bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In VitroManganese Exposure Disrupts MAPK Signaling Pathways in Striatal and Hippocampal Slices from Immature Rats
Authors: Peres Tanara Vieira , Pedro Daniela Zótico , de Cordova Fabiano Mendes , Lopes Mark William , Gonçalves Filipe Marques , Mendes-de-Aguiar Cláudia Beatriz Nedel , Walz Roger , Farina Marcelo , Aschner Michael , Leal Rodrigo Bainy
Published: November 2013

The molecular mechanisms mediating manganese (Mn)-induced neurotoxicity, particularly in the immature central nervous system, have yet to be completely understood. In this study, we investigated whether mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) could represent potential targets of Mn in striatal and hippocampal slices obtained from immature rats (14 days old). The aim of this study was to evaluate if the MAPK pathways are modulated after subtoxic Mn exposure, which do not significantly affect cell viability. The concentrations of manganese chloride (MnCl2; 10–1,000 μM) caused no change in cell viability in slices exposed for 3 or 6 hours. However, Mn exposure significantly increased extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, as well as c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) 1/2/3 phosphorylation at both 3 and 6 hours incubations, in both brain structures. Furthermore, Mn exposure did not change the total content or phosphorylation of TH at the serine 40 site in striatal slices. Thus, Mn at concentrations that do not disrupt cell viability causes activation of MAPKs (ERK1/2 and JNK1/2/3) in immature hippocampal and striatal slices. These findings suggest that altered intracellular MAPKs signaling pathways may represent an early event concerning the effects of Mn in the immature brain.
Chitosan Dermal Substitute and Chitosan Skin Substitute Contribute to Accelerated Full-Thickness Wound Healing in Irradiated Rats
Authors: Mohd Hilmi Abu Bakar , Halim Ahmad Sukari , Jaafar Hasnan , Asiah Abu Bakar , Hassan Asma
Published: November 2013

Wounds with full-thickness skin loss are commonly managed by skin grafting. In the absence of a graft, reepithelialization is imperfect and leads to increased scar formation. Biomaterials can alter wound healing so that it produces more regenerative tissue and fewer scars. This current study use the new chitosan based biomaterial in full-thickness wound with impaired healing on rat model. Wounds were evaluated after being treated with a chitosan dermal substitute, a chitosan skin substitute, or duoderm CGF. Wounds treated with the chitosan skin substitute showed the most re-epithelialization (33.2 ± 2.8%), longest epithelial tongue (1.62 ± 0.13 mm), and shortest migratory tongue distance (7.11 ± 0.25 mm). The scar size of wounds treated with the chitosan dermal substitute (0.13 ± 0.02 cm) and chitosan skin substitute (0.16 ± 0.05 cm) were significantly decreased (P<0.05) compared with duoderm (0.45 ± 0.11 cm). Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) expression on days 7, 14, and 21 revealed the presence of human hair follicle stem cells and fibroblasts that were incorporated into and surviving in the irradiated wound. We have proven that a chitosan dermal substitute and chitosan skin substitute are suitable for wound healing in full-thickness wounds that are impaired due to radiation.
Liquid‐Liquid Equilibrium Data for the Ionic Liquid N‐Ethyl‐Pyridinium Bromide with Several Sodium Salts and Potassium Salts
Authors: Li Yuliang , Lu Xiaojia , Hao Jing , Chen Changquan
Published: November 2013

The liquid‐liquid equilibrium (LLE) data for systems containing N‐ethyl‐pyridinium bromide ([EPy]Br), salt (Na2HPO4, K2HPO4, K2SO4, C4O6H4KNa), and water have been measured experimentally at T = 298.15 K and the formations of these four aqueous two‐phase systems (ATPSs) have been discussed. Also, the effective excluded volume (EEV) values obtained from the binodal models for the four systems were determined and the salting‐out abilities of different salts follow the order of K2SO4 > K2HPO4 > Na2HPO4 > C4O6H4KNa. The solubility data were correlated by the Merchuk and other equations while the tie‐line data by the Othmer‐Tobias, Bancroft, two‐parameter, and Setschenow‐type equations. The correlation coefficients evidenced that experimental data fitted well to all these equations. These four salts were proved successfully to form ATPSs with N‐ethyl‐pyridinium bromide, making a significant contribution to the further study of this kind of ATPS.
Impact of Pretransplant Hepatic Encephalopathy on Liver Posttransplantation Outcomes
Authors: Teperman Lewis W.
Published: November 2013

Patients with cirrhosis commonly experience hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a condition associated with alterations in behavior, cognitive function, consciousness, and neuromuscular function of varying severity. HE occurring before liver transplant can have a substantial negative impact on posttransplant outcomes, and preoperative history of HE may be a predictor of posttransplant neurologic complications. Even with resolution of previous episodes of overt or minimal HE, some patients continue to experience cognitive deficits after transplant. Because HE is one of the most frequent pretransplant complications, improving patient HE status before transplant may improve outcomes. Current pharmacologic therapies for HE, whether for the treatment of minimal or overt HE or for prevention of HE relapse, are primarily directed at reducing cerebral exposure to systemic levels of gut-derived toxins (e.g., ammonia). The current mainstays of HE therapy are nonabsorbable disaccharides and antibiotics. The various impacts of adverse effects (such as diarrhea, abdominal distention, and dehydration) on patient's health and nutritional status should be taken into consideration when deciding the most appropriate HE management strategy in patients awaiting liver transplant. This paper reviews the potential consequences of pretransplant HE on posttransplant outcomes and therapeutic strategies for the pretransplant management of HE.
Polarization Reconfigurable Patch Antenna for Wireless Sensor Network Applications
Authors: Bilgiç Mustafa Murat , Yeğin Korkut
Published: November 2013

