bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Ig-Like V-Type Domain of Paired Ig-Like Type 2 Receptor Alpha Is Critical for Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1-Mediated Membrane Fusion
Authors: Fan Qing , Longnecker Richard 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT
Paired immunoglobulin (Ig)-like type 2 receptor alpha (PILRα) and PILRβ are paired receptors that are highly homologous to each other. When engaged by ligand, PILRα is inhibitory whereas PILRβ is activating. PILRα is a newly identified herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) glycoprotein B (gB) receptor and is associated with membrane fusion and entry activity of HSV-1. PILRα is a 303-amino-acid protein with an Ig-like V (variable)-type domain from amino acid 31 to 150, whereas PILRβ is a 217-amino-acid protein with an Ig-like V-type domain from amino acid 21 to 143. We report that PILRβ is not a receptor for HSV-1 and HSV-2. Domain swaps between PILRα and PILRβ reveal that the Ig-like V-type domain of PILRα, but not PILRβ, plays a critical role in cell membrane fusion activity and the binding of PILRα to gB. Individual replacement of 13 amino acids in PILRα showed that most of these mutations had no effect on cell fusion activity. However, mutation of the tryptophan residue at amino acid 139 significantly impaired cell fusion activity for HSV-1 and eliminated binding to gB.
The Triplet Repeats of the Sin Nombre Hantavirus 5′ Untranslated Region Are Sufficient in
cis
for Nucleocapsid-Mediated Translation Initiation
Authors: Mir Mohammad A. , Panganiban Antonito T. 
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT

Hantavirus nucleocapsid protein (N) can replace the cellular cap-binding complex, eukaryotic initiation factor 4F (eIF4F), to mediate translation initiation. Although N can augment translation initiation of nonviral mRNA, initiation of viral mRNA by N is superior. All members of the
Bunyaviridae
family, including the species of the hantavirus genus, express either three or four primary mRNAs from their tripartite negative-sense genomes. The 5′ ends of the mRNAs contain nonviral heterologous oligonucleotides that originate from endonucleolytic cleavage of cellular mRNA during the process of cap snatching. In the hantaviruses these caps terminate with a 3′ G residue followed by nucleotides arising from the viral template. Further, the 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of viral mRNA uniformly contains, near the 5′ end, either two or three copies of the triplet repeat sequence, UAGUAG or UAGUAGUAG. Through analysis of a panel of mutants with mutations in the viral UTR, we found that the sequence GUAGUAG is sufficient for preferential N-mediated translation initiation and for high-affinity binding of N to the UTR. This heptanucleotide sequence is present in viral mRNA containing either two or three copies of the triplet repeat.
Regulation of Circulating Progenitor Cells in Left Ventricular Dysfunction
Authors: Boilson Barry A. , Larsen Katarina , Harbuzariu Adriana , Delacroix Sinny , Korinek Josef , Froehlich Harald , Bailey Kent R. , Scott Christopher G. , Shapiro Brian P. , Boerrigter Guido , Chen Horng H. , Redfield Margaret M. , Burnett John C. , Simari Robert D. 
Published: June 2010

Background—
Reductions in numbers of circulating progenitor cells (CD34+ cell subsets) have been demonstrated in patients at risk for, or in the presence of, cardiovascular disease. The mediators of these reductions remain undefined. To determine whether neurohumoral factors might regulate circulating CD34+ cell subsets in vivo, we studied complementary canine models of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction.

Methods and Results—

A pacing model of severe LV dysfunction and a hypertensive renal wrap model in which dogs were randomized to receive deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) were studied. Circulating CD34+ cell subsets including hematopoietic precursor cells (HPCs: CD34+/CD45
dim
/VEGFR2−) and endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs: CD34+/CD45−/VEGFR2+) were quantified. Additionally, the effect of mineralocorticoid excess on circulating progenitor cells in normal dogs was studied. The majority of circulating CD34+ cells expressed CD45dimly and did not express VEGFR2, consistent with an HPC phenotype. HPCs were decreased in response to pacing, and this decrease correlated with plasma aldosterone levels (Spearman rank correlation=−0.67,
P
=0.03). In the hypertensive renal wrap model, administration of DOCA resulted in decreased HPCs. No changes were seen in EPCs in either model. Normal dogs treated with DOCA exhibited a decrease in HPCs in peripheral blood but not bone marrow associated with decreased telomerase activity.

