bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Host–microbe interactions via membrane transport systems
Authors: Konishi Hiroaki , Fujiya Mikihiro , Kohgo Yutaka 
Published: October 2014

SummaryLiving organisms take in essential molecules and get rid of wastes effectively through the selective transport of materials. Especially in the digestive tract, advanced transport systems are indispensable for the absorption of nutrients and elimination of waste products. These transport pathways control physiological functions by modulating the ionic environment inside and outside the cells. Moreover, recent studies have shown the importance of the expression of trafficking‐related molecules and the population of gut microbiota. We found that the molecules secreted from microorganisms are imported into the cells via transporters or endocytosis and that they activate cell survival pathways of intestinal epithelial cells. These findings indicate that the interactions between the gut microbiota and host cells are mediated, at least partly, by the membrane transport systems. In addition, it is well known that the breakdown of transport systems induces various diseases. This review highlights the significance of the transport systems as the pathogenic molecules and therapeutic targets in gastrointestinal disorders. For example, abnormal expression of the genes encoding membrane transport‐related molecules is frequently involved in digestive diseases, such as colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. We herein review the significance of these molecules as pathogenic and therapeutic targets for digestive diseases.
Effect of temperature on the life history parameters of noctuid lepidopteran stem borers, Busseola fusca and Sesamia calamistis
Authors: Khadioli N. , Tonnang Z.E.H. , Ong'amo G. , Achia T. , Kipchirchir I. , Kroschel J. , Le Ru B. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe influence of temperature on the development, mortality, fecundity and life table parameters of two important noctuid African cereal pests, Busseola fusca and Sesamia calamistis was investigated under laboratory conditions. Experiments were carried out with larvae reared on artificial diet under eight constant temperatures (12°C, 15°C, 18°C, 20°C, 25°C, 28°C, 30°C and 35°C) and a 12L:12D photoperiod. Life table parameters were calculated using Insect Life Cycle Modelling (ILCYM) software. At 12°C and 35°C insects failed to develop. Mean development time for both species decreased with increasing temperature for all stages. Between 15°C and 30°C, mean larvae development time is divided by four for both species and adult mean longevity is divided by 1.5 and 2.5, for both sexes of S. calamistis and B. fusca, respectively. Fecundity varied according to temperature; the highest was estimated at 22°C and 24°C for B. fusca and S. calamistis, respectively. The lower thermal threshold for B. fusca and S. calamistis was, respectively, 6°C and 9°C, while the upper thermal threshold was 31°C and 32°C, respectively. The highest intrinsic rate of natural increase for B. fusca was obtained at 25°C while for S. calamistis it was obtained at 28°C. The highest net reproduction was obtained at 25°C for both species, but it was higher for S. calamistis than for B. fusca. The shortest population doubling time was observed at 25°C for B. fusca and at 28°C for S. calamistis. The optimum temperature range for development of both species was 25–28°C. The lower lower thermal threshold found for B. fusca than for S. calamistis and the higher upper thermal threshold found for S. calamistis than for B. fusca explain in part the observed distribution of both species in sub‐Saharan Africa with S. calamistis occurring in all the agro‐ecological zones but being usually more common than B. fusca in savannah lowland and B. fusca reported mainly from mid and high altitude areas.
The real effects of corporate fraud: evidence from class action lawsuits
Authors: Yuan Qingbo , Zhang Yunyan 
Published: October 2014

AbstractUsing a sample of lawsuit firms from 1996 to 2009, this study examines whether fraud revelation through shareholder class action affects corporate financing and investment policies. We predict that revelation of fraud damages defendant firms' reputation and undermines credibility of their financial disclosure. As a result, such firms experience difficulty in financing and reduce investment accordingly. Consistent with our prediction, we find that fraud‐committing firms experience a decline in total financing (total investment) by 1.5 per cent (0.8 per cent) of total assets after fraud revelation. Difference‐in‐differences analyses reinforce our main findings. The impact is more pronounced for firms with lower inherent fraud incidence.
