bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression and characterization of global consensus nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) of four dengue virus serotypes in Escherichia coli
Authors: Cu Nguyen Le , Nguyen Luong Ngoc , Huynh Chung Van , Le Tuan Van , Tuan Tran Anh Nguyen , Dang Dat Tuan
Published: June 2024

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, a sudden surge in dengue cases was observed globally, compounding public health challenges. Dengue viruses, already a major public health concern, have seen intensified transmission, necessitating improved epidemiological surveillance and targeted interventions. Epidemiological surveys, particularly seroepidemiological surveys, are instrumental in elucidating serotype prevalence and informing vaccination programs. However, the highly variable dengue viruses often hamper the development of universally effective diagnostic tools. To overcome this obstacle in Vietnam, we have designed and developed an effective production system for the global consensus nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) antigens for all four serotypes through an Escherichia coli expression system. These global consensuses NS1 antigens were purified to near homogeneity and their identities were confirmed by mass spectrometry. Exhibiting robust reactivity with dengue-infected patient sera in the Western blot assay, the antigens revealed serotype-specific reactivity profiles, proving their diagnostic potential. Our production method, characterized by a relatively high yield and a straightforward purification protocol, offers a scalable solution for the creation of dengue serotype diagnostic assays in the backdrop of evolving dengue global epidemics.
Dialogando sobre conhecimento e ciência a partir da cultura Kaingang e da perspectiva decolonial
Authors: Cristina Hammes Elisabete
Published: June 2024

Nesta obra, que surgiu a partir da vivência da autora com a cultura do povo Kaingang, busca-se desvelar, pelo viés da decolonialidade, a exclusão dos povos nativos dos espaços de produção do saber. No momento em que os povos indígenas começam a acessar os espaços formativos universitários, questões como epistemologia, racismo epistêmico, epistemicídios, colonialidade do ser, saber e poder apontam para um repensar do modelo científico hegemônico, das demandas específicas destas populações, da recuperação e visibilidade de seus saberes e formas específicas de pensar e se relacionar com o outro e com a natureza. “Dialogando sobre conhecimento e ciência a partir da cultura Kaingang e da perspectiva decolonial”, que se constitui de dez capítulos, tem como público de interesse os profissionais que atuam nos espaços formativos, de forma a trazer elementos para construir lógicas educativas voltadas ao contexto dos povos indígenas, suas cosmologias, suas estratégias de transmissão e produção de conhecimentos.
The TOR signaling pathway regulates vegetative development, aflatoxin biosynthesis, and pathogenicity in Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Li Guoqi , Cao Xiaohong , Tumukunde Elisabeth , Zeng Qianhua , Wang Shihua
Published: June 2024

The target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling pathway is highly conserved and plays a crucial role in diverse biological processes in eukaryotes. Despite its significance, the underlying mechanism of the TOR pathway in
A. flavus
remains elusive. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the TOR signaling pathway in
A. flavus
by identifying and characterizing nine genes that encode distinct components of this pathway. The FK506-binding protein Fkbp3 and its lysine succinylation are important for aflatoxin production and rapamycin resistance. The TorA kinase plays a pivotal role in the regulation of growth, spore production, aflatoxin biosynthesis, and responses to rapamycin and cell membrane stress. As a significant downstream effector molecule of the TorA kinase, the Sch9 kinase regulates aflatoxin B
1
(AFB
1
) synthesis, osmotic and calcium stress response in
A. flavus,
and this regulation is mediated through its S_TKc, S_TK_X domains, and the ATP binding site at K340. We also showed that the Sch9 kinase may have a regulatory impact on the high-osmolarity glycerol (HOG) signaling pathway. TapA and TipA, the other downstream components of the TorA kinase, play a significant role in regulating cell wall stress response in
A. flavus
. Moreover, the members of the TapA-phosphatase complexes, SitA and Ppg1, are important for various biological processes in
A. flavus
, including vegetative growth, sclerotia formation, AFB
1
biosynthesis, and pathogenicity. We also demonstrated that SitA and Ppg1 are involved in regulating lipid droplets (LDs) biogenesis and cell wall integrity (CWI) signaling pathways. In addition, another phosphatase complex, Nem1/Spo7, plays critical roles in hyphal development, conidiation, aflatoxin production, and lipid droplets biogenesis. Collectively, our study has provided important insight into the regulatory network of the TOR signaling pathway and has elucidated the underlying molecular mechanisms of aflatoxin biosynthesis in
A. flavus
.
TCR transgenic clone selection guided by immune receptor analysis and single cell RNA expression of polyclonal responders
Authors: Debeuf Nincy , Lameire Sahine , Vanheerswynghels Manon , Deckers Julie , De Wolf Caroline , Toussaint Wendy , Verbeke Rein , Verstaen Kevin , Hammad Hamida , Vanhee Stijn , Lambrecht Bart N.
Published: June 2024

