bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iron Corrosion Induced by Nonhydrogenotrophic Nitrate-Reducing Prolixibacter sp. Strain MIC1-1
Authors: Iino Takao , Ito Kimio , Wakai Satoshi , Tsurumaru Hirohito , Ohkuma Moriya , Harayama Shigeaki
Published: December 2014

Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) of metallic materials imposes a heavy economic burden. The mechanism of MIC of metallic iron (Fe
0
) under anaerobic conditions is usually explained as the consumption of cathodic hydrogen by hydrogenotrophic microorganisms that accelerates anodic Fe
0
oxidation. In this study, we describe Fe
0
corrosion induced by a nonhydrogenotrophic nitrate-reducing bacterium called MIC1-1, which was isolated from a crude-oil sample collected at an oil well in Akita, Japan. This strain requires specific electron donor-acceptor combinations and an organic carbon source to grow. For example, the strain grew anaerobically on nitrate as a sole electron acceptor with pyruvate as a carbon source and Fe
0
as the sole electron donor. In addition, ferrous ion and
l
-cysteine served as electron donors, whereas molecular hydrogen did not. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain MIC1-1 was a member of the genus
Prolixibacter
in the order
Bacteroidales
. Thus,
Prolixibacter
sp. strain MIC1-1 is the first Fe
0
-corroding representative belonging to the phylum
Bacteroidetes
. Under anaerobic conditions,
Prolixibacter
sp. MIC1-1 corroded Fe
0
concomitantly with nitrate reduction, and the amount of iron dissolved by the strain was six times higher than that in an aseptic control. Scanning electron microscopy analyses revealed that microscopic crystals of FePO
4
developed on the surface of the Fe
0
foils, and a layer of FeCO
3
covered the FePO
4
crystals. We propose that cells of
Prolixibacter
sp. MIC1-1 accept electrons directly from Fe
0
to reduce nitrate.
The Bacillus cereus Group Is an Excellent Reservoir of Novel Lanthipeptides
Authors: Xin Bingyue , Zheng Jinshui , Xu Ziya , Song Xiaoling , Ruan Lifang , Peng Donghai , Sun Ming
Published: December 2014

Lantibiotics are ribosomally synthesized peptides that contain multiple posttranslational modifications. Research on lantibiotics has increased recently, mainly due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, especially against some clinical Gram-positive pathogens. Many reports about various bacteriocins in the
Bacillus cereus
group have been published, but few were about lantibiotics. In this study, we identified 101 putative lanthipeptide gene clusters from 77 out of 223 strains of this group, and these gene clusters were further classified into 20 types according to their gene organization and the homologies of their functional genes. Among them, 18 types were novel and have not yet been experimentally verified. Two novel lantibiotics (thuricin 4A-4 and its derivative, thuricin 4A-4D) were identified in the type I-1 lanthipeptide gene cluster and showed activity against all tested Gram-positive bacteria. The mode of action of thuricin 4A-4 was studied, and we found that it acted as a bactericidal compound. The transcriptional analysis of four structural genes (
thiA1
,
thiA2
,
thiA3
, and
thiA4
) in the thuricin 4A gene cluster showed that only one structural gene,
thiA4
, showed efficient transcription in the exponential growth phase; the other three structural genes did not. In addition, the putative transmembrane protein ThiI was responsible for thuricin 4A-4 immunity. Genome analysis and functional verification illustrated that
B. cereus
group strains were a prolific source of novel lantibiotics.
Impact of the Use of β-Lactam Antimicrobials on the Emergence of Escherichia coli Isolates Resistant to Cephalosporins under Standard Pig-Rearing Conditions
Authors: Cameron-Veas Karla , Solà-Ginés Marc , Moreno Miguel A. , Fraile Lorenzo , Migura-Garcia Lourdes
Published: December 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate if the treatments with ceftiofur and amoxicillin are risk factors for the emergence of cephalosporin resistant (CR)
E. coli
in a pig farm during the rearing period. One hundred 7-day-old piglets were divided into two groups, a control (
n
= 50) group and a group parenterally treated with ceftiofur (
n
= 50). During the fattening period, both groups were subdivided in two. A second treatment with amoxicillin was administered in feed to two of the four groups, as follows: group 1 (untreated,
n
= 20), group 2 (treated with amoxicillin,
n
= 26), group 3 (treated with ceftiofur,
n
= 20), and group 4 (treated with ceftiofur and amoxicillin,
n
= 26). During treatment with ceftiofur, fecal samples were collected before treatment (day 0) and at days 2, 7, 14, 21, and 42 posttreatment, whereas with amoxicillin, the sampling was extended 73 days posttreatment. CR
E. coli
bacteria were selected on MacConkey agar with ceftriaxone (1 mg/liter). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), MICs of 14 antimicrobials, the presence of cephalosporin resistance genes, and replicon typing of plasmids were analyzed. Both treatments generated an increase in the prevalence of CR
E. coli
, which was statistically significant in the treated groups. Resistance diminished after treatment. A total of 47 CR
E. coli
isolates were recovered during the study period; of these, 15 contained
bla
CTX-M-1
, 10 contained
bla
CTX-M-14
, 4 contained
bla
CTX-M-9
, 2 contained
bla
CTX-M-15
, and 5 contained
bla
SHV-12
. The treatment with ceftiofur and amoxicillin was associated with the emergence of CR
E. coli
during the course of the treatment. However, by the time of finishing, CR
E. coli
bacteria were not recovered from the animals.
New Aspects of RpoE in Uropathogenic Proteus mirabilis
Authors: Liu Ming-Che , Kuo Kuan-Ting , Chien Hsiung-Fei , Tsai Yi-Lin , Liaw Shwu-Jen
Published: December 2014

