bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Typing and Virulence Analysis of Serotype K1 Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains Isolated from Liver Abscess Patients and Stool Samples from Noninfectious Subjects in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan
Authors: Siu L. Kristopher , Fung Chang-Phone , Chang Feng-Yee , Lee Nelson , Yeh Kuo-Ming , Koh Tse Hsien , Ip Margaret
Published: September 2011

Serotype K1
Klebsiella pneumoniae
with multilocus sequence type 23 (ST23) has been strongly associated with liver abscess in Taiwan. Few data regarding the strain types and virulence of this serotype from other Asian countries are available. Serotype K1
K. pneumoniae
strains isolated from liver abscess and stool samples from subjects hospitalized in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan hospitals were examined. Forty-seven serotype K1 isolates were identified: 26 from liver abscess samples and 21 from stool samples. MLST revealed 7 sequence types: 85.1% (40 of 47 isolates) belonged to ST23, 1 isolate belonged to ST163 (a single-locus variant of ST23), and 2 isolates were ST249 (a 3-locus variant of ST23). New STs, namely, ST367, ST425, and ST426, were allocated to 3 of 4 isolates from stool samples. The virulence of these strains was determined by neutrophil phagocytosis and mouse infection models. Except for two ST23 isolates, all
Klebsiella pneumoniae
isolates were resistant to phagocytosis. Resistance to serum killing varied in isolates of ST23, while all non-ST23 strains were susceptible to serum killing except one with ST249 from a liver abscess. All hypervirulent isolates with a 50% lethal dose of <10
2
CFU were from ST23, were resistant to phagocytosis and serum killing, and also carried both virulence-associated genes,
rmpA
and aerobactin. Multilocus sequence typing genotype 23 was the most prevalent sequence type among serotype K1
K. pneumoniae
isolates from both liver abscess and stool samples in the Asia Pacific region. Serotype K1
K. pneumoniae
isolates with capsule expression leading to phagocytic resistance and with the aerobactin gene were associated with hypervirulence.
Histone H3 Interacts and Colocalizes with the Nuclear Shuttle Protein and the Movement Protein of a Geminivirus
Authors: Zhou Yanchen , Rojas Maria R. , Park Mi-Ri , Seo Young-Su , Lucas William J. , Gilbertson Robert L.
Published: September 2011

Geminiviruses are plant-infecting viruses with small circular single-stranded DNA genomes. These viruses utilize nuclear shuttle proteins (NSPs) and movement proteins (MPs) for trafficking of infectious DNA through the nuclear pore complex and plasmodesmata, respectively. Here, a biochemical approach was used to identify host factors interacting with the NSP and MP of the geminivirus
Bean dwarf mosaic virus
(BDMV). Based on these studies, we identified and characterized a host nucleoprotein, histone H3, which interacts with both the NSP and MP. The specific nature of the interaction of histone H3 with these viral proteins was established by gel overlay and
in vitro
and
in vivo
coimmunoprecipitation (co-IP) assays. The NSP and MP interaction domains were mapped to the N-terminal region of histone H3. These experiments also revealed a direct interaction between the BDMV NSP and MP, as well as interactions between histone H3 and the capsid proteins of various geminiviruses. Transient-expression assays revealed the colocalization of histone H3 and NSP in the nucleus and nucleolus and of histone H3 and MP in the cell periphery and plasmodesmata. Finally, using
in vivo
co-IP assays with a Myc-tagged histone H3, a complex composed of histone H3, NSP, MP, and viral DNA was recovered. Taken together, these findings implicate the host factor histone H3 in the process by which an infectious geminiviral DNA complex forms within the nucleus for export to the cell periphery and cell-to-cell movement through plasmodesmata.
Crystal Structure of Swine Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I SLA-1*0401 and Identification of 2009 Pandemic Swine-Origin Influenza A H1N1 Virus Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Epitope Peptides
Authors: Zhang Nianzhi , Qi Jianxun , Feng Sijia , Gao Feng , Liu Jun , Pan Xiaocheng , Chen Rong , Li Qirun , Chen Zhaosan , Li Xiaoying , Xia Chun , Gao George F.
Published: September 2011

The presentation of viral epitopes to cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) by swine leukocyte antigen class I (SLA I) is crucial for swine immunity. To illustrate the structural basis of swine CTL epitope presentation, the first SLA crystal structures, SLA-1*0401, complexed with peptides derived from either 2009 pandemic H1N1 (pH1N1) swine-origin influenza A virus (S-OIVNW9; NSDTVGWSW) or Ebola virus (EbolaAY9; ATAAATEAY) were determined in this study. The overall peptide–SLA-1*0401 structures resemble, as expected, the general conformations of other structure-solved peptide major histocompatibility complexes (pMHC). The major distinction of SLA-1*0401 is that Arg156has a “one-ballot veto” function in peptide binding, due to its flexible side chain. S-OIVNW9and EbolaAY9bind SLA-1*0401 with similar conformations but employ different water molecules to stabilize their binding. The side chain of P7 residues in both peptides is exposed, indicating that the epitopes are “featured” peptides presented by this SLA. Further analyses showed that SLA-1*0401 and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I HLA-A*0101 can present the same peptides, but in different conformations, demonstrating cross-species epitope presentation. CTL epitope peptides derived from 2009 pandemic S-OIV were screened and evaluated by thein vitrorefolding method. Three peptides were identified as potential cross-species influenza virus (IV) CTL epitopes. The binding motif of SLA-1*0401 was proposed, and thermostabilities of key peptide–SLA-1*0401 complexes were analyzed by circular dichroism spectra. Our results not only provide the structural basis of peptide presentation by SLA I but also identify some IV CTL epitope peptides. These results will benefit both vaccine development and swine organ-based xenotransplantation.
Detection and Characterization of a Distinct Bornavirus Lineage from Healthy Canada Geese (Branta canadensis)
Authors: Payne Susan , Covaleda Lina , Jianhua Guo , Swafford Seth , Baroch John , Ferro Pamela J. , Lupiani Blanca , Heatley Jill , Tizard Ian
Published: September 2011

