bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective Effects of Broadly Neutralizing Immunoglobulin against Homologous and Heterologous Equine Infectious Anemia Virus Infection in Horses with Severe Combined Immunodeficiency
Authors: Taylor Sandra D. , Leib Steven R. , Wu Wuwei , Nelson Robert , Carpenter Susan , Mealey Robert H.
Published: May 2011

Using the equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) lentivirus model system, we previously demonstrated protective effects of broadly neutralizing immune plasma in young horses (foals) with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). However,
in vivo
selection of a neutralization-resistant envelope variant occurred. Here, we determined the protective effects of purified immunoglobulin with more potent broadly neutralizing activity. Overall, protection correlated with the breadth and potency of neutralizing activity
in vitro
. Four of five SCID foals were completely protected against homologous challenge, while partial protection occurred following heterologous challenge. These results support the inclusion of broadly neutralizing antibodies in lentivirus control strategies.
Sprouty 2 Binds ESCRT-II Factor Eap20 and Facilitates HIV-1 Gag Release
Authors: Medina G. N. , Ehrlich L. S. , Chen M. H. , Khan M. B. , Powell M. D. , Carter C. A.
Published: May 2011

The four ESCRT (
e
ndocytic
s
orting
c
omplexes
r
equired for
t
ransport) complexes (ESCRT-0, -I, -II, and -III) normally operate sequentially in the trafficking of cellular cargo. HIV-1 Gag trafficking and release as virus-like particles (VLPs) require the participation of ESCRTs; however, its use of ESCRTs is selective and nonsequential. Specifically, Gag trafficking to release sites on the plasma membrane does not require ESCRT-0 or -II. It is known that a bypass of ESCRT-0 is achieved by the direct linkage of the ESCRT-I component, Tsg101, to the primary L domain motif (PTAP) in Gag and that bypass of ESCRT-II is achieved by the linkage of Gag to ESCRT-III through the adaptor protein Alix. However, the mechanism by which Gag suppresses the interaction of bound ESCRT-I with ESCRT-II is unknown. Here we show (i) that VLP release requires the steady-state level of Sprouty 2 (Spry2) in COS-1 cells, (ii) that Spry2 binds the ESCRT-II component Eap20, (iii) that binding Eap20 permits Spry2 to disrupt ESCRT-I interaction with ESCRT-II, and (iv) that coexpression of Gag with a Spry2 fragment that binds Eap20 increases VLP release. Spry2 also facilitated release of P7L-Gag (i.e., release in the absence of Tsg101 binding). In this case, rescue required the secondary L domain (YPX
n
L) in HIV-1 Gag that binds Alix and the region in Spry2 that binds Eap20. The results identify Spry2 as a novel cellular factor that facilitates release driven by the primary and secondary HIV-1 Gag L domains.
Chemical Induction of Endogenous Retrovirus Particles from the Vero Cell Line of African Green Monkeys
Authors: Ma Hailun , Ma Yunkun , Ma Wenbin , Williams Dhanya K. , Galvin Teresa A. , Khan Arifa S.
Published: May 2011

Endogenous retroviral sequences are present in high copy numbers in the genomes of all species and may be expressed as RNAs; however, the majority are defective for virus production. Although virus has been isolated from various Old World monkey and New World monkey species, there has been no report of endogenous retroviruses produced from African green monkey (AGM) tissues or cell lines. We have recently developed a stepwise approach for evaluating the presence of latent viruses by chemical induction (Khan et al., Biologicals
37:
196–201, 2009). Based upon this strategy, optimum conditions were determined for investigating the presence of inducible, endogenous retroviruses in the AGM-derived Vero cell line. Low-level reverse transcriptase activity was produced with 5-azacytidine (AzaC) and with 5′-iodo-2′-deoxyuridine (IUdR); none was detected with sodium butyrate. Nucleotide sequence analysis of PCR-amplified fragments from the
gag
,
pol
, and
env
regions of RNAs, prepared from ultracentrifuged pellets of filtered supernatants, indicated that endogenous retrovirus particles related to simian endogenous type D betaretrovirus (SERV) sequences and baboon endogenous virus type C gammaretrovirus (BaEV) sequences were induced by AzaC, whereas SERV sequences were also induced by IUdR. Additionally, sequence heterogeneity was seen in the RNAs of SERV- and BaEV-related particles. Infectivity analysis of drug-treated AGM Vero cells showed no virus replication in cell lines known to be susceptible to type D simian retroviruses (SRVs) and to BaEV. The results indicated that multiple, inducible endogenous retrovirus loci are present in the AGM genome that can encode noninfectious, viruslike particles.
Structures of the Major Capsid Proteins of the Human Karolinska Institutet and Washington University Polyomaviruses
Authors: Neu Ursula , Wang Jianbo , Macejak Dennis , Garcea Robert L. , Stehle Thilo
Published: May 2011

