bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Bacterial Detection Using Immobilized Acyl-Lysyl Oligomers
Authors: Marjieh Ibrahim , Meir Ohad , Zaknoon Fadia , Mor Amram
Published: October 2014

The global need to improve bacterial detection in liquid media has motivated multidisciplinary research efforts toward developing new approaches that overcome the shortcomings of traditional techniques. We recently proposed the use of oligomers of acylated lysyls (OAKs) in their resin-linked form (ROAKs) for the efficient, robust, and inexpensive filtration of bacteria. Here, to investigate the potential for the use of ROAKs in downstream applications, we first examined the capacity of ROAKs to capture bacteria as a function of environmental conditions and structure-activity relationships (SARs). We next assessed their ability to release the captured bacteria and then combined both abilities to improve real-time PCR outcomes. ROAKs were able to deplete liquid samples of bacterial content after incubation or continuous flow, illustrating the efficient capture of different bacterial species under a wide range of ionic strength and pH conditions. We also show circumstances for the significant release of captured bacteria, live or dead, for further analysis. Finally, the SAR study revealed a shorter ROAK derivative exhibiting a capture capacity similar to that of the parent construct but the increased recovery of ROAK-bound bacteria, enabling improvement of the detection sensitivity by 20-fold. Collectively, the data support the potential usefulness of a simple, robust, and efficient approach for rapid capture/analysis of bacteria from tap water and, possibly, from more complex media.
Highly Diverse Endophytic and Soil Fusarium oxysporum Populations Associated with Field-Grown Tomato Plants
Authors: Demers Jill E. , Gugino Beth K. , Jiménez-Gasco María del Mar
Published: October 2014

The diversity and genetic differentiation of populations of
Fusarium oxysporum
associated with tomato fields, both endophytes obtained from tomato plants and isolates obtained from soil surrounding the sampled plants, were investigated. A total of 609 isolates of
F. oxysporum
were obtained, 295 isolates from a total of 32 asymptomatic tomato plants in two fields and 314 isolates from eight soil cores sampled from the area surrounding the plants. Included in this total were 112 isolates from the stems of all 32 plants, a niche that has not been previously included in
F. oxysporum
population genetics studies. Isolates were characterized using the DNA sequence of the translation elongation factor 1α gene. A diverse population of 26 sequence types was found, although two sequence types represented nearly two-thirds of the isolates studied. The sequence types were placed in different phylogenetic clades within
F. oxysporum
, and endophytic isolates were not monophyletic. Multiple sequence types were found in all plants, with an average of 4.2 per plant. The population compositions differed between the two fields but not between soil samples within each field. A certain degree of differentiation was observed between populations associated with different tomato cultivars, suggesting that the host genotype may affect the composition of plant-associated
F. oxysporum
populations. No clear patterns of genetic differentiation were observed between endophyte populations and soil populations, suggesting a lack of specialization of endophytic isolates.
Recovery of Plasmid pEMB1, Whose Toxin-Antitoxin System Stabilizes an Ampicillin Resistance-Conferring β-Lactamase Gene in Escherichia coli, from Natural Environments
Authors: Lee Hyo Jung , Jin Hyun Mi , Park Moon Su , Park Woojun , Madsen Eugene L. , Jeon Che Ok
Published: October 2014

Non-culture-based procedures were used to investigate plasmids showing ampicillin resistance properties in two different environments: remote mountain soil (Mt. Jeombong) and sludge (Tancheon wastewater treatment plant). Total DNA extracted from the environmental samples was directly transformed into
Escherichia coli
TOP10, and a single and three different plasmids were obtained from the mountain soil and sludge samples, respectively. Interestingly, the restriction fragment length polymorphism pattern of the plasmid from the mountain soil sample, designated pEMB1, was identical to the pattern of one of the three plasmids from the sludge sample. Complete DNA sequencing of plasmid pEMB1 (8,744 bp) showed the presence of six open reading frames, including a β-lactamase gene. Using BLASTX, the
orf5
and
orf6
genes were suggested to encode a CopG family transcriptional regulator and a plasmid stabilization system, respectively. Functional characterization of these genes using a knockout
orf5
plasmid (pEMB1Δ
parD
) and the cloning and expression of
orf6
(pET21b
parE
) indicated that these genes were antitoxin (
parD
) and toxin (
parE
) genes. Plasmid stability tests using pEMB1 and pEMB1Δ
parDE
in
E. coli
revealed that the
orf5
and
orf6
genes enhanced plasmid maintenance in the absence of ampicillin. Using a PCR-based survey, pEMB1-like plasmids were additionally detected in samples from other human-impacted sites (sludge samples) and two other remote mountain soil samples, suggesting that plasmids harboring a β-lactamase gene with a ParD-ParE toxin-antitoxin system occurs broadly in the environment. This study extends knowledge about the dissemination and persistence of antibiotic resistance genes in naturally occurring microbial populations.
Biochemical and Kinetic Characterization of the Recombinant ADP-Forming Acetyl Coenzyme A Synthetase from the Amitochondriate Protozoan Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Jones Cheryl P. , Ingram-Smith Cheryl
Published: October 2014

