bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Xylanase Gene Transcription in Trichoderma reesei Is Triggered by Different Inducers Representing Different Hemicellulosic Pentose Polymers
Authors: Herold Silvia , Bischof Robert , Metz Benjamin , Seiboth Bernhard , Kubicek Christian P.
Published: January 2013

The ascomyceteTrichoderma reeseiis a paradigm for the regulation and production of plant cell wall-degrading enzymes, including xylanases. Four xylanases, including XYN1 and XYN2 of glycosyl hydrolase family 11 (GH11), the GH10 XYN3, and the GH30 XYN4, were already described. By genome mining, we identified a fifth xylanase, XYN5, belonging to GH11. Transcriptional analysis reveals that the expression of all xylanases butxyn3is induced byd-xylose, dependent on the cellulase and xylanase regulator XYR1 and negatively regulated by the carbon catabolite repressor CRE1. Impairment ofd-xylose catabolism at thed-xylose reductase and xylitol dehydrogenase step strongly enhanced induction byd-xylose. Knockout of thel-xylulose reductase-encoding genelxr3, which connects thed-xylose andl-arabinose catabolic pathways, had no effect on xylanase induction. Besides the induction byd-xylose, theT. reeseixylanases were also induced byl-arabinose, and this induction was also enhanced in knockout mutants inl-arabinose reductase (xyl1),l-arabitol dehydrogenase (lad1), andl-xylulose reductase (lxr3). Induction byl-arabinose was also XYR1 dependent. Analysis of intracellular polyols revealed accumulation of xylitol in all strains only during incubation withd-xylose and accumulation ofl-arabitol only during incubation withl-arabinose. Induction byl-arabinose could be further stimulated by addition ofd-xylose. We conclude that the expression of theT. reeseixylanases can be induced by bothd-xylose andl-arabinose, but independently of each other and by using different inducing metabolites.
Complete Genome Sequences from Three Genetically Distinct Strains Reveal High Intraspecies Genetic Diversity in the Microsporidian Encephalitozoon cuniculi
Authors: Pombert Jean-François , Xu Jinshan , Smith David R. , Heiman David , Young Sarah , Cuomo Christina A. , Weiss Louis M. , Keeling Patrick J.
Published: January 2013

Microsporidia from the Encephalitozoonidae are obligate intracellular parasites with highly conserved and compacted nuclear genomes: they have few introns, short intergenic regions, and almost identical gene complements and chromosome arrangements. Comparative genomics of
Encephalitozoon
and microsporidia in general have focused largely on the genomic diversity between different species, and we know very little about the levels of genetic diversity within species. Polymorphism studies with
Encephalitozoon
are so far restricted to a small number of genes, and a few genetically distinct strains have been identified; most notably, three genotypes (ECI, ECII, and ECIII) of the model species
E. cuniculi
have been identified based on variable repeats in the rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS). To determine if
E. cuniculi
genotypes are genetically distinct lineages across the entire genome and at the same time to examine the question of intraspecies genetic diversity in microsporidia in general, we sequenced
de novo
genomes from each of the three genotypes and analyzed patterns of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions/deletions across the genomes. Although the strains have almost identical gene contents, they harbor large numbers of SNPs, including numerous nonsynonymous changes, indicating massive intraspecies variation within the Encephalitozoonidae. Based on this diversity, we conclude that the recognized genotypes are genetically distinct and propose new molecular markers for microsporidian genotyping.
The role of chief executive officers in a quality improvement initiative: a qualitative study
Authors: Parand Anam , Dopson Sue , Vincent Charles
Published: January 2013

Objectives

To identify the critical dimensions of hospital Chief Executive Officers’ (CEOs) involvement in a quality and safety initiative and to offer practical guidance to assist CEOs to fulfil their leadership role in quality improvement (QI).

Design

Qualitative interview study.

Setting

20 organisations participating in the main phase of the Safer Patients Initiative (SPI) programme across the UK.

Participants

17 CEOs overseeing 19 organisations participating in the main phase of the SPI programme and 36 staff (20 workstream leads, 10 coordinators and 6 managers) involved in SPI across all 20 participating organisations.

Main outcome measure

Self-reported perceptions of CEOs on their contribution and involvement within the SPI programme, supplemented by staff peer-reports.

Results

The CEOs recognised the importance of their part in the SPI programme and gave detailed accounts of the perceived value that their involvement had brought at all stages of the process. In exploring the parts played by the CEOs, five dimensions were identified: (1) resource provision; (2) staff motivation and engagement; (3) commitment and support; (4) monitoring progress and (5) embedding programme elements. Staff reports confirmed these dimensions; however, the weighting of the dimensions differed. The findings stress the importance of particular actions of support and monitoring such as constant communication through leadership walk rounds and reviewing programme progress and its related clinical outcomes at Board meetings.

Conclusions

This study addressed the call for more research-informed practical guidance on the role of senior management in QI initiatives. The findings show that the CEOs provided key participation considered to significantly contribute towards the SPI programme. CEOs and staff identified a number of clear and consistent themes essential to organisation safety improvement. Queries raised include the tangible benefits of executive involvement in changing structures and embedding for sustainability and the practical steps to creating the ‘right’ environment for QI.
A public opinion survey: is presumed consent the answer to kidney shortage in Hong Kong?
Authors: Chan Tak Kwong , Cowling Benjamin John , Tipoe George Lim
Published: January 2013

Objective

To project the impact of an opt-out system (presuming consent) in Hong Kong on the likelihood that a potential donor donates his or her kidneys after death and the likelihood of violating a potential donor's autonomy.

