bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insight from Molecular, Pathological, and Immunohistochemical Studies on Cellular and Humoral Mechanisms Responsible for Vaccine-Induced Protection of Rainbow Trout against Yersinia ruckeri
Authors: Deshmukh Sidhartha , Kania Per W. , Chettri Jiwan K. , Skov Jakob , Bojesen Anders M. , Dalsgaard Inger , Buchmann Kurt
Published: August 2013

The immunological mechanisms associated with protection of vaccinated rainbow trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss, against enteric redmouth disease (ERM), caused byYersinia ruckeri, were previously elucidated by the use of gene expression methodology and immunochemical methods. That approach pointed indirectly to both humoral and cellular elements being involved in protection. The present study correlates the level of protection in rainbow trout to cellular reactions in spleen and head kidney and visualizes the processes by applying histopathological, immunohistochemical, andin situhybridization techniques. It was shown that these cellular reactions, which were more prominent in spleen than in head kidney, were associated with the expression of immune-related genes, suggesting a Th2-like response.Y. ruckeri, as shown byin situhybridization (ISH), was eliminated within a few days in vaccinated fish, whereas nonprotected fish still harbored bacteria for a week after infection. Vaccinated fish reestablished normal organ structure within a few days, whereas nonprotected fish showed abnormalities up to 1 month postinfection. Protection in the early phase of infection was mainly associated with the expression of genes encoding innate factors (complement factors, lysozyme, and acute phase proteins), but in the later phase of infection, increased expression of adaptive immune genes dominated. The histological approach used has shown that the cellular changes correlated with protection of vaccinated fish. They comprised transformation of resident cells into macrophage-like cells and increased occurrence of CD8α and IgM cells, suggesting these cells as main players in protection. Future studies should investigate the causality between these factors and protection.
Mortality in Kittens Is Associated with a Shift in Ileum Mucosa-Associated Enterococci from Enterococcus hirae to Biofilm-Forming Enterococcus faecalis and Adherent Escherichia coli
Authors: Ghosh Anuradha , Borst Luke , Stauffer Stephen H. , Suyemoto Mitsu , Moisan Peter , Zurek Ludek , Gookin Jody L.
Published: August 2013

Approximately 15% of foster kittens die before 8 weeks of age, with most of these kittens demonstrating clinical signs or postmortem evidence of enteritis. While a specific cause of enteritis is not determined in most cases, these kittens are often empirically administered probiotics that contain enterococci. The enterococci are members of the commensal intestinal microbiota but also can function as opportunistic pathogens. Given the complicated role of enterococci in health and disease, it would be valuable to better understand what constitutes a “healthy” enterococcal community in these kittens and how this microbiota is impacted by severe illness. In this study, we characterized the ileum mucosa-associated enterococcal community of 50 apparently healthy and 50 terminally ill foster kittens. In healthy kittens,Enterococcus hiraewas the most common species of ileum mucosa-associated enterococci and was often observed to adhere extensively to the small intestinal epithelium. TheseE. hiraeisolates generally lacked virulence traits. In contrast, non-E. hiraeenterococci, notablyEnterococcus faecalis, were more commonly isolated from the ileum mucosa of kittens with terminal illness. Isolates ofE. faecalishad numerous virulence traits and multiple antimicrobial resistances. Moreover, the attachment ofEscherichia colito the intestinal epithelium was significantly associated with terminal illness and was not observed in any kitten with adherentE. hirae. These findings identify a significant difference in the species of enterococci cultured from the ileum mucosa of kittens with terminal illness compared to the species cultured from healthy kittens. In contrast to prior case studies that associated enteroadherentE. hiraewith diarrhea in young animals, these controlled studies identifiedE. hiraeas more often isolated from healthy kittens and adherence ofE. hiraeas more common and extensive in healthy kittens than in sick kittens.
Comparative Evaluation of BD Phoenix and Vitek 2 Systems for Species Identification of Common and Uncommon Pathogenic Yeasts
Authors: Posteraro Brunella , Ruggeri Alberto , De Carolis Elena , Torelli Riccardo , Vella Antonietta , De Maio Flavio , Ricciardi Walter , Posteraro Patrizia , Sanguinetti Maurizio
Published: August 2013

The BD Phoenix system was evaluated for species-level identification of yeasts (250 clinical isolates) and compared with the Vitek 2 system, using ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence analysis as the gold standard. Considering only the species included in each system's database, 96.3% (236/245) and 91.4% (224/245) of the isolates were correctly identified by BD Phoenix and Vitek 2, respectively.
Evidence for Recombination between Pandemic GII.4 Norovirus Strains New Orleans 2009 and Sydney 2012
Authors: Martella V. , Medici M. C. , De Grazia S. , Tummolo F. , Calderaro A. , Bonura F. , Saporito L. , Terio V. , Catella C. , Lanave G. , Buonavoglia C. , Giammanco G. M.
Published: August 2013

During 2012, a novel pandemic GII.4 norovirus variant, Sydney 2012, emerged worldwide. A signature of the variant was a GII.Pe ORF1, in association with GII.4 Apeldoorn 2008-like ORF2-ORF3 genes. We report the detection of recombinant GII.4 Sydney 2012 strains, possessing the ORF1 gene of the former pandemic variant New Orleans 2009.
Cutaneous Listeriosis
Authors: Godshall Casey E. , Suh Gina , Lorber Bennett
Published: August 2013

