bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased penile expression of transforming growth factor and elevated systemic oxidative stress in rabbits with chronic partial bladder outlet obstruction
Authors: Lin W.‐Y. , Chang P.‐J. , Lin Y.‐P. , Wu S.‐B. , Chen C.‐S. , Levin R. M. , Wei Y.‐H.
Published: June 2011

There is a growing body of evidence to support the direct link between obstructive bladder dysfunction and erectile dysfunction (ED). However, there have been few pathophysiological studies to determine the relationship between lower urinary tract syndrome (LUTS) and ED. As the transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) that induces the synthesis of collagen in the penile tissues is critical for the development of ED, the first aim of this study was to investigate the expression of TGF‐β1 in the penis from male rabbits with chronic partial bladder outlet obstruction (PBOO). Besides, it has been suggested that oxidative stress plays a significant role in the pathophysiological mechanism of ED. Thus, the second aim of this study was to further investigate whether the urinary or serum oxidative stress markers are involved in chronic PBOO‐induced penile dysfunction. A total of 16 male New Zealand White rabbits were separated equally into four groups: a control group and PBOO groups obstructed for 2, 4 and 8 weeks respectively. Using the RT‐PCR and Western blot analysis, a progressive increase of TGF‐β1 in penis was found at 2, 4 and 8 weeks after obstruction. Moreover, the biomarkers for oxidative stress or oxidative damage were significantly detected in the penis of rabbits after PBOO, which include the enhancement of 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) in urine and plasma, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), as well as reduction of glutathione (GSH). On the basis of our results, the increase of TGF‐β1 and elevated systemic oxidative stress may play key roles to contribute to penile dysfunction after chronic PBOO.
Screening of subfertile men for testicular carcinoma in situ by an automated image analysis‐based cytological test of the ejaculate
Authors: Almstrup K. , Lippert M. , Mogensen H. O. , Nielsen J. E. , Hansen J. D. , Daugaard G. , Jørgensen N. , Foged N. T. , Skakkebæk N. E. , Rajpert‐De Meyts E.
Published: June 2011

Testicular cancer (TC) is usually diagnosed after manifestation of an overt tumour. Tumour formation is preceded by a pre‐invasive and asymptomatic stage, carcinoma in situ (CIS) testis, except for very rare subtypes. The CIS cells are located within seminiferous tubules but can be exfoliated and detected in ejaculates with specific CIS markers. We have built a high throughput framework involving automated immunocytochemical staining, scanning microscopy and in silico image analysis allowing automated detection and grading of CIS‐like stained objects in semen samples. In this study, 1175 ejaculates from 765 subfertile men were tested using this framework. In 5/765 (0.65%) cases, CIS‐like cells were identified in the ejaculate. Three of these had bilateral testicular biopsies performed and CIS was histologically confirmed in two. In total, 63 bilateral testicular biopsy were performed in conjunction with analysis of the ejaculates because of infertility work‐up. Histological analysis of the biopsies for the presence of CIS yielded a test sensitivity of 0.67 and a specificity of 0.98. In addition, ejaculates from 45 patients with clinical signs of an overt TC were investigated and yielded a slightly lower sensitivity (0.51), possibly because of obstruction. We conclude that this novel non‐invasive test combining automated immunocytochemistry and advanced image analysis allows identification of TC at the CIS stage with a high specificity, but a negative test does not completely exclude CIS. On the basis of the results, we propose that the assay could be offered to subfertile men and other patients who are at increased risk of TC.
PPF microsphere depot sustains NSAID blood levels with infusion‐like kinetics without ‘burst’
Authors: SHANG Q. , WANG X. , APLEY M. , KUKANICH S. B. , BERKLAND C.
Published: June 2011

Shang, Q., Wang, X., Apley, M., Kukanich, S. B., Berkland, C. PPF microsphere depot sustains NSAID blood levels with infusion‐like kinetics without ‘burst’. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 231–238.

Management of pain is of paramount importance for a myriad of indications in human and animal health. Unfortunately, the administration of pain therapeutics is often complicated by insufficient control over pharmacokinetic profiles as a result of frequent oral dosing. Attempts to sustain and tightly control the concentration of these drugs in the blood via controlled release injectable formulations have typically resulted in drug ‘burst’, followed by marginal control over the ensuing pharmacokinetics. Here, precision particle fabrication (PPF) technology was used to produce uniform microspheres encapsulating the nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug meloxicam. After subcutaneous injection, plasma concentrations of meloxicam were held constant in canines for more than 2 weeks without initial drug burst. Pharmacokinetic profiles were accurately modeled using equations typically applied to steady‐state infusion. PPF microsphere depots of pain therapeutics or other compounds may ultimately improve safety and sustain the efficacy of medications where such controlled uniform exposure would be therapeutically beneficial.
Germination proteins in the inner membrane of dormant Bacillus subtilis spores colocalize in a discrete cluster
Authors: Griffiths Keren K. , Zhang Jingqiao , Cowan Ann E. , Yu Ji , Setlow Peter
Published: June 2011