Entamoeba histolytica
, an amitochondriate protozoan parasite that relies on glycolysis as a key pathway for ATP generation, has developed a unique extended PP
i
-dependent glycolytic pathway in which ADP-forming acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA) synthetase (ACD; acetate:CoA ligase [ADP-forming]; EC 6.2.1.13) converts acetyl-CoA to acetate to produce additional ATP and recycle CoA. We characterized the recombinant
E. histolytica
ACD and found that the enzyme is bidirectional, allowing it to potentially play a role in ATP production or in utilization of acetate. In the acetate-forming direction, acetyl-CoA was the preferred substrate and propionyl-CoA was used with lower efficiency. In the acetyl-CoA-forming direction, acetate was the preferred substrate, with a lower efficiency observed with propionate. The enzyme can utilize both ADP/ATP and GDP/GTP in the respective directions of the reaction. ATP and PP
i
were found to inhibit the acetate-forming direction of the reaction, with 50% inhibitory concentrations of 0.81 ± 0.17 mM (mean ± standard deviation) and 0.75 ± 0.20 mM, respectively, which are both in the range of their physiological concentrations. ATP and PP
i
displayed mixed inhibition versus each of the three substrates, acetyl-CoA, ADP, and phosphate. This is the first example of regulation of ACD enzymatic activity, and possible roles for this regulation are discussed.
Tetrahymena Pot2 Is a Developmentally Regulated Paralog of Pot1 That Localizes to Chromosome Breakage Sites but Not to Telomeres
Authors: Cranert Stacey , Heyse Serena , Linger Benjamin R. , Lescasse Rachel , Price Carolyn
Published: October 2014

Tetrahymena
telomeres are protected by a protein complex composed of Pot1, Tpt1, Pat1, and Pat2. Pot1 binds the 3′ overhang and serves multiple roles in telomere maintenance. Here we describe Pot2, a paralog of Pot1 which has evolved a novel function during
Tetrahymena
sexual reproduction. Pot2 is unnecessary for telomere maintenance during vegetative growth, as the telomere structure is unaffected by
POT2
macronuclear gene disruption. Pot2 is expressed only in mated cells, where it accumulates in developing macronuclei around the time of two chromosome processing events: internal eliminated sequence (IES) excision and chromosome breakage. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) demonstrated Pot2 localization to regions of chromosome breakage but not to telomeres or IESs. Pot2 association with chromosome breakage sites (CBSs) occurs slightly before chromosome breakage. Pot2 did not bind CBSs or telomeric DNA
in vitro
, suggesting that it is recruited to CBSs by another factor. The telomere proteins Pot1, Pat1, and Tpt1 and the IES binding factor Pdd1 fail to colocalize with Pot2. Thus, Pot2 is the first protein found to associate specifically with CBSs. The selective association of Pot2 versus Pdd1 with CBSs or IESs indicates a mechanistic difference between the chromosome processing events at these two sites. Moreover, ChIP revealed that histone marks characteristic of IES processing, H3K9me3 and H3K27me3, are absent from CBSs. Thus, the mechanisms of chromosome breakage and IES excision must be fundamentally different. Our results lead to a model where Pot2 directs chromosome breakage by recruiting telomerase and/or the endonuclease responsible for DNA cleavage to CBSs.
Caecal schwannoma: a rare cause of per rectal bleeding in a 72-year-old man
Authors: Dickson-Lowe Richard A , James Christopher L , Bailey Charles MH , Abdulaal Yasser
Published: October 2014

The presence of per rectal (PR) bleeding in elderly people usually alerts us to the possibility of colonic malignancy, particularly if a concomitant altered bowel habit is present, without a history of the symptom. We present a case where the cause of PR bleeding turned out to be a caecal schwannoma. Caecal schwannoma is a rare tumour of the gastrointestinal tract of mesenchymal origin and diagnosis prior to radical surgical resection is difficult. Endoscopic biopsy often fails to provide an adequate specimen and immunohistochemistry is essential to the diagnosis.
WALK 2.0: Examining the effectiveness of Web 2.0 features to increase physical activity in a ‘real world’ setting: an ecological trial protocol
Authors: Caperchione Cristina M , Kolt Gregory S , Savage Trevor N , Rosenkranz Richard R , Maeder Anthony J , Vandelanotte Corneel , Duncan Mitch J , Van Itallie Anetta , Tague Rhys , Mummery W Kerry
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Low levels of health-enhancing physical activity require novel approaches that have the potential to reach broad populations. Web-based interventions are a popular approach for behaviour change given their wide reach and accessibility. However, challenges with participant engagement and retention reduce the long-term maintenance of behaviour change. Web 2.0 features present a new and innovative online environment supporting greater interactivity, with the potential to increase engagement and retention. In order to understand the applicability of these innovative interventions for the broader population, ‘real-world’ interventions implemented under ‘everyday conditions’ are required. The aim of this study is to investigate the difference in physical activity behaviour between individuals using a traditional Web 1.0 website with those using a novel Web 2.0 website.

Methods and analysis

In this study we will aim to recruit 2894 participants. Participants will be recruited from individuals who register with a pre-existing health promotion website that currently provides Web 1.0 features (http://www.10000steps.org.au). Eligible participants who provide informed consent will be randomly assigned to one of the two trial conditions: the pre-existing 10 000 Steps website (with Web 1.0 features) or the newly developed WALK 2.0 website (with Web 2.0 features). Primary and secondary outcome measures will be assessed by self-report at baseline, 3 months and 12 months, and include: physical activity behaviour, height and weight, Internet self-efficacy, website usability, website usage and quality of life.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has received ethics approval from the University of Western Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee (Reference Number H8767) and has been funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (Reference Number 589903). Study findings will be disseminated widely through peer-reviewed publications, academic conferences and local community-based presentations.

