bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Question types in social Q&A sites
Authors: Harper F. Maxwell , Weinberg Joseph , Logie John , Konstan Joseph A.
Published: May 2013

Social question and answer (Q&A) Web sites field a remarkable variety of questions: while one user seeks highly technical information, another looks to start a social exchange. Prior work in the field has adopted informal taxonomies of question types as a mechanism for interpreting user behavior and community outcomes. In this work, we contribute a formal taxonomy of question types to deepen our understanding of the nature and intent of questions that are asked online. Our taxonomy is grounded in Aristotelian rhetorical theory, and complemented by contributions of leading twentieth century rhetorical theorists. This taxonomy offers a way to differentiate between similar-sounding questions, while remaining flexible enough to encompass the wide range of questions asked online. To ground the taxonomy in reality, we code questions drawn from three popular social Q&A sites, and report on the distributions of several objective and subjective measures.
A sustainable future for open textbooks? The Flat World Knowledge story
Authors: Hilton III John L. , Wiley David A.
Published: May 2013

Many college students and their families are concerned about the high costs of textbooks. Ebooks have been proposed as one potential solution, open-source textbooks have also been explored. A company called Flat World Knowledge produces and gives away open-source textbooks in a way they believe to be financially sustainable. This article reports an initial study of the financial sustainability of the Flat World Knowledge open-source textbook model.
I am a blogging researcher: Motivations for blogging in a scholarly context
Authors: Kjellberg Sara
Published: May 2013

The number of scholarly blogs on the Web is increasing. In this article, a group of researchers are asked to describe the functions that their blogs serve for them as researchers. The results show that their blogging is motivated by the possibility to share knowledge, that the blog aids creativity, and that it provides a feeling of being connected in their work as researchers. The blog serves in particular as a creative catalyst in the work of researchers, where writing forms a large part, which is not as prominent as a motivation in other professional blogs. In addition, the analysis brings out the blogs' combination of functions and the possibility it offers to reach multiple audiences as a motivating factor that makes the blog different from other kinds of communication in scholarly contexts.
Role of Internet-based information flows and technologies in electoral revolutions: The case of Ukraine’s Orange Revolution
Authors: Lysenko Volodymyr , Desouza Kevin
Published: May 2013

Internet-based information and communication technologies (ICTs) and the information flows they support have played an important role in the advancement of society. In this paper we investigate the role of Internet-based ICTs in electoral revolutions. Employing a case study approach, we examine the part played by ICTs during the Orange Revolution in Ukraine (2000-2004). Roles and activities of the dissenters, as well as their associates, the incumbent authorities and their allies are analyzed with regard to Internet-based technologies during the electoral revolution in Ukraine. The case of the Orange Revolution is particularly salient, as even though only one-two percent of the Ukrainian population had access to the Internet, this was sufficient to mobilize the citizens towards an eventually successful revolution. This paper lays the groundwork for further investigations into use of ICTs by political dissenters.
Political activities on the Internet: Slacktivism or political participation by other means?
Authors: Christensen Henrik Serup
Published: May 2013

The impact of the Internet on political participation has been a debated issue in recent decades. Internet activities have been criticized for being slacktivism, where the real life impact of the activities is limited; the main effect is to enhance the feel-good factor for the participants. This article examines whether this accusation is valid. It does so by examining two aspects of Internet campaigns: Whether they are effective in affecting real life political decisions, and whether Internet activism substitutes traditional forms of off-line participation. Although it is not possible to determine a consistent impact of Internet campaigns on real-life decisions, there is no evidence of the substitution thesis. If anything, the Internet has a positive impact on off-line mobilization. Accordingly, there is little evidence to support the accusation of Internet campaigns being slacktivism. It is at worst harmless fun and can at best help invigorate citizens.
Personal Web searching in the age of semantic capitalism: Diagnosing the mechanisms of personalisation
Authors: Feuz Martin , Fuller Matthew , Stalder Felix
Published: May 2013

Web search engines have become indispensable tools for finding information online effectively. As the range of information, context and users of Internet searches has grown, the relationship between the search query, search interest and user has become more tenuous. Not all users are seeking the same information, even if they use the same query term. Thus, the quality of search results has, at least potentially, been decreasing. Search engines have begun to respond to this problem by trying to personalise search in order to deliver more relevant results to the users. A query is now evaluated in the context of a user’s search history and other data compiled into a personal profile and associated with statistical groups. This, at least, is the promise stated by the search engines themselves. This paper tries to assess the current reality of the personalisation of search results. We analyse the mechanisms of personalisation in the case of Google web search by empirically testing three commonly held assumptions about what personalisation does. To do this, we developed new digital methods which are explained here. The findings suggest that Google personal search does not fully provide the much-touted benefits for its search users. More likely, it seems to serve the interest of advertisers in providing more relevant audiences to them.
Tweeting about TV: Sharing television viewing experiences via social media message streams
Authors: Wohn D. Yvette , Na Eun-Kyung
Published: May 2013

