bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emotion and Social Cognition: Lessons from Contemporary Human Neuroanatomy
Authors: de Oliveira-Souza Ricardo , Moll Jorge , Grafman Jordan
Published: June 2011

Two paradigms have guided emotion research over the past decades. The dual-system view embraces the long-held Western belief, espoused most prominently by decision-making and social cognition researchers, that emotion and reason are often at odds. The integrative view, which asserts that emotion and cognition work synergistically, has been less explored experimentally. However, the integrative view (a) may help explain several findings that are not easily accounted for by the dual-system approach, and (b) is better supported by a growing body of evidence from human neuroanatomy that has often been overlooked by experimental neuroscience.
Facial Movements Are Not Goosebumps: A Response to Chapman and Anderson
Authors: Royzman Edward , Kurzban Robert
Published: June 2011

Aside from adducing little data that bear on our original concerns (pervasive “audience effects” in the encoding of identifiable “disgust expressions”/lack of morally induced disgust versus moral disgust differentiation), Chapman and Anderson (2011) fail to muster a convincing body of evidence for the founding premise of their empirical endeavor—disgust is a bona fide “basic emotion” whose theoretically predicted FM pattern is a goosebump-like, metaphor-resistant readout capable of being effectively analyzed within the “expression programs” canon, leading us to reaffirm that our favored alternative, the “moral disgust as a metaphor” interpretation, is as consistent with all the pertinent data (including theirs), if not more so.
Author Reply: More Than Evaluation: Lateralization of the Neural Substrates Supporting Approach and Avoidance Motivational Systems
Authors: Rutherford Helena J. V. , Lindell Annukka K.
Published: June 2011

Rutherford and Lindell (2011) review the theoretical and empirical research conceptualizing emotion and emotional processing within an approach-avoidance framework. This is accompanied by an extensive discussion of the cerebral lateralization of approach-avoidance. Berntson, Norman, and Cacioppo (2011) extend this discussion by presenting a bivariate evaluative model of emotion which adopts a valence-based (positive, negative) dictum. Here we discuss this latter model in the context of an approach-avoidance perspective.
Advancing natural turf to meet tomorrow’s challenges
Authors: James I T
Published: June 2011

The majority of outdoor sports surfaces are natural turf and they remain the elite-level standard for a number of sports. A natural turf surface is susceptible to environmental and physical stress and has a limited resistance to wear. A number of technological advances have increased the quality and durability of natural turf surfaces including: sand rootzones; drainage; irrigation; agrochemicals; turfgrass breeding; turf reinforcement; supplementary lighting; ventilation; and advanced stadium architecture. These advances have resulted in an increase in resource consumption and where resources are restricted natural turf viability, performance, and safety is limited. This paper examines these challenges and others facing natural turf by reviewing the state of the art and signposting future research required to ensure performance, safety, and sustainability from natural turf surfaces. More development is required for lower-cost technologies for recreational-level facilities. Synthetic turf surfaces can be used to reduce the intensity of use of natural turf but sustainable natural turf construction and management must focus on resource consumption reduction and resilience to climate change for the continued provision of high performance, safe surfaces for sport. Furthermore, greater user-awareness of resource consumption and the consequences of reduced consumption are important for adoption in the future of more sustainable practices.
The bone marrow microenvironment in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia
Authors: Ghobrial Irene M. , Maiso Patricia , Azab Abdelkareem , Liu Yang , Zhang Yong , Issa Ghayas , Azab Feda , Sacco Antonio , Quang Phong , Ngo Hai , Roccaro Aldo
Published: June 2011

Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is a low-grade B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder characterized primarily by specific homing and growth of tumor cells within the bone marrow niches. The progressive growth of tumor cells throughout the bone marrow indicates that the tumor cells are capable of homing and adhering to specific niches that allow growth, survival and drug resistance. In this review we highlight the interaction of the tumor cells in WM and the bone marrow microenvironment including bone marrow stromal cells, endothelial cells and mast cells. Migration, adhesion and downstream activation of signaling pathways leads to cell trafficking and cell dissemination in WM. Future therapeutic agents need to target not only the tumor clone, but also its close interaction with the bone marrow microenvironment.
Anodisation of friction stir welds in AA 5052-O alloy
Authors: Shih T-S , Jhou Y-J , Wang J-W , Hwang L-R
Published: June 2011

An AA 5052-O alloy was used as the base metal for friction stir welding (FSW). The heat and maximum temperature developed in the matrix of the sample during FSW were computed. Optical observations showed grey strips that appeared on the surface of the sample after anodisation. These grey strips could be attributed to the emergence of a thermomechanically affected zone (TMAZ) from the bulk friction stir welded sample. Mg solubility in the TMAZ increased when Mg2Si particles that inherently existed in the matrix of the AA 5052-O alloy dissolved after being subjected to the maximum temperature. In addition, the TMAZ was also subjected to shear stress. Plastic deformation increased the dislocation density. The combined effects of the increased dislocation density and enriched Mg content led to a change in the corrosion resistance and anodic behaviour of this zone.
Microstructural evolution and its effect on mechanical performance of joint in underwater friction stir welded 2219-T6 aluminium alloy
Authors: Zhang H J , Liu H J , Yu L
Published: June 2011