Histological Study of the External, Middle and Inner Ear of Horses
Authors: Blanke A. , Aupperle H. , Seeger J. , Kubick C. , Schusser G. F. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryClinical, anatomical and histological aspects of the equine acoustic organ have been poorly investigated and illustrated in literature so far. It is understood that an intact acoustic organ and hearing function are of vital importance for the well‐being of flight animals like horses. The knowledge of the acoustic organ is usually transferred analogously from other mammals to horses. The purpose of this study was to provide a detailed and complete histological description of the healthy equine auditory organ, and to determine its congruity to other mammalians. Anatomical dissections and histological preparations were carried out on ten cadaver heads. Specimens of various parts of the equine acoustic organ were taken and evaluated histologically. The histological composition of external, middle and inner ear structures are predominantly congruent to those of other mammals, especially to human beings. Unique inwardly directed rete pegs within the osseous ear canal and the prominent tensor tympani muscle are described for the first time. Results obtained in this study can be employed as references for further research on the equine acoustic organ and improve the understanding of the clinical development of hearing loss, otitis externa/media/interna or tympanosclerosis.
Folic acid supplementation and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene variations in relation to in vitro fertilization pregnancy outcome
Authors: Murto Tiina , Kallak Theodora K. , Hoas Annica , Altmäe Signe , Salumets Andres , Nilsson Torbjörn K. , Skoog Svanberg Agneta , Wånggren Kjell , Yngve Agneta , Stavreus‐Evers Anneli 
Published: October 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo study folic acid intake, folate status and pregnancy outcome after infertility treatment in women with different infertility diagnoses in relation to methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677C>T, 1298A>C and 1793G>A polymorphisms. Also the use of folic acid supplements, folate status and the frequency of different gene variations were studied in women undergoing infertility treatment and fertile women.DesignObservational study.SettingUniversity hospital.PopulationWomen undergoing infertility treatment and healthy, fertile, non‐pregnant women.MethodsA questionnaire was used to assess general background data and use of dietary supplements. Blood samples were taken to determine plasma folate and homocysteine levels, and for genomic DNA extraction. A comparison of four studies was performed to assess pregnancy outcome in relation to MTHFR 677 TT vs. CC, and 1298 CC vs. AA polymorphisms.Main outcome measuresFolic acid supplement intake, and plasma folate, homocysteine and genomic assays.ResultsWomen in the infertility group used significantly more folic acid supplements and had better folate status than fertile women, but pregnancy outcome after fertility treatment was not dependent on folic acid intake, folate status or MTHFR gene variations.ConclusionHigh folic acid intakes and MTHFR gene variations seem not to be associated with helping women to achieve pregnancy during or after fertility treatment.
Improved Anti‐Emetic Efficacy of 5‐HT3 Receptor Antagonists in Cancer Patients with Genetic Polymorphisms of ABCB1 (MDR1) Drug Transporter
Authors: Zoto Teuta , Kilickap Saadettin , Yasar Umit , Celik Ismail , Bozkurt Atilla , Babaoglu Melih Onder 
Published: October 2014

AbstractChemotherapy‐induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) remains a major adverse effect decreasing quality of life in patients with cancer. Genetic variations among patients may be responsible for part of the lack of efficacy of anti‐emetic drugs. The aim of this study was to investigate how the genetic variants of the drug transporter ABCB1 (MDR1) gene affect anti‐emetic treatment with 5‐HT3 receptor antagonists. Patients (n = 239) receiving moderately or highly emetogenic chemotherapy and ondansetron or granisetron were included in the study. Anti‐emetic responses were recorded daily. The primary end‐point of the assessment was the total control rates of CINV in the acute and delayed phases after chemotherapy. Genotyping was performed by PCR‐RFLP. In the acute phase, patients with ABCB13435TT, 1236TT or 2677TT genotypes had a higher control rate of CINV than other genotype groups: (64.7% in 3435TT versus 45.7% in 3435CC+CT, p = 0.016; 65.1% in 1236TT versus 46.4% in 1236CC+CT, p = 0.027; 66.7% in 2677TT versus 46.5% in other genotypes, p = 0.021). Subjects carrying homozygous variant alleles together (TT‐TT‐TT) showed a significantly higher protection from nausea and vomiting (67.7% in TT‐TT‐TT versus 47.1% in other genotypes, p = 0.032). After the logistic regression analysis with adjustment for other known covariates, the total control rate was significantly higher in the 3435TT genotype group during the acute phase (p = 0.021). No significant change was found between the total control rates among genotypes in the delayed phase. Each of three 3435TT, C1236TT, 2677TT genotypes of ABCB1 and their combination was associated with about 50% higher anti‐emetic response to 5‐HT3 receptor antagonists in the acute phase of chemotherapy in patients with cancer receiving moderately or highly emetogenic chemotherapy. ABCB1 (MDR1) genotypes may contribute to predict the anti‐emetic efficacy of 5‐HT3 antagonists.
