bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macrophage‐mediated nanoparticle delivery to the periodontal lesions in established murine model via Pg‐LPS induction
Authors: Ma Zhiwei , Dagnæs‐Hansen Frederik , Løvschall Henrik , Song Wen , Nielsen Gitte K. , Yang Chuanxu , Wang Qintao , Kjems Jørgen , Gao Shan
Published: September 2014

We established a murine periodontitis model by local injection of lipopolysaccharide of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg‐LPS) into the gingival sulcus of mandibular left incisor four times with 48‐h interval. The histological examination of the periodontal tissues demonstrated that significant loss of periodontal bone and ligaments was observed in the lesion side with abundant inflammatory cell infiltration. Two days after the last injection, Cy5‐labelled siRNA/chitosan particles were injected intraperitoneally (ip). The chitosan/siRNA particles were taken up by peritoneal macrophages, which subsequently migrated to the inflamed gingival area evaluated by in vivo imaging. The localization of macrophages in the inflamed region was further confirmed by immunofluorescent staining. The present report demonstrates that intragingival injection of Pg‐LPS can be used to create an experimental model of periodontal inflammation in mice and that recruitment of macrophages with chitosan/siRNA nanoparticles to the inflamed area opens the possibility of an RNAi‐based therapeutic approach using chitosan as a carrier in periodontitis.
The impact of diurnal sleep on the consolidation of a complex gross motor adaptation task
Authors: Hoedlmoser Kerstin , Birklbauer Juergen , Schabus Manuel , Eibenberger Patrick , Rigler Sandra , Mueller Erich
Published: September 2014

Diurnal sleep effects on consolidation of a complex, ecological valid gross motor adaptation task were examined using a bicycle with an inverse steering device. We tested 24 male subjects aged between 20 and 29 years using a between‐subjects design. Participants were trained to adapt to the inverse steering bicycle during 45 min. Performance was tested before (TEST1) and after (TEST2) training, as well as after a 2 h retention interval (TEST3). During retention, participants either slept or remained awake. To assess gross motor performance, subjects had to ride the inverse steering bicycle 3 × 30 m straight‐line and 3 × 30 m through a slalom. Beyond riding time, we sophisticatedly measured performance accuracy (standard deviation of steering angle) in both conditions using a rotatory potentiometer. A significant decrease of accuracy during straight‐line riding after nap and wakefulness was shown. Accuracy during slalom riding remained stable after wakefulness but was reduced after sleep. We found that the duration of rapid eye movement sleep as well as sleep spindle activity are negatively related with gross motor performance changes over sleep. Together these findings suggest that the consolidation of adaptation to a new steering device does not benefit from a 2 h midday nap. We speculate that in case of strongly overlearned motor patterns such as normal cycling, diurnal sleep spindles and rapid eye movement sleep might even help to protect everyday needed skills, and to rapidly forget newly acquired, interfering and irrelevant material.
The nitrogen costs of photosynthesis in a diatom under current and future pCO2
Authors: Li Gang , Brown Christopher M. , Jeans Jennifer A. , Donaher Natalie A. , McCarthy Avery , Campbell Douglas A.
Published: September 2014

With each cellular generation, oxygenic photoautotrophs must accumulate abundant protein complexes that mediate light capture, photosynthetic electron transport and carbon fixation. In addition to this net synthesis, oxygenic photoautotrophs must counter the light‐dependent photoinactivation of Photosystem II (PSII), using metabolically expensive proteolysis, disassembly, resynthesis and re‐assembly of protein subunits.

We used growth rates, elemental analyses and protein quantitations to estimate the nitrogen (N) metabolism costs to both accumulate the photosynthetic system and to maintain PSII function in the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana, growing at two pCO2 levels across a range of light levels.

The photosynthetic system contains c. 15–25% of total cellular N. Under low growth light, N (re)cycling through PSII repair is only c. 1% of the cellular N assimilation rate. As growth light increases to inhibitory levels, N metabolite cycling through PSII repair increases to c. 14% of the cellular N assimilation rate.

Cells growing under the assumed future 750 ppmv pCO2 show higher growth rates under optimal light, coinciding with a lowered N metabolic cost to maintain photosynthesis, but then suffer greater photoinhibition of growth under excess light, coincident with rising costs to maintain photosynthesis. We predict this quantitative trait response to light will vary across taxa.
Perceiving the passage of time: neural possibilities
Authors: Muller Timothy , Nobre Anna C.
Published: September 2014

Although the study of time has been central to physics and philosophy for millennia, questions of how time is represented in the brain and how this representation is related to time perception have only recently started to be addressed. Emerging evidence subtly yet profoundly challenges our intuitive notions of time over short scales, offering insight into the nature of the brain's representation of time. Numerous different models, specified at the neural level, of how the brain may keep track of time have been proposed. These models differ in various ways, such as whether time is represented by a centralized or distributed neural system, or whether there are neural systems dedicated to the problem of timing. This paper reviews the insight offered by behavioral experiments and how these experiments refute and guide some of the various models of the brain's representation of time.
Effect of land‐use change and management on biogenic volatile organic compound emissions – selecting climate‐smart cultivars
Authors: ROSENKRANZ MAARIA , PUGH THOMAS A. M. , SCHNITZLER JÖRG‐PETER , ARNETH ALMUT
Published: September 2014

