bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anxiety in College Students With ADHD
Authors: Prevatt Frances , Dehili Vincent , Taylor Nicki , Marshall Diana
Published: August 2012

Objective: This study sought to explore how anxiety impacts college students with ADHD, especially with regard to cognitive functioning. Method: 473 college students with ADHD and a control group of 200 college students without ADHD completed self-report measures of anxiety, ADHD symptomatology and tests of cognitive functioning. Results: Students with ADHD reported significantly more anxiety than students without ADHD. Within the ADHD group, the relationship between anxiety and inattention was similar to the relationship between anxiety and hyperactivity/impulsivity. Students with ADHD reported more anxiety with regard to academics compared to life-in-general. There were no gender differences for anxiety; however, freshman indicated more anxiety than upper-classmen. Anxiety and inattention were found to interact such that students with low levels of inattention but high levels of anxiety performed better on tasks of cognitive ability. Conclusion: Anxiety in college students with ADHD can take many forms, and interventions require a multi-focused approach. There may be some positive aspects to anxiety.
Refusing Masculinity
Authors: Landreau John C.
Published: August 2012

This essay argues that a refusal of dominant masculinity is central to the literary project of the Peruvian novelist and anthropologist José María Arguedas (1911–1969). In making this argument, I hope to lay the groundwork for a reassessment of the significance of gender in Arguedas’s work. In particular, the author argues that our understanding of the explicit politics of language and culture in Arguedasis is enhanced and enriched by a consideration to the more implicit (and quite likely unconscious) politics of masculinity in his writing.
An Incident-Level Profile of TASER Device Deployments in Arrest-Related Deaths
Authors: White Michael D. , Ready Justin , Riggs Courtney , Dawes Donald M. , Hinz Andrew , Ho Jeffrey D.
Published: August 2012

While a considerable body of research has investigated the physiological risks associated with the TASER device, much less research attention has been devoted to examining the nearly 400 police–citizen encounters in which a suspect has died after the device was used. As a result, there are numerous unanswered questions regarding officer, suspect, and incident-level characteristics of these arrest-related deaths (ARDs), as well as the extent to which patterns in these characteristics may have changed over time. The current study seeks to inform the discourse surrounding these death cases through a descriptive analysis of the near-universe of ARDs involving a TASER device deployment from 2001-2008 ( n = 392). Using a unique data triangulation methodology that captures both media ( n = 392) and medical examiner reports ( n = 213), the authors characterize the geographic distribution of ARDs and find parallels between that distribution, state population, the number of officers per state, crime levels per state, and TASER device sales patterns. Also, an incident-level analysis shows that these ARDs were dynamic encounters between suspects who were frequently intoxicated and who actively and aggressively resisted police, and officers who were drawing deeply into their arsenal of force options in an attempt to control and arrest them. Cause of death was most commonly identified as drugs, heart problems, or Excited Delirium Syndrome. Last, longitudinal analysis showed consistency in most incident, suspect and officer characteristics, though key aspects of suspect resistance, including level of aggression and persistence after TASER device exposure, changed notably over time. The article concludes with a discussion of implications for policy and practice with regard to these rare but fatal police–citizen encounters.
Feasibility of Attachment Based Family Therapy for depressed clinic-referred Norwegian adolescents
Authors: Israel Pravin , Diamond Guy S
Published: August 2012

Several studies have earned Attachment Based Family Therapy (ABFT) the designation of a promising empirically supported treatment for adolescents with depression. This study evaluated the feasibility of importing ABFT into a hospital-based outpatient clinic in Norway. This article documents the challenges of initiating and conducting research in a real world clinical setting and training staff therapists. It also reports on outcomes of a pilot randomized clinical trial. Implementation barriers rapidly emerged in relation to hospital administration, infrastructure development, and therapists. Despite these barriers, 20 clinic-referred adolescents were randomly assigned to ABFT ( n= 11) or to Treatment as Usual (TAU) ( n= 9). Adolescents in ABFT showed significantly better symptom reduction compared to adolescents in TAU with an effect size of 1.08. While preliminary, this study suggests that Norwegian clinical staff therapists could be engaged in learning and delivering ABFT, and in producing promising treatment results. The importance of institutional support for dissemination research is highlighted.
Bilingual speech perception and learning: A review of recent trends
Authors: Ingvalson Erin M. , Ettlinger Marc , Wong Patrick C. M.
Published: August 2012