Polarization reconfigurable microstrip patch antenna is presented for 2.4–2.5 GHz wireless sensor network and WLAN applications. Dual feed degenerate mode patch is used as the starting point for circular polarization and L-shaped islands which can be connected or disconnected to the main patch via RF switches are placed around the patch. When L-shape structure is connected, the patch radiates in linear polarization modes with either vertical or horizontal polarization depending on the feed being used. When RF switches are not biased, the antenna is in circular polarization mode. Full wave simulations and measurements were carried out to validate the design.
Serum Levels of Cytokines and Biomarkers for Inflammation and Immune Activation, and HIV-Associated Non-Hodgkin B-Cell Lymphoma Risk
Authors: Vendrame Elena , Hussain Shehnaz K. , Breen Elizabeth Crabb , Magpantay Larry I. , Widney Daniel P. , Jacobson Lisa P. , Variakojis Daina , Knowlton Emilee R. , Bream Jay H. , Ambinder Richard F. , Detels Roger , Martínez-Maza Otoniel
Published: November 2013

Background: HIV infection is associated with a marked increase in risk for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (AIDS-NHL). However, the mechanisms that promote the development of AIDS-NHL are not fully understood.

Methods: In this study, serum levels of several cytokines and other molecules associated with immune activation were measured in specimens collected longitudinally during 1 to 5 years preceding AIDS-NHL diagnosis, in 176 AIDS-NHL cases and 176 HIV+ controls from the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS).

Results: Multivariate analyses revealed that serum levels of immunoglobulin free light chains (FLC), interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, IP-10/CXCL10, neopterin, and TNF-α were elevated in those HIV+ individuals who went on to develop AIDS-NHL. In addition, the fraction of specimens with detectable IL-2 was increased and the fraction with detectable IL-4 was decreased in these subjects.

Conclusions: These results suggest that long-term, chronic immune activation, possibly driven by macrophage-produced cytokines, precedes development of NHL in HIV+ individuals.

Impact: FLC, IL-6, IL-10, IP-10/CXCL10, neopterin, and TNF-α may serve as biomarkers for AIDS-NHL. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(2); 343–9. ©2013 AACR.
Plasma Alkylresorcinol Metabolites as Biomarkers for Whole-Grain Intake and Their Association with Prostate Cancer: A Swedish Nested Case–Control Study
Authors: Drake Isabel , Sonestedt Emily , Gullberg Bo , Bjartell Anders , Olsson Håkan , Adlercreutz Herman , Tikkanen Matti J. , Wirfält Elisabet , Wallström Peter
Published: November 2013

Background: Observational studies have mostly found no association between self-reported whole-grain intake and prostate cancer. Plasma alkylresorcinol metabolites have been suggested as biomarkers for whole-grain intake in free-living populations.

Methods: We investigated the major dietary and lifestyle determinants of plasma alkylresorcinol metabolites in a nested case–control study (1,016 cases and 1,817 controls) in the Malmö Diet and Cancer Study. Multivariate adjusted ORs and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated to assess the association between plasma alkylresorcinol metabolites and prostate cancer using logistic regression.

Results: Whole-grain intake, waist circumference, educational level, and smoking status were the main determinants of alkylresorcinol metabolites. We observed significant correlations between alkylresorcinol metabolites and whole-grain (r = 0.31) and fiber (r = 0.27) intake. Metabolite concentration was positively associated with prostate cancer risk (Poverall effect = 0.0004) but the association was not linear (P = 0.04). The lowest risk was seen among men with moderate plasma concentrations. The OR for high compared with moderate plasma alkylresorcinol metabolites was 1.41 (95% CI, 1.10–1.80) for prostate cancer.

Conclusions: Results suggest that plasma alkylresorcinol metabolites are mainly determined by whole-grain intake in this nested case–control study of Swedish men. The increased risk of prostate cancer seen among men with high plasma alkylresorcinol metabolites requires further study, but residual confounding, detection bias, or competing risks of nonprostate cancer–related deaths are plausible explanations that could not be ruled out.

Impact: We found no evidence of a protective effect of whole grains on incident prostate cancer. Further validation of alkylresorcinol metabolites as a biomarker for whole-grain intake is needed. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(1); 73–83. ©2013 AACR.
45,X/46,X,psu dic(Y) Gonadal Dysgenesis: Influence of the Two Cell Lines on the Clinical Phenotype, Including Gonadal Histology
Authors: Kaprova-Pleskacova J. , Snajderova M. , Stoop J. , Koudova M. , Kocarek E. , Novotna D. , Drop S.L.S. , Obermannova B. , Lebl J. , Oosterhuis J.W. , Looijenga L.H.J.
Published: November 2013

