bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extension of the Substrate Utilization Range of
Ralstonia eutropha
Strain H16 by Metabolic Engineering To Include Mannose and Glucose
Authors: Sichwart Shanna , Hetzler Stephan , Bröker Daniel , Steinbüchel Alexander
Published: December 2010

The Gram-negative facultative chemolithoautotrophic bacterium
Ralstonia eutropha
strain H16 is known for its narrow carbohydrate utilization range, which limits its use for biotechnological production of polyhydroxyalkanoates and possibly other products from renewable resources. To broaden its substrate utilization range, which is for carbohydrates and related compounds limited to fructose,
N
-acetylglucosamine, and gluconate, strain H16 was engineered to use mannose and glucose as sole carbon sources for growth. The genes for a facilitated diffusion protein (
glf
) from
Zymomonas mobilis
and for a glucokinase (
glk
), mannofructokinase (
mak
), and phosphomannose isomerase (
pmi
) from
Escherichia coli
were alone or in combination constitutively expressed in
R. eutropha
strain H16 under the control of the neokanamycin or
lac
promoter, respectively, using an episomal broad-host-range vector. Recombinant strains harboring pBBR1MCS-3::
glf
::
mak
::
pmi
or pBBR1MCS-3::
glf
::
pmi
grew on mannose, whereas pBBR1MCS-3::
glf
::
mak
and pBBR1MCS-3
::glf
did not confer the ability to utilize mannose as a carbon source to
R. eutropha
. The recombinant strain harboring pBBR1MCS-3::
glf
::
pmi
exhibited slower growth on mannose than the recombinant strain harboring pBBR1MCS-3::
glf
::
mak
::
pmi
. These data indicated that phosphomannose isomerase is required to convert mannose-6-phosphate into fructose-6-phosphate for subsequent catabolism via the Entner-Doudoroff pathway. In addition, all plasmids also conferred to
R. eutropha
the ability to grow in the presence of glucose. The best growth was observed with a recombinant
R. eutropha
strain harboring plasmid pBBR1MCS-2::P

nk

::
glk
::
glf
. In addition, expression of the respective enzymes was demonstrated at the transcriptional and protein levels and by measuring the activities of mannofructokinase (0.622 ± 0.063 U mg
−1
), phosphomannose isomerase (0.251 ± 0.017 U mg
−1
), and glucokinase (0.518 ± 0.040 U mg
−1
). Cells of recombinant strains of
R. eutropha
synthesized poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) to ca. 65 to 67% (wt/wt) of the cell dry mass in the presence of 1% (wt/vol) glucose or mannose as the sole carbon sources.
Influence of Molecular Resolution on Sequence-Based Discovery of Ecological Diversity among
Synechococcus
Populations in an Alkaline Siliceous Hot Spring Microbial Mat
Authors: Melendrez Melanie C. , Lange Rachel K. , Cohan Frederick M. , Ward David M.
Published: December 2010

Previous research has shown that sequences of 16S rRNA genes and 16S-23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer regions may not have enough genetic resolution to define all ecologically distinct
Synechococcus
populations (ecotypes) inhabiting alkaline, siliceous hot spring microbial mats. To achieve higher molecular resolution, we studied sequence variation in three protein-encoding loci sampled by PCR from 60°C and 65°C sites in the Mushroom Spring mat (Yellowstone National Park, WY). Sequences were analyzed using the ecotype simulation (ES) and AdaptML algorithms to identify putative ecotypes. Between 4 and 14 times more putative ecotypes were predicted from variation in protein-encoding locus sequences than from variation in 16S rRNA and 16S-23S rRNA internal transcribed spacer sequences. The number of putative ecotypes predicted depended on the number of sequences sampled and the molecular resolution of the locus. Chao estimates of diversity indicated that few rare ecotypes were missed. Many ecotypes hypothesized by sequence analyses were different in their habitat specificities, suggesting different adaptations to temperature or other parameters that vary along the flow channel.
Lateral Transfer of the Denitrification Pathway Genes among
Thermus thermophilus
Strains
Authors: Alvarez Laura , Bricio Carlos , José Gómez Manuel , Berenguer José
Published: December 2010

Nitrate respiration is a common and strain-specific property in
Thermus thermophilus
encoded by the nitrate respiration conjugative element (NCE) that can be laterally transferred by conjugation. In contrast, nitrite respiration and further denitrification steps are restricted to a few isolates of this species. These later steps of the denitrification pathway are under the regulatory control of an NCE-encoded transcription factor, but nothing is known about their coding sequences or its putative genetic linkage to the NCE. In this study we examine the genetic linkage between nitrate and nitrite respiration through lateral gene transfer (LGT) assays and describe a cluster of genes encoding the nitrite-nitric oxide respiration in
T. thermophilus
PRQ25. We show that the whole denitrification pathway can be transferred from the denitrificant strain PRQ25 to an aerobic strain, HB27, and that the genes coding for nitrite and nitric oxide respiration are encoded near the NCE. Sequence data from the draft genome of PRQ25 confirmed these results and allowed us to describe the most compact
nor-nir
cluster known thus far and to demonstrate the expression and activities of the encoded enzymes in the HB27 denitrificant derivatives obtained by LGT. We conclude that this NCE
nor-nir
supercluster constitutes a whole denitrification island that can be spread by lateral transfer among
Thermus thermophilus
strains.
Differential Regulation of the Cellulase Transcription Factors XYR1, ACE2, and ACE1 in Trichoderma reesei Strains Producing High and Low Levels of Cellulase
Authors: Portnoy Thomas , Margeot Antoine , Seidl-Seiboth Verena , Le Crom Stéphane , Ben Chaabane Fadhel , Linke Rita , Seiboth Bernhard , Kubicek Christian P.
Published: December 2010