Setting

Cross-sectional population-based anonymous telephone survey.

Participants

Random sample of 802 adults aged between 18 and 64.

Main outcome measure

Willingness to donate their own kidneys after death and their willingness to donate the kidneys of a deceased family member in different hypothetical situations under the current opt-in system and under our proposed soft version of an opt-out system.

Results

When the wish of the deceased is unknown, 72.6% (n=583) of the respondents said that under the proposed opt-out system, they would definitely or likely consent to donating the kidneys of a deceased family member, significantly more than under the current opt-in system (OR 2.53, 95% CI 2.06 to 3.11). An opt-out system could significantly improve the projected overall donation potential from 0.631 to 0.771 (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.58–2.45) and reduce the projected overall chance of violating the autonomy of a potential donor from 0.292 to 0.127 (OR 0.35, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.45).

Conclusions

A switch to an opt-out system in Hong Kong would likely result in the wishes of more people being followed and raise the overall cadaveric kidney donation rate.
Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and proton pump inhibitors in correlation with incidence, recurrence and death of peptic ulcer bleeding: an ecological study
Authors: Lu Yunxia , Sverdén Emma , Ljung Rickard , Söderlund Claes , Lagergren Jesper
Published: January 2013

Background

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are regarded as two types of drugs that respectively increase and decrease the risk of peptic ulcer bleeding. However, their relation to occurrence, recurrence and death of bleeding in the population level is not clear.

Study objective

To clarify recent calendar-time correlations between sales of NSAIDs and PPIs and the occurrence of peptic ulcer bleeding, re-bleeding and death.

Design

Ecological study.

Results

The time trend of peptic ulcer bleeding did not correlate with PPI sales but did correlate with NSAIDs in mem (Rmale=0.6571, Pmale=0.05). Sales of PPIs (inverse) and NSAIDs correlated with re-bleeding in women (Rmale=−0.8754, Pmale=0.002 and Rfemale=0.7161, Pfemale=0.03, respectively), but not in men. An inverse correlation between PPI sales and 30-day death after bleeding was found (Rmale=−0.9392, Pmale=0.0002 and Rfemale=−0.8561, Pfemale=0.003), and NSAID sales were found to correlate with increased death after bleeding ((Rmale=0.7278, Pmale=0.03, Rfemale=0.7858, Pfemale=0.01).

Conclusions

The sales of NSAIDs and PPIs correlate with recurrence of peptic ulcer bleeding in women and death after peptic ulcer bleeding in both genders in the population level.
Independent association between low serum amylase and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in asymptomatic adults: a cross-sectional observational study
Authors: Nakajima Kei , Oshida Haruki , Muneyuki Toshitaka , Saito Masafumi , Hori Yumiko , Fuchigami Hiroshi , Kakei Masafumi , Munakata Hiromi
Published: January 2013

Objectives

Low serum amylase (LSA) was reported to be associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome (MetS) and diabetes. However, it is unknown as to whether LSA is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a hepatic manifestation of MetS and insulin resistance. Therefore, we performed a clinical epidemiological study to investigate this potential association.

Design

A cross-sectional observational study with multivariate analysis.

Setting

Subjects were recruited in a healthcare centre in Saitama, an eastern district of Japan, near Tokyo.

Participants

A total of 1475 asymptomatic adults aged 30–79 years who underwent detailed medical check-ups and who regularly consumed small amounts of alcohol (<20 g/day).

Outcome measures

Serum amylase, cardiometabolic risk factors, NAFLD determined by ultrasound, MetS determined by Adult Treatment Panel-III criteria and diabetes were assessed.

Results

The prevalence of NAFLD increased significantly from 22.5% to 42.4% (all grades) and from 9.2% to 24.0% (moderate or severe grade) from the highest to the lowest quartile of serum amylase. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that, compared with the highest quartile of serum amylase, the lowest quartile of serum amylase was significantly associated with any-grade NAFLD and with moderate-to-severe NAFLD, even after adjusting for MetS or diabetes. The association between LSA and any-grade NAFLD disappeared after further adjustment for body mass index or waist circumference, whereas the association between LSA and moderate or severe NAFLD remained statistically significant (ORs (95%CI), 2.01 (1.07 to 3.78) and 2.06 (1.09 to 3.87), respectively, both p=0.01).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that LSA may be associated with moderate or severe NAFLD in asymptomatic adults independent of MetS, diabetes and obesity. These results warrant confirmation in further studies.
Leaders’ and followers’ individual experiences during the early phase of simulation-based team training: an exploratory study
Authors: Meurling Lisbet , Hedman Leif , Felländer-Tsai Li , Wallin Carl-Johan
Published: January 2013

Background

A growing body of evidence shows that team training can develop essential team skills and contribute to better patient outcomes. Current simulation-based team training (SBTT) programmes most often include targets and feedback focused on the whole team and/or leader, ignoring the follower as a unique entity. By considering followers’ individual experiences, and tailoring behavioural targets for training and feedback, SBTT could be improved. Our aim was to explore the individual experiences and behaviours of leaders and followers during the early phase of SBTT, and we hypothesised that leaders and followers would show different responses.

