bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of dietary lysine levels on apparent nutrient digestibility and cationic amino acid transporter mRNA abundance in the small intestine of finishing pigs, Sus scrofa
Authors: WANG Xiu‐Qi , ZENG Pei‐Ling , FENG You , ZHANG Chang‐Ming , YANG Jing‐Pei , SHU Gang , JIANG Qing‐Yan
Published: August 2011

One hundred and twenty pigs were used to evaluate the effects of different dietary lysine levels on the growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, and abundance of cationic amino acid transporter messenger RNA (mRNA) in the small intestine of finishing pigs. Pigs received a low lysine diet (LL, 0.60% lysine), moderate lysine diet (ML, 0.80% lysine) or a high lysine diet (HL, 1.00% lysine) for 28 days. A digestion test was carried out during the third week. Although the apparent nutrient digestibility in pigs fed experimental diets were different (P < 0.05) and the highest when pigs were fed ML diet, diets did not change the growth performance. In the duodenum, mRNA abundance of PepT‐1, as detected by real‐time RT‐PCR, was reduced in the LL diet (P < 0.05). A greater abundance of b0,+AT and PepT‐1 mRNA was associated with the ML diet (P < 0.05) in the jejunum and ileum, respectively. In the ileum, the HL diet had a lower abundance of CAT‐1 mRNA compared with other diets. These results showed that the finishing pigs would gain better nutrient digestibility when the dietary lysine content was 0.80%, and dietary lysine levels influenced the expression of cationic amino acid transporter mRNA in the small intestine of finishing pigs.
Distribution, Characterization and Genetic Bases of Erythromycin Resistance in Staphylococci and Enterococci Originating from Livestock
Authors: Jaglic Z. , Vlkova H. , Bardon J. , Michu E. , Cervinkova D. , Babak V.
Published: August 2011

The occurrence of staphylococci and enterococci expressing increased resistance to erythromycin (ERY) and, in particular, to macrolide–lincosamide–streptogramin B (MLSB) antibiotics was investigated in dairy cattle, pigs and turkeys. Three hundred rectal (cloacal) swabs of each animal species were examined. A total of 120 and 71 staphylococci and enterococci, respectively, with increased resistance to ERY were identified. These were most frequent in turkeys (42.3% of positive animals), followed by pigs and dairy cattle (6.7% and 6.0% of positive animals, respectively). Similarly, MLSB‐resistant isolates colonized predominantly turkeys (29.7% of animals), while their occurrence in pigs and dairy cattle was only sporadic (0.8% of animals). At least one of the erm genes encoding for MLSB resistance was found in 56.7% and 69.0% of staphylococci and enterococci, respectively. The erm(C) gene prevailed in staphylococci while the erm(B) gene was predominant in enterococci. Macrolide efflux genes msr(A) and msr(C) were also frequent in staphylococci and enterococci, respectively. Macrolide inactivation gene mph(C) occurred mainly in staphylococci. In staphylococci, methicillin resistance was rarely detected (7.5% of isolates), but resistance to telithromycin (ketolides) was frequent in both staphylococci and enterococci (89.2% and 47.9% of isolates, respectively). This study showed that turkeys represent an important source of ERY (MLSB)‐resistant cocci. In addition, resistance to ketolides was also frequent.
Identification and characterization of a fibronectin‐binding protein from Granulicatella adiacens
Authors: Yamaguchi T. , Soutome S. , Oho T.
Published: August 2011

The interaction of microorganisms with fibronectin plays an important role in infective endocarditis. Granulicatella adiacens is a member of the oral microbiota, formerly known as nutritionally variant streptococci, and is often isolated from endocarditis patients. In the present study we identified a surface protein, designated Cha, which binds to fibronectin, by a plaque hybridization procedure using the cshA sequence as probe, which encodes a fibronectin‐binding molecule of Streptococcus gordonii DL1. The cha sequence was highly homologous to cshA and encoded a product of 2351 amino acid residues. The protein comprised a unique sequence in the N‐terminal half region. The C‐terminal region contained nine complete, and one incomplete, 115‐amino acid residue repeat blocks. Among eight strains of nutritionally variant streptococci, three G. adiacens strains and one Abiotrophia defectiva strain carried the cha gene. Heterologous expression studies suggested that Cha adhered to immobilized fibronectin, and that this function was located in the unique region. Recombinant Cha protein also adhered to immobilize fibronectin and partially inhibited adherence of G. adiacens to fibronectin in a dose‐dependent manner. These results suggest that Cha is a cell surface protein that mediates adherence of G. adiacens to fibronectin.
An investigation of the chick chorioallantoic membrane as an alternative model to various biological tissues for permeation studies
Authors: Tay Stephanie Li Mei , Heng Paul Wan Sia , Chan Lai Wah
Published: August 2011

Objectives

The chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) was explored as a biological membrane for use in the study of drug permeation with a Franz diffusion cell.

Methods

The CAM was removed from fertilized chicken eggs of embryo age 9–18 days. The permeation profiles of nicotine through the fresh CAM were first obtained with a Franz diffusion cell. The permeation profiles of nicotine through frozen CAM, snake skin, pig skin, pig retina and pig buccal mucosa were also determined and compared with those of the fresh CAM.

Key findings

The permeability coefficient of the CAM varied with its age. The CAM at embryo age 13 was the most robust, showing the lowest standard error in permeability. It was thus chosen for comparative studies with snake skin, pig skin, retina and buccal mucosa. The CAM was found to be most similar to the buccal mucosa in terms of permeation profile and permeability coefficient values. Frozen CAM was also found to have a higher permeability coefficient than fresh CAM. The enhanced permeability was attributed to freezing, which affected the integrity of the CAM structure.

