bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in mitochondrial morphology induced by calcium or rotenone in primary astrocytes occur predominantly through ros‐mediated remodeling
Authors: Deheshi Samineh , Dabiri Bahram , Fan Susu , Tsang Michelle , Rintoul Gordon L. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractMorphological changes in mitochondria have been primarily attributed to fission and fusion, while the more pliable transformations of mitochondria (remodeling, rounding, or stretching) have been largely overlooked. In this study, we quantify the contributions of fission and remodeling to changes in mitochondrial morphology induced by the Ca2+ ionophore 4Br‐A23187 and the metabolic toxin rotenone. We also examine the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the regulation of mitochondrial remodeling. In agreement with our previous studies, mitochondrial remodeling, not fission, is the primary contributor to Ca2+‐mediated changes in mitochondrial morphology induced by 4Br‐A23187 in rat cortical astrocytes. Treatment with rotenone produced similar results. In both paradigms, remodeling was selectively blocked by antioxidants whereas fission was not, suggesting a ROS‐mediated mechanism for mitochondrial remodeling. In support of this hypothesis, inhibition of endogenous ROS by overnight incubation in antioxidants resulted in elongated reticular networks of mitochondria. Examination of inner and outer mitochondrial membranes revealed that they largely acted in concert during the remodeling process. While mitochondrial morphology is traditionally ascribed to a net output of fission and fusion processes, in this study we provide evidence that the acute pliability of mitochondria can be a dominant factor in determining their morphology. More importantly, our results suggest that the remodeling process is independently regulated through a ROS‐signaling mechanism.
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Mitochondrial morphology is traditionally ascribed to a balance of fission and fusion processes. We have shown that mitochondria can undergo more pliable transformations; remodeling, rounding, or stretching. We demonstrate that remodeling, not fission, is the primary contributor to calcium mediated changes in mitochondrial morphology in primary astrocytes. Others have shown fission is mediated by calcineurin. Our results suggest the remodeling process distinct from fission and is independently regulated through a ROS‐signaling mechanism (CsA: Cyclosporine A; NAC: N‐acetyl‐l‐cysteine; GSH: Reduced‐L‐Glutathione).
Experimental infection of pregnant rabbits with hepatitis E virus demonstrating high mortality and vertical transmission
Authors: Xia J. , Liu L. , Wang L. , Zhang Y. , Zeng H. , Liu P. , Zou Q. , Wang L. , Zhuang H. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryA high mortality rate of approximately 20% in pregnant women with hepatitis E has been reported in previous studies. However, other studies showed no difference between pregnant and nonpregnant women in the severity of hepatitis E. To determine the effects of HEV infection on pregnancy, we successfully established HEV infection in six pregnant rabbits (PR) and six nonpregnant rabbits (NPR) with a rabbit HEV isolate, taking three PR and one NPR without HEV infection as controls. Tests for HEV RNA by RT‐PCR, anti‐HEV antibodies by ELISA and HEV antigen via immunohistochemistry and histopathology were carried out. Two of six infected PR miscarried and three of the remaining four PR died which may be attributed to severe liver necrosis caused by HEV infection. Moreover, vertical transmission was found to be associated with the replication of HEV in placenta, indicated by the presence of HEV RNA and antigen in placenta from the infected PR. Our findings strongly suggest that HEV infection could lead to adverse outcomes in pregnancy and vertical transmission, suggesting the necessity for pregnant women at risk of HEV infection to be vaccinated.
Spatial and temporal use of a prairie dog colony by coyotes and rabbits: potential indirect effects on endangered black‐footed ferrets
Authors: Eads D. A. , Biggins D. E. , Livieri T. M. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIn westernNorthAmerica, endangered black‐footed ferretsMustela nigripesare conserved via reintroduction to colonies of prairie dogsCynomysspp., their primary prey. Predation is an important source of mortality; coyotesCanis latransappear to be the most problematic predator, accounting for 67% of known predation events on radio‐tagged ferrets. Little is known about what factors affect spatial use of prairie dog colonies by coyotes, or how other animals might affect interactions between coyotes and ferrets. DuringJune–October 2007–2008, we used spotlight surveys to monitor coyotes and ferrets (both years) and rabbitsSylvilagusspp. (first year) on a 452‐ha colony of black‐tailed prairie dogsCynomys ludovicianusin theConataBasin,SouthDakota. Coyotes appeared to select areas of the colony used by rabbits, suggesting coyotes hunted rabbits, a common item in their diet. Between midnight and sunrise, ferrets were most commonly observed during early morning (01:00–03:00 h), whereas coyotes were observed mostly during dawn (04:00 h – sunrise) when ferrets were rarely seen. These temporal differences in the timing of observations suggest ferrets tend to remain underground in burrows when coyotes are most active. Coyotes appeared to be attracted to rabbits in both space and time, suggesting the risk of predation for ferrets might relate to the abundance and locations of rabbits in prairie dog colonies.
Novel macrolide-resistance genes, mef(C) and mph(G), carried by plasmids from Vibrio and Photobacterium isolated from sediment and seawater of a coastal aquaculture site
Authors: Nonaka L. , Maruyama F. , Suzuki S. , Masuda M. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine whether mef(C) and mph(G), originally found on the transferable multi-drug plasmid pAQU1 from Photobacterium damselae subsp. damselae isolated from seawater of a fish farm, are responsible for conferring macrolide resistance. Since these genes are localized head-to-tail on pAQU1 and only four nucleotides exist between them, the single- and combination-effect of these genes was examined. When mph(G) alone was introduced to Escherichia coli, the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) against erythromycin, clarithromycin and azithromycin increased, whereas introduction of mef(C) alone did not influence macrolide susceptibility. Introduction of both mef(C) and mph(G) dramatically increased the MICs to the same three macrolides, i.e. &gt;512 μg ml−1, &gt;512 μg ml−1 and 128 μg ml−1 respectively. These results suggest that the macrolide phosphotransferase encoded by mph(G) is essential for macrolide resistance, while the efflux pump encoded by mef(C) is required for high-level macrolide resistance. The tandem-pair arrangements of the mef(C) and mph(G) genes were conserved on plasmids ranging in size from 240 to 350 kb of the 22 erythromycin-resistant strains belonging to Vibrio and Photobacterium obtained from the fish farm. Sixteen of 22 plasmids ranged in size from 300 to 350 kb. This is the first report of novel macrolide resistance genes originating from a marine bacterium.

