bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic control of interactions among individuals: contrasting outcomes of indirect genetic effects arising from neighbour disease infection and competition in a forest tree
Authors: Silva João Costa e , Potts Brad M. , Bijma Piter , Kerr Richard J. , Pilbeam David J.
Published: December 2012

Indirect genetic effects (IGEs) are heritable effects of individuals on trait values of their conspecifics. IGEs may substantially affect response to selection, but empirical studies on IGEs are sparse and their magnitude and correlation with direct genetic effects are largely unknown in plants.

Here we used linear mixed models to estimate genetic (co)variances attributable to direct and indirect effects for growth and foliar disease damage in a large pedigreed population of Eucalyptus globulus.

We found significant IGEs for growth and disease damage, which increased with age for growth. The correlation between direct and indirect genetic effects was highly negative for growth, but highly positive for disease damage, consistent with neighbour competition and infection, respectively. IGEs increased heritable variation by 71% for disease damage, but reduced heritable variation by 85% for growth, leaving nonsignificant heritable variation for later age growth. Thus, IGEs are likely to prevent response to selection in growth, despite a considerable ordinary heritability.

IGEs change our perspective on the genetic architecture and potential response to selection. Depending on the correlation between direct and indirect genetic effects, IGEs may enhance or diminish the response to natural or artificial selection compared with that predicted from ordinary heritability.
The 14‐3‐3 protein GENERAL REGULATORY FACTOR11 (GRF11) acts downstream of nitric oxide to regulate iron acquisition in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Yang Jian Li , Chen Wei Wei , Chen Li Qian , Qin Cheng , Jin Chong Wei , Shi Yuan Zhi , Zheng Shao Jian
Published: December 2012

Here we report the function of a general regulatory factor, GENERAL REGULATORY FACTOR11 (GRF11), in terms of the iron (Fe) deficiency response.

Physiological and molecular responses of the loss‐of‐function Arabidopsis thaliana grf11 mutant to Fe supply were investigated. Genes involved in posttranscriptional regulation of FER‐LIKE FE DEFICIENCY‐INDUCED TRANSCRIPTION FACTOR (FIT) were also analyzed. In addition, the molecular link between the signaling molecule nitric oxide (NO) and Fe deficiency responses was further dissected.

Our results suggest that GRF11 is necessary for induction of Fe‐deficiency‐tolerance mechanisms. The FIT protein can bind to the promoter of GRF11, which contains an E‐box motif. GRF11 also positively affects FIT transcription but has no influence on the genes involved in posttranscriptional regulation of FIT. Furthermore, NO positively regulates GRF11 induction upon the onset of Fe deficiency.

We propose that, upon the onset of Fe deficiency, induction of FIT expression is dependent on GRF11, which acts downstream of NO to mediate Fe deficiency responses.
Tracing fresh assimilates through Larix decidua exposed to elevated CO2 and soil warming at the alpine treeline using compound‐specific stable isotope analysis
Authors: Streit Kathrin , Rinne Katja T. , Hagedorn Frank , Dawes Melissa A. , Saurer Matthias , Hoch Günter , Werner Roland A. , Buchmann Nina , Siegwolf Rolf T. W.
Published: December 2012

How will carbon source–sink relations of 35‐yr‐old larch trees (Larix decidua) at the alpine treeline respond to changes in atmospheric CO2 and climate? We evaluated the effects of previously elevated CO2 concentrations (9 yr, 580 ppm, ended the previous season) and ongoing soil warming (4 yr, + 4°C).

Larch branches were pulse labeled (50 at% 13CO2) in July 2010 to trace fresh assimilates through tissues (buds, needles, bark and wood) and non‐structural carbon compounds (NCC; starch, lipids, individual sugars) using compound‐specific isotope analysis.

Nine years of elevated CO2 did not lead to increased NCC concentrations, nor did soil warming increase NCC transfer velocities. By contrast, we found slower transfer velocities and higher NCC concentrations than reported in the literature for lowland larch. As a result of low dilution with older carbon, sucrose and glucose showed the highest maximum 13C labels, whereas labels were lower for starch, lipids and pinitol. Label residence times in needles were shorter for sucrose and starch (c. 2 d) than for glucose (c. 6 d).

Although our treatments showed no persistent effect on larch carbon relations, low temperature at high altitudes clearly induced a limitation of sink activities (growth, respiration, root exudation), expressed in slower carbon transfer and higher NCC concentrations.
Visual performance of two simultaneous vision multifocal contact lenses
Authors: Madrid‐Costa David , García‐Lázaro Santiago , Albarrán‐Diego César , Ferrer‐Blasco Teresa , Montés‐Micó Robert
Published: December 2012

Purpose

To evaluate and compare the visual performance of two simultaneous vision multifocal contact lenses (CLs).

Methods

In this cross‐over study design 20 presbyopic subjects were fitted with two different simultaneous vision multifocal CLs (the PureVision Multifocal Low Add and Acuvue Oasys for Presbyopia) in random order. After 1 month, binocular distance visual acuity (BDVA) under photopic (85 cd/m2) and mesopic (3 cd/m2) conditions, binocular near visual acuity (BNVA), binocular distance contrast sensitivity function (CSF) under photopic and mesopic conditions, binocular near CSF and defocus curve were measured. Subjects were then refitted with the alternative correction and the procedure was repeated.

