bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin-7 interacts with HIV-1 gp120 and facilitates infection of CD4posT cells and macrophages
Authors: Varchetta Stefania , Lusso Paolo , Hudspeth Kelly , Mikulak Joanna , Mele Dalila , Paolucci Stefania , Cimbro Raffaello , Malnati Mauro , Riva Agostino , Maserati Renato , Mondelli Mario U , Mavilio Domenico 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin-7 (Siglec-7) expression is strongly reduced on natural killer (NK) cells from HIV-1 infected viremic patients. To investigate the mechanism(s) underlying this phenomenon, we hypothesized that Siglec-7 could contribute to the infection of CD4pos target cells following its interaction with HIV-1 envelope (Env) glycoprotein 120 (gp120).

Results
The ability of Siglec-7 to bind gp120 Env in a sialic acid-dependent manner facilitates the infection of both T cells and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs). Indeed, pre-incubation of HIV-1 with soluble Siglec-7 (sSiglec-7) increases the infection rate of CD4pos T cells, which do not constitutively express Siglec-7. Conversely, selective blockade of Siglec-7 markedly reduces the degree of HIV-1 infection in Siglec-7pos MDMs. Finally, the sSiglec-7 amount is increased in the serum of AIDS patients with high levels of HIV-1 viremia and inversely correlates with CD4pos T cell counts.

Conclusions
Our results show that Siglec-7 binds HIV-1 and contributes to enhance the susceptibility to infection of CD4pos T cells and MDMs. This phenomenon plays a role in HIV-1 pathogenesis and in disease progression, as suggested by the inverse correlation between high serum level of sSiglec-7 and the low CD4pos T cell count observed in AIDS patients in the presence of chronic viral replication.
The ascending aortic image quality and the whole aortic radiation dose of high-pitch dual-source CT angiography
Authors: Liu Ying , Xu Jian , Li Jian , Ren Jing , Liu Hongtao , Xu Junqing , Wei Mengqi , Hao Yuewen , Zheng Minwen 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Aortic dissection is a lift-threatening medical emergency associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. The incidence rate of aortic dissection is estimated at 5 to 30 per 1 million people per year. The prompt and correct diagnosis of aortic dissection is critical. This study was to compare the ascending aortic image quality and the whole aortic radiation dose of high-pitch dual-source CT angiography and conventional dual-source CT angiography.

Methods
A total of 110 consecutive patients with suspected aortic dissection and other aortic disorders were randomly divided into two groups. Group A underwent traditional scan mode and Group B underwent high-pitch dual-source CT scan mode. The image quality and radiation dose of two groups were compared.

Results
Close interobserver agreement was found for image quality scores (κ = 0.87). The image quality of ascending aorta was significantly better in the high-pitch group than in the conventional group (2.78 ± 0.46 vs 1.57 ± 0.43, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference of the CT attenuation values, the aortic image noise and SNR between two groups. The mean radiation dose of high-pitch group was also significantly lower than that of conventional group (2.7 ± 0.6 mSv vs. 3.9 ± 0.9 mSv, P < 0.001).

Conclusions
High-pitch dual-source CT angiography of the whole aorta can provide motion-artifact-free imaging of the ascending aorta at a low radiation dose compared to conventional protocol.
Akt inhibitors: mechanism of action and implications for anticancer therapeutics
Authors: Bhutani Jaikrit , Sheikh Asfandyar , Niazi Asfandyar Khan 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Akt, better known as protein kinase B (PKB), is a serine/threonine-specific protein kinase which acts as mediator via PI3K/Akt pathway in many biological processes like glucose metabolism, apoptosis, cell differentiation and transcription. Akt1 gene amplification has been implicated in gastric carcinoma while Akt2 amplification has been linked with ovarian, pancreas, breast and stomach tumors. The use of Akt inhibitors as monotherapy or in combination with other anticancer drugs could be useful for combating drug resistance and improving response. Thus, comprehensive understanding of Akt and its linked signaling pathways (PI3K, PKB, mTOR etc.) is necessary to lead to newer drug development and use.
Resveratrol induces insulin gene expression in mouse pancreatic α-cells
Authors: Xie Sherwin , Sinha Rohit Anthony , Singh Brijesh K , Li Guo Dong , Han Weiping , Yen Paul M 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Type 1 and type 2 diabetes are characterized by loss of β-cells; therefore, β-cell regeneration has become one of the primary approaches to diabetes therapy. Resveratrol, a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound, has been shown to improve glycaemic control in diabetic patients, but its action on pancreatic α-cells is not well understood.

