bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermodynamics of Biosorption for Removal of Co(II) Ions by an Efficient and Ecofriendly Biosorbent (Saccharum bengalense): Kinetics and Isotherm Modeling
Authors: Imran Din Muhammad , Mirza Muhammad Latif , Ata Sadia , Athar Makshoof , Mohsin Ijaz Ul
Published: October 2012

In this research work, a low‐cost biomass derived from the pulp of Saccharum bengalense (SB) was used as an adsorbent material/biosorbent for the removal of Co(II) ions from aqueous solution. Langmuir, Freundlich Timken, and Dubinin‐Radushkevich (D‐R) adsorption isotherms have been applied to further define the mechanism of sorption. From the comparison of different adsorption isotherm models, it was found that biosorption of Co(II) by SB followed Langmuir and Freundlich models. The sorption capacity for cobalt of Saccharum bengalense was (qm = 14.7 mg/g) at 323K. A comparison of kinetic models applied to the adsorption of Co(II) onto Saccharum bengalense was evaluated for the pseudo‐first‐order, pseudo‐second‐order, Elovich, and intraparticle diffusion and Bangham′s kinetics models. It was found that the pseudo‐second‐order mechanism is predominant. Activation parameters evaluated from thermodynamics and kinetic parameters such as free energy change (ΔG0 = −0.254, ΔG# = 84.63 kJ/mol), enthalpy change (ΔH0 = +22.24, ΔH# = 0.004 kJ/mol), and entropy change (ΔS0 = 0.065, ΔS# = 0.262 kJ/mol) revealed the spontaneous, endothermic, and feasible nature of adsorption process. The results of the present investigation suggested that Saccharum bengalense (SB) can be used as an environmentally and economically feasible biosorbent for the removal of Co(II) from aqueous solutions.
Contrary Regulation of Bladder Cancer Cell Proliferation and Invasion by Dexamethasone-Mediated Glucocorticoid Receptor Signals
Authors: Zheng Yichun , Izumi Koji , Li Yi , Ishiguro Hitoshi , Miyamoto Hiroshi
Published: October 2012

In patients with advanced bladder cancer, glucocorticoids are frequently given to reduce acute toxicity, particularly hyperemesis, during chemotherapy, as well as to improve cachectic conditions. However, it remains unclear whether glucocorticoids directly affect the development and progression of bladder cancer through the glucocorticoid receptor pathway. Glucocorticoid receptor expression was first investigated in human bladder cancer lines and tissue microarrays. Then, the effects of dexamethasone on glucocorticoid receptor transcription, cell proliferation, apoptosis/cell cycle, and invasion were examined in bladder cancer lines. Finally, mouse xenograft models for bladder cancer were used to assess the efficacy of dexamethasone on tumor progression. All the cell lines and tissues examined were found to express glucocorticoid receptor. Dexamethasone increased glucocorticoid receptor–mediated reporter activity and cell proliferation, and inhibited apoptosis in the presence or absence of cisplatin. In contrast, dexamethasone suppressed cell invasion, the expression of its related genes [MMP-2/MMP-9, interleukin (IL)-6, VEGF], and the activity of MMP-2/MMP-9, and also induced mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition. In addition, dexamethasone increased IκBα protein levels and cytosolic accumulation of NF-κB. In xenograft-bearing mice, dexamethasone slightly augmented the growth of the inoculated tumors but completely prevented the development of bloody ascites, suggestive of peritoneal dissemination of tumor cells, and actual metastasis. In all these assays, dexamethasone effects were abolished by a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist or glucocorticoid receptor knockdown via RNA interference. Thus, glucocorticoid receptor activation resulted in promotion of cell proliferation via inhibiting apoptosis yet repression of cell invasion and metastasis. These results may provide a basis of developing improved chemotherapy regimens, including or excluding glucocorticoid receptor agonists/antagonists, for urothelial carcinoma. Mol Cancer Ther; 11(12); 2621–32. ©2012 AACR.
Retinal Ganglion Cell Topography and Spatial Resolving Power in Penguins
Authors: Coimbra João Paulo , Nolan Paul M. , Collin Shaun P. , Hart Nathan S.
Published: October 2012

Penguins are a group of flightless seabirds that exhibit numerous morphological, behavioral and ecological adaptations to their amphibious lifestyle, but little is known about the topographic organization of neurons in their retinas. In this study, we used retinal wholemounts and stereological methods to estimate the total number and topographic distribution of retinal ganglion cells in addition to an anatomical estimate of spatial resolving power in two species of penguins: the little penguin, Eudyptula minor, and the king penguin, Aptenodytes patagonicus. The total number of ganglion cells per retina was approximately 1,200,000 in the little penguin and 1,110,000 in the king penguin. The topographic distribution of retinal ganglion cells in both species revealed the presence of a prominent horizontal visual streak with steeper gradients in the little penguin. The little penguin retinas showed ganglion cell density peaks of 21,867 cells/mm2, affording spatial resolution in water of 17.07–17.46 cycles/degree (12.81–13.09 cycles/degree in air). In contrast, the king penguin showed a relatively lower peak density of ganglion cells of 14,222 cells/mm2, but – due to its larger eye – slightly higher spatial resolution in water of 20.40 cycles/degree (15.30 cycles/degree in air). In addition, we mapped the distribution of giant ganglion cells in both penguin species using Nissl-stained wholemounts. In both species, topographic mapping of this cell type revealed the presence of an area gigantocellularis with a concentric organization of isodensity contours showing a peak in the far temporal retina of approximately 70 cells/mm2 in the little penguin and 39 cells/mm2 in the king penguin. Giant ganglion cell densities gradually fall towards the outermost isodensity contours revealing the presence of a vertically organized streak. In the little penguin, we confirmed our cytological characterization of giant ganglion cells using immunohistochemistry for microtubule-associated protein 2. This suite of retinal specializations, which is also observed in the closely related procellariiform seabirds, affords the eyes of the little and king penguins panoramic surveillance of the horizon and motion detection in the frontal visual field.
Evaluation of Clinical Manifestations in Patients with Severe Lymphedema with and without CCBE1 Mutations
Authors: Alders M. , Mendola A. , Adès L. , Al Gazali L. , Bellini C. , Dallapiccola B. , Edery P. , Frank U. , Hornshuh F. , Huisman S.A. , Jagadeesh S. , Kayserili H. , Keng W.T. , Lev D. , Prada C.E. , Sampson J.R. , Schmidtke J. , Shashi V. , van Bever Y. , Van der Aa N. , Verhagen J.M. , Verheij J.B. , Vikkula M. , Hennekam R.C.
Published: October 2012

