bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mutations in the Cytoplasmic Tail of Herpes Simplex Virus 1 gH Reduce the Fusogenicity of gB in Transfected Cells
Authors: Silverman Jessica L. , Heldwein Ekaterina E.
Published: July 2013

Mutations within the cytoplasmic tail (cytotail) of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) gH were previously observed to suppress the syncytial phenotype of gB cytoplasmic domain mutant A855V in infected cells. Here, we examined the effects of gH cytotail mutations on virus-free cell-cell fusion in transfected cells to exclude the contributions of viral proteins other than gD, gH/gL, and gB. We show that a truncation at residue 832 coupled with the point mutation V831A within the cytotail of gH reduces fusion regardless of whether the wild type (WT) or a
syn
gB allele is present. We hypothesize that the gH cytotail mutations either reduce activation of gB by gH/gL or suppress the fusogenicity of gB through another, as yet unknown mechanism. The gB cytodomain and the gH cytotail do not interact
in vitro
, suggesting that mutations in the gH cytotail may instead affect the function of the gH/gL ectodomain. Nevertheless, we cannot exclude the possibility that the gB cytodomain and the gH cytotail interact in the context of full-length membrane-anchored proteins. The observed fusion suppression in transfected cells is less prominent than what was seen in infected cells, and we propose that gH cytotail mutations may additionally suppress syncytium formation in cells infected with
syn
HSV-1 by acting on other viral proteins, reinforcing the idea that fusion of HSV-infected cells is a complex phenomenon. Although fusion suppression by the gH cytotail mutant in transfected cells was evident when syncytia were visualized and counted, it was not detected by the luciferase assay, highlighting the differences between the two assays.
Atypical hemifacial spasm due to vertebral artery dolichoectasia: rare cause of a rarer clinical entity
Authors: Mathur Tarun , Srivastava Trilochan , Sardana Vijay , Jain Rahul
Published: July 2013

A 32-year-old man presented with atypical left hemifacial spasm (HFS) with MRI showing compression of left facial nerve at the root exit zone. HFS rarely presents atypically with onset in orbicularis oris and later spreading upward to involve the orbicularis oculi as was seen in our case. Atypical presentation of hemifacial spasm is rare and vertebral artery dolichoectasia as the underlying aetiology, like in our case is even rarer and has not been described in literature so far.
Does bony hip morphology affect the outcome of treatment for patients with adductor-related groin pain? Outcome 10 years after baseline assessment
Authors: Hölmich Per , Thorborg Kristian , Nyvold Per , Klit Jakob , Nielsen Michael B , Troelsen Anders
Published: July 2013

Background

Adductor-related groin pain and bony morphology such as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) or hip dysplasia can coexist clinically. A previous randomised controlled trial in which athletes with adductor-related groin pain underwent either passive treatment (PT) or active treatment (AT) showed good results in the AT group. The primary purpose of the present study was to evaluate if radiological signs of FAI or hip dysplasia seem to affect the clinical outcome, initially and at 8–12 years of follow-up.

Methods

47 patients (80%) were available for follow-up. The clinical result was assessed by a standardised clinical outcome combining patient-reported activity, symptoms and physical examination. Anterioposterior pelvic radiographs were obtained and the centre-edge angle of Wiberg, α angle, presence of a crossover sign and Tönnis grade of osteoarthritis were assessed by a blinded observer using a reliable protocol.

Results

No significant between-group differences regarding the distribution of radiological morphologies were found. There was a decrease over time in clinical outcome in the AT group with α angles >55° compared to those with α angles <55° (p=0.047). In the AT group, there was no significant difference in the distribution of Tönnis grades between hips that had an unchanged or improved outcome compared with hips that had a worse outcome over time (p=0.145).

Conclusions

No evidence was found that bony hip morphology related to FAI or dysplasia prevents successful outcome of the exercise treatment programme with results lasting 8–12 years. The entity of adductor-related groin pain in physically active adults can be treated with AT even in the presence of morphological changes to the hip joint.
A cross-sectional study of Jamaican adolescents’ risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Barrett Sheila C , Huffman Fatma G , Johnson Paulette , Campa Adriana , Magnus Marcia , Ragoobirsingh Dalip
Published: July 2013

Objectives

To compare obese versus non-obese Jamaican adolescents’ risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs); and to explore a suitable and economical method of screening for these risk factors in the school settings.

Design

A descriptive cross-sectional study of adolescents’ risk for T2D and CVD. All the participants were examined at their respective schools.

Setting

Jamaica, West Indies.

Population

276 Jamaican adolescents aged 14–19 years, randomly selected from grades 9 to 12 from 10 high schools on the island and included both boys and girls. All ethnicities on the island were represented.

Main outcome measures

High fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, family history of obesity, T2D and CVDs, low physical activity, and presence of Acanthosis Nigricans. All blood measures were analysed using the finger prick procedure.

Results

Waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, Acanthosis Nigricans, total cholesterol, family history of T2D and blood pressure were the strongest predictors of BMI (p=0.001). Over one-third of the participants were overweight. Jamaican adolescent females had a significantly higher number of risk factors and were less physically active than males (p<0.05). Over 80% of participants reported ≥3 risk factors for T2D and CVD. Participants with BMI ≥25 reported five or more risk factors. One-third of the overweight participants were classified with metabolic syndrome.