The Karolinska Institutet and Washington University polyomaviruses (KIPyV and WUPyV, respectively) are recently discovered human viruses that infect the respiratory tract. Although they have not yet been linked to disease, they are prevalent in populations worldwide, with initial infection occurring in early childhood. Polyomavirus capsids consist of 72 pentamers of the major capsid protein viral protein 1 (VP1), which determines antigenicity and receptor specificity. The WUPyV and KIPyV VP1 proteins are distant in evolution from VP1 proteins of known structure such as simian virus 40 or murine polyomavirus. We present here the crystal structures of unassembled recombinant WUPyV and KIPyV VP1 pentamers at resolutions of 2.9 and 2.55 Å, respectively. The WUPyV and KIPyV VP1 core structures fold into the same β-sandwich that is a hallmark of all polyomavirus VP1 proteins crystallized to date. However, differences in sequence translate into profoundly different surface loop structures in KIPyV and WUPyV VP1 proteins. Such loop structures have not been observed for other polyomaviruses, and they provide initial clues about the possible interactions of these viruses with cell surface receptors.
Inhibition of Human BK Polyomavirus Replication by Small Noncoding RNAs
Authors: Tikhanovich Irina , Liang Bo , Seoighe Cathal , Folk William R. , Nasheuer Heinz Peter
Published: May 2011

Small noncoding RNAs regulate a variety of cellular processes, including genomic imprinting, chromatin remodeling, replication, transcription, and translation. Here, we report small replication-regulating RNAs (srRNAs) that specifically inhibit DNA replication of the human BK polyomavirus (BKV)
in vitro
and
in vivo
. srRNAs from FM3A murine mammary tumor cells were enriched by DNA replication assay-guided fractionation and hybridization to the BKV noncoding control region (NCCR) and synthesized as cDNAs. Selective mutagenesis of the cDNA sequences and their putative targets suggests that the inhibition of BKV DNA replication is mediated by srRNAs binding to the viral NCCR, hindering early steps in the initiation of DNA replication. Ectopic expression of srRNAs in human cells inhibited BKV DNA replication
in vivo
. Additional srRNAs were designed and synthesized that specifically inhibit simian virus 40 (SV40) DNA replication
in vitro
. These observations point to novel mechanisms for regulating DNA replication and suggest the design of synthetic agents for inhibiting replication of polyomaviruses and possibly other viruses.
Entry of Tiger Frog Virus (an Iridovirus) into HepG2 Cells via a pH-Dependent, Atypical, Caveola-Mediated Endocytosis Pathway
Authors: Guo Chang-Jun , Liu Dong , Wu Yan-Yan , Yang Xiao-Bo , Yang Li-Shi , Mi Shu , Huang Yu-Xin , Luo Yong-Wen , Jia Kun-Tong , Liu Zhao-Yu , Chen Wei-Jian , Weng Shao-Ping , Yu Xiao-Qiang , He Jian-Guo
Published: May 2011

Tiger frog virus (TFV), in the genus
Ranavirus
of the family
Iridoviridae
, causes high mortality of cultured tiger frog tadpoles in China. To explore the cellular entry mechanism of TFV, HepG2 cells were treated with drugs that inhibit the main endocytic pathways. We observed that TFV entry was inhibited by NH
4
Cl, chloroquine, and bafilomycin, which can all elevate the pH of acidic organelles. In contrast, TFV entry was not influenced by chlorpromazine or overexpression of a dominant-negative form of Esp15, which inhibit the assembly of clathrin-coated pits. These results suggested that TFV entry was not associated with clathrin-mediated endocytosis, but was related to the pH of acidic organelles. Subsequently, we found that endocytosis of TFV was dependent on membrane cholesterol and was inhibited by the caveolin-1 scaffolding domain peptide. Dynamin and actin were also required for TFV entry. In addition, TFV virions colocalized with the cholera toxin subunit B, indicating that TFV enters as caveola-internalized cargo into the Golgi complex. Taken together, our results demonstrated that TFV entry occurs by caveola-mediated endocytosis with a pH-dependent step. This atypical caveola-mediated endocytosis is different from the clathrin-mediated endocytosis of frog virus 3 (FV3) by BHK cells, which has been recognized as a model for iridoviruses. Thus, our work may help further the understanding of the initial steps of iridovirus infection in lower vertebrates.
NRIP, a Novel Calmodulin Binding Protein, Activates Calcineurin To Dephosphorylate Human Papillomavirus E2 Protein
Authors: Chang Szu-Wei , Tsao Yeou-Ping , Lin Chia-Yi , Chen Show-Li
Published: May 2011

Previously, we found a gene named nuclear receptor interaction protein (NRIP) (or DCAF6 or IQWD1). We demonstrate that NRIP is a novel binding protein for human papillomavirus 16 (HPV-16) E2 protein. HPV-16 E2 and NRIP can directly associate into a complex
in vivo
and
in vitro
, and the N-terminal domain of NRIP interacts with the transactivation domain of HPV-16 E2. Only full-length NRIP can stabilize E2 protein and induce HPV gene expression, and NRIP silenced by two designed small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) decreases E2 protein levels and E2-driven gene expression. We found that NRIP can directly bind with calmodulin in the presence of calcium through its IQ domain, resulting in decreased E2 ubiquitination and increased E2 protein stability. Complex formation between NRIP and calcium/calmodulin activates the phosphatase calcineurin to dephosphorylate E2 and increase E2 protein stability. We present evidences for E2 phosphorylation
in vivo
and show that NRIP acts as a scaffold to recruit E2 and calcium/calmodulin to prevent polyubiquitination and degradation of E2, enhancing E2 stability and E2-driven gene expression.
A survey of patients' attitudes to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy identifies the value of endoscopist–patient interactive factors
Authors: Hydes T , Yusuf A , Pearl DS , Trebble TM
Published: May 2011

Objective

To determine patients’ self-reported preferences and expectations for outpatient upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy, including patients’ priorities in obtaining a satisfactory healthcare experience, preprocedure anxiety and its causes, and preferred staff roles.

