bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional Analysis of Insertion Sequence IS
Aba1
, Responsible for Genomic Plasticity of
Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Mugnier Pauline D. , Poirel Laurent , Nordmann Patrice 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT

IS
Aba1
is an insertion sequence that is widely distributed in
Acinetobacter baumannii
. We demonstrated here that IS
Aba1
and the composite transposon Tn
2006
are capable of transposition, generating 9-bp target site duplications. The expression of the IS
Aba1
transposase-encoding gene was downregulated by translational frameshifting.
The Atypical Hybrid Histidine Protein Kinase RodK in
Myxococcus xanthus
: Spatial Proximity Supersedes Kinetic Preference in Phosphotransfer Reactions
Authors: Wegener-Feldbrügge Sigrun , Søgaard-Andersen Lotte 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT

Many proteins of two-component signal transduction systems (TCS) have domain structures that do not comply with a phosphate flow as observed in linear TCS, phosphorelays, or simple branched pathways. An example is RodK, which is essential for fruiting body formation in
Myxococcus xanthus
and, in addition to a sensor domain, consists of a kinase domain and three receiver domains (RodK-R1, -R2, and -R3), all of which are functionally important. We identified the RokA response regulator as part of the RodK pathway. In vitro the isolated RodK kinase domain engages in phosphotransfer to RodK-R3 and RokA, with a kinetic preference for RokA. However, in the context of the full-length protein, the RodK kinase domain has a preference for phosphotransfer to RodK-R3 over RokA. We suggest that in full-length RodK, the spatial proximity of the RodK kinase domain and RodK-R3 compensate for the kinetic preference of the isolated kinase domain for RokA. Thus, the kinetic preference observed using an isolated kinase domain of a hybrid kinase does not necessarily reflect the phosphotransfer preference of the full-length protein. We speculate that the phosphorylation status of RodK-R1 and RodK-R2 determines whether RodK engages in phosphotransfer to RodK-R3 or RokA in vivo.
Isolation and Characterization of Superdormant Spores of
Bacillus
Species
Authors: Ghosh Sonali , Setlow Peter 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT

Superdormant spores of
Bacillus subtilis
and
Bacillus megaterium
were isolated in 4 to 12% yields following germination with high nutrient levels that activated one or two germinant receptors. These superdormant spores did not germinate with the initial nutrients or those that stimulated other germinant receptors, and the superdormant spores' defect was not genetic. The superdormant spores did, however, germinate with Ca
2+
-dipicolinic acid or dodecylamine. Although these superdormant spores did not germinate with high levels of nutrients that activated one or two nutrient germinant receptors, they germinated with nutrient mixtures that activated more receptors, and using high levels of nutrient mixtures activating more germinant receptors decreased superdormant spore yields. The use of moderate nutrient levels to isolate superdormant spores increased their yields; the resultant spores germinated poorly with the initial moderate nutrient concentrations, but they germinated well with high nutrient concentrations. These findings suggest that the levels of superdormant spores in populations depend on the germination conditions used, with fewer superdormant spores isolated when better germination conditions are used. These findings further suggest that superdormant spores require an increased signal for triggering spore germination compared to most spores in populations. One factor determining whether a spore is superdormant is its level of germinant receptors, since spore populations with higher levels of germinant receptors yielded lower levels of superdormant spores. A second important factor may be heat activation of spore populations, since yields of superdormant spores from non-heat-activated spore populations were higher than those from optimally activated spores.
In
Bacillus subtilis
, the Sirtuin Protein Deacetylase, Encoded by the
srtN
Gene (Formerly
yhdZ
), and Functions Encoded by the
acuABC
Genes Control the Activity of Acetyl Coenzyme A Synthetase
Authors: Gardner Jeffrey G. , Escalante-Semerena Jorge C. 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT

This report provides in vivo evidence for the posttranslational control of the acetyl coenzyme A (Ac-CoA) synthetase (AcsA) enzyme of
Bacillus subtilis
by the
acuA
and
acuC
gene products. In addition, both in vivo and in vitro data presented support the conclusion that the
yhdZ
gene of
B. subtilis
encodes a NAD
+
-dependent protein deacetylase homologous to the yeast Sir2 protein (also known as sirtuin). On the basis of this new information, a change in gene nomenclature, from
yhdZ
to
srtN
(for sirtuin), is proposed to reflect the activity associated with the YdhZ protein. In vivo control of
B. subtilis
AcsA function required the combined activities of AcuC and SrtN. Inactivation of
acuC
or
srtN
resulted in slower growth and cell yield under low-acetate conditions than those of the wild-type strain, and the
acuC srtN
strain grew under low-acetate conditions as poorly as the
acsA
strain. Our interpretation of the latter result was that both deacetylases (AcuC and SrtN) are needed to maintain AcsA as active (i.e., deacetylated) so the cell can grow with low concentrations of acetate. Growth of an
acuA acuC srtN
strain on acetate was improved over that of the
acuA
+
acuC srtN
strain, indicating that the AcuA acetyltransferase enzyme modifies (i.e., inactivates) AcsA in vivo, a result consistent with previously reported in vitro evidence that AcsA is a substrate of AcuA.
Polymorphisms in the IGF1 signalling pathway including the myostatin gene are associated with left ventricular mass in male athletes
Authors: Karlowatz Ruth-Jessica , Scharhag Jürgen , Rahnenführer Jörg , Schneider Ulrich , Jakob Ernst , Kindermann Wilfried , Zang Klaus Dieter 
Published: January 2009

BackgroundAthlete's heart as an adaptation to long-time and intensive endurance training can vary considerably between individuals. Genetic polymorphisms in the cardiological relevant insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) signalling pathway seem to have an essential influence on the extent of physiological hypertrophy.ObjectiveAnalysis of polymorphisms in the genes of IGF1, IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) and the negative regulator of the cardiac IGF1 signalling pathway, myostatin (MSTN), and their relation to left ventricular mass (LVM) of endurance athletes.MethodsIn 110 elite endurance athletes or athletes with a high amount of endurance training (75 males and 35 females) and 27 male controls, which were examined by echocardiographic imaging methods and ergometric exercise-testing, the genotypes of a cytosine–adenine repeat polymorphism in the promoter region of the IGF1 gene and a G/A substitution at position 3174 in the IGF1R gene were determined. Additionally, a mutation screen of the MSTN gene was performed.ResultsThe polymorphisms in the IGF1 and the IGF1R gene showed a significant relation to the LVM for male (IGF1: p=0.003; IGF1R: p=0.01), but not for female athletes. The same applies to a previously unnoticed polymorphism in the 1 intron of the MSTN gene, whose deletion allele (AAA→AA) appears to increase the myostatic effect (p=0.015). Moreover, combinations of the polymorphisms showed significant synergistic effects on the LVM of the male athletes.ConclusionsThe authors' results argue for the importance of polymorphisms in the IGF1 signalling pathway in combination with MSTN on the variant degree of physiological hypertrophy of male athletes.
Alterations to cell metabolism in connective tissues of the knee after ovariohysterectomy in a rabbit model: are there implications for the postmenopausal athlete?: Table 1
Authors: Hart D A , Achari Y 
Published: January 2009

BackgroundParticipation in regular exercise and athletic activities across the lifespan is encouraged to maintain the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems and general wellbeing. Before the menopause there is an increased risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in female athletes, whereas there is an increased risk of joint diseases such as knee osteoarthritis after the menopause. Although there are few data regarding alterations in individual connective tissues of the knee in humans either before, during or after the menopause, it is possible to assess changes in experimental models following surgical menopause.ObjectiveTo assess changes in cell metabolism in the medial collateral ligament, ACL, patellar tendon, lateral and medial menisci, tibial plateau and femoral condyle articular cartilage and the synovium after surgical menopause in an experimental model system.MethodsPanels of rabbits were subjected to ovariohysterectomy or sham operations, and RNA from each tissue was assessed for collagen, proteoglycan, proteinase, growth factor, sex hormone receptor and inflammatory mediator messenger RNA levels by reverse transcribed PCR.ResultsUnique alterations in cell metabolism were detected 2 months after surgical menopause and the pattern of significant changes was tissue specific (number of mRNA species altered, extent of changes, elevation/depression of changes).ConclusionsChanges in cell metabolism may alter the set point for the tissues of the knee and subsequently the functioning of the knee after the menopause. Such changes may contribute to an increased risk of injury and/or degenerative conditions. Further studies in pre and postmenopausal women athletes may also shed light on whether the present findings can be extrapolated to human populations.
Echocardiographic deformation imaging reveals preserved regional systolic function in endurance athletes with left ventricular hypertrophy
Authors: Teske A J , Prakken N H , De Boeck B W , Velthuis B K , Doevendans P A , Cramer M J 
Published: January 2009

