bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal changes in leptin and adiponectin concentrations through uncomplicated pregnancy
Authors: Pijanović Marina , Stefanović Aleksandra , Miljković Milica , Marić-Krejović Snežana , Spasić Slavica
Published: November 2017

Background:

Leptin and adiponectin play an important role during normal gestation; they are implicated in energy metabolism, glucose utilization and inflammation. Osteocalcin is released into circulation during bone formation; it also affects glucose metabolism by regulating insulin secretion and sensitivity, possibly mediated by adiponectin. The aim of this study was to explore the longitudinal changes of leptin and adiponectin in pregnancy, and their associations with lipid profile, insulin and bone formation parameters in late pregnancy.

Methods:

Leptin, adiponectin, lipid status parameters, C-reactive protein (CRP), insulin, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, osteocalcin and procollagen type 1 aminoterminal propeptide (P1NP) were measured in the sera of 38 healthy pregnant women. The samples were obtained in the 1st, 2nd, early and late 3rd trimester, and post-partum.

Results:

Leptin was significantly increased in the 3rd trimester. The decrease of adiponectin was significant only in postpartum. Osteocalcin and P1NP increased in the late 3rd trimester and postpartum. Leptin was significantly positively correlated with body mass index (BMI), uric acid, insulin, osteocalcin, P1NP and CRP in the 3rd trimester; adiponectin was positively correlated with high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and negatively with BMI, glucose, osteocalcin, triglycerides and insulin. Multiple regression analysis showed that only HDL is independently associated with adiponectin.

Conclusions:

The results of our study suggest complex interactions of leptin and adiponectin with glucose, lipid and bone metabolism during pregnancy. Adiponectin might be part of the protective systems that counterbalance a transient proatherogenic state observed in pregnancy mainly by improving the HDL levels. The exact mechanisms and potential implications in pathological states of pregnancy remain unexplained and require further investigation.
Medical laboratory in autoimmunity 2017
Authors: Nydegger Urs E.
Published: November 2017

With big data algorithms and artificial intelligence (AI) at stake the optimal assembly of the most appropriate lab assays selected to diagnose, treat and follow up patients suffering from well-delineated disease may get lost. The physician ordering a lab test, instead of asking for a good composition of screening tests is tempted to order a large number of assays, including genome sequencing hoping to find the diagnostic evidence for his/her patient at once. Four major specialities of medical laboratory assays, i.e. clinical chemistry, hematology, immunology and microbiology are embraced by genome sequencing techniques and have attained the degree of robotics, facilitating assays to such a degree, that the prescriber is free of concern as to how costly/complicated an investigation might become. Diagnostics with autoimmune diseases is not an exemption and autoantibody screening using multiplex assays or therapeutic drug monitoring to adjust treatments of inflammatory/autoimmune diseases is bound to become more and more informative even more so as the pharmacodynamics of modern pharmaceutical agents are explored. As the most appropriate therapeutical agents to monitor in the lab, biological response modifiers, immunosuppressants and monoclonal antibodies are at the forefront and we need to explore their efficacy and side effect profiles not only using phase III clinical studies but also by using postmarketing surveillance. Behind the profiles provided by big data and artificial intelligence, the therapeutically-induced regained immune balance can thus be traced to the single best lab assay. The next decade promises a series of new assays, e.g. inflammasome profiles, lymphocyte markers by fluorescence activated cell sorters as well as single cell secretome analysis.
Parameters characterizing the charge state of dielectrics
Authors: Łowkis Bożena
Published: November 2017

This paper presents three physical sources of the electric field in dielectrics: excess free volume charges with the distribution qv(x,y,z), free surface charges with the distribution qs(x,y,z) and frozen polarization state in the dielectric. They have a deciding influence on the parameters of the electret, in particular they determine the total lifetime of the electret and technical components made of it. The indeterminacy related to the mutual proportions of the spatial and surface charges was discussed: one can find an infinite number of distributions of surface qse(x,y,z) and spatial qve(x,y,z) charges leading to the same distribution of the electric field E(x,y,z). A general case of electret was considered, where a coexistence of relaxation decay of frozen polarization and Maxwellian relaxation dependent on volume conductivity of the dielectric is assumed. An attempt to interpret the charge lifetime in real electrets was made.
Synthesis, growth and characterization of organic crystal triphenylmethane p-nitroaniline: a nonlinear optical crystal
Authors: Bhuvaneswari G. , Prasad L. Guru , Prabhavathi N.
Published: November 2017

A triphenylmethane-4-nitroaniline salt has been synthesized and the crystals have been grown by using slow evaporation solution growth technique. The grown single crystal was investigated by recording the powder XRD, FT-IR spectrum, UV-Vis spectrum, Vickers microhardness test, dielectric measurements and powder SHG. The growth of crystal was confirmed by analyzing the XRD pattern and it was stated that the grown material crystallized in triclinic system. Vibrational peaks of the functional groups existing in the compound were identified. Vickers microhardness studies were carried to measure the mechanical strength. In order to identify the phase transition temperature, the dielectric studies were carried out at different temperatures. Dielectric constant, dielectric loss and impedance of the crystal were monitored with respect to the frequency of electric field.
Crystal structure of 1-benzyl-3-((4-bromophenyl)amino)-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione, C24H19BrN2O3
Authors: Lv Meng Lan
Published: November 2017