Dormant bacterial spores are extraordinarily resistant to environmental insults and are vectors of various illnesses. However, spores cannot cause disease unless they germinate and become vegetative cells. The molecular details of initiation of germination are not understood, but proteins essential in early stages of germination, such as nutrient germinant receptors (GRs) and GerD, are located in the spore inner membrane. In this study, we examine how these germination proteins are organized in dormant Bacillus subtilis spores by expressing fluorescent protein fusions that were at least partially functional and observing spores by fluorescence microscopy. We show that GRs and GerD colocalize primarily to a single cluster in dormant spores, reminiscent of the organization of chemoreceptor signalling complexes in Escherichia coli. GRs require all their subunits as well as GerD for clustering, and also require diacylglycerol addition to GerD and GRs' C protein subunits. However, different GRs cluster independently of each other, and GerD forms clusters in the absence of all the GRs. We predict that the clusters represent a functional germination unit or ‘germinosome’ in the spore inner membrane that is necessary for rapid and cooperative response to nutrients, as conditions known to block nutrient germination also disrupt the protein clusters.
The HSPB8‐BAG3 chaperone complex is upregulated in astrocytes in the human brain affected by protein aggregation diseases
Authors: Seidel K. , Vinet J. , den Dunnen W. F. A. , Brunt E. R. , Meister M. , Boncoraglio A. , Zijlstra M. P. , Boddeke H. W. G. M. , Rüb U. , Kampinga H. H. , Carra S.
Published: June 2011

K. Seidel, J. Vinet, W. F. A. den Dunnen, E. R. Brunt, M. Meister, A. Boncoraglio, M. P. Zijlstra, H. W. G. M. Boddeke, U. Rüb, H. H. Kampinga and S. Carra (2012) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology38, 39–53

The HSPB8‐BAG3 chaperone complex is upregulated in astrocytes in the human brain affected by protein aggregation diseases

Aims: HSPB8 is a small heat shock protein that forms a complex with the co‐chaperone BAG3. Overexpression of the HSPB8‐BAG3 complex in cells stimulates autophagy and facilitates the clearance of mutated aggregation‐prone proteins, whose accumulation is a hallmark of many neurodegenerative disorders. HSPB8‐BAG3 could thus play a protective role in protein aggregation diseases and might be specifically upregulated in response to aggregate‐prone protein‐mediated toxicity. Here we analysed HSPB8‐BAG3 expression levels in post‐mortem human brain tissue from patients suffering of the following protein conformation disorders: Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3). Methods: Western blotting and immunohistochemistry techniques were used to analyse HSPB8 and BAG3 expression levels in fibroblasts from SCA3 patients and post‐mortem brain tissues, respectively. Results: In all diseases investigated, we observed a strong upregulation of HSPB8 and a moderate upregulation of BAG3 specifically in astrocytes in the cerebral areas affected by neuronal damage and degeneration. Intriguingly, no significant change in the HSPB8‐BAG3 expression levels was observed within neurones, irrespective of their localization or of the presence of proteinaceous aggregates. Conclusions: We propose that the upregulation of HSPB8 and BAG3 may enhance the ability of astrocytes to clear aggregated proteins released from neurones and cellular debris, maintain the local tissue homeostasis and/or participate in the cytoskeletal remodelling that astrocytes undergo during astrogliosis.
Utility of Ki67 immunostaining in the grading of pineal parenchymal tumours: a multicentre study
Authors: Fèvre‐Montange M. , Vasiljevic A. , Frappaz D. , Champier J. , Szathmari A. , Aubriot Lorton M.‐H. , Chapon F. , Coulon A. , Quintin Roué I. , Delisle M.‐B. , Figarella‐Branger D. , Laquerrière A. , Miquel C. , Michiels J.‐F. , Péoch M. , Polivka M. , Fauchon F. , Jouvet A.
Published: June 2011

M. Fèvre‐Montange, A. Vasiljevic, D. Frappaz, J. Champier, A. Szathmari, M.‐H. Aubriot Lorton, F. Chapon, A. Coulon, I. Quintin Roué, M.‐B. Delisle, D. Figarella‐Branger, A. Laquerrière, C. Miquel, J.‐F. Michiels, M. Péoch, M. Polivka, F. Fauchon and A. Jouvet (2012) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology38, 87–94

Utility of Ki67 immunostaining in the grading of pineal parenchymal tumours: a multicentre study

Aims: Pineal parenchymal tumours (PPTs) are rare neoplasms that are divided into pineocytoma (PC), pineoblastoma (PB) and PPT of intermediate differentiation (PPTID). Factors affecting the survival of patients with PPTs are morphological subtype and histological grading according to mitotic index and neurofilament immunostaining. Grading criteria to distinguish PPTIDs are difficult to define, particularly when using small specimens. The Ki67 labelling index (LI) might be helpful in distinguishing between grade II and III PPTIDs. Our study was performed to assess the predictive value of the Ki67 LI in a large cooperative series of PPTs and to evaluate whether inclusion of this data would improve and refine the World Health Organization classification. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 33 PPTs was performed. The histological features of the tumours were reviewed and Ki67 LI scoring was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Data were correlated with the patients' survival. Results: The mean Ki67 LI was significantly different for tumour grades (0 in PC, 5.2 ± 0.4 in PPTID grade II, 11.2 ± 2.0 in PPTID grade III, 36.4 ± 6.2 in PB; P < 0.0001). However, there was no statistically significant difference in either overall or disease‐free survival evaluated by the Kaplan–Meier method for patients with different grade tumours or Ki67 LI, possibly due to the different clinical management of patients in different centres. Conclusions: The Ki67 LI may be a useful additional tool for grading PPTs, more particularly in small tumour samples.
Neuropathological analysis of brainstem cholinergic and catecholaminergic nuclei in relation to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder
Authors: Dugger B. N. , Murray M. E. , Boeve B. F. , Parisi J. E. , Benarroch E. E. , Ferman T. J. , Dickson D. W.
Published: June 2011

