bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A two-hit mechanism for sepsis-induced impairment of renal tubule function
Authors: Watts Bruns A. , George Thampi , Sherwood Edward R. , Good David W.
Published: January 2013

Renal insufficiency is a common and severe complication of sepsis, and the development of kidney dysfunction increases morbidity and mortality in septic patients. Sepsis is associated with a variety of defects in renal tubule function, but the underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. We used a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model to examine mechanisms by which sepsis influences the transport function of the medullary thick ascending limb (MTAL). MTALs from sham and CLP mice were studied in vitro 18 h after surgery. The results show that sepsis impairs the ability of the MTAL to absorb HCO3−through two distinct mechanisms. First, sepsis induces an adaptive decrease in the intrinsic capacity of the tubules to absorb HCO3−. This effect is associated with an increase in ERK phosphorylation in MTAL cells and is prevented by pretreatment of CLP mice with a MEK/ERK inhibitor. The CLP-induced reduction in intrinsic HCO3−absorption rate appears to involve loss of function of basolateral Na+/H+exchange. Second, sepsis enhances the ability of LPS to inhibit HCO3−absorption, mediated through upregulation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-ERK signaling in the basolateral membrane. The two inhibitory mechanisms are additive and thus can function in a two-hit capacity to impair renal tubule function in sepsis. Both effects depend on ERK and are eliminated by interventions that prevent ERK activation. Thus the TLR4 and ERK signaling pathways represent potential therapeutic targets to treat or prevent sepsis-induced renal tubule dysfunction.
The nucleus prepositus predominantly outputs eye movement-related information during passive and active self-motion
Authors: Dale Alexis , Cullen Kathleen E.
Published: January 2013

Maintaining a constant representation of our heading as we move through the world requires the accurate estimate of spatial orientation. As one turns (or is turned) toward a new heading, signals from the semicircular canals are relayed through the vestibular system to higher-order centers that encode head direction. To date, there is no direct electrophysiological evidence confirming the first relay point of head-motion signals from the vestibular nuclei, but previous anatomical and lesion studies have identified the nucleus prepositus as a likely candidate. Whereas burst-tonic neurons encode only eye-movement signals during head-fixed eye motion and passive vestibular stimulation, these neurons have not been studied during self-generated movements. Here, we specifically address whether burst-tonic neurons encode head motion during active behaviors. Single-unit responses were recorded from the nucleus prepositus of rhesus monkeys and compared for head-restrained and active conditions with comparable eye velocities. We found that neurons consistently encoded eye position and velocity across conditions but did not exhibit significant sensitivity to head position or velocity. Additionally, response sensitivities varied as a function of eye velocity, similar to abducens motoneurons and consistent with their role in gaze control and stabilization. Thus our results demonstrate that the primate nucleus prepositus chiefly encodes eye movement even during active head-movement behaviors, a finding inconsistent with the proposal that this nucleus makes a direct contribution to head-direction cell tuning. Given its ascending projections, however, we speculate that this eye-movement information is integrated with other inputs in establishing higher-order spatial representations.
The use of Waste Materials in Utility Poles, Crossarms, Paver, and Reef Balls Concrete Structures: Advantages and Care
Authors: Portella Kleber Franke , Joukoski Alex , do Carmo João Bosco Moreira , Freitas Camila , Gomes Filho Carlos Vicente , Hoppen Cinthya
Published: January 2013

Industrial residues such as sludge from water treatment plants (Swtp) from centrifuged method; electrical porcelain residues (Pw); silica fume (Sf1 and Sf2); tire-rubber waste were evaluated in order to be used in concrete structures of electrical energy and environmental sectors, such as utility poles, crossarms, and reef balls technology. The results showed the necessity for evaluating different recycling concentrations in concrete, concomitantly to physicochemical tests allowing to diagnose natural and accelerated aging.
Inhibition of Carrageenan-Induced Acute Inflammation in Mice by Oral Administration of Anthocyanin Mixture from Wild Mulberry and Cyanidin-3-Glucoside
Authors: Hassimotto Neuza Mariko Aymoto , Moreira Vanessa , Nascimento Neide Galvão do , Souto Pollyana Cristina Maggio de Castro , Teixeira Catarina , Lajolo Franco Maria
Published: January 2013

Anthocyanins are flavonoids which demonstrated biological activities inin vivoandin vitromodels. Here in the anti-inflammatory properties of an anthocyanin-enriched fraction (AF) extracted from wild mulberry and the cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), the most abundant anthocyanin in diet, were studied in two acute inflammation experimental models, in the peritonitis and in the paw oedema assays, both of which were induced by carrageenan (cg) in mice. In each trial, AF and C3G (4 mg/100 g/animal) were orally administered in two distinct protocols: 30 min before and 1 h after cg stimulus. The administration of both AF and C3G suppresses the paw oedema in both administration times (P<0.05). In the peritonitis, AF and C3G reduced the polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) influx in the peritoneal exudates when administered 1 h after cg injection. AF was more efficient reducing the PMN when administered 30 min before cg. Both AF and C3G were found to suppress mRNA as well as protein levels of COX-2 upregulated by cg in both protocols, but the inhibitory effect on PGE2production in the peritoneal exudates was observed when administered 30 min before cg (P<0.05). Our findings suggest that AF and C3G minimize acute inflammation and they present positive contributions as dietary supplements.
In SilicoPrediction andIn VitroCharacterization of Multifunctional Human RNase3
Authors: Lien Pei-Chun , Kuo Ping-Hsueh , Chen Chien-Jung , Chang Hsiu-Hui , Fang Shun-lung , Wu Wei-Shuo , Lai Yiu-Kay , Pai Tun-Wen , Chang Margaret Dah-Tsyr
Published: January 2013

