bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sodium 4-phenylbutyrate reduces myofiber damage in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Begam Morium , Abro Valerie M. , Mueller Amber L. , Roche Joseph A.
Published: August 2016

We performed a placebo-controlled pre-clinical study to determine if sodium 4-phenylbutyrate (4PB) can reduce contraction-induced myofiber damage in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). At 72 h post-eccentric contractions, 4PB significantly increased contractile torque and reduced myofiber damage and macrophage infiltration. We conclude that 4PB, which is approved by Health Canada (Pheburane) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (Buphenyl) for urea cycle disorders, might modify disease severity in patients with DMD.
The importance of taxonomic resolution for additive beta diversity as revealed through DNA barcoding
Authors: Bringloe Trevor T. , Cottenie Karl , Martin Gillian K. , Adamowicz Sarah J.
Published: August 2016

Additive diversity partitioning (α, β, and γ) is commonly used to study the distribution of species-level diversity across spatial scales. Here, we first investigate whether published studies of additive diversity partitioning show signs of difficulty attaining species-level resolution due to inherent limitations with morphological identifications. Second, we present a DNA barcoding approach to delineate specimens of stream caddisfly larvae (order Trichoptera) and consider the importance of taxonomic resolution on classical (additive) measures of beta (β) diversity. Caddisfly larvae were sampled using a hierarchical spatial design in two regions (subarctic Churchill, Manitoba, Canada; temperate Pennsylvania, USA) and then additively partitioned according to Barcode Index Numbers (molecular clusters that serve as a proxy for species), genus, and family levels; diversity components were expressed as proportional species turnover. We screened 114 articles of additive diversity partitioning and found that a third reported difficulties with achieving species-level identifications, with a clear taxonomic tendency towards challenges identifying invertebrate taxa. Regarding our own study, caddisfly BINs appeared to show greater subregional turnover (e.g., proportional additive β) compared to genus or family levels. Diversity component studies failing to achieve species resolution due to morphological identifications may therefore be underestimating diversity turnover at larger spatial scales.
Independent Component Decomposition of Human Somatosensory Evoked Potentials Recorded by Micro-Electrocorticography
Authors: Rembado Irene , Castagnola Elisa , Turella Luca , Ius Tamara , Budai Riccardo , Ansaldo Alberto , Angotzi Gian Nicola , Debertoldi Francesco , Ricci Davide , Skrap Miran , Fadiga Luciano
Published: August 2016

High-density surface microelectrodes for electrocorticography (ECoG) have become more common in recent years for recording electrical signals from the cortex. With an acceptable invasiveness/signal fidelity trade-off and high spatial resolution, micro-ECoG is a promising tool to resolve fine task-related spatial-temporal dynamics. However, volume conduction — not a negligible phenomenon — is likely to frustrate efforts to obtain reliable and resolved signals from a sub-millimeter electrode array. To address this issue, we performed an independent component analysis (ICA) on micro-ECoG recordings of somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs) elicited by median nerve stimulation in three human patients undergoing brain surgery for tumor resection. Using well-described cortical responses in SEPs, we were able to validate our results showing that the array could segregate different functional units possessing unique, highly localized spatial distributions. The representation of signals through the root-mean-square (rms) maps and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) analysis emphasizes the advantages of adopting a source analysis approach on micro-ECoG recordings in order to obtain a clear picture of cortical activity. The implications are twofold: while on one side ICA may be used as a spatial-temporal filter extracting micro-signal components relevant to tasks for brain–computer interface (BCI) applications, it could also be adopted to accurately identify the sites of nonfunctional regions for clinical purposes.
Some possible q-exponential type probability distribution in the non-extensive statistical physics
Authors: Chung Won Sang
Published: August 2016

In this paper, we present two exponential type probability distributions which are different from Tsallis’s case which we call Type I: one given by [Formula: see text] (Type IIA) and another given by [Formula: see text] (Type IIIA). Starting with the Boltzman–Gibbs entropy, we obtain the different probability distribution by using the Kolmogorov–Nagumo average for the microstate energies. We present the first-order differential equations related to Types I, II and III. For three types of probability distributions, we discuss the quantum harmonic oscillator, two-level problem and the spin-[Formula: see text] paramagnet.
Computation of the difference-differential Galois group and differential relations among solutions for a second-order linear difference equation
Authors: Arreche Carlos E.
Published: August 2016

We apply the difference-differential Galois theory developed by Hardouin and Singer to compute the differential-algebraic relations among the solutions to a second-order homogeneous linear difference equation [Formula: see text] where the coefficients [Formula: see text] are rational functions in [Formula: see text] with coefficients in [Formula: see text]. We develop algorithms to compute the difference-differential Galois group associated to such an equation, and show how to deduce the differential-algebraic relations among the solutions from the defining equations of the Galois group.
On Hadamard products of linear varieties
Authors: Bocci C. , Calussi G. , Fatabbi G. , Lorenzini A.
Published: August 2016

In this paper, we address the Hadamard product of linear varieties not necessarily in general position. In [Formula: see text], we obtain a complete description of the possible outcomes. In particular, in the case of two disjoint finite sets [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of collinear points, we get conditions for [Formula: see text] to be either a collinear finite set of points or a grid of [Formula: see text] points. In [Formula: see text] under suitable conditions (which we prove to be generic), we show that [Formula: see text] consists of [Formula: see text] points on the two different rulings of a nondegenerate quadric and we compute its Hilbert function in the case [Formula: see text]
Open system quantum evolution and the assumption of complete positivity (A Tutorial)
Authors: Byrd Mark , Ceballos Russell , Chitambar Eric
Published: August 2016

