bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoate production byPseudomonas putidaLS46 using biodiesel by-product streams
Authors: Fu Jilagamazhi , Sharma Umesh , Sparling Richard , Cicek Nazim , Levin David B.
Published: June 2014

Medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoate (mcl-PHA) production by Pseudomonas putida LS46 was analyzed in shake-flask-based batch reactions, using pure chemical-grade glycerol (PG), biodiesel-derived “waste” glycerol (WG), and biodiesel-derived “waste” free fatty acids (WFA). Cell growth, substrate consumption, mcl-PHA accumulation within the cells, and the monomer composition of the synthesized biopolymers were monitored. The patterns of mcl-PHA synthesis in P. putida LS46 cells grown on PG and WG were similar but differed from that of cells grown with WFA. Polymer accumulation in glycerol-based cultures was stimulated by nitrogen limitation and plateaued after 48 h in both PG and WG cultures, with a total accumulation of 17.9% cell dry mass and 16.3% cell dry mass, respectively. In contrast, mcl-PHA synthesis was independent of nitrogen concentration in P. putida LS46 cells cultured with WFA, which accumulated to 29% cell dry mass. In all cases, the mcl-PHAs synthesized consisted primarily of 3-hydroxyoctanoate (C8) and 3-hydroxydecanoate (C10). WG and WFA supported similar or greater cell growth and mcl-PHA accumulation than PG under the experimental conditions used. These results suggest that biodiesel by-product streams could be used as low-cost carbon sources for sustainable mcl-PHA production.
ACTIVE TILE SELF-ASSEMBLY, PART 1: UNIVERSALITY AT TEMPERATURE 1
Authors: JONOSKA NATAŠA , KARPENKO DARIA
Published: June 2014

We present an active tile assembly model which extends Winfree's abstract tile assembly model to tiles that are capable of transmitting and receiving binding site activation signals. We also prove that this model has universal computational power in 2D at temperature 1 by showing an active tile assembly construction that simulates one-dimensional cellular automata in 2D at temperature 1.
HEALTH, WORK INTENSITY, AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATIONS
Authors: BOUCEKKINE RAOUF , HRITONENKO NATALI , YATSENKO YURI
Published: June 2014

Work significantly affects human life and health. Overworking may decrease the quality of life and cause direct economic losses. Technological innovations promote the modernization of firms' capital and lead to the improvement of labor productivity in the workplace. This paper investigates the optimal individual choice of work intensity under improving technology embodied in a new equipment. The balanced growth trajectories are obtained and analyzed to find their impact on the work–leisure balance problem and links between the optimal choice of work intensity and the rate of embodied technological change.
MANAGING FORESTS FOR CARBON AND BIODIVERSITY UNDER CLIMATE CHANGE
Authors: XABADIA ANGELS , CAÑIZARES CARMEN , GOETZ RENAN
Published: June 2014

Over recent decades forest management has recognized the fact that forests provide a wide variety of services besides timber, such as carbon sequestration and the preservation of biodiversity. During this time, science has found significant evidence that climate change is actually taking place. Since the change in climatic conditions will affect the vital cycle of trees, the optimal management of forests needs to be adapted to these new conditions to make the best use of forests from the social point of view. From the policy side, forest management is confronted with the task of balancing the objectives of competitiveness, compliance with international agreements with respect to climate change mitigation and the preservation of biodiversity. This study aims to analyze the optimal management regime of forests under changing climatic conditions, taking timber, carbon and biodiversity into account. It finds that the objectives of carbon sequestration and biodiversity should target different stands. The cost of the latter can be reduced substantially if only mature stands are pursued and not young stands.
MULTISCALE DETRENDED CROSS-CORRELATION ANALYSIS OF STOCK MARKETS
Authors: YIN YI , SHANG PENGJIAN
Published: June 2014

In this paper, we employ the detrended cross-correlation analysis (DCCA) to investigate the cross-correlations between different stock markets. We report the results of cross-correlated behaviors in US, Chinese and European stock markets in period 1997–2012 by using DCCA method. The DCCA shows the cross-correlated behaviors of intra-regional and inter-regional stock markets in the short and long term which display the similarities and differences of cross-correlated behaviors simply and roughly and the persistence of cross-correlated behaviors of fluctuations. Then, because of the limitation and inapplicability of DCCA method, we propose multiscale detrended cross-correlation analysis (MSDCCA) method to avoid "a priori" selecting the ranges of scales over which two coefficients of the classical DCCA method are identified, and employ MSDCCA to reanalyze these cross-correlations to exhibit some important details such as the existence and position of minimum, maximum and bimodal distribution which are lost if the scale structure is described by two coefficients only and essential differences and similarities in the scale structures of cross-correlation of intra-regional and inter-regional markets. More statistical characteristics of cross-correlation obtained by MSDCCA method help us to understand how two different stock markets influence each other and to analyze the influence from thus two inter-regional markets on the cross-correlation in detail, thus we get a richer and more detailed knowledge of the complex evolutions of dynamics of the cross-correlations between stock markets. The application of MSDCCA is important to promote our understanding of the internal mechanisms and structures of financial markets and helps to forecast the stock indices based on our current results demonstrated the cross-correlations between stock indices. We also discuss the MSDCCA methods of secant rolling window with different sizes and, lastly, provide some relevant implications and issue.
Facile synthesis of gradient mesoporous carbon monolith based on polymerization-induced phase separation
Authors: Xu Shunjian , Luo Yufeng , Zhong Wei , Xiao Zonghu , Luo Yongping , Ou Hui , Zhao Xing-Zhong
Published: June 2014

