bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary History and Complementary Selective Relaxation of the Duplicated PI Genes in Grasses
Authors: Wei Ruo‐Xun , Ge Song
Published: May 2011

Gene duplication plays an important role in the evolution of organisms by allowing functional innovation and the divergence of duplicate genes. Previous studies found two PI‐like genes in grass species, suggesting functional divergence between the paralogous copies. Here, we reconstructed the evolutionary history of two PI genes from major lineages of grasses and other monocot species, and demonstrated that two PI genes (PI1 and PI2) arose from a whole genome duplication that occurred in a common ancestor of extant grasses. Molecular evolutionary analyses at the family and tribal levels found strong purifying selection acting on two genes in grasses, consistent with the conserved class B function of the PI genes. Importantly, we detected different patterns of selective relaxation between the duplicated PI genes although no signature of positive selection was found. Likelihood ratio tests revealed that the ω ratio for M domain is significantly higher in PI1 than in PI2 but that for K domain is significantly higher in PI2 than in PI1. These findings imply that complementary selective relaxation occurs in two PI genes after duplication, and provide additional molecular evidence for the subfunctionalization of the duplicated PI genes in grasses.
From Corporatism to Public Utilities: Workplace Pensions in the 21st Century
Authors: CLARK GORDON L.
Published: May 2011

For many Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development countries, workplace pensions have been an important mechanism for supplementing state‐sponsored social security. Notwithstanding significant differences between developed economies in the significance attached to workplace pensions, provision has been typically encouraged through preferential tax policies on benefits and compensation packages. If relevant for the baby‐boom generation, it is doubtful that these arrangements will be as important for future generations. As state‐sponsored social security has been discounted in terms of promised value and entitlement, traditional workplace pensions have been closing and replaced by retirement saving instruments that are neither as lucrative nor as dependable. Retrenchment in workplace pensions has prompted governments to consider and, in some cases, develop different types of retirement savings institutions. This paper charts the decline of traditional workplace pensions, the apparent inadequacy of alternatives such as money‐purchase (defined contribution) schemes, and the rise of what are referred to as ‘public utilities’: government sponsored savings institutions designed to compensate for the decline (in coverage and promised value) of workplace pensions albeit at a more modest level than that associated with traditional defined benefit schemes. Reference is made to the experience of the USA, the UK, and Australia with passing comments of related developments in Germany and continental Europe. It is argued that the rise of public utilities in this domain is indicative of the transformation of corporate capitalism over the past 25 years and the realisation that the costs of neoliberalism may be so significant that governments have to take responsibility, once again, for underwriting retirement welfare.
Complex Oncogenic Signaling Networks Regulate Brain Tumor‐Initiating Cells and Their Progenies: Pivotal Roles of Wild‐Type EGFR, EGFRvIII Mutant and Hedgehog Cascades and Novel Multitargeted Therapies
Authors: Mimeault Murielle , Batra Surinder K.
Published: May 2011

Complex signaling cross‐talks between different growth factor cascades orchestrate the primary brain cancer development. Among the frequent deregulated oncogenic pathways, the ligand‐activated wild‐type epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), constitutively activated EGFRvIII mutant and sonic hedgehog pathways have attracted much attention because of their pivotal roles in pediatric medulloblastomas and adult glioblastoma multiformes (GBM) brain tumors. The enhanced expression levels and activation of EGFR, EGFRvIII mutant and hedgehog signaling elements can provide key roles for the sustained growth, migration and local invasion of brain tumor‐initiating cells (BTICs) and their progenies, resistance to current therapies and disease relapse. These tumorigenic cascades also can cooperate with Wnt/β‐catenin, Notch, platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)/PDGF receptors (PDGFRs), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c‐Met receptor and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGF receptors (VEGFRs) for the acquisition of a more malignant behavior and survival advantages by brain tumor cells during disease progression. Therefore, the simultaneous targeting of these oncogenic signaling components including wild‐type EGFR, EGFRvIII mutant and hedgehog pathways may constitute a potential therapeutic approach of great clinical interest to eradicate BTICs and improve the efficacy of current clinical treatments by radiation and/or chemotherapy against aggressive and recurrent medulloblastomas and GBMs.
Preparation of TiO2 Thin Films Using Water‐soluble Titanium Complexes and Their Photoinduced Properties
Authors: Katsumata Ken‐ichi , Ohno Yukiaki , Tomita Koji , Sakai Munetoshi , Nakajima Akira , Kakihana Masato , Fujishima Akira , Matsushita Nobuhiro , Okada Kiyoshi
Published: May 2011

Titanium dioxide thin films were prepared by using four water‐soluble titanium complexes of titanium–lactate, tartalate, malate and salicylate complex solutions. The crystalline phases detected in the films were anatase. The surface microstructures of the four film samples were different in their grain sizes. Photocatalytic decomposition activity of the four films was almost the same, but their photoinduced hydrophilicities were different. The film prepared using titanium–salicylate complex exhibited lower hydrophilic conversion rate than the other films. Grain size and stress yielded to the film are considered to be important factors on the photoinduced hydrophilicity.
Photoprotecting Action and Phytochemical Analysis of a Multiple Radical Scavenger Lipophilic Fraction Obtained from the Leaf of the SeagrassThalassia testudinum
Authors: Regalado Erik L. , Rodríguez María , Menéndez Roberto , Fernandez Xavier , Hernández Ivones , Morales Ruth A. , Fernández Miguel D. , Thomas Olivier P. , Pino Jorge A. , Concepción Ángel R. , Laguna Abilio
Published: May 2011

