bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MFS transportome of the human pathogenic yeast Candida albicans
Authors: Gaur Manisha , Puri Nidhi , Manoharlal Raman , Rai Versha , Mukhopadhayay Gauranga , Choudhury Devapriya , Prasad Rajendra 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe major facilitator superfamily (MFS) is one of the two largest superfamilies of membrane transporters present ubiquitously in bacteria, archaea, and eukarya and includes members that function as uniporters, symporters or antiporters. We report here the complete transportome of MFS proteins of a human pathogenic yeastCandida albicans.ResultsComputational analysis ofC. albicansgenome enabled us to identify 95 potential MFS proteins which clustered into 17 families using Saier's Transport Commission (TC) system. Among these SP, DHA1, DHA2 and ACS represented major families consisting of 22, 22, 9 and 16 members, respectively. Family designations inC. albicanswere validated by subjectingSaccharomyces cerevisiaegenome to TC system. Based on the published available genomics/proteomics data, 87 of the putative MFS genes ofC. albicanswere found to express either at mRNA or protein levels. We checked the expression of the remaining 8 genes by using RT-PCR and observed that they are not expressed under basal growth conditions implying that either these 8 genes are expressed under specific growth conditions or they may be candidates for pseudogenes.ConclusionThein silicocharacterisation of MFS transporters inCandida albicansgenome revealed a large complement of MFS transporters with most of them showing expression. Considering the clinical relevance ofC. albicansand role of MFS members in antifungal resistance and nutrient transport, this analysis would pave way for identifying their physiological relevance.
Comparative genomic analysis of carbon and nitrogen assimilation mechanisms in three indigenous bioleaching bacteria: predictions and validations
Authors: Levicán Gloria , Ugalde Juan A , Ehrenfeld Nicole , Maass Alejandro , Parada Pilar 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
Carbon and nitrogen fixation are essential pathways for autotrophic bacteria living in extreme environments. These bacteria can use carbon dioxide directly from the air as their sole carbon source and can use different sources of nitrogen such as ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, or even nitrogen from the air. To have a better understanding of how these processes occur and to determine how we can make them more efficient, a comparative genomic analysis of three bioleaching bacteria isolated from mine sites in Chile was performed. This study demonstrated that there are important differences in the carbon dioxide and nitrogen fixation mechanisms among bioleaching bacteria that coexist in mining environments.

Results
In this study, we probed that both Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans incorporate CO2 via the Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle; however, the former bacterium has two copies of the Rubisco type I gene whereas the latter has only one copy. In contrast, we demonstrated that Leptospirillum ferriphilum utilizes the reductive tricarboxylic acid cycle for carbon fixation. Although all the species analyzed in our study can incorporate ammonia by an ammonia transporter, we demonstrated that Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans could also assimilate nitrate and nitrite but only Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans could fix nitrogen directly from the air.

Conclusion
The current study utilized genomic and molecular evidence to verify carbon and nitrogen fixation mechanisms for three bioleaching bacteria and provided an analysis of the potential regulatory pathways and functional networks that control carbon and nitrogen fixation in these microorganisms.
Structure and regulation of MARK, a kinase involved in abnormal phosphorylation of Tau protein
Authors: Timm Thomas , Marx Alexander , Panneerselvam Saravanan , Mandelkow Eckhard , Mandelkow Eva-Maria 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Protein kinases of the MARK family phosphorylate tau protein in its repeat domain and thereby regulate its affinity for microtubules and affect the aggregation of tau into Alzheimer paired helical filaments. We are searching for low molecular weight compounds to interfere with the activity of MARK and its pathways. Here we summarize structural features of MARK and cellular pathways of regulation.
The feasibility of measuring the activation of the trunk muscles in healthy older adults during trunk stability exercises
Authors: Hanada Edwin Y , Hubley-Kozey Cheryl L , McKeon Melissa D , Gordon Sarah A 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
As the older adult population increases, the potential functional and clinical burden of trunk muscle dysfunction may be significant. An evaluation of risk factors including the impact of the trunk muscles in terms of their temporal firing patterns, amplitudes of activation, and contribution to spinal stability is required. Therefore, the specific purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of measuring the activation of trunk muscles in healthy older adults during specific leg exercises with trunk stabilization.

