bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tregs prevent GVHD and promote immune reconstitution in HLA-haploidentical transplantation
Authors: Di Ianni Mauro , Falzetti Franca , Carotti Alessandra , Terenzi Adelmo , Castellino Flora , Bonifacio Elisabetta , Del Papa Beatrice , Zei Tiziana , Ostini Roberta Iacucci , Cecchini Debora , Aloisi Teresa , Perruccio Katia , Ruggeri Loredana , Balucani Chiara , Pierini Antonio , Sportoletti Paolo , Aristei Cynthia , Falini Brunangelo , Reisner Yair , Velardi Andrea , Aversa Franco , Martelli Massimo F. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractHastening posttransplantation immune reconstitution is a key challenge in human leukocyte antigen (HLA)–haploidentical hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT). In experimental models of mismatched HSCT, T-regulatory cells (Tregs) when coinfused with conventional T cells (Tcons) favored posttransplantation immune reconstitution and prevented lethal graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). In the present study, we evaluated the impact of early infusion of Tregs, followed by Tcons, on GVHD prevention and immunologic reconstitution in 28 patients with high-risk hematologic malignancies who underwent HLA-haploidentical HSCT. We show for the first time in humans that adoptive transfer of Tregs prevented GVHD in the absence of any posttransplantation immunosuppression, promoted lymphoid reconstitution, improved immunity to opportunistic pathogens, and did not weaken the graft-versus-leukemia effect. This study provides evidence that Tregs are a conserved mechanism in humans.
Whole-genome resequencing shows numerous genes with nonsynonymous SNPs in the Japanese native cattle Kuchinoshima-Ushi
Authors: Kawahara-Miki Ryouka , Tsuda Kaoru , Shiwa Yuh , Arai-Kichise Yuko , Matsumoto Takashi , Kanesaki Yu , Oda Sen-ichi , Ebihara Shizufumi , Yajima Shunsuke , Yoshikawa Hirofumi , Kono Tomohiro 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
Because the Japanese native cattle Kuchinoshima-Ushi have been isolated in a small island and their lineage has been intensely protected, it has been assumed to date that numerous and valuable genomic variations are conserved in this cattle breed.

Results
In this study, we evaluated genetic features of this breed, including single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) information, by whole-genome sequencing using a Genome Analyzer II. A total of 64.2 Gb of sequence was generated, of which 86% of the obtained reads were successfully mapped to the reference sequence (Btau 4.0) with BWA. On an average, 93% of the genome was covered by the reads and the number of mapped reads corresponded to 15.8-fold coverage across the covered region. From these data, we identified 6.3 million SNPs, of which more than 5.5 million (87%) were found to be new. Out of the SNPs annotated in the bovine sequence assembly, 20,432 were found in protein-coding regions containing 11,713 nonsynonymous SNPs in 4,643 genes. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis using sequence data from 10 genes (more than 10 kbp) showed that Kuchinoshima-Ushi is clearly distinct from European domestic breeds of cattle.

Conclusions
These results provide a framework for further genetic studies in the Kuchinoshima-Ushi population and research on functions of SNP-containing genes, which would aid in understanding the molecular basis underlying phenotypic variation of economically important traits in cattle and in improving intrinsic defects in domestic cattle breeds.
Transcriptome characterization and high throughput SSRs and SNPs discovery in Cucurbita pepo (Cucurbitaceae)
Authors: Blanca José , Cañizares Joaquín , Roig Cristina , Ziarsolo Pello , Nuez Fernando , Picó Belén 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Background
Cucurbita pepo belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. The "Zucchini" types rank among the highest-valued vegetables worldwide, and other C. pepo and related Cucurbita spp., are food staples and rich sources of fat and vitamins. A broad range of genomic tools are today available for other cucurbits that have become models for the study of different metabolic processes. However, these tools are still lacking in the Cucurbita genus, thus limiting gene discovery and the process of breeding.