C24H19BrN2O3, monoclinic, P1̅ (no. 2), a = 9.1003(5) Å, b = 9.9785(6) Å, c = 12.9831(6) Å, α = 74.611(5)°, β = 76.063(4)°, γ = 64.264(5)°, V = 1013.17(10) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt(F) = 0.0467, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1259, T = 294 K.
The influence of doxazosin on the contractility of the urinary bladder in female pigs with experimentally induced cystitis
Authors: Markiewicz W. , Bossowska A. , Lepiarczyk E. , Majewski M. , Radziszewski P. , Wiśniewska A. , Jaroszewski J.J.
Published: November 2017

The present in vitro study investigated the influence of doxazosin on the contractility of the urinary bladder in female pigs with experimentally induced cystitis. Fifteen juvenile female piglets (18-20 kg body weight) were randomly assigned into three groups (n=5 animals each): i) control (clinically healthy animals, without doxazosin treatment), ii) animals with induced inflammation of the urinary bladder, but without doxazosin treatment (experimental group I) and iii) animals with inflamed bladder, treated orally with doxazosin (0.1 mg/kg body weight for 30 days; experimental group II). Thereafter, the pigs were sacrificed and strips of the bladder trigone were suspended in organ baths. The tension and amplitude of the smooth muscles was measured before and after exposition to 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; 10-6-10-4 M), acetylocholine (ACh; 10-5-10-3 M) and norepinephrine (NE; 10-9-10-7 M). 5-HT caused an increase in the tension of contractions in all the groups and the amplitude in the experimental groups, however, the effect was higher in the experimental group I than in group II as compared to that found in the pre-treatment period. ACh caused an increase in the tension in the control group and a decrease in the amplitude in both experimental groups; these changes significantly differed between the control and doxazosin-treated group. NE caused a decrease in the tension in both experimental groups and amplitude in all the groups, however, the effect was most strongly expressed in doxazosine-treated group. The present study has revealed that long-term administration of doxazosin causes a desensitization of the detrusor smooth muscle to in vitro applied mediators in the autonomic nervous system.
Relationship between pH of ruminal fluid during subacute ruminal acidosis and physiological response of the Polish Holstein-Friesian dairy cows
Authors: Stefańska B. , Pruszyńska-Oszmałek E. , Szczepankiewicz D. , Stajek K. , Stefański P. , Gehrke M. , Nowak W.
Published: November 2017

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of ruminal fluid pH depression on biochemical indices of blood, urine, feces, and milk, and to determine which of them may be helpful as a marker for the diagnosis of subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA). Ruminal fluid samples were obtained by rumenocentesis from 305 cows representing 13 commercial dairy herds. The herds were selected based on percentages of cows with an assigned value of ruminal fluid pH segregated into three groups as: SARA-positive herd, if at least 25% of the ruminal fluid samples indicated a pH < 5.6; SARA-risk herd, if less than 25% of ruminal fluid samples indicated a pH < 5.6, but at least 33% showed a pH ≤ 5.8; and SARA-negative herd, if less than 25% of the ruminal fluid samples indicated a pH < 5.6, but less than 33% exhibited a pH = 5.8. Moreover, the dairy cows were divided according to the ruminal fluid pH into three groups as follows: healthy cows (HC, pH>5.80, n = 196), risk cows (RC, pH 5.8 - 5.6, n = 51), and acidotic cows (AC, pH < 5.6, n = 58). Almost 19% (58/305) of the cows were classified as acidotic (pH < 5.6) and 46.2% of the herds as SARA-positive. In the AC group, higher concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), rectal temperature and lower blood pH, compared with those of the HC group, were recorded. Moreover, in the SARA-positive herds, higher concentrations of IGF-I and the lowest blood pH, compared with SARA-negative herds, were observed. The lowering of ruminal fluid pH increased the blood IGF-I and NEFA concentrations and the rectal temperature and decreased the blood pH. These measures are indicators of the physiological changes that occur as part of the pathogenesis of the condition and may be helpful for the diagnosis of the SARA syndrome when serial measurements are conducted.
In vitro activity of some essential oils alone and in combination against the fish pathogen Nocardia seriolae
Authors: Ismail T.F. , Yoshida T.
Published: November 2017

