bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sonification and the Mysticism of Negation
Authors: Wolfe Kristina 
Published: November 2014

Sonification has become a commonly used tool for data analysis, auditory feedback and compositional inspiration. It is often described in scientific terms as a means of uncovering previously unknown patterns in information or data through the use of the auditory sense. This goal seems to be objective, but the results and methodologies can be highly subjective. Moreover, the techniques and sources of information are strikingly similar to those used in mysticism, especially mysticisms of negation, even though the frames of reference and underlying perceptions of the world are markedly different. Both practitioners of sonification and apophatic mystics believe that certain types of information are incomprehensible through traditional analytic means and can only be understood through experience. In this way, sonification can be thought of as a source of mystical information.In this paper, I will discuss the similarities between sonification and apophatic mysticism, or the mysticism of negation. I will argue that the practice of sonification, as a source of mystical information, is ideally suited for creative contemplation, particularly in electronic music. I will start by providing some historical background on the mysticism of negation. I will then present several ways in which sonified knowledge (sound) is often imagined, discussed and perceived akin to a mystical object. Finally, I will discuss specific ways in which sonification exemplifies apophatic mysticism and reveals mystical information. This information – whatever its nature – can be used for creative contemplation and is a potentially invaluable source of compositional and spiritual inspiration.
General practitioners’ perceptions of and involvement in health behaviour change: can computer-tailored interventions help?
Authors: Dickfos Marilla , King David , Parekh Sanjoti , Boyle Frances M. , Vandelanotte Corneel 
Published: November 2014

AimTo explore GPs’ perceptions of their role in primary prevention, barriers experienced and willingness to accommodate an automated, computer-tailored intervention.BackgroundGeneral practice is an attractive setting for primary prevention of chronic disease. Due to constraints in time and knowledge it is underutilised.MethodsTelephone interviews of 13 GPs in Brisbane, Australia, whose patients were previously involved in a lifestyle change research project. Qualitative responses were grouped into themes.FindingsGPs perceived their role in lifestyle change as ‘educators’, ‘supporters’ and ‘prompters’. Smoking and physical activity were addressed more often than alcohol and salt intake. Longer lifestyle-focussed consultations and computer-generated reminders were suggested to overcome barriers. A computer-tailored approach was appreciated due to its minimal impact on practice routine. GPs understand their role in primary prevention but need help to overcome barriers. GP initiated consultations focusing on lifestyle and prevention along with computer support systems could improve capability for prevention in general practice.
CBAP promotes thymocyte negative selection by facilitating T-cell receptor proximal signaling
Authors: Ho K-C , Chiang Y-J , Lai A C-Y , Liao N-S , Chang Y-J , Yang-Yen H-F , Yen J J-Y 
Published: November 2014

AbstractT-cell receptor (TCR)-transduced signaling is critical to thymocyte development at the CD4/CD8 double-positive stage, but the molecules involved in this process are not yet fully characterized. We previously demonstrated that GM-CSF/IL-3/IL-5 receptor common β-chain-associated protein (CBAP) modulates ZAP70-mediated T-cell migration and adhesion. On the basis of the high expression of CBAP during thymocyte development, we investigated the function of CBAP in thymocyte development using a CBAP knockout mouse. CBAP-deficient mice showed normal early thymocyte development and positive selection. In contrast, several negative selection models (including TCR transgene, superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin B, and anti-CD3 antibody treatment) revealed an attenuation of TCR-induced thymocyte deletion in CBAP knockout mice. This phenotype correlated with a reduced accumulation of BIM upon TCR crosslinking in CBAP-deficient thymocytes. Loss of CBAP led to reduced TCR-induced phosphorylation of proteins involved in both proximal and distal signaling events, including ZAP70, LAT, PLCγ1, and JNK1/2. Moreover, TCR-induced association of LAT signalosome components was reduced in CBAP-deficient thymocytes. Our data demonstrate that CBAP is a novel component in the TCR signaling pathway and modulates thymocyte apoptosis during negative selection.
Zoledronic acid induces apoptosis and S-phase arrest in mesothelioma through inhibiting Rab family proteins and topoisomerase II actions
Authors: Okamoto S , Jiang Y , Kawamura K , Shingyoji M , Tada Y , Sekine I , Takiguchi Y , Tatsumi K , Kobayashi H , Shimada H , Hiroshima K , Tagawa M 
Published: November 2014

