bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electric double layers allow for opaque electrodes in high performance organic optoelectronic devices
Authors: Li Bo , Dalgleish Simon , Miyoshi Yasuhito , Yoshikawa Hirofumi , Matsushita Michio M. , Awaga Kunio
Published: October 2012

We report that opaque electrodes can be used for high-performance organic optoelectronic devices, facilitated by the electric double layers (EDLs) formed in ionic liquids. For the photocell, gold/poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT):[6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM)/ionic liquid/silver, the EDLs enable a large photocurrent response, without the electrodes being superimposed. The external quantum efficiency and responsivity can reach 61.2% and 272 mA/W, respectively. The specific detectivity can reach 1.9 × 1013 Jones, which is larger than silicon-based detectors. This type of architecture will renew the operation principle and material choice for organic photocells, because transparency is no longer an indispensable condition for the electrodes.
Oxygen plasma post process to obtain consistent conductance of carbon nanotubes in carbon nanotube field-effect transistors
Authors: Woong Jang Chi , Tae Byun Young , Ha Woo Deok , Lee Seok , Min Jhon Young
Published: October 2012

We modified the conductance of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in carbon nanotube field-effect transistors by oxygen plasma post process (OPPP) to obtain consistent conductance after the CNTs were adsorbed by self-assembly monolayer method which is suitable for large scale mass production but hardly yields consistent conductance due to various complex factors involved. We have shown that the conductance of the CNTs can be tuned from 47 μS to zero by varying the OPPP time from 0 to 15 s. The reduction rate of the conductance was 9.8%/s implying that a tenth of the CNTs was removed every second.
Carboxylate-Bridged Dinuclear Dy2 Single-Molecule Magnets: Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetic Studies
Authors: Song Yu-mei , Luo Feng , Zhu Yan , Tian Xiao-zhao , Sun Gong-ming
Published: October 2012

In this work, the synthesis, structure, and magnetic studies of three dinuclear Dy2 compounds, namely Dy2(bpy)2(L)6 (1), Dy2(phen)2(L)6 (2), Dy2(μ-H2O)2(bpy)2(L)6 (3) are reported in detail, where HL, phen, and bpy are 4-chlorobenzoic acid, 1,10-phenanthroline, and 2,2′-bipyridine. Magnetic studies reveal the intramolecular ferromagnetic interaction and single-molecule magnetic properties of these compounds. The fine-tuned single-molecule magnet properties of compounds 1–3, mainly due to the difference of the coordination geometry of DyIII ions, are highlighted.
Multifunctional cantilever-free scanning probe arrays coated with multilayer graphene
Authors: Shim Wooyoung , Brown Keith A. , Zhou Xiaozhu , Rasin Boris , Liao Xing , Mirkin Chad A.
Published: October 2012

Scanning probe instruments have expanded beyond their traditional role as imaging or “reading” tools and are now routinely used for “writing.” Although a variety of scanning probe lithography techniques are available, each one imposes different requirements on the types of probes that must be used. Additionally, throughput is a major concern for serial writing techniques, so for a scanning probe lithography technique to become widely applied, there needs to be a reasonable path toward a scalable architecture. Here, we use a multilayer graphene coating method to create multifunctional massively parallel probe arrays that have wear-resistant tips of uncompromised sharpness and high electrical and thermal conductivities. The optical transparency and mechanical flexibility of graphene allow this procedure to be used for coating exceptionally large, cantilever-free arrays that can pattern with electrochemical desorption and thermal, in addition to conventional, dip-pen nanolithography.
G9a mediates Sharp-1–dependent inhibition of skeletal muscle differentiation
Authors: Ling Belinda Mei Tze , Gopinadhan Suma , Kok Wai Kay , Shankar Shilpa Rani , Gopal Pooja , Bharathy Narendra , Wang Yaju , Taneja Reshma
Published: October 2012

Sharp-1, a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, is a potent repressor of skeletal muscle differentiation and is dysregulated in muscle pathologies. However, the mechanisms by which it inhibits myogenesis are not fully understood. Here we show that G9a, a lysine methyltransferase, is involved in Sharp-1–mediated inhibition of muscle differentiation. We demonstrate that G9a directly interacts with Sharp-1 and enhances its ability to transcriptionally repress the myogenin promoter. Concomitant with a differentiation block, G9a-dependent histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation (H3K9me2) and MyoD methylation are apparent upon Sharp-1 overexpression in muscle cells. RNA interference–mediated reduction of G9a or pharmacological inhibition of its activity erases these repressive marks and rescues the differentiation defect imposed by Sharp-1. Our findings provide new insights into Sharp-1–dependent regulation of myogenesis and identify epigenetic mechanisms that could be targeted in myopathies characterized by elevated Sharp-1 levels.
Pure Gaussian state generation via dissipation: a quantum stochastic differential equation approach
Authors: Yamamoto Naoki
Published: October 2012

