bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-Temperature, Solution-Processed Zinc Tin Oxide Thin-Film Transistors Fabricated by Thermal Annealing and Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Yoo Young Bum , Park Jee Ho , Lee Se Jong , Song Kie Moon , Baik Hong Koo
Published: March 2012

In this study, we fabricated zinc tin oxide (ZTO) thin-film transistors (TFTs) using a sol–gel solution at a low annealing temperature of 350 °C. We found that the combination of conventional hot plate annealing and microwave irradiation was effective for achieving high performance of ZTO-TFTs. Solution-processed ZTO-TFTs prepared at 350 °C by microwave irradiation showed enhanced device characteristics of 1.84 cm2V-1s-1mobility and a 106on/off current ratio. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses confirmed that residual hydroxyls in solution-processed ZTO films can be decomposed at low temperatures by microwave irradiation. Low-temperature microwave-assisted processing makes ZTO TFTs promising for use in flexible, transparent electronics.
The glaciogenic unconformity of the southern North Sea
Authors: Moreau J. , Huuse M. , Janszen A. , van der Vegt P. , Gibbard P. L. , Moscariello A.
Published: March 2012

The southern North Sea is a shallow epicontinental sea that was glaciated several times during the Quaternary. The area is known for its remarkable record of tunnel valleys, the age and origin of which are debated. The recent availability of continuous three-dimensional seismic data between the coasts of Britain and the Netherlands provides the opportunity to establish a new seismic interpretation workflow adapted to the intracratonic glaciogenic successions. By analysing the geomorphology of the buried basal glaciogenic unconformity, four distinct major ice fronts are identified and correlated onshore. The ice fronts provide robust relative timelines, and the analysis of tunnel-valley orientations and their merging points indicates that the number of glacial phases has been underestimated. By comparing the erosion capacities of sand and chalk substrates, it is suggested that mechanical abrasion processes are also involved during tunnel-valley genesis. The methods and observations used in this study are applicable to the ancient glaciogenic record in general and constitute a basis for the sedimentological analysis of tunnel valleys.
Large-scale development of the mid-Norwegian shelf over the last three million years and potential for hydrocarbon reservoirs in glacial sediments
Authors: Ottesen Dag , Dowdeswell Julian A. , Rise Leif , Bugge Tom
Published: March 2012

About 3 million years ago, major ice sheets developed over Scandinavia and began to deliver large volumes of sediment to the mid-Norwegian shelf. The shelf was built out in a prograding pattern towards the west, and more than 1000 m of sediments was deposited over large areas on the middle/outer shelf. The dominating large-scale depositional pattern is a series of prograding wedges and flat-lying, sheet-like units mainly of glacial origin. On top of these units are flat-lying till units deposited during the last few glaciations, commonly separated from the underlying units by one or several erosional unconformities. The lithology of these layers is generally fine-grained, mainly clay and silt, but with sporadic clasts up to boulder size. Based on regional and detailed bathymetry, the ice-flow pattern from the last glaciation has been reconstructed on the shelf. This involved a very dynamic ice sheet with fast-flowing ice streams in the transverse, cross-shelf troughs, separated by more passive ice domes on the intermediate shallow banks. The ice streams appear to follow the cross-shelf troughs from glaciation to glaciation, but occasionally they switched to new flow paths. The thick Quaternary sediments on the outer part of the mid-Norwegian shelf represent a challenge for hydrocarbon exploration. Several large slides have occurred from the shelf break and down the continental slope. During the last few years there has been an increased focus on investigating the Quaternary succession in order to search for hydrocarbon prospects. The potential for finding reservoirs in these sediments is discussed, and a few examples of gas discoveries are shown. The Peon gas field (
c
. 250 km
2
) is located in the glacially eroded Norwegian Channel above the Upper Regional Unconformity (URU) separating flat-lying glaciogenic sediments from dipping sedimentary units. The reservoir is developed in glaciofluvial sands a few hundred thousand years old, and sealed by flat-lying glaciomarine sediments and till units.
Site-specific regulation of ion transport by prolactin in rat colon epithelium
Authors: Deachapunya Chatsri , Poonyachoti Sutthasinee , Krishnamra Nateetip
Published: March 2012

The effect of prolactin (PRL) on ion transport across the rat colon epithelium was investigated using Ussing chamber technique. PRL (1 μg/ml) induced a sustained decrease in short-circuit current ( Isc) in the distal colon with an EC50 value of 100 ng/ml and increased Isc in the proximal colon with an EC50 value of 49 ng/ml. In the distal colon, the PRL-induced decrease in Isc was not affected by Na+ channel blocker amiloride or Cl− channel blockers, NPPB, DPC, or DIDS, added mucosally. However, the response was inhibited by mucosal application of K+ channel blockers glibenclamide, quinidine, and chromanol 293B, whereas other K+ channel blockers, Ba2+, tetraethylammonium, clotrimazole, and apamin, failed to have effects. The PRL-induced decrease in Isc was also inhibited by Na+-K+-2Cl− transporter inhibitor bumetanide, Ba2+, and chromanol 293B applied serosally. In the transverse and proximal colon, the PRL-induced increase in Isc was suppressed by DPC, glibenclamide, and bumetanide, but not by NPPB, DIDS, or amiloride. The PRL-induced changes in Isc in both distal and proximal colon were abolished by JAK2 inhibitor AG490, but not BAPTA-AM, the Ca2+ chelating agent, or phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin. These results suggest a segment-specific effect of PRL in rat colon, by activation of K+ secretion in the distal colon and activation of Cl− secretion in the transverse and proximal colon. Both PRL actions are mediated by JAK-STAT-dependent pathway, but not phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway or Ca2+ mobilization. These findings suggest a role of PRL in the regulation of electrolyte transport in mammalian colon.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Methods, Mechanisms, and Pathophysiology. Neural and neuro-immune mechanisms of visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Feng Bin , La Jun Ho , Schwartz Erica S. , Gebhart G. F.
Published: March 2012