Cutaneous infections due toListeria monocytogenesare rare. Typically, infections manifest as nonpainful, nonpruritic, self-limited, localized, papulopustular or vesiculopustular eruptions in healthy persons. Most cases follow direct inoculation of the skin in veterinarians or farmers who have exposure to animal products of conception. Less commonly, skin lesions may arise from hematogenous dissemination in compromised hosts with invasive disease. Here, we report the first case in a gardener that occurred following exposure to soil and vegetation.
Defining the Interaction of HIV-1 with the Mucosal Barriers of the Female Reproductive Tract
Authors: Carias Ann M. , McCoombe Scott , McRaven Michael , Anderson Meegan , Galloway Nicole , Vandergrift Nathan , Fought Angela J. , Lurain John , Duplantis Maurice , Veazey Ronald S. , Hope Thomas J.
Published: August 2013

Worldwide, HIV-1 infects millions of people annually, the majority of whom are women. To establish infection in the female reproductive tract (FRT), HIV-1 in male ejaculate must overcome numerous innate and adaptive immune factors, traverse the genital epithelium, and establish infection in underlying CD4+target cells. How the virus achieves this remains poorly defined. By utilizing a new technique, we define how HIV-1 interacts with different tissues of the FRT using human cervical explants andin vivoexposure in the rhesus macaque vaginal transmission model. Despite previous claims of the squamous epithelium being an efficient barrier to virus entry, we reveal that HIV-1 can penetrate both intact columnar and squamous epithelial barriers to depths where the virus can encounter potential target cells. In the squamous epithelium, we identify virus entry occurring through diffusive percolation, penetrating areas where cell junctions are absent. In the columnar epithelium, we illustrate that virus does not transverse barriers as well as previously thought due to mucus impediment. We also show a statistically significant correlation between the viral load of inocula and the ability of HIV-1 to pervade the squamous barrier. Overall, our results suggest a diffusive percolation mechanism for the initial events of HIV-1 entry. With these data, we also mathematically extrapolate the number of HIV-1 particles that penetrate the mucosa per coital act, providing a biological description of the mechanism for HIV-1 transmission during the acute and chronic stages of infection.
The Essential, Nonredundant Roles of RIG-I and MDA5 in Detecting and Controlling West Nile Virus Infection
Authors: Errett John S. , Suthar Mehul S. , McMillan Aimee , Diamond Michael S. , Gale Michael
Published: August 2013

Virus recognition and response by the innate immune system are critical components of host defense against infection. Activation of cell-intrinsic immunity and optimal priming of adaptive immunity against West Nile virus (WNV), an emerging vector-borne virus, depend on recognition by RIG-I and MDA5, two cytosolic pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) of the RIG-I-like receptor (RLR) protein family that recognize viral RNA and activate defense programs that suppress infection. We evaluated the individual functions of RIG-I and MDA5 both
in vitro
and
in vivo
in pathogen recognition and control of WNV. Lack of RIG-I or MDA5 alone results in decreased innate immune signaling and virus control in primary cells
in vitro
and increased mortality in mice. We also generated
RIG-I
−/−
×
MDA5
−/−
double-knockout mice and found that a lack of both RLRs results in a complete absence of innate immune gene induction in target cells of WNV infection and a severe pathogenesis during infection
in vivo
, similar to findings for animals lacking MAVS, the central adaptor molecule for RLR signaling. We also found that RNA products from WNV-infected cells but not incoming virion RNA display at least two distinct pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) containing 5′ triphosphate and double-stranded RNA that are temporally distributed and sensed by RIG-I and MDA5 during infection. Thus, RIG-I and MDA5 are essential PRRs that recognize distinct PAMPs that accumulate during WNV replication. Collectively, these experiments highlight the necessity and function of multiple related, cytoplasmic host sensors in orchestrating an effective immune response against an acute viral infection.
TMPRSS2 Is an Activating Protease for Respiratory Parainfluenza Viruses
Authors: Abe Masako , Tahara Maino , Sakai Kouji , Yamaguchi Hiromi , Kanou Kazuhiko , Shirato Kazuya , Kawase Miyuki , Noda Masahiro , Kimura Hirokazu , Matsuyama Shutoku , Fukuhara Hideo , Mizuta Katsumi , Maenaka Katsumi , Ami Yasushi , Esumi Mariko , Kato Atsushi , Takeda Makoto
Published: August 2013

Here, we show that human parainfluenza viruses and Sendai virus (SeV), like other respiratory viruses, use TMPRSS2 for their activation. The membrane fusion proteins of respiratory viruses often possess serine and glutamine residues at the P2 and P3 positions, respectively, but these residues were not critical for cleavage by TMPRSS2. However, mutations of these residues affected SeV growth in specific epithelial cell lines, suggesting the importance of these residues for SeV replication in epithelia.
Latency Locus Complements MicroRNA 155 Deficiency
In Vivo
Authors: Sin Sang-Hoon , Kim Yong Baek , Dittmer Dirk P.
Published: August 2013

