bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A convenient qualitative and quantitative method to investigate RHD‐RHCE hybrid genes
Authors: Fichou Yann , Le Maréchal Cédric , Bryckaert Laurence , Dupont Isabelle , Jamet Déborah , Chen Jian‐Min , Férec Claude
Published: April 2013

Background

Molecular biology techniques, such as single specific‐primer polymerase chain reaction (PCR), denaturing‐high performance liquid chromatography, direct sequencing, next‐generation sequencing, and microarray platforms, contribute to the efficient genotyping of the human blood group RHD gene. However, some alleles remain undetermined in rare cases in DNA samples carrying two copies of the RHD gene, which challenge the identification of D‐CE hybrid genes.

Study Design and Methods

We set up, in a single‐tube format, a qualitative and quantitative assay based on multiplex PCR of short fluorescent fragments (QMPSF) to simultaneously amplify all 10 RHD exons on the one hand and all 10 RHCE exons on the other hand.

Results

The test proved to be useful to rapidly identify hybrid genes in hemizygous RHD samples carrying a hybrid D‐CE gene and to resolve unknown genotypes by quantifying individual exons in compound heterozygous samples, but also unexpectedly helped to redefine the RHDΨ haplotype. While validating the test, two novel single‐point variants, c.648G>C (p.L216F) and c.1048G>C (p.D350H), were found.

Conclusion

For the first time, a QMPSF‐based method is reliable to individually quantify the exons of both RH genes, including hybrid D‐CE genes in compound heterozygous samples and may help to investigate samples with unknown RHD and/or RHCE status.
Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Skills To Succeed in the Host: Virulence and Regulation
Authors: Fàbrega Anna , Vila Jordi
Published: April 2013

Salmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium is a primary enteric pathogen infecting both humans and animals. Infection begins with the ingestion of contaminated food or water so that salmonellae reach the intestinal epithelium and trigger gastrointestinal disease. In some patients the infection spreads upon invasion of the intestinal epithelium, internalization within phagocytes, and subsequent dissemination. In that case, antimicrobial therapy, based on fluoroquinolones and expanded-spectrum cephalosporins as the current drugs of choice, is indicated. To accomplish the pathogenic process, theSalmonellachromosome comprises several virulence mechanisms. The most important virulence genes are those located within the so-calledSalmonellapathogenicity islands (SPIs). Thus far, five SPIs have been reported to have a major contribution to pathogenesis. Nonetheless, further virulence traits, such as the pSLT virulence plasmid, adhesins, flagella, and biofilm-related proteins, also contribute to success within the host. Several regulatory mechanisms which synchronize all these elements in order to guarantee bacterial survival have been described. These mechanisms govern the transitions from the different pathogenic stages and drive the pathogen to achieve maximal efficiency inside the host. This review focuses primarily on the virulence armamentarium of this pathogen and the extremely complicated regulatory network controlling its success.
Insights into the Origin, Emergence, and Current Spread of a Successful Russian Clone of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Mokrousov Igor
Published: April 2013

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
variant Beijing B0/W148 is regarded as a successful clone of
M. tuberculosis
that is widespread in the former Soviet Union and respective immigrant communities. Understanding the pathobiology and phylogeography of this notorious strain may help to clarify its origin and evolutionary history and the driving forces behind its emergence and current dissemination. I present the first review and analysis of all available data on the subject. In spite of the common perception of the omnipresence of B0/W148 across post-Soviet countries, its geographic distribution shows a peculiar clinal gradient. Its frequency peaks in Siberian Russia and, to a lesser extent, in the European part of the former Soviet Union. In contrast, the frequency of B0/W148 is sharply decreased in the Asian part of the former Soviet Union, and it is absent in autochthonous populations elsewhere in the world. Placing the molecular, clinical, and epidemiological features in a broad historical, demographic, and ecological context, I put forward two interdependent hypotheses. First, B0/W148 likely originated in Siberia, and its primary dispersal was driven by a massive population outflow from Siberia to European Russia in the 1960s to 1980s. Second, a historically recent, phylogenetically demonstrated successful dissemination of the Beijing B0/W148 strain was triggered by the advent and wide use of modern antituberculosis (anti-TB) drugs and was due to the remarkable capacity of this strain to acquire drug resistance. In contrast, there is some indication, but not yet systematic proof, of an enhanced virulence of this strain.
Understanding the structure and electronic properties of Th4+-water complexes
Authors: Gourlaouen Christophe , Clavaguéra Carine , Marjolin Aude , Piquemal Jean-Philip , Dognon Jean-Pierre
Published: April 2013

We present a systematic quantum chemistry study of the [Th(H2O)n]4+(n = 1 to 10) complexes to gain insight into their electronic structure and properties: the effect of the ligand distribution on the valence shells of the thorium(IV) ion is studied by means of the electron localization function (ELF) topological analysis. Particular care is given to the study of the mono-aqua complex both at its equilibrium geometry, using various tools such as energy decomposition analyses (EDA), and along its dissociation pathway. Indeed, as several electronic states cross the Th4 +-H2O0ground state along the minimum energy path, we demonstrate that the diabatic representation implemented in MOLPRO is able to generate reference potential energy surfaces that will lead to the evaluation of diabatic dissociation curves. The calculated diabatic interaction energy curve will allow for a consistent parameterization of new generation force fields dedicated to heavy metals based on quantum chemistry.
Barrovian metamorphism in the central Kootenay Arc, British Columbia: petrology and isograd geometry
Authors: Moynihan D.P. , Pattison D.R.M.
Published: April 2013

