bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generation of Infectious Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) Encoding FIV/Human Immunodeficiency Virus Chimeric Protease
Authors: Lin Ying-Chuan , Torbett Bruce E. , Elder John H.
Published: April 2010

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) proteases (PRs) share only 23% amino acid identity and exhibit distinct specificities yet have very similar 3-dimensional structures. Chimeric PRs in which HIV residues were substituted in structurally equivalent positions in FIV PR were prepared in order to study the molecular basis of PR specificity. Previous
in vitro
analyses showed that such substitutions dramatically altered the inhibitor specificity of mutant PRs but changed the rate and specificity of Gag cleavage so that chimeric FIVs were not infectious. Chimeric PRs encoding combinations of the I37V, N55M, M56I, V59I, L97T, I98P, Q99V, and P100N mutations were cloned into FIV Gag-Pol, and those constructs that best approximated the temporal cleavage pattern generated by wild-type FIV PR, while maintaining HIV-like inhibitor specificity, were selected. Two mutations, M56I and L97T, were intolerant to change and caused inefficient cleavage at NC-p2. However, a mutant PR with six substitutions (I37V, N55M, V59I, I98P, Q99V, and P100N) was selected and placed in the context of full-length FIV-34TF10. This virus, termed YCL6, had low-level infectivity
ex vivo
, and after passage, progeny that exhibited a higher growth rate emerged. The residue at the position of one of the six mutations, I98P, further mutated on passage to either P98H or P98S. Both PRs were sensitive to the HIV-1 PR inhibitors lopinavir (LPV) and darunavir (DRV), as well as to the broad-based inhibitor TL-3, with 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC
50
) of 30 to 40 nM, consistent with
ex vivo
results obtained using mutant FIVs. The chimeras offer an infectivity system with which to screen compounds for potential as broad-based PR inhibitors, define structural parameters that dictate specificity, and investigate pathways for drug resistance development.
Productive Infection and bICP0 Early Promoter Activity of Bovine Herpesvirus 1 Are Stimulated by E2F1
Authors: Workman Aspen , Jones Clinton
Published: April 2010

Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) is an important viral pathogen of cattle. Like other members of the subfamily
Alphaherpesvirinae
, BoHV-1 establishes latency in sensory neurons and has the potential to reactivate from latency. Dexamethasone (DEX) treatment of latently infected calves or rabbits consistently leads to reactivation from latency. The BoHV-1 transcript encoding the infected cell protein 0 (bICP0) is consistently detected during reactivation from latency, in part because the bICP0 early promoter is activated by DEX. During DEX-induced reactivation from latency, cyclin expression is stimulated in infected sensory neurons. Cyclin-dependent kinase activity phosphorylates Rb (retinoblastoma tumor suppressor gene product) family proteins and consequently releases the E2F family of transcription factors, suggesting that E2F family members stimulate productive infection and/or reactivation from latency. In this study, we provide evidence that repression of E2F1 by a specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) reduced productive infection approximately 5-fold. E2F1 or E2F2 stimulated bICP0 early promoter activity at least 100-fold in transient transfection assays. Two E2F-responsive regions (ERR) were identified within the early promoter, with one adjacent to the TATA box (ERR1) and one approximately 600 bp upstream from the TATA box (ERR2). Mobility shift assays suggested that E2F interacts with ERR1 and ERR2. E2F1 protein levels were increased at late times after infection, which correlated with enhanced binding to a consensus E2F binding site, ERR1, or ERR2. Collectively, these studies suggest that E2F1 stimulates productive infection and bICP0 early promoter activity, in part because E2F family members interact with ERR1 and ERR2.
Epstein-Barr Virus Latent Membrane Protein 1 Modulates Distinctive NF-κB Pathways through C-Terminus-Activating Region 1 To Regulate Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Expression
Authors: Kung Che-Pei , Raab-Traub Nancy
Published: April 2010

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) is required for EBV B-lymphocyte transformation, transforms rodent fibroblasts, and can induce lymphoma and epithelial hyperplasia in transgenic mice. Two domains have been identified within the intracellular carboxy terminus that can activate NF-κB, C-terminus-activating region 1 (CTAR1) and CTAR2, through interactions with tumor necrosis receptor-associated factors (TRAFs). CTAR1 can activate both the canonical and noncanonical NF-κB pathways and has unique effects on cellular gene expression. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is highly induced by LMP1-CTAR1 in epithelial cells through activation of a novel NF-κB form containing p50 homodimers and Bcl-3. To further understand the regulation of NF-κB in CTAR1-induced EGFR expression, we evaluated the ability of CTAR1 to induce EGFR in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) defective for different NF-κB effectors. CTAR1-mediated EGFR induction required the

N

F-κB-

i

nducing

k

inase (NIK) but not the IκB kinase (IKK) complex components that regulate canonical or noncanonical NF-κB pathways. CTAR1-mediated induction of nuclear p50 occurred in IKKβ-, IKKγ-, and NIK-defective MEFs, indicating that this induction is not dependent on the canonical or noncanonical NF-κB pathways. EGFR and nuclear p50 were expressed at high levels in TRAF2
−/−
fibroblasts and were not induced by CTAR1. In TRAF3
−/−
MEFs, CTAR1 induced nuclear p50 but did not affect basal levels of STAT3 serine phosphorylation or induce EGFR expression. EGFR was induced by LMP1 in TRAF6
−/−
MEFs. These findings suggest that this novel NF-κB pathway is differentially regulated by TRAF2 and TRAF3, and that distinct interactions of LMP1 and its effectors regulate LMP1-mediated gene expression.
Three Arginine Residues within the RGG Box Are Crucial for ICP27 Binding to Herpes Simplex Virus 1 GC-Rich Sequences and for Efficient Viral RNA Export
Authors: Corbin-Lickfett Kara A. , Souki Stuart K. , Cocco Melanie J. , Sandri-Goldin Rozanne M.
Published: April 2010