Underwater friction stir welding (FSW) has been demonstrated to be an effective method to improve the mechanical properties of joints. To illuminate the characteristics of underwater FSW, the microstructural evolution and its effect on mechanical performance of an underwater joint were investigated in the present paper. The weld nugget zone (WNZ) is characterised by the homogeneity of refined grain structures in the direction of thickness. The precipitate deterioration is gradually strengthened from the heat affected zone (HAZ) to the WNZ. The dislocation movement featured by different types of grain boundaries suggests that continuous dynamic recrystallisation has occurred in the WNZ during FSW. The evolutions of strengthening precipitates and grain structures have significant influence on hardness distributions and the tensile fracture features of the underwater joint.
Lead in diagenetic pyrite: evidence for Pb-tolerant bacteria in a red-bed Cu deposit, Quebec Appalachians, Canada
Authors: Cabral A. R. , Beaudoin G. , Munnik F.
Published: June 2011

Diagenetic pyrite from the Silurian continental red bed-hosted Transfiguration cupriferous deposit in the Quebec Appalachians, Gaspe Belt, Canada, contains up to ∼2% (m/m) Pb. This large Pb content in pyrite contrasts with experimental determinations that indicate solubility of <0.1% (m/m) PbS in pyrite at high temperature. The distribution of Pb in pyrite is heterogeneous, with plumbiferous domains occurring as patches and concentric growth layers alternating with Mn- and Mo-bearing zones. The plumbiferous pyrite is surrounded by As- and Cu-rich rims. This compositional heterogeneity, however, is elusive under normal backscattered-electron (BSE) imaging, but it can be recognized under high-gain BSE. Proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) confirms the presence of Pb. Plumbiferous pyrite with >0.1% (m/m) Pb has rarely been described; it is thus possible that plumbiferous pyrite may have been overlooked in metalliferous deposits worldwide. The plumbiferous pyrite from Transfiguration has a light S-isotope composition that is characteristic of bacterial sulphate reduction. We suggest that Pb in diagenetic pyrite indicates Pb-tolerant bacterial activity and, perhaps, constitutes a biosignature of bacterial tolerance to Pb in ancient sedimentary systems.
Holtite and dumortierite from the Szklary Pegmatite, Lower Silesia, Poland
Authors: Pieczka A. , Grew E. S. , Groat L. A. , Evans R. J.
Published: June 2011

The Szklary holtite is represented by three compositional varieties: (1) Ta-bearing (up to 14.66 wt.% Ta2O5), which forms homogeneous crystals and cores within zoned crystals; (2) Ti-bearing (up to 3.82 wt.% TiO2), found as small domains within the core; and (3) Nb-bearing (up to 5.30 wt.% Nb2O5,) forming the rims of zoned crystals. All three varieties show variable Sb+As content, reaching 19.18 wt.% Sb2O3 (0.87 Sb a.p.f.u.) and 3.30 wt.% As2O3 (0.22 As a.p.f.u.) in zoned Ta-bearing holtite, which constitutes the largest Sb+As content reported for the mineral. The zoning in holtite is a result of Ta-Nb fractionation in the parental pegmatite-forming melt together with contamination of the relatively thin Szklary dyke by Fe, Mg and Ti. Holtite and the As- and Sb-bearing dumortierite, which in places overgrows the youngest Nb-bearing zone, suggest the following crystallization sequence: Ta-bearing holtite → Ti-bearing holtite → Nb-bearing holtite → As- and Sb-bearing, (Ta,Nb,Ti)-poor dumortierite → As- and Sb-dominant, (Ta,Nb,Ti)-free dumortierite-like mineral (16.81 wt.% As2O3 and 10.23 wt.% Sb2O3) with (As+Sb) > Si. The last phase is potentially a new mineral species. Al6□☐(Sb,As)3O15, or Al5☐2B(Sb,As)3O12(OH)3, belonging to the dumortierite group. The Szklary holtite shows no evidence of clustering of compositions around ‘holtite I’ and ‘holtite II'. Instead, the substitutions of Si4+ by Sb3++As3+ at the Si/Sb sites and of Ta5+ by Nb5+ or Ti4+ at the Al(l) site suggest possible solid solutions between: (1) (Sb,As)-poor and (Sb,As)-rich holtite; (2) dumortierite and the unnamed (As+Sb)-dominant dumortierite-like mineral; and (3) Ti-bearing dumortierite and holtite. i.e. our data provide further evidence for miscibility between holtite and dumortierite, but leave open the question of defining the distinction between them. The Szklary holtite crystallized from the melt along with other primary Ta-Nb-(Ti) minerals such as columbite-(Mn), tantalite-(Mn), stibiotantalite and stibiocolumbite as the availability of Ta decreased. The origin of the parental melt can be related to anatexis in the adjacent Sowie Mountains complex, leading to widespread migmatization and metamorphic segregation in pelitic-psammitic sediments metamorphosed at ∼390—380 Ma.
The crystal structure of perloffite
Authors: Elliott P. , Willis A. C.
Published: June 2011