AbstractZoledronic acid (ZOL), a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate, produced anti-tumor effects through apoptosis induction or S-phase arrest depending on human mesothelioma cells tested. An addition of isoprenoid, geranylgeraniol but not farnesol, negated these ZOL-induced effects, indicating that the ZOL-mediated effects were attributable to depletion of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphates which were substrates for prenylation processes of small guanine-nucleotide-binding regulatory proteins (small G proteins). ZOL-treated cells decreased a ratio of membrane to cytoplasmic fractions in RhoA, Cdc42 and Rab6 but less significantly Rac1 proteins, indicating that these proteins were possible targets for ZOL-induced actions. We further analyzed which small G proteins were responsible for the three ZOL-induced effects, caspase-mediated apoptosis, S-phase arrest and morphological changes, using inhibitors for respective small G proteins and siRNA for Cdc42. ZOL-induced apoptosis is due to insufficient prenylation of Rab proteins because an inhibitor of geranlygeranyl transferase II that was specific for Rab family proteins prenylation, but not others inhibitors, activated the same apoptotic pathways that ZOL did. ZOL suppressed an endogenous topoisomerase II activity, which was associated with apoptosis and S-phase arrest in respective cells because we detected the same cell cycle changes in etoposide-treated cells. Inhibitors for geranlygeranyl transferase I and for RhoA produced morphological changes and disrupted actin fiber structures, both of which were similar to those by ZOL treatments. These data demonstrated that anti-tumor effects by ZOL were attributable to inhibited functions of respective small G proteins and topoisomerase II activity, and suggested that cellular factors were involved in the differential cell cycle changes.
The Hippo pathway is controlled by Angiotensin II signaling and its reactivation induces apoptosis in podocytes
Authors: Wennmann D O , Vollenbröker B , Eckart A K , Bonse J , Erdmann F , Wolters D A , Schenk L K , Schulze U , Kremerskothen J , Weide T , Pavenstädt H 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe Hippo pathway fulfills a crucial function in controlling the balance between proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis in cells. Recent studies showed that G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) serve as upstream regulators of Hippo signaling, that either activate or inactivate the Hippo pathway via the large tumor suppressor kinase (LATS) and its substrate, the co-transcription factor Yes-associated protein (YAP). In this study, we focused on the Angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R), which belongs to the GPCR family and has an essential role in the control of blood pressure and water homeostasis. We found that Angiotensin II (Ang II) inactivates the pathway by decreasing the activity of LATS kinase; therefore, leading to an enhanced nuclear shuttling of unphosphorylated YAP in HEK293T cells. This shuttling of YAP is actin-dependent as disruption of the actin cytoskeleton inhibited dephosphorylation of LATS and YAP. Interestingly, in contrast to HEK293T cells, podocytes, which are a crucial component of the glomerular filtration barrier, display a predominant nuclear YAP localization in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, stimulation with Ang II did not alter Hippo pathway activity in podocytes, which show a deactivated pathway. Reactivation of the LATS kinase activity in podocytes resulted in an increased cytoplasmic YAP localization accompanied by a strong induction of apoptosis. Thus, our work indicates that the control of LATS activation and subsequent YAP localization is important for podocyte homeostasis and survival.
Docosahexaenoic acid induces the degradation of HPV E6/E7 oncoproteins by activating the ubiquitin–proteasome system
Authors: Jing K , Shin S , Jeong S , Kim S , Song K-S , Park J-H , Heo J-Y , Seo K-S , Park S-K , Kweon G-R , Wu T , Park J-I , Lim K 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) E6/E7 proteins are essential for the onset and maintenance of HPV-associated malignancies. Here, we report that activation of the cellular ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) by the omega-3 fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), leads to proteasome-mediated degradation of E6/E7 viral proteins and the induction of apoptosis in HPV-infected cancer cells. The increases in UPS activity and degradation of E6/E7 oncoproteins were associated with DHA-induced overproduction of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). Exogenous oxidative stress and pharmacological induction of mitochondrial ROS showed effects similar to those of DHA, and inhibition of ROS production abolished UPS activation, E6/E7 viral protein destabilization, and apoptosis. These findings identify a novel role for DHA in the regulation of UPS and viral proteins, and provide evidence for the use of DHA as a mechanistically unique anticancer agent for the chemoprevention and treatment of HPV-associated tumors.
Neuritin can normalize neural deficits of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: An K , Jung J H , Jeong A Y , Kim H G , Jung S Y , Lee K , Kim H J , Kim S-J , Jeong T-Y , Son Y , Kim H-S , Kim J-H 
Published: November 2014

