bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis B virus‐associated nephropathy in a patient with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Zou Qing‐Ling , Wei Gui‐Na , Chen Jia‐Xi , Ye Qin , Shan Peng‐Fei 
Published: August 2013

AbstractHepatitis B virus (HBV)‐associated nephropathy is not a rare manifestation of HBV infection; this could result in diagnostic confusion and the possible misidentification of a diabetic patient with albuminuria. We present the first published case of a HBV‐associated nephropathy occurring in a patient with diabetes. The patient was a 24‐year‐old man who was admitted to hospital with 4 days of generalized swelling and oliguria. He had a 3‐year history of weight loss, and a 1‐year history of polydipsia and polyuria before the symptoms of generalized swelling and oliguria appeared. Laboratory tests showed a fasting blood sugar of 15.1 mmol/L and glycated hemoglobin of 18.1%. The 24‐h urine protein excretion was 2807.8 mg and serum albumin was 19.1 g/L. The diagnosis of HBV‐associated nephropathy was confirmed by serological evaluations of HBV antigen and antibodies, immunohistochemical evidence of HBV‐related antigens, and immune complexes in renal biopsies. The decreased proteinuria was observed after antiviral therapy.
Factors influencing infant‐feeding choices selected by HIV‐infected mothers: Perspectives from Zimbabwe
Authors: Marembo Joan , Zvinavashe Mathilda , Nyamakura Rudo , Shaibu Sheila , Mogobe Keitshokile Dintle 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAimTo assess factors influencing infant‐feeding methods selected by HIV‐infected mothers.MethodsA descriptive quantitative study was conducted among 80 mothers with babies aged 0–6 months who were randomly selected and interviewed. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings.ResultsFactors considered by women in choosing the infant‐feeding methods included sociocultural acceptability (58.8%), feasibility and support from significant others (35%), knowledge of the selected method (55%), affordability (61.2%), implementation of the infant‐feeding method without interference (62.5%), and safety (47.5%). Exclusive breast‐feeding was the most preferred method of infant feeding. Disclosure of HIV status by a woman to her partner is a major condition for successful replacement feeding method, especially within the African cultural context. However, disclosure of HIV status to the partner was feared by most women as only 16.2% of the women disclosed their HIV status to partners.ConclusionThe factors considered by women in choosing the infant‐feeding option were ability to implement the options without interference from significant others, affordability, and sociocultural acceptability. Knowledge of the selected option, its advantages and disadvantages, safety, and feasibility were also important factors. Nurses and midwives have to educate clients and support them in their choice of infant‐feeding methods.
PI3Kγ contributes to MEK1/2 activation in oxidative glutamate toxicity via PDK1
Authors: Ha Jong Seong , Kwon Ki‐Sun , Park Sung Sup 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe role of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K) in oxidative glutamate toxicity is not clear. Here, we investigate its role in HT22 mouse hippocampal cells and primary cortical neuronal cultures, showing that inhibitors of PI3K, LY294002, and wortmannin suppress extracellular hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation and increase cell survival during glutamate toxicity in HT22 cells. The mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) inhibitor U0126 also reduced glutamate‐induced H2O2 generation and inhibited phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2. LY294002 was seen to abolish phosphorylation of both ERK1/2 and Akt. A small interfering RNA (siRNA) study showed that PI3Kβ and PI3Kγ, rather than PI3Kα and PI3Kδ, contribute to glutamate‐induced H2O2 generation and cell death. PI3Kγ knockdown also inhibited glutamate‐induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, whereas transfection with the constitutively active form of human PI3Kγ (PI3Kγ‐CAAX) triggered MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 phosphorylation and H2O2 generation without glutamate exposure. This H2O2 generation was reduced by inhibition of MEK. Transfection with kinase‐dead 3‐phosphoinositide‐dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1‐KD) reduced glutamate‐induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation and H2O2 generation. Accordingly, cotransfection of cells with PDK1‐KD and PI3Kγ‐CAAX suppressed PI3Kγ‐CAAX‐triggered ERK1/2 phosphorylation and H2O2 generation. These results suggest that activation of PI3Kγ induces ERK1/2 phosphorylation, leading to extracellular H2O2 generation via PDK1 in oxidative glutamate toxicity.
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Glutamate induces extracellular H2O2 generation by NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4), leading to cell death in neurons. Our experiments, using siRNAs and chemical inhibitors, showed the PI3Kγ‐PDK1‐MEK axis but not Akt1, mTOR, or S6K to be involved in the glutamate‐induced H2O2 generation and the subsequent toxicity in neurons.
Mapping Hedonic Data: A Process Perspective
Authors: Ennis Daniel M. , Ennis John M. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractMultivariate analyses are commonly used to study differences among items in a multidimensional space and to relate these findings to hedonic assessments of the same items. But there are numerous methods in use and the purpose of this article is to review these methods from a process standpoint. Specifically, this article considers the process assumptions behind several of the popular methods for multivariate mapping of hedonic data and argues that experimenters should consider how their data arise so that they can correctly interpret their findings. Among the methods considered in this article are models based on the hedonic continuum, internal and external preference mapping, and deterministic and probabilistic unfolding of preference and liking.Practical ApplicationsMultivariate mapping of hedonic data has led to improved consumer products and a better understanding of consumer liking and choice. In this article, practitioners will find guidance in their choice of methods through a consideration of the processes that generate their data. Without a process‐based perspective, practitioners will not be able to optimally interpret results from the wide variety of available multivariate mapping methods.
Enteropathogens in pups from pet shops and breeding facilities
Authors: Dupont S. , Butaye P. , Claerebout E. , Theuns S. , Duchateau L. , Van de Maele I. , Daminet S. 
Published: August 2013