ICP27 is a multifunctional protein that is required for herpes simplex virus 1 mRNA export. ICP27 interacts with the mRNA export receptor TAP/NXF1 and binds RNA through an RGG box motif. Unlike other RGG box proteins, ICP27 does not bind G-quartet structures but instead binds GC-rich sequences that are flexible in structure. To determine the contribution of arginines within the RGG box, we performed
in vitro
binding assays with N-terminal proteins encoding amino acids 1 to 160 of wild-type ICP27 or arginine-to-lysine substitution mutants. The R138,148,150K triple mutant bound weakly to sequences that were bound by the wild-type protein and single and double mutants. Furthermore, during infection with the R138,148,150K mutant, poly(A)
+
RNA and newly transcribed RNA accumulated in the nucleus, indicating that viral RNA export was impaired. To determine if structural changes had occurred, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis was performed on N-terminal proteins consisting of amino acids 1 to 160 from wild-type ICP27 and the R138,148,150K mutant. This region of ICP27 was found to be highly flexible, and there were no apparent differences in the spectra seen with wild-type ICP27 and the R138,148,150K mutant. Furthermore, NMR analysis with the wild-type protein bound to GC-rich sequences did not show any discernible folding. We conclude that arginines at positions 138, 148, and 150 within the RGG box of ICP27 are required for binding to GC-rich sequences and that the N-terminal portion of ICP27 is highly flexible in structure, which may account for its preference for binding flexible sequences.
Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes Established by Seasonal Human Influenza Cross-React against 2009 Pandemic H1N1 Influenza Virus
Authors: Tu Wenwei , Mao Huawei , Zheng Jian , Liu Yinping , Chiu Susan S. , Qin Gang , Chan Ping-Lung , Lam Kwok-Tai , Guan Jing , Zhang Lijuan , Guan Yi , Yuen Kwok-Yung , Peiris J. S. Malik , Lau Yu-Lung
Published: April 2010

While few children and young adults have cross-protective antibodies to the pandemic H1N1 2009 (pdmH1N1) virus, the illness remains mild. The biological reasons for these epidemiological observations are unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that the bulk memory cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) established by seasonal influenza viruses from healthy individuals who have not been exposed to pdmH1N1 can directly lyse pdmH1N1-infected target cells and produce gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). Using influenza A virus matrix protein 1 (M158-66) epitope-specific CTLs isolated from healthy HLA-A2+individuals, we further found that M158-66epitope-specific CTLs efficiently killed both M158-66peptide-pulsed and pdmH1N1-infected target cells ex vivo. These M158-66-specific CTLs showed an effector memory phenotype and expressed CXCR3 and CCR5 chemokine receptors. Of 94 influenza A virus CD8 T-cell epitopes obtained from the Immune Epitope Database (IEDB), 17 epitopes are conserved in pdmH1N1, and more than half of these conserved epitopes are derived from M1 protein. In addition, 65% (11/17) of these epitopes were 100% conserved in seasonal influenza vaccine H1N1 strains during the last 20 years. Importantly, seasonal influenza vaccination could expand the functional M158-66epitope-specific CTLs in 20% (4/20) of HLA-A2+individuals. Our results indicated that memory CTLs established by seasonal influenza A viruses or vaccines had cross-reactivity against pdmH1N1. These might explain, at least in part, the unexpected mild pdmH1N1 illness in the community and also might provide some valuable insights for the future design of broadly protective vaccines to prevent influenza, especially pandemic influenza.
Inhibition of
In Vivo
HIV Infection in Humanized Mice by Gene Therapy of Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells with a Lentiviral Vector Encoding a Broadly Neutralizing Anti-HIV Antibody
Authors: Joseph Aviva , Zheng Jian Hua , Chen Ken , Dutta Monica , Chen Cindy , Stiegler Gabriela , Kunert Renate , Follenzi Antonia , Goldstein Harris
Published: April 2010

Due to the inherent immune evasion properties of the HIV envelope, broadly neutralizing HIV-specific antibodies capable of suppressing HIV infection are rarely produced by infected individuals. We examined the feasibility of utilizing genetic engineering to circumvent the restricted capacity of individuals to endogenously produce broadly neutralizing HIV-specific antibodies. We constructed a single lentiviral vector that encoded the heavy and light chains of 2G12, a broadly neutralizing anti-HIV human antibody, and that efficiently transduced and directed primary human B cells to secrete 2G12. To evaluate the capacity of this approach to provide protection from
in vivo
HIV infection, we used the humanized NOD/SCID/γ
c
null
mouse model, which becomes populated with human B cells, T cells, and macrophages after transplantation with human hematopoietic stem cells (hu-HSC) and develops
in vivo
infection after inoculation with HIV. The plasma of the irradiated NOD/SCID/γ
c
null
mice transplanted with hu-HSC transduced with the 2G12-encoding lentivirus contained 2G12 antibody, likely secreted by progeny human lymphoid and/or myeloid cells. After intraperitoneal inoculation with high-titer HIV-1
JR-CSF
, mice engrafted with 2G12-transduced hu-HSC displayed marked inhibition of
in vivo
HIV infection as manifested by a profound 70-fold reduction in plasma HIV RNA levels and an almost 200-fold reduction in HIV-infected human cell numbers in mouse spleens, compared to control hu-HSC-transplanted NOD/SCID/γ
c
null
mice inoculated with equivalent high-titer HIV-1
JR-CSF
. These results support the potential efficacy of this new gene therapy approach of using lentiviral vectors encoding a mixture of broadly neutralizing HIV antibodies for the treatment of HIV infection, particularly infection with multiple-drug-resistant isolates.
Role of Mouse Hepatitis Virus (MHV) Receptor Murine CEACAM1 in the Resistance of Mice to MHV Infection: Studies of Mice with Chimeric mCEACAM1a and mCEACAM1b
Authors: Hirai Asuka , Ohtsuka Nobuhisa , Ikeda Toshio , Taniguchi Rie , Blau Dianna , Nakagaki Keiko , Miura Hideka S. , Ami Yasushi , Yamada Yasuko K. , Itohara Shigeyoshi , Holmes Kathryn V. , Taguchi Fumihiro
Published: April 2010

