bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whole-Genome Sequencing of Salmonella enterica subsp.
enterica
Serovar Cubana Strains Isolated from Agricultural Sources
Authors: Benahmed Faiza H. , Gopinath Gopal R. , Wang Hua , Jean-Gilles Beaubrun Junia , Grim Christopher , Cheng Chorng-Ming , McClelland Michael , Ayers Sherry , Abbott Jason , Desai Prerak , Frye Jonathan G. , Weinstock George , Hammack Thomas S. , Hanes Darcy E. , Rasmussen Mark A. , Davidson Maureen K.
Published: January 2014

We report the draft genomes of
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Cubana strain CVM42234, isolated from chick feed in 2012, and
S
. Cubana strain 76814, isolated from swine in 2004. The genome sizes are 4,975,046 and 4,936,251 bp, respectively.
Metagenome Sequencing of the Prokaryotic Microbiota of the Hypersaline and Meromictic Soap Lake, Washington
Authors: Hawley Erik R. , Hess Matthias
Published: January 2014

Soap Lake is a small saline lake in central eastern Washington that is sharply stratified into two layers. In addition to being highly alkaline (~pH 10), Soap Lake also contains high concentrations of sulfide. Here, we report the community profile of the prokaryotic microbiota associated with Soap Lake surface water.
Draft Genome Sequence of Brevibacillus panacihumi Strain W25, a Halotolerant Hydrocarbon-Degrading Bacterium
Authors: Wang Xinxin , Jin Decai , Zhou Lisha , Wu Liang , An Wei , Chen Yu , Zhao Lin
Published: January 2014

Brevibacillus panacihumi
strain W25 was isolated from hydrocarbon-contaminated saline soil. Here, we report the 5.5-Mb draft genome sequence of this strain, which may provide insights into the mechanism of microbial hydrocarbon degradation in saline environments.
Genome Sequence of Pyrethroid-Degrading Bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris Strain JSC-3b
Authors: Zhang Songbai , Luo Xiangwen , Cheng Ju'e , Peng Jing , Zhang Deyong , Liu Yong
Published: January 2014

Rhodopseudomonas palustris
strain JSC-3b is a facultative, thermophilic bacterium, which was isolated from water in a canal adjacent to a vegetable field. Strain JSC-3b biodegrades several varieties of pyrethroid residues effectively through cometabolic pathways. Here, we present the genome sequence of this biodegrader.
Trilogy of foregut atresia without genetic abnormality: exception to the Martinez-Frias syndrome
Authors: Patel Ramnik V , Kumar Hemant , More Bharat , Rajimwale Ashok
Published: January 2014

We present a case of oesophageal atresia with distal tracheo-oesophageal fistula and duodenal atresia, which later on was detected to have cystic variant of biliary atresia. He underwent primacy repair of oesophageal atresia with ligation of distal tracheo-oesophageal fistula and duodenoduodenostomy. He later developed features of obstructive jaundice, and on investigation was diagnosed to have cystic variant of biliary atresia which was initially confused with iatrogenic biliary obstruction. Exploration and operative cholangiogram with biopsy confirmed cystic variant of biliary atresia and underwent successful Kasai procedure. Our case effectively demonstrates a rare triology of foregut atresia without an apparent genetic association. It highlights stepwise systematic management of foregut atresias in this patient and demonstration of cystic variant of biliary atresia. Even though these are rarely seen, still the clinician should be aware of such a possibility and should adopt a multimodality approach to diagnose and an aggressive approach to manage the condition.
Diagnostic approach to the itchy dog
Authors: Sousa Candace A.
Published: January 2014

In practice, it can be challenging to obtain a diagnosis for the pruritic dog. Without a diagnosis it is difficult to provide the pet owner with information about the cause, the prognosis or even the appropriate treatments. This can create frustration for both the pet owner and veterinary surgeon and leads to increased chronic disease in affected dogs. The aim of this article is to provide some guidelines that will help a veterinary surgeon proceed from the first presentation of an itchy dog to a diagnosis. It also discusses the common pruritic skin diseases of the dog and how to think about and approach the diagnosis.
Built environment change: a framework to support health-enhancing behaviour through environmental policy and health research
Authors: Berke Ethan M , Vernez-Moudon Anne
Published: January 2014

As research examining the effect of the built environment on health accelerates, it is critical for health and planning researchers to conduct studies and make recommendations in the context of a robust theoretical framework. We propose a framework for built environment change (BEC) related to improving health. BEC consists of elements of the built environment, how people are exposed to and interact with them perceptually and functionally, and how this exposure may affect health-related behaviours. Integrated into this framework are the legal and regulatory mechanisms and instruments that are commonly used to effect change in the built environment. This framework would be applicable to medical research as well as to issues of policy and community planning.
Playing a part in the future of the profession
Authors: Bishop Luke
Published: January 2014

Following recent changes to its governance structure, the RCVS has adopted a new strategy (VR, November 23, 2013, vol 173, p 484). Luke Bishop, from the communications team at the College, argues that there is no better time for vets from all backgrounds to stand for election to the RCVS Council.
Synthesis and characterization of a polyferrocenyldistannane
Authors: Ward Jon , Al-Alul Saif , Harrypersad Shane , Foucher Daniel A.
Published: January 2014