Conclusions

From the findings, CAM shows potential as an alternative to the pig buccal mucosa as an in-vitro buccal model. The robustness of the CAM for drug permeation studies is affected by its age.
Novel gel formulations with catanionic aggregates enable prolonged drug release and reduced skin permeation
Authors: Dew Noel , Edsman Katarina , Björk Erik
Published: August 2011

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate skin permeation rates of a drug substance when applied in novel gel formulations with catanionic aggregates.

Methods

Reference gel without catanionic aggregates was compared with formulations with catanionic aggregates composed of tetracaine and either sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) or capric acid. Carbomer and SoftCAT were used to compare the effect of different gel types to elucidate if physically cross-linked, ‘self-destructing’ systems had benefits compared with classical, covalently cross-linked, gels.

Key findings

The rheological investigation showed that the interactions between the SoftCAT polymer and tetracaine/SDS aggregates were stronger than when the tetracaine/capric acid aggregates were used. The skin permeation was measured ex vivo in horizontal Ussing chambers and the permeation of tetracaine was significantly lower when formulations with tetracaine/SDS aggregates were applied (P < 0.001), but not statistically different from the reference when capric acid was used.

Conclusions

No morphological differences could be distinguished between the skin samples exposed to the different formulations or the reference. Skin permeation was compared with silicone sheet permeation and the results indicated that silicone sheets could be used as a model of skin when using these formulations.
Effect of Thread Milling Penetration Strategies on the Dimensional Accuracy
Authors: Fromentin Guillaume , Sharma Vishal S. , Poulachon Gérard , Paire Yann , Brendlen Romain
Published: August 2011

Day by day the application of thread milling process is enhancing in industry because of its inherent advantages over other thread cutting techniques. The current study dwells on the interference issue, which is generated during thread milling. It was observed that there are two sources of interference on the thread produced, i.e., interference induced during mill penetration and during full machining. This interference leads to an overcut on the thread; thus, it produces a dimensionally inaccurate thread. The interference produced by penetration is much more when compared to interference generated during full machining of thread. Thus, there is a pressing need to analyze interference during penetration. So, this study evaluates different applied penetration strategies and the level of interference produced. Further, the study suggests modified penetration strategies in order to reduce the interference produced and hence create more accurate thread. This investigation is supported by analytical modeling and experimental exploration.
Numerical Simulation and Evaluation of Velocity Fluctuations During Rotating Stall of a Centrifugal Pump
Authors: Lucius Andreas , Brenner Gunther
Published: August 2011

Flow instabilities like rotating stall can lead to severe vibrations in turbomachines if the eigenfrequency of the rotor is equal to the stall frequency. The goal of the present work is to shed some light on the origin of the rotating stall phenomenon in a centrifugal pump. The resulting fluctuating loads are quantified using numerical computations. For the chosen configuration transient PIV data are available for validation. In addition to measuring the stall frequency in the stationary frame, the CFD data is analyzed in the rotating frame. A Fourier analysis is done for a large number of sample points. This enables us to determine the local variation of amplitudes for a given frequency. Together with eigenfrequencies and eigenmodes of the rotor determined from modal analysis, it is possible to evaluate the risk of resonance vibration excited from fluctuating fluid forces.
Wide Dissemination of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Producing β-Lactamase
bla
KPC-2
Gene in Colombia
Authors: Cuzon Gaelle , Naas Thierry , Villegas Maria-Virginia , Correa Adriana , Quinn John P. , Nordmann Patrice
Published: August 2011

Ten
bla
KPC-2
-harboring
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
isolates from hospitals located in five different Colombian cities have been characterized. Isolates were multidrug resistant, belonged to five different pulsotypes, and possessed naturally chromosome-encoded
bla
AmpC
and
bla
OXA-50
genes and the acquired
bla
KPC-2
gene. In most cases, the
bla
KPC-2
genes were carried by plasmids of different sizes and were associated with Tn
4401b
or a new structure containing only part of the Tn
4401
sequence. This study revealed that several clones of
P. aeruginosa
producing
bla
KPC-2
are disseminating in Colombia.
Discovery of a Novel Class of Orally Active Antifungal β-1,3-
d
-Glucan Synthase Inhibitors
Authors: Walker Scott S. , Xu Yiming , Triantafyllou Ilias , Waldman Michelle F. , Mendrick Cara , Brown Nathaniel , Mann Paul , Chau Andrew , Patel Reena , Bauman Nicholas , Norris Christine , Antonacci Barry , Gurnani Maya , Cacciapuoti Anthony , McNicholas Paul M. , Wainhaus Samuel , Herr R. Jason , Kuang Rongze , Aslanian Robert G. , Ting Pauline C. , Black Todd A.
Published: August 2011

