bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ProA, a transcriptional regulator of fungal fruiting body development, regulates leaf hyphal network development in the Epichloë festucae–Lolium perenne symbiosis
Authors: Tanaka Aiko , Cartwright Gemma M. , Saikia Sanjay , Kayano Yuka , Takemoto Daigo , Kato Masashi , Tsuge Takashi , Scott Barry
Published: September 2013

Transcription factors containing a Zn(II)2Cys6 binuclear cluster DNA‐binding domain are unique to fungi and are key regulators of fungal growth and development. The C6‐Zn transcription factor, Pro1, in Sordaria macrospora is crucial for maturation of sexual fruiting bodies. In a forward genetic screen to identify Epichloë festucae symbiosis genes we identified a mutant with an insertion in proA. Plants infected with the proA mutant underwent premature senescence. Hyphae of ΔproA had a proliferative pattern of growth within the leaves of Lolium perenne. Targeted deletion of proA recapitulated this phenotype and introduction of a wild‐type gene complemented the mutation. ΔproA was defective in hyphal fusion. qPCR analysis of E. festucae homologues of S. macrospora genes differentially expressed in Δpro1 identified esdC, encoding a glycogen‐binding protein, as a target of ProA. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay analysis identified two binding sites for ProA in the intergenic region of esdC and a divergently transcribed gene, EF320. Both esdC and EF320 are highly expressed in a wild‐type E. festucae–grass association but downregulated in a proA–mutant association. These results show that ProA is a key regulator of in planta specific growth of E. festucae, and therefore crucial for maintaining a mutualistic symbiotic interaction.
Identification and characterization of the genetic changes responsible for the characteristic smooth‐to‐rough morphotype alterations of clinically persistent Mycobacterium abscessus
Authors: Pawlik Alexandre , Garnier Guillaume , Orgeur Mickael , Tong Pin , Lohan Amanda , Le Chevalier Fabien , Sapriel Guillaume , Roux Anne‐Laure , Conlon Kevin , Honoré Nadine , Dillies Marie‐Agnès , Ma Laurence , Bouchier Christiane , Coppée Jean‐Yves , Gaillard Jean‐Louis , Gordon Stephen V. , Loftus Brendan , Brosch Roland , Herrmann Jean Louis
Published: September 2013

Mycobacterium abscessus is an emerging pathogen that is increasingly recognized as a relevant cause of human lung infection in cystic fibrosis patients. This highly antibiotic‐resistant mycobacterium is an exception within the rapidly growing mycobacteria, which are mainly saprophytic and non‐pathogenic organisms. M. abscessus manifests as either a smooth (S) or a rough (R) colony morphotype, which is of clinical importance as R morphotypes are associated with more severe and persistent infections. To better understand the molecular mechanisms behind the S/R alterations, we analysed S and R variants of three isogenic M. abscessus S/R pairs using an unbiased approach involving genome and transcriptome analyses, transcriptional fusions and integrating constructs. This revealed different small insertions, deletions (indels) or single nucleotide polymorphisms within the non‐ribosomal peptide synthase gene cluster mps1‐mps2‐gap or mmpl4b in the three R variants, consistent with the transcriptional differences identified within this genomic locus that is implicated in the synthesis and transport of Glyco‐Peptido‐Lipids (GPL). In contrast to previous reports, the identification of clearly defined genetic lesions responsible for the loss of GPL‐production or transport makes a frequent switching back‐and‐forth between smooth and rough morphologies in M. abscessus highly unlikely, which is important for our understanding of persistent M. abscessus infections.
Sulphiredoxin plays peroxiredoxin‐dependent and ‐independent roles via the HOG signalling pathway in Cryptococcus neoformans and contributes to fungal virulence
Authors: Upadhya Rajendra , Kim Hyelim , Jung Kwang‐Woo , Park Goun , Lam Woei , Lodge Jennifer K. , Bahn Yong‐Sun
Published: September 2013

Mechanisms of oxidative stress resistance are crucial virulence factors for survival and proliferation of fungal pathogens within the human host. In this study we have identified and functionally characterized the role of sulphiredoxin, Srx1, in oxidative stress resistance of Cryptococcus neoformans causing fungal meningoencephalitis and regulation of peroxiredoxins, Tsa1 and Tsa3, and thioredoxins, Trx1 and Trx2. The C. neoformans HOG (High Osmolarity Glycerol response) pathway was essential for the transcriptional regulation of SRX1 under peroxide stress conditions. A gene deletion study revealed that Srx1 was required for cells to counteract peroxide stress, but not other oxidative damaging agents. HOG1 was found to be essential for the induction of adaptive response to peroxide stress with concurrent repression of ergosterol biosynthesis in an SRX1‐independent manner. Consistent with this, phosphorylation of C. neoformans Hog1 was modulated by both low and high doses of exogenous hydrogen peroxide treatment. Immunoblot analysis using the C. neoformans Tsa1 specific antibody revealed that both Srx1 and Trx1 were essential for recycling of oxidized Tsa1. In addition to its role in peroxide sensing and response C. neoformans Srx1 was also found to be required for a peroxiredoxin‐independent function in promoting fungicide‐dependent cell swelling and growth arrest. Finally we showed the importance of C. neoformans Srx1 in fungal pathogenesis by demonstrating its requirement for full virulence using a mouse infection model.
Open Stomata 1 (OST1) is limiting in abscisic acid responses of Arabidopsis guard cells
Authors: Acharya Biswa R. , Jeon Byeong Wook , Zhang Wei , Assmann Sarah M.
Published: September 2013

Open Stomata 1 (OST1) (SnRK2.6 or SRK2E), a serine/threonine protein kinase, is a positive regulator in abscisic acid (ABA)‐mediated stomatal response, but OST1‐regulation of K+ and Ca2+ currents has not been studied directly in guard cells and it is unknown whether OST1 activity is limiting in ABA‐mediated stomatal responses.

