bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assembly of PbTe/Pb-based nanocomposite and photoelectric property
Authors: Zong Zhaocun , Wang Hongxia , Kong Lingmin 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
PbTe/Pb-based nanocomposite was assembled by combining the regular PbTe/Pb nanostructure and the Zn
x
Mn1−x
S nanoparticles; the photoelectric property of the nanocomposite was measured in situ. The results showed that the through current of the nanocomposite had an obvious increase compared to that of the individual PbTe/Pb nanomaterial under the same irradiation conditions. The improvement of photoelectric performance would be attributed to the synergistic effect brought by the incident light and exciting light of the Zn
x
Mn1−x
S nanoparticles. The result implied that the underlying mechanism could be used to improve the performance of nano-optoelectronic devices and the light-use efficiency of solar devices.
ZASC1 knockout mice exhibit an early bone marrow-specific defect in murine leukemia virus replication
Authors: Seidel Shannon , Bruce James , Leblanc Mathias , Lee Kuo-Fen , Fan Hung , Ahlquist Paul , Young John AT 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
ZASC1 is a zinc finger-containing transcription factor that was previously shown to bind to specific DNA binding sites in the Moloney murine leukemia virus (Mo-MuLV) promoter and is required for efficient viral mRNA transcription (J. Virol. 84:7473-7483, 2010).

Methods
To determine whether this cellular factor influences Mo-MuLV replication and viral disease pathogenesis in vivo, we generated a ZASC1 knockout mouse model and completed both early infection and long term disease pathogenesis studies.

Results
Mice lacking ZASC1 were born at the expected Mendelian ratio and showed no obvious physical or behavioral defects. Analysis of bone marrow samples revealed a specific increase in a common myeloid progenitor cell population in ZASC1-deficient mice, a result that is of considerable interest because osteoclasts derived from the myeloid lineage are among the first bone marrow cells infected by Mo-MuLV (J. Virol. 73: 1617-1623, 1999). Indeed, Mo-MuLV infection of neonatal mice revealed that ZASC1 is required for efficient early virus replication in the bone marrow, but not in the thymus or spleen. However, the absence of ZASC1 did not influence the timing of subsequent tumor progression or the types of tumors resulting from virus infection.

Conclusions
These studies have revealed that ZASC1 is important for myeloid cell differentiation in the bone marrow compartment and that this cellular factor is required for efficient Mo-MuLV replication in this tissue at an early time point post-infection.
Diesel exhaust particles modify natural killer cell function and cytokine release
Authors: Müller Loretta , Chehrazi Claire VE , Henderson Michael W , Noah Terry L , Jaspers Ilona 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundNatural killer (NK) cells are an important lymphocyte population in the nasal mucosa and play important roles in linking the innate and the adaptive immune response. Their two main functions are direct cell-mediated cytotoxicity and the release of cytokines. They are important during viral infections and cancer. Due to their location in the nasal mucosa, NK cells are likely exposed to inhaled pollutants, such as diesel exhaust. Whether and how exposure to diesel exhaust particles (DEP) affects NK cell function in the context of viral infections has not been investigated.MethodsNK cells were isolated from peripheral blood obtained from normal healthy volunteers and subsequently stimulated with the viral mimetic polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (pI:C), DEP, or pI:C+DEP for 18 hours. NK cells were subsequently analyzed for changes in surface marker expression, cytokine production, gene expression changes, and cytotoxic function using flow cytometry, ELISA, qRT-PCR, and cell-mediated cytotoxicity assay, respectively.ResultsStimulation of NK cells with pI:C and pI:C+DEP, but not DEP alone, increased the release of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IFN-γ and TNF-α. As compared to pI:C alone or pI:C+DEP, the release of IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α was significantly lower after DEP stimulation alone. Stimulation with pI:C alone increased the gene and protein expression of granzyme B and perforin, which was completely blunted by adding DEP. Addition of DEP further reduced CD16 expression in pI:C stimulated cells. Similarly, cell-mediated cytotoxicity was significantly reduced by the addition of DEP.ConclusionsIn the context of viral infection, DEP potentially reduces NK cells' ability to kill virus-infected host cells, in spite of normal cytokine levels, and this may increase susceptibility to viral infections . This reduction in the potential ability of NK cells to kill virus-infected host cells may increase the susceptibility to viral infections after DEP exposure.
Hypomanic shift observed during rTMS treatment of patients with unipolar depressive disorder: four case reports
Authors: Ozten Eylem , Sayar Gokben Hizli , Karamustafalioglu Oguz 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Objective
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can enhance the excitement of the brain through adjusting the biological activities of the cerebral cortex and has wide biological effects, making it one basic mechanism of therapy for depression. In the treatment of unipolar depressive disorder, almost in every treatment method, hypomanic and manic shifts can be observed. There is still a lack of data regarding manic and hypomanic symptoms triggered by rTMS applications.

