bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reversed binding of a small molecule ligand in homologous chemokine receptors – differential role of extracellular loop 2
Authors: Jensen PC , Thiele S , Steen A , Elder A , Kolbeck R , Ghosh S , Frimurer TM , Rosenkilde MM 
Published: November 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The majority of small molecule compounds targeting chemokine receptors share a similar pharmacophore with a centrally located aliphatic positive charge and flanking aromatic moieties. Here we describe a novel piperidine‐based compound with structural similarity to previously described CCR8‐specific agonists, but containing a unique phenyl‐tetrazol moiety which, in addition to activity at CCR8 was also active at CCR1.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Single point mutations were introduced in CCR1 and CCR8, and their effect on small molecule ligand‐induced receptor activation was examined through inositol trisphosphate (IP3) accumulation. The molecular interaction profile of the agonist was verified by molecular modeling.KEY RESULTS The chemokine receptor conserved glutamic acid in TM‐VII served as a common anchor for the positively charged amine in the piperidine ring. However, whereas the phenyl‐tetrazol group interacted with TyrIV:24 (Tyr172) and TyrIII:09 (Tyr114) in the major binding pocket (delimited by TM‐III to VII) of CCR8, it also interacted with TrpII:20 (Trp90) and LysII:24 (Lys94) in the minor counterpart (delimited TM‐I to III, plus TM‐VII) in CCR1. A straightening of TM‐II by Ala‐substitution of ProII:18 confirmed its unique role in CCR1. The extracellular loop 2 (ECL‐2) contributed directly to the small molecule binding site in CCR1, whereas it contributed to efficacy, but not potency in CCR8.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Despite high ligand potency and efficacy and receptor similarity, this dual‐active and bitopic compound binds oppositely in CCR1 and CCR8 with different roles of ECL‐2, thereby expanding and diversifying the influence of extracellular receptor regions in drug action.
Stabilization of Juxta‐Physeal Distal Tibial and Fibular Fractures in a Juvenile Tiger Using a Hybrid Circular–Linear External Fixator
Authors: Coomer Alastair R. , Lewis Daniel D. , Wiedner Ellen , Isaza Ramiro , Winter Matthew D. , Aloisio Fabio , Pool Roy 
Published: October 2011

ObjectiveTo report stabilization of closed, comminuted distal metaphyseal transverse fractures of the left tibia and fibula in a tiger using a hybrid circular–linear external skeletal fixator.Study DesignClinical report.AnimalJuvenile tiger (15 months, 90 kg).MethodsFrom imaging studies, the tiger had comminuted distal metaphyseal transverse fractures of the left tibia and fibula, with mild caudolateral displacement and moderate compression. Multiple fissures extended from the fractures through the distal metaphyses, extending toward, but not involving the distal tibial and fibular physes. A hybrid circular–linear external skeletal fixator was applied by closed reduction, to stabilize the fractures.ResultsThe fractures healed and the fixator was removed 5 weeks after stabilization. Limb length and alignment were similar to the normal contralateral limb at hospital discharge, 8 weeks after surgery. Two weeks later, the tiger had fractures of the right tibia and fibula and was euthanatized. Necropsy confirmed pathologic fractures ascribed to copper deficiency.ConclusionClosed application of the hybrid construct provided sufficient stability to allow this 90 kg tiger's juxta‐articular fractures to heal with minimal complications and without disrupting growth from the adjacent physes.
Generation of Referring Expressions: Assessing the Incremental Algorithm
Authors: Deemter Kees van , Gatt Albert , Sluis Ielka van der , Power Richard 
Published: October 2011

AbstractA substantial amount of recent work in natural language generation has focused on the generation of ‘‘one‐shot’’ referring expressions whose only aim is to identify a target referent. Dale and Reiter's Incremental Algorithm (IA) is often thought to be the best algorithm for maximizing the similarity to referring expressions produced by people. We test this hypothesis by eliciting referring expressions from human subjects and computing the similarity between the expressions elicited and the ones generated by algorithms. It turns out that the success of the IA depends substantially on the ‘‘preference order’’ (PO) employed by the IA, particularly in complex domains. While some POs cause the IA to produce referring expressions that are very similar to expressions produced by human subjects, others cause the IA to perform worse than its main competitors; moreover, it turns out to be difficult to predict the success of a PO on the basis of existing psycholinguistic findings or frequencies in corpora. We also examine the computational complexity of the algorithms in question and argue that there are no compelling reasons for preferring the IA over some of its main competitors on these grounds. We conclude that future research on the generation of referring expressions should explore alternatives to the IA, focusing on algorithms, inspired by the Greedy Algorithm, which do not work with a fixed PO.
Quantity Recognition Among Speakers of an Anumeric Language
Authors: Everett Caleb , Madora Keren 
Published: November 2011

