bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acetylated STAT3 is crucial for methylation of tumor-suppressor gene promoters and inhibition by resveratrol results in demethylation
Authors: Lee Heehyoung , Zhang Peng , Herrmann Andreas , Yang Chunmei , Xin Hong , Wang Zhenghe , Hoon Dave S. B. , Forman Stephen J. , Jove Richard , Riggs Arthur D. , Yu Hua
Published: May 2012

The mechanisms underlying hypermethylation of tumor-suppressor gene promoters in cancer is not well understood. Here, we report that lysine acetylation of the oncogenic transcription factor STAT3 is elevated in tumors. We also show that genetically altering STAT3 at Lys685 reduces tumor growth, which is accompanied by demethylation and reactivation of several tumor-suppressor genes. Moreover, mutating STAT3 at Lys685 disrupts DNA methyltransferase 1–STAT3 interactions in cultured tumor cells and in tumors. These observations are confirmed by treatment with an acetylation inhibitor, resveratrol. Furthermore, reduction of acetylated STAT3 in triple-negative breast cancer cells leads to demethylation and activation of the
estrogen receptor
-α gene, sensitizing the tumor cells to antiestrogens. Our results also demonstrate a correlation between STAT3 acetylation and methylation of
estrogen receptor
-α in melanoma, which predicts melanoma progression. Taken together, these results suggest a role of STAT3 acetylation in regulating CpG island methylation, which may partially explain aberrant gene silencing in cancer. These findings also provide a rationale for targeting acetylated STAT3 for chemoprevention and cancer therapy.
BK potassium channel modulation by leucine-rich repeat-containing proteins
Authors: Yan Jiusheng , Aldrich Richard W.
Published: May 2012

Molecular diversity of ion channel structure and function underlies variability in electrical signaling in nerve, muscle, and nonexcitable cells. Regulation by variable auxiliary subunits is a major mechanism to generate tissue- or cell-specific diversity of ion channel function. Mammalian large-conductance, voltage- and calcium-activated potassium channels (BK, K
Ca
1.1) are ubiquitously expressed with diverse functions in different tissues or cell types, consisting of the pore-forming, voltage- and Ca
2+
-sensing α-subunits (BKα), either alone or together with the tissue-specific auxiliary β-subunits (β1–β4). We recently identified a leucine-rich repeat (LRR)-containing membrane protein, LRRC26, as a BK channel auxiliary subunit, which causes an unprecedented large negative shift (∼140 mV) in voltage dependence of channel activation. Here we report a group of LRRC26 paralogous proteins, LRRC52, LRRC55, and LRRC38 that potentially function as LRRC26-type auxiliary subunits of BK channels. LRRC52, LRRC55, and LRRC38 produce a marked shift in the BK channel’s voltage dependence of activation in the hyperpolarizing direction by ∼100 mV, 50 mV, and 20 mV, respectively, in the absence of calcium. They along with LRRC26 show distinct expression in different human tissues: LRRC26 and LRRC38 mainly in secretory glands, LRRC52 in testis, and LRRC55 in brain. LRRC26 and its paralogs are structurally and functionally distinct from the β-subunits and we designate them as a γ family of the BK channel auxiliary proteins, which potentially regulate the channel’s gating properties over a spectrum of different tissues or cell types.
Calpain cleaves and activates the TRPC5 channel to participate in semaphorin 3A-induced neuronal growth cone collapse
Authors: Kaczmarek J. Stefan , Riccio Antonio , Clapham David E.
Published: May 2012

The nonselective cation channel transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC)5 is found predominantly in the brain and has been proposed to regulate neuronal processes and growth cones. Here, we demonstrate that semaphorin 3A-mediated growth cone collapse is reduced in hippocampal neurons from TRPC5 null mice. This reduction is reproduced by inhibition of the calcium-sensitive protease calpain in wild-type neurons but not in TRPC5
−/−
neurons. We show that calpain-1 and calpain-2 cleave and functionally activate TRPC5. Mutation of a critical threonine at position 857 inhibits calpain-2 cleavage of the channel. Finally, we show that the truncated TRPC5 predicted to result from calpain cleavage is functionally active. These results indicate that semaphorin 3A initiates growth cone collapse via activation of calpain that in turn potentiates TRPC5 activity. Thus, TRPC5 acts downstream of semaphorin signaling to cause changes in neuronal growth cone morphology and nervous system development.
Evaluating the Participation of the Unemployed in Undeclared Work
Authors: Williams Colin C. , Nadin Sara
Published: May 2012

This paper evaluates critically the major competing perspectives regarding the participation of the unemployed in undeclared work. These are firstly, the ‘marginalisation’ perspective which holds that the unemployed disproportionately participate in and gain from undeclared work, and secondly, the ‘reinforcement’ perspective which holds that the unemployed benefit less from undeclared work than those in declared employment, meaning that undeclared work reinforces, rather than reduces, the inequalities produced by the declared realm. Reporting the results of a 2007 Eurobarometer survey on undeclared work comprising 26,659 face-to-face interviews conducted in the 27 member states of the European Union, the finding is that the marginalisation perspective is applicable to Southern Europe and the reinforcement perspective to Nordic nations. However, in East-Central Europe and Western European nations, as well as the EU-27 as a whole, the marginalisation and reinforcement perspectives are not mutually exclusive but co-exist; the unemployed are more likely to participate in undeclared work but receive significantly lower earnings and gain less from undeclared work than those working undeclared who are in declared jobs. The outcome is a call for a new ‘reinforced marginalisation’ perspective which holds that the unemployed disproportionately engage in undeclared work but their participation reinforces their marginalised position relative to the employed. The paper then seeks tentative explanations for these findings.
Dll4–Notch signaling in Flt3-independent dendritic cell development and autoimmunity in mice
Authors: Billiard Fabienne , Lobry Camille , Darrasse-Jèze Guillaume , Waite Janelle , Liu Xia , Mouquet Hugo , DaNave Amanda , Tait Michelle , Idoyaga Juliana , Leboeuf Marylène , Kyratsous Christos A. , Burton Jacquelynn , Kalter Julie , Klinakis Apostolos , Zhang Wen , Thurston Gavin , Merad Miriam , Steinman Ralph M. , Murphy Andrew J. , Yancopoulos George D. , Aifantis Iannis , Skokos Dimitris
Published: May 2012

