bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ceftriaxone attenuates hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in neonatal rats
Authors: Lai Pei Chun , Huang Yen Ta , Wu Chia Chen , Lai Ching-Jung , Wang Pen Jung , Chiu Ted H 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
Perinatal brain injury is the leading cause of subsequent neurological disability in both term and preterm baby. Glutamate excitotoxicity is one of the major factors involved in perinatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Glutamate transporter GLT1, expressed mainly in mature astrocytes, is the major glutamate transporter in the brain. HIE induced excessive glutamate release which is not reuptaked by immature astrocytes may induce neuronal damage. Compounds, such as ceftriaxone, that enhance the expression of GLT1 may exert neuroprotective effect in HIE.

Methods
We used a neonatal rat model of HIE by unilateral ligation of carotid artery and subsequent exposure to 8% oxygen for 2 hrs on postnatal day 7 (P7) rats. Neonatal rats were administered three dosages of an antibiotic, ceftriaxone, 48 hrs prior to experimental HIE. Neurobehavioral tests of treated rats were assessed. Brain sections from P14 rats were examined with Nissl and immunohistochemical stain, and TUNEL assay. GLT1 protein expression was evaluated by Western blot and immunohistochemistry.

Results
Pre-treatment with 200 mg/kg ceftriaxone significantly reduced the brain injury scores and apoptotic cells in the hippocampus, restored myelination in the external capsule of P14 rats, and improved the hypoxia-ischemia induced learning and memory deficit of P23-24 rats. GLT1 expression was observed in the cortical neurons of ceftriaxone treated rats.

Conclusion
These results suggest that pre-treatment of infants at risk for HIE with ceftriaxone may reduce subsequent brain injury.
Characterization of transcriptome dynamics during watermelon fruit development: sequencing, assembly, annotation and gene expression profiles
Authors: Guo Shaogui , Liu Jingan , Zheng Yi , Huang Mingyun , Zhang Haiying , Gong Guoyi , He Hongju , Ren Yi , Zhong Silin , Fei Zhangjun , Xu Yong 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
Cultivated watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai var. lanatus] is an important agriculture crop world-wide. The fruit of watermelon undergoes distinct stages of development with dramatic changes in its size, color, sweetness, texture and aroma. In order to better understand the genetic and molecular basis of these changes and significantly expand the watermelon transcript catalog, we have selected four critical stages of watermelon fruit development and used Roche/454 next-generation sequencing technology to generate a large expressed sequence tag (EST) dataset and a comprehensive transcriptome profile for watermelon fruit flesh tissues.

Results
We performed half Roche/454 GS-FLX run for each of the four watermelon fruit developmental stages (immature white, white-pink flesh, red flesh and over-ripe) and obtained 577,023 high quality ESTs with an average length of 302.8 bp. De novo assembly of these ESTs together with 11,786 watermelon ESTs collected from GenBank produced 75,068 unigenes with a total length of approximately 31.8 Mb. Overall 54.9% of the unigenes showed significant similarities to known sequences in GenBank non-redundant (nr) protein database and around two-thirds of them matched proteins of cucumber, the most closely-related species with a sequenced genome. The unigenes were further assigned with gene ontology (GO) terms and mapped to biochemical pathways. More than 5,000 SSRs were identified from the EST collection. Furthermore we carried out digital gene expression analysis of these ESTs and identified 3,023 genes that were differentially expressed during watermelon fruit development and ripening, which provided novel insights into watermelon fruit biology and a comprehensive resource of candidate genes for future functional analysis. We then generated profiles of several interesting metabolites that are important to fruit quality including pigmentation and sweetness. Integrative analysis of metabolite and digital gene expression profiles helped elucidating molecular mechanisms governing these important quality-related traits during watermelon fruit development.

Conclusion
We have generated a large collection of watermelon ESTs, which represents a significant expansion of the current transcript catalog of watermelon and a valuable resource for future studies on the genomics of watermelon and other closely-related species. Digital expression analysis of this EST collection allowed us to identify a large set of genes that were differentially expressed during watermelon fruit development and ripening, which provide a rich source of candidates for future functional analysis and represent a valuable increase in our knowledge base of watermelon fruit biology.
Influence of viral hepatitis status on prognosis in patients undergoing hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Zhou Yanming , Si Xiaoying , Wu Lupeng , Su Xu , Li Bin , Zhang Zhiming 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
The influence of viral hepatitis status on prognosis in patients undergoing hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a matter of debate. This study is a meta-analysis of the available evidence.

Methods
A literature search was performed to identify comparative studies reporting postoperative survival of HCC in different types of viral hepatitis. Pooled odds ratios (OR) and weighted mean differences (WMD with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using either the fixed effects model or random effects model.

