bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel male-biased expression in paralogs of the aphid slimfast nutrient amino acid transporter expansion
Authors: Duncan Rebecca P , Nathanson Lubov , Wilson Alex CC 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
A major goal of molecular evolutionary biology is to understand the fate and consequences of duplicated genes. In this context, aphids are intriguing because the newly sequenced pea aphid genome harbors an extraordinary number of lineage-specific gene duplications relative to other insect genomes. Though many of their duplicated genes may be involved in their complex life cycle, duplications in nutrient amino acid transporters appear to be associated rather with their essential amino acid poor diet and the intracellular symbiosis aphids rely on to compensate for dietary deficits. Past work has shown that some duplicated amino acid transporters are highly expressed in the specialized cells housing the symbionts, including a paralog of an aphid-specific expansion homologous to the Drosophila gene slimfast. Previous data provide evidence that these bacteriocyte-expressed transporters mediate amino acid exchange between aphids and their symbionts.

Results
We report that some nutrient amino acid transporters show male-biased expression. Male-biased expression characterizes three paralogs in the aphid-specific slimfast expansion, and the male-biased expression is conserved across two aphid species for at least two paralogs. One of the male-biased paralogs has additionally experienced an accelerated rate of non-synonymous substitutions.

Conclusions
This is the first study to document male-biased slimfast expression. Our data suggest that the male-biased aphid slimfast paralogs diverged from their ancestral function to fill a functional role in males. Furthermore, our results provide evidence that members of the slimfast expansion are maintained in the aphid genome not only for the previously hypothesized role in mediating amino acid exchange between the symbiotic partners, but also for sex-specific roles.
Protein-based signatures of functional evolution in Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Gardner Kate B , Sinha Ipsita , Bustamante Leyla Y , Day Nicholas PJ , White Nicholas J , Woodrow Charles J 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
It has been known for over a decade that Plasmodium falciparum proteins are enriched in non-globular domains of unknown function. The potential for these regions of protein sequence to undergo high levels of genetic drift provides a fundamental challenge to attempts to identify the molecular basis of adaptive change in malaria parasites.

Results
Evolutionary comparisons were undertaken using a set of forty P. falciparum metabolic enzyme genes, both within the hominid malaria clade (P. reichenowi) and across the genus (P. chabaudi). All genes contained coding elements highly conserved across the genus, but there were also a large number of regions of weakly or non-aligning coding sequence. These displayed remarkable levels of non-synonymous fixed differences within the hominid malaria clade indicating near complete release from purifying selection (dN/dS ratio at residues non-aligning across genus: 0.64, dN/dS ratio at residues identical across genus: 0.03). Regions of low conservation also possessed high levels of hydrophilicity, a marker of non-globularity. The propensity for such regions to act as potent sources of non-synonymous genetic drift within extant P. falciparum isolates was confirmed at chromosomal regions containing genes known to mediate drug resistance in field isolates, where 150 of 153 amino acid variants were located in poorly conserved regions. In contrast, all 22 amino acid variants associated with drug resistance were restricted to highly conserved regions. Additional mutations associated with laboratory-selected drug resistance, such as those in PfATPase4 selected by spiroindolone, were similarly restricted while mutations in another calcium ATPase (PfSERCA, a gene proposed to mediate artemisinin resistance) that reach significant frequencies in field isolates were located exclusively in poorly conserved regions consistent with genetic drift.

Conclusion
Coding sequences of malaria parasites contain prospectively definable domains subject to neutral or nearly neutral evolution on a scale that appears unrivalled in biology. This distinct evolutionary landscape has potential to confound analytical methods developed for other genera. Against this tide of genetic drift, polymorphisms mediating functional change stand out to such an extent that evolutionary context provides a useful signal for identifying the molecular basis of drug resistance in malaria parasites, a finding that is of relevance to both genome-wide and candidate gene studies in this genus.
The impact of CFS/ME on employment and productivity in the UK: a cross-sectional study based on the CFS/ME national outcomes database
Authors: Collin Simon M , Crawley Esther , May Margaret T , Sterne Jonathan AC , Hollingworth William ,   UK CFS/ME National Outcomes Database
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Background
Few studies have investigated factors associated with discontinuation of employment in patients with CFS/ME or quantified its impact on productivity.

