bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Burkholderia thailandensis harbors two identical rhl gene clusters responsible for the biosynthesis of rhamnolipids
Authors: Dubeau Danielle , Déziel Eric , Woods Donald E , Lépine François 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background
Rhamnolipids are surface active molecules composed of rhamnose and β-hydroxydecanoic acid. These biosurfactants are produced mainly by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and have been thoroughly investigated since their early discovery. Recently, they have attracted renewed attention because of their involvement in various multicellular behaviors. Despite this high interest, only very few studies have focused on the production of rhamnolipids by Burkholderia species.

Results
Orthologs of rhlA, rhlB and rhlC, which are responsible for the biosynthesis of rhamnolipids in P. aeruginosa, have been found in the non-infectious Burkholderia thailandensis, as well as in the genetically similar important pathogen B. pseudomallei. In contrast to P. aeruginosa, both Burkholderia species contain these three genes necessary for rhamnolipid production within a single gene cluster. Furthermore, two identical, paralogous copies of this gene cluster are found on the second chromosome of these bacteria. Both Burkholderia spp. produce rhamnolipids containing 3-hydroxy fatty acid moieties with longer side chains than those described for P. aeruginosa. Additionally, the rhamnolipids produced by B. thailandensis contain a much larger proportion of dirhamnolipids versus monorhamnolipids when compared to P. aeruginosa. The rhamnolipids produced by B. thailandensis reduce the surface tension of water to 42 mN/m while displaying a critical micelle concentration value of 225 mg/L. Separate mutations in both rhlA alleles, which are responsible for the synthesis of the rhamnolipid precursor 3-(3-hydroxyalkanoyloxy)alkanoic acid, prove that both copies of the rhl gene cluster are functional, but one contributes more to the total production than the other. Finally, a double ΔrhlA mutant that is completely devoid of rhamnolipid production is incapable of swarming motility, showing that both gene clusters contribute to this phenotype.

Conclusions
Collectively, these results add another Burkholderia species to the list of bacteria able to produce rhamnolipids and this, by the means of two identical functional gene clusters. Our results also demonstrate the very impressive tensio-active properties these long-chain rhamnolipids possess in comparison to the well-studied short-chain ones from P. aeruginosa.
Genetic tools for the investigation of Roseobacter clade bacteria
Authors: Piekarski Tanja , Buchholz Ina , Drepper Thomas , Schobert Max , Wagner-Doebler Irene , Tielen Petra , Jahn Dieter 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackgroundTheRoseobacterclade represents one of the most abundant, metabolically versatile and ecologically important bacterial groups found in marine habitats. A detailed molecular investigation of the regulatory and metabolic networks of these organisms is currently limited for many strains by missing suitable genetic tools.ResultsConjugation and electroporation methods for the efficient and stable genetic transformation of selectedRoseobacterclade bacteria includingDinoroseobacter shibae,Oceanibulbus indolifex,Phaeobacter gallaeciensis,Phaeobacter inhibens,Roseobacter denitrificansandRoseobacter litoraliswere tested. For this purpose an antibiotic resistance screening was performed and suitable genetic markers were selected. Based on these transformation protocols stably maintained plasmids were identified. A plasmid encoded oxygen-independent fluorescent system was established using the flavin mononucleotide-based fluorescent protein FbFP. Finally, a chromosomal gene knockout strategy was successfully employed for the inactivation of the anaerobic metabolism regulatory genednrfromD. shibaeDFL12T.ConclusionA genetic toolbox for members of theRoseobacterclade was established. This provides a solid methodical basis for the detailed elucidation of gene regulatory and metabolic networks underlying the ecological success of this group of marine bacteria.
Melusin gene (ITGB1BP2) nucleotide variations study in hypertensive and cardiopathic patients
Authors: Palumbo Valeria , Segat Ludovica , Padovan Lara , Amoroso Antonio , Trimarco Bruno , Izzo Raffaele , Lembo Giuseppe , Regitz–Zagrosek Vera , Knoll Ralph , Brancaccio Mara , Tarone Guido , Crovella Sergio 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background
Melusin is a muscle specific signaling protein, required for compensatory hypertrophy response in pressure-overloaded heart. The role of Melusin in heart function has been established both by loss and gain of function experiments in murine models. With the aim of verifying the hypothesis of a potential role of the Melusin encoding gene, ITGB1BP2, in the modification of the clinical phenotype of human cardiomyopathies, we screened the ITGB1BP2 gene looking for genetic variations possibly associated to the pathological phenotype in three selected groups of patients affected by hypertension and dilated or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Methods
We analyzed ITGB1BP2 by direct sequencing of the 11 coding exons and intron flanking sequences in 928 subjects, including 656 hypertensive or cardiopathic patients and 272 healthy individuals.

