bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Baird's tapir density in high elevation forests of the Talamanca region of Costa Rica
Authors: GONZÁLEZ‐MAYA José F. , SCHIPPER Jan , POLIDORO Beth , HOEPKER Annelie , ZÁRRATE‐CHARRY Diego , BELANT Jerrold L.
Published: August 2012

Baird's tapir (Tapirus bairdii) is currently endangered throughout its neotropical range with an expected population decline >50% in the next 30 years. We present the first density estimation of Baird's tapir for the Talamanca mountains of Costa Rica, and one of the first for the country. Ten stations with paired cameras were established in Valle del Silencio within Parque Internacional La Amistad (PILA). Seventy‐seven tapir pictures of 15 individuals comprising 25 capture–recapture events were analyzed using mark‐recapture techniques. The 100% minimum convex polygon of the sampled area was 5.7 km2 and the effective sampled area using half mean maximum distances moved by tapirs was 7.16 km2. We estimated a tapir density of 2.93 individuals/km2 which represents the highest density reported for this species. Intermountain valleys can represent unique and important habitats for large mammal species. However, the extent of isolation of this population, potentially constrained by steep slopes of the cordillera, remains unknown. Further genetic and movement studies are required to understand meta‐population dynamics and connectivity between lowland and highland areas for Baird's tapir conservation in Costa Rica.
Community‐acquired respiratory viruses and co‐infection among patients of Ontario sentinel practices, April 2009 to February 2010
Authors: Peci Adriana , Winter Anne‐Luise , Gubbay Jonathan B. , Skowronski Danuta M. , Balogun Elizabeth I. , De Lima Cedric , Crowcroft Natasha S. , Rebbapragada Anu
Published: August 2012

Please cite this paper as: Peci et al. (2012) Community‐acquired respiratory viruses and co‐infection among patients of Ontario Sentinel practices, April 2009 to February 2010. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 7(4), 559–566.

Background  Respiratory viruses are known to cocirculate but this has not been described in detail during an influenza pandemic.

Objectives  To describe respiratory viruses, including co‐infection and associated attributes such as age, sex or comorbidity, in patients presenting with influenza‐like illness to a community sentinel network, during the pandemic A(H1N1)pdm09 in Ontario, Canada.

Methods  Respiratory samples and epidemiologic details were collected from 1018 patients with influenza‐like illness as part of respiratory virus surveillance and a multiprovincial case–control study of influenza vaccine effectiveness.

Results  At least one virus was detected in 668 (65·6%) of 1018 samples; 512 (50·3%) had single infections and 156 (15·3%) co‐infections. Of single infections, the most common viruses were influenza A in 304 (59·4%) samples of which 275 (90·5%) were influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, and enterovirus/rhinovirus in 149 (29·1%) samples. The most common co‐infections were influenza A and respiratory syncytial virus B, and influenza A and enterovirus/rhinovirus. In multinomial logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, comorbidity, and timeliness of sample collection, single infection was less often detected in the elderly and co‐infection more often in patients <30 years of age. Co‐infection, but not single infection, was more likely detected in patients who had a sample collected within 2 days of symptom onset as compared to 3–7 days.

Conclusions  Respiratory viral co‐infections are commonly detected when using molecular techniques. Early sample collection increases likelihood of detection of co‐infection. Further studies are needed to better understand the clinical significance of viral co‐infection.
A Spectroscopic Survey of Substituted Indoles Reveals Consequences of a Stabilized 1Lb Transition
Authors: Meng Xianwei , Harricharran Trisheena , Juszczak Laura J.
Published: August 2012

Although tryptophan is a natural probe of protein structure, interpretation of its fluorescence emission spectrum is complicated by the presence of two electronic transitions, 1La and 1Lb. Theoretical calculations show that a point charge adjacent to either ring of the indole can shift the emission maximum. This study explores the effect of pyrrole and benzyl ring substitutions on the transitions' energy via absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, and anisotropy and lifetime measurements. The survey of indole derivatives shows that methyl substitutions on the pyrrole ring effect 1La and 1Lb energies in tandem, whereas benzyl ring substitutions with electrophilic groups lift the 1La/1Lb degeneracy. For 5‐ and 6‐hydroxyindole in cyclohexane, 1La and 1Lb transitions are resolved. This finding provides for 1La origin assignment in the absorption and excitation spectra for indole vapor. The 5‐ and 6‐hydroxyindole excitation spectra show that despite a blue‐shifted emission spectrum, both the 1La and 1Lb transitions contribute to emission. Fluorescence lifetimes of 10 ns for 5‐hydroxyindole are consistent with a charge acceptor‐induced increase in the nonradiative rate (1).
The relation between social engagement and pretend play in autism
Authors: Hobson Jessica A. , Hobson R. Peter , Malik Supriya , Bargiota Kyratso , Caló Susana
Published: August 2012

The focus of this study is the nature and concomitants of pretend play among young children with autism. Age‐ and language‐matched children with autism (n= 27), autism spectrum disorder (n= 14), and developmental disorders without autism (n= 16) were administered the Test of Pretend Play (ToPP; Lewis & Boucher, 1997), with an additional rating of ‘playful pretence’. As predicted, children with autism showed less playful pretend than participants with developmental disorders who did not have autism. Across the groups, playful pretence was correlated with individual differences in communication and social interaction, even when scores on the ToPP were taken into account. Limitations in creative, playful pretend among children with autism relate to their restricted interpersonal communication and engagement.
Expression of proliferative markers in ameloblastomas and malignant odontogenic tumors
Authors: Otero D , Lourenço SQC , Ruiz‐Ávila I , Bravo M , Sousa T , de Faria PAS , González‐Moles MA
Published: August 2012

Objective

To compare the proliferative activity in ameloblastoma and malignant odontogenic tumors, as assessed by Ki‐67 immunostaining and determine whether expression of substance P (SP) and NK‐1 receptor (NK‐1R) is related to cell proliferation in these tumors.