Human ribonucleases A (hRNaseA) superfamily consists of thirteen members with high-structure similarities but exhibits divergent physiological functions other than RNase activity. Evolution of hRNaseA superfamily has gained novel functions which may be preserved in a unique region or domain to account for additional molecular interactions. hRNase3 has multiple functions including ribonucleolytic, heparan sulfate (HS) binding, cellular binding, endocytic, lipid destabilization, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial activities. In this study, three putative multifunctional regions,34RWRCK38(HBR1),75RSRFR79(HBR2), and101RPGRR105(HBR3), of hRNase3 have been identified employingin silicosequence analysis and validated employingin vitroactivity assays. A heparin binding peptide containing HBR1 is characterized to act as a key element associated with HS binding, cellular binding, and lipid binding activities. In this study, we provide novel insights to identify functional regions of hRNase3 that may have implications for all hRNaseA superfamily members.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Oral Diabetic Medications, Insulin Therapy, and Overall Breast Cancer Risk
Authors: Ahmadieh Hala , Azar Sami T.
Published: January 2013

Breast cancer is among the most common cancers worldwide. Diabetes is an important chronic health problem associated with insulin resistance, increased insulin level, changes in growth hormones and factors, and activation of mitogen-activating protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, leading to an increased breast cancer risk. This paper looked at the epidemiologic studies of the association between type 2 diabetes and risk of breast cancer and its effect on overall cancer-specific survival. The combined evidence overall supported a modest association between type 2 diabetes and the risk of breast cancer, which was found to be more prevalent among postmenopausal women. Effect of oral diabetics and insulin therapy on breast cancer risk was also evaluated. It was found that metformin and thiazolidinones tended to have a protective role. Metformin therapy trials for its use as an adjuvant for breast cancer treatment are still ongoing. Sulfonylurea and insulin therapy were found to be mildly associated with increased overall cancers. No evidence or studies evaluated the association of DPPIV inhibitors and GLP 1 agonists with breast cancer risk because of their recent introduction into the management of diabetes.
Physical Growth and Nutritional Status among Ao Naga Children of Nagaland, Northeast India
Authors: Longkumer Temsumongla
Published: January 2013

The present study was carried out on 571 Ao Naga children including 289 boys and 282 girls aged 8 to 15 years from Mokokchung town, Nagaland. This study tried to find out the physical growth according to the height and weight and nutritional status according to the body mass index (BMI) following the classification by Cole et al. Our study revealed that the girls were taller than boys till 13 years and the boys became taller thereafter. As for weight, the girls were heavier during 10 to 14 years. The mean height and weight increased as the age advanced in both boys and girls. The prevalence of underweight was 30.12% and the prevalence of overweight was 2.28% among the Ao Naga children, and the girls were found to have a higher prevalence of overweight and the boys had a higher prevalence of underweight. This revealed that both underweight and overweight coexisted among the Ao Naga children from Mokokchung town, although the prevalence of overweight was not high.
New Porphyrin/Fe-Loaded TiO2 Composites as Heterogeneous Photo-Fenton Catalysts for the Efficient Degradation of 4-Nitrophenol
Authors: Mele Giuseppe , Pio Iolanda , Scarlino Anna , Bloise Ermelinda , Del Sole Roberta , Palmisano Leonardo , Vasapollo Giuseppe
Published: January 2013

A new class of porphyrin(Pp)/Fe co-loaded TiO2 composites opportunely prepared by impregnation of [5,10,15,20-tetra(4-tert-butylphenyl)] porphyrin (H2Pp) or Cu(II)[5,10,15,20-tetra(4-tert-butylphenyl)] porphyrin (CuPp) onto Fe-loaded TiO2 particles showed high activities by carrying out the degradation of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) as probe reaction in aqueous suspension under heterogeneous photo-Fenton-like reactions by using UV-visible light. The combination of porphyrin-Fe-TiO2 in the presence of H2O2 showed to be more efficient than the simple bare TiO2 or Fe-TiO2.
Fixed Point Theorems for a Class of Weakly C-Contractive Mappings in a Setting of 2-Banach Space
Authors: Saha M. , Ganguly Anamika
Published: January 2013

In this paper, the authors have proved some existence theorems of fixed points for a class of weakly C-contractive mappings in a setting of 2-Banach space. The authors have supported the results with the help of suitable examples.
Association between Inflammatory Marker, Environmental Lead Exposure, and Glutathione S-Transferase Gene
Authors: Sirivarasai Jintana , Wananukul Winai , Kaojarern Sming , Chanprasertyothin Suwannee , Thongmung Nisakron , Ratanachaiwong Wipa , Sura Thanyachai , Sritara Piyamit
Published: January 2013

