bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactions of the Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Nuclear Egress Complex: ORF69 Is a Potent Factor for Remodeling Cellular Membranes
Authors: Luitweiler Eric M. , Henson Brandon W. , Pryce Erin N. , Patel Varun , Coombs Gavin , McCaffery J. Michael , Desai Prashant J.
Published: January 2013

All herpesviruses encode a complex of two proteins, referred to as the nuclear egress complex (NEC), which together facilitate the exit of assembled capsids from the nucleus. Previously, we showed that the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) NEC specified by the ORF67 and ORF69 genes when expressed in insect cells using baculoviruses for protein expression forms a complex at the nuclear membrane and remodels these membranes to generate nuclear membrane-derived vesicles. In this study, we have analyzed the functional domains of the KSHV NEC proteins and their interactions. Site-directed mutagenesis of gammaherpesvirus conserved residues revealed functional domains of these two proteins, which in many cases abolish the formation of the NEC and remodeling of nuclear membranes. Small in-frame deletions within ORF67 in all cases result in loss of the ability of the mutant protein to induce cellular membrane proliferation as well as to interact with ORF69. Truncation of the C terminus of ORF67 that resides in the perinuclear space does not impair the functions of ORF67; however, deletion of the transmembrane domain of ORF67 produces a protein that cannot induce membrane proliferation but can still interact with ORF69 in the nucleus and can be tethered to the nuclear membrane by virtue of its interaction with the wild-type-membrane-anchored ORF67. In-frame deletions in ORF69 have varied effects on NEC formation, but all abolish remodeling of nuclear membranes into circular structures. One mutant interacts with ORF67 as well as the wild-type protein but cannot function in membrane curvature and fission events that generate circular vesicles. These studies genetically confirm that ORF67 is required for cellular membrane proliferation and that ORF69 is the factor required to remodel these duplicated membranes into circular-virion-size vesicles. Furthermore, we also investigated the NEC encoded by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The EBV complex comprised of BFRF1 and BFLF2 was visualized at the nuclear membrane using autofluorescent protein fusions. BFRF1 is a potent inducer of membrane proliferation; however, BFLF2 cannot remodel these membranes into circular structures. What was evident is the superior remodeling activity of ORF69, which could convert the host membrane proliferations induced by BFRF1 into circular structures.
Human Papillomavirus Episome Stability Is Reduced by Aphidicolin and Controlled by DNA Damage Response Pathways
Authors: Edwards Terri G. , Helmus Michael J. , Koeller Kevin , Bashkin James K. , Fisher Chris
Published: January 2013

A highly reproducible quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) assay was used to study the stability of human papillomavirus (HPV) in undifferentiated keratinocytes that maintain viral episomes. The term “stability” refers to the ability of episomes to persist with little copy number variation in cells. In investigating the mechanism of action of PA25, a previously published compound that destabilizes HPV episomes, aphidicolin was also found to markedly decrease episome levels, but via a different pathway from that of PA25. Since aphidicolin is known to activate DNA damage response (DDR) pathways, effects of inhibitors and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) acting within DDR pathways were investigated. Inhibitors of Chk1 and siRNA directed against ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and ataxia-telangiectasia Rad3-related (ATR) pathways significantly reduced viral episomes, suggesting that these pathways play a role in maintaining HPV episome stability. Inhibitors of Chk2 and DNA-PK had no effect on episome levels. Pharmacological inhibition of ATM proteins had no effect on episome levels, but ATM knockdown by siRNA significantly reduced episome levels, suggesting that ATM proteins are playing an important role in HPV episome stability that does not require kinase activity. These results outline two pathways that trigger episome loss from cells and suggest the existence of a little-understood mechanism that mediates viral DNA elimination. Together, our results also indicate that HPV episomes have a stability profile that is remarkably similar to that of fragile sites; these similarities are outlined and discussed. This close correspondence may influence the preference of HPV for integration into fragile sites.
Black Oesophagus
Authors: Pereira Olga , Figueira-Coelho João , Picado Bárbara , Costa José Neves
Published: January 2013

Acute oesophageal necrosis, also known as ‘Black Oesophagus’, is a rare endoscopic finding since its first description by Goldenberg in 1990. In endoscopic studies, the frequency ranged from 0.01% to 0.2%. The aetiology is undefined and is probably multifactorial. A 62-year-old woman, with chronic alcoholism, was admitted to the internal medicine department for dehydration and marked malnutrition problems. Melaena was detected, and oesophagogastroduodenoscopy showed black mucosa of the lower two-thirds of the oesophagus and candidiasis. The patient gradually recovered after conservative treatments (intravenous proton pump inhibitor and total parental nutrition) and fluconazole. Oesophagus stricture was developed after 1 month, and balloon dilatation was performed successfully.
Methodology of a large prospective, randomised, open, blinded endpoint streamlined safety study of celecoxib versus traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis: protocol of the standard care versus celecoxib outcome trial (SCOT)
Authors: MacDonald Thomas M , Mackenzie Isla S , Wei Li , Hawkey Christopher J , Ford Ian
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibitors have less upper gastrointestinal toxicity than traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, both COX-2 inhibitors and traditional NSAIDs may be associated with adverse cardiovascular side effects. Data from randomised and observational studies suggest that celecoxib has similar cardiovascular toxicity to traditional NSAIDs. The overall safety balance of a strategy of celecoxib therapy versus traditional NSAID therapy is unknown. The European Medicines Agency  requested studies of the cardiovascular safety of celecoxib within Europe. The Standard care versus Celecoxib Outcome Trial (SCOT) compares the cardiovascular safety of celecoxib with traditional NSAID therapy in the setting of the European Union healthcare system.

