bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Miniaturized extinction culturing is the preferred strategy for rapid isolation of fast‐growing methane‐oxidizing bacteria
Authors: Hoefman Sven , van der Ha David , De Vos Paul , Boon Nico , Heylen Kim
Published: November 2011

Methane‐oxidizing bacteria (MOB) have a large potential as a microbial sink for the greenhouse gas methane as well as for biotechnological purposes. However, their application in biotechnology has so far been hampered, in part due to the relative slow growth rate of the available strains. To enable the availability of novel strains, this study compares the isolation of MOB by conventional dilution plating with miniaturized extinction culturing, both performed after an initial enrichment step. The extinction approach rendered 22 MOB isolates from four environmental samples, while no MOB could be isolated by plating. In most cases, extinction culturing immediately yielded MOB monocultures making laborious purification redundant. Both type I (Methylomonas spp.) and type II (Methylosinus sp.) MOB were isolated. The isolated methanotrophic diversity represented at least 11 different strains and several novel species based on 16S rRNA gene sequence dissimilarity. These strains possessed the particulate (100%) and soluble (64%) methane monooxygenase gene. Also, 73% of the strains could be linked to a highly active fast‐growing mixed MOB community. In conclusion, miniaturized extinction culturing was more efficient in rapidly isolating numerous MOB requiring little effort and fewer materials, compared with the more widely applied plating procedure. This miniaturized approach allowed straightforward isolation and could be very useful for subsequent screening of desired characteristics, in view of their future biotechnological potential.
The incidence of dental caries in children and adolescents who have cerebral palsy and are participating in a dental program in Brazil
Authors: Ferreira de Camargo Marcela Aparecida , Frias Antonio Carlos , Antunes José Leopoldo Ferreira
Published: November 2011

The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of caries among children and adolescents who have cerebral palsy. The authors conducted baseline and follow‐up dental examinations of 118 children and adolescents with cerebral palsy in a specialized healthcare unit in São Paulo, Brazil. Family care‐givers completed a questionnaire that provided socioeconomic and behavioral information. The analysis used multivari‐ate Poisson regression models adjusted for age.

More than half (52.5%) of the subjects had at least one permanent or deciduous tooth affected by new caries during the longitudinal assessment (2004–2008). The incidence of caries was associated with the baseline prevalence of caries (incidence ratio = 1.92), a higher frequency of sugar intake (IR = 1.56), and having at least one sibling (IR = 1.64). Participants whose family care‐givers had more education had a significantly lower incidence (IR = 0.68).

The factors associated with a higher incidence of caries are similar to those in the general population. This evidence can potentially be used to develop an effective oral health promotion program for these patients.
The involvement of Iowa dentists in hospice care
Authors: Wilwert Monica M. , Watkins Catherine A. , Ettinger Ronald L. , Cowen Howard J. , Qian Fang
Published: November 2011

The relationships between dentist characteristics and professional education with involvement of Iowa dentists in hospice care were investigated. Using the 1999 Iowa Health Professional database, a survey requesting information regarding involvement in and training for care of hospice patients was mailed to all licensed dentists (N = 1,210). Two mailings yielded a 54.6% response rate. Of the 638 dentist respondents, the mean age was 47, 86% were male, 88% general dentists, and 295 (46%) reported providing some treatment for hospice patients. At least one dentist reported providing hospice patient care in 72 of Iowa's 99 counties. About 90% of dentists treating hospice patients were general practitioners.

Males were more likely to provide treatment (p < 0.0313). Neither dentist age nor years in practice were significant predictors. Dentists were more likely to treat hospice patients in the office (IO, 40%). The most prevalent treatments were denture relines (31% IO; 71% OO), examinations (16% IO; 68% OO), and emergency treatment (12.5% IO; 53% OO). More than 86% of surveyed dentists indicated that their professional education did not adequately train them to meet the clinical, psychosocial, communication, or spiritual needs of hospice patients.
Living with facial disfigurement—strategies for individuals and care management
Authors: Bergendal Birgitta , Ahlborg Bitte , Knudsen Elisabet , Marcusson Agneta , Nyberg Jill , Wallenius Elisabeth , Gustafsson‐Bonnier Kristina
Published: November 2011

Individuals and families affected by craniofacial disorders have expressed dissatisfaction with their experiences in the healthcare system, with day care, and in school situations. To capture their views, focus group encounters were done in a group of young individuals with these disorders and in a group of parents whose children were affected. The aim was to synthesize their attitudes and experiences into improved strategies for parents, teenagers, and professionals in the healthcare system. Their views were compiled into a document that emphasizes the responsibilities of persons with craniofacial disorders and their parents to actively seek information on diagnosis and treatment options and to participate in decisions on therapy.

The conclusion was that it is not lack of specific knowledge but rather a lack of implementation of existing recommendations that makes living with facial disfigurement difficult for many individuals and their families.
Improvement of mouth opening for a patient with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva: a case report
Authors: Braga Júlia Maria , Silva Maria Fernanda Andrade Marques , Silva Luis Cândido Pinto da , Seraidarian Paulo Isaías , Cruz Roberval de Almeida
Published: November 2011

The aim of this article is to describe the care of a patient with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) and to provide dentists with a guide for how to safely care for patients with FOP. Treatment improved the patient's limited mouth opening.

