bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and Diversity of Microbes in the Amniotic Fluid, the Fetal Inflammatory Response, and Pregnancy Outcome in Women with Preterm Pre‐Labor Rupture of Membranes
Authors: DiGiulio Daniel B. , Romero Roberto , Kusanovic Juan Pedro , Gómez Ricardo , Kim Chong Jai , Seok Kimberley S. , Gotsch Francesca , Mazaki‐Tovi Shali , Vaisbuch Edi , Sanders Katherine , Bik Elisabeth M. , Chaiworapongsa Tinnakorn , Oyarzún Enrique , Relman David A. 
Published: March 2010

Citation DiGiulio DB, Romero R, Kusanovic JP, Gómez R, Kim CJ, Seok K, Gotsch F, Mazaki‐Tovi S, Vaisbuch E, Sanders K, Bik EM, Chaiworapongsa T, Oyarzún E, Relman DA. Prevalence and diversity of microbes in the amniotic fluid, the fetal inflammatory response, and pregnancy outcome in women with preterm pre‐labor rupture of membranes. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 64: 38–57Problem  The role played by microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) in preterm pre‐labor rupture of membranes (pPROM) is inadequately characterized, in part because of reliance on cultivation‐based methods.Method of study  Amniotic fluid from 204 subjects with pPROM was analyzed with both cultivation and molecular methods in a retrospective cohort study. Broad‐range and group‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays targeted small subunit ribosomal DNA (rDNA), or other gene sequences, from bacteria, fungi, and archaea. Results were correlated with measurements of host inflammation, as well as pregnancy and perinatal outcomes.Results  The prevalence of MIAC was 34% (70/204) by culture, 45% (92/204) by PCR, and 50% (101/204) by both methods combined. The number of bacterial species revealed by PCR (44 species‐level phylotypes) was greater than that by culture (14 species) and included as‐yet uncultivated taxa. Some taxa detected by PCR have been previously associated with the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., Coprobacillus sp.), the mouth (e.g., Rothia dentocariosa), or the vagina in the setting of bacterial vaginosis (e.g., Atopobium vaginae). The relative risk for histologic chorioamnionitis was 2.1 for a positive PCR [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.4–3.0] and 2.0 for a positive culture (95% CI, 1.4–2.7). Bacterial rDNA abundance exhibited a dose relationship with gestational age at delivery (R2 = 0.26; P < 0.01). A positive PCR was associated with lower mean birthweight, and with higher rates of respiratory distress syndrome and necrotizing enterocolitis (P < 0.05 for each outcome).Conclusion  MIAC in pPROM is more common than previously recognized and is associated in some cases with uncultivated taxa, some of which are typically associated with the gastrointestinal tract. The detection of MIAC by molecular methods has clinical significance.
On Dualism
Authors: Mounce H.O. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThis is a response to two articles by William Charlton and Nicholas Lash. These authors criticize a view which they attribute to Descartes. According to this view, there is a dualism of mind and body. In this paper it is argued, first, that some form of dualism is intrinsically plausible, second, that the view these authors attribute to Descartes is not one he held and, third, that a dualism of mind or soul and body has always been central to the Christian faith. It concludes by considering Charlton's attempt to elucidate the Christian belief in an after life by reference to what he calls a process of divinisation. The importance of this process is not denied. It is argued, however, that it must itself involve a dualism of mind or soul and body.
Degradation of tropoelastin by matrix metalloproteinases – cleavage site specificities and release of matrikines
Authors: Heinz Andrea , Jung Michael C. , Duca Laurent , Sippl Wolfgang , Taddese Samuel , Ihling Christian , Rusciani Anthony , Jahreis Günther , Weiss Anthony S. , Neubert Reinhard H. H. , Schmelzer Christian E. H. 
