bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal Modeling Applied to Animal Systems
Authors: Birkebak Richard C. , Cremers Clifford J. , LeFebvre Eugene A.
Published: February 2012

Predictions of the heat loss from animal systems under the influence of environmental air temperature using thermal modeling techniques are found to agree with available experimental results. To perform the necessary experiments on heat loss, over a variety of environmental conditions for all species of interest, would be a formidable task. The thermal modeling approach circumvents these difficulties by the use of basic heat-transfer equations and properties and is suggested and exemplified as an alternative.
Combined Free and Forced Convection in a Horizontal Circular Tube
Authors: McComas S. T. , Eckert E. R. G.
Published: February 2012

The effect of free convection on laminar forced flow heat transfer in a horizontal uniformly heated tube was investigated. The Grashof number was varied from 1000 down to the order of one, the low Grashof number runs agreeing with the prediction for pure forced convection within ±8 percent. The effect of the secondary flow created by free convection was observed as a decrease in the wall to bulk fluid temperature difference required to transfer heat as compared to the pure forced flow case in the region far from the tube inlet. This effect was found to increase as the ratio of Grashof number to Reynolds numbers increased. No appreciable effect of free convection was found in the thermal development region.
Focus Issue: A Cell’s Sense of Direction
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: February 2012

Research reveals new mechanisms for cell migration and chemotaxis.
Sound the Alarm
Authors: Mueller Kristen L.
Published: February 2012

A danger signal released from dying cells is required for antiviral immunity in mice.
Death by Polyglutamine Tracts
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: February 2012

A polyglutamine repeat–containing protein functions in developmentally programmed, nonapoptotic cell death in the nematode.
Successful Long-Term Treatment of Cerebral Nocardiosis with Unexpectedly Low Doses of Linezolid in an Immunocompromised Patient Receiving Complex Polytherapy
Authors: Pea Federico , Cojutti Piergiorgio , Pagotto Alberto , Cristini Francesco , Furlanut Mario , Viale Pierluigi
Published: February 2012

Cerebral nocardiosis is a severe infection that carries the highest mortality rate among all bacterial cerebral abscesses. We report on a case in an immunocompromised patient which was successfully treated with unexpectedly low doses of linezolid. Therapeutic drug monitoring was very helpful in highlighting issues of poor compliance and of drug-drug interactions.
Infrequent Finding of Metallo-β-Lactamase VIM-2 in Carbapenem-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strains from Croatia
Authors: Sardelic Sanda , Bedenic Branka , Colinon-Dupuich Céline , Orhanovic Stjepan , Bosnjak Zrinka , Plecko Vanda , Cournoyer Benoit , Rossolini Gian Maria
Published: February 2012

One hundred sixty-nine nonreplicate imipenem-resistant
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
strains isolated in a large hospital on the coastal region of Croatia were studied. The most active antibiotics were colistin and amikacin. Most of the isolates were multiresistant. The most prevalent serotype was O12, followed by O11. Six strains carried the
bla
VIM-2
gene located in a novel class 1 integron composed in its variable part of the
bla
VIM-2
-
bla
oxa-10
-Δ
qacF-aacA4
genes. Metallo-β-lactamase-producing strains belonged to sequence types ST235 and ST111.
Vaccination with a DNA Vaccine Coding for Perforin-Like Protein 1 and MIC6 Induces Significant Protective Immunity against Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Yan Hai-Kuo , Yuan Zi-Guo , Song Hui-Qun , Petersen Eskild , Zhou Yang , Ren Di , Zhou Dong-Hui , Li Hao-Xin , Lin Rui-Qing , Yang Gui-Lian , Zhu Xing-Quan
Published: March 2012

Host cell invasion byToxoplasma gondiiis tightly related to microneme protein 6 (MIC6) andT. gondiiperforin-like protein 1 (TgPLP1). In this study, we constructed a DNA vaccine expressing a TgPLP1/MIC6 fusion protein using the pIRESneo vector, and we evaluated the immune response induced by this vaccine in Kunming mice. Levels of IgG antibody, gamma interferon (IFN-γ), interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-12, IL-4, and IL-10 were examined. Five mice were chosen randomly from every group (vaccinated groups or the nonvaccinated control group) and were challenged intragastrically with 80 cysts ofT. gondiistrain PRU (genotype II) in order to observe mortality daily. To analyze protection against a less-virulent challenge, eight mice of each group were orally infected with 20 cysts of strain PRU at the 14th day after the last immunization. The brain parasite load was evaluated 6 weeks after infection. The results demonstrated that immunization with pIRESneo/MIC6/PLP1 resulted in the lowest brain cyst count and prolonged the survival time of immunized mice. The levels ofToxoplasma-specific IgG, IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-12 increased significantly, and the numbers of cysts in brains decreased more obviously, in the group immunized with plasmid pIRESneo/MIC6/PLP1 than in the other groups (P< 0.05). Compared with pIRESneo/MIC6/PLP1, coimmunization with pIRESneo/MIC6/PLP1 and adjuvant murine IL-18 promoted cellular and humoral immune responses but did not contribute significantly to cyst reduction (65.43% versus 61.60%) or the survival of immunized mice (45.0 ± 2.9 days versus 42.8 ± 2.9 days) (P> 0.05). Furthermore, the study also showed that the immune efficacy induced by pIRESneo/MIC6/PLP1 was better than that induced by pVAX/PLP1 or pVAX/MIC6 alone.
LitR of Vibrio salmonicida Is a Salinity-Sensitive Quorum-Sensing Regulator of Phenotypes Involved in Host Interactions and Virulence
Authors: Bjelland Ane Mohn , Sørum Henning , Tegegne Daget Ayana , Winther-Larsen Hanne C. , Willassen Nils Peder , Hansen Hilde
Published: February 2012