Recently, the complete characterization of a general Gaussian dissipative system having a unique pure steady state was obtained. This result provides a clear guideline for engineering an environment such that the dissipative system has a desired pure steady state such as a cluster state. In this paper, we describe the system in terms of a quantum stochastic differential equation (QSDE) so that the environment channels can be explicitly dealt with. Then, a physical meaning of that characterization, which cannot be seen without the QSDE representation, is clarified; more specifically, the nullifier dynamics of any Gaussian system generating a unique pure steady state is passive. In addition, again based on the QSDE framework, we provide a general and practical method to implement a desired dissipative Gaussian system, which has a structure of quantum state transfer.
Quantum system characterization with limited resources
Authors: Oi D. K. L. , Schirmer S. G.
Published: October 2012

The construction and operation of large-scale quantum information devices presents a grand challenge. A major issue is the effective control of coherent evolution, which requires accurate knowledge of the system dynamics that may vary from device to device. We review strategies for obtaining such knowledge from minimal initial resources and in an efficient manner, and apply these to the problem of characterization of a qubit embedded into a larger state manifold, made tractable by exploiting prior structural knowledge. We also investigate adaptive sampling for estimation of multiple parameters.
Why do cannabinoid receptors have more than one endogenous ligand?
Authors: Di Marzo Vincenzo , De Petrocellis Luciano
Published: October 2012

The endocannabinoid system was revealed following the understanding of the mechanism of action of marijuana's major psychotropic principle,
Δ
9
-tetrahydrocannabinol, and includes two G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs; the cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors), their endogenous ligands (the endocannabinoids, the best studied of which are anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)), and the proteins that regulate the levels and activity of these receptors and ligands. However, other minor lipid metabolites different from, but chemically similar to, anandamide and 2-AG have also been suggested to act as endocannabinoids. Thus, unlike most other GPCRs, cannabinoid receptors appear to have more than one endogenous agonist, and it has been often wondered what could be the physiological meaning of this peculiarity. In 1999, it was proposed that anandamide might also activate other targets, and in particular the transient receptor potential of vanilloid type-1 (TRPV1) channels. Over the last decade, this interaction has been shown to occur both in peripheral tissues and brain, during both physiological and pathological conditions. TRPV1 channels can be activated also by another less abundant endocannabinoid,
N
-arachidonoyldopamine, but not by 2-AG, and have been proposed by some authors to act as ionotropic endocannabinoid receptors. This article will discuss the latest discoveries on this subject, and discuss, among others, how anandamide and 2-AG differential actions at TRPV1 and cannabinoid receptors contribute to making this signalling system a versatile tool available to organisms to fine-tune homeostasis.
Hub and switches: endocannabinoid signalling in midbrain dopamine neurons
Authors: Melis Miriam , Pistis Marco
Published: October 2012

The last decade has provided a wealth of experimental data on the role played by lipids belonging to the endocannabinoid family in several facets of physiopathology of dopamine neurons. We currently suggest that these molecules, being intimately connected with diverse metabolic and signalling pathways, might differently affect various functions of dopamine neurons through activation not only of surface receptors, but also of nuclear receptors. It is now emerging how dopamine neurons can regulate their constituent biomolecules to compensate for changes in either internal functions or external conditions. Consequently, dopamine neurons use these lipid molecules as metabolic and homeostatic signal detectors, which can dynamically impact cell function and fitness. Because dysfunctions of the dopamine system underlie diverse neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and drug addiction, the importance of better understanding the correlation between an unbalanced endocannabinoid signal and the dopamine system is even greater. Particularly, because dopamine neurons are critical in controlling incentive-motivated behaviours, the involvement of endocannabinoid molecules in fine-tuning dopamine cell activity opened new avenues in both understanding and treating drug addiction. Here, we review recent advances that have shed new light on the understanding of differential roles of endocannabinoids and their cognate molecules in the regulation of the reward circuit, and discuss their anti-addicting properties, particularly with a focus on their potential engagement in the prevention of relapse.
The diacylglycerol lipases: structure, regulation and roles in and beyond endocannabinoid signalling
Authors: Reisenberg Melina , Singh Praveen K. , Williams Gareth , Doherty Patrick
Published: October 2012

The diacylglycerol lipases (DAGLs) hydrolyse diacylglycerol to generate 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), the most abundant ligand for the CB
1
and CB
2
cannabinoid receptors in the body. DAGL-dependent endocannabinoid signalling regulates axonal growth and guidance during development, and is required for the generation and migration of new neurons in the adult brain. At developed synapses, 2-AG released from postsynaptic terminals acts back on presynaptic CB
1
receptors to inhibit the secretion of both excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, with this DAGL-dependent synaptic plasticity operating throughout the nervous system. Importantly, the DAGLs have functions that do not involve cannabinoid receptors. For example, 2-AG is the precursor of arachidonic acid in a pathway that maintains the level of this essential lipid in the brain and other organs. This pathway also drives the cyclooxygenase-dependent generation of inflammatory prostaglandins in the brain, which has recently been implicated in the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease. Remarkably, we still know very little about the mechanisms that regulate DAGL activity—however, key insights can be gleaned by homology modelling against other α/β hydrolases and from a detailed examination of published proteomic studies and other databases. These identify a regulatory loop with a highly conserved signature motif, as well as phosphorylation and palmitoylation as post-translational mechanisms likely to regulate function.
The endocannabinoid system in normal and pathological brain ageing
Authors: Bilkei-Gorzo Andras
Published: October 2012