Methods and analysis

SCOT is a large streamlined safety study conducted in Scotland, England, Denmark and the Netherlands using the Prospective Randomised Open Blinded Endpoint design. Patients aged over 60 years with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, free from established cardiovascular disease and requiring chronic NSAID therapy, are randomised to celecoxib or their previous traditional NSAID. They are then followed up for events by record-linkage within their normal healthcare setting. The hypothesis is non-inferiority with a confidence limit of 1.4. The primary endpoint is the first occurrence of hospitalisation or death for the Anti-Platelet Trialists’ Collaboration (APTC) cardiovascular endpoint of non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke or cardiovascular death. Secondary endpoints are (1) first hospitalisation or death for upper gastrointestinal ulcer complications (bleeding, perforation or obstruction); (2) first occurrence of hospitalised upper gastrointestinal ulcer complications or APTC endpoint; (3) first hospitalisation for heart failure; (4) first hospitalisation for APTC endpoint plus heart failure; (5) all-cause mortality and (6) first hospitalisation for new or worsening renal failure.

Ethics and dissemination

SCOT has been approved by the relevant ethics committees. The trial results will be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Clinical trials registration number

Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00447759).
Management of vasospasm in ruptured unsecured intracranial vascular lesions: review of 10 cases
Authors: Serrone Joseph , Jimenez Lincoln , Andaluz Norberto , Abruzzo Todd A , Zuccarello Mario , Ringer Andrew J
Published: January 2013

Introduction

Risks associated with endovascular management remain unaddressed for post-hemorrhagic cerebral vasospasm (PHCV) caused by pathologies that cannot be secured or identified before vasospasm treatment. This retrospective study reviews our 10 year experience in the difficult scenario of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) with vasospasm, including intra-arterial vasodilators or percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) to vessels feeding a ruptured unsecured lesion.

Methods

10 SAH patients with ruptured unsecured vascular lesions underwent 44 endovascular treatments for PHCV (2002–2011). We defined unsecured as an untreated aneurysm/dissection, incompletely coiled aneurysm, dissection covered with self-expanding nitinol stents, or angiographically negative SAH. Treatments were categorized by location of the ruptured unsecured (partial or complete) lesion relative to the vessel treated for vasospasm.

Results

Our 10 patients with four aneurysms, four dissections, and two angiographically negative SAH accounted for 10.3% of SAH patients who underwent angiography for vasospasm. No procedure related complications occurred when treating vessels not supplying the index lesion or with angiographically negative SAH. Of the endovascular treated vessels supplying partially secured lesions, one (6.3%) fatal complication occurred; none of these patients receiving only vasodilators had complications. With endovascular treatment of PHCV with completely unsecured lesions, one (33%) complication was fatal.

Conclusions

Endovascular treatment appeared safe for PHCV for vessels not supplying the index arterial lesion and for angiographically negative SAH. Vasodilators were safe for vessels harboring partially secured, ruptured lesions (eg, incompletely coiled aneurysms, stented dissections). Following two major complications, the safety of administering vasodilators or performing PTA to vessels supplying completely unsecured vascular lesions remains inconclusive and should be used cautiously.
Intestinal clostridial counts have no diagnostic value in the diagnosis of enterotoxaemia in veal calves
Authors: Valgaeren B. R. , Pardon B. , Verherstraeten S. , Goossens E. , Timbermont L. , Haesebrouck F. , Ducatelle R. , Deprez P. R. , Van Immerseel F.
Published: January 2013

Enterotoxaemia is an important cause of sudden death in veal calves. This study aimed to evaluate intestinal Clostridium perfringens counts as a diagnostic tool for enterotoxaemia. Field necropsies were conducted on 48 sudden death cases in Belgian Blue veal farms. In 31/48 suddenly deceased calves, the diagnosis of enterotoxaemia was made based on haemorrhagic lesions in the small intestines, while in seven of these cases, no clear‐cut diagnosis could be made based on macroscopic appearance of the gut. In the 10 remaining calves, a definitive cause of death other than enterotoxaemia could be identified. Samples of the intestinal content were taken for quantification of C perfringens. After matching cases and controls for diet, and the interval between death and sampling, no significant differences could be detected between the mean C perfringens counts of the small intestines in enterotoxaemia cases and counts in the matching segments in the control group. These results indicate that intestinal C perfringens counts cannot be advised as a discriminative postmortem diagnostic tool for enterotoxaemia in veal calves, not even when sampled within three hours after death.
Point particles in 2+1 dimensions: toward a semiclassical loop gravity formulation
Authors: Ziprick Jonathan
Published: January 2013

