bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cutaneous Sensory Neurons Expressing the Mrgprd Receptor Sense Extracellular ATP and Are Putative Nociceptors
Authors: Dussor G. , Zylka M. J. , Anderson D. J. , McCleskey E. W.
Published: January 2008

Sensory neurons expressing the Mrgprd receptor are known to innervate the outermost living layer of the epidermis, the stratum granulosum. The sensory modality that these neurons signal and the stimulus that they respond to are not established, although immunocytochemical data suggest they could be nonpeptidergic nociceptors. Using patch clamp of dissociated mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, the present study demonstrates that Mrgprd+ neurons have several properties typical of nociceptors: long-duration action potentials, TTX-resistant Na+ current, and Ca2+ currents that are inhibited by mu opioids. Remarkably, Mrgprd+ neurons respond almost exclusively to extracellular ATP with currents similar to homomeric P2X3 receptors. They show little or no sensitivity to other putative nociceptive agonists, including capsaicin, cinnamaldehyde, menthol, pH 6.0, or glutamate. These properties, together with selective innervation of the stratum granulosum, indicate that Mrgprd+ neurons are nociceptors in the outer epidermis and may respond indirectly to external stimuli by detecting ATP release in the skin.
Prevalence and Clinical Significance of Anticardiolipin, Anti-β2-Glycoprotein-1, and Anti-Heat Shock Protein-70 Autoantibodies in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Authors: Gross Menachem , Eliashar Ron , Ben-Yaakov Avraham , Ulmansky Rina , Elidan Josef
Published: February 2008

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is frequently classified as ‘idiopathic’ since the causative factor responsible for its onset is not identified in most cases. In the present study, we determined whether SSNHL is clinically associated with serum anti-heat shock protein-70 (anti-HSP70) and antiphospholipids (anti-PLs) autoantibodies and whether these autoantibodies have an impact on the prognosis of SSNHL. Sera from 63 patients with SSNHL were screened prospectively for the presence of anti-HSP70 and anti-PLs autoantibodies by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test. Anti-PLs antibodies in this study consisted of anticardiolipin, and anti-β2-glycoprotein-1 antibodies. Serum was assayed for anti-HSP70 IgG antibodies using recombinant human HSP70. Demographic, clinical, and audiometric variables were analyzed to find the possible role of serum autoantibodies in SSNHL patients. Sixteen patients (25.4%) had demonstrable anti-HSP70 antibodies in serum. Twenty-one patients (33.3%) showed a positive result for at least one isotype (IgM or IgG) of anti-PLs. In 19% of the patients, anti-HSP70 and anti-PLs antibodies were positive in two combinations. A statistically significant association was found between anti-HSP70 antibodies and the Siegel recovery grade subgroup. SSNHL patients who were positive for anti-HSP70 antibodies showed a significantly higher rate of complete recovery and incomplete but partial recovery than SSNHL patients without anti-HSP70 antibodies (p = 0.0496). Statistically significant association was found between total anticardiolipin, total anti-β2-glycoprotein-1, total anti-PLs, and anti-PLs in combination with anti-HSP70 antibodies and age (p = 0.0229). The detection of autoantibodies to HSP70 and PLs offers a pliable explanation for the immune-mediated mechanism of SSNHL. The present study confirms and supports previous studies regarding the association between anti-HSP70 and anti-PLs antibodies with SSNHL, and is the first to identify a positive association between anti-HSP70 antibodies and a positive outcome of SSNHL. Further studies are necessary in order to identify and further clarify the immunologic role of the presence of autoantibodies and their impact on the prognosis of SSNHL.
The Sulfonylurea Receptor, an Atypical ATP-Binding Cassette Protein, and Its Regulation of the K
ATP
Channel
Authors: Burke Michael A. , Mutharasan R. Kannan , Ardehali Hossein
Published: January 2008

ATP-binding cassette (ABC) proteins are highly conserved and widely expressed throughout nature and found in all organisms, both prokaryotic and eukaryotic. They mediate myriad critical cellular processes, from nutrient import to toxin efflux using the energy derived from ATP hydrolysis. Most ABC proteins mediate transport of substances across lipid membranes. However, there are atypical ABC proteins that mediate other processes. These include, but are not limited to, DNA repair (bacterial MutS), ion transport (cystic fibrosis transmembrane receptor), and mRNA trafficking (yeast Elf1p). The sulfonylurea receptor (SUR) is another atypical ABC protein that regulates activity of the potassium ATP channel (K
ATP
). K
ATP
is widely expressed in nearly all tissues of higher organisms and couples cellular energy status to membrane potential. K
ATP
is particularly important in the regulation of insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells and in regulating action potential duration in muscle cells. SUR is indispensable for normal channel function, and mutations in genes encoding SURs increase the susceptibility to diabetes, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. Here, we review the structure and function of ABC proteins and discuss SUR, its regulation of the K
ATP
channel, and its role in cardiovascular disease.
Numerical Simulations of the Formation of Melting-Layer Cloud
Authors: Yasunaga Kazuaki , Hashimoto Akihiro , Yoshizaki Masanori
Published: January 2008

A number of previously published observational studies have reported the common occurrence of cloudy layers at around 5-km elevation in the tropics. There are two candidate processes that are able to explain the occurrence of cloudy layers in the middle level: cloud detrainment promoted by the stable layer and enhanced condensation to compensate for melting cooling. In the present study, the authors used a cloud-resolving nonhydrostatic model and conducted numerical simulations of a squall line to clarify the process responsible for the formation of midlevel thin cloud, especially the cloud at the 0°C level.