Method
We describe four cases with unipolar depression in which high-frequency rTMS over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex applied as an add-on antidepressive strategy may have induced a hypomanic episode.

Results
In these cases, 25 Hz rTMS combined with antidepressants may have contributed to the occurrence of hypomanic symptoms.

Conclusion
Using an intensive methodology of rTMS may induce hypomanic or manic symptoms.
Genome-wide analysis reveals downregulation of miR-379/miR-656 cluster in human cancers
Authors: Laddha Saurabh V , Nayak Subhashree , Paul Deepanjan , Reddy Rajasekhara , Sharma Charu , Jha Prerana , Hariharan Manoj , Agrawal Anurag , Chowdhury Shantanu , Sarkar Chitra , Mukhopadhyay Arijit 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-uniformly distributed in genomes and ~30% of the miRNAs in the human genome are clustered. In this study we have focused on the imprinted miRNA cluster miR-379/miR-656 on 14q32.31 (hereafter C14) to test their coordinated function. We have analyzed expression profile of >1000 human miRNAs in >1400 samples representing seven different human tissue types obtained from cancer patients along with matched and unmatched controls.

Results
We found 68% of the miRNAs in this cluster to be significantly downregulated in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), 61% downregulated in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), 46% in breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA) and 14% in ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma (OV). On a genome-wide scale C14 miRNAs accounted for 12-30% of the total downregulated miRNAs in different cancers. Pathway enrichment for the predicted targets of C14 miRNA was significant for cancer pathways, especially Glioma (p< 3.77x10-6, FDR<0.005). The observed downregulation was confirmed in GBM patients by real-time PCR, where 79% of C14 miRNAs (34/43) showed downregulation. In GBM samples, hypermethylation at C14 locus (p<0.003) and downregulation of MEF2, a crucial transcription factor for the cluster was observed which likely contribute to the observed downregulation of the entire miRNA cluster.

Conclusion
We provide compelling evidence that the entire C14 miRNA cluster is a tumor suppressor locus involved in multiple cancers, especially in GBM, and points toward a general mechanism of coordinated function for clustered miRNAs.

Reviewers
Reviewed by: Prof. Gregory J Goodall and Dr. Alexander Max Burroughs
Metabolic engineering of Escherichia coli for high-specificity production of isoprenol and prenol as next generation of biofuels
Authors: Zheng Yanning , Liu Qiang , Li Lingling , Qin Wen , Yang Jianming , Zhang Haibo , Jiang Xinglin , Cheng Tao , Liu Wei , Xu Xin , Xian Mo 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
The isopentenols, including isoprenol and prenol, are excellent alternative fuels. However, they are not compounds largely accumulated in natural organism. The need for the next generation of biofuels with better physical and chemical properties impels us to develop biosynthetic routes for the production of isoprenol and prenol from renewable sugar. In this study, we use the heterogenous mevalonate-dependent (MVA) isoprenoid pathway for the synthesis of isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP) intermediates, and then convert IPP and DMAPP to isoprenol and prenol, respectively.

