bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolism of Tobacco Specific Carcinogens in Cultured Rat Buccal Mucosa Epithelial Cells
Authors: Autrup Judith Leisgaard , Autrup Herman
Published: July 2010

Abstract: The metabolism of tobacco carcinogens was studied in a potential target for their carcinogenic effects. Rat buccal mucosa cells metabolized several polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, e.g., benzo(a)pyrene, benz(b)‐ and benz(j)‐fluoranthene, dibenz(a,j)acridine, N,N‐diethylnitrosamine and protein pyrolysate products, 2‐amino‐3‐methylimidazo(4,5‐f)quinoline, and 2‐amino‐3,4‐dimethylimidazo(4,5‐f)quinoline, as measured by binding of the carcinogens to cellular DNA. The highest level of binding was seen with the nitrosamine followed by the protein pyrolysate products. There was no significant difference in the binding levels between the different polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Cells treated with a non‐cytotoxie dose of the non‐volatile condensate fraction of regular tobacco smoke increased metabolism as measured by binding to DNA of the protein pyrolysate products, whereas the pretreatment did not have any effect on the metabolism of benzo(a)pyrene, and N,N‐diethylnitrosamine. However, the profile of benzo(a)pyrene metabolites released into the media changed. The results indicate that rat buccal mucosa cells metabolize several classes of tobacco specific carcinogens, and that the metabolism is modified by continued exposure to tobacco smoke components.
Effects of Systemic Methyl Mercury‐Adulterated Water Consumption on Fast Axonal Transport in the Rat Visual System
Authors: Aschner Michael
Published: July 2010

Abstract: The present study was designed in an effort to determine whether changes in fast axonal transport in the mature rat visual system can be directly correlated with the onset of neurological dysfunction. Methyl mercury was administered in the drinking water at a concentration of 54 μgHg/ml. Fast axonal transport of proteins in the optic nerve and tract was quantified by scintillation spectrometry of protein‐bound radioactivity along the visual pathway after an intraocular injection of 3H‐proline. At 8 hours after injection the labeled protein had reached the lateral geniculate body both in controls and treated animals. However, two‐way analysis of variance revealed a significant decrease in the volume of transported protein‐bound radioactivity along the visual pathway. Thus, while the rate of fast axonal transport does not seem to be correlated with the onset of motor dysfunction, the onset of neurological symptoms may be associated with abnormal transport capacity. Treatment lowered body weight to the same extent in males and females. Hind limb cross‐over occured after 25.6 ± 0.8 days and was followed quickly by hind limb paralysis (32 ± 0.6 days). The cerebellum revealed pyknotic nuclei throughout the internal granular layer. Purkinje cells appeared normal. No pathological changes were noted in the kidneys.
Phenobarbital Enhances the Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Activity of Rat Hepatocytes in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Marselos Marios , Michalopoulos George
Published: July 2010

Abstract: Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) was measured in primary cultures of hepatocytes obtained with collagenase perfusion from livers of Long‐Evans rats. After seven days in culture, basal ALDH activity, protein content and DNA content are significantly decreased. Exposure of the cultures to phenobarbital (PB, 3 mM in the media) does not prevent the decrease of DNA content, although it keeps protein at relatively higher levels. The activity of ALDH is not only preserved, but also significantly enhanced, when propionaldehyde, phenylacetaldehyde, benzaldehyde and D‐glucuronolactone are used as substrates and NAD as the coenzyme. A relative increase of activity is also noted when ALDH is measured with benzaldehyde and NADP. Treatment of Long‐Evans animals with PB (1 mg/ml, in drinking water for 2 weeks) leads to similar relative increases of the ALDH activity. In absolute values, however, enzyme activities found after in vivo treatment with PB are higher, compared to those obtained after in vitro exposure. These results show that ALDH activity can be greatly enhanced by PB in primary hepatocyte cultures, free from any indirect endogenous influences.
The Effect of Intrarenal Nickel Subsulfide Injections upon the Activity of Selected Erythrocyte and Bone Marrow Enzymes in Rats
Authors: Miszta Helena , Dabrowski Zbigniew , Szygula Zbigniew , Spodaryk Krzysztof
Published: July 2010

Abstract: The experiments were carried out on Wistar rats. The animals were divided into five groups: Group 1: control group; Group 2: the animals received a single intrarenal dose of nickel subsulfide (Ni3S2) in saline; Group 3: the animals receiving a single intrarenal dose of saline; Group 4: the animals receiving a single intrarenal dose of Ag2S in saline; Group 5: the animals receiving a single intrarenal dose of activated charcoal in saline. Prior to the procedure peripheral blood indices were determined. The experiments included animals manifesting polycythemia. Samples of blood and bone marrow were collected and the activities of AchE, GR and G6PD were determined. An increase in the activity of the three studied enzymes was detected in Groups no. 2 and 5.
Pharmacological Treatment of Raynaud's Phenomenon with Special Reference to Calcium‐Entry Blockers.
Authors: Nilsson Hans
Published: July 2010

Abstract: The development of new vasoactive drugs has increased the possibilities to treat patients with digital vasospasm, known as Raynaud's phenomenon. The purpose of this paper is to give a review of recent clinical trials and also a short review of the pathophysiological reasons for each type of pharmacological treatment.
STUDY OF COBALT IN INDIAN CHILDHOOD CIRRHOSIS (ICC)
Authors: Sharda B. , Bhandari B.
Published: July 2010

