bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal Association Between Physical Activity and Body Fat During Adolescence: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ramires Virgílio Viana , Dumith Samuel Carvalho , Gonçalves Helen
Published: November 2014

Background:

Physical activity (PA) practice has been inversely associated to body fat (BF) and recommended as a way to reduce and prevent obesity. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review on the association of PA and BF in adolescence.

Methods:

The review includes 18 longitudinal studies found in the PubMed database, comprising papers published from January 1990 to July 2014. Studies assessing BF only through body mass index were excluded.

Results:

Among the outcomes analyzed, waist circumference, skinfolds, and absolute and relative fat mass measurement were identified. Questionnaires were the more predominant way to evaluate PA. Most studies showed that PA promotes a protective effect against a higher BF gain.

Conclusion:

It was concluded that PA has a protective effect against BF with differences between the genders and according to the BF marker or measurement assessed; higher intensity PA leads to a greater effect against BF gain in both genders; and the maintenance or increase of PA level on BF observed through analysis of change in PA level yielded more consistent findings in the relation between PA and BF.
Closing the cohesin ring: Structure and function of its Smc3-kleisin interface
Authors: Gligoris Thomas G. , Scheinost Johanna C. , Bürmann Frank , Petela Naomi , Chan Kok-Lung , Uluocak Pelin , Beckouët Frédéric , Gruber Stephan , Nasmyth Kim , Löwe Jan
Published: November 2014

Through their association with a kleisin subunit (Scc1), cohesin’s Smc1 and Smc3 subunits are thought to form tripartite rings that mediate sister chromatid cohesion. Unlike the structure of Smc1/Smc3 and Smc1/Scc1 interfaces, that of Smc3/Scc1 is not known. Disconnection of this interface is thought to release cohesin from chromosomes in a process regulated by acetylation. We show here that the N-terminal domain of yeast Scc1 contains two α helices, forming a four-helix bundle with the coiled coil emerging from Smc3’s adenosine triphosphatase head. Mutations affecting this interaction compromise cohesin’s association with chromosomes. The interface is far from Smc3 residues, whose acetylation prevents cohesin’s dissociation from chromosomes. Cohesin complexes holding chromatids together in vivo do indeed have the configuration of hetero-trimeric rings, and sister DNAs are entrapped within these.
Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors possess intrinsic anti-inflammatory activity
Authors: Fowler Benjamin J. , Gelfand Bradley D. , Kim Younghee , Kerur Nagaraj , Tarallo Valeria , Hirano Yoshio , Amarnath Shoba , Fowler Daniel H. , Radwan Marta , Young Mark T. , Pittman Keir , Kubes Paul , Agarwal Hitesh K. , Parang Keykavous , Hinton David R. , Bastos-Carvalho Ana , Li Shengjian , Yasuma Tetsuhiro , Mizutani Takeshi , Yasuma Reo , Wright Charles , Ambati Jayakrishna
Published: November 2014

Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) are mainstay therapeutics for HIV that block retrovirus replication.
Alu
(an endogenous retroelement that also requires reverse transcriptase for its life cycle)–derived RNAs activate P2X7 and the NLRP3 inflammasome to cause cell death of the retinal pigment epithelium in geographic atrophy, a type of age-related macular degeneration. We found that NRTIs inhibit P2X7-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation independent of reverse transcriptase inhibition. Multiple approved and clinically relevant NRTIs prevented caspase-1 activation, the effector of the NLRP3 inflammasome, induced by
Alu
RNA. NRTIs were efficacious in mouse models of geographic atrophy, choroidal neovascularization, graft-versus-host disease, and sterile liver inflammation. Our findings suggest that NRTIs are ripe for drug repurposing in P2X7-driven diseases.
A combination therapy for KRAS-driven lung adenocarcinomas using lipophilic bisphosphonates and rapamycin
Authors: Xia Yifeng , Liu Yi-Liang , Xie Yonghua , Zhu Wei , Guerra Francisco , Shen Shen , Yeddula Narayana , Fischer Wolfgang , Low William , Zhou Xiaoying , Zhang Yonghui , Oldfield Eric , Verma Inder M.
Published: November 2014

Lipophilic bisphosphonates combined with rapamycin inhibit the growth of
KRAS
-mutant lung adenocarcinomas in mouse models.
The Host Battles Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis
Authors: Maeurer Markus , Zumla Alimuddin
Published: November 2014

The repurposed drug metformin reduces unproductive inflammation, refocuses host immune responses on the bacteria
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, and thus may improve treatment outcomes for drug-resistant tuberculosis.
Monkeying Around with LDL Receptor Levels
Authors: Haldar Saptarsi M.
Published: November 2014

A nuclear receptor signaling pathway’s effect on LDL receptor and cholesterol homeostasis is strikingly different between mice and monkeys.
Finding a Needle in a Myeloid Haystack
Authors: Lathia Justin D.
Published: November 2014

Analysis of the myeloid compartment reveals a rare intratumoral dendritic cell population that stimulates cytotoxic T cells in multiple tumor types.
Heating Up: The Genetics of Febrile Seizures
Authors: Mefford Heather C.
Published: November 2014