AbstractRecent research has suggested that the Pirahã, an Amazonian tribe with a number‐less language, are able to match quantities > 3 if the matching task does not require recall or spatial transposition. This finding contravenes previous work among the Pirahã. In this study, we re‐tested the Pirahãs’ performance in the crucial one‐to‐one matching task utilized in the two previous studies on their numerical cognition, as well as in control tasks requiring recall and mental transposition. We also conducted a novel quantity recognition task. Speakers were unable to consistently match quantities > 3, even when no recall or transposition was involved. We provide a plausible motivation for the disparate results previously obtained among the Pirahã. Our findings are consistent with the suggestion that the exact recognition of quantities > 3 requires number terminology.
The Effect of Sonority on Word Segmentation: Evidence for the Use of a Phonological Universal
Authors: Ettlinger Marc , Finn Amy S. , Hudson Kam Carla L. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractIt has been well documented how language‐specific cues may be used for word segmentation. Here, we investigate what role a language‐independent phonological universal, the sonority sequencing principle (SSP), may also play. Participants were presented with an unsegmented speech stream with non‐English word onsets that juxtaposed adherence to the SSP with transitional probabilities. Participants favored using the SSP in assessing word‐hood, suggesting that the SSP represents a potentially powerful cue for word segmentation. To ensure the SSP influenced the segmentation process (i.e., during learning), we presented two additional groups of participants with either (a) no exposure to the stimuli prior to testing or (b) the same stimuli with pauses marking word breaks. The SSP did not influence test performance in either case, suggesting that the SSP is important for word segmentation during the learning process itself. Moreover, the fact that SSP‐independent segmentation of the stimulus occurred (in the latter control condition) suggests that universals are best understood as biases rather than immutable constraints on learning.
Modulation of microRNA 20b with resveratrol and longevinex is linked with their potent anti‐angiogenic action in the ischaemic myocardium and synergestic effects of resveratrol and γ‐tocotrienol
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Partha , Das Somak , Ahsan Md Kaimul , Otani Hajime , Das Dipak K. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractResveratrol, a constituent of red wine, and γ‐tocotrienol, a constituent of palm oil are important for cardioprotection. Although microRNAs are known regulators for genes involved in cardiac remodelling, the regulatory pathway involving microRNA has not been studied so far. We explored the cardioprotection by resveratrol, longevinex and γ−tocotrienol in ischaemia/reperfusion(I/R) model of rat and determined miRNA profile from isolated RNA. Systemic analyses of miRNA array and theirs targets were determined using a number of computational approaches. Resveratrol and γ‐tocotrienol, either alone or in combination, modulated the expression pattern of miRNAs close to the control level based on PCA analyses. Differential expression was observed in over 75 miRNAs, some of them, such as miR‐21 and miR‐20b (anti‐angiogenic) were previously implicated in cardiac remodelling. The target genes for the highest differentially expressed miRNA include genes of various molecular functions such as TGFβ1–Smad3 signalling pathway, inflammation and their transcription factors, which may play key role in reducing I/R injury. Administration of antagomiR‐20 attenuated I/R induced vascular endothelial growth factor and HIF1α level. All the interventions treated for 3 weeks lead to significant cardioprotection against ischaemia/reperfusion injury. A unique signature of miRNA profile is observed in control heart pretreated with resveratrol or γ‐tocotrienol. We have determined specific group of miRNA in heart that have altered during IR injuries. Most of those altered microRNA expressions modulated close to their basal level in resveratrol or longevinex treated I/R rat. Interestingly, resveratrol and γ‐tocotrienol resulted in synergestic action.
Visually evoked potentials, NMDA receptors and the magnocellular system in schizophrenia
Authors: Skottun Bernt C. , Skoyles John R. 
Published: November 2011

