bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heterologous expression of OsSIZ1, a rice SUMO E3 ligase, enhances broad abiotic stress tolerance in transgenic creeping bentgrass
Authors: Li Zhigang , Hu Qian , Zhou Man , Vandenbrink Joshua , Li Dayong , Menchyk Nick , Reighard Shane , Norris Ayla , Liu Haibo , Sun Dongfa , Luo Hong 
Published: December 2012

SummarySumoylation is a posttranslational regulatory process in higher eukaryotes modifying substrate proteins through conjugation of small ubiquitin‐related modifiers (SUMOs). Sumoylation modulates protein stability, subcellular localization and activity; thus, it regulates most cellular functions including response to environmental stress in plants. To study the feasibility of manipulating SUMO E3 ligase, one of the important components in the sumoylation pathway in transgenic (TG) crop plants for improving overall plant performance under adverse environmental conditions, we have analysed TG creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.) plants constitutively expressing OsSIZ1, a rice SUMO E3 ligase. Overexpression of OsSIZ1 led to increased photosynthesis and overall plant growth. When subjected to water deficiency and heat stress, OsSIZ1 plants exhibited drastically enhanced performance associated with more robust root growth, higher water retention and cell membrane integrity than wild‐type (WT) controls. OsSIZ1 plants also displayed significantly better growth than WT controls under phosphate‐starvation conditions, which was associated with a higher uptake of phosphate (Pi) and other minerals, such as potassium and zinc. Further analysis revealed that overexpression of OsSIZ1 enhanced stress‐induced SUMO conjugation to substrate in TG plants, which was associated with modified expression of stress‐related genes. This strongly supports a role sumoylation plays in regulating multiple molecular pathways involved in plant stress response, establishing a direct link between sumoylation and plant response to environmental adversities. Our results demonstrate the great potential of genetic manipulation of sumoylation process in TG crop species for improved resistance to broad abiotic stresses.
Altered expression of the PTR/NRT1 homologue OsPTR9 affects nitrogen utilization efficiency, growth and grain yield in rice
Authors: Fang Zhongming , Xia Kuaifei , Yang Xin , Grotemeyer Marianne Suter , Meier Stefan , Rentsch Doris , Xu Xinlan , Zhang Mingyong 
Published: December 2012

SummaryThe plant PTR/NRT1 (peptide transporter/nitrate transporter 1) gene family comprises di/tripeptide and low‐affinity nitrate transporters; some members also recognize other substrates such as carboxylates, phytohormones (auxin and abscisic acid), or defence compounds (glucosinolates). Little is known about the members of this gene family in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Here, we report the influence of altered OsPTR9 expression on nitrogen utilization efficiency, growth, and grain yield. OsPTR9 expression is regulated by exogenous nitrogen and by the day‐night cycle. Elevated expression of OsPTR9 in transgenic rice plants resulted in enhanced ammonium uptake, promotion of lateral root formation and increased grain yield. On the other hand, down‐regulation of OsPTR9 in a T‐DNA insertion line (osptr9) and in OsPTR9‐RNAi rice plants had the opposite effect. These results suggest that OsPTR9 might hold potential for improving nitrogen utilization efficiency and grain yield in rice breeding.
Immunosuppression in inflammatory melanoma: can it be resisted by adoptively transferred T cells?
Authors: Auphan‐Anezin Nathalie , Verdeil Grégory , Grange Magali , Soudja Saïdi M. , Wehbe Maria , Buferne Michel , Mas Amandine , Schmitt‐Verhulst Anne‐Marie 
Published: December 2012

SummaryDiscovery of tumor antigen (TA) recognized by autologous T cells (TCs) in patients with melanoma has led to clinical protocols using either vaccination or adoptive transfer of TA‐specific TCs. However, efficacy of these treatments has been hampered by inhibitory effects exerted on tumor‐infiltrating TCs by tumor‐intrinsic mediators or by recruitment of immunosuppressive cells. A mouse model of autochthonous melanoma recapitulates some aspects of inflammatory melanoma development in patients. These include a systemic Th2‐/Th17‐oriented chronic inflammation, recruitment of immunosuppressive myeloid cells and acquisition by tumor‐infiltrating TCs of an ‘exhausted’ phenotype characterized by expression of multiple inhibitory receptors including programmed death‐1, also expressed on patients' melanoma‐infiltrating TCs. Rather than using extracellular blocking reagents to inhibitory surface molecules on TCs, we sought to dampen negative signaling exerted on them. Adoptively transferred TCs presenting increased cytokine receptor signaling due to expression of an active Stat5 transcription factor were efficient at inducing melanoma regression in the preclinical melanoma model. These transferred TCs thrived and retained expression of effector molecules in the melanoma microenvironment, defining a protocol endowing TCs with the ability to resist melanoma‐induced immunosuppression.