An array of rare and common genetic variants is associated with the fever-related seizures typically seen in children.
First Experience of a Multicenter External Quality Assessment of Molecular 16S rRNA Gene Detection in Bone and Joint Infections
Authors: Plouzeau Chloé , Bémer Pascale , Valentin Anne Sophie , Héry-Arnaud Geneviève , Tandé Didier , Jolivet-Gougeon Anne , Vincent Pascal , Kempf Marie , Lemarié Carole , Guinard Jérôme , Bret Laurent , Cognée Anne Sophie , Gibaud Sophie , Burucoa Christophe , Corvec Stéphane
Published: November 2014

The objective of this study was to assess the performance of seven French laboratories for 16S rRNA gene detection by real-time PCR in the diagnosis of bone and joint infection (BJI) to validate a large multicenter study. External quality control (QC) was required owing to the differences in extraction procedures and the molecular equipment used in the different laboratories. Three proficiency sets were organized, including four bacterial DNA extracts and four bead mill-pretreated osteoarticular specimens. Extraction volumes, 16S rRNA gene primers, and sequencing interpretation rules were standardized. In order to assess each laboratory's ability to achieve the best results, scores were assigned, and each QC series was classified as optimal, acceptable, or to be improved. A total of 168 QCs were sent, and 160 responses were analyzed. The expected results were obtained for 93.8%, with the same proportion for extracts (75/80) and clinical specimens (75/80). For the specimens, there was no significant difference between manual and automated extraction. This QC demonstrated the ability to achieve good and homogeneous results using the same 16S rRNA gene PCR with different equipment and validates the possibility of high-quality multicenter studies using molecular diagnosis for BJI.
Development and Evaluation of a Dipstick Diagnostic Test for Neisseria meningitidis Serogroup X
Authors: Agnememel Alain , Traincard François , Dartevelle Sylvie , Mulard Laurence , Mahamane Ali Elhaji , Oukem-Boyer Odile Ouwe Missi , Denizon Mélanie , Kacou-N′douba Adèle , Dosso Mireille , Gake Bouba , Lombart Jean-Pierre , Taha Muhamed-Kheir
Published: November 2014

The emergence of
Neisseria meningitidis
serogroup X (NmX) in the African meningitis belt has urged the development of diagnostic tools and vaccines for this serogroup, especially following the introduction of a conjugate vaccine against
N. meningitidis
serogroup A (NmA). We have developed and evaluated a new rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for detecting the capsular polysaccharide (cps) antigen of this emerging serogroup. Whole inactivated NmX bacteria were used to immunize rabbits. Following purification by affinity chromatography, the cpsX-specific IgG antibodies were utilized to develop an NmX-specific immunochromatography dipstick RDT. The test was validated against purified cpsX and meningococcal strains of different serogroups. Its performance was evaluated against that of PCR on a collection of 369 cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples obtained from patients living in countries within the meningitis belt (Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, and Niger) or in France. The RDT was highly specific for NmX strains. Cutoffs of 10
5
CFU/ml and 1 ng/ml were observed for the reference NmX strain and purified cpsX, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 94%, respectively. A high agreement between PCR and RDT (Kappa coefficient, 0.98) was observed. The RDT gave a high positive likelihood ratio and a low negative likelihood (0.07), indicating almost 100% probability of declaring disease or not when the test is positive or negative, respectively. This unique NmX-specific test could be added to the available set of RDT for the detection of meningococcal meningitis in Africa as a major tool to reinforce epidemiological surveillance after the introduction of the NmA conjugate vaccine.
Nuclear Import of Adenovirus DNA Involves Direct Interaction of Hexon with an N-Terminal Domain of the Nucleoporin Nup214
Authors: Cassany Aurélia , Ragues Jessica , Guan Tinglu , Bégu Dominique , Wodrich Harald , Kann Michael , Nemerow Glen R. , Gerace Larry
Published: November 2014

In this study, we characterized the molecular basis for binding of adenovirus (AdV) to the cytoplasmic face of the nuclear pore complex (NPC), a key step during delivery of the viral genome into the nucleus. We used RNA interference (RNAi) to deplete cells of either Nup214 or Nup358, the two major Phe-Gly (FG) repeat nucleoporins localized on the cytoplasmic side of the NPC, and evaluated the impact on hexon binding and AdV infection. The accumulation of purified hexon trimers or partially disassembled AdV at the nuclear envelope (NE) was observed in digitonin-permeabilized cells in the absence of cytosolic factors. Both
in vitro
hexon binding and
in vivo
nuclear import of the AdV genome were strongly reduced in Nup214-depleted cells but still occurred in Nup358-depleted cells, suggesting that Nup214 is a major binding site of AdV during infection. The expression of an NPC-targeted N-terminal domain of Nup214 in Nup214-depleted cells restored the binding of hexon at the NE and the nuclear import of protein VII (pVII), indicating that this region is sufficient to allow AdV binding. We further narrowed the binding site to a 137-amino-acid segment in the N-terminal domain of Nup214. Together, our results have identified a specific region within the N terminus of Nup214 that acts as a direct NPC binding site for AdV.

