bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CD4 T-Cell Suppression by Cells fromToxoplasma gondii-Infected Retinas Is Mediated by Surface Protein PD-L1
Authors: Charles Elizabeth , Joshi Sunil , Ash John D. , Fox Barbara A. , Farris A. Darise , Bzik David J. , Lang Mark L. , Blader Ira J.
Published: May 2010

In the inflamed retina, CD4+T cells can cause retinal damage when they are not properly regulated. Since tissue expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II and costimulatory molecules is a key mechanism for regulating effector T cells, we tested the hypothesis that upregulation of these proteins in the retina contributes to the regulation of CD4 T cells. Here we report that in retinas infected with the protozoan parasiteToxoplasma gondii, MHC class II is upregulated on infiltrating leukocytes as well as on resident retinal cells, including photoreceptors. Flow cytometric analysis indicated that B7 costimulatory family members (CD80, CD86, ICOS-L, and programmed death ligand 2 [PD-L2]) were not expressed on class II+cells. In contrast, PD-L1 (also named B7-H1 or CD274) was expressed on the majority of both hematopoietic and resident retinal MHC class II-expressing cells. Retinal cells fromToxoplasma-infected animals were able to suppress T-cell activation in a PD-L1-dependent manner. Finally, we demonstrate that the expression of MHC class II and PD-L1 was critically dependent on gamma interferon (IFN-γ) expression. These data suggest that retinal MHC class II and PD-L1 expression is a novel mechanism by which the retina protects itself from CD4 T-cell-mediated immune damage in ocular toxoplasmosis and other types of retinal immune responses.
Staphylococcus aureus
AI-2 Quorum Sensing Associates with the KdpDE Two-Component System To Regulate Capsular Polysaccharide Synthesis and Virulence
Authors: Zhao Liping , Xue Ting , Shang Fei , Sun Haipeng , Sun Baolin
Published: May 2010

Autoinducer 2 (AI-2) is widely recognized as a signal molecule for intra- and interspecies communication in Gram-negative bacteria, but its signaling function in Gram-positive bacteria, especially in
Staphylococcus aureus
, remains obscure. Here we reveal the role of LuxS in the regulation of capsular polysaccharide synthesis in
S. aureus
NCTC8325 and show that AI-2 can regulate gene expression and is involved in some physiological activities in
S. aureus
as a signaling molecule. Inactivation of
luxS
in
S. aureus
NCTC8325 resulted in higher levels of transcription of capsular polysaccharide synthesis genes. The survival rate of the
luxS
mutant was higher than that of the wild type in both human blood and U937 macrophages. In comparison to the
luxS
mutant, a culture supplemented with chemically synthesized 4,5-dihydroxy-2,3-pentanedione (DPD), the AI-2 precursor molecule, restored all the parental phenotypes, suggesting that AI-2 has a signaling function in
S. aureus
. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the LuxS/AI-2 signaling system regulates capsular polysaccharide production via a two-component system, KdpDE, whose function has not yet been clarified in
S. aureus.
This regulation occurred via the phosphorylation of KdpE binding to the
cap
promoter.
Comparison of Flocked and Rayon Swabs for Detection of Nasal Carriage of
Staphylococcus aureus
among Pathology Staff Members
Authors: De Silva Sabine , Wood Gillian , Quek Tricia , Parrott Christine , Bennett Catherine M.
Published: May 2010

Comparison of flocked swabs (E-swabs; Copan) to the standard rayon swabs (Copan) was undertaken for detection of
Staphylococcus aureus
nasal carriage among staff at Dorevitch Pathology in Heidelberg, Melbourne, Australia. Among 100 volunteers, 36 were found to be colonized with
S. aureus
by one or both swab results. The prevalence detected by E-swabs was 35%, and the prevalence through rayon swabs was 34% (95% confidence interval [CI] for the difference in proportions, −12 to 14). Thirty-three volunteers tested positive with both types of swabs, while 2 were detected on E-swabs alone and another on rayon swab testing alone. There was no evidence of a significant difference in carriage detected by E-swabs or rayon swabs.
Rothia aeria
as a Cause of Sepsis in a Native Joint
Authors: Verrall Ayesha J. , Robinson Philip C. , Tan Chor Ee , Mackie W. Grant , Blackmore Timothy K.
Published: May 2010

Rothia aeria
is a recently described Gram-positive rod from the family
Micrococcaceae
. An elderly woman with rheumatoid arthritis and dental abscesses who was undergoing immunosuppression had
R
.
aeria
isolated from synovial fluid. This report characterizes this rare organism and contributes to the literature on its pathogenicity and likely oral source.
Enhanced Exposure of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Primary Isolate Neutralization Epitopes through Binding of CD4 Mimetic Compounds
Authors: Yoshimura Kazuhisa , Harada Shigeyoshi , Shibata Junji , Hatada Makiko , Yamada Yuko , Ochiai Chihiro , Tamamura Hirokazu , Matsushita Shuzo
Published: May 2010