BackgroundLeft ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is often observed in athletes, which should be differentiated from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The aim of the study was to explore the functional changes measured using tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) deformation analysis in athletes fulfilling LVH criteria participating in different endurance sports.MethodsHealthy controls (n = 62, 58% men) and endurance athletes (n = 120, 62% men) aged 18–40 years were prospectively enrolled and underwent both standard echocardiography as well as TDI. Longitudinal TDI-derived strain and strain rate (SR) were calculated in the septal and posterior wall in three segments. LVH was defined as a left ventricular mass (LVM) over 132 g/m2in men and over 109 g/m2in women.ResultsEchocardiographic LVH was observed in 33 athletes (67% men). LVM was significantly increased in both athlete groups (102.6 g/m2(SD 16.0) and 135.7 g/m2(SD 15.9) vs 88.0 g/m2(SD 16.5) in controls, p<0.001). Diastolic parameters were not significantly different between groups. Athletes with LVH showed no significant difference in strain and SR values in any segment of the septal or posterior wall compared with controls or those without LVH. A weak but significant correlation (also after multivariate analysis) was found for septal wall thickness and LVM in peak systolic strain (r = 0.26, p<0.01 and 0.23, p<0.01) and SR (r = 0.27, p<0.01 and 0.29, p<0.01). Nevertheless, strain and SR values were still within normal limits in all athletes.ConclusionAthletes with LVH overall show normal deformation values in the left ventricle. These data suggest that a moderate reduction in regional septal deformation should not be considered as pathological when evaluating the endurance athlete with echocardiographic LVH of unknown origin.
Daclizumab in treatment of multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Ali EN , Healy BC , Stazzone LA , Brown BA , Weiner HL , Khoury SJ 
Published: January 2009

Background Daclizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody (mAb) that blocks the interleukin-2 receptor alpha subunit (IL-2R-alpha chain; CD25) expressed on activated T cells leading to the inhibition of T-cell expansion, thus strongly reduces brain inflammation in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Another mechanism is significant expansion of CD56 (bright) natural killer (NK) cells that in turn inhibit T-cell survival. Objective At the Partners MS center, we have been using Daclizumab in an open-label fashion in patients who fail first line therapy or non-standard immunosuppressive treatment. Our aim was to assess its safety and tolerability in our patient population.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and ACE2 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Kawajiri M , Mogi M , Higaki N , Matsuoka T , Ohyagi Y , Tsukuda K , Kohara K , Horiuchi M , Miki T , Kira JI 
Published: January 2009