Design

A composite, dedicated endoscopy questionnaire was used. This included demographic information, validated Likert scale anxiety-related questions and a 15-point ranking scale of aspects of care (1=most important to satisfaction; 15=least important).

Setting and patients

Unselected patients attending for an elective UGI endoscopy at two separate units were surveyed on randomly identified days.

Results

A total of 202 out of 254 patients agreed to participate (79.5%). The values identified as most important to patients included technical skill (2.8) and personal manner of the endoscopist (4.9) and the nurses and support staff (5.8), control of discomfort (5.6) and adequacy of the preprocedure explanation (5.8). The factors considered least important included noise levels (12.5), privacy (10.7) and cleanliness (8.7). Moderate to severe anxiety was recorded in half of the patient cohort, predominantly due to anticipation of pain or the results of the procedure. Most patients preferred the endoscopist to discuss the findings of the endoscopy but expressed no preferences regarding the preprocedure explanation.

Conclusion

Patients undergoing UGI endoscopy appear to highly prioritise aspects of care relating to interaction with the endoscopist and the procedure itself. Environmental factors are considered to have much less value. These findings may assist in service redesign around patient-centred care and the development of patient satisfaction surveys in endoscopy.
Impacts of permafrost degradation on a road embankment at Umiujaq in Nunavik (Quebec), Canada
Authors: Fortier Richard , LeBlanc Anne-Marie , Yu Wenbing
Published: May 2011

Differential subsidence of as much as 0.85 m is affecting the access road to Umiujaq Airport in Nunavik (Quebec), Canada, located in the discontinuous permafrost zone. A geotechnical and geophysical investigation including piezocone test, ground-penetrating radar profiling, electrical resistivity tomography, and numerical modeling of the thermal regime of the road embankment and subgrade is presented to characterize the ground stratigraphy and permafrost conditions and to assess the exact causes and effects of permafrost degradation on the road embankment. The subsidence is due to thaw consolidation taking place in a layer of ice-rich silt underneath a superficial sand layer. While the seasonal freeze–thaw cycles were initially restricted to the sand layer, the thawing front has now reached the thaw-unstable ice-rich silt layer. According to our numerical modeling, the increase in air temperature recently observed in Nunavik cannot be the sole cause of the observed subsidence affecting this engineering structure. The thick embankment also acts as a snow fence favoring the accumulation of snow on the embankment shoulders. The permafrost degradation is also due to the thermal insulation of the snow cover reducing heat loss in the embankment shoulders and toes.
ADVANCES IN NONLINEAR NON-SCALING FFAGs
Authors: JOHNSTONE C. , BERZ M. , MAKINO K. , KOSCIELNIAK S. , SNOPOK P.
Published: May 2011

Accelerators are playing increasingly important roles in basic science, technology, and medicine. Ultra high-intensity and high-energy (GeV) proton drivers are a critical technology for accelerator-driven sub-critical reactors (ADS) and many HEP programs (Muon Collider) but remain particularly challenging, encountering duty cycle and space-charge limits in the synchrotron and machine size concerns in the weaker-focusing cyclotrons; a 10–20 MW proton driver is not presently considered technically achievable with conventional re-circulating accelerators. One, as-yet, unexplored re-circulating accelerator, the Fixed-field Alternating Gradient or FFAG, is an attractive alternative to the other approaches to a high-power beam source. Its strong focusing optics can mitigate space charge effects and achieve higher bunch charges than are possible in a cyclotron, and a recent innovation in design has coupled stable tunes with isochronous orbits, making the FFAG capable of fixed-frequency, CW acceleration, as in the classical cyclotron but beyond their energy reach, well into the relativistic regime. This new concept has been advanced in non-scaling nonlinear FFAGs using powerful new methodologies developed for FFAG accelerator design and simulation. The machine described here has the high average current advantage and duty cycle of the cyclotron (without using broadband RF frequencies) in combination with the strong focusing, smaller losses, and energy variability that are more typical of the synchrotron. The current industrial and medical standard is a cyclotron, but a competing CW FFAG could promote a shift in this baseline. This paper reports on these new advances in FFAG accelerator technology and presents advanced modeling tools for fixed-field accelerators unique to the code COSY INFINITY.1
ON THE DESIGN OF ADAPTIVE-BANDWIDTH ALL-DIGITAL PHASE-LOCKED LOOPS
Authors: CHAU YAWGENG A. , CHEN CHEN-FENG
Published: May 2011

The second-order adaptive-bandwidth all-digital phase-locked loop (ADB-ADPLL) is designed and analyzed by using a new design procedure. Based on a discrete-time analogy of a continuous-time PLL (CTPLL) with the z-transform, the design criterion of the ADB-ADPLL is derived and a design procedure is developed. Following the design criterion, the ADB-ADPLL can adapt its system parameters to balance the loop noise bandwidth and lock-in time. According to the design criterion, the ratio of the loop bandwidth to the reference input frequency can be maintained as a constant if the sampling frequency is a fixed multiplier of the input frequency. An example is given to illustrate the design procedure and simulation results are presented to validate the adaptive characteristics with respect to the phase noise and varying bands of input frequency.
PERMANENT ULNAR NERVE PALSY AFTER EMBOLOTHERAPY OF ARTERIOVENOUS MALFORMATION AROUND THE ELBOW
Authors: Cho Chul-Hyun , Choi Jin-Soo
Published: May 2011

