bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Central Gustatory Neurons Integrate Taste Quality Information From Four Appendages in the Moth Heliothis virescens
Authors: Kvello Pål , Jørgensen Kari , Mustaparta Hanna
Published: March 2010

Discrimination between edible and noxious food, crucial for animal survival, is based on separate gustatory receptors for phagostimulants and deterrents. In the moth Heliothis virescens , gustatory receptor neurons (GRNs) tuned to phagostimulants like sucrose and deterrents like quinine, respectively, have indicated a labeled line mechanism for mediating appetitive and aversive information to the CNS. In the present study, we have investigated the central gustatory neurons (CGNs) in this moth as an approach to understand how gustatory information is coded in the CNS. Intracellular recordings from CGNs in the suboesophageal ganglion (SOG) combined with fluorescent staining revealed a large diversity of CGN types responding to sucrose, quinine, water, and mechanosensory stimuli applied to the antennae, the proboscis, and the right tarsus. The CGNs responded with varying tuning breadth to tastants applied to more than one appendage. This integration of information across stimuli and appendages, contradict a simple labeled line mechanism in the CNS for coding identity and location of taste stimuli. Instead the distinct pattern of activity found in an ensemble of CGNs, suggests a population coding mechanism. Staining revealed that the majority of the CGNs were confined locally within the SOG/tritocerebrum, whereas others projected to the deutocerebrum, protocerebrum, frontal ganglion, and thoracic ganglia. Some CGNs were reconstructed and registered into the H. virescens standard brain atlas, showing dendritic overlap with the previously described GRN projections. In general, the physiology and morphology of the CGNs suggested multifunctional properties, where a single CGN might belong to several networks executing different functions.
Task-Dependent Modulation of Inputs to Proximal Upper Limb Following Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation of Primary Motor Cortex
Authors: Bradnam Lynley V. , Stinear Cathy M. , Lewis Gwyn N. , Byblow Winston D.
Published: March 2010

Cathodal transcranial DC stimulation (c-tDCS) suppresses excitability of primary motor cortex (M1) controlling contralateral hand muscles. This study assessed whether c-tDCS would have similar effects on ipsi- and contralateral M1 projections to a proximal upper limb muscle. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of left M1 was used to elicit motor evoked potentials (MEPs) in the left and right infraspinatus (INF) muscle immediately before and after c-tDCS of left M1, and at 20 and 40 min, post-c-tDCS. TMS was delivered as participants preactivated each INF in isolation (left, right) or both INF together (bilateral). After c-tDCS, ipsilateral MEPs in left INF and contralateral MEPs in right INF were suppressed in the left task but not in the bilateral or right tasks, indicative of task-dependent modulation. Ipsilateral silent period duration in the left INF was reduced after c-tDCS, indicative of altered transcallosal inhibition. These findings may have implications for the use of tDCS as an adjunct to therapy for the proximal upper limb after stroke.
Three Forms of Spatial Temporal Feedforward Inhibition Are Common to Different Ganglion Cell Types in Rabbit Retina
Authors: Chen Xin , Hsueh Hain-Ann , Greenberg Kenneth , Werblin Frank S.
Published: March 2010

There exist more than 30 different morphological amacrine cell types, but there may be fewer physiological types. Here we studied the amacrine cell outputs by measuring the temporal and spatial properties of feedforward inhibition to four different types of ganglion cells. These ganglion cells, each with concentric receptive field organization, appear to receive a different relative contribution of the same three forms of feed-forward inhibition, namely: local glycinergic, local sustained GABAergic, and broad transient GABAergic inhibition. Two of these inhibitory components, local glycinergic inhibition and local sustained GABAergic inhibition were localized to narrow regions confined to the dendritic fields of the ganglion cells. The third, a broad transient GABAergic inhibition, was driven from regions peripheral to the dendritic area. Each inhibitory component is also correlated with characteristic kinetics expressed in all ganglion cells: broad transient GABAergic inhibition had the shortest latency, local glycinergic inhibition had an intermediate latency, and local sustained GABAergic inhibition had the longest latency. We suggest each of these three inhibitory components represents the output from a distinct class of amacrine cell, mediates a specific visual function, and each forms a basic functional component for the four ganglion cell types. Similar subunits likely exist in the circuits of other ganglion cell types as well.
A Dominant‐Negative PPARγ Mutant Promotes Cell Cycle Progression and Cell Growth in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Liu Joey Z. , Lyon Christopher J. , Hsueh Willa A. , Law Ronald E.
Published: March 2010