Methods

Medical students (n=54) participated in half-day SBTT including three video-recorded scenarios. Self-efficacy was assessed pretraining and post-training. For each scenario (n=36), the individual teamwork behaviours, concentration, mental strain and the team's clinical performance were recorded. Data were analysed using a mixed model allowing for participants to be their own control in their roles as leader or follower.

Results

Self-efficacy improved. In the role of leader, participants communicated to a greater extent and experienced higher mental strain and concentration than they did in the role of follower.

Discussion

The increased self-efficacy enables a positive learning outcome after only three scenarios. Individual experiences and behaviours differed between the role of leader and that of follower. By shedding further light on leaders’ and followers’ individual experiences and behaviours, targets for training and feedback could be specified in order to improve SBTT.
Hydration status of Greco-Roman wrestlers in an authentic precompetition situation
Authors: Ööpik Vahur , Timpmann Saima , Burk Andres , Hannus Innar
Published: January 2013

We assessed the urinary indexes of hydration status of Greco-Roman wrestlers in an authentic precompetition situation at the time of official weigh-in (OWI). A total of 51 of 89 wrestlers competing in the Estonian Championship in 2009 donated a urine sample. Questionnaire responses revealed that 27 wrestlers (body mass losers (BMLs)) reduced body mass before the competition, whereas 24 wrestlers (those who do not lose body mass (n-BMLs)) did not. In 42 wrestlers, values of urine specific gravity ≥1.020 and urine osmolality ≥700 mOsmol·kg−1 revealed a hypohydrated status. The prevalence of hypohydration in the BMLs (96%) was higher than in the n-BMLs (67%) (χ2 = 7.68; p < 0.05). The prevalence of serious hypohydration (urine specific gravity >1.030) was 5.3 times greater (χ2 = 8.32; p < 0.05) in the BMLs than in the n-BMLs. In the BMLs, the extent of body mass gain during the 16-h recovery (2.5 ± 1.2 kg) was associated (r = 0.764; p < 0.05) with self-reported precompetition body mass loss (4.3 ± 2.0 kg) and exceeded the body mass gain observed in the n-BMLs (0.7 ± 1.2 kg; p < 0.05). We conclude that hypohydration is prevalent among Greco-Roman wrestlers at the time of OWI. The prevalence of hypohydration and serious hypohydration is especially high among wrestlers who are accustomed to reducing body mass before competition. These results suggest that an effective rehydration strategy is needed for Olympic-style wrestlers, and that changes in wrestling rules should be considered to reduce the prevalence of harmful body mass management behaviours.
Multisource domain adaptation and its application to early detection of fatigue
Authors: Chattopadhyay Rita , Sun Qian , Fan Wei , Davidson Ian , Panchanathan Sethuraman , Ye Jieping
Published: January 2013

We consider the characterization of muscle fatigue through a noninvasive sensing mechanism such as Surface ElectroMyoGraphy (SEMG). While changes in the properties of SEMG signals with respect to muscle fatigue have been reported in the literature, the large variation in these signals across different individuals makes the task of modeling and classification of SEMG signals challenging. Indeed, the variation in SEMG parameters from subject to subject creates differences in the data distribution. In this article, we propose two transfer learning frameworks based on the multisource domain adaptation methodology for detecting different stages of fatigue using SEMG signals, that addresses the distribution differences. In the proposed frameworks, the SEMG data of a subject represent a domain; data from multiple subjects in the training set form the multiple source domains and the test subject data form the target domain. SEMG signals are predominantly different in conditional probability distribution across subjects. The key feature of the first framework is a novel weighting scheme that addresses the conditional probability distribution differences across multiple domains (subjects) and the key feature of the second framework is a two-stage domain adaptation methodology which combines weighted data from multiple sources based on marginal probability differences (first stage) as well as conditional probability differences (second stage), with the target domain data. The weights for minimizing the marginal probability differences are estimated independently, while the weights for minimizing conditional probability differences are computed simultaneously by exploiting the potential interaction among multiple sources. We also provide a theoretical analysis on the generalization performance of the proposed multisource domain adaptation formulation using the weighted Rademacher complexity measure. We have validated the proposed frameworks on Surface ElectroMyoGram signals collected from 8 people during a fatigue-causing repetitive gripping activity. Comprehensive experiments on the SEMG dataset demonstrate that the proposed method improves the classification accuracy by 20% to 30% over the cases without any domain adaptation method and by 13% to 30% over existing state-of-the-art domain adaptation methods.
Polynomial kernels for dominating set in graphs of bounded degeneracy and beyond
Authors: Philip Geevarghese , Raman Venkatesh , Sikdar Somnath
Published: January 2013

We show that for every fixed
j
≥
i
≥ 1, the
k
-D
ominating
S
et
problem restricted to graphs that do not have

K
ij

(the complete bipartite graph on (
i
+
j
) vertices, where the two parts have
i
and
j
vertices, respectively) as a subgraph is fixed parameter tractable (FPT) and has a polynomial kernel. We describe a polynomial-time algorithm that, given a

K
i,j

-free graph
G
and a nonnegative integer
k
, constructs a graph
H
(the “kernel”) and an integer
k
' such that (1)
G
has a dominating set of size at most
k
if and only if
H
has a dominating set of size at most
k
', (2)
H
has
O
((
j
+ 1)

i
+ 1

k
i
2

) vertices, and (3)
k
' =
O
((
j
+ 1)

i
+ 1

k
i
2

).

