bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced chloroplast transgene expression in a nuclear mutant of Chlamydomonas
Authors: Michelet Laure , Lefebvre‐Legendre Linnka , Burr Sarah E. , Rochaix Jean‐David , Goldschmidt‐Clermont Michel 
Published: August 2010

SummaryChloroplast transformation in microalgae offers great promise for the production of proteins of pharmaceutical interest or for the development of novel biofuels. For many applications, high level expression of transgenes is desirable. We have transformed the chloroplast of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii with two genes, acrV and vapA, which encode antigens from the fish pathogen Aeromonas salmonicida. The promoters and 5′ untranslated regions of four chloroplast genes were compared for their ability to drive expression of the bacterial genes. The highest levels of expression were obtained when they were placed under the control of the cis‐acting elements from the psaA‐exon1 gene. The expression of these chimeric genes was further increased when a nuclear mutation that affects a factor involved in psaA splicing was introduced in the genetic background of the chloroplast transformants. Accumulation of both the chimeric mRNAs and the recombinant proteins was dramatically increased, indicating that negative feedback loops limit the expression of chloroplast transgenes. Our results demonstrate the potential of manipulating anterograde signalling to alter negative regulatory feedback loops in the chloroplast and improve transgene expression.
Income Support and Stigma Effects for Young Australians
Authors: Lee Wang‐Sheng , Oguzoglu Umut 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe central research question addressed in this article is how receipt of income support payments affects the well‐being of youths. Using 1997–2004 panel data from a nationally representative survey of Australian youths, we attempt to estimate the size of the welfare stigma faced by Australian youths, where stigma is defined as the effect of welfare receipt on reported happiness levels. In analysing the determinants of happiness, we argue that it is important to control for dynamics and initial conditions. The latter arguably measures an initial setpoint of happiness which the psychology literature has found strong support for. In contrast to the general findings of the existence of a welfare stigma for adults, based on our results using dynamic panel probit models, our findings suggest that for Australian youths there is a small negative, but not statistically significant, stigma associated with welfare receipt.
Propositions, Properties and Relations: Wittgenstein's “Notes on Logic” and the Tractatus
Authors: Palmer Anthony 
Published: August 2010

AbstractFrege famously argued that truth is not a property or relation. In the “Notes on Logic” Wittgenstein emphasised the bi‐polarity of propositions which he called their sense. He argued that “propositions by virtue of sense cannot have predicates or relations.” This led to his fundamental thought that the logical constants do not represent predicates or relations. The idea, however, has wider ramifications than that. It is not just that propositions cannot have relations to other propositions but also that they cannot have relations to anything at all. The paper explores the consequences of this insight for the way in which we should read the Tractatus. In the “Notes on Logic” the insight led to Wittgenstein's emphasis on “facts” in any attempt to understand the nature of symbolism. This emphasis is continued in the Tractatus. It is central to his view that propositions are facts which picture facts which prevent us from construing such picturing as a relation between what pictures and what is pictured. It illuminates the importance of context principle with regard to the distinction between showing and saying to which Wittgenstein attached so much importance and it underlies the non‐relational view of psychological propositions which he advocates. Finally, if propositions by virtue of sense cannot have predicates or relations the paradox at the end of a work which consist largely of propositions about propositions becomes intelligible.
Evaluation of the efficacy of a dill extract in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Sohm B. , Cenizo V. , André V. , Zahouani H. , Pailler‐Mattei C. , Vogelgesang B. 
Published: August 2010