Significance and Impact of the Study
In this study, mef(C) and mph(G) were found to be novel macrolide-resistance genes, and this is the first report of macrolide-resistance genes originating from a marine bacterium. These genes may be responsible for previously reported cases of the emergence of erythromycin-resistant bacteria in aquaculture sites by an unknown mechanism. The introduction of the tandem arrangement of the mef(C) and mph(G) genes in Escherichia coli increased the MICs to erythromycin, clarithromycin and azithromycin, suggesting a novel mechanism conferring high-level macrolide resistance via combined expression of the efflux pump and macrolide phosphotransferase.
A Fixed Capital Model with Transferable and Jointly Utilized Machines in the Sraffa Framework
Authors: Huang Biao 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTFixed capital is treated as a special case of joint production in the Sraffa framework. Much of the literature excludes transferable old machines. Salvadori (1999) builds a model with transferable non‐jointly utilized machines whose efficiency paths are independent of the sectors in which the machines are used. He shows that the neat properties of the non‐transferable single machine model still hold. In an earlier paper, Salvadori (1988a) builds another model with non‐transferable jointly utilized machines. This paper synthesizes these two models. It shows that the properties of the non‐transferable jointly utilized machines model still hold if some conditions are satisfied.
Immune activation mediated by the late blight resistance protein R1 requires nuclear localization of R1 and the effector AVR1
Authors: Du Yu , Berg Jeroen , Govers Francine , Bouwmeester Klaas 
Published: March 2015

Summary

Resistance against oomycete pathogens is mainly governed by intracellular nucleotide‐binding leucine‐rich repeat (NLR) receptors that recognize matching avirulence (AVR) proteins from the pathogen, RXLR effectors that are delivered inside host cells. Detailed molecular understanding of how and where NLR proteins and RXLR effectors interact is essential to inform the deployment of durable resistance (R) genes.

Fluorescent tags, nuclear localization signals (NLSs) and nuclear export signals (NESs) were exploited to determine the subcellular localization of the potato late blight protein R1 and the Phytophthora infestans RXLR effector AVR1, and to target these proteins to the nucleus or cytoplasm.

