bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distinct functional defect of three novel Brugada syndrome related cardiac sodium channel mutations
Authors: Hsueh Chia-Hsiang , Chen Wen-Pin , Lin Jiunn-Lee , Tsai Chia-Ti , Liu Yen-Bin , Juang Jyh-Ming , Tsao Hsuan-Ming , Su Ming-Jai , Lai Ling-Ping 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
The Brugada syndrome is characterized by ST segment elevation in the right precodial leads V1-V3 on surface ECG accompanied by episodes of ventricular fibrillation causing syncope or even sudden death. The molecular and cellular mechanisms that lead to Brugada syndrome are not yet completely understood. However, SCN5A is the most well known responsible gene that causes Brugada syndrome. Until now, more than a hundred mutations in SCN5A responsible for Brugada syndrome have been described. Functional studies of some of the mutations have been performed and show that a reduction of human cardiac sodium current accounts for the pathogenesis of Brugada syndrome. Here we reported three novel SCN5A mutations identified in patients with Brugada syndrome in Taiwan (p.I848fs, p.R965C, and p.1876insM). Their electrophysiological properties were altered by patch clamp analysis. The p.I848fs mutant generated no sodium current. The p.R965C and p.1876insM mutants produced channels with steady state inactivation shifted to a more negative potential (9.4 mV and 8.5 mV respectively), and slower recovery from inactivation. Besides, the steady state activation of p.1876insM was altered and was shifted to a more positive potential (7.69 mV). In conclusion, the SCN5A channel defect related to Brugada syndrome might be diverse but all resulted in a decrease of sodium current.
The effects of the bacterial interaction with visible-light responsive titania photocatalyst on the bactericidal performance
Authors: Cheng Chia-Liang , Sun Der-Shan , Chu Wen-Chen , Tseng Yao-Hsuan , Ho Han-Chen , Wang Jia-Bin , Chung Pei-Hua , Chen Jiann-Hwa , Tsai Pei-Jane , Lin Nien-Tsung , Yu Mei-Shiuan , Chang Hsin-Hou 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Bactericidal activity of traditional titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalyst is effective only upon irradiation by ultraviolet light, which restricts the potential applications of TiO2 for use in our living environments. Recently carbon-containing TiO2 was found to be photoactive at visible-light illumination that affords the potential to overcome this problem; although, the bactericidal activity of these photocatalysts is relatively lower than conventional disinfectants. Evidenced from scanning electron microscopy and confocal Raman spectral mapping analysis, we found the interaction with bacteria was significantly enhanced in these anatase/rutile mixed-phase carbon-containing TiO2. Bacteria-killing experiments indicate that a significantly higher proportion of all tested pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella flexneri and Acinetobacter baumannii, were eliminated by the new nanoparticle with higher bacterial interaction property. These findings suggest the created materials with high bacterial interaction ability might be a useful strategy to improve the antimicrobial activity of visible-light-activated TiO2.
The PhoBR two-component system regulates antibiotic biosynthesis in Serratia in response to phosphate
Authors: Gristwood Tamzin , Fineran Peter C , Everson Lee , Williamson Neil R , Salmond George P 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
Secondary metabolism in Serratia sp. ATCC 39006 (Serratia 39006) is controlled via a complex network of regulators, including a LuxIR-type (SmaIR) quorum sensing (QS) system. Here we investigate the molecular mechanism by which phosphate limitation controls biosynthesis of two antibiotic secondary metabolites, prodigiosin and carbapenem, in Serratia 39006.

Results
We demonstrate that a mutation in the high affinity phosphate transporter pstSCAB-phoU, believed to mimic low phosphate conditions, causes upregulation of secondary metabolism and QS in Serratia 39006, via the PhoBR two-component system. Phosphate limitation also activated secondary metabolism and QS in Serratia 39006. In addition, a pstS mutation resulted in upregulation of rap. Rap, a putative SlyA/MarR-family transcriptional regulator, shares similarity with the global regulator RovA (regulator of virulence) from Yersina spp. and is an activator of secondary metabolism in Serratia 39006. We demonstrate that expression of rap, pigA-O (encoding the prodigiosin biosynthetic operon) and smaI are controlled via PhoBR in Serratia 39006.