Microplate resazurin assay was applied to investigate the in vitro activity of four essential oils (EOs); cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) and tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oils against 80 clinical isolates of the fish pathogen Nocardia seriolae. The checkerboard test was then used to determine the possible synergistic effect of EOs combination against reference type strains of fish nocardiosis. All tested EOs had antibacterial activity against N. seriolae isolates. Among the tested EOs, cinnamon and thyme oils both exhibited the lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) with 5-160 and 10-160 μg/ml, respectively. The activities of lemongrass and tea tree EOs were noted to be less effective with MICs of 20-640 and 160->5120 μg/ml, respectively. The checkerboard panel of cinnamon-thyme EOs combination against N. seriolae ATCC43993 demonstrated a synergistic effect with a fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index of 0.75. For N. salmonicida ATCC27463, the combination panel showed an additive effect with an FIC index of 1.0. For N. asteroides ATCC19247, the combination panel demonstrated an indifference effect with an FIC index of 1.125. These results indicate that thyme and cinnamon oils alone or the combination of them at a given ratio has a promising potent clinical significance in the treatment of fish nocardiosis. Despite the promising results given by our in vitro studies, the clinical benefits of these EOs combinations can only be determined through carefully designed in vivo experimental studies.
Assessment of genomic inbreeding in Polish Konik horses
Authors: Kamiński S. , Hering D.M. , Jaworski Z. , Zabolewicz T. , Ruść A.
Published: November 2017

The aim of this study was to assess the inbreeding coefficient of Polish Konik horses based on runs of homozygosity (ROH). Ninety six horses kept in 6 herds located across Poland were genotyped with the use of EquineSNP60 BeadChip (Illumina). SNP markers with a Minor Allele Frequency lower than 0.01 and SNPs assigned to chromosome X or Y were excluded from the study. A total of 50 708 SNPs were included for statistical analysis (SVS software, Golden Helix). The analysis showed that the population is in genetic equilibrium, with He and Ho estimates both equal to 0.3086. Seven categories of Runs of Homozygozity (ROH) length were defined: >0.5, >1, >2, >4, >8, >16, >25 Mb. The genomic inbreeding coefficient derived from ROH (FROH) calculated for each ROH length ranged from 15.96% based on the shortest ROH (>0,5Mb) to 2.71% for the longest ROH (>25Mb). Among individual horses, the inbreeding coefficient ranged from 5.25% to 22.41% (for ROH >1Mb). Analysis of ROH in Polish Koniks allows for more effective management of their inbreeding in the future.
Selected steps of swine ICSI method to overcome seasonal effect and achieve acceptable early embryonic development, a preliminary study
Authors: Tsakmakidis I.A. , Tsantarliotou M. , Michos I.A. , Basioura A.G. , Tsousis G. , Boscos C.M.
Published: November 2017

Porcine intra cytoplasmic sperm injection’s (ICSI) efficacy by selected protocol steps was investigated. Three trials per year’s period (hot, medium, cold) were carried out. Only large size follicles (6-8mm) were aspirated, brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) test was performed and only the BCB+ oocytes were in vitro maturated (40h) and involved to ICSI process. The presumptive embryos were in vitro cultured (15h). Raw boar semen and SpermCatch® as slowing medium were used. No differences were observed between periods regarding early embryonic development and maturation competence. ICSI achieves acceptable porcine early embryonic development rates under the investigated conditions.
Neoadjuvant combination therapy with trastuzumab in a breast cancer patient with synchronous rectal carcinoma: a case report and biomarker study
Authors: Vitásková Denisa , Melichar Bohuslav , Bartoušková Marie , Vlachová Zuzana , Vrána David , Janková Jana , Adam Tomáš , Juráňová Jarmila , Zlámalová Nora , Kujovská Krčmová Lenka , Javorská Lenka , Klos Dušan , Študentová Hana
Published: November 2017

We report a patient who presented with synchronous second primary human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)-2-positive breast cancer and rectal cancer that both required simultaneous neoadjuvant therapy. A modified regimen combining anti-HER-2 monoclonal antibody trastuzumab with chemotherapy and external beam radiation was selected. An organ-preserving surgical procedure was possible both in the breast and the rectum. Citrulline decreased rapidly after the start of the treatment, and then gradually returned to pre-treatment levels after the completion of chemoradiation. Urinary neopterin concentrations exhibited a fluctuating course. Both serum neopterin and C-reactive protein concentrations were more or less stable during the initial administration of trastuzumab, paclitaxel and carboplatin and then increased steeply during chemoradiation and subsequently declined to pre-treatment levels during the weekly trastuzumab administration. Changes were observed in the serum retinol concentrations. A decline in lymphocyte counts was accompanied by marked changes in peripheral blood cell count-derived ratios. The present case report demonstrates a successful combination of two neoadjuvant regimens in a patient with two synchronous different second primary tumors. Data from this case also illustrate the use of biomarkers for monitoring of intensive therapeutic regimens in medical and radiation oncology.
Four Step Strategy for Implementing IPM in Libraries in Sri Lanka
Authors: Cabral Udaya Prasad , Querner Pascal
Published: November 2017