IMPORTANCE
AdVs, which have the largest genome of nonenveloped DNA viruses, are being extensively explored for use in gene therapy, especially in alternative treatments for cancers that are refractory to traditional therapies. In this study, we characterized the molecular basis for binding of AdV to the cytoplasmic face of the NPC, a key step for delivery of the viral genome into the nucleus. Our data indicate that a 137-amino-acid region of the nucleoporin Nup214 is a binding site for the major AdV capsid protein, hexon, and that this interaction is required for viral DNA import. These findings provide additional insight on how AdV exploits the nuclear transport machinery for infection. The results could promote the development of new strategies for gene transfer and enhance understanding of the nuclear import of other viral DNA genomes, such as those of papillomavirus or hepatitis B virus that induce specific cancers.
Proteomic Analysis of Ubiquitin-Like Posttranslational Modifications Induced by the Adenovirus E4-ORF3 Protein
Authors: Sohn Sook-Young , Bridges Rebecca G. , Hearing Patrick
Published: November 2014

Viruses interact with and regulate many host metabolic pathways in order to advance the viral life cycle and counteract intrinsic and extrinsic antiviral responses. The human adenovirus (Ad) early protein E4-ORF3 forms a unique scaffold throughout the nuclei of infected cells and inhibits multiple antiviral defenses, including a DNA damage response (DDR) and an interferon response. We previously reported that the Ad5 E4-ORF3 protein induces sumoylation of Mre11 and Nbs1, which are essential for the DDR, and their relocalization into E4-ORF3-induced nuclear inclusions is required for this modification to occur. In this study, we sought to analyze a global change in ubiquitin-like (Ubl) modifications, with particular focus on SUMO3, by the Ad5 E4-ORF3 protein and to identify new substrates with these modifications. By a comparative proteome-wide approach utilizing immunoprecipitation/mass spectrometry, we found that Ubl modifications of 166 statistically significant lysine sites in 51 proteins are affected by E4-ORF3, and the proteome of modifications spans a diverse range of cellular functions. Ubl modifications of 92% of these identified sites were increased by E4-ORF3. We further analyzed SUMO3 conjugation of several identified proteins. Our findings demonstrated a role for the Ad5 E4-ORF3 protein as a regulator of Ubl modifications and revealed new SUMO3 substrates induced by E4-ORF3.

IMPORTANCE
The adenovirus E4-ORF3 protein induces dynamic structural changes in the nuclei of infected cells and counteracts host antiviral responses. One of the mechanisms that accounts for this process is the relocalization and sequestration of cellular proteins into an E4-ORF3 nuclear scaffold, but little is known about how this small viral protein affects diverse cellular responses. In this study, we analyzed for the first time the global pattern of ubiquitin-like (Ubl) modifications, with particular focus on SUMO3, altered by E4-ORF3 expression. The results suggest a role for the Ad5 E4-ORF3 protein as a regulator of Ubl modifications and reveal new SUMO3 substrates targeted by E4-ORF3. Our findings propose Ubl modifications as a new mechanism by which E4-ORF3 may modulate cellular protein functions in addition to subnuclear relocalization.
Bilateral carotid and vertebral rete mirabile with vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation: an unreported association
Authors: Mondel Prabath Kumar , Saraf Rashmi , Limaye Uday S
Published: November 2014

Rete mirabile is a fine meshwork of anastomosing vessels that replace the parent artery. A 30-year-old woman complained of slurring of speech, right eye proptosis, recurrent vomiting, and loss of bladder and bowel control, followed by drowsiness lasting 30–40 min, for the past 6 months. On cross sectional imaging and angiography, the patient was found to have a vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation, with bilateral carotid and vertebral rete mirabile. The patient was offered both endovascular and open surgical options but she refused any form of surgical treatment and opted for conservative management. At the 6 month follow-up, she continued to have occasional episodes of headache and vomiting but was otherwise normal. We describe the clinical, cross sectional, and angiographic features of this patient. A comparison with other patients with bilateral carotid and vertebral rete mirabile is also reported.
Chronic arthritis of the hip joint: an unusual complication of an inadequately treated fistula-in-ano
Authors: Raghunath Rajat , Varghese Gigi , Simon Betty
Published: November 2014

We report a case of chronic arthritis of the right hip joint in an otherwise healthy young male athlete as a complication of inadequately treated anal fistula. A young male athlete presented with symptoms of right hip pain and difficulty in walking and intermittent fever for 2 months. He had a history of perianal abscess drainage. On examination he was found to have a tender right hip joint with severe restriction of movements. He was also found to have a partially drained right ischiorectal abscess. X-ray and MRI of the hip joint revealed chronic arthritis of the right hip joint, which was communicating with a complex fistula-in-ano. He underwent a diversion sigmoid colostomy and right ischiorectal abscess drainage along with appropriate antibiotics with a plan for definitive hip joint procedure later. He was lost to follow-up and succumbed to severe perianal sepsis within a few months.
Clinical user experiences of observation and response charts: focus group findings of using a new format chart incorporating a track and trigger system
Authors: Elliott Doug , Allen Emily , Perry Lin , Fry Margaret , Duffield Christine , Gallagher Robyn , Iedema Rick , McKinley Sharon , Roche Michael
Published: November 2014

Background

Optimising clinical responses to deteriorating patients is an international indicator of acute healthcare quality. Observation charts incorporating track and trigger systems are an initiative to improve early identification and response to clinical deterioration. A suite of track and trigger ‘Observation and Response Charts’ were designed in Australia and initially tested in simulated environments. This paper reports initial clinical user experiences and views following implementation of these charts in adult general medical-surgical wards.

