bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Dynamics of the Credit Spread and Monetary Policy
Authors: Jang Inwon , Kim David
Published: October 2009

This paper empirically examines the aggregate determinants of the credit spread and the influence of monetary policy shocks on its dynamics in Korea. Using the innovations accounting technique from an estimated vector autoregression (VAR) model, we provide a set of interesting results on the short run and the medium run determinants of the credit spread and its dynamics. The key findings are that (i) the default risk premium is the major driving force of the credit spread dynamics for low grade bonds, and (ii) monetary policy is a significant driving force of the medium term dynamics of the credit spread.
Applicability of Contrarian Strategy in the Bombay Stock Exchange
Authors: Locke Stuart , Gupta Kartick
Published: October 2009

The application of contrarian strategies in the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) are examined in this paper, shedding further light on competing explanations underlying this anomaly. Three specific issues are investigated using several models. First, can a trader book a profit by employing a contrarian strategy? The test portfolio earned a contrarian profit of 74.40 per cent above the market return. Second, risk differences between Winner and Loser portfolios are found to be an independent phenomenon. Third, the size of the firm appears to play a vital role in explaining the overreaction hypothesis.
Performance Evaluation of Multi-tier Energy Harvesters Using Macro-fiber Composite Patches
Authors: Song Hyun Jeong , Choi Young-Tai , Purekar Ashish S. , Wereley Norman M.
Published: October 2009

This study presents the performance evaluation of a vibration-based energy harvester using macro-fiber composite (MFC) elements, which can harvest power from environmental or ambient vibration and shock. An innovative multi-tier energy harvester (MTEH), comprised of a small number of vibrating beam elements with same fundamental frequencies, is developed in this study to overcome the harvested power limitations of single-tier energy harvesters (STEHs) with only a single vibrating beam element. First, the governing equations of motion of an MTEH were theoretically obtained for series and parallel connections of pairs of MFC patches on each tier surface. Based on the theoretical model, a vibration-based MTEH, having three tiers with MFC patches adhered to the bottom and top of each tier surface, was designed and fabricated. MTEH performance, which included generated voltage, current, and power, was experimentally and theoretically evaluated in the frequency domain and compared with that of a similar STEH.
Fatigue and Exercise
Authors: Dreiling Diann
Published: October 2009

Fatigue is a debilitating symptom of many chronic illnesses. Because of pain, discomfort, and chronic fatigue, people with chronic illnesses often decrease their activity levels. There is often a vicious cycle that can prevent a person from participating in a regular exercise program. A person will avoid exercise because of pain, discomfort, or fatigue. However, a review of research by this author has shown that mild to moderate exercise, for as little as 10 to 15 minutes a day, can improve a person’s activity level and reduce fatigue and some pain.
So, What Does It Mean to “Watch What I Eat”?
Authors: McGuire Melissa B.
Published: October 2009

Whether trying to minimize symptoms of fatigue or eat to decrease disease risks, a basic approach using regular foods is usually going to meet needs. Media “sells” quick fix products that may accomplish the task, but the media does not teach lifestyle changes that we can live with long-term. This article provides simple steps to show patients about their diet intake and where they are in their nutritional intake. The steps on how to change to a healthier eating style and habits are introduced.
Successful Aging: Selected Indicators in a Southern Sample
Authors: Troutman Flood Meredith , Nies Mary A. , Seo Dong-Chul
Published: October 2009

Given the increasing population of older adults in the United States, it is important to identify indicators of successful aging and the interrelationships among these variables to develop interventions to promote successful aging. This article reports an analysis of indicators of successful aging in a group of older adults from North and South Carolina. Risk factors that may make it harder for older adults to age successfully are identified. The relationships between chronic disease and indicators of successful aging are examined, and potential ideas for interventions to enhance successful aging are discussed.
Sociology: A Lost Connection in Social Psychology
Authors: Oishi Shigehiro , Kesebir Selin , Snyder Benjamin H.
Published: October 2009

For the first half of the 20th century, sociology was one of the closest allies of social psychology. Over the past four decades, however, the connection with sociology has weakened, whereas new connections with neighboring disciplines (e.g., biology, economics, political science) have formed. Along the way, the sociological perspective has been largely lost in mainstream social psychology in the United States. Most social psychologists today are not concerned with collective phenomena and do not investigate social structural factors (e.g., residential mobility, socioeconomic status, dominant religion, political systems). Even when the social structural factors are included in the analysis, psychologists typically treat them as individual difference variables. Sociologist C. Wright Mills famously promoted sociological imagination, or the ability to see distal yet important social forces operating in a larger societal context. By comparing sociological perspectives to psychological perspectives, this article highlights the insights that the sociological perspective and sociological imagination can bring to social psychology.
Vascular metallomics: Copper in the vasculature
Authors: Easter Renee N , Qilin Chan  , Lai Barry , Ritman Erik L , Caruso Joseph A , Zhenyu Qin
Published: October 2009