A number of studies suggested that lead is related to the induction of oxidative stress, and alteration of immune response. In addition, modifying these toxic effects varied partly by GST polymorphism. The objectives of this study were to assess the association between the lead-induced alteration in serum hs-CRP, with GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 Val105Ile genetic variations and the health consequence from environmental lead exposure. The 924 blood samples were analyzed for blood lead, CRP, and genotyping of three genes with real-time PCR. Means of blood lead and serum hs-CRP were 5.45 μg/dL and 2.07 mg/L. Both CRP and systolic blood pressure levels were significantly higher for individuals with blood lead in quartile 4 (6.48–24.63 μg/dL) compared with those in quartile 1 (1.23–3.47 μg/dL,P<0.01). In particular, in men with blood lead >6.47 μg/dL the adjusted odds ratio (OR) of CRP levels for individuals with GSTP1 variants allele, GSTM1 null, GSTT1 null, double-null GSTM1, and GSTT1 compared with wild-type allele was 1.46 (95% CI; 1.05–2.20), 1.32 (95% CI; 1.03–1.69), 1.65 (95% CI; 1.17–2.35), and 1.98 (95% CI; 1.47–2.55), respectively. Our findings suggested that lead exposure is associated with adverse changes in inflammatory marker and SBP. GST polymorphisms are among the genetic determinants related to lead-induced inflammatory response.
Moment Problems on Bounded and Unbounded Domains
Authors: Olteanu Octav
Published: January 2013

Using approximation results, we characterize the existence of the solution for a two-dimensional moment problem in the first quadrant, in terms of quadratic forms, similar to the one-dimensional case. For the bounded domain case, one considers a space of complex analytic functions in a disk and a space of continuous functions on a compact interval. The latter result seems to give sufficient (and necessary) conditions for the existence of a multiplicative solution.
Stimulation of Perforant Path Fibers Induces LTP Concurrently in Amygdala and Hippocampus in Awake Freely Behaving Rats
Authors: Blaise J. Harry , Hartman Rachel A.
Published: January 2013

Long-term potentiation (LTP) which has long been considered a cellular model for learning and memory is defined as a lasting enhancement in synaptic transmission efficacy. This cellular mechanism has been demonstrated reliably in the hippocampus and the amygdala—two limbic structures implicated in learning and memory. Earlier studies reported on the ability of cortical stimulation of the entorhinal cortex to induce LTP simultaneously in the two sites. However, to retain a stable baseline of comparison with the majority of the LTP literature, it is important to investigate the ability of fiber stimulation such as perforant path activation to induce LTP concurrently in both structures. Therefore, in this paper we report on concurrent LTP in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and the dentate gyrus (DG) subfield of the hippocampus induced by theta burst stimulation of perforant path fibers in freely behaving Sprague-Dawley rats. Our results indicate that while perforant path-evoked potentials in both sites exhibit similar triphasic waveforms, the latency and amplitude of BLA responses were significantly shorter and smaller than those of DG. In addition, we observed no significant differences in either the peak level or the duration of LTP between DG and BLA.
Efficacy and Safety of Botulinum Toxin A for Treating Bladder Hyperactivity in Children and Adolescents with Neuropathic Bladder Secondary to Myelomeningocele
Authors: Marte Antonio , Borrelli Micaela , Prezioso Maurizio , Pintozzi Lucia , Parmeggiani Pio
Published: January 2013

We verified the efficacy and safety of botulinum toxin A (BTX‐A) in treating bladder overactivity in children with neurogenic bladder (NB) secondary to myelomeningocele (MMC). Forty‐seven patients (22, females; 25, males; age range, 5–17 years; mean age, 10.7 years) with poorly compliant/overactive neurogenic bladder on clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) and resistance or noncompliant to anticholinergics were injected with 200 IU of BTX‐A intradetrusor. All patients experienced a significant 66.45% average increase of leak point volume (Wilcoxon paired rank test = 7.169 e‐10) and a significant 118.57% average increase of specific bladder capacity at 20 cm H2O (Wilcoxon paired rank test = 2.466 e‐12). Ten patients who presented with concomitant uni/bilateral grade II–IV vesicoureteral reflux were treated at the same time with Deflux. No patient presented with major perioperative or postoperative problems. Twenty‐two patients needed a second and 18 a third injection of BTX‐A after 6–9 months for the reappearance of symptoms. After a mean follow‐up of 5.7 years, 38 out of 47 patients achieved dryness between CICs, and 9 patients improved their incontinence but still need pads. Our conclusion is that BTX‐A represents a viable alternative to more invasive procedure in treatment of overactive NB secondary to MMC.
A Mathematical Model for Optimal Management and Utilization of a Renewable Resource by Population
Authors: Dubey B. , Patra Atasi
Published: January 2013

A dynamical model is proposed and analyzed to study the effect of the population on the resource biomass by taking into account the crowding effect. Biological and bionomical equilibria of the system are discussed. The global stability behavior of the positive equilibrium is studied via the output feedback control. An appropriate Hamiltonian function is formed for the discussion of optimal harvesting of resource which is utilized by the population using Pontryagin's Maximum Principal. A numerical simulation is performed on the model to analyze the theoretical results.
Fine Spectrum of the Generalized Difference Operator B(r,s) over the Class of Convergent Series
Authors: Dutta Amar Jyoti , Tripathy Binod Chandra
Published: January 2013