Quantum systems which interact with an unknown environment cannot be described in terms of a unitary evolution on the system alone. For such evolution one can use a map from one density operator to another and use any other known information to model the system. Such maps are required to be positive (at least on their domain) — they take positive density operators to positive density operators — so as to be physically reasonable. A map [Formula: see text] which is positive but not completely positive (CP) is one which takes positive operators to positive operators, but when extended by the identity [Formula: see text], i.e. [Formula: see text] does not give a positive map for some [Formula: see text]. The map is CP if and only if the extension is positive for all [Formula: see text]. Recently some effort has been put forth to try to understand if, and/or, under what circumstances one might utilize a non-CP map. Here, after a tutorial-type introduction to maps from one density operator to another, some examples which do not fit the standard prescription (SP) for deriving a CP map are given. In cases where the physical system is constrained by some knowledge of the interaction, it is possible that the SP cannot be used directly. Our example is robust to changes in the initial and final conditions.
Several foundational and information theoretic implications of Bell’s theorem
Authors: Kar Guruprasad , Banik Manik
Published: August 2016

In 1935, Albert Einstein and two colleagues, Boris Podolsky and Nathan Rosen (EPR) developed a thought experiment to demonstrate what they felt was a lack of completeness in quantum mechanics (QM). EPR also postulated the existence of more fundamental theory where physical reality of any system would be completely described by the variables/states of that fundamental theory. This variable is commonly called hidden variable and the theory is called hidden variable theory (HVT). In 1964, John Bell proposed an empirically verifiable criterion to test for the existence of these HVTs. He derived an inequality, which must be satisfied by any theory that fulfill the conditions of locality and reality. He also showed that QM, as it violates this inequality, is incompatible with any local-realistic theory. Later it has been shown that Bell’s inequality (BI) can be derived from different set of assumptions and it also find applications in useful information theoretic protocols. In this review, we will discuss various foundational as well as information theoretic implications of BI. We will also discuss about some restricted nonlocal feature of quantum nonlocality and elaborate the role of Uncertainty principle and Complementarity principle in explaining this feature.
Coupled effect of grain boundary sliding and dislocation emission on fracture toughness of nanocrystalline materials
Authors: Fang Q. H. , Zhang L. C.
Published: August 2016

This paper establishes a theoretical model to explore the coupled effect of grain boundary (GB) sliding deformation and crack tip dislocation emission on the critical stress intensity factor (SIF) for crack growth in ultrafine-grained and nanocrystalline materials (NCMs). The model postulates that the stress concentration near a crack tip initiates GB sliding. It is found that GB sliding leads to the formation of wedge disclination dipole at the triple junctions of grain boundaries. Under the external load and stress fields produced by wedge disclinations, dislocations are emitted from crack tips but will stop at the opposite GBs. The influence of the wedge disclination dipole and the dislocation emitted from crack tip on the critical SIF for crack growth is investigated. The model prediction shows that the critical SIF varies with the decrement of grain size, and that there is a critical grain size corresponding to a minimum value of SIF. Compared with the pure brittle fracture in NCMs at the grain sizes of tens of nanometers, the combined deformation mechanisms can bring an increase of the critical SIF for crack growth.
Effect of orchiectomy and testosterone replacement on lower urinary tract function in anesthetized rats
Authors: Cheng Chen-Li , de Groat William C.
Published: August 2016

Lower urinary tract (LUT) symptoms (LUTS), including frequency, urgency, incomplete voiding, and slow stream, are common in both men and women with advancing age. The most common cause for LUTS in aging men is benign prostatic hyperplasia. Some studies have also revealed an inverse association of serum testosterone levels with LUTS; however, the underlying mechanisms by which gonadal hormones affect the LUT have not been clarified. In the present study, we examined the effect of orchiectomy and testosterone replacement on LUT function in adult male Sprague-Dawley rats. Six weeks after bilateral orchiectomy or sham operations and 3 wk after injection of long-acting testosterone undecanoate (100 mg/kg im), transvesical cystometry and external urethral sphincter electromyogram (EUS EMG) recordings were performed under urethane anesthesia. The micturition reflex was elicited in both sham and orchiectomized animals. In orchiectomized rats, volume threshold for inducing micturition decreased by 47.6%; however, contraction amplitude, duration, and voiding efficiency were similar in sham and orchiectomized rats. The active period during EUS EMG bursting was lengthened during micturition in orchiectomized animals. Testosterone treatment, which normalized plasma testosterone levels, reversed these changes but also increased the duration of EUS EMG bursting. Orchiectomy also reduced mean voiding flow rate estimated from the duration of EUS EMG bursting, an effect that was not reversed by testosterone. The results indicate that orchiectomy affects both the active and passive properties of the bladder and urethra, and that many, but not all, of the changes can be reversed by testosterone.
Activation of the metabolic sensor AMP-activated protein kinase inhibits aquaporin-2 function in kidney principal cells
Authors: Al-bataineh Mohammad M. , Li Hui , Ohmi Kazuhiro , Gong Fan , Marciszyn Allison L. , Naveed Sajid , Zhu Xiaoqing , Neumann Dietbert , Wu Qi , Cheng Lei , Fenton Robert A. , Pastor-Soler Núria M. , Hallows Kenneth R.
Published: August 2016