N
-(4-Chlorophenyl)-
N′
-(2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidin-4-yl)-oxalamide (NBD-556) is a low-molecular-weight compound that reportedly blocks the interaction between human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) gp120 and its receptor CD4. We investigated whether the enhancement of binding of anti-gp120 monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) toward envelope (Env) protein with NBD-556 are similar to those of soluble CD4 (sCD4) by comparing the binding profiles of the individual MAbs to Env-expressing cell surfaces. In flow cytometric analyses, the binding profiles of anti-CD4-induced epitope (CD4i) MAbs toward NBD-556-pretreated Env-expressing cell surfaces were similar to the binding profiles toward sCD4-pretreated cell surfaces. To investigate the binding position of NBD-556 on gp120, we induced HIV-1 variants that were resistant to NBD-556 and sCD4
in vitro
. At passage 21 in the presence of 50 μM NBD-556, two amino acid substitutions (S375N in C3 and A433T in C4) were identified. On the other hand, in the selection with sCD4, seven mutations (E211G, P212L, V255E, N280K, S375N, G380R, and G431E) appeared during the passages. The profiles of the mutations after the selections with NBD-556 and sCD4 were very similar in their three-dimensional positions. Moreover, combinations of NBD-556 with anti-gp120 MAbs showed highly synergistic interactions against HIV-1. We further found that after enhancing the neutralizing activity by adding NBD-556, the contemporaneous virus became highly sensitive to antibodies in the patient's plasma. These findings suggest that small compounds such as NBDs may enhance the neutralizing activities of CD4i and anti-V3 antibodies
in vivo
.
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Characterization of MicroRNA-Targeted Alphavirus Replicon and Helper RNAs
Authors: Kamrud Kurt I. , Coffield V. McNeil , Owens Gary , Goodman Christin , Alterson Kim , Custer Max , Murphy Michael A. , Lewis Whitney , Timberlake Sarah , Wansley Elizabeth K. , Berglund Peter , Smith Jonathan
Published: May 2010

Alphavirus-based replicon vector systems (family
Togaviridae
) have been developed as expression vectors with demonstrated potential in vaccine development against both infectious diseases and cancer. The single-cycle nature of virus-like replicon particles (VRP), generated by supplying the structural proteins from separate replicable helper RNAs, is an attractive safety component of these systems. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important cellular RNA regulation elements. Recently, miRNAs have been employed as a mechanism to attenuate or restrict cellular tropism of replication-competent viruses, such as oncolytic adenoviruses, vesicular stomatitis virus, and picornaviruses as well as nonreplicating lentiviral and adenoviral vectors. Here, we describe the incorporation of miRNA-specific target sequences into replicable alphavirus helper RNAs that are used in
trans
to provide the structural proteins required for VRP production. VRP were found to be efficiently produced using miRNA-targeted helper RNAs if miRNA-specific inhibitors were introduced into cells during VRP production. In the absence of such inhibitors, cellular miRNAs were capable of downregulating helper RNA replication
in vitro
. When miRNA targets were incorporated into a replicon RNA, cellular miRNAs were capable of downregulating replicon RNA replication upon delivery of VRP into animals, demonstrating activity
in vivo
. These data provide the first example of miRNA-specific repression of alphavirus replicon and helper RNA replication and demonstrate the feasibility of miRNA targeting of expression vector helper functions that are provided in
trans
.
Phorbol Ester-Induced Human Cytomegalovirus Major Immediate-Early (MIE) Enhancer Activation through PKC-Delta, CREB, and NF-κB Desilences MIE Gene Expression in Quiescently Infected Human Pluripotent NTera2 Cells
Authors: Liu Xiaoqiu , Yuan Jinxiang , Wu Allen W. , McGonagill Patrick W. , Galle Courtney S. , Meier Jeffery L.
Published: May 2010

The ways in which human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) major immediate-early (MIE) gene expression breaks silence from latency to initiate the viral replicative cycle are poorly understood. A delineation of the signaling cascades that desilence the HCMV MIE genes during viral quiescence in the human pluripotent N-Tera2 (NT2) cell model provides insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying HCMV reactivation. In this model, we show that phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) immediately activates the expression of HCMV MIE RNA and protein and greatly increases the MIE-positive (MIE
+
) NT2 cell population density; levels of Oct4 (pluripotent cell marker) and HCMV genome penetration are unchanged. Decreasing PKC-delta activity (pharmacological, dominant-negative, or RNA interference [RNAi] method) attenuates PMA-activated MIE gene expression. MIE gene activation coincides with PKC-delta Thr505 phosphorylation. Mutations in MIE enhancer binding sites for either CREB (cyclic AMP [cAMP] response element [CRE]) or NF-κB (κB) partially block PMA-activated MIE gene expression; the ETS binding site is negligibly involved, and κB does not confer MIE gene activation by vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). The PMA response is also partially attenuated by the RNAi-mediated depletion of the CREB or NF-κB subunit RelA or p50; it is not diminished by TORC2 knockdown or accompanied by TORC2 dephosphorylation. Mutations in both CRE and κB fully abolish PMA-activated MIE gene expression. Thus, PMA stimulates a PKC-delta-dependent, TORC2-independent signaling cascade that acts through cellular CREB and NF-κB, as well as their cognate binding sites in the MIE enhancer, to immediately desilence HCMV MIE genes. This signaling cascade is distinctly different from that elicited by VIP.
Tsg101 Is Recruited by a Late Domain of the Nucleocapsid Protein To Support Budding of Marburg Virus-Like Particles
Authors: Dolnik Olga , Kolesnikova Larissa , Stevermann Lea , Becker Stephan
Published: May 2010