The lymphedema-lymphangiectasia-intellectual disability (Hennekam) syndrome (HS) is characterised by a widespread congenital lymph vessel dysplasia manifesting as congenital lymphedema of the limbs and intestinal lymphangiectasia, accompanied by unusual facial morphology, variable intellectual disabilities and infrequently malformations. The syndrome is heterogeneous as mutations in the gene CCBE1 have been found responsible for the syndrome in only a subset of patients. We investigated whether it would be possible to predict the presence of a CCBE1 mutation based on phenotype by collecting clinical data of patients diagnosed with HS, with or without a CCBE1 mutation. We report here the results of 13 CCBE1 positive patients, 16 CCBE1 negative patients, who were clinically found to have classical HS, and 8 patients in whom the diagnosis was considered possible, but not certain, and in whom no CCBE1 mutation was identified. We found no statistically significant phenotypic differences between the 2 groups with the clinical HS phenotype, although the degree of lymphatic dysplasia tended to be more pronounced in the mutation positive group. We also screened 158 patients with less widespread and less pronounced forms of lymphatic dysplasia for CCBE1 mutations, and no mutation was detected in this group. Our results suggest that (1) CCBE1 mutations are present only in patients with a likely clinical diagnosis of HS, and not in patients with less marked forms of lymphatic dysplasia, and (2) that there are no major phenotypic differences between HS patients with or without CCBE1 mutations.
Mechanisms of Human Atrial Fibrillation Initiation
Authors: Krummen David E. , Bayer Jason D. , Ho Jeffrey , Ho Gordon , Smetak Miriam R. , Clopton Paul , Trayanova Natalia A. , Narayan Sanjiv M.
Published: October 2012

Background—

Mechanisms of atrial fibrillation (AF) initiation are incompletely understood. We hypothesized that rate-dependent changes (restitution) in action potential duration (APD) and activation latency are central targets for clinical interventions that induce AF. We tested this hypothesis using clinical experiments and computer models.

Methods and Results—

In 50 patients (20 persistent, 23 paroxysmal AF, 7 controls), we used monophasic action potential catheters to define left atrial APD restitution, activation latency, and AF incidence from premature extrastimuli. Isoproterenol (n=14), adenosine (n=10), or rapid pacing (n=36) was then initiated to determine impact on these parameters. Compared with baseline in AF patients, isoproterenol and rapid pacing decreased activation latency (64±14 versus 31±13 versus 24±14 ms;
P
<0.05), steepened maximum APD restitution slope (0.8±0.7 versus 1.7±0.5 versus 1.1±0.5;
P
<0.05), and increased AF incidence (12% versus 64% versus 84%;
P
<0.05). Conversely, adenosine shortened APD (
P
<0.05), yet increased activation latency (86±27 ms;
P
=0.002) so that maximum APD restitution slope did not steepen (1.0±0.5;
P
=NS), and AF incidence was unchanged (10%;
P
=NS). In controls, no intervention steepened APD restitution or initiated AF. Computational modeling revealed that isoproterenol steepened APD restitution by increased L-type calcium current and decreased activation latency via enhanced rapid delayed potassium reactifier current inactivation, whereas rapid pacing steepened APD restitution via increased cardiac inward potassium rectifier current.

Conclusions—

Steep APD restitution is a common pathway for AF initiation by isoproterenol and tachycardia via reduced activation latency that enables engagement of steep APD restitution at rapid rates. Modeling suggests that AF initiation from each intervention uses distinct ionic mechanisms. This insight may help design interventions to prevent AF.
Is Public Opinion Stable? Resolving the Micro/Macro Disconnect in Studies of Public Opinion
Authors: Druckman James N. , Leeper Thomas J.
Published: October 2012

Public opinion matters, both as a central element of democratic theory and as a substantive foundation for political representation. The origins and nature of public opinion have long attracted the attention of social scientists. Yet a number of questions remain; among the more perplexing is whether–and under what conditions–public opinion is stable. The answer depends in large part on whether one looks at aggregations of individual opinions (macro public opinion) or at the individual opinions themselves (micro public opinion). In this essay, we explore the macro/micro divide and offer a framework to determine when opinions are likely to be stable or volatile. This framework reflects both the content of the political environment and the nature of individuals' opinions. Using public opinion dynamics surrounding the Patriot Act as a primary example, we discuss the role of opinion stability in interpreting public opinion and in understanding the normative implications of public preferences.
Sixty Years of NAMES: A Journal of Onomastics
Authors: Nuessel Frank
Published: October 2012