Aquaporin-2 (AQP2) is essential to maintain body water homeostasis. AQP2 traffics from intracellular vesicles to the apical membrane of kidney collecting duct principal cells in response to vasopressin [arginine vasopressin (AVP)], a hormone released with low intravascular volume, which causes decreased kidney perfusion. Decreased kidney perfusion activates AMP-activated kinase (AMPK), a metabolic sensor that inhibits the activity of several transport proteins. We hypothesized that AMPK activation also inhibits AQP2 function. These putative AMPK effects could protect interstitial ionic gradients required for urinary concentration during metabolic stress when low intravascular volume induces AVP release. Here we found that short-term AMPK activation by treatment with 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-β-d-ribofuranoside (AICAR; 75 min) in kidney tissue prevented baseline AQP2 apical accumulation in principal cells, but did not prevent AQP2 apical accumulation in response to the AVP analog desmopressin (dDAVP). Prolonged AMPK activation prevented AQP2 cell membrane accumulation in response to forskolin in mouse collecting duct mpkCCDc14cells. Moreover, AMPK inhibition accelerated hypotonic lysis of Xenopus oocytes expressing AQP2. We performed phosphorylation assays to elucidate the mechanism by which AMPK regulates AQP2. Although AMPK weakly phosphorylated immunoprecipitated AQP2 in vitro, no direct AMPK phosphorylation of the AQP2 COOH-terminus was detected by mass spectrometry. AMPK promoted Ser-261 phosphorylation and antagonized dDAVP-dependent phosphorylation of other AQP2 COOH-terminal sites in cells. Our findings suggest an increasing, time-dependent antagonism of AMPK on AQP2 regulation with AICAR-dependent inhibition of cAMP-dependent apical accumulation and AVP-dependent phosphorylation of AQP2. This inhibition likely occurs via a mechanism that does not involve direct AQP2 phosphorylation by AMPK.
Interferon Tau Affects Mouse Intestinal Microbiota and Expression of IL-17
Authors: Ren Wenkai , Chen Shuai , Zhang Liwen , Liu Gang , Hussain Tarique , Hao Xiao , Yin Jie , Duan Jielin , Tan Bie , Wu Guoyao , Bazer Fuller W. , Yin Yulong
Published: August 2016

This study was conducted to explore the effects of interferon tau (IFNT) on the intestinal microbiota and expression of interleukin 17 (IL-17) in the intestine of mice. IFNT supplementation increased microbial diversity in the jejunum and ileum but decreased microbial diversity in the feces. IFNT supplementation influenced the composition of the intestinal microbiota as follows: (1) decreasing the percentage ofFirmicutesand increasingBacteroidetesin the jejunum and ileum; (2) enhancing the percentage ofFirmicutesbut decreasingBacteroidetesin the colon and feces; (3) decreasingLactobacillusin the jejunum and ileum; (4) increasing the percentage ofBlautia,Bacteroides,Alloprevotella,andLactobacillusin the colon; and (5) increasing the percentage ofLactobacillus,Bacteroides, andAllobaculum, while decreasingBlautiain the feces. Also, IFNT supplementation decreased the expression of IL-17 in the intestines of normal mice and of an intestinal pathogen infected mice. In conclusion, IFNT supplementation modulates the intestinal microbiota and intestinal IL-17 expression, indicating the applicability of IFNT to treat the intestinal diseases involving IL-17 expression and microbiota.
Impact of Serum Antibodies to HPV Serotypes 6, 11, 16, and 18 to Risks of Subsequent Genital HPV Infections in Men: The HIM Study
Authors: Pamnani Shitaldas J. , Sudenga Staci L. , Viscidi Raphael , Rollison Dana E. , Torres B. Nelson , Ingles Donna J. , Abrahamsen Martha , Villa Luisa L. , Lazcano-Ponce Eduardo , Salmeron Jorge , Quiterio Manuel , Huang Yangxin , Borenstein Amy , Giuliano Anna R.
Published: August 2016

Naturally induced serum antibodies against human papillomavirus (HPV) may affect risks of subsequent incident genital infections by HPV 6, 11, 16, or 18 in men. In this study, we examined the hypothesis by following 4,123 healthy men every 6 months (median follow-up time, 4.1 years). HPV antibodies were measured at baseline using a virus-like particle-based ELISA assay. Genital HPV genotypes were detected using Roche Linear Array. Incidence proportions and 6-month persistence proportions were calculated at 6-month intervals. Kaplan–Meier curves and Cox models were used to assess genotype-specific cumulative incidence and HRs, respectively. HPV 6, 11, 16, and 18 seroprevalence was 8.1%, 13.9%, 12.7%, and 10.8%, respectively. Significantly higher rates of incident infections were observed for HPV 16 among baseline-seropositive men [adjusted HR, 1.37; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01–1.86], with similar but nonsignificant HRs for 6-month persistent infections. Risk of persistent HPV 18 infection was significantly lower among seropositive men in the unadjusted model (HR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.06–0.91), but not in the adjusted model (HR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.03–1.37). Incident and 6-month persistent infections for HPV 6 and 11 did not differ by baseline serostatus. Baseline serostatus among men was not associated with a reduction in subsequent incident genital HPV 6, 11, and 16 infections. However, protection against persistent HPV18 infections was observed in unadjusted models. Our research suggests a need of further studies to examine the potentially protective effects of naturally induced HPV18 antibodies in men. Cancer Res; 76(20); 6066–75. ©2016 AACR.
Bazedoxifene as a Novel GP130 Inhibitor for Pancreatic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Wu Xiaojuan , Cao Yang , Xiao Hui , Li Chenglong , Lin Jiayuh
Published: August 2016