Although most inbred mouse strains are highly susceptible to mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) infection, the inbred SJL line of mice is highly resistant to its infection. The principal receptor for MHV is murine CEACAM1 (mCEACAM1). Susceptible strains of mice are homozygous for the1aallele ofmCeacam1, while SJL mice are homozygous for the1ballele. mCEACAM1a (1a) has a 10- to 100-fold-higher receptor activity than does mCEACAM1b (1b). To explore the hypothesis that MHV susceptibility is due to the different MHV receptor activities of 1a and 1b, we established a chimeric C57BL/6 mouse (cB61ba) in which a part of the N-terminal immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domain of themCeacam1a(1a) gene, which is responsible for MHV receptor function, is replaced by the corresponding region ofmCeacam1b(1b). We compared the MHV susceptibility of these chimeric mice to that of SJL and B6 mice. B6 mice that are homozygous for1aare highly susceptible to MHV-A59 infection, with a 50% lethal dose (LD50) of 102.5PFU, while chimeric cB61bamice and SJL mice homozygous for1baand1b, respectively, survived following inoculation with 105PFU. Unexpectedly, cB61bamice were more resistant to MHV-A59 infection than SJL mice as measured by virus replication in target organs, including liver and brain. No infectious virus or viral RNA was detected in the organs of cB61bamice, while viral RNA and infectious virus were detected in target organs of SJL mice. Furthermore, SJL mice produced antiviral antibodies after MHV-A59 inoculation with 105PFU, but cB61bamice did not. Thus, cB61bamice are apparently completely resistant to MHV-A59 infection, while SJL mice permit low levels of MHV-A59 virus replication during self-limited, asymptomatic infection. When expressed on cultured BHK cells, the mCEACAM1b and mCEACAM1ba proteins had similar levels of MHV-A59 receptor activity. These results strongly support the hypothesis that although alleles of mCEACAM1 are the principal determinants of mouse susceptibility to MHV-A59, other as-yet-unidentified murine genes may also play a role in susceptibility to MHV.
3D-QSAR study of the endocrine disrupting effect of perfluorooctane sulfonates (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on human estrogen, androgen and thyroid receptors
Authors: Cheng Yan , Chen Hui-ming , Yu Wen-lian , Cui Yuan , Zhou Li-li , Zhou Xin
Published: April 2010

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) have become emerging persistent organic pollutants (POPs), but their health effects on humans remain controversial because of contradictory experimental and epidemiological studies. In this study, we used three-dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D-QSAR) method by applying Surflex-dock to study and compare the binding modes between PFOS, PFOA and eight other endocrine disrupting chemicals, and human estrogen receptor (hERα), human androgen receptor (hAR) and human thyroid receptor (hTRβ). Molecular docking and hydrogen bond studies indicated that PFOS and PFOA had high affinity potency toward hERα, hAR and hTRβ due to low free binding energies, while the highest value was obtained toward hTRβ. This means that PFOS and PFOA might have more disrupting effects on thyroid than on estrogen and androgen receptors. Hydrogen bonding interactions revealed that Met313 in hTRβ might act as the critical amino acid residue in the binding of ligand–receptor complex, which would provide an explanation for the interaction mechanisms. Our results provide an important reference and direction for the interaction mode and mechanism study between PFOS/PFOA and human endocrine systems.
Reliability of job-title based physical work exposures for the upper extremity: comparison to self-reported and observed exposure estimates
Authors: Gardner Bethany T , Lombardi David A , Dale Ann Marie , Franzblau Alfred , Evanoff Bradley A
Published: April 2010

Objectives

To evaluate the agreement between job-title based estimates for upper extremity physical work exposures and exposure estimates from work observation and worker self-report.

Methods

Self-reported exposure questionnaires were completed by 972 workers, and exposure estimates based on worksite observation were completed for a subset of 396 workers. Job-title based estimates were obtained from O*NET, an American database of job demands. Agreement between self-reported, observed and job-title based physical work exposures was assessed using Spearman correlations and intraclass correlation coefficients.

Results

Job-title based exposure estimates from O*NET, self-reported and observer-rated exposures showed moderate to good levels of agreement for some upper extremity exposures, including lifting, forceful grip, use of vibrating tools and wrist bending.

Conclusions

Job-title based physical work exposure variables may provide useful surrogate measures of upper extremity exposure data in the absence of other individual level data such as observed or self-reported exposure. Further validation of these data is necessary to determine the utility of the O*NET databases in future epidemiological studies.
THE INFLUENCE OF DARK ENERGY ON THE LARGE SCALE STRUCTURE FORMATION
Authors: LEE SEOKCHEON
Published: April 2010

Inhomogeneity at small scales (Mpcs) of our universe is manifest from observations. In regions smaller than 8h-1 Mpc galaxies tend to cluster instead of showing a Poisson distribution. The properties of the spherical collapse model which approximately depicts this nonlinearity of the density perturbation are investigated when there exits dark energy. The evolution of a spherical perturbation depends only on the initial critical overdensity threshold for the collapse, δc and its value approaches to 1.58 instead of the conventionally known 1.69 independent of the value of the equation of state of dark energy.
CROSSING OF PHANTOM DIVIDE IN F(R) GRAVITY
Authors: BAMBA KAZUHARU , GENG CHAO-QIANG , NOJIRI SHIN'ICHI , ODINTSOV SERGEI D.
Published: April 2010