Published: March 2010

To provide a basis for the development of approaches to treat elastin‐degrading diseases, the aim of this study was to investigate the degradation of the natural substrate tropoelastin by the elastinolytic matrix metalloproteinases MMP‐7, MMP‐9, and MMP‐12 and to compare the cleavage site specificities of the enzymes using complementary MS techniques and molecular modeling. Furthermore, the ability of the three proteases to release bioactive peptides was studied. Tropoelastin was readily degraded by all three MMPs. Eighty‐nine cleavage sites in tropoelastin were identified for MMP‐12, whereas MMP‐7 and MMP‐9 were found to cleave at only 58 and 63 sites, respectively. Cleavages occurred predominantly in the N‐terminal and C‐terminal regions of tropoelastin. With respect to the cleavage site specificities, the study revealed that all three MMPs similarly tolerate hydrophobic and/or aliphatic amino acids, including Pro, Gly, Ile, and Val, at P1′. MMP‐7 shows a strong preference for Leu at P1′, which is also well accepted by MMP‐9 and MMP‐12. Of all three MMPs, MMP‐12 best tolerates bulky charged and aromatic amino acids at P1′. All three MMPs showed a clear preference for Pro at P3 that could be structurally explained by molecular modeling. Analysis of the generated peptides revealed that all three MMPs show a similar ability to release bioactive sequences, with MMP‐12 producing the highest number of these peptides. Furthermore, the generated peptides YTTGKLPYGYGPGG, YGARPGVGVGGIP, and PGFGAVPGA, containing GxxPG motifs that have not yet been proven to be bioactive, were identified as new matrikines upon biological activity testing.Structured digital abstract
MINT‐7709630: MMP‐7 (uniprotkb:P09237) cleaves (MI:0194) Tropoelastin (uniprotkb:P15502) by protease assay (MI:0435)
MINT‐7709668: MMP‐9 (uniprotkb:P14780) cleaves (MI:0194) Tropoelastin (uniprotkb:P15502) by protease assay (MI:0435)
MINT‐7709289: MMP‐12 (uniprotkb:P39900) cleaves (MI:0194) Tropoelastin (uniprotkb:P15502) by protease assay (MI:0435)
Complementation of coenzyme Q‐deficient yeast by coenzyme Q analogues requires the isoprenoid side chain
Authors: James Andrew M. , Cochemé Helena M. , Murai Masatoshi , Miyoshi Hideto , Murphy Michael P. 
Published: March 2010

The ubiquinone coenzyme Q (CoQ) is synthesized in mitochondria with a large, hydrophobic isoprenoid side chain. It functions in mitochondrial respiration as well as protecting membranes from oxidative damage. Yeast that cannot synthesize CoQ (ΔCoQ) are viable, but cannot grow on nonfermentable carbon sources, unless supplied with ubiquinone. Previously we demonstrated that the isoprenoid side chain of the exogenous ubiquinone was important for growth of a ΔCoQ strain on the nonfermentable substrate glycerol [James AM et al. (2005) J Biol Chem280, 21295–21312]. In the present study we investigated the structural requirements of exogenously supplied CoQ2 for growth on glycerol and found that the first double bond of the initial isoprenoid unit is essential for utilization of respiratory substrates. As CoQ2 analogues that did not complement growth on glycerol supported respiration in isolated mitochondria, discrimination does not occur via the respiratory chain complexes. The endogenous form of CoQ in yeast (CoQ6) is extremely hydrophobic and transported to mitochondria via the endocytic pathway when supplied exogenously. We found that CoQ2 does not require this pathway when supplied exogenously and the pathway is unlikely to be responsible for the structural discrimination observed. Interestingly, decylQ, an analogue unable to support growth on glycerol, is not toxic, but antagonizes growth of ΔCoQ yeast in the presence of exogenous CoQ2. Using a ΔCoQ double‐knockout library we identified a number of genes that decrease the ability of yeast to grow on exogenous CoQ. Here we suggest that CoQ or its redox state may be a signal for growth during the shift to respiration.
Effects of a novel arginine methyltransferase inhibitor on T‐helper cell cytokine production
Authors: Bonham Kevin , Hemmers Saskia , Lim Yeon‐Hee , Hill Dawn M. , Finn M. G. , Mowen Kerri A. 