Proteus mirabilis
is a common human pathogen causing recurrent or persistent urinary tract infections (UTIs). The underlying mechanisms for
P. mirabilis
to establish UTIs are not fully elucidated. In this study, we showed that loss of the sigma factor E (RpoE), mediating extracytoplasmic stress responses, decreased fimbria expression, survival in macrophages, cell invasion, and colonization in mice but increased the interleukin-8 (IL-8) expression of urothelial cells and swarming motility. This is the first study to demonstrate that RpoE modulated expression of MR/P fimbriae by regulating
mrpI
, a gene encoding a recombinase controlling the orientation of MR/P fimbria promoter. By real-time reverse transcription-PCR, we found that the IL-8 mRNA amount of urothelial cells was induced significantly by lipopolysaccharides extracted from
rpoE
mutant but not from the wild type. These RpoE-associated virulence factors should be coordinately expressed to enhance the fitness of
P. mirabilis
in the host, including the avoidance of immune attacks. Accordingly,
rpoE
mutant-infected mice displayed more immune cell infiltration in bladders and kidneys during early stages of infection, and the
rpoE
mutant had a dramatically impaired ability of colonization. Moreover, it is noteworthy that urea (the major component in urine) and polymyxin B (a cationic antimicrobial peptide) can induce expression of
rpoE
by the reporter assay, suggesting that RpoE might be activated in the urinary tract. Altogether, our results indicate that RpoE is important in sensing environmental cues of the urinary tract and subsequently triggering the expression of virulence factors, which are associated with the fitness of
P. mirabilis
, to build up a UTI.
Nonbinding Site-Directed Mutants of Transferrin Binding Protein B Exhibit Enhanced Immunogenicity and Protective Capabilities
Authors: Frandoloso Rafael , Martínez-Martínez Sonia , Calmettes Charles , Fegan Jamie , Costa Estela , Curran Dave , Yu Rong-hua , Gutiérrez-Martín César B. , Rodríguez-Ferri Elías F. , Moraes Trevor F. , Schryvers Anthony B.
Published: December 2014

Host-adapted Gram-negative bacterial pathogens from the
Pasteurellaceae
,
Neisseriaceae
, and
Moraxellaceae
families normally reside in the upper respiratory or genitourinary tracts of their hosts and rely on utilizing iron from host transferrin (Tf) for growth and survival. The surface receptor proteins that mediate this critical iron acquisition pathway have been proposed as ideal vaccine targets due to the critical role that they play in survival and disease pathogenesis
in vivo
. In particular, the surface lipoprotein component of the receptor, Tf binding protein B (TbpB), had received considerable attention as a potential antigen for vaccines in humans and food production animals but this has not translated into the series of successful vaccine products originally envisioned. Preliminary immunization experiments suggesting that host Tf could interfere with development of the immune response prompted us to directly address this question with site-directed mutant proteins defective in binding Tf. Site-directed mutants with dramatically reduced binding of porcine transferrin and nearly identical structure to the native proteins were prepared. A mutant
Haemophilus parasuis
TbpB was shown to induce an enhanced B-cell and T-cell response in pigs relative to native TbpB and provide superior protection from infection than the native TbpB or a commercial vaccine product. The results indicate that binding of host transferrin modulates the development of the immune response against TbpBs and that strategies designed to reduce or eliminate binding can be used to generate superior antigens for vaccines.
Monkey Models of Tuberculosis: Lessons Learned
Authors: Peña Juliet C. , Ho Wen-Zhe
Published: December 2014

The use of animal models has been invaluable for studying the pathogenesis of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
infection, as well as for testing the efficacy of vaccines and drug regimens for tuberculosis. Among the applied animal models, nonhuman primates, particularly macaques, share the greatest anatomical and physiological similarities with humans. As such, macaque models have been used for investigating tuberculosis pathogenesis and preclinical testing of drugs and vaccines. This review focuses on published major studies which illustrate how the rhesus and cynomolgus macaques have enriched and may continue to advance the field of global tuberculosis research.
Analysis of Metabolism in Dormant Spores of Bacillus Species by
31
P Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Analysis of Low-Molecular-Weight Compounds
Authors: Ghosh Sonali , Korza George , Maciejewski Mark , Setlow Peter
Published: December 2014

This work was undertaken to obtain information on levels of metabolism in dormant spores of
Bacillus
species incubated for weeks at physiological temperatures. Spores of
Bacillus megaterium
and
Bacillus subtilis
strains were harvested shortly after release from sporangia and incubated under various conditions, and dormant spore metabolism was monitored by
31
P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis of molecules including 3-phosphoglyceric acid (3PGA) and ribonucleotides. Incubation for up to 30 days at 4, 37, or 50°C in water, at 37 or 50°C in buffer to raise the spore core pH from ∼ 6.3 to 7.8, or at 4°C in spent sporulation medium caused no significant changes in ribonucleotide or 3PGA levels. Stage I germinated spores of
Bacillus megaterium
that had slightly increased core water content and a core pH of 7.8 also did not degrade 3PGA and accumulated no ribonucleotides, including ATP, during incubation for 8 days at 37°C in buffered saline. In contrast, spores incubated for up to 30 days at 37 or 50°C in spent sporulation medium degraded significant amounts of 3PGA and accumulated ribonucleotides, indicative of RNA degradation, and these processes were increased in
B. megaterium
spores with a core pH of ∼7.8. However, no ATP was accumulated in these spores. These data indicate that spores of
Bacillus
species stored in water or buffer at low or high temperatures exhibited minimal, if any, metabolism of endogenous compounds, even when the spore core pH was 7.8 and core water content was increased somewhat. However, there was some metabolism in spores stored in spent sporulation medium.
New limit for the noncommutativity parameter of the noncommutative standard model
Authors: Ghegal Linda , Benslama Achour
Published: December 2014

