bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the biofilm proteome of Xylella fastidiosa
Authors: Silva Mariana S , De Souza Alessandra A , Takita Marco A , Labate Carlos A , Machado Marcos A 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background

Xylella fastidiosa is limited to the xylem of the plant host and the foregut of insect vectors (sharpshooters). The mechanism of pathogenicity of this bacterium differs from other plant pathogens, since it does not present typical genes that confer specific interactions between plant and pathogens (avr and/or hrp). The bacterium is injected directly into the xylem vessels where it adheres and colonizes. The whole process leads to the formation of biofilms, which are considered the main mechanism of pathogenicity. Cells in biofilms are metabolically and phenotypically different from their planktonic condition. The mature biofilm stage (phase of higher cell density) presents high virulence and resistance to toxic substances such as antibiotics and detergents. Here we performed proteomic analysis of proteins expressed exclusively in the mature biofilm of X. fastidiosa strain 9a5c, in comparison to planktonic growth condition.

Results
We found a total of 456 proteins expressed in the biofilm condition, which correspond to approximately 10% of total protein in the genome. The biofilm showed 37% (or 144 proteins) different protein than we found in the planktonic growth condition. The large difference in protein pattern in the biofilm condition may be responsible for the physiological changes of the cells in the biofilm of X. fastidiosa. Mass spectrometry was used to identify these proteins, while real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction monitored expression of genes encoding them. Most of proteins expressed in the mature biofilm growth were associated with metabolism, adhesion, pathogenicity and stress conditions. Even though the biofilm cells in this work were not submitted to any stress condition, some stress related proteins were expressed only in the biofilm condition, suggesting that the biofilm cells would constitutively express proteins in different adverse environments.

Conclusions
We observed overexpression of proteins related to quorum sensing, proving the existence of communication between cells, and thus the development of structuring the biofilm (mature biofilm) leading to obstruction of vessels and development of disease. This paper reports a first proteomic analysis of mature biofilm of X. fastidiosa, opening new perspectives for understanding the biochemistry of mature biofilm growth in a plant pathogen.
Overexpression of serine racemase in retina and overproduction of D-serine in eyes of streptozotocin-induced diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Jiang Haiyan , Fang Junxu , Wu Bo , Yin Guibin , Sun Lin , Qu Jia , Barger Steven W , Wu Shengzhou 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBackgroundRecent data indicate that inflammatory mechanisms contribute to diabetic retinopathy (DR). We have determined that serine racemase (SR) expression is increased by inflammatory stimuli including liposaccharide (LPS), amyloid β-peptide (A-beta), and secreted amyloid precursor protein (sAPP); expression is decreased by the anti-inflammatory drug, dexamethasone. We tested possibility that SR and its product, D-serine, were altered in a rat model of DR.MethodsIntraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ; 70 mg/kg body weight) to Sprague-Dawley rats produced type-I diabetic mellitus (fasting blood sugar higher than 300 mg/dL). At 3 and 5 months after STZ or saline injection, retinas from some rats were subjected to cryosectioning for immunofluorescent analysis of SR and TUNEL assay of apoptosis. Retinal homogenates were used to detect SR levels and Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation by immunoblotting. Aqueous humor and retina were also collected to assay for neurotransmitters, including glutamate and D-serine, by reverse-phase HPLC.ResultsCompared to saline-injected rats, STZ-injected (diabetic) rats showed elevation of SR protein levels in retinal homogenates, attributed to the inner nuclear layer (INL) by immunofluorescence. Aqueous humor fluid from STZ-injected rats contained significantly higher levels of glutamate and D-serine compared to controls; by contrast, D-serine levels in retinas did not differ. Levels of activated JNK were elevated in diabetic retinas compared to controls.ConclusionsIncreased expression of SR in retina and higher levels of glutamate and D-serine in aqueous humor of STZ-treated rats may result from activation of the JNK pathway in diabetic sequelae. Our data suggest that the inflammatory conditions that prevail during DR result in elevation of D-serine, a neurotransmitter contributing to glutamate toxicity, potentially exacerbating the death of retinal ganglion cells in this condition.
HtrA chaperone activity contributes to host cell binding in Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Bæk Kristoffer T , Vegge Christina S , Brøndsted Lone 
Published: September 2011