Since the precursor frequency of naïve T cells is extremely low, investigating the early steps of antigen-specific T cell activation is challenging. To overcome this detection problem, adoptive transfer of a cohort of T cells purified from T cell receptor (TCR) transgenic donors has been extensively used but is not readily available for emerging pathogens. Constructing TCR transgenic mice from T cell hybridomas is a labor-intensive and sometimes erratic process, since the best clones are selected based on antigen-induced CD69 upregulation or IL-2 production in vitro, and TCR chains are PCR-cloned into expression vectors. Here, we exploited the rapid advances in single cell sequencing and TCR repertoire analysis to select the best clones without hybridoma selection, and generated CORSET8 mice (CORona Spike Epitope specific CD8 T cell), carrying a TCR specific for the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Implementing newly created DALI software for TCR repertoire analysis in single cell analysis enabled the rapid selection of the ideal responder CD8 T cell clone, based on antigen reactivity, proliferation and immunophenotype in vivo. In contrast, a traditional method based on hybridoma technology was unsuccessful. Identified TCR sequences were inserted as synthetic DNA into an expression vector and transgenic CORSET8 donor mice were created. After immunization with Spike/CpG-motifs, mRNA vaccination or SARS-CoV2 infection, CORSET8 T cells strongly proliferated and showed signs of T cell activation. Thus, a combination of TCR repertoire analysis and scRNA immunophenotyping allowed rapid selection of antigen-specific TCR sequences that can be used to generate TCR transgenic mice.
PAbFold: Linear Antibody Epitope Prediction using AlphaFold2
Authors: DeRoo Jacob , Terry James S. , Zhao Ning , Stasevich Timothy J. , Snow Christopher D. , Geiss Brian J.
Published: June 2024

Defining the binding epitopes of antibodies is essential for understanding how they bind to their antigens and perform their molecular functions. However, while determining linear epitopes of monoclonal antibodies can be accomplished utilizing well-established empirical procedures, these approaches are generally labor-and time-intensive and costly. To take advantage of the recent advances in protein structure prediction algorithms available to the scientific community, we developed a calculation pipeline based on the localColabFold implementation of AlphaFold2 that can predict linear antibody epitopes by predicting the structure of the complex between antibody heavy and light chains and target peptide sequences derived from antigens. We found that this AlphaFold2 pipeline, which we call PAbFold, was able to accurately flag known epitope sequences for several well-known antibody targets (HA / Myc) when the target sequence was broken into small overlapping linear peptides and antibody complementarity determining regions (CDRs) were grafted onto several different antibody framework regions in the single-chain antibody fragment (scFv) format. To determine if this pipeline was able to identify the epitope of a novel antibody with no structural information publicly available, we determined the epitope of a novel anti-SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid targeted antibody using our method and then experimentally validated our computational results using peptide competition ELISA assays. These results indicate that the AlphaFold2-based PAbFold pipeline we developed is capable of accurately identifying linear antibody epitopes in a short time using just antibody and target protein sequences. This emergent capability of the method is sensitive to methodological details such as peptide length, AlphaFold2 neural network versions, and multiple-sequence alignment database. PAbFold is available at https://github.com/jbderoo/PAbFold.
Examining University Students’ Self-Determination through the Lens of Spiritual Learning
Authors: Chiang Juiching
Published: June 2024

The relationship between spiritual learning and self-determination ability is the research objective in this study, and this study develops a conceptional model of spirituality and self-determination ability through a systemic literature review. From the previous studies, self-determination ability is launched when human needs are supported by the social context, focusing on the satisfaction of the three basic needs of human beings, seeking happiness that needs are satisfied. A short peak experience is a spiritual pursuit, and each peak experience is heart-shaking and has a lasting effect on life. It is accompanied by epiphanies and is a successful learning experience. Thus, spirituality learns how to effectively provide the peak experience of humans "making warrior-like decisions" rather than impulsive heroic sacrifices. The results show that spiritual learning is associated with effective self-determination ability, and that epiphany is an important moment to reach the level of self-determination ability is the act of learning. The conclusion is that epiphany manifesting in three states: concentration, sharing, and aesthetic experience as a conceptional model of self-determination ability and spiritual learning is the vital moment whenever one wants to be self-determined.
Effects of Aqueous Fruit Extract of Annona muricata on Testosterone Propionate Induced Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) in Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Leje I.U. , U. Wali. , Yeldu M.H. , Alhassan H.M. , Wasagu I. Z. , Abubakar U. , Abubakar B.H. , Evuti H. A. , Bello M.
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is an age-related non-malignant prostate gland enlargement in men that leads to pain and difficulty voiding urine. The etiology of BPH is still unknown. Studies have been reported on the effects of Annona muricata (soursop) against benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with little documentation.
Aim: This study aimed to determine the effects of aqueous fruit extract of A. muricata on testosterone propionate induced benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) in male Wistar Rats.
Methodology: The fruits of A. muricata were processed to obtain fruit extract and phytoconstituents. An acute toxicity study was conducted with six doses of A. muricata fruit extract (10, 100, 1000, 1500, 2900 and 5000 mg/kg) to determine the safety and tolerability dose limit. A total of 48 adult male Wistar rats were used for the study. After 2 weeks of acclimatization, the animals were orchimetized. The rats were randomly divided into six groups of eight animals each; group 1 (normal control + sham treated + distilled water); groups 2 (positive control + castrated + TP/day); group 3 (finasteride (3 mg/kg) + castrated + TP/day); group 4 (100 mg/kg AM + castrated + TP/day); group 5 (200 mg/kg AM + castrated + TP/day) and group 6 (400 mg/kg AM + castrated + TP/day) for 42 days. On the 43rd day animals were euthanized, blood and prostate tissue samples were collected for biochemical and histological study.
Results: This study showed that, the extract significantly (p < 0.05) decreased both the prostate weight and testosterone levels in a dose-dependent manner compared to finasteride-treated rats. The effect of the extract on the histology of the prostate had significant recovery and was able to restore the enlarged prostate to near-normal in a dose-dependent manner. A significant (p < 0.05) recovery was observed at a higher dose (400 mg/kg) of the extracts.
Conclusion: The effects of Annona muricata (soursop) against benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) showed inhibitory potentials via decreased prostate weight, prostate specific antigen, and testosterone levels in a dose-dependent manner. At a high dose (400 mg/kg) body weight of rats had significant recovery (p < 0.05) restoring prostatic histoarchitecture to near-normal. This study suggests that Annona muricata fruit may be considered a treatment option for benign prostatic hyperplasia in men.
Varietal Evaluation of Bottle Gourd on Growth and Yield under Prayagraj Conditions or Respective Agro Climatic Zone
Authors: Kritika Kannu , Bahadur Vijay
Published: June 2024