Pedagogical cues encourage toddlers' transmission of recently demonstrated functions to unfamiliar adults
Authors: Vredenburgh Christopher , Kushnir Tamar , Casasola Marianella 
Published: October 2014

AbstractYoung children use pedagogical cues as a signal that others' actions are social or cultural conventions. Here we show that children selectively transmit (enact in a new social situation) causal functions demonstrated pedagogically, even when they have learned and can produce alternative functions as well. Two‐year‐olds saw two novel toys, each with two functions. One experimenter demonstrated one function using pedagogical cues (eye contact and child‐directed speech) and a second experimenter demonstrated the alternative function using intentional actions towards the object, but without pedagogical cues. Children imitated both functions at equal rates initially, indicating equal causal learning from both types of demonstration. However, they were significantly more likely to enact the pedagogical function for a new adult not present during the initial demonstrations. These results indicate that pedagogical cues influence children's transmission of information, perhaps playing a role in the dissemination of cultural conventions from a young age.
Osteochondral dysplasia of the coxofemoral joints in a Friesian foal: Clinical findings and methods of diagnosis
Authors: Hermans H. , Veraa S. , Ploeg M. , Boerma S. , Hazewinkel H. A. W. , Back W. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryDiseases of the coxofemoral (hip) joint are infrequently diagnosed in horses. Most cases are presented as an unilateral condition and usually are of traumatic origin. This case report describes a Friesian foal with a clinically obvious thoracolumbar kyphosis, combined with a weight‐shifting stance and a shortened stride of both hindlimbs. General clinical and lameness examinations, computed tomographic examination of the pelvis, and macroscopic and histopathological examinations of the coxofemoral joints were performed. This revealed a final, phenotypical diagnosis of a primary osteochondral dysplasia of both coxofemoral joints with secondary osteoarthritis. Similar to the occurrence of this condition in other species and considering the small genetic basis of the Friesian horse breed, a genetic predisposing factor is suspected to play a key role in the developing mechanism of dysplastic coxofemoral joint disease in horses as illustrated with this case. Computed tomography scanning appears to be a useful imaging technique in the detection of coxofemoral joint disease in small horses and foals.
Differential involvement of glutathione S‐transferase mu 1 and multidrug resistance protein 1 in melanoma acquired resistance to vinca alkaloids
Authors: Attaoua Chaker , Vincent Laure‐Anaïs , Abdel Jaoued Aida , Hadj‐Kaddour Kamel , Baï Qiang , De Vos John , Vian Laurence , Cuq Pierre 
Published: October 2014

AbstractOn account of its extreme intrinsic resistance to apoptosis and of its strong ability to become chemoresistant after a primary response to drugs, malignant melanoma (MM) is still a therapeutic challenge. We previously showed that glutathione S‐transferase mu 1 (GSTM1) acts in synergy with multidrug resistance protein 1 (MRP1) to protect GSTM1‐transfected human CAL1 melanoma cells from toxic effects of vincristine (VCR). Herein, we investigated the role of these proteins in the acquired resistance of CAL1 cells to vinca alkaloids (VAs). Resistant lines were established by continuous exposure (>1 year) of parental CAL1‐wt cells to VCR, vindesine (VDS), or vinorelbine (VRB): CAL1R‐VCR, CAL1R‐VDS, CAL1R‐VRB, respectively. All resistant lines displayed more than 10‐fold increase in resistance to their selection VA, and specifically expressed GSTM1. Suggesting a direct interaction between this protein and VAs, each VA specifically decreased the GSTM1‐mediated glutathione conjugation activity in cell lysates. Curcumin (GSTM1 inhibitor), BSO (glutathione synthesis inhibitor), and MK571 (MRP1 inhibitor) considerably reversed the acquired resistance to VCR and VDS, but not to VRB. Microarray data analysis revealed similar gene expression patterns of CAL1R‐VCR and CAL1R‐VDS, and a distinct one for CAL1R‐VRB. These data suggest a differential involvement of GSTM1 and MRP1 in acquired resistance to VAs. A coordinated expression and activity of GSTM1 and MRP1 is required to protect CAL1 cells from VCR and VDS, while the simple expression of GSTM1 is sufficient, possibly by a direct drug/protein interaction, to confer resistance against VRB.
