bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kisspeptin Activation of TRPC4 Channels in Female GnRH Neurons Requires PIP2 Depletion and cSrc Kinase Activation
Authors: Zhang Chunguang , Bosch Martha A. , Rønnekleiv Oline K. , Kelly Martin J. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractKisspeptin signaling via its Gαq-coupled receptor GPR54 plays a crucial role in modulating GnRH neuronal excitability, which controls pituitary gonadotropins secretion and ultimately reproduction. Kisspeptin potently depolarizes GnRH neurons primarily through the activation of canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) channels, but the intracellular signaling cascade has not been elucidated. Presently, we have established that kisspeptin activation of TRPC channels requires multiple membrane and intracellular signaling molecules. First, phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) hydrolysis by phospholipase Cβ is required because whole-cell dialysis of Dioctanoylglycerol-PIP2 (DiC8-PIP2) inhibited the kisspeptin activation of TRPC channels, and the phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase inhibitor wortmannin, which attenuates PIP2 synthesis, prolonged TRPC channel activation. Using single cell RT-PCR, we identified that the mRNA for the PIP2-interacting TRPC channel subunit, TRPC4α, is expressed in GnRH neurons. Depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores by thapsigargin and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate had no effect, indicating that the TRPC channels are not store-operated. Neither removing extracellular Ca2+ nor buffering intracellular Ca2+ with EGTA or BAPTA had any effect on the kisspeptin activation of the TRPC channels. However, the Ca2+ channel blocker Ni2+ inhibited the kisspeptin-induced inward current. Moreover, inhibition of protein kinase C by bisindolylmaleimide-I or calphostin C had no effect, but activation of protein kinase C by phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate occluded the kisspeptin-activated current. Finally, inhibition of the cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase cSrc by genistein or the pyrazolo-pyrimidine PP2 blocked the activation of TRPC channels by kisspeptin. Therefore, TRPC channels in GnRH neurons are receptor-operated, and kisspeptin activates TRPC channels through PIP2 depletion and cSrc tyrosine kinase activation, which is a novel signaling pathway for peptidergic excitation of GnRH neurons.
Regulation of Arcuate Neurons Coexpressing Kisspeptin, Neurokinin B, and Dynorphin by Modulators of Neurokinin 3 and κ-Opioid Receptors in Adult Male Mice
Authors: Ruka Kristen A. , Burger Laura L. , Moenter Suzanne M. 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Pulsatile GnRH release is essential to fertility and is modulated by gonadal steroids, most likely via steroid-sensitive afferents. Arcuate neurons coexpressing kisspeptin, neurokinin B (NKB), and dynorphin (KNDy neurons) are steroid-sensitive and have been postulated to both generate GnRH pulses and mediate steroid feedback on pulse frequency. KNDy neurons are proposed to interact with one another via NKB and dynorphin to activate and inhibit the KNDy network, respectively, and thus alter kisspeptin output to GnRH neurons. To test the roles of NKB and dynorphin on KNDy neurons and the steroid sensitivity of these actions, targeted extracellular recordings were made of Tac2(NKB)-GFP-identified neurons from castrate and intact male mice. Single-cell PCR confirmed most of these cells had a KNDy phenotype. The neurokinin 3 receptor (NK3R) agonist senktide increased action potential firing activity of KNDy neurons. Dynorphin reduced spontaneous KNDy neuron activity, but antagonism of κ-opioid receptors (KOR) failed to induce firing activity in quiescent KNDy neurons. Senktide-induced activation was greater in KNDy neurons from castrate mice, whereas dynorphin-induced suppression was greater in KNDy neurons from intact mice. Interactions of dynorphin with senktide-induced activity were more complex; dynorphin treatment after senktide had no consistent inhibitory effect, whereas pretreatment with dynorphin decreased senktide-induced activity only in KNDy neurons from intact but not castrate mice. These data suggest dynorphin-mediated inhibition of senktide-induced activity requires gonadal steroid feedback. Together, these observations support the hypotheses that activation of NK3R and KOR, respectively, excites and inhibits KNDy neurons and that gonadal steroids modulate these effects.
CEH-20/Pbx and UNC-62/Meis function upstream of rnt-1/Runx to regulate asymmetric divisions of the C. elegans stem-like seam cells
Authors: Hughes Samantha , Brabin Charles , Appleford Peter J. , Woollard Alison 
Published: June 2013

