bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
GTPase of the immune-associated nucleotide-binding protein 5 (GIMAP5) regulates calcium influx in T-lymphocytes by promoting mitochondrial calcium accumulation
Authors: Chen Xi Lin , Serrano Daniel , Mayhue Marian , Wieden Hans-Joachim , Stankova Jana , Boulay Guylain , Ilangumaran Subburaj , Ramanathan Sheela 
Published: October 2012

Mature T-lymphocytes undergo spontaneous apoptosis in the biobreeding diabetes-prone strain of rats due to the loss of the functional GIMAP5 (GTPase of the immune-associated nucleotide-binding protein 5) protein. The mechanisms underlying the pro-survival function of GIMAP5 in T-cells have not yet been elucidated. We have previously shown that GIMAP5 deficiency in T-cells impairs Ca2+ entry via plasma membrane channels following exposure to thapsigargin or stimulation of the T-cell antigen receptor. In the present study we report that this reduced Ca2+ influx in GIMAP5-deficient T-cells is associated with the inability of their mitochondria to sequester Ca2+ following capacitative entry, which is required for sustained Ca2+ influx via the plasma membrane channels. Consistent with a role for GIMAP5 in regulating mitochondrial Ca2+, overexpression of GIMAP5 in HEK (human embryonic kidney)-293 cells resulted in increased Ca2+ accumulation within the mitochondria. Disruption of microtubules, but not the actin cytoskeleton, abrogated mitochondrial Ca2+ sequestration in primary rat T-cells, whereas both microtubules and actin cytoskeleton were needed for the GIMAP5-mediated increase in mitochondrial Ca2+ in HEK-293 cells. Moreover, GIMAP5 showed partial colocalization with tubulin in HEK-293 cells. On the basis of these findings, we propose that the pro-survival function of GIMAP5 in T-lymphocytes may be linked to its requirement to facilitate microtubule-dependent mitochondrial buffering of Ca2+ following capacitative entry.
Mass spectrometric study of discharges produced by a large-area dual-frequency–dual-antenna inductively coupled plasma source
Authors: Mishra Anurag , Kim Tae Hyung , Kim Kyong Nam , Yeom Geun Young 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
An energy-resolved quadrupole mass spectrometer is used to investigate the time-averaged ion energy distribution (IED) of positive ionic species in an Ar/CF4 (90%/10%) discharge produced by dual-frequency–dual-antenna, next-generation large-area inductively coupled plasma source. The operating pressure is 10 mTorr. Two radio frequencies of 2 MHz (low frequency) and 13.56 MHz (high frequency) are used to initiate and sustain the discharge. The orifice of the mass spectrometer was 100 µm in diameter and placed at 30 mm below the ICP source and 20 mm outside the discharge volume.
It is observed that both of the frequencies have significant effect on IEDs of all prominent discharge species. The evolution of IEDs with power shows that the discharge undergoes a mode transition (E to H) as the applied power is increased. At a fixed value of P
13.56 MHz (250 and 500 W), the energy spread and the energy separation between two peaks of IEDs increase illustrating enhanced E-mode. Above P
13.56 MHz = 500 W, the IEDs show opposite trends, i.e. decreasing energy spread and energy separation between two peaks, showing the strengthening of H-mode. Increasing P
13.56 MHz at a fixed value of P
2 MHz has similar effects. A comparison of IEDs sampled at a fixed total power (P
13.56 MHz + P
2 MHz) demonstrates that an IED can be tailored by changing the power ratio (P
13.56 MHz/P
2 MHz).
Three decades of heart transplantation in Scandinavia: long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Dellgren Göran , Geiran Odd , Lemström Karl , Gustafsson Finn , Eiskjaer Hans , Koul Bansi , Hagerman Inger , Selimovic Nedim ,   on behalf of the Nordic Thoracic Transplant Study Group
Published: October 2012