PPARγ ligands have been shown to have antiproliferative effects on many cell types. We herein report that a synthetic dominant‐negative (DN) PPARγ mutant functions like a growth factor to promote cell cycle progression and cell proliferation in human coronary artery smooth muscle cells (CASMCs). In quiescent CASMCs, adenovirus‐expressed DN‐PPARγ promoted G1→S cell cycle progression, enhanced BrdU incorporation, and increased cell proliferation. DN‐PPARγ expression also markedly enhanced positive regulators of the cell cycle, increasing Rb and CDC2 phosphorylation and the expression of cyclin A, B1, D1, and MCM7. Conversely, overexpression of wild‐type (WT) or constitutively‐active (CA) PPARγ inhibited cell cycle progression and the activity and expression of positive regulators of the cell cycle. DN‐PPARγ expression, however, did not up‐regulate positive cell cycle regulators in PPARγ‐deficient cells, strongly suggesting that DN‐PPARγ effects on cell cycle result from blocking the function of endogenous wild‐type PPARγ. DN‐PPARγ expression enhanced phosphorylation of ERK MAPKs. Furthermore, the ERK specific‐inhibitor PD98059 blocked DN‐PPARγ‐induced phosphorylation of Rb and expression of cyclin A and MCM7. Our data thus suggest that DN‐PPARγ promotes cell cycle progression and cell growth in CASMCs by modulating fundamental cell cycle regulatory proteins and MAPK mitogenic signaling pathways in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs).
Cardiotrophin-1 Induces Tumor Necrosis Factor Synthesis in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Fritzenwanger Michael , Meusel Katharina , Jung Christian , Franz Marcus , Wang Zhenhua , Foerster Martin , Figulla Hans-R.
Published: March 2010

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is associated with elevated concentrations of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1) and altered peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) function. Therefore, we tested whether CT-1 induces TNF in PBMC of healthy volunteers. CT-1 induced in PBMC TNF protein in the supernatant and TNF mRNA in a concentration- and time-dependent manner determined by ELISA and real-time PCR, respectively. Maximal TNF protein was achieved with 100 ng/mL CT-1 after 3–6 hours and maximal TNF mRNA induction after 1 hour. ELISA data were confirmed using immunofluorescent flow cytometry. Inhibitor studies with actinomycin D and brefeldin A showed that both protein synthesis and intracellular transport are essential for CT-1 induced TNF expression. CT-1 caused a dose dependent nuclear factor (NF) B translocation. Parthenolide inhibited both NFB translocation and TNF protein expression indicating that NFB seems to be necessary. We revealed a new mechanism for elevated serum TNF concentrations and PBMC activation in CHF besides the hypothesis of PBMC activation by bacterial translocation from the gut.
An Experimental In Vivo Model to Characterize “Heavy Legs” Symptom in Topical Formulations
Authors: Pinto Pedro Contreiras , Rodrigues Luís Monteiro
Published: March 2010

The “Heavy legs” symptom is regarded as an early expression of chronic venous failure, estimated to affect 40% of the population in developing countries. A new methodology is proposed to approach the “tired or heavy legs” symptom. Seven females with this complaint applied a standard topical formulation during 28 days in one leg randomly chosen. Local blood flow records were obtained instantaneously and during postural change with a laser doppler flowmeter (LDF). High-frequency sonography and local morphometry were also obtained at Days 0, 14, and 28. When compared with D0, LDF values present a significant decrease of both basal and dynamical values after Day 14 and Day 28 suggesting that this effect may result from the formulation application, also involving the related massage. Centimetric measurements and sonographic analysis also supported those inferences. The proposed methodology can evaluate the dynamical changes of  “heavy legs” symptom and eventually be very useful to assess the related claim support.
Microsegregation and Solidification Shrinkage of Copper‐Lead Base Alloys
Authors: Korojy B. , Ekbom L. , Fredriksson H.
Published: March 2010

Microsegregation and solidification shrinkage were studied on copper‐lead base alloys. A series of solidification experiments was performed, using differential thermal analysis (DTA) to evaluate the solidification process. The chemical compositions of the different phases were measured via energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) for the Cu‐Sn‐Pb and the Cu‐Sn‐Zn‐Pb systems. The results were compared with the calculated data according to Scheil′s equation. The volume change during solidification was measured for the Cu‐Pb and the Cu‐Sn‐Pb systems using a dilatometer that was developed to investigate the melting and solidification processes. A shrinkage model was used to explain the volume change during solidification. The theoretical model agreed reasonably well with the experimental results. The deviation appears to depend on the formation of lattice defects during the solidification process and consequently on the condensation of those defects at the end of the solidification process. The formation of lattice defects was supported by quenching experiments, giving a larger fraction of solid than expected from the equilibrium calculation.
Concordance ofKRAS/BRAFMutation Status in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer before and after Anti-EGFR Therapy
Authors: Gattenlöhner S. , Etschmann B. , Kunzmann V. , Thalheimer A. , Hack M. , Kleber G. , Einsele H. , Germer C. , Müller-Hermelink H.-K.
Published: March 2010

Anti-EGFR targeted therapy is a potent strategy in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) but activating mutations in theKRASgene are associated with poor response to this treatment. Therefore,KRASmutation analysis is employed in the selection of patients for EGFR-targeted therapy and various studies have shown a high concordance between the mutation status in primary CRC and corresponding metastases. However, although development of therapy related resistance occurs also in the context of novel drugs such as tyrosine kinase-inhibitors the effect of the anti-EGFR treatment on theKRAS/BRAFmutation status itself in recurrent mCRC has not yet been clarified. Therefore, we analyzed 21 mCRCs before/after anti-EGFR therapy and found a pre-/posttherapeutic concordance of theKRAS/BRAFmutation status in 20 of the 21 cases examined. In the one discordant case, further analyses revealed that a tumor mosaicism or multiple primary tumors were present, indicating that anti-EGFR therapy has no influence onKRAS/BRAFmutation status in mCRC. Moreover, as the preselection of patients with aKRASwtgenotype for anti-EGFR therapy has become a standard procedure, sample sets such ours might be the basis for future studies addressing the identification of potential anti-EGFR therapy induced genetic alterations apart fromKRAS/BRAFmutations.
Litter Quality ofPopulusSpecies as Affected by Free-AirCO2Enrichment and N-Fertilization
Authors: Vermue Esther , Buurman Peter , Hoosbeek Marcel R.
Published: March 2010

