bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Novel Victorivirus from a Phytopathogenic Fungus, Rosellinia necatrix, Is Infectious as Particles and Targeted by RNA Silencing
Authors: Chiba Sotaro , Lin Yu-Hsin , Kondo Hideki , Kanematsu Satoko , Suzuki Nobuhiro
Published: April 2013

A novel victorivirus, termed
Rosellinia necatrix
victorivirus 1 (RnVV1), was isolated from a plant pathogenic ascomycete, white root rot fungus
Rosellinia necatrix
, coinfected with a partitivirus. The virus was molecularly and biologically characterized using the natural and experimental hosts (chestnut blight fungus,
Cryphonectria parasitica
). RnVV1 was shown to have typical molecular victorivirus attributes, including a monopartite double-stranded RNA genome with two open reading frames (ORFs) encoding capsid protein (CP) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), a UAAUG pentamer presumed to facilitate the coupled termination/reinitiation for translation of the two ORFs, a spherical particle structure ∼40 nm in diameter, and moderate levels of CP and RdRp sequence identity (34 to 58%) to those of members of the genus
Victorivirus
within the family
Totiviridae
. A reproducible transfection system with purified RnVV1 virions was developed for the two distinct fungal hosts. Transfection assay with purified RnVV1 virions combined with virus elimination by hyphal tipping showed that the effects of RnVV1 on the phenotype of the natural host were negligible. Interestingly, comparison of the RNA silencing-competent (standard strain EP155) and -defective (Δ
dcl-2
) strains of
C. parasitica
infected with RnVV1 showed that RNA silencing acted against the virus to repress its replication, which was restored by coinfection with hypovirus or transgenic expression of an RNA silencing suppressor, hypovirus p29. Phenotypic changes were observed in the Δ
dcl-2
strain but not in EP155. This is the first reported study on the host range expansion of a
Totiviridae
member that is targeted by RNA silencing.
Vaxfectin Adjuvant Improves Antibody Responses of Juvenile Rhesus Macaques to a DNA Vaccine Encoding the Measles Virus Hemagglutinin and Fusion Proteins
Authors: Lin Wen-Hsuan W. , Vilalta Adrian , Adams Robert J. , Rolland Alain , Sullivan Sean M. , Griffin Diane E.
Published: April 2013

DNA vaccines formulated with the cationic lipid-based adjuvant Vaxfectin induce protective immunity in macaques after intradermal (i.d.) or intramuscular (i.m.) delivery of 0.5 to 1 mg of codon-optimized DNA encoding the hemagglutinin (H) and fusion (F) proteins of measles virus (MeV). To characterize the effect of Vaxfectin at lower doses of H+F DNA, rhesus macaques were vaccinated twice with 20 μg of DNA plus Vaxfectin i.d., 100 μg of DNA plus Vaxfectin i.d., 100 μg of DNA plus Vaxfectin i.m. or 100 μg of DNA plus phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) i.m. using a needleless Biojector device. The levels of neutralizing (
P
= 0.036) and binding (
P
= 0.0001) antibodies were higher after 20 or 100 μg of DNA plus Vaxfectin than after 100 μg of DNA plus PBS. Gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-producing T cells were induced more rapidly than antibody, but were not improved with Vaxfectin. At 18 months after vaccination, monkeys were challenged with wild-type MeV. None developed rash or viremia, but all showed evidence of infection. Antibody levels increased, and IFN-γ- and interleukin-17-producing T cells, including cells specific for the nucleoprotein absent from the vaccine, were induced. At 3 months after challenge, MeV RNA was detected in the leukocytes of two monkeys. The levels of antibody peaked 2 to 4 weeks after challenge and then declined in vaccinated animals reflecting low numbers of bone marrow-resident plasma cells. Therefore, Vaxfectin was dose sparing and substantially improved the antibody response to the H+F DNA vaccine. This immune response led to protection from disease (rash/viremia) but not from infection. Antibody responses after challenge were more transient in vaccinated animals than in an unvaccinated animal.
A case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy induced by accidental hypothermia and diabetic ketoacidosis
Authors: Katayama Yoichi , Hifumi Toru , Inoue Junichi , Koido Yuichi
Published: April 2013

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is known to be triggered by some stress. We report the first case of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy induced by hypothermia and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). A 59-year-old woman was brought to our emergency department. Upon examination, she was found to be lethargic and disoriented. The body temperature was 30.9°C, blood pressure was 86/68 mm Hg, blood glucose level was 1018 mg/dl. Urinalysis revealed the presence of ketones and arterial blood gas analysis revealed pH 6.87. She was diagnosed with DKA and accidental hypothermia. An ECG demonstrated a J wave (V4–5) and ST-segment elevation (V3–5), and an ultrasound cardiogram revealed contractile failure of the left ventricular wall at the apex with hypercontraction of the basal segment. Coronary artery disease was ruled out by coronary angiography, and the diagnosis of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy was confirmed. Physicians should keep in mind that Takotsubo cardiomyopathy can be induced by accidental hypothermia and DKA.
64-MDCT can depict the thrombi expanded from the left lower pulmonary vein to the left atrium in the patient with angina pectoris
Authors: Takeuchi Hidekazu
Published: April 2013