Background: It has been claimed that schizophrenia can be linked to the magnocellular system by way of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. The present report examines this claim.Methods: A review is made of relevant research literature.Results: The NMDA studies that have been referenced to connect visual deficits in schizophrenia to the magnocellular system are based on the cat, a species whose visual system is fundamentally different from that of primates. The cat visual system cannot easily be divided into magno- and a parvocellular portions.Conclusions: Owing to the substantial differences between the visual systems of cats and primates, it is difficult to link sensory abnormalities in schizophrenia specifically to the magnocellular system based on data from the cat.
Structural comparison of cytochromes P450 2A6, 2A13, and 2E1 with pilocarpine
Authors: DeVore Natasha M. , Meneely Kathleen M. , Bart Aaron G. , Stephens Eva S. , Battaile Kevin P. , Scott Emily E. 
Published: November 2011

Human xenobiotic‐metabolizing cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes can each bind and monooxygenate a diverse set of substrates, including drugs, often producing a variety of metabolites. Additionally, a single ligand can interact with multiple CYP enzymes, but often the protein structural similarities and differences that mediate such overlapping selectivity are not well understood. Even though the CYP superfamily has a highly canonical global protein fold, there are large variations in the active site size, topology, and conformational flexibility. We have determined how a related set of three human CYP enzymes bind and interact with a common inhibitor, the muscarinic receptor agonist drug pilocarpine. Pilocarpine binds and inhibits the hepatic CYP2A6 and respiratory CYP2A13 enzymes much more efficiently than the hepatic CYP2E1 enzyme. To elucidate key residues involved in pilocarpine binding, crystal structures of CYP2A6 (2.4 Å), CYP2A13 (3.0 Å), CYP2E1 (2.35 Å), and the CYP2A6 mutant enzyme, CYP2A6 I208S/I300F/G301A/S369G (2.1 Å) have been determined with pilocarpine in the active site. In all four structures, pilocarpine coordinates to the heme iron, but comparisons reveal how individual residues lining the active sites of these three distinct human enzymes interact differently with the inhibitor pilocarpine.Database
Structural data are available in the Protein Data Bank database under the accession numbers 3T3Q (CYP2A6 I208S/I300F/G301A/S369G with pilocarpine), 3T3R (CYP2A6 with pilocarpine), 3T3S (CYP2A13 with pilocarpine), and 3T3Z (CYP2E1 with pilocarpine)
Laparoscopic live donor nephrectomy: Current practice and results of renal transplantation
Authors: Yip Sidney Kam‐Hung , Leung Chi‐Bon , Szeto Cheuk‐Chun , Lam Nga‐Yee , Chan Chi‐Kwok , Tong Yuen‐Fan , Ng Chi‐Fai , Kwan Bonnie Ching‐Ha , Chow Kai‐Ming , Chan Eddie Shu‐Yin , Hou Simon See‐Ming , Yu Alex Wai‐Yin , Li Philip Kam‐Tao 
Published: October 2011

Objective:  In 2009, 1659 patients with end‐stage renal failure in Hong Kong were waiting for a renal transplant. The overall number of renal transplants carried out locally remains low, with an even lower number being live donor donations. Yet, live donor kidney transplantation yields results that are consistently superior to those of deceased donor kidney transplantation, and laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) is increasingly accepted worldwide as a safe and preferred surgical option. We aim to evaluate the outcome of LDN in our setting, and to compare with that of deceased donors in this retrospective review.Patients and Methods:  A total of 12 patients received LDN over the study period of 2006–2009. Standard left transperitoneal LDN was carried out. Grafts including three with double vessels were prepared using the bench technique. The postoperative outcomes up to 1 year for both the donors and the recipients were studied. Contemporary results for the 47 deceased donor kidneys were studied and compared.Results:  All donors had an eventful recovery. The operating time was 225.0 ± 67.4 min. The hospital stay was 5.6 ± 2.3 days. The recipient outcomes including hospital stay and creatinine levels at discharge and 1 year were 11 days, 121 umol/L and 116 umol/L, respectively. Specifically, no ureteric stricture or graft loss was noted at the 1‐year follow up. Recipient complications included haematoma (1 patient), renal artery stenosis (1 patient) and redo of vascular anastomosis (1 patient). In contrast, the deceased donor graft recipients had a hospital stay of 11 days, and creatinine levels of 205 umol/L on discharge and 205 umol/L at 1 year, respectively. The delayed graft function rates for the live donor and deceased donors group were 0% and 14.9%, whereas the 1‐year graft survival rates were 100% and 87.2% respectively.Conclusion:  The results showed that the donor morbidity rate was low, as reflected by the short hospital stay. Also, the overall parameters of recipients were good. In particular, no ureteric stricture was noted, and graft survival was 100% at 1 year. Living donor kidney transplant program using the laparoscopic technique is a viable option to improve the pool of kidneys for transplantation.
Timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in acute cholecystitis: Any controversy?
Authors: Chong Charing Ching‐Ning , Chiu Philip Wai‐Yan , Lee Kit‐Fai , Lai Paul Bo‐San 
Published: October 2011

