bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Wnt-Less Journey to the Nucleus?
Authors: Adler Elizabeth M.
Published: September 2011

Thalamic neurons show constitutive nuclear localization of β-catenin.
Biochemical Characterization of the TEM-107 Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase in a Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolate from South Korea
Authors: Lee Kyungwon , Yum Jong Hwa , Yong Dongeun , Jeong Seok Hoon , Rossolini Gian Maria , Docquier Jean-Denis , Chong Yunsop
Published: September 2011

The TEM-107 extended-spectrum β-lactamase detected in a
Klebsiella pneumoniae
clinical isolate had a Gly238Ser substitution compared to the TEM-43 β-lactamase. The MIC of ceftazidime was higher (64 μg/ml) than that of cefotaxime (2 μg/ml) for the isolate. Clavulanic acid reduced the MIC of ceftazidime 64-fold.
A Small Molecule Deubiquitinase Inhibitor Increases Localization of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase to the Macrophage Phagosome and Enhances Bacterial Killing
Authors: Burkholder Kristin M. , Perry Jeffrey W. , Wobus Christiane E. , Donato Nicholas J. , Showalter Hollis D. , Kapuria Vaibhav , O'Riordan Mary X. D.
Published: September 2011

Macrophages are key mediators of antimicrobial defense and innate immunity. Innate intracellular defense mechanisms can be rapidly regulated at the posttranslational level by the coordinated addition and removal of ubiquitin by ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases (DUBs). While ubiquitin ligases have been extensively studied, the contribution of DUBs to macrophage innate immune function is incompletely defined. We therefore employed a small molecule DUB inhibitor, WP1130, to probe the role of DUBs in the macrophage response to bacterial infection. Treatment of activated bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMM) with WP1130 significantly augmented killing of the intracellular bacterial pathogenListeria monocytogenes. WP1130 also induced killing of phagosome-restricted bacteria, implicating a bactericidal mechanism associated with the phagosome, such as the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). WP1130 had a minimal antimicrobial effect in macrophages lacking iNOS, indicating that iNOS is an effector mechanism for WP1130-mediated bacterial killing. Although overall iNOS levels were not notably different, we found that WP1130 significantly increased colocalization of iNOS with theListeria-containing phagosome during infection. Taken together, our data indicate that the deubiquitinase inhibitor WP1130 increases bacterial killing in macrophages by enhancing iNOS localization to the phagosome and suggest a potential role for ubiquitin regulation in iNOS trafficking.
Genome Sequence of Anaerophaga sp. Strain HS1, a Novel, Moderately Thermophilic, Strictly Anaerobic Bacterium Isolated from Hot Spring Sediment
Authors: Gao Zhaoming , Liu Xin , Ruan Lingwei
Published: September 2011

Anaerophaga
sp. strain HS1 was isolated from offshore hot spring sediment in Xiamen, China. It was identified as a novel, moderately thermophilic, strictly anaerobic bacterium affiliated with the family
Marinilabiaceae
and showed xylanase activity. Here, we describe the 3.88-Mb draft genome sequence of
Anaerophaga
sp. strain HS1 and the annotation analysis of related xylanase genes.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Agarase-Producing Marine Bacterium Strain S89, Representing a Novel Species of the Genus Alteromonas
Authors: Oh Chulhong , Zoysa Mahanama De , Kwon Young-Kyung , Heo Soo-Jin , Affan Abu , Jung Won-Kyo , Park Heung-Sik , Lee Jehee , Son Seung-Kyu , Yoon Kon-Tak , Kang Do-Hyung
Published: September 2011

We report here the annotated genome sequence of the marine bacterium
Alteromonas
sp. S89 and the identification of six genes coding for agar-degrading enzymes. The sequenced
Alteromonas
sp. S89 genome is composed of a 3,864,871-bp circular chromosome that includes 3,236 complete open reading frames.
Effectiveness and safety of the A-H1N1 vaccine in children: a hospital-based case–control study
Authors:   Italian Multicenter Study Group for Drug and Vaccine Safety in Children
Published: September 2011

Objective

To verify whether vaccination against the A-H1N1 virus in the paediatric population was effective in preventing the occurrence of influenza-like illness (ILI) or was associated with adverse events of special interest.

Design, setting and patients

A case–control analysis was performed as part of surveillance of children hospitalised through the emergency departments of eight paediatric hospitals/wards for ILI, neurological disorders, non-infectious muco-cutaneous diseases and vasculitis, thrombocytopaenia and gastroduodenal lesions.

Results

Among 736 children enrolled from November 2009 to August 2010, only 25 had been vaccinated with the pandemic vaccine. Out of 268 children admitted for a diagnosis compatible with the adverse events of special interest, six had received the A-H1N1 vaccine, although none of the adverse events occurred within the predefined risk windows. Only 35 children out of 244 admitted with a diagnosis of ILI underwent laboratory testing: 11 were positive and 24 negative for the A-H1N1 virus. None of the A-H1N1 positive children had received the pandemic vaccine. The OR of ILI associated with any influenza vaccination was 0.9 (95% CI 0.1 to 5.5).