The structure of perloffite, ideally BaMn22+Fe23+(PO4)3(OH)3, has been solved and refined from single-crystal X-ray data collected on a Sr-bearing sample from the Spring Creek copper mine, near Wilmington, South Australia. A fragment of the crystal used for the collection of the X-ray intensity data was analysed by electron microprobe. The resulting unit formula is (Ba1.00,Sr0.03Σ1.03) (Mn2+1.15,Fe2+0.76Ca0.05Mg0.02,Na0.01)Σ1.99(Fe3+1.94,Al0.06)Σ2.00(PO4)2.99(OH)3.04. The structure is monoclinic. space group P21/m, a = 9.2425(18), b = 12.470(3), c = 5.002(1) Å, 0 = 100.19(3)°, V = 567.41(19) Å3, Z = 2, and was refined to R1 = 4.71% for 1568 unique observed reflections. The X site is [11]-coordinated and is occupied by dominant Ba and minor Sr, with an <X—O< distance of 2.953 Å. The Ml site is octahedrally coordinated and is occupied by Mn2+and Fe2+ plus minor Ca, Mg and Na with an observed  distance of 2.208 Å. The M2 site is also octahedrally coordinated and is occupied by Fe3+ plus minor Al with a  distance of 2.018 A. Perloffite is isostructural with other members of the bjarebyite group. Edge-linked [M22O6(OH)4] dimers link via corners to form chains along [010]. Chains are decorated with PO4 tetrahedra and link in the a direction via [M1O5(OH)] octahedra and (Ba,Sr) atoms to form a complex framework. The H2 atom hydrogen-bonds strongly to the O3 anion, providing additional linkage between chains.
Thermal expansion of andalusite and sillimanite at ambient pressure: a powder X-ray diffraction study up to 1000°C
Authors: Hu X. , Liu X. , He Q. , Wang H. , Qin S. , Ren L. , Wu C. M. , Chang L.
Published: June 2011

The unit-cell parameters of andalusite and sillimanite have been measured by high-Tpowder X-ray diffraction up to 1000°C at ambient pressure. Within the temperature range investigated, all the unit-cell parameters varied smoothly, indicating no phase transition. The volume-temperature data were fitted with a polynomial expression for the thermal expansion coefficient (αT=a0+a1T+a2T-2). yieldinga0=2.55(2) × 10–5K–1,al=0 anda2=0 for andalusite, anda0=1.40(4) × 10–5K–1a1=7.1(8) × 10–9K–2anda2=0 for sillimanite. Using the new thermal expansion data determined in the present study and compressional data from the literature, theP-Tphase relations of the kyanite-andalusite-sillimanite system were calculated thermodynamically, with the invariant point located at ∼523°C and 3.93 kbar.
A mutation degree model for the identification of transcriptional regulatory elements
Authors: Zhang Changqing , Wang Jin , Hua Xu , Fang Jinggui , Zhu Huaiqiu , Gao Xiang
Published: June 2011

Background

Current approaches for identifying transcriptional regulatory elements are mainly via the combination of two properties, the evolutionary conservation and the overrepresentation of functional elements in the promoters of co-regulated genes. Despite the development of many motif detection algorithms, the discovery of conserved motifs in a wide range of phylogenetically related promoters is still a challenge, especially for the short motifs embedded in distantly related gene promoters or very closely related promoters, or in the situation that there are not enough orthologous genes available.

Results

A mutation degree model is proposed and a new word counting method is developed for the identification of transcriptional regulatory elements from a set of co-expressed genes. The new method comprises two parts: 1) identifying overrepresented oligo-nucleotides in promoters of co-expressed genes, 2) estimating the conservation of the oligo-nucleotides in promoters of phylogenetically related genes by the mutation degree model. Compared with the performance of other algorithms, our method shows the advantages of low false positive rate and higher specificity, especially the robustness to noisy data. Applying the method to co-expressed gene sets from Arabidopsis, most of known cis-elements were successfully detected. The tool and example are available at http://mcube.nju.edu.cn/jwang/lab/soft/ocw/OCW.html.

Conclusions

The mutation degree model proposed in this paper is adapted to phylogenetic data of different qualities, and to a wide range of evolutionary distances. The new word-counting method based on this model has the advantage of better performance in detecting short sequence of cis-elements from co-expressed genes of eukaryotes and is robust to less complete phylogenetic data.
Production of antibodies with peptide-CpG-DNA-liposome complex without carriers
Authors: Kim Dongbum , Kwon Sanghoon , Rhee Jae Won , Kim Kwang Dong , Kim Young-Eun , Park Cheung-Seog , Choi Myeong Jun , Suh Jun-Gyo , Kim Doo-Sik , Lee Younghee , Kwon Hyung-Joo
Published: June 2011

Background

The screening of peptide-based epitopes has been studied extensively for the purpose of developing therapeutic antibodies and prophylactic vaccines that can be potentially useful for treating cancer and infectious diseases such as influenza virus, malaria, hepatitis B, and HIV. To improve the efficacy of antibody production by epitope-based immunization, researchers evaluated liposomes as a means of delivering vaccines; they also formulated adjuvants such as flagella and CpG-DNA to enhance the magnitude of immune responses. Here, we provide a potent method for peptide-based epitope screening and antibody production without conventional carriers.

Results

We present that a particular form of natural phosphodiester bond CpG-DNA encapsulated in a specific liposome complex (Lipoplex(O)) induces potent immunomodulatory activity in humans as well as in mice. Additionally, Lipoplex(O) enhances the production of IgG2a specific to antigenic protein in mice. Most importantly, immunization of mice with several peptides co-encapsulated with Lipoplex(O) without carriers significantly induces each peptide-specific IgG2a production in a TLR9-dependent manner. A peptide-specific monoclonal antibody produced against hepatocellular carcinoma-associated antigen has functional effects on the cancer cells.