Conclusion
Phosphate limitation regulates secondary metabolism in Serratia 39006 via multiple inter-linked pathways, incorporating transcriptional control mediated by three important global regulators, PhoB, SmaR and Rap.
Women with endometriosis improved their peripheral antioxidant markers after the application of a high antioxidant diet
Authors: Mier-Cabrera Jennifer , Aburto-Soto Tania , Burrola-Méndez Soraya , Jiménez-Zamudio Luis , Tolentino Mari C , Casanueva Esther , Hernández-Guerrero César 
Published: May 2009

Abstract

Background
Oxidative stress has been identified in the peritoneal fluid and peripheral blood of women with endometriosis. However, there is little information on the antioxidant intake for this group of women. The objectives of this work were 1) to compare the antioxidant intake among women with and without endometriosis and 2) to design and apply a high antioxidant diet to evaluate its capacity to reduce oxidative stress markers and improve antioxidant markers in the peripheral blood of women with endometriosis.

Methods
Women with (WEN, n = 83) and without endometriosis (WWE, n = 80) were interviewed using a Food Frequency Questionnaire to compare their antioxidant intake (of vitamins and minerals). Then, the WEN participated in the application of a control (n = 35) and high antioxidant diet (n = 37) for four months. The high antioxidant diet (HAD) guaranteed the intake of 150% of the suggested daily intake of vitamin A (1050 μg retinol equivalents), 660% of the recommended daily intake (RDI) of vitamin C (500 mg) and 133% of the RDI of vitamin E (20 mg). Oxidative stress and antioxidant markers (vitamins and antioxidant enzymatic activity) were determined in plasma every month.

Results
Comparison of antioxidant intake between WWE and WEN showed a lower intake of vitamins A, C, E, zinc, and copper by WEN (p < 0.05, Mann Whitney Rank test). The selenium intake was not statistically different between groups. During the study, the comparison of the 24-hour recalls between groups showed a higher intake of the three vitamins in the HAD group. An increase in the vitamin concentrations (serum retinol, alpha-tocopherol, leukocyte and plasma ascorbate) and antioxidant enzyme activity (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) as well as a decrease in oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde and lipid hydroperoxides) were observed in the HAD group after two months of intervention. These phenomena were not observed in the control group.

Conclusion
WEN had a lower intake of antioxidants in comparison to WWE. Peripheral oxidative stress markers diminished, and antioxidant markers were enhanced, in WEN after the application of the HAD.
NF-κB Mediated Enhancement of Potassium Currents by the Chemokine CXCL1/Growth Related Oncogene in Small Diameter Rat Sensory Neurons
Authors: Yang Rui-Hua , Strong Judith A , Zhang Jun-Ming 
Published: May 2009

Background Inflammatory processes play important roles in both neuropathic and inflammatory pain states, but the effects of inflammation per se within the sensory ganglia are not well understood. The cytokine growth-related oncogene (GRO/KC; CXCL1) shows strong, rapid upregulation in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in both nerve injury and inflammatory pain models. We examined the direct effects of GRO/KC on small diameter DRG neurons, which are predominantly nociceptive. Whole cell voltage clamp technique was used to measure voltage-activated potassium (K) currents in acutely cultured adult rat small diameter sensory neurons. Fluorescently labeled isolectin B4 (IB4) was used to classify cells as IB4-positive or IB4-negative. Results In IB4-negative neurons, voltage-activated K current densities of both transient and sustained components were increased after overnight incubation with GRO/KC (1.5 nM), without marked changes in voltage dependence or kinetics. The average values for the slow and fast decay time constants at 20 mV were unchanged by GRO/KC. The amplitude of the fast inactivating component increased significantly with no large shifts in the voltage dependence of inactivation. The increase in K currents was completely blocked by co-incubation with protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (CHX) or NF-κB inhibitors pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) or quinazoline (6-Amino-4-(4-phenoxypheny lethylamino;QNZ). In contrast, the voltage-activated K current of IB4-positive neurons was unchanged by GRO/KC. GRO/KC incubation caused no significant changes in the expression level of eight selected voltage-gated K channel genes in quantitative PCR analysis. Conclusion The results suggest that GRO/KC has important effects in inflammatory processes via its direct actions on sensory neurons, and that activation of NF-κB is involved in the GRO/KC-induced enhancement of K currents.
Electrical impedance tomography compared to positron emission tomography for the measurement of regional lung ventilation: an experimental study
Authors: Richard JC , Pouzot C , Gros A , Tourevieille C , Lebars D , Lavenne F , Frerichs I , Guérin C 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Electrical impedance tomography (EIT), which can assess regional lung ventilation at the bedside, has never been compared with positron-emission tomography (PET), a gold-standard to quantify regional ventilation. This experiment systematically compared both techniques in injured and non-injured lungs.