We employed loss‐of‐function and gain‐of‐function approaches to study native ABA responses of Arabidopsis guard cells. We performed stomatal aperture bioassays, patch clamp analyses and reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurements.

ABA inhibition of inward K+ channels and light‐induced stomatal opening are reduced in ost1 mutants while transgenic plants overexpressing OST1 show ABA hypersensitivity in these responses. ost1 mutants are insensitive to ABA‐induced stomatal closure, regulation of slow anion currents, Ca2+‐permeable channel activation and ROS production while OST1 overexpressing lines are hypersensitive for these responses, resulting in accelerated stomatal closure in response to ABA. Overexpression of OST1 in planta in the absence of ABA application does not affect basal apertures or ion currents. Moreover, we demonstrate the physical interaction of OST1 with the inward K+ channel KAT1, the anion channel SLAC1, and the NADPH oxidases AtrbohD and AtrbohF.

Our findings support OST1 as a critical limiting component in ABA regulation of stomatal apertures, ion channels and NADPH oxidases in Arabidopsis guard cells.
Positive and negative caregiver experiences in first‐episode psychosis: Emotional overinvolvement, wellbeing and metacognition
Authors: Jansen Jens E. , Lysaker Paul H. , Harder Susanne , Haahr Ulrik H. , Lyse Hanne‐Grethe , Pedersen Marlene B. , Trauelsen Anne M. , Simonsen Erik
Published: September 2013

Objectives

While caregivers of persons with first‐episode psychosis often report a range of negative experiences, little is known about what psychological factors are involved. The aim of this study was to examine how caregivers' general wellbeing, emotional overinvolvement and metacognition influenced their reports of both positive and negative caregiving experiences.

Design

A prospective consecutive cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Forty caregivers of patients with first‐episode psychosis were interviewed using semi‐structured interview and questionnaires.

Results

Greater levels of distress and overinvolvement were associated with more negative experiences of caregiving while greater metacognitive capacity was associated with more positive experiences of caregiving.

Conclusions

The experience of positive and negative aspects of caregiving seems to be associated with different variables. Greater metacognitive capacity does not necessarily alleviate the suffering and distress, which is a healthy and normal reaction to having a close one suffering from psychosis. But it might help broaden the perspective, allowing for both negative and positive experiences. Clinical implications in terms of expanding the range of therapeutic interventions are discussed.

Practitioner points

Assessing the capacity for metacognition in a non‐clinical population.

Understanding what factors are involved in positive and negative caregiver experiences in first‐episode psychosis.

A broadening of family interventions by encompassing the concept of metacognition.
Reduced generation time of apple seedlings to within a year by means of a plant virus vector: a new plant‐breeding technique with no transmission of genetic modification to the next generation
Authors: Yamagishi Noriko , Kishigami Ryusuke , Yoshikawa Nobuyuki
Published: September 2013

Fruit trees have a long juvenile phase. For example, the juvenile phase of apple (Malus × domestica) generally lasts for 5–12 years and is a serious constraint for genetic analysis and for creating new apple cultivars through cross‐breeding. If modification of the genes involved in the transition from the juvenile phase to the adult phase can enable apple to complete its life cycle within 1 year, as seen in herbaceous plants, a significant enhancement in apple breeding will be realized. Here, we report a novel technology that simultaneously promotes expression of Arabidopsis FLOWERING LOCUS T gene (AtFT) and silencing of apple TERMINAL FLOWER 1 gene (MdTFL1‐1) using an Apple latent spherical virus (ALSV) vector (ALSV‐AtFT/MdTFL1) to accelerate flowering time and life cycle in apple seedlings. When apple cotyledons were inoculated with ALSV‐AtFT/MdTFL1 immediately after germination, more than 90% of infected seedlings started flowering within 1.5–3 months, and almost all early‐flowering seedlings continuously produced flower buds on the lateral and axillary shoots. Cross‐pollination between early‐flowering apple plants produced fruits with seeds, indicating that ALSV‐AtFT/MdTFL1 inoculation successfully reduced the time required for completion of the apple life cycle to 1 year or less. Apple latent spherical virus was not transmitted via seeds to successive progenies in most cases, and thus, this method will serve as a new breeding technique that does not pass genetic modification to the next generation.
Understanding Price Variation Across Stores and Supermarket Chains: Some Implications for CPI Aggregation Methods
Authors: Ivancic Lorraine , Fox Kevin J.
Published: September 2013

The empirical literature on price indices consistently finds that aggregation methods have a considerable impact, particularly when scanner data are used. This paper outlines a novel approach to test for the homogeneity of goods and hence for the appropriateness of aggregation. A hedonic regression framework is used to test for item homogeneity across four supermarket chains and across stores within each of these supermarket chains. We find empirical support for the aggregation of prices across stores which belong to the same supermarket chain. Support was also found for the aggregation of prices across three of the four supermarket chains.
Analysis of a deletion in the nephronophthisis 4 gene in different dog breeds
Authors: Palánová Anna , Schröffelová Daniela , Přibáňová Michaela , Dvořáková Věra , Stratil Antonín
Published: September 2013