Owing to recent progress in analytical techniques, metallomics are evolving from detecting distinct trace metals in a defined state to monitor the dynamic changes in the abundance and location of trace metals in vitro and in vivo. Vascular metallomics is an emerging field that studies the role of trace metals in vasculature. This review will introduce common metallomics techniques including atomic absorption spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry with a summary table to compare these techniques. Moreover, we will summarize recent research findings that have applied these techniques to human population studies in cardiovascular diseases, with a particular emphasis on the role of copper in these diseases. In order to address the issue of interdisciplinary studies between metallomics and vascular biology, we will review the progress of efforts to understand the role of copper in neovascularization. This recent advance in the metallomics field may be a powerful tool to elucidate the signaling pathways and specific biological functions of these trace metals. Finally, we summarize the evidence to support the notion that copper is a dynamic signaling molecule. As a future direction, vascular metallomics studies may lead to the identification of targets for diagnosis and therapy in cardiovascular disease.
Old wine in a new technology, or a different type of digital divide?
Authors: Cotten Shelia R. , Anderson William A. , Tufekci Zeynep
Published: October 2009

Gender differences exist in both general and specific uses of information and communication technologies (ICTs). Most of this research has focused on computers and the internet to the exclusion of mobile phones. Little research has examined gender differences in specific types of mobile phone usage, especially among youth. This issue is examined using data from a random sample of middle-school students. Although gender differences exist at the bivariate level, the picture changes in multivariate models. Boys exhibited greater frequency of use for non-social, gadget-like features of mobile phones; no gender differences existed in more traditional communicative mobile phone uses.
Community business: the internet in remote Australian Indigenous communities
Authors: McCallum Kerry , Papandrea Franco
Published: October 2009

This article reports on the findings of a research project that mapped the patterns of internet access and use in remote Indigenous communities in Australia. Remote Indigenous communities comprise some of Australia’s most disadvantaged users of internet services. Taking a case-study approach, the article raises challenging theoretical questions for those seeking to understand the extent and nature of the digital divide in relation to indigeneity and remoteness. It suggests approaches for more sustainable introduction of internet facilities to remote Indigenous communities in Australia and improved practices for better delivery of training to users. It reinforces the need for research and collaboration at the community level so that the introduction of facilities is conducted in a culturally and technically appropriate manner.
Is Imprisonment Criminogenic?
Authors: Cid José
Published: October 2009

This article examines the effects of custodial versus non-custodial sentences on recidivism. An eight-year follow-up study was conducted to track and compare rates of recidivism between former prisoners and offenders who had served a suspended prison sentence. Drawing upon a representative sample of 483 offenders sentenced in 1998 by the Criminal Courts of Barcelona, two subpopulations of offenders were selected. The first group consisted of offenders who were sentenced to prison ( n = 179) and the comparison group was composed of those who were given a suspended prison sentence ( n = 304). After controlling for other risk factors predictive of recidivism, logistic regression techniques were used to examine whether the variable ‘type of sanction’ (prison or suspended prison sentence) predicts reconviction rates. The analysis revealed that the offenders given suspended sentences had a lower risk of reconviction than those given custodial sentences. The findings provide evidence that alternatives to custody are more effective than imprisonment in reducing recidivism. Finally, the article discusses how these findings relate to labelling and specific deterrence theories that make contradictory claims regarding the effects of imprisonment on recidivism.
Block Booking Migrates to Television
Authors: Torre Paul J.
Published: October 2009

This article examines the recent Hollywood studio practice of distributing international television programming via a bundling strategy, labeled an output deal, and situates the practice as a further iteration of the early Hollywood system of “block booking” feature films. Using Germany as a case study, the authors looks at how Hollywood compelled German distributors and broadcasters to take on large packages of television programming that combined highly desirable blockbuster motion pictures with far less valuable television series. Just as the original practice of block booking exerted financial pressure on theater owners, the burdensome practice of television programming output deals led to a major upheaval in Germany’s entertainment industry, driving the second largest German media company into bankruptcy. The international television output deal persists, however, because transnational media regulations cannot hope to marshal the enforcement powers of the U.S. Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Supreme Court. Market forces within the global entertainment industry have done little to curtail the expansion of global media conglomerates. And yet, even as global power dynamics remain essentially the same, with Hollywood retaining its primary position, this case study points to rising instabilities that threaten an American-dominated international media economy.
Whither the Region? Periods and Periodicity in Planning History
Authors: Hise Greg
Published: October 2009

The principal argument of this article is that for a century and more the region has been a significant scale for planning practice, for the provision of basic services, and more recently for citizen activism. Yet within planning history, attention to regions and regionalism has waxed and waned. When practitioners, historians, and social scientists have considered regions retrospectively, they have tended to view events and endeavors as episodic; they have assigned the region to particular moments or movements (a City Beautiful, the New Deal, a “new regionalism”), to discrete eras or decades (ecological regionalism, regional science), and to particular localities. Often those who study practice have seen regions when those they write about organized their efforts, framed their plans, implemented policies, and constituted these explicitly as regional in scale and scope. Because the attention of those who write planning history has been more periodic than comprehensive, scholars and practitioners who seek to understand the development over time of region as a concept, an ideal, and a space of analysis and intervention have turned to geography and allied disciplines for theory and empirics.
Management of the residual post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal mass in germ cell tumors
Authors: Lavery Hugh J. , Bahnson Robert R. , Sharp David S. , Pohar Kamal S.
Published: October 2009

