bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mouse and Human Eosinophils Degranulate in Response to Platelet-Activating Factor (PAF) and LysoPAF via a PAF-Receptor–Independent Mechanism: Evidence for a Novel Receptor
Authors: Dyer Kimberly D. , Percopo Caroline M. , Xie Zhihui , Yang Zhao , Kim John Dongil , Davoine Francis , Lacy Paige , Druey Kirk M. , Moqbel Redwan , Rosenberg Helene F. 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
Platelet-activating factor (PAF [1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine]) is a phospholipid mediator released from activated macrophages, mast cells, and basophils that promotes pathophysiologic inflammation. Eosinophil responses to PAF are complex and incompletely elucidated. We show in this article that PAF and its 2-deacetylated metabolite (lysoPAF) promote degranulation (release of eosinophil peroxidase) via a mechanism that is independent of the characterized PAFR. Specifically, we demonstrate that receptor antagonists CV-3988 and WEB-2086 and pertussis toxin have no impact on PAF- or lysoPAF-mediated degranulation. Furthermore, cultured mouse eosinophils from PAFR−/− bone marrow progenitors degranulate in response to PAF and lysoPAF in a manner indistinguishable from their wild-type counterparts. In addition to PAF and lysoPAF, human eosinophils degranulate in response to lysophosphatidylcholine, but not phosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylethanolamine, or phosphatidylethanolamine, demonstrating selective responses to phospholipids with a choline head-group and minimal substitution at the sn-2 hydroxyl. Human eosinophils release preformed cytokines in response to PAF, but not lysoPAF, also via a PAFR-independent mechanism. Mouse eosinophils do not release cytokines in response to PAF or lysoPAF, but they are capable of doing so in response to IL-6. Overall, our work provides the first direct evidence for a role for PAF in activating and inducing degranulation of mouse eosinophils, a crucial feature for the interpretation of mouse models of PAF-mediated asthma and anaphylaxis. Likewise, we document and define PAF and lysoPAF-mediated activities that are not dependent on signaling via PAFR, suggesting the existence of other unexplored molecular signaling pathways mediating responses from PAF, lysoPAF, and closely related phospholipid mediators.
Genome-Wide RNA Interference inDrosophilaCells Identifies G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinase 2 as a Conserved Regulator of NF-κB Signaling
Authors: Valanne Susanna , Myllymäki Henna , Kallio Jenni , Schmid Martin Rudolf , Kleino Anni , Murumägi Astrid , Airaksinen Laura , Kotipelto Tapio , Kaustio Meri , Ulvila Johanna , Esfahani Shiva Seyedoleslami , Engström Ylva , Silvennoinen Olli , Hultmark Dan , Parikka Mataleena , Rämet Mika 
Published: April 2010

AbstractBecause NF-κB signaling pathways are highly conserved in evolution, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster provides a good model to study these cascades. We carried out an RNA interference (RNAi)-based genome-wide in vitro reporter assay screen in Drosophila for components of NF-κB pathways. We analyzed 16,025 dsRNA-treatments and identified 10 novel NF-κB regulators. Of these, nine dsRNA-treatments affect primarily the Toll pathway. G protein-coupled receptor kinase (Gprk)2, CG15737/Toll pathway activation mediating protein, and u-shaped were required for normal Drosomycin response in vivo. Interaction studies revealed that Gprk2 interacts with the Drosophila IκB homolog Cactus, but is not required in Cactus degradation, indicating a novel mechanism for NF-κB regulation. Morpholino silencing of the zebrafish ortholog of Gprk2 in fish embryos caused impaired cytokine expression after Escherichia coli infection, indicating a conserved role in NF-κB signaling. Moreover, small interfering RNA silencing of the human ortholog GRK5 in HeLa cells impaired NF-κB reporter activity. Gprk2 RNAi flies are susceptible to infection with Enterococcus faecalis and Gprk2 RNAi rescues Toll10b-induced blood cell activation in Drosophila larvae in vivo. We conclude that Gprk2/GRK5 has an evolutionarily conserved role in regulating NF-κB signaling.
Diabetic Mice Display a Delayed Adaptive Immune Response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Vallerskog Therese , Martens Gregory W. , Kornfeld Hardy 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major risk factor for tuberculosis (TB) but the defect in protective immunity responsible for this has not been defined. We previously reported that streptozotocin-induced DM impaired TB defense in mice, resulting in higher pulmonary bacterial burden, more extensive inflammation, and higher expression of several proinflammatory cytokines known to play a protective role in TB. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that DM leads to delayed priming of adaptive immunity in the lung-draining lymph nodes (LNs) following low dose aerosol challenge with virulent Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We show that M. tuberculosis-specific IFN-γ–producing T cells arise later in the LNs of diabetic mice than controls, with a proportionate delay in recruitment of these cells to the lung and stimulation of IFN-γ–dependent responses. Dissemination of M. tuberculosis from lung to LNs was also delayed in diabetic mice, although they showed no defect in dendritic cell trafficking from lung to LNs after LPS stimulation. Lung leukocyte aggregates at the initial sites of M. tuberculosis infection developed later in diabetic than in nondiabetic mice, possibly related to reduced levels of leukocyte chemoattractant factors including CCL2 and CCL5 at early time points postinfection. We conclude that TB increased susceptibility in DM results from a delayed innate immune response to the presence of M. tuberculosis-infected alveolar macrophages. This in turn causes late delivery of Ag-bearing APC to the lung draining LNs and delayed priming of the adaptive immune response that is necessary to restrict M. tuberculosis replication.
Kähler–Sasaki geometry of toric symplectic cones in action-angle coordinates
Authors: Abreu Miguel 
Published: April 2010