Results
A mevalonate titer of 1.7 g/L was obtained by constructing an efficient MVA upper pathway in engineered E. coli. Different phosphatases and pyrophosphatases were investigated for their abilities in hydrolyzing the IPP and DMAPP. Consequently, ADP-ribose pyrophosphatase was found to be an efficient IPP and DMAPP hydrolase. Moreover, ADP-ribose pyrophosphatase from Bacillus subtilis (BsNudF) exhibited a equivalent substrate specificity towards IPP and DMAPP, while ADP-ribose pyrophosphatase from E. coli (EcNudF) presented a high substrate preference for DMAPP. Without the expression of any phosphatases or pyrophosphatases, a background level of isopentenols was synthesized. When the endogenous pyrophosphatase genes (EcNudF and yggV) that were capable of enhancing the hydrolyzation of the IPP and DMAPP were knocked out, the background level of isopentenols was still obtained. Maybe the synthesized IPP and DMAPP were hydrolyzed by some unknown hydrolases of E. coli. Finally, 1.3 g/L single isoprenol was obtained by blocking the conversion of IPP to DMAPP and employing the BsNudF, and 0.2 g/L ~80% prenol was produced by employing the EcNudF. A maximal yield of 12% was achieved in both isoprenol and prenol producing strains.

Conclusions
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first successful report on high-specificity production of isoprenol and prenol by microbial fermentation. Over 1.3 g/L isoprenol achieved in shake-flask experiments represents a quite encouraging titer of higher alcohols. In addition, the substrate specificities of ADP-ribose pyrophosphatases were determined and successfully applied for the high-specificity synthesis of isoprenol and prenol. Altogether, this work presents a promising strategy for high-specificity production of two excellent biofuels, isoprenol and prenol.
Developmental patterns of DR6 in normal human hippocampus and in Down syndrome
Authors: Iyer Anand , van Scheppingen Jackelien , Anink Jasper , Milenkovic Ivan , Kovács Gabor G , Aronica Eleonora 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Death receptor 6 (DR6) is highly expressed in the human brain: it has been shown to induce axon pruning and neuron death via distinct caspases and to mediate axonal degeneration through binding to N-terminal β amyloid precursor protein (N-APP).

Methods
We investigated the expression of DR6 during prenatal and postnatal development in human hippocampus and temporal cortex by immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis (118 normal human brain specimens; 9 to 41 gestational weeks; 1 day to 7 months postnatally; 3 to 91 years). To investigate the role of N-APP/DR6/caspase 6 pathway in the development of hippocampal Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-associated pathology, we examined DR6 immunoreactivity (IR) in the developing hippocampus from patients with Down syndrome (DS; 48 brain specimens; 14 to 41 gestational weeks; 7 days to 8 months postnatally; 15 to 64 years) and in adults with DS and AD.

Results
DR6 was highly expressed in human adult hippocampus and temporal cortex: we observed consistent similar temporal and spatial expression in both control and DS brain. Western blot analysis of total homogenates of temporal cortex and hippocampus showed developmental regulation of DR6. In the hippocampus, DR6 IR was first apparent in the stratum lacunosum-moleculare at 16 weeks of gestation, followed by stratum oriens, radiatum, pyramidale (CA1 to CA4) and molecular layer of the dentate gyrus between 21 and 23 gestational weeks, reaching a pattern similar to adult hippocampus around birth. Increased DR6 expression in dystrophic neurites was detected focally in a 15-year-old DS patient. Abnormal DR6 expression pattern, with increased expression within dystrophic neurites in and around amyloid plaques was observed in adult DS patients with widespread AD-associated neurodegeneration and was similar to the pattern observed in AD hippocampus. Double-labeling experiments demonstrated the colocalization, in dystrophic neurites, of DR6 with APP. We also observed colocalization with hyper-phosphorylated Tau and with caspase 6 (increased in hippocampus with AD pathology) in plaque-associated dystrophic neurites and within the white matter.

Conclusions
These findings demonstrate a developmental regulation of DR6 in human hippocampus and suggest an abnormal activation of the N-APP/DR6/caspase 6 pathway, which can contribute to initiation or progression of hippocampal AD-associated pathology.
Purification of crime scene DNA extracts using centrifugal filter devices
Authors: Norén Lina , Hedell Ronny , Ansell Ricky , Hedman Johannes 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
The success of forensic DNA analysis is limited by the size, quality and purity of biological evidence found at crime scenes. Sample impurities can inhibit PCR, resulting in partial or negative DNA profiles. Various DNA purification methods are applied to remove impurities, for example, employing centrifugal filter devices. However, irrespective of method, DNA purification leads to DNA loss. Here we evaluate the filter devices Amicon Ultra 30 K and Microsep 30 K with respect to recovery rate and general performance for various types of PCR-inhibitory crime scene samples.