Results

Mean BDVA under photopic conditions was similar for the Acuvue Oasys for Presbyopia and PureVision Multifocal Low Add: 0.01 ± 0.08 and 0.00 ± 0.08 logMAR, respectively (P = 0.45). Under mesopic conditions the values of BDVA were 0.20 ± 0.58 and 0.11 ± 0.09 logMAR, respectively (P = 0.005). Mean BNVA was 0.20 ± 0.05 and 0.15 ± 0.08 logMAR for the Acuvue Oasys and PureVision Low Add, respectively (P = 0.06). Binocular distance CSF testing revealed no statistically significant differences between lenses under photopic, mesopic or near conditions. Both lenses provided a comparable intermediate visual acuity.

Conclusions

Both simultaneous vision multifocal CLs provided adequate distance visual quality under photopic and mesopic conditions, and better visual acuity was provided under mesopic conditions for the Purevision lens. Both lenses provided adequate visual performance at intermediate distance, but the near visual acuity appears to be insufficient for early presbyopes who require a moderately demanding near visual quality.
MGRN1‐dependent pigment‐type switching requires its ubiquitination activity but not its interaction with TSG101 or NEDD4
Authors: Gunn Teresa M. , Silvius Derek , Bagher Pooneh , Sun Kaihua , Walker Katherine K.
Published: December 2012

Mice lacking the E3 ubiquitin ligase mahogunin ring finger‐1 (MGRN1) have a pleiotropic phenotype that includes spongiform neurodegeneration, embryonic patterning defects, and dark fur due to a defect in pigment‐type switching. The only MGRN1 ubiquitination target identified to date is tumor susceptibility gene 101 (TSG101), a component of the endosomal trafficking machinery. Here, we show that MGRN1 also interacts with but does not ubiquitinate NEDD4, a HECT‐domain ubiquitin ligase involved in endosomal trafficking. Using transgenesis in mice, we demonstrate that pigment‐type switching likely requires MGRN1′s ubiquitin ligase activity but not its ability to bind TSG101 or NEDD4. This indicates that MGRN1‐dependent ubiquitination of an as‐yet unidentified target protein is required for agouti‐mediated melanocortin signaling.
Onychomadesis in Two Sisters Induced by Varicella Infection
Authors: Kocak Aslihan Yonca , Koçak Oğuzhan
Published: December 2012

Onychomadesis is separation of the nail plate from the nail matrix due to arrest of nail growth for a certain period. Here we describe two patients with onychomadesis on the hands after varicella infection. To our knowledge, this is the first case of onychomadesis reported after varicella infection.
A Retrospective Study of Propranolol Therapy in 109 Infants with Infantile Hemangioma
Authors: Gan Li‐qiang , Ni Si‐li , Tan Qi , Wang Hua
Published: December 2012

The study reports the observations after propranolol therapy in 109 Chinese patients with infantile hemangioma. Response to treatment was favorable; 19 (17.4%) showed total regression, 89 (81.7%) partial regression, and 1 (0.9%) had no response. Twenty‐three patients (21.1%) had some reactions, possibly due to the medication, but no life‐threatening adverse effects were observed.
Widespread Miliaria Crystallina in a Newborn with Hypernatremic Dehydration
Authors: Engür Defne , Türkmen Münevver Kaynak , Şavk Ekin
Published: December 2012

Miliaria, which is extravasation of sweat into the epidermis and dermis due to sweat duct obstruction, is a commonly seen dermatologic disorder in newborns. We present a case of extensive, widespread miliaria crystallina that developed in a newborn during treatment of severe hypernatremic dehydration. A possible mechanism could be the destruction of sweat ducts with excretion of sweat with high levels of sodium.
Prognostic value of the IASLC/ATS/ERS classification of lung adenocarcinoma in stage I disease of Japanese cases
Authors: Woo Tetsukan , Okudela Koji , Mitsui Hideaki , Tajiri Michihiko , Yamamoto Taketsugu , Rino Yasushi , Ohashi Kenichi , Masuda Munetaka
Published: December 2012

A new classification of adenocarcinoma (ADC) was proposed by the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, the American Thoracic Society, and the European Respiratory Society (IASLC/ATS/ERS) in 2011. The present study evaluates its prognostic value in stage I disease of Japanese cases. One‐hundred‐and‐seventy‐nine cases with pathological stage I ADC were classified according to the new classification system and their association with disease recurrence was analyzed. Eighteen (10.1%) and 24 (13.4%) cases were adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) and minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA), respectively. One‐hundred‐and‐thirty‐seven cases (76.5%) were invasive adenocarcinoma (IVA), in which 43 (24.0%) were lepidic (LEP), 59 (33.0%) were acinar (ACN), 16 (8.9%) were papillary (PAP), 1 (0.6%) was micropapillary (MPAP), 12 (6.7%) were solid predominant subtypes (SOL), and 6 (3.4%) were invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma (MUC). The5‐year disease‐free survivals (DFS) of patients with AIS and MIA were 100%. Those of LEP, ACN, PAP, SOL and MUC were 93.5%, 83.7%, 75.0%, 44.4% and 62.5%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that high‐histological grade (SOL, MPAP, MUC) had an independent prognostic value to predict post‐operative recurrence (HR 3.661, 95% CI 1.421–9.437, P = 0.007). In conclusion, the present study demonstrates a prognostic value of the 2011 IASLC/ATS/ERS classification of ADC in Japanese cases.
Function of calcium‐dependent protein kinase CPK28 of Arabidopsis thaliana in plant stem elongation and vascular development
Authors: Matschi Susanne , Werner Sören , Schulze Waltraud X. , Legen Julia , Hilger Hartmut H. , Romeis Tina
Published: December 2012