A child born with ambiguous genitalia (Prader III) was found to have a 45,X[92.2%]/46,X,psu dic(Y)(p12)[7.8%] karyotype in peripheral blood lymphocytes. The testosterone level was consistent with that of a normal male; however, gonadotropins were elevated. Ultrasound and endoscopy of the urogenital sinus revealed well-developed Müllerian structures. At 3.5 months, the child was operated for right-sided incarcerated hernia, and the gonad situated at the inguinal region was biopsied and classified as primitive testis. Based on the presence of Müllerian structures, anatomy of external genitalia and wish of the parents, the child was assigned female gender. She underwent removal of the left gonad at 4 months during another acute surgery; histology was similar to the right gonad. The rest of the right gonad was removed at 16 months, and feminizing genitoplasty took place at 3 years. The right and left gonad contained 28 and 22% of cells with a Y chromosome, respectively. During further histological examination, dysgenetic features of the gonads were discovered. Some germ cells displayed abnormal development based on the specific expression of immunohistochemical markers (OCT3/4, TSPY, KITLG), indicating a possible risk for future malignant germ cell tumor development. Contribution of the 45,X cell line to the phenotype was also observed: the patient developed celiac disease, and her growth pattern resembled that of Turner syndrome responding to growth hormone treatment.
Aortic Annular Sizing Using a Novel 3-Dimensional Echocardiographic Method
Authors: Khalique Omar K. , Kodali Susheel K. , Paradis Jean-Michel , Nazif Tamim M. , Williams Mathew R. , Einstein Andrew J. , Pearson Gregory D. , Harjai Kishore , Grubb Kendra , George Isaac , Leon Martin B. , Hahn Rebecca T.
Published: November 2013

Background—

Previous studies have shown cross-sectional 3-dimensional (3D) transesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) measurements to severely underestimate multidetector row computed tomographic (MDCT) measurements for the assessment of aortic annulus before transcatheter aortic valve replacement. This study compares annulus measurements from 3D-TEE using off-label use of commercially available software with MDCT measurements and assesses their ability to predict paravalvular regurgitation.

Methods and Results—

One hundred patients with severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis who had both contrast MDCT and 3D-TEE for annulus assessment before balloon-expandable transcatheter aortic valve replacement were analyzed. Annulus area, perimeter, and orthogonal maximum and minimum diameters were measured. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed with mild or greater paravalvular regurgitation as the classification variable. Three-dimensional TEE and MDCT cross-sectional perimeter and area measurements were strongly correlated (
r
=0.93–0.94;
P
<0.0001); however, the small differences (≤1%) were statistically significant (
P
=0.0002 and 0.0074, respectively). Discriminatory ability for ≥ mild paravalvular regurgitation was good for both MDCT (area under the curve for perimeter and area cover index=0.715 and 0.709, respectively) and 3D-TEE (area under the curve for perimeter and area cover index=0.709 and 0.694, respectively). Differences in receiver operating characteristic analysis between MDCT and 3D-TEE perimeter and area cover indexes were not statistically significant (
P
=0.15 and 0.35, respectively).

Conclusions—

Annulus measurements using a new method for analyzing 3D-TEE images closely approximate those of MDCT. Annulus measurements from both modalities predict mild or greater paravalvular regurgitation with equivalent accuracy.
Association Between a Hospital’s Quality Performance for In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest and Common Medical Conditions
Authors: Chen Lena M. , Nallamothu Brahmajee K. , Krumholz Harlan M. , Spertus John A. , Tang Fengming , Chan Paul S.
Published: November 2013

Background—

Public reporting on hospital quality has been widely adopted for common medical conditions. Adding a measure of inpatient survival after cardiac arrest is being considered. It is unknown whether this measure would be redundant, given evidence that hospital organization and culture can have hospital-wide effects on quality. Therefore, we sought to evaluate the correlation between inpatient survival after cardiac arrest and 30-day risk-standardized mortality rates for common medical conditions.

Methods and Results—

Using data between 2007 and 2010 from a national in-hospital cardiac arrest registry, we calculated risk-standardized in-hospital survival rates for cardiac arrest at each hospital. We obtained risk-standardized 30-day mortality rates for acute myocardial infarction, heart failure, and pneumonia from Hospital Compare for the same period. The relationship between a hospital’s performance on cardiac arrest and these other medical conditions was assessed using weighted Pearson correlation coefficients. Among 26 270 patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest at 130 hospitals, survival rates varied across hospitals, with a median risk-standardized hospital survival rate of 22.1% and an interquartile range of 19.7% to 24.2%. There were no significant correlations between a hospital’s outcomes for its cardiac arrest patients and its patients admitted for acute myocardial infarction (correlation, −0.12;
P
=0.16), heart failure (correlation, −0.05;
P
=0.57), or pneumonia (correlation, −0.15;
P
=0.10).

Conclusions—

Hospitals that performed better on publicly reported outcomes for 3 common medical conditions did not necessarily have better cardiac arrest survival rates. Public reporting on cardiac arrest outcomes could provide new information about hospital quality.
Ankle Brachial Index Values, Leg Symptoms, and Functional Performance Among Community‐Dwelling Older Men and Women in the Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders Study
Authors: McDermott Mary M. , Applegate William B. , Bonds Denise E. , Buford Thomas W. , Church Timothy , Espeland Mark A. , Gill Thomas M. , Guralnik Jack M. , Haskell William , Lovato Laura C. , Pahor Marco , Pepine Carl J. , Reid Kieran F. , Newman Anne
Published: November 2013

Background

The prevalence and significance of low normal and abnormal ankle brachial index (
ABI
) values in a community‐dwelling population of sedentary, older individuals is unknown. We describe the prevalence of categories of definite peripheral artery disease (
PAD
), borderline
ABI
, low normal
ABI,
and no
PAD
and their association with lower‐extremity functional performance in the
LIFE
Study population.