AbstractReductions in hippocampal neurite complexity and synaptic plasticity are believed to contribute to the progressive impairment in episodic memory and the mild cognitive decline that occur particularly in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Despite the functional and therapeutic importance for patients with AD, intervention to rescue or normalize dendritic elaboration and synaptic plasticity is scarcely provided. Here we show that overexpression of neuritin, an activity-dependent protein, promoted neurite outgrowth and maturation of synapses in parallel with enhanced basal synaptic transmission in cultured hippocampal neurons. Importantly, exogenous application of recombinant neuritin fully restored dendritic complexity as well as spine density in hippocampal neurons prepared from Tg2576 mice, whereas it did not affect neurite branching of neurons from their wild-type littermates. We also showed that soluble recombinant neuritin, when chronically infused into the brains of Tg2576 mice, normalized synaptic plasticity in acute hippocampal slices, leading to intact long-term potentiation. By revealing the protective actions of soluble neuritin against AD-related neural defects, we provide a potential therapeutic approach for patients with AD.
Chlamydia infection depends on a functional MDM2-p53 axis
Authors: González Erik , Rother Marion , Kerr Markus C. , Al-Zeer Munir A. , Abu-Lubad Mohammad , Kessler Mirjana , Brinkmann Volker , Loewer Alexander , Meyer Thomas F. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractChlamydia, a major human bacterial pathogen, assumes effective strategies to protect infected cells against death-inducing stimuli, thereby ensuring completion of its developmental cycle. Paired with its capacity to cause extensive host DNA damage, this poses a potential risk of malignant transformation, consistent with circumstantial epidemiological evidence. Here we reveal a dramatic depletion of p53, a tumor suppressor deregulated in many cancers, during Chlamydia infection. Using biochemical approaches and live imaging of individual cells, we demonstrate that p53 diminution requires phosphorylation of Murine Double Minute 2 (MDM2; a ubiquitin ligase) and subsequent interaction of phospho-MDM2 with p53 before induced proteasomal degradation. Strikingly, inhibition of the p53–MDM2 interaction is sufficient to disrupt intracellular development of Chlamydia and interferes with the pathogen’s anti-apoptotic effect on host cells. This highlights the dependency of the pathogen on a functional MDM2-p53 axis and lends support to a potentially pro-carcinogenic effect of chlamydial infection.
Fc gamma receptor-TLR cross-talk elicits pro-inflammatory cytokine production by human M2 macrophages
Authors: Vogelpoel Lisa T. C. , Hansen Ivo S. , Rispens Theo , Muller Femke J. M. , van Capel Toni M. M. , Turina Maureen C. , Vos Joost B. , Baeten Dominique L. P. , Kapsenberg Martien L. , de Jong Esther C. , den Dunnen Jeroen 
Published: November 2014