Fracture life prediction and sensitivity analysis for hollow extrusion dies
Authors: Qamar S. Z. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIt has been reported in literature that extrusion dies most often fail by fatigue fracture. Experimental studies have shown that cracks pre‐exist in dies because of various factors including machining, heat treatment and surface hardening. High levels of repeated mechanical and thermal loads result in crack propagation leading to ultimate fracture failure. In an earlier work by the authors, a simplified approach of plate‐with‐edge‐crack was used to develop a fracture mechanics based fatigue life prediction model for tube dies. In the current work, extrusion die is modeled as a pressurized‐cylinder‐with‐internal‐crack, a more realistic approach for a hollow (tube) die. Stochastic nature of various fatigue‐related die parameters has been used to reflect their variability. Monte Carlo simulation has been performed to forecast fracture failure of extrusion dies under a given set of operating conditions and mechanical properties. Predicted mean‐time‐to‐failure is quite close to actual average extrusion die life data from the industry. Using tube die as a basis, fracture life of other hollow profiles can be estimated through their shape complexity values.Analysis has also been carried out to evaluate how sensitive fracture life of hollow extrusion dies is to material and process parameters. Major findings are that die life is highly sensitive to initial crack size, wall thickness, profile outer diameter and billet length; moderately sensitive to Paris constant and extrusion ratio; and only slightly sensitive to fracture toughness and ram speed. These results can contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors responsible for fracture failure of an extrusion die exposed to thermo‐mechanical fatigue environment.
Fatigue experimental analysis and numerical simulation of FSW joints for 2219 Al–Cu alloy
Authors: Sun G. , Niu J. , Wang D. , Chen S. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractFatigue properties of friction stir welding (FSW) butt joints for Al–Cu alloy 2219‐T6 were investigated by experimental analysis and numerical simulation. Microstructure characteristics of FSW butt joints for 2219 aluminium alloy were studied during different fatigue stages. Micro hardness values and grain sizes across the FSW joint at different cycles were measured to study the fatigue properties of the joint. Local mechanical performances of the FSW butt joints were investigated based on the micro tensile tests. Fatigue parameters of different regions in the FSW joints were obtained from the four‐point‐correlation method. The local stress and strain response of the FSW joints were obtained based on mechanical performances of the micro tension specimens. The comparison results between simulation and tests analysis show that the built finite element model is effective for estimating the weak areas for FSW joints.
Crack and Damage Velocities in Ballistic Experiments
Authors: Anderson Charles E. , Bigger Rory P. , Weiss Carl E. 
Published: October 2014

A series of ballistic impact experiments were conducted against a borosilicate glass (Borofloat®33) bonded to a polycarbonate substrate. Two of the objectives of the experiments were to measure crack velocities in the glass, and to measure the damage velocity in the glass. The speed of distinct propagating cracks was found to be 1.92 ± 0.03 km/s, independent of impact velocity. The maximum rate of damage propagation was found to be a function of impact velocity, but the damage velocity plateaued at 2.07 ± 0.04 km/s.