The IL6/GP130/STAT3 pathway is crucial for tumorigenesis in multiple cancer types, including pancreatic cancer, and presents as a viable target for cancer therapy. We reported Bazedoxifene, which is approved as a selective estrogen modulator by FDA, as a novel inhibitor of IL6/GP130 protein–protein interactions using multiple ligand simultaneous docking and drug repositioning approaches. STAT3 is one of the major downstream effectors of IL6/GP130. Here, we observed Bazedoxifene inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation and STAT3 DNA binding, induced apoptosis, and suppressed tumor growth in pancreatic cancer cells with persistent IL6/GP130/STAT3 signaling in vitro and in vivo. In addition, IL6, but not INFγ, rescued Bazedoxifene-mediated reduction of cell viability. Bazedoxifene also inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation induced by IL6 and IL11, but not by OSM or STAT1 phosphorylation induced by INFγ in pancreatic cancer cells, suggesting that Bazedoxifene inhibits the GP130/STAT3 pathway mediated by IL6 and IL11. Furthermore, Bazedoxifene combined with paclitaxel or gemcitabine synergistically inhibited cell viability and cell migration in pancreatic cancer cells. These results indicate that Bazedoxifene is a potential agent and can generate synergism when combined with conventional chemotherapy in human pancreatic cancer cells and tumor xenograft in mice. Therefore, our results support that Bazedoxifene as a novel inhibitor of GP130 signaling and may be a potential and safe therapeutic agent for human pancreatic cancer therapy. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(11); 2609–19. ©2016 AACR.
Regulation of HIF1α under Hypoxia by APE1/Ref-1 Impacts CA9 Expression: Dual Targeting in Patient-Derived 3D Pancreatic Cancer Models
Authors: Logsdon Derek P. , Grimard Michelle , Luo Meihua , Shahda Safi , Jiang Yanlin , Tong Yan , Yu Zhangsheng , Zyromski Nicholas , Schipani Ernestina , Carta Fabrizio , Supuran Claudiu T. , Korc Murray , Ivan Mircea , Kelley Mark R. , Fishel Melissa L.
Published: August 2016

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States. Aggressive treatment regimens have not changed the disease course, and the median survival has just recently reached a year. Several mechanisms are proposed to play a role in PDAC therapeutic resistance, including hypoxia, which creates a more aggressive phenotype with increased metastatic potential and impaired therapeutic efficacy. AP Endonuclease-1/Redox Effector Factor 1 (APE1/Ref-1) is a multifunctional protein possessing a DNA repair function in base excision repair and the ability to reduce oxidized transcription factors, enabling them to bind to their DNA target sequences. APE1/Ref-1 regulates several transcription factors involved in survival mechanisms, tumor growth, and hypoxia signaling. Here, we explore the mechanisms underlying PDAC cell responses to hypoxia and modulation of APE1/Ref-1 redox signaling activity, which regulates the transcriptional activation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1α). Carbonic anhydrase IX (CA9) is regulated by HIF1α and functions as a part of the cellular response to hypoxia to regulate intracellular pH, thereby promoting cell survival. We hypothesized that modulating APE1/Ref-1 function will block activation of downstream transcription factors, STAT3 and HIF1α, interfering with the hypoxia-induced gene expression. We demonstrate APE1/Ref-1 inhibition in patient-derived and established PDAC cells results in decreased HIF1α–mediated induction of CA9. Furthermore, an ex vivo three-dimensional tumor coculture model demonstrates dramatic enhancement of APE1/Ref-1–induced cell killing upon dual targeting of APE1/Ref-1 and CA9. Both APE1/Ref-1 and CA9 are under clinical development; therefore, these studies have the potential to direct novel PDAC therapeutic treatment. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(11); 2722–32. ©2016 AACR.
E7090, a Novel Selective Inhibitor of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptors, Displays Potent Antitumor Activity and Prolongs Survival in Preclinical Models
Authors: Watanabe Miyano Saori , Yamamoto Yuji , Kodama Kotaro , Miyajima Yukiko , Mikamoto Masaki , Nakagawa Takayuki , Kuramochi Hiroko , Funasaka Setsuo , Nagao Satoshi , Sugi Naoko Hata , Okamoto Kiyoshi , Minoshima Yukinori , Nakatani Yusuke , Karoji Yuki , Ohashi Isao , Yamane Yoshinobu , Okada Toshimi , Matsushima Tomohiro , Matsui Junji , Iwata Masao , Uenaka Toshimitsu , Tsuruoka Akihiko
Published: August 2016