Methods
We used patient-level data from five NHS CFS/ME services during the period 01/04/2006-31/03/2010 collated in the UK CFS/ME National Outcomes Database. We used logistic regression to identify factors associated with discontinuation of employment. We estimated UK-wide productivity costs using patient-level data on duration of illness before assessment by a CFS/ME service, duration of unemployment, age, sex and numbers of patients, in conjunction with Office for National Statistics income and population data.

Results
Data were available for 2,170 patients, of whom 1,669 (76.9%) were women. Current employment status was recorded for 1,991 patients (91.8%), of whom 811 patients (40.7%) were currently employed and 998 (50.1%) had discontinued their employment "because of fatigue-related symptoms". Older age, male sex, disability, fatigue, pain, and duration of illness were associated with cessation of employment. In a multivariable model, age, male sex, and disability remained as independent predictors. Total productivity costs among the 2,170 patients due to discontinuation of employment in the years preceding assessment by a specialist CFS/ME service (median duration of illness = 36 months) were £49.2 million. Our sample was equivalent to 4,424 UK adults accessing specialist services each year, representing productivity costs to the UK economy of £102.2 million. Sensitivity analyses suggested a range between £75.5-£128.9 million.

Conclusions
CFS/ME incurs huge productivity costs amongst the small fraction of adults with CFS/ME who access specialist services.
Influence of structure of iron nanoparticles in aggregates on their magnetic properties
Authors: Rosická Dana , Šembera Jan 
Published: September 2011

AbstractZero-valent iron nanoparticles rapidly aggregate. One of the reasons is magnetic forces among the nanoparticles. Magnetic field around particles is caused by composition of the particles. Their core is formed from zero-valent iron, and shell is a layer of magnetite. The magnetic forces contribute to attractive forces among the nanoparticles and that leads to increasing of aggregation of the nanoparticles. This effect is undesirable for decreasing of remediation properties of iron particles and limited transport possibilities. The aggregation of iron nanoparticles was established for consequent processes: Brownian motion, sedimentation, velocity gradient of fluid around particles and electrostatic forces. In our previous work, an introduction of influence of magnetic forces among particles on the aggregation was presented. These forces have significant impact on the rate of aggregation. In this article, a numerical computation of magnetic forces between an aggregate and a nanoparticle and between two aggregates is shown. It is done for random position of nanoparticles in an aggregate and random or arranged directions of magnetic polarizations and for structured aggregates with arranged vectors of polarizations. Statistical computation by Monte Carlo is done, and range of dominant area of magnetic forces around particles is assessed.
Respiratory tract infection is the major cause of the ambulatory visits in children
Authors: Liao PeiFen , Ku MinSho , Lue KoHuang , Sun HaiLun 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackgroundAs children represent the future, ensuring that they receive proper health care should be a primary concern of our societies. Epidemiological research underpins the importance of effective child health care strategies, and highlights the need for accurate data collection; such surveys are currently lacking in Taiwan. In our descriptive studies, we compared the differences of the ten most common diseases in the year 2000 and 2009 among Taiwanese children.MethodsData for a total of 174,651 and 142,200 visits under eighteen years old were collected from the National Health Insurance Research Database in year 2000 and 2009. A maximum of three outpatient diagnostic codes (the International Classification of Disease [ICD], ninth revision) could be listed for every visit. Data were categorized according to the principal diagnoses, age and different specialties of physicians.ResultsRespiratory tract infection was the most common disease (58.21% to 44.77%). Teeth (4.90% to 5.16%) and eye (2.52% to 3.15%) problems were the also in the list of top ten diseases. In year 2009, the rate of allergic rhinitis was 2.87% in 7-18 years old group. Pediatricians were the first option for consultation, followed by ear, nose and throat specialists and family physicians. However, for the school age children group, the role of pediatricians with regards to children's health care showed a decrease in its importance.ConclusionsThe amount of information relevant to child health care is rapidly expanding. The ten most common diseases of the present analysis may serve as baseline data for future evaluations of the changes of type of diseases among children.
Fasudil Inhibits the Proliferation and Contractility and Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis of Human Endometriotic Stromal Cells: A Promising Agent for the Treatment of Endometriosis
Authors: Tsuno Akitoshi , Nasu Kaei , Kawano Yukie , Yuge Akitoshi , Li Haili , Abe Wakana , Narahara Hisashi 
Published: September 2011

