bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new microsporidian parasite, Potaspora morhaphis n. gen., n. sp. (Microsporidia) infecting the Teleostean fish, Potamorhaphis guianensis from the River Amazon. Morphological, ultrastructural and molecular characterization
Authors: CASAL G. , MATOS E. , TELES-GRILO M. L. , AZEVEDO C. 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARYA fish-infecting Microsporidia Potaspora morhaphis n. gen., n. sp. found adherent to the wall of the coelomic cavity of the freshwater fish, Potamorhaphis guianensis, from lower Amazon River is described, based on light microscope and ultrastructural characteristics. This microsporidian forms whitish xenomas distinguished by the numerous filiform and anastomosed microvilli. The xenoma was completely filled by several developmental stages. In all of these stages, the nuclei are monokaryotic and develop in direct contact with host cell cytoplasm. The merogonial plasmodium divides by binary fission and the disporoblastic pyriform spores of sporont origin measure 2·8±0·3×1·5±0·2 μm. In mature spores the polar filament was arranged into 9–10 coils in 2 layers. The polaroplast had 2 distinct regions around the manubrium and an electron-dense globule was observed. The small subunit, intergenic space and partial large subunit rRNA gene were sequenced and maximum parsimony analysis placed the microsporidian described here in the clade that includes the genera Kabatana, Microgemma, Spraguea and Tetramicra. The ultrastructural morphology of the xenoma, and the developmental stages including the spores of this microsporidian parasite, as well as the phylogenetic analysis, suggest the erection of a new genus and species.
Trajectory and temporal planning of a wheeled mobile robot on an uneven surface
Authors: Waheed Imran , Fotouhi Reza 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARYComputing a realistic velocity profile for a mobile robot is a challenging task due to the large number of kinematic and dynamic constraints involved. In order for a mobile robot to complete its task it must be able to plan and follow a trajectory. It may also be necessary to follow a given velocity profile, depending on the environment. Temporal planning, or following a given velocity profile, can be used to minimize time of motion and to avoid moving obstacles. For example, assuming the mobile robot is a smart wheelchair, it must follow a prescribed path while following a strict speed limit. This paper presents a temporal planning algorithm that is implemented on a wheeled mobile robot to be used in an indoor setting, such as a hospital ward. The path planning stage is accomplished by using cubic spline functions. A trajectory is created by assigning an arbitrary time of 1 s to each segment of the path. This trajectory is made feasible by applying a number of constraints and using a linear scaling technique. When a velocity profile is given, a non-linear time scaling technique is used to fit the mobile robot's linear velocity to the given velocity profile. A method for avoiding moving obstacles is also implemented. Simulation and experimental results showed good agreement with each other. The main contribution of this paper is in developing a temporal planning algorithm, which is capable of moving on an uneven surface (graded non-flat), and its implementation on the mobile robot at the robotics lab in the University of Saskatchewan. This algorithm is computationally very efficient as it requires low computation cost and does not involve major iterations.
Collision course by transformation of coordinates and plane decomposition
Authors: Bendjilali K. , Belkhouche F. 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARYThis paper deals with the problem of collision course checking in a dynamic environment for mobile robotics applications. Our method is based on the relative kinematic equations between moving objects. These kinematic equations are written under polar form. A transformation of coordinates is derived. Under this transformation, collision between two moving objects is reduced to collision between a stationary object and a virtual moving object. In addition to the direct collision course, we define the indirect collision course, which is more critical and difficult to detect. Under this formulation, the collision course problem is simplified, and complex scenarios are reduced to simple scenarios. In three-dimensional (3D) settings, the working space is decomposed into two planes: the horizontal plane and the vertical plane. The collision course detection in 3D is studied in the vertical and horizontal planes using 2D techniques. This formulation brings important simplifications to the collision course detection problem even in the most critical and difficult scenarios. An extensive simulation is used to illustrate the method in 2D and 3D working spaces.