The echinocandins are a class of semisynthetic natural products that target β-1,3-glucan synthase (GS). Their proven clinical efficacy combined with minimal safety issues has made the echinocandins an important asset in the management of fungal infection in a variety of patient populations. However, the echinocandins are delivered only parenterally. A screen for antifungal bioactivities combined with mechanism-of-action studies identified a class of piperazinyl-pyridazinones that target GS. The compounds exhibited
in vitro
activity comparable, and in some cases superior, to that of the echinocandins. The compounds inhibit GS
in vitro
, and there was a strong correlation between enzyme inhibition and
in vitro
antifungal activity. In addition, like the echinocandins, the compounds caused a leakage of cytoplasmic contents from yeast and produced a morphological response in molds characteristic of GS inhibitors. Spontaneous mutants of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
with reduced susceptibility to the piperazinyl-pyridazinones had substitutions in
FKS1
. The sites of these substitutions were distinct from those conferring resistance to echinocandins; likewise, echinocandin-resistant isolates remained susceptible to the test compounds. Finally, we present efficacy and pharmacokinetic data on an example of the piperazinyl-pyridazinone compounds that demonstrated efficacy in a murine model of
Candida glabrata
infection.
In Vitro
Activity of a Novel Broad-Spectrum Antifungal, E1210, Tested against Aspergillus spp. Determined by CLSI and EUCAST Broth Microdilution Methods
Authors: Pfaller Michael A. , Duncanson Frederick , Messer Shawn A. , Moet Gary J. , Jones Ronald N. , Castanheira Mariana
Published: August 2011

E1210 is a first-in-class broad-spectrum antifungal that suppresses hyphal growth by inhibiting fungal glycophosphatidylinositol (GPI) biosynthesis. In the present study, we extend these findings by examining the activity of E1210 and comparator antifungal agents against
Aspergillus
spp. by using the methods of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) and the European Committee for Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) to test wild-type (WT) as well as amphotericin B (AMB)-resistant (-R) and azole-R strains (as determined by CLSI methods). Seventy-eight clinical isolates of
Aspergillus
were tested including 20 isolates of
Aspergillus flavus
species complex (SC), 22 of
A. fumigatus
SC, 13 of
A. niger
SC, and 23 of
A. terreus
SC. The collection included 15 AMB-R (MIC, ≥2 μg/ml) isolates of
A. terreus
SC and 10 itraconazole-R (MIC, ≥4 μg/ml) isolates of
A. fumigatus
SC (7 isolates),
A. niger
SC (2 isolates), and
A. terreus
SC (1 isolate). Comparator antifungal agents included anidulafungin, caspofungin, amphotericin B, itraconazole, posaconzole, and voriconazole. Both CLSI and EUCAST methods were highly concordant for E1210 and all comparators. The essential agreement (EA; ±2 log
2
dilution steps) was 100% for all comparisons with the exception of posaconazole versus
A. terreus
SC (EA = 91.3%). The minimum effective concentration (MEC)/MIC
90
values (μg/ml) for E1210, anidulafungin, caspofungin, itraconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole, respectively, were as follows for each species: for
A. flavus
SC, 0.03, ≤0.008, 0.12, 1, 1, and 1; for
A. fumigatus
SC, 0.06, 0.015, 0.12, >8, 1, and 4; for
A. niger
SC, 0.015, 0.03, 0.12, 4, 1, and 2; and for
A. terreus
SC, 0.06, 0.015, 0.12, 1, 0.5, and 1. E1210 was very active against AMB-R strains of
A. terreus
SC (MEC range, 0.015 to 0.06 μg/ml) and itraconazole-R strains of
A. fumigatus
SC (MEC range, 0.03 to 0.12 μg/ml),
A. niger
SC (MEC, 0.008 μg/ml), and
A. terreus
SC (MEC, 0.015 μg/ml). In conclusion, E1210 was a very potent and broad-spectrum antifungal agent regardless of
in vitro
method applied, with excellent activity against AMB-R and itraconazole-R strains of
Aspergillus
spp.
Comparative Susceptibilities to Fidaxomicin (OPT-80) of Isolates Collected at Baseline, Recurrence, and Failure from Patients in Two Phase III Trials of Fidaxomicin against Clostridium difficile Infection
Authors: Goldstein Ellie J. C. , Citron Diane M. , Sears Pamela , Babakhani Farah , Sambol Susan P. , Gerding Dale N.
Published: August 2011

A 10-day course of oral fidaxomicin (200 mg twice a day [b.i.d.]), a potent new macrocyclic drug, was compared to vancomycin (125 mg four times a day [q.i.d.]) in 1,164 adults (1,105 in the modified intent-to-treat [mITT] population) with
Clostridium difficile
infection in two phase III randomized, double-blind trials at sites in North America and 7 European countries. Of 1,105 mITT patients, 792 (71.7%), including 719/999 (72.0%) in the per-protocol (PP) population, provided a
C. difficile
strain at baseline, of whom 356 received fidaxomicin with 330 cures (92.7%) and 363 received vancomycin with 329 cures (90.6%). The susceptibilities (MIC
90
) of baseline isolates did not predict clinical cure, failure, or recurrence for fidaxomicin (MIC
90
, 0.25 μg/ml for both; range, ≤0.007 to 1 μg/ml), but there was a one-dilution difference in the MIC
90
(but not the MIC
50
) for vancomycin (MIC
90
, 2 μg/ml [range, 0.25 to 8 μg/ml] for cure and 4.0 μg/ml [range, 0.5 to 4 μg/ml] for failures). A total of 65 (7.9%) “rifaximin-resistant” (MIC > 256 μg/ml) strains were isolated in both treatment groups on enrollment, which increased to 25% for failures at the end of therapy. No resistance to either fidaxomicin or vancomycin developed during treatment in either of the phase III studies, although a single strain isolated from a cured patient had an elevated fidaxomicin MIC of 16 μg/ml at the time of recurrence. All isolates were susceptible to ≤4 μg/ml of metronidazole. When analyzed by restriction endonuclease analysis (REA) type, 247/719 (34.4%) isolates were BI group isolates, and the MICs were generally higher for all four drugs tested (MIC
90
s: fidaxomicin, 0.5; vancomycin, 2.0; metronidazole, 2.0; and rifaximin, >256 μg/ml) than for the other REA types. There was no correlation between the MIC of a baseline clinical isolate and clinical outcome. MIC
90
s were generally low for fidaxomicin and vancomycin, but BI isolates had higher MICs than other REA group isolates.
Citrobacter spp. as a Source of
qnrB
Alleles
Authors: Jacoby George A. , Griffin Caitlin M. , Hooper David C.
Published: August 2011

