bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LP Well-Posedness for Bilevel Vector Equilibrium and Optimization Problems with Equilibrium Constraints
Authors: Khanh Phan Quoc , Plubtieng Somyot , Sombut Kamonrat
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this paper is introduce several types of Levitin-Polyak well-posedness for bilevel vector equilibrium and optimization problems with equilibrium constraints. Base on criterion and characterizations for these types of Levitin-Polyak well-posedness we argue on diameters and Kuratowski’s, Hausdorff’s, or Istrǎtescus measures of noncompactness of approximate solution sets under suitable conditions, and we prove the Levitin-Polyak well-posedness for bilevel vector equilibrium and optimization problems with equilibrium constraints. Obtain a gap function for bilevel vector equilibrium problems with equilibrium constraints using the nonlinear scalarization function and consider relations between these types of LP well-posedness for bilevel vector optimization problems with equilibrium constraints and these types of Levitin-Polyak well-posedness for bilevel vector equilibrium problems with equilibrium constraints under suitable conditions; we prove the Levitin-Polyak well-posedness for bilevel equilibrium and optimization problems with equilibrium constraints.
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Regulated by EphA2 Contributes to Vasculogenic Mimicry Formation of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Wei , Lin Peng , Sun Baocun , Zhang Shiwu , Cai Wenjuan , Han Chunrong , Li Li , Lu Honghua , Zhao Xiulan
Published: April 2014

Purpose. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) was related to invasion and metastasis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. This study was designed to investigate the role of EphA2 in VM formation of HNSCC.Methods. The SiRNA technique was used to knock down the expression of EphA2in vitro. The ability of cell migration and invasion were measured by transwell and wound healing assays; three-dimensional culture was used to detect the ability of channel-like structure formation; Western blot was used to detect the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition- (EMT-) related moleculesin vitro. Further semiquantitative real-time RT-PCR assays and immunohistochemistry were used to demonstrate expression of EphA2 and EMT-related molecules according to VM presence or not in human tissue.Results. Knocking down EphA2in vitroleads to disabled channel-like structure formation, reduction of invasion and migration ability, and reverse of EMT-related markers. Both semiquantitative real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry showed that expressions of EphA2, Twist, and Vimentin were higher in the VM-positive group than in the VM-negative group significantly, while expressions of E-cadherin, claudin4, and DSG-3 were reverse.Conclusions. EphA2 played a key role in VM formation of HNSCC through regulation of EMT.
Association between Ocular Pseudoexfoliation and Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Singham Nandini Vijaya , Zahari Mimiwati , Peyman Mohammadreza , Prepageran Narayanan , Subrayan Visvaraja
Published: April 2014

Background. Our study aimed to investigate an association between ocular pseudoexfoliation (PXF) and sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and to compare them with age and sex matched controls without pseudoexfoliation.Method. This was a case-control study of 123 patients which included 68 cases with PXF (at least one eye) and 55 controls without pseudoexfoliation. Pure-tone audiometry (PTA) was done for these patients at sound frequencies taken as important for speech comprehension, that is, 250 Hertz (Hz), 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz.Results. There were 41 patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXE) and 27 with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PXEG). The majority of patients with hearing loss (60%;n=51) were PXF patients and the remaining 40%(n=34)were controls. Below average hearing thresholds were significantly higher in the pseudoexfoliation group compared to the control group (P=0.01; odds ratio (OR), 3.00; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.25–7.19). However, there was no significant difference in the mean hearing threshold levels between the three groups (PXE, PXEG, and controls) in either ear (ANOVA, right ear:P=0.46and left earP=0.36).Conclusion. Our study found an association between PXF and SNHL, confirming that PXF can involve organs in the body other than the eye.
Preferential Autoimmune Response in Prostate Cancer to Cyclin B1 in a Panel of Tumor-Associated Antigens
Authors: Dai Liping , Li Jitian , Ortega Rosalia , Qian Wei , Casiano Carlos A. , Zhang Jian-Ying
Published: April 2014

Previous studies have demonstrated that sera from patients with prostate cancer (PCa) contain autoantibodies that react with tumor-associated antigens (TAAs). Autoantibodies to cyclin B1 and fourteen other TAAs were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting in 464 sera from patients with PCa, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and other controls. Autoantibodies to cyclin B1 were detected in 31.0% of sera from randomly selected patients with PCa versus 4.8% in sera with BPH. In the further analysis, 31.4% of sera from PCa patients at the early stage contained anti-cyclin B1 autoantibody, and even 29.4% of patients who had normal prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in their serum samples were observed anti-cyclin B1 positive. The cumulative positive rate of autoantibodies against seven selected TAAs (cyclin B1, survivin, p53, DFS70/LEDGFp75, RalA, MDM2, and NPM1) in PCa reached 80.5%, significantly higher than that in normal control sera. In summary, autoantibody to cyclin B1 might be a potential biomarker for the immunodiagnosis of early stage PCa, especially useful in patients with normal PSA level. This study further supports the hypothesis that a customized TAA array can be used for enhancing anti-TAA autoantibody detection, and it may constitute a promising and powerful tool for immunodiagnosis of PCa.
Angiogenin Reduces Immune Inflammation via Inhibition of TANK-Binding Kinase 1 Expression in Human Corneal Fibroblast Cells
Authors: Lee Seung Hoon , Kim Kyoung Woo , Min Kyong-Mi , Kim Kyu-Wan , Chang Soo-Ik , Kim Jae Chan
Published: April 2014