A narrow, partly fault-bounded belt of Barrovian amphibolite facies rocks transects the central Kootenay Arc in the internal zone of the southeastern Canadian Cordillera. The following zones of increasing metamorphic grade are recognised in metapelites: chlorite/biotite, garnet, staurolite, kyanite, sillimanite, and sillimanite + K-feldspar. The garnet and higher-grade zones outline two joined domains: a N- to NNE-trending curved belt, >100 km long and 5–20 km wide, that is approximately parallel to the strike of stratigraphic units; and a SSE-trending belt, >70 km long and 10–15 km wide, that transects strike. Isograds in the N–NNE-trending belt outline an elongate bull’s-eye pattern with highest-grade rocks in the centre, coincident with the position of a structural culmination. Isogradic surfaces have an elongate domal form centred around this culmination. Rocks in the kyanite and sillimanite zones were metamorphosed at ~25 km (∼7 kbar (1 kbar = 100 MPa)) and >650 °C during Early Cretaceous crustal thickening; rocks in the garnet zone experienced peak temperature conditions (∼500 °C) at lower pressure, suggesting the piezothermic array for the belt has a positive slope. The western flank of the N- to NNE-trending belt is cut by the west-dipping Gallagher fault zone (GFZ), whereas the eastern boundary of the SSE-trending fork is marked by the Purcell Trench fault (PTF). These Palaeocene–Eocene normal faults truncate Early Cretaceous isogradic surfaces and juxtapose regions with contrasting structural and metamorphic histories. Low-grade rocks in the hanging wall of the GFZ underwent peak regional metamorphism during the Early–Middle Jurassic, prior to intrusion of the 159–173 Ma Nelson batholith at a depth of ∼12–14 km. With the exception of a zone along the southern “tail” of the Nelson batholith, rocks in the hanging wall of the GFZ were not affected by Cretaceous metamorphism or penetrative deformation. Rocks in the amphibolite-facies belt yield Palaeocene–Eocene K–Ar and 40Ar/39Ar mica cooling ages, whereas K–Ar biotite ages in the hanging wall of the GFZ record Jurassic – Early Cretaceous cooling, and those in the hanging wall of the PTF are mid-Cretaceous. Although the GFZ and PTF accommodated differential exhumation during the Palaeogene, significant relief on isogradic surfaces was established prior to normal faulting, during Early Cretaceous metamorphism and deformation.
Preventive and Therapeutic Effects of Ginsenoside Rb1 for Neural Injury During Cerebral Infarction in Rats
Authors: Jiang Zhou , Wang Yuhui , Zhang Xiaoyun , Peng Tao , Lu Yun , Leng Jianchun , Xie Quan
Published: April 2013

To examine the preventive and therapeutic effects of ginsenoside Rb1 for neural injury during cerebral infarction, we used a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model in rats to investigate the effects of ginsenoside Rb1 with Edaravone as a control. Ginsenoside Rb1 was given to the rats by intragastric administration either before or after the MCAO surgery to study its preventive and therapeutic effects. Ginsenoside Rb1-treated rats had a smaller infarct volume than the positive control. Interleukin-1 (IL-1), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), neurofilament (NF) and growth associated protein-43 (GAP-43) were measured to determine brain damage and the recovery of nerves. These findings suggest that ginsenoside Rb1 has neuroprotective effects in rats, and the protection efficiency is higher than Edaravone. The protective mechanism is different from Edaravone. The preventive ability of ginsenoside Rb1 is higher than its repair ability in neuroprotection in vivo.
RENORMALIZATION RUNNING OF MASSES AND MIXINGS IN UED MODELS
Authors: CORNELL A. S. , DEANDREA ALDO , LIU LU-XIN , TARHINI AHMAD
Published: April 2013

We review the renormalization group evolution of quark and lepton masses, mixing angles and phases both in the UED extension of the Standard Model (SM) and of the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM). We consider two typical scenarios: all matter fields propagating in the bulk and matter fields constrained to the brane. The resulting renormalization group evolution equations in these scenarios are compared with the existing results in the literature, together with their implications.
STABILIZATION OF MODULUS IN RANDALL–SUNDRUM MODEL I BY BULK SCALAR FIELDS
Authors: TOFIGHI A. , MOAZZEN M.
Published: April 2013

We consider the case of self-interacting scalar field for the stabilization of modulus in the Randall–Sundrum model I. This scalar field is non-minimally coupled to the Ricci curvature scalar. We find the compactification radius and we discuss the implications of our results for the cases of massive and massless scalars.
STATISTICAL REVISIT TO THE MIKE-FARMER MODEL: CAN THIS MODEL CAPTURE THE STYLIZED FACTS IN REAL WORLD MARKETS?
Authors: HE LING-YUN , WEN XING-CHUN
Published: April 2013