Results
Only three nucleotide variations were found in patients of three distinct families: a C>T missense substitution at position 37 of exon 1 causing an amino acid change from His-13 to Tyr in the protein primary sequence, a duplication (IVS6+12_18dupTTTTGAG) near the 5'donor splice site of intron 6, and a silent 843C>T substitution in exon 11.

Conclusions
The three variations of the ITGB1BP2 gene have been detected in families of patients affected either by hypertension or primary hypertrophic cardiomyopathy; however, a clear genotype/phenotype correlation was not evident. Preliminary functional results and bioinformatic analysis seem to exclude a role for IVS6+12_18dupTTTTGAG and 843C>T in affecting splicing mechanism.
Our analysis revealed an extremely low number of variations in the ITGB1BP2 gene in nearly 1000 hypertensive/cardiopathic and healthy individuals, thus suggesting a high degree of conservation of the melusin gene within the populations analyzed.
Primary ciliogenesis defects are associated with human astrocytoma/glioblastoma cells
Authors: Moser Joanna J , Fritzler Marvin J , Rattner Jerome B 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background
Primary cilia are non-motile sensory cytoplasmic organelles that have been implicated in signal transduction, cell to cell communication, left and right pattern embryonic development, sensation of fluid flow, regulation of calcium levels, mechanosensation, growth factor signaling and cell cycle progression. Defects in the formation and/or function of these structures underlie a variety of human diseases such as Alström, Bardet-Biedl, Joubert, Meckel-Gruber and oral-facial-digital type 1 syndromes. The expression and function of primary cilia in cancer cells has now become a focus of attention but has not been studied in astrocytomas/glioblastomas. To begin to address this issue, we compared the structure and expression of primary cilia in a normal human astrocyte cell line with five human astrocytoma/glioblastoma cell lines.

Methods
Cultured normal human astrocytes and five human astrocytoma/glioblastoma cell lines were examined for primary cilia expression and structure using indirect immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. Monospecific antibodies were used to detect primary cilia and map the relationship between the primary cilia region and sites of endocytosis.

Results
We show that expression of primary cilia in normal astrocytes is cell cycle related and the primary cilium extends through the cell within a unique structure which we show to be a site of endocytosis. Importantly, we document that in each of the five astrocytoma/glioblastoma cell lines fully formed primary cilia are either expressed at a very low level, are completely absent or have aberrant forms, due to incomplete ciliogenesis.

Conclusions
The recent discovery of the importance of primary cilia in a variety of cell functions raises the possibility that this structure may have a role in a variety of cancers. Our finding that the formation of the primary cilium is disrupted in cells derived from astrocytoma/glioblastoma tumors provides the first evidence that altered primary cilium expression and function may be part of some malignant phenotypes. Further, we provide the first evidence that ciliogenesis is not an all or none process; rather defects can arrest this process at various points, particularly at the stage subsequent to basal body association with the plasma membrane.
Compound K, a metabolite of ginseng saponin, induces apoptosis via caspase-8-dependent pathway in HL-60 human leukemia cells
Authors: Cho Sung-Hee , Chung Kyung-Sook , Choi Jung-Hye , Kim Dong-Hyun , Lee Kyung-Tae 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background
Compound K [20-O-β-(D-glucopyranosyl)-20(S)-protopanaxadiol], a metabolite of the protopanaxadiol-type saponins of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, has been reported to possess anti-tumor properties to inhibit angiogenesis and to induce tumor apoptosis. In the present study, we investigated the effect of Compound K on apoptosis and explored the underlying mechanisms involved in HL-60 human leukemia cells.