Abstract

Background
Acute gastroenteritis caused by the food-borne pathogen Campylobacter jejuni is associated with attachment of bacteria to the intestinal epithelium and subsequent invasion of epithelial cells. In C. jejuni, the periplasmic protein HtrA is required for efficient binding to epithelial cells. HtrA has both protease and chaperone activity, and is important for virulence of several bacterial pathogens.

Results
The aim of this study was to determine the role of the dual activities of HtrA in host cell interaction of C. jejuni by comparing an htrA mutant lacking protease activity, but retaining chaperone activity, with a ΔhtrA mutant and the wild type strain. Binding of C. jejuni to both epithelial cells and macrophages was facilitated mainly by HtrA chaperone activity that may be involved in folding of outer membrane adhesins. In contrast, HtrA protease activity played only a minor role in interaction with host cells.

Conclusion
We show that HtrA protease and chaperone activities contribute differently to C. jejuni's interaction with mammalian host cells, with the chaperone activity playing the major role in host cell binding.
A new gene expression signature, the ClinicoMolecular Triad Classification, may improve prediction and prognostication of breast cancer at the time of diagnosis
Authors: Wang Dong-Yu , Done Susan J , McCready David R , Boerner Scott , Kulkarni Supriya , Leong Wey Liang 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Introduction
When making treatment decisions, oncologists often stratify breast cancer (BC) into a low-risk group (low-grade estrogen receptor-positive (ER+)), an intermediate-risk group (high-grade ER+) and a high-risk group that includes Her2+ and triple-negative (TN) tumors (ER-/PR-/Her2-). None of the currently available gene signatures correlates to this clinical classification. In this study, we aimed to develop a test that is practical for oncologists and offers both molecular characterization of BC and improved prediction of prognosis and treatment response.

Methods
We investigated the molecular basis of such clinical practice by grouping Her2+ and TN BC together during clustering analyses of the genome-wide gene expression profiles of our training cohort, mostly derived from fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs) of 149 consecutive evaluable BC. The analyses consistently divided these tumors into a three-cluster pattern, similarly to clinical risk stratification groups, that was reproducible in published microarray databases (n = 2,487) annotated with clinical outcomes. The clinicopathological parameters of each of these three molecular groups were also similar to clinical classification.

Results
The low-risk group had good outcomes and benefited from endocrine therapy. Both the intermediate- and high-risk groups had poor outcomes, and their BC was resistant to endocrine therapy. The latter group demonstrated the highest rate of complete pathological response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy; the highest activities in Myc, E2F1, Ras, β-catenin and IFN-γ pathways; and poor prognosis predicted by 14 independent prognostic signatures. On the basis of multivariate analysis, we found that this new gene signature, termed the "ClinicoMolecular Triad Classification" (CMTC), predicted recurrence and treatment response better than all pathological parameters and other prognostic signatures.

