bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of the lung function of horses with heaves by treatment with a botanical preparation for 14 days
Authors: Anour R. , Leinker S. , van den Hoven R.
Published: October 2014

The effects of an oral preparation containing a mixture of extracts from yellow gentian, garden sorrel, cowslip, verbena and common elder on the lung function of nine horses suffering from heaves were determined in a longitudinal crossover study. The horses were divided at random into a group of five (group 1) and a group of four (group 2). The horses in group 1 were each given 15 tablets of the preparation twice daily, while the horses in group 2 were left untreated. Fourteen days later, the horses in group 2 were given the same course of treatment while the horses in group 1 were left untreated. On being subjected to a histamine inhalation provocation test, five of eight horses tested appeared to be hyperresponsive to histamine. The treatment decreased the histamine sensitivity of three of them; it also caused a significant decrease in maximal intrapleural pressure difference of all the horses. The treatment had no significant effects on the clinical signs, the mucociliary activity or the cytology of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of the horses.
Endocrine and ultrasonographic aspects of the oestrous cycle of the mule
Authors: Volpe P. , Russo M. , Ianetti L. , Izzo B.
Published: October 2014

The blood serum concentrations of progesterone and estradiol‐17β were measured at various stages of the oestrous cycle of seven female mules, and their reproductive tracts were examined ultrasonographically at the same stages.
Footrot and interdigital dermatitis in sheep: farmers’ practices, opinions and attitudes
Authors: Wassink G. J. , Moore L. J. , Grogono‐Thomas R. , Green L. E.
Published: October 2014

In 1999, a study was initiated to improve the treatment and control of footrot and interdigital dermatitis in sheep flocks in England and Wales. In November 2000, a retrospective cross‐sectional study was conducted in which 392 sheep farmers were asked to estimate the prevalence of footrot and interdigital dermatitis in their flock in the previous 12 months, whether they considered these diseases to be a problem, how they treated and controlled them and their opinion on the success of the treatment and control measures that they used; 209 of them provided usable responses. The farmers tended to be more concerned as the prevalence of the diseases increased; 91 per cent of the farmers with a prevalence of footrot of less than 5 per cent considered it a small or very small problem on their farm, but 51 per cent of the farmers with a prevalence of 5 per cent or more also considered it to be a small or very small problem. Approximately 60 per cent of the farmers who used parenteral antibiotics considered that they were good or excellent at treating footrot, and this treatment was associated with a prevalence of less than 5 per cent. A similar proportion of farmers also considered topical foot sprays and footbathing to be good or excellent for controlling footrot or interdigital dermatitis, but these treatments were not associated with a lower prevalence of footrot or interdigital dermatitis. Of the 29 farmers who used a footrot vaccine, 20 (69 per cent) considered it good to excellent and this was associated with a prevalence of footrot of less than 5 per cent in their flock; however, vaccination was not associated with lower levels of footrot across the whole sample. Farmers spent approximately 34 minutes per sheep per year treating and controlling footrot; 31 per cent were prepared to spend more money and more time to manage footrot, 27 per cent were prepared to spend more time, 19 per cent were prepared to spend more money and 23 per cent were not prepared to do either. The farmers who were willing to invest more money or more money and time had a higher prevalence of footrot.
Immunopathological investigations on bovine digital epidermitis
Authors: Cruz C. E. F. , Pescador C. A. , Nakajima Y. , Driemeier D.
Published: October 2014

Paraffin‐embedded fragments of bovine digital skin lesions were sectioned and stained with Warthin‐Starry, haematoxylin and eosin, Grocott’s methenamine silver and immunohistochemical techniques. Microorganisms observed in the silver‐stained sections were classified into four major morphological groups. Spirochaetes were the most prevalent organisms, but bacillary and coccoid elements were also present in most sections. Immunohistochemical probing demonstrated that approximately 80 per cent, 46 per cent and 41 per cent of the digital and interdigital dermatitis sections stained positively with polyclonal antisera to Treponema pallidum, Campylobacter jejuni and Fusobacterium necrophorum, respectively. An unidentified branching filamentous organism (presumed to be an actinomycete) was consistently present in the sections of samples from mild interdigital lesions.
Impact of the duration of control of cattle lice with eprinomectin on leather quality
Authors: Hadley P. J. , Forbes A. B. , Rice B. J. , Garnsworthy P. C.
Published: October 2014

The relationship between lice infestation in calves during their first winter and damage to the leather produced was investigated in a trial involving 500 calves, 100 of which were treated with a pour‐on endectocide during the first winter. All the calves received routine lice treatment in the second winter and were reared to slaughter weight. The hides were removed at the abattoir, tanned, inspected for lice‐related damage, and graded according to their suitability for the production of high quality leather. The untreated group developed natural infestations of the chewing louse (Bovicola bovis) during the first winter but none was observed in the second winter. Hides from cattle infested with lice in their first winter had higher levels of lice damage than hides from those treated with eprinomectin, at both the chrome‐tanned and dried dyed‐crust stages of leather production.
Plasma 14 C‐cholic acid clearance in healthy dogs and dogs with cholestasis or a congenital portosystemic shunt
Authors: Bosje J. T. , Bunch S. E. , van den Brom W. , Rothuizen J.
Published: October 2014