An explicit model of F(R) gravity with realizing a crossing of the phantom divide is reconstructed. In particular, it is shown that the Big Rip singularity may appear in the reconstructed model of F(R) gravity. Such a Big Rip singularity could be avoided by adding R2 term or non-singular viable F(R) theory1 to the model because phantom behavior becomes transient.
THEORETICAL ASPECTS OF QUINTOM MODELS
Authors: QIU TAOTAO
Published: April 2010

Quintom models, with its Equation of State being able to cross the cosmological constant boundary w = -1, turns out to be attractive for phenomenological study. It can not only be applicable for dark energy model for current universe, but also lead to a bounce scenario in the early universe.
EXTRACTING DARK MATTER PROPERTIES MODEL-INDEPENDENTLY FROM DIRECT DETECTION EXPERIMENTS
Authors: SHAN CHUNG-LIN
Published: April 2010

In this article I review model-independent procedures for extracting properties of Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) from direct Dark Matter detection experiments. Neither prior knowledge about the velocity distribution function of halo Dark Matter particles nor about their mass or cross sections on target nucleus is needed. The unique required information is measured recoil energies from experiments with different detector materials.
GAMMA-RAY CONSTRAINTS ON DECAYING DARK MATTER
Authors: CHEN CHUAN-REN , MANDAL SOURAV K. , TAKAHASHI FUMINOBU
Published: April 2010

The anomalies in positron fraction observed in PAMELA and total flux of electrons and positron reported by Fermi can be explained by a decaying dark matter. The agreement between astrophysical background and observed data in anti-proton indicates a lep-tophilic dark matter and constrains the hadronic decay branching ratios. In this work, we study the constrains on decaying rates of a dark matter to various 2-body final states using the Fermi and HESS gamma-ray data. We find that µ+µ- or τ+τ- final state is preferred to simultaneously explain the excesses and meet the gamma-ray constrains.
QUANTUM TELEPORTATION FROM LIGHT TO ATOMIC BOSE–EINSTEIN CONDENSATE
Authors: GUO YU , QU RONG-SHENG
Published: April 2010

An optical scheme of the quantum teleportation of superposed coherent states from light pulse to the atoms in Bose–Einstein condensate in terms of optical elements is presented. Beam splitters, photodetectors, cross-Kerr medium, and coherent state sources are needed in this scheme. The probability of successful teleportation is also obtained.
FIRST-PRINCIPLES STUDY OF MAGNETISM AND DEFECT STATE PROPERTIES OF ANTIPEROVSKITE GaC1-xMn3
Authors: HUA L. , WANG L. , CHEN L. F.
Published: April 2010

We have investigated the electronic and magnetic properties of GaC 1-x Mn 3 (x = 0, 0.125, 0.25) using first-principles density functional theory within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) + U schemes. The crystal structures of the compounds are cubic for x = 0, 0.125, 0.25. The lattice parameters and unit cell volume decrease as the C vacancy increase. Our spin polarized calculations give metallic ground state for x = 0, 0.125, 0.25. The magnetic structure for x = 0, 0.125 are antiferromagnetic, while for x = 0.25 it is ferromagnetic. From the density of states (DOS), the hybridization between the C 2p and Mn 3d state is the main reason for magnetic transition.
TUNABLE ERBIUM-DOPED FIBER RING LASER BASED ON A NOVEL THERMAL TUNING SCHEME OF FIBER BRAGG GRATINGS
Authors: HAN QUN , SHENG ZHAOXIA
Published: April 2010

A novel thermal tuning technique of fiber Bragg gratings is proposed. With this technique, the thermal sensitivity of FBG can now be flexibly designed. The proposed technique is used in an erbium-doped fiber ring laser. A wavelength shift of 6.8 nm is obtained with a temperature change of only 20°C, which corresponds to a thermal sensitivity of 0.34 nm/°C. The 3 dB linewidth of the laser is less than 0.1 nm in the whole tuning range. The threshold and slope efficiency of the laser are 7.9 mW and 18.6%, respectively. The laser tuning has good linearity and good repeatability.
ADAPTIVE FUZZY SYNCHRONIZATION OF TWO DIFFERENT CHAOTIC SYSTEMS WITH STOCHASTIC UNKNOWN PARAMETERS
Authors: YOO W. J. , JI D. H. , WON S. C.
Published: April 2010

In this paper, we present a method for synchronizing two different chaotic systems that have unknown parameters that are affected by stochastic variations generated by the Wiener process. The parameters are expressed by the sum of their mean values and the white Gaussian noise multiplied by the diffusion matrices. To describe the unknown nonlinear function yielded by Itô's lemma due to the unknown diffusion matrices, a fuzzy logic system is employed. Using adaptive fuzzy control, the response system is synchronized with the drive system within an arbitrarily small error bound. Numerical simulations show the effectiveness of the proposed method.
SYMMETRIES AND LIE ALGEBRA OF THE DIFFERENTIAL–DIFFERENCE KADOMSTEV–PETVIASHVILI HIERARCHY
Authors: SUN XIAN-LONG , ZHANG DA-JUN , ZHU XIAO-YING , CHEN DENG-YUAN
Published: April 2010

By introducing suitable non-isospectral flows, we construct two sets of symmetries for the isospectral differential–difference Kadomstev–Petviashvili hierarchy. The symmetries form an infinite dimensional Lie algebra.
DELAYED SUCCESSFUL FREE FIBULA FLAP FOR TREATMENT OF COMPLEX ARM GUNSHOT WOUND — A CASE REPORT
Authors: Guzzetti Tommaso , Thione Alessandro
Published: April 2010

More than 25% of unintentional gunshot injuries and more than 15% of intentional gunshot injuries involve extremities.