The apolar fraction F1 ofThalassia testudinumwas chemically characterized by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry, which led to the identification of 43 metabolites, all of them reported for the first time in the genusThalassia.More than 80% of the F1 composition was constituted by aromatic metabolites including the major components 1,1‐bis(p‐tolyl)ethane (6.0%), 4,4′‐diisopropylbiphenyl (4.8%) and a 1,1‐bis(p‐tolyl)ethane isomer (4.7%). This lipophilic fraction was assayed for its antioxidant effects and skin protective action.In vitroassays showed that F1 strongly scavenged DPPH* (IC50312.0 ± 8.0 μg mL−1), hydroxyl (IC5023.8 ± 0.5 μg mL−1) and peroxyl radical (IC506.6 ± 0.3 μg mL−1), as well as superoxide anion (IC5050.0 ± 0.7 μg mL−1). Also, F1 markedly inhibited the spontaneous lipid peroxidation (LPO) in brain homogenates (IC5093.0 ± 6.0 μg mL−1) and the LPS‐stimulated nitrite generation on RAW624.7 macrophages (58.6 ± 3.2%, 400 μg mL−1). In agreement with these findings, its topical application at 250 and 500 μg cm−2strikingly reduced skin damage on mice exposed to acute UVB radiation by 45% and 70%, respectively and significantly attenuated the LPO developed following the first 48 h after acute exposure to UVB irradiation, as manifested by the decreased malondialdehide level and by the increased of reduced gluthatione content. Our results suggest that F1 may contribute to skin repair by attenuating oxidative stress due to its antioxidant activity.
Clinical outcome and pathological features associated with NRAS mutation in cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Devitt Bianca , Liu Wendy , Salemi Renato , Wolfe Rory , Kelly John , Tzen Chin‐Yuan , Dobrovic Alexander , McArthur Grant
Published: May 2011

The effect of NRAS mutations on the pathological features and clinical outcomes in patients with cutaneous melanoma was compared with that of tumors containing BRAFV600E mutations and tumors wild type for both (WT). Clinical outcome data were obtained from a prospective cohort of 249 patients. Mutations involving NRAS and BRAFV600E were detected by PCR and were sequence verified. Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to relate NRAS and BRAF mutations to clinical outcome. Seventy‐five percentage of NRAS mutations occurred in tumors >1 mm thick (BRAFV600E 40%, WT 34%); 75% of NRAS mutations had >1 mitosis/mm2 (BRAFV600E 40%, WT 55%). When compared to WT, multivariate analysis of melanoma‐specific survival (MSS) identified NRAS mutations as an adverse prognostic factor [hazard ratio (HR) 2.96; P = 0.04] but not BRAFV600E mutations (HR 1.73; P = 0.23). NRAS mutations were associated with thicker tumors and higher rates of mitosis when compared to BRAFV600E and WT melanoma and independently of this, with shorter MSS.
Metabolic Antianginal Agent Ranolazine Offers Good Symptom Relief in a Patient with Inoperable Severe Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Athauda‐arachchi Pandula , Lang Chim
Published: May 2011

Severe inoperable aortic stenosis is a challenge for clinicians. Management of symptoms with traditional antianginal agents, which exert hemodynamic changes often may not be possible in such patient groups. We report the first known case of the safe use of Ranolazine with good symptomatic relief of angina in an 88‐year‐old lady with isolated severe aortic stenosis (without significant coronary disease) who was not suitable for surgical or percutaneous valve replacement due to medical comorbidity.
The Role of OATP1B1 and BCRP in Pharmacokinetics and DDI of Novel Statins
Authors: Hua Wen Jin , Hua Wei Xiao , Fang Hu Jin
Published: May 2011

The aim of this review is to provide useful information not only for studying the effect of OATP1B1 and/or BCRP gene mutation on pharmacokinetics of novle statins of pitavastatin and rosuvastatin but also for studying drug–drug interactions (DDI) between the novle statins and other substrates of OATP1B1 and/or BCRP. Intra‐ and inter‐ethnic differences in pharmacokinetic profiles of clinically relevant drugs are important issues reported in many papers not only for scenes of appropriate drug used in clinical settings but also for those of the drug development. Pharmacogenomics is extremely useful for understanding these racial differences. Recent pharmacogenetics study have disclosed important roles of drug transporters in the pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles of some clinically relevant drugs. In this presentation, we introduce single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of OATP1B1 and BCRP and review the contribution of genetic polymorphisms of the transporters to the pharmacokinetics of dual substrates as pitavastatin and rosuvastatin from recent study. At the same time, the DDIs between pitavastatin or rosuvastatin and other drug have been extensively concerned because of inhibiting OATP1B1‐mediated hepatic uptake or BCRP‐mediated hepatic efflux of pitavastatin and rosuvastatin. This review summarized the current studies about the role of OATP1B1 and BCRP in DDIs between pitavastatin or rosuvastatin and other clinically relevant drugs. The role of OATP1B1 and BCRP gene mutation can affect the PK profiles of pitavastatin and rosuvastatin. The DDIs between the novle statins and other substrates of OATP1B1 or BCRP may occur and cause change in the pharmacokinetic of the novle statins.
Diagnosis of Partial Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears: Description of a New Diagnostic Sign and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Dattani Rupen , Patel Vipul R.
Published: May 2011

