bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Necrotizing Meningoencephalitis in Atypical Dog Breeds: A Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Cooper J.J. , Schatzberg S.J. , Vernau K.M. , Summers B.A. , Porter B.F. , Siso S. , Young B.D. , Levine J.M. 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundCanine necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME) is a fatal, noninfectious inflammatory disease of unknown etiology.NMEhas been reported only in a small number of dog breeds, which has led to the presumption that it is a breed‐restricted disorder.Hypothesis/ObjectivesOur objective was to describe histopathologically confirmedNMEin dog breeds in which the condition has not been reported previously and to provide preliminary evidence thatNMEaffects a wider spectrum of dog breeds than previously reported.AnimalsFour dogs withNME.MethodsArchives from 3 institutions and from 1 author's (BS) collection were reviewed to identify histopathologically confirmed cases ofNMEin breeds in which the disease has not been reported previously. Age, sex, breed, survival from onset of clinical signs, and histopathologic findings were evaluated.ResultsNecrotizing meningoencephalitis was identified in 4 small dog breeds (Papillon, Shih Tzu, Coton de Tulear, and Brussels Griffon). Median age at clinical evaluation was 2.5 years. Histopathologic abnormalities included 2 or more of the following: lymphoplasmacytic or histiocytic meningoencephalitis or encephalitis, moderate‐to‐severe cerebrocortical necrosis, variable involvement of other anatomic locations within the brain (cerebellum, brainstem), and absence of detectable infectious agents.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceUntil now,NMEhas only been described in 5 small dog breeds. We document an additional 4 small breeds previously not shown to developNME. Our cases further illustrate thatNMEis not a breed‐restricted disorder and should be considered in the differential diagnosis for dogs with signalment and clinical signs consistent with inflammatory brain disease.
Strategies to Enhance the Performance of Path‐Based Static Traffic Assignment Algorithms
Authors: Kumar Amit , Peeta Srinivas 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThere are three important stages of path‐based algorithms (PBAs) for solving the static user equilibrium traffic assignment problem (STA): finding shortest paths between various origins and destinations based on the present flow conditions to update the path set, updating path flows based on the move direction of the PBA, and updating the link flows and costs. This article proposes strategies to improve the computational efficiency of these three stages. The first strategy provides a simple method to preclude the through‐routing via the zone centroid and helps to avoid unrealistic flow without affecting the flow update process of a PBA. The second strategy seeks to improve the efficiency of the path flow update process by circumventing unnecessary computation. The third strategy proposes faster link flow and link cost update processes along with a link data structure to support it. The computational experiments using two recently developed PBAs validate the effectiveness of these strategies and help to understand their rationale. The strategies are significant from both theoretical and practical perspectives. From a theoretical viewpoint, they help in designing an efficient execution process for PBAs and provide an improved common platform for comparing their performances. For practice, they can reduce the computational cost in finding the solution of the STA without increasing the complexity of the execution of the algorithm.
Crystal structure of an HD‐GYP domain cyclic‐di‐GMP phosphodiesterase reveals an enzyme with a novel trinuclear catalytic iron centre
Authors: Bellini Dom , Caly Delphine L. , McCarthy Yvonne , Bumann Mario , An Shi‐Qi , Dow J. Maxwell , Ryan Robert P. , Walsh Martin A. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryBis‐(3′,5′) cyclic di‐guanylate (c‐di‐GMP) is a key bacterial second messenger that is implicated in the regulation of many crucial processes that include biofilm formation, motility and virulence. Cellular levels of c‐di‐GMP are controlled through synthesis by GGDEF domain diguanylate cyclases and degradation by two classes of phosphodiesterase with EAL or HD‐GYP domains. Here, we have determined the structure of an enzymatically active HD‐GYP domain protein from Persephonella marina (PmGH) alone, in complex with substrate (c‐di‐GMP) and final reaction product (GMP). The structures reveal a novel trinuclear iron binding site, which is implicated in catalysis and identify residues involved in recognition of c‐di‐GMP. This structure completes the picture of all domains involved in c‐di‐GMP metabolism and reveals that the HD‐GYP family splits into two distinct subgroups containing bi‐ and trinuclear metal centres.
