bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adult neural stem cells: an endogenous tool to repair brain injury?
Authors: Bellenchi Gian Carlo , Volpicelli Floriana , Piscopo Valerio , Perrone‐Capano Carla , di Porzio Umberto
Published: November 2012

Research on stem cells has developed as one of the most promising areas of neurobiology. In the beginning of the 1990s, neurogenesis in the adult brain was indisputably accepted, eliciting great research efforts. Neural stem cells in the adult mammalian brain are located in the ‘neurogenic’ areas of the subventricular and subgranular zones. Nevertheless, many reports indicate that they subsist in other regions of the adult brain. Adult neural stem cells have arisen considerable interest as these studies can be useful to develop new methods to replace damaged neurons and treat severe neurological diseases such as neurodegeneration, stroke or spinal cord lesions. In particular, a promising field is aimed at stimulating or trigger a self‐repair system in the diseased brain driven by its own stem cell population. Here, we will revise the latest findings on the characterization of active and quiescent adult neural stem cells in the main regions of neurogenesis and the factors necessary to maintain their active and resting states, stimulate migration and homing in diseased areas, hoping to outline the emerging knowledge for the promotion of regeneration in the brain based on endogenous stem cells.
The Double Edge of Ambiguity in Strategic Planning
Authors: Abdallah Chahrazad , Langley Ann
Published: November 2012

While the communications and strategy literatures have suggested that ambiguity embedded in texts such as strategic plans many enable the accommodation of divergent perspectives and contribute to building consensus and commitment, little is known about the consequences of such ambiguity for the consumption of strategy discourse or for the enactment of planned strategy. In a case study of strategic planning in a cultural organization, we identify three forms of ambiguity embedded in the strategy text, and show how these features generate different forms of consumption among organization members. We find that strategic ambiguity initially plays an enabling role as participants engage in enacting their respective interpretations of strategy. However, over time, the mobilizing effects of strategic ambiguity lead to internal contradiction and overextension. The study contributes by exploring empirically the double‐edged nature of strategic ambiguity, and by identifying the underlying mechanisms by which its paradoxical consequences emerge. We show that while ambiguous strategy discourse enables strategic development and change, it may contain the seeds of its own dissolution contributing to cyclical patterns of strategy development and reorientation.
Role of seed settleability and settling velocity in water for plant colonization of river gravel bars
Authors: Yoshikawa Masato , Hoshino Yoshinobu , Iwata Naoto
Published: November 2012

Questions

A natural gravel‐bed river is an important habitat for xerophytic plant species that prefer dry and periodically disturbed environments. However, human‐impacted gravel bars covered with fine sandy sediments are often rapidly occupied by hygrophytic and mesophytic species, including weedy species, after a flush event. What is the mechanism by which these plant seeds are carried on gravel bars through a flush event? Can the seed traits of floating capability (buoyancy or settleability) and settling velocity in water explain seed accumulation in sandy sediments?

Location

The Tama River, central Japan.

Methods

Seed buoyancy/settleability and settling velocity in water were examined for 70 herbaceous species growing on newly deposited sediments of a river gravel bar. Settling velocities of sand particles of different sizes were estimated using theoretical formulas to compare with those of plant seeds. In addition, actual seed content of 36 samples of fresh sandy sediments were examined using a germination test to confirm coincident sedimentation of seeds and sand particles.

Results

Of the 70 species examined, only nine had apparently buoyant seeds and the remaining 61 species had non‐buoyant seeds. We found that 53 (86.9%) of the 61 species having non‐buoyant seeds had settling velocities comparable to those of very fine sand and fine sand particles, ranging from 0.062 to 0.25 mm in diameter. Furthermore, fresh sandy sediments deposited by a flush event contained many non‐buoyant seeds of common species of above‐ground vegetation. Both the germinated seedling number and species richness in the sediment samples showed positive correlation with the percentage weight of very fine sand and fine sand.

Conclusions

Seeds of most of the species that appeared after a flush event were considered carried by submerged dispersal through flowing water than through floating dispersal, because of their settleability. Many plant seeds could deposit together with fine sandy sediments as water velocity declined, since they had correspondent settling velocities. The main reason for rapid colonization by hygrophytic and mesophytic species was the settleability and settling velocity of the seeds.
Direct genetic evidence for reproductive philopatry and associated fine‐scale migrations in female blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) in French Polynesia
Authors: Mourier Johann , Planes Serge
Published: November 2012

Conservation of top predators has been emphasized as essential in an ecosystem due to their role in trophic chain regulation. Optimizing conservation strategies for these endangered marine top predators requires direct estimates of breeding patterns and connectivity as these are essential to understanding the population dynamics. There have been some attempts to investigate breeding patterns of reef sharks from litter reconstruction using molecular analyses. However, direct fine‐scale migrations of female sharks for parturition as well as connectivity at a medium scale like between islands remain mostly unknown. We used microsatellite DNA markers and a likelihood‐based parentage analysis to determine breeding patterns of female blacktip reef sharks in Moorea (Society Islands, French Polynesia). Most females gave birth at their home island but some migrated to specific nursery areas outside the area they are attached to, sometimes going to another island 50 km away across deep ocean. Our analysis also revealed that females migrated to the same nursery for every birthing event. Many offspring showed a high level of inbreeding indicating an overall reduced population size, restricted movements and dispersal, or specific mating behaviour. Females represent the vectors that transport the genes at nursery grounds, and their fidelity should thus define reproductive units. As females seem to be philopatric, males could be the ones dispersing genes between populations. These results highlight the need to conserve coastal zones where female reef sharks seem to exhibit philopatry during the breeding season.
Haemoglobin variability in the early post‐transplant period: Association with graft survival and mortality
Authors: Rozen‐Zvi Benaya , Ben‐Avraham Binjamin , Schneider Shira , Gafter‐Gvili Anat , Levy‐Drummer Rachel S , Zingerman Boris , Mor Eitan , Gafter Uzi , Rahamimov Ruth
Published: November 2012