Land‐use change (LUC) has fundamentally altered the form and function of the terrestrial biosphere. Increasing human population, the drive for higher living standards and the potential challenges of mitigating and adapting to global environmental change mean that further changes inLUCare unavoidable.LUChas direct consequences on climate not only via emissions of greenhouse gases and changing the surface energy balance but also by affecting the emission of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs). Isoprenoids, which dominate globalBVOCemissions, are highly reactive and strongly modify atmospheric composition. The effects ofLUConBVOCemissions and related atmospheric chemistry have been largely ignored so far. However, compared with natural ecosystems, most tree species used in bioenergy plantations are strongBVOCemitters, whereas intensively cultivated crops typically emit lessBVOCs. Here, we summarize the current knowledge onLUC‐drivenBVOCemissions and how these might affect atmospheric composition and climate. We further discuss land management and plant‐breeding strategies, which could be taken to move towards climate‐friendlyBVOCemissions while simultaneously maintaining or improving key ecosystem functions such as crop yield under a changing environment.
Stroke Education Needs of African American Women
Authors: Beal Claudia C.
Published: September 2014

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of African American women about stroke and examine their health information seeking practices outside of medical encounters.

Design and Sample

An exploratory‐descriptive qualitative study was conducted with 48 women of age 35 years and older recruited from four Black churches.

Measures

Data were collected during focus groups and analyzed with qualitative content analysis.

Results

Most of what participants knew about stroke came from interaction with family members or acquaintances that had strokes rather than stroke campaigns or health providers. There was confusion about the multiple symptoms of stroke, and information about stroke symptoms may not provide meaningful symptom representations. Information about breast cancer was more readily available than information about stroke. The internet, other women, and television programs were main source of health information outside of medical encounters. There was uncertainty how to assess the trustworthiness of internet health sites.

Conclusions

The results suggest that culturally sensitive stroke education for African American women should include stories of women with stroke and provide experiential and visual depictions of stroke warning signs. Group forums, television, and web‐based education may be acceptable ways to communicate stroke information to African American women.
Effect of Post‐Thaw Addition of Seminal Plasma on Motility, Viability and Chromatin Integrity of Cryopreserved Donkey Jack (Equus asinus) Spermatozoa
Authors: Sabatini C , Mari G , Mislei B , Love CC , Panzani D , Camillo F , Rota A
Published: September 2014

Contents

Pregnancy rates in donkeys after artificial insemination with cryopreserved semen are still low, compared to the horse species. Addition of autologous seminal plasma to frozen‐thawed semen appeared to improve pregnancy rates. The aims of this study were to evaluate (1) sperm motility and plasma membrane integrity after thawing (T0) and after one and 2 h (T1 and T2) of post‐thaw incubation in either 0% (SP0) or 70% (SP70) autologous seminal plasma and (2) sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity and DNA quality (%COMP‐αt) after thawing (T0) and after 2 and 4 h (T2 and T4) of post‐thaw incubation in either 0% (SP0), 5% (SP5) or 20% (SP20) homologous seminal plasma. In experiment 1, seminal plasma decreased total and progressive sperm motility and plasma membrane intact spermatozoa immediately after dilution and at all following time points (p < 0.05). In experiment 2, total and progressive motility did not differ between treatments immediately after dilution and between SP0 and SP5 at T2, while they were lower in both SP5 and SP20 than in SP0 at T4. Plasma membrane intact sperm cells did not differ between SP0 and SP5 and were lower in SP20 at all time points. DNA quality was not affected by treatment immediately after dilution and was significantly worse for SP20 after 4 h of incubation (p < 0.05). The post‐thaw addition of seminal plasma at the tested concentrations did not improve donkey frozen semen characteristics in vitro over time.
Fluid Properties at Gas Turbine Inlet Due to Fogging Considering Evaporation and Condensation Phenomena as Well as Icing Risk
Authors: Günther Christoph , Joos Franz
Published: September 2014

This study reports on numerically calculated thermophysical properties of air entering a gas turbine compressor after passing through an intake duct affected by different cooling techniques. Case of reference is unaffected ambient air (referenced to as unaffected) passing the intake duct. Furthermore, ambient air cooled down to wet bulb temperature by (overspray) fogging (referenced to as wet) was considered. The third case shows air cooled down to the same temperature as it was reached in the wet case but by using chillers (referenced to as chilled). Equilibrium and nonequilibrium properties according to the occurring evaporation and condensation phenomena were compared. Equilibrium conditions seem to have a reduced inlet icing risk for the wet case compared to the chilled case. However, comparing the wet case to the unaffected case showed a higher icing risk for the wet case at low ambient relative humidity. In contrast to equilibrium conditions, a consideration of nonequilibrium conditions resulted in an increased icing risk due to almost negligible condensation rates.
Developing a Reduced-Order Model of Nonsynchronous Vibration in Turbomachinery Using Proper-Orthogonal Decomposition Methods
Authors: Clark Stephen T. , Besem Fanny M. , Kielb Robert E. , Thomas Jeffrey P.
Published: September 2014

