bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative energetics and kinetics of autotrophic lipid and starch metabolism in chlorophytic microalgae: implications for biomass and biofuel production
Authors: Subramanian Sowmya , Barry Amanda N , Pieris Shayani , Sayre Richard T
Published: October 2013

Due to the growing need to provide alternatives to fossil fuels as efficiently, economically, and sustainably as possible there has been growing interest in improved biofuel production systems. Biofuels produced from microalgae are a particularly attractive option since microalgae have production potentials that exceed the best terrestrial crops by 2 to 10-fold. In addition, autotrophically grown microalgae can capture CO2 from point sources reducing direct atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions. The enhanced biomass production potential of algae is attributed in part to the fact that every cell is photosynthetic. Regardless, overall biological energy capture, conversion, and storage in microalgae are inefficient with less than 8% conversion of solar into chemical energy achieved. In this review, we examine the thermodynamic and kinetic constraints associated with the autotrophic conversion of inorganic carbon into storage carbohydrate and oil, the dominant energy storage products in Chlorophytic microalgae. We discuss how thermodynamic restrictions including the loss of fixed carbon during acetyl CoA synthesis reduce the efficiency of carbon accumulation in lipids. In addition, kinetic limitations, such as the coupling of proton to electron transfer during plastoquinone reduction and oxidation and the slow rates of CO2 fixation by Rubisco reduce photosynthetic efficiency. In some cases, these kinetic limitations have been overcome by massive increases in the numbers of effective catalytic sites, e.g. the high Rubisco levels (mM) in chloroplasts. But in other cases, including the slow rate of plastoquinol oxidation, there has been no compensatory increase in the abundance of catalytically limiting protein complexes. Significantly, we show that the energetic requirements for producing oil and starch relative to the recoverable energy stored in these molecules are very similar on a per carbon basis. Presently, the overall rates of starch and lipid synthesis in microalgae are very poorly characterized. Increased understanding of the kinetic constraints of lipid and starch synthesis, accumulation and turnover would facilitate the design of improved biomass production systems.
Hallux valgus and plantar pressure loading: the Framingham foot study
Authors: Galica Andrew M , Hagedorn Thomas J , Dufour Alyssa B , Riskowski Jody L , Hillstrom Howard J , Casey Virginia A , Hannan Marian T
Published: October 2013

Background

Hallux valgus (HV), a common structural foot deformity, can cause foot pain and lead to limited mobility. The purpose of this study was to evaluate differences in plantar pressure and force during gait by HV status in a large population‐based cohort of men and women.

Methods

A trained examiner performed a validated physical examination on participants' feet and recorded the presence of hallux valgus and other specific foot disorders. Each foot was classified into one of four mutually exclusive groups based on the foot examination. Foot groups were: (i) HV only, (ii) HV and at least one additional foot disorder (FD), (iii) no HV but at least one other FD, and (iv) neither HV nor FD (referent). Biomechanical data for both feet were collected using Tekscan Matscan. Foot posture during quiet standing, using modified arch index (MAI), and foot function during gait, using center of pressure excursion index (CPEI), were calculated per foot. Further, walking scans were masked into eight sub‐regions using Novel Automask, and peak pressure and maximum force exerted in each region were calculated.

Results

There were 3205 participants, contributing 6393 feet with complete foot exam data and valid biomechanical measurements. Participants with HV had lower hallucal loading and higher forces at lesser toes as well as higher MAI and lower CPEI values compared to the referent. Participants with HV and other FDs were also noted to have aberrant rearfoot forces and pressures.

Conclusions

These results suggest that HV alters foot loading patterns and pressure profiles. Future work should investigate how these changes affect the risk of other foot and lower extremity ailments.
Comparison of shear bond strength and adhesive remnant index between precoated and conventionally bonded orthodontic brackets
Authors: Guzman Ulises A , Jerrold Laurance , Vig Peter S , Abdelkarim Ahmad
Published: October 2013

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare the shear bond strength and adhesive remnant index (ARI) at the enamel-bonding interface of precoated and conventionally bonded brackets, utilizing standardized procedures.

Methods

The test sample consisted of 90 recently extracted bovine permanent mandibular incisors. The teeth were bonded using the same protocol and were tested in three different situations. A material testing systems machine was utilized for debonding, and the remaining adhesive on the tooth was recorded.

Results

Immediately after bonding, we found that the shear bond strength of the precoated brackets (6.27 MPa) was significantly higher than that of conventional brackets (5.37 MPa) (p < 0.05). However, no significant differences in bond strength were found between the two bracket systems after 24 h of bonding or after thermocycling. The conventional brackets had higher ARI scores than the precoated bracket systems immediately after bonding and after 24 h.

Conclusions

Since there were no significant differences in the bonding strength after 24 h, the immediate bonding strength of the precoated brackets during the first day does not appear to be a major advantage over the conventional bracket systems. However, less adhesive on the tooth after debonding is an advantage of precoated brackets.
Intra-articular CD1c-expressing myeloid dendritic cells from rheumatoid arthritis patients express a unique set of T cell-attracting chemokines and spontaneously induce Th1, Th17 and Th2 cell activity
Authors: Moret Frederique M , Hack Cornelis E , van der Wurff-Jacobs Kim MG , de Jager Wilco , Radstake Timothy RDJ , Lafeber Floris PJG , van Roon Joel AG
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) are potent T cell-activating antigen-presenting cells that have been suggested to play a crucial role in the regulation of immune responses in many disease states, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Despite this, studies that have reported on the capacity of naturally occurring circulating mDCs to regulate T cell activation in RA are still lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the phenotypic and functional properties of naturally occurring CD1c (BDCA-1)+ mDCs from synovial fluid (SF) compared to those from peripheral blood (PB) of RA patients.