The distannyl-bridged poly bis(dimethylstannyl)ferrocene, 5, was synthesized through either the metal-catalyzed intermolecular dehydrogenative condensation of the bis(dimethylstannyl)ferrocene, 6, or the ring-opening polymerization of the distannane-bridged [2]ferrocenophane, 7. Both polymerization strategies yielded compounds displaying NMR (1H, 13C, 119Sn) evidence for a distannane bridged polymer. A modest moderate molecular weight (GPC; Mw = 9.5 × 104 Da, PDI = 1.76) was found for polymer 5 prepared by dehydrogenative condensation. Polymer 5 displayed electronic communication (≈ 0.2 V) between neighbouring iron centers, similar to those reported for monobridged ferrocenyl stannane polymers. Polymer 5 was further characterized by UV–vis spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and modeled with the related distannyl-8 and tristannyl-9 bisferrocenes using DFT at the SDD level of theory.
Mapping attributes of Canada’s forests at moderate resolution through kNN and MODIS imagery
Authors: Beaudoin A. , Bernier P.Y. , Guindon L. , Villemaire P. , Guo X.J. , Stinson G. , Bergeron T. , Magnussen S. , Hall R.J.
Published: January 2014

Canada’s National Forest Inventory (NFI) sampling program is designed to support reporting on forests at the national scale. On the other hand, continuous maps of forest attributes are required to support strategic analyses of regional policy and management issues. We have therefore produced maps covering 4.03 × 106 km2 of inventoried forest area for the 2001 base year using standardised observations from the NFI photo plots (PP) as reference data. We used the k nearest neighbours (kNN) method with 26 geospatial data layers including MODIS spectral data and climatic and topographic variables to produce maps of 127 forest attributes at a 250 × 250 m resolution. The stand-level attributes include land cover, structure, and tree species relative abundance. In this article, we report only on total live aboveground tree biomass, with all other attributes covered in the supplementary data ( http://nrcresearchpress.com/doi/suppl/10.1139/cjfr-2013-0401 ). In general, deviations in predicted pixel-level values from those in a PP validation set are greater in mountainous regions and in areas with either low biomass or sparse PP sampling. Predicted pixel-level values are overestimated at small observed values and underestimated at large ones. Accuracy measures are improved through the spatial aggregation of pixels to 1 km2 and beyond. Overall, these new products provide unique baseline information for strategic-level analyses of forests ( https://nfi.nfis.org ).
Flight muscle carnitine palmitoyl transferase activity varies with substrate chain length and unsaturation in the hoary bat (Lasiurus cinereus)
Authors: Price E.R. , McGuire L.P. , Fenton M.B. , Guglielmo C.G.
Published: January 2014

Fat is an important fuel for bats to support high metabolic rates in extended periods of flight. The fatty acid composition of adipose stores could affect whole animal exercise performance, as fatty acids vary in rates of mobilization and oxidation. A key step in the fatty acid oxidation pathway is transporting fatty acids from the cytosol into mitochondria, mediated by the enzyme carnitine palmitoyl transferase (CPT). Therefore, understanding the substrate preference patterns of CPT in bats is important for interpreting the consequences of adipose fatty acid profiles. We measured CPT activity with eight different fatty acyl CoA substrates (16:0, 16:1ω7, 18:0, 18:1ω9, 18:2ω6, 18:3ω3, 20:4ω6, and 22:6ω3) in the pectoralis muscle of migrating and nonmigrating hoary bats (Lasiurus cinereus (Beauvois, 1796)). The pattern of substrate preference was similar to the patterns previously reported for birds and rats and was not affected by migration. Generally, activity increased with the number of double bonds and was higher with 16 carbon fatty acids compared with 18 carbon fatty acids. Given the observed substrate variation in CPT activity, there is no evidence to suggest that recently reported seasonal changes in the adipose fatty acid composition of migrating hoary bats would lead to increased lipid oxidation rate, and may instead be a consequence of seasonal shifts in diet.
Effects of age and experience on reproductive performance of captive red wolves (Canis rufus)
Authors: Rabon David R.
Published: January 2014

Propagation programs contribute to the conservation of a species by preserving genetic and demographic stock that may be used to reinforce or re-establish wild populations. Identifying traits that affect reproductive success is essential to achieve this goal. Longitudinal reproductive events of the captive population of endangered red wolves (Canis rufus Audubon and Bachman, 1851) were investigated to determine whether parental age, breeding experience, and rearing type were factors in reproduction, litter size, and sex ratio, as well as viability of offspring. Younger wolves were more likely to reproduce and produce larger litters than were older individuals. The age of the female, but not the male, had a negative effect on pup survival. Wolves that had prior experience in offspring production were more likely to reproduce again than were individuals that had no prior reproductive success, but prior sexual experience alone was not a factor in offspring production. Parental breeding experience had a negative effect on pup survival, but no apparent relationships with litter size or sex ratio. Declines in reproduction, fitness, and survival with advancing age suggest the effect is due to senescence, the onset of which occurs at 8 years of age in females. The results are consistent with the breeding-experience hypothesis.
Nuclear structure and reaction properties ofNe,MgandSiisotopes with RMF densities
Authors: Panda R. N. , Sharma Mahesh K. , Patra S. K.
Published: January 2014

We have studied nuclear structure and reaction properties of Ne , Mg and Si isotopes, using relativistic mean field (RMF) densities, in the framework of Glauber model. Total reaction cross-section σRfor Ne isotopes on12C target have been calculated at incident energy 240 MeV. The results are compared with the experimental data and with the recent theoretical study [W. Horiuchi et al., Phys. Rev. C 86, 024614 (2012)]. Study of σRusing deformed densities have shown a good agreement with the data. We have also predicted total reaction cross-section σRfor Ne , Mg and Si isotopes as projectiles and12C as target at different incident energies.
On the sumset of atoms in cyclic groups
Authors: Sun Cui-Fang , Yang Quan-Hui
Published: January 2014

