bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tetraspanin CD81 Is Required for
Listeria monocytogenes
Invasion
Authors: Tham To Nam , Gouin Edith , Rubinstein Eric , Boucheix Claude , Cossart Pascale , Pizarro-Cerda Javier 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT

Listeria monocytogenes
is an intracellular bacterial pathogen that invades epithelial cells by subverting two cellular receptors, E-cadherin and Met. We recently identified type II phosphatidylinositol 4-kinases α and β (PI4KIIα and PI4KIIβ) as being required for bacterial entry downstream of Met. In this work, we investigated whether tetraspanins CD9, CD63, and CD81, which figure among the few described molecular partners of PI4KIIα, function as molecular adaptors recruiting PI4KIIα to the bacterial entry site. We observed by fluorescence microscopy that CD9, CD63, and CD81 are expressed and detected at the cellular surface and also within intracellular compartments, particularly in the case of CD63. In resting cells, colocalization of tetraspanins and PI4KIIα is detectable only in restricted areas of the perinuclear region. Upon infection with
Listeria
, endogenous CD9, CD63, and CD81 were recruited to the bacterial entry site but did not colocalize strictly with endogenous PI4KIIα. Live-cell imaging confirmed that tetraspanins and PI4KIIα do not follow the same recruitment dynamics to the
Listeria
entry site. Depletion of CD9, CD63, and CD81 levels by small interfering RNA demonstrated that CD81 is required for bacterial internalization, identifying for the first time a role for a member of the tetraspanin family in the entry of
Listeria
into target cells. Moreover, depletion of CD81 inhibits the recruitment of PI4KIIα but not that of the Met receptor to the bacterial entry site, suggesting that CD81 may act as a membrane organizer required for the integrity of signaling events occurring at
Listeria
entry sites.
CD44 Deficiency Is Associated with EnhancedEscherichia coli-Induced Proinflammatory Cytokine and Chemokine Release by Peritoneal Macrophages
Authors: van der Windt Gerritje J. W. , van ′t Veer Cornelis , Florquin Sandrine , van der Poll Tom 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTCD44 is involved in several immune responses, such as cellular adhesion, migration, proliferation, and activation. Peritonitis is an important cause of sepsis, andEscherichia coliis one of the major pathogens involved therein. We sought to determine the role of CD44 in the host response toE. coli-induced abdominal sepsis and to assess the function of CD44 in the activation of primary peritoneal macrophages byE. colior lipopolysaccharide (LPS) purified from this bacterium by using wild-type (WT) and CD44 knockout (KO) mice. CD44 KO mice already demonstrated enhanced CXC chemokine levels in peritoneal lavage fluid at 6 h after infection, whereas tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 levels were elevated at 20 h postinfection. In line with this, CD44 KO mouse peritoneal macrophages released more TNF-α and macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2) than did WT cells upon stimulation withE. colior LPS in the presence of autologous serum. In contrast, plasma TNF-α levels were lower in CD44 KO mice and CD44 KO blood leukocytes secreted similar amounts of TNF-α and MIP-2 uponex vivoincubation withE. colior LPS. The proinflammatory phenotype of CD44 KO macrophages was not associated with an altered expression of inhibitors of Toll-like receptor signaling, whereas it could be partially reversed by addition of WT serum. CD44 deficiency did not impact on leukocyte recruitment into the peritoneal cavity or organ failure. These data suggest that CD44 differentially influences cytokine and chemokine release by different leukocyte subsets.
Growth of Spread in Convection-Allowing and Convection-Parameterizing Ensembles
Authors: Clark Adam J. , Gallus William A. , Xue Ming , Kong Fanyou 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
