bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and calcium uptake regulate activation of phagocytic NADPH oxidase
Authors: Dikalov Sergey I. , Li Wei , Doughan Abdulrahman K. , Blanco Raul R. , Zafari A. Maziar
Published: March 2012

Production of superoxide (O2·−) by NADPH oxidases contributes to the development of hypertension and atherosclerosis. Factors responsible for activation of NADPH oxidases are not well understood; interestingly, cardiovascular disease is associated with both altered NADPH oxidase activity and age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction. We hypothesized that mitochondrial dysfunction may contribute to activation of NADPH oxidase. The effect of mitochondrial inhibitors on phagocytic NADPH oxidase in human lymphoblasts and whole blood was measured at the basal state and upon PKC-dependent stimulation with PMA using extracellular 1-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-4-yl-trimethylammonium or mitochondria-targeted 1-hydroxy-4-[2-triphenylphosphonio)-acetamido]-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine spin probes and electron spin resonance (ESR). Intracellular cytosolic calcium [Ca2+]iwas measured spectrofluorometrically using fura-2 AM. Incubation of lymphoblasts with the mitochondrial inhibitors rotenone, antimycin A, CCCP, or ruthenium red (an inhibitor of mitochondrial Ca2+uniporter) did not significantly change basal activity of NADPH oxidase. In contrast, preincubation with the mitochondrial inhibitors prior to PMA stimulation of lymphoblasts resulted in two- to three-fold increase of NADPH oxidase activity compared with stimulation with PMA alone. Most notably, the intracellular Ca2+-chelating agent BAPTA-AM abolished the effect of mitochondrial inhibitors on NADPH oxidase activity. Cytosolic Ca2+measurements with fura-2 AM showed that the mitochondrial inhibitors increased [Ca2+]i, while BAPTA-AM abolished the increase in [Ca2+]i. Furthermore, depletion of cellular Ca2+with thapsigargin attenuated CCCP- and antimycin A-mediated activation of NADPH oxidase in the presence of PMA by 42% and 31%, correspondingly. Our data suggest that mitochondria regulate PKC-dependent activation of phagocytic NADPH oxidase. In summary, increased mitochondrial O2·−and impaired buffering of cytosolic Ca2+by dysfunctional mitochondria result in enhanced NADPH oxidase activity, which may contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases.
Protective role for CCR5 in murine lupus nephritis
Authors: Turner Jan-Eric , Paust Hans-Joachim , Bennstein Sabrina B. , Bramke Phillip , Krebs Christian , Steinmetz Oliver M. , Velden Joachim , Haag Friedrich , Stahl Rolf A. K. , Panzer Ulf
Published: March 2012

Leukocyte infiltration is a characteristic feature of human and experimental lupus nephritis and is closely correlated with loss of renal function. The chemokine receptor CCR5 is expressed on monocyte and T cell subsets and is thought to play an important role in recruiting these cells into inflamed organs. To investigate the functional role of CCR5 in lupus nephritis, CCR5-deficient mice were backcrossed onto the lupus-prone MRL- Faslpr(MRL/lpr) genetic background. Unexpectedly, CCR5−/−MRL/lpr mice developed an aggravated course of lupus nephritis in terms of glomerular tissue injury and albuminuria. Deterioration of the nephritis was associated with an overall increase in mononuclear cell infiltration into the kidney, whereas renal leukocyte subtype balance, systemic T cell response, and autoantibody formation were unaffected by CCR5 deficiency. Renal and systemic protein levels of the CCR5 ligand CCL3, which can also attract leukocytes via its alternate receptor CCR1, were significantly increased in nephritic CCR5−/−MRL/lpr mice. Further studies revealed that the systemic increase in the CCR5/CCR1 ligand is also observed in nonimmune CCR5−/−C57BL/6 mice and that this increase was due to a reduced clearance, rather than an overproduction, of CCL3. Taken together, our data support the hypothesis that CCR5-dependent consumption of its own ligands may act as a negative feedback loop to restrain local chemokine levels within inflamed tissues, thereby limiting inflammatory cell influx.
The sodium-activated sodium channel is expressed in the rat kidney thick ascending limb and collecting duct cells and is upregulated during high salt intake
Authors: Lara Lucienne S. , Satou Ryousuke , Bourgeois Camille R. T. , Gonzalez Alexis A. , Zsombok Andrea , Prieto Minolfa C. , Navar L. Gabriel
Published: March 2012

