bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolism in the age of ‘omes’
Authors: Suarez Raul K. , Moyes Christopher D.
Published: June 2012

Much research in comparative physiology is now performed using ‘omics’ tools and many results are interpreted in terms of the effects of changes in gene expression on energy metabolism. However, ‘metabolism’ is a complex phenomenon that spans multiple levels of biological organization. In addition rates and directions of flux change dynamically under various physiological circumstances. Within cells, message level cannot be equated with protein level because multiple mechanisms are at play in the ‘regulatory hierarchy’ from gene to mRNA to enzyme protein. This results in many documented instances wherein change in mRNA levels and change in enzyme levels are unrelated. It is also known from metabolic control analysis that the influence of single steps in pathways on flux is often small. Flux is a system property and its control tends to be distributed among multiple steps. Consequently, change in enzyme levels cannot be equated with change in flux. Approaches developed by Hans Westerhoff and colleagues, called ‘hierarchical regulation analysis’, allow quantitative determination of the extent to which ‘hierarchical regulation’, involving change in enzyme level, and ‘metabolic regulation’, involving the modulation of the activity of preexisting enzyme, regulate flux. We outline these approaches and provide examples to show their applicability to problems of interest to comparative physiologists.
Acclimatization of seasonal energetics in northern cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) through plasticity of metabolic rates and ceilings
Authors: Sgueo Carrie , Wells Marion E. , Russell David E. , Schaeffer Paul J.
Published: June 2012

Northern cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) are faced with energetically expensive seasonal challenges that must be met to ensure survival, including thermoregulation in winter and reproductive activities in summer. Contrary to predictions of life history theory that suggest breeding metabolic rate should be the apex of energetic effort, winter metabolism exceeds that during breeding in several temperate resident bird species. By examining whole-animal, tissue and cellular function, we ask whether seasonal acclimatization is accomplished by coordinated phenotypic plasticity of metabolic systems. We measured summit metabolism (V̇O2,sum), daily energy expenditure (DEE) and muscle oxidative capacity under both winter (December to January) and breeding (May to June) conditions. We hypothesize that: (1) rates of energy utilization will be highest in the winter, contrary to predictions based on life history theory, and (2) acclimatization of metabolism will occur at multiple levels of organization such that birds operate with a similar metabolic ceiling during different seasons. We measured field metabolic rates using heart rate telemetry and report the first daily patterns in avian field metabolic rate. Patterns of daily energy use differed seasonally, primarily as birds maintain high metabolic rates throughout the winter daylight hours. We found that DEE and V̇O2,sum were significantly greater and DEE occurred at a higher fraction of maximum metabolic capacity during winter, indicating an elevation of the metabolic ceiling. Surprisingly, there were no significant differences in mass or oxidative capacity of skeletal muscle. These data, highlighting the importance of examining energetic responses to seasonal challenges at multiple levels, clearly reject life history predictions that breeding is the primary energetic challenge for temperate zone residents. Further, they indicate that metabolic ceilings are seasonally flexible as metabolic effort during winter thermoregulation exceeds that of breeding.
Blowfly flight characteristics are shaped by environmental features and controlled by optic flow information
Authors: Kern Roland , Boeddeker Norbert , Dittmar Laura , Egelhaaf Martin
Published: June 2012

Blowfly flight consists of two main components, saccadic turns and intervals of mostly straight gaze direction, although, as a consequence of inertia, flight trajectories usually change direction smoothly. We investigated how flight behavior changes depending on the surroundings and how saccadic turns and intersaccadic translational movements might be controlled in arenas of different width with and without obstacles. Blowflies do not fly in straight trajectories, even when traversing straight flight arenas; rather, they fly in meandering trajectories. Flight speed and the amplitude of meanders increase with arena width. Although saccade duration is largely constant, peak angular velocity and succession into either direction are variable and depend on the visual surroundings. Saccade rate and amplitude also vary with arena layout and are correlated with the ‘time-to-contact’ to the arena wall. We provide evidence that both saccade and velocity control rely to a large extent on the intersaccadic optic flow generated in eye regions looking well in front of the fly, rather than in the lateral visual field, where the optic flow at least during forward flight tends to be strongest.
A unique alkaline pH-regulated and fatty acid-activated tandem pore domain potassium channel (K2P) from a marine sponge
Authors: Wells Gregory D. , Tang Qiong-Yao , Heler Robert , Tompkins-MacDonald Gabrielle J. , Pritchard Erica N. , Leys Sally P. , Logothetis Diomedes E. , Boland Linda M.
Published: June 2012