Published: March 2010

The protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT) family of enzymes catalyzes the transfer of methyl groups from S‐adenosylmethionine to the guanidino nitrogen atom of peptidylarginine to form monomethylarginine or dimethylarginine. We created several less polar analogs of the specific PRMT inhibitor arginine methylation inhibitor‐1, and one such compound was found to have improved PRMT inhibitory activity over the parent molecule. The newly identified PRMT inhibitor modulated T‐helper‐cell function and thus may serve as a lead for further inhibitors useful for the treatment of immune‐mediated disease.Structured digital abstract
MINT‐7710141: Prmt1 (uniprotkb:Q63009) physically interacts (MI:0915) with nip45 (uniprotkb:O09130) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)
MINT‐7710127: Prmt1 (uniprotkb:Q63009) physically interacts (MI:0915) with Prmt1 (uniprotkb:Q63009) by anti tag coimmunoprecipitation (MI:0007)
Formation of the Fertilization Pore during Oogenesis of the Fern Ceratopteris thalictroides
Authors: Cao Jian‐Guo , Wang Quan‐Xi , Bao Wen‐Mei 
Published: March 2010

Abstract The development of the fertilization pore during oogenesis of the fern Ceratopteris thalictroides was followed using transmission electron microscopy. The newly formed egg is appressed closely to the adjacent cells. There are well‐developed plasmodesmata between the egg and the ventral canal cell, but none between the egg and the jacket cells of the archegonium. During maturation, a separation cavity is formed around the egg. However, a pore region persistently connects the egg and the ventral canal cell. The extra egg membrane is formed by deposition of sheets of endoplasmic reticulum (ER), but no ER is deposited on the inner surface of the pore region. Thus, a fertilization pore, covered by a layer of plasmalemma, is formed. The ventral canal cell undoubtedly participates the formation of the fertilization pore, probably by absorbing the sheets of ER beneath the pore region. The functional significance of the ventral canal cell in formation of the fertilization pore is discussed. The features of the mature egg include that abundant concentric membranes and osmiophilic vesicles occur in the cytoplasm of the mature egg. The initial, round nucleus of the egg eventually becomes cup‐shaped. This investigation gives some new insights about the cells participating oogenesis in ferns.
Reverse Genetic Identification of CRN1 and its Distinctive Role in Chlorophyll Degradation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ren Guodong , Zhou Qian , Wu Shouxin , Zhang Yufan , Zhang Lingang , Huang Jirong , Sun Zhenfei , Kuai Benke 
Published: March 2010

Abstract Recent identification of NYE1/SGR1 brought up a new era for the exploration of the regulatory mechanism of Chlorophyll (Chl) degradation. Cluster analysis of senescence associated genes with putative chloroplast targeting sequences revealed several genes sharing a similar expression pattern with NYE1. Further characterization of available T‐DNA insertion lines led to the discovery of a novel stay‐green gene CRN1 (Co‐regulated with NYE1). Chl breakdown was significantly restrained in crn1‐1 under diversified senescence scenarios, which is comparable with that in acd1‐20, but much more severe than that in nye1‐1. Notably, various Chl binding proteins, especially trimeric LHCP II, were markedly retained in crn1‐1 four days after dark‐treatment, possibly due to a lesion in disassociation of protein‐pigment complex. Nevertheless, the photochemical efficiency of PSII in crn1‐1 declined, even more rapidly, two days after dark‐treatment, compared to those in Col‐0 and nye1‐1. Our results suggest that CRN1 plays a crucial role in Chl degradation, and that loss of its function produces various side‐effects, including those on the breakdown of Ch‐protein complex and the maintenance of the residual photosynthetic capability during leaf senescence.
Propagation of a sausage soliton in the solar lower atmosphere observed by Hinode/SOT
Authors: Zaqarashvili T. V. , Kukhianidze V. , Khodachenko M. L. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Acoustic waves and pulses propagating from the solar photosphere upwards may quickly develop into shocks due to the rapid decrease of atmospheric density. However, if they propagate along a magnetic flux tube, then the non-linear steepening may be balanced by tube dispersion effects. This may result in the formation of a sausage soliton. The aim of this Letter is to report observational evidence of a sausage soliton in the solar chromosphere. A time series of the Caii H line obtained at the solar limb with the Solar Optical Telescope (SOT) on board Hinode is analysed. Observations show an intensity blob, which propagates from 500 to 1700 km above the solar surface with a mean apparent speed of 35 km s−1. The speed is much higher than the expected local sound speed, therefore the blob cannot be a simple pressure pulse. The blob speed, length-to-width ratio and relative intensity correspond to a slow sausage soliton propagating along a magnetic tube. The blob width increases with height corresponding to the magnetic tube expansion in the stratified atmosphere. Propagation of the intensity blob may be the first observational evidence of a slow sausage soliton in the solar atmosphere.