Avian bornaviruses (ABV), identified in 2008, infect captive parrots and macaws worldwide. The natural reservoirs of these viruses are unknown. Reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) was used to screen oropharyngeal/cloacal swab and brain samples from wild Canada geese (
Branta canadensis
) for ABV. Approximately 2.9% of swab samples were positive for bornavirus sequences. Fifty-two percent of brain samples from 2 urban flocks also tested positive, and brain isolates were cultured in duck embryo fibroblasts. Phylogenetic analyses placed goose isolates in an independent cluster, and more notably, important regulatory sequences present in Borna disease virus but lacking in psittacine ABVs were present in goose isolates.
2009 Pandemic H1N1 Influenza Virus Causes Disease and Upregulation of Genes Related to Inflammatory and Immune Responses, Cell Death, and Lipid Metabolism in Pigs
Authors: Ma Wenjun , Belisle Sarah E. , Mosier Derek , Li Xi , Stigger-Rosser Evelyn , Liu Qinfang , Qiao Chuanling , Elder Jake , Webby Richard , Katze Michael G. , Richt Juergen A.
Published: September 2011

There exists limited information about whether adaptation is needed for cross-species transmission of the 2009 pandemic H1N1 influenza virus (pH1N1). Here, we compare the pathogenesis of two pH1N1 viruses, one derived from a human patient (A/CA/04/09 [CA09]) and the other from swine (A/swine/Alberta/25/2009 [Alb09]), with that of the 1918-like classical swine influenza virus (A/swine/Iowa/1930 [IA30]) in the pig model. Both pH1N1 isolates induced clinical symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, decreased activity, fever, and labored breathing in challenged pigs, but IA30 virus did not cause any clinical symptoms except fever. Although both the pH1N1 viruses and the IA30 virus caused lung lesions, the pH1N1 viruses were shed from the nasal cavities of challenged pigs whereas the IA30 virus was not. Global gene expression analysis indicated that transcriptional responses of the viruses were distinct. pH1N1-infected pigs had an upregulation of genes related to inflammatory and immune responses at day 3 postinfection that was not seen in the IA30 infection, and expression levels of genes related to cell death and lipid metabolism at day 5 postinfection were markedly different from those of IA30 infection. These results indicate that both pH1N1 isolates are more virulent due in part to differences in the host transcriptional response during acute infection. Our study also indicates that pH1N1 does not need prior adaptation to infect pigs, has a high potential to be maintained in naïve swine populations, and might reassort with currently circulating swine influenza viruses.
Intragenic and Extragenic Suppression of a Mutation in Herpes Simplex Virus 1 UL34 That Affects both Nuclear Envelope Targeting and Membrane Budding
Authors: Roller Richard J. , Haugo Alison C. , Kopping Nora J.
Published: September 2011

Late in infection herpesviruses move DNA-filled capsids from the nucleus to the cytoplasm by enveloping DNA-containing capsids at the inner nuclear membrane (INM) and deenveloping them at the outer nuclear membrane. This process requires two conserved herpesvirus proteins, pUL31 and pUL34. Interaction between pUL34 and pUL31 is essential for targeting both proteins to the nuclear envelope (NE), and sequences that mediate the targeting interaction have been mapped in both proteins. Here, we show that a mutation in the INM-targeting domain of pUL34 fails to support production of infectious virus or plaque formation. The mutation results in multiple defects, including impaired interaction between pUL34 and pUL31, poor NE targeting of pUL34, and misregulated, capsid-independent budding of the NE. The mutant defects in virus production, plaque formation, and pUL31 interaction can be suppressed by other mutations in the INM-targeting domain of pUL31 and by additional mutations in the pUL34 coding sequence.
Citalopram for major depressive disorder in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of published placebo-controlled trials
Authors: Apler Alex
Published: September 2011

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of citalopram for major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults, in a systematic review of all published, randomised, double-blind studies comparing it with a placebo.

Data sources

Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, PsychINFO and Embase.

Study selection

Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of citalopram in adults with MDD were included. Studies with medically ill or treatment resistant subjects were excluded, as were studies of relapse prevention. Remission of MDD was defined as a primary outcome, and response or change from baseline scores were defined as secondary.

Data extraction

Remission, response and symptom improvement scores on the Hamilton Depression Scale, Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale and Clinical Global Impressions-Severity scales were extracted. A random-effects meta-analysis was carried out on the response rates and symptom improvement scores. Included studies were examined for the presence of bias and small study effects.

Results

Eight studies (n=2025) met the inclusion criteria. Two studies provided data on remission, but only one of these showed a significant difference between citalopram and placebo (RR=1.59, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.31). Meta-analysis of response rates in five studies (n=1010) revealed significant superiority of citalopram (RR=1.42, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.73). Meta-analysis of change from baseline scores in five studies (n=1541) gave a standardised mean difference (Hedges' g) of −0.27 (95% CI −0.38 to to −0.16), showing a reduction in MDD symptoms to be significant for citalopram relative to placebo. There was no evidence of any significant small study effects. The overall quality of reporting was poor, with insufficient information on the methodology or outcomes. Seven studies received industry sponsorship.