According to current literature, the Mike-Farmer (MF) model1 is constructed empirically based on the continuous double auction mechanism in an order-driven market, which can successfully capture the diffusive behavior of stock prices at the transaction level. In our paper, we revisit the statistical properties of the generated series of prices based on the MF model to clarify whether it can reproduce the stylized facts in real world markets. However, the Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA) scaling exponent of volatility Hv ≈ 0.6, which may be slightly lower than that in real markets; while a modified version of the MF model proposed by Gu and Zhou2 can improve the DFA scaling exponent of volatility Hv ≈ 0.75, which is closer to the empirical findings. Finally, we test the existence of another commonly found two stylized facts in the real world: the volatility clustering, and leverage effect.
NEW QUANTUM CODES CONSTRUCTED FROM A CLASS OF IMPRIMITIVE BCH CODES
Authors: LIU YANG , MA YUENA , FENG YOUQIAN , LI RUIHU
Published: April 2013

By a careful analysis on cyclotomic cosets, the maximal designed distance δnew of narrow-sense imprimitive Euclidean dual containing q-ary BCH code of length [Formula: see text] is determined, where q is a prime power and l is odd. Our maximal designed distance δnew of dual containing narrow-sense BCH codes of length n improves upon the lower bound δmax for maximal designed distances of dual containing narrow-sense BCH codes given by Aly et al. [IEEE Trans. Inf. Theory53 (2007) 1183]. A series of non-narrow-sense dual containing BCH codes of length n, including the ones whose designed distances can achieve or exceed δnew, are given, and their dimensions are computed. Then new quantum BCH codes are constructed from these non-narrow-sense imprimitive BCH codes via Steane construction, and these new quantum codes are better than previous results in the literature.
ASYMPTOTICS OF SPACING DISTRIBUTIONS AT THE HARD EDGE FOR β-ENSEMBLES
Authors: FORRESTER PETER J.
Published: April 2013

In a previous work [J. Math. Phys.35 (1994) 2539–2551], generalized hypergeometric functions have been used to a give a rigorous derivation of the large s asymptotic form of the general β > 0 gap probability [Formula: see text], provided both βa/2 ∈ ℤ≥0 and 2/β ∈ ℤ+. It is shown how the details of this method can be extended to remove the requirement that 2/β ∈ ℤ+. Furthermore, a large deviation formula for the gap probability Eβ(n; (0, x); ME β, N(λaβ/2e-2βNλ)) is deduced by writing it in terms of the characteristic function of a certain linear statistic. By scaling x = s/(4N)2 and taking N → ∞, this is shown to reproduce a recent conjectured formula for [Formula: see text], βa/2 ∈ ℤ≥0, and moreover to give a prediction without the latter restriction. This extended formula, which for the constant term involves the Barnes double gamma function, is shown to satisfy an asymptotic functional equation relating the gap probability with parameters (β, n, a), to a gap probability with parameters (4/β, n′, a′), where n′ = β(n + 1)/2 - 1, a′ = β(a - 2)/2 + 2.
Using a novel coculture model to dissect the role of intramuscular lipid load on skeletal muscle insulin responsiveness under reduced estrogen conditions
Authors: Wohlers Lindsay M. , Powers Brittany L. , Chin Eva R. , Spangenburg Espen E.
Published: April 2013

Reductions in estrogen function lead to adiposity and peripheral insulin resistance. Significant metabolic changes have been found in adipocytes and skeletal muscle with disruptions in the estrogen-signaling axis; however, it is unclear if intercellular communication exists between these tissues. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of isolated adipocytes cocultured with single adult skeletal muscle fibers (SMF) collected from control female (SHAM) and ovariectomized female (OVX) mice. In addition, a second purpose was to compare differential effects of primary adipocytes from omental and inguinal adipose depots on SMF from these same groups. OVX SMF displayed greater lipid content, impaired insulin signaling, and lower insulin-induced glucose uptake compared with SHAM SMF without coculture. In the SHAM group, regardless of the adipose depot of origin, coculture induced greater intracellular lipid content compared with control SHAM SMF. The increased lipid in the SMF was associated with impaired insulin-induced glucose uptake when adipocytes were of omental, but not inguinal, origin. Coculture of OVX SMF with omental or inguinal adipocytes resulted in higher lipid content but no further reduction in insulin-induced glucose uptake compared with control OVX SMF. The data indicate that, in the OVX condition, there is a threshold for lipid accumulation in skeletal muscle beyond which there is no further impairment in insulin responsiveness. These results also demonstrate depot-specific effects of adipocyte exposure on skeletal muscle glucose uptake and further implicate a role for increased intracellular lipid storage in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance when estrogen levels are reduced.
Geometry-Experiment Algorithm for Steiner Minimal Tree Problem
Authors: Yang Zong-Xiao , Jia Xiao-Yao , Hao Jie-Yu , Gao Yan-Ping
Published: April 2013

It is well known that the Steiner minimal tree problem is one of the classical nonlinear combinatorial optimization problems. A visualization experiment approach succeeds in generating Steiner points automatically and showing the system shortest path, named Steiner minimum tree, physically and intuitively. However, it is difficult to form stabilized system shortest path when the number of given points is increased and irregularly distributed. Two algorithms, geometry algorithm and geometry-experiment algorithm (GEA), are constructed to solve system shortest path using the property of Delaunay diagram and basic philosophy of Geo-Steiner algorithm and matching up with the visualization experiment approach (VEA) when the given points increase. The approximate optimizing results are received by GEA and VEA for two examples. The validity of GEA was proved by solving practical problems in engineering, experiment, and comparative analysis. And the global shortest path can be obtained by GEA successfully with several actual calculations.
Treatment ofPlasmodium chabaudiParasites with Curcumin in Combination with Antimalarial Drugs: Drug Interactions and Implications on the Ubiquitin/Proteasome System
Authors: Neto Zoraima , Machado Marta , Lindeza Ana , do Rosário Virgílio , Gazarini Marcos L. , Lopes Dinora
Published: April 2013

