bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The mTOR-inhibitor rapamycin mediates proteinuria in nephrotoxic serum nephritis by activating the innate immune response
Authors: Kirsch A. H. , Riegelbauer V. , Tagwerker A. , Rudnicki M. , Rosenkranz A. R. , Eller K.
Published: June 2012

Rapamycin (Rapa) is an immunosuppressant used to prevent rejection in recipients of renal transplants. Its clinical use is limited by de novo onset or exacerbation of preexisting proteinuria. In the present study, Rapa administration was started 14 days after induction of murine nephrotoxic serum nephritis (NTS) to study glomerular effects of this mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor. Glomeruli were laser-microdissected, and real-time PCR was performed to assess effects on glomerular cells and the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Immunohistochemical stainings were performed to confirm mRNA data on the protein level. Compared with nephritic control animals, Rapa-treated mice developed significantly increased albuminuria. This was accompanied by a more prominent glomerular infiltration by CD4+T cells and macrophages. Glomerular mRNA expression profiling revealed increased levels of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, and the chemokines monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and macrophage inflammatory protein-1β and their cognate macrophage-associated receptors CCR2 and CCR5 in the Rapa-treated animals. Furthermore, there were elevated glomerular transcription levels of the regulatory T cell phenotype transcription factor Foxp3. No differences in the glomerular expression of the podocyte marker nephrin or the endothelial cell marker CD31 were observed on the mRNA or protein level. In conclusion, our data indicate that Rapa-induced proteinuria in NTS is a result of the activation of the innate immune system rather than a direct toxicity to podocytes or glomerular endothelial cells.
Transcutaneous measurement of renal function in conscious mice
Authors: Schreiber Andrea , Shulhevich Yury , Geraci Stefania , Hesser Juergen , Stsepankou Dzmitry , Neudecker Sabine , Koenig Stefan , Heinrich Ralf , Hoecklin Friederike , Pill Johannes , Friedemann Jochen , Schweda Frank , Gretz Norbert , Schock-Kusch Daniel
Published: June 2012

Determination of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in conscious mice is cumbersome for the experimenter and stressful for the animals. Here we report on a simple new technique allowing the transcutaneous measurement of GFR in conscious mice. This approach extends our previously developed technique for rats to mice. The technique relies on a miniaturized device equipped with an internal memory that permits the transcutaneous measurement of the elimination kinetics of the fluorescent renal marker FITC-sinistrin. This device is described and validated compared with FITC-sinistrin plasma clearance in healthy, unilaterally nephrectomized and pcy mice. In summary, we describe a technique allowing the measurement of renal function in freely moving mice independent of blood or urine sampling as well as of laboratory assays.
Descending projections from the nucleus accumbens shell suppress activity of taste-responsive neurons in the hamster parabrachial nuclei
Authors: Li Cheng-Shu , Chung Sooyoung , Lu Da-Peng , Cho Young K.
Published: June 2012

The parabrachial nuclei (PbN), the second central relay for the gustatory pathway, transfers taste information to various forebrain gustatory nuclei and to the gustatory cortex. The nucleus accumbens is one of the critical neural substrates of the reward system, and the nucleus accumbens shell region (NAcSh) is associated with feeding behavior. Taste-evoked neuronal responses of PbN neurons are modulated by descending projections from the gustatory nuclei in the forebrain. In the present study, we investigated whether taste-responsive neurons in the PbN project to the NAcSh and whether pontine gustatory neurons are subject to modulatory influence from the NAcSh in urethane-anesthetized hamsters. Extracellular single-unit activity was recorded in the PbN, and taste responses were confirmed by the delivery of 32 mM sucrose, NaCl, quinine hydrochloride, and 3.2 mM citric acid to the anterior tongue. The NAcSh was then stimulated (0.5 ms, ≤100 μA) bilaterally using concentric bipolar stimulating electrodes. A total of 98 taste neurons were recorded from the PbN. Eighteen neurons were antidromically invaded from the NAcSh, mostly the ipsilateral NAcSh ( n = 16). Stimulation of the ipsilateral and contralateral NAcSh suppressed the neuronal activity of 88 and 55 neurons, respectively; 52 cells were affected bilaterally. In a subset of pontine neurons tested, electrical stimulation of the NAcSh during taste stimulation also suppressed taste-evoked neuronal firing. These results demonstrated that taste-responsive neurons in the PbN not only project to the NAcSh but also are under substantial descending inhibitory influence from the bilateral NAcSh.
Material evidence: interaction of well-learned priors and sensorimotor memory when lifting objects
Authors: Baugh Lee A. , Kao Michelle , Johansson Roland S. , Flanagan J. Randall
Published: June 2012