In this paper, a gradient mesoporous carbon (GMC) monolith derived from the mixtures of phenolic resin (PF) and ethylene glycol (EG) was prepared by a facile route based on polymerization-induced phase separation under temperature gradient (TG). A graded biphasic structure of PF-rich and EG-rich phases was first formed in preform under a TG, and then the preform was pyrolyzed to obtain the GMC monolith. The TG is mainly induced by the thermal resistance of the preferential phase separation layer at high temperature region. The pore structure of the monolith changes gradually along the TG direction. When the TG varies from 58°C to 29°C, the pore size, apparent porosity and specific surface area of the monolith range respectively from 18 nm to 83 nm, from 32% to 39% and from 140.5 m2/g to 515.3 m2/g. The gradient porous structure of the monolith is inherited from that of the preform, which depends on phase separation under TG in the resin mixtures. The pyrolysis mainly brings about the contraction of the pore size and wall thickness as well as the transformation of polymerized PF into glassy carbon.
Imaged-based multiscale network modelling of microporosity in carbonates
Authors: Prodanović Maša , Mehmani Ayaz , Sheppard Adrian P.
Published: June 2014

Diagenetic changes such as cementation or dissolution have a strong control on carbonate pore structure, and often disconnect the original intergranular pore space. Spatial distribution of submicron porosity (microporosity) that develops in the process, as well as its influence on flow properties, is difficult to image and characterize. Yet, a petrophysically rigorous pore-scale model that accounts for submicron porosity interconnectivity would help in the understanding and development of carbonate reservoirs dominated by microporosity. We present algorithms to geometrically match pore–throat networks from two separate length scales that can be extracted directly from three-dimensional (3D) rock images, or be constructed to match the relevant measured properties. We evaluate the combined influence of cementation and dissolution using a Bentheimer Sandstone sample, as well as image-identified microporosity on flow transport properties in an Estaillades Limestone sample.
Phenotypic Evolution in Fossil Species: Pattern and Process
Authors: Hunt Gene , Rabosky Daniel L.
Published: June 2014

Since Darwin, scientists have looked to the fossil record with the hope of using it to document how the phenotypes of species change over substantial periods of time. How best to interpret this record has been controversial, but empirical and methodological advances have resolved at least two issues about pattern: (a) directional transformations are seldom sustained over geological timescales, and (b) net rates of morphological change in fossil species are usually quite slow. Considerable uncertainty remains, however, about the processes responsible for these patterns, but most fruitful explanations use the framework of adaptive landscapes to consider the role of natural selection and other processes. An additional, unresolved issue is the claim that most phenotypic change is associated with speciation. A variety of methods, using data from both fossil and extant species, have supported such a link, at least in some clades and traits, but its prevalence and underlying mechanism remain unresolved.
Personalized Pharmacogenomics: Predicting Efficacy and Adverse Drug Reactions
Authors: Pirmohamed Munir
Published: June 2014

Drug response varies between individuals owing to disease heterogeneity, environmental factors, and genetic factors. Genetic factors can affect both the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a drug, leading to changes in local and systemic drug exposure and/or changes in the function of the drug target, altering drug response. Several pharmacogenetic biomarkers are already utilized in clinical practice and have been shown to improve clinical outcomes. However, a large number of other biomarkers have never made it beyond the discovery stage. Concerted effort is needed to improve the translation of pharmacogenetic biomarkers into clinical practice, and this will involve the use of standardized phenotyping and genotyping strategies, collaborative work, multidisciplinary approaches to identifying and replicating associations, and cooperation with industry to facilitate translation and commercialization. Acceptance of these approaches by clinicians, regulators, patients, and the public will be important in determining future success.
The Genetics of Skin Fragility
Authors: Has Cristina , Bruckner-Tuderman Leena
Published: June 2014

Genetic skin fragility manifests with diminished resistance of the skin and mucous membranes to external mechanical forces and with skin blistering, erosions, and painful wounds as clinical features. Skin fragility disorders, collectively called epidermolysis bullosa, are caused by mutations in 18 distinct genes that encode proteins involved in epidermal integrity and dermal–epidermal adhesion. The genetic spectrum, along with environmental and genetic modifiers, creates a large number of clinical phenotypes, spanning from minor localized lesions to severe generalized blistering, secondary skin cancer, or early demise resulting from extensive loss of the epidermis. Laboratory investigations of skin fragility have greatly augmented our understanding of genotype–phenotype correlations in epidermolysis bullosa and have also advanced skin biology in general. Current translational research concentrates on the development of biologically valid treatments with therapeutic genes, cells, proteins, or small-molecule compounds in preclinical settings or human pilot trials.
The Evolutionary Origin of the Vertebrate Body Plan: The Problem of Head Segmentation
Authors: Onai Takayuki , Irie Naoki , Kuratani Shigeru
Published: June 2014