Trial registration number

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Number: ACTRN12611000253909, WHO Universal Trial Number: U111-1119-1755
Upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage: an update
Authors: Jafar Wisam , Jafar Anisa Jabeen Nasir , Sharma Abhishek
Published: October 2014

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) haemorrhage is a common cause for admission to hospital and is associated with a mortality of around 10%. Prompt assessment and resuscitation are vital, as are risk stratification of the severity of bleeding, early involvement of the multidisciplinary team and timely access to endoscopy, preferably within 24 h. The majority of bleeds are due to peptic ulcers for whichHelicobacter pyloriand non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents are the main risk factors. Although proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used before endoscopy, this is controversial. Pre-endoscopic risk stratification with the Glasgow Blatchford score is recommended as is the use of the Rockall score postendoscopy. Endoscopic therapy, with at least two haemostatic modalities, remains the mainstay of treating high-risk lesions and reduces rebleeding rates and mortality. High-dose PPI therapy after endoscopic haemostasis also reduces rebleeding rates and mortality. Variceal oesophageal haemorrhage is associated with a higher rebleeding rate and risk of death. Antibiotics and vasopressin analogues are advised in suspected variceal bleeding; however, endoscopic variceal band ligation remains the haemostatic treatment of choice. Balloon tamponade remains useful in the presence of torrential variceal haemorrhage or when endoscopy fails to secure haemostasis, and can be a bridge to further endoscopic attempts or placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. This review aims to provide an update on the latest evidence-based recommendations for the management of acute upper GI haemorrhage.
Migrant status and child and adolescent psychological well-being: evidence from Hong Kong's ‘Children of 1997’ birth cohort
Authors: Leung Cherry Y , Leung Gabriel M , Schooling C Mary
Published: October 2014

Background

In Western settings, migration is associated with psychological well-being, but studies inevitably focus on culturally distinct ethnic minorities, making it difficult to distinguish migration from cultural assimilation. Many children in Hong Kong, a developed non-Western setting, have migrant parents with the same Chinese ethnicity. This study examined the association of migration with the child's psychological well-being in Hong Kong.

Methods

Multivariable linear regression was used in Hong Kong's ‘Children of 1997’ Chinese birth cohort to examine the adjusted associations of migration (both parents Hong Kong born n=4285, both parents migrant n=1921, mother-only migrant n=462, father-only migrant n=1110) with a parent-reported Rutter score for child behaviour at ∼7 (n=6294, 80% follow-up) and ∼11 years (n=5598, 71% follow-up), self-reported Culture-Free Self-Esteem Inventory score at ∼11 years (n=6937, 88% follow-up) and self-reported Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) depressive symptom score at ∼13 years (n=5797, 73% follow-up), adjusted for sex, highest parental education and occupation, household income, maternal and paternal age at birth, age of assessment and survey mode (PHQ-9 only).

Results

Migration was unrelated to the overall self-esteem or depressive symptoms, but both parents migrant was associated with better behaviour (lower Rutter scores) at ∼7 years (β-coefficient (β) −1.07, 95% CI –1.48 to −0.66) and ∼11 years (−0.89, 95% CI −1.33 to −0.45).

Conclusions

In a non-Western context, migration appeared to be protective for childhood behaviour.
The detrimental clinical impact of severe angiographic vasospasm may be diminished by maximal medical therapy and intensive endovascular treatment
Authors: Mortimer Alex Mark , Steinfort Brendan , Faulder Ken , Bradford Celia , Finfer Simon , Assaad Nazih , Harrington Timothy
Published: October 2014

Objective

Severe angiographic vasospasm (aVSP) is a risk factor for poor functional outcome following subarachnoid hemorrhage. We investigated the impact of angiographic surveillance and intensive endovascular treatment using transluminal balloon angioplasty (TBA) and/or verapamil infusion for severe aVSP through comparison of clinical outcomes in patients of similar presenting grade but with no/mild vasospasm.

Methods

This was an analysis of prospectively acquired clinical trial data. World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grade 1–2 patients presenting within 72 h were included. Angiographic screening for vasospasm was undertaken at days 5–7 or in response to clinical deterioration. Severe aVSP was defined as >50% luminal narrowing on digital subtraction angiography. Treatment was instituted on the basis of radiographic findings and/or clinical deterioration. Discharge destination and favorable clinical outcomes (discharge Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) 4–5, 90 day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score 0–2, and GOS 4–5) for patients with severe aVSP were compared with those without significant vasospasm. Statistical analysis was undertaken using Fisher's exact test.

Results

63 WFNS grade 1–2 patients with minimal vasospasm were compared with 17 WFNS grade 1–2 patients with severe aVSP treated with induced hypertension and endovascular therapy. Results were available in 62 and 16 patients, respectively. Rates of favorable outcome did not differ significantly between the two groups. For patients with treated severe vasospasm, 90 day mRS 0–2 was seen in 15/17 (88.2%) and GOS 4–5 was achieved in 16/17 (94.1%).