This study demonstrates that high haemoglobin variability in the first 6 months post‐transplant is independently associated with inferior graft survival in patients after kidney transplantation. While no inference on the effect of haemoglobin variability on outcomes can be made, the association is very interesting and warrants further consideration.
Analysis of genetically modified red‐fleshed apples reveals effects on growth and consumer attributes
Authors: Espley Richard V. , Bovy Arnaud , Bava Christina , Jaeger Sara R , Tomes Sumathi , Norling Cara , Crawford Jonathan , Rowan Daryl , McGhie Tony K. , Brendolise Cyril , Putterill Jo , Schouten Henk J. , Hellens Roger P. , Allan Andrew C.
Published: November 2012

Consumers of whole foods, such as fruits, demand consistent high quality and seek varieties with enhanced health properties, convenience or novel taste. We have raised the polyphenolic content of apple by genetic engineering of the anthocyanin pathway using the apple transcription factor MYB10. These apples have very high concentrations of foliar, flower and fruit anthocyanins, especially in the fruit peel. Independent lines were examined for impacts on tree growth, photosynthesis and fruit characteristics. Fruit were analysed for changes in metabolite and transcript levels. Fruit were also used in taste trials to study the consumer perception of such a novel apple. No negative taste attributes were associated with the elevated anthocyanins. Modification with this one gene provides near isogenic material and allows us to examine the effects on an established cultivar, with a view to enhancing consumer appeal independently of other fruit qualities.
Toc33 and Toc64‐III cooperate in precursor protein import into the chloroplasts of Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: SOMMER MANUEL , RUDOLF MAREIKE , TILLMANN BODO , TRIPP JOANNA , SOMMER MAIK S. , SCHLEIFF ENRICO
Published: November 2012

It has been established that the TOC components Toc159, Toc75 and Toc33 play crucial roles in chloroplast preprotein import, while the importance of Toc64‐III for TOC function remained under debate. To link an involvement of Toc64‐III to preprotein import and to the action of Toc33, single and double mutants thereof have been generated and phenotypically analyzed and the import capacity has been monitored in vivo. These experiments confirm that Toc64‐III is required for preprotein import. In addition, the double mutant of toc64‐III and toc33 shows a significantly reduced level of Toc75‐III demonstrating that both TOC components act cooperatively for the insertion of at least this outer membrane protein.
Pharmacokinetics and Safety of 0.5% Ivermectin Lotion for Head Louse Infestations
Authors: Hazan Lydie , Berg Jeffrey E. , Bowman James P. , Murray John V. , Ryan William G.
Published: November 2012

The safety of a novel 0.5% ivermectin lotion (IVL) and potential for ivermectin absorption after application was investigated in an open‐label study in young children, and a human repeat insult patch test (HRIPT) and cumulative irritation test (CIT) assessed any potential for cumulative dermal irritation and contact sensitization. In the pharmacokinetic and safety study, 30 head louse–infested children ages 6 months to 3 years received a 10‐minute application of IVL on day 1. Blood was collected before application; 0.5, 1, and 6 hours after rinsing; and on days 2 and 8. Samples from 20 subjects were assayed for ivermectin (test sensitivity 0.05 ng/mL). Liver panel and complete blood counts were completed for all subjects. For the HRIPT/CIT, occlusive patches containing IVL or vehicle control lotion (CL) were repeatedly applied to 220 healthy adult subjects to assess contact sensitization; for cumulative dermal irritation testing, additional patches with normal saline and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) were applied to 36 subjects. In the open‐label study, all detected ivermectin plasma concentrations were <1 ng/mL. No safety signals emerged, and treatment was well tolerated. In the HRIPT/CIT, IVL was significantly less irritating than normal saline and SDS, with no evidence of dermal irritation or sensitization in human skin. IVL was safe when applied topically, absorption was de minimus, there was no evidence of irritation or sensitization from repeated exposures, and results support the safety of topical IVL use in children as young as 6 months.
Acute graft‐versus‐host disease in pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Single‐center experience during 10 yr
Authors: Faraci Maura , Caviglia Ilaria , Biral Erika , Morreale Giuseppe , Giardino Stefano , Garbarino Lucia , Castagnola Elio , Dini Giorgio , Lanino Edoardo
Published: November 2012

a‐GvHD may complicate allogeneic HSCT. In this retrospective single‐center study, we evaluated incidence and risk factors of a‐GvHD in 197 consecutive allogeneic pediatric HSCTs applying Glucksberg and NIH a‐GvHD classifications. Among 179 eligible transplants, the cumulative incidence of grade 0–I a‐GvHD was 48% and grade II–IV was 52%. None of the considered variables significantly influenced the incidence of grade II–IV a‐GvHD. Malignancy and myeloablation were associated with an increased risk of classic a‐GvHD (p < 0.01). Seventy‐two percentage of children are alive, with a significant difference in OS and TRM between grade 0 and I vs. grade II and IV a‐GvHD; this observation was reproduced in the non‐malignant setting, while only a disparity in TRM was evidenced in children with malignancy. In our experience, the incidence of a‐GvHD was similar, regardless of donor type. Myeloablation and malignant disease represented the only risk factors for classic a‐GvHD. Our results highlight the need for a better prevention of this complication in the non‐malignant setting.
Of mushrooms and chocolate trees: aetiology and phylogeny of witches' broom and frosty pod diseases of cacao
Authors: Evans H. C. , Bezerra J. L. , Barreto R. W.
Published: November 2012