Over the past several years, the field of bilingual speech perception has seen a substantial increase in both the number of publications and in the amount of interest directed at its findings. Consequently, the time is ripe to assess the state of the field, what we have accomplished and where we have yet to go. Although we cannot capture the full state of the field in the space of this paper, we hope to summarize the major trends that have led to the current state and take stock of its future directions. To that end, we focus our review on the relative merits of single phonemes versus whole words and phrases when investigating bilingual speech, the efficacy of the different training paradigms that have been attempted and we focus, in particular, on the role of individual differences in predicting learning outcomes. We conclude our review by highlighting recent developments demonstrating that identifying individual differences in ability pre-training can result in more efficacious training paradigms. Goals for future research are also discussed.
Modelling the foetus for pregnant occupant safety
Authors: Acar B Serpil , Lopik D van
Published: August 2012

Annual foetus mortality rates due to road traffic accidents are much higher than the infant mortality rates in motor vehicle crashes. The goal of this study is to generate a computational model of the unborn occupant (foetus) for crash protection research. The multibody foetus model is accommodated in the finite element uterus model of ‘Expecting’, the computational pregnant occupant model which tackles the complexity of a pregnant women’s anatomy and incorporates pregnant female anthropometry. In particular, 38 weeks gestation level is focused upon since at this stage of pregnancy the foetus is at greatest risk during a crash due to the size increase of the abdomen resulting in a close proximity to the vehicle steering wheel and awkward routing of the seatbelt. This article explains in detail all stages of modelling the unborn occupant and the links to its environment, the uterus with a placenta and the computational female model.
A review of advances in fatigue and life prediction of fiber-reinforced composites
Authors: Wicaksono Satrio , Chai Gin Boay
Published: August 2012

This contribution is an attempt to provide a thorough review of past and current research work on fatigue and life prediction of fiber-reinforced composites. In order to summarize and present a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art published works, the reviews in this contribution are broadly summarized into four groups of review; (1) fatigue of fiber-reinforced composites, (2) composite damage mechanism, (3) composite failure criteria and, (4) composite fatigue modeling and life prediction. The review will begin with a discussion of inherent and environmental factors affecting the fatigue of composites. This is followed by a rather extensive description of the composite damage mechanism and a summary of commonly used failure criteria for life prediction. And towards the end, models and methods for fatigue and life prediction of composites are summarized and discussed.
Dynamic control of supplemental lighting intensity in a greenhouse environment
Authors: Pinho P , Hytönen T , Rantanen M , Elomaa P , Halonen L
Published: August 2012

The global increase in energy prices, the urgent need to reduce CO2 emissions to the atmosphere and the high energy usage are currently the major threats to the greenhouse industry. Optimised control of the lighting quality, quantity and periodicity can contribute to improvements in the productivity and energy efficiency of greenhouses. In this paper, the effects of dynamic control of supplemental lighting intensity on electricity consumption and fresh weight accumulation of lettuce plants are investigated. The use of the dynamic lighting control resulted in a 20% reduction in the electricity consumption in comparison to a similar lighting system operated under a discontinuous on–off regime. However, there was no statistically significant difference between both regimes in terms of plants’ average fresh weight accumulated per electrical energy unit consumed.
Can measures of strain and acceleration be used to predict breast discomfort during running?
Authors: Haake Steve , Milligan Alex , Scurr Joanna
Published: August 2012

The aim of this study was to determine whether dynamic breast properties could be used as objective measures of discomfort in the breast during running. Relative breast motion was measured in eight women with breast sizes ranging from 32A to 34G while running on a treadmill at 10 and 14 km·h−1 wearing either no bra, an everyday bra or an encapsulated sport bra. Kinematic data was converted to dynamic strain, ε ma x, and differentiated twice to give maximum dynamic acceleration, a max. Discomfort scores from 0 to 10 (comfort to discomfort) were recorded after each test. Discomfort was found to increase with both ε ma x or a max; additionally ε ma x and a max generally demonstrated a positive linear relationship for all participants. Discomfort score and ε ma x increased with breast size, while discomfort score and a max decreased with the use of a bra. A transition between comfort (scores between 0 and 5) and discomfort (scores between 6 and 10) was approximated on the basis of ε ma x and a max and tested against the real score given by the participants. The simple model agreed with the participants’ perceptions of discomfort in 77% of cases and was 10.5 times more likely to predict the classification correctly than incorrectly. It was concluded that breast discomfort during exercise is a function of both ε ma x and a max, and strategies to decrease discomfort in the breast during exercise should aim to minimize both parameters.
Experimental review of metallurgical flash weld defects in welded joints: Essence of flat spots, penetrators and oxide inclusions
Authors: Räsänen A-N , Martikainen J
Published: August 2012