The basic body plan of vertebrates, as typified by the complex head structure, evolved from the last common ancestor approximately 530 Mya. In this review, we present a brief overview of historical discussions to disentangle the various concepts and arguments regarding the evolutionary development of the vertebrate body plan. We then explain the historical transition of the arguments about the vertebrate body plan from merely epistemological comparative morphology to comparative embryology as a scientific treatment on this topic. Finally, we review the current progress of molecular evidence regarding the basic vertebrate body plan, focusing on the link between the basic vertebrate body plan and the evolutionarily conserved developmental stages (phylotypic stages).
MMP-14 is necessary but not sufficient for invasion of three-dimensional collagen by human muscle satellite cells
Authors: Lund Dane K. , Mouly Vincent , Cornelison DDW
Published: June 2014

The twenty-five known matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) and their endogenous inhibitors, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteases (TIMPs), mediate cell invasion through the extracellular matrix (ECM). In a comparative three-dimensional assay, we analyzed human and mouse satellite cells' competence to invade an artificial ECM (collagen I). We identified a single MMP that 1) is expressed by human muscle satellite cells; 2) is induced at the mRNA/protein level by adhesion to collagen I; and 3) is necessary for invasion into a collagen I matrix. Interestingly, murine satellite cells neither express this MMP, nor invade the collagen matrix. However, exogenous human MMP-14 is not sufficient to induce invasion of a collagen matrix by murine cells, emphasizing species differences.
A dominantly negative mutation in cardiac troponin I at the interface with troponin T causes early remodeling in ventricular cardiomyocytes
Authors: Wei Hongguang , Jin J.-P.
Published: June 2014

We previously reported a point mutation substituting Cys for Arg111 in the highly conserved troponin T (TnT)-contacting helix of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in wild turkey hearts (Biesiadecki et al. J Biol Chem 279: 13825–13832, 2004). This dominantly negative TnI-TnT interface mutation decreases the binding affinity of cTnI for TnT, impairs diastolic function, and blunts the β-adrenergic response of cardiac muscle (Wei et al. J Biol Chem 285: 27806–27816, 2010). Here we further investigate cellular phenotypes of transgenic mouse cardiomyocytes expressing the equivalent mutation cTnI-K118C. Functional studies were performed on single adult cardiomyocytes after recovery in short-term culture from isolation stress. The amplitude of contraction and the velocities of shortening and relengthening were lower in cTnI-K118C cardiomyocytes than wild-type controls. The intracellular Ca2+ transient was slower in cTnI-K118C cardiomyocytes than wild-type cells. cTnI-K118C cardiomyocytes also showed a weaker β-adrenergic response. The resting length of cTnI-K118C cardiomyocytes was significantly greater than that of age-matched wild-type cells, with no difference in cell width. The resting sarcomere was not longer, but slightly shorter, in cTnI-K118C cardiomyocytes than wild-type cells, indicating longitudinal addition of sarcomeres. More tri- and quadrinuclei cardiomyocytes were found in TnI-K118C than wild-type hearts, suggesting increased nuclear divisions. Whole-genome mRNA array and Western blots detected an increased expression of leukemia inhibitory factor receptor-β in the hearts of 2-mo-old cTnI-K118C mice, suggesting a signaling pathway responsible for the potent effect of cTnI-K118C mutation on early remodeling in cardiomyocytes.
Leucine acts in the brain to suppress food intake but does not function as a physiological signal of low dietary protein
Authors: Laeger Thomas , Reed Scott D. , Henagan Tara M. , Fernandez Denise H. , Taghavi Marzieh , Addington Adele , Münzberg Heike , Martin Roy J. , Hutson Susan M. , Morrison Christopher D.
Published: June 2014

Intracerebroventricular injections of leucine are sufficient to suppress food intake, but it remains unclear whether brain leucine signaling represents a physiological signal of protein balance. We tested whether variations in dietary and circulating levels of leucine, or all three branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), contribute to the detection of reduced dietary protein. Of the essential amino acids (EAAs) tested, only intracerebroventricular injection of leucine (10 μg) was sufficient to suppress food intake. Isocaloric low- (9% protein energy; LP) or normal- (18% protein energy) protein diets induced a divergence in food intake, with an increased consumption of LP beginning on day 2 and persisting throughout the study ( P < 0.05). Circulating BCAA levels were reduced the day after LP diet exposure, but levels subsequently increased and normalized by day 4, despite persistent hyperphagia. Brain BCAA levels as measured by microdialysis on day 2 of diet exposure were reduced in LP rats, but this effect was most prominent postprandially. Despite these diet-induced changes in BCAA levels, reducing dietary leucine or total BCAAs independently from total protein was neither necessary nor sufficient to induce hyperphagia, while chronic infusion of EAAs into the brain of LP rats failed to consistently block LP-induced hyperphagia. Collectively, these data suggest that circulating BCAAs are transiently reduced by dietary protein restriction, but variations in dietary or brain BCAAs alone do not explain the hyperphagia induced by a low-protein diet.
Adrenocortical sensitivity to ACTH in neonatal rats: correlation of corticosterone responses and adrenal cAMP content
Authors: Bodager Jonathan , Gessert Thomas , Bruder Eric D. , Gehrand Ashley , Raff Hershel
Published: June 2014