The effect of elevatedCO2and nitrogen fertilization on the molecular chemistry of litter of threePopulusspecies and associated soil organic matter (SOM) was investigated by pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The results are based on 147 quantified organic compounds in 24 litter samples. Litter ofP. euramericawas clearly different from that ofP. nigraandP. alba. The latter two had higher contents of proteins, polysaccharides, and cutin/cutan, while the former had higher contents of phenols and benzofurans/pyrans. The difference between replications was at least as large as the effect of treatments, so that no systematic chemical changes were attributable toCO2effect or N-fertilization effect. The chemistry of SOM under the various species and treatments did not show significant changes either. The low number of available replicates that is two was clearly insufficient to overcome the effect of spatial variation on litter chemistry and detect small differences in molecular litter chemistry.
A Survey on Just‐Non‐𝔛 Groups
Authors: Otera Daniele Ettore , Russo Francesco G.
Published: March 2010

Let 𝔛 be a class of groups. A group which does not belong to
𝔛 but all of whose proper quotient groups belong to 𝔛 is called just‐non‐𝔛 group. The present note is a survey of recent results on the topic with a special attention to topological groups.
Frequency-Based Optimization Design for Fractional Delay FIR Filters with Software-Defined Radio Applications
Authors: Díaz-Carmona Javier , Jovanovic-Dolecek Gordana , Ramírez-Agundis Agustín
Published: March 2010

A frequency-designed fractional delay FIR structure, which is suitable for software radio applications, is presented. The design method is based on frequency optimization of a combination of modified Farrow and mutirate structures. As a result the optimization frequency range is made only in half of desired total bandwidth. According to the obtained results the proposed fractional delay structure allows online desired fractional delay update, with a high fractional delay value resolution.
Shape Sensitivity Analysis in Flow Models Using a Finite‐Difference Approach
Authors: Akhtar Imran , Borggaard Jeff , Hay Alexander
Published: March 2010

Reduced‐order models have a number of practical engineering applications for unsteady flows that require either low‐dimensional approximations for analysis and control or repeated simulation over a range of parameter values. The standard method for building reduced‐order models uses the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) and Galerkin projection. However, this standard method may be inaccurate when used “off‐design” (at parameter values not used to generate the POD). This phenomena is exaggerated when parameter values describe the shape of the flow domain since slight changes in shape can have a significant influence on the flow field. In this paper, we investigate the use of POD sensitivity vectors to improve the accuracy and dynamical system properties of the reduced‐order models to problems with shape parameters. To carry out this study, we consider flows past an elliptic cylinder with varying thickness ratios. Shape sensitivities (derivatives of flow variables with respect to thickness ratio) computed by finite‐difference approximations are used to compute the POD sensitivity vectors. Numerical studies test the accuracy of the new bases to represent flow solutions over a range of parameter values.
Correlation between Clinicopathology and Expression of Heat Shock Protein 72 and Glycoprotein 96 in Human Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Xiaoping , Wang Qiaoxia , Lin Huanping
Published: March 2010

Heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) and glycoprotein 96 (gp96) are highly expressed in cancer tissues. Recent studies indicate the possible roles of HSP72 and gp96 in the development and progression of gastrointestinal carcinomas but detailed information is still ambiguous. We investigated the correlation between clinicopathology and expression of HSP72 and gp96 in human esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. The expression of HSP72 and gp96 was studied in 120 human esophageal squamous cell carcinomas with or without metastasis as well as in mucous membrane adjacent to cancers by way of immunohistochemistry. HSP72 immunoreactivities were detected in 112 of 120 primary tumors (93.3%) and in 30 of 120 mucous membranes adjacent to cancers (25.0%). Gp96 detected in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and inmucous membrane adjacent to cancer was 85.0% and 20.0%, respectively. Both HSP72 and gp96 stained in cytoplasm. HSP72 and gp96 expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas withmetastasis was significantly higher than those with nonmetastasis (P < .05). The results indicate that there exists a significant correlation between the expression of HSP72 and gp96 and the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinomas. HSP72 and gp96 expression were significantly associated with the presence of tumor infiltration, lymph node, and remote metastasis.
EnteroaggregativeEscherichia coli: An Emerging Enteric Food Borne Pathogen
Authors: Kaur P. , Chakraborti A. , Asea A.
Published: March 2010