The role of endocannabinoids as inhibitory retrograde transmitters is now widely known and intensively studied. However, endocannabinoids also influence neuronal activity by exerting neuroprotective effects and regulating glial responses. This review centres around this less-studied area, focusing on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the protective effect of the cannabinoid system in brain ageing. The progression of ageing is largely determined by the balance between detrimental, pro-ageing, largely stochastic processes, and the activity of the homeostatic defence system. Experimental evidence suggests that the cannabinoid system is part of the latter system. Cannabinoids as regulators of mitochondrial activity, as anti-oxidants and as modulators of clearance processes protect neurons on the molecular level. On the cellular level, the cannabinoid system regulates the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurogenesis. Neuroinflammatory processes contributing to the progression of normal brain ageing and to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases are suppressed by cannabinoids, suggesting that they may also influence the ageing process on the system level. In good agreement with the hypothesized beneficial role of cannabinoid system activity against brain ageing, it was shown that animals lacking CB1 receptors show early onset of learning deficits associated with age-related histological and molecular changes. In preclinical models of neurodegenerative disorders, cannabinoids show beneficial effects, but the clinical evidence regarding their efficacy as therapeutic tools is either inconclusive or still missing.
Dynamic changes to the endocannabinoid system in models of chronic pain
Authors: Rani Sagar Devi , Burston James J. , Woodhams Stephen G. , Chapman Victoria
Published: October 2012

The analgesic effects of cannabinoid ligands, mediated by CB1 receptors are well established. However, the side-effect profile of CB1 receptor ligands has necessitated the search for alternative cannabinoid-based approaches to analgesia. Herein, we review the current literature describing the impact of chronic pain states on the key components of the endocannabinoid receptor system, in terms of regionally restricted changes in receptor expression and levels of key metabolic enzymes that influence the local levels of the endocannabinoids. The evidence that spinal CB2 receptors have a novel role in the modulation of nociceptive processing in models of neuropathic pain, as well as in models of cancer pain and arthritis is discussed. Recent advances in our understanding of the spinal location of the key enzymes that regulate the levels of the endocannabinoid 2-AG are discussed alongside the outcomes of recent studies of the effects of inhibiting the catabolism of 2-AG in models of pain. The complexities of the enzymes capable of metabolizing both anandamide (AEA) and 2-AG have become increasingly apparent. More recently, it has come to light that some of the metabolites of AEA and 2-AG generated by cyclooxygenase-2, lipoxygenases and cytochrome P450 are biologically active and can either exacerbate or inhibit nociceptive signalling.
Endocannabinoids in neuroendopsychology: multiphasic control of mitochondrial function
Authors: Nunn Alistair , Guy Geoffrey , Bell Jimmy D.
Published: October 2012

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a construct based on the discovery of receptors that are modulated by the plant compound tetrahydrocannabinol and the subsequent identification of a family of nascent ligands, the ‘endocannabinoids’. The function of the ECS is thus defined by modulation of these receptors—in particular, by two of the best-described ligands (2-arachidonyl glycerol and anandamide), and by their metabolic pathways. Endocannabinoids are released by cell stress, and promote both cell survival and death according to concentration. The ECS appears to shift the immune system towards a type 2 response, while maintaining a positive energy balance and reducing anxiety. It may therefore be important in resolution of injury and inflammation. Data suggest that the ECS could potentially modulate mitochondrial function by several different pathways; this may help explain its actions in the central nervous system. Dose-related control of mitochondrial function could therefore provide an insight into its role in health and disease, and why it might have its own pathology, and possibly, new therapeutic directions.
Burkholderia grimmiae sp. nov., isolated from a xerophilous moss (Grimmia montana)
Authors: Tian Yang , Kong Bi He , Liu Su Lin , Li Chun Li , Yu Rong , Liu Lei , Li Yan Hong
Published: October 2012

A Gram-staining-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterium, designated strain R27T, was isolated from the moss Grimmia montana, collected from Beijing Songshan National Nature Reserve, China, and characterized by using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The predominant fatty acids of strain R27T were C18 : 1ω7c (33.6 %), C16 : 0 (16.3 %), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c; 15.8 %) and C17 : 0 cyclo (8.7 %) and its major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, three uncharacterized aminolipids and an unknown phospholipid. Strain R27T contained Q-8 as the dominant isoprenoid quinone and the G+C content of its genomic DNA was 64.6 mol%. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison, strain R27T showed 99.1 % similarity to the closest related type strain,

Burkholderia zhejiangensis

OP-1T, and 97.6 % similarity to

Burkholderia glathei

ATCC 29195T. However, the DNA–DNA relatedness between strain R27T and

B. zhejiangensis

CCTCC AB 2010354T and

B. glathei

ATCC 29195T was 10.2 and 14.9 %, respectively. Based on 16S rRNA and rpoB gene sequence similarities and phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data, strain R27T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus

Burkholderia

, for which the name Burkholderia grimmiae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is R27T ( = CGMCC 1.11013T  = DSM 25160T).
Massilia lurida sp. nov., isolated from soil
Authors: Luo Xiaonan , Xie Qiong , Wang Jiewei , Pang Huancheng , Fan Jinping , Zhang Jianli
Published: October 2012