Methods

Across eight trial sites, 44 focus groups were conducted with 218 clinical ward staff, mostly nurses, who received training and had used the charts in routine clinical practice for the preceding 2–6 weeks. Transcripts of audio recordings were analysed for emergent themes using an inductive approach.

Findings

In this exploration of initial user experiences, key emergent themes were: tensions between vital sign ‘ranges versus precision’ to support decision making; using a standardised ‘generalist chart in a range of specialist practice’ areas; issues of ‘clinical credibility’, ‘professional autonomy’ and ‘influences of doctors’ when communicating abnormal signs; and ‘permission and autonomy’ when escalating care according to the protocol. Across themes, participants presented a range of positive, negative or mixed views. Benefits were identified despite charts not always being used up to their optimal design function. Participants reported tensions between chart objectives and clinical practices, revealing mismatches between design characteristics and human staff experiences. Overall, an initial view of ‘increased activity/uncertain benefit’ was uncovered.

Conclusions

Findings particularly reinforced the significant influences of organisational work-based cultures, disciplinary boundaries and interdisciplinary communication on implementation of this new practice chart. Optimal use of all chart design characteristics will be possible when these broader cultural issues are addressed.
Seeking surgical experience abroad
Authors: Cousto Lillian
Published: November 2014

While looking for an EMS placement that would offer some surgical experience, Lillian Cousto, a final‐year student at the Royal Veterinary College, stumbled on the opportunity to be involved in a spay and neuter externship offered by Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine in the USA
Ten‐minute chat
Authors: Wylie Claire
Published: November 2014

Claire Wylie is currently the Margaret Giffen resident in clinical research at Rossdale's Equine Hospital in Newmarket. A vet with a PhD in epidemiology, she has a special interest in equine diseases, especially equine grass sickness and laminitis.
Investigation of the influence of natural fractures and in situ stress on hydraulic fracture propagation using a distinct-element approach
Authors: Zangeneh N. , Eberhardt E. , Bustin R.M.
Published: November 2014

Hydraulic fracturing is the primary means for enhancing rock mass permeability and improving well productivity in tight reservoir rocks. Significant advances have been made in hydraulic fracturing theory and the development of design simulators; however, these generally rely on continuum treatments of the rock mass. In situ, the geological conditions are much more complex, complicated by the presence of natural fractures and planes of weakness such as bedding planes, joints, and faults. Further complexity arises from the influence of the in situ stress field, which has its own heterogeneity. Together, these factors may either enhance or diminish the effectiveness of the hydraulic fracturing treatment and subsequent hydrocarbon production. Results are presented here from a series of two-dimensional (2-D) numerical experiments investigating the influence of natural fractures on the modeling of hydraulic fracture propagation. Distinct-element techniques applying a transient, coupled hydromechanical solution are evaluated with respect to their ability to account for both tensile rupture of intact rock in response to fluid injection and shear and dilation along existing joints. A Voronoi tessellation scheme is used to add the necessary degrees of freedom to model the propagation path of a hydraulically driven fracture. The analysis is carried out for several geometrical variants related to hypothetical geological scenarios simulating a naturally fractured shale gas reservoir. The results show that key interactions develop with the natural fractures that influence the size, orientation, and path of the hydraulic fracture as well as the stimulated volume. These interactions may also decrease the size and effectiveness of the stimulation by diverting the injected fluid and proppant and by limiting the extent of the hydraulic fracture.
Sensitivity of lightweight deflectometer deflections to layer stiffness via finite element analysis
Authors: Senseney Christopher T. , Grasmick Jacob , Mooney Michael A.
Published: November 2014

A dynamic finite element (FE) model of lightweight deflectometer (LWD) loading on a two-layer soil system, validated with an analytical solution and experimental data, is presented. Peak dynamic FE vertical deflections can be substantially different (almost always smaller) than FE static deflections. The numerically simulated measurement depth of the LWD center sensor is found to be 2–2.5 times the plate diameter, deeper than other experimental studies. Using the FE model, we conduct a sensitivity analysis of peak vertical deflections to the top layer Young’s modulus and underlying Young’s modulus of two-layer systems. Peak deflections from the center sensor are found to be more sensitive to the top layer Young’s modulus while peak deflections at radial offsets are found to be more sensitive to the underlying layer Young’s modulus. Sensitivities of layer moduli to FE deflections offer guidance in selecting weighting factors for the inverse solver in an LWD back-calculation procedure.
The spinless relativistic Hulthén problem
Authors: Lucha Wolfgang , Schöberl Franz F.
Published: November 2014

The spinless Salpeter equation can be regarded as the eigenvalue equation of a Hamiltonian that involves the relativistic kinetic energy and therefore is, in general, a nonlocal operator. Accordingly, it is hard to find solutions of this bound-state equation by exclusively analytic means. Nevertheless, a lot of tools enables us to constrain the resulting bound-state spectra rigorously. We illustrate some of these techniques for the example of the Hulthén potential.
Dielectric spectroscopy of polymer-metal composites across the percolation threshold
Authors: Panda Maheswar , Srinivas V. , Thakur A. K.
Published: November 2014