Materials and methods

Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate protein expression in 44 benign and malignant odontogenic tumors from 39 patients. Immunohistochemistry was performed with anti‐SP, anti‐NK‐1R, and anti‐Ki‐67 monoclonal antibodies, and the clinical and pathological data of the patients with odontogenic tumor were evaluated.

Results

Expression of Ki‐67 in malignant odontogenic tumors was significantly higher than in ameloblastomas (P < 0.001), and the expression level was associated with higher expression of NK‐1R. Among the ameloblastomas, there was significantly higher expression of Ki‐67 in peripheral ameloblastic‐like cells (3.3 ± 4.1) than in stellate reticulum‐like cells (2.6 ± 3.7) (P = 0.04). In the majority of tissue locations of the malignant tumors, expression of SP and NK‐1R was positively correlated with higher expression of Ki‐67.

Conclusion

These findings show that the expression level of Ki‐67 in ameloblastomas was positively correlated with the rate of growth of odontogenic tumors. Overexpression of NK‐1R complex in malignant odontogenic tumors could be part of the trigger stimulus that results in higher proliferative activity of the tumor.
Deformation Behavior and Failure Analysis of Wrought Magnesium During Twin Rolling Casting and Hot Compression
Authors: Wang Shouren , Kang Suk Bong , Cho JaeHyung , Guo Peiquan , Yang Liying
Published: August 2012

The flow stress of AZ41M (Mg-Al-Zn-Mn-Ca) and ZK 60 (Mg-Zn-Zr) wrought magnesium alloys under the deformation conditions of twin rolling casting and hot compression at different temperature and strain rates was studied. Deformation behavior and failure mechanism of them were discussed. Microstructure evolutions were analyzed by optical microstructure and electron backscatter diffraction technique. The results have indicated that AZ41M and ZK 60 have different strain-stress curve under the same conditions. Working hardening results in occurrence of cracks in or around the shear bands. The recrystallized, equiaxed, and fined grains in shear bands attribute to recovery and recrystallization, grains refinement causes local working hardening as well as decreases of crack tip driving forces. Stress concentrated in shear bands causes crack initiation and propagation. Nucleus of cracks due to casting defects is another failure mode. With the increase of strain, dislocation rearranged in subgrain level while the low angle grain boundaries continuously evolved into high angle grain boundaries.
Comparisons of Annular Hydrodynamic Structures in 3D Fluidized Beds Using X-Ray Computed Tomography Imaging
Authors: Drake Joshua B. , Heindel Theodore J.
Published: August 2012

Fluidized beds are common equipment in many process industries. Knowledge of the hydrodynamics within a fluidized bed on the local scale is important for the improvement of scale-up and process efficiencies. This knowledge is lacking due to limited observational technologies at the local scale. This paper uses X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging to describe the local time-average gas holdup differences of annular hydrodynamic structures that arise through axisymmetric annular flow in a 10.2 cm and 15.2 cm diameter cold flow fluidized bed. The aeration scheme used is similar to that provided by a porous plate and hydrodynamic results can be directly compared. Geldart type B glass bead, ground walnut shell, and crushed corncob particles were studied at various superficial gas velocities. Assuming axisymmetry, the local 3D time-average gas holdup data acquired through X-ray CT imaging was averaged over concentric annuli, resulting in a 2D annular and time-average gas holdup map. These gas holdup maps show that four different types of annular hydrodynamic structures occur in the fluidized beds of this study: zones of (1) aeration jetting, (2) bubble coalescence, (3) bubble rise, and (4) particle shear. Changes in the superficial gas velocities, bed diameters, and bed material densities display changes in these zones. The 2D gas holdup maps provide a benchmark that can be used by computational fluid dynamic (CFD) users for the direct comparisons of 2D models, assuming axisymmetric annular flow.
First Order Reliability Method With Truncated Random Variables
Authors: Du Xiaoping , Hu Zhen
Published: August 2012

In many engineering applications, the probability distributions of some random variables are truncated; these truncated distributions are resulted from restricting the domain of other probability distributions. If the first order reliability method (FORM) is directly used, the truncated random variables will be transformed into unbounded standard normal distributions. This treatment may result in large errors in reliability analysis. In this work, we modify FORM so that the truncated random variables are transformed into truncated standard normal variables. After the first order approximation and variable transformation, saddlepoint approximation is then used to estimate the reliability. Without increasing the computational cost, the proposed method is generally more accurate than the original FORM for problems with truncated random variables.
Ice Sheets in Transition
Authors: Clark Peter U.
Published: August 2012

Temperature reconstructions from the deep sea reveal how the global ice volume has varied over the past 1.5 million years.
Precursor or Charge Supplier?
Authors: Fairn Gregory D. , Grinstein Sergio
Published: August 2012

A phospholipid directly influences the recruitment and function of proteins at the plasma membrane.
Leveraging Shear Stress to Bust Clots with Nanoparticles
Authors: Lavik Erin , Ustin Jeffrey
Published: August 2012

Nanoparticle aggregates break apart to release drugs under increased shear stress in blocked blood vessels for improved treatment of stroke, heart attacks, and embolisms.
Attack of the Clones
Authors: Kupferschmidt Kai
Published: August 2012