The nucleoprotein NP of Marburg virus (MARV) is the major component of the viral nucleocapsid, which also consists of the viral proteins VP35, L, and VP30, as well as the viral genome. During virus assembly at the plasma membrane, the nucleocapsids are enwrapped by the major matrix protein VP40 and the viral envelope, which contains the transmembrane glycoprotein GP. Upon recombinant expression, VP40 alone is able to induce the formation and release of virus-like particles (VLPs) that closely resemble the filamentous morphology of MARV particles. Release of these VP40-induced VLPs is partially dependent on the cellular ESCRT machinery, which interacts with a late-domain motif in VP40. Coexpression with NP significantly enhances the budding of VP40-induced VLPs by an unknown mechanism. In the present study we analyzed the impact of late domains present in NP on the release of VLPs. We observed that the ESCRT I protein Tsg101 was recruited by NP into NP-induced inclusions in the perinuclear region. In the presence of VP40, NP was then recruited to VP40-positive membrane clusters and, in turn, recruited Tsg101 via a C-terminal PSAP late-domain motif in NP. This PSAP motif also mediated a dramatically enhanced incorporation of Tsg101 into VLPs, and its deletion significantly diminished the positive effect of NP on the release of VLPs. Taken together, these data indicate that NP enhances budding of VLPs by recruiting Tsg101 to the VP40-positive budding site through a PSAP late-domain motif.
A Novel Motif in HIV-1 Nef That Regulates MIP-1β Chemokine Release in Macrophages
Authors: Dai Lue , Stevenson Mario
Published: May 2010

All primate lentiviruses encode Nef, an accessory protein that is important for viral pathogenicity
in vivo
. Lentiviral Nef proteins regulate the release of chemokines (MIP-1 α/β) from infected macrophages, thereby enhancing virus dissemination (S. Swingler, A. Mann, J. Jacque, B. Brichacek, V. G. Sasseville, K. Williams, A. A. Lackner, E. N. Janoff, R. Wang, D. Fisher, and M. Stevenson, Nat. Med. 5:997-1003, 1999). In the current study, we have identified a novel domain within Nef (K
92
EK) that is required for Nef-dependent MIP-1β production by infected macrophages. Mutations in this domain abrogated MIP-1β induction but did not affect other Nef-ascribed activities, such as CD4 or major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class Ι downregulation. This further underscores Nef as a modular protein with genetically separable activities that may contribute to its role in viral replication and pathogenicity.
Lipoic Acid Metabolism in Microbial Pathogens
Authors: Spalding Maroya D. , Prigge Sean T.
Published: May 2010

Lipoic acid [(R)-5-(1,2-dithiolan-3-yl)pentanoic acid] is an enzyme cofactor required for intermediate metabolism in free-living cells. Lipoic acid was discovered nearly 60 years ago and was shown to be covalently attached to proteins in several multicomponent dehydrogenases. Cells can acquire lipoate (the deprotonated charge form of lipoic acid that dominates at physiological pH) through either scavenging orde novosynthesis. Microbial pathogens implement these basic lipoylation strategies with a surprising variety of adaptations which can affect pathogenesis and virulence. Similarly, lipoylated proteins are responsible for effects beyond their classical roles in catalysis. These include roles in oxidative defense, bacterial sporulation, and gene expression. This review surveys the role of lipoate metabolism in bacterial, fungal, and protozoan pathogens and how these organisms have employed this metabolism to adapt to niche environments.
A “paper bridge” system to improve in-vitro propagation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Dalpé Yolande , Seguin Sylvie
Published: May 2010

The in-vitro culture of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on excised roots, especially when performed on bi-compartmented Petri dishes, has proven to be an efficient system for the production of root-free fungal material. However, even after the contact between fungal hyphae and the excised roots in the proximal root compartment has occurred, up to several weeks may be required for the fungal runner hyphae to cross the median Petri dish wall and reach the distal fungal compartment. This delay is particularly long for the cultivation of slow-growing strains that usually colonize the substrate less aggressively. The delay is due to the difficulty the runner hyphae have in crossing the median Petri dish wall that separates compartments. To facilitate the passage of the fungus across the median wall, a “paper bridge” system has been devised and tested with a number of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal strains. This method substantially accelerated fungal propagation and simplified the manipulations necessary. The proposed paper-bridge system is described and its advantages discussed.
Population structures ofAstragalus filipescollections from western North America
Authors: Bushman B. Shaun , Bhattarai Kishor , Johnson Douglas A.
Published: May 2010

The majority of species used for revegetation in semi-arid western rangelands of North America are grasses, with few forbs and nearly no legumes. Astragalus filipes (Torr. Ex A. Gray) is a western North American legume and a promising candidate for use in rangeland revegetation, but assessments of plant species diversity and structure are necessary to determine which collections should be used to constitute a conservation unit or regional seed source. To address this issue, we characterized within-collection genetic diversity, identified genetically differentiated groups, and tested genetic correlations with environmental variables on 67 collections of A. filipes. Within-population genetic diversity was greatest for collections in Oregon and lowest for collections in British Columbia and central Nevada. Five genetically differentiated groups were detected: one with strong support from central Nevada, one with strong support from British Columbia, and three with weak support comprising all other collections throughout Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, and Nevada. Although there was significant correlation between genetic and linear geographic distance matrices, there was no correlation between genetic and phenotypic, elevation, temperature, or precipitation distance matrices. These results show that geographic distance contributes to genetic differentiation, and that structured populations have occurred in northernmost and southernmost groups of collections of A. filipes.
STUDIES OF THE AGING OF CONIDIA OF MONILINIA FRUCTICOLA (WINT.) HONEY: I.GERMINATION RATES AND LONGEVITY
Authors: Naqvi S. H. Z. , Good H. M.
Published: May 2010