The paper develops a reduced-order model of nonsynchronous vibration (NSV) using proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) methods. The approach was successfully developed and implemented, requiring between two and six POD modes to accurately predict computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solutions that are experiencing NSV. This POD method was first developed and demonstrated for a transversely moving, two-dimensional cylinder in cross-flow. Later, the method was used for the prediction of CFD solutions for a two-dimensional compressor blade. This research is the first to offer a POD approach to the reduced-order modeling of NSV in turbomachinery. Modeling NSV is especially challenging because NSV is caused by complicated, unsteady flow dynamics; this initial study helps researchers understand the causes of NSV, and aids in the future development of predictive tools for aeromechanical design engineers.
Arc Interruptions in Tandem Pulsed Gas Metal Arc Welding
Authors: Pablo Reis Ruham , Souza Daniel , Filho Demostenes Ferreira
Published: September 2014

In addition to electromagnetic attraction between the arcs in Tandem Pulsed gas metal arc welding (GMAW), arc interruptions, mostly in the trailing arc at low mean current levels, may also occur, which is a phenomenon not widely discussed in the welding field. These arc interruptions must be avoided, since they also represent interruptions in metal fusion and deposition during the welding process, leading to lack of fusion/penetration and/or deposition flaws, adding cost for repairing operations. To improve the understanding on arc interruptions in Tandem Pulsed GMAW and how the current pulsing synchronism between the arcs relates to this phenomenon, this work proposes to evaluate the influence of parameters of adjacent arcs (Tandem Pulsed GMAW) and also of a single arc (GTAW—gas tungsten arc welding), but similarly subjected to magnetic deflection, on the occurrence of arc interruptions/extinctions. High-speed filming was used to help understand the interruption/extinction mechanism. In the case of Tandem Pulsed GMAW, the pulses of current of the leading and trailing arcs need to be almost-in-phase to prevent interruptions in the trailing arc. The distance of 10 mm between the adjacent arcs helped reduce the incidence of trailing arc interruptions, yet keeping a sound weld visual quality. In the case of GTAW, the higher the electrical current flowing through the arcs and the shorter their lengths, the more they resist to the extinction. The trailing arc interruptions in Tandem Pulsed GMAW seem to be determined by the deflection and heat in this arc, and their prevention can be achieved by a balance between these two factors, which is reached by synchronized pulsing currents.
Epigenetic programming of monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation and trained innate immunity
Authors: Saeed Sadia , Quintin Jessica , Kerstens Hindrik H. D. , Rao Nagesha A. , Aghajanirefah Ali , Matarese Filomena , Cheng Shih-Chin , Ratter Jacqueline , Berentsen Kim , van der Ent Martijn A. , Sharifi Nilofar , Janssen-Megens Eva M. , Ter Huurne Menno , Mandoli Amit , van Schaik Tom , Ng Aylwin , Burden Frances , Downes Kate , Frontini Mattia , Kumar Vinod , Giamarellos-Bourboulis Evangelos J. , Ouwehand Willem H. , van der Meer Jos W. M. , Joosten Leo A. B. , Wijmenga Cisca , Martens Joost H. A. , Xavier Ramnik J. , Logie Colin , Netea Mihai G. , Stunnenberg Hendrik G.
Published: September 2014

A BLUEPRINT of immune cell development

To determine the epigenetic mechanisms that direct blood cells to develop into the many components of our immune system, the BLUEPRINT consortium examined the regulation of DNA and RNA transcription to dissect the molecular traits that govern blood cell differentiation. By inducing immune responses, Saeed
et al.
document the epigenetic changes in the genome that underlie immune cell differentiation. Cheng
et al.
demonstrate that trained monocytes are highly dependent on the breakdown of sugars in the presence of oxygen, which allows cells to produce the energy needed to mount an immune response. Chen
et al.
examine RNA transcripts and find that specific cell lineages use RNA transcripts of different length and composition (isoforms) to form proteins. Together, the studies reveal how epigenetic effects can drive the development of blood cells involved in the immune system.

Science
, this issue
10.1126/science.1251086
,
10.1126/science.1250684
,
10.1126/science.1251033
Evidence for global electron transportation into the jovian inner magnetosphere
Authors: Yoshioka K. , Murakami G. , Yamazaki A. , Tsuchiya F. , Kimura T. , Kagitani M. , Sakanoi T. , Uemizu K. , Kasaba Y. , Yoshikawa I. , Fujimoto M.
Published: September 2014

Hot electron plasma moves in from Io

Scientists have known that solar radiation ionizes the gases from Io's volcanoes to create a torus of plasma around Jupiter, but how that plasma moves is unclear. To investigate this, Yoshioka
et al.
monitored the temperature of the hot electron plasma as a function of distance from the planet with the Hisaki Earth-orbiting satellite. The fraction of hot electrons decreases only gradually with distance from Jupiter, which implies a rapid resupply of these electrons from outside Io's orbit.

Science
, this issue p.
1581
Water's place in Au catalysis
Authors: Mullen Gregory M. , Mullins C. Buddie
Published: September 2014

Water plays a key role in gold-catalyzed CO oxidation

[Also see Report by

Saavedra
et al.

]
Autoimmunity by haploinsufficiency
Authors: Rieux-Laucat Frédéric , Casanova Jean-Laurent
Published: September 2014

Partial deficiency in the protein CTLA4 underlies severe autoimmune disease with incomplete penetrance

[Also see Report by

Kuehn
et al.