During the 2007 NOAA Hazardous Weather Testbed Spring Experiment, a 10-member 4-km grid-spacing Storm-Scale Ensemble Forecast (SSEF) system was run in real time to provide experimental severe weather forecasting guidance. Five SSEF system members used perturbed initial and lateral boundary conditions (ICs and LBCs) and mixed physics (ENS4), and five members used only mixed physics (ENS4phys). This ensemble configuration facilitates a comparison of ensemble spread generated by a combination of perturbed ICs/LBCs and mixed physics to that generated by only mixed physics, which is examined herein. In addition, spread growth and spread-error metrics for the two SSEF system configurations are compared to similarly configured 20-km grid-spacing convection-parameterizing ensembles (ENS20 and ENS20phys). Twelve forecast fields are examined for 20 cases.
For most fields, ENS4 mean spread growth rates are higher than ENS20 for ensemble configurations with both sets of perturbations, which is expected as smaller scales of motion are resolved at higher resolution. However, when ensembles with only mixed physics are compared, mass-related fields (i.e., geopotential height and mean sea level pressure) in ENS20phys have slightly higher spread growth rates than ENS4phys, likely resulting from the additional physics uncertainty in ENS20phys from varied cumulus parameterizations that were not used at 4-km grid spacing. For 4- and 20-km configurations, the proportion of spread generated by mixed physics in ENS4 and ENS20 increased with increasing forecast lead time. In addition, low-level fields (e.g., 2-m temperature) had a higher proportion of spread generated by mixed physics than mass-related fields. Spread-error analyses revealed that ensemble variance from the current uncalibrated ensemble systems was not a reliable indicator of forecast uncertainty. Furthermore, ENS4 had better statistical consistency than ENS20 for some mass-related fields, wind-related fields, precipitation, and most unstable convective available potential energy (MUCAPE) with no noticeable differences for low-level temperature and dewpoint fields. The variety of results obtained for the different types of fields examined suggests that future ensemble design should give careful consideration to the specific types of forecasts desired by the user.
Assessing the Impact of Weather on Traffic Intensity
Authors: Cools Mario , Moons Elke , Wets Geert 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
This paper focuses on the effect of weather conditions on daily traffic intensities (the number of cars passing a specific segment of a road). The main objective is to examination whether or not weather conditions uniformly alter daily traffic intensities in Belgium, or in other words whether or not road usage on a particular location determines the size of the impacts of various weather conditions. This general examination is a contribution that allows policymakers to assess the appropriateness of countrywide versus local traffic management strategies. In addition, a secondary goal of this paper is to validate findings in international literature within a Belgian context. To achieve these goals, the paper analyzes the effects of weather conditions on both upstream (toward a specific location) and downstream (away from a specific location) traffic intensities at three traffic count locations typified by a different road usage. Perhaps the most interesting results of this study for policymakers are the heterogeneity of the weather effects between different traffic count locations, and the homogeneity of the weather effects on upstream and downstream traffic at specific locations. The results also indicate that snowfall, rainfall, and wind speed diminish traffic intensity, and high temperatures increase traffic intensity. Further generalizations of the findings might be possible by studying weather impacts on local roads and by shifting the focus of research toward travel behavior.
Inflammation induces lymphangiogenesis through up-regulation of VEGFR-3 mediated by NF-κB and Prox1
Authors: Flister Michael J. , Wilber Andrew , Hall Kelly L. , Iwata Caname , Miyazono Kohei , Nisato Riccardo E. , Pepper Michael S. , Zawieja David C. , Ran Sophia 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