We study point particles in 2+1-dimensional first-order gravity using triangulation to fix the connection and frame-field. The Hamiltonian is reduced to a boundary term, which yields the total mass. The triangulation is dynamical with nontrivial transitions occurring when a particle meets an edge. This framework facilitates a description in terms of the loop gravity phase space.
ON THE EDGE OF DECIDABILITY IN COMPLEXITY ANALYSIS OF LOOP PROGRAMS
Authors: BEN-AMRAM AMIR M. , KRISTIANSEN LARS
Published: January 2013

We investigate the decidability of the feasibility problem for imperative programs with bounded loops. A program is called feasible if all values it computes are polynomially bounded in terms of the input. The feasibility problem is representative of a group of related properties, like that of polynomial time complexity. It is well known that such properties are undecidable for a Turing-complete programming language. They may be decidable, however, for languages that are not Turing-complete. But if these languages are expressive enough, they do pose a challenge for analysis. We are interested in tracing the edge of decidability for the feasibility problem and similar problems.

In previous work, we proved that such problems are decidable for a language where loops are bounded but indefinite (that is, the loops may exit before completing the given iteration count). In this paper, we consider definite loops. A second language feature that we vary, is the kind of assignment statements. With ordinary assignment, we prove undecidability of a very tiny language fragment. We also prove undecidability with lossy assignment (that is, assignments where the modified variable may receive any value bounded by the given expression, even zero). But we prove decidability with max assignments (that is, assignments where the modified variable never decreases its value).
ON STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF INTERACTING BEHAVIORAL PETRI NETS FOR DISTRIBUTED CAUSAL MODEL-BASED DIAGNOSIS
Authors: BENNOUI HAMMADI , CHAOUI ALLAOUA , BARKAOUI KAMEL
Published: January 2013

This paper deals with the problem of distributed causal model-based diagnosis on interacting Behavioral Petri Nets (BPNs). The system to be diagnosed comprises different interacting subsystems (each modeled as a BPN) and the diagnostic system is defined as a multi-agent system where each agent is designed to diagnose a particular subsystem on the basis of its local model, the local received observation and the information exchanged with the neighboring agents. The interactions between subsystems are captured by tokens that may pass from one net model to another via bordered places. The diagnostic reasoning scheme is accomplished locally within each agent by analyzing the P-invariants of the corresponding BPN model. Once local diagnoses are obtained, agents begin to communicate to ensure that such diagnoses are consistent and recover completely the results obtained by a centralized agent having a global view about the whole system.
JUMPING FINITE AUTOMATA
Authors: MEDUNA ALEXANDER , ZEMEK PETR
Published: January 2013

The present paper proposes a new investigation area in automata theory — jumping finite automata. These automata work like classical finite automata except that they read input words discontinuously — that is, after reading a symbol, they can jump over some symbols within the words and continue their computation from there. The paper establishes several results concerning jumping finite automata in terms of commonly investigated areas of automata theory, such as decidability and closure properties. Most importantly, it achieves several results that demonstrate differences between jumping finite automata and classical finite automata. In its conclusion, the paper formulates several open problems and suggests future investigation areas.
USING STATISTICAL MEASURES FOR FEATURE RANKING
Authors: MANSOORI EGHBAL G.
Published: January 2013

Feature ranking is a fundamental preprocess for feature selection, before performing any data mining task. Essentially, when there are too many features in the problem, dimensionality reduction through discarding weak features is highly desirable. In this paper, we have developed an efficient feature ranking algorithm for selecting the more relevant features prior to derivation of classification predictors. Regardless the ranking criteria which rely on the training error of a predictor based on a feature, our approach is distance-based, employing only the statistical distribution of classes in each feature. It uses a scoring function as ranking criterion to evaluate the correlation measure between each feature and the classes. This function comprises three measures for each class: the statistical between-class distance, the interclass overlapping measure, and an estimate of class impurity. In order to compute the statistical parameters, used in these measures, a normalized form of histogram, obtained for each class, is employed as its a priori probability density. Since the proposed algorithm examines each feature individually, it provides a fast and cost-effective method for feature ranking. We have tested the effectiveness of our approach on some benchmark data sets with high dimensions. For this purpose, some top-ranked features are selected and are used in some rule-based classifiers as the target data mining task. Comparing with some popular feature ranking methods, the experimental results show that our approach has better performance as it can identify the more relevant features eventuate to lower classification error.
FILTERING TERMS FROM THE WEB FOR IMAGE ANNOTATIONS
Authors: GONG ZHIGUO , GUO JINGZHI , TANG YUAN YAN , WANG PATRICK S. P.
Published: January 2013

In this paper, we propose a novel automatic image annotation model by mining the web. In our approach, the terms or words appearing in the associated text are extracted and filtered as labels or annotations for the corresponding web images. Sure, much noise exists in those selected labels. In order to reduce the influence caused by the noisy labels, for each label or potential word, we improve web image-word relationships using Mixture Gaussian Distribution Model. By doing so, the relationships between words and images are re-weighted both in terms of sematic relevance and in terms of visual feature similarity. In fact, all the words associated to an image are not semantically independent. We use co-occurrences between two words to describe their semantic relevance. Thus, we further use a method, called Word Promotion, to co-enhance the weights of all the words associated to a given image based on their co-occurrences. Our experiments are conducted in several ways and the results show that our annotation method can achieve a satisfactory performance in respects of system scalability and sematic evolution.
SOME OPERATORS THAT PRESERVE THE LOCALITY OF A PSEUDOVARIETY OF SEMIGROUPS
Authors: COSTA ALFREDO , ESCADA ANA
Published: January 2013