For a cyclic group G and a ∈ G, we define 〈a〉 as the subgroup generated by a and the atom of a as the set of all elements generating 〈a〉. In this paper, given t (t ≥ 2) atoms, we obtain an exact formula for the number of representations of each element in the sumset of these t atoms. We also show explicitly which atoms are part of the union which constitutes the sumset of t given atoms. The case t = 2 was recently obtained by Sander and Sander.
Representations by certain octonary quadratic forms with coefficients 1, 3 or 9
Authors: Alaca Ayşe
Published: January 2014

Using modular forms we determine the number of representations of a positive integer by certain diagonal octonary quadratic forms with coefficients 1, 3 or 9.
Evaluation of the convolution sums ∑l+20m=n σ(l)σ(m), ∑4l+5m=n σ(l)σ(m) and ∑2l+5m=n σ(l)σ(m)
Authors: Cooper Shaun , Ye Dongxi
Published: January 2014

The theory of quasimodular forms is used to evaluate the convolution sums [Formula: see text] for all positive integers n. As a consequence, the number of representations of a positive integer n by the octonary quadratic form [Formula: see text] is determined.
On the number of representations of a positive integer as a sum of two binary quadratic forms
Authors: Alaca Şaban , Pehlivan Lerna , Williams Kenneth S.
Published: January 2014

Let ℕ denote the set of positive integers and ℤ the set of all integers. Let ℕ0 = ℕ ∪{0}. Let a1x2 + b1xy + c1y2 and a2z2 + b2zt + c2t2 be two positive-definite, integral, binary quadratic forms. The number of representations of n ∈ ℕ0 as a sum of these two binary quadratic forms is [Formula: see text] When (b1, b2) ≠ (0, 0) we prove under certain conditions on a1, b1, c1, a2, b2 and c2 that N(a1, b1, c1, a2, b2, c2; n) can be expressed as a finite linear combination of quantities of the type N(a, 0, b, c, 0, d; n) with a, b, c and d positive integers. Thus, when the quantities N(a, 0, b, c, 0, d; n) are known, we can determine N(a1, b1, c1, a2, b2, c2; n). This determination is carried out explicitly for a number of quaternary quadratic forms a1x2 + b1xy + c1y2 + a2z2 + b2zt + c2t2. For example, in Theorem 1.2 we show for n ∈ ℕ that [Formula: see text] where N is the largest odd integer dividing n and [Formula: see text]
The Molecular Pathology of Melanoma: An Integrated Taxonomy of Melanocytic Neoplasia
Authors: Bastian Boris C.
Published: January 2014

Melanomas comprise multiple biologically distinct categories, which differ in cell of origin, age of onset, clinical and histologic presentation, pattern of metastasis, ethnic distribution, causative role of UV radiation, predisposing germ-line alterations, mutational processes, and patterns of somatic mutations. Neoplasms are initiated by gain-of-function mutations in one of several primary oncogenes, which typically lead to benign melanocytic nevi with characteristic histologic features. The progression of nevi is restrained by multiple tumor-suppressive mechanisms. Secondary genetic alterations override these barriers and promote intermediate or overtly malignant tumors along distinct progression trajectories. The current knowledge about the pathogenesis and clinical, histologic, and genetic features of primary melanocytic neoplasms is reviewed and integrated into a taxonomic framework.
Testing safety of germinated rye sourdough in a celiac disease model based on the adoptive transfer of prolamin-primed memory T cells into lymphopenic mice
Authors: Freitag Tobias L. , Loponen Jussi , Messing Marcel , Zevallos Victor , Andersson Leif C. , Sontag-Strohm Tuula , Saavalainen Päivi , Schuppan Detlef , Salovaara Hannu , Meri Seppo
Published: January 2014

The current treatment for celiac disease is strict gluten-free diet. Technical processing may render gluten-containing foods safe for consumption by celiac patients, but so far in vivo safety testing can only be performed on patients. We modified a celiac disease mouse model to test antigenicity and inflammatory effects of germinated rye sourdough, a food product characterized by extensive prolamin hydrolysis. Lymphopenic Rag1−/−or nude mice were injected with splenic CD4+CD62L−CD44high-memory T cells from gliadin- or secalin-immunized wild-type donor mice. We found that: 1) Rag1−/−recipients challenged with wheat or rye gluten lost more body weight and developed more severe histological duodenitis than mice on gluten-free diet. This correlated with increased secretion of IFNγ, IL-2, and IL-17 by secalin-restimulated splenocytes. 2) In vitro gluten testing using competitive R5 ELISA demonstrated extensive degradation of the gluten R5 epitope in germinated rye sourdough. 3) However, in nude recipients challenged with germinated rye sourdough (vs. native rye sourdough), serum anti-secalin IgG/CD4+T helper 1-associated IgG2ctiters were only reduced, but not eliminated. In addition, there were no reductions in body weight loss, histological duodenitis, or T cell cytokine secretion in Rag1−/−recipients challenged accordingly. In conclusion: 1) prolamin-primed CD4+CD62L−CD44high-memory T cells induce gluten-sensitive enteropathy in Rag1−/−mice. 2) Hydrolysis of secalins in germinated rye sourdough remains incomplete. Secalin peptides retain B and T cell stimulatory capacity and remain harmful to the intestinal mucosa in this celiac disease model. 3) Current antibody-based prolamin detection methods may fail to detect antigenic gluten fragments in processed cereal food products.
Influence of divergent exercise contraction mode and whey protein supplementation on atrogin-1, MuRF1, and FOXO1/3A in human skeletal muscle
Authors: Stefanetti Renae J. , Lamon Séverine , Rahbek Stine K. , Farup Jean , Zacharewicz Evelyn , Wallace Marita A. , Vendelbo Mikkel H. , Russell Aaron P. , Vissing Kristian
Published: January 2014