Antimalarial drug resistance remains a major obstacle in malaria control. Evidence from Southeast Asia shows that resistance to artemisinin combination therapy (ACT) is inevitable. Ethnopharmacological studies have confirmed the efficacy of curcumin againstPlasmodiumspp. Drug interaction assays between curcumin/piperine/chloroquine and curcumin/piperine/artemisinin combinations and the potential of drug treatment to interfere with the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS) were analyzed.In vivoefficacy of curcumin was studied in BALB/c mice infected withPlasmodium chabaudiclones resistant to chloroquine and artemisinin, and drug interactions were analyzed by isobolograms. Subtherapeutic doses of curcumin, chloroquine, and artemisinin were administered to mice, and mRNA was collected following treatment for RT-PCR analysis of genes encoding deubiquitylating enzymes (DUBs). Curcumin was found be nontoxic in BALB/c mice. The combination of curcumin/chloroquine/piperine reduced parasitemia to 37% seven days after treatment versus the control group’s 65%, and an additive interaction was revealed. Curcumin/piperine/artemisinin combination did not show a favorable drug interaction in this murine model of malaria. Treatment of mice with subtherapeutic doses of the drugs resulted in a transient increase in genes encoding DUBs indicating UPS interference. If curcumin is to join the arsenal of available antimalarial drugs, future studies exploring suitable drug partners would be of interest.
Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88 Promotes Growth and Metastasis of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Liang Beibei , Chen Rui , Wang Tao , Cao Lei , Liu Yingying , Yin Fan , Zhu Minhui , Fan Xiaoyu , Liang Yingchao , Zhang Lu , Guo Yajun , Zhao Jian
Published: April 2013

Purpose: To investigate the expression of myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its prognostic value in patients with HCC.

Experimental Design: Expression of MyD88 was detected by immunohistochemistry in surgical HCC specimens (n = 110). The correlation of MyD88 expression to clinicopathologic characteristics was analyzed. The involvement of MyD88 in tumor growth and invasion was investigated.

Results: The expression of MyD88 was significantly higher in HCC tumors than that in adjacent nontumor tissues. Particularly, high expression of MyD88 was found in HCCs with late tumor stage (P = 0.029). Patients with high MyD88 staining revealed a higher recurrence rate (65% vs. 40%; P = 0.008). Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that recurrence-free survival (RFS; P = 0.011) and overall survival (OS; P = 0.022) were significantly worse among patients with high MyD88 staining. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that MyD88 was an independent predictor for OS and RFS. Ectopic expression of MyD88 promoted HCC cell proliferation and invasion in vitro. Suppression of MyD88 expression with lentivirus encoding short hairpin RNA reduced tumor growth and invasion, as well as lung metastasis. Finally, silencing of MyD88 inhibited the activation of NF-κB and AKT in HCC cells, whereas forced expression of MyD88 was able to enhance the activation of NF-κB and p38/extracellular signal–regulated kinase without Toll-like receptor/interleukin-1 receptor (TLR/IL-1R) signaling.

Conclusion: Elevated expression of MyD88 may promote tumor growth and metastasis via both TLR/IL-1R–dependent and –independent signaling and may serve as a biomarker for prognosis of patients with HCC. Clin Cancer Res; 19(11); 2905–16. ©2013 AACR.
G Protein–Coupled Estrogen Receptor Is Apoptotic and Correlates with Increased Distant Disease-Free Survival of Estrogen Receptor–Positive Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Broselid Stefan , Cheng Benxu , Sjöström Martin , Lövgren Kristina , Klug-De Santiago Heather L.P. , Belting Mattias , Jirström Karin , Malmström Per , Olde Björn , Bendahl Pär-Ola , Hartman Linda , Fernö Mårten , Leeb-Lundberg L.M. Fredrik
Published: April 2013

Purpose: G protein–coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1), previously named GPR30, is a membrane receptor reported to mediate nongenomic estrogen responses. We investigated if GPER1 expression correlates with any clinicopathologic variables and distant disease-free survival (DDFS) in patients with breast cancer, if any prognostic impact of the receptor is dependent on estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) status, and if the receptor impacts apoptotic signaling in ER-positive breast cancer cells.

Experimental Design: GPER1 expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in breast tumors from 273 pre- and postmenopausal stage II patients, all treated with adjuvant tamoxifen for 2 years (cohort I) and from 208 premenopausal lymph node-negative patients, of which 87% were not subjected to any adjuvant systemic treatment (cohort II). GPER1-dependent proapoptotic signaling was analyzed in MCF7 cells with and without GPER1 knockdown, T47D cells, HEK293 cells (HEK), and HEK stably expressing GPER1 (HEK-R).