After a period of vegetative growth, plants undergo a developmental switch to the reproductive phase, inducing the transition to bolting, elongation of the inflorescence and flowering. We have identified calcium‐dependent protein kinase CPK28 from Arabidopsis thaliana as a regulatory component that controls stem elongation and vascular development. In two independent mutant alleles of cpk28, a reduction of stem elongation, accompanied by shorter leaf petioles and enhanced anthocyanin levels, is observed upon the transition to the generative phase. Anatomical analysis revealed an altered vascular pattern characterised by fewer xylem tracheary elements but at the same time increased lignification and secondary growth. Coincident with these morphological changes, cpk28 mutants showed altered expression of NAC transcriptional regulators NST1 and NST3 as well as of GA3ox1, a key regulator of gibberellic acid homeostasis. In vitro protein kinase activity of CPK28 is strictly calcium‐dependent. Furthermore, CPK28 is phosphorylated in vivo at several sites. Site‐specific amino acid substitutions at these phosphorylation sites resulted in reduced in vitro activity. However, when introduced into a cpk28 mutant background, wild‐type and phosphorylation site variants, but not kinase‐inactive variants of CPK28 complemented the morphological and developmental defects. Our data identify CPK28 as a developmentally controlled regulator for coordinated stem elongation and secondary growth.
An upstream regulator of the 26S proteasome modulates organ size in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Nguyen Hung M. , Schippers Jos H. M. , Gõni‐Ramos Oscar , Christoph Mathias P. , Dortay Hakan , van der Hoorn Renier A. L. , Mueller‐Roeber Bernd
Published: December 2012

In both animal and plant kingdoms, body size is a fundamental but still poorly understood attribute of biological systems. Here we report that the Arabidopsis NAC transcription factor ‘Regulator of Proteasomal Gene Expression’ (RPX) controls leaf size by positively modulating proteasome activity. We further show that the cis‐element recognized by RPX is evolutionarily conserved between higher plant species. Upon over‐expression of RPX, plants exhibit reduced growth, which may be reversed by a low concentration of the pharmacological proteasome inhibitor MG132. These data suggest that the rate of protein turnover during growth is a critical parameter for determining final organ size.
Maintaining hemostasis in acquired von Willebrand syndrome: a review of intravenous immunoglobulin and the importance of rituximab dose scheduling
Authors: Kanakry Jennifer A. , Gladstone Douglas E.
Published: December 2012

Background

The acute management of acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) is aimed at achieving hemostasis with von Willebrand factor replacement, counteracting the pathologic antibodies with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and supportive care with blood transfusions. However, strategies for the long‐term management of AVWS are not described, resulting in persistent use of these acute strategies to achieve hemostasis via high utilization of blood products. Herein, we provide an updated review of the use of IVIG and rituximab for AVWS and present rituximab maintenance as an effective and durable strategy for the management of these patients.

Case Report

We report the successful treatment of AVWS with anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody therapy (375 mg/m2 rituximab as four weekly doses followed by 375 mg/m2 every 90 days) in a patient with concurrent monoclonal B‐cell lymphocytosis allowing for the early discontinuation of blood product support after only 2 g/kg IVIG achieved acute hemostasis control.

Results

This is the first documentation of the successful long‐term management of AVWS without prolonged blood product or IVIG support. This result contrasts sharply to previously reported rituximab strategies that were deemed ineffective in AVWS.

Conclusion

A maintenance regimen of rituximab may be an effective long‐term management strategy for AVWS associated with lymphoproliferative disorders, which may minimize the use of blood products and IVIG.
Molecular background of novel silent RHCE alleles
Authors: Pham Bach‐Nga , Ramelet Stéphanie , Wibaut Bénédicte , Juszczak Genevieve , Loukil Chawki , Dubeaux Isabelle , Gien Dominique , Kappler‐Gratias Sandrine , Rouger Philippe , Le Pennec Pierre‐Yves
Published: December 2012

Background

The absence of expression of C/c and E/e antigens has been associated with rare variant RHCE alleles, referred to as silent RHCE alleles, classically identified among individuals with a rare D– – or Rhnull phenotype. This work reports on different molecular mechanisms identified in three novel silent RHCE alleles.

Study Design and Methods

Samples from D– – or Rhnull individuals and their family members, from families for whom Rh phenotype and/or serologic data were unexplained by inheritance of conventional RH alleles, were analyzed. Genomic DNA and transcripts were tested by sequencing analysis.

Results

The first silent allele was a RHCE*cE allele carrying an intronic IVS3+5G>A mutation. The second was a RHCE*ce allele carrying an intronic IVS7‐2A>G mutation, whereas the third was a silent RHCE*ce allele carrying a 5‐bp deletion (Nucleotides 679‐683) in Exon 5.

Conclusion

In addition to hybrid alleles and nucleotide deletion, intronic mutations may be associated with the nonexpression of RhCE antigens. Regarding the RH system, silent alleles may not be investigated among D– – or Rhnull individuals only. Rh phenotype and/or serologic data unexplained by inheritance of conventional RH alleles should lead to molecular investigations.
Does Rh immune globulin suppress HLA sensitization in pregnancy?
Authors: Kaufman Richard M. , Schlumpf Karen S. , Wright David J. , Triulzi Darrell J. ,   NHLBI Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study‐II (REDS‐II)
Published: December 2012

Background

How Rh immune globulin (RhIG) prevents sensitization to D antigen is unclear. If RhIG Fc delivers a nonspecific immunosuppressive signal, then RhIG may inhibit sensitization to antigens other than D. HLA antibody prevalence was compared in previously pregnant D– versus D+ women to investigate whether RhIG suppresses HLA sensitization.

