bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nogo-A couples with Apg-1 through interaction and co-ordinate expression under hypoxic and oxidative stress
Authors: Kern Florian , Stanika Ruslan I. , Sarg Bettina , Offterdinger Martin , Hess Daniel , Obermair Gerald J. , Lindner Herbert , Bandtlow Christine E. , Hengst Ludger , Schweigreiter Rüdiger
Published: August 2013

Nogo-A is the largest isoform of the Nogo/RTN4 (reticulon 4) proteins and has been characterized as a major myelin-associated inhibitor of regenerative nerve growth in the adult CNS (central nervous system). Apart from the myelin sheath, Nogo-A is expressed at high levels in principal neurons of the CNS. The specificity of Nogo-A resides in its central domain, NiG. We identified Apg-1, a member of the stress-induced Hsp110 (heat-shock protein of 110 kDa) family, as a novel interactor of NiG/Nogo-A. The interaction is selective because Apg-1 interacts with Nogo-A/RTN4-A, but not with RTN1-A, the closest paralogue of Nogo-A. Conversely, Nogo-A binds to Apg-1, but not to Apg-2 or Hsp105, two other members of the Hsp110 family. We characterized the Nogo-A–Apg-1 interaction by affinity precipitation, co-immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assay, using primary hippocampal neurons derived from Nogo-deficient mice. Under conditions of hypoxic and oxidative stress we found that Nogo-A and Apg-1 were tightly co-regulated in hippocampal neurons. Although both proteins were up-regulated under hypoxic conditions, their expression levels were reduced upon the addition of hydrogen peroxide. Taken together, we suggest that Nogo-A is closely involved in the neuronal response to hypoxic and oxidative stress, an observation that may be of relevance not only in stroke-induced ischaemia, but also in neuroblastoma formation.
Crystal structures of SCP2-thiolases of Trypanosomatidae, human pathogens causing widespread tropical diseases: the importance for catalysis of the cysteine of the unique HDCF loop
Authors: Harijan Rajesh K. , Kiema Tiila R. , Karjalainen Mikael P. , Janardan Neelanjana , Murthy M. R. N. , Weiss Manfred S. , Michels Paul A. M. , Wierenga Rik K.
Published: August 2013

Thiolases are essential CoA-dependent enzymes in lipid metabolism. In the present study we report the crystal structures of trypanosomal and leishmanial SCP2 (sterol carrier protein, type-2)-thiolases. Trypanosomatidae cause various widespread devastating (sub)-tropical diseases, for which adequate treatment is lacking. The structures reveal the unique geometry of the active site of this poorly characterized subfamily of thiolases. The key catalytic residues of the classical thiolases are two cysteine residues, functioning as a nucleophile and an acid/base respectively. The latter cysteine residue is part of a CxG motif. Interestingly, this cysteine residue is not conserved in SCP2-thiolases. The structural comparisons now show that in SCP2-thiolases the catalytic acid/base is provided by the cysteine residue of the HDCF motif, which is unique for this thiolase subfamily. This HDCF cysteine residue is spatially equivalent to the CxG cysteine residue of classical thiolases. The HDCF cysteine residue is activated for acid/base catalysis by two main chain NH-atoms, instead of two water molecules, as present in the CxG active site. The structural results have been complemented with enzyme activity data, confirming the importance of the HDCF cysteine residue for catalysis. The data obtained suggest that these trypanosomatid SCP2-thiolases are biosynthetic thiolases. These findings provide promise for drug discovery as biosynthetic thiolases catalyse the first step of the sterol biosynthesis pathway that is essential in several of these parasites.
Heat flux cloaking, focusing, and reversal in ultra-thin composites considering conduction-convection effects
Authors: Dede Ercan M. , Nomura Tsuyoshi , Schmalenberg Paul , Seung Lee Jae
Published: August 2013

Experimental results are presented for heat flux cloaking, focusing, and reversal in ultra-thin anisotropic composites. A two-material system is utilized in the device design, which features an annular region for heat flow control. The effective thermal conductivity layout of the composite is specified through logical combination of the base material constituents. Heat transfer considering conduction-convection is numerically predicted and experimentally verified via infrared thermography. A Biot number analysis reveals the significance of high rates of convection for large-area planar devices, while the experimental results indicate the feasibility of such heat flow control techniques for advanced electronics applications involving natural convection.
A system for measuring complex dielectric properties of thin films at submillimeter wavelengths using an open hemispherical cavity and a vector network analyzer
Authors: Rahman Rezwanur , Taylor P. C. , Scales John A.
Published: August 2013