FOP is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by congenital malformation of the fingers and toes by heterotopic ossification progressiva of the connective tissue. This ossification causes a limitation in osteoradicular mobility, mainly affecting the spine, shoulders, hips, and peripheral joints. The disease can manifest from pregnancy until adulthood, with no greater prevalence associated with race or gender. Although rare, the disease can be easily identified by its clinical features, and diagnosis can be confirmed by a radiographic examination. There is no known effective treatment for this disease. All therapeutic treatment must be conservative to avoid any condition that may cause heterotopic ossification.

Guidelines to prevent new ossifications are important for patients with FOP. Dental professionals should be cautious in planning treatment, avoiding anesthesia, especially in the mandible, to prevent ankylosis of the temporo‐mandibular joints. The prevention of dental caries is essential to avoid the need for more invasive treatment.
Nonlinear Vibration Signature Analysis of a High Speed Rotor Bearing System Due to Race Imperfection
Authors: Kankar P. K. , Sharma Satish C. , Harsha S. P.
Published: November 2011

In this paper the nonlinear dynamic responses of a rigid rotor supported by ball bearings due to surface waviness of bearing races are analyzed. A mathematical formulation has been derived with consideration of the nonlinear springs and nonlinear damping at the contact points of rolling elements and races, whose stiffnesses are obtained by using Hertzian elastic contact deformation theory. The numerical integration technique Newmark-β with the Newton–Raphson method is used to solve the nonlinear differential equations, iteratively. The effect of bearing running surface waviness on the nonlinear vibrations of rotor bearing system is investigated. The results are mainly presented in time and frequency domains are shown in time-displacement, fast Fourier transformation, and Poincaré maps. The results predict discrete spectrum with specific frequency components for each order of waviness at the inner and outer races, also the excited frequency and waviness order relationships have been set up to prognosis the race defect on these bearing components. Numerical results obtained from the simulation are validated with respect to those of prior researchers.
Pitfalls of tungsten multileaf collimator in proton beam therapy
Authors: Moskvin Vadim , Cheng Chee‐Wai , Das Indra J.
Published: November 2011

Purpose:

Particle beam therapy is associated with significant startup and operational cost. Multileaf collimator (MLC) provides an attractive option to improve the efficiency and reduce the treatment cost. A direct transfer of the MLC technology from external beam radiation therapy is intuitively straightforward to proton therapy. However, activation, neutron production, and the associated secondary cancer risk in proton beam should be an important consideration which is evaluated.

Methods:

Monte Carlo simulation with FLUKA particle transport code was applied in this study for a number of treatment models. The authors have performed a detailed study of the neutron generation, ambient dose equivalent [H*(10)], and activation of a typical tungsten MLC and compared with those obtained from a brass aperture used in a typical proton therapy system. Brass aperture and tungsten MLC were modeled by absorber blocks in this study, representing worst‐case scenario of a fully closed collimator.

Results:

With a tungsten MLC, the secondary neutron dose to the patient is at least 1.5 times higher than that from a brass aperture. The H*(10) from a tungsten MLC at 10 cm downstream is about 22.3 mSv/Gy delivered to water phantom by noncollimated 200 MeV beam of 20 cm diameter compared to 14 mSv/Gy for the brass aperture. For a 30‐fraction treatment course, the activity per unit volume in brass aperture reaches 5.3 × 104 Bq cm−3 at the end of the last treatment. The activity in brass decreases by a factor of 380 after 24 h, additional 6.2 times after 40 days of cooling, and is reduced to background level after 1 yr. Initial activity in tungsten after 30 days of treating 30 patients per day is about 3.4 times higher than in brass that decreases only by a factor of 2 after 40 days and accumulates to 1.2 × 106 Bq cm−3 after a full year of operation. The daily utilization of the MLC leads to buildup of activity with time. The overall activity continues to increase due to 179Ta with a half‐life of 1.82 yr and thus require prolonged storage for activity cooling. The H*(10) near the patient side of the tungsten block is about 100 μSv/h and is 27 times higher at the upstream side of the block. This would lead to an accumulated dose for therapists in a year that may exceed occupational maximum permissible dose (50 mSv/yr). The value of H*(10) at the upstream surface of the tungsten block is about 220 times higher than that of the brass.

Conclusions:

MLC is an efficient way for beam shaping and overall cost reduction device in proton therapy. However, based on this study, tungsten seems to be not an optimal material for MLC in proton beam therapy. Usage of tungsten MLC in clinic may create unnecessary risks associated with the secondary neutrons and induced radioactivity for patients and staff depending on the patient load. A careful selection of material for manufacturing of an optimal MLC for proton therapy is thus desired.
Toward High-Throughput Zeolite Membranes
Authors: Tsapatsis Michael
Published: November 2011

Thinner versions of highly selective membranes may allow for more energy-efficient separation processes.
The Nonstructural Protein NSs Induces a Variable Antibody Response in Domestic Ruminants Naturally Infected with Rift Valley Fever Virus
Authors: Fernandez José-Carlos , Billecocq Agnès , Durand Jean Paul , Cêtre-Sossah Catherine , Cardinale Eric , Marianneau Philippe , Pépin Michel , Tordo Noël , Bouloy Michèle
Published: November 2011