B. N. Dugger, M. E. Murray, B. F. Boeve, J. E. Parisi, E. E. Benarroch, T. J. Ferman and D. W. Dickson (2012) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology38, 142–152

Neuropathological analysis of brainstem cholinergic and catecholaminergic nuclei in relation to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder

Aims: Rapid eye movement sleep behaviour disorder (RBD) is characterized by loss of muscle atonia during rapid eye movement sleep and is associated with dream enactment behaviour. RBD is often associated with α‐synuclein pathology, and we examined if there is a relationship of RBD with cholinergic neuronal loss in the pedunculopontine/laterodorsal tegmental nucleus (PPN/LDT), compared to catecholaminergic neurones in a neighbouring nucleus, the locus coeruleus (LC). Methods: This retrospective study utilized human brain banked tissues of 11 Lewy body disease (LBD) cases with RBD, 10 LBD without RBD, 19 Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 10 neurologically normal controls. Tissues were stained with choline acetyl transferase immunohistochemistry to label neurones of PPN/LDT and tyrosine hydroxylase for the LC. The burden of tau and α‐synuclein pathology was measured in the same regions with immunohistochemistry. Results: Both the LC and PPN/LDT were vulnerable to α‐synuclein pathology in LBD and tau pathology in AD, but significant neuronal loss was only detected in these nuclei in LBD. Greater cholinergic depletion was found in both LBD groups, regardless of RBD status, when compared with normals and AD. There were no differences in either degree of neuronal loss or burden of α‐synuclein pathology in LBD with and without RBD. Conclusions: Whether decreases in brainstem cholinergic neurones in LBD contribute to RBD is uncertain, but our findings indicate these neurones are highly vulnerable to α‐synuclein pathology in LBD and tau pathology in AD. The mechanism of selective α‐synuclein‐mediated neuronal loss in these nuclei remains to be determined.
Morphological and physiological differentiation of seedlings between dry and wet habitats in a tropical dry forest
Authors: PINEDA‐GARCÍA FERNANDO , PAZ HORACIO , TINOCO‐OJANGUREN CLARA
Published: June 2011

A common observation in tropical dry forests is the habitat preference of tree species along spatial soil water gradients. This pattern of habitat partitioning might be a result of species differentiation in their strategy for using water, along with competing functions such as maximizing water exploitation and tolerating soil water stress. We tested whether species from drier soil conditions exhibited a tolerance strategy compared with that of wet‐habitat species. In a comparison of 12 morphophysiological traits in seedlings of 10 closely related dry and wet‐habitat species pairs, we explored what trade‐offs guide differentiation between habitats and species. Contrary to our expectations, dry‐habitat species showed mostly traits associated with an exploitation strategy (higher carbon assimilation capacity, specific leaf area and leaf‐specific conductivity and lower water‐use efficiency). Strikingly, dry‐habitat species tended to retain their leaves longer during drought. Additionally, we detected multiple strategies to live within each habitat, in part due to variation of strategies among lineages, as well as functional differentiation along the water storage capacity–stem density (xylem safety) trade‐off. Our results suggest that fundamental trade‐offs guide functional niche differentiation among tree species expressed both within and between soil water habitats in a tropical dry forest.
Leaf wax n‐alkane δD values are determined early in the ontogeny of Populus trichocarpa leaves when grown under controlled environmental conditions
Authors: KAHMEN ANSGAR , DAWSON TODD E. , VIETH ANDREA , SACHSE DIRK
Published: June 2011

The stable hydrogen isotope ratios (δD) of leaf wax n‐alkanes record valuable information on plant and ecosystem water relations. It remains, however, unknown if leaf wax n‐alkane δD values record only environmental variation during the brief period of time of leaf growth or if leaf wax n‐alkane δD values are affected by environmental variability throughout the entire lifespan of a leaf. To resolve these uncertainties, we irrigated Populus trichocarpa trees with a pulse of deuterium‐enriched water and used compound‐specific stable hydrogen isotope analyses to test if the applied tracer could be recovered from leaf wax n‐alkanes of leaves that were at different stages of their development during the tracer application. Our experiment revealed that only leaf wax n‐alkanes from leaves that had developed during the time of the tracer application were affected, while leaves that were already fully matured at the time of the tracer application were not. We conclude from our study that under controlled environmental conditions, leaf wax n‐alkanes are synthesized only early in the ontogeny of a leaf. Our experiment has implications for the interpretation of leaf wax n‐alkane δD values in an environmental context, as it suggests that these compounds record only a brief period of the environmental variability that a leaf experiences throughout its life.
A horizontally transferred tRNACys gene in the sugar beet mitochondrial genome: evidence that the gene is present in diverse angiosperms and its transcript is aminoacylated
Authors: Kitazaki Kazuyoshi , Kubo Tomohiko , Kagami Hiroyo , Matsumoto Takuma , Fujita Asami , Matsuhira Hiroaki , Matsunaga Muneyuki , Mikami Tetsuo
Published: June 2011