Summary
Caenorhabditis elegans seam cells divide in the stem-like mode throughout larval development, with the ability to both self-renew and produce daughters that differentiate. Seam cells typically divide asymmetrically, giving rise to an anterior daughter that fuses with the hypodermis and a posterior daughter that proliferates further. Previously we have identified rnt-1 (a homologue of the mammalian cancer-associated stem cell regulator Runx) as being an important regulator of seam development, acting to promote proliferation; rnt-1 mutants have fewer seam cells whereas overexpressing rnt-1 causes seam cell hyperplasia. We isolated the interacting CEH-20/Pbx and UNC-62/Meis TALE-class transcription factors during a genome-wide RNAi screen for novel regulators of seam cell number. Animals lacking wild type CEH-20 or UNC-62 display seam cell hyperplasia, largely restricted to the anterior of the worm, whereas double mutants have many additional seam cells along the length of the animal. The cellular basis of the hyperplasia involves the symmetrisation of normally asymmetric seam cell divisions towards the proliferative stem-like fate. The hyperplasia is completely suppressed in rnt-1 mutants, and rnt-1 is upregulated in ceh-20 and unc-62 mutants, suggesting that CEH-20 and UNC-62 function upstream of rnt-1 to limit proliferative potential to the appropriate daughter cell. In further support of this we find that CEH-20 is asymmetrically localised in seam daughters following an asymmetric division, being predominantly restricted to anterior nuclei whose fate is to differentiate. Thus, ceh-20 and unc-62 encode crucial regulators of seam cell division asymmetry, acting via rnt-1 to regulate the balance between proliferation and differentiation.
Receptor guanylyl cyclase Gyc76C is required for invagination, collective migration and lumen shape in the Drosophila embryonic salivary gland
Authors: Patel Unisha , Myat Monn Monn 
Published: June 2013