Fungi have long been seen as the least interesting pathogens, but two catastrophes in the animal world have changed that view.
Rapid and Easy Identification of Capsular Serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae by Use of Fragment Analysis by Automated Fluorescence-Based Capillary Electrophoresis
Authors: Selva Laura , del Amo Eva , Brotons Pedro , Muñoz-Almagro Carmen
Published: August 2012

The purpose of this study was to develop a high-throughput method for the identification of pneumococcal capsular types. Multiplex PCR combined with fragment analysis and automated fluorescent capillary electrophoresis (FAF-mPCR) was utilized. FAF-mPCR was composed of only 3 PCRs for the specific detection of serotypes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6A/6B, 6C, 7F/7A, 7C/(7B/40), 8, 9V/9A, 9N/9L, 10A, 10F/(10C/33C), 11A/11D/11F, 12F/(12A/44/46), 13, 14, 15A/15F, 15B/15C, 16F, 17F, 18/(18A/18B/18C/18F), 19A, 19F, 20, 21, 22F/22A, 23A, 23B, 23F, 24/(24A/24B/24F), 31, 33F/(33A/37), 34, 35A/(35C/42), 35B, 35F/47F, 38/25F, and 39. In order to evaluate the assay, all invasive pneumococcal isolates (
n
= 394) characterized at Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain, from July 2010 to July 2011 were included in this study. The Wallace coefficient was used to evaluate the overall agreement between two typing methods (Quellung reaction versus FAF-mPCR). A high concordance with Quellung was found: 97.2% (383/394) of samples. The Wallace coefficient was 0.981 (range, 0.965 to 0.997). Only 11 results were discordant with the Quellung reaction. However, latex reaction and Quellung results of the second reference laboratory agreed with FAF-mPCR for 9 of these 11 strains (82%). Therefore, we considered that only 2 of 394 strains (0.5%) were not properly characterized by the new assay. The automation of the process allowed the typing of 30 isolates in a few hours with a lower cost than that of the Quellung reaction. These results indicate that FAF-mPCR is a good method to determine the capsular serotype of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Avian-Like H3N2 Swine Influenza Virus Discovered in Southern China
Authors: Su Shuo , Chen Ji-dang , Qi Hai-tao , Zhu Wan-jun , Xie Jie-xiong , Huang Zhen , Tan Li-kai , Qi Wen-bao , Zhang Gui-hong
Published: August 2012

We report here the complete genomic sequence of a novel avian-like H3N2 swine influenza virus containing an H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus segment that was obtained from swine in southern China. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that this virus might originate from domestic aquatic birds. The sequence information provided herein suggests that continuing study is required to determine if this virus can be established in the swine population and pose potential threats to public health.
Papilio polyxenes Densovirus Has an Iteravirus-Like Genome Organization
Authors: Yu Qian , Hajek Ann E. , Bergoin Max , Tijssen Peter
Published: August 2012

The genome of
Papilio polyxenes
densovirus was cloned and sequenced and contained 5,053 nucleotides (nt), including inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) of 271 nt with terminal hairpins of 175 nt. Its DNA sequence and monosense organization with 3 open reading frames (ORFs) are typical of the genus
Iteravirus
in the subfamily
Densovirinae
of the
Parvoviridae
.
Herpes Simplex Virus 1 DNA Is in Unstable Nucleosomes throughout the Lytic Infection Cycle, and the Instability of the Nucleosomes Is Independent of DNA Replication
Authors: Lacasse Jonathan J. , Schang Luis M.
Published: August 2012

Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) DNA is chromatinized during latency and consequently regularly digested by micrococcal nuclease (MCN) to nucleosome-size fragments. In contrast, MCN digests HSV-1 DNA in lytically infected cells to mostly heterogeneous sizes. Yet HSV-1 DNA coimmunoprecipitates with histones during lytic infections. We have shown that at 5 h postinfection, most nuclear HSV-1 DNA is in particularly unstable nucleoprotein complexes and consequently is more accessible to MCN than DNA in cellular chromatin. HSV-1 DNA was quantitatively recovered at this time in complexes with the biophysical properties of mono- to polynucleosomes following a modified MCN digestion developed to detect potential unstable intermediates. We proposed that most HSV-1 DNA is in unstable nucleosome-like complexes during lytic infections. Physiologically, nucleosome assembly typically associates with DNA replication, although DNA replication transiently disrupts nucleosomes. It therefore remained unclear whether the instability of the HSV-1 nucleoprotein complexes was related to the ongoing viral DNA replication. Here we tested whether HSV-1 DNA is in unstable nucleosome-like complexes before, during, or after the peak of viral DNA replication or when HSV-1 DNA replication is inhibited. HSV-1 DNA was quantitatively recovered in complexes fractionating as mono- to polynucleosomes from nuclei harvested at 2, 5, 7, or 9 h after infection, even if viral DNA replication was inhibited. Therefore, most HSV-1 DNA is in unstable nucleosome-like complexes throughout the lytic replication cycle, and the instability of these complexes is surprisingly independent of HSV-1 DNA replication. The specific accessibility of nuclear HSV-1 DNA, however, varied at different times after infection.
Progressive neuropsychiatric and brain abnormalities after smoke inhalation
Authors: Tobe Edward
Published: August 2012