MicroRNA-155 (miR-155) is expressed in many cancers. It also executes evolutionary conserved functions in normal B cell development. We show that the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) latency locus, which contains an ortholog of miR-155, miR-K12-11, complements B cell deficiencies in miR-155 knockout mice. Germinal center (GC) formation was rescued in spleen, lymph node, and Peyer's patches. Immunoglobulin levels were restored. This demonstrates that KSHV can complement the normal, physiological function of miR-155.
Restriction of Virus Infection but Not Catalytic dNTPase Activity Is Regulated by Phosphorylation of SAMHD1
Authors: Welbourn Sarah , Dutta Sucharita M. , Semmes O. John , Strebel Klaus
Published: August 2013

SAMHD1 is a host protein responsible, at least in part, for the inefficient infection of dendritic, myeloid, and resting T cells by HIV-1. Interestingly, HIV-2 and SIVsm viruses are able to counteract SAMHD1 by targeting it for proteasomal degradation using their Vpx proteins. It has been proposed that SAMHD1 is a dGTP-dependent deoxynucleoside triphosphohydrolase (dNTPase) that restricts HIV-1 by reducing cellular dNTP levels to below that required for reverse transcription. However, nothing is known about SAMHD1 posttranslational modifications and their potential role in regulating SAMHD1 function. We used
32
P labeling and immunoblotting with phospho-specific antibodies to identify SAMHD1 as a phosphoprotein. Several amino acids in SAMHD1 were identified to be sites of phosphorylation using direct mass spectrometry. Mutation of these residues to alanine to prevent phosphorylation or to glutamic acid to mimic phosphorylation had no effect on the nuclear localization of SAMHD1 or its sensitivity to Vpx-mediated degradation. Furthermore, neither alanine nor glutamic acid substitutions had a significant effect on SAMHD1 dNTPase activity in an
in vitro
assay. Interestingly, however, we found that a T592E mutation, mimicking constitutive phosphorylation at a main phosphorylation site, severely affected the ability of SAMHD1 to restrict HIV-1 in a U937 cell-based restriction assay. In contrast, a T592A mutant was still capable of restricting HIV-1. These results indicate that SAMHD1 phosphorylation may be a negative regulator of SAMHD1 restriction activity. This conclusion is supported by our finding that SAMHD1 is hyperphosphorylated in monocytoid THP-1 cells under nonrestrictive conditions.
Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 Limits Epstein-Barr Virus Lytic Activation in B Lymphocytes
Authors: Hill Erik R. , Koganti Siva , Zhi Jizu , Megyola Cynthia , Freeman Alexandra F. , Palendira Umaimainthan , Tangye Stuart G. , Farrell Paul J. , Bhaduri-McIntosh Sumita
Published: August 2013

Lytic activation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is central to its life cycle and to most EBV-related diseases. However, not every EBV-infected B cell is susceptible to lytic activation. This lack of uniform susceptibility to lytic activation also directly impacts the success of viral oncolytic therapy for EBV cancers, yet determinants of susceptibility to lytic induction signals are not well understood. To determine if host factors influence susceptibility to EBV lytic activation, we developed a technique to separate lytic from refractory cells and reported that EBV lytic activation occurs preferentially in cells with lower levels of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Using this tool to detect single cells, we now extend the correlation between STAT3 and lytic versus refractory states to EBV-infected circulating B cells in patients with primary EBV infection, leading us to investigate whether STAT3 controls susceptibility to EBV lytic activation. In loss-of-function and gain-of-function studies in EBV-positive B lymphoma and lymphoblastoid cells, we found that the levels of functional STAT3 regulate susceptibility to EBV lytic activation. This prompted us to identify a pool of candidate cellular genes that might be regulated by STAT3 to limit EBV lytic activation. From this pool, we confirmed increases in transcript levels in refractory cells of a set of genes known to participate in transcription repression. Taken together, our findings place STAT3 at a critical crossroads between EBV latency and lytic activation, processes fundamental to EBV lymphomagenesis.
Role of DC-SIGN in Lassa Virus Entry into Human Dendritic Cells
Authors: Goncalves Ana-Rita , Moraz Marie-Laurence , Pasquato Antonella , Helenius Ari , Lozach Pierre-Yves , Kunz Stefan
Published: August 2013

The arenavirus Lassa virus (LASV) causes a severe hemorrhagic fever with high mortality in humans. Antigen-presenting cells, in particular dendritic cells (DCs), are early and preferred targets of LASV, and their productive infection contributes to the virus-induced immunosuppression observed in fatal disease. Here, we characterized the role of the C-type lectin DC-specific ICAM-3-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN) in LASV entry into primary human DCs using a chimera of the prototypic arenavirus lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) expressing the LASV glycoprotein (rLCMV-LASVGP). We found that differentiation of human primary monocytes into DCs enhanced virus attachment and entry, concomitant with the upregulation of DC-SIGN. LASV and rLCMV-LASVGP bound to DC-SIGN via mannose sugars located on the N-terminal GP1 subunit of LASVGP. We provide evidence that DC-SIGN serves as an attachment factor for rLCMV-LASVGP in monocyte-derived immature dendritic cells (MDDC) and can accelerate the capture of free virus. However, in contrast to the phlebovirus Uukuniemi virus (UUKV), which uses DC-SIGN as an authentic entry receptor, productive infection with rLCMV-LASVGP was less dependent on DC-SIGN. In contrast to the DC-SIGN-mediated cell entry of UUKV, entry of rLCMV-LASVGP in MDDC was remarkably slow and depended on actin, indicating the use of different endocytotic pathways. In sum, our data reveal that DC-SIGN can facilitate cell entry of LASV in human MDDC but that its role seems distinct from the function as an authentic entry receptor reported for phleboviruses.
Effects of Cellular Activation on Anti-HIV-1 Restriction Factor Expression Profile in Primary Cells
Authors: Raposo Rui André Saraiva , Abdel-Mohsen Mohamed , Bilska Miroslawa , Montefiori David C. , Nixon Douglas F. , Pillai Satish K.
Published: August 2013