Findings
Using mouse α-cells (αTC9), we showed that resveratrol induces expression of pancreatic β-cell genes such as Pdx1 and Ins2 in a SirT1-dependent manner. The mRNA and protein levels of insulin were further increased by histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition.

Conclusion
In summary, we provide new mechanistic insight into the anti-diabetic action of resveratrol through its ability to express β-cell genes in α-cells.
High levels of genetic diversity in Penaeus monodon populations from the east coast of India
Authors: Khedkar Gulab Dattarao , Reddy A. Chandrashekar , Ron Tetszuan Benny , Haymer David 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Quality production of the shrimp Penaeus monodon in hatchery operations depends heavily on the evaluation of genetic diversity and population structure of brood stocks. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences have been widely used to study genetic variability and relationships in many crustacean groups, and these same markers may be incorporated into evaluation studies of shrimp broods and populations. For this purpose we looked at variation in mitochondrial D-loop sequences as an indicator of genetic diversity in shrimp populations from a region of India that represents the main sources of new material for brood stocks. In our study of these populations the overall mean genetic diversity was 0.191. The highest level of genetic diversity (0.357) was observed in the Kakinada population, whereas the lowest diversity (0.0171) was observed in the Nellore population. The results also indicate that overall, the populations along the Andhra Pradesh coast are genetically diverse despite the fact that there is considerable gene flow between them. From the results, it is evident that east cost of India shows high genetic diversity among P. monodon broods and no evidence of loss of diversity due to excessive inbreeding. The fact that the genetic variability of these populations has been maintained, despite ten years of dependence on these broods, shows that at the present time there is no indication of over exploitation.
The “BIM-sustain” experiment – simulation of BIM-supported multi-disciplinary design
Authors: Kovacic Iva , Oberwinter Lars , Müller Christoph , Achammer Christoph 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Background
The AEC practice using BIM technology in Central European (CE) context is still very young; the previous experiences demonstrated a number of upcoming problems with BIM implementation on technical- (heterogonous data, interfaces, large data volumes) but even more so on process-level (question of responsibilities and work-load distribution, lacking standards or conventions on building-representation and in general lack of experience and knowledge on integrated practice).
The optimal data management, transfer and synchronization within inhomogeneous software context, as is often the case within inter-firm construction projects, require enormous organization, coordination and communication effort in the earliest design-phases. The BIM implementation implies therefore necessity of fundamental rethinking of the conventional design process, which in CE context is still predominantly based on sequential, segmented practice.

Methods
At the Vienna University of Technology a BIM-supported multi-disciplinary planning process with students of architecture, structural engineering and building physics, using several BIM-software tools was simulated. From the qualitative and quantitative evaluation of this BIM-supported multi-disciplinary collaboration will enable the compilation of guidelines for efficient use of BIM in design and planning process for the planners and standardization bodies.

Results
First insights on process-quality, such as team-, process- and technology satisfaction, as well as conflict- and stress levels will be presented in this paper. We were able to identify numerous technical problems related to the data transfer and inconsistencies in translation, which resulted in participant dissatisfaction and significant increasing of work-loads.