Methods and Results

Participants age 70 to 89 in the
LIFE
Study underwent baseline measurement of the
ABI
, 400‐m walk, and 4‐m walking velocity. Participants were classified as follows: definite
PAD
(
ABI
<0.90), borderline
PAD
(
ABI
0.90 to 0.99), low normal
ABI
(
ABI
1.00 to 1.09), and no
PAD
(
ABI
1.10 to 1.40). Of 1566 participants, 220 (14%) had definite
PAD
, 250 (16%) had borderline
PAD
, 509 (33%) had low normal
ABI
, and 587 (37%) had no
PAD
. Among those with definite
PAD
, 65% were asymptomatic. Adjusting for age, sex, race, body mass index, smoking, and comorbidities, lower
ABI
was associated with longer mean 400‐m walk time: (definite
PAD
=533 seconds; borderline
PAD
=514 seconds; low normal
ABI
=503 seconds; and no
PAD
=498 seconds [
P
<0.001]). Among asymptomatic participants with and without
PAD
, lower
ABI
values were also associated with longer 400‐m walk time (
P
<0.001) and slower walking velocity (
P
=0.042).

Conclusion

Among older community‐dwelling men and women, 14% had
PAD
and 49% had borderline or low normal
ABI
values. Lower
ABI
values were associated with greater functional impairment, suggesting that lower extremity atherosclerosis may be a common preventable cause of functional limitations in older people.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
http://clinicaltrials.gov/
Unique identifier: NCT01072500.
Revision of the genus Ateralphus Restello, Iannuzzi & Marinoni, 2001 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Lamiinae)
Authors: SOUZA DIEGO DE S. , MONNÉ MARCELA L.
Published: November 2013

A revision of the genus Ateralphus Restello, Iannuzzi & Marinoni, 2001, based on the detailed study of the morphology of the type-species and on the external morphology and terminalia of the others species is presented. The genus and species are redescribed and three new species are described. The genus is composed of nine species: A. dejeani (Lane, 1973), A. javariensis (Lane, 1965), A. lacteus Galileo & Martins, 2006, A. senilis (Bates, 1862), A. subsellatus (White, 1855), A. variegatus (Mendes, 1938), A. auritarsus new species, A. lucianeae new species and A. tumidus new species. A key for identification of the species and maps of their geographical distribution are provided.
The genus Yemmalysus Štusák (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Berytidae) from China
Authors: CAI BO , YE ZHEN , BU WENJUN
Published: November 2013

Species of the genus Yemmalysus Štusák, 1972 from China are treated in this paper: Y. parallelus Štusák, 1972 and Y. brevispinus Cai, Ye & Bu, sp. nov. Scanning electron micrographs of the head, thorax, external scent efferent system and scutellar spine, illustrations of the male genital capsules and parameres of the two species, and a key to the species of this genus are provided to assist in identification. Type specimens of Y. brevispinus sp. nov. are deposited in Institute of Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
Two new species of Lachesilla in the andra group, from the Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil (Psocodea: ‘Psocoptera’: Lachesillidae)
Authors: ALDRETE ALFONSO N. GARCÍA , DA SILVA NETO ALBERTO MOREIRA
Published: November 2013

Two new species of Lachesilla in the andra group are described from Brazil, where the group was previously unknown. They raise to five the number of species in the group known in South America. An identification key for females of the andra group in South America is included.
Regional Climate Modeling over the Maritime Continent. Part I: New Parameterization for Convective Cloud Fraction
Authors: Gianotti Rebecca L. , Eltahir Elfatih A. B.
Published: November 2013

This paper describes a new method for parameterizing convective cloud fraction that can be used within large-scale climate models, and evaluates the new method using the Regional Climate Model, version 3 (RegCM3), coupled to the land surface scheme Integrated Biosphere Simulator (IBIS). The horizontal extent of convective cloud cover is calculated by utilizing a relationship between the simulated amount of convective cloud water and typical observations of convective cloud water density. This formulation not only provides a physically meaningful basis for the simulation of convective cloud cover, but it is also spatially and temporally variable and independent of model resolution, rendering it generally applicable for large-scale climate models. Simulations over the Maritime Continent show that the new method allows for simulation of an essential convective–radiative feedback, which was absent in the existing version of RegCM3–IBIS, such that moist convection not only responds to diurnal variability at the earth’s surface but also impacts the solar radiation received at the surface via cumulus cloud production. The impact on model performance was mixed, but it is considered that appropriate representation of the convective–radiative feedback and improved physical realism resulting from the new cloud fraction parameterization will likely have positive benefits elsewhere. The role of convective rainfall production in the convective–radiative feedback and a new parameterization for convective autoconversion are addressed in Part II of this paper series.
A New Method for Tracking Meddies by Satellite Altimetry
Authors: Ienna Federico , Jo Young-Heon , Yan Xiao-Hai
Published: November 2013