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an emerging zoonosis in Africa which has spread to Egypt, the Arabian Peninsula, Madagascar, and Comoros. RVF virus (RVFV) (
Bunyaviridae
family,
Phlebovirus
genus) causes a wide range of symptoms in humans, from benign fever to fatal hemorrhagic fever. Ruminants are severely affected by the disease, which leads to a high rate of mortality in young animals and to abortions and teratogenesis in pregnant females. Diagnostic tests include virus isolation and genome or antibody detection. During RVFV infection, the nucleoprotein encapsidating the tripartite RNA genome is expressed in large amounts and raises a robust antibody response, while the envelope glycoproteins elicit neutralizing antibodies which play a major role in protection. Much less is known about the antigenicity/immunogenicity of the nonstructural protein NSs, which is a major virulence factor. Here we have developed a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) enabling detection of low levels of NSs-specific antibodies in naturally infected or vaccinated ruminants. Detection of the NSs antibodies was validated by Western blotting. Altogether, our data showed that the NSs antibodies were detected in only 55% of animals naturally infected by RVFV, indicating that NSs does not induce a consistently high immune response. These results are discussed in light of differentiation between infected and vaccinated animals (DIVA) tests distinguishing naturally infected animals and those vaccinated with NSs-defective vaccines.
Vaccines Displaying Mycobacterial Proteins on Biopolyester Beads Stimulate Cellular Immunity and Induce Protection against Tuberculosis
Authors: Parlane Natalie A. , Grage Katrin , Mifune Jun , Basaraba Randall J. , Wedlock D. Neil , Rehm Bernd H. A. , Buddle Bryce M.
Published: November 2011

New improved vaccines are needed for control of both bovine and human tuberculosis. Tuberculosis protein vaccines have advantages with regard to safety and ease of manufacture, but efficacy against tuberculosis has been difficult to achieve. Protective cellular immune responses can be preferentially induced when antigens are displayed on small particles. In this study,
Escherichia coli
and
Lactococcus lactis
were engineered to produce spherical polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) inclusions which displayed a fusion protein of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, antigen 85A (Ag85A)–early secreted antigenic target 6-kDa protein (ESAT-6).
L. lactis
was chosen as a possible production host due its extensive use in the food industry and reduced risk of lipopolysaccharide contamination. Mice were vaccinated with PHB bead vaccines with or without displaying Ag85A–ESAT-6, recombinant Ag85A–ESAT-6, or
M. bovis
BCG. Separate groups of mice were used to measure immune responses and assess protection against an aerosol
M. bovis
challenge. Increased amounts of antigen-specific gamma interferon, interleukin-17A (IL-17A), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha were produced from splenocytes postvaccination, but no or minimal IL-4, IL-5, or IL-10 was produced, indicating Th1- and Th17-biased T cell responses. Decreased lung bacterial counts and less extensive foci of inflammation were observed in lungs of mice receiving BCG or PHB bead vaccines displaying Ag85A–ESAT-6 produced in either
E. coli
or
L. lactis
compared to those observed in the lungs of phosphate-buffered saline-treated control mice. No differences between those receiving wild-type PHB beads and those receiving recombinant Ag85A–ESAT-6 were observed. This versatile particulate vaccine delivery system incorporates a relatively simple production process using safe bacteria, and the results show that it is an effective delivery system for a tuberculosis protein vaccine.
Chicken Cells Sense Influenza A Virus Infection through MDA5 and CARDIF Signaling Involving LGP2
Authors: Liniger Matthias , Summerfield Artur , Zimmer Gert , McCullough Kenneth C. , Ruggli Nicolas
Published: November 2011

Avian influenza viruses (AIV) raise worldwide veterinary and public health concerns due to their potential for zoonotic transmission. While infection with highly pathogenic AIV results in high mortality in chickens, this is not necessarily the case in wild birds and ducks. It is known that innate immune factors can contribute to the outcome of infection. In this context, retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) is the main cytosolic pattern recognition receptor known for detecting influenza A virus infection in mammalian cells. Chickens, unlike ducks, lack RIG-I, yet chicken cells do produce type I interferon (IFN) in response to AIV infection. Consequently, we sought to identify the cytosolic recognition elements in chicken cells. Chicken mRNA encoding the putative chicken analogs of CARDIF and LGP2 (chCARDIF and chLGP2, respectively) were identified. HT7-tagged chCARDIF was observed to associate with mitochondria in chicken DF-1 fibroblasts. The exogenous expression of chCARDIF, as well as of the caspase activation and recruitment domains (CARDs) of the chicken melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 (chMDA5), strongly activated the chicken IFN-β (chIFN-β) promoter. The silencing of chMDA5, chCARDIF, and chIRF3 reduced chIFN-β levels induced by AIV, indicating their involvement in AIV sensing. As with mammalian cells, chLGP2 had opposing effects. While overexpression decreased the activation of the chIFN-β promoter, the silencing of endogenous chLGP2 reduced chIFN-β induced by AIV. We finally demonstrate that the chMDA5 signaling pathway is inhibited by the viral nonstructural protein 1. In conclusion, chicken cells, including DF-1 fibroblasts and HD-11 macrophage-like cells, employ chMDA5 for sensing AIV.
Crystallographic Analysis Reveals Octamerization of Viroplasm Matrix Protein P9-1 of Rice Black Streaked Dwarf Virus
Authors: Akita Fusamichi , Higashiura Akifumi , Shimizu Takumi , Pu Yingying , Suzuki Mamoru , Uehara-Ichiki Tamaki , Sasaya Takahide , Kanamaru Shuji , Arisaka Fumio , Tsukihara Tomitake , Nakagawa Atsushi , Omura Toshihiro
Published: November 2011