In a two-dimensional control experiment thin cloud was simulated in the middle level, and cloud coverage showed a notable peak just below the 0°C level for environments without a stable layer in the initial temperature profile. Enhanced and weakened stability layers simultaneously appeared above and below the peak level of the cloud coverage. The formation of midlevel thin cloud is associated with intensified condensation to compensate for strong cooling due to the melting of ice particles. The enhancement of condensation continues until ice is no longer provided to the cloud at the melting level. This means that the cloud survives for a longer period than cloud at other levels.

To investigate the influence of the commonly observed tropical stable layer on the occurrence of midlevel thin cloud, the authors performed three sensitivity tests in which a warm rain microphysics scheme was employed and/or the initial temperature profile had enhanced and weakened stability layers in the middle level. Comparisons among the control and sensitivity experiments revealed that intensified condensation related to melting cooling plays a critical role in the formation of midlevel thin cloud, although the stable layer is associated with the inhibition of convection growth in the middle level. A three-dimensional experiment under more realistic conditions simulated cloud formation at the 0°C level, although the peak of the cloud coverage was less prominent than those in the two-dimensional experiments.
Anvil Characteristics as Seen by C-POL during the Tropical Warm Pool International Cloud Experiment (TWP-ICE)
Authors: Frederick Kaycee , Schumacher Courtney
Published: January 2008

The Tropical Pacific Warm Pool International Cloud Experiment (TWP-ICE) took place in Darwin, Australia, in early 2006. C-band radar data were used to characterize tropical anvil (i.e., thick, nonprecipitating cloud associated with deep convection) areal coverage, height, and thickness during the monthlong field campaign. The morphology, evolution, and longevity of the anvil were analyzed, as was the relationship of the anvil to the rest of the precipitating system.

The anvil was separated into mixed (i.e., echo base below 6 km) and ice-only categories. The average areal coverage for each anvil type was between 4% and 5% of the radar grid. Ice anvil thickness averaged 2.8 km and mixed anvil thickness averaged 6.7 km. Areal peaks show that mixed anvil typically formed out of the stratiform rain region. Peak production in ice anvil usually followed the mixed anvil peak by 1–3 h. Anvil typically lasted 4–10 h after the initial convective rain area peak. TWP-ICE experienced three distinct regimes: an active monsoon, a dry monsoon, and a break period. During the experiment (except the active monsoon period) there was a strong negative correlation between ice anvil thickness and ice anvil height, a strong positive correlation between ice anvil area and thickness, and a greater variance in ice anvil bottom than ice anvil top. These results have important implications for understanding how anvil affects the tropical atmosphere.
Dynamic Forcing and Mesoscale Variability of Heavy Precipitation Events over the Sierra Nevada Mountains
Authors: Reeves Heather Dawn , Lin Yuh-Lang , Rotunno Richard
Published: January 2008

The aim of this research is to investigate the causes for an isolated maximum in precipitation that is typically found along the northern half of the Sierra Nevada mountains of California, in the vicinity of Plumas National Forest (PNF), during moderate to heavy precipitation events. Particular attention was paid to the role various mesoscale (i.e., <200 km) terrain features may have played in localizing the precipitation at PNF. Numerical simulations and sensitivity experiments for two cases of heavy precipitation at PNF reveal that the extent to which terrain acts to focus precipitation is case sensitive. In the first case, the upstream flow was characterized by a strong horizontal gradient in wind speed and moisture. This gradient led to differential deflection of airstreams incident to the range and, consequently, localized convergence and enhanced rain rates at PNF. This localized enhancement occurred regardless of whether any terrain variations were present in the simulations or not. The second case was characterized by more a horizontally uniform upstream flow and showed a much stronger sensitivity to terrain variations, in particular, short- and long-wavelength undulations along the leading (west) edge of the Sierra Nevada range. When these undulations were removed, no localized maxima in precipitation occurred.
Relationships between Sea Surface Temperatures in the Gulf of California and Surge Events
Authors: Mo Kingtse , Higgins R. W.
Published: January 2008

Relationships between sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the Gulf of California (GoC) and moisture surge events during the North American Monsoon Experiment (NAME) were examined using the multiplatform-merged daily SST data and the final NCEP North American Regional Reanalysis.

When tropical storms pass through the southern end of the gulf, they often trigger moisture surge events. When surge events pass through the gulf, SSTs in the GoC decrease. Evidence indicates that changes in SSTs in the GoC are caused by the surge events associated with tropical storms.

