bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene expression profiles of RAW264.7 macrophages stimulated with preparations of LPS differing in isolation and purity
Authors: Rutledge Holly R , Jiang Weiwen , Yang Jun , Warg Laura A , Schwartz David A , Pisetsky David S , Yang Ivana V
Published: January 2011

Lipopolysaccharide is a major component of the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria and a potent stimulator of innate immune response via TLR4. Studies on the LPS action both in vivo and in vitro have used different preparations of LPS, including ultra-pure LPS (LIST) and a less pure but less expensive form (Sigma) isolated from Escherichia coli serotype O111:B4. The difference between the effects of these compounds has not been well studied although this information is important in understanding TLR stimulation. In this study, we compared response of RAW264.7 macrophage cells treated LIST or Sigma LPS for 6 h and 24 h. Gene expression data were analyzed to identify specific genes and pathways that are in common and unique to the two LPS preparations. Seven hundred fifty-five genes were differentially expressed at 6 h in response to Sigma LPS and 973 were differentially expressed following LIST LPS treatment, with 503 in common. At 24 h, Sigma LPS induced or repressed 901 genes while 1646 genes were differentially regulated by LIST LPS treatment; 701 genes were shared by two forms of LPS. Although considerably more genes were differentially expressed in response to LIST LPS, similar molecular pathways and transcriptional networks were activated by the two LPS preparations. We also treated bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs) from three strains of mice with different concentrations of LIST and Sigma LPS and showed that BMMs produced more IL-6 and TNF-α in response to LIST LPS at low LPS concentrations but, at higher LPS concentrations, more cytokines were produced in response to stimulation by Sigma LPS. Together, these findings suggest that, despite activation of similar molecular pathways by LIST and Sigma LPS preparations, residual protein impurities in the Sigma LPS preparation may nevertheless influence the transcriptional profile attributed to TLR4 stimulation.
In Their Own Words: Explaining Obedience to Authority Through an Examination of Participants' Comments
Authors: Burger Jerry M. , Girgis Zackary M. , Manning Caroline C.
Published: January 2011

The authors examined data generated during a replication of Milgram’s obedience studies to address some lingering questions about those studies. In Study 1, judges coded comments participants made during experimental and debriefing sessions. Participants who refused to follow the experimenter’s instructions were significantly more likely to express a sense of personal responsibility than those who followed the instructions. Participants who expressed concern for the well-being of the learner exhibited a greater reluctance to continue the procedure than did those not expressing this concern. However, whether participants expressed concern for the learner was not related to whether they ultimately continued the procedure. Study 2 looked at participants' reactions to each of the experimenter’s four prods. The further along the prod sequence the experimenter went, the less likely participants were to continue the procedure. This pattern challenges interpretations of the obedience studies based on the notion that participants were following orders.
CNS involvement and treatment with interferon-α are independent prognostic factors in Erdheim-Chester disease: a multicenter survival analysis of 53 patients
Authors: Arnaud Laurent , Hervier Baptiste , Néel Antoine , Hamidou Mohamed A. , Kahn Jean-Emmanuel , Wechsler Bertrand , Pérez-Pastor Gemma , Blomberg Bjørn , Fuzibet Jean-Gabriel , Dubourguet François , Marinho António , Magnette Catherine , Noel Violaine , Pavic Michel , Casper Jochen , Beucher Anne-Bérangère , Costedoat-Chalumeau Nathalie , Aaron Laurent , Salvatierra Juan , Graux Carlos , Cacoub Patrice , Delcey Véronique , Dechant Claudia , Bindi Pascal , Herbaut Christiane , Graziani Giorgio , Amoura Zahir , Haroche Julien
Published: January 2011

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare form of non-Langerhans histiocytosis, with noncodified therapeutic management and high mortality. No treatment has yet been shown to improve survival in these patients. We conducted a multicenter prospective observational cohort study to assess whether extraskeletal manifestations and interferon-α treatment would influence survival in a large cohort of ECD patients. To achieve this goal, we thoroughly analyzed the clinical presentation of 53 patients with biopsy-proven ECD, and we performed a survival analysis using Cox proportional hazard model. Fifty-three patients (39 men and 14 women) with biopsy-proven ECD were followed up between November 1981 and November 2010. Forty-six patients (87%) received interferon-α and/or PEGylated interferon-α. Multivariate survival analysis using Cox proportional hazard model revealed that central nervous system involvement was an independent predictor of death (hazard ratio = 2.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.28-5.52; P = .006) in our cohort. Conversely, treatment with interferon-α was identified as an independent predictor of survival (hazard ratio = 0.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.14-0.70; P = .006). Although definitive confirmation would require a randomized controlled trial, these results suggest that interferon-α improves survival in ECD patients. This may be seen as a significant advance, as it is the first time a treatment is shown to improve survival in this multisystemic disease with high mortality.
Prediction of the fetal status in noninvasive management of alloimmune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Bertrand Gerald , Drame Moustapha , Martageix Corinne , Kaplan Cecile
Published: January 2011

Fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia is the most common cause of severe thrombocytopenia in the fetus and in an otherwise healthy newborn. To counter the consequences of severe fetal thrombocytopenia, antenatal therapies have been implemented. Predictive parameters for fetal severe thrombocytopenia are important for the development of noninvasive strategy and tailored intervention. We report here data concerning 239 pregnancies in 75 HPA-1bb women. Analysis of the index cases (diagnosis of fetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia) did not show any significant correlation between the severity of the disease and the maternal genetic background (ABO blood group and HLA-DRB3 allele). Subsequent pregnancies were managed, and therapy effectiveness was evaluated. The highest mean newborn platelet count was observed for a combination of intravenous immunoglobulin and steroids (135 × 109/L; 54 newborns) compared with intravenous immunoglobulin alone (89 × 109/L; 27 newborns). The maternal anti-HPA-1a antibody concentration measured before any treatment and before 28 weeks of gestation was predictive of the fetal status. The weighted areas under curves of the maternal alloantibody concentrations were predictive of therapy response. To conclude, this large retrospective survey gives new insights on maternal predictive parameters for fetal status and therapy effectiveness allowing noninvasive strategies.
Functional study of the vitamin K cycle in mammalian cells
Authors: Tie Jian-Ke , Jin Da-Yun , Straight David L. , Stafford Darrel W.
Published: January 2011

We describe a cell-based assay for studying vitamin K–cycle enzymes. A reporter protein consisting of the gla domain of factor IX (amino acids 1-46) and residues 47-420 of protein C was stably expressed in HEK293 and AV12 cells. Both cell lines secrete carboxylated reporter when fed vitamin K or vitamin K epoxide (KO). However, neither cell line carboxylated the reporter when fed KO in the presence of warfarin. In the presence of warfarin, vitamin K rescued carboxylation in HEK293 cells but not in AV12 cells. Dicoumarol, an NAD(P)H-dependent quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) inhibitor, behaved similarly to warfarin in both cell lines. Warfarin-resistant vitamin K epoxide reductase (VKOR-Y139F) supported carboxylation in HEK293 cells when fed KO in the presence of warfarin, but it did not in AV12 cells. These results suggest the following: (1) our cell system is a good model for studying the vitamin K cycle, (2) the warfarin-resistant enzyme reducing vitamin K to hydroquinone (KH2) is probably not NQO1, (3) there appears to be a warfarin-sensitive enzyme other than VKOR that reduces vitamin K to KH2, and (4) the primary function of VKOR is the reduction of KO to vitamin K.
Prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency in subgroups of elderly persons with anemia: association with anemia of inflammation
Authors: Perlstein Todd S. , Pande Reena , Berliner Nancy , Vanasse Gary J.
Published: January 2011

Anemia and vitamin D deficiency are conditions that both result in significant morbidity and increase with age. The potential relationship between them remains poorly understood, particularly in the elderly. We used the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to examine the association of vitamin D deficiency with anemia subtypes in persons aged ≥ 60 years. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as serum levels < 20 ng/mL, and anemia was defined according to World Health Organization criteria. Vitamin D deficiency was associated with anemia prevalence independent of age, sex, or race/ethnicity (odds ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-2.05; P = .02) and varied significantly by anemia subtype (P overall = .003). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 33.3% in the nonanemic population, 56% in anemia of inflammation (AI; P = .008), and 33.0% in unexplained anemia (P = .55). Non-Hispanic blacks had a 7-fold increased risk of AI compared with whites, and this was partially attenuated after adjusting for vitamin D deficiency. These data show that vitamin D deficiency is associated with specific subtypes of anemia in the elderly, especially in those with AI. Vitamin D may suppress inflammatory pathways, and studies to determine whether vitamin D supplementation ameliorates AI are warranted.
CD8+CD44hi but not CD4+CD44hi memory T cells mediate potent graft antilymphoma activity without GVHD
Authors: Dutt Suparna , Baker Jeanette , Kohrt Holbrook E. , Kambham Neeraja , Sanyal Mrinmoy , Negrin Robert S. , Strober Samuel
Published: January 2011

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation can be curative in patients with leukemia and lymphoma. However, progressive growth of malignant cells, relapse after transplantation, and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remain important problems. The goal of the current murine study was to select a freshly isolated donor T-cell subset for infusion that separates antilymphoma activity from GVHD, and to determine whether the selected subset could effectively prevent or treat progressive growth of a naturally occurring B-cell lymphoma (BCL1) without GVHD after recipients were given T cell–depleted bone marrow transplantations from major histocompatibility complex–mismatched donors. Lethal GVHD was observed when total T cells, naive CD4+ T cells, or naive CD8+ T cells were used. Memory CD4+CD44hi and CD8+CD44hi T cells containing both central and effector memory cells did not induce lethal GVHD, but only memory CD8+ T cells had potent antilymphoma activity and promoted complete chimerism. Infusion of CD8+ memory T cells after transplantation was able to eradicate the BCL1 lymphoma even after progressive growth without inducing severe GVHD. In conclusion, the memory CD8+ T-cell subset separated graft antilymphoma activity from GVHD more effectively than naive T cells, memory CD4+ T cells, or memory total T cells.
The combination of bendamustine, bortezomib, and rituximab for patients with relapsed/refractory indolent and mantle cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Friedberg Jonathan W. , Vose Julie M. , Kelly Jennifer L. , Young Faith , Bernstein Steven H. , Peterson Derick , Rich Lynn , Blumel Susan , Proia Nicole K. , Liesveld Jane , Fisher Richard I. , Armitage James O. , Grant Steven , Leonard John P.
Published: January 2011