A cDNA encoding a potassium channel of the two-pore domain family (K2P, KCNK) of leak channels was cloned from the marine sponge Amphimedon queenslandica. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that AquK2P cannot be placed into any of the established functional groups of mammalian K2P channels. We used the Xenopus oocyte expression system, a two-electrode voltage clamp and inside-out patch clamp electrophysiology to determine the physiological properties of AquK2P. In whole cells, non-inactivating, voltage-independent, outwardly rectifying K+ currents were generated by external application of micromolar concentrations of arachidonic acid (AA; EC50 ∼30 μmol l–1), when applied in an alkaline solution (≥pH 8.0). Prior activation of channels facilitated the pH-regulated, AA-dependent activation of AquK2P but external pH changes alone did not activate the channels. Unlike certain mammalian fatty-acid-activated K2P channels, the sponge K2P channel was not activated by temperature and was insensitive to osmotically induced membrane distortion. In inside-out patch recordings, alkalinization of the internal pH (pKa 8.18) activated the AquK2P channels independently of AA and also facilitated activation by internally applied AA. The gating of the sponge K2P channel suggests that voltage-independent outward rectification and sensitivity to pH and AA are ancient and fundamental properties of animal K2P channels. In addition, the membrane potential of some poriferan cells may be dynamically regulated by pH and AA.
Conditioned response to a magnetic anomaly in the Pekin duck (Anas platyrhynchos domestica) involves the trigeminal nerve
Authors: Freire Rafael , Dunston Emma , Fowler Emmalee M. , McKenzie Gary L. , Quinn Christopher T. , Michelsen Jacob
Published: June 2012

There have been recent calls to develop protocols that collect unambiguous measures of behaviour using automatic techniques in conditioning experiments on magnetic orientation. Here, we describe an automated technique for recording the behaviour of Pekin ducks in a conditioning test that allows them to express unrestricted searching behaviour. Pekin ducks were trained to find hidden food in one corner of a square arena below which was placed a magnetic coil that produced a local magnetic anomaly. The trigeminal nerve was anaesthetised by injection of lignocaine hydrochloride 2–3 mm caudal to the medial canthus of each eye, medial to the globe, prior to the presentation of unrewarded tests. Lignocaine-treated ducks showed no initial preference for the magnetic anomaly whereas saline-treated control ducks showed a significant preference at the same age. A second experiment was undertaken in which the trigeminal nerve was surgically severed and 2–3 mm removed, and this surgery abolished the previously observed preference for the corner with the magnetic coil in a small number of ducks. These data show that Pekin ducks are able to detect and use magnetic stimuli to guide unrestricted search behaviour and are consistent with a hypothesis of magnetoreception involving a putative cluster of magnetite in the upper beak.
Directional cues inDrosophila melanogasteraudition: structure of acoustic flow and inter-antennal velocity differences
Authors: Morley Erica L. , Steinmann Thomas , Casas Jérôme , Robert Daniel
Published: June 2012

Drosophila melanogaster have bilateral antisymmetric antennae that receive the particle velocity component of an acoustic stimulus. Acoustic communication is important in their courtship, which takes place in the acoustic near-field. Here, the small size of the dipole sound source (the male wing) and the rapid attenuation rate of particle velocity produce a spatially divergent sound field with highly variable magnitude. Also, male and female D. melanogaster are not usually stationary during courtship, resulting in a variable directionality of the acoustic stimulus. Using both particle image velocimetry and laser Doppler vibrometry, we examined the stimulus flow around the head of D. melanogaster to identify the actual geometry of the acoustic input to the antennae and its directional response. We reveal that the stimulus changes in both magnitude and direction as a function of its angle of incidence. Remarkably, directionality is substantial, with inter-antennal velocity differences of 25 dB at 140 Hz. For an organism whose auditory receivers are separated by only 660±51 μm (mean ± s.d.), this inter-antennal velocity difference is far greater than differences in intensity observed between tympanal ears for organisms of similar scale. Further, the mechanical sensitivity of the antennae changes as a function of the angle of incidence of the acoustic stimulus, with peak responses along axes at 45 and 315 deg relative to the longitudinal body axis. This work indicates not only that the flies are able to detect differential cues in signal direction, but also that the male song structure may not be the sole determinant of mating success; his spatial positioning is also crucial to female sound reception and therefore also perhaps to her decision making.
Decreased expression of adipose CD36 and FATP1 are associated with increased plasma non-esterified fatty acids during prolonged fasting in northern elephant seal pups (Mirounga angustirostris)
Authors: Viscarra Jose Abraham , Vázquez-Medina José Pablo , Rodriguez Ruben , Champagne Cory D. , Adams Sean H. , Crocker Daniel E. , Ortiz Rudy M.
Published: June 2012

The northern elephant seal pup (Mirounga angustirostris) undergoes a 2–3 month post-weaning fast, during which it depends primarily on the oxidation of fatty acids to meet its energetic demands. The concentration of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) increases and is associated with the development of insulin resistance in late-fasted pups. Furthermore, plasma NEFA concentrations respond differentially to an intravenous glucose tolerance test (ivGTT) depending on fasting duration, suggesting that the effects of glucose on lipid metabolism are altered. However, elucidation of the lipolytic mechanisms including lipase activity during prolonged fasting in mammals is scarce. To assess the impact of fasting and glucose on the regulation of lipid metabolism, adipose tissue and plasma samples were collected before and after ivGTTs performed on early (2 weeks, N=5) and late (6–8 weeks; N=8) fasted pups. Glucose administration increased plasma triglycerides and NEFA concentrations in late-fasted seals, but not plasma glycerol. Fasting decreased basal adipose lipase activity by 50%. Fasting also increased plasma lipase activity twofold and decreased the expressions of CD36, FAS, FATP1 and PEPCK-C by 22–43% in adipose tissue. Plasma acylcarnitine profiling indicated that late-fasted seals display higher incomplete LCFA β-oxidation. Results suggest that long-term fasting induces shifts in the regulation of lipolysis and lipid metabolism associated with the onset of insulin resistance in northern elephant seal pups. Delineation of the mechanisms responsible for this shift in regulation during fasting can contribute to a more thorough understanding of the changes in lipid metabolism associated with dyslipidemia and insulin resistance in mammals.
Decision-making in pigeon flocks: a democratic view of leadership
Authors: Jorge Paulo E. , Marques Paulo A. M.
Published: June 2012