]
Evidence for cosmic inflation wanes
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: September 2014

The biggest result in cosmology in a decade fades into dust.
Red wolves in the crosshairs
Authors: Stokstad Erik
Published: September 2014

U.S. agency ponders future of innovative reintroduction as animal deaths and controversy mount.
On the edge
Authors: Popkin Gabriel
Published: September 2014

Ecologist Marten Scheffer became a leader in the science of tipping points by studying lakes. Now he's making waves in many other fields.
Interleukin-10- and Transforming Growth Factor β-Independent Regulation of CD8+T Cells Expressing Type 1 and Type 2 Cytokines in Human Lymphatic Filariasis
Authors: Anuradha Rajamanickam , George Parakkal Jovvian , Kumaran Paul , Nutman Thomas B. , Babu Subash
Published: September 2014

Lymphatic filariasis is known to be associated with diminished CD4+Th1 and elevated CD4+Th2 responses to parasite-specific antigens. The roles of cytokine-expressing CD8+T cells in immune responses to filarial infections are not well defined. To study the roles of CD8+T cells expressing type 1, type 2, and type 17 cytokines in filarial infections, we examined the frequencies of these cells in clinically asymptomatic, patently infected (INF) individuals, directlyex vivoand in response to parasite or nonparasite antigens; these frequencies were compared with the results for individuals with filarial lymphedema (i.e., clinical pathology [CP]) and those without active infection or pathology (i.e., endemic normal [EN]). INF individuals exhibited significant decreases in the frequencies of CD8+T cells expressing tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), gamma interferon (IFN-γ), and interleukin-22 (IL-22) at baseline and/or in response to filarial antigens, compared with CP and EN individuals. In contrast, the same individuals exhibited significant increases in the frequencies of CD8+T cells expressing IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, IL-13, and IL-21, compared with CP and/or EN individuals. Curative treatment resulted in significantly increased frequencies of CD8+T cells expressing IL-2 and significantly decreased frequencies of CD8+T cells expressing type 2 cytokines. Finally, the regulation of these responses appears to be independent of IL-10 and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), since blockade of IL-10 or TGF-β signaling did not significantly alter the frequencies of type 1 or type 2 cytokine-expressing CD8+T cells. Our findings suggest that alterations in the frequencies of cytokine-expressing CD8+T cells are characteristic features of lymphatic filarial infections.
HIV-1 Entry in SupT1-R5, CEM-ss, and Primary CD4+T Cells Occurs at the Plasma Membrane and Does Not Require Endocytosis
Authors: Herold Nikolas , Anders-Ößwein Maria , Glass Bärbel , Eckhardt Manon , Müller Barbara , Kräusslich Hans-Georg
Published: September 2014

Cytoplasmic entry of HIV-1 requires binding of the viral glycoproteins to the cellular receptor and coreceptor, leading to fusion of viral and cellular membranes. Early studies suggested that productive HIV-1 infection occurs by direct fusion at the plasma membrane. Endocytotic uptake of HIV-1 was frequently observed but was considered to constitute an unspecific dead-end pathway. More recent evidence suggested that endocytosis contributes to productive HIV-1 entry and may even represent the predominant or exclusive route of infection. We have analyzed HIV-1 binding, endocytosis, cytoplasmic entry, and infection in T-cell lines and in primary CD4+T cells. Efficient cell binding and endocytosis required viral glycoproteins and CD4, but not the coreceptor. The contribution of endocytosis to cytoplasmic entry and infection was assessed by two strategies: (i) expression of dominant negative dynamin-2 was measured and was found to efficiently block HIV-1 endocytosis but to not affect fusion or productive infection. (ii) Making use of the fact that HIV-1 fusion is blocked at temperatures below 23°C, cells were incubated with HIV-1 at 22°C for various times, and endocytosis was quantified by parallel analysis of transferrin and fluorescent HIV-1 uptake. Subsequently, entry at the plasma membrane was blocked by high concentrations of the peptidic fusion inhibitor T-20, which does not reach previously endocytosed particles. HIV-1 infection was scored after cells were shifted to 37°C in the presence of T-20. These experiments revealed that productive HIV-1 entry occurs predominantly at the plasma membrane in SupT1-R5, CEM-ss, and primary CD4+T cells, with little, if any, contribution coming from endocytosed virions.

IMPORTANCEHIV-1, like all enveloped viruses, reaches the cytoplasm by fusion of the viral and cellular membranes. Many viruses enter the cytoplasm by endosomal uptake and fusion from the endosome, while cell entry can also occur by direct fusion at the plasma membrane in some cases. Conflicting evidence regarding the site of HIV-1 fusion has been reported, with some studies claiming that fusion occurs predominantly at the plasma membrane, while others have suggested predominant or even exclusive fusion from the endosome. We have revisited HIV-1 entry using a T-cell line that exhibits HIV-1 endocytosis dependent on the viral glycoproteins and the cellular CD4 receptor; results with this cell line were confirmed for another T-cell line and primary CD4+T cells. Our studies show that fusion and productive entry occur predominantly at the plasma membrane, and we conclude that endocytosis is dispensable for HIV-1 infectivity in these T-cell lines and in primary CD4+T cells.
Exonuclease Domain of the Lassa Virus Nucleoprotein Is Critical To Avoid RIG-I Signaling and To Inhibit the Innate Immune Response
Authors: Reynard Stéphanie , Russier Marion , Fizet Alexandra , Carnec Xavier , Baize Sylvain
Published: September 2014