Results: GPER1 positively correlates with ER and progesterone receptor expression. Multivariate analysis showed that GPER1 is an independent prognostic marker of increased 10-year DDFS in the ER-positive subgroup. HEK-R has higher basal proapoptotic signaling compared with HEK including increased cytochrome C release, caspase-3 cleavage, PARP cleavage, and decreased cell viability. Treating HEK-R with the proteasome inhibitor epoxomicin, to decrease GPER1 degradation, further increases receptor-dependent proapoptotic signaling. Also, GPER1 knockdown decreases basal and agonist-stimulated proapoptotic receptor signaling in MCF7 cells.

Conclusions: GPER1 is a prognostic indicator for increased DDFS in ER-positive breast cancer, which may be associated with constitutive GPER1-dependent proapoptotic signaling in ER-positive breast cancer cells. Clin Cancer Res; 19(7); 1681–92. ©2013 AACR.
ASS1as a Novel Tumor Suppressor Gene in Myxofibrosarcomas: Aberrant Loss via Epigenetic DNA Methylation Confers Aggressive Phenotypes, Negative Prognostic Impact, and Therapeutic Relevance
Authors: Huang Hsuan-Ying , Wu Wen-Ren , Wang Yu-Hui , Wang Jun-Wen , Fang Fu-Min , Tsai Jen-Wei , Li Shau-Hsuan , Hung Hsiao-Chin , Yu Shih-Chen , Lan Jui , Shiue Yow-Ling , Hsing Chung-His , Chen Li-Tzong , Li Chien-Feng
Published: April 2013

Purpose: The principal goals were to identify and validate targetable metabolic drivers relevant to myxofibrosarcoma pathogenesis using a published transcriptome.

Experimental Design: As the most significantly downregulated gene regulating amino acid metabolism, argininosuccinate synthetase (ASS1) was selected for further analysis by methylation-specific PCR, pyrosequencing, and immunohistochemistry of myxofibrosarcoma samples. The roles of ASS1 in tumorigenesis and the therapeutic relevance of the arginine-depriving agent pegylated arginine deiminase (ADI-PEG20) were elucidated in ASS1-deficient myxofibrosarcoma cell lines and xenografts with and without stable ASS1 reexpression.

Results: ASS1 promoter hypermethylation was detected in myxofibrosarcoma samples and cell lines and was strongly linked to ASS1 protein deficiency. The latter correlated with increased tumor grade and stage and independently predicted a worse survival. ASS1-deficient cell lines were auxotrophic for arginine and susceptible to ADI-PEG20 treatment, with dose-dependent reductions in cell viability and tumor growth attributable to cell-cycle arrest in the S-phase. ASS1 expression was restored in 2 of 3 ASS1-deficient myxofibrosarcoma cell lines by 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine, abrogating the inhibitory effect of ADI-PEG20. Conditioned media following ASS1 reexpression attenuated HUVEC tube-forming capability, which was associated with suppression of MMP-9 and an antiangiogenic effect in corresponding myxofibrosarcoma xenografts. In addition to delayed wound closure and fewer invading cells in a Matrigel assay, ASS1 reexpression reduced tumor cell proliferation, induced G1-phase arrest, and downregulated cyclin E with corresponding growth inhibition in soft agar and xenograft assays.

Conclusions: Our findings highlight ASS1 as a novel tumor suppressor in myxofibrosarcomas, with loss of expression linked to promoter methylation, clinical aggressiveness, and sensitivity to ADI-PEG20. Clin Cancer Res; 19(11); 2861–72. ©2013 AACR.
Abstract A18: p53 regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition through microRNAs targeting ZEB1 and ZEB2
Authors: Kim Taewan , Lee Tae Jin , Jeon Young-Jun , Pineau Pascal , Dejean Anne , Croce Carlo Maria
Published: April 2013

p53 suppresses tumor progression and metastasis. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key process in tumor progression and metastasis. The transcription factors ZEB1 and ZEB2 promote EMT. Here we show that p53 suppresses EMT by repressing expression of ZEB1 and ZEB2. By profiling 92 primary hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and 9 HCC cell lines, we found that p53 upregulates microRNAs including miR-200 and miR-192 family members. The miR-200 family members transactivated by p53 then repress ZEB1/2 expression. p53-regulated miR-192 family members also repress ZEB2 expression. Inhibition or over-expression of the microRNAs affects p53-regulated EMT by altering ZEB1 and ZEB2 expression. Our findings indicate that p53 can regulate EMT, and that p53-regulated microRNAs are critical mediators of p53-regulated EMT.

Citation Format: Taewan Kim, Tae Jin Lee, Young-Jun Jeon, Pascal Pineau, Anne Dejean, Carlo Maria Croce. p53 regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition through microRNAs targeting ZEB1 and ZEB2 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Noncoding RNAs and Cancer; 2012 Jan 8-11; Miami Beach, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(2 Suppl):Abstract nr A18.
Cardiorenal Syndrome Type 4: A Review
Authors: Clementi Anna , Virzì Grazia Maria , Goh Ching Yan , Cruz Dinna N. , Granata Antonio , Vescovo Girogio , Ronco Claudio
Published: April 2013

There is a bidirectional and complex relationship between the heart and kidneys. This interaction is physical, chemical as well as biological and is also reflected in a strong connection between renal and cardiovascular diseases. Cardiorenal syndrome type 4 (CRS type 4) is characterized by primary chronic kidney disease (CKD) leading to an impairment of cardiac function, with ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, and/or increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events. The incidence of CKD is increasing, and CRS type 4 is becoming a major public health problem associated with a high morbidity and mortality. In this study, we briefly review the epidemiology and pathophysiology of CRS type 4, the role of biomarkers in its early identification, and its management.
Controllable Factors in Aviation Safety
Authors: McLean Donald
Published: April 2013

In 1999 there were 72 accidents involving scheduled airliners; 31 resulted in the total destruction of the hill of the aeroplane; and 33 caused major damage. The costs incurred in such accidents are recovered from insurance companies and, as a result, premiums are increased. Such increases affect the direct operating costs and evenntally the profits of the airlines. With passenger and cargo traffic growing worldwide at 6% per annum, it has been estimated that in the year 2005 twice as many passengers as are flying today and twice as much cargo will be handled, with an attendant increase in aircraft accidents.