Angiogenin (ANG) is reportedly multifunctional, with roles in angiogenesis and autoimmune diseases. This protein is involved in the innate immune system and has been implicated in several inflammatory diseases. Although ANG may be involved in the anti-inflammatory response, there is no evidence that it has direct anti-inflammatory effects. In this study we sought to determine whether ANG has an anti-inflammatory effect in human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs) exposed to media containing tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). We found that ANG reduced the mRNA expression of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), -6, -8 and TNF-αreceptors (TNFR) 1 and 2. In contrast, ANG increased the mRNA expression of IL-4 and -10. Protein levels of TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) were reduced by ANG in HCFs treated with TNF-α. Moreover, ANG diminished the expression of IL-6 and -8 and monocyte chemotactic protein- (MCP-) 1. The protein expression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) was downregulated by ANG treatment. These findings suggest that ANG suppressed the TNF-α-induced inflammatory response in HCFs through inhibition of TBK1-mediated NF-κB nuclear translocation. These novel results are likely to play a significant role in the selection of immune-mediated inflammatory therapeutic targets and may shed light on the pathogenesis of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.
Discussion forH-Matrices and It’s Application
Authors: Han Guichun , Gao Huishuang , Yang Haitao
Published: April 2014

NonsingularH-matrices and positive stable matrices play an important role in the stability of neural network system. In this paper, some criteria for nonsingularH-matrices are obtained by the theory of diagonally dominant matrices and the obtained result is introduced into identifying the stability of neural networks. So the criteria for nonsingularH-matrices are expanded and their application on neural network system is given. Finally, the effectiveness of the results is illustrated by numerical examples.
Vascular Response to Graded Angiotensin II Infusion in Offspring Subjected to High-Salt Drinking Water during Pregnancy: The Effect of Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, Urine Output, Endothelial Permeability, and Gender
Authors: Pezeshki Zahra , Eshraghi-Jazi Fatemeh , Nematbakhsh Mehdi
Published: April 2014

Introduction.Rennin-angiotensin system and salt diet play important roles in blood pressure control. We hypothesized that the high-salt intake during pregnancy influences the degree of angiotensin-dependent control of the blood pressure in adult offspring.Methods.Female Wistar rats in two groups (A and B) were subjected to drink tap and salt water, respectively, during pregnancy. The offspring were divided into four groups as male and female offspring from group A (groups 1 and 2) and from group B (groups 3 and 4). In anesthetized matured offspring mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate and urine output were measured in response to angiotensin II (AngII) (0-1000 ng/kg/min, iv) infusion.Results.An increase in MAP was detected in mothers with salt drinking water (P<0.05). The body weight increased and kidney weight decreased significantly in male offspring from group 3 in comparison to group 1 (P<0.05). MAP and urine volume in response to AngII infusion increased in group 3 (P<0.05). These findings were not observed in female rats.Conclusion.Salt overloading during pregnancy had long-term effects on kidney weight and increased sex-dependent response to AngII infusion in offspring (adult) that may reveal the important role of diet during pregnancy in AngII receptors.
Lightweight Design of an Outer Tie Rod for an Electrical Vehicle
Authors: Park Young-Chul , Baek Seung-Kul , Seo Bu-Kyo , Kim Jong-Kyu , Lee Kwon-Hee
Published: April 2014

The lightweight design of the outer tie rod installed on an electrical vehicle was achieved through material selection and optimization technique. The aluminum alloy Al6082M was selected as a steel-substitute, and its structural shape was optimized by applying metamodel-based optimization. In this process, finite element analysis was performed to predict the structural responses, such as buckling resistance and fatigue life. First, for an arbitrary base design made of steel, the structural responses were calculated. Then, the design variables were defined to find a lightweight design made of Al6082M. Secondly, metamodel-based optimization based on the kriging interpolation method was applied, leading to determination of an optimum design. The suggested optimum design has the minimum weight satisfying the critical design requirement. Finally, the numerical results of the buckling resistance and fatigue life were validated, through bucking and fatigue tests.
Upregulated PD-1 Expression Is Associated with the Development of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, but Not the PD-1.1 Allele of the PDCD1 Gene
Authors: Jiao Qingqing , Liu Cuiping , Yang Ziliang , Ding Qiang , Wang Miaomiao , Li Min , Zhu Tingting , Qian Hua , Li Wei , Tu Na , Fang Fumin , Ye Licai , Zhao Zuotao , Qian Qihong
Published: April 2014

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem autoimmune disease with complicated genetic inheritance. Programmed death 1 (PD-1), a negative T cell regulator to maintain peripheral tolerance, induces negative signals to T cells during interaction with its ligands and is therefore a candidate gene in the development of SLE. In order to examine whether expression levels of PD-1 contribute to the pathogenesis of SLE, 30 patients with SLE and 30 controls were recruited and their PD-1 expression levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were measured via flow cytometry and quantitative real-time-reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Also, whether PD-1 expression levels are associated with the variant of the SNP rs36084323 and the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) was studied in this work. The PD-1 expression levels of SLE patients were significantly increased compared with those of the healthy controls. The upregulated PD-1 expression levels in SLE patients were greatly associated with SLEDAI scores. No significant difference was found between PD-1 expression levels and SNP rs36084323. The results suggest that increased expression of PD-1 may correlate with the pathogenesis of SLE, upregulated PD-1 expression may be a biomarker for SLE diagnosis, and PD-1 inhibitor may be useful to SLE treatment.
Protective Effect of Astaxanthin on Liver Fibrosis through Modulation of TGF-β1 Expression and Autophagy
Authors: Shen Miao , Chen Kan , Lu Jie , Cheng Ping , Xu Ling , Dai Weiqi , Wang Fan , He Lei , Zhang Yan , Chengfen Wang , Li Jingjing , Yang Jing , Zhu Rong , Zhang Huawei , Zheng Yuanyuan , Zhou Yingqun , Guo Chuanyong
Published: April 2014