The P9-1 protein of
Rice black streaked dwarf virus
accumulates in viroplasm inclusions, which are structures that appear to play an important role in viral morphogenesis and are commonly found in viruses in the family
Reoviridae
. Crystallographic analysis of P9-1 revealed structural features that allow the protein to form dimers via hydrophobic interactions. Each dimer has carboxy-terminal regions, resembling arms, that extend to neighboring dimers, thereby uniting sets of four dimers via lateral hydrophobic interactions, to yield cylindrical octamers. The importance of these regions for the formation of viroplasm-like inclusions was confirmed by the absence of such inclusions when P9-1 was expressed without its carboxy-terminal arm. The octamers are vertically elongated cylinders resembling the structures formed by NSP2 of rotavirus, even though there are no significant similarities between the respective primary and secondary structures of the two proteins. Our results suggest that an octameric structure with an internal pore might be important for the functioning of the respective proteins in the events that occur in the viroplasm, which might include viral morphogenesis.
Direct Interaction of Baculovirus Capsid Proteins VP39 and EXON0 with Kinesin-1 in Insect Cells Determined by Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer-Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy
Authors: Danquah John O. , Botchway Stanley , Jeshtadi Ananya , King Linda A.
Published: November 2011

Autographa californica
multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) replicates in the nucleus of insect cells to produce nucleocapsids, which are transported from the nucleus to the plasma membrane for budding through GP64-enriched areas to form budded viruses. However, little is known about the anterograde trafficking of baculovirus nucleocapsids in insect cells. Preliminary confocal scanning laser microscopy studies showed that enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)-tagged nucleocapsids and capsid proteins aligned and colocalized with the peripheral microtubules of virus-infected insect cells. A colchicine inhibition assay of virus-infected insect cells showed a significant reduction in budded virus production, providing further evidence for the involvement of microtubules and suggesting a possible role of kinesin in baculovirus anterograde trafficking. We investigated the interaction between AcMNPV nucleocapsids and kinesin-1 with fluorescence resonance energy transfer-fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FRET-FLIM) and show for the first time that AcMNPV capsid proteins VP39 and EXON0, but not Orf1629, interact with the tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domain of kinesin. The excited-state fluorescence lifetime of EGFP fused to VP39 or EXON0 was quenched from 2.4 ± 1 ns to 2.1 ± 1 ns by monomeric fluorescent protein (mDsRed) fused to TPR (mDsRed-TPR). However, the excited-state fluorescence lifetime of an EGFP fusion of Orf1629 remained unquenched by mDsRed-TPR. These data indicate that kinesin-1 plays an important role in the anterograde trafficking of baculovirus in insect cells.
Role of Multiple Hosts in the Cross-Species Transmission and Emergence of a Pandemic Parvovirus
Authors: Allison Andrew B. , Harbison Carole E. , Pagan Israel , Stucker Karla M. , Kaelber Jason T. , Brown Justin D. , Ruder Mark G. , Keel M. Kevin , Dubovi Edward J. , Holmes Edward C. , Parrish Colin R.
Published: November 2011

Understanding the mechanisms of cross-species virus transmission is critical to anticipating emerging infectious diseases. Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) emerged as a variant of a feline parvovirus when it acquired mutations that allowed binding to the canine transferrin receptor type 1 (TfR). However, CPV-2 was soon replaced by a variant virus (CPV-2a) that differed in antigenicity and receptor binding. Here we show that the emergence of CPV involved an additional host range variant virus that has circulated undetected in raccoons for at least 24 years, with transfers to and from dogs. Raccoon virus capsids showed little binding to the canine TfR, showed little infection of canine cells, and had altered antigenic structures. Remarkably, in capsid protein (VP2) phylogenies, most raccoon viruses fell as evolutionary intermediates between the CPV-2 and CPV-2a strains, suggesting that passage through raccoons assisted in the evolution of CPV-2a. This highlights the potential role of alternative hosts in viral emergence.
Activation of NF-κB in CD8
+
Dendritic Cells
Ex Vivo
by the γ
1
34.5 Null Mutant Correlates with Immunity against Herpes Simplex Virus 1
Authors: Jin Huali , Ma Yijie , Yan Zhipeng , Prabhakar Bellur S. , He Bin
Published: November 2011