Conidia of Monilinia fructicola (Wint.) Honey were stored 1–10 months at temperatures of 5°, 25°, and 35 °C. and at constant relative humidities approximating 0, 15, 45, 75, and 90%. The germination of these spores was tested on potato dextrose agar containing 6% glucose, and curves of the percentage germination against time are given for representative samples.A pronounced delay in germination developed under all conditions of storage. The rate at which this delay developed was virtually independent of the storage temperature. All spore samples gave 100% germination after 3 months but only those at 5 °C. gave; any germination after 10 months. Storage in a relative humidity of 75% gave the best preservation of spore vigor, there being evidence in other conditions of either high humidity or low humidity injury. Of the nutrient solutions tested, glucose was the only one which gave substantially better germination than water, the effect being most marked on spores stored for some months at high humidity. With glucose, such spores sometimes germinated faster than those stored at intermediate humidities.
STUDIES ON THE INFLUENCE OF VARIOUS SUBSTANCES ON THE GERMINATION OF HELMINTHOSPORIUM SATIVUM SPORES IN SOIL
Authors: Chinn S. H. F. , Ledingham R. J.
Published: May 2010

Fifteen groups, comprising 106 substances, were studied for their effect on the germination of conidia of Helminthosporium sativum Pamm., King and Bakke in soil. Spores usually germinated when substances from groups composed of natural products were included in the substrate. Of these substances, wheat germ, bran, certain oil meals, molasses, orange juice, and green plant tissues were very effective, whereas refined flours and commercial sugars were only slightly so. When wheat straw and roots of wheat plants were added to the soil the conidia did not germinate. In contrast to the above-mentioned groups, most of the substances in the acid, salt, vitamin, protein, amino acid, oil, saccharide, plant hormone, and miscellaneous groups were not effective. The exceptions in these groups were ascorbic acid, galactose, and raffinose.
THE ZYGOTE OF CHLAMYDOMONAS MOEWUSII
Authors: Lewin Ralph A.
Published: May 2010

The processes of gamete fusion, zygote development, and zygote germination in Chlamydomonas moewusii are described. Light, previously shown to be essential for vegetative growth and for sexual activation, also appeared to be required for gamete fusion and for zygote maturation, but not for germination. Fully mature zygospores, enclosed in thick, impermeable walls, germinated erratically; experimental efforts to promote their earlier and more regular germination were unsuccessful. Germination as high as 60 to 90% was achieved by limiting the illumination which the zygotes received during their development.
A STUDY OF SIZE DIFFERENCES IN TWO STRAINS OF CUCURBITA PEPO L.: I. GROSS SIZE DIFFERENCES
Authors: Maltzahn K. E. von
Published: May 2010

Size differences were studied in vegetative organs of two purebred strains of Cucurbita pepo L. which differ greatly in size by their genotype.The growth pattern of plants of the selected strains was found to be essen tially the same in the two types. The two strains exhibited great differences in mature organ size, but only small differences in number of organs.No correlation was found between embryo size and mature size. In the early stages of primary shoot development, however, a correlation was found between embryo size and the rate of new organ initiation. This correlation disappeared during the later stages of plant development. The parental strains had similar rates of organ formation, while the crosses showed hybrid vigor with respect to rate of new organ formation.Sizes of the apical meristems and organ primordia were essentially the same in the large and small strains and did not appear to determine mature organ size differences.Development of size differences between the same organs of the two strains and the crosses was found to be mainly due to duration of organ growth. Rates of organ growth differed only slightly between the strains. Increase in size of successively formed organs of the same strain was also found to be mainly due to duration rather than to rate of organ growth.
STUDIES IN FOREST PATHOLOGY: XVI. DECAY OF BALSAM FIR, ABIES BALSAMEA (L.) MILL., IN THE ATLANTIC PROVINCES
Authors: Davidson A. G.
Published: May 2010

Analyses of approximately 2600 living balsam fir, examined at seven localities in the Atlantic Provinces, established that, after adjustment for age, differences in the amount of cull existed between some of the localities. The analyses indicated that the effect of age on trees between 60 and 120 years of age is expressed mainly in the number of trees infected with decay, although in some areas it also has an effect on the amount of butt cull in infected trees. Differences in the amount of trunk cull between localities could be attributed to differences in the number of trees possessing this type of decay. No significant effect of age on the amount of trunk cull in infected trees was found in any locality, nor were there any differences in the amount of trunk cull in these trees among localities. Differences in the amount of butt cull were caused both by the number of trees infected with butt rot and by the amount of cull in infected trees. Some factors have been enumerated which require further study before the causes of such differences can be determined. It is felt that a critical study of the infection courts may disclose reasons for differences in the amount of trunk infection. Butt rot relationships appear to be more complex and an understanding of the causes of the variations encountered can be determined only after further intensive studies.
ON THE FREQUENCY SHIFT OF GRAVITATIONAL WAVES
Authors: DE SOUSA CLAUDIO M. G.
Published: May 2010