SynopsisLysyl oxidase–like (LOXL) is an extracellular enzyme that catalyses the cross‐linking between microfibrils and tropoelastin (TE), thereby ensuring elastic fibre functionality. With ageing, LOXL expression decreases, thus participating in the loss of skin elasticity. In a previous study, we showed that a dill seed extract [INCI name: Peucedanum graveolens (Dill) extract] could increase LOXL expression in cultured dermal fibroblasts. Besides, we showed a good correlation between the measurements of skin elasticity obtained in vitro and in vivo using a fully automated bio‐tribometer designed to measure the biomechanical properties of soft and complex materials like skin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of the dill extract to improve skin elasticity in vitro and in vivo using different models. Using the bio‐tribometer, we first showed that the lateral elasticity of dermis equivalents (DEs) treated with the dill extract at 1% was significantly increased by +29% (P < 0.01) when compared to untreated DEs. In vivo, skin firmness and elastic recovery measured using cutometry methods were also significantly improved compared to placebo in volunteers treated for 56 days with a formula containing 1% of dill extract. Moreover, the clinical evaluation evidenced significant improvements in ‘skin elasticity’ compared to placebo. A majority of subjects treated with the dill extract also noted significant improvements in skin elasticity, firmness and slackness of the jaw line. Finally, mean wrinkle area and length were also significantly reduced compared to placebo after 84 days as measured using silicone replicas taken from the crow’s feet. In summary, this study showed that the dill extract could improve elasticity of DEs in vitro as well as skin biomechanical properties and appearance in vivo. It also highlights the relevance of using the bio‐tribometer as an exploratory tool for the measurement of skin elasticity in vitro.
A specific isoform of glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor family receptor alpha 1 regulates RhoA expression and glioma cell migration
Authors: Wan Guoqiang , Too Heng‐Phon 
Published: August 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 759–770.AbstractMalignant gliomas are highly invasive neuroepithelial tumors where the tendency to invade and migrate away from the primary tumor mass is thought to be a leading cause of tumor recurrence and treatment failures. Autocrine signals produced by secreted factors that signal through receptors on the tumor are known to contribute to the invasiveness. Glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor and GDNF family receptor alpha 1 (GFRα1) are over‐expressed in human gliomas. We have previously reported that human gliomas express high levels of GFRα1b, an alternatively spliced isoform of GFRα1. However, the functional significance of GFRα1b in glioma behaviors is currently unknown. In this study, we have designed isoform‐specific small‐interfering RNA to knockdown the highly homologous GFRα1a or GFRα1b isoform efficiently in malignant C6 glioma cells. Unexpectedly, the knockdown of GFRα1b but not GFRα1a induced cell elongation and inhibited C6 cell migration and invasion in vitro. In addition, GFRα1b was found to regulate the expression of RhoA small GTPase, which was required for migration of C6 cells. The decreases in RhoA expression and cell migration after GFRα1b knockdown were attenuated by small‐interfering RNA ‐resistant GFRα1b but not GFRα1a, further demonstrating the specific role of GFRα1b in glioma migration. Interestingly, the knockdown of NCAM but not receptor tyrosine kinase Ret resulted in the reduction of RhoA expression and C6 cell migration. Taken together, these unanticipated results indicate that GFRα1b is involved in glioma migration through glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor –GFRα1b‐NCAM signaling complex and modulation of RhoA expression.
Dilysine retrieval signal‐containing p24 proteins collaborate in inhibiting γ‐cleavage of amyloid precursor protein
Authors: Hasegawa Hiroshi , Liu Lei , Nishimura Masaki 
Published: August 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 771–781.Abstractγ‐Secretase mediates intramembranous γ‐cleavage and ε‐cleavage of β‐amyloid precursor protein (APP) to liberate β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ) and APP intracellular domain respectively from the membrane. Although the regulatory mechanism of γ‐secretase cleavage remains unresolved, a member of the p24 cargo protein family, named p24δ1 or TMP21, has been identified as an activity‐modulating component. The p24 family proteins are divided into four subfamilies (p24α, β, δ and γ). In contrast to p24δ1, p24β1 has reportedly no effect on γ‐cleavage. In this study, we determined whether p24α2, p24γ3 or p24γ4 modulates APP processing. Knockdown of cellular p24α2 induced a significant increase in Aβ generation but not in APP intracellular domain production in cell‐based and cell‐free assays, whereas p24α2 over‐expression suppressed Aβ secretion. By contrast, Aβ secretion was not altered by p24γ3 or p24γ4 knockdown. Endogenous p24α2 co‐immunoprecipitated with core components of the γ‐secretase complex, and the anti‐p24α2 immunoprecipitate exhibited γ‐secretase activity. Mutational disruption of the conserved dilysine ER‐retrieval motifs of p24α2 and p24δ1 perturbed inhibition of γ‐cleavage. Simultaneous knockdown, or co‐over‐expression, of these proteins had no additive or synergistic effect on Aβ generation. Our findings suggest that dilysine ER‐retrieval signal‐containing p24 proteins, p24α2 and p24δ1, bind with γ‐secretase complexes and collaborate in attenuating γ‐cleavage of APP.