The γ
1
34.5 protein of herpes simplex viruses (HSV) is essential for virulence. Accordingly, an HSV mutant lacking γ
1
34.5 is attenuated
in vivo
. Despite its vaccine potential, the mechanism by which the γ
1
34.5 null mutant triggers protective immunity is unknown. In this report we show that vaccination with the γ
1
34.5 null mutant protects against lethal challenge from wild-type virus via IκB kinase in dendritic cells (DCs), which sense virus-associated molecular patterns. Unlike mock-treated DCs, DCs primed with the γ
1
34.5 null mutant
ex vivo
mediate resistance to wild-type HSV after adoptive transfer into naïve mice. Furthermore, the γ
1
34.5 null mutant activates IκB kinase, which facilitates p65/RelA phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, resulting in DC maturation. While unable to produce infectious virus in DCs, this mutant virus expresses early and late genes. In its abortive infection, the γ
1
34.5 null mutant induces protective immunity more effectively in CD8
+
DCs than in CD8
−
DCs. This is mirrored by a higher level of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-12 secretion by CD8
+
DCs than CD8
−
DCs. Remarkably, inhibition of p65/RelA phosphorylation or nuclear translocation in CD8
+
DCs disrupts protective immunity. These results suggest that engagement of the γ
1
34.5 null mutant with CD8
+
DCs elicits innate immunity to activate NF-κB, which translates into protective immunity.
Human Pathogens and the Host Cell SUMOylation System
Authors: Wimmer Peter , Schreiner Sabrina , Dobner Thomas
Published: November 2011

Since posttranslational modification (PTM) by the small ubiquitin-related modifiers (SUMOs) was discovered over a decade ago, a huge number of cellular proteins have been found to be reversibly modified, resulting in alteration of differential cellular pathways. Although the molecular consequences of SUMO attachment are difficult to predict, the underlying principle of SUMOylation is altering inter- and/or intramolecular interactions of the modified substrate, changing localization, stability, and/or activity. Unsurprisingly, many different pathogens have evolved to exploit the cellular SUMO modification system due to its functional flexibility and far-reaching functional downstream consequences. Although the extensive knowledge gained so far is impressive, a definitive conclusion about the role of SUMO modification during virus infection in general remains elusive and is still restricted to a few, yet promising concepts. Based on the available data, this review aims, first, to provide a detailed overview of the current state of knowledge and, second, to evaluate the currently known common principles/molecular mechanisms of how human pathogenic microbes, especially viruses and their regulatory proteins, exploit the host cell SUMO modification system.
Structural Characterization of the Hemagglutinin Receptor Specificity from the 2009 H1N1 Influenza Pandemic
Authors: Xu Rui , McBride Ryan , Nycholat Corwin M. , Paulson James C. , Wilson Ian A.
Published: November 2011

Influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA) is the viral envelope protein that mediates viral attachment to host cells and elicits membrane fusion. The HA receptor-binding specificity is a key determinant for the host range and transmissibility of influenza viruses. In human pandemics of the 20th century, the HA normally has acquired specificity for human-like receptors before widespread infection. Crystal structures of the H1 HA from the 2009 human pandemic (A/California/04/2009 [CA04]) in complex with human and avian receptor analogs reveal conserved recognition of the terminal sialic acid of the glycan ligands. However, favorable interactions beyond the sialic acid are found only for α2-6-linked glycans and are mediated by Asp190 and Asp225, which hydrogen bond with Gal-2 and GlcNAc-3. For α2-3-linked glycan receptors, no specific interactions beyond the terminal sialic acid are observed. Our structural and glycan microarray analyses, in the context of other high-resolution HA structures with α2-6- and α2-3-linked glycans, now elucidate the structural basis of receptor-binding specificity for H1 HAs in human and avian viruses and provide a structural explanation for the preference for α2-6 siaylated glycan receptors for the 2009 pandemic swine flu virus.
Effects of acute supplementation withRhodiola roseaand L-carnitine on exercise performance, cognitive function and cortisol in healthy active volunteers
Authors: Muñiz-Pumares D , Lage-Guede A , Firth-Clark A , Allgrove J
Published: November 2011

Rhodiola rosea(RR) is an adaptogenic herb suggested to improve exercise and cognitive performance and reduce stress responses. Further, some evidence reports that L-carnitine (LC) can alter metabolism during exercise and improve performance. This study examined the effects of acute ingestion of a commercially available RR beverage (250 mg, 3% Rosavin) with and without LC (500 mg) on exercise performance, cognitive function and salivary cortisol. In a double-blind, randomised, crossover-design, 18 healthy, active men and women (age, 21±6 years; maximal oxygen uptake, VO2max 43±9 ml/min/kg) consumed 250 ml of a RR-LC, RR and placebo beverage 45 min before a cycle to fatigue at 77±11% of VO2max. Immediately before and after exercise, computerised cognitive tasks of Rapid Visual Information Processing (RVP), Visual Recognition Memory (VRM) and Stroop Colour-Word (Stroop) were completed. Expired gas and heart rate were recorded continuously during exercise. Capillary blood samples were taken for lactate analysis 2 min after cycling and saliva samples were collected before beverage ingestion, before and immediately after cognitive tests for cortisol analysis. Data were analysed using repeated measures ANOVAs with significance set atP<0.05. Time to fatigue, physiological and cognitive variables did not differ between treatments. Cortisol increased (P=0.028) after tests, but there was no effect of treatment on this response. However, exercise elicited higher RVP sustained attention (P<0.05), a faster response time in Stroop (P<0.05), but VRM was reduced. These findings suggest that acute RR-LC ingestion does not alter cognitive function, exercise performance or salivary cortisol. However, chronic supplementation or greater dosage might affect these results. These results show that exhaustive exercise reduces reaction time and increases attention, but memory outcomes become decreased.
The importance of attitudes towards physical activity and its relationship with practice of physical activity
Authors: Marques Adilson , Martins João , Martins Maria , Costa João , Sarmento Hugo , Onofre Marcos , Carreiro da Costa Francisco
Published: November 2011