qnrB
is the most common of the five
qnr
families and has the greatest number of allelic variants. Almost two-thirds of the
qnrB
alleles have been reported in
Citrobacter
spp., and several were shown to be located on the chromosome. In this study, PCR was used to investigate the prevalence of plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance genes in 71 clinical isolates belonging to the
Citrobacter freundii
complex. Thirty-seven percent contained
qnrB
alleles, including 7 (
qnrB32 to qnrB38
) that were novel and 1 pseudogene, while none contained
qnrA
,
qnrC
,
qnrD
,
qnrS
, or
aac(6′)-Ib-cr
. When the strains were arrayed by related 16S rRNA sequence and further separated into subspecies by biochemical criteria, clustering of
qnrB
-positive strains was evident. In only two strains with
qnrB2
and
qnrB4
was quinolone resistance transferable by conjugation, and only these strains contained the IS
CR1
sequence that is often associated with
qnrB
on plasmids. Five of 26
qnrB
-positive strains contained integrase genes, but these included the strains with
qnrB2
and
qnrB4
as well as two strains with other transmissible plasmids. In a fully sequenced genome of
Citrobacter youngae
, a member of the
C. freundii
complex, another novel
qnrB
allele,
qnrB39
, occurs in a sequence of genes that is 90% identical to sequence surrounding integron-associated
qnrB4
incorporated into plasmids. The chromosome of
Citrobacter
is the likely source of plasmid-mediated
qnrB
.
Type III Secretion System-Dependent Translocation of Ectopically Expressed Yop Effectors into Macrophages by Intracellular Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
Authors: Zhang Yue , Romanov Galina , Bliska James B.
Published: August 2011

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
is a Gram-negative bacterial pathogen. Virulence in
Y. pseudotuberculosis
requires the plasmid-encoded Ysc type III secretion system (T3SS), which functions to translocate a set of effectors called Yops into infected host cells. The effectors function to antagonize phagocytosis (e.g., YopH) or to induce apoptosis (YopJ) in macrophages infected with
Y. pseudotuberculosis
. Additionally, when antiphagocytosis is incomplete and
Y. pseudotuberculosis
is internalized by macrophages, the bacterium can survive in phagosomes. Previous studies have shown that delivery of effectors into host cells occurs efficiently when
Yersinia
is extracellular. However, it is not clear whether the T3SS can be utilized by intracellular
Y. pseudotuberculosis
to translocate Yops. This possibility was investigated here using
Y. pseudotuberculosis
strains that express YopJ or YopH under the control of an inducible promoter. Bone marrow-derived murine macrophages were infected with these strains under conditions that prevented the survival of extracellular bacteria. Effector translocation was detected by measuring apoptosis or the activities of Yop-β-lactamase fusion proteins. Results showed that macrophages underwent apoptosis when YopJ expression was induced prior to phagocytosis, confirming that delivery of this effector prior to or during uptake is sufficient to cause cell death. However, macrophages also underwent apoptosis when YopJ was ectopically expressed after phagocytosis; furthermore, expression of the translocator YopB from intracellular bacteria also resulted in increased cell death. Analysis by microscopy showed that translocation of ectopically expressed YopH- or YopJ-β-lactamase fusions could be correlated with the presence of viable
Y. pseudotuberculosis
in macrophages. Collectively, our results suggest that the Ysc T3SS of
Y. pseudotuberculosis
can function within macrophage phagosomes to translocate Yops into the host cytosol.
Structural and Functional Interactions between the Cholera Toxin A1 Subunit and ERdj3/HEDJ, a Chaperone of the Endoplasmic Reticulum
Authors: Massey Shane , Burress Helen , Taylor Michael , Nemec Kathleen N. , Ray Supriyo , Haslam David B. , Teter Ken
Published: August 2011

Cholera toxin (CT) is endocytosed and transported by vesicle carriers to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The catalytic CTA1 subunit then crosses the ER membrane and enters the cytosol, where it interacts with its Gsα target. The CTA1 membrane transversal involves the ER chaperone BiP, but few other host proteins involved with CTA1 translocation are known. BiP function is regulated by ERdj3, an ER-localized Hsp40 chaperone also known as HEDJ. ERdj3 can also influence protein folding and translocation by direct substrate binding. In this work, structural and functional assays were used to examine the putative interaction between ERdj3 and CTA1. Cell-based assays demonstrated that expression of a dominant negative ERdj3 blocks CTA1 translocation into the cytosol and CT intoxication. Binding assays with surface plasmon resonance demonstrated that monomeric ERdj3 interacts directly with CTA1. This interaction involved the A1
2
subdomain of CTA1 and was further dependent upon the overall structure of CTA1: ERdj3 bound to unfolded but not folded conformations of the isolated CTA1 subunit. This was consistent with the chaperone function of ERdj3, as was the ability of ERdj3 to mask the solvent-exposed hydrophobic residues of CTA1. Our data identify ERdj3 as a host protein involved with the CT intoxication process and provide new molecular details regarding CTA1-chaperone interactions.
Two methods for assessing oral reading prosody
Authors: Duong Minh , Mostow Jack , Sitaram Sunayana
Published: August 2011

We compare two types of models to assess the prosody of children's oral reading. Template models measure how well the child's prosodic contour in reading a given sentence correlates in pitch, intensity, pauses, or word reading times with an adult narration of the same sentence. We evaluate template models directly against a common rubric used to assess fluency by hand, and indirectly by their ability to predict fluency and comprehension test scores and gains of 10 children who used Project LISTEN's Reading Tutor; the template models outpredict the human assessment.