Conclusions

Our overall results show that Lipoplex(O) is a potent adjuvant and that complexes of peptide and Lipoplex(O) are extremely useful for B cell epitope screening and antibody production without carriers. Therefore, our strategy may be promptly used for the development of therapeutic antibodies by rapid screening of potent B cell epitopes.
Lactobacillus plantarum (VR1) isolated from an Ayurvedic medicine (Kutajarista) ameliorates in vitro cellular damage caused by Aeromonas veronii
Authors: Kumar Himanshu , Rangrez Ashraf Y , Dayananda Kannayakanahalli M , Atre Ashwini N , Patole Milind S , Shouche Yogesh S
Published: June 2011

Background

Lactobacillus plantarum is considered as a safe and effective probiotic microorganism. Among various sources of isolation, traditionally fermented foods are considered to be rich in Lactobacillus spp., which can be exploited for their probiotic attribute. Antibacterial property of L. plantarum has been demonstrated against various enteric pathogens in both in vitro and in vivo systems. This study was aimed at characterizing L. plantarum isolated from Kutajarista, an ayurvedic fermented biomedicine, and assessing its antagonistic property against a common enteropathogen Aeromonas veronii.

Results

We report the isolation of L. plantarum (VR1) from Kutajarista, and efficacy of its cell free supernatant (CFS) in amelioration of cytotoxicity caused by Aeromonas veronii. On the part of probiotic attributes, VR1 was tolerant to pH 2, 0.3% bile salts and simulated gastric juice. Additionally, VR1 also exhibited adhesive property to human intestinal HT-29 cell line. Furthermore, CFS of VR1 was antibacterial to enteric pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Aeromonas veronii and clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa and E. coli. Detailed study regarding the effect of VR1 CFS on A. veronii cytotoxicity showed a significant decrease in vacuole formation and detrimental cellular changes in Vero cells. On the other hand, A. veronii CFS caused disruption of tight junction proteins ZO-1 and actin in MDCK cell line, which was prevented by pre-incubation with CFS of VR1.

Conclusions

This is the first study to report isolation of L. plantarum (VR1) from Kutajarista and characterisation for its probiotic attributes. Our study demonstrates the antagonistic property of VR1 to A. veronii and effect of VR1 CFS in reduction of cellular damage caused by A. veronii in both Vero and MDCK cell lines.
Breakpoint characterization of large deletions in EXT1 or EXT2 in 10 Multiple Osteochondromas families
Authors: Jennes Ivy , de Jong Danielle , Mees Kirsten , Hogendoorn Pancras CW , Szuhai Karoly , Wuyts Wim
Published: June 2011

Background

Osteochondromas (cartilage-capped bone tumors) are by far the most commonly treated of all primary benign bone tumors (50%). In 15% of cases, these tumors occur in the context of a hereditary syndrome called multiple osteochondromas (MO), an autosomal dominant skeletal disorder characterized by the formation of multiple cartilage-capped bone tumors at children's metaphyses. MO is caused by various mutations in EXT1 or EXT2, whereby large genomic deletions (single-or multi-exonic) are responsible for up to 8% of MO-cases.

Methods

Here we report on the first molecular characterization of ten large EXT1- and EXT2-deletions in MO-patients. Deletions were initially indentified using MLPA or FISH analysis and were subsequently characterized using an MO-specific tiling path array, allele-specific PCR-amplification and sequencing analysis.

Results

Within the set of ten large deletions, the deleted regions ranged from 2.7 to 260 kb. One EXT2 exon 8 deletion was found to be recurrent. All breakpoints were located outside the coding exons of EXT1 and EXT2. Non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR) mediated by Alu-sequences, microhomology mediated replication dependent recombination (MMRDR) and non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) were hypothesized as the causal mechanisms in different deletions.

Conclusions

Molecular characterization of EXT1- and EXT2-deletion breakpoints in MO-patients indicates that NAHR between Alu-sequences as well as NHEJ are causal and that the majority of these deletions are nonrecurring. These observations emphasize once more the huge genetic variability which is characteristic for MO. To our knowledge, this is the first study characterizing large genomic deletions in EXT1 and EXT2.
Ethnic differences in body fat distribution among Asian pre-pubertal children: A cross-sectional multicenter study
Authors: Liu Ailing , Byrne Nuala M , Kagawa Masaharu , Ma Guansheng , Kijboonchoo Kallaya , Nasreddine Lara , Koon Poh Bee , Ismail Mohammad Noor , Hills Andrew P
Published: June 2011

Background

Ethnic differences in body fat distribution contribute to ethnic differences in cardiovascular morbidities and diabetes. However few data are available on differences in fat distribution in Asian children from various backgrounds. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore ethnic differences in body fat distribution among Asian children from four countries.

Methods

A total of 758 children aged 8-10 y from China, Lebanon, Malaysia and Thailand were recruited using a non-random purposive sampling approach to enrol children encompassing a wide BMI range. Height, weight, waist circumference (WC), fat mass (FM, derived from total body water [TBW] estimation using the deuterium dilution technique) and skinfold thickness (SFT) at biceps, triceps, subscapular, supraspinale and medial calf were collected.

Results

After controlling for height and weight, Chinese and Thai children had a significantly higher WC than their Lebanese and Malay counterparts. Chinese and Thais tended to have higher trunk fat deposits than Lebanese and Malays reflected in trunk SFT, trunk/upper extremity ratio or supraspinale/upper extremity ratio after adjustment for age and total body fat. The subscapular/supraspinale skinfold ratio was lower in Chinese and Thais compared with Lebanese and Malays after correcting for trunk SFT.