We have determined the spectra of the generalized difference operator B(r,s) over the class of convergent series.
C–H⋯F Hydrogen Bond and Integral Intensities of Vinyl C–H Vibtations in Push-Pull β-Dimethylaminotrifluoromethyl Ketone and Its Deuterated Analog
Authors: Vdovenko Sergei , Gerus Igor , Fedorenko Elena , Kukhar Valery
Published: January 2013

The accurate analysis of infrared spectra (both wavenumbers and intensities) of (E)-4-(dimethylamino)-1,1,1-trifluorobut-3-en-2-one (DMTBN) and (E)-4-(hexadeutero-dimethylamino)-1,1,1-trifluorobut-3-en-2-one (d6-DMTBN) revealed that besides intramolecular hydrogen bond in the (EE) conformer, these enaminoketones form cyclic dimers between the (EZ) and (EE) conformers due to intermolecular hydrogen bonds, namely, O=C and . Evaluation of constant and enthalpy of formation of these H-bonds revealed that O=C bond has greater and more negative than bond (cf. 214.4 M−1, −21.7 kJ M−1dm3, and 16.4 M−1, −6.7 kJ M−1dm3, resp.). Consequently, stronger H-bond ⋯O=C is formed in the first place, whereas weaker H-bond is formed afterward. Moreover, formation of intermolecular hydrogen bond has influence on C–F vibrations, but analysis of this influence must take into account the fact that these vibrations in some cases are coupled with . True enthalpy of the equilibrium (EZ)⇌(EE) is positive (25.3 kJ M−1dm3), thus confirming results of DFT calculations, according to which the (EZ) conformer is more stable than the (EE) one.
Effect of Ghrelin on Hepatic IGF-Binding Protein-1 Production
Authors: Lewitt Moira S.
Published: January 2013

Ghrelin plays key roles in energy homeostasis by central and peripheral actions that include effects on insulin signalling pathways in liver. Insulin is an important inhibitor of production by hepatocytes of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) which has an endocrine role to inhibit IGF availability. The effects of ghrelin, insulin, an AMPK activator, and an AMPK inhibitor on IGFBP-1 secretion were studied in H4-II-E rat liver cells. Ghrelin (100 nM) blocked the inhibitory effect of a maximally effective concentration of insulin (10 ng/mL) on IGFBP-1 secretion during a 5 h incubation period () in the absence and presence of an AMPK inhibitor. Ghrelin, alone, had no effect on IGFBP-1 production, but enhanced secretion independently of insulin under conditions of AMPK activation (). In conclusion, IGFBP-1 is identified as a novel target of ghrelin action in liver that may contribute to its metabolic effects in obesity.
L-Ascorbic Acid: A Multifunctional Molecule Supporting Plant Growth and Development
Authors: Gallie Daniel R.
Published: January 2013

L-Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is as essential to plants as it is to animals. Ascorbic acid functions as a major redox buffer and as a cofactor for enzymes involved in regulating photosynthesis, hormone biosynthesis, and regenerating other antioxidants. Ascorbic acid regulates cell division and growth and is involved in signal transduction. In contrast to the single pathway responsible for ascorbic acid biosynthesis in animals, plants use multiple pathways to synthesize ascorbic acid, perhaps reflecting the importance of this molecule to plant health. Given the importance of ascorbic acid to human nutrition, several technologies have been developed to increase the ascorbic acid content of plants through the manipulation of biosynthetic or recycling pathways. This paper provides an overview of these approaches as well as the consequences that changes in ascorbic acid content have on plant growth and function. Discussed is the capacity of plants to tolerate changes in ascorbic acid content. The many functions that ascorbic acid serves in plants, however, will require highly targeted approaches to improve their nutritional quality without compromising their health.
Generalized Pattern Avoidance Condition for the Wreath Product of Cyclic Groups with Symmetric Groups
Authors: Kitaev Sergey , Remmel Jeffrey , Riehl Manda
Published: January 2013

We continue the study of the generalized pattern avoidance condition for Ck≀Sn, the wreath product of the cyclic group Ck with the symmetric group Sn, initiated in the work by Kitaev et al., In press. Among our results, there are a number of (multivariable) generating functions both for consecutive and nonconsecutive patterns, as well as a bijective proof for a new sequence counted by the Catalan numbers.
Estimates of Certain Integral Inequalities on Time Scales
Authors: Pachpatte Deepak B.
Published: January 2013

The main objective of this paper is to establish explicit bounds on certain integral inequalities on time scales, which can be used as tools in the study of certain classes of integral equations on time scales. Some applications of our results are also given.
Survey to Evaluate Escape ofEucalyptusspp. Seedlings from Plantations in Southeastern USA
Authors: Callaham Mac A. , Stanturf John A. , Hammond William J. , Rockwood Donald L. , Wenk Evelyn S. , O'Brien Joseph J.
Published: January 2013