Vibrio
(
Aliivibrio
)
salmonicida
is the causal agent of cold-water vibriosis, a fatal bacterial septicemia primarily of farmed salmonid fish. The molecular mechanisms of invasion, colonization, and growth of
V. salmonicida
in the host are still largely unknown, and few virulence factors have been identified. Quorum sensing (QS) is a cell-to-cell communication system known to regulate virulence and other activities in several bacterial species. The genome of
V. salmonicida
LFI1238 encodes products presumably involved in several QS systems. In this study, the gene encoding LitR, a homolog of the master regulator of QS in
V. fischeri
, was deleted. Compared to the parental strain, the
litR
mutant showed increased motility, adhesion, cell-to-cell aggregation, and biofilm formation. Furthermore, the
litR
mutant produced less cryptic bioluminescence, whereas production of acylhomoserine lactones was unaffected. Our results also indicate a salinity-sensitive regulation of LitR. Finally, reduced mortality was observed in Atlantic salmon infected with the
litR
mutant, implying that the fish were more susceptible to infection with the wild type than with the mutant strain. We hypothesize that LitR inhibits biofilm formation and favors planktonic growth, with the latter being more adapted for pathogenesis in the fish host.
Complete Genome Sequences of Three Propionibacterium acnes Isolates from the Type IA
2
Cluster
Authors: Vörös Andrea , Horváth Balázs , Hunyadkürti Judit , McDowell Andrew , Barnard Emma , Patrick Sheila , Nagy István
Published: February 2012

Propionibacterium acnes
is an anaerobic Gram-positive bacterium that has been linked to a wide range of opportunistic human infections and conditions, most notably acne vulgaris (I. Kurokawa et al., Exp. Dermatol. 18:821–832, 2009). We now present the whole-genome sequences of three
P. acnes
strains from the type IA
2
cluster which were recovered from ophthalmic infections (A. McDowell et al., Microbiology 157:1990–2003, 2011).
Diagnostic Strategy for Identifying Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli Based on Four Patterns of Virulence Genes
Authors: Schouler Catherine , Schaeffer Brigitte , Brée Annie , Mora Azucena , Dahbi Ghizlane , Biet François , Oswald Eric , Mainil Jacques , Blanco Jorge , Moulin-Schouleur Maryvonne
Published: March 2012

In order to improve the identification of avian pathogenic
Escherichia coli
(APEC) strains, an extensive characterization of 1,491
E. coli
isolates was conducted, based on serotyping, virulence genotyping, and experimental pathogenicity for chickens. The isolates originated from lesions of avian colibacillosis (
n
= 1,307) or from the intestines of healthy animals (
n
= 184) from France, Spain, and Belgium. A subset (460 isolates) of this collection was defined according to their virulence for chicks. Six serogroups (O1, O2, O5, O8, O18, and O78) accounted for 56.5% of the APEC isolates and 22.5% of the nonpathogenic isolates. Thirteen virulence genes were more frequently present in APEC isolates than in nonpathogenic isolates but, individually, none of them could allow the identification of an isolate as an APEC strain. In order to take into account the diversity of APEC strains, a statistical analysis based on a tree-modeling method was therefore conducted on the sample of 460 pathogenic and nonpathogenic isolates. This resulted in the identification of four different associations of virulence genes that enables the identification of 70.2% of the pathogenic strains. Pathogenic strains were identified with an error margin of 4.3%. The reliability of the link between these four virulence patterns and pathogenicity for chickens was validated on a sample of 395
E. coli
isolates from the collection. The genotyping method described here allowed the identification of more APEC isolates with greater reliability than the classical serotyping methods currently used in veterinary laboratories.
New Acquisition of Antibiotic-Resistant Organisms in Skilled Nursing Facilities
Authors: Fisch Jay , Lansing Bonnie , Wang Linda , Symons Kathleen , Cherian Kay , McNamara Sara , Mody Lona
Published: March 2012

The epidemiology of new acquisition of antibiotic-resistant organisms (AROs) in community-based skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) is not well studied. To define the incidence, persistence of, and time to new colonization with methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), and ceftazidime-resistant (CAZ
r
) and ciprofloxacin-resistant (CIP
r
) Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) in SNFs, SNF residents were enrolled and specimens from the nares, oropharynx, groin, perianal area, and wounds were prospectively cultured monthly. Standard microbiological tests were used to identify MRSA, VRE, and CAZ
r
and CIP
r
GNB. Residents with at least 3 months of follow-up were included in the analysis. Colonized residents were categorized as having either preexisting or new acquisition. The time to colonization for new acquisition of AROs was calculated. Eighty-two residents met the eligibility criteria. New acquisition of AROs was common. For example, of the 59 residents colonized with CIP
r
GNB, 28 (47%) were colonized with CIP
r
GNB at the start of the study (96% persistent and 4% intermittent), and 31 (53%) acquired CIP
r
GNB at the facility (61% persistent). The time to new acquisition was shortest for CIP
r
GNB, at a mean of 75.5 days; the time to new acquisition for MRSA was 126.6 days (
P
= 0.007 versus CIP
r
GNB), that for CAZ
r
was 176.0 days (
P
= 0.0001 versus CIP
r
GNB), and that for VRE was 186.0 days (
P
= 0.0004 versus CIP
r
GNB). Functional status was significantly associated with new acquisition of AROs (odds ratio [OR], 1.24;
P
= 0.01). New acquisition of AROs, in particular CIP
r
GNB and MRSA, is common in SNFs. CIP
r
GNB are acquired rapidly. Additional longitudinal studies to investigate risk factors for ARO acquisition are required.
First Report of Infectious Pericarditis Due to Bordetella holmesii in an Adult Patient with Malignant Lymphoma
Authors: Nei Takahito , Hyodo Hideya , Sonobe Kazunari , Dan Kazuo , Saito Ryoichi
Published: March 2012