Since
d
-degenerate graphs do not have

K
d+1,d+1

as a subgraph, this immediately yields a polynomial kernel on
O
((
d
+ 2)

d
+2

k

(
d
+ 1)

2
) vertices for the
k
-D
ominating
S
et
problem on
d
-degenerate graphs, solving an open problem posed by Alon and Gutner [Alon and Gutner 2008; Gutner 2009].

The most general class of graphs for which a polynomial kernel was previously known for
k
-D
ominating
S
et
is the class of

K
h

-topological-minor-free graphs [Gutner 2009]. Graphs of bounded degeneracy are the most general class of graphs for which an FPT algorithm was previously known for this problem.

K
h

-topological-minor-free graphs are

K
i,j

-free for suitable values of
i,j
(but not vice-versa), and so our results show that
k
-D
ominating
S
et
has both FPT algorithms and polynomial kernels in strictly more general classes of graphs.

Using the same techniques, we also obtain an
O
(

jk
i

) vertex-kernel for the
k
-I
ndependent
D
ominating
S
et
problem on

K
i,j

-free graphs.
Condos and clouds
Authors: Helland Pat
Published: January 2013

Constraints in an environment empower the services.
Illustrating how mechanical assemblies work
Authors: Mitra Niloy J. , Yang Yong-Liang , Yan Dong-Ming , Li Wilmot , Agrawala Maneesh
Published: January 2013

How-things-work
visualizations use a variety of visual techniques to depict the operation of complex mechanical assemblies. We present an automated approach for generating such visualizations. Starting with a 3D CAD model of an assembly, we first infer the motions of the individual parts and the interactions across the parts based on their geometry and a few user-specified constraints. We then use this information to generate visualizations that incorporate motion arrows, frame sequences, and animation to convey the causal chain of motions and mechanical interactions across parts. We demonstrate our system on a wide variety of assemblies.
Evaluation of In Situ Phytoplankton Growth Rates: A Synthesis of Data from Varied Approaches
Authors: Laws Edward A.
Published: January 2013

The use of clean sampling and incubation methods and the development of biomass-independent techniques for estimating the rates of growth and grazing mortality of phytoplankton in the ocean have resulted in estimates of phytoplankton growth rates that are approximately twice those reported prior to roughly 1980. Light-saturated growth rates in tropical and subtropical latitudes correspond to a doubling time of roughly 1 day. The results of mesoscale nutrient-enrichment experiments and comparison of growth rates with estimates of strictly temperature-limited rates indicate that light-saturated growth rates are no more than 50% of nutrient-saturated values, a conclusion consistent with the resiliency of food webs to perturbations. Phytoplankton growth rates in the euphotic zone of the ocean appear to be controlled largely by the grazing activities of micro- and mesozooplankton and the recycling of nutrients associated with the catabolism of consumed prey.
Reductions in insulin concentrations and β-cell mass precede growth restriction in sheep fetuses with placental insufficiency
Authors: Limesand Sean W. , Rozance Paul J. , Macko Antoni R. , Anderson Miranda J. , Kelly Amy C. , Hay William W.
Published: January 2013

In pregnancy complicated by placental insufficiency (PI) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), the fetus near term has reduced basal and glucose-stimulated insulin concentrations and reduced β-cell mass. To determine whether suppression of insulin concentrations and β-cell mass precedes reductions in fetal weight, which would implicate insulin deficiency as a cause of subsequent IUGR, we measured basal and glucose-stimulated insulin concentrations and pancreatic histology at 0.7 gestation in PI fetuses. Placental weights in the PI pregnancies were 40% lower than controls (265 ± 26 vs. 442 ± 41 g, P < 0.05), but fetal weights were not different. At basal conditions blood oxygen content, plasma glucose concentrations, and plasma insulin concentrations were lower in PI fetuses compared with controls (2.5 ± 0.3 vs. 3.5 ± 0.3 mmol/l oxygen, P < 0.05; 1.11 ± 0.09 vs. 1.44 ± 0.12 mmol/l glucose; 0.12 ± 0.01 vs. 0.27 ± 0.02 ng/ml insulin; P < 0.05). During a steady-state hyperglycemic clamp (∼2.5 ± 0.1 mmol/l), glucose-stimulated insulin concentrations were lower in PI fetuses than controls (0.28 ± 0.02 vs. 0.55 ± 0.04 ng/ml; P < 0.01). Plasma norepinephrine concentrations were 3.3-fold higher ( P < 0.05) in PI fetuses (635 ± 104 vs. 191 ± 91 pg/ml). Histological examination revealed less insulin area and lower β-cell mass and rates of mitosis. The pancreatic parenchyma was also less dense ( P < 0.01) in PI fetuses, but no differences were found for pancreatic progenitor cells or other endocrine cell types. These findings show that hypoglycemia, hypoxemia, and hypercatecholaminemia are present and potentially contribute to lower insulin concentrations and β-cell mass due to slower proliferation rates in early third-trimester PI fetuses before discernible reductions in fetal weight.
Skeletal muscle uncoupling-induced longevity in mice is linked to increased substrate metabolism and induction of the endogenous antioxidant defense system
Authors: Keipert S. , Ost M. , Chadt A. , Voigt A. , Ayala V. , Portero-Otin M. , Pamplona R. , Al-Hasani H. , Klaus S.
Published: January 2013