Liver fibrosis is a common pathway leading to cirrhosis and a worldwide clinical issue. Astaxanthin is a red carotenoid pigment with antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of astaxanthin on liver fibrosis and its potential protective mechanisms. Liver fibrosis was induced in a mouse model using CCL4 (intraperitoneal injection, three times a week for 8 weeks), and astaxanthin was administered everyday at three doses (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg). Pathological results indicated that astaxanthin significantly improved the pathological lesions of liver fibrosis. The levels of alanine aminotransferase aspartate aminotransferase and hydroxyproline were also significantly decreased by astaxanthin. The same results were confirmed in bile duct liagtion, (BDL) model. In addition, astaxanthin inhibited hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation and formation of extracellular matrix (ECM) by decreasing the expression of NF-κB and TGF-β1 and maintaining the balance between MMP2 and TIMP1. In addition, astaxanthin reduced energy production in HSCs by downregulating the level of autophagy. These results were simultaneously confirmed in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, our study showed that 80 mg/kg astaxanthin had a significant protective effect on liver fibrosis by suppressing multiple profibrogenic factors.
Unsteady Hydromagnetic Flow of Radiating Fluid Past a Convectively Heated Vertical Plate with the Navier Slip
Authors: Makinde O. D. , Tshehla M. S.
Published: April 2014

This paper investigates the unsteady hydromagnetic-free convection of an incompressible electrical conducting Boussinesq’s radiating fluid past a moving vertical plate in an optically thin environment with the Navier slip, viscous dissipation, and Ohmic and Newtonian heating. The nonlinear partial differential equations governing the transient problem are obtained and tackled numerically using a semidiscretization finite difference method coupled with Runge-Kutta Fehlberg integration technique. Numerical data for the local skin friction coefficient and the Nusselt number have been tabulated for various values of parametric conditions. Graphical results for the fluid velocity, temperature, skin friction, and the Nusselt number are presented and discussed. The results indicate that the skin friction coefficient decreases while the heat transfer rate at the plate surface increases as the slip parameter and Newtonian heating increase.
Modeling and Simulation of Network-on-Chip Systems with DEVS and DEUS
Authors: Amoretti Michele
Published: April 2014

Networks on-chip (NoCs) provide enhanced performance, scalability, modularity, and design productivity as compared with previous communication architectures for VLSI systems on-chip (SoCs), such as buses and dedicated signal wires. Since the NoC design space is very large and high dimensional, evaluation methodologies rely heavily on analytical modeling and simulation. Unfortunately, there is no standard modeling framework. In this paper we illustrate how to design and evaluate NoCs by integrating the Discrete Event System Specification (DEVS) modeling framework and the simulation environment called DEUS. The advantage of such an approach is that both DEVS and DEUS support modularity—the former being a sound and complete modeling framework and the latter being an open, general-purpose platform, characterized by a steep learning curve and the possibility to simulate any system at any level of detail.
E2F1 Responds to Ultraviolet Radiation by Directly Stimulating DNA Repair and Suppressing Carcinogenesis
Authors: Biswas Anup Kumar , Mitchell David L. , Johnson David G.
Published: April 2014

In response to DNA damage, the E2F1 transcription factor is phosphorylated at serine 31 (serine 29 in mouse) by the ATM or ATR kinases, which promotes E2F1 protein stabilization. Phosphorylation of E2F1 also leads to the recruitment of E2F1 to sites of DNA damage, where it functions to enhance DNA repair. To study the role of this E2F1 phosphorylation event in vivo, a knock-in mouse model was generated, in which serine 29 was mutated to alanine. The S29A mutation impairs E2F1 stabilization in response to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and doxorubicin treatment, but has little effect on the expression of E2F target genes. The apoptotic and proliferative responses to acute UV radiation exposure are also similar between wild-type and E2f1S29A/S29A mice. As expected, the S29A mutation prevents E2F1 association with damaged DNA and reduces DNA repair efficiency. Moreover, E2f1S29A/S29A mice display increased sensitivity to UV-induced skin carcinogenesis. This knock-in mouse model thus links the ability of E2F1 to directly promote DNA repair with the suppression of tumor development. Cancer Res; 74(12); 3369–77. ©2014 AACR.
Maternal Smoking and DNA Methylation in Newborns: In Utero Effect or Epigenetic Inheritance?
Authors: Joubert Bonnie R. , Håberg Siri E. , Bell Douglas A. , Nilsen Roy M. , Vollset Stein Emil , Midttun Øivind , Ueland Per Magne , Wu Michael C. , Nystad Wenche , Peddada Shyamal D. , London Stephanie J.
Published: April 2014

Background: Maternal smoking in pregnancy is associated with adverse health outcomes in children, including cancers; underlying mechanisms may include epigenetic modifications. Using Illumina's 450K array, we previously identified differential DNA methylation related to maternal smoking during pregnancy at 26 CpG sites (CpGs) in 10 genes in newborn cord bloods from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). Whether these methylation signals in newborns reflect in utero exposure only or possibly epigenetic inheritance of smoking-related modifications is unclear.