Methods
The study was performed in six mechanically ventilated female piglets. In normal lungs, tidal volume (VT) was randomly changed to 6, 8, 10 and 15 ml/kg on zero end-expiratory pressure (ZEEP), then, at VT 10 ml/kg, positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) was randomly changed to 5, 10 and 15 cmH2O. Afterwards, acute lung injury (ALI) was subsequently created in three animals by injecting 3 ml/kg hydrochloric acid into the trachea. Then at PEEP 5 cmH2O, VT was randomly changed to 8 and 12 ml/kg and PEEP of 10 and 15 cmH2O applied at VT 10 ml/kg. EIT and PET examinations were performed simultaneously. EIT ventilation (VTEIT) and lung volume (VL) were measured in the anterior and posterior area of each lung. On the same regions of interest, ventilation (VPET) and aerated lung volume (VAatten) were determined with PET.

Results
On ZEEP, VTEIT and VPET significantly correlated for global (VTEIT = VPET - 2E-13, R2 = 0.95, P < 0.001) and regional (VTEIT = 0.81VPET+7.65, R2 = 0.63, P < 0.001) ventilation over both conditions. For ALI condition, corresponding R2 were 0.91 and 0.73 (P < 0.01). Bias was = 0 and limits of agreement were -37.42 and +37.42 ml/min for global ventilation over both conditions. These values were 0.04 and -29.01 and +29.08 ml/min, respectively, for regional ventilation. Significant correlations were also found between VL and VAatten for global (VL = VAatten+1E-12, R2 = 0.93, P < 0.0001) and regional (VL = 0.99VAatten+0.92, R2 = 0.65, P < 0.001) volume. For ALI condition, corresponding R2 were 0.94 (P < 0.001) and 0.54 (P < 0.05). Bias was = 0 and limits of agreement ranged -38.16 and +38.16 ml for global ventilation over both conditions. These values were -0.24 and -31.96 to +31.48 ml, respectively, for regional ventilation.

Conclusions
Regional lung ventilation and volume were accurately measured with EIT in healthy and injured lungs and validated by simultaneous PET imaging.
Quality of medical care for people with and without comorbid
mental illness and substance misuse: systematic review of comparative
studies
Authors: Mitchell Alex J. , Malone Darren , Doebbeling Caroline Carney 
Published: May 2009