It is shown that if 𝖵 is a local monoidal pseudovariety of semigroups, then 𝖪 ⓜ 𝖵, 𝖣 ⓜ 𝖵 and [Formula: see text] are local. Other operators of the form 𝖹 ⓜ(_) are considered. In the process, results about the interplay between operators 𝖹 ⓜ(_) and (_) * 𝖣k are obtained.
TAUTOMERISM IN NEUTRAL AND DEPROTONATED 6-AMINO-5-FORMYLURACILS: A PM3-COSMO APPROACH
Authors: JIMÉNEZ-PULIDO SONIA B. , ILLÁN-CABEZA NURIA A. , HUESO-UREÑA FRANCISCO , MORENO-CARRETERO MIGUEL N.
Published: January 2013

In order to identify the structure of the most stable tautomers of 6-amino-5-formyluracil and its N-methylated derivatives in different pH conditions, relative stabilities of potential tautomers in aqueous phase have been calculated taking into account the entropy effects over the tautomeric equilibria. In each medium, the tautomer with lower energy must be the most representative form at the corresponding pH and the knowledge of the effect of the medium in the tautomerization energies allows evaluating the possible effect of the medium over the molecular stability. The results show that, in aqueous phase, the order of basicity of protonation sites in the 6-amino-5-formyluracil derivatives is N 9 > ( N 3 > N 1) > ( O 8 > O 4 > O 2). The 6-amino-5-formyluracil derivatives act as an amino-formyl-keto tautomer with a strong imino character, although, upon successive deprotonations, a growing contribution of enolyzed forms which explain the increasing labilization of carbonyl bonds must be pointed out.
ON CONTINUOUS ASSUMED GRADIENT ELEMENTS OF SECOND ORDER
Authors: WOLFF SEBASTIAN , BUCHER CHRISTIAN
Published: January 2013

This paper presents and compares continuous assumed gradient (CAG) methods when applied to structural elasticity. CAG elements are finite elements where the strain, i.e., the deformation gradient, is replaced by a C0-continuous interpolation. Similar approaches are found in nodal integration and SFEM. Recently, interpolation schemes for a continuous assumed deformation gradient were proposed for first order tetrahedral and hexahedral finite elements. These schemes try to balance accuracy and numerical efficiency. At the same time, the stability of the interpolation with respect to hourglassing and spurious low energy modes is ensured. This paper recalls the fundamentals of CAG elements, i.e., the formulation and linearization. Furthermore, it extends the approach to second order finite elements. Examples prove convergence and accuracy of the quadratic elements. Two interpolation schemes, one being supported by finite element nodes and interior points and the other being a higher-order tensor-product polynomial, are identified to be most accurate.
Electrochemical and spectroscopic characterization of a dicobalt macrocyclic Pacman complex in the catalysis of the oxygen reduction reaction in acid media
Authors: He Qinggang , Cheng Xiao , Wang Ying , Qiao Ruimin , Yang Wanli , Guo Jinghua
Published: January 2013

The dicobalt complex [ Co2(L2) ] of a Schiff-base pyrrole macrocycle adopts a Pacman structure in solution and the solid state and shows much greater catalytic activity and selectivity for the four-electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) than the mononuclear cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) counterpart. Soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) shows that the Co center in Co2(L2) is of the same valence as mononuclear CoPc . However, the former complex shows higher unoccupied Co 3d density which is believed to be beneficial for electron transfers. Furthermore, the XAS data suggests that the crystal fields for Co2(L2) and CoPc are different, and that an interaction remains between two Co atoms in Co2(L2) . DFT calculations imply that the sterically hindered, cofacial structure of the dicobalt complex is critical for the operation of the four-electron reaction pathway during the ORR.
NUMERICAL INVESTIGATION OF INFLUENCING PARAMETER OF IMPERFECTIONS ON THIN SHORT CARBON STEEL CYLINDRICAL SHELL UNDER AXIAL COMPRESSION
Authors: PRABU B.
Published: January 2013

Thin cylindrical shell structures have wide variety of applications due to their favorable stiffness-to-mass ratio and under axial compressive loading, these shell structures fail by their buckling instability. Hence, their load carrying capacity is decided by its buckling strength which in turn predominantly depends on the geometrical imperfections present on the shell structure. The main aim of the present study is to determine the more influential geometrical parameter out of two geometrical imperfection parameters namely, "the extent of imperfection present over a surface area" and its "amplitude". To account for these geometrical parameters simultaneously, the imperfection pattern is assumed as a dent having the shape of extent of surface area as a nearly square. The side length of extent of surface area can be considered as proportional to extent of imperfection present over an area and the dent depth can be considered as proportional to amplitude of imperfections. For the present numerical study, FE models of thin short carbon steel perfect cylindrical shells with different sizes of dent are generated at 1/3rd and half the height of cylindrical shells and analyzed using ANSYS nonlinear FE buckling analysis.
The world pandemic of vitamin D deficiency could possibly be explained by cellular inflammatory response activity induced by the renin-angiotensin system
Authors: Ferder Marcelo , Inserra Felipe , Manucha Walter , Ferder León
Published: January 2013