AbstractContext:During the development of endometriotic lesions, excess fibrosis may lead to scarring and to the alterations of tissue function that are the characteristic features of this disease. Enhanced extracellular matrix contractility of endometriotic stromal cells (ECSC) mediated by the mevalonate-Ras homology (Rho)/Rho-associated coiled-coil-forming protein kinase (ROCK) pathway has been shown to contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis.Design:To assess the use of fasudil, a selective ROCK inhibitor, for the medical treatment of endometriosis-associated fibrosis, the effects of this agent on the cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle, morphology, cell density, and contractility of ECSC were investigated. The effects of fasudil on the expression of contractility-related, apoptosis-related, and cell cycle-related molecules in ECSC were also evaluated.Results:Fasudil significantly inhibited the proliferation and contractility of ECSC and induced the cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase and apoptosis of these cells. Morphological observation revealed the suppression of ECSC attachment to collagen fibers and decrease of cell density by fasudil. The expression of α-smooth muscle actin, RhoA, ROCK-I, and ROCK-II proteins was inhibited by fasudil administration. The expression of the antiapoptotic factors, Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL, in two-dimensional cultured ECSC were down-regulated by the addition of fasudil, whereas, the expression of p16INK4a and p21Waf1/Cip1 was up-regulated by the addition of fasudil.Conclusions:The present findings suggest that fasudil is a promising agent for the treatment of endometriosis. The inhibition of cell proliferation, contractility, and myofibroblastic differentiation, the attenuation of attachment to collagen fibers, the decrease of cell density, and the induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of ECSC are involved in the active mechanisms of fasudil.
Spectroscopic Visualization of Right- and Left-Handed Helical Alignments of DNA in Chiral Vortex Flows
Authors: Tsujimoto Yuya , Ie Machiko , Ando Yasunari , Yamamoto Taiki , Tsuda Akihiko 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
In a vortex generated by mechanical rotary stirring in an optical cell, DNA molecules in pure water temporarily align helically to the spiral flow, and dynamically display strong induced circular dichroism (CD) and linear dichroism (LD) responses. Although a sample solution without stirring provided the characteristic CD spectral pattern of DNA, an entirely different macroscopic CD spectral pattern with a much larger intensity and LD spectrum appeared upon mechanical rotary stirring of the sample solution. Clockwise (CW) and counterclockwise (CCW) stirring resulted in mirror-image CD spectral profiles and virtually the same LD profiles with different intensities. The CW stirring of the sample solution in LD spectroscopy always resulted in larger spectral intensities than CCW stirring, but the differences became negligible upon addition of NaCl or ethidium bromide. The observed CD and LD responses of the stirred sample solution decreased simultaneously as the double-stranded structure denatures with increasing temperatures. The results obtained in this study indicate that DNA, when it forms a double-stranded structure, can effectively align in the vortex flows, and show hydrodynamic preference to a right-handed vortex than to a left-handed vortex.
Dynamic Aspects Governing Cement-Plug Placement in Deepwater Wells
Authors: Aranha P.E.. E. , Miranda C.R.. R. , Magalhães J.V.M.. V.M. , Campos G.. , Martins A.L.. L. , Ramalho A.B.. B. , Naccache M.F.. F. 
Published: September 2011