The concept of inflammation-induced lymphangiogenesis (ie, formation of new lymphatic vessels) has long been recognized, but the molecular mechanisms remained largely unknown. The 2 primary mediators of lymphangiogenesis are vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR-3) and Prox1. The key factors that regulate inflammation-induced transcription are members of the nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) family; however, the role of NF-κB in regulation of lymphatic-specific genes has not been defined. Here, we identified VEGFR-3 and Prox1 as downstream targets of the NF-κB pathway. In vivo time-course analysis of inflammation-induced lymphangiogenesis showed activation of NF-κB followed by sequential up-regulation of Prox1 and VEGFR-3 that preceded lymphangiogenesis by 4 and 2 days, respectively. Activation of NF-κB by inflammatory stimuli also elevated Prox1 and VEGFR-3 expression in cultured lymphatic endothelial cells, resulting in increased proliferation and migration. We also show that Prox1 synergizes with the p50 of NF-κB to control VEGFR-3 expression. Collectively, our findings suggest that induction of the NF-κB pathway by inflammatory stimuli activates Prox1, and both NF-κB and Prox1 activate the VEGFR-3 promoter leading to increased receptor expression in lymphatic endothelial cells. This, in turn, enhances the responsiveness of preexisting lymphatic endothelium to VEGFR-3 binding factors, VEGF-C and VEGF-D, ultimately resulting in robust lymphangiogenesis.
Malaria in patients with sickle cell anemia: burden, risk factors, and outcome at the outpatient clinic and during hospitalization
Authors: Makani Julie , Komba Albert N. , Cox Sharon E. , Oruo Julie , Mwamtemi Khadija , Kitundu Jesse , Magesa Pius , Rwezaula Stella , Meda Elineema , Mgaya Josephine , Pallangyo Kisali , Okiro Emelda , Muturi David , Newton Charles R. , Fegan Gregory , Marsh Kevin , Williams Thomas N. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Approximately 280 000 children are born with sickle cell anemia (SCA) in Africa annually, yet few survive beyond childhood. Falciparum malaria is considered a significant cause of this mortality. We conducted a 5-year prospective surveillance study for malaria parasitemia, clinical malaria, and severe malarial anemia (SMA) in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, between 2004 and 2009. We recorded 10 491 visits to the outpatient clinic among 1808 patients with SCA and 773 visits among 679 patients without SCA. Similarly, we recorded 691 hospital admissions among 497 patients with SCA and 2017 in patients without SCA. Overall, the prevalence of parasitemia was lower in patients with SCA than in patients without SCA both at clinic (0.7% vs 1.6%; OR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.32-0.86; P = .008) and during hospitalization (3.0% vs 5.6%; OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.25-0.94; P = .01). Furthermore, patients with SCA had higher rates of malaria during hospitalization than at clinic, the ORs being 4.29 (95% CI, 2.63-7.01; P < .001) for parasitemia, 17.66 (95% CI, 5.92-52.71; P < .001) for clinical malaria, and 21.11 (95% CI, 8.46-52.67; P < .001) for SMA. Although malaria was rare among patients with SCA, parasitemia during hospitalization was associated with both severe anemia and death. Effective treatment for malaria during severe illness episodes and further studies to determine the role chemoprophylaxis are required.
SnoRNAs from the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa: structural, functional and evolutionary insights
Authors: Liu Na , Xiao Zhen-Dong , Yu Chun-Hong , Shao Peng , Liang Yin-Tong , Guan Dao-Gang , Yang Jian-Hua , Chen Chun-Long , Qu Liang-Hu , Zhou Hui 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background
SnoRNAs represent an excellent model for studying the structural and functional evolution of small non-coding RNAs involved in the post-transcriptional modification machinery for rRNAs and snRNAs in eukaryotic cells. Identification of snoRNAs from Neurospora crassa, an important model organism playing key roles in the development of modern genetics, biochemistry and molecular biology will provide insights into the evolution of snoRNA genes in the fungus kingdom.