The troubled history of the two major diseases of the chocolate tree (Theobroma cacao) in South America, witches' broom and frosty pod, is reviewed, concentrating on critical aspects of the aetiology as well as the phylogeny of the causal agents. Both diseases are caused by sister species within the genus Moniliophthora, belonging to the Marasmiaceae family of mushrooms. The witches' broom pathogen, Moniliophthora perniciosa, evolved on the Amazonian side of the Andes and induces brooms not only in cacao and its relatives in the genera Theobroma and Herrania (Malvaceae), but also in species in the plant families Bignoniaceae, Malpighiaceae and Solanaceae, on which the mushrooms (basidiomata) are produced. Moniliophthora roreri, the type species of the genus, evolved as a pod pathogen on endemic Theobroma species on the western side of the northern Andean Cordillera. Because Moniliophthora was described originally as the asexual form of an unknown basidiomycete, the generic diagnosis is amended here to accommodate species with agaricoid basidiomata. In addition, the new variety M. roreri var. gileri is designated for the morphotype occurring on Theobroma gileri, in northwest Ecuador. Cytology studies indicate that the supposed conidia of M. roreri are, in fact, sexual spores (meiospores) and it is posited that the fruiting structure represents a much‐modified mushroom. Finally, based on preliminary data from pathogenicity testing, it is hypothesized that the true causal agent of both diseases is an as yet unidentified infectious agent vectored into the host by the fungus.
Induction of resistance to Phytophthora sojae in soyabean (Glycine max) by salicylic acid and ethylene
Authors: Sugano S. , Sugimoto T. , Takatsuji H. , Jiang C.‐J.
Published: November 2012

This study investigated the protective effects of various phytohormones and plant activators on soyabean resistance to Phytophthora sojae, the cause of root and stem rot. It was found that application of benzothiadiazole (BTH, an activator of salicylic acid (SA) signalling) and 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid (ACC, a precursor of ethylene (ET) biosynthesis) markedly induced resistance to P. sojae. By contrast, gibberellin (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) rendered soyabean seedlings more susceptible to P. sojae. Simultaneous application of ABA with BTH or ACC suppressed the protective effects of BTH and ACC, indicating that ABA acts antagonistically on the SA‐ and ET‐signalling pathways. Neither BTH nor ACC directly inhibited growth of P. sojae. The protective effect of ACC was diminished by co‐treatment with its analogue α‐aminoisobutyric acid, suggesting that ET biosynthesis is required for ACC‐induced soyabean resistance. Expression analysis of ET‐ and SA‐responsive genes demonstrated the activation of ET‐ and SA‐signalling pathways during P. sojae infection. Furthermore, ACC treatments augmented the expression of ET‐responsive and pathogenesis‐related genes. Taken together, the results indicate that ACC (ET)‐induced soyabean resistance to P. sojae relies on transcriptional augmentation of defence‐related genes.
Pre‐ and Post‐Partum Mild Underfeeding Influences Gene Expression in the Reproductive Tract of Cyclic Dairy Cows
Authors: Valour D , Hue I , Degrelle SA , Déjean S , Marot G , Dubois O , Germain G , Humblot P , Ponter AA , Charpigny G , Grimard B
Published: November 2012

Contents

Undernutrition before and after calving has a detrimental effect on the fertility of dairy cows. The effect of nutritional stress was previously reported to influence gene expression in key tissues for metabolic health and reproduction such as the liver and the genital tract early after calving, but not at breeding, that is, between 70 and 90 days post‐partum. This study investigated the effects of pre‐ and post‐partum mild underfeeding on global gene expression in the oviduct, endometrium andcorpus luteumof eight multiparous Holstein cows during the early and middle phases of an induced cycle 80 days post‐partum. Four control cows received 100% of energy and protein requirements during the dry period and after calving, while four underfed received 80% of control diet. Oestrous synchronization treatment was used to induce ovulation onD80 post‐partum. Oviducts, ovaries and the anterior part of each uterine horn were recovered surgically 4, 8, 12 and 15 days after ovulation.Corpora luteawere dissected from the ovaries, and the endometrium was separated from the stroma and myometrium in each uterine horn. The oviduct segments were comprised of ampulla and isthmus.RNAs from ipsi‐ and contralateral samples were pooled on an equal weight basis. In each tissue, gene expression was assessed on a custom bovine 10Karray. No differentially expressed gene (DEG) in thecorpus luteumwas identified between underfed and control, conversely to 293DEGs in the oviduct vs 1 in the endometrium under a false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.10 and 1370DEGs vs 3, respectively, underFDR < 0.15. Additionally, we used dedicated statistics (regularized canonical correlation analysis) to correlate the post‐partum patterns of six plasma metabolites and hormones related to energy metabolism measured weekly between calving andD80 with gene expression. High correlations were observed between post‐partum patterns ofIGF‐1, insulin, β‐hydroxybutyrate and the expression in the oviduct of genes related to reproductive system disease, connective tissue disorders and metabolic disease. Moreover, we found special interest in the literature to retinoic acid‐related genes (e.g.FABP5/CRABP2) that might indicate abnormalities in post‐partum tissue repair mechanisms. In conclusion, this experiment highlights relationships between underfeeding and gene expression in the oviduct and endometrium after ovulation in cyclic Holstein cows. This might help to explain the effect of mild undernutrition on fertilization failure and early embryonic mortality in post‐partum dairy cows.
Effect of Estradiol and Progesterone on Metabolic Biomarkers in Healthy Bitches
Authors: Tvarijonaviciute A , Carrillo‐Sanchez JD , Ceron JJ
Published: November 2012