Considering plane gravitational waves propagating through flat spacetime, it is shown that curvatures experienced both in the starting point and during their arrival at the earth can cause a considerable shift in the frequencies as measured by earth and space-based detectors. In particular for the case of resonant bar detectors this shift can cause noise-filters to smother the signal.
DEFINING INTEGRALS OVER CONNECTIONS IN THE DISCRETIZED GRAVITATIONAL FUNCTIONAL INTEGRALS
Authors: KHATSYMOVSKY V. M.
Published: May 2010

Integration over connection type variables in the path integral for the discrete form of the first-order formulation of general relativity theory is studied. The result (a generalized function of the rest of variables of the type of tetrad or elementary areas) can be defined through its moments, i.e. integrals of it with the area tensor monomials. In our previous paper these moments have been defined by deforming integration contours in the complex plane as if we had passed to a Euclidean-like region. In this paper we define and evaluate the moments in the genuine Minkowski region. The distribution of interest resulting from these moments in this non-positively defined region contains the divergences. We prove that the latter contribute only to the singular (δ-function like) part of this distribution with support in the non-physical region of the complex plane of area tensors while in the physical region this distribution (usual function) confirms that defined in our previous paper which decays exponentially at large areas.

Besides that, we evaluate the basic integrals over which the integral over connections in the general path integral can be expanded.
FEATURE EXTRACTION OF MOTOR IMAGERY EEG BASED ON WAVELET TRANSFORM AND HIGHER-ORDER STATISTICS
Authors: YANG RENHUAN , SONG AIGUO , XU BAOGUO
Published: May 2010

Feature extraction plays an important role in brain-computer interface (BCI) systems. In order to characterize the motor imagery related rhythm and higher-order statistics information contained within the EEG signals, a novel feature extraction method based on harmonic wavelet transform and bispectrum is developed and applied to the recognition of right and left motor imageries for developing EEG-based BCI systems. The experimental results on the Graz BCI data set have shown that the separability of the two classes features extracted by the proposed method is notable. Its performance was evaluated by a linear discriminant analysis (LDA) classifier. The recognition accuracy of 90% was obtained. The recognition results have demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method. This method provides an effective way for EEG feature extraction in BCI system.
A WAVELET-BASED IMAGE EDGE DETECTION AND ESTIMATION METHOD WITH ADAPTIVE SCALE SELECTION
Authors: SHI SHEN , ZHANG YANNING , HU YUENING
Published: May 2010

A scale-adaptive edge detection scheme based on wavelet transform is proposed in this paper. This scheme incorporates the edge information in multiple scales of the wavelet domain, and it not only locates the position of each edge point, but also estimates its amplitude and identifies its singularity type, namely, step edge and ridge edge. Moreover, for a ridge edge point, the proposed scheme could estimate the width of the ridge. Unlike traditional edge detectors, this method adaptively selects two optimal scales for each edge point to locate it and estimate its direction. As a result, better performances in localization and edge direction estimation are achieved. Experiments on both synthetic and real images demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
DEVELOPMENT OF A MOBILE MANIPULATOR SYSTEM WITH RFID-BASED SENSOR FUSION FOR HOME SERVICE: A CASE STUDY ON MOBILE MANIPULATION OF CHAIRS
Authors: XIE ZHAOXIAN , YAMASHIRO MANABU , YAMAGUCHI HISASHI , MING AIGUO , SHIMOJO MAKOTO
Published: May 2010

A mobile manipulator system as a versatile platform for home service has been developed by authors toward practical realizations. Two features of the system are addressed. One is the efficient and easy recognition of environment and objects about geometrical, physical and additional information by an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification)-based sensor fusion system. The other is such geometrical, physical and additional information-based manipulation including mobile manipulation for various objects. In this paper, mobile manipulation of various chairs for home service is described. The methods for recognition and mobile manipulation are proposed and experimental results are given to show the feasibility of the proposed methods.
Temporal isolation with the ravenscar profile and Ada 2005
Authors: Mezzetti Enrico , Panunzio Marco , Vardanega Tullio
Published: May 2010

Modern methodologies for the development of high-integrity real-time systems build on abstract representations or models instead of code artifacts. Since analysis techniques are applied to models, it is important that system properties asserted during the analysis and the assumptions made for the analysis to hold are preserved across implementation and execution. In this paper we contend that the extent of properties preservation we require cannot be warranted using exclusively the language constructs allowed by the Ravenscar Profile. Hence, in the light of the new Ada 2005 features, we propose the formalization of a new augmented profile, fit for the purpose and yet still adhering to the pristine Ravenscar rationale.
Named memory pool for Ada
Authors: Wong Luke , Michell Stephen , Moore Brad
Published: May 2010

This paper proposes a new paradigm in Ada to access different types of memory in single or multi-partitions real-time, safety-critical computer systems. The approach recognizes that simple allocation and assignment statements are often insufficient. The named memory pool model compliments the storage pools in Ada.
Incorporating operating modes to an ada real-time framework
Authors: Real Jorge , Crespo Alfons
Published: May 2010

Based on a previous proposal of a framework of real-time utilities in Ada 2005, this paper deals with the extension of that framework to include operating modes and mode changes.
Providing additional real-time capability and flexibility for Ada 2005
Authors: White Rod
Published: May 2010