EnteroaggregativeEscherichia coli(EAEC) are quite heterogeneous category of an emerging enteric pathogen associated with cases of acute or persistent diarrhea worldwide in children and adults, and over the past decade has received increasing attention as a cause of watery diarrhea, which is often persistent. EAEC infection is an important cause of diarrhea in outbreak and non-outbreak settings in developing and developed countries. Recently, EAEC has been implicated in the development of irritable bowel syndrome, but this remains to be confirmed. EAEC is defined as a diarrheal pathogen based on its characteristic aggregative adherence (AA) to HEp-2 cells in culture and its biofilm formation on the intestinal mucosa with a “stacked-brick” adherence phenotype, which is related to the presence of a 60 MDa plasmid (pAA). At the molecular level, strains demonstrating the aggregative phenotype are quite heterogeneous; several virulence factors are detected by polymerase chain reaction; however, none exhibited 100% specificity. Although several studies have identified specific virulence factor(s) unique to EAEC, the mechanism by which EAEC exerts its pathogenesis is, thus, far unknown. The present review updates the current knowledge on the epidemiology, chronic complications, detection, virulence factors, and treatment of EAEC, an emerging enteric food borne pathogen.
Existence of an Intermediate Metallic Phase at the SDW-CDW Crossover Region in the One-Dimensional Holstein-Hubbard Model at Half-Filling
Authors: Chatterjee Ashok
Published: March 2010

The Holstein-Hubbard model serves as a useful framework to investigate this interplay between the phonon-induced electron-electron attractive interaction and the direct Coulomb repulsion and can afford interesting phase diagrams due to competition among charge-density wave (CDW), spin-density wave (SDW), and superconductivity. However the detailed nature of the CDW-SDW transition is still not very well known. It is generally believed that the system undergoes a direct insulator to insulator transition from CDW to SDW with the increase of the on-site Coulomb repulsion for a given strength of the electron-phonon coupling and this is the main bottleneck for the polaronic/bipolaronic mechanism of high-temperature superconductivity. We have recently made an investigation to study the nature of the transition from SDW phase to CDW phase within the framework of a one-dimensional Holstein-Hubbard model at half-filling using a variational method. We find that an intervening metallic phase may exist at the crossover region of the CDW-SDW transition. We have also observed that if the anharmonicity of the phonons is taken into account, this metallic phase widens and the polarons become more mobile, which is a more favorable situation from the point of view of superconductivity. We shall finally show that an improved variational calculation widens the metallic phase and makes the polarons more mobile, which reconfirms the existence of the intermediate metallic phase at the SDW-CDW crossover region.
Utilizing Context in Location-Aware Short-Range Wireless Communication
Authors: Korhonen Vesa A. , Pyykkönen Ritva
Published: March 2010

We discuss how a short-range wireless communication service implemented for modern mobile communication devices can provide additional value for both the consumer and the service/product provider. When used as an information search tool, such systems allow services and products being promoted at the location they are available. For the customer, it may provide a “digitally augmented vision”, an enhanced view to the current environment. With data filtering and search rules, this may provide a self-manageable context, where the user's own personal environment and preferences to the features available in the current surroundings cooperate with a direct connection to the web-based social media. A preliminary design for such service is provided. The conclusion is that the method can generate additional revenue to the company and please the customers' buying process. In addition to the marketing, the principles described here are also applicable to other forms of human interaction.
Literature Review Comparing Laparoscopic and Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomies in a Pediatric Population
Authors: Lantz Madelen , Hultin Larsson Helena , Arnbjörnsson Einar
Published: March 2010

Objective. This study compares laparoscopic and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in a paediatric population to test the hypothesis that there is a difference in the frequency of serious gastrointestinal complications between the two methods.Methods. All reports published between 1995 and 2009 on laparoscopic gastrostomy and PEG in children was included. Prospective and retrospective trials, comparing the two methods or dealing with one of them only were included. Endpoints were accidentally performed gastrointestinal fistula causing an emergency re-operation. The frequency of inadvertent gastroenteric fistulas using the two different techniques was calculated.Results. 822 publications were found when using the search terms: gastrostomy, gastrointestinal complications, and all child: 0–18 years. From these, 54 studies were extracted for this investigation. These studies reported a total of 4331 children undergoing gastrostomy operation, 1027 by using the laparoscopic technique and 3304 using the PEG technique. The number of serious gastrointestinal fistulas to colon or small bowel was 0% and .27%, respectively,P<.05.Conclusions. The results suggest that by performing laparoscopic gastrostomy in children it is possible to avoid the serious intestinal fistula complications caused by a blind puncture through the abdominal cavity when performing the PEG.
A False Case of Clozapine-Resistant Schizophrenia
Authors: Maia-de-Oliveira J. P. , Pinto J. P. , Alexandre V. , Machado-de-Sousa J. P. , Morais S. L. , Chaves C. , Sakamoto A. C. , Zuardi A. W. , Crippa J. A. S. , Hallak J. E.
Published: March 2010

One of the subjects that most concerns physicians is treatment-resistance. About 30%–60% of schizophrenia patients do not respond adequately to antipsychotic treatment and are known as refractory schizophrenia patients. Clozapine has been the drug of choice in such cases. However, approximately 30% of them do not respond to clozapine either. Here, we describe a patient with an initial diagnosis of refractory schizophrenia who had a history of dramatic aggressiveness. However, in this case, “refractoriness” was a wrong diagnosis. A case of psychosis secondary to epilepsy had been treated as schizophrenia for almost 20 years. Reports like this one are important because they remind us of how a thorough investigation can lead to the correct diagnosis and improve the patient's prognosis.
A Rare Case of Popliteal Venous Aneurysm
Authors: Fiori Roberto , Chiappa Roberto , Gaspari Eleonora , Simonetti Giovanni
Published: March 2010