Results
Fifty five box C/D snoRNAs were identified and predicted to guide 71 2'-O-methylated sites including four sites on snRNAs and three sites on tRNAs. Additionally, twenty box H/ACA snoRNAs, which potentially guide 17 pseudouridylations on rRNAs, were also identified. Although not exhaustive, the study provides the first comprehensive list of two major families of snoRNAs from the filamentous fungus N. crassa. The independently transcribed strategy dominates in the expression of box H/ACA snoRNA genes, whereas most of the box C/D snoRNA genes are intron-encoded. This shows that different genomic organizations and expression modes have been adopted by the two major classes of snoRNA genes in N. crassa . Remarkably, five gene clusters represent an outstanding organization of box C/D snoRNA genes, which are well conserved among yeasts and multicellular fungi, implying their functional importance for the fungus cells. Interestingly, alternative splicing events were found in the expression of two polycistronic snoRNA gene hosts that resemble the UHG-like genes in mammals. Phylogenetic analysis further revealed that the extensive separation and recombination of two functional elements of snoRNA genes has occurred during fungus evolution.

Conclusion
This is the first genome-wide analysis of the filamentous fungus N. crassa snoRNAs that aids in understanding the differences between unicellular fungi and multicellular fungi. As compared with two yeasts, a more complex pattern of methylation guided by box C/D snoRNAs in multicellular fungus than in unicellular yeasts was revealed, indicating the high diversity of post-transcriptional modification guided by snoRNAs in the fungus kingdom.
Impacts of feral horses on a desert environment
Authors: Ostermann-Kelm Stacey D , Atwill Edward A , Rubin Esther S , Hendrickson Larry E , Boyce Walter M 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background
Free-ranging horses (Equus caballus) in North America are considered to be feral animals since they are descendents of non-native domestic horses introduced to the continent. We conducted a study in a southern California desert to understand how feral horse movements and horse feces impacted this arid ecosystem. We evaluated five parameters susceptible to horse trampling: soil strength, vegetation cover, percent of nonnative vegetation, plant species diversity, and macroinvertebrate abundance. We also tested whether or not plant cover and species diversity were affected by the presence of horse feces.

Results
Horse trailing resulted in reduced vegetation cover, compacted soils, and in cases of intermediate intensity disturbance, increased plant species diversity. The presence of horse feces did not affect plant cover, but it did increase native plant diversity.

Conclusion
Adverse impacts, such as soil compaction and increased erosion potential, were limited to established horse trails. In contrast, increased native plant diversity near trails and feces could be viewed as positive outcomes. Extensive trailing can result in a surprisingly large impact area: we estimate that < 30 horses used > 25 km2 of trails in our study area.
A new synthetic protein, TAT-RH, inhibits tumor growth through the regulation of NFκB activity
Authors: Sorriento Daniela , Campanile Alfonso , Santulli Gaetano , Leggiero Eleonora , Pastore Lucio , Trimarco Bruno , Iaccarino Guido 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background
Based on its role in angiogenesis and apoptosis, the inhibition of NFκB activity is considered an effective treatment for cancer, hampered by the lack of selective and safe inhibitors. We recently demonstrated that the RH domain of GRK5 (GRK5-RH) inhibits NFκB, thus we evaluated its effects on cancer growth.

Methods
The role of GRK5-RH on tumor growth was assessed in a human cancer cell line (KAT-4). RH overexpression was induced by adenovirus mediated gene transfer; alternatively we administered a synthetic protein reproducing the RH domain of GRK5 (TAT-RH), actively transported into the cells.

Results

In vitro, adenovirus mediated GRK5-RH overexpression (AdGRK5-NT) in human tumor cells (KAT-4) induces IκB accumulation and inhibits NFκB transcriptional activity leading to apoptotic events. In BALB/c nude mice harboring KAT-4 induced neoplasias, intra-tumor delivery of AdGRK5-NT reduces in a dose-dependent fashion tumor growth, with the highest doses completely inhibiting it. This phenomenon is paralleled by a decrease of NFκB activity, an increase of IκB levels and apoptotic events. To move towards a pharmacological setup, we synthesized the TAT-RH protein. In cultured KAT-4 cells, different dosages of TAT-RH reduced cell survival and increased apoptosis. In BALB/c mice, the anti-proliferative effects of TAT-RH appear to be dose-dependent and highest dose completely inhibits tumor growth.

Conclusion
Our data suggest that GRK5-RH inhibition of NFκB is a novel and effective anti-tumoral strategy and TAT-RH could be an useful tool in the fighting of cancer.
Comparison of immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assessment for Her-2 status in breast cancer
Authors: Sui Weiguo , Ou Minglin , Chen Jiejing , Wan Youhua , Peng Hongbo , Qi Minfang , Huang He , Dai Yong 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background
The concordance rate between IHC and FISH according to clinical performance is still controversial. We report a prospective study to reflect the concordance between IHC and FISH in Guilin city, People's Republic of China.