Libraries in tropical Sri Lanka have been suffering from insect infestation for a long time. Library insect pests are observed frequently and feed on books, paper, wooden shelves or building structures and make irreversible damages to the objects. Most librarians in the country struggle with this situation and are looking for long-term solutions to protect their objects. This paper illustrates a simple strategy, which could be applied in many libraries in Sri Lanka or other countries to eradicate pests. This strategy has been composed in the light of Integrated Pest Management (IPM). It consists of four steps: “Monitoring” is a regular check, which indicates the threat to the library from pests. During the second step, “identification”, the specific pests active are detected. “Treatment” can be divided in two subcategories: “immediate treatments” focusing on nonchemical and traditional methods to eradicate pests and “late treatment” denotes conservation treatment carried out in the paper laboratory. The final step is “prevention”, which includes all activities that help blocking and repelling pests from entering the library. This paper illustrates this four-step strategy with two examples for successful control of insect and fungal outbreak and can be applied in other libraries with similar problems and a low budget.
“Among the omitted stuff, there are many good remarks of a general nature” – On the Making of von Wright and Wittgenstein’s Culture and Value
Authors: Erbacher Christian
Published: November 2017

This paper uses archival material to contextualize Georg Henrik von Wright’s making of Vermischte Bemerkungen (Culture and Value), an edition that assembles Wittgenstein’s remarks on cultural topics. Von Wright was particularly interested in these remarks but initially regarded them as too detached from philosophy to be published. In 1967-68, however, he began seeing socio-political questions as belonging to philosophy. He then resumed editing Wittgenstein’s ‘general remarks’ and published them in 1977. Von Wright did not read Culture and Value as a philosophical work, but as a means for helping readers understand Wittgenstein in relation to his times. It is argued that the intention to provide documents enabling readers to recognize the historical Wittgenstein motivated much of von Wright’s work as one of Wittgenstein’s literary executors. Moreover, through making available his own archives, he inspired the same documentary approach to fathom the history of editing Wittgenstein in its historical context.
Absorption, emission, and schlieren imaging of liquid and gas flows using an LED and a webcam
Authors: Kiefer Johannes , Burg Lukas , Williamson Andrew P.
Published: November 2017

The analysis and investigation of flow processes is a key task in many
science and engineering disciplines. In this context, optical
diagnostic methods represent versatile tools that allow the
determination of concentration, temperature, and flow velocity
fields. However, most of the established tools are based on
complicated and expensive equipment including advanced laser sources
and specialized cameras. In the present work, an alternative approach
employing low-cost components in terms of a commercial light-emitting
diode (LED) and a webcam is demonstrated. A single experimental setup
for emission, absorption, and schlieren imaging has been
assembled. Proof-of-concept measurements were carried out in flames
and a liquid mixing process. Two-color pyrometry of the thermal
radiation from soot particles was used for planar thermometry in
a candle flame. Schlieren imaging was employed to visualize the
refractive index and hence the temperature gradient in a premixed
welding torch butane/air flame. LED-absorption imaging was used to
study the mixing of ink and water. In conclusion, this work
demonstrates that advanced flow diagnostics can be performed at low
cost, which is of particular interest in teaching and training, where
expensive equipment may not be available.
Quantum Analysis of Dispersion and Induction Energies in Organic van der Waals Nanoclusters
Authors: Popova Anna M. , Komarov Viacheslav V. , Schmidt Lothar , Jungclas Hartmut
Published: November 2017

A new analytical method is presented, which describes the interactions of three neutral organic molecules forming an isolated nanocluster. We assume that one of the three molecules has a permanent dipole moment. The induction processes and Coulomb interactions inside the nanocluster are considered taking into account molecular charges and structure properties. The functions of the dispersion and induction energies are obtained in analytical form without any phenomenological representations. The method was applied to a specific cluster consisting of two pyrene molecules and one pentene molecule with a dipole moment equal to 0.6 D. The values of the intermolecular interaction energies for these molecules are calculated and presented versus intermolecular distances.
Microwave Accelerated Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles Using Gum Arabic and their Physico-Chemical Properties Assessments
Authors: Eskandari-Nojehdehi Maryam , Jafarizadeh-Malmiri Hoda , Jafarizad Abbas
Published: November 2017

Microwave enhanced gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) were synthesized using gum Arabic as both reducing and stabilizing agents. Response surface methodology was applied to study effects of the Au NPs synthesized parameters, namely, microwave exposure time (90–180 s) and the amount of AgNO3 solution (1–10 mL) on the mean particle size, mixture solution color and concentration of the synthesized Au NPs. The colloidal solution containing well-dispersed and spherical fabricated Au NPs with mean particle size (22 nm) and maximum concentration (159 ppm) and color (1.12 absorbance unit, a.u.), were obtained at the optimal synthesis conditions, using 8.17 mL of HAuCl4 (1 mM) and 2 mL of gum Arabic solution (4% w/v) during microwave exposure time of 180 s. The physico-chemical properties of the synthesized Au NPs at obtained optimum synthesis conditions were characterized by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy.
Concert and Analysis of Auto-Tuning Dual-Feedback Biological Harmonic Controller for Industrial Claims
Authors: Balasubramaniam P. M. , Srinivasan M.
Published: November 2017