Polymer (polar/nonpolar)/metal composites (PMC) were prepared under different process conditions. In polar PMC, dipolar relaxation plays a predominant role below percolation threshold (fc) and anomalous low frequency dispersion (ALFD) becomes dominant above fc while ALFD is the only likely possibility for nonpolar PMC above fc. The magnitude of relaxation exponents "m", "p" and "n", evaluated from the experimental results using Jonscher's universal dielectric response (JUDR) laws, falls within the universal limit ~ [0, 1] with additional feature of strong dependence on volume fraction of conductor (f con ). The decrease in the relaxation exponent "m" with an increase of f con is directly linked with decrease in the number of dipoles of the polymer in the composite and is accompanied by a distribution of relaxation time due to increased heterogeneity of the system. The magnitude of the relaxation exponent "n" decreases at fc, due to the prevalence of Maxwell–Wagner–Sillar polarization contributed by uncorrelated electrons.
Renalase regulates peripheral and central dopaminergic activities
Authors: Quelhas-Santos Janete , Serrão Maria Paula , Soares-Silva Isabel , Fernandes-Cerqueira Cátia , Simões-Silva Liliana , Pinho Maria João , Remião Fernando , Sampaio-Maia Benedita , Desir Gary V. , Pestana Manuel
Published: November 2014

Renalase is a recently identified FAD/NADH-dependent amine oxidase mainly expressed in kidney that is secreted into blood and urine where it was suggested to metabolize catecholamines. The present study evaluated central and peripheral dopaminergic activities in the renalase knockout (KO) mouse model and examined the changes induced by recombinant renalase (RR) administration on plasma and urine catecholamine levels. Compared with wild-type (WT) mice, KO mice presented increased plasma levels of epinephrine (Epi), norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA) that were accompanied by increases in the urinary excretion of Epi, NE, DA. In addition, the KO mice presented an increase in urinary DA-to-l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (l-DOPA) ratios without changes in renal tubular aromatic-l-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) activity. By contrast, the in vivo administration of RR (1.5 mg/kg sc) to KO mice was accompanied by significant decreases in plasma levels of Epi, DA, and l-DOPA as well as in urinary excretion of Epi, DA, and DA-to-l-DOPA ratios notwithstanding the accompanied increase in renal AADC activity. In addition, the increase in renal DA output observed in renalase KO mice was accompanied by an increase in the expression of the L-type amino acid transporter like (LAT) 1 that is reversed by the administration of RR in these animals. These results suggest that the overexpression of LAT1 in the renal cortex of the renalase KO mice might contribute to the enhanced l-DOPA availability/uptake and consequently to the activation of the renal dopaminergic system in the presence of renalase deficiency.
Biosonar navigation above water I: estimating flight height
Authors: Hoffmann Susanne , Genzel Daria , Prosch Selina , Baier Leonie , Weser Sabrina , Wiegrebe Lutz , Firzlaff Uwe
Published: November 2014

Locomotion and foraging on the wing require precise navigation in more than just the horizontal plane. Navigation in three dimensions and, specifically, precise adjustment of flight height are essential for flying animals. Echolocating bats drink from water surfaces in flight, which requires an exceptionally precise vertical navigation. Here, we exploit this behavior in the bat, Phyllostomus discolor, to understand the biophysical and neural mechanisms that allow for sonar-guided navigation in the vertical plane. In a set of behavioral experiments, we show that for echolocating bats, adjustment of flight height depends on the tragus in their outer ears. Specifically, the tragus imposes elevation-specific spectral interference patterns on the echoes of the bats' sonar emissions. Head-related transfer functions of our bats show that these interference patterns are most conspicuous in the frequency range ∼55 kHz. This conspicuousness is faithfully preserved in the frequency tuning and spatial receptive fields of cortical single and multiunits recorded from anesthetized animals. In addition, we recorded vertical spatiotemporal response maps that describe neural tuning in elevation over time. One class of units that were very sharply tuned to frequencies ∼55 kHz showed unusual spatiotemporal response characteristics with a preference for paired echoes where especially the first echo originates from very low elevations. These behavioral and neural data provide the first insight into biosonar-based processing and perception of acoustic elevation cues that are essential for bats to navigate in three-dimensional space.
Ca2+-induced uncoupling ofAplysiabag cell neurons
Authors: Dargaei Zahra , Standage Dominic , Groten Christopher J. , Blohm Gunnar , Magoski Neil S.
Published: November 2014

Electrical transmission is a dynamically regulated form of communication and key to synchronizing neuronal activity. The bag cell neurons of Aplysia are a group of electrically coupled neuroendocrine cells that initiate ovulation by secreting egg-laying hormone during a prolonged period of synchronous firing called the afterdischarge. Accompanying the afterdischarge is an increase in intracellular Ca2+and the activation of protein kinase C (PKC). We used whole cell recording from paired cultured bag cell neurons to demonstrate that electrical coupling is regulated by both Ca2+and PKC. Elevating Ca2+with a train of voltage steps, mimicking the onset of the afterdischarge, decreased junctional current for up to 30 min. Inhibition was most effective when Ca2+entry occurred in both neurons. Depletion of Ca2+from the mitochondria, but not the endoplasmic reticulum, also attenuated the electrical synapse. Buffering Ca2+with high intracellular EGTA or inhibiting calmodulin kinase prevented uncoupling. Furthermore, activating PKC produced a small but clear decrease in junctional current, while triggering both Ca2+influx and PKC inhibited the electrical synapse to a greater extent than Ca2+alone. Finally, the amplitude and time course of the postsynaptic electrotonic response were attenuated after Ca2+influx. A mathematical model of electrically connected neurons showed that excessive coupling reduced recruitment of the cells to fire, whereas less coupling led to spiking of essentially all neurons. Thus a decrease in electrical synapses could promote the afterdischarge by ensuring prompt recovery of electrotonic potentials or making the neurons more responsive to current spreading through the network.
To Evaluate and Explain the Consequences of Abnormal Anal Sphincter Morphology Using the 3-Dimensional Endosonography
Authors: Youssef Ashraf Talaat
Published: November 2014

