bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CYP709B3, a cytochrome P450 monooxygenase gene involved in salt tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Mao Guohong , Seebeck Timothy , Schrenker Denyse , Yu Oliver 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundWithin theArabidopsisgenome, there are 272 cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (P450) genes. However, the biological functions of the majority of these P450s remain unknown. The CYP709B family of P450s includes three gene members,CYP709B1,CYP709B2andCYP709B3, which have high amino acid sequence similarity and lack reports elucidating biological functions.ResultsWe identified T-DNA insertion-based null mutants of the CYP709B subfamily of genes. No obvious morphological phenotypes were exhibited under normal growth conditions. When the responses to ABA and salt stress were studied in these mutants, only thecyp709b3mutant showed sensitivity to ABA and salt during germination. Under moderate salt treatment (150 mM NaCl),cyp709b3showed a higher percentage of damaged seedlings, indicating a lower tolerance to salt stress.CYP709B3was highly expressed in all analyzed tissues and especially high in seedlings and leaves. In contrast,CYP709B1andCYP709B2were highly expressed in siliques, but were at very low levels in other tissues. Under salt stress condition,CYP709B3gene expression was induced after 24 hr and remained at high expression level. Expression of the wild type CYP709B3 gene in thecyp709b3mutant fully complemented the salt intolerant phenotype. Furthermore, metabolite profiling analysis revealed some differences between wild type andcyp709b3mutant plants, supporting the salt intolerance phenotype of thecyp709b3mutant.ConclusionsThese results suggest thatCYP709B3plays a role in ABA and salt stress response and provides evidence to support the functions of cytochrome P450 enzymes in plant stress response.
Periodontal conditions in patients with Marfan syndrome – a multicenter case control study
Authors: Staufenbiel Ingmar , Hauschild Christian , Kahl-Nieke Bärbel , Vahle-Hinz Eva , von Kodolitsch Yskert , Berner Maike , Bauss Oskar , Geurtsen Werner , Rahman Alexander 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a disorder of the connective tissues. Alterations of the elastic fibers may manifest in different tissues especially in the skeletal, cardiovascular and ocular system. Oral manifestations like orthodontic or skeletal anomalies and fragility of the temporomandibular joint have been well described by various authors. However, no data are available regarding a possible periodontal involvement of MFS. Hence, the aim of the present study was to investigate for the first time if MFS may increase the susceptibility to periodontitis.

Methods
A comprehensive periodontal examination including documentation of probing pocket depth, gingival recession, clinical attachment level, and bleeding on probing was conducted in all patients. In addition, dental conditions were assessed by determining the Index for Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) and a self-administered questionnaire was filled out by patients. For statistical analysis, the unpaired t-Test was applied (level of significance: p < 0.05). Both groups were matched concerning well known periodontal risk factors like age, gender and smoking habits.

Results
82 participants, 51 patients with MFS (30 female and 21 male, mean age: 40.20 ± 15.35 years) and 31 sound controls (17 female and 14 male, mean age: 40.29 ± 13.94 years), were examined. All assessed periodontal and dental parameters were not significantly different between groups.

Conclusions
Based on our data, patients with MFS did not reveal a higher prevalence of periodontitis compared to the control group. However, Marfan patients showed a tendency to more inflammation signs, which can be explained by the crowded teeth. Therefore, a regular professional cleaning of the teeth is recommendable (i.e., 6 months intervals) in order to reduce the bacterial biofilm in the oral cavity and thus resulting in a decreased risk of systemic diseases, specifically endocarditis.
Electroacupuncture upregulates ERK signaling pathways and promotes adult hippocampal neural progenitors proliferation in a rat model of depression
Authors: Yang Liu , Yue Na , Zhu Xiaocang , Han Qiuqin , Liu Qiong , Yu Jin , Wu Gencheng 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
In this study, we investigate the proliferation of adult neural stem cells (NSCs) in a chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) rat model of depression, the effects of electroacupunture (EA) on depressive-like symptoms and the corresponding signaling pathways.