The FGFR signaling pathway has a crucial role in proliferation, survival, and migration of cancer cells, tumor angiogenesis, and drug resistance. FGFR genetic abnormalities, such as gene fusion, mutation, and amplification, have been implicated in several types of cancer. Therefore, FGFRs are considered potential targets for cancer therapy. E7090 is an orally available and selective inhibitor of the tyrosine kinase activities of FGFR1, -2, and -3. In kinetic analyses of the interaction between E7090 and FGFR1 tyrosine kinase, E7090 associated more rapidly with FGFR1 than did the type II FGFR1 inhibitor ponatinib, and E7090 dissociated more slowly from FGFR1, with a relatively longer residence time, than did the type I FGFR1 inhibitor AZD4547, suggesting that its kinetics are more similar to the type V inhibitors, such as lenvatinib. E7090 showed selective antiproliferative activity against cancer cell lines harboring FGFR genetic abnormalities and decreased tumor size in a mouse xenograft model using cell lines with dysregulated FGFR. Furthermore, E7090 administration significantly prolonged the survival of mice with metastasized tumors in the lung. Our results suggest that E7090 is a promising candidate as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of tumors harboring FGFR genetic abnormalities. It is currently being investigated in a phase I clinical trial. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(11); 2630–9. ©2016 AACR.
Melatonin Represses Metastasis inHer2-Postive Human Breast Cancer Cells by Suppressing RSK2 Expression
Authors: Mao Lulu , Summers Whitney , Xiang Shulin , Yuan Lin , Dauchy Robert T. , Reynolds Amberly , Wren-Dail Melissa A. , Pointer David , Frasch Tripp , Blask David E. , Hill Steven M.
Published: August 2016

The importance of the circadian/melatonin signal in suppressing the metastatic progression of breast and other cancers has been reported by numerous laboratories including our own. Currently, the mechanisms underlying the antimetastatic actions of melatonin have not been well established. In the present study, the antimetastatic actions of melatonin were evaluated and compared on the ERα-negative, Her2-positive SKBR-3 breast tumor cell line and ERα-positive MCF-7 cells overexpressing a constitutively active HER2.1 construct (MCF-7Her2.1 cells). Activation of Her2 is reported to induce the expression and/or phosphorylation-dependent activation of numerous kinases and transcription factors that drive drug resistance and metastasis in breast cancer. A key signaling node activated by the Her2/Mapk/Erk pathway is Rsk2, which has been shown to induce numerous signaling pathways associated with the development of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis including: Creb, Stat3, cSrc, Fak, Pax, Fascin, and actin polymerization. The data demonstrate that melatonin (both endogenous and exogenous) significantly represses this invasive/metastatic phenotype through a mechanism that involves the suppression of EMT, either by promoting mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition, and/or by inhibiting key signaling pathways involved in later stages of metastasis. These data, combined with our earlier in vitro studies, support the concept that maintenance of elevated and extended duration of nocturnal melatonin levels plays a critical role in repressing the metastatic progression of breast cancer.

Implications: Melatonin inhibition of Rsk2 represses the metastatic phenotype in breast cancer cells suppressing EMT or inhibiting other mechanisms that promote metastasis; disruption of the melatonin signal may promote metastatic progression in breast cancer. Mol Cancer Res; 14(11); 1159–69. ©2016 AACR.
Key Markers of mTORC1-Dependent and mTORC1-Independent Signaling Pathways Regulating Protein Synthesis in Rat Soleus Muscle During Early Stages of Hindlimb Unloading
Authors: Mirzoev Timur , Tyganov Sergey , Vilchinskaya Natalia , Lomonosova Yulia , Shenkman Boris
Published: August 2016

Background/Aims: The purpose of the study was to assess the amount of rRNA and phosphorylation status of the key markers of mTORC1-dependent (70s6k, 4E-BP1) and mTORC1-independent (GSK-3β, AMPK) signaling pathways controlling protein synthesis in rat soleus during early stages of mechanical unloading (hindlimb suspension (HS) for 1-, 3- and 7 days). Methods: The content of the key signaling molecules of various anabolic signaling pathways was determined by Western-blotting. The amount of 28S rRNA was evaluated by RT-PCR. The rate of protein synthesis was assessed using in-vivo SUnSET technique. Results: HS for 3 and 7 days induced a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the rate of global protein synthesis in soleus muscle in comparison with control. HS within 24 hours resulted in a significant (p<0.05) decrease in p-4E-BP1 content, p-AMPK content and increase in p-p70s6k content in rat soleus muscle. Following three days of HS the content of p-AKT was decreased (p<0.05). After 7 days of HS the phosphorylation level of AKT and GSK-3beta was significantly reduced (p<0.05) compared to control. We also observed a significant decrease in the amount of 28S rRNA in rat soleus following 1, 3 and 7 days of HS. Conclusion: Taken together, the results of our study suggest that a decline in the global rate of protein synthesis in rat soleus during early stages of simulated microgravity is associated with impaired ribosome biogenesis as well as reduced activity of mTORC1-independent signaling pathways.
Atorvastatin Protects Myocardium Against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Through Inhibiting miR-199a-5p
Authors: Zuo YaBei , Wang YuZhao , Hu HaiJuan , Cui Wei
Published: August 2016