Permanent nerve palsy is an extremely rare but critical complication after embolotherapy of arteriovenous malformations of the extremities. The authors present a case of permanent ulnar nerve palsy after embolotherapy of an arteriovenous malformation around the elbow, and caution that transcatheter embolotherapy of arteriovenous malformations located close to major neurovascular structures must be carefully planned and individualized.
VOLAR RADIOCARPAL DISLOCATION: CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Authors: Singisetti Kiran , Konstantinos Michalopoulos , Middleton Alan
Published: May 2011

We describe here an unusual case of volar dislocation of the radiocarpal joint due to a complete tear of the dorsal radiocarpal ligament. Plain radiographs taken at initial presentation did not reveal any obvious abnormality. There was no associated bony lesion or intrinsic wrist ligament injury. Radiocarpal dislocations should be considered in the diagnosis of high-energy wrist injuries, even when initial radiographs look normal. The importance of a high index of suspicion in high velocity wrist injuries and need for further evaluation and imaging is highlighted.
USE OF A HAND DRILL TO REMOVE PARTICULATE CONTAMINATION WITHIN A TRAUMATIC BONE TUNNEL
Authors: Tong Pei Yein , Cheah Andre E. J. , Peng Yeong Pin
Published: May 2011

We report a novel method of debridement for penetrating trauma to the hand involving bone using a sterile hand drill. This provides a means for adequate clearance of debris which may otherwise be left in-situ due to poor access to the contaminants when conventional techniques of debridement are used.
Preparation and spectroscopic studies of silica nanoparticle-porphyrin hybrids held by noncovalent interactions
Authors: Sbardella Paola , Monti Donato , D'Epifanio Alessandra , Stefanelli Manuela , Naitana Mario L. , Venanzi Mariano , Di Natale Corrado , Paolesse Roberto
Published: May 2011

Amphiphilic porphyrin derivatives adsorbed onto silica nanoparticles via noncovalent interactions have been prepared and characterized. The organic-inorganic hybrids have been obtained by simply stirring a nanoparticle suspension into an aqueous solvent mixture of porphyrin aggregates. The systems obtained show good stability in aqueous solvents, at different pH, and also in toluene. Analogous protocol has been applied to the macrocycles in monomeric form, obtaining the corresponding nanoparticle-porphyrin adducts. These systems are of interest for the development of sensors and medicinal application.
SOLVOTHERMAL PREPARATION OF CeO2 NANOCUBES AND THEIR CATALYTIC PROPERTIES
Authors: ZHANG DONG-EN , CHEN AI-MEI , WANG MING-YAN , GONG JUN-YAN , ZHANG XIAO-BO , LI SHAN-ZHONG , HAN GUI-QUAN , YING AI-LING , TONG ZHI-WEI
Published: May 2011

Cubic-like CeO 2 nanocrystals about 11 nm long were successfully synthesized via an ethanolamine-assisted hydrothermal route using ( NH 4) Ce ( NO 3)4 as a precursor at 180°C for 24 h. The CeO 2 nanocubes were modified onto the glassy carbon electrode by adsorption to fabricate the modified electrode. The reliability and stability of the CeO 2 NC/GC electrode offer a good possibility for applying the technique on routine analysis of ascorbic acid (AA) in clinical use. In addition, the catalytic effect of the CeO 2 nanocubes for thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) was investigated by DTA and TG. The catalytic performance of CeO 2 nanocubes is superior to that of commercial CeO 2 powder.
OPTICAL AND STRUCTURAL PROPERTIES OF Zn(1-x)FexS NANOPARTICLES SYNTHESIZED BY CHEMICAL BATH DEPOSITION METHOD
Authors: SELMANI S. , ABDULLAH H. , SHAARI S. , ABD-SHUKOR R.
Published: May 2011

Nanoparticles of Zn (1-x) Fe x S with x = 0.0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2 and 0.3 were synthesized using the chemical bath deposition method, using tri-sodium citrate as a complexion agent. These nanoparticles were characterized using XRD, SEM, optical absorbance and photoluminescence. SEM micrographs of the films revealed the combination of Zn (1-x) Fe x S nanoparticles with an average particle size D ~ 60.3 to 19.3 nm ± 0.01 nm for x = 0.0 to 0.3. X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the nanocrystalline cubic ZnS phase formation. UV-visible spectrometer measurement showed high absorbance for Fe concentration x ≥ 0.15 in the wavelength range 325–800 nm. However, for x ≤ 0.1, the absorbance of the films decreased with further increase of Fe concentration. From the absorbance data, the direct bandgap values have been calculated to be in the range Eg = 3.5 to 2.23 eV for x = 0.0 to 0.3. The bandgap decreased with the increase of Fe concentration in the films. The photoluminescence spectra of the films showed two emission peaks, the first in the low wavelengths due to band-to-band transition, and the second in the high wavelengths due to the transitions probabilities and to the concentration of Fe ions. Due to the quenching effect, the intensity of PL spectra decreased on further increase of Fe doping.
POLY(3,4-ETHYLENEDIOXYTHIOPHENE)/MnO2MESOPOROUS NANOCOMPOSITE WITH EXCELLENT HIGH-RATE ELECTROCHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Authors: LU QING , ZHOU YIKAI
Published: May 2011