Methods
12 asymptomatic adults 65 to 75 years of age were included in the study. Participants performed a series of trunk stability exercises, while bilateral activation of abdominal and back extensor muscles was recorded by 24 pairs of Meditrace™ surface electrodes. Maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) were performed for electromyographic (EMG) normalization purposes. EMG waveforms were generated and amplitude measures as a percentage of MVIC were calculated along with ensemble average profiles. 3D kinematics data were also recorded, using an electromagnetic sensor placed at the left lateral iliac crest. Furthermore, a qualitative assessment was conducted to establish the participant's ability to complete all experimental tasks.

Results
Excellent quality abdominal muscle activation data were recorded during the tasks. Participants performed the trunk stability exercises with an unsteady, intermittent motion, but were able to keep pelvic motion to less than 10°. The EMG amplitudes showed that during these exercises, on average, the older adults recruited their abdominal muscles from 15–34% of MVIC and back extensors to less than 10% of MVIC. There were similarities among the abdominal muscle profiles. No participants reported pain during the testing session, although 3 (25%) of the participants reported delayed onset muscle soreness during follow up that was not functionally limiting.

Conclusion
Older adults were able to successfully complete the trunk stability protocol that was developed for younger adults with some minor modifications. The collected EMG amplitudes were higher than those reported in the literature for young healthy adults. The temporal waveforms for the abdominal muscles showed a degree of synchrony among muscles, except for the early activation from the internal oblique prior to lifting the leg off the table.
Benchmarking the quality of breast cancer care in a nationwide voluntary system: the first five-year results (2003–2007) from Germany as a proof of concept
Authors: Brucker Sara Y , Schumacher Claudia , Sohn Christoph , Rezai Mahdi , Bamberg Michael , Wallwiener Diethelm ,   the Steering Committee
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
The main study objectives were: to establish a nationwide voluntary collaborative network of breast centres with independent data analysis; to define suitable quality indicators (QIs) for benchmarking the quality of breast cancer (BC) care; to demonstrate existing differences in BC care quality; and to show that BC care quality improved with benchmarking from 2003 to 2007.

Methods
BC centres participated voluntarily in a scientific benchmarking procedure. A generic XML-based data set was developed and used for data collection. Nine guideline-based quality targets serving as rate-based QIs were initially defined, reviewed annually and modified or expanded accordingly. QI changes over time were analysed descriptively.

Results
During 2003–2007, respective increases in participating breast centres and postoperatively confirmed BCs were from 59 to 220 and from 5,994 to 31,656 (> 60% of new BCs/year in Germany). Starting from 9 process QIs, 12 QIs were developed by 2007 as surrogates for long-term outcome. Results for most QIs increased. From 2003 to 2007, the most notable increases seen were for preoperative histological confirmation of diagnosis (58% (in 2003) to 88% (in 2007)), appropriate endocrine therapy in hormone receptor-positive patients (27 to 93%), appropriate radiotherapy after breast-conserving therapy (20 to 79%) and appropriate radiotherapy after mastectomy (8 to 65%).

Conclusion
Nationwide external benchmarking of BC care is feasible and successful. The benchmarking system described allows both comparisons among participating institutions as well as the tracking of changes in average quality of care over time for the network as a whole. Marked QI increases indicate improved quality of BC care.
Membrane androgen receptor activation triggers down-regulation of PI-3K/Akt/NF-kappaB activity and induces apoptotic responses via Bad, FasL and caspase-3 in DU145 prostate cancer cells
Authors: Papadopoulou Natalia , Charalampopoulos Ioannis , Anagnostopoulou Vasileia , Konstantinidis Georgios , Föller Michael , Gravanis Achilleas , Alevizopoulos Konstantinos , Lang Florian , Stournaras Christos 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Background
Recently we have reported membrane androgen receptors-induced apoptotic regression of prostate cancer cells regulated by Rho/ROCK/actin signaling. In the present study we explored the specificity of these receptors and we analyzed downstream effectors controlling survival and apoptosis in hormone refractory DU145-prostate cancer cells stimulated with membrane androgen receptor-selective agonists.