Interest in biomass-based energy in the southeastern Unites States has led to increased need for fast-growing tree species. SeveralEucalyptusspecies exhibit characteristics that make them attractive in the bioenergy context. However, some of these also possess traits that suggest they could become invasive. To make a preliminary assessment of the risk of seedling establishment in the vicinity ofEucalyptusplantations, we conducted surveys at 3 sites in South Carolina and 16 sites in Florida. In South Carolina, no seedlings were detected in any sample transect. In Florida, we found seedlings within the boundaries ofEucalyptusplantations at 4 of the 16 sites surveyed. We also detected seedlings outside the boundaries of these same four plantations, but only two seedlings were detected at distances >45 m from plantation boundaries. All seedlings from Florida were eitherE. amplifolia,E. robusta, orE. grandis. The most predictive variable evaluated was latitude, with 27°N being the highest latitude at which seedlings established with regularity. Results of this survey indicate that, under current conditions, the spread ofEucalyptusspp. from plantations should be possible to manage with appropriate monitoring, but this should be evaluated further beforeEucalyptusspp. are adopted for widespread planting.
Endotoxin Binding by Sevelamer: Potential Impact on Nutritional Status
Authors: Kubotera Natsuki , Prokopienko Alexander J. , Garba Adinoyi O. , Pai Amy Barton
Published: January 2013

Patients on hemodialysis (HD) have a high burden of chronic inflammation induced associated with multiple comorbidities including poor nutritional status. Endotoxin (ET) is a Gram-negative bacterial cell wall component and a potent stimulus for innate immune system activation leading to the transcription of proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-1, IL-6, and TNFα) that adversely affect protein metabolism and nutrition. Several cross-sectional observational studies have found that elevated serum ET concentrations in hemodialysis patients are associated with lower serum albumin, higher proinflammatory cytokine, and C-reactive protein concentrations. Possible sources of ET in the systemic circulation are bacterial translocation from the gastrointestinal tract and iron supplementation, potentially leading to intestinal bacterial overgrowth. Sevelamer is a nonabsorbable hydrogel approved for use as a phosphate binder in HD patients. Reductions in serum ET concentrations in hemodialysis patients have been observed with sevelamer therapy in observational studies and the few published interventional studies. Reduction of ET concentrations was associated with concomitant reductions in TNFα, IL-6, and CRP and improvement in serum albumin in the majority of these small studies. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the potential effects of sevelamer treatment on nutritional status in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with elevated ET.
An Underwater Sensor Allocation Scheme for Noncircular Sensing Coverage Regions
Authors: Golen Erik F. , Lutzer Carl V. , Ross David S. , Shenoy Nirmala
Published: January 2013

Intelligently allocating underwater sensors to a large area of interest whose acoustic characteristics vary throughout is a challenge, especially for an area clearance scenario. In these scenarios, there is no apparent target for an adversary to gravitate towards, such as a ship or a port. Thus, it is difficult to determine how the field designer should allocate sensors so that their deployment locations can be planned efficiently. The previously proposed Game Theory Field Design (GTFD) model can achieve an intelligent sensor allocation, using a game theoretic approach, for sensors with circular coverage regions. In practice, however, the sensing coverage of an underwater sensor will likely be noncircular due to the azimuthally dependent bathymetric phenomena and other underwater irregularities. As a result, an extension of the model is proposed for allocating sensors for the irregularly shaped sensing coverage regions. This work provides two validations of the extended GTFD model. The first is an analytical comparison with sensing coverage regions whose shape is well understood, and the second uses simulation to validate the model for the irregularly shaped regions.
Promoting Changes in Diet and Physical Activity in Breast and Colorectal Cancer Screening Settings: An Unexplored Opportunity for Endorsing Healthy Behaviors
Authors: Anderson Annie S. , Mackison Dionne , Boath Callum , Steele Robert
Published: January 2013

The importance of diet, physical activity, and weight management in breast and colorectal cancer prevention is widely recognized. While there may be many “teachable moments” that could be used to assess and initiate changes in these behaviors by health professionals (to complement public health campaigns), there is little evidence that lifestyle is discussed within cancer screening settings. The lack of advocacy about lifestyle in these settings may endorse poor health behaviors, in particular the absence of guidance to visibly obese patients. To fully use the teachable moment, patients need to be aware of the relationship between diet and physical activity and the risk of cancer and to be able to relate guidance to personal behaviors. Results from cardiovascular and diabetes prevention programs provide evidence about the components of effective behavior change programs which could be used in the screening setting. Findings from interventions initiated in the colorectal cancer screening setting suggest that such programs can be delivered but it is not clear how acceptable these are in routine health services. Effective interventions delivered in this setting also offer an important opportunity to contribute to the reduction of the overall burden of chronic non-communicable diseases. Cancer Prev Res; 6(3); 165–72. ©2013 AACR.
Comparative Cytogenetics of Hamsters of the Genus Allocricetulus Argyropulo 1932 (Cricetidae, Rodentia)
Authors: Romanenko S.A. , Lebedev V.S. , Serdukova N.A. , Feoktistova N.Y. , Surov A.V. , Graphodatsky A.S.
Published: January 2013