BackgroundThere has been long-standing concern about the quality of medical care
offered to people with mental illness.AimsTo investigate whether the quality of medical care received by people
with mental health conditions, including substance misuse, differs from
the care received by people who have no comparable mental disorder.MethodA systematic review of studies that examined the quality of medical care
in those with and without mental illness was conducted using robust
critical appraisal techniques.ResultsOf 31 valid studies, 27 examined receipt of medical care in those with
and without mental illness and 10 examined medical care in those with and
without substance use disorder (or dual diagnosis). Nineteen of 27 and 10
of 10, respectively, suggested inferior quality of care in at least one
domain. Twelve studies found no appreciable differences in care or failed
to detect a difference in at least one key area. Several studies showed
an increase in healthcare utilisation but without any increase in
quality. Three studies found superior care for individuals with mental
illness in specific subdomains. There was inadequate information
concerning patient satisfaction and structural differences in healthcare
delivery. There was also inadequate separation of delivery of care from
uptake in care on which to base causal explanations.ConclusionsDespite similar or more frequent medical contacts, there are often
disparities in the physical healthcare delivered to those with
psychiatric illness although the magnitude of this effect varies
considerably.SummaryThere is strong evidence to support inequalities in medical care
disadvantaging those who have a psychiatric illness or a substance use
disorder. Despite promising approaches to shared care there is a
substantial gap in routine medical care for many individuals with mental
illness or substance use disorders.2,99,100 This is most
apparent in general (internal) medicine and cardiovascular care but may
also be present in diabetes care and cancer care. There is little
evidence to suggest that the recommended enhanced medical care for
individuals with mental illness has been successfully implemented. Future
work must focus on the type and severity of mental illness, patient
factors such as adherence and systems interventions to increase the
quality of care for those with chronic mental illness.
Honest and dishonest communication in social Hymenoptera
Authors: Heinze J. , d'Ettorre P. 
Published: May 2009

SUMMARYCommunication in social insects usually serves the good of the whole society and thus increases the inclusive fitness of all individuals. Hence,cheating and dishonesty are not expected when nestmates are to be alarmed or recruited to food sources. However, kin selection predicts a conflict of interest among individuals about the partitioning of reproduction. Dishonest communication may then be advantageous. Workers usually do not lay eggs in the presence of a fertile queen, but in many species they do so when the queen is removed. This effect has been explained by manipulative, i.e. dishonest, queen control or honest fertility signalling. Numerous studies have documented qualitative and quantitative differences in the pheromone blends of reproductives and non-reproductives. We examine these data for signs of honest signalling, conflict and manipulation.
Thrombotic disease in cancer patients1
Authors: Hart Christina , Andreesen Reinhard , Hahn Joachim R. 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Venous thromboembolism is a frequent complication in cancer patients and represents an important cause of morbidity and mortality. The risk of thrombosis depends on the specific type of malignancy and the presence of distant metastases. Furthermore, chemotherapeutic regimens and hormonal therapy as well as surgery and hospitalisation are associated with an increased rate of thromboembolism. The pathogenesis of the hypercoagulable state of malignancy involves the activation of endothelial cells and the release of tumour-associated procoagulants (tissue factor) and cytokines. Tumours can lead to uncommon sites of thrombosis by external compression of vessels and vascular invasion. Thrombosis of the hepatic vein or portal vein may be associated with myeloproliferative disorders. Due to the higher risk of thrombosis, hospitalised cancer patients should receive sufficient thromboprophylaxis. The treatment of venous thromboembolism in cancer patients is more challenging compared to the general medical population, as cancer patients have an increased risk of recurrent thrombosis, and of bleeding complications, especially in advanced cancer.
Echtzeitanpassung des klassischen Riccati-ReglersReal-Time Adaption of the Classical Riccati-Controller
Authors: Büskens Christof 
Published: May 2009