Summary
Plug cementing is still considered to be a critical operation, and cases of failure eventually happen. A large annular gap and eccentricity, typical of these operations, are factors that may promote unstable flows, resulting in cement-slurry contamination. Deepwater conditions enhance chances of free fall, and, consequently, low displacement velocities can occur in the annulus.
This article presents a parametric study of the role of rheological properties of fluids (drilling fluid, spacers, and cements slurries), string rotation, and flow rates (including free-fall effects) in the displacement quality of cement plugs. Analyses are based on two different simulation tools. Conventional cement-pumping software defines flow-rate profiles at the annulus entrance, accounting for free-fall effects, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulates the interface propagation and contamination levels.
The main issues addressed by the simulations are What are the maximum yield stresses that guarantee nonstagnation regions while circulating the drilling fluid?How can one optimize density and rheology hierarchy, which minimizes contamination and avoids channeling?What is the role of string rotation on the displacement efficiency?
The compilation of simulation results into useful guidelines and procedures for displacing cement plugs in vertical, inclined, and horizontal offshore wells is presented.
Rabies surveillance in the United States during 2010
Authors: Blanton Jesse D. , Palmer Dustyn , Dyer Jessie , Rupprecht Charles E. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Summary—During 2010, 48 states and Puerto Rico reported 6,154 rabid animals and 2 human rabies cases to the CDC, representing an 8% decrease from the 6,690 rabid animals and 4 human cases reported in 2009. Hawaii and Mississippi did not report any laboratory-confirmed rabid animals during 2010. Approximately 92% of reported rabid animals were wildlife. Relative contributions by the major animal groups were as follows: 2,246 raccoons (36.5%), 1,448 skunks (23.5%), 1,430 bats (23.2%), 429 foxes (6.9%), 303 cats (4.9%), 71 cattle (1.1 %), and 69 dogs (1.1 %). Compared with 2009, number of reported rabid animals decreased across all animal types with the exception of a 1 % increase in the number of reported rabid cats.
Two cases of rabies involving humans were reported from Louisiana and Wisconsin in 2010. Louisiana reported an imported human rabies case involving a 19-year-old male migrant farm worker who had a history of a vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus) bite received while in Mexico. This represents the first human rabies case reported in the United States confirmed to have been caused by a vampire bat rabies virus variant. Wisconsin reported a human rabies case involving a 70-year-old male that was confirmed to have been caused by a rabies virus variant associated with tri-colored bats (Perimyotis subflavus).
Erratum to: Central European Journal of Biology, Volume 6, Issue 5
Authors: Péli Evelin , Lei Nie , Pócs Tamás , Laufer Zsanett , Porembski Stefan , Tuba Zoltán 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Paper by Péli et al. “Ecophysiological responses of desiccation-tolerant cryptobiotic crusts” in Volume 6, Issue 5, 838–849 / October 2011; DOI: 10.2478/s11535-011-0049-1 contains incorrect graphic file inserted as Figure 6. The correct Figure 6, together with its caption is presented below.
Role of immune response in Yersinia pestis infection
Authors: Amedei Amedeo , Niccolai Elena , Marino Luigi , D'Elios Mario Milco 
Published: September 2011

Yersinia pestis (Y. Pestis) is an infamous pathogen causing plague pandemics throughout history and is a selected agent of bioterrorism threatening public health. Y. pestis was first isolated by Alexandre Yersin in 1894 in Hong Kong and in the years to follow from all continents. Plague is enzootic in different rodents and their fleas in Africa, North and South America, and Asia such as Middle/Far East and ex-USSR countries.
Comprehending the multifaceted interaction between Y. pestis and the host immune system will enable us design more effective vaccines.
Innate immune response and both component (humoral and cellular) of adaptive immune response contribute to host defense against Y.pestis infection, but the bacterium possess different mechanisms to counteract the immune response.
The aims of this review are to analyze the role of immune response versus Yersinia pestis infection and to highlight the various stratagems adopted by Y. pestis to escape the immunological defenses.
La question territoriale dans les relations internationales en Asie du Nord-Est
Authors: Li Jin-Mieung 
Published: September 2011