Chromosome painting and G-banding analyses were used to delimit homologous chromosomal segments among 4 taxa of the hamsters genus Allocricetulus Argyropulo 1932 (Cricetidae, Murоidea, Rodentia) - A. curtatus (2n = 20), A. eversmanni eversmanni, A. eversmanni pseudocurtatus, and the hybrid A. eversmanni beljaevi × A. eversmanni pseudocurtatus (all 2n = 26). Comparative maps between the 4 karyotypes were established based on chromosome painting of chromosome-specific probes from the Syrian hamster (Mesocricetus auratus, 2n = 44). A putative ancestral karyotype for the genus Allocricetulus (AAK) was proposed and contains 12-13 ancestral autosomal elements. Integrated maps demonstrate extended conservation of syntenies within this rodent genus and show the predominant role of Robertsonian rearrangements in the karyotype evolution of the genus Allocricetulus. At the cytogenetic level, we clearly demonstrate karyological differences between karyotypes of species (A. curtatus vs. A. eversmanni) and subspecies A. e. eversmanni and A. e. beljaevi versus A. e. pseudocurtatus, but the karyotypes of A. e. eversmanni and A. e. beljaevi are identical at this level of resolution.
Posttranslational Modification and Quality Control
Authors: Wang Xuejun , Pattison J. Scott , Su Huabo
Published: January 2013

Protein quality control functions to minimize the level and toxicity of misfolded proteins in the cell. Protein quality control is performed by intricate collaboration among chaperones and target protein degradation. The latter is performed primarily by the ubiquitin-proteasome system and perhaps autophagy. Terminally misfolded proteins that are not timely removed tend to form aggregates. Their clearance requires macroautophagy. Macroautophagy serves in intracellular quality control also by selectively segregating defective organelles (eg, mitochondria) and targeting them for degradation by the lysosome. Inadequate protein quality control is observed in a large subset of failing human hearts with a variety of causes, and its pathogenic role has been experimentally demonstrated. Multiple posttranslational modifications can occur to substrate proteins and protein quality control machineries, promoting or hindering the removal of the misfolded proteins. This article highlights recent advances in posttranslational modification–mediated regulation of intracellular quality control mechanisms and its known involvement in cardiac pathology.
Neural Correlates of Myths in Which an Image Becomes Alive
Authors: d'Huy Julien
Published: January 2013

How do we explain the universality of a mythical motif in which an artistic image becomes “alive”? It is significant that brain areas activated by real movement are also activated by action sentences or images implying motion. Activation of these motion areas probably generates the sense of motion that emanates from images. It is notable in this connection that action sentences read before or after viewing images with implied motion may be more easily memorized.
Un connaisseur méconnu du ius romanum : Euzôïos d’Antioche, rédacteur du premier corpus canonique de l’Église
Authors: Mardirossian Aram
Published: January 2013

Résumé

Auteur présumé de la Collection canonique d’Antioche, l’évêque homéen Euzôïos d’Antioche (360-376) n’était pas seulement un grand canoniste ; son savoir juridique s’étendait aussi au droit romain. Les Canons apostoliques—qui clôturent la vaste compilation intitulée Constitutions apostoliques dont Euzôïos était également le rédacteur—s’inspirent par deux fois de la procédure extraordinaire impériale, et plus précisément de la procédure par défaut. Cette dernière sera ensuite employée lors des divers procès qui jalonneront la querelle chalcédonienne, mais c’est Euzôïos qui le premier avait esquissé un rapprochement entre le kanon et le ius romanum, près de huit siècles avant que ne se réalise en Occident la synthèse entre ces deux catégories de normes qui donnera à l’Europe son « droit commun ».
Revision of North American Aleiodes (Part 9): the pallidator (Thunberg) species-group with description of two new species (Hymenoptera: Braconidae, Rogadinae)
Authors: SHAW SCOTT R. , MARSH PAUL M. , TALLUTO MIRANDA A.
Published: January 2013

The Aleiodes pallidator species-group is defined, and an identification key is provided for the five species known to occur in the U.S.A. and Canada. Two new species are described: Aleiodes martini Shaw and Marsh, from Florida, and A. xanthoclypeus Shaw and Marsh, known from Canada and Wisconsin, and reared from Lymantriidae species including Dasychira plagiata (Walker) and Olene grisefacta (a new host record for the genus Aleiodes). Five species are illustrated, and their host associations are summarized.
Magadacerina, a new genus of Leptoceridae (Trichoptera) from Madagascar
Authors: MALM TOBIAS , JOHANSON KJELL ARNE
Published: January 2013

Magadacerina forcipata, new genus, new species (Trichoptera: Leptoceridae), is described from Madagascar. The monotypic genus is characterised by having the tibial spur formula 2,2,2; wings with sessile bifurcation of M; genitalia with preanal appendages fused with segment IX and greatly produced posterad, and a tergum X with an anteriorly extended ventral base articulating with a sclerotised spine-like process of the phallic shield. The new genus is most closely related to Blyzophilus in the tribe Blyzophilini.
Physical Activity Levels, Sport Activities, and Risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Cheng Xiaoru , Li Wei , Guo Jin , Wang Yang , Gu Hongqiu , Teo Koon , Liu Lisheng , Yusuf Salim
Published: January 2013