Due to its capacity to produce large amounts of cellulases,
Trichoderma reesei
is increasingly being investigated for second-generation biofuel production from lignocellulosic biomass. The induction mechanisms of
T. reesei
cellulases have been described recently, but the regulation of the genes involved in their transcription has not been studied thoroughly. Here we report the regulation of expression of the two activator genes
xyr1
and
ace2
, and the corepressor gene
ace1
, during the induction of cellulase biosynthesis by the inducer lactose in
T. reesei
QM 9414, a strain producing low levels of cellulase (low producer). We show that all three genes are induced by lactose.
xyr1
was also induced by
d
-galactose, but this induction was independent of
d
-galactose metabolism. Moreover,
ace1
was carbon catabolite repressed, whereas full induction of
xyr1
and
ace2
in fact required CRE1. Significant differences in these regulatory patterns were observed in the high-producer strain RUT C30 and the hyperproducer strain
T. reesei
CL847. These observations suggest that a strongly elevated basal transcription level of
xyr1
and reduced upregulation of
ace1
by lactose may have been important for generating the hyperproducer strain and that thus, these genes are major control elements of cellulase production.
The Putative Hydrolase YycJ (WalJ) Affects the Coordination of Cell Division with DNA Replication inBacillus subtilisand May Play a Conserved Role in Cell Wall Metabolism
Authors: Biller Steven J. , Wayne Kyle J. , Winkler Malcolm E. , Burkholder William F.
Published: December 2010

Bacteria must accurately replicate and segregate their genetic information to ensure the production of viable daughter cells. The high fidelity of chromosome partitioning is achieved through mechanisms that coordinate cell division with DNA replication. We report that YycJ (WalJ), a predicted member of the metallo-β-lactamase superfamily found in most low-G+C Gram-positive bacteria, contributes to the fidelity of cell division inBacillus subtilis. B. subtilisΔwalJ(ΔwalJBsu) mutants divide over unsegregated chromosomes more frequently than wild-type cells, and this phenotype is exacerbated when DNA replication is inhibited. Two lines of evidence suggest that WalJBsuand its ortholog in the Gram-positive pathogenStreptococcus pneumoniae, WalJSpn(VicX), play a role in cell wall metabolism: (i) strains ofB. subtilisandS. pneumoniaelackingwalJexhibit increased sensitivity to a narrow spectrum of cephalosporin antibiotics, and (ii) reducing the expression of a two-component system that regulates genes involved in cell wall metabolism, WalRK (YycFG), renderswalJessential for growth inB. subtilis, as observed previously withS. pneumoniae. Together, these results suggest that the enzymatic activity of WalJ directly or indirectly affects cell wall metabolism and is required for accurate coordination of cell division with DNA replication.
Inerolysin, a Cholesterol-Dependent Cytolysin Produced by
Lactobacillus
iners
Authors: Rampersaud Ryan , Planet Paul J. , Randis Tara M. , Kulkarni Ritwij , Aguilar Jorge L. , Lehrer Robert I. , Ratner Adam J.
Published: December 2010

Lactobacillus
iners
is a common constituent of the human vaginal microbiota. This species was only recently characterized due to its fastidious growth requirements and has been hypothesized to play a role in the pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis. Here we present the identification and molecular characterization of a protein toxin produced by
L
.
iners
. The
L
.
iners
genome encodes an open reading frame with significant primary sequence similarity to intermedilysin (ILY; 69.2% similarity) and vaginolysin (VLY; 68.4% similarity), the cholesterol-dependent cytolysins from
Streptococcus
intermedius
and
Gardnerella
vaginalis
, respectively. Clinical isolates of
L
.
iners
produce this protein, inerolysin (INY), during growth
in
vitro
, as assessed by Western analysis. INY is a pore-forming toxin that is activated by reducing agents and inhibited by excess cholesterol. It is active across a pH range of 4.5 to 6.0 but is inactive at pH 7.4. At sublytic concentrations, INY activates p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and allows entry of fluorescent phalloidin into the cytoplasm of epithelial cells. Unlike VLY and ILY, which are human specific, INY is active against cells from a broad range of species. INY represents a new target for studies directed at understanding the role of
L
.
iners
in states of health and disease at the vaginal mucosal surface.
The Sensor Kinase CbrA Is a Global Regulator That Modulates Metabolism, Virulence, and Antibiotic Resistance in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Yeung Amy T. Y. , Bains Manjeet , Hancock Robert E. W.
Published: December 2010