The management of the residual mass in the retroperitoneum following induction chemotherapy for metastatic testicular cancer has evolved over the past three decades. A multidisciplinary approach involving cisplatin-based chemotherapy and postchemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (PC-RPLND) has increased long-term survival rates above 80%. Advances into the appropriate patient selection and timing of surgery have lowered morbidity while improving oncologic outcomes. However, areas of controversy still exist within the field. Management of the small residual mass, predictors of the histology of the residual mass, the extent of PC-RPLND, the role of PC-RPLND in the setting of elevated serum tumor markers, and the role of positron-emission tomography are all topics of ongoing research and debate. We will discuss these issues and review the current guidelines for the management of the residual postchemotherapy retroperitoneal mass in this review.
Neurilemmoma of the First Branch of the Lateral Plantar Nerve Causing Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Ka Bon Kwok  , Tun Hing Lui  , Wing Nin Lo
Published: October 2009

In this article, the authors report a case of tarsal tunnel syndrome caused by neurilemmoma of the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve, with symptom resolved after excision. A 42-year-old man presented with left medial heel pain radiating to the lateral sole for 6 months. On examination, there was positive Tinel sign over the medial heel with pain radiating to the lateral sole. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the presence of a 1-cm neurogenic tumor inside the tarsal tunnel. Intraoperatively, a 1-cm neurilemmoma was found at the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve inside the tarsal tunnel. The lesion was excised completely with preservation of its fascicle. The symptom resolved completely after the operation.
Sapropterin Dihydrochloride (6R-BH4) and Maternal Phenylketonuria Two Case Studies
Authors: Moseley Kathryn , Skrabal Jill , Yano Shoji , Koch Richard
Published: October 2009

The dietary treatment of phenylketonuria (PKU) is a success story. However, the Maternal PKU Collaborative Study reported microcephaly, congenital heart defects, facial dysmorphology, and intrauterine and postnatal growth retardation in the offspring of women with blood phenylalanine (phe) concentrations >600 µ mol/L. Dietary control of phe during pregnancy is extremely difficult for many women because of hyper-emesis gravidarum, intolerance of the medical food products, and inability/ refusal to follow dietary recommendations. The authors report 2 case studies using 6R-BH4 along with the phere-stricted diet. Two individuals received 6R-BH4 shortly before conception and throughout the pregnancy. A pherestricted diet was followed with blood phe analysis obtained weekly. Interim plasma amino acids, complete metabolic panels, complete blood counts, and analyses for nutritional deficiencies were also obtained during the pregnancy. Both individuals maintained blood phe concentrations within the recommended range (120-360 µ mol/L) nearly all through the pregnancy with a small percentage outside of recommendations. One participant showed deficiencies in vitamin D and zinc and received supplementation. Both were able to increase natural protein as the pregnancy progressed. Ingestion of the 6R-BH4 was well tolerated. Both gave birth to healthy normal infants. In these case studies, both babies’ birth measurements were in the normal range, and the 6R-BH4 had no adverse effects.
In Vitro Stability of Sapropterin Dihydrochloride From Crushed Tablets Mixed in Applesauce, Pudding, and Infant Formula
Authors: Striepeke Steven , Jurecki Elaina R. , Hornfeldt Carl S. , Turbeville Sean , Prince Bill
Published: October 2009

Sapropterin is approved to reduce blood phenylalanine levels in patients with hyperphenylalaninemia due to tetrahydrobiopterin-responsive phenylketonuria. The current Food and Drug Administration—approved labeling states that sapropterin tablets should be dissolved in 4 to 8 oz of water or apple juice; however, numerous requests for information regarding the feasibility of administering crushed sapropterin tablets in infant formula or soft foods such as applesauce and pudding suggest that the current recommendations for administration may not be suitable for many infants and small children. To determine the safety of administering the medication in formula or soft foods, powdered tablets representing 200 mg of sapropterin were thoroughly mixed with applesauce, lemon pudding, and 3 brands of phenylalanine-free infant formula, incubated for up to 60 minutes at room temperature and then analyzed for sapropterin content. The results indicate there was no significant change in the amount of sapropterin present in any mixture after 60 minutes.
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation after reduced-intensity conditioning in patients with myelofibrosis: a prospective, multicenter study of the Chronic Leukemia Working Party of the European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Kröger Nicolaus , Holler Ernst , Kobbe Guido , Bornhäuser Martin , Schwerdtfeger Rainer , Baurmann Herrad , Nagler Arnon , Bethge Wolfgang , Stelljes Matthias , Uharek Lutz , Wandt Hannes , Burchert Andreas , Corradini Paolo , Schubert Jörg , Kaufmann Martin , Dreger Peter , Wulf Gerald G. , Einsele Hermann , Zabelina Tatjana , Kvasnicka Hans Michael , Thiele Jürgen , Brand Ronald , Zander Axel R. , Niederwieser Dietger , de Witte Theo M.
Published: October 2009