Methods

CD1c+ mDC numbers and expression of costimulatory molecules were assessed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis in SF and PB from RA patients. Ex vivo secretion of 45 inflammatory mediators by mDCs from SF and PB of RA patients was determined by multiplex immunoassay. The capacity of mDCs from SF to activate autologous CD4+ T cells was measured.

Results

CD1c+ mDC numbers were significantly increased in SF versus PB of RA patients (mean 4.7% vs. 0.6%). mDCs from SF showed increased expression of antigen-presenting (human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II, CD1c) and costimulatory molecules (CD80, CD86 and CD40). Numerous cytokines were equally abundantly produced by mDCs from both PB and SF (including IL-12, IL-23, IL-13, IL-21). SF mDCs secreted higher levels of interferon γ-inducible protein-10 (IP-10), monokine induced by interferon γ (MIG) and, thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC), but lower macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) levels compared to mDCs from PB. mDCs from SF displayed a strongly increased capacity to induce proliferation of CD4+ T cells associated with a strongly augmented IFNγ, IL-17, and IL-4 production.

Conclusions

This study suggests that increased numbers of CD1c+ mDCs in SF are involved in the inflammatory cascade intra-articularly by the secretion of specific T cell-attracting chemokines and the activation of self-reactive T cells.
Patient education, disease activity and physical function: can we be more targeted? A cross sectional study among people with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and hand osteoarthritis
Authors: Drăgoi Răzvan G , Ndosi Mwidimi , Sadlonova Martina , Hill Jackie , Duer Mona , Graninger Winfried , Smolen Josef , Stamm Tanja A
Published: October 2013

Introduction

In order to target educational needs of patients more effectively, an Austrian-German educational needs assessment tool (OENAT) was developed, the educational needs of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and hand osteoarthritis (HOA) were described and the relationships between educational needs, gender, disease activity and function were explored.

Methods

The English ENAT was adapted into Austrian-German using Beaton's cross-cultural adaptation process. Internal construct validity was assessed by Rasch analysis. Educational needs across diagnostic groups and subgroups of patients were summarized descriptively and their relationship with disease activity and physical functioning explored.

Results

The sample comprised 130 RA, 125 PsA and 48 HOA patients. Their mean ages ± SD were 56 ± 14, 51 ± 11 and 64 ± 7 years for RA, PsA and HOA; disease duration was 11 ± 9, 11 ± 11 and 14 ± 9 years, respectively. More than 70% in each patient group expressed interest in receiving education about their disease.

The educational needs differed significantly between women and men in all 3 groups. In RA and PsA, female patients expressed significantly higher educational needs than men in 'movements’ and 'feelings’ domains (p=0.04 and p=0.03 for RA and p<0.01 and p=0.01 for PsA). Female patients in the HOA group had significantly higher scores on all domains except for the 'movements’. Older patients with PsA scored significantly higher than their younger counterparts in the 'pain’ domain (p=0.05). RA patients with disease duration >5 years), expressed higher educational needs in 'movements’ (p<0.01). Educational background had effects in the PsA group only, patients with basic education had greater scores than those with higher education on 'movements’ and 'arthritis process’ (p=0.01).

In the RA group, DAS28 correlated significantly with 'movements’ (r=0.24, p=0.01), 'feelings’ (r=0.22, p=0.02), and 'treatments’ (r=0.22, p=0.03). In the PsA group, all OENAT domains correlated with disease activity (DAPSA and CDAI).

Conclusions

This study showed that educational needs vary with personal characteristics. Patient education may be more targeted and effective, if gender, age, educational background and disease duration are taken into account. Correlations with disease activity and function suggest that the OENAT could enable identification of 'intervention points’, which can be ideal opportunities for effective patient education.
Diagnostic value and prognostic evaluation of Presepsin for sepsis in an emergency department
Authors: Liu Bo , Chen Yun-Xia , Yin Qin , Zhao Yun-Zhou , Li Chun-Sheng
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Presepsin levels are known to be increased in sepsis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the early diagnostic and prognostic value of Presepsin compared with procalcitonin (PCT), Mortality in Emergency Department Sepsis (MEDS) score and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score in septic patients in an emergency department (ED) and to investigate Presepsin as a new biomarker of sepsis.

Methods

This study enrolled 859 consecutive patients with at least two diagnostic criteria for systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) who were admitted to Beijing Chao-yang Hospital ED from December 2011 to October 2012, and 100 age-matched healthy controls. Patients were stratified into four groups: SIRS, sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock. Plasma Presepsin and serum PCT were measured, and MEDS score and APACHE II score were calculated at enrollment. Comparisons were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests.