Objective:  The timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis remains controversial. This article reviews the latest evidence for the timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the management of acute cholecystitis.Methodology:  Trials comparing early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (ELC; carried out within 1 week of onset of symptoms) versus delayed laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DLC; carried out at least 6 weeks after symptoms settled) for acute cholecystitis were identified from Ovid Medline, Cochrane Library and PubMed database. Only meta‐analyses and randomized clinical trials were reviewed.Results:  A total of seven prospective randomized trials including 670 patients and four meta‐analyses were reviewed. ELC was superior to DLC in terms of a shorter hospital stay without any significant difference in perioperative mortality and morbidity.Conclusions:  Current evidence supports ELC as the preferred treatment strategy for acute cholecystitis. It allows a shorter hospital stay, but shares similar operative morbidity, mortality and conversion rate as DLC.
Satellite cell pool enhancement in rat plantaris muscle by endurance training depends on intensity rather than duration
Authors: Kurosaka M. , Naito H. , Ogura Y. , Machida S. , Katamoto S. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractAim:  Increases in the number of satellite cells are necessary for the maintenance of normal muscle function. Endurance training enhances the satellite cell pool. However, it remains unclear whether exercise intensity or exercise duration is more important to enhance the satellite cell pool. This study examined the effects of different intensity and duration of endurance training on the satellite cell pool in rat skeletal muscle.Methods:  Forty‐one 17‐week‐old female Sprague–Dawley rats were assigned to control (n = 8), high intensity and high duration (n = 7), high intensity and low duration (n = 8), low intensity and high duration (n = 9) and low intensity and low duration (n = 9) groups. Training groups exercised 5 days per week on a motor driven treadmill for 10 weeks. After the training period, animals were anaesthetized and the plantaris muscles were removed, weighed and analysed for immunohistochemical and histochemical properties.Results:  Although no significant differences were found in muscle mass, mean fibre area and myonuclei per muscle fibre between all groups, the percentage of satellite cells was significantly higher in the high‐intensity groups than in the other groups (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  Increases in the satellite cell pool of skeletal muscle following endurance training depend on the intensity rather than duration of exercise.
Computational Phonology – Part II: Grammars, Learning, and the Future
Authors: Heinz Jeffrey 
Published: November 2011

AbstractComputational phonology studies sound patterns in the world's languages from a computational perspective. This article shows that the similarities between different generative theories outweigh the differences, and discusses stochastic grammars and learning models within phonology from a computational perspective. Also, it shows how the hypothesis that all sound patterns are subregular can be investigated, pointing the direction for future research. Taken together, these contributions show computational phonology is identifying stronger and stronger universal properties of phonological patterns, which are reflected in the grammatical formalisms phonologists employ. This article is intended primarily for phonologists who are curious about computational phonology, but do not have a rigorous background in mathematics or computation. However, it is also informative for readers with a background in computation and the basics of phonology, and who are curious about what computational analysis offers phonological theory.
Towards a Typology of Locative Inversion – Bantu, Perhaps Chinese and English – But Beyond?
Authors: Salzmann Martin 
Published: November 2011