Contents

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible association between hormonal changes that occur during oestrus and biomarkers related with glucose metabolism (glucose and insulin), lipid metabolism (lipidic profile and BChE) and adipokines (adiponectin and ghrelin) in healthy bitches. For this purpose, we measured these analytes in serum of bitches, at two times: before (T1) and after (T2) the LH peak that were established according to progesterone concentrations. Increased levels of total cholesterol (p < 0.01), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) (p < 0.01), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) (p < 0.01), adiponectin (p < 0.01) and ghrelin (p < 0.05) were observed at T2 in comparison with T1. No statistically significant changes were observed in serum glucose, insulin, homoeostasis model assessment for insulin sensitivity (HOMA), triglycerides and BChE. When all data of T1 and T2 were pooled, serum adiponectin showed positive correlation with progesterone (r = 0.353; p = 0.022) and HDL‐C (r = 0.307; p = 0.048), and negative with insulin (r = −0.429; p = 0.005), HOMA (r = −0.446; p = 0.003) and BChE (r = −0.522; p < 0.001). Ghrelin showed negative correlation with estradiol (r = −0.701; p = 0.004). BChE was negatively correlated with estradiol (r = −0.441; p = 0.018) and glucose (r = −0.343; p = 0.028), and positively with insulin (r = 0.460; p = 0.003) and HOMA (r = 0.505; p < 0.001). In conclusion, changes in metabolic biomarkers occur in bitches after LH peak, characterized by increased lipids (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol) without changes in BChE activity, and increased adiponectin and ghrelin concentrations, without significant changes in glucose and insulin.
Corticosteroids for pneumonia: Are we there yet?
Authors: Sibila Oriol , Restrepo Marcos I.
Published: November 2012

See article, page 263
In vivo susceptibility to benznidazole of Trypanosoma cruzi strains from the western Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Teston Ana P. M. , Monteiro Wuelton M. , Reis Daniele , Bossolani Gleison D. P. , Gomes Mônica L. , de Araújo Silvana M. , Bahia Maria T. , Barbosa Maria G. V. , Toledo Max J. O.
Published: November 2012

Objective

To assess the susceptibility of Trypanosoma cruzi strains from Amazon to benznidazole.

Methods

We studied 23 strains of T. cruzi obtained from humans in the acute phase of Chagas disease, triatomines and marsupials in the state of Amazonas and from chronic patients and triatomines in the state of Paraná, Brazil. The strains were classified as TcI (6), TcII (4) and TcIV (13). For each strain, 20 Swiss mice were inoculated: 10 were treated orally with benznidazole 100 mg/kg/day (TBZ group) for 20 consecutive days and 10 comprised the untreated control group (NT). Fresh blood examination, haemoculture (HC), PCR, and ELISA were used to monitor the cure.

Results

The overall cure rate was 60.5% (109/180 mice) and varied widely among strains. The strains were classified as resistant, partially resistant or susceptible to benznidazole, irrespective of discrete typing units (DTUs), geographical origin or host. However, the TcI strains from Amazonas were significantly (P = 0.028) more sensitive to benznidazole than the TcI strains from Paraná. The number of parasitological, molecular and serological parameters that were significantly reduced by benznidazole treatment also varied among the DTUs; the TBZ group of mice inoculated with TcIV strains showed more reductions (8/9) than those with TcI and TcII strains.

Conclusions

Benznidazole resistance was observed among natural populations of the parasite in the Amazon, even in those never exposed to the drug.
A Note on a Reduced-Order Observer Based Controller for a Class of Lipschitz Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Homayounzade Mohamadreza , Keshmiri Mehdi
Published: November 2012

This paper presents a novel reduced-order observer based controller for a class of Lipschitz nonlinear systems, described by a set of second order ordinary differential equations. The control law is designed based on the measured output and estimated states. The main features are: (1) The computation cost is reduced noticeably, since the observer is a reduced-order one; (2) The controller guarantees semi-global exponential stability for both estimation and tracking error; and (3) The proposed method can be used in a large range of applications, especially in mechanical systems. The effectiveness of the proposed method is investigated through the numerical simulation for a two-degrees-of-freedom robot manipulator acting on a horizontal worktable.
Identification of Ground Vehicle Steering System Backlash
Authors: Huang Xiaoyu , Wang Junmin
Published: November 2012