Knowledge from human exercise studies on regulators of muscle atrophy is lacking, but it is important to understand the underlying mechanisms influencing skeletal muscle protein turnover and net protein gain. This study examined the regulation of muscle atrophy–related factors, including atrogin-1 and MuRF1, their upstream transcription factors FOXO1 and FOXO3A and the atrogin-1 substrate eIF3-f, in response to unilateral isolated eccentric (ECC) vs. concentric (CONC) exercise and training. Exercise was performed with whey protein hydrolysate (WPH) or isocaloric carbohydrate (CHO) supplementation. Twenty-four subjects were divided into WPH and CHO groups and completed both single-bout exercise and 12 wk of training. Single-bout ECC exercise decreased atrogin-1 and FOXO3A mRNA compared with basal and CONC exercise, while MuRF1 mRNA was upregulated compared with basal. ECC exercise downregulated FOXO1 and phospho-FOXO1 protein compared with basal, and phospho-FOXO3A was downregulated compared with CONC. CONC single-bout exercise mediated a greater increase in MuRF1 mRNA and increased FOXO1 mRNA compared with basal and ECC. CONC exercise downregulated FOXO1, FOXO3A, and eIF3-f protein compared with basal. Following training, an increase in basal phospho-FOXO1 was observed. While WPH supplementation with ECC and CONC training further increased muscle hypertrophy, it did not have an additional effect on mRNA or protein levels of the targets measured. In conclusion, atrogin-1, MuRF1, FOXO1/3A, and eIF3-f mRNA, and protein levels, are differentially regulated by exercise contraction mode but not WPH supplementation combined with hypertrophy-inducing training. This highlights the complexity in understanding the differing roles these factors play in healthy muscle adaptation to exercise.
Resistance exercise training modulates acute gene expression during human skeletal muscle hypertrophy
Authors: Nader G. A. , von Walden F. , Liu C. , Lindvall J. , Gutmann L. , Pistilli E. E. , Gordon P. M.
Published: January 2014

We sought to determine whether acute resistance exercise (RE)-induced gene expression is modified by RE training. We studied the expression patterns of a select group of genes following an acute bout of RE in naïve and hypertrophying muscle. Thirteen untrained subjects underwent supervised RE training for 12 wk of the nondominant arm and performed an acute bout of RE 1 wk after the last bout of the training program ( training+acute). The dominant arm was either unexercised ( control) or subjected to the same acute exercise bout as the trained arm ( acute RE). Following training, men (14.8 ± 2.8%; P < 0.05) and women (12.6 ± 2.4%; P < 0.05) underwent muscle hypertrophy with increases in dynamic strength in the trained arm (48.2 ± 5.4% and 72.1 ± 9.1%, respectively; P < 0.01). RE training resulted in attenuated anabolic signaling as reflected by a reduction in rpS6 phosphorylation following acute RE. Changes in mRNA levels of genes involved in hypertrophic growth, protein degradation, angiogenesis, and metabolism commonly expressed in both men and women was determined 4 h following acute RE. We show that RE training can modify acute RE-induced gene expression in a divergent and gene-specific manner even in genes belonging to the same ontology. Changes in gene expression following acute RE are multidimensional, and may not necessarily reflect the actual adaptive response taking place during the training process. Thus RE training can selectively modify the acute response to RE, thereby challenging the use of gene expression as a marker of exercise-induced adaptations.
Synergies of phosphatidylserine and protein disulfide isomerase in tissue factor activation
Authors: Ruf Wolfram , Langer Florian
Published: January 2014

Tissue factor (TF), the cellular receptor and cofactor for factor VII/VIIa, initiates haemostasis and thrombosis. Initial tissue distribution studies suggested that TF was sequestered from the circulation and only present at perivascular sites. However, there is now clear evidence that TF also exists as a blood-borne form with critical contributions not only to arterial thrombosis following plaque rupture and to venous thrombosis following endothelial perturbation, but also to various other clotting abnormalities associated with trauma, infection, or cancer. Because thrombin generation, fibrin deposition, and platelet aggregation in the contexts of haemostasis, thrombosis, and pathogen defence frequently occur without TF de novo synthesis, considerable efforts are still directed to understanding the molecular events underlying the conversion of predominantly non-coagulant or cryptic TF on the surface of haematopoietic cells to a highly procoagulant molecule following cellular injury or stimulation. This article will review some of the still controversial mechanisms implicated in cellular TF activation or decryption with particular focus on the coordinated effects of outer leaflet phosphatidylserine exposure and thiol-disulfide exchange pathways involving protein disulfide isomerase (PDI). In this regard, our recent findings of ATP-triggered stimulation of the purinergic P2X7 receptor on myeloid and smooth muscle cells resulting in potent TF activation and shedding of procoagulant microparticles as well as of rapid monocyte TF decryption following antithymocyte globulin-dependent membrane complement fixation have delineated specific PDIdependent pathways of cellular TF activation and thus illustrated additional and novel links in the coupling of inflammation and coagulation.
Macrophages Control Vascular Stem/Progenitor Cell Plasticity Through Tumor Necrosis Factor-α–Mediated Nuclear Factor-κB Activation
Authors: Wong Mei Mei , Chen Yikuan , Margariti Andriani , Winkler Bernhard , Campagnolo Paola , Potter Claire , Hu Yanhua , Xu Qingbo
Published: January 2014

Objective—

Vascular lineage differentiation of stem/progenitor cells can contribute to both tissue repair and exacerbation of vascular diseases such as in vein grafts. The role of macrophages in controlling vascular progenitor differentiation is largely unknown and may play an important role in graft development. This study aims to identify the role of macrophages in vascular stem/progenitor cell differentiation and thereafter elucidate the mechanisms that are involved in the macrophage- mediated process.