Abstract Cobalt has been estimated in plasma, liver, urine, hair and nails in 10 ICC patients and equal number of controls by carbon rod atomization. Cobalt level in ICC and controls was: liver tissue 0.01–0.16 (0.09 + or − 0.03) and 0.02–0.13 (0.08 + or − 0.03) μg Co/g wet wt; hair 0.01–0.16 (0.09 + or − 0.03) and 0.01–0.21 (0.07 + or − 0.05) μg Co/g; nails 0.04–0.25 (0.12 + or − 0.06) and 0.06 — 0.36 (0.14 + or − 0.04) μg Co/g; plasma 0.1–0.8 (0.4 + or − 0.2) and 0.1–0.6 (0.3 + or − 0.1) μg Co/dl; urine 0.1–2.7 (1.7 + or − 0.4) and 0.4–2.5 (1.2 t or − 0.4) μg Co/24 h, respectively. There was no significant difference (p = NS) in cobalt level in plasma, urine, liver tissue, hair and nails between ICC patients and controls. Large dose of vitamin B12 has been recommended and prescribed at many centres for the treatment of ICC, has no therapeutic base since cyanocabalamine contain a central cobalt atom and cobalt level is unchanged in ICC.
TRACE ELEMENTS AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES
Authors: Anderson Richard A.
Published: July 2010

Abstract Evidence linking marginal intakes of the trace elements, chromium, copper, zinc and selenium, with abnormal lipid metabolism and ultimately cardiovascular diseases is accumulating from both animal and human studies. Chromium supplementation of normal adult men, as well as diabetics, has been reported to increase high density lipoprotein cholesterol and decrease triglycerides and total cholesterol. Subjects with the highest total cholesterol and triglycerides usually respond the most to supplemental chromium. Improvements in lipid metabolism, as well as those in glucose metabolism, appear to be related to improvements in insulin efficiency due likely to increased receptor number. Animal studies also indicate that improvements in serum cholesterol, aortic lipids and plaque formations due to supplemental chromium are associated with decreased circulating insulin. Insufficient dietary copper also leads to elevated lipid levels and impaired heart function. Animal studies indicate an obvious degradation of the heart muscles. Zinc appears to function in cardiovascular diseases primarily via its antagonism with copper. Selenium may also affect cardiovascular diseases since selenium is postulated to be involved in platelet aggregation. These data demonstrate that the trace elements, chromium, copper, and selenium, have beneficial effects on risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases suggesting that a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease may be achieved by adequate intake of trace elements.
MULTIELEMENTAL CARACTERIZATION OF HUMAN LUNG TISSUES BY ICP‐AES.
Authors: Martinsen Ivar , Thomassen Yngvar
Published: July 2010

Abstract Preliminary results on multielement analysis of human lung tissues with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP‐AES) are reported. Three different sample preparation procedures have been studied; dry ashing at 450 °C or low temperature ashing followed by pressure digestion with aqua regia and hydrofluoric acid or direct acid digestion with nitric‐, sulfuric‐ and perchloric acid.
Environmental cooling of the newborn pig brain during whole‐body cooling
Authors: Liu Xun , Chakkarapani Ela , Hoque Nicholas , Thoresen Marianne
Published: July 2010

Aim:  Therapeutic hypothermia after perinatal asphyxia decreases brain injury in newborns, whereas hyperthermia worsens the brain injury. We examined how different clinical practices influence regional brain temperatures during hypothermia.

Methods:  Six newborn pigs, which have comparable physiology and brain maturation to human term infants, were maintained at hypothermia (33.5°C) or normothermia with a servo‐controlled whole‐body cooling device that is in clinical use. Pigs were anesthetized and fully instrumented for cardiovascular and temperature (rectal and regional brain) monitoring. Changes in brain temperatures were measured during four different paradigms to mimic different clinical practices.

Results:  Inserting an insulating pillow between the head and the heated surface reduced cortex temperature by 1 or 2°C during normothermia (core temperature Tcore 37°C) or hypothermia, Tcore 33.5°C. Reducing ambient temperature from 28°C to 23°C reduced cortex temperature by 3.9 ± 1.9°C. Without a hat and overhead heater at normothermia, cortex and deep brain temperatures were reduced by 1.2 ± 0.8 and 0.7 ± 0.7°C, respectively. Direct overhead heating abolished the normal cortex to deep brain temperature gradient that was maintained if using a head shield.

Conclusion:  Brain temperature may differ from core temperature during therapeutic hypothermia influenced by different clinical practices.
Impact of gauze‐based NPWT on the patient and nursing experience in the treatment of challenging wounds
Authors: Hurd Theresa , Chadwick Paul , Cote Julien , Cockwill John , Mole Trevor R , Smith Jennifer M
Published: July 2010