DELLA activity is required for successful pollen development in the Columbia ecotype of Arabidopsis
Authors: Plackett Andrew R. G. , Ferguson Alison C. , Powers Stephen J. , Wanchoo‐Kohli Aakriti , Phillips Andrew L. , Wilson Zoe A. , Hedden Peter , Thomas Stephen G. 
Published: November 2013

Summary

Excessive gibberellin (GA) signalling, mediated through the DELLA proteins, has a negative impact on plant fertility. Loss of DELLA activity in the monocot rice (Oryza sativa) causes complete male sterility, but not in the dicot model Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) ecotype Landsberg erecta (Ler), in which DELLA function has been studied most extensively, leading to the assumption that DELLA activity is not essential for Arabidopsis pollen development. A novel DELLA fertility phenotype was identified in the Columbia (Col‐0) ecotype that necessitates re‐evaluation of the general conclusions drawn from Ler.

Fertility phenotypes were compared between the Col‐0 and Ler ecotypes under conditions of chemical and genetic GA overdose, including mutants in both ecotypes lacking the DELLA paralogues REPRESSOR OF ga1‐3 (RGA) and GA INSENSITIVE (GAI).

Ler displays a less severe fertility phenotype than Col‐0 under GA treatment. Col‐0 rga gai mutants, in contrast with the equivalent Ler phenotype, were entirely male sterile, caused by post‐meiotic defects in pollen development, which were rescued by the reintroduction of DELLA into either the tapetum or developing pollen.

We conclude that DELLA activity is essential for Arabidopsis pollen development. Differences between the fertility responses of Col‐0 and Ler might be caused by differences in downstream signalling pathways or altered DELLA expression.
A Spectroscopic and Theoretical Investigation of a Free‐Base meso‐Trithienylcorrole
Authors: Greco Jordan A. , Rossi Alison , Birge Robert R. , Brückner Christian 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe unique optical properties of free‐base meso‐tris(5‐methylthien‐2‐yl)corrole were compared to those of the widely investigated meso‐triphenyl‐substituted analogue. A combination of spectroscopic and computational experiments was undertaken to elucidate the relationship between structural features of the neutral, mono‐anionic and mono‐cationic forms of the corroles and their corresponding optical properties. A general bathochromic shift was measured for the thienyl‐substituted corrole. The experimental spectra are supported by excited state calculations. A systematic series of ground state minimizations were performed to determine energy minima for the flexible and solvent‐sensitive molecules. Trithienylcorrole was found to have a more nonplanar macrocycle in conjunction with a high degree of π‐overlap with the meso‐substituents. Both structural features contribute to their bathochromically shifted optical spectra. The configurational character of the thienyl‐substituted corrole is shown to have a larger degree of molecular orbital mixing and doubly excited character, which suggest a more complex electronic structure that does not fully adhere to the Gouterman four‐orbital model. The reactivity of the thienyl groups, particularly with respect to their ability to be (electro)‐polymerized, combined with the tight coupling of the meso‐thienyl groups with the corrole chromophore elucidated in this work, recommends the meso‐thienylcorroles as building blocks in, for instance, organic semiconductor devices.
Role of P‐selectin and P‐selectin glycoprotein ligand‐1 interaction in the induction of tissue factor expression on human platelets after incubation with porcine aortic endothelial cells
Authors: Ezzelarab Mohamed B. , Liu Yueh Wei , Lin Chih Che , Long Cassandra , Ayares David , Dorling Anthony , Cooper David K. C. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractDevelopment of coagulation disorders remains a major challenge in pig‐to‐primate organ xenotransplantation. Our previous studies demonstrated that porcine aortic endothelial cells (pAEC) activate human platelets to express tissue factor (TF). In this study, we investigated the molecular interaction between human platelets and pAEC to identify possible targets for further genetic modification and/or systemic therapy. Human platelets were incubated with pAEC from wild‐type (WT), α1,3‐galactosyltransferase gene‐knockout (GTKO), and GTKO pigs expressing human CD46, after which the platelets were analyzed for TF expression, TF mRNA level and TF function. pAEC were analyzed for von Willebrand factor (vWF) expression and mRNA level as well. Neutralizing antibodies for P‐selectin and P‐selectin glycoprotein ligand‐1 (PSGL‐1) were used to block the molecular interaction between platelets and pAEC. GTKO and GTKO/CD46 pAEC‐activated human platelets to induce human TF activity equivalently to WT pAEC. Simultaneously, after incubation with pAEC, platelets co‐expressed TF and P‐selectin. TF expression was blocked when pAEC and platelets were pre‐incubated with anti‐human P‐selectin or anti‐human PSGL‐1 antibodies, but not by anti‐porcine P‐selectin antibody. Activated pAEC up‐regulated TF on platelets through the interaction of porcine vWF with the human GPIb receptor. Up‐regulation of TF on human platelets by GTKO and GTKO/CD46 pAEC was comparable to that by WT pAEC, which is associated with concomitant expression of P‐selectin and PSGL‐1, forming an auto‐augmented loop of pAEC and platelet activation. Blocking of P‐selectin and PSGL‐1 interaction may be required to prevent up‐regulation of recipient TF in vivo after organ xenotransplantation.