The clearance profiles of intravenously injected tracer doses of radioactively labelled cholic acid were investigated in healthy dogs, dogs with a congenital portosystemic shunt and dogs with cholestasis. The rate constants and residual plasma activity were significantly different in the healthy and diseased dogs, but it was not possible to differentiate between the dogs with portosystemic shunting and cholestasis because the results were determined not only by factors involved in plasma bile acid clearance but also by the enterohepatic circulation.
Origin and evolution of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Asia
Authors: Sims L. D. , Domenech J. , Benigno C. , Kahn S. , Kamata A. , Lubroth J. , Martin V. , Roeder P.
Published: October 2014

Outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza caused by H5N1 viruses were reported almost simultaneously in eight neighbouring Asian countries between December 2003 and January 2004, with a ninth reporting in August 2004, suggesting that the viruses had spread recently and rapidly. However, they had been detected widely in the region in domestic waterfowl and terrestrial poultry for several years before this, and the absence of widespread disease in the region before 2003, apart from localised outbreaks in the Hong Kong Special Autonomous Region (SAR), is perplexing. Possible explanations include limited virus excretion by domestic waterfowl infected with H5N1, the confusion of avian influenza with other serious endemic diseases, the unsanctioned use of vaccines, and the under‐reporting of disease as a result of limited surveillance. There is some evidence that the excretion of the viruses by domestic ducks had increased by early 2004, and there is circumstantial evidence that they can be transmitted by wild birds. The migratory birds from which viruses have been isolated were usually sick or dead, suggesting that they would have had limited potential for carrying the viruses over long distances unless subclinical infections were prevalent. However, there is strong circumstantial evidence that wild birds can become infected from domestic poultry and potentially can exchange viruses when they share the same environment. Nevertheless, there is little reason to believe that wild birds have played a more significant role in spreading disease than trade through live bird markets and movement of domestic waterfowl. Asian H5N1 viruses were first detected in domestic geese in southern China in 1996. By 2000, their host range had extended to domestic ducks, which played a key role in the genesis of the 2003/04 outbreaks. The epidemic was not due to the introduction and spread of a single virus but was caused by multiple viruses which were genotypically linked to the Goose/GD/96 lineage via the haemagglutinin gene. The H5N1 viruses isolated from China, including the Hong Kong SAR, between 1999 and 2004 had a range of genotypes and considerable variability within genotypes. The rising incidence and widespread reporting of disease in 2003/04 can probably be attributed to the increasing spread of the viruses from existing reservoirs of infection in domestic waterfowl and live bird markets leading to greater environmental contamination. When countries in the region started to report disease in December 2003, others were alerted to the risk and disease surveillance and reporting improved. The H5N1 viruses have reportedly been eliminated from three of the nine countries that reported disease in 2003/04, but they could be extremely difficult to eradicate from the remaining countries, owing to the existence of populations and, possibly, production and marketing sectors, in which apparently normal birds harbour the viruses.
Estimating the financial losses due to bovine fasciolosis in Switzerland
Authors: Schweizer G. , Braun U. , Deplazes P. , Torgerson P. R.
Published: October 2014

In dairy cattle in Switzerland, the prevalence of infection with Fasciola hepatica is over 16 per cent. Previous studies have suggested that even subclinical infections with liver fluke may induce significant reductions in the performance of cattle. The financial losses attributable to F hepatica were estimated using a simple spreadsheet model to sum the individual losses that have been suggested in the literature. Because there is substantial variability in these production losses, Monte Carlo sampling techniques were used to model this variability. Each cost item and each data item related to the prevalence of F hepatica was assigned a mathematical distribution which took account of the variability of the experimental data and/or the sample size of the data. A total of 10,000 simulations were undertaken, with each item randomly varied through its mathematical distribution on each simulation. The results suggest that the median financial loss due to bovine fasciolosis in Switzerland is approximately €52 million, with probable 95 per cent confidence limits ranging from €22 million to €92 million per annum, which represents a median loss of €299 per infected animal. Most of the losses arise from reduced milk yield and reduced fertility, and smaller losses are due to reduced meat production and the condemnation of livers.
Review of the current involvement of homeopathy in veterinary practice and research
Authors: Hektoen L.
Published: October 2014