Conclusions
CMTC correlates well with current clinical classifications of BC and has the potential to be easily integrated into routine clinical practice. Using FNABs, CMTC can be determined at the time of diagnostic needle biopsies for tumors of all sizes. On the basis of using public databases as the validation cohort in our analyses, CMTC appeared to enable accurate treatment guidance, could be made available in preoperative settings and was applicable to all BC types independently of tumor size and receptor and nodal status. The unique oncogenic signaling pathway pattern of each CMTC group may provide guidance in the development of new treatment strategies. Further validation of CMTC requires prospective, randomized, controlled trials.
European Specialist Porphyria Laboratories: Diagnostic Strategies, Analytical Quality, Clinical Interpretation, and Reporting As Assessed by an External Quality Assurance Program
Authors: Aarsand Aasne K , Villanger Jørild H , Støle Egil , Deybach Jean-Charles , Marsden Joanne , To-Figueras Jordi , Badminton Mike , Elder George H , Sandberg Sverre 
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUNDThe porphyrias are a group of rare metabolic disorders whose diagnosis depends on identification of specific patterns of porphyrin precursor and porphyrin accumulation in urine, blood, and feces. Diagnostic tests for porphyria are performed by specialized laboratories in many countries. Data regarding the analytical and diagnostic performance of these laboratories are scarce.METHODSWe distributed 5 sets of multispecimen samples from different porphyria patients accompanied by clinical case histories to 18–21 European specialist porphyria laboratories/centers as part of a European Porphyria Network organized external analytical and postanalytical quality assessment (EQA) program. The laboratories stated which analyses they would normally have performed given the case histories and reported results of all porphyria-related analyses available, interpretative comments, and diagnoses.RESULTSReported diagnostic strategies initially showed considerable diversity, but the number of laboratories applying adequate diagnostic strategies increased during the study period. We found an average interlaboratory CV of 50% (range 12%–152%) for analytes in absolute concentrations. Result normalization by forming ratios to the upper reference limits did not reduce this variation. Sixty-five percent of reported results were within biological variation–based analytical quality specifications. Clinical interpretation of the obtained analytical results was accurate, and most laboratories established the correct diagnosis in all distributions.CONCLUSIONSBased on a case-based EQA scheme, variations were apparent in analytical and diagnostic performance between European specialist porphyria laboratories. Our findings reinforce the use of EQA schemes as an essential tool to assess both analytical and diagnostic processes and thereby to improve patient care in rare diseases.
Synthesis and chemistry of pyrazolines derived from diphenyldiazomethane
Authors: Louhichi Nesrine , Haouas Amel , Ben Hamadi Naoufel , Msaddek Moncef 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
The reaction of diphenyldiazomethane with N-substituted maleimides produces Δ1-pyrazolines. The photolysis of Δ1-pyrazolines leads to cyclopropanes.
Magnetic Particles Effects on Shear Performance in MR Fluid
Authors: Liu X. H. , Yao X. Y. , Li F. , Fu Z. M. 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Magneto-rheological (MR) fluids, as smart fluids, are suspensions of micron-sized magnetic particles, such as iron particles or cobalt, in a silicone or hydraulic oil carrier fluid, which can change from the liquid state to a semi-solid state in several milliseconds in the external magnetic field. In this paper, the produced chain, which will give rise to the MR effect, is investigated by the magnetic force between two particles, the relationship between the produced shear torque, and magnetic particles are proposed. A set of testing systems, including the plate-on-plate MR fluid shearing test rig, is built to study the percentage of magnetic particles in MR fluid. The magnetic field in the gap, before and after the gap is added with MR fluid, is investigated by measuring and calculating. The results validate the effect of the content of magnetic particles in MR fluid on the shear performance.
Influence of Recovery Processes on Properties of Binders and Aggregates Recovered from Recycled Asphalt Pavement
Authors: Hossain Zahid , Solanki Pranshoo , Zaman Musharraf , Lewis Sharon , Hobson Kenneth 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
Usage of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) in the construction of new pavements has increased in recent years due to the movement to conserve energy and raw materials, and reuse waste materials. To assess the effectiveness of RAP materials in new asphalt mixes, it is important to evaluate the properties of the recovered binders and aggregates. The widely used “Abson” method is employed in this study to recover asphalt binder from RAP. Also, the frequently used “NCAT ignition” method is used to extract aggregates. A laboratory study comprising two field RAP materials, two simulated RAP materials, and corresponding virgin materials was undertaken to assess possible influences of the aforementioned recovery processes. The performance grade (PG) of the recovered binders, and gradation, durability (LAAbrasion and Micro-Deval), specific gravity, sand equivalent, and insoluble residue of the extracted aggregates were evaluated as per the AASHTO and Oklahoma Dept. of Transportation (ODOT) standards. The test results showed that the Abson method notably influenced the critical PG temperatures of the recovered binder. It was also observed that some mechanical properties (durability and sand equivalent) of RAP aggregates were inconsistent with their virgin counterparts. Furthermore, field RAP aggregates showed significant variations in LA Abrasion loss and insoluble residue test results. The findings of this study are expected to be helpful in the evaluation of RAP for reuse in asphalt paving.
Fatty liver index in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Lerchbaum Elisabeth , Gruber Hans-Jürgen , Schwetz Verena , Giuliani Albrecht , Möller Reinhard , Pieber Thomas R , Obermayer-Pietsch Barbara 
Published: September 2011