We discuss the limits on the scale of the noncommutative (NC) parameter Λ NC via studying the top-quark pair production through electron–positron collision in the framework of the minimal noncommutative standard model (mNCSM), using the Seiberg–Witten (SW) maps to the first order of the NC parameter Θμν. In this work we assume an ansatz for the NC parameter Θμν and we find new limit on the NC scale Λ NC , which is in the range 0.1–0.2 TeV. We confirm the results obtained in muon pair production.
A Line-Context Based Object Recognition Method
Authors: Wei Hui , Wu Lei
Published: December 2014

The shape or contour of an object is usually stable and persistent, so it is a good basis for invariant recognition. For this purpose, two problems must be handled. The first is obtaining clean edges and the other is organizing those edges into a structured form so that they can be manipulated easily. We apply a bio-inspired orientation detection algorithm because it can output a fairly clean set of lines, and all lines are in the form of vectors instead of pixels. This line representation is efficient. We decompose them into several slope-depended layers and then create a hierarchical partition tree to record their geometric distribution. Based on the similarity of trees, a rough classification of objects can be realized. However, for an accuracy recognition, we design a moment-based measure to describe the detail layout of lines in a layer and then re-describe image by Hu's moment invariants. The experimental results suggest that the representation efficiency enabled by simple cell's neural mechanism and application of multi-layered representation schema can simplify the complexity of the algorithm. This proves that line-context representation greatly eases subsequent shape-oriented recognition.
Cecal ligation and puncture accelerates development of ventilator-induced lung injury
Authors: Yehya Nadir , Xin Yi , Oquendo Yousi , Cereda Maurizio , Rizi Rahim R. , Margulies Susan S.
Published: December 2014

Sepsis is a leading cause of respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation, but the interaction between sepsis and ventilation is unclear. While prior studies demonstrated a priming role with endotoxin, actual septic animal models have yielded conflicting results regarding the role of preceding sepsis on development of subsequent ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). Using a rat cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model of sepsis and subsequent injurious ventilation, we sought to determine if sepsis affects development of VILI. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subject to CLP or sham operation and, after 12 h, underwent injurious mechanical ventilation (tidal volume 30 ml/kg, positive end-expiratory pressure 0 cmH2O) for either 0, 60, or 120 min. Biochemical and physiological measurements, as well as computed tomography, were used to assess injury at 0, 60, and 120 min of ventilation. Before ventilation, CLP rats had higher levels of alveolar neutrophils and interleukin-1β. After 60 min of ventilation, CLP rats had worse injury as evidenced by increased alveolar inflammation, permeability, respiratory static compliance, edema, oxygenation, and computed tomography. By 120 min, CLP and sham rats had comparable levels of lung injury as assessed by many, but not all, of these metrics. CLP rats had an accelerated and worse loss of end-expiratory lung volume relative to sham, and consistently higher levels of alveolar interleukin-1β. Loss of aeration and progression of edema was more pronounced in dependent lung regions. We conclude that CLP initiated pulmonary inflammation in rats, and accelerated the development of subsequent VILI.
Temporal analysis of reciprocal miRNA-mRNA expression patterns predicts regulatory networks during differentiation in human skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Sjögren Rasmus J. O. , Egan Brendan , Katayama Mutsumi , Zierath Juleen R. , Krook Anna
Published: December 2014

microRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression through posttranscriptional repression of target genes. miRNAs exert a fundamental level of control over many developmental processes, but their role in the differentiation and development of skeletal muscle from myogenic progenitor cells in humans remains incompletely understood. Using primary cultures established from human skeletal muscle satellite cells, we performed microarray profiling of miRNA expression during differentiation of myoblasts ( day 0) into myotubes at 48 h intervals ( day 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10). Based on a time-course analysis, we identified 44 miRNAs with altered expression [false discovery rate (FDR) < 5%, fold change > ±1.2] during differentiation, including the marked upregulation of the canonical myogenic miRNAs miR-1, miR-133a, miR-133b, and miR-206. Microarray profiling of mRNA expression at day 0, 4, and 10 identified 842 and 949 genes differentially expressed (FDR < 10%) at day 4 and 10, respectively. At day 10, 42% of altered transcripts demonstrated reciprocal expression patterns in relation to the directional change of their in silico predicted regulatory miRNAs based on analysis using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis microRNA Target Filter. Bioinformatic analysis predicted networks of regulation during differentiation including myomiRs miR-1/206 and miR-133a/b, miRNAs previously established in differentiation including miR-26 and miR-30, and novel miRNAs regulated during differentiation of human skeletal muscle cells such as miR-138-5p and miR-20a. These reciprocal expression patterns may represent new regulatory nodes in human skeletal muscle cell differentiation. This analysis serves as a reference point for future studies of human skeletal muscle differentiation and development in healthy and disease states.
Leukocyte Homing, Fate, and Function Are Controlled by Retinoic Acid
Authors: Guo Yanxia , Brown Chrysothemis , Ortiz Carla , Noelle Randolph J.
Published: December 2014