A coordinated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis response is important for the survival of newborns during stress. We have previously shown that prior to postnatal day (PD) 5, neonatal rats exposed to hypoxia (one of the most common stressors effecting premature neonates) exhibit a large corticosterone response with a minimal increase in immunoassayable plasma ACTH and without a detectable increase in adrenal cAMP content (the critical second messenger). To explore the phenomenon of ACTH-stimulated steroidogenesis in the neonate, we investigated the adrenal response to exogenous ACTH in the normoxic neonatal rat. Rat pups at PD2 and PD8 were injected intraperitoneally with porcine ACTH at low, moderate, or high doses (1, 4, or 20 μg/kg body wt). Trunk blood and whole adrenal glands were collected at baseline (before injection) and 15, 30, or 60 min after the injection. ACTH stimulated corticosterone release in PD2 and PD8 pups. In PD2 pups, plasma corticosterone at baseline and during the response to ACTH injection was greater than values measured in PD8 pups, despite lower adrenal cAMP content in PD2 pups. Specifically, the low and moderate physiological ACTH doses produced a large corticosterone response in PD2 pups without a change in adrenal cAMP content. At extremely high, pharmacological levels of plasma ACTH in PD2 pups (exceeding 3,000 pg/ml), an increase in adrenal cAMP was measured. We conclude that physiological increases in plasma ACTH may stimulate adrenal steroidogenesis in PD2 pups through a non-cAMP-mediated pathway.
The heme oxygenases: important regulators of pregnancy and preeclampsia
Authors: George Eric M. , Warrington Junie P. , Spradley Frank T. , Palei Ana C. , Granger Joey P.
Published: June 2014

The heme oxygenase system has long been believed to act largely as a housekeeping unit, converting prooxidant free heme from heme protein degradation into the benign bilirubin for conjugation and safe excretion. In recent decades, however, heme oxygenases have emerged as important regulators of cardiovascular function, largely through the production of their biologically active metabolites: carbon monoxide, bilirubin, and elemental iron. Even more recently, a number of separate lines of evidence have demonstrated an important role for the heme oxygenases in the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. Early preclinical and clinical studies have associated defects in the heme oxygenase with the obstetrical complication preeclampsia, as well as failure to establish adequate placental blood flow, an underlying mechanism of the disorder. Several recent preclinical studies have suggested, however, that the heme oxygenase system could serve as a valuable therapeutic tool for the management of preeclampsia, which currently has few pharmacological options. This review will summarize the role of heme oxygenases in pregnancy and highlight their potential in advancing the management of patients with preeclampsia.
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass does not affect daily water intake or the drinking response to dipsogenic stimuli in rats
Authors: Marshall Anikó , Santollo Jessica , Corteville Caroline , Lutz Thomas A. , Daniels Derek
Published: June 2014

Bariatric surgery is currently the most effective treatment for severe obesity, and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is the most common approach in the United States and worldwide. Many studies have documented the changes in body weight, food intake, and glycemic control associated with the procedure. Although dehydration is commonly listed as a postoperative complication, little focus has been directed to testing the response to dipsogenic treatments after RYGB. Accordingly, we used a rat model of RYGB to test for procedure-induced changes in daily water intake and in the response to three dipsogenic treatments: central administration of ANG II, peripheral injection of hypertonic saline, and overnight water deprivation. We did not find any systematic differences in daily water intake of sham-operated and RYGB rats, nor did we find any differences in the response to the dipsogenic treatments. The results of these experiments suggest that RYGB does not impair thirst responses and does not enhance any satiating effect of water intake. Furthermore, these data support the current view that feedback from the stomach is unnecessary for the termination of drinking behavior and are consistent with a role of orosensory or postgastric feedback.
A bioinformatic and computational study of myosin phosphatase subunit diversity
Authors: Dippold Rachael P. , Fisher Steven A.
Published: June 2014

Variability in myosin phosphatase (MP) subunits may provide specificity in signaling pathways that regulate muscle tone. We utilized public databases and computational algorithms to investigate the phylogenetic diversity of MP regulatory (PPP1R12A-C) and inhibitory (PPP1R14A-D) subunits. The comparison of exonic coding sequences and expression data confirmed or refuted the existence of isoforms and their tissue-specific expression in different model organisms. The comparison of intronic and exonic sequences identified potential expressional regulatory elements. As examples, smooth muscle MP regulatory subunit (PPP1R12A) is highly conserved through evolution. Its alternative exon E24 is present in fish through mammals with two invariant features: 1) a reading frame shift generating a premature termination codon and 2) a hexanucleotide sequence adjacent to the 3′ splice site hypothesized to be a novel suppressor of exon splicing. A characteristic of the striated muscle MP regulatory subunit (PPP1R12B) locus is numerous and phylogenetically variable transcriptional start sites. In fish this locus only codes for the small (M21) subunit, suggesting the primordial function of this gene. Inhibitory subunits show little intragenic variability; their diversity is thought to have arisen by expansion and tissue-specific expression of different gene family members. We demonstrate differences in the regulatory landscape between smooth muscle enriched (PPP1R14A) and more ubiquitously expressed (PPP1R14B) family members and identify deeply conserved intronic sequence and predicted transcriptional cis-regulatory elements. This bioinformatic and computational study has uncovered a number of attributes of MP subunits that supports selection of ideal model organisms and testing of hypotheses regarding their physiological significance and regulated expression.
Macroscopic electrical propagation in the guinea pig urinary bladder
Authors: Hammad F. T. , Stephen B. , Lubbad L. , Morrison J. F. B. , Lammers W. J.
Published: June 2014

