bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CCN2/CTGF increases expression of miR-302 microRNAs, which target the TGFβ type II receptor with implications for nephropathic cell phenotypes
Authors: Faherty Noel , Curran Simon P. , O’Donovan Helen , Martin Finian , Godson Catherine , Brazil Derek P. , Crean John K. 
Published: September 2012

SummarySignalling interplay between transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) and CCN2 [also called connective tissue growth factor (CTGF)] plays a crucial role in the progression of diabetic nephropathy and has been implicated in cellular differentiation. To investigate the potential role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the mediation of this signalling network, we performed miRNA screening in mesangial cells treated with recombinant human CCN2. Analysis revealed a cohort of 22 miRNAs differentially expressed by twofold or more, including members of the miR-302 family. Target analysis of miRNA to 3′-untranslated regions (3′-UTRs) identified TGFβ receptor II (TβRII) as a potential miR-302 target. In mesangial cells, decreased TβRII expression was confirmed in response to CCN2 together with increased expression of miR-302d. TβRII was confirmed as an miR-302 target, and inhibition of miR-302d was sufficient to attenuate the effect of CCN2 on TβRII. Data from the European Renal cDNA Biopsy Bank revealed decreased TβRII in diabetic patients, suggesting pathophysiological significance. In a mouse model of fibrosis (UUO), miR-302d was increased, with decreased TβRII expression and aberrant signalling, suggesting relevance in chronic fibrosis. miR-302d decreased TGFβ-induced epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) in renal HKC8 epithelial cells and attenuated TGFβ-induced mesangial production of fibronectin and thrombospondin. In summary, we demonstrate a new mode of regulation of TGFβ by CCN2, and conclude that the miR-302 family has a role in regulating growth factor signalling pathways, with implications for nephropathic cell fate transitions.
Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 is a regulator of blood–testis barrier function
Authors: Xiao Xiang , Cheng C. Yan , Mruk Dolores D. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryThe mechanism underlying the movement of preleptotene/leptotene spermatocytes across the blood–testis barrier (BTB) during spermatogenesis is not well understood largely owing to the fact that the BTB, unlike most other blood–tissue barriers, is composed of several co-existing and co-functioning junction types. In the present study, we show that intercellular adhesion molecule-1 [ICAM-1, a Sertoli and germ cell adhesion protein having five immunoglobulin (Ig)-like domains, in addition to transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains] is a regulator of BTB integrity. Initial experiments showed ICAM-1 to co-immunoprecipitate and co-localize with tight junction and basal ectoplasmic specialization proteins such as occludin and N-cadherin, which contribute to BTB function. More importantly, overexpression of ICAM-1 in Sertoli cells in vitro enhanced barrier function when monitored by transepithelial electrical resistance measurements, illustrating that ICAM-1-mediated adhesion can promote BTB integrity. On the other hand, overexpression of a truncated form of ICAM-1 that consisted only of the five Ig-like domains (sICAM-1; this form of ICAM-1 is known to be secreted) elicited an opposite effect when Sertoli cell barrier function was found to be perturbed in vitro; in this case, sICAM-1 overexpression resulted in the downregulation of several BTB constituent proteins, which was probably mediated by Pyk2/p-Pyk2-Y402 and c-Src/p-Src-Y530. These findings were expanded to the in vivo level when BTB function was found to be disrupted following sICAM-1 overexpression. These data illustrate the existence of a unique mechanism in the mammalian testis where ICAM-1 can either positively or negatively regulate BTB function.
The ventilatory response to hypoxia and hypercapnia is absent in the neonatal fat-tailed dunnart
Authors: Simpson Shannon J. , Fong Angelina Y. , Cummings Kevin J. , Frappell Peter B. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryAt birth, the newborn fat-tailed dunnart relies on cutaneous gas exchange to meet metabolic demands, with continuous lung ventilation emerging several days later. We hypothesized that the delayed expression of lung ventilation (VE) in these animals is in part owing to a low responsiveness of the respiratory control system to blood gas perturbations. To address this hypothesis we assessed the ventilatory and metabolic response to hypoxia (10% O2) and hypercapnia (5% CO2) using closed-system respirometry from birth to 23 days postpartum (P). Neonatal fat-tailed dunnarts displayed no significant hypoxic or hypercapnic ventilatory responses at any age. Regardless, significant hyperventilation through a suppression of metabolic rate (Vo2) was observed at birth in response to hypercapnia and in response to hypoxia at all ages, except P12. Therefore, reliance on cutaneous gas exchange during early life may be partially attributed to reduced chemosensitivity or a lack of central integration of chemosensitive afferent information. This may be in part due to the relative immaturity of this species at birth, compared to other mammals.