In the same way that a contact manifold determines and is determined by a symplectic cone, a Sasaki manifold determines and is determined by a suitable Kähler cone. Kähler–Sasaki geometry is the geometry of these cones.
This paper presents a symplectic action-angle coordinates approach to toric Kähler geometry and how it was recently generalized, by Burns–Guillemin–Lerman and Martelli–Sparks–Yau, to toric Kähler–Sasaki geometry. It also describes, as an application, how this approach can be used to relate a recent new family of Sasaki–Einstein metrics constructed by Gauntlett–Martelli–Sparks–Waldram in 2004, to an old family of extremal Kähler metrics constructed by Calabi in 1982.
Perfluorinated Polymers, Tetrafluoroethylene–Perfluorovinyl Ether Copolymers
Authors: Gangal Subhash V. , Brothers Paul D. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractPerfluoroalkoxy (PFA) fluorocarbon resins are designed to meet industry's needs in chemical, electrical, and mechanical applications. These melt‐processible copolymers contain a fluorocarbon backbone in the main chain and randomly distributed perfluorinated ether side chains. A combination of excellent chemical and mechanical properties at elevated temperatures results in reliable, high performance service to the chemical processing and related industries. Chemical inertness, heat resistance, toughness and flexibility, stress‐crack resistance, excellent flex life, antistick characteristics, little moisture absorption, nonflammability, and exceptional dielectric properties are among the characteristics of these resins. These resins are produced by copolymerizing tetrafluoroethylene and perfluorovinyl ether in aqueous or nonaqueous media. The polymer is separated and converted into various forms, such as extruded cubes, powders, beads, or dispersions. PFA resins are fabricated by the conventional melt‐processing techniques used for thermoplastics. A general‐purpose grade is designed for a variety of molding and extrusion applications such as tubing, shapes, molded parts, and insulation for electrical wire and cables. Valves and fitting liners are made by a transfer‐molding process. Some grades of this polymer are suitable in semiconductor manufacturing, fluid handling systems for industry or life sciences, and instrumentation for precise measurements of fluid systems.
Perfluorinated Polymers, Tetrafluoroethylene–Ethylene Copolymers
Authors: Gangal Subhash V. , Brothers Paul D. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractCopolymers of ethylene and tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) have been studied for more than half a century. However, modified ETFE are the products of real commercial value because they have good tensile strength, moderate stiffness, high flex life, and outstanding impact strength, abrasion resistance, and cut‐through resistance. Electrical properties include low dielectric constant, high dielectric strength, excellent resistivity, and low dissipation factor. Thermal and cryogenic performance and chemical resistance are good. This family of polymers can be processed by conventional methods such as melt extrusion, injection molding, transfer molding, and rotational molding. These polymers are synthesized in aqueous, nonaqueous, or mixed medium with free‐radical initiators. The polymer is isolated and converted into extruded cubes, powders, and beads or into dispersion. The general‐purpose resin is used for insulating and jacketing low voltage power wiring for mass transport system, wiring for chemical plants, and control and instrumentation wiring. It is also used to produce sockets, connectors, and switch components. These resins provide good service in seal glands, pipe plugs, corrugated tubing, fasteners, and pump vanes.
Oxygen Scavenging Packaging Systems
Authors: Cooksey Kay 
Published: April 2010