Study Design and Methods

In the Leukocyte Antibody Prevalence Study (LAPS), 7920 volunteer blood donors were screened for anti‐HLA and surveyed about prior pregnancies and transfusions. A secondary analysis of the LAPS database was performed.

Results

D– women not more than 40 years old (presumed to have received antenatal with or without postpartum RhIG in all pregnancies) had a significantly lower HLA sensitization rate than D+ women (relative risk, 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40‐0.83). When stratified by deliveries (one, two, three, or four or more), D– women not older than 40 were HLA sensitized less often than D+ women in every case. In contrast, a clear relationship between D type and HLA sensitization was not seen in older previously pregnant women whose childbearing years are presumed to have preceded the use of routine RhIG prophylaxis. In a multivariable logistic regression model, D– women not more than 40 years old remained significantly less likely to be HLA sensitized compared with D+ women after adjusting for parity, time from last pregnancy, lost pregnancies, and transfusions (odds ratio [OR], 0.55; 95% CI, 0.34‐0.88).

Conclusion

Consistent with a nonspecific immunosuppressive effect of RhIG, younger previously pregnant D– women were less likely than previously pregnant D+ women to be HLA sensitized.
An overlap‐volume‐histogram based method for rectal dose prediction and automated treatment planning in the external beam prostate radiotherapy following hydrogel injection
Authors: Yang Yidong , Ford Eric C. , Wu Binbin , Pinkawa Michael , van Triest Baukelien , Campbell Patrick , Song Danny Y. , McNutt Todd R.
Published: December 2012

Purpose:

Hydrogel injected between the rectum and prostate prior to radiotherapy provides a possible means of increased dose sparing to the rectum. Here the authors evaluate the overlap volume histogram (OVH) metric as a means to predict the rectal dose following hydrogel injection. Whether OVH predicted dose can serve as the dose objective or constraint for automated treatment planning was also investigated.

Methods:

Treatment planning was performed on 21 prostate cancer patients both pre‐ and posthydrogel injection, with five‐field IMRT delivering 78 Gy to the planning target volume (PTV). The authors quantify the geometrical relationship between the rectum and the prostate PTV using an OVH metric which determines the fractional volume of the rectum that is within a specified distance of the PTV. For an OVH distance the authors selected, L20, the PTV expansion distance at which 20% of the rectum overlaps. The authors calculated the rectal dose, D20, received by 20% of the rectum volume on the dose volume histogram. Linear regression was used to examine the correlation between the L20 and D20, and between ΔL20 and ΔD20 (i.e., the change of L20 and D20 posthydrogel injection). Additionally, rectal dose D15, D25, D35, D50, and bladder dose D15 were predicted from the OVH (L15, L25, L35, L50, for rectum and L15 for bladder) by the Lx‐Dx linear regression. The predicted doses were applied to the objectives for automated treatment planning of ten plans from five patients. Automatically generated plans were compared with plans manually generated on trial‐and‐error basis.

Results:

The rectal L20 was increased and dose D20 decreased due to the enlarged separation of rectum caused by the hydrogel injection. Linear regression showed an inverse linear correlation between L20 and D20, and between ΔL20 and ΔD20 (r2 = 0.77, 0.60, respectively; p < 0.0001). The increase in rectal sparing (ΔD20) is only weakly correlated with the volume of injected hydrogel (r2 = 0.17; p = 0.07), indicating OVH is a more predictive indicator of rectal sparing than the volume of hydrogel itself. Application of the predicted rectum and bladder doses to automated planning produced acceptable treatment plans, with rectal dose reduced for eight of ten plans.

Conclusions:

The OVH metric can predict the rectal dose in the external beam prostate radiotherapy for patients with hydrogel injection. The predicted doses can be applied to the objectives of optimization in automated treatment planning to produce acceptable treatment plans.
Variable Clonal Repopulation Dynamics Influence Chemotherapy Response in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Kreso Antonija , O'Brien Catherine A. , van Galen Peter , Gan Olga I. , Notta Faiyaz , Brown Andrew M. K. , Ng Karen , Ma Jing , Wienholds Erno , Dunant Cyrille , Pollett Aaron , Gallinger Steven , McPherson John , Mullighan Charles G. , Shibata Darryl , Dick John E.
Published: December 2012

Dissecting Diversity

Solid tumors are composed of functionally diverse tumor cells. The prevailing view is that this "intratumoral heterogeneity" arises from the accumulation of mutations during tumor growth, resulting in multiple genetically defined subclones of cells that respond in different ways to selective pressures such as chemotherapy.

Kreso
et al.