Stroke is an important clinical problem and some strokes are caused by a cardiac thrombus. Although large thrombus in the left atrium (LA) is known, small-sized LA thrombus is rare. LA thrombus or a left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus is well known to cause ischaemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). For patients with AF, anticoagulants are recommended to prevent stroke. 64-slice multidetector CT (64-MDCT) can estimate not only the coronary artery stenosis, but LAA thrombus and small pulmonary vein thrombus (PVT). This study demonstrated the thrombi in the left lower pulmonary vein to LA in a 70-year-old man without AF by 64-MDCT. The LA thrombi were identified by transthoracic echocardiography, the size of which was 30.2 mm×8.1 mm. PVT and the small LA thrombus seem to have been significantly underestimated. 64-MDCT is a useful tool to estimate PVT and LA thrombi promptly.
QM/MM molecular dynamics simulations of the hydration of Mg(II) and Zn(II) ions
Authors: Riahi Saleh , Roux Benoît , Rowley Christopher N.
Published: April 2013

The hydration of Mg2+ and Zn2+ is examined using molecular dynamics simulations using 3 computational approaches of increasing complexity: the CHARMM nonpolarizable force field based on the TIP3P water model, the Drude polarizable force field based on the SWM4-NDP water model, and a combined QM/MM approach in which the inner coordination sphere is represented using a high-quality density functional theory (DFT) model (PBE/def2-TZVPP), and the remainder of the bulk water solvent is represented using the polarizable SWM4-NDP water model. The characteristic structural distribution functions (radial, angular, and tilt) are comparedand show very good agreement between the polarizable force field and QM/MM approaches. They predict an average Mg–O distance of 2.11 Å and an Zn–O distance of 2.13 Å, in good agreement with the available experimental neutron scattering and EXAFS data, while the Mg–O distances calculated using the nonpolarizable force field are 0.1 Å too short. Mg2+ (aq) and Zn2+ (aq) both have a coordination number of 6 and have a remarkably similar octahedral coordination mode, despite the chemical differences between these ions. Thermodynamic integration was used to calculate the relative hydration free energies of these ions (ΔΔGhydr). The nonpolarizable model is in error by 60 kcal mol– 1 and incorrectly predicts that Mg2+ has the more negative hydration energy. The Drude polarizable model predicts a ΔΔGhydr of only –13.2 kcal kcal mol– 1, an improvement over the results of the nonpolarizable force field, but still signficantly different than the experimental value of –30.1 kcal mol–1. The combined QM/MM approach performs much better, predicting a ΔΔGhydr of –34.8 kcal mol–1 in excellent agreement with experiment. These calculations support the experimental observation that Zn2+ has more favourable solvation free energy than Mg2+ despite having a very similar solvation structure.
MODELING THE INFLUENCE OF SURFACE EFFECT ON INSTABILITY OF NANO-CANTILEVER IN PRESENCE OF VAN DER WAALS FORCE
Authors: KOOCHI ALI , HOSSEINI-TOUDESHKY HOSSEIN , OVESY HAMID REZA , ABADYAN MOHAMADREZA
Published: April 2013

Surface effect often plays a significant role in the pull-in performance of nano-electromechanical systems (NEMS) but limited works have been conducted for taking this effect into account. Herein, the influence of surface effect has been investigated on instability behavior of cantilever nano-actuator in the presence of van der Waals force (vdW). Three different methods, i.e. an analytical modified Adomian decomposition (MAD), Lumped parameter model (LPM) and numerical solution have been applied to solve the governing equation of the system. The results demonstrate that surface effect reduces the pull-in voltage of the system. Moreover, surface energy causes the cantilever nano-actuator with the assigned parameter to deflect as a softer structure. It is found that while surface effect becomes important for low values of the cantilever nano-actuator thickness, vdW attraction is significant for low initial gap values. Surprisingly, the increase in the initial gap, enhances the contribution of surface effect in pull-in instability of the system while reduces the contribution of vdW attraction. Furthermore, the minimum initial gap and the detachment length of the cantilever nano-actuator that does not stick to the substrate due to vdW force and surface effect has been approximated. A good agreement has been observed between the values of instability parameters predicted via these three methods. Whilst compared to the instability voltage predicted by numerical solution, the pull-in voltage obtained by MAD series and LPM method is overestimated and underestimated, respectively.
APPLICATION OF THE BASELINE STIFFNESS METHOD FOR DAMAGE DETECTION OF AN RC BUILDING WITHOUT BASELINE MODAL PARAMETERS UTILIZING THE INDEPENDENT COMPONENT ANALYSIS FOR MODAL EXTRACTION
Authors: RODRÍGUEZ-ROCHA RAMSÉS , RIVERO-ANGELES FRANCISCO J. , GÓMEZ-RAMÍREZ EDUARDO
Published: April 2013

In this paper, a damage detection study is presented for a seven-story concrete building. This structure was affected by the 1994 Northridge earthquake. Acceleration signals of the damaged system are processed utilizing both the Independent Component Analysis and the Frequency Domain Decomposition Method to extract modal parameters. Utilizing solely these parameters from the damaged structure and the approximate undamaged lateral stiffness of the first storey, a pre-damage state is determined. Damage assessment is achieved by the Baseline Stiffness Method and comparing the computed undamaged state of the building and the damaged one to detect loss of stiffness on each element of the structure. Advantages of the proposed methods are discussed to demonstrate the feasibility of the methodology to extract modal parameters and to identify structural damage in buildings without baseline modal information.
NUMERICAL STUDY OF BLAST-RESISTANT SANDWICH PANELS WITH ROTATIONAL FRICTION DAMPERS
Authors: CHEN WENSU , HAO HONG
Published: April 2013