Results
Using membrane impermeable conjugates of serum albumin covalently linked to testosterone, we show here down-regulation of the activity of pro-survival gene products, namely PI-3K/Akt and NF-κB, in DU145 cells. Testosterone-albumin conjugates further induced FasL expression. A FasL blocking peptide abrogated membrane androgen receptors-dependent apoptosis. In addition, testosterone-albumin conjugates increased caspase-3 and Bad protein activity. The actin cytoskeleton drug cytochalasin B and the ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 inhibited FasL induction and caspase-3 activation, indicating that the newly identified Rho/Rock/actin signaling may regulate the downstream pro-apoptotic effectors in DU145 cells. Finally, other steroids or steroid-albumin conjugates did not interfere with these receptors indicating testosterone specificity.

Conclusion
Collectively, our results provide novel mechanistic insights pointing to specific pro-apoptotic molecules controlling membrane androgen receptors-induced apoptotic regression of prostate cancer cells and corroborate previously published observations on the potential use of membrane androgen receptor-agonists as novel anti-tumor agents in prostate cancer.
Avascular necrosis of humeral head in an elderly patient with tuberculosis: a case report
Authors: Agarwal Renu , Gupta Ruchika , Singh Sompal , Gupta Kusum , Kudesia Madhur 
Published: December 2008

Abstract

Introduction
Osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis) is known to be caused by high-dose corticosteroid therapy, alcoholism and rarely by infections. However, a tubercular etiology of this condition is very rare. A review of the literature yielded only a few cases of polyarticular tuberculosis with osteonecrosis in immunosuppressed individuals. No case of monoarticular tubercular osteonecrosis diagnosed by aspiration cytology was found. Since tuberculosis is a curable disease, an early and accurate diagnosis is essential.

Case presentation
A 60-year-old Indian man presented with diffuse swelling and pain in the left shoulder for the previous 6 months. A computed tomography scan of the left shoulder revealed crescentic lucency in the humeral head, suggestive of osteonecrosis. Fine needle aspiration cytology smears from the swelling showed features of an acute suppurative lesion. Stain for acid-fast bacillus was positive and thus, a final clinico-pathological diagnosis of osteonecrosis of humeral head with tubercular etiology was rendered. The patient was initiated on anti-tuberculous therapy with symptomatic improvement in his condition.

Conclusion
Osteonecrosis, a debilitating disease, may rarely occur due to tuberculosis, especially in endemic areas. Fine needle aspiration cytology is an effective and inexpensive modality for an early diagnosis of the tubercular etiology of osteonecrosis.
Circadian and dark-pulse activation of orexin/hypocretin neurons
Authors: Marston Oliver J , Williams Rhîannan H , Canal Maria M , Samuels Rayna E , Upton Neil , Piggins Hugh D 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Temporal control of brain and behavioral states emerges as a consequence of the interaction between circadian and homeostatic neural circuits. This interaction permits the daily rhythm of sleep and wake, regulated in parallel by circadian cues originating from the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) and arousal-promoting signals arising from the orexin-containing neurons in the tuberal hypothalamus (TH). Intriguingly, the SCN circadian clock can be reset by arousal-promoting stimuli while activation of orexin/hypocretin neurons is believed to be under circadian control, suggesting the existence of a reciprocal relationship. Unfortunately, since orexin neurons are themselves activated by locomotor promoting cues, it is unclear how these two systems interact to regulate behavioral rhythms. Here mice were placed in conditions of constant light, which suppressed locomotor activity, but also revealed a highly pronounced circadian pattern in orexin neuronal activation. Significantly, activation of orexin neurons in the medial and lateral TH occurred prior to the onset of sustained wheel-running activity. Moreover, exposure to a 6 h dark pulse during the subjective day, a stimulus that promotes arousal and phase advances behavioral rhythms, activated neurons in the medial and lateral TH including those containing orexin. Concurrently, this stimulus suppressed SCN activity while activating cells in the median raphe. In contrast, dark pulse exposure during the subjective night did not reset SCN-controlled behavioral rhythms and caused a transient suppression of neuronal activation in the TH. Collectively these results demonstrate, for the first time, pronounced circadian control of orexin neuron activation and implicate recruitment of orexin cells in dark pulse resetting of the SCN circadian clock.
Frequent PTEN genomic alterations and activated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway in basal-like breast cancer cells
Authors: Marty Bérengère , Maire Virginie , Gravier Eléonore , Rigaill Guillem , Vincent-Salomon Anne , Kappler Marion , Lebigot Ingrid , Djelti Fathia , Tourdès Audrey , Gestraud Pierre , Hupé Philippe , Barillot Emmanuel , Cruzalegui Francisco , Tucker Gordon C , Stern Marc-Henri , Thiery Jean-Paul , Hickman John A , Dubois Thierry 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Basal-like carcinomas (BLCs) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 overexpressing (HER2+) carcinomas are the subgroups of breast cancers that have the most aggressive clinical behaviour. In contrast to HER2+ carcinomas, no targeted therapy is currently available for the treatment of patients with BLCs. In order to discover potential therapeutic targets, we aimed to discover deregulated signalling pathways in human BLCs.