Given the significant activity and tolerability of bendamustine, rituximab, and bortezomib in patients with relapsed indolent and mantle cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and laboratory studies suggesting synergistic activity, we conducted a multicenter phase 2 study of the bendamustine/bortezomib/rituximab combination. Patients with relapsed or refractory indolent and mantle cell lymphoma with adequate organ function were treated with bendamustine 90 mg/m2 days 1 and 4; rituximab 375 mg/m2 day 1, and bortezomib 1.3 mg/m2 days 1, 4, 8, 11. Six 28-day cycles were planned. Thirty patients (7 with mantle cell lymphoma) were enrolled and treated. Eight patients experienced serious adverse events, including one event of grade 5 sepsis. Common nonhematologic adverse events were generally grade 1 or grade 2 and included nausea (50%), neuropathy (47%), fatigue (47%), constipation (40%), and fever (40%). Of 29 patients evaluable for efficacy, 24 (83%) achieved an objective response (including 15 with complete response). With median follow-up of 24 months, 2-year progression-free survival is 47% (95% confidence interval, 25%-69%). On the basis of these promising results, the US cooperative groups have initiated randomized trials to evaluate this regimen in follicular and mantle cell lymphoma. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00547534.
Characterization of the Hyperphagic Response to Dietary Fat in the MC4R Knockout Mouse
Authors: Srisai Dollada , Gillum Matthew P. , Panaro Brandon L. , Zhang Xian-Man , Kotchabhakdi Naiphinich , Shulman Gerald I. , Ellacott Kate L. J. , Cone Roger D.
Published: January 2011

Defective melanocortin signaling causes hyperphagic obesity in humans and the melanocortin-4 receptor knockout mouse (MC4R−/−). The human disease most commonly presents, however, as haploinsufficiency of the MC4R. This study validates the MC4R+/− mouse as a model of the human disease in that, like the MC4R−/−, the MC4R+/− mouse also exhibits a sustained hyperphagic response to dietary fat. Furthermore, both saturated and monounsaturated fats elicit this response. N-acylphosphatidylethanolamine (NAPE) is a signaling lipid induced after several hours of high-fat feeding, that, if dysregulated, might explain the feeding behavior in melanocortin obesity syndrome. Remarkably, however, MC4R−/− mice produce elevated levels of NAPE and are fully responsive to the anorexigenic activity of NAPE and oleoylethanolamide. Interestingly, additional differences in N-acylethanolamine (NAE) biochemistry were seen in MC4R−/− animals, including reduced plasma NAE levels and elevated hypothalamic levels of fatty acid amide hydrolase expression. Thus, while reduced expression of NAPE or NAE does not explain the high-fat hyperphagia in the melanocortin obesity syndrome, alterations in this family of signaling lipids are evident. Analysis of the microstructure of feeding behavior in response to dietary fat in the MC4R−/− and MC4R+/− mice indicates that the high-fat hyperphagia involves defective satiation and an increased rate of food intake, suggesting defective satiety signaling and enhanced reward value of dietary fat.
Participation of Akt, Menin, and p21 in Pregnancy-Induced β-Cell Proliferation
Authors: Hughes Elizabeth , Huang Carol
Published: January 2011

β-Cell mass increases during pregnancy to accommodate for insulin resistance. This increase is mainly due to β-cell proliferation, a process that requires intact prolactin receptor (Prlr) signaling. Signaling molecules that are known to regulate β-cell proliferation include Jak2, Akt, the tumor suppressor menin, and cell cycle proteins. Whether these pathways are involved in prolactin-mediated β-cell proliferation is unknown. Using the heterozygous prolactin receptor-null (Prlr+/−) mice, we isolated pancreatic islets from both Prlr+/+ and Prlr+/− mice on d 0 and 15 of pregnancy and examined the expression levels of these signaling molecules. In the wild-type mice (Prlr+/+), both phospho-Jak2 and phospho-Akt expression in pancreatic islets increased during pregnancy, which were attenuated in the pregnant Prlr+/− mice. During pregnancy, menin expression was reduced by 50 and 20% in the Prlr+/+ and the Prlr+/− mice, respectively, and the pregnant Prlr+/− mice had higher islet p18 levels than the Prlr+/+ mice. Interestingly, between d 0 and 15 of pregnancy, expression of cyclin inhibitory protein p21cip was increased in the Prlr+/+ mice, but this increase was blunted in the Prlr+/− mice. Lastly, we did not find any difference in the expression levels of cyclins D1, D2, and inhibitory kinases between the pregnant Prlr+/+ and Prlr+/− mice. Therefore, we conclude that during pregnancy, placental hormones act through the prolactin receptor to increase β-cell mass by up regulating β-cell proliferation by engaging Jak2, Akt, menin/p18, and p21. Future studies will determine the relative contribution of these molecules in maintaining normal glucose homeostasis during pregnancy.
Differential and Complementary Effects of Glucose and Prolactin on Islet DNA Synthesis and Gene Expression
Authors: Arumugam Ramamani , Fleenor Donald , Lu Danhong , Freemark Michael
Published: January 2011