(p.
543
, published online 13 December; see the Perspective by

Marusyk and Polyak

) simultaneously monitored the genetic profiles and growth behavior of human colorectal cancer cells that were serially passaged in mice. Individual tumor cells within a uniform genetic lineage displayed extensive variation in survival, growth dynamics, and response to a chemotherapeutic drug. Thus, additional diversity-generating mechanisms such as epigenetic regulation or microenvironmental variability appear to operate within a genetic clone, endowing a subset of tumor cells with robust survival potential, especially during stress.
A CC-SAM, for Coiled Coil–Sterile α Motif, Domain Targets the Scaffold KSR-1 to Specific Sites in the Plasma Membrane
Authors: Koveal Dorothy , Schuh-Nuhfer Natasha , Ritt Daniel , Page Rebecca , Morrison Deborah K. , Peti Wolfgang
Published: December 2012

A previously unknown module that mediates membrane binding is identified in the scaffold KSR.
The Transmission Interface of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Multidrug Transporter Pdr5: Val-656 Located in Intracellular Loop 2 Plays a Major Role in Drug Resistance
Authors: Downes Marianne T. , Mehla Jitender , Ananthaswamy Neeti , Wakschlag Adina , Lamonde Micheala , Dine Elliot , Ambudkar Suresh V. , Golin John
Published: December 2012

Pdr5 is a major ATP-binding cassette (ABC) multidrug transporter regarded as the founding member of a fungal subfamily of clinically significant efflux pumps. When these proteins are overexpressed, they confer broad-spectrum ultraresistance. To better understand the evolution of these proteins under selective pressure, we exposed a
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
yeast strain already overexpressing Pdr5 to a lethal concentration of cycloheximide. This approach gave mutations that confer greater resistance to a subset of transport substrates. One of these mutations, V656L, is located in intracellular loop 2 (ICL2), a region predicted by structural studies with several other ABC transporters to play a critical role in the transmission interface between the ATP hydrolysis and drug transport domains. We show that this mutation increases drug resistance, possibly by altering the efficiency with which the energy from ATP hydrolysis is used for transport. Val-656 is a conserved residue, and an alanine substitution creates a nearly null phenotype for drug transport as well as reduced ATPase activity. We posit that despite its unusually small size, ICL2 is part of the transmission interface, and that alterations in this pathway can increase or decrease resistance to a broad spectrum of drugs.
Combining bottom trawl and acoustic data to model acoustic dead zone correction and bottom trawl efficiency parameters for semipelagic species
Authors: Kotwicki Stan , De Robertis Alex , Ianelli James N. , Punt André E. , Horne John K.
Published: December 2012

We present a modeling method that combines acoustic and bottom trawl abundance measurements and habitat data to estimate acoustic dead zone (ADZ) correction and bottom trawl efficiency parameters. Bottom trawl and acoustic measurements of walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) abundance and available habitat data from the eastern Bering Sea are used to illustrate this method. Our results show that predictions of fish abundance in the ADZ can be improved by incorporating bottom habitat features such as depth and sediment particle size, as well as pelagic habitat features such as water temperature, light level, and current velocity. We also obtain predictions for trawl efficiency parameters such as effective fishing height, density-dependent trawl efficiency, and catchability ratio between trawl and acoustic data by modeling bottom trawl catches as a function of acoustic measurements and the environmentally dependent ADZ correction. We conclude that catchability of walleye pollock for either survey is spatially and temporarily variable. Our modeling method can be applied to other semipelagic species to obtain estimates of ADZ correction and bottom trawl efficiency parameters.
Why time flows
Authors: Smrz P.K.
Published: December 2012

The question used as the title of this article has been asked frequently since the introduction of space–time in which both space and time function as coordinates in a four-dimensional manifold. After a brief review of space–time geometry using the affine bundle it is shown how to construct it from a bundle of linear frames of a five-dimensional manifold. The flow of time is a consequence of the construction.
Thermodynamics of charged Newman–Unti–Tamburino accelerating rotating black holes
Authors: Sharif M. , Javed Wajiha
Published: December 2012

This paper is devoted to studying the thermodynamics of charged Newman–Unti–Tamburino black hole solutions to the field equations, including rotation and acceleration. We evaluate some thermodynamic quantities like surface gravity, Hawking temperature, the entropy–area relationship, heat capacity, and the first law of thermodynamics. These quantities reduce to the results already available in the literature for some particular cases. We also explore their graphical behavior.
Food and Fluid Intake During Exercise
Authors: Maughan Ron J.
Published: December 2012

The intake of fluid and CHO offers benefits to the performance of a number of sports events and exercise activities. The effects of dehydration on performance are now well known, with the penalties ranging from subtle, but often important, decrements in performance at low levels of fluid deficit to the severe health risks associated with substantial fluid losses during exercise in the heat. Although evidence of the beneficial effects of CHO intake during exercise have existed for over 70 years, sports scientists are still to discover all the situations in which benefits occur and to explain the mechanisms involved. Optimal strategies for CHO and fluid intake during exercise are yet to be fine-tuned, and ultimately will be determined by practical issues such as the opportunity to eat or drink during an event, and gastrointestinal comfort.
Effects of Amino Acid Intake on Anabolic Processes
Authors: Wolfe Robert R.
Published: December 2012

In the resting state muscle protein breakdown exceeds the rate of muscle protein synthesis, meaning that the balance between synthesis and breakdown is negative. Resistance exercise improves the net balance by stimulating muscle protein synthesis, but nutrient intake is requiredfor synthesis to exceed breakdown (i.e., an anabolic response). Exercise and exogenous amino acids have an additive effect on muscle protein synthesis. There is a timecourse of the response to a steady-state change in amino acid concentration. The signal for stimulation of muscle protein synthesis appears to be the extracellular concentrations of one or more of the essential amino acids (EAAs). Further, the rate , and direction, of change in extracellular concentrations (rather than the static concentration, per se) may be the important. Ingestion of non-essential AAs is not needed to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. Carbohydrate has, at most, a modest effect to enhance the response to amino acid ingestion after exercise. Finally, a mixture of EAAs + CRO more effectively stimulates muscle protein synthesis when taken before as opposed to after exercise.
[The John Sutton Lecture: CSEP, 2002] Pulmonary System Limitations to Exercise in Health
Authors: Dempsey Jerome A. , Sheel A. William , Haverkamp Hans C. , Babcock Mark A. , Harms Craig A.
Published: December 2012