Cone‐rod dystrophy is a progressive inherited retinal degenerative disorder that occurs in humans and dogs. The deletion in the nephronophthisis 4 (NPHP4) gene was established as a causative mutation in standard wire‐haired Dachshunds. We analyzed all varieties of Dachshunds from the Czech Republic and five other dog breeds and found that the deletion in the NPHP4 (in heterozygous state) is present not only in standard‐, but also in miniature wire‐haired Dachshunds, but not in other varieties of Dachshunds or in other breeds.
NonsuturedHotz–Celsus technique performed byCO2laser in two dogs and two cats
Authors: Serrano Carolina , Rodríguez José
Published: September 2013

It is described a new version of modified Hotz‐Celsus technique performed in four patients, two cats and two dogs. The surgery was carried out using CO2 laser in order to avoid bleeding and decrease the anesthetic time. Besides, the wound created was not sutured and it healed by secondary intention without any complication. As a conclusion, this modification is a successful alternative to treat entropion in a safe and fast way.
Canine multifocal retinopathy caused by a BEST1 mutation in a Boerboel
Authors: Gornik Kara R. , Pirie Christopher G. , Duker Jay S. , Boudrieau Randy J.
Published: September 2013

A 7‐month‐old male intact Boerboel presented to the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University for the evaluation of ocular discharge. Bilateral multifocal serous retinal detachments were noted on fundus examination as an incidental finding. Genetic testing confirmed the dog to be homozygous for a mutation in the BEST1 gene, where a C73T/R25X change results in premature termination codon. Further testing, including electroretinography and optical coherence tomography (OCT), demonstrated that there was no evidence of retinal photoreceptor dysfunction and confirmed that observed lesions were characteristic of canine multifocal retinopathy. No progression of the lesions was noted 3 months after the initial examination. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of canine multifocal retinopathy in the Boerboel breed.
Calcific band keratopathy in an alpaca
Authors: Pucket Jonathan D. , Boileau Melanie J. , Sula Mee Ja M.
Published: September 2013

A 4‐year‐old femaleSuri alpaca was presented for evaluation of acute onset weakness, lethargy, and recent development of opacities in both eyes. On ophthalmic examination, bilaterally symmetrical corneal opacities were noted along the interpalpebral fissures with a few corneal blood vessels intermingled. A presumed diagnosis of calcific band keratopathy was made based on location and appearance. The patient was euthanized a short while after diagnosis due to reasons unrelated to the eyes and histologic examination of the corneas revealed subepithelial calcium and vascularization, consistent with calcific band keratopathy. This case report is the first to document this ocular condition in an alpaca.
Canadian Mining and Labor Struggles in Mexico: The Challenges of Union Organizing
Authors: Bocking Paul
Published: September 2013

Focusing on a case study of a union organizing effort at the La Platosa mine from 2009 to 2012, this article studies the challenges facing labor activism in Canadian mining companies in Mexico within the context of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The relative strengths and weaknesses exhibited during labor organizing at the La Platosa mine are evaluated to find both locally specific and more broadly applicable strategies that could be applied to union renewal, both by workers employed under NAFTA's transnational sector and by the general labor movement.
Organizing for the Long Haul: Colonizing to the Rescue?
Authors: Early Steve
Published: September 2013

In the U.S. labor movement, politically committed young people have chosen to work in the service, retail, hospitality, and telecom sectors to aid union recruitment drives from the inside. Known as “colonizers” in the past, they are now commonly referred to as “salts.” Their organizing experience, in unorganized workplaces, is different from that of full‐time union staff members assisting unionization efforts from the outside. The union that recruits, trains, deploys, and supports “salts” gains adherents who help launch and sustain strategic organizing efforts measured in years, not weeks or months. This account of inside organizing experiences in several different industries illustrates the importance of building workplace committees strong enough to survive antiunion campaigning by private sector management. Several of these case studies also reveal the tensions that can arise between the goals and directives of organizing unions, and the priorities of rank‐and‐file workers, some who may not even know that a fellow organizing committee member is acting, undercover, as a union agent.
Prague Spring: Workers' Control in a State‐Owned Economy
Authors: Dolack Pete
Published: September 2013

A subtle contradiction arises for a worker in a collectively controlled enterprise because such a worker is simultaneously employee and manager. This duality is particularly noticeable when the enterprise is state‐owned. The workers' control movement during Czechoslovakia's Prague Spring sought to reconcile this duality by creating workers' assemblies that would include all enterprise members except for the director, and also organizing independent unions that would represent workers as individuals in disputes with the collective or with higher administrative bodies. Thus, each half of the duality would be represented through separate institutions. Considerable progress had been made in developing these ideas, culminating in a conference at which 190 enterprises were represented that sought to codify a system of workers' control. This article argues that the crushing of this effort was a tragedy because it eliminated what would have been a highly valuable experiment in workers' control organized on a countrywide basis. Although forty‐five years have elapsed since the Warsaw Pact invasion, the problems of reconciling the tensions between individuality and collectivity, and integrating community needs with national coordination, within a functioning economy that fulfills individual, community, regional, and national requirements, remain acute.
Low voltage‐activated calcium channels gate transmitter release at the dorsal root ganglion sandwich synapse
Authors: Rozanski Gabriela M. , Nath Arup R. , Adams Michael E. , Stanley Elise F.
Published: September 2013

Key points

Sensory neurons in dorsal root ganglia (DRG) lack direct inter‐somatic synaptic contacts but a subpopulation can communicate with their immediate neighbours via transglial, neuron–glial cell–neuron ‘sandwich synapses’.