Blast-resistant structures are traditionally designed with solid materials of huge weight to resist blast loads. This not only increases the construction costs, but also undermines the operational performance. To overcome these problems, many researchers develop new designs with either new materials or new structural forms, or both to resist the blast loads. Friction damper, as a passive energy absorber, has been used in earthquake-resistant design to absorb vibration energy from cyclic loading. The use of friction damper in blast-resistant design to absorb high-rate impact and blast energy, however, has not been well explored. This study introduces a new sandwich panel equipped with rotational friction hinge device with spring (RFHDS) between the outer and inner plates to resist the blast loading. This device RFHDS, as a special sandwich core and energy absorber, consists of rotational friction hinge device (RFHD) and spring. The RFHD is used to absorb blast energy while the spring is used to restore the original shape of the panel. This paper studies the mechanism of RFHD by using theoretical derivation and numerical simulations to derive its equivalent force–displacement relation and study its energy absorption capacity. In addition, the energy absorption and blast loading resistance capacities of the sandwich panel equipped with RFHDS are numerically investigated by using Ls-Dyna. It is found that the proposed sandwich panel can recover, at least partially its original configuration after the loading and thus maintain its operational and blast-resistance capability after a blasting event. In order to maximize the performance of the proposed sandwich panel, parametric calculations are carried out to study the performance of RFHDS and the sandwich panels with RFHDS. The best performing sandwich panel with RFHDS in resisting blast loadings is identified. This sandwich panel configuration might be employed to mitigate blast loading effects in structural sandwich panel design.
ASSESSMENT OF FOOTFALL-INDUCED VIBRATIONS IN TIMBER AND LIGHTWEIGHT COMPOSITE FLOORS
Authors: HASSAN O. A. B. , GIRHAMMAR U. A.
Published: April 2013

In this paper, the footfall-induced vibrations in typical timber and lightweight composite floors in residential buildings are investigated. The two-floor structures have approximately comparable distributed mass and that the transverse flexural stiffnesses of the two structures are not substantially different. An analysis is carried out to assess the floor acceptability of the two structures, based upon derived expressions as well as some design codes and guidelines such as the Eurocode. For the analysis, two cases are considered for each floor structure: a composite action and noncomposite action. It has been shown that use of composite action, under certain conditions, has more advantages than its noncomposite counterpart with respect to the floor acceptability for general residential applications. Moreover, the limitations of the different criteria of the codes, guidelines for assessing floor vibrations in timber and lightweight floor structures, and possible improvements of these criteria are discussed in this paper.
A BIOMECHANICAL MODEL AS A SEATED HUMAN BODY FOR CALCULATION OF VERTICAL VIBRATION TRANSMISSIBILITY USING A GENETIC ALGORITHM
Authors: MARZBANRAD JAVAD , AFKAR AMIR
Published: April 2013

Many biomechanical models of whole body vibrations have been developed, as part of the design, optimization, and vibrations control of vehicle seat systems, with the aim of achieving greater comfort. Most of these models are complex and result in large errors. In this paper, we introduce two new models, with and without backrest support, within a specific frequency domain. One is an optimized seven-degrees-of-freedom (7-DoF) lumped-parameter model with a unique structure to display vertical vibrations in one direction. The other is a new type of model called the coupled model, where the stiffness and damping matrices are employed instead of the spring and damper scalar parameters to present vertical vibrations in two directions — vertical and horizontal. The use of matrices not only simplifies and reduces DoF, but also gives more accurate results in comparison with the conventional multi-body models. With the help of a genetic algorithm (GA) through the global criterion method, we obtained numerical parameters of both models including mass, stiffness, and damping, which minimized the errors. The mean error for the 7-DoF model was 2.2%, while the best lumped-parameter models previously developed produced 12.6%. For the coupled model, we measured a mean error of 7%, a significant improvement over a well-known multi-body model with a mean error of 22.4%. Finally, we compared the transmissibility of vibrations in the human body applying the two models in the frequency range below 6 Hz, in both cases of with and without a backrest. These confirmed the importance of the backrest.
THE ARTIFICIAL COMPRESSIBILITY APPROXIMATION FOR MHD EQUATIONS IN UNBOUNDED DOMAIN
Authors: DONATELLI DONATELLA
Published: April 2013

We analyze a method of approximation for the weak solutions of the incompressible magnetohydrodynamic equations (MHD) in unbounded domains. In particular we describe an hyperbolic version of the so-called artificial compressibility method adapted to the MHD system. By exploiting the wave equation structure of the approximating system we achieve the convergence of the approximating sequences by means of dispersive estimate of Strichartz type. We prove that the soleinoidal component of the approximating velocity and magnetic fields is relatively compact and converges strongly to a weak solution of the MHD equation.
THE EUCLIDEAN DISTORTION OF FLAT TORI
Authors: HAVIV ISHAY , REGEV ODED
Published: April 2013

We show that for every n-dimensional lattice [Formula: see text] the torus [Formula: see text] can be embedded with distortion [Formula: see text] into a Hilbert space. This improves the exponential upper bound of O(n3n/2) due to Khot and Naor (FOCS 2005, Math. Ann. 2006) and gets close to their lower bound of [Formula: see text]. We also obtain tight bounds for certain families of lattices.