Substituent Effects in the Absorption Spectra of Phenol Radical Species: Origin of the Redshift Caused by 3,5‐Dimethoxyl Substitution
Authors: Zhang Lei , Muchall Heidi M. , Peslherbe Gilles H. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe ground‐state equilibrium geometries, electronic structures and vertical excitation energies of methyl‐ and methoxyl‐substituted phenol radical cations and phenoxyl radicals have been investigated using time‐dependent density‐functional theory (namely TD‐B3LYP) and complete‐active‐space second‐order perturbation theory (CASPT2). The “anomalous” large redshifts of the absorption maxima of the phenol radical species observed in the ultraviolet–visible spectral region upon di‐meta‐methoxyl substitution are reproduced by the calculations. Furthermore, these “anomalous” shifts which were unexplained to date can be rationalized on the basis of a qualitative molecular orbital perturbation analysis.
A Non‐Place Identity and a Fixed (Sacred) Text: Literacy Practices Shaping Identity/ies of a Slavic Baptist Congregation from the Former Soviet Union to the United States
Authors: Peterson Heather Walker 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBased on an interdisciplinary linguistic ethnography, I apply the term ‘non‐place’ to the collective identity of a Slavic migrant congregation in the United States. Those members socialised into their faith before migration had already been marginalised in their resistance to the former national Soviet identity. The New Literacy Studies in particular help to describe their historic Protestant literacy practices regarding a sacred, and thus fixed, text. A fixed sacred text provided the freedom to interpret the group's context, a perceived narrative to join, and authority for leadership to dictate a way of life. Events around text were warm and welcoming, utilising Western texts for legitimatised scripture interpretation, and accessible to both Russian speakers and second‐generation English speakers. With the assumed permanence of a sacred text, new believers retold their own narratives as part of the scriptural one, and had a ‘home land’ they had never stepped foot in.
Associations of the Interleukin‐1 Gene Locus Polymorphisms with Risk to Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis: Gender and Subpopulation Differences
Authors: Kaarvatn M. H. , Jotanovic Z. , Mihelic R. , Etokebe G. E. , Mulac‐Jericevic B. , Tijanic T. , Balen S. , Sestan B. , Dembic Z. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractGenetic predisposition to the complex hereditary disease like osteoarthritis (OA) of the large joints (hip and knee) includes the interleukin‐1 gene (IL‐1) cluster on chromosome 2. Using a case–control study with 500 OA patients (240 knee and 260 hip OA patients, all with joint replacement), we analysed frequencies of IL‐1 gene cluster polymorphisms in Croatian Caucasian population. The control samples came from 531 healthy individuals including blood donors. We genotyped two single nucleotide polymorphisms in the IL‐1 gene locus at IL‐1A (−889, C>T, rs1800587) and IL‐1B (+3594, C>T, rs1143634) and compared their frequencies between patients and controls. We predicted haplotypes by combining current data with our previous results on gene polymorphisms (IL‐1B, rs16944 and the IL‐1 receptor antagonist gene [IL‐1RN] variable number tandem repeat [VNTR]) for the same population. Haplotype analyses revealed gender disparities and showed that women carriers of the 1‐2‐1‐1 haplotype [IL‐1A(rs1800587) – IL‐1B(rs1143634) – IL‐1B(rs16944) – IL‐1RN(VNTR)] had sixfold lower risk to develop knee OA. However, carriers of the 1‐1‐1‐2 haplotype of both sexes had over twofold higher predisposition to hip OA. Our results differ from some earlier studies in Caucasian subpopulations, which may be due to the fact that this is the first study to separate genders in assessing the IL‐1‐locus genetic risk of OA. The results suggest that inflammatory mediators like IL‐1 might be implicated in the pathogenesis of primary OA in large joints and that as yet unidentified gender‐specific factors exist in a Croatian Caucasian population.