The purpose of this study was to examine the importance given by children to physical activity (PA) and its relationship with the practice of formal PA as well as the perception of parents' participation. A total of 416 boys and 386 girls aged between 10 and 12 y, participated in the study. Data was collected using a questionnaire used on international research project on children's lifestyles. T-test was used to identify the difference of attitudes towards PA by gender and practice of PA. ANOVA was performed to analyse the attitude and parents participation. Significance level was p<0.05. On a scale ranged from 1 to 10, most students showed a positive attitude towards PA (M=9.1). The difference between boys (M=9.2) and girls (M=8.9) was significant (p=0.021). Pupils with higher attitude towards PA were more involved in formal PA than those with lower attitude (9.3 vs 8.8,p<0.001), whether for boys (9.4 vs 8.9,p=0.001) or girls (9.3 vs 8.7,p<0.001). The mean value for the attitude towards PA was not significant when we consider the difference among those who perceive that parents were active or inactive (p=0.482). However, a trend was observed: those whose either parents or only the mother was active showed a higher attitude towards PA. PA seems to be something that most of kids like, but those who were involved with a formal PA in a club showed a higher attitude towards PA. The perception of parents' participation in PA seems to be associated with a favourable attitude toward PA.
Fast track surgery for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in military patients in Scotland
Authors: Howes J , Wood A M , Bell D J , Wrigley S , Angus C
Published: November 2011

Military patients sustaining an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury are normally listed for “Fast-Track” surgery as the criterion for this is that they are likely to be fully fit for military employment within 12 months. All military patients in Scotland requiring ACL reconstruction should be referred through the Edinburgh Regional Rehabilitation Unit (ERRU) covering a population of 13 772 servicemen. All patients referred to ERRU over a 35 month period requiring ACL reconstruction were retrospectively followed for a minimum of 6 months post referral, with injuries and subsequent employment fitness recorded. 35 patients required “Fast Track” ACL reconstruction giving an incidence of 8.47/10 000/year. 30 patients (86%) had associated ipsilateral knee pathology: 15 (43%) had an associated medial meniscal injury, 16 (46%) lateral meniscal injury, and 16 (46%) had an osteochondral defects (OCD). Only 28/35 (80%) had their fitness outcome recorded. Of these patients 9 (32%) were fully fit, 8 (29%) had limitations, 11 (39%) Unfit. Patients with a combination of ACL, osteochondral defect and meniscal injury had the worst outcomes: Fully fit 2 (20%), limitations 1 (10%) and 7 (70%) unfit. (P=0.01) The mean time for return to full fitness was 13 months (range 8–17) 95% CI 2.17. ACL injury has significant morbidity with regards future military employment. In our study group, only 32% were regarded as fully fit and 39% were unfit. Patients with an associated meniscal and osteochondral defect have a poor prognosis. Further prospective research is required to ascertain which personnel should be referred for “Fast Track” surgery and which patients are unlikely to regain full military fitness so that patients can be fully consented about the full benefits of surgery preoperatively.
Prolonged dormancy in the geophyte Allium amplectens on Vancouver Island
Authors: Hawryzki Allan R. , Allen Geraldine A. , Antos Joseph A.
Published: November 2011

Prolonged dormancy occurs when a plant fails to appear above ground during the growing season. Although it may be an important life history trait of many geophytes, studies focusing on prolonged dormancy are infrequent and are concentrated on the Orchidaceae even though the phenomenon occurs in many taxonomic groups. We tracked individual plants of Allium amplectens (Amaryllidaceae) in permanent plots on Vancouver Island, which allowed us to determine rates of prolonged dormancy during a 4-year period. Dormancy rates per year averaged 38% and differed substantially among years. Over 70% of plants had a dormant period during the study. Dormancy periods of 2 years were almost as frequent as 1-year periods, and 8% of plants were dormant for 3 years. Plant density, which included small plants that we could not track in the plots, varied much more among years than did dormancy of tracked plants, suggesting that small plants may be especially prone to dormancy. High rates of prolonged dormancy and frequent multiyear dormancy indicate that this is an important life history feature of A. amplectens. We suggest that prolonged dormancy contributes to the ability of this species, and probably other species, to persist in dry habitats with fluctuating resources.
Encapsulation and immobilization of a mycophagous nematode by two Sphaerobolus species
Authors: Tanney Joey B. , Hutchison Leonard J.
Published: November 2011

A defence mechanism against nematodes produced by Sphaerobolus stellatus Tode and Sphaerobolus iowensis L.B. Walker is described for the first time. Within 24 h of introduction, some individuals of a mycophagous nematode ( Aphelenchoides sp.) exhibited lethargic behaviour marked by the cessation of feeding and a reduction in movement. The anterior portion of the affected nematodes appeared swollen and was encapsulated with an amorphous material of unknown composition. The nematode stylet could not penetrate this encapsulating matrix, preventing further hyphal grazing and subsequently leading to death of the nematodes, possibly due to starvation. Immobilized nematodes were not consumed by the fungi. It is hypothesized that when the feeding nematodes pierce a specialized structure found in Sphaerobolus cultures, referred to as a gloeocystidium, the contents are released and solidify on the nematode heads. It is proposed that the gloeocystidia function to protect the hyphal system and act as a general antifeedant mechanism against mycophagous nematodes and possibly other fungus-feeding microfauna.
THE NATURE OF Λ AND THE MASS OF THE GRAVITON: A CRITICAL VIEW
Authors: GAZEAU J.-P. , NOVELLO M.
Published: November 2011