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is an opportunistic pathogen that possesses a large arsenal of virulence factors enabling the pathogen to cause serious infections in immunocompromised patients, burn victims, and cystic fibrosis patients. CbrA is a sensor kinase that has previously been implied to play a role with its cognate response regulator CbrB in the metabolic regulation of carbon and nitrogen utilization in
P. aeruginosa
. Here it is demonstrated that CbrA and CbrB play an important role in various virulence and virulence-related processes of the bacteria, including swarming, biofilm formation, cytotoxicity, and antibiotic resistance. The
cbrA
deletion mutant was completely unable to swarm while exhibiting an increase in biofilm formation, supporting the inverse regulation of swarming and biofilm formation in
P. aeruginosa
. The
cbrA
mutant also exhibited increased cytotoxicity to human lung epithelial cells as early as 4 and 6 h postinfection. Furthermore, the
cbrA
mutant demonstrated increased resistance toward a variety of clinically important antibiotics, including polymyxin B, ciprofloxacin, and tobramycin. Microarray analysis revealed that under swarming conditions, CbrA regulated the expression of many genes, including
phoPQ
,
pmrAB
,
arnBCADTEF
,
dnaK
, and
pvdQ
, consistent with the antibiotic resistance and swarming impairment phenotypes of the
cbrA
mutant. Phenotypic and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analyses of a PA14
cbrB
mutant suggested that CbrA may be modulating swarming, biofilm formation, and cytotoxicity via CbrB and that the CrcZ small RNA is likely downstream of this two-component regulator. However, as CbrB did not have a resistance phenotype, CbrA likely modulates antibiotic resistance in a manner independent of CbrB.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Enhances Production of an Antimicrobial in Response to
N
-Acetylglucosamine and Peptidoglycan
Authors: Korgaonkar Aishwarya K. , Whiteley Marvin
Published: December 2010

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is an opportunistic pathogen often associated with chronic lung infections in individuals with the genetic disease cystic fibrosis (CF). Previous work from our laboratory revealed that five genes predicted to be important for catabolism of
N
-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) are induced during
in vitro
growth in CF lung secretions (sputum). Here, we demonstrate that these genes comprise an operon (referred to as the
nag
operon) and that NagE, a putative component of the GlcNAc phosphotransferase system, is required for growth on and uptake of GlcNAc. Using primer extension analysis, the promoter of the
nag
operon was mapped and shown to be inducible by GlcNAc and regulated by the transcriptional regulator NagR. Transcriptome analysis revealed that in addition to induction of the
nag
operon, several
P. aeruginosa
genes encoding factors critical for extracellular antimicrobial production are also induced by GlcNAc. Finally, we show that the GlcNAc-containing polymer peptidoglycan induces production of the antimicrobial pyocyanin. Based on this data, we propose a model in which
P. aeruginosa
senses surrounding bacteria by monitoring exogenous peptidoglycan and responds to this cue through enhanced production of an antimicrobial.
Identification of Two Feruloyl Esterases in
Dickeya dadantii
3937 and Induction of the Major Feruloyl Esterase and of Pectate Lyases by Ferulic Acid
Authors: Hassan Susan , Hugouvieux-Cotte-Pattat Nicole
Published: December 2010

The plant-pathogenic bacterium
Dickeya dadantii
(formerly
Erwinia chrysanthemi
) produces a large array of plant cell wall-degrading enzymes. Using an
in situ
detection test, we showed that it produces two feruloyl esterases, FaeD and FaeT. These enzymes cleave the ester link between ferulate and the pectic or xylan chains. FaeD and FaeT belong to the carbohydrate esterase family CE10, and they are the first two feruloyl esterases to be identified in this family. Cleavage of synthetic substrates revealed strong activation of FaeD and FaeT by ferulic acid. The gene
faeT
appeared to be weakly expressed, and its product, FaeT, is a cytoplasmic protein. In contrast, the gene
faeD
is strongly induced in the presence of ferulic acid, and FaeD is an extracellular protein secreted by the Out system, responsible for pectinase secretion. The product of the adjacent gene
faeR
is involved in the positive control of
faeD
in response to ferulic acid. Moreover, ferulic acid acts in synergy with polygalacturonate to induce pectate lyases, the main virulence determinant of soft rot disease. Feruloyl esterases dissociate internal cross-links in the polysaccharide network of the plant cell wall, suppress the polysaccharide esterifications, and liberate ferulic acid, which contributes to the induction of pectate lyases. Together, these effects of feruloyl esterases could facilitate soft rot disease caused by pectinolytic bacteria.
Integrated cone-beam CT and fluoroscopic navigation in treatment of head and neck vascular malformations and tumors
Authors: Nesbit Gary M , Nesbit Eric G , Hamilton Bronwyn E
Published: December 2010

Background and aim

Accurate direct puncture access to vascular malformations and tumors of the head and neck is critical to successful embolization treatment and avoidance of complications. The primary focus of this project was to evaluate the accuracy and ease of needle placement using integrated 3D cone-beam CT and fluoroscopic guidance in accessing head and neck vascular malformations and tumors, and to determine its contribution to lesion treatment.

Methods

A total of 27 patients, 14 female and 13 male, aged 4–63 years, were included in this study. The lesions included 11 venous malformations, 5 arteriovenous malformations, 5 juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibromas, 2 lymphovenous malformations, 1 lymphatic malformation, 1 capillary malformation, 1 nasal cavity leiomyoma, and 1 dural arteriovenous fistula. A total of 65 needle placements in 33 procedures were performed using an integrated 3D cone-beam CT and fluoroscopic guidance system.