Negative pressure wound therapy is widely used in the treatment of hard‐to‐heal wounds; however, pain during dressing changes, which is often associated with pain on the commencement and cessation of pressure application and because of in‐growth of new granulation tissue into interstices of foam dressings, is often experienced. Anecdotal reports have suggested that choice of gauze as the negative pressure wound therapy dressing may reduce the pain associated with dressing changes. A prospective, multi‐center, non‐comparative clinical investigation was carried out using gauze‐based negative pressure wound therapy in chronic and acute wounds. Over 152 patients were evaluated. Median duration of therapy was 18 days with 91% of patients progressing towards healing at the end of therapy. Wound pain and odour were significantly reduced (P < 0·001) over the course of therapy. Wound pain during dressing changes was reported to be absent in 80% of dressing removals. No damage to the wound bed following dressing removal was observed in 96% of dressing changes. Dressing applications were considered easy in 79% of assessments and took a median of 20 min to complete. In patients susceptible to pain, gauze‐based negative pressure therapy may be a viable option to maximise patient comfort.
Nitric Oxide‐dependent Pigment Migration Induced by Ultraviolet Radiation in Retinal Pigment Cells of the Crab Neohelice granulata
Authors: De Moraes Vaz Batista Filgueira Daza , Guterres Laís Pereira , De Souza Votto Ana Paula , Vargas Marcelo Alves , Boyle Robert Tew , Trindade Gilma Santos , Nery Luiz Eduardo Maia
Published: July 2010

The purpose of this study was to verify the occurrence of pigment dispersion in retinal pigment cells exposed to UVA and UVB radiation, and to investigate the possible participation of a nitric oxide (NO) pathway. Retinal pigment cells from Neohelice granulata were obtained by cellular dissociation. Cells were analyzed for 30 min in the dark (control) and then exposed to 1.1 and 3.3 J cm−2 UVA, 0.07 and 0.9 J cm−2 UVB, 20 nmβ‐PDH (pigment dispersing hormone) or 10 μm SIN‐1 (NO donor). Histological analyses were performed to verify the UV effect in vivo. Cultured cells were exposed to 250 μm L‐NAME (NO synthase blocker) and afterwards were treated with UVA, UVB or β‐PDH. The retinal cells in culture displayed significant pigment dispersion in response to UVA, UVB and β‐PDH. The same responses to UVA and UVB were observed in vivo. SIN‐1 did not induce pigment dispersion in the cell cultures. l‐NAME significantly decreased the pigment dispersion induced by UVA and UVB but not by β‐PDH. All retinal cells showed an immunopositive reaction against neuronal nitric oxide synthases. Therefore, UVA and UVB radiation are capable of inducing pigment dispersion in retinal pigment cells of Neohelice granulata and this dispersion may be nitric oxide synthase dependent.
Routine diagnostic procedures of myelodysplastic syndromes: value of a structural blood cell parameter (NEUT‐X) determined by the Sysmex XE‐2100TM
Authors: LE ROUX G. , VLAD A. , ECLACHE V. , MALANQUIN C. , COLLON J.‐F. , GANTIER M. , SCHILLINGER F. , PELTIER J.‐Y. , SAVIN B. , LETESTU R. , BARAN‐MARSZAK F. , FENAUX P. , AJCHENBAUM‐CYMBALISTA F.
Published: July 2010

Introduction:  Diagnostic features of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are often polymorphic and nonspecific including anemia in most cases. Standard parameters provided by an automated analyzer seldom bring any argument for this diagnosis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether some structural parameters, not routinely provided by SysmexTM XE 2100 analyzer, could help diagnose MDS in a simple way, adapted to routine practice.

Methods:  Blood samples from 184 MDS fully annotated cases and 3545 normal blood count controls were performed with XE 2100 SysmexTM analyzer. Quantitative and structural parameters were considered.

Results:  We found that the structural neutrophil parameter, NEUT‐X, converted into a semi‐quantitative parameter, the granularity index (GI), could be used as a flag for MDS in front of anemia. Negative GI and anemia were able to make otherwise unrecognized MDS stand out in routine practice, increasing the number of slides addressed to review from 67% to 96%, without leading to a large excess of unfounded slide review among non‐MDS.

Conclusion:  Including the GI index in the routine parameters provided by the Sysmex analyzer could be of major help for nonspecialized routine laboratories in detecting MDS.
Extremely High Brain Natriuretic Peptide Does Not Reflect the Severity of Heart Failure
Authors: Law Catherine , Glover Charles , Benson Kaaron , Guglin Maya
Published: July 2010

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is important in the diagnosis and management of heart failure (HF). Sometimes, very high BNP levels encountered in clinical settings seem to be out of proportion to the severity of HF. The authors retrospectively identified 113 patients with 129 admissions with a BNP value >3000 pg/mL regardless of diagnosis. The data set was analyzed using the Student t test and bivariate analysis. Fewer than half of patients were admitted for HF. In 14 patients (10.9%), no signs of HF were found. The BNP level of those with and without HF was similar. There was no difference in BNP level in patients with and without systolic dysfunction or renal dysfunction and between different age groups. Extreme values of BNP do not necessarily correlate with the presence of HF, cardiomyopathy, or kidney dysfunction. When the magnitude of BNP elevation is very high, its clinical significance is limited. Congest Heart Fail. 2010;16:221–225. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Low Temperature Solar Thermochemical Power Plant With CO2 Recovery Using Methanol-Fueled Chemical Looping Combustion
Authors: Hong Hui , Han Tao , Jin Hongguang
Published: July 2010