Herein, a modified interfacial synthetic route has been demonstrated by synthesizing uniform poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/ MnO2hierarchical mesoporous nanocomposite. The in-situ generated polymer has been proven to be effective in constraining the overgrowth of nuclei. Consequently, assembled nanosheets with a thickness less than 5 nm have been prepared. At a high rate of 10 A g-1charge/discharge process, the nanocomposite electrode retains 73.4% of the specific capacitance exhibited at 1 A g-1. At a current density as large as 800 mA g-1, the nanocomposite electrode attains reversible lithium storage specific capacities of 400 mAh g-1after 50 cycles and 300 mAh g-1after 100 cycles. The excellent high-rate performance of the nanocomposite electrode is highlighted in terms of its extremely large surface area, unique microstructure and mesoporous features.
Ion channels and tranporters in cancer. 2. Ion channels and the control of cancer cell migration
Authors: Cuddapah Vishnu Anand , Sontheimer Harald
Published: May 2011

A hallmark of high-grade cancers is the ability of malignant cells to invade unaffected tissue and spread disease. This is particularly apparent in gliomas, the most common and lethal type of primary brain cancer affecting adults. Migrating cells encounter restricted spaces and appear able to adjust their shape to accommodate to narrow extracellular spaces. A growing body of work suggests that cell migration/invasion is facilitated by ion channels and transporters. The emerging concept is that K+ and Cl− function as osmotically active ions, which cross the plasma membrane in concert with obligated water thereby adjusting a cell's shape and volume. In glioma cells Na+-K+-Cl− cotransporters (NKCC1) actively accumulate K+ and Cl−, establishing a gradient for KCl efflux. Ca2+-activated K+ channels and voltage-gated Cl− channels are largely responsible for effluxing KCl promoting hydrodynamic volume changes. In other cancers, different K+ or even Na+ channels may function in concert with a variety of Cl− channels to support similar volume changes. Channels involved in migration are frequently regulated by Ca2+ signaling, most likely coupling extracellular stimuli to cell migration. Importantly, the inhibition of ion channels and transporters appears to be clinically relevant for the treatment of cancer. Recent preclinical data indicates that inhibition of NKCC1 with an FDA-approved drug decreases neoplastic migration. Additionally, ongoing clinical trials demonstrate that an inhibitor of chloride channels may be a therapy for the treatment of gliomas. Data reviewed here strongly indicate that ion channels are a promising target for the development of novel therapeutics to combat cancer.
μ-Opioid receptor stimulation in the nucleus accumbens elevates fatty tastant intake by increasing palatability and suppressing satiety signals
Authors: Katsuura Yoshihiro , Heckmann Jennifer A. , Taha Sharif A.
Published: May 2011

Infusion of a μ-opioid receptor (MOR) agonist into the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) drives voracious food intake, an effect hypothesized to occur through increased tastant palatability. While intake of many palatable foods is elevated by MOR stimulation, this manipulation has a preferential effect on fatty food ingestion. Consumption of high-fat foods is increased by NAcc MOR stimulation even in rats that prefer a carbohydrate-rich alternative under baseline conditions. This suggests that NAcc MOR stimulation may not simply potentiate palatability signals and raises the possibility that mechanisms mediating fat intake may be distinct from those underlying intake of other tastants. The present study was conducted to investigate the physiological mechanisms underlying the effects of NAcc MOR stimulation on fatty food intake. In experiment 1, we analyzed lick microstructure in rats ingesting Intralipid to identify the changes underlying feeding induced by infusion of a MOR-specific agonist into the NAcc. MOR stimulation in the NAcc core, but not shell, increased burst duration and first-minute licks, while simultaneously increasing the rate and duration of Intralipid ingestion. These results suggest that MOR activation in the core increases Intralipid palatability and attenuates inhibitory postingestive feedback. In experiment 2, we measured the effects of MOR stimulation in the NAcc core on consumption of nonnutritive olestra. A MOR-specific agonist dose dependently increased olestra intake, demonstrating that caloric signaling is not required for hyperphagia induced by NAcc MOR stimulation. Feeding induced by drug infusion in both experiments 1 and 2 was blocked by a MOR antagonist. In experiment 3, we determined whether MOR activation in the NAcc core could attenuate satiety-related signaling caused by infusion of the melanocortin agonist MTII into the third ventricle. Suppression of intake caused by MTII was reversed by MOR stimulation. Together, our results suggest that MOR stimulation in the NAcc core elevates fatty food intake through palatability mechanisms dependent on orosensory cues and suppression of satiety signals inhibiting food intake.
Behavioral training enhances cortical temporal processing in neonatally deafened juvenile cats
Authors: Beitel Ralph E. , Vollmer Maike , Raggio Marcia W. , Schreiner Christoph E.
Published: May 2011