Delta-like ligand 4 (Dll4)–Notch signaling is essential for T cell development and alternative thymic lineage decisions. How Dll4–Notch signaling affects pro-T cell fate and thymic dendritic cell (tDC) development is unknown. We found that Dll4 pharmacological blockade induces accumulation of tDCs and CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in the thymic cortex. Both genetic inactivation models and anti-Dll4 antibody (Ab) treatment promote de novo natural Treg cell expansion by a DC-dependent mechanism that requires major histocompatibility complex II expression on DCs. Anti-Dll4 treatment converts CD4−CD8−c-kit+CD44+CD25− (DN1) T cell progenitors to immature DCs that induce ex vivo differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into Treg cells. Induction of these tolerogenic DN1-derived tDCs and the ensuing expansion of Treg cells are Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (Flt3) independent, occur in the context of transcriptional up-regulation of PU.1, Irf-4, Irf-8, and CSF-1, genes critical for DC differentiation, and are abrogated in thymectomized mice. Anti-Dll4 treatment fully prevents type 1 diabetes (T1D) via a Treg cell–mediated mechanism and inhibits CD8+ T cell pancreatic islet infiltration. Furthermore, a single injection of anti-Dll4 Ab reverses established T1D. Disease remission and recurrence are correlated with increased Treg cell numbers in the pancreas-draining lymph nodes. These results identify Dll4–Notch as a novel Flt3-alternative pathway important for regulating tDC-mediated Treg cell homeostasis and autoimmunity.
Indentation-based methods to assess fracture toughness for thin coatings
Authors: Chen Jinju
Published: May 2012

There are many techniques to determine fracture toughness. Experimental simplicity and amenability to materials evaluation are features of general indentation testing. Sometimes indentation is the only practical means of obtaining fundamental information on critical lifetime-limiting damage modes in some ceramics and coatings. Fracture patterns are dependent on the indenter geometry and material properties. The analysis of interfacial toughness by indentation has been well documented. However, no such comprehensive review is available for the analysis of fracture toughness for thin coatings based on (nano)indentation. Therefore, this paper tends to fill this gap. The mechanisms of various crack patterns and existing models used to determine the fracture toughness have been discussed in this study.
A wide-angle dual-band infrared perfect absorber based on metal–dielectric–metal split square-ring and square array
Authors: Lee H M , Wu J C
Published: May 2012

The optical properties of a dual-band plasmonic absorber are delineated numerically by employing a finite element method. Based on a metal–dielectric–metal scheme, the key structure consists of a lossless dielectric layer that is sandwiched by a silver split square-ring enclosing a silver square array and ground silver plane. The simulation results clearly show that near-perfect absorption efficiency can be realized for two absorption bands in the near-infrared wavelength range. The near-perfect absorption bands exhibit polarization insensitivity and wide-angle incidence. Notably, the absorption band is independently governed by the size of each part of the patterned films where the silver split square-ring determines the shorter wavelength band and the silver square determines the longer wavelength band, respectively. The repositioning of two near-perfect absorption peaks possesses a linear relationship that is related to the dimensions of the patterned silver layer. This allows for a flexible reconfigurability over the entire near-infrared regime.
A novel plasmonic resonance sensor based on an infrared perfect absorber
Authors: Li Guanhai , Chen Xiaoshuang , Li Oupeng , Shao Chengxue , Jiang Yuan , Huang Lujun , Ni Bo , Hu Weida , Lu Wei
Published: May 2012

We present an infrared perfect absorber model composed of gold nanobars and a photonic microcavity. The inevitable losses in metamaterials are taken as an advantage for high absorbance efficiency. By adjusting the structural geometry, the device can be used for refractive index sensing. In our calculation with a spacer thickness H = 90 nm it can yield more than 99% absorbance in the near-infrared frequency region. The full-width at half-maximum can be realized up to an extremely narrow value of 40.8 nm and the figure of merit can be obtained as high as 357. For sensing applications with a perfect absorber, our work can serve as a model of coupling between the localized surface plasmon within nanoparticles and the propagating surface plasmon along the planar metal layer. The novel concept has great potential to maintain its performance of localized surface plasmon in practical applications.
Anomalous bias-stress-induced unstable phenomena of InZnO thin-film transistors using Ta2O5 gate dielectric
Authors: Xu Wangying , Dai Mingzhi , Liang Lingyan , Liu Zhimin , Sun Xilian , Wan Qing , Cao Hongtao
Published: May 2012