A calculation method of the reaction force and moment for a Delta-type parallel link robot fixed with a frame
Authors: Hong Jangho , Yamamoto Motoji 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARYThe paper presents a method of reaction force and moment calculation for a 3-RSS pure translational parallel link robot (Delta-type parallel robot), in which the inverse and forward kinematics of the parallel link robot are directly analyzed according to kinematic structure of the parallel robot. For dynamic analysis, the parallel robot is imaginarily parted into three serial ones, and their actual joint torques are determined by the virtual work principle. To obtain the reaction force and moment of the parallel robot acting on the base, which is the composition of the reaction forces and moments of the three serial robots, the Newton–Euler Method is adopted. To show the validity of the presented method, the simulation analysis and experimental results are given, the experimental results tally with the calculation value.
Enumeration of parallel manipulators
Authors: Simoni Roberto , Carboni Andrea Piga , Martins Daniel 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARYIn this paper, we present a new method of enumeration of parallel manipulators with one end-effector. The method consists of enumerating all the manipulators possible with one end-effector that a single kinematic chain can originate. A very useful simplification for kinematic chain, mechanism and manipulator enumeration is their representation through graphs. The method is based on group theory where abstract structures are used to capture the internal symmetry of a structure in the form of automorphisms of a group. The concept used is orbits of the group of automorphisms of a colored vertex graph. The theory and some examples are presented to illustrate the method.
Optimization-based posture prediction for human upper body
Authors: Mi Zan , Yang Jingzhou (James) , Abdel-Malek Karim 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARYA general methodology and associated computational algorithm for predicting postures of the digital human upper body is presented. The basic plot for this effort is an optimization-based approach, where we believe that different human performance measures govern different tasks. The underlying problem is characterized by the calculation (or prediction) of the human performance measure in such a way as to accomplish a specified task. In this work, we have not limited the number of degrees of freedom associated with the model. Each task has been defined by a number of human performance measures that are mathematically represented by cost functions that evaluate to a real number. Cost functions are then optimized, i.e., minimized or maximized, subject to a number of constraints, including joint limits. The formulation is demonstrated and validated. We present this computational formulation as a broadly applicable algorithm for predicting postures using one or more human performance measures.
The European Sero-Epidemiology Network 2 (ESEN2): standardization of assay results for hepatitis A virus (HAV) to enable comparisons of seroprevalence data across 15 countries
Authors: ANASTASSOPOULOU C. G. , KAFATOS G. , NARDONE A. , ANDREWS N. , PEBODY R. G. , MOSSONG J. , DAVIDKIN I. , GELB D. , DE ORY F. , THIERFELDER W. , NEMECEK V. , BRUZZONE B. , BUTUR D. , BARBARA C. , SOBOTOVÁ Z. , JONES L. , GRISKEVICIUS A. , HESKETH L. M. , COHEN D. , VRANCKX R. , TSAKRIS A. , MILLER E. , HATZAKIS A. 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARYThe European Sero-Epidemiology Network 2 (ESEN2) aimed to compare serological results of vaccine-preventable diseases across Europe. To ensure direct inter-country comparability of hepatitis A virus antibody (anti-HAV) measurements, a standardization panel of 150 sera was developed by a designated reference laboratory and tested by participating national laboratories using assays of choice; each country's results were subsequently regressed against those of the reference laboratory. Quantitatively, the assays were generally highly correlated (R2>0·90). Nevertheless, qualitative comparisons indicated that results obtained with different assays may differ despite the usage of well-established international and local standards. To a great extent standardization successfully alleviated such differences. The generated standardization equations will be used to convert national serological results into common units to enable direct international comparisons of HAV seroprevalence data. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the evaluation and potential improvement of the currently employed immunization strategies for hepatitis in Europe.
Atypical Chikungunya virus infections: clinical manifestations, mortality and risk factors for severe disease during the 2005–2006 outbreak on Réunion
Authors: ECONOMOPOULOU A. , DOMINGUEZ M. , HELYNCK B. , SISSOKO D. , WICHMANN O. , QUENEL P. , GERMONNEAU P. , QUATRESOUS I. 