Approach and Results—

We provide in vitro evidence that macrophages can induce endothelial cell (EC) differentiation of the stem/progenitor cells while simultaneously inhibiting their smooth muscle cell differentiation. Mechanistically, both effects were mediated by macrophage-derived tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) via TNF-α receptor 1 and canonical nuclear factor-κB activation. Although the overexpression of p65 enhanced EC (or attenuated smooth muscle cell) differentiation, p65 or TNF-α receptor 1 knockdown using lentiviral short hairpin RNA inhibited EC (or rescued smooth muscle cell) differentiation in response to TNF-α. Furthermore, TNF-α–mediated EC differentiation was driven by direct binding of nuclear factor-κB (p65) to specific VE-cadherin promoter sequences. Subsequent experiments using an ex vivo decellularized vessel scaffold confirmed an increase in the number of ECs and reduction in smooth muscle cell marker expression in the presence of TNF-α. The lack of TNF-α in a knockout mouse model of vein graft decreased endothelialization and significantly increased thrombosis formation.

Conclusions—

Our study highlights the role of macrophages in directing vascular stem/progenitor cell lineage commitment through TNF-α–mediated TNF-α receptor 1 and nuclear factor-κB activation that is likely required for endothelial repair in vascular diseases such as vein graft.
Shear-Sensitive Regulation of Neutrophil Flow Behavior and Its Potential Impact on Microvascular Blood Flow Dysregulation in Hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Cheng Ran , Rowe Dylan , Sethu Palaniappan , Daugherty Alan , Yu Guoqiang , Shin Hainsworth Y.
Published: January 2014

Objective—

Shear stress–induced pseudopod retraction is an anti-inflammatory measure that minimizes neutrophil activity and is regulated by membrane cholesterol. We tested the hypothesis that a hypercholesterolemic impairment of shear mechanotransduction alters the neutrophil flow behavior leading to microvascular dysfunction.

Approach and Results—

We examined the shear effects on the flow behavior of human leukocytes. When subjected to shearing during cone-plate viscometry, leukocyte suspensions exhibited parallel time-dependent reductions in viscosity and pseudopod activity. Shear-induced reductions in suspension viscosity were attenuated by membrane cholesterol enrichment. We also showed that enhanced pseudopod activity of leukocyte suspensions in 10% hematocrit significantly (
P
<0.05) raised the flow resistance of microvascular mimics. These results implicate an impaired neutrophil pseudopod retraction response to shear in hypercholesterolemic microvascular dysfunction. We confirmed this using near-infrared diffuse correlation spectroscopy to assess skeletal muscle blood flow regulation in the hindlimbs of mice subjected to reactive hyperemia. Using a custom protocol for the mouse, we extrapolated an adjusted peak flow and time to adjusted peak flow to quantify the early phase of the blood flow recovery response during reactive hyperemia when shear mechanobiology likely has a maximal impact. Compared with mice on normal diet, hypercholesterolemic mice exhibited significantly (
P
<0.05) reduced adjusted peak flow and prolonged time to adjusted peak flow which correlated (
r
=0.4 and
r
=−0.3, respectively) with neutrophil shear responsiveness and were abrogated by neutropenia.

Conclusions—

These results provide the first evidence that the neutrophils contribute to tissue blood flow autoregulation. Moreover, a deficit in the neutrophil responsiveness to shear may be a feature of hypercholesterolemia-related microvascular dysfunction.
Cytochrome P450 2C8 ω3-Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Metabolites Increase Mouse Retinal Pathologic Neovascularization—Brief Report
Authors: Shao Zhuo , Fu Zhongjie , Stahl Andreas , Joyal Jean-Sébastien , Hatton Colman , Juan Aimee , Hurst Christian , Evans Lucy , Cui Zhenghao , Pei Dorothy , Gong Yan , Xu Dan , Tian Katherine , Bogardus Hannah , Edin Matthew L. , Lih Fred , Sapieha Przemyslaw , Chen Jing , Panigrahy Dipak , Hellstrom Ann , Zeldin Darryl C. , Smith Lois E.H.
Published: January 2014

Objective—

Regulation of angiogenesis is critical for many diseases. Specifically, pathological retinal neovascularization, a major cause of blindness, is suppressed with dietary ω3-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω3LCPUFAs) through antiangiogenic metabolites of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase. Cytochrome P450 epoxygenases (CYP2C8) also metabolize LCPUFAs, producing bioactive epoxides, which are inactivated by soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) to transdihydrodiols. The effect of these enzymes and their metabolites on neovascularization is unknown.

Approach and Results—

The mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy was used to investigate retinal neovascularization. We found that CYP2C (localized in wild-type monocytes/macrophages) is upregulated in oxygen-induced retinopathy, whereas sEH is suppressed, resulting in an increased retinal epoxide:diol ratio. With a ω3LCPUFA-enriched diet, retinal neovascularization increases in
Tie2
-driven human-
CYP2C8
–overexpressing mice (
Tie2-CYP2C8-Tg
), associated with increased plasma 19,20-epoxydocosapentaenoic acid and retinal epoxide:diol ratio. 19,20-Epoxydocosapentaenoic acids and the epoxide:diol ratio are decreased with overexpression of
sEH
(
Tie2-sEH-Tg
). Overexpression of
CYP2C8
or
sEH
in mice does not change normal retinal vascular development compared with their wild-type littermate controls. The proangiogenic role in retina of CYP2C8 with both ω3LCPUFA and ω6LCPUFA and antiangiogenic role of sEH in ω3LCPUFA metabolism were corroborated in aortic ring assays.