The experiment was carried out in the SHUATS horticulture department field, which is located in the Prayagraj agroclimatic zone in Uttar Pradesh. The study, "Varietal Evaluation in Bottle Gourd," used a combination of treatments on 12 different varieties of bottle gourd, including 2021/BOGVAR -1 TO BOGVAR-12, MAHASHAKTI, and Faizabadhi long. The primary conclusions were vine length, where MAHASHAKTI showed the highest growth and 2021/BOGVAR-03 showed the lowest. The 2021/BOGVAR-06 shows the most node growth, while the 2021/BOGVAR-10 shows the lowest. In terms of fruit weight the maximum weight was seen in 2021/BOGVAR-07(1200g) and the minimum weight was observed in 2021/BOGVAR-02(492.5g), in terms of fruit yield per ha the maximum yield was seen in 2021/BOGVAR-07, 2021/BOGVAR-08 and the minimum weight was observed in 2021/BOGVAR-02, 2021/BOGVAR-03.
Exploring the Hidden Treasures: Isolation, Characterization and Screening of Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) for Plant Growth-Promoting Traits from Chilli Field Weeds Rhizosphere
Authors: V H Vinuthana , M Yallappa , Mahadevaswamy  , Pampanagouda  , A S Savita
Published: June 2024

Plant-associated microbes affect growth, nutrient acquisition, tolerance to different stress conditions and etc. by the plant. However, beneficial microbes influencing weeds biosynthesis remain largely unexplored and unexploited. Phosphorus is one of essential macro-minerals for the growth and development of chilli plants. The main objective of this study was to isolate characterize and evaluation of the PGPR characters of PSB from weed rhizosphere of the chilli ecosystem. Totally 40 PSB isolates were isolated from different weeds in the chilli ecosystem and were subjected to biochemical characterization where 13 isolates were found positive for starch hydrolysis, 35 isolates were positive for acid production, 12isolates were positive for gas production, 40 isolates were positive for catalase production, 5 isolates were positive for H2S production, 13 isolates were positive for urease production and remaining all isolated were negative for the respective tests. Based on morphological and biochemical characterization, the isolates were tentatively identified as Bacillus sp and Pseudomonas sp.
Combining submerged electrospray and UV photopolymerization for production of synthetic hydrogel microspheres for cell encapsulation
Authors: Young Cara J. , Poole‐Warren Laura A. , Martens Penny J.
Published: January 2012

Microencapsulation within hydrogel microspheres holds much promise for drug and cell delivery applications. Synthetic hydrogels have many advantages over more commonly used natural materials such as alginate, however their use has been limited due to a lack of appropriate methods for manufacturing these microspheres under conditions compatible with sensitive proteins or cells. This study investigated the effect of flow rate and voltage on size and uniformity of the hydrogel microspheres produced via submerged electrospray combined with UV photopolymerization. In addition, the mechanical properties and cell survival within microspheres was studied. A poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) macromer solution was sprayed in sunflower oil under flow rates between 1–100 µL/min and voltages 0–10 kV. The modes of spraying observed were similar to those previously reported for electrospraying in air. Spheres produced were smaller for lower flow rates and higher voltages and mean size could be tailored from 50 to 1,500 µm. The microspheres exhibited a smooth, spherical morphology, did not aggregate and the compressive modulus of the spheres (350 kPa) was equivalent to bulk PVA (312 kPa). Finally, L929 fibroblasts were encapsulated within PVA microspheres and showed viability >90% after 24 h. This process shows great promise for the production of synthetic hydrogel microspheres, and specifically supports encapsulation of cells. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:1561–1570. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and Electrochemical and In Situ Spectroelectrochemical Characterization of Chloroindium(III) and Chloromanganese(III) Phthalocyanines Bearing 4‐((4′‐Trifluoromethyl)phenoxy)phenoxy Substituents
Authors: Burat Ayfer Kalkan , Bayır Zehra Altuntaş , Koca Atıf
Published: January 2012