InZnO thin-film transistors using high-κ Ta2O5 gate dielectric are presented and analysed. The large capacitance coupling effect of amorphous Ta2O5 results in fabricated devices with good electrical properties. However, an anomalous negative threshold voltage (V
th) shift under positive bias stress is observed. It is suggested that electron detrapping from the high-κ Ta2O5 dielectric to the gate electrode is responsible for this V
th shift, which is supported both by the logarithmical dependence of the V
th change on the duration of the bias stress and device simulation extracted trapped charges involved.
Novel growth of CuO-functionalized, branched SnO2 nanowires and their application to H2S sensors
Authors: Kim Sang Sub , Na Han Gil , Choi Sun-Woo , Kwak Dong Sub , Kim Hyoun Woo
Published: May 2012

A novel growth method for CuO-functionalized, branched tin oxide (SnO2) nanowires was developed on the basis of a Cu-triggered tip-growth vapour–liquid–solid (VLS) process during annealing of Cu-coated SnO2 nanowires. The variation in annealing temperature changed the morphology, in which higher temperatures (⩾500 °C) are favourable for the formation of branches. From the observation of tip nanoparticles, we revealed that the growth of branches at 500 and 700 °C was dominated by base-growth and tip-growth VLS processes, respectively. The tip nanoparticles at 700 °C were mainly comprised of a CuO phase. We have demonstrated the potential applicability of the CuO-functionalized, branched SnO2 nanowires to H2S sensors. CuO functionalization significantly enhanced the response to H2S. In sharp contrast, it degraded the response to NO2, suggesting their selective sensing performance to H2S.
Evaluation of macroscopic polarization and actuation abilities of electrostrictive dipolar polymers using the microscopic Debye/Langevin formalism
Authors: Capsal Jean-Fabien , Lallart Mickaël , Galineau Jeremy , Cottinet Pierre-Jean , Sebald Gaël , Guyomar Daniel
Published: May 2012

Electrostrictive polymers, as an important category of electroactive polymers, are known to have non-linear response in terms of actuation that strongly affects their dynamic performance and limits their applications. Very few models exist in the literature, and even fewer are capable of making reliable predictions under an electric field. In this paper, electrostrictive strain of dipolar polymeric systems is discussed through constitutive equations derived from the Boltzmann statistics and Debye/Langevin formalism. Macroscopic polarization is expressed as a function of the inherent microscopic parameters of the dielectric material. Electrostrictive strain, polarization and dielectric permittivity are described well by the model in terms of dipole moment and saturation of dipole orientation, allowing the physical definition of the electrostrictive coefficient Q. Maxwell forces generated by dipolar orientation inducing surface charges are also used to explain the electrostrictive strain of polymers. The assessment of this analysis through a comparison with experimental data shows good agreement between reported values and theoretical predictions. These materials are generally used in low-frequency applications, thus the interfacial phenomena that are responsible for low saturation electric field should not be omitted so as not to underestimate or overestimate the low electric field response of the electrostrictive strain.
THE NEXT GENERATION VIRGO CLUSTER SURVEY (NGVS). I. INTRODUCTION TO
THE SURVEY*
Authors: Ferrarese Laura , Côté Patrick , Cuillandre Jean-Charles , Gwyn S. D. J. , Peng Eric W. , MacArthur Lauren A. , Duc Pierre-Alain , Boselli A. , Mei Simona , Erben Thomas , McConnachie Alan W. , Durrell Patrick R. , Christopher Mihos J. , Jordán Andrés , Lançon Ariane , Puzia Thomas H. , Emsellem Eric , Balogh Michael L. , Blakeslee John P. , van Waerbeke Ludovic , Gavazzi Raphaël , Vollmer Bernd , Kavelaars J. J. , Woods David , Ball Nicholas M. , Boissier S. , Courteau Stéphane , Ferriere E. , Gavazzi G. , Hildebrandt Hendrik , Hudelot P. , Huertas-Company M. , Liu Chengze , McLaughlin Dean , Mellier Y. , Milkeraitis Martha , Schade David , Balkowski Chantal , Bournaud Frédéric , Carlberg R. G. , Chapman S. C. , Hoekstra Henk , Peng Chien , Sawicki Marcin , Simard Luc , Taylor James E. , Brent Tully R. , van Driel Wim , Wilson Christine D. , Burdullis Todd , Mahoney Billy , Manset Nadine
Published: May 2012

The Next Generation Virgo Cluster Survey (NGVS) is a program that uses the
1 deg2 MegaCam instrument on the Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope
to carry out a comprehensive optical imaging survey of the Virgo cluster, from
its core to its virial radius—covering a total area of 104 deg2—in
the u*griz bandpasses. Thanks to a dedicated
data acquisition strategy and processing pipeline, the NGVS reaches a
point-source depth of g ≈ 25.9 mag (10σ) and a surface
brightness limit of μ
g
∼ 29 mag arcsec−2
(2σ above the mean sky level), thus superseding all previous optical studies of
this benchmark galaxy cluster. In this paper, we give an overview of the
technical aspects of the survey, such as areal coverage, field placement, choice
of filters, limiting magnitudes, observing strategies, data processing and
calibration pipelines, survey timeline, and data products. We also describe the
primary scientific topics of the NGVS, which include: the galaxy luminosity and
mass functions; the color–magnitude relation; galaxy scaling relations; compact
stellar systems; galactic nuclei; the extragalactic distance scale; the
large-scale environment of the cluster and its relationship to the Local
Supercluster; diffuse light and the intracluster medium; galaxy interactions and
evolutionary processes; and extragalactic star clusters. In addition, we
describe a number of ancillary programs dealing with “foreground” and
“background” science topics, including the study of high-inclination
trans-Neptunian objects; the structure of the Galactic halo in the direction of
the Virgo Overdensity and Sagittarius Stream; the measurement of cosmic shear,
galaxy–galaxy, and cluster lensing; and the identification of distant galaxy
clusters, and strong-lensing events.
Short-term, Mild Hypothermia Can Increase the Beneficial Effect of Permissive Hypotension on Uncontrolled Hemorrhagic Shock in Rats
Authors: Li Tao , Lin Xiulai , Zhu Yu , Li Lijie , Liu Liangming
Published: May 2012

Background

Our previous and other studies have shown that hypotensive or hypothermic resuscitation have beneficial effects on uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock. Whether hypothermia can increase the beneficial effect of hypotensive resuscitation on hemorrhagic shock is not known.