We used gently dissociated chick DRG to explore the properties and identity of the voltage sensitive calcium channel responsible for gating transmitter (ATP) release at the neuron‐to‐glial cell synapse.

A combined pharmacological and biophysical characterization identified the T type, CaV3.2 calcium channel.

The low voltage‐activated and inactivation‐sensitive properties of CaV3.2 suggest that sandwich synapse transmission is gated not only by action potentials but also by sub‐threshold membrane depolarizations.

CaV3.2 modulating agents are of interest as anaesthetics, raising the possibility that sandwich synapse transmission plays a role in the aetiology of DRG‐derived abnormal sensation and pain.

Abstract  A subpopulation of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons are intimately attached in pairs and separated solely by thin satellite glial cell membrane septa. Stimulation of one neuron leads to transglial activation of its pair by a bi‐, purinergic/glutamatergic synaptic pathway, a transmission mechanism that we term sandwich synapse (SS) transmission. Release of ATP from the stimulated neuron can be attributed to a classical mechanism involving Ca2+ entry via voltage‐gated calcium channels (CaV) but via an unknown channel type. Specific blockers and toxins ruled out CaV1, 2.1 and 2.2. Transmission was, however, blocked by a moderate depolarization (−50 mV) or low‐concentration Ni2+ (0.1 mm). Transmission persisted using a voltage pulse to −40 mV from a holding potential of −80 mV, confirming the involvement of a low voltage‐activated channel type and limiting the candidate channel type to either CaV3.2 or a subpopulation of inactivation‐ and Ni2+‐sensitive CaV2.3 channels. Resistance of the neuron calcium current and SS transmission to SNX482 argue against the latter. Hence, we conclude that inter‐somatic transmission at the DRG SS is gated by CaV3.2 type calcium channels. The use of CaV3 family channels to gate transmission has important implications for the biological function of the DRG SS as information transfer would be predicted to occur not only in response to action potentials but also to sub‐threshold membrane voltage oscillations. Thus, the SS synapse may serve as a homeostatic signalling mechanism between select neurons in the DRG and could play a role in abnormal sensation such as neuropathic pain.
Are type III–IV muscle afferents required for a normal steady‐state exercise hyperpnoea in humans?
Authors: Dempsey Jerome A. , Blain Grégory M. , Amann Markus
Published: September 2013

When tested in isolation, stimuli associated with respiratory CO2 exchange, feedforward central command and type III–IV muscle afferent feedback have each been shown to be capable of eliciting exercise‐like cardio‐ventilatory responses, but their relative contributions in a setting of physiological exercise remains controversial. We reasoned that in order to determine whether any of these regulators are obligatory to the exercise hyperpnoea each needs to be removed or significantly diminished in a setting of physiological steady‐state exercise, during which all recognized stimuli (and other potential modulators) are normally operative. In the past few years we and others have used intrathecal fentanyl, a μ‐opiate receptor agonist, in humans to reduce the input from type III–IV opiate‐sensitive muscle afferents. During various types of intensities and durations of exercise a sustained hypoventilation, as well as reduced systemic pressure and cardioacceleration, were consistently observed with this blockade. These data provide the basis for the hypothesis that type III–IV muscle afferents are obligatory to the hyperpnoea of mild to moderate intensity rhythmic, large muscle, steady‐state exercise. We discuss the limitations of these studies, the reasons for their disagreement with previous negative findings, the nature of the muscle afferent feedback stimulus and the need for future investigations.
Design and Experimental Study of an Over-Under TBCC Exhaust System
Authors: Mo Jianwei , Xu Jinglei , Zhang Liuhuan
Published: September 2013

Turbine-based combined-cycle (TBCC) propulsion systems have been a topic of research as a means for more efficient flight at supersonic and hypersonic speeds. The present study focuses on the fundamental physics of the complex flow in the TBCC exhaust system during the transition mode as the turbine exhaust is shut off and the ramjet exhaust is increased. A TBCC exhaust system was designed using methods of characteristics (MOC) and subjected to experimental and computational study. The main objectives of the study were: (1) to identify the interactions between the two exhaust jet streams during the transition mode phase and their effects on the whole flow-field structure; (2) to determine and verify the aerodynamic performance of the over–under TBCC exhaust nozzle; and (3) to validate the simulation ability of the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software according to the experimental conditions. Static pressure taps and Schlieren apparatus were employed to obtain the wall pressure distributions and flow-field structures. Steady-state tests were performed with the ramjet nozzle cowl at six different positions at which the turbine flow path were half closed and fully opened, respectively. Methods of CFD were used to simulate the exhaust flow and they complemented the experimental study by providing greater insight into the details of the flow field and a means of verifying the experimental results. Results indicated that the flow structure was complicated because the two exhaust jet streams interacted with each other during the exhaust system mode transition. The exhaust system thrust coefficient varied from 0.9288 to 0.9657 during the process. The CFD simulation results agree well with the experimental data, which demonstrated that the CFD methods were effective in evaluating the aerodynamic performance of the TBCC exhaust system during the mode transition.
A Robust Optimization Technique for Calculating Scaling Coefficients in an Energy-Based Fatigue Life Prediction Method
Authors: Letcher Todd , Wertz John , Herman Shen M.-H.
Published: September 2013