Homeopathy has become the focus of increasing interest and use as a complementary and alternative treatment for both human and animal disease. However, from the point of view of academic medicine, this type of therapy is controversial. The use of highly diluted remedies cannot be reconciled with the scientific theories on which the current understanding of disease and its treatment is based, and clinical research in the field is considered to be neither extensive enough nor of a high enough standard to determine whether homeopathic treatments are clinically effective. Animals have no choice in their treatment and are dependent on the judgements of their owners and their therapists. There is therefore a need for information about the effects and consequences of the use of alternative therapies. This paper discusses the use of homeopathy in the treatment of animal disease from the point of view of academic veterinary medicine, and the various approaches to research in this field, with an emphasis on the randomised clinical trial. It also discusses the role of the placebo response and the natural resolution of disease in the clinical evaluation of homeopathic treatment.
All-optical logic OR and AND gates for NRZ-OOK signals based on four-wave mixing in a silicon waveguide
Authors: Hu Peiran , Xie Yanqiao , Wang Xiaoyan , Yan Qiang , Gao Shiming
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we report a scheme to achieve an all-optical multiple-function logic unit including OR and AND gates for 10 Gb/s nonreturn-to-zero on-off-keying (NRZ-OOK) signals based on four-wave mixing in a silicon waveguide. The functions of the logic OR and AND gates are demonstrated simultaneously using 10-bit OOK sequences. The eye diagrams of the OR and AND signals are realized experimentally as the incident signals are both modulated by OOK sequences originating from 231-1 pseudorandom binary sequences.
Measurement of femtosecond pulse contrast of low-repetition-rate lasers by optical Kerr effect
Authors: Wu Dengke , He Junfang , Zhu Changjun , Wang Yishan , Zhao Wei
Published: October 2014

In this paper, pulse contrast was measured for femtosecond lasers with low-repetition-rate (40 Hz) using optical Kerr gate as a sampler. The results show that, without attenuator, dynamic range as high as 104 was achieved, with a scanning range of 126 ps and a temporal sampling interval of 6.3 fs. Moreover, the method suits for measuring laser pulse contrast in wide spectrum range.
Ultrashort double-kink and algebraic solitons of generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation in the presence of non-Kerr terms
Authors: Sharma Vivek Kumar , Goyal Amit
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we present bright and dark optical solitons induced by the non-Kerr terms in generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation. The reported solutions consist of various soliton-like solutions including double-kink and algebraic solitons. These solitons are of sub 10 femtosecond width and are helpful to increase the information carrying capacity in order to make ultrafast communication.
Sensitivity of routes to chaos in optically injected semiconductor lasers
Authors: Al-Hosiny Najm M.
Published: October 2014

Two common routes to chaos, period-doubling and quasi-periodic, are theoretically investigated in semiconductor laser subject to optical injection. In particular, the sensitivity of the route to the injection of an additional optical signal is examined using bifurcation diagrams. Period-doubling route to chaos is found to be less sensitive to the perturbation of the second signal than the quasi-periodic route.
Experimental demonstration of all optical 100 Gbit/s wavelength conversion with 1-to-2 wavelength multicasting based on cross-phase modulation in dispersion flattened highly nonlinear photonic crystal fiber
Authors: Gong Jia-Min , Hui Zhan-Qiang
Published: October 2014

This paper proposed and experimentally demonstrated the effective design of a single-to-dual channel 100 Gbit/s wavelength converter with a simple configuration consisting of a single dispersion flattened highly nonlinear photonic crystal fiber (DS-HNL-PCF) and two optical bandpass filters (OBPFs). The polarity-preserved, ultrafast wavelength conversion with single-to-dual channel multicasting is achieved by simultaneously filtering the red- and blue-chirped spectral component of a probe light. Moreover, the wavelength tunability and dynamic characteristics of designed wavelength converter are investigated. The results show that the designed ultrafast wavelength converter has a wide wavelength conversion range of 29 nm, and high tolerance to input power fluctuations. It is very attractive for engineering application in modern microwave and ultrafast photonic networks.
Raman scattering structural studies of nonlinear optical M(IO3)3(M = Fe, Ga, α-In) and linear optical β-In(IO3)3
Authors: Bushiri M. Junaid , Kochuthresia T. C. , Vaidyan V. K. , Gautier-Luneau Isabelle
Published: October 2014

Raman and infrared spectra of Fe ( IO 3)3, Ga ( IO 3)3 and the α and β phases of In ( IO 3)3 are recorded and analyzed. The Raman signatures of Fe ( IO 3)3 and Ga ( IO 3)3 and α- In ( IO 3)3 are similar due to their isostructural nature and the lifting of degeneracy of ν4 mode indicates the angular distortion of [Formula: see text] anion in the title compounds. The appearance of multiple bands in the stretching region is due to the presence of I – O bonds with varying strength in these compounds. The presence of strong Raman band at 732 cm-1 in β- In ( IO 3)3 suggest that its crystalline structure is different from the structure of Fe ( IO 3)3, Ga ( IO 3)3, α- In ( IO 3)3 and is contributed to weak I – O bond, which is not coordinated to metallic cation. The higher order Raman cross-section corresponds to symmetric stretching vibration of [Formula: see text] anions at 795, 804, 803 cm-1 in Fe ( IO 3)3, Ga ( IO 3)3 and α- In ( IO 3)3, respectively are related to optical nonlinearity of these materials.
HEAT KERNEL MODELS FOR ASSET PRICING
Authors: MACRINA ANDREA
Published: October 2014