Increased dietary salt triggers oxidative stress and kidney injury in salt-sensitive hypertension; however, the mechanism for sensing increased extracellular Na+concentration ([Na+]) remains unclear. A Na+-activated Na+channel (Na sensor) described in the brain operates as a sensor of extracellular fluid [Na+]; nonetheless, its presence in the kidney has not been established. In the present study, we demonstrated the gene expression of the Na sensor by RT-PCR and Western blotting in the Sprague-Dawley rat kidney. Using immunofluorescence, the Na sensor was localized to the luminal side in tubular epithelial cells of collecting ducts colocalizing with aquaporin-2, a marker of principal cells, and in thick ascending limb, colocalizing with the glycoprotein Tamm-Horsfall. To determine the effect of a high-salt diet (HSD) on Na sensor gene expression, we quantified its transcript and protein levels primarily in renal medullas from control rats and rats subjected to 8% NaCl for 7 days ( n = 5). HSD increased Na sensor expression levels (mRNA: from 1.2 ± 0.2 to 5.1 ± 1.3 au; protein: from 0.98 ± 0.15 to 1.74 ± 0.28 au P < 0.05) in the kidney medulla, but not in the cortex. These data indicate that rat kidney epithelial cells of the thick ascending limb and principal cells of the collecting duct possess a Na sensor that is upregulated by HSD, suggesting an important role in monitoring changes in tubular fluid [Na+].
Renal IL-17 expression in human ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis
Authors: Velden Joachim , Paust Hans-Joachim , Hoxha Elion , Turner Jan-Eric , Steinmetz Oliver M. , Wolf Gunter , Jabs Wolfram J. , Özcan Fedai , Beige Joachim , Heering Peter J. , Schröder Saskia , Kneißler Ursula , Disteldorf Erik , Mittrücker Hans-Willi , Stahl Rolf A. K. , Helmchen Udo , Panzer Ulf
Published: March 2012

Interleukin-17A (IL-17) promotes inflammatory renal tissue damage in mouse models of crescentic glomerulonephritis, including murine experimental autoimmune anti-myeloperoxidase glomerulonephritis, which most likely depends on IL-17-producing Th17 cells. In human anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated glomerulonephritis, however, the cellular sources of IL-17 remain to be elucidated. Therefore, we analyzed human kidney biopsies of active necrotizing and crescentic ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis by immunohistochemistry using an IL-17-specific antibody and by immunofluorescent colocalization with cell type markers. We detected numerous IL-17-expressing (IL-17+) cells in the glomeruli and in the tubulointerstitium. Unexpectedly, most of these IL-17+cells were polymorphonuclear neutrophilic granulocytes, while IL-17+T cells and IL-17+mast cells were present at significantly lower frequencies. IL-17 was not detected in other infiltrating or resident kidney cells. In those patients who had not received immunosuppressive treatment before biopsy, serum creatinine levels were positively correlated with tubulointerstitial IL-17+neutrophils as well as IL-17+T cells. Furthermore, we could demonstrate that purified human blood neutrophils expressed IL-17 protein and released it upon stimulation in vitro. In conclusion, these results support a pathogenic role for IL-17 in human ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis. Our data suggest that in the acute stage of the disease neutrophils may act as an important immediate-early innate source of IL-17 and may thereby initiate and promote ongoing renal inflammation. IL-17 may thus be a target for treating acute ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis.
Why is the force-velocity relationship in leg press tasks quasi-linear rather than hyperbolic?
Authors: Bobbert Maarten F.
Published: March 2012

Force-velocity relationships reported in the literature for functional tasks involving a combination of joint rotations tend to be quasi-linear. The purpose of this study was to explain why they are not hyperbolic, like Hill's relationship. For this purpose, a leg press task was simulated with a musculoskeletal model of the human leg, which had stimulation of knee extensor muscles as only independent input. In the task the ankles moved linearly, away from the hips, against an imposed external force that was reduced over contractions from 95 to 5% of the maximum isometric value. Contractions started at 70% of leg length, and force and velocity values were extracted when 80% of leg length was reached. It was shown that the relationship between leg extension velocity and external force was quasi-linear, while the relationship between leg extension velocity and muscle force was hyperbolic. The discrepancy was explained by the fact that segmental dynamics canceled more and more of the muscle force as the external force was further reduced and velocity became higher. External power output peaked when the imposed external force was ∼50% of maximum, while muscle power output peaked when the imposed force was only ∼15% of maximum; in the latter case ∼70% of muscle power was buffered by the leg segments. According to the results of this study, there is no need to appeal to neural mechanisms to explain why, in leg press tasks, the force-velocity relationship is quasi-linear rather than hyperbolic.
Nitric oxide-mediated central sympathetic excitation promotes CNS and pulmonary O2 toxicity
Authors: Demchenko Ivan. T. , Moskvin Alexander N. , Krivchenko Alexander I. , Piantadosi Claude A. , Allen Barry W.
Published: March 2012

In hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) at or above 3 atmospheres absolute (ATA), autonomic pathways link central nervous system (CNS) oxygen toxicity to pulmonary damage, possibly through a paradoxical and poorly characterized relationship between central nitric oxide production and sympathetic outflow. To investigate this possibility, we assessed sympathetic discharges, catecholamine release, cardiopulmonary hemodynamics, and lung damage in rats exposed to oxygen at 5 or 6 ATA. Before HBO2 exposure, either a selective inhibitor of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS) or a nonselective NOS inhibitor was injected directly into the cerebral ventricles to minimize effects on the lung, heart, and peripheral circulation. Experiments were performed on both anesthetized and conscious rats to differentiate responses to HBO2 from the effects of anesthesia. EEG spikes, markers of CNS toxicity in anesthetized animals, were approximately four times as likely to develop in control rats than in animals with central NOS inhibition. In inhibitor-treated animals, autonomic discharges, cardiovascular pressures, catecholamine release, and cerebral blood flow all remained below baseline throughout exposure to HBO2. In control animals, however, initial declines in these parameters were followed by significant increases above their baselines. In awake animals, central NOS inhibition significantly decreased the incidence of clonic-tonic convulsions or delayed their onset, compared with controls. The novel findings of this study are that NO produced by nNOS in the periventricular regions of the brain plays a critical role in the events leading to both CNS toxicity in HBO2 and to the associated sympathetic hyperactivation involved in pulmonary injury.
Estimation of changes in instantaneous aortic blood flow by the analysis of arterial blood pressure
Authors: Arai Tatsuya , Lee Kichang , Marini Robert P. , Cohen Richard J.
Published: March 2012