Ectopic expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) in skeletal muscle (SM) mitochondria increases lifespan considerably in high-fat diet-fed UCP1 Tg mice compared with wild types (WT). To clarify the underlying mechanisms, we investigated substrate metabolism as well as oxidative stress damage and antioxidant defense in SM of low-fat- and high-fat-fed mice. Tg mice showed an increased protein expression of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase, markers of lipid turnover (p-ACC, FAT/CD36), and an increased SM ex vivo fatty acid oxidation. Surprisingly, UCP1 Tg mice showed elevated lipid peroxidative protein modifications with no changes in glycoxidation or direct protein oxidation. This was paralleled by an induction of catalase and superoxide dismutase activity, an increased redox signaling (MAPK signaling pathway), and increased expression of stress-protective heat shock protein 25. We conclude that increased skeletal muscle mitochondrial uncoupling in vivo does not reduce the oxidative stress status in the muscle cell. Moreover, it increases lipid metabolism and reactive lipid-derived carbonyls. This stress induction in turn increases the endogenous antioxidant defense system and redox signaling. Altogether, our data argue for an adaptive role of reactive species as essential signaling molecules for health and longevity.
Cross-talk between skeletal muscle and immune cells: muscle-derived mediators and metabolic implications
Authors: Pillon Nicolas J. , Bilan Philip J. , Fink Lisbeth N. , Klip Amira
Published: January 2013

Skeletal muscles contain resident immune cell populations and their abundance and type is altered in inflammatory myopathies, endotoxemia or different types of muscle injury/insult. Within tissues, monocytes differentiate into macrophages and polarize to acquire pro- or anti-inflammatory phenotypes. Skeletal muscle macrophages play a fundamental role in repair and pathogen clearance. These events require a precisely regulated cross-talk between myofibers and immune cells, involving paracrine/autocrine and contact interactions. Skeletal muscle also undergoes continuous repair as a result of contractile activity that involves participation of myokines and anti-inflammatory input. Finally, skeletal muscle is the major site of dietary glucose disposal; therefore, muscle insulin resistance is essential to the development of whole body insulin resistance. Notably, muscle inflammation is emerging as a potential contributor to insulin resistance. Recent reports show that inflammatory macrophage numbers within muscle are elevated during obesity and that muscle cells in vitro can mount autonomous inflammatory responses under metabolic challenge. Here, we review the nature of skeletal muscle inflammation associated with muscle exercise, damage, and regeneration, endotoxin presence, and myopathies, as well as the new evidence of local inflammation arising with obesity that potentially contributes to insulin resistance.
Perivascular adipose tissue-derived adiponectin activates BKCa channels to induce anticontractile responses
Authors: Lynch Fiona M. , Withers Sarah B. , Yao Zhihong , Werner Matthias E. , Edwards Gill , Weston Arthur H. , Heagerty Anthony M.
Published: January 2013

This study aims to identify the potential mechanisms by which perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) reduces tone in small arteries. Small mesenteric arteries from wild-type and large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) channel knockout mice were mounted on a wire myograph in the presence and absence of PVAT, and contractile responses to norepinephrine were assessed. Electrophysiology studies were performed in isolated vessels to measure changes in membrane potential produced by adiponectin. Contractile responses from wild-type mouse small arteries were significantly reduced in the presence of PVAT. This was not observed in the presence of a BKCa channel inhibitor or with nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition or in BKCa or adiponectin knockout mice. Solution transfer experiments demonstrated the presence of an anticontractile factor released from PVAT. Adiponectin-induced vasorelaxation and hyperpolarization in wild-type arteries were not evident in the absence of or after inhibition of BKCa channels. PVAT from BKCa or adiponectin knockout mice failed to elicit an anticontractile response in wild-type arteries. PVAT releases adiponectin, which is an anticontractile factor. Its effect on vascular tone is mediated by activation of BKCa channels on vascular smooth muscle cells and adipocytes and by endothelial mechanisms.
Protein Folding Under Mechanical Forces: A Physiological View
Authors: Javadi Yalda , Fernandez Julio M. , Perez-Jimenez Raul
Published: January 2013

Mechanical forces regulate the function of numerous proteins relevant to physiology. The functions and folding of proteins have been under scrutiny for decades, but it was not until recently that mechanical forces have been considered. Here, we review different techniques for studying protein folding, highlighting their physiological significance.
Vesicular Neurotransmitter Transporters: An Approach for Studying Transporters With Purified Proteins
Authors: Omote Hiroshi , Moriyama Yoshinori
Published: January 2013

Vesicular storage and subsequent release of neurotransmitters are the key processes of chemical signal transmission. In this process, vesicular neurotransmitter transporters are responsible for loading the signaling molecules. The use of a “clean biochemical” approach with purified, recombinant transporters has helped in the identification of novel vesicular neurotransmitter transporters and in the analysis of the control of signal transmission.
Chemosensors in the Nose: Guardians of the Airways
Authors: Tizzano Marco , Finger Thomas E.
Published: January 2013

The G-protein-coupled receptor molecules and downstream effectors that are used by taste buds to detect sweet, bitter, and savory tastes are also utilized by chemoresponsive cells of the airways to detect irritants. Here, we describe the different cell types in the airways that utilize taste-receptor signaling to trigger protective epithelial and neural responses to potentially dangerous toxins and bacterial infection.
Ionic Interactions Are Everywhere
Authors: Eisenberg Bob
Published: January 2013