Influence of somatostatin and octreotide on liver microcirculation in an experimental mouse model of cirrhosis studied by intravital fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Vanheule Eline , Geerts Anja M. , Reynaert Hendrik , Van Vlierberghe Hans , Geerts Albert , De Vos Martine , Colle Isabelle 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackground and Aims: Chronic liver damage causes hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and contraction, leading to intrahepatic microvascular and structural changes. In vitro endothelin‐1 (ET‐1)‐induced contraction of HSCs can be reduced by somatostatin (SST); however, intrahepatic in vivo effects have never been studied.Methods: Sinusoidal diameter was measured by intravital fluorescence microscopy in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and control mice before and after an intravenous (IV) bolus and after 0, 5, 10 and 15 min of an IV infusion of saline, 8 μg/kg/h SST or 8 μg/kg/h octreotide.Results: The baseline sinusoidal diameter in CCl4 mice (3.01±0.05 μm) was significantly smaller than that in controls (4.37±0.06 μm). The sinusoidal diameter increased significantly in both groups after a bolus (27, 16% respectively) and following 5 min of SST IV infusion (28, 14% respectively). The percentage increase was significantly higher in CCl4 mice as compared with controls. This dilatory effect continued for at least 15 min. SST did not influence the mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and portal venous inflow. In none of the groups did octreotide or saline have any influence on sinusoidal diameters, MAP and portal venous inflow.Conclusions: Sinusoidal diameter in cirrhotic mice is significantly smaller than that in controls. SST causes significant sinusoidal dilation following a bolus and for at least 15 min of IV infusion. Octreotide does not have any influence on liver sinusoids. These results demonstrate for the first time the in vivo dilatory effect of SST on liver sinusoids.
Long‐term outcome of a covered vs. uncovered transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in Budd–Chiari syndrome
Authors: Murad Sarwa Darwish , Luong Trinh K. , Pattynama Peter M. T. , Hansen Bettina E. , Van Buuren Henk R. , Janssen Harry L. A. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackground: The clinical outcome of a covered vs. uncovered transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for patients with Budd–Chiari syndrome (BCS) is as yet largely unknown.Objectives: To compare patency rates of bare and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)‐covered stents, and to investigate clinical outcome using four prognostic indices [Child–Pugh score, Rotterdam BCS index, modified Clichy score and Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD)].Methods: Consecutive patients with BCS who had undergone TIPS between January 1994 and March 2006 were evaluated in a retrospective review in a single centre.Results: Twenty‐three TIPS procedures were performed on 16 patients. The primary patency rate at 2 years was 12% using bare and 56% using covered stents (P=0.09). We found marked clinical improvement at 3 months post‐TIPS as determined by a drop in median Child–Pugh score (10–7, P=0.04), Rotterdam BCS index (1.90–0.83, P=0.02) and modified Clichy score (7.77–2.94, P=0.003), but not in MELD (18.91–17.42, P=0.9). Survival at 1 and 3 years post‐TIPS was 80% (95% CI: 59–100%) and 72% (95% CI: 48–96%). Four patients (25%) died and one required liver transplantation.Conclusions: A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt using PTFE‐covered stents shows better patency rates than bare stents in BCS. Moreover, TIPS leads to an improvement in important prognostic indicators for the survival of patients with BCS.
Radiological diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Saar B. , Kellner‐Weldon F. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractTreatment of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) is often complicated by the fact that early HCCs are mostly asymptomatic and the carcinoma is often discovered at an advanced stage. The aim of diagnostic imaging is to detect HCC at an early stage, when curative options are available. In recent years, there have been many efforts to improve early detection of small HCC. The purpose of this article is to describe the pertinent findings of HCCs in non‐invasive, diagnostic imaging, including ultrasound, computed tomography, as well as modern magnetic resonance imaging techniques. Special emphasis is given to the frequently addressed difficulties of differentiation of precancerous lesions and small HCCs. A non‐invasive diagnostic approach is considered with a review of the literature.
RNA interference targeting the platelet‐derived growth factor receptor β subunit ameliorates experimental hepatic fibrosis in rats
Authors: Chen Si‐Wen , Zhang Xing‐Rong , Wang Chong‐Ze , Chen Wei‐Zhong , Xie Wei‐Fen , Chen Yue‐Xiang 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackground/Aims: Platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) is the strongest stimulator of the proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). PDGF receptor β subunit (PDGFR‐β) is acquired on HSCs proliferation induced by PDGF. In this study, we aim to investigate the effect of PDGFR‐β small interference RNA (siRNA) on experimental hepatic fibrosis.Methods: We constructed a PDGFR‐β siRNA expression plasmid and investigated its effect on the activation of HSCs. Bromodeoxyuridine incorporation was performed to investigate the effect of PDGFR‐β siRNA on HSCs proliferation. A hydrodynamics‐based transfection method was used to deliver PDGFR‐β siRNA to rats with hepatic fibrosis. The distribution of transgenes in the liver was observed by immunofluorescence. The antifibrogenic effect of PDGFR‐β siRNA was investigated pathologically.Results: Platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐β subunit siRNA could significantly downregulate PDGFR‐β expression, suppress HSCs activation, block the mitogen‐activated protein kinase signalling pathway and inhibit HSCs proliferation in vitro. PDGFR‐β siRNA expression plasmid could be delivered into activated HSCs by the hydrodynamics‐based transfection method, and remarkably improve the liver function of the rat model induced by dimethylnitrosamine and bile duct ligation. Furthermore, the progression of fibrosis in the liver was significantly suppressed by PDGFR‐β siRNA in both animal models.Conclusions: Platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐β subunit siRNA may be presented as an effective antifibrogenic gene therapeutic method for hepatic fibrosis.
Efficacy of ketogenic diet in severe refractory status epilepticus initiating fever induced refractory epileptic encephalopathy in school age children (FIRES)
Authors: Nabbout Rima , Mazzuca Michel , Hubert Philippe , Peudennier Sylviane , Allaire Catherine , Flurin Vincent , Aberastury Marina , Silva Walter , Dulac Olivier 
Published: August 2010

