bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Video Incident Analysis of Concussions in Boys’ High School Lacrosse
Authors: Lincoln Andrew E. , Caswell Shane V. , Almquist Jon L. , Dunn Reginald E. , Hinton Richard Y.
Published: February 2013

Background:

Boys’ lacrosse has one of the highest rates of concussion among boys’ high school sports. A thorough understanding of injury mechanisms and game situations associated with concussions in boys’ high school lacrosse is necessary to target injury prevention efforts.

Purpose:

To characterize common game-play scenarios and mechanisms of injury associated with concussions in boys’ high school lacrosse using game video.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiological study.

Methods:

In 25 public high schools of a single school system, 518 boys’ lacrosse games were videotaped by trained videographers during the 2008 and 2009 seasons. Video of concussion incidents was examined to identify game characteristics and injury mechanisms using a lacrosse-specific coding instrument.

Results:

A total of 34 concussions were captured on video. All concussions resulted from player-to-player bodily contact. Players were most often injured when contact was unanticipated or players were defenseless (n = 19; 56%), attempting to pick up a loose ball (n = 16; 47%), and/or ball handling (n = 14; 41%). Most frequently, the striking player’s head (n = 27; 79%) was involved in the collision, and the struck player’s head was the initial point of impact in 20 incidents (59%). In 68% (n = 23) of cases, a subsequent impact with the playing surface occurred immediately after the initial impact. A penalty was called in 26% (n = 9) of collisions.

Conclusion:

Player-to-player contact was the mechanism for all concussions. Most commonly, injured players were unaware of the pending contact, and the striking player used his head to initiate contact. Further investigation of preventive measures such as education of coaches and officials and enforcement of rules designed to prevent intentional head-to-head contact is warranted to reduce the incidence of concussions in boys’ lacrosse.
Why is renewable heat in the UK underperforming? A socio-technical perspective
Authors: Bergman Noam
Published: February 2013

The potential role of microgeneration in energy supply, carbon emissions reduction, energy security and even fuel poverty has been a topic of much interest in the past few years. Industry and government focus has been on financial tools and other policies aimed at maximising uptake. However, some recent studies on solar hot water and heat pumps suggest that not all microgeneration installations are delivering the expected energy or emissions savings, and consumers are in turn not reaping the expected financial benefits. The reasons are a mixture of technical problems and poor installations, institutional issues, poor information supply to users, and improper use. Such issues could delay or jeopardise plans for rolling out microgenerators such as heat pumps. This article considers what policies would help maximise the above-listed benefits of microgeneration, including the implications for the Renewable Heat Incentive, and the importance of measuring actual energy savings in homes. Given the mixed nature of the issues, a broader systemic view is used to analyse the institutional, cultural and behavioural reasons for the discrepancies in energy savings.
An open clinical trial assessing a novel training program for social cognitive impairment in schizophrenia
Authors: Marsh Pamela , Langdon Robyn , McGuire Jonathan , Harris Anthony , Polito Vince , Coltheart Max
Published: February 2013

Objective:

Social cognition is profoundly impaired in patients with schizophrenia. This study describes ‘Mental-State Reasoning Training for Social Cognitive Impairment’ (SoCog-MSRT), a 5-week program developed to improve social cognition in patients with schizophrenia. We aimed to investigate the feasibility of implementing SoCog-MSRT in a rehabilitation setting and to evaluate whether our training methods produced improvements.

Method

The feasibility and benefits of SoCog-MSRT were evaluated in an open clinical trial with 14 participants with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Training comprised 10 twice-weekly sessions, for 5 weeks, with a pre- and post-training assessment.

Results:

There were significant improvements on: (a) a classic false-belief test of Theory of Mind (ToM); (b) inferring complex mental states from the eyes; and (c) a self-reported measure of social understanding. Some of these improvements were associated with baseline levels of working memory and premorbid Intelligence Quotient (IQ).

Conclusions

SoCog-MSRT can improve ToM abilities and social understanding, but individuals with poorer working memory and lower premorbid IQ may be less able to benefit from this type of training.
Effects of Napping on Sleepiness and Sleep-Related Performance Deficits in Night-Shift Workers
Authors: Ruggiero Jeanne S. , Redeker Nancy S.
Published: February 2013

Night-shift workers are prone to sleep deprivation, misalignment of circadian rhythms, and subsequent sleepiness and sleep-related performance deficits. The purpose of this narrative systematic review is to critically review and synthesize the scientific literature regarding improvements in sleepiness and sleep-related performance deficits following planned naps taken during work-shift hours by night workers and to recommend directions for future research and practice. We conducted a literature search using the Medline, PsychInfo, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Health and Safety Science Abstracts databases and included English-language quasi-experimental and experimental studies that evaluated the effects of a nighttime nap taken during a simulated or actual night-work shift. We identified 13 relevant studies, which consisted primarily of small samples and mixed designs. Most investigators found that, despite short periods of sleep inertia immediately following naps, night-shift napping led to decreased sleepiness and improved sleep-related performance. None of the studies examined the effects of naps on safety outcomes in the workplace. Larger-scale randomized clinical trials of night-shift napping and direct safety outcomes are needed prior to wider implementation.
Framing body size among African American women and girls
Authors: Williams Ellen P , Wyatt Sharon B , Winters Karen
Published: February 2013