Summary
The Drosophila embryonic salivary gland is formed by the invagination and collective migration of cells. Here, we report on a novel developmental role for receptor-type guanylyl cyclase at 76C, Gyc76C, in morphogenesis of the salivary gland. We demonstrate that Gyc76C and downstream cGMP-dependent protein kinase 1 (DG1) function in the gland and surrounding mesoderm to control invagination, collective migration and lumen shape. Loss of gyc76C resulted in glands that failed to invaginate, complete posterior migration and had branched lumens. Salivary gland migration defects of gyc76C mutant embryos were rescued by expression of wild-type gyc76C specifically in the gland or surrounding mesoderm, whereas invagination defects were rescued primarily by expression in the gland. In migrating salivary glands of gyc76C mutant embryos, integrin subunits localized normally to gland–mesoderm contact sites but talin localization in the surrounding circular visceral mesoderm and fat body was altered. The extracellular matrix protein, laminin, also failed to accumulate around the migrating salivary gland of gyc76C mutant embryos, and gyc76C and laminin genetically interacted in gland migration. Our studies suggest that gyc76C controls salivary gland invagination, collective migration and lumen shape, in part by regulating the localization of talin and the laminin matrix.
DFT Investigation of the Mechanism and Chemical Kinetics for the Gelation of Colloidal Silica
Authors: Burnett Steven S. , Mitchell James W. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTThe mechanism for the gelation reaction of colloidal silica, Si(OH)4 +Si(OH)3 (O)- ----> Si2O8H5- + H2O, by an anionic pathway was investigated using density functional theory(DFT). Using transition state theory, the rate constants were obtained by analyzing the potential energy surface at the reactants, saddle point, and the products. In addition, reaction rate constants were investigated in the presence of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) and sodium chloride (NaCl). These salts act as catalysts to induce gelation by destabilizing the double layer of colloidal silica to allow for Van der Waal interactions. Furthermore, it was observed that ammonium chloride plays an important role by initiating a hydride transfer allowing the reaction to proceed from the second transition state to the final product.
Effect of O2/Ni ratio on structure and surface morphology of atmospheric pressure MOCVD grown NiO thin films
Authors: Roffi Teuku M. , Nakamura Motohiko , Uchida Kazuo , Nozaki Shinji 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTEffect of oxygen to nickel molar ratio (O2/Ni) on the crystallinity of atmospheric pressure metal organic chemical vapor deposition (APMOCVD) grown NiO at 500°C is reported. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis including grazing incident angle θ of 0.6°, θ-2θ, ɸ and rocking curve scan are employed for crystallographic characterization. Furthermore, surface roughness is studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM). No evidence of diffraction peaks in X-ray grazing incident angle measurement confirms that all the grown NiO films are well oriented along a certain direction. θ-2θ scan results further indicate that the samples are highly oriented only along [111] direction on (0001) sapphire substrates. The analysis of full width at half maximum (FWHM) of rocking curve scan of (111) plane shows that higher O2/Ni ratio results in better crystallinity. The best crystallinity is achieved with FWHM as low as 0.106° at (111) rocking curve scan corresponding to 82.57nm grain size. AFM measurement shows that NiO films grown with higher O2/Ni ratio have smoother surface morphology.
Using Dilute Nitrides to Achieve Record Solar Cell Efficiencies
Authors: Jones-Albertus Rebecca , Becker Emily , Bergner Robert , Bilir Taner , Derkacs Daniel , Fidaner Onur , Jory David , Liu Ting , Lucow Ewelina , Misra Pranob , Pickett Evan , Suarez Ferran , Sukiasyan Arsen , Sun Ted , Zhang Lan , Sabnis Vijit , Wiemer Mike , Yuen Homan 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTHigh quality dilute nitride subcells for multijunction solar cells are achieved using GaInNAsSb. The effects on device performance of Sb composition, strain and purity of the GaInNAsSb material are discussed. New world records in efficiency have been set with lattice-matched InGaP/GaAs/GaInNAsSb triple junction solar cells and a roadmap to 50% efficiency with lattice-matched multijunction solar cells using GaInNAsSb is shown.
Assessment of Homogeneity of Extruded Alumina-SiC Composite Rods Used in Microwave Heating Applications by Impedance Spectroscopy
Authors: Brandt Justin R. , Gerhardt Rosario A. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTComposite rods consisting of Alumina (Al2O3) and Silicon Carbide whiskers (SiCw) are used to fabricate microwave cooking racks because they effectively act as a microwave intensification system that allows cooking at much faster rates than conventional microwave ovens. The percolation behavior, electrical conductivity and dielectric properties of these materials have been reported previously. However, it has been observed that the electrical response of the extruded bars is a function of the rod length and that long rods show substantially different behavior than thinner disks cut from them. A percolation model has been proposed that describes the effect of the alignment of the semiconducting SiC whiskers and the quality of the interfaces present in the composite rods: SiC-SiC and SiC-Al2O3-SiC for example. This study was undertaken with the goal of testing out whether the response of the individual sections could be used to generate the response of the full length rods and to assess the importance of the homogeneous distribution of the SiC fillers on the resultant impedance response.
Modeling of Pressure and Solution Gas for Chemical Floods
Authors: Roshanfekr M. , Johns R. T. , Delshad M. , Pope G. A. 
Published: June 2013

Summary
The goal of surfactant/polymer (SP) flooding is to reduce interfacial tension (IFT) between oil and water so that residual oil is mobilized and high recovery is achieved. The optimal salinity and optimal solubilization ratios that correspond to ultralow IFT have recently been shown, in some cases, to be a strong function of the methane mole fraction in the oil at reservoir pressure. We incorporate a recently developed methodology to determine the optimal salinity and solubilization ratio at reservoir pressure into a chemical-flooding simulator (UTCHEM). The proposed method determines the optimal conditions on the basis of density estimates by use of a cubic equation of state (EOS) and measured phase-behavior data at atmospheric pressure. The microemulsion phase-behavior (Winsor I, II, and III) are adjusted on the basis of this predicted optimal salinity and solubilization ratio in the simulator. Parameters for the surfactant phase-behavior equation are modified to account for these changes, and the trend in the equivalent alkane carbon number (EACN) is automatically adjusted for pressure and methane content in each simulation gridblock. We use phase-behavior data from several potential SP floods to demonstrate the new implementation. The implementation of the new phase-behavior model into a chemical-flooding simulator allows for a better design of SP floods and more-accurate estimations of oil recovery. The new approach could also be used to handle free gas that may form in the reservoir; however, the SP-flood simulation when free gas is present is not the focus of this paper. We show that not accounting for the phase-behavior changes that occur when methane is present at reservoir pressure can greatly affect the oil recovery of SP floods. Improper design of an SP flood can lead to production of more oil as a microemulsion phase than as an oil bank. This paper describes the procedure to implement the effect of pressure and solution gas on microemulsion phase behavior in a chemical-flooding simulator, which requires the phase-behavior data measured at atmospheric pressure.
Fostering Innovation, Advancing Patient Safety
Authors: Archdeacon Patrick , Shaffer Rachel N. , Winkelmayer Wolfgang C. , Falk Ronald J. , Roy-Chaudhury Prabir 
Published: June 2013