We also use the same set of adult narrations to train generalized models for mapping text to prosody, and use them to evaluate children's prosody. Using only durational features for both types of models, the generalized models perform better at predicting fluency and comprehension posttest scores of 55 children ages 7--10, with adjusted R2 of 0.6. Such models could help teachers identify which students are making adequate progress. The generalized models have the additional advantage of not requiring an adult narration of every sentence.
FLORA
Authors: Bolaños Daniel , Cole Ronald A. , Ward Wayne , Borts Eric , Svirsky Edward
Published: August 2011

We present initial results of FLORA, an accessible computer program that uses speech recognition to provide an accurate measure of children's oral reading ability. FLORA presents grade-level text passages to children, who read the passages out loud, and computes the number of words correct per minute (WCPM), a standard measure of oral reading fluency. We describe the main components of the FLORA program, including the system architecture and the speech recognition subsystems. We compare results of FLORA to human scoring on 783 recordings of grade level text passages read aloud by first through fourth grade students in classroom settings. On average, FLORA WCPM scores were within 3 to 4 words of human scorers across students in different grade levels and schools.
Metal-Free Counter Electrode for Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells through High Surface Area and Large Porous Carbon
Authors: Srinivasu Pavuluri , Singh Surya Prakash , Islam Ashraful , Han Liyuan
Published: August 2011

Highly efficient, large mesoporous carbon is fabricated as a metal-free counter electrode for dye-sensitized solar cells. The mesoporous carbon shows very high energy conversion efficiency of 7.1% compared with activated carbon. The mesoporous carbon is prepared and characterized by nitrogen adsorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The nitrogen adsorption data reveals that the material possesses BET specific surface area ca.1300 m2/g and pore diameter 4.4 nm. Hexagonal rod-like morphology and ordered pore structure of mesoporous carbon are confirmed by electron microscopy data. The better performance of this carbon material is greatly benefited from its ordered interconnected mesoporous structure and high surface area.
MoMuLV-ts-1: A Unique Mouse Model of Retrovirus-Induced Lymphoma Transmitted by Breast Milk
Authors: Chakraborty J. , Okonta H. , Bagalb H. , Duggan J.
Published: August 2011

Our laboratory has developed a murine model of lymphoma via breast milk transmission of MoMuLV-ts-1 (Moloney murine leukemia virus-temperature sensitive mutant-1). Uninfected offspring suckled from infected surrogate mothers become infected and develop lymphoma. Multiple gene integration sites of ts-1 into the infected mouse genome includingtacc3, aurka, ndel1, tpx2, p53, and rhammwere identified, and mRNA expressions were quantitated. These genes produce centrosomal proteins, which may be involved in abnormal chromosomal segregation leading to aneuploidy or multiploidy, thus causing lymphoma. Since there is no report to date on this retroviral model leading to centrosomal abnormality, and causing lymphoma development, this is a valuable and unique model to study the centrosomal involvement in lymphomagenesis.
A Review of Methods Applied to Study Airborne Biocontaminants inside Aircraft Cabins
Authors: Conceição Sandro Tavares , Pereira Marcelo Luiz , Tribess Arlindo
Published: August 2011

Indoor-cross infection of expiratory contaminants is still a concern, worsened by the SARS outbreak in 2003 and recent cases of influenza strains (H1N1, avian flu, etc.). A variety of methods to study the airborne spread of expiratory contaminants have been worked out, including the use of tracer gas, particle generators, and CFD simulations. In this context, the main objective of this work is reviewing methods to evaluate airborne dispersion of contaminants, more specifically those related to cross infection of expiratory droplets inside aircraft cabins. This literature review provides guidance in developing methods and choosing equipment for future studies.This study gathers knowledge developed so far in a common source, serving as a guideline for researchers who work in this area.
Weak Solution to a Parabolic Nonlinear System Arising in Biological Dynamic in the Soil
Authors: Goudjo Côme , Lèye Babacar , Sy Mamadou
Published: August 2011

We study a nonlinear parabolic system governing the biological dynamic in the soil. We prove global existence (in time) and uniqueness of weak and positive solution for this reaction‐diffusion semilinear system in a bounded domain, completed with homogeneous Neumann boundary conditions and positive initial conditions.
A Review on Heavy Metals (As, Pb, and Hg) Uptake by Plants through Phytoremediation
Authors: Tangahu Bieby Voijant , Sheikh Abdullah Siti Rozaimah , Basri Hassan , Idris Mushrifah , Anuar Nurina , Mukhlisin Muhammad
Published: August 2011