IntroductionWomen with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) frequently suffer from metabolic disturbances and might be affected by hepatic steatosis. The fatty liver index (FLI) was developed as a simple and accurate predictor of hepatic steatosis. We aimed to analyze the association of FLI with endocrine and metabolic parameters in a cohort of PCOS and control women.MethodsFLI was calculated using body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, triglycerides, and gamma-glutamyl transferase in 611 PCOS and 139 BMI-matched control women within the same age range. Elevated FLI was defined as >60. Metabolic, endocrine, and anthropometric measurements and oral glucose tolerance tests were performed.ResultsPCOS women had significantly higher FLI levels than control women in age-adjusted analyses (11.4 (4.3–48.8) and 8.8 (3.9–35.0), respectively,P=0.001), whereas fibrosis indices were similar (aspartate amino transferase-to-platelet ratio index) or lower (FIB-4) respectively. In binary logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, odds ratio (OR) for elevated FLI was 2.52 (1.31–4.85),P=0.006, for PCOS women when compared with controls. PCOS women with high FLI levels had an adverse anthropometric, metabolic, and endocrine risk profile. The prevalence of elevated FLI was 88.7% in PCOS women with metabolic syndrome (MS) and 11.3% in PCOS women without MS (P<0.001). In control women, elevated FLI was present in 66.7% of women with MS and 30.8% of women without MS.ConclusionHigh FLI levels are a common finding in obese PCOS women and are closely linked to MS. FLI calculation might be a useful tool for identifying PCOS patients at high risk for metabolic and hepatic disturbances.
Capacitance-Voltage Measurement of an Ambipolar Pentacene Field Effect Transistor in Operation by Using Displacement Current Measurement
Authors: Tanaka Yuya , Noguchi Yutaka , Ishii Hisao 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTThe channel formation process of a pentacene ambipolar field-effect transistor was studied by displacement current measurement (DCM). We proposed a modified measurement circuit of DCM in order to investigate the channel formation at the organic/insulator interface under transistor operation. We observed an additional terrace structure between the depletion and accumulation states when the drain voltage is applied. The capacitance at the terrace structure corresponds well with that in pinch-off condition. DCM enables us to understand the operation mechanism of the organic FET in more detail.
Millisecond-annealing using flash lamps for improved performance of AZO layers
Authors: Gebel T. , Neubert M. , Endler R. , Weber J. , Vinnichenko M. , Kolitsch A. , Skorupa W. , Liepack H. 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTZnO:Al films with a thickness of about 880nm were deposited by magnetron sputtering. The glass substrate was not heated neither before during nor after the deposition. Subsequently the deposited layers were treated by flash lamp annealing (FLA) at 1.3 ms. Using this method, the resistivity of the ZnO:Al films was decreased by a factor of two, down to 1.0 x 10-3 Ωcm. These results are in good agreement with results reported from rapid thermal processing or furnace annealing treatments. Despite the very short annealing time of only 1.3 ms not only the resistivity but also the transmittance in the UV and the blue range were considerably improved.
Influence of Deformation Rate on Overload Performance and Microstructure of Spot Welded Metastable Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Liu Wei , Sun Chuanjing , Han Junlei , Li Qiang , Song Zhikun 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTTensile-shear overload tests of spot welded cold-rolled 301LN plates deforming with slow and fast rates were carried out. The deformation behaviors of spot welds can be divided into two stages. Loading force with fast deformation rate increased more along with displacement in the first stage, while the force with slow rate increased more in the second stage. 21and 32(v.%) α´-martensite were introduced by failure deformation with fast and slow rates respectively. The hardness under the fracture surfaces was higher than HV400, which was more than two times of their original. The ultimate strengths and fracture energy absorptions of spot welds deforming with slow rate were higher than that with fast rate, especially for spot-welded thicker plates.
Metrological Control of Selected Surface Types of a Mechanical Part by Using On-Machine Measurement System
Authors: Omámik Michal , Baránek Ivan 
Published: September 2011