The synthesis of novel tetra‐substituted manganese and indium phthalocyanines was achieved by cyclotetramerization of corresponding phthalonitrile derivative. The new compounds have been characterized by using UV‐vis, IR, 1H NMR and mass spectroscopic data. Spectroelectrochemical characterization of an indium phthalocyanine complex was performed for the first time in this paper and its electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical responses were compared with manganese phthalocyanine, bearing a redox active metal center. Electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical measurements exhibit that incorporation of redox active metal ion, MnIII, instead of InIII into the phthalocyanine core extends the redox capabilities of the complex including the metal‐based reduction couples of the metal center and affect the aggregation behavior of the complexes. Presence of molecular oxygen in the electrolyte system affects the voltammetric and spectroelectrochemical responses of the phthalocyanines due to the interaction between the complexes and molecular oxygen. MnPc and InPc formed µ‐oxo species and this reaction changed the electrochemical and optic responses of the complexes, which are desired properties for sensor and electrocatalytic applications of a material. An in situ electrocolorimetric method has been applied to investigate the color of the electro‐generated anionic and cationic forms of the complexes for possible electrochromatic applications and for clarify the interaction mechanism of the MnPc with molecular oxygen.
Dapagliflozin: a new possibility for managing type 2 diabetes
Authors: Bain Stephen
Published: January 2012

Dapagliflozin is a new sodium‐glucose transporter protein inhibitor under development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this Drug profile, Professor Stephen Bain outlines why new treatments are needed, and considers the drug's efficacy and tolerability in clinical trials, to date, as well as its potential place in management. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heat transfer from hollow cylinder using optimal homotopy asymptotic method
Authors: Shahzad A. , Khan W.A. , Hussain A.K.
Published: January 2012

Optimal homotopy asymptotic method (OHAM) is employed to investigate steady‐state heat conduction with temperature dependent thermal conductivity and uniform heat generation in a hollow cylinder. Analytical models are developed for dimensionless temperature distribution and heat transfer for two cases using mixed boundary conditions (Dirichlet, Neumann, and Robin). The inner cylinder is assumed to be insulated in both cases. In the first case, the outer cylinder is assumed to be isothermal whereas in the second case, the outer cylinder is convectively cooled by a fluid of temperature T2 through a uniform heat transfer coefficient h. The effects of Biot number, dimensionless heat generation, and thermal conductivity parameters on the temperature distribution and heat transfer are determined analytically and validated numerically using MAPLE 14. In both cases, the results obtained by OHAM are found to be in good agreement with the numerical results. It is found that as the Biot number increases, the results approach that of the isothermal case. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heat Trans Asian Res; Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/htj). DOI 10.1002/htj.20407
Personal Values and Academic Performance Among Engineering Students
Authors: Grande Peter P. , Simons Joseph B.
Published: January 2012

Independently drawn random samples of 20 dean's list and 20 academic probation engineering sophomores were the subjects in this investigation of student academic status in relation to personal values and aptitude variables. Dean's list students differed significantly (.05 level) from academic probation students on variables such as need for achievement, direction of aspirations, peer group values, independence in planning, persistence, self‐control, and high school record. No statistically significant differences were found on variables such as socio‐economic status, influence of the home, self‐insight or scholastic aptitude. It was concluded that the successful engineering student differs from the relatively less successful engineering student in certain measurable characteristics. These results elucidate the efficacy of the utilization of nonintellective variables in such differentiation.
A philosopher's view of values and ethics
Authors: GOLIGHTLY CORNELIUS L.
Published: January 2012

Counseling is the practical art of making rational decisions about values; thus it is part science and part philosophy. As a professional activity it falls midway between science and philosophy and partakes of the characteristics of both. Counseling readily recognizes its dependence on professional science for empirical knowledge about fact and theory but tends to ignore the analytic contributions of professional philosophy for understanding the nature of value and value theory. Counseling will be a better art when counselors are as concerned with what philosophy says about values as they are with the contributions of the social sciences.
Privacy and the new technology
Authors: GODWIN WILLIAM F. , BODE KATHARINE ANNE
Published: January 2012

Technology has been charged with destroying personal privacy. Some look to technology itself for solutions and countermeasures to the threat; others seek to control the threat by laws. But protection by control of human incentives holds most promise. Schools, for example, suffer from datamania, which might be alleviated by proper control of incentives. This article suggests several steps we can take to avoid any individual gain from acquiring information about others.
Manpower trends: counseling or political solutions?
Authors: HEALY CHARLES C.
Published: January 2012

A review of manpower trends and political developments reveals that governmental decisions threaten to reduce job and training opportunities. Career counselors must be prepared to help clients cope with reduced opportunities. In this article the author describes several alternatives for helping clients in this situation. He maintains that political action by APGA should be one of the alternatives—perhaps the most appropriate one—if APGA is to continue its established tradition of supporting social development.
Teaching self‐modification in an adjustment course
Authors: MENCKE REED A.
Published: January 2012

This article reports a project in which students in a college level adjustment course were taught to apply a model of behavior change in order to gain greater control over their own behavior. Pilot data suggest that students found the experience worthwhile, that many of them learned to make substantial changes in their behavior, and that some of them maintained a high degree of transfer to new problems that confronted them after the class had ended. The approach appears to have a great deal of potential for those who would like to extend their counseling beyond the confines of their offices and who would like to combine their counseling and teaching interests.
Crisis centers and hotlines: a survey
Authors: McCORD JAMES B. , PACKWOOD WILLIAM T.
Published: January 2012