Quasi-optical (QO) methods of dielectric spectroscopy are well established in the millimeter and submillimeter frequency bands. These methods exploit standing wave structure in the sample produced by a transmitted Gaussian beam to achieve accurate, low-noise measurement of the complex permittivity of the sample [e.g., J. A. Scales and M. Batzle, Appl. Phys. Lett. 88, 062906 (2006);10.1063/1.2172403 R. N. Clarke and C. B. Rosenberg, J. Phys. E 15, 9 (1982);10.1088/0022-3735/15/1/002 T. M. Hirovnen, P. Vainikainen, A. Lozowski, and A. V. Raisanen, IEEE Trans. Instrum. Meas. 45, 780 (1996)]10.1109/19.516996. In effect the sample itself becomes a low-Q cavity. On the other hand, for optically thin samples (films of thickness much less than a wavelength) or extremely low loss samples (loss tangents below 10−5) the QO approach tends to break down due to loss of signal. In such a case it is useful to put the sample in a high-Q cavity and measure the perturbation of the cavity modes. Provided that the average mode frequency divided by the shift in mode frequency is less than the Q (quality factor) of the mode, then the perturbation should be resolvable. Cavity perturbation techniques are not new, but there are technological difficulties in working in the millimeter/submillimeter wave region. In this paper we will show applications of cavity perturbation to the dielectric characterization of semi-conductor thin films of the type used in the manufacture of photovoltaics in the 100 and 350 GHz range. We measured the complex optical constants of hot-wire chemical deposition grown 1-μm thick amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) film on borosilicate glass substrate. The real part of the refractive index and dielectric constant of the glass-substrate varies from frequency-independent to linearly frequency-dependent. We also see power-law behavior of the frequency-dependent optical conductivity from 316 GHz (9.48 cm−1) down to 104 GHz (3.12 cm−1).
Evidence of deep traps in overgrown v-shaped defects in epitaxial GaN layers
Authors: Weidlich P. H. , Schnedler M. , Eisele H. , Strauß U. , Dunin-Borkowski R. E. , Ebert Ph.
Published: August 2013

The geometric and electronic structure of overgrown v-shaped defects in GaN epitaxial layers are investigated by cross-sectional scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. The v-defects are found to be hexagonal pit structures delimited by six {112¯2} planes. The electronic properties are inhomogeneous. In some areas the center of the v-defects exhibits a strongly inhibited tunneling current, indicating the presence of deep traps.
Self-focusing of Gaussian laser beam in weakly relativistic and ponderomotive regime using upward ramp of plasma density
Authors: Patil S. D. , Takale M. V.
Published: August 2013

We have studied the steady state self-focusing of Gaussian laser beam in weakly relativistic and ponderomotive regime for upward increasing plasma ramp density profile. We have obtained the differential equation for beam width parameter by using parabolic equation approach under the usual Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin and paraxial approximations. The variation of beam width parameter with respect to dimensionless distance of propagation is presented graphically by varying the parameters of density profile, intensity parameter, and electronic temperature. It shows that the above stated parameters play an important role in propagation characteristics and give reasonably interesting results.
Geometrical investigation of the kinetic evolution of the magnetic field in a periodic flux rope
Authors: Restante A. L. , Markidis S. , Lapenta G. , Intrator T.
Published: August 2013

Flux ropes are bundles of magnetic field wrapped around an axis. Many laboratory, space, and astrophysics processes can be represented using this idealized concept. Here, a massively parallel 3D kinetic simulation of a periodic flux rope undergoing the kink instability is studied. The focus is on the topology of the magnetic field and its geometric structures. The analysis considers various techniques such as Poincaré maps and the quasi-separatrix layer (QSL). These are used to highlight regions with expansion or compression and changes in the connectivity of magnetic field lines and consequently to outline regions where heating and current may be generated due to magnetic reconnection. The present study is, to our knowledge, the first QSL analysis of a fully kinetic 3D particle in cell simulation and focuses the existing QSL method of analysis to periodic systems.
Investigation of recombination dynamics for indium tin oxide-free organic photovoltaics by illumination dependence study
Authors: Zhang Xin , Liao Kang-Shyang , Haldar Amrita , Alley Nigel J. , Curran Seamus A.
Published: August 2013

Highly conductive poly(3,4-ethylene-dioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) is used as an anode material to construct flexible organic photovoltaics on plastic, poly(ethylene naphthalate) (PEN) substrates with a device structure of PEN/modified PEDOT:PSS/poly(3-hexylthiophene):phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PCBM)/Al. The indium tin oxide (ITO)-free flexible device exhibits a 20% increase in power conversion efficiency under 1 sun with a higher open circuit voltage (0.67 V) compared to that of the reference device having an ITO anode on a glass substrate (0.54 V). A study of the different recombination mechanisms within these two device structures is carried out by comparing the illumination responses of open circuit voltage as well as short circuit current. The results explain the varying trend of fill factor and power conversion efficiency with respect to the light intensity and suggest that a bimolecular recombination mechanism is dominant in the ITO-free devices.
Polariton-based band gap and generation of surface acoustic waves in acoustic superlattice lithium niobate
Authors: Yudistira Didit , Boes Andreas , Janner Davide , Pruneri Valerio , Friend James , Mitchell Arnan
Published: August 2013

We report the presence of surface acoustic wave (SAW) band gap on acoustic superlattice (ASL) in a single-crystal lithium niobate structure. The band gap behavior is determined by calculating the SAW band structure and also by simulating the transmission of an acoustic wave through a finite length section of ASL using finite element analysis. The calculated band gap appears at a frequency twice the value expected from purely acoustic Bragg scattering. We have identified the band gap as originating from a polariton-based mechanism due to the coupling between the electromagnetic wave and the surface vibrations. We have examined the influence of the band gap on SAW generation with the ASL and have shown that the calculated frequency resonance of the SAW lies in the vicinity of the upper stop-band edges. This results in the localization of the SAW in the ASL. Experimental confirmation is achieved through direct measurement of the SAW displacement by laser vibrometry on an actual ASL SAW transducer. The localization of generated SAW to the ASL transducer is observed confirming the prediction of the existence of a band gap.
Plasmoid solutions of the Hahm–Kulsrud–Taylor equilibrium model
Authors: Dewar R. L. , Bhattacharjee A. , Kulsrud R. M. , Wright A. M.
Published: August 2013