AbstractThis succinct history of NAMES: A Journal of Onomastics discusses its founding in Detroit, Michigan, December 29 1951 and the subsequent creation and publication of its academic journal NAMES in 1953. It provides an enumeration of the Society’s founders and officers, the contents of the first issue, and a listing of famous and frequent contributors to the journal. Maney Publishing is now digitizing all of the contents of NAMES from the first issue (March 1953) to date, which will make these valuable research articles available to the scholars and to the public. A selection of eight important articles published in the journal since 2009 will be available gratis to the public.
The signal transducers STAT5 and STAT3 control expression of Id2 and E2-2 during dendritic cell development
Authors: Li Haiyan S. , Yang Cliff Y. , Nallaparaju Kalyan C. , Zhang Huiyuan , Liu Yong-Jun , Goldrath Ananda W. , Watowich Stephanie S.
Published: October 2012

Cytokines and transcription factors play key roles in dendritic cell (DC) development, yet information about regulatory interactions between these signals remains limited. Here we show that the cytokines GM-CSF and Flt3L induce the transcriptional mediators Id2 and E2-2 and control DC lineage diversification by STAT–dependent pathways. We found that STAT5 is required for tissue CD103+ DC generation and plasmacytoid DC (pDC) suppression in steady state or response to GM-CSF. STAT5 stimulates GM-CSF–dependent expression of Id2, which controls CD103+ DC production and pDC inhibition. By contrast, pDCs, but not CD103+ DCs, are dependent on STAT3. Consistently, STAT3 stimulates Flt3L-responsive expression of the pDC regulator Tcf4 (E2-2). These data suggest that STATs contribute to DC development by controlling transcription factors involved in lineage differentiation.
Co-occurrence of resistance to different antibiotics among aquatic bacteria
Authors: Voolaid Veiko , Jõers Arvi , Kisand Veljo , Tenson Tanel
Published: October 2012

Background

Antibiotic resistance is not confined to pathogens, but is also widespread in various natural environments. In nature the microbes producing antibiotic compounds have been around for millions of years. Heavy use of antibiotics in medicine and veterinary practice may lead to the accumulation of resistance genes in microbial populations, followed by a rise in multiresistant bacteria.

Results

To test the extent of resistance among aquatic bacteria, we have collected 760 isolates resistant to at least one antibiotic. The phylogeny of the isolates covers a wide range of Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes. In order to determine the extent of multiresistance, the isolates were tested on six antibiotics. As the growth rate of the different bacteria was highly variable, the classical medical resistance tests could not be used, and an alternative method considering the full growth curve was developed. In general, the overall resistances to different antibiotics could be explained by random, independent distribution. An exception to this was the resistances against tetracycline and chloramphenicol, which tended to occur in pairs.

Conclusions

We conclude that there is no massive spread of multiresistance determinants in the studied environment, although some specific cases can be found, awaiting for molecular characterization of the resistance mechanisms.
Risk factors for ischemic stroke; results from 9 years of follow-up in a population based cohort of Iran
Authors: Fahimfar Noushin , Khalili Davood , Mohebi Reza , Azizi Fereidoun , Hadaegh Farzad
Published: October 2012

Background

Data about the risk factors of stroke are sparse in the Middle East populations. We aimed to determine the potential risk factors and their population attributable fraction (PAF) for stroke in an Iranian population.

Methods

A cohort Study consisted of 1089 men and 1289 women, with mean (SD) ages of 61.1(7.6) and 59.0(6.7) years, respectively. Cox regression was implemented to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) of each risk factor for stroke events in a stepwise method. We calculated a multivariate adjusted population attributable fraction (PAF) for any risk factors remained in the model.

Results

During 9.3 years of follow-up, 69 events of stroke occurred with incidence rates of 4.5 (95% CI: 3.3-6.0) and 2.5 (1.7-3.6) in 1000 person-years for men and women respectively. Among potential risk factors, only age ≥ 65 years (HR: 2.03, CI: 1.24-3.31), male gender (HR: 2.00, CI: 1.16-3.43), hypertension (HR: 3.03, CI: 1.76-5.22), diabetes mellitus (HR: 2.18, CI: 1.34-3.56), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) (HR: 2.01, CI: 1.22-3.33), were independently associated with increased risk of stroke events in the total population. A paired homogeneity test showed that the hazard ratio of CKD did not differ from other independent risk factors. The PAFs were 29.7% and 25% for male gender and age ≥ 65 as non-modifiable and 48.6%, 29.1% and 22.0% for hypertension, CKD and diabetes as modifiable risk factors respectively.

Conclusion

Following this population based study of Iranians, we demonstrated that among modifiable risk factors, CKD as well as hypertension and diabetes are the strongest independent predictors of stroke.
Li-Fraumeni syndrome with simultaneous osteosarcoma and liver cancer: Increased expression of a CD44 variant isoform after chemotherapy
Authors: Yoshida Go J , Fuchimoto Yasushi , Osumi Tomoo , Shimada Hiroyuki , Hosaka Seiichi , Morioka Hideo , Mukai Makio , Masugi Yohei , Sakamoto Michiie , Kuroda Tatsuo
Published: October 2012

Background

Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome that is commonly associated with a germline mutation in the tumor suppressor gene p53. Loss of p53 results in increased expression of CD44, a cancer stem cell (CSC) marker, which is involved in the scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Here, we report a change in the expression of a CD44 variant isoform (CD44v8-10) in an 8-year-old female LFS patient with osteosarcoma and atypical liver cancer after chemotherapy.