TipChip: a modular, MEMS‐based platform for experimentation and phenotyping of tip‐growing cells
Authors: Agudelo Carlos G. , Sanati Nezhad Amir , Ghanbari Mahmood , Naghavi Mahsa , Packirisamy Muthukumaran , Geitmann Anja 
Published: December 2012

SummaryLarge‐scale phenotyping of tip‐growing cells such as pollen tubes has hitherto been limited to very crude parameters such as germination percentage and velocity of growth. To enable efficient and high‐throughput execution of more sophisticated assays, an experimental platform, the TipChip, was developed based on microfluidic and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. The device allows positioning of pollen grains or fungal spores at the entrances of serially arranged microchannels equipped with microscopic experimental set‐ups. The tip‐growing cells (pollen tubes, filamentous yeast or fungal hyphae) may be exposed to chemical gradients, microstructural features, integrated biosensors or directional triggers within the modular microchannels. The device is compatible with Nomarski optics and fluorescence microscopy. Using this platform, we were able to answer several outstanding questions on pollen tube growth. We established that, unlike root hairs and fungal hyphae, pollen tubes do not have a directional memory. Furthermore, pollen tubes were found to be able to elongate in air, raising the question of how and where water is taken up by the cell. The platform opens new avenues for more efficient experimentation and large‐scale phenotyping of tip‐growing cells under precisely controlled, reproducible conditions.
Lipid‐Labeling Facilitates a Novel Magnetic Isolation Procedure to Characterize Pathogen‐Containing Phagosomes
Authors: Steinhäuser Christine , Heigl Ulrike , Tchikov Vladimir , Schwarz Jeanette , Gutsmann Thomas , Seeger Katrin , Brandenburg Julius , Fritsch Jürgen , Schroeder Josef , Wiesmüller Karl‐Heinz , Rosenkrands Ida , Walther Paul , Pott Johanna , Krause Eberhard , Ehlers Stefan , Schneider‐Brachert Wulf , Schütze Stefan , Reiling Norbert 
Published: December 2012

Here we describe a novel approach for the isolation and biochemical characterization of pathogen‐containing compartments from primary cells: We developed a lipid‐based procedure to magnetically label the surface of bacteria and visualized the label by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM). We performed infection experiments with magnetically labeled Mycobacterium avium, M. tuberculosis and Listeria monocytogenes and isolated magnetic bacteria‐containing phagosomes using a strong magnetic field in a novel free‐flow system. Magnetic labeling of M. tuberculosis did not affect the virulence characteristics of the bacteria during infection experiments addressing host cell activation, phagosome maturation delay and replication in macrophages in vitro. Biochemical analyses of the magnetic phagosome‐containing fractions provided evidence of an enhanced presence of bacterial antigens and a differential distribution of proteins involved in the endocytic pathway over time as well as cytokine‐dependent changes in the phagosomal protein composition. The newly developed method represents a useful approach to characterize and compare pathogen‐containing compartments, in order to identify microbial and host cell targets for novel anti‐infective strategies.
Does anemia impact hospital readmissions after coronary artery bypass surgery?
Authors: Shehata Nadine , Forster Alan , Li Le , Rothwell Deanna M. , Mazer C. David , Naglie Gary , Fowler Robert , Tu Jack V. , Rubens Fraser D. , Hawken Steven , Wilson Kumanan 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundAnemia is one of the most common complications of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and has been shown to be associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The impact of anemia on hospital readmission after CABG, a potential measure of delayed complications, has not been addressed.Study Design and MethodsWe conducted a single‐center retrospective study of 2102 patients who had CABG in Ontario to determine whether anemia at hospital discharge was associated with increased 30‐day hospital readmissions, readmission secondary to cardiac disease, and 30‐day mortality using administrative data.ResultsOf the 2102 patients, 224 patients (11%) were readmitted within 30 days of hospital discharge. Infection was the leading cause of readmissions (24%), followed by heart failure (13%), pulmonary disease (7%), and hemorrhagic disease (7%). Overall, 2.6% of patients were readmitted because of cardiac disease. Of patients discharged, 48% were discharged with a hemoglobin (Hb) level between 8 and 10 g/dL and 42% between 10 and 12 g/dL. Predischarge Hb concentration was not a significant independent predictor of 30‐day readmission to the hospital due to all causes, readmission to the hospital due to cardiac causes, or 30‐day mortality. A higher comorbidity score, adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 2.1 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3‐3.6), leg and sternal wound infections OR of 1.9 (95% CI, 1.2‐3.0), and postoperative renal failure OR of 1.4 (95% CI, 1.2‐2.0) were associated with increased 30‐day readmission rates.ConclusionsThe predischarge Hb concentration after CABG was not associated with 30‐day readmissions.