The mechanisms by which lactogenic hormones promote β-cell expansion remain poorly understood. Because prolactin (PRL) up-regulates β-cell glucose transporter 2, glucokinase, and pyruvate dehydrogenase activities, we reasoned that glucose availability might mediate or modulate the effects of PRL on β-cell mass. Here, we used male rat islets to show that PRL and glucose have differential but complementary effects on the expression of cell cyclins, cell cycle inhibitors, and various other genes known to regulate β-cell replication, including insulin receptor substrate 2, IGF-II, menin, forkhead box protein M1, tryptophan hydroxylase 1, and the PRL receptor. Differential effects on gene expression are associated with synergistic effects of glucose and PRL on islet DNA synthesis. The effects of PRL on gene expression are mirrored by β-cell overexpression of signal transducer and activator of transcription 5b and are opposed by dexamethasone. An ad-small interfering RNA specific for cyclin D2 attenuates markedly the effects of PRL on islet DNA synthesis. Our studies suggest a new paradigm for the control of β-cell mass and insulin production by hormones and nutrients. PRL up-regulates β-cell glucose uptake and utilization, whereas glucose increases islet PRL receptor expression and potentiates the effects of PRL on cell cycle gene expression and DNA synthesis. These findings suggest novel targets for prevention of neonatal glucose intolerance and gestational diabetes and may provide new insight into the pathogenesis of β-cell hyperplasia in obese subjects with insulin resistance.
Inhibition of DPP-4 with Vildagliptin Improved Insulin Secretion in Response to Oral as well as “Isoglycemic” Intravenous Glucose without Numerically Changing the Incretin Effect in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Vardarli Irfan , Nauck Michael A. , Köthe Lars D. , Deacon Carolyn F. , Holst Jens J. , Schweizer Anja , Foley James E.
Published: January 2011

Background and Aims:

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors block the degradation of glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide. The aim of the present study was to quantitatively assess the incretin effect after treatment with the DPP-4 inhibitor vildagliptin (V) or placebo (P) in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty-one patients (three women, 18 men) with type 2 diabetes previously treated with metformin (mean age, 59 yr; body mass index, 28.6 kg/m2; glycosylated hemoglobin, 7.3%) were studied in a two-period crossover design. They received 100 mg V once daily or P for 13 d in randomized order. The incretin effect was measured on d 12 (75-g oral glucose) and d 13 (“isoglycemic” iv glucose) based on insulin and C-peptide determinations and insulin secretion rates (ISR).

Results:

V relative to P treatment significantly increased intact incretin concentrations after oral glucose and insulin secretory responses to both oral glucose and isoglycemic iv glucose (e.g. AUCISR oral, by 32.7%, P = 0.0006; AUCISR iv, by 33.1%, P = 0.01). The numerical incretin effect was not changed (IEISR, V vs. P, 35.7 ± 4.9 and 34.6 ± 4.0%, P = 0.80).

Conclusions:

DPP-4 inhibition augmented insulin secretory responses both after oral glucose and during isoglycemic iv glucose infusions, with no net change in the incretin effect. Thus, slight variations in basal incretin levels may be more important than previously thought. Or, DPP-4 inhibitor-induced change in the incretin-related environment of islets may persist overnight, augmenting insulin secretory responses to iv glucose as well. Alternatively, yet unidentified mediators of DPP-4 inhibition may have caused these effects.
Mixed Race in the Seminole Nation
Authors: Mulroy Kevin
Published: January 2011

This is a story of two hidden identities. It focuses on the family history of Phil Wilkes Fixico (aka Philip Vincent Wilkes and Pompey Bruner Fixico), a contemporary Seminole maroon descendant of mixed race who lives in Los Angeles. Phil is one-eighth Seminole Indian, one-quarter Seminole freedman, one-eighth Creek freedman, one-quarter Cherokee-freedman, and one-quarter African-American-white. His family history records that his paternal grandfather was the offspring of a Seminole Indian woman and a Seminole freedman, but that this “intermarriage” was kept secret from the Dawes Commission and the boy was enrolled as a “fullblood” Indian. This one union and the subsequent history of the family tell us a great deal about relations between Seminoles and freedmen in the Indian Territory and Oklahoma and about status and identity issues among individuals of mixed race within American society. With tragic irony, Phil's parents also hid the identity of his biological father, echoing the story of his grandfather. Sensing family secrets and lies, young Phil experienced an identity crisis. Eventually discovering his father's identity and his family history, Phil turned his life around. He has embraced his mixed-race heritage, connected with the Seminole maroon communities in Oklahoma, Texas, and Mexico, and become a creative and energetic tribal historian.
A mutate-and-map strategy accurately infers the base pairs of a 35-nucleotide model RNA
Authors: Kladwang Wipapat , Cordero Pablo , Das Rhiju
Published: January 2011

We present a rapid experimental strategy for inferring base pairs in structured RNAs via an information-rich extension of classic chemical mapping approaches. The mutate-and-map method, previously applied to a DNA/RNA helix, systematically searches for single mutations that enhance the chemical accessibility of base-pairing partners distant in sequence. To test this strategy for structured RNAs, we have carried out mutate-and-map measurements for a 35-nt hairpin, called the MedLoop RNA, embedded within an 80-nt sequence. We demonstrate the synthesis of all 105 single mutants of the MedLoop RNA sequence and present high-throughput DMS, CMCT, and SHAPE modification measurements for this library at single-nucleotide resolution. The resulting two-dimensional data reveal visually clear, punctate features corresponding to RNA base pair interactions as well as more complex features; these signals can be qualitatively rationalized by comparison to secondary structure predictions. Finally, we present an automated, sequence-blind analysis that permits the confident identification of nine of the 10 MedLoop RNA base pairs at single-nucleotide resolution, while discriminating against all 1460 false-positive base pairs. These results establish the accuracy and information content of the mutate-and-map strategy and support its feasibility for rapidly characterizing the base-pairing patterns of larger and more complex RNA systems.
Histone exchange activity and its correlation with histone acetylation status in porcine oocytes
Authors: Endo Tsutomu , Imai Aoi , Shimaoka Takuma , Kano Kiyoshi , Naito Kunihiko
Published: January 2011