Conclusions—
This is the first study to demonstrate that mineralocorticoid excess, either endogenous or exogenous, results in reduction in HPCs. These data suggest that mineralocorticoids may induce accelerated senescence of progenitor cells, leading to their reduced survival and decline in numbers.
BNP Levels Predict Outcome in Pediatric Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Auerbach Scott R. , Richmond Marc E. , Lamour Jacqueline M. , Blume Elizabeth D. , Addonizio Linda J. , Shaddy Robert E. , Mahony Lynn , Pahl Elfriede , Hsu Daphne T. 
Published: June 2010

Background—
The ability of serum B-type natriuretic peptide levels (BNP) to predict outcomes in children with heart failure (HF) has not been well demonstrated. This study was designed to determine whether BNP levels predict outcomes in patients with moderate symptomatic HF.

Methods and Results—

We investigated whether enrollment BNP levels for the Pediatric Carvedilol Trial were associated with baseline characteristics. Freedom from a composite end point of HF hospitalization, death, or transplantation at 9 months was compared using a threshold BNP level identified using receiver operating curve analysis. Median BNP level was 110 pg/mL (interquartile range, 22.4 to 342.0 pg/mL) in 138 subjects. Median age was 3.4 years (interquartile range, 1.1 to 11.0 years). Diagnoses were cardiomyopathy (60%) and congenital heart disease (40%); 73% had a systemic left ventricle. BNP levels correlated moderately with left ventricular ejection fraction (
R
=0.39,
P
<0.001) but did not differ by HF class, age, diagnosis, sex, ventricular morphology, or left ventricular end-diastolic dimension
Z
-score (
R
=0.19). Outcome events included 25 HF hospitalizations, 4 deaths, and 2 transplants. Sensitivity was 71% and specificity 63%, for a BNP cutoff value of 140 pg/mL. BNP ≥140 pg/mL (hazard ratio, 3.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.62 to 8.4;
P
=0.002) and age >2 years (hazard ratio, 4.45; 95% confidence interval, 1.68 to 12.04;
P
=0.003) were independently associated with worse outcomes.