The purpose of this study was to introduce and validate a new algorithm to estimate instantaneous aortic blood flow (ABF) by mathematical analysis of arterial blood pressure (ABP) waveforms. The algorithm is based on an autoregressive with exogenous input (ARX) model. We applied this algorithm to diastolic ABP waveforms to estimate the autoregressive model coefficients by requiring the estimated diastolic flow to be zero. The algorithm incorporating the coefficients was then applied to the entire ABP signal to estimate ABF. The algorithm was applied to six Yorkshire swine data sets over a wide range of physiological conditions for validation. Quantitative measures of waveform shape (standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis), as well as stroke volume and cardiac output from the estimated ABF, were computed. Values of these measures were compared with those obtained from ABF waveforms recorded using a Transonic aortic flow probe placed around the aortic root. The estimation errors were compared with those obtained using a windkessel model. The ARX model algorithm achieved significantly lower errors in the waveform measures, stroke volume, and cardiac output than those obtained using the windkessel model ( P < 0.05).
Egocentric and allocentric alignment tasks are affected by otolith input
Authors: Tarnutzer Alexander A. , Bockisch Christopher J. , Olasagasti Itsaso , Straumann Dominik
Published: March 2012

Gravicentric visual alignments become less precise when the head is roll-tilted relative to gravity, which is most likely due to decreasing otolith sensitivity. To align a luminous line with the perceived gravity vector (gravicentric task) or the perceived body-longitudinal axis (egocentric task), the roll orientation of the line on the retina and the torsional position of the eyes relative to the head must be integrated to obtain the line orientation relative to the head. Whether otolith input contributes to egocentric tasks and whether the modulation of variability is restricted to vision-dependent paradigms is unknown. In nine subjects we compared precision and accuracy of gravicentric and egocentric alignments in various roll positions (upright, 45°, and 75° right-ear down) using a luminous line (visual paradigm) in darkness. Trial-to-trial variability doubled for both egocentric and gravicentric alignments when roll-tilted. Two mechanisms might explain the roll-angle–dependent modulation in egocentric tasks: 1) Modulating variability in estimated ocular torsion, which reflects the roll-dependent precision of otolith signals, affects the precision of estimating the line orientation relative to the head; this hypothesis predicts that variability modulation is restricted to vision-dependent alignments. 2) Estimated body-longitudinal reflects the roll-dependent variability of perceived earth-vertical. Gravicentric cues are thereby integrated regardless of the task's reference frame. To test the two hypotheses the visual paradigm was repeated using a rod instead (haptic paradigm). As with the visual paradigm, precision significantly decreased with increasing head roll for both tasks. These findings propose that the CNS integrates input coded in a gravicentric frame to solve egocentric tasks. In analogy to gravicentric tasks, where trial-to-trial variability is mainly influenced by the properties of the otolith afferents, egocentric tasks may also integrate otolith input. Such a shared mechanism for both paradigms and frames of reference is supported by the significantly correlated trial-to-trial variabilities.
Baroreflex mechanisms regulating the occurrence of neural spikes in human muscle sympathetic nerve activity
Authors: Salmanpour Aryan , Shoemaker J. Kevin
Published: March 2012

This study tested the hypothesis that the discharge patterns of action potentials (APs) within bursts of postganglionic muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) are subject to arterial baroreflex control but in a manner that varies inversely with AP size. MSNA data were collected over 5 min of supine rest in 15 young and healthy individuals (8 males; 24 ± 4 yr of age; means ± SD). The baroreflex threshold and sensitivity diagrams were constructed for both the integrated sympathetic bursts and for the AP clusters. For the integrated bursts, a strong linear relationship between burst probability and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was observed ( P < 0.05). There was little relationship between integrated burst strength (amplitude) and DBP. On average, 12 AP clusters were observed across individuals. Larger APs tended to appear in the larger bursts. Linear regression analysis was used to study the baroreflex threshold (probability of AP cluster occurrence vs. DBP) as well as the baroreflex sensitivity (AP cluster size vs. DBP). A significant reflex threshold relationship was observed in 75–100% of AP clusters across all individuals. In contrast, significant reflex sensitivity relationships were observed in only 9 of 15 individuals and for limited APs. Overall, the slope of the AP baroreflex threshold relationship was greater for the small-medium sized AP clusters than that of the larger APs. Therefore, within each burst, the small-medium sized APs are governed by the baroreflex mechanism. However, the large APs, which tend to appear in the large integrated bursts, are weakly associated with a baroreflex control feature. The variable impact of baroreflex control over AP occurrence provides a plausible explanation for the overall weak baroreflex control over integrated burst strength, a feature that is determined by both the number and size of the AP complement.
Stance-phase force on the opposite limb dictates swing-phase afferent presynaptic inhibition during locomotion
Authors: Hayes Heather Brant , Chang Young-Hui , Hochman Shawn
Published: March 2012