Whilst Ada 2005 provides extensive support for the creation of real-time systems in general, and high-integrity ones in particular, there are a number of areas where the language could be both strengthened and made more flexible. This paper discusses a number of such areas, including scheduling approaches and the management of sporadic tasks. Following on from these, some small additions to the language are proposed with the goal of facilitating the wider adoption of certain approaches -- namely non-preemptive and earliest deadline first dispatching. The paper also considers, more generally, the possible development of the language to address the issues inherent in emerging processing platforms, specifically "multi-core" devices.
Age, sex, and lactating status regulate ghrelin secretion and GOAT mRNA levels from isolated rat stomach
Authors: Al-Massadi O. , Crujeiras A. B. , González R. C. , Pardo M. , Diéguez C. , Casanueva F. F. , Seoane L. M.
Published: May 2010

Ghrelin is a stomach derivate peptide involved in energy homeostasis regulation, and ghrelin O-acyltransferase (GOAT) is the enzyme responsible for ghrelin acylation. Puberty is a period characterized by profound changes in the metabolic requirements and notable variations of sexual hormone levels. On the other hand, the weaning process is a fundamental modification of the diet, which implicates several adaptations of the gastrointestinal tract physiology. Until now the direct secretion of ghrelin by the stomach in these conditions, without interferences from other organs, has never been studied. The main objective of this article was to investigate how the stomach modulates ghrelin production and secretion as well as GOAT expression on these periods of life. Gastric ghrelin secretion is regulated through postnatal life in an independent way of gastric expression and circulating levels of this hormone. The present work shows a strong regulation of gastric ghrelin secretion by estrogens. The weaning strongly regulates gastric ghrelin secretion. Animals subjected to delayed weaning present a lower body weight than the corresponding controls. For the first time, it is shown that a noticeable decrease in circulating levels of testosterone and estrogens is associated with delay of weaning. GOAT mRNA levels in the stomach are strongly regulated by age, breastfeeding, and testosterone. In conclusion, the stomach itself regulates ghrelin and GOAT production to adapt the organism to the metabolic requirements demanded through each stage of life.
Nootkatone, a characteristic constituent of grapefruit, stimulates energy metabolism and prevents diet-induced obesity by activating AMPK
Authors: Murase Takatoshi , Misawa Koichi , Haramizu Satoshi , Minegishi Yoshihiko , Hase Tadashi
Published: May 2010

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a serine/threonine kinase that is implicated in the control of energy metabolism and is considered to be a molecular target for the suppression of obesity and the treatment of metabolic syndrome. Here, we identified and characterized nootkatone, a constituent of grapefruit, as a naturally occurring AMPK activator. Nootkatone induced an increase in AMPKα1 and -α2 activity along with an increase in the AMP/ATP ratio and an increase the phosphorylation of AMPKα and the downstream target acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), in C2C12 cells. Nootkatone-induced activation of AMPK was possibly mediated both by LKB1 and Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase. Nootkatone also upregulated PPARγ coactivator-1α in C2C12 cells and C57BL/6J mouse muscle. In addition, administration of nootkatone (200 mg/kg body wt) significantly enhanced AMPK activity, accompanied by LKB1, AMPK, and ACC phosphorylation in the liver and muscle of mice. Whole body energy expenditure evaluated by indirect calorimetry was also increased by nootkatone administration. Long-term intake of diets containing 0.1% to 0.3% (wt/wt) nootkatone significantly reduced high-fat and high-sucrose diet-induced body weight gain, abdominal fat accumulation, and the development of hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and hyperleptinemia in C57BL/6J mice. Furthermore, endurance capacity, evaluated as swimming time to exhaustion in BALB/c mice, was 21% longer in mice fed 0.2% nootkatone than in control mice. These findings indicate that long-term intake of nootkatone is beneficial toward preventing obesity and improving physical performance and that these effects are due, at least in part, to enhanced energy metabolism through AMPK activation in skeletal muscle and liver.
Influence of Short-Interval Intracortical Inhibition on Short-Interval Intracortical Facilitation in Human Primary Motor Cortex
Authors: Shirota Yuichiro , Hamada Masashi , Terao Yasuo , Matsumoto Hideyuki , Ohminami Shinya , Furubayashi Toshiaki , Nakatani-Enomoto Setsu , Ugawa Yoshikazu , Hanajima Ritsuko
Published: May 2010

Using the paired-pulse paradigm, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has revealed much about the human primary motor cortex (M1). A preceding subthreshold conditioning stimulus (CS) inhibits the excitability of the motor cortex, which is named short-interval intracortical inhibition (SICI). In contrast, facilitation is observed when the first pulse (S1) is followed by a second one at threshold (S2), named short-interval intracortical facilitation (SICF). SICI and SICF have been considered to be mediated by different neural circuits within M1, but more recent studies reported relations between them. In this study, we performed triple-pulse stimulation consisting of CS-S1-S2 to further explore putative interactions between these two effects. Three intensities of CS (80–120% of active motor threshold: AMT) and two intensities of S2 (120 and 140% AMT) were combined. The SICF in the paired-pulse paradigm exhibited clear facilitatory peaks at ISIs of 1.5 and 3 ms. The second peak at 3 ms was significantly suppressed by triple-pulse stimulation using 120% AMT CS, although the first peak was almost unaffected. Our present results obtained using triple-pulse stimulation suggest that each peak of SICF is differently modulated by different intensities of CS. The suppression of the second peak might be ascribed to the findings in the paired-pulse paradigm that CS mediates SICI by inhibiting later I waves such as I3 waves and that the second peak of SICF is most probably related to I3 waves. We propose that CS might inhibit the second peak of SICF at the interneurons responsible for I3 waves.
Resolution of Acute Hydrocephalus and Migration of Neurocysticercosis Cyst with External Ventricular Drainage
Authors: Chowdhary Abhineet , Abel Taylor J. , Gabikian Patrik , Britz Gavin W.
Published: May 2010