Methods
In this study, we focused on the oncogenic phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway in 13 BLCs, and compared it with a control series of 11 hormonal receptor negative- and grade III-matched HER2+ carcinomas. The two tumour populations were first characterised by immunohistochemistry and gene expression. The PI3K pathway was then investigated by gene copy-number analysis, gene expression profiling and at a proteomic level using reverse-phase protein array technology and tissue microarray. The effects of the PI3K inhibition pathway on proliferation and apoptosis was further analysed in three human basal-like cell lines.

Results
The PI3K pathway was found to be activated in BLCs and up-regulated compared with HER2+ tumours as shown by a significantly increased activation of the downstream targets Akt and mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin). BLCs expressed significantly lower levels of the tumour suppressor PTEN and PTEN levels were significantly negatively correlated with Akt activity within that population. PTEN protein expression correlated significantly with PTEN DNA copy number and more importantly, reduced PTEN DNA copy numbers were observed specifically in BLCs. Similar to human samples, basal-like cell lines exhibited an activation of PI3K/Akt pathway and low/lack PTEN expression. Both PI3K and mTOR inhibitors led to basal-like cell growth arrest. However, apoptosis was specifically observed after PI3K inhibition.

Conclusions
These data provide insight into the molecular pathogenesis of BLCs and implicate the PTEN-dependent activated Akt signalling pathway as a potential therapeutic target for the management of patients with poor prognosis BLCs.
Adeno-Associated Virus–Mediated Human C-Reactive Protein Gene Delivery Causes Endothelial Dysfunction and Hypertension in Rats
Authors: Guan Hongjing , Wang Peihua , Hui Rutai , Edin Matthew L , Zeldin Darryl C , Wang Dao Wen 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Background: Prospective studies have shown that C-reactive protein (CRP) is a predictor of hypertension. Because of confounding variables, a causal linkage between CRP and hypertension has not been clearly shown. We investigated whether high circulating concentrations of human CRP can induce hypertension in rats.
Methods: We administered a single intravenous injection of adeno-associated virus–green fluorescent protein (AAV-GFP) or AAV-hCRP and measured blood pressure. Using ELISA, we measured serum hCRP, serum endothelin 1 (ET-1), and urine cGMP, and we measured serum nitric oxide (NO) using the Griess method. We recorded heart rate, maximum pressure, arterial elastance, mean aortic pressure, cardiac output, and maximum rate of rise in left ventricular pressure (dP/dt max).
Results: A single injection of AAV-hCRP resulted in efficient and sustained hCRP expression and led to increased blood pressure 2 months after gene transfer that persisted for another 2 months. This effect was associated with decreased NO production, as demonstrated by decreased serum NO concentration and urinary cGMP excretion, and impairment of endothelial-dependent vascular relaxation. CRP transduction also increased expression of angiotensin type 1 receptor, ET-1, and endothelin type A receptor, decreased expression of angiotensin type 2 receptor and endothelial NO synthase in thoracic aortas, and increased arterial stiffness. Ex vivo studies indicated a similar detrimental effect of CRP that was reversed by the NO donor.
Conclusion: AAV vector–mediated CRP expression resulted in hypertension mediated through reduced NO production and subsequent alteration in ET-1 and renin-angiotensin system activation. Impaired arterial elasticity may also contribute to CRP-induced hypertension. These results support a causal role for CRP in the pathogenesis of hypertension.
Micromechanics of creep and relaxation of wood. A review COST Action E35 2004–2008: Wood machining – micromechanics and fracture
Authors: Navi Parviz , Stanzl-Tschegg Stefanie 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
Wood, like all polymeric materials, shows viscoelastic behaviour. The time dependent behaviour of wood depends on material anisotropy, temperature, moisture and stresses. To predict the behaviour of wood, numerous mathematical models have been developed largely relying on experimental results. In this paper, time dependent viscoelastic behaviour of wood is reviewed under constant and cyclic climatic conditions, separately. More emphasis is given on results obtained in recent years on the behaviour of thin wood tissues, single fibres, thermo-viscoelasticity of wood, influence of hemicelluloses and the modelling of the effect of transient moisture at the molecular level on the mechanical response.
Pesticide Formulations and Application Systems: International Aspects 9th Volume
Authors: Hazen JL , Hovde DA 
Published: December 2008