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is characterized as functional because a pathobiological cause is not readily apparent. Considerable evidence, however, documents that sensitizing proinflammatory and lipotoxic lipids, mast cells and their products, tryptases, enteroendocrine cells, and mononuclear phagocytes and their receptors are increased in tissues of IBS patients with colorectal hypersensitivity. It is also clear from recordings in animals of the colorectal afferent innervation that afferents exhibit long-term changes in models of persistent colorectal hypersensitivity. Such changes in afferent excitability and responses to mechanical stimuli are consistent with relief of discomfort and pain in IBS patients, including relief of referred abdominal hypersensitivity, upon intra-rectal instillation of local anesthetic. In the aggregate, these experimental outcomes establish the importance of afferent drive in IBS, consistent with a larger literature with respect to other chronic conditions in which pain is a principal complaint (e.g., neuropathic pain, painful bladder syndrome, fibromyalgia). Accordingly, colorectal afferents and the environment in which these receptive endings reside constitute the focus of this review. That environment includes understudied and incompletely understood contributions from immune-competent cells resident in and recruited into the colorectum. We close this review by highlighting deficiencies in existing knowledge and identifying several areas for further investigation, resolution of which we anticipate would significantly advance our understanding of neural and neuro-immune contributions to IBS pain and hypersensitivity.
Pulsatile flow during cardiopulmonary bypass preserves postoperative microcirculatory perfusion irrespective of systemic hemodynamics
Authors: Koning Nick J. , Vonk Alexander B. A. , van Barneveld Lerau J. , Beishuizen Albertus , Atasever Bektas , van den Brom Charissa E. , Boer Christa
Published: March 2012

The onset of nonpulsatile cardiopulmonary bypass is known to deteriorate microcirculatory perfusion, but it has never been investigated whether this may be prevented by restoration of pulsatility during extracorporeal circulation. We therefore investigated the distinct effects of nonpulsatile and pulsatile flow on microcirculatory perfusion during on-pump cardiac surgery. Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery were randomized into a nonpulsatile ( n = 17) or pulsatile ( n = 16) cardiopulmonary bypass group. Sublingual mucosal microvascular perfusion was measured at distinct perioperative time intervals using sidestream dark field imaging, and quantified as the level of perfused small vessel density and microvascular flow index (vessel diameter < 20 μm). Microcirculation measurements were paralleled by hemodynamic and free hemoglobin analyses. The pulse wave during pulsatile bypass estimated 58 ± 17% of the baseline blood pressure waveform. The observed reduction in perfused vessel density during aorta cross-clamping was only restored in the pulsatile flow group and increased from 15.5 ± 2.4 to 20.3 ± 3.7 mm/mm2upon intensive care admission ( P < 0.01). The median postoperative microvascular flow index was higher in the pulsatile group [2.6 (2.5–2.9)] than in the nonpulsatile group [2.1 (1.7–2.5); P = 0.001]. Pulsatile flow was not associated with augmentation of free hemoglobin production and was paralleled by improved oxygen consumption from 70 ± 14 to 82 ± 16 ml·min−1·m−2( P = 0.01) at the end of aortic cross-clamping. In conclusion, pulsatile cardiopulmonary bypass preserves microcirculatory perfusion throughout the early postoperative period, irrespective of systemic hemodynamics. This observation is paralleled by an increase in oxygen consumption during pulsatile flow, which may hint toward decreased microcirculatory heterogeneity during extracorporeal circulation and preservation of microcirculatory perfusion throughout the perioperative period.
At-Risk Populations for Osteosarcoma: The Syndromes and Beyond
Authors: Calvert George T. , Randall R. Lor , Jones Kevin B. , Cannon-Albright Lisa , Lessnick Stephen , Schiffman Joshua D.
Published: March 2012

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignancy of bone. Most cases are sporadic without a known genetic or environmental cause. Heritable genetic predisposition syndromes are associated with a small percentage of osteosarcomas. Study of these rare disorders has provided insight into the molecular pathogenesis of osteosarcoma. Screening of at-risk families and surveillance of affected individuals for these syndromes may permit earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment of osteosarcoma in these populations. This paper reviews the genetic and clinical features of the known osteosarcoma predisposition syndromes.
Larval Performance in the Context of Ecological Diversification and Speciation inLycaeidesButterflies
Authors: Scholl Cynthia F. , Nice Chris C. , Fordyce James A. , Gompert Zachariah , Forister Matthew L.
Published: March 2012