Bordetella holmesii
is a fastidious Gram-negative rod first identified in 1995. Though rare, it is isolated mainly in immunocompromised and asplenic hosts and is associated with bacteremia, pertussis-like respiratory tract infection, and endocarditis. Herein, we describe a unique
B. holmesii
infectious pericarditis patient with malignant lymphoma.
The Extended Cell Panel Assay Characterizes the Relationship of Prion Strains RML, 79A, and 139A and Reveals Conversion of 139A to 79A-Like Prions in Cell Culture
Authors: Oelschlegel Anja M. , Fallahi Mohammad , Ortiz-Umpierre Shannon , Weissmann Charles
Published: March 2012

Three commonly used isolates of murine prions, 79A, 139A, and RML, were derived from the so-called Chandler isolate, which was obtained by propagating prions from scrapie-infected goat brain in mice. RML is widely believed to be identical with 139A; however, using the extended cell panel assay (ECPA), we here show that 139A and RML isolates are distinct, while 79A and RML could not be distinguished. We undertook to clone 79A and 139A prions by endpoint dilution in murine neuroblastoma-derived PK1 cells. Cloned 79A prions, when returned to mouse brain, were unchanged and indistinguishable from RML by ECPA. However, 139A-derived clones, when returned to brain, yielded prions distinct from 139A and similar to 79A and RML. Thus, when 139A prions were transferred to PK1 cells, 79A/RML-like prions, either present as a minor component in the brain 139A population or generated by mutation in the cells, were selected and, after being returned to brain, were the major if not only component of the population.
MEASURING EFFICIENCY IN OPPORTUNISTIC AD HOC NETWORKS
Authors: SMITH ANTHONY , HILL RICHARD
Published: February 2012

Opportunistic Networks are examples of wireless, ad hoc networks where there is an absence of a continuous end-to-end path. The proliferation of mobile device usage creates opportunities for nodes to forward packets in a dynamic way, utilizing nodes as they present themselves. In more conventional, static network infrastructures, it is typical to measure efficiency of message passing between nodes. We review approaches to the measurement of efficiency in networks, and propose a qualitative and quantitative metrics framework and simulation model that would be suitable for the evaluation of performance in opportunistic networks.
2-PLECTIC MANIFOLDS AND ITS RELATION WITH COURANT ALGEBROIDS
Authors: SHAFIEE M.
Published: March 2012

In this paper we study the relation between 2-plectic manifolds and Courant algebroids. We establish a relation between 2-Lagrangian submanifolds of 2-plectic manifolds and subbundles of Courant algebroids. Also we show that an action of a compact Lie group G on a 2-plectic manifold (M, ω) can be extended to an action of G on an exact Courant algebroid E over M if and only if G is a subgroup of Hamiltonian group of (M, ω).
Li EXCESS Li4+xTi5-xO12-δ/C COMPOSITE USING SPRAY-DRYING METHOD AND ITS ELECTRODE PROPERTIES
Authors: YOSHIKAWA DAISUKE , SUZUKI NORIO , KADOMA YOSHIHIRO , UI KOICHI , KUMAGAI NAOAKI
Published: February 2012

We have prepared a lithium excess carbon composite material, Li 4+x Ti 5-x O 12-δ/ C (LTO/C), using various amounts of sucrose as a carbon source by the spray-drying method. The prepared materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and elemental analysis. The prepared material had the Li4Ti5O12 phase including 3.9–18.4 wt.% carbon. Transmission electron microscopy images and the selected area diffraction (SAD) pattern showed that the prepared materials consisted of a carbon nanonetwork in the LTO/C composite. The charge–discharge cycling tests were carried out using the R2032 coin-type cell under the following conditions; 1.2–3.0 V, 0.1 C–10 C (1 C = 175 mA g-1), 25°C. Based on the electrochemical results, the electrode performance of the prepared material was improved with increasing amounts of residual carbon, in particular, LTO/C including 6.2 wt.% residual carbon exhibited the best electrode performance of 156 mAh g-1 at 1 C during 50 cyclings when compared to the other materials.
SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF Nd/Zr CO-DOPED NANO BaTiO3 CERAMICS
Authors: DEVI CH. SAMEERA , SURESH M. B. , KUMAR G. S. , PRASAD G.
Published: February 2012