Methods
Recovery rates for DNA purification using Amicon Ultra 30 K and Microsep 30 K were gathered using quantitative PCR. Mock crime scene DNA extracts were analyzed using quantitative PCR and short tandem repeat (STR) profiling to test the general performance and inhibitor-removal properties of the two filter devices. Additionally, the outcome of long-term routine casework DNA analysis applying each of the devices was evaluated.

Results
Applying Microsep 30 K, 14 to 32% of the input DNA was recovered, whereas Amicon Ultra 30 K retained 62 to 70% of the DNA. The improved purity following filter purification counteracted some of this DNA loss, leading to slightly increased electropherogram peak heights for blood on denim (Amicon Ultra 30 K and Microsep 30 K) and saliva on envelope (Amicon Ultra 30 K). Comparing Amicon Ultra 30 K and Microsep 30 K for purification of DNA extracts from mock crime scene samples, the former generated significantly higher peak heights for rape case samples (P-values <0.01) and for hairs (P-values <0.036). In long-term routine use of the two filter devices, DNA extracts purified with Amicon Ultra 30 K were considerably less PCR-inhibitory in Quantifiler Human qPCR analysis compared to Microsep 30 K.

Conclusions
Amicon Ultra 30 K performed better than Microsep 30 K due to higher DNA recovery and more efficient removal of PCR-inhibitory substances. The different performances of the filter devices are likely caused by the quality of the filters and plastic wares, for example, their DNA binding properties. DNA purification using centrifugal filter devices can be necessary for successful DNA profiling of impure crime scene samples and for consistency between different PCR-based analysis systems, such as quantification and STR analysis. In order to maximize the possibility to obtain complete STR DNA profiles and to create an efficient workflow, the level of DNA purification applied should be correlated to the inhibitor-tolerance of the STR analysis system used.
The effects of hydration on the collagen and gelatine phases within parchment artefacts
Authors: Gonzalez Lee Grant , Wess Timothy James 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
This review discusses the need to understand the effects of relative humidity on parchment and the current understanding of parchment structure and hydration. It also provides a critical evaluation of the body of foregoing research investigating the effects of relative humidity on parchment artefacts. The critical evaluation shows that the current scientific evidence that can be used to inform the debate with regard to relative humidity guidelines for the preservation of parchment artefacts is insufficient, especially in the light of a greater understanding of parchment based documents when considered as composite materials comprising collagen and gelatine. The differential behaviour of collagen and gelatine (and consequently the effect on the interfaces between them) in terms of response to relative humidity changes, is proposed as a key factor to be considered for future studies. This review concludes with an analysis of the next steps required in parchment research in order to provide an informed advisory framework.
Alteration of pulmonary function in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Shafiee Gita , Khamseh Mohammad E , Rezaei Nader , Aghili Rokhsareh , Malek Mojtaba 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Background
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is increasing worldwide with an alarming rate. It is associated with the development of various chronic complications. The aim of this study was to explore the alteration of pulmonary function, and its association with renal complications in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted on three groups; 40 diabetic subjects without nephropathy (urinary albumin<30 mg/day), 40 subjects with nephropathy (urinary albumin≥30 mg/day), and 40 healthy subjects as the control group. The subjects with nephropathy were divided into those with microalbuminuria (urinary albumin=30-300 mg/day) and those with macroalbuminuria (urinary albumin>300 mg/day) .Diabetic subjects were matched to the control group in terms of age, sex, and BMI. Pulmonary function tests were performed and the results were compared between groups.