ObjectivesTo evaluate faecal and clinical scores and presence of several enteropathogens possibly implicated in the development of diarrhoea in pups aged between 6 and 16 weeks independently of their health status.MethodsPups were selected from pet shops and breeding facilities and assigned a faecal and clinical score. Standard isolation methods were used to determine presence of parasites, viruses and bacteria in faecal samples. ForEscherichia coli, virulence genes were assessed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction.ResultsFifty‐six pups were included in this study. Eighteen had no diarrhoea, 22 had no significant clinical signs related to gastroenteritis. Samples were positive forToxocara canis(n=29),Giardia duodenalis(n=35),Cystoisospora(n=22),E. coli(n=47) andClostridium perfringens(n=20). In fourE. colipositive samples, genes were detected that correlate with pathogenicity in other animal species. A significant positive correlation between the presence ofT. canisand faecal score was found.Clinical SignificancePuppies obtained from a pet shop or breeding facility have a high risk of gastrointestinal disease. Furthermore, infectious agents may be present independently of faecal or clinical score. The identification of possible pathogenicE. colistrains suggests that their role in diarrhoea warrant further investigation.
Fragmentation ofAtlanticForest has not affected gene flow of a widespread seed‐dispersing bat
Authors: McCulloch Eve S. , Sebastián Tello J. , Whitehead Andrew , Rolón‐Mendoza Claudia M. J. , Maldonado‐Rodríguez Mario C. D. , Stevens Richard D. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractHabitat loss and resultant fragmentation are major threats to biodiversity, particularly in tropical and subtropical ecosystems. It is increasingly urgent to understand fragmentation effects, which are often complex and vary across taxa, time and space. We determined whether recent fragmentation ofAtlantic forest is causing population subdivision in a widespread and importantNeotropical seed disperser:Artibeus lituratus(Chiroptera:Phyllostomidae). Genetic structure within highly fragmented forest inParaguay was compared to that in mostly contiguous forest in neighbouringMisiones,Argentina. Further, observed genetic structure across the fragmented landscape was compared with expected levels of structure for similar time spans in realistic simulated landscapes under different degrees of reduction in gene flow. If fragmentation significantly reduced successful dispersal, greater population differentiation and stronger isolation by distance would be expected in the fragmented than in the continuous landscape, and genetic structure in the fragmented landscape should be similar to structure for simulated landscapes where dispersal had been substantially reduced. Instead, little genetic differentiation was observed, and no significant correlation was found between genetic and geographic distance in fragmented or continuous landscapes. Furthermore, comparison of empirical and simulated landscapes indicated empirical results were consistent with regular long‐distance dispersal and high migration rates. Our results suggest maintenance of high gene flow for this relatively mobile and generalist species, which could be preventing or significantly delaying reduction in population connectivity in fragmented habitat. Our conclusions apply toA. lituratusinInteriorAtlanticForest, and do not contradict broad evidence that habitat fragmentation is contributing to extinction of populations and species, and poses a threat to biodiversity worldwide.
Multilocus patterns of genetic variation across Cryptosporidium species suggest balancing selection at the gp60 locus
Authors: Abal‐Fabeiro J. L. , Maside X. , Bello X. , Llovo J. , Bartolomé C. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractCryptosporidium is an apicomplexan protozoan that lives in most vertebrates, including humans. Its gp60 gene is functionally involved in its attachment to host cells, and its high level of genetic variation has made it the reference marker for sample typing in epidemiological studies. To understand the origin of such high diversity and to determine the extent to which this classification applies to the rest of the genome, we analysed the patterns of variation at gp60 and nine other nuclear loci in isolates of three Cryptosporidium species. Most loci showed low genetic polymorphism (πS <1%) and similar levels of between‐species divergence. Contrastingly, gp60 exhibited very different characteristics: (i) it was nearly ten times more variable than the other loci; (ii) it displayed a significant excess of polymorphisms relative to between‐species differences in a maximum‐likelihood Hudson–Kreitman–Aguadé test; (iii) gp60 subtypes turned out to be much older than the species they were found in; and (iv) showed a significant excess of polymorphic variants shared across species from random expectations. These observations suggest that this locus evolves under balancing selection and specifically under negative frequency‐dependent selection (FDS). Interestingly, genetic variation at the other loci clusters very well within the groups of isolates defined by gp60 subtypes, which may provide new tools to understand the genome‐wide patterns of genetic variation of the parasite in the wild. These results suggest that gp60 plays an active and essential role in the life cycle of the parasite and that genetic variation at this locus might be essential for the parasite's long‐term success.
Resource Leveling in Line‐of‐Balance Scheduling
Authors: Damci Atilla , Arditi David , Polat Gul 
Published: August 2013