Conclusions

Asian pre-pubertal children from different origins vary in body fat distribution. These results indicate the importance of population-specific WC cut-off points or other fat distribution indices to identify the population at risk of obesity-related health problems.
Modeling and measuring intracellular fluxes of secreted recombinant protein in Pichia pastoris with a novel 34S labeling procedure
Authors: Pfeffer Martin , Maurer Michael , Köllensperger Gunda , Hann Stephan , Graf Alexandra B , Mattanovich Diethard
Published: June 2011

Background

The budding yeast Pichia pastoris is widely used for protein production. To determine the best suitable strategy for strain improvement, especially for high secretion, quantitative data of intracellular fluxes of recombinant protein are very important. Especially the balance between intracellular protein formation, degradation and secretion defines the major bottleneck of the production system. Because these parameters are different for unlimited growth (shake flask) and carbon-limited growth (bioreactor) conditions, they should be determined under "production like" conditions. Thus labeling procedures must be compatible with minimal production media and the usage of bioreactors. The inorganic and non-radioactive 34S labeled sodium sulfate meets both demands.

Results

We used a novel labeling method with the stable sulfur isotope 34S, administered as sodium sulfate, which is performed during chemostat culivations. The intra- and extracellular sulfur 32 to 34 ratios of purified recombinant protein, the antibody fragment Fab3H6, are measured by HPLC-ICP-MS. The kinetic model described here is necessary to calculate the kinetic parameters from sulfur ratios of consecutive samples as well as for sensitivity analysis. From the total amount of protein produced intracellularly (143.1 μg g-1 h-1 protein per yeast dry mass and time) about 58% are degraded within the cell, 35% are secreted to the exterior and 7% are inherited to the daughter cells.

Conclusions

A novel 34S labeling procedure that enables in vivo quantification of intracellular fluxes of recombinant protein under "production like" conditions is described. Subsequent sensitivity analysis of the fluxes by using MATLAB, indicate the most promising approaches for strain improvement towards increased secretion.
Spatial patterns of malaria in a land reform colonization project, Juruena municipality, Mato Grosso, Brazil
Authors: de Oliveira Elaine Cristina , dos Santos Emerson Soares , Zeilhofer Peter , Souza-Santos Reinaldo , Atanaka-Santos Marina
Published: June 2011

Background

In Brazil, 99% of malaria cases are concentrated in the Amazon, and malaria's spatial distribution is commonly associated with socio-environmental conditions on a fine landscape scale. In this study, the spatial patterns of malaria and its determinants in a rural settlement of the Brazilian agricultural reform programme called "Vale do Amanhecer" in the northern Mato Grosso state were analysed.

Methods

In a fine-scaled, exploratory ecological study, geocoded notification forms corresponding to malaria cases from 2005 were compared with spectral indices, such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the third component of the Tasseled Cap Transformation (TC_3) and thematic layers, derived from the visual interpretation of multispectral TM-Landsat 5 imagery and the application of GIS distance operators.

Results

Of a total of 336 malaria cases, 102 (30.36%) were caused by Plasmodium falciparum and 174 (51.79%) by Plasmodium vivax. Of all the cases, 37.6% (133 cases) were from residents of a unique road. In total, 276 cases were reported for the southern part of the settlement, where the population density is higher, with notification rates higher than 10 cases per household. The local landscape mostly consists of open areas (38.79 km²). Training forest occupied 27.34 km² and midsize vegetation 7.01 km². Most domiciles with more than five notified malaria cases were located near areas with high NDVI values. Most domiciles (41.78%) and malaria cases (44.94%) were concentrated in areas with intermediate values of the TC_3, a spectral index representing surface and vegetation humidity.

Conclusions

Environmental factors and their alteration are associated with the occurrence and spatial distribution of malaria cases in rural settlements.
Longitudinal association of physical activity and sedentary behavior during leisure time with health-related quality of life in community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Balboa-Castillo Teresa , León-Muñoz Luz M , Graciani Auxiliadora , Rodríguez-Artalejo Fernando , Guallar-Castillón Pilar
Published: June 2011

Background

Evidence on the relation between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in older adults is based primarily on clinical trials of physical exercise programs in institutionalized persons and on cross-sectional studies of community-dwelling persons. Moreover, there is no evidence on whether leisure-time sedentary behavior (LTSB) is associated with HRQoL independently of LTPA. This study examined the longitudinal association between LTPA, LTSB, and HRQoL in older community-dwelling adults in Spain.

Methods

Prospective cohort study of 1,097 persons aged 62 and over. In 2003 LTPA in MET-hr/week was measured with a validated questionnaire, and LTSB was estimated by the number of sitting hours per week. In 2009 HRQoL was measured with the SF-36 questionnaire. Analyses were done with linear regression and adjusted for the main confounders.

Results

Compared with those who did no LTPA, subjects in the upper quartile of LTPA had better scores on the SF-36 scales of physical functioning (β 5.65; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32-9.98; p linear trend < 0.001), physical role (β 7.38; 95% CI 0.16-14.93; p linear trend < 0.001), bodily pain (β 6.92; 95% CI 1.86-11.98; p linear trend < 0.01), vitality (β 5.09; 95% CI 0.76-9.41; p linear trend < 0.004) social functioning (β 7.83; 95% CI 2.89-12.75; p linear trend < 0.001), emotional role (β 8.59; 95% CI 1.97-15.21; p linear trend < 0.02) and mental health (β 4.20; 95% CI 0.26-8.13; p linear trend < 0.06). As suggested by previous work in this field, these associations were clinically relevant because the β regression coefficients were higher than 3 points. Finally, the number of sitting hours showed a gradual and inverse relation with the scores on most of the SF-36 scales, which was also clinically relevant.