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of atorvastatin against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in cardiomyocytes and its possible underlying mechanism. Method: Direct cytotoxic effect of OGD/R on cardiomyocytes with and without atorvastatin pretreatment was evaluated. Effects of atorvastatin on expression of GSK-3β and miR-199a-5p were determined using RT-PCR and Western blot. In addition, GSK-3β expression with miR-199a-5p upregulation and downregulation was detected using RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Results: Pretreatment with atorvastatin significantly improved the recovery of cells viability from OGD/R (p<0.05). In addition, the atorvastatin pretreatment significantly increased GSK-3β expression both in mRNA level and protein level and decreased miR-199a-5p expression in mRNA level (p<0.05). Upregulation and downregulation of miR-199a-5p respectively decreased and increased GSK-3β expression both in mRNA level and protein level. Conclusion: These results suggested that atorvastatin provides the cardioprotective effects against I/R injury via increasing GSK-3β through inhibition of miR-199a-5p.
Up-Regulation of the Large-Conductance Ca2+-Activated K+ Channel by Glycogen Synthase Kinase GSK3β
Authors: Fezai Myriam , Ahmed Musaab , Hosseinzadeh Zohreh , Lang Florian
Published: August 2016

Background/Aims: The pleotropic functions of the large conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels (maxi K+ channel or BK channels) include regulation of neuronal excitation and cell volume. Kinases participating in those functions include the glycogen synthase kinase GSK3 ß which is under negative control of protein kinase B (PKB/Akt). GSK3ß is inhibited by the antidepressant Lithium. The present study thus explored whether GSK3ß modifies the activity of BK channels. Methods: cRNA encoding the Ca2+ insensitive BK channel mutant BKM513I+Δ899-903 was injected into Xenopus laevis oocytes without or with additional injection of cRNA encoding wild-type GSK3ß, inactive K85RGSK3ß, or wild-type GSK3ß with wild-type PKB. K+ channel activity was measured utilizing dual electrode voltage clamp. Results: BK channel activity in BKM513I+Δ899-903 expressing oocytes was significantly increased by co-expression of GSK3ß, but not by co-expression of K85RGSK3ß. The effect of wild type GSK3ß was abrogated by additional co-expression of wild-type PKB and by 24 hours incubation with Lithium (1 mM). Disruption of channel insertion into the cell membrane by brefeldin A (5 µM) was followed by a decline of the current to a similar extent in oocytes expressing BK and GSK3ß and in oocytes expressing BK alone. Conclusion: GSK3ß may up-regulate BK channels, an effect disrupted by Lithium or additional expression of PKB and possibly participating in the regulation of cell volume and excitability.
Lina Bo Bardi reloaded: vestígios, memórias, latências
Authors: Bierrenbach Ana Carolina de Souza , Rossetti Eduardo Pierrotti
Published: August 2016

O artigo aborda a obra de Lina Bo Bardi em Salvador, explorando as transformações que tanto as obras de arquitetura, como o projeto urbano para o Centro Histórico sofreram nos últimos 25 anos. Assim, entre a concepção e a situação atual do quadro da cidade é possível recuperar o sentido de comemorar o centenário de Lina Bo Bardi sem incorrer em nostalgia, apontando para uma investigação crítica das transformações, para as quais concorrem as abordagens sobre a gestão da cidade e de seu espaço público. Interessa fomentar uma discussão para retomar criticamente a obra e as questões de Lina Bo Bardi sem ignorar os processos de destruição de sua obra.
O direito do idoso frente aos reajustes de planos de saúde
Authors: Tafelli Dimas , Trujillo Enio , Aznar Fábio Duarte da Costa , Freitas Adriana Rodrigues de , Peres Sílvia Helena de Carvalho Sales , Bastos José Roberto de Magalhães , Sales-Peres Arsenio , Caldana Magali De Lourdes
Published: August 2016

O envelhecimento populacional cada vez mais tem chamado a atenção das autoridades, sendo necessário que a legislação vigente crie subsídios que visem permitir condições de vida mais justas e adequadas aos idosos. Atenta a tal realidade, a Constituição Federal preocupou-se em tutelar a saúde do idoso, prevendo a efetiva proteção jurídica de tais indivíduos. No entanto, a evolução do direito à saúde é gradativa e lenta, sendo que somente recentemente se deu a promulgação do “Estatuto do Idoso”, que discorre sobre a efetiva garantia da impossibilidade de reajustes nas mensalidades dos planos de saúde de idosos em percentual além do permissivo legal, tanto pelo avanço da idade, quanto pelo aumento da sinistralidade. Destaca-se também a aplicabilidade do Código de Defesa do Consumidor, norma protetiva e aplicável na relação contratual, que também possui regulamentação legal específica e que dialoga com as demais normas protetivas aos direitos dos idosos. Assim, a análise ora pretendida objetiva promover uma visão crítica e analítica sobre as disposições legais e o entendimento jurisprudencial dominante a respeito da impossibilidade de majoração das mensalidades dos planos de saúde de idosos além do permissivo legal. Para tanto, parte-se do estudo da evolução das normas que tratam do assunto, bem como do material existente na literatura nacional, além da pesquisa dos sites nos Tribunais de Justiça do Brasil para extração de decisões atuais relacionadas ao tema. Observou-se a ocorrência de abusos das operadoras dos planos de saúde que, mesmo existindo expressa proibição legal, corriqueiramente majoram indevidamente as mensalidades dos planos de saúde de idosos.
Introduction: Port State Jurisdiction: Challenges and Potential
Authors: Ryngaert Cedric , Ringbom Henrik
Published: August 2016