AbstractResource leveling involves minimizing resource fluctuations without changing the completion time of a project. A smooth distribution of resources minimizes logistical problems and results in cost savings. Line‐of‐balance (LOB) is a resource‐based scheduling system that is used in projects that exhibit repetitive characteristics, performs resource allocation as a matter of course, but does not deal with resource leveling. In the past, researchers experienced declines in productivity whenever they leveled resources in different linear scheduling models by adjusting activities’ production rates. The objective of this research is to develop a genetic algorithm‐based resource leveling model for LOB schedules that does not impact productivity negatively. This model is based on the “natural rhythm” principle, according to which a crew of optimum size will be able to complete an activity in the most productive way. The “natural rhythm” principle allows shifting the start time of an activity at different units by adjusting the number of crews without changing the duration of the activity in any one unit and without violating the precedence relationships between activities. An LOB schedule is established for a pipeline project and is used to illustrate the proposed resource leveling model. It was observed that the model provides a smoother resource utilization histogram. Performing resource leveling in LOB scheduling without sacrificing productivity is the major contribution of the proposed model.
Green Targeting Predictor and Ambiguous Targeting Predictor 2: the pitfalls of plant protein targeting prediction and of transient protein expression in heterologous systems
Authors: Fuss Janina , Liegmann Oliver , Krause Kirsten , Rensing Stefan A. 
Published: August 2013

Summary

The challenges of plant protein targeting prediction are the existence of dual subcellular targets and the bias of experimentally confirmed data towards few and mostly nonplant model species.