Case presentation

The patient visited a clinic with a chief complaint of chronic pain in a bruise on her right knee. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) raised the possibility of a bone malignancy. Biochemical testing also revealed significantly elevated levels of AFP, which strongly suggested the existence of a primary malignancy in the liver. MRI imaging showed the simultaneous development of osteosarcoma and liver cancer, both of which were confirmed upon biopsy. Combined therapy with surgical resection after chemotherapy was successful in this patient. Regardless of the absence of a familial history of hereditary cancer, a germline mutation in p53 was identified (a missense mutation defined as c.722 C>T, p.Ser241Phe). To better understand the cancer progression and response to treatment, immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of biopsy specimens obtained before and after chemotherapy was performed using a specific antibody against CD44v8-10.

Conclusion

This case demonstrates the ectopic up-regulation of CD44v8-10 in a biopsy sample obtained after cytotoxic chemotherapy, which confers high levels of oxidative stress on cancer cells. Because the alternative splicing of CD44 is tightly regulated epigenetically, it is possible that micro-environmental stress resulting from chemotherapy caused the ectopic induction of CD44v8-10 in vivo.
Subwavelength Fabry-Perot resonator: a pair of quantum dots incorporated with gold nanorod
Authors: Liaw Jiunn-Woei , Huang Chun-Hui , Chen Bae-Renn , Kuo Mao-Kuen
Published: October 2012

The two apexes of an elongated gold nanorod (GNR) irradiated by a plane wave are shown to be the hotspots at the longitudinal plasmon modes. This phenomenon implies that a pair of quantum dots (QDs) located at these apexes might be excited simultaneously if the excitation band of QDs coincides with one of these modes. Consequently, a coherent emission of the two emitters could happen subsequently. In the following coherent emission, these two-level emitters are simulated as two oscillating dipoles (bi-dipole) with some possible phase differences. Our results show that the maximum radiative and nonradiative powers of the bi-dipole occur at the longitudinal plasmon dipole, quadrupole, sextupole, and octupole modes of GNR. Moreover, the strongest emissions are induced by the in-phase bi-dipole coupled to the odd modes and the 180° out-of-phase one to the even modes, respectively. The excitation and emission behaviors of a pair of QDs incorporated with GNR demonstrate the possibility of using this structure as a subwavelength resonator of Fabry-Perot type. In addition, the correlation between these modes of the GNR and the dispersion relation of gold nanowire is also discussed.
Evidence for gill slits and a pharynx in Cambrian vetulicolians: implications for the early evolution of deuterostomes
Authors: Ou Qiang , Morris Simon Conway , Han Jian , Zhang Zhifei , Liu Jianni , Chen Ailin , Zhang Xingliang , Shu Degan
Published: October 2012

Background

Vetulicolians are a group of Cambrian metazoans whose distinctive bodyplan continues to present a major phylogenetic challenge. Thus, we see vetulicolians assigned to groups as disparate as deuterostomes and ecdysozoans. This divergence of opinions revolves around a strikingly arthropod-like body, but one that also bears complex lateral structures on its anterior section interpreted as pharyngeal openings. Establishing the homology of these structures is central to resolving where vetulicolians sit in metazoan phylogeny.

Results

New material from the Chengjiang Lagerstätte helps to resolve this issue. Here, we demonstrate that these controversial structures comprise grooves with a series of openings. The latter are oval in shape and associated with a complex anatomy consistent with control of their opening and closure. Remains of what we interpret to be a musculature, combined with the capacity for the grooves to contract, indicate vetulicolians possessed a pumping mechanism that could process considerable volumes of seawater. Our observations suggest that food captured in the anterior cavity was transported to dorsal and ventral gutters, which then channeled material to the intestine. This arrangement appears to find no counterpart in any known fossil or extant arthropod (or any other ecdysozoan). Anterior lateral perforations, however, are diagnostic of deuterostomes.

Conclusions

If the evidence is against vetulicolians belonging to one or other group of ecdysozoan, then two phylogenetic options seem to remain. The first is that such features as vetulicolians possess are indicative of either a position among the bilaterians or deuterostomes but apart from the observation that they themselves form a distinctive and recognizable clade current evidence can permit no greater precision as to their phylogenetic placement. We argue that this is too pessimistic a view, and conclude that evidence points towards vetulicolians being members of the stem-group deuterostomes; a group best known as the chordates (amphioxus, tunicates, vertebrates), but also including the ambulacrarians (echinoderms, hemichordates), and xenoturbellids. If the latter, first they demonstrate that these members of the stem group show few similarities to the descendant crown group representatives. Second, of the key innovations that underpinned deuterostome success, the earliest and arguably most seminal was the evolution of openings that define the pharyngeal gill slits of hemichordates (and some extinct echinoderms) and chordates.
An adjuvanted respiratory syncytial virus fusion protein induces protection in aged BALB/c mice
Authors: Cherukuri Anu , Stokes Kate L , Patton Kathryn , Kuo Howard , Sakamoto Kaori , Lambert Stacie , Stillman Elizabeth , Moore Martin L , Lee Sujin
Published: October 2012

Background

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) causes significant disease in the elderly, in part, because immunosenescence impairs protective immune responses to infection in this population. Despite previous and current efforts, there is no RSV vaccine currently licensed in infants or elderly adults. Adjuvanted RSV subunit vaccines have the potential to boost waning immune responses and reduce the burden of RSV disease in the elderly population.