From 2002 to 2007, 103 patients with primary myelofibrosis or postessential thrombocythemia and polycythemia vera myelofibrosis and a median age of 55 years (range, 32-68 years) were included in a prospective multicenter phase 2 trial to determine efficacy of a busulfan (10 mg/kg)/fludarabine (180 mg/m2)–based reduced-intensity conditioning regimen followed by allogeneic stem cell transplantation from related (n = 33) or unrelated donors (n = 70). All but 2 patients (2%) showed leukocyte and platelet engraftment after a median of 18 and 22 days, respectively. Acute graft-versus-host disease grade 2 to 4 occurred in 27% and chronic graft-versus-host disease in 43% of the patients. Cumulative incidence of nonrelapse mortality at 1 year was 16% (95% confidence interval, 9%-23%) and significantly lower for patients with a completely matched donor (12% vs 38%; P = .003). The cumulative incidence of relapse at 3 years was 22% (95% confidence interval, 13%-31%) and was influenced by Lille risk profile (low, 14%; intermediate, 22%; and high, 34%; P = .02). The estimated 5-year event-free and overall survival was 51% and 67%, respectively. In a multivariate analysis, age older than 55 years (hazard ratio = 2.70; P = .02) and human leukocyte antigen–mismatched donor (hazard ratio = 3.04; P = .006) remained significant factors for survival. The study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT 00599547.
Hedgehog pathway responsiveness correlates with the presence of primary cilia on prostate stromal cells
Authors: Zhang Jingxian , Lipinski Robert J , Gipp Jerry J , Shaw Aubie K , Bushman Wade
Published: October 2009

Background

Hedgehog (Hh) signaling from the urogenital sinus (UGS) epithelium to the surrounding mesenchyme plays a critical role in regulating ductal formation and growth during prostate development. The primary cilium, a feature of most interphase vertebrate cell types, serves as a required localization domain for Hh signaling transducing proteins.

Results

Immunostaining revealed the presence of primary cilia in mesenchymal cells of the developing prostate. Cell-based assays of a urongenital sinus mesenchymal cell line (UGSM-2) revealed that proliferation-limiting (serum starvation and/or confluence) growth conditions promoted cilia formation and correlated with pathway activation associated with accumulation of Smoothened in primary cilia. The prostate cancer cell lines PC-3, LNCaP, and 22RV1, previously shown to lack demonstrable autocrine Hh signaling capacity, did not exhibit primary cilia even under proliferation-limiting growth conditions.

Conclusion

We conclude that paracrine Hedgehog signaling activity in the prostate is associated with the presence of primary cilia on stromal cells but that a role in autocrine Hh signaling remains speculative.
Expressions of ECE-CYC2 clade genes relating to abortion of both dorsal and ventral stamens in Opithandra(Gesneriaceae)
Authors: Song Chun-Feng , Lin Qi-Bing , Liang Rong-Hua , Wang Yin-Zheng
Published: October 2009

Background

ECE-CYC2 clade genes known in patterning floral dorsoventral asymmetry (zygomorphy) in Antirrhinum majus are conserved in the dorsal identity function including arresting the dorsal stamen. However, it remains uncertain whether the same mechanism underlies abortion of the ventral stamens, an important morphological trait related to evolution and diversification of zygomorphy in Lamiales sensu lato, a major clade of predominantly zygomorphically flowered angiosperms. Opithandra (Gesneriaceae) is of particular interests in addressing this question as it is in the base of Lamiales s.l., an early representative of this type zygomorphy.

Results

We investigated the expression patterns of four ECE-CYC2 clade genes and two putative target cyclinD3 genes in Opithandra using RNA in situ hybridization and RT-PCR. OpdCYC gene expressions were correlated with abortion of both dorsal and ventral stamens in Opithandra, strengthened by the negatively correlated expression of their putative target OpdcyclinD3 genes. The complement of OpdcyclinD3 to OpdCYC expressions further indicated that OpdCYC expressions were related to the dorsal and ventral stamen abortion through negative effects on OpdcyclinD3 genes.