Our main new ingredient is an embedding that maps any point [Formula: see text] to a Gaussian function centered at u in the Hilbert space [Formula: see text]. The proofs involve Gaussian measures on lattices, the smoothing parameter of lattices and Korkine–Zolotarev bases.
Protective role of testosterone in ischemia-reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Soljancic Andrea , Ruiz Arnaldo Lopez , Chandrashekar Kiran , Maranon Rodrigo , Liu Ruisheng , Reckelhoff Jane F. , Juncos Luis A.
Published: April 2013

Men are at greater risk for renal injury and dysfunction after acute ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) than are women. Studies in animals suggest that the reason for the sex difference in renal injury and dysfunction after I/R is the protective effect of estrogens in females. However, a reduction in testosterone in men is thought to play an important role in mediating cardiovascular and renal disease, in general. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that I/R of the kidney reduces serum testosterone, and that contributes to renal dysfunction and injury. Male rats that were subjected to renal ischemia of 40 min followed by reperfusion had a 90% reduction in serum testosterone by 3 h after reperfusion that remained at 24 h. Acute infusion of testosterone 3 h after reperfusion attenuated the increase in plasma creatinine and urinary kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) at 24 h, prevented the reduction in outer medullary blood flow, and attenuated the increase in intrarenal TNF-α and the decrease in intrarenal VEGF at 48 h. Castration of males caused greater increases in plasma creatinine and KIM-1 at 24 h than in intact males with renal I/R, and treatment with anastrozole, an aromatase inhibitor, plus testosterone almost normalized plasma creatinine and KIM-1 in rats with renal I/R. These data show that renal I/R is associated with sustained reductions in testosterone, that testosterone repletion protects the kidney, whereas castration promotes renal dysfunction and injury, and that the testosterone-mediated protection is not conferred by conversion to estradiol.
βENaC is required for whole cell mechanically gated currents in renal vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Chung Wen-Shuo , Weissman Jennifer L. , Farley Jerry , Drummond Heather A.
Published: April 2013

Myogenic constrictor responses in small renal arteries and afferent arterioles are suppressed in mice with reduced levels of β-epithelial Na+channel (βENaCm/m). The underlying mechanism is unclear. Decreased activity of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC) or mechanically gated ion channels and increased activity of large conductance calcium-activated potassium (BK) channels are a few possible mechanisms. The purpose of this study was to determine if VGCC, BK, or mechanically gated ion channel activity was altered in renal vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) from βENaCm/mmice. To address this, we used whole cell patch-clamp electrophysiological approaches in freshly isolated renal VSMCs. Compared with βENaC+/+controls, the current-voltage relationships for VGCC and BK activity are similar in βENaCm/mmice. These findings suggest neither VGCC nor BK channel dysfunction accounts for reduced myogenic constriction in βENaCm/mmice. We then examined mechanically gated currents using a novel in vitro assay where VSMCs are mechanically activated by stretching an underlying elastomer. We found the mechanically gated currents, predominantly carried by Na+, are observed with less frequency (87 vs. 43%) and have smaller magnitude (−54.1 ± 12.5 vs. −20.9 ± 4.9 pA) in renal VSMCs from βENaCm/mmice. Residual currents are expected in this model since VSMC βENaC expression is reduced by 50%. These findings suggest βENaC is required for normal mechanically gated currents in renal VSMCs and their disruption may account for the reduced myogenic constriction in the βENaCm/mmodel. Our findings are consistent with the role of βENaC as a VSMC mechanosensor and function of evolutionarily related nematode degenerin proteins.
Antihypertensive and renoprotective effect of the kinin pathway activated by potassium in a model of salt sensitivity following overload proteinuria
Authors: Ardiles Leopoldo , Cardenas Areli , Burgos María E. , Droguett Alejandra , Ehrenfeld Pamela , Carpio Daniel , Mezzano Sergio , Figueroa Carlos D.
Published: April 2013

The albumin overload model induces proteinuria and tubulointersitial damage, followed by hypertension when rats are exposed to a hypersodic diet. To understand the effect of kinin system stimulation on salt-sensitive hypertension and to explore its potential renoprotective effects, the model was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats that had previously received a high-potassium diet to enhance activity of the kinin pathway, followed with/without administration of icatibant to block the kinin B2receptor (B2R). A disease control group received albumin but not potassium or icatibant, and all groups were exposed to a hypersodic diet to induce salt-sensitive hypertension. Potassium treatment increased the synthesis and excretion of tissue kallikrein ( Klk1/rKLK1) accompanied by a significant reduction in blood pressure and renal fibrosis and with downregulation of renal transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) mRNA and protein compared with rats that did not receive potassium. Participation of the B2R was evidenced by the fact that all beneficial effects were lost in the presence of the B2R antagonist. In vitro experiments using the HK-2 proximal tubule cell line showed that treatment of tubular cells with 10 nM bradykinin reduced the epithelial-mesenchymal transdifferentiation and albumin-induced production of TGF-β, and the effects produced by bradykinin were prevented by pretreatment with the B2R antagonist. These experiments support not only the pathogenic role of the kinin pathway in salt sensitivity but also sustain its role as a renoprotective, antifibrotic paracrine system that modulates renal levels of TGF-β.
OPN deficiency results in severe glomerulosclerosis in uninephrectomized mice
Authors: Schordan Sandra , Grisk Olaf , Schordan Eric , Miehe Bärbel , Rumpel Elisabeth , Endlich Karlhans , Giebel Jürgen , Endlich Nicole
Published: April 2013