The intensification of surface winds and changes in humidity and temperature near the surface associated with surge events increase evaporation and decrease the latent heat entering the gulf. Rainfall originating from the peaks and foothills of the Sierra Madre Occidental (SMO) propagates westward into the GoC. Cloudiness increases over the GoC during the surge events, preventing shortwave radiation from reaching the oceanic surface. The net radiation entering the ocean reduces, and less heat into the ocean leads to the cooling of SSTs in the gulf.
Representing Uncertainty in Continental-Scale Gridded Precipitation Fields for Agrometeorological Modeling
Authors: de Wit A. J. W. , de Bruin S. , Torfs P. J. J. F.
Published: January 2008

This work proposes a relatively simple methodology for creating ensembles of precipitation inputs that are consistent with the spatial and temporal scale necessary for regional crop modeling. A high-quality reference precipitation dataset [the European Land Data Assimilation System (ELDAS)] was used as a basis to define the uncertainty in an operational precipitation database [the Crop Growth Monitoring System (CGMS)]. The distributions of precipitation residuals (CGMS − ELDAS) were determined for classes of CGMS precipitation and transformed to a Gaussian distribution using normal score transformations. In cases of zero CGMS precipitation, the occurrence of rainfall was controlled by an indicator variable. The resulting normal-score-transformed precipitation residuals appeared to be approximately multivariate Gaussian and exhibited strong spatial correlation; however, temporal correlation was very weak. An ensemble of 100 precipitation realizations was created based on back-transformed spatially correlated Gaussian residuals and indicator realizations. Quantile–quantile plots of 100 realizations against the ELDAS reference data for selected sites revealed similar distributions (except for the 100th percentile, owing to some large residuals in the realizations). The semivariograms of realizations for sampled days showed considerable variability in the overall variance; the range of the spatial correlation was similar to that of the ELDAS reference dataset. The intermittency characteristics of wet and dry periods were reproduced well for most of the selected sites, but the method failed to reproduce the dry period statistics in semiarid areas (e.g., southern Spain). Finally, a case study demonstrates how rainfall ensembles can be used in operational crop modeling and crop yield forecasting.
Joint Variability of Global Runoff and Global Sea Surface Temperatures
Authors: McCabe Gregory J. , Wolock David M.
Published: January 2008

Global land surface runoff and sea surface temperatures (SST) are analyzed to identify the primary modes of variability of these hydroclimatic data for the period 1905–2002. A monthly water-balance model first is used with global monthly temperature and precipitation data to compute time series of annual gridded runoff for the analysis period. The annual runoff time series data are combined with gridded annual sea surface temperature data, and the combined dataset is subjected to a principal components analysis (PCA) to identify the primary modes of variability. The first three components from the PCA explain 29% of the total variability in the combined runoff/SST dataset. The first component explains 15% of the total variance and primarily represents long-term trends in the data. The long-term trends in SSTs are evident as warming in all of the oceans. The associated long-term trends in runoff suggest increasing flows for parts of North America, South America, Eurasia, and Australia; decreasing runoff is most notable in western Africa. The second principal component explains 9% of the total variance and reflects variability of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and its associated influence on global annual runoff patterns. The third component explains 5% of the total variance and indicates a response of global annual runoff to variability in North Atlantic SSTs. The association between runoff and North Atlantic SSTs may explain an apparent steplike change in runoff that occurred around 1970 for a number of continental regions.
A Study of the Characteristics and Assimilation of Retrieved MODIS Total Precipitable Water Data in Severe Weather Simulations
Authors: Chen Shu-Hua , Zhao Zhan , Haase Jennifer S. , Chen Aidong , Vandenberghe Francois
Published: January 2008

This study determined the accuracy and biases associated with retrieved Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) total precipitable water (TPW) data, and it investigated the impact of these data on severe weather simulations using the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model. Comparisons of MODIS TPW with the global positioning system (GPS) TPW and radiosonde-derived TPW were carried out. The comparison with GPS TPW over the United States showed that the root-mean-square (RMS) differences between these two datasets were about 5.2 and 3.3 mm for infrared (IR) and near-infrared (nIR) TPW, respectively. MODIS IR TPW data were overestimated in a dry atmosphere but underestimated in a moist atmosphere, whereas the nIR values were slightly underestimated in a dry atmosphere but overestimated in a moist atmosphere.

Two cases, a severe thunderstorm system (2004) over land and Hurricane Isidore (2002) over ocean, as well as conventional observations and Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) retrievals were used to assess the impact of MODIS nIR TPW data on severe weather simulations. The assimilation of MODIS data has a slightly positive impact on the simulated rainfall over Oklahoma for the thunderstorm case, and it was able to enhance Isidore’s intensity when the storm track was reasonably simulated. The use of original and bias-corrected MODIS nIR TPW did not show significant differences from both case studies. In addition, SSM/I data were found to have a positive impact on both severe weather simulations, and the impact was comparable to or slightly better than that of MODIS data.
Examining the Influence of Teacher Behavior and Classroom Context on the Behavioral and Academic Outcomes for Students With Emotional or Behavioral Disorders
Authors: Sutherland Kevin S. , Lewis-Palmer Teri , Stichter Janine , Morgan Paul L.
Published: January 2008

Many students with emotional or behavioral disorders (EBD) display both learning and behavioral problems that make it difficult for teachers to provide effective instruction. In turn, a lack of exposure to effective instruction contributes to poor academic and behavioral outcomes. In this article, the authors argue that the interaction between the learning and behavior problems of students with EBD is complex and likely characterized by multiple influences, including classroom contextual factors. The authors detail (a) ways that teacher instructional behaviors and classroom contexts may contribute to the relationship between learning and behavior problems of students with EBD and (b) assessment procedures helpful for measuring classroom contextual variables. Implications for future research are discussed, including using data gleaned from applied research to inform future randomized clinical trials examining classroom-based interventions for students with EBD.
Empowering Processes and Outcomes of Participation in Online Support Groups for Patients With Breast Cancer, Arthritis, or Fibromyalgia
Authors: van Uden-Kraan Cornelia F. , Drossaert Constance H. C. , Taal Erik , Shaw Bret R. , Seydel Erwin R. , van de Laar Mart A. F. J.
Published: January 2008