Neurocysticercosis is endemic in the developing world, but is becoming more common in the US due to immigration. A 24-year-old man presented with acute hydrocephalus and headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Head CT revealed a 3rd ventricular cyst and immunological studies were suggestive of neurocysticercosis. EVD placement resulted in migration of the cyst interiorly and superiorly with return of normal CSF flow by MRI and resolution of symptoms. Review of this condition is important given increasing incidence in the United States.
Synthesis of GaN Nanorods by a Solid‐State Reaction
Authors: Bao Keyan , Shi Liang , Liu Xiaodi , Chen Changzhong , Mao Wutao , Zhu Lingling , Cao Jie
Published: May 2010

An atom‐economical and eco‐friendly chemical synthetic route was developed to synthesize wurtzite GaN nanorods by the reaction of NaNH2
and the as‐synthesized orthorhombic GaOOH nanorods in a stainless steel autoclave at 600∘C. The lengths of the GaN nanorods are in the range of 400–600 nm and the diameters are about 80–150 nm. The process of orthorhombic GaOOH nanorods transformation into wurtzite GaN nanorods was investigated by powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), indicating that the GaN product retained essentially the same basic topological morphology in contrast to that of the GaOOH precursor. It was found that rhombohedral Ga2O3 was the intermediate between the starting orthorhombic GaOOH precursor and the final wurtzite GaN product. The photoluminescence measurements reveal that the as‐prepared wurtzite GaN nanorods showed strong blue emission.
MHC I Stabilizing Potential of Computer-Designed Octapeptides
Authors: Wisniewska Joanna M. , Jäger Natalie , Freier Anja , Losch Florian O. , Wiesmüller Karl-Heinz , Walden Peter , Wrede Paul , Schneider Gisbert , Hiss Jan A.
Published: May 2010

Experimental results are presented for 180 in silico designed octapeptide sequences and their stabilizing effects on the major histocompatibility class I molecule . Peptide sequence design was accomplished by a combination of an ant colony optimization algorithm with artificial neural network classifiers. Experimental tests yielded nine stabilizing and 171 nonstabilizing peptides. 28 among the nonstabilizing octapeptides contain canonical motif residues known to be favorable for MHC I stabilization. For characterization of the area covered by stabilizing and non-stabilizing octapeptides in sequence space, we visualized the distribution of 100,603 octapeptides using a self-organizing map. The experimental results present evidence that the canonical sequence motives of the SYFPEITHI database on their own are insufficient for predicting MHC I protein stabilization.
Pathophysiological Characteristics of Diabetic Ocular Complications in Spontaneously Diabetic Torii Rat
Authors: Sasase Tomohiko
Published: May 2010

The Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT) rat, a nonobese type 2 diabetes model, develops severe diabetic retinopathy as result of chronic severe hyperglycemia. Although existing diabetes animal models also develop ocular complications, severe retinal lesions frequently observed in human diabetes patients such as preretinal neovascularization or retinal detachment are not found. Distinctive features in SDT rat are hypermature cataract, tractional retinal detachment with fibrous proliferation, and massive hemorrhaging in the anterior chamber. These pathophysiological changes are caused by sustained hyperglycemic condition and subsequent increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in retina, iris, and ciliary body. Although some differences in diabetic retinopathy exist between SDT rats and humans (e.g., a low incidence of neovascular formation and poor development of nonperfused area are found in this animal), SDT rat will be a useful model in studies of the pathogenesis and treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
CXCR2 Promotes Ovarian Cancer Growth through Dysregulated Cell Cycle, Diminished Apoptosis, and Enhanced Angiogenesis
Authors: Yang Gong , Rosen Daniel G. , Liu Guangzhi , Yang Fan , Guo Xiaoqing , Xiao Xue , Xue Fengxia , Mercado-Uribe Imelda , Huang Jiaoti , Lin Sue-Hwa , Mills Gordon B. , Liu Jinsong
Published: May 2010

Purpose: Chemokine receptor CXCR2 is associated with malignancy in several cancer models; however, the mechanisms involved in CXCR2-mediated tumor growth remain elusive. Here, we investigated the role of CXCR2 in human ovarian cancer.

Experimental Design: CXCR2 expression was silenced by stable small hairpin RNA in ovarian cancer cell lines T29Gro-1, T29H, and SKOV3. Western blotting, immunofluorescence, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and mouse assay were used to detect CXCR2, interleukin-8, Gro-1, cell cycle, apoptosis, DNA binding of NF-κB, and tumor growth. Immunohistochemical staining of CXCR2 was done in 240 high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma samples.