A 46-year-old man inhaled combustible smoke of unknown chemical composition for 15–20 min in an automobile body shop. Within 1 month, he noted headache, sadness, anergia, anhedonia, agitation, poor sleep and impairment of concentration, attention and learning skills. Three years later, mental status examination showed major depression and cognitive disorder manifested by apprehension, continuous sadness, agitation, exhaustion, difficulty with word finding, bradyphrenia, short-term and long-term memory impairment, and judgement impaired by impulsive and affect-laden reactions without reflection. Impairments were noted on neuropsychiatric tests, and positron emission tomography (PET) scan of the brain with18F-fluorodeoxyglucose showed globally decreased and heterogeneous metabolic activity in the entire brain. Treatment included sertraline, methylphenidate, valproic acid and topiramate. At 14 years after smoke inhalation injury, he had persistent cognitive impairment. Repeat brain PET scan showed areas of improvement and deterioration. This case shows long-term brain and psychiatric dysfunction resulting after toxic smoke inhalation, with some areas of the brain having progressive deterioration between years 3 and 14 after smoke inhalation.
Spinal extradural cavernous haemangioma in an elderly man
Authors: Rahman Asifur , Hoque Saif Ul , Bhandari Paawan Bahadur , Abu Obaida Abu Saleh Md
Published: August 2012

Cavernous haemangiomas are vascular malformations that may affect any part of the central nervous system. Epidural haemangiomas are rare and constitute ∼4% of all epidural tumours and 12% of all intraspinal haemangiomas. These tumours enlarge slowly and produce symptoms of progressive myelopathy or radiculopathy or both. History, clinical examination, routine radiographs, MRI and histopathological studies are the aids for a definitive diagnosis. Surgery can give a very beneficial result with good functional and neurological improvement. Chance of recurrence is less after a good surgical removal. Here we present a case of spinal extradural cavernous haemangioma in a 65- year-old man who had a good functional and neurological recovery after surgery. At 9 months postoperative follow-up, he did well without any new problems with regard to recurrence. We report this case for its rarity.
Acute onset of generalised pruritus as presenting symptom of Klatskin tumour: Figure 1
Authors: Tobbia Patrick , Norris Leslie A , Karimova Nodira
Published: August 2012

A 60-year-old Korean woman presented with generalised pruritus and abdominal pain. She was initially treated with oral antihistamine therapy, but upon progression of symptoms and jaundice involvement, she was found to have a Klatskin tumour. The patient was not a candidate for surgical resection and is currently undergoing palliative care.
Elite athletes travelling to international destinations >5 time zone differences from their home country have a 2–3-fold increased risk of illness
Authors: Schwellnus Martin P , Derman Wayne Elton , Jordaan Esme , Page Tony , Lambert Mike Ian , Readhead Clint , Roberts Craig , Kohler Ryan , Collins Robert , Kara Stephen , Morris Michael Ian , Strauss Org , Webb Sandra
Published: August 2012

Background

Illness accounts for a significant proportion of consultations with a team physician travelling with elite athletes.

Objective

To determine if international travel increases the incidence of illness in rugby union players participating in a 16-week tournament.

Setting

2010 Super 14 Rugby Union tournament.

Participants

259 elite rugby players from eight teams were followed daily over the 16-week competition period (22 676 player-days).

Assessment

Team physicians completed a logbook detailing the daily squad size and illness in any player (system affected, final diagnosis, type and onset of symptoms, training/match days lost and suspected cause) with 100% compliance. Time periods during the tournament were divided as follows: located and playing in the home country before travelling (baseline), located and playing abroad in countries >5 h time zone difference (travel) and located back in the home country following international travel (return).

Main outcome measurement

Incidence of illness (illness per 1000 player-days) during baseline, travel and return.

Results

The overall incidence of illness in the cohort was 20.7 (95% CI 18.5 to 23.1). For all teams, the incidence of illness according to location and travelling was significantly higher in the time period following international travel (32.6; 95% CI 19.6 to 53.5) compared with the baseline (15.4; 95% CI 8.7 to 27.0) or after returning to their home country (10.6; 95% CI 6.1 to 18.2).

Conclusions

There is a higher incidence of illness in athletes following international travel to a foreign country that is >5 h time difference and this returns to baseline on return to the home country.
Prediction of gas-phase reduced ion mobility constants (K0) from three-dimensional molecular structure representation
Authors: Song Jing , Zhang Ying , Hu Hui , Zhang Hui , Lin Lin , Xu Jie
Published: August 2012

Quantitative structure–property relationship (QSPR) studies were performed for the prediction of gas-phase reduced ion mobility constants (K0) of diverse compounds based on three-dimensional (3D) molecular structure representation. The entire set of 159 compounds was divided into a training set of 120 compounds and a test set of 39 compounds according to Kennard and Stones algorithm. Multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis was employed to select the best subset of descriptors and to build linear models, whereas nonlinear models were developed by means of an artificial neural network (ANN). The obtained models with five descriptors involved show good predictive power for the test set: a squared correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9029 and a standard error of estimation (s) of 0.0549 were achieved by the MLR model, whereas by the ANN model, R2 and s were 0.9292 and 0.496, respectively. The results of this study compare favorably to previously reported prediction methods for the ion mobility constants. In addition, the descriptors used in the models are discussed with respect to the structural features governing the mobility of the compounds.
Sulfonated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as a new, efficient, and recyclable heterogeneous nanocatalyst for the synthesis of amines
Authors: Doroodmand M. M. , Sobhani S. , Ashoori A.
Published: August 2012