The diagnosis of a partial thickness rotator cuff tear can be challenging. This review describes the reappearing bubble sign that can be a useful adjunct in the evaluation of a partial articular surface tear with an intratendinous extension (PAINT lesion). In addition, we review the clinical examination, radiological imaging and intra-operative techniques that may help in the detection of a partial thickness cuff tear.
Artelon® Tissue Reinforcement in the Repair of a Ruptured, Degenerative Rotator Cuff in an Elderly Man
Authors: Zhaeentan Soheila , Hagert Elisabet
Published: May 2011

Background

Massive degenerative rotator cuff tears are a considerable problem in the elderly. It is known that about one third of surgical repairs of damaged rotator cuffs result in re-tear. The most common reason for this failure is poor quality of the cuff due to degenerative changes. The aim of our study was to see if Artelon Tissue Reinforcement® (ATR) in the repair of a degenerative rotator cuff tear could improve the postoperative outcome.

Methods

An 81-year old man was treated surgically with repair of a massive degenerative rotator cuff tear, reinforced by an ATR-patch. The patient was followed postoperatively with clinical examinations and MRI at 6- and 15-months postoperatively. Objective outcome measures using Constant Score, WORC and Oxford Shoulder Score were analyzed 2.5 years postoperatively.

Results

The MRI showed maintained integrity of the rotator cuff at both 6- and 15-months postoperatively. The results from WORC and Oxford Shoulder Score indicate a return to normal shoulder function.

Discussion

The experience from this case and two other similar cases with excellent patient satisfaction and no signs of adverse effects has encouraged us to commence a prospective, randomized study to further analyze the effect of ATR in treating degenerative rotator cuff tears.
The use of an Extended Humeral Head (CTA) Prosthesis in Patients Suffering with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Crawford Louise A. , Thompson Neville W. , Nuttall David , Haines John F. , Trail Ian , Birch Ann
Published: May 2011

Background

The results of shoulder replacement in patients suffering with rheumatoid arthritis, particularly in the presence of a massive cuff tear and glenoid erosion, are often unsatisfactory. Although patients can achieve satisfactory pain relief, movement and function are often limited. In the present study, we report the use of the extended head prosthesis in this group of patients.

Methods

Thirty-two patients (33 shoulders) underwent this procedure and were followed up for a mean of 4 years.

Results

At review, as well as showing a statistically significant diminution in pain, movements, particularly flexion and external rotation, were also significantly improved. In addition, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Constant–Morley function scores had also improved. The overall survivalship at 8 years was 93%.

Discussion

We consider that these results are comparable if not better than a standard hemi-arthroplasty. In some cases, however, radiological follow-up has shown progressive subacromial and glenoid erosion. The significance of this remains unknown at present. Finally, in one patient, the humeral head subluxed anteriorly, resulting in revision to a reverse prosthesis.
Prevalence of Methicillin‐ResistantStaphylococcion a Farm: Staff can Harbour MRS When Animals Do Not
Authors: Aquino G. de V. , Maluta R. P. , de Ávila F. A.
Published: May 2011

The aim of this work was to establish the prevalence of methicillin‐resistantStaphylococci(MRS) in the animals and staff of a teaching and research farm. Samples of dairy cattle (36), beef cattle (26), sheep (19), horses (21), pigs (23), goats (23) and humans (13) were collected and screened for the presence of MRS. The detection ofmecA gene was performed by PCR to determine the resistance of the samples to methicillin. Antimicrobial‐resistance testing to penicillin, meropenem, ceftriaxone, cephalothin, oxacillin, levofloxacin, enrofloxacin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, clindamycin, erytromycin, linezolid, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, tetracycline, doxycycline and vancomycin was performed on themecA+ isolates. From the 161 samples, four methicillin‐resistant coagulase‐negativeStaphylococci(MRCoNS) were isolated from human beings (31%), whereas none was isolated from animals (0%). No methicillin‐resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) were isolated. All of the MRCoNS isolates from this work presented different antimicrobial resistance patterns. MRCoNS may be present in humans associated with animals while not present in the animals. Selective pressure outside of the farm and a lack of MRCoNS transmission between humans and animals may be responsible for this lack of correlation.
The Prevalence and Genetic Diversity of Campylobacter spp. in Domestic ‘Backyard’ Poultry in Canterbury, New Zealand
Authors: Anderson J. , Horn B. J. , Gilpin B. J.
Published: May 2011