This review attempts to show that there may be a relationship between inflammatory processes induced by chronic overstimulation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and the worldwide deficiency of vitamin D (VitD) and that both disorders are probably associated with environmental factors. Low VitD levels represent a risk factor for several apparently different diseases, such as infectious, autoimmune, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular diseases, as well as diabetes, osteoporosis, and cancer. Moreover, VitD insufficiency seems to predispose to hypertension, metabolic syndrome, left ventricular hypertrophy, heart failure, and chronic vascular inflammation. On the other hand, inappropriate stimulation of the RAS has also been associated with the pathogenesis of hypertension, heart attack, stroke, and hypertrophy of the left ventricle and vascular smooth muscle cells. Because VitD receptors (VDRs) and RAS receptors are almost distributed in the same tissues, a possible link between VitD and the RAS is even more plausible. Furthermore, from an evolutionary point of view, both systems were developed simultaneously, actively participating in the regulation of inflammatory and immunological mechanisms. Changes in RAS activity and activation of the VDR seem to be inversely related; thus any changes in one of these systems would have a completely opposite effect on the other, making it possible to speculate that the two systems could have a feedback relationship. In fact, the pandemic of VitD deficiency could be the other face of increased RAS activity, which probably causes lower activity or lower levels of VitD. Finally, from a therapeutic point of view, the combination of RAS blockade and VDR stimulation appears to be more effective than either RAS blockade or VDR stimulation individually.
Brief light stimulation during the mouse nocturnal activity phase simultaneously induces a decline in core temperature and locomotor activity followed by EEG-determined sleep
Authors: Studholme Keith M. , Gompf Heinrich S. , Morin Lawrence P.
Published: January 2013

Light exerts a variety of effects on mammals. Unexpectedly, one of these effects is the cessation of nocturnal locomotion and the induction of behavioral sleep (photosomnolence). Here, we extend the initial observations in several ways, including the fundamental demonstration that core body temperature (Tc) drops substantially (about 1.5°C) in response to the light stimulation at CT15 or CT18 in a manner suggesting that the change is a direct response to light rather than simply a result of the locomotor suppression. The results show that 1) the decline of locomotion and Tc begin soon after nocturnal light stimulation; 2) the variability in the magnitude and onset of light-induced locomotor suppression is very large, whereas the variability in Tc is very small; 3) Tc recovers from the light-induced decline in advance of the recovery of locomotion; 4) under entrained and freerunning conditions, the daily late afternoon Tc increase occurs in advance of the corresponding increase in wheel running; and 5) toward the end of the subjective night, the nocturnally elevated Tc persists longer than does locomotor activity. Finally, EEG measurements confirm light-induced sleep and, when Tc or locomotion was measured, show their temporal association with sleep onset. Both EEG- and immobility-based sleep detection methods confirm rapid induction of light-induced sleep. The similarities between light-induced loss of locomotion and drop in Tc suggest a common cause for parallel responses. The photosomnolence response may be contingent upon both the absence of locomotion and a simultaneous low Tc.
Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibition attenuates early renal ischemia-reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury: assessment by quantitative measurement of urinary NGAL and KIM-1
Authors: Sohotnik Rima , Nativ Omri , Abbasi Abeer , Awad Hoda , Frajewicki Victor , Bishara Bishara , Sukhotnik Igor , Armaly Zaher , Aronson Doron , Heyman Samuel N. , Nativ Ofer , Abassi Zaid
Published: January 2013

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical problem that still lacks effective treatment. Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors possess anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidant properties, making it a promising therapy for ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury of various organs. The present study evaluated the early nephroprotective effects of Tadalafil, a PDE5 inhibitor, in an experimental model of renal I/R. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups: vehicle-treated I/R ( n = 10), and Tadalafil (10 mg/kg po)-treated I/R group ( n = 11). After removal of the right kidney and collection of two baseline urine samples, the left renal artery was clamped for 45 min followed by reperfusion for 60, 120, 180, and 240 min. Functional and histological parameters of the kidneys from the various groups were determined. In the vehicle-treated I/R group, glomerular filtration rate was significantly reduced compared with that in normal kidneys. In addition, the ischemic kidney showed remarkable cast formation, necrosis, and congestion, a consistent pattern of acute tubular necrosis. Furthermore, urinary excretion of NGAL and KIM-1, two novel biomarkers of kidney injury, substantially increased following I/R insult. In contrast, Tadalafil treatment resulted in a significant improvement in kidney function and amelioration of the adverse histological alterations of the ischemic kidney. Noteworthy, the urinary excretion of NGAL and KIM-1 markedly decreased in the Tadalafil-treated I/R group. These findings demonstrate that Tadalafil possesses early nephroprotective effects in rat kidneys subjected to I/R insult. This approach may suggest a prophylactic therapy for patients with ischemic AKI.
Common mechanisms regulating dark noise and quantum bump amplification inDrosophilaphotoreceptors
Authors: Chu Brian , Liu Che-Hsiung , Sengupta Sukanya , Gupta Amit , Raghu Padinjat , Hardie Roger C.
Published: January 2013