Background We reported a reduction in the levels of angiotensin II in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective and methods To clarify the mechanism underlying this reduction, we assayed angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and ACE2 concentrations along with angiotensin II concentrations in CSF samples from 20 patients with MS and 17 controls with non-neurological diseases. Results ACE levels were significantly elevated in patients with MS compared with controls (48.42 ± 4.84 vs 44.71 ± 3.9 pg/mL), whereas ACE2 levels were significantly reduced (2.56 ± 0.26 vs 2.78 ± 0.24 pg/mL), acting toward a normalization of angiotensin II levels. Conclusion These results further indicate an alteration of the intrathecal renin-angiotensin system in patients with MS.
Complement-dependent T-cell lymphopenia caused by thymocyte deletion of the membrane complement regulator Crry
Authors: Miwa Takashi , Zhou Lin , Kimura Yuko , Kim David , Bhandoola Avinash , Song Wen-Chao 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAlthough complement lysis is frequently used for the purification of lymphocyte subpopulations in vitro, how lymphocytes escape complement attack in vivo has not been clearly delineated. Here, we show that conditional gene targeting of a murine membrane complement regulator Crry on thymocytes led to complement-dependent peripheral T-cell lymphopenia. Notably, despite evidence of hypersensitivity to complement attack, Crry-deficient T cells escaped complement injury and developed normally in the thymus, because of low intrathymic complement activity. Crry-deficient T cells were eliminated in the periphery by a C3- and macrophage-mediated but C5-independent mechanism. Thus, Crry is essential for mature T-cell survival in the periphery but not for lymphogenesis in the thymus. The observation that the thymus is a complement-privileged site may have implications for complement-based antitumor therapies.
Self-renewal and chemotherapy resistance of p75NTR positive cells in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Huang Sheng-Dong , Yuan Yang , Liu Xiao-Hong , Gong De-Jun , Bai Chen-Guang , Wang Feng , Luo Jun-Hui , Xu Zhi-Yun 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Background
p75NTR has been used to isolate esophageal and corneal epithelial stem cells. In the present study, we investigated the expression of p75NTR in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and explored the biological properties of p75NTR+ cells.

Methods
p75NTR expression in ESCC was assessed by immunohistochemistry. p75NTR+ and p75NTR- cells of 4 ESCC cell lines were separated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Differentially expressed genes between p75NTR+ and p75NTR- cells were determined by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. Sphere formation assay, DDP sensitivity assay, 64copper accumulation assay and tumorigenicity analysis were performed to determine the capacity of self-renewal, chemotherapy resistance and tumorigenicity of p75NTR+ cells.

Results
In ESCC specimens, p75NTR was found mainly confined to immature cells and absent in cells undergoing terminal differentiation. The percentage of p75NTR+ cells was 1.6%–3.7% in Eca109 and 3 newly established ESCC cell lines. The expression of Bmi-1, which is associated with self-renewal of stem cells, was significantly higher in p75NTR+ cells. p63, a marker identified in keratinocyte stem cells, was confined mainly to p75NTR+ cells. The expression of CTR1, which is associated with cisplatin (DDP)-resistance, was significantly decreased in p75NTR+ cells. Expression levels of differentiation markers, such as involucrin, cytokeratin 13, β1-integrin and β4-integrin, were lower in p75NTR+ cells. In addition, p75NTR+ cells generated both p75NTR+ and p75NTR- cells, and formed nonadherent spherical clusters in serum-free medium supplemented with growth factors. Furthermore, p75NTR+ cells were found to be more resistant to DDP and exhibited lower 64copper accumulation than p75NTR- cells.

Conclusion
Our results demonstrated that p75NTR+ cells possess some characteristics of CSCs, namely, self-renewal and chemotherapy resistance. Chemotherapy resistance of p75NTR+ cells may probably be attributable to decreased expression of CTR1.
Body aches, tender bones and rapid loss of weight: a case report
Authors: Vijay Hadda , Navil Vikram Kishore , Vaibhav Jain , Chopra Anita , Goel Ashish , Sood Rita 
Published: January 2009

Abstract

Introduction
Bone metastases presenting with pain and body-ache may be the first presentation of carcinoma in about a fourth of patients with cancer. Radiologically majority of the metastases are osteolytic and multiple. Sometimes these may be confused with infective or inflammatory conditions, particularly in young individuals, and degenerative conditions of the spine and hip in elderly, which may delay the diagnosis and treatment leading to poor outcomes.