Results: Knockdown of CXCR2 expression by small hairpin RNA reduced tumorigenesis of ovarian cancer cells in nude mice. CXCR2 promoted cell cycle progression by modulating cell cycle regulatory proteins, including p21 (waf1/cip1), cyclin D1, CDK6, CDK4, cyclin A, and cyclin B1. CXCR2 inhibited cellular apoptosis by suppressing phosphorylated p53, Puma, and Bcl-xS; suppressing poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage; and activating Bcl-xL and Bcl-2. CXCR2 stimulated angiogenesis by increasing levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and decreasing levels of thrombospondin-1, a process likely involving mitogen-activated protein kinase, and NF-κB. Overexpression of CXCR2 in high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas was an independent prognostic factor of poor overall survival (P < 0.001) and of early relapse (P = 0.003) in the univariate analysis.

Conclusions: Our data provide strong evidence that CXCR2 regulates the cell cycle, apoptosis, and angiogenesis through multiple signaling pathways, including mitogen-activated protein kinase and NF-κB, in ovarian cancer. CXCR2 thus has potential as a therapeutic target and for use in ovarian cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Clin Cancer Res; 16(15); 3875–86. ©2010 AACR.
First Results of [11C]choline PET/CT-Guided Secondary Lymph Node Surgery in Patients with PSA Failure and Single Lymph Node Recurrence after Radical Retropubic Prostatectomy
Authors: Winter Alexander , Uphoff Jens , Henke Rolf-Peter , Wawroschek Friedhelm
Published: May 2010

Introduction: [11C]choline PET/CT provides the opportunity to detect small lymph node metastases (LNM) (>5 mm) in prostate cancer (PCa) with exact topographic allocation. PSA development after resection of single LN recurrence detected via [11C]choline PET/CT without adjuvant therapy is not yet analyzed. We wanted to evaluate the potential of [11C]choline PET/CT in the diagnosis of single LN recurrence after radical prostatectomy (RPE) and whether secondary resection can result in PSA remission. Methods: We investigated 6 patients with biochemical recurrence (PSA: median 2.04, range 0.67–4.51 ng/ml) after RPE. A single suspicious LN was detected on PET/CT without suspicion of local relapse or distant metastasis. The suspicious and nearby LN were open dissected (09/2004–02/2008). Histological and PET/CT findings were compared and the postoperative PSA development was examined. Results: All metastasis-suspicious LN could be confirmed histologically. The additionally removed 10 LN were all correctly negative for cancer. Three patients showed a complete permanent PSA remission (<0.01 (n = 2), <0.03 ng/ml (n = 1)) without adjuvant therapy (follow-up: median 24, range 21–35 months). Conclusions: In this small selected collective [11C]choline PET/CT achieved reliable results. After resection of single LNM in all patients the oncologic criteria of a remission were fulfilled. Three of 6 patients had a complete PSA remission without adjuvant therapy. Whether cure or a positive influence on the course of disease can be achieved in individual patients has to be shown in further studies.
Reliability of Two Clinical Scoring Systems for Dental Erosive Wear
Authors: Mulic A. , Tveit A.B. , Wang N.J. , Hove L.H. , Espelid I. , Skaare A.B.
Published: May 2010

The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare two dental erosive wear scoring systems, the Visual Erosion Dental Examination (VEDE) and Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE). Seventy-four tooth surfaces (photographs) and 562 surfaces (in participants) were scored by 5 (photographs) or 3 (in participants) clinicians using both scoring systems. The surfaces in the photographs were scored twice. The level of agreement was measured by weighted kappa (ĸw). Inter- and intraexaminer agreement showed small variations between the examiners for both systems when scoring the photographs. Slightly higher mean ĸw values were found for VEDE (ĸw = 0.77) compared with BEWE (ĸw = 0.69). When scoring the surfaces in the clinical examination the mean ĸw values for the two systems were equal (ĸw = 0.73). Interexaminer agreement using VEDE was calculated to see how differentiation between enamel and dentine lesions influenced the variability. The highest agreement was found for score 0 (sound, 86%) and score 3 (exposure of dentine, 67%), while the smallest agreement was shown for score 1 (initial loss of enamel, 30%) and score 2 (pronounced loss of enamel, 57%). The reliability of the two scoring systems proved acceptable for scoring the severity of dental erosive wear and for recording such lesions in prevalence studies. The greatest difficulties were found when scoring enamel lesions, especially initial lesions, while good agreement was observed when examining sound surfaces (score 0) and dentine lesions (score 3).
Congenital Immature Teratoma Mimicking Cushing’s Disease
Authors: Salunke Pravin , Bhansali Anil , Dutta Pinnaki , Bansal Arun , Gupta Kirti , Vasishta Rakesh K. , Singh Paramjeet , Mukherjee Kanchan K.
Published: May 2010

Cushing’s disease in a neonate is rare and has been reported secondary to pituitary macroadenoma. A case of Cushing’s syndrome due to congenital immature teratoma in the region of the pituitary has never been reported. We discuss a case of a neonate who presented with Cushing’s syndrome secondary to a congenital immature teratoma in sellar, suprasellar and parasellar regions with ectopic ACTH secretion, thereby mimicking Cushing’s disease. The management issues and prognosis of congenital teratomas and neonatal Cushing’s syndrome have been discussed. We describe the first case of intracranial ectopic ACTH secreting teratoma in a young infant. The prognosis is usually bad unless total excision is achieved. In the preoperative period and in case of subtotal excision, chemotherapy to take care of hypercortisolemia may be given.