Campylobacteriosis is the most commonly notified illness in New Zealand. Whilst the importance of commercial poultry in campylobacteriosis is well established, little is known about the possible role of chickens kept at home as a direct animal/faecal contact or consumption exposure pathway. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of Campylobacter spp. in domestic backyard chicken flocks in the Canterbury region of New Zealand. Poultry faecal samples were collected from 35 domestic ‘backyard’ poultry flocks from urban and rural properties around the Canterbury Region of New Zealand. A total of 291 samples were collected and tested for the presence of thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. and positive isolates were analysed using pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) using both SmaI and KpnI enzymes. There was a high prevalence of Campylobacter spp. with 86% of flocks testing positive. Campylobacter jejuni alone, Campylobacter coli alone and both C. jejuni and C. coli were detected in 20 (57%), 2 (6%) and 8 (23%) of the flocks respectively. SmaI/KpnI PFGE analysis identified 50 different genotypes across the 35 flocks. Genotype diversity richness was highest on the lifestyle block and farm properties with 43 different genotypes isolated, whilst urban properties displayed the least richness with 12 genotypes isolated. Rural flocks tended to have more different genotypes in a given flock than urban flocks. Comparison of the genotypes with the PulseNet Aotearoa Campylobacter database showed that 28 of the genotypes had previously been isolated from human cases of campylobacteriosis. Many of these were also indistinguishable from Campylobacter spp. previously isolated from retail chicken. Therefore, contact with backyard poultry or their faecal material is a potential additional infection pathway outside of exposure to the established pathways associated with the consumption of Campylobacter‐contaminated commercial meat or foods cross‐contaminated from contaminated poultry.
Axial Transonic Rotor and Stage Behavior Near the Stability Limit
Authors: Gannon Anthony J. , Hobson Garth V. , Davis William L.
Published: May 2011

Transient casing pressure data from a transonic rotor and rotor-stator stage measured using high-speed pressure probes embedded in the casewall over the rotor tips are analyzed. Using long data sets sampled at a high frequency, low-frequency (less than once-per-revolution) nonaxisymmetric flow phenomena were detected while operating at steady-state conditions near stall. Both the rotor and stage cases are investigated, and the difference in behavior of a rotor with and without a stator blade row is investigated. Data for both cases over the speed range 70–100% of design and from choke to near the stability limit (stall or surge) are presented. The root mean square power of the low-frequency signal as well as its fraction of the total pressure signal is presented. It was thought that the behavior of these signals as stall was approached could lead to some method of detecting the proximity of stall. For the rotor-only configuration, the strength of these nonaxisymmetric phenomena increased as stall was approached for all speed-lines. However, for the stage configuration, more representative of an operational machine, these were of a lower magnitude and did not exhibit a clearly increasing trend as stall was approached. This would seem to indicate that the stator suppressed these signals somewhat. It is also shown that these nonaxisymmetric phenomena led to a significant variation of the mean relative inlet flow angle into the rotor blade. During stable operation near to stall at 100% speed for the rotor-only case, a 1.9 deg variation of this angle was measured. This compared with a 5.6 deg variation over the entire speed-line. Further, it was observed that while the rotor and stage cases had different stability limits, their peak relative inlet flow angles near stall were similar for both along most speed-lines.
Effect of Unsteady Wakes on Boundary Layer Separation on a Very High Lift Low Pressure Turbine Airfoil
Authors: Volino Ralph J.
Published: May 2011

Boundary layer separation has been studied on a very high lift, low pressure turbine airfoil in the presence of unsteady wakes. Experiments were done under low (0.6%) and high (4%) freestream turbulence conditions on a linear cascade in a low speed wind tunnel. Wakes were produced from moving rods upstream of the cascade. Flow coefficients were varied from 0.35 to 1.4 and wake spacing was varied from one to two blade spacings, resulting in dimensionless wake passing frequencies F=fLj-te/Uave (f is the frequency, Lj-te is the length of the adverse pressure gradient region on the suction surface of the airfoils, and Uave is the average freestream velocity) ranging from 0.14 to 0.56. Pressure surveys on the airfoil surface and downstream total pressure loss surveys were documented. Instantaneous velocity profile measurements were acquired in the suction surface boundary layer and downstream of the cascade. Cases were considered at Reynolds numbers (based on the suction surface length and the nominal exit velocity from the cascade) of 25,000 and 50,000. In cases without wakes, the boundary layer separated and did not reattach. With wakes, separation was largely suppressed, particularly if the wake passing frequency was sufficiently high. At lower frequencies the boundary layer separated between wakes. Background freestream turbulence had some effect on separation, but its role was secondary to the wake effect.
Flame Hysteresis Effects in Methane Jet Flames in Air-Coflow
Authors: Moore N. J. , Terry S. D. , Lyons K. M.
Published: May 2011

Presented are the results of experiments designed to investigate flame lift-off behavior in the hysteresis regime for low Reynolds number turbulent flows. The hysteresis regime refers to the situation where the jet flame has dual positions favorable to flame stabilization: attached and lifted. Typically, a jet flame is lifted off of a burner and stabilized at some downstream location at a pair of fuel and coflow velocities that is unique to a flame at that position. Since the direction from which that condition is arrived at is important, there is an inherent hysteretic behavior. To supplement previous research on hysteretic behavior in the presence of no coflow and low coflow velocities, the current research focuses on flames that are lifted and reattached at higher coflow velocities, where the flame behavior includes an unexpected downstream recession at low fuel velocities. Observations on the flame behavior related to nozzle exit velocity and coflow velocity are made using video imaging of flame sequences. The results show that a flame can stabilize at a location downstream despite a decrease in the local excess jet velocity and assist in determining the effect of coflow velocity magnitude on hysteretic behavior. These observations are of utility in designing maximum turndown burners in air coflow, especially for determining stability criteria in low fuel-flow applications.
Propagation of Regular HCl Acids in Carbonate Rocks: The Impact of an In Situ Gelled Acid Stage
Authors: Gomaa Ahmed M. , Nasr-El-Din Hisham A.
Published: May 2011