Lassa virus (LASV), which causes a viral hemorrhagic fever, inhibits the innate immune response. The exonuclease (ExoN) domain of its nucleoprotein (NP) is implicated in the suppression of retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I) signaling. We show here that a LASV in which ExoN function has been abolished strongly activates innate immunity and that this effect is dependent on RIG-I signaling. These results highlight the key role of NP ExoN function in the immune evasion that occurs during LASV infection.
Evolution of Bluetongue Virus Serotype 1 in Northern Australia over 30 Years
Authors: Boyle David B. , Amos-Ritchie Rachel , Broz Ivano , Walker Peter J. , Melville Lorna , Flanagan David , Davis Steven , Hunt Neville , Weir Richard
Published: September 2014

Bluetongue virus serotype 1 (BTV 1) was first isolated in Australia from cattle blood collected in 1979 at Beatrice Hill Farm (BHF), Northern Territory (NT). From long-term surveillance programs (1977 to 2011), 2,487 isolations of 10 BTV serotypes were made. The most frequently isolated serotype was BTV 1 (41%, 1,019) followed by BTV 16 (17.5%, 436) and BTV 20 (14%, 348). In 3 years, no BTVs were isolated, and in 12 years, no BTV 1 was isolated. Seventeen BTV 1 isolates were sequenced and analyzed in comparison with 10 Australian prototype serotypes. BTV 1 showed an episodic pattern of evolutionary change characterized by four distinct periods. Each period consisted primarily of slow genetic drift which was punctuated from time to time by genetic shifts generated by segment reassortment and the introduction of new genome segments. Evidence was found for coevolution of BTV genome segments. Evolutionary dynamics and selection pressure estimates showed strong temporal and clock-like molecular evolutionary dynamics of six Australian BTV genome segments. Bayesian coalescent estimates of mean substitution rates clustered in the range of 3.5 × 10
−4
to 5.3 × 10
−4
substitutions per site per year. All BTV genome segments evolved under strong purifying (negative) selection, with only three sites identified as under pervasive diversifying (positive) selection. The obligate replication in alternate hosts (insect vector and vertebrate hosts) imposed strong evolutionary constraints. The dominant mechanism generating genetic diversity of BTV 1 at BHF was through the introduction of new viruses and reassortment of genome segments with existing viruses.

IMPORTANCE
Bluetongue virus (BTV) is the causative agent of bluetongue disease in ruminants. It is a disease of concern globally and is transmitted by biting midges (
Culicoides
species). Analysis of the evolutionary and selection pressures on BTV 1 at a single surveillance site in northern Australia showed strong temporal and clock-like dynamics. Obligate replication in alternate hosts of insect and vertebrate imposed strong evolutionary constraints, with all BTV genome segments evolving under strong purifying (negative) selection. Generation of genetic diversity of BTV 1 in northern Australia is through genome segment reassortment and the introduction of new serotypes.
Lateral ventricle haemangioblastoma: the role of perfusion scanning and embolisation in diagnosis and management
Authors: Anderson Ian , Kumar Ramesh , Patankar Tufail , Tyagi Atul
Published: September 2014

We present the case of a 24-year-old man who presented with vertigo and right-sided weakness. Subsequent imaging demonstrated a lateral ventricle haemangioblastoma. This is the first case ever to be treated with surgical excision augmented by preoperative endovascular embolisation, as illustrated with perfusion CT scanning performed pre-embolisation and postembolisation. We present the case followed by a summary of the previously published cases and a discussion of the advantages of perfusion scanning and endovascular embolisation in these highly vascular (and therefore potentially dangerous) lesions.
The stagnation of the Mexican male life expectancy in the first decade of the 21st century: the impact of homicides and diabetes mellitus
Authors: Canudas-Romo Vladimir , García-Guerrero Víctor Manuel , Echarri-Cánovas Carlos Javier
Published: September 2014

Objectives

In the first decade of the 21st century, the Mexican life expectancy changed from a long trend of increase to stagnation. These changes concur with an increase in deaths by homicides that the country experienced in that decade, and an obesity epidemic that had developed over the last decades of the 20th century. We quantify the impact of causes of death on life expectancy from 2000 to 2010.

Methods

Two approaches to analyse causes of death are used: the number of life years lost due to each of the causes of death in a given year, and cause-decomposition techniques for comparisons of life expectancy from 2000 to 2010.

Results

The apparent stagnation in life expectancy is the result of an increase in deaths by homicides and diabetes mellitus on the one hand, and the positive improvements observed in other causes of death on the other. The negative impact of homicides is particularly observed for ages 15 and 50, and for that of diabetes mellitus at ages above 45 years.

Conclusions

There is little basis for optimism regarding the future scenarios of the health of the Mexican population based on the first decade of the 21st century. Male life expectancy would have increased by 2 years if deaths by homicides and diabetes mellitus had been avoided.
Twisted Alexander polynomials with the adjoint action for some classes of knots
Authors: Tran Anh T.
Published: September 2014

We calculate the twisted Alexander polynomial with the adjoint action for torus knots and twist knots. As consequences of these calculations, we obtain the formula for the nonabelian Reidemeister torsion of torus knots in [J. Dubois, Nonabelian twisted Reidemeister torsion for fibered knots, Canad. Math. Bull.49(1) (2006) 55–71] and a formula for the nonabelian Reidemeister torsion of twist knots that is better than the one in [J. Dubois, V. Huynh and Y. Yamaguchi, Nonabelian Reidemeister torsion for twist knots, J. Knot Theory Ramifications18(3) (2009) 303–341].
The impact of mind-body awareness training on the early learning of a brain-computer interface
Authors: Cassady Kaitlin , You Albert , Doud Alex , He Bin
Published: September 2014