Results
We report the generation of a total of 512,751 C. pepo EST sequences, using 454 GS FLX Titanium technology. ESTs were obtained from normalized cDNA libraries (root, leaves, and flower tissue) prepared using two varieties with contrasting phenotypes for plant, flowering and fruit traits, representing the two C. pepo subspecies: subsp. pepo cv. Zucchini and subsp. ovifera cv Scallop. De novo assembling was performed to generate a collection of 49,610 Cucurbita unigenes (average length of 626 bp) that represent the first transcriptome of the species. Over 60% of the unigenes were functionally annotated and assigned to one or more Gene Ontology terms. The distributions of Cucurbita unigenes followed similar tendencies than that reported for Arabidopsis or melon, suggesting that the dataset may represent the whole Cucurbita transcriptome. About 34% unigenes were detected to have known orthologs of Arabidopsis or melon, including genes potentially involved in disease resistance, flowering and fruit quality. Furthermore, a set of 1,882 unigenes with SSR motifs and 9,043 high confidence SNPs between Zucchini and Scallop were identified, of which 3,538 SNPs met criteria for use with high throughput genotyping platforms, and 144 could be detected as CAPS. A set of markers were validated, being 80% of them polymorphic in a set of variable C. pepo and C. moschata accessions.

Conclusion
We present the first broad survey of gene sequences and allelic variation in C. pepo, where limited prior genomic information existed. The transcriptome provides an invaluable new tool for biological research. The developed molecular markers are the basis for future genetic linkage and quantitative trait loci analysis, and will be essential to speed up the process of breeding new and better adapted squash varieties.
Genetic predisposition to fracture non-union: a case control study of a preliminary single nucleotide polymorphisms analysis of the BMP pathway
Authors: Dimitriou Rozalia , Carr Ian M , West Robert M , Markham Alexander F , Giannoudis Peter V 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
Despite the known multi-factorial nature of atrophic fracture non-unions, a possible genetic predisposition for the development of this complication after long bone fractures remains unknown. This pilot study aimed to address this issue by performing a preliminary SNP analysis of specific genes known to regulate fracture healing.

Methods
A total of fifteen SNPs within four genes of the Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) pathway (BMP-2, BMP-7, NOGGIN and SMAD6) were examined, in 109 randomly selected patients with long bone fractures as a result of motor vehicle accident, fall or direct blow. There were sixty-two patients with atrophic non-union and forty-seven patients (54 fractures) with uneventful fracture union. Overall SNPs frequencies were computed with respect to patient's age, gender, smoking habits, fracture-associated parameters and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and tested for their association to the impaired bone healing process, using binary logistic regression (STATA 11.1; StataCorp, Texas USA).

Results
Statistical analysis revealed age to be an important covariate in the development of atrophic non-union (p = 0.01, OR 1.05 [per year]), and two specific genotypes (G/G genotype of the rs1372857 SNP, located on NOGGIN and T/T genotype of the rs2053423 SNP, located on SMAD6) to be associated with a greater risk of fracture non-union (p = 0.02, OR 4.56 and p = 0.04, OR 10.27, respectively, after adjustment for age).

Conclusions
This is the first clinical study to investigate the potential existence of genetic susceptibility to fracture non-union. Even though no concrete conclusions can be obtained from this pilot study, our results indicate the existence of a potential genetically predetermined impairment within the BMP signalling cascade, initiated after a fracture and when combined with other risk factors could synergistically increase the susceptibility of a patient to develop non-union. Further research is desirable in order to clarify the genetic component and its role and interaction with other risk factors in the development of atrophic long bone non-union, as simple genetic testing may contribute to the early identification of patients at risk in the future and the on-time intervention at the biologic aspects of bone healing.
Modulation of small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) expression in the mouse uterus by estradiol and progesterone
Authors: Salgado Renato M , Favaro Rodolfo R , Zorn Telma MT 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
We have previously demonstrated that four members of the family of small leucine-rich-proteoglycans (SLRPs) of the extracellular matrix (ECM), named decorin, biglycan, lumican and fibromodulin, are deeply remodeled in mouse uterine tissues along the estrous cycle and early pregnancy. It is known that the combined action of estrogen (E2) and progesterone (P4) orchestrates the estrous cycle and prepares the endometrium for pregnancy, modulating synthesis, deposition and degradation of various molecules. Indeed, we showed that versican, another proteoglycan of the ECM, is under hormonal control in the uterine tissues.