Zusammenfassung
Optimalregler, wie etwa der klassische Linear-Quadratische-Regulator (LQR), haben sich in der Vergangenheit als eine sehr hilfreiche Technik in vielen Anwendungsbereichen erwiesen; sie sind hinreichend robust und in der Lage, viele Abweichungen zwischen Simulation und Realität zu kompensieren. Ungeachtet dessen sind diese Regler jedoch nicht mehr optimal, sofern Abweichungen oder Störungen in den allgemeinen systembeschreibenden Parametern auftreten. Aus diesem Grund wird nachfolgend eine numerische Methode vorgestellt, die auf der parametrischen Sensitivitätsanalyse nichtlinearer Optimierungsprobleme basiert und die in der Lage ist, Näherungen höherer Ordnung des Rückkopplungsgesetzes in Echtzeit zu berechnen. Das bekannte Problem des inversen Pendels wird als Anwendungsfall untersucht.
Science and Smart GraphicsWissenschaft und intelligente Grafiken
Authors: Fisher Brian 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
As the field of informatics matures, the range of disciplines that contribute to our understanding of information systems and their use must increase. The International Symposium on Smart Graphics is one of the pioneers of this interdisciplinary scholarship of computation. The highly interactive workshop format includes participants from cognitive and perceptual sciences, art and design, and the humanities as well as the more familiar disciplines of human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence and computer graphics. This paper describes how the new science of visual analytics has built upon the interdisciplinary conversations that events such as Smart Graphics began. This new field of research holds a great deal of promise for a variety of application areas, and serves as an example of how the Smart Graphics approach can support other emerging fields of study.
Modeling Multiallelic Selection Using a Moran Model
Authors: Muirhead Christina A , Wakeley John 
Published: May 2009

AbstractWe present a Moran-model approach to modeling general multiallelic selection in a finite population and show how it may be used to develop theoretical models of biological systems of balancing selection such as plant gametophytic self-incompatibility loci. We propose new expressions for the stationary distribution of allele frequencies under selection and use them to show that the continuous-time Markov chain describing allele frequency change with exchangeable selection and Moran-model reproduction is reversible. We then use the reversibility property to derive the expected allele frequency spectrum in a finite population for several general models of multiallelic selection. Using simulations, we show that our approach is valid over a broader range of parameters than previous analyses of balancing selection based on diffusion approximations to the Wright–Fisher model of reproduction. Our results can be applied to any model of multiallelic selection in which fitness is solely a function of allele frequency.
Mapping in Structured Populations by Resample Model Averaging
Authors: Valdar William , Holmes Christopher C , Mott Richard , Flint Jonathan 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Highly recombinant populations derived from inbred lines, such as advanced intercross lines and heterogeneous stocks, can be used to map loci far more accurately than is possible with standard intercrosses. However, the varying degrees of relatedness that exist between individuals complicate analysis, potentially leading to many false positive signals. We describe a method to deal with these problems that does not require pedigree information and accounts for model uncertainty through model averaging. In our method, we select multiple quantitative trait loci (QTL) models using forward selection applied to resampled data sets obtained by nonparametric bootstrapping and subsampling. We provide model-averaged statistics about the probability of loci or of multilocus regions being included in model selection, and this leads to more accurate identification of QTL than by single-locus mapping. The generality of our approach means it can potentially be applied to any population of unknown structure.
Sexual Isolation in Acinetobacter baylyi Is Locus-Specific and Varies 10,000-Fold Over the Genome
Authors: Ray Jessica L , Harms Klaus , Wikmark Odd-Gunnar , Starikova Irina , Johnsen Pål J , Nielsen Kaare M 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Naturally transformable bacteria acquire chromosomal DNA from related species at lower frequencies than from cognate DNA sources. To determine how genome location affects heterogamic transformation in bacteria, we inserted an nptI marker into random chromosome locations in 19 different strains of the Acinetobacter genus (&gt;24% divergent at the mutS/trpE loci). DNA from a total of 95 nptI-tagged isolates was used to transform the recipient Acinetobacter baylyi strain ADP1. A total of &gt;1300 transformation assays revealed that at least one nptI-tagged isolate for each of the strains/species tested resulted in detectable integration of the nptI marker into the ADP1 genome. Transformation frequencies varied up to ∼10,000-fold among independent nptI insertions within a strain. The location and local sequence divergence of the nptI flanking regions were determined in the transformants. Heterogamic transformation depended on RecA and was hampered by DNA mismatch repair. Our studies suggest that single-locus-based studies, and inference of transfer frequencies from general estimates of genomic sequence divergence, is insufficient to predict the recombination potential of chromosomal DNA fragments between more divergent genomes. Interspecies differences in overall gene content, and conflicts in local gene organization and synteny are likely important determinants of the genomewide variation in recombination rates between bacterial species.