Deaf humans implanted with a cochlear prosthesis depend largely on temporal cues for speech recognition because spectral information processing is severely impaired. Training with a cochlear prosthesis is typically required before speech perception shows improvement, suggesting that relevant experience modifies temporal processing in the central auditory system. We tested this hypothesis in neonatally deafened cats by comparing temporal processing in the primary auditory cortex (AI) of cats that received only chronic passive intracochlear electric stimulation (ICES) with cats that were also trained with ICES to detect temporally challenging trains of electric pulses. After months of chronic passive stimulation and several weeks of detection training in behaviorally trained cats, multineuronal AI responses evoked by temporally modulated ICES were recorded in anesthetized animals. The stimulus repetition rates that produced the maximum number of phase-locked spikes (best repetition rate) and 50% cutoff rate were significantly higher in behaviorally trained cats than the corresponding rates in cats that received only chronic passive ICES. Behavioral training restored neuronal temporal following ability to levels comparable with those recorded in naïve prior normal-hearing adult deafened animals. Importantly, best repetitition rates and cutoff rates were highest for neuronal clusters activated by the electrode configuration used in behavioral training. These results suggest that neuroplasticity in the AI is induced by behavioral training and perceptual learning in animals deprived of ordinary auditory experience during development and indicate that behavioral training can ameliorate or restore temporal processing in the AI of profoundly deaf animals.
Stimulus-dependent changes in optical responses of the dorsal cochlear nucleus using voltage-sensitive dye
Authors: Licari F. G. , Shkoukani M. , Kaltenbach J. A.
Published: May 2011

Optical imaging with voltage-sensitive dye was used to examine the spatiotemporal dynamics of stimulus-driven activity on the surface of the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN). Stimulation with tones at low to moderate levels produced localized regions of activation that were most commonly elongated rostrocaudally. The size of these activation areas expanded with increases in sound level, while their centers shifted from the lateral direction to the medial direction with increases in stimulus frequency. In contrast to the tonotopic patterns of activation evoked by tones, electrical stimulation of the DCN surface resulted in bands of activation that were elongated along the medial-lateral axis; response latencies increased with distance along these bands from the point of stimulation. Shifting the site of electrical stimulation from the rostral direction to the caudal direction induced corresponding shifts in the rostrocaudal location of the activation band; moving the electrode tip to subsurface depths resulted in loss of the elongated band. Transecting the DCN along the rostrocaudal axis midway between its medial and lateral extremities blocked propagation of the response to the half of the DCN distal to but not proximal to the stimulating electrode. The results suggest that the two modes of stimulation activated two distinct populations of neurons, one involving primarily tonotopically organized cells and the other crossing these tonotopic zones and likely representing the activation of parallel fibers. These results reveal a number of new features in the spatial patterns of tone-elicited activation that are not readily predicted by responses recorded electrophysiologically.
The long-latency reflex is composed of at least two functionally independent processes
Authors: Pruszynski J. Andrew , Kurtzer Isaac , Scott Stephen H.
Published: May 2011

The nervous system counters mechanical perturbations applied to the arm with a stereotypical sequence of muscle activity, starting with the short-latency stretch reflex and ending with a voluntary response. Occurring between these two events is the enigmatic long-latency reflex. Although researchers have been fascinated by the long-latency reflex for over 60 years, some of the most basic questions about this response remain unresolved and often debated. In the present study we help resolve one such question by providing clear evidence that the human long-latency reflex during a naturalistic motor task is not a single functional response; rather, it appears to reflect the output of (at least) two functionally independent processes that overlap in time and sum linearly. One of these functional components shares an important attribute of the short-latency reflex (i.e., automatic gain scaling, sensitivity to background load), and the other shares a defining feature of voluntary control (i.e., task dependency, sensitivity to goal target position). We further show that the task-dependent component of long-latency activity reflects a feedback control process rather than the simplest triggered reaction to a mechanical stimulus.
EEGLAB, SIFT, NFT, BCILAB, and ERICA: New Tools for Advanced EEG Processing
Authors: Delorme Arnaud , Mullen Tim , Kothe Christian , Akalin Acar Zeynep , Bigdely-Shamlo Nima , Vankov Andrey , Makeig Scott
Published: May 2011

We describe a set of complementary EEG data collection and processing tools recently developed at the Swartz Center for Computational Neuroscience (SCCN) that connect to and extend the EEGLAB software environment, a freely available and readily extensible processing environment running under Matlab. The new tools include (1) a new and flexible EEGLAB STUDY design facility for framing and performing statistical analyses on data from multiple subjects; (2) a neuroelectromagnetic forward head modeling toolbox (NFT) for building realistic electrical head models from available data; (3) a source information flow toolbox (SIFT) for modeling ongoing or event-related effective connectivity between cortical areas; (4) a BCILAB toolbox for building online brain-computer interface (BCI) models from available data, and (5) an experimental real-time interactive control and analysis (ERICA) environment for real-time production and coordination of interactive, multimodal experiments.
SystemicBartonella henselaeInfection in Immunocompetent Adult Presenting as Fever of Unknown Origin
Authors: Zenone Thierry
Published: May 2011

Systemic clinical presentations of infection caused byBartonella henselaeare rare in immunocompetent adults. We report four cases with hepatic and/or splenic involvement, presenting as fever of unknown origin. We discuss diagnosis and treatment of this infection.Bartonella henselaeserology allows an easy diagnosis of hepatosplenic involvement in cat scratch disease, a clinical picture that appears to be underrecognized.
Gastric Perforation Associated with Tuberculosis: A Case Report
Authors: Gill Richdeep S. , Gill Sumeet S. , Mangat Harshdeep , Logsetty Sarvesh
Published: May 2011