Obesity continues to affect African Americans in epidemic proportions, particularly among women and adolescent females. Perceptions, beliefs, behaviors, and body sizes of adolescents are associated with those of their mothers, yet little is known about the transgenerational meanings and experiences of obese African American adolescent girls and their mothers. An interpretive phenomenological study was conducted with seven African American adolescents between the ages of 11 and 17, and their adult female caregivers. Audio-taped interviews were transcribed and analyzed by a multicultural interpretive team. Two constitutive patterns and associated themes were identified. One pattern, ‘Framing: sizing it up; sizing it down’, with its three associated themes is presented. Mothers and daughters are engaged in multiple common practices in which they self-define body size, while protecting their self-esteem and self-image. This pattern illustrates how the women and girls created an image of their bodies as they confronted and acknowledged their self-perceptions, compared themselves to others in their environment, and evaluated themselves against specific parameters of acceptable size.
Meeting the information needs of children in hospital
Authors: Lambert Veronica , Glacken Michele , McCarron Mary
Published: February 2013

The provision of information is an individual entitlement and a prerequisite to enabling children to understand their illness, make choices about their health care and be involved in decision-making processes around these choices. However, limited evidence exists on children’s perspectives of information provision while an inpatient in hospital. The aim of this paper is to describe the process of information exchange between health professionals and children in hospital. Informed by an ethnographic design, data were collected using multiple methods, including semi-participant observations, interviews and participatory activities. Forty-nine children aged six to 16 years, with a variety of medical and surgical conditions, admitted to one children's ward at one children's hospital participated in the research. Findings revealed that children encountered a variety of information management experiences. The key message for health professionals is that there is a need to develop child- and family-focussed strategies for assessing children’s information needs in order to determine their preferences for information (amount, format, from whom, etc.), to develop a method for gaining an appreciation of parents’ and health professionals’ beliefs about the optimal amount and type of information to relay to children, and to achieve consensus about who is best placed to transmit this information to children.
Evolving concepts of the renin-angiotensin system: Highlights from the pre-ISH 2012 satellite meeting
Authors: Koid Suang S , Campbell Duncan J
Published: February 2013

Despite its long history, the renin-angiotensin system remains an active area of research. New components and interactions between novel and established components continue to be discovered. These developments are providing fresh insight into the role of the renin-angiotensin system in cardiovascular health and disease and new therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. The pre-ISH 2012 satellite ‘Evolving concepts of the renin-angiotensin system’ provided a timely opportunity to review progress and to discuss the future of this exciting and productive area of research.
New enumeration algorithm for protein structure comparison and classification
Authors: Ashby Cody , Johnson Daniel , Walker Karl , Kanj Iyad A , Xia Ge , Huang Xiuzhen
Published: February 2013

Background

Protein structure comparison and classification is an effective method for exploring protein structure-function relations. This problem is computationally challenging. Many different computational approaches for protein structure comparison apply the secondary structure elements (SSEs) representation of protein structures.

Results

We study the complexity of the protein structure comparison problem based on a mixed-graph model with respect to different computational frameworks. We develop an effective approach for protein structure comparison based on a novel independent set enumeration algorithm. Our approach (named: ePC, e fficient e numeration-based P rotein structure C omparison) is tested for general purpose protein structure comparison as well as for specific protein examples. Compared with other graph-based approaches for protein structure comparison, the theoretical running-time O(1.47
rn

n
2) of our approach ePC is significantly better, where n is the smaller number of SSEs of the two proteins, r is a parameter of small value.

Conclusion

Through the enumeration algorithm, our approach can identify different substructures from a list of high-scoring solutions of biological interest. Our approach is flexible to conduct protein structure comparison with the SSEs in sequential and non-sequential order as well. Supplementary data of additional testing and the source of ePC will be available at http://bioinformatics.astate.edu/.
Molecular cloning of a novel bioH gene from an environmental metagenome encoding a carboxylesterase with exceptional tolerance to organic solvents
Authors: Shi Yuping , Pan Yingjie , Li Bailin , He Wei , She Qunxin , Chen Lanming
Published: February 2013

Background

BioH is one of the key enzymes to produce the precursor pimeloyl-ACP to initiate biotin biosynthesis de novo in bacteria. To date, very few bioH genes have been characterized. In this study, we cloned and identified a novel bioH gene, bioHx, from an environmental metagenome by a functional metagenomic approach. The bioHx gene, encoding an enzyme that is capable of hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl esters of fatty acids, was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 using the pET expression system. The biochemical property of the purified BioHx protein was also investigated.