Conclusion

These results suggest that ECE-CYC2 clade TCP genes are not only functionally conserved in the dorsal stamen repression, but also involved in arresting ventral stamens, a genetic mechanism underlying the establishment of zygomorphy with abortion of both the dorsal and ventral stamens evolved in angiosperms, especially within Lamiales s.l.
'Bois noir' phytoplasma induces significant reprogramming of the leaf transcriptome in the field grown grapevine
Authors: Hren Matjaž , Nikolić Petra , Rotter Ana , Blejec Andrej , Terrier Nancy , Ravnikar Maja , Dermastia Marina , Gruden Kristina
Published: October 2009

Background

Phytoplasmas are bacteria without cell walls from the classMollicutes. They are obligate intracellular plant pathogens which cause diseases in hundreds of economically important plants including the grapevine (Vitis vinifera). Knowledge of their biology and the mechanisms of their interactions with hosts is largely unknown because they are uncultivable and experimentally inaccessible in their hosts. We detail here the global transcriptional profiling in grapevine responses to phytoplasmas. The gene expression patterns were followed in leaf midribs of grapevine cv. 'Chardonnay' naturally infected with a phytoplasma from the stolbur group 16SrXII-A, which is associated with the grapevine yellows disease 'Bois noir'.

Results

We established an on field experimental system in a productive vineyard that allowed application of molecular tools in a plant natural environment. Global transcription profiles of infected samples were compared with the healthy ones using microarray datasets and metabolic pathway analysis software (MapMan). The two-year-long experiment revealed that plant genes involved in primary and secondary metabolic pathways were changed in response to infection and that these changes might support phytoplasma nutrition. A hypothesis that phytoplasmas interact with the plant carbohydrate metabolism was proven and some possibilities how the products of this pathway might be utilized by phytoplasmas are discussed. In addition, several photosynthetic genes were largely down-regulated in infected plants, whereas defense genes from the metabolic pathway leading to formation of flavonoids and some PR proteins were significantly induced. Few other genes involved in defense-signaling were differentially expressed in healthy and infected plants. A set of 17 selected genes from several differentially expressed pathways was additionally analyzed with quantitative real-time PCR and confirmed to be suitable for a reliable classification of infected plants and for the characterization of susceptibility features in the field conditions.

Conclusion

This study revealed some fundamental aspects of grapevine interactions with the stolbur 'Bois noir' phytoplasma in particular and some plant interactions with phytoplasmas in general. In addition, the results of the study will likely have an impact on grape improvement by yielding marker genes that can be used in new diagnostic assays for phytoplasmas or by identifying candidate genes that contribute to the improved properties of grape.
Whole genome single nucleotide polymorphism based phylogeny of Francisella tularensis and its application to the development of a strain typing assay
Authors: Pandya Gagan A , Holmes Michael H , Petersen Jeannine M , Pradhan Sonal , Karamycheva Svetlana A , Wolcott Mark J , Molins Claudia , Jones Marcus , Schriefer Martin E , Fleischmann Robert D , Peterson Scott N
Published: October 2009

Background

A low genetic diversity in Francisella tularensis has been documented. Current DNA based genotyping methods for typing F. tularensis offer a limited and varying degree of subspecies, clade and strain level discrimination power. Whole genome sequencing is the most accurate and reliable method to identify, type and determine phylogenetic relationships among strains of a species. However, lower cost typing schemes are necessary in order to enable typing of hundreds or even thousands of isolates.

Results

We have generated a high-resolution phylogenetic tree from 40 Francisella isolates, including 13 F. tularensis subspecies holarctica (type B) strains, 26 F. tularensis subsp. tularensis (type A) strains and a single F. novicida strain. The tree was generated from global multi-strain single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data collected using a set of six Affymetrix GeneChip® resequencing arrays with the non-repetitive portion of LVS (type B) as the reference sequence complemented with unique sequences of SCHU S4 (type A). Global SNP based phylogenetic clustering was able to resolve all non-related strains. The phylogenetic tree was used to guide the selection of informative SNPs specific to major nodes in the tree for development of a genotyping assay for identification of F. tularensis subspecies and clades. We designed and validated an assay that uses these SNPs to accurately genotype 39 additional F. tularensis strains as type A (A1, A2, A1a or A1b) or type B (B1 or B2).

Conclusion

Whole-genome SNP based clustering was shown to accurately identify SNPs for differentiation of F. tularensis subspecies and clades, emphasizing the potential power and utility of this methodology for selecting SNPs for typing of F. tularensis to the strain level. Additionally, whole genome sequence based SNP information gained from a representative population of strains may be used to perform evolutionary or phylogenetic comparisons of strains, or selection of unique strains for whole-genome sequencing projects.
Tumor suppressor protein SMAR1 modulates the roughness of cell surface: combined AFM and SEM study
Authors: Kaul-Ghanekar Ruchika , Singh Sandeep , Mamgain Hitesh , Jalota-Badhwar Archana , Paknikar Kishore M , Chattopadhyay Samit
Published: October 2009

Background

Imaging tools such as scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM) can be used to produce high-resolution topographic images of biomedical specimens and hence are well suited for imaging alterations in cell morphology. We have studied the correlation of SMAR1 expression with cell surface smoothness in cell lines as well as in different grades of human breast cancer and mouse tumor sections.