Methods
SD rats were subjected to 4 weeks of CUS to induce depressive-like behaviors. EA was performed at the Du-20 (Bai-Hui) and GB-34 (Yang-Ling-Quan) acupoints. Rats were injected with BrdU and the brains were cut into sections. Double-labeling with BrdU/Sox2 and p-ERK/Nestin was performed to demonstrate the in vivo proliferation of adult NSCs in hippocampus and ERK activation in NSCs. Hippocampal microdialysates of different groups were collected to observe the in vitro effects on NSCs.

Results
After 8 treatments, EA generated a clear antidepressant effect on the stressed rats and promoted the NSC proliferation. ERK activation might be involved in the antidepressant-like effects of EA treatment. Hippocampal microdialysates from EA-treated stressed rats influenced NSCs to form larger neural spheres and exhibit higher p-ERK level in vitro, compared to the untreated stressed rats. Meanwhile, the antidepressant-like effects of EA involved contribution from both acupoint specificity and electrical stimulus.

Conclusions
EA might interfere with the hippocampal microenvironment and enhance the activation of ERK signaling pathways. This could mediate, at least in part, the beneficial effects of EA on NSC proliferation and depressive-like behaviors.
Size dependence of the magnetic properties of Ni nanoparticles prepared by thermal decomposition method
Authors: He Xuemin , Zhong Wei , Au Chak-Tong , Du Youwei 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBy means of thermal decomposition, we prepared single-phase spherical Ni nanoparticles (23 to 114 nm in diameter) that are face-centered cubic in structure. The magnetic properties of the Ni nanoparticles were experimentally as well as theoretically investigated as a function of particle size. By means of thermogravimetric/differential thermal analysis, the Curie temperatureTCof the 23-, 45-, 80-, and 114-nm Ni particles was found to be 335°C, 346°C, 351°C, and 354°C, respectively. Based on the size-and-shape dependence model of cohesive energy, a theoretical model is proposed to explain the size dependence ofTC. The measurement of magnetic hysteresis loop reveals that the saturation magnetizationMSand remanent magnetization increase and the coercivity decreases monotonously with increasing particle size, indicating a distinct size effect. By adopting a simplified theoretical model, we obtainedMSvalues that are in good agreement with the experimental ones. Furthermore, with increase of surface-to-volume ratio of Ni nanoparticles due to decrease of particle size, there is increase of the percentage of magnetically inactive layer.
Simultaneous transmission of audio and video signals using visible light communications
Authors: Son Do Ky , Cho EunByeol , Moon Inkyu , Ghassemlooy Zabih , Kim Soeun , Lee Chung Ghiu 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
A visible light communication system for parallel transmission of high-quality audio and video signals using illumination white and red light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is presented in this paper. For video transmission, we adopts the pulse width modulation (PWM) scheme at the carrier frequency of 15 MHz, whereas for the analog audio signal, the Sony/Philips Digital standard is used. We show that successful simultaneous high-quality audio and video signal transmissions over a link span of 50 cm are possible without the need for optimized optics. For audio transmission, only the link span is doubled to 100 cm.
HIV-1 Tat protein binds to TLR4-MD2 and signals to induce TNF-α and IL-10
Authors: Ben Haij Nawal , Leghmari Kaoutar , Planès Rémi , Thieblemont Nathalie , Bahraoui Elmostafa 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundHIV-1 infection results in hyper-immune activation and immunological disorders as early as the asymptomatic stage. Here, we hypothesized that during early HIV-1 infection, HIV-1 Tat protein acts on monocytes/macrophages to induce anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory cytokines and participates in immune dysregulation.ResultsIn this work we showed that Tat protein: i) by its N-terminal domain induces production of both IL-10 and TNF-α in a TLR4-MD2 dependent manner, ii) interacts specifically with TLR4-MD2 and MD2 with high affinity but not with CD14, iii) inducesin vivoTNF-α and IL-10 in a TLR4 dependent manner.ConclusionsCollectively, our data showed for the first time that, HIV-1 Tat interacts physically with high affinity with TLR4-MD2 to promote proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α) and the immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10 both involved in immune dysregulation during early HIV-1 infection and AIDS progression.
Transcription elongation regulator 1 (TCERG1) regulates competent RNA polymerase II-mediated elongation of HIV-1 transcription and facilitates efficient viral replication