To assess whether training with proteins from evolutionarily distant species has a negative impact on prediction accuracy, we developed the Green Targeting Predictor tool, which was trained with a species‐specific data set for Physcomitrella patens. Its performance was compared with that of the same tool trained with a mixed data set. In addition, we updated the Ambiguous Targeting Predictor.

We found that predictions deviated from in vivo observations predominantly for proteins diverging within the green lineage, as well as for dual targeted proteins. To evaluate the usefulness of heterologous expression systems, selected proteins were subjected to localization studies in P. patens, Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana tabacum. Four out of six proteins that show dual targeting in the original plant system were located only in a single compartment in one or both heterologous systems.

We conclude that targeting signals of divergent plant species exhibit differences, calling for custom in silico and in vivo approaches when aiming to unravel the actual distribution patterns of proteins within a plant cell.
Spatial‐temporal analysis of zinc homeostasis reveals the response mechanisms to acute zinc deficiency in Sorghum bicolor
Authors: Li Yulong , Zhang Yuan , Shi Dongqing , Liu Xiaojing , Qin Jun , Ge Qing , Xu Longhua , Pan Xiangliang , Li Wei , Zhu Yiyong , Xu Jin 
Published: August 2013

Summary

Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient in plants. The activity of copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (CSD) and carbonic anhydrase (CA) correlate with differences in Zn efficiency in plants; therefore, it is reasonable to hypothesize the existence of a Zn economy model that saves Zn for these essential Zn proteins during Zn deficiency. However, up to this point, direct evidence for the idea that CSD and/or CA might be priorities for Zn delivery has been lacking.

Here, we investigated the spatial‐temporal effects of acute Zn depletion and resupply by integrating physiological studies and molecular analyses using hydroponically grown Sorghum.

The elevated expression of miR398 repressed CSD expression in roots, whereas the reduced expression of miR528 resulted in a relatively stable level of CSD expression in Sorghum leaves under Zn depletion.

Spatial‐temporal analysis after Zn resupply to previously depleted plants revealed that the expression and activity of CA were the first to recover after Zn addition, whereas the recovery of the activities of CSD and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) was delayed, suggesting that CA receives priority in Zn delivery over CSD and ADH. Our results also indicate that microRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of the response of Zn deficiency in plants.
Defining the selectivity of processes along the auxin response chain: a study using auxin analogues
Authors: Simon Sibu , Kubeš Martin , Baster Pawel , Robert Stéphanie , Dobrev Petre Ivanov , Friml Jiří , Petrášek Jan , Zažímalová Eva 
Published: August 2013

Summary

The mode of action of auxin is based on its non‐uniform distribution within tissues and organs. Despite the wide use of several auxin analogues in research and agriculture, little is known about the specificity of different auxin‐related transport and signalling processes towards these compounds.

Using seedlings of Arabidopsis thaliana and suspension‐cultured cells of Nicotiana tabacum (BY‐2), the physiological activity of several auxin analogues was investigated, together with their capacity to induce auxin‐dependent gene expression, to inhibit endocytosis and to be transported across the plasma membrane.

This study shows that the specificity criteria for different auxin‐related processes vary widely. Notably, the special behaviour of some synthetic auxin analogues suggests that they might be useful tools in investigations of the molecular mechanism of auxin action. Thus, due to their differential stimulatory effects on DR5 expression, indole‐3‐propionic (IPA) and 2,4,5‐trichlorophenoxy acetic (2,4,5‐T) acids can serve in studies of TRANSPORT INHIBITOR RESPONSE 1/AUXIN SIGNALLING F‐BOX (TIR1/AFB)‐mediated auxin signalling, and 5‐fluoroindole‐3‐acetic acid (5‐F‐IAA) can help to discriminate between transcriptional and non‐transcriptional pathways of auxin signalling.