Published: August 2008

SUMMARYIn April 2005, an outbreak of Chikungunya fever occurred on the island of Réunion in the Indian Ocean. During winter 2005, six patients developed meningoencephalitis and acute hepatitis due to Chikungunya virus. Our objectives were to determine the incidence and mortality of atypical Chikungunya viral infections and to identify risk factors for severe disease. A hospital-based surveillance system was established to collect data on atypical Chikungunya cases. Case reports, medical records and laboratory results were reviewed and analysed. We defined an atypical case as one in which a patient with laboratory-confirmed Chikungunya virus infection developed symptoms other than fever and arthralgia. We defined a severe atypical case as one which required maintenance of at least one vital function. We recorded 610 atypical cases of Chikungunya fever: 222 were severe cases, 65 affected patients died. Five hundred and forty-six cases had underlying medical conditions (of which 226 suffered from cardiovascular, 147 from neurological and 150 from respiratory disorders). Clinical features that had never been associated with Chikungunya fever were recorded, such as bullous dermatosis, pneumonia, and diabetes mellitus. Hypertension, and underlying respiratory or cardiological conditions were independent risk factors for disease severity. The overall mortality rate was 10·6% and it increased with age. This is the first time that severe cases and deaths due to Chikungunya fever have been documented. The information presented in this article may assist clinicians in identifying the disease, selecting the treatment strategy, and anticipating the course of illness.
Observer Perspective in Adolescence: The Relationship with Social Anxiety and Age
Authors: Hignett Emma , Cartwright-Hatton Sam 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThere has been some support for the applicability of the Clark and Wells’ model of Social Phobia within an adolescent population. To date, however, there is limited research to support the existence of the main perpetuating element (i.e. observer perspective) in this population. One hundred and twenty-four adolescents (12–18 years) completed an anxiety-provoking social task. They were asked to generate an image in their mind of what they felt they were like during this situation. The study investigated whether adolescents could report the perspective that they took in this task, and whether increased levels of social anxiety were associated with an “observer” perspective. The study also explored whether age moderated this relationship. It was found that as social anxiety increased, the perspective of the participants moved towards that of an observer. Age was not found to influence the reporting of perspective, nor the association between this and social anxiety. This study provides evidence for the existence of observer perspective within an adolescent population and indicates that this is associated with social anxiety. It provides some indirect support for the continued use of video feedback strategies with this age group.
The use of complex microbial soil communities in Mars simulation experiments
Authors: Finster Kai , Hansen Aviaja A. , Liengaard Lars , Mikkelsen Karina , Kristoffersen Tommy , Merrison Jonathan , Nørnberg Per , Lomstein Bente Aa. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractMars simulation studies have in the past mainly investigated the effect of the simulation conditions such as UV radiation, low pressure and temperature on pure cultures and much has been learnt about the survival potential of sporeformers such asBacillus subtilis. However, this approach has limitations as the studies only investigate the properties of a very limited number of microorganisms. In this paper we propose that Mars simulations should be carried out with complex microbial communities of Martian analogues such as permafrost or the deep biosphere. We also propose that samples from these environments should be studied by a number of complementary methods and claim that these methods in combination can provide a comprehensive picture of how imposed Martian conditions affect the microbial community and in particular the survival of its constituents – microbes as well as biological material in general. As an interesting consequence this approach can lead to the isolation of bacteria, which are more recalcitrant to the imposed Martian conditions than the pure cultures that have previously been studied.