Skilled object lifting requires the prediction of object weight. When lifting new objects, such prediction is based on well-learned size-weight and material-density correlations, or priors. However, if the prediction is erroneous, people quickly learn the weight of the particular object and can use this knowledge, referred to as sensorimotor memory, when lifting the object again. In the present study, we explored how sensorimotor memory, gained when lifting a given object, interacts with well-learned material-density priors when predicting the weight of a larger but otherwise similar-looking object. Different groups of participants 1st lifted 1 of 4 small objects 10 times. These included a pair of wood-filled objects and a pair of brass-filled objects where 1 of each pair was covered in a wood veneer and the other was covered in a brass veneer. All groups then lifted a larger, brass-filled object with the same covering as the small object they had lifted. For each lift, we determined the initial peak rate of change of vertical load-force rate and the load-phase duration, which provide estimates of predicted object weight. Analysis of the 10th lift of the small cube revealed no effects of surface material, indicating participants learned the appropriate forces required to lift the small cube regardless of object appearance. However, both surface material and core material of the small cube affected the 1st lift of the large block. We conclude that sensorimotor memory related to object density can contribute to weight prediction when lifting novel objects but also that long-term priors related to material properties can influence the prediction.
Infragranular barrel cortex activity is enhanced with learning
Authors: Ward Rebekah L. , Flores Luke C. , Disterhoft John F.
Published: June 2012

The barrel cortex (BC) is essential for the acquisition of whisker-signaled trace eyeblink conditioning and shows learning-related expansion of the trained barrels after the acquisition of a whisker-signaled task. Most previous research examining the role of the BC in learning has focused on anatomic changes in the layer IV representation of the cortical barrels. We studied single-unit extracellular recordings from individual neurons in layers V and VI of the BC as rabbits acquired the whisker-signaled trace eyeblink conditioning task. Neurons in layers V and VI in both conditioned and pseudoconditioned animals robustly responded to whisker stimulation, but neurons in conditioned animals showed a significant enhancement in responsiveness in concert with learning. Learning-related changes in firing rate occurred as early as the day of learning criterion within the infragranular layers of the primary sensory cortex.
Orientation specificity of contrast adaptation in mouse primary visual cortex
Authors: Stroud Aaron C. , LeDue Emily E. , Crowder Nathan A.
Published: June 2012

Contrast adaptation is a commonly studied phenomenon in vision, where prolonged exposure to spatial contrast alters perceived stimulus contrast and produces characteristic shifts in the contrast response functions of primary visual cortex neurons in cats and primates. In this study we investigated contrast adaptation in mouse primary visual cortex with two goals in mind. First, we sought to establish a quantitative description of contrast adaptation in an animal model, where genetic tools are more readily applicable to this phenomenon. Second, the orientation specificity of contrast adaptation was studied to comparatively assess the possible role of local cortical networks in contrast adaptation. In cats and primates, predictable differences in visual processing across the cortical surface are thought to be caused by inhomogeneous local network membership that arises from the pinwheel organization of orientation columns. Because mice lack this pinwheel organization, we predicted that local cortical networks would have access to a broad spectrum of orientation signals, and contrast adaptation in mice would not be specific to the recorded cell's preferred orientation. We found that most mouse V1 neurons showed contrast adaptation that was robust regardless of whether the adapting stimulus matched the cell's preferred orientation or was orthogonal to it.
Theoretical Investigation on Single‐Wall Carbon Nanotubes Doped with Nitrogen, Pyridine‐Like Nitrogen Defects, and Transition Metal Atoms
Authors: Mananghaya Michael , Rodulfo Emmanuel , Santos Gil Nonato , Villagracia Al Rey , Ladines Alvin Noe
Published: June 2012

This study addresses the inherent difficulty in synthesizing single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with uniform chirality and well‐defined electronic properties through the introduction of dopants, topological defects, and intercalation of metals. Depending on the desired application, one can modify the electronic and magnetic properties of SWCNTs through an appropriate introduction of imperfections. This scheme broadens the application areas of SWCNTs. Under this motivation, we present our ongoing investigations of the following models: (i) (10, 0) and (5, 5) SWCNT doped with nitrogen (CNxNT), (ii) (10, 0) and (5, 5) SWCNT with pyridine‐like defects (3NV‐CNxNT), (iii) (10, 0) SWCNT with porphyrine‐like defects (4ND‐CNxNT). Models (ii) and (iii) were chemically functionalized with 14 transition metals (TMs): Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pd, Ag, Pt and Au. Using the spin‐unrestricted density functional theory (DFT), stable configurations, deformations, formation and binding energies, the effects of the doping concentration of nitrogen, pyridine‐like and porphyrine‐like defects on the electronic properties were all examined. Results reveal that the electronic properties of SWCNTs show strong dependence on the concentration and configuration of nitrogen impurities, its defects, and the TMs adsorbed.
Novel Chromatic Technique Based on Optical Absorbance in Characterizing Mineral Hydraulic Oil Degradation
Authors: Ossia C. V. , Kong H.
Published: June 2012

A low cost, compact, real-time, and quick measurement optical device based on the absorbance of white light, which comprised of photodiodes in a 3-element color-sensor, feedback diodes, water and temperature sensing element, and so on, was developed and tested in low absorption mineral oil. The device, a deviation from conventional electrical, mechanical, and electrochemical techniques, uses color ratio (CR) and total contamination index (TCI) parameters based on transmitted light intensity in RGB wavelengths for oil condition monitoring. Test results showed that CR corroborated CIE chromaticity (- Coordinates) and increased with oil degradation unlike Saturation and Hue . CR was found to be independent of the particulate contaminants of oil, but dependent on chemical degradation. TCI depended on both chemical degradation and particulate contaminants in oil, being most sensitive in the blue wavelength range and least in the green. Furthermore, results agreed with those of viscometry, total acid number (TAN), and UV-VIS photospectrometry. CR and TCI gave clearer indication of oil degradation than key monitoring parameters like TAN and were found to be effective criteria for characterizing the degradation of hydraulic mineral oils.
System Health Monitoring Using a Novel Method: Security Unified Process
Authors: Shameli-Sendi Alireza , Jabbarifar Masoume , Dagenais Michel , Shajari Mehdi
Published: June 2012