Expression of cell-intrinsic antiviral factors suppresses HIV-1 replication. We hypothesized that cellular activation modulates host restriction and susceptibility to HIV-1 infection. We measured the gene expression of 34 antiviral factors in healthy peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Cellular activation induced expression of interferon-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15), tripartite motif 5α (TRIM5α), bone marrow stromal cell antigen 2 (BST-2)/tetherin, and certain apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme 3 (APOBEC3) family members. Expression of RTF1, RNA polymerase II-associated factor 1 (PAF1), TRIM11, TRIM26, and BST-2/tetherin correlated with decreased HIV-1 infectivity. This report demonstrates synchronous effects of activation-induced antiviral genes on HIV-1 infectivity, providing candidates for pharmacological manipulation.
Clinical Effect of Acupuncture on Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy: Results of a Case Series
Authors: Nakajima Miwa , Inoue Motohiro , Itoi Megumi , Kitakoji Hiroshi
Published: August 2013

Objective

To observe the effectiveness of acupuncture applied to the cervical region of patients with upper extremity radicular symptoms due to cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR).

Methods

15 subjects diagnosed with CSR and with upper extremity pain and/or paraesthesiae for 13.1±18.0 months were selected. The 15 patients had 16 affected limbs and scored a total of 17 symptom scores of pain and/or paraesthesiae. All patients were treated with acupuncture once a week for 4 weeks at up to 10 sites in the cervical paraspinal region centred on the affected area. The severity of the symptoms was recorded using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and functional evaluation was conducted using a Neck Disability Index (NDI).

Results

A significant reduction over time was seen for both mean VAS (p<0.0001) and NDI (p<0.0001). Changes were still significant at 4-week follow-up. A 50% reduction in symptoms was scored for 15 of the 17 symptoms scored.

Conclusions

Favourable results were seen in nearly 90% of cases. These results show that acupuncture treatment to the cervical region may be effective as a conservative therapy for treating CSR.
Shaping medicinal product information: a before and after study exploring physicians’ perspectives on the summary of product characteristics
Authors: Vromans Lisette , Doyle Gerardine , Petak-Opel Silvia , Rödiger Alexander , Röttgermann Martina , Schlüssel Elke , Stetter Eva
Published: August 2013

Objective

To establish, in the context of the revised European Pharmacovigilance Directive and based on physicians’ perspectives, how Summaries of Product Characteristics (SmPCs) could be more user friendly and better support physicians’ interactions with patients, thereby improving patients’ own understanding of their medicines.

Design

Qualitative focus group discussions (step 1), development of an alternative SmPC (step 2) and an online quantitative survey (step 3) comparing the alternative SmPC to the currently approved version.

Setting

Office-based physicians (n=218) from all federal states of Germany.

Participants

218 German physicians participated, with an equal representation of office-based general practitioners and specialists. For step 1 (n=18), physicians were recruited who frequently consulted SmPCs.

Outcome measures

Planned and performed: Mayring's qualitative content analysis of focus group discussions (step 1), rating on a five-point Likert scale of preference of current versus alternative SmPCs (step 3).

Results

Physicians confirmed the importance of SmPCs as a comprehensive source of medicinal product information, but were moderately satisfied with the current SmPCs, utilised it infrequently and were more likely to engage additional sources of information. The alternative SmPC was consistently preferred. It differed in the way information for particular patient groups was presented, included additional sections (synopsis, checklist for patient information) and used a tabular format. Physicians indicated that SmPCs should be available with search and hyperlink functions, as well as be automatically updated and integrated in available practice software or similar solutions.

Conclusions

This research contributes to the development of an official, reliable medicinal product information system meeting the needs of a modern information society while providing the reliability of an officially authorised source. In the context of health literacy, SmPCs should be established as the primary information source for healthcare professionals to ensure compliant and safe utilisation of medicinal products.
Who does what in prehospital critical care? An analysis of competencies of paramedics, critical care paramedics and prehospital physicians
Authors: von Vopelius-Feldt Johannes , Benger Jonathan
Published: August 2013

Introduction

Emergency medical services in the UK are facing the challenge of responding to an increasing number of calls, often for non-emergency care, while also providing critical care to the few severely ill or injured patients. In response, paramedic training in the UK has been extended and there are regional strategies to improve prehospital critical care (PHCC). We describe the clinical competencies of three groups of prehospital providers in the UK with the aim of informing future planning of the delivery of PHCC.

Methods

We used a data triangulation approach to obtain lists of competencies for paramedics, critical care paramedics (CCPs) and PHCC physicians of the Great Western Ambulance Service. Data sources were professional guidance documents, equipment available to the provider, log sheets of prehospital care episodes, direct observations and a survey of providers.