A heat kernel approach is proposed for the development of a novel method for asset pricing over a finite time horizon. We work in an incomplete market setting and assume the existence of a pricing kernel that determines the prices of financial instruments. The pricing kernel is modeled by a weighted heat kernel driven by a multivariate Markov process. The heat kernel is chosen so as to provide enough freedom to ensure that the resulting model can be calibrated to appropriate data, e.g. to the initial term structure of bond prices. A class of models is presented for which the prices of bonds, caplets, and swaptions can be computed in closed form. The dynamical equations for the price processes are derived, and explicit formulae are obtained for the short rate of interest, the risk premium, and for the stochastic volatility of prices. Several of the closed-form models presented are driven by combinations of Markovian jump processes with different probability laws. Such models provide a basis for consistent applications in various market sectors, including equity markets, fixed-income markets, commodity markets, and insurance. The flexible multidimensional and multivariate structure on which the resulting price models are based lends itself well to the modeling of dependence across asset classes. As an illustration, the impact of spiraling debt, a typical feature of a financial crisis, is modeled explicitly, and the contagion effects can be readily observed in the dynamics of the associated asset returns.
FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF A RETRIEVED CUSTOM-MADE KNEE PROSTHESIS
Authors: SUN CHANGNING , WANG LING , WANG ZHEN , GENG LEI , LI DICHEN , SUI MIAO , JIN ZHONGMIN
Published: October 2014

Custom-made knee prostheses have been widely used to reconstruct the function of the lower limb in bone tumor resections. A custom-made tumor knee prosthesis was retrieved on account of prosthesis loosening post-surgery. Misalignment between the anatomical axis of the femur and the axis of the femoral stem as well as the material loss at the posterior region of the tibial plateau were considered to be the primary causes of the failure. Based on this hypothesis, finite element analysis was performed to investigate the contact mechanics of the prosthesis while implanted in vivo. The maximum deformation at the femur was 0.59 and 1.17 mm when the misalignment angle was 3° and 6°, respectively. Besides, the maximum contact pressure at the tibial plateau was 44.88 MPa at an extremely high flexion of angle 135° during squatting or kneeling. Uneven stress distribution at the femur, which came from the misalignment, was the main cause of loosening, which was aggravated indirectly with the material loss at the posterior region of the tibial plateau. Optimized prosthesis design and appropriate selection, with accurate surgical positioning and targeted rehabilitation training programme are important considerations for prolonging life-span of prostheses in vivo.
ESTIMATES OF CHANGES IN COUNTY-LEVEL HOUSING PRICES IN THE UNITED STATES UNDER SCENARIOS OF FUTURE CLIMATE CHANGE
Authors: SUSSMAN FRANCES , SAHA BANSARI , BIERWAGEN BRITTA G. , WEAVER CHRISTOPHER P. , COOPER WILL , MOREFIELD PHILIP E. , THOMAS JOHN V.
Published: October 2014

Climate in a given location influences people's housing decisions, and changes in climate may affect these decisions in ways that alter our understanding of desirable locations. This study examines the potential sensitivity of future housing prices in the United States to changes in temperature, precipitation, and humidity by developing a hedonic regression model of the relationship between climate variables and housing prices and exploring implications of different climate futures for the amenity value of climate in these prices. The model shows a significant relationship between housing prices in urban areas and certain climate variables. The study then examines the sensitivity of the amenity value of climate to future climate scenarios. Results suggest that, nationally, climate change represents a disamenity, particularly in central-to-southeastern states. However, detailed housing prices vary spatially and among scenarios. Seasonal variation in temperature, including the relative magnitudes of the change in January and July temperatures, is a key determinant of housing price change, contributing to variation across both climate scenarios and geographic location.
The Utility of Fisher's Geometric Model in Evolutionary Genetics
Authors: Tenaillon O.
Published: October 2014

The accumulation of data on the genomic bases of adaptation has triggered renewed interest in theoretical models of adaptation. Among these models, Fisher's geometric model (FGM) has received a lot of attention over the past two decades. FGM is based on a continuous multidimensional phenotypic landscape, but it is mostly used for the emerging properties of individual mutation effects. Despite its apparent simplicity and limited number of parameters, FGM integrates a full model of mutation and epistatic interactions that allows the study of both beneficial and deleterious mutations and, subsequently, the fate of evolving populations. In this review, I present the different properties of FGM and the qualitative and quantitative support they have received from experimental evolution data. I then discuss how to estimate the different parameters of the model and outline some future directions to connect FGM and the molecular determinants of adaptation.
Plant Responses to Insect Egg Deposition
Authors: Hilker Monika , Fatouros Nina E.
Published: October 2014

Plants can respond to insect egg deposition and thus resist attack by herbivorous insects from the beginning of the attack, egg deposition. We review ecological effects of plant responses to insect eggs and differentiate between egg-induced plant defenses that directly harm the eggs and indirect defenses that involve egg parasitoids. Furthermore, we discuss the ability of plants to take insect eggs as warning signals; the eggs indicate future larval feeding damage and trigger plant changes that either directly impair larval performance or attract enemies of the larvae. We address the questions of how egg-associated cues elicit plant defenses, how the information that eggs have been laid is transmitted within a plant, and which molecular and chemical plant responses are induced by egg deposition. Finally, we highlight evolutionary aspects of the interactions between plants and insect eggs and ask how the herbivorous insect copes with egg-induced plant defenses and may avoid them by counteradaptations.
Insect Response to Plant Defensive Protease Inhibitors
Authors: Zhu-Salzman Keyan , Zeng Rensen
Published: October 2014