Ceramic samples of composition Ba 1-3x Nd 2x Ti 1-y Zr y O 3 (x = 0.025;y = 0,0.025 and 0.05) were synthesized by modified sol–gel technique. Phase confirmation, surface morphology and electrical properties of the samples were studied using XRD, FESEM, impedance spectroscopy and DC conductivity. Impedance, AC and DC conductivities of the samples were recorded in the temperature range room temperature (RT) –500°C. From impedance data, various parameters like bulk resistance (R b ), bulk capacitance (C b ), grain resistance (R g ), grain boundary resistance (R gb ), grain capacitance (C g ) and grain boundary capacitance (C gb ) were determined. These parameters were found to be function of both temperature and frequency. Grain and grain boundary relaxation times (τg,τgb) were also evaluated as a function of temperature. From AC and DC conductivity plots activation energies for conduction were obtained. Results obtained lead to improved understanding of conductivity and charge transportation kinetics in the present system of samples.
Kinematic keys of the Santos–Namibe basins
Authors: Moulin Maryline , Aslanian Daniel , Rabineau Marina , Patriat Martin , Matias Luis
Published: March 2012

Understanding the genesis of the very peculiar 600 km-wide Santos Basin–São Paulo Plateau system and its narrow conjugate Namibe Margin is a kinematic and structural problem. Several hypotheses have been proposed in order to explain the genesis of this system that imply the same amount of horizontal movement. We investigate the consequences of the horizontal movement in the Santos Basin, based in plate kinematic reconstructions. The kinematic history of this system that we present here, based on the interpretation of seismic profiles and kinematic constraints, has the following consequences: (1) there is no evidence of a ridge jump
sensu stricto
but, rather, a southwards propagation in the Central Segment of the South Atlantic that starts in the northern part, between the NE Brazilian and Gabonese margins; (2) the Namibe margin evolved as a transform passive margin; (3) the opening direction of the Santos Basin–São Paulo Plateau system is oblique to the general opening motions of the South American and African plates; and (4) this opening is younger (6 Ma) than those of the other basins of the Central Segment of the South Atlantic.
From Transistors to NEMS
Authors: Henry Michael B. , Nazhandali Leyla
Published: February 2012

A rapidly growing class of battery constrained electronic applications are those with very long sleep periods, such as structural health monitoring systems, biomedical implants, and wireless border security cameras. The traditional method for sleep-mode power reduction, transistor power gating, has drawbacks, including performance loss and residual leakage. This article presents a thorough evaluation of a new nanotechnology-enabled power gating structure, CMOS-compatible NEMS switches, in the presence of aggressive supply voltage scaling. Due to the infinite off-resistance of the NEMS switches, the average power consumption of an FFT processor performing 1 FFT per hour drops by around 30 times compared to a transistor-based power gating implementation. Additionally, the low on-resistance and nanoscale size means even with current prototypes, area overhead is as much as 5 times lower, with much room for improvement. The major drawback of NEMS switches is the high activation voltage, which can be many times higher than typical CMOS supply voltages. We demonstrate that with a charge pump, these voltages can be generated on-die, and the energy and bootup delay overhead is negligible compared to the FFT processing itself. These results show that NEMS-based power-gating warrants further investigation and the fabrication of a prototype.
Improving data quality by source analysis
Authors: Müller Heiko , Freytag Johann-Christoph , Leser Ulf
Published: February 2012

In many domains, data cleaning is hampered by our limited ability to specify a comprehensive set of integrity constraints to assist in identification of erroneous data. An alternative approach to improve data quality is to exploit different data sources that contain information about the same set of objects. Such overlapping sources highlight hot-spots of poor data quality through conflicting data values and immediately provide alternative values for conflict resolution. In order to derive a dataset of high quality, we can merge the overlapping sources based on a quality assessment of the conflicting values. The quality of the resulting dataset, however, is highly dependent on our ability to asses the quality of conflicting values effectively.

The main objective of this article is to introduce methods that aid the developer of an integrated system over overlapping, but contradicting sources in the task of improving the quality of data. Value conflicts between contradicting sources are often systematic, caused by some characteristic of the different sources. Our goal is to identify such systematic differences and outline data patterns that occur in conjunction with them. Evaluated by an expert user, the regularities discovered provide insights into possible conflict reasons and help to assess the quality of inconsistent values. The contributions of this article are two concepts of systematic conflicts: contradiction patterns and minimal update sequences. Contradiction patterns resemble a special form of association rules that summarize characteristic data properties for conflict occurrence. We adapt existing association rule mining algorithms for mining contradiction patterns. Contradiction patterns, however, view each class of conflicts in isolation, sometimes leading to largely overlapping patterns. Sequences of set-oriented update operations that transform one data source into the other are compact descriptions for all regular differences among the sources. We consider minimal update sequences as the most likely explanation for observed differences between overlapping data sources. Furthermore, the order of operations within the sequences point out potential dependencies between systematic differences. Finding minimal update sequences, however, is beyond reach in practice. We show that the problem already is NP-complete for a restricted set of operations. In the light of this intractability result, we present heuristics that lead to convincing results for all examples we considered.
Biases in multi-criteria, satisficing decisions due to data errors
Authors: Gelman Irit Askira
Published: February 2012

This inquiry centers on an asymmetry, or bias, in the accuracy of multi-criteria, conjunctive, and disjunctive decisions, which originates from fundamental properties of the logical conjunction and disjunction operations. A mathematical-statistical analysis indicates that, as we keep adding criteria to a multi-criteria conjunctive or disjunctive decision rule, errors in the data produce decision errors asymmetrically. As a result, in conjunctive decisions, the probability of a false negative increases while the probability of a false positive decreases. In contrast, in disjunctive decisions, as we keep adding criteria, the probability of a false positive increases while that of a false negative decreases. For instance, in a conjunctive business decision rule, the probability of overlooking a bargain can be far greater than the probability of misjudging an unattractive offer to be a good one. A series of Monte Carlo simulations validates the analytical findings and explores the contribution of several additional factors.
Gem #81
Authors: Rogers Pat
Published: February 2012