Results
Forced vital capacity (FVC; % predicted), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1; % predicted), and peak expiratory flow (PEF; % predicted) were significantly lower in subjects with diabetic nephropathy compared to the healthy controls (P<0.05). Meanwhile, in diabetic subjects, FVC and FEV1 were lower in those with diabetic nephropathy compared to those with normal albumin excretion (P<0.05). On the other hand, FEV1/FVC was significantly higher in diabetic people with nephropathy.
Furthermore, a significant difference was observed between FVC and FEV1 in diabetic people with microalbuminuria compared to those with macroalbuminuria.

Conclusions
This study showed that the pulmonary function was impaired in people with Diabetes. The progression of diabetic nephropathy to more advanced stages was also associated with more impairment of pulmonary function.
Nuclear proteins that become part of the mitotic apparatus: A role in nuclear assembly?
Authors: Pettijohn D. E. , Henzl M. , Price C. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT
A structure located at the poles of the mitotic spindle is described, which may function as a centre for post-mitotic nuclear assembly. Evidence in support of this function is incomplete, but comes from two different kinds of experiments, which are reviewed here. First, fluorescence microscopy studies show that mitotic chromosomes at telophase or late anaphase are drawn into juxtaposition with this polar structure and second, the structure is made up in part of a non-histone chromosomal protein that in interphase cells can be detected only in the nucleus. Studies of this nuclear-mitotic apparatus protein (NuMA protein) are reported here. Monoclonal antibodies specific for the NuMA protein have been used in immunofluorescence studies to visualize the prenucleus-like polar structure and to identify the NuMA protein by immunoblotting after electrophoretic separation. The NuMA protein is a non-histone chromosomal protein of molecular weight 250 000 relative to standard protein molecular weight markers in sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Experiments are described that indicate several difficulties in studying the possible affinity and association of NuMA protein with mitotic chromosomes. Metaphase chromosomes isolated by the polyamine procedure of Lewis and Laemmli have bound NuMA protein detectable by immunofluorescence or by immunoblotting, but measurements made at different stages of chromosome purification show that most of the NuMA protein is separated from the chromosomes using this purification procedure. Chromosomes purified from mixtures of human and Chinese hamster cells (the latter have none of the human form of NuMA recognized by a monoclonal antibody) have human NuMA protein bound to the hamster chromosomes. Results suggest that in cell extracts exchange reactions of NuMA protein can occur, which must be avoided in the study of its natural function.
The ultrastructural organization of prematurely condensed chromosomes
Authors: Gollin Susanne M. , Wray Wayne , Hanks Steven K. , Hittelman Walter N. , Rao Potu N. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT
In an effort to understand the arrangement of the basic 30 nm chromatin fibre within metaphase chromosomes, changes in the organization of prematurely condensed chromosomes (PCC) were examined as a function of progression through the cell cycle. The structural features of PCC observed under the light microscope were compared with those obtained by scanning electron microscopy. PCC with varying levels of condensation were obtained by fusing mitotic HeLa cells with interphase cells synchronized at different times in the cell cycle. PCC from G1 cells are composed of rather tightly packed bundles of tortuous chromatin fibres. The density of fibre packing along the longitudinal axis of G1-phase PCC is lower and less uniform than that of metaphase chromosomes. Early G1 PCC exhibit gyres suggesting a despiralized chromonema. The condensed domains in G1 PCC appear to be organized as supercoiled loops; whereas fibre-sparse domains consist of longitudinal fibres running along the chromosome axis. As cells progressed towards S phase, a greater proportion of highly extended regions containing prominent longitudinal fibres became evident in the PCC. The pulverized appearance of S-phase PCC under the light microscope corresponded to the highly condensed, looping fibre domains separated by more extended segments containing longitudinal fibres that are visualized using the scanning electron microscope. Active sites of DNA synthesis are implicated to be localized within extended longitudinal fibres. Post-replicative chromosome maturation extends through the G2 period and appears to involve rearrangement of the extended longitudinal fibres into packed looping-fibre clusters, which then coalesce.
These observations support the model for packing DNA into chromosomes proposed in 1980 by Mullinger & Johnson. Briefly, this model suggests that the chromonema of each metaphase chromatid contains regions composed of folded longitudinal chromatin fibres as well as looping fibres that emerge from the axis at distinct foci. The final level of chromatin packing in metaphase chromosomes is attained by spiralization of the chromonema.