Summary
To respond to the serious and underrecognized epidemic of kidney disease in the United States, the US Food and Drug Administration and the American Society of Nephrology have founded the Kidney Health Initiative—a public–private partnership designed to create a collaborative environment in which the US Food and Drug Administration and the greater kidney community can interact to optimize the evaluation of drugs, devices, biologics, and food products. The Kidney Health Initiative will bring together all the necessary stakeholders, including patients, regulators, industry, health care providers, academics, and other governmental agencies, to improve patient safety and foster innovation. This initiative is intended to enable the kidney community as a whole to provide the right drug, device, or biologic for administration to the right patient at the right time by fostering partnerships that will facilitate development and delivery of those products and addressing challenges that currently impede these goals.
Association of Nocturnal Hypoxemia with Progression of CKD
Authors: Sakaguchi Yusuke , Hatta Tsuguru , Hayashi Terumasa , Shoji Tatsuya , Suzuki Akira , Tomida Kodo , Okada Noriyuki , Rakugi Hiromi , Isaka Yoshitaka , Tsubakihara Yoshiharu 
Published: June 2013

Summary

Background and objectives
Nocturnal hypoxemia is highly prevalent among patients with CKD. Nocturnal hypoxemia contributes to systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, endothelial cell dysfunction, and activation of the renin-angiotensin system, which are common pathologic mechanisms of CKD progression. This study investigated whether nocturnal hypoxemia is independently associated with CKD progression.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
This two-center retrospective cohort study included 161 patients with stages 3–4 CKD enrolled from January of 2009 to July of 2011 with a body mass index less than 25.0 kg/m2. The 4% oxygen desaturation index, the number of events per hour in which oxygen saturation decreases by >4% during sleep, was measured, and the declining rate of the estimated GFR was followed over 1 year. The severity of nocturnal hypoxemia was categorized as none (oxygen desaturation index<5.0), mild (5.0≤oxygen desaturation index<15.0), or moderate to severe (15.0≤oxygen desaturation index).

Results
The mean estimated GFR of the total cohort at baseline was 31 ml/min per 1.73 m2. Eighty patients (49.7%) were diagnosed with nocturnal hypoxemia; 64 patients were diagnosed with mild nocturnal hypoxemia, and 16 patients were diagnosed with moderate-to-severe nocturnal hypoxemia. The estimated GFR declined three- to fourfold faster in patients with moderate-to-severe nocturnal hypoxemia than patients with no or mild nocturnal hypoxemia (the mean values [95% confidence intervals] were −2.14 [−1.06 to −3.21], −3.02 [−1.31 to −4.74], and −8.59 [−2.00 to −15.2] ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year in the no, mild, and moderate-to-severe nocturnal hypoxemia groups, respectively; P=0.003). Nocturnal hypoxemia remained a significant predictor of decline in estimated GFR after adjustment for various baseline clinical factors.

Conclusions
In nonobese patients with CKD, nocturnal hypoxemia is an independent risk factor of a rapid decline in kidney function.
Gingival recession—can orthodontics be a cure? Evidence from a case presentation
Authors: Northway William M. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACT
Does orthodontic treatment help or hinder a patient's periodontal status? What factors affect the periodontium? Can those factors be managed in a way that remedies existing periodontal issues? A 35-year-old woman presented with severe gingival recession and a unilateral Class II malocclusion. The treatment plan was to correct the malocclusion in a way that torques the roots more onto bone and to change her dental hygiene methods. With an extensive review of the literature, this case review attempts to make sense of the enigma of gingival recession and demonstrates an excellent treatment solution to concomitant orthodontic and periodontal problems.
Microleakage under orthodontic bands cemented with nano-hydroxyapatite-modified glass ionomer: An in vivo study
Authors: Enan Enas T. , Hammad Shaza M. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACT

Objectives:
To estimate the in vivo effect of nano-hydroxyapatite (HA) modification of banding glass-ionomer cement on microleakage under orthodontic bands.