Recent laboratory and field studies indicated that polymer-based in situ gelled acids can cause formation damage. Coreflood experiments using single-stage and multistage acids were conducted at 250 °F. 15 wt. % regular HCl and 5 wt. % in situ gelled acid-based on Fe(III) as a crosslinker were the acids that were used in this study. Propagation of acids and crosslinker inside 20 in. long cores was examined for the first time in detail. Stage volume and injection rate, which were the parameters that affect the propagating of various chemical species, were examined. Samples of the core effluent were collected and the concentrations of calcium, crosslinker, and acid were measured. Material balance was conducted to determine the amount of cross-liker that retained in the core. The results show that in situ gelled acid should be pumped at low injection rates. In situ gelled acid at low injection rate instantaneously plugged the tip of the wormhole and did not create additional wormholes inside the core. Therefore, when the final regular acid stage bypassed the gel, it started to propagate from nearly the last point that the first stage ended. In site gelled acid stage volume should not exceed 0.5 PV. No benefits were gained by increasing the volume of in situ gelled acids. Retention of total iron in the core increased in multistage acid treatments, especially at low acid injection rates.
Self-aligned contact metallization technology for III-V metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors
Authors: Zhang Xingui , Guo Huaxin , Lin Hau-Yu , Cheng Chao-Ching , Ko Chih-Hsin , Wann Clement H. , Luo Guang-Li , Chang Chun-Yen , Chien Chao-Hsin , Han Zong-You , Huang Shih-Chiang , Chin Hock-Chun , Gong Xiao , Koh Shao-Ming , Lim Phyllis Shi Ya , Yeo Yee-Chia
Published: May 2011

The demonstration of a salicidelike self-aligned contact technology for III-V metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) is reported. A thin and continuous crystalline germanium-silicon (GeSi) layer was selectively formed on n+ doped gallium arsenide (GaAs) regions by epitaxy. A new self-aligned nickel germanosilicide (NiGeSi) Ohmic contact with good morphology was achieved using a two-step annealing process with precise conversion of the GeSi layer into NiGeSi. NiGeSi contact with the contact resistivity (ρc) of 1.57 Ω mm and sheet resistance (Rsh) of 2.8 Ω/◻ was achieved. The NiGeSi-based self-aligned contact technology is promising for future integration in high performance III-V MOSFETs.
Dyscalculia: From Brain to Education
Authors: Butterworth Brian , Varma Sashank , Laurillard Diana
Published: May 2011

Recent research in cognitive and developmental neuroscience is providing a new approach to the understanding of dyscalculia that emphasizes a core deficit in understanding sets and their numerosities, which is fundamental to all aspects of elementary school mathematics. The neural bases of numerosity processing have been investigated in structural and functional neuroimaging studies of adults and children, and neural markers of its impairment in dyscalculia have been identified. New interventions to strengthen numerosity processing, including adaptive software, promise effective evidence-based education for dyscalculic learners.
Electrically Induced Ferromagnetism at Room Temperature in Cobalt-Doped Titanium Dioxide
Authors: Yamada Y. , Ueno K. , Fukumura T. , Yuan H. T. , Shimotani H. , Iwasa Y. , Gu L. , Tsukimoto S. , Ikuhara Y. , Kawasaki M.
Published: May 2011

The magnetic properties of a magnetic insulator can be controlled by an electric field at room temperature.
Experimental Repetitive Quantum Error Correction
Authors: Schindler Philipp , Barreiro Julio T. , Monz Thomas , Nebendahl Volckmar , Nigg Daniel , Chwalla Michael , Hennrich Markus , Blatt Rainer
Published: May 2011

An error correction algorithm is applied multiple times to a small quantum system.
Consciousness: What, How, and Why
Soul Dust
The Magic of Consciousness

by Nicholas Humphrey

Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ, 2011. 255 pp. $24.95, £16.95. ISBN 9780691138626.
Authors: Proulx Michael J.
Published: May 2011

In this quite personal account, Humphrey discusses his ideas on consciousness, their development, and their consequences.
Explaining Human Behavioral Diversity
Authors: Norenzayan Ara
Published: May 2011

A study of 33 nations explores the ecological, historical, and cultural foundations of behavioral differences.
Regulatory T Cells Get Their Chance to Shine
Authors: Leslie Mitch
Published: May 2011

Researchers are encouraged by results from initial safety trials of regulatory T cells in graft-versus-host disease and are embarking on trials testing their ability to fight type 1 diabetes and forestall rejection of transplanted kidneys.
On the Trail of Brain Domestication Genes
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: May 2011

Researchers have found that the activity of a group of genes in the prefrontal cortex of bonobos was clearly "domesticated" compared with that of chimps, they reported at the Biology of Genomes meeting.
Disease Risk Links to Gene Regulation
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: May 2011

Two teams at the Biology of Genomes meeting reported that gene regulatory sites surprisingly often are the spots where single-nucleotide polymorphisms identified by genome-wide association studies fall.
Incubation of Whole Blood at 39°C Augments Gamma Interferon (IFN-γ)-Induced Protein 10 and IFN-γ Responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis Antigens
Authors: Aabye Martine G. , Ravn Pernille , Johansen Isik S. , Eugen-Olsen Jesper , Ruhwald Morten
Published: May 2011