A novel solar-hybrid gas turbine combined cycle was proposed. The cycle integrates methanol-fueled chemical-looping combustion and solar thermal energy at around 200°C, and it was investigated with the aid of the energy-utilization diagram (EUD). Solar thermal energy, at approximately 150°C–300°C, is utilized to drive the reduction in Fe2O3 with methanol in the reduction reactor, and is converted into chemical energy associated with the solid fuel FeO. Then it is released as high-temperature thermal energy during the oxidation of FeO in the oxidation reactor to generate electricity through the combined cycle. As a result, the exergy efficiency of the proposed solar thermal cycle may reach 58.4% at a turbine inlet temperature of 1400°C, and the net solar-to-electric efficiency would be expected to be 22.3%. The promising results obtained here indicate that this solar-hybrid combined cycle not only offers a new approach for highly efficient use of middle-and-low temperature solar thermal energy to generate electricity, but also provides the possibility of simultaneously utilizing renewable energy and alternative fuel for CO2 capture with low energy penalty.
The Impacts of Climate Changes on the Renewable Energy Resources in the Caribbean Region
Authors: Angeles M. E. , González J. E. , Erickson D. J. , Hernández J. L.
Published: July 2010

Assessment of renewable energy resources such as surface solar radiation and wind current has great relevance in the development of local and regional energy policies. This paper examines the variability and availability of these resources as a function of possible climate changes for the Caribbean region. Global climate changes have been reported in the last decades, causing changes in the atmospheric dynamics, which affects the net solar radiation balance at the surface and the wind strength and direction. For this investigation, the future climate changes for the Caribbean are predicted using the parallel climate model (PCM) and it is coupled with the numerical model regional atmospheric modeling system (RAMS) to simulate the solar and wind energy spatial patterns changes for the specific case of the island of Puerto Rico. Numerical results from PCM indicate that the Caribbean basin from 2041 to 2055 will experience a slight decrease in the net surface solar radiation (with respect to the years 1996–2010), which is more pronounced in the western Caribbean sea. Results also indicate that the easterly winds have a tendency to increase in its magnitude, especially from the years 2070 to 2098. The regional model showed that important areas to collect solar energy are located in the eastern side of Puerto Rico, while the more intense wind speed is placed around the coast. A future climate change is expected in the Caribbean that will result in higher energy demands, but both renewable energy sources will have enough intensity to be used in the future as alternative energy resources to mitigate future climate changes.
Winds of Change on Titan
Authors: Lorenz Ralph D.
Published: July 2010

Periodic strong winds blowing opposite to the prevailing wind may explain the dune orientation on Titan.
An Atomic View of Quantum Phase Transitions
Authors: DeMarco Brian
Published: July 2010

The transformation of individual cold atoms between quantum phases has been imaged.
Reframing Science Standards
Authors: Alberts Bruce
Published: July 2010

A promising draft
Framework for Science Education
was recently posted by the U.S. National Academies for public comment (until 2 August) and review (see
www7.nationalacademies.org/bose
). Its goal is to define the science that all students should be taught from age 5 through precollege in the United States, building on lessons learned from the 1996 National Science Education Standards (NSES). Will this new effort, initiated to help produce a common core for science education across states,
*
be more successful than the last one?
A Human-Specific Deletion in Mouse
Cmah
Increases Disease Severity in the mdx Model of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Chandrasekharan Kumaran , Yoon Jung Hae , Xu Ying , deVries Sarah , Camboni Marybeth , Janssen Paulus M. L. , Varki Ajit , Martin Paul T.
Published: July 2010

A mouse model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy engineered to produce human-like glycosylation mimics the human disease better than existing models.
A Stem Cell Factory in the Making!
Authors: Ahmad Shama
Published: July 2010

Culturing muscle stem cells on bioengineered substrates that mimic the cells' in vivo niche improves their ability to replicate.
Depressed Brains Inflict Pain
Authors: Minzenberg Michael J.
Published: July 2010

A new study suggests that the pain experienced from migraines may result from cortical spreading depression.
Mapping the N-Terminal Residues of Epstein-Barr Virus gp42 That Bind gH/gL by Using Fluorescence Polarization and Cell-Based Fusion Assays
Authors: Liu Fengling , Marquardt Gaby , Kirschner Austin N. , Longnecker Richard , Jardetzky Theodore S.
Published: July 2010

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) requires at a minimum membrane-associated glycoproteins gB, gH, and gL for entry into host cells. B-cell entry additionally requires gp42, which binds to gH/gL and triggers viral entry into B cells. The presence of soluble gp42 inhibits membrane fusion with epithelial cells by forming a stable heterotrimer of gH/gL/gp42. The interaction of gp42 with gH/gL has been previously mapped to residues 36 to 81 at the N-terminal region of gp42. In this study, we further mapped this region to identify essential features for binding to gH/gL by use of synthetic peptides. Data from fluorescence polarization, cell-cell fusion, and viral infection assays demonstrated that 33 residues corresponding to 44 to 61 and 67 to 81 of gp42 were indispensable for maintaining low-nanomolar-concentration gH/gL binding affinity and inhibiting B-cell fusion and epithelial cell fusion as well as viral infection. Overall, specific, large hydrophobic side chain residues of gp42 appeared to provide critical interactions, determining the binding strength. Mutations of these residues also diminished the inhibition of B-cell and epithelial cell fusions as well as EBV infection. A linker region (residues 62 to 66) between two gH/gL binding regions served as an important spacer, but individual amino acids were not critical for gH/gL binding. Probing the binding site of gH/gL and gp42 with gp42 peptides is critical for a better understanding of the interaction of gH/gL with gp42 as well as for the design of novel entry inhibitors of EBV and related human herpesviruses.
Important Role for the Murid Herpesvirus 4 Ribonucleotide Reductase Large Subunit in Host Colonization via the Respiratory Tract
Authors: Gill Michael B. , May Janet S. , Colaco Susanna , Stevenson Philip G.
Published: July 2010