Results

We used an aged BALB/c mouse model to evaluate immune responses to RSV Fusion (F) protein in the absence and presence of an alum adjuvant. We demonstrate that aged BALB/c mice immunized with alum-adjuvanted RSV F protein had significantly reduced lung viral titers at day 4 following challenge with wild-type (wt) RSV. Serum neutralizing antibody titers measured on day 27 correlated with protection in both young and aged vaccinated mice, although the magnitude of antibody titers was lower in aged mice. Unlike young mice, in aged mice, alum-adjuvanted RSV F did not induce lung TH2-type cytokines or eosinophil infiltration compared to non-adjuvanted F protein following wt RSV challenge.

Conclusion

Our studies demonstrate that neutralizing anti-RSV antibody titers correlate with protection in both young and aged BALB/c mice vaccinated with RSV F protein vaccines. The F + alum formulation mediated greater protection compared to the non-adjuvanted F protein in both young and aged mice. However, while alum can boost F-specific antibody responses in aged mice, it does not completely overcome the reduced ability of a senescent immune system to respond to the RSV F antigen. Thus, our data suggest that a stronger adjuvant may be required for the prevention of RSV disease in immunosenescent populations, to achieve the appropriate balance of protective neutralizing antibodies and effective TH1-type cytokine response along with minimal lung immunopathology.
Early insulin resistance in severe trauma without head injury as outcome predictor? A prospective, monocentric pilot study
Authors: Bonizzoli Manuela , Zagli Giovanni , Lazzeri Chiara , Degl’Innocenti Sara , Gensini Gianfranco , Peris Adriano
Published: October 2012

Background

Hyperglycemia following major trauma is a well know phenomenon related to stress-induced systemic reaction. Reports on glucose level management in patients with head trauma have been published, but the development of insulin resistance in trauma patients without head injury has not been extensively studied. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the prognostic role of acute insulin-resistance, assessed by the HOMA model, in patients with severe trauma without head injury.

Methods

All patients consecutively admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a tertiary referral center (Careggi Teaching Hospital, Florence, IT) for major trauma without head injury (Jan-Dec 2010) were enrolled. Patients with a previous diagnosis of diabetes mellitus requiring insulin therapy or metabolism alteration were excluded from the analysis. Patients were divided into “insulin resistant” and “non-insulin resistant” based on the Homeostasis Model Assessment index (HOMA IR). Results are expressed as medians.

Results

Out of 175 trauma patients admitted to the ICU during the study period, a total of 54 patients without head trauma were considered for the study, 37 of whom met the inclusion criteria. In total, 23 patients (62.2%) resulted insulin resistant, whereas 14 patients (37.8%) were non-insulin resistant. Groups were comparable in demographic, clinical/laboratory characteristics, and severity of injury. Insulin resistant patients had a significantly higher BMI (P=0.0416), C-reactive protein (P=0.0265), and leukocytes count (0.0301), compared to non-insulin resistant patients. Also ICU length of stay was longer in insulin resistant patients (P=0.0381).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that admission insulin resistance might be used as an early outcome predictor.
A WUSCHEL-related homeobox 3B gene, depilous (dep), confers glabrousness of rice leaves and glumes
Authors: Angeles-Shim Rosalyn B , Asano Kenji , Takashi Tomonori , Shim Junghyun , Kuroha Takeshi , Ayano Madoka , Ashikari Motoyuki
Published: October 2012

Background

Glabrousness is an important agricultural trait for the practical breeding of rice. In this study, depilous (dep), the gene responsible for glabrous leaves and glumes of rice was identified by map-based cloning.

Results

The dep gene encodes a WUSCHEL-related homeobox 3B that was fine-mapped to a 22-kb region on the short arm of chromosome 5 using progenies derived from crosses between Koshihikari (pubescent) and GLSL15, an Oryza glaberrima chromosome segment substitution line (glabrous). Complementation tests confirmed the conditioning of the glabrous phenotype by the dep gene. Phylogenetic analysis showed that dep groups with the WOX3 family of plant-specific homeobox transcription factors that are involved in regulating lateral organ development. Localization of dep in the nucleus indicates the function of the gene as a transcription factor. Spatial expression of the gene was observed in the base of young shoots, the leaf sheath, midrib, young roots and nodal structures.

Conclusion

The identification and cloning of dep will not only provide basis for future research on the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying trichome formation in rice but will also aid in breeding programs for the development of glabrous varieties.
Aberrant cytokine pattern of the nasal mucosa in granulomatosis with polyangiitis
Authors: Wohlers Janet , Breucker Katrin , Podschun Rainer , Hedderich Jürgen , Lamprecht Peter , Ambrosch Petra , Laudien Martin
Published: October 2012

Introduction

In granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), a complex autoimmune small-vessel vasculitis frequently associated with chronic necrotizing inflammation of the nasal mucosa, elevated nasal Staphylococcus (S.) aureus carrier rates are a risk factor for relapse. As cytokines are primarily involved in the regulation of defense against potentially pathogenic microorganisms, the aim of this study was to compare healthy individuals and GPA patients with respect to their baseline cytokine expression of nasal epithelial cells (NEC), which form the first barrier against such triggers. The ability of S. aureus to influence the nasal microenvironment's cytokine secretion was assessed by exemplary stimulation experiments.

Methods

Baseline expression of 19 cytokines of primary NEC of GPA patients and normal controls (NC) was quantified by a multiplex cytokine assay. Stimulation experiments were performed with supernatants of S. aureus and expression of interleukin-8 was determined by ELISA.