The Objective of the Study. To evaluate and explain the consequences of different morphological abnormalities of anal sphincters including the sphincter damage and its extent using the 3-dimensional endosonography. Material and Methods. 56 patients suffering from fecal incontinence all were subjected to analysis of patient symptoms, scoring the severity of symptoms, digital examination, electromyography, and 3D endoanal ultrasonography. Results. 5 patients showed intact anal sphincters and puborectalis muscle. 4 patients found with thick IAS > 4 mm, 4 patients with thin IAS < 2 mm. 3 patients with thin EAS, 12 patients with IAS defects, 15 patients with EAS defects, 8 patients with combined IAS and EAS defects, 2 patients with puborectalis muscle defects and 3 patients with high levels transsphincteric perianal fistulas. Conclusion. No significant relationship was observed between sphincter damage except for combined internal and external sphincter injury and the severity score of FI symptoms. Puborectalis muscle injury and abnormal sphincter thickness are unlikely causes of severe FI.
The Effect of Anthelmintic Treatment on Coccidia Oocyst Shedding in a Wild Mammal Host with Intermittent Cestode Infection
Authors: Václav Radovan , Blažeková Jana
Published: November 2014

While hosts are routinely exploited by a community of parasite species, the principles governing host responses towards parasites are unclear. Identifying the health outcomes of coinfections involving helminth macroparasites and microparasites is one area of importance for public and domestic animal health. For instance, it is controversial how deworming programmes affect incidence and severity of such important microparasite diseases as malaria. One problem is that most study systems involve domestic and laboratory animals with conditions hardly comparable to those of free-living animals. Here, we study the effect of anthelmintic treatment on coccidia infection intensity in wild Alpine marmots,M. marmota. Our results lend support to the hypothesis that helminth infection has a positive effect on concurrent microparasite infection. However, our work also points to the fact that within-host interactions between helminths and microparasites are context-dependent and can turn to negative ones once helminth burdens increase. Our study suggests that coccidia benefit from intermittent helminth infection in marmots due to the protective effects of helminth infection only during the early phase of the host’s active season. Also, the marmot’s response towards coccidia infection appears optimal only under no helminth infection when the host immune response towards coccidia would not be compromised, thereby pointing to the importance of regular intestinal helminth elimination by marmots just before hibernation.
The Surface Structure and Thermal Properties of Novel Polymer Composite Films Based on Partially Phosphorylated Poly(vinyl alcohol) with Aluminum Phosphate
Authors: Mohamed Saat Asmalina , Johan Mohd Rafie
Published: November 2014

Partially phosphorylated polyvinyl alcohol (PPVA) with aluminum phosphate (ALPO4) composites was synthesized by solution casting technique to produce(PPVA)100-y-(ALPO4)y(y = 0, 1, and 2). The surface structure and thermal properties of the films were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results showed that the films have higher thermal stability with strong bonding between PPVA and ALPO4.
Production and Structural Characterization ofLactobacillus helveticusDerived Biosurfactant
Authors: Sharma Deepansh , Saharan Baljeet Singh , Chauhan Nikhil , Bansal Anshul , Procha Suresh
Published: November 2014

A probiotic strain oflactobacilliwas isolated from traditional soft Churpi cheese of Yak milk and found positive for biosurfactant production.Lactobacillireduced the surface tension of phosphate buffer saline (PBS) from 72.0 to 39.5 mNm−1pH 7.2 and its critical micelle concentration (CMC) was found to be 2.5 mg mL−1. Low cost production ofLactobacilliderived biosurfactant was carried out at lab scale fermenter which yields 0.8 mg mL−1biosurfactant. The biosurfactant was found least phytotoxic and cytotoxic as compared to the rhamnolipid and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) at different concentration. Structural attributes of biosurfactant were determined by FTIR, NMR (1H and13C), UPLC-MS, and fatty acid analysis by GCMS which confirmed the presence of glycolipid type of biosurfactant closely similar to xylolipids. Biosurfactant is mainly constituted by lipid and sugar fractions. The present study outcomes provide valuable information on structural characterization of the biosurfactant produced byL. helveticusMRTL91. These findings are encouraging for the application ofLactobacilliderived biosurfactant as nontoxic surface active agents in the emerging field of biomedical applications.
A Comparative Study of Contemporary Color Tongue Image Extraction Methods Based on HSI
Authors: Zhu Mingfeng , Du Jianqiang , Ding Chenghua
Published: November 2014