Heavy metals are among the most important sorts of contaminant in the environment. Several methods already used to clean up the environment from these kinds of contaminants, but most of them are costly and difficult to get optimum results. Currently, phytoremediation is an effective and affordable technological solution used to extract or remove inactive metals and metal pollutants from contaminated soil and water. This technology is environmental friendly and potentially cost effective. This paper aims to compile some information about heavy metals of arsenic, lead, and mercury (As, Pb, and Hg) sources, effects and their treatment. It also reviews deeply about phytoremediation technology, including the heavy metal uptake mechanisms and several research studies associated about the topics. Additionally, it describes several sources and the effects of As, Pb, and Hg on the environment, the advantages of this kind of technology for reducing them, and also heavy metal uptake mechanisms in phytoremediation technology as well as the factors affecting the uptake mechanisms. Some recommended plants which are commonly used in phytoremediation and their capability to reduce the contaminant are also reported.
Impaired Sympathoadrenal Axis Function Contributes to Enhanced Insulin Secretion in Prediabetic Obese Rats
Authors: Andreazzi Ana Eliza , Grassiolli Sabrina , Marangon Paula Beatriz , Martins Adriana Gallego , de Oliveira Júlio Cézar , Torrezan Rosana , Gravena Clarice , Garcia Raúl Marcel González , de Freitas Mathias Paulo Cezar
Published: August 2011

The involvement of sympathoadrenal axis activity in obesity onset was investigated using the experimental model of treating neonatal rats with monosodium L-glutamate. To access general sympathetic nervous system activity, we recorded the firing rates of sympathetic superior cervical ganglion nerves in animals. Catecholamine content and secretion from isolated adrenal medulla were measured. Intravenous glucose tolerance test was performed, and isolated pancreatic islets were stimulated with glucose and adrenergic agonists. The nerve firing rate of obese rats was decreased compared to the rate for lean rats. Basal catecholamine secretion decreased whereas catecholamine secretion induced by carbachol, elevated extracellular potassium, and caffeine in the isolated adrenal medulla were all increased in obese rats compared to control. Both glucose intolerance and hyperinsulinaemia were observed in obese rats. Adrenaline strongly inhibited glucose-induced insulin secretion in obese animals. These findings suggest that low sympathoadrenal activity contributes to impaired glycaemic control in prediabetic obese rats.
Association of the Apolipoprotein A5 Gene −1131T>C Polymorphism with Serum Lipids in Korean Subjects: Impact of Sasang Constitution
Authors: Song Kwang Hoon , Yu Sung-Gon , Cha Seongwon , Kim Jong Yeol
Published: August 2011

Apolipoprotein A5 (APOA5) was identified as a strong modulator of serum lipids. Moreover, anAPOA5gene −1131T>C polymorphism has been associated with serum lipids, but the results are inconsistent according to ethnic and racial groups. We have genotyped and analyzed 1,619 outpatients of Korean oriental medicine hospitals who were classified into three Sasang constitution groups (SCGs), So-Yang (SY), So-Eum (SE), and Tae-Eum (TE). There were no significant difference in the distribution of theAPOA5−1131T>C genotype among the three SCGs. Subjects with the C allele in SY and TE showed significantly lower serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and higher triglyceride (TG) levels than noncarriers of the C allele. These results show the differences in the prevalence of decreasing serum HDL-C and elevating serum TG levels along withAPOA5−1131T>C polymorphism according to SCG and suggest that SCG may act as a significant risk factor for hypo-HDL-C-emia and hypertriglyceridemia susceptibility.
Cyclin D1 and Cdk4 Mediate Development of Neurologically Destructive Oligodendroglioma
Authors: Ciznadija Daniel , Liu Yuhui , Pyonteck Stephanie M. , Holland Eric C. , Koff Andrew
Published: August 2011

Although the molecular changes that characterize gliomas have been studied, the pathogenesis of tumor development remains unclear. p21 contributes to gliomagenesis by stabilizing cyclin D1–cdk4 kinase complexes, suggesting that cyclin D1 and cdk4 may also be required for glial tumor development. In this study, we used a mouse model to attempt to confirm this hypothesis, finding that cyclin D1 and cdk4 played active roles in not only the tumor but also the tumor microenvironment. Loss of cdk4 blocked tumor development, but loss of cyclin D1 did not prevent gliomas from developing. Instead, loss of cyclin D1 impeded progression to higher stages of malignancy. Enforcing expression of cyclin D1 was insufficient to correct the progression defect observed in cyclin D1–deficient animals. In contrast, restoration of cdk4 in the cdk4-deficient animals restored cell proliferation and tumor formation, although at lower tumor grades. Notably, the failure of tumors in the cyclin D1- and cdk4-deficient animals to progress to higher grades was correlated with a failure to fully activate microglia in the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, when platelet-derived growth factor–transformed glial cells were engrafted orthotopically into the mice, the tumors that formed progressed to high grades in wild-type mice but not cyclin D1–deficient animals. Together, our findings establish that the cyclin D1–cdk4 axis is not only critical in glial tumor cells but also in stromal-derived cells in the surrounding tumor microenvironment that are vital to sustain tumor outgrowth. Cancer Res; 71(19); 6174–83. ©2011 AACR.
Effects of Pioglitazone and Rosiglitazone on Vascular Function of Mesenteric Resistance Arteries in Rat Genetic Hypertension
Authors: Mendizábal Yolanda , Llorens Sílvia , Nava Eduardo
Published: August 2011

Glitazones exhibit beneficial effects in the vascular system, both on large vessels and at a microcirculatory level. We previously reported the effects of glitazones in the aorta of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). We focus now on the acute and long-term actions of these drugs on mesenteric resistance arteries of the SHR. Incubation with pioglitazone or rosiglitazone (10–5 mol/l) improved endothelium-dependent relaxations to acetylcholine and the endothelial modulation of phenylephrine contractions. Acetylcholine relaxations that were abolished by NG-nitro-L-arginine methylester were partly recovered by the glitazones, but no effects of these drugs were observed in the presence of indomethacin or indomethacin + L-NAME. Glitazones did not change the contractions to U46619 or the endothelium-independent relaxation to sodium nitroprusside. Three-week oral pioglitazone or rosiglitazone treatment (3 and 10 mg/kg/day, respectively) confirmed the acute experiments. Thus, in microvessels, glitazones improve endothelial function in such a way that they do not alter endothelial nitric oxide release but reduce the production of vasoconstrictor prostanoids from endothelial cells.
Donor Simvastatin Treatment Abolishes Rat Cardiac Allograft Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury and Chronic Rejection Through Microvascular Protection
Authors: Tuuminen Raimo , Syrjälä Simo , Krebs Rainer , Keränen Mikko A.I. , Koli Katri , Abo-Ramadan Usama , Neuvonen Pertti J. , Tikkanen Jussi M. , Nykänen Antti I. , Lemström Karl B.
Published: August 2011