Osteopontin (OPN) expression has been reported to be elevated in experimental models of renal injury such as arterial hypertension or diabetic nephropathy finally leading to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). FSGS is characterized by glomerular matrix deposition and loss or damage of podocytes that represent the main constituents of the glomerular filtration barrier. To evaluate the role of OPN in the kidney we investigated WT and OPN knockout mice (OPN−/−) without treatment, after uninephrectomy (UNX), as well as after UNX and desoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt treatment with respect to urine parameters, glomerular morphology, and expression of podocyte markers. OPN−/−mice showed normal urine parameters while a thickening of the glomerular basement membrane was evident. Intriguingly, following UNX, OPN−/−mice exhibited prominent FSGS, proteinuria, and glomerular matrix deposition. Electron microscopy revealed bulgings of the glomerular basement membrane and occasionally an effacement of podocytes. After UNX and DOCA-salt treatment, severe glomerular lesions as well as proteinuria and albuminuria were seen in WT and OPN−/−mice. Moreover, we found a reduction of specific markers such as Wilm's tumor-1, podocin, and synaptopodin in both experimental groups indicating a loss of podocytes. Podocyte damage was accompanied by increased number of Ki-67-positive cells in the parietal epithelium of Bowman's capsule. We conclude that OPN plays a crucial role in adaptation of podocytes following renal ablation and is renoprotective when glomerular mechanical load is increased.
Distinct prestimulus and poststimulus activation of VTA neurons correlates with stimulus detection
Authors: Totah Nelson K. B. , Kim Yunbok , Moghaddam Bita
Published: April 2013

Dopamine neurons of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) signal the occurrence of a reward-predicting conditioned stimulus (CS) with a subsecond duration increase in post-CS firing rate. Important theories about reward-prediction error and reward expectancy have been informed by the substantial number of studies that have examined post-CS phasic VTA neuron activity. On the other hand, the role of VTA neurons in anticipation of a reward-predicting CS and analysis of prestimulus spike rate rarely has been studied. We recorded from the VTA in rats during the 3-choice reaction time task, which has a fixed-duration prestimulus period and a difficult-to-detect stimulus. Use of a stimulus that was difficult to detect led to behavioral errors, which allowed us to compare VTA activity between trials with correct and incorrect stimulus-guided choices. We found a sustained increase in firing rate of both putative dopamine and GABA neurons during the pre-CS period of correct and incorrect trials. The poststimulus phasic response, however, was absent on incorrect trials, suggesting that the stimulus-evoked phasic response of dopamine neurons may relate to stimulus detection. The prestimulus activation of VTA neurons may modulate cortical systems that represent internal states of stimulus expectation and provide a mechanism for dopamine neurotransmission to influence preparatory attention to an expected stimulus.
Optimal control of reaching includes kinematic constraints
Authors: Mistry Michael , Theodorou Evangelos , Schaal Stefan , Kawato Mitsuo
Published: April 2013

We investigate adaptation under a reaching task with an acceleration-based force field perturbation designed to alter the nominal straight hand trajectory in a potentially benign manner: pushing the hand off course in one direction before subsequently restoring towards the target. In this particular task, an explicit strategy to reduce motor effort requires a distinct deviation from the nominal rectilinear hand trajectory. Rather, our results display a clear directional preference during learning, as subjects adapted perturbed curved trajectories towards their initial baselines. We model this behavior using the framework of stochastic optimal control theory and an objective function that trades off the discordant requirements of 1) target accuracy, 2) motor effort, and 3) kinematic invariance. Our work addresses the underlying objective of a reaching movement, and we suggest that robustness, particularly against internal model uncertainly, is as essential to the reaching task as terminal accuracy and energy efficiency.
Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy after the First Decade: Surgical Evolution or New Paradigm
Authors: Skarecky Douglas W.
Published: April 2013

Early studies indicate that robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has promising short-term outcomes; however, RARP is beyond its infancy, and the long-term report cards are now beginning. The important paradigm shift introduced by RARP is thereevaluation of the entire open radical prostatectomy experiencein surgical technique by minimizing blood loss and complications, maximizing cancer free outcomes, and a renewed assault in preserving quality of life outcomes by many novel mechanisms. RARP provides a new technical “canvas” for surgical masters to create upon, and in ten years, has reinvigorated a 100-year-old “gold standard” surgery.
Public Health Responses to a Dengue Outbreak in a Fragile State: A Case Study of Nepal
Authors: Griffiths Karolina , Banjara Megha Raj , O'Dempsey T. , Munslow B. , Kroeger Axel
Published: April 2013