Physical activity (PA) during leisure time has been inversely associated with cardiovascular disease risk in the Western populations. We evaluated PA at work and leisure time in relation to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Chinese population. We conducted a hospital-based case–control study. The cases had first AMI (n = 2909). The controls (n = 2947) were matched to the cases in age and sex. The odds ratios (ORs) of leisure-time PA for strenuous exercise compared to mainly sedentary was 0.74 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.61-0.90) and for moderate exercise it was 0.96 (95% CI: 0.85-1.08). Multivariate adjustment did not substantially alter the association. The ORs of work-related PA for heavy PA compared to mainly sedentary was 1.44 (95% CI: 1.06-1.94), for climbing and lifting was 1.00 (95% CI: 0.77-.30), and for walking was 0.90 (95%CI: 0.75-1.07). Leisure-time PA was protective for AMI risk compared to sedentary lifestyles in a population in China.
Study on the load partition behaviors of high particle content B4C/Al composites in compression
Authors: Liu Bin , Huang WenMao , Wang HaoWei , Wang MingLiang , Li XianFeng
Published: January 2013

High particle content B4C/Al composites reinforced with different particle sizes were fabricated. Based on the tensile and compressive stress–strain behaviors of these composites, the effective medium approach was employed to investigate the load partition behaviors between the matrix and reinforcement. The results showed that the load borne by the particles increased in compression, which lead to larger compressive strength than the tensile strength. Meanwhile, the load borne by particles increased with decreasing particle size during compression. These observations were rationalized based on the combined theories of geometrically necessary dislocations and metal-based cemented granular material behaviors.
Life cycle strain monitoring in glass fibre reinforced polymer laminates using embedded fibre Bragg grating sensors from manufacturing to failure
Authors: Nielsen Michael W , Schmidt Jacob W , Høgh Jacob H , Waldbjørn Jacob P , Hattel Jesper H , Andersen Tom L , Markussen Christen M
Published: January 2013

A holistic approach to strain monitoring in fibre-reinforced polymer composites is presented using embedded fibre Bragg grating sensors. Internal strains are monitored in unidirectional E-glass/epoxy laminate beams during vacuum infusion, curing, post-curing and subsequent loading in flexure until failure. The internal process-induced strain development is investigated through use of different cure schedules and tool/part interactions. The fibre Bragg grating sensors successfully monitor resin flow front progression during infusion, and strain development during curing, representative of the different cure temperatures and tool/part interfaces used. Substantial internal process-induced strains develop in the transverse fibre direction, which should be taken into consideration when designing fibre-reinforced polymer laminates. Flexure tests indicate no significant difference in the mechanical properties of the differently cured specimens, despite the large differences in measured residual strains. This indicates that conventional flexure testing may not reveal residual strain or stress effects at small specimen scale levels. The internal stresses are seen to influence the accuracy of the fibre Bragg gratings within the loading regime. This study confirms the effectiveness of composite life cycle strain monitoring for developing consistent manufacturing processes.
Strength and stiffness behaviour of braided and filament wound glass epoxy composites – Simultaneous studies and comparison
Authors: Srikanth L , Rao RMVGK
Published: January 2013

Investigations were carried out on glass-epoxy composite specimens with varied fibre orientations (±2° to ±88°), prepared by both braided and filament winding techniques. The experimental strength and stiffness of these composites while exhibiting similar trends, correlated well with those predicted by classical laminate theory. The filament wound composites exhibited (20–40%) initial higher properties vis-a-vis the braided composites, while a correlation index between the experimental and theoretical values has been evolved.
Civic phronēsis
Authors: Mann Molly Harkirat
Published: January 2013

Eric Nelson has recently argued that John Rawls’ interpretation of the maxim to respect persons as ends in themselves which grants priority to our least-advantaged citizens violates the liberal commitment to neutrality towards each person’s capability to choose her or his conception of the good. This violation is revealed by the sectarian character of Martha Nussbaum’s list of capabilities, her Aristotelian extension of Rawls’ distributive ethics. I argue that Nelson advances an elitist interpretation of the non-violability of persons, in which the capabilities of oneself are set in opposition to those of an other. He thus overlooks for his purposes the anti-sacrificial telos of the Rawlsian principles of justice which articulates the capabilities of oneself as another. Nelson’s elitism may itself be traced to Nussbaum’s rejection of Rawls’ distributive figuration of capability, the Aristotelian heritage of which is developed by Paul Ricoeur and which underwrites civic phronēsis on societal norms of reciprocity.
The Development Complex, rural economy and urban-spatial and economic development in Juba, South Sudan
Authors: Grant Richard , Thompson Daniel
Published: January 2013

Juba, the capital of South Sudan, is the fastest growing city in Africa, exhibiting the most rapid urban expansion and growth ever to take place in the region. Despite its explosive demographic and infrastructural expansion, the urban explosion has received virtually no attention from urban scholars. A grey literature on the city and its context is emerging but no assessment of this knowledge base has been undertaken. This article synthesizes reports from international governmental and non-governmental organizations, aerial and satellite images, and firsthand experiences in the city to develop an understanding of the interaction between the internationally-driven Development Complex (international organizations, foreign investment) in South Sudan as a whole, local development opportunities and the spatial organization of Juba. Our contribution takes stock of the interactions between international and local political forces in the boomtown, and discusses ways forward for urban planning, the international development and local business communities.
A functional NPSR1 gene variant and environment shape personality and impulsive action: A longitudinal study
Authors: Laas Kariina , Reif Andreas , Kiive Evelyn , Domschke Katharina , Lesch Klaus-Peter , Veidebaum Toomas , Harro Jaanus
Published: January 2013

