bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outside-In Assembly Pathway of the Type IV Pilus System in Myxococcus xanthus
Authors: Friedrich Carmen , Bulyha Iryna , Søgaard-Andersen Lotte
Published: November 2013

Type IV pili (T4P) are ubiquitous bacterial cell surface structures that undergo cycles of extension, adhesion, and retraction. T4P function depends on a highly conserved envelope-spanning macromolecular machinery consisting of 10 proteins that localizes polarly in
Myxococcus xanthus
. Using this localization, we investigated the entire T4P machinery assembly pathway by systematically profiling the stability of all and the localization of eight of these proteins in the absence of other T4P machinery proteins as well as by mapping direct protein-protein interactions. Our experiments uncovered a sequential, outside-in pathway starting with the outer membrane (OM) PilQ secretin ring. PilQ recruits a subcomplex consisting of the inner membrane (IM) lipoprotein PilP and the integral IM proteins PilN and PilO by direct interaction with the periplasmic domain of PilP. The PilP/PilN/PilO subcomplex recruits the cytoplasmic PilM protein, by direct interaction between PilN and PilM, and the integral IM protein PilC. The PilB/PilT ATPases that power extension/retraction localize independently of other T4P machinery proteins. Thus, assembly of the T4P machinery initiates with formation of the OM secretin ring and continues inwards over the periplasm and IM to the cytoplasm.
A Sham-Controlled Trial of Acupuncture as An Adjunct in Migraine Prophylaxis
Authors: Foroughipour Mohsen , Golchian Amir Reza , Kalhor Mohsen , Akhlaghi Saeed , Farzadfard Mohammad Taghi , Azizi Hoda
Published: November 2013

Background

Migraine is one of the most common types of headache, with significant socioeconomic effects. Prophylactic drugs are used to prevent migraine headaches but are unpromising.

Objective

To assess the effects of adding acupuncture to conventional migraine prophylaxis.

Methods

One hundred patients with migraine (41 male, 59 female), in whom prophylactic drugs had not produced a fall of at least 50% in the number of attacks, entered the study. The patients were randomised into two groups, sham and true acupuncture. The patients in both groups continued their prophylactic treatment and received 12 sessions of either true or sham acupuncture. Each session was 30 min and was repeated three times a week. The number of headaches in the two groups was compared at baseline, and at the end of four successive months.

Results

There was no significant difference in the frequency of attacks between the two groups before intervention. After 1 month, the frequency of attacks each month decreased from 5.1 (0.8) to 3.4 (1.2) in the true acupuncture group, and from 5.0 (0.8) to 4.4 (1.1) in the sham acupuncture group (a significant difference, p<0.001). The frequency continued to decrease in month 2 but increased in months 3 and 4; however, it was still significantly lower than baseline, and the difference remained significant after month 4.

Conclusions

Acupuncture is applicable as an adjunct to prophylactic drugs in migraineurs in whom the number of attacks does not fall with prophylactic medication.
Are Physiological Changes Experienced by Healthy Subjects during Acu-Tens Associated with Acupuncture Point Sensations?
Authors: Yu David T W , Jones Alice Y M
Published: November 2013

Background

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation over acupuncture points (acu-TENS) has been reported to improve clinical outcomes. The objectives of the present study were to investigate whether acupuncture point sensations were experienced during acu-TENS, and whether such sensations were associated with any concomitant changes in autonomic nervous system activity.

Methods

This study adopted a single-blinded, randomised, controlled trial methodology. A total of 36 healthy subjects were randomly assigned to an experimental group (acu-TENS on right LI4 and LI11 points); control group (acu-TENS to bilateral kneecaps); or placebo group (sham acu-TENS on right LI4 and LI11 points). Heart rate (HR), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), SD of the NN interval (SDNN) and low frequency to high frequency ratio (LF/HF) were measured before, during and after intervention. The Hong Kong Chinese version of the Massachusetts General Hospital Acupuncture Sensation Scale (C-MMASS) index was used for quantifying the acupuncture point stimulation sensations.

Results

The experimental group showed a significant increase in HR (mean (SD) 73.5 (6.3) to 75.9 (6.7) bpm, p=0.027), MAP (88.5 (4.5) to 91.0 (4.1) mm Hg, p=0.004), SDNN (143.36 (8.58) to 153.69 (7.64) ms, p=0.002) and LF/HF (1.26 (0.19) to 1.31 (0.21), p=0.037) during the intervention. The control group showed a significant increase in SDNN (140.21 (8.72) to 143.39 (9.47) ms, p=0.009) and LF/HF (1.21 (0.09) to 1.23 (0.12), p=0.033). There were no significant physiological changes in the placebo group. Overall C-MMASS indices for the experimental, control and placebo groups were 3.23 (0.3), 2.14 (0.6) and 0.29 (0.32), respectively. The between-group difference was statistically significant (F=139.24, df=2, p<0.05). However, correlation analysis did not support any association between sensation intensity and physiological responses in any groups (γ ranged from −0.36 to 0.25).

Conclusions

This study showed that ‘acupuncture point sensations’ were experienced during acu-TENS to LI4 and LI11, but such sensations were not associated with physiological responses induced during the stimulation.
Feature-specific terrain park-injury rates and risk factors in snowboarders: a case–control study
Authors: Russell Kelly , Meeuwisse Willem H , Nettel-Aguirre Alberto , Emery Carolyn A , Wishart Jillian , Romanow Nicole T R , Rowe Brian H , Goulet Claude , Hagel Brent E
Published: November 2013

Background

Snowboarding is a popular albeit risky sport and terrain park (TP) injuries are more severe than regular slope injuries. TPs contain man-made features that facilitate aerial manoeuvres. The objectives of this study were to determine overall and feature-specific injury rates and the potential risk factors for TP injuries.