AbstractM2 macrophages suppress inflammation in numerous disorders, including tumour formation, infection and obesity. However, the exact role of M2 macrophages in the context of several other diseases is still largely undefined. We here show that human M2 macrophages promote inflammation instead of suppressing inflammation on simultaneous exposure to complexed IgG (c-IgG) and TLR ligands, as occurs in the context of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). c-IgG-TLR ligand co-stimulation of M2 macrophages selectively amplifies production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 and promotes Th17 responses, which all play a critical role in RA pathology. Induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines on c-IgG co-stimulation mainly depends on Fc gamma receptor IIa (FcγRIIa), which selectively amplifies cytokine gene transcription and induces caspase-1 activation. These data indicate that FcγR-TLR cross-talk may be targeted for treatment to attenuate inflammation in RA, by restoring the anti-inflammatory function of M2 macrophages.
Prediction of Giant Thermoelectric Power Factor in Type-VIII Clathrate Si46
Authors: Norouzzadeh Payam , Myles Charles W. , Vashaee Daryoosh 
Published: November 2014

AbstractClathrate materials have been the subject of intense interest and research for thermoelectric application. Nevertheless, from the very large number of conceivable clathrate structures, only a small fraction of them have been examined. Since the thermal conductivity of clathrates is inherently small due to their large unit cell size and open-framework structure, the current research on clathrates is focused on finding the ones with large thermoelectric power factor. Here we predict an extraordinarily large power factor for type-VIII clathrate Si46. We show the existence of a large density of closely packed elongated ellipsoidal carrier pockets near the band edges of this so far hypothetical material structure, which is higher than that of the best thermoelectric materials known today. The high crystallographic symmetry near the energy band edges for Si46-VIII clathrates is responsible for the formation of such a large number of carrier pockets.
Hydrogen sulfide attenuates the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zhou Xiang , An Guoyin , Lu Xiang 
Published: November 2014

There is growing evidence that H2S has beneficial effects in treatment of various cardiovascular diseases. However, it remains unclear whether H2S can attenuate the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). The present study was designed to investigate the protective effects of H2S against DCM. Diabetic rats were induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin and administered with the H2S donor sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) for 16 weeks. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) transfected with nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-specific siRNA or pre-treated with SP600125, SB203580 or LY294002 prior to high glucose exposure were used to confirm the involvement of Nrf2/antioxidant response element (ARE), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signalling pathways in the protective effects of H2S. The echocardiographical and histopathological data indicated that H2S improved left ventricular function and prevented cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial fibrosis in diabetic rats. H2S was also found to attenuate hyperglycaemia-induced inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis in the cardiac tissue. In addition, H2S could activate the Nrf2/ARE signalling pathway and up-regulate the expression of antioxidant proteins haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in the diabetic myocardium. Moreover, H2S was found to reduce high glucose-induced apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK pathways and activating PI3K/Akt signalling. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that H2S alleviates the development of DCM via attenuation of inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis.
Miniaturised ultra‐wideband circularly polarised antenna with modified ground plane
Authors: Shokri M. , Rafii V. , Karamzadeh S. , Amiri Z. , Virdee B. 
Published: November 2014

A unique coplanar‐waveguide (CPW)‐fed circularly polarised square slot antenna with enhanced impedance bandwidth (IBW) is presented. The antenna structure includes a pair of rectangular‐shaped notches located at two opposite corners of the slot for achieving a significantly enhanced IBW of 12.06 GHz (2.76–14.82 GHz), and a pair of reverse L‐shaped ground arms in the slot for realising circularly polarised radiation with 1.86 GHz (4.27–6.13 GHz) bandwidth. This proposed technique has the advantages of covering the whole of the ultra‐wideband spectrum (3.1–10.6 GHz), an average gain of 3 dBi and a reduced antenna size of 25 × 25 × 0.8 mm3.
Parallel asymmetric pulse‐width modulation converters with same power switches for medium power applications
Authors: Lin Bor‐Ren , Chen Kuan‐Hao 
Published: November 2014