This paper presents an identification method for the backlash embedded in ground vehicle steering systems. A backlash model relates the steering system output—road-wheel steering angle (RWSA) to the input—hand-wheel steering angle (HWSA). An accurate backlash model is helpful in achieving a better control performance or a more precise reference model for vehicle dynamic control. The proposed identification procedure consists of two parts. First, the unmeasurable RWSA is estimated by manipulating equations of a two degrees-of-freedom vehicle lateral dynamics model, where the signals related to the vehicle motion are obtained from an inertial measurement unit and global positioning system, and the estimation problem is transformed to solving an algebraic equation by optimization tools. Second, by applying a recursive general identification algorithm, parameters that characterize the steering system backlash model are identified recursively from the reconstructed RWSA and measured HWSA. Vehicle road tests have been carried out and the experimental results show effectiveness of the proposed identification method. The developed algorithm can be applied both on-line and off-line, and its on-line implementation process is also presented.
Stable field emission of single B-doped Si tips and linear current scaling of uniform tip arrays for integrated vacuum microelectronic devices
Authors: Serbun Pavel , Bornmann Benjamin , Navitski Aliaksandr , Müller Günter , Prommesberger Christian , Langer Christoph , Dams Florian , Schreiner Rupert
Published: November 2012

Advanced Si-based semiconductor technology is most suitable to fabricate uniform nanostructures as integrated field emitter arrays for novel vacuum electronic devices. In order to improve the field emission homogeneity and stability of p-type silicon tip arrays for pulsed sensor applications, the authors have systematically studied the influence of the fabrication parameters on the tip shape and on the specific operating conditions. Based on detailed design calculations of the field enhancement, they have fabricated two series of hexagonal arrays of B-doped Si-tips in a triangular arrangement. The first (second) type contains three (four) patches with different number of tips (1, 91, 547 and 1, 19, 1027, 4447 for the first and second type, respectively) of about 1 (2.5) μm height, ∼20 (20) nm apex radius, and 20 (10) μm pitch. The field emission properties of both individual tips and complete arrays were investigated with a field emission scanning microscope at a pressure of 10−9 mbar. The current plateau of these tips typically occurs at about 10 (3) nA and around 65 (25) V/μm field level. In this carrier saturation range, single tips provide the highest current stability (<5%) and optical current switching ratio (∼2.5). Fairly homogeneous emission of the tip arrays leads to an undershooting of the expected linear scaling of the mean plateau current as well as to a much improved current stability (<1%).
Copper deposition on TiO2 from copper(II)hexafluoroacetylacetonate
Authors: Rayner David G. , Mulley James S. , Bennett Roger A.
Published: November 2012

The authors have studied the adsorption of CuII(hfac)2 on the surface of a model oxide system, TiO2(110), and probed the molecular stability with respect to thermal cycling, using atomic scale imaging by scanning tunneling microscopy supported by x-ray photoemission spectroscopy. They find that at 473 K, the adsorbed metal-organic molecules begin to dissociate and release Cu atoms which aggregate and form Cu nanoparticles. These Cu nanoparticles ripen over time and the size (height) distribution develops into a bimodal distribution. Unlike other organometallic systems, which show a bimodal distribution due to enhanced nucleation or growth at surface step edges, the nanoparticles do not preferentially form at steps. The reduced mobility of the Cu islands may be related to the co-adsorbed ligands that remain in very small clusters on the surface.
An Orally Active TRPV4 Channel Blocker Prevents and Resolves Pulmonary Edema Induced by Heart Failure
Authors: Thorneloe Kevin S. , Cheung Mui , Bao Weike , Alsaid Hasan , Lenhard Stephen , Jian Ming-Yuan , Costell Melissa , Maniscalco-Hauk Kristeen , Krawiec John A. , Olzinski Alan , Gordon Earl , Lozinskaya Irina , Elefante Lou , Qin Pu , Matasic Daniel S. , James Chris , Tunstead James , Donovan Brian , Kallal Lorena , Waszkiewicz Anna , Vaidya Kalindi , Davenport Elizabeth A. , Larkin Jonathan , Burgert Mark , Casillas Linda N. , Marquis Robert W. , Ye Guosen , Eidam Hilary S. , Goodman Krista B. , Toomey John R. , Roethke Theresa J. , Jucker Beat M. , Schnackenberg Christine G. , Townsley Mary I. , Lepore John J. , Willette Robert N.
Published: November 2012

Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channels are expressed in human heart failure lungs, which can be blocked to prevent and resolve heart failure–induced pulmonary edema.
Human Melanoma Metastasis in NSG Mice Correlates with Clinical Outcome in Patients
Authors: Quintana Elsa , Piskounova Elena , Shackleton Mark , Weinberg Daniel , Eskiocak Ugur , Fullen Douglas R. , Johnson Timothy M. , Morrison Sean J.
Published: November 2012

The ability of melanomas to produce circulating tumor cells and to metastasize in immunocompromised mice correlates with their ability to form distant metastases in patients.
Multifunctional Role of Human SPLUNC1 in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection
Authors: Sayeed Sameera , Nistico Laura , St Croix Claudette , Di Y. Peter
Published: November 2012