Through content analysis of messages posted on Twitter, we categorize the types of content into a matrix — attention, emotion, information, and opinion. We use this matrix to analyze televised political and entertainment programs, finding that different types of messages are salient for different types of programs, and that the frequencies of the types correspond with program content. Our analyses suggest that Twitter picks up where formal social television systems failed: people are using the tool to selectively seek others who have similar interests and communicate their thoughts synchronous with television viewing.
Contradictions, transitions, and materiality in organizing processes: An activity theory perspective
Authors: Foot Kirsten , Groleau Carole
Published: May 2013

This article develops the concept of multilevel contradictions in organizing processes, from the perspective of cultural-historical activity theory. In most activity theory-based scholarship, systemic contradictions are collapsed into a singular, generic construct, and the generative force of the different levels of contradictions in socio-organizational relations is overlooked. In contrast, we explicate when, how and why four distinct layers of contradiction precipitate one another, provoke distinct epistemic actions from different sets of organizational actors, and catalyze the development of organizing processes.
Describing place through user generated content
Authors: Purves Ross , Edwardes Alistair , Wood Jo
Published: May 2013

Geographically referenced user generated content provides us with an opportunity to, for the first time, gather perspectives on place over large areas by exploring how very many people describe information. We present a framework for analysing large collections of user generated content. This involves classification of descriptive terms attached by users to photographs into facets of elements, qualities, and activities. We apply this framework to two contrasting photographic archives — Flickr and Geograph, representing weakly and strongly moderated content respectively. We propose a method for removing user-generated bias from such collections though the user of term profiles that can assess the effect of the most and least prolific contributors to a collection. Analysis and visualization of co–occurrence between terms suggests clear differences in the description of place between the two collections, both in terms of the facets used and their geographical footprints. This is attributed to the role of moderation/editorialising of content; to the role tags and free–text has on descriptive behaviour and on the geographic footprint of content supplied to the two collections.
El Servicio Social Universitario de la UNAH y su vinculación con los procesos de Ord enamiento Territorial en la Región Central de Honduras
Authors: Jimenez Abner
Published: May 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ce.v3i1.1079
Evaluación de la Enseñanza de la Astronomía en la Escuela Primaria Pública de Tegucigalpa
Authors: Milla Edward
Published: May 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ce.v3i1.1080
Diseño de un Radiotelescopio para Astronomía en la Escuela Primaria Pública de Tegucigalpa
Authors: Castillo Yvelice
Published: May 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ce.v3i1.1081
Medición de Seeing en el Observatorio Astronómico Centroamericano de Suyapa por medio de Técnicas Fotométricas
Authors: Pastrana Sánchez Ricardo Antonio
Published: May 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ce.v3i1.1082
Catalogo de Firmas Espectrales de Especies Florales, en la Ciudad Universitaria, Tegucigalpa
Authors: Corrales Andino Rafael Enrique
Published: May 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ce.v3i1.1083
Propuesta de Red de Monitoreo de Calidad de Aire en Tegucigalpa y Comayagüela
Authors: Carias Arias Antonio B
Published: May 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ce.v3i1.1084
Influencia de Calendario Tzolkin en las actividades agrícolas y religiosas de la población Maya-Chortí en la zona occidental de Honduras
Authors: Ramírez Acosta Amulfo
Published: May 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/ce.v3i1.1085
Hypertension: The Neglected Complication of Transplantation
Authors: Aparicio Lucas S. , Alfie José , Barochiner Jessica , Cuffaro Paula E. , Rada Marcelo , Morales Margarita , Galarza Carlos , Waisman Gabriel D.
Published: May 2013

Arterial hypertension and transplantation are closely linked, and its association may promote impaired graft and overall survival. Since the introduction of calcineurin inhibitors, it is observed in 50–80% of transplanted patients. However, many pathophysiological mechanisms are involved in its genesis. In this review, we intend to provide an updated overview of these mechanisms, dealing with the causes common to all kinds of transplantation and emphasizing special cases with distinct features, and to give a perspective on the pharmacological approach, in order to help clinicians in the management of this frequent complication.
Genotyping of CYP2D6 Polymorphisms by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry in Sardinian People
Authors: Falzoi Matteo , Pira Luigi , Lazzari Paolo , Pani Luca
Published: May 2013

The CYP2D6 enzyme is involved in the metabolism of many commonly prescribed drugs. The presence of CYP2D6 gene SNPs can alter CYP2D6 enzymatic activity with effects ranging considerably within a population. Objectives. In this study, we have developed a genotyping platform able to determine the alleles related to interindividual variability in the CYP2D6 gene. Design and Methods. We used a long PCR strategy coupled to MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (Sequenom) to develop a SNPs genotyping method. Furthermore, an amplification allele specific was carried out to infer the correct allelic phase. Results. We tested the multiplex platform in 250 DNA Sardinian samples and found it to be 100% concordant with the sequencing results of our previous work. Conclusions. The MALDI-TOF-based multiplexing system allowed simultaneous and efficient genotyping of a set of CYP2D6 SNPs, evidencing its potential use in diagnostic test development to predict drug responses and clinical outcomes.
A Parent-Focused Pilot Intervention to Increase Parent Health Literacy and Healthy Lifestyle Choices for Young Children and Families
Authors: Fleary Sasha , Heffer Robert W. , McKyer E. Lisako , Taylor Aaron
Published: May 2013