Case presentation
A 30 year old non-smoking male teetotaller presented with intermittent, high-grade nocturnal fever with night sweats of one year. He also had low back ache over his right hip. We found him febrile, pale and his long bones, ribs and pelvis were tender. He had a 3 × 4 cm tender and hard swelling over the upper part of his sternum. Another firm, non-tender swelling about 4 × 5 cm was seen in the right iliac region. Radiographs of the skull, spine and pelvis revealed multiple variable sized lytic lesions. A metastatic malignancy or disseminated tuberculosis was considered. His anti-tubercular therapy was intensified Fine needle aspiration from sternal lesion showed inflammatory cells. A bone marrow biopsy showed infiltration by tumor cells suggestive of metastatic adenocarcinoma. Patient's condition continued to deteriorate and he died within a fortnight of his hospitalization.

Conclusion
Although masquerading as tuberculosis lytic lesions might be an evidence of malignant metastatic. Although, treatment is ineffective in this stage palliative efforts to improve quality of life should be made.
Concomitant dislocation of the tarsometatarsal and metatarsophalangeal joints of the second toe (floating second metatarsal): a case report
Authors: Mobarake Mahmood Karimi , Saied Alireza , Baron Elisabeth 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
When examining patients with injuries of the tarsometatarsal joint, the physician must pay attention to the foot as a whole.
An extremely rare foot injury has been described in which axial and compressive forces cause simultaneous dislocation of the tarsometatarsal joint and the metatarsophalangeal joint of the same or adjacent ray. The following is a report of one of these rare injuries.
We will also discuss probable mechanism and diagnosis of this rare traumatic injury.
Numerical study and experimental validation of the performance of two different volutes with the same compressor impeller
Authors: Dai Y , Engeda A , Cave M , Di Liberti J-L 
Published: January 2009

Volute scroll, conic diffuser, and sudden expansion discharge losses account for 4–6 points of efficiency decrement in a typical centrifugal compressor stage. The flow in a volute is highly complex. It is strongly believed that an understanding of the detailed flow structure in a volute will provide insights on minimizing the losses by isolating the mechanisms that contribute to entropy generation. The result will be a more efficient centrifugal compressor product for customers. This article presents the experimental and numerical investigation on the matching of two different overhung volutes with the same centrifugal compressor impeller. The experimental data were measured from flange to flange initially, and then three Kiel probes were installed at different circumferential pinch locations. At the same time, a detailed numerical simulation of the performance of the two volutes has been carried out. A computational model, using the k-ε turbulence model and wall function, has been used to predict the internal flows of both volutes. Good agreement between experimental data and numerical simulation results is found, except at high mass flowrate. The overall performance of the two volutes was also compared thoroughly.
A New Mathematics Model and Theory for Heavy-Oil Reservoir Heating by Huff 'n' Puff
Authors: Dou Hong'en , Chang Yuwen , Yu Jun , Wang Xiaolin , Chen Changchun , Ma Yingwei 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
This paper presents a new mathematic model to calculate heated reservoir area based on the heat balance principle in order to determine the well spacing for thermal recovery. The calculation result of the new model was compared with the classical models of J.W Marx and R. H. Langenheim (Petroleum Transactions, AIME Vol. 216, pp. 312-315, 1959), B. T Willman (JPT, July 1961, pp. 681-696), and Farouq. Ali (1970), using data from Liaohe heavy crude oilfield, China. The results showed that the new model is more accordable with oilfield actual condition than the three classical models. Also, this research reveals a new theory on huff ‘n’ puff, which is that the heated radius of the heated region is expanded from the first cycle to the fourth cycle of huff ‘n’ puff; in this case, the heated front was expanded with the increase of cycle. However, subsequent cycles (from fifth cycle to tenth cycle of huff ‘n’ puff) repeat the heating of the previous heated areas, and the expanding heated area of the next cycle is smaller than the last cycle, and the new heating region should hardly be expanded after the 10th cycle. The authors point out the development results of heavy oil, extra heavy oil and super heavy oil deteriorate due to this reason. In addition, the authors emphasize that the traditional huff ‘n’ puff for producing heavy oil, especially for extra-heavy oil and super-heavy oil has to be changed using new technique methods after the fourth cycle. Finally, a suitable well spacing for thermal recovery with huff ‘n’ puff was obtained. The new theory was proved by heavy crude/extra heavy oilfield development.