Human cytokines activate JAK–STAT signaling pathway in porcine ocular tissue
Authors: Fasler‐Kan Elizaveta , Barteneva Natasha S. , Ketterer Sylvia , Wunderlich Kerstin , Reschner Anca , Nurzhanova Asil , Flammer Josef , Huwyler Jörg , Meyer Peter 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe JAK/STAT (Janus Tyrosine Kinase, Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription) pathway is associated with cytokine or growth factor receptors and it is critical for growth control, developmental regulation and homeostasis. The use of porcine ocular cells as putative xenotransplants appears theoretically possible. The aim of this study was to investigate the response of various porcine ocular cells in vitro to human cytokines in regard to the activation of JAK‐STAT signaling pathways.MethodsPorcine lens epithelial cells, pigmented iris epithelial cells and pigmented ciliary body cells were used in this study. These cells were isolated from freshly enucleated porcine eyes by enzymatic digestion. Cultured cells between passages 3–8 were used in all experiments. Electromobility shift assay (EMSA), proliferation assay, immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the JAK‐STAT signaling pathway in these cells.ResultsJAK/STAT signaling pathways could be activated in porcine pigmented epithelial ciliary body cells, in pigmented iris epithelial cells and in lens epithelial cells in response to porcine and human interferons and cytokines. All cells showed very strong STAT1 activation upon stimulation with porcine interferon‐gamma. Porcine ocular cells also respond to human cytokines; IFN‐alpha induced strong activation of STAT1 in EMSA, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence experiments whereas activation of STAT3 was less strong in EMSA, but strong in flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. Human recombinant IL‐6 activated STAT3 and human IL‐4 activated STAT6. With the help of immunofluorescence assay and flow cytometry we observed nuclear localization of STAT proteins after activation of porcine ocular cells with cytokines and interferons. Human IFN‐α had an inhibitory effect on porcine ocular cells in proliferation assays.ConclusionOur study demonstrated that some types of human cytokines and interferon activate intracellular JAK‐STAT signaling pathways in porcine ocular cells. We hypothesize that direct stimulation of the JAK‐STAT pathway in porcine cells in response to human cytokines will lead to complications or failure, if pig‐to‐human ocular tissue xenotransplantation were to be carried out. For successful xenotransplantation among other obstacles there must be new approaches developed to regulate signaling pathways.
Predicting Endothelial Cell Phenotypes in Angiogenesis
Authors: Ryan David T. , Hu Jingzhe , Long Byron L. , Qutub Amina A. 
Published: November 2013

Controlling endogenous angiogenesis, or the formation of new capillaries, is a potential therapeutic strategy for numerous diseases including cancer, stroke and cardiovascular disease (1–4). These efforts have been met with mixed success in the clinic, partly due to an inadequate understanding, and thus control, of the mechanisms that influence the endothelial cells that form capillaries (1, 3). In order to control angiogenesis in an effort to improve treatment responses, quantitative information about endothelial cell behavior must be used to build accurate models of vascular network formation.
In this paper, we introduce a method to identify and classify endothelial cell responses to angiogenic stimuli through sophisticated image analysis. The presented automated image processing tools and classification framework allow for rapid quantitative investigations of cellular images. Results of our analysis demonstrate that endothelial cells can be grouped into distinct morphological phenotypes as a function of their responses to combinations of angiogenic growth factor stimuli. Information on phenotypic behavior and responses will be applied towards predicting and guiding cell behavior for therapeutic design.
ACOUSTICAL STANDARDS NEWS
Authors: Blaeser Susan B. , Schomer Paul D. 