Health literacy affects caregivers’ ability to engage in preventive health care behaviors for themselves and their children. Studies suggest that health literacy among low-income families needs improvement, and this possibly contributes to disparities in preventive health care rates. Additionally, parents and caregivers may not be able to provide or seek preventive health care for their children because of lack of knowledge and skills to do so effectively. This study designed and piloted an intervention that delivered to parents of young children (1) health literacy information in an experiential manner and (2) practical skills to engage their families in healthy lifestyle choices. Specifically, the intervention focused on diet/nutrition, physical activity, sleep hygiene, parenting, and mental wellness. Postintervention improvements were noted for factual knowledge for diet/nutrition, physical activity, and sleep, beliefs about diet/nutrition, and the relationship between mental health and stress. Additionally, postintervention improvements were noted for general knowledge and beliefs about sleep, knowledge about the relationship between sleep and health, knowledge about common childhood sleep problems, and parents’ bedtime interactions with children. The efficacy of the intervention should be evaluated on a larger, more diverse sample in the future with considerations for multiple health behavior change in the evaluation.
Study Designs in Genetic Epidemiology
Authors: Sahebi Leyla , Dastgiri Saeed , Ansarin Khalil , Sahebi Roya , Mohammadi Seyyed Abolghasem
Published: May 2013

Genetic epidemiology, as a relatively new issue, aims to explore the independent role of genetic-environmental determinants of diseases. Genetic epidemiology studies, depending on the objective, encompass the most preliminary surveys from the attempts to find family history in the occurrence of diseases to the most advanced surveys including specific strategies by clinical trials in the prevention of genetic diseases. Different objectives in genetic epidemiology studies require special methods and study designs. In this review, chief designs including familial aggregation, heritability, segregation, linkage, and association are evaluated; likewise, the purpose of diverse kinds of studies and analyses is briefly discussed. The utilization of study designs and related analyses according to the aims are the main issues and necessary in the accurate implementation of the study. Some methodological issues in relation to studies on tuberculosis are also reported. Attention to these issues might be useful in the implementation of these methods in the studies designed for the prevention and treatment of genetic disorders.
Consumer preferences for the predictive genetic tests for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Huang Ming-Yi , Perri III Matthew
Published: May 2013

With the advent of predictive genetic tests, individuals will have the option to investigate their future risk of developing diseases like Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This knowledge can benefit people as they start to prepare themselves as well as their families for the disease process. The use of predictive genetic tests will likely increase as technology and genetic marker identification continues to advance. Thus, aligning the clinical practice of predictive genetic testing for Alzheimer’s disease with patient values and preferences has the potential to improve healthcare delivery. Several issues have been identified in this review regarding people’s preference when making a decision to test for AD, which include prediction value (i.e. false-positive/false-negative results), availability of treatments that would prevent or delay onset of AD, and anonymity/confidentiality. Literature indicates the most relevant issues regarding consumer preference for AD genetic testing is predictive value (accuracy). While fewer studies have discussed the effects of treatment availability or anonymity on consumer preference, these issues may become more important as technology continues to advance and public awareness of these issues increases. Future research in the area of consumer behavior with regard to predictive genetic testing is suggested.Most previous studies regarding consumer intent and preference for AD genetic tests have used small samples, convenience samples, or samples which were predominantly Caucasian, female and high socioeconomic status. Additionally, effects of most socio-demographics on the preference for AD genetic test are unclear in the literature. Conflicting results have been found regarding gender, education, income, and culture. An extension of the previous work using a larger and randomized sample may help to provide clearer relationship between these socio-demographics and consumer preference for AD genetic test.
Espiritualidade e bioética: prevenção da “violência” em instituições de saúde
Authors: Tavares Cássia Quelho
Published: May 2013

A proposta deste artigo é refletir sobre a dimensão da espiritualidade e da bioética, em vista da construção do diálogo como caminho possível para um cuidado mais humanizado e solidário, prevenindo os mecanismos de violência institucional. A fundamentação teórica dos temas centrais como espiritualidade, vulnerabilidade e humanização do cuidado é apresentada a partir dos seguintes recortes: da teologia, em Karl Rahner; da filosofia do inter-humano, em Martin Buber; e da educação, em Paulo Freire, onde humanização e diálogo se entrecruzam. A vulnerabilidade humana sobressai em nossas unidades de saúde, infelizmente, em parte, reforçada pelas dificuldades relacionais entre profissional de saúde-paciente-família. Essas linhas não resultam de uma pesquisa formal, mas é fruto da experiência profissional da autora como enfermeira e teóloga, comprometida com a criação de “espaços protegidos”, “rodas de conversa”, lugares onde o profissional-cuidador pode ser acolhido, sentindo-se cuidado. Essas iniciativas demonstram que o diálogo e a espiritualidade, experimentados de maneira mais genuína, resultam na qualidade da assistência oferecida ao usuário dos serviços de saúde pública e complementar, bem como na motivação dos profissionais. Esperamos que esta reflexão fomente novos espaços de partilha solidária, nos quais cuidado, competência e saberes interdisciplinares se encontrem.
Argamassas tradicionais de cal
Authors: Celestino Santiago Cybèle
Published: May 2013