Microscopic imaging revealed that both R1 and AVR1 occurred in the nucleus and cytoplasm, and were in close proximity. Transient expression of NLS‐ or NES‐tagged R1 and AVR1 in Nicotiana benthamiana showed that activation of the R1‐mediated hypersensitive response and resistance required localization of the R1/AVR1 pair in the nucleus. However, AVR1‐mediated suppression of cell death in the absence of R1 was dependent on localization of AVR1 in the cytoplasm. Balanced nucleocytoplasmic partitioning of AVR1 seems to be a prerequisite.

Our results show that R1‐mediated immunity is activated inside the nucleus with AVR1 in close proximity and suggest that nucleocytoplasmic transport of R1 and AVR1 is tightly regulated.
Malignant Seminoma in Two Unilaterally Cryptorchid Stallions
Authors: De Lange V , Chiers K , Lefère L , Cools M , Ververs C , Govaere J 
Published: March 2015

ContentsTwo unilateral cryptorchid stallions were referred to the clinic because of chronic debilitating condition with emaciation. Rectal examination, and ultrasound and gross examination revealed in both animals an abdominal mass, caudally of the kidney, and multiple nodules spread over the abdomen. Histologic analysis revealed an intra‐abdominal malignant seminoma with intraperitoneal and renal metastasis. Interestingly, a seminoma was also present in the descended testis of the draught horse.
A lycopene β‐cyclase/lycopene ε‐cyclase/light‐harvesting complex‐fusion protein from the green alga Ostreococcus lucimarinus can be modified to produce α‐carotene and β‐carotene at different ratios
Authors: Blatt Andreas , Bauch Matthias E. , Pörschke Yvonne , Lohr Martin 
Published: March 2015

SummaryBiosynthesis of asymmetric carotenoids such as α‐carotene and lutein in plants and green algae involves the two enzymes lycopene β‐cyclase (LCYB) and lycopene ε‐cyclase (LCYE). The two cyclases are closely related and probably resulted from an ancient gene duplication. While in most plants investigated so far the two cyclases are encoded by separate genes, prasinophyte algae of the order Mamiellales contain a single gene encoding a fusion protein comprised of LCYB, LCYE and a C‐terminal light‐harvesting complex (LHC) domain. Here we show that the lycopene cyclase fusion protein from Ostreococcus lucimarinus catalyzed the simultaneous formation of α‐carotene and β‐carotene when heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli. The stoichiometry of the two products in E. coli could be altered by gradual truncation of the C‐terminus, suggesting that the LHC domain may be involved in modulating the relative activities of the two cyclase domains in the algae. Partial deletions of the linker region between the cyclase domains or replacement of one or both cyclase domains with the corresponding cyclases from the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii resulted in pronounced shifts of the α‐carotene‐to‐β‐carotene ratio, indicating that both the relative activities of the cyclase domains and the overall structure of the fusion protein have a strong impact on the product stoichiometry. The possibility to tune the product ratio of the lycopene cyclase fusion protein from Mamiellales renders it useful for the biotechnological production of the asymmetric carotenoids α‐carotene or lutein in bacteria or fungi.
Regulatory–auxiliary subunits of CLC chloride channel–transport proteins
Authors: Barrallo‐Gimeno Alejandro , Gradogna Antonella , Zanardi Ilaria , Pusch Michael , Estévez Raúl 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe CLC family of chloride channels and transporters is composed by nine members, but only three of them, ClC‐Ka/b, ClC‐7 and ClC‐2, have been found so far associated with auxiliary subunits. These CLC regulatory subunits are small proteins that present few common characteristics among them, both structurally and functionally, and their effects on the corresponding CLC protein are different. Barttin, a protein with two transmembrane domains, is essential for the membrane localization of ClC‐K proteins and their activity in the kidney and inner ear. Ostm1 is a protein with a single transmembrane domain and a highly glycosylated N‐terminus. Unlike the other two CLC auxiliary subunits, Ostm1 shows a reciprocal relationship with ClC‐7 for their stability. The subcellular localization of Ostm1 depends on ClC‐7 and not the other way around. ClC‐2 is active on its own, but GlialCAM, a transmembrane cell adhesion molecule with two extracellular immunoglobulin (Ig)‐like domains, regulates its subcellular localization and activity in glial cells. The common theme for these three proteins is their requirement for a proper homeostasis, since their malfunction leads to distinct diseases. We will review here their properties and their role in normal chloride physiology and the pathological consequences of their improper function.
Interaction between visual and motor cortex: a transcranial magnetic stimulation study
Authors: Strigaro Gionata , Ruge Diane , Chen Jui‐Cheng , Marshall Louise , Desikan Mahalekshmi , Cantello Roberto , Rothwell John C. 
Published: March 2015