Methods

Case–control study with exposure estimation, conducted in an Alberta TP during two ski seasons. Cases were snowboarders injured in the TP who presented to ski patrol and/or local emergency departments. Controls were uninjured snowboarders in the same TP. κ Statistics were used to measure the reliability of reported risk factor information. Injury rates were calculated and adjusted logistic regression was used to calculate the feature-specific odds of injury.

Results

Overall, 333 cases and 1261 controls were enrolled. Reliability of risk factor information was κ>0.60 for 21/24 variables. The overall injury rate was 0.75/1000 runs. Rates were highest for jumps and half-pipe (both 2.56/1000 runs) and lowest for rails (0.43/1000 runs) and quarter-pipes (0.24/1000 runs). Compared with rails, there were increased odds of injury for half-pipe (OR 9.63; 95% CI 4.80 to 19.32), jumps (OR 4.29; 95% CI 2.72 to 6.76), mushroom (OR 2.30; 95% CI 1.20 to 4.41) and kickers (OR 1.99; 95% CI 1.27 to 3.12).

Conclusions

Higher feature-specific injury rates and increased odds of injury were associated with features that promote aerial manoeuvres or a large drop to the ground. Further research is required to determine ways to increase snowboarder safety in the TP.
Respiratory muscle specific warm-up and elite swimming performance
Authors: Wilson Emma E , McKeever Tricia M , Lobb Claire , Sherriff Tom , Gupta Luke , Hearson Glenn , Martin Neil , Lindley Martin R , Shaw Dominick E
Published: November 2013

Background

Inspiratory muscle training has been shown to improve performance in elite swimmers, when used as part of routine training, but its use as a respiratory warm-up has yet to be investigated.

Aim

To determine the influence of inspiratory muscle exercise (IME) as a respiratory muscle warm-up in a randomised controlled cross-over trial.

Methods

A total of 15 elite swimmers were assigned to four different warm-up protocols and the effects of IME on 100 m freestyle swimming times were assessed.Each swimmer completed four different IME warm-up protocols across four separate study visits: swimming-only warm-up; swimming warm-up plus IME warm-up (2 sets of 30 breaths with a 40% maximum inspiratory mouth pressure load using the Powerbreathe inspiratory muscle trainer); swimming warm-up plus sham IME warm-up (2 sets of 30 breaths with a 15% maximum inspiratory mouth pressure load using the Powerbreathe inspiratory muscle trainer); and IME-only warm-up. Swimmers performed a series of physiological tests and scales of perception (rate of perceived exertion and dyspnoea) at three time points (pre warm-up, post warm-up and post time trial).

Results

The combined standard swimming warm-up and IME warm-up were the fastest of the four protocols with a 100 m time of 57.05 s. This was significantly faster than the IME-only warm-up (mean difference=1.18 s, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.92, p<0.01) and the swim-only warm-up (mean difference=0.62 s, 95% CI 0.001 to 1.23, p=0.05).

Conclusions

Using IME combined with a standard swimming warm-up significantly improves 100 m freestyle swimming performance in elite swimmers.
The Elbow-EpiTrainer: a method of delivering graded resistance to the extensor carpi radialis brevis. Effectiveness of a prototype device in a healthy population
Authors: Navsaria Rishi , Ryder Dionne M , Lewis Jeremy S , Alexander Caroline M
Published: November 2013

Background

Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylopathy (LE) is experienced as the lateral elbow has a reported prevalence of 1.3%, with symptoms lasting up to 18 months. LE is most commonly attributed to tendinopathy involving the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon. The aim of tendinopathy management is to alleviate symptoms and restore function that initially involves relative rest followed by progressive therapeutic exercise.

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of two prototype exercises using commonly available clinical equipment to progressively increase resistance and activity of the ECRB.

Method

Eighteen healthy participants undertook two exercise progressions. Surface electromyography was used to record ECRB activity during the two progressions, involving eccentric exercises of the wrist extensors and elbow pronation exercises using a prototype device. The two progressions were assessed for their linearity of progression using repeated ANOVA and linear regression analysis. Five participants repeated the study to assess reliability.

Results

The exercise progressions led to an increase in ECRB electromyographic (EMG) activity (p<0.001). A select progression of exercises combining the two protocols increased EMG activity in a linear fashion (p<0.001). The ICC values indicated good reliability (ICC>0.7) between the first and second tests for five participants.