Methods

Two-hundred and twenty Sprague-Dawley rats were used to make uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock. Before bleeding was controlled, rats received normotensive or hypotensive resuscitation (target mean arterial pressure at 80 or 50 mmHg) in combination with normal (37°C) or mild hypothermia (34°C) (phase II). After bleeding was controlled, rats received whole blood and lactated Ringer's solution resuscitation for 2 h (phase III). The animal survival, blood loss, fluid requirement, cardiac output, and coagulation functions, as well as vital organ function, mitochondrial function, and energy metabolism of liver, kidney and intestines, were noted.

Results

Short-term, mild hypothermia before bleeding was controlled increased the beneficial effect of hypotensive resuscitation. Hypothermia further decreased blood loss, oxygen consumption, and functional damage to the liver, kidney, and intestines during hypotensive resuscitation, protected mitochondrial function and energy metabolism (activity of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase), and further improved survival time and survival rate (hypothermic/hypotensive combined group: survival rate, 9/10; survival time, 616 min; normothermic/normotensive group: 1/10, 256 min; hypothermic/normotensive group: 4/10, 293 min). Hypothermia slightly inhibited coagulation function.

Conclusion

Mild hypothermia before bleeding is controlled can increase the beneficial effect of hypotensive resuscitation on uncontrolled hemorrhagic shock. The mechanism underlying the benefits of short-term hypothermia may be related to the decrease in oxygen consumption and metabolism, and protection of mitochondrial and organ functions.
Particulate Matter and Health Risk under a Changing Climate: Assessment for Portugal
Authors: Dias Daniela , Tchepel Oxana , Carvalho Anabela , Miranda Ana Isabel , Borrego Carlos
Published: May 2012

The potential impacts of climate-induced changes in air pollution levels and its impacts on population health were investigated. The IPCC scenario (SRES A2) was used to analyse the effects of climate on future PM10 concentrations over Portugal and their impact on short-term population exposure and mortality. The air quality modelling system has been applied with high spatial resolution looking on climate changes at regional scale. To quantify health impacts related to air pollution changes, the WHO methodology for health impact assessment was implemented. The results point to 8% increase of premature mortality attributed to future PM10 levels in Portugal. The pollution episodes with daily average PM10 concentration above the current legislated value (50 μg·m−3) would be responsible for 81% of attributable cases. The absolute number of deaths attributable to PM10 under future climate emphasizes the importance of indirect effects of climate change on human health.
Hyperoxia Reversibly Alters Oxygen Consumption and Metabolism
Authors: Lauscher Patrick , Lauscher Sabine , Kertscho Harry , Habler Oliver , Meier Jens
Published: May 2012

Aim. Ventilation with pure oxygen (hyperoxic ventilation: HV) is thought to decrease whole body oxygen consumption (VO2). However, the validity and impact of this phenomenon remain ambiguous; until now, under hyperoxic conditions,VO2has only been determined by the reverse Fick principle, a method with inherent methodological problems. The goal of this study was to determine changes ofVO2, carbon dioxide production (VCO2), and the respiratory quotient (RQ) during normoxic and hyperoxic ventilation, using a metabolic monitor.Methods. After providing signed informed consent and institutional acceptance, 14 healthy volunteers were asked to sequentially breathe room air, pure oxygen, and room air again.VO2, VCO2, RQ, and energy expenditure (EE) were determined by indirect calorimetry using a modified metabolic monitor during HV.Results. HV reducedVO2from 3.4 (3.0/4.0) mL/kg/min to 2.8 (2.5/3.6) mL/kg/min (P<0.05), whereas VCO2remained constant (3.0 [2.6/3.6] mL/kg/min versus 3.0 [2.6/3.5] mL/kg/min, n.s.). After onset of HV, RQ increased from 0.9 (0.8/0.9) to 1.1 (1.0/1.1). Most changes during HV were immediately reversed during subsequent normoxic ventilation.Conclusion. HV not only reducesVO2, but also increases the respiratory quotient. This might be interpreted as an indicator of the substantial metabolic changes induced by HV. However, the impact of this phenomenon requires further study.
Ligand-Based Virtual Screening Using Bayesian Inference Network and Reweighted Fragments
Authors: Ahmed Ali , Abdo Ammar , Salim Naomie
Published: May 2012