Results

Screening of an unamplified metagenomic library with a tributyrin-containing medium led to the isolation of a clone exhibiting lipolytic activity. This clone carried a 4,570-bp DNA fragment encoding for six genes, designated bioF, bioHx, fabG, bioC, orf5 and sdh, four of which were implicated in the de novo biotin biosynthesis. The bioHx gene encodes a protein of 259 aa with a calculated molecular mass of 28.60 kDa, displaying 24-39% amino acid sequence identity to a few characterized bacterial BioH enzymes. It contains a pentapeptide motif (Gly76-Trp77-Ser78-Met79-Gly80) and a catalytic triad (Ser78-His230-Asp202), both of which are characteristic for lipolytic enzymes. BioHx was expressed as a recombinant protein and characterized. The purified BioHx protein displayed carboxylesterase activity, and it was most active on p-nitrophenyl esters of fatty acids substrate with a short acyl chain (C4). Comparing BioHx with other known BioH proteins revealed interesting diversity in their sensitivity to ionic and nonionic detergents and organic solvents, and BioHx exhibited exceptional resistance to organic solvents, being the most tolerant one amongst all known BioH enzymes. This ascribed BioHx as a novel carboxylesterase with a strong potential in industrial applications.

Conclusions

This study constituted the first investigation of a novel bioHx gene in a biotin biosynthetic gene cluster cloned from an environmental metagenome. The bioHx gene was successfully cloned, expressed and characterized. The results demonstrated that BioHx is a novel carboxylesterase, displaying distinct biochemical properties with strong application potential in industry. Our results also provided the evidence for the effectiveness of functional metagenomic approach for identifying novel bioH genes from complex ecosystem.
Influence of argon plasma on the deposition of Al2O3 film onto the PET surfaces by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Edy Riyanto , Huang Xiaojiang , Guo Ying , Zhang Jing , Shi Jianjun
Published: February 2013

In this paper, polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) films with and without plasma pretreatment were modified by atomic layer deposition (ALD) and plasma-assisted atomic layer deposition (PA-ALD). It demonstrates that the Al2O3 films are successfully deposited onto the surface of PET films. The cracks formed on the deposited Al2O3 films in the ALD, plasma pretreated ALD, and PA-ALD were attributed to the energetic ion bombardment in plasmas. The surface wettability in terms of water contact angle shows that the deposited Al2O3 layer can enhance the wetting property of modified PET surface. Further characterizations of the Al2O3 films suggest that the elevated density of hydroxyl -OH group improve the initial growth of ALD deposition. Chemical composition of the Al2O3-coated PET film was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, which shows that the content of C 1s reduces with the growing of O 1s in the Al2O3-coated PET films, and the introduction of plasma in the ALD process helps the normal growth of Al2O3 on PET in PA-ALD.
Persistence of Penaeus stylirostris densovirus delays mortality caused by white spot syndrome virus infection in black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon)
Authors: Molthathong Sudkhate , Jitrakorn Sarocha , Joyjinda Yutthana , Boonchird Chuenchit , Witchayachamnarnkul Boonsirm , Pongtippatee Pattira , Flegel Timothy , Saksmerprome Vanvimon
Published: February 2013

Background

Persistent infection of Penaeus stylirostris densovirus (PstDNV) (also called IHHNV) and its non-infectious inserts in the black tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon (P. monodon) genome are commonly found without apparent disease. Here, we introduced the method of multiplex PCR in order to differentiate shrimp with viral inserts from ones with the infectious virus. The method allowed us to study the effect of pre-infection of IHHNV, in comparison to IHHNV inserts, on WSSV resistance in P. monodon.

Results

A multiplex PCR system was developed to amplify the entire IHHNV genome, ensuring the accurate diagnosis. Field samples containing IHHNV DNA templates as low as 20 pg or equivalent 150 viral copies can be detected by this method. By challenging the two groups of diagnosed shrimp with WSSV, we found that shrimp with IHHNV infection and those with viral inserts responded to WSSV differently. Considering cumulative mortality, average time to death of shrimp in IHHNV-infected group (day 14) was significantly delayed relative to that (day 10) of IHHNV-inserted group. Real-time PCR analysis of WSSV copy number indicated the lower amount of WSSV in the IHHNV-infected group than the virus-inserted group. The ratio of IHHNV: WSSV copy number in all determined IHHNV-infected samples ranged from approximately 4 to 300-fold.