In these patients, early acute multidisciplinary treatment is essential and critical to achieve a satisfactory mobility and composite wounds repair.

We hereby report a logistic delayed successful treatment of a complex arm gunshot wound with a free fibula flap. The significance of this case report is related to the necessity of emphasising the organised and multidisciplinary approach required to cure these patients in the proper way from a surgical and medical point of view.
REPRODUCIBILITY OF MEASUREMENTS OF THUMB ABDUCTION
Authors: Itoh Shozo , Miura Toshiki , Oka Hiroyuki , Nakagawa Takumi , Nakamura Kozo
Published: April 2010

The reproducibilities of various measurements of thumb abduction were compared. Two independent observers measured the thumb abduction in 30 volunteers by the following four methods: distance between the thumb tip and the flexion crease of the index finger proximal interphalangeal joint; distance between the flexion crease of the thumb interphalangeal joint and the proximal palmar crease; angle between the thumb and index metacarpals; and angle between the thumb and index proximal phalanxes. Measurements were repeated in three weeks and their reproducibility was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Intra-observer reproducibilities by distances were high with ICCs between 0.74 and 0.89, compared with those by angles with ICCs between 0.28 and 0.71. Inter-observer reproducibilities by distances were also high (ICCs = 0.79 and 0.81) compared with those by angles (ICCs = 0.28 and 0.42). Assessment of thumb abduction based on distance in the first web is recommended in terms of reproducibility.
UNUSUAL PATTERN OF ESSEX-LOPRESTI INJURY WITH NEGATIVE PLAIN RADIOGRAPHS OF THE WRIST: A CASE REPORT AND LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Rodriguez-Martin Juan , Pretell-Mazzini Juan , Vidal-Bujanda Carlos
Published: April 2010

The Essex-Lopresti injury consists of a fracture of the radial head, rupture of the interosseous membrane and disruption of the distal radioulnar joint. The greatest challenge with this injury pattern is the diagnosis, because it is frequently missed and the attention usually focused on the elbow joint. In this paper we report an unusual pattern of Essex-Lopresti injury with a radial neck fracture, a tear of the interosseous membrane and a disruption of the distal radioulnar joint in which initial wrist radiographs did not show significative abnormalities. Open reduction and internal fixation for the radial head fracture was performed. Forearm rotation was locked with two Kirschner wires from ulna to radius to allow interosseous membrane to heal.

This case is even more difficult to diagnose than classic Essex-Lopresti pattern because of the absence of radius shortening, due to this specific radius fracture pattern, and also the absence of distal radioulnar joint dislocation. When treating a radial head fracture but also a radial neck fracture, interosseous membrane injury should be suspected to avoid misleading in diagnosis.
IRREDUCIBLE OPEN DORSAL DISLOCATION OF THE PROXIMAL INTERPHALANGEAL JOINT: A CASE REPORT
Authors: Muraoka Shizuka , Furue Yukihiro , Kawashima Mahito
Published: April 2010

We report a rare case of open dorsal dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint which needed operative reduction. A 39-year-old man injured his right middle finger while playing baseball. There was a laceration on the proximal interphalangeal crease, and the condyles of the proximal phalanx protruded through the wound. The flexor tendons had slipped behind the radial condyle, and made reduction impossible. After the flexor tendons and volar plate were replaced back into their normal position, the reduction was successful. Finally, the patient had full and painless motion of the digit. We review the reported cases of this injury in the relevant literature.
INTERNAL FIXATION WITH THE LOW PROFILE PLATE SYSTEM COMPARED WITH KIRSCHNER WIRE FIXATION: CLINICAL RESULTS OF TREATMENT FOR METACARPAL AND PHALANGEAL FRACTURES
Authors: Takigami Hidetake , Sakano Hiroaki , Saito Tomoyuki
Published: April 2010

A total of 71 patients with 78 metacarpal or phalangeal fractures were treated using one of two different methods of fixation. Thirty-nine fingers were treated using a low profile plate and screw system (LPP group), whereas 39 fingers were treated using Kirschner wire (K-wire group).

In the LPP group, three cases of screw breakage were recorded. The LPP group required use of a splint for 0.9 weeks, significantly less than the 4.4 weeks of the K-wire group. The mean of 2.6 ± 1.6 months for the time to union in the LPP group was significantly greater than the 1.6 ± 0.6 months in the K-wire group. There were no instances of non-union in both groups, but one delayed union was observed in the LPP group. Total active flexion was 235° and 243° in the LPP and the K-wire groups, respectively. Total extension loss was 12° and 9° in the LPP and the K-wire groups, respectively. Although use of either method resulted in a good range of motion, LPP fixation required a much shorter time with a splint. However, because of the possibility of screw breakage, we have to exercise caution with post-operative treatment.
A LOCATION GAME ON DISJOINT CIRCLES
Authors: DZIUBIŃSKI MARCIN , DATTA DEBABRATA , ROY JAIDEEP
Published: April 2010

Two players are endowed with resources for setting up N locations on K identical circles, with N > K ≥ 1. The players alternately choose these locations (possibly in batches of more than one in each round) in order to secure the area closer to their locations than that of their rival's. They face a resource mobility constraint such that not all N locations can be placed in the first round. The player with the highest secured area wins the game and otherwise the game ends in a tie. Earlier research has shown that for K = 1, the second mover always has a winning strategy in this game. In this paper we show that with K > 1, the second mover advantage disappears as in this case both players have a tying strategy. We also study a natural variant of this game where the resource mobility constraint is more stringent so that in each round each player chooses a single location where we show that the second mover advantage re-appears. We suggest some Nash equilibrium configurations of locations in both versions of the game.
ON COOPERATIVE GAMES RELATED TO MARKET SITUATIONS AND AUCTIONS
Authors: BRANZEI RODICA , FRAGNELLI VITO , MECA ANA , TIJS STEF
Published: April 2010

We consider a market situation with two corners. One corner consists of a single seller with one object, and the other corner consists of potential buyers who all want the object. We suppose that the valuations of the object for the different buyers are known by all of them. Then two types of cooperative games, which we call market games and ring games, corresponding to such market situations are considered.