Key points
We studied the interaction between the primary visual cortex and the primary motor cortex using paired transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with an interstimulus interval (ISI) in the range 12–40 ms.
The connection is inhibitory at rest and possibly mediated by inhibitory interneurones in the motor cortex.
The effect with an ISI of 40 ms reverses into facilitation during a visuomotor (but not audiomotor) reaction task. By contrast, there is no change in inhibition with an ISI of 18 ms, suggesting that separate pathways can be probed at different ISIs.
We conclude that a physiologically relevant occipito‐motor connection can be activated by means of TMS. It may contribute to visuomotor integration, as well as being involved in certain types of visual epilepsy.

AbstractThe major link between the visual and motor systems is via the dorsal stream pathways from visual to parietal and frontal areas of the cortex. Although the pathway appears to be indirect, there is evidence that visual input can reach the motor cortex at relatively short latency. To shed some light on its neural basis, we studied the visuomotor interaction using paired transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Motor‐evoked potentials (MEPs) were recorded from the right first dorsal interosseous in sixteen healthy volunteers. A conditioning stimulus (CS) was applied over the phosphene hotspot of the visual cortex, followed by a test stimulus over the left primary motor cortex (M1) with a random interstimulus interval (ISI) in range 12–40 ms. The effects of paired stimulation were retested during visual and auditory reaction‐time tasks (RT). Finally, we measured the effects of a CS on short‐interval intracortical inhibition (SICI). At rest, a CS over the occiput significantly (P < 0.001) suppressed test MEPs with an ISI in the range 18–40 ms. In the visual RT, inhibition with an ISI of 40 ms (but not 18 ms) was replaced by a time‐specific facilitation (P < 0.001), whereas, in the auditory RT, the CS no longer had any effect on MEPs. Finally, an occipital CS facilitated SICI with an ISI of 40 ms (P < 0.01). We conclude that it is possible to study separate functional connections from visual to motor cortices using paired‐TMS with an ISI in the range 18–40 ms. The connections are inhibitory at rest and possibly mediated by inhibitory interneurones in the motor cortex. The effect with an ISI of 40 ms reverses into facilitation during a visuomotor RT but not an audiomotor RT. This suggests that it plays a role in visuomotor integration.
Assessment of Refrigeration-Type Cooling of Inlet Air for Essex Unit No. 9
Authors: Zwillenberg M. L. , Smith D. , Cohn A. , Oliker I. , Major W. 
Published: March 2015

The intent of this assessment is to determine the economic and technical feasibility of the reduction of compressor-inlet-air temperature by providing a cooling coil at the entrance to the turbine’s inlet-air section to improve performance and reduce operating costs.
To achieve the desired cooling of the inlet air to the turbine’s compressor, it is proposed to use indirect cooling from a mechanical-vapor compression-type chiller in combination with cool storage.
Two types of cool storage are examined, including chilled-water storage and ice storage.
A sizing methodology for the chiller and storage capacity was formulated by PSE&G to maximize the economic attractiveness which a cooling capability can achieve under the power-pool rules. The study considered an energy/thermal assessment to predict turbine performance and electrical output with and without inlet-air cooling. Total benefits include a capacity benefit, net power-generation increase and turbine fuel-input savings less operating costs. Based on the capital cost of the alternatives, simple paybacks were determined.
A deformable head and neck phantom with in‐vivo dosimetry for adaptive radiotherapy quality assurance
Authors: Graves Yan Jiang , Smith Arthur‐Allen , McIlvena David , Manilay Zherrina , Lai Yuet Kong , Rice Roger , Mell Loren , Jia Xun , Jiang Steve B. , Cerviño Laura 
Published: March 2015