We report a case of a 21-year-old man with a popliteal venous aneurysm of the left popliteal fossa, with local symptoms and pain during palpation. Early diagnosis is fundamental in order to prevent the thromboembolic events or other major complications. Duplex scanning, Computed Tomography scanning, and Magnetic Resonance imaging are considered to be important non-invasive diagnostic methods for the diagnosis of PVA. The Angio Computed Tomography acquisition confirmed a 36 mm 17 mm oval mass in the left popliteal fossa continuous with the popliteal veins. This lesion had presented contrast enhancement only in delayed acquisition (180 sec) and so appeared to be a true venous aneurysm and no arterial. The PVA was repaired surgically via a posterior approach to the popliteal fossa. A aneurysm was identified. In the same time open tangential aneurysmectomy and lateral vein reconstruction were realised. This case is interesting because the Angio Computed Tomography study, in delayed acquisition, has allowed a correct diagnostic assessment of PVA and the surgical treatment.
Modeling Cu(II) Binding to Peptides Using the Extensible Systematic Force Field
Authors: Ryvkin Faina , Greenaway Frederick T.
Published: March 2010

The utility of the extensible systematic force field (ESFF) was tested for copper(II) binding to a 34‐amino‐acid Cu(II) peptide, which includes five histidine residues and is the putative copper‐binding site of lysyl oxidase. To improve computational efficiency, distance geometry calculations were used to constrain all combinations of three histidine ligands to be within bonding distance of the copper and the best results were utilized as starting structures for the ESFF computations. All likely copper geometries were modeled, but the results showed only a small dependence on the geometrical model in that all resulted in a distorted square pyramidal geometry about the copper, some of the imidazole rings were poorly oriented for ligation to the Cu(II), and the copper‐nitrogen bond distances were too long. The results suggest that ESFF should be used with caution for Cu(II) complexes where the copper‐ligand bonds have significant covalency and when the ligands are not geometrically constrained to be planar.
Tomatine Adjuvantation of Protective Immunity to a Major Pre-erythrocytic Vaccine Candidate of Malaria is Mediated viaCD8+T Cell Release of IFN-γ
Authors: Heal Karen G. , Taylor-Robinson Andrew W.
Published: March 2010

The glycoalkaloid tomatine, derived from the wild tomato, can act as a powerful adjuvant to elicit an antigen-specific cell-mediated immune response to the circumsporozoite (CS) protein, a major pre-erythrocytic stage malaria vaccine candidate antigen. Using a defined MHC-class-I-restricted CS epitope in aPlasmodium bergheirodent model, antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity and IFN-γsecretion ex vivo were both significantly enhanced compared to responses detected from similarly stimulated splenocytes from naive and tomatine-saline-immunized mice. Further, through lymphocyte depletion it is demonstrated that antigen-specific IFN-γis produced exclusively by theCD8+T cell subset. We conclude that the processing of theP. bergheiCS peptide as an exogenous antigen and its presentation via MHC class I molecules toCD8+T cells leads to an immune response that is an in vitro correlate of protection against pre-erythrocytic malaria. Further characterization of tomatine as an adjuvant in malaria vaccine development is indicated.
Enhanced Muscle Growth by Plasmid-Mediated Delivery of Myostatin Propeptide
Authors: Hu Shengwei , Chen Chuangfu , Sheng Jingliang , Sun Yufang , Cao Xudong , Qiao Jun
Published: March 2010

Myostatin is a member of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily that functions as a negative regulator of skeletal muscle development and growth. Myostatin blockade therefore offers a strategy for promoting muscle growth in livestock production without resorting to genetic manipulation. In this report, we examined the effect of myostatin inhibition by plasmid-mediated delivery of a mutant myostatin propeptide (MProD76A), a natural inhibitor of myostatin, on the growth performance of mice. A significant increase in skeletal muscle mass was observed after a single intramuscular injection of naked plasmid DNA encoding MProD76A into mice. Enhanced muscle growth occurred because of myofiber hypertrophy, but no cardiac muscle hypertrophy and organomegaly was observed in the mice after myostatin inhibition by plasmid-mediated MProD76A delivery. These results demonstrate a promising approach to enhancing muscle growth that warrants further investigation in domestic animals.
An Unusual Clinical Presentation of Merkel Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report
Authors: Sarma Deba P. , Heagley Dawn E. , Chalupa Julianne , Cox Meredith , Shehan James M.
Published: March 2010

Introduction. Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare, aggressive neuroendocrine cell carcinoma arising in the sun-exposed skin of elderly patients. Most of these tumors are located in the dermis. An unusual clinical presentation of such a tumor in the subcutis, if not biopsied, may be easily mistaken as a benign lesion.Case Presentation. An 83-year-old white woman presented with a several-month history of a painless 7 mm subcutaneous mass that was initially thought to be a lipoma. A conservative follow-up was planned. At the insistence of the patient, an excisional biopsy of the mass was performed revealing a subcutaneous Merkel cell carcinoma. The tumor cells stained positively for CK 20, chromogranin, and synaptophysin. No other primary or metastatic tumors found after a thorough work-up. The patient was treated with local irradiation. She remains disease free at her six-month follow-up visit.Conclusion. When a new growth is encountered in the sun-exposed skin of elderly patients, a biopsy is warranted even if the lesion clinically appears benign.
A Compact Representation for 3D Animation Using Octrees and Affine Transformations
Authors: Wang Youyou , DeSouza Guilherme N.
Published: March 2010