Conclusions

The study provides additional information on the benefit–risk profile of the pandemic vaccine. No sign of risk associated with the influenza A-H1N1 vaccine used in Italy was found, although several limitations were observed: in Italy, pandemic vaccination coverage was low, the epidemic was almost over by mid December 2009 and the A-H1N1 laboratory test was performed only during the epidemic phase (in <10% of children). This study supports the importance of the existing network of hospitals for the evaluation of signals relevant to new vaccines and drugs.
Antibacterial prescribing patterns in small animal veterinary practice identified via SAVSNET: the small animal veterinary surveillance network
Authors: Radford A. D. , Noble P. J. , Coyne K. P. , Gaskell R. M. , Jones P. H. , Bryan J. G. E. , Setzkorn C. , Tierney Á. , Dawson S.
Published: September 2011

In this study, data from veterinary clinical records were collected via the small animal veterinary surveillance network (SAVSNET). Over a three‐month period, data were obtained from 22,859 consultations at 16 small animal practices in England and Wales: 69 per cent from dogs, 24 per cent from cats, 3 per cent from rabbits and 4 per cent from miscellaneous species. The proportion of consults where prescribing of antibacterials was identified was 35.1 per cent for dogs, 48.5 per cent for cats and 36.6 per cent for rabbits. Within this population, 76 per cent of antibacterials prescribed were β‐lactams, including the most common group of clavulanic acid‐potentiated amoxicillin making up 36 per cent of the antibacterials prescribed. Other classes included lincosamides (9 per cent), fluoroquinolones and quinolones (6 per cent) and nitroimidazoles (4 per cent). Vancomycin and teicoplanin (glycopeptide class), and imipenem and meropenem (β‐lactam class) prescribing was not identified. Prescribing behaviour varied between practices. For dogs and cats, the proportion of consults associated with the prescription of antibacterials ranged from 0.26 to 0.55 and 0.41 to 0.73, respectively.
Large-scale development of functional markers inBrassicaspecies
Authors: An Zeshan , Gao Caihua , Li Jiana , Fu Donghui , Tang Zhanglin , Ortegón Oscar
Published: September 2011

Numerous quantitative trait loci (QTL) have been detected in Brassica species, but fine-mapping of major QTL has advanced slowly. The development of functional markers can overcome this barrier. We used publicly available PlantGDB-assembled unique transcripts (PUTs) from Brassica species to design 7836 functional simple sequence repeat (SSR) primer pairs. Functional annotation of the PUTs containing SSRs was done by Blast2GO. The PUTs harbouring SSRs were mainly involved with nucleotide or protein binding and enzyme activity, and preferentially functioned in membranes and cytoplasm. Totally, 210 PUT primer pairs were selected to test their polymorphism, stability, and PCR quality. Approximately 70% (147) of the primer pairs resulted in successful amplification with an average polymorphic information content (PIC) value of 0.49. The highest level of polymorphism was dinucleotide repeat SSRs, followed by tri- and mononucleotide repeats. Approximately 60% of the primer pairs showed good transferability among Brassica species. These results show that the development of markers from PUTs is a feasible and simple approach to develop functional SSR markers on a large scale across Brassica species. In addition, these markers can provide a novel alternative that is a putative approach for rapid determination of candidate genes, genetic mapping, genetic diversity analysis, and comparative mapping in Brassica species.
Seasonal Patterns of Sporophyte Growth, Fertility, Fouling, and Mortality ofSaccharina latissimain Skagerrak, Norway: Implications for Forest Recovery
Authors: Sogn Andersen Guri , Steen Henning , Christie Hartvig , Fredriksen Stein , Moy Frithjof Emil
Published: September 2011

On the Skagerrak coast the kelpSaccharina latissimahas suffered severe stand reductions over the last decade, resulting in loss of important habitats. In the present study, healthy kelp plants were transplanted into four deforested areas and their patterns of growth, reproduction, and survival were monitored through subsequent seasons. Our main objective was to establish whether the kelp plants were able to grow and mature in deforested areas. We observed normal patterns of growth and maturation at all study sites. However, heavy fouling by epiphytes occurred each summer, followed by high kelp mortality. The study shows that the seasonal variations and the life stage timing ofS. latissimamake formation of self-sustainable populations impossible in the present environment. Most noteworthy, we suggest that fouling by epiphytes is involved in the lack of kelp forest recovery in Skagerrak, Norway.
A Note on Holography and Phase Transitions
Authors: Bellon Marc , Moreno Enrique F. , Schaposnik Fidel A.
Published: September 2011

Focusing on the connection between the Landau theory of second-order phase transitions and the holographic approach to critical phenomena, we study diverse field theories in an anti de Sitter black hole background. Through simple analytical approximations, solutions to the equations of motion can be obtained in closed form which give rather good approximations of the results obtained using more involved numerical methods. The agreement we find stems from rather elementary considerations on perturbation of Schrödinger equations.
Para-Aortic Lymph Node Micrometastasis in Patients with Node-Negative Biliary Cancer
Authors: Yonemori Atsuya , Kondo Satoshi , Matsuno Yoshihiro , Ito Tomoo , Tanaka Eiichi , Hirano Satoshi
Published: September 2011