It is commonly held that the structural capacity of the nonnal lung is “overbuilt” and exceeds the demand for pulmonary O2and CO2transport in the healthy, exercising human. On the other hand, the adaptability of pulmonary system structures to habitual physical training is substantially less than are other links in the O2transport system. Accordingly, in some highly fit, and even in some not sofit habitually active individuals, the lung's diffusion suiface, airways, and/or chest-wall musculature are underbuilt relative to the demand for maximal O2transport. Two specific pulmonary limitations to exercise performance are proposed: (1) exercise-induced arterial hypoxemia secondary to excessive widening of the alveolar to arterial O2difference, inadequate hyperventilation, and metabolic acidosis; and (2) highly fatiguing levels of respiratory muscle work which effectively steals blood flow from locomotor muscles via sympathetically mediated reflexes and heightens the perception of limb discomfort and dyspnea. In this brief review, we describe the characteristics and causes of each of these proposed pulmonary limitations and their consequences to maximal O2uptake and exercise performance.
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ZINC FERRITE BY XRD, VSM AND ELECTRON SPIN RESONANCE TECHNIQUES
Authors: NAYAK PRANABA K. , JOTHIRAMALINGAM R.
Published: December 2012

In this report, the synthesis of zinc ferrite ( ZnFe 2 O 4) by co-precipitation method has been presented along with its subsequent characterization by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and electron spin resonance (ESR) techniques. The obtained XRD results of as-synthesized sample indicates the cubic spinel phase formation, which was confirmed from the XRD data of the above calcined sample at 1000°C. By using VSM, a complex magnetic structure was observed with substantial change on calcined sample. The ESR result of zinc ferrite sample studied at room temperature was found to be significantly different from that of the low temperature results, especially after heat-treatment.
ANGULAR AND LONG RANGE RAPIDITY CORRELATIONS IN PARTICLE PRODUCTION AT HIGH ENERGY
Authors: KOVNER ALEX , LUBLINSKY MICHAEL
Published: December 2012

We discuss the general mechanism leading to long-range rapidity and angular correlations produced in high energy collisions (the "ridge"). This effect naturally appears in the high energy QCD and is strongly sensitive to physics of the gluon saturation. We comment on various recent practical realizations of the main idea, paying special attention to Nc counting and stress the relevance of Pomeron loops.
Impact of L-FABP and glucose on polyunsaturated fatty acid induction of PPARα-regulated β-oxidative enzymes
Authors: Petrescu Anca D. , Huang Huan , Martin Gregory G. , McIntosh Avery L. , Storey Stephen M. , Landrock Danilo , Kier Ann B. , Schroeder Friedhelm
Published: December 2012

Liver fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP) is the major soluble protein that binds very-long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) in hepatocytes. However, nothing is known about L-FABP's role in n-3 PUFA-mediated peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-α (PPARα) transcription of proteins involved in long-chain fatty acid (LCFA) β-oxidation. This issue was addressed in cultured primary hepatocytes from wild-type, L-FABP-null, and PPARα-null mice with these major findings: 1) PUFA-mediated increase in the expression of PPARα-regulated LCFA β-oxidative enzymes, LCFA/LCFA-CoA binding proteins (L-FABP, ACBP), and PPARα itself was L-FABP dependent; 2) PPARα transcription, robustly potentiated by high glucose but not maltose, a sugar not taken up, correlated with higher protein levels of these LCFA β-oxidative enzymes and with increased LCFA β-oxidation; and 3) high glucose altered the potency of n-3 relative to n-6 PUFA. This was not due to a direct effect of glucose on PPARα transcriptional activity nor indirectly through de novo fatty acid synthesis from glucose. Synergism was also not due to glucose impacting other signaling pathways, since it was observed only in hepatocytes expressing both L-FABP and PPARα. Ablation of L-FABP or PPARα as well as treatment with MK886 (PPARα inhibitor) abolished/reduced PUFA-mediated PPARα transcription of these genes, especially at high glucose. Finally, the PUFA-enhanced L-FABP distribution into nuclei with high glucose augmentation of the L-FABP/PPARα interaction reveals not only the importance of L-FABP for PUFA induction of PPARα target genes in fatty acid β-oxidation but also the significance of a high glucose enhancement effect in diabetes.
Cell culture retains contractile phenotype but epigenetically modulates cell-signaling proteins of excitation-contraction coupling in colon smooth muscle cells
Authors: Shi Xuan-Zheng , Sarna Sushil K.
Published: December 2012