Conclusions

Data concerning remission rates for citalopram, relative to placebo, are inconclusive. Response rates and symptom reduction scores in citalopram-treated patients with MDD are significantly better relative to placebo treatment, according to a meta-analysis of published reports. Evaluation of unpublished data is necessary to assess more definitively the effectiveness of citalopram for MDD.
Assessment of proliferation markers in metastatic melanoma in sentinel lymph nodes
Authors: Joannou-Coetzee André , Villena Noranette , Powell Barry W E M , Cook Martin G
Published: September 2011

Aim

Some views on sentinel nodes for melanoma seem to cast doubt on the relevance of micrometastases in the sentinel nodes of patients with melanoma, suggesting that small metastases or isolated tumour cells can be ignored. Tumour dormancy has been proposed for their postulated lack of progression. The implication of the argument seems to be that minute metastases are inactive and therefore non-threatening, whereas larger ones are proliferative and therefore have aggressive potential.

Methods

54 sentinel lymph nodes were studied with histologically identified micrometastatic melanoma using the protocol accepted by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer melanoma group. These were studied with respect to metastasis size and by use of immunohistochemical markers of proliferation (MIB-1) and dormancy (p16).

Results

The authors have demonstrated no correlation between the size of metastases and their proliferative activity. Very small metastases may not show proliferative activity, but this may be a reflection of the small number of assessable cells rather than a genuine reflection of the tumoural characteristics. Furthermore, the minute size of some of these metastases resulted in no residual tumour being present in adjacent sections. Where further sections did show more tumour, these small metastases were invariably p16 negative, suggesting dormancy was not the explanation for the lack of measurable proliferation. Occasionally, larger metastases, clearly not clinically insignificant, showed no proliferative activity presumably, considering their size, a transient phenomenon.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that variable phases in proliferation occur in metastases, and no conclusion of clinical insignificance can be made on the basis of small size.
Pseudoinvasion of benign squamous epithelium following cervical biopsy: a pseudoneoplastic phenomenon mimicking invasive squamous carcinoma
Authors: Boyle David P , McCluggage W Glenn
Published: September 2011

Aims

To describe an unusual and hitherto unreported pseudoneoplastic phenomenon that is characterised by the entrapment of benign squamous epithelium following cervical loop excision or punch biopsy and that may mimic invasive squamous carcinoma.

Methods and Results

The authors report six cases in patients aged 25–45 years in whom benign squamous epithelium is incorporated within the cervical stroma as a result of the healing process following prior loop excision (four cases) or punch biopsy (two cases). The entrapped nests of squamous epithelium typically have a hypereosinophilic appearance and are associated with a granulation tissue-like and inflammatory stromal response and sometimes with retraction artefact mimicking lymphovascular permeation.

Conclusions

The overall morphological appearances, especially in the context of a prior or current diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, may result in misdiagnosis as invasive squamous carcinoma. Pathologists should be aware of this pseudoneoplastic artefact so that an erroneous diagnosis of malignancy is not made.
Comparative evaluation of three commercially available complement fixation test antigens for the diagnosis of glanders
Authors: Khan I. , Wieler L. H. , Melzer F. , Gwida M. , Santana V. L. de. A. , de Souza M. M. A. , Saqib M. , Elschner M. C. , Neubauer H.
Published: September 2011

The sensitivity and specificity of three commercially available complement fixation test (CFT) antigens from c.c.pro (c.c.pro), Central Veterinary Institute of Wageningen UR (CIDC) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) were comparatively evaluated by testing 410 sera collected from glanders‐endemic and non‐endemic areas (200 true‐negative randomly collected sera and 210 sera collected from experimentally immunised animals (12 rabbits, 19 horses), clinically positive (135) and culture‐positive (44) horses, donkeys and mules). Immunoblotting (IB) was used as the gold standard test. Highest sensitivity was shown for the CIDC antigen (100 per cent) followed by the c.c.pro antigen (99.39 per cent). However, the USDA antigen showed substantially less (p<0.05) sensitivity (62.19 per cent). Highest specificity was found for the USDA antigen (100 per cent) followed by the CIDC (97.5 per cent) and c.c.pro antigen (96.5 per cent). Positive and negative predictive values (assumed glanders prevalence of <0.1 per cent) for each antigen were calculated to be 95.88 and 99.48 (c.c.pro), 97.04 and 100 (CIDC), 100 and 76.33 per cent (USDA), respectively. Almost perfect agreement (0.96) was found between CFT using either c.c.pro or CIDC and IB.
GENERAL RELATIVITY AND WEYL FRAMES
Authors: ROMERO C. , FONSECA-NETO J. B. , PUCHEU M. L.
Published: September 2011

We present the general theory of relativity in the language of a non-Riemannian geometry, namely, Weyl geometry. We show that the new mathematical formalism may lead to different pictures of the same gravitational phenomena, by making use of the concept of Weyl frames. We show that, in this formalism, it is possible to construct a scalar-tensor gravitational theory that is invariant with respect to the so-called Weyl tranformations and reduces to general relativity in a particular frame, the Riemann frame. In this approach the Weyl geometry plays a fundamental role since it appears as the natural geometrical setting of the theory when viewed in an arbitrary frame. Our starting point is to build an action that is manifestly invariant with respect to Weyl transformations. When this action is expressed in more familiar terms of Riemannian geometry we find that the theory has some similarities with Brans-Dicke theory of gravity. We illustrate this point with an example in which a known Brans-Dicke vacuum solution may appear when reinterpreted in a particular Weyl frame.
IS QFT WITH EXTERNAL BACKGROUNDS A CONSISTENT MODEL?
Authors: GAVRILOV S. P. , GITMAN D. M.
Published: September 2011