The human short PLUNC1 (SPLUNC1) protein has been identified as a component of the pulmonary antimicrobial response based on its structural similarity to the bactericidal/permeability-increasing (BPI) protein. Using a genetically modified mouse model, we recently verified the antimicrobial activity of SPLUNC1 against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
in vivo
. To further define the mechanism of epithelial SPLUNC1-mediated antibacterial action, we carried out studies to determine how SPLUNC1 protects the host from acute respiratory infections.
P. aeruginosa
treated with recombinant human SPLUNC1 protein showed decreased growth
in vitro
. This antibacterial activity was due to growth inhibition, as a consequence of a SPLUNC1-induced increase in bacterial cell permeability. Removal of SPLUNC1 allowed the recovery of
P. aeruginosa
and suggested no permanent cell injury or direct killing of bacteria. Further investigation showed coating of bacterial cells by SPLUNC1. We suggest that this “bacterial cell coating” is necessary for the bacteriostatic function of SPLUNC1. Additionally, we demonstrated a novel role for SPLUNC1 as a chemoattractant that facilitated migration of macrophages and neutrophils. Taking the findings together, we propose synergistic roles for human SPLUNC1 as an antibacterial agent with bacteriostatic and chemotactic activities.
Toll-Like Receptor 2-Dependent Activity of Native Major Outer Membrane Protein Proteosomes of Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Massari Paola , Toussi Deana N. , Tifrea Delia F. , de la Maza Luis M.
Published: November 2012

Chlamydia trachomatis
is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial pathogen and the etiologic agent of blinding trachoma. Intracellular signaling pathways leading to host cell inflammation and innate immunity to
Chlamydia
include those mediated by Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and nucleotide binding oligomerization domain 1 (Nod1) protein. In epithelial cells, TLR-dependent signaling contributes to local immune responses via induction of inflammatory mediators. There is evidence that TLR3, TLR4, and, particularly, TLR2 are critical for
Chlamydia
-mediated host cell activation and pathology. Despite the importance of TLR2, major chlamydial TLR2 antigens have not been identified so far. Numerous bacterial porins are known TLR2 agonists, i.e., porins from
Neisseriae
,
Shigella
,
Salmonella
,
Haemophilus influenzae
, and
Fusobacterium nucleatum
, which share structural and functional similarities with the chlamydial major outer membrane protein (MOMP), a strong antigen candidate for a potential vaccine against
C. trachomatis
. We describe the ability of purified, detergent-free MOMP to signal via TLR2
in vitro
in TLR-overexpressing cells and TLR2-competent human reproductive tract epithelial cell lines. Using MOMP formed in pure protein micelles (proteosomes), we show the induction of TLR2-dependent interleukin-8 (IL-8) and IL-6 secretion
in vitro
, the involvement of TLR1 as a TLR2 coreceptor, and the activation of both NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase intracellular pathways. Interestingly, MOMP proteosomes induce cytokine secretion in endocervical epithelial cells (End/E6E7) but not in urethral epithelial cells (THUECs). A detailed understanding of the TLR2-dependent molecular mechanisms that characterize the effect of MOMP proteosomes on host cells may provide new insights for its successful development as an immunotherapeutic target against
Chlamydia
.
Glucose-Specific Enzyme IIA Has Unique Binding Partners in The Vibrio cholerae Biofilm
Authors: Pickering Bradley S. , Smith Daniel R. , Watnick Paula I.
Published: November 2012

Glucose-specific enzyme IIA (EIIA
Glc
) is a central regulator of bacterial metabolism and an intermediate in the phosphoenolpyruvate phosphotransferase system (PTS), a conserved phosphotransfer cascade that controls carbohydrate transport. We previously reported that EIIA
Glc
activates transcription of the genes required for
Vibrio cholerae
biofilm formation. While EIIA
Glc
modulates the function of many proteins through a direct interaction, none of the known regulatory binding partners of EIIA
Glc
activates biofilm formation. Therefore, we used tandem affinity purification (TAP) to compare binding partners of EIIA
Glc
in both planktonic and biofilm cells. A surprising number of novel EIIA
Glc
binding partners were identified predominantly under one condition or the other. Studies of planktonic cells revealed established partners of EIIA
Glc
, such as adenylate cyclase and glycerol kinase. In biofilms, MshH, a homolog of
Escherichia coli
CsrD, was found to be a dominant binding partner of EIIA
Glc
. Further studies revealed that MshH inhibits biofilm formation. This function was independent of the Carbon storage regulator (Csr) pathway and dependent on EIIA
Glc
. To explore the existence of multiprotein complexes centered on EIIA
Glc
, we also affinity purified the binding partners of adenylate cyclase from biofilm cells. In addition to EIIA
Glc
, this analysis yielded many of the same proteins that copurified with EIIA
Glc
. We hypothesize that EIIA
Glc
serves as a hub for multiprotein complexes and furthermore that these complexes may provide a mechanism for competitive and cooperative interactions between binding partners.

IMPORTANCE
EIIA
Glc
is a global regulator of microbial physiology that acts through direct interactions with other proteins. This work represents the first demonstration that the protein partners of EIIA
Glc
are distinct in the microbial biofilm. Furthermore, it provides the first evidence that EIIA
Glc
may exist in multiprotein complexes with its partners, setting the stage for an investigation of how the multiple partners of EIIA
Glc
influence one another. Last, it provides a connection between the phosphoenolpyruvate phosphotransferase (PTS) and Csr (Carbon storage regulator) regulatory systems. This work increases our understanding of the complexity of regulation by EIIA
Glc
and provides a link between the PTS and Csr networks, two global regulatory cascades that influence microbial physiology.
Kiwifruit: our daily prescription for health
Authors: Stonehouse Welma , Gammon Cheryl S. , Beck Kathryn L. , Conlon Cathryn A. , von Hurst Pamela R. , Kruger Rozanne
Published: November 2012