Conclusion

The multiplex PCR assay developed herein proved optimal for convenient differentiation of shrimp specimens with real IHHNV infection and those with insert types. Diagnosed shrimp were also found to exhibit different WSSV tolerance. After exposed to WSSV, the naturally pre-infected IHHNV P. monodon were less susceptible to WSSV and, consequently, survived longer than the IHHNV-inserted shrimp.
Identification and MS-assisted interpretation of genetically influenced NMR signals in human plasma
Authors: Raffler Johannes , Römisch-Margl Werner , Petersen Ann-Kristin , Pagel Philipp , Blöchl Florian , Hengstenberg Christian , Illig Thomas , Meisinger Christa , Stark Klaus , Wichmann H-Erich , Adamski Jerzy , Gieger Christian , Kastenmüller Gabi , Suhre Karsten
Published: February 2013

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) provides robust readouts of many metabolic parameters in one experiment. However, identification of clinically relevant markers in 1H NMR spectra is a major challenge. Association of NMR-derived quantities with genetic variants can uncover biologically relevant metabolic traits. Using NMR data of plasma samples from 1,757 individuals from the KORA study together with 655,658 genetic variants, we show that ratios between NMR intensities at two chemical shift positions can provide informative and robust biomarkers. We report seven loci of genetic association with NMR-derived traits (APOA1, CETP, CPS1, GCKR, FADS1, LIPC, PYROXD2) and characterize these traits biochemically using mass spectrometry. These ratios may now be used in clinical studies.
One-pot, Radiation-induced Graft Polymerization of Vinylsulfonic Acid onto Poly(ether ether ketone) and High Proton Conductivity of Its Membrane
Authors: Takahashi Katsuyuki , Nishide Hiroyuki
Published: February 2013

A poly(vinylsulfonic acid) (PVSA)-grafted poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) was simply prepared by one-pot, γ-ray radiation-induced graft polymerization of the vinylsulfonic acid (VSA) solution dissolving PEEK. The VSA-highly-grafted PEEK membrane possessed high ion exchange capacity (e.g., 7.2 mequiv g−1) and showed proton conductivity in the order of 10−1 and 10−3–10−6 S cm−1 under hydrated and nonhumidified conditions, respectively.
Controlled Encapsulation of Photoresponsive Macromolecules in Porous Coordination Polymer
Authors: Uemura Takashi , Washino Gosuke , Yanai Nobuhiro , Kitagawa Susumu
Published: February 2013

A photoresponsive controlled adsorption system based on a porous coordination polymer (PCP) was fabricated, using azobenzene tethered with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-AB) as macromolecular guests. Specific adsorption behavior of trans-PEG-AB into the nanochannels of a PCP was observed in an EtOH medium. When this composite was irradiated with UV light in EtOH, isomerization of PEG-AB from the trans to the cis form resulted in release of PEG-AB because of the large changes in the molecular shape and solubility of PEG-AB. Subsequent visible light irradiation induced photoisomerization of PEG-AB, which led to readsorption of PEG-AB into the nanochannels.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Optical Properties of Zn1−xCoxO Nanostructures
Authors: Zhu Lu-Ping , Huang Hua , Wang Ling-Ling , Bing Nai-Ci , Liao Gui-Hong , Wang Li-Jun
Published: February 2013

Zn1−xCoxO nanostructures (x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, and 0.04) were synthesized by a solvothermal process. The samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, EDS, and UV–vis spectroscopy. The structure and morphology analyses showed that Co doping can slightly promote ZnO crystallinity and influence the nanostructure morphology but cannot change the crystal structures of ZnO samples. The optical measurements showed that Co doping can enhance the visible light absorption abilities of the ZnO samples and that the band-gap energies of the Zn1−xCoxO nanostructures can be effectively tuned from 3.25 to 2.85 eV.
Quantitative structural characterization of the lignins from the stem and pith of bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens)
Authors: Wen Jia-Long , Sun Shao-Long , Xue Bai-Liang , Sun Run-Cang
Published: February 2013

Milled wood lignins (MWL) were isolated from the stem (MWLS) and pith (MWLP) of bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens). The nonacetylated and acetylated bamboo MWLs were investigated by Fourier transform infrared, quantitative 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 2D heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC) NMR, and 31P-NMR spectroscopy. The MWL consists of p-hydroxyphenyl (1–2%), guaiacyl (21–31%), and syringyl (67–78%) units associated with p-coumarates and ferulates. A modified quantitative 13C-NMR and 2D-HSQC analysis has demonstrated that the predominant intermonomeric linkages are of the type β-O-4 (45–49 per 100 C9 units, i.e., per C900) along with small amounts of other structural units such as resinols (3.6–7.4 per C900), tetrahydrofuran (2.0–2.3 per C900), phenylcoumaran (2.8–4.5 per C900), spirodienones (1.3–2.3 per C900), and α,β-diaryl ethers (2.8–2.9 per C900). MWLP contained more p-coumarates than MWLS. The various degrees of γ-acylation (17–27%) were positively associated with S/G ratios in the lignins; however, γ-acylation was inversely correlated to the ratio between β-β and β-O-4 side chains in these lignin fractions. Moreover, a flavonoid compound (tricin) was also detected in the MWLS but not in MWLP. The two MWLs are very similar in terms of molecular weights and the contents of OHphen and OHaliph.
Methylation of the nuclear poly(A)-binding protein by type I protein arginine methyltransferases – how and why
Authors: Wahle Elmar , Moritz Bodo
Published: February 2013