Ever since the rise of online support groups it has been presumed that there is an empowering effect from patients' participating in these groups, despite a lack of evidence to back up this assumption. In this study we explored if, and in which ways, patients feel empowered by participation. Additionally, we studied which empowering and disempowering processes occur as a result of taking part in these groups. To accomplish this aim, we interviewed 32 participants of online support groups. This analysis revealed the following empowering processes: exchanging information, encountering emotional support, finding recognition, sharing experiences, helping others, and amusement. Disempowering processes were mentioned far less often. Empowering outcomes mentioned were being better informed; feeling confident in the relationship with their physician, their treatment, and their social environment; improved acceptance of the disease; increased optimism and control; enhanced self-esteem and social well-being; and collective action. This article demonstrates that participation in online support groups can make a valuable contribution to the emergence of empowered patients.
Medical Management of Spontaneous Celiac Artery Dissection: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Poylin Vitaliy , Hile Chantel , Campbell David
Published: January 2008

Spontaneous visceral artery dissections are a rare occurrence. Here we report a case of spontaneous celiac artery dissection that was treated without surgery.
Lyn regulates BCR-ABL and Gab2 tyrosine phosphorylation and c-Cbl protein stability in imatinib-resistant chronic myelogenous leukemia cells
Authors: Wu Ji , Meng Feng , Lu Henry , Kong Ling , Bornmann William , Peng Zhenghong , Talpaz Moshe , Donato Nicholas J.
Published: January 2008

Lyn kinase functions as a regulator of imatinib sensitivity in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) cells through an unknown mechanism. In patients who fail imatinib therapy but have no detectable BCR-ABL kinase mutation, we detected persistently activated Lyn kinase. In imatinib-resistant CML cells and patients, Lyn activation is BCR-ABL independent, it is complexed with the Gab2 and c-Cbl adapter/scaffold proteins, and it mediates persistent Gab2 and BCR-ABL tyrosine phosphorylation in the presence or absence of imatinib. Lyn silencing or inhibition is necessary to suppress Gab2 and BCR-ABL phosphorylation and to recover imatinib activity. Lyn also negatively regulates c-Cbl stability, whereas c-Cbl tyrosine phosphorylation is mediated by BCR-ABL. These results suggest that Lyn exists as a component of the BCR-ABL signaling complex and, in cells with high Lyn expression or activation, BCR-ABL kinase inhibition alone (imatinib) is not sufficient to fully disengage BCR-ABL–mediated signaling and suggests that BCR-ABL and Lyn kinase inhibition are needed to prevent or treat this form of imatinib resistance.
Rank-based edge reconstruction for scale-free genetic regulatory networks
Authors: Chen Guanrao , Larsen Peter , Almasri Eyad , Dai Yang
Published: January 2008

Background

The reconstruction of genetic regulatory networks from microarray gene expression data has been a challenging task in bioinformatics. Various approaches to this problem have been proposed, however, they do not take into account the topological characteristics of the targeted networks while reconstructing them.

Results

In this study, an algorithm that explores the scale-free topology of networks was proposed based on the modification of a rank-based algorithm for network reconstruction. The new algorithm was evaluated with the use of both simulated and microarray gene expression data. The results demonstrated that the proposed algorithm outperforms the original rank-based algorithm. In addition, in comparison with the Bayesian Network approach, the results show that the proposed algorithm gives much better recovery of the underlying network when sample size is much smaller relative to the number of genes.

Conclusion

The proposed algorithm is expected to be useful in the reconstruction of biological networks whose degree distributions follow the scale-free topology.
Bioinformatic identification of FGF, p38-MAPK, and calcium signalling pathways associated with carcinoma in situin the urinary bladder
Authors: Herbsleb Malene , Christensen Ole F , Thykjaer Thomas , Wiuf Carsten , Borre Michael , Ørntoft Torben F , Dyrskjøt Lars
Published: January 2008

Background

Carcinoma in situ (CIS) is believed to be a precursor of invasive bladder cancer. Identification of CIS is a valuable prognostic factor since radical treatment strategies can be offered these patients before the disease becomes invasive.

Methods

We developed a pathway based classifier approach to predict presence or absence of CIS in patients suffering from non muscle invasive bladder cancer. From Ingenuity Pathway Analysis we considered four canonical signalling pathways (p38 MAPK, FGF, Calcium, and cAMP pathways) with most coherent expression of transcription factors (TFs) across samples in a set of twenty-eight non muscle invasive bladder carcinomas. These pathways contained twelve TFs in total. We used the expression of the TFs to predict presence or absence of CIS in a Leave-One-Out Cross Validation classification.