Of the two tRNACys(GCA) genes, trnC1‐GCA and trnC2‐GCA, previously identified in mitochondrial genome of sugar beet, the former is a native gene and probably a pseudo‐copy, whereas the latter, of unknown origin, is transcribed into a tRNA [tRNACys2(GCA)]. In this study, the trnC2‐GCA sequence was mined from various public databases. To evaluate whether or not the trnC2‐GCA sequence is located in the mitochondrial genome, the relative copy number of its sequence to nuclear gene was assessed in a number of angiosperm species, using a quantitative real‐time PCR assay. The trnC2‐GCA sequence was found to exist sporadically in the mitochondrial genomes of a wide range of angiosperms. The mitochondrial tRNACys2(GCA) species from sugar beet (Beta vulgaris), spinach (Spinacea oleracea) and cucumber (Cucumis sativus) were found to be aminoacylated, indicating that they may participate in translation. We also identified a sugar beet nuclear gene that encodes cysteinyl‐tRNA synthetase, which is dual‐targeted to mitochondria and plastids, and may aminoacylate tRNACys2(GCA). What is of particular interest is that trnC1‐GCA and trnC2‐GCA co‐exist in the mitochondrial genomes of eight diverse angiosperms, including spinach, and that the spinach tRNACys1(GCA) is also aminoacylated. Taken together, our observations lead us to surmise that trnC2‐GCA may have been horizontally transferred to a common ancestor of eudicots, followed by co‐existence and dual expression of trnC1‐GCA and trnC2‐GCA in mitochondria with occasional loss or inactivation of either trnC‐GCA gene during evolution.
Xenotransplantation literature update, March – April 2011
Authors: Schneider Mårten K. J. , Seebach Jörg D.
Published: June 2011

Schneider MKJ, Seebach JD. Xenotransplantation literature update, March – April 2011. Xenotransplantation 2011; 18: 209–213. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.
Species concept and morphological differentiation of strains traditionally assigned to Micrasterias truncata
Authors: Nemjová Katarína , Neustupa Jiří , Št'astný Jan , Škaloud Pavel , Veselá Jana
Published: June 2011

The morphological and molecular differentiation of the Micrasterias truncata (Corda) ex Bréb species complex was investigated. In total, 17 strains traditionally assigned to M. truncata were isolated from different European localities (Czech Republic, southwest France, Ireland), and obtained from public culture collections. In addition, strains of the morphologically similar species, M. decemdentata (Nägeli) W. Archer and M. zeylanica F. E. Fritsch, were also included. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on trnGucc intron sequences revealed five well supported clades. Two Australian strains assigned to M. truncata var. pusilla G. S. West formed a lineage sister to M. zeylanica. This was evident from a concatenated phylogeny based on small subunit rDNA and trnGucc intron sequences. The isolated position of these strains was also illustrated by parallel landmark‐based geometric morphometric analysis of cell shapes. The strains NIES 783 and NIES 784 probably represent a separate species. Particular analysis, including additional strains, is needed to resolve the relationship inside this lineage. The second phylogenetic lineage, containing two strains of M. truncata var. semiradiata (Kützing) Wolle, was also different from other strains on the basis of morphometric data. We suggest recognizing this variety as a separate species, Micrasterias semiradiata L.A. Brébisson ex F. T. Kützing. The remaining three clades formed a firmly supported group of the ‘core’M. truncata recognized by both molecular markers. However, neither any morphological, morphometric, nor geographical pattern was detected among members of these three clades. This pattern could be caused by a relatively recent origin of these lineages that may represent a sympatric, truly cryptic species. Strains attributable to traditional morphologically defined variety M. truncata var. neodamensis were nested within the ‘core’M. truncata.
CONSUMPTION–LEISURE TRADE‐OFFS AND PERSISTENCY IN BUSINESS CYCLES
Authors: Barañano Ilaski , Moral M. Paz
Published: June 2011

This paper studies whether non‐separabilities between consumption and leisure may help to explain the observed persistence in GNP growth. We consider an extended version of Lucas's (1988) human capital investment model that includes labour adjustment costs and compare its performance under different utility specifications with different degrees of complementarity and substitutability between consumption and leisure. We find that when consumption and leisure are complements the model succeeds in matching not only the autocorrelation of output growth but also the important trend‐reverting component found in US data. These results hold even if low adjustment costs of labour are considered. Hence, we conclude that an arguably simple margin not considered conventionally can provide useful insights into observed business cycle patterns.
Illustrative Molecular Visualization with Continuous Abstraction
Authors: van der Zwan Matthew , Lueks Wouter , Bekker Henk , Isenberg Tobias
Published: June 2011

Molecular systems may be visualized with various degrees of structural abstraction, support of spatial perception, and ‘illustrativeness.’ In this work we propose and realize methods to create seamless transformations that allow us to affect and change each of these three parameters individually. The resulting transitions give viewers a dedicated control of abstraction in illustrative molecular visualization and, consequently, allow them to seamlessly explore the resulting abstraction space for obtaining a fundamental understanding of molecular systems. We show example visualizations created with our approach and report informal feedback on our technique from domain experts.
A Visual Analytics Approach for Peak‐Preserving Prediction of Large Seasonal Time Series
Authors: Hao M. C. , Janetzko H. , Mittelstädt S. , Hill W. , Dayal U. , Keim D. A. , Marwah M. , Sharma R. K.
Published: June 2011