The energy-based lifing method is based on the theory that the cumulative energy in all hysteresis loops of a specimens' lifetime is equal to the energy in a monotonic tension test. Based on this theory, fatigue life can be calculated by dividing monotonic tensile energy by a hysteresis energy model, which is a function of stress amplitude. Due to variations in the empirically measured hysteresis loops and monotonic fracture area, fatigue life prediction with the energy-based method shows some variation as well. In order to account for these variations, a robust design optimization technique is employed. The robust optimization procedure uses an interval uncertainty technique, eliminating the need to know an exact probability density function for the uncertain parameters. The robust optimization framework ensures that the difference between the predicted lifetime at a given stress amplitude and the corresponding experimental fatigue data point is minimized and within a specified tolerance range while accounting for variations in hysteresis loop energy and fracture diameter measurements. Accounting for these experimental variations will boost confidence in the energy-based fatigue life prediction method despite a limited number of test specimens.
The Effect of Gas Models on Compressor Efficiency Including Uncertainty
Authors: Lou Fangyuan , Fabian John , Key Nicole L.
Published: September 2013

Since isentropic efficiency is widely used in evaluating the performance of compressors, it is essential to accurately calculate this parameter from experimental measurements. Quantifying realistic bounds of uncertainty in experimental measurements are necessary to make meaningful comparisons to computational fluid dynamics simulations. This paper explores how the gas model utilized for air can impact not only the efficiency calculated in an experiment, but also the uncertainty associated with that calculation. In this paper, three different gas models are utilized: the perfect gas model, the ideal gas model, and the real gas model. A commonly employed assumption in calculating compressor efficiency is the perfect gas assumption, in which the specific heat, is treated as a constant and is independent of temperature and pressure. Results show significant differences in both calculated efficiency and the resulting uncertainty in efficiency between the perfect gas model and the real gas model. The calculated compressor efficiency from the perfect gas model is overestimated, while the resulting uncertainties from the perfect gas model are underestimated. The ideal gas model agrees well with the real gas model, however. Including the effect of uncertainty in gas properties results in very large uncertainties in isentropic efficiency, on the order of ten points, for low pressure ratio machines.
Gas Turbine Combined Cycle Dynamic Simulation: A Physics Based Simple Approach
Authors: Can Gülen S. , Kim Kihyung
Published: September 2013

This paper describes a simplified physics-based method derived from fundamental relationships to accurately predict the dynamic response of the steam bottoming cycle of a combined cycle power plant to the changes in gas turbine exhaust temperature and flow rate. The method offers two advantages: (1) rapid calculation of various modes of combined cycle transient performance such as startup, shutdown, and load ramps for conceptual design and optimization studies, and (2) transparency of governing principles and solution methods for ease of use by a wider range of practitioners. Thus, the method facilitates better understanding and dissemination of said studies. All requisite formulas and methods described in the paper are readily amenable to implementation on a computational platform of the reader's choice.
Interfraction variation in lung tumor position with abdominal compression during stereotactic body radiotherapy
Authors: Mampuya Wambaka Ange , Nakamura Mitsuhiro , Matsuo Yukinori , Ueki Nami , Iizuka Yusuke , Fujimoto Takahiro , Yano Shinsuke , Monzen Hajime , Mizowaki Takashi , Hiraoka Masahiro
Published: September 2013

Purpose:

To assess the effect of abdominal compression on the interfraction variation in tumor position in lung stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) using cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) in a larger series of patients with large tumor motion amplitude.

Methods:

Thirty patients with lung tumor motion exceeding 8 mm who underwent SBRT were included in this study. After translational and rotational initial setup error was corrected based on bone anatomy, CBCT images were acquired for each fraction. The residual interfraction variation was defined as the difference between the centroid position of the visualized target in three dimensions derived from CBCT scans and those derived from averaged intensity projection images. The authors compared the magnitude of the interfraction variation in tumor position between patients treated with [n = 16 (76 fractions)] and without [n = 14 (76 fractions)] abdominal compression.

Results:

The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of the motion amplitude in the longitudinal direction before abdominal compression was 19.9 ± 7.3 (range, 10–40) mm and was significantly (p < 0.01) reduced to 12.4 ± 5.8 (range, 5–30) mm with compression. The greatest variance of the interfraction variation with abdominal compression was observed in the longitudinal direction, with a mean ± SD of 0.79 ± 3.05 mm, compared to −0.60 ± 2.10 mm without abdominal compression. The absolute values of the 95th percentile of the interfraction variation for one side in each direction were 3.97/6.21 mm (posterior/anterior), 4.16/3.76 mm (caudal/cranial), and 2.90/2.32 mm (right/left) without abdominal compression, and 2.14/5.03 mm (posterior/anterior), 3.93/9.23 mm (caudal/cranial), and 2.37/5.45 mm (right/left) with abdominal compression. An absolute interfraction variation greater than 5 mm was observed in six (9.2%) fractions without and 13 (17.1%) fractions with abdominal compression.