A new zero‐voltage switching (ZVS) half‐bridge converter with three circuit modules is presented in this study to reduce the switching losses of power switches and current stress of passive components for medium power applications. Three circuit modules with the same power switches are connected in parallel at input and output sides. Thus, the switch counts are reduced compared with the parallel half‐bridge converter with the same power rating. Each circuit module supplies one‐third of load power to output side. Owing to the half‐bridge converter leg, the voltage stress of each power switch is clamped at input DC voltage. Three centre‐tapped rectifiers are adopted at low voltage side to share load current and reduce the size of magnetic cores. Asymmetric pulse‐width modulation is adopted to regulate output voltage at the desired voltage level. Owing to the resonant behaviour by resonant capacitance [or output capacitance of metal‐oxide semiconductor field‐effect transistors (MOSFETs)] and leakage inductance (or external inductance) at the transition interval, power MOSFETs can be turned on under ZVS. The system analysis, circuit characteristics and design example of the proposed converter are discussed in detail. Finally, experiments with a 1620 W prototype are provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed converter.
Determination of Pb2+ ions by square‐wave anodic stripping voltammetry using silver nanoparticles grown on indium tin oxide substrate
Authors: Huang Rong Bin , Zheng Yi Fan 
Published: November 2014

Silver (Ag) nanoparticles with a pure face‐centred cubic phase were grown on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate via the electrodeposition method. The products were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis and X‐ray diffraction. Ag nanoparticles deposited on the ITO substrate were first used as an electrode for the electrochemical analysis of lead ions. A linear response was observed for Pb2+ in the range of 0.1–8 µM. The linear regression equation was I = 0.129 + 0.368C (unit of C is μM) and the correlation coefficient was 0.9993. The detection limit was 70 nM Pb2+ (S/N = 3). The results open new possibilities for the fabrication of novel electrodes for the construction of simple, low‐cost and reliable electrochemical sensors for the quantification of trace levels of Pb2+.
Surgical Technique for Decompression of Severe Thoracic Myelopathy due to Tuberous Ossification of Ligamentum Flavum
Authors: Wang Ting , Yin Chuqiang , Wang Dechun , Li Shuzhong , Chen Xiaoliang 
Published: November 2014

Study Design:
Retrospective review.

Objective:
To describe a safe surgical procedure, en bloc resection of the posterior wall of the thoracic canal, for the decompression of severe thoracic myelopathy caused by tuberous ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF).

Summary of Background Data:
OLF has been widely recognized as a cause of thoracic myelopathy in East Asia. Surgical decompression of thoracic myelopathy caused by OLF is technically demanding. Although several surgical decompression procedures have been described, acute neurological deterioration is common.

Materials and Methods:
Eighteen patients with severe thoracic myelopathy caused by tuberous OLF underwent posterior decompression via segmental en bloc resection of the posterior wall of the thoracic canal. The ossified ligamentum flavum, laminae, and partial facet joints of each segment were resected en bloc. Ossified dura mater was removed if present. Posterior fixation with pedicle screws was followed by lateral bone graft fusion.

Results:
The mean preoperative modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association score (total score, 11) was 4.1 (range, 2–5). Postoperatively, no neurological deterioration occurred, and all patients improved clinically. With an average follow-up of 31.2 months (range, 24–42 mo), the average modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association score was 7.8 (range, 6–10), representing a 2- to 5-point improvement. The average improvement rate was 55.2% (range, 33.3%–83.3%). Most patients were functionally independent at the last follow-up. Forty ossified segments were resected. The average time required for the resection of 1 segment was 77 minutes. Intraoperatively, dural ossification was noted in 11 patients. Complete resection was performed in all patients. Cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in 5 patients.

Conclusion:
Segmental en bloc resection of the posterior wall of the thoracic canal is a safe and effective alternative for OLF-related severe thoracic myelopathy.