Conclusions

Jamaican adolescents are at risk of T2D and CVD. Family history of disease and anthropometric measures identified more participants at risk than did the blood measures. Jamaican adolescent females reported more risk factors for T2D and CVD as compared to males. Collection of this type of data was feasible within the school settings. All data were collected in 1 day per school. Intervention measures are needed to educate Jamaican adolescents to reduce overweight and subsequently the risk factors.
Long-term change in alcohol-consumption status and variations in fibrinogen levels: the coronary artery risk development in young adults (CARDIA) study
Authors: Okwuosa Tochi M , Klein Oana , Chan Cheeling , Schreiner Pamela , Liu Kiang , Green David
Published: July 2013

Objective

To examine long-term associations between change in alcohol-consumption status and cessation of alcohol use, and fibrinogen levels in a large, young, biracial cohort.

Design

Analysis of covariance models were used to analyse participants within the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults Study (CARDIA) cohort who had fibrinogen and alcohol use data at year 7 (1992–1993; ages 25–37) and year 20 examinations.

Setting

4 urban US cities.

Patients

2520 men and women within the CARDIA cohort.

Main outcome measures

13-year changes in alcohol use related to changes in fibrinogen.

Results

Over 13 years, mean fibrinogen increased by 71 vs 70 mg/dL (p=NS) in black men (BM) versus white men (WM), and 78 vs 68 mg/dL (p<0.05) in black women (BW) versus white women (WW), respectively. Compared with never-drinkers, there were smaller longitudinal increases in fibrinogen for BM, BW and WW (but a larger increase in WM) who became or stayed drinkers, after multivariable adjustment. For BM, WM and WW, fibrinogen increased the most among persons who quit drinking over 13 years (p<0.001 for WM (fibrinogen increase=86.5 (7.1) (mean (SE))), compared with never-drinkers (fibrinogen increase=53.1 (5.4)).

Conclusions

In this young cohort, compared with the participants who never drank, those who became/stayed drinkers had smaller increases, while those who quit drinking had the highest increase in fibrinogen over 13 years of follow-up. The results provide a novel insight into the mechanism for the established protective effect of moderate alcohol intake on cardiovascular disease outcomes.
Mortality following unemployment during an economic downturn: Swedish register-based cohort study
Authors: Montgomery Scott , Udumyan Ruzan , Magnuson Anders , Osika Walter , Sundin Per-Ola , Blane David
Published: July 2013

Objective

To investigate if unemployment during an economic downturn is associated with mortality, even among men with markers of better health (higher cognitive function scores and qualifications), and to assess whether the associations vary by age at unemployment.

Design

Longitudinal register-based cohort study.

Setting

Study entry was in 1990 and 2001 when Sweden was entering periods of significant economic contraction.

Participants

A representative sample of men from the general population (n=234 782) born between 1952 and 1956 who participated in military conscription examinations. Men in receipt of disability or sickness benefit at study entry were excluded.

Main outcome measure

All-cause mortality.

Results

Unemployment compared with employment in 1991 (ages 34–38 years) produced adjusted HRs (with 95% CIs) for all-cause mortality (3651 deaths) during follow-up to 2001 and after stratification by education of 2.35 (1.99 to 2.76) for compulsory education, 2.25 (1.97 to 2.58) for up to 3 years postcompulsory education and 1.90 (1.40 to 2.57) for more than 3 years postcompulsory education. When unemployment was compared with employment in 2001 (ages 45–49 years) with follow-up to 2010, the pattern of mortality risk (4271 deaths) stratified by education was reversed, producing adjusted HRs of 2.81 (2.47 to 3.21) for compulsory education, 2.87 (2.58 to 3.19) for up to 3 years postcompulsory education and 3.44 (2.78 to 4.25) for more than 3 years postcompulsory education. Interaction testing confirmed effect modification by age/period (p=0.003). The degree of gradient reversal was slightly less pronounced after stratification by cognitive function but produced a similar pattern of results (p=0.004).

Conclusions

Unemployment at older ages is associated with greater mortality risk than at younger ages, with the greatest relative increase in risk among men with markers of better health, suggesting the greater vulnerability of all older workers to unemployment-associated exposures.
Haemolytic anaemia and acute pancreatitis associated with zinc toxicosis in a dog
Authors: Blundell R. , Adam F.
Published: July 2013

We describe a case of zinc toxicity in a 14‐month‐old, female, neutered, Cavalier King Charles spaniel with a 48‐hour history of haematochezia, icterus and collapse. Regenerative anaemia with a packed‐cell volume of 7 per cent was seen. Prior to referral, radiography had revealed a gastric, metallic foreign body which was removed at exploratory laparotomy. On presentation, the dog was comatose, hypothermic and bradycardic – resuscitation was performed successfully, but the dog then displayed marked abdominal pain. The dog died 12 hours after presentation. At postmortem examination, the animal showed severe icterus. Both kidneys were diffusely dark red; the pancreas was diffusely pale and nodular. Histopathological examination revealed evidence of intravascular haemolysis with blood vessel lumens containing haemoglobin. The renal tubules also contained large amounts of intraluminal haemoglobin with haemoglobin crystals scattered throughout the cortex and medulla. The pancreas exhibited multifocal coagulative necrosis, surrounded by a neutrophil‐dominated inflammatory infiltrate. Zinc levels were markedly increased above the normal reference range in both liver and kidney. This report describes the clinical and pathological findings of a case of acute zinc toxicity in a dog following ingestion of a metallic object which resulted in marked haemolytic anaemia and acute pancreatitis.
Observational study of 14 cases of chronic pancreatitis in dogs
Authors: Watson P. J. , Archer J. , Roulois A. J. , Scase T. J. , Herrtage M. E.
Published: July 2013