Presynaptic inhibition is a powerful mechanism for selectively and dynamically gating sensory inputs entering the spinal cord. We investigated how hindlimb mechanics influence presynaptic inhibition during locomotion using pioneering approaches in an in vitro spinal cord–hindlimb preparation. We recorded lumbar dorsal root potentials to measure primary afferent depolarization-mediated presynaptic inhibition and compared their dependence on hindlimb endpoint forces, motor output, and joint kinematics. We found that stance-phase force on the opposite limb, particularly at toe contact, strongly influenced the magnitude and timing of afferent presynaptic inhibition in the swinging limb. Presynaptic inhibition increased in proportion to opposite limb force, as well as locomotor frequency. This form of presynaptic inhibition binds the sensorimotor states of the two limbs, adjusting sensory inflow to the swing limb based on forces generated by the stance limb. Functionally, it may serve to adjust swing-phase sensory transmission based on locomotor task, speed, and step-to-step environmental perturbations.
The Local Strong and Weak Solutions for a Generalized Novikov Equation
Authors: Wu Meng , Zhong Yue
Published: March 2012

The Kato theorem for abstract differential equations is applied to establish the local well‐posedness of the strong solution for a nonlinear generalized Novikov equation in space C([0, T), Hs(R))∩C1([0, T), Hs−1(R)) with s > (3/2). The existence of weak solutions for the equation in lower‐order Sobolev space Hs(R) with 1 ≤ s ≤ (3/2) is acquired.
Image-Processing-Based Study of the Interfacial Behavior of the Countercurrent Gas-Liquid Two-Phase Flow in a Hot Leg of a PWR
Authors: Montoya Gustavo A. , Deendarlianto  , Lucas Dirk , Höhne Thomas , Vallée Christophe
Published: March 2012

The interfacial behavior during countercurrent two-phase flow of air-water and steam-water in a model of a PWR hot leg was studied quantitatively using digital image processing of a subsequent recorded video images of the experimental series obtained from the TOPFLOW facility,Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf e.V.(HZDR), Dresden, Germany. The developed image processing technique provides the transient data of water level inside the hot leg channel up to flooding condition. In this technique, the filters such as median and Gaussian were used to eliminate the drops and the bubbles from the interface and the wall of the test section. A Statistical treatment (average, standard deviation, and probability distribution function (PDF)) of the obtained water level data was carried out also to identify the flow behaviors. The obtained data are characterized by a high resolution in space and time, which makes them suitable for the development and validation of CFD-grade closure models, for example, for two-fluid model. This information is essential also for the development of mechanistic modeling on the relating phenomenon. It was clarified that the local water level at the crest of the hydraulic jump is strongly affected by the liquid properties.
Distribution, Composition, and Vertical Fluxes of Particulate Matter in Bays of Novaya Zemlya Archipelago, Vaigach Island at the End of Summer
Authors: Politova N. V. , Shevchenko V. P. , Zernova V. V.
Published: March 2012

An analysis of suspended particulate matter (SPM) and phytoplankton distribution, composition and vertical particle fluxes in Russkaya Gavan’ Bay (Northern Island of the Novaya Zemlya), Bezymyannaya Bay (Southern Island of the Novaya Zemlya), Dolgaya Bay (northwestern part of the Vaigach Island) in comparison with the data from the Svalbard Archipelago is presented. Field studies were carried out by the authors during the 9th expedition of the RV “Professor Logachev” in September 1994, the 11th, 13th, and 14th expeditions of the RV “Akademik Sergey Vavilov” in September-October 1997 and August-September 1998. The data about Spitsbergen fjords are from literature. Our results show that, on the bays of the Barents Sea islands, most SPM stays in the bays (fjords) and only small part of it reaches the open sea. This is due to the hydrodynamic conditions in the bays, the large size of the particles, flocculation, and often to the morphological barriers in the relief at the bay entrances. It is important for ecological purposes to map out migration pathways of the SPM with pollutants from bays to the open sea. Results of our investigation indicate that the western bays of the Novaya Zemlya act as traps for SPM derived from glaciers and coastal abrasion.
Effects of Surface Modification of MWCNT on the Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Fluoro Elastomer/MWCNT Nanocomposites
Authors: Xu Tao , Yang Jinghui
Published: March 2012

Surface modification is a good way to improve the surface activity and interfacial strength of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) when used as fillers in the polymer composites. Among the reported methods for nanotube modification, mixed acid oxidation and plasma treatment is often used by introducing polar groups to the sidewall of MWCNT successfully. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of different surface modification of MWCNT on the mechanical property and electrical conductivity of Fluoro‐elastomer (FE)/MWCNT nanocomposites. MWCNTs were surface modified by mixed oxidation and CF4 plasma treatment and then used to reinforce the fluoro elastomer (FE, a copolymer of trifluorochloroethylene and polyvinylidene fluoride). FE/MWCNT composite films were prepared from mixture solutions of ethylacetate and butylacetate, using untreated CNTs (UCNTs), acid‐modified CNTs (ACNTs), and CF4 plasma‐modified CNT (FCNTs). In each case, MWCNT content was 0.01 wt%, 0.05 wt%, 0.1 wt%, and 0.2 wt% with respect to the polymer. Morphology and mechanical properties were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, as well as dynamic mechanical tests. The SEM results indicated that dispersion of ACNTs and especially FCNTs in FE was better than that of UCNTs. DMA indicated mechanical properties of FCNT composites were improved over ACNT and UCNT filled FE. The resulting electrical properties of the composites ranged from dielectric behavior to bulk conductivities of 10−2 Sm−1 and were found to depend strongly on the surface modification methods of MWCNTs.
Nicotinamide, NAD(P)(H), and Methyl-Group Homeostasis Evolved and Became a Determinant of Ageing Diseases: Hypotheses and Lessons from Pellagra
Authors: Williams Adrian C. , Hill Lisa J. , Ramsden David B.
Published: March 2012