Methods: We therefore evaluated the impact of the timing of mother's smoking (before or during pregnancy using cotinine measured at 18 weeks gestation), the father's smoking before conception, and the grandmother's smoking during her pregnancy with the mother on methylation at these 26 CpGs in 1,042 MoBa newborns. We used robust linear regression, adjusting for covariates, applying Bonferroni correction.

Results: The strongest and only statistically significant associations were observed for sustained smoking by the mother during pregnancy through at least gestational week 18 (P < 1.6 × 10−5 for all 26 CpGs). We observed no statistically significant differential methylation due to smoking by the mother before pregnancy or that ceased by week 18, father's smoking before conception, or grandmother's smoking while pregnant with the mother.

Conclusions: Differential methylation at these CpGs in newborns seems to reflect sustained in utero exposure rather than epigenetic inheritance.

Impact: Smoking cessation in early pregnancy may negate effects on methylation. Analyses of maternal smoking during pregnancy and offspring health outcomes, including cancer, limited to ever smoking might miss true associations. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(6); 1007–17. ©2014 AACR.
Targeting Integrin α6 Stimulates Curative-Type Bone Metastasis Lesions in a Xenograft Model
Authors: Landowski Terry H. , Gard Jaime , Pond Erika , Pond Gerald D. , Nagle Raymond B. , Geffre Christopher P. , Cress Anne E.
Published: April 2014

Laminin-binding integrin receptors are key mediators of epithelial cell migration and tumor metastasis. Recent studies have demonstrated a role for the α6 integrin (ITGA6/CD49f) in maintaining stem cell compartments within normal bone marrow and in residency of tumors metastatic to bone. In this study, we tested a function-blocking antibody specific for ITGA6, called J8H, to determine if preexisting cancer lesions in bone could be slowed and/or animal survival improved. Human prostate tumors were established by intracardiac injection into male SCID mice and treatment with J8H antibody was initiated after 1 week. Tumor progression was monitored by micro-computed tomography (CT) imaging of skeletal lesions. Animals that received weekly injections of the anti-ITGA6 antibody showed radiographic progression in only 40% of osseous tumors (femur or tibia), compared with control animals, where 80% of the lesions (femur or tibia) showed progression at 5 weeks. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis demonstrated a significant survival advantage for J8H-treated animals. Unexpectedly, CT image analysis revealed an increased proportion of bone lesions displaying a sclerotic rim of new bone formation, encapsulating the arrested lytic lesions in animals that received the anti-ITGA6 antibody treatment. Histopathology of the sclerotic lesions demonstrated well-circumscribed tumor within bone, surrounded by fibrosis. These data suggest that systemic targeting of the ITGA6-dependent function of established tumors in bone may offer a noncytotoxic approach to arrest the osteolytic progression of metastatic prostate cancer, thereby providing a new therapeutic strategy for advanced disease. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(6); 1558–66. ©2014 AACR.
Obligate Progression Precedes Lung Adenocarcinoma Dissemination
Authors: Caswell Deborah R. , Chuang Chen-Hua , Yang Dian , Chiou Shin-Heng , Cheemalavagu Shashank , Kim-Kiselak Caroline , Connolly Andrew , Winslow Monte M.
Published: April 2014

Despite its clinical importance, very little is known about the natural history and molecular underpinnings of lung cancer dissemination and metastasis. Here, we used a genetically engineered mouse model of metastatic lung adenocarcinoma in which cancer cells are fluorescently marked to determine whether dissemination is an inherent ability or a major acquired phenotype during lung adenocarcinoma metastasis. We find very little evidence for dissemination from oncogenic KRAS-driven hyperplasias or most adenocarcinomas. p53 loss is insufficient to drive dissemination but rather enables rare cancer cells in a small fraction of primary adenocarcinomas to gain alterations that drive dissemination. Molecular characterization of disseminated tumor cells indicates that downregulation of the transcription factor Nkx2-1 precedes dissemination. Finally, we show that metastatic primary tumors possess a highly proliferative subpopulation of cells with characteristics matching those of disseminating cells. We propose that dissemination is a major hurdle during the natural course of lung adenocarcinoma metastasis.