Kiwifruit are unequalled, compared with other commonly consumed fruit, for their nutrient density, health benefits, and consumer appeal. Research into their health benefits has focussed on the cultivars Actinidia deliciosa ‘Hayward’ (green kiwifruit) and Actinidia chinensis ‘Hort 16A’, ZESPRI®(gold kiwifruit). Compared with other commonly consumed fruit, both green and gold kiwifruit are exceptionally high in vitamins C, E, K, folate, carotenoids, potassium, fibre, and phytochemicals acting in synergy to achieve multiple health benefits. Kiwifruit, as part of a healthy diet, may increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and decrease triglycerides, platelet aggregation, and elevated blood pressure. Consuming gold kiwifruit with iron-rich meals improves poor iron status, and green kiwifruit aids digestion and laxation. As a rich source of antioxidants, they may protect the body from endogenous oxidative damage. Kiwifruit may support immune function and reduce the incidence and severity of cold or flu-like illness in at-risk groups such as older adults and children. However, kiwifruit are allergenic, and although symptoms in most susceptible individuals are mild, severe reactions have been reported. While many research gaps remain, kiwifruit with their multiple health benefits have the potential to become part of our “daily prescription for health.”
Attraction of Monarthrum scutellare (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) to hydroxy ketones and host volatiles
Authors: Noseworthy Meghan K. , Humble Leland M. , Sweeney Jon , Silk Peter , Mayo Peter
Published: November 2012

Species of ambrosia beetle Monarthrum are potentially invasive and pose a threat to forest resources around the world. Due to their cryptic lifestyle, these beetles are difficult to detect and monitor. In 2008, we set up traps baited with synthetic pheromones and host volatiles in mixed coniferous–deciduous forested areas in Metchosin, British Columbia, to test the efficacy of various lures at detecting species of Cerambycidae and discovered that the combination of ethanol (EtOH) and the synthetic cerambycid pheromone racemic 3-hydroxyoctan-2-one (C8-ketol) was a very effective attractant for Monarthrum scutellare (LeConte). In 2009, an experiment was set up in Garry oak ( Quercus garryana Douglas ex Hook.) forests to test the effect of baiting traps with C8-ketols or EtOH, or both lures combined, on capture of M. scutellare. A significant number of M. scutellare males were captured in funnel traps baited with EtOH and EtOH paired with C8-ketol. The use of C8-ketol paired with EtOH lures substantially increased trap sensitivity and should therefore improve the efficacy of detecting M. scutellare in bark and ambrosia beetle surveys and surveillance programs.
Fine root turnover in sugar maple estimated by13C isotope labeling
Authors: Fahey Timothy J. , Jacobs Kayla R. , Sherman Ruth E.
Published: November 2012

We evaluated variation in root turnover across five root orders in sugar maple ( Acer saccharum Marsh.) saplings growing in a northern hardwood forest in central New York, USA. We used a stable isotope approach in which root systems were labeled with13C and root structural C sequentially sampled for13C enrichment. Turnover of first- and second-order roots was apparently rapid with only about 5% of the13C retained in living roots after two growing seasons. Although third- to fifth-order roots appeared to persist longer, differences among root orders were not statistically significant, probably mostly because of highly nonuniform initial labeling. This nonuniform labeling constrains the precision of root turnover quantification using this approach.
GENERALIZED DARK GRAVITY
Authors: HARKO TIBERIU , LOBO FRANCISCO S. N.
Published: November 2012

The late-time cosmic acceleration may be due to infra-red modifications of General Relativity. In particular, we consider a maximal extension of the Hilbert–Einstein action and analyze several interesting features of the theory. Generally, the motion is nongeodesic and takes place in the presence of an extra force, which is orthogonal to the four-velocity. These models could lead to some major differences, as compared to the predictions of General Relativity or other modified theories of gravity, in several problems of current interest, such as cosmology, gravitational collapse or the generation of gravitational waves. The study of these phenomena may also provide some specific signatures and effects, which could distinguish and discriminate between the various gravitational models.
INVESTIGATING LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF FEATURE EXTRACTION METHODS FOR CONTINUOUS EMG PATTERN CLASSIFICATION
Authors: PHINYOMARK ANGKOON , PHUKPATTARANONT PORNCHAI , LIMSAKUL CHUSAK
Published: November 2012

Based on recent advances in modern multifunction myoelectric control devices, a combination of effective feature extraction and classification methods is required to enhance the high classification performance, especially in accuracy viewpoint. However, for realizing practical applications of myoelectric control, the effect of long-term usage or reusability is one of the challenging issues that should be more carefully considered, whereas only a few works have investigated this effect in recent. In this study, the behavior of the state-of-the-art multiple feature extraction methods was investigated with the fluctuating electromyography (EMG) signals recorded during four different days with a large number of trials and subjects. To this end, seven multiple feature sets were compared consisting features based on time domain and time-scale representation. Two major points were emphasized: (1) the optimal robust feature set for continuous (both transient and steady-state signals) EMG pattern classification and (2) the effect of fluctuating EMG signals with feature extraction methods for long-term usage. From the classification results, time domain feature sets yielded better performance than time-scale feature sets. The classification accuracies of the time-domain-feature sets had always achieved above 80% by using linear discriminant analysis (LDA) as a classifier and uncorrelated LDA (ULDA) as a dimensionality reduction, whereas the classification accuracies of the time-scale-feature sets were lower than 70% for the fluctuating EMG signals. The effect of dimensionality reduction for the classification of fluctuating EMG signals was also discussed.
GEOMETRIC MOMENTUM IN THE MONGE PARAMETRIZATION OF TWO-DIMENSIONAL SPHERE
Authors: XUN D. M. , LIU Q. H.
Published: November 2012