In mammalian oocytes, histone H3 and histone H4 (H4) in the chromatin are highly acetylated at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage, and become globally deacetylated after GV breakdown (GVBD). Although nuclear core histones can be exchanged by cytoplasmic free histones in somatic cells, it remains unknown whether this is also the case in mammalian oocytes. In this study, we examined the histone exchange activity in maturing porcine oocytes before and after GVBD, and investigated the correlations between this activity and both the acetylation profile of the H4 N-terminal tail and the global histone acetylation level in the chromatin. We injected Flag-tagged H4 (H4-Flag) mRNA into GV oocytes, and found that the Flag signal was localized to the chromatin. We next injected mRNAs of mutated H4-Flag, which lack all acetylation sites and the whole N-terminal tail, and found that the H4 N-terminal tail and its modification were not necessary for histone incorporation into chromatin. Despite the lack of acetylation sites, the mutated H4-Flag mRNA injection did not decrease the acetylation level on the chromatin, indicating that the histone exchange occurs partially in the GV chromatin. In contrast to GV oocytes, the Flag signal was not detected on the chromatin after the injection of H4-Flag protein into the second meiotic metaphase oocytes. These results suggest that histone exchange activity changes during meiotic maturation in porcine oocytes, and that the acetylation profile of the H4 N-terminal tail has no effect on histone incorporation into chromatin and does not affect the global level of histone acetylation in it.
Formation of nucleoli in interspecies nuclear transfer embryos derived from bovine, porcine, and rabbit oocytes and nuclear donor cells of various species
Authors: Lagutina Irina , Zakhartchenko Valeri , Fulka Helena , Colleoni Silvia , Wolf Eckhard , Fulka Josef , Lazzari Giovanna , Galli Cesare
Published: January 2011

The most successful development of interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer (iSCNT) embryos has been achieved in closely related species. The analyses of embryonic gene activity in iSCNT embryos of different species combinations have revealed the existence of significant aberrations in expression of housekeeping genes and genes dependent on the major embryonic genome activation (EGA). However, there are many studies with successful blastocyst (BL) development of iSCNT embryos derived from donor cells and oocytes of animal species with distant taxonomical relations (inter-family/inter-class) that should indicate proper EGA at least in terms of RNA polymerase I activation, nucleoli formation, and activation of genes engaged in morula and BL formation. We investigated the ability of bovine, porcine, and rabbit oocytes to activate embryonic nucleoli formation in the nuclei of somatic cells of different mammalian species. In iSCNT embryos, nucleoli precursor bodies originate from the oocyte, while most proteins engaged in the formation of mature nucleoli should be transcribed from genesde novoin the donor nucleus at the time of EGA. Thus, the success of nucleoli formation depends on species compatibility of many components of this complex process. We demonstrate that the time and cell stage of nucleoli formation are under the control of recipient ooplasm. Oocytes of the studied species possess different abilities to support nucleoli formation. Formation of nucleoli, which is a complex but small part of the whole process of EGA, is essential but not absolutely sufficient for the development of iSCNT embryos to the morula and BL stages.
Stability of mouse oocytes at −80 °C: the role of the recrystallization of intracellular ice
Authors: Seki Shinsuke , Mazur Peter
Published: January 2011

The germplasm of mutant mice is stored as frozen oocytes/embryos in many facilities worldwide. Their transport to and from such facilities should be easy and inexpensive with dry ice at −79 °C. The purpose of our study was to determine the stability of mouse oocytes with time at that temperature. The metaphase II oocytes were cryopreserved with a vitrification solution (EAFS10/10) developed by M Kasai and colleagues. Two procedures were followed. In one, the samples were cooled at 187 °C/min to −196 °C, warmed to −80 °C, held at −80 °C for 1 h to 3 months, and warmed to 25 °C at one of three rates. With the highest warming rate (2950 °C/min), survival remained at 75% for the first month, but then slowly declined to 40% over the next 2 months. With the slowest warming (139 °C/min), survival was only ∼5% even at 0 time at −80 °C. In the second procedure, the samples were cooled at 294 °C/min to −80 °C (without cooling to −196 °C) and held for up to 3 months before warming at 2950 °C/min. Survival was ∼90% after 7 days and dropped slowly to 35% after 3 months. We believe that small non-lethal quantities of intracellular ice formed during the cooling and that the intracellular crystals increased to a damaging size by recrystallization during the 3 month's storage at −80 °C. From the practical point of view, this protocol yields sufficient stability to make it feasible to ship oocytes worldwide in dry ice.
Influence of aggregate type on workability of self-consolidating lightweight concrete
Authors: Uygunoğlu T. , Topçu I. B.
Published: January 2011

In this study, the effects of aggregate type on the workability of self-consolidating concrete produced with lightweight aggregate (self-consolidating lightweight concrete – SCLC) were investigated. In experiments, three coarse lightweight aggregate (LWA) types, namely pumice, volcanic tuff and diatomite, were used. Different combinations of water/powder ratio and superplasticiser dosage levels were prepared for the self-consolidating lightweight concrete mixtures. The total powder content (cement and mineral additives) was constant in the experiments. Workability tests such as slump flow, restricted slump flow, filling-box, V-funnel, GTM screen stability, L-box and U-box were performed to characterise accurately the flow ability, passing ability and segregation resistance of self-consolidating lightweight concrete in fresh condition. The results, in general, showed that self-consolidating lightweight concrete with lightweight aggregate in low unit weight has higher flow ability and passing ability. The segregation of self-consolidating lightweight concrete was prevented by use of air-entraining admixture in high water/powder ratios. As a result, it was observed that the aggregate type and water/powder ratio has significant influence on the workability properties of self-consolidating lightweight concrete.
Shear transfer in fibre-reinforced lightweight concrete
Authors: Lim Emiko , Vinayagam Thamaraikkannan , Wee Tiong Huan , Thangayah Tamilselvan
Published: January 2011