A rarely challenged dogma in cell-mediated immune (CMI) assays is the incubation temperature, 37°C. Fever augments proinflammatory immune responses
in vivo
, and the aim of this study was to explore whether incubation at fever-range temperature could increase antigen-specific biomarker responses. We compared CMI responses following incubation of whole blood at 37°C and 39°C. Whole blood was obtained from (i) 34 healthy subjects whose blood was incubated with TB10.4 antigen, present in the
Mycobacterium bovis
bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine and many environmental mycobacteria; (ii) 8 TB patients and 8 controls incubated with
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
-specific antigens in the QuantiFERON-TB Gold test (QFT-IT); and (iii) from both groups incubated with a T cell mitogen. T cell responses (gamma interferon [IFN-γ]) and responses from antigen-presenting cells (IFN-γ-induced protein 10 [IP-10]) were determined. We further evaluated the effect of adding interleukin-7 (IL-7) and blocking IL-10 during incubation. In TB patients, IFN-γ and IP-10 levels were increased 4.1- and 3.4-fold, respectively, at 39°C incubation (
P
< 0.001). Similar results were seen after mitogen stimulation. In subjects responding to TB10.4, the effects were less pronounced and significant only for IP-10. Incubation at 39°C increased IP-10 and IFN-γ responsiveness to both antigens and mitogen in persons with baseline or initial low responses. Adding IL-7 and blocking IL-10 augmented the effects in synergy with fever-range temperature. Incubation at fever-range temperature vividly increases CMI responsiveness to antigen stimulation
in vitro
in tuberculosis patients and may increase the sensitivity of CMI assays.
Enoyl-Coenzyme A Hydratase and Antigen 85B of Mycobacterium habana Are Specifically Recognized by Antibodies in Sera from Leprosy Patients
Authors: Serafín-López J. , Talavera-Paulin M. , Amador-Molina J. C. , Alvarado-Riverón M. , Vilchis-Landeros M. M. , Méndez-Ortega P. , Fafutis-Morris M. , Paredes-Cervantes V. , López-Santiago R. , León C. I. , Guerrero M. I. , Ribas-Aparicio R. M. , Mendoza-Hernández G. , Carreño-Martínez C. , Estrada-Parra S. , Estrada-García I.
Published: May 2011

Leprosy is an infectious disease caused byMycobacterium leprae, which is a noncultivable bacterium. One of the principal goals of leprosy research is to develop serological tests that will allow identification and early treatment of leprosy patients.M. habanais a cultivable nonpathogenic mycobacterium and candidate vaccine for leprosy, and several antigens that cross-react betweenM. lepraeandM. habanahave been discovered. The aim of the present study was to extend the identification of cross-reactive antigens by identifyingM. habanaproteins that reacted by immunoblotting with antibodies in serum samples from leprosy patients but not with antibodies in sera from tuberculosis (TB) patients or healthy donors (HDs). A 28-kDa antigen that specifically reacted with sera from leprosy patients was identified. To further characterize this antigen, protein spots were aligned in two-dimensional polyacrylamide gels and Western blots. Spots cut out from the gels were then analyzed by mass spectrometry. Two proteins were identified: enoyl-coenzyme A hydratase (lipid metabolism; ML2498) and antigen 85B (Ag85B; mycolyltransferase; ML2028). These proteins represent promising candidates for the design of a reliable tool for the serodiagnosis of lepromatous leprosy, which is the most frequent form in Mexico.
Dengue Virus Immunoglobulin M Detection in a Reference Laboratory Setting during the 2010 Dengue Virus Outbreak on Caribbean Islands
Authors: Prince Harry E. , Matud Jose L. , Lieberman Jay M.
Published: May 2011

A large outbreak of dengue virus (DV) infections occurred on Caribbean islands during 2010, with cases peaking during the second half of the year. In conjunction with the outbreak, we observed an unprecedented spike in the number of sera submitted for DV antibody testing between June and December 2010, with a concomitant increase in the number of IgM-positive specimens, indicative of acute DV infection. Analysis of the place of residence of the IgM-positive patients identified from June to December of 2010 revealed that 58.1% were residents of Caribbean islands (Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), whereas 40.6% were residents of the U.S. mainland or Hawaii. The U.S. residents represented 42 states plus the District of Columbia, but most (53%) were from just 3 states (California, Florida, and New York). In comparison to the Caribbean IgM-positive patient group, the U.S. IgM-positive patient group contained proportionately more adults 21 to 60 years old and fewer individuals <21 years old. These findings indicate that the 2010 Caribbean DV outbreak affected many U.S. residents (mostly adults, presumably travelers) from diverse geographic areas and emphasize the potential for a viremic DV-infected returning traveler to spark a local DV outbreak by introducing DV into a community with competent mosquito vectors.
Comparative Study of the Standard Fluorescent Antibody to Membrane Antigen (FAMA) Assay and a Flow Cytometry-Adapted FAMA Assay To Assess Immunity to Varicella-Zoster Virus
Authors: Lafer M. M. , Weckx L. Y. , de Moraes-Pinto M. I. , Garretson A. , Steinberg S. P. , Gershon A. A. , LaRussa P. S.
Published: May 2011