Typical flash weld defects are divided into metallurgical and mechanical defects. The metallurgical defects, which also include defects known as flat spots, penetrators and oxide inclusions, are difficult problems and develop during flashing action. The appearances and differences of flat spots, penetrators and simple oxide inclusions in flash welds are determined in this study based on literature review and experimental studies with three different steel grades. It was concluded on the basis of experimental studies that the chemical compositions of flat spots and oxide inclusions are the same, and the main difference between them is their appearance: flat spots are fracture surfaces nucleated from oxide inclusions, but simple oxide containing slags can appear also in non-fractured surfaces.
Prevention of microcracking in dissimilar multipass welds of alloy 690 to type 316L stainless steel by Ce addition to filler metal
Authors: Saida K , Taniguchi A , Okauchi H , Ogiwara H , Nishimoto K
Published: August 2012

The microcracking susceptibility in dissimilar multipass weld metals was investigated by a multipass weld test using different type 316L stainless steels with varying P and S contents and using different alloy 690 filler metals with varying Ce contents. The relation between microcracking susceptibility and (P+S) and Ce contents in every weld pass of the multipass weld was investigated. Ductility dip cracks occurred in the compositional range of Ce/(P+S)<0·22, and solidification/liquation cracks occurred in that of Ce/(P+S)>1·1, while no cracks occurred at Ce/(P+S) between 0·22 and 1·1. The ductility dip cracking susceptibility could be improved by adding Ce due to scavenging of impurity elements. Microcracking could be completely prevented in dissimilar multipass weld metals using two kinds of filler metals containing 0·077 wt-%Ce for the weld passes beside the stainless steel base metal (320 ppm P and 183 ppm S) and containing 0·032 wt-%Ce for the other weld passes.
Semisolid stirring brazing of SiCp/A356 composites with Zn27Al filler metal in air
Authors: Xu H B , Xing Q X , Zeng Y L , Luo Y , Du C H
Published: August 2012

The semisolid brazing process of SiCp/A356 composites was investigated. The effects of temperature on the microstructure of the filler metal and the joints are discussed in this paper. The research results show that with increasing temperature, the solid fraction of the filler metal decreases. Moreover, the SiCp/A356 composites can be effectively joined with the semisolid filler metal by optimising the stirring temperature. It can be found that most of the oxide film on the surface of the composites is disrupted by mechanical stirring. In this case, the metallurgical bonds formed at the interface between the filler metal and the base materials. Since the semisolid temperature range of the filler metal is narrow, the accurate controlling of the weld pool temperature must be considered.
Effects of ac arc ultrasonic on plasma arc in situ welding of SiCp/6061Al MMCs
Authors: Lei Y-C , Xue H-L , Hu W-X , Liu Z-Z , Yan J-C
Published: August 2012

The isolation coupling device is designed based on the principle of high pass filter circuit, which can achieve isolation and coupling between ac welding power and ultrasonic frequency excitation source. In addition, ac arc ultrasonic vibration is obtained successfully. The plasma arc in situ welding of SiCp/6061Al was performed using two different processes. The first process is that the plasma gas is argon nitrogen mixture and the filler material is flux cored wire (Al–5Ti–5Si); the other process is that the plasma gas is argon and the filler material is flux cored wire (Al–15Ti–3Si). The two joints are respectively enhanced by nitride and Al3Ti, which were obtained in these processes. After arc ultrasonic vibrations were imposed on the two welding processes, it was revealed that arc ultrasonic improved the distribution of the new nitride phases and optimised the morphology of Al3Ti to improve the mechanical properties of joints that reached 246 and 263 MPa. Fracture analysis showed that the improvement of the mechanical properties resulting from Al3Ti is better than that from nitride under the effect of arc ultrasonic.
Study of Inconel 718 weldability using MIG CMT process
Authors: Benoit A , Jobez S , Paillard P , Klosek V , Baudin T
Published: August 2012

This work investigates the weldability of Inconel 718 using the metal inert gas (MIG) welding process called ‘cold metal transfer’. This arc welding process is reported for working with a lower heat input compared to other arc processes. The consequences are less base metal impaired, low deformation and low residual stress level in assembly. In order to check these abilities, metallographic, texture, chemical and residual stress analyses have been carried out. Results show that MIG cold metal transfer has good properties for the welding of Inconel 718 inasmuch as no defect has been detected and a lower level of residual stresses has been introduced in metal compared to classic MIG.
Dissimilar Ti/Mg alloy butt welding by fibre laser with Mg filler wire – preliminary study
Authors: Gao M , Wang Z M , Yan J , Zeng X Y
Published: August 2012