This research studied the shear transfer in fibre-reinforced lightweight concrete. Tests were carried out on nine series of initially cracked push-off specimens to assess the effectiveness of steel fibres in combination with continuous bar reinforcement in enhancing the shear transfer behaviour. The major parameters included compressive strength of concrete, volume fraction of fibres and the number of continuous bar reinforcements across the shear plane. Two general formulas for shear transfer strength of fibre-reinforced lightweight concrete are also proposed.
Investigations into fracture of carbonated concrete
Authors: Tschegg E. K. , Bohner E. , Tritthart J. , Müller H. S.
Published: January 2011

Parameters that describe the fracture of materials (e.g. fracture energy) are essential for mechanical calculations and simulations that apply the finite-element method. There are very few published values of the fracture energy of carbonated concrete specimens. However, by means of a wedge splitting test that can be performed on tablet-like specimens, determination of valid material parameters of the fracture behaviour of carbonated concrete is possible. This paper reports on the fracture energy of two different concrete specimens (with and without the addition of calcium chloride) stored either in air or carbon dioxide. The ratio of the notch tensile strength of carbonated and uncarbonated concrete specimens at age 168 days was found to be about 0·9; the ratio of the specific fracture energies for these specimens was determined to be 0·7. The characteristic length determined at 84 days on specimens that were stored either in air or in carbon dioxide was similar for both concrete types. Sensitivity to fracture or tendency to crack thus does not seem to differ regardless of concrete quality, whether carbonated or not.
Application of the one-parameter Bayesian method as the PBMD for concrete mix proportion design
Authors: Kim J.-H. J. , Phan H. D. , Yi N.-H. , Kim S.-B. , Jeong H.-S.
Published: January 2011

This paper presents a systematic approach for estimating material performance and designing the mix proportion of concrete based on an application of a Bayesian method in the form of satisfaction curves. The one-parameter satisfaction curve represents a satisfaction probability for a concrete performance criterion as a function of the concrete material parameters. An analysis method for combining multiple satisfaction curves to form one unique satisfaction curve that can reduce the performance of concrete to a single evaluating value, the goodness value, is proposed as an evaluation tool for the performance-based mixture design procedure. The proposed performance-based mixture design procedure is applied to test cases to obtain a target-oriented concrete mix proportion design and to verify the validity of the proposed method. Finally, the expected performance results of a concrete mix proportion designed using performance-based mixture design are compared with results calculated using the American Concrete Institute estimation equation to check whether the method is applicable to actual construction.
Effective Parameters Consideration in Ohmic Heating Process in Two Phase Static System of Bio-Particle-Liquid
Authors: Keshavarz Moraveji Mostafa , Davarnejad Reza , Ghaderi Emad
Published: January 2011

In this research, the effective parameters on Ohmic heating in aseptic and heating applications were studied. For this purpose, two- and three-dimensional Ohmic heating models in a two phase bio-solid-liquid system were developed. In these models, effects of particles distribution, particles size, effect of electrical conductivity on heating, overall heating of mixture and effect of salt concentration on heating rate were investigated. Temperature distribution profile, effects of intensity and distribution of electrical field on total temperature, and type of salt on phase electrical conductivity was also investigated. The modeling equation was solved with Finite Elements Method. The results showed that in Ohmic heating, heat diffusion in entire products was faster than the conventional methods, and it was accomplished with almost an equal rate in both phases.
Managed Care, Drug Benefits and Mortality: An Analysis of the Elderly
Authors: Gowrisankaran Gautam , Town Robert , Barrette Eric
Published: January 2011

We evaluate the impact of the Medicare HMO program and prescription drug coverage on elderly mortality using data from 1993 to 2000. We specify a model of plan entry and benefit choice and Medicare enrollee plan choice and health outcomes. We derive an estimator that is consistent with endogenous plan selection by using the quasi-experimental variation caused by peculiarities of the Medicare reimbursement system for HMOs. We find that, relative to traditional Medicare, enrollment in an HMO without drug coverage increases mortality while enrollment in an HMO with drug coverage has no significant impact. The economic value of the reduction in mortality from drug coverage far outweighs the costs. HMOs, those without drug coverage in particular, attract healthier enrollees than average.
Comparison of surgical variables and short-term postoperative complications in healthy dogs undergoing ovariohysterectomy or ovariectomy
Authors: Peeters Marijke E. , Kirpensteijn Jolle
Published: January 2011

Objective—To determine whether ovariohysterectomy (OVH) required more time to complete and was associated with more short-term postoperative complications than ovariectomy (OVE) in dogs.

Design—Randomized prospective clinical trial.

Animals—40 healthy, sexually intact female dogs.

Procedures—OVH (in 20 dogs) or OVE (20 dogs) was performed by use of standardized anesthetic and surgical protocols. Physical characteristics of the dogs, surgical variables, pain scores derived from behavior-based composite pain scales, and surgical wound characteristics were analyzed.