Significance: Because of its aggressively metastatic nature, lung cancer is the top cancer killer of both men and women in the United States. We show that, unlike in other cancer types, lung cancer dissemination is a major initial barrier to metastasis. Our findings provide insight into the effect of p53 deficiency and downregulation of Nkx2-1 during lung adenocarcinoma progression. Cancer Discov; 4(7); 781–9. ©2014 AACR.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 745
Haploinsufficiency of an RB–E2F1–Condensin II Complex Leads to Aberrant Replication and Aneuploidy
Authors: Coschi Courtney H. , Ishak Charles A. , Gallo David , Marshall Aren , Talluri Srikanth , Wang Jianxin , Cecchini Matthew J. , Martens Alison L. , Percy Vanessa , Welch Ian , Boutros Paul C. , Brown Grant W. , Dick Frederick A.
Published: April 2014

Genome instability is a characteristic of malignant cells; however, evidence for its contribution to tumorigenesis has been enigmatic. In this study, we demonstrate that the retinoblastoma protein, E2F1, and Condensin II localize to discrete genomic locations including major satellite repeats at pericentromeres. In the absence of this complex, aberrant replication ensues followed by defective chromosome segregation in mitosis. Surprisingly, loss of even one copy of the retinoblastoma gene reduced recruitment of Condensin II to pericentromeres and caused this phenotype. Using cancer genome data and gene-targeted mice, we demonstrate that mutation of one copy of RB1 is associated with chromosome copy-number variation in cancer. Our study connects DNA replication and chromosome structure defects with aneuploidy through a dosage-sensitive complex at pericentromeric repeats.

Significance: Genome instability is inherent to most cancers and is the basis for selective killing of cancer cells by genotoxic therapeutics. In this report, we demonstrate that instability can be caused by loss of a single allele of the retinoblastoma gene that prevents proper replication and condensation of pericentromeric chromosomal regions, leading to elevated levels of aneuploidy in cancer. Cancer Discov; 4(7); 840–53. ©2014 AACR.

See related commentary by Hinds, p. 764

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 745
FRETS-VWF73 rather than CBA assay reflects ADAMTS13 proteolytic activity in acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura patients
Authors: Mancini Ilaria , Valsecchi Carla , Lotta Luca Andrea , Deforche Louis , Pontiggia Silvia , Bajetta Mariateresa , Palla Roberta , Vanhoorelbeke Karen , Peyvandi Flora
Published: April 2014

Collagen-binding activity (CBA) and FRETS-VWF73 assays are widely adopted methods for the measurement of the plasmatic activity of ADAMTS13, the von Willebrand factor (VWF) cleaving-protease. Accurately assessing the severe deficiency of ADAMTS13 is important in the management of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). However, non-concordant results between the two assays have been reported in a small but relevant percentage of TTP cases. We investigated whether CBA or FRETS-VWF73 assay reflects ADAMTS13 proteolytic activity in acquired TTP patients with non-concordant measurements. Twenty plasma samples with non-concordant ADAMTS13 activity results, <10% using FRETS-VWF73 and ≥20% using CBA, and 11 samples with concordant results, <10% using either FRETS-VWF73 and CBA assays, were analysed. FRETS-VWF73 was performed in the presence of 1.5 M urea. ADAMTS13 activities were also measured under flow conditions and the VWF multimer pattern was defined in order to verify the presence of ultra-large VWF due to ADAMTS13 deficiency. In FRETS-VWF73 assay with 1.5 M urea, ADAMTS13 activity significantly increased in roughly 50% of the samples with non-concordant results, whereas it remained undetectable in all samples with concordant measurements. Under flow conditions, all tested samples showed reduced ADAMTS13 activity. Finally, samples with non-concordant results showed a ratio of high molecular weight VWF multimers higher than normal. Our results support the use of FRETS-VWF73 over CBA assay for the assessment of ADAMTS13 severe deficiency and indicate urea as one cause of the observed differences.
Prestimulus Neural Oscillations Inhibit Visual Perception via Modulation of Response Gain
Authors: Chaumon Maximilien , Busch Niko A.
Published: April 2014

The ongoing state of the brain radically affects how it processes sensory information. How does this ongoing brain activity interact with the processing of external stimuli? Spontaneous oscillations in the alpha range are thought to inhibit sensory processing, but little is known about the psychophysical mechanisms of this inhibition. We recorded ongoing brain activity with EEG while human observers performed a visual detection task with stimuli of different contrast intensities. To move beyond qualitative description, we formally compared psychometric functions obtained under different levels of ongoing alpha power and evaluated the inhibitory effect of ongoing alpha oscillations in terms of contrast or response gain models. This procedure opens the way to understanding the actual functional mechanisms by which ongoing brain activity affects visual performance. We found that strong prestimulus occipital alpha oscillations—but not more anterior mu oscillations—reduce performance most strongly for stimuli of the highest intensities tested. This inhibitory effect is best explained by a divisive reduction of response gain. Ongoing occipital alpha oscillations thus reflect changes in the visual system's input/output transformation that are independent of the sensory input to the system. They selectively scale the system's response, rather than change its sensitivity to sensory information.
Individual Differences in the Balance of GABA to Glutamate in pFC Predict the Ability to Select among Competing Options
Authors: de la Vega Alejandro , Brown Mark S. , Snyder Hannah R. , Singel Debra , Munakata Yuko , Banich Marie T.
Published: April 2014

Individuals vary greatly in their ability to select one item or response when presented with a multitude of options. Here we investigate the neural underpinnings of these individual differences. Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy, we found that the balance of inhibitory versus excitatory neurotransmitters in pFC predicts the ability to select among task-relevant options in two language production tasks. The greater an individual's concentration of GABA relative to glutamate in the lateral pFC, the more quickly he or she could select a relevant word from among competing options. This outcome is consistent with our computational modeling of this task [Snyder, H. R., Hutchison, N., Nyhus, E., Curran, T., Banich, M. T., O'Reilly, R. C., et al. Neural inhibition enables selection during language processing. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, U.S.A., 107, 16483–16488, 2010], which predicts that greater net inhibition in pFC increases the efficiency of resolving competition among task-relevant options. Moreover, the association with the GABA/glutamate ratio was specific to selection and was not observed for executive function ability in general. These findings are the first to link the balance of excitatory and inhibitory neural transmission in pFC to specific aspects of executive function.
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Enhances Verbal Working Memory Training Performance over Time and Near Transfer Outcomes
Authors: Richmond Lauren L. , Wolk David , Chein Jason , Olson Ingrid R.
Published: April 2014