This paper briefly discusses a few of the factors involved in aircraft accidents and outlines some current programmes designed to enhance aviation safety. It also describes two avionic systems whose introduction into operational use is intended to lead to a reduction of the most common type of accident.
Safety Implications of ICAO Air Victim Support Rules
Authors: McLean Don
Published: April 2013

With the continuous increase in world air travel which has been observed since 1995 being maintained, although at a somewhat lower rate after the terrorism enacted at the World Trade Centre in New York last year, it has been estimated that the number of aircraft hull loss accidents will double by 2012. Such serious accidents often involve fatalities.

To ensure that there is in place an acceptable level of support for victims and their families, wherever the accident may have occurred, a Resolution A32–7 was adopted at the 32nd General Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), a body of the United Nations. (Every nation which is a member of the UN is entitled to be a member of ICAO: once a member, the state and its airlines must provide air services to the standard required by the ICAO.) The Resolution is based implicitly on the rules which have been put in place by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the USA. This short paper briefly explains what the rules entail, the likely impact that such rules will have on an airline affected by an air accident, and what are some of the other implications of implementing the Resolution.
Intelligent Image Surveillance and Monitoring
Authors: Black James , Ellis Tim
Published: April 2013

This article describes some of the advances that have been made in intelligent image surveillance and monitoring. In general most image surveillance and monitoring applications share a common set of key requirements. A variety of solutions to these key requirements are reviewed. A number of achievements made by the IMCASM project at City University are described in greater depth, with particular focus on multi camera surveillance systems. A number of open issues, which need to be resolved for the continued advancement of this technology, are also discussed
Tunable Diode Laser (TDL) Systems for Trace Gas Analysis
Authors: Stockwell Paul
Published: April 2013

A relatively new technique using a Tunable Diode Laser (TDL) systemto monitor water vapour, carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulphide isproviding higher on-line accuracy, lower maintenance, than traditionaltechniques and is significantly better at coping with contamination.

It is the first technique to monitor the gas itself, rather than monitoringa reaction or a change on the surface of a sensor. It combines a highdegree of accuracy with an extremely good speed of response.

Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) works very wellacross the entire spectrum of gas concentration, and an area where it particularlyexcels is accurate moisture measurements in dry gases. Currentlymany hours are spent waiting for sensors using traditional techniquesto dry down: for example, when installing a new or re-calibrated watervapour sensor in a process where moisture levels are around 1 part permillion (ppmv), users normally wait 6 to 8 hours before the system settles;a TDL takes a few seconds and remains very responsive at that level.

This paper will illustrate the progress made with this non-contactmethod in applications with natural gas, and gives details of why moisturemeasurement is important. The results of field trials are also presentedshowing how the technology compares with other techniques.
Wireless Sensor System Powered by an Electromagnetic Vibration Energy Harvester
Authors: Beeby S.P. , Torah R.N. , Tudor M.J. , O'Donnell T. , Roy S.
Published: April 2013

This paper describes a microscale electromagnetic vibration powered generator that harvests kinetic energy and provides a localised power supply for wireless applications. The generator is as resonant device and therefore the power output depends upon the size of the inertial mass, the frequency and amplitude of the driving vibrations, the maximum available mass displacement and the damping. The electromagnetic generator has been implemented with discrete components and produces 58 μWrms at 0.6 ms-2 acceleration from a fixed frequency of 52 Hz and achieves the highest recorded efficiency to date of 51% for a device of this size. The packaged device is 0.8 cm3 and weighs 1.6 grams. The energy harvested is sufficient to power a wireless, accelerometer based microsystem. The microsystem is energy aware and will adjust the measurement/transmit duty cycle according to the available energy; this is typically every 3 seconds during normal operation
Two-Phase Co2 Measurement and Control in the Yates Oil Field
Authors: Green Todd , Reese Michael , Henry Manus
Published: April 2013

The principle of injecting gases such as N2 and CO2 into oilfields to manage reservoir resources is well understood. The Yates Field — a mature site in West Texas — presented Kinder Morgan with particular difficulties, with the requirement to inject low pressure CO2 with flow control and measurement at the well-head. The low pressure and high ambient temperatures lead to almost continuous flashing, with gas void fractions (GVFs) estimated to range between 0% and 80%. A solar and wind powered station was designed around a two-phase capable Coriolis mass flow meter. As well as metering the flow, the station controls it using a modulating valve, based on the two-phase flow measurement. A wireless communication system maintains contact with the central control. Some 20 stations have been operating successfully for four years, enabling effective reservoir management techniques.
Energise or De-Energise to Trip?
Authors: Foord A G , Howard C R
Published: April 2013

“De-energise to trip” is a long established principle because of the danger of common cause failures. Although there is little published on this topic, it is covered in the section “Protection systems (trips and interlocks)” in the HSE Technical Measure Document for COMAH sites, but the quality of UPS, diagnostics etc. is now very different from the last century.