Iterative and incremental mechanisms are not usually considered in existing approaches for information security management System (ISMS). In this paper, we propose SUP (security unified process) as a unified process to implement a successful and high-quality ISMS. A disciplined approach can be provided by SUP to assign tasks and responsibilities within an organization. The SUP architecture comprises static and dynamic dimensions; the static dimension, or disciplines, includes business modeling, assets, security policy, implementation, configuration and change management, and project management. The dynamic dimension, or phases, contains inception, analysis and design, construction, and monitoring. Risk assessment is a major part of the ISMS process. In SUP, we present a risk assessment model, which uses a fuzzy expert system to assess risks in organization. Since, the classification of assets is an important aspect of risk management and ensures that effective protection occurs, a Security Cube is proposed to identify organization assets as an asset classification model. The proposed model leads us to have an offline system health monitoring tool that is really a critical need in any organization.
Reaction of Rat Subcutaneous Connective Tissue to Resin Composites Polymerized with Different Light Curing Units and Different Lightening Methods
Authors: Feiz Atiyeh , Arbabzadeh Zavareh Farahnaz , Mohammad Razavi Seyed , Badrian Hamid , Dolatyar Sepideh , Vajihi Mansoureh
Published: June 2012

The aim of the study was to determine and compare the reaction of rat subcutaneous connective tissue to resin composites polymerized with different lights curing and lightening methods. In this in vivo study, 20 mature Wister Albino rats were used. The composite discs, 4 mm in diameter and 2 mm thick, were cured by QTH or LED light curing units with 4 different lightning methods (full power QTH, full power LED, pulse LED, and ramp LED). Five resin composite discs were implanted in each rat, so that 4 of 5 discs for implantation of cured composite discs differently and central one as control without implantation. After sacrificing at 7, 14, 30, and 60 days the inflammatory grade, fibrosis, and necrosis were determined. Freedman and Cochran tests were used to analyze the data using SPSS software ver. 15. The results of the study showed significant differences in inflammation grade and fibrosis among control group and 4 experimental groups at day 14 (P<0.05). In necrosis, there was no significant difference among 4 groups in different times (P>0.05). In conclusion, neither the type of light curing units (LED or QTH) nor the lightening methods can affect the grade of inflammatory reaction.
Determination of Collagen Fibers Arrangement in Bone Tissue by Using Transformations of Raman Spectra Maps
Authors: Buchwald Tomasz , Kozielski Marek , Szybowicz Mirosław
Published: June 2012

The goal of this work was to evaluate the ability of Raman spectroscopy to identify molecular organization and chemical composition of extracellular matrix such as the collagen fibers arrangement, the level of mineralization, and the carbonate accumulation in mineral phase in spongy bone of the human head of the femur. Changes in composition and structure of the spongy bone tissue were illustrated using maps of polarized Raman spectra. In particular, the purpose of the present study was determination of arrangement of mineralized collagen on surface of trabecula by using transformations of Raman spectra maps. Transformations of Raman spectra maps were needed in order to remove impact of chemical composition on images of Raman spectra map, which display the collagen fibers orientation. These transformations allow to obtain simultaneously the distribution of constituents of bone and arrangement of collagen fibers on tissue surface. A method to indicate the collagen orientations is developed to understand the molecular organization in healthy and unhealthy bone at the microstructural level.
Review of the History and Current Status of Cell-Transplant Approaches for the Management of Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Eaton Mary J. , Berrocal Yerko , Wolfe Stacey Q. , Widerström-Noga Eva
Published: June 2012

Treatment of sensory neuropathies, whether inherited or caused by trauma, the progress of diabetes, or other disease states, are among the most difficult problems in modern clinical practice. Cell therapy to release antinociceptive agents near the injured spinal cord would be the logical next step in the development of treatment modalities. But few clinical trials, especially for chronic pain, have tested the transplant of cells or a cell line to treat human disease. The history of the research and development of useful cell-transplant-based approaches offers an understanding of the advantages and problems associated with these technologies, but as an adjuvant or replacement for current pharmacological treatments, cell therapy is a likely near future clinical tool for improved health care.
Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3: A Point of Integration in Alzheimer's Disease and a Therapeutic Target?
Authors: Mondragón-Rodríguez Siddhartha , Perry George , Zhu Xiongwei , Moreira Paula I. , Williams Sylvain
Published: June 2012

Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) has been implicated in neurological disorders; therefore, it is not surprising that there has been an increased focus towards developing therapies directed to this kinase. Unfortunately, these current therapies have not taken into consideration the physiological role of GSK3 in crucial events like synaptic plasticity. With this in mind we will discuss the relationship of synaptic plasticity with GSK3 and tau protein and their role as potential targets for the development of therapeutic strategies. Finally, we will provide perspectives in developing a cocktail therapy for Alzheimer's treatment.
Effect of Temperature Change on Geometric Structure of Isolated Mixing Regions in Stirred Vessel
Authors: Shahirudin Nor Hanizah , Alatengtuya  , Kumagai Norihisa , Horie Takafumi , Ohmura Naoto
Published: June 2012