O livro faz uma retrospectiva sobre o que se pensava das argamassas de cal e alguns de seus constituintes ao longo dos séculos. Revela informações úteis tanto do ponto de vista histórico quanto para subsidiar obras de restauração através da análise de textos italianos, franceses, portugueses, espanhóis e brasileiros. É uma viagem no tempo, mostrando aspectos ligados à composição, ao preparo e às propriedades das argamassas elaboradas com esse aglomerante comentados à luz da ciência contemporânea.
Dança na cultura digital
Authors: Santana Ivani
Published: May 2013

É impossível pensar o ser humano contemporâneo se não imerso em um ambiente naturalmente híbrido: biológico e tecnológico em constante interação. É esse o convite que o trabalho de Ivani nos faz, observar o corpo dançando ao sabor da tecnologia, numa metáfora para essa relação. O título é um dos primeiros livros sobre o tema lançado pela Editora.
Chemokines and Chemokine Receptors
Authors: Juan Manel , Pedrosa Edurne , Colobran Roger
Published: May 2013

Chemokines (CKs) are a family of small proteins secreted by a great variety of cell types. Their name (derived from chemoattractant cytokines) is due to their ability to induce directed chemotaxis in nearby responsive cells. Some CKs are considered proinflammatory and can be induced during an immune response to promote cells of the immune system to a site of infection. Furthermore, they have different functions under physiological conditions such as homoeostasis, development, tissue repair and angiogenesis and also in pathological disorders including infectious and autoimmune diseases, cancer, metastasis, allergic process and organ transplantation; in fact, in any situation where immune components are involved.

CKs are found in all vertebrates, some viruses and in some bacteria. These proteins exert their biological effects by interacting with G protein‐linked transmembrane receptors called CK receptors (CKRs) that are selectively found on the surfaces of their target cells.

Although their role in human immunodeficiency virus infection is still the main aspect of relevance, other applications have been appearing during the past years, as to establish new therapeutic compounds able to target the CK/CKR system.

Key Concepts:

Chemokines (CKs), as chemoattractant cytokines, are pivotal elements for defining immune cell localisation and, therefore, efficient immune responses.

Beyond their role in chemotaxis, CKs and their receptors develop several physiopathological functions: angiogenesis, haematopoiesis, growth regulation, embryologic development, evolution of tumours, etc.

CKs have three types of receptors: ‘classical’ G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs), decoy receptors and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs).

After activation, GPCRs become either partially or totally desensitised to repeated stimulation with the same or other agonists; desensitisation is critical for maintaining the capacity of the cell to sense a chemoattractant gradient.

Decoy receptors are ‘silent’ receptors that control the CK activity through regulation of CK levels in the body.

CK immobilisation through the GAG interaction stabilises the formation of CK gradients and enhances their concentration at the site of production.

All CKs have a common structure, being the first couple of cysteines (Cs) a distinctive element that allows classifying them into CC, CXC, CX
3
C and C CK families.

Most of the inflammatory CK genes are clustered in two main chromosomal regions: the CXC cluster, located in chromosome 4q12–21 and the CC cluster, located in chromosome 17q11.2.

The ‘evolutionary choice’ of HIV‐1 to exploit CKRs as cellular entry gateways has turned their CK ligands into endogenous antiviral factors that can variably modulate viral transmission, disease progression and vaccine responses.
Hypersensitivity: Immune Complex Mediated (Type
III
)
Authors: Eggleton Paul
Published: May 2013

An immune response in the form of antibody production against a foreign substance is often mounted to remove any detrimental antigen from the host. In type III hypersensitivity, overproduction of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM to a foreign or self‐antigen can lead to the formation and deposition of excessive amounts of insoluble intermediate‐sized immune complexes, which can be difficult to remove from various tissues by phagocytosis. This in turn may trigger classical complement activation, leading to overproduction of other inflammatory mediators, leading to the recruitment, activation and degranulation of peripheral blood granulocytes, such as basophils or an influx of marginating neutrophils to specific tissues, such as the kidneys, lungs and joints culminating in damage. Depending on the frequency of exposure and route of entry, type III hypersensitivity reactions can develop over hours, weeks or years. Examples of type III hypersensitivity reactions include drug‐induced serum sickness, farmer's lung and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Key Concepts:

Hypersensitivity type III reactions involve the interaction of IgG or IgM immunoglobulins with antigen to form immune complexes.

Intermediate‐sized immune complexes are difficult to remove by the process of phagocytosis.

Complement proteins bind to immune complexes as part of the normal physiological process.

During hypersensitivity type III reactions sustained complement–immune complex interaction leads to the production of activated complement components, responsible for the recruitment of phagocytes.

Cell‐mediated tissue damage occurs as part of type III hypersensitivity, involving activated basophils in the peripheral circulation and marginating neutrophils in the vascular and other tissues.

Fc receptors on the surface of granulocytes are important in inducing the immunecomplex‐mediated inflammation.

Type III hypersensitivity reactions can manifest as acute or chronic reactions and can occur systemically or in specific tissues.

Self and foreign antigens can provoke type III hypersensitivity reactions.