Crisis centers and hotlines are relatively new approaches to the nation's growing concern for mental health problems. In order to provide information for those beginning a center, 253 centers were surveyed regarding five major aspects of crisis center operations: screening procedures for telephone listener‐counselor applicants, training procedures, services offered, types of calls received, and financing. Resources for further information and for better communication among centers are identified.
an ecological perspective and model for campus design
Authors: BANNING JAMES H. , KAISER LELAND
Published: January 2012

Blocker's article described the implications of an ecological perspective in the elementary school setting. Banning and his colleagues at WICHE have been interested in institutional change in higher education. While this article does not describe a “program” per se, it does describe in some detail a methodology for change. After discarding traditional student personnel perspectives (unenlightened, adjustment, and developmental), Banning and Kaiser push out the frontier with their concept of “ecosystems.” An ecosystem is one in which there is a true transaction between mutually dependent partners, with the assumption that either may change so that mutual benefit may result. A model for bringing about such change is presented, and a methodology for using the model is described.
Counseling puerto ri cans: some cultural considerations
Authors: CHRISTENSEN EDWARD W.
Published: January 2012

Puerto Ricans comprise a significant percentage of potential clients for many counselors. The migration of Puerto Ricans to the mainland over the years has created cultural differences between Puerto Ricans raised in Puerto Rico and those raised in the U.S., but both groups are at a disadvantage in the dominant American culture. Migration back to the island in recent years is creating some problems for Puerto Rico, so Puerto Ricans often find prejudice both here and there. In this article the author, who married into a Puerto Rican family, discusses some values and traits that characterize Puerto Ricans and the behaviors that emerge from these traits. He offers practical suggestions for those counselors who have Puerto Rican clients.
Trends in the Treatment of Men Who Commit Violence against Women
Authors: WATTS DEBORAH L. , COURTOIS CHRISTINE A.
Published: January 2012

Violence committed by men against women has a long history. At this time its prevalence is being increasingly documented and questioned in our society. Mental health workers have not had sufficient knowledge of the problem and, therefore, have not provided adequate treatment or devised preventive strategies. This article reviews the available literature regarding characteristics and treatment of three types of abusive men (rapists, incest offenders, wife batterers) and discusses the generalizability of common treatment approaches and counselor roles in treating these men.
A.G.C.T. Scores of Army Personnel Grouped by Occupation
Authors: STEWART NAOMI
Published: January 2012

When the report of the contributions made by psychologists in World War I was published (see Psychological Examining in the U. S. Army, edited by R.M. Yerkes, Memoirs of the National Academy of Sciences. Washington, 1921), the data that received most attention from persons interested in vocational adjustment were the scores made on the Army Alpha test by Army personnel grouped according to the occupations which they followed in civilian life. The number of men involved was only 18,423 and the occupational groups numbered only 68; nevertheless, the data constituted the largest sampling available and they markedly affected the practice and theory of vocational guidance and vocational selection.

Because of the continuing interest in data of this sort, the publishers of Occupations take pride in presenting to their readers the present study by Naomi Stewart, based on a much larger mass of statistics gathered in World War II. We are confident that they will be welcomed in this unabridged form.

We are indebted to the Adjutant General's Office of the War Department for making this material available.

It is anticipated that a considerable demand for extra copies will arise. Orders (at $0.60 each) should be placed early, for the supply is limited.‐The Editors
Infections, bacterial resistance, and antimicrobial stewardship: The emerging role of hospitalists
Authors: Rosenberg David J.
Published: January 2012

The care of patients with serious infections both within and outside healthcare settings is increasingly complicated by the high prevalence of resistant or multidrug‐resistant (MDR) pathogens. Moreover, infections caused by MDR versus susceptible bacteria or other pathogens are associated with significantly higher mortality, length of hospital stay, and healthcare costs. Antimicrobial misuse or overuse is the primary driver for development of antimicrobial resistance, suggesting that better use of antimicrobials will translate into improved patient outcomes, more efficient use of hospital resources, and lowered healthcare costs. Antimicrobial stewardship refers to the various practices and procedures utilized to optimize antimicrobial use. The primary goal of antimicrobial stewardship is to improve patient outcomes and lower antimicrobial resistance and other unintended consequences of antimicrobial therapy. Secondary goals are to reduce length of hospital stays and healthcare‐related costs. Hospitalists are increasingly involved in the care of hospitalized patients throughout the United States. Expertise in managing conditions requiring hospitalization, and experience in quality improvement across a wide range of clinical conditions, make hospitalists well positioned to participate in the development and implementation of hospital‐based antimicrobial stewardship programs designed to improve patient outcomes, reduce antimicrobial resistance, and provide more efficient and lower‐cost hospital care. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012;7:S34–S43. © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Influences of the Bermuda High and atmospheric moistening on changes in summer rainfall in the Atlanta, Georgia region, USA
Authors: Diem Jeremy E.
Published: January 2012