Results

We identified 389, 441 and 449 competencies for paramedics, CCPs and PHCC physicians, respectively. Competencies of CCPs and PHCC physicians which exceeded those of paramedics can be arranged in four distinct clusters: induction and maintenance of anaesthesia, procedural sedation, advanced cardiovascular management and complex invasive interventions.

Discussion

Paramedics possess a considerable number of competencies which allow them to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions. CCPs and PHCC physicians possess a few additional critical care competencies which are potentially life-saving but are required infrequently and can carry significant risks. Concentration of training and clinical exposure for a small group of providers in critical care teams can help optimising benefits and reducing risks of PHCC.
Rectal douching and implications for rectal microbicides among populations vulnerable to HIV in South America: a qualitative study
Authors: Galea Jerome T , Kinsler Janni J , Imrie John , Nureña César R , Sánchez Jorge , Cunningham William E
Published: August 2013

Objective

While gel-formulated rectal microbicides (RM) are the first to enter clinical trials, rectal douching in preparation for anal intercourse is a common practice; thus RMs formulated as douches may be a convenient alternative to gels. Nonetheless, little is known about potential users’ thoughts regarding douche-formulated RMs or rectal douching practices, data that is needed to inform the advancement of douche-based RMs. This qualitative study examined thoughts regarding douches, their use as an RM and current douching practices among men who have sex with men and transgender women.

Methods

12 focus groups and 36 in-depth interviews were conducted (N=140) to examine the overall acceptability of RM, of which one component focused on rectal douching. Focus groups and interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and coded; text relating to rectal douching was extracted and analysed. Sociodemographic information was collected using a self-administered questionnaire.

Results

Support for a douche-formulated RM centred on the possibility of combined precoital hygiene and HIV protection, and it was believed that a deeply penetrating liquid douche would confer greater HIV protection than a gel. Drawbacks included rectal dryness, impracticality and portability issues, and potential side effects. Non-commercial douching apparatus use was common and liquids used included detergents, vinegar, bleach, lemon juice and alcohol.

Conclusions

A douche-formulated RM, while desirable and perceived as more effective than a gel-formulated RM, also generated questions regarding practicality and side effects. Of immediate concern were the non-commercial liquids already being used that likely damage rectal epithelia, potentially increasing HIV infection risk. Precoital rectal douching is common and an RM formulated as such is desirable, but education on rectal douching practices is needed now.
Nectary ultrastructure and secretory modes in three species of Tillandsia (Bromeliaceae) that have different pollinators
Authors: Mosti Stefano , Ross Friedman Cynthia , Pacini Ettore , Brighigna Luigi , Papini Alessio
Published: August 2013

The floral nectaries of three Tillandsia L. spp. having different pollinators were investigated with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to describe the previously unstudied ultrastructure of the nectar-producing tissues (primarily the epidermis) and also to determine if any differences in the ultrastructural features could be correlated to pollination mode. We determined that there were variations in nectaries among the three species, and that these may be linked to pollinator choice. Tillandsia seleriana Mez, which has a strict relationship with ants, had a nectary epithelium characterized by abundant dictyosomes and endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and a final degeneration stage possibly leading to holocrine secretion. The presence of protein crystals in epithelial plastids was correlated to a nectar enriched with amino acids and proteins, likely functioning to provide a protein-enriched diet and possibly defence against pathogens. Epithelial cells of the hummingbird-pollinated Tillandsia juncea (Ruiz et Pav.) Poir. nectary displayed cell wall ingrowths and dictyosomes and also contained cytoplasmic lipid droplets and protein crystals within plastids, both of which would enrich the nectar for hummingbirds. The nectary epithelium and the parenchyma of bat-pollinated Tillandsia grandis Schltdl. possessed a few cubic protein crystals in the plastids and its secretion product appeared electron transparent.
Model selection and multimodel inference for standardizing catch rates of bycatch species: a case study of oceanic whitetip shark in the Hawaii-based longline fishery
Authors: Brodziak Jon , Walsh William A.
Published: August 2013

One key issue for standardizing catch per unit effort (CPUE) of bycatch species is how to model observations of zero catch per fishing operation. Typically, the fraction of zero catches is high, and catch counts may be overdispersed. In this study, we develop a model selection and multimodel inference approach to standardize CPUE in a case study of oceanic whitetip shark (Carcharhinus longimanus) bycatch in the Hawaii-based pelagic longline fishery. Alternative hypotheses for shark catch per longline set were characterized by the variance to mean ratio of the count distribution. Zero-inflated and non-inflated Poisson, negative binomial, and delta-gamma models were fit to fishery observer data using stepwise variable selection. Alternative hypotheses were compared using multimodel inference. Results from the best-fitting zero-inflated negative binomial model showed that standardized CPUE of oceanic whitetip sharks decreased by about 90% during 1995–2010 because of increased zero catch sets and decreased CPUE on sets with positive catch. Our model selection approach provides an objective way to address the question of how to treat zero catches when analyzing bycatch CPUE.
Ψ AND ϒ PRODUCTION IN pp COLLISIONS AT 7.0 TeV
Authors: KISSLINGER LEONARD S. , DAS DEBASISH
Published: August 2013

This is an extension of recent studies for ϒ(nS) and Ψ(1S, 2S) production at the LHC in pp collisions, [Formula: see text], with the ALICE detector.
THE SIGNATURES OF NEW PHYSICS, ASTROPHYSICS AND COSMOLOGY?
Authors: HAJDUKOVIC DRAGAN SLAVKOV
Published: August 2013