We discuss consistency of the concept of external background in QFT. Different restrictions on magnitude of magnetic and electric fields are analyzed. The back reaction due to strong electric field is calculated and restrictions on the magnitude and duration of such a field are obtained. The problem of consistency of Dirac equation with a superstrong Coulomb field is discussed.
BRST-INVARIANT DEFORMATIONS OF GEOMETRIC STRUCTURES IN SIGMA MODELS
Authors: BYTSENKO A. A.
Published: September 2011

The closed string correlators can be constructed from the open ones using topological string theories as a model. The space of physical closed string states is isomorphic to the Hochschild cohomology of (A,Q) (operator Q of ghost number one), - this statement has been verified by means of computation of the Hochschild cohomology of the category of D -branes. We study a Lie algebra of formal vector fields Wn with its application to the perturbative deformed holomorphic symplectic structure in the A -model, and a Calabi-Yau manifold with boundaries in the B -model. We show that equivalent classes of deformations are describing by a Hochschild cohomology theory of the DG-algebra, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], which is defined to be the cohomology of (-1)nQ+d Hoch . Here [Formula: see text] is the initial non-deformed BRST operator while ∂ deform is the deformed part whose algebra is a Lie algebra of linear vector fields gl n. We assume that if in the theory exists a single D -brane then all the information associated with deformations is encoded in an associative algebra A equipped with a differential [Formula: see text]. In addition equivalence classes of deformations of these data are described by a Hochschild cohomology of (A,Q), an important geometric invariant of the (anti)holomorphic structure on X. We also discuss the identification of the harmonic structure (HT•(X); HΩ•(X)) of affine space X and the group [Formula: see text] (the HKR isomorphism), and bulk-boundary deformation pairing.
MULTIDIMENSIONAL COSMOLOGY, CONSTANTS AND TRANSITION TO NEW SI UNITS
Authors: MELNIKOV V. N.
Published: September 2011

Main current problems of physics, gravitation and cosmology in particular are analyzed. Special attention is paid to results of the theory with extra dimensions and variations of fundamental physical constants. As an example the family of spherically symmetric solutions with horizon with multi-component anisotropic fluid is presented. The metrics of solutions are defined on a manifold that contains a product of n-1 Ricci-flat "internal" spaces. A simulation of black brane solutions is considered. For the solution with the fluid matter the post-Newtonian parameters β and γ corresponding to the 4-dimensional section of the metric are found.
BOUNCING AND QUANTUM THEORY
Authors: PINTO-NETO NELSON
Published: September 2011

In this contribution I will present a review about bouncing models arriving from quantum cosmology and show how one can describe the evolution of quantum cosmological perturbations on them. I will discuss the important role played by the choice of the precise quantum theory one selects to interpret the wave function of the Universe in order to obtain simple equations for the evolution of quantum perturbations on these quantum cosmological backgrounds. I will present the predictions of these models concerning the power spectrum of cosmological perturbations and how they can be compared with the usual results obtained from inflationary models. Finally, I will present the new implications of these results for quantum theory.
SELF-INTERACTION FOR PARTICLES IN THE WORMHOLE SPACE-TIMES
Authors: KHUSNUTDINOV NAIL
Published: September 2011

The self-energy and self-force for particles with electric and scalar charges at rest in the space-time of massless and massive wormholes are considered. The particle with electric charge is always attracted to wormhole throat for arbitrary profile of the throat. The self-force for scalar particle shows different behavior depending on the non-minimal coupling. The self-force for massive scalar field is localized close to the throat of the wormhole.
QUANTUM SINGULARITIES IN STATIC AND CONFORMALLY STATIC SPACE-TIMES
Authors: KONKOWSKI D. A. , HELLIWELL T. M.
Published: September 2011

The definition of quantum singularity is extended from static space-times to conformally static space-times. After the usual definitions of classical and quantum singularities are reviewed, examples of quantum singularities in static space-times are given. These include asymptotically power-law space-times, space-times with diverging higher-order differential invariants, and a space-time with a 2-sphere singularity. The theory behind quantum singularities in conformally static space-times is followed by an example, a Friedmann-Robertson-Walker space-time with cosmic string. The paper concludes by discussing areas of future research.
VACUUM ENERGY INDUCED BY AN IMPENETRABLE FLUX TUBE OF FINITE RADIUS
Authors: GORKAVENKO V. M. , SITENKO YU. A. , STEPANOV O. B.
Published: September 2011

We consider the effect of the magnetic field background in the form of a tube of the finite transverse size on the vacuum of the quantized charged massive scalar field which is subject to the Dirichlet boundary condition at the edge of the tube. The vacuum energy is induced, being periodic in the value of the magnetic flux enclosed in the tube. The dependence of the vacuum energy density on the distance from the tube and on the coupling to the space-time curvature scalar is comprehensively analyzed.
TREND FILTERING: EMPIRICAL MODE DECOMPOSITIONS VERSUS ℓ1 AND HODRICK–PRESCOTT
Authors: MOGHTADERI AZADEH , BORGNAT PIERRE , FLANDRIN PATRICK
Published: September 2011