Conclusions:

Abdominal compression was effective for reducing the amplitude of tumor motion. However, in most of the authors’ patients, the use of abdominal compression seemed to increase the interfraction variation in tumor position, despite reducing lung tumor motion. The daily tumor position deviated more systematically from the tumor position in the planning CT scan in the lateral and longitudinal directions in patients treated with abdominal compression compared to those treated without compression. Therefore, target matching is required to correct or minimize the interfraction variation.
The p130 Isoform of Angiomotin Is Required for Yap-Mediated Hepatic Epithelial Cell Proliferation and Tumorigenesis
Authors: Yi Chunling , Shen Zhewei , Stemmer-Rachamimov Anat , Dawany Noor , Troutman Scott , Showe Louise C. , Liu Qin , Shimono Akihiko , Sudol Marius , Holmgren Lars , Stanger Ben Z. , Kissil Joseph L.
Published: September 2013

The p130 isoform of Amot exerts two oncogenic activities that promote liver cancer.
Lamins and Tissue Stiffness
Authors: Hurtley Stella M.
Published: September 2013

Tissues that need to remain stiff under stress rely on lamin-A to keep the cell nucleus whole.
IL-11 Trumps IL-6 in Gastrointestinal Cancer
Authors: Berndt Jason D.
Published: September 2013

IL-11 signaling could be targeted to reduce the formation and growth of stomach and intestinal tumors.
Ischaemic stroke secondary to paradoxical emboli through an arteriovenous malformation of the lung in a patient with known breast cancer
Authors: Sellon Edward , Ring Alistair , Howlett David
Published: September 2013

We presented an unusual case of a young woman who suffered an ischaemic stroke while receiving chemotherapy postsurgery for breast cancer. No cause was identified at that time and a year later an incidental pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) was diagnosed during an MR review of her breasts. This was confirmed on the CT and she subsequently underwent successful endovascular embolisation. Ischaemic stroke as a presenting symptom of an undiagnosed PAVM or hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia is rare. PAVM is a clinically important and treatable cause of ischaemic stroke and should therefore be considered in young patients with ischaemic stroke, with or without concurrent venous thrombotic risk factors. As far as we are aware, this is the first reported incidental finding of PAVM on MR of the breast.
Isolated unilateral absent patella and contralateral small patella
Authors: Duygun Fatih , Sertkaya Omer , Aldemir Cengiz , Doğan Ali
Published: September 2013

Isolated bilateral absent patella is seen very rarely. It is generally encountered as a part of nail-patella syndrome. An 18-year-old male patient presented with left absent patella and right small patella.
Ancient schwannoma mimicking a thyroid mass with retrosternal extension
Authors: Pillai Suresh , Agarwal Ashish Chandra , Mathew Mary , Nayak Dipak Ranjan
Published: September 2013

We report the case of a middle-aged hypothyroid woman presenting with a neck swelling, voice change and breathing difficulty. On evaluation, she was diagnosed to have goitre with retrosternal extension. The mass was surgically excised and a histopathological report of ancient schwannoma was obtained. A review of literature on schwannomas of the head and neck was carried out. An ancient schwannoma should be considered as one of the differential diagnosis of a cervical mass, even though the clinical presentation point towards a thyroid swelling. At 6 months follow-up, the patient was found to be asymptomatic except for a hoarse voice.
Effects of long-term exposure to PM10and NO2on asthma and wheeze in a prospective birth cohort
Authors: Mölter Anna , Agius Raymond , de Vocht Frank , Lindley Sarah , Gerrard William , Custovic Adnan , Simpson Angela
Published: September 2013

Background

Epidemiological studies on the effect of urban air pollution on childhood asthma have shown conflicting results and so far no consistent association has emerged. However, a common limitation in previous studies has been exposure misclassification leading to uncertainties in risk estimates.The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of long-term exposure to particulate matter (PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) on the prevalence of asthma and wheeze within a population-based birth cohort—the Manchester Asthma and Allergy Study (MAAS).

Methods

The prevalence of asthma and current wheeze within the cohort (N=1185) was determined through parental questionnaires at ages 3, 5, 8 and 11 years. The typical monthly PM10and NO2exposure of each child was estimated through a novel microenvironmental exposure model from birth to age 11. The association between exposure and asthma or wheeze was analysed using generalised estimating equations and multiple logistic regression.

Results

The range of asthma prevalence was 15.2–23.3%, with the lowest prevalence at age 3 and the highest at age 5. The prevalence of current wheeze decreased from ages 3 to 8 (23.7–18%). The mean NO2exposure decreased from the 1st year of life (21.7 µg/m3) to the 11th year of life (16.0 µg/m3). The mean PM10exposure showed a smaller decrease (12.8 –10.7 µg/m3). The statistical analysis showed no significant association between the exposures and either outcome.

Conclusions

No evidence of a significant association between long-term exposure to PM10and NO2and the prevalence of either asthma or wheeze was found.
Blockage of hERG current and the disruption of trafficking as induced by roxithromycin
Authors: Han Sheng-Na , Yang Song-Hua , Zhang Yu , Duan Yan-Yan , Sun Xiao-Yan , Chen Qiu , Fan Tian-Li , Ye Zhen-Kun , Huang Chen-Zheng , Hu Xiang-Jie , Zhang Zhao , Zhang Li-Rong
Published: September 2013

