bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PS1-10jh – a tidal disruption event with an extremely low disc temperature
Authors: Armijo Matias Montesinos , de Freitas Pacheco J. A.
Published: January 2013

The cooler than expected optical–UV transient PS1-10jh detected by the Pan-STARRS1 survey is probably related to a tidal disruption event in which a He-rich stellar core remnant is implied. The evolution of bound debris during the disc-phase is studied by solving the hydrodynamic equations. The model provides a good fit either of the raising part of the light curve in the bands gP1, rP1 and iP1 or in the early decay. The parameters characterizing this optimized model are the mass of the central black hole, i.e. 6.3 × 106 M⊙, and the critical Reynolds number ${\cal R} = 10^4$ that fixes the viscosity and the accretion time-scale. Such a high value of ${\cal R}$ explains the low disc temperature and the consequent absence of X-ray emission. The predicted bolometric peak luminosity is about 1045 erg s− 1 and the predicted total radiated energy is about Erad = 2.67 × 1051 erg.
HIGH-PENETRATION OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY AND ENHANCED DEPTH IMAGING IN PRESUMED RETINAL PIGMENT EPITHELIAL HAMARTOMA
Authors: Takahashi Ayako , Ooto Sotaro , Yoshimura Nagahisa
Published: January 2013

Purpose:

To report on high-penetrating swept source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) imaging and enhanced depth imaging in an eye with presumed retinal pigment epithelial hamartoma .

Methods and Patients:

A 60-year-old man with presumed retinal pigment epithelial hamartoma underwent complete ophthalmologic examination, including fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, enhanced depth imaging OCT, and SS-OCT.

Results:

In the left eye, there were six darkly pigmented, nodular, circumscribed lesions in the macular area. The margins were well defined and were not associated with changes such as edema, exudation, or hemorrhage. Fluorescein angiography revealed a minimally dilated feeding artery and draining vein in each lesion. Spectral domain OCT demonstrated an elevation of the retina at the site of the lesions with greatly enhanced optical reflectivity of the inner surface and complete shadowing of optical transmission with crisp vertical margins. However, enhanced depth imaging OCT and SS-OCT revealed deeper retinal layer structures in the pigmented lesions. Intraretinal lesions showed superficial involvement and preretinal extension with or without superficial hyporeflective regions.

Conclusion:

Enhanced depth imaging OCT and SS-OCT revealed deeper retinal layer structures in the pigmented lesions in a case with presumed retinal pigment epithelial hamartoma. Enhanced depth imaging OCT and SS-OCT are useful for visualization of intraretinal structures in these lesions, leading to further investigation of the origin and development of retinal pigment epithelial hamartoma.
Mechanisms and causes of wear in tooth enamel: implications for hominin diets
Authors: Lucas Peter W. , Omar Ridwaan , Al-Fadhalah Khaled , Almusallam Abdulwahab S. , Henry Amanda G. , Michael Shaji , Thai Lidia Arockia , Watzke Jörg , Strait David S. , Atkins Anthony G.
Published: January 2013

The wear of teeth is a major factor limiting mammalian lifespans in the wild. One method of describing worn surfaces, dental microwear texture analysis, has proved powerful for reconstructing the diets of extinct vertebrates, but has yielded unexpected results in early hominins. In particular, although australopiths exhibit derived craniodental features interpreted as adaptations for eating hard foods, most do not exhibit microwear signals indicative of this diet. However, no experiments have yet demonstrated the fundamental mechanisms and causes of this wear. Here, we report nanowear experiments where individual dust particles, phytoliths and enamel chips were slid across a flat enamel surface. Microwear features produced were influenced strongly by interacting mechanical properties and particle geometry. Quartz dust was a rigid abrasive, capable of fracturing and removing enamel pieces. By contrast, phytoliths and enamel chips deformed during sliding, forming U-shaped grooves or flat troughs in enamel, without tissue loss. Other plant tissues seem too soft to mark enamel, acting as particle transporters. We conclude that dust has overwhelming importance as a wear agent and that dietary signals preserved in dental microwear are indirect. Nanowear studies should resolve controversies over adaptive trends in mammals like enamel thickening or hypsodonty that delay functional dental loss.
Paraoerskovia sediminicola sp. nov., an actinobacterium isolated from sea sediment, and emended description of the genus

Paraoerskovia
Authors: Hamada Moriyuki , Tamura Tomohiko , Shibata Chiyo , Yamamura Hideki , Hayakawa Masayuki , Schumann Peter , Suzuki Ken-ichiro
Published: January 2013

A novel Gram-stain-positive actinobacterium, designated H25-14T, was isolated from a sea sediment sample, and its taxonomic position was investigated by a polyphasic approach. The peptidoglycan type of strain H25-14T was A4α and lysine was the diagnostic diamino acid of the peptidoglycan. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H4) and the major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. The DNA G+C content was 73.2 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons revealed that strain H25-14T was closely related to

Paraoerskovia marina

NBRC 104352T (98.3 %). However, DNA–DNA hybridization data and phenotypic characteristics revealed that strain H25-14T differed from

P. marina

NBRC 104352T. Therefore, strain H25-14T represents a novel species of the genus

Paraoerskovia

, for which the name Paraoerskovia sediminicola sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is H25-14T ( = NBRC 108565T = DSM 25477T). An emended description of the genus

Paraoerskovia

is also proposed.
Iodobacter

arcticus sp. nov., a psychrotolerant bacterium isolated from meltwater stream sediment of an Arctic glacier
Authors: Srinivas T. N. R. , Manasa P. , Begum Z. , Sunil B. , Sailaja B. , Singh S. K. , Prasad S. , Shivaji S.
Published: January 2013