Conclusions—
In children with moderately symptomatic HF, BNP ≥140 pg/mL and age >2 years identified subjects at higher risk for worse outcome. Further validation is needed to determine the BNP levels necessary to stratify risk in other pediatric cohorts.
Using a Discriminant Analysis to Classify Urban and Rural Climate Stations Based on Diurnal Range of Temperature and Dewpoint Depression
Authors: Brown Paula J. , DeGaetano Arthur T. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Most climatological datasets are beset with urban temperature influences that distort long-term trends. Using an hourly dataset of 41 urban and rural stations from the United States, discriminant functions were developed using diurnal temperature range indices based on temperature, dewpoint, and dewpoint depression that capture the differences between the two environments. Based on data for 1997–2006, diurnal temperature range and nighttime dewpoint depression range indices provide the best classification variables to statistically discriminate between urban and rural climates. Of the 41 stations, 93% were correctly classified by this technique in a cross-validation analysis. An additional discriminant analysis specific to coastal stations was needed because coastal climates were noted to be aberrant. Here, all stations tested were correctly classified by the procedure. Temporal trends in discriminant scores indicate periods of time during which urbanization was occurring or increasing. Instrumental and location changes were noted to affect both temperature and dewpoint series and therefore the classification. However, such discontinuities can potentially be adjusted and the homogenized data used with the classification technique. The use of this data-driven approach complements existing methods used to classify the urban character of stations, because it is objective, is applicable in the presatellite era, and can infer changes at higher temporal resolution.
Interactions among ENSO, the Monsoon, and Diurnal Cycle in Rainfall Variability over Java, Indonesia
Authors: Qian Jian-Hua , Robertson Andrew W. , Moron Vincent 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Using a high-resolution regional climate model—the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics Regional Climate Model version 3 (RegCM3)—and station and satellite observations, the authors have studied the spatial heterogeneity of climate variability over Java Island, Indonesia. Besides the well-known anomalous dry conditions that characterize the dry and transition seasons during an El Niño year, analysis of regional model output reveals a wet mountainous south versus dry northern plains in precipitation anomalies associated with El Niño over Java during the peak rainy season. Modeling experiments indicate that this mountains/plains contrast is caused by the interaction of the El Niño–induced monsoonal wind anomalies and the island/mountain-induced local diurnal cycle of winds and precipitation. During the wet season of El Niño years, anomalous southeasterly winds over the Indonesian region oppose the climatological northwesterly monsoon, thus reducing the strength of the monsoon winds over Java. This weakening is found to amplify the local diurnal cycle of land–sea breezes and mountain–valley winds, producing more rainfall over the mountains, which are located closer to the southern coast than to the northern coast. Therefore, the variability of the diurnal cycle associated with this local spatial asymmetry of topography is the underlying cause for the heterogeneous pattern of wet south/dry north rainfall anomalies during El Niño years. It is further shown that the mean southeasterly wind anomalies during December–February of El Niño years result from more frequent occurrence of a quiescent monsoon weather type, during which the strengthened sea-breeze and valley-breeze convergence leads to above normal rainfall over the mountains.
Genesis of Typhoon Chanchu (2006) from a Westerly Wind Burst Associated with the MJO. Part I: Evolution of a Vertically Tilted Precursor Vortex
Authors: Hogsett Wallace , Zhang Da-Lin 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Although previous studies have shown the relationship between the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) and tropical cyclogenesis (TCG), many scale-interactive processes leading to TCG still remain mysterious. In this study, the larger-scale flow structures and evolution during the pregenesis, genesis, and intensification of Typhoon Chanchu (2006) near the equator are analyzed using NCEP’s final analysis, satellite observations, and 11-day nested numerical simulations with the Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecast model (ARW-WRF). Results show that the model could reproduce the structures and evolution of a synoptic westerly wind burst (WWB) associated with the MJO during the genesis of Chanchu, including the eastward progression of a WWB from the Indian Ocean into the Pacific Ocean, the modulation of the associated quasi-symmetric vortices, the initial slow spinup of a northern (pre-Chanchu) disturbance at the northeastern periphery of the WWB, and its general track and intensification.
It is found that the MJO, likely together with a convectively coupled Kelvin wave, provides the necessary low-level convergence and rotation for the development of the pre-Chanchu disturbance, particularly through the eastward-propagating WWB. The incipient vortex evolves slowly westward, like a mixed Rossby–gravity wave, on the northern flank of the WWB, exhibits a vertically westward-tilted circulation structure, and eventually moves northward off of the equator. Results show that the interaction of the tilted vortex with moist easterly flows assists in the downtilt-right (i.e., to the right of the upward tilt) organization of deep convection, which in turn forces the tilted vortex to move toward the area of ongoing deep convection, thereby helping to partly decrease the vertical tilt with time. It is shown that despite several days of continuous convective overturning, sustained surface intensification does not commence until the vortex becomes upright in the vertical. A conceptual model is finally presented, relating the decreasing vortex tilt to convective development, storm movement, TCG, and surface intensification.
A comparison between channelled and unchannelled balcony spill plumes
Authors: Harrison Roger , Spearpoint Michael 
Published: June 2010

The use of channelling screens in smoke management design can reduce balcony spill plume entrainment by restricting smoke spread under the balcony. The omission of channelling screens can gave rise to a greater lateral extent resulting in a change in the entrainment conditions. This work provides new experimental data using physical scale modelling to enable a comparison between channelled and unchannelled plumes. The lateral spread for unchannelled plumes was found to be dependent upon the velocity of the flow from the fire compartment opening. The measured entrainment for plumes without screens was greater than that from equivalent plumes with screens and the relative difference in entrainment increased as the width of the fire compartment opening decreased. A simple approximation to predict entrainment for unchannelled plumes from wide fire compartment openings is proposed. Practical application: The ability to determine amount of entrainment from a balcony spill plume is important to fire engineers involved in smoke management design. Whether channelling screens are part of the design will likely affect this entrainment. This article presents a simple approximation that can be used to predict entrainment for unchannelled plumes from wide fire compartment openings building on previous work by Law.
Early diffuse demyelinating lesion in the cervical spinal cord predicts a worse prognosis in relapsing—remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Coret F. , Bosca I. , Landete L. , Magraner MJ , Navarré A. , León JL , Casanova B. 
Published: June 2010