Conclusions

Manipulation of resistance and leverage with the prototype exercises was effective in creating significant increases of ECRB normalised EMG activity in a linear manner that may, with future research, become useful to clinicians treating LE. In addition, between trial reliability for the device to generate a consistent load was acceptable.
Diagnosis and treatment of alcoholic hepatitis
Authors: Parker R , McCune C A
Published: November 2013

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is increasing in incidence in the UK. It is the commonest cause of liver-related deaths, predominantly in people below the age of 60. Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is an acute form of ALD with high mortality when severe. Jaundice and coagulopathy are clinical hallmarks of severe AH. Histology findings are characterised by parenchymal inflammation and hepatocellular damage although biopsy is only required when diagnostic uncertainty exists; clinical findings are usually sufficient for accurate diagnosis. Patients with AH should be stratified as non-severe or severe using non-invasive scoring systems such as the discriminant function or the Glasgow Alcoholic Hepatitis Score. In patients with non-severe AH, abstinence is the mainstay of treatment, and it is important that steps are taken to help patients stop drinking. Severe AH requires specialist treatment. Consensus guidelines recommend the use of prednisolone although this remains subject to clinical trials. Pentoxifylline may have a survival benefit if corticosteroids are contraindicated. Nutritional support and N-acetylcysteine should be considered for use in conjunction with corticosteroids although evidence of benefit is not conclusive. Patients with severe disease who do not respond to therapy within a week have a very poor outcome. Recent data have shown a survival benefit of liver transplantation in this group although this remains experimental at present. Current and future research should focus on targeted therapies for severe AH and those who fail first-line treatment.
Endothelial actin depolymerization mediates NADPH oxidase-superoxide production during flow reversal
Authors: Choy Jenny S. , Lu Xiao , Yang Junrong , Zhang Zhen-Du , Kassab Ghassan S.
Published: November 2013

Slow moving blood flow and changes in flow direction, e.g., negative wall shear stress, can cause increased superoxide (O2·−) production in vascular endothelial cells. The mechanism by which shear stress increases O2·−production, however, is not well established. We tested the hypothesis that actin depolymerization, which occurs during flow reversal, mediates O2·−production in vascular endothelial cells via NADPH oxidase, and more specifically, the subunit p47phox. Using a swine model, we created complete blood flow reversal in one carotid artery, while the contralateral vessel maintained forward blood flow as control. We measured actin depolymerization, NADPH oxidase activity, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the presence of various inhibitors. Flow reversal was found to induce actin depolymerization and a 3.9 ± 1.0-fold increase in ROS production as compared with forward flow. NADPH oxidase activity was 1.4 ± 0.2 times higher in vessel segments subjected to reversed blood flow when measured by a direct enzyme assay. The NADPH oxidase subunits gp91phox(Nox2) and p47phoxcontent in the vessels remained unchanged after 4 h of flow reversal. In contrast, p47phoxphosphorylation was increased in vessels with reversed flow. The response caused by reversed flow was reduced by in vivo treatment with jasplakinolide, an actin stabilizer (only a 1.7 ± 0.3-fold increase). Apocynin (an antioxidant) prevented reversed flow-induced ROS production when the animals were treated in vivo. Cytochalasin D mimicked actin depolymerization in vitro and caused a 5.2 ± 3.0-fold increase in ROS production. These findings suggest that actin filaments play an important role in negative shear stress-induced ROS production by potentiating NADPH oxidase activity, and more specifically, the p47phoxsubunit in vascular endothelium.
Cardiomyocyte Ogt is essential for postnatal viability
Authors: Watson Lewis J. , Long Bethany W. , DeMartino Angelica M. , Brittian Kenneth R. , Readnower Ryan D. , Brainard Robert E. , Cummins Timothy D. , Annamalai Lakshmanan , Hill Bradford G. , Jones Steven P.
Published: November 2013

The singly coded gene O-linked-β- N-acetylglucosamine ( O-GlcNAc) transferase ( Ogt) resides on the X chromosome and is necessary for embryonic stem cell viability during embryogenesis. In mature cells, this enzyme catalyzes the posttranslational modification known as O-GlcNAc to various cellular proteins. Several groups, including our own, have shown that acute increases in protein O-GlcNAcylation are cardioprotective both in vitro and in vivo. Yet, little is known about how OGT affects cardiac function because total body knockout (KO) animals are not viable. Presently, we sought to establish the potential involvement of cardiomyocyte Ogt in cardiac maturation. Initially, we characterized a constitutive cardiomyocyte-specific (cm)OGT KO (c-cmOGT KO) mouse and found that only 12% of the c-cmOGT KO mice survived to weaning age (4 wk old); the surviving animals were smaller than their wild-type littermates, had dilated hearts, and showed overt signs of heart failure. Dysfunctional c-cmOGT KO hearts were more fibrotic, apoptotic, and hypertrophic. Several glycolytic genes were also upregulated; however, there were no gross changes in mitochondrial O2 consumption. Histopathology of the KO hearts indicated the potential involvement of endoplasmic reticulum stress, directing us to evaluate expression of 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein and protein disulfide isomerase, which were elevated. Additional groups of mice were subjected to inducible deletion of cmOGT, which did not produce overt dysfunction within the first couple of weeks of deletion. Yet, long-term loss (via inducible deletion) of cmOGT produced gradual and progressive cardiomyopathy. Thus, cardiomyocyte Ogt is necessary for maturation of the mammalian heart, and inducible deletion of cmOGT in the adult mouse produces progressive ventricular dysfunction.
Smooth muscle contractile diversity in the control of regional circulations
Authors: Reho John J. , Zheng Xiaoxu , Fisher Steven A.
Published: November 2013