Many of the similarity-based virtual screening approaches assume that molecular fragments that are not related to the biological activity carry the same weight as the important ones. This was the reason that led to the use of Bayesian networks as an alternative to existing tools for similarity-based virtual screening. In our recent work, the retrieval performance of the Bayesian inference network (BIN) was observed to improve significantly when molecular fragments were reweighted using the relevance feedback information. In this paper, a set of active reference structures were used to reweight the fragments in the reference structure. In this approach, higher weights were assigned to those fragments that occur more frequently in the set of active reference structures while others were penalized. Simulated virtual screening experiments with MDL Drug Data Report datasets showed that the proposed approach significantly improved the retrieval effectiveness of ligand-based virtual screening, especially when the active molecules being sought had a high degree of structural heterogeneity.
Lack of Association of Childhood Partial Epilepsy with Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor Gene
Authors: Unalp Aycan , Bora Elcin , Cankaya Tufan , Giray Bozkaya Ozlem , Ercal Derya , Ozturk Aysel , Ulgenalp Ayfer
Published: May 2012

Brain-derived factor (BDNF) is a member of neurotrophin family and is localized and upregulated in areas implicated in epileptogenesis. Several lines of evidence make the BDNF gene a plausible candidate gene for predisposition to epilepsy. In this study, we tested that BDNF might be involved in the etiology of childhood PE. To assess whether BDNF gene C270T polimorphism could be implicated in vulnerability to PE, we conducted a case-control association analysis (112 partial epileptic and 100 controls) in Turkish children. Epileptic children were divided into two groups: 1—idiopathic (n=85) and 2—symptomathic epilepsy (n=27). There was no significant difference in genotypic distribution and allelic frequencies of the BDNF gene C270T polimorphism between the PE and control groups. However, the BDNF gene TT genotype was more frequently seen in the epileptic children (15 versus 11 patients, resp.). Interestingly, in the epilepsy group, both two children with TT genotype have posttraumatic epilepsy. The data indicate a possible association with the 270T genotype of the BDNF gene with a posttraumatic epilepsy. To draw any conclusion, further studies using larger sample sizes should be carried out in various ethnic populations in childhood epilepsies.
Antifungal Activity and Composition of Essential Oils ofConyza canadensisHerbs and Roots
Authors: Veres Katalin , Csupor-Löffler Boglárka , Lázár Andrea , Hohmann Judit
Published: May 2012

Essential oils from herbs and roots ofConyza canadensis(horseweed), collected in Hungary, were obtained by hydrodistillation. The chemical compositions of the oils were analysed by combination of GC and GC/MS. The major constituent of the oil obtained from the aerial parts of horseweed was limonene (78%), while the main component of root oil was 2Z,8Z-matricaria ester. The antimicrobial activities of the oils were tested on Gram-positive (Enterococcus faecalis,Staphylococcus aureus, andStreptococcus pyogenes), Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria, reference fungal strains, and fungal strains isolated from patients (Candida,Cryptococcus,Trichophyton,Rhodotorula, andAspergillus) by agar disc diffusion and broth dilution methods. None of the oils showed any activity against the tested bacterial strains, but exhibited moderate-to-strong activity against all fungi with the only exception ofA. fumigatus. The highest zone of inhibition was observed in case ofCryptococcus neoformansandTrichophyton interdigitalis
Leukotrienes as Modifiers of Preclinical Atherosclerosis?
Authors: Riccioni Graziano , Bäck Magnus
Published: May 2012

Preclinical atherosclerosis represents a crucial period associated with several pathophysiological reactions in the vascular wall. Failure to diagnose preclinical atherosclerosis at this stage misses a major opportunity to prevent the long-term consequences of this disease. Surrogate biological and structural vascular markers are available to determine the presence and the extension of preclinical vascular injury in the general population. Examples of surrogate markers are carotid intima media thickness and biomarkers including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, cell adhesion molecules and matrix metalloproteinases, and leukotrienes. Recently, leukotrienes have been implicated as mediators, biomarkers, and possible therapeutic targets in the context of subclinical atherosclerosis. The aim of this short paper is to focus on the relation between preclinical atherosclerosis and leukotrienes, with particular attention to the recent development on the use of leukotriene modifiers in the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Determination and Application of Pont's Index in Turkish Population
Authors: Celebi Ahmet Arif , Tan Enes , Gelgor Ibrahim Erhan
Published: May 2012

Disharmony between tooth size and dental arch size induces orthodontic problems. So, dental indices were identified by various authors. One of these is Pont who determined a method of prediction of the ideal dental arch width which has become known as Pont's Index. The purpose of this study was to assess the applicability of Pont's Index to a Turkish population and to compare the results with those obtained from studies of different ethnic subjects. The sample comprised 64 male subjects and 78 female subjects with age range from 14 to 15 years. Measurements were obtained directly from plaster casts; they included mesiodistal crown diameters of the four maxillary incisors, as well as interpremolar and intermolar maxillary arch widths as specified by Pont. Correlation coefficients determined between the measured arch width values and those calculated according to Pont's Index were low in all cases, withrvalues ranging from 0.02 to 0.36. It was concluded that Pont's Index should not be used to predetermine ideal arch width values in Turkish individuals.
The Golgi in Cell Migration: Regulation by Signal Transduction and Its Implications for Cancer Cell Metastasis
Authors: Millarte Valentina , Farhan Hesso
Published: May 2012

Migration and invasion are fundamental features of metastatic cancer cells. The Golgi apparatus, an organelle involved in posttranslational modification and sorting of proteins, is widely accepted to regulate directional cell migration. In addition, mounting evidence suggests that the Golgi is a hub for different signaling pathways. In this paper we will give an overview on how polarized secretion and microtubule nucleation at the Golgi regulate directional cell migration. We will review different signaling pathways that signal to and from the Golgi. Finally, we will discuss how these signaling pathways regulate the role of the Golgi in cell migration and invasion. We propose that by identifying regulators of the Golgi, we might be able to uncover unappreciated modulators of cell migration. Uncovering the regulatory network that orchestrates cell migration is of fundamental importance for the development of new therapeutic strategies against cancer cell metastasis.
The Effects of the Melatonin Treatment on the Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Diabetic Eye and Brain
Authors: Gürpınar Tuğba , Ekerbiçer Nuran , Uysal Nazan , Barut Turgay , Tarakçı Figen , Tuglu M. Ibrahim
Published: May 2012

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of complications in diabetes mellitus. Antioxidant therapy has been thought to decrease oxidative stress. The objective of the present study was to explore the effects of melatonin (MLT) on oxidative stress in diabetic rat eye and brain tissue by using immunohistochemical methods. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin, (STZ, 55 mg/kg/i.p) in adult rats. MLT was given 10 mg/kg/i.p once a day for 2 weeks beginning from the sixth week. Six weeks later, rats were divided into three groups: control (CR), STZ-induced diabetic (STZ), and STZ-induced diabetic group received melatonin (STZ+MLT). Although no significant difference was observed with respect to antioxidant status, NOS activity tended to be higher in the untreated diabetic rats than in the treated rats. It was observed that MLT treatment improved the histopathological changes including apoptosis and oxidative stress in brain and eye in diabetic rat.
Development of Ternary and Quaternary Catalysts for the Electrooxidation of Glycerol
Authors: Artem L. M. , Santos D. M. , De Andrade A. R. , Kokoh K. B. , Ribeiro J.
Published: May 2012

This work consisted in the preparation of platinum-based catalysts supported on carbon (Vulcan XC-72) and investigation of their physicochemical and electrochemical properties. Catalysts of the C/Pt-Ni-Sn-Me (Me = Ru or Ir) type were prepared by the Pechini method at temperature of350∘C. Four different compositions were homemade: C/Pt60Sn10Ni30, C/Pt60Sn10Ni20Ru10, C/Pt60Sn10Ni10Ru20, and C/Pt60Sn10Ni10Ir20. These catalysts were electrochemically and physically characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), chronoamperometry (CA) in the presence of glycerol 1.0 mol dm-3, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). XRD results showed the main peaks of face-centered cubic Pt. The particle sizes obtained from XRD and HRTEM experiments were close to values ranging from 3 to 8.5 nm. The CV results indicate behavior typical of Pt-based catalysts in acid medium. The CV and CA data reveal that quaternary catalysts present the highest current density for the electrooxidation of glycerol.
Plankton Microorganisms Coinciding with Two Consecutive Mass Fish Kills in a Newly Reconstructed Lake
Authors: Oikonomou Andreas , Katsiapi Matina , Karayanni Hera , Moustaka-Gouni Maria , Kormas Konstantinos Ar.
Published: May 2012

Lake Karla, Greece, was dried up in 1962 and its refilling started in 2009. We examined the Cyanobacteria and unicellular eukaryotes found during two fish kill incidents, in March and April 2010, in order to detect possible causative agents. Both microscopic and molecular (16S/18S rRNA gene diversity) identification were applied. Potentially toxic Cyanobacteria included representatives of thePlanktothrixandAnabaenagroups. Known toxic eukaryotes or parasites related to fish kill events werePrymnesium parvumandPfiesteriacf.piscicida, the latter being reported in an inland lake for the second time. Other potentially harmful microorganisms, for fish and other aquatic life, included representatives of Fungi, Mesomycetozoa, Alveolata, and Heterokontophyta (stramenopiles). In addition, Euglenophyta, Chlorophyta, and diatoms were represented by species indicative of hypertrophic conditions. The pioneers of L. Karla’s plankton during the first months of its water refilling process included species that could cause the two observed fish kill events.
Alfa-Lipoic Acid Controls Tumor Growth and Modulates Hepatic Redox State in Ehrlich-Ascites-Carcinoma-Bearing Mice
Authors: AL Abdan M.
Published: May 2012

The effect of oral supplementation ofα-lipoic (LA) on growth of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells (EACs) and hepatic antioxidant state in mice was investigated. The results revealed thatα-lipoic (LA) acid at 50 mg/kg body wt reduced the viability and volume of EAC cells and increased the survival of the treated animals. In addition, LA normalized oxidative stress in liver of mice-bearing EAC cells evidenced by increasing the levels of total thiols, glutathione, glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and catalyse. On the other hand, significant decreases in the levels of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl were demonstrated in liver indicating controlled oxidative stress in these animals. As a consequence, LA regulated liver enzymes, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase. The data also indicated the efficiency of LA as cancer inhibitor and therapeutic influence. In conclusion, the present data suggest LA as a potential therapeutic complement in the treatment or prevention of different pathologies that may be related to an imbalance of the cellular oxidoreductive status associated with malignancy.
Energy Requirement and Food Intake Behaviour in Young Adult Intact Male Cats with and without Predisposition to Overweight
Authors: Wichert Brigitta , Trossen Julia , Uebelhart Daniel , Wanner Marcel , Hartnack Sonja
Published: May 2012