Evaluation of the quality of blood components obtained after automated separation of whole blood by a new multiunit processor
Authors: Lagerberg Johan W. , Salado‐Jimena Jose A. , Löf Helena , Bontekoe Ido J. , Nielsen Connie , Verheggen Caroline , van Waeg Geert , van der Meer Pieter F. , de Korte Dirk , Hansen Morten B. , Knutson Folke 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundThe Reveos system (Terumo BCT) is a fully automated device able to process four whole blood (WB) units simultaneously into a plasma unit, a red blood cell (RBC) unit, and an interim platelet (PLT) unit (IPU). Multiple IPUs can be pooled to form a transfusable PLT product. The aim of our study was to evaluate the quality of components made with the Reveos system from either fresh (2‐8 hr) or overnight‐held WB.Study Design and MethodsA prototype of the Reveos system was used to process WB. RBCs were resuspended in SAGM, leukoreduced, and assayed for in vitro quality variables during a 42‐day storage period at 2 to 6°C. Twenty‐four‐hour in vivo recovery was determined on Day 42. Plasma was assayed for cellular contamination and activation variables. IPUs were pooled with SSP+ additive solution for in vitro quality assessments during a 7‐day storage period at room temperature.ResultsReveos‐produced RBCs and plasma units met the predefined requirements. RBC recovery was superior to control units. On Day 42, hemolysis was below 0.8% and in vivo recovery was above 75% for all RBCs. Cellular contamination was lower for Reveos‐produced plasma. PLT yield was higher with overnight‐stored WB. PLT quality was well maintained during storage with no significant differences between the two groups.ConclusionBlood components prepared with the Reveos from fresh or overnight‐held WB meet quality criteria without any relevant difference between the two groups. The Reveos system has the potential to increase efficacy and standardization of blood component preparation.
Cryopreservation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells amplified ex vivo from cord blood CD34+ cells
Authors: Duchez Pascale , Chevaleyre Jean , Brunet de la Grange Philippe , Vlaski Marija , Boiron Jean‐Michel , Wouters Guy , Ivanovic Zoran 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundOur ex vivo expansion procedure starting from cord blood (CB) CD34+ cells enabled expansion of committed progenitors (CPs) without a negative impact on hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) exhibiting both short‐ and long‐term repopulating capacity. Upgraded to clinical scale (Macopharma HP01 in the presence of stem cell factor, FLT3‐L [100 ng/mL each], granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor [10 ng/mL], and thrombopoietin [20 ng/mL]), it is being used for an ongoing clinical trial (adult allogeneic context) yielding promising preliminary results. Transplantation of ex vivo expanded CB cells is becoming a reality, while the issue of expanded cells' cryopreservation emerges as an option that allows the conservation of the product for transportation and future use. Here, we investigated whether it is possible to maintain the functional HSC and CP properties after freezing and thawing of expanded cells.Study Design and MethodsWe compared cryopreservation efficiency of the ex vivo expanded CB cells using the standard protocol (freezing solution human serum albumin (HSA)‐dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO]) with the newly designed protocol based on an enriched freezing solution (HP01‐DMSO) with respect to the viability index, number of CD34+ and total cells, and recovery of CPs (colony‐forming units) and HSCs (NOG/Scid/gamma–null mice engraftment).ResultsCryopreservation and thawing of expanded CB cells using the “standard” procedure (HSA‐DMSO) reduced recovery of the CPs (40%) and HSCs (drastically decreasing engraftment capacity). HP01‐based protocol resulted in improvement of preservation of both CPs (>60%) and HSCs (nonaltered engraftment capacities).ConclusionFunctional maintenance of the expanded graft by cryopreservation is feasible in conditions compatible with human cell therapy requirements.