Nonspecific immunosuppressive treatments are commonly used to treat type III hypersensitivity reactions.
Root Apical Meristems
Authors: Sebastian Jose , Lee Ji‐Young
Published: May 2013

Apical root growth requires iterative processes of cell division, elongation and differentiation. Root apical meristem localised at the root tip harbours stem cells that divide asymmetrically and generate initial cells for all the cell types in the root. Fates of these initial cells are determined by positional signals that integrate both intrinsic and extrinsic cues. The quiescent centre maintains the stem cells and thereby sustains a constant supply of cells for root growth. Another important aspect of root growth regulation is to balance the rate of cell division and differentiation. The crosstalks between plant hormones auxin and cytokinins help to establish this balance. Gene regulatory networks that govern root meristem activities and growth have been discovered over the years in the model plant

Arabidopsis thaliana

. This introductory article provides an overview of the organisation of the root meristem and the underlying regulatory mechanisms.

Key Concepts:

Roots support the areal parts of plants and absorb water and nutrients that are essential for plant growth and survival.

Roots, which made their first appearance in vascular plants, have evolved into a multitude of sizes and shapes.

A root is composed of the outermost epidermis, ground tissue and the innermost stele as well as the quiescent centre and root cap.

Root apical meristem serves as the source of new cells for root growth.

In the root apical meristem, the stem cell niche sustains pluripotent stems cells to ensure a constant supply of cells for continuous root growth.

Two transcription factor pathways led by the SHORTROOT–SCARECROW and the Auxin–PLETHORA play a central role in maintaining the root stem cell niche.

Crosstalks between auxins and cytokinins establish a balance between cell proliferation and cell differentiation in the root meristem.

In the root meristem, cell fate decisions are made based on positional information and various intrinsic and extrinsic signals.

Cell‐to‐cell communications mediated by mobile transcription factors, peptides and small RNAs play critical roles in the root cell type patterning.

Owing to the vital importance of roots in overall plant health and survival, study of roots and root meristem poses utmost significance in plant biology.
Olfactory Bulb: Synaptic Organisation
Authors: Lowe Graeme
Published: May 2013

Odour information is encoded by sensory neurons expressing a large family of ∼10
2
–10
3
distinct olfactory receptors, and is mapped to an equally numerous population of glomeruli in the olfactory bulb. Each glomerulus is a modular circuit composed of a variety of local interneurons and bulb output neurons that receive primary afferent signals encoded by a single olfactory receptor. Incoming signals are filtered by inhibition from periglomerular cells and amplified by mutual excitation of mitral and tufted cells. Odour codes are further transformed by lateral inhibition between glomeruli mediated by short axon and granule cells that communicate through specialised dendrodendritic reciprocal synapses. These network mechanisms interact with a diversity of cell biophysical properties to shape spiking patterns of bulb output neurons. Synaptic processing in the bulb is also dynamically regulated by feedback from olfactory cortex, centrifugal modulation from basal forebrain nuclei and plasticity of local circuits sustained by adult neurogenesis.

Key Concepts:

Odour information is mapped to discrete glomeruli in the olfactory bulb that receive sensory inputs encoded by different olfactory receptors.

Sensory neuron terminals in glomeruli release the excitatory transmitter glutamate, under control of presynaptic inhibition by dopamine and GABA receptors.

Glomeruli contain multiple excitatory and inhibitory circuits for coordinating odour‐evoked spike activity of bulb output neurons, the mitral and tufted cells.

Most olfactory bulb circuits include dendrodendritic reciprocal synapses with closely linked glutamatergic excitatory and GABAergic inhibitory transmission.

Mitral and tufted cell responses are triggered and amplified by dendrodendritic excitation of glomerular dendritic tufts, and are controlled by periglomerular cell inhibition.

Glomeruli are connected by pervasive short‐ and long‐range networks of inhibitory superficial short axon cells.

Granule cells form complex webs of lateral inhibitory connections between mitral and tufted cells of different glomeruli.

Synaptic inhibition in the bulb is coordinated by networks of deep short axon cells that inhibit periglomerular and granule cells.

Synaptic inhibition in the bulb is strongly influenced by centrifugal inputs from olfactory cortex and subcortical modulatory centres.
Fifteen Years of Evolutionary Genomics inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Jovelin Richard , Dey Alivia , Cutter Asher D
Published: May 2013

The nematode wormCaenorhabditis elegans, introduced by Sydney Brenner for the genetic analysis of nervous system formation, is now a powerful model organism for studying nearly all aspects of biology, from development to diseases to evolution. Sequencing and analysis of the worm genome revealed intriguing nonrandom patterns of genome organisation and unusual features such as abundant operons. Surprising upon first discovery, worms and humans have a similar number of genes that are comprised of a similar proportion of transcription factors to regulate their genomes. However, differences in smallribonucleic acidcontent may contribute to differences in organismal complexity. In nature, the bacterivorousC. elegansis found primarily on rotting vegetation in temperate regions across the world. Natural selection, combined with the low effective recombination rate associated with selfing, strongly reduces nucleotide variation across the genome, yielding similarly low polymorphism to other selfing hermaphrodite species ofCaenorhabditis. The genusCaenorhabditisprovides a superb model system for ecological and evolutionary genetics, benefiting fromC. eleganstools and information when applied to investigations of species with a higher polymorphism and better known ecological context.