Ada Gem #81 --- A previous Gem (#70, 'The Scope Lock Idiom') discussed the occasional necessity of using low-level synchronization mechanisms instead of the higher-level protected object construct. The code in that Gem referenced the facilities of the Semaphores package located in the GNAT hierarchy. In this Gem, we examine the abstractions provided by that package, focusing especially on the design choices.
Gem #84
Authors: Quinot Thomas
Published: February 2012

Ada Gem #84 --- This is the first in a series of Gems introducing the facilities defined by the optional annex for distributed systems (Annex E) in the Ada Reference Manual. In this introduction, we show how a simple client/server architecture can be implemented easily with the Distributed Systems Annex (DSA).
Reusable software components
Authors: Levine Trudy
Published: February 2012

This column consists of our June 2011 listing of sources for reusable software components. All information is obtained directly from web sites or from the parties involved. As always, no recommendation or guarantee by this column is implied.
Numerical Research on Effects of Splitter Blades to the Influence of Pump as Turbine
Authors: Sun-Sheng Yang , Fan-Yu Kong , Jian-Hui Fu , Ling Xue
Published: February 2012

Centrifugal pumps can be operated in reverse as small hydropower recovery turbines and are cheaper than bespoke turbines due to their ease of manufacture. Splitter blades technique is one of the techniques used in flow field optimization and performance enhancement of rotating machinery. To understand the effects of splitter blades to the steady and unsteady influence of PAT, numerical research was performed. 3D Navier-Stokes solver CFX was used in the performance prediction and analysis of PAT’s performance. Results show that splitter blades have a positive impact on PAT’s performance. With the increase of splitter blades, its required pressure head is dropped and its efficiency is increased. Unsteady pressure field analysis and comparison show that the unsteady pressure field within PAT is improved when splitter blades are added to impeller flow passage. To verify the accuracy of numerical prediction methods, an open PAT test rig was built at Jiangsu University. The PAT was manufactured and tested. Comparison between experimental and numerical results shows that the discrepancy between numerical and experimental results is acceptable. CFD can be used in the performance prediction and optimization of PAT.
Genomewide Analysis of Carotenoid Cleavage Dioxygenases in Unicellular and Filamentous Cyanobacteria
Authors: Cui Hongli , Wang Yinchu , Qin Song
Published: February 2012

Carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (CCDs) are a group of enzymes that catalyze the oxidative cleavage steps from carotenoids to various carotenoid cleavage products. Someccdgenes have been identified and encoded enzymes functionally characterized in many higher plants, but little in cyanobacteria. We performed a comparative analysis ofccdsequences and explored their distribution, classification, phylogeny, evolution, and structure among 37 cyanobacteria. Totally 61 putativeccdsequences were identified, which are abundant inAcaryochloris marinaMBIC 11017, filamentous N2-fixing cyanobacteria, and unicellular cyanobacterialCyanothece. According to phylogenetic trees of 16SrDNAand CCD,ncedandccd8 genes occur later than the divergence ofccd7,apco, andccd1. All CCD enzymes share conserved basic structure domains constituted by a single loop formed with seven β-strands and one helix. In this paper, a general framework of sequence-function-evolution connection for theccdhas been revealed, which may provide new insight for functional investigation.
The Acute Impact of Ingestion of Sourdough and Whole-Grain Breads on Blood Glucose, Insulin, and Incretins in Overweight and Obese Men
Authors: Mofidi Anita , Ferraro Zachary M. , Stewart Katherine A. , Tulk Hilary M. F. , Robinson Lindsay E. , Duncan Alison M. , Graham Terry E.
Published: February 2012

Consumption of whole-grain and sourdough breads is associated with improved glucose homeostasis. We examined the impact of commercial breads on biomarkers of glucose homeostasis in subjects at risk for glucose intolerance. In a randomized, crossover study, overweight or obese males ingested 11-grain, sprouted-grain, 12-grain, sourdough, or white bread on different occasions, matched for available carbohydrate (50 g) in part 1 (n=12) and bread mass (107 g) in part 2 (n=11), and blood glucose, insulin and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) were determined for 3 h. In part 1, glucose response for sprouted-grain was lower than 11-grain, sourdough, and white breads. Insulin area under the curve (AUC) for sourdough and white was lower than 11-grain and sprouted-grain breads. GLP-1 response to sourdough was lower than all breads. In part 2, glucose and insulin AUC for sourdough was greater than 11-grain, sprouted-grain, and 12-grain breads. Sprouted-grain bread improved glycemia by lowering glucose response and increasing GLP-1 response. In overweight and obese men, the glycemic response to sprouted grain bread was reduced in both parts 1 and 2 while the other whole-grain test breads did not improve metabolic responses in the acute postprandial state.
Morphological and Histopathological Changes in Orofacial Structures of Experimentally Developed Acromegaly-Like Rats: An Overview
Authors: Iikubo Masahiro , Kojima Ikuho , Sakamoto Maya , Kobayashi Akane , Ikeda Hidetoshi , Sasano Takashi
Published: February 2012