Background/Aims: The presence of para-aortic lymph node metastasis in biliary cancer negatively impacts prognosis. The present study aims to immunohistochemically identify and evaluate the clinical significance of para-aortic lymph node micrometastases in 66 patients who had undergone curative resection of biliary cancer. Methods: We used an antibody against cytokeratins 7 and 8 (CAM5.2) to immunostain 529 para-aortic lymph nodes that were negative according to conventional analysis from 66 patients with biliary cancer. Results: We detected CAM5.2-positive occult carcinoma cells in para-aortic lymph nodes from 3 (5%) of the 66 patients and in 3 (0.6%) of the 529 para-aortic lymph nodes. One of the 3 patients also had micrometastasis in the regional lymph nodes. All 3 patients with para-aortic lymph node micrometastasis are alive at 45, 48 and 90 months after surgery despite having locally advanced cancer. Conclusions: Occult cancer cells were identified in para-aortic lymph nodes from 5% of patients with node-negative biliary cancer, yet these patients have survived over the long term. The presence of para-aortic nodal micrometastasis might not have an influence on survival. However, further studies using a greater number of patients are required to support this notion.
Learning from Interstitial Typography
Authors: Simeone Luca
Published: September 2011

Interstitial typography is an aesthetic practice that, as demonstrated in some examples of Paula Scher and E-types, may provide ideas for the design of distributed interactive displays.
Role of the Arabian Sea Warm Pool on the Precipitation Characteristics during the Monsoon Onset Period
Authors: Sijikumar S. , Rajeev K.
Published: September 2011

Regional distribution of precipitation during the onset phase of the Indian summer monsoon (15 May–15 June) shows distinct patterns in the years 2009 and 2010, with the latter having considerably more precipitation over the southeast Arabian Sea (AS) and the west coast of peninsular India. During these years, the location and regional extent of the warm pool in the AS are also distinct. In 2009, the warm pool core is located in the equatorial region, whereas in 2010 it spreads to a wide region of the AS. Sensitivity experiments with different SST forcings have been carried out using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to understand the influence of the AS warm pool on the monsoon onset precipitation characteristics. Simulations with actual SSTs in the AS and climatological SSTs elsewhere are able to reproduce the distinct behavior of the monsoon onset precipitation observed during 2009 and 2010. These simulations show suppressed convection over the central and northern AS in 2009, while warmer SSTs in the AS favor enhanced convection during 2010 combined with a sharp contrast in the moisture transport. The strong intrusion of drier air from the north AS effectively confines the moist air mass from the south, causing a net transport of moisture toward the southwest coast of peninsular India and leads to positive anomalies in precipitation over the region in 2010. However, during 2009, the drier air from the north mixes rather easily over the AS, which suppress the convection.
Regulation of the BRCA1 gene by an SRC3/53BP1 complex
Authors: Corkery Dale , Thillainadesan Gobi , Coughlan Niamh , Mohan Ryan D , Isovic Majdina , Tini Marc , Torchia Joseph
Published: September 2011

Background

Steroid Receptor coactivator 3(SRC3) is an oncogene and a member of the SRC family of nuclear receptor coactivator proteins that mediate the transcriptional effects of nuclear hormone receptors as well as other transcription factors.

Results

We have used protein purification and mass spectrometry to identify the 53BP1 tumour suppressor as a novel SRC3-associated protein. Copurification was demonstrated using multiple antibodies, and was not dependent on DNA damage suggesting that SRC3 is not directly involved in the DNA damage response. However using chromatin immunoprecipitation(ChIP) and siRNA knockdown, we have demonstrated that both SRC3 and 53BP1 co-occupy the same region of the BRCA1 promoter and both are required for BRCA1 expression in HeLa cells.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that both 53BP1 and SRC3 have a common function that converge at the BRCA1 promoter and possibly other genes important for DNA repair and genomic stability.
Integrating GPCR-specific information with full text articles
Authors: Vroling Bas , Thorne David , McDermott Philip , Attwood Teresa K , Vriend Gert , Pettifer Steve
Published: September 2011

Background

With the continued growth in the volume both of experimental G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) data and of the related peer-reviewed literature, the ability of GPCR researchers to keep up-to-date is becoming increasingly curtailed.

Results

We present work that integrates the biological data and annotations in the GPCR information system (GPCRDB) with next-generation methods for intelligently exploring, visualising and interacting with the scientific articles used to disseminate them. This solution automatically retrieves relevant information from GPCRDB and displays it both within and as an adjunct to an article.

Conclusions

This approach allows researchers to extract more knowledge more swiftly from literature. Importantly, it allows reinterpretation of data in articles published before GPCR structure data became widely available, thereby rescuing these valuable data from long-dormant sources.
Increase in serotype 19A prevalence and amoxicillin non-susceptibility among paediatric Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from middle ear fluid in a passive laboratory-based surveillance in Spain, 1997-2009
Authors: Fenoll Asunción , Aguilar Lorenzo , Vicioso Maria-Dolores , Gimenez Maria-Jose , Robledo Olga , Granizo Juan-Jose
Published: September 2011

Background

Conjugate vaccines, such as the 7-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV7), alter serotype nasopharyngeal carriage, potentially increasing cases of otitis media by non-vaccine serotypes.

Methods

All paediatric middle ear fluid (MEF) isolates received in the Spanish Reference Laboratory for Pneumococci through a passive, laboratory-based surveillance system from January 1997 to June 2009 were analysed. Data from 1997 to 2000 were pooled as pre-vaccination period. Trends over time were explored by linear regression analysis.