Recruitment of faster motor units is associated with greater rates of fascicle strain and rapid changes in muscle force during locomotion
Authors: Lee Sabrina S.M. , de Boef Miara Maria , Arnold Allison S. , Biewener Andrew A. , Wakeling James M. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryAnimals modulate the power output needed for different locomotor tasks by changing muscle forces and fascicle strain rates. To generate the necessary forces, appropriate motor units must be recruited. Faster motor units have faster activation-deactivation rates than slower motor units, and they contract at higher strain rates; therefore, recruitment of faster motor units may be advantageous for tasks that involve rapid movements or high rates of work. This study identified motor unit recruitment patterns in the gastrocnemii muscles of goats and examined whether faster motor units are recruited when locomotor speed is increased. The study also examined whether locomotor tasks that elicit faster (or slower) motor units are associated with increased (or decreased) in vivo tendon forces, force rise-relaxation rates, fascicle strains, and/or strain rates. Electromyography (EMG), sonomicrometric, and muscle-tendon force data were collected from the lateral and medial gastrocnemius muscles of goats during level walking, trotting, and galloping and during inclined walking and trotting. EMG signals were analyzed using wavelet and principal component analyses to quantify changes in the EMG frequency spectra across the different locomotor conditions. Fascicle strain and strain rate were calculated from the sonomicrometric data, and force rise and relaxation rates were determined from the tendon force data. The results of this study showed that faster motor units were recruited as goats increased their locomotor speeds from level walking to galloping. Slow inclined walking elicited similar EMG intensities as fast level galloping but different EMG frequency spectra — indicating that recruitment of the different motor unit types depended, in part, on characteristics of the task. For the locomotor tasks and muscles analyzed here, recruitment patterns were generally associated with in vivo fascicle strain rates, EMG intensity, and tendon force. Together, these data provide new evidence that changes in motor unit recruitment have an underlying mechanical basis, at least for certain locomotor tasks.
Ovarian developmental variation in the primitively eusocial waspRopalidia marginatasuggests a gateway to worker ontogeny and the evolution of sociality
Authors: Shukla Shantanu , Chandran Swarnalatha , Gadagkar Raghavendra 
Published: September 2012

SummarySocial insects are characterized by reproductive caste differentiation of colony members into one or a small number of fertile queens and a large number of sterile workers. The evolutionary origin and maintenance of such sterile workers remains an enduring puzzle in insect sociobiology. Here we studied ovarian development in over 600 freshly eclosed, isolated, virgin female Ropalidia marginata wasps, maintained in the laboratory. The wasps differed greatly both in the time taken to develop their ovaries and in the magnitude of ovarian development despite having similar access to resources. All females started with no ovarian development at day zero, and the percentage of individuals with at least one oocyte at any stage of development increased gradually across age, reached 100% at 100 days and decreased slightly thereafter. Approximately 40% of the females failed to develop ovaries within the average ecological lifespan of the species. Age, body size and adult feeding rate, when considered together were the most important factors governing ovarian development. We suggest that such flexibility and variation in the potential and timing of reproductive development may physiologically predispose females to accept worker roles and thus provide a gateway to worker ontogeny and the evolution of sociality.
The impact of acute temperature stress on hemocytes of invasive and native mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialisandM. californianus): DNA damage, membrane integrity, apoptosis and signalling pathways
Authors: Yao Cui-Luan , Somero George N. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryWe investigated effects of acute heat- and cold stress on cell viability, lysosome membrane stability, double- and single-stranded DNA breakage, and signalling mechanisms involved in cellular homeostasis and apoptosis in hemocytes of native and invasive mussels, Mytilus californianus and M. galloprovincialis, respectively. Both heat stress (28ºC, 32ºC) and cold stress (2ºC, 6ºC) led to significant double- and single-stranded breaks in DNA. The types and extents of DNA damage were temperature- and time-dependent, as was caspase-3 activation, an indicator of apoptosis, which may occur in response to DNA damage. Hemocyte viability and lysosomal membrane stability decreased significantly under heat stress. Western blot analyses of hemocyte extracts with antibodies for proteins associated with cell signalling and stress responses [including members of the phospho-specific Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) family (c-JUN NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38-MAPK) and apoptosis executor caspase-3] revealed that heat- and cold stress induced a time-dependent activation of JNK, p38-MAPK and caspase-3 and that these signalling and stress responses differed between species. Thermal limits for activation of cell signalling processes linked to repair of stress-induced damage may help determine cellular thermal tolerance limits. Our results show similarities in responses to cold- and heat stress and suggest causal linkages between levels of DNA damage at both extremes of temperature and downstream regulatory responses, including induction of apoptosis. Compared to M. californianus, M. galloprovincialis might have a wider temperature tolerance due to a lower amount of double-stranded DNA damage, faster signalling activation and transduction, and stronger repair ability against temperature stress.
Using the American alligator and a repeated-measures design to place constraints onin vivoshoulder joint range of motion in dinosaurs and other fossil archosaurs
Authors: Hutson Joel D. , Hutson Kelda N. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryUsing the extant phylogenetic bracket of dinosaurs (crocodylians and birds), recent work has reported that elbow joint range of motion (ROM) studies of fossil dinosaur forearms may be providing conservative underestimates of fully fleshed in vivo ROM. Since humeral ROM occupies a more central role in forelimb movements, the placement of quantitative constraints on shoulder joint ROM could improve fossil reconstructions. Here, we investigated whether soft tissues affect the more mobile shoulder joint in the same manner in which they affect elbow joint ROM in an extant archosaur. This test involved separately and repeatedly measuring humeral ROM in Alligator mississippiensis as soft tissues were dissected away in stages to bare bone. Our data show that the ROMs of humeral flexion and extension, as well as abduction and adduction, both show a statistically significant increase as flesh is removed, but then decrease when the bones must be physically articulated and moved until they separate from one another and/or visible joint surfaces. A similar ROM pattern is inferred for humeral pronation and supination. All final skeletonized ROMs were less than initial fully fleshed ROMs. These results are consistent with previously reported elbow joint ROM patterns from the extant phylogenetic bracket of dinosaurs. Thus, studies that avoid separation of complementary articular surfaces may be providing fossil shoulder joint ROMs that underestimate in vivo ROM in dinosaurs, as well as other fossil archosaurs.
Terrestrial locomotion imposes high metabolic requirements on bats
Authors: Voigt Christian C. , Borissov Ivailo M. , Voigt-Heucke Silke L. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryThe evolution of powered flight involved major morphological changes in Chiroptera. Nevertheless, all bats are also capable of crawling on the ground and some are even skilled sprinters. We asked if a highly derived morphology adapted for flapping flight imposes high metabolic requirements on bats when moving on the ground. We measured the metabolic rate during terrestrial locomotion in mastiff bats, Molossus currentium; a species that is both, a fast-flying aerial-hawking bat and an agile crawler on the ground. Metabolic rates of bats averaged 8.0 ± 4.0 ml CO2 min-1 during a one minute period of sprinting at 1.3 ± 0.6 km h-1. With rising average speed, mean metabolic rates increased, reaching peak values that were similar to those of flying conspecifics. Metabolic rates of M. currentium were higher than those of similar-sized rodents under steady-state conditions that sprinted at similar velocities. When M. currentium sprinted at peak velocities its aerobic metabolic rate was 3-5 times higher than those of rodent species running continuously in steady-state condition. Costs of transport (J kg-1 m-1) were more than ten times higher for running than for flying bats. We conclude that at the same speed bats experience higher metabolic rates during short sprints than quadruped mammals during steady-state terrestrial locomotion, yet running bats achieve higher maximal mass-specific aerobic metabolic rates than non-volant mammals such as rodents.
NMR and Thermodynamic Study of Phase Transition in Aqueous Solutions of Thermoresponsive Amphiphilic Polymer
Authors: Hanykova Lenka , Radecki Marek 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
1H NMR techniques combined with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments are employed to investigate the temperature-induced phase transition in aqueous poly(vinyl methyl ether) solutions. NMR data were used to construct van’t Hoff plots, and changes in the enthalpy and entropy characterizing the phase transition were determined. It follows from a comparison of NMR and DSC thermodynamic parameters (ΔH values) for solutions with c = 1–30 wt % that the size of the cooperative units (domains) undergoing the transition corresponds to the whole polymer chain.
Solution Behavior of Long–alkyl–chain Amide Amine Oxide Surfactants Having Multiple Hydrogen-bonding Sites
Authors: Kakehashi Rie , Tokai Naoji , Yamamura Shingo 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
We investigated the surface tension behavior and gelation ability of amide amine oxide surfactants with different numbers and arrangements of amide groups, and different spacer lengths between the amide and amine oxide groups. Whether the amide groups work as the polar head groups or they are incorporated in the hydrophobic part depended on the spacer length. The number and arrangement of amide groups were important in the hydrogen-bond formation between surfactant molecules.
An Electrostatic Model for the Unusual Salt Effect on the Stability of Ionic Copolymer Micelles
Authors: Maeda Hiroshi 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
An interesting observation reported that the critical micelle concentrations of an ionic amphiphilic block copolymer increased with the salt concentration. Numerical solutions of the Poisson–Boltzmann equations for polyelectrolyte brushes have suggested the existence of a region of approximately zero net charges close to the nonpolar core surface. The observed unusual salt effect could be explained if a kind of counter ion condensation is assumed in this region.
Computer Simulation of the Solubilization of Liposomes by Bile Salts
Authors: Mögel Hans-Jörg , Wahab Mirco , Schmidt Robin , Schiller Peter 
Published: September 2012

Abstract
The solubilization of a small unilamellar vesicle by bile salts is studied using Monte Carlo and Langevin dynamics simulation with an implicit solvent. By using coarse-grained models of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine and sodium cholate, it has been shown that the mechanism of transition from vesicle to mixed-micelle consists of the following stages: (a) separation of the bile salts from the solution phase and adsorption on the vesicle membrane, (b) enhanced pore formation with increasing bile salt concentration in the membrane, (c) detachment of worm-like mixed micelles from the pores, and (d) decay of the worm-like mixed micelles into smaller mixed micelles which have a reduced ratio of lipid to cholate molecules.
Short-term topiramate treatment does not improve insulin sensitivity or secretion in obese insulin-resistant women
Authors: Sleddering Maria A , Snel Marieke , Streefland Trea C M , Pijl Hanno , Jazet Ingrid M 
Published: September 2012

ObjectiveLong-term treatment with topiramate reduces body weight and improves insulin sensitivity in obese humans. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of topiramate treatment for 4 weeks on insulin sensitivity and secretion, independent of weight loss.DesignRandomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled study.MethodsThirteen obese (BMI 36.6±1.3 kg/m2 (mean±s.e.m.)), insulin-resistant (homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance 2.0±0.2) women received topiramate (T, maximum dose of 75 mg) and placebo (P) for 4 weeks, separated by a 4-week washout period. Insulin sensitivity and β-cell function were assessed using a two-step hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp with stable isotopes and a hyperglycemic clamp.ResultsHepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivities were not affected by topiramate treatment (glucose disposal rate (step 1 (insulin infusion rate 10 mU/m2 per min) T: 17.5±0.8 vs P: 18.5±1.0 μmol/kgLBM per min, t=1.016, P=0.33; step 2 (insulin infusion rate 40 mU/m2 per min) T: 27.9±3.2 vs P: 28.8±1.9 μmol/kgLBM per min, t=0.418, P=0.68)). Subjects lost a small amount of weight during the topiramate period (T: −1.0±0.2 vs P: −0.1±0.2 kg, t=2842, P=0.15). There were no changes in body fat mass, blood pressure, and fasting glucose. β-Cell function was not affected by topiramate as evidenced by an unaltered area under the curve of early (0–10 min; T: 1929.6±265.7 vs P: 2024.7±333.6 pmol/l, t=−0.357, P=0.73) and late (80–120 min; T: 28 017.7±5029.9 vs P: 31 567.7±5376.2 pmol/l, t=−1.481, P=0.16) phase insulin levels during hyperglycemia. The use of topiramate was associated with significant side effects such as paresthesia, nausea, dizziness, and concentration problems.ConclusionsLow-dose topiramate treatment for 4 weeks, relative to placebo, had no significant effect on insulin sensitivity in overweight/obese adult females without established diabetes.
ESRD Networks
Authors: Wish Jay B. , Meyer Klemens B. 
Published: September 2012

Summary
Established by Federal law in 1978, the ESRD Networks are regional nonprofit organizations that contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to provide quality oversight services to chronic dialysis facilities. The governing bodies and medical review boards of each network are populated by volunteer professionals and patients. The medical review boards drive the quality agenda for each network, addressing specific local barriers to improvement. The network contract deliverables are defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in a scope of work document (SOW) that is generally revised with each 3-year contracting cycle. The current SOW has not been revised since the implementation of the new Conditions for Coverage for dialysis facilities in 2008 or the implementation of a bundled payment system and quality incentive program for dialysis providers in 2011. The future success of the ESRD Network Program will depend upon adequate funding, data accessibility to drive rapid-cycle quality improvement efforts, and partnerships with other stakeholder groups to address the continuum of care of patients with CKD. The Forum of ESRD Networks has developed a strategic plan that aligns the priorities of the networks with the National Quality Strategy. The integration of these objectives into the next SOW will augment the relevance of the network program to the ESRD stakeholder community as the networks move from a task-oriented approach to a system-improvement approach to quality oversight.
Common Infections in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Karuthu Shamila , Blumberg Emily A. 
Published: September 2012

Summary
Infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in kidney transplant recipients. To some extent, these may be preventable. Careful pretransplant screening, immunization, and post-transplant prophylactic antimicrobials may all reduce the risk for post-transplant infection. However, because transplant recipients may not manifest typical signs and symptoms of infection, diagnoses may be confounded. Furthermore, treatment regimens may be complicated by drug interactions and the need to maintain immunosuppression to avoid allograft rejection. This article reviews common post-transplant infections, including prophylactic, diagnostic, and treatment strategies, providing guidance regarding care of kidney transplant patients with infection.
The Estimation of Quality Refining Slag for the Brass Gas-Slag Refining
Authors: Bydałek A. , Biernat S. 
Published: September 2012

The Estimation of Quality Refining Slag for the Brass Gas-Slag Refining
This article contains information concerning of the analysis the possibility of defining refinery qualities of the slag based thermophysical and thermodynamical data. The paper presents a model of slag refining processes and a method of determining the reduction capability of slag solutions. Slag was analysed with the use of the DTA methods for the brass melting conductions. The study of computer program including the satisfactory number of data there are used in to the design a modern device rotating head used for gas-slag refining. It was achieved that the refining gas and fluxes were distributed ever by the rotating head. High effectiveness of the gas-slag refining processes was proved for the brass.
Costs Analysis of Iron Casts Manufacturing
Authors: Kukla S. 
Published: September 2012

Costs Analysis of Iron Casts Manufacturing
The article presents the issues of costs analysis of iron casts manufacturing using automated foundry lines. Particular attention was paid to departmental costs, conversion costs and costs of in-plant transport. After the Pareto analysis had been carried out, it was possible to set the model area of the process and focus on improving activities related to finishing of a chosen group of casts. In order to eliminate losses, the activities realised in this domain were divided into activities with added value, activities with partially added value and activities without added value. To streamline the production flow, it was proposed to change the location of workstations related to grinding, control and machining of casts. Within the process of constant improvement of manufacturing processes, the aspect of work ergonomics at a workstation was taken into account. As a result of the undertaken actions, some activities without added value were eliminated, efficiency was increased and prime costs of manufacturing casts with regard to finishing treatment were lowered.