Each regional circulation has unique requirements for blood flow and thus unique mechanisms by which it is regulated. In this review we consider the role of smooth muscle contractile diversity in determining the unique properties of selected regional circulations and its potential influence on drug targeting in disease. Functionally smooth muscle diversity can be dichotomized into fast versus slow contractile gene programs, giving rise to phasic versus tonic smooth muscle phenotypes, respectively. Large conduit vessel smooth muscle is of the tonic phenotype; in contrast, there is great smooth muscle contractile diversity in the other parts of the vascular system. In the renal circulation, afferent and efferent arterioles are arranged in series and determine glomerular filtration rate. The afferent arteriole has features of phasic smooth muscle, whereas the efferent arteriole has features of tonic smooth muscle. In the splanchnic circulation, the portal vein and hepatic artery are arranged in parallel and supply blood for detoxification and metabolism to the liver. Unique features of this circulation include the hepatic-arterial buffer response to regulate blood flow and the phasic contractile properties of the portal vein. Unique features of the pulmonary circulation include the low vascular resistance and hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, the latter attribute inherent to the smooth muscle cells but the mechanism uncertain. We consider how these unique properties may allow for selective drug targeting of regional circulations for therapeutic benefit and point out gaps in our knowledge and areas in need of further investigation.
Ultrastructural and cellular basis for the development of abnormal myocardial mechanics during the transition from hypertension to heart failure
Authors: Shah Sanjiv J. , Aistrup Gary L. , Gupta Deepak K. , O'Toole Matthew J. , Nahhas Amanda F. , Schuster Daniel , Chirayil Nimi , Bassi Nikhil , Ramakrishna Satvik , Beussink Lauren , Misener Sol , Kane Bonnie , Wang David , Randolph Blake , Ito Aiko , Wu Megan , Akintilo Lisa , Mongkolrattanothai Thitipong , Reddy Mahendra , Kumar Manvinder , Arora Rishi , Ng Jason , Wasserstrom J. Andrew
Published: November 2013

Although the development of abnormal myocardial mechanics represents a key step during the transition from hypertension to overt heart failure (HF), the underlying ultrastructural and cellular basis of abnormal myocardial mechanics remains unclear. We therefore investigated how changes in transverse (T)-tubule organization and the resulting altered intracellular Ca2+cycling in large cell populations underlie the development of abnormal myocardial mechanics in a model of chronic hypertension. Hearts from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs; n = 72) were studied at different ages and stages of hypertensive heart disease and early HF and were compared with age-matched control (Wistar-Kyoto) rats ( n = 34). Echocardiography, including tissue Doppler and speckle-tracking analysis, was performed just before euthanization, after which T-tubule organization and Ca2+transients were studied using confocal microscopy. In SHRs, abnormalities in myocardial mechanics occurred early in response to hypertension, before the development of overt systolic dysfunction and HF. Reduced longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strain as well as reduced tissue Doppler early diastolic tissue velocities occurred in concert with T-tubule disorganization and impaired Ca2+cycling, all of which preceded the development of cardiac fibrosis. The time to peak of intracellular Ca2+transients was slowed due to T-tubule disruption, providing a link between declining cell ultrastructure and abnormal myocardial mechanics. In conclusion, subclinical abnormalities in myocardial mechanics occur early in response to hypertension and coincide with the development of T-tubule disorganization and impaired intracellular Ca2+cycling. These changes occur before the development of significant cardiac fibrosis and precede the development of overt cardiac dysfunction and HF.
Hemodynamic and arterial stiffness differences between African-Americans and Caucasians after maximal exercise
Authors: Yan Huimin , Ranadive Sushant M. , Heffernan Kevin S. , Lane Abbi D. , Kappus Rebecca M. , Cook Marc D. , Wu Pei-Tzu , Sun Peng , Harvey Idethia S. , Woods Jeffrey A. , Wilund Kenneth R. , Fernhall Bo
Published: November 2013

African-American (AA) men have higher arterial stiffness and augmentation index (AIx) than Caucasian-American (CA) men. Women have greater age-associated increases in arterial stiffness and AIx than men. This study examined racial and sex differences in arterial stiffness and central hemodynamics at rest and after an acute bout of maximal exercise in young healthy individuals. One hundred young, healthy individuals (28 AA men, 24 AA women, 25 CA men, and 23 CA women) underwent measurements of aortic blood pressure (BP) and arterial stiffness at rest and 15 and 30 min after an acute bout of graded maximal aerobic exercise. Aortic BP and AIx were derived from radial artery applanation tonometry. Aortic stiffness (carotid-femoral) was measured via pulse wave velocity. Aortic stiffness was increased in AA subjects but not in CA subjects ( P < 0.05) after an acute bout of maximal cycling exercise, after controlling for body mass index. Aortic BP decreased after exercise in CA subjects but not in AA subjects ( P < 0.05). Women exhibited greater reductions in AIx after maximal aerobic exercise compared with men ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, race and sex impact vascular and central hemodynamic responses to exercise. Young AA and CA subjects exhibited differential responses in central stiffness and central BP after acute maximal exercise. Premenopausal women had greater augmented pressure at rest and after maximal aerobic exercise than men. Future research is needed to examine the potential mechanisms.
Mena associates with Rac1 and modulates connexin 43 remodeling in cardiomyocytes
Authors: Ram Rashmi , Wescott Andrew P. , Varandas Katherine , Dirksen Robert T. , Blaxall Burns C.
Published: November 2013