Results

A total of 2,077 isolates were analysed: 855 belonging to PCV7 serotypes, 466 to serotype 19A, 215 to serotype 3, 89 to serotype 6A and 452 to other serotypes (< 40 isolates each). Over time, there has been a decreasing trend for PCV7 serotypes (R2 = 0.944; p < 0.001, with significant decreasing trends for serotypes 19F, 14, 23F and 9V), and increasing trends for serotype 19A (R2 = 0.901; p < 0.001), serotype 3 (R2 = 0.463; p = 0.030) and other non-PCV7 serotypes (R2 = 0.877; p < 0.001), but not for serotype 6A (R2 = 0.311; p = 0.094). Considering all isolates, amoxicillin non-susceptibility showed an increasing trend (R2 = 0.528; p = 0.017). Regarding serotype 19A, increasing trends in non-susceptibility to penicillin (R2 = 0.726; p = 0.001), amoxicillin (R2 = 0.804; p < 0.001), cefotaxime (R2 = 0.546; p = 0.005) and erythromycin (R2 = 0.546; p = 0.009) were found, with amoxicillin non-susceptibility firstly detected in 2003 (7.4%) and increasing up to 38.0% in 2009. In PCV7 serotypes (which prevalence decreased from 70.7% during 1997-2000 to 10.6% in 2009) amoxicillin non-susceptibility rates showed an increasing trend (R2 = 0.702; p = 0.002). However, overall, amoxicillin non-susceptibility (≈25% in 2008-9) could be mainly attributed to serotype 19A (> 35% isolates) since PCV7 strains represented < 11% of total clinical isolates.

Conclusions

In contrast to reports on invasive pneumococcal strains, in MEF isolates the reduction in the prevalence of PCV7 serotypes was not associated with decreases in penicillin/erythromycin non-susceptibility. The high prevalence of serotype 19A among paediatric MEF isolates and the amoxicillin non-susceptibility found in this serotype are worrisome since amoxicillin is the most common antibiotic used in the treatment of acute otitis media. These data suggest that non-PCV7 serotypes (mainly serotype 19A followed by serotypes 3 and 6A) are important etiological agents of acute otitis media and support the added value of the broader coverage of the new 13-valent conjugate vaccine.
Decrease in Shiga toxin expression using a minimal inhibitory concentration of rifampicin followed by bactericidal gentamicin treatment enhances survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7-infected BALB/c mice
Authors: Rahal Elias A , Kazzi Natalie , Sabra Ahmad , Abdelnoor Alexander M , Matar Ghassan M
Published: September 2011

Background

Treatment of Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections with antimicrobial agents is controversial due to an association with potentially fatal sequelae. The production of Shiga toxins is believed to be central to the pathogenesis of this organism. Therefore, decreasing the expression of these toxins prior to bacterial eradication may provide a safer course of therapy.

Methods

The utility of decreasing Shiga toxin gene expression in E. coli O157:H7 with rifampicin prior to bacterial eradication with gentamicin was evaluated in vitro using real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Toxin release from treated bacterial cells was assayed for with reverse passive latex agglutination. The effect of this treatment on the survival of E. coli O157:H7-infected BALB/c mice was also monitored.

Results

Transcription of Shiga toxin-encoding genes was considerably decreased as an effect of treating E. coli O157:H7 in vitro with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of rifampicin followed by the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of gentamicin (> 99% decrease) compared to treatment with gentamicin alone (50-75% decrease). The release of Shiga toxins from E. coli O157:H7 incubated with the MIC of rifampicin followed by addition of the MBC of gentamicin was decreased as well. On the other hand, the highest survival rate in BALB/c mice infected with E. coli O157:H7 was observed in those treated with the in vivo MIC equivalent dose of rifampicin followed by the in vivo MBC equivalent dose of gentamicin compared to mice treated with gentamicin or rifampicin alone.

Conclusions

The use of non-lethal expression-inhibitory doses of antimicrobial agents prior to bactericidal ones in treating E. coli O157:H7 infection is effective and may be potentially useful in human infections with this agent in addition to other Shiga toxin producing E. coli strains.
Response to dexamethasone is glucose-sensitive in multiple myeloma cell lines
Authors: Friday Ellen , Ledet Johnathan , Turturro Francesco
Published: September 2011

Background

Hyperglycemia is among the major side effects of dexamethasone (DEX). Glucose or glucocorticoid (GC) regulates the expression of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) that controls the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the modulation of thioredoxin (TRX) activity.

Methods

Multiple myeloma (MM) cells were grown in 5 or 20 mM/L glucose with or without 25 μM DEX. Semiquantitative reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) was used to assess TXNIP RNA expression in response to glucose and DEX. ROS were detected by 5-6-chloromethyl-2',7'-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (CM-H2DCFDA). TRX activity was assayed by the insulin disulfide-reducing assay. Proliferation was evaluated using CellTiter96 reagent with 490-nm absorbtion and used to calculate the DEX IC50 in 20 mM/L glucose using the Chou's dose effect equation.