Subsurface coherent vortices in the North Atlantic, whose saline water originates from the Mediterranean Sea and which are known as Mediterranean eddies (meddies), have been of particular interest to physical oceanographers since their discovery, especially for their salt and heat transport properties into the North Atlantic Ocean. Many studies in the past have been successful in observing and studying the typical properties of meddies by probing them with in situ techniques. The use of remote sensing techniques would offer a much cheaper and easier alternative for studying these phenomena, but only a few past studies have been able to study meddies by remote sensing, and a reliable method for observing them remotely remains elusive. This research presents a new way of locating and tracking meddies in the North Atlantic Ocean using satellite altimeter data. The method presented in this research makes use of ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) as a means to isolate the surface expressions of meddies on the ocean surface and separates them from any other surface constituents, allowing robust meddies to be consistently tracked by satellite. One such meddy is successfully tracked over a 6-month time period (2 November 2005 to 17 May 2006). Results of the satellite tracking method are verified using expendable bathythermographs (XBT).
ANRIL/CDKN2B-AS shows two-stage clade-specific evolution and becomes conserved after transposon insertions in simians
Authors: He Sha , Gu Weiling , Li Yize , Zhu Hao
Published: November 2013

Background

Many long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) genes identified in mammals have multiple exons and functional domains, allowing them to bind to polycomb proteins, DNA methyltransferases, and specific DNA sequences to regulate genome methylation. Little is known about the origin and evolution of lncRNAs. ANRIL/CDKN2B-AS consists of 19 exons on human chromosome 9p21 and regulates the expression of three cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKN2A/ARF/CDKN2B).

Results

ANRIL/CDKN2B-AS originated in placental mammals, obtained additional exons during mammalian evolution but gradually lost them during rodent evolution, and reached 19 exons only in simians. ANRIL lacks splicing signals in mammals. In simians, multiple transposons were inserted and transformed into exons of the ANRIL gene, after which ANRIL became highly conserved. A further survey reveals that multiple transposons exist in many lncRNAs.

Conclusions

ANRIL shows a two-stage, clade-specific evolutionary process and is fully developed only in simians. The domestication of multiple transposons indicates an impressive pattern of “evolutionary tinkering” and is likely to be important for ANRIL’s structure and function. The evolution of lncRNAs and that of transposons may be highly co-opted in primates. Many lncRNAs may be functional only in simians.
Metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli to optimize melanin synthesis from glucose
Authors: Chávez-Béjar María I , Balderas-Hernandez Victor E , Gutiérrez-Alejandre Aída , Martinez Alfredo , Bolívar Francisco , Gosset Guillermo
Published: November 2013

Background

Natural aromatic polymers, mainly melanins, have potential and current applications in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. The biotechnological production of this class of compounds is based on tyrosinase-dependent conversion of L-tyrosine and other aromatic substrates into melanins. The purpose of this work was to apply metabolic engineering for generating Escherichia coli strains with the capacity to synthesize an aromatic polymer from a simple carbon source.

Results

The strategy was based on the expression in E. coli of the MutmelA gene from Rhizobium etli, encoding an improved mutant tyrosinase. To direct the carbon flow from central metabolism into the common aromatic and the L-tyrosine biosynthetic pathways, feedback inhibition resistant versions of key enzymes were expressed in strains lacking the sugar phosphotransferase system and TyrR repressor. The expressed tyrosinase consumed intracellular L-tyrosine, thus causing growth impairment in the engineered strains. To avoid this issue, a two phase production process was devised, where tyrosinase activity was controlled by the delayed addition of the cofactor Cu. Following this procedure, 3.22 g/L of melanin were produced in 120 h with glucose as carbon source. Analysis of produced melanin by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed similar characteristics to a pure eumelanin standard.

Conclusions

This is the first report of a process for producing melanin from a simple carbon source at grams level, having the potential for reducing production cost when compared to technologies employing L-tyrosine as raw material.
sybil – Efficient constraint-based modelling in R
Authors: Gelius-Dietrich Gabriel , Desouki Abdelmoneim Amer , Fritzemeier Claus Jonathan , Lercher Martin J
Published: November 2013

Background

Constraint-based analyses of metabolic networks are widely used to simulate the properties of genome-scale metabolic networks. Publicly available implementations tend to be slow, impeding large scale analyses such as the genome-wide computation of pairwise gene knock-outs, or the automated search for model improvements. Furthermore, available implementations cannot easily be extended or adapted by users.

Results

Here, we present sybil, an open source software library for constraint-based analyses in R; R is a free, platform-independent environment for statistical computing and graphics that is widely used in bioinformatics. Among other functions, sybil currently provides efficient methods for flux-balance analysis (FBA), MOMA, and ROOM that are about ten times faster than previous implementations when calculating the effect of whole-genome single gene deletions in silico on a complete E. coli metabolic model.

Conclusions

Due to the object-oriented architecture of sybil, users can easily build analysis pipelines in R or even implement their own constraint-based algorithms. Based on its highly efficient communication with different mathematical optimisation programs, sybil facilitates the exploration of high-dimensional optimisation problems on small time scales. Sybil and all its dependencies are open source. Sybil and its documentation are available for download from the comprehensive R archive network (CRAN).
The neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor knockdown modulates activator protein 1-involved feeding behavior in amphetamine-treated rats
Authors: Hsieh Yih-Shou , Chen Pei-Ni , Yu Ching-Han , Liao Jiuan-Miaw , Kuo Dong-Yih
Published: November 2013

Background

Hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY) and two immediate early genes, c-fos and c-jun, have been found to be involved in regulating the appetite-suppressing effect of amphetamine (AMPH). The present study investigated whether cerebral catecholamine (CA) might regulate NPY and POMC expression and whether NPY Y1 receptor (Y1R) participated in activator protein-1 (AP-1)–mediated feeding.