Mena, a member of the Ena/VASP family of actin regulatory proteins, modulates microfilaments and interacts with cytoskeletal proteins associated with heart failure. Mena is localized at the intercalated disc (ICD) of adult cardiac myocytes, colocalizing with numerous cytoskeletal proteins. Mena's role in the maintainence of mechanical myocardial stability at the cardiomyocyte ICD remains unknown. We hypothesized that Mena may modulate signals from the sarcolemma to the actin cytoskeleton at the ICD to regulate the expression and localization of connexin 43 (Cx43). The small GTPase Rac1 plays a pivotal role in the regulation of actin cytoskeletal reorganization and mediating morphological and transcriptional changes in cardiomyocytes. We found that Mena is associated with active Rac1 in cardiomyocytes and that RNAi knockdown of Mena increased Rac1 activity significantly. Furthermore, Mena knockdown increased Cx43 expression and altered Cx43 localization and trafficking at the ICD, concomitant with faster intercellular communication, as assessed by dye transfer between cardiomyocyte pairs. In mice overexpressing constitutively active Rac1, left ventricular Mena expression was increased significantly, concomitant with lateral redistribution of Cx43. These results suggest that Mena is a critical regulator of the ICD and is required for normal localization of Cx43 in part via regulation of Rac1.
IL-1β expression in the distal lung epithelium disrupts lung morphogenesis and epithelial cell differentiation in fetal mice
Authors: Hogmalm Anna , Bry Maija , Strandvik Birgitta , Bry Kristina
Published: November 2013

Perinatal inflammation and the inflammatory cytokine IL-1 can modify lung morphogenesis. To examine the effects of antenatal expression of IL-1β in the distal airway epithelium on fetal lung morphogenesis, we studied lung development and surfactant expression in fetal mice expressing human IL-1β under the control of the surfactant protein (SP)-C promoter. IL-1β-expressing pups suffered respiratory failure and died shortly after birth. IL-1β caused fetal lung inflammation and enhanced the expression of keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC/CXCL1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein 3 (MCP-3/CCL7), the calgranulins S100A8 and S100A9, the acute-phase protein serum amyloid A3, the chitinase-like proteins Ym1 and Ym2, and pendrin. IL-1β decreased the percentage of the total distal lung area made up of air saccules and the number of air saccules in the lungs of fetal mice. IL-1β inhibited the expression of VEGF-A and its receptors VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2. The percentage of the cellular area of the distal lung made up of capillaries was decreased in IL-1β-expressing fetal mice. IL-1β suppressed the production of SP-B and pro-SP-C and decreased the amount of phosphatidylcholine and the percentage of palmitic acid in the phosphatidylcholine fraction of lung phospholipids, indicating that IL-1β prevented the differentiation of type II epithelial cells. The production of Clara cell secretory protein in the nonciliated bronchiolar (Clara) cells was likewise suppressed by IL-1β. In conclusion, expression of IL-1β in the epithelium of the distal airways disrupted the development of the airspaces and capillaries in the fetal lung and caused fatal respiratory failure at birth.
NADPH oxidase mediates synergistic effects of IL-17 and TNF-α on CXCL1 expression by epithelial cells after lung ischemia-reperfusion
Authors: Sharma Ashish K. , Mulloy Daniel P. , Le Lamvy T. , Laubach Victor E.
Published: November 2013

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury leads to increased mortality and morbidity in lung transplant patients. Lung I/R injury involves inflammation contributed by innate immune responses. IL-17 and TNF-α, from iNKT cells and alveolar macrophages, respectively, contribute importantly to lung I/R injury. This study tests the hypothesis that IL-17 and TNF-α synergistically mediate CXCL1 (a potent neutrophil chemokine) production by alveolar type II epithelial (ATII) cells via an NADPH oxidase-dependent mechanism during lung I/R. Using a hilar clamp model, wild-type and p47phox−/−(NADPH oxidase-deficient) mice underwent left lung I/R, with or without recombinant IL-17 and/or TNF-α treatment. Wild-type mice undergoing I/R treated with combined IL-17 and TNF-α had significantly enhanced lung dysfunction, edema, CXCL1 production, and neutrophil infiltration compared with treatment with IL-17 or TNF-α alone. However, p47phox−/−mice had significantly less pulmonary dysfunction, CXCL1 production, and lung injury after I/R that was not enhanced by combined IL-17-TNF-α treatment. Moreover, in an acute in vitro hypoxia-reoxygenation model, murine ATII cells showed a multifold synergistic increase in CXCL1 expression after combined IL-17-TNF-α treatment compared with treatment with either cytokine alone, which was significantly attenuated by an NADPH oxidase inhibitor. Conditioned media transfer from hypoxia-reoxygenation-exposed iNKT cells and macrophages, major sources of IL-17 and TNF-α, respectively, to ATII cells significantly enhanced CXCL1 production, which was blocked by NADPH oxidase inhibitor. These results demonstrate that IL-17 and TNF-α synergistically mediate CXCL1 production by ATII cells after I/R, via an NADPH oxidase-dependent mechanism, to induce neutrophil infiltration and lung I/R injury.
Progranulin is a substrate for neutrophil-elastase and proteinase-3 in the airway and its concentration correlates with mediators of airway inflammation in COPD
Authors: Ungurs Michael J. , Sinden Nicola J. , Stockley Robert A.
Published: November 2013