Compartmentalized redox faults are common to ageing diseases. Dietary constituents are catabolized to NAD(H) donating electrons producing proton-based bioenergy in coevolved, cross-species and cross-organ networks. Nicotinamide and NAD deficiency from poor diet or high expenditure causes pellagra, an ageing and dementing disorder with lost robustness to infection and stress. Nicotinamide and stress induce Nicotinamide-N-methyltransferase (NNMT) improving choline retention but consume methyl groups. High NNMT activity is linked to Parkinson’s, cancers, and diseases of affluence. Optimising nicotinamide and choline/methyl group availability is important for brain development and increased during our evolution raising metabolic and methylome ceilings through dietary/metabolic symbiotic means but strict energy constraints remain and life-history tradeoffs are the rule. An optimal energy, NAD and methyl group supply, avoiding hypo and hyper-vitaminoses nicotinamide and choline, is important to healthy ageing and avoids utilising double-edged symbionts or uncontrolled autophagy or reversions to fermentation reactions in inflammatory and cancerous tissue that all redistribute NAD(P)(H), but incur high allostatic costs.
Surgical Techniques for the Treatment of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Al-Otaibi Faisal , Baeesa Saleh S. , Parrent Andrew G. , Girvin John P. , Steven David
Published: March 2012

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common form of medically intractable epilepsy. Advances in electrophysiology and neuroimaging have led to a more precise localization of the epileptogenic zone within the temporal lobe. Resective surgery is the most effective treatment for TLE. Despite the variability in surgical techniques and in the extent of resection, the overall outcomes of different TLE surgeries are similar. Here, we review different surgical interventions for the management of TLE.
Unsteady Integrodifferential Equation of Fluid-Structure Interaction in Constricted Collapsible Tube Model of Diseased Human Coronary Artery
Authors: Tuema Eric Velaski , Ilegbusi Olusegun
Published: March 2012

Unsteady flow in a collapsible tube is analyzed to simulate a diseased human coronary artery. The novelty of the approach is that the set of equations governing the fluid-structure interaction is reduced to a single integrodifferential equation in the transient state. The equation is then solved using the finite difference method to obtain the flow characteristics and compliant wall behavior. Three control parameters are investigated, namely, Reynolds number, inlet transmural pressure, and the wall thickness. The predicted wall deflection is quite large at low Reynolds numbers, suggesting possible approach to breakdown in equilibrium. The transmural pressure increases with wall deflection and bulges appear at the ends of the membrane indicating critical stage of stability, consistent with previous studies. Increase in wall thickness reduces the wall deflection and ultimately results in its collapse which may indicate another breakdown in equilibrium. An increase in internal pressure is required to maintain membrane stability.
Sex Pheromones ofStenotus rubrovittatusandTrigonotylus caelestialium, Two Mirid Bugs Causing Pecky Rice, and Their Application to Insect Monitoring in Japan
Authors: Yasuda Tetsuya , Higuchi Hiroya
Published: March 2012

Two mirid bugs,Stenotus rubrovittatusandTrigonotylus caelestialium(Heteroptera: Miridae), are important pests that infest rice crops in many regions of Japan. Males of each species were attracted to traps baited with conspecific, unmated females. Hexyl butyrate, (E)-2-hexenyl butyrate, and (E)-4-oxo-2-hexenal were identified as possible female-produced sex pheromone components forS. rubrovittatus, whereas hexyl hexanoate, (E)-2-hexenyl hexanoate, and octyl butyrate were found to be sex pheromone components forT. caelestialium. Pheromone doses and ratios were optimized for attraction of males of each species. Sticky traps set up close to or below the top of the plant canopy were optimal for monitoring these species, and trap catches were almost constant when traps were placed 7 or more meters in from the edge of a paddy field. Mixed lures, in which the six compounds from both species were loaded onto a single septum, or separate lures for each species, deployed in a single trap, were equally effective for monitoring both species simultaneously.
Benign and Suspicious Ovarian Masses—MR Imaging Criteria for Characterization: Pictorial Review
Authors: Valentini A. L. , Gui B. , Miccò M. , Mingote M. C. , De Gaetano A. M. , Ninivaggi V. , Bonomo L.
Published: March 2012