SummaryPurpose:  Fever induced refractory epileptic encephalopathy in school age children (FIRES) is a devastating condition initiated by prolonged perisylvian refractory status epilepticus (SE) triggered by fever of unknown cause. SE may last more than 1 month, and this condition may evolve into pharmacoresistant epilepsy associated with severe cognitive impairment. We aimed to report the effect of ketogenic diet (KD) in this condition.Methods:  Over the last 12 years we collected data of nine patients with FIRES who received a 4:1 ratio of fat to combined protein and carbohydrate KD. They presented with SE refractory to conventional antiepileptic treatment.Results:  In seven patients, KD was efficacious within 2–4 days (mean 2 days) following the onset of ketonuria and 4–6 days (mean 4.8 days) following the onset of the diet. In one responder, early disruption of the diet was followed by relapse of intractable SE, and the patient died. Epilepsy affected the other six responders within a few months.Discussion:  KD may be an alternative therapy for refractory SE in FIRES and might be proposed in other types of refractory SE in childhood.
Peptide Amphiphile Nanofiber Delivery of Sonic Hedgehog Protein to Reduce Smooth Muscle Apoptosis in the Penis After Cavernous Nerve Resection
Authors: Bond Christopher W. , Angeloni Nicholas L. , Harrington Daniel A. , Stupp Samuel I. , McKenna Kevin E. , Podlasek Carol A. 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a serious medical condition that affects 16–82% of prostate cancer patients treated by radical prostatectomy and current treatments are ineffective in 50–60% of prostatectomy patients. The reduced efficacy of treatments makes novel therapeutic approaches to treat ED essential. The secreted protein Sonic hedgehog (SHH) is a critical regulator of penile smooth muscle and apoptosis that is decreased in cavernous nerve (CN) injury and diabetic ED models. Past studies using Affi-Gel beads have shown SHH protein to be effective in suppressing apoptosis caused by CN injury.