Inhibitory activity of the novel CB2receptor agonist, GW833972A, on guinea‐pig and human sensory nerve function in the airways
Authors: Belvisi M G , Patel H J , Freund‐Michel V , Hele D J , Crispino N , Birrell M A 
Published: August 2008

Background and purpose:Sensory nerves regulate central and local reflexes such as airway plasma protein leakage, bronchoconstriction and cough. Sensory nerve activity may be enhanced during inflammation such that these protective effects become exacerbated and deleterious. Cannabinoids are known to inhibit airway sensory nerve function. However, there is still controversy surrounding which receptor is involved in eliciting these effects.Experimental approach:We have adopted a pharmacological approach, including using a novel, more selective CB2receptor agonist, GW 833972A (1000‐fold selective CB2/CB1), and receptor selective antagonists to investigate the inhibitory activity of cannabinoids on sensory nerve activityin vitroandin vivoin guinea‐pig models of cough and plasma extravasation.Key results:GW 833972A inhibited capsaicin‐induced depolarization of the human and guinea‐pig and prostaglandin E2(PGE2) and hypertonic saline‐induced depolarization of the guinea‐pig isolated vagus nervein vitro.GW 833972A also inhibited citric acid‐induced cough but not plasma extravasation in the guinea‐pig and this effect was blocked by a CB2receptor antagonist.Conclusions and implications:This confirms and extends previous studies highlighting the role of CB2receptors in the modulation of sensory nerve activity elicited both by the exogenous ligands capsaicin and hypertonic saline but also by endogenous modulators such as PGE2and low pH stimuli. These data establish the CB2receptor as an interesting target for the treatment of chronic cough.British Journal of Pharmacology(2008)155, 547–557; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.298; published online 11 August 2008
Effects of genistein aglycone in osteoporotic, ovariectomized rats: a comparison with alendronate, raloxifene and oestradiol
Authors: Bitto A , Burnett B P , Polito F , Marini H , Levy R M , Armbruster M A , Minutoli L , Di Stefano V , Irrera N , Antoci S , Granese R , Squadrito F , Altavilla D 
Published: August 2008

Background and purpose:Genistein aglycone positively affects bone loss in postmenopausal women, but bone quality data are still lacking. To clarify this, we investigated the effects of genistein compared with alendronate, raloxifene and oestradiol in an animal model of established osteoporosis.Experimental approach:Six months after ovariectomy, 96 ovariectomized (OVX) rats were divided into 8 equal groups, randomized to treatments (genistein aglycone (1 and 10 mg kg−1s.c.); alendronate (0.003 and 0.03 mg kg−1s.c.); raloxifene hydrochloride (0.05 and 0.5 mg kg−1s.c.); 17‐α‐ethinyl oestradiol (0.003 and 0.03 mg kg−1s.c.)) for 12 weeks. Untreated OVX (n=12) and sham OVX (n=12) were used as controls. At the beginning and end of treatment, bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were assessed. At the end of the experiment, calcium, phosphorus, bone‐alkaline phosphatase (b‐ALP), collagen C‐telopeptide (CTX), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (sRANKL) were assayed. Femurs were removed and tested for breaking strength and histology.Key results:Genistein (10 mg kg−1) showed a greater increase in both BMD (P<0.0001 vs OVX) and BMC than all the other treatments. Moreover, genistein significantly increased breaking strength, bone quality, b‐ALP (P<0.0001 vs OVX) and OPG, and reduced CTX and sRANKL compared with the other treatments at all dose levels.Conclusions and implications:The results strongly suggest that the genistein aglycone might be a new therapy for the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis in humans.British Journal of Pharmacology(2008)155, 896–905; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.305; published online 11 August 2008
Novel interactions between the 5‐HT transporter, 5‐HT1B receptors and Rho kinase in vivo and in pulmonary fibroblasts
Authors: Mair K M , MacLean M R , Morecroft I , Dempsie Y , Palmer T M 
Published: August 2008

Background and purpose:While the 5‐HT and Rho‐kinase (ROCK) pathways have been implicated in the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), the nature of any interactions between them remain unclear. This study investigated a role for ROCK in 5‐HT‐regulated proliferative responses in lung fibroblasts in vivo and in vitro.Experimental approach:PAH was examined in mice over‐expressing human 5‐HT transporters (SERT+), from which pulmonary artery fibroblasts (PFs) were isolated to assess ROCK expression. In vitro analysis of 5‐HT signalling employed CCL39 hamster lung fibroblasts.Key results:ROCK inhibition ablated increased pulmonary remodelling and hypertension observed in SERT+ mice, and ROCK1/2 protein levels were elevated in SERT+ PFs. ROCK inhibition also reduced 5‐HT‐stimulated proliferation by suppressing MEK‐stimulated ERK