Two novel violet-pigmented, Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile bacteria, designated strains M4-16T and M4-9, were isolated from sediment from an Arctic glacier. The predominant fatty acids of both strains were C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c (summed feature 3), C16 : 0, C14 : 0 and C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c (summed feature 8) and both strains contained ubiquinone-8 as the respiratory quinone. The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified phospholipids and one unidentified aminolipid. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strains M4-16T and M4-9 were members of the genus

Iodobacter

and closely related to

Iodobacter fluviatilis

ATCC 33051T with pairwise sequence similarity of 98.9 %. The DNA–DNA relatedness between strains M4-9 and M4-16T was 92.5 %, while strains M4-9 and M4-16T had DNA–DNA relatedness values of 21.5 and 18.2 %, respectively, with

Iodobacter fluviatilis

JCM 9044T. The RAPD-PCR banding patterns of strains M4-9 and M4-16T were similar but differed from that of

Iodobacter fluviatilis

JCM 9044T. Based on data from the current polyphasic study, strains M4-16T and M4-9 represent a novel species of the genus

Iodobacter

, for which the name

Iodobacter

arcticus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of

Iodobacter

arcticus is M4-16T ( = CIP 1103011T = MTCC 11351T).
Pleionea mediterranea gen. nov., sp. nov., a gammaproteobacterium isolated from coastal seawater
Authors: Fagervold Sonja K. , Urios Laurent , Intertaglia Laurent , Batailler Nicole , Lebaron Philippe , Suzuki Marcelino T.
Published: January 2013

A Gram-negative, aerobic, cream-pigmented, non-motile, non-spore-forming straight rod, strain MOLA115T, was isolated from a coastal water sample from the Mediterranean Sea. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain MOLA115T was shown to belong to the

Gammaproteobacteria

, adjacent to members of the genera

Marinicella

,

Arenicella

and

Kangiella

, sharing less than 89 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with strains of all recognized species within the

Gammaproteobacteria

. The only isoprenoid quinone was ubiquinone-8. Polar lipids in strain MOLA115T included phosphatidylethanolamine, an aminolipid, phosphatidylglycerol and an aminophospholipid. Fatty acid analysis revealed iso-C15 : 0 and iso-C17 : 1ω9c to be the dominant components. The DNA G+C content was 44.5 mol%. Based upon the phenotypic and phylogenetic data, we propose that strain MOLA115T should be considered to represent a novel species in a new genus, for which the name Pleionea mediterranea gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Pleionea mediterranea is MOLA115T ( = CIP 110343T = DSM 25350T).
Chryseobacterium frigidisoli sp. nov., a psychrotolerant species of the family Flavobacteriaceae isolated from sandy permafrost from a glacier forefield
Authors: Bajerski Felizitas , Ganzert Lars , Mangelsdorf Kai , Padur Lisa , Lipski André , Wagner Dirk
Published: January 2013

During diversity studies of the glacier forefields of the Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica, a novel psychrotolerant, non-motile Gram-negative, shiny yellow, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterium, designated strain PB4T was isolated from a soil sample. Strain PB4T produces indole from tryptophan and hydrolyses casein. It grows between 0 and 25 °C with an optimum growth temperature of 20 °C. A wide range of substrates are used as sole carbon sources and acid is produced from numerous carbohydrates. The major menaquinone is MK-6. Identified polar lipids are ethanolamines and ornithine lipids. Major fatty acids (>10 %) are iso-C15 : 0 (13.0 %) and iso-2OH-C15 : 0 (51.2 %). G+C content is 33.7 mol%. The polyamine pattern is composed of sym-homospermidine (25.1 µmol g−1 dry weight), minor amounts of cadaverine (0.2 µmol g−1 dry weight) and spermidine (0.4 µmol g−1 dry weight) and traces of putrescine and spermine (<0.1 µmol g−1 dry weight). Strain PB4T had highest 16S rRNA gene similarities with the type strains of

Chryseobacterium humi

(97.0 %) and

Chryseobacterium marinum

(96.5 %). Considering phenotypic and genotypic characterization, strain PB4T represents a novel species in the genus

Chryseobacterium

(family

Flavobacteriaceae

), for which the name

Chryseobacterium

frigidisoli sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is PB4T ( = DSM 26000T = LMG 27025T).
Planobispora siamensis sp. nov., isolated from soil
Authors: Ngaemthao Wipaporn , Suriyachadkun Chanwit , Chunhametha Suwanee , Tamura Tomohiko , Sanglier Jean-Jacques
Published: January 2013

A novel actinomycete strain, A-T 4600T, which developed cylindrical sporangia containing a longitudinal pair of motile spores forming singly or in bundles on short ramifications of the aerial mycelium, was isolated from soil collected from an evergreen forest in Thailand. The cell-wall peptidoglycan containedmeso-diaminopimelic acid. The whole-cell sugars contained ribose, madurose, mannose and glucose. The predominant menaquinones were MK-9(H2). Mycolic acids were not detected. The diagnostic phospholipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol mannoside, diphosphatidylglycerol and aminophosphoglycolipid. The predominant cellular fatty acids were unsaturated C17 : 1, C18 : 1, saturated C16 : 0, and C17 : 0. The G+C content of the DNA was 70.8 mol%. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses showed that the isolate had the typical characteristics of members of the genusPlanobispora. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis also indicated that this strain belonged to the genusPlanobisporabut as a putative novel species. DNA–DNA relatedness values that differentiate the isolate from previously described members of the genusPlanobisporawere significantly below 70 %. Following an evaluation of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic studies, it is proposed that the isolate represents a novel species,Planobisporasiamensissp. nov.; the type strain is A-T 4600T( = BCC 39469T = NBRC 107568T).
Streptococcus

orisasini sp. nov. and

Streptococcus

dentasini sp. nov., isolated from the oral cavity of donkeys
Authors: Takada Kazuko , Saito Masanori , Tsudukibashi Osamu , Hiroi Takachika , Hirasawa Masatomo
Published: January 2013