The role of ecology in diversification has been widely investigated, though few groups have been studied in enough detail to allow comparisons of different ecological traits that potentially contribute to reproductive isolation. We investigated larval performance within a species complex ofLycaeidesbutterflies. Caterpillars from seven populations were reared on five host plants, asking if host-specific, adaptive larval traits exist. We found large differences in performance across plants and fewer differences among populations. The patterns of performance are complex and suggest both conserved traits (i.e., plant effects across populations) and more recent dynamics of local adaptation, in particular forL. melissathat has colonized an exotic host. We did not find a relationship between oviposition preference and larval performance, suggesting that preference did not evolve to match performance. Finally, we put larval performance within the context of several other traits that might contribute to ecologically based reproductive isolation in theLycaeidescomplex. This larger context, involving multiple ecological and behavioral traits, highlights the complexity of ecological diversification and emphasizes the need for detailed studies on the strength of putative barriers to gene flow in order to fully understand the process of ecological speciation.
Cordyceps militarisGrown on Germinated Soybean Induces G2/M Cell Cycle Arrest through Downregulation of Cyclin B1 and Cdc25c in Human Colon Cancer HT-29 Cells
Authors: Mollah Mohammad Lalmoddin , Park Dong Ki , Park Hye-Jin
Published: March 2012

Cordyceps militaris(CM) is an insect-borne fungus that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine because of its wide range of pharmacological activities. In this paper, we studied CM grown on germinated soybean (GSC) and investigated the possible mechanisms underlying antiproliferative effect of GSC on HT-29 human colon cancer cells. In comparison with CM extracts and germinated soybean (GS) BuOH extracts, BuOH extracts of GSC showed remarkable inhibitory and antiproliferative effects on HT-29 colon cancer cells. After GSC treatment, HT-29 cells became smaller and irregular in shape. High G2/M phase cell populations were observed in the GSC-treated group. The levels of cyclin B1 and Cdc25 in the GSC-treated group were lower than those in the control group. These findings suggest that GSC BuOH extracts might act as an effective anti-proliferative agent by inducing G2/M cell cycle arrest in colon cancer cells.
Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry: A Technique to Access the Information beyond the Molecular Weight of the Analyte
Authors: Banerjee Shibdas , Mazumdar Shyamalava
Published: March 2012

The Electrospray Ionization (ESI) is a soft ionization technique extensively used for production of gas phase ions (without fragmentation) of thermally labile large supramolecules. In the present review we have described the development of Electrospray Ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) during the last 25 years in the study of various properties of different types of biological molecules. There have been extensive studies on the mechanism of formation of charged gaseous species by the ESI. Several groups have investigated the origin and implications of the multiple charge states of proteins observed in the ESI-mass spectra of the proteins. The charged analytes produced by ESI can be fragmented by activating them in the gas-phase, and thus tandem mass spectrometry has been developed, which provides very important insights on the structural properties of the molecule. The review will highlight recent developments and emerging directions in this fascinating area of research.
Some Aspects of Extended General Variational Inequalities
Authors: Noor Muhammad Aslam
Published: March 2012

Noor (“Extended general variational inequalities,” 2009, “Auxiliary principle technique for extended general variational inequalities,” 2008, “Sensitivity analysis of extended general variational inequalities,” 2009, “Projection iterative methods for extended general variational inequalities,” 2010) introduced and studied a new class of variational inequalities, which is called the extended general variational inequality involving three different operators. This class of variational inequalities includes several classes of variational inequalities and optimization problems. The main motivation of this paper is to review some aspects of these variational inequalities including the iterative methods and sensitivity analysis. We expect that this paper may stimulate future research in this field along with novel applications.
Synergistic Effect of Hyperglycemia and Suppression on Adult Mouse Islet Beta Cell Replication
Authors: Chen Szu-Tah , Fu Shin-Huei , Hsu Samuel , Huang Yu-Yao , Hsu Brend Ray-Sea
Published: March 2012

The complementary role of hyperglycemia and suppression on islet beta cell regeneration was investigated in a syngeneic mouse model. gene silencing was performed by infecting islets of C57BL/6 with shRNA lentiviral particles. At 54 hours after viral infection, protein content in cultured targeting islets was 22% of that in freshly isolated islets. Six days after transplantation to diabetic mice, targeting islet graft had considerably more cells with Ki67-staining nuclei than nontargeting islets. The mice in the targeting-islet group had a significantly shorter duration of temporary hyperglycaemia than mice in the non-targeting-islet group. The long-termex vivobeneficial effect of silencing on graft function was also indicated by the significantly higher cumulative cure rate for diabetes in mice receiving 200 targeting islets than that in mice receiving 200 non-targeting islets. Our data suggest that hyperglycemia and persistent suppression have a synergistic effect on islet beta cell replication in adult mice.
The Role of MAPK in Drug-Induced Kidney Injury
Authors: Cassidy Hilary , Radford Robert , Slyne Jennifer , O’Connell Sein , Slattery Craig , Ryan Michael P. , McMorrow Tara
Published: March 2012

This paper focuses on the role that mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) play in drug-induced kidney injury. The MAPKs, of which there are four major classes (ERK, p38, JNK, and ERK5/BMK), are signalling cascades which have been found to be broadly conserved across a wide variety of organisms. MAPKs allow effective transmission of information from the cell surface to the cytosolic or nuclear compartments. Cross talk between the MAPKs themselves and with other signalling pathways allows the cell to modulate responses to a wide variety of external stimuli. The MAPKs have been shown to play key roles in both mediating and ameliorating cellular responses to stress including xenobiotic-induced toxicity. Therefore, this paper will discuss the specific role of the MAPKs in the kidney in response to injury by a variety of xenobiotics and the potential for therapeutic intervention at the level of MAPK signalling across different types of kidney disease.
Affective Learning and Psychophysiological Reactivity in Dementia Patients
Authors: Blessing Andreas , Keil Andreas , Gruss L. Forest , Zöllig Jacqueline , Dammann Gerhard , Martin Mike
Published: March 2012