Studies attempting to increase working memory (WM) capacity show promise in enhancing related cognitive functions but have also raised criticism in the broader scientific community given the inconsistent findings produced by these studies. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been shown to enhance WM performance in a single session [Fregni, F., Boggio, P., Nitsche, M., Bermpohl, F., Anatal, A., Feredoes, E., et al. Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation of prefrontal cortex enhances working memory. Experimental Brain Research, 166, 23–30, 2005]; however, the extent to which tDCS might enhance learning on a WM training regime and the extent to which learning gains might transfer outside the training task remains largely unknown. To this end, participants engaged in an adaptive WM training task [previously utilized in Richmond, L., Morrison, A., Chein, J., & Olson, I. Working memory training and transfer in older adults. Psychology & Aging, 26, 813–822, 2011; Chein, J., & Morrison, A. Expanding the mind's workspace: Training and transfer effects with a complex working memory span task. Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, 17, 193–199, 2010] for 10 sessions over 2 weeks, concurrent with either active or sham stimulation of dorsolateral pFC. Before and after training, a battery of tests tapping domains known to relate to WM abilities was administered. Results show that tDCS enhanced learning on the verbal portion of the training task by 3.65 items. Furthermore, tDCS was shown to enhance near transfer to other untrained WM tasks in comparison with a no-contact control group. These results lend support to the idea that tDCS might bolster training and transfer gains in populations with compromised WM abilities.
Soil energy pathways of different ecosystems using nematode trophic group analysis: a meta analysis
Authors: Zhao Jie , Neher Deborah A.
Published: April 2014

We analysed 67 raw data sets of nematode genera from three types of ecosystems (grassland, cropland, and forest) to compare relative magnitude of energy pathways through the soil food web. Bacterial-, fungal- and herbivorous-based energy pathways were compared by percentages (in either abundances or biomass) of three soil nematode trophic groups (i.e., bacterivore, fungivore and herbivore). The patterns of soil energy pathways were similar whether expressed as relative abundance or relative biomass. However, the percentage values of bacterivorous biomass in each type of ecosystem exceeded the percentage values of their abundance. Specifically, relative abundance of bacterivorous nematodes was similar among ecosystems but mean values of biomass were greatest in grassland and similarly less in cropland and forest ecosystems. By contrast, both relative abundance and biomass of fungivorous nematodes decreased progressively from forest to cropland and grassland ecosystems. The opposite pattern across ecosystems was observed for both relative abundance and biomass of herbivorous nematodes. We conclude that energy pathways are bacterial-dominated in all of the ecosystems whether expressed as abundance or biomass. Fungal and herbivorous pathways are second in dominance in forest and grassland ecosystems, respectively. The relative size of the fungal-based energy pathway suggests a gradient of resource quality among ecosystems. We suggest that herbivorous-based energy pathways are more important in grassland ecosystems than reported previously.
Description of Bursaphelenchus yuyaoensis n. sp. (Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae) isolated from Pinus massoniana in China
Authors: Gu Jianfeng , He Jie , Wang Jiangling , Chen Xianfeng
Published: April 2014

Bursaphelenchus yuyaoensisn. sp. is described and figured from dyingPinus massonianain Yuyao, China. The new species clearly belongs to thehofmannigroup. It is characterised by relatively slim body (a = 43.7 and 36.2 for males and females, respectively), three lines in the lateral field, spicules relatively small (11.4-14.7 μm), mitten-shaped with the posterior third of the dorsal limb distinctly curved, condylus round and slightly dorsally bent, rostrum well developed with more or less rounded terminus, distal ends of spicules not forming a clear cucullus, male tail with a mucron-like process, female tail slightly ventrally bent with a bluntly rounded terminus, vulval lip not forming a vulval flap and post-uterine sac extending for about half the vulva-anus distance. The separate species status is supported by ITS-RFLP patterns and molecular phylogenetic analysis based on ITS1/2 sequences, which revealed thatB. yuyaoensisn. sp. is close toB. parvispicularisandB. paraparvispicularis.
Influence of cell density of Escherichia coli and the dinoflagellate Crypthecodinium cohnii on life history traits of the nematode Panagrolaimus sp. strain NFS 24-5, a potential larval food for marine aquaculture
Authors: Ayub Farhana , Strauch Olaf , Seychelles Laurent , Ehlers Ralf-Udo
Published: April 2014