Results
Twenty studies matched the selection criteria and reported on 4744 subjects, of whom 2008 in the HBV-positive (B-HCC) group, 2222 in the HCV-positive (C-HCC) group, and 514 in the hepatitis B- and C-negative (NBNC-HCC). Meta-analysis showed that patients with HBV or HCV infection had a worse 5-year disease-free survival when compared to patients with NBNC-HCC (respectively: OR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.28 to 0.53, P < 0.001; WMD: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.64, P < 0.001). There was a tendency toward higher 5-year overall survival rates in the NBNC-HCC group compared to those in the other two groups, although these differences were not statistically significant. Both the 5-year overall survival and disease-free survival were not different among the B-HCC and C-HCC groups.

Conclusions
Patients with positive serology for hepatitis B or C undergoing resection for HCC had a poor prognosis compared to patients with negative serology.
C-reactive protein-derived peptide 201–206 inhibits neutrophil adhesion to endothelial cells and platelets through CD32
Authors: El Kebir Driss , Zhang Ying , Potempa Lawrence A , Wu Yi , Fournier Alain , Filep János G 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTThe role of CRP as a regulator of inflammation is not fully understood. Structural rearrangement in CRP results in expression of potent proinflammatory actions. Proteolysis of CRP yields the C-terminal peptide Lys201-Pro-Gln-Leu-Trp-Pro206. Here, we investigated the impact of this peptide on neutrophil interactions with endothelial cells and platelets, critical inflammatory events triggering acute coronary artery disease. CRP peptide 201–206 induced L-selectin shedding from human neutrophils and inhibited L-selectin-mediated neutrophil adhesion to TNF-α-activated HCAECs under nonstatic conditions. CRP peptide 201–206 also attenuated shear-induced up-regulation of platelet P-selectin expression, platelet capture of neutrophils, and subsequent homotypic neutrophil adhesion in human whole blood. Anti-CD32 but not anti-CD16 or anti-CD64 mAb effectively prevented the inhibitory actions of CRP peptide 201–206. Substitution of Lys201, Gln203, or Trp205 with Ala in CRP peptide 201–206 resulted in loss of the biological activities, whereas peptides in which Pro202, Leu204, or Pro206 was substituted with Ala retained biological activity. We identified amino acid residues involved in CRP peptide 201–206-FcγRII (CD32) interactions, which mediate potent antineutrophil and antiplatelet adhesion actions, and these findings open up new perspectives for limiting inflammation and thrombosis underlying coronary artery disease.
Higher proportions of circulating FOXP3+ and CTLA-4+ regulatory T cells are associated with lower fractions of memory CD4+ T cells in infants
Authors: Rabe Hardis , Lundell Anna-Carin , Andersson Kerstin , Adlerberth Ingegerd , Wold Agnes E , Rudin Anna 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTIn adults, a majority of FOXP3+ Tregs expresses CTLA-4, and this costimulatory molecule is essential to control the expansion of other T cells. However, it remains to be investigated whether FOXP3+ and/or CTLA-4+ Tregs are associated with the expression of memory markers and homing receptors on CD4+ T cells. Thus, in a prospective newborn-infant cohort study, we examined the proportions of FOXP3+ and CTLA-4+ Tregs within the CD4+CD25+ T cell population and the fractions of CD4+ T cells that expressed CD45RA, CD45RO, HLA-DR, α4β7, CD62L, and CCR4 at several time-points during the first 3 years of life using flow cytometry. With the use of multivariate factor analysis, we found that a high proportion of FOXP3+ or CTLA-4+ Tregs during the first 18 months of life was associated positively with the fraction of T cells that expressed a naïve phenotype (CD45RA and α4β7) and inversely related to the fraction of T cells that expressed a memory phenotype (CD45RO and CCR4) later in childhood. In conclusion, FOXP3+ or CTLA-4+ Tregs may modulate CD4+ T cell activation and homing receptor expression in children.
Facilitated antigen uptake and timed exposure to TLR ligands dictate the antigen-presenting potential of plasmacytoid DCs
Authors: Kool Mirjam , GeurtsVanKessel Corine , Muskens Femke , Madeira Fillipe Branco , van Nimwegen Menno , Kuipers Harmjan , Thielemans Kris , Hoogsteden Henk C , Hammad Hamida , Lambrecht Bart N 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTSubsets of antigen-presenting cDCs have a differential capacity to present exogenous and endogenous protein antigens to CD4+ and/or CD8+ T lymphocytes, depending on expression of antigen-uptake receptors, processing machinery, and microbial instruction. pDCs are also capable of antigen presentation, but the conditions under which they do this have not been systematically addressed. Highly purified cDCs and pDCs were exposed to exogenous, soluble OVA peptide or whole protein. Alternatively, they were made to express cytoplasmic or endosomal OVA by retroviral transduction or by infection with influenza virus containing OVA epitopes. Like cDCs, pDCs expressed the MHC I processing machinery and could present endogenous or cross-present exogenous OVA to CD8+ T cells, provided they had been stimulated by CpG motif TLR9 ligands or by influenza. Unlike cDCs, the cross-priming activity of pDCs was enhanced, not decreased, by simultaneous TLR stimulation. Processing and presentation of exogenous OVA to CD4+ T cells required TLR9 ligation prior to antigen encounter and addition of OVA-specific Igs. These stimuli up-regulated critical MHC II processing machinery and enhanced routing to acidic endosomal organelles in a FcγRII-dependent manner. Endogenous antigen was not presented to CD4+ T cells when expressed in the cytoplasm of pDCs by retrovirus or contained in influenza, unless an Ii-chain-derived endosomal routing signal was present. Thus, timing of TLR ligation and facilitated antigen uptake dictate the potential of pDCs to present endogenous or exogenous antigen by influencing endosomal traffic and antigen-processing machinery.
Induction of endotoxin tolerance in vivo inhibits activation of IRAK4 and increases negative regulators IRAK-M, SHIP-1, and A20
Authors: Xiong Yanbao , Medvedev Andrei E 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTTLRs mediate host defense against microbial pathogens by eliciting production of inflammatory mediators and activating expression of MHC, adhesion, and costimulatory molecules. Endotoxin tolerance limits excessive TLR-driven inflammation during sepsis and reprograms macrophage responses to LPS, decreasing expression of proinflammatory cytokines without inhibiting anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial mediators. Molecular mechanisms of reprogramming of TLR4 signaling upon in vivo induction of endotoxin tolerance are incompletely understood. We used an in vivo model of endotoxin tolerance, whereby C57BL/6 mice were i.p.-inoculated with LPS or PBS, followed by in vitro challenge of peritoneal or splenic macrophages with LPS to examine activation of IRAK4 and expression of negative regulatory molecules. Administration of LPS in vivo-induced endotoxin tolerance in peritoneal and splenic macrophages, as evidenced by decreased degradation of IκBα, suppressed phosphorylation of p38 and reduced expression of TNF-α, IL-6, and KC mRNA upon in vitro LPS challenge. Macrophages from control and endotoxin-tolerant mice exhibited comparable TLR4 mRNA levels and similar expression of IL-1RA and IL-10 genes. Endotoxin tolerization in vivo blocked TLR4-driven IRAK4 phosphorylation and activation in macrophages, while increasing expression of IRAK-M, SHIP-1, A20 mRNA, and A20 protein. Thus, induction of endotoxin tolerance in vivo inhibits expression of proinflammatory mediators via impaired activation of IRAK4, p38, and NF-κB and increases expression of negative regulators of TLR4 pathways.
Preference Reversals Under Ambiguity
Authors: Maafi Hela 
Published: September 2011