Results

On admission, the median levels of plasma Presepsin increased with sepsis severity. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) curves of Presepsin were greater than those of PCT in diagnosing sepsis, and predicting severe sepsis and septic shock. The AUC of Presepsin for predicting 28-day mortality in septic patients was slightly lower than that of PCT, MEDS score and APACHE II score. The AUC of a combination of Presepsin and MEDS score or APACHE II score was significantly higher than that of MEDS score or APACHE II score alone in predicting severe sepsis, and was markedly higher than that of Presepsin alone in predicting septic shock and 28-day mortality in septic patients, respectively. Plasma Presepsin levels in septic patients were significantly higher in non-survivors than in survivors at 28 days’ follow-up. Presepsin, MEDS score and APACHE II score were found to be independent predictors of severe sepsis, septic shock and 28-day mortality in septic patients. The levels of plasma Presepsin were positively correlated with PCT, MEDS score and APACHE II score in every septic group.

Conclusion

Presepsin is a valuable biomarker for early diagnosis of sepsis, risk stratification, and evaluation of prognosis in septic patients in the ED.
Role of calcium desensitization in the treatment of myocardial dysfunction after deep hypothermic circulatory arrest
Authors: Rungatscher Alessio , Hallström Seth , Giacomazzi Alice , Linardi Daniele , Milani Elisabetta , Tessari Maddalena , Luciani Giovanni Battista , Scarabelli Tiziano M , Mazzucco Alessandro , Faggian Giuseppe
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Rewarming from deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) produces calcium desensitization by troponin I (cTnI) phosphorylation which results in myocardial dysfunction. This study investigated the acute overall hemodynamic and metabolic effects of epinephrine and levosimendan, a calcium sensitizer, on myocardial function after rewarming from DHCA.

Methods

Forty male Wistar rats (400 to 500 g) underwent cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) through central cannulation and were cooled to a core temperature of 13°C to 15°C within 30 minutes. After DHCA (20 minutes) and CPB-assisted rewarming (60 minutes) rats were randomly assigned to 60 minute intravenous infusion with levosimendan (0.2 μg/kg/min; n = 15), epinephrine (0.1 μg/kg/min; n = 15) or saline (control; n = 10). Systolic and diastolic functions were evaluated at different preloads with a conductance catheter.

Results

The slope of left ventricular end-systolic pressure volume relationship (Ees) and preload recruitable stroke work (PRSW) recovered significantly better with levosimendan compared to epinephrine (Ees: 85 ± 9% vs 51 ± 11%, P<0.003 and PRSW: 78 ± 5% vs 48 ± 8%, P<0.005; baseline: 100%). Levosimendan but not epinephrine reduced left ventricular stiffness shown by the end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship and improved ventricular relaxation (Tau). Levosimendan preserved ATP myocardial content as well as energy charge and reduced plasma lactate concentrations. In normothermia experiments epinephrine in contrast to Levosimendan increased cTnI phosphorylation 3.5-fold. After rewarming from DHCA, cTnI phosphorylation increased 4.5-fold in the saline and epinephrine group compared to normothermia but remained unchanged with levosimendan.

Conclusions

Levosimendan due to prevention of calcium desensitization by cTnI phosphorylation is more effective than epinephrine for treatment of myocardial dysfunction after rewarming from DHCA.
Fluid balance and cardiac function in septic shock as predictors of hospital mortality
Authors: Micek Scott T , McEvoy Colleen , McKenzie Matthew , Hampton Nicholas , Doherty Joshua A , Kollef Marin H
Published: October 2013

Introduction

Septic shock is a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Unfortunately, the optimal fluid management of septic shock is unknown and currently is empirical.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed at Barnes-Jewish Hospital (St. Louis, Missouri). Consecutive patients (n = 325) hospitalized with septic shock who had echocardiographic examinations performed within 24 hours of shock onset were enrolled.

Results

A total of 163 (50.2%) patients with septic shock died during hospitalization. Non-survivors had a significantly larger positive net fluid balance within the 24 hour window of septic shock onset (median (IQR): 4,374 ml (1,637 ml, 7,260 ml) vs. 2,959 ml (1,639.5 ml, 4,769.5 ml), P = 0.004). The greatest quartile of positive net fluid balance at 24 hours and eight days post-shock onset respectively were found to predict hospital mortality, and the greatest quartile of positive net fluid balance at eight days post-shock onset was an independent predictor of hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 1.66; 95% CI, 1.39 to 1.98; P = 0.004). Survivors were significantly more likely to have mild left ventricular dysfunction as evaluated by bedside echocardiography and non-survivors had slightly elevated left ventricular ejection fraction, which was also found to be an independent predictor of outcome.

Conclusions

Our data confirms the importance of fluid balance and cardiac function as outcome predictors in patients with septic shock. A clinical trial to determine the optimal administration of intravenous fluids to patients with septic shock is needed.
Thyroid and Bone: Macrophage-Derived TSH-β Splice Variant Increases Murine Osteoblastogenesis
Authors: Baliram R. , Chow A. , Huber A. K. , Collier L. , Ali M. R. , Morshed S. A. , Latif R. , Teixeira A. , Merad M. , Liu L. , Sun L. , Blair H. C. , Zaidi M. , Davies T. F.
Published: October 2013