Market games are related to special total big boss games, while ring games are related to special convex games, the peer group games. It turns out that there exists a duality relation between the market game and the ring game arising from the same two-corner market situation. For both classes of games relevant solution concepts are studied.
SKEW-SYMMETRY UNDER SIMULTANEOUS REVISIONS
Authors: NORMAN TOM
Published: April 2010

Invariant selection of the risk-dominant equilibrium of evolutionary coordination games with "skew-symmetric" noise processes is extended to the case of simultaneous strategy revisions.
CLASSIFICATION OF IRREDUCIBLE WEIGHT MODULES OVER THE TWISTED HEISENBERG–VIRASORO ALGEBRA
Authors: LÜ RENCAI , ZHAO KAIMING
Published: April 2010

In this paper, all irreducible weight modules with finite dimensional weight spaces over the twisted Heisenberg–Virasoro algebra are determined. There are two different classes of them. One class is formed by simple modules of intermediate series, whose nonzero weight spaces are all 1-dimensional; the other class consists of the irreducible highest weight modules and lowest weight modules.
PICONE INEQUALITIES FOR p-SUB-LAPLACIAN ON THE HEISENBERG GROUP AND ITS APPLICATIONS
Authors: DOU JINGBO
Published: April 2010

In this paper, we establish the Picone inequalities for p-sub-Laplacian on the Heisenberg group. Then, we prove Hardy inequalities with weight functions involving partial variables and a comparison principle. As an immediate consequence, we obtain the uniqueness for p-sub-Laplace equation involving singular indefinite weights. Also we prove the existence of positive solutions.
Human muscle net K+ release during exercise is unaffected by elevated anaerobic metabolism, but reduced after prolonged acclimatization to 4,100 m
Authors: Nordsborg Nikolai B. , Calbet José A. L. , Sander Mikael , van Hall Gerrit , Juel Carsten , Saltin Bengt , Lundby Carsten
Published: April 2010

It was investigated whether skeletal muscle K+ release is linked to the degree of anaerobic energy production. Six subjects performed an incremental bicycle exercise test in normoxic and hypoxic conditions prior to and after 2 and 8 wk of acclimatization to 4,100 m. The highest workload completed by all subjects in all trials was 260 W. With acute hypoxic exposure prior to acclimatization, venous plasma [K+] was lower ( P < 0.05) in normoxia (4.9 ± 0.1 mM) than hypoxia (5.2 ± 0.2 mM) at 260 W, but similar at exhaustion, which occurred at 400 ± 9 W and 307 ± 7 W ( P < 0.05), respectively. At the same absolute exercise intensity, leg net K+ release was unaffected by hypoxic exposure independent of acclimatization. After 8 wk of acclimatization, no difference existed in venous plasma [K+] between the normoxic and hypoxic trial, either at submaximal intensities or at exhaustion (360 ± 14 W vs. 313 ± 8 W; P < 0.05). At the same absolute exercise intensity, leg net K+ release was less ( P < 0.001) than prior to acclimatization and reached negative values in both hypoxic and normoxic conditions after acclimatization. Moreover, the reduction in plasma volume during exercise relative to rest was less ( P < 0.01) in normoxic than hypoxic conditions, irrespective of the degree of acclimatization (at 260 W prior to acclimatization: −4.9 ± 0.8% in normoxia and −10.0 ± 0.4% in hypoxia). It is concluded that leg net K+ release is unrelated to anaerobic energy production and that acclimatization reduces leg net K+ release during exercise.
Heart rate variability and muscle sympathetic nerve activity response to acute stress: the effect of breathing
Authors: DeBeck Lindsay D. , Petersen Stewart R. , Jones Kelvin E. , Stickland Michael K.
Published: April 2010

Previous research has suggested a relationship between low-frequency power of heart rate variability (HRV; LF in normalized units, LFnu) and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA). However, investigations have not systematically controlled for breathing, which can modulate both HRV and MSNA. Accordingly, the aims of this experiment were to investigate the possibility of parallel responses in MSNA and HRV (LFnu) to selected acute stressors and the effect of controlled breathing. After data were obtained at rest, 12 healthy males (28 ± 5 yr) performed isometric handgrip exercise (30% maximal voluntary contraction) and the cold pressor test in random order, and were then exposed to hypoxia (inspired fraction of O2 = 0.105) for 7 min, during randomly assigned spontaneous and controlled breathing conditions (20 breaths/min, constant tidal volume, isocapnic). MSNA was recorded from the peroneal nerve, whereas HRV was calculated from ECG. At rest, controlled breathing did not alter MSNA but decreased LFnu ( P < 0.05 for all) relative to spontaneous breathing. MSNA increased in response to all stressors regardless of breathing. LFnu increased with exercise during both breathing conditions. During cold pressor, LFnu decreased when breathing was spontaneous, whereas in the controlled breathing condition, LFnu was unchanged from baseline. Hypoxia elicited increases in LFnu when breathing was controlled, but not during spontaneous breathing. The parallel changes observed during exercise and controlled breathing during hypoxia suggest that LFnu may be an indication of sympathetic outflow in select conditions. However, since MSNA and LFnu did not change in parallel with all stressors, a cautious approach to the use of LFnu as a marker of sympathetic activity is warranted.
Parathyroid hormone-related protein-stanniocalcin antagonism in regulation of bicarbonate secretion and calcium precipitation in a marine fish intestine
Authors: Fuentes Juan , Power Deborah M. , Canário Adelino V. M.
Published: April 2010