Preference reversals have been widely studied using risky or riskless gambles. However, little is known about preference reversals under ambiguity (unknown probabilities). Subjects were asked to make a binary choice between ambiguous P-bets (big likelihood of giving small prize) and ambiguous $-bets (small likelihood of giving large prize) and their willingness to accept was elicited. Subjects then performed the same two tasks with risky bets, where the probability of winning for a given risky bet is the center of the probability interval of the corresponding ambiguous bet. Preference reversals are not only replicated under ambiguity but are even stronger than are those under risk. This is due to higher elicited prices for the $-bet and lower elicited prices for the P-bet under ambiguity than under risk. This result can be explained by the shape of the weighting function for different levels of uncertainty and for different elicitation modes. This paper was accepted by Peter Wakker, decision analysis.
How Do Acquirers Retain Successful Target CEOs? The Role of Governance
Authors: Wulf Julie , Singh Harbir 
Published: September 2011

The resource-based view argues that acquisitions can build competitive advantage partially through retention of valuable human capital of the target firm. However, making commitments to retain and motivate successful top managers is a challenge when contracts are not enforceable. Investigating the conditions under which target chief executive officers (CEOs) are retained in a sample of mergers in the 1990s, we find greater retention of better-performing and higher-paid CEOs—both measures of valuable human capital. We also show that the performance-retention link is stronger when the acquirer's governance provisions support managers and when the acquirer's CEO owns more equity. Although it is not common for acquirers to retain target CEOs, we argue that they are more likely to do so when their governance environment maintains managerial discretion. Based on a joint analysis of retention and governance, our findings are largely consistent with a managerial human capital explanation of retention. This paper was accepted by Bruno Cassiman, business strategy.
Decadal-scale changes in the shallow subtidal benthos of an Irish marine reserve
Authors: Trowbridge Cynthia D. , Little Colin , Pilling Graham M. , Stirling Penny , Miles Alison 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Long-term annual monitoring of rocky intertidal and shallow subtidal shores of an Irish sea lough (1990–2010) documented major regime shifts in the past decade. When population densities of the purple urchin Paracentrotus lividus plummeted in Lough Hyne Marine Reserve in southwestern Ireland, the warm-water fucalean alga Cystoseira foeniculacea and ephemeral algae proliferated shortly after. We discuss the possible influences of release from herbivory and climate change on this algal proliferation, which blanketed the benthos. Smothering of the benthos led to high levels of shallow subtidal anoxia. Furthermore, the invasive fucalean alga Sargassum muticum has made repeated incursions into the reserve. Although being reduced by persistent eradication efforts (2003–2011), Sargassum is spreading within the lough. Limited seawater flushing and propagule dispersal within the lough and eutrophication in coastal waters may have contributed to community-level changes. Whether the regime change is cyclical (contingent on re-establishment of urchins within the lough and continued eradication of S. muticum) or irreversible (the result of critical transitions) remains unclear.
Measurement of granulocyte maturation may improve the early diagnosis of the septic state
Authors: Bernstein Larry H. , Rucinski James 
Published: September 2011