Considering the problem of extracting a trend from a time series, we propose a novel approach based on empirical mode decomposition (EMD), called EMD trend filtering. The rationale is that EMD is a completely data-driven technique, which offers the possibility of estimating a trend of arbitrary shape as a sum of low-frequency intrinsic mode functions produced by the EMD. Based on an empirical analysis of EMD, an automatic procedure is proposed to select the requisite intrinsic mode functions. The performance of the EMD trend filtering is evaluated on simulated time series containing different forms of trends. Comparing furthermore to two existing techniques (ℓ1-trend filtering and Hodrick–Prescott filtering), we observe that the EMD trend filtering performs very similarly, while it does not require assumptions on the form of the trend and it is free from estimation parameters. We also illustrate the performance of the technique on the S&P 500 index, as an example of real-world time series.
APPROXIMATELY ISOMETRIC SHAPE CORRESPONDENCE BY MATCHING POINTWISE SPECTRAL FEATURES AND GLOBAL GEODESIC STRUCTURES
Authors: DUBROVINA ANASTASIA , KIMMEL RON
Published: September 2011

A practical method for finding correspondences between nonrigid isometric shapes is presented. It utilizes both pointwise surface descriptors, and metric structures defined on the shapes to perform the matching task, which is formulated as a quadratic minimization problem. Further, the paper explores the correspondence ambiguity problem arising when matching intrinsically symmetric shapes using only intrinsic surface properties. It is shown that when using isometry invariant surface descriptors based on eigendecomposition of the Laplace–Beltrami operator, it is possible to construct distinctive sets of surface descriptors for different possible correspondences. When used in a proper minimization problem, those descriptors allow us to explore number of possible correspondences between two given shapes.
Myostatin promotes the wasting of human myoblast cultures through promoting ubiquitin-proteasome pathway-mediated loss of sarcomeric proteins
Authors: Lokireddy Sudarsanareddy , Mouly Vincent , Butler-Browne Gillian , Gluckman Peter D. , Sharma Mridula , Kambadur Ravi , McFarlane Craig
Published: September 2011

Myostatin is a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth and in fact acts as a potent inducer of “cachectic-like” muscle wasting in mice. The mechanism of action of myostatin in promoting muscle wasting has been predominantly studied in murine models. Despite numerous reports linking elevated levels of myostatin to human skeletal muscle wasting conditions, little is currently known about the signaling mechanism(s) through which myostatin promotes human skeletal muscle wasting. Therefore, in this present study we describe in further detail the mechanisms behind myostatin regulation of human skeletal muscle wasting using an in vitro human primary myotube atrophy model. Treatment of human myotube populations with myostatin promoted dramatic myotubular atrophy. Mechanistically, myostatin-induced myotube atrophy resulted in reduced p-AKT concomitant with the accumulation of active dephosphorylated Forkhead Box-O (FOXO1) and FOXO3. We further show that addition of myostatin results in enhanced activation of atrogin-1 and muscle-specific RING finger protein 1 (MURF1) and reduced expression of both myosin light chain (MYL) and myosin heavy chain (MYH). In addition, we found that myostatin-induced loss of MYL and MYH proteins is dependent on the activity of the proteasome and mediated via SMAD3-dependent regulation of FOXO1 and atrogin-1. Therefore, these data suggest that the mechanism through which myostatin promotes muscle wasting is very well conserved between species, and that myostatin-induced human myotube atrophy is mediated through inhibition of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)/phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3-K)/AKT signaling and enhanced activation of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and elevated protein degradation.
Induction of brain natriuretic peptide and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 gene expression by oxidized low-density lipoprotein: relevance to ischemic heart failure
Authors: Chandrakala Aluganti N. , Sukul Devraj , Selvarajan Krithika , Sai-Sudhakar Chittoor , Sun Benjamin , Parthasarathy Sampath
Published: September 2011

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) are biomarkers of heart failure (HF). The aim of the present study was to determine the role of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) in the induction of these biomarkers and the signaling pathways involved in vitro. Incubation of HL-1 cardiomyocytes and human myocytes with Ox-LDL induced the expression of BNP and MCP-1 genes, while native LDL had no effect. When peroxides associated with Ox-LDL were reduced to hydroxides, the ability to induce BNP and MCP-1 gene expression was abolished. Furthermore, exposure of HL-1 cells to ischemic conditions alone had no effect on BNP gene expression, while ischemia followed by reperfusion resulted in increased expression of BNP gene. Inhibitors of ERK and JNK inhibited the induction of BNP. Signaling array results suggested that the induction of both MAPK and NF-κB pathways is involved in the induction of BNP by Ox-LDL. These results suggest that Ox-LDL or peroxidized lipids formed in oxidatively stressed myocytes during ischemia-reperfusion injury may play a role in the induction of BNP and MCP-1.
Adrenal androgen concentrations increase during infancy in male rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Conley A. J. , Plant T. M. , Abbott D. H. , Moeller B. C. , Stanley S. D.
Published: September 2011