It is now firmly established that TSH may influence the physiology and patho-physiology of bone by activating osteoblasts and inhibiting osteoclast activity resulting in relative osteoprotection. Whether this influence is directly exerted by pituitary-derived TSH in vivo is less certain, because we have previously reported that the suppression of pituitary TSH does not remove such protection. Here, we have characterized the functional relevance of a novel form of the TSH-β subunit, designated TSH-βv, known to be produced by murine bone marrow cells. We found that fresh bone marrow-derived macrophages (MØs) preferentially produced TSH-βv and, when cocultured with CHO cells engineered to overexpress the full-length TSH receptor, were able to generate the production of intracellular cAMP; a phenomenon not seen in control CHO cells, such results confirmed the bioactivity of the TSH variant. Furthermore, cocultures of MØs and osteoblasts were shown to enhance osteoblastogenesis, and this phenomenon was markedly reduced by antibody to TSH-β, suggesting direct interaction between MØs and osteoblasts as observed under the electron microscope. These data suggest a new paradigm of local modulation of bone biology by a MØ-derived TSH-like molecule and raise the question of the relative contribution of local vs pituitary-derived TSH in osteoprotection.
Thrombospondin 1 Mediates High-Fat Diet-Induced Muscle Fibrosis and Insulin Resistance in Male Mice
Authors: Inoue Mayumi , Jiang Yibin , Barnes Richard H. , Tokunaga Masakuni , Martinez-Santibañez Gabriel , Geletka Lynn , Lumeng Carey N. , Buchner David A. , Chun Tae-Hwa
Published: October 2013

Thrombospondin 1 (THBS1 or TSP-1) is a circulating glycoprotein highly expressed in hypertrophic visceral adipose tissues of humans and mice. High-fat diet (HFD) feeding induces the robust increase of circulating THBS1 in the early stages of HFD challenge. The loss of Thbs1 protects male mice from diet-induced weight gain and adipocyte hypertrophy. Hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp study has demonstrated that Thbs1-null mice are protected from HFD-induced insulin resistance. Tissue-specific glucose uptake study has revealed that the insulin-sensitive phenotype of Thbs1-null mice is mostly mediated by skeletal muscles. Further assessments of the muscle phenotype using RNA sequencing, quantitative PCR, and histological studies have demonstrated that Thbs1-null skeletal muscles are protected from the HFD-dependent induction of Col3a1 and Col6a1, coupled with a new collagen deposition. At the same time, the Thbs1-null mice display a better circadian rhythm and higher amplitude of energy expenditure with a browning phenotype in sc adipose tissues. These results suggest that THBS1, which circulates in response to a HFD, may induce insulin resistance and fibrotic tissue damage in skeletal muscles as well as the de-browning of sc adipose tissues in the early stages of a HFD challenge. Our study may shed new light on the pathogenic role played by a circulating extracellular matrix protein in the cross talk between adipose tissues and skeletal muscles during obesity progression.
Calcium Regulates FGF-23 Expression in Bone
Authors: David Valentin , Dai Bing , Martin Aline , Huang Jinsong , Han Xiaobin , Quarles L. Darryl
Published: October 2013

Calcium has recently been shown to regulate fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), a bone-derived phosphate and vitamin D-regulating hormone. To better understand the regulation of FGF-23 by calcium, phosphorus, 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D], and PTH, we examined FGF-23 expression under basal conditions and in response to PTH, doxercalciferol, or high-calcium diet treatment in Gcm2−/− and Cyp27b1−/− mutant mice. Gcm2−/− mice exhibited low serum PTH and 1,25(OH)2D concentrations, hypocalcemia, and hyperphosphatemia, whereas Cyp27b1−/− mice had high PTH, undetectable 1,25(OH)2D, hypocalcemia, and hypophosphatemia. Serum FGF-23 levels were decreased in both mutant models. Doxercalciferol administration increased serum FGF-23 levels in both mutant models. PTH administration to Gcm2−/− mice also increased serum FGF-23 levels, in association with an increase in both 1,25(OH)2D and calcium concentrations. Multiple regression analysis of pooled data indicated that changes in FGF-23 were positively correlated with serum calcium and 1,25(OH)2D but not related to changes in serum phosphate concentrations. A high-calcium diet also increased serum FGF-23 concentrations in Cyp27b1−/− mice in the absence of 1,25(OH)2D and in Gcm2−/− mice with low PTH. The addition of calcium to the culture media also stimulated FGF-23 message expression in MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. In addition, FGF-23 promoter activity in cultured osteoblasts was inhibited by the L-calcium-channel inhibitor nifedipine and stimulated by calcium ionophores. The effects of chronic low calcium to prevent 1,25(OH)2D and PTH stimulation of FGF-23 in these mutant mouse models suggest that suppression of FGF-23 plays an important physiological adaptive response to hypocalcemia.
BMP15 Suppresses Progesterone Production by Down-Regulating StAR via ALK3 in Human Granulosa Cells
Authors: Chang Hsun-Ming , Cheng Jung-Chien , Klausen Christian , Leung Peter C. K.
Published: October 2013