Materials and Methods:
Eighty noncarious premolars scheduled for extraction in 20 orthodontic patients were randomly divided into four groups. Grouping was based on the ratio of nano-HA (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% by weight) added to the luting glass-ionomer cement (GIC) Ketac-Cem, which was used for cementation of prefabricated micro-etched orthodontic bands. Dye penetration method was used for microleakage evaluation at the cement-band and cement-enamel interfaces. Statistical evaluation was performed with a Kruskal-Wallis test and a Mann-Whitney U-test, and a Bonferroni-adjusted significance level was calculated.

Results:
Bands cemented with conventional GIC showed the highest microleakage scores in comparison to those cemented with nano-HA-modified GIC. No significant difference was found between teeth banded with 10% and 15% modified GIC.

Conclusions:
Modification of the banding GIC with 15% nano-HA revealed a positive effect on reducing microleakage around orthodontic bands.
Characteristics of Down syndrome subjects in a Saudi sample
Authors: Korayem Mohammed A. , AlKofide Eman A. 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTObjective:To compare the cephalometric characteristics of Down syndrome (DS) subjects with those of normal subjects.Materials and Methods:Cephalometric radiographs of 60 Saudi DS subjects and 60 controls with specific inclusion criteria were used. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the quantitative and categorical variables, and the Student's t-test for two independent samples was used to compare the mean values of quantitative variables.Results:SBa and SN were higher in controls than in DS subjects, whereas the NSBa was significantly higher in DS subjects than in controls. SNA, Co-A, ANB, and A-Na perp of controls were higher than the DS subjects. However, SN-MP, PP-MP, ANS-Me/N-Me, Y-axis, and Ar-Go-Me of the DS subjects were higher than those of the controls. In addition, U1-NA, U1-NA mm, L1-NB, and L1-NB mm of the DS subjects were also higher than the controls with a more acute U1-L1 angle in DS. NLA was larger in controls than in DS, whereas LL-E and UL-E of the DS subjects were higher than the controls.Conclusions:Differences between DS subjects and controls can be found when examining cephalometric radiographs. Anterior and posterior cranial base lengths are shorter with a backward inclination of the posterior cranial base in DS subjects. DS subjects present with a retrognathic maxilla and shorter effective length, with an increased LFH and a hyperdivergent mandible. Bimaxillary dental protrusion can also be expected in DS subjects with prominent lips and a reduced nasolabial angle.
Code Generation from UML Model: State of the Art and Practical Implications
Authors: Bajovs Andrejs , Nikiforova Oksana , Sejans Janis 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
The paper draws attention to the problem of code generation under advanced software development. In their previous publications the authors already discussed several issues associated with the inconsistency between the generated software components and those expected in respect with the rules for object-oriented programming. The current research is an effort to systematize the information about code generation methods and techniques applied in the task of code generation and to try to answer the question of what is the reason for code generation failing to work correctly.
UML Sequence Diagram: Transformation from the Two-Hemisphere Model and Layout
Authors: Nikiforova Oksana , Kozacenko Ludmila , Ahilcenoka Dace 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Modeling of the object interaction is one of the core tasks during system analysis and design, because it gives developer an ability to define responsibilities of class objects and to sketch general architecture of software components. In this task an ability of automatic generation of the UML sequence diagram becomes one of the most important activities. The twohemisphere model contains enough information to define operations to perform by classes and therefore is investigated in this paper in the context of the UML sequence diagram generation.
Ensuring Domain Conformity by Means of the Topological Functioning Model
Authors: Asnina Erika 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
The paper focuses on an open question about ensuring conformity among a domain of system knowledge, an analysis domain, a software design domain, and code. Principles of Model Driven Engineering are used in the research, namely, formal specifications of domains and support of conformity among these specifications with the help of traceability mechanism. Topological Functioning Model (TFM) has a mathematical mechanism for supporting traceability, and, thus, conformity. The main results demonstrate that the TFM holds the central place in a chain of trace links between specifications, and analysis of these links enables verification of domain conformity. The results are theoretical and require additional practical experiments.