Smooth muscle cell cultures are used frequently to investigate the cellular mechanisms of contraction. We tested the hypothesis that cell culture alters the expression of select cell-signaling proteins of excitation-contraction coupling in colon smooth muscle cells without altering the contractile phenotype. We used muscularis externa (ME) tissues, freshly dispersed cells (FC), primary cell cultures (PC), and resuspensions of cell cultures (RC). Colon smooth muscle cells retained their phenotype in all states. We investigated expression of 10 cell-signaling proteins of excitation-contraction coupling in all four types of tissue. Expression of all these proteins did not differ between ME and FC ( P > 0.05). However, expression of the α1C-subunit of Cav1.2b, myosin light chain kinase, myosin phosphatase target subunit 1, and 17-kDa C kinase-potentiated protein phosphatase-1 inhibitor (CPI-17) decreased in PC and RC vs. ME and FC (all P < 0.05). Expression of Gαi3, serine/threonine protein phosphatase-1 β-catalytic subunit, and Rho kinase 1 increased in PC and RC vs. ME and FC (all P < 0.05). Cell culture and resuspension downregulated expression of α-actin and calponin, but not myosin heavy chain. The net effect of these molecular changes was suppression of cell reactivity to ACh in RC vs. FC. Overexpression of CPI-17 in PC partially reversed the suppression of contractility in resuspended cells. Methylation-specific PCR showed increased methylation of the Cpi-17 gene promoter in PC vs. ME ( P < 0.05). We concluded that smooth muscle cells retain their contractile phenotype in culture. However, reactivity to ACh declines because of altered expression of specific cell-signaling proteins involved in excitation-contraction coupling. DNA methylation of the Cpi-17 promoter may contribute to its gene suppression.
Successful Outcome of a Triplet Gestation in a Patient with a History of an Open Maternal-Fetal Surgery
Authors: Rivers Kathleen A. , Whitecar Paul W. , Berry-Cabán Cristóbal S.
Published: December 2012

Reproductive outcomes in women after pregnancy complicated by an open maternal-fetal surgery (OMFS) are limited. A review of the medical literature reveals only isolated cases of successful multiple pregnancies, and there are no prior documented cases of successful triplet gestations following OMFS. We report the delivery of a triplet gestation at 34-week gestation in a patient with a history of previous OMFS.
Prescription Pattern of Antihypertensive Agents in T2DM Patients Visiting Tertiary Care Centre in North India
Authors: Dhanaraj Ethiraj , Raval Amit , Yadav Rajbharan , Bhansali Anil , Tiwari Pramil
Published: December 2012

Background. Hypertension management is of a paramount importance in diabetic patients for cardiovascular risk reduction.Aim. To evaluate prescribing pattern of antihypertensive in T2DM (type 2 diabetes) patients and compare with existing recent guidelines.Methods. A cross-sectional study involving evaluation of all T2DM patients referred to endocrinology unit at tertiary care centre for hypertension, comorbid complications, and recording prescription. Utilization of 5 different antihypertensive drug classes was compared for all patients receiving 1, 2, 3, 4, or more drugs. Logistical regression was used to assess likelihood of prescription of drugs and/or therapy for specific conditions mentioned in the guidelines.Results. Out of 1358, T2DM enrolled patients 1186 (87%) had hypertension (males 52%, females 48%). The median duration (IQ) of hypertension diabetics was 4 (1–10) years. A total of 25% patients had controlled BP and 75% with uncontrolled blood pressure (13% isolated systolic hypertension, 6% isolated diastolic hypertension, and 55% both elevated). Overall, ACE inhibitors (ACEIs) were prescribed the highest (59%) followed by angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) (52%), calcium channel blockers (CCBs) (29%), diuretics (27%), and beta-blockers (14%). Overall, 55% of T2DM patients were on polytherapy, 41% on monotherapy, and 4% had no antihypertensive treatment. Polytherapy was more predominant with age, duration of diabetes, duration of hypertension, and comorbid complications.Conclusion. Although prescribing pattern of antihypertensive showed adherence to existing evidence-based guidelines, higher proportion of uncontrolled hypertensive patients was found.
Non-Newtonian Effects on the Squeeze Film Characteristics between a Sphere and a Flat Plate: Rabinowitsch Model
Authors: Singh Udaya P. , Gupta Ram S.
Published: December 2012

The use of additives (polyisobutylene, ethylene-propylene, lithium hydroxy stearate, hydrophobic silica, etc.) changes lubricants’ rheology due to which they show pseudoplastic and dilatant nature, which can be modelled as cubic stress fluid model (Rabinowitsch fluid model). The present theoretical analysis investigates the effects of non-Newtonian pseudoplastic and dilatant lubricants on the squeezing characteristics of a sphere and a flat plate. The modified Reynolds equation has been derived and an asymptotic solution for film pressure is obtained. The results for the film pressure distribution, load carrying capacity, and squeezing time characteristics have been calculated for various values of pseudoplastic parameter and compared with the Newtonian results. These characteristics show a significant variation with the non-Newtonian pseudoplastic and dilatant behavior of the fluids.
A Novel Short‐Range Prediction Model for Railway Track Irregularity
Authors: Xu Peng , Liu Rengkui , Sun Quanxin , Wang Futian
Published: December 2012

In recent years, with axle loads, train loads, transport volume, and travel speed constantly increasing and railway network steadily lengthening, shortcomings of current maintenance strategies are getting to be noticed from an economical and safety perspective. To overcome the shortcomings, permanent‐of‐way departments throughout the world have given a considerable attention to an ideal maintenance strategy which is to carry out appropriate maintenances just in time on track locations really requiring maintenance. This strategy is simplified as the condition‐based maintenance (CBM) which has attracted attentions of engineers of many industries in the recent 70 years. To implement CBM for track irregularity, there are many issues which need to be addressed. One of them focuses on predicting track irregularity of each day in a future short period. In this paper, based on track irregularity evolution characteristics, a Short‐Range Prediction Model was developed to this aim and is abbreviated to TI‐SRPM. Performance analysis results for TI‐SRPM illustrate that track irregularity amplitude predictions on sampling points by TI‐SRPM are very close to their measurements by Track Geometry Car.
Complexity of a Duopoly Game in the Electricity Market with Delayed Bounded Rationality
Authors: Ma Junhai , Tu Hongliang
Published: December 2012