Authors: Coiras Mayte , Montes Marta , Montanuy Immaculada , López-Huertas María Rosa , Mateos Elena , Le Sommer Caroline , Garcia-Blanco Mariano A , Hernández-Munain Cristina , Alcamí José , Suñé Carlos 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundControl of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) release from pausing has been proposed as a checkpoint mechanism to ensure optimal RNAPII activity, especially in large, highly regulated genes. HIV-1 gene expression is highly regulated at the level of elongation, which includes transcriptional pausing that is mediated by both viral and cellular factors. Here, we present evidence for a specific role of the elongation-related factor TCERG1 in regulating the extent of HIV-1 elongation and viral replicationin vivo.ResultsWe show that TCERG1 depletion diminishes the basal and viral Tat-activated transcription from the HIV-1 LTR. In support of a role for an elongation mechanism in the transcriptional control of HIV-1, we found that TCERG1 modifies the levels of pre-mRNAs generated at distal regions of HIV-1. Most importantly, TCERG1 directly affects the elongation rate of RNAPII transcriptionin vivo. Furthermore, our data demonstrate that TCERG1 regulates HIV-1 transcription by increasing the rate of RNAPII elongation through the phosphorylation of serine 2 within the carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD) of RNAPII and suggest a mechanism for the involvement of TCERG1 in relieving pausing. Finally, we show that TCERG1 is required for HIV-1 replication.ConclusionsOur study reveals that TCERG1 regulates HIV-1 transcriptional elongation by increasing the elongation rate of RNAPII and phosphorylation of Ser 2 within the CTD. Based on our data, we propose a general mechanism for TCERG1 acting on genes that are regulated at the level of elongation by increasing the rate of RNAPII transcription through the phosphorylation of Ser2. In the case of HIV-1, our evidence provides the basis for further investigation of TCERG1 as a potential therapeutic target for the inhibition of HIV-1 replication
Induction of robust immunity response in mice by dual-expression-system-based recombinant baculovirus expressing the capsid protein of porcine circovirus type 2
Authors: Ye Yu , Cheng Xiaoliang , Zhang Jie , Tong Tiezhu , Lin Wenyao , Liao Ming , Fan Huiying 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundPorcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is associated with post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), an emerging swine disease that causes progressive weight loss, dyspnea, tachypnea, anemia, jaundice, and diarrhea in piglets. Althoughbaculovirusis an enveloped virus that infects insects in nature, it has emerged as a vaccine vector, and we used it to develop a novel candidate vaccine for a preventive or therapeutic strategy to control PCV2 infections.MethodsImmunoblotting analysis of recombinant baculovirus and immunofluorescent staining of baculovirus-infected cells were followed using anti-ORF2 monoclonal antibodies. The BALB/c mice were immunized intramuscularly with this baculovirus. The titers of antibodies were mensurated with a Cap-protein-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a serum neutralization assay. The IFN-γ response in splenocytes harvested from immunized mice was measured by ELISA. Student'st-test was used to compare immune responses of different groups.ResultsIn this study, we successfully constructed a dual-expression-system-based recombinant baculovirus BV-GD-ORF2, which can display the PCV2 capsid (Cap) protein and VSV-G protein on the viral envelope and also expressing Cap protein on transduced mammalian cells, thereby functioning as both a subunit and a DNA vaccine. After infection, the Cap protein was expressed and displayed on the viral surface, as demonstrated with an indirect fluorescence assay and immunoblotting. The vaccination of mice with recombinant baculovirus BV-GD-ORF2 successfully induced robust Cap-protein-specific humoral and cellular immune responses.ConclusionsOur findings collectively demonstrate that the recombinant baculovirus BV-GD-ORF2 is a potential vaccine against PCV2 infections.
Diverse spectrum of rare deafness genes underlies early-childhood hearing loss in Japanese patients: a cross-sectional, multi-center next-generation sequencing study
Authors: Mutai Hideki , Suzuki Naohiro , Shimizu Atsushi , Torii Chiharu , Namba Kazunori , Morimoto Noriko , Kudoh Jun , Kaga Kimitaka , Kosaki Kenjiro , Matsunaga Tatsuo 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Genetic tests for hereditary hearing loss inform clinical management of patients and can provide the first step in the development of therapeutics. However, comprehensive genetic tests for deafness genes by Sanger sequencing is extremely expensive and time-consuming. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology is advantageous for genetic diagnosis of heterogeneous diseases that involve numerous causative genes.