When travelling in groups, animals frequently have to make decisions on the direction of travel. These decisions can be based on consensus, when all individuals take part in the decision (i.e. democratic decision; social information), or leadership, when one member or a minority of members make the decision (i.e. despotic decision; personal information). Here we investigated whether decision-making on the navigation of small flocks is based on democratic or despotic decisions. Using individual and flock releases as the experimental approach, we compared the homing performances of homing pigeons that fly singly and in groups of three. Our findings show that although small groups were either governed (i.e. when individuals in the flock had age differences) or not (i.e. when individuals in the flock had the same age) by leaders, with concern to decision-making they were all ruled by democratic decisions. Moreover, the individual homing performances were not associated with leadership. Because true leaders did not assume right away the front position in the flock, we suggest that as in human groups, starting from a central position is more effective as it allows leaders to not only transmit their own information but also to average the tendencies of the other group members. Together, the results highlight the importance of democratic decisions in group decision-making.
Synthesis and Properties of Mono-, Bis-, Tris-, and Tetrakis[1,1,4,4-tetracyano-2-(1-azulenyl)-1,3-butadien-3-yl] Chromophores Connected to a Benzene Ring by Phenylethynyl- and 2-Thienylethynyl Spacers
Authors: Shoji Taku , Maruyama Mitsuhisa , Ito Shunji , Morita Noboru
Published: June 2012

Mono-, bis-, tris-, and tetrakis[(1-azulenylethynyl)phenylethynyl- and (1-azulenylethynyl)-2-thienylethynyl]benzenes have been prepared by Pd-catalyzed alkynylation of iodobenzene derivatives or 2-iodothiophene derivatives substituted by 1-azulenylethynyl group with polyethynylbenzenes under Sonogashira–Hagihara cross-coupling conditions. These compounds reacted with tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) in a formal [2 + 2] cycloaddition–cycloreversion reaction to afford the corresponding 1,1,4,4-tetracyano-2-(5-isopropyl-3-methoxycarbonyl-1-azulenyl)-1,3-butadien-3-yl chromophores in excellent yields. The redox behavior of the novel azulene-substituted tetracyanobutadiene (TCBD) derivatives was examined by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), which revealed their multistep electrochemical reduction properties. Moreover, a significant color change was observed by visible spectroscopy under the electrochemical reduction conditions.
Does lactate measurement performed on admission predict clinical outcome on the intensive care unit? A concise systematic review
Authors: Borthwick Hazel-Ann , Brunt Lorraine K , Mitchem Kelly L , Chaloner Christopher
Published: June 2012

Background

There is a need for practical, efficient and effective prognostic markers for patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with sepsis, to identify patients at highest risk and guide and monitor treatment. Although many biomarkers and scoring systems have been advocated, none have yet achieved this elusive combination. Most ICUs already use blood lactate concentrations to monitor patients but the evidence base for this application is unclear.

Methods

A systematic review of the last five years of evidence of effectiveness of lactate measurement in prediction of outcome in ICUs was performed.

Results

It was found that there is a lack of high-quality evidence, and no specific studies of prognostic accuracy. d- or l-Lactate concentrations measured in plasma, serum, whole blood or colonic washings were raised at admission in almost all patient groups, and were higher in patient groups who had the worst outcomes (in-hospital mortality, sequential organ failure). However, there was significant overlap in individual concentrations measured in those who died within 28 days of admission, or who developed multiple organ failure, and those who did not. For serum l-lactate concentrations, no specific cut-off value capable of predicting in-hospital mortality or sequential organ failure could be recommended.

Conclusions

The evidence reviewed suggested that whole blood, plasma or serum lactate measurement could not provide specific prognostic information for individual patients. There may be a role for monitoring for normalization of serum d- or l-lactate concentrations during goal-directed therapy in the ICU but further good-quality studies are needed. Measurement of the d-lactate stereoisomer shows promise, such that further studies are warranted.
Carboxylate microsphere-induced cellular toxicity in human lung fibroblasts
Authors: Samy Ramar Perumal , Ng Cheng-Teng , Bay Boon-Huat , Watt Frank
Published: June 2012