Results—Body weight, age, body condition score, and distance between the sternal manubrium and the pubic rim were comparable among dogs that underwent either surgical procedure. Body weight was positively correlated with the total duration of the procedure and with time required for closure of the surgical wound. No effect of body condition score was determined for any variable. Skin and fascia incision lengths relative to the distance from the sternal manubrium to pubic rim were significantly greater in dogs that underwent OVH, compared with those of dogs that underwent OVE, but total surgical time was not different for the 2 procedures. No other significant differences were detected between the 2 groups.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Significant differences in total surgical time, pain scores, and wound scores were not observed between dogs that underwent OVH and dogs that underwent OVE via standardized protocols.
Clinical progression of X-linked muscular dystrophy in two German Shorthaired Pointers
Authors: Olby Natasha J. , Sharp Nick J. H. , Nghiem Peter E , Keene Bruce W. , DeFrancesco Teresa C. , Sidley Jennifer A. , Kornegay Joe N. , Schatzberg Scott J.
Published: January 2011

Case Description—2 full-sibling male German Shorthaired Pointer (GSHP) puppies (dogs 1 and 2) with X-linked muscular dystrophy and deletion of the dystrophin gene (gene symbol, DMD) each had poor growth, skeletal muscle atrophy, pelvic limb weakness, episodic collapse, and episodes of coughing.

Clinical Findings—Initial examination revealed stunted growth, brachygnathism, trismus, and diffuse neuromuscular signs in each puppy; clinical signs were more severe in dog 2 than in dog 1. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a lack of dystrophin protein in both dogs. During the next 3 years, each dog developed hyperinflation of the lungs, hypertrophy of the cervical musculature, and hypertrophy of the lateral head of the triceps brachii muscle.

Treatment and Outcome—Monitoring and supportive care were provided at follow-up visits during an approximately 7-year period. No other specific treatment was provided. Neuromuscular signs in both dogs remained stable after 3 years of age, with dog 2 consistently more severely affected than dog 1. The dogs had multiple episodes of aspiration pneumonia; dogs 1 and 2 were euthanatized at 84 and 93 months of age, respectively.

Clinical Relevance—The clinical course of disease in these dogs was monitored for a longer period than has been monitored in previous reports of dystrophin-deficient dogs. The clinical progression of muscular dystrophy in the 2 GSHPs was compared with that for other breeds and species with dystrophin-deficient conditions, and the potential basis for the phenotypic variation observed between these littermates, along with potential therapeutic ramifications for dogs and humans, was evaluated.
Retroperitoneal pyogranulomatous and fibrosing inflammation secondary to fungal infections in two dogs
Authors: Clemans Jessica M. , Deitz Krysta L. , Riedesel Elizabeth A. , Yaeger Michael J. , Legendre Alfred M.
Published: January 2011

Case Descriptions—A 4-year-old spayed female Golden Retriever (dog 1) was examined because of acute edema and erythema in the left hind limb and an inguinal mass, and a 5-year-old female Jack Russell Terrier (dog 2) was examined because of a recurring retro-peritoneal mass.

Clinical Findings—Dog 1 had an edematous, hyperemic left hind limb with a fixed inguinal mass. Monocytic neutrophilic leukocytosis and hypoalbuminemia were detected. Diagnostic imaging revealed abnormal tissue surrounding the larger vessels and ureters and complete occlusion of the left limb veins. Surgery resulted in incomplete removal of the mass. Histologic examination revealed fibrosing pyogranulomatous inflammation. Results of a Histoplasma antigen test were positive, and reanalysis of the tissues revealed yeast cells indicative of Histoplasma capsulatum. Dog 2 had incomplete removal of a retroperitoneal mass. Histologic examination revealed fibrosing pyogranulomatous inflammation. The mass recurred 8 months later in dog 2; exploratory abdominal surgery at that time resulted in substantial hemorrhage from the adhered caudal aorta. Histologic examination of tissue sections from the second surgery revealed yeast cells consistent with Blastomyces dermatitidis.

Treatment and Outcome—Both dogs had temporary improvement after surgery. Full clinical resolution required treatment for fungal disease. Dog 1 was treated with itraconazole, then fluconazole (total treatment time, 23 weeks). Dog 2 was treated with fluconazole for 36 weeks.

Clinical Relevance—Retroperitoneal pyogranulomatous fibrosis caused by fungal infections has not been reported in veterinary medicine. There was substantial morbidity, but the prognosis can be good when this abnormality is recognized and antifungal medications are administered.
Nouvelle note sur la chronologie du règne de Jean Cantacuzène
Authors: Failler Albert
Published: January 2011

REB 34 1976 France p. 119-124

A. Failler, Nouvelle note sur la chronologie du règne de Jean Cantacuzène. — Seul un colophon du Laurentianus 85-6 (f. 2) précisait jusqu'à présent la date du retour de Jean V Paléologue à Constantinople après son exil à Ténédos (22 novembre 1354). Une notice du Parisinus graecus 753 (f. 118v-19) fournit une date différente (29 novembre 1354) et plus plausible, si l'on se fie au récit de l'historien Cantacuzène, les deux colophons s'accordant d'autre part sur le jour de la vêture monastique de Jean Cantacuzène (10 décembre 1354), dont l'abdication doit donc être fixée au 9 décembre 1354.
Notes on the last years of John Palaiologos, brother of Michael VIII
Authors: Magdalino Paul
Published: January 2011

REB 34 1976 France p. 143-149

P. Magdalino, Notes on the last years of John Palaiologos, brother of Michael VIII. — The Despot John Palaeologus fell into disgrace after the Battle of Neopatras. A brief chronicle situates his death between 1272 and 1273. The « Despot John » mentioned by Gregory of Cyprus in 1284 is therefore not the brother of Michael VIII. He should rather be identified with John Asen of Bulgaria. Some cartulary acts of Makritinissa contribute further evidence in favour of dating the Battle of Neopatras and the disgrace of John Palaeologus between November 1272 and October 1273.
La chronologie de la dynastie avare de Baïan
Authors: Olajos Thérèse
Published: January 2011