Sulfonated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) as a new and facile one-pot method using acetylene (as the CNT precursor), thiophene (as the sulfur precursor), and ferrocene (for in situ liberation of metal nanoparticles as the CNT nanocatalyst). A low catalytic amount of the resulting sulfonated MWCNTs with a turnover number (TON) up to 980 and a turnover frequency (TOF) up to 11 160 h–1 was utilized as a new and recyclable heterogeneous nanocatalyst for the efficient one-pot synthesis of various amines (secondary and tertiary) by direct reductive amination of aldehydes and ketones using NaBH4. The catalyst was easily isolated from the reaction mixture by simple filtration and reused at least five times without significant degradation in activity.
STRAIN INDUCED ENHANCED MIGRATION OF POLARON AND LITHIUM ION IN λ-MnO2
Authors: YAN HUI-JUN , WANG ZHI-QIANG , XU BO , OUYANG CHUYING
Published: August 2012

The dynamic properties of λ- MnO2 under strain can be different to normal conditions as lithium storage material. Results from first-principles calculations show that compressive strain will enhance the electrical conductivity and lithium ion diffusion coefficient simultaneously. We show that 7% compressive strain applied along the (011) direction leads to about two orders of magnitude increase in both the electrical conductivity and Li diffusion coefficient under room temperature. 7% compressive strain applied along the (111) direction will increase the Li diffusion coefficient by five orders of magnitude. These results are important to experimental and industrial preparation and design of λ- MnO2 materials when interfaces are involved. The physical mechanism behind the strain induced improvement of the dynamic performance is discussed.
Quantifying Neogene plate-boundary controlled uplift and deformation of the southern Australian margin
Authors: Tassone David R. , Holford Simon P. , Hillis Richard R. , Tuitt Adrian K.
Published: August 2012

Parts of the Australian continent, including the Otway Basin of the southern Australian margin, exhibit unusually high levels of neotectonic deformation for a so-called stable continental region. The onset of deformation in the Otway Basin is marked by a regional Miocene–Pliocene unconformity and inversion and exhumation of the Cretaceous–Cenozoic basin fill by up to
c
. 1 km. While it is generally agreed that this deformation is controlled by a mildly compressional intraplate stress field generated by the interaction of distant plate-boundary forces, it is less clear whether the present-day record of deformation manifested by seismicity is representative of the longer-term geological record of deformation. We present estimates of strain rates in the eastern Otway Basin since 10 Ma based on seismic moment release, geological observations, exhumation measurements and structural restorations. Our results demonstrate significant temporal variation in bulk crustal strain rates, from a peak of
c
. 2×10
−16
s
−1
in the Miocene–Pliocene to
c
. 1.09×10
−17
s
−1
at the present day, and indicate that the observed exhumation can be accounted for solely by crustal shortening. The Miocene–Pliocene peak in tectonic activity, along with the orthogonal alignment of inverted post-Miocene structures to measured and predicted maximum horizontal stress orientations, validates the notion that plate-boundary forces are capable of generating mild but appreciable deformation and uplift within continental interiors.
P2X7 receptor activation induces inflammatory responses in salivary gland epithelium
Authors: Woods Lucas T. , Camden Jean M. , Batek Josef M. , Petris Michael J. , Erb Laurie , Weisman Gary A.
Published: August 2012

Inflammation of the salivary gland is a well-documented aspect of salivary gland dysfunction that occurs in Sjogren's syndrome (SS), an autoimmune disease, and in γ-radiation-induced injury during treatment of head and neck cancers. Extracellular nucleotides have gained recognition as key modulators of inflammation through activation of cell surface ionotropic and metabotropic receptors, although the contribution of extracellular nucleotides to salivary gland inflammation is not well understood. In vitro studies using submandibular gland (SMG) cell aggregates isolated from wild-type C57BL/6 mice indicate that treatment with ATP or the high affinity P2X7R agonist 3′- O-(4-benzoyl)benzoyl-ATP (BzATP) induces membrane blebbing and enhances caspase activity, responses that were absent in SMG cell aggregates isolated from mice lacking the P2X7R (P2X7R−/−). Additional studies with SMG cell aggregates indicate that activation of the P2X7R with ATP or BzATP stimulates the cleavage and release of α-fodrin, a cytoskeletal protein thought to act as an autoantigen in the development of SS. In vivo administration of BzATP to ligated SMG excretory ducts enhances immune cell infiltration into the gland and initiates apoptosis of salivary epithelial cells in wild-type, but not P2X7R−/−, mice. These findings indicate that activation of the P2X7R contributes to salivary gland inflammation in vivo, suggesting that the P2X7R may represent a novel target for the treatment of salivary gland dysfunction.
Angiotensin II stimulates superoxide production in the thick ascending limb by activating NOX4
Authors: Massey Katherine J. , Hong Nancy J. , Garvin Jeffrey L.
Published: August 2012