Conclusions

An intensive endovascular approach of TBA and/or intra-arterial verapamil in combination with induced hypertension for severe aVSP may result in comparable clinical outcomes to those without vasospasm.
Percutaneous retrieval of an intrathecal foreign body: technical note
Authors: Manix Marc , Wilden Jessica , Cuellar-Saenz Hugo H
Published: October 2014

A 58-year-old man had an intrathecal baclofen pump implanted. A guidewire used during removal of a previously placed lumbar drain catheter fractured, and a fragment was left within the thecal sac. Using fluoroscopic guidance, a loop snare device was used to retrieve the intrathecal foreign body successfully and without complication. The pump was placed without any difficulty, and the patient's hospital course was uneventful.
Epigenetic contributions to the developmental origins of adult lung disease
Authors: Joss-Moore Lisa A. , Lane Robert H. , Albertine Kurt H.
Published: October 2014

Perinatal insults, including intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth, maternal exposure to toxins, or dietary deficiencies produce deviations in the epigenome of lung cells. Occurrence of perinatal insults often coincides with the final stages of lung development. The result of epigenome disruptions in response to perinatal insults during lung development may be long-term structural and functional impairment of the lung and development of lung disease. Understanding the contribution of epigenetic mechanisms to life-long lung disease following perinatal insults is the focus of the developmental origins of adult lung disease field. DNA methylation, histone modifications, and microRNA changes are all observed in various forms of lung disease. However, the perinatal contribution to such epigenetic mechanisms is poorly understood. Here we discuss the developmental origins of adult lung disease, the interplay between perinatal events, lung development and disease, and the role that epigenetic mechanisms play in connecting these events.
Measuring shear wave velocity, Vs, of a hidden layer: an application to soil improvement under roads
Authors: Mulargia Francesco , Castellaro Silvia , Vinco Gianluca
Published: October 2014

In a number of practical cases, a typical one being the investigation of the subsoil properties below roads or foundations, one faces the problem of measuring the elastic properties of a geological layer (here called “hidden layer”) underlying a more compact and rigid surface layer. In such cases, the effectiveness of common surface seismic methods is poor for different reasons, but mostly linked to the reflection–transmission properties of the waves at a stiff-to-soft interface. Borehole methods are more efficient, but expensive and only provide vertical information at certain points. Attempts carried out in the past to characterize the hidden layer properties through surface seismic techniques consisted in placing the seismic source on the surface alongside, but off the stiff artificial layer (road or foundation). An alternative approach is presented based on placing the seismic source just below the stiff artificial layer. In cases where soil improvement–compaction are carried out through injection of expanding resins, then the hidden layer can be easily reached via the injecting tools and in some cases (e.g., urban settings characterized by laterally continuous artificial layers or roads constructed on embankments) this can be the only viable option. The results obtained from this approach using a number of practical cases where roads affected by differential sinking have later been compacted will be presented. The average soil improvement that can be achieved with the specific kind of expanding resin used in this study is then quantified.
Measuring Musical Rhythm Similarity: Statistical Features Versus Transformation Methods
Authors: Beltran Juan F. , Liu Xiaohua , Mohanchandra Nishant , Toussaint Godfried T.
Published: October 2014

Two approaches to measuring the similarity between symbolically notated musical rhythms are compared with each other and with human judgments of perceived similarity. The first is the edit-distance, a popular transformation method, applied to the symbolic rhythm sequences. The second approach employs the histograms of the inter-onset-intervals (IOIs) calculated from the rhythms. Furthermore, two methods for dealing with the histograms are also compared. The first utilizes the Mallows distance, a transformation method akin to the Earth-Movers distance popular in computer vision, and the second extracts a group of standard statistical features, used in music information retrieval, from the IOI-histograms. The measures are compared using four contrastive musical rhythm data sets by means of statistical Mantel tests that compute correlation coefficients between the various dissimilarity matrices. The results provide evidence from the aural domain, that transformation methods such as the edit distance are superior to feature-based methods for predicting human judgments of similarity. The evidence also supports the hypothesis that IOI-histogram-based methods are better than music-theoretical structural features computed from the rhythms themselves, provided that the rhythms do not share identical IOI histograms.
Two-dimensional finite element model to study unsteady state Ca2+ diffusion in neuron involving ER LEAK and SERCA
Authors: Jha Amrita , Adlakha Neeru
Published: October 2014

In this paper, finite element approach using two-dimensional unsteady state problem has been developed to study radial and angular calcium diffusion problem in neurons. Calcium is responsible messenger for transmitting information in communication process between neurons. The most important Ca 2+ binding proteins for the dynamics of Ca 2+ is itself buffer and other physiological parameters are located in Ca 2+ stores. In this study, the model incorporates the physiological parameters like diffusion coefficient, receptors, exogenous buffers etc. Appropriate boundary conditions have been framed in view of the physiological conditions. Computer simulations in MATLAB 7.11 are employed to investigate mathematical models of reaction–diffusion equation, the details of the implementation can heavily affect the numerical solutions and, thus, the outcome simulated on Core(TM) i3 CPU M 330 @ 2.13 GHz processing speed and 3 GB memory.
Molecular basis for the improvement in muscle metaboreflex and mechanoreflex control in exercise-trained humans with chronic heart failure
Authors: Antunes-Correa Ligia M. , Nobre Thais S. , Groehs Raphaela V. , Alves Maria Janieire N. N. , Fernandes Tiago , Couto Gisele K. , Rondon Maria Urbana P. B. , Oliveira Patricia , Lima Marta , Mathias Wilson , Brum Patricia C. , Mady Charles , Almeida Dirceu R. , Rossoni Luciana V. , Oliveira Edilamar M. , Middlekauff Holly R. , Negrao Carlos E.
Published: October 2014