Conclusions—

Our results suggest that CYP2C ω3LCPUFA metabolites promote retinal pathological angiogenesis. CYP2C8 is part of a novel lipid metabolic pathway influencing retinal neovascularization.
Role of SN1 Lipases on Plasma Lipids in Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity
Authors: Miksztowicz Verónica , Schreier Laura , McCoy Mary , Lucero Diego , Fassio Eduardo , Billheimer Jeffrey , Rader Daniel J. , Berg Gabriela
Published: January 2014

Objective—

To assess the phospholipase activity of endothelial (EL) and hepatic lipase (HL) in postheparin plasma of subjects with metabolic syndrome (MS)/obesity and their relationship with atherogenic and antiatherogenic lipoproteins. Additionally, to evaluate lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and HL activity as triglyceride (TG)-hydrolyses to complete the analyses of SN1 lipolytic enzymes in the same patient.

Approach and Results—

Plasma EL, HL, and LPL activities were evaluated in 59 patients with MS and 36 controls. A trend toward higher EL activity was observed in MS. EL activity was increased in obese compared with normal weight group (
P
=0.009) and was negatively associated with high-density lipoprotein–cholesterol (
P
=0.014 and
P
=0.005) and apolipoprotein A-I (
P
=0.045 and
P
=0.001) in control and MS group, respectively. HL activity, as TG-hydrolase, was increased in MS (
P
=0.025) as well as in obese group (
P
=0.017); directly correlated with low-density lipoprotein–cholesterol (
P
=0.005) and apolipoprotein B (
P
=0.003) and negatively with high-density lipoprotein–cholesterol (
P
=0.021) in control group. LPL was decreased in MS (
P
<0.001) as well as in overweight and obese compared with normal weight group (
P
=0.015 and
P
=0.004, respectively); inversely correlated %TG-very low-density lipoproteins (
P
=0.04) and TG/apolipoprotein B index (
P
=0.013) in control group. These associations were not found in MS.

Conclusions—

We describe for the first time EL and HL activity as phospholipases in MS/obesity, being both responsible for high-density lipoprotein catabolism. Our results elucidate part of the remaining controversies about SN1 lipases activity in MS and different grades of obesity. The impact of insulin resistance on the activity of the 3 enzymes determines the lipoprotein alterations observed in these states.
A new species of karst forest-adapted Bent-toed Gecko (genus Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827) belonging to the C. sworderi complex from a threatened karst forest in Perak, Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: GRISMER L. LEE , BELABUT DAICUS M. , QUAH EVAN S. H. , ONN CHAN KIN , JR. PERRY L. WOOD
Published: January 2014

A new species of Bent-toed Gecko Cyrtodactylus guakanthanensis sp. nov. of the C. sworderi complex is described from a limestone forest in Perak, Peninsular Malaysia whose karst formations at the type locality are within an active quarry. Cyrtodactylus guakanthanensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other Sundaland species by having the following suite of character states: adult SVL 77.7–82.2 mm; moderately sized, conical, weakly keeled, body tubercles; tubercles present on occiput, nape, and limbs, and extend posteriorly beyond base of tail; 37–44 ventral scales; no transversely enlarged, median, subcaudal scales; proximal subdigital lamellae transversely expanded; 19–21 subdigital lamellae on fourth toe; abrupt transition between posterior and ventral femoral scales; enlarged femoral scales; no femoral or precloacal pores; precloacal groove absent; wide, dark postorbital stripes from each eye extending posteriorly to the anterior margin of the shoulder region thence forming a transverse band across the anterior margin of the shoulder region; and body bearing five (rarely four) wide, bold, dark bands. Destruction of the karst microhabitat and surrounding limestone forest will extirpate this new species from the type locality and perhaps drive it to complete extinction given that it appears to be restricted to the particular microhabitat structure of the type locality and is not widely distributed throughout the karst formations. As with plants and invertebrates, limestone forests are proving to be significant areas of high herpetological endemism and should be afforded special conservation status rather than turned into cement.
A new species of insular Rock Gecko (Genus Cnemaspis Strauch, 1887) from the Bidong Archipelago, Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: GRISMER L. LEE , JR. PERRY L. WOOD, , AHMAD AMIRRUDIN B. , SUMARLI ALEXANDRA S.-I. , VAZQUEZ JESSIKA J. , ISMAIL LUKMAN H. B. , NANCE RONALD , MOHD-AMIN MUHAMMAD AFIF B. , OTHMAN MOHAMAD N. A. B. , RIZAIJESSIKA SYED A. , KUSS MARIA , MURDOCH MATTHEW , COBOS ANTHONY
Published: January 2014

A new insular species Cnemaspis bidongensis sp. nov. (Squamata: Gekkonidae), is described from Pulau Bidong, Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia and bears a unique suite of morphological and color pattern characters that differentiate it from all other congeners. Cnemaspis bidongensis sp. nov. is the sister species to C. kendallii (Gray) and represents the fifth insular endemic species of Cnemaspis on archipelagos along the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. This species survived massive deforestation of the small island of Bidong (260 ha) from the mid 1970s to the early 1990s when the island served as a Vietnamese refugee camp and harbored as many as 40,000 people at one time. We hypothesize that this species’ generalized lifestyle contributed to its survival, allowing it to seek refuge in rocky microhabitats.
Gymnoxenisthmus tigrellus, new genus and species of gobioid fish from the Red Sea (Gobioidei: Xenisthmidae)
Authors: GILL ANTHONY C. , BOGORODSKY SERGEY V. , MAL AHMAD O.
Published: January 2014