According to a triopoly game model in the electricity market with bounded rational players, a new Cournot duopoly game model with delayed bounded rationality is established. The model is closer to the reality of the electricity market and worth spreading in oligopoly. By using the theory of bifurcations of dynamical systems, local stable region of Nash equilibrium point is obtained. Its complex dynamics is demonstrated by means of the largest Lyapunov exponent, bifurcation diagrams, phase portraits, and fractal dimensions. Since the output adjustment speed parameters are varied, the stability of Nash equilibrium gives rise to complex dynamics such as cycles of higher order and chaos. Furthermore, by using the straight‐line stabilization method, the chaos can be eliminated. This paper has an important theoretical and practical significance to the electricity market under the background of developing new energy.
Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans in a Child: A Case Report
Authors: Goyal Prashant , Sehgal Shelly , Singh Sompal , Rastogi Shalabh
Published: December 2012

Background. Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is an intermediate grade soft tissue neoplasm originating from the dermal layer of the skin. It usually occurs in adults; however, it can rarely be seen in infancy and childhood. Diagnosis of DFSP in children is quite difficult-given-rarity of this lesion, its variegated appearance, and its presentation sometimes at unusual sites.Case. We present the case of five-year-old boy who came with painless lesion on a forehead. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) suggested possibility of mesenchymal neoplasm. Patient was advised excision biopsy. Final diagnosis of DFSP was made based on histopathological findings. The patient was then advised reexcision surgery with wide margins. The patient was lost to followup and later turned up after two months with recurrence of a similar swelling at the same site.Conclusion. DFSP in children is rare and difficult to diagnose. Treatment of childhood DFSP is often delayed leading to incomplete excision. Hence, there is need to recognize and appropriately manage this uncommon childhood neoplasm.
Receding Horizon H∞ Control for Input‐Delayed Systems
Authors: Yoo Han Woong , Han Soohee , Lee Young Sam
Published: December 2012

We propose the receding horizon H∞ control (RHHC) for input‐delayed systems. A new cost function for a finite horizon dynamic game problem is first introduced, which includes two terminal weighting terms parameterized by a positive definite matrix, called a terminal weighing matrix. Secondly, the RHHC is obtained from the solution to the finite dynamic game problem. Thirdly, we propose an LMI condition under which the saddle point value satisfies the nonincreasing monotonicity. Finally, we show the asymptotic stability and H∞ boundedness of the closed‐loop system controlled by the proposed RHHC. The proposed RHHC has a guaranteed H∞ performance bound for nonzero external disturbances and the quadratic cost can be improved by adjusting the prediction horizon length for nonzero initial condition and zero disturbance, which is not the case for existing memoryless state‐feedback controllers. It is shown through a numerical example that the proposed RHHC is stabilizing and satisfies the infinite horizon H∞ performance bound. Furthermore, the performance in terms of the quadratic cost is shown to be improved by adjusting the prediction horizon length when there exists no external disturbance with nonzero initial condition.
The Effect of an Educational Computer Game for the Achievement of Factual and Simple Conceptual Knowledge Acquisition
Authors: Almeida Luis C.
Published: December 2012

This paper presents findings of a quantitative investigation of how games affect achievement of an educational objective based on the foundations of information processing. The results suggest that games can be used to assist achievement of classroom content. The results of this experimental quantitative study pointed to the overwhelming evidence that games outperformed the control group (nongames) in the achievement of factual knowledge in a group of freshman education students at a medium-size university.
Retinal Blood Flow Evaluation
Authors: Pournaras Constantin J. , Riva Charles E.
Published: December 2012

Much of our basic knowledge of retinal blood flow regulation is based on data obtained from animal experiments through the use of invasive techniques. However, during the last decades, major developments in the field of optics and lasers have led to a variety of noninvasive techniques, which have been applied to the human eye for the investigation of retinal hemodynamics, and more specifically the regulation of retinal blood flow in response to a number of physiological and pharmacological stimuli. The Retinal Vessel Analyzer has markedly simplified the measurement of the diameter of retinal vessels, as well as the change in this diameter evoked by various physiological stimuli (dynamic measurements). Bidirectional laser Doppler velocimetry allows the measurement of absolute red blood cell centerline velocity, which, when combined with the diameter allows the calculation of retinal blood flow in the main retinal vessels. Laser Doppler flowmetry and laser speckle flowgraphy are techniques that measure the velocities of blood in discrete areas of the retinal tissue microcirculation. Adding a scanning capability, a spatial map of velocities across the retinal tissue is obtained. The blue-field simulation technique allows the quantification of the velocity, number and velocity pulsatility of leukocytes moving in the retinal capillaries of the macular region. With color Doppler imaging, the peak systolic and end-diastolic values of blood velocity in the ophthalmic and central retinal artery are measured, from which a resistivity index is obtained. These techniques may help better understand the role of altered retinal blood flow and its regulation in the pathogenesis of retinal diseases of vascular origin.