As well as the obvious effects of architecture, failure modes and frequency on the number of spurious trips and failures to dangers, we have also studied the relationships between design policies, (for example, overrides and diagnostic coverage), testing policies, repair policies, operating policies and their effects on common cause failures. The effects of different policies on spurious trips and failures to danger would be illustrated with practical examples from the energy industry: oil and gas production and power stations.
Iwis and Siis in Subsea Control Systems: Experience from Implementation
Authors: Corneliussen Sverre
Published: April 2013

The Intelligent Well Interface Standard (IWIS) panel published Recommended Practice IWIS RP-AI in October 2007 after 10 years of work and meetings, and IWIS is now closed. This paper will address FMC experience of implementing IWIS in Subsea Control Systems. The practical use of the Recommended Practice, the specific requirements, the constraints and the gaps are illustrated with examples of actual system configurations and field experience. Subsea Instrument Interface Standardization (SIIS) activities have been running in parallel with IWIS and complementing IWIS. Some of the IWIS gaps will be closed as part of SIIS and are presented with description of proposed recommendations. Practical use of SIIS and current gaps are illustrated with examples of actual system configurations and field experience. Subsea Fiber Optical Monitoring (SEAFOM) is also running in parallel with SIIS and FMC has actively participated in IWIS, SIIS and SEAFOM since the beginning. Some of the benefits of participation together with some lessons learned are presented.
Automatic Camera Calibration and Rectification Methods
Authors: Liao Hsien-Chou , Wu Hong-Jhih
Published: April 2013

The Global Positioning System (GPS) system is popularly used in an outdoor environment. A GPS tracking system usually displays the location of a moving object on a digital map. It is difficult to realize its actual situation without visual information. Therefore, cameras are incorporated with a GPS in order to provide a new GPS-based visual tracking service (GPS-VT). The tracking of an object with a GPS receiver can be performed not only on the digital map but also on the real-time camera image. GPS-VT was proposed in our previous study. It relies on the camera calibration for the transformation from a GPS coordinate to the coordinate on the camera image. Five point correspondences, i.e., a GPS coordinate and its corresponding image coordinate, must be established to generate the intrinsic and extrinsic parameters of the camera needed for coordinate transformation. There are two drawbacks in calibrating a camera. One is the difficulty in establishing five point correspondences manually for an uncalibrated camera. The other is the inconvenience of recalibrating a calibrated camera after adjusting its field-of-view (FOV). In this paper, an automatic calibration method and a rectification method are proposed to overcome separately the above-mentioned drawbacks. For an uncalibrated camera, the GPS moving vectors of the operator are matched with those moving vectors of objects in the camera image to locate the operator. The operator simply walks to five different locations and the point correspondences can be established automatically. For the rectification of a calibrated camera, two sets of feature points are extracted separately from the images before and after the adjustment of the FOV. The correlations of feature points of two images are analyzed by using a normal cross correlation (NCC) method to obtain the offsets of the adjustment in x and y directions. The offsets are used to rectify the image coordinate transformed from the GPS coordinate. Two experiments were also designed for both methods separately. For an uncalibrated camera, the locating errors are estimated and compared for the five point correspondences that are established manually or automatically. The difference in locating errors of manual and automatic calibration only totalled 2.6 pixels. The results show that the accuracy of the automatic calibration method is almost the same as that of the manual calibration. For the rectification of a calibrated camera, the differences in locating errors are estimated for various adjustment offsets in x and y directions. The errors of the proposed method totalled less than five pixels for the adjustment up to 200 pixels, without recalibrating the camera. The tests show that the result of the rectification method is close to that of manual calibration. Therefore, the two proposed methods overcome the problems of using the GPS-VT in an actual environment.
Progress with Multiscale Systems
Authors: Summers R. , Abdulla T. , Schleich J-M.
Published: April 2013

Biomedical engineers and clinical scientists tend to focus their research on one level of scale, be it in the domain of biochemistry, cell biology or anatomy. However, there is increasing interest in a multiscale systems approach which attempts to integrate models of behaviour between different levels of scale to gain understanding of emergent effects. This is a return to physiological medicine with a computational emphasis, exemplified by the worldwide Physiome initiative and the European Union-funded Network of Excellence in the Virtual Physiological Human. The paper demonstrates progress on initial work on how a multiscale systems approach can represent the complex processes involved in heart valve development. Such an effort enables the integration of multiscale metrology.
The Application of Safety Related Devices to Hazardous Areas Equipment
Authors: El-Sayed H
Published: April 2013

As demand for electronic instrumentation devices used in applications which require equipment explosion protection to operate increases, it is the responsibility of companies and their design engineers to integrate protection and safety measures with minimum cost and less impact on the circuit operation.