Objectives. The number of countries reporting dengue cases is increasing worldwide. Nepal saw its first dengue outbreak in 2010, with 96% of cases reported in three districts. There are numerous policy challenges to providing an effective public health response system in a fragile state. This paper evaluates the dengue case notification, surveillance, laboratory facilities, intersectoral collaboration, and how government and community services responded to the outbreak.Methods. Qualitative data were collected through 20 in-depth interviews, with key stakeholders, and two focus-group discussions, with seven participants.Results. Limitations of case recognition included weak diagnostic facilities and private hospitals not incorporated into the case reporting system. Research on vectors was weak, with no virological surveillance. Limitations of outbreak response included poor coordination and an inadequate budget. There was good community mobilization and emergency response but no routine vector control.Conclusions. A weak state has limited response capabilities. Disease surveillance and response plans need to be country-specific and consider state response capacity and the level of endemicity. Two feasible solutions for Nepal are (1) go upwards to regional collaboration for disease and vector surveillance, laboratory assistance, and staff training; (2) go downwards to expand upon community mobilisation, ensuring that vector control is anticipatory to outbreaks.
Stability for a Class of Differential Equations with Nonconstant Delay
Authors: Liang Jin , Lu Tzon-Tzer , Xu Yashan
Published: April 2013

Stability is investigated for the following differential equations with nonconstant delayx't=qtFxt-ptfxt-τt,wherep:[0,+∞)→[0,+∞),q:[0,+∞)→R,τ:[0,+∞)→[0,r], andFandf:R→Rwithxfx>0   for   x≠0   and   x≤a(ais a positive constant) are continuous functions. A criterion is given for the zero solution of this delay equation being uniformly stable and asymptotically stable.
Kaurenoic Acid fromAralia continentalisInhibits Biofilm Formation ofStreptococcus mutans
Authors: Jeong Seung-Il , Kim Beom-Su , Keum Ki-Suk , Lee Kwang-Hee , Kang Sun-Young , Park Bok-Im , Lee Young-Rae , You Yong-Ouk
Published: April 2013

We isolated a single chemical compound fromA. continentalisand identified it to be kaurenoic acid (KA) and investigated the influence of anticariogenic properties. Inhibitory effects of KA on cariogenic properties such as growth, acid production, biofilm formation, and the adherence ofS. mutanswere evaluated. Furthermore, real-time PCR analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of KA on the genetic expression of virulence factors. KA significantly inhibited the growth and acid production ofS. mutansat 2–4 μg/mL and 4 μg/mL of KA, respectively. Furthermore, the adherence onto S-HAs was inhibited at 3-4 μg/mL of KA and biofilm formation was significantly inhibited when treated with 3 μg/mL KA and completely inhibited at 4 μg/mL. Also, the inhibitory effect of KA on biofilm formation was confirmed by SEM. In confocal laser scanning microscopy, bacterial viability gradually decreased by KA in a dose dependent manner. Real-time PCR analysis showed that the expressions ofgtfB, gtfC, gbpB, spaP, brpA, relA, andvicRwere significantly decreased inS. mutanswhen it was treated with KA. These results suggest that KA fromA. continentalismay be a useful agent for inhibiting the cariogenic properties ofS. mutans.
Modeling and Analysis of Connected Traffic Intersections Based on Modified Binary Petri Nets
Authors: Yaqub Omar , Li Lingxi
Published: April 2013

We propose an approach for the modeling and analysis of two connected traffic intersections based on Petri nets (PNs). We first use a PN to model an isolated four-way signalized intersection; then we extend it to model two successive signalized intersections. We find that this model has unbounded places, which in turn results in some confliction problems. Hence, we introduce the concept of modified binary petri nets (MBPNs) to overcome the limitation and resolve the confliction problem when we design our model and its controller. This MBPN model is a powerful tool and can be useful for the modeling and analysis of many other traffic applications.
LabVIEW 2010 Computer Vision Platform Based Virtual Instrument and Its Application for Pitting Corrosion Study
Authors: Ramos Rogelio , Zlatev Roumen , Valdez Benjamin , Stoytcheva Margarita , Carrillo Mónica , García Juan-Francisco
Published: April 2013

A virtual instrumentation (VI) system called VI localized corrosion image analyzer (LCIA) based on LabVIEW 2010 was developed allowing rapid automatic and subjective error-free determination of the pits number on large sized corroded specimens. The VI LCIA controls synchronously the digital microscope image taking and its analysis, finally resulting in a map file containing the coordinates of the detected probable pits containing zones on the investigated specimen. The pits area, traverse length, and density are also determined by the VI using binary large objects (blobs) analysis. The resulting map file can be used further by a scanning vibrating electrode technique (SVET) system for rapid (one pass) “true/false” SVET check of the probable zones only passing through the pit’s centers avoiding thus the entire specimen scan. A complete SVET scan over the already proved “true” zones could determine the corrosion rate in any of the zones.
Linking Early Adversity, Emotion Dysregulation, and Psychopathology: The Case of Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Drvaric Lauren A. , Van Lieshout Ryan J. , Schmidt Louis A.
Published: April 2013

The ability to regulate emotion is a crucial process that humans utilize in order to adapt to the demands of environmental constraints. Individuals exposed to early adverse life events such as being born at an extremely low birth weight (ELBW, 501–1000 g) are known to have problems regulating emotion which have been linked to the development of psychopathology in this population. Recent studies have used psychophysiological measures, such as electroencephalogram (EEG) and cardiac vagal tone, to index emotion regulatory processes. The purpose of this paper was three-fold: (1) to investigate the relation between ELBW and emotion regulation issues (pathway 1), (2) to review studies investigating the relation between early emotion regulation and later internalizing problems (pathway 2); and (3) to provide a model in which two psychophysiological measures (i.e., frontal EEG asymmetry and cardiac vagal tone) are suggested to understand the proposed conceptual pathways in the relation between ELBW and psychopathology.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Treacher-Collins Syndrome Using Three-Dimensional Ultrasonography and Differential Diagnosis with Other Acrofacial Dysostosis Syndromes
Authors: Pereira Daniela Cardoso , Bussamra Luiz Claudio Silva , Araujo Júnior Edward , Drummond Carolina Leite , Nardozza Luciano Marcondes Machado , Moron Antonio Fernandes , Aldrighi José Mendes
Published: April 2013

Treacher-Collins syndrome (TCS) is a rare dominant autosomal anomaly resulting from malformation or disruption of the development of the first and second branchial arches. It is characterized by micrognathia, malar hypoplasia, and malformations of the eyes and ears. The prenatal diagnosis using two-dimensional ultrasonography (2DUS) is characterized by identification of facial malformations together with polyhydramnios. Three-dimensional ultrasonography (3DUS) has the capacity to spatially display these facial malformations, thus making it easy for the parents to understand them. We present a case of TCS diagnosed in the 33rd week using 3DUS, with postnatal confirmation using cranial computed tomography and anatomopathological analysis.
Endometrial Stromal Hyperplasia: An Underrecognized Condition
Authors: Sivridis Efthimios , Koutsougeras Gerasimos , Giatromanolaki Alexandra
Published: April 2013

Hyperplasia of the endometrial stroma is a poorly recognized lesion, lacking widespread recognition with most, if not all, such cases sequestrated in the literature as endometrial stromal nodules or low-grade endometrial stromal sarcomas. In this paper, we describe three examples of “endometrial stromal hyperplasia” which have a remarkable morphological similarity with the normally proliferating endometrial stroma and the endometrial stromal neoplasms, but which also possess subtle, but sufficient, differences to justify their taxonomic separation.
Robust Diffeomorphic Mapping via Geodesically Controlled Active Shapes
Authors: Tward Daniel J. , Ma Jun , Miller Michael I. , Younes Laurent
Published: April 2013

This paper presents recent advances in the use of diffeomorphic active shapes which incorporate the conservation laws of large deformation diffeomorphic metric mapping. The equations of evolution satisfying the conservation law are geodesics under the diffeomorphism metric and therefore termed geodesically controlled diffeomorphic active shapes (GDAS). Our principal application in this paper is on robust diffeomorphic mapping methods based on parameterized surface representations of subcortical template structures. Our parametrization of the GDAS evolution is via the initial momentum representation in the tangent space of the template surface. The dimension of this representation is constrained using principal component analysis generated from training samples. In this work, we seek to use template surfaces to generate segmentations of the hippocampus with three data attachment terms: surface matching, landmark matching, and inside-outside modeling from grayscale T1 MR imaging data. This is formulated as an energy minimization problem, where energy describes shape variability and data attachment accuracy, and we derive a variational solution. A gradient descent strategy is employed in the numerical optimization. For the landmark matching case, we demonstrate the robustness of this algorithm as applied to the workflow of a large neuroanatomical study by comparing to an existing diffeomorphic landmark matching algorithm.
A Case of Persistent Hiccup after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Grifoni Elisa , Marchiani Costanza , Fabbri Alessia , Ciuti Gabriele , Pavellini Andrea , Mancuso Francesco , Viligiardi Riccardo , Moggi Pignone Alberto
Published: April 2013

A 79-year-old man, with history of recent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, came to our attention for persistent hiccup, dysphonia, and dysphagia. Noninvasive imaging studies showed a nodular lesion in the right hepatic lobe with transdiaphragmatic infiltration and increased tracer uptake on positron emission tomography. Suspecting a malignant lesion and given the difficulty of performing a percutaneous transthoracic biopsy, the patient underwent surgery. Histological analysis of surgical specimen showed biliary gallstones surrounded by exudative inflammation, resulting from gallbladder rupture and gallstones spillage as a complication of the previous surgical intervention. This case highlights the importance of considering such rare complication after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Low Overhead MAC Protocol for Low Data Rate Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Nguyen Kien , Ji Yusheng , Yamada Shigeki
Published: April 2013

We propose the low overhead media access control protocol (LO-MAC), a new low latency, energy efficient MAC protocol for low data rate wireless sensor networks. LO-MAC uses both duty cycling and multihop forwarding from the routing-enhanced MAC protocol (RMAC) to reduce idle listening and sleep latency, respectively. Besides that, LO-MAC introduces a traffic-adaptive mechanism, which is based on the fact that a node can sense a busy channel within its carrier sensing range. This mechanism uses carrier sensing as a binary signal, and effectively notifies nodes of the existence of a data packet. The nodes then either keep their radios on to take part in multihop data forwarding or turn them off to save energy. Moreover, LO-MAC takes full advantage of the broadcast nature of wireless communication and lets a packet have different meanings when it is in transmission range of different nodes. In LO-MAC, not only is a request-to-send/clear-to-send pair replaced with a Pioneer (PION) packet, as in RMAC, but also a data packet can play both data and acknowledgement functions. Therefore, control overhead and overhearing energy are significantly reduced. Our simulation results show that LO-MAC outperforms RMAC in terms of energy efficiency while achieving comparable end-to-end latency.
Molecular Techniques for Dicistrovirus Detection without RNA Extraction or Purification
Authors: Querido Jailson F. B. , Agirre Jon , Marti Gerardo A. , Guérin Diego M. A. , Silva Marcelo Sousa
Published: April 2013