Time series prediction methods are used on a daily basis by analysts for making important decisions. Most of these methods use some variant of moving averages to reduce the number of data points before prediction. However, to reach a good prediction in certain applications (e.g., power consumption time series in data centers) it is important to preserve peaks and their patterns. In this paper, we introduce automated peak‐preserving smoothing and prediction algorithms, enabling a reliable long term prediction for seasonal data, and combine them with an advanced visual interface: (1) using high resolution cell‐based time series to explore seasonal patterns, (2) adding new visual interaction techniques (multi‐scaling, slider, and brushing & linking) to incorporate human expert knowledge, and (3) providing both new visual accuracy color indicators for validating the predicted results and certainty bands communicating the uncertainty of the prediction. We have integrated these techniques into a well‐fitted solution to support the prediction process, and applied and evaluated the approach to predict both power consumption and server utilization in data centers with 70–80% accuracy.
Visual Exploration of Time‐Series Data with Shape Space Projections
Authors: Ward Matthew O. , Guo Zhenyu
Published: June 2011

Time‐series data is a common target for visual analytics, as they appear in a wide range of application domains. Typical tasks in analyzing time‐series data include identifying cyclic behavior, outliers, trends, and periods of time that share distinctive shape characteristics. Many methods for visualizing time series data exist, generally mapping the data values to positions or colors. While each can be used to perform a subset of the above tasks, none to date is a complete solution. In this paper we present a novel approach to time‐series data visualization, namely creating multivariate data records out of short subsequences of the data and then using multivariate visualization methods to display and explore the data in the resulting shape space. We borrow ideas from text analysis, where the use of N‐grams is a common approach to decomposing and processing unstructured text. By mapping each temporal N‐gram to a glyph, and then positioning the glyphs via PCA (basically a projection in shape space), many different kinds of patterns in the sequence can be readily identified. Interactive selection via brushing, in conjunction with linking to other visualizations, provides a wide range of tools for exploring the data. We validate the usefulness of this approach with examples from several application domains and tasks, comparing our methods with traditional time‐series visualizations.
Topological Features in 2D Symmetric Higher‐Order Tensor Fields
Authors: Schultz T.
Published: June 2011

The topological structure of scalar, vector, and second‐order tensor fields provides an important mathematical basis for data analysis and visualization. In this paper, we extend this framework towards higher‐order tensors. First, we establish formal uniqueness properties for a geometrically constrained tensor decomposition. This allows us to define and visualize topological structures in symmetric tensor fields of orders three and four. We clarify that in 2D, degeneracies occur at isolated points, regardless of tensor order. However, for orders higher than two, they are no longer equivalent to isotropic tensors, and their fractional Poincaré index prevents us from deriving continuous vector fields from the tensor decomposition. Instead, sorting the terms by magnitude leads to a new type of feature, lines along which the resulting vector fields are discontinuous. We propose algorithms to extract these features and present results on higher‐order derivatives and higher‐order structure tensors.
ImPrEd: An Improved Force‐Directed Algorithm that Prevents Nodes from Crossing Edges
Authors: Simonetto Paolo , Archambault Daniel , Auber David , Bourqui Romain
Published: June 2011

PrEd [Ber00] is a force‐directed algorithm that improves the existing layout of a graph while preserving its edge crossing properties. The algorithm has a number of applications including: improving the layouts of planar graph drawing algorithms, interacting with a graph layout, and drawing Euler‐like diagrams. The algorithm ensures that nodes do not cross edges during its execution. However, PrEd can be computationally expensive and overly‐restrictive in terms of node movement.

In this paper, we introduce ImPrEd: an improved version of PrEd that overcomes some of its limitations and widens its range of applicability. ImPrEd also adds features such as flexible or crossable edges, allowing for greater control over the output. Flexible edges, in particular, can improve the distribution of graph elements and the angular resolution of the input graph. They can also be used to generate Euler diagrams with smooth boundaries. As flexible edges increase data set size, we experience an execution/drawing quality trade off. However, when flexible edges are not used, ImPrEdproves to be consistently faster than PrEd.
Piece wise Laplacian‐based Projection for Interactive Data Exploration and Organization
Authors: Paulovich F.V. , Eler D.M. , Poco J. , Botha C.P. , Minghim R. , Nonato L.G.
Published: June 2011

Multidimensional projection has emerged as an important visualization tool in applications involving the visual analysis of high‐dimensional data. However, high precision projection methods are either computationally expensive or not flexible enough to enable feedback from user interaction into the projection process. A built‐in mechanism that dynamically adapts the projection based on direct user intervention would make the technique more useful for a larger range of applications and data sets. In this paper we propose the Piecewise Laplacian‐based Projection (PLP), a novel multidimensional projection technique, that, due to the local nature of its formulation, enables a versatile mechanism to interact with projected data and to allow interactive changes to alter the projection map dynamically, a capability unique of this technique. We exploit the flexibility provided by PLP in two interactive projection‐based applications, one designed to organize pictures visually and another to build music playlists. These applications illustrate the usefulness of PLP in handling high‐dimensional data in a flexible and highly visual way. We also compare PLP with the currently most promising projections in terms of precision and speed, showing that it performs very well also according to these quality criteria.
In‐situ Sampling of a Large‐Scale Particle Simulation for Interactive Visualization and Analysis
Authors: Woodring J. , Ahrens J. , Figg J. , Wendelberger J. , Habib S. , Heitmann K.
Published: June 2011