This study investigated adrenal androgens (AA), gonadotropins, and cortisol in castrated and gonad-intact male rhesus macaques from birth through infancy. Blood samples were collected longitudinally from castrated ( n = 6; weekly, 1–40 wk) and intact ( n = 4; every other week, 1–17 wk) males. Plasma concentrations of AA were determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and plasma concentrations of cortisol and gonadotropins were determined by RIA. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) concentrations increased almost threefold (to 8 wk), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) increased more than eightfold (to 11 wk), and androstenedione doubled (to 15 wk) in five castrated infant males and declined continuously thereafter. A sixth castrated male had markedly different temporal patterns and concentrations (many times more than 2 SDs from the cohort mean) of AA and gonadotropins from first sampling (3 wk) and was excluded from analysis. Cortisol increased over 16 wk but correlated poorly with DHEAS. Luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones increased to peaks at 3 and 7 wk, respectively. Testis-intact males exhibited similar profiles, but with earlier peaks of DHEAS (5 wk) and DHEA and androstenedione (7 wk). Peak concentrations of DHEAS were lower and those of DHEA and androstenedione were higher in intact than castrated infants. Testosterone was undetectable in castrated males and >0.5 ng/ml in intact males but was not correlated with DHEA or DHEAS. These are the first data documenting a transient increase in AA secretion during infancy in an Old World primate and are consistent with the previously documented time course of zona reticularis development that accompanies increases in androgen synthetic capacity of the adrenal. The rhesus is a promising model for androgen secretion from the human adrenal cortex.
Skeletal muscle weakness due to deficiency of CuZn-superoxide dismutase is associated with loss of functional innervation
Authors: Larkin Lisa M. , Davis Carol S. , Sims-Robinson Catrina , Kostrominova Tatiana Y. , Remmen Holly Van , Richardson Arlan , Feldman Eva L. , Brooks Susan V.
Published: September 2011

An association between oxidative stress and muscle atrophy and weakness in vivo is supported by elevated oxidative damage and accelerated loss of muscle mass and force with aging in CuZn-superoxide dismutase-deficient ( Sod1−/−) mice. The purpose was to determine the basis for low specific force (N/cm2) of gastrocnemius muscles in Sod1−/− mice and establish the extent to which structural and functional changes in muscles of Sod1−/− mice resemble those associated with normal aging. We tested the hypothesis that muscle weakness in Sod1−/− mice is due to functionally denervated fibers by comparing forces during nerve and direct muscle stimulation. No differences were observed for wild-type mice at any age in the forces generated in response to nerve and muscle stimulation. Nerve- and muscle-stimulated forces were also not different for 4-wk-old Sod1−/− mice, whereas, for 8- and 20-mo-old mice, forces during muscle stimulation were 16 and 30% greater, respectively, than those obtained using nerve stimulation. In addition to functional evidence of denervation with aging, fiber number was not different for Sod1−/− and wild-type mice at 4 wk, but 50% lower for Sod1−/− mice by 20 mo, and denervated motor end plates were prevalent in Sod1−/− mice at both 8 and 20 mo and in WT mice by 28 mo. The data suggest ongoing denervation in muscles of Sod1−/− mice that results in fiber loss and muscle atrophy. Moreover, the findings support using Sod1−/− mice to explore mechanistic links between oxidative stress and the progression of deficits in muscle structure and function.
Interactions between CD36 and global intestinal alkaline phosphatase in mouse small intestine and effects of high-fat diet
Authors: Lynes Matthew , Narisawa Sonoko , Millán José Luis , Widmaier Eric P.
Published: September 2011

The mechanisms of the saturable component of long-chain fatty acid (LCFA) transport across the small intestinal epithelium and its regulation by a high-fat diet (HFD) are uncertain. It is hypothesized here that the putative fatty acid translocase/CD36 and intestinal alkaline phosphatases (IAPs) function together to optimize LCFA transport. Phosphorylated CD36 (pCD36) was expressed in mouse enterocytes and dephosphorylated by calf IAP (CIAP). Uptake of fluorescently tagged LCFA into isolated enteroctyes was increased when cells were treated with CIAP; this was blocked with a specific CD36 inhibitor. pCD36 colocalized in enterocytes with the global IAP (gIAP) isozyme and, specifically, coimmunoprecipitated with gIAP, but not the duodenal-specific isozyme (dIAP). Purified recombinant gIAP dephosphorylated immunoprecipitated pCD36, and antiserum to gIAP decreased initial LCFA uptake in enterocytes. Body weight, adiposity, and plasma leptin and triglycerides were significantly increased in HFD mice compared with controls fed a normal-fat diet. HFD significantly increased immunoreactive CD36 and gIAP, but not dIAP, in jejunum, but not duodenum. Uptake of LCFA was increased in a CD36-dependent manner in enterocytes from HFD mice. It is concluded that CD36 exists in its phosphorylated and dephosphorylated states in mouse enterocytes, that pCD36 is a substrate of gIAP, and that dephosphorylation by IAPs results in increased LCFA transport capability. HFD upregulates CD36 and gIAP in parallel and enhances CD36-dependent fatty acid uptake. The interactions between these proteins may be important for efficient fat transport in mouse intestine, but whether the changes in gIAP and CD36 in enterocytes contribute to HFD-induced obesity remains to be determined.
Hypoxia modulates the undifferentiated phenotype of human renal inner medullary CD133+progenitors through Oct4/miR-145 balance
Authors: Bussolati Benedetta , Moggio Aldo , Collino Federica , Aghemo Giulia , D'Armento Giuseppe , Grange Cristina , Camussi Giovanni
Published: September 2011