Results

Targeting was successful with a single pass in 62 of 65 planned needle placements to a superficial location in 24, the hypopharynx, retro-pharyngeal, pyriform sinus, or paratracheal spaces in 21, the sphenoid sinus and upper nasal cavity via trans-nasal approach in 5, intra-orbital in 5, intra-laryngeal in 4, pterygo-palatine fossa in 4, external auditory canal in 1, and intracranial via a juxta-torcular burr hole in 1. Needle placement was within 2 mm of the planned target in 11 locations in the 8 patients where post needle-placement cone-beam CT was obtained.

Conclusion

This integrated 3D cone-beam CT and fluoroscopic guidance allowed access to deep, difficult to access, locations with ease using a single needle pass in most cases, resulting in improved treatment with decreased procedure times.
Transvenous embosurgery of a left sigmoid sinus dural arteriovenous fistula via a retrograde approach from the superior ophthalmic vein, cavernous and inferior petrosal sinuses
Authors: Patel D V , Rangaswamy R , Lesley W S , Hester J L , McDonald D K , Tsai J H
Published: December 2010

The efficacy and safety of transvenous embosurgery for sigmoid sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) using the internal jugular vein approach is well known. Embosurgery of cavernous sinus DAVF has also been described utilizing a superior ophthalmic vein approach. The first report of a sigmoid sinus DAVF endosurgical repair via a superior ophthalmic vein approach in a patient without internal jugular vein access is presented.
Development of the Neurological Institute: a strategic, improvement, and systems approach
Authors: Tinsley Nancy , McCartney Leigh Ann , Hdeib Alia , Selman Warren R
Published: December 2010

The Neurological Institute at University Hospitals Case Medical Center is designed to be responsive to the ever-changing healthcare environment, aligning clinical services and goals in response to internal and external pressures for change. These goals are many, including the further development of system integration across disciplines and geographic locations, creation of a regional strategy, and research as well as education strategies that are aligned with clinical services, patient outcomes that demonstrate improved health status management, and improved financial strength. There are many details to the development of a strategic business unit such as the Neurological Institute, but this article focuses on the high-level strategies of developing the Neurological Institute and takes a closer look at the growth of one of its 16 centers of excellence.
Mthfrdeficiency induces endothelial progenitor cell senescence via uncoupling of eNOS and downregulation of SIRT1
Authors: Lemarié Catherine A. , Shbat Layla , Marchesi Chiara , Angulo Orlando J. , Deschênes Marie-Eve , Blostein Mark D. , Paradis Pierre , Schiffrin Ernesto L.
Published: December 2010

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) has been shown to induce endothelial dysfunction in part as a result of enhanced oxidative stress. Function and survival of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs, defined as sca1+c-kit+flk-1+bone marrow-derived cells), which significantly contribute to neovascularization and endothelial regeneration, depend on controlled production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Mice heterozygous for the gene deletion of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase ( Mthfr+/−) have a 1.5- to 2-fold elevation in plasma homocysteine. This mild HHcy significantly reduced the number of circulating EPCs as well as their differentiation. Mthfr deficiency was also associated with increased ROS production and reduced nitric oxide (NO) generation in Mthfr+/−EPCs. Treatment of EPCs with sepiapterin, a precursor of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), a cofactor of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), significantly reduced ROS and improved NO production. mRNA and protein expression of eNOS and the relative amount of eNOS dimer compared with monomer were decreased by Mthfr deficiency. Impaired differentiation of EPCs induced by Mthfr deficiency correlated with increased senescence, decreased telomere length, and reduced expression of SIRT1. Addition of sepiapterin maintained cell senescence and SIRT1 expression at levels comparable to the wild type. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Mthfr deficiency impairs EPC formation and increases EPC senescence by eNOS uncoupling and downregulation of SIRT1.
The role of mitosis in LDL transport through cultured endothelial cell monolayers
Authors: Cancel Limary M. , Tarbell John M.
Published: December 2010

We ( 7 ) have previously shown that leaky junctions associated with dying or dividing cells are the dominant pathway for LDL transport under convective conditions, accounting for >90% of the transport. We ( 8 ) have also recently shown that the permeability of bovine aortic endothelial cell monolayers is highly correlated with their rate of apoptosis and that inhibiting apoptosis lowers the permeability of the monolayers to LDL. To explore the role of mitosis in the leaky junction pathway, the microtubule-stabilizing agent paclitaxel was used to alter the rate of mitosis, and LDL flux and water flux ( Jv) were measured. Control monolayers had an average mitosis rate of 0.029%. Treatment with paclitaxel (2.5 μM) for 1.5, 3, 4.5, or 6 h yielded increasing rates of mitosis ranging from 0.099% to 1.03%. The convective permeability of LDL (Pe) increased up to fivefold, whereas Jvincreased up to threefold, over this range of mitosis rates. We found strong correlations between the mitosis rate and both Peand Jv. However, compared with our previous apoptosis study ( 8 ), we found that mitosis was only half as effective as apoptosis in increasing Pe. The results led us to conclude that while mitotsis-related leaky junctions might play a role in the initial infiltration of LDL into the artery wall, the progression of atherosclerosis might be more closely correlated with apoptosis-related leaky junctions.
Platelets enhance neutrophil transendothelial migration via P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1
Authors: Lam Fong W. , Burns Alan R. , Smith C. Wayne , Rumbaut Rolando E.
Published: December 2010