Brain-computer interface (BCI) systems allow users to interact with their environment by bypassing muscular control to tap directly into the users' thoughts. In the present study, we investigate the role of prior experience with yoga and meditation, examples of formalized mind-body awareness training (MBAT), in learning to use a one-dimensional sensorimotor rhythm based BCI. Thirty-six human subjects volunteered to participate in two different cohorts based on past experience with MBAT — experienced MBAT practitioners and controls. All subjects participated in three BCI experiments to achieve competency in controlling the BCI system. The MBAT cohort achieved BCI competency significantly faster than the control cohort. In addition, the MBAT cohort demonstrated enhanced ability to control the system on various measures of BCI performance and improved significantly more over time when compared to control. Our work provides insight into valuable strategies for reducing barriers to BCI fluency that limit the more widespread use of these systems.
Progesterone modulates SERCA2a expression and function in rabbit cardiomyocytes
Authors: Moshal Karni S. , Zhang Zhe , Roder Karim , Kim Tae Yun , Cooper Leroy , Patedakis Litvinov Bogdan , Lu Yichun , Reddy Vishal , Terentyev Dmitry , Choi Bum-Rak , Koren Gideon
Published: September 2014

We recently showed that progesterone treatment abolished arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in a transgenic rabbit model of long QT syndrome type 2 (LQT2). Moreover, levels of cardiac sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase type 2a (SERCA2a) were upregulated in LQT2 heart extracts. We hypothesized that progesterone treatment upregulated SERCA2a expression, thereby reducing Ca2+-dependent arrhythmias in LQT2 rabbits. We therefore investigated the effect of progesterone on SERCA2a regulation in isolated cardiomyocytes. Cardiomyocytes from neonatal (3- to 5-day-old) rabbits were isolated, cultured, and treated with progesterone and other pharmacological agents. Immunoblotting was performed on total cell lysates and sarcoplasmic reticulum-enriched membrane fractions for protein abundance, and mRNA transcripts were quantified using real-time PCR. The effect of progesterone on baseline Ca2+ transients and Ca2+ clearance was determined using digital imaging. Progesterone treatment increased the total pool of SERCA2a protein by slowing its degradation. Using various pharmacological inhibitors of degradation pathways, we showed that progesterone-associated degradation of SERCA2a involves ubiquitination, and progesterone significantly decreases the levels of ubiquitin-tagged SERCA2a polypeptides. Our digital imaging data revealed that progesterone significantly shortened the decay and duration of Ca2+ transients. Progesterone treatment increases protein levels and activity of SERCA2a. Progesterone stabilizes SERCA2a, in part, by decreasing the ubiquitination level of SERCA2a polypeptides.
Acquired cisplatin resistance in human ovarian A2780 cancer cells correlates with shift in taurine homeostasis and ability to volume regulate
Authors: Sørensen Belinda Halling , Thorsteinsdottir Unnur Arna , Lambert Ian Henry
Published: September 2014

Cisplatin resistance is a major challenge in the treatment of cancer and develops through reduced drug accumulation and an increased ability to avoid drug-induced cell damage, cell shrinkage, and hence initiation of apoptosis. Uptake and release of the semiessential amino acid taurine contribute to cell volume homeostasis, and taurine has been reported to have antiapoptotic effects. Here we find that volume-sensitive taurine release in cisplatin-sensitive [wild-type (WT)] human ovarian cancer A2780 cells is reduced in the presence of the phospholipase A2 inhibitor bromenol lactone, the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitor ETH 615–139, and the cysteine leukotriene receptor 1 (CysLT1) antagonist zafirlukast and impaired by the anion channel blocker DIDS (4,4′-diisothiocyanatostilbene-2,2′-disulfonate). Comparing WT and cisplatin-resistant (RES) A2780 cells we also find that evasion of cisplatin-induced cell death in RES A2780 cells correlates with an increased accumulation of taurine, due to an increased taurine uptake and a concomitant impairment of the volume-sensitive taurine release pathway, as well an inability to reduce cell volume after osmotic cell swelling. Downregulation of volume-sensitive taurine release in RES A2780 cells correlates with reduced expression of the leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 8A (LRRC8A). Furthermore, acute (18 h) exposure to cisplatin (5–10 μM) increases taurine release and LRRC8A expression in WT A2780 cells whereas cisplatin has no effect on LRRC8A expression in RES A2780 cells. It is suggested that shift in LRRC8A activity can be used as biomarker for apoptotic progress and acquirement of drug resistance.
Torpor and hypothermia: reversed hysteresis of metabolic rate and body temperature
Authors: Geiser Fritz , Currie Shannon E. , O'Shea Kelly A. , Hiebert Sara M.
Published: September 2014