Methods
E2 and/or medroxiprogesterone acetate (MPA) were used to demonstrate, by real time PCR and immunoperoxidase staining, respectively, their effects on mRNA expression and protein deposition of these SLRPs, in the uterine tissues.

Results
Decorin and lumican were constitutively expressed and deposited in the ECM in the absence of the ovarian hormones, whereas deposition of biglycan and fibromodulin were abolished from the uterine ECM in the non-treated group. Interestingly, ovariectomy promoted an increase in decorin, lumican and fibromodulin mRNA levels, while biglycan mRNA conspicuously decreased. Hormone replacement with E2 and/or MPA differentially modulates their expression and deposition.

Conclusions
The patterns of expression of these SLRPs in the uterine tissues were found to be hormone-dependent and uterine compartment-related. These results reinforce the existence of subpopulations of endometrial fibroblasts, localized into distinct functional uterine compartments, resembling the organization into basal and functional layers of the human endometrium.
The origin of the red emission in n-ZnO nanotubes/p-GaN white light emitting diodes
Authors: Alvi N H , ul Hasan Kamran , Nur Omer , Willander Magnus 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIn this article, the electroluminescence (EL) spectra of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanotubes/p-GaN light emitting diodes (LEDs) annealed in different ambients (argon, air, oxygen, and nitrogen) have been investigated. The ZnO nanotubes by aqueous chemical growth (ACG) technique on p-GaN substrates were obtained. The as-grown ZnO nanotubes were annealed in different ambients at 600°C for 30 min. The EL investigations showed that air, oxygen, and nitrogen annealing ambients have strongly affected the deep level emission bands in ZnO. It was concluded from the EL investigation that more than one deep level defect is involved in the red emission appearing between 620 and 750 nm and that the red emission in ZnO can be attributed to oxygen interstitials (Oi) appearing in the range from 620 nm (1.99 eV) to 690 nm (1.79 eV), and to oxygen vacancies (Vo) appearing in the range from 690 nm (1.79 eV) to 750 nm (1.65 eV). The annealing ambients, especially the nitrogen ambient, were also found to greatly influence the color-rendering properties and increase the CRI of the as - grown LEDs from 87 to 96.
Evidence for regulatory diversity and auto-regulation at the TAC1 locus in sensory neurones
Authors: Shanley Lynne , Lear Marissa , Davidson Scott , Ross Ruth , MacKenzie Alasdair 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe neuropeptide substance-P (SP) is expressed from the TAC1 gene in sensory neurones where it acts as a key modulator of neurogenic inflammation. The promoter of TAC1 (TAC1prom) plays a central role in the regulation of the TAC1 gene but requires the presence of a second regulatory element; ECR2, to support TAC1 expression in sensory neurones and to respond appropriately to signalling pathways such as MAPkinases and noxious induction by capsaicin. We examined whether the effect of capsaicin on ECR2-TAC1prom activity in larger diameter neurones was cell autonomous or non- cell autonomous. We demonstrate that TRPV1 is not expressed in all the same cells as SP following capsaicin induction suggesting the presence of a non-cell autonomous mechanism for TAC1 up-regulation following capsaicin induction. In addition, we demonstrate that induction of SP and ECR1-TAC1prom activity in these larger diameter neurones can be induced by potassium depolarisation suggesting that, in addition to capsaicin induction, transgene activity may be modulated by voltage gated calcium channels. Furthermore, we show that NK1 is expressed in all SP- expressing cells after capsaicin induction and that an agonist of NK1 can activate both SP and the transgene in larger diameter neurones. These observations suggest the presence of an autocrine loop that controls the expression of the TAC1 promoter in sensory neurones. In contrast, induction of the TAC1 promoter by LPS was not dependent on ECR2 and did not occur in large diameter neurones. These studies demonstrate the diversity of mechanisms modulating the activity of the TAC1 promoter and provide novel directions for the development of new anti-inflammatory therapies.
Enterovirus 71 induces degradation of TRIM38, a potential E3 ubiquitin ligase
Authors: Liu Xinlei , Lei Xiaobo , Zhou Zhuo , Sun Zhenmin , Xue Qinghua , Wang Jianwei , Hung Tao 
Published: February 2011