This study reports the clinical, clinicopathological and ultrasonographic findings from dogs with chronic pancreatitis (CP). Fourteen dogs with clinical signs consistent with CP and histological confirmation of the disease were evaluated. Abdominal ultrasound and clinical pathology results were recorded. Sensitivities of pancreatic enzymes for diagnosis of CP were calculated with two different cut‐off values. The mean age of affected dogs was 9.1 years. Spaniels were the most common breed with CP, representing seven of the 14 dogs in this study. CP was histologically severe in nine cases. Most dogs showed chronic low‐grade gastrointestinal signs and abdominal pain. Five dogs had exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and five dogs had diabetes mellitus. The sensitivity of elevated trypsin‐like immunoreactivity for CP was 17 per cent. The sensitivities of canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity, lipase and amylase for CP were 44 to 67 per cent or 14 to 28 per cent depending on the cut‐off value used. Cholesterol was elevated in 58 per cent of samples. Liver enzymes were often elevated. The pancreas appeared abnormal on 56 per cent of ultrasound examinations. Ten dogs had died by the end of the study period; only one case was due to CP.
Use of arterial blood gas analysis as a superior method for evaluating respiratory function in pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Eatwell K. , Mancinelli E. , Hedley J. , Benato L. , Shaw D. J. , Self I. , Meredith A.
Published: July 2013

A retrospective study compared invasive (arterial blood gas analysis) and non‐invasive (capnography and pulse oximetry) methods of monitoring respiratory function in conscious rabbits. Arterial samples from 50 healthy dwarf lop rabbits, presenting for routine surgical neutering, were analysed on a point‐of‐care blood gas analysis machine. Reference intervals were obtained for pH (7.35–7.54), PaCO2 (mm Hg) (25.29–40.37), PaO2 (mm Hg) (50.3–98.2), base excess (mmol/l) (6.7–6.5), HCO3 (mmol/l) (17.96–29.41), TCO2 (mmol/l) (18.9–30.5). SaO2 (per cent) (88.8–98.0), Na (mmol/l) (137.6–145.2), K (mmol/l) (3.28–4.87), iCal (mmol/l) (1.64–1.94), glucose (mmol/l) (6.23–10.53), haematocrit (per cent) (23.3–40.2) and haemoglobin (mg/dl) (7.91–13.63). Pulse oximetry (SPO2) and capnography (ETCO2) readings were taken concurrently. There was no statistically significant relationship between SPO2 and SaO2 with a mean difference between SPO2 and SaO2 of 8.22 per cent. There was a statistically significant relationship between ETCO2 vs PaCO2, but a wide range of ETCO2 values were observed for a given PaCO2. The mean difference between these was 16.16 mm Hg. The study has provided reference intervals for arterial blood gas analysis in rabbits and demonstrated that capnography and pulse oximetry readings should not be relied upon in conscious rabbits as a guide to ventilation and oxygenation.
Virola dominicana sp. nov. (Myristicaceae) from Dominican amber
Authors: Poinar George , Steeves Royce
Published: July 2013

The Myristicaceae is a member of the early diverging angiosperm order Magnoliales; however, the family is poorly represented by fossil collections. We describe Virola dominicana sp. nov. (Myristicaceae), the first record of fossilized Myristicaceae flowers, from mid-Tertiary (45–15 million years ago) Dominican amber. The description is based on 24 male flowers in 17 pieces of amber, thus providing some indication of intraspecific variation, including a two-tepaled flower. Diagnostic characters of the new species are the long-simple or few-branched trichomes on the perianth margins, the small pollen grains, and a short staminal column. These fossils also show co-occurring insects, some of which could be Virola pollinators. It is speculated that V. dominicana disappeared from Hispaniola during the Pliocene–Pleistocene cooling events leaving no native members of the Myristicaceae in this region today. Additionally, these fossils demonstrate that Myristicaceae was present in the Western Hemisphere during the mid-Tertiary.
Handling techniques for channel spectra in synchrotron-based Fourier transform spectra
Authors: Ibrahim Amr , Predoi-Cross Adriana , Povey Chad
Published: July 2013

Recently, the high radiance of synchrotron sources has been used to enhance FTIR spectrometer performance. However, excessive channel spectra when synchrotron sources are used degrade the quality of retrieved spectral parameters. We have investigated seven different techniques for handling channel spectra. These techniques were used to reduce channel spectra for a test group of seven samples of CO2 mixed with air recorded using the synchrotron source at the Canadian Light Source. The increases in signal to noise ratio (SNR) of spectra handled with each technique were calculated. SNR results showed that transmission spectra, produced using synthetic background spectra with simulated channel spectra, achieved the highest SNR improvement. However, when the spectra groups were fitted using a nonlinear least square fit algorithm, the technique using channel spectra fitting produced the smallest fitting residual. Moreover, the retrieved intensities and air broadening coefficients of 21 spectral lines showed that the spectral fitting technique produced the most accurate values as compared to the HITRAN 2008 database (Rothman et al. J. Quant. Spectrosc. Radiat. Transfer, 110, 533 (2009)). Although the spectral fitting technique was accurate in retrieving spectral line parameters, applying the technique at wider spectral ranges reduced this accuracy.
The effects on the lattice dynamical properties of the temperature and pressure in random NiPd alloy
Authors: Kazanc S.
Published: July 2013