A design model for nitrification on structured cross flow plastic media trickling filters
Authors: Pearce P. , Edwards W. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractAn empirical model has been developed to predict the effluent ammoniacal nitrogen concentration from structured cross flow plastic media trickling filters operated over the range of BOD loadings 0.12–0.38 kg/m3/day and ammoniacal nitrogen loadings of 0.06–0.23 kg/m3/day. The model gives good predictions based on 24‐h average effluent concentrations over a range of filter depths, organic and hydraulic loading rates. When incorporated with suitable hydraulic models, effluent ammoniacal concentration can be predicted through the diurnal range. The data gathering for the model included depth profiles on three filters. These have shown that at all but the very highest BOD loadings, nitrification commences from the very top of the filter in the presence of soluble BOD loadings previously thought to preclude the development of nitrifying biomass. Several reasons have been proposed to explain this, with the key argument being that the efficient oxygen transfer afforded by the media design is sufficient to satisfy heterotroph and autotroph oxygen demand simultaneously.
Source apportionment of trichloroethylene in groundwater of the industrial complex in Wonju, Korea: a 15‐year dispute and perspective
Authors: Baek W. , Lee J. Y. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe groundwater of an industrial complex has been contaminated with trichloroethylene (TCE) since 1995. High levels of TCE exceeding the Korean groundwater standard can still be found. However, ongoing controversial debate on the contamination source has hindered the remedial works. Wonju city suggested a single source, while the Gangwon Province considered multiple sources. The TCE plume appeared as two separate plumes rather than a single plume. Carbon tetrachloride (CT), a formerly used solvent, formed a plume but its extent was restricted to the left half of the overall TCE plume. The soil contamination survey revealed the existence of at least two contamination source areas. All the evidences pointed to the asphalt test laboratory as being one of the major sources, but the possibility of other sources cannot be excluded. The maximum extent of the TCE contamination caused by the asphalt laboratory may have been restricted to the left half of the overall TCE plume.
Rate of change of heart size before congestive heart failure in dogs with mitral regurgitation
Authors: Lord P. , Hansson K. , Kvart C. , Häggström J. 
Published: March 2010

Objectives: The objective of the study was to examine the changes in vertebral heart scale, and left atrial and ventricular dimensions before and at onset of congestive heart failure in cavalier King Charles spaniels with mitral regurgitation.Methods: Records and radiographs from 24 cavalier King Charles spaniels with mitral regurgitation were used. Vertebral heart scale (24 dogs), and left atrial dimension and left ventricular end diastolic and end systolic diameters (18 dogs) and their rate of increase were measured at intervals over years to the onset of congestive heart failure. They were plotted against time to onset of congestive heart failure.Results: Dimensions and rates of change of all parameters were highest at onset of congestive heart failure, the difference between observed and chance outcome being highly significant using a two‐tailed chi‐square test (P<0·001).Clinical significance: The left heart chambers increase in size rapidly only in the last year before the onset of congestive heart failure. Increasing left ventricular end systolic dimension is suggestive of myocardial failure before the onset of congestive heart failure. Rate of increase of heart dimensions may be a useful indicator of impending congestive heart failure.