Neuropeptide S and its receptor NPSR1 are involved in the regulation of arousal, attention and anxiety. We examined whether the NPSR1 gene functional polymorphism Asn107Ile (rs324981, A>T) influences personality, impulsivity, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-related symptoms in a population-representative sample, and whether any eventual associations depend on age, sex, family relations and stressful life events (SLE). We used self-reports or teachers’ ratings for both the younger ( n=593) and older ( n=583) cohort of the longitudinal Estonian Children Personality, Behaviour and Health Study. Males with the TT genotype displayed more ADHD-related symptoms. Adaptive impulsivity and Extraversion increased the most from age 18 to 25. While highest increases were observed in AA men, TT women exhibited the largest decreases. For participants with the AA genotype, Warmth in family was inversely associated with Neuroticism, and positively associated with Extraversion and Adaptive impulsivity. High exposure to SLE increased impulsivity and ADHD scores in TT genotype subjects. We conclude that the NPSR1 A/T polymorphism is associated with impulsivity, ADHD symptoms and personality, mirroring the activity- and anxiety-mediating role of NPSR1. Heterozygous individuals were the least sensitive to environmental factors, whereas subjects with the AA genotype and TT genotype reacted to different types of environmental adversities.
Adjunctive aripiprazole therapy with escitalopram in patients with co-morbid major depressive disorder and alcohol dependence: Clinical and neuroimaging evidence
Authors: Han Doug Hyun , Kim Sun Mi , Choi Jung Eun , Min Kyung Joon , Renshaw Perry F
Published: January 2013

The effective treatment of depression has been reported to reduce the severity of alcohol use, potentially reflecting improvements in common brain reward circuits. We hypothesized that augmentation therapy of escitalopram with aripiprazole would improve depressive symptoms as well as reduce craving for alcohol and cue-induced brain activity in patients with co-morbid alcohol dependence and major depressive disorder, compared with treatment with escitalopram alone. Thirty-five subjects with major depressive disorder and alcohol dependence were recruited and randomly assigned into 17 aripiprazole + escitalopram and 18 escitalopram only groups. At baseline and following six weeks of treatment, symptoms of depression, craving for alcohol and brain activity were evaluated. During the six week treatment period, Beck Depression Inventory and clinical global index-severity (CGI-S) scores decreased in both the aripiprazole + escitalopram and escitalopram only groups. In addition, following the treatment period, the Korean alcohol urge questionnaire scores in the aripiprazole + escitalopram group were reduced from 23.3±8.4 to 14.3±4.9, compared with those of the escitalopram group of from 21.6±8.4 to 19.3±7.1 ( F=13.1, p<0.01). The activity within the anterior cingulate was increased in response to the presentation of alcohol drinking scenes following treatment in the aripiprazole + escitalopram group. The change of brain activity within the left anterior cingulate gyrus in all patients with co-morbid alcohol dependence and major depressive disorder was negatively correlated with the change in craving for alcohol. These findings suggest that the effects of aripiprazole on anterior cingulate cortex might mediate the successful treatment of alcohol dependence in patients with major depressive disorder.
Effects of post-training heroin and d-amphetamine on consolidation of win-stay learning and fear conditioning
Authors: Leri Francesco , Nahas Elia , Henderson Katherine , Limebeer Cheryl L , Parker Linda A , White Norman M
Published: January 2013

It has been proposed that the reinforcing properties of drugs of abuse are due, in part, to their ability to enhance memory consolidation. To test this hypothesis, heroin (0.03–3 mg/kg, SC) and d-amphetamine (0.5–2 mg/kg, SC) were administered to male Sprague-Dawley rats immediately or 4 h after training on win-stay and fear conditioning tasks. On the win-stay, immediate post-training administration of lower doses of heroin and d-amphetamine enhanced acquisition, and probe tests further revealed that these drugs enhanced different aspects of learning. Higher doses had no effect or impaired performance, particularly when administered repeatedly. On fear conditioning, the memory-enhancing effects of immediate post-training administration of lower heroin and d-amphetamine doses were revealed only when a single tone–shock pairing procedure was employed. Therefore, under appropriate experimental conditions, mildly stimulatory doses of heroin and d-amphetamine enhanced the acquisition of tasks thought to involve different types of learning. These results support the hypothesis that one of the ways in which drugs of abuse such as opiates and psychomotor stimulants reinforce behavior is by enhancing memory consolidation processes.
Adaptive collective decision-making in limited robot swarms without communication
Authors: Kernbach Serge , Häbe Dagmar , Kernbach Olga , Thenius Ronald , Radspieler Gerald , Kimura Toshifumi , Schmickl Thomas
Published: January 2013

In this work we investigate spatial collective decision-making in a swarm of microrobots, inspired by the thermotactic aggregation behavior of honeybees. The sensing and navigation capabilities of these robots are intentionally limited; no digital sensor data processing and no direct communication are allowed. In this way, we can approximate the features of smaller mesoscopic-scale systems and demonstrate that even such a limited swarm is nonetheless able to exhibit simple forms of intelligent and adaptive collective behavior.