Low-oxygen tension is an important component of the stem cell microenvironment. In rodents, renal resident stem cells have been described in the papilla, a relatively hypoxic region of the kidney. In the present study, we found that CD133+cells, previously described as renal progenitors in the human cortex, were enriched in the renal inner medulla and localized within the Henle's loop and thin limb segments. Once isolated, the CD133+cell population expressed renal embryonic and stem-related transcription factors and was able to differentiate into mature renal epithelial cells. When injected subcutaneously in immunodeficient mice within Matrigel, CD133+cells generated canalized structures positive for renal specific markers of different nephron segments. Oct4A levels and differentiation potential of papillary CD133+cells were higher than those of CD133+cells from cortical tubuli. Hypoxia was able to promote the undifferentiated phenotype of CD133+progenitors from papilla. Hypoxia stimulated clonogenicity, proliferation, vascular endothelial growth factor synthesis, and expression of CD133 that were in turn reduced by epithelial differentiation with parallel HIF-1α downregulation. In addition, hypoxia downregulated microRNA-145 and promoted the synthesis of Oct4A. Epithelial differentiation increased microRNA-145 and reduced Oct4 level, suggesting a balance between Oct4 and microRNA-145. MicroRNA-145 overexpression in CD133+cells induced downrelation of Oct4A at the protein level, inhibited cell proliferation, and stimulated terminal differentiation. This study underlines the role of the hypoxic microenvironment in controlling the proliferation and maintaining a progenitor phenotype and stem/progenitor properties of CD133+cells of the nephron. This mechanism may be at the basis of the maintenance of a CD133+population in the papillary region and may be involved in renal regeneration after injury.
WT1-interacting protein (Wtip) regulates podocyte phenotype by cell-cell and cell-matrix contact reorganization
Authors: Kim Jane H. , Mukherjee Amitava , Madhavan Sethu M. , Konieczkowski Martha , Sedor John R.
Published: September 2011

Podocytes respond to environmental cues by remodeling their slit diaphragms and cell-matrix adhesive junctions. Wt1-interacting protein (Wtip), an Ajuba family LIM domain scaffold protein expressed in the podocyte, coordinates cell adhesion changes and transcriptional responses to regulate podocyte phenotypic plasticity. We evaluated effects of Wtip on podocyte cell-cell and cell-matrix contact organization using gain-of- and loss-of-function methods. Endogenous Wtip targeted to focal adhesions in adherent but isolated podocytes and then shifted to adherens junctions after cells made stable, homotypic contacts. Podocytes with Wtip knockdown (shWtip) adhered but failed to spread normally. Noncontacted shWtip podocytes did not assemble actin stress fibers, and their focal adhesions failed to mature. As shWtip podocytes established cell-cell contacts, stable adherens junctions failed to form and F-actin structures were disordered. In shWtip cells, cadherin and β-catenin clustered in irregularly distributed spots that failed to laterally expand. Cell surface biotinylation showed diminished plasma membrane cadherin, β-catenin, and α-catenin in shWtip podocytes, although protein expression was similar in shWtip and control cells. Since normal actin dynamics are required for organization of adherens junctions and focal adhesions, we determined whether Wtip regulates F-actin assembly. Undifferentiated podocytes did not elaborate F-actin stress fibers, but when induced to overexpress WTIP, formed abundant stress fibers, a process blocked by the RhoA inhibitor C3 toxin and a RhoA kinase inhibitor. WTIP directly interacted with Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) 12 (Arhgef12), a RhoA-specific GEF enriched in the glomerulus. In conclusion, stable assembly of podocyte adherens junctions and cell-matrix contacts requires Wtip, a process that may be mediated by spatiotemporal regulation of RhoA activity through appropriate targeting of Arhgef12.
Astrocytes promote peripheral nerve injury-induced reactive synaptogenesis in the neonatal CNS
Authors: Lo Fu-Sun , Zhao Shuxin , Erzurumlu Reha S.
Published: September 2011

Neonatal damage to the trigeminal nerve leads to “reactive synaptogenesis” in the brain stem sensory trigeminal nuclei. In vitro models of brain injury-induced synaptogenesis have implicated an important role for astrocytes. In this study we tested the role of astrocyte function in reactive synaptogenesis in the trigeminal principal nucleus (PrV) of neonatal rats following unilateral transection of the infraorbital (IO) branch of the trigeminal nerve. We used electrophysiological multiple input index analysis (MII) to estimate the number of central trigeminal afferent fibers that converge onto single barrelette neurons. In the developing PrV, about 30% of afferent connections are eliminated within 2 postnatal weeks. After neonatal IO nerve damage, multiple trigeminal inputs (2.7 times that of the normal inputs) converge on single barrelette cells within 3–5 days; they remain stable up to the second postnatal week. Astrocyte proliferation and upregulation of astrocyte-specific proteins (GFAP and ALDH1L1) accompany reactive synaptogenesis in the IO nerve projection zone of the PrV. Pharmacological blockade of astrocyte function, purinergic receptors, and thrombospondins significantly reduced or eliminated reactive synaptogenesis without changing the MII in the intact PrV. GFAP immunohistochemistry further supported these electrophysiological results. We conclude that immature astrocytes, purinergic receptors, and thrombospondins play an important role in reactive synaptogenesis in the peripherally deafferented neonatal PrV.
Reduced-Thickness-Dependent Polarized Light Transmittance of Magnetic Fluids under Longitudinal Magnetic Field
Authors: Pu Shengli , Bai Xuekun , Wang Lunwei
Published: September 2011