A bacterial isolate, designated strain D5T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China, and subjected to a taxonomic investigation using a polyphasic approach. Strain D5T was aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped and motile. Strain D5T fell within the evolutionary radius of the genus

Massilia

in the phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and was most closely related to

Massilia plicata

76T with 97.3 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. The predominant quinone of strain D5T was Q-8. The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol. The major fatty acids were summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH) and C16 : 0. These chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of strain D5T to the genus

Massilia

. The genomic DNA G+C content was 65.9 mol%. Mean DNA–DNA relatedness values between strain D5T and the phylogenetically most closely related species of the genus

Massilia

,

Massilia plicata

KCTC 12344T and

Massilia dura

KCTC 12342T, were 26 and 21 %, respectively. Strain D5T could be differentiated from recognized species of the genus

Massilia

by several phenotypic characteristics. It is clear from the data presented that strain D5T represents a novel species of the genus

Massilia

, for which the name Massilia lurida sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is D5T ( = CGMCC 1.10822T = KCTC 23880T).
Leptochlorella corticola gen. et sp. nov. and Kalinella apyrenoidosa sp. nov.: two novel Chlorella-like green microalgae (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta) from subaerial habitats
Authors: Neustupa Jiří , Němcová Yvonne , Veselá Jana , Steinová Jana , Škaloud Pavel
Published: October 2012

The diversity of green microalgae in subaerial habitats remains largely unexplored and a number of new genus- and species-level lineages have been discovered recently. The traditional green algal genus, Chlorella, which accommodated coccoid unicellular green algal species with globular to oval cells, reproducing entirely by autospores, has been found to be polyphyletic. In this study, we provide a detailed characterization of two strains of microalgae isolated from tree bark in the Mediterranean. These algae share the general Chlorella-like morphology and their 18S rRNA and rbcL gene sequences place them in the Trebouxiophyceae. Strain CAUP H8401 forms an independent trebouxiophycean lineage, together with three previously published 18S rRNA gene environmental sequences of undescribed microalgae, which were retrieved from profoundly different habitats. In contrast, strain CAUP H7902 is related to Kalinella bambusicola in the Watanabea clade of the Trebouxiophyceae on the basis of its 18S rRNA gene sequence. This relationship is also supported by the rbcL gene sequence, acquired from the type strain of K. bambusicola. The investigated strains are described as representatives of a novel species in a new genus, Leptochlorella corticola gen. et sp. nov., and a novel species, Kalinella apyrenoidosa sp. nov., according to the International Code of Nomenclature for Algae, Fungi and Plants.
Tetranaphthyleno[5,6-bcd:11,12-b′c′d′:17,18-b′′c′′d′′:23,24-b′′′c′′′d′′′]tetrafuran
Authors: Fouad Farid , Bunge Scott D. , Ellman Brett D. , Twieg Robert J.
Published: October 2012

The title compound, C40H16O4or [C10H4O]4, is a planar tetrameric cyclooligomer which crystallizes in the monoclinic space groupP21/n. The compound is located on an inversion center with the asymmetric unit consisting of half of the molecule. The compound displays an interesting packing structure, where the cyclooligomer displays both layered packing with respect to nearest neighbors and a rotation of adjacent planar rings that results in additional interactions. The geometric parameters of the compound agree well with those of comparable cyclooligomers, while the packing reveals some similarities and differences.
Contracting in a newsvendor problem
Authors: Chen Jing
Published: October 2012

Purpose

Contracting is an important issue in supply chain management. In this paper, the authors aim to discuss and compare the manufacturer's contracting options when the retailer faces a traditional newsvendor problem with a fixed retail price: a wholesale price only contract, a wholesale price discount contract, a returns policy contract, and a returns policy with the wholesale price discount contract. The paper also aims to examine how these contracting options affect decisions of the manufacturer and the retailer, as well as the supply chain efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

Models are developed based on the manufacturer's four contracting options. The manufacturer's optimal wholesale prices have been obtained. The ordering decisions of the retailer are discussed in each of the manufacturer's four contracting options. The paper also uses numerical examples to illustrate the author's managerial insights and results.

Findings

As compared to the wholesale price only contract, it is found that implementing a wholesale price discount policy effectively encourages the retailer to order more product and enhances the retailer's profit at the expense of lowering the manufacturer's profit. It is also found that when the manufacturer offers a returns policy and if this policy cannot enhance the retailer's profit, a returns policy with the wholesale price discount contract can lead to a win‐win situation for both the manufacturer and the retailer.

Originality/value

The research provides managerial insights on how different contracts affect decisions and efficiency of the supply chain.
External economies in banking
Authors: Shaffer Sherrill
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide the first empirical study of external economies (agglomeration economies) in the banking industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The author extends a standard specification of banking costs to control for community and market characteristics.

Findings

Banks' costs are a decreasing function of the number of rival banks and an increasing function of market population. Estimated magnitudes of these effects, modest at the bank level, are large in aggregate. Multimarket operation of rival banks is also important.