There is little knowledge about macroscopic electrical propagation in the wall of the urinary bladder. Recording simultaneously from a large number of extracellular electrodes is one technology that could be used to study the patterns of macroscopic electrical propagations. The urinary bladders from 14 guinea pigs were isolated and placed in an organ bath. A 16 × 4-electrode array was positioned at various sites on the serosal bladder surface, and recordings were performed at different intravesical volumes. In four experiments, carbachol (CCH; 10−6 M), nifedipine (10 mM), or tetrodotoxin (TTX; 10−6 M) was added to the superfusing fluid. After the experiments, the extracellular signals were analyzed and propagation maps were constructed. Electrical waves were detected at all sites on the bladder surface and propagated for a limited distance before terminating spontaneously. The majority of waves (>90%) propagated in the axial direction (i.e., from dome to base or vice versa). An increase in vesicle volume significantly decreased the conduction velocity (from 4.9 ± 1.5 to 2.7 ± 0.7 cm/s; P < 0.05). CCH increased, nifedipine decreased, while TTX had little effect on electrical activities. In addition, a new electrical phenomenon, termed a “patch,” was discovered whereby a simultaneous electrical deflection was detected across an area of the bladder surface. Two types of electrical activities were detected on the bladder surface: 1) electrical waves propagating preferentially in the axial direction and 2) electrical patches. The propagating electrical waves could form the basis for local spontaneous contractions in the bladder during the filling phase.
Tissue-specific regulation of the mousePkhd1(ARPKD) gene promoter
Authors: Williams Scott S. , Cobo-Stark Patricia , Hajarnis Sachin , Aboudehen Karam , Shao Xinli , Richardson James A. , Patel Vishal , Igarashi Peter
Published: June 2014

Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease, an inherited disorder characterized by the formation of cysts in renal collecting ducts and biliary dysgenesis, is caused by mutations of the polycystic kidney and hepatic disease 1 ( PKHD1) gene. Expression of PKHD1 is tissue specific and developmentally regulated. Here, we show that a 2.0-kb genomic fragment containing the proximal promoter of mouse Pkhd1 directs tissue-specific expression of a lacZ reporter gene in transgenic mice. LacZ is expressed in renal collecting ducts beginning during embryonic development but is not expressed in extrarenal tissues. The Pkhd1 promoter contains a binding site for the transcription factor hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-1β, which is required for activity in transfected cells. Mutation of the HNF-1β-binding site abolishes the expression of the lacZ reporter gene in renal collecting ducts. Transgenes containing the 2.0-kb promoter and 2.7 kb of additional genomic sequence extending downstream to the second exon are expressed in the kidney, intrahepatic bile ducts, and male reproductive tract. This pattern overlaps with the endogenous expression of Pkhd1 and coincides with sites of expression of HNF-1β. We conclude that the proximal 2.0-kb promoter is sufficient for tissue-specific expression of Pkhd1 in renal collecting ducts in vivo and that HNF-1β is required for Pkhd1 promoter activity in collecting ducts. Additional genomic sequences located from exons 1-2 or elsewhere in the gene locus are required for expression in extrarenal tissues.
Chronic bilateral renal denervation attenuates renal injury in a transgenic rat model of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Yao Yimin , Fomison-Nurse Ingrid C. , Harrison Joanne C. , Walker Robert J. , Davis Gerard , Sammut Ivan A.
Published: June 2014

Bilateral renal denervation (BRD) has been shown to reduce hypertension and improve renal function in both human and experimental studies. We hypothesized that chronic intervention with BRD may also attenuate renal injury and fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy. This hypothesis was examined in a female streptozotocin-induced diabetic (mRen-2)27 rat (TGR) shown to capture the cardinal features of human diabetic nephropathy. Following diabetic induction, BRD/sham surgeries were conducted repeatedly (at the week 3, 6, and 9 following induction) in both diabetic and normoglycemic animals. Renal denervation resulted in a progressive decrease in systolic blood pressure from first denervation to termination (at 12 wk post-diabetic induction) in both normoglycemic and diabetic rats. Renal norepinephrine content was significantly raised following diabetic induction and ablated in denervated normoglycemic and diabetic groups. A significant increase in glomerular basement membrane thickening and mesangial expansion was seen in the diabetic kidneys; this morphological appearance was markedly reduced by BRD. Immunohistochemistry and protein densitometric analysis of diabetic innervated kidneys confirmed the presence of significantly increased levels of collagens I and IV, α-smooth muscle actin, the ANG II type 1 receptor, and transforming growth factor-β. Renal denervation significantly reduced protein expression of these fibrotic markers. Furthermore, BRD attenuated albuminuria and prevented the loss of glomerular podocin expression in these diabetic animals. In conclusion, BRD decreases systolic blood pressure and reduces the development of renal fibrosis, glomerulosclerosis, and albuminuria in this model of diabetic nephropathy. The evidence presented strongly suggests that renal denervation may serve as a therapeutic intervention to attenuate the progression of renal injury in diabetic nephropathy.
Gp130-dependent signaling in the podocyte
Authors: Nagayama Yoshikuni , Braun Gerald S. , Jakobs Christina M. , Maruta Yuichi , van Roeyen Claudia R. , Klinkhammer Barbara M. , Boor Peter , Villa Luigi , Raffetseder Ute , Trautwein Christian , Görtz Dieter , Müller-Newen Gerhard , Ostendorf Tammo , Floege Jürgen
Published: June 2014