This paper assesses the variability and trends in summer‐season rainfall from 1948 to 2009 for the Atlanta, Georgia region. The rainfall variables are total rainfall, frequency of rainfall days, and frequency of heavy‐rainfall days. The main methods involve classifying daily 500‐hPa geopotential height fields into synoptic types, determining the rainfall characteristics of the synoptic types, testing for significant temporal trends in rainfall, middle‐troposphere circulation, lower‐troposphere circulation, and atmospheric humidity, and using multiple linear regression to determine the impact of circulation and humidity variables on inter‐annual variations in the rainfall variables. There were a total of eight synoptic types: the wet types involved troughing across or to the immediate west of the Atlanta region, while the dry types involved either an anticyclone across or to the immediate west of the region. The rainfall variables and two lower‐troposphere circulation indices, the Bermuda High Index (BHI) and the Western Bermuda High Index (WBHI), had significant positive trends in variance over time. Among the three rainfall variables, only the frequency of rainfall days had a significant trend: the periods 1976–2009 and 1977–2009 had significant positive trends in rainfall days. The BHI had a significant positive trend from the 1970s to 2009, and the western ridge of the Bermuda High moved significantly southeastward from approximately the mid‐1970s to 2009. Atmospheric humidity (i.e. 850‐hPa specific humidity, 500‐hPa specific humidity, and precipitable water) over the region had significant positive trends during most periods, with all humidity variables having significant increases from the 1970s to 2009. Increased interannual variability in the WBHI appears to be the cause of the increased variance in rainfall variables. An increase in atmospheric humidity, which is actually a global phenomenon, appears to be the principal cause of the increase in rainfall days during the past three decades. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Efficient wheat germ agglutinin purification with a chitosan‐based affinity chromatographic matrix
Authors: Baieli María F. , Urtasun Nicolás , Miranda María V. , Cascone Osvaldo , Wolman Federico J.
Published: January 2012

An efficient affinity chromatographic matrix based on chitosan for wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) purification was developed. The matrices assayed consisted of chitosan mini‐spheres cross‐linked with epichlorhydrin 45, 250 or 500 mM. The maximum adsorption capacity of pure WGA – calculated from the corresponding isotherms – was between 43.2 and 48.9 mg/g at pH 5.0 and between 16.6 and 27.6 mg/g at pH 8.5. However, the adsorption of agglutinin from wheat germ extract was higher at pH 8.5. In addition, 0.5 g of mini‐spheres cross‐linked with epichlorhydrin 250 mM adsorbed 94.5% of the WGA present in 5 mL of the concentrated extract. Acetic acid was able to elute 100% of the adsorbed WGA. The purity of the WGA obtained was greater than 95% and the purification factor was 56.8. The matrix was able to maintain an efficient performance of the purification process for three consecutive cycles. A new method to monitor the purification process by RP‐HPLC was developed.
Kinetic modeling and optimization of operating parameters for transvinylation of lauric acid
Authors: Kamble Sanjay P. , Manjarekar Onkar , Mawale Ravi , Kulkarni Bhaskar D. , Chowdary Naresh , Gupte Milind Y. , Barve Prashant P.
Published: January 2012

The transition metal complex catalyzed transvinylation of carboxylic acid with vinyl acetate monomer is of significant interest to industry. The palladium complex catalyzed transvinylation of lauric acid using vinyl acetate monomer is a reversible reaction. In present article, design of experiments (DOE) statistics is used to study effects of various operating parameters on transvinylation of lauric acid. The kinetic parameters forward and backward rate constants and the thermodynamic parameters such as equilibrium constant and energy of activation of the transvinylation of lauric acid were estimated using the Dynochem model. The optimum operating parameters for the transvinylation of lauric acid were then predicted using the Dynochem model and verified by performing the actual experiments to validate the model. It was found that the experimental results match with the predicted one. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 44: 624–634, 2012
The effect of photodynamic therapy on tumor cell expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and MHC class I‐related molecules
Authors: Belicha‐Villanueva Alan , Riddell Jonah , Bangia Naveen , Gollnick Sandra O.
Published: January 2012

Background and Objective

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is FDA‐approved anti‐cancer modality for elimination of early disease and palliation in advanced disease. PDT efficacy depends in part on elicitation of a tumor‐specific immune response that is dependent on cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells. The cytolytic potential of CTLs and NK cells is mediated by the ability of these cells to recognize major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and MHC class I‐related molecules. The MHC class I‐related molecules MICA and MICB are induced by oxidative stress and have been reported to activate NK cells and co‐stimulate CD8+ T cells. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of PDT on tumor cell expression of MHC classes I and II‐related molecules in vivo and in vitro.

Study Design/Materials and Methods

Human colon carcinoma Colo205 cells and murine CT26 tumors were treated with 2‐[1‐hexyloxyethyl]‐2‐devinyl pyropheophorbide‐a (HPPH)‐PDT at various doses. MHC classes I and I‐related molecule expression following treatment of Colo205 cells was temporally examined by flow cytometry using antibodies specific for components of MHC class I molecules and by quantitative PCR using specific primers. Expression of MHC class I‐related molecules following HPPH‐based PDT (HPPH‐PDT) of murine tumors was monitored using a chimeric NKG2D receptor.

Results

In vitro HPPH‐PDT significantly induces MICA in Colo205 cells, but had no effect on MHC class I molecule expression. PDT also induced expression of NKG2D ligands (NKG2DL) following in vivo HPPH‐PDT of a murine tumor. Induction of MICA corresponded to increased NK killing of PDT‐treated tumor cells.

