged rats without heart failure (HF) and in young HF (YHF) rats, demonstrating that individually aging and HF alter SND regulation. However, the combined effects of aging and HF on SND regulation to heat stress are unknown, despite the high prevalence of HF in aged individuals. We hypothesized that SND responses to heating would be additive when aging and HF are combined, demonstrated by marked reductions in SND and mean arterial pressure (MAP) responses to heating in aged HF (AHF) compared with aged sham HF (ASHAM) rats, and in AHFcompared with YHFrats. Renal and splenic SND responses to hyperthermia (colonic temperature increased to 41.5°C) were determined in anesthetized YHF, young sham (YSHAM), AHF, and ASHAMFischer rats. HF was induced by myocardial infarction and documented using echocardiographic, invasive, and postmortem measures. The severity of HF was similar in YHFand AHFrats. SND responses to heating were attenuated in YHFcompared with YSHAMrats, demonstrating an effect of HF on SND regulation in young rats. In contrast, AHFand ASHAMrats demonstrated similar SND responses to heating, suggesting a prominent influence of age on SND regulation in AHFrats. Splenic SND and MAP responses to heating were similar in YHF, AHF, and ASHAMrats, indicating that the imposition of HF in young rats changes the regulatory status of these variables to one consistent with aged rats. These data suggest that the effect of HF on SND regulation to hyperthermia is age dependent.
Cooperative role of ETAand ETBreceptors in mediating the diuretic response to intramedullary hyperosmotic NaCl infusion
Authors: Boesen Erika I. , Pollock David M.
Published: September 2010

Acute intramedullary infusion of hyperosmotic NaCl, used to simulate a high-salt diet-induced increase of medullary osmolality, increases urine production and endothelin release from the kidney. To determine whether endothelin mediates this diuretic and natriuretic response, urine flow and Na+excretion rate were measured during acute intramedullary infusion of hyperosmotic NaCl in anesthetized rats, with or without endothelin receptor antagonism. Isosmotic NaCl was infused into the left renal medulla during an equilibration period and 30-min baseline period, followed by hyperosmotic NaCl for two additional 30-min periods. Hyperosmotic NaCl infusion significantly increased urine flow of vehicle-treated rats (from 5.9 ± 0.9 to 11.1 ± 1.8 μl/min). Systemic ETBreceptor blockade enhanced this effect (A-192621; from 7.7 ± 1.1 to 18.7 ± 2.9 μl/min; P < 0.05), ETAreceptor blockade (ABT-627) had no significant effect alone, but the diuresis was markedly attenuated by combined ABT-627 and A-192621 administration (from 4.4 ± 0.7 to 5.4 ± 0.9 μl/min). Mean arterial pressures overall were not significantly different between groups. Surprisingly, the natriuretic response to hyperosmotic NaCl infusion was not significantly altered by systemic endothelin receptor blockade, and furthermore, intramedullary ETBreceptor blockade enhanced the diuretic and natriuretic response to hyperosmotic NaCl infusion. ETAreceptor blockade significantly attenuated both the diuretic and natriuretic responses to hyperosmotic NaCl infusion in ETBreceptor-deficient sl/sl rats. These results demonstrate an important role of endothelin in mediating diuretic responses to intramedullary infusion of hyperosmotic NaCl. Moreover, these data suggest ETAand ETBreceptors are both required for the full diuretic and natriuretic actions of endothelin.
Serum and urinary markers of early impairment of GFR in chronic kidney disease patients: diagnostic accuracy of urinary β-trace protein
Authors: Donadio Carlo
Published: September 2010