Roxithromycin is an oral macrolide antibiotic agent that has been repeatedly reported to provoke excessive prolongation of the Q–T interval and torsades de pointes in clinical settings. To investigate the mechanisms underlying the arrhythmogenic side effects of roxithromycin, we studied the molecular mechanisms of roxithromycin on human ether-à-go-go-related gene (hERG) K+ channels expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells. Roxithromycin was found to inhibit wild-type (WT) hERG currents in a concentration-dependent manner with a half-maximum block concentration (IC50) of 55.8 ± 9.1 μmol/L. S6 residue hERG mutants (Y652A and F656C) showed reduced levels of hERG current blockage attributable to roxithromycin. Roxithromycin also inhibited the trafficking of hERG protein to the cell membrane, as confirmed by Western blot analysis and confocal microscopy. These findings indicate that roxithromycin may cause acquired long-QT syndrome via direct inhibition of hERG current and by disruption of hERG protein trafficking. Mutations in drug-binding sites (Y652A or F656C) of the hERG channel were found to attenuate hERG current blockage by roxithromycin, but did not significantly alter the disruption of trafficking.
PHASE TRANSITIONS IN ISING MODEL INDUCED BY WEIGHT REDISTRIBUTION ON WEIGHTED REGULAR NETWORKS
Authors: LI MENGHUI , FAN YING , WU JINSHAN , DI ZENGRU
Published: September 2013

In order to investigate the role of link weight in weighted networks, the collective behavior of an Ising system on weighted regular networks is studied by numerical simulation. In our model, the coupling strength between spins is inversely proportional to the corresponding weighted shortest distance. Disordering link weights can effectively affect the process of phase transition even though the underlying binary topological structure remains unchanged. Specifically, based on regular networks with homogeneous weights initially, randomly disordering link weights will change the critical temperature of phase transition. The results suggest that the redistribution of link weights may provide an additional approach to optimize the dynamical behaviors of the system.
NEW MASS LIMIT OF WHITE DWARFS
Authors: DAS UPASANA , MUKHOPADHYAY BANIBRATA
Published: September 2013

Is the Chandrasekhar mass limit for white dwarfs (WDs) set in stone? Not anymore, recent observations of over-luminous, peculiar type Ia supernovae can be explained if significantly super-Chandrasekhar WDs exist as their progenitors, thus barring them to be used as cosmic distance indicators. However, there is no estimate of a mass limit for these super-Chandrasekhar WD candidates yet. Can they be arbitrarily large? In fact, the answer is no! We arrive at this revelation by exploiting the flux freezing theorem in observed, accreting, magnetized WDs, which brings in Landau quantization of the underlying electron degenerate gas. This essay presents the calculations which pave the way for the ultimate (significantly super-Chandrasekhar) mass limit of WDs, heralding a paradigm shift 80 years after Chandrasekhar's discovery.
HOW TO DETERMINE THE SIZE OF AN AREA QUANTUM WITH THE HELP OF A BLACK HOLE
Authors: ROPOTENKO K.
Published: September 2013

According to the holographic principle, the concept of two-dimensional area is distinctive in our four-dimensional world. In this paper, I address the question of whether there is a smallest physical element of area. I propose two different methods for determining the size of the area quantum with the help of a black hole. At first, I find it from the quantization condition for an internal angular momentum of a black hole. Second, I infer it from a diffusion equation for a black hole. In both cases, I obtain the same value. These methods and results may have important implications for a statistical interpretation of the black hole entropy.
DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF THE ZEROTH PRINCIPLE OF THERMODYNAMICS
Authors: HAGGARD HAL M. , ROVELLI CARLO
Published: September 2013

The zeroth principle of thermodynamics in the form "temperature is uniform at equilibrium" is notoriously violated in relativistic gravity. Temperature uniformity is often derived from the maximization of the total number of microstates of two interacting systems under energy exchanges. Here we discuss a generalized version of this derivation, based on informational notions, which remains valid in the general context. The result is based on the observation that the time taken by any system to move to a distinguishable (nearly orthogonal) quantum state is a universal quantity that depends solely on the temperature. At equilibrium the net information flow between two systems must vanish, and this happens when two systems transit the same number of distinguishable states in the course of their interaction.
SMASH PRODUCTS, SEPARABLE EXTENSIONS AND A MORITA CONTEXT OVER HOPF ALGEBROIDS
Authors: WANG YONG , GUO GUANGQUAN
Published: September 2013

Let [Formula: see text] be a Hopf algebroid, and A a left [Formula: see text]-module algebra. This paper is concerned with the smash product algebra A#H over Hopf algebroids. In this paper, we investigate separable extensions for module algebras over Hopf algebroids. As an application, we obtain a Maschke-type theorem for A#H-modules over Hopf algebroids, which generalizes the corresponding result given by Cohen and Fischman in [Hopf algebra actions, J. Algebra100 (1986) 363–379]. Furthermore, based on the work of Kadison and Szlachányi in [Bialgebroid actions on depth two extensions and duality, Adv. Math.179 (2003) 75–121], we construct a Morita context connecting A#H and [Formula: see text] the invariant subalgebra of [Formula: see text] on A.
THE ISOMORPHISM PROBLEM FOR MODULAR ABELIAN p-GROUP ALGEBRAS
Authors: MAY WARREN
Published: September 2013

The isomorphism problem for modular abelian group algebras is solved for p-groups of countable p-length for p odd. For the prime p = 2, it is solved for all 2-groups.
EFFECT OF INITIAL CONTACT LOCATION ON MULTIASPERITY NANOCONTACT: QUASICONTINUUM SIMULATION
Authors: JIANG WU-GUI , XU SHUANG , WANG ZHENG-WEI
Published: September 2013