A fibre laser was used to join Ti–6Al–4V alloy to AZ31B Mg alloy with the same thickness of 2 mm, and a filler wire was used to avoid weld underfill resulting from Mg vaporisation. The acceptable joints were only obtained when the laser beam was offset from the edge of the weld seam at 0·2 mm to the AZ31B side of the joint. Cross-weld tensile testing found joint strengths of up to 200·3 MPa, which is 85·1% of the AZ31B tensile strength. All the joints were fractured at the Ti/fusion zone interfacial layer. When the laser offset increased from 0·2 to 0·3 mm or laser power reduced to 1·2 kW, the joining mode of the interfacial layer changed from a semimetallurgical joining with high strength to a mechanical joining with poor strength. Moreover, the fracture surface of acceptable joints was characterised by scraggly remaining weld metal, while that of poor joints was almost only characterised by smooth Ti surface.
Transcriptome profiling in conifers and the PiceaGenExpress database show patterns of diversification within gene families and interspecific conservation in vascular gene expression
Authors: Raherison Elie , Rigault Philippe , Caron Sébastien , Poulin Pier-Luc , Boyle Brian , Verta Jukka-Pekka , Giguère Isabelle , Bomal Claude , Bohlmann Jörg , MacKay John
Published: August 2012

Background

Conifers have very large genomes (13 to 30 Gigabases) that are mostly uncharacterized although extensive cDNA resources have recently become available. This report presents a global overview of transcriptome variation in a conifer tree and documents conservation and diversity of gene expression patterns among major vegetative tissues.

Results

An oligonucleotide microarray was developed from Picea glauca and P. sitchensis cDNA datasets. It represents 23,853 unique genes and was shown to be suitable for transcriptome profiling in several species. A comparison of secondary xylem and phelloderm tissues showed that preferential expression in these vascular tissues was highly conserved among Picea spp. RNA-Sequencing strongly confirmed tissue preferential expression and provided a robust validation of the microarray design. A small database of transcription profiles called PiceaGenExpress was developed from over 150 hybridizations spanning eight major tissue types. In total, transcripts were detected for 92% of the genes on the microarray, in at least one tissue. Non-annotated genes were predominantly expressed at low levels in fewer tissues than genes of known or predicted function. Diversity of expression within gene families may be rapidly assessed from PiceaGenExpress. In conifer trees, dehydrins and late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) osmotic regulation proteins occur in large gene families compared to angiosperms. Strong contrasts and low diversity was observed in the dehydrin family, while diverse patterns suggested a greater degree of diversification among LEAs.

Conclusion

Together, the oligonucleotide microarray and the PiceaGenExpress database represent the first resource of this kind for gymnosperm plants. The spruce transcriptome analysis reported here is expected to accelerate genetic studies in the large and important group comprised of conifer trees.
Both projection and commissural pathways are disrupted in individuals with chronic stroke: investigating microstructural white matter correlates of motor recovery
Authors: Borich Michael R , Mang Cameron , Boyd Lara A
Published: August 2012

Background

Complete recovery of motor function after stroke is rare with deficits persisting into the chronic phase of recovery. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) can evaluate relationships between white matter microstructure and motor function after stroke. The objective of this investigation was to characterize microstructural fiber integrity of motor and sensory regions of the corpus callosum (CC) and descending motor outputs of the posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC) in individuals with chronic stroke and evaluate the relationships between white matter integrity and motor function.

Results

Standardized measures of upper extremity motor function were measured in thirteen individuals with chronic stroke. Manual dexterity was assessed in thirteen healthy age-matched control participants. DTI scans were completed for each participant. Fractional anisotropy (FA) of a cross-section of sensory and motor regions of the CC and the PLIC bilaterally were quantified. Multivariate analysis of variance evaluated differences between stroke and healthy groups. Correlational analyses were conducted for measures of motor function and FA. The stroke group exhibited reduced FA in the sensory (p = 0.001) region of the CC, contra- (p = 0.032) and ipsilesional (p = 0.001) PLIC, but not the motor region of the CC (p = 0.236). In the stroke group, significant correlations between contralesional PLIC FA and level of physical impairment (p = 0.005), grip strength (p = 0.006) and hand dexterity (p = 0.036) were observed.