Renal inflammation, in particular glomerular, is often characterized by increased IL-6 levels. The in vivo relevance of IL-6 signaling in glomerular podocytes, which play central roles in most glomerular diseases, is unknown. Here, we show that in normal mice, podocytes express gp130, the common signal-transducing receptor subunit of the IL-6 family of cytokines. Following systemic IL-6 or LPS injection in mice, podocyte IL-6 signaling was evidenced by downstream STAT3 phosphorylation. Next, we generated mice deficient for gp130 in podocytes. Expectedly, these mice exhibited abrogated IL-6 downstream signaling in podocytes. At the age of 40 wk, they did not show spontaneous renal pathology or abnormal renal function. The mice were then challenged using two LPS injury models as well as nephrotoxic serum to induce crescentic nephritis. Under all conditions, circulating IL-6 levels increased markedly and the mice developed the pathological hallmarks of the corresponding injury models such as proteinuria and development of glomerular crescents, respectively. However, despite the capacity of normal podocytes to transduce IL-6 family signals downstream, there were no significant differences between mice bearing the podocyte-specific gp130 deletion and their control littermates in any of these models. In conclusion, under the different conditions tested, gp130 signaling was not a critical component of the (patho-)biology of the podocyte in vivo.
APOL1 risk variants enhance podocyte necrosis through compromising lysosomal membrane permeability
Authors: Lan Xiqian , Jhaveri Aakash , Cheng Kang , Wen Hongxiu , Saleem Moin A. , Mathieson Peter W. , Mikulak Joanna , Aviram Sharon , Malhotra Ashwani , Skorecki Karl , Singhal Pravin C.
Published: June 2014

Development of higher rates of nondiabetic glomerulosclerosis (GS) in African Americans has been attributed to two coding sequence variants (G1 and G2) in the APOL1 gene. To date, the cellular function and the role of APOL1 variants (Vs) in GS are still unknown. In this study, we examined the effects of overexpressing wild-type (G0) and kidney disease risk variants (G1 and G2) of APOL1 in human podocytes using a lentivirus expression system. Interestingly, G0 inflicted podocyte injury only at a higher concentration; however, G1 and G2 promoted moderate podocyte injury at lower and higher concentrations. APOL1Vs expressing podocytes displayed diffuse distribution of both Lucifer yellow dye and cathepsin L as manifestations of enhanced lysosomal membrane permeability (LMP). Chloroquine attenuated the APOL1Vs-induced increase in podocyte injury, consistent with targeting lysosomes. The chloride channel blocker DIDS prevented APOL1Vs- induced injury, indicating a role for chloride influx in osmotic swelling of lysosomes. Direct exposure of noninfected podocytes with conditioned media from G1- and G2-expressing podocytes also induced injury, suggesting a contributory role of the secreted component of G1 and G2 as well. Adverse host factors (AHFs) such as hydrogen peroxide, hypoxia, TNF-α, and puromycin aminonucleoside augmented APOL1- and APOL1Vs-induced podocyte injury, while the effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on podocyte injury was overwhelming under conditions of APOLVs expression. We conclude that G0 and G1 and G2 APOL1 variants have the potential to induce podocyte injury in a manner which is further augmented by AHFs, with HIV infection being especially prominent.
Thermomechanical Behavior of High Performance Epoxy/Organoclay Nanocomposites
Authors: Leal Artur Soares Cavalcanti , de Araújo Carlos Jose , Lima Antônio Gilson de Barbosa , Silva Suédina Maria Lima
Published: June 2014

Nanocomposites of epoxy resin containing bentonite clay were fabricated to evaluate the thermomechanical behavior during heating. The epoxy resin system studied was prepared using bifunctional diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA), crosslinking agent diaminodiphenylsulfone (DDS), and diethylenetriamine (DETA). The purified bentonite organoclay (APOC) was used in all experiments. The formation of nanocomposite was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. Specimens of the fabricated nanocomposites were characterized by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). According to the DMA results a significant increase in glass transition temperature and storage modulus was evidenced when 1 phr of clay is added to epoxy resin.
Optical Amplification at 1525 nm in BaYF5: 20% Yb3+, 2% Er3+ Nanocrystals Doped SU‐8 Polymer Waveguide
Authors: Zhao Pengcheng , Zhang Meiling , Wang Tianjiao , Liu Xinyang , Zhai Xuesong , Qin Guanshi , Qin Weiping , Wang Fei , Zhang Daming
Published: June 2014

We demonstrated optical amplification in BaYF5: 20% Yb3+, 2% Er3+ (BYF) nanocrystals doped polymer waveguide. BYF nanocrystals with an average size of ∼13 nm were synthesized by a high‐boiling solvent process. Intense 1.53 μm fluorescence was obtained in the nanocrystals under excitation at 980 nm. An optical polymer waveguide was fabricated by using BYF nanocrystals doped SU‐8 polymer as the core material. A relative optical gain of ∼10.4 dB at 1525 nm was achieved in a 1.1 cm long waveguide for an input signal power of ∼0.09 mW and a pump power of ∼212 mW.
Levofloxacin-Amoxicillin/Clavulanate-Rabeprazole versus a Standard Seven-Day Triple Therapy for Eradication ofHelicobacter pyloriInfection
Authors: Chen Ming-Cheh , Lei Wei-Yi , Lin Jen-Shung , Yi Chih-Hsun , Wu Deng-Chyang , Hu Chi-Tan
Published: June 2014