The observational evidence of a cosmological constant Λ raises natural questions. Is Λ a universal constant fixing the geometry of an empty universe, as fundamental as the Planck constant or the speed of light in the vacuum? Its natural place is then on the left-hand side of the Einstein equation. Is it instead something emerging from a perturbation calculation performed on the metric gμν solution of the Einstein equation and to which it might be given a material status of (dark or bright) "energy"? It should then be part of the content of the right-hand side of the Einstein equations. The purpose of this paper is to analyze some of the arguments in favor of each one of these interpretations of the cosmological constant. Recent estimates based on observational data give a bound on the graviton mass to be about 100 Mpc-1. If this value and the current estimate on the cosmological constant Λ are put into perspective, one faces the interesting coincidence that between the Compton wavelength of the graviton and the cosmological constant there exists the relation [Formula: see text]. Since a physical quantity like mass originates in a minkowskian conservation law, we proceed with a group theoretical interpretation of this relation in terms of the two possible Λ-deformations of the Poincaré group, namely the de Sitter and anti de Sitter groups. We use a very suitable formula, the so-called Garidi mass, and the typically dS/AdS dimensionless parameter ℏH/mc2 in order to make clear the asymptotic relations between minkowskian masses m and their possible dS/AdS counterparts. We conclude that if the fundamental state of the geometry of space-time is minkowskian, then the square of the mass of the graviton is proportional to Λ; otherwise, if the fundamental state is de Sitter, then the graviton is massless in the deSitterian sense.
BRST-INVARIANT DEFORMATIONS OF GEOMETRIC STRUCTURES IN SIGMA MODELS
Authors: BYTSENKO A. A.
Published: November 2011

The closed string correlators can be constructed from the open ones using topological string theories as a model. The space of physical closed string states is isomorphic to the Hochschild cohomology of (A, Q) (operator Q of ghost number one), - this statement has been verified by means of computation of the Hochschild cohomology of the category of D-branes. We study a Lie algebra of formal vector fields Wn with its application to the perturbative deformed holomorphic symplectic structure in the A-model, and a Calabi-Yau manifold with boundaries in the B-model. We show that equivalent classes of deformations are describing by a Hochschild cohomology theory of the DG-algebra [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], which is defined to be the cohomology of (-1)n Q + d Hoch . Here [Formula: see text] is the initial non-deformed BRST operator while ∂deform is the deformed part whose algebra is a Lie algebra of linear vector fields gl n. We assume that if in the theory exists a single D-brane then all the information associated with deformations is encoded in an associative algebra A equipped with a differential [Formula: see text]. In addition equivalence classes of deformations of these data are described by a Hochschild cohomology of (A, Q), an important geometric invariant of the (anti)holomorphic structure on X. We also discuss the identification of the harmonic structure (HT•(X); HΩ•(X)) of affine space X and the group [Formula: see text] (the HKR isomorphism), and bulk-boundary deformation pairing.
HOMOGENEOUS SOLUTIONS OF QUADRATIC GRAVITY
Authors: MÜLLER DANIEL
Published: November 2011

It is believed that soon after the Planck time, Einstein's general relativity theory should be corrected to an effective quadratic theory. In this work we present the 3 + 1 decomposition for the zero vorticity case for arbitrary spatially homogenous spaces. We specialize for the particular Bianchi I diagonal case. The 3- curvature can be understood as a generalized potential, and the Bianchi I case is a limiting case where this potential is negligible to the dynamics. The spirit should be analogous, in some sense to the BKL solution. In this sense, a better understanding of the Bianchi I case could shed some light into the general Bianchi case.
ANOs 3–7 in the anoctamin/Tmem16 Cl− channel family are intracellular proteins
Authors: Duran Charity , Qu Zhiqiang , Osunkoya Adeboye O. , Cui Yuanyuan , Hartzell H. Criss
Published: November 2011

Ca2+-activated Cl− channels (CaCCs) participate in numerous physiological functions such as neuronal excitability, sensory transduction, and transepithelial fluid transport. Recently, it was shown that heterologously expressed anoctamins ANO1 and ANO2 generate currents that resemble native CaCCs. The anoctamin family (also called Tmem16) consists of 10 members, but it is not known whether all members of the family are CaCCs. Expression of ANOs 3–7 in HEK293 cells did not generate Cl− currents activated by intracellular Ca2+, as determined by whole cell patch clamp electrophysiology. With the use of confocal imaging, only ANO1 and ANO2 traffic to the plasma membrane when expressed heterologously. Furthermore, endogenously expressed ANO7 in the human prostate is predominantly intracellular. We took a chimeric approach to identify regions critical for channel trafficking and function. However, none of the chimeras of ANO1 and ANO5/7 that we made trafficked to the plasma membrane. Our results suggest that intracellular anoctamins may be endoplasmic reticulum proteins, although it remains unknown whether these family members are CaCCs. Determining the role of anoctamin family members in ion transport will be critical to understanding their functions in physiology and disease.
Interdigestive migrating contractions are coregulated by ghrelin and motilin in conscious dogs
Authors: Ogawa Atsushi , Mochiki Erito , Yanai Mitsuhiro , Morita Hiroki , Toyomasu Yoshitaka , Ogata Kyoichi , Ohno Tetsuro , Asao Takayuki , Kuwano Hiroyuki
Published: November 2011