This paper presents a new and compact 3D representation for nonrigid objects using the motion vectors between two consecutive frames. Our method relies on an Octree to recursively partition the object into smaller parts. Each part is then assigned a small number of motion parameters that can accurately represent that portion of the object. Finally, an adaptive thresholding, a singular value decomposition for dealing with singularities, and a quantization and arithmetic coding further enhance our proposed method by increasing the compression while maintaining very good signal-noise ratio. Compared to other methods that use tri-linear interpolation, Principle Component Analysis (PCA), or non-rigid partitioning (e.g., FAMC) our algorithm combines the best attributes in most of them. For example, it can be carried out on a frame-to-frame basis, rather than over long sequences, but it is also much easier to compute. In fact, we demonstrate a computation complexity of for our method, while some of these methods can reach complexities of and worse. Finally, as the result section demonstrates, the proposed improvements do not sacrifice performance since our method has a better or at least very similar performance in terms of compression ratio and PSNR.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects ofInonotus obliquusin Colitis Induced by Dextran Sodium Sulfate
Authors: Choi Se Young , Hur Sun Jin , An Chi Sun , Jeon Yun Hui , Jeoung Young Jun , Bak Jong Phil , Lim Beong Ou
Published: March 2010

A total of 28 male BALB/c mice (average weight 20.7 ± 1.6 g) were divided into 4 treatment groups and fed a commercial diet (A), a commercial diet + induced colitis by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) (B),Inonotus obliquus(IO) administration (C), and IO administration + induced colitis by DSS (D). IO treatment (C, D) decreased the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-αand signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT)1 compared to those of the colitis induced group (B). The expressions of IL-4 and STAT6 were decreased in group D compared to the colitis induced group (B). The serum immunoglobulin (Ig)E level decreased in IO treatment groups (C, D) compared to no IO treatment groups (A and B) although there was no significant difference between the IO treatment groups. Extract from IO itself had a weak cytotoxic effect on murine macrophage cell line (RAW264.7 cells). Extract from IO inhibited lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced, TNF-α, STAT1, pSTAT1, STAT6, and pSTAT6 production in RAW264.7 cells.
Diameter of the Basilar Artery May Be Associated with Neurological Deterioration in Acute Pontine Infarction
Authors: Aoki Junya , Iguchi Yasuyuki , Kimura Kazumi , Shibazaki Kensaku , Iwanaga Takeshi , Sakai Kenichiro
Published: March 2010

Purpose: The present study investigated the factors related to neurological deterioration in pontine infarction. Methods: Consecutive patients with acute pontine infarction without basilar artery (BA) occlusion were enrolled. Patients were classified into two groups (D, group with neurological deterioration; ND, group without neurological deterioration). After magnetic resonance angiography was performed to identify the diameters of internal carotid artery (ICA) and BA, the BA diameter/ICA diameter (BA/ICA) ratio was calculated. When the ischemic lesion on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging extended to the ventral basal pial surface, it was diagnosed as branch atheromatous disease (BAD). Results: Neurological deterioration occurred in 16 (31%) of 51 patients. BAD was found in 13 (81%) of 16 patients of the D group and 14 (40%) of 35 in the ND group (p = 0.008). The BA/ICA ratio was 0.73 (0.59–0.84) in the D group and 0.64 (0.55–0.71) in the ND group (p = 0.049). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that BAD (OR 15.62, 95% CI 2.37–103.13, p = 0.004) and a BA/ICA ratio of ≧0.70 (OR 7.76, 95% CI 1.55–38.88, p = 0.013) were independent factors associated with neurological deterioration. Conclusion: The BA diameter may be associated with neurological deterioration in acute pontine infarction.
Impact of Childhood Trauma on Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Activity in Alcohol-Dependent Patients
Authors: Schäfer Ingo , Teske Lisa , Schulze-Thüsing Juliane , Homann Katrin , Reimer Jens , Haasen Christian , Hissbach Johanna , Wiedemann Klaus
Published: March 2010

Aims: Studies in animals and humans suggest that early life stress alters hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity. The same alterations are related to the symptoms and course of alcohol dependence. This study examined relationships between childhood trauma and HPA axis activity in alcohol-dependent patients controlling for psychopathology and characteristics of dependence. Methods: Thirty-eight consecutive patients (42% female) were examined at admission to detoxification (t1) and 14 days later (t2). Morning plasma levels of cortisol and adrenocorticotropin-releasing hormone (ACTH) were determined. Participants completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and measures of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Results: Sexual abuse was related to higher levels of cortisol during acute withdrawal (r = 0.38, p = 0.02). Levels of ACTH were negatively correlated with the CTQ total score (t2: r = –0.42, p < 0.01), emotional abuse (t2: r = –0.33, p = 0.04), emotional neglect (t2: r = –0.33, p = 0.04), and physical neglect (t2: r = –0.33, p = 0.05) controlling for psychopathology and characteristics of dependence. Conclusions: Our findings suggest, that childhood trauma is related to blunted ACTH and increased cortisol during withdrawal in alcohol-dependent patients. Early life stress might be a confounding variable in studies of HPA function in alcohol dependence and future studies should examine potential clinical consequences of these relationships.
Interval between Port Catheter Flushing Can Be Extended to Four Months
Authors: Ignatov Atanas , Ignatov Tanja , Taran Andrei , Smith Bobbie , Costa Serban-Dan , Bischoff Joachim
Published: March 2010