Originality/value

These findings suggest a previously unrecognized cost‐side benefit of structure‐based antitrust policies, and have additional implications for public policy toward banking structure, as well as calling for a re‐interpretation of previous studies of scale economies, cost efficiency, and price‐cost margins in banking.
Public‐key coding system based on grey generation and braid group
Authors: Shouwei Li , Qiang Mei
Published: October 2012

Purpose

This paper attempts to construct a public‐key coding system using grey generation and braid group.

Design/methodology/approach

The identification (ID) codes of both sides for communication are public for everyone and considered as public keys. Starting from the ID code of both sides of communication, the temporary secret key of communication can be obtained by the grey 1‐AGO algorithm first. Then the new formal common secret key can be obtained by using the element exchangeability of the braid group during the exchanging process of the temporary secret key between two sides of communication. The paper presents an exchange protocol of secret key based on grey data generation and braid group. It also constructs a cipher communication system by using Hash function based on the exchange protocol of secret key last.

Findings

The exchange protocol of secret key and the system of cipher communication which are proposed in this paper make use of the difficult problem of resolving disper se logarithm from generated code to ID code and the conjugate problem which is not ever resolved in braid group, which can ensure the security of the algorithm theoretically.

Practical implications

The main steps of the exchange protocol and cipher communication system in this paper can be achieved through a computer program. They can be used in many communication processes on the internet.

Originality/value

The paper succeeds in realising both secret key generation and exchanging protocol of communication by using grey systems theory and braid group properties.
The Impact of Hospital Pay‐for‐Performance on Hospital and Medicare Costs
Authors: Kruse Gregory B. , Polsky Daniel , Stuart Elizabeth A. , Werner Rachel M.
Published: October 2012

Objective

To evaluate the effects of Medicare's hospital pay‐for‐performance demonstration project on hospital revenues, costs, and margins and on Medicare costs.

Data Sources/Study Setting

All health care utilization for Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized for acute myocardial infarction (AMI; ICD‐9‐CM code 410.x1) in fiscal years 2002–2005 from Medicare claims, containing 420,211 admissions with AMI.

Study Design

We test for changes in hospital costs and revenues and Medicare payments among 260 hospitals participating in the Medicare hospital pay‐for‐performance demonstration project and a group of 780 propensity‐score‐matched comparison hospitals. Effects were estimated using a difference‐in‐difference model with hospital fixed effects, testing for changes in costs among pay‐for‐performance hospitals above and beyond changes in comparison hospitals.

Principal Findings

We found no significant effect of pay‐for‐performance on hospital financials (revenues, costs, and margins) or Medicare payments (index hospitalization and 1 year after admission) for AMI patients.

Conclusions

Pay‐for‐performance in the CMS hospital demonstration project had minimal impact on hospital financials and Medicare payments to providers. As P4P extends to all hospitals under the Affordable Care Act, these results provide some estimates of the impact of P4P and emphasize our need for a better understanding of the financial implications of P4P on providers and payers if we want to create sustainable and effective programs to improve health care value.
NMDA receptor dysfunction contributes to impaired brain‐derived neurotrophic factor‐induced facilitation of hippocampal synaptic transmission in a Tau transgenic model
Authors: Burnouf Sylvie , Martire Alberto , Derisbourg Maxime , Laurent Cyril , Belarbi Karim , Leboucher Antoine , Fernandez‐Gomez Francisco J. , Troquier Laetitia , Eddarkaoui Sabiha , Grosjean Marie‐Eve , Demeyer Dominique , Muhr‐Tailleux Anne , Buisson Alain , Sergeant Nicolas , Hamdane Malika , Humez Sandrine , Popoli Patrizia , Buée Luc , Blum David
Published: October 2012

While the spatiotemporal development of Tau pathology has been correlated with occurrence of cognitive deficits in Alzheimer's patients, mechanisms underlying these deficits remain unclear. Both brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its tyrosine kinase receptor TrkB play a critical role in hippocampus‐dependent synaptic plasticity and memory. When applied on hippocampal slices, BDNF is able to enhance AMPA receptor‐dependent hippocampal basal synaptic transmission through a mechanism involving TrkB and N‐methyl‐d‐Aspartate receptors (NMDAR). Using THY‐Tau22 transgenic mice, we demonstrated that hippocampal Tau pathology is associated with loss of synaptic enhancement normally induced by exogenous BDNF. This defective response was concomitant to significant memory impairments. We show here that loss of BDNF response was due to impaired NMDAR function. Indeed, we observed a significant reduction of NMDA‐induced field excitatory postsynaptic potential depression in the hippocampus of Tau mice together with a reduced phosphorylation of NR2B at the Y1472, known to be critical for NMDAR function. Interestingly, we found that both NR2B and Src, one of the NR2B main kinases, interact with Tau and are mislocalized to the insoluble protein fraction rich in pathological Tau species. Defective response to BDNF was thus likely related to abnormal interaction of Src and NR2B with Tau in THY‐Tau22 animals. These are the first data demonstrating a relationship between Tau pathology and synaptic effects of BDNF and supporting a contribution of defective BDNF response and impaired NMDAR function to the cognitive deficits associated with Tauopathies.
Arterial Blood Pressure, Proteinuria, and Renal Histopathology in Clinically Healthy Retired Racing Greyhounds
Authors: Surman S. , Couto C.G. , DiBartola S.P. , Chew D.J.
Published: October 2012

Background

Physiologic peculiarities of Greyhounds as compared to other dogs make interpretation of laboratory results in this breed challenging for veterinarians. Hypertension in retired racing Greyhounds (RRG) can contribute to microalbuminuria (MA), overt proteinuria, and renal histologic lesions.