Platelets are increasingly recognized as important for inflammation in addition to thrombosis. Platelets promote the adhesion of neutrophils [polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs)] to the endothelium; P-selectin and P-selectin glycoprotein ligand (PSGL)-1 have been suggested to participate in these interactions. Whether platelets also promote PMN transmigration across the endothelium is less clear. We tested the hypothesis that platelets enhance PMN transmigration across the inflamed endothelium and that PSGL-1 is involved. We studied the effects of platelets on PMN transmigration in vivo and in vitro using a well-characterized corneal injury model in C57BL/6 mice and IL-1β-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) under static and dynamic conditions. In vivo, platelet depletion altered PMN emigration from limbal microvessels after injury, with decreased emigration 6 and 12 h after injury. Both PSGL-1−/−and P-selectin−/−mice, but not Mac-1−/−mice, also had reduced PMN emigration at 12 h after injury relative to wild-type control mice. In the in vitro HUVEC model, platelets enhanced PMN transendothelial migration under static and dynamic conditions independent of firm adhesion. Anti-PSGL-1 antibodies markedly inhibited platelet-PMN aggregates, as assessed by flow cytometry, and attenuated the effect of platelets on PMN transmigration under static conditions without affecting firm adhesion. These data support the notion that platelets enhance neutrophil transmigration across the inflamed endothelium both in vivo and in vitro, via a PSGL-1-dependent mechanism.
Exercise training normalizes impaired NOS-dependent responses of cerebral arterioles in type 1 diabetic rats
Authors: Mayhan William G. , Arrick Denise M. , Patel Kaushik P. , Sun Hong
Published: December 2010

Our goal was to examine whether exercise training (ExT) could normalize impaired nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-dependent dilation of cerebral (pial) arterioles during type 1 diabetes (T1D). We measured the in vivo diameter of pial arterioles in sedentary and exercised nondiabetic and diabetic rats in response to an endothelial NOS (eNOS)-dependent (ADP), an neuronal NOS (nNOS)-dependent [ N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)], and a NOS-independent (nitroglycerin) agonist. In addition, we measured superoxide anion levels in brain tissue under basal conditions in sedentary and exercised nondiabetic and diabetic rats. Furthermore, we used Western blot analysis to determine eNOS and nNOS protein levels in cerebral vessels/brain tissue in sedentary and exercised nondiabetic and diabetic rats. We found that ADP and NMDA produced a dilation of pial arterioles that was similar in sedentary and exercised nondiabetic rats. In contrast, ADP and NMDA produced only minimal vasodilation in sedentary diabetic rats. ExT restored impaired ADP- and NMDA-induced vasodilation observed in diabetic rats to that observed in nondiabetics. Nitroglycerin produced a dilation of pial arterioles that was similar in sedentary and exercised nondiabetic and diabetic rats. Superoxide levels in cortex tissue were similar in sedentary and exercised nondiabetic rats, were increased in sedentary diabetic rats, and were normalized by ExT in diabetic rats. Finally, we found that eNOS protein was increased in diabetic rats and further increased by ExT and that nNOS protein was not influenced by T1D but was increased by ExT. We conclude that ExT can alleviate impaired eNOS- and nNOS-dependent responses of pial arterioles during T1D.
Airway administration of dexamethasone, 3′-5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate, and isobutylmethylxanthine facilitates compensatory lung growth in adult mice
Authors: Takahashi Yusuke , Izumi Yotaro , Kohno Mitsutomo , Kawamura Masafumi , Ikeda Eiji , Nomori Hiroaki
Published: December 2010

The combination of dexamethasone, 8-bromo-3′-5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate, and isobutylmethylxanthine, referred to as DCI, has been reported to optimally induce cell differentiation in fetal lung explants and type II epithelial cells. DCI administration is also known to modulate the expression levels of many genes known to be involved in the facilitation of lung growth. Recently, we found that RNA silencing of thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1) delayed compensatory lung growth. DCI is also known to induce TTF-1 expression in pulmonary epithelial cells. From these findings, we hypothesized that DCI administration may facilitate compensatory lung growth. In the present study, using a postpneumonectomy lung growth model in 9-wk-old male mice, we found that compensatory lung growth was significantly facilitated by airway administration of DCI immediately following left pneumonectomy, as indicated by the increase in the residual right lung dry weight index. TTF-1 expression was significantly elevated by DCI administration, and transient knockdown of TTF-1 attenuated the facilitation of compensatory lung growth by DCI. These results suggested that DCI facilitated compensatory lung growth, at least in part, through the induction of TTF-1. Morphological analyses suggested that DCI administration increased the number of alveoli, made each of them smaller, and produced a net increase in the calculated surface area of the alveoli per volume of lung. The effect of a single administration was maintained during the observation period, which was 28 days. DCI with further modifications may provide the material to potentially augment residual lung function after resection.
Presidential and Vice Presidential Debates in 2008: A Profile of Audience Composition
Authors: Kenski Kate , Hall Jamieson Kathleen
Published: December 2010