Ionic solutions are dominated by interactions because they must be electrically neutral, but classical theory assumes no interactions. Biological solutions are rather like seawater, concentrated enough so that the diameter of ions also produces important interactions. In my view, the theory of complex fluids is needed to deal with the interacting reality of biological solutions.
How Locusts Breathe
Authors: Harrison Jon F. , Waters James S. , Cease Arianne J. , VandenBrooks John M. , Callier Viviane , Klok C. Jaco , Shaffer Kimberly , Socha John J.
Published: January 2013

Insect tracheal-respiratory systems achieve high fluxes and great dynamic range with low energy requirements and could be important models for bioengineers interested in developing microfluidic systems. Recent advances suggest that insect cardiorespiratory systems have functional valves that permit compartmentalization with segment-specific pressures and flows and that system anatomy allows regional flows. Convection dominates over diffusion as a transport mechanism in the major tracheae, but Reynolds numbers suggest viscous effects remain important.
Mineral-Oxide-Doped Aluminum Titanate Ceramics with Improved Thermomechanical Properties
Authors: Papitha R. , Buchi Suresh M. , Das Dibakar , Johnson Roy
Published: January 2013

Investigations were carried out, on the effect of addition of kaolinite (2Al2O3·3SiO2·2H2O) and talc (Mg3Si4O10(OH)2) in terms of bulk density, XRD phases, microstructure, as well as thermal and mechanical properties of the aluminium titanate (AT) ceramics. AT ceramics with additives have shown enhanced sinterability at 1550°C, achieving close to 99% of TD (theoretical density) in comparison to 87% TD, exhibited with pure AT samples sintered at 1600°C, and found to be in agreement with the microstructural observations. XRD phase analysis of samples with maximum densities resulted in pure AT phase with a shift in unit cell parameters suggesting the formation of solid solutions. TG-DSC study indicated a clear shift in AT formation temperature with talc addition. Sintered specimens exhibited significant reduction in linear thermal expansion values by 63% (0.4210−6/C, (30–1000°C)) with talc addition. Thermal hysteresis of talc-doped AT specimens showed a substantial increase in hysteresis area corresponding to enhanced microcrack densities which in turn was responsible to maintain the low expansion values. Microstructural evaluation revealed a sizable decrease in crack lengths and 200% increase in flexural strength with talc addition. Results are encouraging providing a stable formulation with substantially enhanced thermomechanical properties.
Repeated Bout Effect Was More Expressed in Young Adult Males Than in Elderly Males and Boys
Authors: Gorianovas Giedrius , Skurvydas Albertas , Streckis Vytautas , Brazaitis Marius , Kamandulis Sigitas , McHugh Malachy P.
Published: January 2013

This study investigated possible differences using the same stretch-shortening exercise (SSE) protocol on generally accepted monitoring markers (dependent variables: changes in creatine kinase, muscle soreness, and voluntary and electrically evoked torque) in males across three lifespan stages (childhood versus adulthood versus old age). The protocol consisted of 100 intermittent (30 s interval between jumps) drop jumps to determine the repeated bout effect (RBE) (first and second bouts performed at a 2-week interval). The results showed that indirect symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage after SSE were more expressed in adult males than in boys and elderly males, suggesting that the muscles of boys and elderly males are more resistant to exercise-induced damage than those of adult males. RBE was more pronounced in adult males than in boys and elderly males, suggesting that the muscles of boys and elderly males are less adaptive to exercise-induced muscle damage than those of adult males.
Basic Elastic Properties Predictions of Cubic Cerium Oxide Using First-Principles Methods
Authors: Goldsby Jon C.
Published: January 2013

Computational material methods were used to predict and investigate electrical and structural properties of cerium oxide (CeO2). Density functional theory was used to obtain the optimized crystal structure and simulate the material’s electronic and elastic responses. Oxygen to oxygen nearest neighbor distance is 2.628 Å, while oxygen to cerium distance is calculated to be 2.276 Å. The conduction band has a prominent set of bands, which exists between 6 and 17 eV. An indirect energy gap (6.04 eV) exists between the valence and conduction bands. The independent elastic constants allow a mechanical assessment on the suitability of cubic cerium oxide as a substrate for advanced electronic devices. The calculated results of phonon dispersion curves are also given.
Propagation of Adult SSCs: From Mouse to Human
Authors: Martin Laura A. , Seandel Marco
Published: January 2013

Adult spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) represent a distinctive source of stem cells in mammals for several reasons. First, by giving rise to spermatogenesis, SSCs are responsible for the propagation of a father’s genetic material. As such, autologous SSCs have been considered for treatment of infertility and other purposes, including correction of inherited disorders. Second, adult spermatogonia can spontaneously produce embryonic-like stem cellsin vitro, which could be used as an alternative for therapeutic, diagnostic, or drug discovery strategies for humans. Therefore, an increasing urgency is driving efforts to understand the biology of SSCs and improve techniques to manipulate themin vitroas a prerequisite to achieve the aforementioned goals. The characterization of adult SSCs also requires reproducible methods to isolate and maintain them in long-term culture. Herein, we describe recent major advances and challenges in propagation of adult SSCs from mice and humans during the past few years, including the use of unique cell surface markers and defined cultured conditions.
A Hot-Area-Based Selfish Routing Protocol for Mobile Social Networks
Authors: Gong Haigang , Wang Xiaomin
Published: January 2013