Results

TXNIP RNA level responded to glucose or DEX with the same order of magnitude ARH77 > NCIH929 > U266B1 in these cells. MC/CAR cells were resistant to the regulation. ROS level increased concurrently with reduced TRX activity. Surprisingly glucose increased TRX activity in MC/CAR cells keeping ROS level low. DEX and glucose were lacking the expected additive effect on TXNIP RNA regulation when used concurrently in sensitive cells. ROS level was significantly lower when DEX was used in conditions of hyperglycemia in ARH77/NCIH9292 cells but not in U266B1 cells. Dex-IC50 increased 10-fold when the dose response effect of DEX was evaluated with glucose in ARH && and MC/Car cells

Conclusions

Our study shows for the first time that glucose or DEX regulates important components of ROS production through TXNIP modulation or direct interference with TRX activity in MM cells. We show that glucose modulates the activity of DEX through ROS regualtion in MM cells. A better understanding of these pathways may help in improving the efficacy and reducing the toxicity of DEX, a drug still highly used in the treatment of MM. Our study also set the ground to study the relevance of the metabolic milieu in affecting drug response and toxicity in diabetic versus non-diabetic patients with MM.
Platelet glycoprotein Ibα is an important mediator of ischemic stroke in mice
Authors: De Meyer Simon F , Schwarz Tobias , Schatzberg Daphne , Wagner Denisa D
Published: September 2011

Background

Platelets play an important role in ischemic stroke. GPIbα is a major platelet receptor that is critical for platelet adhesion to exposed subendothelial matrix components at sites of vascular damage.

Methods

In this study, we used transgenic mice in which the extracellular part of GPIbα is replaced by human interleukin 4-receptor (GPIbα/IL4Rα). We observed normal brain vasculature in these mice. We compared infarct size in GPIbα/IL4Rα and wild-type (WT) mice 23 hours after 1-hour transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). In addition, the functional outcome was evaluated using a modified Bederson score.

Results

We found a significantly smaller infarct size in GPIbα/IL4Rα mice compared to WT mice (38.0 ± 6.5 mm3 vs. 74.2 ± 8.6 mm3, p < 0.001). The decrease in infarct size was functionally relevant as indicated by a significantly better functional Bederson score in GPIbα/IL4Rα mice compared to WT animals (1.3 ± 0.4 vs. 2.7 ± 0.3, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our data illustrate and further confirm the important role of platelet GPIbα in ischemic stroke, suggesting that targeted inhibition of this receptor may open new avenues in stroke treatment.
Retrospectives: The Convergence Debate Between David Hume and Josiah Tucker
Authors: Elmslie Bruce Truitt
Published: September 2011

One of the most interesting debates in modern economics centers around the question of whether integrating economies necessarily converge in terms of per capita income and technology. This debate is often believed to have been started by Thorstein Veblen in 1915. However, this paper demonstrates that the genesis of the convergence question goes back to the Scottish Enlightenment and the publication of an essay by David Hume in 1742. The ensuing ‘rich country-poor country’ debate--between David Hume on the convergence side and Josiah Tucker on the nonconvergence side--represents one of the first major doctrinal debates in economics.
The Mirage of Fixed Exchange Rates
Authors: Obstfeld Maurice , Rogoff Kenneth
Published: September 2011

This paper discusses the profound difficulties of maintaining fixed exchange rates in a world of expanding global capital markets. Contrary to popular wisdom, industrialized-country monetary authorities easily have the resources to defend exchange parities against virtually any private speculative attack. But if their commitment to use those resources lacks credibility with markets, the costs to the broader economy of defending an exchange-rate peg can be very high. The dynamic interplay between credibility and commitment is illustrated by the 1992 Swedish and British crises and the 1994-95 Mexican collapse. The authors also discuss the small number of successful fixers.
The Tat-dependent protein translocation pathway
Authors: Hou Bo , Brüser Thomas
Published: September 2011

The twin-arginine translocation (Tat) pathway is found in bacteria, archaea, and plant chloroplasts, where it is dedicated to the transmembrane transport of fully folded proteins. These proteins contain N-terminal signal peptides with a specific Tat-system binding motif that is recognized by the transport machinery. In contrast to other protein transport systems, the Tat system consists of multiple copies of only two or three usually small (∼8–30 kDa) membrane proteins that oligomerize to two large complexes that transiently interact during translocation. Only one of these complexes includes a polytopic membrane protein, TatC. The other complex consists of TatA. Tat systems of plants, proteobacteria, and several other phyla contain a third component, TatB. TatB is evolutionarily and structurally related to TatA and usually forms tight complexes with TatC. Minimal two-component Tat systems lacking TatB are found in many bacterial and archaeal phyla. They consist of a ‘bifunctional’ TatA that also covers TatB functionalities, and a TatC. Recent insights into the structure and interactions of the Tat proteins have various important implications.
The Chinese ambivalence to humor: Views from undergraduates in Hong Kong and China
Authors: Yue Xiao Dong
Published: September 2011

This paper proposes that Chinese people have traditionally been ambivalent about humor in the following three manners: (1) they tend to value humor but consider themselves to lack humor; (2) being humorous is not associated with being an orthodox Chinese; (3) humor is important but not for everyone. The paper also proposes that the Chinese ambivalence toward humor is largely due to an appreciation-despising complex about humor that is deep-rooted in Chinese culture. To verify this, this author conducted a survey study among a sample of 337 undergraduates in Hong Kong and Huhehot. Results show that (1) participants all rated highly on importance of humor but low on perception of self humor; (2) male students considered themselves to be more humorous than female students; (3) the top ten important characteristics for humor are fundamentally different from the top ten characteristics important for Chinese personality; (4) perception of humor is more positive than that of the Chinese personality. The paper concludes with a discussion of the psycho-social implications of the present findings on studies and enhancement of humor in Chinese society as well on some thoughts on further directions of research.
Modeling and Simulation of Film and Transitional Boiling Processes on a Metallic Cylinder During Quenching
Authors: Stark Paul , Fritsching Udo
Published: September 2011