Gymnoxenisthmus tigrellus is described from the 15.2 mm SL holotype collected from the Farasan Archipelago, southern Red Sea. It is distinguished from other xenisthmid genera in having the following combination of characters: head pores absent; no scales; first dorsal fin with five spines; at least some dorsal-, anal- and pectoral-fin rays branched; pelvic fin with a spine and five unbranched rays. Evaluation of available (mostly external) characters suggests the new genus is the sister group of a clade consisting of Rotuma, Tyson and Allomicrodesmus.
A Removal Filter for Suspicious Extreme Rainfall Profiles in TRMM PR 2A25 Version-7 Data
Authors: Hamada Atsushi , Takayabu Yukari N.
Published: January 2014

This study reports on the presence of suspicious “extreme rainfall” data in the 2A25 version-7 (V7) product of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) precipitation radar (PR) dataset and introduces a simple method for detecting and filtering out the suspicious data. These suspicious data in V7 are found by comparing the extreme rainfall characteristics in the V7 and version-6 products. Most of the suspicious extremes are located over land, especially in mountainous regions. Radar reflectivities in the suspicious extremes show significant monotonic increases toward the echo bottom. These facts indicate that the suspicious extremes are mainly caused by contamination from ground or sea clutter. A simple thresholding filter for eliminating the suspicious extreme data is developed using common characteristics in the horizontal and vertical rainfall structures and reflectivities in the suspicious extremes. The proposed filter mitigates deformations in the frequency distribution of the surface rainfall rate in the 2A25 V7 product.
Earth’s Energy Imbalance
Authors: Trenberth Kevin E. , Fasullo John T. , Balmaseda Magdalena A.
Published: January 2014

Climate change from increased greenhouse gases arises from a global energy imbalance at the top of the atmosphere (TOA). TOA measurements of radiation from space can track changes over time but lack absolute accuracy. An inventory of energy storage changes shows that over 90% of the imbalance is manifested as a rise in ocean heat content (OHC). Data from the Ocean Reanalysis System, version 4 (ORAS4), and other OHC-estimated rates of change are used to compare with model-based estimates of TOA energy imbalance [from the Community Climate System Model, version 4 (CCSM4)] and with TOA satellite measurements for the year 2000 onward. Most ocean-only OHC analyses extend to only 700-m depth, have large discrepancies among the rates of change of OHC, and do not resolve interannual variability adequately to capture ENSO and volcanic eruption effects, all aspects that are improved with assimilation of multivariate data. ORAS4 rates of change of OHC quantitatively agree with the radiative forcing estimates of impacts of the three major volcanic eruptions since 1960 (Mt. Agung, 1963; El Chichón, 1982; and Mt. Pinatubo, 1991). The natural variability of the energy imbalance is substantial from month to month, associated with cloud and weather variations, and interannually mainly associated with ENSO, while the sun affects 15% of the climate change signal on decadal time scales. All estimates (OHC and TOA) show that over the past decade the energy imbalance ranges between about 0.5 and 1 W m−2. By using the full-depth ocean, there is a better overall accounting for energy, but discrepancies remain at interannual time scales between OHC- and TOA-based estimates, notably in 2008/09.
Indo-Pacific–Induced Wave Trains during Austral Autumn and Their Effect on Australian Rainfall
Authors: van Rensch Peter , Cai Wenju
Published: January 2014

During austral winter and spring, the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Indian Ocean dipole (IOD), individually or in combination, induce equivalent-barotropic Rossby wave trains, affecting midlatitude Australian rainfall. In autumn, ENSO is at its annual minimum, and the IOD has usually not developed. However, there is still a strong equivalent-barotropic Rossby wave train associated with tropical Indian Ocean sea surface temperature (SST) variability, with a pressure anomaly to the south of Australia. This wave train is similar in position, but opposite in sign, to the IOD-induced wave train in winter and spring and has little effect on Australian rainfall. This study shows that the SST in the southeastern tropical Indian Ocean (SETIO) displays a high variance during austral autumn, with a strong influence on southeast and eastern Australian rainfall. However, this influence is slightly weaker than that associated with SST to the north of Australia, which shares fluctuations with SST in the SETIO region. The SST north of Australia is coherent with a convective dipole in the tropical Pacific Ocean, which is the source of a wave train to the east of Australia influencing rainfall in eastern Australia. ENSO Modoki is a contributor to the convective dipole and as a result it exerts a weak influence on eastern Australian rainfall through the connecting north Australian SST relationship. Thus, SST to the north of Australia acts as the main agent for delivering the impact of tropical Indo-Pacific variability to eastern Australia.
Quality-Controlled Upper-Air Sounding Dataset for DYNAMO/CINDY/AMIE: Development and Corrections
Authors: Ciesielski Paul E. , Yu Hungjui , Johnson Richard H. , Yoneyama Kunio , Katsumata Masaki , Long Charles N. , Wang Junhong , Loehrer Scot M. , Young Kathryn , Williams Steven F. , Brown William , Braun John , Van Hove Teresa
Published: January 2014

The upper-air sounding network for Dynamics of the Madden–Julian Oscillation (DYNAMO) has provided an unprecedented set of observations for studying the MJO over the Indian Ocean, where coupling of this oscillation with deep convection first occurs. With 72 rawinsonde sites and dropsonde data from 13 aircraft missions, the sounding network covers the tropics from eastern Africa to the western Pacific. In total nearly 26 000 soundings were collected from this network during the experiment’s 6-month extended observing period (from October 2011 to March 2012). Slightly more than half of the soundings, collected from 33 sites, are at high vertical resolution. Rigorous post–field phase processing of the sonde data included several levels of quality checks and a variety of corrections that address a number of issues (e.g., daytime dry bias, baseline surface data errors, ship deck heating effects, and artificial dry spikes in slow-ascent soundings).