In this work, the effects on the lattice dynamical properties, such as phonon dispersion, second order elastic constants, and bulk modulus of the temperature and pressure in random NiPd binary alloy system was investigated using molecular dynamics simulation. The interactions between atoms were modelled using the Sutton–Chen-type embedded atom method based on many-body interactions. The phonon frequencies were calculated from the dynamical matrix for [100], [110], and [111] high symmetry directions of the Brillouin zone. The obtained results show that the external pressure cause an increment in phonon frequencies, and the increase of temperature causes a decrease in longitudinal and transverse acoustic phonon frequencies because of thermal expansion.
ANTIPODAL SETS IN ORIENTED REAL GRASSMANN MANIFOLDS
Authors: TASAKI HIROYUKI
Published: July 2013

We reduce the problem of classifying all maximal antipodal sets in the oriented real Grassmann manifold [Formula: see text] to that of classifying all maximal subsets satisfying certain conditions in the set consisting of subsets of cardinality k in {1, …, n}. Using this reduction we classify all maximal antipodal sets in [Formula: see text] for k ≤ 4. We construct some maximal antipodal subsets for higher k.
THERMOELECTRICITY OF Ca2.9Ce0.1Co4O9+δ BASED NANOCOMPOSITES WITH Cu2O NANOINCLUSION
Authors: LI FANG JU
Published: July 2013

Ca 2.9 Ce 0.1 Co 4 O 9+δ/x wt% Cu 2 O nanocomposites have been studied as the thermoelectric materials for energy harvesting purpose. We evaluate the thermoelectric properties of the composites through temperature dependent thermopower, thermal conductivity and resistivity measurements. It is found that the introduction of Cu 2 O nanoparticles serves as phonon scattering centers, which reduces the thermal conductivity. The nanoinclusions contribute to a remarkable increase in electrical resistivity due to enhanced carrier scattering. As a result, Cu 2 O nanoinclusions do not succeed in improving ZT of Ca 2.9 Ce 0.1 Co 4 O 9+δ material.
EFFECT OF MICROWAVE SINTERING ON THE STRUCTURAL AND ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF Li0.51Zn0.2Ti0.2V0.01Fe2.08O4 FERRITE
Authors: MAISNAM MAMATA , PHANJOUBAM SUMITRA
Published: July 2013

Effect of microwave sintering on the structural and electrical properties of [Formula: see text] is studied in comparison with that of conventionally sintered one. The technique is advantageous in terms of significantly reduced size of microwave kilns and rapid heating compared to the cumbersome and slow heating of conventional sintering technology. Microwave sintering produced enhanced densification and much finer microstructures. The DC resistivity is markedly increased. Microwave sintering reduces chances of evaporation of lithium and oxygen during sintering of lithium based ferrites resulting in formation of lesser ferrous ions. This has profound effect on the electrical properties of microwave sintered ferrites. The dielectric constant is significantly reduced possibly due to reduced space charge polarization and the temperature dependence of the dielectric properties are also studied.
QUANTUM TRANSPORT IN THE MARKOVIAN AND NON-MARKOVIAN ENVIRONMENT
Authors: XIE DONG , WANG AN MIN
Published: July 2013

In this paper, we report on a detailed study of how decoherence assists quantum transport in a dimer system. By carrying out analytical and numerical computations, we find that the decoherence induced by a Markovian (memoryless) environment only assists the maximum probability of quantum transport in the dimer system to 50% not close to the unity, and the decoherence induced by a non-Markovian environment with perfect memory (infinite memory time) can improve the maximum probability of quantum transport to unity. The combination of non-Markovian decoherence and Markovian decoherence assist the quantum transport more effectively. Comparing the classical environment with the quantum environment, we obtain that the classical non-Markovian environment cannot assist the maximum probability of quantum transport close to unity. In addition, enlarging the quantum environment can improve the maximum probability of quantum transport.
CONSTRUCTIVE RECURSIVE DETERMINISTIC PERCEPTRON NEURAL NETWORKS WITH GENETIC ALGORITHMS
Authors: ELIZONDO DAVID A. , MORRIS ROBERT , WATSON TIM , PASSOW BENJAMIN N.
Published: July 2013

The recursive deterministic perceptron (RDP) is a generalization of the single layer perceptron neural network. This neural network can separate, in a deterministic manner, any classification problem (linearly separable or not). It relies on the principle that in any nonlinearly separable (NLS) two-class classification problem, a linearly separable (LS) subset of one or more points belonging to one of the two classes can always be found. Small network topologies can be obtained when the LS subsets are of maximum cardinality. This is referred to as the problem of maximum separability and has been proven to be NP-Complete. Evolutionary computing techniques are applied to handle this problem in a more efficient way than the standard approaches in terms of complexity. These techniques enhance the RDP training in terms of speed of conversion and level of generalization. They provide an alternative to tackle large classification problems which is otherwise not feasible with the algorithmic versions of the RDP training methods.
A 1.2 V CMOS COMMON-GATE LOW NOISE AMPLIFIER FOR UWB WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS
Authors: ALAVI-RAD HOSEIN , ZIABAKHSH SOHEYL , YAGOUB MUSTAPHA C. E.
Published: July 2013

In this paper, an ultra-wide band 0.18 μm CMOS common-gate low-noise amplifier (LNA) is presented. Designed in the ultra-wide band frequency range of 3.1–10.6 GHz, it uses a current-reused technique with modified input matching. This approach allowed obtaining a flat broadband gain of 12.75 ± 0.83 dB with an input reflection coefficient less than -5.5 dB, an output reflection coefficient less than -7 dB, and a noise figure less than 3.7 dB. Furthermore, the proposed low-power LNA consumes only 12.14 mW (excluding buffer) from a 1.2 V supply voltage.
TOTAL OUTER-CONNECTED DOMINATION SUBDIVISION NUMBERS IN GRAPHS
Authors: FAVARON O. , KHOEILAR R. , SHEIKHOLESLAMI S. M.
Published: July 2013

A set S of vertices of a graph G is a total outer-connected dominating set if every vertex in V(G) is adjacent to some vertex in S and the subgraph G[V\S] induced by V\S is connected. The total outer-connected domination numberγ toc (G) is the minimum size of such a set. The total outer-connected domination subdivision number sd γ toc (G) is the minimum number of edges that must be subdivided in order to increase the total outer-connected domination number. We prove the existence of sd γ toc (G) for every connected graph G of order at least 3 and give upper bounds on it in some classes of graphs.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BLOCK DOMINATION PARAMETERS OF A GRAPH
Authors: BHAT P. G. , BHAT R. S. , BHAT SUREKHA R.
Published: July 2013

Two vertices u, w ∈ V, vv-dominate each other if they are incident on the same block. A set S ⊆ V is a vv-dominating set (VVD-set) if every vertex in V – S is vv-dominated by a vertex in S. The vv-domination number γvv = γvv(G) is the cardinality of a minimum VVD-set of G. Two blocks b1, b2 ∈ B(G) the set of all blocks of G, bb-dominate each other if there is a common cutpoint. A set L ⊆ B(G) is said to be a bb-dominating set (BBD set) if every block in B(G) – L is bb-dominated by some block in L. The bb-domination number γbb = γbb(G) is the cardinality of a minimum BBD-set of G. A vertex v and a block b are said to b-dominate each other if v is incident on the block b. Then vb-domination number γvb = γvb(G) (bv-domination number γbv = γbv(G)) is the minimum number of vertices (blocks) needed to b-dominate all the blocks (vertices) of G. In this paper we study the properties of these block domination parameters and establish a relation between these parameters giving an inequality chain consisting of nine parameters.
INTEGRAL MAJORIZATION POLYTOPES
Authors: DAHL GEIR , ZHANG FUZHEN
Published: July 2013

The majorization polytope M(a) consists of all vectors dominated (or majorized, to be precise) by a given vector a ∈ ℝn; this is a polytope with extreme points being the permutations of a. For integral vector a, let ν(a) be the number of integral vectors contained in M(a). We present several properties of the function ν and provide an algorithm for computing ν(a).
BASELINE BOUNDED HALF-PLANE VORONOI DIAGRAM
Authors: SU BING , XU YINFENG , ZHU BINHAI
Published: July 2013

Given a set of points P = {p1, p2, …, pn} in the Euclidean plane, with each point piassociated with a given direction vi∈ V. P(pi, vi) defines a half-plane and L(pi, vi) denotes the baseline that is perpendicular to viand passing through pi. Define a region dominated by piand vias a Baseline Bounded Half-Plane Voronoi Region, denoted as V or(pi, vi), if a point x ∈ V or(pi, vi), then (1) x ∈ P(pi, vi); (2) the line segment l(x, pi) does not cross any baseline; (3) if there is a point pj, such that x ∈ P(pj, vj), and the line segment l(x, pj) does not cross any baseline then d(x, pi) ≤ d(x, pj), j ≠ i. The Baseline Bounded Half-Plane Voronoi Diagram, denoted as V or(P, V), is the union of all V or(pi, vi). We show that V or(pi, vi) and V or(P, V) can be computed in O(n log n) and O(n2log n) time, respectively. For the heterogeneous point set, the same problem is also considered.
Intensity of daily physical activity is associated with central hemodynamic and leg muscle oxygen availability in COPD
Authors: Louvaris Zafeiris , Kortianou Eleni A. , Spetsioti Stavroula , Vasilopoulou Maroula , Nasis Ioannis , Asimakos Andreas , Zakynthinos Spyros , Vogiatzis Ioannis
Published: July 2013

In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), daily physical activity is reported to be adversely associated with the magnitude of exercise-induced dynamic hyperinflation and peripheral muscle weakness. There is limited evidence whether central hemodynamic, oxygen transport, and peripheral muscle oxygenation capacities also contribute to reduced daily physical activity. Nineteen patients with COPD (FEV1, 48 ± 14% predicted) underwent a treadmill walking test at a speed corresponding to the individual patient's mean walking intensity, captured by a triaxial accelerometer during a preceding 7-day period. During the indoor treadmill test, the individual patient mean walking intensity (range, 1.5 to 2.3 m/s2) was significantly correlated with changes from baseline in cardiac output recorded by impedance cardiography (range, 1.2 to 4.2 L/min; r = 0.73), systemic vascular conductance (range, 7.9 to 33.7 ml·min−1·mmHg−1; r = 0.77), systemic oxygen delivery estimated from cardiac output and arterial pulse-oxymetry saturation (range, 0.15 to 0.99 L/min; r = 0.70), arterio-venous oxygen content difference calculated from oxygen uptake and cardiac output (range, 3.7 to 11.8 mlO2/100 ml; r = −0.73), and quadriceps muscle fractional oxygen saturation assessed by near-infrared spectrometry (range, −6 to 23%; r = 0.77). In addition, mean walking intensity significantly correlated with the quadriceps muscle force adjusted for body weight (range, 0.28 to 0.60; r = 0.74) and the ratio of minute ventilation over maximal voluntary ventilation (range, 38 to 89%, r = −0.58). In COPD, in addition to ventilatory limitations and peripheral muscle weakness, intensity of daily physical activity is associated with both central hemodynamic and peripheral muscle oxygenation capacities regulating the adequacy of matching peripheral muscle oxygen availability by systemic oxygen transport.
Acute aerobic exercise differentially alters acylated ghrelin and perceived fullness in normal-weight and obese individuals
Authors: Heden Timothy D. , Liu Ying , Park Youngmin , Dellsperger Kevin C. , Kanaley Jill A.
Published: July 2013