Objective: To study the long-term outcome and persistence of two patterns of cervical spinal cord abnormality in early relapsing—remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Methods: RRMS patients with a spinal cord MRI performed during the first 3 years of the disease, a control MRI 5 years later and who have been followed up at least 10 years were included. Patients were grouped according the T2 spinal cord MRI into: (A) nodular pattern, if one or more focal lesions were present; and (B) diffuse pattern, defined as a poorly demarcated high signal area. The end point was defined as the time to reach an Expanded Disability Status Score (EDSS) of 4.0. Results: Twenty-five patients were included; 12 in group A and 13 in group B. Three patients in group A and 9 in group B reached EDSS 4, in a mean time of 11 years in group A and 7 years in group B (log rank 10.3, p = 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis assessing the risk of EDSS 4.0 including sex, age, number of relapses in the first 2 years, number of T2 brain lesions and spinal cord pattern showed higher risk for the diffuse pattern (hazard ratio 7.2, 95% confidence interval 1.4—36.4). Control MRI showed the persistence of the diffuse pattern in all patients, and the development of diffuse pattern in two patients with basal nodular lesions. Conclusions: The diffuse abnormality in cervical spinal cord at the beginning of the disease is persistent and predicts a worse prognosis in RRMS patients.
Calculating sample size in trials using historical controls
Authors: Song Zhang  , Jing Cao  , Ahn Chul 
Published: June 2010

Background Makuch and Simon [Sample size considerations for non-randomised comparative studies. J Chronic Dis 1980; 33: 175—81.] developed a sample size formula for historical control trials. When assessing power, they assumed the true control treatment effect to be equal to the observed effect from the historical control group. Many researchers have pointed out that the Makuch—Simon approach does not preserve the nominal power and type I error when considering the uncertainty in the true historical control treatment effect. Purpose To develop a sample size formula that properly accounts for the underlying randomness in the observations from the historical control group. Methods We reveal the extremely skewed nature in the distributions of power and type I error, obtained over all the random realizations of the historical control data. The skewness motivates us to derive a sample size formula that controls the percentiles, instead of the means, of the power and type I error. Results A closed-form sample size formula is developed to control arbitrary percentiles of power and type I error for historical control trials. A simulation study further demonstrates that this approach preserves the operational characteristics in a more realistic scenario where the population variances are unknown and replaced by sample variances. Limitations The closed-form sample size formula is derived for continuous outcomes. The formula is more complicated for binary or survival time outcomes. Conclusions We have derived a closed-form sample size formula that controls the percentiles instead of means of power and type I error in historical control trials, which have extremely skewed distributions over all the possible realizations of historical control data. Clinical Trials 2010; 7: 343—353. http://ctj.sagepub.com
Crucial roles of B7-H1 and B7-DC expressed on mesenteric lymph node dendritic cells in the generation of antigen-specific CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in the establishment of oral tolerance
Authors: Fukaya Tomohiro , Takagi Hideaki , Sato Yumiko , Sato Kaori , Eizumi Kawori , Taya Honami , Shin Tahiro , Chen Lieping , Dong Chen , Azuma Miyuki , Yagita Hideo , Malissen Bernard , Sato Katsuaki 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
Oral tolerance is a key feature of intestinal immunity, generating systemic tolerance to fed antigens. However, the molecular mechanism mediating oral tolerance remains unclear. In this study, we examined the role of the B7 family members of costimulatory molecules in the establishment of oral tolerance. Deficiencies of B7-H1 and B7-DC abrogated the oral tolerance, accompanied by enhanced antigen-specific CD4+ T-cell response and IgG1 production. Mesenteric lymph node (MLN) dendritic cells (DCs) displayed higher levels of B7-H1 and B7-DC than systemic DCs, whereas they showed similar levels of CD80, CD86, and B7-H2. MLN DCs enhanced the antigen-specific generation of CD4+Foxp3+ inducible regulatory T cells (iTregs) from CD4+Foxp3− T cells rather than CD4+ effector T cells (Teff) relative to systemic DCs, owing to the dominant expression of B7-H1 and B7-DC. Furthermore, the antigen-specific conversion of CD4+Foxp3− T cells into CD4+Foxp3+ iTregs occurred in MLNs greater than in peripheral organs during oral tolerance under steady-state conditions, and such conversion required B7-H1 and B7-DC more than other B7 family members, whereas it was severely impaired under inflammatory conditions. In conclusion, our findings suggest that B7-H1 and B7-DC expressed on MLN DCs are essential for establishing oral tolerance through the de novo generation of antigen-specific CD4+Foxp3+ iTregs.
A deletion mutation in bovine SLC4A2 is associated with osteopetrosis in Red Angus cattle
Authors: Meyers Stacey N , McDaneld Tara G , Swist Shannon L , Marron Brandy M , Steffen David J , O'Toole Donal , O'Connell Jeffrey R , Beever Jonathan E , Sonstegard Tad S , Smith Timothy PL 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
Osteopetrosis is a skeletal disorder of humans and animals characterized by the formation of overly dense bones, resulting from a deficiency in the number and/or function of bone-resorbing osteoclast cells. In cattle, osteopetrosis can either be induced during gestation by viral infection of the dam, or inherited as a recessive defect. Genetically affected calves are typically aborted late in gestation, display skull deformities and exhibit a marked reduction of osteoclasts. Although mutations in several genes are associated with osteopetrosis in humans and mice, the genetic basis of the cattle disorder was previously unknown.