Background: Little is known about proper interval periods between the flushings of totally implantable access ports after completion of chemotherapy. Manufacturer guidelines recommend flushing catheters every 4 weeks. Methods: This retrospective study examined whether flushing less than every 4 weeks conferred any benefit. Results: 349 totally implanted access ports were divided into four groups based on the different durations of the intervals between flushings. Sixteen (4.6%) complications were observed in the study population. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that extending the flushing interval to up to 4 months remains medically safe and drastically reduces the costs.
Isochromosome der(17)(q10)t(15;17) in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia Resulting in an Additional Copy of the RARA-PML Fusion Gene: Report of 4 Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Manola Kalliopi N. , Karakosta Maria , Sambani Constantina , Terzoudi Georgia , Pagoni Maria , Gatsa Eleni , Papaioannou Maria
Published: March 2010

Isochromosome of the long arm of the derivative chromosome 17, originating from the translocation t(15;17) [ider(17)(q10)t(15;17) or ider(17q)] in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), is a rare chromosome aberration which has been associated with a poor prognosis. In the present study, we report on 4 male APL patients with ider(17q) and review the clinical, cytogenetic and molecular characteristics of all previously reported APL patients with ider(17q) in order to clarify the clinical features and outcome of these patients. The data presented in this study demonstrated that ider(17q), which resulted in an extra RARA-PML fusion gene, was more frequent in males than females (male/female ratio of 2.12/1), was associated with a rather low initial white blood cell count and did not confer an adverse prognosis in APL patients treated with all-trans-retinoic acid and chemotherapy. The most frequent additional chromosome change to ider(17q) was trisomy 8. Ider(17q) was observed in all subtypes of the PML-RARA fusion gene, but the frequency of the bcr1 subtype was increased. Cases of overrepresentation of the RARA-PML fusion gene and ider(17q) cases may help in elucidating the role of RARA-PML in leukemogenesis.
Retinoids as a Perspective in Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Fahrenholz Falk , Tippmann Frank , Endres Kristina
Published: March 2010

Background: In the past, we demonstrated that the disintegrin metalloproteinase ADAM10 has α-secretase activity in vitro and in cultured cells. We also found out that moderate overexpression of this proteinase inhibits Aβ peptide production and prevents the formation of amyloid plaques in an Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mouse model. Moreover, it corrects early hippocampal defects like LTP impairment and increases cortical synaptogenesis. Objective: Upregulation of ADAM10 might be an alternative approach concerning AD therapy. Our current research therefore focuses on substances and/or pathways which regulate ADAM10 gene expression. Methods: Analyses of ADAM10 promoter activity were performed in human and murine neuroblastoma cell lines and important findings were validated in an AD mouse model. Results: The outcome of our investigations indicates that a heterodimeric retinoid receptor mediates the activation of the ADAM10 promoter by all-trans-retinoic acid. This then results in enhanced ADAM10 expression, pronounced APPs-α secretion and diminished proteolytic processing products of the amyloidogenic pathway (APPs-β, Aβ). Conclusion: Nontoxic synthetic retinoids – like acitretin – offer a valuable therapeutic approach in treatment of AD by moderately enhancing ADAM10 gene expression.
Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease with a Cholinesterase Inhibitor Combined with Antioxidants
Authors: Cornelli Umberto
Published: March 2010

A formula (formula F) was prepared to counteract oxidative stress (OS) in the brain. The formula contained the most common antioxidants and was intended to: (a) protect proteins, lipids, DNA and proteoglycans from oxidation (carnosine, coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, vitamin C, β-carotene, selenium, L-cysteine and ginkgo biloba); (b) reduce homocysteine (HCy) blood levels (vitamins B6, B9 and B12), and (c) sustain the pentose phosphate cycle in circulating cells (vitamins B1, B2 and B3). Formula F contained low doses of each antioxidant component and was administered in a two-phase ampoule. A cohort of 52 patients (21 males and 31 females) affected with moderate probable AD (according to NINCDS-ARDA and NINCS-AIREN criteria) already being treated with donepezil (5 mg/day for at least two months) was randomly divided into two groups, and followed for 6 months. A double-blind design was used in which 26 cases were treated once a day with formula F plus donepezil, and the other 26 with placebo plus donepezil. The level of OS was measured on the basis of a d-ROMs test (which measures plasma hydroperoxides), plasma HCy and glutathione, and percentage of sickle erythrocytes. The two patient groups were comparable for all variables (age, sex, concomitant diseases, ApoE Ε4, MMSE II score, OS, antioxidant reserve and sickle erythrocytes). Forty-eight subjects completed the trial. Significant decreases in OS and HCy were only observed when there was an increase in glutathione (in erythrocytes) and a decrease in sickle erythrocytes in patients treated with formula F. The MMSE II score remained almost the same in the group treated with donepezil and placebo, whereas some significant improvements were found in the group treated with donepezil plus formula F.
Maximal Exercise Capacity in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Limited Indicator of the Health Status
Authors: Verhage T.L. , Vercoulen J.H. , van Helvoort H.A.C. , Peters J.B. , Molema J. , Dekhuijzen P.N.R. , Heijdra Y.F.
Published: March 2010