Viral enzymes that process small molecules provide potential chemotherapeutic targets. A key constraint—the replicative potential of spontaneous enzyme mutants—has been hard to define with human gammaherpesviruses because of their narrow species tropisms. Here, we disrupted the murid herpesvirus 4 (MuHV-4) ORF61, which encodes its ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) large subunit. Mutant viruses showed delayed
in vitro
lytic replication, failed to establish infection via the upper respiratory tract, and replicated to only a very limited extent in the lower respiratory tract without reaching lymphoid tissue. RNR could therefore provide a good target for gammaherpesvirus chemotherapy.
Papain-Like Protease 1 from Transmissible Gastroenteritis Virus: Crystal Structure and Enzymatic Activity toward Viral and Cellular Substrates
Authors: Wojdyla Justyna A. , Manolaridis Ioannis , van Kasteren Puck B. , Kikkert Marjolein , Snijder Eric J. , Gorbalenya Alexander E. , Tucker Paul A.
Published: July 2010

Coronaviruses encode two classes of cysteine proteases, which have narrow substrate specificities and either a chymotrypsin- or papain-like fold. These enzymes mediate the processing of the two precursor polyproteins of the viral replicase and are also thought to modulate host cell functions to facilitate infection. The papain-like protease 1 (PL1pro) domain is present in nonstructural protein 3 (nsp3) of alphacoronaviruses and subgroup 2a betacoronaviruses. It participates in the proteolytic processing of the N-terminal region of the replicase polyproteins in a manner that varies among different coronaviruses and remains poorly understood. Here we report the first structural and biochemical characterization of a purified coronavirus PL1prodomain, that of transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV). Its tertiary structure is compared with that of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus PL2pro, a downstream paralog that is conserved in the nsp3's of all coronaviruses. We identify both conserved and unique structural features likely controlling the interaction of PL1prowith cofactors and substrates, including the tentative mapping of substrate pocket residues. The purified recombinant TGEV PL1prowas shown to cleave a peptide mimicking the cognate nsp2|nsp3 cleavage site. Like its PL2proparalogs from several coronaviruses, TGEV PL1prowas also found to have deubiquitinating activity in anin vitrocleavage assay, implicating it in counteracting ubiquitin-regulated host cell pathways, likely including innate immune responses. In combination with the prior characterization of PL2profrom other alphacoronaviruses, e.g., human coronaviruses 229E and NL63, our results unequivocally establish that these viruses employ two PLpros with overlapping specificities toward both viral and cellular substrates.
A New Cistron in the Murine Hepatitis Virus Replicase Gene
Authors: Stokes Helen L. , Baliji Surendranath , Hui Chang Guo , Sawicki Stanley G. , Baker Susan C. , Siddell Stuart G.
Published: July 2010

We report an RNA-negative, temperature-sensitive (
ts
) mutant of
Murine hepatitis virus
, Bristol
ts
31 (MHV-Br
ts
31), that defines a new complementation group within the MHV replicase gene locus. MHV-Br
ts
31 has near-normal levels of RNA synthesis at the permissive temperature of 33°C but is unable to synthesize viral RNA when the infection is initiated and maintained at the nonpermissive temperature of 39.5°C. Sequence analysis of MHV-Br
ts
31 RNA indicated that a single G-to-A transition at codon 1307 in open reading frame 1a, which results in a replacement of methionine-475 with isoleucine in nonstructural protein 3 (nsp3), was responsible for the
ts
phenotype. This conclusion was confirmed using a vaccinia virus-based reverse genetics system to produce a recombinant virus, Bristol
ts
c31 (MHV-Br
ts
c31), which has the same RNA-negative
ts
phenotype and complementation profile as those of MHV-Br
ts
31. The analysis of protein synthesis in virus-infected cells showed that, at the nonpermissive temperature, MHV-B
rts
c31 was not able to proteolytically process either p150, the precursor polypeptide of the replicase nonstructural proteins nsp4 to nsp10, or the replicase polyprotein pp1ab to produce nsp12. The processing of replicase polyprotein pp1a in the region of nsp1 to nsp3 was not affected. Transmission electron microscopy showed that, compared to revertant virus, the number of double-membrane vesicles in MHV-Br
ts
31-infected cells is reduced at the nonpermissive temperature. These results identify a new cistron in the MHV replicase gene locus and show that nsp3 has an essential role in the assembly of a functional MHV replication-transcription complex.
Proteolytic Products of the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus nsp2 Replicase Protein
Authors: Han Jun , Rutherford Mark S. , Faaberg Kay S.
Published: July 2010