Background—

Ischemia/reperfusion injury may have deleterious short- and long-term consequences for cardiac allografts. The underlying mechanisms involve microvascular dysfunction that may culminate in primary graft failure or untreatable chronic rejection.

Methods and Results—

Here, we report that rat cardiac allograft ischemia/reperfusion injury resulted in profound microvascular dysfunction that was prevented by donor treatment with peroral single-dose simvastatin, a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase and Rho GTPase inhibitor, 2 hours before graft procurement. During allograft preservation, donor simvastatin treatment inhibited microvascular endothelial cell and pericyte RhoA/Rho-associated protein kinase activation and endothelial cell–endothelial cell gap formation; decreased intragraft mRNA levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and endothelin-1; and increased heme oxygenase-1. Donor, but not recipient, simvastatin treatment prevented ischemia/reperfusion injury–induced vascular leakage, leukocyte infiltration, the no-reflow phenomenon, and myocardial injury. The beneficial effects of simvastatin on vascular stability and the no-reflow phenomenon were abolished by concomitant nitric oxide synthase inhibition with
N
-nitro-
l
-arginine methyl ester and RhoA activation by geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate supplementation, respectively. In the chronic rejection model, donor simvastatin treatment inhibited cardiac allograft inflammation, transforming growth factor-β1 signaling, and myocardial fibrosis. In vitro, simvastatin inhibited transforming growth factor-β1–induced microvascular endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition.

Conclusions—

Our results demonstrate that donor simvastatin treatment prevents microvascular endothelial cell and pericyte dysfunction, ischemia/reperfusion injury, and chronic rejection and suggest a novel, clinically feasible strategy to protect cardiac allografts.
Atrial Sources of Reactive Oxygen Species Vary With the Duration and Substrate of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Reilly Svetlana N. , Jayaram Raja , Nahar Keshav , Antoniades Charalambos , Verheule Sander , Channon Keith M. , Alp Nicholas J. , Schotten Ulrich , Casadei Barbara
Published: August 2011

Background—

An altered nitric oxide–redox balance has been implicated in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation (AF). Statins inhibit NOX2-NADPH oxidases and prevent postoperative AF but are less effective in AF secondary prevention; the mechanisms underlying these findings are poorly understood.

Methods and Results—

By using goat models of pacing-induced AF or of atrial structural remodeling secondary to atrioventricular block and right atrial samples from 130 patients undergoing cardiac surgery, we found that the mechanisms responsible for the NO-redox imbalance differ between atria and with the duration and substrate of AF. Rac1 and NADPH oxidase activity and the protein level of NOX2 and p22phox were significantly increased in the left atrium of goats after 2 weeks of AF and in patients who developed postoperative AF in the absence of differences in leukocytes infiltration. Conversely, in the presence of longstanding AF or atrioventricular block, uncoupled nitric oxide synthase activity (secondary to reduced BH
4
content and/or increased arginase activity) and mitochondrial oxidases accounted for the biatrial increase in reactive oxygen species. Atorvastatin caused a mevalonate-reversible inhibition of Rac1 and NOX2-NADPH oxidase activity in right atrial samples from patients who developed postoperative AF, but it did not affect reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide synthase uncoupling, or BH
4
in patients with permanent AF.

Conclusions—

Upregulation of atrial NADPH oxidases is an early but transient event in the natural history of AF. Changes in the sources of reactive oxygen species with atrial remodeling may explain why statins are effective in the primary prevention of AF but not in its management.
I Love My Country: Freedom of Speech, Aaron Sorkin, Elie Wiesel
Authors: Margolin Deb
Published: August 2011

Who can pay for the exercise of First Amendment rights? Two Jewish writers, two character studies, and the very expensive beauty of free speech protection under the law.
Modeling Semidiurnal Internal Tide Variability in the Southern California Bight
Authors: Buijsman M. C. , Uchiyama Y. , McWilliams J. C. , Hill-Lindsay C. R.
Published: August 2011

The Regional Oceanic Modeling System (ROMS) is applied in a nested configuration with realistic forcing to the Southern California Bight (SCB) to analyze the variability in semidiurnal internal wave generation and propagation. The SCB has a complex topography with supercritical slopes that generate linear internal waves at the forcing frequency. The model predicts the observed barotropic and baroclinic tides reasonably well, although the observed baroclinic tides feature slightly larger amplitudes. The strongest semidiurnal barotropic to baroclinic energy conversion occurs on a steep sill slope of the 1900-m-deep Santa Cruz Basin. This causes a forced, near-resonant, semidiurnal Poincaré wave that rotates clockwise in the basin and is of the first mode along the radial, azimuthal, and vertical directions. The associated tidal-mean, depth-integrated energy fluxes and isotherm oscillation amplitudes in the basin reach maximum values of about 5 kW m−1 and 100 m and are strongly modulated by the spring–neap cycle. Most energy is locally dissipated, and only 10% escapes the basin. The baroclinic energy in the remaining basins is orders of magnitudes smaller. High-resolution coastal models are important in locating overlooked mixing hotspots such as the Santa Cruz Basin. These mixing hotspots may be important for ocean mixing and the overturning circulation.
Optimal Gabor-Frame-Expansion-Based Intermittent-Clutter-Filtering Method for Radar Wind Profiler
Authors: Lehmann Volker
Published: August 2011