Description
24 papers in 5 categories:
• International Aspects
• Formulation Efficacy
• Formulation Testing
• Application Systems: Devices
• Application Systems: Deposition Studies.
A useful reference for those involved in the formulation, manufacture, application and registration of agricultural chemicals.
Flammability and Sensitivity of Materials in Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres: Fourth Volume
Authors: Stoltzfus J , Stradling J , Benz F 
Published: December 2008

Description
STP 1040 presents 22 peer reviewed papers on the special hazards associated with the use of oxygen. It is the only reference containing recent literature on flammability and compatibility of materials in oxygen, design of oxygen components and systems, test method development and evaluation.
Accreditation Practices for Inspections, Tests, and Laboratories
Authors: Schock HE 
Published: December 2008

Description
Introduces you to laboratory accreditation and its use in national and international trade. Lists many ASTM standards, international guides, and other publications relating to laboratory accreditation, the assessment of laboratories, quality systems, and associated test methods. 13 papers in 4 sections:
• General Concerns for Laboratory Accreditation
• Laboratory Accreditation Programs, and Techniques
• Related Contributions to Laboratory Accreditations
• and Laboratory Accreditation in International Commerce
Corrosion of Steel in Portland Cement Concrete: Fundamental Studies
Authors: Locke CE 
Published: December 2008

Corrosion of steel in portland cement concrete occurs when the outside influences change the composition of the pore solution. This paper provides an overview of the information available from the literature and work done in the University of Oklahoma laboratories on this corrosion problem so important to the transportation system in the United States.
Steel is passive in the high pH environment present in portland cement pore solution. Until recently, this pore solution was thought to be saturated calcium hydroxide, but now some work has shown it is more like potassium and sodium hydroxides. The work using presses to express pore solutions with subsequent analysis is described.
Chloride ions can penetrate the passive film, cause the steel potential to shift, and result in corrosion. The nature of the chloride ion affects the severity of the corrosion problem. Chloride ion, which diffuses into hardened concrete will initiate corrosion at a smaller amount than that required to initiate corrosion with chloride ion mixed in the concrete. In addition the cation will affect the amount of chloride required for corrosion problems. Calcium chloride seems to be more aggressive than sodium chloride. These results will be compared to pore solution analyses, which indicate the chloride binding capacity of the portland cement changes with the type chloride ion also.
Some data on the effect of portland cement analysis on the corrosion behavior will also be given.
This paper shows that the pore solution composition can be used to explain the corrosion behavior of steel in concrete. Better understanding of these facts can lead to development of better corrosion control measures for this very costly problem.