A reference current estimation method for control of shunt active power filter using a digital filter based synchronous reference frame theory is presented. To extort the fundamental component of source current, the synchronous reference frame theory is suitable because of its easy mathematical calculation compared to other control algorithms. For industrial applications, the load will be continuously varying, so continuous parameter tracking is most essential for controlling the total harmonic distortion (THD) for various conditions. Artificial intelligent controller based on mammalian limbic system and an emotional process is presented in dc link voltage control for a three-phase shunt active power filter. A novel approach of the intelligent techniques for control and decision-making processes was introduced, which is based on the emotion-processing mechanism in the brain, and is essentially an active selection that is based on emotional cues and sensory inputs. A model of shunt active power filter system for improving power quality by using the artificial intelligent control system is presented, which controls the dc link voltage spike through the transient period precisely and maintains speedy settling time during sudden changing of load. This generation of artificial intelligent controllers that has high auto learning speed with a simple arrangement shows an outstanding error-free environment for industrial applications. All of the parameters were analyzed and compared with proportional–integral (PI) and fuzzy gain scheduling controllers.
Lawrence-Lightfoot, Rancière and Gemma: Reconciling the Subject Matter with Research Processes and Outcomes
Authors: Qadri Debbie
Published: November 2017

This paper outlines the author’s process of reconciling contradictions between the subject matter of her research and the PhD research process and outcomes. It describes a journey which draws on Lawrence-Lightfoot’s methodology of portraiture (Lawrence-Lightfoot & Hoffmann Davis 1997) and the work of Jacques Rancière in considering the ethical relationship between the research outcomes and the public, including the people who were interviewed for the research and the community involved in the subject matter. The paper also explores the author’s subsequent commitment to public pedagogical outcomes through seeking to: Prioritise the community most connected to the subject matter and the public as the primary recipients of the research outcomes, create greater respect and acknowledgement for the community members who contributed to the research, create more equitable access and broaden dialogues by using public space to publish research findings..
Acetaminophen Relieves Inflammatory Pain through CB1Cannabinoid Receptors in the Rostral Ventromedial Medulla
Authors: Klinger-Gratz Pascal P. , Ralvenius William T. , Neumann Elena , Kato Ako , Nyilas Rita , Lele Zsolt , Katona István , Zeilhofer Hanns Ulrich
Published: November 2017

Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic drug with only incompletely understood mechanisms of action. Previous work, using models of acute nociceptive pain, indicated that analgesia by acetaminophen involves an indirect activation of CB1receptors by the acetaminophen metabolite and endocannabinoid reuptake inhibitor AM 404. However, the contribution of the cannabinoid system to antihyperalgesia against inflammatory pain, the main indication of acetaminophen, and the precise site of the relevant CB1receptors have remained elusive. Here, we analyzed acetaminophen analgesia in mice of either sex with inflammatory pain and found that acetaminophen exerted a dose-dependent antihyperalgesic action, which was mimicked by intrathecally injected AM 404. Both compounds lost their antihyperalgesic activity inCB1−/−mice, confirming the involvement of the cannabinoid system. Consistent with a mechanism downstream of proinflammatory prostaglandin formation, acetaminophen also reversed hyperalgesia induced by intrathecal prostaglandin E2. To distinguish between a peripheral/spinal and a supraspinal action, we administered acetaminophen and AM 404 tohoxB8-CB1−/−mice, which lack CB1receptors from the peripheral nervous system and the spinal cord. These mice exhibited unchanged antihyperalgesia indicating a supraspinal site of action. Accordingly, local injection of the CB1receptor antagonist rimonabant into the rostral ventromedial medulla blocked acetaminophen-induced antihyperalgesia, while local rostral ventromedial medulla injection of AM 404 reduced hyperalgesia in wild-type mice but not inCB1−/−mice. Our results indicate that the cannabinoid system contributes not only to acetaminophen analgesia against acute pain but also against inflammatory pain, and suggest that the relevant CB1receptors reside in the rostral ventromedial medulla.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAcetaminophen is a widely used analgesic drug with multiple but only incompletely understood mechanisms of action, including a facilitation of endogenous cannabinoid signaling via one of its metabolites. Our present data indicate that enhanced cannabinoid signaling is also responsible for the analgesic effects of acetaminophen against inflammatory pain. Local injections of the acetaminophen metabolite AM 404 and of cannabinoid receptor antagonists as well as data from tissue-specific CB1receptor-deficient mice suggest the rostral ventromedial medulla as an important site of the cannabinoid-mediated analgesia by acetaminophen.
Tonotopic Variation of the T-Type Ca2+Current in Avian Auditory Coincidence Detector Neurons
Authors: Fukaya Ryota , Yamada Rei , Kuba Hiroshi
Published: November 2017