Intermittent clutter signals are frequently observed by radar wind profilers during the seasonal bird migration. A novel statistical filtering algorithm based on a simultaneous time–frequency analysis of the profiler’s raw data was recently proposed to address shortcomings of existing methods. The foundation of this method is a Gabor frame expansion of the complex time series of the demodulated receiver voltage. In this paper, two objective criteria are suggested to obtain an optimal setup for the discrete Gabor frame expansion from the multitude of possibilities: first, the choice of almost-tight frames for a predefined maximum redundancy and second, the requirement that the analyzing bandwidth of the used Gaussian window function should provide a simultaneously sparse representation of both atmospheric signal components and intermittent clutter. The question of optimal sampling settings, especially dwell time, for a maximum reduction of bird interference is also discussed. Using data obtained during intense bird migration events it is shown that a combination of filtering and quality control of the result is required to prevent the occurrence of significant systematic and correlated errors in the final wind measurement.
Marriage Equality for Same-Sex Couples
Authors: Rostosky Sharon S. , Riggle Ellen D. B.
Published: August 2011

The denial of civil marriage rights is a specific example of minority stress that can negatively affect the psychosocial well-being of self-identified lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals in same-sex partnerships, their families, and their allies. Counseling psychologists have an important role in addressing the minority stress that same-sex couples experience as a result of the lack of marriage equality. In the service of social justice, counseling psychologists can use their training as practitioners, advocates, and researchers to effectively intervene at multiple levels of the ecological system. The purpose of this practice forum is to suggest interventions at the micro, meso, and macro levels that support the goal of social justice for same-sex couples and their families.
Zn–Al-based metal–matrix composites with high stiffness and high viscoelastic damping
Authors: Jaglinski T , Lakes RS
Published: August 2011

A maximal product of stiffness and viscoelastic damping ( E tan δ), a figure of merit for damping layers, is desirable for structural damping applications. Particulate-reinforced metal–matrix composites were prepared by ultrasonic agitation of the melt and composed of the zinc–aluminum (ZnAl) alloy Zn80Al20 (in wt%) as the lossy matrix and SiC or BaTiO3 as the particulate reinforcements. ZnAl–SiC composites were stiffer and exhibited higher damping at acoustic frequencies in comparison to the base alloy. ZnAl–SiC composites were superior to Sn–SiC composites and possessed an E tan δ in excess of 0.6 GPa, the maximum figure of merit provided by commercial polymer damping layers. Furthermore, ZnAl–SiC composites displayed a high figure of merit over a broad temperature range. ZnAl–BaTiO3 composites exhibited anomalies in modulus and damping associated with partial restraint of the phase transformation; one specimen was much stiffer than diamond over a narrow temperature range.
An approach for increase of reinforcement content in particle rich zone of centrifugally cast SiCP/Al composites
Authors: Wang K , Cheng JF , Sun WJ , Xue HS
Published: August 2011

A cylindrical ingot was produced by means of centrifugal casting using 20 vol.% SiCp/Al composite melt. The melt which was fabricated by double stir-casting method, consisting of three different sizes of SiC particles. SiCp/Al composites were characterized by optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The results showed that SiC particles in the 20 vol.% SiCp/Al composite melt migrated towards the outer periphery of the cylindrical ingot under centrifugal force. High reinforcement content SiCp/Al composites were obtained in a zone near the outer periphery of the cylindrical ingot, and the volume fraction of SiC particles reached up to 55%. The thermal expansion test was performed, and the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the 55 vol.% SiCp/Al composites was found to be 9.9 × 10−6/°C, which was lower than the predicted value based on Kerner’s model and that of 60 vol.% SiCp/Al composites fabricated by conventional processing techniques. This article presented an approach for producing high reinforcement content SiCp/Al composites.
Experimental analysis of drilling damage in carbon-fiber reinforced thermoplastic laminates manufactured by resin transfer molding
Authors: Lopez-Arraiza A. , Amenabar I. , Agirregomezkorta A. , Sarrionandia M. , Aurrekoetxea J.
Published: August 2011

The emergence of new high-performance thermoplastics to replace thermosets in fiber-reinforced polymers puts up a new challenge: their machining. In this study, carbon fiber-reinforced poly-cyclic butylene terephthalate laminates were manufactured, drilled, and inspected. Different commercial drill geometries and machining conditions were compared. Roughness, microscopy, and non-destructive tests allowed us to determine the hole quality as well as delamination. The surface tests showed better results after working at the most common cutting speed (3000 rpm) than at high speed (15,000 rpm) with a constant feed rate. This fact can be explained based on the viscoelastic properties of the matrix that becomes fragile at high cutting speeds. The Delamination factor obtained by means of Ultrasonics and X-ray Computed Tomography also confirmed that the best results are achieved with a Twist drill bit at 3000 rpm. In contrast to carbon fiber-reinforced thermosets, the detected delamination at high cutting speeds is not as remarkable as expected. These results allow us to conclude that this new composite will certainly increase production rate without delamination damage. Chip formation takes also a special role. It can be recovered to be used as reinforcement in manufacturing processes due to the recyclability of the thermoplastic matrix.