A multiphase flow and heat transfer model is used to simulate the flow field and the heat transfer process of a metal specimen located in a flow during the quenching process. The applied bubble crowd model is able to investigate the separate boiling phases within one single numerical model approach. Simulation results are discussed for the quenching of a circular cylinder in a facing water flow. The initial flow velocity and the wall superheat (at temperatures above and below the Leidenfrost point) are varied to investigate their influence on the vapor formation and on the local as well as the averaged heat transfer rates. Characteristic differences between the heat transfer on the different surfaces of the cylinder due to their orientation in the flow field are discussed.
The effect of pre-ozonation and subsequent coagulation on the filtration of WWTP effluent with low-pressure membranes
Authors: Genz Cornelia , Miehe Ulf , Gnirß Regina , Jekel Martin
Published: September 2011

The impact of a pre-treatment by pre-ozonation (2–10 mg O3/L) and subsequent coagulation (FeCl3: 2–6 mg Fe3+/L) on the performance of a polymeric ultrafiltration membrane was investigated in lab scale. The performance was assessed by monitoring the flux decline during filtration of secondary effluent in Amicon test cells. During the filtration process no free dissolved ozone was in contact with the membrane. It was observed that flux decline is reduced with increasing coagulant concentration as well as with increasing ozone dosage. This effect involves a reduction in the amount of biopolymers measured by size exclusion chromatography (LC-OCD). Moreover, multi-filtration cycles revealed that pre-ozonation leads to a significant increase in irreversible fouling that might be caused by increasing colloidal iron concentrations. Phosphorus in the permeate was successfully reduced to concentrations <60 μg/L.
Effects of Genetic Susceptibility for Type 2 Diabetes on the Evolution of Glucose Homeostasis Traits Before and After Diabetes Diagnosis
Authors: Gautier Alain , Roussel Ronan , Lange Céline , Piguel Xavier , Cauchi Stéphane , Vol Sylviane , Froguel Philippe , Balkau Beverley , Bonnet Fabrice
Published: September 2011

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of genetic susceptibility on evolution toward type 2 diabetes (T2D) by analyzing time trajectories of fasting glucose, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin sensitivity (homeostasis model assessment [HOMA2%S]), and β-cell secretion (HOMA2%B) in a large nondiabetic cohort. We also examined whether baseline HbA1c modified the effect of genetic predisposition on the time trajectories.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Time trajectories were drawn in 4,744 participants from the French Data from an Epidemiological Study on the Insulin Resistance Syndrome (D.E.S.I.R.) cohort based on samples collected every 3 years over a 9-year follow-up. Trajectories were analyzed according to the TCF7L2 common variant, a family history of T2D, and a combination of at-risk alleles from nine T2D-associated genes.

RESULTS

There was a marked decrease in HOMA2%B in parallel to a steep increase in HbA1c over the 3 years before incident diabetes, which was not influenced by genetic predisposition when considered alone. However, after the onset of T2D, the TCF7L2 at-risk variant was associated with a greater decrease in HOMA2%B. There was a joint effect of a family history of T2D with the presence of the TCF7L2 risk allele with a greater rise in HbA1c conferred by the coexistence of a family history and the T risk allele. An HbA1c ≥5.7% at baseline was associated with a greater increase in both glycemia and HbA1c levels in the presence of a combination of diabetes at-risk alleles.

CONCLUSIONS

After incident T2D, TCF7L2 at-risk variants were associated with a faster decrease in β-cell function compared with those with the CC genotype. There was a joint effect of family history of T2D and TCF7L2 risk variant on the rise in glycemia and the decrease in insulin secretion at the end of follow-up, suggesting the joint influence of the combination of diabetes genetic predisposition with familial factors on the evolution of glycemia over time.
Clinical Evaluation of DIAGNOdent in Detection of Occlusal Caries in Newly Erupted Noncavitated First Permanent Molars in Caries-Active Children
Authors: Duruturk L , Çiftçi A , Baharoğlu S , Öztuna D
Published: September 2011

Clinical Relevance

This paper indicates that DIAGNOdent readings are not reliable for the detection of early occlusal caries in young permanent teeth.
Developmental Research on “Life Skill” Cultivation in P.E. Curriculum System of Universities
Authors: Huang Chang Wu
Published: September 2011

The paper is aimed at conducting a developmental and practical research on “life skill” cultivation in P.E. curriculum system of universities. In the research, 302 freshmen (137 male students and 165 female students) from College of Education and College of Humanities at Hunan University of Science and Technology were randomly selected to be the research targets. All selected students were then divided randomly into the experimental group and the contrast group, with 153 students in the experimental group and 149 students in the contrast group. These students were arranged to go through physical education experiment designed for improving teen-agers’ life skills. Document literature, mathematical statistics, Likert-type scales and other methods were put into use in the research to test students’ knowledge and confidence in life skills for subsequent assessment. The experimental result has shown that, students in the experimental group were observably improved (P<0.05) 1 in one aspect of both life skill test and confidence test.
Post Value Fine Management System for Power Plant
Authors: Li Ai Guo , Du Jiao Jiao , He Jing , Yang Qi
Published: September 2011