The Hahm–Kulsrud (HK) [T. S. Hahm and R. M. Kulsrud, Phys. Fluids 28, 2412 (1985)] solutions for a magnetically sheared plasma slab driven by a resonant periodic boundary perturbation illustrate fully shielded (current sheet) and fully reconnected (magnetic island) responses. On the global scale, reconnection involves solving a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equilibrium problem. In systems with a continuous symmetry, such MHD equilibria are typically found by solving the Grad–Shafranov equation, and in slab geometry the elliptic operator in this equation is the 2-D Laplacian. Thus, assuming appropriate pressure and poloidal current profiles, a conformal mapping method can be used to transform one solution into another with different boundary conditions, giving a continuous sequence of solutions in the form of partially reconnected magnetic islands (plasmoids) separated by Syrovatsky current sheets. The two HK solutions appear as special cases.
Magnetic properties of Mn3O4 film under compressive stress grown on MgAl2O4 (001) by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Ren Lizhu , Wu Shuxiang , Yang Mei , Zhou Wenqi , Li Shuwei
Published: August 2013

High quality single-crystalline Mn3O4 thin films were grown on MgAl2O4 (001) substrates by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. It is found that the films are compressed in the (001) plane and elongated in the perpendicular direction via in-situ reflection high-energy electron diffraction and ex-situ X-ray diffraction, which is confirmed by frequency hardening of relevant Raman bands. Different from the bulk, the epitaxial film with a thickness of 65 nm shows more obvious magnetic anisotropy and higher magnetic phase transition temperatures (TN = 50 K, T1 = 40.5 K, and T2 = 36 K) than that of the bulk (TN = 42 K, T1 = 39 K, and T2 = 33 K). The variation of magnetic properties could be attributed to the changes of interplay among spin, orbital, and lattice degrees of freedom owing to the residual strain in the epitaxial film.
Kinetic simulations of plasmoid chain dynamics
Authors: Markidis S. , Henri P. , Lapenta G. , Divin A. , Goldman M. , Newman D. , Laure E.
Published: August 2013

The dynamics of a plasmoid chain is studied with three dimensional Particle-in-Cell simulations. The evolution of the system with and without a uniform guide field, whose strength is 1/3 the asymptotic magnetic field, is investigated. The plasmoid chain forms by spontaneous magnetic reconnection: the tearing instability rapidly disrupts the initial current sheet generating several small-scale plasmoids that rapidly grow in size coalescing and kinking. The plasmoid kink is mainly driven by the coalescence process. It is found that the presence of guide field strongly influences the evolution of the plasmoid chain. Without a guide field, a main reconnection site dominates and smaller reconnection regions are included in larger ones, leading to an hierarchical structure of the plasmoid-dominated current sheet. On the contrary in presence of a guide field, plasmoids have approximately the same size and the hierarchical structure does not emerge, a strong core magnetic field develops in the center of the plasmoid in the direction of the existing guide field, and bump-on-tail instability, leading to the formation of electron holes, is detected in proximity of the plasmoids.
Study of the dielectric breakdown properties of hot SF6–CF4 mixtures at 0.01–1.6 MPa
Authors: Li Xingwen , Zhao Hu , Jia Shenli , Murphy Anthony B.
Published: August 2013

The dielectric breakdown properties of SF6–CF4 mixtures were investigated at different ratios of SF6, 0.01–1.6 MPa, and gas temperatures up to 3000 K. Initially, the equilibrium compositions of SF6–CF4 mixtures were calculated by minimizing the Gibbs free energy under the assumptions of local thermodynamic and chemical equilibrium. Then the electron energy distribution function was obtained based on those data by solving the Boltzmann equation under the zero-dimensional two-term spherical harmonic approximation. Finally, the critical reduced electric field strength (E/N)cr of SF6–CF4 mixtures, which is defined as the value for which total ionization reaction is equal to total attachment reaction, were determined and analyzed. The results confirm the superior breakdown properties of pure SF6 at relatively low gas temperatures. However, for higher gas temperatures (i.e., T > 2200 K at 0.4 MPa), the (E/N)cr in SF6–CF4 mixtures are obviously higher than that in pure SF6 and the values of (E/N)cr increase with the reduction of the ratio of SF6.
Anisotropic in-plane lattice strain relaxation in brownmillerite SrFeO2.5 epitaxial thin films
Authors: Hirai Kei , Kan Daisuke , Aso Ryotaro , Ichikawa Noriya , Kurata Hiroki , Shimakawa Yuichi
Published: August 2013

Anisotropic in-plane lattice relaxation behavior of brownmillerite SrFeO2.5 epitaxial thin films grown on (110) DyScO3 substrates was investigated. The in-plane lattices in the films less than 50 nm thick are fixed by the substrate lattice, whereas partial in-plane lattice relaxation along the [010] direction occurs in a 50 nm thick film. When the thickness reaches 98 nm, the film eventually exhibits lattice relaxation in both the [010] and the [10–1] in-plane directions. In the bottom region of the partially relaxed film, a dislocation, at which additional Fe atoms are seen, leads to formations of the stacking faults. In the surface region of the film, the complicated lattice defects propagated from the bottom result in the partial in-plane lattice relaxation associated with the disordered arrangements of the FeO4 tetrahedra and the FeO6 octahedra in the surface region. The preferential generation of the dislocations in the (10–1) plane can be explained by taking into account the anisotropic thermal expansion of SrFeO2.5, which results in the increase in the lattice mismatch between the film and the substrate only along the [010] direction in the cooling process after the film deposition.
Enhanced overall efficiency of GaInN-based light-emitting diodes with reduced efficiency droop by Al-composition-graded AlGaN/GaN superlattice electron blocking layer
Authors: Park Jun Hyuk , Yeong Kim Dong , Hwang Sunyong , Meyaard David , Fred Schubert E. , Dae Han Yu , Won Choi Joo , Cho Jaehee , Kyu Kim Jong
Published: August 2013

AlxGa1−xN/GaN superlattice electron blocking layers (EBLs) with gradually decreasing Al composition toward the p-type GaN layer are introduced to GaInN-based high-power light-emitting diodes (LEDs). GaInN/GaN multiple quantum well LEDs with 5- and 9-period Al-composition-graded AlxGa1−xN/GaN EBL show comparable operating voltage, higher efficiency as well as less efficiency droop than LEDs having conventional bulk AlGaN EBL, which is attributed to the superlattice doping effect, enhanced hole injection into the active region, and reduced potential drop in the EBL by grading Al compositions. Simulation results reveal a reduction in electron leakage for the superlattice EBL, in agreement with experimental results.
Evaluation of centrifugal ultrafilters for size fractionation of total mercury and methylmercury in freshwaters
Authors: Kocman David , Brooks Scott C. , Miller Carrie L. , Yin Xiangping L.
Published: August 2013

Environmental context
Although mercury associated with colloids is an important part of the aquatic Hg cycle, there is currently no fast and reliable method to separate complexes smaller than traditional filter pore sizes. We test commercially available centrifugal ultrafilters for their applicability to size fractionation of total Hg and methylmercury in freshwaters. Sorption of Hg onto the filters precludes their use for fractionation of inorganic Hg, the approach proved to be very suitable for methylmercury fractionation regardless of sample organic matter content.

Abstract
Amicon Ultra-15 centrifugal filters with nominal molecular weight cut-offs of 100, 30 and 3kDa, were tested for separating Hg complexes in freshwaters. Experiments used Hg-contaminated water from East Fork Poplar Creek (EFPC) and laboratory-prepared Hg solutions containing Suwannee River natural organic matter (SR-NOM). Investigations focussed on Hg and dissolved organic carbon blank levels, Hg sorption and leaching, Hg mass balance closure and spike recoveries of inorganic and methylmercury (MeHg). Hg spike recoveries for EFPC samples were low (57±16%, n=30) due to sorption. MeHg recovery averaged 87±9% (n=15) suggesting it was less affected by sorptive losses. SR-NOM samples yielded similar dissolved organic matter (DOM) and MeHg size fractionation patterns with ~20% of the MeHg found in the less than 3-kDa fraction. Overall, the distribution of MeHg followed a pattern similar to the DOM, indicating the importance of both sample DOM quantity and quality for MeHg partitioning in aquatic systems. Although the use of these ultrafilters for inorganic Hg in freshwater samples is not recommended, they were successfully used for MeHg in EFPC where the majority of MeHg was found to be either dissolved or associated with phases smaller than 3kDa.
Arsenic binding to organic and inorganic sulfur species during microbial sulfate reduction: a sediment flow-through reactor experiment
Authors: Couture Raoul-Marie , Wallschläger Dirk , Rose Jérôme , Van Cappellen Philippe
Published: August 2013

Environmental context
The use of water contaminated with arsenic for drinking and irrigation is linked to water and food borne diseases throughout the world. Although reducing conditions in soils and sediments are generally viewed as enhancing arsenic mobility in subsurface environments, we show they can actually promote As sequestration in the presence of reduced sulfur species and labile organic matter. We propose that sulfurisation of organic matter and subsequent binding of As to thiol groups may offer an innovative pathway for As remediation.

Abstract
Flow-through reactors (FTRs) were used to assess the mobility of arsenic under sulfate reducing conditions in natural, undisturbed lake sediments. The sediment slices in the FTRs were supplied continuously with inflow solutions containing sulfate and soluble AsIII or AsV and, after 3 weeks, also lactate. The experiment ran for a total of 8 weeks. The dissolved iron concentration, pH, redox potential (Eh), as well as aqueous As and sulfur speciation were monitored in the outflow solutions. In FTRs containing surface sediment enriched in labile organic matter (OM), microbial sulfate reduction led to an accumulation of organically bound S, as evidenced by X-ray absorption spectroscopy. For these FTRs, the inflowing dissolved As concentration of 20μM was lowered by two orders of magnitude, producing outflow concentrations of 0.2μM monothioarsenate and 0.1μM arsenite. In FTRs containing sediment collected at greater depth, sulfide and zero-valent S precipitated as pyrite and elemental S, while steady-state outflow arsenite concentrations remained near 5μM. The observations thus suggest that As sequestration is enhanced when sediment OM buffers the free sulfide and zero-valent S concentrations. An updated conceptual model for the fate of As in the anoxic As–C–S–Fe system is presented based on the results of this study.
Lissencephaly-1 promotes the recruitment of dynein and dynactin to transported mRNAs
Authors: Dix Carly I. , Soundararajan Harish Chandra , Dzhindzhev Nikola S. , Begum Farida , Suter Beat , Ohkura Hiroyuki , Stephens Elaine , Bullock Simon L.
Published: August 2013