The resistance rates ofHelicobacter pylorito amoxicillin and metronidazole therapy are higher in eastern Taiwan as compared to national and worldwide rates. The high resistance rate in this territory justified a search for a better eradication regimen. We conducted an open-labeled, prospective, randomized, and controlled study in a tertiary referral hospital in eastern Taiwan. Between December 2007 and December 2009, a total of 153Helicobacter pylori-positive, therapy-naïve patients with a positive rapid urease test were recruited for random assignment to two seven-day treatment groups: levofloxacin (500 mg), amoxicillin/clavulanate (875 mg/125 mg), and rabeprazole (20 mg) twice per day (LAcR) or clarithyromicin (500 mg), amoxicillin (1000 mg), and rabeprazole (20 mg) twice per day (CAR).Helicobacter pylorieradication was assessed using the13C-urea breath test or rapid urease test performed at least 4 weeks after the end of treatment. After exclusion, 146 patients were enrolled and allocated in the study. TheHelicobacter pylorieradication rates analyzed by both intention to treat (78.1% versus 57.5%,P=0.008) and perprotocol (80.9% versus 61.8%,P=0.014) were significantly higher for the LAcR group. In conclusion, the seven-day LAcR regimen provided improvedHelicobacter pylorieradication efficacy when compared with the standard CAR triple therapy in eastern Taiwan.
The Role of Intracellular Organisms in the Pathogenesis of Inflammatory Arthritis
Authors: Singh Animesh , Karrar Sarah
Published: June 2014

Inflammatory arthritis is a condition which is characterised by recurrent episodes of joint pain and swelling. It encompasses a spectrum of disorders ranging from rheumatoid arthritis to ankylosing spondylitis. In these conditions, for reasons that are poorly understood, the immune system raises an inflammatory response within the joint space. In some cases, autoantigens have been identified (e.g., anticitrullinated peptides in rheumatoid arthritis), but the absence of these, in the seronegative arthritides, for example, raises question as to the underlying pathogenesis. Interest has, therefore, turned to host-pathogen interactions and whether aberrant immune responses to these could explain the development of arthritis. This has been most widely studied in reactive arthritis (ReA), where an infectious episode precedes the development of the joint symptoms. In this review, we present the evidence for the role of host-bacterial interactions in the pathogenesis of joint inflammation with particular emphasis on ReA. We discuss a range of possible mechanisms including molecular mimicry, persistent low grade infections, and abnormal host responses to common bacterial causes of reactive arthritis as well as discussing some of the clinical challenges that we face in making the diagnosis and in treatment of persistent symptoms.
Minimum Variance Distortionless Response Beamformer with Enhanced Nulling Level Control via Dynamic Mutated Artificial Immune System
Authors: Kiong Tiong Sieh , Salem S. Balasem , Paw Johnny Koh Siaw , Sankar K. Prajindra , Darzi Soodabeh
Published: June 2014

In smart antenna applications, the adaptive beamforming technique is used to cancel interfering signals (placing nulls) and produce or steer a strong beam toward the target signal according to the calculated weight vectors. Minimum variance distortionless response (MVDR) beamforming is capable of determining the weight vectors for beam steering; however, its nulling level on the interference sources remains unsatisfactory. Beamforming can be considered as an optimization problem, such that optimal weight vector should be obtained through computation. Hence, in this paper, a new dynamic mutated artificial immune system (DM-AIS) is proposed to enhance MVDR beamforming for controlling the null steering of interference and increase the signal to interference noise ratio (SINR) for wanted signals.
Low‐Temperature Synthesis and Gas Sensitivity of Perovskite‐Type LaCoO3 Nanoparticles
Authors: Gildo Ortiz Lorenzo , Guillén Bonilla Héctor , Santoyo Salazar Jaime , Olvera M. de la L. , Karthik T. V. K. , Campos González Enrique , Reyes Gómez Juan
Published: June 2014

LaCoO3 nanoparticles with perovskite‐type structure were prepared by a microwave‐assisted colloidal method. Lanthanum nitrate, cobalt nitrate, and ethylenediamine were used as precursors and ethyl alcohol as solvent. The thermal decomposition of the precursors leads to the formation of LaCoO3 from a temperature of 500°C. The structural, morphological, and compositional properties of LaCoO3 nanoparticles were studied in this work by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Pellets were manufactured in order to test the gas sensing properties of LaCoO3 powders in carbon monoxide (CO) and propane (C3H8) atmospheres. Agglomerates of nanoparticles with high connectivity, forming a porous structure, were observed from SEM and TEM analysis. LaCoO3 pellets presented a high sensitivity in both CO and C3H8 at different concentrations and operating temperatures. As was expected, sensitivity increased with the gas concentration and operation temperature increase.
Understanding and Control of High Temperature Oxidation Flaws of Low-Density Poly(ethylene) with Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Veitmann Marie , Jumeau Richard , Bourson Patrice , Ferriol Michel , Lahure François
Published: June 2014