Adiposity alters acylated ghrelin concentrations, but it is unknown whether adiposity alters the effect of exercise and feeding on acylated ghrelin responses. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether adiposity [normal-weight (NW) vs. obese (Ob)] influences the effect of exercise and feeding on acylated ghrelin, hunger, and fullness. Fourteen NW and 14 Ob individuals completed two trials in a randomized counterbalanced fashion, including a prior exercise trial (EX) and a no exercise trial (NoEX). During the EX trial, the participants performed 1 h of treadmill walking (55–60% peak O2 uptake) during the evening, 12 h before a 4-h standardized mixed meal test. Frequent blood samples were taken and analyzed for acylated ghrelin, and a visual analog scale was used to assess perceived hunger and fullness. In NW individuals, EX, compared with NoEX, reduced fasting acylated ghrelin concentrations by 18% ( P = 0.03), and, in response to feeding, the change in acylated ghrelin ( P = 0.02) was attenuated by 39%, but perceived hunger and fullness were unaltered. In Ob individuals, despite no changes in fasting or postprandial acylated ghrelin concentrations with EX, postprandial fullness was attenuated by 46% compared with NoEX ( P = 0.05). In summary, exercise performed the night before a meal suppresses acylated ghrelin concentrations in NW individuals without altering perceived hunger or fullness. In Ob individuals, despite no changes in acylated ghrelin concentrations, EX reduced the fullness response to the test meal. Acylated ghrelin and perceived fullness responses are differently altered by acute aerobic exercise in NW and Ob individuals.
Cerebellar ataxia impairs modulation of arm stiffness during postural maintenance
Authors: Gibo Tricia L. , Bastian Amy J. , Okamura Allison M.
Published: July 2013

Impedance control enables humans to effectively interact with their environment during postural and movement tasks, adjusting the mechanical behavior of their limbs to account for instability. Previous work has shown that people are able to selectively modulate the end-point stiffness of their arms, adjusting for varying directions of environmental disturbances. Behavioral studies also suggest that separate controllers are used for impedance modulation versus joint torque coordination. Here we tested whether people with cerebellar damage have deficits in impedance control. It is known that these individuals have poor motor coordination, which has typically been attributed to deficits in joint torque control. Subjects performed a static postural maintenance task with two different types of directional force perturbations. On average, patients with cerebellar ataxia modified stiffness differentially for the two perturbation conditions, although significantly less than age-matched control subjects. Thus cerebellar damage may impair the ability to modulate arm impedance. Surprisingly, the patients' intact ability to generally alter their limb stiffness during the postural task (albeit less than age-matched control subjects) improved their movement performance in a subsequent tracing task. The transfer of stiffness control from the static to the movement task may be a strategy that can be used by patients to compensate for their motor deficits.
Nicotinic receptors modulate olfactory bulb external tufted cells via an excitation-dependent inhibitory mechanism
Authors: D'Souza Rinaldo D. , Parsa Pirooz V. , Vijayaraghavan Sukumar
Published: July 2013

Olfactory bulb (OB) glomeruli, the initial sites of synaptic processing of odor information, exhibit high levels of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) expression and receive strong cholinergic input from the basal forebrain. The role of glomerular nAChRs in olfactory processing, however, remains to be elucidated. External tufted (ET) cells are a major source of excitation in the glomerulus and an important component of OB physiology. We have examined the role of nAChRs in modulating ET cell activity using whole-cell electrophysiology in mouse OB slices. We show here that the activation of glomerular nAChRs leads to direct ET cell excitation, as well as an increase in the frequency of spontaneous postsynaptic GABAergic currents. β2-containing nAChRs, likely the α4β2*-nAChR subtype (* represents the possible presence of other subunits), were significant contributors to these effects. The nAChR-mediated increase in spontaneous postsynaptic GABAergic current frequency on ET cells was, for the most part, dependent on glutamate receptor activation, thus implicating a role for excitation-dependent inhibition within the glomerulus. β2-containing nAChRs also regulate the frequency of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents on ET cells, implying nicotinic modulation of dendrodendritic signaling between ET and periglomerular cells. Our data also indicate that nAChR activation does not affect spontaneous or evoked transmission at the olfactory nerve-to-ET cell synapse. The results from this study suggest that ET cells, along with mitral cells, play an important role in the nicotinic modulation of glomerular inhibition.
The Development of Photocatalyst with Hybrid Material CNT/TiO2 Thin Films for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cell
Authors: Kim Yong Woo , Park Sang Hee
Published: July 2013

Dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC) has big merits of simple manufacturing, low cost, and good applications. However, efficiency of DSSC is quite low compared with other solar cells based on silicon. Ability of electron delivery is important for improving the efficiency; therefore, CNT used as an electrode and transferring electrons and heat significantly easily can be highly expected to contribute to increase conversion efficiency of DSSC. In this paper, CNT was loaded on the photocatalyst of TiO2 thin films in the range from 0 wt% to 0.01 wt%. CNT was treated with 60% nitric acid at 120°C for 6 hrs and performed on ball milling process for 3 hrs. Hybrid material was made of TiO2 paste and CNT predispersed by mixing. To demonstrate the property of each sample, the analytical techniques including a spectrometer for transmission and surface resistance were used. The sample of higher concentration of CNT has low transmission but low resistance, besides we have researched a proper amount of CNT 0.001 wt% that can increase 1.5% conversion efficiency of DSSC.
miR156- and miR171-Binding Sites in the Protein-Coding Sequences of Several Plant Genes
Authors: Bari Assyl , Orazova Saltanat , Ivashchenko Anatoliy
Published: July 2013