Although vitamin A was recognized as an “anti-infective vitamin” over 90 years ago, the mechanism of how vitamin A regulates immunity is only beginning to be understood. Early studies which focused on the immune responses in vitamin A-deficient (VAD) animals clearly demonstrated compromised immunity and consequently increased susceptibility to infectious disease. The active form of vitamin A, retinoic acid (RA), has been shown to have a profound impact on the homing and differentiation of leukocytes. Both pharmacological and genetic approaches have been applied to the understanding of how RA regulates the development and differentiation of various immune cell subsets, and how RA influences the development of immunity versus tolerance. These studies clearly show that RA profoundly impacts on cell- and humoral-mediated immunity. In this review, the early findings on the complex relationship between VAD and immunity are discussed as well as vitamin A metabolism and signaling within hematopoietic cells. Particular attention is focused on how RA impacts on T-cell lineage commitment and plasticity in various diseases.
Size-Dependent Flowering in relation to Grazing in a Short-Lived Monocarpic Perennial
Authors: Marco Diana E. , Silvertown Jonathan
Published: December 2014

In short-lived monocarpic perennials flowering probability depends on size and relative growth. Reproducing at a smaller size results in a higher prereproductive survival and shorter generation time but also may lead to lower fecundity. Conversely, reproducing at a larger size allows greater fecundity but leads to higher mortality during the prolonged vegetative period. Herbivory may influence the above described relationships via alterations in size at reproduction and survival. Here we use field data to explore in detail the reproduction of the short-lived monocarpic perennial C. vulgare under seasonal grazing. Vegetative plants were marked in paddocks with and without winter grazing, and their size, growth, and flowering status were recorded during a growing season in a field grazing experiment. Grazing increased both survival of vegetative plants and flowering probability, but it did not affect flowering size. The increase in flowering probability is a result of differential plant growth and size and may be related to greater resource availability, including light (necessary for flowering induction in C. vulgare) in grazed paddocks.
Evaluation of Gellan Gum Film Containing Virgin Coconut Oil for Transparent Dressing Materials
Authors: Ismail Nur Arifah , Mohamad Siti Fatimah , Ibrahim Maizatul Akma , Mat Amin Khairul Anuar
Published: December 2014

We examined the potential of virgin coconut oil (VCO) incorporated in gellan gum (GG) films as a dressing material. Pure GG film is extremely brittle and inclusion of 0.3% (w/w) VCO in the GG film (GG-VCO3) improved the toughness (T≈0.67±0.33 J g−1) of the composite films. Swelling properties and water vapor transmission rates of GG-VCO composite films decreased, whereas thermal behavior values increased upon the addition of higher concentrations of VCO. Cell studies exhibit that the VCO is noncytotoxic to human skin fibroblast cells (CRL2522) with limited cell growth observed on GG-VCO3 films at 1,650 cells/well after incubation for 72 h which could be due to hydrophobic influence of the material surface. The qualitative and in vitro quantitative antibacterial results revealed that VCO does not possess strong bacterial resistance against all four tested bacteria, that is, two Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis) and two Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis).
Comparison of Perinatal Outcome of Preterm Births Starting in Primary Care versus Secondary Care in Netherlands: A Retrospective Analysis of Nationwide Collected Data
Authors: van der Ven A. J. , Schaaf J. M. , van Os M. A. , de Groot C. J. M. , Haak M. C. , Pajkrt E. , Mol B. W. J.
Published: December 2014

Introduction. In Netherlands, the obstetric care system is divided into primary and secondary care by risk level of the pregnancy. We assessed the incidence of preterm birth according to level of care and the association between level of care at time of labor onset and delivery and adverse perinatal outcome.Methods. Singleton pregnancies recorded in Netherlands Perinatal Registry between 1999 and 2007, with spontaneous birth between 25+0and 36+6weeks, were included. Three groups were compared: (1) labor onset and delivery in primary care; (2) labor onset in primary care and delivery in secondary care; (3) labor onset and delivery in secondary care. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate the risk of perinatal mortality and Apgar score ≤4.Results. Of all preterm deliveries, 42% had labor onset and 7.9% had also delivery in primary care. Women with labor onset between 34+0and 36+6weeks who were referred before delivery to secondary care had the lowest risk of perinatal mortality (aOR 0.49 (0.30–0.79)). Risk of perinatal mortality (aOR 1.65; 95% CI 1.20–2.27) and low Apgar score (aOR 1.95; 95% CI 1.53–2.48) were significantly increased in preterm home delivery.Conclusion. Referral before delivery is associated with improved perinatal outcome in the occurrence of preterm labor onset in primary care.
Gastrodiae Rhizoma Ethanol Extract Enhances Pentobarbital‐Induced Sleeping Behaviors and Rapid Eye Movement Sleep via the Activation of GABAA‐ergic Transmission in Rodents
Authors: Choi Jae Joon , Oh Eun-Hye , Lee Mi Kyeong , Chung Youn Bok , Hong Jin Tae , Oh Ki-Wan
Published: December 2014