Methods

We validated knockdown and overexpression of SMAR1 using RT-PCR as well as Western blotting in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293, human breast cancer (MCF-7) and mouse melanoma (B16F1) cell lines. The samples were then processed for cell surface roughness studies using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The same samples were used for microarray analysis as well. Tumors sections from control and SMAR1 treated mice as well as tissues sections from different grades of human breast cancer on poly L-lysine coated slides were used for AFM and SEM studies.

Results

Tumor sections from mice injected with melanoma cells showed pronounced surface roughness. In contrast, tumor sections obtained from nude mice that were first injected with melanoma cells followed by repeated injections of SMAR1-P44 peptide, exhibited relatively smoother surface profile. Interestingly, human breast cancer tissue sections that showed reduced SMAR1 expression exhibited increased surface roughness compared to the adjacent normal breast tissue. Our AFM data establishes that treatment of cells with SMAR1-P44 results into increase in cytoskeletal volume that is supported by comparative gene expression data showing an increase in the expression of specific cytoskeletal proteins compared to the control cells. Altogether, these findings indicate that tumor suppressor function of SMAR1 might be exhibited through smoothening of cell surface by regulating expression of cell surface proteins.

Conclusion

Tumor suppressor protein SMAR1 might be used as a phenotypic differentiation marker between cancerous and non-cancerous cells.
In vitro effect of fluoride oral hygiene tablets on artificial caries lesion formation and remineralization in human enamel
Authors: Gängler Peter , Kremniczky Thomas , Arnold Wolfgang H
Published: October 2009

Background

Aim of this in-vitro-study was to assess the remineralization potential of a tooth cleaning tablet with different fluoride content.

Methods

Twenty three caries free impacted third molars were examined, enamel surfaces were wax coated leaving two 3 × 4 mm windows for exposure to demineralization/remineralization cycles. The teeth were randomly assigned to 4 groups of 5 control and 6 experimental teeth. Demineralization by standardised HEC-gel, pH 4.7 at 37°C for 72 h, was alternated by rinsing in remineralization solution, pH 7.0 at 37°C for 72 h, total challenge time 432 h. The negative control group N was treated during remineralization cycles with saline; positive control group P was treated with remineralization solution; experimental group D1 was exposed to remineralization solution containing Denttabs®-tablets with 1450 ppm F; experimental group D2 was exposed to remineralization solution and Denttabs®-tablets with 4350 ppm F. Each tooth was cut into serial sections and analyzed by polarized light microscopy for assessment of the different zones of white-spot lesions in 3 representative sections. Statistical analysis was based on the Mann-Whitney-Test.

Results

Both control groups N(-) and P(+) exhibited characteristic white-spot lesions. The remineralization and the demineralization inhibition of the lesions increased considerably from N<P < D1<D2. Denttabs®-2 administration showed partial/total remineralization including lamination and/or disappearance of the body of the lesion. The different results of all 4 groups were statistically highly significant (p < 0.01) with both tests.

Conclusion

Based on these results the novel Denttabs® formulation represents a highly effective oral hygiene product and the remineralization is correlated to the fluoride content.
Extraction of average neck flexion angle during swallowing in neutral and chin-tuck positions
Authors: Hung Delbert , Sejdić Ervin , Steele Catriona M , Chau Tom
Published: October 2009

Background

A common but debated technique in the management of swallowing difficulties is the chin tuck swallow, where the neck is flexed forward prior to swallowing. Natural variations in chin tuck angles across individuals may contribute to the differential effectiveness of the technique.

Methodology

To facilitate the study of chin tuck angle variations, we present a template tracking algorithm that automatically extracts neck angles from sagittal videos of individuals performing chin tuck swallows. Three yellow markers geometrically arranged on a pair of dark visors were used as tracking cues.

Results

The algorithm was applied to data collected from 178 healthy participants during neutral and chin tuck position swallows. Our analyses revealed no major influences of body mass index and age on neck flexion angles during swallowing, while gender influenced the average neck angle only during wet swallows in the neutral position. Chin tuck angles seem to be independent of anthropometry and gender in healthy adults, but deserve further study in pathological populations.

Conclusion

The proposed neck flexion angle extraction algorithm may be useful in future studies where strict participant compliance to swallowing task protocol can be assured.
Six host range variants of the xenotropic/polytropic gammaretroviruses define determinants for entry in the XPR1 cell surface receptor
Authors: Yan Yuhe , Liu Qingping , Kozak Christine A
Published: October 2009

Background

The evolutionary interactions between retroviruses and their receptors result in adaptive selection of restriction variants that can allow natural populations to evade retrovirus infection. The mouse xenotropic/polytropic (X/PMV) gammaretroviruses rely on the XPR1 cell surface receptor for entry into host cells, and polymorphic variants of this receptor have been identified in different rodent species.