In addition to somatic cell-derived growth factors, oocyte-derived growth differentiation factor (GDF)9 and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)15 play essential roles in female fertility. However, few studies have investigated their effects on human ovarian steroidogenesis, and fewer still have examined their differential effects or underlying molecular determinants. In the present study, we used immortalized human granulosa cells (SVOG) and human granulosa cell tumor cells (KGN) to compare the effects of GDF9 and BMP15 on steroidogenic enzyme expression and investigate potential mechanisms of action. In SVOG cells, neither GDF9 nor BMP15 affects the mRNA levels of P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme or 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. However, treatment with BMP15, but not GDF9, significantly decreases steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) mRNA and protein levels as well as progesterone production. These suppressive effects, along with the induction of Sma and Mad-related protein (SMAD)1/5/8 phosphorylation, are attenuated by cotreatment with 2 different BMP type I receptor inhibitors (dorsomorphin and DMH-1). Furthermore, depletion of activin receptor-like kinase (ALK)3 using small interfering RNA reverses the effects of BMP15 on SMAD1/5/8 phosphorylation and StAR expression. Similarly, knockdown of ALK3 abolishes BMP15-induced SMAD1/5/8 phosphorylation in KGN cells. These results provide evidence that oocyte-derived BMP15 down-regulates StAR expression and decreases progesterone production in human granulosa cells, likely via ALK3-mediated SMAD1/5/8 signaling. Our findings suggest that oocyte may play a critical role in the regulation of progesterone to prevent premature luteinization during the late stage of follicle development.
FER-1/Dysferlin promotes cholinergic signaling at the neuromuscular junction in C. elegans and mice
Authors: Krajacic Predrag , Pistilli Emidio E. , Tanis Jessica E. , Khurana Tejvir S. , Lamitina S. Todd
Published: October 2013

Dysferlin is a member of the evolutionarily conserved ferlin gene family. Mutations in Dysferlin lead to Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2B (LGMD2B), an inherited, progressive and incurable muscle disorder. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying disease pathogenesis are not fully understood. We found that both loss-of-function mutations and muscle-specific overexpression of C. elegans fer-1, the founding member of the Dysferlin gene family, caused defects in muscle cholinergic signaling. To determine if Dysferlin-dependent regulation of cholinergic signaling is evolutionarily conserved, we examined the in vivo physiological properties of skeletal muscle synaptic signaling in a mouse model of Dysferlin-deficiency. In addition to a loss in muscle strength, Dysferlin −/− mice also exhibited a cholinergic deficit manifested by a progressive, frequency-dependent decrement in their compound muscle action potentials following repetitive nerve stimulation, which was observed in another Dysferlin mouse model but not in a Dysferlin-independent mouse model of muscular dystrophy. Oral administration of Pyridostigmine bromide, a clinically used acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AchE.I) known to increase synaptic efficacy, reversed the action potential defect and restored in vivo muscle strength to Dysferlin −/− mice without altering muscle pathophysiology. Our data demonstrate a previously unappreciated role for Dysferlin in the regulation of cholinergic signaling and suggest that such regulation may play a significant pathophysiological role in LGMD2B disease.
Par-complex aPKC and Par3 cross-talk with innate immunity NF-κB pathway in epithelial cells
Authors: Forteza Radia , Wald Flavia A. , Mashukova Anastasia , Kozhekbaeva Zhanna , Salas Pedro J.
Published: October 2013

Components of the Par-complex, atypical PKC and Par3, have been found to be downregulated upon activation of NF-κB in intestinal epithelial cells. To determine their possible role in pro-inflammatory responses we transduced Caco-2 human colon carcinoma cells with constitutively active (ca) PKCι or anti-Par3 shRNA-expressing lentiviral particles. Contrary to previous reports in other cell types, ca-PKCι did not activate, but rather decreased, baseline NF-κB activity in a luminiscence reporter assay. An identical observation applied to a PB1 domain deletion PKCι, which fails to localize to the tight-junction. Conversely, as expected, the same ca-PKCι activated NF-κB in non-polarized HEK293 cells. Likewise, knockdown of Par3 increased NF-κB activity and, surprisingly, greatly enhanced its response to TNFα, as shown by transcription of IL-8, GRO-1, GRO-2 and GRO-3. We conclude that aPKC and Par3 are inhibitors of the canonical NF-κB activation pathway, although perhaps acting through independent pathways, and may be involved in pro-inflammatory responses.
Single site-specific integration targeting coupled with embryonic stem cell differentiation provides a high-throughput alternative to in vivo enhancer analyses
Authors: Wilkinson Adam C. , Goode Debbie K. , Cheng Yi-Han , Dickel Diane E. , Foster Sam , Sendall Tim , Tijssen Marloes R. , Sanchez Maria-Jose , Pennacchio Len A. , Kirkpatrick Aileen M. , Göttgens Berthold
Published: October 2013

Comprehensive analysis of cis-regulatory elements is key to understanding the dynamic gene regulatory networks that control embryonic development. While transgenic animals represent the gold standard assay, their generation is costly, entails significant animal usage, and in utero development complicates time-course studies. As an alternative, embryonic stem (ES) cells can readily be differentiated in a process that correlates well with developing embryos. Here, we describe a highly effective platform for enhancer assays using an Hsp68/Venus reporter cassette that targets to the Hprt locus in mouse ES cells. This platform combines the flexibility of Gateway® cloning, live cell trackability of a fluorescent reporter, low background and the advantages of single copy insertion into a defined genomic locus. We demonstrate the successful recapitulation of tissue-specific enhancer activity for two cardiac and two haematopoietic enhancers. In addition, we used this assay to dissect the functionality of the highly conserved Ets/Ets/Gata motif in the Scl+19 enhancer, which revealed that the Gata motif is not required for initiation of enhancer activity. We further confirmed that Gata2 is not required for endothelial activity of the Scl+19 enhancer using Gata2−/− Scl+19 transgenic embryos. We have therefore established a valuable toolbox to study gene regulatory networks with broad applicability.
Insights into differential activity patterns of Drosophilids under semi-natural conditions
Authors: Prabhakaran Priya M. , Sheeba Vasu
Published: October 2013