Objectives

To evaluate clinicopathologic findings, hemodynamic status, and renal histology in a population of healthyRRG.

Animals

RRGpresented to Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine for inclusion in a spay and neuter program.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study.RRGwere classified as normotensive (<160 mmHg) or hypertensive (>160 mmHg) based on blood pressure (BP) determinations using Doppler and oscillometric methods. Of the dogs evaluated, 62% (n = 29) were hypertensive and 38% (n = 18) were normotensive. Health status was evaluated using routine clinicopathologic tests (CBC, serum biochemistry, urinalysis) as well as evaluation of fractional excretion of electrolytes andMAdeterminations. Adequate renal biopsy specimens (n = 15) were evaluated using light, immunofluoresence, and electron microscopy.

Results

All serum biochemistry results were normal in 45/49 dogs, butMAwas more common in hypertensive (84% positive forMA) as compared with normotensive (18% positive forMA)RRG. Observed renal lesions were mild and renal biopsy scores were low in this sample ofRRG.

Conclusions

Hypertension is common inRRGand might be breed‐related. It is associated withMA, but observed renal lesions are mild. Whether or not hypertension andMAinRRGleads to progressive renal damage requires longitudinal study.
Interpersonal Features and Functions of Nonsuicidal Self‐injury
Authors: Muehlenkamp Jennifer , Brausch Amy , Quigley Katherine , Whitlock Janis
Published: October 2012

Etiological models of nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI) suggest interpersonal features may be important to understand this behavior, but social functions and correlates have not been extensively studied. This study addresses existing limitations by examining interpersonal correlates and functions of NSSI within a stratified random sample of 1,243 predominantly Caucasian college students (mean age = 21.52, SD = 4.15 years). Participants completed an anonymous online survey assessing NSSI features, perceived social support, and disclosure experiences. Approximately 15% of the students endorsed NSSI. Interpersonal reasons were endorsed proportionally more often for initiating rather than repeating the behavior. Individuals with repetitive NSSI reported significantly lower perceived social support from family members and fewer individuals to seek advice from than single‐act and control participants. Fifty‐nine percent had disclosed their NSSI, but rarely to mental health professionals. Conversations with others about NSSI were rated as being mostly unhelpful. These results emphasize the importance of interpersonal features and functions of NSSI, suggesting treatments should focus on strengthening interpersonal bonds alongside emotion regulation. Improving responses to disclosures of NSSI is needed to promote communication about this behavior and perceived helpfulness of such conversations.
Microglial and astroglial activation by 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in mice depends on S(+) enantiomer and is associated with an increase in body temperature and motility
Authors: Frau Lucia , Simola Nicola , Plumitallo Antonio , Morelli Micaela
Published: October 2012

Evidence is accumulating to suggest that 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) has neurotoxic and neuroinflammatory properties. MDMA is composed of two enantiomers with different biological activities. In this study, we evaluated the in vivo effects of S(+)‐MDMA, R(−)‐MDMA, and S(+)‐MDMA in combination with R(−)‐MDMA on microglial and astroglial activation compared with racemic MDMA, by assessment of complement type 3 receptor (CD11b) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunoreactivity in the mouse striatum, nucleus accumbens, motor cortex, and substantia nigra. Motor activity and body temperature were also measured, to elucidate the physiological modifications paired with the observed glial changes. Similar to racemic MDMA (4 × 20 mg/kg), S(+)‐MDMA (4 × 10 mg/kg) increased both CD11b and GFAP in the striatum, although to a lower degree, whereas R(−)‐MDMA (4 × 10 mg/kg) did not induce any significant glial activation. Combined administration of S(+) plus R(−)‐MDMA did not induce any further activation compared with S(+)‐MDMA. In all other areas, only racemic MDMA was able to slightly activate the microglia, but not the astroglia, whereas enantiomers had no effect, either alone or in combination. Racemic MDMA and S(+)‐MDMA similarly increased motor activity and raised body temperature, whereas R(−)‐MDMA affected neither body temperature nor motor activity. Interestingly, the increase in body temperature was correlated with glial activation. The results show that no synergism, but only additivity of effects, is caused by the combined administration of S(+)‐ and R(−)‐MDMA, and underline the importance of investigating the biochemical and behavioral properties of the two MDMA enantiomers to understand their relative contribution to the neuroinflammatory and neurotoxic effects of MDMA.
Rapid color change in fish and amphibians – function, regulation, and emerging applications
Authors: Nilsson Sköld Helen , Aspengren Sara , Wallin Margareta
Published: October 2012