The nsp2 replicase protein of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) was recently demonstrated to be processed from its precursor by the PL2 protease at or near the G
1196
|G
1197
dipeptide in transfected CHO cells. Here the proteolytic cleavage of PRRSV nsp2 was further investigated in virally infected MARC-145 cells by using two recombinant PRRSVs expressing epitope-tagged nsp2. The data revealed that PRRSV nsp2 exists as different isoforms, termed nsp2a, nsp2b, nsp2c, nsp2d, nsp2e, and nsp2f, during PRRSV infection. Moreover, on the basis of deletion mutagenesis and antibody probing, these nsp2 species appeared to share the same N terminus but to differ in their C termini. The largest protein, nsp2a, corresponded to the nsp2 product identified in transfected CHO cells. nsp2b and nsp2c were processed within or near the transmembrane (TM) region, presumably at or near the conserved sites G
981
|G
982
and G
828
|G
829
|G
830
, respectively. The C termini for nsp2d, -e, and -f were mapped within the nsp2 middle hypervariable region, but no conserved cleavage sites could be definitively predicted. The larger nsp2 species emerged almost simultaneously in the early stage of PRRSV infection. Pulse-chase analysis revealed that all six nsp2 species were relatively stable and had low turnover rates. Deletion mutagenesis revealed that the smaller nsp2 species (e.g., nsp2d, nsp2e, and nsp2f) were not essential for viral replication in cell culture. Lastly, we identified a cellular chaperone, named heat shock 70-kDa protein 5 (HSPA5), that was strongly associated with nsp2, which may have important implications for PRRSV replication. Overall, these findings indicate that PRRSV nsp2 is increasingly emerging as a multifunctional protein and may have a profound impact on PRRSV replication and viral pathogenesis.
STUDY OF NΔ AND ΔΔ RESONANCE STATES IN CONSTITUENT QUARK MODELS
Authors: HUANG HONGXIA , PING JIALUN , PANG HOURONG , WANG FAN
Published: July 2010

To look for nonstrange dibaryon resonances, a systematic calculation of nucleon–nucleon scattering phase shifts of two interacting baryon clusters of quarks with explicit coupling to NΔ and ΔΔ states is done. Two phenomenological nonrelativistic quark models giving similar low-energy NN properties are found to give significantly different dibaryon resonance structures. In the chiral quark model, the dibaryon system does not resonate in the NNS waves. In the quark delocalization color screening model, the S wave NN resonances appear with nucleon size b = 0.6. There is a IJ = 12NΔ resonance state in the [Formula: see text] scattering phase shifts at 2168 MeV in this model. Both quark models give an IJ = 03 ΔΔ resonance, which is a promising candidate for the explanation of the ABC structure at ~ 2.36 GeV in the production cross section of the reaction pn → dππ by the CELSIUS-WASA collaboration. None of the quark models used has any bound NΔP states that might generate odd-parity resonances.
HAWKING BLACK BODY SPECTRUM OF GÖDEL BLACK HOLE FROM TUNNELING MECHANISM
Authors: REN JI-RONG , MAO PU-JIAN , LI RAN , ZHU TAO , JIA LIN-YU
Published: July 2010

We investigate the Hawking black body spectrum of the rotating charged Gödel black hole in five-dimensional minimal supergravity theory by using the tunneling mechanism. For this purpose, we consider both the scalar particles and fermions tunneling. Firstly, using the dimensional reduction techniques, we find that, near the horizon, both the scalar field and the fermionic field in the background of the rotating charged Gödel black hole can be treated as an infinite collection of quantum fields in two-dimensional background coupled with the dilaton field and the U(1) gauge field. Then, applying WKB approximation to the field equations of scalar field and fermionic field in the reduced two-dimensional background metric, we obtain the Hawking radiation spectrum of the Gödel black hole. It is shown that the radiation spectrum is consistent with a perfect black body spectrum in the Hawking temperature of the Gödel black hole.
FAST EMPIRICAL MODE DECOMPOSITIONS OF MULTIVARIATE DATA BASED ON ADAPTIVE SPLINE-WAVELETS AND A GENERALIZATION OF THE HILBERT–HUANG–TRANSFORMATION (HHT) TO ARBITRARY SPACE DIMENSIONS
Authors: PABEL ROLAND , KOCH ROBIN , JAGER GABRIELA , KUNOTH ANGELA
Published: July 2010

The Hilbert–Huang-Transform (HHT) has proven to be an appropriate multiscale analysis technique specifically for nonlinear and nonstationary time series on non-equidistant grids. It is empirically adapted to the data: first, an additive decomposition of the data (empirical mode decomposition, EMD) into certain multiscale components is computed, denoted as intrinsic mode functions. Second, to each of these components, the Hilbert transform is applied. The resulting Hilbert spectrum of the modes provides a localized time-frequency spectrum and instantaneous (time-dependent) frequencies.

For the first step, the empirical decomposition of the data, a different method based on local means has been developed by Chen et al. (2006). In this paper, we extend their method to multivariate data sets in arbitrary space dimensions. We place special emphasis on deriving a method which is numerically fast also in higher dimensions. Our method works in a coarse-to-fine fashion and is based on adaptive (tensor-product) spline-wavelets. We provide some numerical comparisons to a method based on linear finite elements and one based on thin-plate-splines to demonstrate the performance of our method, both with respect to the quality of the approximation as well as the numerical efficiency.

Second, for a generalization of the Hilbert transform to the multivariate case, we consider the Riesz transformation and an embedding into Clifford-algebra valued functions, from which instantaneous amplitudes, phases and orientations can be derived. We conclude with some numerical examples.
X-Ray Diffraction Microscopy
Authors: Thibault Pierre , Elser Veit
Published: July 2010

X-ray diffraction phenomena have been used for decades to study matter at the nanometer and subnanometer scales. X-ray diffraction microscopy uses the far-field scattering of coherent X-rays to form the 2D or 3D image of a scattering object in a way that resembles crystallography. In this review, we describe the main principles, benefits, and limitations of diffraction microscopy. After sampling some of the milestones of this young technique and its close variants, we conclude with a short assessment of the current state of the field.
Somatic ATP release from guinea pig sympathetic neurons does not require calcium-induced calcium release from internal stores
Authors: Merriam Laura A. , Locknar Sarah A. , Girard Beatrice M. , Parsons Rodney L.
Published: July 2010