The screening for chronic kidney diseases (CKD) patients with impaired GFR needs the measurement of serum creatinine (SCr) or cystatin C (SCys). GFR can also be predicted from SCr or SCys with different formulas. The aim of this study, performed in a group of CKD patients with different levels of GFR, was to evaluate the possibility to select the patients with a GFR <90 ml·min−1·1.73 m−2by means of serum levels and urinary excretion of different low-molecular-weight proteins (LMWP), cystatin C (Cys), β2-microglobulin (β2M), retinol-binding protein (RBP), β-trace protein (BTP), and derived prediction equations for GFR. In the 295 CKD patients (137 women), at all stages of GFR impairment a very high correlation was found between GFR (99mTc-DTPA) and serum Cr, Cys, β2M, and BTP. All these serum markers showed a similar accuracy as indicators of different GFR impairments. RBP had the lowest correlation with GFR and was also significantly less accurate. The different prediction formulas derived from gender, anthropometric data and SCr or S-LMWP had a diagnostic accuracy similar to that of serum Cr, Cys, β2M, and BTP. Urinary albumin was inadequate as an indicator of any level of GFR impairment. Urinary excretion of Cys and β2M increased significantly only in patients with a GFR <30 ml·min−1·1.73 m−2, while urinary BTP increased already at GFR <90 ml·min−1·1.73 m−2. In this selected group of CKD patients, the positive predictive value of urinary BTP for a GFR <90 ml·min−1·1.73 m−2was 85%, indicating that, in CKD patients, a urine-based test can predict a slight GFR impairment.
Human marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells decrease cisplatin renotoxicity in vitro and in vivo and enhance survival of mice post-intraperitoneal injection
Authors: Eliopoulos Nicoletta , Zhao Jing , Bouchentouf Manaf , Forner Kathy , Birman Elena , Yuan Shala , Boivin Marie-Noelle , Martineau Daniel
Published: September 2010

Acute kidney injury (AKI) can occur from the toxic side-effects of chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have demonstrated wide therapeutic potential often due to beneficial factors they secrete. The goal of this investigation was to evaluate in vitro the effect of human MSCs (hMSCs) secretome on cisplatin-treated human kidney cells, and in vivo the consequence of hMSCs intraperitoneal (ip) implantation in mice with AKI. Our results revealed that hMSCs-conditioned media improved survival of HK-2 human proximal tubular cells exposed to cisplatin in vitro. This enhanced survival was linked to increased expression of phosphorylated Akt (Ser473) and was reduced by a VEGF-neutralizing antibody. In vivo testing of these hMSCs established that ip administration in NOD-SCID mice decreased cisplatin-induced kidney function impairment, as demonstrated by lower blood urea nitrogen levels and higher survival. In addition, blood phosphorous and amylase levels were also significantly decreased. Moreover, hMSCs reduced the plasma levels of several inflammatory cytokines/chemokines. Immunohistochemical examination of kidneys showed less apoptotic and more proliferating cells. Furthermore, PCR indicated the presence of hMSCs in mouse kidneys, which also showed enhanced expression of phosphorylated Akt. In conclusion, our study reveals that hMSCs can exert prosurvival effects on renal cells in vitro and in vivo, suggests a paracrine contribution for kidney protective abilities of hMSCs delivered ip, and supports their clinical potential in AKI.
Theta Burst Stimulation of Human Primary Motor Cortex Degrades Selective Muscle Activation in the Ipsilateral Arm
Authors: Bradnam Lynley V. , Stinear Cathy M. , Byblow Winston D.
Published: September 2010

This study investigated whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) delivered as continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) to left M1 degraded selective muscle activation in the contralateral and ipsilateral upper limb in healthy participants. Contralateral motor-evoked potentials (cMEPs) were elicited in left and right biceps brachii (BB) before either elbow flexion or forearm pronation. A neurophysiological index, the excitability ratio (ER), was computed from the relative size of BB cMEPs before each type of movement. Short interval intracortical inhibition (SICI) was assessed in cMEPs of right BB with paired-pulse TMS of left M1. Ipsilateral MEPs (iMEPs) and silent periods (iSPs) were measured in left BB with single-pulse TMS of left M1. Low-intensity cTBS was expected to suppress corticospinal output from left M1. A sham condition was also included. Real but not sham cTBS caused increases in BB ER bilaterally. In the right arm, ER increased because BB cMEPs before flexion were less facilitated, whereas cMEPs in the pronation task were unaffected. This was accompanied by an increase in left M1 SICI. In the left arm, ER increased because BB cMEPs before pronation were facilitated but were unaffected in the flexion task. There was also facilitation of left BB iMEPs. These changes in the left arm are consistent with inappropriate facilitation of left BB α-motoneurons (αMNs) before pronation. This is the first demonstration that cTBS of M1 can alter excitability of neurons controlling ipsilateral proximal musculature and degrade ipsilateral upper limb motor control, providing evidence that ipsilateral and contralateral M1 shape the spatial and temporal characteristics of proximal muscle activation appropriate for the task at hand.
Loss of Leptin Receptors on Hypothalamic POMC Neurons Alters Synaptic Inhibition
Authors: Chun Sung Kun , Jo Young-Hawn
Published: September 2010