Tongue enlargement and mandibular prognathism are clinically recognized in almost all patients with acromegaly. An acromegaly-like rat model recently developed by exogenous administration of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) was used to investigate morphological and histopathological changes in orofacial structures and to clarify whether these changes were reversible. Exogenous administration of IGF-I evoked specific enlargement of the tongue with identifiable histopathological changes (increased muscle bundle width, increased space between muscle bundles, and increased epithelial thickness), elongation of the mandibular alveolar bone and ascending ramus, and lateral expansion of the mandibular dental arch. Regarding histopathological changes in the mandibular condyle, the cartilaginous layer width, bone matrix ratio, and number of osteoblasts were all significantly greater in this rat model. After normalization of the circulating IGF-I level, tongue enlargement and histopathological changes in the tongue and mandibular condyle were reversible, whereas morphological skeletal changes in the mandible remained.
The Low‐Temperature Crystallization and Interface Characteristics of ZnInSnO/In Films Using a Bias‐Crystallization Mechanism
Authors: Chen K. J. , Hung F. Y. , Lui T. S. , Chang S. J. , Hu Z. S.
Published: February 2012

This study presents a successful bias crystallization mechanism (BCM) based on an indium/glass substrate and applies it to fabrication of ZnInSnO (ZITO) transparent conductive oxide (TCO) films. The effects of bias‐crystallization on electrical and structural properties of ZITO/In structure indicate that the current‐induced Joule heating and interface diffusion were critical factors for low‐temperature crystallization. With biases of 4 V and 0.1 A, the resistivity of the ZITO film was reduced from 3.08 × 10−4 Ω∗cm to 6.3 × 10−5 Ω∗cm. This reduction was attributed to the bias‐induced energy, which caused indium atoms to diffuse into the ZITO matrix. This effectuated crystallizing the amorphous ZITO (a‐ZITO) matrix at a lower temperature (approximately 170∘C) for a short period (≤20 min) during a bias test. The low‐temperature BCM developed for this study obtained an efficient conventional annealed treatment (higher temperature), possessed energy‐saving and speed advantages, and can be considered a candidate for application in photoelectric industries.
Evaluation of the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory in a Danish Population
Authors: Skovbjerg Sine , Berg Nikolaj Drimer , Elberling Jesper , Christensen Karl Bang
Published: February 2012

Objectives. To evaluate a Danish translation of the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI).Methods. The study included two groups: one comprised a random sample of 2000 individuals drawn from the Danish Civil Registration System; the other comprised 315 patients with chemical intolerance.Results. The evaluation suggested good reliability for the four QEESI scales in terms of internal consistency and coefficients between test and retest scores. The discriminatory validity was the largest for the Chemical (inhalant) Intolerance and Life Impact Scales. Using combined cut-off scores for these two scales provided a sensitivity of 92.1 and a specificity of 91.8 and yielded a prevalence of 8.2% in the population group.Conclusions. The Danish translation of the QEESI showed overall good reliability and validity. We recommend the use of the combined Chemical (inhalant) Intolerance and Life Impact Scales in future studies.
Traditional Dietary Recommendations for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: Do They Meet the Needs of Our Patients?
Authors: Scholl Johannes
Published: February 2012

The characteristics of patients with CVD have changed: whereas smoking prevalence declines, obesity and metabolic syndrome are on the rise. Unfortunately, the traditional low-fat diet for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) still seems to be the “mainstream knowledge” despite contradicting evidence. But lowering LDL-cholesterol by the wrong diet even may be counterproductive, if sd-LDL is raised and HDL is lowered. New insights into the pathophysiology of insulin resistance and its influence on the effects of dietary changes have led to a better approach: (1) the higher a patient's insulin resistance, the more important is the glycemic load of the diet. (2) Fat quality is much more important than fat quantity. (3) The best principle for a reduced calorie intake is not fat counting, but a high volume diet with low energy density, which means fibre rich vegetables and fruits. (4) And finally, satiation and palatability of a diet is very important: there is no success without the patient's compliance. Thus, the best approach to the dietary prevention of CVD is a Mediterranean style low-carb diet represented in the LOGI pyramid. Dietary guidelines for the prevention of CVD should to be revised accordingly.
Evaluation of Aromatic Boronic Acids as Ligands for Measuring Diabetes Markers on Carbon Nanotube Field-Effect Transistors
Authors: Stefansson Steingrimur , Stefansson Lára A. , Chung Suk-won , Ko Kevin , Kwon Hena H. , Ahn Saeyoung Nate
Published: February 2012

Biomolecular detections performed on carbon nanotube field-effect transistors (CNT-FETs) frequently use reactive pyrenes as an anchor to tether bioactive ligands to the hydrophobic nanotubes. In this paper, we explore the possibility of directly using bioactive aromatic compounds themselves as CNT-FET ligands. This would be an efficient way to functionalize CNT-FETs since many aromatic compounds bind avidly to nanotubes, and it would also ensure that ligand-binding molecules would be brought in close proximity to the nanotubes. Using a model system consisting of pyrene, phenanthrene, naphthalene, or phenyl boronic acids immobilized on CNT-FET wafers, we show that all are able to bind glycated human serum albumin (gHSA), which is an important diabetes marker. Pyrene boronic acid proved to bind CNTs with the greatest apparent affinity as measured by gHSA impedance. Interestingly, gHSA CNT-FET signal intensity, which is proportional to amount of protein bound, remained essentially unchanged for all the boronic acids tested.
Effects of High-Speed Power Training on Muscle Performance and Braking Speed in Older Adults
Authors: Sayers Stephen P. , Gibson Kyle
Published: February 2012