Published: November 2013

American National Standards (ANSI Standards) developed by Accredited Standards Committees S1, S2, S3, and S12 in the areas of acoustics, mechanical vibration and shock, bioacoustics, and noise, respectively, are published by the Acoustical Society of America (ASA). In addition to these standards, ASA publishes catalogs of Acoustical Standards, both National and International. To receive copies of the latest Standards catalogs, please contact Susan B. Blaeser.
Comments are welcomed on all material in Acoustical Standards News.
This Acoustical Standards News section in JASA, as well as the National and International Catalogs of Acoustical Standards, and other information on the Standards Program of the Acoustical Society of America, are available via the ASA home page: http://acousticalsociety.org.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Streptococcus suis Serotype 3 Strain YB51
Authors: Wang Kaicheng , Chen Jiming , Yao Huochun , Lu Chengping 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACT

We report here the second complete genome sequence of
Streptococcus suis
serotype 3 (strain YB51). The genome is 2,043,655 bp in length, which is 14,840 bp longer than the first reported genome of the same serotype, and it covers 2,012 coding sequences, 56 tRNAs, and 4 rRNA loci.
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy and risk of suicide in former athletes
Authors: Iverson Grant L 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundIn the initial autopsy case studies of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), some researchers have concluded that the proteinopathy associated with CTE is the underlying cause of suicidality and completed suicide in former athletes.MethodsA review of the literature on contact sports and risk of completed suicide revealed only one epidemiological study with direct relevant data.ResultsThere are no published cross-sectional, epidemiological or prospective studies showing a relation between contact sports and risk of suicide. One published epidemiological study suggests that retired National Football League players have lower rates of death by suicide than the general population. Outside of sports, there is a mature body of evidence suggesting that the causes of suicide are complex, multifactorial and difficult to predict in individual cases.ConclusionsFuture research might establish a clear causal connection between the proteinopathy of CTE and suicide. At present, however, there is insufficient scientific evidence to conclude that there is a strong causal relationship between the presence of these proteinopathies and suicide in former athletes. Additional research is needed to determine the extent to which the neuropathology of CTE is a possible mediator or moderator variable associated with suicide.
The increased risks of death and extra lengths of hospital and ICU stay from hospital-acquired bloodstream infections: a case–control study
Authors: Barnett Adrian G , Page Katie , Campbell Megan , Martin Elizabeth , Rashleigh-Rolls Rebecca , Halton Kate , Paterson David L , Hall Lisa , Jimmieson Nerina , White Katherine , Graves Nicholas 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesHospital-acquired bloodstream infections are known to increase the risk of death and prolong hospital stay, but precise estimates of these two important outcomes from well-designed studies are rare, particularly for non-intensive care unit (ICU) patients. We aimed to calculate accurate estimates, which are vital for estimating the economic costs of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections.DesignCase–control study.Setting9 Australian public hospitals.ParticipantsAll the patients were admitted between 2005 and 2010.Primary and secondary outcome measuresRisk of death and extra length of hospital stay associated with nosocomial infection.ResultsThe greatest increase in the risk of death was for a bloodstream infection with methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(HR=4.6, 95% CI 2.7 to 7.6). This infection also had the longest extra length of stay to discharge in a standard bed (12.8 days, 95% CI 6.2 to 26.1 days). All the eight bloodstream infections increased the length of stay in the ICU, with longer stays for the patients who eventually died (mean increase 0.7–6.0 days) compared with those who were discharged (mean increase: 0.4–3.1 days). The three most common organisms associated with Gram-negative infection wereEscherichia coli,Pseudomonas aeruginosaandKlebsiella pneumonia.ConclusionsBloodstream infections are associated with an increased risk of death and longer hospital stay. Avoiding infections could save lives and free up valuable bed days.