Angiotensin II (ANG II) stimulates production of superoxide (O2−) by NADPH oxidase (NOX) in medullary thick ascending limbs (TALs). There are three isoforms of the catalytic subunit (NOX1, 2, and 4) known to be expressed in the kidney. We hypothesized that NOX2 mediates ANG II-induced O2− production by TALs. To test this, we measured NOX1, 2, and 4 mRNA and protein by RT-PCR and Western blot in TAL suspensions from rats and found three catalytic subunits expressed in the TAL. We measured O2− production using a lucigenin-based assay. To assess the contribution of NOX2, we measured ANG II-induced O2− production in wild-type and NOX2 knockout mice (KO). ANG II increased O2− production by 346 relative light units (RLU)/mg protein in the wild-type mice ( n = 9; P < 0.0007 vs. control). In the knockout mice, ANG II increased O2− production by 290 RLU/mg protein ( n = 9; P < 0.007 vs. control). This suggests that NOX2 does not contribute to ANG II-induced O2− production ( P < 0.6 WT vs. KO). To test whether NOX4 mediates the effect of ANG II, we selectively decreased NOX4 expression in rats using an adenovirus that expresses NOX4 short hairpin (sh)RNA. Six to seven days after in vivo transduction of the kidney outer medulla, NOX4 mRNA was reduced by 77%, while NOX1 and NOX2 mRNA was unaffected. In control TALs, ANG II stimulated O2− production by 96%. In TALs transduced with NOX4 shRNA, ANG II-stimulated O2− production was not significantly different from the baseline. We concluded that NOX4 is the main catalytic isoform of NADPH oxidase that contributes to ANG II-stimulated O2− production by TALs.
Intrinsic properties of the sodium sensor neurons in the rat median preoptic nucleus
Authors: Voisin Aurore N. , Drolet Guy , Mouginot Didier
Published: August 2012

The essential role of the median preoptic nucleus (MnPO) in the integration of chemosensory information associated with the hydromineral state of the rat relies on the presence of a unique population of sodium (Na+) sensor neurons. Little is known about the intrinsic properties of these neurons; therefore, we used whole cell recordings in acute brain slices to determine the electrical fingerprints of this specific neural population of rat MnPO. The data collected from a large sample of neurons (115) indicated that the Na+ sensor neurons represent a majority of the MnPO neurons in situ (83%). These neurons displayed great diversity in both firing patterns induced by transient depolarizing current steps and rectifying properties activated by hyperpolarizing current steps. This diversity of electrical properties was also present in non-Na+ sensor neurons. Subpopulations of Na+ sensor neurons could be distinguished, however, from the non-Na+ sensor neurons. The firing frequency was higher in Na+ sensor neurons, showing irregular spike discharges, and the amplitude of the time-dependent rectification was weaker in the Na+ sensor neurons than in non-Na+ sensor neurons. The diversity among the electrical properties of the MnPO neurons contrasts with the relative function homogeneity (Na+ sensing). However, this diversity might be correlated with a variety of direct synaptic connections linking the MnPO to different brain areas involved in various aspects of the restoration and conservation of the body fluid homeostasis.
Impact of the cystic fibrosis mutation F508del-CFTR on renal cyst formation and growth
Authors: Li Hongyu , Yang Wanding , Mendes Filipa , Amaral Margarida D. , Sheppard David N.
Published: August 2012

In autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), the protein product of the gene defective in cystic fibrosis (CF), plays a crucial role in fluid accumulation, which promotes cyst swelling. Several studies have identified individuals afflicted by both ADPKD and CF. Two studies suggested that CF mutations might attenuate the severity of ADPKD, whereas a third found no evidence of a protective effect. In this study, we investigated the impact of the commonest CF mutation F508del-CFTR on the formation and growth of renal cysts. As a model system, we used Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells engineered to express wild-type and F508del human CFTR. We grew MDCK cysts in collagen gels in the presence of the cAMP agonist forskolin and measured transepithelial resistance and Cl−secretion with the Ussing chamber technique and assayed cell proliferation using nonpolarized MDCK cells. When compared with untransfected MDCK cells, cells expressing wild-type CFTR generated substantial numbers of large cysts, which grew markedly over time. By contrast, MDCK cells expressing F508del-CFTR formed very few tiny cysts that failed to enlarge. Interestingly, treatment of F508del-CFTR cysts with the CFTR corrector VRT-325 and the CFTR corrector-potentiator VRT-532 increased the number, but not size, of F508del-CFTR cysts, possibly because VRT-325 inhibited strongly cell proliferation. Based on its effects on transepithelial resistance, Cl−secretion, and cell proliferation, we conclude that the F508del-CFTR mutation disrupts cyst formation and growth by perturbing strongly fluid accumulation within the cyst lumen without compromising epithelial integrity.
Role of A1 receptors in renal sympathetic neurotransmission in the mouse kidney
Authors: Jackson Edwin K. , Cheng Dongmei , Mi Zaichuan , Verrier Jonathan D. , Janesko-Feldman Keri , Kochanek Patrick M.
Published: August 2012