The present work experimentally investigated the effect of temperature change on the geometric structure of isolated mixing regions (IMRs) in a stirred vessel by the decolorization of fluorescent green dye by acid-base neutralization. A four-bladed Rushton turbine was installed in an unbaffled stirred vessel filled with glycerin as a working fluid. The temperature of working fluid was changed in a stepwise manner from 30°C to a certain fixed value by changing the temperature of the water jacket that the vessel was equipped with. The step temperature change can dramatically reduce the elimination time of IMRs, as compared with a steady temperature operation. During the transient process from an initial state to disappearance of IMR, the IMR showed interesting three-dimensional geometrical changes, that are, simple torus with single filament, simple torus without filaments, a combination of crescent shape and circular tori, and doubly entangled torus.
Crossmodal Recruitment of the Ventral Visual Stream in Congenital Blindness
Authors: Ptito Maurice , Matteau Isabelle , Zhi Wang Arthur , Paulson Olaf B. , Siebner Hartwig R. , Kupers Ron
Published: June 2012

We used functional MRI (fMRI) to test the hypothesis that blind subjects recruit the ventral visual stream during nonhaptic tactile-form recognition. Congenitally blind and blindfolded sighted control subjects were scanned after they had been trained during four consecutive days to perform a tactile-form recognition task with the tongue display unit (TDU). Both groups learned the task at the same rate. In line with our hypothesis, the fMRI data showed that during nonhaptic shape recognition, blind subjects activated large portions of the ventral visual stream, including the cuneus, precuneus, inferotemporal (IT), cortex, lateral occipital tactile vision area (LOtv), and fusiform gyrus. Control subjects activated area LOtv and precuneus but not cuneus, IT and fusiform gyrus. These results indicate that congenitally blind subjects recruit key regions in the ventral visual pathway during nonhaptic tactile shape discrimination. The activation of LOtv by nonhaptic tactile shape processing in blind and sighted subjects adds further support to the notion that this area subserves an abstract or supramodal representation of shape. Together with our previous findings, our data suggest that the segregation of the efferent projections of the primary visual cortex into a dorsal and ventral visual stream is preserved in individuals blind from birth.
Applying a Mesoscale Atmospheric Model to Svalbard Glaciers
Authors: Claremar Björn , Obleitner Friedrich , Reijmer Carleen , Pohjola Veijo , Waxegård Anna , Karner Florian , Rutgersson Anna
Published: June 2012

The mesoscale atmospheric model WRF is used over three Svalbard glaciers. The simulations are done with a setup of the model corresponding to the state-of-the-art model for polar conditions, Polar WRF, and it was validated using surface observations. The ERA-Interim reanalysis was used for boundary forcing and the model was used with three nested smaller domains, 24 and 8 km, and 2.7 km resolution. The model was used for a two-year period as well as for a more detailed study using 3 summer and winter months. In addition sensitivity tests using finer horizontal and vertical resolution in the boundary layer and using different physics schemes were performed. Temperature and incoming short- and long-wave radiation were skillfully simulated, with lower agreement between measured and modelled wind speed. Increased vertical resolution improved the frequency distributions of the wind speed and the temperature. The choice of different physics schemes only slightly changed the model results. The polar-optimized microphysics scheme outperformed a slightly simpler microphysics scheme, but the two alternative and more sophisticated PBL schemes improved the model score. A PBL scheme developed for very stable stratifications (QNSE) proved to be better in the winter.
Imaging-Based Biomarkers: Characterization of Post-Kawasaki Vasculitis in Infants and Hypertension Phenotype in Rat Model
Authors: Maurice Roch Listz , Dahdah Nagib , Tremblay Johanne
Published: June 2012

Background. Investigating the mechanical properties of the arteries is essential in cardiovascular diseases. Recent imaging modalities allow mapping mechanical properties within the arterial wall.Aims. We report the potential ofimaging-based biomarker(ImBioMark) to investigate the effect of aging on the rat. We also present preliminary data with ImBioMark characterizing vascular sequelae of Kawasaki disease (KD) in young humans.Methods. We investigatedin vivothe effect of aging on male Brown Norway (BN) rats' (n=5) carotid stiffness. In a second experiment, the impact of KD on the ascending aorta (AA) was examined in KD children (n=2) aged 13 ± 1.41 years old compared to KD-free children (n=5) aged 13.13 ± 0.18 years old.Results. The stiffness of BN's carotid artery was three times stiffer in the old rats, with a turning point at 40 weeks old (P=0.001). KD had a very significant impact on the AA stiffness with strain estimates of 2.39 ± 0.51% versus 4.24 ± 0.65% in controls (P<0.001).Conclusion. ImBioMark phenotypes hypertension in rat models noninvasivelyin vivowithout resorting to euthanasia. Quantifying aortic wall remodeling is also feasible in humans. Future investigations target human cardiovascular disease.
Investigation of Preeclampsia Using Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Başar Günay , Parlatan Uğur , Şeninak Şeyma , Günel Tuba , Benian Ali , Kalelioğlu İbrahim
Published: June 2012