Results

In GPA, an altered pattern of baseline cytokine expression with significantly up-regulated G-CSF and reduced interleukin (IL)-8 concentrations was observed. Both NEC of GPA patients and NC responded to stimulation with S. aureus, but GPA patients displayed a significantly lower IL-8 secretion and a diminished dynamic range of response towards the stimulus.

Conclusions

The data presented underline the hypothesis of a disturbed epithelial nasal barrier function in GPA. The dysregulated baseline expression of G-CSF and IL-8 and the reduced response to microbial stimulation may facilitate changes in the composition of the nasal flora and favour an imbalanced inflammatory response, which might be relevant for the disease course.
Does a reduced glucose intake prevent hyperglycemia in children early after cardiac surgery? a randomized controlled crossover study
Authors: de Betue Carlijn TI , Verbruggen Sascha CAT , Schierbeek Henk , Chacko Shaji K , Bogers Ad JJC , van Goudoever Johannes B , Joosten Koen FM
Published: October 2012

Introduction

Hyperglycemia in children after cardiac surgery can be treated with intensive insulin therapy, but hypoglycemia is a potential serious side effect. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of reducing glucose intake below standard intakes to prevent hyperglycemia, on blood glucose concentrations, glucose kinetics and protein catabolism in children after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

Methods

Subjects received a 4-hour low glucose (LG; 2.5 mg/kg per minute) and a 4-hour standard glucose (SG; 5.0 mg/kg per minute) infusion in a randomized blinded crossover setting. Simultaneously, an 8-hour stable isotope tracer protocol was conducted to determine glucose and leucine kinetics. Data are presented as mean ± SD or median (IQR); comparison was made by paired samples t test.

Results

Eleven subjects (age 5.1 (20.2) months) were studied 9.5 ± 1.9 hours post-cardiac surgery. Blood glucose concentrations were lower during LG than SG (LG 7.3 ± 0.7 vs. SG 9.3 ± 1.8 mmol/L; P < 0.01), although the glycemic target (4.0-6.0 mmol/L) was not achieved. No hypoglycemic events occurred. Endogenous glucose production was higher during LG than SG (LG 2.9 ± 0.8 vs. SG 1.5 ± 1.1 mg/kg per minute; P = 0.02), due to increased glycogenolysis (LG 1.0 ± 0.6 vs. SG 0.0 ± 1.0 mg/kg per minute; P < 0.05). Leucine balance, indicating protein balance, was negative but not affected by glucose intake (LG -54.8 ± 14.6 vs. SG -58.8 ± 16.7 μmol/kg per hour; P = 0.57).

Conclusions

Currently recommended glucose intakes aggravated hyperglycemia in children early after cardiac surgery with CPB. Reduced glucose intake decreased blood glucose concentrations without causing hypoglycemia or affecting protein catabolism, but increased glycogenolysis.

Trial registration

Dutch trial register NTR2079.
Effects of respiratory mechanics on the capnogram phases: importance of dynamic compliance of the respiratory system
Authors: Babik Barna , Csorba Zsófia , Czövek Dorottya , Mayr Patrick N , Bogáts Gábor , Peták Ferenc
Published: October 2012

Introduction

The slope of phase III of the capnogram (SIII) relates to progressive emptying of the alveoli, a ventilation/perfusion mismatch, and ventilation inhomogeneity. SIII depends not only on the airway geometry, but also on the dynamic respiratory compliance (Crs); this latter effect has not been evaluated. Accordingly, we established the value of SIII for monitoring airway resistance during mechanical ventilation.

Methods

Sidestream capnography was performed during mechanical ventilation in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery (n = 144). The airway resistance (Raw), total respiratory resistance and Crs displayed by the ventilator, the partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) and SIII were measured in time domain (ST-III) and in a smaller cohort (n = 68) by volumetry (SV-III) with and without normalization to the average CO2 phase III concentration. Measurements were performed at positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) levels of 3, 6 and 9 cmH2O in patients with healthy lungs (Group HL), and in patients with respiratory symptoms involving low (Group LC), medium (Group MC) or high Crs (Group HC).

Results

ST-III and SV-III exhibited similar PEEP dependencies and distribution between the protocol groups formed on the basis of Crs. A wide interindividual scatter was observed in the overall Raw-ST-III relationship, which was primarily affected by Crs. Decreases in Raw with increasing PEEP were reflected in sharp falls in SIII in Group HC, and in moderate decreases in SIII in Group MC, whereas ST-III was insensitive to changes in airway caliber in Groups LC and HL.

Conclusions

SIII assessed in the time domain and by volumetry provide meaningful information about alterations in airway caliber, but only within an individual patient. Although ST-III may be of value for bedside monitoring of the airway properties, its sensitivity depends on Crs. Thus, assessment of the capnogram shape should always be coupled with Crs when the airway resistance or oxygenation are evaluated.
Phase I Study of Folate Conjugate EC145 (Vintafolide) in Patients With Refractory Solid Tumors
Authors: LoRusso Patricia M. , Edelman Martin J. , Bever Susan L. , Forman Karen M. , Pilat MaryJo , Quinn Mary F. , Li Jing , Heath Elisabeth I. , Malburg Lisa M. , Klein Patrick J. , Leamon Christopher P. , Messmann Richard A. , Sausville Edward A.
Published: October 2012

Purpose

EC145 (vintafolide), a conjugate of folic acid and the vinca alkaloid desacetylvinblastine hydrazide (DAVLBH), is a ligand for the folate receptor (FR), with activity against FR-positive tumor xenografts in vivo. This phase I study determined the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) of EC145 administered as a bolus intravenous injection or 1-hour infusion in patients with refractory solid tumors.