Ovarian masses present a special diagnostic challenge when imaging findings cannot be categorized into benign or malignant pathology. Ultrasonography (US), Computed Tomography (CT), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are currently used to evaluate ovarian tumors. US is the first-line imaging investigation for suspected adnexal masses. Color Doppler US helps the diagnosis identifying vascularized components within the mass. CT is commonly performed in preoperative evaluation of a suspected ovarian malignancy, but it exposes patients to radiation. When US findings are nondiagnostic or equivocal, MRI can be a valuable problem solving tool, useful to give also surgical planning information. MRI is well known to provide accurate information about hemorrhage, fat, and collagen. It is able to identify different types of tissue contained in pelvic masses, distinguishing benign from malignant ovarian tumors. The knowledge of clinical syndromes and MRI features of these conditions is crucial in establishing an accurate diagnosis and determining appropriate treatment. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate MRI findings in neoplastic and non-neoplastic ovarian masses, which were assessed into three groups: cystic, solid, and solid/cystic lesions. MRI criteria for the correct diagnosis and characteristics for differentiating benign from malignant conditions are shown in this paper.
Inkjet Printed Planar Coil Antenna Analysis for NFC Technology Applications
Authors: Ortego I. , Sanchez N. , Garcia J. , Casado F. , Valderas D. , Sancho J. I.
Published: March 2012

The aim of this paper is to examine the potential of inkjet printing technology for the fabrication of Near Field Communication (NFC) coil antennas. As inkjet printing technology enables deposition of a different number of layers, an accurate adjustment of the printed conductive tracks thickness is possible. As a consequence, input resistance andQfactor can be finely tuned as long as skin depth is not surpassed while keeping the same inductance levels. This allows the removal of the typical damping resistance present in current NFC inductors. A general methodology including design, simulation, fabrication, and measurement is presented for rectangular, planar-spiral inductors working at 13.56 MHz. Analytical formulas, computed numerical models, and measured results for antenna input impedance are compared. Reflection coefficient is designated as a figure of merit to analyze the correlation among them, which is found to be below −10 dB. The obtained results demonstrate the suitability of this technology in the fabrication of low cost, environmentally friendly NFC coils on flexible substrates.
Academic-Service Partnerships in Nursing: An Integrative Review
Authors: Beal Judy A.
Published: March 2012

This integrative review summarizes currently available evidence on academic-service partnerships in the profession of nursing. More than 300 articles, published primarily in refereed journals, were accessed. Articles (110) were included in this review as they presented detailed and substantive information about any aspect of a nursing academic-service partnership. The majority were anecdotal in nature. Topics clustered around the following categories:pre-requisites for successful partnerships, benefits of partnerships, types of partnerships, andworkforce developmentwith its themes ofacademic-practice progressionandeducational re-design.Many examples of partnerships between academic and service settings were thoroughly described and best practices suggested, most often, however, without formal evaluation of outcomes. Nursing leaders in both settings have a long tradition of partnering with very little replicable evidence to support their efforts. It is critical that future initiatives evaluate the effectiveness of these partnerships, not only to ensure quality of patient outcomes but also to maximize efforts at building capacity for tomorrow's workforce.
Spatial and Temporal Correlations-Based Routing Algorithm in Intermittent Connectivity Human Social Network
Authors: Tao Zhou , Hongbin Xu , Ming Liu , Nianbo Liu , Haigang Gong
Published: March 2012

The social network formed by people is one of the key applications of Delay-Tolerant Network (DTN). Owing to its intermittent connectivity and unique human mobility patterns, how to transmit data in an effective way is a challenging problem for the social network. In this paper, we propose the idea of Trip History Model (THM) which establishes a model on a single person's mobility, and then a Spatial and Temporal Correlations-Based Routing Algorithm (STC) is proposed. In STC, the node delivery probability is calculated according to both a node's current moving prediction and its history record to give guidance for message transmission. Our simulation results show that, compared with LABEL and PROPHET algorithms, STC effectively improves the routing performance of the network.
Transmission Network Expansion Planning Considering Phase‐Shifter Transformers
Authors: Miasaki Celso T. , Franco Edgar M. C. , Romero Ruben A.
Published: March 2012

This paper presents a novel mathematical model for the transmission network expansion planning problem. Main idea is to consider phase‐shifter (PS) transformers as a new element of the transmission system expansion together with other traditional components such as transmission lines and conventional transformers. In this way, PS are added in order to redistribute active power flows in the system and, consequently, to diminish the total investment costs due to new transmission lines. Proposed mathematical model presents the structure of a mixed‐integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem and is based on the standard DC model. In this paper, there is also applied a specialized genetic algorithm aimed at optimizing the allocation of candidate components in the network. Results obtained from computational simulations carried out with IEEE‐24 bus system show an outstanding performance of the proposed methodology and model, indicating the technical viability of using these nonconventional devices during the planning process.
Generation of Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells by a Nonintegrating RNA Sendai Virus Vector in Feeder-Free or Xeno-Free Conditions
Authors: MacArthur Chad C. , Fontes Andrew , Ravinder Namritha , Kuninger David , Kaur Jasmeet , Bailey Matthew , Taliana Antje , Vemuri Mohan C. , Lieu Pauline T.
Published: March 2012

The generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from somatic cells has enabled the possibility of providing unprecedented access to patient-specific iPSC cells for drug screening, disease modeling, and cell therapy applications. However, a major obstacle to the use of iPSC for therapeutic applications is the potential of genomic modifications caused by insertion of viral transgenes in the cellular genome. A second concern is that reprogramming often requires the use of animal feeder layers and reagents that contain animal origin products, which hinder the generation of clinical-grade iPSCs. Here, we report the generation of iPSCs by an RNA Sendai virus vector that does not integrate into the cells genome, providing transgene-free iPSC line. In addition, reprogramming can be performed in feeder-free condition with StemPro hESC SFM medium and in xeno-free (XF) conditions. Generation of an integrant-free iPSCs generated in xeno-free media should facilitate the safe downstream applications of iPSC-based cell therapies.
Multiplicity of Positive Solutions for Weighted Quasilinear Elliptic Equations Involving Critical Hardy‐Sobolev Exponents and Concave‐Convex Nonlinearities
Authors: Hsu Tsing-San , Lin Huei-Li
Published: March 2012

By variational methods and some analysis techniques, the multiplicity of positive solutions is obtained for a class of weighted quasilinear elliptic equations with critical Hardy‐Sobolev exponents and concave‐convex nonlinearities.
Molecular Determinants of the Spacing Effect
Authors: Naqib Faisal , Sossin Wayne S. , Farah Carole A.
Published: March 2012

Long-term memory formation is sensitive to the pattern of training sessions. Training distributed over time (spaced training) is superior at generating long-term memories than training presented with little or no rest interval (massed training). This spacing effect was observed in a range of organisms from invertebrates to humans. In the present paper, we discuss the evidence supporting cyclic-AMP response element-binding protein 2 (CREB), a transcription factor, as being an important molecule mediating long-term memory formation after spaced training. We also review the main upstream proteins that regulate CREB in different model organisms. Those include the eukaryotic translation initiation factor (eIF2α), protein phosphatase I (PP1), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and the protein tyrosine phosphatase corkscrew. Finally, we discuss PKC activation and protein synthesis and degradation as mechanisms by which neurons decode the spacing intervals.
Renin-Angiotensin System Hyperactivation Can Induce Inflammation and Retinal Neural Dysfunction
Authors: Kurihara Toshihide , Ozawa Yoko , Ishida Susumu , Okano Hideyuki , Tsubota Kazuo
Published: March 2012

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a hormone system that has been classically known as a blood pressure regulator but is becoming well recognized as a proinflammatory mediator. In many diverse tissues, RAS pathway elements are also produced intrinsically, making it possible for tissues to respond more dynamically to systemic or local cues. While RAS is important for controlling normal inflammatory responses, hyperactivation of the pathway can cause neural dysfunction by inducing accelerated degradation of some neuronal proteins such as synaptophysin and by activating pathological glial responses. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are risk factors for high incidence vision-threatening diseases such as diabetic retinopathy (DR), age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and glaucoma. In fact, increasing evidence suggests that RAS inhibition may actually prevent progression of various ocular diseases including uveitis, DR, AMD, and glaucoma. Therefore, RAS inhibition may be a promising therapeutic approach to fine-tune inflammatory responses and to prevent or treat certain ocular and neurodegenerative diseases.
Epigenetics and Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Quintero-Ronderos Paula , Montoya-Ortiz Gladis
Published: March 2012

Epigenetics is defined as the study of all inheritable and potentially reversible changes in genome function that do not alter the nucleotide sequence within the DNA. Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modification, nucleosome positioning, and microRNAs (miRNAs) are essential to carry out key functions in the regulation of gene expression. Therefore, the epigenetic mechanisms are a window to understanding the possible mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of complex diseases such as autoimmune diseases. It is noteworthy that autoimmune diseases do not have the same epidemiology, pathology, or symptoms but do have a common origin that can be explained by the sharing of immunogenetic mechanisms. Currently, epigenetic research is looking for disruption in one or more epigenetic mechanisms to provide new insights into autoimmune diseases. The identification of cell-specific targets of epigenetic deregulation will serve us as clinical markers for diagnosis, disease progression, and therapy approaches.
An Integrated Approach to the Design of Wireless Sensor Networks for Structural Health Monitoring
Authors: Federici Fabio , Graziosi Fabio , Faccio Marco , Colarieti Andrea , Gattulli Vincenzo , Lepidi Marco , Potenza Francesco
Published: March 2012

Wireless Sensor Networks are a promising technology for the implementation of Structural Health Monitoring systems, since they allow to increase the diffusion of measurements in the structure and to reduce the sensor deployment effort and the overall costs. In this paper, possible benefits and critical issues related with the use of Wireless Sensor Networks for structural monitoring are analysed, specifically addressing network design strategies oriented to the damage detection problem. A global cost function is defined and used for the definition of possible design methodologies. Among the various approach, the use of an integrated strategy, able to take advantage of a preliminary structural analysis is considered. Moreover, the implementation of a distributed processing is an explored strategy for an overall improvement of system performances. Benefits of this methodology are finally demonstrated through the analysis of a representative case study, the IASC-ASCE benchmark problem.
Quetiapine-Associated Pancreatitis in a Geriatric Critical Care Patient with Delirium
Authors: Potolidis Evangelos , Mandros Charalampos , Karakitsos Dimitrios , Kountra P. M.
Published: March 2012