Confronted with the failures of flag states to adequately regulate their vessels, and/or to enforce applicable law, port states may assume a subsidiary regulatory and enforcement role. Exercising port state jurisdiction (psj) over foreign-flagged vessels, these port states may give effect to generally applicable international rules and standards, or simply apply their own laws. As the exercise of psj over foreign-flagged vessels often has effects outside the port, or even aims to regulate activities beyond national jurisdiction, legitimate questions as to the territorial nature of psj can be asked. It transpires, however, that most assertions of psj can formally be justified under a broad construction of the territoriality principle. Alternatively, they can find their basis in multilateral agreements or simply in the desire to protect common concerns. As the legality net regarding psj could thus be cast rather wide, the question, i.e., to what limitations such jurisdiction is subject, inevitably arises.
Epidaus wangi (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae), a new assassin bug from Tibet, China
Authors: CHEN ZHUO , ZHU GUANGXIANG , WANG JIANYUN , CAI WANZHI
Published: August 2016

Epidaus wangi Chen, Zhu, Wang & Cai, sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae: Harpactorinae) from Tibet, China, is described and illustrated based on male and female specimens. The new species is morphologically similar to E. tuberosus Yang, 1940. The new species represents the first record of Epidaus species from Tibet.
Understanding Decreases in Land Relative Humidity with Global Warming: Conceptual Model and GCM Simulations
Authors: Byrne Michael P. , O’Gorman Paul A.
Published: August 2016

Climate models simulate a strong land–ocean contrast in the response of near-surface relative humidity to global warming; relative humidity tends to increase slightly over oceans but decrease substantially over land. Surface energy balance arguments have been used to understand the response over ocean but are difficult to apply over more complex land surfaces. Here, a conceptual box model is introduced, involving atmospheric moisture transport between the land and ocean and surface evapotranspiration, to investigate the decreases in land relative humidity as the climate warms. The box model is applied to simulations with idealized and full-complexity (CMIP5) general circulation models, and it is found to capture many of the features of the simulated changes in land humidity. The simplest version of the box model gives equal fractional increases in specific humidity over land and ocean. This relationship implies a decrease in land relative humidity given the greater warming over land than ocean and modest changes in ocean relative humidity, consistent with a mechanism proposed previously. When evapotranspiration is included, it is found to be of secondary importance compared to ocean moisture transport for the increase in land specific humidity, but it plays an important role for the decrease in land relative humidity. For the case of a moisture forcing over land, such as from stomatal closure, the response of land relative humidity is strongly amplified by the induced change in land surface–air temperature, and this amplification is quantified using a theory for the link between land and ocean temperatures.
Loop Current Frontal Eddies: Formation along the Campeche Bank and Impact of Coastally Trapped Waves
Authors: Jouanno Julien , Ochoa José , Pallàs-Sanz Enric , Sheinbaum Julio , Andrade-Canto Fernando , Candela Julio , Molines Jean-Marc
Published: August 2016

Velocity data from a mooring array deployed northeast of the Campeche Bank (CB) show the presence of subinertial, high-frequency (below 15 days) velocity fluctuations within the core of the northward flowing Loop Current. These fluctuations are associated with the presence of surface-intensified Loop Current frontal eddies (LCFEs), with cyclonic vorticity and diameter < 100 km. These eddies are well reproduced by a high-resolution numerical simulation of the Gulf of Mexico, and the model analysis suggests that they originate along and north of the CB, their main energy source being the mixed baroclinic–barotropic instability of the northward flow along the shelf break. There is no indication that these high-frequency LCFEs contribute to the LC eddy detachment in contrast to the low-frequency LCFEs (periods > 30 days) that have been linked to Caribbean eddies and the LC separation process. Model results show that wind variability associated with winter cold surges are responsible for the emergence of high-frequency LCFEs in a narrow band of periods (6–10 day) in the region of the CB. The dynamical link between the formation of these LCFEs and the wind variability is not direct: (i) the large-scale wind perturbations generate sea level anomalies on the CB as well as first baroclinic mode, coastally trapped waves in the western Gulf of Mexico; (ii) these waves propagate cyclonically along the coast; and (iii) the interaction of these anomalies with the Loop Current triggers cyclonic vorticity perturbations that grow in intensity as they propagate downstream and develop into cyclonic eddies when they flow north of the Yucatan shelf.
Opposite Variability of Indonesian Throughflow and South China Sea Throughflow in the Sulawesi Sea
Authors: Wei Jun , Li M. T. , Malanotte-Rizzoli P. , Gordon A. L. , Wang D. X.
Published: August 2016

Based on a high-resolution (0.1° × 0.1°) regional ocean model covering the entire northern Pacific, this study investigated the seasonal and interannual variability of the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF) and the South China Sea Throughflow (SCSTF) as well as their interactions in the Sulawesi Sea. The model efficiency in simulating the general circulations of the western Pacific boundary currents and the ITF/SCSTF through the major Indonesian seas/straits was first validated against the International Nusantara Stratification and Transport (INSTANT) data, the OFES reanalysis, and results from previous studies. The model simulations of 2004–12 were then analyzed, corresponding to the period of the INSTANT program. The results showed that, derived from the North Equatorial Current (NEC)–Mindanao Current (MC)–Kuroshio variability, the Luzon–Mindoro–Sibutu flow and the Mindanao–Sulawesi flow demonstrate opposite variability before flowing into the Sulawesi Sea. Although the total transport of the Mindanao–Sulawesi flow is much larger than that of the Luzon–Mindoro–Sibutu flow, their variability amplitudes are comparable but out of phase and therefore counteract each other in the Sulawesi Sea. Budget analysis of the two major inflows revealed that the Luzon–Mindoro–Sibutu flow is enhanced southward during winter months and El Niño years, when more Kuroshio water intrudes into the SCS. This flow brings more buoyant SCS water into the western Sulawesi Sea through the Sibutu Strait, building up a west-to-east pressure head anomaly against the Mindanao–Sulawesi inflow and therefore resulting in a reduced outflow into the Makassar Strait. The situation is reversed in the summer months and La Niña years, and this process is shown to be more crucially important to modulate the Makassar ITF’s interannual variability than the Luzon–Karimata flow that is primarily driven by seasonal monsoons.
Hail Climatology and Trends in Romania: 1961–2014
Authors: Burcea Sorin , Cică Roxana , Bojariu Roxana
Published: August 2016