AimHeart transplantation (HTx) has become a standard treatment for patients with end‐stage heart disease. The aim of this study was to report the long‐term outcome after HTx in Scandinavia.Methods and resultsDuring the period, 1983–2009, 2333 HTxs were performed in 2293 patients (mean age 45 ± 16 years, range 0–70, 78% male). The main indications for HTx were non‐ischaemic cardiomyopathy (50%), ischaemic cardiomyopathy (34%), valvular cardiomyopathy (3%), congenital heart disease (7%), retransplantation (2%), and miscellaneous (4%). The registry consists of pre‐operative data from recipients and donors, data from pre‐operative procedures, and long‐term follow‐up data. Mean follow‐up was 7.8 ± 6.6 years (median 6.9, interquartile range 2.5–12.3, interval 0–27) and no patients were lost to follow‐up. Long‐term survival for HTx patients was 85, 76, 61, 43, and 30% at 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20 years of follow‐up, respectively. Ten‐year survival in patients bridged with mechanical circulatory support, in children, after retransplantation, and after concomitant other organ transplantation was 56, 74, 38, and 43%, respectively. Older patients (age >55 years) had a significantly worse survival (P < 0.001). Patients transplanted more recently had a significantly better survival (P < 0.001). In a multivariate Cox regression analysis, independent predictors of long‐term survival were recipient age (P < 0.001), donor age (P < 0.001), diagnosis (P = 0.001), and era of transplantation (P < 0.001).ConclusionsHTx in Scandinavia proves to have a significantly better survival among patients transplanted in the last decade. HTxs from mechanical circulatory support, in children, after retransplantation, and with concomitant other organ transplantation were performed with acceptable results.
Feedback effects of aspherical supernova explosions on galaxies
Authors: Bekki Kenji , Shigeyama Toshikazu , Tsujimoto Takuji 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
We investigate how explosions of aspherical supernovae (A-SNe) can influence star formation histories and chemical evolution of dwarf galaxies by using a new chemodynamical model. We mainly present the numerical results of two comparative models so that the A-SN feedback effects on galaxies can be more clearly seen. SNe originating from stars with masses larger than 30 M⊙ are A-SNe in the ‘ASN’ model, whereas all SNe are spherical ones (S-SNe) in the ‘SSN’ model. Each S-SN and A-SN are assumed to release feedback energy of 1051 and 1052 erg, respectively, and chemical yields and feedback energy of A-SN ejecta depend on angles between the axis of symmetry and the ejection directions. We find that star formation can become at least by a factor of ∼3 lower in the ASN model in comparison with the SSN one owing to the more energetic feedback of A-SNe. As a result of this, chemical evolution can proceed very slowly in the ASN model. A-SN feedback effects can play a significant role in the formation of giant gaseous holes and energetic gaseous outflow and unique chemical abundances (e.g. high [Mg/Ca]). Based on these results, we provide a number of implications of the A-SN feedback effects on galaxy formation and evolution.
Characterization, crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of an (S)-specific esterase (pfEstA) fromPseudomonas fluorescensKCTC 1767: enantioselectivity for potential industrial applications
Authors: Kim Seulgi , Duc Ngo Tri , Kim Kyeong Kyu , Kim T. Doohun 
Published: October 2012

The structures and reaction mechanisms of enantioselective hydrolases, which can be used in industrial applications such as biotransformations, are largely unknown. Here, the X-ray crystallographic study of a novel (S)-specific esterase (pfEstA) fromPseudomonas fluorescensKCTC 1767, which can be used in the production of (S)-ketoprofen, is described. Multiple sequence alignments with other hydrolases revealed thatpfEstA contains a conserved Ser67 within the S-X-X-K motif as well as a highly conserved Tyr156. Recombinant protein containing an N-terminal His tag was expressed inEscherichia coli, purified to homogeneity and characterized using SDS–PAGE, MALDI-TOF MS and enantioselective analysis.pfEstA was crystallized using a solution consisting of 1 Msodium citrate, 0.1 MCHES pH 9.5, and X-ray diffraction data were collected to a resolution of 1.9 Å with anRmergeof 7.9%. The crystals ofpfEstA belonged to space groupP212121, with unit-cell parametersa= 65.31,b= 82.13,c = 100.41 Å, α = β = γ = 90°.
Expression, purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray structure analysis ofVibrio choleraeuridine phosphorylase in complex with thymidine
Authors: Lashkov Alexander A. , Gabdulkhakov Azat G. , Prokofev Igor I. , Seregina Tatyana A. , Sotnichenko Sergey E. , Lyashenko Andrey V. , Shtil Alexander A. , Mironov Alexander S. , Betzel Christian , Mikhailov Al'bert M. 
Published: October 2012