Microtubule-based transport mediates the sorting and dispersal of many cellular components and pathogens. However, the mechanisms by which motor complexes are recruited to and regulated on different cargos remain poorly understood. Here we describe a large-scale biochemical screen for novel factors associated with RNA localization signals mediating minus end–directed mRNA transport during Drosophila development. We identified the protein Lissencephaly-1 (Lis1) and found that minus-end travel distances of localizing transcripts are dramatically reduced in lis1 mutant embryos. Surprisingly, given its well-documented role in regulating dynein mechanochemistry, we uncovered an important requirement for Lis1 in promoting the recruitment of dynein and its accessory complex dynactin to RNA localization complexes. Furthermore, we provide evidence that Lis1 levels regulate the overall association of dynein with dynactin. Our data therefore reveal a critical role for Lis1 within the mRNA localization machinery and suggest a model in which Lis1 facilitates motor complex association with cargos by promoting the interaction of dynein with dynactin.
Macrophage-secreted cytokines drive pancreatic acinar-to-ductal metaplasia through NF-κB and MMPs
Authors: Liou Geou-Yarh , Döppler Heike , Necela Brian , Krishna Murli , Crawford Howard C. , Raimondo Massimo , Storz Peter
Published: August 2013

In response to inflammation, pancreatic acinar cells can undergo acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM), a reprogramming event that induces transdifferentiation to a ductlike phenotype and, in the context of additional oncogenic stimulation, contributes to development of pancreatic cancer. The signaling mechanisms underlying pancreatitis-inducing ADM are largely undefined. Our results provide evidence that macrophages infiltrating the pancreas drive this transdifferentiation process. We identify the macrophage-secreted inflammatory cytokines RANTES and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF) as mediators of such signaling. Both RANTES and TNF induce ADM through activation of nuclear factor κB and its target genes involved in regulating survival, proliferation, and degradation of extracellular matrix. In particular, we identify matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) as targets that drive ADM and provide in vivo data suggesting that MMP inhibitors may be efficiently applied to block pancreatitis-induced ADM in therapy.
CCM1–ICAP-1 complex controls β1 integrin–dependent endothelial contractility and fibronectin remodeling
Authors: Faurobert Eva , Rome Claire , Lisowska Justyna , Manet-Dupé Sandra , Boulday Gwénola , Malbouyres Marilyne , Balland Martial , Bouin Anne-Pascale , Kéramidas Michelle , Bouvard Daniel , Coll Jean-Luc , Ruggiero Florence , Tournier-Lasserve Elisabeth , Albiges-Rizo Corinne
Published: August 2013

The endothelial CCM complex regulates blood vessel stability and permeability. Loss-of-function mutations in CCM genes are responsible for human cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs), which are characterized by clusters of hemorrhagic dilated capillaries composed of endothelium lacking mural cells and altered sub-endothelial extracellular matrix (ECM). Association of the CCM1/2 complex with ICAP-1, an inhibitor of β1 integrin, prompted us to investigate whether the CCM complex interferes with integrin signaling. We demonstrate that CCM1/2 loss resulted in ICAP-1 destabilization, which increased β1 integrin activation and led to increased RhoA-dependent contractility. The resulting abnormal distribution of forces led to aberrant ECM remodeling around lesions of CCM1- and CCM2-deficient mice. ICAP-1–deficient vessels displayed similar defects. We demonstrate that a positive feedback loop between the aberrant ECM and internal cellular tension led to decreased endothelial barrier function. Our data support that up-regulation of β1 integrin activation participates in the progression of CCM lesions by destabilizing intercellular junctions through increased cell contractility and aberrant ECM remodeling.
The CCM complex puts a cap on integrin activity
Authors: Short Ben
Published: August 2013

Disease-related proteins regulate β1 integrin to limit cell contractility and maintain vascular integrity.
Updated US Public Health Service Guidelines for the Management of Occupational Exposures to Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Recommendations for Postexposure Prophylaxis
Authors: Kuhar David T. , Henderson David K. , Struble Kimberly A. , Heneine Walid , Thomas Vasavi , Cheever Laura W. , Gomaa Ahmed , Panlilio Adelisa L. ,   US Public Health Service Working Group
Published: August 2013