Physiological color change is important for background matching, thermoregulation as well as signaling and is in vertebrates mediated by synchronous intracellular transport of pigmented organelles in chromatophores. We describe functions of and animal situations where color change occurs. A summary of endogenous and external factors that regulate this color change in fish and amphibians is provided, with special emphasis on extracellular stimuli. We describe not only color change in skin, but also highlight studies on color change that occurs using chromatophores in other areas such as iris and on the inside of the body. In addition, we discuss the growing field that applies melanophores and skin color in toxicology and as biosensors, and point out research areas with future potential.
OsVIL2 functions with PRC2 to induce flowering by repressing OsLFL1 in rice
Authors: Yang Jungil , Lee Shinyong , Hang Runlai , Kim Sung‐Ryul , Lee Yang‐Seok , Cao Xiaofeng , Amasino Richard , An Gynheung
Published: October 2012

Flowering is exquisitely regulated by both promotive and inhibitory factors. Molecular genetic studies with Arabidopsis have verified several epigenetic repressors that regulate flowering time. However, the roles of chromatin remodeling factors in developmental processes have not been well explored in Oryza sativa (rice). We identified a chromatin remodeling factor OsVIL2 (O. sativa VIN3‐LIKE 2) that promotes flowering. OsVIL2 contains a plant homeodomain (PHD) finger, which is a conserved motif of histone binding proteins. Insertion mutations in OsVIL2 caused late flowering under both long and short days. In osvil2 mutants OsLFL1 expression was increased, but that of Ehd1, Hd3a and RFT1 was reduced. We demonstrated that OsVIL2 is bound to native histone H3 in vitro. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses showed that OsVIL2 was directly associated with OsLFL1 chromatin. We also observed that H3K27me3 was significantly enriched by OsLFL1 chromatin in the wild type, but that this enrichment was diminished in the osvil2 mutants. These results indicated that OsVIL2 epigenetically represses OsLFL1 expression. We showed that OsVIL2 physically interacts with OsEMF2b, a component of polycomb repression complex 2. As observed from osvil2, a null mutation of OsEMF2b caused late flowering by increasing OsLFL1 expression and decreasing Ehd1 expression. Thus, we conclude that OsVIL2 functions together with PRC2 to induce flowering by repressing OsLFL1.
Hamel Paradox and Rosenberg Conjecture in Analytical Dynamics
Authors: Chen Y. H.
Published: October 2012

Hamel proposed a seemingly intuitive, simple, straightforward, but incorrect, method of formulating the constrained equation of motion. The method has to do with the direct embedding of the constraint into the kinetic energy of the unconstrained motion. His intention was to caution against its possible adoption. Rosenberg echoed Hamel's warning and followed up to explore more insight of this method. He proposed a conjecture that the Hamel's embedding method would work if the constraint was holonomic. It would not work if the constraint was nonholonomic. We investigate the Hamel paradox and Rosenberg conjecture via the use of the Fundamental Equation of Constrained Motion.
SAICAR Stimulates Pyruvate Kinase Isoform M2 and Promotes Cancer Cell Survival in Glucose-Limited Conditions
Authors: Keller Kirstie E. , Tan Irene S. , Lee Young-Sam
Published: October 2012

A metabolite is identified that may help cancer cells coordinate their mode of energy generation with nutrient conditions.
Relationship between Abundance and Specific Activity of Bacterioplankton in Open Ocean Surface Waters
Authors: Hunt Dana E. , Lin Yajuan , Church Matthew J. , Karl David M. , Tringe Susannah G. , Izzo Lisa K. , Johnson Zackary I.
Published: October 2012

Marine microbial communities are complex and dynamic, and their ecology impacts biogeochemical cycles in pelagic ecosystems. Yet, little is known about the relative activities of different microbial populations within genetically diverse communities. We used rRNA as a proxy for activity to quantify the relative specific activities (rRNA/ribosomal DNA [rDNA or rRNA genes]) of the eubacterial populations and to identify locations or clades for which there are uncouplings between specific activity and abundance. After analyzing 1.6 million sequences from 16S rDNA and rRNA (cDNA) libraries from two euphotic depths from a representative site in the Pacific Ocean, we show that although there is an overall positive relationship between the abundances (rDNAs) and activities (rRNAs) among populations of the bacterial community, for some populations these measures are uncoupled. Different ecological strategies are exemplified by the two numerically dominant clades at this site: the cyanobacterium
Prochlorococcus
is abundant but disproportionately more active, while the heterotrophic SAR11 is abundant but less active. Other rare populations, such as
Alteromonas
, have high specific activities in spite of their low abundances, suggesting intense population regulation. More detailed analyses using a complementary quantitative PCR (qPCR)-based approach of measuring relative specific activity for
Prochlorococcus
populations in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans also show that specific activity, but not abundance, reflects the key drivers of light and nutrients in this system; our results also suggest substantial top-down regulation (e.g., grazing, viruses, or organismal interactions) or transport (e.g., mixing, immigration, or emigration) of these populations. Thus, we show here that abundance and specific activity can be uncoupled in open ocean systems and that describing both is critical to characterizing microbial communities and predicting marine ecosystem functioning and responses to change.
Colonization of Campylobacter spp. in Broiler Chickens and Laying Hens Reared in Tropical Climates with Low-Biosecurity Housing
Authors: Kalupahana R. S. , Kottawatta K. S. A. , Kanankege K. S. T. , van Bergen M. A. P. , Abeynayake P. , Wagenaar J. A.
Published: October 2012