We showed recently that Drosophila ananassae (DA), a closely related and sympatric species of the commonly studied fruitfly D. melanogaster (DM), shows distinctly deviant pattern in circadian activity/rest rhythm from the latter, under a variety of laboratory conditions. To examine whether such differences extend to more natural conditions where a variety of time cues and similar environmental pressures might force different species to adopt similar temporal patterns we examined these two species under semi-natural conditions over a span of 1.5-yrs. Furthermore, we asked to what extent features of activity/rest rhythm of flies are conserved across species under changing environmental conditions encountered across seasons, and to do so, we studied two more Drosophilid species. We found that while each species exhibits seasonality in activity patterns, it is marked by interesting inter-species differences. Similar to laboratory studies DA showed activity mostly during the day, while DM and D. malerkotliana (DK) exhibit almost similar activity patterns across seasons with predominantly two peaks of activity, one in the morning and another in the evening. Throughout the year Z. indianus (ZI) displayed very low levels of activity compared to DM, yet, compared to that seen in standard laboratory assays this species exhibited more robust rhythm under semi-natural conditions. We hypothesise that different ecological factors may have influenced these species to adopt different temporal niches.
Allometry of cranial morphology, gape size and ingestion performance in the banded watersnake (Nerodia fasciata) feeding on two types of prey
Authors: Hampton Paul
Published: October 2013

Small body size imposes limitations on the feeding capabilities of juveniles, particularly species that consume their prey whole. It has been hypothesized that juveniles exhibit exceptional performance measures to compensate for their small size. However, few studies have examined if juveniles have better feeding performance relative to adults. Investigations of snake feeding ontogeny have not found support for the compensation hypothesis. I tested this hypothesis by comparing maximum gape circumference and ingestion performance (time and number of pterygoid protractions) in a series of banded watersnakes (Nerodia fasciata) of different sizes fed fish and frogs. I also measured several external and osteological dimensions of the head and used Akaike's Information Criterion to determine which morphological measurements were the strongest predictors of relative gape. All skull measures and maximum gape circumference showed negative allometry compared to snout-vent length (SVL). Given the available models, AIC analysis indicated that both skull length and mandible length were the strongest predictors of gape circumference for both external and osteological measurements. Multiple regression analysis of ingestion performance indicated SVL was negatively correlated with the time and number of pterygoid protractions required to consume fish or frogs, indicating juveniles do not have a higher ingestion performance than adults. While exaggerated morphology in juvenile snakes does not appear to improve ingestion performance, a larger gape should increase the ability of juvenile snakes to consume a wide range of encountered prey shapes and sizes.
Pharmacological characterization of N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA)-like receptors in the single-celled organismParamecium primaurelia
Authors: Ramoino Paola , Candiani Simona , Pittaluga Anna Maria , Usai Cesare , Gallus Lorenzo , Ferrando Sara , Milanese Marco , Faimali Marco , Bonanno Giambattista
Published: October 2013

Paramecium primaurelia is a unicellular eukaryote that moves in freshwater by ciliary beating and responds to environmental stimuli by altering motile behaviour. The movements of the cilia are controlled by the electrical changes of the cell membrane: when the intraciliary Ca2+ concentration associated with plasma membrane depolarization increases, the ciliary beating reverses its direction, and consequently the swimming direction changes. The ciliary reversal duration is correlated with the amount of Ca2+ influx. Here we evaluated the effects due to the activation or blockade of NMDA receptors on swimming behaviour in Paramecium. Paramecia normally swim forward drawing almost linear tracks. We observed that the simultaneous administration of NMDA and glycine induced a partial ciliary reversal (PaCR) leading to a continuous spiral-like swim. Furthermore, the duration of continuous ciliary reversal (CCR), triggered by high external KCl concentrations, was longer in NMDA/glycine treated cells. NMDA action required the presence of Ca2+, as the normal forward swimming was restored when the ion was omitted from the extracellular milieu. The PaCR and the enhancement of CCR duration significantly decreased when the antagonists of the glutamate site D-AP5 or CGS19755, the NMDA channel blocker MK-801, or the glycine site antagonist DCKA were added. The action of NMDA/glycine was also abolished by Zn2+ or ifenprodil, the GluN2A and the GluN2B NMDA-containing subunit blockers, respectively. Searches of the Paramecium genome database currently available indicate that the NMDA-like receptor with ligand binding characteristics of an NMDA receptor-like complex, purified from rat brain synaptic membranes and found in some metazoan genome, is also present in Paramecium. These results provide evidence that functional NMDA receptors similar to those typical of mammalian neuronal cells are present in the single-celled organism Paramecium and thus suggest that the glutamatergic NMDA system is a phylogenetically old behaviour-controlling mechanism.
Probing N6-methyladenosine RNA modification status at single nucleotide resolution in mRNA and long noncoding RNA
Authors: Liu Nian , Parisien Marc , Dai Qing , Zheng Guanqun , He Chuan , Pan Tao
Published: October 2013