Conclusions

PDT induction of MICA on human tumor cells and increased expression of NKG2DL by murine tumors following PDT may play a role in PDT induction of anti‐tumor immunity. This conclusion is supported by our results demonstrating that tumor cells have increased sensitivity to NK cell lysis following PDT. Lasers Surg. Med. 44:60–68, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Erythropoietin in Friedreich ataxia: No effect on frataxin in a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mariotti Caterina , Fancellu Roberto , Caldarazzo Serena , Nanetti Lorenzo , Di Bella Daniela , Plumari Massimo , Lauria Giuseppe , Cappellini Maria D. , Duca Lorena , Solari Alessandra , Taroni Franco
Published: January 2012

Background:

Friedreich ataxia is a rare disease caused by GAA‐trinucleotide‐repeat expansions in the frataxin gene, leading to marked reduction of qualitatively normal frataxin protein. Recently, human recombinant erythropoietin was reported to increase frataxin levels in patients with Friedreich ataxia.

Methods:

We performed a 6‐month, randomized placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, dose‐response pilot trial to assess the safety and efficacy of erythropoietin in increasing frataxin levels. Sixteen adult patient with Friedreich ataxia were randomly assigned to erythropoietin (n = 11) or matching placebo (n = 5). All patients continued Idebenone treatment (5 mg/kg/day). Treatment consisted of a 6‐month scaling‐up phase, in which erythropoietin was administered intravenously at the following doses: 20,000 IU every 3 weeks, 40,000 IU every 3 weeks, and 40,000 IU every 2 weeks.

Results:

Erythropoietin treatment was safe and well tolerated, but did not result in any significant hematological, clinical, or biochemical effects in Friedreich ataxia patients. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Regional variations of T2* in healthy and pathologic achilles tendon in vivo at 7 Tesla: Preliminary results
Authors: Juras Vladimir , Zbyn Stefan , Pressl Christina , Valkovic Ladislav , Szomolanyi Pavol , Frollo Ivan , Trattnig Siegfried
Published: January 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate T in the Achilles tendon (AT), in vivo, using a three‐dimensional ultrashort time echo (3D‐UTE) sequence, to compare field strength differences (3 and 7 T) and to evaluate a regional variation of T in healthy and pathologic tendon. Ten volunteers with no history of pain in the AT and five patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy were recruited. 3D‐UTE images were measured with the following echo times, at echo time = [0.07, 0.2, 0.33, 0.46, 0.59, 0.74, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, and 9.0 ms]. T values in the AT were calculated by fitting the signal decay to biexponential function. Comparing volunteers between 3 and 7 T, short component T was 0.71 ± 0.17 ms and 0.34 ± 0.09 ms (P < 0.05); bulk long component T was 12.85 ± 1.87 ms and 10.28 ± 2.28 ms (P < 0.05). In patients at 7 T, bulk T was 0.53 ± 0.17 ms (P = 0.045, compared to volunteers), T was 11.49 ± 4.28 ms (P = 0.99, compared to volunteers). The results of this study suggest that the regional variability of AT can be quantified by T in in vivo conditions. Advanced quantitative imaging of the human AT using a 3D‐UTE sequence may provide additional information to standard clinical imaging. Finally, as the preliminary patient data suggest, T may be a promising marker for the diagnosis of pathological changes in the AT. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of the chromosomal translocation t(10;17)(q22;p13) in clear cell sarcoma of kidney
Authors: O'Meara Elaine , Stack Deirdre , Lee Cheng‐Han , Garvin A Julian , Morris Thomas , Argani Pedram , Han Jeong S , Karlsson Jenny , Gisselson David , Leuschner Ivo , Gessler Manfred , Graf Norbert , Fletcher Jonathan A , O'Sullivan Maureen J
Published: January 2012

Clear cell sarcoma of kidney (CCSK) is classified as a tumour of unfavourable histology by the National Wilms' Tumor Study Group. It has worse clinical outcomes than Wilms' tumour. Virtually nothing is known about CCSK biology, as there have been very few genetic aberrations identified to act as pointers in this cancer. Three cases of CCSK bearing a chromosomal translocation, t(10;17)(q22;p13), have been individually reported but not further investigated to date. The aim of this research was to characterize t(10;17)(q22;p13) in CCSK to identify the genes involved in the translocation breakpoints. Using fluorescently labelled bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) and a chromosome‐walking strategy on an index case of CCSK with t(10;17)(q22;p13) by karyotype, we identified the chromosomal breakpoints on 17p13.3 and 10q22.3. The translocation results in rearrangement of YWHAE on chromosome 17 and FAM22 on chromosome 10, producing an in‐frame fusion transcript of ∼3 kb, incorporating exons 1–5 of YWHAE and exons 2‐7 of FAM22, as determined by RT‐PCR using YWHAE‐ and FAM22‐specific primers. The YWHAE‐FAM22 transcript was detected in six of 50 further CCSKs tested, therefore showing an overall incidence of 12% in our cohort. No transcript‐positive cases presented with stage I disease, despite this being the stage for 31% of our cohort. Tumour cellularity was significantly higher in the cases that were transcript‐positive. Based on the chromosome 10 breakpoint identified by FISH and the sequences of the full‐length transcripts obtained, the FAM22 members involved in the translocation in these CCSK cases include FAM22B and FAM22E. Elucidation of the role of YWHAE‐FAM22 in CCSK will assist development of more efficient and targeted therapies for this childhood cancer, which currently has poor outcomes. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Complete morphologic and molecular remission after introduction of dasatinib in the treatment of a pediatric patient with t‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and ABL1 amplification
Authors: Crombet Ofelia , Lastrapes Kelly , Zieske Arthur , Morales‐Arias Jaime
Published: January 2012