Trois groupes d’îles autour de l’archipel japonais font l’objet de dispute territoriale entre le Japon et ses pays voisins, la Russie, la Chine et la Corée du Sud, créant des tensions récurrentes depuis la fin de la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Ce sont les quatre îles Kouriles du Sud, occupées et administrées par la Russie, mais revendiquées par le Japon sous le nom de « territoires du Nord » ; les îles Senkaku (Diaoyutai), contrôlées et administrées par le Japon, mais revendiquées par la Chine ; l’île Dokdo (Takeshima, Rochers Liancourt), occupée et administrée par la Corée du Sud, mais revendiquée par le Japon. Le but de cet article n’est pas d’analyser le bien-fondé des arguments avancés par les pays protagonistes, mais d’observer l’origine, l’évolution et en particulier les conséquences des conflits territoriaux liés à la souveraineté sur ces îles.
TLR Agonists Downregulate H2-O in CD8α− Dendritic Cells
Authors: Porter Gavin W. , Yi Woelsung , Denzin Lisa K. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Peptide loading of MHC class II (MHCII) molecules is catalyzed by the nonclassical MHCII-related molecule H2-M. H2-O, another MHCII-like molecule, associates with H2-M and modulates H2-M function. The MHCII presentation pathway is tightly regulated in dendritic cells (DCs), yet how the key modulators of MHCII presentation, H2-M and H2-O, are affected in different DC subsets in response to maturation is unknown. In this study, we show that H2-O is markedly downregulated in vivo in mouse CD8α− DCs in response to a broad array of TLR agonists. In contrast, CD8α+ DCs only modestly downregulated H2-O in response to TLR agonists. H2-M levels were slightly downmodulated in both CD8α− and CD8α+ DCs. As a consequence, H2-M/H2-O ratios significantly increased for CD8α− but not for CD8α+ DCs. The TLR-mediated downregulation was DC specific, as B cells did not show significant H2-O and H2-M downregulation. TLR4 signaling was required to mediate DC H2-O downregulation in response to LPS. Finally, our studies showed that the mechanism of H2-O downregulation was likely due to direct protein degradation of H2-O as well as downregulation of H2-O mRNA levels. The differential H2-O and H2-M modulation after DC maturation supports the proposed roles of CD8α− DCs in initiating CD4-restricted immune responses by optimal MHCII presentation and of CD8α+ DCs in promoting immune tolerance via presentation of low levels of MHCII–peptide.
Wnt5a Skews Dendritic Cell Differentiation to an Unconventional Phenotype with Tolerogenic Features
Authors: Valencia Jaris , Hernández-López Carmen , Martínez Víctor G. , Hidalgo Laura , Zapata Agustín G. , Vicente Ángeles , Varas Alberto , Sacedón Rosa 
Published: September 2011

AbstractDendritic cells (DCs) are critical regulators of immune responses that integrate signals from the innate and adaptive immune system and orchestrate T cell responses toward either immunity or tolerance. Growing evidence points to the Wnt signaling pathway as a pivotal piece in the immune balance and focuses on DCs as a direct target for their immunoregulatory role. Our results show that the increase in Wnt5a signaling during the differentiation of human DCs from monocytes alters their phenotype and compromises their subsequent capacity to mature in response to TLR-dependent stimuli. These Wnt5a-DCs produce scant amounts of IL-12p70 and TNF-α but increased levels of IL-10. Consequently, these Wnt5a-DCs have a reduced capacity to induce Th1 responses that promote IL-10 secretion by CD4 T cells. Changes in the transcriptional profile of Wnt5a-DCs correlate with their unconventional phenotype caused presumably by increased IL-6/IL-10 signaling during the process of DC differentiation. The effect of Wnt5a is not a consequence of β-catenin accumulation but is dependent on noncanonical Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II/NF-κB signaling. Our results therefore suggest that under high levels of Wnt5a, typical of the inflammatory state and sepsis, monocytes could differentiate into unconventional DCs with tolerogenic features.