Tongue image with coating is of important clinical diagnostic meaning, but traditional tongue image extraction method is not competent for extraction of tongue image with thick coating. In this paper, a novel method is suggested, which applies multiobjective greedy rules and makes fusion of color and space information in order to extract tongue image accurately. A comparative study of several contemporary tongue image extraction methods is also made from the aspects of accuracy and efficiency. As the experimental results show, geodesic active contour is quite slow and not accurate, the other 3 methods achieve fairly good segmentation results except in the case of the tongue with thick coating, our method achieves ideal segmentation results whatever types of tongue images are, and efficiency of our method is acceptable for the application of quantitative check of tongue image.
Synthesis of Multicriteria Controller by Means of Fuzzy Logic Approach
Authors: Lozynskyy Andrew , Demkiv Lyubomyr
Published: November 2014

A two-mass fuzzy control system is considered. For fuzzification process, classical both linear and nonlinear membership functions are used. To find optimal values of membership function’s parameters, genetic algorithm is used. To take into account values of both output and intermediate parameters of the system, a penalty function is considered. Research is conducted for the case of speed control system and displacement control system. Obtained results are compared with the case of the system with classical, crisp controller.
Invariant Surfaces under Hyperbolic Translations in Hyperbolic Space
Authors: Mak Mahmut , Karlığa Baki
Published: November 2014

We consider hyperbolic rotation (G0), hyperbolic translation (G1), and horocyclic rotation (G2) groups inH3, which is called Minkowski model of hyperbolic space. Then, we investigate extrinsic differential geometry of invariant surfaces under subgroups ofG0inH3. Also, we give explicit parametrization of these invariant surfaces with respect to constant hyperbolic curvature of profile curves. Finally, we obtain some corollaries for flat and minimal invariant surfaces which are associated with de Sitter and hyperbolic shape operator inH3.
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus/Systemic Sclerosis Overlap Syndrome
Authors: Gomez Juliana , Jhonston Erik J. , Zevallos Francisco
Published: November 2014

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome is a clinicoradiologic entity associated with diverse medical conditions. It is very important to properly recognize this condition because early diagnosis and treatment usually result in its complete resolution, whereas a delay in giving an adequate therapy may lead to permanent neurologic sequelae. A case of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a female patient with an overlap syndrome of systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis is presented here.
Management of Posterior Reversible Syndrome in Preeclamptic Women
Authors: Poma S. , Delmonte M. P. , Gigliuto C. , Imberti R. , Delmonte M. , Arossa A. , Iotti G. A.
Published: November 2014

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a neurological syndrome associated with a number of conditions including preeclampsia. It is characterized by seizures, alteration of consciousness, visual disturbances, and symmetric white matter abnormalities, typically in the posterior parietooccipital regions of the cerebral hemispheres, at computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MRI). We report three new cases of PRES in preeclamptic patients and describe the management of these patients. We present a brief review of other cases in the literature, with particular attention to the anesthetic management.
Healthcare Waste Management: Qualitative and Quantitative Appraisal of Nurses in a Tertiary Care Hospital of India
Authors: Shivalli Siddharudha , Sanklapur Vasudha
Published: November 2014

Background.The nurse’s role in healthcare waste management is crucial.Objectives.(1) To appraise nurses quantitatively and qualitatively regarding healthcare waste management; (2) to elicit the determinants of knowledge and attitudes of healthcare waste management.Method.A cross-sectional study was undertaken at a tertiary care hospital of Mangalore, India. Self-administered pretested questionnaire and “nonparticipatory observation” were used for quantitative and qualitative appraisals. Percentage knowledge score was calculated based on their total knowledge score. Nurses’ knowledge was categorized as excellent (>70%), good (50–70%), and poor (<50%). Chi square test was applied to judge the association of study variables with their attitudes and knowledge.Results. Out of 100 nurses 47 had excellent knowledge (>70% score). Most (86%) expressed the need of refresher training. No study variable displayed significant association(P>0.05)with knowledge. Apt segregation practices were followed except in casualty. Patients and entourages misinterpreted the colored containers.Conclusion.Nurses’ knowledge and healthcare waste management practices were not satisfactory. There is a need of refresher trainings at optimum intervals to ensure sustainability and further improvement. Educating patients and their entourages and display of segregation information board in local language are recommended.
Metastases in Immune-Mediated Dormancy: A New Opportunity for Targeting Cancer
Authors: Romero Irene , Garrido Federico , Garcia-Lora Angel M.
Published: November 2014

The aim of any anticancer treatment is to avoid, control, or eliminate disseminated tumor cells. Clinical and experimental evidence has revealed that metastases can remain in a latency state, that is, metastasis dormancy. Three mechanisms are thought to be involved in cancer dormancy: cellular dormancy, angiogenic dormancy, and immune-mediated dormancy. Here, we review the mechanisms and cells involved in immune-mediated cancer dormancy and discuss current and future immunotherapeutic strategies. Recent results indicate that the immune system can restrain disseminated cancer cells, promoting their permanent dormancy. CD8+ T lymphocytes play a relevant role in maintaining immune equilibrium with metastatic dormant cells, and MHC class I surface expression on tumor cells may also be involved. Natural killer (NK) cells have an activator function that triggers a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response. Furthermore, immune dormancy promotes cancer cell growth arrest and angiogenic control. Immunotherapeutic interventions in metastatic dormancy may help to control or eradicate cancer disease. Treatments that activate or increase the CTL immune response or reverse cancer cell–induced CTL immunosuppression might be useful to restrain or destroy metastatic cells. These objectives may be achieved by recovering or increasing MHC class I surface expression on cancer cells or even by activating NK cells. Immune-mediated metastasis dormancy provides an opportunity for targeting cancer in novel immune treatments. Cancer Res; 74(23); 6750–7. ©2014 AACR.
Anatomical Specializations for Enhanced Olfactory Sensitivity in Kiwi, Apteryx mantelli
Authors: Corfield Jeremy R. , Eisthen Heather L. , Iwaniuk Andrew N. , Parsons Stuart
Published: November 2014