Compliance with potentially explosive standards can sometimes be difficult to meet due to non-harmonisation of standards in some countries, hence product approval may require combinations of different techniques or different levels of protection to provide the safety measures with respect to explosion risks and to meet a specific classification or category.
Recurrent Digital Infections and Osteomyelitis in Monozygotic Twins With Congenital Analgesia and Compulsive Onychophagia
Authors: Iorio Matthew L. , Barbour John R.
Published: April 2013

Congenital insensitivity to pain is a rare sensory neuropathy that manifests with multiple and recurrent injuries secondary to a lack of negative pain stimuli. When present with compulsive onychophagia, prompt recognition and behavioral management to prevent chronic digital infection or amputation is imperative. We present the case of two 7 year-old monozygotic twins that presented with congenital insensitivity to pain and compulsive onychophagia without directed parental counseling or behavioral modification strategies. The presenting child was noted to have an acute digital felon and osteomyelitis of several distal phalanges, and the sister had a similar history with distal phalangeal amputations. The occurrence of these overlapping disorders in monozygotic twins has not been previously reported, however, patient and parental education with behavioral modifications of injurious and compulsive behavior is the cornerstone of management. In addition, we have provided a review of the diagnosis for clinical differentiation.
Container Type and Bactericidal Activity of Human Milk during Refrigerated Storage
Authors: Takci Sahin , Gulmez Dolunay , Yigit Sule , Dogan Ozlem , Hascelik Gulsen
Published: April 2013

Background:

Refrigeration of human milk has been recommended for its short-term storage. It has been shown that some nutritional, immunological, and bioactive properties and bactericidal activity of human milk can be altered during refrigeration. Pyrex bottles and polyethylene bags are 2 commonly used containers for human milk storage.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to compare the association between storage container type on the bactericidal activity of human milk for different durations of refrigeration (fresh, and at 24 and 48 hours).

Methods:

Forty-four samples of human milk were collected from 22 lactating mothers. Two samples of breast milk (approximately 10 mL each) were obtained by manual expression from each mother. One was collected directly into sterile Pyrex bottles and the other into polyethylene bags. One mL of human milk from each container was processed immediately after arrival to the laboratory. The remaining human milk was kept in the Pyrex and polyethylene containers at 4°C until analysis at 24 and 48 hours. The bactericidal activity of each sample was studied. A strain of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 was used to determine the bactericidal effect of human milk.

Results:

Bactericidal activity was significantly reduced in milk samples stored in polyethylene bags compared to those stored in Pyrex bottles when milk samples were stored at 4°C for 24 and 48 hours ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

Short-term storage of human milk in Pyrex bottles is more appropriate than polyethylene bags for preserving its bactericidal activity against E coli.
Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin as a marker of severe lupus nephritis in children
Authors: Hammad A , Mosaad Y , Elhanbly S , Youssef H , Refaaey A El , Elhusseini F , Bakr A
Published: April 2013

Introduction

More than 60% of children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) develop lupus nephritis (LN). Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a protein secreted by leukocytes during inflammation and is overexpressed in the kidneys following ischemic and nephrotoxic damage.

Aim

To study urinary and serum NGAL in children with SLE and investigate their possible role as markers of renal involvement.

Methods

Urinary and serum levels of NGAL were assessed in 33 children with active SLE (22 with and 11 without LN) and compared to 15 matched controls.

Results

Children with SLE had elevated urinary NGAL as compared to controls ( P < 0.001). Levels of urinary NGAL were higher in patients with LN than those without LN ( P < 0.001). In patients with LN, serum levels of NGAL were not significantly different from controls ( P = 0.4) and urinary NGAL correlated with the renal score of the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index ( r = 0.5, P = 0.02) but not with serum NGAL ( P = 0.5). Urinary NGAL was significantly predictive of class III and IV LN ( P = 0.005) with 91% sensitivity and 70% specificity to levels ≥10.07 ng/mg creatinine.

Conclusions

Urinary NGAL is a sensitive marker of proliferative nephritis in juvenile SLE.
Association of a single nucleotide polymorphism in the SH2D1A intronic region with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Furukawa H , Kawasaki A , Oka S , Shimada K , Matsui T , Ikenaka T , Hashimoto A , Okazaki Y , Takaoka H , Futami H , Komiya A , Kondo Y , Ito S , Hayashi T , Matsumoto I , Kusaoi M , Takasaki Y , Nagai T , Hirohata S , Setoguchi K , Suda A , Nagaoka S , Kono H , Okamoto A , Chiba N , Suematsu E , Fukui N , Hashimoto H , Sumida T , Ono M , Tsuchiya N , Tohma S
Published: April 2013

SH2D1A, also known as signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM)-associated protein (SAP), is an adaptor protein. Recently, it was reported that SAP deficient mice were protected from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this study, we postulated SH2D1A gene to be a candidate susceptibility gene for SLE and analyzed its association with SLE. A case-control association study was conducted on 5 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in SH2D1A region in 506 Japanese female SLE patients and 330 healthy female controls. The luciferase assay was performed to determine the functional role of the SNP associated with SLE. One SNP in the intron 2, rs2049995, showed association with SLE ( p = 0.0110, odds ratio (OR) 1.97, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16–3.34, under the dominant model). The association of rs2049995 seemed to be stronger in the subset with the age of onset less than 20 years ( p = 0.0067, OR 2.65, 95% CI 1.28–5.46). Functional evaluation of rs2049995 showed that reporter gene activity was increased 1.9-fold for the susceptible allele compared with the resistant allele. An intronic SNP of SH2D1A is associated with SLE.