This report updates US Public Health Service recommendations for the management of healthcare personnel (HCP) who experience occupational exposure to blood and/or other body fluids that might contain human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Although the principles of exposure management remain unchanged, recommended HIV postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) regimens and the duration of HIV follow-up testing for exposed personnel have been updated. This report emphasizes the importance of primary prevention strategies, the prompt reporting and management of occupational exposures, adherence to recommended HIV PEP regimens when indicated for an exposure, expert consultation in management of exposures, follow-up of exposed HCP to improve adherence to PEP, and careful monitoring for adverse events related to treatment, as well as for virologie, immunologic, and serologic signs of infection. To ensure timely postexposure management and administration of HIV PEP, clinicians should consider occupational exposures as urgent medical concerns, and institutions should take steps to ensure that staff are aware of both the importance of and the institutional mechanisms available for reporting and seeking care for such exposures. The following is a summary of recommendations: (1) PEP is recommended when occupational exposures to HIV occur; (2) the HIV status of the exposure source patient should be determined, if possible, to guide need for HIV PEP; (3) PEP medication regimens should be started as soon as possible after occupational exposure to HIV, and they should be continued for a 4-week duration; (4) new recommendation—PEP medication regimens should contain 3 (or more) antiretroviral drugs (listed in Appendix A) for all occupational exposures to HIV; (5) expert consultation is recommended for any occupational exposures to HIV and at a minimum for situations described in Box 1; (6) close follow-up for exposed personnel (Box 2) should be provided that includes counseling, baseline and follow-up HIV testing, and monitoring for drug toxicity; follow-up appointments should begin within 72 hours of an HIV exposure; and (7) new recommendation—if a newer fourth-generation combination HIV p24 antigen-HIV antibody test is utilized for follow-up HIV testing of exposed HCP, HIV testing may be concluded 4 months after exposure (Box 2); if a newer testing platform is not available, follow-up HIV testing is typically concluded 6 months after an HIV exposure.
Invertible weighted shift operators which are 𝑚-isometries
Authors: Chō Muneo , Ôta Schôichi , Tanahashi Kôtarô
Published: August 2013

For a bounded linear operator

T
T

on a complex Hilbert space

H

{\mathcal H}

, let
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="normal upper Delta Subscript upper T comma m Baseline equals sigma-summation Underscript k equals 0 Overscript m Endscripts left-parenthesis negative 1 right-parenthesis Superscript k Baseline StartBinomialOrMatrix m Choose k EndBinomialOrMatrix upper T Superscript asterisk m minus k Baseline upper T Superscript m minus k Baseline for m element-of double-struck upper N">

Δ

T
,
m

=

∑

k
=
0

m

(
−
1

)
k

 

(

m

k

)

T

∗
m
−
k

T

m
−
k

 
 

for

 
m
∈

N

\Delta _{T,m} = \sum _{k=0}^m (-1)^k \ \begin {pmatrix} m \\ k \end {pmatrix} \, T^{*m-k}T^{m-k} \ \ \mbox {for} \ m \in {\mathbb N}

.

T
T

is called an

m
m

-isometry if

Δ

T
,
m

=
0

\Delta _{T,m}=0

. In this paper, for every even number

m
m

, we give an example of invertible

(
m
+
1
)

(m+1)

-isometry which is not an

m
m

-isometry. Next we show that if

T
T

is an

m
m

-isometry, then the operator

Δ

T
,
m
−
1

\Delta _{T, m-1}

is not invertible.
Rank 2 affine MV polytopes
Authors: Baumann Pierre , Dunlap Thomas , Kamnitzer Joel , Tingley Peter
Published: August 2013

We give a realization of the crystal

B
(
−
∞
)

B(-\infty )

for

s
l

^

2

\widehat {\mathrm {sl}}_2

using decorated polygons. The construction and proof are combinatorial, making use of Kashiwara and Saito’s characterization of

B
(
−
∞
)

B(-\infty )

, in terms of the

∗
*

involution. The polygons we use have combinatorial properties suggesting they are the

s
l

^

2

\widehat {\mathrm {sl}}_2

analogues of the Mirković-Vilonen polytopes defined by Anderson and the third author in finite type. Using Kashiwara’s similarity of crystals we also give MV polytopes for

A
2

(
2
)

A_2^{(2)}

, the other rank 2 affine Kac-Moody algebra.
Development of clinical guidelines for the prescription of a seated wheelchair or mobility scooter for people with traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury
Authors: Lukersmith Sue , Radbron Lesley , Hopman Katherine
Published: August 2013

Background/aim

Providing a wheelchair or scooter is a complex therapy intervention aimed at enhancing the person's functioning. The research and experience has shown that a wheelchair which is poorly matched to the individual, adversely affects potential activities and participation, lifestyle goals, health status and can be costly. The development of an evidence‐based clinical guideline will provide a synthesis of the evidence and recommendations for best practice.

Methods

The guidelines were developed using a rigorous methodology of systematic search for primary studies, critical appraisal and synthesis of the evidence using an adaptation of the National Health and Medical Research Council recommendation grades in conjunction with a multidisciplinary working party.

Results

Seventy‐six recommendations were developed from 44 clinical questions related to goals, assessment and review, capacity and performance, upper limb capacity and injury risk, wheelchair features, propulsion, training, transport and maintenance. Resources were developed to support the use of the guidelines. Only examples of recommendations are provided here. The complete guidelines and technical report should be downloaded from http://www.lifetimecare.nsw.gov.au/Brain_Injury.aspx.