Methods
We examined the effect of Compound K on the viabilities of various cancer cell lines using MTT assays. DAPI assay, Annexin V and PI double staining, Western blot assay and immunoprecipitation were used to determine the effect of Compound K on the induction of apoptosis.

Results
Compound K was found to inhibit the viability of HL-60 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner with an IC50 of 14 μM. Moreover, this cell death had typical features of apoptosis, that is, DNA fragmentation, DNA ladder formation, and the externalization of Annexin V targeted phosphatidylserine residues in HL-60 cells. In addition, compound-K induced a series of intracellular events associated with both the mitochondrial- and death receptor-dependent apoptotic pathways, namely, (1) the activation of caspases-3, -8, and -9; (2) the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential; (3) the release of cytochrome c and Smac/DIABLO to the cytosol; (4) the translocation of Bid and Bax to mitochondria; and (5) the downregulations of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. Furthermore, a caspase-8 inhibitor completely abolished caspase-3 activation, Bid cleavage, and subsequent DNA fragmentation by Compound K. Interestingly, the activation of caspase-3 and -8 and DNA fragmentation were significantly prevented in the presence of cycloheximide, suggesting that Compound K-induced apoptosis is dependent on de novo protein synthesis.

Conclusions
The results indicate that caspase-8 plays a key role in Compound K-stimulated apoptosis via the activation of caspase-3 directly or indirectly through Bid cleavage, cytochrome c release, and caspase-9 activation.
Eukaryotic large nucleo-cytoplasmic DNA viruses: Clusters of orthologous genes and reconstruction of viral genome evolution
Authors: Yutin Natalya , Wolf Yuri I , Raoult Didier , Koonin Eugene V 
Published: December 2009

Abstract

Background
The Nucleo-Cytoplasmic Large DNA Viruses (NCLDV) comprise an apparently monophyletic class of viruses that infect a broad variety of eukaryotic hosts. Recent progress in isolation of new viruses and genome sequencing resulted in a substantial expansion of the NCLDV diversity, resulting in additional opportunities for comparative genomic analysis, and a demand for a comprehensive classification of viral genes.

Results
A comprehensive comparison of the protein sequences encoded in the genomes of 45 NCLDV belonging to 6 families was performed in order to delineate cluster of orthologous viral genes. Using previously developed computational methods for orthology identification, 1445 Nucleo-Cytoplasmic Virus Orthologous Groups (NCVOGs) were identified of which 177 are represented in more than one NCLDV family. The NCVOGs were manually curated and annotated and can be used as a computational platform for functional annotation and evolutionary analysis of new NCLDV genomes. A maximum-likelihood reconstruction of the NCLDV evolution yielded a set of 47 conserved genes that were probably present in the genome of the common ancestor of this class of eukaryotic viruses. This reconstructed ancestral gene set is robust to the parameters of the reconstruction procedure and so is likely to accurately reflect the gene core of the ancestral NCLDV, indicating that this virus encoded a complex machinery of replication, expression and morphogenesis that made it relatively independent from host cell functions.