Preeclampsia is associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality. There have been numerous efforts to determine preeclampsia biomarkers by means of biophysical, biochemical, and spectroscopic methods. In this study, the preeclampsia and control groups were compared via band component analysis and multivariate analysis using Raman spectroscopy as an alternative technique. The Raman spectra of serum samples were taken from nine preeclamptic, ten healthy pregnant women. The Band component analysis and principal component analysis-linear discriminant analysis were applied to all spectra after a sensitive preprocess step. Using linear discriminant analysis, it was found that Raman spectroscopy has a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of 90% for the diagnosis of preeclampsia. Via the band component analysis, a significant difference in the spectra of preeclamptic patients was observed when compared to the control group. 19 Raman bands exhibited significant differences in intensity, while 11 of them decreased and eight of them increased. This difference seen in vibrational bands may be used in further studies to clarify the pathophysiology of preeclampsia.
The Small GTPase Rap1b: A Bidirectional Regulator of Platelet Adhesion Receptors
Authors: Guidetti Gianni Francesco , Torti Mauro
Published: June 2012

Integrins and other families of cell adhesion receptors are responsible for platelet adhesion and aggregation, which are essential steps for physiological haemostasis, as well as for the development of thrombosis. The modulation of platelet adhesive properties is the result of a complex pattern of inside-out and outside-in signaling pathways, in which the members of the Rap family of small GTPases are bidirectionally involved. This paper focuses on the regulation of the main Rap GTPase expressed in circulating platelets, Rap1b, downstream of adhesion receptors, and summarizes the most recent achievements in the investigation of the function of this protein as regulator of platelet adhesion and thrombus formation.
Weighted Composition Operators on the Zygmund Space
Authors: Ye Shanli , Hu Qingxiao
Published: June 2012

We characterize the boundedness and compactness of the weighted composition operator on the Zygmund space 𝒵 = {f ∈ H(D) : sup z∈D(1−|z|2) | f″(z)| < ∞} and the little Zygmund space 𝒵0.
Fully Covered Self-Expandable Metal Stents for Treatment of Both Benign and Malignant Biliary Disorders
Authors: Abdel Samie Ahmed , Theilmann Lorenz
Published: June 2012

Transpapillary stents are increasingly being used for biliary strictures, whether benign or malignant. However, there are different stent types and available data is controversial. Recently, completely covered self-expandable metal stents (CSEMSs) have been proposed as an alternative therapeutic option in different biliary indications, including strictures of the distal bile duct, anastomotic stenosis after orthotopic liver transplantation, bile duct leaks, periampullary perforation following endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES), and postsphincterotomy bleeding. Despite the higher costs of these devices, fully covered self-expanding metal stents seem to be a suitable therapeutic option to relief biliary obstruction due to bile duct stenosis, regardless of the underlying cause.
Modulator of Apoptosis 1: A Highly Regulated RASSF1A-Interacting BH3-Like Protein
Authors: Law Jennifer , Yu Victor C. , Baksh Shairaz
Published: June 2012

Modulator of apoptosis 1 (MOAP-1) is a BH3-like protein that plays key roles in both the intrinsic and extrinsic modes of cell death or apoptosis. MOAP-1 is part of the Ras association domain family 1A (RASSF1A)/MOAP-1 pro-apoptotic extrinsic signaling pathway that regulates apoptosis by utilizing death receptors such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) or TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) to inhibit abnormal growth. RASSF1A is a bona fide tumor suppressor gene that is epigenetically silenced by promoter-specific methylation in numerous human cancers. MOAP-1 is a downstream effector of RASSF1A that promotes Bax activation and cell death and is highly regulated during apoptosis. We speculate that MOAP-1 and RASSF1A are important elements of an “apoptotic checkpoint” that directly influences the outcome of cell death. The failure to regulate this pro-apoptotic pathway may result in the appearance of cancer and possibly other disorders. Although loss of RASSF1A expression is frequently observed in human cancers, it is currently unknown if MOAP-1 expression may also be affected during carcinogenesis to result in uncontrolled malignant growth. In this article, we will summarize what is known about the biological role(s) of MOAP-1 and how it functions as a downstream effector to RASSF1A.
Metrics and Methods for Evaluation of Over-The-Air Performance of MIMO User Equipment
Authors: Feng Yifei , Schroeder Werner L. , von Gagern Christoph , Tankielun Adam , Kaiser Thomas
Published: June 2012

Commercial User Equipment (UE) testing and certification has become more complex for state-of-the-art mobile communication standards such as 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long-Term Evolution (LTE) due to the extensive use of Multiple Input-Multiple Output (MIMO) transmission techniques. The variety of different MIMO operating modes and the almost unlimited choice of possible multipath channel conditions under which UE performance may be evaluated are not accounted for by established Single Input-Single Output (SISO) Over-The-Air (OTA) performance metrics like Total Isotropic Sensitivity (TIS) and Total Radiated Power (TRP). As pointed out in this contribution, meaningful metrics and cost-effective, low-complexity measurement methods can, nevertheless, be derived by focusing on characterization of the physical attributes of UE and by adopting statistical metrics. Starting from a brief review of the most important MIMO operating modes in the 3GPP LTE standard, the relation between UE properties and UE performance, which is observed in these operating modes, is discussed. Two complementary metrics and corresponding measurement procedures for evaluation of MIMO OTA performance are presented in order to address the diversity of possible propagation scenarios. Measurement results from preliminary implementations of the two proposed measurement procedures, including comparison between different LTE devices, are presented.
Application of Purified Botulinum Type A Neurotoxin to Treat Experimental Trigeminal Neuropathy in Rats and Patients with Urinary Incontinence and Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Matsuka Yoshizo , Yokoyama Teruhiko , Yamamoto Yumiko , Suzuki Tomonori , Dwi Fatmawati Ni Nengah , Nishikawa Atsushi , Ohyama Tohru , Watanabe Toshihiro , Kuboki Takuo , Nagai Atsushi , Oguma Keiji
Published: June 2012