Methods

Rats were given AMPH daily for 4 days. Changes in the expression of NPY, Y1R, c-Fos, c-Jun, and AP-1 were assessed and compared.

Results

Decreased CA could modulate NPY and melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R) expressions. NPY and food intake decreased the most on Day 2, but Y1R, c-Fos, and c-Jun increased by approximately 350%, 280%, and 300%, respectively, on Day 2. Similarly, AP-1/DNA binding activity was increased by about 180% on Day 2. The expression patterns in Y1R, c-Fos, c-Jun, and AP-1/DNA binding were opposite to those in NPY during AMPH treatment. Y1R knockdown was found to modulate the opposite regulation between NPY and AP-1, revealing an involvement of Y1R in regulating NPY/AP-1–mediated feeding.

Conclusions

These results point to a molecular mechanism of CA/NPY/Y1R/AP-1 signaling in the control of AMPH-mediated anorexia and may advance the medical research of anorectic and anti-obesity drugs.
Behavior of Steel Reduced Beam Web (RBW) Connections with Arch-Shape Cut
Authors: Hedayat Amir A. , Saffari Hamed , Mousavi Mahboube
Published: November 2013

This study aimed to increase the ductility of post-Northridge connections. To achieve this goal the beam web height was reduced by creating an arch shape cut in the beam web. A parametric study was done on the length and the height of the cut portion and its distance to the column face. Parametric studies were done by using different beam lengths and heights. Analytical results showed that the highest connection strength and ductility can be achieved when the center line of the reduced part is at a distance equal to the beam depth from the column face with the arch length equal to two times of the arch height. Results also indicated a remarkable stress and strain concentration at the intersection of the flat and the arch parts of the beam flange. Filleting these locations and adding vertical stiffeners at the beam web were effective to increase the connection ductility and strength respectively.
Progressive Collapse Assessment of RC Structures under Instantaneous and Gradual Removal of Columns
Authors: Rahai Alireza , Asghshahr Mohammadreza Seify , Banazedeh Mehdi , Kazem Hamid
Published: November 2013

The subject of progressive collapse assessment in RC structures has been concerned in various studies. In contrast, most of these studies have attended to a scenario in which an instantaneous removal of a column due to unexpected impact or explosion has occurred. The present study addresses progressive collapse in RC structures resulting from both instantaneous and gradual removal of columns. The scenario for a gradual removal is the result of slow decreasing strength due to fire propagation in a specific zone of structure which is partially fire-proved. A five-story building model was selected as a case study for which the nonlinear model is later developed. Vertical displacement in the upper node of the removed column, redistribution of forces after removing the column, plastic deformations in adjoining elements, and the stress imposed on the sections of the beams adjacent to the removed column in both instantaneous and gradual cases are studied.
Riverview on ant colony optimization algorithms
Authors: Li Yancang , Ban Chenguang , Li Rouya
Published: November 2013

Ant colony algorithm is widely used in recent years as a heuristic algorithm. It provides a new way to solve complicated combinatorial optimization problems. Having been enlightened by the behavior of ant colony's searching for food, positive feedback construction and distributed computing combined with certain heuristics are adopted in the algorithm, which makes it easier to find better solution. This paper introduces a series of ant colony algorithm and its improved algorithm of the basic principle, and discusses the ant colony algorithm application situation. Finally, several problems existing in the research and the development prospect of ACO are reviewed.
Mutual Impact of International and Domestic Law in the Field of Cross-Border Protection of Intellectual Property Rights
Authors: Агамагомедова Саният , Agamagomedova Saniyat
Published: November 2013

Legal regulation of cross­border protection of intellectual property rights at the present stage, the level of international, national and supranational law. These levels are characterized by the mutual influence on each other. International standards on cross­-border protection of intellectual property rights have a significant impact on the formation and development of national legislation in this field. In the context of international integration in the Eurasian economic space is increasingly important to the supranational level through regulation of the legislation of the Customs Union.
LA GÉNESIS HISTÓRICA DE LOS CONCEPTOS DE RAZÓN Y PROPORCIÓN Y SU POSTERIOR ARITMETIZACIÓN
Authors: Oller Marcén Antonio M. , Gairín Sallán José María
Published: November 2013

La importancia de la proporcionalidad aritmética, tanto desde el punto de vista de la matemática escolar, como desde el punto de vista de su aplicación práctica, es innegable. Esta importancia queda ref lejada en el número de trabajos en el campo de la Matemática Educativa que tienen este tópico como centro de atención. En este artículo realizamos una revisión histórica de algunos de los conceptos principales relacionados con la proporcionalidad aritmética, como son la razón y la proporción. Además de su importancia como estudio histórico, pensamos que las conclusiones a las que conduce este trabajo pueden resultar de utilidad para mejorar la enseñanza de las ideas, los conceptos y las técnicas implicadas.
Histologic Findings and Clinical Characteristics in Acutely Symptomatic Ulcerative Colitis Patients With Superimposed Clostridium difficile Infection
Authors: Wang Tao , Matukas Larissa , Streutker Catherine J.
Published: November 2013

Objectives

To examine biopsy specimens for histologic features suggestive of Clostridium difficile infection in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).