Results

We screened a panel of X/PMVs for infectivity on rodent cells carrying 6 different XPR1 receptor variants. The X/PMVs included 5 well-characterized laboratory and wild mouse virus isolates as well as a novel cytopathic XMV-related virus, termed Cz524, isolated from an Eastern European wild mouse-derived strain, and XMRV, a xenotropic-like virus isolated from human prostate cancer. The 7 viruses define 6 distinct tropisms. Cz524 and another wild mouse isolate, CasE#1, have unique species tropisms. Among the PMVs, one Friend isolate is restricted by rat cells. Among the XMVs, two isolates, XMRV and AKR6, differ from other XMVs in their PMV-like restriction in hamster cells. We generated a set of Xpr1 mutants and chimeras, and identified critical amino acids in two extracellular loops (ECLs) that mediate entry of these different viruses, including 3 residues in ECL3 that are involved in PMV entry (E500, T507, and V508) and can also influence infectivity by AKR6 and Cz524.

Conclusion

We used a set of natural variants and mutants of Xpr1 to define 6 distinct host range variants among naturally occurring X/PMVs (2 XMV variants, 2 PMVs, 2 different wild mouse variants). We identified critical amino acids in XPR1 that mediate entry of these viruses. These gammaretroviruses and their XPR1 receptor are thus highly functionally polymorphic, a consequence of the evolutionary pressures that favor both host resistance and virus escape mutants. This variation accounts for multiple naturally occurring virus resistance phenotypes and perhaps contributes to the widespread distribution of these viruses in rodent and non-rodent species.
The Asia 2 specific signal peptide region and other domains in fusion protein genes characterized Asia 1 and Asia 2 canine distemper viruses
Authors: Sultan Serageldeen , Charoenvisal Nataya , Lan Nguyen Thi , Yamaguchi Ryoji , Maeda Ken , Kai Kazushige
Published: October 2009

Background

Although the presence of Asia 2 group of canine distemper virus (CDV) was known by the sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of hemagglutinin (H) gene, the fusion (F) protein gene sequence of Asia 2 group had not been identified. So, the sequence analysis of F gene was carried out to elucidate the genotypic varaitons among Asian isolates.

Results

The phylogenetic analysis of F and H gene sequences from fourteen CDV isolates obtained from diseased dogs in Japan and Thailand indicated that the F genes had a new initiation codon and extra 27 nucleotides upstream of the usual open reading frame (ORF) and the F proteins had extra 9 amino acids at the N-terminal position only in Asia 2 isolates. On the contrary, the Asia 1 isolates had three extra putative N-glycosylation sites (two sites in the signal peptide region and one site in the F1 region) except for two strains of Th12 and Ac96I (two sites in signal peptide region) adding to four putative N-glycosylation sites that were conserved among all Asian isolates and Onderstepoort strain. In addition to this difference in N-glycosylation sites, the signal peptide region had a great diversity between Asia 1 and Asia 2 isolates. Also, characteristic amino acids were detected for some strains.

Conclusion

Asia 2 isolates were distinguished from other CDV lineages by the extra 27 nucleotide sequence. The signal peptide region of F gene gives a remarkable differentiation between Asia 1 and Asia 2 isolates. Strains Th12 and Ac96I were differentiated from other Asia 1 strains by the F protein glycosylation sites.
Notch activity in the nervous system: to switch or not switch?
Authors: Cau Elise , Blader Patrick
Published: October 2009

The Notch pathway is instrumental for cell fate diversification during development. Pioneer studies conducted in Drosophila and more recent work performed in vertebrates have shown that in the nervous system, Notch is reiteratively employed when cells choose between two alternative fates, a process referred to as a binary fate decision. While the early (neural versus epidermal) fate decisions mainly involve an inhibitory effect of Notch on the neural fate, late fate decisions (choice between different subtypes of neural cells) have been proposed to involve a binary switch activity whereby Notch would be instructive for one fate and inhibitory for the other. We re-examine this binary switch model in light of two recent findings made in the vertebrate nervous system. First, in the zebrafish epiphysis, Notch is required to resolve a mixed identity through the inhibition of one specific fate. Second, in the murine telencephalon, Notch regulates the competence of neural progenitors to respond to the JAK/STAT pathway, thereby allowing for the induction of an astrocyte fate. In neither case is Notch instructive for the alternative fate, but rather cooperates with another signalling pathway to coordinate binary fate choices. We also review current knowledge on the molecular cascades acting downstream of Notch in the context of neural subtype diversification, a crucial issue if one is to determine Notch function as an instructive, permissive or inhibitory signal in the various cellular contexts where it is implicated. Finally, we speculate as to how such a 'non-switch' activity could contribute to the expansion of neuronal subtype diversity.
The Arp2/3 complex, UNC-115/abLIM, and UNC-34/Enabled regulate axon guidance and growth cone filopodia formation in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Norris Adam D , Dyer Jamie O , Lundquist Erik A
Published: October 2009

Background

While many molecules involved in axon guidance have been identified, the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which these molecules regulate growth cone morphology during axon outgrowth remain to be elucidated. The actin cytoskeleton of the growth cone underlies the formation of lamellipodia and filopodia that control growth cone outgrowth and guidance. The role of the Arp2/3 complex in growth cone filopodia formation has been controversial, and other mechanisms of growth cone filopodia formation remain to be described.