Carboxylate microspheres (CMs) are mainly used in industrial, biomedical and various household products. In this study, we assessed the cytotoxic effects of CMs on human MRC-5 lung fibroblasts by using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Oxidative stress was determined by measurements of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant (superoxide dismutase and catalase) levels and proinflammatory cytokines quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Morphological changes were examined by light microscopy, confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The lung fibroblasts were exposed to increasing concentrations of CMs (0.1–1000 μmol/L) for 24 h. The results showed significant changes in cell morphology with induction of cytotoxicity and oxidative stress observed in 10–1000 μmol/L concentrations of CM-treated fibroblasts. Ultrastructural examination revealed the presence of CMs inside the cytoplasm of treated lung fibroblasts. CMs also induced elevated interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and tumor necrosis factor α levels at higher concentrations. We have demonstrated that CMs significantly reduce cell viability in a dose-dependant manner in lung fibroblasts at 0.1–1000 μmol/L doses. The findings suggest that high doses of CMs have the potential to induce cellular toxicity to the lung in vitro.
Förster resonance energy transfer-based sensor targeting endoplasmic reticulum reveals highly oxidative environment
Authors: Kolossov Vladimir L , Leslie Matthew T , Chatterjee Abhishek , Sheehan Bridget M , Kenis Paul J A , Gaskins H Rex
Published: June 2012

The glutathione thiol/disulfide couple is the major redox buffer in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER); however, mechanisms by which it contributes to the tightly regulated redox environment of this intracellular organelle are poorly understood. The recent development of genetically encoded, ratiometric, single green fluorescent protein-based redox-sensitive (roGFP) sensors adjusted for more oxidative environments enables non-invasive measurement of the ER redox environment in living cells. In turn, Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) sensors based on two fluorophore probes represent an alternative strategy for ratiometric signal acquisition. In previous work, we described the FRET-based redox sensor CY-RL7 with a relatively high midpoint redox potential of −143 mV, which is required for monitoring glutathione potentials in the comparatively high oxidative environment of the ER. Here, the efficacy of the CY-RL7 probe was ascertained in the cytosol and ER of live cells with fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. The sensor was found to be fully reduced at steady state in the cytosol and became fully oxidized in response to treatment with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene, a depletor of reduced glutathione (GSH). In contrast, the probe was strongly oxidized (88%) upon expression in the ER of cultured cells. We also examined the responsiveness of the ER sensor to perturbations in cellular glutathione homeostasis. We observed that the reductive level of the FRET sensor was increased two-fold to about 28% in cells pretreated with N-acetylcysteine, a substrate for GSH synthesis. Finally, we evaluated the responsiveness of CY-RL7 and roGFP1-iL to various perturbations of cellular glutathione homeostasis to address the divergence in the specificity of these two probes. Together, the present data generated with genetically encoded green fluorescent protein (GFP)-based glutathione probes highlight the complexity of the ER redox environment and indicate that the ER glutathione pool may be more oxidized than is currently considered.
Do cervical cancer data justify HPV vaccination in India? Epidemiological data sources and comprehensiveness
Authors: Mattheij I , Pollock AM , Brhlikova P
Published: June 2012

The Indian government suspended research in April 2010 on the feasibility and safety of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in two Indian states (Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat) amid public concerns about its safety. This paper describes cervical cancer and cancer surveillance in India and reviews the epidemiological claims made by the Programme for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH) in support of the vaccine in these two states. National cancer data published by the Indian National Cancer Registry Programme of state registry returns and the International Agency for Research on Cancer cover around seven percent of the population with underrepresentation of rural, northern, eastern and north-eastern areas. There is no cancer registry in the state of Andhra Pradesh and PATH does not cite data from the Gujarat cancer registries. Age-adjusted cervical cancer mortality and incidence rates vary widely across and within states. National trends in age standardized cervical cancer incidence fell from 42.3 to 22.3 per 100,000 between 1982/1983 and 2004/2005 respectively. Incidence studies report low incidence and mortality rates in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh. Although HPV prevalence is higher in cancer patients (93.3%) than healthy patients (7.0%) and HPV types 16 and 18 are most prevalent in cancer patients, population prevelance data are poor and studies highly variable in their findings. Current data on HPV type and cervical cancer incidence do not support PATH's claim that India has a large burden of cervical cancer or its decision to roll out the vaccine programme. In the absence of comprehensive cancer surveillance, World Health Organization criteria with respect to monitoring effectiveness of the vaccine and knowledge of disease trends cannot be fulfilled.
Malat1 is not an essential component of nuclear speckles in mice
Authors: Nakagawa Shinichi , Ip Joanna Y. , Shioi Go , Tripathi Vidisha , Zong Xinying , Hirose Tetsuro , Prasanth Kannanganattu V.
Published: June 2012