MiRNA‐30a inhibits AECs‐II apoptosis by blocking mitochondrial fission dependent on Drp‐1
Authors: Mao Cuiping , Zhang Jinjin , Lin Shengcui , Jing Lili , Xiang Jing , Wang Meirong , Wang Bingsi , Xu Pan , Liu Weili , Song Xiaodong , Lv Changjun 
Published: October 2014

AbstractApoptosis of type II alveolar epithelial cells (AECs‐II) is a key determinant of initiation and progression of lung fibrosis. However, the mechanism of miR‐30a participation in the regulation of AECs‐II apoptosis is ambiguous. In this study, we investigated whether miR‐30a could block AECs‐II apoptosis by repressing mitochondrial fission dependent on dynamin‐related protein‐1 (Drp‐1). The levels of miR‐30a in vivo and in vitro were determined through quantitative real‐time PCR (qRT‐PCR). The inhibition of miR‐30a in AECs‐II apoptosis, mitochondrial fission and its dependence on Drp‐1, and Drp‐1 expression and translocation were detected using miR‐30a mimic, inhibitor‐transfection method (gain‐ and loss‐of‐function), or Drp‐1 siRNA technology. Results showed that miR‐30a decreased in lung fibrosis. Gain‐ and loss‐of‐function studies revealed that the up‐regulation of miR‐30a could decrease AECs‐II apoptosis, inhibit mitochondrial fission, and reduce Drp‐1 expression and translocation. MiR‐30a mimic/inhibitor and Drp‐1 siRNA co‐transfection showed that miR‐30a could inhibit the mitochondrial fission dependent on Drp‐1. This study demonstrated that miR‐30a inhibited AECs‐II apoptosis by repressing the mitochondrial fission dependent on Drp‐1, and could function as a novel therapeutic target for lung fibrosis.
Protein kinase Cδ promotes proliferation and induces malignant transformation in skeletal muscle
Authors: Czifra Gabriella , Szöllősi Attila , Nagy Zsuzsanna , Boros Miklós , Juhász István , Kiss Andrea , Erdődi Ferenc , Szabó Tamás , Kovács Ilona , Török Miklós , Kovács László , Blumberg Peter M. , Bíró Tamás 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIn this paper, we investigated the isoform‐specific roles of certain protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms in the regulation of skeletal muscle growth. Here, we provide the first intriguing functional evidence that nPKCδ (originally described as an inhibitor of proliferation in various cells types) is a key player in promoting both in vitro and in vivo skeletal muscle growth. Recombinant overexpression of a constitutively active nPKCδ in C2C12 myoblast increased proliferation and inhibited differentiation. Conversely, overexpression of kinase‐negative mutant of nPKCδ (DN‐nPKCδ) markedly inhibited cell growth. Moreover, overexpression of nPKCδ also stimulated in vivo tumour growth and induced malignant transformation in immunodeficient (SCID) mice whereas that of DN‐nPKCδ suppressed tumour formation. The role of nPKCδ in the formation of rhabdomyosarcoma was also investigated where recombinant overexpression of nPKCδ in human rhabdomyosarcoma RD cells also increased cell proliferation and enhanced tumour formation in mouse xenografts. The other isoforms investigated (PKCα, β, ε) exerted only minor (mostly growth‐inhibitory) effects in skeletal muscle cells. Collectively, our data introduce nPKCδ as a novel growth‐promoting molecule in skeletal muscles and invite further trials to exploit its therapeutic potential in the treatment of skeletal muscle malignancies.
A river flash flood forecasting model coupled with ensemble Kalman filter
Authors: Kimura N. , Hsu M.‐H. , Tsai M.‐Y. , Tsao M.‐C. , Yu S.‐L. , Tai A. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractA flash flood forecasting model including a state‐of‐the‐art data assimilation method was developed to provide a precise water stage forecast for flood emergency response. The model integrates a flash flood routing model (FFRM) coupled with an ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) and an artificial neural network (ANN) submodel. In the model, the ANN forecasts river water stages at gauge stations first. Then, these are used as the initial and boundary conditions of the FFRM. The water stages, simulated from the FFRM, are then corrected by the EnKF for lead time. The model was applied to the Tanshui River watershed in northern Taiwan during past typhoons. The model forecasts almost covered the data observed during a typhoon period to within 95% confidence intervals. Compared with the use of FFRM without EnKF, the forecast water stages from the EnKF improved the accuracy at the conjunctions between upstream and downstream channels and the steep slope location.