AbstractLocative inversion (LI) is a construction that is very prominent in Bantu languages. It involves inversion of a locative with the logical/thematic subject. The inversion is accompanied by a reversal of grammatical functions whereby the locative becomes the subject. LI is associated with a special discourse function, that of presentational focus. Within Bantu there is considerable variation, especially concerning thematic restrictions and the robustness of locative morphology. In addition, inversion may not always involve a reversal of grammatical functions. While the subjecthood of locatives is relatively easy to diagnose in languages where they agree with the verb, an alternative analysis in terms of topicalization suggests itself when there is no agreement. LI has been described for very few other languages, including English and Chinese. In both languages, the evidence for the subjecthood of the locative is limited or equivocal. LI thus appears to be a very rare phenomenon and this rarity may be the key to a fundamental understanding of the construction.
Detection of clarithromycin resistance in Helicobacter pylori following noncryogenic storage of rapid urease tests for 30 days
Authors: LI Yuan , RIMBARA Emiko , THIRUMURTHI Selvi , TRESPALACIOS Alba , REDDY Rita , SABOUNCHI Saman , ATTUMI Taraq Assed , GRAHAM David Yates 
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE:  Traditional Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication therapy has been undermined by increasing antimicrobial, especially clarithromycin, resistance. Susceptibility testing in some areas is difficult to achieve or unavailable. We aimed to determine whether gastric biopsy specimens stored at room temperature for rapid urease test (RUT) were suitable for clarithromycin susceptibility testing of H. pylori.METHODS:  After 30 days of storage at room temperature, DNA was extracted from gastric biopsies present in RUTs (Hpfast). H. pylori status and clarithromycin susceptibility were evaluated using H. pylori‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for ureA, vacA, and allele‐specific primer‐PCR of the 23S rRNA genes. The PCR results were compared with histology, RUT, and culture results. H. pylori positive was defined as RUT and either culture or histology positive; H. pylori negative as RUT, culture and histology negative.RESULTS:  Samples from 31 patients were evaluated; 11 were H. pylori positive including 9 by culture; seven of which had allele‐specific primer‐PCR results from the RUT specimen for the detection of mutations of the 23S rRNA gene. When both tests were available, culture and PCR results were concordant in 7 cases. In 15 of the 20 histology, RUT and culture negative patients, three PCR were negative. In one patient, all of the three tests were positive; and in three only the 23S rRNA was positive and in one only ureA was positive.CONCLUSION:  Gastric biopsy specimens stored in the gel of RUT for 30 days can be used for molecular testing to confirm the diagnosis of H. pylori infection and test for clarithromycin susceptibility.
Definitive diagnosis of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome induced by pyrrolizidine alkaloids
Authors: GAO Hong , LI Na , WANG Ji Yao , ZHANG Shun Cai , LIN Ge 
Published: October 2011

OBJECTIVE:  Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS) induced by a Chinese medicinal herb Tusanqi is increasingly being reported in recent years. The aim of the study was to investigate the possibility of using blood pyrrole‐protein adducts test as a confirmatory diagnostic method.METHODS:  Patients with HSOS according to international diagnostic criteria associated with Tusanqi from January 2006 to August 2010 in Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University were included and clinical features were collected. Pyrrole‐protein adducts in blood sample were determined with ultra performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS) while pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in available herbal preparations were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography‐ultraviolet (HPLC‐UV).RESULTS:  Five patients (age 41–72 years, median age 54 years, all women) were included. Ascites (5/5), jaundice (5/5) and hepatomegaly (4/5) were common manifestations. The imaging features were diffused, patchy hepatic enhancement, periportal edema and ascites. Pathology ascertained that blood flow was obstructive at the site of sinusoid. PAs (Seneionine and seneciphylline) were identified in all the three available herbal preparations ingested by the HSOS patients. Pyrrole‐protein adducts were unequivocally found in all the five blood samples. Two patients recovered, two developed chronic illness and one died due to liver failure and hepatic encephalopathy.CONCLUSIONS:  The detection of blood pyrrole‐protein adducts using a UPLC‐MS approach is a specific, reliable, unambiguous and confirmatory test for HSOS induced by PA, and should be used together with the conventional HSOS clinical diagnostic criteria for the definitive diagnosis of PA‐induced HSOS.