Neurons in avian nucleus laminaris (NL) are binaural coincidence detectors for sound localization and are characterized by striking structural variations in dendrites and axon initial segment (AIS) according to their acoustic tuning [characteristic frequency (CF)]. T-type Ca2+(CaT) channels regulate synaptic integration and firing behavior at these neuronal structures. However, whether or how CaT channels contribute to the signal processing in NL neurons is not known. In this study, we addressed this issue with whole-cell recording and two-photon Ca2+imaging in brain slices of posthatch chicks of both sexes. We found that the CaT current was prominent in low-CF neurons, whereas it was almost absent in higher-CF neurons. In addition, a large Ca2+transient occurred at the dendrites and the AIS of low-CF neurons, indicating a localization of CaT channels at these structures in the neurons. Because low-CF neurons have long dendrites, dendritic CaT channels may compensate for the attenuation of EPSPs at dendrites. Furthermore, the short distance of AIS from the soma may accelerate activation of axonal CaT current in the neurons and help EPSPs reach spike threshold. Indeed, the CaT current was activated by EPSPs and augmented the synaptic response and spike generation of the neurons. Notably, the CaT current was inactivated during repetitive inputs, and these augmenting effects predominated at the initial phase of synaptic activity. These results suggested that dendritic and axonal CaT channels increase the sensitivity to sound at its onset, which may expand the dynamic range for binaural computation in low-CF NL neurons.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTNeurons in nucleus laminaris are binaural coincidence detectors for sound localization. We report that T-type Ca2+(CaT) current was prominent at dendrites and the axonal trigger zone in neurons tuned to low-frequency sound. Because these neurons have long dendrites and a closer trigger zone compared with those tuned to higher-frequency sound, the CaT current augmented EPSPs at dendrites and accelerated spike triggers in the neurons, implying a strategic arrangement of the current within the nucleus. This effect was limited to the onset of repetitive inputs due to progressive inactivation of CaT current. The results suggested that the CaT current increases the sensitivity to sound at its onset, which may expand the dynamic range for binaural computation of low-frequency sound.
The Microtubule-Associated Protein Tau Mediates the Organization of Microtubules and Their Dynamic Exploration of Actin-Rich Lamellipodia and Filopodia of Cortical Growth Cones
Authors: Biswas Sayantanee , Kalil Katherine
Published: November 2017

Proper organization and dynamics of the actin and microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton are essential for growth cone behaviors during axon growth and guidance. The MT-associated protein tau is known to mediate actin/MT interactions in cell-free systems but the role of tau in regulating cytoskeletal dynamics in living neurons is unknown. We used cultures of cortical neurons from postnatal day (P)0–P2 golden Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) of either sex to study the role of tau in the organization and dynamics of the axonal growth cone cytoskeleton. Here, using super resolution microscopy of fixed growth cones, we found that tau colocalizes with MTs and actin filaments and is also located at the interface between actin filament bundles and dynamic MTs in filopodia, suggesting that tau links these two cytoskeletons. Live cell imaging in concert with shRNA tau knockdown revealed that reducing tau expression disrupts MT bundling in the growth cone central domain, misdirects trajectories of MTs in the transition region and prevents single dynamic MTs from extending into growth cone filopodia along actin filament bundles. Rescue experiments with human tau expression restored MT bundling, MT penetration into the growth cone periphery and close MT apposition to actin filaments in filopodia. Importantly, we found that tau knockdown reduced axon outgrowth and growth cone turning in Wnt5a gradients, likely due to disorganized MTs that failed to extend into the peripheral domain and enter filopodia. These results suggest an important role for tau in regulating cytoskeletal organization and dynamics during growth cone behaviors.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTGrowth cones are the motile tips of growing axons whose guidance behaviors require interaction of the dynamic actin and microtubule cytoskeleton. Tau is a microtubule-associated protein that stabilizes microtubules in neurons and in cell-free systems regulates actin–microtubule interaction. Here, using super resolution microscopy, live-cell imaging, and tau knockdown, we show for the first time in living axonal growth cones that tau is important for microtubule bundling and microtubule exploration of the actin-rich growth cone periphery. Importantly tau knockdown reduced axon outgrowth and growth cone turning, due to disorganized microtubules that fail to enter filopodia and co-align with actin filaments. Understanding normal tau functions will be important for identifying mechanisms of tau in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's.
Biological age of the endometrium using DNA methylation
Authors: Olesen Mia S , Starnawska Anna , Bybjerg-Grauholm Jonas , Bielfeld Alexandra P , Agerholm Inge , Forman Axel , Overgaard Michael T , Nyegaard Mette
Published: November 2017

Age has a detrimental effect on reproduction and as an increasing number of women postpone motherhood, it is imperative to assess biological age in terms of fertility prognosis and optimizing fertility treatment individually. Horvath’s epigenetic clock is a mathematical algorithm that calculates the biological age of human cells, tissues or organs based on DNA methylation levels. The clock, however, was previously shown to be highly inaccurate for the human endometrium, most likely because of the hormonal responsive nature of this tissue. The aim of this study was to determine if epigenetically based biological age of the human endometrium correlated with chronological age, when strictly timed to the same time point in the menstrual cycle. Endometrial biopsies from nine women were obtained in two consecutive cycles, both strictly timed to the LH surge (LH + 7) and additionally, peripheral whole blood samples were analyzed. Using the Illumina HumanMethylation 450 K array and Horvath’s epigenetic clock, we found a significant correlation between the biological age of the endometrium and the chronological age of the participants, although the endometrial biological age was accelerated by comparison with blood and chronological age. Moreover, similar biological ages were found in pairs of consecutive biopsies, indicating that an endometrial biopsy does not alter the biological age in the following cycle. In conclusion, as long as endometrial samples are timed to the same time point in the menstrual cycle, Horvath’s epigenetic clock could be a powerful new biomarker of reproductive aging in the human endometrium.
Mating Design and Genetic Structure of a Multi-Parent Advanced Generation Intercross (MAGIC) Population of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench)
Authors: Ongom Patrick O , Ejeta Gebisa
Published: November 2017