Malat1 is an abundant long, noncoding RNA that localizes to nuclear bodies known as nuclear speckles, which contain a distinct set of pre-mRNA processing factors. Previous studies in cell culture have demonstrated that Malat1 interacts with pre-mRNA splicing factors, including the serine- and arginine-rich (SR) family of proteins, and regulates a variety of biological processes, including cancer cell migration, synapse formation, cell cycle progression, and responses to serum stimulation. To address the physiological function of Malat1 in a living organism, we generated Malat1-knockout (KO) mice using homologous recombination. Unexpectedly, the Malat1-KO mice were viable and fertile, showing no apparent phenotypes. Nuclear speckle markers were also correctly localized in cells that lacked Malat1. However, the cellular levels of another long, noncoding RNA—Neat1—which is an architectural component of nuclear bodies known as paraspeckles, were down-regulated in a particular set of tissues and cells lacking Malat1. We propose that Malat1 is not essential in living mice maintained under normal laboratory conditions and that its function becomes apparent only in specific cell types and under particular conditions.
Operations Research Techniques for Scheduling Chile's Second Division Soccer League
Authors: Durán Guillermo , Guajardo Mario , Wolf-Yadlin Rodrigo
Published: June 2012

In this paper, we use operations research (OR) techniques to schedule the Second Division of the Chilean professional soccer league. The solution must satisfy a series of conditions requested by league officials. Because the teams generally travel long distances by bus, geographical restrictions are particularly important. We specify the scheduling problem and solve it using an integer linear programming (ILP) model that defines when and where each match is played, subject to constraints. For the most difficult instances, we formulate a second ILP model that generates home-away patterns and assigns them to the teams; we then run the model, which determines the match schedule. Chilean league officials have successfully used the models to schedule all five Second Division tournaments between 2007 and 2010, replacing the random scheduling methodology that they used previously. Since 2007, the two formulations have been adapted to various formats with which the Second Division has experimented; these include a quadruple round robin and a two-phase tournament with zonal and national phases. The application we present is one of a number of such projects that the authors and their colleagues developed over the past few years, and it represents an expansion of the use of OR techniques for managing tasks in Chilean soccer.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Analytics in Sports, Part II: Sports Scheduling Applications
Authors: Fry Michael J. , Ohlmann Jeffrey W.
Published: June 2012

Part II of this Special Issue on Analytics in Sports is devoted to sports scheduling applications. Sports scheduling has proven to be an exceptionally successful application area for operations research. The papers in this issue demonstrate the breadth of applications for sports scheduling. The sports addressed include baseball, volleyball, Canadian football, softball, and soccer. The sports leagues where scheduling methods are applied range from youth recreation leagues to multibillion-dollar professional leagues. In addition, the articles originate from five countries illustrating the international scope of sports scheduling applications.
Pat1 proteins: regulating mRNAs from birth to death?
Authors: Standart Nancy , Marnef Aline
Published: June 2012

The Pat1 protein family has been the subject of several recent extensive investigations of diverse model systems ranging from yeast, flies and worms to man, using a variety of experimental approaches. Although some contradictions remain, the emerging consensus view is that these RNA-binding proteins act in mRNA decay by physically linking deadenylation with decapping and by regulating gene expression as translational repressors. These multiple functions are present in the single invertebrate Pat1 proteins, whereas, in vertebrates, one Pat1 variant represses translation in early development, while a somatic version synthesised in embrogenesis and in adults acts in mRNA decay. At steady state, Pat1 proteins are found enriched in cytoplasmic P(rocessing)-bodies, and related mRNP complexes and granules. Evidence recently obtained from mammalian tissue culture cells shows that Pat1 shuttles in and out of the nucleus, where it localises to nuclear speckles, PML bodies and nucleolar caps, which suggests RNA-related nuclear functions. Less well understood, Pat1 proteins may play additional roles in miRNA silencing and/or biogenesis, as well in the regulation of viral gene expression. Due to the relatively low level of sequence conservation between Pat1 proteins from different species and lacking any discernable motifs, determining their functional domains has proved difficult, as is obtaining a simple unified view of the location of the binding sites of their interacting proteins in all examined species. Questions that remain to be addressed include the following: 1) What are their roles in the nucleus? 2) What is the link, if one exists, between their cytoplasmic and nuclear roles? 3) Do they have specific mRNA targets? 4) Which signalling pathways regulate their P-body localisation in mammalian cells, which may affect quiescent cell survival?
Memory immune response: a major challenge in vaccination
Authors: Prisco Antonella , De Berardinis Piergiuseppe
Published: June 2012

A crucial challenge for vaccine development is to design vaccines that induce a long-lasting protective immune response, i.e., immune memory. The persistence of antigen-specific antibody titers over a protective threshold, and the ability to exibit a ‘recall response’ to a subsequent encounter with an antigen have long been the only measurable correlates of vaccine take and immune memory development, suffering from the disadvantage of relying on long-term monitoring of the immune response. In the last few years, advances in the technologies for the identification and characterization of the cell subsets and molecular pathways involved in the immune response to vaccination have allowed innovative approaches to the identification of early correlates of immune memory. In this review, we discuss recent data and hypotheses on early correlates of the development of immune memory, with special emphasis on the gene expression signatures that underlie the self-renewal ability of some lymphocyte subsets, and their similarities with gene expression signatures in stem cells.
Design of a Five-Band Internal Antenna for Handsets
Authors: Zhu Anfu , Li Jianxing , Zhang Anxue , Jiang Yansheng
Published: June 2012