Key Concepts:

The nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans, introduced by Sydney Brenner for the genetic analysis of nervous system development, was the first metazoan to have a complete sequenced genome and is now a model organism for nearly all fields of biology.

Many genomic features are not randomly distributed alongC. eleganschromosomes and are prevalent either in the chromosome arms or in its centre.

An unusually large fraction of protein‐coding genes is organised in operons, possibly optimising transcriptional resources during recovery from developmental arrest.

Gene duplication and alternative splicing contribute to extensive diversification of gene function, with 10.5% of protein‐coding genes having paralogs and 25% of genes being alternatively spliced.

The ratio of transcription factors to protein‐coding genes is similar in worms and humans but the two species differ greatly in their microRNA content.

The differences in chromatin states contribute to phenotypic variation and the transgenerational epigenetic inheritance suggests a role for epigenetic information in evolution.

The rate of duplication is two orders of magnitude greater than the nucleotide mutation rate, highlighting the role of gene duplication in the evolution of theC. elegansgenome.

Caenorhabditisis not a soil nematode but instead proliferates and feeds on bacteria in rotting vegetation.

Population genetic variation is strongly affected by the mating system ofCaenorhabditis, with very low polymorphism in selfing hermaphroditic species relative to outcrossing gonochoristic species.
Human Intronless Genes and their Associated Diseases
Authors: Grzybowska Ewa A
Published: May 2013

Intronless genes (IGs) are common in single‐celled eukaryotes, whereas in metazoans they comprise only a small percentage of genes. The distribution of human IGs among functional groups is different from the distribution in the whole human genome: IGs mostly encode signal‐transducing molecules, such as G‐protein coupled receptors, which are the largest family within IGs; the second largest group encodes histones. IGs often exhibit tissue‐specific expression, especially in testis and brain. Accordingly, mutations in IGs are predominantly associated with neurological and developmental disorders, as well as several types of cancer. From the evolutionary viewpoint, most IGs are relatively recent and emerged by retroposition. Processing of
messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs)
encoded by natural IGs is independent of splicing, and resembles the processing of some unspliced viral transcripts. In contrast to random RNA sequences, mRNAs encoded by natural IGs are stable and efficiently accumulate in the cytoplasm.

Key Concepts:

Human IGs constitute about 3% of the human genome.

Human IGs encode mostly signalling molecules and histones.

IG‐associated diseases comprise mostly neurological and developmental disorders and some types of cancer.

IGs often display tissue‐specific expression, usually in the nervous system and testis.

Most human IGs emerged in the process of retroposition.

Natural IGs have evolved their own means of processing, independent of splicing.
High testosterone levels and sensitivity to acute stress in perpetrators of domestic violence with low cognitive flexibility and impairments in their emotional decoding process: A preliminary study
Authors: Romero‐Martínez Ángel , Lila Marisol , Sariñana‐González Patricia , González‐Bono Esperanza , Moya‐Albiol Luis
Published: May 2013

Hormonal and neuropsychological impairment in intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators could play a role in domestic violence. For characterizing whether there is a specific psychobiological response to stress, participants who had previously been jailed for IPV and controls were compared for testosterone and cortisol levels, tested for 2D:4D ratio (as an indicator of masculinization), and given several trait questionnaires and neuropsychological tests related to executive functions and theory of mind. After performing the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), IPV perpetrators experienced decreases in salivary testosterone (T) levels, a moderate worsening of mood, slight anxiety, and a salivary cortisol (C) level increase. Moreover, high basal T was related with high levels of anger and anxiety and worse mood. However, that basal mood does not significantly alter T levels in response to stress. Nonetheless, controls experienced smaller changes in T and larger changes in C and psychological mood. With respect to neuropsychological and cognitive empathic features, IPV perpetrators showed poorer executive performance and emotional recognition than controls. In addition, deficits in both neuropsychological domains were positively associated. Regarding emotional empathy, IPV perpetrators showed higher levels of personal distress than controls. The 2D:4D ratio was lower in IPV perpetrators than in controls. Moreover, only in the former a smaller 2D:4D ratio was related to large increases in T in response to stress and poor emotional recognition. Together with social aspects involved in IPV, differences in psychobiological variables and their relationships could play a relevant role in the onset and perpetuation of violent behavior. Aggr. Behav. 39:355–369, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tandem Gold‐Catalyzed Hydrosilyloxylation–Aldol and –Mannich Reaction with Alkynylaryloxysilanols in 6‐exo Mode
Authors: Lee Euichul , Ryu Taekyu , Park Youngchul , Park Sangjune , Lee Phil Ho
Published: May 2013

The tandem gold‐catalyzed hydrosilyloxylation–aldol and hydrosilyloxylation–Mannich reactions were developed through the formation of an enol silyl ether catalytically generated in situ from alkynylaryloxysilanols in the 6‐exo mode in one reaction vessel.
P‐glycoprotein is a marker of tissue eosinophilia and radiographic inflammation in chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyps
Authors: Feldman Rachel E. , Lam Allen C. , Sadow Peter M. , Bleier Benjamin S.
Published: May 2013

Background

P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) is a membrane‐bound efflux pump that is upregulated in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and participates in epithelial cytokine secretion. Eosinophilic CRS (ECRS) shares a similar cytokine profile with CRSwNP and is associated with significant inflammation and poor surgical outcomes. The goal of this study is to determine if P‐gp expression is associated with degree of eosinophilia and severity of radiographic inflammation in patients with CRS without polyps (CRSsNP).