Background: Dyspnoea and diminished functional status are pivotal features of the health status (HS) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, it is still not fully understood how pulmonary function tests and cardiopulmonary exercise testing relate to these aspects. This may be due to incomplete assessment and/or deficient definitions of HS. Especially regarding peak oxygen consumption, inconsistent results have been reported. Objectives: To determine the value of maximal cycle ergometry in relation to a broad spectrum of HS aspects. Methods: 129 patients with COPD, stage II and III according to the GOLD classification, performed a cardiopulmonary exercise test. Sixteen independent sub-domains of HS were assessed according to the Nijmegen Integral Assessment Framework, covering physiological functioning, complaints, functional impairments and quality of life as main domains. v̇O2max and HS sub-domains were correlated by bivariate analysis. Results: Weak correlations of v̇O2max with most sub-domains were found, except for exercise capacity; the other 5 sub-domains of physiological functioning did not correlate. Between different types of exercise limitation (5 types were differentiated), no significant differences were noted in the scores of 13/16 HS sub-domains. Conclusions: v̇O2max is indeed correlated with most aspects of HS, except for physiological variables, but associations are weak. No single exercise limitation type is associated with specific HS problems. Thus separate assessment of all HS sub-domains is advocated to ensure adequate planning of therapeutic interventions.
Living Memorials: Understanding the Social Meanings of Community-Based Memorials to September 11, 2001
Authors: Svendsen Erika S. , Campbell Lindsay K.
Published: March 2010

Living memorials are landscaped spaces created by people to memorialize individuals, places, and events. Hundreds of stewardship groups across the United States of America created living memorials in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. This study sought to understand how stewards value, use, and talk about their living, community-based memorials. Stewards were asked to describe the intention, use, and meanings of the memorials. Qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis were used to analyze 117 semi-structured interviews. Sacredness of space varied by a memorial’s site type and uses. This and other findings supported the notion of sacred space as contested space. Sacred space can be produced from acts of “setting aside” that ascribe meaning to a memorial site.
Development and Characterization of Healable Carbon Fiber Composites with a Reversibly Cross Linked Polymer
Authors: Ghezzo Fabrizia , Smith David R. , Starr Tatiana N. , Perram Timothy , Starr Anthony F. , Darlington Thomas K. , Baldwin Richard K. , Oldenburg Steven J.
Published: March 2010

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates with remendable cross-linked polymeric matrices were fabricated using a modified resin transfer mold (RTM) technique. The healable composite resin, bis-maleimide tetrafuran (2MEP4F), was synthesized by mixing two monomers, furan (4F) and maleimide (2MEP), at elevated temperatures. The fast kinetic rate of the reaction of polymer constituents requires a fast injection of the healable resin into the carbon fiber preform. The polymer viscosity as a function of time and temperature was experimentally quantified in order to optimize the fabrication of the composite material and to guarantee a uniform flow of the resin through the reinforcement. The method was validated by characterizing the thermo-mechanical properties of the polymerized 2MEP4F. Additionally, the thermo-mechanical properties of the remendable CFRP material were studied.
A Novel Route for Collagen/ Hydroxyapatite Preparation by Enzymatic Decomposition of Urea
Authors: Hongxia Zhao  , Caihuan Huang  , Hua Jin  , Jiye Cai
Published: March 2010

This article presents a new route for preparing collagen/hydroxyapatite (Coll/HA) composite. Urease-catalyzed decomposition of urea was used for the first time to prepare Coll/HA. Acting as an automatic pH controller, urea totally eliminated the traditional requirement of an external base additive and facilitated procedures for synthesis as a result. This Coll/HA complex was characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, laser diffraction particle size analyzer, scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy. The results indicated that chemical and crystallographic properties of this complex were similar to those of the natural bone and other Coll/HA systems. Laser diffraction particle size measurement and SEM showed that this Coll/HA sample evidenced smaller particle size and narrower particle size distribution than other Coll/HA complex prepared by the traditional co-precipitation method.
Analysis of Dry Sliding Friction and Wear Behavior of Aluminum-Alumina Composites using Taguchi’s Techniques
Authors: Dharmalingam S. , Subramanian R. , Somasundara Vinoth K.
Published: March 2010

Metal-matrix composites (MMCs) are attracting considerable interest worldwide because of their superior mechanical and tribological properties. This study describes multifactor-based experiments that were applied to research and investigation on dry sliding wear system of stir cast Al-Si10Mg matrix alloy with 5 and 10 wt% alumina-reinforced MMCs. The effects of parameters like load, sliding speed, percentage of alumina on the dry sliding wear, and friction coefficient of aluminum MMCs using Taguchi’s method are reported. An orthogonal array (L27) and analysis of variance were used to investigate the influence of parameters like normal load, sliding speed, and reinforcement percentage and their interactions on dry sliding wear and friction coefficient of the composites. The major objective was to investigate the parameter that significantly affects the dry sliding wear and friction coefficient. The results show that friction coefficient and wear rate were highly influenced by load, sliding speed, and percentage of alumina whereas the interactions between these parameters, show only a minor influence in MMCs. The worn surfaces of the pins were then analyzed by scanning electron microscopy to study the wear mechanism and to correlate them with wear test results.