Type A neurotoxin (NTX) ofClostridium botulinumwas purified by a simple procedure using a lactose gel column. The toxicity of this purified toxin preparation was retained for at least 1 year at −30°C by supplementation with either 0.1% albumin or 0.05% albumin plus 1% trehalose. When purified NTX was used to treat 49 patients with urinary incontinence caused by either refractory idiopathic or neurogenic detrusor overactivity, 36 patients showed significant improvement in symptoms. These beneficial effects were also observed in cases of prostatic hyperplasia. The results obtained with NTX were similar to that of Botox. The effects of NTX on trigeminal neuralgia induced by infraorbital nerve constriction (IoNC) in rats were also studied. Trigeminal ganglion neurons from ipsilateral to IoNC exhibited significantly faster onset of FM4-64 release than sham-operated contralateral neurons. Intradermal injection of NTX in the area of IoNC alleviated IoNC-induced pain behavior and reduced the exaggerated FM4-64 release in trigeminal ganglion neurons.
A Critical Evaluation of Single Extractions from the SMT Program to Determine Trace Element Mobility in Sediments
Authors: Cappuyns Valérie
Published: June 2012

Two commonly applied single extractions procedures, namely extractions with ammonium-EDTA and acetic acid, were evaluated based on the analysis of 72 samples from alluvial sediments. For most trace elements (Cu, Zn, Cd, Ni, As, and Pb), a significant linear relationship could be established between their ammonium-EDTA or acetic acid extractable concentrations and their total concentrations, the organic carbon content, pH, and Fe , Al, and/or Ca content in the sediments. The scientific understanding of trace element partitioning in the complex soil-water system with these simple models is rather limited, but they offer the opportunity to use data from single extractions in a more comprehensive way. Despite the fact that these extractions cannot directly be related to the bioavailability of elements, they can provide input data for use in risk assessment models. Additionally, they also offer possibilities to perform a fast screening of the mobilizable pool of elements in soils and/or sediments.
Balance between Regulatory T and Th17 Cells in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: The Old and the New
Authors: Alunno Alessia , Bartoloni Elena , Bistoni Onelia , Nocentini Giuseppe , Ronchetti Simona , Caterbi Sara , Valentini Valentina , Riccardi Carlo , Gerli Roberto
Published: June 2012

Pathogenic mechanisms underlying the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are very complex and not yet entirely clarified. However, the pivotal role of T lymphocytes in the induction and perpetuation of aberrant immune response is well established. Among T cells, IL-17 producing T helper (Th17) cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells represent an intriguing issue to be addressed in SLE pathogenesis, since an imbalance between the two subsets has been observed in the course of the disease. Treg cells appear to be impaired and therefore unable to counteract autoreactive T lymphocytes. Conversely, Th17 cells accumulate in target organs contributing to local IL-17 production and eventually tissue damage. In this setting, targeting Treg/Th17 balance for therapeutic purposes may represent an intriguing and useful tool for SLE treatment in the next future. In this paper, the current knowledge about Treg and Th17 cells interplay in SLE will be discussed.
Convergence Study of Minimizing the Nonconvex Total Delay Using the Lane‐Based Optimization Method for Signal‐Controlled Junctions
Authors: Wong C. K. , Lee Y. Y.
Published: June 2012

This paper presents a 2D convergence density criterion for minimizing the total junction delay at isolated junctions in the lane‐based optimization framework. The lane‐based method integrates the design of lane markings and signal settings for traffic movements in a unified framework. The problem of delay minimization is formulated as a Binary Mix Integer Non Linear Program (BMINLP). A cutting plane algorithm can be applied to solve this difficult BMINLP problem by adding hyperplanes sequentially until sufficient numbers of planes are created in the form of solution constraints to replicate the original nonlinear surface in the solution space. A set of constraints is set up to ensure the feasibility and safety of the resultant optimized lane markings and signal settings. The main difficulty to solve this high‐dimension nonlinear nonconvex delay minimization problem using cutting plane algorithm is the requirement of substantial computational efforts to reach a good‐quality solution while approximating the nonlinear solution space. A new stopping criterion is proposed by monitoring a 2D convergence density to obtain a converged solution. A numerical example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. The cutting‐plane algorithm producing an effective signal design will become more computationally attractive with adopting the proposed stopping criterion.
Ethanol Exposure Alters Protein Expression in a Mouse Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Mason Stephen , Anthony Bruce , Lai Xianyin , Ringham Heather N. , Wang Mu , Witzmann Frank A. , You Jin-Sam , Zhou Feng C.
Published: June 2012