We describe a simulation‐time random sampling of a large‐scale particle simulation, the RoadRunner Universe MC3cosmological simulation, for interactive post‐analysis and visualization. Simulation data generation rates will continue to be far greater than storage bandwidth rates by many orders of magnitude. This implies that only a very small fraction of data generated by a simulation can ever be stored and subsequently post‐analyzed. The limiting factors in this situation are similar to the problem in many population surveys: there aren't enough human resources to query a large population. To cope with the lack of resources, statistical sampling techniques are used to create a representative data set of a large population. Following this analogy, we propose to store a simulation‐time random sampling of the particle data for post‐analysis, with level‐of‐detail organization, to cope with the bottlenecks. A sample is stored directly from the simulation in a level‐of‐detail format for post‐visualization and analysis, which amortizes the cost of post‐processing and reduces workflow time. Additionally by sampling during the simulation, we are able to analyze the entire particle population to record full population statistics and quantify sample error.
Stroke Correspondence Construction Using Manifold Learning
Authors: Liu Dongquan , Chen Quan , Yu Jun , Gu Huiqin , Tao Dacheng , Seah Hock Soon
Published: June 2011

Stroke correspondence construction is a precondition for generating inbetween frames from a set of key frames. In our case, each stroke in a key frame is a vector represented as a Disk B‐Spline Curve (DBSC) which is a flexible and compact vector format. However, it is not easy to construct correspondences between multiple DBSC strokes effectively because of the following points: (1) with the use of shape descriptors, the dimensionality of the feature space is high; (2) the number of strokes in different key frames is usually large and different from each other and (3) the length of corresponding strokes can be very different. The first point makes matching difficult. The other two points imply ‘many to many’ and ‘part to whole’ correspondences between strokes. To solve these problems, this paper presents a DBSC stroke correspondence construction approach, which introduces a manifold learning technique to the matching process. Moreover, in order to handle the mapping between unequal numbers of strokes with different lengths, a stroke reconstruction algorithm is developed to convert the ‘many to many’ and ‘part to whole’ stroke correspondences to ‘one to one’ compound stroke correspondence.
Eucalyptus increases ceramide levels in keratinocytes and improves stratum corneum function
Authors: Ishikawa J. , Shimotoyodome Y. , Chen S. , Ohkubo K. , Takagi Y. , Fujimura T. , Kitahara T. , Takema Y.
Published: June 2011

Synopsis

The objectives of this study were to identify a plant extract that would improve stratum corneum functions and to elucidate the mechanism(s) involved. Based on the information that stratum corneum functions depend on the level of ceramide in the stratum corneum, we identified a Eucalyptus extract that was able to increase the level of ceramide in human keratinocytes in culture and in human stratum corneum and that improves the stratum corneum water holding and barrier functions. Addition of the Eucalyptus extract to human keratinocytes in culture increased the level of ceramide in a dose‐dependent manner and also increased the biosynthesis of ceramide, glucosylceramide and sphingomyelin. Topical application of the Eucalyptus extract on the dry skin of human subjects induced by acetone and diethylether treatment resulted in a significant increase in ceramide level in the stratum corneum, a significant improvement in its water‐holding function and an improvement in its barrier function. The addition of macrocarpal A, one of the main components of the Eucalyptus extract, to human keratinocytes in culture increased the level of ceramide and the mRNA expression of serine palmitoyltransferase, acid sphingomyelinase, neutral sphingomyelinase, glucosylceramide synthase and glucocerebrosidase in a dose‐dependent manner. Our results indicate that the increased content of ceramides in the stratum corneum may underlie the therapeutic effect of the Eucalyptus extract. Our results also indicate the possibility that macrocarpal A is the key component that stimulates the synthesis of ceramide in the stratum corneum.
Psychology and Family Economics
Authors: Lundberg Shelly
Published: June 2011

A substantial increase in the availability of data on psychosocial traits in large representative longitudinal samples has opened up new areas of research for economists and new opportunities for collaborations with psychologists. As an example, I incorporate personality into alternative economic models of marriage, with individual traits associated with either productivity in home or market sectors, or preferences for household public goods. Empirically, personality traits have robust effects on individual propensities to marry and to divorce in a representative sample of the German population. Changes in these patterns across cohorts are consistent with a shift in the principal sources of marital surplus from production complementarities to consumption complementarities in the past few decades. Some personality traits related to divorce are also related to limited self-control in other domains, and suggest that departures from rational action should be considered in models of family behavior. In general, further analysis of the impact of personality and other psychological indicators on family relationships may improve our understanding of variation in partnership and parental decision-making, and of their responses to policy and to institutional environments.
Beggar Thy Neighbour?
Authors: Dascher Kristof
Published: June 2011

A large literature emphasizes the virtues of home ownership. This article illustrates that homeowners’ influence need not always be benign. Taking a first look at large vacant housing in East Germany, the article in part attributes vacant housing and its demolition to homeowners’ interest in keeping real estate prices up.
Diversifikationsvorteile verbriefter Immobilienanlagen in einem Mixed-Asset-Portfolio
Authors: Füss Roland , Schindler Felix
Published: June 2011