A flow cytometry-adapted fluorescent antibody to membrane antigen (FAMA) assay to detect IgG antibodies against varicella-zoster virus (VZV) was developed and tested in 62 serum samples, showing 90.32% accuracy obtained from a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve with a 0.9125 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.829 to 1.00) area below the curve compared to the result with standard FAMA.
Unusual Case of Resistance to Amphotericin B in Visceral Leishmaniasis in a Region in India Where Leishmaniasis Is Not Endemic
Authors: Srivastava Pankaj , Prajapati Vijay Kumar , Rai Madhukar , Sundar Shyam
Published: May 2011

The case of a patient with visceral leishmaniasis showing inadequate response to amphotericin B from a region where leishmaniasis is not endemic is reported, with the
Leishmania donovani
isolate showing increased tolerance to amphotericin B
in vivo
. Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) detected in the cysteine proteinase B gene resulted in changes to the deduced amino acid sequence: valine→alanine and arginine→leucine. Overexpression and underexpression of proteins were observed in the 65- to 80-kDa range and at 20 kDa, respectively.
Rapid Diagnosis of Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis by Use of a Reverse Line Blot Hybridization Assay
Authors: Ajbani Kanchan , Shetty Anjali , Mehta Ajita , Rodrigues Camilla
Published: May 2011

Drug resistance in tuberculosis (TB) is a matter of grave concern for TB control programs, as there is currently no cure for some extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains. There is concern that this resistance could transmit, stressing the need for additional control measures, rapid diagnostic methods, and newer drugs for treatment. We developed an in-house assay that can rapidly detect resistance to drugs involved in the definition of XDR-TB directly from smear-positive specimens. Two hundred fifteen phenotypically XDR-TB isolates and 50 pansusceptible isolates were analyzed using a reverse line blot hybridization (RLBH) assay. The assay was also successfully applied to 73 smear-positive clinical specimens. The RLBH assay exhibited good sensitivity for the detection of resistance to isoniazid (99%), rifampin (99%), fluoroquinolones (95.3%), and second-line aminoglycosides (94.8%). The results from application of this assay on direct smear-positive clinical specimens revealed 93% concordance with the phenotypic drug susceptibility test (DST) results for the above-mentioned drugs. The time to accurate DST results was significantly reduced from weeks to 3 days. This molecular assay is a highly accurate tool for screening for XDR-TB, which achieves a substantial reduction in diagnostic delays.
Role of Proteases in the Release of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus from Infected Cells
Authors: Shirato Kazuya , Matsuyama Shutoku , Ujike Makoto , Taguchi Fumihiro
Published: May 2011

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), a causative agent of pig diarrhea, requires a protease(s) for multicycle replication in cultured cells. However, the potential role of proteases in the infection process remains unclear. In order to explore this, we used two different approaches: we infected either Vero cells in the presence of trypsin or Vero cells that constitutively express the membrane-associated protease TMPRSS2 (Vero/TMPRSS2 cells). We found that PEDV infection was enhanced, and viruses were efficiently released into the culture fluid, from Vero cells infected in the presence of protease, while in cells without protease, the virus grew, but its release into the culture fluid was strongly hampered. Cell-to-cell fusion of PEDV-infected cells and cleavage of the spike (S) protein were observed in cells with protease. When infected Vero cells were cultured for 3 days in the absence of trypsin but were then treated transiently with trypsin, infectious viruses were immediately released from infected cells. In addition, treatment of infected Vero/TMPRSS2 cells with the protease inhibitor leupeptin strongly blocked the release of virus into the culture fluid. Under electron microscopy, PEDV-infected Vero cells, as well as PEDV-infected Vero/TMPRSS2 cells treated with leupeptin, retained huge clusters of virions on their surfaces, while such clusters were rarely seen in the presence of trypsin and the absence of leupeptin in Vero and Vero/TMPRSS2 cells, respectively. Thus, the present study indicates that proteases play an important role in the release of PEDV virions clustered on cells after replication occurs. This unique observation in coronavirus infection suggests that the actions of proteases are reminiscent of that of the influenza virus neuraminidase protein.
Structure of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Fusion Glycoprotein in the Postfusion Conformation Reveals Preservation of Neutralizing Epitopes
Authors: McLellan Jason S. , Yang Yongping , Graham Barney S. , Kwong Peter D.
Published: May 2011

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) invades host cells via a type I fusion (F) glycoprotein that undergoes dramatic structural rearrangements during the fusion process. Neutralizing monoclonal antibodies, such as 101F, palivizumab, and motavizumab, target two major antigenic sites on the RSV F glycoprotein. The structures of these sites as peptide complexes with motavizumab and 101F have been previously determined, but a structure for the trimeric RSV F glycoprotein ectodomain has remained elusive. To address this issue, we undertook structural and biophysical studies on stable ectodomain constructs. Here, we present the 2.8-Å crystal structure of the trimeric RSV F ectodomain in its postfusion conformation. The structure revealed that the 101F and motavizumab epitopes are present in the postfusion state and that their conformations are similar to those observed in the antibody-bound peptide structures. Both antibodies bound the postfusion F glycoprotein with high affinity in surface plasmon resonance experiments. Modeling of the antibodies bound to the F glycoprotein predicts that the 101F epitope is larger than the linear peptide and restricted to a single protomer in the trimer, whereas motavizumab likely contacts residues on two protomers, indicating a quaternary epitope. Mechanistically, these results suggest that 101F and motavizumab can bind to multiple conformations of the fusion glycoprotein and can neutralize late in the entry process. The structural preservation of neutralizing epitopes in the postfusion state suggests that this conformation can elicit neutralizing antibodies and serve as a useful vaccine antigen.
Architecture and Regulation of the HIV-1 Assembly and Holding Compartment in Macrophages
Authors: Welsch Sonja , Groot Fedde , Kräusslich Hans-Georg , Keppler Oliver T. , Sattentau Quentin J.
Published: May 2011