Previous studies have demonstrated that muscle mechanoreflex and metaboreflex controls are altered in heart failure (HF), which seems to be due to changes in cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway and changes in receptors on afferent neurons, including transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 (TRPV1) and cannabinoid receptor type-1 (CB1). The purpose of the present study was to test the hypotheses: 1) exercise training (ET) alters the muscle metaboreflex and mechanoreflex control of muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) in HF patients. 2) The alteration in metaboreflex control is accompanied by increased expression of TRPV1 and CB1 receptors in skeletal muscle. 3) The alteration in mechanoreflex control is accompanied by COX-2 pathway in skeletal muscle. Thirty-four consecutive HF patients with ejection fractions <40% were randomized to untrained ( n = 17; 54 ± 2 yr) or exercise-trained ( n = 17; 56 ± 2 yr) groups. MSNA was recorded by microneurography. Mechanoreceptors were activated by passive exercise and metaboreceptors by postexercise circulatory arrest (PECA). COX-2 pathway, TRPV1, and CB1 receptors were measured in muscle biopsies. Following ET, resting MSNA was decreased compared with untrained group. During PECA (metaboreflex), MSNA responses were increased, which was accompanied by the expression of TRPV1 and CB1 receptors. During passive exercise (mechanoreflex), MSNA responses were decreased, which was accompanied by decreased expression of COX-2, prostaglandin-E2receptor-4, and thromboxane-A2receptor and by decreased in muscle inflammation, as indicated by increased miRNA-146 levels and the stable NF-κB/IκB-α ratio. In conclusion, ET alters muscle metaboreflex and mechanoreflex control of MSNA in HF patients. This alteration with ET is accompanied by alteration in TRPV1 and CB1 expression and COX-2 pathway and inflammation in skeletal muscle.
Restoration of intracellular ATP production in banked red blood cells improves inducible ATP export and suppresses RBC-endothelial adhesion
Authors: Kirby Brett S. , Hanna Gabi , Hendargo Hansford C. , McMahon Timothy J.
Published: October 2014

Transfusion of banked red blood cells (RBCs) has been associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes. Storage-induced alterations in RBC glycolytic flux, attenuated ATP export, and microvascular adhesion of transfused RBCs in vivo could contribute, but the underlying mechanisms have not been tested. We tested the novel hypothesis that improving deoxygenation-induced metabolic flux and the associated intracellular ATP generation in stored RBCs (sRBCs) results in an increased extracellular ATP export and suppresses microvascular adhesion of RBCs to endothelium in vivo following transfusion. We show deficient intracellular ATP production and ATP export by human sRBCs during deoxygenation (impairments ∼42% and 49%, respectively). sRBC pretreatment with a solution containing glycolytic intermediate/purine/phosphate precursors (i.e., “PIPA”) restored deoxygenation-induced intracellular ATP production and promoted extracellular ATP export (improvement ∼120% and 50%, respectively). In a nude mouse model of transfusion, adhesion of human RBCs to the microvasculature in vivo was examined. Only 2% of fresh RBCs (fRBCs) transfused adhered to the vascular wall, compared with 16% of sRBCs transfused. PIPA pretreatment of sRBCs significantly reduced adhesion to just 5%. In hypoxia, adhesion of sRBCs transfused was significantly augmented (up to 21%), but not following transfusion of fRBCs or PIPA-treated sRBCs (3.5% or 6%). Enhancing the capacity for deoxygenation-induced glycolytic flux within sRBCs increases their ability to generate intracellular ATP, improves the inducible export of extracellular anti-adhesive ATP, and consequently suppresses adhesion of stored, transfused RBCs to the vascular wall in vivo.
Vitamin D supplementation blocks pulmonary structural and functional changes in a rat model of perinatal vitamin D deficiency
Authors: Yurt Methap , Liu Jie , Sakurai Reiko , Gong Ming , Husain Sumair M. , Siddiqui Mohammed A. , Husain Maleha , Villarreal Patricia , Akcay Fatih , Torday John S. , Rehan Virender K.
Published: October 2014

Whereas epidemiological data strongly link vitamin D (VD) deficiency to childhood asthma, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Although VD is known to stimulate alveolar epithelial-mesenchymal interactions, promoting perinatal lung maturation, whether VD supplementation during this period protects against childhood asthma has not been demonstrated experimentally. Using an in vivo rat model, we determined the effects of perinatal VD deficiency on overall pulmonary function and the tracheal contraction as a functional marker of airway contractility. One month before pregnancy, rat dams were put on either a no cholecalciferol-added or a 250, 500, or 1,000 IU/kg cholecalciferol-added diet, which was continued throughout pregnancy and lactation. At postnatal day 21, offspring plasma 25(OH)D levels and pulmonary function (whole body plethysmography and tracheal contraction response to acetylcholine) were determined. 25(OH)D levels were lowest in the no cholecalciferol-supplemented group, increasing incrementally in response to cholecalciferol supplementation. Compared with the 250 and 500 IU/kg VD-supplemented groups, the no cholecalciferol-supplemented group demonstrated a significant increase in airway resistance following methacholine challenge. However, the cholecalciferol deficiency-mediated increase in tracheal contractility in the cholecalciferol-depleted group was only blocked by supplementation with 500 IU/kg cholecalciferol. Therefore, in addition to altering alveolar epithelial-mesenchymal signaling, perinatal VD deficiency also alters airway contractility, providing novel insights to asthma pathogenesis in perinatally VD-deficient offspring. Perinatal VD supplementation at 500 IU/kg appears to effectively block these effects of perinatal VD deficiency in the rat model used, providing a strong clinical rationale for effective perinatal VD supplementation for preventing childhood asthma.
Force maintenance and myosin filament assembly regulated by Rho-kinase in airway smooth muscle
Authors: Lan Bo , Deng Linhong , Donovan Graham M. , Chin Leslie Y. M. , Syyong Harley T. , Wang Lu , Zhang Jenny , Pascoe Christopher D. , Norris Brandon A. , Liu Jeffrey C.-Y. , Swyngedouw Nicholas E. , Banaem Saleha M. , Paré Peter D. , Seow Chun Y.
Published: October 2014