The effect of topical latanoprost on anterior segment anatomic relationships in normal dogs
Authors: Tsai Susan , Almazan Alexandra , Lee Susan S. , Li Huajiang , Conforti Paul , Burke James , Miller Paul E. , Robinson Michael R. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectiveTopical latanoprost 0.005% is commonly used in dogs with primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG), and marked miosis has been reported in the literature. To further explore the effect of topical latanoprost on anterior segment anatomy, we performed iridocorneal angle biometrics in normal beagle dogs.MethodsThirty‐five normal female beagle dogs were assessed using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS‐OCT). One eye of each dog was scanned with theAS‐OCTin the superotemporal quadrant. One drop of latanoprost 0.005% was applied topically, and theOCTscan was repeated 30 min later. Images were imported into ImageJ, and pupil diameter, anterior chamber angle, angle opening distance, angle recess area (ARA), anterior chamber hemifield, and anterior chamber depth were measured.ResultsA single drop of latanoprost resulted in marked miosis, anterior bowing of the peripheral iris, narrowing of the iridocorneal angle, and shallowing of the anterior chamber. The anterior segment parameters demonstrated a significant reduction (P‐value ≤ 0.001) from baseline following latanoprost with the exception of theARA(P = 0.07).ConclusionsLatanoprost significantly decreases pupil diameter and narrows the iridocorneal angle in normal female beagle dogs. Therefore, the utility of latanoprost as a prophylactic treatment forPACGin fellow eyes may be limited. Studies using quantitative iridocorneal angle measurements in goniodysgenic dogs are warranted to understand the changes in iridocorneal angle morphology that occur inPACGin response to topical application of latanoprost.
Voxel clustering for quantifying PET‐based treatment response assessment
Authors: Schreibmann Eduard , Waller Anthony F. , Crocker Ian , Curran Walter , Fox Tim 
Published: December 2012

Purpose:Imaging biomarkers are crucial in managing treatment options for cancer patients. They are extremely powerful tools since they allow personalized treatment assessment early during therapy by using repeated imaging to detect and quantify tumor response. Currently, treatment response assessment from consecutive imaging is measured by simple global measures that do not capture a tumor's heterogeneous response. The authors present an automated, multivoxel metric that groups voxels into clusters of changes for a local definition of radiation treatment efficiency from multiple PET imaging studies acquired at different time periods for assessing therapeutic response.Methods:The algorithm employs level‐set mathematics to extract changing features to classify voxels into response patterns. First, pretreatment and post‐treatment PET images were aligned using a deformable registration to correct for posture and soft tissue changes. The detailed mapping was modeled by free form deformations B‐spline optimized using the limited memory L‐BFGS algorithm. The posture‐corrected datasets are then subtracted to produce an image of molecular changes embedded with noise. Once images were aligned and subtracted, a segmentation algorithm combining the concepts of voxel and distance‐based techniques classified voxels into patterns of signal reduction or enhancement. Although signal reduction is evidence of successful treatment, signal‐enhancing regions are an indication of treatment failure. For an in depth analysis of potential treatment errors, patterns of signal enhancement were correlated with the radiation treatment dose and anatomical structures from the treatment plan using image registration methods.Results:The algorithm was retrospectively applied to PET/CT and radiotherapy (RT) oncology data from an NCI‐sponsored clinical trial (81 clinical cases from RTOG 0522 Trial) for combined drug and radiation therapy in head and neck carcinomas. This clinical trial dataset presented a realistic environment for implementing and validating our algorithm to correlate local response as observed in serial PET with delivered dose. The technique was instrumental in detecting geographical and segmentation misses on the actual clinical cases by providing accurate voxel‐by‐voxel analysis of metabolic changes. Results of the level‐set based clustering algorithm are saved as a detailed report of enhancing/nonenhancing regions and their location, and can be further displayed as a colorwash laid over the original anatomy for in depth analysis.Conclusions:The automated technique was instrumental in analyzing treatment response in the clinical cases and provided an useful tool for accurate, outcome‐based response assessment of the radiation treatment process. The developed method is general and should be extendable to other high‐resolution diagnostic imaging with minor modifications.