In this study, the authors examine the composition of the audiences for the presidential and vice presidential debates in 2008. Results from the 2008 National Annenberg Election Survey show that the size of the vice presidential debate-viewing audience in 2008 exceeded the sizes of the presidential debate-viewing audiences, which is atypical from prior campaign seasons. The same general demographic and political characteristics that have driven political debate viewing in the past were operative during the 2008 presidential and vice presidential debate season, with debate viewing by Blacks being a notable exception. Contrary to our predictions, females were not more likely than males to watch the vice presidential debate. Debate watching was significantly associated with the favorability ratings of the candidates on the Democratic ticket, but it was not associated with the ratings of the Republican nominees.
Time Will Tell? Temporality and the Analysis of Causal Mechanisms and Processes
Authors: Grzymala-Busse Anna
Published: December 2010

Causal inference and the logic of historical explanation are grounded in temporality. Yet the relationship between causal analysis and aspects of temporality, such as duration, tempo, acceleration, and timing, is often less clear. Using examples from analyses of institutional change and postcommunist regime transitions, the author argues that aspects of temporality allow us to predict which causal mechanisms can unfold and to differentiate causal sequences. Explicitly specifying the role of temporality can thus improve scholars’ understanding of political mechanisms, sequences, and the processes they constitute.
The Residents’ Benefits and Concerns Before and After a New Rail Stop
Authors: Brown Barbara B. , Werner Carol M.
Published: December 2010

Transit-oriented developments are touted as providing a variety of social benefits, but personal benefits to residents are underresearched. The authors surveyed 51 residents before and after a new light rail stop was constructed in their revitalizing Salt Lake City neighborhood. Residents anticipated and then later experienced increased housing and neighborhood economic values, enhanced sense of community, and improved neighborhood reputation. Residents experienced greater than anticipated pedestrian and child safety after rail service started. Compared with resident perceptions of walkable neighborhoods elsewhere, the Salt Lake residents perceived their neighborhood to be denser, and offering less land-use diversity and more crime safety problems. Perceived walkability increased, with residents reporting greater land-use diversity and neighborhood satisfaction after rail stop completion. However, residents said more stores, parks and trails, and trees would improve walkability. These results show the personal benefits residents desire to make transit-oriented living a satisfying residential alternative.
Beyond righting the wrong: Supervisor-subordinate reconciliation after an injustice
Authors: Andiappan Meena , Treviño Linda K
Published: December 2010

We propose a future-oriented model that focuses on the reconciliation of the supervisor—subordinate relationship after a workplace injustice. First, we propose factors associated with the victim’s sensemaking process that influence the need for relationship reconciliation efforts: the seriousness of the violation, blame attribution, and equity sensitivity. We address the moderating effects of relationship characteristics, such as the existing trust reservoir and level of interdependence. Next, we propose that relationship outcomes will be influenced by characteristics of the relationship repair effort. Lastly, we examine the outcomes of successful reconciliation: forgiveness and restored trust and the moderating effects of victim characteristics.
Connecting religion and work: Patterns and influences of work-faith integration
Authors: Lynn Monty L , Naughton Michael J , VanderVeen Steve
Published: December 2010

Religiosity can significantly impact human behavior yet little is known about how religious belief and practice integrate with work. Using the Faith at Work Scale, we surveyed Christian workers in the United States ( n = 374) and found that work-faith integration was positively associated with faith maturity, church attendance, age and denominational strictness, and negatively associated with organizational size. Denominational groups varied in their degree of integration but displayed similar patterns across dimensions of integration. Work-faith integration was manifest most strongly in integration related to the self, and somewhat less so in areas related to others and in transcendent aspects of work. Respondents attributed spiritual disciplines and workplace mentors as salient influences of work-faith integration. Implications for workplace spirituality scholarship and management are explored.
Pit sense: Appropriation of practice-based knowledge in a UK coalmine
Authors: Kamoche Ken , Maguire Kevin
Published: December 2010

Pit sense is a form of knowledge constituted by tunnellers as a way to navigate and assess risk. We discuss how this form of tacit knowledge that was situated in everyday practices came under threat when management introduced more bureaucratic procedures rationalized on the basis of commercial outcomes and health and safety. Yet, while managers were prone to vilify pit sense even though they had grown up with it earlier in their career, they were prepared to turn a blind eye to it as long as it delivered ‘yardage’. We examine the implications of this managerial ambivalence towards pit sense, and demonstrate how, rather than seeking to codify tacit knowledge in order to ensure its diffusion as the literature proposes, the bureaucratization of procedures and work practices not only challenged the legitimacy of pit sense, but also cast pit sense and formalized procedures into an uneasy alliance.
The role of nucleus accumbens shell GABA receptors on ventral tegmental area intracranial self-stimulation and a potential role for the 5-HT2Creceptor
Authors: Hayes Dave J , Hoang John , Greenshaw Andrew J
Published: December 2010