Obesity is a common problem in cats. In the experimental cat family of the institute of animal nutrition besides a “normal” lean phenotype, cats with predisposition to an overweight phenotype are present. To investigate energy requirements and food intake behaviour of intact male cats of different phenotypes, six “normal” lean cats (GL) and six cats disposed to overweight (GO) were used. At the beginning of the experiment, all cats had an ideal body condition score of 5. To reach this the GO cats had to pass a weight-loss program. Energy requirements of the cats were determined using respiration chambers, whereas the amount and frequency of food intake was measured with a feeding station recording the data automatically. Energy requirement at weight constancy of the GO cats was even on fat-free mass (FFM) significantly (P=0.02) lower (162.6 kJ/kg FFM/d) than that of the “normal” lean cats (246 kJ/kg FFM/d). The GO cats also showed a higher food intake34.5±1.5 g dry matter/kg body weight0.67compared to the GL cats (24.0±2.1 g dry matter/kg body weight0.67)(P=0.001). In conclusion quantifiable differences in food intake and behaviour in cats predisposed to overweight compared to “normal” lean cats were found.
Removal of Triphenylmethane Dyes by Bacterial Consortium
Authors: Cheriaa Jihane , Khaireddine Monia , Rouabhia Mahmoud , Bakhrouf Amina
Published: May 2012

A new consortium of four bacterial isolates (Agrobacterium radiobacter; Bacillus spp.; Sphingomonas paucimobilis, and Aeromonas hydrophila)-(CM-4) was used to degrade and to decolorize triphenylmethane dyes. All bacteria were isolated from activated sludge extracted from a wastewater treatment station of a dyeing industry plant. Individual bacterial isolates exhibited a remarkable color-removal capability against crystal violet (50 mg/L) and malachite green (50 mg/L) dyes within 24 h. Interestingly, the microbial consortium CM-4 shows a high decolorizing percentage for crystal violet and malachite green, respectively, 91% and 99% within 2 h. The rate of chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal increases after 24 h, reaching 61.5% and 84.2% for crystal violet and malachite green, respectively. UV-Visible absorption spectra, FTIR analysis and the inspection of bacterial cells growth indicated that color removal by the CM-4 was due to biodegradation. Evaluation of mutagenicity by usingSalmonella typhimuriumtest strains, TA98 and TA100 studies revealed that the degradation of crystal violet and malachite green by CM-4 did not lead to mutagenic products. Altogether, these results demonstrated the usefulness of the bacterial consortium in the treatment of the textile dyes.
Study of the Activity of 3-benzyl-5-(4-chloro-arylazo)-4-thioxo-imidazolidin-2-one against Schistosomiasis Mansoni in Mice
Authors: da Silva Andréa Cristina Apolinário , Neves Juliana Kelle de Andrade Lemoine , Irmão João Inácio , Costa Vláudia Maria Assis , Souza Valdênia Maria Oliveira , de Medeiros Paloma Lys , da Silva Eliete Cavalcanti , de Lima Maria do Carmo Alves , Pitta Ivan da Rocha , Albuquerque Mônica Camelo Pessoa de Azevedo , Galdino Suely Lins
Published: May 2012

Previous studies conducted with the imidazolidinic derivative 3-benzyl-5-(4-chloro-arylazo)-4-thioxo-imidazolidin-2-one (LPSF-PT05) show outstanding activity against adultSchistosoma mansoniwormsin vitro. In the first phase of this study,S. mansoni-infected mice were treated, orally, with 100 mg/Kg of the LPSF-PT05 in three formulations: Tween 80 and saline solution, oil/water (70 : 30) emulsion, and solid dispersion with polyethylene glycol (PEG). In the second phase, three other doses of the LPSF-PT05 in PEG were tested: 3, 10, 30 mg/kg. These treatment regimens significantly reduced the number of recovered worms due to increases in the solubility of the compound in this formulation; the greatest reduction (70.5%) was observed at the dose of 100 mg/kg. There was no changes in the pattern of mature egg compared to immature eggs; however there was a significant increase in the number of dead eggs. Histopathological analysis of liver tissue showed changes in morphological aspects of the hepatic parenchyma with decrease exudative-productive hepatic granuloma stages, although we found no significant differences in IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, or NO production in response to the specific antigen SEA. The results show the derivative LPSF-PT05 to be a potential candidate in the etiological treatment of schistosomiasis with a possible dampening effect of the granulomatous process.
Computed Tomography to Estimate the Representative Elementary Area for Soil Porosity Measurements
Authors: Borges Jaqueline Aparecida Ribaski , Pires Luiz Fernando , Belmont Pereira André
Published: May 2012

Computed tomography (CT) is a technique that provides images of different solid and porous materials. CT could be an ideal tool to study representative sizes of soil samples because of the noninvasive characteristic of this technique. The scrutiny of such representative elementary sizes (RESs) has been the target of attention of many researchers related to soil physics field owing to the strong relationship between physical properties and size of the soil sample. In the current work, data from gamma-ray CT were used to assess RES in measurements of soil porosity (ϕ). For statistical analysis, a study on the full width at a half maximum (FWHM) of the adjustment of distribution ofϕat different areas (1.2 to 1162.8 mm2) selected inside of tomographic images was proposed herein. The results obtained point out that samples with a section area corresponding to at least 882.1 mm2were the ones that provided representative values ofϕfor the studied Brazilian tropical soil.
Lattice Boltzmann Method for Evaluating Hydraulic Conductivity of Finite Array of Spheres
Authors: Camargo Mário A. , Facin Paulo C. , Pires Luiz F.
Published: May 2012