The first three years of the LHC experiments at CERN have ended with "the nightmare scenario": all tests, confirm the Standard Model of Particles so well that theorists must search for new physics without any experimental guidance. The supersymmetric theories, a privileged candidate for new physics, are nearly excluded. As a potential escape from the crisis, we propose thinking about a series of astonishing relations suggesting fundamental interconnections between the quantum world and the large scale Universe. It seems reasonable that, for instance, the equation relating a quark–antiquark pair with the fundamental physical constants and cosmological parameters must be a sign of new physics. One of the intriguing possibilities is interpreting our relations as a signature of the quantum vacuum containing the virtual gravitational dipoles.
INFLUENCES OF ASYMMETRICALLY DISTRIBUTED DEFECT STATES AT REAR c-Si/a-Si:H INTERFACE ON PERFORMANCES OF SILICON HETERO-JUNCTION SOLAR CELLS
Authors: WANG JUNKANG , XU JINGPING , LEI QINGSONG , WANG LISHENG
Published: August 2013

The performances of silicon double hetero-junction solar cells are investigated by the numerical simulator "Automat For Simulation of Hetero-structures (AFORS-HET)". Asymmetrical distribution of acceptor and donor defect states at the rear hetero-junction interface is introduced in both a-Si:H(n)/c-Si(p)/a-Si:H(p+) and a-Si:H(p)/c-Si(n)/a-Si:H(n+) structures in our study. The influences of total defect density and rear emitter parameters (doping concentration and band discontinuity to silicon substrate) on performances of the solar cells are analyzed. The simulated results indicate that the npp + cells with acceptor dominated defect states at the rear interface can obtain better performances, and the same for the pnn + cells with donor dominated defect states. Moreover, the npp + cells are more sensitive to the total interface defect density and its distribution mode due to the unfavorable band offset between the absorber and the rear emitter. But when total defect density is small, the npp + cells show more sensitivity to change of the doping concentration at the rear emitter than the pnn + cells, and conversely, the pnn + cells show more sensitivity to the distribution mode of defect states at the rear emitter than the npp + cells. Due to weaker inherent back diffusion ability of minority carrier, the pnn + cells with moderate band offset (0.25 ~ 0.37 eV ) at the rear hetero-junction are more sensitive to the incentive effect of localized charges at the interface formed by asymmetrically distributed defect states, and the interface with donor dominated defect states is a better option for the pnn + cells when the total defect density is relatively small.
THE PHENOMENOLOGY OF RIGHT HANDED NEUTRINOS
Authors: DREWES MARCO
Published: August 2013

Neutrinos are the only particles in the Standard Model (SM) of particle physics that have only been observed with left handed chirality to date. If right handed (RH) neutrinos exist, they could be responsible for several phenomena that have no explanation within the SM, including neutrino oscillations, the baryon asymmetry of the universe, dark matter (DM) and dark radiation (DR). After a pedagogical introduction, we review recent progress in the phenomenology of RH neutrinos. We in particular discuss the mass ranges suggested by hints for neutrino oscillation anomalies and DR (eV), sterile neutrino DM scenarios (keV) and experimentally testable theories of baryogenesis (GeV to TeV). We summarize constraints from theoretical considerations, laboratory experiments, astrophysics and cosmology for each of these.
A POSSIBLE CRITERION FOR THE STATIC CHIRALITY: VERY SMALL BAND INTERACTION STRENGTH
Authors: LIU L. , WANG S. Y. , QI B. , LIU C.
Published: August 2013

The interaction strength between chiral doublet bands is studied using the two-band mixing picture and the particle rotor model (PRM). The present calculations indicate that the interaction strength between chiral doublet bands is equal to zero for the ideal case of the [Formula: see text] configuration with γ = 30°, and the interaction strength becomes larger as γ deviates from 30°. For γ = 15° or 45°, the average interaction strength is approximately 180 keV in the chiral region.
ON THE SPINOR L-FUNCTION OF MIYAWAKI–IKEDA LIFTS
Authors: HAYASHIDA SHUICHI
Published: August 2013

We consider lifts from two elliptic modular forms to Siegel modular forms of odd degrees which are special cases of Miyawaki–Ikeda lifts. Assuming non-vanishing of these Miyawaki–Ikeda lifts, we show that the spinor L-functions of these Miyawaki–Ikeda lifts are products of certain symmetric power L-functions determined by original two elliptic modular forms.
SIGN CHANGES IN SHORT INTERVALS OF COEFFICIENTS OF SPINOR ZETA FUNCTION OF A SIEGEL CUSP FORM OF GENUS 2
Authors: ROYER EMMANUEL , SENGUPTA JYOTI , WU JIE
Published: August 2013

In this paper, we establish a Voronoi formula for the spinor zeta function of a Siegel cusp form of genus 2. We deduce from this formula quantitative results on the number of its positive (respectively, negative) coefficients in some short intervals.
ON MARKOFF–HURWITZ EQUATIONS OVER RESIDUE CLASS RINGS
Authors: BAOULINA IOULIA N.
Published: August 2013