Adaptive changes in hypothalamic neural circuitry occur in response to alterations in nutritional status. This plasticity at hypothalamic synapses contributes to the control of food intake and body weight. Here we show that genetic ablation of leptin receptor gene expression in pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons (POMC: Lepr−/−GFP) induces alterations at synapses on POMC neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Our studies reveal that POMC: Lepr−/−GFP mice have decreased frequency of spontaneous GABAergic, but not glutamatergic, postsynaptic currents at synapses on POMC neurons. The decay time course of GABAergic spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) onto POMC neurons in POMC: Lepr−/−GFP mice is significantly slower than that of sIPSCs in control animals. While analysis of individual miniature IPSCs shows lowered baseline activity, this tonic decrease is associated with an increased amplitude and slow decay of mini-IPSCs onto POMC neurons in POMC: Lepr−/−GFP mice. Moreover, POMC neurons receive greater total ionic flux per GABAergic event in the absence of leptin receptor signaling. In addition, treatment with the alpha 3 subunit-containing GABAAreceptor modulator SB-205384 enhances GABAergic transmission only onto POMC neurons in POMC: Lepr−/−GFP mice. Single-cell RT-PCR analysis further supports the expression of the alpha 3 subunit of the GABAAreceptor on POMC neurons in POMC: Lepr−/−GFP mice. Finally, the responses to the GABAAreceptor agonist isoguvacine of POMC neurons are significantly smaller in POMC: Lepr−/−GFP than in control animals. Therefore our present work demonstrates that loss of leptin signaling in POMC neurons induces synaptic alterations at POMC synapses that may play an essential role in energy homeostasis.
Brain Noise Is Task Dependent and Region Specific
Authors: Mišić Bratislav , Mills Travis , Taylor Margot J. , McIntosh Anthony R.
Published: September 2010

The emerging organization of anatomical and functional connections during human brain development is thought to facilitate global integration of information. Recent empirical and computational studies have shown that this enhanced capacity for information processing enables a diversified dynamic repertoire that manifests in neural activity as irregularity and noise. However, transient functional networks unfold over multiple time, scales and the embedding of a particular region depends not only on development, but also on the manner in which sensory and cognitive systems are engaged. Here we show that noise is a facet of neural activity that is also sensitive to the task context and is highly region specific. Children (6–16 yr) and adults (20–41 yr) performed a one-back face recognition task with inverted and upright faces. Neuromagnetic activity was estimated at several hundred sources in the brain by applying a beamforming technique to the magnetoencephalogram (MEG). During development, neural activity became more variable across the whole brain, with most robust increases in medial parietal regions, such as the precuneus and posterior cingulate cortex. For young children and adults, activity evoked by upright faces was more variable and noisy compared with inverted faces, and this effect was reliable only in the right fusiform gyrus. These results are consistent with the notion that upright faces engender a variety of integrative neural computations, such as the relations among facial features and their holistic constitution. This study shows that transient changes in functional integration modulated by task demand are evident in the variability of regional neural activity.
The Sphingosine 1-Phosphate Receptor, S1PR1, Plays a Prominent But Not Exclusive Role in Enhancing the Excitability of Sensory Neurons
Authors: Chi Xian Xuan , Nicol G. D.
Published: September 2010

Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) through its interaction with a family of G protein–coupled receptors (S1PR) is proving to have a significant impact on the activation of a variety of cell types, most notably those cells mediating the inflammatory response. Previously, we showed that S1P enhanced the excitability of small diameter sensory neurons, and mRNA for S1PR1–4was expressed in sensory neurons. These initial findings did not determine which S1PR subtype(s) mediated the increased excitability. Here, we report that exposure to the selective S1PR1agonist, SEW2871, produced a significant increase in excitability of some, but not all, sensory neurons. To further examine the role of S1PR1, neurons were treated with siRNA targeted to S1PR1. siRNA reduced S1PR1protein expression by 75% and blocked the sensitization produced by SEW2871, although some neurons remained responsive to subsequent exposure to S1P. Treatment with scramble siRNA did not alter S1PR1expression. Recordings from siRNA- and scramble-treated neurons suggested three distinct populations based on their sensitivities to SEW2871 and S1P. Approximately 50% of the neurons exhibited a significant increase in excitability after exposure to SEW2871 and subsequent S1P produced no additional increase; ∼25% were not affected by SEW2871 but S1P significantly increased excitability; and ∼25% of the neurons were not sensitized by either SEW2871 or S1P. RT-PCR measurements obtained from single neurons showed that 50% of the small diameter neurons expressed the mRNA for S1PR1. These results indicate that S1PR1plays a prominent, although not exclusive, role in mediating the enhancement of excitability produced by S1P.
Stiffness Control of Balance During Quiet Standing and Dual Task in Older Adults: The MOBILIZE Boston Study
Authors: Kang Hyun Gu , Lipsitz Lewis A.
Published: September 2010

Distractions affect postural control, but this mechanism is not well understood. Diversion of resources during cognitive stress may lead to decreased motor drive and postural muscle tone. This may appear as decreased postural stiffness and increased postural sway amplitude. We hypothesized that dual tasking leads to decreased stiffness and increased sway amplitude. Postural sway (center of pressure; COP) data were used from 724 participants aged 77.9 ± 5.3 yr, a representative sample of community-dwelling older adults, the MOBILIZE Boston Study cohort. Subjects stood barefoot with eyes open for 30 s per trial on a force plate. Five trials were performed each with and without a serial subtractions-by-3 task. Sway data were fit to a damped oscillator inverted pendulum model. Amplitudes (COP and center of mass), mechanical stiffness, and damping of the sway behavior were determined. Sway amplitudes and damping increased with the dual task ( P < 0.001); stiffness decreased only mediolaterally ( P < 0.001). Those with difficulty doing the dual task exhibited larger sway and less damping mediolaterally ( P ≤ 0.001) and an increased stiffness with dual task anteroposteriorly (interaction P = 0.004). Dual task could still independently explain increases in sway ( P < 0.001) after accounting for stiffness changes. Thus the hypothesis was supported only in mediolateral sway. The simple model helped to explain the dual task related increase of sway only mediolaterally. It also elucidated the differential influence of cognitive function on the mechanics of anteroposterior and mediolateral sway behaviors. Dual task may divert the resources necessary for mediolateral postural control, thus leading to falls.
Rapid Online Correction Is Selectively Suppressed During Movement With a Visuomotor Transformation
Authors: Gritsenko V. , Kalaska J. F.
Published: September 2010

Reaching movements to visual targets are under fast feedback control, which can rapidly correct an ongoing movement for errors. This study investigates how this online correction is affected by the application of a new visuomotor transformation. Thirty-two subjects made planar pointing movements to visual targets. Vision of the arm was prevented, and hand position was represented by a cursor displayed in the movement plane. In some trials, the target abruptly changed location at the onset of arm movement, which required a rapid correction of movement direction. After performing baseline trials, some subjects were required to adapt to a mirror-image transformation that inverted the visual feedback of their hand position across the body midline, whereas others were not familiarized with the transformation. Afterward, subjects' online correction was tested with target jumps in the presence of the mirror transformation. Results show that after short-term motor adaptation to the mirror transformation there was a selective suppression of the rapid non-mirror correction in the direction of visual target displacement but no mirror reversal. The suppression occurred within the first few trials after the introduction of the mirror transformation, and it was strongest for the movements in which the transformation caused the largest dissociation between the target location and hand movement. Finally, whether or not the short-latency non-mirror correction was suppressed in a given trial, the mirror correction occurred at the same latency as the onset time of voluntary correction in subjects who had not experienced the mirror transformation.
Carbonatation and Decarbonatation Kinetics in the La2O3-La2O2CO3System under CO2Gas Flows
Authors: Bakiz Bahcine , Guinneton Frédéric , Arab Madjid , Benlhachemi Abdeljalil , Villain Sylvie , Satre Pierre , Gavarri Jean-Raymond
Published: September 2010