This research was designed to identify whether Gastrodiae Rhizoma ethanol extract (GREE) enhances pentobarbital‐induced sleep via  γ‐aminobutyric acid‐ (GABA‐) ergic systems and modulated sleep architectures in animals. GREE (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited locomotor activity in mice, in a dose‐dependent manner. GREE not only prolonged total sleep time, but also reduced sleep latency time in pentobarbital (42 mg/kg)‐treated mice. Subhypnotic pentobarbital (28 mg/kg, i.p.) also increased the number of total sleeping animals in concomitant administration of GREE. GREE (100 mg/kg) alone reduced the count of sleep‐wake cycles in electroencephalogram. Furthermore, GREE increased total sleep time and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. From the in vitro experiments, GREE increased intracellular chloride level in primary cultured cerebellar granule cells. Protein expressions of glutamine acid decarboxylase (GAD) and GABA A receptors subtypes by western blot were increased. Therefore, our study suggested that GREE enhances pentobarbital‐induced sleeping behaviors and increased REM via the activation of GABA A‐ergic transmission in rodents.
Impact of Surface Roughness on the Turbulent Wake Flow of a Turbine Blade
Authors: Mulleners K. , Gilge P. , Hohenstein S.
Published: December 2014

Roughened aeroengine blade surfaces lead to increased friction losses and reduced efficiency of the individual blades. The surface roughness also affects the wake flow of the blade and thus the inflow conditions for the subsequent compressor or turbine stage. To investigate the impact of surface roughness on a turbulent blade wake, we conducted velocity field measurements by means of stereo particle image velocimetry in the wake of a roughened turbine blade in a linear cascade wind tunnel. The turbine blade was roughened at different chordwise locations. The influence of the chordwise location of the added surface roughness was examined by comparing their impact on the width and depth of the wake and, the positions and distribution of vortical structures in the wake. Additionally, the friction loss coefficients for different surface roughness positions were estimated directly from the velocity field.
Investigation of the Formation of Layered Nanostructure of Vanadium Xerogel
Authors: Markametova M. S. , Mishra B. , Baikonurova A. O. , Nurzhanova S. B. , Ermolaev Y. V.
Published: December 2014

The paper presents the results of a study of vanadium xerogel synthesized by sol‐gel method. It shows that, during the aging process in gel formation, a layered fibrous chain structure of V–O occurs at the nanoscale. Highly anisotropic particles, similar in size to the “tapes” of vanadium oxide gel, were found on the surface of partially ordered layers. IR spectroscopic analyses of groups of V=O and of V–O bonds suggest that the high degree of order in the films is related to the fact that one of the water molecules is found to be short in double bonded V=O. Consequently, the growth chains take place predominantly in the plane equivalent to OH groups. Most of the VO–H consist of twisted (spiral) vanadium oxygen layers and have the morphology of tubes, the ends of which are open. Owing to such morphology of VO–H, significant structural flexibility is observed, which distinguishes them not only from carbon, but also from most other nanotubes.
Transplanted Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells Facilitate Lesion Repair in B6.Fas Mice
Authors: Ruan Guang-ping , Yao Xiang , Yang Shuang-juan , Wang Jin-xiang , Shu Fan , Li Zi-an , Liu Ju-fen , Pang Rong-qing , Pan Xing-hua
Published: December 2014

Background. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem disease that is characterized by the appearance of serum autoantibodies. No effective treatment for SLE currently exists.Methods. We used human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (H-UC-MSC) transplantation to treat B6.Fas mice.Results. After four rounds of cell transplantation, we observed a statistically significant decrease in the levels of mouse anti-nuclear, anti-histone, and anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies in transplanted mice compared with controls. The percentage of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T cells in mouse peripheral blood significantly increased after H-UC-MSC transplantation.Conclusions. The results showed that H-UC-MSCs could repair lesions in B6.Fas mice such that all of the relevant disease indicators in B6.Fas mice were restored to the levels observed in normal C57BL/6 mice.
Perioperative Hemodynamic Management and Pharmacotherapeutics of Patients Undergoing Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair
Authors: Muehle Anja , Uzun Isil , Jalali Ziba , Khoynezhad Ali
Published: December 2014

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has become an attractive alternative treatment option for many patients with specific thoracic aortic disease. New devices and advanced image-guided procedures are continuously expanding the indications and improve neurological outcomes. Hemodynamic management of these patients is a critical aspect in reducing neurological deficit and it is different compared to patients undergoing open thoracic aortic operations. There are two different phases of blood pressure management for patients with thoracic aortic disease. Before and during the critical steps of TEVAR anti-impulsive therapy facilitates safe positioning and stent deployment. After stent grafts are deployed, controlled hypertensive blood pressure levels are achieved to avoid spinal cord ischemia. This precise blood pressure strategy is essential to ensure a safe procedure and good long-term results.
Protective Effect of Flos Lonicerae against Experimental Gastric Ulcers in Rats: Mechanisms of Antioxidant and Anti‐Inflammatory Action
Authors: Kang Jung-Woo , Yun Nari , Han Hae-Jung , Kim Jeom-Yong , Kim Joo-Young , Lee Sun-Mee
Published: December 2014