Methods
Fifty cases of invasive ductal carcinoma of breast tested by IHC and scored as 0, 1+, 2+ and 3+ by pathologists were further analyzed by FISH using a commercially available double-color probe, and the FISH findings were compared with IHC test results.

Results
A total concordance of 82.0% was observed with a Kappa coefficient of 0.640 (P < 0.001). A high discordance was observed in 30.0% of the patients with IHC 2+, 7.1% in IHC 3+, 19.2% overall in IHC 0 and 1+.

Conclusion
The IHC can be used firstly to screen the HER-2 status, and FISH can be used as a supplementary role to IHC and 2+ and some negative cases. And only those cases with Her-2 status of IHC 3+ or FISH positive should be treated with Herceptin.
yuDetecting the percent of peripheral blood mononuclear cells displaying p-STAT-3 in malignant glioma patients
Authors: Humphries William , Wang Yongtao , Qiao Wei , Reina-Ortiz Chantal , Abou-Ghazal Mohamed K , Crutcher Lamonne M , Wei Jun , Kong Ling-Yuan , Sawaya Raymond , Rao Ganesh , Weinberg Jeffrey , Prabhu Sujit S , Fuller Gregory N , Heimberger Amy B 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Background
The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT-3) is frequently overexpressed in cancer cells, propagates tumorigenesis, and is a key regulator of immune suppression in cancer patients. The presence of phosphorylated STAT-3 (p-STAT-3) in the tumor can induce p-STAT-3 in tumor-associated immune cells that can return to the circulatory system. We hypothesized that the number of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) displaying p-STAT-3 would be increased in glioma patients, which would correlate with the extent of tumor-expressed p-STAT-3, and that higher p-STAT-3 levels in peripheral blood would correlate with a higher fraction of immune-suppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs).

Methods
We measured the percentage of PBMCs displaying p-STAT-3 in 19 healthy donors and 45 patients with primary brain tumors. The level of p-STAT-3 in tumor tissue was determined by immunohistochemistry. The degree of immune suppression was determined based on the fraction of Tregs in the CD4 compartment.

Results
Healthy donors had 4.8 ± 3.6% of PBMCs that expressed p-STAT-3, while the mean proportion of PBMCs displaying p-STAT-3 in patients with GBM was 11.8 ± 13.5% (P = 0.03). We did not observe a correlation by Spearman correlation between the degree of p-STAT-3 levels in the tumor and the percent of PBMCs displaying p-STAT-3. Furthermore, the percent of PBMCs displaying p-STAT-3 in glioma patients was not directly correlated with the fraction of Tregs in the CD4 compartment.

Conclusion
We conclude that the percent of PBMCs displaying p-STAT-3 may be increased in malignant glioma patients.
Gain-loss frequency and final outcome in the Soochow Gambling Task: A Reassessment
Authors: Lin Ching-Hung , Chiu Yao-Chu , Huang Jong-Tsun 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBackgroundBehavioral decision making literature suggests that decision makers are guided less by final outcome than by immediate gain-loss. However, studies of the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) under dynamic and uncertain conditions reveal very different conclusions about the role of final outcome. Another research group designed a similar yet simpler game, the Soochow Gambling Task (SGT), which demonstrated that, in dynamic decision making, the effect of gain-loss frequency is more powerful than that of final outcome. Further study is needed to determine the precise effect of final outcome on decision makers. This experiment developed two modified SGTs to explore the effect of final outcome under the same gain-loss frequency context.MethodsEach version of the SGT was performed by twenty-four undergraduate Soochow University students. A large-value (± $200, ± $550 and ± $1050) and a small-value (± $100, ± $150 and ± $650) contrast of SGT were conducted to investigate the final outcome effect. The computerized SGT was launched to record and analyze the choices of the participants.ResultsThe results of both SGT versions consistently showed that the preferred decks A and B to decks C and D. Analysis of learning curves also indicated that, throughout the game, final outcome had a minimal effect on the choices of decision makers.ConclusionExperimental results indicated that, in both the frequent-gain context and the frequent-loss context, final outcome has little effect on decision makers. Most decision makers are guided by gain-loss frequency but not by final outcome.