Smooth muscle contraction can be divided into two phases: the initial contraction determines the amount of developed force and the second phase determines how well the force is maintained. The initial phase is primarily due to activation of actomyosin interaction and is relatively well understood, whereas the second phase remains poorly understood. Force maintenance in the sustained phase can be disrupted by strains applied to the muscle; the strain causes actomyosin cross-bridges to detach and also the cytoskeletal structure to disassemble in a process known as fluidization, for which the underlying mechanism is largely unknown. In the present study we investigated the ability of airway smooth muscle to maintain force after the initial phase of contraction. Specifically, we examined the roles of Rho-kinase and protein kinase C (PKC) in force maintenance. We found that for the same degree of initial force inhibition, Rho-kinase substantially reduced the muscle's ability to sustain force under static conditions, whereas inhibition of PKC had a minimal effect on sustaining force. Under oscillatory strain, Rho-kinase inhibition caused further decline in force, but again, PKC inhibition had a minimal effect. We also found that Rho-kinase inhibition led to a decrease in the myosin filament mass in the muscle cells, suggesting that one of the functions of Rho-kinase is to stabilize myosin filaments. The results also suggest that dissolution of myosin filaments may be one of the mechanisms underlying the phenomenon of fluidization. These findings can shed light on the mechanism underlying deep inspiration induced bronchodilation.
Frequency-Dependent FDTD Algorithm Using Newmark’s Method
Authors: Wei Bing , Cao Le , Wang Fei , Yang Qian
Published: October 2014

According to the characteristics of the polarizability in frequency domain of three common models of dispersive media, the relation between the polarization vector and electric field intensity is converted into a time domain differential equation of second order with the polarization vector by using the conversion from frequency to time domain. Newmarkβγdifference method is employed to solve this equation. The electric field intensity to polarizability recursion is derived, and the electric flux to electric field intensity recursion is obtained by constitutive relation. Then FDTD iterative computation in time domain of electric and magnetic field components in dispersive medium is completed. By analyzing the solution stability of the above differential equation using central difference method, it is proved that this method has more advantages in the selection of time step. Theoretical analyses and numerical results demonstrate that this method is a general algorithm and it has advantages of higher accuracy and stability over the algorithms based on central difference method.
Destruction of Toluene by the Combination of High Frequency Discharge Electrodeless Lamp and Manganese Oxide-Impregnated Granular Activated Carbon Catalyst
Authors: Xu Jianhui , Li Chaolin , Zhang Qian , He Di , Liu Peng , Ren Yong
Published: October 2014

The destruction of low concentration of toluene (0–30 ppm) has been studied under the UV/photogenerated O3/MnO2-impregnated granular activated carbon (MnO2-impregnated GAC) process by the combination of self-made high frequency discharge electrodeless lamp (HFDEL) with MnO2-impregnated GAC catalyst. Experimental results showed that the initial toluene concentration can strongly affect the concentration of photogenerated O3from HFDEL and the efficiency and mass rate of destruction of toluene via HFDEL/MnO2-impregnated GAC system. Active oxygen and hydroxyl radicals generated from HFDEL/MnO2-impregnated GAC system played a key role in the decomposition of toluene process and the intermediates formed by photolysis are more prone to be mineralized by the subsequent MnO2-impregnated GAC catalyst compared to the original toluene, resulting in synergistic mineralization of toluene by HFDEL/MnO2-impregnated GAC system. The role of MnO2-impregnated GAC catalyst is not only to eliminate the residual O3completely but also to enhance the decomposition and mineralization of toluene.
Accelerated Weatherability of the Low‐Density Polyethylene Nanocomposites with Silica, Clay, and Zinc Oxide
Authors: Redhwi Halim Hamid , Siddiqui Mohammad Nahid , Andrady Anthony L. , Hussain Syed
Published: October 2014

Nanocomposites based on low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) with MMT clay, nanosilica, and nanoscale zinc oxide (at 5 wt.%) were prepared by melt processing and evaluated for durability using laboratory accelerated weathering. The changes in tensile properties of the nanocomposites with the duration of exposure were compared to data from natural weathering outdoors. The enhancement of degradation rates of the LDPE matrix by the presence of nanofillers in accelerated weathering is reported.
Shape‐Controlled Generation of Gold Nanoparticles Assisted by Dual‐Molecules: The Development of Hydrogen Peroxide and Oxidase‐Based Biosensors
Authors: Peng Chifang , Duan Xiaohui , Xie Zhengjun , Liu Chunli
Published: October 2014