Brain γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)2Creceptors are implicated in the neuronal regulation of reward- and aversion-related behaviour. Within the mesocorticolimbic pathways of the brain, relationships between GABA containing neurons and 5-HT2Creceptor activity may be important in this context. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the role of NAc shell GABA receptors on ventral tegmental area intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) and to examine the systemic effects of GABAergic ligands in this context. The second aim was to investigate the relationship between GABA receptor- and 5-HT2Creceptor-related ICSS behaviour, using systemic administration of the selective agonist WAY 161503. Locomotor activity was assessed to compare the potential motor effects of drugs; feeding behaviour and intra-NAc injections of amphetamine (1.0 µg/side) were used as positive controls. When administered systemically the GABAAreceptor agonist muscimol and antagonist picrotoxin did not selectively change ICSS reward thresholds, although the 5-HT2Creceptor agonist WAY 161503 (1.0 mg/kg) decreased reward measures. Intra-NAc shell administration of muscimol (225 ng/side) and picrotoxin (125 ng/side), respectively, decreased and increased measures of reward. Intra-NAc shell baclofen (0-225 ng/side; GABABreceptor agonist) did not affect any ICSS measures although it increased feeding. Combining picrotoxin and WAY 161503 attenuated the effects of each. These results suggest that a 5-HT2Cand GABAAreceptor-mediated neuronal relationship in the NAc shell may be relevant for the regulation of brain reward pathways.
Metformin for obesity and glucose dysregulation in patients with schizophrenia receiving antipsychotic drugs
Authors: Hasnain Mehrul , Fredrickson Sonja K , Vieweg W Victor R
Published: December 2010

Antipsychotic drug-induced weight gain and glucose dysregulation add to the cardiovascular risk of patients with schizophrenia and contribute to their early mortality. The currently recommended interventions to address the metabolic complications of antipsychotic drug treatment are to switch the patient from an antipsychotic drug with high metabolic liability to one with a lower liability and to implement lifestyle changes. These interventions can be quite challenging to carry out. So far the progress in improving the metabolic and cardiovascular outcome of patients with major mental illness has been disappointing. We offer an overview of the literature on metformin for antipsychotic drug-induced weight gain and glucose dysregulation and pertinent literature from the Diabetes Prevention Program. We conclude that young adults with schizophrenia newly exposed to antipsychotic drugs, who show a pattern of rapid weight gain and/or glucose dysregulation, are prime candidates for metformin if switching the antipsychotic medication to one with a lower metabolic burden is not an option or does not curtail the weight gain and/or adverse metabolic effects. Metformin therapy should not preclude healthy lifestyle interventions.
Nicotine reverses anhedonic-like response and cognitive impairment in the rat chronic mild stress model of depression: comparison with sertraline
Authors: Andreasen Jesper T , Henningsen Kim , Bate Simon , Christiansen Sofie , Wiborg Ove
Published: December 2010

Smoking rates among depressed individuals are higher than is observed in the background population, and nicotine alleviates depressive symptoms. In rodents, nicotine shows antidepressant-like effects in the forced swim and learned helplessness paradigms. Clinical depression is associated with both anhedonia and cognitive impairments. In rats, chronic mild stress (CMS) decreases voluntary sucrose intake, reflecting an anhedonic-like state, and impairs performance in the spontaneous alternation behaviour (SAB) test, suggesting impaired cognitive function. Here, we examine the effect of chronic treatment of nicotine (0.4 mg/kg/day) and sertraline (5 mg/kg/day) on CMS-induced anhedonic-like behaviour and impairment in the SAB test. Nicotine and sertraline administered individually or in combination show significant and equally efficacious reversal of the CMS-induced decrease in sucrose intake, implying there is no additive or synergistic effect of the nicotine + sertraline combination. In the SAB test, nicotine, but not sertraline or nicotine + sertraline, reversed the CMS-induced impairment. The present results show that the effect of nicotine on a CMS-induced anhedonic-like state in rats is similar to that of a standard antidepressant drug. Moreover, the data suggest that nicotine alleviates CMS-induced cognitive disturbance. A treatment strategy involving the targeting of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors may prove beneficial for emotional and cognitive disturbances associated with depression.
Blue-Collar Public Servants
Authors: Davis Randall S.
Published: December 2010

This study examines whether the norms and values of labor unions contradict public service motivation (PSM). Using Perry and Wise’s conceptualization of (PSM) this article tests four hypotheses by analyzing both quantitative data drawn from the employees of a large metropolitan city and qualitative data drawn from semistructured interviews conducted in two large Midwestern cities. I expect that as employees become socialized into union membership, they will increasingly identify with rational, affective, and normative union motives. The quantitative findings suggest that union socialization is associated with lower compassion, higher self-sacrifice, and greater commitment to the public interest. Union socialization is unrelated to attraction to policy making. This study supports the hypotheses that unions shape members’ motives through the socialization process. I rebut the argument that public sector union members are solely self-interested, but the findings suggest that union socialization can undermine one’s feelings of compassion.
Cutaneous Sarcoids in Captive African Lions Associated With Feline Sarcoid-Associated Papillomavirus Infection
Authors: Orbell G. M. B. , Young S. , Munday J. S.
Published: December 2010

Solitary and multiple cutaneous and mucocutaneous masses were identified in 5 of 24 captive African lions ( Panthera leo) over a 6-month-period. All masses were surgically excised, and all were histologically similar to equine and feline sarcoids. DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue. Polymerase chain reaction amplified DNA sequences that had been previously detected in feline sarcoids and clinically normal bovine skin. All lions had been fed a diet that included bovine carcasses that had not been skinned. Since the cessation of feeding bovine carcasses with cutaneous lesions, no additional skin lesions have been observed within any of the lions. Herein is described the clinical, gross, and histopathological findings of sarcoids in 5 captive lions. As the causative papillomavirus most likely has a bovine definitive host, it is hypothesized that the lions were exposed to the virus by feeding on bovine carcasses with skin still attached.
A multi-institution exploration of secondary socialization and occupational identity among undergraduate music majors
Authors: Austin James R. , Isbell Daniel S. , Russell Joshua A.
Published: December 2010