We report the case of a 78-year-old male who developed acute pancreatitis related to quetiapine that was administered for the treatment of delirium. No evidence of hypertriglyceridemia, infection, ischemia, chololithiasis or hypercalcemia could be documented.Clinicians should be alerted when treating critical care patients with antipsychotics, as risks might present and potentially lead to hazardous results.
Clinical and Epidemiological Investigation of TCM Syndromes of Patients with Coronary Heart Disease in China
Authors: Ren Yi , Zhang Minzhou , Chen Keji , You Shijie , Li Jianjun , Guo Liheng , Wang Lei
Published: March 2012

To compare the regional differences in TCM syndromes of patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) between North and South China. A total of 624 patients with a diagnosis of CHD, confirmed by coronary angiography, were included in the comparative analysis to determine the occurrence pattern, characteristics of TCM syndrome distribution, and differences in syndrome combinations and major syndrome types (deficiency or excess) between North and South China. The incidence of CHD tended to be higher in North China (54.6%) compared with that in South China (45.4%). The proportions of patients with a qi-deficiency syndrome (83.7%), turbid phlegm syndrome (68.9%), or blood stasis syndrome (91.5%) were generally higher in the South group, while the proportion of patients with a cold congelation syndrome (7.9%) was identified to be obviously higher in the North group (P<0.01). Moreover, compared with that in the South group, the overall frequency of syndrome combinations tended to be lower in the North group (P<0.01); and the most common types of TCM syndrome were excess syndrome (193, 56.6%) and primary deficiency and secondary excess syndrome (244, 86.2%) in the North and South groups, respectively (P<0.01). A regional difference does exist in the TCM syndromes of patients with CHD between North and South China, indicating that the prevention and treatment of CHD in South China should not only focus on promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, but also include supplementing qi and eliminating phlegm
Experimental Investigation of Rising Gas Bubble Characteristics from a Vertical Tube under CCFL Condition
Authors: Matsumura Kunihito , Kaminaga Fumito
Published: March 2012

This paper describes an experimental study of gas/liquid countercurrent flow in a vertical circular tube. CCFL experiments were carried out with three different water levels in the upper plenum, two different tube diameters. Measurements were made for liquid and gas flow rates, time variations of pressure at locations of the upper entry of the tube and lower plenum. Visual observations were also conducted to investigate the relationship between rising gas bubble characteristics and time variation of gas pressure at the upper entry of the tube. The results indicate that one bubble formation cycle (e.g., bubble growth, expansion, and detachment into the water pool) corresponds to one pressure fluctuation cycle. For the 20 mm diameter tube, it was confirmed that there was a characteristic waiting time between bubble cycles in which no bubble was formed at the upper entry of the tube. The waiting time is a favorable time for a liquid introduction into the tube from the upper plenum. The bubble volumes are compared with existing bubble formation correlations.
Mitochondrial Dynamics: Functional Link with Apoptosis
Authors: Otera Hidenori , Mihara Katsuyoshi
Published: March 2012

Mitochondria participate in a variety of physiologic processes, such as ATP production, lipid metabolism, iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis, and calcium buffering. The morphology of mitochondria changes dynamically due to their frequent fusion and division in response to cellular conditions, and these dynamics are an important constituent of apoptosis. The discovery of large GTPase family proteins that regulate mitochondrial dynamics, together with novel insights into the role of mitochondrial fusion and fission in apoptosis, has provided important clues to understanding the molecular mechanisms of cellular apoptosis. In this paper, we briefly summarize current knowledge of the role of mitochondrial dynamics in apoptosis and cell pathophysiology in mammalian cells.
Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Current Status and Future Direction
Authors: Dhala Atiya
Published: March 2012

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is commonly associated with connective tissue diseases (CTDs) including systemic sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The prevalence of PAH in SLE is estimated to be 0.5% to 17.5%. The pathophysiology of PAH involves multiple mechanisms from vasculitis andin-situthrombosis to interstitial pulmonary fibrosis which increases pulmonary vascular resistance, potentially leading to right heart failure. Immune and inflammatory mechanisms may play a significant role in the pathogenesis or progression of PAH in patients with CTDs, establishing a role for anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive therapies. The leading predictors of PAH in SLE are Raynaud phenomenon, anti-U1RNP antibody, and anticardiolipin antibody positivity. The first-line of diagnostic testing for patients with suspected SLE-associated PAH (SLE-aPAH) involves obtaining a Doppler echocardiogram. Once the diagnosis is confirmed by right heart catheterization, SLE-aPAH patients are generally treated with oxygen, anticoagulants, and vasodilators. Although the prognosis and therapeutic responsiveness of these patients have improved with the addition of intensive immunosuppressive therapies, these treatments are still largely unproven. Recent data put the one-year survival rate for SLE-aPAH patients at 94%. Pregnant women are most at risk of dying due to undiagnosed SLE-aPAH, and screening should be considered essential in this population.
C-Peptide: A New Mediator of Atherosclerosis in Diabetes
Authors: Vasic Dusica , Walcher Daniel
Published: March 2012

Diabetes type 2 and insulin resistance are the risk factors for cardiovascular disease. It is already known that atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease, and a lot of different factors are involved in its onset. C-peptide is a cleavage product of proinsulin, an active substance with a number of effects within different complications of diabetes. In this paper we discuss the role of C-peptide and its effects in the development of atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetic patients.