A high-resolution structure of the complex ofVibrio choleraeuridine phosphorylase (VchUPh) with its physiological ligand thymidine is important in order to determine the mechanism of the substrate specificity of the enzyme and for the rational design of pharmacological modulators. Here, the expression and purification ofVchUPh and the crystallization of its complex with thymidine are reported. Conditions for crystallization were determined with an automated Cartesian Dispensing System using The Classics, MbClass and MbClass II Suites crystallization kits. Crystals of theVchUPh–thymidine complex (of dimensions ∼200–350 µm) were grown by the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method in ∼7 d at 291 K. The crystallization solution consisted of 1.5 µlVchUPh (15 mg ml−1), 1 µl 0.1 Mthymidine and 1.5 µl reservoir solution [15%(w/v) PEG 4000, 0.2 MMgCl2.6H2O in 0.1 MTris–HCl pH 8.5]. The crystals diffracted to 2.12 Å resolution and belonged to space groupP21(No. 4), with unit-cell parametersa = 91.80,b= 95.91,c= 91.89 Å, β = 119.96°. The Matthews coefficient was calculated as 2.18 Å3 Da−1; the corresponding solvent content was 43.74%.
Crystallization and first data collection of the putative transfer protein TraN from the Gram-positive conjugative plasmid pIP501
Authors: Goessweiner-Mohr Nikolaus , Fercher Christian , Abajy Mohammad Yaser , Grohmann Elisabeth , Keller Walter 
Published: October 2012

Conjugative plasmid transfer is the most important route for the spread of resistance and virulence genes among bacteria. Consequently, bacteria carrying conjugative plasmids are a substantial threat to human health, especially hospitalized patients. Whilst detailed information about the process has been obtained for Gram-negative type-4 secretion systems, little is known about the corresponding mechanisms in Gram-positive (G+) bacteria. The successful purification and crystallization of the putative transfer protein TraN from the G+ conjugative model plasmid pIP501 ofEnterococcus faecalisare presented. Native crystals diffracted to 1.8 Å resolution on a synchrotron beamline. The crystals belonged to space groupP21, with unit-cell parametersa= 32.88,b = 54.94,c= 57.71 Å, β = 91.89° and two molecules per asymmetric unit.
Drug resistance and IS6110‐RFLP patterns of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in patients with recurrent tuberculosis in northern Thailand
Authors: Sukkasem Supaporn , Yanai Hideki , Mahasirimongkol Surakameth , Yamada Norio , Rienthong Dhanida , Palittapongarnpim Prasit , Khusmith Srisin 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe emergence of drug resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis has become a global threat to tuberculosis (TB) prevention and control efforts. This study aimed to determine the drug resistance profiles and DNA fingerprints of M. tuberculosis strains isolated from patients with relapsed or retreatment pulmonary TB in Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand. Significant differences in multidrug resistance (MDR) (P = 0.025) and resistance to isoniazid (P = 0.025) and rifampin (P = 0.046) between first and second registrations of patients with retreatment TB were found. However, there were no significant differences in resistance to any drugs in patients with relapsed TB. The rate of MDR‐TB strains was 12.2% among new patients at first registration, 22.5% among patients with recurrence who had previously undergone treatment at second registration and 12.5% at third registration. Two retreatment patients whose initial treatment had failed had developed MDR‐TB with resistance to all TB drugs tested, including rifampin, isoniazid, streptomycin and ethambutol. IS6110‐RFLP analysis revealed that 66.7% (10/15 isolates) of MDR‐TB belonged to the Beijing family. In most cases, IS6110‐RFLP patterns of isolates from the same patients were identical in relapse and retreatment groups. However, some pairs of isolates from retreatment patients after treatment failure had non‐identical IS6110‐RFLP patterns. These results suggest that, after failure and default treatment, patients with retreatment tuberculosis have a significantly greater risk of MDR‐TB, isoniazid and rifampin resistance than do other patients.
Linking nutrition and sexual selection across life stages in a model butterfly system
Authors: Tigreros Natasha 
Published: October 2012

Summary

Early nutrition plays an important role in determining adult fitness. Theory proposes that in organisms with complex life cycles, the fitness effects of larval nutritional constraints are mainly captured by two developmental traits: time and size at metamorphosis. However, recent evidence suggests that latent effects, which are independent of these developmental traits, must be included to fully understand how larval nutrition impacts fitness.