Conclusions

Greater LTPA and less LTSB were independently associated with better long-term HRQoL in older adults.
Evaluation of a reproductive health awareness program for adolescence in urban Tanzania-A quasi-experimental pre-test post-test research
Authors: Madeni Frida , Horiuchi Shigeko , Iida Mariko
Published: June 2011

Background

Sub-Saharan Africa is among the countries where 10% of girls become mothers by the age of 16 years old. The United Republic of Tanzania located in Sub-Saharan Africa is one country where teenage pregnancy is a problem facing adolescent girls. Adolescent pregnancy has been identified as one of the reasons for girls dropping out from school. This study's purpose was to evaluate a reproductive health awareness program for the improvement of reproductive health for adolescents in urban Tanzania.

Methods

A quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test research design was conducted to evaluate adolescents' knowledge, attitude, and behavior about reproductive health before and after the program. Data were collected from students aged 11 to 16, at Ilala Municipal, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. An anonymous 23-item questionnaire provided the data. The program was conducted using a picture drama, reproductive health materials and group discussion.

Results

In total, 313 questionnaires were distributed and 305 (97.4%) were useable for the final analysis. The mean age for girls was 12.5 years and 13.2 years for boys. A large minority of both girls (26.8%) and boys (41.4%) had experienced sex and among the girls who had experienced sex, 51.2% reported that it was by force. The girls' mean score in the knowledge pre-test was 5.9, and 6.8 in post-test, which increased significantly (t = 7.9, p = 0.000). The mean behavior pre-test score was 25.8 and post-test was 26.6, which showed a significant increase (t = 3.0, p = 0.003). The boys' mean score in the knowledge pre-test was 6.4 and 7.0 for the post-test, which increased significantly (t = 4.5, p = 0.000). The mean behavior pre-test score was 25.6 and 26.4 in post-test, which showed a significant increase (t = 2.4, p = 0.019). However, the pre-test and post-test attitude scores showed no statistically significant difference for either girls or boys.

Conclusions

Teenagers have sexual experiences including sexual violence. Both of these phenomena are prevalent among school-going adolescents. The reproductive health program improved the students' knowledge and behavior about sexuality and decision-making after the program for both girls and boys. However, their attitudes about reproductive health were not likely to change based on the educational intervention as designed for this study.
Molecular epidemiology of dengue viruses in southern China from 1978 to 2006
Authors: Wu Weili , Bai Zhijun , Zhou Houqing , Tu Zeng , Fang Meiyu , Tang Boheng , Liu Jinhua , Liu Licheng , Liu Jianwei , Chen Weijun
Published: June 2011

To investigate molecular epidemiology of dengue viruses (DENV) in southern China, a total of 14 dengue isolates were collected in southern China during each epidemic year between 1978 and 2006 and their full-length genome sequences were obtained by using RT-PCR method. The E gene sequences from additional 6 dengue fever patients in Guangzhou in 2006 were also obtained by using RT-PCR method. Combined with DENVs sequences published in GenBank, phylogenetic analysis and recombination analysis were performed. One hundred and twenty-five E gene sequences and 60 complete genome sequences published in the GenBank were also involved. Phylogenetic analysis showed that there was a wide genetic diversity of DENVs isolated in southern China. DENV-1 strains exist in almost all of the clades of genotype I and IV except the Asia 1 clade of genotype I; DENV-2 stains are grouped into four of the five genotypes except American genotype. DENV-4 strains are grouped into 2 genotypes (I and II). Phylogenetic analysis also showed that all DENV-4 isolates and two DENV-2 isolates were closely related to the prior isolates from neighboring Southeast Asia countries. The DENV-1 strain isolated during the 2006 epidemic is highly homologous to the strains isolated during the 2001 epidemic.

Recombination analysis showed no inter-serotype recombination, but 22 intra-serotype recombination events were found across the 32 complete genomes of all Chinese isolates. The study suggested that dengue fever epidemic in Southern China over the past 30 years presented two important modes, 1) imported-cases-induced endemic prevalence; 2) endogenous epidemic outbreak with natural epidemic focus. Recombination may play an important role in dengue virus evolution and adaptation.
The assessment of efficacy of porcine reproductive respiratory syndrome virus inactivated vaccine based on the viral quantity and inactivation methods
Authors: Kim Hyunil , Kim Hye Kwon , Jung Jung Ho , Choi Yoo Jung , Kim Jiho , Um Chang Gyu , Hyun Su Bin , Shin Sungho , Lee Byeongchun , Jang Goo , Kang Bo Kyu , Moon Hyoung Joon , Song Dae Sub
Published: June 2011

Background

There have been many efforts to develop efficient vaccines for the control of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Although inactivated PRRSV vaccines are preferred for their safety, they are weak at inducing humoral immune responses and controlling field PRRSV infection, especially when heterologous viruses are involved.

Results

In all groups, the sample to positive (S/P) ratio of IDEXX ELISA and the virus neutralization (VN) titer remained negative until challenge. While viremia did not reduce in the vaccinated groups, the IDEXX-ELISA-specific immunoglobulin G increased more rapidly and to significantly greater levels 7 days after the challenge in all the vaccinated groups compared to the non-vaccinated groups (p< 0.05). VN titer was significantly different in the 106PFU/mL PRRSV vaccine-inoculated and binary ethylenimine (BEI)-inactivated groups 22 days after challenge (p< 0.05). Consequently, the inactivated vaccines tested in this study provided weak memory responses with sequential challenge without any obvious active immune responses in the vaccinated pigs.