The carbonatation of La2O3oxide and the decarbonatation of lanthanum carbonate phase La2O2CO3are investigated using thermal and thermogravimetry analyses under CO2gas flow. The initial phase La2O3is first elaborated from pyrolysis of a LaOHCO3precursor. Then, thermal and thermogravimetry analyses are carried out under CO2flow, as temperature increases then decreases. The carbonatation kinetics of La2O3is determined at three fixed temperatures. Electrical impedance spectroscopy is performed to determine the electrical responses associated with ionic mobilities and phase changes, in the temperature range 25 to900∘C. The electrical conduction during heating underCO2gas flow should be linked to two regimes of ionic conduction of the carbonate ions. From these electrical measurements, the ionic mobility of carbonate ionsCO3  2−is found to be close to 0.003 ⋅10−4 cm2 s−1 V−1at750∘C for the monoclinic La2O2CO3phase.
Network Performance Evaluation of Abis Interface over DVB-S2 in the GSM over Satellite Network
Authors: Musabekov S. B. , Srinivasan P. K. , Durai A. S. , Ibraimov R. R.
Published: September 2010

This paper deals with establishing a GSM link over Satellite. Abis interface, which is defined between Base Transceiver Station (BTS) and Base Station Controller (BSC), in a GSM network is considered here to be routed over the Satellite. The satellite link enables a quick and cost-effective GSM link in meagerly populated areas. A different scenario comparison was done to understand the impact of Satellite environment on network availability comparing to terrestrial scenario. We have implemented an Abis interface over DVB S2 in NS2 and evaluated the performance over the high delay and loss satellite channel. Network performance was evaluated with respect to Satellite channel delay and DVB S2 encapsulation efficiency under different amount of user traffic and compared with the terrestrial scenario. The results clearly showed an increased amount of SDCCH and TCH channels required in the case of satellite scenario for the same amount of traffic in comparison to conventional terrestrial scenario. We have optimized the parameters based on the simulation results. Link budget estimation considering DVB-S2 platform was done to find satellite bandwidth and cost requirements for different network setups.
Effects of Parathyroid Hormone on Immune Function
Authors: Geara Abdallah Sassine , Castellanos Mario R. , Bassil Claude , Schuller-Levis Georgia , Park Eunkue , Smith Marianne , Goldman Michael , Elsayegh Suzanne
Published: September 2010

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) function as immunologic mediator has become interesting with the recent usage of PTH analogue (teriparatide) in the management of osteoporosis. Since the early 1980s, PTH receptors were found on most immunologic cells (neutrophils, B and T cells). The in vitro evaluations for a possible role of PTH as immunomodulator have shown inconsistent results mainly due to methodological heterogeneity of these studies: it used different PTH formulations (rat, bovine, and human), at different dosages and different incubating periods. In some of these studies, the lymphocytes were collected from uremic patients or animals, which renders the interpretation of the results problematic due to the effect of uremic toxins. Parathyroidectomy has been found to reverse the immunologic defect in patients with high PTH levels. Nonetheless, the clinical significance of these findings is unclear. Further studies are needed to define if PTH does have immunomodulatory effects.
Dermoscopy Clues in Pigmented Bowen′s Disease
Authors: Gutiérrez-Mendoza Daniela , Narro-Llorente Roberto , Karam-Orantes Marcia , Fonte-Avalos Verónica , Martínez-Luna Eduwiges , Toussaint-Caire Sonia , Domíguez-Cherit Judith
Published: September 2010