In this study, I used the cabbage butterfly (Pieris rapae) as a model system to investigate how larval nutrition influences male fitness through development time, adult size and latent effects. Specifically, I examined how variation in dietary nitrogen impacts male fitness by measuring a comprehensive suite of pre‐ and postcopulatory traits.

Results indicate a complex role for larval nutrition in determining adult fitness. Larval nutritional constraints influence adult fitness through three different pathways: development time, adult size and latent effects. Longer development times were associated with shorter adult life span and reduced male mating success. Body size was positively correlated with traits related to postcopulatory fitness, such as spermatophore size and protein content. Larval nitrogen availability, independent of the developmental traits, also affected traits associated with male mating success such as wing coloration and latency to first mating.

These results provide new insights into how larval nitrogen availability alters adult fitness by revealing novel links between larval dietary nitrogen and various adult fitness components.
Stress as a modifier of biodiversity effects on ecosystem processes?
Authors: Gessner Mark O. , Hines Jes 
Published: October 2012

A limnephilid caddisfly larvae (Anomalocosmoecus sp.) removed from its case and an amphipod (Hyalella sp.) from Andean streams. Leaf litter of five different qualities was offered to these two detritivores in an experiment to test whether the stress‐gradient hypothesis from plant ecology might apply to stream invertebrate communities. Photo and copyright: Patricio Andino.imageA limnephilid caddisfly larvae (Anomalocosmoecus sp.) removed from its case and an amphipod (Hyalella sp.) from Andean streams. Leaf litter of five different qualities was offered to these two detritivores in an experiment to test whether the stress‐gradient hypothesis from plant ecology might apply to stream invertebrate communities. Photo and copyright: Patricio Andino.
Fugère, V., Andino, P., Espinosa, R., Anthelme, F., Jacobsen, D. & Dangles, O. (2012) Testing the stress‐gradient hypothesis with aquatic detritivorous invertebrates: insights for biodiversity ecosystem functioning research. Journal of Animal Ecology, 81, 1259–1267.Does stress, defined as a reduction in growth by external constraints, modify biodiversity effects on ecosystem functioning? That is, are diversity effects stronger under stressful, as opposed to favourable conditions? The study by Fugère et al. (2012) in this issue borrows the stress‐gradient hypothesis from plant ecology to explore this issue in an aquatic detritus‐detritivore system. Although they find weak support for their hypothesis, the study opens the door for future experimental and theoretical investigations into the role of stress in modifying the relationship between the diversity of animal communities and ecosystem processes.
Comparison of cardioprotective efficacy resulting from a combination of atorvastatin and ischaemic post‐conditioning in diabetic and non‐diabetic rats
Authors: Fan Ying , Yang Shusen , Zhang Xiukun , Cao Yang , Huang Yonglin 
Published: October 2012

Summary

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the combination of acute or chronic atorvastatin treatment with ischaemic post‐conditioning (IPost) exerts differential effects within the hearts of diabetic and non‐diabetic rats.

Diabetic and non‐diabetic rats were randomly assigned to one of six groups: (i) a non‐conditioned group; (ii) a group subjected to IPost; (iii) acute statin treatment (50 μmol/L atorvastatin during reperfusion) without IPost; (iv) acute statin treatment plus IPost; (v) chronic statin treatment (10 mg/kg atorvastatin per day for 2 weeks) without IPost; and (vi) chronic statin treatment plus IPost. The hearts from rats in each group were subjected to 30 min global ischaemia, followed by 120 min reperfusion. Infarct size, haemodynamics and Akt and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression were examined.

In hearts from diabetic rats, IPost did not limit infarct size or recover contractile dysfunction. Acute atorvastatin treatment with IPost limited infarct size and recovered contractile dysfunction in hearts from both diabetic and non‐diabetic rats and further activated Akt and eNOS signalling pathways to enhance these protective effects in hearts from diabetic rats. Chronic statin treatment with IPost neither reduced infarct size nor increased recovery of myocardial dysfunction in hearts from both diabetic and non‐diabetic rats; this may be associated with inhibition of Akt and eNOS phosphorylation.