Results

Here we show that mutations in genes encoding the Arp2/3 complex (arx genes) caused defects in axon guidance. Analysis of developing growth cones in vivo showed that arx mutants displayed defects in filopodia and reduced growth cone size. Time-lapse analysis of growth cones in living animals indicated that arx mutants affected the rate of growth cone filopodia formation but not filopodia stability or length. Two other actin modulatory proteins, UNC-115/abLIM and UNC-34/Enabled, that had been shown previously to affect axon guidance had overlapping roles with Arp2/3 in axon guidance and also affected the rate of filopodia initiation but not stability or length.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the Arp2/3 complex is required cell-autonomously for axon guidance and growth cone filopodia initiation. Furthermore, they show that two other actin-binding proteins, UNC-115/abLIM and UNC-34/Enabled, also control growth cone filopodia formation, possibly in parallel to Arp2/3. These studies indicate that, in vivo, multiple actin modulatory pathways including the Arp2/3 complex contribute to growth cone filopodia formation during growth cone outgrowth.
Detailed analysis of X chromosome inactivation in a 49,XXXXX pentasomy
Authors: Moraes Lucia M , Cardoso Leila CA , Moura Vera LS , Moreira Miguel AM , Menezes Albert N , Llerena Juan C , Seuánez Héctor N
Published: October 2009

Background

Pentasomy X (49,XXXXX) has been associated with a severe clinical condition, presumably resulting from failure or disruption of X chromosome inactivation. Here we report that some human X chromosomes from a patient with 49,XXXXX pentasomy were functionally active following isolation in inter-specific (human-rodent) cell hybrids. A comparison with cytogenetic and molecular findings provided evidence that more than one active X chromosome was likely to be present in the cells of this patient, accounting for her abnormal phenotype.

Results

5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-pulsed cultures showed different patterns among late replicating X chromosomes suggesting that their replication was asynchronic and likely to result in irregular inactivation. Genotyping of the proband and her mother identified four maternal and one paternal X chromosomes in the proband. It also identified the paternal X chromosome haplotype (P), indicating that origin of this X pentasomy resulted from two maternal, meiotic non-disjunctions. Analysis of theHUMANDRECregion of the androgen receptor (AR) gene in the patient's mother showed a skewed inactivation pattern, while a similar analysis in the proband showed an active paternal X chromosome and preferentially inactivated X chromosomes carrying the 173ARallele. Analyses of 33 cell hybrid cell lines selected in medium containing hypoxanthine, aminopterin and thymidine (HAT) allowed for the identification of three maternal X haplotypes (M1, M2 and MR) and showed that X chromosomes with the M1, M2 and P haplotypes were functionally active. In 27 cell hybrids in which more than one X haplotype were detected, analysis of X inactivation patterns provided evidence of preferential inactivation.

Conclusion

Our findings indicated that 12% of X chromosomes with the M1 haplotype, 43.5% of X chromosomes with the M2 haplotype, and 100% of the paternal X chromosome (with the P haplotype) were likely to be functionally active in the proband's cells, a finding indicating that disruption of X inactivation was associated to her severe phenotype.
Cytokine Profiles in Human Immunodeficiency Virus‐Infected Children Treated With Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Jones Brian M , Chiu Susan SS , Wong Wilfred HS , Lim Wilina WL , Lau Yu‐lung
Published: October 2009

Context

There have been few longitudinal studies of cytokine production in neonatally acquired HIV‐1 infection and none in Asian or Chinese children.

Objective

To determine whether monitoring cytokine production could contribute to the better management of pediatric patients with HIV‐1 infection.

Setting

Clinical Immunology Laboratory and Pediatrics Department, University Hospital, Hong Kong.

Patients

Ten Asian and 2 Eurasian children infected with HIV‐1 by mother‐to‐child transmission were followed for up to 5 years while on treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

Main Outcome Measures

Numbers of unstimulated and mitogen‐activated cytokine‐secreting cells (IFN‐gamma, interleukin [IL]‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, IL‐12, and TNF‐alpha) were measured by ELISPOT assay at frequent intervals, and correlations were sought with CD4+ and CD8+ cell counts and viral loads.

Results

Mitogen‐stimulated IL‐2‐secreting cells were directly associated with recovery of CD4+ cells. Correlations with viral load were found for Con A‐induced IFN‐gamma, Con A‐induced IL‐4, and unstimulated IL‐10, suggesting that these cytokines were either suppressed by high virus levels or that higher cytokine levels suppressed virus. IFN‐gamma, IL‐2‐, IL‐4‐, and IL‐12‐secreting cells induced by PHA, Con A, and/or SAC tended to increase for the first 3‐4 years of treatment but declined thereafter.

Conclusion

Alterations in cytokine profiles were not associated with adverse clinical events and there was little evidence to indicate that monitoring cytokine enzyme‐linked immunospots (ELISPOTs) could contribute to pediatric patient management.