Progranulin (PGRN) is an anti-inflammatory protein, yet its digestion by neutrophil-derived proteinases generates products that can stimulate epithelial cell lines to secrete the neutrophil chemoattractant interleukin (IL)-8. Because dysregulated neutrophilic inflammation is implicated in the pathophysiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the possible influence of PGRN and digestion products may be of relevance to understanding and treating inflammation in the disease. PGRN was measured in sputum sol-phase samples from patients with a clinical diagnosis of COPD and chronic sputum production in a clinically stable state; PGRN correlated negatively with bacterial load (colony-forming units/ml) ( r = −0.446, P = 0.003, n = 43) and markers of neutrophilic inflammation, including neutrophil elastase (NE, nM) ( r = −0.562, P = 0.008, n = 21) and proteinase-3 (PR3, nM) ( r = −0.515, P = 0.017, n = 21). Products of PGRN digestion were detected in sputum sol phase, and PGRN conversion activity in sputum sol phase was inhibited with the serine proteinase inhibitor α1-antitrypsin. Digested PGRN at concentrations likely to be present in the airways did not stimulate IL-8 secretion from normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells. Infection of NHBE cells with live Haemophilus influenzae significantly increased PGRN secretion compared with untreated cells ( P ≤ 0.001). The concentration of PGRN relates negatively to the amplified airway inflammation associated with bacterial colonization in clinically stable COPD. This relationship is driven by the proteolytic action of the neutrophil-derived proteinases NE and PR3; the products released by this action are unlikely to stimulate significant IL-8 secretion from epithelial cells in the airways.
A Fast Map Merging Algorithm in the Field of Multirobot SLAM
Authors: Liu Yanli , Fan Xiaoping , Zhang Heng
Published: November 2013

In recent years, the research on single‐robot simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) has made a great success. However, multirobot SLAM faces many challenging problems, including unknown robot poses, unshared map, and unstable communication. In this paper, a map merging algorithm based on virtual robot motion is proposed for multi‐robot SLAM. The thinning algorithm is used to construct the skeleton of the grid map’s empty area, and a mobile robot is simulated in one map. The simulated data is used as information sources in the other map to do partial map Monte Carlo localization; if localization succeeds, the relative pose hypotheses between the two maps can be computed easily. We verify these hypotheses using the rendezvous technique and use them as initial values to optimize the estimation by a heuristic random search algorithm.
Existence Theory for th Order Nonlocal Integral Boundary Value Problems and Extension to Fractional Case
Authors: Ahmad Bashir , Ntouyas Sotiris K. , Alsulami Hamed H.
Published: November 2013

This paper is devoted to the study of the existence and uniqueness of solutions for th order differential equations with nonlocal integral boundary conditions. Our results are based on a variety of fixed point theorems. Some illustrative examples are discussed. We also discuss the Caputo type fractional analogue of the higher-order problem of ordinary differential equations.
Interglobular Diffusion of an Energy Donor in Triplet-Triplet Energy Transfer in Proteins
Authors: Melnikov Andrey G. , Pravdin Alexander B. , Kochubey Vyacheslav I. , Kuptsova Anna V. , Melnikov Gennady V.
Published: November 2013

The triplet-triplet energy transfer between polar molecules of luminescent probe (eosin) as an energy donor and nonpolar molecules of energy acceptor (anthracene) is studied. Both the donor and the acceptor are bound to human serum albumin by noncovalent bonds. A dependence of rate constant of triplet-triplet energy transfer on human serum albumin concentration is revealed. A rate constant of eosin output from protein globules is determined. It is shown that the energy transfer occurs as a result of interglobular diffusion of eosin. The obtained results indicate that a protein-luminescent probe based sensor can be used for testing a concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in proteins.
Similar-Case-Based Optimization of Beam Arrangements in Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Assisting Treatment Planners
Authors: Magome Taiki , Arimura Hidetaka , Shioyama Yoshiyuki , Nakamura Katsumasa , Honda Hiroshi , Hirata Hideki
Published: November 2013

Objective. To develop a similar-case-based optimization method for beam arrangements in lung stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) to assist treatment planners.Methods. First, cases that are similar to an objective case were automatically selected based on geometrical features related to a planning target volume (PTV) location, PTV shape, lung size, and spinal cord position. Second, initial beam arrangements were determined by registration of similar cases with the objective case using a linear registration technique. Finally, beam directions of the objective case were locally optimized based on the cost function, which takes into account the radiation absorption in normal tissues and organs at risk. The proposed method was evaluated with 10 test cases and a treatment planning database including 81 cases, by using 11 planning evaluation indices such as tumor control probability and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP).Results. The procedure for the local optimization of beam arrangements improved the quality of treatment plans with significant differences (P<0.05) in the homogeneity index and conformity index for the PTV, V10, V20, mean dose, and NTCP for the lung.Conclusion. The proposed method could be usable as a computer-aided treatment planning tool for the determination of beam arrangements in SBRT.
Attitudes toward Genetic Testing for Hypertension among African American Women and Girls
Authors: Taylor Jacquelyn Y. , Peternell Bronwen , Smith Jennifer A.
Published: November 2013

Introduction. Although African American (AA) women have the highest prevalence of hypertension and many genetic studies have been conducted to examine this disparity, no published studies have investigated their attitudes toward genetic testing for hypertension. The purpose of the present study was to use the health belief model as a guide to examine attitudes toward perceived barriers and benefits of genetic testing held by AA multigenerational triads and to determine whether they differed by generation, age, education, or income level.Methods. A descriptive correlational research design were used with 183 African American women and girls from Detroit. Correlations between triad membership, age, income, and education level were examined for association with attitudes toward genetic testing.Results. Increasing age and education were associated with significant differences in attitudes regarding benefits (F[2,160]=5.19,P=0.007,d=0.06) and awareness (F[2,160]=6.49,P=0.002,d=0.08). No statistically significant differences existed on the three subscales when compared by income levels or triad membership.Conclusions. This highlights the need for increased outreach to younger generations regarding benefits of genetic services. Further research is necessary to determine whether rural and male populations have similar beliefs.
Spatiotemporal Distribution and Population Structure of Monokalliapseudes schubarti (Tanaidacea: Kalliapseudidae) in an Estuary in Southern Brazil
Authors: Freitas-Júnior Felipe , Christoffersen Martin Lindsey , de Araújo Joafrâncio Pereira , Branco Joaquim Olinto
Published: November 2013