phosphorylation. While optimal 5‐HT‐stimulated proliferation required 5‐HT1B and 5‐HT2A receptors and SERT, receptor sensitivity to Y27632 was restricted to the 5‐HT1B receptor. Also, while hypoxia‐induced pulmonary vascular remodelling and hypertension were sensitive to Y27632 in WT and SERT+ animals, the proportions sensitive to ROCK inhibition were increased by SERT over‐expression.Conclusions and implications:SERT over‐expression increased ROCK‐dependent pulmonary remodelling in normoxia and hypoxia and SERT over‐expression was associated with elevated ROCK1/2 levels. ROCK also potentiated 5‐HT1B receptor‐stimulated ERK activation and proliferation in vitro by facilitating MEK‐ERK interaction.British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 155, 606–616; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.310; published online 11 August 2008
Novel role of curcumin in the prevention of cytokine‐induced islet death in vitro and diabetogenesis in vivo
Authors: Kanitkar M , Gokhale K , Galande S , Bhonde R R 
Published: August 2008

Background and purpose:Oxidative stress caused by cytokine exposure is a major cause of pancreatic islet death in vitro and of diabetogenesis. Antioxidant compounds may prevent cytokine‐induced damage to islet cells. Hence, we studied the potential of curcumin, an antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory compound, in vitro to protect islets against pro‐inflammatory cytokines and in vivo to prevent the progression of diabetes induced by multiple low doses of streptozotocin (MLD‐STZ).Experimental approach:Pancreatic islets from C57/BL6J mice were pretreated with curcumin (10 μM) and then exposed to a combination of cytokines. Islet viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), NO, inducible NO synthase and NF‐κB translocation were studied. Curcumin pretreated (7.5 mg kg−1 day−1) C57/BL6J mice were given MLD‐STZ (40 mg kg−1), and various parameters of diabetes induction and progression were monitored.Key results:Curcumin protected islets from cytokine‐induced islet death in vitro by scavenging ROS and normalized cytokine‐induced NF‐κB translocation by inhibiting phosphorylation of inhibitor of kappa B alpha (IκBα). In vivo, curcumin also prevented MLD‐STZ, as revealed by sustained normoglycaemia, normal glucose clearance and maintained pancreatic GLUT2 levels. Pro‐inflammatory cytokine concentrations in the serum and pancreas were raised in STZ‐treated animals, but not in animals pretreated with curcumin before STZ.Conclusions and implications:Here, we have demonstrated for the first time that curcumin in vitro protects pancreatic islets against cytokine‐induced death and dysfunction and in vivo prevents STZ‐induced diabetes.British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 155, 702–713; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.311; published online 11 August 2008
cGMP‐independent anti‐tumour actions of the inhibitor of soluble guanylyl cyclase, ODQ, in prostate cancer cell lines
Authors: Haramis G , Zhou Z , Pyriochou A , Koutsilieris M , Roussos C , Papapetropoulos A 
Published: August 2008

Background and purpose:Soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) is a receptor for nitric oxide that generates cGMP. This second messenger molecule has established roles in cellular physiology; however, less is known about its effects in tumour cells.Experimental approach:The effects of 1H‐[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3‐a]quinoxalin‐1‐one (ODQ) and 4H‐8‐bromo‐1,2,4‐oxadiazolo(3,4‐d)benz(b)(1,4)oxazin‐1‐one (NS2028), both selective sGC inhibitors on proliferation, death and migration were determined in prostate cancer cell lines.Key results:Western blot analysis confirmed the presence of α1 and β1 subunits of sGC in LNCaP and PC‐3 cells. Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) increased cGMP accumulation in LNCaP and PC‐3, but not DU‐145 cells. SNP‐stimulated cGMP production in LNCaP cells was dose‐dependently reduced by ODQ, with more than 90% inhibition being observed at 0.1 μM. ODQ activated caspase‐3 in all three cell lines, but not in normal prostate epithelial cells, at concentrations over 10 μM. High concentrations of ODQ also promoted DNA fragmentation and nucleosome accumulation in the cytosol of LNCaP cells. Interestingly, the chemically related inhibitor, NS2028 was without effect on caspase‐3. In addition, ODQ inhibited LNCaP, Du145 and PC‐3 cell growth. Finally, although fibroblast growth factor‐2 did not enhance cGMP levels in LNCaP cells, its ability to stimulate LNCaP motility was abolished by ODQ.Conclusions and implications:These observations taken together suggest that the action of ODQ in LNCaP cells did not reflect sGC inhibition. We conclude that ODQ promotes cell death and inhibits growth and migration of prostate cancer cells and that these actions are independent of its effects on GMP levels.British Journal of Pharmacology(2008)155, 804–813; doi:10.1038/bjp.2008.312; published online 11 August 2008