A novel compact five-band internal handset antenna covering LTE (746–806 MHz), GSM850 (824–894 MHz), GSM900 (890–960 MHz), DCS (1710–1880 MHz) and PCS (1850–1990 MHz) bands is presented. To enhance the bandwidths of the proposed antenna both at the low frequency band and high frequency band, a rectangular slot with a proper size is removed in the ground plane at an appropriate location. Both the simulated results and measured results show that reasonable radiation patterns and antenna gains for each frequency band are achieved.
Anthraquinone polymer catalysts for alkaline delignification of lignocellulosic matter. Part 3. Delignification of softwood and action on a phenolic β-O-4 lignin model in kraft pulping conditions
Authors: Cazeils Emmanuel , Megiatto Jackson D. , Gardrat Christian , Pichavant Frédérique , Grelier Stéphane , Castellan Alain
Published: June 2012

The delignification action of four new anthraquinone (AQ) polystyrene catalysts – three of them linear (CP-A, CP-B, CP-C) and one cross-linked (CP-3D) – were investigated on softwood (Pinus pinaster) chips under kraft pulping conditions, and their catalytic efficiency gains (EGs) were compared to that of AQ, with EGAQ=100. The catalytic EG of the hydrophobic polymers CP-B and CP-3D was 96%, while the inherent hydrophilic catalyst CP-C showed an EG of 30%. Interpretation: hydrogen sulfide anions presented in the kraft pulp liquor might participate in the delignification mechanisms as redox active mediators in the case of the hydrophobic polymers. Moreover, the latter could be recovered after pulping, and delignification tests with the recovered materials revealed that they preserved their catalytic properties. Mechanistic studies were carried out with a phenolic β-O-4 lignin model compound in the presence or absence of glucose (mimicking the carbohydrate end groups) and/or NaSH. It was shown that the cross-linked CP-3D polymer reacted with the lignin model through electron transfer reactions, a process most likely mediated by glucose and HS- redox active species. The concept of grafting AQ into polymeric substrates is discussed in terms of reusable delignification catalysts for large-scale pulping processes under kraft conditions.
Unique continuation and continuous dependence results for a severely ill-posed integro-differential
parabolic problem
Authors: Lorenzi Alfredo , Messina Francesca
Published: June 2012

Via Carleman estimates we determine sufficient conditions ensuring uniqueness and continuous dependence results for a severely ill-posed linear integro-differential boundary-value parabolic problem with no initial condition. This latter condition is replaced with an additional boundary information prescribing the temperature on an open subset of the geometric domain .

The integral operators entering the equation are defined by integrals of Volterra type with respect to time.
A review of selected techniques in inverse problem nonparametric probability distribution estimation
Authors: Banks H. Thomas , Kenz Zackary R. , Thompson W. Clayton
Published: June 2012

Techniques for the nonparametric estimation of probability distributions are reviewed. Methods are divided into two categories for estimation problems: those applied to situations in which individual data is available, and those where only aggregate data is available. For each technique, the general ideas, strengths, and weaknesses of the corresponding methodology are discussed. In addition, the generation of estimates of not only the parameter distributions but also any structural parameters that are constant across the population is outlined. When discussing various techniques, particular consideration is given to the theory behind finite dimensional approximations
(since the space of measures on a viable parameter space is an infinite dimensional space) in the development of computational methodologies. Additional issues, such as consistency of the estimation procedure, are considered when appropriate. Various sample problems on which the methods can be applied are referenced throughout the review.
The effects of cutouts on buckling behavior of composite plates
Authors: Erkliğ Ahmet , Yeter Eyüp
Published: June 2012

Cutouts such as circular, rectangular, square, elliptical, and triangular shapes are generally used in composite plates as access ports for mechanical and electrical systems, for damage inspection, to serve as doors and windows, and sometimes to reduce the overall weight of the structure. This paper addresses the effects of different cutouts on the buckling behavior of plates made of polymer matrix composites. To study the effects of cutouts on buckling, loaded edges are taken as fixed and unloaded edges are taken as free. Finite element analysis is also performed to predict the effects of different geometrical cutouts, orientations, and position of cutouts on the buckling behavior. The results show that fiber orientation angle and cutout sizes are the most important parameters on the buckling loads. For all types of cutouts the buckling loads decrease dramatically by increasing the fiber orientation angle. It is observed that minimum buckling load is reached when 45° fiber angle is used, and after this angle critical buckling load begins to increase. Also, it is concluded that while fiber orientation angle is 0°, elliptical cutout has the highest buckling load and while fiber orientation angle is 45°, circular cutout has the highest buckling load.
John Ballard and the African American Community in Los Angeles, 1850–1905
Authors: Colman Patty R.
Published: June 2012

John Ballard, an African American pioneer from Kentucky, became a leader of Los Angeles's black community, 1850s–1870s. His story illustrates the early opportunities for black Angelenos in institution-formation, political activism, property ownership, and economic success. However, with the railroad booms of the 1870s and 1880s, Ballard and other prominent black citizens suffered a loss of social and economic status. Ballard ended up homesteading in the Santa Monica Mountains.
An androgen receptor mutation in the MDA-MB-453 cell line model of molecular apocrine breast cancer compromises receptor activity
Authors: Moore Nicole L , Buchanan Grant , Harris Jonathan M , Selth Luke A , Bianco-Miotto Tina , Hanson Adrienne R , Birrell Stephen N , Butler Lisa M , Hickey Theresa E , Tilley Wayne D
Published: June 2012