Conclusions

The inactivated vaccine failed to show the humoral immunity, but it showed different immune response after the challenge compared to mock group. Although the 106PFU/mL-vaccinated and BEI-inactivated groups showed significantly greater VN titers 22 days after challenge, all the groups were already negative for viremia.
Are fish immune systems really affected by parasites? an immunoecological study of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)
Authors: Rohlenová Karolína , Morand Serge , Hyršl Pavel , Tolarová Soňa , Flajšhans Martin , Šimková Andrea
Published: June 2011

Background

The basic function of the immune system is to protect an organism against infection in order to minimize the fitness costs of being infected. According to life-history theory, energy resources are in a trade-off between the costly demands of immunity and other physiological demands. Concerning fish, both physiology and immunity are influenced by seasonal changes (i.e. temporal variation) associated to the changes of abiotic factors (such as primarily water temperature) and interactions with pathogens and parasites. In this study, we investigated the potential associations between the physiology and immunocompetence of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) collected during five different periods of a given year. Our sampling included the periods with temporal variability and thus, it presented a different level in exposure to parasites. We analyzed which of two factors, seasonality or parasitism, had the strongest impact on changes in fish physiology and immunity.

Results

We found that seasonal changes play a key role in affecting the analyzed measurements of physiology, immunity and parasitism. The correlation analysis revealed the relationships between the measures of overall host physiology, immunity and parasite load when temporal variability effect was removed. When analyzing separately parasite groups with different life-strategies, we found that fish with a worse condition status were infected more by monogeneans, representing the most abundant parasite group. The high infection by cestodes seems to activate the phagocytes. A weak relationship was found between spleen size and abundance of trematodes when taking into account seasonal changes.

Conclusions

Even if no direct trade-off between the measures of host immunity and physiology was confirmed when taking into account the seasonality, it seems that seasonal variability affects host immunity and physiology through energy allocation in a trade-off between life important functions, especially reproduction and fish condition. Host immunity measures were not found to be in a trade-off with the investigated physiological traits or functions, but we confirmed the immunosuppressive role of 11-ketotestosterone on fish immunity measured by complement activity. We suggest that the different parasite life-strategies influence different aspects of host physiology and activate the different immunity pathways.
Potential role and mechanism of IFN-gamma inducible protein-10 on receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) expression in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Lee Eun Young , Seo MiRan , Juhnn Yong-Sung , Kim Jeong Yeon , Hong Yoo Jin , Lee Yun Jong , Lee Eun Bong , Song Yeong Wook
Published: June 2011

Introduction

IFN-gamma inducible protein-10 (CXCL10), a member of the CXC chemokine family, and its receptor CXCR3 contribute to the recruitment of T cells from the blood stream into the inflamed joints and have a crucial role in perpetuating inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial joints. Recently we showed the role of CXCL10 on receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) expression in an animal model of RA and suggested the contribution to osteoclastogenesis. We tested the effects of CXCL10 on the expression of RANKL in RA synoviocytes and T cells, and we investigated which subunit of CXCR3 contributes to RANKL expression by CXCL10.

Methods

Synoviocytes derived from RA patients were kept in culture for 24 hours in the presence or absence of TNF-α. CXCL10 expression was measured by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of cultured synoviocytes. Expression of RANKL was measured by RT-PCR and western blot in cultured synoviocytes with or without CXCL10 and also measured in Jurkat/Hut 78 T cells and CD4+ T cells in the presence of CXCL10 or dexamethasone. CXCL10 induced RANKL expression in Jurkat T cells was tested upon the pertussis toxin (PTX), an inhibitor of Gi subunit of G protein coupled receptor (GPCR). The synthetic siRNA for Gαi2 was used to knock down gene expression of respective proteins.

Results

CXCL10 expression in RA synoviocytes was increased by TNF-α. CXCL10 slightly increased RANKL expression in RA synoviocytes, but markedly increased RANKL expression in Jurkat/Hut 78 T cell or CD4+ T cell. CXCL10 augmented the expression of RANKL by 62.6%, and PTX inhibited both basal level of RANKL (from 37.4 ± 16.0 to 18.9 ± 13.0%) and CXCL10-induced RANKL expression in Jurkat T cells (from 100% to 48.6 ± 27.3%). Knock down of Gαi2 by siRNA transfection, which suppressed the basal level of RANKL (from 61.8 ± 17.9% to 31.1 ± 15.9%) and CXCL10-induced RANKL expression (from 100% to 53.1 ± 27.1%) in Jurkat T cells, is consistent with PTX, which inhibited RANKL expression.

Conclusions

CXCL10 increased RANKL expression in CD4+ T cells and it was mediated by Gαi subunits of CXCR3. These results indicate that CXCL10 may have a potential role in osteoclastogenesis of RA synovial tissue and subsequent joint erosion.
Geophysics Master’s Theses
Authors: Akerberg Peter
Published: June 2011

Geophysics publishes titles of relevant master’s theses in print and online. URL links to full theses also will be published if provided. To submit a title for consideration, complete the appropriate submission form at http://seg.org/dissertationabstracts and e-mail it to dissertationabstracts@seg.org.
Course of auditory vocal hallucinations in childhood: 5-year follow-up study
Authors: Bartels-Velthuis Agna A. , van de Willige Gerard , Jenner Jack A. , van Os Jim , Wiersma Durk
Published: June 2011

Background

In a baseline study among 7- and 8-year-old children with auditory vocal hallucinations, only limited functional impact was observed.