We examined the association of faces with biographical information that varied in emotional content in patients with Alzheimer's disease and a healthy control group. During two experimental sessions, participants rated neutral male faces on dimensions of hedonic valence and emotional arousal, later paired with fictitious biographical information. Both groups changed their ratings of the faces according to the biographical content. Free recall and recognition were tested in the second session. Patients neither recalled the biographical information nor recognized the faces, whereas the controls did. In addition, psychophysiological measures were taken in response to the face stimuli. Patients showed significant heart rate modulation as a function of their emotion ratings, whereas the controls did not. No correlation of rating changes with skin conductance was found in any group. Results suggest that psychophysiological reactions such as heart rate changes may indicate preserved affective associative learning in dementia patients despite impaired explicit memory.
Coptotermes formosanusandCoptotermes gestroi(Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae) Exhibit Quantitatively Different Tunneling Patterns
Authors: Hapukotuwa Nirmala K. , Grace J. Kenneth
Published: March 2012

Tunneling behavior and the spatial dispersion of tunnels constructed by the subterranean termitesCoptotermes formosanusShiraki andCoptotermes gestroi(Wasmann) (formerly known asC. vastatorLight) (Blattodea: Rhinotermitidae) were examined in foraging arenas. The results indicated that these two termite species construct quantitatively different tunnel systems, supporting visual observations made in earlier studies.Coptotermes gestroiconstructed thin, highly branched tunnels, whileC. formosanustended to construct wider and less branched tunnels. Tunnels ofC. gestroishowed more spatial dispersion than those ofC. formosanus, and this species constructed a larger number of tunnels compared toC. formosanus. The presence or absence of food (wood) within the arena did not influence the tunneling pattern of either species. Although previous observations have suggested that these two termite species exhibit different tunneling behaviors; this is the first quantification of the differences. Comparative studies of the foraging behavior of subterranean termite species contribute to our understanding of their distribution and ecology and may help to improve pest management programs, particularly those based on placement of toxic baits. Moreover, differences in tunneling patterns may reflect different foraging strategies optimized for either tropical (C. gestroi) or subtropical/temperate (C. formosanus) environments.
Chinese HerbAstragalus membranaceusEnhances Recovery of Hemorrhagic Stroke: Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Study
Authors: Chen Chun-Chung , Lee Han-Chung , Chang Ju-Hsin , Chen Shuang-Shuang , Li Tsai-Chung , Tsai Chang-Hai , Cho Der-Yang , Hsieh Ching-Liang
Published: March 2012

We tested the effect ofAstragalus membranaceus(AM) on acute hemorrhagic stroke. Seventy-eight patients were randomly assigned to Group A (3 g of AM three times/day for 14 days); or Group B (3 g of placebo herb). A total of 68 patients (Group A 36, Group B 32) completed the trial. The increase of functional independence measure scale score between baseline and week 4 was 24.53 ± 23.40, and between baseline and week 12 was 34.69 ± 28.89, in the Group A was greater than 11.97 ± 11.48 and 23.94 ± 14.8 in the Group B (bothP≦0.05). The increase of Glasgow outcome scale score between baseline and week 12 was 0.75 ± 0.77 in the Group A was greater than 0.41 ± 0.50 in the Group B (P<0.05). The results are preliminary and need a larger study to assess the efficacy of AM after stroke.
Diffusion Pattern and Hotspot Detection of Dengue in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Pessanha José Eduardo Marques Pessanha , Caiaffa Waleska Teixeira , Almeida Maria Cristina de Mattos , Brandão Silvana Tecles , Proietti Fernando Augusto
Published: March 2012

This study considers the dengue occurrence in the city of Belo Horizonte over the last fifteen years. Approximately 186,000 cases registered from 1996 to 2011 were analyzed. The home address of individuals whose dengue case was notified was used as a proxy for exposure location. For determining possible outbreaks of disease and the specific patterns of dengue cases, spatial statistics used included Kernel’s estimation. The occurrence of waves of dengue outbreaks was correlated with climatic and vector presence data. Outbreaks had different durations and intensities: case clustering, thinned out both spatially and temporally. These findings may be useful for public health professionals responsible for fighting the disease providing some tools for improving evaluation of interventions such as vector control and patient care, minimizing the collective and individual burden of the disease.
Assessment of Minimal Residual Disease in Ewing Sarcoma
Authors: Wagner Lars M. , Smolarek Teresa A. , Sumegi Janos , Marmer Daniel
Published: March 2012

Advances in molecular pathology now allow for identification of rare tumor cells in cancer patients. Identification of this minimal residual disease is particularly relevant for Ewing sarcoma, given the potential for recurrence even after complete remission is achieved. Using RT-PCR to detect specific tumor-associated fusion transcripts, otherwise occult tumor cells are found in blood or bone marrow in 20–30% of Ewing sarcoma patients, and their presence is associated with inferior outcomes. Although RT-PCR has excellent sensitivity and specificity for identifying tumor cells, technical challenges may limit its widespread applicability. The use of flow cytometry to identify tumor-specific antigens is a recently described method that may circumvent these difficulties. In this manuscript, we compare the advantages and drawbacks of these approaches, present data on a third method using fluorescent in situ hybridization, and discuss issues affecting the further development of these strategies.
Classic and New Diagnostic Approaches to Childhood Tuberculosis
Authors: López Ávalos Gladys Guadalupe , Prado Montes de Oca Ernesto
Published: March 2012