A1 receptors may participate in renal sympathetic neurotransmission by enhancing the postjunctional effects of norepinephrine. The purpose of this study was to test this concept using A1 receptor knockout (A1AR−/−) mice. In isolated kidneys from nontransgenic mice perfused with Tyrode's solution at a constant rate, renal sympathetic nerve stimulation (RSNS) increased ( P < 0.0001) renal venous perfusate levels of inosine (adenosine metabolite) from 23.9 ± 3.7 to 32.7 ± 5.1, 68.2 ± 12.4, and 94.0 ± 14.3 ng/ml at 3, 5, and 7 Hz, respectively ( n = 28), suggesting frequency-dependent production of adenosine. Conversely, RSNS decreased ( P < 0.0001) renal venous perfusate levels of 5′-AMP (adenosine precursor) from 1.4 ± 0.3 to 1.1 ± 0.3, 0.80 ± 0.2, and 0.6 ± 0.2 ng/ml at 3, 5, and 7 Hz, respectively ( n = 28), suggesting frequency-dependent increased metabolism of 5′-AMP. In kidneys from nontransgenic mice, blockade of adenosine receptors with 1,3-dipropyl-8-p-sulfophenylxanthine attenuated ( P = 0.0130) vasoconstrictor responses to RSNS at 3, 5, and 7 Hz [control ( n = 29): 22 ± 4, 34 ± 6, 42 ± 6 mmHg, respectively; 1,3-dipropyl-8-p-sulfophenylxanthine-treated ( n = 11): 6 ± 1, 12 ± 3, 15 ± 3 mmHg, respectively]. In A1AR−/− kidneys ( n = 10), vasoconstrictor responses to RSNS at 3, 5, and 7 Hz were 7 ± 3, 20 ± 5, and 36 ± 9 mmHg, respectively. In kidneys from wild-type littermates ( n = 9), responses were 27 ± 9, 58 ± 14, and 59 ± 11 mmHg, respectively (effect of genotype: P = 0.0363). In kidneys from nontransgenic mice, 2-chloro- N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA; highly selective A1 receptor agonist) increased renal vasoconstriction induced by norepinephrine ( P = 0.0008; n = 28). In kidneys from A1AR−/− the response to norepinephrine was attenuated and the ability of CCPA to enhance responses to norepinephrine was abolished. In conclusion, adenosine formed during RSNS enhances the postjunctional effects of released norepinephrine by activating A1 receptors.
Head direction cell activity in the anterodorsal thalamus requires intact supragenual nuclei
Authors: Clark Benjamin J. , Brown Joel E. , Taube Jeffrey S.
Published: August 2012

Neural activity in several limbic areas varies as a function of the animal's head direction (HD) in the horizontal plane. Lesions of the vestibular periphery abolish this HD cell signal, suggesting an essential role for vestibular afference in HD signal generation. The organization of brain stem pathways conveying vestibular information to the HD circuit is poorly understood; however, recent anatomical work has identified the supragenual nucleus (SGN) as a putative relay. To test this hypothesis, we made lesions of the SGN in rats and screened for HD cells in the anterodorsal thalamus. In animals with complete bilateral lesions, the overall number of HD cells was significantly reduced relative to control animals. In animals with unilateral lesions of the SGN, directional activity was present, but the preferred firing directions of these cells were unstable and less influenced by the rotation of an environmental landmark. In addition, we found that preferred directions displayed large directional shifts when animals foraged for food in a darkened environment and when they were navigating from a familiar environment to a novel one, suggesting that the SGN plays a critical role in projecting essential self-motion (idiothetic) information to the HD cell circuit.
Transcorneal alternating current stimulation induces EEG “aftereffects” only in rats with an intact visual system but not after severe optic nerve damage
Authors: Sergeeva Elena G. , Fedorov Anton B. , Henrich-Noack Petra , Sabel Bernhard A.
Published: August 2012

Noninvasive alternating current stimulation can induce vision restoration in patients with chronic optic nerve damage and results in electroencephalogram (EEG) aftereffects. To better understand the mechanisms of action, we studied such EEG “aftereffects” of transcorneal alternating current stimulation (tACS) at the chronic posttraumatic state in rats. EEG baseline was recorded from visual cortex under ketamine/xylazine narcosis of healthy rats and rats with chronic severe optic nerve crush. One week later, both groups were again anesthetized and stimulated transcorneally twice for 12 min each time. tACS-induced changes were compared with baseline EEG. Over the course of 65 min narcosis baseline EEG revealed a shift from a dominant delta power to theta. This shift was significantly delayed in lesioned animals compared with healthy controls. tACS applied during the late narcosis stage in normal rats led to significantly increased theta power with a parallel shift of the dominating peak to higher frequency which outlasted the stimulation period by 15 min (aftereffects). EEG in lesioned rats was not significantly changed. In rodents, tACS can induce neuroplasticity as shown by EEG aftereffects that outlast the stimulation period. But this requires a minimal level of brain activation because aftereffects are not seen when tACS is applied during deep anesthesia and not when applied to animals after severe optic nerve damage. We conclude that tACS is only effective to induce cortical plasticity when the the retina can be excited.
Ureteroscopy-Assisted Retrograde Nephrostomy (UARN) after Anatrophic Nephrolithotomy
Authors: Kawahara Takashi , Ito Hiroki , Terao Hideyuki , Kato Yoshitake , Ogawa Takehiko , Uemura Hiroji , Kubota Yoshinobu , Matsuzaki Junichi
Published: August 2012

Introduction. Open surgical anatrophic nephrolithotomy (ANL) had been the standard treatment for large renal calculi prior to the development of endoscopic devices and endoscopic techniques. A previous report described the efficacy of ureteroscopy-assisted retrograde nephrostomy (UARN) and presented a case of renal calculi successfully treated with UARN during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in a patient after ANL.Case Presentation. A 61-year-old male with left renal calculi was referred for further treatment. The patient was placed under general and epidural anesthesia, in a Galdakao-modified Valdivia position. A flexible ureteroscope (URS) was inserted, and a Lawson retrograde nephrostomy puncture wire was advanced into the flexible URS. The puncture wire then followed the route from the renal pelvis to the exit skin. Calculus fragmentation was undertaken using a pneumatic lithotripter.Conclusions. UARN for PCNL was therefore found to be a safe, effective, and appropriate treatment for a patient presenting with renal calculi after undergoing ANL.
Mechanistic Study on the Antidepressant-Like Effect of Danggui-Shaoyao-San, a Chinese Herbal Formula
Authors: Huang Zhen , Mao Qing-Qiu , Zhong Xiao-Ming , Li Zhao-Yi , Qiu Feng-Mei , Ip Siu-Po
Published: August 2012