Flos Lonicerae is one of the oldest and most commonly prescribed herbs in Eastern traditional medicine to treat various inflammatory diseases. In the present study, we investigated the effects of ethyl acetate fraction of Flos Lonicerae (GC‐7101) on experimental gastric ulcer models and its mechanisms of action in gastric ulcer healing. The pharmacological activity of GC‐7101 was investigated in rats on HCl/EtOH, indomethacin, water immersion restraint stress induced acute gastric ulcer, and acetic‐acid‐induced subchronic gastric ulcer. To determine its gastroprotective mechanisms, gastric wall mucus secretion, mucosal PGE2, mucosal NO content, nuclear translocation of NF‐κB, mRNA expression of inflammatory cytokines, lipid peroxidation and glutathione content, and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were measured. GC‐7101 significantly attenuated development of acute gastric ulcer and accelerated the healing of acetic‐acid‐induced subchronic gastric ulcer. In HCl/EtOH‐induced gastric ulcer, GC‐7101 markedly enhanced gastric wall mucus content which was accompanied by increased mucosal PGE2 and NO production. Furthermore, treatment of GC‐7101 exhibited anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activities as evidenced by decreased myeloperoxidase activity, NF‐κB translocation, inflammatory cytokines mRNA expression, and lipid peroxidation and increased glutathione content and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. These results demonstrated that GC‐7101 possesses strong antiulcerogenic effect by modulating oxidative stress and proinflammatory mediators.
Synthesis and Structural Activity Relationship Study of Antitubercular Carboxamides
Authors: Ugwu D. I. , Ezema B. E. , Eze F. U. , Ugwuja D. I.
Published: December 2014

The unusual structure and chemical composition of the mycobacterial cell wall, the tedious duration of therapy, and resistance developed by the microorganism have made the recurrence of the disease multidrug resistance and extensive or extreme drug resistance. The prevalence of tuberculosis in synergy with HIV/AIDS epidemic augments the risk of developing the disease by 100-fold. The need to synthesize new drugs that will shorten the total duration of effective treatment and/or significantly reduce the dosage taken under DOTS supervision, improve on the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis which defies the treatment with isoniazid and rifampicin, and provide effective treatment for latent TB infections which is essential for eliminating tuberculosis prompted this review. In this review, we considered the synthesis and structure activity relationship study of carboxamide derivatives with antitubercular potential.
High Temperature Corrosion of Inconel 600 in NaCl-KCl Molten Salts
Authors: Salinas-Solano G. , Porcayo-Calderon J. , Gonzalez-Rodriguez J. G. , Salinas-Bravo V. M. , Ascencio-Gutierrez J. A. , Martinez-Gomez L.
Published: December 2014

In this work the corrosion resistance of a high content nickel alloy, Inconel 600, was investigated in mixed NaCl-KCl salts at 700, 800, and 900°C for 100 hours in static air. Investigation was carried out using electrochemical techniques such as polarization curves, rest potential measurements, linear polarization resistance, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Corroded specimens were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Electrochemical measurements showed an increased degradation rate of Inconel 600 with increasing test temperature. SEM and EDS analysis show that the damage experienced by Inconel 600 is greater than that determined by electrochemical measurements. This damage was identified as internal corrosion due to the reaction of Cl2with the alloying elements (Cr and Fe); however, at 900°C the internal damage was minor and it was associated with the nickel content in the alloy.
Enhanced Production of Ligninolytic Enzymes by a MushroomStereum ostrea
Authors: Usha K. Y. , Praveen K. , Reddy B. Rajasekhar
Published: December 2014

The white rot fungiStereum ostreadisplayed a wide diversity in their response to supplemented inducers, surfactants, and copper sulphate in solid state fermentation. Among the inducers tested, 0.02% veratryl alcohol increased the ligninolytic enzyme production to a significant extent. The addition of copper sulphate at 300 μM concentration has a positive effect on laccase production increasing its activity by 2 times compared to control. Among the surfactants, Tween 20, Tween 80, and Triton X 100, tested in the studies, Tween 80 stimulated the production of ligninolytic enzymes. Biosorption of dyes was carried out by using two lignocellulosic wastes, rice bran and wheat bran, in 50 ppm of remazol brilliant blue and remazol brilliant violet 5R dyes. These dye adsorbed lignocelluloses were then utilized for the production of ligninolytic enzymes in solid state mode. The two dye adsorbed lignocelluloses enhanced the production of laccase and manganese peroxidase but not lignin peroxidase.
Atypical Presentation of Traumatic Aortic Injury
Authors: Ho Andrew Fu Wah , Chua Tallie Wei-Lin , Seth Puneet , Tan Kenneth Boon Kiat , Pothiawala Sohil
Published: December 2014

Background. Blunt thoracic aorta injury (BAI) is second only to head injury as cause of mortality in blunt trauma. While most patients do not survive till arrival at the hospital, for the remainder, prompt diagnosis and treatment greatly improve outcomes. We report an atypical presentation of BAI, highlighting the diagnostic challenges of this condition in the emergency department.Case Presentation. A previously well 25-year-old male presented 15 hours after injury hemodynamically stable with delirium. There were no signs or symptoms suggestive of BAI. Sonography showed small bilateral pleural effusions. Chest radiograph showed a normal mediastinum. Eventually, CT demonstrated a contained distal aortic arch disruption. The patient underwent percutaneous endovascular thoracic aortic repair and recovered well.Conclusion. This catastrophic lesion may present with few reliable signs and symptoms; hence, a high index of suspicion is crucial for early diagnosis and definitive surgical management. This paper discusses the diagnostic utility of clinical features, injury mechanism, and radiographic modalities. Consideration of mechanism of injury, clinical features, and chest radiograph findings should prompt advanced chest imaging.
High Pressure Study of Structural and Electronic Properties of PbSe
Authors: Bhambhani P. , Kabra K. , Sharma B. K. , Sharma G.
Published: December 2014