Pigmented tumors have similar clinical features that overlap and hamper diagnosis. Dermoscopy increases the diagnostic accuracy of doubtful melanocytic lesions and has been used as a noninvasive tool in the detection of pigmented lesions (PLs) like melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and pigmented Bowen′s disease (pBD). Our objective was to show the dermoscopic features of 2 cases of pBD and compare with the findings reported in the literature. Two dermoscopic images of biopsy proven pBD were retrospectively analyzed for dermoscopic patterns. Both cases showed brown regular globules, structureless brown and blue pigmentation, glomerular vessels, hypopigmented regression‐like areas, and keratosis. These findings were similar to the cases reported previously. The dermoscopic diagnosis of pBD is based on the absence of criteria for a melanocytic lesion in the presence of glomerular vessels, regular brown globules and keratosis. Although pBD is rare, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of PLs, especially melanoma.
Feedback Control Variables Have No Influence on the Permanence of a Discreten‐Species Schoener Competition System with Time Delays
Authors: Su Qianqian , Zhang Na
Published: September 2010

We consider a discreten‐species Schoener competition system with time delays and feedback controls. By using difference inequality theory, a set of conditions which guarantee the permanence of system is obtained. The results indicate that feedback control variables have no influence on the persistent property of the system. Numerical simulations show the feasibility of our results.
Gain Enhancement of Low-Profile, Electrically Small Capacitive Feed Antennas Using Stacked Meander Lines
Authors: Ide Kazuki , Ijiguchi Satoshi , Fukusako Takeshi
Published: September 2010

The present paper describes the gain enhancement of a small and low-profile linear antenna with capacitive feed (C-feed) using three metallic layers. The antenna has very small leakage current on the outer conductor of the coaxial cable and can easily control the imaginary part of the input impedance. The gain of the stacked three-layer meander line antenna, with the meander line in the middle layer being opposite to that of the other two layers, has increased by around 7 dB compared to the single layered C-feed antenna. The antenna gain is discussed based on simulated and measured results, which demonstrates that the antenna has successfully achieved the acceptable impedance and sufficient gain for mobile terminals and RFID tags.
Effects of Olopatadine Hydrochloride, a Histamine H1 Receptor Antagonist, on Histamine‐Induced Skin Responses
Authors: Hashimoto Takashi , Ishii Norito , Hamada Takahiro , Dainichi Teruki , Karashima Tadashi , Nakama Takekuni , Yasumoto Shinichiro
Published: September 2010

Effects of olopatadine hydrochloride, a histamine H1 receptor antagonist, on histamine‐induced skin responses were evaluated in 10 healthy subjects in comparison with placebo, fexofenadine hydrochloride, and bepotastine besilate. Olopatadine significantly suppressed histamine‐induced wheal, flare, and itch, starting 30 minutes after oral administration. Olopatadine was more effective than fexofenadine and bepotastine. None of the drugs studied impaired performance of word processing tasks. These results suggest that olopatadine can suppress skin symptoms caused by histamine soon after administration.
Open Profiling of Quality: A Mixed Method Approach to Understanding Multimodal Quality Perception
Authors: Strohmeier D. , Jumisko-Pyykkö S. , Kunze K.
Published: September 2010

To quantify the excellence of multimedia quality, subjective evaluation experiments are conducted. In these experiments, the tradition of quantitative assessment is the most dominating, but it disregards the understanding of participants' interpretations, descriptions, and the evaluation criteria of quality. The goal of this paper is to present a new multimedia quality evaluation method called Open Profiling of Quality (OPQ) as a tool for building a deeper understanding on subjective quality. OPQ is a mixed method combining a conventional quantitative psychoperceptual evaluation and qualitative descriptive quality evaluation based on the individual's own vocabulary. OPQ is targeted for naïve participants applicable to experiments with heterogeneous and multimodal stimulus material. The paper presents the theoretical basis of the development of OPQ and overviews the methods for audiovisual quality research. We present three extensive quality evaluation studies where OPQ has been used with 120 participants. Finally, we conclude further recommendations of use of the method in quality evaluation research.
New Microporous Polymer Electrolyte Based on Polysiloxane Grafted with Imidazolium Iodide Moieties for DSSC
Authors: Yang Yan , Tao Jie , Jin Xin , Qin Qi
Published: September 2010