Data delivery in mobile social network is a challenging task due to the nodal mobility and intermittent connectivity. It is natural to utilize the inherent social properties to assist in making forwarding decisions. However, existing routing schemes seldom consider selfishness of nodes and assume that nodes are willing to forward messages for others. In the real world, most people are selfish and nodes attached to people behave selfishly too. Based on the regularity of human behavior, we propose a hot-area-based selfish routing protocol (HASR) tailored for mobile social networks in this paper. Data transmission is based on the active degree of the node, which is calculated by the weight of hot areas that nodes will visit, when there are no selfish nodes. When nodes behave selfishly, routing decision is made by the contribution index that indicates the contributions to data transmissions of the network made by nodes. Simulation results show that HASR performs better when nodes behave selfishly.
Significance of Haemodynamic and Haemostatic Factors in the Course of Different Manifestations of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease: The SHEF-CSVD Study—Study Rationale and Protocol
Authors: Staszewski Jacek , Piusińska-Macoch Renata , Skrobowska Ewa , Brodacki Bogdan , Pawlik Rafał , Dutkiewicz Tomasz , Piechota Wiesław , Rączka Alicja , Tomczykiewicz Kazimierz , Stępień Adam
Published: January 2013

Rationale. This paper describes the rationale and design of the SHEF-CSVD Study, which aims to determine the long-term clinical and radiological course of cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) and to evaluate haemostatic and haemodynamic prognostic factors of the condition. Design. This single-centre, prospective, non-interventional cohort study will follow 150 consecutive patients with different clinical manifestations of CSVD (lacunar ischaemic stroke, vascular dementia, vascular parkinsonism or spontaneous deep, intracerebral haemorrhage) and 50 age- and sex-matched controls over a period of 24 months. The clinical and radiological course will be evaluated basing on a detailed neurological, neuropsychological and MRI examinations. Haemodynamic (cerebral vasoreactivity, 24 h blood pressure control) and haemostatic factors (markers of endothelial and platelet dysfunction, brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation test) will be determined. Discussion. The scheduled study will specifically address the issue of haemodynamic and haemostatic prognostic factors and their course over time in various clinical manifestations of CSVD. The findings may aid the development of prophylactic strategies and individualised treatment plans, which are critical during the early stages of the disease.
Transcriptional Response of Bovine Monocyte-Derived Macrophages after the Infection with Different ArgentineanMycobacterium bovisIsolates
Authors: Caimi Karina , Blanco Federico , Soria Marcelo , Bigi Fabiana
Published: January 2013

Infection of bovines withMycobacterium boviscauses important financial hardship in many countries presenting also a risk for humans.M. bovisis known to be adapted to survive and thrive within the intramacrophage environment. In spite of its relevance, at present the information about macrophage expression patterns is scarce, particularly regarding the bovine host. In this study, transcriptomic analysis was used to detect genes differentially expressed in macrophages derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells at early stages of infection with two Argentinean strains ofM. bovis, a virulent and an attenuated strains. The results showed that the number of differentially expressed genes in the cells infected with the virulent strain (5) was significantly lower than those in the cells infected with the attenuated strain (172). Several genes were more strongly expressed in infected macrophages. Among them, we detected encoding transcription factors, anthrax toxin receptor, cell division and apoptosis regulator, ankyrin proteins, cytoskeleton proteins, protein of cell differentiation, and regulators of endocytic traffic of membrane. Quantitative real-time PCR of a selected group of differentially expressed genes confirmed the microarrays results. Altogether, the present results contribute to understanding the mechanisms involved in the early interaction ofM. boviswith the bovine macrophage.
Reevaluating the Role ofAcanthamoebaProteases in Tissue Invasion: Observation of Cytopathogenic Mechanisms on MDCK Cell Monolayers and Hamster Corneal Cells
Authors: Omaña-Molina Maritza , González-Robles Arturo , Iliana Salazar-Villatoro Lizbeth , Lorenzo-Morales Jacob , Cristóbal-Ramos Ana Ruth , Hernández-Ramírez Verónica Ivonne , Talamás-Rohana Patricia , Méndez Cruz Adolfo René , Martínez-Palomo Adolfo
Published: January 2013

The morphological analysis of the cytopathic effect on MDCK cell monolayers and hamster cornea and qualitative and quantitative analyses of conditioned medium and proteases were evaluated and compared between two strains ofAcanthamoebagenotype T4. Further than highlighting the biological differences found between both strains, the most important observation in this study was the fact that proteases both in total extracts and in conditioned medium are apparently not determinant in tissue destruction. An interestingly finding was that no lysis of corneal tissue was observed as it was previously suggested. These results, together with previous studies, allow us to conclude that the invasion and disruption of corneal tissue is performed by the penetration of the amoebae through cell junctions, either by the action of proteases promoting cellular separation but not by their destruction and/or a mechanical effect exerted by amoebae. Therefore, contact-dependent mechanisms inAcanthamoebapathogenesis are more relevant than it has been previously considered. This is supported because the phagocytosis of recently detached cells as well as those attached to the corneal epithelium leads to the modification of the cellular architecture facilitating the migration and destruction of deeper layers of the corneal epithelium.
Clinical Genetic Testing of Periodic Fever Syndromes
Authors: Marcuzzi Annalisa , Piscianz Elisa , Kleiner Giulio , Tommasini Alberto , Severini Giovanni Maria , Monasta Lorenzo , Crovella Sergio
Published: January 2013