Monokalliapseudes schubarti is an endemic tanaidacean microcrustacean from southeastern Brazil to Uruguay inhabiting low energy estuaries. Saco da Fazenda is located in the estuary of the Itajaí‐Açú River, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. It is exposed to strong anthropic impact and receives intensive flows of domestic wastewater, solid residues, and drainage activities. Specimens of M. schubarti were collected monthly, in the intertidal and subtidal regions of Saco da Fazenda, in four stations defined as a function of the physiography of the environment during the period of July 2003 to June 2004. Fecundity values were high, with continuous reproductive activity during the whole period of study. The greatest population densities were observed in the intertidal region, where they are nevertheless intensely consumed by birds, swimming crabs, and fish. This species represents a fundamental link in the food chain of Saco da Fazenda, transferring energy from the detritus level to higher trophic levels. Habitat disturbance and high organic matter may represent factors controlling the distribution of populations of M. schubarti. For this reason, the species may be used to monitor anthropic effects in estuarine areas.
Characterization of Arsenic Biotransformation Products from an Open Anaerobic Degradation of Fucus distichus by Hydride Generation Gas Chromatography Atomic Absorption Spectrometry and High Performance Liquid Chromatography Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Ojo Abiodun A. , Onasanya Amos
Published: November 2013

This work reports on the isolation and determination of biotransformation products obtained from the organoarsenic compounds that are present in Fucus distichus when it was subjected to an open anaerobic decomposition by using the Hydride Generation Gas Chromatography Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (HG-GC-AAS) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS). The seaweed and filtrate residues obtained from the open anaerobic degradation procedure were extracted in methanol and partitioned in phenol-ether-water mixtures to obtain water soluble extracts. The water soluble extracts were cleaned up and separated on a gel permeation Sephadex G15 column. Arsenic species concentrations were determined by using HG-GC-AAS. Final characterization of the biotransformation isolates was carried out on HPLC-ICP-MS. Only two arsenic species, 2-dimethylarsinoyl ethanol (DMAE) and dimethylarsinic acid (DMAA), were positively identified in the water soluble extract of the marine brown algae. The two arsenic species are strong intermediate candidates in the biosynthesis of arsenobetaine from oceanic arsenate in marine food webs.
Evaluation Formulas for Generalized Conditional Wiener Integrals with Drift on a Function Space
Authors: Cho Dong Hyun
Published: November 2013

LetC[0,t]denote a generalized Wiener space, the space of real-valued continuous functions on the interval[0,t]and define a stochastic processY:C[0,t]×[0,t]→ℝbyY(x,s)=∫0s‍h(u)dx(u)+a(s)forx∈C[0,t]ands∈[0,t], whereh∈L2[0,t]withh≠0a.e. andais continuous on[0,t]. Let random vectorsYn:C[0,t]→ℝnandYn+1:C[0,t]→ℝn+1be given byYn(x)=(Y(x,t1),…,Y(x,tn))andYn+1(x)=(Y(x,t1),…,Y(x,tn),Y(x,tn+1)), where0<t1<⋯<tn<tn+1=tis a partition of[0,t]. In this paper we derive a translation theorem for a generalized Wiener integral and then prove thatYis a generalized Brownian motion process with drifta. Furthermore, we derive two simple formulas for generalized conditional Wiener integrals of functions onC[0,t]with the drift and the conditioning functionsYnandYn+1. As applications of these simple formulas, we evaluate the generalized conditional Wiener integrals of various functions onC[0,t].
Control of Hopf Bifurcation in Autonomous System Based on Washout Filter
Authors: Du Wenju , Chu Yandong , Zhang Jiangang , Chang Yingxiang , Yu Jianning , An Xinlei
Published: November 2013

In order to further understand a Lorenz-like system, we study the stability of the equilibrium points and the existence of Hopf bifurcation by center manifold theorem and normal form theory. More precisely, we designed a washout controller such that the equilibriumE0undergoes a controllable Hopf bifurcation, and by adjusting the controller parameters, we delayed Hopf bifurcation phenomenon of the equilibriumE+. Besides, numerical simulation is given to illustrate the theoretical analysis. Finally, two possible electronic circuits are given to realize the uncontrolled and the controlled systems.
Climatic Trends in Hail Precipitation in France: Spatial, Altitudinal, and Temporal Variability
Authors: Hermida Lucía , Sánchez José Luis , López Laura , Berthet Claude , Dessens Jean , García-Ortega Eduardo , Merino Andrés
Published: November 2013