The nematodePanagrolaimussp. NFS 24-5 has potential for use as living food for larval shrimps and fish in marine aquaculture. The nematodes are usually produced on bacterial or yeast cells. Nematodes cannot synthesise the long chain fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which is essential for feeding marine aquaculture organisms. The eukaryotic, heterotrophic dinoflagellateCrypthecodinium cohniiconsists of approximately 20% DHA. To culture the nematodes and simultaneously enrich them with DHA, single adult male and female individuals were cultured in hanging drops with variable cell density ofC. cohnii. Life history traits, such as net reproductive rate (), population doubling time (PDT) and intrinsic rate of natural increase (), were assessed and compared with data obtained from cultures onEscherichia coli. A maximum was recorded at a cell density of 4 × 106C. cohniicells ml−1, corresponding to 2478.82 μg dry mass ml−1. The same was achieved with 7× lower biomass ofE. coliat a cell density of 3 × 109cells ml−1, corresponding to 335.63 μg dry mass ml−1. The results exclude the use of the dinoflagellate culture from application in mass production of the nematode for aquaculture food and limit the use to post-harvest enrichment of the nematodes with essential fatty acids. At a density of 3 × 109E. colicells ml−1the PDT was lowest and the was highest, indicating that this cell density might be closest to optimum conditions for nematode reproduction. Exceeding this cell density yielded fewer offspring within a longer time period. Implications for mass production in monoxenic liquid cultures are discussed.
Molecular and morphological observations on Parasitodiplogaster sycophilon Poinar, 1979 (Nematoda: Diplogastrina) associated with Ficus burkei in Africa
Authors: Wöhr Meike , Greeff Jaco M. , Kanzaki Natsumi , Ye Weimin , Giblin-Davis Robin M.
Published: April 2014

A Parasitodiplogaster sp. was isolated from syconia of Ficus burkei from Pretoria, South Africa, and determined to be conspecific with P. sycophilon, originally described by Poinar in 1979 from Harare, Zimbabwe, and also from F. burkei. Examination of type material of P. sycophilon revealed inaccuracies in the former description necessitating a redescription which is provided herein. Additionally, the original description lacked molecular data, which is also provided. Originally, the stoma of P. sycophilon was described as reduced without teeth. However, we observed a large dorsal stegostomal tooth and an almost equally-sized right subventral tooth which was typologically similar to the stoma of P. laeviagata from Florida. In addition, a pore-like phasmid was observed in both males and females just above the tail tip. Most other characters were as formerly described. Based upon molecular inferences from sequences of the D2/D3 expansion segments of the rDNA of the large subunit (LSU), P. sycophilon is not clearly defined relative to the neotropical Parasitodiplogaster species that have been described and sequenced from figs in the Section Urostigma, Subsection Americana (i.e., P. laevigata, P. popenema, P. citrinema, and P. trigonema), or to P. australis from Australia ex. F. virens (Section Urostigma, Subsection Urostigma), or to P. maxinema from neotropical figs from the Section Pharmacosycea, Subsection Pharmacosycea. Further work is needed to elucidate the molecular phylogeny of the Parasitodiplogaster lineages that may have co-speciated with the African figs of the Section Urostigma, Subsection Galoglychia.
Integrated management of root-knot nematodes on tomato in glasshouse production using nematicides and a biocontrol agent, and their effect on soil microbial communities
Authors: Liu Jianbin , Sun Jingzu , Qiu Jiyan , Liu Xingzhong , Xiang Meichun
Published: April 2014

Nematicides are the main method for managing root-knot nematodes but they are not environmentally benign. Biological control is one alternative that has a lower or no environmental impact. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of two nematicides (Fosthiazate and Dazomet), a biocontrol agent (Purpureocillium lilacinum(=Paecilomyces lilacinus) YES-2), their combination on controlling root-knot nematodes on tomato plants and their effects on the rhizosphere microbial community in long-term glasshouse experiments. The gall index and numbers of second-stage juveniles (J2) were significantly reduced by the individual treatments of Fosthiazate, Dazomet orP. lilacinumYES-2.Purpureocillium lilacinumYES-2 combined with a half dose of Fosthiazate showed the most efficient control as indicated by gall index and number of J2 compared with the control treatment in glasshouse experiments conducted over a 5-year period (2007-2011). The bacterial and fungal biodiversity in soil measured using Biolog ECO MicroPlates and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) fingerprint was higher in the treatments ofP. lilacinumYES-2 alone or its combination with chemicals than in the treatments of Dazomet or Fosthiazate (in 2011 only). This study suggested a synergistic effect on the control of root-knot nematode byP. lilacinumYES-2 combined with Fosthiazate, and the contribution of these two treatments to the microbial communities in the soil.
Steinernema sacchari n. sp. (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae), a new entomopathogenic nematode from South Africa
Authors: Nthenga Isaiah , Knoetze Rinus , Berry Shaun , Tiedt Louwrens R. , Malan Antoinette P.
Published: April 2014

A new species of entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema sacchari n. sp., was isolated by trapping with the sugar cane borer, Eldana saccharina, from soil of a sugar cane field in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. The new species is morphologically characterised by the length of the infective juvenile (IJ) of 680 (630-722) μm, tail length of 64 (51-74) μm, ratio a = 19 (14-23), H% = 49 (43-57) and E% = 82 (70-109). The pattern of the lateral field of the IJ of the new species is 2, 5, 2 ridges (3, 6, 3 lines or incisures). The male of the first generation can be recognised by the long spicule of 83 (73-89) μm, gubernaculum of 61 (50-68) μm, D% = 67 (54-88) and GS% = 73 (66-81). The first generation male lacks a mucron, while the second generation male always has one. The first generation female can be recognised by the vulval lips not being raised, the possession of long double-flapped epiptygmata and the lack of a postanal swelling. Analysis of the ITS and D2D3 regions showed S. sacchari n. sp. to differ from all other Steinernema species and to belong to a new monophyletic group, the ‘Cameroonian’ clade, consisting of S. cameroonense, S. nyetense and S. sacchari n. sp. This group is closely related to the feltiae-kraussei-oregonense Clade III.
Benzyl isothiocyanate affects development, hatching and reproduction of the soybean cyst nematode Heterodera glycines
Authors: Wu HaiYan , Masler Edward P. , Rogers Steven T. , Chen Ching , Chitwood David J.
Published: April 2014