Asymmetric dimethylation of arginine side chains in proteins is a frequent posttranslational modification, catalyzed by type I protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs). This article summarizes what is known about this modification in the nuclear poly(A)-binding protein (PABPN1). PABPN1 contains 13 dimethylated arginine residues in its C-terminal domain. Three enzymes, PRMT1, 3, and 6, can methylate PABPN1. Although 26 methyl groups are transferred to one PABPN1 molecule, the PRMTs do so in a distributive reaction, i.e., only a single methyl group is transferred per binding event. As PRMTs form dimers, with the active sites accessible from a small central cavity, backbone conformation around the methyl-accepting arginine is an important determinant of substrate specificity. Neither the association of PABPN1 with poly(A) nor its role in poly(A) tail synthesis is affected by arginine methylation. At least at low protein concentration, methylation does not affect the protein’s tendency to oligomerize. The dimethylarginine residues of PABPN1 are located in the binding site for its nuclear import receptor, transportin. Arginine methylation weakens this interaction about 10-fold. Very recent evidence suggests that arginine methylation as a way of fine-tuning the interactions between transportin and its cargo may be a general mechanism.
More appropriate discounting: the rate of social time preference and the value of the social discount rate
Authors: Moore Mark A. , Boardman Anthony E. , Vining Aidan R.
Published: February 2013

Recently, a number of authors, including Burgess and Zerbe, have recommended the use of a real social discount rate (SDR) in the range of 6–8% in benefit-cost analysis (BCA) of public projects. They derive this rate based on the social opportunity cost of capital (SOC) method. In contrast, this article argues that the correct method is to discount future impacts based on the rate of social time preference (STP). Flows in or out of private investment should be multiplied by the shadow price of capital (SPC). Using this method and employing recent United States data, we obtain an estimate of the rate of STP of 3.5% and an SPC of 2.2. We also re-estimate the SDR using the SOC method and conclude that, even if analysts continue to use this method, they should use a considerably lower rate of about 5%.
Functional gold nanoparticles for sensing applications
Authors: Zhang Guomei
Published: February 2013

Nanoparticle-based technologies have played important roles in providing opportunities for the development of a new generation of sensing tools. Because of their unique optical, chemical, electrical, and catalytic properties, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been extensively studied for biological and chemical detections as well as analytical applications. AuNP-based sensors are expected to change the foundations of sensing and detecting biomolecules and metal ions. The ease of surface functionalization of AuNPs allows chemists to create the desired functionalities for specific applications. In this review, we will discuss the use of surface-functionalized AuNPs for fabricating smart sensors that are capable of detecting heavy metal ions, glucose, and specific biomolecules such as protein and DNA.
Marker Density and Read Depth for Genotyping Populations Using Genotyping-by-Sequencing
Authors: Beissinger Timothy M , Hirsch Candice N , Sekhon Rajandeep S , Foerster Jillian M , Johnson James M , Muttoni German , Vaillancourt Brieanne , Buell C Robin , Kaeppler Shawn M , de Leon Natalia
Published: February 2013

Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approaches provide low-cost, high-density genotype information. However, GBS has unique technical considerations, including a substantial amount of missing data and a nonuniform distribution of sequence reads. The goal of this study was to characterize technical variation using this method and to develop methods to optimize read depth to obtain desired marker coverage. To empirically assess the distribution of fragments produced using GBS, ∼8.69 Gb of GBS data were generated on the Zea mays reference inbred B73, utilizing ApeKI for genome reduction and single-end reads between 75 and 81 bp in length. We observed wide variation in sequence coverage across sites. Approximately 76% of potentially observable cut site-adjacent sequence fragments had no sequencing reads whereas a portion had substantially greater read depth than expected, up to 2369 times the expected mean. The methods described in this article facilitate determination of sequencing depth in the context of empirically defined read depth to achieve desired marker density for genetic mapping studies.
Genetic Networks Inducing Invasive Growth in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Identified Through Systematic Genome-Wide Overexpression
Authors: Shively Christian A , Eckwahl Matthew J , Dobry Craig J , Mellacheruvu Dattatreya , Nesvizhskii Alexey , Kumar Anuj
Published: February 2013

The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae can respond to nutritional and environmental stress by implementing a morphogenetic program wherein cells elongate and interconnect, forming pseudohyphal filaments. This growth transition has been studied extensively as a model signaling system with similarity to processes of hyphal development that are linked with virulence in related fungal pathogens. Classic studies have identified core pseudohyphal growth signaling modules in yeast; however, the scope of regulatory networks that control yeast filamentation is broad and incompletely defined. Here, we address the genetic basis of yeast pseudohyphal growth by implementing a systematic analysis of 4909 genes for overexpression phenotypes in a filamentous strain of S. cerevisiae. Our results identify 551 genes conferring exaggerated invasive growth upon overexpression under normal vegetative growth conditions. This cohort includes 79 genes lacking previous phenotypic characterization. Pathway enrichment analysis of the gene set identifies networks mediating mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling and cell cycle progression. In particular, overexpression screening suggests that nuclear export of the osmoresponsive MAPK Hog1p may enhance pseudohyphal growth. The function of nuclear Hog1p is unclear from previous studies, but our analysis using a nuclear-depleted form of Hog1p is consistent with a role for nuclear Hog1p in repressing pseudohyphal growth. Through epistasis and deletion studies, we also identified genetic relationships with the G2 cyclin Clb2p and phenotypes in filamentation induced by S-phase arrest. In sum, this work presents a unique and informative resource toward understanding the breadth of genes and pathways that collectively constitute the molecular basis of filamentation.
Sex-Specific Pattern Formation During Early Drosophila Development
Authors:   Manu, Ludwig Michael Z , Kreitman Martin
Published: February 2013