Absolute visual thresholds are limited by “dark noise,” which in Drosophila photoreceptors is dominated by brief (∼10 ms), small (∼2 pA) inward current events, occurring at ∼2/s, believed to reflect spontaneous G protein activations. These dark events were increased in rate and amplitude by a point mutation in myosin III (NINAC), which disrupts its interaction with the scaffolding protein, INAD. This phenotype mimics that previously described in null mutants of ninaC (no inactivation no afterpotential; encoding myosin III) and an associated protein, retinophilin ( rtp). Dark noise was similarly increased in heterozygote mutants of diacylglycerol kinase ( rdgA/+). Dark noise in ninaC, rtp, and rdgA/+ mutants was greatly suppressed by mutations of the Gqα-subunit ( Gα q) and the major light-sensitive channel ( trp) but not rhodopsin. ninaC, rtp, and rdgA/+ mutations also all facilitated residual light responses in Gα q and PLC hypomorphs. Raising cytosolic Ca2+in the submicromolar range increased dark noise, facilitated activation of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels by exogenous agonist, and again facilitated light responses in Gα q hypomorphs. Our results indicate that RTP, NINAC, INAD, and diacylglycerol kinase, together with a Ca2+-dependent threshold, share common roles in suppressing dark noise and regulating quantum bump generation; consequently, most spontaneous G protein activations fail to generate dark events under normal conditions. By contrast, quantum bump generation is reliable but delayed until sufficient G proteins and PLC are activated to overcome threshold, thereby ensuring generation of full-size bumps with high quantum efficiency.
Removal of supraspinal input reveals a difference in the flexor and extensor monosynaptic reflex response to quipazine independent of motoneuron excitation
Authors: Chopek Jeremy W. , MacDonell Christopher W. , Power Kevin E. , Gardiner Kalan , Gardiner Phillip F.
Published: January 2013

The purpose of this study was to determine if quipazine, a serotonergic agonist, differentially modulates flexor and extensor motor output. This was achieved by examining the monosynaptic reflex (MSR) of the tibial (extensor) and peroneal (flexor) nerves, by determining the basic and rhythmic properties of extensor and flexor motoneurons, and by recording extracellular Ia field potentials of the tibial and peroneal nerves in the in vivo adult decerebrate rat in both spinal intact and acute spinalized preparations. In the spinal intact preparation, the tibial and peroneal MSR amplitude significantly increased compared with baseline in response to quipazine, with no difference between nerves ( P < 0.05). In the spinalized preparation, the MSR was significantly increased in both the tibial and peroneal nerves with the latter increasing more than the former (5.7 vs. 3.6 times; P < 0.05). Intracellular motoneuron experiments demonstrated that rheobase decreased, while input resistance, afterhyperpolarization amplitude, and the firing rate at a given current injection increased in motoneurons following quipazine administration with no differences between extensor and flexor motoneurons. Both the tibial and peroneal nerve extracellular Ia field potentials increased with the peroneal demonstrating a significantly greater increase (7 vs. 38%; P < 0.05) following quipazine. It is concluded that in the spinal intact preparation quipazine does not have a differential effect on flexor or extensor motor output. However, in the acute spinalized preparation, quipazine preferentially affects the flexor MSR compared with the extensor MSR, likely due to the removal of a descending tonic inhibition on flexor Ia afferents.
Predictive encoding of moving target trajectory by neurons in the parabigeminal nucleus
Authors: Ma Rui , Cui He , Lee Sang-Hun , Anastasio Thomas J. , Malpeli Joseph G.
Published: January 2013

Intercepting momentarily invisible moving objects requires internally generated estimations of target trajectory. We demonstrate here that the parabigeminal nucleus (PBN) encodes such estimations, combining sensory representations of target location, extrapolated positions of briefly obscured targets, and eye position information. Cui and Malpeli (Cui H, Malpeli JG. J Neurophysiol 89: 3128–3142, 2003) reported that PBN activity for continuously visible tracked targets is determined by retinotopic target position. Here we show that when cats tracked moving, blinking targets the relationship between activity and target position was similar for ON and OFF phases (400 ms for each phase). The dynamic range of activity evoked by virtual targets was 94% of that of real targets for the first 200 ms after target offset and 64% for the next 200 ms. Activity peaked at about the same best target position for both real and virtual targets. PBN encoding of target position takes into account changes in eye position resulting from saccades, even without visual feedback. Since PBN response fields are retinotopically organized, our results suggest that activity foci associated with real and virtual targets at a given target position lie in the same physical location in the PBN, i.e., a retinotopic as well as a rate encoding of virtual-target position. We also confirm that PBN activity is specific to the intended target of a saccade and is predictive of which target will be chosen if two are offered. A Bayesian predictor-corrector model is presented that conceptually explains the differences in the dynamic ranges of PBN neuronal activity evoked during tracking of real and virtual targets.
Operations on Soft Sets Revisited
Authors: Zhu Ping , Wen Qiaoyan
Published: January 2013