Alcohol exposure during development can result in variable growth retardation and facial dysmorphology known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Although the mechanisms underlying the disorder are not fully understood, recent progress has been made that alcohol induces aberrant changes in gene expression and in the epigenome of embryos. To inform the gene and epigenetic changes in alcohol-induced teratology, we used whole-embryo culture to identify the alcohol-signature protein profile of neurulating C6 mice. Alcohol-treated and control cultures were homogenized, isoelectrically focused, and loaded for 2D gel electrophoresis. Stained gels were cross matched with analytical software. We identified 40 differentially expressed protein spots (P<0.01), and 9 spots were selected for LC/MS-MS identification. Misregulated proteins include serotransferrin, triosephosphate isomerase and ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 N. Misregulation of serotransferrin and triosephosphate isomerase was confirmed with immunologic analysis. Alteration of proteins with roles in cellular function, cell cycle, and the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway was induced by alcohol. Several misregulated proteins interact with effectors of the NF-κB and Myc transcription factor cascades. Using a whole-embryo culture, we have identified misregulated proteins known to be involved in nervous system development and function.
Green Fabrication of Silver Nanoparticles by Gum Tragacanth (Astragalus gummifer): A Dual Functional Reductant and Stabilizer
Authors: Kora Aruna Jyothi , Arunachalam Jayaraman
Published: June 2012

A simple and ecofriendly procedure have been devised for the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using the aqueous extract of gum tragacanth (Astragalus gummifer), a renewable, nontoxic natural phyto‐exudate. The water soluble components in the gum act as reductants and stabilizers. The generated nanoparticles were analyzed using UV‐visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The role of gum concentration and reaction time on the synthesis of nanoparticles was studied. By regulating the reaction conditions, spherical nanoparticles of 13.1 ± 1.0 nm size were produced. Also, the possible functional groups involved in reduction and capping of nanoparticles has been elucidated. The antibacterial activity of the fabricated nanoparticles was tested on model Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacterial strains with well‐diffusion method. These nanoparticles exhibited considerable antibacterial activity on both the Gram classes of bacteria, implying their potential biomedical applications.
Assessment of Longitudinal Gradients in Nematode Communities in the Deep Northern Gulf of Mexico and Concordance with Benthic Taxa
Authors: Sharma Jyotsna , Baguley Jeffrey G. , Montagna Paul A. , Rowe Gilbert T.
Published: June 2012

Meiobenthic nematode assemblages were examined at 16 stations along two transects on the eastern and western boundaries of the deep northern Gulf of Mexico (dNGOM) at depths of 212–3000 m. The highest abundance (297 individuals 10 cm−2) and number of genera (71) occurred at stations near the Mississippi River delta. Number of genera decreased with increasing depth, and showed differences in community composition between the east and west regions. The dominant family, Comesomatidae, was represented by Sabatieria that was present at most shallow stations but absent at greater water depths. A significant difference in nematode feeding morphology was observed between depth groups but not between the two transects at different longitudes. Patterns of nematode community structure are congruent with harpacticoid copepods. Overall, the higher abundance and diversity of nematodes in the north-central Gulf of Mexico is consistent with findings of other benthic taxa and reflects organic material loading from the Mississippi River driving deep sea communities in the Gulf. The east-west gradient in composition of nematode communities suggests that nematode assemblages have well-defined distribution patterns similar to other meiobenthic taxa in the GOM but they are not aligned in the bathymetric zones observed in macrofauna, megafauna and demersal fishes.
A Comparison ofNannochloropsis salinaGrowth Performance in Two Outdoor Pond Designs: Conventional Raceways versus the ARID Pond with Superior Temperature Management
Authors: Crowe Braden , Attalah Said , Agrawal Shweta , Waller Peter , Ryan Randy , Van Wagenen Jon , Chavis Aaron , Kyndt John , Kacira Murat , Ogden Kim L. , Huesemann Michael
Published: June 2012

The present study examines how climatic conditions and pond design affect the growth performance of microalgae. From January to April of 2011, outdoor batch cultures ofNannochloropsis salinawere grown in three replicate 780 L conventional raceways, as well as in an experimental 7500 L algae raceway integrated design (ARID) pond. The ARID culture system utilizes a series of 8–20 cm deep basins and a 1.5 m deep canal to enhance light exposure and mitigate temperature variations and extremes. The ARID culture reached the stationary phase 27 days earlier than the conventional raceways, which can be attributed to its superior temperature management and shallower basins. On a night when the air temperature dropped to −9°C, the water temperature was 18°C higher in the ARID pond than in the conventional raceways. Lipid and fatty acid content ranged from 16 to 25% and from 5 to15%, respectively, as a percentage of AFDW. Palmitic, palmitoleic, and eicosapentaenoic acids comprised the majority of fatty acids. While the ARID culture system achieved nearly double the volumetric productivity relative to the conventional raceways (0.023 versus 0.013 g L−1day−1), areal biomass productivities were of similar magnitude in both pond systems (3.47 versus 3.34 g m−2day−1), suggesting that the ARID pond design has to be further optimized, most likely by increasing the culture depth or operating at higher cell densities while maintaining adequate mixing.
Evaluating the Effect of Control Flow on the Unit Testing Effort of Classes: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Badri Mourad , Toure Fadel
Published: June 2012