Conclusions
The NCVOGs are a flexible and expandable platform for genome analysis and functional annotation of newly characterized NCLDV. Evolutionary reconstructions employing NCVOGs point to complex ancestral viruses.
Oral benign fibrous histiocytoma: two case reports
Authors: Menditti Dardo , Laino Luigi , Mezzogiorno Antonio , Sava Sara , Bianchi Alexander , Caruso Giovanni , Di Maio Luigi , Baldi Alfonso 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Fibrous histiocytoma is a benign soft tissue tumour arising as a fibrous mass everywhere in the human body. The involvement of the oral cavity is rare. We report two cases of benign fibrous histiocytoma that localized in the oral cavity. The clinical and histological features of the lesion are reported. Finally, a literature revision of this pathology at the level of the oral cavity is reported.
Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma: two case reports
Authors: Vasudev Pooja , Boutross-Tadross Odette , Radhi Jasim 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSCC) is a rare and aggressive variant of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) that occurs preferentially in the upper aerodigestive tract. We present two cases of BSCC, one arising in the conjunctiva and the other arising in a paranasal sinus. Clinical and pathological findings in these two cases, including immunohistochemistry is presented along with brief discussion of literature. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of BSCC of the conjunctiva. BSCC of the head and neck should be distinguished from adenoid cystic carcinoma, small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, basal cell adenocarcinoma, adenosquamous carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, spindle cell squamous carcinoma, mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and adenoid cystic carcinoma.
Introduction to the Year In Basic Science Series . . . 2009
Authors: Shupnik Margaret A. 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
This year represents the second, of what we expect to be an annual series, of articles based on The Endocrine Society annual meeting presentations that highlight recent advances in vibrant basic science areas in endocrinology. For ENDO 09, two general areas with broad appeal and significance to our members were chosen: neuroendocrinology and G protein-coupled receptors. The invited participants were charged with presenting and discussing important papers that were published approximately during the year leading up to the most recent annual meetings (June 2009) and to put them into broad perspective for the greater endocrine community. Two distinguished members, Jeffrey Blaustein and Robert Millar, continued on last year’s successful features by synthesizing the top findings in their fields, and these articles are based on their annual meeting presentations. Interestingly, there were several points of intersection in these topics and chosen papers, as advances in the neuroendocrinology of reproduction have been coupled to identification and/or characterization of additional novel G protein-coupled receptors. In both presentations, fundamental basic science findings deriving from structural studies and signaling pathways are linked to broad endocrine physiology issues and to potential use in clinical treatment and therapeutics.
Numerical investigation of the Lorentz force effect on the vortex transfiguration in a two-dimensional lid-driven cavity
Authors: Farahbakhsh I , Ghassemi H 
Published: December 2009

Numerical calculations of the two-dimensional unsteady incompressible driven cavity flow in the presence of the Lorentz body force are presented. The Navier—Stokes equations in vorticity-stream function formulation are solved numerically using a uniform grid mesh of 201×201. A second-order central difference approximation is used for spatial derivatives and the solutions march in time with a fourth-order Runge—Kutta method. The unsteady driven cavity flow solution is computed for a Reynolds number of Re=1000. The effects of the Stuart number (ratio of the electromagnetic forces to inertial forces) and penetration depth of the Lorentz force on the lid-driven cavity vortices are investigated. Two new quaternary vortices at the bottom corners of the cavity are observed in the flow field as the Stuart number and penetration depth increase. The primary vortex size also dwindles and eventually breaks down into two tertiary vortices as these parameters increase. The velocity component profiles are also considerably sensitive with respect to these parameters. It should be emphasized that on the basis of extensive comparisons and validations, which are made with benchmark solutions found in the literature, the numerical computations are repeated considering the Lorentz body force effect in the lid-driven cavity. Detailed results are presented in the article.
Developing an auto-tracking automated guided vehicle carrier using a wave-varied detecting method
Authors: Chiu M-C , Yeh L-J , Lai G-J , Huang B-M 
Published: December 2009

Robots are widely used in modern industrial manufacturing, in households, in the entertainment sector, and in the security sector. In recent times, because of the increasing lifetime for old people, the concept of lifestyles of health and sustainability is prevailing. To facilitate a heavily loaded hand-carrier when aged people are travelling or working outside, an intelligent automated guided vehicle (AGV) is necessary. In this article, an intelligent and interactive AGV is developed. In order to develop the auto-tracking carrier for an AGV within an unlimited working space, a dynamic distance measuring system using the speed variation between a radio wave and an ultrasonic wave propagating in the air is adopted. The microchip PIC 18F452 is used as the control core. To facilitate the targeted functions, interactivity in conjunction with high quality sensors plays an essential role. By using a wireless transmitter (radio ray) and an ultrasonic transmitter on the user's waist angled towards the sensors at the front of the AGV, the distance between the user and the AGV can be calculated. To avoid colliding with a barrier, an ultrasonic transmitter is installed on both sides of the AGV. Subsequently, a controller based on fuzzy thinking will actuate the motor's motion enabling it to follow and dodge barriers. Consequently, a prototype AGV has been manufactured and successfully tested in the laboratory.
The effects of circular sawblade diamond segment characteristics on marble processing performance
Authors: Buyuksagis I S 
Published: December 2009