Multi-parent advanced generation intercross (MAGIC) populations are powerful next-generation mapping resources. We describe here the mating design and structure of the first MAGIC population in sorghum, and test its utility for mapping. The population was developed by intercrossing 19 diverse founder lines through a series of paired crosses with a genetic male sterile (MS) source, followed by 10 generations of random mating. At the final stage of random mating, 1000 random fertile plants in the population were identified and subjected to six generations of selfing to produce 1000 immortal MAGIC inbred lines. The development of this sorghum MAGIC population took over 15 yr. Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) of a subset of 200 MAGIC lines identified 79,728 SNPs, spanning high gene-rich regions. Proportion of SNPs per chromosome ranged from 6 to 15%. Structure analyses produced no evidence of population stratification, portraying the desirability of this population for genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The 19 founders formed three clusters, each with considerable genetic diversity. Further analysis showed that 73% of founder alleles segregated in the MAGIC population. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) patterns depicted the MAGIC population to be highly recombined, with LD decaying to r2  ≤ 0.2 at 40 kb and down to r2  ≤ 0.1 at 220 kb. GWAS detected two known plant height genes, DWARF1 (chromosome 9) and DWARF3 (chromosome 7), and a potentially new plant height quantitative trait locus (QTL) (QTL-6) on chromosome 6. The MAGIC population was found to be rich in allelic content with high fragmentation of its genome, making it fit for both gene mapping and effective marker-assisted breeding.
Porcelanas de Cristal
Authors: Hergesel João Paulo
Published: November 2017

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Performance analysis of OFDMA and SC-FDMA
Authors: Al-Rawi M.
Published: November 2017

The main challenge in any high-speed digital communication system is how to maximize the data rate with minimizing the bit error rate. Several techniques have been developed to achieve this point. Some of these techniques are orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), single-carrier frequency domain equalization (SC-FDE), orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), and single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA). These four techniques are described briefly in this paper. Also, the paper measures the performances of OFDMA and SC-FDMA systems over international telecommunication union (ITU) vehicular-A channel using minimum mean square error (MMSE) equalization. Simulation results show that the performances with interleaved mapping outperform that with localized mapping. Also, the performances with quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) are better than that with 16-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (16QAM). In addition, the performance of SC-FDMA is better than that of OFDMA, when QPSK is used, but the latter is little bit better than that of SC-FDMA when 16QAM is used.
Kinematical simulation methods for Stewart Platform in medical equipments
Authors: Hajdu S. , Bodnár D. , Menyhárt J. , Békési Zs.
Published: November 2017

The efficiency and accuracy of the modern positioning systems are crucial points in their design. The designers and engineers are highly motivated to find new methods and solutions to the accuracy problem with the biggest mobility and safety. Considerable numbers of solutions are on the market but only some of them can be used in medical industry. The authors will propose some kinematical simulation methods using MATLAB® software. The purpose of these methods is to use Stewart Platform with a better accuracy. The results show that it is possible to simulate Stewart Platform in MATLAB® and it can be used in medical industry.
Learner revision practices and perceptions of peer and teacher feedback
Authors: Ruegg Rachael
Published: November 2017