Abstract

Background
The tripartite motif (TRIM) proteins are a family of more than 70 members in human. However, only a few of them have been well studied. The TRIM proteins contain the conserved RING, B-box, coiled-coil, and SPRY domains, most of which are involved in protein ubiquitination. TRIM38 is a member of the TRIM protein family, which we studied in more detail here as its functions are largely unknown.

Results
Our study shows that, similar to other TRIM family members, TRIM38 is localized in the cytoplasm. TRIM38 increases ubiquitination of other cellular proteins and catalyzes self-ubiquitination. TRIM38 also promotes K63- and K48-linked ubiquitination of cellular proteins. An intact RING domain is important for the functions of TRIM38. In addition, enterovirus 71 infection induces TRIM38 degradation.

Conclusions
Our observations demonstrate that TRIM38 has E3 ubiquitin ligase activity and can be degraded during virus infection. These findings may provide insight into innate immune signaling pathways.
Relationship between static foot posture and foot mobility
Authors: Cornwall Mark W , McPoil Thomas G 
Published: February 2011

AbstractBackgroundIt is not uncommon for a person's foot posture and/or mobility to be assessed during a clinical examination. The exact relationship, however, between static posture and mobility is not known.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the degree of association between static foot posture and mobility.MethodThe static foot posture and foot mobility of 203 healthy individuals was assessed and then analyzed to determine if low arched or “pronated” feet are more mobile than high arched or “supinated” feet.ResultsThe study demonstrated that those individuals with a lower standing dorsal arch height and/or a wider standing midfoot width had greater mobility in their foot. In addition, those individuals with higher Foot Posture Index (FPI) values demonstrated greater mobility and those with lower FPI values demonstrated less mobility. Finally, the amount of foot mobility that an individual has can be predicted reasonably well using either a 3 or 4 variable linear regression model.ConclusionsBecause of the relationship between static foot posture and mobility, it is recommended that both be assessed as part of a comprehensive evaluation of a individual with foot problems.
Role of Relative Transition Energy Level in Regioselective Chlorinations on Bithiophenes: Ab Initio Study
Authors: Yoon Yong-Jin , Koo In Sun , Park Jong Keun 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
The equilibrium and transition geometric structures from bithiophene to hexachlorobithiophene derivatives and relative energies of bithiophene derivatives in electrophilic chlorination were fully optimized using the ab initio Hartree–Fock and second-order Møller–Plesset perturbation method with a 6-311+G** basis set. The regioselectivity of the electrophilic chlorination of bithiophene derivatives was determined primarily by the gaps (ΔE1, ΔE2, ΔE3, … ) of the relative transition energy levels in the transition π-complexes. The gaps of the relative transition energy level were correlated with both the chlorinated positions and atomic charges of the carbon atoms on the bithiophene ring, the HOMO–LUMO gaps of the transition π-complexes due to the (Cl+···Cδ−) interaction, the geometric structures of the neutral and transition derivatives, and the π-conjugation effect (delocalization energy) originating from the π-orbitals. The order of relative stability in the transition π-complexes was found to be 5,5′-dichlorinated &gt; 3,3′-dichlorinated &gt; 4,4′-dichlorinated derivatives. Particularly, with increasing the relative transition energy gaps (ΔE2, ΔE3, ΔE8, ΔE9, … ) in the transition π-complexes, the regioselective chlorinations from BT to 6Cl-BT occurred at specific position of bithiophenes.
A Two-Dimensional Zinc(II)–Schiff Base Coordination Polymer Formed by Six-Membered Metallacyclic Repeating Motif: Structural Aspects, Thermal and Photophysical Properties
Authors: Sadhukhan Dipali , Ray Aurkie , Rosair Georgina , Charbonnière Loïc , Mitra Samiran 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