The onset and prevalence of
Campylobacter
colonization in broilers and layers at commercial farms with low biosecurity in tropical climates were tested. Despite the presence of positive animals at the same farms, the broiler flocks tested negative until, on average, 21 days. Prelaying flocks showed a higher prevalence than laying flocks.
Development and Evaluation of EPA Method 1615 for Detection of Enterovirus and Norovirus in Water
Authors: Cashdollar Jennifer L. , Brinkman Nichole E. , Griffin Shannon M. , McMinn Brian R. , Rhodes Eric R. , Varughese Eunice A. , Grimm Ann C. , Parshionikar Sandhya U. , Wymer Larry , Fout G. Shay
Published: October 2012

The U.S. EPA developed a sample concentration and preparation assay in conjunction with the total culturable virus assay for concentrating and measuring culturable viruses in source and drinking waters as part of the Information Collection Rule (ICR) promulgated in 1996. In an effort to improve upon this method, the U.S. EPA recently developed Method 1615: Measurement of Enterovirus and Norovirus Occurrence in Water by Culture and RT-qPCR. Method 1615 uses a culturable virus assay with reduced equipment and labor costs compared to the costs associated with the ICR virus method and introduces a new molecular assay for the detection of enteroviruses and noroviruses by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. In this study, we describe the optimization of several new components of the molecular assay and examine virus recovery from ground, reagent-grade, and surface water samples seeded with poliovirus type 3 and murine norovirus. For the culturable virus and molecular assays, mean poliovirus recovery using the complete method was 58% and 20% in groundwater samples, 122% and 39% using low-titer spikes in reagent-grade water, 42% and 48% using high-titer spikes in reagent-grade water, and 11% and 10% in surface water with high turbidity, respectively. Murine norovirus recovery by the molecular assay was 30% in groundwater samples, less than 8% in both low- and high-titer spikes in reagent-grade water, and 6% in surface water with high turbidity. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of Method 1615 for use with groundwater samples and highlights the need for further research into its effectiveness with surface water.
Improved Recovery of Bacillus Spores from Nonporous Surfaces with Cotton Swabs over Foam, Nylon, or Polyester, and the Role of Hydrophilicity of Cotton in Governing the Recovery Efficiency
Authors: Thomas Pious , Mujawar Mohammed M. , Upreti Reshmi , Sekhar Aparna C.
Published: October 2012

Evaluating different swabbing materials for spore recovery efficiency (RE) from steel surfaces, we recorded the maximum RE (71%) of 10
7
Bacillus subtilis
spores with Tulips cotton buds, followed by Johnson's cotton buds and standard Hi-Media cotton, polyester, nylon, and foam (23%) swabs. Among cotton swabs, instant water-absorbing capacity or the hydrophilicity index appeared to be the major indicator of RE, as determined by testing three more brands. Tulips swabs worked efficiently across diverse nonporous surfaces and on different
Bacillus
spp., registering 65 to 77% RE.
Gray Mold Populations in German Strawberry Fields Are Resistant to Multiple Fungicides and Dominated by a Novel Clade Closely Related to Botrytis cinerea
Authors: Leroch Michaela , Plesken Cecilia , Weber Roland W. S. , Kauff Frank , Scalliet Gabriel , Hahn Matthias
Published: October 2012

The gray mold fungusBotrytis cinereais a major threat to fruit and vegetable production. Strawberry fields usually receive several fungicide treatments againstBotrytisper season. Gray mold isolates from several German strawberry-growing regions were analyzed to determine their sensitivity against botryticides. Fungicide resistance was commonly observed, with many isolates possessing resistance to multiple (up to six) fungicides. A stronger variant of the previously described multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype MDR1, called MDR1h, was found to be widely distributed, conferring increased partial resistance to two important botryticides, cyprodinil and fludioxonil. A 3-bp deletion mutation in a transcription factor-encoding gene,mrr1, was found to be correlated with MDR1h. All MDR1h isolates and the majority of isolates with resistance to multiple fungicides were found to be genetically distinct. Multiple-gene sequencing confirmed that they belong to a novel clade, calledBotrytisgroup S, which is closely related toB. cinereaand the host-specific speciesB. fabae. Isolates ofBotrytisgroup S genotypes were found to be widespread in all German strawberry-growing regions but almost absent from vineyards. Our data indicate a clear subdivision of gray mold populations, which are differentially distributed according to their host preference and adaptation to chemical treatments.
Specific Detection and Localization of Microsporidian Parasites in Invertebrate Hosts by Using
In Situ
Hybridization
Authors: Dubuffet Aurore , Smith Judith E. , Solter Leellen , Perotti M. Alejandra , Braig Henk R. , Dunn Alison M.
Published: October 2012

We designed fluorescence
in situ
hybridization probes for two distinct microsporidian clades and demonstrated their application in detecting, respectively,
Nosema
/
Vairimorpha
and
Dictyoceola
species. We used them to study the vertical transmission of two microsporidia infecting the amphipod
Gammarus duebeni
.