Accuracy of faecal occult blood test andHelicobacter pyloristool antigen test for detection of upper gastrointestinal lesions
Authors: Lee Yi-Chia , Chiu Han-Mo , Chiang Tsung-Hsien , Yen Amy Ming-Fang , Chiu Sherry Yueh-Hsia , Chen Sam Li-Sheng , Fann Jean Ching-Yuan , Yeh Yen-Po , Liao Chao-Sheng , Hu Tsung-Hui , Tu Chia-Hung , Tseng Ping-Huei , Chen Chien-Chuan , Chen Mei-Jyh , Liou Jyh-Ming , Liao Wei-Chih , Lai Yo-Ping , Wang Chen-Ping , Ko Jenq-Yuh , Wang Hsiu-Po , Chiang Hung , Lin Jaw-Town , Chen Hsiu-Hsi , Wu Ming-Shiang 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveHighly sensitive guaiac-based faecal occult blood (Hemoccult SENSA) andHelicobacter pyloristool antigen testing might help detect upper gastrointestinal lesions when appended to a colorectal cancer screening programme with faecal immunochemical testing. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracies of two stool tests in detecting upper gastrointestinal lesions.DesignCross-sectional design.SettingHospital-based and community-based screening settings.ParticipantsA hospital-based deviation cohort of 3172 participants to evaluate test performance and a community-based validation cohort of 3621 to verify the findings.InterventionsThree types of stool tests with bidirectional endoscopy as the reference standard.OutcomesSensitivity, specificity and positive and negative likelihood ratios.ResultsFor detecting upper gastrointestinal lesions in cases with negative immunochemical tests, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios of the guaiac-based andH pyloriantigen tests were 16.3% (95% CI 13.3% to 19.8%), 90.1% (88.9% to 91.2%), 1.64 (1.31 to 2.07), and 0.93 (0.89 to 0.97), respectively, and 52.5% (48.1% to 56.9%), 80.6% (79.0% to 82.1%), 2.71 (2.41 to 3.04) and 0.59 (0.54 to 0.65), respectively. For detecting upper gastrointestinal lesions in cases with normal colonoscopy, the results of the guaiac-based andH pyloriantigen tests were 17.9% (14.8% to 21.5%), 90.1% (88.9% to 91.2%), 1.81 (1.45 to 2.26) and 0.91 (0.87 to 0.95), respectively, and 53.1% (48.6% to 57.4%), 80.7% (79.1% to 82.2%), 2.75 (2.45 to 3.08) and 0.58 (0.53 to 0.64), respectively. Within the community, positive predictive values of the immunochemical andH pyloriantigen tests were 36.0% (26.0% to 46.0%) and 31.9% (28.3% to 35.5%), respectively, for detecting lower and upper gastrointestinal lesions, which were similar to expected values.ConclusionsTheH pyloristool antigen test is more accurate than the guaiac-based test in the screening of upper gastrointestinal lesions in a population with high prevalence ofH pyloriinfection and upper gastrointestinal lesions. It is applicable to add theH pyloriantigen test to the immunochemical test for pan detection.Trial registrationNCT01341197 (ClinicalTrial.gov).
HTLV-1 bZIP Factor Suppresses Apoptosis by Attenuating the Function of FoxO3a and Altering Its Localization
Authors: Tanaka-Nakanishi Azusa , Yasunaga Jun-ichirou , Takai Ken , Matsuoka Masao 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
As the infectious agent causing human adult T-cell leukemia (ATL), the human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) virus spreads in vivo primarily by cell-to-cell transmission. However, the factors that determine its transmission efficiency are not fully understood. The viral genome encodes the HTLV-1 bZIP factor (HBZ), which is expressed in all ATL cases and is known to promote T-cell proliferation. In this study, we investigated the hypothesis that HBZ also influences the survival of T cells. Through analyzing the transcriptional profile of HBZ-expressing cells, we learned that HBZ suppressed transcription of the proapoptotic gene Bim (Bcl2l11) and that HBZ-expressing cells were resistant to activation-induced apoptosis. Mechanistic investigations into how HBZ suppresses Bim expression revealed that HBZ perturbs the localization and function of FoxO3a, a critical transcriptional activator of the genes encoding Bim and also Fas ligand (FasL). By interacting with FoxO3a, HBZ not only attenuated DNA binding by FoxO3a but also sequestered the inactive form of FoxO3a in the nucleus. In a similar manner, HBZ also inhibited FasL transcription induced by T-cell activation. Further study of ATL cells identified other Bim perturbations by HBZ, including at the level of epigenetic alteration, histone modification in the promoter region of the Bim gene. Collectively, our results indicated that HBZ impairs transcription of the Bim and FasL genes by disrupting FoxO3a function, broadening understanding of how HBZ acts to promote proliferation of HTLV-1–infected T cells by blocking their apoptosis. Cancer Res; 74(1); 188–200. ©2013 AACR.