Four Gram-positive, catalase-negative, coccoid isolates that were obtained from donkey oral cavities formed two distinct clonal groups when characterized by phenotypic and phylogenetic studies. From the results of biochemical tests, the organisms were tentatively identified as a streptococcal species. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing studies confirmed the organisms to be members of the genus

Streptococcus

. Two of the isolates were related most closely to

Streptococcus ursoris

with 95.6 % similarity based on the 16S rRNA gene and to

Streptococcus ratti

with 92.0 % similarity based on the 60 kDa heat-shock protein gene (groEL). The other two isolates, however, were related to

Streptococcus criceti

with 95.0 and 89.0 % similarities based on the 16S rRNA and groEL genes, respectively. From both phylogenetic and phenotypic evidence, the four isolates formed two distinct clonal groups and are suggested to represent novel species of the genus

Streptococcus

. The names proposed for these organisms are

Streptococcus

orisasini sp. nov. (type strain NUM 1801T = JCM 17942T = DSM 25193T) and

Streptococcus

dentasini sp. nov. (type strain NUM 1808T = JCM 17943T = DSM 25137T).
Lutibacter agarilyticus sp. nov., a marine bacterium isolated from shallow coastal seawater
Authors: Park Seong Chan , Choe Han Na , Hwang Yeoung Min , Baik Keun Sik , Seong Chi Nam
Published: January 2013

A Gram-staining-negative, non-spore-forming, non-gliding and rod-shaped bacterial strain KYW566T, was isolated from seawater of the Suncheon Bay, Korea, and its taxonomic position was investigated by using a polyphasic study. The cells contained MK-6 as the only respiratory quinone and contained iso-C15 : 0 (13.8 %), iso-C16 : 0 3-OH (13.1 %), anteiso-C15 : 0 (9.3 %), iso-C15 : 0 3-OH (8.7 %), iso-C15 : 1 G (6.3 %) and summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) (6.0 %) as the major fatty acids. The DNA G+C content of strain KYW566T was 41.6±0.8 mol% (mean±sd of three determinations). A phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain KYW566T forms an evolutionary lineage within the radiation enclosing the members of the genus

Lutibacter

with

Lutibacter flavus

IMCC1507T as its nearest neighbour (96.7 % sequence similarity). A number of phenotypic characteristics distinguished strain KYW566T from described members of the genus

Lutibacter

. On the basis of the evidences presented in this study, strain KYW566T represents a novel species, for which the name

Lutibacter

agarilyticus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KYW566T ( = KCTC 23842T = JCM 18281T).
Actinokineospora

bangkokensis sp. nov., isolated from rhizospheric soil
Authors: Intra Bungonsiri , Matsumoto Atsuko , Inahashi Yuki , Ōmura Satoshi , Takahashi Yōko , Panbangred Watanalai
Published: January 2013

A novel actinomycete, strain 44EHWT, was isolated from rhizospheric soil under an Elephant ear plant (Colocasia esculenta) in Bangkok, Thailand. Strain 44EHWT produced long branching hyphae and abundant aerial mycelia with chains of rod-shaped spores. Whole-cell hydrolysates contained galactose, glucose, arabinose, ribose, mannose and rhamnose as diagnostic sugars. meso-Diaminopimelic acid was the diamino acid and glycine, alanine and glutamic acid were present in the cell-wall peptidoglycan with the acyl type of the peptidoglycan being acetyl. Phospholipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine with hydroxy fatty acids and diphosphatidylglycerol, as well as other unknown phospholipids; however, no mycolic acids were detected. The predominant menaquinone observed was MK-9(H4) and major fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0 and 2-OH iso-C16 : 0. The G+C content of genomic DNA was 74 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that this isolate was most similar to

Actinokineospora enzanensis

NBRC 16517T. However, DNA–DNA hybridization revealed a low relatedness between this isolate and

A. enzanensis

NBRC 16517T, indicating that this isolate represented a novel species in the genus

Actinokineospora

. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, phenotypic characteristics and DNA–DNA hybridization data, we propose that strain 44EHWT represents a novel species in the genus

Actinokineospora

,

Actinokineospora

bangkokensis. The type strain is 44EHWT ( = BCC 53155T = NBRC 108932T).
Mycetocola miduiensis sp. nov., a psychrotolerant bacterium isolated from Midui glacier
Authors: Zhu Lang , Liu Qing , Liu Hongcan , Zhou Yuguang , Xin Yuhua , Dong Xiuzhu
Published: January 2013

An aerobic, asporous, flagellated, Gram-stain-positive, rod-shaped bacterium MD-T1-10-2T was isolated from the topsoil of Midui Glacier, Tibet Province, China. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis placed the strain in a clade containing