This article examines whether international investors benefit from adding real estate investment trusts (REITs) to a mixed asset portfolio consisting of global stocks, bonds, hedge funds, and commodities. Previous literature has shown that REITs provide a strong co-movement with direct real estate in the long run. We therefore test the diversification potential of international REITs within the strategic asset allocation. Using the Johansen cointegration technique, we show that there is no long-term co-movement between REITs and the other asset classes in the period from January 1990 to December 2009. Thus, the empirical evidence suggests that REITs improve the diversification potential for active investors and those with a long-term investment horizon by simultaneously generating continuous cash flows.
Pharmacological activation of KCa3.1/KCa2.3 channels produces endothelial hyperpolarization and lowers blood pressure in conscious dogs
Authors: Damkjaer Mads , Nielsen Gorm , Bodendiek Silke , Staehr Mette , Gramsbergen Jan‐Bert , de Wit Cor , Jensen Boye L , Simonsen Ulf , Bie Peter , Wulff Heike , Köhler Ralf
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In rodents, the endothelial KCa channels, KCa3.1 and KCa2.3, have been shown to play a crucial role in initiating endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) vasodilator responses. However, it is not known to what extent these channels are involved in blood pressure regulation in large mammals, which would also allow us to address safety issues. We therefore characterized canine endothelial KCa3.1 and KCa2.3 functions and evaluated the effect of the KCa3.1/KCa2.3 activator SKA‐31 on blood pressure and heart rate in dogs.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Canine endothelial KCa3.1/KCa2.3 functions were studied by patch‐clamp electrophysiology and wire myography in mesenteric arteries. Systemic cardiovascular actions of acute SKA‐31 administration were monitored in conscious, unstressed beagle dogs.

KEY RESULTS Mesenteric endothelial cells expressed functional KCa3.1 and KCa2.3 channels that were strongly activated by SKA‐31. SKA‐31 hyperpolarized the endothelial membrane and doubled endothelial hyperpolarization‐dependent vasodilator responses in mesenteric arteries. SKA‐31 (2 mg·kg−1, i.v.) rapidly decreased the MAP by 28 ± 6 mmHg; this response was transient (8 ± 1 s), and the initial drop was followed by a fast and pronounced increase in HR (+109 ± 7 beats min−1) reflecting baroreceptor activation. SKA‐31 significantly augmented similar transient depressor responses elicited by ACh (20 ng·kg−1) and doubled the magnitude of the response over time.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Activation of endothelial KCa3.1 and KCa2.3 lowers arterial blood pressure in dogs by an immediate electrical vasodilator mechanism. The results support the concept that pharmacological activation of these channels may represent a potential unique endothelium‐specific antihypertensive therapy.
Effects of NMDA receptor antagonists with different subtype selectivities on retinal spreading depression
Authors: Wang Minyan , Chazot Paul L , Ali Sura , Duckett Stevens F , Obrenovitch Tihomir P
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Spreading depression (SD) is a local, temporary disruption of cellular ionic homeostasis that propagates slowly across the cerebral cortex and other neural tissues such as the retina. Spreading depolarization associated with SD occurs in different types of stroke, and this phenomenon correlates also with the initiation of classical migraine aura. The aim of this study was to investigate how NMDA receptor antagonists with different subtype selectivity alter SD.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Immunoblotting was applied to the chick retina for NMDA receptor subunit protein analysis, and an efficient in vitro chick retinal model used with SD imaging for NMDA receptor pharmacology.

KEY RESULTS The prominent NMDA receptor subtypes GluN1, GluN2A and GluN2B were found highly expressed in the chick retina. Nanomolar concentrations of NVP‐AAM077 (GluN2A‐preferring receptor antagonist) markedly suppressed high K+‐induced SD; that is, ∼30 times more effectively than MK801. At sub‐micromolar concentrations, Ro 25‐6981 (GluN2B‐preferring receptor antagonist) produced a moderate SD inhibition, whereas CP‐101,606 (also GluN2B‐preferring receptor antagonist) and UBP141 (GluN2C/2D‐preferring receptor antagonist) had no effect.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The expression of major NMDA receptor subtypes, GluN1, GluN2A and GluN2B in the chick retina makes them pertinent targets for pharmacological inhibition of SD. The high efficacy of NVP‐AAM077 on SD inhibition suggests a critical role of GluN2A‐containing receptors in SD genesis. Such high anti‐SD potency suggests that NVP‐AAM077, and other GluN2A‐selective drug‐like candidates, could be potential anti‐migraine agents.
Expansion of Corticomedullary Junction High‐Susceptibility Region (CMJ‐HSR) with Aging: A Clue in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease?
Authors: Nakada Tsutomu , Matsuzawa Hitoshi , Igarashi Hironaka , Kwee Ingrid L.
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND

Susceptibility‐weighted imaging (SWI) microscopy on a 7.0T system demonstrated the corticomedullary junction (CMJ) to be a high‐susceptibility region (HSR) in young normal subjects, suggesting that functional alteration of cortical microcirculation could be assessed with this imaging method.

METHODS

Focused microscopic studies were performed on the parietal association cortex in 74 normal volunteers (ages 20‐79 years; 35 female, 39 male) using a SWI algorithm on a system constructed based on General Electric Signa LX (Waukesha, WI, USA), equipped with a 900‐mm clear bore superconducting magnet operating at 7.0T.