Two nanocontact models with different initial contact locations are built to simulate the process of the multiasperity nanocontact for investigating the effect of initial contact location on the nanocontact process by using the quasicontinuum method. The indenter is initially located on the top of the middle wave crest (MWC) of the substrate and the top of the wave trough on the left side (LWT) of the substrate, respectively. The microscopic deformation mechanism, the load–displacement curve and the nanohardness–displacement curve are examined. It is found that the deformation mechanisms in the two multiasperity contact models are different. During the initial contact stage, in the MWC model, the twinning deformation dominates the whole contact process, while in the LMT model many Lomer-Cottrell locks are generated in the copper substrate, which inhibits the occurrence of twinning deformation.
CONNECTIVITY OF TENSOR PRODUCT OF GRAPHS
Authors: PAULRAJA P. , AGNES V. SHEEBA
Published: September 2013

In this paper, we determine the connectivity of G × Kr0,r1,…,rn-1, where × denotes the tensor product of graphs and Kr0,r1,…,rn-1 denotes the complete n-partite graph with [Formula: see text], and n ≥ 3. The main result of this paper deduces the main result of the paper appeared in Discrete Math. 311 (2011) 2563–2565 as a corollary.
CONNECTED LIAR'S DOMINATION IN GRAPHS: COMPLEXITY AND ALGORITHMS
Authors: PANDA B. S. , PAUL S.
Published: September 2013

A subset L ⊆ V of a graph G = (V, E) is called a connected liar's dominating set of G if (i) for all v ∈ V, |NG[v] ∩ L| ≥ 2, (ii) for every pair u, v ∈ V of distinct vertices, |(NG[u]∪NG[v])∩L| ≥ 3, and (iii) the induced subgraph of G on L is connected. In this paper, we initiate the algorithmic study of minimum connected liar's domination problem by showing that the corresponding decision version of the problem is NP-complete for general graph. Next we study this problem in subclasses of chordal graphs where we strengthen the NP-completeness of this problem for undirected path graph and prove that this problem is linearly solvable for block graphs. Finally, we propose an approximation algorithm for minimum connected liar's domination problem and investigate its hardness of approximation in general graphs.
A NOTE ON RAINBOW MATCHINGS
Authors: WANG GUANGHUI , LIU BINGQIANG , LIU GUIZHEN
Published: September 2013

Let G be a d-regular properly edge-colored graph such that the edges with the same color induce a 1-factor of G. A rainbow matching of G is a matching in which no two edges have the same color. We show that if the order n of G is at least 3.79d, then G has a rainbow matching of size d.
THE LINEAR 6-ARBORICITY OF THE COMPLETE BIPARTITE GRAPH Km,n
Authors: HE SHENGJIE , ZUO LIANCUI
Published: September 2013

A linear k-forest of an undirected graph G is a subgraph of G whose components are paths with lengths at most k. The linear k-arboricity of G, denote by lak(G), is the minimum number of linear k-forests needed to partition the edge set E(G) of G. In the case where the lengths of paths are not restricted, we then have the linear arboricity of G which is denoted by la(G). In this paper, we obtain some results about the linear 6-arboricity of the complete bipartite graph Km,n.
NANO AND MICRO-STRUCTURES OF ELASTIN-LIKE POLYPEPTIDE-BASED MATERIALS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS: RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Authors: TURNER PAUL A. , JOSHI GAURAV V. , WEEKS C. ANDREW , WILLIAMSON R. SCOTT , PUCKETT AARON D. , JANORKAR AMOL V.
Published: September 2013

Elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) containing materials have spurred significant research interest for biomedical applications exploiting their biocompatible, biodegradable and nonimmunogenic nature while maintaining precise control over their chemical structure and functionality through genetic engineering. Physical, mechanical and biological properties of ELPs could be further manipulated using genetic engineering or through conjugation with a variety of chemical moieties. These chemical and physical modifications also achieve interesting micro- and nanostructured ELP-based materials. Here, we review the recent developments during the past decade in the methods to engineer elastin-like materials, available genetic and chemical modification methods and applications of ELP micro and nanostructures in tissue engineering and drug delivery.
Graph Reachability and Pebble Automata over Infinite Alphabets
Authors: Tan Tony
Published: September 2013

Let
D
denote an infinite alphabet -- a set that consists of infinitely many symbols. A word
w
 = 
a
0
b
0
a
1
b
1
 ⋯ 
a
n
b
n
of even length over
D
can be viewed as a directed graph
G
w
whose vertices are the symbols that appear in
w
, and the edges are (
a
0
,
b
0
), (
a
1
,
b
1
), ..., (
a
n
,
b
n
). For a positive integer
m
, define a language
R
m
such that a word
w
 = 
a
0
b
0
 ⋯ 
a
n
b
n
 ∈ 
R
m
if and only if there is a path in the graph
G
w
of length ≤ 
m
from the vertex
a
0
to the vertex
b
n
.

We establish the following hierarchy theorem for pebble automata over infinite alphabet. For every positive integer
k
, (i) there exists a
k
-pebble automaton that accepts the language
R
2k − 1
; (ii) there is no
k
-pebble automaton that accepts the language
R
2k + 1 − 2
. Using this fact, we establish the following main results in this article: (a) a strict hierarchy of the pebble automata languages based on the number of pebbles; (b) the separation of monadic second order logic from the pebble automata languages; (c) the separation of one-way deterministic register automata languages from pebble automata languages.