Aims

To assess 5-year course and predictors of auditory vocal hallucinations, as well as 5-year incidence and its risk factors.

Method

A sample of 337 children, 12 and 13 years of age, were reassessed on auditory vocal hallucinations and associated symptoms after a mean follow-up period of 5.1 years.

Results

The 5-year persistence and incidence rates were 24% and 9% respectively, with more new cases arising in urban areas. Both persistent and incident auditory vocal hallucinations were associated with problem behaviour in the clinical range of psychopathology as measured with the Child Behavior Checklist, particularly at follow-up, as well as with other psychotic symptoms, particularly at baseline. Persistence was predicted by baseline auditory vocal hallucinations severity, particularly in terms of external attribution of voices and hearing multiple voices, and was associated with worse primary school test scores and lower secondary school level.

Conclusions

First onset of auditory vocal hallucinations in middle childhood is not uncommon and is associated with psychopathological and behavioural comorbidity. Similarly, persistence of auditory vocal hallucinations in childhood is not uncommon and is associated with psychopathological, behavioural and cognitive alterations.
Mammographic Density, Response to Hormones, and Breast Cancer Risk
Authors: Boyd Norman F. , Melnichouk Olga , Martin Lisa J. , Hislop Greg , Chiarelli Anna M. , Yaffe Martin J. , Minkin Salomon
Published: June 2011

Background

Percent mammographic density (PMD) is a strong risk factor for breast cancer that changes in response to changes in hormone exposure. We have examined the magnitude of the association of hormone exposure with PMD according to subsequent breast cancer risk.

Methods

In three case-control studies, with 1,164 patient cases and 1,155 controls nested in cohorts of women screened with mammography, we examined the association of PMD measured in the baseline mammogram with risk of breast cancer in the following 1 to 8 years (mean, 3 years), according to use of oral contraceptives (OCs) in premenopausal women, menopause, and hormone therapy (HT) in postmenopausal women. All statistical comparisons are adjusted for age and other risk factors.

Results

In premenopausal women who later developed breast cancer (patient cases), PMD was 5.3% greater in past users of OCs than in nonusers (P = .06). In controls, OC users had 2% less density than nonusers (P = .44; test for interaction P = .06). The difference in PMD between premenopausal and postmenopausal women for patient cases was 8.5% (P < .001) and for controls, 3.9% (P = .01; test for interaction P = .03). In postmenopausal women, PMD was 6% greater in patients who used HT than in never users (P < .001). Controls who used HT had 1.6% greater PMD (P = .26) than never users (test for interaction P = .001). Differences in PMD resulted mainly from differences in the dense area of the mammogram.

Conclusion

Differences in PMD associated with differences in hormone exposure were greater in women who later developed breast cancer than in controls in each of the hormone exposures examined.
Phase II Trial of Cetuximab, Gemcitabine, and Oxaliplatin Followed by Chemoradiation With Cetuximab for Locally Advanced (T4) Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: Correlation of Smad4(Dpc4) Immunostaining With Pattern of Disease Progression
Authors: Crane Christopher H. , Varadhachary Gauri R. , Yordy John S. , Staerkel Gregg A. , Javle Milind M. , Safran Howard , Haque Waqar , Hobbs Bridgett D. , Krishnan Sunil , Fleming Jason B. , Das Prajnan , Lee Jeffrey E. , Abbruzzese James L. , Wolff Robert A.
Published: June 2011

Purpose

This phase II trial was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of cetuximab, gemcitabine, and oxaliplatin followed by cetuximab, capecitabine, and radiation therapy in locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC).

Patients and Methods

Treatment-naive eligible patients (n = 69) received intravenous gemcitabine (1,000 mg/m2) and oxaliplatin (100 mg/m2) every 2 weeks for four doses, followed by radiation (50.4 Gy to the gross tumor only) with concurrent capecitabine (825 mg/m2 twice daily on radiation treatment days). Cetuximab (500 mg/m2) was started on day 1 of chemotherapy and was continued every 2 weeks during chemotherapy and chemoradiotherapy. Diagnostic cytology specimens were immunostained for Smad4(Dpc4) expression.

Results

Median overall survival time was 19.2 months (95% CI, 14.2 to 24.2 months), and 1-year, 2-year, and 4-year actuarial overall survival rates were 66.0%, 25.02%, and 11.3%, respectively. Acneiform rash correlated with improved survival (P = .001), but initial CA19-9, borderline resectable initial stage, and surgical resection (n = 7) did not. The 1-year and 2-year radiographic local progression rates were 22.8% and 61.0%, respectively. The worst acute toxic effects were GI toxicity (32% and 10% for grades 2 and 3, respectively); fatigue (26% and 6% for grades 2 and 3, respectively); sensory neuropathy (9% and 1% for grades 2 and 3, respectively); and acneiform rash (54% and 3% for grades 2 and 3, respectively). Smad4(Dpc4) expression correlated with a local rather than a distant dominant pattern of disease progression (P = .016).

Conclusion

This regimen appears effective and has acceptable toxicity. The primary end point (1-year overall survival rate > 45%) was met, with encouraging survival duration. Smad4(Dpc4) immunostaining correlated with the pattern of disease progression. Prospective validation of Smad4(Dpc4) expression in cytology specimens as a predictive biomarker is warranted and may lead to personalized treatment strategies for patients with localized pancreatic cancer.