Mycetocola manganoxydans

CCTCC AB 209002T,

Mycetocola reblochoni

DSM 18580T,

Mycetocola tolaasinivorans

JCM 11656T,

Mycetocola lacteus

JCM 11654T and

Mycetocola saprophilus

JCM 11655T, with the sequence similarities of 99.2, 98.1, 96.7, 96.6 and 96.4 %, respectively. DNA–DNA hybridization analysis indicated that strain MD-T1-10-2T represented a new member of this genus. The optimal ranges of temperature and pH for growth were 20–25 °C and 7.0–9.0, respectively; the strain could even grow at 0 °C. The major cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0, iso-C16 : 0 and anteiso-C17 : 0. The predominant menaquinones were MK-10 and MK-11. The cell wall amino acids were lysine, alanine, glycine and glutamic acids. The DNA G+C content was 65.9 mol%. Based on the genotypic and phenotypic data, strain MD-T1-10-2T for which the name Mycetocola miduiensis sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is MD-T1-10-2T ( = CGMCC 1.11101T = NBRC 107877T).
Capturing zero‐trade values in gravity equations of trade: an analysis of protectionism in agro‐food sectors
Authors: Philippidis George , Resano‐Ezcaray Helena , Sanjuán‐López Ana I.
Published: January 2013

With significant improvements in its theoretical underpinnings, the gravity model has gained renewed interest in the agro‐food trade literature. Notwithstanding, there is a dearth of literature examining the relative trade restrictiveness of tariff barriers across a broad range of agro‐food sectors. This represents an important research gap, which this study sets out to fill. Furthermore, this research reconciles the application of zero‐inflated models with a sectorally disaggregated analysis. More specifically, employing a fully specified gravity equation, a Poisson estimator and variants of the Poisson model (Negative Binomial, Zero‐Inflated Poisson, and Zero‐Inflated Negative Binomial) provide statistically significant and theoretically consistent estimates, while allowing for the inclusion of zero‐trade values. A panel data model with fixed effects is also employed to improve the estimation of the parameters of interest. Estimation results reveal that in the vast majority of sectors examined, import tariffs are found to be statistically significant, whereas export refunds exhibit a statistically smaller role due to the nonsystematic nature of their application in world food markets. Model simulations of tariff barrier eliminations reveal limited trade gains, although there is encouraging evidence of “low” and “lower middle” per capita income country trade gains in wheat, red meat, dairy, sugar, and (particularly) rice markets.
Expression and significance of Rac1, Pak1 and Rock1 in gastric carcinoma
Authors: Wu Yong‐jun , Tang Yi , Li Zhen‐feng , Li Zheng , Zhao Yi , Wu Zhen‐jiang , Su Qi
Published: January 2013

Aims

Rac1, Pak1 and Rock1 are indicators related to gastric cancer invasion and metastasis, but few reports discuss all three kinds of protein in research on gastric cancer invasion and metastasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and clinical significance of Rac1, Pak1 and Rock1 in gastric carcinoma.

Methods

Rac1, Pak1 and Rock1 expression in 158 cases of gastric carcinoma were investigated via immunohistochemical staining and clinical analysis.

Results

The positive expression rates of Rac1, Pak1 and Rock1 in normal tissue, intraepithelial neoplastic tissues and gastric carcinoma showed an increasing trend (P < 0.05). Their expression in lymph node metastasis was significantly higher than in patients with lymph‐node metastasis than in those without lymph nodes metastasis (P < 0.05). Their expression in tumor (TNM stages III and IV) were significantly higher than that in stages I and II (P < 0.05). Rac1, Pak1 and Rock1 expression did not differ significantly with patients' sex (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Positive rates of Rac1, Pak1 and Rock1 expression in normal tissue, dysplasia and gastric carcinoma show an increasing trend and are correlated with tumor lymph node metastasis and TNM stage. Rac1, Pak1 and Rock1 may be important biomarkers of gastric carcinoma invasion and metastasis.
The Kin1 kinase and the calcineurin phosphatase cooperate to link actin ring assembly and septum synthesis in fission yeast
Authors: Cadou Angela , Couturier Anne , Le Goff Cathy , Xie Linfeng , Paulson James R. , Le Goff Xavier
Published: January 2013

Background information

The Kin1 protein kinase of fission yeast, which regulates cell surface cohesiveness during interphase cell growth, is also present at the cell division site during mitosis; however, its function in cell division has remained elusive.

Results

In FK506‐mediated calcineurin deficient cells, mitosis is extended and ring formation is transiently compromised but septation remains normal. Here, we show that Kin1 inhibition in these cells leads to polyseptation and defects in membrane closure. Actomyosin ring disassembly is prevented and ultimately the daughter cells fail to separate. We show that the Pmk1 MAP kinase pathway and the type V myosin Myo4 act downstream of the cytokinetic function of Kin1. Kin1 inhibition also promotes polyseptation in myo3Δ, a type II myosin heavy‐chain mutant defective in ring assembly. In contrast, Kin1 inactivation rescues septation in a myosin light‐chain cdc4–8 thermosensitive mutant. A structure/function analysis of the Kin1 protein sequence identified a novel motif outside the kinase domain that is important for its polarised localisation and its catalytic activity. This motif is remarkably conserved in all fungal Kin1 homologues but is absent in related kinases of metazoans.