Results

We showed that TF expression levels in three pathways (FGF, p38 MAPK, and calcium signalling) or the expression of the twelve TFs together could be used to predict presence or absence of concomitant CIS. A cluster analysis based on expression of the twelve TFs separated the samples in two main clusters: one branch contained 11 of the 15 patients without concomitant CIS and with the majority of the genes being down regulated; the other branch contained 10 of 13 patients with concomitant CIS, and here genes were mostly up regulated. The expression in the CIS group was comparable to the expression of twenty-three patients suffering from muscle-invasive bladder carcinoma. Finally, we validated our results in an independent test set and found that prediction of CIS status was possible using TF expression of the p38 MAPK pathway.

Conclusion

We conclude that it is possible to use pathway analysis for molecular classification of bladder tumors.
Postpyloric enteral nutrition in the critically ill child with shock: a prospective observational study
Authors: López-Herce Jesús , Mencía Santiago , Sánchez Císar , Santiago Maria J , Bustinza Amaya , Vigil Dolores
Published: January 2008

Background

Tolerance to enteral nutrition in the critically ill child with shock has not been studied. The purpose of the study was to analyze the characteristics of enteral nutrition and its tolerance in the critically ill child with shock and to compare this with non-shocked patients.

Methods

A prospective, observational study was performed including critically ill children with shock who received postpyloric enteral nutrition (PEN). The type of nutrition used, its duration, tolerance, and gastrointestinal complications were assessed. The 65 children with shock who received PEN were compared with 461 non-shocked critically ill children who received PEN.

Results

Sixty-five critically ill children with shock, aged between 21 days and 22 years, received PEN. 75.4% of patients with shock received PEN exclusively. The mean duration of the PEN was 25.2 days and the maximum calorie intake was 79.4 kcal/kg/day. Twenty patients with shock (30.7%) presented gastrointestinal complications, 10 (15.4%) abdominal distension and/or excessive gastric residue, 13 (20%) diarrhoea, 1 necrotising enterocolitis, and 1 duodenal perforation due to the postpyloric tube. The frequency of gastrointestinal complications was significantly higher than in the other 461 critically ill children (9.1%). PEN was suspended due to gastrointestinal complications in 6 patients with shock (9.2%). There were 18 deaths among the patients with shock and PEN (27.7%). In only one patient was the death related to complications of the nutrition.

Conclusion

Although most critically ill children with shock can tolerate postpyloric enteral nutrition, the incidence of gastrointestinal complications is higher in this group of patients than in other critically ill children.
Higher polymerase activity of a human influenza virus enhances activation of the hemagglutinin-induced Raf/MEK/ERK signal cascade
Authors: Marjuki Henju , Yen Hui-Ling , Franks John , Webster Robert G , Pleschka Stephan , Hoffmann Erich
Published: January 2008

Influenza viruses replicate within the nucleus of infected cells. Viral genomic RNA, three polymerase subunits (PB2, PB1, and PA), and the nucleoprotein (NP) form ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs) that are exported from the nucleus late during the infectious cycle. The virus-induced Raf/MEK/ERK (MAPK) signal cascade is crucial for efficient virus replication. Blockade of this pathway retards RNP export and reduces virus titers. Hemagglutinin (HA) accumulation and its tight association with lipid rafts activate ERK and enhance localization of cytoplasmic RNPs. We studied the induction of MAPK signal cascade by two seasonal human influenza A viruses A/HK/218449/06 (H3N2) and A/HK/218847/06 (H1N1) that differed substantially in their replication efficiency in tissue culture. Infection with H3N2 virus, which replicates efficiently, resulted in higher HA expression and its accumulation on the cell membrane, leading to substantially increased activation of MAPK signaling compared to that caused by H1N1 subtype. More H3N2-HAs were expressed and accumulated on the cell membrane than did H1N1-HAs. Viral polymerase genes, particularly H3N2-PB1 and H3N2-PB2, were observed to contribute to increased viral polymerase activity. Applying plasmid-based reverse genetics to analyze the role of PB1 protein in activating HA-induced MAPK cascade showed that recombinant H1N1 virus possessing the H3N2-PB1 (rgH1N1/H3N2-PB1) induced greater ERK activation, resulting in increased nuclear export of the viral genome and higr virus titers. We conclude that enhanced viral polymerase activity promotes the replication and transcription of viral RNA leading to increased accumulation of HA on the cell surface and thereby resulting in an upregulation of the MAPK cascade and more efficient nuclear RNP-export as well as virus production.
Mechanisms of intron gain and loss in Cryptococcus
Authors: Sharpton Thomas J , Neafsey Daniel E , Galagan James E , Taylor John W
Published: January 2008

Background

Genome comparisons across deep phylogenetic divergences have revealed that spliceosomal intron gain and loss are common evolutionary events. However, because of the deep divergences involved in these comparisons, little is understood about how these changes occur, particularly in the case of intron gain. To ascertain mechanisms of intron gain and loss, we compared five relatively closely related genomes from the yeast Cryptococcus.

Results

We observe a predominance of intron loss over gain and identify a relatively slow intron loss rate in Cryptococcus. Some genes preferentially lose introns and a large proportion of intron losses occur in the middle of genes (so called internal intron loss). Finally, we identify a gene that displays a differential number of introns in a repetitive DNA region.