During fasting, gastrointestinal (GI) motility is characterized by cyclical motor contractions. These contractions have been referred to as interdigestive migrating contractions (IMCs). In dogs and humans, IMCs are known to be regulated by motilin. However, in rats and mice, IMCs are regulated by ghrelin. It is not clear how these peptides influence each other in vivo. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between ghrelin and motilin in conscious dogs. Twenty healthy beagles were used in this study. Force transducers were implanted in the stomach, duodenum, and jejunum to monitor GI motility. Subsequent GI motility was recorded and quantified by calculating the motility index. In examination 1, blood samples were collected in the interdigestive state, and levels of plasma ghrelin and motilin were measured. Plasma motilin peaks were observed during every gastric phase III, and plasma ghrelin peaks occurred in nearly every early phase I. Plasma motilin and ghrelin levels increased and decreased cyclically with the interdigestive states. In examination 2, saline or canine ghrelin was administered intravenously during phase II and phase III. After injection of ghrelin, plasma motilin levels were measured. Ghrelin injection during phases II and III inhibited phase III contractions and decreased plasma motilin levels. In examination 3, ghrelin was infused in the presence of the growth hormone secretagogue receptors antagonist [d-Lys3]-GHRP-6. Continuous ghrelin infusion suppressed motilin release, an effect abrogated by the infusion of [d-Lys3]-GHRP-6. Examination 4 was performed to evaluate the plasma ghrelin response to motilin administration. Motilin infusion immediately decreased ghrelin levels. In this study, we demonstrated that motilin and ghrelin cooperatively control the function of gastric IMCs in conscious dogs. Our findings suggest that ghrelin regulates the function and release of motilin and that motilin may also regulate ghrelin.
Biological and analytical variation of the human sweating response: implications for study design and analysis
Authors: Kenefick Robert W. , Cheuvront Samuel N. , Elliott Leonard D. , Ely Brett R. , Sawka Michael N.
Published: November 2011

Appropriate quantification of analytical and biological variation of thermoregulatory sweating has important practical utility for research design and statistical analysis. We sought to examine contributors to variability in local forearm sweating rate (SR) and sweating onset (SO) and to evaluate the potential for using bilateral measurements. Two women and eight men (26 ± 9 yr; 79 ± 12 kg) completed 5 days of heat acclimation and walked (1.8 l/min V̇o2) on three occasions for 30 min in 40°C, 20% RH, while local SR and SO were measured. Local SR measures among days were not different (2.14 ± 0.72 vs. 2.02 ± 0.79 vs. 2.31 ± 0.72 mg·cm2·min−1, P = 0.19) nor was SO (10.47 ± 2.54 vs. 10.04 ± 2.97 vs. 9.87 ± 3.44 min P = 0.82). Bilateral SR (2.14 ± 0.72 vs. 2.16 ± 0.71 mg·cm2·min−1, P = 0.56) and SO (10.47 ± 2.54 vs. 10.83 ± 2.48 min, P = 0.09) were similar and differences were ≤ 1 SD of day-to-day differences for a single forearm. Analytical imprecision (CVa), within (CVi)-, and between (CVg)-subjects' coefficient of variation for local SR were 2.4%, 22.3%, and 56.4%, respectively, and were 0%, 9.6%, and 41%, respectively, for SO. We conclude: 1) technologically, sweat capsules contribute negligibly to sweat measurement variation; 2) bilateral measures of SR and SO appear interchangeable; 3) when studying potential factors affecting sweating, changes in SO afford a more favorable signal-to-noise ratio vs. changes in SR. These findings provide a quantitative basis for study design and optimization of power/sample size analysis in the evaluation of thermoregulatory sweating.
Heme oxygenase, a novel target for the treatment of hypertension and obesity?
Authors: Hosick Peter A. , Stec David E.
Published: November 2011

Heme oxygenase (HO) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the metabolism of heme-releasing bioactive molecules carbon monoxide (CO), biliverdin, and iron, each with beneficial cardiovascular actions. Biliverdin is rapidly reduced to bilirubin, a potent antioxidant, by the enzyme biliverdin reductase, and iron is rapidly sequestered by ferritin in the cell. Several studies have demonstrated that HO-1 induction can attenuate the development of hypertension as well as lower blood pressure in established hypertension in both genetic and experimental models. HO-1 induction can also reduce target organ injury and can be beneficial in cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack and stroke. Recent studies have also identified a beneficial role for HO-1 in the regulation of body weight and metabolism in diabetes and obesity. Chronic HO-1 induction lowers body weight and corrects hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. Chronic HO-1 induction also modifies the phenotype of adipocytes in obesity from one of large, cytokine producing to smaller, adiponectin producing. Finally, chronic induction of HO-1 increases oxygen consumption, CO2, and heat production and activity in obese mice. This review will discuss the current understanding of the actions of the HO system to lower blood pressure and body weight and how HO or its metabolites may be ideal candidates for the development of drugs that can both reduce blood pressure and lower body weight.