Tuberculosis in childhood differs from the adult clinical form and even has been suggested that it is a different disease due to its differential signs. However, prevention, diagnostics, and therapeutic efforts have been biased toward adult clinical care. Sensibility and specificity of new diagnostic approaches as GeneXpert, electronic nose (E-nose), infrared spectroscopy, accelerated mycobacterial growth induced by magnetism, and flow lateral devices in children populations are needed. Adequate and timely assessment of tuberculosis infection in childhood could diminish epidemiological burden because underdiagnosed pediatric patients can evolve to an active state and have the potential to disseminate the etiological agentMycobacterium tuberculosis, notably increasing this worldwide public health problem.
A Comprehensive Evaluation of RPL under Mobility
Authors: Lee Kevin C. , Sudhaakar Raghuram , Ning Jianxia , Dai Lillian , Addepalli Sateesh , Vasseur J. P. , Gerla Mario
Published: March 2012

This paper focuses on routing for vehicles getting
access to infrastructure either directly or via multiple hops
through other vehicles. We study routing protocol for low-power and lossy networks (RPL), a tree-based routing protocol
designed for sensor networks. Many design elements from RPL
are transferable to the vehicular environment. We provide a
simulation performance study of RPL and RPL tuning in
VANETs. More specifically, we seek to study the impact of RPL's
various parameters and external factors (e.g., various timers and
speeds) on its performance and obtain insights on RPL tuning
for its use in VANETs. We then fine tune RPL and obtain
performance gain over existing RPL.
Allergic Mastocytic Gastroenteritis and Colitis: An Unexplained Etiology in Chronic Abdominal Pain and Gastrointestinal Dysmotility
Authors: Akhavein M A. , Patel N. R. , Muniyappa P. K. , Glover S. C.
Published: March 2012

Abdominal pain, bloating, early satiety, and changes in bowel habits are common presenting symptoms in individuals with functional GI disorders. Emerging data suggests that these symptoms may be associated with mast cell excess and/or mast cell instability in the GI tract. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the contribution of mast cells to the aforementioned symptoms in individuals with a history of atopic disease. A retrospective chart review of individuals seen in a university GI practice was conducted and twenty-four subjects were identified. The majority had abdominal pain, early satiety, and nocturnal awakening. 66.7% and 37.5% had a history of environmental and/or food allergy. Solid gastric emptying was increased as were the mean number of mast cells reported on biopsies from the stomach, small bowel, and colon (>37/hpf) by CD117 staining. Mean whole blood histamine levels were uniformly elevated. This study suggests that in individuals with these characteristics, consideration should be given to staining their gastrointestinal biopsies for mast cells as this may provide them with relatively non-toxic but highly targeted treatment options. Allergic gastroenteritis and colitis may represent a third type of GI mast cell disorder along with mast cell activation syndrome and mastocytic enterocolitis.
Angiotensin-(1–7) Induces Peripheral Antinociception through Mas Receptor Activation in an Opioid-Independent Pathway
Authors: Costa Aline C.O. , Becker Lenice K. , Moraes Éder R. , Romero Thiago R.L. , Guzzo Luciana , Santos Robson A.S. , Duarte Igor D.G.
Published: March 2012

The G protein-coupled receptor Mas was recently described as an angiotensin-(1–7) [Ang-(1–7)] receptor. In the present study, we demonstrate an antinociceptive effect of Ang-(1–7) for the first time. Additionally, we evaluated the anatomical localization of Mas in the dorsal root ganglia using immunofluorescence. This is the first evidence indicating that this receptor is present in sensitive neurons. The antinociceptive effect was demonstrated using the rat paw pressure test. For this test, sensitivity is increased by intraplantar injection of prostaglandin E2. Ang-(1–7) administered locally into the right hind paw elicited a dose-dependent antinociceptive effect. Because the higher dose of Ang-(1–7) did not produce an effect when injected into the contralateral paw, this effect was considered local. The specific antagonist for the Mas receptor, A-779, inhibited the peripheral antinociception induced by exposure to 4 µg/paw Ang-(1–7) in a dose-dependent manner. The highest dose completely reversed the antinociceptive effect induced by Ang-(1–7), suggesting that the Mas receptor is an obligatory component in this process and that other angiotensin receptors may not be involved. When injected alone, the antagonist was unable to induce hyperalgesia or antinociception. Alternatively, naloxone was unable to inhibit the antinociceptive effect induced by Ang-(1–7), suggesting that endogenous opioid peptides may not be involved in this response. These data provide the first anatomical basis for the physiological role of Ang-(1–7) in the modulation of pain perception via Mas receptor activation in an opioid-independent pathway. Taken together, these results provide new perspectives for the development of a new class of analgesic drugs.
Evaluation of Scientific Programs at a Large-Scale Academic Congress: Lessons from the 22nd World Congress of Dermatology
Authors: Yoon Hyun-Sun , Kwon Oh Sang , Lee Jiwon , Shin Jwa-Seop , Lee Seunghee , Kim Soo-Chan , Saurat Jean-Hilaire , Sterry Wolfram , Eun Hee Chul
Published: March 2012