The polarized light transmittance of magnetic fluids under longitudinal magnetic field (parallels the propagation direction of the incident light) is simulated theoretically. The investigated samples are with different reduced thickness (d/λ) in a wide range. Theoretical simulations reveal that the sample reduced thickness has a significant influence on the polarized light transmittance. The thin and thick samples have distinctly different dependence of polarized light transmittance on magnetic field strength. Based on the reduced-thickness- and magnetic-field-dependent polarized light transmittance, several magnetic-fluid-based photonic devices are proposed and discussed.
Strong Convergence Algorithms for Hierarchical Fixed Points Problems and Variational Inequalities
Authors: Gu Gendai , Wang Shenghua , Cho Yeol Je
Published: September 2011

We introduce a new iterative scheme that converges strongly to a
common fixed point of a countable family of nonexpansive mappings in a Hilbert space such
that the common fixed point is a solution of a hierarchical fixed point problem. Our results
extend the ones of Moudafi, Xu, Cianciaruso et al., and Yao et al.
Interior Noise Prediction of the Automobile Based on Hybrid FE‐SEA Method
Authors: Chen S. M. , Wang D. F. , Zan J. M.
Published: September 2011

In order to predict the interior noise of the automobile in the low and middle frequency
band in the design and development stage, the hybrid FE‐SEA model of an automobile was
created using hybrid FE‐SEA method. The modal density was calculated using analytical method
and finite element method; the damping loss factors of the structural and acoustic cavity
subsystems were also calculated with analytical method; the coupling loss factors between
structure and structure, structure and acoustic cavity were both calculated. Four different kinds of
excitations including road excitations, engine mount excitations, sound radiation excitations of the
engine, and wind excitations are exerted on the body of automobile when the automobile is
running on the road. All the excitations were calculated using virtual prototype technology,
computational fluid dynamics (CFD), and experiments realized in the design and development
stage. The interior noise of the automobile was predicted and verified at speed of 120 km/h. The
predicted and tested overall SPLs of the interior noise were 73.79 and 74.44 dB(A) respectively.
The comparison results also show that the prediction precision is satisfied, and the effectiveness
and reliability of the hybrid FE‐SEA model of the automobile is verified.
Regularity Criteria for a Turbulent Magnetohydrodynamic Model
Authors: Zhou Yong , Fan Jishan
Published: September 2011

We establish some regularity criteria for a turbulent magnetohydrodynamic model. As a corollary, we prove that the smooth solution exists globally when the spatial dimension n satisfies 3 ≤ n ≤ 8.
Possibility Fuzzy Soft Set
Authors: Alkhazaleh Shawkat , Salleh Abdul Razak , Hassan Nasruddin
Published: September 2011

We introduce the concept of possibility fuzzy soft set and its operation and study some of its properties. We give applications of this theory in solving a decision-making problem. We also introduce a similarity measure of two possibility fuzzy soft sets and discuss their application in a medical diagnosis problem.
Biosynthesis of Crystalline Silver and Gold Nanoparticles by Extremophilic Yeasts
Authors: Mourato Ana , Gadanho Mário , Lino Ana R. , Tenreiro Rogério
Published: September 2011

The biosynthesis of Ag and Au nanoparticles (NPs) was investigated using an extremophilic yeast strain isolated from acid mine drainage in Portugal. Three distinct studies were performed, namely, the growth of yeast strain in presence of metal ions, the use of yeast biomass for the metal nanoparticles synthesis, and of the supernatant obtained after 24-hour incubation of yeast biomass in water. The extremophilic strain under study was able to grow up to an Ag ion concentration of 1.5 mM whereas an increase of Au ion concentration over 0.09 mM caused a strong inhibitory effect. A successful route for the metal NPs synthesis was obtained using the yeast biomass. When the washed yeast cells were in contact with Ag or Au solutions, AgNPs smaller than 20 nm were produced, as for the AuNPs diameter ranged from 30 to 100 nm, as determined through transmission electron microscopy and confirmed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectra. The supernatant-based strategy provided evidence that proteins were released to the medium by the yeasts, which could be responsible for the formation and stabilisation of the Ag NPs, although the involvement of the cell wall seems fundamental for AuNPs synthesis.
A Large Nonmetastatic Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer with Complete Thyroidal Confinement
Authors: Xing Jeffrey C. , Bishop Justin A. , Mathioudakis Nestoras , Agrawal Nishant , Tufano Ralph P.
Published: September 2011

Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is rare but extremely aggressive, which accounts for about 2% of all thyroid cancers yet nearly 50% of thyroid-cancer-associated deaths in the United States. The median survival time from diagnosis is 5 months, with a 1-year survival rate of only 20%. We report here a case of ATC in a 56-year-old man who survived a large ATC. Preoperative fine-needle aspiration biopsy study to a large right thyroid mass suggested ATC. Total thyroidectomy with radical lateral neck and central neck dissection removed a well-circumscribed 9.5 cm tumor without extrathyroidal extension or lymphovascular invasion. All 73 lymph nodes removed were negative for metastasis. The tumor consisted of highly pleomorphic, undifferentiated cells with large zones of necrosis and loss of thyroid transcription factor-1 and thyroglobulin expression. A focal well-differentiated component and PAX8 expression confirmed its thyroid follicular cell origin. Nine months after postsurgical adjuvant concurrent radiation therapy and chemotherapy, the patient remained well without clinical, biochemical, and radiographical evidence for cancer recurrence. This is an unusual case of ATC in that it is one of the largest ATC tumors reported to display mild pathologic behavior and relatively long-term patient survival.