Conclusion

Based the observed patterns of intron loss and gain, population resequencing and population genetic analysis, it appears that recombination causes the widely observed but poorly understood phenomenon of internal intron loss and that DNA repeat expansion can create new introns in a population.
Implementing a Survivorship Care Plan for Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Ganz Patricia A. , Hahn Erin E.
Published: February 2008

Breast cancer survivors account for 23% of the more than 10 million cancer survivors in the United States today. The treatments for breast cancer are complex and extend over a long period of time. The post-treatment period is characterized by gradual recovery from many adverse effects from treatment; however, many symptoms and problems persist as late effects (eg, infertility, menopausal symptoms, fatigue), and there may be less frequent long-term effects (eg, second cancers, lymphedema, osteoporosis). There is increasing recognition of the need to summarize the patient's course of treatment into a formal document, called the cancer treatment summary, that also includes recommendations for subsequent cancer surveillance, management of late effects, and strategies for health promotion. This article provides guidance on how oncologists can implement a cancer treatment summary and survivorship care plan for breast cancer survivors, with examples and linkage to useful resources. Providing the breast cancer treatment summary and survivorship care plan is being recognized as a key component of coordination of care that will foster the delivery of high-quality cancer care.
Zebrafishcdx1bregulates expression of downstream factors of Nodal signaling during early endoderm formation
Authors: Cheng Pei-Yi , Lin Chia-Chi , Wu Chun-Shiu , Lu Yu-Fen , Lin Che Yi , Chung Chih-Ching , Chu Cheng-Ying , Huang Chang-Jen , Tsai Chun-Yen , Korzh Svetlana , Wu Jen-Leih , Hwang Sheng-Ping L.
Published: January 2008

We identified a zebrafish caudal-related homeobox (cdx1b)gene, which shares syntenic conservation with both human and mouse Cdx1. Zebrafish cdx1b transcripts are maternally deposited. cdx1b is uniformly expressed in both epiblast and hypoblast cells from late gastrulation to the 1-2s stages and can be identified in the retinas, brain and somites during 18-22 hpf stages. After 28 hours of development, cdx1b is exclusively expressed in the developing intestine. Both antisense morpholino oligonucleotide-mediated knockdown and overexpression experiments were conducted to analyze cdx1b function. Hypoplastic development of the liver and pancreas and intestinal abnormalities were observed in 96 hpf cdx1b morphants. In 85% epiboly cdx1b morphants, twofold decreases in the respective numbers of gata5-, cas-, foxa2- and sox17-expressing endodermal precursors were identified. Furthermore, ectopic cdx1bexpression caused substantial increases in the respective numbers of gata5-, cas-, foxa2- and sox17-expressing endodermal precursors and altered their distribution patterns in 85% epiboly injected embryos. Conserved Cdx1-binding motifs were identified in both gata5 and foxa2 genes by interspecific sequence comparisons. Cdx1b can bind to the Cdx1-binding motif located in intron 1 of the foxa2 gene based on an electrophoretic mobility shift assay. Co-injection of either zebrafish or mouse foxa2 mRNA with the cdx1b MO rescued the expression domains of ceruloplasmin in the liver of 53 hpf injected embryos. These results indicate that zebrafish cdx1b regulates foxa2 expression and may also modulate gata5 expression, thus affecting early endoderm formation. This study underscores a novel role of zebrafish cdx1b in the development of different digestive organs compared with its mammalian homologs.
Consumer Responses to Service Failures: A Resource Preference Model of Cultural Influences
Authors: Chan Haksin , Wan Lisa C.
Published: February 2008

This article highlights consumers’ preference for economic (versus social) resources in individualist (versus collectivist) cultures and demonstrates the multifaceted effects of culture on consumer responses to service failures. A cross-cultural study involving American and Chinese participants in the setting of a computer repair service confirms seven of eight hypotheses derived from the resource preference model. The results indicate that Americans (versus Chinese) are more dissatisfied with an outcome failure but less dissatisfied with a process failure. This interactive effect of culture and failure type seems to be driven by a corresponding pattern of attribution tendencies across cultures. Not only do Americans and Chinese differ in service dissatisfaction, but they also tend to express their dissatisfaction in different ways, preferring voice and private responses, respectively. Overall, the resource preference model enhances theoretical understanding of cross-cultural consumer behavior and provides culture-specific guidelines for managing the inevitable service failures.
Sorption of corn cob and oat spelt arabinoxylan onto softwood kraft pulp
Authors: Ramírez Felipe , Puls Jürgen , Zúñiga Virgilio , Saake Bodo
Published: January 2008

Arabinoxylans from corn cob and oat spelt were studied in sorption experiments onto bleached and unbleached softwood kraft pulp. The corn cob (CC) xylans were produced by steam extraction (SE-CC) and alkaline extraction (NaOH-CC), while the oat spelt xylan (NaOH-OS) was obtained by alkaline extraction. Both alkaline extracted xylans exhibited a high degree of polymerization (DP) (230–240), whereas the steam extraction induced a significant degradation resulting in DPs around 36. Investigation of the xylan addition mode revealed that adding xylan before beating of pulp is most effective for increasing the beating degree and the strength properties. The tensile and burst indices are improved by xylan addition over the whole range of beating degrees. In contrast to that, the tear strength is increased significantly for unbeaten pulps but declines after beating, compared to the reference. Xylan sorption rates are increased with prolonged beating. Highest sorption rates are observed for the NaOH-OS (12–32%) and lowest for the SE-CC xylan (6.6–14%). In general, the alkaline extracted xylans have a better performance, most likely as a result of their higher molar masses.
A Computer-Controlled Triaxial Test Apparatus for Measuring Swelling Characteristics of Reconstituted Clay-Bearing Rock
Authors: Erdinc Bilir M. , Sari Dursun , Muftuoglu Yadigar V.
Published: January 2008