Plant protease inhibitors (PIs) are natural plant defense proteins that inhibit proteases of invading insect herbivores. However, their anti-insect efficacy is determined not only by their potency toward a vulnerable insect system but also by the response of the insect to such a challenge. Through the long history of coevolution with their host plants, insects have developed sophisticated mechanisms to circumvent antinutritional effects of dietary challenges. Their response takes the form of changes in gene expression and the protein repertoire in cells lining the alimentary tract, the first line of defense. Research in insect digestive proteases has revealed the crucial roles they play in insect adaptation to plant PIs and has brought about a new appreciation of how phytophagous insects employ this group of molecules in both protein digestion and counterdefense. This review provides researchers in related fields an up-to-date summary of recent advances.
Origin, Development, and Evolution of Butterfly Eyespots
Authors: Monteiro Antónia
Published: October 2014

This article reviews the latest developments in our understanding of the origin, development, and evolution of nymphalid butterfly eyespots. Recent contributions to this field include insights into the evolutionary and developmental origin of eyespots and their ancestral deployment on the wing, the evolution of eyespot number and eyespot sexual dimorphism, and the identification of genes affecting eyespot development and black pigmentation. I also compare features of old and more recently proposed models of eyespot development and propose a schematic for the genetic regulatory architecture of eyespots. Using this schematic I propose two hypotheses for why we observe limits to morphological diversity across these serially homologous traits.
Whitefly Parasitoids: Distribution, Life History, Bionomics, and Utilization
Authors: Liu Tong-Xian , Stansly Philip A. , Gerling Dan
Published: October 2014

Whiteflies are small hemipterans numbering more than 1,550 described species, of which about 50 are agricultural pests. Adults are free-living, whereas late first to fourth instars are sessile on the plant. All known species of whitefly parasitoids belong to Hymenoptera; two genera, Encarsia and Eretmocerus, occur worldwide, and others are mostly specific to different continents. All parasitoid eggs are laid in—or in Eretmocerus, under—the host. They develop within whitefly nymphs and emerge from the fourth instar, and in Cales, from either the third or fourth instar. Parasitized hosts are recognized by conspecifics, but super- and hyperparasitism occur. Dispersal flights are influenced by gender and mating status, but no long-range attraction to whitefly presence on leaves is known. Studies on En. formosa have laid the foundation for behavioral studies and biological control in general. We review past and ongoing studies of whitefly parasitoids worldwide, updating available information on species diversity, biology, behavior, tritrophic interactions, and utilization in pest management.
Forward Rate Curve Smoothing
Authors: Jarrow Robert A.
Published: October 2014

This article reviews the forward rate curve smoothing literature. The key contribution of this review is to link the static curve fitting exercise to the dynamic and arbitrage-free models of the term structure of interest rates. As such, this review introduces more economics to an almost exclusively mathematical exercise, and it identifies new areas for research related to forward rate curve smoothing.
Security Market Manipulation
Authors: Spatt Chester
Published: October 2014

This article uses a variety of contemporary developments to address artificial market pricing and market manipulation. It examines a variety of modern trading tactics and manipulation strategies in the context of trading and order mechanics. For example, I raise the connection between so-called best execution, cancellation rates, and manipulation. I explore the connection between manipulation and short exposures as well as potential connections between Federal Reserve policies and artificial pricing. I also examine the nature of market manipulation in different facets of the trading day and the transitions among these.
Optimal Exercise for Derivative Securities
Authors: Detemple Jérôme
Published: October 2014

This article reviews the literature on American-style derivatives. The presentation stresses some of the major developments in the field. The focus is on the determination of optimal exercise policies and the structure of derivatives’ prices. Illustrative examples highlight the complexity of the optimal exercise decision.
Current Therapies for ANCA-Associated Vasculitis
Authors: Lally Lindsay , Spiera Robert
Published: October 2014

The ANCA-associated vasculitides, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA, formerly Wegener's), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA, formerly Churg-Strauss), are a group of multisystem autoimmune diseases characterized by necrotizing small- to medium-vessel vasculitis and the presence of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies. Current therapeutic strategies consist of glucocorticoids in conjunction with either conventional or biologic agents for both induction of remission and remission maintenance. Treatment goals include reducing toxicity of induction therapy, preventing disease relapse, and limiting overall accrual of both disease-related damage and treatment-related morbidity. Future research directions include investigation of the optimal duration and frequency of maintenance therapy as well as development of targeted therapeutic agents, which is enhanced by emerging insights into disease pathogenesis.
CD44 variant isoforms expressed by breast cancer cells are functional E-selectin ligands under flow conditions
Authors: Shirure Venktesh S. , Liu Tiantian , Delgadillo Luis F. , Cuckler Chaz M. , Tees David F. J. , Benencia Fabian , Goetz Douglas J. , Burdick Monica M.
Published: October 2014