Conclusions

We conclude that calcineurin and Kin1 activities must be tightly coordinated to link actomyosin ring assembly with septum synthesis and membrane closure and to ensure separation of the daughter cells.
Discovery of Thiazolidine‐2,4‐Dione/Biphenylcarbonitrile Hybrid as Dual PPAR α/γ Modulator with Antidiabetic Effect: In vitro, In Silico and In Vivo Approaches
Authors: Hidalgo‐Figueroa Sergio , Ramírez‐Espinosa Juan J. , Estrada‐Soto Samuel , Almanza‐Pérez Julio C. , Román‐Ramos Rubén , Alarcón‐Aguilar Francisco J. , Hernández‐Rosado Jesús V. , Moreno‐Díaz Hermenegilda , Díaz‐Coutiño Daniel , Navarrete‐Vázquez Gabriel
Published: January 2013

A small series of thiazolidine‐2,4‐dione and barbituric acid derivatives 1–4 was prepared using a short synthetic route, and all compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, and NMR (1H, 13C) spectroscopy. Their in vitro relative expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor &agr1; and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor &ggr1; was evaluated. Compound 1 showed an increase in the mRNA expression of both peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor isoforms, as well as the GLUT‐4 levels. The antidiabetic activity of compound 1 was determined at 50 mg/kg single dose using a non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus rat model. The results indicated a significant decrease in plasma glucose levels. Additionally, we performed a molecular docking of compound 1 into the ligand binding pocket of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor &agr1; and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor &ggr1;. In these binding models, compound 1 may bind into the active site of both isoforms showing important short contacts with the peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor &ggr1; residues: Tyr 473, His 449, Ser 289, His 323; and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α residues: Tyr 464, His 440, Ser 280 and Tyr 314.
Antibacterial and Synergy of Clavine Alkaloid Lysergol and its Derivatives Against Nalidixic Acid‐Resistant Escherichia coli
Authors: Maurya Anupam , Dwivedi Gaurav R. , Darokar Mahendra P. , Srivastava Santosh K.
Published: January 2013

Antibacterial activity of lysergol (1) and its semi‐synthetic derivatives (2–14) and their synergy with the conventional antibiotic nalidixic acid (NA) against nalidixic acid‐sensitive (NASEC) and nalidixic acid‐resistant (NAREC) strains of Escherichia coli were evaluated. Lysergol (1) and derivatives (2–14) did not possess antibacterial activity of their own, but in combination, they significantly reduced the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of NA. All the derivatives showed two‐ to eightfold reduction in the MIC of NA against NAREC and NASEC. Further, lysergol (1) and its derivatives 10 and 11 brought down eightfold reductions in the MIC of tetracycline (TET) against multidrug‐resistant clinical isolate of E. coli (MDREC). Treatment of these strains with the combinations of antibiotics and lysergol and its derivatives 10 and 11 (at reduced concentrations) significantly decreased the viability of cells. In an another observation, lysergol and its derivatives 10 and 11 inhibited ATP‐dependent efflux pumps, which was evident by ATPase inhibition and down‐regulation of multidrug ABC transporter ATP‐binding protein (yojI) gene. These results may be of great help in antibacterial drug development from a very common, inexpensive, and non‐toxic natural product.
Femoral neck cross‐sectional geometry and exercise loading
Authors: Narra Nathaniel , Nikander Riku , Viik Jari , Hyttinen Jari , Sievänen Harri
Published: January 2013

The aim of this study was to examine the association between different types of exercise loading and femoral neck cross‐sectional geometry. Our data comprised proximal femur magnetic resonance (MR) images obtained from 91 female athletes and their 20 age‐matched controls. The athletes were categorized according to typical training activity – high impact (high and triple jumping), odd impact (racket and soccer playing), high magnitude (power lifting), repetitive low impact (endurance running) and repetitive non‐impact (swimming). Segmented MR images at two locations, narrowest cross‐section of the femoral neck (narrowFN) and the cross‐section at insertion of articular capsule (distalFN), were investigated to detect between group differences in shape, curvature and buckling ratio derived using image and signal analysis tools. The narrowFN results indicated that the high‐impact group had weaker antero‐superior (33% larger buckling ratio than controls) but stronger inferior weight‐bearing region (32% smaller than controls), while the odd‐impact group had stronger superior, posterior and anterior region (21% smaller buckling ratio than controls). The distalFN results indicated that the high‐impact group had stronger inferior region (37% smaller buckling ratio), but the odd‐impact group had stronger superior region (22% smaller buckling ratio) than the controls. Overall, the results point towards odd‐impact exercise loading, with inherently varying directions of impact, associated with more robust cross‐sectional geometry along the femoral neck. In conclusion, our one‐dimensional polar treatment for geometrical traits and intuitive presentation of differences in trends between exercise groups and controls provides a basis for analysis with high angular accuracy.
All‐trans retinoic acid protects hepatocellular carcinoma cells against serum‐starvation‐induced cell death by upregulating collagen 8A2
Authors: Wang Wen , Xu Gang , Ding Cui‐Ling , Zhao Lan‐Juan , Zhao Ping , Ren Hao , Qi Zhong‐Tian
Published: January 2013

As a therapeutic or chemopreventative agent for various cancers, all‐trans retinoic acid (atRA) has been reported to inhibit growth, induce apoptosis or cause differentiation. It was found that atRA could protect hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells against cell death induced by serum starvation. Furthermore, it was found that atRA could enhance cell adhesion, but had no effect on the cell cycle and apoptosis. Using an Illumina Human HT‐12 v4 expression microarray, 207 upregulated and 173 downregulated genes were identified in HepG2 cells treated with atRA. The most upregulated genes are cytochrome P450 family 26 subfamily A polypeptide 1 (CYP26A1), histidine triad nucleotide binding protein 3 (HINT3), miR‐1282 and cytochrome P450 family 26 subfamily B polypeptide 1 (CYP26B1), which showed more than fivefold greater expression. Using Gene Ontology analysis, the greatest significance was found in extracellular‐matrix‐related molecular functions and the cellular component in upregulated genes. The upregulation of collagen 8A2 (COL8A2) was further confirmed using quantitative RT‐PCR and western blotting. Knockdown of COL8A2 blocked enhancement in the early stage of cell adhesion by atRA treatment. Re‐expression of COL8A2 in COL8A2‐knocked‐down HCC cells reversed the effect of small interfering RNA–COL8A2. In addition, COL8A2 could increase HCC cell migration and invasion. Thus, COL8A2 was identified as the key protein involved in the enhancement of cell adhesion of atRA under serum‐free conditions. In conclusion, atRA protects HCC cells against serum‐starvation‐induced cell death by enhancing cell adhesion, and COL8A2 plays an important role in HCC cell migration and invasion.
Location, Vocation, Location? Spatial Entrapment among Women in Dual Career Households
Authors: Wheatley Dan
Published: January 2013