Conclusion
The first results imply at the importance of process-organization techniques such as face-to face communication, coordination and work-load allocation between the team-members in order to conduct the efficient BIM-supported process; as well as at urgent need for advancement of the tools in terms of data transfer and exchange. In the next step, using mandatory protocols and timesheets, a detailed statistical analysis of the people-process-technology issues will be conducted, as well as comparison of „Open-Platform-BIM“ to „One-Platform-BIM” model.
A nanobody targeting the F-actin capping protein CapG restrains breast cancer metastasis
Authors: Van Impe Katrien , Bethuyne Jonas , Cool Steven , Impens Francis , Ruano-Gallego David , De Wever Olivier , Vanloo Berlinda , Van Troys Marleen , Lambein Kathleen , Boucherie Ciska , Martens Evelien , Zwaenepoel Olivier , Hassanzadeh-Ghassabeh Gholamreza , Vandekerckhove Joël , Gevaert Kris , Fernández Luis Ángel , Sanders Niek N , Gettemans Jan 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Aberrant turnover of the actin cytoskeleton is intimately associated with cancer cell migration and invasion. Frequently however, evidence is circumstantial, and a reliable assessment of the therapeutic significance of a gene product is offset by lack of inhibitors that target biologic properties of a protein, as most conventional drugs do, instead of the corresponding gene. Proteomic studies have demonstrated overexpression of CapG, a constituent of the actin cytoskeleton, in breast cancer. Indirect evidence suggests that CapG is involved in tumor cell dissemination and metastasis. In this study, we used llama-derived CapG single-domain antibodies or nanobodies in a breast cancer metastasis model to address whether inhibition of CapG activity holds therapeutic merit.

Methods
We raised single-domain antibodies (nanobodies) against human CapG and used these as intrabodies (immunomodulation) after lentiviral transduction of breast cancer cells. Functional characterization of nanobodies was performed to identify which biochemical properties of CapG are perturbed. Orthotopic and tail vein in vivo models of metastasis in nude mice were used to assess cancer cell spreading.

Results
With G-actin and F-actin binding assays, we identified a CapG nanobody that binds with nanomolar affinity to the first CapG domain. Consequently, CapG interaction with actin monomers or actin filaments is blocked. Intracellular delocalization experiments demonstrated that the nanobody interacts with CapG in the cytoplasmic environment. Expression of the nanobody in breast cancer cells restrained cell migration and Matrigel invasion. Notably, the nanobody prevented formation of lung metastatic lesions in orthotopic xenograft and tail-vein models of metastasis in immunodeficient mice. We showed that CapG nanobodies can be delivered into cancer cells by using bacteria harboring a type III protein secretion system (T3SS).

Conclusions
CapG inhibition strongly reduces breast cancer metastasis. A nanobody-based approach offers a fast track for gauging the therapeutic merit of drug targets. Mapping of the nanobody-CapG interface may provide a platform for rational design of pharmacologic compounds.
TRAPID: an efficient online tool for the functional and comparative analysis of de novoRNA-Seq transcriptomes
Authors: Van Bel Michiel , Proost Sebastian , Van Neste Christophe , Deforce Dieter , Van de Peer Yves , Vandepoele Klaas 
Published: December 2013

AbstractTranscriptome analysis through next-generation sequencing technologies allows the generation of detailed gene catalogs for non-model species, at the cost of new challenges with regards to computational requirements and bioinformatics expertise. Here, we present TRAPID, an online tool for the fast and efficient processing of assembled RNA-Seq transcriptome data, developed to mitigate these challenges. TRAPID offers high-throughput open reading frame detection, frameshift correction and includes a functional, comparative and phylogenetic toolbox, making use of 175 reference proteomes. Benchmarking and comparison against state-of-the-art transcript analysis tools reveals the efficiency and unique features of the TRAPID system. TRAPID is freely available at http://bioinformatics.psb.ugent.be/webtools/trapid/.
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells enhance IgE-mediated mast cell responses
Authors: Morales Johanna K , Saleem Sheinei J , Martin Rebecca K , Saunders Bryan L , Barnstein Brian O , Faber Travis W , Pullen Nicholas A , Kolawole Elizabeth Motunrayo , Brooks Keith B , Norton Sarah K , Sturgill Jamie , Graham Laura , Bear Harry D , Urban Joseph F , Lantz Chris S , Conrad Daniel H , Ryan John J 
Published: December 2013