Dicistroviridae is a new family of small, nonenveloped, and +ssRNA viruses pathogenic to both beneficial arthropods and insect pests as well. Triatoma virus (TrV), a dicistrovirus, is a pathogen ofTriatoma infestans(Hemiptera: Reduviidae), one of the main vectors of Chagas disease. In this work, we report a single-step method to identify TrV, a dicistrovirus, isolated from fecal samples of triatomines. The identification method proved to be quite sensitive, even without the extraction and purification of RNA virus.
Prevalence and Level of Antibodies Anti-Plasmodiumspp. in Travellers with Clinical History of Imported Malaria
Authors: Medina Costa Rita , de Sousa Karina Pires , Atouguia Jorge , Tavira Luis Távora , Silva Marcelo Sousa
Published: April 2013

In this study, we show that 40.29% of travellers with a possible history of malaria exposure were positive for anti-Plasmodiumspp. antibodies, while these individuals were negative by microscopy. The antibody test described here is useful to elucidate malaria exposure in microscopy-negative travellers from endemic countries.
Pharmacological Effects ofLactuca serriolaL. in Experimental Model of Gastrointestinal, Respiratory, and Vascular Ailments
Authors: Janbaz Khalid Hussain , Latif Muhammad Farhaj , Saqib Fatima , Imran Imran , Zia-Ul-Haq M. , De Feo Vincenzo
Published: April 2013

Lactuca serriolaL. has traditionally been used in folkloric medicine to manage respiratory, gastrointestinal, and multiple other ailments. The present study was undertaken to explore the effect of methanol extract ofL. serriolaon isolated rabbit tissue preparations, that is, jejunum, trachea, and aorta in an attempt to validate its folkloric use in traditional medicine for gastrointestinal, respiratory, and vascular ailments. The application of the methanol extract to isolated rabbit jejunum preparations exhibited concentration-dependent spasmogenic effect (0.03 to 3.0 mg/mL), but interestingly further increase in concentration (5.0 mg/mL) resulted in complete spasmolytic effect. The pretreatment of the tissue preparations with atropine (0.1 μM) caused the suppression of the contractile response. Moreover, the same extract also caused relaxation of K+-(80 mM) induced spastic contractions of isolated rabbit jejunum preparations (5.0 mg/mL) and shifted the Ca++dose response curves towards right at concentration range of 0.3–1.0 mg/mL. Similarly, the extract application to isolated rabbit tracheal preparations relaxed the carbachol-(1 μM) induced (0.3–1.0 mg/mL) as well as K+-(80 mM) induced contractions (3.0 mg/mL). Furthermore, it relaxed the phenylephrine (1 μM)-induced contractions in isolated rabbit aorta preparations (3.0 mg/mL) and K+(80 mM)-induced contractions (1.0 mg/mL). These effects were found comparable to that of dicyclomine, as an antagonist of muscarinic receptors as well as a possible Ca++channel blocker. The previously mentioned findings may partially justify the folkloric use ofLactuca serriolain the management of conditions pertaining to spasm of intestine, bronchioles, and vasculature.
A Systematic Review of Effects of Concurrent Strength and Endurance Training on the Health-Related Quality of Life and Cardiopulmonary Status in Patients with HIV/AIDS
Authors: Gomes Neto Mansueto , Ogalha Cecília , Andrade Antônio Marcos , Brites Carlos
Published: April 2013

Purpose. To determine the effects of concurrent strength and endurance training (concurrent training) on the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) and cardiopulmonary status among HIV-infected patients, using a systematic search strategy of randomized, controlled trials (RCTs).Methods. A systematic review was performed by two independent reviewers using Cochrane Collaboration protocol. The sources used in this review were Cochrane Library, EMBASE, LILACS, MEDLINE, PEDro and Web of Science from 1950 to August 2012. The PEDro score was used to evaluate methodological quality.Result. Individual studies suggested that concurrent training contributed to improved HRQOL and cardiovascular status. Concurrent training appears to be safe and may be beneficial for medically stable adults living with HIV. The rates of nonadherence were of 16%.Conclusion. Concurrent training improves the HRQOL and cardiopulmonary status. It may be an important intervention in the care and treatment of adults living with HIV. Further research is needed to determine the minimal and optimal duration, frequency, and intensity of exercise needed to produce beneficial changes in the HIV-infected population subgroups.
Price Responsiveness in District Heating: Single Houses and Residential Buildings—a Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Hellmer Stefan
Published: April 2013

Price responsiveness is argued to be one important factor determining the possibility for a natural monopoly such as a district heating company to exercise its monopoly power. Increased price responsiveness, measured, for example, by the own price elasticity, reduces monopoly power, as consumers increasingly reduce demand as a response to a price increase. However, consumers in single houses having individual metering have presumably higher price responsiveness compared to consumers in residential buildings using collective metering. One major question raised in this paper is thus whether single houses show larger price responsiveness compared to residential buildings. Using cross-sectional data for 187 networks in Sweden for the year 2007 indicates that even if single houses have higher price responsiveness, district heating reveals in general a very inelastic behavior.