Methods

Nine patients with UC had colonic biopsy specimens taken during a symptomatic flare that coincided with positive C difficile (C difficile+) tests. Twenty-eight controls were biopsied during a UC flare but tested negative for C difficile. We reviewed the slides for evidence of pseudomembranes, ischemic-like changes, degree of colitis, and lamina propria hemorrhage.

Results

In C difficile+ patients, 4 (44.4%) of 9 had microscopic pseudomembranes compared with 11% in controls (P < .05). Other histologic/clinical features were not predictive.

Conclusions

Although the presence of microscopic pseudomembranes suggests C difficile infection in patients with UC, sensitivity and specificity are poor; biopsy findings do not reliably detect this infection in patients with UC.
The Practical Work of Scholarship in Australian Technical and Further Education Institutions
Authors: Goulding Fleur , Seddon Terri
Published: November 2013

A recent trend in Australian education is the diversification of programme delivery outside institutions’ traditional sector of education, including delivery of bachelor degrees by some public vocational education and training institutions (known in Australia as technical and further education, or TAFE, institutes). The delivery of higher education programmes in non-traditional providers, such as TAFE institutes, has created significant challenges for teachers working in these settings. They work within a vocational education and training (VET) culture but confront the regulatory frameworks demanded of higher education providers. Scholarship is a particularly problematic issue because it has not been an expectation in VET providers but is a key feature in higher education. This article examines the emerging nature of scholarship in a TAFE institute offering higher education programmes. We report on an analysis of regulatory and quality assurance documentation, which begins to formalise the notion of ‘scholarship’ in VET. We then compare this emerging official definition with higher education TAFE teachers’ experience of scholarship using interviews. We argue that higher education teachers and their TAFE institutes are forming distinctive hybrid scholarly cultures and practices as they take on external expectations and navigate through existing orientations to industry, educational commitments to teaching and the absence of scholarly structures and values in TAFE.
Unpeeling the Onion: Deconstructing the Effectiveness of Two LTA Approaches to Reflective Learning
Authors: Conlon Margaret , Gould Brian Henry
Published: November 2013

Selecting the most effective methods of integrating reflective practice into undergraduate nursing programmes remains a challenge for educators. This paper explores two pedagogical approaches of reflective learning in an undergraduate mental health nursing programme, with particular focus on developing the core attributes of self-awareness, empathy and compassion. The discussion is explored within the context of nursing in Scotland, which is undergoing transformative change including adapting to an all degree route to nurse regisration. Seismic changes such as these are occurring at a time when the nursing profession generally, and nurses individually, face regular criticism for poor care and lack of compassion. This discussion paper will focus on the necessity of reflective pedagogy in undergraduate nursing programmes in which the expectation is tocreate both critically aware and insightful individuals who are able to function in a health care culture that is predominately resource poor, time orientated and outcome focused. Although centred on mental health nursing, the paper also comments on the transferability and relevance of the teaching and learning approach to other professions in which human engagement is the key focus. The competing tensions of reflective practice and economically driven health care organisations alongside the significant professional challenges of emotional competency of nursing are discussed. This provides a background to the exploration of the examples of reflective pedagogy that may also be applied to other health and social care professions.
November 2013 Editorial
Authors: Editors JPAAP
Published: November 2013

Welcome to the second issue of the Journal for Perspectives in Applied Academic Practice.
Damage in the English Law of Negligence
Authors: Nolan Donal
Published: November 2013

Although foundational to the tort law of both common law and civil law countries, the concept of damage has been the object of surprisingly little analysis by academics in the common law world. The aim of this article is to redress the balance somewhat by looking more closely at the meaning of damage in the English law of negligence. The first part of the article consists of general observations on the damage concept. It is argued that it is impossible to devise a meaningful general definition of damage, that damage is not the same thing as loss, and that the damage concept is compatible with rights-based analysis of negligence law. The remainder of the article is devoted to consideration of the two most common forms of damage, personal injury and physical damage to property. It is argued that a central idea underpinning both these routine forms of damage is that of ‘impairment’ and that both forms of damage are subject to de minimis principles. As regards personal injury, particular attention is paid to the forms of psychiatric injury which ground a negligence claim. Finally, it is argued that for property to be damaged there must be a physical change in the property which impairs its utility or value, and that merely to incapacitate property is not to damage it. Although the primary focus is on English law (and the common law more generally), some comparative observations are made.
Frontal Cortex Activation Causes Rapid Plasticity of Auditory Cortical Processing
Authors: Winkowski Daniel E. , Bandyopadhyay Sharba , Shamma Shihab A. , Kanold Patrick O.
Published: November 2013

Neurons in the primary auditory cortex (A1) can show rapid changes in receptive fields when animals are engaged in sound detection and discrimination tasks. The source of a signal to A1 that triggers these changes is suspected to be in frontal cortical areas. How or whether activity in frontal areas can influence activity and sensory processing in A1 and the detailed changes occurring in A1 on the level of single neurons and in neuronal populations remain uncertain. Using electrophysiological techniques in mice, we found that pairing orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) stimulation with sound stimuli caused rapid changes in the sound-driven activity within A1 that are largely mediated by noncholinergic mechanisms. By integratingin vivotwo-photon Ca2+imaging of A1 with OFC stimulation, we found that pairing OFC activity with sounds caused dynamic and selective changes in sensory responses of neural populations in A1. Further, analysis of changes in signal and noise correlation after OFC pairing revealed improvement in neural population-based discrimination performance within A1. This improvement was frequency specific and dependent on correlation changes. These OFC-induced influences on auditory responses resemble behavior-induced influences on auditory responses and demonstrate that OFC activity could underlie the coordination of rapid, dynamic changes in A1 to dynamic sensory environments.
An Updated Midline Rule: Visual Callosal Connections Anticipate Shape and Motion in Ongoing Activity across the Hemispheres
Authors: Peiker Christiane , Wunderle Thomas , Eriksson David , Schmidt Anne , Schmidt Kerstin E.
Published: November 2013