Recent evidence indicates that the estrogen receptor-α-negative, androgen receptor (AR)-positive molecular apocrine subtype of breast cancer is driven by AR signaling. The MDA-MB-453 cell line is the prototypical model of this breast cancer subtype; its proliferation is stimulated by androgens such as 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) but inhibited by the progestin medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) via AR-mediated mechanisms. We report here that theARgene in MDA-MB-453 cells contains a G-T transversion in exon 7, resulting in a receptor variant with a glutamine to histidine substitution at amino acid 865 (Q865H) in the ligand binding domain. Compared with wild-type AR, the Q865H variant exhibited reduced sensitivity to DHT and MPA in transactivation assays in MDA-MB-453 and PC-3 cells but did not respond to non-androgenic ligands or receptor antagonists. Ligand binding, molecular modeling, mammalian two-hybrid and immunoblot assays revealed effects of the Q865H mutation on ligand dissociation, AR intramolecular interactions, and receptor stability. Microarray expression profiling demonstrated that DHT and MPA regulate distinct transcriptional programs in MDA-MB-453 cells. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis revealed that DHT- but not MPA-regulated genes were associated with estrogen-responsive transcriptomes from MCF-7 cells and the Wnt signaling pathway. These findings suggest that the divergent proliferative responses of MDA-MB-453 cells to DHT and MPA result from the different genetic programs elicited by these two ligands through the AR-Q865H variant. This work highlights the necessity to characterize additional models of molecular apocrine breast cancer to determine the precise role of AR signaling in this breast cancer subtype.
Characterisation of the cellular and molecular responses of ovine oocytes and their supporting somatic cells to pre-ovulatory levels of LH and FSH during in vitro maturation
Authors: Cotterill Matthew , Catt Sally L , Picton Helen M
Published: June 2012

The response of Graafian follicles to pre-ovulatory surge levels of FSH and LH in vivo triggers the terminal differentiation of granulosa cells and oocyte maturation. In polyovular species, the LH-driven signalling uses the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like ligands AREG, EREG and BTC to promote oocyte maturation and cumulus expansion. This experimental series used a physiologically relevant ovine in vitro maturation (IVM) system to evaluate the impact of exposure to pre-ovulatory levels (100 ng/ml) of LH and FSH on ovine cumulus cell expression of EGF-like ligands in vitro. The serum-free sheep IVM system supported high levels (91.4%) of gonadotrophin-induced maturation of cumulus-enclosed oocytes and embryo development to the blastocyst stage (34.5%). Results were equivalent to a serum-based IVM system (85.1% IVM, 25.8% blastocyst rate; P>0.05) but were significantly different (P<0.05) to serum-free medium without gonadotrophins (69.5% IVM; 8.0% blastocyst rate). Ovine BTC was cloned and sequenced. Gonadotrophin-induced AREG, EREG, BTC and EGFR expressions were quantified in cumulus and mural granulosa cells during IVM. A rapid induction of AREG expression was apparent in both cell types within 30 min of gonadotrophin exposure in vitro. LHCGR (LHR) was detected in mural cells and FSHR in both cumulus and mural granulosa cells. The data confirm the involvement of AREG and EGFR during gonadotrophin-induced cumulus expansion, oocyte maturation and the acquisition of developmental competence by sheep oocytes matured in vitro.
Random frequency of radiation induced aberrations in individual chromosomes of lymphocytes of α -thalassemia variant patients
Authors: Tarang Alireza , Mozdarani Hossein
Published: June 2012

To evaluate the effects of ionizing radiation on chromosomal aberration in lymphocytes of α-thalassemia variants compared to normal controls, venous blood samples were obtained from 10 healthy volunteers and 30 α-thalassemia patients. Different types of α-thalassemia were diagnosed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction. Blood samples were divided into two parts, the first exposed to 3 Gy gamma rays generated from a 60Co source and the other without any irradiation. The blood samples were used for preparation of metaphase cells according to standard methods. Results showed that the frequency of spontaneous aberration (about 0.012 per cell) was similar in all study groups. Irradiated samples showed significantly higher frequency of aberrations (about 0.6 per cell) compared to non-irradiated samples in all groups but similar for control and α-thalassemia variants. The frequency of dicentric chromosomes was significantly higher than other aberrations. In normal individuals in all of the chromosomes except in chromosome 1, a random distribution of break points proportional to their length based on their DNA content was observed. In α-thalassemia variant individuals in all of the chromosomes, a random distribution of break points proportional to their length based on their DNA content was observed.
Significant clinical risks and the benefits of liver biopsies in Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, Thailand: Lessons learned from the past to the present
Authors: Wongsaensook Arthit , Sukeepaisarnjaroen Wattana , Sukeepaisarnjaroen Wisut , Kularbkaew Churairat
Published: June 2012