With the assist of dual‐molecules, 2‐(N‐morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid (MES) and sodium citrate, gold nanoparticles (GNPs) with different shapes can be generated in the H2O2‐mediated reduction of chloroauric acid. This one‐pot reaction can be employed to sensitively detect H2O2, probe substrates or enzymes in oxidase‐based reactions as well as prepare branched GNPs controllably. By the “naked eye,” 20 μM H2O2, 0.1 μM glucose, and 0.26 U/mL catalase could be differentiated, respectively. By spectrophotometer, the detected limits of H2O2, glucose, and catalase were 1.0 μM, 0.01 μM, and 0.03 U/mL, respectively, and the detection linear ranges for them were 5.0–400 μM, 0.01–0.3 mM, and 0.03–0.78 U/mL, respectively. The proposed “dual‐molecules assist” strategy probably paves a new way for the fabrication of nanosensors based on the growth of anisotropic metal nanoparticles, and the developed catalase sensor can probably be utilized to fabricate ultrasensitive ELISA methods for various analytes.
Children Living near a Sanitary Landfill Have Increased Breath Methane andMethanobrevibacter smithiiin Their Intestinal Microbiota
Authors: Bezerra de Araujo Filho Humberto , Silva Carmo-Rodrigues Mirian , Santos Mello Carolina , Cristina Fonseca Lahoz Melli Lígia , Tahan Soraia , Carlos Campos Pignatari Antonio , Batista de Morais Mauro
Published: October 2014

This study evaluated the breath CH4excretion and concentration ofM. smithiiin intestinal microbiota of schoolchildren from 2 slums. One hundred and eleven children from a slum near a sanitary landfill, 35 children of a slum located away from the sanitary landfill, and 32 children from a high socioeconomic level school were included in the study. Real-time PCR was performed to quantify theM. smithii nifHgene and it was present in the microbiota of all the participating children, with higherP<0.05concentrations in those who lived in the slum near the landfill (3.16×107 CFU/g of feces), comparing with the children from the slum away from the landfill (2.05×106 CFU/g of feces) and those from the high socioeconomic level group (3.93×105 CFU/g of feces). The prevalence of children who present breath methane was 53% in the slum near the landfill, 31% in the slum further away from the landfill and, 22% in the high socioeconomic level group. To live near a landfill is associated with higher concentrations ofM. smithiiin intestinal microbiota, comparing with those who live away from the landfill, regardless of their socioeconomics conditions.
Characterization of Diabetic Neuropathy in the Zucker Diabetic Sprague-Dawley Rat: A New Animal Model for Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Davidson Eric P. , Coppey Lawrence J. , Holmes Amey , Lupachyk Sergey , Dake Brian L. , Oltman Christine L. , Peterson Richard G. , Yorek Mark A.
Published: October 2014

Recently a new rat model for type 2 diabetes the Zucker diabetic Sprague-Dawley (ZDSD/Pco) was created. In this study we sought to characterize the development of diabetic neuropathy in ZDSD rats using age-matched Sprague-Dawley rats as a control. Rats were examined at 34 weeks of age 12 weeks after the onset of hyperglycemia in ZDSD rats. At this time ZDSD rats were severely insulin resistant with slowing of both motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities. ZDSD rats also had fatty livers, elevated serum free fatty acids, triglycerides, and cholesterol, and elevated sciatic nerve nitrotyrosine levels. The corneas of ZDSD rats exhibited a decrease in subbasal epithelial corneal nerves and sensitivity. ZDSD rats were hypoalgesic but intraepidermal nerve fibers in the skin of the hindpaw were normal compared to Sprague-Dawley rats. However, the number of Langerhans cells was decreased. Vascular reactivity of epineurial arterioles, blood vessels that provide circulation to the sciatic nerve, to acetylcholine and calcitonin gene-related peptide was impaired in ZDSD rats. These data indicate that ZDSD rats develop many of the neural complications associated with type 2 diabetes and are a good animal model for preclinical investigations of drug development for diabetic neuropathy.
PKCδPromotes High Glucose Induced Renal Tubular Oxidative Damage via Regulating Activation and Translocation of p66Shc
Authors: Song Panai , Yang Shikun , Xiao Li , Xu Xiaoxuan , Tang Chengyuan , Yang Yuyan , Ma Mingming , Zhu Jiefu , Liu Fuyou , Sun Lin
Published: October 2014

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Renal tubular injury by overproduction of ROS in mitochondria plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of DKD. Evidences have shown that p66Shc was involved in renal tubular injury via mitochondrial-dependent ROS production pathway, but little is known about the upstream signaling of p66Shc that leads to tubular oxidative damage under high glucose conditions. In this study, an increased PKCδand p66Shc activation and ROS production in renal tissues of patients with diabetic nephropathy were seen and further analysis revealed a positive correlation between the tubulointerstitial damage and p-PKCδ, p-p66Shc, and ROS production. In vitro, we investigated the phosphorylation and activation of p66Shc and PKCδduring treatment of HK-2 cells with high glucose (HG). Results showed that the activation of p66Shc and PKCδwas increased in a dose- and time-dependent manner, and this effect was suppressed by Rottlerin, a pharmacologic inhibitor of PKCδ. Moreover, PKCδsiRNA partially blocked HG-induced p66Shc phosphorylation, translocation, and ROS production in HK-2 cells. Taken together, these data suggest that activation of PKCδpromotes tubular cell injury through regulating p66Shc phosphorylation and mitochondrial translocation in HG ambient.
Impact of Dielectric Constant on Embedded Antenna Efficiency
Authors: Nguyen Van Thuan , Jung Chang Won
Published: October 2014

The impact of dielectric constant on radiation efficiency of embedded antenna located inside human body or another liquid environment is investigated both analytically and numerically. Our research is analysed and simulated at 403 MHz in the MedRadio band (401–406 MHz) and within a block of 2/3 human muscle phantom. Good agreement is achieved between analysis and simulation results. This work provides a guidance in selecting insulator for embedded antennas.
Content Determination of Active Component in Huangqi Yinyanghuo Group and Its Effects on hTERT and Bcl-2 Protein in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Tan Ying , Tan Lei , Huang Shuai , Lu Junfan , Yu Longtan
Published: October 2014