AbstractAn oxygen scavenger is a material or combination of reactive compounds incorporated into a package structure that may combine with oxygen and effectively remove the oxygen from the inner package environment. Oxygen scavengers are mainly used for food and pharmaceutical applications but can also be used for any product that needs a low oxygen storage atmosphere. Oxygen can cause deteriorative reactions that can lead to the reduced functionality of the product. Iron‐based sachets are the type of oxygen scavenging systems that have been used for many years. Many polymers have been developed for this use. Research continues in the use of scavengers for meat packaging, bakery products, orange juice in aseptic packages, and cheese packaging. Regulations and future research, such as the use of microorganisms for oxygen scavenging, use of biofilms, and radiation treatment are discussed.
Impact of selected inborn errors of metabolism on prenatal and neonatal development
Authors: Illsinger Sabine , Das Anibh M. 
Published: April 2010

AbstractIn general, data regarding maturational processes of different metabolic pathways in the very vulnerable fetal and neonatal period are rare. This review is to substantiate the impact of selected inborn errors of metabolism on this critical period of life and their clinical manifestation. Significant adaptation of mitochondrial/energy‐, carbohydrate‐, lysosomal‐, and amino acid‐metabolism occurs during early prenatal and neonatal development. In utero, metabolic environment has an impact on the development of the fetus as well as fetal organ maturation. Defects of distinct metabolic pathways could therefore already be of significant relevance in utero and for clinical manifestations in the early fetal and neonatal period. Disturbances of these pathways may influence intrauterine growth and health. Production of a toxic intrauterine milieu, energy‐deficiency, modification of membrane function, or disturbance of the normal intrauterine expression of genes may be responsible for fetal compromise and developmental disorders. Three categories of metabolic disorders will be discussed: the “intoxication type” (classical galactosemia, ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, and “maternal phenylketonuria”), the “storage type” (Morbus Niemann Pick type C), and the “energy deficient type” (including long‐chain fatty acid oxidation disorders, pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency, and respiratory chain defects). For these disorders, the pathophysiology of early manifestation, special aspects regarding the prenatal and neonatal period, and diagnostic as well as therapeutic options are presented. © 2010 IUBMB IUBMB Life, 62(6): 403–413, 2010
Elucidating concurrent algorithms via layers of abstraction and reification
Authors: Jones Cliff B. , Pierce Ken G. 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
Arguing that intricate concurrent programs satisfy their specifications can be difficult; recording understandable explanations is important for subsequent readers. Abstraction is a key tool even for sequential programs. The purpose here is to explore some abstractions that help readers (and writers) understand the design of concurrent programs. As an illustration, the paper presents a formal development of a non-trivial parallel program: Simpson’s implementation of asynchronous communication mechanisms. Although the correctness of this “4-slot algorithm” has been shown elsewhere, earlier proofs fail to offer much insight into the design. From an understandable (yet formal) design history of this one algorithm, the techniques employed in the explanation are teased out for wider application. Among these techniques is using a “fiction of atomicity” as an aid to understanding the initial steps of development. The rely-guarantee approach is, here, combined with notions of read/write frames and “phased” specifications; furthermore, the atomicity assumptions implied by the rely/guarantee conditions are achieved by clever choice of data representations.
The Ala allele in the PPAR-γ2 gene is associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Caucasians and improved insulin sensitivity in overweight subjects
Authors: Huguenin Grazielle Vilas Bôas , Rosa Glorimar 
Published: April 2010