Results
We have conducted a whole-genome association analysis to identify the mutation responsible for inherited osteopetrosis in Red Angus cattle. Analysis of >54,000 SNP genotypes for each of seven affected calves and nine control animals localized the defective gene to the telomeric end of bovine chromosome 4 (BTA4). Homozygosity analysis refined the interval to a 3.4-Mb region containing the SLC4A2 gene, encoding an anion exchanger protein necessary for proper osteoclast function. Examination of SLC4A2 from normal and affected animals revealed a ~2.8-kb deletion mutation in affected calves that encompasses exon 2 and nearly half of exon 3, predicted to prevent normal protein function. Analysis of RNA from a proven heterozygous individual confirmed the presence of transcripts lacking exons 2 and 3, in addition to normal transcripts. Genotyping of additional animals demonstrated complete concordance of the homozygous deletion genotype with the osteopetrosis phenotype. Histological examination of affected tissues revealed scarce, morphologically abnormal osteoclasts displaying evidence of apoptosis.

Conclusions
These results indicate that a deletion mutation within bovine SLC4A2 is associated with osteopetrosis in Red Angus cattle. Loss of SLC4A2 function appears to induce premature cell death, and likely results in cytoplasmic alkalinization of osteoclasts which, in turn, may disrupt acidification of resorption lacunae.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of serine proteases and homologs in the silkworm Bombyx mori
Authors: Zhao Ping , Wang Gen-Hong , Dong Zhao-Ming , Duan Jun , Xu Ping-Zhen , Cheng Ting-Cai , Xiang Zhong-Huai , Xia Qing-You 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Background
Serine proteases (SPs) and serine proteases homologs (SPHs) are a large group of proteolytic enzymes, with important roles in a variety of physiological processes, such as cell signalling, defense and development. Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of serine proteases and their homologs in the silkworm might provide valuable information about their biological functions.

Results
In this study, 51 SP genes and 92 SPH genes were systematically identified in the genome of the silkworm Bombyx mori. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that six gene families have been amplified species-specifically in the silkworm, and the members of them showed chromosomal distribution of tandem repeats. Microarray analysis suggests that many silkworm-specific genes, such as members of SP_fam12, 13, 14 and 15, show expression patterns that are specific to tissues or developmental stages. The roles of SPs and SPHs in resisting pathogens were investigated in silkworms when they were infected by Escherichia coli, Bacillus bombysepticus, Batrytis bassiana and B. mori
nucleopolyhedrovirus, respectively. Microarray experiment and real-time quantitative RT-PCR showed that 18 SP or SPH genes were significantly up-regulated after pathogen induction, suggesting that SP and SPH genes might participate in pathogenic microorganism resistance in B. mori.

Conclusion
Silkworm SP and SPH genes were identified. Comparative genomics showed that SP and SPH genes belong to a large family, whose members are generated mainly by tandem repeat evolution. We found that silkworm has species-specific SP and SPH genes. Phylogenetic and microarray analyses provide an overview of the silkworm SP and SPHs, and facilitate future functional studies on these enzymes.