The deleterious effects of different X-chromosome dosage in males and females are buffered by a process called dosage compensation, which in Drosophila is achieved through a doubling of X-linked transcription in males. The male-specific lethal complex mediates this process, but is known to act only after gastrulation. Recent work has shown that the transcription of X-linked genes is also upregulated in males prior to gastrulation; whether it results in functional dosage compensation is not known. Absent or partial early dosage compensation raises the possibility of sex-biased expression of key developmental genes, such as the segmentation genes controlling anteroposterior patterning. We assess the functional output of early dosage compensation by measuring the expression of even-skipped (eve) with high spatiotemporal resolution in male and female embryos. We show that eve has a sexually dimorphic pattern, suggesting an interaction with either X-chromosome dose or the sex determination system. By manipulating the gene copy number of an X-linked transcription factor, giant (gt), we traced sex-biased eve patterning to gt dose, indicating that early dosage compensation is functionally incomplete. Despite sex-biased eve expression, the gene networks downstream of eve are able to produce sex-independent segmentation, a point that we establish by measuring the proportions of segments in elongated germ-band embryos. Finally, we use a whole-locus eve transgene with modified cis regulation to demonstrate that segment proportions have a sex-dependent sensitivity to subtle changes in Eve expression. The sex independence of downstream segmentation despite this sensitivity to Eve expression implies that additional autosomal gene- or pathway-specific mechanisms are required to ameliorate the effects of partial early dosage compensation.
The Draft Genome and Transcriptome of Panagrellus redivivus Are Shaped by the Harsh Demands of a Free-Living Lifestyle
Authors: Srinivasan Jagan , Dillman Adler R , Macchietto Marissa G , Heikkinen Liisa , Lakso Merja , Fracchia Kelley M , Antoshechkin Igor , Mortazavi Ali , Wong Garry , Sternberg Paul W
Published: February 2013

Nematodes compose an abundant and diverse invertebrate phylum with members inhabiting nearly every ecological niche. Panagrellus redivivus (the “microworm”) is a free-living nematode frequently used to understand the evolution of developmental and behavioral processes given its phylogenetic distance to Caenorhabditis elegans. Here we report the de novo sequencing of the genome, transcriptome, and small RNAs of P. redivivus. Using a combination of automated gene finders and RNA-seq data, we predict 24,249 genes and 32,676 transcripts. Small RNA analysis revealed 248 microRNA (miRNA) hairpins, of which 63 had orthologs in other species. Fourteen miRNA clusters containing 42 miRNA precursors were found. The RNA interference, dauer development, and programmed cell death pathways are largely conserved. Analysis of protein family domain abundance revealed that P. redivivus has experienced a striking expansion of BTB domain-containing proteins and an unprecedented expansion of the cullin scaffold family of proteins involved in multi-subunit ubiquitin ligases, suggesting proteolytic plasticity and/or tighter regulation of protein turnover. The eukaryotic release factor protein family has also been dramatically expanded and suggests an ongoing evolutionary arms race with viruses and transposons. The P. redivivus genome provides a resource to advance our understanding of nematode evolution and biology and to further elucidate the genomic architecture leading to free-living lineages, taking advantage of the many fascinating features of this worm revealed by comparative studies.
LASER Sintered One-Piece Early-Loaded Dental Implants for Mandibular Premolars Replacement
Authors: El-Gammal Mona , Ghoneem Nahed , Tawfik Heba , Madina Manal Abou , Maria Ola M.
Published: February 2013

This study was designed to evaluate laser-sintered early-loaded 1-piece implants (OPI) based on clinical and radiographic findings. Thirty OPI were placed in the mandibular premolar area and subjected to early loading after 3 weeks of initial placement; patients were followed up for 6 months. Clinical evaluation included pocket depth, gingival health, implant stability, and esthetics. Periapical radiographs were used to measure the marginal bone loss (MBL). All implants were considered successful resulting in a survival rate of 100%. A remarkable difference (P < 0.01) existed when comparing MBL levels at 1 month with those at 3 and 6 months. Significant differences (P < 0.01) existed when comparing implant stability at 1 month to 3 months and at 3 months to 6 months. Moreover, significant differences (P < 0.01) were observed when comparing peri-implant probing depth at 1 month to that at 3 and 6 months on both the mesial and distal sides. The mean value of pink esthetic score was 11 at time of final restoration. The laser-treated early-loaded OPI design is associated with satisfactory clinical and radiographic follow-up results and it is a good alternative to the 2-piece design.
Viscosity evaluation of SCC based on flow simulation in the L-box test
Authors: Lashkarbolouk Hadi , Chamani Mohammad R. , Halabian Amir M. , Pishehvar Ahmad R.
Published: February 2013