This paper explores spatial entrapment among women. The analysis contributes to the debate concerning the spatial entrapment thesis, advancing research through application of a mixed method empirical approach, and focus on dual career households in the UK. Data from the UK Labour Force Survey Household Data‐Set is combined with a recent case study of Greater Nottingham, England. The empirical findings are indicative of relative equality between career men and women in hours worked for an employer, particularly in professional occupations. But, while a level of equality is present in many workplaces, gender inequity within the home persists. Women, on average, work closer to their place of residence. School age dependent children present a particular constraint. Women are spatially entrapped by household responsibilities, with potentially severe career implications. Redressing this inequity within the household, however, represents a major challenge for future policy.
Impact of switching from zidovudine/lamivudine to tenofovir/emtricitabine on lipoatrophy: the RECOMB study
Authors: Ribera E , Larrousse M , Curran A , Negredo E , Clotet B , Estrada V , Sanz J , Berenguer J , Rubio R , Pulido F , Ferrer P , Alvarez ML , Arterburn S , Martínez E
Published: January 2013

Objectives

Lipoatrophy is a long‐term adverse effect of some antiretrovirals that affects quality of life, compromises adherence and may limit the clinical impact of HIV treatments. This paper explores the effect of tenofovir/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) on the amount of limb fat in patients with virological suppression.

Methods

A randomized, prospective clinical trial was performed to compare continuation on a zidovudine/lamivudine (ZDV/3TC)‐based regimen with switching to a TDF/FTC‐based regimen in terms of the effect on limb fat mass as assessed by DEXA over a 72‐week period.

Results

Eighty patients were included (39 in the TDF/FTC arm and 41 in the ZDV/3TC arm) and 73 completed the study (37 and 36, respectively). In the switch arm, limb fat increased by a median of 540 g from baseline (P = 0.022), while in the ZDV/3TC arm it decreased by a median of 379 g (P = 0.112; p between groups = 0.007). Subjects with baseline limb fat ≤ 7200 g, previous time on ZDV > 5 years or a body mass index > 25 kg/m2 experienced higher limb fat gains than other subjects, and these differences were statistically significant. Haemoglobin increased by a median of 1.0 g/dL in the TDF/FTC arm (P < 0.001) and remained unchanged in the ZDV/3TC arm (p between groups = 0.0002). There were no significant differences between groups in other secondary endpoints (body weight, total body and trunk fat content, total body bone mineral density, laboratory parameters, CD4 cell count and viral load).

Conclusions

Switching from a ZDV/3TC‐based to a TDF/FTC‐based regimen led to a statistically significant improvement in limb fat, in contrast to the progressive loss of limb fat in subjects continuing ZDV/3TC.
CD40 ligand and interferon‐γ induce an antimicrobial response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in human monocytes
Authors: Klug‐Micu Georgiana M. , Stenger Steffen , Sommer Andrea , Liu Philip T. , Krutzik Stephan R. , Modlin Robert L. , Fabri Mario
Published: January 2013

The ability of T cells to activate antimicrobial pathways in infected macrophages is essential to host defence against many intracellular pathogens. Here, we compared the ability of two T‐cell‐mediated mechanisms to trigger antimicrobial responses against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in humans, CD40 activation and the release of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ). Given that IFN‐γ activates a vitamin D‐dependent antimicrobial response, we focused on induction of the key components of this pathway. We show that activation of human monocytes via CD40 ligand (CD40L) and IFN‐γ, alone, and in combination, induces the CYP27b1‐hydroxylase, responsible for the conversion of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25D) to the bioactive 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D), and the vitamin D receptor (VDR). The activation of the vitamin D pathway by CD40L and IFN‐γ results in up‐regulated expression of the antimicrobial peptides, cathelicidin and DEFB4, as well as induction of autophagy. Finally, activation of monocytes via CD40L and IFN‐γ results in an antimicrobial activity against intracellular M. tuberculosis. Our data suggest that at least two parallel T‐cell‐mediated mechanisms, CD40L and IFN‐γ, activate the vitamin D‐dependent antimicrobial pathway and trigger antimicrobial activity against intracellular M. tuberculosis, thereby contributing to human host defence against intracellular infection.
Use of a Percutaneously Controlled Urethral Hydraulic Occluder for Treatment of Refractory Urinary Incontinence in 18 Female Dogs
Authors: Currao Rachael L. , Berent Allyson C. , Weisse Chick , Fox Philip
Published: January 2013

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a percutaneously controlled urethral hydraulic occluder (HO) device for the treatment of refractory urinary incontinence (RUI) in female dogs with various urogenital anomalies.

Study Design

Case series.

Animals

Female dogs with RUI (n = 18).

Methods

Retrospective evaluation of dogs after a silicone ring (HO) was surgically placed around the proximal urethra. The ring was connected to a subcutaneous injection port with actuating tubing. Residual incontinence was treated with percutaneous infusion of sterile saline into the device to provide extraluminal urethral compression. Dogs were assessed for continence (owner‐assessed 10‐point continence scale) and complications at standard time points.