Benzyl isothiocyanate (BITC), prepared in 1% methanol and applied at micro-molar doses, decreased Heterodera glycines infective second-stage juvenile (J2) movement, hatching and reproduction on soybean, Glycine max. Direct exposure of J2 to 30 μM BITC caused an immediate decrease (17%) in J2 movement relative to 1% methanol controls, and within 3 h exposure eliminated >99% of movement. Continuous exposure of H. glycines eggs to 30 μM or 60 μM BITC significantly decreased percentage hatch of J2 measured at 7 days (30 μM, 15.8 ± 2.4%; 60 μM, 7.9 ± 2.2%) relative to controls (44.9 ± 4.1%). Control percentage hatch increased between days 7 and 14 (87.5 ± 2.3%), whereas there was no significant increase in hatch after Day 7 in either treatment group. The effect of BITC on hatch was rapid and persistent. Following 4 h exposure of eggs to either 30 μM or 60 μM BITC and transfer to water, percentage hatch at Day 14 was 51.3 ± 6.3% and 15.6 ± 1.4%, respectively. Each value was significantly less than the control percentage hatch (96.5 ± 0.2%). The same treatment method also resulted in decreased reproduction. The mean number of cysts per plant harvested 5 weeks after inoculation with control eggs (173.0 ± 12.1) was significantly greater than the numbers from plants inoculated with either 30 μM (78.9 ± 8.2) or 60 μM (38.3 ± 4.5) BITC treated eggs. Reduction of hatch and reproduction were strongly correlated, with for both 30 μM or 60 μM BITC treatments. The effects of BITC were primarily on the early embryo. The percent of all embryos in the multicellular stage at Day 14 in control eggs was 4.9 ± 0.7%, but increased to 35.1 ± 4.3% (30 μM) and 56.3 ± 4.5% (60 μM) in BITC treated eggs. BITC has multiple effects on H. glycines, affecting both infective juvenile movement and embryonic development, and decreasing reproduction.
Two new species of Pleroma (Melastomataceae) from Espírito Santo, Brazil
Authors: FRAGA CLAUDIO NICOLETTI DE , GUIMARÃES PAULO JOSÉ FERNANDES
Published: April 2014

Pleroma marinana and P. penduliflora, two new species of Pleroma (Melastomataceae) from the dry seasonal Atlantic forest of Espírito Santo, Brazil, are described and illustrated, with their affinities and diagnostic characters discussed. Pleroma marinana is similar to Tibouchina radula and T. oreophila while Pleroma penduliflora is similar to Pleroma heteromalla, Tibouchina bahiensis and T. formosa. According to the criteria of the IUCN Red List, T. marinana must be included in the vulnerable and T. penduliflora in the endangered category.
Revision of the Antarctic species of Halecium Oken, 1815 (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa, Haleciidae)
Authors: CANTERO ÁLVARO L. PEÑA
Published: April 2014

A revision of the known Antarctic species of the genus Halecium has been carried out, based on the study of both type and non-type material. For each species a list of synonyms, a diagnosis, a broad description (with the exception of the recently described H. frigidum and H. exaggeratum), a discussion of its relationship with other members of the genus, and an account of its autecological data are given. Thirteen Antarctic species of the genus, including H. pseudodelicatulum sp. nov. and H. pseudoincertus sp. nov., are considered valid. Halecium tubatum is considered as species inquirenda. Halecium ovatum and H. macrocaulus are considered to be junior synonyms of H. interpolatum and H. incertus, respectively. The presence of H. delicatulum and H. tenellum in Antarctic waters is questioned. All Antarctic records found in the literature have been checked. The cnidome proved to be a useful tool for species identification in some cases. Finally, a general survey of the geographical and bathymetric distribution of the species is presented.
Description of immatures of the genus Tropisternus Solier, subgenus Pristoternus Orchymont (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae), with emphasis on the chaetotaxy and morphometry of larval forms
Authors: TORRES PATRICIA L.M. , MICHAT MARIANO C. , ARCHANGELSKY MIGUEL , FERNÁNDEZ LILIANA A.
Published: April 2014

The egg cases, larvae, and pupae of Tropisternus (Pristoternus) latus (Brullé, 1837), T. (P.) ovalis Castelnau, 1840, and T. (P.) laevis (Sturm, 1826) are illustrated and described for the first time. The egg cases are built with or without a mast, which can be ribbon-like or globular; all larval instars have seven anterior denticles in the anterior margin of nasale, and the antennal seta AN8 is present; the pupae bear 6 or 8 styli on the abdominal segments II–VI, the pleural styli can be either short or very long, and horn-like projections may be present on the abdominal segments II–VI. A comparison of the morphology of the egg cases, pupae and larval chaetotaxic and morphometric characters within the genus Tropisternus is presented.