Conclusion

The guidelines provide appraisal and synthesis of the literature and recommendations for best practice on the prescription of a wheelchair or scooter for adults with spinal cord injury and/or traumatic brain injury. The guidelines are intended to reduce the potential for poor wheelchair prescription, inform and guide practice to enhance outcomes. Through judicious application of the available research, these guidelines provide best practice recommendations for prescribing the most appropriate wheelchair for a person with a traumatic brain injury/spinal cord injury.
Sulphur‐oxidizing and sulphate‐reducing communities in Brazilian mangrove sediments
Authors: Varon‐Lopez Maryeimy , Dias Armando Cavalcante Franco , Fasanella Cristiane Cipolla , Durrer Ademir , Melo Itamar Soares , Kuramae Eiko Eurya , Andreote Fernando Dini
Published: August 2013

Mangrove soils are anaerobic environments rich in sulphate and organic matter. Although the sulphur cycle is one of the major actors in this ecosystem, little is known regarding the sulphur bacteria communities in mangrove soils. We investigated the abundance, composition and diversity of sulphur‐oxidizing (SOB) and sulphate‐reducing (SRB) bacteria in sediments from three Brazilian mangrove communities: two contaminated, one with oil (OilMgv) and one with urban waste and sludge (AntMgv), and one pristine (PrsMgv). The community structures were assessed using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), polymerase chain reaction‐denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR‐DGGE) and clone libraries, using genes for the enzymes adenosine‐5′‐phosphosulphate reductase (aprA) and sulphite reductase (Dsr) (dsrB). The abundance for qPCR showed the ratio dsrB/aprA to be variable among mangroves and higher according to the gradient observed for oil contamination in the OilMgv. The PCR‐DGGE patterns analysed by Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling revealed differences among the structures of the three mangrove communities. The clone libraries showed that Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria and Deltaproteobacteria were the most abundant groups associated with sulphur cycling in mangrove sediments. We conclude that the microbial SOB and SRB communities in mangrove soils are different in each mangrove forest and that such microbial communities could possibly be used as a proxy for contamination in mangrove forests.
Chronic illness: a revisionist account
Authors: Armstrong David
Published: August 2013

This article challenges the generally accepted thesis that the emergence and dominance of chronic illness over the last half century is due to the receding tide of acute infectious diseases and an ageing population. Instead, through an analysis of contemporary reports in the Journal of the American Medical Association, it is argued that the construct of chronic illness emerged as part of a new focus on the downstream consequences of disease and as a means of transferring what had been seen as the natural processes of ageing and senescence into an explanatory model based on pathological processes. The widely accepted idea of an epidemiological transition in illness prevalence has served to conceal the ways in which medicine has extended its remit and suppressed alternative explanatory frameworks.
Overeducation and depressive symptoms: diminishing mental health returns to education
Authors: Bracke Piet , Pattyn Elise , von dem Knesebeck Olaf
Published: August 2013

In general, well‐educated people enjoy better mental health than those with less education. As a result, some wonder whether there are limits to the mental health benefits of education. Inspired by the literature on the expansion of tertiary education, this article explores marginal mental health returns to education and studies the mental health status of overeducated people. To enhance the validity of the findings we use two indicators of educational attainment – years of education and ISCED97 categories – and two objective indicators of overeducation (the realised matches method and the job analyst method) in a sample of the working population of 25 European countries (unweighted sample N = 19,089). Depression is measured using an eight‐item version of the CES‐D scale. We find diminishing mental health returns to education. In addition, overeducated people report more depression symptoms. Both findings hold irrespective of the indicators used. The results must be interpreted in the light of the enduring expansion of education, as our findings show that the discussion of the relevance of the human capital perspective, and the diploma disease view on the relationship between education and modern society, is not obsolete.
Analysis of Raw Milk Quality at Reception and During Cold Storage: Combined Effects of Somatic Cell Counts and Psychrotrophic Bacteria on Lipolysis
Authors: Gargouri Ahmed , Hamed Houda , ElFeki Abdelfettah
Published: August 2013

The objective of the article was to analyze the influence of psychrotrophic bacteria counts (PBCs) and somatic cell counts (SCCs) on the extent of lipolysis in bulk samples of cow's milk at reception and during cold storage. Samples of milk were analyzed on the day of sampling and subsequently during cold storage. The acidity, fat, density, chloride content, electrical conductivity (EC), bulk milk SCCs (BMSCC), and PBC values were analyzed on the day of sampling and the levels of acidity, EC, SCC, and PBC were analyzed during cold storage at 4 °C for 72 h. The SCC value 869 × 103 mL−1 was higher than the recommended threshold. Lipolysis level at sampling day was related more closely with SCC than with PBC. There was no significant correlation between milk acidity and PBC among others parameters, while the milk mean density was only significant (P < 0.01) correlated with the fat content. The EC and chloride content were consistently correlated (P < 0.001) with BMSCC that allowed them to be used as indicators of mammary gland infection. The milk acidity, EC, PBC, and lipolysis levels increased in relation to the storage time at 4 °C. The lipolysis level during storage was in closer relation to the SCC, but not relation to the PBC. Effects of SCC and PBC on lipolysis decreased throughout the chilling period. It was concluded that initial lipolysis level and intrinsic milk lipoprotein lipase appear more effective than SCC and PBC on the development of lipolysis during storage.
Oxidative Stability of Lipids Rich in EPA and DHA Extracted from Fermented Scallop Ovary
Authors: Hamaoka Naohiro , Shimajiri Junki , Abe Masayuki , Hosokawa Masashi , Miyashita Kazuo
Published: August 2013