Methods

An institutional review board (IRB)‐approved study using sinus tissue in 39 steroid‐naive patients with CRS. P‐gp expression was calculated using quantitative fluorescent immunohistochemistry (Q‐FIHC) to generate an epithelial to background staining ratio. Patients were stratified into low and high epithelial expression groups (<3 and ≥3, respectively). Average eosinophils per high powered field (hpf) and Lund‐Mackay scores were calculated and compared with P‐gp staining ratios using a 2‐tailed Student t test.

Results

Among the 39 patients, 7 (17.95%) had high P‐gp expression ratios (mean ± SD, 4.86 ± 1.33) while 32 (82.05%) had low expression ratios (1.91 ± 0.45). The number of eosinophils/hpf were significantly greater in the high P‐gp expression group as compared to the low expression group (62.38 ± 83.69 vs 5.11 ± 10.12, p = 0.0003). The Lund‐Mackay scores were significantly greater in the high P‐gp expression group as compared to the low expression group (11.86 ± 2.79 vs 6.84 ± 4.19, p = 0.005).

Conclusion

P‐gp is known to be overexpressed in CRSwNP. This study suggests that among patients with CRSsNP, P‐gp is similarly overexpressed in those with high tissue eosinophilia and correlates with severity of radiographic inflammation.
Characterization, prediction, and optimization of flexural properties of vapor‐grown carbon nanofiber/vinyl ester nanocomposites by response surface modeling
Authors: Lee Juhyeong , Nouranian Sasan , Torres Glenn W. , Lacy Thomas E. , Toghiani Hossein , Pittman Charles U. , DuBien Janice L.
Published: May 2013

A design of experiments and response surface modeling were performed to investigate the effects of formulation and processing factors on the flexural moduli and strengths of vapor‐grown carbon nanofiber (VGCNF)/vinyl ester (VE) nanocomposites. VGCNF type (pristine, surface‐oxidized), use of a dispersing agent (no, yes), mixing method (ultrasonication, high‐shear mixing, and a combination of both), and VGCNF weight fraction (0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 parts per hundred parts resin (phr)) were selected as independent factors. Response surface models were developed to predict flexural moduli and strengths as a continuous function of VGCNF weight fraction. The use of surface‐oxidized nanofibers, a dispersing agent, and high‐shear mixing at 0.48 phr of VGCNF led to an average increase of 19% in the predicted flexural modulus over that of the neat VE. High‐shear mixing with 0.60 phr of VGCNF resulted in a remarkable 49% increase in nanocomposite flexural strength relative to that of the neat VE. This article underscores the advantages of statistical design of experiments and response surface modeling in characterizing and optimizing polymer nanocomposites for automotive structural applications. Moreover, response surface models may be used to tailor the mechanical properties of nanocomposites over a range of anticipated operating environments. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2087–2099, 2013
Trikatu, a herbal compound that suppresses monosodium urate crystal‐induced inflammation in rats, an experimental model for acute gouty arthritis
Authors: Murunikkara Vachana , Rasool MahaboobKhan
Published: May 2013

Gout is an inflammatory joint disorder characterized by hyperuricaemia and precipitation of monosodium urate crystals in the joints. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the anti‐inflammatory effect of trikatu, a herbal compound in monosodium urate crystal‐induced inflammation in rats, an experimental model for acute gouty arthritis. Paw volume and levels/activities of lysosomal enzymes, lipid peroxidation, anti‐oxidant status and histopathological examination of ankle joints were determined in control and monosodium urate crystal‐induced rats. In addition, analgesic (acetic acid‐induced writhing response), anti‐pyretic (yeast‐induced pyrexia) and gastric ulceration effects were tested. The levels of lysosomal enzymes, lipid peroxidation and paw volume were significantly increased, and anti‐oxidant status was found to be reduced in monosodium urate crystal‐induced rats, whereas the biochemical changes were reverted to near normal levels upon trikatu (1000 mg/kg b.wt) administration. The trikatu has also been found to exhibit significant analgesic and anti‐pyretic effects with the absence of gastric damage. In conclusion, the present results clearly indicated that trikatu exert a potent anti‐inflammatory effect against monosodium urate crystal‐induced inflammation in rats in association with analgesic and anti‐pyretic effects in the absence of gastrointestinal damage. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reactivity of Lewis Basic Platinum Complexes Towards Fluoroboranes
Authors: Bauer Jürgen , Braunschweig Holger , Dewhurst Rian D. , Radacki Krzysztof
Published: May 2013