Prior studies indicated that a Ca2+-dependent release of ATP can be initiated from the soma of sympathetic neurons dissociated from guinea pig stellate ganglia. Previous studies also indicated that Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) can modulate membrane excitability in these same neurons. As Ca2+ release from internal stores is thought to support somatodendritic transmitter release in other neurons, the present study investigated whether CICR is essential for somatic ATP release from dissociated sympathetic neurons. Caffeine increased intracellular Ca2+ and activated two inward currents: a slow inward current (SIC) in 85% of cells, and multiple faster inward currents [asynchronous transient inward currents (ASTICs)] in 40% of cells voltage-clamped to negative potentials. Caffeine evoked both currents when cells were bathed in a Ca2+-deficient solution, indicating that both were initiated by Ca2+ release from ryanodine-sensitive stores in the endoplasmic reticulum. Sodium influx contributed to generation of both SICs and ASTICs, but only ASTICs were inhibited by the presence of the P2X receptor blocker PPADs. Thus ASTICs, but not SICs, resulted from an ATP activation of P2X receptors. Ionomycin induced ASTICs in a Ca2+-containing solution, but not when it was applied in a Ca2+-deficient solution, demonstrating the key requirement for external Ca2+ in initiating ASTICs by ionomycin. Pretreatment with drugs to deplete the internal stores of Ca2+ did not block the ability of ionomycin or long depolarizing voltage steps to initiate ASTICs. Although a caffeine-induced release of Ca2+ from internal stores can elicit both SICs and ASTICs in dissociated sympathetic neurons, CICR is not required for the somatic release of ATP.
The probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum counteracts TNF-α-induced downregulation of SMCT1 expression and function
Authors: Borthakur Alip , Anbazhagan Arivarasu N. , Kumar Anoop , Raheja Geetu , Singh Varsha , Ramaswamy Krishnamurthy , Dudeja Pradeep K.
Published: July 2010

The major short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) butyrate is produced in the colonic lumen by bacterial fermentation of dietary fiber. Butyrate serves as primary fuel for the colonocytes and also ameliorates mucosal inflammation. Disturbed energy homeostasis seen in inflamed mucosa of inflammatory bowel disease patients has been attributed to impaired absorption of butyrate. Since sodium-coupled monocarboxylate transporter 1 (SMCT1, SLC5A8) has recently been shown to play a role in Na+-coupled transport of monocarboxylates, including SCFA, such as luminal butyrate, we examined the effects of proinflammatory TNF-α on SMCT1 expression and function and potential anti-inflammatory role of probiotic Lactobacillus species in counteracting the TNF-α effects. Rat intestinal epithelial cell (IEC)-6 or human intestinal Caco-2 cells were treated with TNF-α in the presence or absence of Lactobacilli culture supernatants (CS). TNF-α treatments for 24 h dose-dependently inhibited SMCT1-mediated, Na+-dependent butyrate uptake and SMCT1 mRNA expression in IEC-6 cells and SMCT1 promoter activity in Caco-2 cells. CS of L. plantarum (LP) stimulated Na+-dependent butyrate uptake (2.5-fold, P < 0.05), SMCT1 mRNA expression, and promoter activity. Furthermore, preincubating the cells with LP-CS followed by coincubation with TNF-α significantly attenuated the inhibitory effects of TNF-α on SMCT1 function, expression, and promoter activity. In vivo, oral administration of live LP enhanced SMCT1 mRNA expression in the colonic and ileal tissues of C57BL/6 mice after 24 h. Efficacy of LP or their secreted soluble factors to stimulate SMCT1 expression and function and to counteract the inhibitory effects of TNF-α on butyrate absorption could have potential therapeutic value.
Lack of Hypertonia in Thumb Muscles After Stroke
Authors: Towles Joseph D. , Kamper Derek G. , Rymer William Z.
Published: July 2010

Despite the importance of the thumb to hand function, little is known about the origins of thumb impairment poststroke. Accordingly, the primary purpose of this study was to assess whether thumb flexors have heightened stretch reflexes (SRs) following stroke-induced hand impairment. The secondary purpose was to compare SR characteristics of thumb flexors in relation to those of finger flexors since it is unclear whether SR properties of both muscle groups are similarly affected poststroke. Stretch reflexes in thumb and finger flexors were assessed at rest on the paretic side in each of 12 individuals with chronic, severe, stroke-induced hand impairment and in the dominant thumb in each of eight control subjects also at rest. Muscle activity and passive joint flexion torques were measured during imposed slow (SS) and fast stretches (FS) of the flexors that span the metacarpophalangeal joints. Putative spasticity was then quantified in terms of the peak difference between FS and SS joint torques and electromyographic changes. For both the hemiparetic and control groups, the mean normalized peak torque differences (PTDs) measured in thumb flexors were statistically indistinguishable ( P = 0.57). In both groups, flexor muscles were primarily unresponsive to rapid stretching. For 10 of 12 hemiparetic subjects, PTDs in thumb flexors were less than those in finger flexors ( P = 0.03). Paretic finger flexor muscle reflex activity was consistently elicited during rapid stretching. These results may reflect an important difference between thumb and finger flexors relating to properties of the involved muscle afferents and spinal motoneurons.
Mechanisms of Cross-Modal Plasticity in Early-Blind Subjects
Authors: Lewis Lindsay B. , Saenz Melissa , Fine Ione
Published: July 2010