In this paper, using an elementary algebraic-combinatorial approach, we derive expressions that allow us for a given Markoff–Hurwitz equation to find the number of its solutions over ℤ/pkℤ if the number of solutions over ℤ/pℤ is known. We also calculate the corresponding Poincaré series.
SPHERICAL FUNCTIONS ON THE SPACE OF p-ADIC UNITARY HERMITIAN MATRICES
Authors: HIRONAKA YUMIKO , KOMORI YASUSHI
Published: August 2013

We investigate the space X of unitary hermitian matrices over 𝔭-adic fields through spherical functions. First we consider Cartan decomposition of X, and give precise representatives for fields with odd residual characteristic, i.e. 2 ∉ 𝔭. From Sec. 2.2 till the end of Sec. 4, we assume odd residual characteristic, and give explicit formulas of typical spherical functions on X, where Hall–Littlewood symmetric polynomials of type Cn appear as a main term, parametrization of all the spherical functions. By spherical Fourier transform, we show that the Schwartz space [Formula: see text] is a free Hecke algebra [Formula: see text]-module of rank 2n, where 2n is the size of matrices in X, and give the explicit Plancherel formula on [Formula: see text].
Effects of cerebellar lesions on working memory interacting with motor tasks of different complexities
Authors: Ilg Winfried , Christensen Andrea , Mueller Oliver M. , Goericke Sophia L. , Giese Martin A. , Timmann Dagmar
Published: August 2013

We examined the influence of focal cerebellar lesions on working memory ( n-back task), gait, and the interaction between working memory and different gait tasks in a dual-task paradigm. The analysis included 17 young patients with chronic focal lesions after cerebellar tumor resection and 17 age-matched controls. Patients have shown mild to moderate ataxia. Lesion sites were examined on the basis of structural magnetic resonance imaging. N-back tasks were executed with different levels of difficulty ( n = 1–4) during sitting (baseline), treadmill walking, and treadmill tandem walking (dual-task conditions). Patients exhibited decreased n-back performance particularly at difficult n-back levels and in dual-task conditions. Voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping revealed that decreased baseline n-back performance was associated with lesions of the posterolateral cerebellar hemisphere and the dentate nucleus. By contrast, decreased n-back performance in dual-task conditions was more associated with motor-related areas including dorsal portions of the dentate and the interposed nucleus, suggesting a prioritization of the motor task. During baseline walking, increased gait variability was associated with lesions in medial and intermediate regions, whereas for baseline tandem gait, lesions in the posterolateral hemispheres and the dentate nucleus became important. Posterolateral regions overlapped with regions related to baseline n-back performance. Consistently, we observed increased tandem gait variability with growing n-back difficulty in the dual-task condition. These findings suggest that dual-task effects in cerebellar patients are at least partially caused by a common involvement of posterolateral cerebellar regions in working memory and complex motor tasks.
Unmasking the obligatory components of nociceptive event-related brain potentials
Authors: Mouraux A. , De Paepe A. L. , Marot E. , Plaghki L. , Iannetti G. D. , Legrain V.
Published: August 2013

It has been hypothesized that the human cortical responses to nociceptive and nonnociceptive somatosensory inputs differ. Supporting this view, somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs) elicited by thermal nociceptive stimuli have been suggested to originate from areas 1 and 2 of the contralateral primary somatosensory (S1), operculo-insular, and cingulate cortices, whereas the early components of nonnociceptive SEPs mainly originate from area 3b of S1. However, to avoid producing a burn lesion, and sensitize or fatigue nociceptors, thermonociceptive SEPs are typically obtained by delivering a small number of stimuli with a large and variable interstimulus interval (ISI). In contrast, the early components of nonnociceptive SEPs are usually obtained by applying many stimuli at a rapid rate. Hence, previously reported differences between nociceptive and nonnociceptive SEPs could be due to differences in signal-to-noise ratio and/or differences in the contribution of cognitive processes related, for example, to arousal and attention. Here, using intraepidermal electrical stimulation to selectively activate Aδ-nociceptors at a fast and constant 1-s ISI, we found that the nociceptive SEPs obtained with a long ISI are no longer identified, indicating that these responses are not obligatory for nociception. Furthermore, using a blind source separation, we found that, unlike the obligatory components of nonnociceptive SEPs, the obligatory components of nociceptive SEPs do not receive a significant contribution from a contralateral source possibly originating from S1. Instead, they were best explained by sources compatible with bilateral operculo-insular and/or cingulate locations. Taken together, our results indicate that the obligatory components of nociceptive and nonnociceptive SEPs are fundamentally different.
α5GABAA receptors mediate primary afferent fiber tonic excitability in the turtle spinal cord
Authors: Loeza-Alcocer Emanuel , Canto-Bustos Martha , Aguilar Justo , González-Ramírez Ricardo , Felix Ricardo , Delgado-Lezama Rodolfo
Published: August 2013