Background: The organization of a scientific program and the arrangement of the speakers require a considerable amount of time and effort. However, little is known about how to reinforce the participants’ satisfaction with scientific programs at a large-scale academic congress with multiple parallel sessions. Objectives: This study had three main purposes: (1) to create a reference for future congresses, (2) to determine session popularity and participation rate, and (3) to identify which characteristics of sessions can affect the perception of the audience. Methods: A total of 216 scientific sessions during the 22nd World Congress of Dermatology were evaluated using printed evaluation surveys. Results: The average scores for all sessions and speakers were relatively high. There were significant differences in the numbers of total session scores, collected surveys and speakers for each session category. The number of speakers at each session was not related to the session results. It was found that among the three different session grades (excellent, fair and poor), the proportion of speakers of each grade especially contributed to the perceived quality of the poor-grade sessions. Conclusions: This survey will help to organize scientific sessions and improve the quality of academic congresses.
Endogenous Endomorphin-2 Contributes to Spinal ĸ-Opioid Antinociception
Authors: Shimoyama Megumi , Toyama Satoshi , Tagaito Yugo , Shimoyama Naohito
Published: March 2012

Background/Aims: Multiple opioid receptor (OR) types and endogenous opioid peptides exist in the spinal dorsal horn and there may be interactions among these receptor types that involve opioid peptides. In a previous study we observed that antinociceptive effects of the selective ĸ-opioid receptor (ĸOR) agonist, U50,488H, was attenuated in µ-opioid receptor (µOR) knockout mice as compared to wild-type mice when administered spinally. This suggests that an interaction between ĸORs and µORs exits in the spinal cord. The present study was aimed at investigating whether endogenous opioid peptides were involved in such interaction. Methods: We examined whether the presence of antibodies to endogenous opioid peptides, endomorphin-2, met-enkephalin and dynorphin A affected the antinociceptive effects of spinal U50,488H in rats. The tail-flick test was used to assess pain thresholds. Results: The increase in tail-flick latency after spinal U50,488H was attenuated when the rats were pretreated intrathecally with antiserum against endomorphin-2. Pretreatments with antisera against met-enkephalin and dynorphin A had no effect on U50,488H antinociception. The antisera alone did not affect pain threshold. Conclusion: The results suggest that endomorphin-2, an endogenous opioid peptide highly selective to the µOR, plays a role in antinociception induced by ĸOR activation in the spinal cord.
c-Myc Is Required for Proper Coronary Vascular Formation via Cell- and Gene-Specific Signaling
Authors: Souders Colby A. , Bowers Stephanie L. K. , Banerjee Indroneal , Fuseler John W. , Demieville Jennifer L. , Baudino Troy A.
Published: March 2012

Objective—

Although significant research has detailed angiogenesis during development and cancer, little is known about cardiac angiogenesis, yet it is critical for survival following pathological insult. The transcription factor c-Myc is a target of anticancer therapies because of its mitogenic and proangiogenic induction. In the current study, we investigate its role in cardiac angiogenesis in a cell-dependent and gene-specific context.

Methods and Results—

Angiogenesis assays using c-
Myc
-deficient cardiac endothelial cells and fibroblasts demonstrate that c-Myc is essential to vessel formation, and fibroblast-mediated vessel formation is dependent on c-Myc expression in fibroblasts. Gene analyses revealed that c-Myc–mediated gene expression is unique in cardiac angiogenesis and varies in a cell-dependent manner. In vitro 3-dimensional cultures demonstrated c-Myc’s role in the expression of secreted angiogenic factors, while also providing evidence for c-Myc–mediated cell–cell interactions. Additional in vivo vascular analyses support c-Myc’s critical role in capillary formation and vessel patterning during development and also in response to a pathological stimulus where its expression in myocytes is required for angiogenic remodeling.

Conclusion—

These data demonstrate that proper c-Myc expression in cardiac fibroblasts and myocytes is essential to cardiac angiogenesis. These results have the potential for novel therapeutic applications involving the angiogenic response during cardiac remodeling.
The Mechanisms of Cerebral Vascular Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation by MMP-Mediated Degradation of VEGFR-2 in Alcohol Ingestion
Authors: Muneer P. M. Abdul , Alikunju Saleena , Szlachetka Adam M. , Haorah James
Published: March 2012

Objective—

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction caused by activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) is a pathological feature in vascular/neurological disease. We describe the mechanisms of BBB dysfunction and neuroinflammation as a result of MMP-3/9 activation and disruption of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A/VEGFR-2 interaction, impairing effective angiogenesis.

Methods and Results—

We investigate the hypothesis in human brain endothelial cells and animal model of chronic alcohol ingestion. Proteome array analysis, zymography, immunofluorescence, and Western blotting techniques detected the activation, expression, and levels of MMP-3 and MMP-9. We found that degradation of VEGFR-2 and BBB proteins, for example, occludin, claudin-5, and ZO-1 by MMP-3/9, causes rupture of capillary endothelium and BBB leakiness. Impairment of BBB integrity was demonstrated by increased permeability of dye tracers and Fluo-3/calcein-AM–labeled monocyte adhesion or infiltration and decrease in transendothelial electric resistance. Alcohol-induced degradation of endothelial VEGFR-2 by MMP-3/9 led to a subsequent elevation of cellular/serum VEGF-A level. The decrease in VEGFR-2 with subsequent increase in VEGF-A level led to apoptosis and neuroinflammation via the activation of caspase-1 and IL-1β release. The use of MMPs, VEGFR-2, and caspase-1 inhibitors helped to dissect the underlying mechanisms.