Purpose:Patients’ interfractional anatomic changes can compromise the initial treatment plan quality. To overcome this issue, adaptive radiotherapy (ART) has been introduced. Deformable image registration (DIR) is an important tool for ART and several deformable phantoms have been built to evaluate the algorithms’ accuracy. However, there is a lack of deformable phantoms that can also provide dosimetric information to verify the accuracy of the whole ART process. The goal of this work is to design and construct a deformable head and neck (HN) ART quality assurance (QA) phantom with in vivo dosimetry.Methods:An axial slice of a HN patient is taken as a model for the phantom construction. Six anatomic materials are considered, with HU numbers similar to a real patient. A filled balloon inside the phantom tissue is inserted to simulate tumor. Deflation of the balloon simulates tumor shrinkage. Nonradiopaque surface markers, which do not influence DIR algorithms, provide the deformation ground truth. Fixed and movable holders are built in the phantom to hold a diode for dosimetric measurements.Results:The measured deformations at the surface marker positions can be compared with deformations calculated by a DIR algorithm to evaluate its accuracy. In this study, the authors selected a Demons algorithm as a DIR algorithm example for demonstration purposes. The average error magnitude is 2.1 mm. The point dose measurements from the in vivo diode dosimeters show a good agreement with the calculated doses from the treatment planning system with a maximum difference of 3.1% of prescription dose, when the treatment plans are delivered to the phantom with original or deformed geometry.Conclusions:In this study, the authors have presented the functionality of this deformable HN phantom for testing the accuracy of DIR algorithms and verifying the ART dosimetric accuracy. The authors’ experiments demonstrate the feasibility of this phantom serving as an end‐to‐end ART QA phantom.
The Effects of Sedentary Behavior on Metabolic Syndrome Independent of Physical Activity and Cardiorespiratory Fitness
Authors: Greer Anna E. , Sui Xuemei , Maslow Andréa L. , Greer Beau Kjerulf , Blair Steven N. 
Published: March 2015

Background:To date, no longitudinal studies have examined the influence of sedentary behavior on metabolic syndrome development while accounting for cardiorespiratory fitness.Purpose and Methods:This prospective study examined the relationship between sedentary behavior and incident metabolic syndrome while considering the effects of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness on the association among 930 men enrolled in the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study.Results:A total of 124 men developed metabolic syndrome during 8974 person-years of exposure. After adjusting for covariates, men with middle and high sedentary behavior had 65% and 76% higher risks of developing metabolic syndrome, respectively, than men with low sedentary behavior (linear trend P = .011). This association remained significant after additional adjustment for activity status and cardiorespiratory fitness. Cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity were also inversely associated with metabolic syndrome, even after adjustment for sedentary behavior.Conclusions:The findings highlight the importance of reducing sedentary behavior, increasing physical activity, and improving cardiorespiratory fitness for preventing metabolic syndrome.
Scapular Kinematics During Late Cocking of a Simulated Throwing Activity in Baseball Players With Shoulder Injury: A Cross-Sectional Study Using a 3D-to-2D Registration Technique
Authors: Saka Masayuki , Yamauchi Hiroki , Yoshioka Toru , Hamada Hidetoshi , Gamada Kazuyoshi 
Published: March 2015

Context:Abnormal scapular kinematics during throwing motion in baseball players with shoulder disorders has not yet been clarified, although altered scapular position has been suggested to be associated with shoulder disorder.Objective:To determine if the shoulders of baseball players with throwing disorders demonstrate abnormal scapular kinematics during the simulated arm-cocking phase of throwing activity.Design:Cross sectional study.Setting:Laboratory.Participants:Eleven baseball players (age 21.1 ± 1.2 y) with a unilateral shoulder disorder volunteered to participate, including 9 players at the college level and 2 at the adult level. The mean playing experience was 12.1 ± 2.7 y.Main Outcome Measures:Scapular upward/downward rotation, anteroposterior tilting, and external/internal rotation during simulated arm-cocking motion were analyzed using a 3-to-2-dimensional registration technique.Results:Scapular external rotation in the throwing shoulder was significantly smaller by 2.0–6.0° than that of the contralateral shoulder. There were no detectable differences in scapular upward/downward rotation or anteroposterior tilting between the throwing and contralateral shoulders.Conclusions:Compared with that in the contralateral shoulder, scapular external rotation was smaller in the throwing shoulder, which would increase glenohumeral horizontal abduction during the arm-cocking phase and be related to the throwing-shoulder disorder.