The hydraulic conductivity (K) represents an important hydrophysical parameter in a porous media.Kdirect measurements, usually demand a lot of work, are expensive and time consuming. Factors such as the media spatial variability, sample size, measurement method, and changes in the sample throughout the experiment directly affectKevaluations. One alternative toKmeasurement is computer simulation using the Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM), which can help to minimize problems such as changes in the sample structure during experimental measurements. This work presentsKexperimental and theoretical results (simulated) for three regular finite arrangements of spheres. Experimental measurements were carried out aiming at corroborating the LBM potential to predictKonce the smallest relative deviation between experimental and simulated results was 1.4%.
Engineering the Production of Major Catechins byEscherichia coliCarrying Metabolite Genes ofCamellia sinensis
Authors: Umar Kabir Mustapha , Abdulkarim S. M. , Radu Son , Abdul Hamid Azizah , Saari Nazamid
Published: May 2012

A mimicked biosynthetic pathway of catechin metabolite genes fromC. sinensis, consisting of flavanone 3 hydroxylase (F3H), dihydroflavonol reductase (DFR), and leucoanthocyanidin reductase (LCR), was designed and arranged in two sets of constructs: (a) single promoter in front of F3H and ribosome-binding sequences both in front of DFR and LCR; (b) three different promoters with each in the front of the three genes and ribosome-binding sequences at appropriate positions. RecombinantE. coliBL (DE3) harbouring the constructs were cultivated for 65 h at 26°C in M9 medium consisting of 40 g/L glucose, 1 mM IPTG, and 3 mM eriodictyol. Compounds produced were extracted in ethyl acetate in alkaline conditions after 1 h at room temperature and identified by HPLC. Two of the four major catechins, namely, (−)-epicatechin (0.01 ) and (−)-epicatechin gallate (0.36 mg/L), and two other types ((+)-catechin hydrate (0.13 mg/L) and (−)-catechin gallate (0.04 mg/L)) were successfully produced.
Quality and Trace Element Profile of Tunisian Olive Oils Obtained from Plants Irrigated with Treated Wastewater
Authors: Benincasa Cinzia , Gharsallaoui Mariem , Perri Enzo , Briccoli Bati Caterina , Ayadi Mohamed , Khlif Moncen , Gabsi Slimane
Published: May 2012

In the present work the use of treated wastewater (TWW) to irrigate olive plants was monitored. This type of water is characterized by high salinity and retains a substantial amount of trace elements, organic and metallic compounds that can be transferred into the soil and into the plants and fruits. In order to evaluate the impact of TWW on the overall quality of the oils, the time of contact of the olives with the soil has been taken into account. Multi-element data were obtained using ICP-MS. Nineteen elements (Li, B, Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, Sc, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Mo, Ba and La) were submitted for statistical analysis. Using analysis of variance, linear discriminant analysis and principal component analysis it was possible to differentiate between oils produced from different batches of olives whose plants received different types of water. Also, the results showed that there was correlation between the elemental and mineral composition of the water used to irrigate the olive plots and the elemental and mineral composition of the oils.
PHBV/PCL Microparticles for Controlled Release of Resveratrol: Physicochemical Characterization, Antioxidant Potential, and Effect on Hemolysis of Human Erythrocytes
Authors: Mendes Jessica Bitencourt Emilio , Riekes Manoela Klüppel , de Oliveira Viviane Matoso , Michel Milton Domingos , Stulzer Hellen Karine , Khalil Najeh Maissar , Zawadzki Sônia Faria , Mainardes Rubiana Mara , Farago Paulo Vitor
Published: May 2012

Microparticles of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) containing resveratrol were successfully prepared by simple emulsion/solvent evaporation. All formulations showed suitable encapsulation efficiency values higher than 80%. PHBV microparticles revealed spherical shape with rough surface and presence of pores. PCL microparticles were spherically shaped with smooth surface. Fourier-transformed infrared spectra demonstrated no chemical bond between resveratrol and polymers. X-ray powder diffraction patterns and differential scanning calorimetry analyses indicated that microencapsulation led to drug amorphization. These PHBV/PCL microparticles delayed the dissolution profile of resveratrol. Release profiles were better fitted to biexponential equation. The hypochlorous-acid-scavenging activity and 2,2-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical cation discoloration assay confirmed that the antioxidant activity of PHBV/PCL microparticles was kept, but was dependent on the microparticle morphology and dissolution profile. Resveratrol-loaded PHBV/PCL microparticles showed no cytotoxic effect on red blood cells.
Inactivation of the Catalytic Subunit of cAMP-Dependent Protein Kinase A Causes Delayed Appressorium Formation and Reduced Pathogenicity ofColletotrichum gloeosporioides
Authors: Priyatno Tri Puji , Abu Bakar Farah Diba , Kamaruddin Nurhaida , Mahadi Nor Muhammad , Abdul Murad Abdul Munir
Published: May 2012

The cyclic AMP- (cAMP-) dependent protein kinase A signaling pathway is one of the major signaling pathways responsible for regulation of the morphogenesis and pathogenesis of several pathogenic fungi. To evaluate the role of this pathway in the plant pathogenic fungus,Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, the gene encoding the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A,CgPKAC, was cloned, inactivated, and the mutant was analyzed. Analysis of theCgpkacmutant generated via gene replacement showed that the mutants were able to form appressoria; however, their formation was delayed compared to the wild type. In addition, the mutant conidia underwent bipolar germination after appressoria formation, but no appressoria were generated from the second germ tube. The mutants also showed reduced ability to adhere to a hydrophobic surface and to degrade lipids localized in the appressoria. Based on the number of lesions produced during a pathogenicity test, the mutant’s ability to cause disease in healthy mango fruits was reduced, which may be due to failure to penetrate into the fruit. These findings indicate that cAMP-dependent protein kinase A has an important role in regulating morphogenesis and is required for pathogenicity ofC. gloeosporioides.