It is generally thought that callosal connections (CCs) in primary visual cortices serve to unify the visual scenery parted in two at the vertical midline (VM). Here, we present evidence that this applies also to visual features that do not cross yet but might cross the VM in the future. During reversible deactivation of the contralateral visual cortex in cats, we observed that ipsilaterally recorded neurons close to the border between areas 17 and 18 receive selective excitatory callosal input on both ongoing and evoked activity. In detail, neurons responding well to a vertical Gabor patch moving away from the deactivated hemifield decreased prestimulus and stimulus-driven activity much more than those preferring motion toward the cooled hemifield. Further, activity of neurons responding to horizontal lines decreased more than the response to vertical lines. Embedding a single Gabor into a collinear line context selectively stabilized responses, especially when the context was limited to the intact hemifield. These findings indicate that CCs interconnect not only neurons coding for similar orientations but also for similar directions of motion. We conclude that CCs anticipate stimulus features that are potentially relevant for both hemifields (i.e., coherent motion but also collinear shape) because already prestimulus activity and activity to stimuli not crossing the VM revealed feature specificity. Finally, we hypothesize that intrinsic and callosal networks processing different orientations and directions are anisotropic close to the VM facilitating perceptual grouping along likely future motion or (shape) trajectories before the visual stimulus arrives.
„Wolken betrachten“
Authors: Jacob Joachim
Published: November 2013

Der Aufsatz untersucht die Meditation als eine literarische Praxis am Beispiel der Tradition der christlichen ‚Occasional meditations‘, des ‚Meditierens bei Gelegenheit‘ (J. Hall), die von zufällig begegnenden Gegenständen ihren Ausgang nimmt. Die Betrachtung der Wolken als Inbegriff eines zufällig begegnenden Phänomens wird in ihrer meditativen Bearbeitung bei Joseph Hall (Occasionall Meditations, 1630) und in deren deutschen Adaption bei Christian Scriver (Gottholds zufällige Andachten, 1663) und Barthold Hinrich Brockes (Irdisches Vergnügen in Gott, 1721-1748) vorgestellt. Hans Magnus Enzensbergers Die Geschichte der Wolken (1999) steht am vorläufigen Ende eines nun ins Innerweltliche gewendeten ‚Meditierens bei Gelegenheit‘, das sich der haltlosen Vergänglichkeit ausgesetzt weiß.
Wohlbefinden und Meditation
Authors: Eickhoff Hajo
Published: November 2013

Wohlbefinden ist Geborgensein in der Welt, und Meditation eine das Wohl fördernde Kulturtechnik der Achtsamkeit, die Körper und Geist beruhigt und Wohlbefindens-Hormone freigibt. Im Wohlbefinden sind die Muskeln entspannt, der Atem frei und der Geist wach. Im Menschen schlummern Widerstände (Resilienz) gegen das Unwohlbefinden, die mitbegründen, dass Wohlbefinden sich mit Krisen und Herausforderungen verträgt. Botenstoffe hängen zweifach mit dem Wohlbefinden zusammen: Einerseits arbeiten sie mit an der Befindlichkeit des Menschen, andererseits ist der Mensch in der Lage, etwa in der Meditation, die Aktivität spezifischer Botenstoffe zu veranlassen. Wohlbefinden schafft Selbstvertrauen und Vertrauen zu anderen, die das Vertrauen zurückgeben, was das Wohlbefinden zu einer Grundlage für Verantwortung macht - dem eigenen Handeln, der Natur und anderen Menschen gegenüber.
Meditation als Bildung in der Gegenwart – eine dialogpädagogische Perspektive
Authors: Muth Cornelia
Published: November 2013

Der Beitrag zeigt, welche meditativen Anteile Dialogik als transkulturelle Erwachsenenbildung innehält. Ausgehend von deren Zielen liegt die Umsetzung insbesondere darin, den eigenen „wahrhaftigen“ Lebensweg zu finden, und zwar so wenig entfremdet oder so gesund wie möglich bzw., buddhistisch formuliert, mit so wenig Leid wie möglich. Denn hier liegen, wie Martin Buber in Ich und Du kritisch formuliert, gemeinsame Wege im dialogischen und buddhistischen Er-Schauen der Welt. Zentrales Moment beider Erkenntniswege ist insbesondere die „existentielle Wahrheitssuche“. Diese Wahrnehmung realisiert sich als aktiv-passiver Prozess. Für Buber geschieht er nur im „Gegenwartenden“. Die Kraft der Gegenwart ist dabei entscheidend. Doch wie das möglich ist, darauf hat Buber keine Antwort gegeben. Darum, dass sich eine solche Antwort u. a. im tibetischen Buddhismus finden lässt, geht es in diesem Beitrag - unter Rekurs auf Erörterungen zweier buddhistischer Autoren, Shenpen Hookham und Rigdzin Shikpo, und in Verbindung mit dialogpädagogischen Reflexionen.