T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) accounts for 15% of ALL cases in children and has been associated with a worse prognosis. Cytogenetic studies show an abnormal karyotype in 50–60% of the T‐cell ALL patients; ABL1 fusions are present in approximately 8% of the cases. Dasatinib, a second‐generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor, directly targets the BCR‐ABL gene. We describe a pediatric case of T‐cell ALL with amplification of the ABL1 gene in which remission was achieved only after the addition of dasatinib to conventional chemotherapy. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012;59:333–334. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Visualization of arborescent architecture of polystyrenes prepared by raft‐based initiator‐monomer polymerization using atomic force microscopy
Authors: Heidenreich Andrew J. , Puskas Judit E. , Schappacher Michel , Ibarboure Emmanuel , Deffieux Alain
Published: January 2012

This article presents the utilization of “molecular amplification” to visualize the molecular architecture of “arborescent” (tree‐like) polystyrenes (arbPSs) using atomic force microscopy (AFM). arbPSs with Mn > 80,000 g/mol were synthesized via initiator‐monomer‐type (inimer) RAFT polymerization of styrene mediated by 4‐vinylbenzyl dithiobenzoate in bulk. These arbPS were then used as macrochain transfer agents for polymerization of vinylbenzyl chloride (VBCl) to give arborescent poly(styrene‐block‐vinylbenzyl chloride) (arbPS‐b‐VBCl). Poly(styryl) diphenylethyl lithium (Mn = 11,000 g/mol) was then grafted onto the VBCl units of the arbPS‐b‐VBCl. The Mn of the amplified arbPSs increased over >10 million g/mol, exceeding the exclusion limit of our size exclusion chromatography equipment. AFM confirmed the proposed branches on branches architecture in the samples, together with lesser branched species. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Analyzing genomic data: understanding the genome
Authors: Fernández‐Suárez Xosé M.
Published: January 2012

The effort that led to the sequencing of the human genome ushered life sciences into a new era. One of the largest international scientific endeavors of the time delivered the genetic makeup of our species to the research community. Further international consortia (HapMap, ENCODE, International Human Epigenome Consortium, 1000 Genomes Project) are shaping our understanding of the genomic landscape. Current high‐throughput sequencing technologies can deliver a whole human genome in a matter of days. The subsequent data avalanche is stored in public repositories (including individual genomes). Such developments emphasize the need for data mining approaches. In this contribution, several tools and strategies to access these data are presented. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

This article is categorized under:

Algorithmic Development > Biological Data Mining

Application Areas > Data Mining Software Tools
Synthesis and Properties of Sodium Mono‐Alkylamide Phthalate Surfactants
Authors: Han Fu , Xu Bao‐cai , Qu Zhi‐qiang , Zhou Ya‐wen , Zhang Gui‐ju
Published: January 2012

The synthesis of a series of sodium mono‐alkylamide phthalate surfactants is described, and the surface activity properties of the surfactants are reported. The mono‐alkylamide phthalic acids were synthesized by amidation using primary aliphatic amines (lauryl, myristyl, cetyl) and phthalic anhydride as starting material. They were structurally characterized by IR, 1H NMR and MS. The sodium mono‐alkylamide phthalate surfactants were prepared by neutralization of the precursor acids with sodium hydroxide. They reduced the surface tension of water to 30–38 mN m−1 at concentration levels of 10−4 mol L−1.
Das akademische Selbstkonzept bei Schulanfängern
Authors: Ehm Jan-Henning , Duzy Dagmar , Hasselhorn Marcus
Published: January 2012

Zusammenfassung. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird anhand einer Stichprobe von 1275 Erstklässlern geprüft, ob sich zwischen Kindern mit und ohne Migrationshintergrund Unterschiede im verbalen und mathematischen Selbstkonzept finden lassen, wobei das Geschlecht der Kinder in den Analysen ebenfalls berücksichtigt wird. Es wurden Selbsteinschätzungen der Kinder, sowie standardisierte Leistungsmaße im Lesen und in Mathematik erhoben, die durch Leistungseinschätzungen der Lehrkräfte ergänzt wurden. Es zeigte sich, dass Kinder mit Migrationshintergrund trotz schlechterer schulischer Leistungen im Lesen und in Mathematik in diesen Bereichen ein höheres Selbstkonzept aufwiesen als Kinder ohne Migrationshintergrund. Auch findet sich bereits in der ersten Klasse unter Jungen ein optimistischeres mathematisches und unter Mädchen ein optimistischeres verbales Selbstkonzept. Dies spiegelte sich auch in den tatsächlichen Leistungen der Kinder sowie den Lehrereinschätzungen wider.