REB 34 1976 France p. 151-158

Thérèse Olajos, La chronologie de la dynastie avare de Baïan. — En examinant attentivement les sources, et en particulier Y Histoire de Théophy lacté Simocatta, on peut établir que Baïan était khagan des Avars de 562 à 582 ; peut-être le devint-il quelques années auparavant (en 558 au plus tôt) et le resta-t-il un ou deux ans de plus. La succession échut à son fils aîné, puis au cadet, qui garda le pouvoir jusque vers 630.
Un recueil de lettres faussement attribué à Michel Psellos
Authors: Gautier Paul
Published: January 2011

REB 35 1977 France p. 99-106

P. Gautier, Un recueil de lettres faussement attribué à Michel Psellos. — L'auteur présente et édite (sans traduction ni résumé) huit courtes lettres transmises sous le nom de Psellos dans le Vindobonensis philol. gr. 321. De l'analyse de leur contenu et du lemme de la lettre 9 (non éditée et réservée pour une publication ultérieure) il ressort que ce recueil épistolaire lui a été faussement attribué par le copiste.
The Basilika and the Demosia. The Financial Offices of the Late Byzantine Empire
Authors: Miller Timothy
Published: January 2011

REB 36 1978 France p. 171-191

T. Miller, The Basilika and the Demosia. — In the fourth book of his History the emperor John VI Cantacuzenus states that the Galata War of 1349 had been financed from two state treasuries, the basilika and the demosia. In other passages the emperor refers to these same two treasuries. His language suggests two central financial offices in the structure of the late Byzantine bureaucracy, but many students of Byzantine history have detected only one, what they call the bestiarion. This article examines some of the documents of the Palaeologan period to prove that there were surely two separate financial offices and that this distinction was rooted in bureaucratic tradition and in the method of land classification. The study concludes with some observations on the significance of the financial offices in the decline of the Byzantine state and on their role in encouraging opposition to the aristocratic movement of John Cantacuzenus.
Notes sur quatre documents d'ecclésiologie byzantine
Authors: Karlin-Hayter Patricia
Published: January 2011

REB 37 1979 France p. 249-258

Patricia Karlin-Hayter, Notes sur quatre documents d'ecclésiologie byzantine. — A propos d'un ouvrage de J. Darrouzès (Documents inédits d'ecclésiologie byzantine, Paris 1966), l'auteur fait quelques remarques sur les élections épiscopales à Byzance. Ces observations portent sur les écrits respectifs d'Euthyme de Sardes sur les élections épiscopales, d'un anonyme sur les prérogatives des métropolites, de Nicétas d'Amasée à propos d'une querelle survenue au patriarcat à cause des votes d'élection, de Nicétas d'Ancyre sur les élections.
La restauration et la chute définitive de Tralles au 13e siècle
Authors: Failler Albert
Published: January 2011

REB 42 1984 France p. 249-263

A. Failler, La restauration et la chute définitive de Tralles au 13e siècle. — La restauration de la forteresse de Tralles par Andronic II Palaiologos est présentée comme le haut fait de la jeunesse de l'empereur, tant par les historiens (Georges Pachymérès et Nicéphore Grègoras) que par ses panégyristes (Georges de Chypre et Théodore Métochitès). Relevée en 1280, la forteresse fut assiégée et prise par les Turcs en 1283 ou 1284. De la confrontation et de la contradiction des divers textes, on peut déduire qu 'Andronic Il naquit en 1258, vers le temps où son père Michel Palaiologos commençait sa marche vers le pouvoir.
A missing chapter from the typikon of Nikephoros Blemmydes
Authors: Munitiz Joseph A.
Published: January 2011

REB 44 1986 France p. 199-207

J. A. Munitiz, A missing chapter from the typikon of Nikephoros Blemmydes. — The edition with English translation and notes of the text of a chapter mentioned by A. Heisenberg but not published by him along with the other three chapters that have survived from the foundation document of Blemmydes ; the sole manuscript (Monac. gr. 225) is described and the relation analysed between this chapter and a section of Blemmydes' Autobiography (written in 1265), in which he reproduces a eucharistie discourse delivered before the Armenian delegates who visited Nymphaion in 1249/1250.
L'église des Ancônitains à Constantinople
Authors: Failler Albert
Published: January 2011

REB 44 1986 France p. 253-255

A. Failler, L'église des Ancônitains à Constantinople. — R. Janin a mentionné l'existence d'une église Saint-Étienne des Ancônitains à Constantinople, mais la source alléguée par lui ne dit rien de tel. Il reste néanmoins qu'une église d'e ce nom existait bien, comme le confirme un texte du 14e siècle, les Statuti del Mare d'Ancône.
Pseudo-Psellos : Graecorum opiniones de daemonibus
Authors: Gautier Paul
Published: January 2011

REB 46 1988 France p. 85-107

P. Gautier, Pseudo-Psellos : Graecorum opiniones de daemonibus. — Édition et commentaire d'un opuscule attribué à Psellos et traitant, d'après le titre, des opinions des Grecs sur les démons. Il s'agit en fait d'un écrit composite, divisé en huit sections et touchant différents thèmes. Il s'inspire de diverses sources, dont le De daemonibus du Pseudo-Psellos, qu'il démarque parfois littéralement. L'édition est basée sur le texte du Vatican, gr. 1411, f . 33-34v.