The ability to function in a nocturnal and ground-dwelling niche requires a unique set of sensory specializations. The New Zealand kiwi has shifted away from vision, instead relying on auditory and tactile stimuli to function in its environment and locate prey. Behavioral evidence suggests that kiwi also rely on their sense of smell, using olfactory cues in foraging and possibly also in communication and social interactions. Anatomical studies appear to support these observations: the olfactory bulbs and tubercles have been suggested to be large in the kiwi relative to other birds, although the extent of this enlargement is poorly understood. In this study, we examine the size of the olfactory bulbs in kiwi and compare them with 55 other bird species, including emus, ostriches, rheas, tinamous, and 2 extinct species of moa (Dinornithiformes). We also examine the cytoarchitecture of the olfactory bulbs and olfactory epithelium to determine if any neural specializations beyond size are present that would increase olfactory acuity. Kiwi were a clear outlier in our analysis, with olfactory bulbs that are proportionately larger than those of any other bird in this study. Emus, close relatives of the kiwi, also had a relative enlargement of the olfactory bulbs, possibly supporting a phylogenetic link to well-developed olfaction. The olfactory bulbs in kiwi are almost in direct contact with the olfactory epithelium, which is indeed well developed and complex, with olfactory receptor cells occupying a large percentage of the epithelium. The anatomy of the kiwi olfactory system supports an enhancement for olfactory sensitivities, which is undoubtedly associated with their unique nocturnal niche.
Teratodiplogaster variegatae n. sp. (Nematoda: Diplogastridae) isolated from the syconia of Ficus variegata Blume on Ishigaki Island, Okinawa, Japan
Authors: Kanzaki Natsumi , Woodruff Gavin C. , Tanaka Ryusei
Published: November 2014

Teratodiplogaster variegatae n. sp. is described and illustrated from Ficus variegata on Ishigaki Island, Okinawa, Japan. Teratodiplogaster variegatae n. sp. is characterised by its scoop-like lip, the presence of large sac-like receptaculum seminis in the female gonads, and eight pairs of male genital papillae with an arrangement of (P1, P2, P3, vs, C, (P4, P5d), (P6, P7), P8d, Ph). It is distinguished from its close relatives T. fignewmani and T. martini by its stomatal morphology, spicule and gubernaculum morphology, structure of female reproductive organs, and the characteristic star-shaped appendage on the tail tip of males and females. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based upon near-full-length SSU and D2-D3 expansion segments of LSU corroborate a monophyletic origin of the genus Teratodiplogaster.
Bursaphelenchus tiliae sp. n. (Nematoda: Parasitaphelenchidae), a nematode associate of the bark beetle Ernoporus tiliae (Panz.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae), in small-leaved lime, Tilia cordata Mill.
Authors: Tomalak Marek , Malewski Tadeusz
Published: November 2014

Bursaphelenchus tiliae sp. n. is described from the bark of dead branches of the small-leaved lime, Tilia cordata, infested with the lime bark beetle, Ernoporus tiliae. The nematode adults and propagative juveniles were present in larval galleries, while dispersal dauer juveniles colonised the Malpighian tubules of adult beetles. Bursaphelenchus tiliae sp. n. is characterised by the body length of 664 (568-817) μm in female and 622 (515-754) μm in male, moderately slender body (a = 41.0 (34.7-47.9) and 43.1 (37.8-51.9) in female and male, respectively), and spicules 20.0 (18.1-21.8) μm long. The extended anterior vulval lip in female, lateral fields with four incisures, long post-uterine sac, and number (7) and arrangement of male caudal papillae, may indicate that B. tiliae sp. n. is closely related to the xylophilus group. It differs from this group by smaller, arcuate spicules with relatively short rostrum, narrow capitulum (5.2-6.9 μm), and indistinct condylus in an almost continuous line with dorsal lamina. Distal third of spicule dorsal contour is usually almost straight. The spicules have a distinct, disk-like cucullus at the terminus. The status of the new species is confirmed by the unique molecular profile of the ITS region (ITS-RFLP) and its close relation to the xylophilus group by DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the 28S rDNA region. The presence of B. tiliae sp. n. dauer juveniles in Malpighian tubules of their vector bark beetle, E. tiliae, caused limited pathogenicity expressed as a local expansion of the tubule basement membrane and partial degradation of the cellular epithelium.
The asean Human Rights Declaration
Authors: Naldi Gino J. , Magliveras Konstantinos D.
Published: November 2014

The adoption of the asean Human Rights Declaration in November 2012 marks the latest addition in the armoury of regional human rights protection. Even though it does not create a treaty based regime, it does incorporate all three ‘generations’ of human rights. The purpose of the present article is to examine the salient features of the Declaration not only by taking a comparative approach vis-à-vis the other regional systems but also by referring to the International Bill of Rights. The article also covers the asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights inaugurated in October 2009 and suggests ways to augment the Declaration’s effectiveness through the work of the Commission.