AbstractMast cells and MDSCs are increased by parasitic infection and tumor growth. We previously demonstrated that enhanced MDSC development in ADAM10 transgenic mice yielded resistance to Nb infection and that coculturing MDSCs and mast cells enhanced cytokine production. In the current work, we show that MDSC-mast cell coculture selectively enhances IgE-mediated cytokine secretion among mast cells, without increasing MDSC cytokine production. This effect was independent of cell contact and elicited by Ly6C+ and Ly6C/G+ MDSC subsets. These interactions were functionally important. MDSC depletion with the FDA-approved drug gemcitabine exacerbated Nb or Trichinella spiralis infection and reduced mast cell-dependent AHR and lung inflammation. Adoptive transfer of MDSC worsened AHR in WT but not mast cell-deficient Wsh/Wsh mice. These data support the hypothesis that MDSCs enhance mast cell inflammatory responses and demonstrate that this interaction can be altered by an existing chemotherapeutic.
A Novel Method of Synthesizing LiFePO4/C with Excellent Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Wang Juan , Shao Zhongbao , Ru Hongqiang 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
A novel method of high-temperature high-energy ball milling was developed to synthesize LiFePO4/C at a relatively low temperature of 600 °C for a relatively short preparation time of 10 h. X-ray diffraction analysis, transmission electron microscopy, and electrochemical performance tests were utilized to analyze the samples. The results demonstrate that the LiFePO4/C composite shows a mean particle size of 0.5 µm, 152.5 mA h g−1 initial discharge capacity, and 151.8 mA h g−1 reversible capacity after 30 cycle test at 0.1 C.
Welfare Effects of Developing the Reverse Mortgage Market in China: An Individual and Social Perspective
Authors: Huang Minan , Chen Bingzheng , Deng Yinglu 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
The increasing aging population and social security insufficiency have become serious problems in China. Some developed countries, such as the U.S., Canada, and Japan, have developed reverse mortgage markets as solutions for the aging problem. In this article, a theoretical analysis of the welfare and asset allocation effects from introducing a reverse mortgage market into China, with the overlapping generation model and parameters from Chinese factors, was carried out. The results show that the introduction of a reverse mortgage market improved individual and social welfare. It provides more income for both the older and the younger generations. For the older generation, this can reduce the burden on social security; for the younger generation, this can smooth out lifetime consumption for the individual. By making comparisons among different scenarios, this article shows that the welfare effects from a reverse mortgage market would increase with the aging level of society.
Risk factors for unfavorable pregnancy outcome in women with adverse childhood experiences
Authors: Leeners Brigitte , Rath Werner , Block Emina , Görres Gisela , Tschudin Sibil 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Aims: To explore the association between childhood sexual abuse (CSA), physical abuse, as well as other adverse childhood experiences (ACE), and different obstetrical risk factors/behaviors.

Methods: In this cohort study, obstetrical risk factors and perinatal outcome in 85 women exposed to CSA were compared to 170 matched unexposed women. CSA, physical abuse, and ACE were explored by face-to-face interviews and by questionnaire. Data on perinatal outcome were extracted from medical charts. Fisher’s exact, χ
2-test, and multiple logistic regression were used for statistical analysis.

Results: During pregnancy women with CSA experiences were significantly more often smoking (31.7%/9.4%; P<0.0001), had partners abusing drugs (10.6%/1.2%; P<0.0005), experienced physical (16.5%/0; P<0.0001), sexual (12.9%/0; P<0.0001), and emotional abuse (44.7%/1.7%; P<0.0001), reported depression (24.7%/1.8%; P<0.0001), and suicidal ideation (10.6%/0; P<0.0001) than women without CSA experiences. Differences in risk factors were more often correlated with physical than with sexual abuse during childhood. The probability for premature delivery was associated with CSA, physical abuse and ACE as well as with several of the risk factors investigated.

Conclusion: Women with CSA, physical, and ACE present with a variety of abuse-associated obstetrical risk factors and an increased risk for premature delivery. Therefore, all types of abusive and other ACE should be considered in prenatal care.
Adding Preoperative Radiotherapy Plus Cetuximab to Perioperative Chemotherapy for Resectable Esophageal Adenocarcinoma: A Single-Center Prospective Phase II Trial
Authors: Ubink Inge , Sluis Pieter , Schipper Marguerite , Reerink Onne , Voest Emile , Borel-Rinkes Inne , Wijrdeman Harm , Vleggaar Frank , Agterof Marriete , Overkleeft Esther , Siersema Peter , Hillegersberg Richard , Lolkema M.P. 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background.
Local and systemic recurrence are important sources of treatment failure following surgical resection of esophageal adenocarcinoma. We hypothesized that adding preoperative cetuximab and radiotherapy (cetux-RT) to perioperative chemotherapy would increase treatment efficacy with acceptable toxicity.