The results demonstrate that the major determinants for the auxin‐like physiological potential of a particular compound are very complex and involve its chemical and metabolic stability, its ability to distribute in tissues in a polar manner and its activity towards auxin signalling machinery.
Evaluation of single‐cell biomechanics as potential marker for oral squamous cell carcinomas: a pilot study
Authors: Runge J , Reichert TE , Fritsch A , Käs J , Bertolini J , Remmerbach TW 
Published: August 2013

ObjectivesEarly detection of oral cancer is a major health issue. The objective of this pilot study was to analyze the deformability of healthy and cancer cells using a microfluidic optical stretcher (OS).Material and MethodsDifferent cancer cell lines, primary oral cancer cells, and their healthy counterparts were cultivated and characterized, respectively. A measurable deformation of the cells along the optical axis was detected, caused by surface stress, which is optically induced by the laser power.ResultsAll cells revealed a viscoelastic extension behavior and showed a characteristic deformation response under laser light exposure. The CAL‐27/‐33 cells exhibited the highest relative deformation. All other cells achieved similar values, but on a lower level. The cytoskeleton reacts sensitively of changing environmental conditions, which may be influenced by growth behavior of the cancer specimens. Nevertheless, the statistical analysis showed significant differences between healthy and cancer cells.ConclusionGenerally, malignant and benign cells showed significantly different mechanical behavior. Cancer‐related changes influence the composition of the cytoskeleton and thus affect the deformability, but this effect may be superimposed by cell cultivation conditions or cell doubling time. These influences had to be substituted by brush biopsies to minimize confounders in pursuing investigations.
Understanding Multiple and Competing Roles: China's Roles in the International Order
Authors: Jones Catherine 
Published: August 2013

During the Xinhai revolution, China faced contending domestic identities, and its roles within the international order were assigned by external powers. In the 100 years that have followed, China's internal competing identities have become more stable and it now faces major challenges in reconciling its contending international identities. China's current ascendency returns it to a position of directing the international order, which resembles its position before the Xinhai revolution.As China changes international identities and gradually moves from being a developing state to a great power, it creates uncertainty among other states. In order for China's rise to continue, it needs to prevent this uncertainty from becoming conflict: it needs a stable international environment. This paper argues that by adopting a view of China's rise as a series of shifts in its identity, the scepter of conflict can be reduced because the uncertainty that is being created can be understood as well as contribute understanding about international behavior. This paper looks at the roles and identities displayed by China at the UN Climate Change conferences.
Tomato cystatin SlCYS8 as a stabilizing fusion partner for human serpin expression in plants
Authors: Sainsbury Frank , Varennes‐Jutras Philippe , Goulet Marie‐Claire , D'Aoust Marc‐André , Michaud Dominique 
Published: August 2013

SummaryStudies have reported the usefulness of fusion proteins to bolster recombinant protein yields in plants. Here, we assess the potential of tomato SlCYS8, a Cys protease inhibitor of the cystatin protein superfamily, as a stabilizing fusion partner for human alpha‐1‐antichymotrypsin (α1ACT) targeted to the plant cell secretory pathway. Using the model expression platform Nicotiana benthamiana, we show that the cystatin imparts a strong stabilizing effect when expressed as a translational fusion with α1ACT, allowing impressive accumulation yields of over 2 mg/g of fresh weight tissue for the human serpin, a 25‐fold improvement on the yield of α1ACT expressed alone. Natural and synthetic peptide linkers inserted between SlCYS8 and α1ACT have differential effects on protease inhibitory potency of the two protein partners in vitro. They also have a differential impact on the yield of α1ACT, dependent on the extent to which the hybrid protein may remain intact in the plant cell environment. The stabilizing effect of SlCYS8 does not involve Cys protease inhibition and can be partly reproduced in the cytosol, where peptide linkers are less susceptible to degradation. The effect of SlCYS8 on α1ACT yields could be explained by: (i) an improved translation of the human protein coding sequence; and/or (ii) an overall stabilization of its tertiary structure preventing proteolytic degradation and/or polymerization. These findings suggest the potential of plant cystatins as stabilizing fusion partners for recombinant proteins in plant systems. They also underline the need for an empirical assessment of peptide linker functions in plant cell environments.