Bicarbonate secretion in the intestine (duodenum) of marine fish has been suggested to play a major role in regulation of calcium availability for uptake. However, while the end process may lead to carbonate precipitation, regulation of transport of calcium and/or bicarbonate may actually result in fine-tuning of calcium availability for transport. To test this hypothesis, sea bream ( Sparus auratus ) duodenal preparations were mounted in Ussing-type chambers and the effect of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) and stanniocalcin 1 (STC 1) on the control of intestinal bicarbonate secretion and calcium transport was analyzed. As expected, PTHrP increased net calcium uptake, as a result of an increase of calcium uptake without changes in calcium efflux. In contrast, purified sea bream STC 1 caused a minor decrease of calcium uptake and a two- to threefold increase in calcium efflux. As a result, STC 1 was able to invert the calcium flux from net calcium uptake to net calcium loss, which is in keeping with its known actions as a hypocalcemic factor. Furthermore, both PTHrP and STC 1 regulate intestinal bicarbonate secretion. PTHrP increased calcium uptake and simultaneously reduced the single factor that induces calcium precipitation, bicarbonate secretion. In contrast, STC 1, while reversing the calcium net flux to make it secretory, promoted intestinal bicarbonate secretion, both actions directed to decrease the calcium gradient across the epithelium and promote immobilization in the form of bicarbonate in the intestinal lumen. Together our results provide robust evidence to support an antagonistic action of PTHrP and STC 1 in the fine control of movements of both calcium and bicarbonate in the intestine of seawater fish.
Central melanocortin stimulation increases phosphorylated perilipin A and hormone-sensitive lipase in adipose tissues
Authors: Shrestha Y. B. , Vaughan C. H. , Smith B. J. , Song C. K. , Baro D. J. , Bartness T. J.
Published: April 2010

Norepinephrine (NE) released from the sympathetic nerves innervating white adipose tissue (WAT) is the principal initiator of lipolysis in mammals. Central WAT sympathetic outflow neurons express melanocortin 4-receptor (MC4-R) mRNA. Single central injection of melanotan II (MTII; MC3/4-R agonist) nonuniformly increases WAT NE turnover (NETO), increases interscapular brown adipose tissue (IBAT) NETO, and increases the circulating lipolytic products glycerol and free fatty acid. The WAT pads that contributed to this lipolysis were inferred from the increases in NETO. Because phosphorylation of perilipin A (p-perilipin A) and hormone-sensitive lipase are necessary for NE-triggered lipolysis, we tested whether MTII would increase these intracellular markers of lipolysis. Male Siberian hamsters received a single 3rd ventricular injection of MTII or saline. Trunk blood was collected at 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 h postinjection from excised inguinal, retroperitoneal, and epididymal WAT (IWAT, RWAT, and EWAT, respectively) and IBAT pads. MTII increased circulating glycerol concentrations at 0.5 and 1.0 h, whereas free fatty acid concentrations were increased at 1.0 and 2.0 h. Western blot analysis showed that MTII specifically increased p-perilipin A and hormone-sensitive lipase only in fat pads that previously had MTII-induced increases in NETO. Phosphorylation increased in IWAT at all time points and IBAT at 0.5 h, but not RWAT or EWAT at any time point. These results show for the first time in rodents that p-perilipin A can serve as an in vivo, fat pad-specific indictor of lipolysis and extend our previous findings showing that central melanocortin stimulation increases WAT lipolysis.
Fractalkine expression and CD16+monocyte accumulation in glomerular lesions: association with their severity and diversity in lupus models
Authors: Nakatani Kimihiko , Yoshimoto Shuhei , Iwano Masayuki , Asai Osamu , Samejima Ken-ichi , Sakan Hirokazu , Terada Miho , Hasegawa Hitoshi , Nose Masato , Saito Yoshihiko
Published: April 2010

Fractalkine (Fkn) is expressed on injured endothelial cells and is a membrane-bound chemokine that attracts cells expressing its receptor, CX3CR1, including CD16+monocytes (CD16+Mos). To clarify the role played by Fkn in the development of glomerular lesions in lupus nephritis, we examined Fkn expression and CD16+Mo accumulation induced in experimental C.B-17/Inc-scid/scid (SCID) lupus model mice by injection of IgG3-producing hybridoma clones obtained from MRL/lpr mice. Glomerular Fkn expression and accumulation of CD16+Mos were semiquantitatively evaluated using laser capture microdissection and real-time PCR. Injection of the 2B11.3 and 7B6.8 clones induced formation of glomerular proliferative and wire-loop lesions, respectively. Immunohistological analysis of the localization of Fkn and CD16+Mos revealed that Fkn expression and CD16+Mo accumulation were markedly elevated in glomerular lesions induced by 2B11.3, whereas no elevation was detected in those induced by 7B6.8. In addition, to examine the contribution of glomerular Fkn to the development of proliferative lesions, L cells producing an Fkn antagonist (Fkn-AT) were transplanted into SCID mice exhibiting proliferative lupus nephritis (DPLN) induced by 2B11.3. Notably, transplantation of the Fkn-AT-producing cells was functionally and histologically protective against this DPLN. Taken together, our findings suggest that Fkn and CD16+Mo accumulation are partially associated with the severity and diversity of histology of lupus nephritis.
Involvement of tumor necrosis factor-α in natriuretic response to systemic infusion of nitric oxide synthase inhibitor in anesthetized mice
Authors: Shahid Mohd , Francis Joseph , Matrougui Khalid , Majid Dewan S. A.
Published: April 2010