Utilizing a fully instrumented block-cutter, an experimental study was carried out to investigate the effects of diamond/metal matrix properties on the sawing performance of segmented circular sawblades. Six commercially available sawblades differing in segment compositions were used in the sawing experiments of Afyon Tiger Skin Marble. Bond compositions of the tested sawblades were determined by carrying out energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer analysis. The sawing tests were performed in the down-cutting mode. The sawing performances of the sawblades were evaluated in terms of cutting specific energy (SE), cutting force, axial force, and force ratio (ratio of tangential to normal force). The worn surfaces of the diamond segments were examined by scanning electron microscope micrographs. Upon evaluation of the experimental data, it was concluded that the determined performance criteria from laboratory sawing tests can aid manufacturers in the design of appropriate sawblades for specific rock types. Valid for the employed machining parameters, tested sawblade types, and workpiece properties, the results of a multiple linear regression analysis have indicated that the Sn percentage of the segment matrix, the diamond concentration, and the matrix hardness are the common dominant variables that affect cutting SE, axial force, and cutting force.
Meaning and Value of Productivity to Adults With Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Lysaght Rosemary , Ouellette-Kuntz Hélène , Morrison Carole 
Published: December 2009

AbstractInvolvement in productivity roles such as work, volunteerism, and personal projects plays a central role in the lives of most adults and is associated with enhanced physical and mental health. This study examined the meaning of productivity to adults with intellectual disabilities, their satisfaction with the roles they held, and contributors and barriers to achieving satisfying productivity outcomes. The results suggest a number of key areas to address in future research and practice, including systemic and social barriers to choice and meaningful participation.
Health Profile of Aging Family Caregivers Supporting Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities at Home
Authors: Yamaki Kiyoshi , Hsieh Kelly , Heller Tamar 
Published: December 2009

Abstract
The health status of 206 female caregivers supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities at home was investigated using objective (i.e., presence of chronic health conditions and activity limitations) and subjective (i.e., self-perceived health status) health measures compared with those of women in the general population in 2 age groups: middle age (Ages 40–59 years) and older ages (≥60 years). Prevalence of arthritis, high blood pressure, obesity, and activity limitations for the caregivers in both age groups was significantly higher than that for women in the general population. Middle-age caregivers reported a higher prevalence of diabetes and high blood cholesterol than their age peers from the general population. Despite the potential health challenges, the caregivers generally perceived their health better than that of women in the general population. Older caregivers' perceptions on their psychological well being, however, appeared to an exception. Implications regarding potential health risks for caregivers and residential services for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities are discussed.
Residential Characteristics, Social Factors, and Mortality Among Adults With Intellectual Disabilities: Transitions Out of Nursing Homes
Authors: Hsieh Kelly , Heller Tamar , Freels Sally 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe present study examined the degree to which residential characteristics and social factors are associated with mortality, after controlling for personal characteristics, among adults with intellectual disabilities who have resided in nursing homes (facilities providing skilled care and related services) at baseline in the Chicago area. Initial assessments were conducted on 330 residents, and 2 follow ups were performed over 10 years. Seventy-one residents had died by the end of the study. The variables examined included personal characteristics of age, gender, intellectual level, health, and adaptive behavior; residential characteristics of type of residence, size of facility, attractiveness of physical environment (cleanliness, conditions, and aesthetic appeal), and diversity of physical environment (personalization of residents' rooms and distinctiveness of all living spaces); and social factors of family involvement and community integration. The results indicated, beyond age, adaptive behavior, and health, that size of residences, residential characteristics, and social factors are related to mortality.