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most abundant modification in mammalian mRNA and long noncoding RNA (lncRNA). Recent discoveries of two m6A demethylases and cell-type and cell-state-dependent m6A patterns indicate that m6A modifications are highly dynamic and likely play important biological roles for RNA akin to DNA methylation or histone modification. Proposed functions for m6A modification include mRNA splicing, export, stability, and immune tolerance; but m6A studies have been hindered by the lack of methods for its identification at single nucleotide resolution. Here, we develop a method that accurately determines m6A status at any site in mRNA/lncRNA, termed site-specific cleavage and radioactive-labeling followed by ligation-assisted extraction and thin-layer chromatography (SCARLET). The method determines the precise location of the m6A residue and its modification fraction, which are crucial parameters in probing the cellular dynamics of m6A modification. We applied the method to determine the m6A status at several sites in two human lncRNAs and three human mRNAs and found that m6A fraction varies between 6% and 80% among these sites. We also found that many m6A candidate sites in these RNAs are however not modified. The precise determination of m6A status in a long noncoding RNA also enables the identification of an m6A-containing RNA structural motif.
The “Broken” and the “Breakthroughs”: Acting in Jingju Model Plays of China’s Cultural Revolution
Authors: Fan Xing
Published: October 2013

During the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976), the Chinese Communist Party and the Chinese government designated seventeen theatre productions and music pieces as models for artistic and literary creations. Nine of these seventeen model works are jingju plays. With the primary task of creating heroic proletarian models, the nine jingju model plays are all set during the 1920s to the 1960s. From the 1950s through the 1970s, creators of jingju model plays found a primary challenge was how to portray modern characters with practices and techniques from traditional jingju ; in response, they carried out comprehensive experiments in music, acting, directing, design, and playwriting. This paper offers an analysis of acting in jingju model plays at the intersection of tradition and innovation. Through examining the fusion of selectively adapted traditional practices and newly invented performance, the author argues that artistic choices and aesthetic qualities in jingju model plays deserve close attention. While constructing a new, national socialist culture in the PRC, the bittersweet feelings toward China’s feudal culture emerged via these complex manifestations of traditional practices in creating jingju model plays.
Farley Richmond
Authors: Banerji Arnab
Published: October 2013

Farley Richmond is the pioneering figure in Indian theatre scholarship in the United States. He has taught and headed departments at University of Michigan and SUNY Stony Brook and is presently teaching at the University of Georgia. He is trained in Kutiyattam , one of India’s oldest classical theatre forms, and is a key figure in bringing it to world attention.
Tibet Performance, Past and Present: Multidisciplinary Avenues of Research
Authors: Foley Kathy
Published: October 2013

The workshop Tibet Performance, Past and Present: Multidisciplinary Avenues of Research on 12 November 2012, at Columbia University, New York, brought together Scholars of Tibetan Performance from across the globe to discuss its past and present.
Enchanting the Audience: Dramatic Devices of Sakura Mask Theatre in West Lampung, Sumatra
Authors: Thomas Karen Kartomi
Published: October 2013

Sakura is a little-known ancient genre of masked theatre found in the Indonesian province of Lampung in southern Sumatra. In his 2010 performance of sakura , artist I Nyoman Mulyawan showcased his series of “new dance creations” in the style of the coastal Saibatin people. The multiplicity of performance devices and traditional motifs generated an allure that instantly captivated his large village audiences. The stage dynamics, masks, procession as allegory for spiritual journey, auspicious betel nut poles, and rhythmic and ritualistically charged music of the orchestra, were artfully integrated to enchant Mulyawan’s audience.
Daniel S. P. Yang
Authors: Liu Siyuan
Published: October 2013

Daniel S. P. Yang trained in amateur jingju (Beijing opera) in Taiwan in the 1950s and studied in the Asian theatre graduate programs at the University of Hawai’i and the University of Wisconsin–Madison in the 1960s. His early career was marked by jingju productions and scholarly insight on post-1949 Chinese theatre, particularly revolutionary model plays. During his tenure at the University of Colorado–Boulder and as producing artistic director of the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, he thrived as a successful director and producer of Shakespeare and modern Western classics. Since the early 1980s, he has successfully brought Western classics and contemporary hits to the thriving urban theatre scene in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. As such, his long career represents the contribution of U.S.-educated artist-scholars from Asia to both Asian theatre studies in the West and the theatrical development of their native land.
The Silenced Body of The Silent Soprano : The Overseas Filipino Worker as Silent and Erased in a Global City
Authors: Tiatco Anril Pineda
Published: October 2013

This essay interrogates the traditionally gendered Filipino female domestic helper vis-à-vis her “constructed” role in transnational relations and the idea of globalization represented in the 2007–2008 musical The Silent Soprano . Through this musical, the essay explores how globalization and transnational relations are experienced and mediated on the stage of the developing city of Manila, which claims to be a cosmopolitan one. It is posited that the representations of transnational relations and globalization are predicated within methodological nationalism, inscribing a fear of participation in a globalized and cosmopolitan living.
I Made Bandem
Authors: Goodlander Jennifer
Published: October 2013

I Made Bandem is a dynamic scholar, performer, and teacher of Balinese performing arts who has had enormous impact on the field of Asian theatre. This article examines Bandem’s work as an outspoken advocate for Balinese arts and culture on local, national, and international levels.
Hakka Female Identity in Postcolonial Taiwan: The Shigang Mama Theatre Group and Images of Hakka Women
Authors: Hu Tzu-Yun
Published: October 2013