Two types of polysiloxane grafted with different ratio of imidazolium iodide moieties (IL-) have been synthesized to develop a micro-porous polymer electrolyte for quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells. The samples were characterized by , FT-IR spectrum, XRD, TEM and SEM, respectively. Moreover, the ionic conductivity of the electrolytes was measured by electrochemical workstation. Nanostructured polysiloxane containing imidazolium iodide showed excellent compatibility with organic solvent and polymer matrix for its ionic liquid characteristics. Increasing the proportion of imidazolium iodide moieties in polysiloxane improved the electrochemical behavior of the gel polymer electrolyte. A dye-sensitized solar cell with gel polymer electrolyte yielded an open-circuit voltage of 0.70 V, short-circuit current of 11.19 mA , and the conversion efficiency of 3.61% at 1 sun illumination.
Optical Properties of Linoleic Acid Protected Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Das Ratan , Nath Siddartha S. , Bhattacharjee Ramendu
Published: September 2010

Linoleic acid-protected gold nanoparticles have been synthesized through the chemical reduction of tetrachloroaurate ions by ethanol in presence of sodium linoleate. The structure of these nanoparticles is investigated using transmission electron microscopy, which shows that the Au nanoparticles are spherical in shape with a narrow size distribution which ranges from 8 to 15 nm. Colloidal dispersion of gold nanoparticles in cyclohexane exhibits absorption bands in the ultraviolet-visible range due to surface plasmon resonance, with absorption maximum at 530 nm. Fluorescence spectra of gold nanoparticles also show an emission peak at 610 nm when illuminated at 450 nm. UV-Vis spectroscopy reveals that these nanoparticles remain stable for 10 days.
Two Close, Too Close
Authors: Dorn Gerald W. , Scorrano Luca
Published: September 2010

Mitochondria are key organelles in cell life whose dysfunction is associated with a variety of diseases. Their crucial role in intermediary metabolism and energy conversion makes them a preferred target in tissues, such as the heart, where the energetic demands are very high. In the cardiomyocyte, the spatial organization of mitochondria favors their interaction with the sarcoplasmic reticulum, thereby offering a mechanism for Ca
2+
-mediated crosstalk between these 2 organelles. Recently, the molecular basis for this interaction has begun to be unraveled, and we are learning how endoplasmic reticulum–mitochondrial interactions are often exploited by death signals, such as proapoptotic Bcl-2 family members, to amplify the cell death cascade. Here, we review our present understanding of the structural basis and the functional consequences of the close interaction between sarcoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria on cardiomyocyte function and death.
Low frequency of extra-pair paternity in Savi's Warblers (Locustella luscinioides)
Authors: Hasselquist Dennis , Hansson Bengt , Neto Júlio
Published: September 2010

Although the frequency of extra-pair paternity (EPP) has been described for many species, the relative importance of the various contemporary and historical factors explaining EPP variation is still the subject of debate. In this study, we found 11 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the Savi's Warbler (Locustella luscinioides), and used eight loci to analyze the paternity of 392 nestlings belonging to 102 broods of this little-known species. The frequency of EPP was 4.1% of nestlings and 5.9% of broods, which is surprisingly low given what is known about Savi's Warbler's life history and ecology, and among the lowest found of any socially-monogamous passerine bird. Comparisons with similar species indicate that this low frequency is unlikely to have been determined by the ancient evolution of life history strategies. Our observations suggest that the costs of engaging in extra-pair copulations might be high for the females. Larger males, particularly those with longer bill and tarsus, are more likely to be cuckolded; and the few possible comparisons between cuckolded males and extrapair sires reveal a similar pattern. We further show that bill and tarsus lengths correlate with arrival date, which is associated with individual quality in many migratory bird species.
John Calvin: Catholic Theologian
Authors: Lane Anthony
Published: September 2010

Calvin began by affirming the Catholicity of the Church, but such positive affirmations become rarer as he grew older. By contrast, he more and more frequently rejects the claims of the Roman Church to Catholicity. The change is provoked by the barrage of claims to Catholicity that Calvin faced from his opponents, together with the claim that the Reformers had abandoned it. This made Calvin less enthusiastic about using the word for himself, thus pointing the way towards the eventual development where Catholic came to mean Roman Catholic. Calvin accepted the Catholic canon of the New Testament, though without ever explaining the basis for this. He appealed to the early Catholic tradition (most especially Augustine) for support, though he was not uncritical of it. The Church had declined from the truth during the Middle Ages and the true Church remained but had lost outward form.