At present, fine management of post value has become an important measure for enterprises to realize cost control and fine management. This paper sets forth the operating management mode of the value chain of post value system, also known as overall budget management and target cost management of the working staff. The paper formulates a post value system based on B/S mode. The running output proves that the system possesses a prospect of wide application in view of its favorable expandability and simplicity in maintenance as well as it effectiveness in boosting the profits for gangue power plants.
MACRE: a Novel Distributed Congestion Control Algorithm in DTN
Authors: An Ying , Luo Xi
Published: September 2011

Congestion control is a very important problem which can affect network performance directly. However, owing to the lack of steady end-to-end connection and high latency, the traditional congestion control mechanism based on end-to-end feedback is not feasible in DTN. Because obtaining the global information of network is difficult, the congestion control decisions should be made autonomously with local information only. We propose a novel distributed congestion control algorithm based on epidemic routing protocols----MACRE (Message Admission Control based on Rate Estimation). Preliminary experimental results show that this congestion control mechanism can improve the network performance efficiently.
Preparation and Characterization of CaF2 Doped Bioglass Ceramics
Authors: Majhi M.R. , Pyare R. , Singh S.P.
Published: September 2011

Bioglass Ceramics having molar composition 40SiO2-(44-X)CaO-10MgO-6P2O5-XCaF2 (where X = 0 to 8%) were prepared by conventional melting process in an electric globar furnace at 1400±10°C. Controlled crystallizations were carried out to convert the bioglasses to their corresponding ceramics. Nucleation and crystallization regimes were carried out by differential thermal analysis. The crystalline phases termed hydroxy fluoroapatite, akermanite and wollastonite were identified by using x-ray diffraction analysis. The investigation of bioactivity for the prepared glass and glass ceramics was done by infrared absorption and infrared reflection spectra after immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF) for different periods at 37.8°C. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis was carried out to investigate the surface texture. Micrographs show the formation of HCA layer on the surface of the bioglass ceramics samples after 7 days of SBF treatment. The surfaces of the samples were completely covered with irregular and needle-like aggregates of Ca–P layer. The released ions were estimated by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The chemical durability of these materials was determined by pH measurement methods and it was found that pH of the solution increases up from 1 to 7 days. Further, pH decreases with increasing time period, from 15 to 30 days in SBF solution.
A Method to Fabricate Liver Tissue Engineering Scaffold
Authors: Singare S. , Zhong Shou Yan , Sun Zhen Zhong
Published: September 2011

In this paper, the authors describe a rapid prototyping method to produce vascularized tissue such as liver scaffold for tissue engineering applications. A scaffold with an interconnected channel was designed using a CAD environment. The data were transferred to a Polyjet 3D Printing machine (Eden 250, Object, Israel) to generate the models. Based on the 3D Printing model, a PDMS (polydimethyl-silicone) mould was created which can be used to cast the biodegradable material. The advantages and limitations of Rapid Prototyping (RP) techniques as well as the future direction of RP development in tissue engineering scaffold fabrication were reviewed.
FAT Projects: Manifesting Radical Post‐Modernism
Authors:   FAT
Published: September 2011

Sean Griffiths, Charles Holland and Sam Jacob of FAT explain how they have developed their own brand of fit‐for‐purpose Radical Post‐Modernism that enables them to actively engage with the specifics of any building project. They work at a diverse range of scales and programmes from art pavilions to social housing and public buildings. Not afraid to magnify the ordinary and the familiar, FAT tackle the often‐thorny questions of taste and meaning head on with a joyful verve. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bone density phenotypes in mice aneuploid for the Down syndrome critical region
Authors: Olson Lisa E. , Mohan Subburaman
Published: September 2011

Down syndrome (trisomy 21) is associated with reduced bone density in humans, but it is unclear whether this is due to specific effects of chromosome 21 genes or lifestyle factors. Mouse models with aneuploidy of segments of mouse chromosome 16 that are homologous to human chromosome 21 can be used to elucidate the mechanism by which Down syndrome phenotypes arise. Ts1Rhr and Ms1Rhr mice are trisomic and monosomic, respectively, for the hypothesized “Down syndrome critical region” containing approximately 33 genes. We assessed the skeletons of these mice from 3 to 16 weeks of age using dual X‐ray absorptiometry. Ts1Rhr mice were unexpectedly similar to normal controls, showing that a larger region of trisomy is necessary to recapitulate the Down syndrome phenotype. Ms1Rhr mice, in contrast, showed decreases in weight, bone mineral content, bone mineral density, and bone area from weaning to adulthood. Regional bone density was also decreased in the femur, tibia, and lower lumbar spine. The microarchitecture of 3 week old Ms1Rhr femurs was then analyzed using µCT. Volumetric density, total tissue volume, bone volume, and bone fraction were all reduced in both cortical and trabecular bone. Ms1Rhr trabeculae were thinner and had decreased connectivity. A 31.5% reduction in the level of insulin‐like growth factor I in the serum was found, and we hypothesize that this is responsible for the bone density phenotype. We discuss bone‐related genes in the region and propose that humans with distal chromosome 21 deletions may exhibit reduced bone density. Published 2011. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Surface‐Inspired Molecular Vanadium Oxide Catalysts for the Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Alcohols: Evidence for Metal Cooperation and Peroxide Intermediates
Authors: Werncke C. Gunnar , Limberg Christian , Knispel Christina , Mebs Stefan
Published: September 2011