The concept of soft sets introduced by Molodtsov is a general mathematical tool for dealing with uncertainty. Just as the conventional set-theoretic operations of intersection, union, complement, and difference, some corresponding operations on soft sets have been proposed. Unfortunately, such operations cannot keep all classical set-theoretic laws true for soft sets. In this paper, we redefine the intersection, complement, and difference of soft sets and investigate the algebraic properties of these operations along with a known union operation. We find that the new operation system on soft sets inherits all basic properties of operations on classical sets, which justifies our definitions.
Normal Family of Meromorphic Functions concerning Shared Values
Authors: Chen Wei , Tian Honggen , Zhang Yingying , Yuan Wenjun
Published: January 2013

We obtain a normal criterion of meromorphic functions concerning, shared values. Let ℱ be a family of meromorphic functions in a domain D and let k,n≥k+2 be positive integers. Let a≠0,b be two finite complex constants. If, for each f∈ℱ, all zeros of f have multiplicity at least k+1 and f+a(f(k))n and g+a(g(k))n share b in D for every pair of functions f,g∈ℱ, then ℱ is normal in D. This result generalizes the related theorem according to Xu et al. and Qi et al., respectively. There is a gap in the proofs of Lemma 3 by Wang (2012) and Theorem 1 by Zhang (2008), respectively. They did not consider the case of f(z) being zerofree. We will fill the gap in this paper.
Phenomenological Description of Neutron Capture Cross Sections at 30 keV
Authors: Kiss M. , Trócsányi Z.
Published: January 2013

Studying the published values of Maxwellian-averaged neutron capture cross sections, we found simple phenomenological rules obeyed by the cross sections as a function of proton and neutron numbers. We use these rules to make predictions for cross sections of neutron capture on nuclei with proton number above 83, where very few MACS data are available. These predictions may be useful in certain models of nucleosynthesis of heavy nuclei in stars.
Multiple Myeloma Macrophages: Pivotal Players in the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Berardi Simona , Ria Roberto , Reale Antonia , De Luisi Annunziata , Catacchio Ivana , Moschetta Michele , Vacca Angelo
Published: January 2013

Tumor microenvironment is essential for multiple myeloma (MM) growth, progression, and drug resistance through provision of survival signals and secretion of growth and proangiogenic factors. This paper examines the importance of macrophages within MM bone marrow (BM) microenvironment, referred to as MM-associated macrophages, as a potential niche component that supports tumor plasma cells. These macrophages are derived from peripheral blood monocytes recruited into the tumor. Upon activation by MM plasma cells and mesenchymal stromal cells, macrophages can release growth factors, proteolytic enzymes, cytokines, and inflammatory mediators that promote plasma cell growth and survival. Macrophages promote tumor progression through several mechanisms including angiogenesis, growth, and drug resistance. Indeed, these macrophages are essential for the induction of an angiogenic response through vasculogenic mimicry, and this ability proceeds in step with progression of the plasma cell tumors. Data suggest that macrophages play an important role in the biology and survival of patients with MM, and they may be a target for the MM antivascular management.
Acute Effects of Two Angiotensin Receptor Blockers on Vascular Hemodynamics, Arterial Stiffness, and Oxidative Stress in Patients with Mild to Moderate Hypertension: An Open Label Parallel Group Study
Authors: Pathapati Rama Mohan , Rajesh Kumar Meriga , Chirra Bhakthavatsala Reddy , Buchineni Madhavulu , TR Sujith , Devaraju Sreebhushan Raju , Naidu M. U. R.
Published: January 2013

Introduction. We studied the acute effects of Olmesartan and Telmisartan at baseline and at the end of four weeks on indices of hemodynamics (heart rate HR, blood pressure BP), vascular (carotid femoral pulse wave velocity cf PWV, digital arterial tone expressed as Reflection index RI, and endothelial dependent vasodilator response EDVR), and oxidative stress (serum Malondialdehyde MDA) in hypertensive patients. Materials and Methods. The eligible patients were randomly allocated to either 20 mg Olmesartan or 40 mg Telmisartan. Results. 40 subjects received Olmesartan, and 29 received Telmisartan. After four weeks of treatment the mean changes from baseline in the Olmesartan group versus Telmisartan group are SBP -9.8±10 versus -6.3±12 mm Hg, P=0.24; DBP -6.1±11 versus -4.2±12.5 mm Hg, P=0.55; cf PWV -1.6±1.2 versus -0.9±1.4 m/s, P=0.04; EDVR -8.2±5.2 versus -5.2±5.7%, P=0.04; and MDA -1.9±1.1 versus -1.2±1.2 ηMol/mL, P=0.03. Conclusion. Olmesartan showed a better improvement in cf PWV, EDVR, and MDA than Telmisartan with an identical reduction in blood pressure.
The Effect of Simplifying Dental Implant Drilling Sequence on Osseointegration: An Experimental Study in Dogs
Authors: Giro Gabriela , Tovar Nick , Marin Charles , Bonfante Estevam A. , Jimbo Ryo , Suzuki Marcelo , Janal Malvin N. , Coelho Paulo G.
Published: January 2013