A novel seafood paste was developed by the fermentation of scallop ovary using rice malt (koji) and yeast culture. Chemical analysis of the product showed the formation of high level of free amino acids and organic acids during the fermentation. The product color and flavor resembled to Japanese traditional soybean miso. The contents of total lipids (TLs) extracted from the fermented products were ranged from 9.18% to 11.59% or 11.38% to 13.57%/dry sample weight. Although the TL was rich in oxidatively unstable polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), little decrease was found in these PUFAs during the fermentation, showing the high oxidative stability of the TL from the fermented scallop ovary. Moreover, the oxidative stability of the TL extracted from the fermented products increased with increasing the fermentation time. This would be mainly due to the formation of lipid soluble antioxidants such as tocopherols, which might be derived from yeast used for fermentation.
Modifying the Processing and Handling of Frozen Broccoli for Increased Sulforaphane Formation
Authors: Dosz Edward B. , Jeffery Elizabeth H.
Published: August 2013

Frozen broccoli can provide a cheaper product, with a longer shelf life and less preparation time than fresh broccoli. We previously showed that several commercially available frozen broccoli products do not retain the ability to generate the cancer‐preventative agent sulforaphane. We hypothesized that this was because the necessary hydrolyzing enzyme myrosinase was destroyed during blanching, as part of the processing that frozen broccoli undergoes. This study was carried out to determine a way to overcome loss of hydrolyzing activity. Industrial blanching usually aims to inactivate peroxidase, although lipoxygenase plays a greater role in product degradation during frozen storage of broccoli. Blanching at 86 °C or higher inactivated peroxidase, lipoxygenase, and myrosinase. Blanching at 76 °C inactivated 92% of lipoxygenase activity, whereas there was only an 18% loss in myrosinase‐dependent sulforaphane formation. We considered that thawing frozen broccoli might disrupt membrane integrity, allowing myrosinase and glucoraphanin to come into contact. Thawing frozen broccoli for 9 h did not support sulforaphane formation unless an exogenous source of myrosinase was added. Thermal stability studies showed that broccoli root, as a source of myrosinase, was not more heat stable than broccoli floret. Daikon radish root supported some sulforaphane formation even when heated at 125 °C for 10 min, a time and temperature comparable to or greater than microwave cooking. Daikon radish (0.25%) added to frozen broccoli that was then allowed to thaw supported sulforaphane formation without any visual alteration to that of untreated broccoli.
Diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle is associated with pulmonary edema after renal transplantation
Authors: HIGASHI M. , YAMAURA K. , IKEDA M. , SHIMAUCHI T. , SAIKI H. , HOKA S.
Published: August 2013

Background

Post‐operative pulmonary complications are associated with high mortality and graft loss in renal transplantation recipients. Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction is not uncommon in patients with chronic renal failure, including those with preserved left ventricular systolic function. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between left ventricular diastolic dysfunction and incidence of post‐operative pulmonary edema in renal transplantation recipients with preserved left ventricular systolic function.

Methods

Pre‐operative left ventricular function and incidence of pulmonary edema were retrospectively studied in 209 patients who underwent living‐donor renal transplantation between January 2010 and October 2012. Left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions were evaluated by ejection fraction and E/E' ratio, retrospectively, using transthoracic echocardiography. Pulmonary edema was defined by evidence of pulmonary congestion on the chest X‐ray together with PaO2/FiO2 ratio < 300 mmHg.

Results

Eleven out of 190 (5.8%) renal transplantation patients with preserved left ventricular systolic function developed post‐operative pulmonary edema. Patients with pulmonary edema had a significantly higher geometric mean (95% confidence interval) of E/E' ratio than those without pulmonary edema [17.8 (14.1–22.5) vs. 11.1 (10.6–11.7), P = 0.001].

Conclusion

Pre‐operative left ventricular diastolic dysfunction correlated with the development of post‐operative pulmonary edema in renal transplantation recipients. Meticulous intraoperative volume therapy is important to avoid post‐operative pulmonary edema in such patients.
Evidence for pleiotropism and recent selection in the PLAG1 region in Australian Beef cattle
Authors: Fortes M. R. S. , Kemper K. , Sasazaki S. , Reverter A. , Pryce J. E. , Barendse W. , Bunch R. , McCulloch R. , Harrison B. , Bolormaa S. , Zhang Y. D. , Hawken R. J. , Goddard M. E. , Lehnert S. A.
Published: August 2013

A putative functional mutation (rs109231213) near PLAG1 (BTA14) associated with stature was studied in beef cattle. Data from 8199 Bos taurus, Bos indicus and Tropical Composite cattle were used to test the associations between rs109231213 and various phenotypes. Further, 23 496 SNPs located on BTA14 were tested for association with these phenotypes, both independently and fitted together with rs109231213. The C allele of rs109231213 significantly increased hip height, weight, net food intake, age at puberty in males and females and decreased IGF‐I concentration in blood and fat depth. When rs109231213 was fitted as a fixed effect in the model, there was an overall reduction in associations between other SNPs and these traits but some SNPs remained associated (P < 10−4). Frequency of the mutant C allele of rs109231213 differed among B. indicus (0.52), B. taurus (0.96) and Tropical Composite (0.68). Most chromosomes carrying the C allele had the same surrounding 10 SNP haplotype, probably because the C allele was introgressed into Brahman from B. taurus cattle. A region of reduced heterozygosity surrounds the C allele; this is small in B. taurus but 20 Mb long in Brahmans, indicating recent and strong selection for the mutant allele. Thus, the C allele appears to mark a mutation that has been selected almost to fixation in the B. taurus breeds studied here and introduced into Brahman cattle during grading up and selected to a frequency of 0.52 despite its negative effects on fertility.