γ-Amino butyric acid (GABA) plays a key role in the regulation of central nervous system by activating synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAA receptors. It is acknowledged that extrasynaptic GABAA receptors located in the soma, dendrites, and axons may be activated tonically by low extracellular GABA concentrations. The activation of these receptors produces a persistent conductance that can hyperpolarize or depolarize nerve cells depending on the Cl− equilibrium potential. In an in vitro preparation of the turtle spinal cord we show that extrasynaptic α5GABAA receptors mediate the tonic state of excitability of primary afferents independently of the phasic primary afferent depolarization mediated by synaptic GABAA receptors. Blockade of α5GABAA receptors with the inverse agonist L-655,708 depressed the dorsal root reflex (DRR) without affecting the phasic increase in excitability of primary afferents. Using RT-PCR and Western blotting, we corroborated the presence of the mRNA and the α5GABAA protein in the dorsal root ganglia of the turtle spinal cord. The receptors were localized in primary afferents in dorsal root, dorsal root ganglia, and peripheral nerve terminals using immunoconfocal microscopy. Considering the implications of the DRR in neurogenic inflammation, α5GABAA receptors may serve as potential pharmacological targets for the treatment of pain.
Detection of submillisecond spike timing differences based on delay-line anticoincidence detection
Authors: Lyons-Warren Ariel M. , Kohashi Tsunehiko , Mennerick Steven , Carlson Bruce A.
Published: August 2013

Detection of submillisecond interaural timing differences is the basis for sound localization in reptiles, birds, and mammals. Although comparative studies reveal that different neural circuits underlie this ability, they also highlight common solutions to an inherent challenge: processing information on timescales shorter than an action potential. Discrimination of small timing differences is also important for species recognition during communication among mormyrid electric fishes. These fishes generate a species-specific electric organ discharge (EOD) that is encoded into submillisecond-to-millisecond timing differences between receptors. Small, adendritic neurons (small cells) in the midbrain are thought to analyze EOD waveform by comparing these differences in spike timing, but direct recordings from small cells have been technically challenging. In the present study we use a fluorescent labeling technique to obtain visually guided extracellular recordings from individual small cell axons. We demonstrate that small cells receive 1–2 excitatory inputs from 1 or more receptive fields with latencies that vary by over 10 ms. This wide range of excitatory latencies is likely due to axonal delay lines, as suggested by a previous anatomic study. We also show that inhibition of small cells from a calyx synapse shapes stimulus responses in two ways: through tonic inhibition that reduces spontaneous activity and through precisely timed, stimulus-driven, feed-forward inhibition. Our results reveal a novel delay-line anticoincidence detection mechanism for processing submillisecond timing differences, in which excitatory delay lines and precisely timed inhibition convert a temporal code into a population code.
Context Prediction of Mobile Users Based on Time-Inferred Pattern Networks: A Probabilistic Approach
Authors: Kim Yong-Hyuk , Yoon Yourim
Published: August 2013

We present a probabilistic method of predicting context of mobile users based on their historic context data. The presented method predicts general context based on probability theory through a novel graphical data structure, which is a kind of weighted directed multigraphs. User context data are transformed into the new graphical structure, in which each node represents a context or a combined context and each directed edge indicates a context transfer with the time weight inferred from corresponding time data. We also consider the periodic property of context data, and we devise a good solution to context data with such property. Through test, we could show the merits of the presented method.
Perturbation Analysis with Approximate Integration for Propagation Mode in Two-Dimensional Two-Slab Waveguides
Authors: Kitsunezaki Naofumi
Published: August 2013

On the basis of perturbation expansion from a gapless system, we calculate the propagation constant and propagation mode wave function in two-dimensional two-slab waveguides with a
core gap small enough that there is only one propagation mode. We also perform calculations without the approximation for comparison. Our result shows that first-order perturbation contains the first-order Taylor expansion of (core gap)/(core width), and when the integration of the perturbation is suitably approximated, the result of the first-order perturbation is the
same as that of the first-order Taylor expansion of (core gap)/(core width).
Emotion Expression of Robot with Personality
Authors: Hu Xue , Xie Lun , Liu Xin , Wang Zhiliang
Published: August 2013

A robot emotional expression model based on Hidden Markov Model (HMM) is built to enable robots which have different personalities to response in a more satisfactory emotional level. Gross emotion regulation theory and Five Factors Model (FFM) which are the theoretical basis are firstly described. And then the importance of the personality effect on the emotion expression process is proposed, and how to make the effect quantization is discussed. After that, the algorithm of HMM is used to describe the process of emotional state transition and expression, and the performance transferring probability affected by personality is calculated. At last, the algorithm model is simulated and applied in a robot platform. The results prove that the emotional expression model can acquire humanlike expressions and improve the human-computer interaction.
Surface Characterization of Phenylpropanolamine Drug by Inverse Gas Chromatography
Authors: Kumar B. Praveen , Rani P. Reddi , Reddy T. Madhusudana , Reddy K. S.
Published: August 2013

The surface thermodynamic properties can be used to understand the interactive potential of a drug surface with a solid or liquid excipient during its formulation and drug release process. The retention data were measured for n-alkanes and polar solutes at intervals of 5 K in the temperature range 318.15–333.15 K by Inverse Gas Chromatography (IGC) on the solid surface of phenylpropanolamine (PPA) drug. The retention data were used to evaluate the dispersive surface free energy, γSd, and Lewis acid-base parameters, Ka and Kb, for the PPA drug. The values, γSd, were decreasing linearly with increase of temperature and at 323.15 K the value was found to be 26.01±0.40 mJ/m2. The specific components of enthalpy of adsorption of polar solutes have been applied to evaluate Lewis acid-base parameters. The Ka and Kb values were found to be 0.451±0.033  and 0.824±0.622, respectively, which suggests that the PPA surface contains more basic sites and interact strongly in the acidic environment.