The purpose of the present study was to identify the association of the Pro12Ala polymorphism in the PPAR-γ2 gene with diabetes, insulinaemia and insulin resistance. A meta-analysis study was carried out based on studies conducted in the last 10 years, using the databases PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, High Wire Press and Scielo, and the reference lists of the obtained articles. We included original studies that showed the relationship between the Pro12Ala polymorphism in the PPAR-γ2 gene and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), insulinaemia and insulin resistance. Statistical analyses were conducted using the program RevMAn 5.0. The Mantel–Haenszel test was used to estimate the OR and the 95 % CI of the dichotomous variable, while the standardised effect size was used to estimate the average standardised mean difference and 95 % CI of continuous variables. The studies were subgrouped by ethnicity and overweight status. Forty-one studies were analysed, including a global sample of 30 612 subjects. We found a significant association of the Ala allele with the lowest risk of T2DM in Caucasians (OR 0·80; 95 % CI 0·65, 0·98), lower serum insulin (standardised effect size: − 0·05; 95 % CI − 0·09, − 0·00; P = 0·04), and greater sensitivity to insulin in overweight individuals (homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance standardised effect size: − 0·07; 95 % CI − 0·13, − 0·01; P = 0·02). Considering that the Pro12Ala polymorphism in the PPAR-γ2 gene is one of the factors related to insulin sensitivity, the present study demonstrated a significant effect of the Ala allele on lower development of T2DM in Caucasians and greater sensitivity to insulin in overweight subjects.
Bone mineral content is positively correlated to n-3 fatty acids in the femur of growing rats
Authors: Li Yong , Seifert Mark F. , Lim Sun-Young , Salem Norman , Watkins Bruce A. 
Published: April 2010

The present study was conducted to determine whether provision of preformed dietary docosapentaenoic acid (DPAn-6) can replace DHA for normal long bone growth as assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry for mineral content (BMC). A newly modified artificial rearing method was employed to generate n-3 fatty acid-deficient rats. Except the dam-reared (DR; 3·1 % α-linolenic acid) group, newborn pups were separated from their mothers at age 2 d and given artificial rat milk containing linoleic acid (LA), or LA supplemented with 1 % DHA (22 : 6n-3; DHA), 1 % DPAn-6 (DPA), or 1 % DHA plus 0·4 % DPAn-6 (DHA/DPA). The rats were later weaned onto similar pelleted diets. At adulthood, the rats were euthanised and bones (femur, tibia, and lumbar vertebrae) collected for tissue fatty acid analysis and bone mineral density (BMD) determination. The analyses showed that long bones such as femur and tibia in DPAn-6-treated rats contained higher DPAn-6 content and generally had the lowest BMC and BMD values. Hence, DPAn-6 did not replace DHA for normal bone growth and maximal BMC in femur, indicating an indispensible role of DHA in bone health. In conclusion, DHA accumulates in the osteoblast-rich and nerve-abundant periosteum of femur; DHA but not EPA appears to be a vital constituent of marrow and periosteum of healthy modelling bone; and both DHA and total n-3 PUFA strongly correlate to BMC.
Effect of the artificial sweetener, sucralose, on small intestinal glucose absorption in healthy human subjects
Authors: Ma Jing , Chang Jessica , Checklin Helen L. , Young Richard L. , Jones Karen L. , Horowitz Michael , Rayner Christopher K. 
Published: April 2010

It has been reported that the artificial sweetener, sucralose, stimulates glucose absorption in rodents by enhancing apical availability of the transporter GLUT2. We evaluated whether exposure of the proximal small intestine to sucralose affects glucose absorption and/or the glycaemic response to an intraduodenal (ID) glucose infusion in healthy human subjects. Ten healthy subjects were studied on two separate occasions in a single-blind, randomised order. Each subject received an ID infusion of sucralose (4 mm in 0·9 % saline) or control (0·9 % saline) at 4 ml/min for 150 min (T = − 30 to 120 min). After 30 min (T = 0), glucose (25 %) and its non-metabolised analogue, 3-O-methylglucose (3-OMG; 2·5 %), were co-infused intraduodenally (T = 0–120 min; 4·2 kJ/min (1 kcal/min)). Blood was sampled at frequent intervals. Blood glucose, plasma glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and serum 3-OMG concentrations increased during ID glucose/3-OMG infusion (P < 0·005 for each). However, there were no differences in blood glucose, plasma GLP-1 or serum 3-OMG concentrations between sucralose and control infusions. In conclusion, sucralose does not appear to modify the rate of glucose absorption or the glycaemic or incretin response to ID glucose infusion when given acutely in healthy human subjects.
The use of low-glycaemic index diets in diabetes control
Authors: Thomas D. E. , Elliott E. J. 
Published: April 2010