To avoid problems encountered during and after the construction of engineering projects built within swelling rocks and soils, real data related to swelling stress and strains should be used to model such phenomena. A computer-controlled triaxial swelling test apparatus was developed to determine the swelling potentials for rock and soil specimens. It allows one to measure three-dimensional swelling strains and stress in a cylindrical specimen under variable axial and confinement stress variables. Triaxial swell tests were performed using three different procedures: free swell, strain-controlled, and stress-controlled under different axial and confinement stress conditions. The results of several tests conducted on reconstituted clay-bearing rock samples were statistically analyzed and mathematical models were presented and evaluated.
Blastocyst elongation, trophoblastic differentiation, and embryonic pattern formation
Authors: Blomberg LeAnn , Hashizume Kazuyoshi , Viebahn Christoph
Published: January 2008

The molecular basis of ungulate and non-rodent conceptus elongation and gastrulation remains poorly understood; however, use of state-of-the-art genomic technologies is beginning to elucidate the mechanisms regulating these complicated processes. For instance, transcriptome analysis of elongating porcine concepti indicates that protein synthesis and trafficking, cell growth and proliferation, and cellular morphology are major regulated processes. Furthermore, potential autocrine roles of estrogen and interleukin-1-β in regulating porcine conceptus growth and remodeling and metabolism have become evident. The importance of estrogen in pig is emphasized by the altered expression of essential steroidogenic and trophoblast factors in lagging ovoid concepti. In ruminants, the characteristic mononucleate trophoblast cells differentiate into a second lineage important for implantation, the binucleate trophoblast, and transcriptome profiling of bovine concepti has revealed a gene cluster associated with rapid trophoblast proliferation and differentiation. Gene cluster analysis has also provided evidence of correlated spatiotemporal expression and emphasized the significance of the bovine trophoblast cell lineage and the regulatory mechanism of trophoblast function. As a part of the gastrulation process in the mammalian conceptus, specification of the germ layers and hence definitive body axes occur in advance of primitive streak formation. Processing of the transforming growth factor-β-signaling molecules nodal and BMP4 by specific proteases is emerging as a decisive step in the initial patterning of the pre-gastrulation embryo. The topography of expression of these and other secreted molecules with reference to embryonic and extraembryonic tissues determines their local interaction potential. Their ensuing signaling leads to the specification of axial epiblast and hypoblast compartments through cellular migration and differentiation and, in particular, the specification of the early germ layer tissues in the epiblast via gene expression characteristic of endoderm and mesoderm precursor cells.
Dynamic changes in messenger RNA profiles of bovine endometrium during the oestrous cycle
Authors: Mitko Katrin , Ulbrich Susanne E , Wenigerkind Hendrik , Sinowatz Fred , Blum Helmut , Wolf Eckhard , Bauersachs Stefan
Published: January 2008

During the oestrous cycle, the bovine endometrium exhibits characteristic morphological and functional changes, which are mainly induced by progesterone (P4), oestrogens and oxytocin. We studied the response of the endometrium to this changing hormonal environment at the transcriptome level using a custom-made cDNA microarray. Endometrium samples were recovered from Simmental heifers on days 0 (oestrus), 3.5 (metoestrus), 12 (dioestrus) and 18. The latter group was divided into animals with high (late dioestrus) and low P4levels (preoestrus). Significance analysis of microarrays revealed 269 genes exhibiting significant changes in their transcript levels during the oestrous cycle in distinct temporal patterns. Two major types of expression profiles were observed, which showed the highest mRNA levels during the oestrus phase or the highest levels during the luteal phase respectively. A minor group of genes exhibited the highest mRNA levels on day 3.5. Gene ontology (GO) analyses revealed GO categories related to extracellular matrix remodelling, transport, and cell growth and morphogenesis enriched at oestrus, whereas immune response and particular metabolic pathways were overrepresented at dioestrus. Generation of gene interaction networks uncovered the genes possibly involved in endometrial remodelling (e.g. collagen genes,TNC,SPARC,MMP2,MEP1B,TIMP1,TIMP2,HTRA1), regulation of angiogenesis (e.g.ANGPTL2,TEK,NPY,AGT,EPAS1,KLF5 ), regulation of invasive growth (e.g.PCSK5, tight junction proteins,GRP,LGALS1,ANXA2,NOV,PLAT,MET,TDGF1,CST6,ITGB4), cell adhesion (e.g.MUC16,LGALS3BP) and embryo feeding (e.g.SLC1A1,SLC11A2,SLC16A1,SEPP1,ENPP1). Localisation of mRNA expression in the endometrium was analysed forCLDN4,CLDN10,TJP1,PCSK5,MAGED1, andLGALS1.
Crystallization and high-temperature structural stability of titanium oxide nanotube arrays
Authors: Varghese Oomman K. , Gong Dawei , Paulose Maggie , Grimes Craig A. , Dickey Elizabeth C.
Published: February 2008