Net greenhouse gas fluxes in Brazilian ethanol production systems
Authors: GALDOS MARCELO VALADARES , CERRI CARLOS CLEMENTE , LAL RATTAN , BERNOUX MARTIAL , FEIGL BRIGITTE , CERRI CARLOS EDUARDO P. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBiofuels are both a promising solution to global warming mitigation and a potential contributor to the problem. Several life cycle assessments of bioethanol have been conducted to address these questions. We performed a synthesis of the available data on Brazilian ethanol production focusing on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and carbon (C) sinks in the agricultural and industrial phases. Emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from fossil fuels, methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) from sources commonly included in C footprints, such as fossil fuel usage, biomass burning, nitrogen fertilizer application, liming and litter decomposition were accounted for. In addition, black carbon (BC) emissions from burning biomass and soil C sequestration were included in the balance. Most of the annual emissions per hectare are in the agricultural phase, both in the burned system (2209 out of a total of 2398 kg Ceq), and in the unburned system (559 out of 748 kg Ceq). Although nitrogen fertilizer emissions are large, 111 kg Ceq ha−1 yr−1, the largest single source of emissions is biomass burning in the manual harvest system, with a large amount of both GHG (196 kg Ceq ha−1 yr−1). and BC (1536 kg Ceq ha−1 yr−1). Besides avoiding emissions from biomass burning, harvesting sugarcane mechanically without burning tends to increase soil C stocks, providing a C sink of 1500 kg C ha−1 yr−1 in the 30 cm layer. The data show a C output: input ratio of 1.4 for ethanol produced under the conventionally burned and manual harvest compared with 6.5 for the mechanized harvest without burning, signifying the importance of conservation agricultural systems in bioethanol feedstock production.
Molecular mechanisms of diabetic vascular complications
Authors: Kitada Munehiro , Zhang Zhaoyun , Mima Akira , King George L 
Published: March 2010

AbstractDiabetic complications are the major causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes. Microvascular complications include retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy, which are leading causes of blindness, end‐stage renal disease and various painful neuropathies; whereas macrovascular complications involve atherosclerosis related diseases, such as coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease and stroke. Diabetic complications are the result of interactions among systemic metabolic changes, such as hyperglycemia, local tissue responses to toxic metabolites from glucose metabolism, and genetic and epigenetic modulators. Chronic hyperglycemia is recognized as a major initiator of diabetic complications. Multiple molecular mechanisms have been proposed to mediate hyperglycemia’s adverse effects on vascular tissues. These include increased polyol pathway, activation of the diacylglycerol/protein kinase C pathway, increased oxidative stress, overproduction and action of advanced glycation end products, and increased hexosamine pathway. In addition, the alterations of signal transduction pathways induced by hyperglycemia or toxic metabolites can also lead to cellular dysfunctions and damage vascular tissues by altering gene expression and protein function. Less studied than the toxic mechanisms, hyperglycemia might also inhibit the endogenous vascular protective factors such as insulin, vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet‐derived growth factor and activated protein C, which play important roles in maintaining vascular homeostasis. Thus, effective therapies for diabetic complications need to inhibit mechanisms induced by hyperglycemia’s toxic effects and also enhance the endogenous protective factors. The present review summarizes these multiple biochemical pathways activated by hyperglycemia and the potential therapeutic interventions that might prevent diabetic complications. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2010.00018.x, 2010)
Why do Shareholders Allow Their Managers to be Gatekeepers in Corporate Control Contests?*
Authors: Park Kyung Suh 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThis paper formulates a theoretical model to explain why target shareholders under corporate control contests allow their managers to play the role of a gatekeeper despite the conflicting incentive of the managers to resist takeover attempts that might increase firm value. The paper claims that sometimes the existence of a manager with a conflicting goal can contribute to enhancing the welfare of his shareholders under a corporate control contest where bidders have the choice of takeover methods. We set up a game‐theoretical model and derive a separating equilibrium where bidders with higher synergy prefer a tender offer to a merger, and the bidders are forced to pay higher takeover premium in a hostile tender offer due to the existence of informed target managers who can make counteroffers under a merger deal.
How Does Prior Information Affect Analyst Forecast Revisions?*
Authors: Song Minsup 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThis study investigates how observable prior information affects individual analysts' earnings forecast revisions. Following Stickel (1990), it first examines how new information observed by Korean analysts and uncertainty in the analysts' current forecast affect the analysts' forecast revision. Then, this study extends the prediction model by examining how characteristics of new information (positive vs. negative change in consensus forecast) and the characteristics of the analysts' current forecast (higher vs. lower than the mean forecast) affect their forecast revision. The empirical results show that the individual analyst revision, the change in consensus forecast, and the cumulative stock returns are positively related whereas the revision and the deviation of the analyst's current forecast from the consensus forecast are negatively related. Results also show more sensitive reactions to consensus change when analysts observe a negative consensus change. In addition, analysts' reaction to a negative consensus change is greater when their current forecast is greater than the prior mean forecast. These results suggest that analysts learn from market expectation changes and incorporate new information into their new forecasts.