A dicyanoamide-bridged 2D polynuclear zinc(II) complex having formula [Zn2(L)(μ-dca-κN1κN5)2]n, 1 has been synthesized using the Schiff base ligand N,N′-bis(salicylidene)-1,3-diaminopentane, (H2L) and sodium dicyanoamide [Na(dca)]. The complex presents a 2D hexagonal structure formed by 1,5-dca singly bridged helical chains connected through double 1,5-dca bridges. The ligand and the complex are well characterized by elemental analyses, IR and UV–vis spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis is performed to investigate the thermal stability of the metal–organic framework. Photoluminescence studies of the Schiff base ligand in methanol and of the zinc(II) complex 1 in solid state show the presence of blue emission. The emission of the ligand occurs from an excited state involving an intramolecular proton-transfer process as a result of keto–enol tautomerisation and the zinc(II) complex emits from a ligand-centered excited state.
Stressing zebrafish for behavioral genetics
Authors: Clark Karl J. , Boczek Nicole J. , Ekker Stephen C. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe stress response is a normal reaction to a real or perceived threat. However, stress response systems that are overwhelmed or out of balance can increase both the incidence and severity of diseases including addiction and mood and anxiety disorders. Using an animal model with both genetic diversity and large family size can help discover the specific genetic and environmental contributions to these behavioral diseases. The stress response has been studied extensively in teleosts because of their importance in food production. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a major model organism with a strong record for use in developmental biology, genetic screening, and genomic studies. More recently, the stress response of larval and adult zebrafish has been documented. High-throughput automated tracking systems make possible behavioral readouts of the stress response in zebrafish. This non-invasive measure of the stress response can be combined with mutagenesis methods to dissect the genes involved in complex stress response behaviors in vertebrates. Understanding the genetic and epigenetic basis for the stress response in vertebrates will help to develop advanced screening and therapies for stress-aggravated diseases such as addiction and mood and anxiety disorders.
Zebrafish models to study drug abuse-related phenotypes
Authors: Stewart Adam , Wong Keith , Cachat Jonathan , Gaikwad Siddharth , Kyzar Evan , Wu Nadine , Hart Peter , Piet Valerie , Utterback Eli , Elegante Marco , Tien David , Kalueff Allan V. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractMounting evidence implicates the zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a promising model species for reward and addiction research. Modeling drug abuse-related behavior in both adult and larval zebrafish produced a wealth of clinically translatable data, also demonstrating their sensitivity to various drugs of abuse and the ability to develop tolerance. Several studies have also applied withdrawal paradigms to model the adverse effects of drug abuse in zebrafish. In this review, we summarize recent findings of a wide spectrum of zebrafish drug abuse-related behavioral and physiological phenotypes, discuss the existing challenges, and outline potential future directions of research in this field.
Time Truncated Group Acceptance Sampling Plans for Generalized Exponential Distribution
Authors: Aslam Muhammad , Kundu Debasis , Jun Chi- Hyuck , Ahmad Munir 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
Two group acceptance sampling plans are considered for a two-parameter generalized exponential distribution when the life-test is truncated at a pre-specified time. It is assumed that the shape parameter of the generalized exponential distribution is known. The design parameters such as the number of groups and the acceptance number are obtained by satisfying the producer’s and consumer’s risks at the specified quality levels in terms of medians, under the assumption that the termination time and the number of items in each group are pre-fixed. Examples are provided for illustrative purposes.