Gastric tuberculosis is a rare presentation of tuberculosis infection. Gastric perforation associated with tuberculosis is exceedingly rare with five previously published cases. We present a case of a male patient that developed presumed gastric tuberculosis secondary to pulmonary tuberculosis infection. He subsequently developed gastric perforation and sepsis, for which he was treated both surgically and medically. Despite ongoing antituberculosis treatment, the patient's condition worsened and the patient died secondary to multiorgan failure. This case highlights gastric perforation as a rare but devastating complication of pulmonary tuberculosis.
Geochemical and Geophysical Study in a Degraded Area Used for Disposal of Sludge from a Water Treatment Plant
Authors: Moreira Ricardo Cosme Arraes , Boaventura Geraldo Resende , Nunes Sandra Alves , Pinheiro Luciano de Almeida , do Nascimento Carlos Tadeu Carvalho , da Silva Davi Rodrigues , Lira Christiane de Pinna
Published: May 2011

The effects of disposal of sludge from water treatment plant (WTS) in area damaged by laterite extraction and its consequences to soil and groundwater were investigated. Therefore, the presence and concentration of anthropogenic elements and chemical compounds were determinated. WTS disposal's influence was characterized by electroresistivity method. The WTS's geochemical dispersion was noticed in the first meters of the nonsaturated zone from the lending area. Lateritic profiles were characterized due to the large variation in chemical composition between the horizons. Infiltration and percolation of rainwater through the WTS have caused migration of total dissolved solids to the groundwater. WTS's disposing area has more similarities to local preserved vegetation than to gravel bed area. WTS can be considered a noninert residue if disposed in degraded areas located in regions with similar geological and hydrochemical characteristics.
Immunological Links to Nonspecific Effects of DTwP and BCG Vaccines on Infant Mortality
Authors: Claesson Mogens Helweg
Published: May 2011

A number of mainly observational studies suggest that many African females below the age of one year die each year from the nonspecific effects of vaccination with diphtheria-tetanus toxoids and killed (whole-cell)Bordetella pertussis(DTwP). In contrast, similar studies suggest that many African females and males may have their lives saved each year by the nonspecific immunological benefits of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccination. From an immunological point of view, we hypothesise that the adverse effects of DTwP vaccine may occur because of the Th2-polarising effect of the aluminium phosphate adjuvant in the vaccine and because intramuscular administration of the vaccine may cause chronic inflammation at the site of injection. However, the Th1-polarising effect of BCG is likely to be beneficial. Sexual dimorphism affecting immune functions and vitamin A supplementation may influence both the deleterious and beneficial nonspecific effects of immunisation.
Prediction and Characterization of Missing Proteomic Data inDesulfovibrio vulgaris
Authors: Li Feng , Nie Lei , Wu Gang , Qiao Jianjun , Zhang Weiwen
Published: May 2011

Proteomic datasets are often incomplete due to identification range and sensitivity issues. It becomes important to develop methodologies to estimate missing proteomic data, allowing better interpretation of proteomic datasets and metabolic mechanisms underlying complex biological systems. In this study, we applied an artificial neural network to approximate the relationships between cognate transcriptomic and proteomic datasets ofDesulfovibrio vulgaris, and to predict protein abundance for the proteins not experimentally detected, based on several relevant predictors, such as mRNA abundance, cellular role and triple codon counts. The results showed that the coefficients of determination for the trained neural network models ranged from 0.47 to 0.68, providing better modeling than several previous regression models. The validity of the trained neural network model was evaluated using biological information (i.e. operons). To seek understanding of mechanisms causing missing proteomic data, we used a multivariate logistic regression analysis and the result suggested that some key factors, such as protein instability index, aliphatic index, mRNA abundance, effective number of codons () and codon adaptation index (CAI) values may be ascribed to whether a given expressed protein can be detected. In addition, we demonstrated that biological interpretation can be improved by use of imputed proteomic datasets.
A NewIn VivoModel System to Assess the Toxicity of Semiconductor Nanocrystals
Authors: Tino Angela , Ambrosone Alfredo , Mattera Lucia , Marchesano Valentina , Susha Andrei , Rogach Andrey , Tortiglione Claudia
Published: May 2011

In the emerging area of nanotechnology, a key issue is related to the potential impacts of the novel nanomaterials on the environment and human health, so that this technology can be used with minimal risk. Specifically designed to combine on a single structure multipurpose tags and properties, smart nanomaterials need a comprehensive characterization of both chemicophysical properties and adequate toxicological evaluation, which is a challenging endeavour; thein vitrotoxicity assays that are often employed for nanotoxicity assessments do not accurately predictin vivoresponse. To overcome these limitations and to evaluate toxicity characteristics of cadmium telluride quantum dots in relation to surface coatings, we have employed the freshwater polypHydra vulgarisas a model system. We assessedin vivoacute and sublethal toxicity by scoring for alteration of morphological traits, population growth rates, and influence on the regenerative capabilities providing new investigation clues for nanotoxicology purposes.
A Case of Valproate Induced Hyperammonemic Encephalopathy
Authors: Tarafdar Surjit , Slee Mark , Ameer Faisal , Doogue Matt
Published: May 2011

A 36-years-old man on phenytoin, levetiracetam, and sodium valproate presented with acute confusion. Routine investigations including serum valproate and phenytoin concentration were normal. His serum ammonia concentration was raised. His valproate was held and 2 days later he recovered with concordant normalisation of serum ammonia concentration. Urea acid cycle disorder was ruled out, and a diagnosis of valproate induced hyperammonemic encephalopathy (VHE) was made. Asymptomatic hyperammonemia occurs in 15–50% of valproate-treated patients, and while the true incidence of VHE is not known, it is a recognized complication of sodium valproate treatment. VHE typically presents acutely with impaired consciousness, lethargy, and vomiting. Valproate concentrations may be in the therapeutic range, and liver function tests are typically “normal.” Treatment for VHE consists of ceasing valproate and providing supportive care. Some have advocated carnitine replacement.
Bilateral Peritonsillar Abscesses: A Case Presentation and Review of the Current Literature with regard to the Controversies in Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Papacharalampous G. X. , Vlastarakos P. V. , Kotsis G. , Davilis D. , Manolopoulos L.
Published: May 2011