Methods
Genomic DNA samples from 58 subjects with hearing loss from 15 unrelated Japanese families were subjected to NGS to identify the genetic causes of hearing loss. Subjects did not have pathogenic GJB2 mutations (the gene most often associated with inherited hearing loss), mitochondrial m.1555A>G or 3243A>G mutations, enlarged vestibular aqueduct, or auditory neuropathy. Clinical features of subjects were obtained from medical records. Genomic DNA was subjected to a custom-designed SureSelect Target Enrichment System to capture coding exons and proximal flanking intronic sequences of 84 genes responsible for nonsyndromic or syndromic hearing loss, and DNA was sequenced by Illumina GAIIx (paired-end read). The sequences were mapped and quality-checked using the programs BWA, Novoalign, Picard, and GATK, and analyzed by Avadis NGS.

Results
Candidate genes were identified in 7 of the 15 families. These genes were ACTG1, DFNA5, POU4F3, SLC26A5, SIX1, MYO7A, CDH23, PCDH15, and USH2A, suggesting that a variety of genes underlie early-childhood hearing loss in Japanese patients. Mutations in Usher syndrome-related genes were detected in three families, including one double heterozygous mutation of CDH23 and PCDH15.

Conclusion
Targeted NGS analysis revealed a diverse spectrum of rare deafness genes in Japanese subjects and underscores implications for efficient genetic testing.
The natural organosulfur compound dipropyltetrasulfide prevents HOCl-induced systemic sclerosis in the mouse
Authors: Marut Wioleta , Jamier Vincent , Kavian Niloufar , Servettaz Amélie , Winyard Paul G , Eggleton Paul , Anwar Awais , Nicco Carole , Jacob Claus , Chéreau Christiane , Weill Bernard , Batteux Frédéric 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Introduction
The aim of this study was to test the naturally occurring organosulfur compound dipropyltetrasulfide (DPTTS), found in plants, which has antibiotic and anticancer properties, as a treatment for HOCl-induced systemic sclerosis in the mouse.

Methods
The prooxidative, antiproliferative, and cytotoxic effects of DPTTS were evaluated ex vivo on fibroblasts from normal and HOCl mice. In vivo, the antifibrotic and immunomodulating properties of DPTTS were evaluated in the skin and lungs of HOCl mice.

Results
H2O2 production was higher in fibroblasts derived from HOCl mice than in normal fibroblasts (P < 0.05). DPTTS did not increase H2O2 production in normal fibroblasts, but DPTTS dose-dependently increased H2O2 production in HOCl fibroblasts (P < 0.001 with 40 μM DPTTS). Because H2O2 reached a lethal threshold in cells from HOCl mice, the antiproliferative, cytotoxic, and proapoptotic effects of DPTTS were significantly higher in HOCl fibroblasts than for normal fibroblasts. In vivo, DPTTS decreased dermal thickness (P < 0.001), collagen content in skin (P < 0.01) and lungs (P < 0.05), αSMA (P < 0.01) and pSMAD2/3 (P < 0.01) expression in skin, formation of advanced oxidation protein products and anti-DNA topoisomerase-1 antibodies in serum (P < 0.05) versus untreated HOCl mice. Moreover, in HOCl mice, DPTTS reduced splenic B-cell counts (P < 0.01), the proliferative rates of B-splenocytes stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (P < 0.05), and T-splenocytes stimulated by anti-CD3/CD28 mAb (P < 0.001). Ex vivo, it also reduced the production of IL-4 and IL-13 by activated T cells (P < 0.05 in both cases).