Because of the importance of an accurate description of the moisture field in meeting the scientific goals of the experiment, particular attention is given to humidity correction and its validation. The humidity corrections, though small relative to some previous field campaigns, produced high-fidelity moisture analyses in which sonde precipitable water compared well with independent estimates. An assessment of operational model moisture analyses using corrected sonde data shows an overall good agreement with the exception at upper levels, where model moisture and clouds are more abundant than the sonde data would indicate.
Inducing Tropical Cyclones to Undergo Brownian Motion: A Comparison between Itô and Stratonovich in a Numerical Weather Prediction Model
Authors: Hodyss Daniel , McLay Justin G. , Moskaitis Jon , Serra Efren A.
Published: January 2014

Stochastic parameterization has become commonplace in numerical weather prediction (NWP) models used for probabilistic prediction. Here a specific stochastic parameterization will be related to the theory of stochastic differential equations and shown to be affected strongly by the choice of stochastic calculus. From an NWP perspective the focus will be on ameliorating a common trait of the ensemble distributions of tropical cyclone (TC) tracks (or position); namely, that they generally contain a bias and an underestimate of the variance. With this trait in mind the authors present a stochastic track variance inflation parameterization. This parameterization makes use of a properly constructed stochastic advection term that follows a TC and induces its position to undergo Brownian motion. A central characteristic of Brownian motion is that its variance increases with time, which allows for an effective inflation of an ensemble’s TC track variance. Using this stochastic parameterization the authors present a comparison of the behavior of TCs from the perspective of the stochastic calculi of Itô and Stratonovich within an operational NWP model. The central difference between these two perspectives as pertains to TCs is shown to be properly predicted by the stochastic calculus and the Itô correction. In the cases presented here these differences will manifest as overly intense TCs, which, depending on the strength of the forcing, could lead to problems with numerical stability and physical realism.
Blockade of visfatin induction by oleanolic acid via disturbing IL-6-TRAF6-NF-κB signaling of adipocytes
Authors: Kim Hyun-Sung , Han Seon-Young , Sung Hye-Young , Park Sin-Hye , Kang Min-Kyung , Han Seoung-Jun , Kang Young-Hee
Published: January 2014

Oleanolic acid is a pentacyclic triterpenoid naturally present in foods and medicinal plants with anticancer, antioxidant, and antiaging properties. The current study elucidated that oleanolic acid inhibited the production of insulin-mimetic and inflammatory adipokine of visfatin during adipogenic differentiation of 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Adipocytes were cultured in an adipogenic media with and without 1–25 µM oleanolic acid up to 8 days for differentiation. The cellular expression and secretion of visfatin was markedly enhanced in differentiating adipocytes, which was dose-dependently attenuated by 1–25 µM oleanolic acid. Secretion of interleukin (IL)-6 and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2 was highly elevated during differentiation, which was much earlier than visfatin production of adipocytes. The visfatin production was secondary to inflammatory IL-6 and MIP-2. This study further elucidated that nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling was responsible for cellular production of visfatin. NF-κB was activated by translocating into the nucleus with increased phosphorylation of inhibitory κB (IκB), which was disturbed by oleanolic acid. Cellular expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor associated factor 6 (TRAF6), a NF-κB upstream, was upregulated in parallel with transactivation with NF-κB. The TRAF6 induction required the auto-stimulation of inflammatory IL-6 and MIP-2. These results demonstrate that oleanolic acid inhibited visfatin and its inflammatory response during adipocyte differentiation through blocking IL-6-TRAF6-NF-κB signaling. Therefore, oleanolic acid may be a potent therapeutic agent targeting against adipogenesis and visfatin-linked inflammation.
MRI-guided laser ablation of neuroendocrine tumor hepatic metastases
Authors: Perälä Jukka , Klemola Rauli , Kallio Raija , Li Chengli , Vihriälä Ilkka , Salmela Pasi I , Tervonen Osmo , Sequeiros Roberto Blanco
Published: January 2014

Background

Neuroendocrine tumors (NET) represent a therapeutically challenging and heterogeneous group of malignancies occurring throughout the body, but mainly in the gastrointestinal system.

Purpose

To describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided laser ablation of NET liver metastases and assess its role within the current treatment options and methods.

Material and Methods

Two patients with NET tumor hepatic metastases were treated with MRI-guided interstitial laser ablation (LITT). Three tumors were treated. Clinical follow-up time was 10 years.

Results

Both patients were successfully treated. There were no local recurrences at the ablation site during the follow-up. Both patients had survived at 10-year follow-up. One patient is disease-free.

Conclusion

MRI-guided laser ablation can be used to treat NET tumor liver metastases but combination therapy and a rigorous follow-up schedule are recommended.
The cytokine midkine supports neutrophil trafficking during acute inflammation by promoting adhesion via β2 integrins (CD11/CD18)
Authors: Weckbach Ludwig T. , Gola Anita , Winkelmann Michael , Jakob Sascha M. , Groesser Leopold , Borgolte Julia , Pogoda Frank , Pick Robert , Pruenster Monika , Müller-Höcker Josef , Deindl Elisabeth , Sperandio Markus , Walzog Barbara
Published: January 2014

Key Points

MK promotes PMN recruitment during the acute inflammatory response. MK and β2 integrins (CD11/CD18) cooperate in mediating PMN adhesion during acute inflammation.