To screen the optimal extraction process and content determination of active component of Huangqi Yinyanghuo group (HYG) and to study the effects of HYG on human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and Bcl-2 protein in osteosarcoma (HOS) cells, providing the theoretical basis for clinical application of HYG in treatment of osteosarcoma, orthogonal design table L9(43) was used to design the extraction process of HYG, and icariin was taken as the investigation index to optimize the extraction process of HYG. 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 μmol/L HYG were taken to act separately on logarithmic growth phase osteosarcoma HOS cells, CCK-8 assay was used to determine cell viability, and immunohistochemical SP assay was used to determine the expression of hTERT and Bcl-2 protein. Apoptosis rate was positively correlated with the dose of HYG, and the expressions of hTERT and Bcl-2 protein were significantly decreased with the prolonged duration of action. Under the effect of HYG, dose was negatively correlated with osteosarcoma cell survival fraction; osteosarcoma cell survival fraction was positively correlated with hTERT and Bcl-2 protein; duration of action was negatively correlated with hTERT and Bcl-2 protein; and hTERT and Bcl-2 protein were in a synchronous relationship.
Effects of Wavenumber and Chirality on the Axial Compressive Behavior of Wavy Carbon Nanotubes: A Molecular Mechanics Study
Authors: Kawachi Masaki , Kinoshita Yusuke , Ohno Nobutada
Published: October 2014

The effects of wavenumber and chirality on the axial compressive behavior and properties of wavy carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with multiple Stone‐Wales defects are investigated using molecular mechanics simulations with the adaptive intermolecular reactive empirical bond‐order potential. The wavy CNTs are assumed to be point‐symmetric with respect to their axial centers. It is found that the wavy CNT models, respectively, exhibit a buckling point and long wavelength buckling mode regardless of the wavenumbers and chiralities examined. It is also found that the wavy CNTs have nearly the same buckling stresses as their pristine straight counterparts.
Synthesis, Characterization, Semiempirical and Biological Activities of Organotin(IV) Carboxylates with 4-Piperidinecarboxylic Acid
Authors: Hussain Shabbir , Ali Saqib , Shahzadi Saira , Sharma Saroj K. , Qanungo Kushal , Shahid Muhammad
Published: October 2014

Organotin (IV) carboxylates with the general formulae R2Sn(Cl)L [R = Me (1),n-Bu (2), Ph (3)] and R3SnL [R = Me (4), Ph (5)] have been synthesized by the reaction of 4-piperidinecarboxylic acid (HL) with KOH and R2SnCl2(R = Me,n-Bu, Ph)/R3SnCl (R = Me, Ph) in methanol under stirring conditions. The metal ligand binding site, structure, and stability of complexes have been verified by FT-IR, (1H,13C) NMR, EI-MS technique, and semiempirical study. The FT-IR data indicate the bidentate chelating mode of the carboxylate ligand which is also confirmed by semiempirical study. In solution state, five and four coordinated geometry around tin was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy. The EI-MS data agreed well with the molecular structure of the complexes. Thermodynamic parameters and molecular descriptors were calculated by using semiempirical PM3 method. HOMO-LUMO calculations show that chlorodiorganotin complexes are more susceptible to nucleophilic attack as compared to triorganotin complexes. Computed negative heat of formation indicates that complexes1–4are thermodynamically stable. The organotin(IV) carboxylates displayed powerful antimicrobial activities against various strains of bacteria and fungi and their minimal inhibitory concentration were also evaluated. The complexes exhibited comparatively higher hemolytic activity as compared to free ligand.
Astrocyte Elevated Gene-1 Interacts with Akt Isoform 2 to Control Glioma Growth, Survival, and Pathogenesis
Authors: Hu Bin , Emdad Luni , Bacolod Manny D. , Kegelman Timothy P. , Shen Xue-Ning , Alzubi Mohammad A. , Das Swadesh K. , Sarkar Devanand , Fisher Paul B.
Published: October 2014

The oncogene astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG-1; MTDH) is highly expressed in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and many other types of cancer, where it activates multiple signaling pathways that drive proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, chemoresistance, radioresistance, and metastasis. AEG-1 activates the Akt signaling pathway and Akt and c-Myc are positive regulators of AEG-1 transcription, generating a positive feedback loop between AEG-1 and Akt in regulating tumorigenesis. Here, we describe in GBM cells a direct interaction between an internal domain of AEG-1 and the PH domain of Akt2, a major driver in GBM. Expression and interaction of AEG-1 and Akt2 are elevated in GBM and contribute to tumor cell survival, proliferation, and invasion. Clinically, in silico gene expression and immunohistochemical analyses of patient specimens showed that AEG-1 and Akt2 expression correlated with GBM progression and reduced patient survival. AEG-1–Akt2 interaction prolonged stabilization of Akt2 phosphorylation at S474, regulating downstream signaling cascades that enable cell proliferation and survival. Disrupting AEG-1–Akt2 interaction by competitive binding of the Akt2-PH domain led to reduced cell viability and invasion. When combined with AEG-1 silencing, conditional expression of Akt2-PH markedly increased survival in an orthotopic mouse model of human GBM. Our study uncovers a novel molecular mechanism by which AEG-1 augments glioma progression and offers a rationale to block AEG-1–Akt2 signaling function as a novel GBM treatment. Cancer Res; 74(24); 7321–32. ©2014 AACR.