Patients and Methods

EC145 was administered as a bolus injection or 1-hour infusion on days 1, 3, and 5 and days 15, 17, and 19 of each 28-day cycle with dose escalation in cohorts of three to six patients until the MTD was identified. Plasma pharmacokinetics were determined on days 1 and 3 of the first cycle.

Results

The MTD of EC145 was 2.5 mg when administered as either a bolus injection or 1-hour infusion. Constipation was the dose-limiting toxicity with both routes. Constipation, nausea, fatigue, and vomiting were the most commonly reported adverse events. One partial response to therapy was observed in a patient with metastatic ovarian cancer.

Conclusion

EC145 administered by bolus injection or as a 1-hour infusion at a dose of 2.5 mg on days 1, 3, and 5 and days 15, 17, and 19 of a 28-day cycle has an acceptable safety profile in patients with advanced cancer. On the basis of these findings, phase II studies of EC145 have been initiated in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer and non–small-cell lung cancer.
Orphan Nuclear Receptor NR4A1 Is a Negative Regulator of DHT-Induced Rat Preantral Follicular Growth
Authors: Xue Kai , Liu Jia-yin , Murphy Bruce D. , Tsang Benjamin K.
Published: October 2012

Nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member1 (NR4A1), an orphan nuclear receptor, is involved in the transcriptional regulation of thecal cell androgen biosynthesis and paracrine factor insulin-like 3 (INSL3) expression. Androgens are known to play an important regulatory role in ovarian follicle growth. Using a chronically androgenized rat model, a preantral follicle culture model and virus-mediated gene delivery, we examined the role and regulation of NR4A1 in the androgenic control of preantral follicular growth. In the present study, Ki67 staining was increased in preantral follicles on ovarian sections from 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-treated rats. Preantral follicles from DHT-treated rats cultured for 4 d exhibited increased growth and up-regulation of mRNA abundance of G1/S-specific cyclin-D2 (Ccnd2) and FSH receptor (Fshr). Similarly, DHT (1 μm) increased preantral follicular growth and Ccnd2 and Fshr mRNA abundance in vitro. The NR4A1 expression was high in theca cells and was down-regulated by DHT in vivo and in vitro. Forced expression of NR4A1 augmented preantral follicular growth, androstenedione production, and Insl3 expression in vitro. Inhibiting the action of androgen (with androgen receptor antagonist flutamide) or INSL3 (with INSL3 receptor antagonist INSL3 B-chain) reduced NR4A1-induced preantral follicular growth. Furthermore, NR4A1 overexpression enhanced DHT-induced preantral follicular growth, a response attenuated by inhibiting INSL3. In conclusion, DHT promotes preantral follicular growth and attenuates thecal NR4A1 expression in vivo and in vitro. Our findings are consistent with the notion that NR4A1 serves as an important point of negative feedback to minimize the excessive preantral follicle growth in hyperandrogenism.
Estrogen Receptors β1 and β2 Have Opposing Roles in Regulating Proliferation and Bone Metastasis Genes in the Prostate Cancer Cell Line PC3
Authors: Dey Prasenjit , Jonsson Philip , Hartman Johan , Williams Cecilia , Ström Anders , Gustafsson Jan-Åke
Published: October 2012

The estrogen receptor (ER)β1 is successively lost during cancer progression, whereas its splice variant, ERβ2, is expressed in advanced prostate cancer. The latter form of cancer often metastasizes to bone, and we wanted to investigate whether the loss of ERβ1 and/or the expression of ERβ2 affect such signaling pathways in prostate cancer. Using PC3 and 22Rv1 prostate cancer cell lines that stably express ERβ1 or ERβ2, we found that the ERβ variants differentially regulate genes known to affect tumor behavior. We found that ERβ1 repressed the expression of the bone metastasis regulator Runx2 in PC3 cells. By contrast, RUNX2 expression was up-regulated at the mRNA level by ERβ2 in PC3 cells, whereas Slug was up-regulated by ERβ2 in both PC3 and 22Rv1 cells. In addition, the expression of Twist1, a factor whose expression strongly correlates with high Gleason grade prostate carcinoma, was increased by ERβ2. In agreement with the increased Twist1 expression, we found increased expression of Dickkopf homolog 1; Dickkopf homolog 1 is a factor that has been shown to increase the RANK ligand/osteoprotegerin ratio and enhance osteoclastogenesis, indicating that the expression of ERβ2 can cause osteolytic cancer. Furthermore, we found that only ERβ1 inhibited proliferation, whereas ERβ2 increased proliferation. The expression of the proliferation markers Cyclin E, c-Myc, and p45Skp2 was differentially affected by ERβ1 and ERβ2 expression. In addition, nuclear β-catenin protein and its mRNA levels were reduced by ERβ1 expression. In conclusion, we found that ERβ1 inhibited proliferation and factors known to be involved in bone metastasis, whereas ERβ2 increased proliferation and up-regulated factors involved in bone metastasis. Thus, in prostate cancer cells, ERβ2 has oncogenic abilities that are in strong contrast to the tumor-suppressing effects of ERβ1.
Selective Removal of 2,4-Dichlorophenol by Surface Molecularly Imprinted Polymers Based on Amino-Functionalized Fe3O4@SiO2 Composites
Authors: Chu Jinyu , Wang Bing , Song Yujun , Zou Xiaohua , Li Chunxiang , Yan Yongsheng
Published: October 2012