We identified the interaction sites of several miRNAs with the mRNAs from paralogs and orthologs of theSPLandHAMgenes inA. thaliana. miRNAs from the miR156 and miR157 families inA. thalianaare shown to have binding sites within the mRNAs ofSPLgenes. The ath-miR156a–j binding sites located in the mRNAs of theSPLparalogs contain the sequence GUGCUCUCUCUCUUCUGUCA. This sequence encodes the ALSLLS motif. miR157a–d bind to mRNAs of theSPLfamily at the same site. We suggest merging the miR156 and miR157 families into one family. SeveralSPLgenes in eight plants contain conserved miR156 binding sites. GUGCUCUCUCUCUUCUGUCA polynucleotide is homologous in its binding sites. The ALSLLS hexapeptide is also conserved in the SPL proteins from these plants. Binding sites for ath-miR171a–c and ath-miR170 inHAM1,HAM2, andHAM3paralog mRNAs are located in the CDSs. The conserved miRNA binding sequence GAUAUUGGCGCGGCUCAAUCA encodes the ILARLN hexapeptide. Nucleotides within theHAM1,HAM2, andHAM3miRNA binding sites are conserved in the mRNAs of 37 orthologs from 13 plants. The miR171- and miR170-binding sites within the ortholog mRNAs were conserved and encode the ILARLN motif. We suggest that the ath-miR170 and ath-miR171a–c families should be in one family.
Acetylcholinesterase as a Biomarker in Environmental and Occupational Medicine: New Insights and Future Perspectives
Authors: Lionetto Maria Giulia , Caricato Roberto , Calisi Antonio , Giordano Maria Elena , Schettino Trifone
Published: July 2013

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is a key enzyme in the nervous system. It terminates nerve impulses by catalysing the hydrolysis of neurotransmitter acetylcholine. As a specific molecular target of organophosphate and carbamate pesticides, acetylcholinesterase activity and its inhibition has been early recognized to be a human biological marker of pesticide poisoning. Measurement of AChE inhibition has been increasingly used in the last two decades as a biomarker of effect on nervous system following exposure to organophosphate and carbamate pesticides in occupational and environmental medicine. The success of this biomarker arises from the fact that it meets a number of characteristics necessary for the successful application of a biological response as biomarker in human biomonitoring: the response is easy to measure, it shows a dose-dependent behavior to pollutant exposure, it is sensitive, and it exhibits a link to health adverse effects. The aim of this work is to review and discuss the recent findings about acetylcholinesterase, including its sensitivity to other pollutants and the expression of different splice variants. These insights open new perspective for the future use of this biomarker in environmental and occupational human health monitoring.
Glial-Mediated Inflammation Underlying Parkinsonism
Authors: Barcia Carlos
Published: July 2013

The interest in studying neuroimmune interactions is increasing in the scientific community, and for many researchers, immunity is becoming a crucial factor in the understanding of the physiology of the normal brain as well as the biology underlying neurodegenerative diseases. Mounting data over the last two decades point toward immune and inflammatory alterations as important mediators of the progressive dopaminergic degeneration in Parkinson’s disease. The purpose of this review is to address, under a historical perspective, as well as in the light of recent reports, the glial-mediated inflammatory and immune responses that occur in Parkinsonism. In line with this, this review also evaluates and highlights available anti-inflammatory drugs and putative targets for Parkinson’s disease therapy for the near future.
Teratogenic Effects of Crude Ethanolic Root Bark and Leaf Extracts of Rauwolfia vomitoria (Apocynaceae) on the Femur of Albino Wistar Rat Fetuses
Authors: Eluwa Mokutima A. , Ekanem Theresa B. , Udoh Paul B. , Ekong Moses B. , Akpantah Amabe O. , Asuquo Olaitan R. , Nwakanma Agnes O.
Published: July 2013

Introduction. Rauwolfia vomitoria is a plant used as a sedative and in the treatment of psychotic tendency. This study was on the teratogenic effects of its root bark and leaf extracts on Wistar rat’s fetal femurs. Materials and Methods. Twenty-five female rats weighing between 180 and 200 g were divided into 5 groups, of 5 rats each. Group A was the control, while Groups B, C, D, and E were the experimental. The female rats were mated with mature male rats to allow for pregnancy. Groups B and C animals received orally 150 mg/kg each of the root bark and leaf extracts of Rauwolfia vomitoria, respectively, while Groups D and E animals received 250 mg/kg bodyweight each of the root bark and leaf extracts of Rauwolfia vomitoria, respectively, from day 7 to day 11 of gestation. On day 20 of gestation, the rats were sacrificed, the fetuses were examined, and their femurs were dissected out and preserved, decalcified, and routinely processed using the Haematoxylin and Eosin staining method. Results. Histological observations of the fetal femur bones showed numerous osteoblast and osteoclast, hypertrophy, and hyperplasia of bone cells compared with the control. Conclusion. Ethanolic root bark and leaf extracts of Rauwolfia vomitoria may lead to advanced skeletal development.
Nociceptive and Histomorphometric Evaluation of Neural Mobilization in Experimental Injury of the Median Nerve
Authors: Marcioli Marieli Araujo Rossoni , Coradini Josinéia Gresele , Kunz Regina Inês , Ribeiro Lucinéia de Fátima Chasko , Brancalhão Rose Meire Costa , Bertolini Gladson Ricardo Flor
Published: July 2013

The carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common peripheral neuropathy in the upper limb, but its treatment with conservative therapies such as neural mobilization (NM) is still controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the NM as treatment in a model of median nerve compression. 18 Wistar rats were subjected to compression of the median nerve in the right elbow proximal region. Were randomly divided into G1 (untreated), G2 (NM for 1 minute), and G3 (NM for 3 minutes). For treatment, the animals were anesthetized and the right forelimb received mobilization adapted to humans, on alternated days, from the 3rd to the 13th day postoperatively (PO), totaling six days of therapy. Nociception was assessed by withdrawal threshold, and after euthanasia histomorphometric analysis of the median nerve was performed. The nociceptive evaluation showed in G2 and G3 delay in return to baseline. Histomorphometric analysis showed no significant differences in the variables analyzed. It is concluded that the NM was not effective in reducing nociceptive sensation and did not alter the course of nerve regeneration.
Current Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Nonerosive Reflux Disease
Authors: Chen Chien-Lin , Hsu Ping-I
Published: July 2013

Nonerosive reflux disease (NERD) is a distinct pattern of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is defined as a subcategory of GERD characterized by troublesome reflux-related symptoms in the absence of esophageal mucosal erosions/breaks at conventional endoscopy. In clinical practice, patients with reflux symptoms and negative endoscopic findings are markedly heterogeneous. The potential explanations for the symptom generation in NERD include microscopic inflammation, visceral hypersensitivity (stress and sleep), and sustained esophageal contractions. The use of 24-hour esophageal impedance and pH monitoring gives further insight into reflux characteristics and symptom association relevant to NERD. The treatment choice of NERD still relies on acid-suppression therapy. Initially, patients can be treated by a proton pump inhibitor (PPI; standard dose, once daily) for 2–4 weeks. If initial treatment fails to elicit adequate symptom control, increasing the PPI dose (standard dose PPI twice daily) is recommended. In patients with poor response to appropriate PPI treatment, 24-hour esophageal impedance and pH monitoring is indicated to differentiate acid-reflux-related NERD, weakly acid-reflux-related NERD (hypersensitive esophagus), nonacid-reflux-related NERD, and functional heartburn. The response is less effective in NERD as compared with erosive esophagitis.
DC3 Pairs and the Set of Discontinuities in Distribution Functions
Authors: Wang Lidong , Oprocha Piotr , Wang Hui
Published: July 2013

We study the relationship between DC3 pairs and the set of discontinuities in distribution function. We also check relations between DC3 pairs for a continuous map and its higher iterates.
Long-Term Impact of Immunosuppressants at Therapeutic Doses on Male Reproductive System in Unilateral Nephrectomized Rats: A Comparative Study
Authors: Chen Yehui , Zhang Zhi , Lin Yun , Lin Huaxin , Li Miaoyuan , Nie Pin , Chen Lizhong , Qiu Jiang , Lu Yanmeng , Chen Linqiang , Xu Banglao , Lin Wuzhou , Zhang Jing , Du Hong , Liang Jianjian , Zhang Zhiwei
Published: July 2013

Cyclosporine, tacrolimus, and sirolimus are commonly used in renal transplant recipients to prevent rejection. However, information for comparative effects of these agents on the male productive system is extremely limited and controversial. In a physiologically and clinically relevant rat model of unilateral nephrectomy, we demonstrated that long-term oral administration of both cyclosporine and sirolimus at doses equivalent to the therapeutic levels used for postrenal transplant patients significantly affects testicular development and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis accompanied by profound histological changes of testicular structures on both light and electron microscopic examinations. Spermatogenesis was also severely impaired as indicated by low total sperm counts along with reduction of sperm motility and increase in sperm abnormality after treatment with these agents, which may lead to male infertility. On the other hand, treatment with therapeutic dose of tacrolimus only induced mild reduction of sperm count without histological evidence of testicular injury. The current study clearly demonstrates that commonly used immunosuppressants have various impacts on male reproductive system even at therapeutic levels. Our data provide useful information for the assessment of male infertility in renal transplant recipients who wish to father children. Clinical trials to address these issues should be urged.
Construction of a WMR for Trajectory Tracking Control: Experimental Results
Authors: Silva-Ortigoza R. , Márquez-Sánchez C. , Marcelino-Aranda M. , Marciano-Melchor M. , Silva-Ortigoza G. , Bautista-Quintero R. , Ramos-Silvestre E. R. , Rivera-Díaz J. C. , Muñoz-Carrillo D.
Published: July 2013

This paper reports a solution for trajectory tracking control of a differential drive wheeled mobile robot (WMR) based on a hierarchical approach. The general design and construction of the WMR are described. The hierarchical controller proposed has two components: a high‐level control and a low‐level control. The high‐level control law is based on an input‐output linearization scheme for the robot kinematic model, which provides the desired angular velocity profiles that the WMR has to track in order to achieve the desired position (x*, y*) and orientation (φ*). Then, a low‐level control law, based on a proportional integral (PI) approach, is designed to control the velocity of the WMR wheels to ensure those tracking features. Regarding the trajectories, this paper provides the solution or the following cases: (1) time‐varying parametric trajectories such as straight lines and parabolas and (2) smooth curves fitted by cubic splines which are generated by the desired data points . A straightforward algorithm is developed for constructing the cubic splines. Finally, this paper includes an experimental validation of the proposed technique by employing a DS1104 dSPACE electronic board along with MATLAB/Simulink software.