Methods.
In this prospective phase II trial, patients were treated with three cycles of epirubicin, cisplatin, and capecitabine (ECX), followed by cetux-RT. After surgery with curative intent, patients received three more cycles of ECX. Primary endpoints were efficacy, determined by histopathological complete response (pCR) rate, and safety, which was assessed with resectability rate.

Results.
Of the 12 patients enrolled in this trial, six received at least one dose of cetux-RT. In five patients, cetux-RT was not started because of adverse events (AEs) related to preoperative chemotherapy; one patient had progressive disease. Addition of cetux-RT was well tolerated and did not interfere with the resectability rate (100%). However, the pCR rate was 0, and 50% of patients experienced serious adverse events (SAEs) postoperatively.

Conclusion.
With 12 patients enrolled, the lack of initial signs of efficacy and a high incidence of postoperative SAEs prompted us to end this study prematurely. Perioperative ECX was associated with considerable toxicity, and further treatment intensification is problematic.
Genetic Basis of Agronomic Differences between a Modern and a Historical Spring Wheat Cultivar
Authors: Sherman J. D. , Martin J. M. , Blake N. K. , Lanning S. P. , Talbert L. E. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTModern spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars are typically of semidwarf growth habit and have higher yield potential than their predecessors. Since the introduction of reduced height alleles, breeders have selected for higher grain yield and improvements in other traits. The objective of this project was to determine the genetic basis for differences between a modern spring wheat cultivar ‘McNeal’ with Rht‐D1b for semidwarf habit and a historically important standard height cultivar ‘Thatcher’. A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population with 160 lines, including 80 in each height class, was tested in five environments in Montana. The Rht‐D1 locus explained 90% of the height variation. The Rht‐D1b allele had positive pleiotropic effects on grain yield and productive tiller number, explaining 73 and 33% of the respective variation. Negative pleiotropic effects occurred for grain protein, seed weight, and test weight, as Rht‐D1 explained 42, 24, and 7% of the variation within the RIL. Favorable alleles at quantitative trait loci (QTLs) of lesser effect than Rht‐D1 were more often contributed by McNeal for seed size and test weight than by Thatcher. A total of 17 epistatic interactions were observed, of which nine involved Rht‐D1. Our results indicate that alleles for semidwarf habit explain most of the improvement in grain yield. Selection of favorable alleles at other loci has helped to mitigate negative pleiotropic effects of Rht‐D1b. Our results provide insight into the genetic basis of wheat improvement through breeding.
Yield Determination and Water‐Use Efficiency of Wheat under Water‐Limited Conditions in the U.S. Southern High Plains
Authors: Xue Q. , Rudd J. C. , Liu S. , Jessup K. E. , Devkota R. N. , Mahan J. R. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTDrought is the most important stress for reducing wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield and water‐use efficiency (WUE) in the U.S. Southern High Plains (SHP). Adoption of cultivars with higher yield and WUE under drought conditions is critical in the area. The objective of this study was to investigate the physiological basis of yield determination and WUE of wheat in the SHP. A 2‐yr field experiment was conducted in 10 genotypes under dryland and irrigated conditions. The newer cultivars or more drought tolerant genotypes had higher yield, biomass, WUE, and water‐use efficiency for biomass (WUEbm) under drought. Genotypes with higher yield had more seeds per spike and higher 1000‐kernel weight (TKW). The WUE or WUEbm was determined by yield or biomass as genotypic differences in evapotranspiration were not significant. Biomass at anthesis significantly contributed to higher yield under drought. Yield, spikes per square meter, TKW, and harvest index were correlated to spike, stem, and total dry weights per unit area at anthesis. Single stem dry weight was linearly related to seeds per spike. For dryland wheat, remobilization of stem C reserves contributed to yield in 1 yr and to seeds per spike and seeds per square meter in both years. The amount of remobilization was linearly related to single stem dry weight at anthesis. The results of this study indicated that stem dry weight at anthesis may be an important trait for high yield in the SHP environment.