Aim:To evaluate risks and benefits of percutaneous liver biopsies in Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen, Thailand.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed all patients who had performed liver biopsies between January 2005 and September 2009 from the data of the Srinagarind Memorial Building, Khon Kaen University, Thailand.Results:A total of 1038 liver biopsies were reviewed. The 927 liver biopsies performed were blind (89.3%), 110 were ultrasound guided (10.6%) and one was both (0.1%). The essential biopsies were conducted in cases of chronic hepatitis B or C (68.9%), chronic hepatitis (22.9%) and liver mass (5%). The liver biopsies established definite diagnosis 99.5% of the time. The most common complication of liver biopsies was pain (4.8%). There were no reported cases of biopsy-related mortality.Conclusion:Liver biopsies performed by trained physicians are safe, rarely have complications, and are highly useful. The fibrotic staging and abnormal liver function tests are common indications. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is the common finding for chronic hepatitis.
Sebfertőzések gyakoriságának összehasonlítása colon- és rectumműtétek után triclosan bevonatú varróanyag (PDS plus®) és azonos alapanyagú nem bevont varróanyag (PDS II®) felhasználása esetén – multicentrikus, randomizált, klinikai tanulmány
Authors: Huszár Orsolya , Baracs József , Tóth Mariann , Damjanovich László , Kotán Róbert , Lázár György , Mán Eszter , Baradnai Gellért , Oláh Attila , Benedek-Tóth Zoltán , Bogdán-Rajcs Sándor , Zemanek Péter , Oláh Tibor , Somodi Krisztián , Svébis Mihály , Molnár Tamás , Horváth Örs Péter
Published: June 2012

Absztrakt

Bevezetés: A sebészeti sebgyógyulási zavar (Surgical Site Infection, SSI) a harmadik leggyakoribb nosocomialis fertőzés, az összes infekciót tekintve megközelíti a 14–16%-ot. A jelentős költségvonzattal is járó magas infekciós ráta javítása, valamint a triclosannal bevont varrófonalakról szóló pozitív nemzetközi tanulmányok arra ösztönöztek, hogy randomizált vizsgálat keretében győződjünk meg a triclosan hatásosságáról – a magas infekciós rátájú – colorectalis műtétek kapcsán. Módszer: Hét sebészeti osztály bevonásával indítottuk prospektív, randomizált, multicentrikus vizs-gálatunkat, mely során triclosannal bevont (PDS plus®), valamint azonos anyagból készült, nem bevont varróanyag (PDS II®) hasfali varratként való összehasonlítását végeztük a sebfertőzés gyakoriságát illetően elektív colorectalis műtéteket követően. A vizsgálat alapvető célja a posztoperatív sebinfekció jelenlétének, az azt kiváltó kórokozók törzseinek, valamint az SSI okozta többletköltségeknek a meghatározása volt. Eredmények: 485 beteget randomizáltunk, ebből 47 (12,5%) esetben fordult elő SSI, 23 (12,23%) beteg a triclosanos csoportból (n = 188), 24 (12,18%) beteg pedig a nem bevont csoportból (n = 197) került ki (p = 0,982). 13 (27,66%) betegnél alakult ki késői sebgyógyulási zavar, ebből 4 (8,51%) esetben a triclosanos fonalat és 9 (19,15%) esetben a nem bevont fonalat (p = 0,041) alkalmaztuk. Nem találtunk különbséget a colon- és a rectumműtéteket követő SSI aránya között. Következtetések: A triclosan Gram-pozitív baktériumok elleni, korábbi tanulmányokban bizonyított hatását – a kis esetszám miatt – nem tudtuk bizonyítani. Szintén nem tudtunk igazolni a triclosan hatékonyságát a Gram-negatív colonflóra esetében sem. A retrospektív vizs-gálatunkhoz viszonyítva sebinfekciós eredményeink 50%-os javulást mutattak, függetlenül attól, hogy a PDS loop be volt-e vonva triclosannal, vagy sem. Az SSI előfordulásának szempontjából az operatív faktorok lényegesebbnek bizonyultak, mint a beteg rizikófaktorai/kísérőbetegségei. Tanulmányunk igazolta, hogy az SSI megnyújtja a hospitalizációt, és jelentősen növeli a kezelési költségeket.
Hanging Out, Messing Around, Geeking Out: Living and Learning with New Media Mizuko Ito, Sonja Baumer, Matteo Bittanti, danah boyd, Rachel Cody, Becky Herr-Stephenson, Heather A. Horst, Patricia G. Lange, Dilan Mahendran, Katynka Z. Martínez, C. J. Pascoe, Dan Perkel, Laura Robinson, Christo Sims, and Lisa Tripp (2010)
Authors: Li Vickie Wai Kei
Published: June 2012

Hanging Out, Messing Around, Geeking Out: Living and Learning with New Media Mizuko Ito, Sonja Baumer, Matteo Bittanti, danah boyd, Rachel Cody, Becky Herr-Stephenson, Heather A. Horst, Patricia G. Lange, Dilan Mahendran, Katynka Z. Martínez, C. J. Pascoe, Dan Perkel, Laura Robinson, Christo Sims, and Lisa Tripp (2010) Cambridge: MIT Press. pp. 440 ISBN: 9780262258920