Conclusion—

Alcohol-induced MMPs activation is a key mechanism for dysfunction of BBB via degradation of VEGFR-2 protein and activation of caspase-1 or IL-1β release. Targeting VEGF-induced MMP-3/9 activation can be a novel preventive approach to vascular inflammatory disease in alcohol abuse.
Associations Between Incident Ischemic Stroke Events and Stroke and Cardiovascular Disease-Related Genome-Wide Association Studies Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in the Population Architecture Using Genomics and Epidemiology Study
Authors: Carty Cara L. , Bůžková Petra , Fornage Myriam , Franceschini Nora , Cole Shelley , Heiss Gerardo , Hindorff Lucia A. , Howard Barbara V. , Mann Sue , Martin Lisa W. , Zhang Ying , Matise Tara C. , Prentice Ross , Reiner Alexander P. , Kooperberg Charles
Published: March 2012

Background—

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified loci associated with ischemic stroke (IS) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in European-descent individuals, but their replication in different populations has been largely unexplored.

Methods and Results—

Nine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) selected from GWAS and meta-analyses of stroke, and 86 SNPs previously associated with myocardial infarction and CVD risk factors, including blood lipids (high density lipoprotein [HDL], low density lipoprotein [LDL], and triglycerides), type 2 diabetes, and body mass index (BMI), were investigated for associations with incident IS in European Americans (EA) N=26 276, African-Americans (AA) N=8970, and American Indians (AI) N=3570 from the Population Architecture using Genomics and Epidemiology Study. Ancestry-specific fixed effects meta-analysis with inverse variance weighting was used to combine study-specific log hazard ratios from Cox proportional hazards models. Two of 9 stroke SNPs (rs783396 and rs1804689) were associated with increased IS hazard in AA; none were significant in this large EA cohort. Of 73 CVD risk factor SNPs tested in EA, 2 (HDL and triglycerides SNPs) were associated with IS. In AA, SNPs associated with LDL, HDL, and BMI were significantly associated with IS (3 of 86 SNPs tested). Out of 58 SNPs tested in AI, 1 LDL SNP was significantly associated with IS.

Conclusions—

Our analyses showing lack of replication in spite of reasonable power for many stroke SNPs and differing results by ancestry highlight the need to follow up on GWAS findings and conduct genetic association studies in diverse populations. We found modest IS associations with BMI and lipids SNPs, though these findings require confirmation.
Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acids Contribute With Altered Nitric Oxide and Endothelin-1 Pathways to Conduit Artery Endothelial Dysfunction in Essential Hypertension
Authors: Bellien Jeremy , Iacob Michele , Remy-Jouet Isabelle , Lucas Daniele , Monteil Christelle , Gutierrez Laurence , Vendeville Cathy , Dreano Yvonne , Mercier Alain , Thuillez Christian , Joannides Robinson
Published: March 2012

Background—

We sought to clarify, using functional and biological approaches, the role of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, nitric oxide (NO)/reactive oxygen species balance, and endothelin-1 in conduit artery endothelial dysfunction during essential hypertension.

Methods and Results—

Radial artery diameter and mean wall shear stress were determined in 28 untreated patients with essential hypertension and 30 normotensive control subjects during endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilatation induced by hand skin heating. The role of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids and NO was assessed with the brachial infusion of inhibitors of cytochrome P450 epoxygenases (fluconazole) and NO synthase (
N
G
-monomethyl-
l
-arginine [L-NMMA]). Compared with controls, hypertensive patients exhibited a decreased flow-mediated dilatation in response to postischemic hyperemia as well as to heating, as shown by the lesser slope of their diameter–shear stress relationship. In controls, heating-induced flow-mediated dilatation was reduced by fluconazole, L-NMMA, and, to a larger extent, by L-NMMA+fluconazole. In patients, flow-mediated dilatation was not affected by fluconazole and was reduced by L-NMMA and L-NMMA+fluconazole to a lesser extent than in controls. Furthermore, local plasma epoxyeicosatrienoic acids increased during heating in controls (an effect diminished by fluconazole) but not in patients. Plasma nitrite, an indicator of NO availability, increased during heating in controls (an effect abolished by L-NMMA) and, to a lesser extent, in patients, whereas, inversely, reactive oxygen species increased more in patients (an effect diminished by L-NMMA). Plasma endothelin-1 decreased during heating in controls but not in patients.

Conclusions—

These results show that an impaired role of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids contributes, together with an alteration in NO/reactive oxygen species balance and endothelin-1 pathway, to conduit artery endothelial dysfunction in essential hypertension.