The aim of this paper is to evaluate empirically the relationship between a new metric (Quality Assurance Indicator—Qi) and testability of classes in object-oriented systems. The Qi metric captures the distribution of the control flow in a system. We addressed testability from the perspective of unit testing effort. We collected data from five open source Java software systems for which JUnit test cases exist. To capture the testing effort of classes, we used different metrics to quantify the corresponding JUnit test cases. Classes were classified, according to the required testing effort, in two categories: high and low. In order to evaluate the capability of the Qi metric to predict testability of classes, we used the univariate logistic regression method. The performance of the predicted model was evaluated using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis. The results indicate that the univariate model based on the Qi metric is able to accurately predict the unit testing effort of classes.
Idealized PPAR-Based Therapies: Lessons from Bench and Bedside
Authors: Amato Angélica Amorim , de Assis Rocha Neves Francisco
Published: June 2012

The incidence of type 2 (T2D) diabetes and other chronic conditions associated with insulin resistance is increasing at an alarming rate, underscoring the need for effective and safe therapeutic strategies. Peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) has emerged as a critical regulator of glucose homeostasis, lipid homeostasis, and vascular inflammation. Currently marketed drugs targeting this receptor, the thiazolidinediones (TZDs), have proven benefits on insulin resistance and hyperglycemia associated with T2D. Unfortunately, they have been associated with long-term unfavorable effects on health, such as weight gain, plasma volume expansion, bone loss, cardiovascular toxicity, and possibly cancer, and these safety concerns have led to reduced interest for many PPARγligands. However, over the last years, data from human genetic studies, animal models, and studies with ligands have increased our understanding of PPARγ’s actions and provided important insights into how ligand development strategies could be optimized to increase effectiveness and safety of PPARγ-based therapies.
Enhancing the Out-Coupling Efficiency of Organic Light-Emitting Diodes Using Two-Dimensional Periodic Nanostructures
Authors: Yue Qingyang , Li Wei , Kong Fanmin , Li Kang
Published: June 2012

The out-coupling efficiency of planar organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) is only about 20% due to factors, such as, the total internal reflection, surface plasmon coupling, and metal absorption. Two-dimensional periodic nanostructures, such as, photonic crystals (PhCs) and microlenses arrays offer a potential method to improve the out-coupling efficiency of OLEDs. In this work, we employed the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method to explore different mechanisms that embedded PhCs and surface PhCs to improve the out-coupling efficiency. The effects of several parameters, including the filling factor, the depth, and the lattice constant were investigated. The result showed that embedded PhCs play a key role in improving the out-coupling efficiency, and an enhancement factor of 240% was obtained in OLEDs with embedded PhCs, while the enhancement factor of OLEDs with surface PhCs was only 120%. Furthermore, the phenomena was analyzed using the mode theory and it demonstrated that the overlap between the mode and PhCs was related to the distribution of vertical mode profiles. The enhancement of the extraction efficiency in excess of 290% was observed for the optimized OLEDs structure with double PhCs. This proposed structure could be a very promising candidate for high extraction efficiency OLEDs.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Antiepileptic Drug: (‐)‐Levetiracetam—Synthetic Applications of the Versatile New Chiral N‐Sulfinimine
Authors: Chandra Babu K. , Buchi Reddy R. , Naresh E. , Ram Mohan K. , Madhusudhan G. , Mukkanti K.
Published: June 2012

We report an asymmetric synthesis of (‐)‐Levetiracetam (1) in six steps starting from versatile new chiral N‐sulfinimine (3). The key step, stereoselective 1,2‐addition of ethylmagnesium bromide (EtMgBr) to chiral N‐sulfinimine derived from (R)‐glyceraldehyde acetonide and (S)‐t‐BSA, gave the corresponding sulfonamide (2) in high diastereoselectivity. Simultaneous deprotection and deacetylation followed by NaIO4 cleavage and reduction gave β‐amino alcohol (6). Subsequent reactions yielded the targeted compound levetiracetam (1).
An Unusual Case of Spinal Dysraphism with Four Splits Including Three Posterior Spurs
Authors: Ailawadhi Pankaj , Mahapatra A.K.
Published: June 2012

Background: Composite-type split spinal cord malformation (SCM) is very rare and results from 2 separate foci of ectoendodermal adhesions and endomesenchymal tracts leading to the development of SCM with an intervening normal cord in the same patient. Posterior spurs are even rarer. We report a unique case of composite SCM, where the patient had 3 posterior bony spurs and 1 fibrous spur at different levels. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a patient having composite-type SCM with posterior spurs at 3 different levels. Clinical Presentation: A 3-year-old girl presented to us with progressively worsening scoliosis. Neurological examination was unremarkable except for mild weakness in the left lower limb. Three-dimensional CT imaging demonstrated posterior bony spurs located at T6, T12 and L3 levels. The patient underwent T11–L5 laminoplasty and T5/T6 laminectomy and excision of SCM type 1 with division of the thickened filum terminale. All the bony spurs arose from the inner surface of the lamina, where the base of the spur was located. Conclusions: The unique point of this case report is the rarity of such a presentation. Careful planning and knowledge of the occurrence of such conditions can make surgery in these children safe, and all the levels can be treated in a single setting.