We herein report detailed investigations into the interaction of Lewis acidic fluoroboranes, for example BF2Pf (Pf=perfluorophenyl) and BF2ArF (ArF=3,5‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl), with Lewis basic platinum complexes such as [Pt(PEt3)3] and [Pt(PCy3)2] (Cy=cyclohexyl). Two presumed Lewis adducts could be identified in solution and corresponding secondary products of these Lewis adducts were characterized in the solid state. Furthermore, the concept of frustrated Lewis pairs (FLP) was applied to the activation of ethene in the system [Pt(BPf3)(CH2CH2)(dcpp)] (dcpp=1,3‐bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)propane; Pf=perfluorophenyl). Finally, DFT calculations were performed to determine the interaction between the platinum‐centered Lewis bases and the boron‐centered Lewis acids. Additionally, several possible mechanisms for the oxidative addition of the boranes BF3, BCl3, and BF2ArF to the model complex [Pt(PMe3)2] are presented.
Synthesis of 1‐Substituted Tetrahydroisoquinolines by Lithiation and Electrophilic Quenching Guided by In Situ IR and NMR Spectroscopy and Application to the Synthesis of Salsolidine, Carnegine and Laudanosine
Authors: Li Xiabing , Leonori Daniele , Sheikh Nadeem S. , Coldham Iain
Published: May 2013

The lithiation of N‐tert‐butoxycarbonyl (N‐Boc)‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline was optimized by in situ IR (ReactIR) spectroscopy. Optimum conditions were found by using n‐butyllithium in THF at −50 °C for less than 5 min. The intermediate organolithium was quenched with electrophiles to give 1‐substituted 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinolines. Monitoring the lithiation by IR or NMR spectroscopy showed that one rotamer reacts quickly and the barrier to rotation of the Boc group was determined by variable‐temperature NMR spectroscopy and found to be about 60.8 kJ mol−1, equating to a half‐life for rotation of approximately 30 s at −50 °C. The use of (−)‐sparteine as a ligand led to low levels of enantioselectivity after electrophilic quenching and the “poor man’s Hoffmann test” indicated that the organolithium was configurationally unstable. The chemistry was applied to N‐Boc‐6,7‐dimethoxy‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroisoquinoline and led to the efficient synthesis of the racemic alkaloids salsolidine, carnegine, norlaudanosine and laudanosine.
Forecasting short‐term cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Taihu, China, using a coupled hydrodynamic–algal biomass model
Authors: Li Wei , Qin Boqiang , Zhu Guangwei
Published: May 2013

Lake Taihu, the third largest freshwater lake of China, provides drinking water supply for five million people. Over the last 30 years, the lake has suffered from serious cyanobacterial blooms that deteriorate drinking water quality and in some cases have led to serious water supply crises. For local government to respond quickly to the onset of a cyanobacterial bloom, it is crucial to forecast the probability, areas, and intensity of the bloom. In this paper, an attempt to forecast the cyanobacterial bloom in Lake Taihu is documented. The forecast is based on a short‐term cyanobacterial bloom forecasting numerical model containing a three‐dimensional, coupled hydrodynamic–algal biomass model and a probability of bloom occurrence forecasting model. The former model was based on solving the governing equations of the cyanobacterial bloom dynamics in shallow lakes. Unstructured mesh division was used to fit the irregular coastal boundaries where harmful blooms often happened. The finite volume method discretized the governing equations, and the conservation laws were preserved. To drive the model, the initial algae chlorophyll a concentrations were obtained from 18 automatic monitoring buoys and boat survey measurements. By combining calculation and prediction of the hydrological and meteorologic scenarios over the ensuing 3 days, the dynamic distributions of the algae concentration scenarios in Lake Taihu were simulated. Blooming probabilities were then predicted by a forecast model that included the weight of algal biomass, wind velocity, and weather condition. The model was applied to predict the occurrences of the algae blooms of the next 3 days in Lake Taihu during April to September in 2009 and 2010. Independent evaluations from remote sensing images and boat survey data showed that the accuracy of these bloom forecasts was more than 80%. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
B‐1‐cell subpopulations contribute differently to gut immunity
Authors: Roy Bishnudeo , Agarwal Shiwani , Brennecke Anne‐Margarete , Krey Martina , Pabst Oliver , Düber Sandra , Weiss Siegfried
Published: May 2013

In mice, B‐1 (B1a/B1b) cells are mainly located in the peritoneal cavity. B‐1 cells are well known for their role in the early stages of Ab‐mediated immune responses against pathogenic invasion as well as for the production of natural IgM antibodies. Although such B cells have been claimed to give rise to intestinal plasma cells producing IgA, a clear role of B‐1 cells in IgA production in the gut‐associated tissues is still not defined. Here, we employed the transgenic L2 mouse model characterized by the lack of B‐2 cells and presence of B‐1 cells as major B‐cell subpopulation. The oligoclonality of the Ab repertoire in this mouse allowed us to take typical B1a cell VH sequences as indicators of the presence of IgM‐producing B‐1a cells in Peyer's patches as well as in lamina propria. However, amongst the IgAVH sequences recovered from the same tissues, none of the sequences showed B1a‐cell specificity. Interestingly, all IgAVH sequences derived from the lamina propria of L2 mice displayed extensive numbers of nucleotide exchanges, indicating somatic hypermutation, and affinity maturation. This suggests that the contribution of natural unmutated IgA by B‐1a cells to intestinal immunity is negligible.