Adhesion of circulating tumor cells to vascular endothelium is mediated by specialized molecules that are functional under shear forces exerted by hematogenous flow. Endothelial E-selectin binding to glycoforms of CD44 mediates shear-resistant cell adhesion in numerous physiological and pathological conditions. However, this pathway is poorly understood in breast cancer and is the focus of the present investigation. All breast cancer cell lines used in this study strongly expressed CD44. In particular, BT-20 cells expressed CD44s and multiple CD44v isoforms, whereas MDA-MB-231 cells predominantly expressed CD44s but weakly expressed CD44v isoforms. CD44 expressed by BT-20, but not MDA-MB-231, cells possessed E-selectin ligand activity as detected by Western blotting and antigen capture assays. Importantly, CD44 expressed by intact BT-20 cells were functional E-selectin ligands, regulating cell rolling and adhesion under physiological flow conditions, as found by shRNA-targeted silencing of CD44. Antigen capture assays strongly suggest greater shear-resistant E-selectin ligand activity of BT-20 cell CD44v isoforms than CD44s. Surprisingly, CD44 was not recognized by the HECA-452 MAb, which detects sialofucosylated epitopes traditionally expressed by selectin ligands, suggesting that BT-20 cells express a novel glycoform of CD44v as an E-selectin ligand. The activity of this glycoform was predominantly attributed to N-linked glycans. Furthermore, expression of CD44v as an E-selectin ligand correlated with high levels of fucosyltransferase-3 and -6 and epithelial, rather than mesenchymal, cell phenotype. Together, these data demonstrate that expression of CD44 as a functional E-selectin ligand may be important in breast cancer metastasis.
Changes in meal composition and duration affect postprandial endothelial function in healthy humans
Authors: Thazhath Sony S. , Wu Tongzhi , Bound Michelle J. , Checklin Helen L. , Jones Karen L. , Willoughby Scott , Horowitz Michael , Rayner Christopher K.
Published: October 2014

Endothelial function, measured by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), predicts cardiovascular events and is impaired postprandially. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of changes in composition or duration of ingestion of a meal, which slows gastric emptying and/or small intestinal nutrient exposure, on postprandial endothelial function. Twelve healthy subjects (6 male, 6 female; 33 ± 6 yr) were each studied on three occasions, in a randomized crossover design. After an overnight fast, subjects consumed a [13C]octanoic acid-labeled mashed potato meal (“ meal 1”), or meal 1 mixed with 9 g guar (“ meal 2”) within 10 min, or meal 1 divided into 12 equal portions over 60 min (“ meal 3”). Brachial artery FMD was measured every 30 min for 120 min. Blood glucose, serum insulin, and gastric emptying (breath test) were evaluated for 240 min. Data are means ± SE. Compared with meal 1, meal 2 was associated with slower gastric emptying (half-emptying time 285 ± 27 vs. 208 ± 15 min, P < 0.05), lower postprandial blood glucose and insulin ( P < 0.001 for both), and a delayed, but more sustained, suppression of FMD ( P < 0.001). After meal 3, both glycemic increment and reduction in FMD were less than after meal 2 ( P < 0.05 for both). The decrement in FMD was directly related to the increment in blood glucose ( r = 0.46, P = 0.02). We conclude that, in health, postprandial FMD is influenced by perturbation of gastric emptying and the duration of meal consumption, which also impact on glycemia.
Dysregulated hepatic expression of glucose transporters in chronic disease: contribution of semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase to hepatic glucose uptake
Authors: Karim Sumera , Liaskou Evaggelia , Fear Janine , Garg Abhilok , Reynolds Gary , Claridge Lee , Adams David H. , Newsome Philip N. , Lalor Patricia F.
Published: October 2014

Insulin resistance is common in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). Serum levels of soluble vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) are also increased in these patients. The amine oxidase activity of VAP-1 stimulates glucose uptake via translocation of transporters to the cell membrane in adipocytes and smooth muscle cells. We aimed to document human hepatocellular expression of glucose transporters (GLUTs) and to determine if VAP-1 activity influences receptor expression and hepatic glucose uptake. Quantitative PCR and immunocytochemistry were used to study human liver tissue and cultured cells. We also used tissue slices from humans and VAP-1-deficient mice to assay glucose uptake and measure hepatocellular responses to stimulation. We report upregulation of GLUT1, -3, -5, -6, -7, -8, -9, -10, -11, -12, and -13 in CLD. VAP-1 expression and enzyme activity increased in disease, and provision of substrate to hepatic VAP-1 drives hepatic glucose uptake. This effect was sensitive to inhibition of VAP-1 and could be recapitulated by H2O2. VAP-1 activity also altered expression and subcellular localization of GLUT2, -4, -9, -10, and -13. Therefore, we show, for the first time, alterations in hepatocellular expression of glucose and fructose transporters in CLD and provide evidence that the semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase activity of VAP-1 modifies hepatic glucose homeostasis and may contribute to patterns of GLUT expression in chronic disease.
Dopamine D1-like receptors regulate the α1A-adrenergic receptor in human renal proximal tubule cells and D1-like dopamine receptor knockout mice
Authors: Ennis Riley Charles , Asico Laureano D. , Armando Ines , Yang Jian , Feranil Jun B. , Jurgens Julie A. , Escano Crisanto S. , Yu Peiying , Wang Xiaoyan , Sibley David R. , Jose Pedro A. , Villar Van Anthony M.
Published: October 2014