Danggui-Shaoyao-San (DSS), a famous Chinese herbal formula, has been widely used in the treatment of various diseases. Previous studies have shown that DSS produces antidepressant-like effect in rodents. This study aims to investigate the mechanism(s) underlying the antidepressant-like action of DDS. The results showed that DSS treatment significantly antagonized reserpine-induced ptosis in mice. In addition, DSS treatment significantly increased sucrose consumption in chronic unpredictable stress- (CUS-) treated mice. DSS treatment also markedly attenuated CUS-induced decreases in noradrenaline and dopamine concentrations in mouse brain. Furthermore, DSS treatment significantly reversed CUS-induced increase in serum malondialdehyde (MDA) content and decrease in serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in mice. The results suggest that the antidepressant-like activity of DSS is probably mediated by the modulation of central monoamine neurotransmitter systems and the reduction of oxidative stress.
Analysis of a Hybrid PV/Thermal Solar-Assisted Heat Pump System for Sports Center Water Heating Application
Authors: Bai Y. , Chow T. T. , Ménézo C. , Dupeyrat P.
Published: August 2012

The application of solar energy provides an alternative way to replace the primary source of energy, especially for large-scale installations. Heat pump technology is also an effective means to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels. This paper presents a practical case study of combined hybrid PV/T solar assisted heat pump (SAHP) system for sports center hot water production. The initial design procedure was first presented. The entire system was then modeled with the TRNSYS 16 computation environment and the energy performance was evaluated based on year round simulation results. The results show that the system COP can reach 4.1 under the subtropical climate of Hong Kong, and as compared to the conventional heating system, a high fractional factor of energy saving at 67% can be obtained. The energy performances of the same system under different climatic conditions, that include three other cities in France, were analyzed and compared. Economic implications were also considered in this study.
Traveling Thrombus in the Right Atrium: Is It the Final Destination?
Authors: Bhargava Maneesh , Dincer Erhan
Published: August 2012

Right heart thrombus is rare in structurally normal heart. Here, we report a 74-year-old man with a right atrial thrombus who presented with shortness of breath.
An Automated Optimal Engagement and Attention Detection System Using Electrocardiogram
Authors: Belle Ashwin , Hargraves Rosalyn Hobson , Najarian Kayvan
Published: August 2012

This research proposes to develop a monitoring system which uses Electrocardiograph (ECG) as a fundamental physiological signal, to analyze and predict the presence or lack of cognitive attention in individuals during a task execution. The primary focus of this study is to identify the correlation between fluctuating level of attention and its implications on the cardiac rhythm recorded in the ECG. Furthermore, Electroencephalograph (EEG) signals are also analyzed and classified for use as a benchmark for comparison with ECG analysis. Several advanced signal processing techniques have been implemented and investigated to derive multiple clandestine and informative features from both these physiological signals. Decomposition and feature extraction are done using Stockwell-transform for the ECG signal, while Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) is used for EEG. These features are then applied to various machine-learning algorithms to produce classification models that are capable of differentiating between the cases of a person being attentive and a person not being attentive. The presented results show that detection and classification of cognitive attention using ECG are fairly comparable to EEG.
Dynamic Complexity of an Ivlev‐Type Prey‐Predator System with Impulsive State Feedback Control
Authors: Dai Chuanjun , Zhao Min , Chen Lansun
Published: August 2012

The dynamic complexities of an Ivlev‐type prey‐predator system with impulsive state feedback control are studied analytically and numerically. Using the analogue of the Poincaré criterion, sufficient conditions for the existence and the stability of semitrivial periodic solutions can be obtained. Furthermore, the bifurcation diagrams and phase diagrams are investigated by means of numerical simulations, which illustrate the feasibility of the main results presented here.
Hyperbolically Bi-Lipschitz Continuity for -Harmonic Quasiconformal Mappings
Authors: Chen Xingdi
Published: August 2012

We study the class of -harmonic -quasiconformal mappings with angular ranges. After building a differential equation for the hyperbolic metric of an angular range, we obtain the sharp bounds of their hyperbolically partial derivatives, determined by the quasiconformal constant . As an application we get their hyperbolically bi-Lipschitz continuity and their sharp hyperbolically bi-Lipschitz coefficients.
Postoperative Aseptic Intracranial Granuloma: The Possible Influence of Fluid Hemostatics
Authors: Ganau Mario , Nicassio Nicola , Tacconi Leonello
Published: August 2012

Background.Numerous reports have demonstrated how postoperative intracranial granulomas can often mimic neoplasm clinically, radiologically, and even macroscopically. Herein we present an unusual case of postsurgical intracranial aseptic granuloma secondary to a chronic inflammatory reaction without any identifiable retained foreign body.Case Description. A 71-year-old patient started complaining of severe headache seven months after surgical excision of WHO Grade I right frontal falx meningioma. CT and MRI scans disclosed a contrast-enhanced lesion with diffuse mass effect in the previous surgical site. The lesion was resected; intraoperative finding and histological specimens led to the diagnosis of postoperative granuloma, likely expression of a glial reaction to the fluid absorbable hemostatics applied in the surgical site after meningioma excision. The possible granuloma-inducing materials and the timing of granuloma formation are discussed.Conclusion. A comprehensive analysis of clinical and neuroradiological data, as well as results of blood tests including positive and negative acute phase proteins, is mandatory to raise the suspicion of postoperative granuloma. The treatment options should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, with a conservative attitude being the one of choice only for patients without progressive neurological deficit. Alternatively, aggressive surgical treatment and histopathological examination should be advocated.