A climatology and trend of hail events in Romania are presented using hail data spanning the years 1961–2014. Hail observations from weather stations and model reanalysis data were used to document the spatial and temporal distributions, variabilities, and environments of hail events. The results show that hail occurs most frequently in mountainous areas, while the smallest average number of hail days per year is found in the southeast. Herein, the convective season was defined as April–September, given that 94.2% of all mean monthly hail days were identified in this period. During the convective season the hail events prevail with most of these occurring in the afternoon and evening hours between 1000 and 1800 UTC. The severe hail events occur, overall, between 1400 and 1600 UTC, while in the southwest severe hail occurs later between 1600 and 1900 UTC. The spatial distribution of the convective parameters is consistent with the spatial distribution of hail days, revealing that hail is not favored in southeastern Romania, but in the rest of the country. The trend analysis of mean hail days per year disclose that 55.2% of all stations show a statistically significant upward trend, 3.8% show a statistically significant downward trend, while 40.9% show no statistically significant trend. A correlation between the variability of hail days per year and the variability in the occurrence of low pressure systems of Atlantic origin exists, the latter generating low pressure systems over the Mediterranean Sea that supply eastern Europe with the moist air needed for convection.
Nostalgia, irony and collectivity in late-modern culture
Authors: Schiermer Bjørn , Carlsen Hjalmar Bang
Published: August 2016

The paper seeks to promote a sociological understanding of the current wave of nostalgic expressions haunting late-modern Western culture and to re-evaluate the predominantly negative assessment of nostalgia. Filling two gaps in the existing research on nostalgia, the authors wish (1) to reintegrate into the phenomenon its experiential and collective dimensions and (2) to propose a theoretical sociological framework capable of analysing nostalgic ritual. In the first part of the paper, we discuss different approaches to the phenomenon of nostalgia. Second, we delve into the complex emotional and experiential aspects of the phenomenon and distil three different types of nostalgia. Third, seeking inspiration from Émile Durkheim and Randall Collins, we scrutinise the common collective characteristics of these different types of nostalgia. Arguing that Collins remains too interactionist in his approach to ritual, we seek to erect a theoretical framework apt for articulating mediated forms of nostalgic ritual. Fourth, we use our theoretical framework to analyse a well-known instance of nostalgic ritual in Scandinavia: The Disney Christmas Show.
Construction of hydrophobic surfaces on polyvinylidene fluoride film and cotton fabric using perfluorohexane functionalized carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide
Authors: Xu Jia , Zhou Xiang , Tu Tianmin , Xing Zhiqi
Published: August 2016

Hydrophobic surfaces have great potential in applications in oil–water separation, super water/oil repellents, friction reducing, etc. Hydrophobic performance has been extensively investigated in view of smart textile development. Oxidized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene oxide (GO) were grafted with perfluoro-1-iodohexane, and 10.24 and 17.65 at% fluorine contents of these functional products were obtained, respectively. The surface chemistry of the functionalized CNTs and GO were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Hydrophobic textiles were achieved by treating the functionalized CNTs and GO using a common dip-dry method. The functionalized CNTs and GO were also applied to polyvinylidene fluoride filter paper by the vacuum filtration method to form hydrophobic films. The morphologies of these surfaces were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The functional cotton fabrics showed hydrophobicity with water droplet contact angles (CAs) of 149.1°and 154.4°, respectively. The produced films showed hydrophobicity with CAs of 108° and 151°, respectively. The difference of the CA was attributed to the diversity of both the structure and the chemical composition. In future study, multifunctional materials could be created on the basis of the hydrophobic surfaces reported in this paper by combining them with other functional components, which has great potential in applications in the smart textiles.
Exerting Capacity
Authors: Leger J. Michael , Phillips Carolyn A.
Published: August 2016

Patient safety has been at the forefront of nursing research since the release of the Institute of Medicine’s report estimating the number of preventable adverse events in hospital settings; yet no research to date has incorporated the perspectives of bedside nurses using classical grounded theory (CGT) methodology. This CGT study explored the perceptions of bedside registered nurses regarding patient safety in adult acute care hospitals. Data analysis used three techniques unique to CGT—the constant comparative method, coding, and memoing—to explore the values, realities, and beliefs of bedside nurses about patient safety. The analysis resulted in a substantive theory, Exerting Capacity, which explained how bedside nurses balance the demands of keeping their patients safe. Exerting Capacity has implications for health care organization leaders, nursing leaders, and bedside nurses; it also has indications for future research into the concept of patient safety.