The homeostatic control of blood pressure hinges upon the delicate balance between prohypertensinogenic and antihypertensinogenic systems. D1-like dopamine receptors [dopamine D1and D5receptors (D1Rs and D5Rs, respectively)] and the α1A-adrenergic receptor (α1A-AR) are expressed in the renal proximal tubule and engender opposing effects on Na+transport, i.e., natriuresis (via D1Rs and D5Rs) or antinatriuresis (via α1A-ARs). We tested the hypothesis that the D1R/D5R regulates the α1A-AR. D1-like dopamine receptors coimmunoprecipitated, colocalized, and cofractionated with α1A-ARs in lipid rafts in immortalized human renal proximal tubule cells. Long-term treatment with the D1R/D5R agonist fenoldopam resulted in decreased D1R and D5R expression but increased α1A-AR abundance in the plasma membrane. Short-term fenoldopam treatment stimulated the translocation of Na+-K+-ATPase from the plasma membrane to the cytosol that was partially reversed by an α1A-AR agonist, which by itself induced Na+-K+-ATPase translocation from the cytosol to the plasma membrane. The α1A-AR-specific agonist A610603 also minimized the ability of fenoldopam to inhibit Na+-K+-ATPase activity. To determine the interaction among D1Rs, D5Rs, and α1A-ARs in vivo, we used phenylephrine and A610603 to decrease Na+excretion in several D1-like dopamine receptor knockout mouse strains. Phenylephrine and A61603 treatment resulted in a partial reduction of urinary Na+excretion in wild-type mice and its abolition in D1R knockout, D5R knockout, and D1R-D5R double-knockout mice. Our results demonstrate the ability of the D1-like dopamine receptors to regulate the expression and activity of α1A-AR. Elucidating the intricacies of the interaction among these receptors is crucial for a better understanding of the crosstalk between anti- and pro-hypertensive systems.
Urinary excretion pattern of exosomal aquaporin-2 in rats that received gentamicin
Authors: Abdeen Ahmed , Sonoda Hiroko , El-Shawarby Ragab , Takahashi Saki , Ikeda Masahiro
Published: October 2014

Urinary exosomes are nano-sized vesicles secreted into urine from all types of renal epithelial cells and are known to contain possible biomarker proteins for renal diseases. Gentamicin has been reported to decrease the level of renal aquaporin (AQP)2, which is known to be mainly expressed in renal collecting ducts and excreted into the urine via exosomes. In the present study, we investigated whether urinary exosomal AQP2 could serve as a potential biomarker for gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity, especially collecting duct cell dysfunction. Gentamicin was given to rats intraperitoneally once every day starting on day 0. Gentamicin significantly increased the plasma creatinine concentration from day 5 and beyond. Also, gentamicin induced polyuria and a defective urine concentration mechanism on day 7, suggesting gentamicin-induced collecting duct cell dysfunction. Immunoblot analysis showed that gentamicin significantly increased urinary exosomal AQP2 excretion on day 1 but decreased it on day 7 compared with the control group. Similarly, increased excretion of exosomal tumor susceptibility gene 101 protein, frequently used as an exosome marker protein, was observed on day 1. However, gentamicin did not significantly affect the urinary excretion of exosomal tumor susceptibility gene 101 on day 7. Gentamicin slightly decreased renal AQP2 expression on day 2 and markedly decreased it on day 8. These data strongly suggest that the use of urinary exosomal AQP2 as a biomarker may allow detection of gentamicin-induced collecting duct cell dysfunction. Furthermore, urinary exosomal AQP2 might also be useful for the early detection of gentamicin-induced renal injury in addition to collecting duct injury.
Motor cortex single-neuron and population contributions to compensation for multiple dynamic force fields
Authors: Addou Touria , Krouchev Nedialko I. , Kalaska John F.
Published: October 2014

To elucidate how primary motor cortex (M1) neurons contribute to the performance of a broad range of different and even incompatible motor skills, we trained two monkeys to perform single-degree-of-freedom elbow flexion/extension movements that could be perturbed by a variety of externally generated force fields. Fields were presented in a pseudorandom sequence of trial blocks. Different computer monitor background colors signaled the nature of the force field throughout each block. There were five different force fields: null field without perturbing torque, assistive and resistive viscous fields proportional to velocity, a resistive elastic force field proportional to position and a resistive viscoelastic field that was the linear combination of the resistive viscous and elastic force fields. After the monkeys were extensively trained in the five field conditions, neural recordings were subsequently made in M1 contralateral to the trained arm. Many caudal M1 neurons altered their activity systematically across most or all of the force fields in a manner that was appropriate to contribute to the compensation for each of the fields. The net activity of the entire sample population likewise provided a predictive signal about the differences in the time course of the external forces encountered during the movements across all force conditions. The neurons showed a broad range of sensitivities to the different fields, and there was little evidence of a modular structure by which subsets of M1 neurons were preferentially activated during movements in specific fields or combinations of fields.
Tactile object localization by anticipatory whisker motion
Authors: Voigts Jakob , Herman David H. , Celikel Tansu
Published: October 2014