The combination of acute atorvastatin treatment with IPost had a greater protective effect within hearts from diabetic rats, but chronic statin treatment with IPost failed to protect against reperfusion injury in hearts from either diabetic or non‐diabetic rats. These findings will be important for the design of future clinical investigations.
Annotated checklist and fisheries interactions of cetaceans in Togo, with evidence of Antarctic minke whale in the Gulf of Guinea
Authors: SEGNIAGBETO Gabriel H. , VAN WAEREBEEK Koen , BOWESSIDJAOU Joseph E. , KETOH Koffivi , KPATCHA Takouda K. , OKOUMASSOU Kotchikpa , AHOEDO Kossi 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBased on strandings and captures, 9 cetacean species, including 6 odontocetes and 3 mysticetes, are documented (photos and specimens) in Togo's coastal waters (newly‐recorded species marked with an asterisk): Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis*), Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera brydei or B. edeni), humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps*), short‐finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus*), pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata*), common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and common dolphin Delphinus sp. An anecdotal sighting record for killer whale (Orcinus orca) is considered reliable. The lack of Sousa teuszii records in Togo is consistent with its apparent contemporaneous absence in Ghana. The B. bonaerensis specimen, entangled in a purse seine set on small pelagics, is a first record for the Gulf of Guinea. The occurrence of this Southern Ocean species north of the equator underscores the severe gaps in our understanding of cetacean distribution off western Africa. The majority of artisanal fishermen operating in Togolese coastal waters are of Ghanaian origin and are thought to promote trade and consumption of cetacean bushmeat. Because captures are illegal, enforced with some success in the main fishing centers, covert landings of cetaceans are exceedingly difficult to monitor, quantify or sample. Concern is expressed about pollution of Togo's coastal waters with heavy metals due to phosphorite mining and export from the coastal basin near Hahotoé and Kpogamé.
Can we use a lower intravaginal dose of misoprostol in the medical management of miscarriage? A randomised controlled study
Authors: Petersen Scott G. , Perkins Anneliese , Gibbons Kristen , Bertolone Julia , Devenish‐Meares Paul , Cave Donald , Mahomed Kassam 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundThe optimal dose of misoprostol to be used in the medical management of miscarriage before 13 weeks has not been resolved.AimTo evaluate the effectiveness and side effect profile of two different dosages of misoprostol.MethodsA randomised controlled, equivalence study comparing 400 vs 800 μg misoprostol per vaginum (PV) on an outpatient basis. The allocated dose was repeated the next day if clinically the products of conception had not been passed. Complete miscarriage was evaluated using two methods: ultrasound criteria on Day 7 and the need for surgical management (clinical criteria). Equivalence was demonstrated if the 95% confidence interval [CI] of the observed risk difference between the two doses for complete miscarriage lay between −15.0 and 15.0%. Differences in side effects and patient satisfaction were evaluated using patient‐completed questionnaires.ResultsOne hundred and fifty‐eight women were allocated to receive 400 μg and 152 women to 800 μg misoprostol for the management of missed (91.3%) or incomplete (8.7%) miscarriage. The rate of induced complete miscarriage was equivalent using both ultrasound criteria (observed risk difference (ORD) −4.6%, 95% CI −12.8 to 3.7%; P = 0.313) and clinical criteria (ORD −5.6%, 95% CI −14.8 to 3.6%; P = 0.273). Following the 400 μg dose, the reported rate of fever/rigors was lower (ORD −15.6%, 95% CI −28.1 to −3.0%; P = 0.015), and more women reported their decision to undergo medical management as a good decision (ORD 15.2%, 95% CI 2.8 to 27.7%; P = 0.018).ConclusionFour hundred‐microgram misoprostol PV can be recommended for the medical management of miscarriage on an outpatient basis.
Novel insights into mechanisms of food allergy and allergic airway inflammation using experimental mouse models
Authors: Corazza N. , Kaufmann T. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractOver the last decades, considerable efforts have been undertaken in the development of animal models mimicking the pathogenesis of allergic diseases occurring in humans. The mouse has rapidly emerged as the animal model of choice, due to considerations of handling and costs and, importantly, due to the availability of a large and increasing arsenal of genetically modified mouse strains and molecular tools facilitating the analysis of complex disease models. Here, we review latest developments in allergy research that have arisen from in vivo experimentation in the mouse, with a focus on models of food allergy and allergic asthma, which constitute major health problems with increasing incidence in industrialized countries. We highlight recent novel findings and controversies in the field, most of which were obtained through the use of gene‐deficient or germ‐free mice, and discuss new potential therapeutic approaches that have emerged from animal studies and that aim at attenuating allergic reactions in human patients.