Metrological Control of Selected Surface Types of a Mechanical Part by Using On-Machine Measurement System
The paper is focused on the research of On-machine measurement systems for a CNC multi-axis milling machine. Research is aimed at the suitable selection of measuring parameters for On-machine measurement systems in order to reach an accurate and reliable quality control of the mechanical part. Theoretical information and overall concept of research are also presented.
Application of Six Sigma Method to EMS Design
Authors: Rusko Miroslav , Králiková Ružena 
Published: September 2011

Application of Six Sigma Method to EMS Design
The Six Sigma method is a complex and flexible system of achieving, maintaining and maximizing the business success. Six Sigma is based mainly on understanding the customer needs and expectation, disciplined use of facts and statistics analysis, and responsible approach to managing, improving and establishing new business, manufacturing and service processes.
Event Processing and Variable Part of Sample Period Determining in Combined Systems Using GA
Authors: Strémy Maximilián , Závacký Pavol , Jedlička Martin 
Published: September 2011

Event Processing and Variable Part of Sample Period Determining in Combined Systems Using GA
This article deals with combined dynamic systems and usage of modern techniques in dealing with these systems, focusing particularly on sampling period design, cyclic processing tasks and related processing algorithms in the combined event management systems using genetic algorithms.
Students' Perspective on On-line College Education in the Field of Journalism
Authors: Gómez-Escalonilla-Moreno Gloria , Santín-Durán María , Mathieu Gladys 
Published: September 2011

The advance in new technologies has changed the educational model considerably. On-line education has arrived with a bang at university and those degree courses linked to the field of communication have adopted this type of technologies. In just a few years, the number of courses available in the communication field that include on-line subjects has multiplied. It seems that this tendency of proliferation will continue due to a high demand for degrees in the communication field as well as the possibility of completing these degrees on-line. This paper shows the perspective that on-line journalism students at the Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid have on their studies. The results of a survey of students of the different courses that include the qualification allow us to gain a perspective of their experiences at the beginning and end of the studies. The questionnaire asks about socio-demographic traits from which we draw a sociological profile of on-line journalism student. It also delves into the motivations and expectations surrounding the decision to enrol in this mode and in its assessment both in terms of learning and the relationship between peers and teachers. Some of the conclusions point to the positive attitude of students and a satisfactory evaluation by the students.
El avance de las nuevas tecnologías ha cambiado considerablemente el modelo educativo. La formación on-line ha aterrizado con fuerza en las universidades y las carreras vinculadas al mundo de la comunicación se han incorporado a ese modelo de enseñanza. En pocos años la oferta en las titulaciones de comunicación se ha multiplicado y parece que esta tendencia se pronuncie en un futuro ante la demanda que tienen las titulaciones de comunicación, por un lado, y las enseñanzas virtuales, por otro. En este artículo se da a conocer la perspectiva que los estudiantes on-line de Periodismo de la Universidad Rey Juan Carlos de Madrid tienen sobre sus estudios. Los resultados de una encuesta a los alumnos de los diferentes cursos que engloban la titulación nos permite ofrecer una perspectiva de sus experiencias al inicio y al final de la carrera. El cuestionario indaga sobre aspectos socio-demográficos a partir de los cuales se traza un perfil sociológico del estudiante de periodismo on-line. Asimismo, se profundiza en las motivaciones y expectativas que rodean la decisión de matricularse en esta modalidad y en su valoración tanto en términos de aprendizaje como de la relación con compañeros y profesores. Algunas de las conclusiones apuntan una actitud positiva de los estudiantes y una valoración satisfactoria de la enseñanza por parte del alumnado.