Recent interest in self-compacting concrete (SCC) has increased as more structures around the world are now incorporating SCC where there is need to fill the framework and encapsulate the reinforcement without any mechanical consolidation. Fresh SCC flows under its own weight to fill the formwork completely and self-compacts without any segregation and blocking. To gain a better understanding of SCC properties and their effects on the passing ability of SCC, the present work aimed to simulate numerically the SCC flow in the L-box test. As concrete flow in the L-box test is a free surface flow with large deformations, a smooth particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method was used for the simulation. SCC was assumed as a non-Newtonian Bingham fluid where the shear-strain rate ratio was linear and characterised by viscosity and yield stress. The flow simulation for two kinds of concrete (SCC and high performance concrete) were numerically conducted using the SPH method and the results were compared with the experimental data. To propose the appropriate viscosity-yield stress range for SCC, a comprehensive parametric study was carried out considering different viscosities and yield stresses. The results showed that concrete with viscosity between 50 Pa s and 270 Pa s can be considered as SCC.
A Sustainable Management Package for Triticale in the Western Canadian Prairies
Authors: Collier G. R. S. , Beres B. L. , Salmon D. F. , Nyachiro J. M. , Bork E. W. , Spaner D. M.
Published: February 2013

Triticale (× Triticosecale Wittmack) is a minor cereal crop in Alberta which has recently garnered interest as a biofuel feedstock. Basic agronomic information is lacking for triticale cultivars released since 1990. Field experiments were initiated in 2010 and conducted for 2 yr at four sites in central and southern Alberta to compare the impact of cultivar selection, seeding date, and seeding rate on grain yield, grain quality, and other agronomic traits. Six triticale cultivars released between 1996 and 2011, and one Soft White Spring wheat cultivar (Triticum aestivum L.) were evaluated over two seeding dates; one before and one after 15% of the total seasonal growing degree days (GDD; base = 0°C) had elapsed. The cultivars were evaluated at seeding rates of 250, 375, and 500 seeds m−2. Older triticale cultivars had higher grain yields but lower grain quality than cultivars released after 2000. The triticale cultivars produced more grain than Soft White Spring wheat in five of seven environments; however, Soft White Spring wheat exhibited better grain quality than the triticales. Yield generally increased linearly with seeding rate but the highest return on investment was observed at 375 seeds m−2. Provided there was not an early frost, triticale seeded after 15% of the seasonal GDD had elapsed could produce grain yield similar to the earlier‐seeded triticale. A sustainable management system for triticale includes modern cultivars, a seeding date that can accumulate 1750 GDD’s before frost, and a sowing density of at least 375 seeds m−2.
Thrombophilia and Arteriovenous Fistula Survival in ESRD
Authors: Salmela Birgitta , Hartman Jari , Peltonen Seija , Albäck Anders , Lassila Riitta
Published: February 2013

Background and objectives

The role of thrombophilia in failing arteriovenous fistula (AVF) among patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis is not established. This study aimed to assess whether AVF primary patency is associated with thrombophilia and coagulation abnormalities.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This observational study screened 219 patients between 2002 and 2004 for thrombophilia before AVF surgery. Thrombophilia included factor V Leiden and prothrombin G20210A mutations, protein C and antithrombin activities, and protein S. Coagulation abnormalities included high factor VIII:C, homocysteine, fibrinogen, and D-dimer levels; presence of antiphospholipid antibodies; and short thrombin time. We reviewed patient charts for comorbid conditions, AVF maturation and interventions, kidney transplantation, and patient survival (mean follow-up duration, 3.6 [range, 2.3–5.8] years). Primary patency from the AVF placement and functional primary patency from the first AVF cannulation were analyzed with Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models.

Results

Thrombophilia was present in 9% of the patients, and coagulation abnormalities occurred in 77%. One-year primary patency was 68%; 46% of the AVF failures occurred before the initiation of hemodialysis. Female sex (hazard ratio [HR], 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7–4.1) and thrombophilia (HR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.2–4.2) were independent risk factors for loss of primary patency. Thrombophilia mutations or low antithrombin level (HR, 3.8), female sex (HR, 2.5), and diabetes (HR, 1.9) were associated with shortened functional primary patency of AVF.