Rodents use rhythmic protractions of their whiskers to locate objects in space. The amplitude of these protractions is reduced when whiskers contact objects, leading to a tendency of whiskers to only lightly touch the environment. While the impact of this process on the sensory input has been studied, little is known about how sensory input causes this change in the motor pattern. Here, using high-speed imaging of whisking in mice, we simultaneously measured whisker contacts and the resulting whisking motion. We found that mice precisely target their whisker protractions to the distance at which they expect objects. This modulation does not depend on the current sensory input and remains stable for at least one whisking cycle when there is no object contact or when the object position is changed. As a result, the timing and other information carried by whisker contacts encodes how well each protraction was matched to the object, functioning as an error signal. Whisker contacts can thus encode a mismatch between expected object locations and the actual environment.
Effect of stimulating the lumbar skin caudal to a complete spinal cord injury on hindlimb locomotion
Authors: Hurteau Marie-France , Thibaudier Yann , Dambreville Charline , Desaulniers Corinne , Frigon Alain
Published: October 2014

Sensory feedback is a potent modulator of the locomotor pattern generated by spinal networks. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of cutaneous inputs from the back on the spinal-generated locomotor pattern. The spinal cord of six adult cats was transected at low thoracic levels. Cats were then trained to recover hindlimb locomotion. During experiments, the skin overlying lumbar vertebrae L2to L7was mechanically stimulated by a small calibrated clip or by manual pinching. Trials without and with cutaneous stimulation were performed at a treadmill speed of 0.4 m/s. Although manually pinching the skin completely stopped hindlimb locomotion and abolished weight support, cutaneous stimulation with the calibrated clip produced smaller effects. Specifically, more focalized cutaneous stimulation with the clip reduced flexor and extensor muscle activity and led to a more caudal positioning of the paw at contact and liftoff. Moreover, cutaneous stimulation with the clip led to a greater number of steps with improper nonplantigrade paw placements at contact and paw drag at the stance-to-swing transition. The most consistent effects on the hindlimb locomotor pattern were observed with cutaneous stimulation at midlumbar levels, from L3to L5. The results indicate that cutaneous stimulation of the skin modulates the excitability of spinal circuits involved in generating locomotion and weight support, particularly at spinal segments thought to be critical for rhythm generation.
In VitroSelection of a Single-Stranded DNA Molecular Recognition Element Specific for Bromacil
Authors: Williams Ryan M. , Kulick Amanda R. , Yedlapalli Srilakshmi , Battistella Louisa , Hajiran Cyrus J. , Sooter Letha J.
Published: October 2014

Bromacil is a widely used herbicide that is known to contaminate environmental systems. Due to the hazards it presents and inefficient detection methods, it is necessary to create a rapid and efficient sensing device. Towards this end, we have utilized a stringentin vitroselection method to identify single-stranded DNA molecular recognition elements (MRE) specific for bromacil. We have identified one MRE with high affinity (Kd=9.6 nM) and specificity for bromacil compared to negative targets of selection and other pesticides. The selected ssDNA MRE will be useful as the sensing element in a field-deployable bromacil detection device.
Auditory Dysfunction in Patients with Cerebrovascular Disease
Authors: Tabuchi Sadaharu
Published: October 2014

Auditory dysfunction is a common clinical symptom that can induce profound effects on the quality of life of those affected. Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) is the most prevalent neurological disorder today, but it has generally been considered a rare cause of auditory dysfunction. However, a substantial proportion of patients with stroke might have auditory dysfunction that has been underestimated due to difficulties with evaluation. The present study reviews relationships between auditory dysfunction and types of CVD including cerebral infarction, intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, cerebrovascular malformation, moyamoya disease, and superficial siderosis. Recent advances in the etiology, anatomy, and strategies to diagnose and treat these conditions are described. The numbers of patients with CVD accompanied by auditory dysfunction will increase as the population ages. Cerebrovascular diseases often include the auditory system, resulting in various types of auditory dysfunctions, such as unilateral or bilateral deafness, cortical deafness, pure word deafness, auditory agnosia, and auditory hallucinations, some of which are subtle and can only be detected by precise psychoacoustic and electrophysiological testing. The contribution of CVD to auditory dysfunction needs to be understood because CVD can be fatal if overlooked.
Security Analysis in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Dener Murat
Published: October 2014

In recent years, wireless sensor network (WSN) is employed in many application areas such as monitoring, tracking, and controlling. For many applications of WSN, security is an important requirement. However, security solutions in WSN differ from traditional networks due to resource limitation and computational constraints. This paper analyzes security solutions: TinySec, IEEE 802.15.4, SPINS, MiniSEC, LSec, LLSP, LISA, and LISP in WSN. The paper also presents characteristics, security requirements, attacks, encryption algorithms, and operation modes. This paper is considered to be useful for security designers in WSNs.