A two-dimensional (2D) surface can be considered as three-dimensional (3D) shell whose thickness is negligible in comparison with the dimension of the whole system. The quantum mechanics on surface can be first formulated in the bulk and the limit of vanishing thickness is then taken. The gradient operator and the Laplace operator originally defined in bulk converges to the geometric ones on the surface, and the so-called geometric momentum and geometric potential are obtained. On the surface of 2D sphere the geometric momentum in the Monge parametrization is explicitly explored. Dirac's theory on second-class constrained motion is resorted to for accounting for the commutator [xi, pj] = iℏ(δij - xixj/r2) rather than [xi, pj] = iℏδij that does not hold true anymore. This geometric momentum is geometric invariant under parameters transformation, and self-adjoint.
ON EXTENSION THEOREMS FOR ANISOTROPIC BESOV–MORREY TYPE SPACES
Authors: KHIDR SHABAN , YEIHIA KHALEAL
Published: November 2012

We will establish some extension theorems for functions belonging to anisotropic Besov–Morrey type spaces and defined on bounded domains in ℝn which satisfying certain geometric properties.
RADIATION EFFECTS ON AN UNSTEADY NATURAL CONVECTIVE FLOW OF A NANOFLUID PAST AN INFINITE VERTICAL PLATE
Authors: LOGANATHAN P. , NIRMAL CHAND P. , GANESAN P.
Published: November 2012

An exact analysis is carried out to study the radiation effects on an unsteady natural convective flow of a nanofluid past an impulsively started infinite vertical plate. The nanofluids containing nanoparticles of aluminium oxide, copper, titanium oxide and silver with nanoparticle volume fraction range less than or equal to 0.04 are considered. The partial differential equations governing the flow are solved by Laplace transform technique. The influence of various parameters on velocity and temperature profiles, as well as Nusselt number and skin-friction coefficient, are examined and presented graphically. An increase in radiation parameter and time leads to fall in temperature of the fluid. The presence of nanoparticles and thermal radiation increases the rate of heat transfer and skin friction. The effect of heat transfer is found to be more pronounced in silver water nanofluid than in the other nanofluids. It is observed that the fluid velocity increases with an increase in Grashof number and time. Excellent validation of the present results is achieved with existing results in the literature.
A 2D CELLULAR AUTOMATA MODEL FOR TREE PROPAGATION IN NANOCOMPOSITES: INFLUENCE OF THE NANOPARTICLES SIZE, LOADING AND THE PRESENCE OF MICROVOIDS
Authors: PITSA DESPOINA , DANIKAS MICHAEL G.
Published: November 2012

Electrical tree propagation in a polymer nanocomposite is affected by the presence of nanoparticles. A 2D cellular automata (CA) model is presented for the simulation of electrical tree propagation in polymer nanocomposites. The effect of the nanoparticles size, the nanoparticles loading and the appearance of microvoids on electrical tree propagation in titania ( TiO2 )/epoxy nanocomposites under the application of DC voltage is examined with the aid of the CA model. It has been observed that the tree length is affected by nanoparticles size and nanoparticles loading. A resistance in electrical tree propagation has been noticed, as nanoparticles size decreases or as nanoparticles loading increases. The presence of microvoids in the polymer nanocomposite is another factor that has been examined. The propagation of electrical trees that initiate from microvoids in the polymer nanocomposite has also been simulated by the use of the CA model.
Space overhead bounds for dynamic memory management with partial compaction
Authors: Bendersky Anna , Petrank Erez
Published: November 2012

Dynamic memory allocation is ubiquitous in today's runtime environments. Allocation and deallocation of objects during program execution may cause fragmentation and foil the program's ability to allocate objects. Robson [1971] has shown that a worst-case scenario can create a space overhead within a factor of log
n
of the space that is actually required by the program, where
n
is the size of the largest possible object. Compaction can eliminate fragmentation, but is too costly to be run frequently. Many runtime systems employ partial compaction, in which only a small fraction of the allocated objects are moved. Partial compaction reduces some of the existing fragmentation at an acceptable cost. In this article we study the effectiveness of partial compaction and provide the first rigorous lower and upper bounds on its effectiveness in reducing fragmentation at a low cost.
Data and Information Quality Issues in Ambient Assisted Living Systems
Authors: McNaull James , Augusto Juan Carlos , Mulvenna Maurice , McCullagh Paul
Published: November 2012

Demographic aging, as a result of people living for longer, has put an increased burden on health and social care provision across most of the economies of the developed and developing world. In order to cope with the greater numbers of older people, together with increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, governments are looking to new ways to provide care and support to older people and their care providers. A growing trend is where health and social care providers are moving towards the use of assisted living technologies to provide care and assistance in the home. In this article, the research area of Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) systems is examined and the data, information and the higher-level contextual knowledge quality issues in relation to these systems, is discussed. Lack of quality control may result in an AAL system providing assistance and support based upon incorrect data, information and knowledge inputs, and this may have a detrimental effect on the person making use of the system. We propose a model whereby contextual knowledge gained during the AAL system’s reasoning cycle can be fed back to aid in further quality checking at the various architectural layers, and a realistic AAL scenario is provided to support this. Future research should be conducted in these areas, with the requirement of building quality criteria into the design and implementation of AAL systems.