Objectives. To test the hypothesis that there would be no differences in osseointegration by reducing the number of drills for site preparation relative to conventional drilling sequence.Methods. Seventy-two implants were bilaterally placed in the tibia of 18 beagle dogs and remained for 1, 3, and 5 weeks. Thirty-six implants were 3.75 mm in diameter and the other 36 were 4.2 mm. Half of the implants of each diameter were placed under a simplified technique (pilot drill + final diameter drill) and the other half were placed under conventional drilling where multiple drills of increasing diameter were utilized. After euthanisation, the bone-implant samples were processed and referred to histological analysis. Bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and bone-area-fraction occupancy (BAFO) were assessed. Statistical analyses were performed by GLM ANOVA at 95% level of significance considering implant diameter, timein vivo,and drilling procedure as independent variables and BIC and BAFO as the dependent variables.Results. Both techniques led to implant integration. No differences in BIC and BAFO were observed between drilling procedures as time elapsedin vivo.Conclusions. The simplified drilling protocol presented comparable osseointegration outcomes to the conventional protocol, which proved the initial hypothesis.
Bio-Inspired Optimization of Sustainable Energy Systems: A Review
Authors: Zheng Yu-Jun , Chen Sheng-Yong , Lin Yao , Wang Wan-Liang
Published: January 2013

Sustainable energy development always involves complex optimization problems of design, planning, and control, which are often computationally difficult for conventional optimization methods. Fortunately, the continuous advances in artificial intelligence have resulted in an increasing number of heuristic optimization methods for effectively handling those complicated problems. Particularly, algorithms that are inspired by the principles of natural biological evolution and/or collective behavior of social colonies have shown a promising performance and are becoming more and more popular nowadays. In this paper we summarize the recent advances in bio-inspired optimization methods, including artificial neural networks, evolutionary algorithms, swarm intelligence, and their hybridizations, which are applied to the field of sustainable energy development. Literature reviewed in this paper shows the current state of the art and discusses the potential future research trends.
Galois Group at Each Point for Some Self-Dual Curves
Authors: Hayashi Hiroyuki , Yoshihara Hisao
Published: January 2013

We study the Galois group defined by a point projection for plane curve. First, we present a sufficient condition that the group is primitive and then determine the structure at each point for some self-dual curves.
Amphetamine Positive Urine Toxicology Screen Secondary to Atomoxetine
Authors: Fenderson Joshua L. , Stratton Amy N. , Domingo Jennifer S. , Matthews Gerald O. , Tan Christopher D.
Published: January 2013

The aim of this paper is to report the first case of atomoxetine leading to false-positive urine drug screen. An otherwise healthy 27-year-old female with a history of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treated with atomoxetine had an acute onset tonic-clonic seizure. On arrival to the hospital, a urine toxicological drug screen with immunochemical cloned enzyme donor immunoassay (CEDIA) was performed. Results were positive for amphetamines; however, the presence of these substances could not be confirmed with urine gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). She denied any illicit drug use, herbal medications, or supplements, and her other prescription medications have not been previously known to cause a false-positive result for amphetamines. While stimulant treatments for ADHD could certainly result in a positive result on urine screen for amphetamines, there have been no reports of false-positive results for amphetamines secondary to patients using atomoxetine. We implicate atomoxetine, and/or its metabolites, as a compound or compounds which may interfere with urine drug immunoassays leading to false-positive results for amphetamines CEDIA assays.
Antitumoral Potential of Tunisian Snake Venoms Secreted Phospholipases A2
Authors: Zouari-Kessentini Raoudha , Srairi-Abid Najet , Bazaa Amine , El Ayeb Mohamed , Luis Jose , Marrakchi Naziha
Published: January 2013

Phospholipases type A2(PLA2s) are the most abundant proteins found in Viperidae snake venom. They are quite fascinating from both a biological and structural point of view. Despite similarity in their structures and common catalytic properties, they exhibit a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities. Besides being hydrolases, secreted phospholipases A2(sPLA2) are an important group of toxins, whose action at the molecular level is still a matter of debate. These proteins can display toxic effects by different mechanisms. In addition to neurotoxicity, myotoxicity, hemolytic activity, antibacterial, anticoagulant, and antiplatelet effects, some venom PLA2s show antitumor and antiangiogenic activities by mechanisms independent of their enzymatic activity. This paper aims to discuss original finding against anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic activities of sPLA2isolated from Tunisian vipers:Cerastes cerastesandMacrovipera lebetina, representing new tools to target specific integrins, mainly, and integrins.
Spatial Dimensions of Economic Growth in Brazil
Authors: Resende Guilherme Mendes
Published: January 2013

The contribution of this paper is to explore time and spatial scale dimensions of economic growth in Brazil using alternative panel data techniques to provide a measure of the extent of spatial autocorrelation (in kilometres) over three decades (1970–2000) as well as discussing the determinants of economic growth at a variety of geographic scales (minimum comparable areas, micro-regions, meso-regions, and states). The magnitude and statistical significance of growth determinants such as schooling, population density, population growth, and transportation costs are dependent on the scale of analysis. Moreover, the extent of residual spatial autocorrelation showed that it seems to vary across spatial scales. Indeed, spatial autocorrelation seems to be bounded at the state level and it shows positive and statistically significant values across distances of more than 1,500 kilometres at the other three spatial scales. Among other results, the study suggests that the nonspatial panel data techniques are not able to deal with spatially correlated omitted variables across different spatial scales, except for the state level where nonspatial panel data models seem to be appropriate to investigate growth determinants and convergence process in the Brazilian states case.