We examined whether high-speed power training (HSPT) improved muscle performance and braking speed using a driving simulator. 72 older adults (22 m, 50 f; age = 70.6 ± 7.3 yrs) were randomized to HSPT at 40% one-repetition maximum (1RM) (HSPT:n=25; 3 sets of 12–14 repetitions), slow-speed strength training at 80%1RM (SSST:n=25; 3 sets of 8–10 repetitions), or control (CON:n=22; stretching) 3 times/week for 12 weeks. Leg press and knee extension peak power, peak power velocity, peak power force/torque, and braking speed were obtained at baseline and 12 weeks. HSPT increased peak power and peak power velocity across a range of external resistances (40–90% 1RM;P<0.05) and improved braking speed (P<0.05). Work was similar between groups, but perceived exertion was lower in HSPT (P<0.05). Thus, the less strenuous HSPT exerted a broader training effect and improved braking speed compared to SSST.
Novel Therapies in Glioblastoma
Authors: Perry James , Okamoto Masahiko , Guiou Michael , Shirai Katsuyuki , Errett Allison , Chakravarti Arnab
Published: February 2012

Conventional treatment of glioblastoma has advanced only incrementally in the last 30 years and still yields poor outcomes. The current strategy of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy has increased median survival to approximately 15 months. With the advent of molecular biology and consequent improved understanding of basic tumor biology, targeted therapies have become cornerstones for cancer treatment. Many pathways (RTKs, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, angiogenesis, etc.) have been identified in GBM as playing major roles in tumorigenesis, treatment resistance, or natural history of disease. Despite the growing understanding of the complex networks regulating GBM tumors, many targeted therapies have fallen short of expectations. In this paper, we will discuss novel therapies and the successes and failures that have occurred. One clear message is that monotherapies yield minor results, likely due to functionally redundant pathways. A better understanding of underlying tumor biology may yield insights into optimal targeting strategies which could improve the overall therapeutic ratio of conventional treatments.
Neurogenic Stunned Myocardium Associated with Acute Spinal Cord Infarction: A Case Report
Authors: Beauchamp Gillian A. , McMullan Jason T. , Bonomo Jordan B.
Published: February 2012

Introduction. Neurogenic stunned myocardium (NSM) is a reversible cardiomyopathy resulting in transient left ventricular apical ballooning presumed to result from catecholamine surge occurring under physiologic stress. Acute spinal cord ischemia is a rare ischemic vascular lesion. We report a case of neurogenic stunned myocardium occurring in the setting of acute spinal cord infarction.Methods. Singe case report was used.Results. We present the case of a 63-year-old female with a history of prior lacunar stroke, hypertension, chronic back pain, and hypothyroidism who presented with a brief episode of diffuse abdominal and bilateral lower extremity pain which progressed within minutes to bilateral lower extremity flaccid paralysis. MRI of the spinal cord revealed central signal hyperintensity of T2-weighted imaging from conus to T8 region, concerning for acute spinal cord ischemia. Transthoracic echocardiogram was performed to determine if a cardiac embolic phenomenon may have precipitated this ischemic event and showed left ventricular apical hypokinesis and ballooning concerning for NSM.Conclusion. Neurogenic stunned myocardium is a reversible cardiomyopathy which has been described in patients with physiologic stress resulting in ventricular apical ballooning. Our case suggests that it is possible for neurogenic stunned myocardium to occur in the setting of acute spinal cord ischemia.
The Diagnostic Value of the Interstitial Biomarkers KL-6 and SP-D for the Degree of Fibrosis in Combined Pulmonary Fibrosis and Emphysema
Authors: Chiba Shigeki , Ohta Hiromitsu , Abe Kyoko , Hisata Shu , Ohkouchi Shinya , Hoshikawa Yasushi , Kondo Takashi , Ebina Masahito
Published: February 2012

The combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) was reported first in 1990, but it has been comparatively underestimated until recently. Although the diagnostic findings of both emphysematous and fibrotic regions are detectable by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest, the degree of progressive fibrosis, which increases with emphysematous lesions, is difficult to evaluate. In this study, we hypothesized that the biomarkers for pulmonary fibrosis, surfactant protein D (SP-D), and KL-6 would serve as good indicators of fibrotic lesions in CPFE. We recruited 46 patients who had been diagnosed in our hospital with both emphysema and fibrosis by their CT scan image from April 2003 to March 2008. The correlation among their pulmonary function tests, composite physiologic index (CPI), and the serum levels of SP-D and KL-6 was evaluated. We found a correlation between KL-6 and %VC, %TLC, or CPI and between SP-D and %VC or CPI. Interestingly, the combined product of KL-6 and SP-D (KL-6xSP-D) was found to highly correlate with %VC and %TLC or CPI. These results show that both KL-6 and SP-D, and especially the product of SP-D and KL-6, are good indicators of the presence of fibrotic lesions in the lungs of CPFE patients.
Lower Cretaceous Dinosaur Tracks from Puebla, Mexico
Authors: Rodríguez-de la Rosa Rubén A. , Bravo-Cuevas Víctor M. , Carrillo-Montiel Enrique , Ortiz-Ubilla Arturo
Published: February 2012