Periodic fever syndromes (PFSs) are a wide group of autoinflammatory diseases. Due to some clinical overlap between different PFSs, differential diagnosis can be a difficult challenge. Nowadays, there are no universally agreed recommendations for most PFSs, and near half of patients may remain without a genetic diagnosis even after performing multiple-gene analyses. Molecular analysis of periodic fevers’ causative genes can improve patient quality of life by providing early and accurate diagnosis and allowing the administration of appropriate treatment. In this paper we focus our discussion on effective usefulness of genetic diagnosis of PFSs. The aim of this paper is to establish how much can the diagnostic system improve, in order to increase the success of PFS diagnosis. The mayor expectation in the near future will be addressed to the so-called next generation sequencing approach. Although the application of bioinformatics to high-throughput genetic analysis could allow the identification of complex genotypes, the complexity of this definition will hardly result in a clear contribution for the physician. In our opinion, however, to obtain the best from this new development a rule should always be kept well in mind: use genetics only to answer specific clinical questions.
Eyewitness Science and the Call for Double-Blind Lineup Administration
Authors: Rodriguez Dario N. , Berry Melissa A.
Published: January 2013

For several decades, social scientists have investigated variables that can influence the accuracy of eyewitnesses’ identifications. This research has been fruitful and led to many recommendations to improve lineup procedures. Arguably, the most crucial reform social scientists advocate is double-blind lineup administration: lineups should be administered by a person who does not know the identity of the suspect. In this paper, we briefly review the classic research on expectancy effects that underlies this procedural recommendation. Then, we discuss the eyewitness research, illustrating three routes by which lineup administrators’ expectations can bias eyewitness identification evidence: effects on eyewitnesses’ identification decisions, effects on eyewitnesses’ identification confidence, and effects on administrator records of the lineup procedure. Finally, we discuss the extent to which double-blind lineup administration has been adopted among police jurisdictions in the United States and address common concerns about implementing a double-blind standard.
A VLSI Architecture for the V-BLAST Algorithm in Spatial-Multiplexing MIMO Systems
Authors: Cervantes-Lozano Pedro , González-Pérez Luis F. , García-García Andrés D.
Published: January 2013

This paper presents a VLSI architecture for the suboptimal hard-output Vertical-Bell Laboratories Layered Space-Time (V-BLAST) algorithm in the context of Spatial Multiplexing Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (SM-MIMO) systems immersed in Rayleigh fading channels. The design and implementation of its corresponding data-path and control-path components over FPGA devices are considered. Results on synthesis, bit error rate performance, and data throughput are reported.
The TvLEGU-1, a Legumain-Like Cysteine Proteinase, Plays a Key Role inTrichomonas vaginalisCytoadherence
Authors: Rendón-Gandarilla Francisco Javier , Ramón-Luing Lucero de los Angeles , Ortega-López Jaime , Rosa de Andrade Ivone , Benchimol Marlene , Arroyo Rossana
Published: January 2013

The goal of this paper was to characterize aTrichomonas vaginaliscysteine proteinase (CP) legumain-1 (TvLEGU-1) and determine its potential role as a virulence factor duringT. vaginalisinfection. A 30-kDa band, which migrates in three protein spots (pI~6.3, ~6.5, and ~6.7) with a different type and level of phosphorylation, was identified as TvLEGU-1 by one- and two-dimensional Western blot (WB) assays, using a protease-rich trichomonad extract and polyclonal antibodies produced against the recombinant TvLEGU-1 (anti-TvLEGU-1r). Its identification was confirmed by mass spectrometry. Immunofluorescence, cell binding, and WB assays showed that TvLEGU-1 is upregulated by iron at the protein level, localized on the trichomonad surface and in lysosomes and Golgi complex, bound to the surface of HeLa cells, and was found in vaginal secretions. Additionally, the IgG and Fab fractions of the anti-TvLEGU-1r antibody inhibited trichomonal cytoadherence up to 45%. Moreover, the Aza-Peptidyl Michael Acceptor that inhibited legumain proteolytic activity in live parasites also reduced levels of trichomonal cytoadherence up to 80%. In conclusion, our data show that the proteolytic activity of TvLEGU-1 is necessary for trichomonal adherence. Thus, TvLEGU-1 is a novel virulence factor upregulated by iron. This is the first report that a legumain-like CP plays a role in a pathogen cytoadherence.
Nanomedicine in Action: An Overview of Cancer Nanomedicine on the Market and in Clinical Trials
Authors: Wang Ruibing , Billone Paul S. , Mullett Wayne M.
Published: January 2013

Nanomedicine, defined as the application of nanotechnology in the medical field, has the potential to significantly change the course of diagnostics and treatment of life‐threatening diseases, such as cancer. In comparison with traditional cancer diagnostics and therapy, cancer nanomedicine provides sensitive cancer detection and/or enhances treatment efficacy with significantly minimized adverse effects associated with standard therapeutics. Cancer nanomedicine has been increasingly applied in areas including nanodrug delivery systems, nanopharmaceuticals, and nanoanalytical contrast reagents in laboratory and animal model research. In recent years, the successful introduction of several novel nanomedicine products into clinical trials and even onto the commercial market has shown successful outcomes of fundamental research into clinics. This paper is intended to examine several nanomedicines for cancer therapeutics and/or diagnostics‐related applications, to analyze the trend of nanomedicine development, future opportunities, and challenges of this fast‐growing area.