Although unilateral peritonsillar abscess is a common complication of acute bacterial tonsillitis, bilateral peritonsillar abscesses are quite rare. The incidence of unsuspected contralateral peritonsillar abscess identified at tonsillectomy has been reported to be between 1.9% and 24%, while the overall incidence of bilateral peritonsillar abscess is reported to reach 4.9%. Diagnosis can be based on clinical criteria or imaging techniques. As far as the treatment is concerned, it is generally accepted that the basic strategy consists of systemic antibiotics and drainage of the pus. We report the case of a 19-year-old girl, treated in the emergency room with a bilateral diagnostic needle aspiration followed by bilateral incision and drainage along with intravenous clindamycin plus anti-inflammatory agents and hydration. Following treatment, the patient progressively experienced a marked alleviation of her odynophagia. She was discharged 48 hours later on a 10-day course of clindamycin.
Sex Hormone Concentrations and the Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence in Postmenopausal Women without Hot Flashes
Authors: Emond Jennifer A. , Patterson Ruth E. , Natarajan Loki , Laughlin Gail A. , Gold Ellen B. , Pierce John P.
Published: May 2011

Background: We examined if the reduced risk of breast cancer events seen among women without baseline hot flash symptoms in the Women's Healthy Eating and Living (WHEL) dietary intervention trial was related to changes in sex hormone concentrations.

Methods: Baseline and year one concentrations of total and bioavailable estradiol, and testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were compared by intervention arm among 447 postmenopausal women without hot flashes. Cox proportional hazard models tested interaction terms between study arm and baseline hormone concentrations adjusted for study site, antiestrogen use, positive nodes, tumor size, oophorectomy status, and hormone replacement therapy use.

Results: Sex hormone concentrations did not differ by study arm at baseline nor at year one. Twenty-two (9.8%) events occurred in the intervention arm versus 42 (18.9%) in the comparison arm (P = 0.009). Baseline bioavailable testosterone was significantly, positively associated with additional events (HR 1.69, 95% CI: 1.00–2.84; P = 0.049). There were significant interactions between the intervention and total (P = 0.015), and bioavailable (P = 0.050) testosterone: the intervention was more protective among participants with higher baseline total (HR 0.3, 95% CI: 0.2–0.7) or bioavailable (HR 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2–0.7) testosterone than for participants with lower baseline total (HR 0.8, 95% CI: 0.4–1.5) or bioavailable (HR 0.8, 95% CI: 0.4–1.5) testosterone. No significant effects were seen for estradiol or SHBG.

Conclusions: The WHEL dietary intervention may have modified other risk factors of recurrence correlated with testosterone.

Impact: Sex hormones should be considered as part of a larger biological system related to the risk of breast cancer recurrence. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(5); 939–45. ©2011 AACR.
Inhibitor of Differentiation-1 as a Novel Prognostic Factor in NSCLC Patients with Adenocarcinoma Histology and Its Potential Contribution to Therapy Resistance
Authors: Ponz-Sarvisé Mariano , Nguewa Paul A. , Pajares María J. , Agorreta Jackeline , Lozano María D. , Redrado Miriam , Pio Ruben , Behrens Carmen , Wistuba Ignacio I. , García-Franco Carlos E. , García-Foncillas Jesús , Montuenga Luis M. , Calvo Alfonso , Gil-Bazo Ignacio
Published: May 2011

Purpose: High inhibitor of differentiation-1 (Id1) levels have been found in some tumor types. We aimed to study Id1 levels and their prognostic impact in a large series of stages I to IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Experiments in cell lines and cells derived from malignant pleural effusions (MPE) were also carried out.

Experimental Design: A total of 346 NSCLC samples (three different cohorts), including 65 matched nonmalignant tissues, were evaluated for Id1 expression by using immunohistochemistry. Additional data from a fourth cohort including 111 patients were obtained for Id1 mRNA expression analysis by using publicly available microarrays. In vitro proliferation assays were conducted to characterize the impact of Id1 on growth and treatment sensitivity.

Results: Significantly higher Id1 protein levels were found in tumors compared with normal tissues (P < 0.001) and in squamous carcinomas compared with adenocarcinomas (P < 0.001). In radically treated stages I to III patients and stage IV patients treated with chemotherapy, higher Id1 levels were associated with a shorter disease-free survival and overall survival in adenocarcinoma patients in a log-rank test. A Cox model confirmed the independent prognostic value of Id1 levels for both stages I to III and stage IV patients. In silico analysis confirmed a correlation between higher Id1 mRNA levels and poor prognosis for adenocarcinoma subjects. In vitro Id1 silencing in radio/chemotherapy-resistant adenocarcinoma cells from MPEs restored sensitivity to both therapies.

Conclusions: In our series, Id1 levels showed an independent prognostic value in patients with adenocarcinoma, regardless of the stage. Id1 silencing may sensitize adenocarcinoma cells to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Clin Cancer Res; 17(12); 4155–66. ©2011 AACR.