The aim of diabetes management is to normalise blood glucose levels since improved blood glucose control is associated with fewer complications. Food affects blood glucose levels; however, there is no universal approach to the optimal diabetic diet and there is controversy about the usefulness of the low-glycaemic index (GI) diet. To assess the effects of low-GI diets on glycaemic control in diabetes, we conducted electronic searches of the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL. We assessed randomised controlled trials (RCT) with interventions >4 weeks that compared a low-GI diet with a higher-GI diet for type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Twelve RCT (n612) were identified. There was a significant decrease in glycated Hb (HbA1c) with low-GI diet than with the control diet, indicating improved glycaemic control (seven trials,n457, weighted mean difference (WMD) − 0·4 % HbA1c, 95 % CI − 0·7, − 0·20,P = 0·001). In four studies reporting the results for glycaemic control as fructosamine, three of which were 6 weeks or less in duration, pooled data showed a decrease in fructosamine (WMD − 0·23 mmol/l, 95 % CI − 0·47, 0·00,P = 0·05),n141, with low-GI diet than with high-GI diet. Glycosylated albumin levels decreased significantly with low-GI diet, but not with high-GI diet, in one study that reported this outcome. Lowering the GI of the diet may contribute to improved glycaemic control in diabetes.
Neighbourhood food store availability in relation to 24 h urinary sodium and potassium excretion in young Japanese women
Authors: Murakami Kentaro , Sasaki Satoshi , Takahashi Yoshiko , Uenishi Kazuhiro ,   the Japan Dietetic Students' Study for Nutrition and Biomarkers Group
Published: April 2010

Previous studies on the relationship of local food environment with residents' diets have relied exclusively on self-reported information on diet, producing inconsistent results. Evaluation of dietary intake using biomarkers may obviate the biases inherent to the use of self-reported dietary information. This cross-sectional study examined the association between neighbourhood food store availability and 24 h urinary Na and K excretion. The subjects were 904 female Japanese dietetic students aged 18–22 years. Neighbourhood food store availability was defined as the number of food stores within a 0·5-mile (0·8-km) radius of residence. Urinary Na and K excretion and the ratio of urinary Na to K were estimated from a single 24 h urine sample. After adjustment for potential confounding factors, neighbourhood availability of confectionery stores/bakeries was inversely associated with urinary K, and was positively associated with the ratio of Na to K (Pfor trend = 0·008 and 0·03, respectively). Neighbourhood availability of rice stores showed an independent inverse association with urinary K (Pfor trend = 0·03), whereas neighbourhood availability of supermarkets/grocery stores conversely showed an independent positive association with this variable (Pfor trend = 0·03). Furthermore, neighbourhood availability of fruit/vegetable stores showed an independent inverse association with the ratio of Na to K (Pfor trend = 0·049). In a group of young Japanese women, increasing neighbourhood availability of supermarkets/grocery stores and fruit/vegetable stores and decreasing availability of confectionery stores/bakeries and rice stores were associated with favourable profiles of 24 h urinary K (and Na) excretion.
IRENIC PATRIOTISM IN SIXTEENTH- AND SEVENTEENTH-CENTURY GERMAN POLITICAL DISCOURSE
Authors: SCHMIDT ALEXANDER 
Published: April 2010

ABSTRACTThis article analyses the interplay of arguments for religious reconciliation and peace on the one hand and a patriotic vocabulary or programme in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries on the other. Focusing on different phases of irenic debate in the Empire, various types of what will be termed ‘irenic patriotism’ will be identified. Irenic patriotism could employ both utilitarianpolitiqueand more principled arguments for a religious peace. Finally, a consideration of Hugo Grotius's irenicism, which drew heavily on German sources, will show how a distinct humanist critique of theological controversies and their political consequences resulted in an emphasis on a minimalist and ethical concept of Christianity, as well as the idea of a total submission of the church and its doctrines to the authority of the magistrate and the patria. The distinctively civil type of irenicism, which arose from this debate, was less concerned with the unity of the church than with the integrity of the civitas, respublica, and patria.