Clinical Trial Registration—

https://www.eudract.ema.europa.eu
. Unique identifier: RCB2007-A001–10-53.
Computational Aesthetics: On the Complexity of Computer-Generated Paintings
Authors: Zhang Kang , Harrell Stuart , Ji Xin
Published: March 2012

This article discusses how visual arts and computer technology could complement and assist each other in new and emerging interdisciplinary areas known as computational aesthetics and aesthetic computing. The authors present examples of computational aesthetics that demonstrate that modern computer technology can generate aesthetic forms of visual art. Several levels of complexity in computerized abstract paintings are discussed and explored. The authors recently experimented with encoding computational rules to automatically generate a particular style of abstract painting in an attempt to explore one of the levels. The preliminary results of this research are presented. A more systematic and grammar-based approach is discussed as a potential future direction of work.
Artfacts.Net
Authors: Claassen Marek
Published: March 2012

The author posits that the vast majority of people have little confidence about the “value” they should attribute to contemporary artworks. Many people are seduced into confusing worth with material production, with auction sales records, cult of celebrity, and endless gossip. People are unable to analyze the real activities of artists, their sales and exhibitions, from the unsubstantiated catchphrases of media speculation. This article aims to help clarify the basic mechanisms of the contemporary art market and to enhance understanding through the means of econometrics.
A World Map of Knowledge in the Making: Wikipedia's Inter-Language Linkage as a Dependency Explorer of Global Knowledge Accumulation
Authors: Petzold T , Liao HT , Hartley J , Potts J
Published: March 2012

Analysis of Wikipedia's inter-language links provides insight into a new mechanism of knowledge sharing and linking worldwide.
Out of Doors: Works of the Listening Eye
Authors: Flevotomos Fotis
Published: March 2012

Visual artists often talk about music, yet rarely think about its “performative” aspect. In this article the author attempts to show why the consideration of this aspect of music and, in particular, of the way performing musicians respond to time, could be of benefit to painters - even to those who deal with traditional (purely spatial) themes. The author also explains how the notions of linear and continuous time, on which the article is based, influenced his latest work, Out of Doors.
Theoretical Issues of Sovereignty in Russia and Russian Law
Authors: Antonov Mikhail
Published: March 2012

This article examines the background and the framework of discussions about the concept of sovereignty and its limits. It begins with a short historical analysis of the processes which took place in Soviet Russia leading to the 'parade of sovereignties' in the early 1990s. Afterwards, the author sketches the different approaches and doctrines upheld by the Russian Constitutional Court in several landmark decisions concerning sovereignty problems. The article focuses on the vertical dimension of sovereignty, i.e., on different conceptions adopted by federal and regional powers in post-Soviet Russia regarding the legal status of the member-republics (subjects) of the Russian Federation. The development of the doctrine of the Constitutional Court of Russia in this matter is quite illustrative as to the legal arguments used to protect the integrity of the Russian Federation against the diverse disintegrative strategies pursued by the regions.
Der Dichter und zweimalige Proconsul Postumius Rufius Festus signo Avienius
Authors: Dorfbauer Lukas J.
Published: March 2012

Abstract

This paper presents a fresh discussion of the available information concerning the life of the late antique Roman aristocrat and poet Postumius Rufius FestussignoAvienius, formerly known under the erroneous name ‘Avienus’. His two proconsulships are tentatively assigned to the period between 333 and 336 (Africa) and to 339 / 40 (Achaea) and his major poems to the time between 340 and 360 / 3. Festus’ family connections and his relationship to Sextus Petronius Probus are discussed as well as the reason, why he came to be known as ‘Avienus’ in later times. In addition, an identification of two Anonymi fromPLREI is proposed (Anonymus 37 = Cezeus Largus; Anonymus 46 = Postumius Rufius FestussignoAvienius).
Hermagoras et la doctrine des ἀσύστατα (‘questions sans consistance’)
Authors: Woerther Frédérique
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Following Thiele, Matthes attributed the doctrine of ἀσύστατα (‘unresolvable questions’) to Hermagoras of Temnos (2nd century BCE). Precise analysis and evaluation of the four pertinent testimonies that Matthes assigns to Hermagoras in his edition shed doubt on that attribution. Based on a new argument I propose that only two of these four testimonies should be retained in a forthcoming edition of the fragments of Hermagoras. I also argue that the doctrine of ἀσύστατα is most likely later than the second century BCE. Either that doctrine should be assigned to the younger Hermagoras (2nd century CE), whose theories reached later Latin rhetoricians by a route that is no longer traceable, or the ἀσύστατα doctrine was assigned to a rhetorician of the name Hermagoras by a false supposition or simple error of the common source of the two retained testimonies.
Mircea Eliade et le « nouvel homme » à la chemise verte
Authors: Gardaz Michel
Published: March 2012

Résumé

Il est presque impossible d’écrire sur l’œuvre de Mircea Eliade sans aborder l’épineuse question de son engagement politique et de son influence sur sa conception de l’histoire des religions. Comme nous le démontrerons dans cet article, le concept de « l’homme nouveau » élaboré par le savant roumain possède les mêmes caractéristiques que celui théorisé par Corneliu Zelea Codreanu, le fondateur de la Légion de l’Archange Michel. Eliade adhère, durant sa jeunesse, à l’idéal politique mis de l’avant par le fondateur du mouvement fasciste roumain et sert de porte-voix idéologique à certains éléments doctrinaires de la pensée politique de Codreanu. Dans un premier temps, nous discuterons de la quête paneuropéenne du « nouvel homme » durant les années 1930. Dans un deuxième temps, nous proposons une reconstitution des grandes lignes de l’histoire de l’engagement d’Eliade auprès de la Garde de Fer. Dans un troisième temps, nous analyserons la conception de « « l’homme nouveau » de Codreanu, puis les correspondances avec le modèle éliadien. Enfin, nous examinerons l’idée du « nouvel humanisme » élaboré par le savant roumain durant les années 1960 afin de retrouver d’éventuelles traces idéologiques de « l’homme nouveau ».