AbstractSepsis is a costly diagnosis in hospitalized patients. Failure to diagnose sepsis in a timely manner creates a potential financial and safety hazard. The use of transthyretin, C-reactive protein and procalcitonin measurement as early markers of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and sepsis in association with admission of emergency department patients to the intensive care unit (ICU) has been studied. In these studies the SIRS criteria as well as the use of an elevated neutrophil count with granulocyte precursors (left shift) have proved to be problematic. Despite the validity of procalcitonin measurement (PCT, Brahms) in the early diagnosis of SIRS the cost and time for testing are limiting considerations. Immature granulocyte (IG) measurement has been proposed as a more readily available indicator of the presence of granulocyte precursors (left shift).This study calibrates and validates the measurement of granulocyte maturation [Immature granulocytes (IG)] to the identification of sepsis, a study carried out on a Sysmex Analyzer, model XE 2100 (Kobe, Japan). The Sysmex IG parameter is a crucial measure of immature granulocyte counts and includes metamyelocytes and myelocytes, but not band neutrophils.We found agreement with previous work that designated an IG measurement cut-off of 3.2 as optimal. The analysis was then carried a step further with a multivariable discriminator.
Singular value decomposition and its application to numerical inversion for ray transforms in 2D vector tomography
Authors: Derevtsov Evgeny Y. , Efimov Anton V. , Louis Alfred K. , Schuster Thomas 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
The operators of longitudinal and transverse ray transforms acting on vector fields on the unit disc are considered in the paper. The goal is to construct SVD-decompositions of the operators and invert them approximately by means of truncated decomposition for the parallel scheme of data acquisition. The orthogonal bases in the initial spaces and the image spaces are constructed using harmonic, Jacobi and Gegenbauer polynomials. Based on the obtained decompositions inversion formulas are derived and the polynomial approximations for the inverse operators are obtained. Numerical tests for data sets with different noise levels of smooth and discontinuous fields show the validity of the approach for the reconstruction of solenoidal or potential parts of vector fields from their ray transforms.
Asymptotic inversion formulas in 3D vector field tomography for different geometries
Authors: Kazantsev Sergey G. , Schuster Thomas 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
We study the problem of recovering scalar fields and solenoidal vector fields supported in the unit ball in from tomographic data. We consider three different measurement settings: the case of full data, where the ray sources cover the entire unit sphere and the rays spread in all directions, the case of parallel geometry which is to be understood slice-by-slice as well as the case of cone beam data where the sources are located on a trajectory surrounding the object and the rays are emitted in directions that are bounded by a cone. We formulate an asymptotic inversion formula for the case of full data using an expansion of the searched object in orthogonal polynomials and show how this inversion formula remains valid even for the parallel and cone beam geometry, where for the latter one the source trajectory has to satisfy a certain Tuy condition for vector fields.
Synthesis and Li+ ion Migration Studies of Li6PS5X (X = Cl, Br, I)
Authors: Prasada Rao R. , Adams S. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTLithium ion conducting argyrodite-type Li6PS5X (X = Cl, Br, I) compounds were prepared using mechanical milling followed by annealing. XRD characterization reveals the formation and growth of Li6PS5X crystals in samples under varying annealing conditions. Temperature dependent XRD data showed the monotonic increase of lattice constant within the range of study. For Li6PS5Cl and Li6PS5Br an ionic conductivity of the order of 10-3 S/cm is reached at room temperature, which is close to the Li mobility in conventional liquid electrolytes and well suitable for all-solid-state safe electrochemical energy storage devices. Bond valence analysis of Li ion migration paths for the argyrodites showed the formation of low energy pathway cages around halide ion for Li6PS5Cl, around the sulfide ion for Li6PS5I. For higher activation energies these cages are interconnected to form a 3-D pathway network. In the case of Li6PS5Br cages around Cl and Br require about the same activation energy.