Hail precipitation is characterized by enhanced spatial and temporal variability. Association Nationale d’Etude et de Lutte contre les Fléaux Atmosphériques (ANELFA) installed hailpad networks in the Atlantic and Midi‐Pyrénées regions of France. Historical data of hail variables from 1990 to 2010 were used to characterize variability. A total of 443 stations with continuous records were chosen to obtain a first approximation of areas most affected by hail. The Cressman method was selected for this purpose. It was possible to find relationships between spatial distributions of the variables, which are supported by obtained Pearson correlations. Monthly and annual trends were examined using the Mann‐Kendall test for each of the total affected hailpads. There were 154 pads with a positive trend; most were located between Tarbes and Saint‐Gaudens. We found 177 pads with a negative trend, which were largely south of a pine forest in Landes. The remainder of the study area showed an elevated spatial variability with no pattern, even between relatively close hailpads. A similar pattern was found in Lérida (Spain) and Southeast France. In the entire area, monthly trends were predominantly negative in June, July, and August, whereas May had a positive trend; again, however, there was no spatial pattern. There was a high concentration of hailpads with positive trend near the Pyrenees, probably owing to orographic effects, and if we apply cluster analysis with the Mann‐Kendall values, the spatial variability is accentuated for stations at higher altitude.
Linear Models with Response Functions Based on the Laplace Distribution: Statistical Formulae and Their Application to Epigenomics
Authors: Hassell Sweatman C. Z. W. , Wake G. C. , Pleasants A. B. , McLean C. A. , Sheppard A. M.
Published: November 2013

The statistical application considered here arose in epigenomics, linking the DNA methylation proportions measured at specific genomic sites to characteristics such as phenotype or birth order. It was found that the distribution of errors in the proportions of chemical modification (methylation) on DNA, measured at CpG sites, may be successfully modelled by a Laplace distribution which is perturbed by a Hermite polynomial. We use a linear model with such a response function. Hence, the response function is known, or assumed well estimated, but fails to be differentiable in the classical sense due to the modulus function. Our problem was to estimate coefficients for the linear model and the corresponding covariance matrix and to compare models with varying numbers of coefficients. The linear model coefficients may be found using the (derivative-free) simplex method, as in quantile regression. However, this theory does not yield a simple expression for the covariance matrix of the coefficients of the linear model. Assuming response functions which are𝒞2except where the modulus function attains zero, we derive simple formulae for the covariance matrix and a log-likelihood ratio statistic, using generalized calculus. These original formulae enable a generalized analysis of variance and further model comparisons.
Fragmentation of Chitosan by Acids
Authors: Kasaai Mohammad Reza , Arul Joseph , Charlet Gérard
Published: November 2013

Fragmentation of chitosan in aqueous solution by hydrochloric acid was investigated. The kinetics of fragmentation, the number of chain scissions, and polydispersity of the fragments were followed by viscometry and size exclusion chromatography. The chemical structure and the degree of N‐acetylation (DA) of the original chitosan and its fragments were examined by 1H NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The kinetic data indicates that the reaction was of first order. The results of polydispersity and the DA suggest that the selected experimental conditions (temperature and concentration of acid) were appropriate to obtain the fragments having the polydispersity and the DA similar to or slightly different from those of the original one. A procedure to estimate molecular weight of fragments as well as the number of chain scissions of the fragments under the experimental conditions was also proposed.
Thermal Degradation Behaviour of Ni(II) Complex of 3,4‐Methylenedioxaphenylaminoglyoxime
Authors: Karapınar Emin , Gubbuk Ilkay Hilal , Taner Bilge , Deveci Pervin , Ozcan Emine
Published: November 2013

Thermal degradation behaviour of the Ni(II) complex of 3,4‐methylenedioxaphenylaminoglyoxime was investigated by TG, DTA, and DTG at a heating rate of 10°C min−1 under dinitrogen. The acquired experimental data shows that the complex is thermally stable up to 541 K. The pyrolytic decomposition process occurs by melting metal complex and metal oxide remains as final product. The energies of the reactions involved and the mechanism of decomposition at each stage have been examined. The values of kinetic parameters such as activation energy (E), preexponential factor (A) and thermodynamic parameters such as enthalpy (ΔH), entropy (ΔS), and Gibbs free energy (ΔG) are also evaluated.
A Case Report of Mycobacterium Avium Complex Peritonitis in an AIDS Patient
Authors: Negatu Yihenew , Mekonen Eyasu
Published: November 2013

Peritonitis due to Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection is uncommon. The risk for MAC in AIDS patients is greatest in those with severely depressed CD4 count. The organs most commonly involved in disseminated MAC infection include spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, and intestines. The involvement of peritoneum by MAC infection is rare. This is a case of MAC peritonitis in a 26-year-old female AIDS patient who is noncompliant to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). This patient presented with abdominal pain and distension, anorexia, diarrhea, and cough. She was treated with rifabutin, clarithromycin, and ethambutol along with atovaquone for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia prophylaxis and so the patient’s condition improved. MAC peritonitis should be considered in a patient presenting with nonspecific abdominal symptoms in the setting of AIDS and low CD4 count.
The Research of Acupuncture Effective Biomolecules: Retrospect and Prospect
Authors: Wang Yu , Yin Lei-Miao , Xu Yu-Dong , Lui Yan-Yan , Ran Jun , Yang Yong-Qing
Published: November 2013

Acupuncture is an effective, safe and convenient therapy that has been applied for 2,500 years. The acupuncture researches have obtained significant improvement with the technical support of the life sciences and the studies of acupuncture have in turn accelerated the development of biomedical science. The effects of acupuncture influence important physiopathologic and biological activities, including gene expression, protein-protein interactions, and other biological processes. Cerebrospinal fluid, serum, organs, and tissues are reported to be carriers of the biomolecules of the effects of acupuncture. The paper summarized the progress of acupuncture effective biomolecules researches and found that biomolecules play important roles in the mechanism of acupuncture. With the development of omics technologies and translational medicine, the acupuncture research will meet both opportunities and challenges.