Studies of high temperature oxidation of polyethylene are not much present in the literature though it can really be a problem especially in polymer production and processing. This study aims to detect oxidation flaws in polyethylene and to determine their impact on polymer structure and properties. Besides, we suggest a method via PLS-regression to determine the degree of flaws that can occur during polymer processing due to oxidation. Several kinds of oxidation flaws were reproduced in laboratory at 150°C in an oven operating in air and Raman spectroscopy analysis was performed on each sample. Using statistical tools as chemometrics on these spectra, we have built a Partial Least Square (PLS) model able to predict the oxidation degree of flaws. Interpretation of the model construction and further characterization tests show that oxidation can be followed with the evolution of the crystalline carbon group and of the created carbonyl functions. Finally we suggest possible mechanisms which can explain the high temperature oxidation process in LPDE, and we link them to the modification of the material properties.
Influence of Neutral Currents on Electron and Gamma Polarizations in the Processe+N→e′+N+γ
Authors: Samsonenko N. V. , Ousmane Manga Adamou , Aboubacar Almoustapha , Moussa Aboubacar
Published: June 2014

The differential cross section of electron inelastic scattering by nuclei followed byγradiation is calculated using the multipole decomposition of the hadronic currents and by taking into account the longitudinal polarization of the initial electron and the circular polarization of theγradiation. We performed the analysis of the angular and energy dependence of the degree of electron and photon polarization which can yield information on values of weak neutral currents parameters.
A Novel Four-Wing Hyperchaotic Complex System and Its Complex Modified Hybrid Projective Synchronization with Different Dimensions
Authors: Liu Jian , Liu Shutang , Zhang Fangfang
Published: June 2014

We introduce a new Dadras system with complex variables which can exhibit both four-wing hyperchaotic and chaotic attractors. Some dynamic properties of the system have been described including Lyapunov exponents, fractal dimensions, and Poincaré maps. More importantly, we focus on a new type of synchronization method of modified hybrid project synchronization with complex transformation matrix (CMHPS) for different dimensional hyperchaotic and chaotic complex systems with complex parameters, where the drive and response systems can be asymptotically synchronized up to a desired complex transformation matrix, not a diagonal matrix. Furthermore, CMHPS between the novel hyperchaotic Dadras complex system and other two different dimensional complex chaotic systems is provided as an example to discuss increased order synchronization and reduced order synchronization, respectively. Numerical results verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the presented schemes.
The Relationship between Interleukin-18 Polymorphisms and Allergic Disease: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Cheng Daye , Hao Yiwen , Zhou Wenling , Ma Yiran
Published: June 2014

Recent studies have suggested thatIL-18−607C/A and −137G/C polymorphisms may be associated with the risk of allergic disease; however, individually published results are inconclusive. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to clarify whetherIL-18−607C/A and −137G/C polymorphisms were associated with the risk of allergic disease. A total of 21 studies including 5,331 cases and 9,658 controls were involved in this meta-analysis. In the overall analysis and the subgroup analysis according to ethnicity, we did not find significant association betweenIL-18−607C/A or −137G/C polymorphism and the risk of allergic disease (allP>0.05). However, in a stratified analysis by type of allergic disease, our results indicated thatIL-18−607C/A polymorphism was associated with a significantly decreased risk of allergic asthma in heterozygous comparison andIL-18−137G/C was associated with a significantly decreased risk of allergic dermatitis in recessive model and homozygous comparison. In the stratified analysis by source of control,IL-18−607C/A showed significantly reduced risk in population-based subgroup, and forIL-18−137G/C only significantly decreased risk was found in the hospital-based subgroup. Our meta-analysis suggests thatIL-18−607C/A and −137G/C polymorphisms may be protective factors for the risk of allergic asthma and allergic dermatitis, respectively.
Methanol Extract ofEuchelus asperPrevents Bone Resorption in Ovariectomised Mice Model
Authors: Balakrishnan Babita , Chiplunkar Shubhada Vivek , Indap Madhavi Manohar
Published: June 2014

Marine molluscs are widely distributed throughout the world and many bioactive compounds exhibiting antiviral, antitumor, antileukemic, and antibacterial activity have been reported worldwide. The present study was designed to investigate the beneficial effect of methanol extract ofEuchelus asper(EAME) on estrogen deficiency induced osteoporosis in ovariectomised mice model. Forty-two female Swiss albino mice were randomly assigned into Sham operated (Sham) group and six ovariectomised (OVX) subgroups such as OVX with vehicle (OVX); OVX with estradiol (2 mg/kg/day); OVX with EAME of graded doses (25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day). Bone turnover markers like serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), serum acid phosphatase (ACP), serum calcium, and histological investigations of tibia and uterus were analysed. Metaphyseal DNA content of the femur bone was also studied. Antiosteoclastogenic activity of EAME was examined. Administration of EAME was able to reduce the increased bone turnover markers in the ovariectomised mice. Histomorphometric analysis revealed an increase in bone trabeculation and restoration of trabecular separation by EAME treatment. Metaphyseal DNA content of the femur of the OVX mice was increased by EAME administration. EAME also showed a potent antiosteoclastogenic behaviour. Thus, the present study reveals that EAME was able to successfully reduce the estrogen deficiency induced bone loss.