RESULTS

There was a clear‐cut reduction in the thickness of the normal‐appearing cortex (cortex, R2= .5290, P < .001) and expansion of CMJ‐HSR (R2= .6919, P < .001). The sum of cortex thickness and CMJ‐HSR thickness was essentially constant, suggesting that the observed expansion of CMR‐HSR with aging likely occurred within the cortical mantle.

CONCLUSION

CMJ‐HSR expands significantly as a function of aging. Since CMJ‐HSR represents a functionally distinct area with relatively slow venous flow, the observed expansion is believed to reflect alteration in cerebral microcirculation with increased age, providing another clue for pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
Orgasm-Associated Urinary Incontinence and Sexual Life After Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Nilsson Andreas E. , Carlsson Stefan , Johansson Eva , Jonsson Martin N. , Adding Christofer , Nyberg Tommy , Steineck Gunnar , Peter Wiklund N.
Published: June 2011

Introduction

Involuntary release of urine during sexual climax, orgasm-associated urinary incontinence, occurs frequently after radical prostatectomy. We know little about its prevalence and its effect on sexual satisfaction.

Aim

To determine the prevalence of orgasm-associated incontinence after radical prostatectomy and its effect on sexual satisfaction.

Methods

Consecutive series, follow-up at one point in calendar time of men having undergone radical prostatectomy (open surgery or robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery) at Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, 2002–2006. Of the 1,411 eligible men, 1,288 (91%) men completed a study-specific questionnaire.

Main Outcome Measure

Prevalence rate of orgasm-associated incontinence.

Results

Of the 1,288 men providing information, 691 were sexually active. Altogether, 268 men reported orgasm-associated urinary incontinence, of whom 230 (86%) were otherwise continent. When comparing them with the 422 not reporting the symptom but being sexually active, we found a prevalence ratio (with 95% confidence interval) of 1.5 (1.2–1.8) for not being able to satisfy the partner, 2.1 (1.1–3.5) for avoiding sexual activity because of fear of failing, 1.5 (1.1–2.1) for low orgasmic satisfaction, and 1.4 (1.2–1.7) for having sexual intercourse infrequently. Prevalence ratios increase in prostate-cancer survivors with a higher frequency of orgasm-associated urinary incontinence.

Conclusion

We found orgasm-associated urinary incontinence to occur among a fifth of prostate cancer survivors having undergone radical prostatectomy, most of whom are continent when not engaged in sexual activity. The symptom was associated with several aspects of sexual life.
Regulating non‐government schools: Explaining success and failure
Authors: Zehavi Amos
Published: June 2011

The challenge faced by governments in the regulation of powerful private actors has allegedly intensified in recent years. This study explores the means at the disposal of governments, and their effectiveness, with respect to the regulation of private actors that demonstrate considerable independence and political efficacy. It is argued that a modified ‘Contextual Interaction Theory’ (CIT), which focuses on the interaction between generic policy instruments (carrots, sticks, and sermons) and target group attributes (motivation, information, and power), and is augmented by a consideration of a separate institutional dimension, offers a useful analytical framework for understanding both the challenge faced by governments and the options for dealing with it. This framework is applied to a study of the introduction of ‘new accountability’ to Australian and Israeli non‐government schools. The use of the standard CIT lenses helps explain Australian success and Israeli government failure in the introduction of new accountability. Australian success is attributable to a judicious mix of ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ instruments that favorably impacted target group information and motivation. In Israel, in contrast, policy instrument mixes failed to alter the main target group's oppositional stance. Institutional engineering, however, could provide a promising way for Israeli policymakers to enhance policy instrument effectiveness, by influencing target group power and motivation.
Diagnosis of equine influenza virus infections in quarantine stations in Australia, 2007
Authors: Watson J , Selleck P , Axell A , Bruce K , Taylor T , Heine H , Daniels P , Jeggo M
Published: June 2011

In August 2007, several horses showed pyrexia and respiratory signs while in post‐arrival quarantine in Australia. Subsequent investigations diagnosed equine influenza by serology and PCR in two quarantine stations. A common origin in a shipment of horses from Japan was indicated.
Equine influenza in Australia: a clinical overview
Authors: Gilkerson JR
Published: June 2011

The clinical symptoms observed during the 2007 equine influenza outbreak are compared and contrasted with those observed in overseas outbreaks and described in the veterinary literature.
Clinical impression of equine influenza at Morgan Park and the western region of Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Authors: Anthony ND
Published: June 2011

The clinical signs of horses infected with equine influenza in two Queensland locations, Morgan Park Recreational Grounds at Warwick, and the western region of Brisbane, are described and compared. Clinical signs were observed to be more severe, and treatment more intensive, in horses in stressful settings.
Determining the endpoint of an outbreak of equine influenza in a large population of racing Thoroughbreds
Authors: Ryan D
Published: June 2011

Outbreaks of equine influenza (EI) cause major disruption to the racing industry, resulting in cessation of racing until affected horses have recovered from the disease. The introduction of EI to a large population of Thoroughbred horses stabled at a Sydney racecourse provided the opportunity to observe clinical signs and monitor the spread of EI in this predominantly naïve population and to assist in determining an endpoint to infection spread to allow resumption of racing events.