Dinosaur tracks have been identified near San Martín Atexcal, southern Puebla, Mexico, within the sedimentary sequence of the San Juan Raya Formation of Lower Cretaceous (Albian) age. The tracksite, located in the bed of the Magdalena River, reveals six different ichnofossiliferous levels identified within a 9 m thick sedimentary sequence. The inferred environment is that of a tidal (marginal marine) mudflat (Level I). Level I preserves three theropods trackways (?Allosauroidea), additionally, isolated tracks belonging to iguanodontids (Ornithopoda). Level II preserves faint iguanodontid tracks. Levels III to V preserve sauropod tracks. Younger level VI preserves, although morphologically different, a track belonging to Ornithopoda. The dinosaur tracks from San Martín Atexcal support the existence of continental facies within the San Juan Raya Formation; they represent the second record of dinosaur tracks from the Lower Cretaceous of Mexico and are part of an important but little documented record of Lower Cretaceous dinosaurs in Mexico.
Substitutions with Vanishing Rotationally Invariant First Cohomology
Authors: Escudero Juan García
Published: February 2012

The cohomology groups of tiling spaces with three‐fold and nine‐fold symmetries
are obtained. The substitution tilings are characterized by the fact that they have vanishing
first cohomology group in the space of tilings modulo a rotation. The rank of the rational first
cohomology, in the tiling space formed by the closure of a translational orbit, equals the Euler
totient function evaluated at N if the underlying rotation group is ZN. When the symmetries
are of crystallographic type, the cohomologies are infinitely generated.
Unilateral Auditory Neuropathy Caused by Cochlear Nerve Deficiency
Authors: Liu Cheng , Bu Xingkuan , Wu Feiyun , Xing Guangqian
Published: February 2012

Objective. To explore possible corelationship between the cochlear nerve deficiency (CND) and unilateral auditory neuropathy (AN).Methods. From a database of 85 patients with unilateral profound sensorineural hearing loss, eight who presented with evoked otoacoustic emissions (EOAEs) or cochlear microphonic (CM) in the affected ear were diagnosed with unilateral AN. Audiological and radiological records in eight patients with unilateral AN were retrospectively reviewed.Results. Eight cases were diagnosed as having unilateral AN caused by CND. Seven had type “A” tympanogram with normal EOAE in both ears. The other patient had unilateral type “B” tympanogram and absent OAE but CM recorded, consistent with middle ear effusion in the affected ear. For all the ears involved in the study, auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) were either absent or responded to the maximum output and the neural responses from the cochlea were not revealed when viewed by means of the oblique sagittal MRI on the internal auditory canal.Conclusion. Cochlear nerve deficiency can be seen by electrophysiological evidence and may be a significant cause of unilateral AN. Inclined sagittal MRI of the internal auditory canal is recommended for the diagnosis of this disorder.
Nephrogenic Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuresis
Authors: Morin D. , Tenenbaum J. , Ranchin B. , Durroux T.
Published: February 2012

Mutations in the vasopressin V2 receptor gene are responsible for two human tubular disorders: X-linked congenital nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, due to a loss of function of the mutant V2 receptor, and the nephrogenic syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis, due to a constitutive activation of the mutant V2 receptor. This latter recently described disease may be diagnosed from infancy to adulthood, as some carriers remain asymptomatic for many years. Symptomatic children, however, typically present with clinical and biological features suggesting inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion with severe hyponatremia and high urine osmolality, but a low plasma arginine vasopressin level. To date, only two missense mutations in the vasopressin V2 receptor gene have been found in the reported patients. The pathophysiology of the disease requires fuller elucidation as the phenotypic variability observed in patients bearing the same mutations remains unexplained. The treatment is mainly preventive with fluid restriction, but urea may also be proposed.
Polymerization of Phenylacetylene-Based Monodendrons with Alkoxy Peripheral Groups and Oxygen/Nitrogen Permeation Behavior of Their Membranes
Authors: Kaneko Takashi , Sato Kazuaki , Uchiya Yoshihiko , Teraguchi Masahiro , Aoki Toshiki
Published: February 2012

Monodendron monomers with alkoxy peripheral groups were synthesized, and the focal point of monodendrons, terminal acetylene, was polymerized with rhodium catalyst to yield corresponding polydendrons with a high molecular weight. The polydendrons were soluble in common organic solvents and readily formed membranes. Oxygen permselectivity was improved in the polydendrons with a space-persistent dendritic crowd. It was found that the well-defined dendritic and rod-like structure of the polydendrons was useful for permselective membrane.
The Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome
Authors: Pépin J.L. , Guillot M. , Tamisier R. , Lévy P.
Published: March 2012

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome has been recognized as a major public health problem. Both its cardiovascular and metabolic comorbidities and symptoms motivate for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The main stimulus associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and explaining deleterious consequences is intermittent hypoxia. The upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) has been described based on the hypothesis that snoring and repetitive occurrence of respiratory effort-related arousals (RERAs) but not oxygen desaturation might produce a significant disease with symptoms, altered quality of life and cardiovascular morbidity. Diurnal sleepiness remains the main diagnostic criteria, which is often confounded with tiredness in women. UARS patients may also report insomnia and symptoms that closely resemble those of the functional somatic syndromes. Currently, the International Classification of Sleep Disorders does not individualize UARS as a specific entity and reports UARS patients as a subgroup of OSA. However, RERAs are described as unambiguous abnormal respiratory events occurring during sleep and requiring a specific scoring. In this review, the authors attempt to describe the specific characteristics of UARS that are relevant for both clinicians and researchers.