Systemic infusion of TNF-α exerts renal vasoconstriction but caused marked natriuresis in mice. Similar renal responses were also observed during systemic infusion of nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitors as opposed to their usual antinatriuretic responses when administered intrarenally. In the present study, we examined the hypothesis that acute NO blockade systemically induces TNF-α generation. which induces this natriuretic response. Renal responses to intravenous infusion of the NO synthase inhibitor nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME; 0.2 μg·min−1·g body wt−1for 85 min) and its impact on the plasma level of TNF-α were evaluated in anesthetized mice. Plasma TNF-α was undetected in untreated mice ( n = 7) but was elevated in l-NAME-treated mice (109 ± 22 pg/ml; P < 0.01 vs. untreated group; n = 7) along with an increase in TNF-α protein expression in kidney tissue. l-NAME infusion caused a usual increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP; 98 ± 3 to 122 ± 3 mmHg; P < 0.01) and decreases in renal blood flow (RBF; 8.6 ± 0.3 to 4.4 ± 0.2 ml·min−1·g−1; P < 0.01) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR; 1.14 ± 0.07 to 0.77 ± 0.04 ml·min−1·g−1; P < 0.01) with a marked increase in sodium excretion (UNaV; 0.48 ± 0.10 to 3.52 ± 0.85 μmol·min−1·g−1; P < 0.01). Interestingly, in mice ( n = 7) pretreated with the TNF-α blocker etanercept (5 mg/kg sc), the UNaV response to l-NAME infusion was markedly blunted (0.58 ± 0.08 to 1.22 ± 0.28 μmol·min−1·g−1; P = NS) although responses for MAP, RBF, and GFR were mostly unchanged. However, pretreatment with the superoxide scavenger tempol in mice ( n = 7) did not alter the UNaV response to l-NAME. These data demonstrate that l-NAME-induced natriuresis is mediated, at least in part, by concomitant generation of TNF-α during NO blockade.
Role of TRPC3 channels in ATP-induced Ca2+signaling in principal cells of the inner medullary collecting duct
Authors: Goel Monu , Schilling William P.
Published: April 2010

The transient receptor potential channel TRPC3 is exclusively expressed in the apical membrane of principal cells of the collecting duct (CD) both in vivo and in the mouse CD cell line IMCD-3. Previous studies revealed that ATP-induced apical-to-basolateral transepithelial Ca2+flux across IMCD-3 monolayers is increased by overexpression of TRPC3 and attenuated by a dominant negative TRPC3 construct, suggesting that Ca2+entry across the apical membrane occurs via TRPC3 channels. To test this hypothesis, we selectively measured the Ca2+permeability of the apical membrane of fura-2-loaded IMCD-3 cells using the Mn2+quench technique. Mn2+influx across the apical membrane was increased 12- to 16-fold by apical ATP and was blocked by the pyrazole derivative BTP2, a known inhibitor of TRPC3 channels, with an IC50value <100 nM. In contrast, Mn2+influx was only increased ∼2-fold by basolateral ATP. Mn2+influx was also activated by apical, but not basolateral, 1-stearoyl-2-acetyl- sn-glycerol (SAG), a known activator of TRPC3 channels. Apical ATP- and SAG-induced Mn2+influx was increased by overexpression of TRPC3 and completely blocked by expression of the dominant negative TRPC3 construct. Mn2+influx was also stimulated ∼2-fold by thapsigargin applied to either the apical or basolateral side. Thapsigargin-induced flux was blocked by BTP2 but was unaffected by overexpression of TRPC3 or by dominant negative TRPC3. Apical ATP, but not basolateral ATP, increased transepithelial45Ca2+flux. These results demonstrate that the apical membrane of IMCD-3 cells has two distinct Ca2+influx pathways: 1) a store-operated channel activated by thapsigargin and basolateral ATP and 2) TRPC3 channels activated by apical ATP. Only activation of TRPC3 leads to net transepithelial apical-to-basolateral Ca2+flux. Furthermore, these results demonstrate that native TRPC3 is not a store-operated channel in IMCD-3 cells.
Drp1 dephosphorylation in ATP depletion-induced mitochondrial injury and tubular cell apoptosis
Authors: Cho Sung-Gyu , Du Quansheng , Huang Shuang , Dong Zheng
Published: April 2010

Recent studies revealed a striking morphological change of mitochondria during apoptosis. Mitochondria become fragmented and notably, the fragmentation contributes to mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization and consequent release of apoptotic factors. In renal tubular cells, mitochondrial fragmentation involves the activation of Drp1, a key mitochondrial fission protein. However, it is unclear how Drp1 is regulated during tubular cell apoptosis. In this study, we examined Drp1 regulation during tubular cell apoptosis following ATP depletion. Rat kidney proximal tubular cells (RPTC) were subjected to azide treatment or severe hypoxia in glucose-free medium to induce ATP depletion. During ATP depletion, Drp1 was shown to be dephosphorylated at serine-637. Drp1 dephosphorylation could be suppressed by cyclosporine A and FK506, two calcineurin inhibitors. Importantly, cyclosporine A and FK506 could also prevent mitochondrial fragmentation, Bax accumulation, cytochrome c release, and apoptosis following ATP depletion in RPTC. The results suggest that calcineurin-mediated serine-637 dephosphorylation is involved in Drp1 activation during ATP depletion in renal tubular cells. Upon activation, Drp1 contributes to mitochondrial fragmentation and outer membrane permeabilization, resulting in the release of apoptogenic factors and apoptosis.