Results

All 18 dogs had significantly improved continence scores (P< .001) after HO placement (median and mean score pre‐HO = 2.8 and 3.3; post‐HO = 10 and 8.9, respectively) with a median follow‐up time of 32 months. “Functional” continence (score ≥ 9) was achieved in 67% of dogs after HO placement, though only 13/18 clients were compliant with inflations. Of dogs belonging to compliant owners, 12 (92%) had a functional continence score. Six dogs (33%) did not require inflation to achieve continence. Urethral obstruction occurred as a complication in 3 dogs.

Conclusions

Use of an HO device was an effective long‐term treatment for RUI when traditional options failed. The technique was associated with some complications, and these risks should be considered before use.
Fine Mapping of RppP25, a Southern Rust Resistance Gene in Maize
Authors: Zhao Panfeng , Zhang Guobin , Wu Xiaojun , Li Na , Shi Dianyi , Zhang Dengfeng , Ji Chunfang , Xu Mingliang , Wang Shoucai
Published: January 2013

Southern rust (Puccinia polysora Underw.) is a major disease that can cause severe yield losses in maize (Zea mays L.). In our previous study, a major gene RppP25 that confers resistance to southern rust was identified in inbred line P25. Here, we report the fine mapping and candidate gene analysis of RppP25 from the near‐isogenic line F939, which harbors RppP25 in the genetic background of the susceptible inbred line F349. The inheritance of resistance to southern rust was investigated in the BC1F1 and BC3F1 populations, which were derived from a cross between F939 and F349 (as the recurrent parent). The 1:1 segregation ratio of resistance to susceptible plants in these two populations indicated that the resistance is controlled by a single dominant gene. Ten markers, including three simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and seven insertion/deletion (InDel) markers, were developed in the RppP25 region. RppP25 was delimited to an interval between P091 and M271, with an estimated length of 40 kb based on the physical map of B73. In this region, a candidate gene was identified that was predicted to encode a putative nucleotide‐binding site leucine‐rich repeat (NBS‐LRR) protein. Two co‐segregated markers will aid in pyramiding diverse southern rust resistance alleles into elite materials, and thereby improve southern rust resistance worldwide.
Influence of medium‐chain triglycerides on consumption and weight gain in rats: a systematic review
Authors: Ferreira L. , Lisenko K. , Barros B. , Zangeronimo M. , Pereira L. , Sousa R.
Published: January 2013

The use of medium‐chain triglycerides (MCTs) has been studied for years in an attempt to elucidate their effects in food intake and body weight in animals. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is evidence that the use of MCT reduces consumption and body weight gain in rats, a species chosen as it has been widely used as an animal model in different surveys. A search of scientific work was performed in November 2011 on two bases: ‘Web of Science’ and ‘PubMed’. The terms sample size and homogeneity, randomisation, food consumption and weight gain, body composition, enzyme activity and hormonal activity in rats were used as selection criteria. Thirteen papers were selected after the refinement of the research. Twelve studies measured weight gain and among these, seven detected a decrease in weight gain and five found no differences. Twelve papers also measured food intake and among these, four detected a decrease in consumption, one detected an increase and seven found no differences. Based on established criteria for the ranking of scientific papers, it is concluded that there is strong evidence that MCTs can effectively reduce the consumption and subsequent weight gain of animals. However, in the long term, there may not be differences in results depending on the phenotypic adaptation of animals to a new metabolic condition.
Life Cycle of the pseudocolonial dinoflagellatePolykrikos kofoidii(Gymnodiniales, Dinoflagellata)
Authors: Tillmann Urban , Hoppenrath Mona
Published: January 2013

The athecate, pseudocolonial polykrikoid dinoflag‐ellates show a greater morphological complexity than many other dinoflagellate cells and contain not only elaborate extrusomes but sulci, cinguli, flagellar pairs, and nuclei in multiple copies. Among polykrikoids,Polykrikos kofoidiiis a common species that plays an important role as a grazer of toxic planktonic algae but whose life cycle is poorly known. In this study, the main life cycle stages ofP. kofoidiiwere examined and documented for the first time. The formation of gametes, 2‐zooid‐1‐nucleus stages very different from vegetative cells, was observed and the process of gamete fusion, isogamy, was recorded. Karyogamy followed shortly after completed plasmogamy. A complex reorganization of furrows (cinguli and sulci) and flagella followed zygote formation, resulting in a 4‐zooid zygote with one nucleus. The fate of zygotes under different nutritional conditions was also investigated; well‐fed zygotes were able to reenter the vegetative cycle via meiotic divisions as indicated by nuclear cyclosis. However, nuclear cyclosis was preceded by a presumably mitotic division of the primary zygote nucleus which by definition would imply thatP. kofoidiihas a diplohaplontic life cycle. Nuclear cyclosis in germlings hatched from spiny resting cysts indicate that these cysts are of zygote origin (hypnozygotes). Hypnozygote formation, cyst hatching, the morphology of the germling (a 1‐zooid cell), and its development into a normal pseudocolony are documented here for the first time. There is evidence thatP. kofoidiihas a system of complex heterothallism.
Change and Resilience in Welfare State Policy. The Politics of Sickness Insurance in Norway and Sweden
Authors: Hagelund Anniken , Bryngelson Anna
Published: January 2013