Aim
We hypothesize that SHH protein delivered via novel peptide amphiphile (PA) nanofibers will be effective in suppressing CN injury-induced apoptosis.

Methods
Adult Sprague Dawley rats (n = 50) were used to optimize PA injection in vivo. PA with SHH protein (n = 16) or bovine serum albumin (BSA) (control, n = 14) was injected into adult rats that underwent bilateral CN cut. Rats were sacrificed at 2, 4, and 7 days. Alexa Fluor-labeled SHH protein was used to determine the target of SHH signaling (n = 3).

Main Outcome Measures
Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and semiquantitative immunohistochemical analysis for SHH protein and cluster differentiation protein three (CD3) were performed.

Results
SHH-PA caused a 25% and 16% reduction in apoptosis at 4 and 7 days after CN injury and a 9.3% and 19% increase in SHH protein at 4 and 7 days after CN injury. CD3 protein was not observed in SHH-PA-treated penis. In vitro, 73% of SHH protein diffused from PA within 6 days. Labeled SHH was observed in smooth muscle.

Conclusions
PA technology is effective in delivering SHH protein to the penis and SHH is effective in suppressing CN injury-induced apoptosis. These results suggest substantial translational potential of this methodology and show that only a short duration of SHH treatment is required to impact the apoptotic index.
THE OCCURRENCE AND UTILIZATION OF THE CLADOCERAN Moina macrocopa (STRAUS) IN A KRAFT PULP MILL TREATMENT LAGOON
Authors: Norman Karen E. , Blakely Julie B. , Chew Kenneth K. 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTMoina macrocopa (Crustacea: Cladocera) is a seasonal inhabitant of a kraft pulp waste treatment lagoon operated by the Weyerhaeuser Corporation in Washington. Both laboratory and field studies were initiated to determine M. macrocopa impact on pollution abatement, its seasonal abundance, and its potential as an aquaculture feed.M. macrocopa were found to significantly reduce total suspended solids in laboratory pulp effluent studies. In the field, Moina were associated with lower levels of biochemical oxygen demand and total suspended solids.Mass harvest methods were evaluated as to expense, labor involvement, equipment costs, and capture efficiency. During optimum conditions, more than 50 kg of M. macrocopa were harvested per hour.Nutritional analyses indicated that M. macrocopa in a frozen state could be utilized as a fish feed. A survey of local tropical fish stores revealed a strong market potential. Wholesale prices for frozen Moina were estimated at $.50 to $2/kg. Retail prices were estimated at $2.50 to $7.50/kg.Although these data are preliminary, it appears M. macrocopa has future potential in aquaculture as both an aid in pollution abatement and as a marketable fish food.
FATTY ACID METABOLISM IN JUVENILE LOBSTERS (Homarus americanus) FED A DIET LOW IN METHIONINE AND HISTIDINE
Authors: Castell John D. , Boghen Andrews D. 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTJuvenile lobsters were fed diets supplemented with 9% hydrogenated coconut oil (HCO) alone or 8% HCO with 1% 18:3ω3, 1% mixed 18:3ω3/18:2ω6 (2/1) or 1% 22:6ω3. After the experiment was started, it was discovered that the protein (purified from shrimp tail meat, Pandalus borealis) was low in both methionine (0.9%) and histidine (0.2%). Essential amino acid deficiency probably accounted for the high mortality (50% by week 5 or 6) in all groups. In spite of the high mortality, a number of interesting effects of dietary lipids on fatty acid metabolism and storage in lobsters were observed.When lobsters were fed 18:3ω3 or 22:6ω3 with HCO in the absence of dietary fatty acids of the ω6 series, they produced unusually high levels of 20:3ω3 and 16:1ω3. This could be an attempt to retain the ω3 structure with minimal unsaturation. High levels of more unsaturated fatty acids would result in greatly reduced viscosity of lipids in lobsters held at 20°C. The levels of 20:4ω6, 20:5ω3 and 22:6ω3, the typical essential fatty acids (EFA), remained relatively constant in the lobster lipids for all dietary treatments. Dietary 18:2ω6 resulted in a significant decrease in the production of both 16:1ω3 and 20:3ω3 from dietary 18:3ω3.