High pressure structural phase transition and electronic properties have been investigated using the linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO) method with two exchange-correlation approximations, the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and local density approximation (LDA). The present study shows phase transitions from B1 to B27 and B27 to B2 at 6.24 GPa and 16.39 GPa, respectively. Lattice constant, bulk modulus, and energy gap of pressure-induced PbSe are found to be in good agreement with previous theoretical and experimental results. Variation of electronic band structure with pressure shows direct band gap along L point of the Brillouin zone.
Z2×Z3Equivariant Bifurcation in Coupled Two Neural Network Rings
Authors: Zheng Baodong , Yin Haidong
Published: December 2014

We study a Hopfield-type network that consists of a pair of one-way rings each with three neurons and two-way coupling between the rings. The rings have symmetric groupΓ=Z3×Z2, which means the global symmetryZ2and internal symmetryZ3. We discuss the spatiotemporal patterns of bifurcating periodic oscillations by using the symmetric bifurcation theory of delay differential equations combined with representation theory of Lie groups. The existence of multiple branches of bifurcating periodic solution is obtained. We also found that the spatiotemporal patterns of bifurcating periodic oscillations alternate according to the change of the propagation time delay in the coupling; that is, different ranges of delays correspond to different patterns of neural network oscillators. The oscillations of corresponding neurons in the two loops can be in phase, antiphase,T/3,  2T/3,  4T/3,  5T/6, or7T/6periods out of phase depending on the delay. Some numerical simulations support our analysis results.
An Improved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm Based on Centroid and Exponential Inertia Weight
Authors: Chen Shouwen , Xu Zhuoming , Tang Yan , Liu Shun
Published: December 2014

Particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO) is a global stochastic tool, which has ability to search the global optima. However, PSO algorithm is easily trapped into local optima with low accuracy in convergence. In this paper, in order to overcome the shortcoming of PSO algorithm, an improved particle swarm optimization algorithm (IPSO), based on two forms of exponential inertia weight and two types of centroids, is proposed. By means of comparing the optimization ability of IPSO algorithm with BPSO, EPSO, CPSO, and ACL‐PSO algorithms, experimental results show that the proposed IPSO algorithm is more efficient; it also outperforms other four baseline PSO algorithms in accuracy.
Chemical Exposure Generates DNA Copy Number Variants and Impacts Gene Expression
Authors: Peterson Samuel M. , Freeman Jennifer L.
Published: December 2014

DNA copy number variation is long associated with highly penetrant genomic disorders, but it was not until recently that the widespread occurrence of copy number variation among phenotypically normal individuals was realized as a considerable source of genetic variation. It is also now appreciated that copy number variants (CNVs) play a role in the onset of complex diseases. Many of the complex diseases in which CNVs are associated are reported to be influenced by yet to be identified environmental factors. It is hypothesized that exposure to environmental chemicals generates CNVs and influences disease onset and pathogenesis. In this study a proof of principle experiment was completed with ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) and cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) to investigate the generation of CNVs using array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and the zebrafish vertebrate model system. Exposure to both chemicals resulted in CNVs. CNVs were detected in similar genomic regions among multiple exposure concentrations with EMS and five CNVs were common among both chemicals. Furthermore, CNVs were correlated to altered gene expression. This study suggests that chemical exposure generates CNVs with impacts on gene expression warranting further investigation of this phenomenon with environmental chemicals.
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibition in Leukemia Induces an Altered Metabolic State Sensitive to Mitochondrial Perturbations
Authors: Alvarez-Calderon Francesca , Gregory Mark A. , Pham-Danis Catherine , DeRyckere Deborah , Stevens Brett M. , Zaberezhnyy Vadym , Hill Amanda A. , Gemta Lelisa , Kumar Amit , Kumar Vijay , Wempe Michael F. , Pollyea Daniel A. , Jordan Craig T. , Serkova Natalie J. , Graham Douglas K. , DeGregori James
Published: December 2014

Purpose: Although tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) can be effective therapies for leukemia, they fail to fully eliminate leukemic cells and achieve durable remissions for many patients with advanced BCR-ABL+ leukemias or acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). Through a large-scale synthetic lethal RNAi screen, we identified pyruvate dehydrogenase, the limiting enzyme for pyruvate entry into the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle, as critical for the survival of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) cells upon BCR-ABL inhibition. Here, we examined the role of mitochondrial metabolism in the survival of Ph+ leukemia and AML upon TK inhibition.

Experimental Design: Ph+ cancer cell lines, AML cell lines, leukemia xenografts, cord blood, and patient samples were examined.

Results: We showed that the mitochondrial ATP-synthase inhibitor oligomycin-A greatly sensitized leukemia cells to TKI in vitro. Surprisingly, oligomycin-A sensitized leukemia cells to BCR-ABL inhibition at concentrations of 100- to 1,000-fold below those required for inhibition of respiration. Oligomycin-A treatment rapidly led to mitochondrial membrane depolarization and reduced ATP levels, and promoted superoxide production and leukemia cell apoptosis when combined with TKI. Importantly, oligomycin-A enhanced elimination of BCR-ABL+ leukemia cells by TKI in a mouse model and in primary blast crisis CML samples. Moreover, oligomycin-A also greatly potentiated the elimination of FLT3-dependent AML cells when combined with an FLT3 TKI, both in vitro and in vivo.