Conclusions
The natural organosulfur compound DPTTS prevents skin and lung fibrosis in the mouse through the selective killing of diseased fibroblasts and its immunomodulating properties. DPTTS may be a potential treatment for systemic sclerosis.
Minoxidil induced hypertrichosis in a 2 year-old child
Authors: Herskovitz Ingrid , Freedman Joshua , Tosti Antonella 
Published: October 2013

We report a case of a 2 year-old male patient who developed generalized hypertrichosis after 2 months of treatment with 5% minoxidil foam for alopecia areata. This report highlights the danger of prescribing topical minoxidil to young children and the need to correctly instruct caretakers about its administration.
A Regression-Based Method for Estimating Rip-First Rough-Mill Lumber Yield
Authors: Buehlmann Urs , Kline D. Earl , Wiedenbeck Janice K. 
Published: October 2013

Estimating yield from lumber cut-up in rip-first rough mills for material management and job costing purposes is uncertain unless simulation models are used. To augment the toolbox for industry practitioners, a novel yield estimation model was derived using linear least squares techniques and data derived from an orthogonal, 220–11 fractional factorial design of resolution V.
The model estimated 450 of 512 cutting bills tested within 1 percent absolute yield. However, cutting bills that do not adhere to the model’s framework suffer a larger estimation error. The least squares estimation model thus is a helpful tool in ranking cutting bills that adhere to the model’s framework for their expected yield levels and facilitates the selection of part sizes to be included in cutting bills. Further research is needed to make the model useful for a wider range of cutting bills.
Assessment of Microwave Bending Capabilities for Australian Wood Species
Authors: Ozarska Barbara , Daian Georgiana 
Published: October 2013

An innovative wood bending technology has been developed by the University of Melbourne, within the Cooperative Research Centre for Wood Innovations, which involves the microwave softening of wood components to make them pliable for bending, the use of an automated bending machine, and microwave drying of bent furniture components. This article presents the results of a study that assessed bending quality and that determined the minimum radius of bending curvature of eight plantation and regrowth Australian timbers using the microwave wood bending process: Eucalyptus nitens, Eucalyptus saligna, Eucalyptus marginata, Eucalyptus diversicolor, Pinus radiata, Nothofagus cunninghamii, Atherosperma moschatum, and Acacia melanoxylon.
Based on the results of the study, the microwave bending performance of the wood species was rated as follows: (1) E. diversicolor, very good (sanding or small amount of machining was required); (2) P. radiata, Atherosperma moschatum, and E. nitens, decent (machining was needed); (3) Acacia melanoxylon and N. cunninghamii, satisfactory (fairly large failures occurred but these were removed by machining); and (4) E. saligna and E. marginata, very bad (large failures which could not be removed by machining).
Overall, the results of the study on the bending performance capabilities of plantation and regrowth Australian timbers showed several differences compared with the literature data relating to the bending abilities of the relevant old growth timbers.
Effects of Dead Load and Multiple Earthquake Loadings on Seismic Performance of Wood-Frame Shear Walls
Authors: White Kevin B. D. , Miller Thomas H. , Gupta Rakesh 
Published: October 2013

Goals of this preliminary study are to better understand (1) earthquake performance of wood-frame shear walls carrying gravity loads, compared with walls without gravity load, and (2) performance of walls subjected to a sequence of earthquake motions, compared with walls subjected to a single earthquake.
Tests with simulated earthquake ground motions were conducted on 2,440 by 2,440-mm (8 by 8-ft) walls with 38 by 89-mm (nominal 2 by 4) Douglas-fir studs at 610 mm (24 in.) on center. Two oriented strand board (OSB) panels were installed and fastened vertically to the frame, and two gypsum wallboard panels were installed opposite the OSB. Partially anchored (PA) walls had two anchor bolts on the sill plate. In addition to the anchor bolts, fully anchored (FA) walls included hold-downs installed at the end studs. Ground motions were scaled to the 10 percent in 50 years probability of exceedance design level for Seattle, Washington, the traditional level associated with life safety performance.
For PA walls with dead load, failure modes were consistent with tests without dead load; however, additional fastener damage, common to FA walls, resulted from the additional resistance to overturning. PA walls realized a greater improvement in performance from dead load application compared with FA walls; performance appears to approach that of FA walls when dead load is applied. FA and PA walls subjected to a sequence of earthquake motions showed wall performance about the same as that of walls subjected to a single scaled earthquake motion.