On the basis that thiacalix[4]arene (H4T4A) complex (PPh4)2[H2T4A(VO2)]2 (Ia) was found to be an adequate functional model for surface species occurring on vanadium oxide based catalysts and itself catalyses the oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of alcohols, an analogue containing 2,2′‐thiobis(2,4‐di‐tert‐butylphenolate), SL2−, as ligand, namely, (PPh4)2[SLVO2]2 (II) was investigated in the same context. Despite the apparent similarity of Ia and II, studies on II revealed several novel insights, which are also valuable in connection with surfaces of vanadia catalysts: 1) For Ia and II similar turnover numbers (TONs) were found for the ODH of activated alcohols, which indicates that the additional OH units inherent to Ia do not contribute particularly to the activity of this complex, for instance, through prebinding of the alcohol. 2) On dissolution II enters into an equilibrium with a monomeric form, which is the predominant species in solution; nevertheless, ODH proceeds exclusively at the dimeric form, and this stresses the need for cooperation of two vanadium centres. 3) By omitting O2 from the system during the oxidation of 9‐fluorenol, the reduced form of the catalyst could be isolated and fully characterised (including single‐crystal X‐ray analysis). The corresponding intermediate had been elusive in case of thiacalixarene system Ia. 4) Reoxidation was found to proceed via a peroxide intermediate that also oxidises one alcohol equivalent. As the peroxide can also perform mono‐ and dioxygenation of the thioether group in II, after a number of turnovers the active catalyst contains a sulfone group. The reduced form of this ultimate catalyst was also isolated and structurally characterised. Possible implications of 1)–4) for the function of heterogeneous vanadia catalysts are discussed.
Identification of Inhibitors of the Leishmania cdc2‐Related Protein Kinase CRK3
Authors: Cleghorn Laura A. T. , Woodland Andrew , Collie Iain T. , Torrie Leah S. , Norcross Neil , Luksch Torsten , Mpamhanga Chido , Walker Roderick G. , Mottram Jeremy C. , Brenk Ruth , Frearson Julie A. , Gilbert Ian H. , Wyatt Paul G.
Published: September 2011

New drugs are urgently needed for the treatment of tropical parasitic diseases such as leishmaniasis and human African trypanosomiasis (HAT). This work involved a high‐throughput screen of a focussed kinase set of ∼3400 compounds to identify potent and parasite‐selective inhibitors of an enzymatic Leishmania CRK3–cyclin 6 complex. The aim of this study is to provide chemical validation that Leishmania CRK3–CYC6 is a drug target. Eight hit series were identified, of which four were followed up. The optimisation of these series using classical SAR studies afforded low‐nanomolar CRK3 inhibitors with significant selectivity over the closely related human cyclin dependent kinase CDK2.
Effects of MOCVD Thin Cobalt Films' Structure and Surface Characteristics on their Magnetic Behavior
Authors: Papadopoulos Nikolaos , Karayianni Chaido‐Stefania , Tsakiridis Petros , Sarantopoulou Evangelia , Hristoforou Evangelos
Published: September 2011

Cobalt thin films are deposited by metal‐organic (MO)CVD, under various experimental conditions, on Si and SiO2 substrates. The precursors used are cobalt nitrosyl tricarbonyl, Co(CO)3NO, cobalt acetylacetonate, Co(acac)2, and cobalt carbonyl, Co2(CO)8. Emphasis is given to the delivery method of each precursor, especially to a new technique of aerosol delivery. The films are thoroughly examined in terms of microstructure and surface morphology in order to establish relevance to magnetic properties. It is found that Co films deposited from Co2(CO)8 dissolved in dichloromethane are characterized by a high degree of planarity and purity, while exhibiting a non‐hysteretic giant magnetoresistance (GMR) behavior in the presence of an externally applied magnetic field normal to their surface.
Circulation times of prostate cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma cells by in vivo flow cytometry
Authors: Li Yan , Guo Jin , Wang Chaofeng , Fan Zhichao , Liu Guangda , Wang Cheng , Gu Zhengqin , Damm David , Mosig Axel , Wei Xunbin
Published: September 2011

In metastasis, the cancer cells that travel through the body are capable of establishing new tumors in locations remote from the site of the original disease. To metastasize, a cancer cell must break away from its tumor and invade either the circulatory or lymphatic system, which will carry it to a new location, and establish itself in the new site. Once in the blood stream, the cancer cells now have access to every portion of the body. Here, we have used the “in vivo flow cytometer” to study if there is any relationship between metastatic potential and depletion kinetics of circulating tumor cells. The in vivo flow cytometer has the capability to detect and quantify continuously the number and flow characteristics of fluorescently labelled cells in vivo. We have improved the counting algorithm and measured the depletion kinetics of cancer cells with different metastatic potential. Interestingly, more invasive PC‐3 prostate cancer cells are depleted faster from the circulation than LNCaP cells. In addition, we have measured the depletion kinetics of two related human hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer) cell lines, high‐metastatic HCCLM3 cells, and low‐metastatic HepG2 cells. More than 60% HCCLM3 cells are depleted within the first hour. Interestingly, the low‐metastatic HepG2 cells possess noticeably slower depletion kinetics. In comparison, <40% HepG2 cells are depleted within the first hour. The differences in depletion kinetics might provide insights into early metastasis processes. © 2011 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry