bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Abcb4 acts as multixenobiotic transporter and active barrier against chemical uptake in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos
Authors: Fischer Stephan , Klüver Nils , Burkhardt-Medicke Kathleen , Pietsch Mirko , Schmidt Anne-Marie , Wellner Peggy , Schirmer Kristin , Luckenbach Till 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
In mammals, ABCB1 constitutes a cellular “first line of defense” against a wide array of chemicals and drugs conferring cellular multidrug or multixenobiotic resistance (MDR/MXR). We tested the hypothesis that an ABCB1 ortholog serves as protection for the sensitive developmental processes in zebrafish embryos against adverse compounds dissolved in the water.

Results
Indication for ABCB1-type efflux counteracting the accumulation of chemicals in zebrafish embryos comes from experiments with fluorescent and toxic transporter substrates and inhibitors. With inhibitors present, levels of fluorescent dyes in embryo tissue and sensitivity of embryos to toxic substrates were generally elevated. We verified two predicted sequences from zebrafish, previously annotated as abcb1, by cloning; our synteny analyses, however, identified them as abcb4 and abcb5, respectively. The abcb1 gene is absent in the zebrafish genome and we explored whether instead Abcb4 and/or Abcb5 show toxicant defense properties. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analyses showed the presence of transcripts of both genes throughout the first 48 hours of zebrafish development. Similar to transporter inhibitors, morpholino knock-down of Abcb4 increased accumulation of fluorescent substrates in embryo tissue and sensitivity of embryos toward toxic compounds. In contrast, morpholino knock-down of Abcb5 did not exert this effect. ATPase assays with recombinant protein obtained with the baculovirus expression system confirmed that dye and toxic compounds act as substrates of zebrafish Abcb4 and inhibitors block its function. The compounds tested comprised model substrates of human ABCB1, namely the fluorescent dyes rhodamine B and calcein-am and the toxic compounds vinblastine, vincristine and doxorubicin; cyclosporin A, PSC833, MK571 and verapamil were applied as inhibitors. Additionally, tests were performed with ecotoxicologically relevant compounds: phenanthrene (a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon) and galaxolide and tonalide (two polycyclic musks).

Conclusions
We show that zebrafish Abcb4 is a cellular toxicant transporter and provides protection of embryos against toxic chemicals dissolved in the water. Zebrafish Abcb4 thus is functionally similar to mammalian ABCB1, but differs from mammalian ABCB4, which is not involved in cellular resistance to chemicals but specifically transports phospholipids in the liver. Our data have important implications: Abcb4 could affect bioavailability - and thus toxicologic and pharmacologic potency - of chemicals to zebrafish embryos and inhibition of Abcb4 therefore causes chemosensitization, that is, enhanced sensitivity of embryos to toxicants. These aspects should be considered in (eco)toxicologic and pharmacologic chemical screens with the zebrafish embryo, a major vertebrate model.
Subgroup J avian leukosis virus infection inhibits autophagy in DF-1 cells
Authors: Liu Haixia , Cao Weisheng , Li Yuhao , Feng Min , Wu Xiaochan , Yu Kangzhen , Liao Ming 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Subgroup J avian leukosis virus (ALV-J) infection can induce tumor-related diseases in chickens. Previous studies by our laboratory demonstrated that ALV-J infection of DF-1 cells resulted in altered activity and phosphorylation of AKT. However, little is known about the subsequent activation of host DF-1 cells.

Results
In the current study, autophagy inhibition was observed for ALV-J infected DF-1 cells. Our data showed that the autophagosome protein, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-II (LC3-II), was reduced considerably in DF-1 cells infected with active ALV-J, while no change was observed for cells infected with inactivated ALV-J. Autophagy inhibition was also confirmed by fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Interestingly, when autophagy was promoted by rapamycin, the titers of ALV-J replication were decreased, and the replication level of ALV-J was significantly enhanced when atg5 (autophagy-related gene 5) was knocked out.

Conclusions
These results suggested that ALV-J infection could down-regulate autophagy in DF-1 cells during viral replication. This study is the first to report on the relationship between ALV-J infection and autophagy in DF-1 cells.
Comparative inhalation toxicity of multi-wall carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphite nanoplatelets and low surface carbon black
Authors: Ma-Hock Lan , Strauss Volker , Treumann Silke , Küttler Karin , Wohlleben Wendel , Hofmann Thomas , Gröters Sibylle , Wiench Karin , van Ravenzwaay Bennard , Landsiedel Robert 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
Carbon nanotubes, graphene, graphite nanoplatelets and carbon black are seemingly chemically identical carbon-based nano-materials with broad technological applications. Carbon nanotubes and carbon black possess different inhalation toxicities, whereas little is known about graphene and graphite nanoplatelets.

Methods
In order to compare the inhalation toxicity of the mentioned carbon-based nanomaterials, male Wistar rats were exposed head-nose to atmospheres of the respective materials for 6 hours per day on 5 consecutive days. Target concentrations were 0.1, 0.5, or 2.5 mg/m3 for multi-wall carbon nanotubes and 0.5, 2.5, or 10 mg/m3 for graphene, graphite nanoplatelets and low-surface carbon black. Toxicity was determined after end of exposure and after three-week recovery using broncho-alveolar lavage fluid and microscopic examinations of the entire respiratory tract.

Results
No adverse effects were observed after inhalation exposure to 10 mg/m3 graphite nanoplatelets or relatively low specific surface area carbon black. Increases of lavage markers indicative for inflammatory processes started at exposure concentration of 0.5 mg/m3 for multi-wall carbon nanotubes and 10 mg/m3 for graphene. Consistent with the changes in lavage fluid, microgranulomas were observed at 2.5 mg/m3 multi-wall carbon nanotubes and 10 mg/m3 graphene. In order to evaluate volumetric loading of the lung as the key parameter driving the toxicity, deposited particle volume was calculated, taking into account different methods to determine the agglomerate density. However, the calculated volumetric load did not correlate to the toxicity, nor did the particle surface burden of the lung.

Conclusions
The inhalation toxicity of the investigated carbon-based materials is likely to be a complex interaction of several parameters. Until the properties which govern the toxicity are identified, testing by short-term inhalation is the best option to identify hazardous properties in order to avoid unsafe applications or select safer alternatives for a given application.
An LPA Species (18:1 LPA) Plays Key Roles in the Self-Amplification of Spinal LPA Production in the Peripheral Neuropathic Pain Model
Authors: Ma Lin , Nagai Jun , Chun Jerold , Ueda Hiroshi 
Published: June 2013

Background We previously reported that nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain is initiated by newly produced lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). Results In this study, we developed a quantitative mass spectrometry for detecting LPA species by using Phos-tag. Following nerve injury, the levels of 18:1, 16:0 and 18:0 LPA in the spinal dorsal horn significantly increased at 3 h and declined at 6 h. Among them, 18:1 LPA level was the most abundant. In the same preparation, there were significant elevations in the activities of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) and calcium-independent phospholipase A2 (iPLA2), key enzymes for LPA synthesis, at 1 h, while there was no significant change in phospholipase A1 activity. Pharmacological studies revealed that NMDA and neurokinin 1 receptors, cPLA2, iPLA2 and microglial activation, as well as LPA1 and LPA3 receptors were all involved in the nerve injury-induced LPA production, and underlying cPLA2 and iPLA2 activations. In the cells expressing LPA1 or LPA3 receptor, the receptor-mediated calcium mobilization was most potent with 18:1 LPA, compared with 16:0 or 18:0 LPA. Moreover, the intrathecal injection of 18:1 LPA, but not 16:0 or 18:0 LPA, caused a spinal LPA production and neuropathic pain-like behavior. Conclusion These results suggest that 18:1 LPA is the predominant ligand responsible for LPA1 and LPA3 receptors-mediated amplification of LPA production through microglial activation.
An extraordinary T/NK lymphoma, nasal type, occurring primarily in the prostate gland with unusual CD30 positivity: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Jiang QingPing , Liu Shaoyan , Peng Juan , Xiong Hanzhen , Xiong ZhongTang , Yang Yuexin , Tan Xuexian , Gao Xingcheng 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Extranodal NK/T cell lymphoma(NKTCL), nasal type, occurring primarily in the prostate gland, is extremely rare. We present a case of primarily prostatic NKTCL in a 59-year-old man suffering from dysuria. Histological examinations revealed that diffused, large-sized, pleomorphic lymphocytes were arranged in an angiocentric distribution with large areas of geographic necroses. Additionally, the prostatic glands were diffusely infiltrated by heteromorphous lymphocytes forming lymphoepithelial lesions. The tumor cells were strongly expressed CD3ϵ, CD56, TIA-1, granzyme B and EBV-encoded RNAs. And interestingly, the lymphoid cells were also strongly immunoreactive with CD30. A rearrangement study showed T-cell receptor γ-chain gene rearrangement with monoclonal appearance. Though postoperative combination of chemotherapy was given, the patient died four months later. Our observation and other literatures indicate that extremely rare NKTCLs unusually express CD30. TCR gene rearrangement existed in some NKTCL, suggesting that a subset of NKTCL may be a mixed NK/T-cell differentiation.

Virtual slides

The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/9671878568932824.
Revealing water’s secrets: deuterium depleted water
Authors: Goncharuk Vladyslav V , Kavitskaya Alina A , Romanyukina Iryna Yu , Loboda Oleksandr A 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background
The anomalous properties of water have been of great interest for generations of scientists. However the impact of small amount of deuterium content which is always present in water has never been explored before. For the first time the fundamental properties of deuterium depleted (light) water at 4°C and 20°C are here presented.

Results
The obtained results show the important role of the deuterium in the properties of bulk water. At 4°C the lowest value of the kinematic viscosity (1.46 mm2/s) has been found for 96.5 ppm D/H ratio. The significant deviation in surface tension values has been observed in deuterium depleted water samples at the both temperature regimes. The experimental data provides direct evidence that density, surface tension and viscosity anomalies of water are caused by the presence of variable concentration of deuterium which leads to the formation of water clusters of different size and quantity.

Conclusions
The investigated properties of light water reveal the origin of the water anomalies. The new theoretical model of cluster formation with account of isotope effect is proposed.
Aloe vera induced toxic colitis in a breast-feeding baby: a case report
Authors: Finn Daragh , Sett Arun , Ryan C. Anthony 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Aloe vera is a plant that is commonly used as an alternative or complementary medicine. We present a case in which we believe maternal consumption of an aloe vera cordial led to toxic colitis in her breastfeeding infant. To our knowledge, a similar case has not been previously reported.
Megestrol acetate may stimulate the production of insulin-like growth factor 1 in breast tissues of women with breast cancer
Authors: Fahlén Mia , Löfgren Lars , von Schoultz Eva , Naessén Sabine , Carlström Kjell , Söderqvist Gunnar 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Background: In women with breast cancer who were treated with either continuous tamoxifen alone or sequential tamoxifen followed by megestrol acetate (MA), we demonstrated significant positive associations between the breast tumor estrogen receptor (ER) and an increase in serum sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) during tamoxifen treatment. We interpreted this as “ER uniformity” in different tissues, e.g., breast, liver. No other associations with ER were found. In the same study, the breast tumor progesterone receptor (PR) was determined. Our aim was to see if there were any associations between PR and endocrine changes during MA treatment.

Methods: The breast tumor PR before treatment and serum insulin-like growth factor I (∂IGF-1), steroids, steroid-binding proteins, and insulin before and during treatment were measured in 17 postmenopausal women with breast cancer who were treated sequentially with tamoxifen 40 mg/day followed by MA 160 mg/day in alternating 3-month periods.

Results: During MA treatment periods, the levels of IGF-1 and insulin increased significantly, whereas the levels of androgens, SHBG, corticosteroid-binding globulin, and cortisol decreased significantly. Significant positive correlations were found between the PR content and increments in ∂IGF-1 but not between PR and any other endocrine change.

Conclusions: PR expression in human liver is very weak, but malignant and normal breast tissues secrete considerable amounts of growth hormone and IGF-1 in vitro and in vivo. This activity is stimulated by progestogens. The association between PR and ∂IGF-1 may therefore reflect a direct PR-mediated action of MA on malignant and normal human breast tissues in vivo.
Paracrine and intracrine contributions of androgens and estrogens to adipose tissue biology: physiopathological aspects
Authors: Waraich Rizwana S. , Mauvais-Jarvis Franck 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
In mammals, the male and female hormones androgen and estrogen act as endocrine regulators of energy metabolism. However, adipose tissue is also a site of androgen and estrogen synthesis; androgens convert to estrogens in these tissues, and adipose tissue is also a reservoir of steroids that act locally in a paracrine and intracrine manner. Thus, in adipose tissue, the local output of sex hormones is more complex than would be suggested by routine measurement of serum hormone concentrations. This review integrates studies on the effects of androgens and estrogens in the developmental programming of adipose tissue function in early life and addresses the contributions of local androgen and estrogen metabolism on adipose tissue function in adults.
Bubble Columns with Internals: A Review
Authors: Youssef Ahmed A. , Al-Dahhan Muthanna H. , Dudukovic Milorad P. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractMost industrial bubble column reactors require the utilization of internal structures for heat transfer and/or for controlling the flow structures and back mixing in the system. The internals denote all types of innards added to a bubble column, such as perforated plates, baffles, vibrating helical springs, mixers, and heat exchanger tubes. In commercial scale bubble columns, instrumentation probes, down-comers, and risers with heat exchangers are all considered. This review presents the state-of-knowledge of bubble columns with internals. It starts with an introduction. The second section discusses the horizontal internals, and the following section examines the studies involving vertical internals.
Infection and smoking are associated with decreased plasma concentration of the anti-aging protein, α-klothoa
Authors: Lam-Rachlin Jennifer , Romero Roberto , Korzeniewski Steven J. , Schwartz Alyse G. , Chaemsaithong Piya , Hernandez-Andrade Edgar , Dong Zhong , Yeo Lami , Hassan Sonia S. , Chaiworapongsa Tinnakorn 
Published: June 2013

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether maternal plasma concentrations of soluble α-klotho are different between women with microbial invasion of the intra-amniotic cavity (MIAC) and those without MIAC among preterm labor and intact membranes (PTL) or preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (pPROM).

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to include women in the following groups: i) PTL with MIAC (n=14); ii) PTL without MIAC (n=79); iii) pPROM with MIAC (n=30); and iv) pPROM without MIAC (n=33). MIAC was defined as a positive amniotic fluid culture for microorganisms (aerobic/anaerobic bacteria or genital mycoplasmas). Amniotic fluid samples were obtained within 48 h of maternal blood collection. Plasma concentration of soluble α-klotho was determined by ELISA.

Results: i) The median plasma concentration (pg/mL) of soluble α-klotho was significantly lower in patients with MIAC than in those without MIAC (787.0 vs. 1117.8; P<0.001). ii) Among patients with PTL, those with MIAC had a lower median plasma concentration (pg/mL) of soluble α-klotho than those without MIAC (787.0 vs. 1138.9; P=0.007). iii) Among patients with pPROM, those with MIAC had a lower median plasma concentration (pg/mL) of soluble α-klotho than those without MIAC (766.4 vs. 1001.6; P=0.045). iv) There was no significant difference in the median plasma concentration of soluble α-klotho between PPROM without MIAC and PTL without MIAC (1001.6 pg/mL vs. 1138.9 pg/mL, respectively; P=0.5). v) After adjustment for potential confounders (maternal age, tobacco use, gestational age at venipuncture), soluble α-klotho remained significantly associated with MIAC (P=0.02); and vi) Among patients without MIAC, smoking was significantly associated with a lower median plasma concentration soluble α-klotho than in non-smokers (794.2 pg/mL vs. 1382.0 pg/mL, respectively; P<0.001); however, this difference was not observed in patients with MIAC.

Conclusions: Intra-amniotic infection occurring at preterm gestations (regardless of membrane status) was associated with a decrease in maternal plasma concentrations of soluble α-klotho. Moreover, among patients without infection, the plasma concentration of α-klotho was lower in smokers.
Japanese Students’ Academic and Social Experiences at a Predominantly White University in the United States
Authors: Sato Takahiro , Hodge Samuel R. 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to explore Japanese students’ views about their academic and social experiences at majority White university in the United States (US). The six participants were Japanese undergraduate students (4 males, 2 females) with various academic majors. This descriptive qualitative study was situated in the concept of an academic Soujourner (Sato & Hodge, 2009;Siu, 1952). The primary data sources were a demographic survey and interviews. The demographic data were analyzed descriptively (Gravetter & Wallnau, 1996). The interview data were analyzed by constant comparative method (Merriam, 1998) and uncovered the recurrent themes: (a) differences exacerbate difficulties, (b) unwelcomed outsider, and (c) shifting attitudes. The participants’ cultural and linguistic differences exacerbated their academic and social difficulties. They were marginalized, which led to negative attitude shift against White peers. Implications and recommendations for improving the experiences of Asian international students at US college and universities are discussed.
Automatisierter modellbasierter Applikationstest für SPS Steuerungsprogramme auf der Basis von UML
Authors: Vogel-Heuser Birgit , Kormann Benjamin , Tikhonov Dimitry , Rösch Susanne 
Published: June 2013

Zusammenfassung
Die zunehmende Entwicklungskomplexität von Steuerungsprogrammen erfordert neue Methoden sowie einen automatisierten Testansatz, um ein gefordertes Qualitätsmaß effizient nachweisen zu können. In diesem Beitrag wird ein modellbasierter Ansatz zur Testfallerstellung mit UML-Sequenzdiagrammen (UML-SD) und eine universelle Testsystemarchitektur vorgestellt. Für die Generierung ausführbarer Testfälle aus Modellen erfolgt eine semantische Adaption von UML-SD an die zyklische Ausführungslogik. Anhand eines Beispiels wird die aufwandsarme Erstellung, Ausführung und Auswertung von Testfällen gezeigt.
Koexistenzsimulation von drahtlosen Systemen als Bestandteil des Engineerings
Authors: Schimschar André , Krätzig Marko , Wollschläger Martin 
Published: June 2013

Zusammenfassung
Obwohl die drahtlose Kommunikation fester Bestandteil der industriellen Automation ist und viele Automatisierungsanwendungen auf Funk zurückgreifen, sind drahtlose Lösungen bisher nicht voll in den Lebenszyklusprozess von Automatisierungssystemen integriert. Neben der Auswahl, Planung und Diagnose von Funklösungen, wird der Anwender vor allem beim Koexistenzmanagement allein gelassen. Simulationen können ihn dabei unterstützen und funkrelevante Parameter während des Engineerings optimieren. Dieser Beitrag stellt die Problematik vor und präsentiert einen geeigneten Lösungsansatz.
Computational Molecular Engineering as an Emerging Technology in Process Engineering
Authors: Horsch Martin , Niethammer Christoph , Vrabec Jadran , Hasse Hans 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
The present level of development of molecular force field methods is assessed from the point of view of simulation-based engineering, outlining the immediate perspective for further development and highlighting the newly emerging discipline of “Computational Molecular Engineering (CME)” which makes basic research in soft matter physics fruitful for industrial applications. Within the coming decade, major breakthroughs can be reached if a research focus is placed on processes at interfaces, combining aspects where an increase in the accessible length and time scales due to massively parallel high-performance computing will lead to particularly significant improvements.
HPC in Germany: Infrastructure, Operations and Politics
Authors: Bode Arndt , Nagel Wolfgang E. 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
The overall scientific challenge for most areas of science is to master the presence of massive parallelism and, with its help, to allow high-end applications to benefit from the high-performance computing (HPC) technology available today. Many key issues need to be addressed, ranging from parallel programming paradigms, via dynamic load distribution, to energy-awareness, and scalability of algorithms and applications, to name just a few. This paper gives an overview of the HPC landscape in Germany. With the Gauss Centre for Supercomputing (GCS) and the Gauss Alliance (GA), the structure of the German HPC centres offers users from all scientific areas access to HPC resources at all potentially required levels of performance. However, the significant contribution of these centres — beyond providing the hardware infrastructure — is to push software technology on all required key issues mentioned above, to make the access to HPC hardware resources efficient. In spite of the reasonable hardware funding of the GCS and GA HPC centres, the critical issue of finding the right “brains” to program the “racks” still continues to remain open.