The stability of titanium oxide nanotube arrays at elevated temperatures was studied in dry oxygen as well as dry and humid argon environments. The tubes crystallized in the anatase phase at a temperature of about 280 °C irrespective of the ambient. Anatase crystallites formed inside the tube walls and transformed completely to rutile at about 620 °C in dry environments and 570 °C in humid argon. No discernible changes in the dimensions of the tubes were found when the heat treatment was performed in oxygen. However, variations of 10% and 20% in average inner diameter and wall thickness, respectively, were observed when annealing in a dry argon atmosphere at 580 °C for 3 h. Pore shrinkage was even more pronounced in humid argon environments. In all cases the nanotube architecture was found to be stable up to approximately 580 °C, above which oxidation and grain growth in the titanium support disrupted the overlying nanotube array.
Correlação entre dados audiométricos e mutação 35delG em dez pacientes
Authors: Piatto Vânia Belintani , Moreira Otávio Augusto Vasques , Silva Magali Aparecida Orate Menezes da , Maniglia José Victor , Pereira Márcio Coimbra , Sartorato Edi Lúcia
Published: January 2008

Mutações no gene da conexina 26 parecem ser extremamente comuns na gênese da surdez hereditária não-sindrômica, especialmente, a mutação 35delG, mas ainda há poucos estudos que descrevem as características audiométricas dos pacientes portadores dessas mutações. OBJETIVO: Analisar as características audiométricas em pacientes com mutações no gene da conexina 26 para se delinear uma correlação genótipo-fenótipo. CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODO: Foram avaliadas audiometrias tonal de 33 casos-índice com surdez sensorioneural não-sindrômica e de 8 familiares afetados. Testes moleculares específicos foram realizados para analisar mutações no gene da conexina 26. FORMA DE ESTUDO: Estudo de casos, retrospectivo, em corte transversal. RESULTADOS: Foram encontradas as prevalências de 27,3% da mutação 35delG nos casos-índice e de 12,5% nos familiares afetados. Em relação aos graus de perda, foram encontrados, 41,5% dos pacientes com grau profundo, 39,0% com grau grave e 19,5% com grau moderado com, os pacientes homozigotos e heterozigotos para 35delG, predominando nos graus moderado-grave. CONCLUSÃO: Estes resultados sugerem que os dados audiométricos, associados ao diagnóstico molecular para a surdez, permitiram delinear uma correlação genótipo-fenótipo em dez pacientes com a mutação 35delG. Mas é necessário estudo multicêntrico para se verificar a real expressão fenotípica na população brasileira relacionada à mutação 35delG.
Cuando la comunidad guía la acción: hacia una evaluación comunitaria alternativa
Authors: Laperrière Hélène , Zúñiga Ricardo
Published: January 2008

Cuando los modelos habituales de evaluación de programas son utilizados irreflexivamente en la evaluación de la acción comunitaria, ellos pueden privilegiar una visión de control social que olvida y oculta la realidad vivida por los grupos evaluados. 1. Los instrumentos de esta desposesión de derechos pueden ser ideologías exportadas como productos universales. 2. El peso del acto concreto es crucial para afirmar la realidad que se pretende modificar. 3. Las retóricas científicas ocultan la realidad vivida por los sectores sociales con menos poder. 4. Las responsabilidades éticas y políticas de la evaluación comunitaria exigen que los planes de intervención sean conocidos, comprendidos y asumidos por todos los que deberán vivir con las consecuencias del cambio intentado.
Inventando a contra-mola que resiste: um estudo sobre a militância na contemporaneidade
Authors: Vinadé Thaiani Farias , Guareschi Pedrinho Arcides
Published: January 2008

Este artigo procura problematizar a militância na contemporaneidade a partir de entrevistas realizadas com militantes de movimentos sociais. Discute as possibilidades de construções militantes na atualidade a partir do conceito de modernidade líquida, que nos auxilia na compreensão das possibilidades de ser e estar no mundo, e da idéia de invenção, que busca a desconstrução das evidências do senso comum, deixando de entender os objetos de estudo como naturais ou permanentes, compreendendo-os como transitórios e construídos. Buscamos, assim, produzir este estranhamento com a questão da militância para que os olhares e as perspectivas de sua compreensão da militância sejam ampliados para além de estereótipos e pré-conceitos.
On non-elliptic regions and solvability of balance equations for atmosphere dynamics
Authors: Bourchtein Andrei , Bourchtein Ludmila
Published: January 2008

To eliminate the fast gravitational waves of great amplitude, which are not observed in the real atmosphere, the initial fields for numerical schemes of atmosphere forecasting and modeling systems are usually adjusted dynamically by applying balance relations. In this study we consider different forms of the balance equations and for each of them we detect the nonelliptic regions in the gridded atmosphere data of the Southern Hemisphere. The performed analysis reveals the geographical, vertical and zonally averaged distributions of nonelliptic regions with the most concentration in the tropical zone. The area of these regions is essentially smaller and less intensive for more complete and physically justified balance relations. The obtained results confirm the Kasaharas assumption that ellipticity conditions are violated in the actual atmospheric fields essentially due to approximations made under deriving the balance equations.