Conclusions: TKI therapy in leukemia cells creates a novel metabolic state that is highly sensitive to particular mitochondrial perturbations. Targeting mitochondrial metabolism as an adjuvant therapy could therefore improve therapeutic responses to TKI for patients with BCR-ABL+ and FLT3ITD leukemias. Clin Cancer Res; 21(6); 1360–72. ©2014 AACR.
Membrane-to-Nucleus Signals and Epigenetic Mechanisms for Myofibroblastic Activation and Desmoplastic Stroma: Potential Therapeutic Targets for Liver Metastasis?
Authors: Kang Ningling , Shah Vijay H. , Urrutia Raul
Published: December 2014

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the most abundant cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), are a key source of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that constitutes the desmoplastic stroma. Through remodeling of the reactive tumor stroma and paracrine actions, CAFs regulate cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis, as well as tumor resistance to therapies. The CAFs found in stroma-rich primary hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) and liver metastases of primary cancers of other organs predominantly originate from hepatic stellate cells (HSTC), which are pericytes associated with hepatic sinusoids. During tumor invasion, HSTCs transdifferentiate into myofibroblasts in response to paracrine signals emanating from either tumor cells or a heterogeneous cell population within the hepatic tumor microenvironment. Mechanistically, HSTC-to-myofibroblast transdifferentiation, also known as, HSTC activation, requires cell surface receptor activation, intracellular signal transduction, gene transcription, and epigenetic signals, which combined ultimately modulate distinct gene expression profiles that give rise to and maintain a new phenotype. The current review defines a paradigm that explains how HSTCs are activated into CAFs to promote liver metastasis. Furthermore, a focus on the most relevant intracellular signaling networks and epigenetic mechanisms that control HSTC activation is provided. Finally, we discuss the feasibility of targeting CAF/activated HSTCs, in isolation or in conjunction with targeting cancer cells, which constitutes a promising and viable therapeutic approach for the treatment of primary stroma-rich liver cancers and liver metastasis. Mol Cancer Res; 13(4); 604–12. ©2014 AACR.
Vitalità del negativo/Negativo della vitalità
Authors: Golan Romy
Published: December 2014

Vitalità del negativo nell'arte italiana 1960/70, an exhibition that occupied the ground floor of the monumental Palazzo delle Esposizioni from November 30, 1970, to January 31, 1971, revived an ideologically loaded site in Rome under the mantle of contemporary art. Curated by Achille Bonito Oliva, it featured thirty-four Italian artists from a wide range of schools and mediums: painters from the Scuola di Piazza del Popolo (the Roman school of Pop); members of the ′60s Milanese group Azimut; kinetic environments by Padua's Gruppo N and Milan's Gruppo T; artists from Arte Povera; and other, more idiosyncratic installation artists.
Seven new species of Graphidaceae (Lichenized Ascomycetes) from the Coastal Plain of southeastern North America
Authors: Lendemer James C. , Harris Richard C.
Published: December 2014

Seven new species of Graphidaceae are described from the Coastal Plain of southeastern North America: Acanthothecis floridana (Florida, USA), A. leucoxanthoides (North Carolina, USA), A. paucispora (North Carolina, USA), Fissurina alligatorensis (Florida and North Carolina, USA), F. americana (Florida and Georgia, USA), F. ilicicola (Florida and Georgia, USA), and Phaeographis oricola (North Carolina, USA). The ecology and distribution of each species is discussed in the broader context of the imminent need for effective conservation and management strategies to maintain the lichen biodiversity in the region. Color illustrations of all species are provided, as are keys to the genera Acanthothecis and Fissurina in North America north of Mexico.
Three deep water species of Sporolithon (Sporolithales, Rhodophyta) from the Brazilian continental shelf, with the description of Sporolithon elevatum sp. nov.
Authors: Henriques Maria Carolina , COUTINHO LUANA MIRANDA , RIOSMENA-RODRÍGUEZ RAFAEL , BARROS-BARRETO MARIA BEATRIZ , KHADER SAMIR , FIGUEIREDO MARCIA A. O.
Published: December 2014

Nongeniculate calcareous algae are bio-constructors of many marine habitats, some of which are considered biodiversity hotspots. The genus Sporolithon is widely distributed around the world. As part of a review of material from the Brazilian continental shelf we found Sporolithon episoredion, that extend its distribution range into the Atlantic Ocean, Sporolithon ptychoides, which is widely distributed across oceans, and a new species of this genus named Sporolithon elevatum sp. nov. This species presents sorus 2–3 cells elevated above the thallus that sloughs off when senescent, paraphyses with 2–3 cells and a basal layer of elongated cells in areas where sporangia develop. The new species was found at 133 m depth. This study contributes to the understanding of the diversity in this genus and indicates the importance of systematic studies in the framework of conservation programs and evaluation of impacts in an area under exploitation activities.
The generic identity of Zeuxine pulchra King & Pantl. (Orchidaceae: Goodyerinae)
Authors: ORMEROD PAUL , BHATTACHARJEE AVISHEK
Published: December 2014

Subtribe Goodyerinae Ridley (1907: 12) is a group of about 730 species (in ca. 35 genera), of mostly terrestrial orchids with a Pantropical to circumboreal distribution. Most species (ca. 500 in 30 genera) are found in the Old World, usually in montane forests. Generally they are known as jewel orchids because some taxa [especially in the genera Anoectochilus Blume (1825: 411), Ludisia Richard (1825: 437), and Macodes (Blume 1825: 407) Lindley (1840: 496)] have gold to silver coloured veining on the leaves.