Regulated torpor and unregulated hypothermia are both characterized by substantially reduced body temperature (Tb) and metabolic rate (MR), but they differ physiologically. Although the remarkable, medically interesting adaptations accompanying torpor (e.g., tolerance for cold and ischemia, absence of reperfusion injury, and disuse atrophy) often do not apply to hypothermia in homeothermic species such as humans, the terms “torpor” and “hypothermia” are often used interchangeably in the literature. To determine how these states differ functionally and to provide a reliable diagnostic tool for differentiating between these two physiologically distinct states, we examined the interrelations between Tb and MR in a mammal ( Sminthopsis macroura) undergoing a bout of torpor with those of the hypothermic response of a similar-sized juvenile rat ( Rattus norvegicus). Our data show that under similar thermal conditions, 1) cooling rates differ substantially (approximately fivefold) between the two states; 2) minimum MR is approximately sevenfold higher during hypothermia than during torpor despite a similar Tb; 3) rapid, endogenously fuelled rewarming occurs in torpor but not hypothermia; and 4) the hysteresis between Tb and MR during warming and cooling proceeds in opposite directions in torpor and hypothermia. We thus demonstrate clear diagnostic physiological differences between these two states that can be used experimentally to confirm whether torpor or hypothermia has occurred. Furthermore, the data can clarify the results of studies investigating the ability of physiological or pharmacological agents to induce torpor. Consequently, we recommend using the terms “torpor” and “hypothermia” in ways that are consistent with the underlying regulatory differences between these two physiological states.
Stability of multifinger action in different state spaces
Authors: Reschechtko Sasha , Zatsiorsky Vladimir M. , Latash Mark L.
Published: September 2014

We investigated stability of action by a multifinger system with three methods: analysis of intertrial variance, application of transient perturbations, and analysis of the system's motion in different state spaces. The “inverse piano” device was used to apply transient (lifting-and-lowering) perturbations to individual fingers during single- and two-finger accurate force production tasks. In each trial, the perturbation was applied either to a finger explicitly involved in the task or one that was not. We hypothesized that, in one-finger tasks, task-specific stability would be observed in the redundant space of finger forces but not in the nonredundant space of finger modes (commands to explicitly involved fingers). In two-finger tasks, we expected that perturbations applied to a nontask finger would not contribute to task-specific stability in mode space. In contrast to our expectations, analyses in both force and mode spaces showed lower stability in directions that did not change total force output compared with directions that did cause changes in total force. In addition, the transient perturbations led to a significant increase in the enslaving index. We consider these results within a theoretical scheme of control with referent body configurations organized hierarchically, using multiple few-to-many mappings organized in a synergic way. The observed volatility of enslaving, greater equifinality of total force compared with elemental variables, and large magnitude of motor equivalent motion in both force and mode spaces provide support for the concept of task-specific stability of performance and the existence of multiple neural loops, which ensure this stability.
Dynamic changes of twitchlike responses to successive stimuli studied by decomposition of motor unit tetanic contractions in rat medial gastrocnemius
Authors: Celichowski Jan , Raikova Rositsa , Aladjov Hristo , Krutki Piotr
Published: September 2014

Unfused tetanic contractions evoked by trains of stimuli at variable interpulse intervals (IPIs) were recorded for 10 fast fatigable (FF), 10 fast resistant (FR), and 10 slow (S) motor units (MUs) and subsequently decomposed with a mathematical algorithm into trains of twitch-shape responses to successive stimuli. The mean stimulation frequencies were matched for each MU to evoke tetani of similar fusion degrees, whereas the variability range of IPIs was in each case 50–150% of the mean IPI. Force and time parameters of decomposed twitches were analyzed and related to the first response. Considerable variability of the analyzed twitch parameters was observed in each MU, although the largest range of variability occurred in slow MUs. In general, the decomposed twitch responses had longer duration and higher force than single-twitch contractions, although for nine FF and six FR MUs some of the decomposed responses were slightly weaker (but not faster) than the first twitches of these MUs. Comparison of the strongest decomposed twitch to the first decomposed twitch revealed ratios of forces up to 2.35, 3.33, and 6.89 for FF, FR, and S MUs and ratios of force-time areas up to 3.54, 4.67, and 14.26 for FF, FR, and S MUs, whereas for the contraction times the ratios of the longest decomposed twitch to the first twitch amounted to 2.46, 2.07, and 3.52 for FF, FR, and S MUs, respectively. The results indicate that contractile responses to successive action potentials are considerably variable, especially for slow MUs.
Cutaneous Carcinosarcoma with Metastasis to the Parotid Gland
Authors: Loh Tze Ling , Tomlinson Jeanne , Chin Ronald , Eslick Guy D.
Published: September 2014

Cutaneous carcinosarcoma is a rare malignancy that exhibits both mesenchymal and epithelial components. It is similar to nonmelanoma skin cancers in terms of risk and prognostic factors. However, these malignancies are known to have a propensity for local recurrence and metastasis, even with adequate resection margins. Here we report a case of metastatic cutaneous carcinosarcoma to the parotid gland and review the relevant literature.
A Review of Some Recent Studies on Buoyancy Driven Flows in an Urban Environment
Authors: Hajra Bodhisatta
Published: September 2014

This paper reviews some recent studies (after 2000) pertaining to buoyancy driven flows in nature and thier use in reducing air pollution levels in a city (city ventilation). Natural convection flows occur due to the heating and cooling of various urban surfaces (e.g., mountain slopes), leading to upslope and downslope flows. Such flows can have a significant effect on city ventilation which has been the subject of study in the recent times due to increased pollution levels in a city. A major portion of the research reviewed here consists of natural convection flows occurring along mountain slopes, with a few studies devoted to flows along building walls. The studies discussed here primarily include field measurements and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models. This review shows that for densely populated cities with high pollution levels, natural convection flows (mountain slope or building walls) can significantly aid the dispersion of pollutants. Additional studies in this area using CFD and water channel measurements can explain the physical processes involved in such flows and help improve CFD modelling. Future research should focus on a complete understanding of the mechanisms of buoyancy flows in nature and developing design guidelines for better planning of cities.
Visual Detection and Determination of Melamine Using Synthetic Dyes
Authors: Thimmasandra Narayan Ramesh , Devarahosahally Veeranna Kirana
Published: September 2014