This article compares the processes of reforming sickness insurance in Norway and Sweden. Despite the many similarities between the Norwegian and Swedish welfare states, they have taken different paths when it comes to reforming their sickness insurance systems. In the period between 1990 and 2010 Sweden changed its wage replacement levels and levels of employer financing several times, while in Norway they remain basically unchanged since 1978, notwithstanding many reform initiatives by political authorities. Why have the two cases evolved so differently? We address this question by using Peter Starke's review of the retrenchment literature which outlines four major strands of theorizing the politics of welfare reform: neo‐functionalism, conflict theories, institutionalist theories and discourse theory. Rather than treating these as providing competing explanations, the article suggests that elements from all perspectives bring insights to the case. The need for policy reform must always be communicated in a way that can be understood and approved in order to materialize as actual policy change. But discursive change and apparently seductive frames will not always be enough. This comparative analysis illustrates that the chance of success for new frames or discourses depends on the institutional, political and functional context into which they are inserted. Similar attempts at framing the need for reform and cutbacks have had different effects in the two countries depending on the character of the counter forces and extant frames reformers are up against. On the other hand, over time discourses and frames also shape institutions and political relations.
A review of breast tomosynthesis. Part I. The image acquisition process
Authors: Sechopoulos Ioannis
Published: January 2013

Mammography is a very well‐established imaging modality for the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. However, since the introduction of digital imaging to the realm of radiology, more advanced, and especially tomographic imaging methods have been made possible. One of these methods, breast tomosynthesis, has finally been introduced to the clinic for routine everyday use, with potential to in the future replace mammography for screening for breast cancer. In this two part paper, the extensive research performed during the development of breast tomosynthesis is reviewed, with a focus on the research addressing the medical physics aspects of this imaging modality. This first paper will review the research performed on the issues relevant to the image acquisition process, including system design, optimization of geometry and technique, x‐ray scatter, and radiation dose. The companion to this paper will review all other aspects of breast tomosynthesis imaging, including the reconstruction process.
Response of TLD‐100 in mixed fields of photons and electrons
Authors: Lawless Michael J. , Junell Stephanie , Hammer Cliff , DeWerd Larry A.
Published: January 2013

Purpose:

Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) are routinely used for dosimetric measurements of high energy photon and electron fields. However, TLD response in combined fields of photon and electron beam qualities has not been characterized. This work investigates the response of TLD‐100 (LiF:Mg,Ti) to sequential irradiation by high‐energy photon and electron beam qualities.

Methods

: TLDs were irradiated to a known dose by a linear accelerator with a 6 MV photon beam, a 6 MeV electron beam, and a NIST‐traceable60Co beam. TLDs were also irradiated in a mixed field of the 6 MeV electron beam and the 6 MV photon beam. The average TLD response per unit dose of the TLDs for each linac beam quality was normalized to the average response per unit dose of the TLDs irradiated by the 60Co beam. Irradiations were performed in water and in a Virtual Water™ phantom. The 6 MV photon beam and 6 MeV electron beam were used to create dose calibration curves relating TLD response to absorbed dose to water, which were applied to the TLDs irradiated in the mixed field.

Results:

TLD relative response per unit dose in the mixed field was less sensitive than the relative response in the photon field and more sensitive than the relative response in the electron field. Application of the photon dose calibration curve to the TLDs irradiated in a mixed field resulted in an underestimation of the delivered dose, while application of the electron dose calibration curve resulted in an overestimation of the dose.

Conclusions:

The relative response of TLD‐100 in mixed fields fell between the relative response in the photon‐only and electron‐only fields. TLD‐100 dosimetry of mixed fields must account for this intermediate response to minimize the estimation errors associated with calibration factors obtained from a single beam quality.
Cycles of Ubiquitination and Deubiquitination Critically Regulate Growth Factor–Mediated Activation of Akt Signaling
Authors: Yang Wei-Lei , Jin Guoxiang , Li Chien-Feng , Jeong Yun Seong , Moten Asad , Xu Dazhi , Feng Zizhen , Chen Wei , Cai Zhen , Darnay Bryant , Gu Wei , Lin Hui-Kuan
Published: January 2013

The deubiquitinase CYLD suppresses activation of the tumor growth–promoting kinase Akt.
SLITting Down the Peanut Allergy
Authors: Reznik Marina
Published: January 2013

Sublingual immunotherapy induced a modest level of desensitization in peanut allergy sufferers.
GacS-Dependent Regulation of Polyhydroxyalkanoate Synthesis in Pseudomonas putida CA-3
Authors: Ryan William J. , O'Leary Niall D. , O'Mahony Mark , Dobson Alan D. W.
Published: January 2013

To date, limited reports are available on the regulatory systems exerting control over bacterial synthesis of the biodegradable polyester group known as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). In this study, we performed random mini-Tn
5
mutagenesis of the
Pseudomonas putida
CA-3 genome and screened transconjugants on nitrogen-limited medium for reduced PHA accumulation phenotypes. Disruption of a GacS sensor kinase in one such mutant was found to eliminate medium-chain-length PHA production in
Pseudomonas putida
CA-3. Recombinant expression of wild-type
gacS
from a pBBRgacS vector fully restored PHA accumulation capacity in the mutant strain. PCR-based screening of the
P. putida
CA-3 genome identified gene homologues of the GacS/GacA-
rsm
small RNA (sRNA) regulatory cascade with 96% similarity to published
P. putida
genomes. However, reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) analyses revealed active transcription of the
rsmY
and
rsmZ
sRNAs in
gacS
-disrupted
P. putida
CA-3, which is atypical of the commonly reported Gac/Rsm regulatory cascade. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR analyses of the
phaC1
synthase responsible for polymer formation in
P. putida
CA-3 indicated no statistically significant difference in transcript levels between the wild-type and
gacS
-disrupted strains. Subsequently, SDS-PAGE protein analyses of these strains identified posttranscriptional control of
phaC1
synthase as a key aspect in the regulation of PHA synthesis by
P. putida
CA-3.