A variety of studies have demonstrated enhanced blood oxygenation level dependent responses to auditory and tactile stimuli within occipital cortex as a result of early blindness. However, little is known about the organizational principles that drive this cross-modal plasticity. We compared BOLD responses to a wide variety of auditory and tactile tasks (vs. rest) in early-blind and sighted subjects. As expected, cross-modal responses were larger in blind than in sighted subjects in occipital cortex for all tasks (cross-modal plasticity). Within both blind and sighted subject groups, we found patterns of cross-modal activity that were remarkably similar across tasks: a large proportion of cross-modal responses within occipital cortex are neither task nor stimulus specific. We next examined the mechanisms underlying enhanced BOLD responses within early-blind subjects. We found that the enhancement of cross-modal responses due to early blindness was best described as an additive shift, suggesting that cross-modal plasticity within blind subjects does not originate from either a scaling or unmasking of cross-modal responsivities found in sighted subjects.
The Diagrammatic Soergel Category and sl(N)‐Foams, for N ≥ 4
Authors: Mackaay Marco , Vaz Pedro
Published: July 2010

For each N ≥ 4, we define a monoidal functor from Elias and Khovanov′s diagrammatic
version of Soergel′s category of bimodules to the category of sl(N) foams defined by Mackaay, Stošić, and Vaz. We show that through these functors Soergel′s category can be obtained
from the sl(N) foams.
CIIA Is a Novel Regulator of Detachment-Induced Cell Death
Authors: Kim Kwang Je , Yu Je-Wook , Hwang Hyun Sub , Choi Eui-Ju
Published: July 2010

Detachment-induced cell death, or anoikis, is a type of apoptosis that occurs when epithelial cells lose their attachment to the extracellular matrix. Anoikis serves as a physiologic barrier to metastasis. Deviation from the tightly regulated mechanism of detachment-induced cell death might result in progression to metastatic cancer. Here, we investigated the function of CIIA in the regulation of anoikis. CIIA protein was upregulated in colon cancer tissue samples. Knockdown of CIIA in metastatic colorectal carcinoma SW620 and KM12SM cells promoted detachment-induced cell death through the regulation of caspase activation. Knockdown of CIIA also inhibited anchorage-independent growth in soft agar and colony formation after suspension stress. These observations suggest that CIIA is a novel negative regulator of anoikis. Cancer Res; 70(15); 6352–8. ©2010 AACR.
Regular Daily Intake of Black Tea Improves Oxidative Stress Biomarkers and Decreases Serum C-Reactive Protein Levels in Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Neyestani Tirang R. , Shariatzade Nastaran , Kalayi Ali , Gharavi A’azam , Khalaji Niloufar , Dadkhah Monireh , Zowghi Telma , Haidari Homa , Shab-bidar Sakineh
Published: July 2010

Background: This study was undertaken to evaluate the possible effects of different daily doses of black tea intake on certain oxidative stress, inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Forty-six patients with known T2DM were randomly assigned either to the test (n = 23, 57.0 ± 7.9 years) or the control (n = 23, 55.4 ± 8.3 years) group. Following a one-week ‘run-in’ period, the test group received 150, 300, 450 and 600 ml of black tea extract (BTE) during the weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. The control group received 150 ml BTE a day throughout the intervention period. Dietary, anthropometric and biochemical assessments were performed at the end of each week. Findings: Serum total antioxidant capacity was enhanced similarly in both test and control groups. However, daily intake of 2 cups of BTE by the test group showed a suppressing effect on serum malondialdehyde. Serum C-reactive protein significantly decreased and glutathione levels increased following the intake of 4 cups (600 ml) of BTE a day. Conclusion: Regular intake of BTE had anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects in patients with T2DM. These findings may, to some extent, explain the mechanisms underlying the protective effects of drinking tea against cardiovascular disease.
Petrous Bone Cholesteatoma: Classification, Management and Review of the Literature
Authors: Sanna Mario , Pandya Yash , Mancini Fernando , Sequino Giuliano , Piccirillo Enrico
Published: July 2010

Objective: To discuss the classification of petrous bone cholesteatoma (PBC) and add a subclassification; to review the existing literature and to propose the ideal surgical management of PBC based upon the experience of the largest series published in the literature until now. Study Design: Retrospective analysis. Setting: Quaternary referral neuro-otologic private practice. Materials and Methods: The data of 129 patients who underwent surgery for PBC between 1979 and 2008 were analyzed with respect to the classification, type of the approach used, facial nerve lesion and its management, recurrences and outcome. Results: Out of the 129 PBC cases 64 were supralabyrinthine, 9 infralabyrinthine, 7 infralabyrinthine-apical, 48 massive and 1 apical. The facial nerve was involved in 95% of the cases. Hearing could not be preserved in 82% of the cases due to the extent of the lesions and the surgical approaches used. The internal carotid artery, jugular bulb and the lower cranial nerves were infrequently involved, but demanded careful identification and meticulous care to avoid complications. Obliteration of the cavities provided a safe solution for protection of the exposed dura and the vital neurovascular structures. Recurrences were observed in 5 cases. Conclusion: The classification of PBC is fundamental to choose the appropriate surgical approach; the facial nerve is involved in almost all the cases, radical removal takes priority over hearing preservation and cavity obliteration is important to protect the vital neurovascular structures which may be exposed.