Researchers are increasingly interested in the psychological and sociological processes by which college students develop competence and confidence as musicians. We surveyed 454 undergraduate music majors enrolled in one of three NASM-accredited music schools in the US. Participants completed a questionnaire that addressed beliefs about influential people and experiences, occupational roles within music, and music career commitment. Studio teachers were viewed as the strongest musician and teacher role models, studio teachers and parents had the most positive influence on pursuit of a music degree, and most performance-related activities were considered extremely important. People and experiences merged to exert influence through multiple contexts (both within and outside the music school environment), and occupational identity was multi-dimensional in nature (corresponding to different musical roles/occupations). Social influences, as well as teacher and musician identity, contributed to music career commitment prediction. We found evidence of some institutional differences and strong degree program effects, implying that decisions about which music school to attend and degree program(s) to pursue may have important consequences for socialization and occupational identity construction. We concluded that the presence of diverse but mutually supportive socialization structures may facilitate the integration of music, teacher and scholar identities among undergraduate music majors.
One-Dimensional-Time Study of the Dehydration of Plasterboards Under Standard Fire Condition (ISO 834): Thermo-Chemical Analysis
Authors: Mélinge Y. , Lanos C. , Nguyen K.S. , Daiguebonne C. , Guillou O. , Freslon S.
Published: December 2010

Gypsum materials are often used as a technical solution for passive fire protection in many civil engineering applications. In this study, the dehydration of plasterboard with large thickness, 40 mm, is studied using a one-dimensional (along the thickness) and time methodology analysis. Such materials are subjected on one side to a standard fire curve (ISO 834). The imposed heat transfer directly to the exposed face of the board induces combined actions due to the gypsum dehydration. The thermal barrier efficiency evolves significantly versus time. The local measurement of the temperature field through the sample and the local water content combined with the analysis of the local chemical structure helped us to model and analyze the dehydration processes.
Countering the Rhetoric of Emerging Domestic Markets: Why More Information Alone Will Not Address the Capital Needs of Underserved Communities
Authors: Sass Rubin Julia
Published: December 2010

This article critiques the idea that the private sector can take the lead in addressing the capital needs of underserved communities, focusing specifically on the emerging domestic markets approach advocated by Milken Institute researchers. This approach has three limitations. First, it treats all underserved communities as interchangeable, ignoring that they differ in important ways in the nature and causes of their capital constraints. Second, it claims that underserved communities lack access to capital primarily as a result of information failure, overlooking numerous other obstacles that discourage investment in such communities. Third, its overarching assumption that the private sector can take the lead in meeting the capital needs of underserved communities is unrealistic because it fails to address these additional barriers to investment. The article recommends a more individualized approach to understanding the capital needs of underserved communities and recognition of the need for public sector leadership in solving this problem.
Visual Aftereffects for Walking Actions Reveal Underlying Neural Mechanisms for Action Recognition
Authors: Barraclough Nick , Jellema Tjeerd
Published: December 2010

The results of this study illustrate a new high-level visual aftereffect: Observing actors walking forward, without horizontal translation, makes subsequent actors appear to walk backward, and the opposite effect is obtained after observing backward walking. We used this aftereffect, which cannot be explained by simple low-level adaptation to motion direction, to investigate the properties of neural mechanisms underlying recognition of walking actions. Our results suggest that the perception of walking and the perception of static images of actors in walking postures rely on common brain mechanisms that are primarily object centered, rather than viewer centered, and that are blind to the identity of the actor. These results, obtained with human psychophysical adaptation techniques, support previous evidence accumulated using single-unit recording in nonhuman primates. In addition, these results provide evidence that current models of human action recognition require an object-centered processing stage.
Emergence of a Gene × Socioeconomic Status Interaction on Infant Mental Ability Between 10 Months and 2 Years
Authors: Tucker-Drob Elliot M. , Rhemtulla Mijke , Harden K. Paige , Turkheimer Eric , Fask David
Published: December 2010

Recent research in behavioral genetics has found evidence for a Gene × Environment interaction on cognitive ability: Individual differences in cognitive ability among children raised in socioeconomically advantaged homes are primarily due to genes, whereas environmental factors are more influential for children from disadvantaged homes. We investigated the developmental origins of this interaction in a sample of 750 pairs of twins measured on the Bayley Short Form test of infant mental ability, once at age 10 months and again at age 2 years. A Gene × Environment interaction was evident on the longitudinal change in mental ability over the study period. At age 10 months, genes accounted for negligible variation in mental ability across all levels of socioeconomic status (SES). However, genetic influences emerged over the course of development, with larger genetic influences emerging for infants raised in higher-SES homes. At age 2 years, genes accounted for nearly 50% of the variation in mental ability of children raised in high-SES homes, but genes continued to account for negligible variation in mental ability of children raised in low-SES homes.