In this paper, I attempt to apply the perspective of postcolonial feminist criticism to explore the postcolonial circumstances of Hakka women in Taiwan through a discussion of their representation in two plays: River in the Heart and Pear Flowers , both produced by the Shigang Mama Theatre Group. In adopting a postcolonial feminist critical framework, this article seeks to avoid consigning the Hakka cultural and gender issues of these Shigang women and their earthquake disaster experiences into the generic category of women “in the Third World.” Instead, it will reflect on the complexity and difficulty of cultural identity and explore the specific life experiences of Shigang women and their conversion of Hakka women’s oppressions into social practices as another contribution to postcolonial feminist theatre.
David Goodman
Authors: Jortner David
Published: October 2013

David Goodman was one of the most influential scholars of modern and contemporary Japanese theatre. Beginning with his groundbreaking work on the journal Concerned Theatre Japan and continuing through his subsequent publications on angura, shingeki , and the avant-garde theatres of Japan, Goodman helped to create the idea of modern and contemporary Japanese theatre scholarship. A professor for many years at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Goodman’s work as an educator, scholar, and activist made a tremendous impression on those fortunate enough to know him. His many translations, books, and articles on the modern and contemporary Japanese theatre stand as a testament to the high quality of his scholarship and demonstrate his influence in the field of Japanese theatre studies.
Late Muromachi and Furyū Nō : Two Plays by Kanze Nagatoshi
Authors: Arkenstone Quillon
Published: October 2013

This paper looks at the late Muromachi nō playwright Kanze Nagatoshi, examining two of his plays, Rinzō (The Revolving Sutra Case) and Ōyashiro (The Great Shrine), structurally against the Sandō (The Three Paths), the great treatise on nō play composition written by Zeami Motokiyo, Nagatoshi’s great-uncle. In doing so it discusses both the original aspects of Nagatoshi’s style as well as its continued indebtedness to past playwrights and the classical tradition, exploring how the style had much to do with the changed demographic of the period and highlighting several factors that facilitated Nagatoshi’s move away from dependence on roles traditionally considered primary toward an embrace of roles usually consigned to secondary status.
Benito Ortolani
Authors: Salz Jonah
Published: October 2013

Benito Ortolani was instrumental in introducing Japanese traditional and modern theatre to the West through scholarly publications, exhibits, and tours. Focusing on the spiritual dynamics in pre- nō forms and their resiliency in present practices, Ortolani wrote an essential textbook that continues to be the best single source for the entire span of Japanese theatre.
An Interview with Mangai
Authors: Singh Anita
Published: October 2013

Mangai is the pen name of V. Padma who teaches English at Stella Maris College, Chennai, India. She is an academician, theatre personality, and activist and has been dynamically engaged in Tamil theatre as an actor, director, and playwright for more than two decades. Her fields of interest are theatre, gender, and translation studies. She has twice been a recipient of Fulbright Fellowships to work on theatre and gender. She taught the course Drama from “Other” Worlds (King Alfred’s College, Winchester, UK, 1999 and 2000). During a 2009 Rockefeller-Bellagio Residency, she worked on her monograph on gender and theatre in India.
Richard Schechner
Authors: Gillitt Cobina
Published: October 2013

As one of the founders of the discipline of performance studies, Richard Schechner has been instrumental in the development of new paradigms for experiencing and theorizing theatre in Asia. The impact of his scholarship, teaching, mentorship, theatrical practice, and editorship of TDR: The Drama Review is significant worldwide. Many of his major theoretical constructs have grown out of his encounters in and with Asia, particularly India and China.
Anthologizing Indonesian Popular Theatre
Authors: Cohen Matthew Isaac
Published: October 2013

This report discusses the issues and realities of compiling and editing materials for an anthology of Indonesian-language theatre that dealt with popular urban theatre that has been little studied and/or translated.
Original Copies: How Film and Video Became Art Objects
Authors: Balsom Erika
Published: October 2013

This article examines the sale of film and video as art objects, with particular attention to the development of the limited-edition model throughout the twentieth century. It offers an explanation for the ascendance of this model in the 1990s and explores both the support and criticism it has received.
Diegetic Withdrawal and Other Worlds: Film Music Strategies before King Kong , 1927–1933
Authors: Slowik Michael
Published: October 2013

This article addresses the neglected area of pre– King Kong sound film scores. Though King Kong is often said to “begin” sound film music, many of its prominent techniques—including the drift of music from diegetic to nondiegetic terrain and the connection between music and otherworldly environments—had their roots in prior sound films.
Uruguay Disappears: Small Cinemas, Control Z Films, and the Aesthetics and Politics of Auto-Erasure
Authors: Martin-Jones David , Montañez María Soledad
Published: October 2013

Global markets like the festival circuit affect the ways in which small cinemas represent the nation. In the 2000s, new Uruguayan cinema has produced several films which background their “Uruguayanness” to broaden international appeal. In contrast to existing debates surrounding auto-ethnography, this is a process of auto-erasure through which Uruguay “disappears.” This aesthetic strategy reflects the complex politics surrounding production and reception, which must be negotiated by filmmakers in small nations who are reaching out to global markets.