Productive infection of macrophages is central to HIV-1 pathogenesis. Newly formed virions bud into a tubular membranous compartment that is contiguous with the plasma membrane. However, little is known about the structure of this compartment and its potential regulation by infection. Here we characterized this compartment in macrophages using electron tomography and electron microscopy with stereology. We found an intricate, interconnected membrane network that constitutes a preexisting physiologic structure in macrophages but which expands in size upon HIV-1 infection. Membranes required for this expansion were apparently derived from preexisting pools of plasma membrane. Physical connections between this compartment and the extracellular milieu were frequently made by tube-like structures of insufficient diameter for virion passage. We conclude that HIV-1 induces the expansion of a complex membranous labyrinth in macrophages in which the virus buds and can be retained, with potential consequences for transmission and immune evasion.
Skin Changes after Manual Or Electrical Acupuncture
Authors: Miao Edwin Yong
Published: May 2011

Pigmentation of the skin after electroacupuncture (EA) or acupuncture in patients is not well recognised. Reporting and studying skin changes after acupuncture or EA would increase awareness among health services providers. This case series includes four cases of short-lived or long-term skin pigmentation after EA or acupuncture.

Skin pigmentation or dark spots appeared in these four cases: after 12 treatments in Case 4, during the 14 treatments in Case 3, after one treatment course (16 treatments) in Case 1 and during the sixth month in a long-term treatment of duration 2 years (one or two treatments per week) in Case 2. These skin changes faded gradually after cessation of a course of acupuncture or EA. Skin pigmentation was hardly seen in one case after 14 days, and in another case after 42 days. Pigmentation of the skin could still be seen in one case after 42 days and could still be seen in another case after 2 years, however, in both cases, pigmentation has reduced in size and colour intensity by more than 50%.

It is likely that pigmentation of the skin is a specific consequence of needling and may be closely linked to acupuncture dosage regardless of whether stimulation is given manually or by EA.
Centromere protein F and survivin are associated with high risk and a poor prognosis in colorectal gastrointestinal stromal tumours
Authors: Chen Wen-Bin , Cheng Xiao-Bin , Ding Wei , Wang Yang-Jing , Chen Dong , Wang Jin-Hai , Fei Ru-Shan
Published: May 2011

Aims

Colorectal gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are considered to be tumours with a relatively poor prognosis. Few reports have been performed to investigate the mechanisms behind their malignant behaviour and to identify new therapeutic strategies for their treatment. The authors conducted this study to explore potential targets for the treatment of colorectal GISTs (CRGISTs).

Methods

In the current study, the authors focused on centromere protein F and survivin, two markers that are known to affect the malignant behaviour of other tumours. Expression of centromere protein F and survivin was detected through the immunohistochemical staining of paraffin-embedded tumour tissues and then scored. The relationship between the expression of the two markers and their clinical parameters was analysed. Associated Survival analysis was available based on follow-up information.

Results

The authors demonstrated for the first time that centromere protein F and survivin expression were significantly associated with high risk and a poor prognosis (p<0.05) in CRGISTs. The authors also found that centromere protein F expression was more prevalent in males (p=0.002).

Conclusions

The results suggest that centromere protein F and survivin are malignant behaviour markers for CRGISTs. The expression of centromere protein F or survivin points to a poor clinical outcome. Interfering with centromere protein F and/or survivin expression might be a potentially therapeutic strategy for treating malignant CRGISTs.
Does hypoxia reduce habitat quality for Lake Erie walleye (Sander vitreus)? A bioenergetics perspective
Authors: Brandt Stephen B. , Costantini Marco , Kolesar Sarah , Ludsin Stuart A. , Mason Doran M. , Rae Christopher M. , Zhang Hongyan
Published: May 2011

In Lake Erie, the duration and extent of hypoxia (dissolved oxygen (DO)  ≤ 2 mg·L–1) has increased in recent years, yet little is known on the corresponding impact on its fish, particularly the highly valued walleye ( Sander vitreus ) fishery. Here, we quantified the impact of hypoxia on walleye habitat quality, using a spatially explicit growth rate potential (GRP) modeling approach, which integrates the spatial arrangement of biological (prey availability) and environmental (DO, temperature, irradiance) measures. Data were collected along two types of transects: 60 km north–south transects (each sampled once during day and night) and 5 km east–west transects (sampled every 4 h for 24 h) during August (pre-hypoxia), September (peak-hypoxia), and October (post-hypoxia) 2005. Overall, the average monthly amount of high quality habitat (GRP > 0 g·g–1·day–1) for walleye declined slightly with hypoxia (<2.0%); however, hypoxia appeared to enhance habitat quality by concentrating prey in favorable temperature, DO, and light conditions. In September, percentages of walleye growth rates were at the upper end of the range, much more so than during August or October. Although an understanding of walleye distributions, foraging, and growth in relation to hypoxia is needed, our results do not suggest that hypoxia is negatively influencing walleye through reduced habitat quality.