We have used spectroscopic technique for the detection of melamine. The effect of melamine on the colour as well as the pH of bromophenol, methyl red and alizarin red dye solutions was examined at different mole ratios. It is found that we observe color transition and the absorption maxima for bromophenol were at 598 nm, while for methyl red, and alizarin red-S dye they are at 520 nm and 423 nm, respectively. We observe an increase in the absorption intensities at 598 nm with increase in the concentration of melamine in bromophenol blue dye. The absorption intensities at 520 nm decreases and new peak at 420 nm emerges in methyl red dye-melamine mixture. While the absorption intensities at 420 nm decreases and 520 nm peak emerges in alizarin red S dye-melamine at higher mole ratios. The results indicate that we can choose the appropriate dye of suitable range to detect the concentration of melamine from 3 to 206 mg dm−3. The results demonstrate possible use of the simple method for the qualitative and quantitative detection of melamine in adulterated food samples.
Characteristic Value Method of Well Test Analysis for Horizontal Gas Well
Authors: Li Xiao-Ping , Yan Ning-Ping , Tan Xiao-Hua
Published: September 2014

This paper presents a study of characteristic value method of well test analysis for horizontal gas well. Owing to the complicated seepage flow mechanism in horizontal gas well and the difficulty in the analysis of transient pressure test data, this paper establishes the mathematical models of well test analysis for horizontal gas well with different inner and outer boundary conditions. On the basis of obtaining the solutions of the mathematical models, several type curves are plotted with Stehfest inversion algorithm. For gas reservoir with closed outer boundary in vertical direction and infinite outer boundary in horizontal direction, while considering the effect of wellbore storage and skin effect, the pseudopressure behavior of the horizontal gas well can manifest four characteristic periods: pure wellbore storage period, early vertical radial flow period, early linear flow period, and late horizontal pseudoradial flow period. For gas reservoir with closed outer boundary both in vertical and horizontal directions, the pseudopressure behavior of the horizontal gas well adds the pseudosteady state flow period which appears after the boundary response. For gas reservoir with closed outer boundary in vertical direction and constant pressure outer boundary in horizontal direction, the pseudopressure behavior of the horizontal gas well adds the steady state flow period which appears after the boundary response. According to the characteristic lines which are manifested by pseudopressure derivative curve of each flow period, formulas are developed to obtain horizontal permeability, vertical permeability, skin factor, reservoir pressure, and pore volume of the gas reservoir, and thus the characteristic value method of well test analysis for horizontal gas well is established. Finally, the example study verifies that the new method is reliable. Characteristic value method of well test analysis for horizontal gas well makes the well test analysis process more simple and the results more accurate.
Anesthesia Dolorosa of Trigeminal Nerve, a Rare Complication of Acoustic Neuroma Surgery
Authors: Elahi Foad , Ho Kwo Wei David
Published: September 2014

Anesthesia dolorosa is an uncommon deafferentation pain that can occur after traumatic or surgical injury to the trigeminal nerve. This creates spontaneous pain signals without nociceptive stimuli. Compression of the trigeminal nerve due to acoustic neuromas or other structures near the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) can cause trigeminal neuralgia, but the occurrence of anesthesia dolorosa subsequent to acoustic tumor removal has not been described in the medical literature. We report two cases of acoustic neuroma surgery presented with anesthesia dolorosa along the trigeminal nerve distribution. The patients’ pain was managed with multidisciplinary approaches with moderate success.
The Giant Condyloma (Buschke-Löwenstein Tumor) in the Immunocompromised Patient
Authors: Atkinson Andrew L. , Pursell Nicole , Sisay Abinet
Published: September 2014

Since Buschke and Löwenstein first described the giant condyloma in 1925 (which subsequently was named Buschke-Löwenstein tumor), there have been scattered reports over the past 90 years describing presentation and different avenues of treatment for patients with this condition. It is well known that immunocompromised individuals are at an increased risk of anogenital disease caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). In this report, we present the management of two HIV positive patients with giant condylomas. Both patients presented with urinary outflow obstruction and sepsis. Though giant condylomas are a rare phenomenon, these two cases underscore the importance of early treatment intervention, especially in the immunocompromised patient.
Effect of Rotation on Wave Propagation in Hollow Poroelastic Circular Cylinder
Authors: Abo-Dahab S. M. , Abd-Alla A. M. , Alqosami S.
Published: September 2014

The objective of this paper is to study the effect of rotation on the wave propagation in an infinite poroelastic hollow circular cylinder. The frequency equation for poroelastic hollow circular cylinder is obtained when the boundaries are stress free and is examined numerically. The frequency, phase velocity, and attenuation coefficient are calculated for a pervious surface for various values of rotation, wave number, and thickness of the cylinder which are presented for nonaxial symmetric vibrations for a pervious surface. The dispersion curves are plotted for the poroelastic elastic behavior of the poroelastic material. Results are discussed for poroelastic material. The results indicate that the effect of rotation, wave number, and thickness on the wave propagation in the hollow poroelastic circular cylinder is very pronounced.