Conclusions

Against the background of frequent coagulation abnormalities, thrombophilia and female sex predispose patients with ESRD to access failure, mostly due to thrombosis or stenosis.
Metabolic Syndrome, ESRD, and Death in CKD
Authors: Navaneethan Sankar D. , Schold Jesse D. , Kirwan John P. , Arrigain Susana , Jolly Stacey E. , Poggio Emilio D. , Beddhu Srinivasan , Nally Joseph V.
Published: February 2013

Background and objectives

Previous studies reported an association between metabolic syndrome , incident CKD, and proteinuria. This study examined the associations between metabolic syndrome and its components with ESRD and death among those patients with stages 3 and 4 CKD (estimated GFR=15–59 ml/min per 1.73 m2).

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Patients with stages 3 and 4 CKD (n=25,868) who had data relating to metabolic syndrome and were followed in our health care system were identified using an electronic medical record-based registry. Cox proportional hazards models and competing risk analyses were used to study the associations between metabolic syndrome, its components (elevated BP, low HDL cholesterol, elevated serum triglycerides, impaired glucose metabolism, and obesity), and all-cause mortality and ESRD while adjusting for demographics, comorbid conditions, use of relevant medications, and renal function.

Results

Sixty percent of the study population (n=15,605) had metabolic syndrome. In the multivariate-adjusted analysis, presence of metabolic syndrome was associated with an increased risk for ESRD (hazard ratio=1.33, 95% confidence interval=1.08, 1.64) but not death (hazard ratio=1.04, 95% confidence interval=0.97, 1.12) during a mean follow-up of 2.3 years. Among the individual components of metabolic syndrome, impaired glucose metabolism, elevated triglycerides, and hypertension were associated with increased risk for ESRD, whereas low HDL cholesterol and impaired glucose metabolism were associated with higher risk of death.

Conclusions

Presence of metabolic syndrome is associated with ESRD but not death in patients with stages 3 and 4 CKD.
Prenatally diagnosed fetal omphalocele at 11 week gestation — a case report
Authors: Protrka Zoran , Dimitrijevic Aleksandra , Kastratovic Tatjana , Djuric Janko , Arsenijevic Petar , Novakovic Tanja , Milosavljevic Milos
Published: February 2013

Omphalocele is the most common congenital defect of the abdominal wall and in a large percentage of cases it is associated with chromosomal anomalies. In this case report during the regular ultrasound examination at 11 weeks of gestation, omphalocela, whose scope was 90% of fetal abdomen, was diagnosed. Karyotype analysis showed the presence of chromosomal aberrations 47 XX + 18 (Edwards syndrome). After the presentation of the severity of congenital anomalies and characteristic of the Edwards syndrome patient decided to terminate the pregnancy.
Objectively Measured Physical Activity In Children Aged From 5 To 8 Years / Objektivno Izmerjena Gibalna Aktivnost Od Pet- Do Osemletnih Otrok
Authors: Volmut Tadeja , Pišot Rado , Šimunič Boštjan
Published: February 2013

Objective:Today, a majority of the world population is dealing with physical inactivity and related health problems.Moreover, while various interventions are being adopted to increase children’s physical activity, these are mostly lessoreven un-successful. One of the possible reasons for this could be the wrong timing for their instalment. Therefore,the purpose of our study is to analyse between-day and within-day physical activity in 5- to 8-year old children.

Methods:Using accelerometers we monitored 97 Slovenian children (49 males) for five consecutive days.

Results:We found that 5- to 8- year old Slovenian children are physically active on average between 689 and795 counts per minute, with age and gender significant factors, however both with low effect size. The averagedata was in line with the trends of the world’s population. Time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity wasnever measured in 5- to 8- year old children and we found it to be significantly longer than in slightly older children.Furthermore, we have defined the time periods with the lowest physical activity, which is in the morning, after thebreakfast. Additionally, there are some age differences, with 5-year olds being most active before lunch but lessphysically active in the early afternoon.

Conclusions:In conclusion we have to emphasize and implicate to next generation studies to indicate time periodswith the lowest physical activity and to promote physical activity interventions in those periods to achieve the greatestimpact.
Compliments and Refusals in Poland and England
Authors: Bhatti Joanna , Žegarac Vladimir
Published: February 2013

There are significant cross-cultural differences in the way compliments and refusals are made and responded to. The investigation of these speech acts touches on some interesting issues for pragmatic theory: the relation between the universal and the culture-specific features of complimenting and refusing, the importance of culture specific strategies in explaining how these speech acts are produced and responded to, as well as the relation between the message conveyed by a compliment or refusal and its affective/emotional effects on the hearer. The pilot study presented in this paper investigates the production and reception of compliments and refusals in the relatively proximate cultures of England and Poland. The findings reveal significant systematic cross-cultural differences relating to refusals, while the differences relating to compliments are fewer and more subtle. The data suggests that the cross-cultural similarities and differences observed can be explained in terms of (a) a universalist view of institutional speech acts and face concerns in rapport management, (b) the Relevance-theoretic view of communication and cognition as oriented towards maximising informativeness and (c) some culture-specific values. These tentative conclusions are based on very limited data and indicate useful directions for future research.