A highly selective imprinted amino-functionalized Fe3O4@SiO2 sorbent was prepared by surface molecular imprinting technique for selective removal of trace 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) in water samples. The 2,4-DCP-imprinted amino-functionalized Fe3O4@SiO2 sorbent was characterized by Fourier transform infrared, transmission electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometer, thermogravimetric analysis and batch-mode binding studies. The imprinted functionalized Fe3O4@SiO2 sorbent exhibited high selectivity and offered a fast kinetics for the adsorption of 2,4-DCP. The prepared sorbent was shown to be promising for selective removal of trace levels of 2,4-DCP in environmental water samples.
Iodide Adsorption onto Three Organic–Inorganic Composite Adsorbents
Authors: Zhang Huifang , Guo Tan , Li Quan , Liu Haining , Ye Xiushen , Wu Zhijian
Published: October 2012

Composite adsorbents, Ca(ALG)2–Cu2O, Ca(ALG)2–AgCl and Ca(ALG)2–Ag, were prepared using Cu2O, AgCl and Ag as the adsorption-active components and calcium alginate as the matrix material. The adsorption of iodide from aqueous solutions onto these adsorbents was investigated as a function of initial solution pH, temperature and co-existing NaCl. The loading of the adsorption-active components in the composite adsorbents is much higher than that in the reported composite adsorbents. In neutral solutions, the equilibrium adsorption amount follows the order of Ca(ALG)2–AgCl <> Ca(ALG)2–Ag >> Ca(ALG)2–Cu2O. The adsorption by Ca(ALG)2–AgCl is insensitive to pH, while the adsorption by Ca(ALG)2–Cu2O and Ca(ALG)2–Ag is pH dependent. The effect of temperature on the adsorption is more pronounced for Ca(ALG)2–Cu2O than for Ca(ALG)2–AgCl and Ca(ALG)2–Ag. The co-existing NaCl does not affect the adsorption by Ca(ALG)2–AgCl very much; however, it suppresses the adsorption by Ca(ALG)2–Ag, and especially, Ca(ALG)2–Cu2O. Chemical adsorption is the main mechanism for all the three adsorbents. Ca(ALG)2–AgCl was found to be the best adsorbent owing to its highest adsorption capacity, suitable adsorption rate and insensitivity to solution pH, temperature and co-existing NaCl.
An Evaluation Testbed for Wind Turbine Blade Tip Designs — Winglet Results
Authors: Gertz Drew , Johnson David A. , Swytink-Binnema Nigel
Published: October 2012

A 3.3 m diameter variable speed wind turbine and rotor has been designed, fabricated and tested with exchangeable blade tip capability. This rotor was custom designed utilizing the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's S83X series airfoils for the University of Waterloo Wind Energy research facility with blades that allow the outer 10% of the blade to be exchanged.

Turbine power production measurements were completed in the controlled wind facility covering a range of mean wind speeds, 3.6 m/s to 11 m/s, and turbine rotor shaft rotational rates, 100 rpm to 240 rpm. Power produced by the blades was determined as a function of input wind speed. The coefficient of power, CP, was determined as a function of the tip speed ratio λ and peak CP was found to approach 0.42 at the design λ of 6.7. At the design shaft speed of 200 rpm, the maximum power produced was 1.45 kW at 11 m/s.

Prior winglet designs are discussed and two winglet designs are evaluated. The effects of two different winglets, the Maniaci and Gertz designs, were evaluated with surface oil flow visualization and quantified by repeating the test that was executed with the standard tip for each winglet. Both winglets were found to have a bell-shaped power augmentation profile, with a broad peak between 6.5 m/s and 9.5 m/s where power was increased by 5% to 7%. These power augmentation figures matched closely with the findings in the literature that suggested increases of 2% to 8% are possible. It is noted, however, that these designs are certainly not optimal and it is possible that an optimized winglet design through further modeling and testing could be attained.
Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Generator Design for Low Cost Manufacturing of Small Wind Turbines
Authors: Latoufis K.C. , Messinis G.M. , Kotsampopoulos P.C. , Hatziargyriou N.D.
Published: October 2012

In this paper the design and manufacturing processes for coreless axial flux permanent magnet generators are described for low cost rural electrification applications, where local production of small wind turbines is considered. The process is based on already existing open source design and construction manuals, while a systematic approach to designing generators of varying nominal power and for grid connection or direct battery charging schemes is described. The manufacturing process of a 3 kW small wind turbine generator for grid connection is used as a case study. Emphasis is given to the use of simple tools and techniques to achieve a lower cost, while intricate steps in the manufacturing process are described in more detail. The generator design is simulated and the constructed machine is tested in the laboratory.
The Impact of External Environments and Wheel-Rail Friction on Noise inside a Train Car
Authors: Soeta Yoshiharu , Shimokura Ryota
Published: October 2012

Trains travel through various environments typically on tracks above ground or in tunnels. When trains pass through different environments, the perceived noise inside a train car can change. For example, there are three main types of noise caused by wheel-rail interaction, namely, rolling, impact, and curve squeal. Each type can be perceived differently. To consider appropriate remedial measures, the effects of the external environment and wheel-rail interaction on noise inside train cars were investigated. Spectral analysis of noise from inside a train car traveling through tunnels featured a noticeable sound frequency around 250 Hz. More reflections enter train cars from tunnels with circular cross-section, namely those constructed by a boring machine. Impact noise had larger components at lower frequencies. Curve squeal noise had larger components at frequencies between 125 and 500 Hz.