A number of studies have used interviews to find out L2 learners’ perceptions of different feedback practices. Usually, learners who have been interviewed have experienced a number of different feedback practices. The purpose of the present study is to investigate learner revision practices and perceptions of peer and teacher feedback after having received feedback from only one source. In this study, learners received either teacher feedback alone or only peer feedback for one year. Twelve students were then interviewed to investigate their revision practices and perceptions of both peer and teacher feedback. The narrative analysis of the interview data showed that participants were very concerned about ‘correcting’ their drafts. Students in both groups had similar levels of comprehension of feedback; however, those in the peer feedback group were more forthcoming about asking their peers when they did not understand. Students in the teacher feedback group felt that they did not have enough time between drafts for the revisions they wanted to make. It was also found that students in the peer feedback group seemed to benefit more from reading their peers’ writing than from receiving peer feedback.
Lafora and Trétiakoff: the naming of the inclusion bodies discovered by Lewy
Authors: Engelhardt Eliasz
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT Fritz Heinrich Jakob Lewy described, for the first time, in 1912, novel peculiar inclusions in neurons of certain brain nuclei in patients with Paralysis agitans, and compared his finding to the amyloid bodies described by Lafora one year before. Gonzalo Rodriguez Lafora studied one patient with Paralysis agitans, in 1913, and recognized, described, and depicted structures identical to those previously reported by Lewy. He was the first to acknowledge Lewy's finding, and also the first to name such inclusions after the discoverer – cuerpos intracelulares de Lewy (Lewy bodies). Konstantin Nikolaevich Trétiakoff named the inclusions he found in neurons of the substantia nigra of patients with Parkinson's disease as corps de Lewy (Lewy bodies), in 1919. Trétiakoff has unanimously received the credit for the eponym. However, Lafora's earlier description should make him deserving of the authorship of the eponym.
MOG-IgG associated optic neuritis is not multiple sclerosis
Authors: Costa Bruna Klein da , Passos Giordani Rodrigues dos , Becker Jefferson , Sato Douglas Kazutoshi
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT Autoantibodies against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG-IgG) have been reported in patients with inflammatory central nervous system disorders including isolated optic neuritis (ON). We compared our MOG-IgG ON patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) patients presenting with ON. Methods and results: Among the total of 38 patients with optic neuropathies, six patients with isolated ON were MOG-IgG positive and eight patients with ON fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for MS. All MS patients were negative for MOG-IgG using a cell-based assay. When compared with the MS group, the MOG-IgG patients were older (mean 47 years), more frequently male (ratio 2:1) and had a higher frequency of bilateral and/or recurrent ON. The brain magnetic resonance imaging of all MOG-IgG positive patients was normal or had only unspecific white matter T2 lesions. Conclusion: These findings suggest that MOG-IgG is a biomarker of an inflammatory demyelinating CNS disease distinct from MS.
Effects of an alternating work shift on air traffic controllers and the relationship with excessive daytime sleepiness and stress
Authors: Freitas Ângela M. , Portuguez Mirna Wetters , Russomano Thaís , Freitas Marcos de , Silvello Silvio Luis da Silva , Costa Jaderson Costa da
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate symptoms of stress and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in air traffic control (ATC) officers in Brazil. Methods: Fifty-two ATC officers participated, based at three air traffic control units, identified as A, B and C. Stress symptoms were assessed using the Lipp Inventory of Stress Symptoms for Adults, and EDS by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. Results: The sample mean age was 37 years, 76.9% of whom were male. Excessive daytime sleepiness was identified in 25% of the ATC officers, with 84.6% of these based at air traffic control unit A, which has greater air traffic flow, operating a 24-hour alternating work shift schedule. A total of 16% of the ATC officers had stress symptoms, and of these, 62% showed a predominance of physical symptoms. Conclusion: The high percentage of ATC officers with EDS identified in group A may be related to chronodisruption due to night work and alternating shifts.
Common and uncommon features of focal splenic lesions on contrast-enhanced ultrasound: a pictorial review
Authors: Zavariz Julia D. , Konstantatou Eleni , Deganello Annamaria , Bosanac Diana , Huang Dean Y. , Sellars Maria E. , Sidhu Paul S.
Published: November 2017

Abstract The characterization of focal splenic lesions by ultrasound can be quite challenging. The recent introduction of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has come to play a valuable role in the field of imaging splenic pathologies, offering the possibility of an ionizing radiation-free investigation. Because CEUS has been incorporated into everyday clinical practice, malignant diseases such as focal lymphomatous infiltration, metastatic deposits, benign cysts, traumatic fractures, and hemangiomas can now be accurately depicted and characterized without the need for further imaging. More specifically, splenic traumatic fractures do not require additional imaging by computed tomography (with ionizing radiation exposure) for follow-up, because splenic fractures and their complications are safely imaged with CEUS. In the new era of CEUS, more patients benefit from radiation-free investigation of splenic pathologies with high diagnostic accuracy.
Regional differences in infection control conditions in a sample of primary health care services in Brazil
Authors: Abreu Mauro Henrique Nogueira Guimarães de , Resende Vera Lúcia Silva , Lee Kyu Ha , Matta-Machado Antônio Thomaz Gonzaga da , Starr Jacqueline Rose
Published: November 2017

International guidelines have pointed out the importance of the physical environment of health care facilities in preventing and controlling infection. We aimed to describe the physical environment of dental care facilities in Brazil in 2014, focusing on characteristics designed to control infections. Exactly 16,202 dental offices in the Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS) participated in this survey. Trained researchers extracted information about the infection control characteristics of health facilities by using a structured instrument. We used data from 12 dichotomous questions that evaluated the wall, floor, sink and tap conditions, and the presence and condition of sterilization equipment. We calculated a score by summing the number of characteristics handled appropriately for infection control, which could range from 0 to 12. Hierarchical cluster analyses were developed. None of the 12 criteria were met by all the oral health teams. Only 208 (1.3%) dental offices correctly performed all 12-infection control practices. Two clusters, with different frequencies of structure for infection control in dental offices, were identified. South and Southeast regions had the highest frequencies for Cluster 1, with better structure of infection control in dental offices. Dental care facilities of oral health teams were not typically meeting the infection control guidelines regarding clinic design and equipment. Adherence to the guidelines varied among the Brazilian geographic regions.