Conclusions

Microstructural status of the sensory region of the CC is reduced in chronic stroke. Future work is needed to explore relationships between callosal sensorimotor fiber integrity and interhemispheric interactions post-stroke. In addition, contralesional primary motor output tract integrity is uniquely and closely associated with multiple dimensions of motor recovery in the chronic phase of stroke suggesting it may be an important biomarker of overall motor recovery.
Comparative mapping in the Fagaceae and beyond with EST-SSRs
Authors: Bodénès Catherine , Chancerel Emilie , Gailing Oliver , Vendramin Giovanni G , Bagnoli Francesca , Durand Jerome , Goicoechea Pablo G , Soliani Carolina , Villani Fiorella , Mattioni Claudia , Koelewijn Hans Peter , Murat Florent , Salse Jerome , Roussel Guy , Boury Christophe , Alberto Florian , Kremer Antoine , Plomion Christophe
Published: August 2012

Background

Genetic markers and linkage mapping are basic prerequisites for comparative genetic analyses, QTL detection and map-based cloning. A large number of mapping populations have been developed for oak, but few gene-based markers are available for constructing integrated genetic linkage maps and comparing gene order and QTL location across related species.

Results

We developed a set of 573 expressed sequence tag-derived simple sequence repeats (EST-SSRs) and located 397 markers (EST-SSRs and genomic SSRs) on the 12 oak chromosomes (2n = 2x = 24) on the basis of Mendelian segregation patterns in 5 full-sib mapping pedigrees of two species: Quercus robur (pedunculate oak) and Quercus petraea (sessile oak). Consensus maps for the two species were constructed and aligned. They showed a high degree of macrosynteny between these two sympatric European oaks. We assessed the transferability of EST-SSRs to other Fagaceae genera and a subset of these markers was mapped in Castanea sativa, the European chestnut. Reasonably high levels of macrosynteny were observed between oak and chestnut. We also obtained diversity statistics for a subset of EST-SSRs, to support further population genetic analyses with gene-based markers. Finally, based on the orthologous relationships between the oak, Arabidopsis, grape, poplar, Medicago, and soybean genomes and the paralogous relationships between the 12 oak chromosomes, we propose an evolutionary scenario of the 12 oak chromosomes from the eudicot ancestral karyotype.

Conclusions

This study provides map locations for a large set of EST-SSRs in two oak species of recognized biological importance in natural ecosystems. This first step toward the construction of a gene-based linkage map will facilitate the assignment of future genome scaffolds to pseudo-chromosomes. This study also provides an indication of the potential utility of new gene-based markers for population genetics and comparative mapping within and beyond the Fagaceae.
Derivation and characterization of matched cell lines from primary and recurrent serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Létourneau Isabelle J , Quinn Michael CJ , Wang Lu-Lin , Portelance Lise , Caceres Katia Y , Cyr Louis , Delvoye Nathalie , Meunier Liliane , de Ladurantaye Manon , Shen Zhen , Arcand Suzanna L , Tonin Patricia N , Provencher Diane M , Mes-Masson Anne-Marie
Published: August 2012

Background

Cell line models have proven to be effective tools to investigate a variety of ovarian cancer features. Due to the limited number of cell lines, particularly of the serous subtype, the heterogeneity of the disease, and the lack of cell lines that model disease progression, there is a need to further develop cell line resources available for research. This study describes nine cell lines derived from three ovarian cancer cases that were established at initial diagnosis and at subsequent relapse after chemotherapy.

Methods

The cell lines from three women diagnosed with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (1369, 2295 and 3133) were derived from solid tumor (TOV) and ascites (OV), at specific time points at diagnosis and relapse (R). Primary treatment was a combination of paclitaxel/carboplatin (1369, 3133), or cisplatin/topotecan (2295). Second line treatment included doxorubicin, gemcitabine and topotecan. In addition to molecular characterization (p53, HER2), the cell lines were characterized based on cell growth characteristics including spheroid growth, migration potential, and anchorage independence. The in vivo tumorigenicity potential of the cell lines was measured. Response to paclitaxel and carboplatin was assessed using a clonogenic assay.

Results

All cell lines had either a nonsense or missense TP53 mutations. The ability to form compact spheroids or aggregates was observed in six of nine cell lines. Limited ability for migration and anchorage independence was observed. The OV3133(R) cell line, formed tumors at subcutaneous sites in SCID mice. Based on IC50 values and dose response curves, there was clear evidence of acquired resistance to carboplatin for TOV2295(R) and OV2295(R2) cell lines.

Conclusion

The study identified nine new high-grade serous ovarian cancer cell lines, derived before and after chemotherapy that provides a unique resource for investigating the evolution of this common histopathological subtype of ovarian cancer.
Ready to Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF) improves undernutrition among ART-treated, HIV-positive children in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Sunguya Bruno F , Poudel Krishna C , Mlunde Linda B , Otsuka Keiko , Yasuoka Junko , Urassa David P , Mkopi Namala P , Jimba Masamine
Published: August 2012

Background

HIV/AIDS is associated with an increased burden of undernutrition among children even under antiretroviral therapy (ART). To treat undernutrition, WHO endorsed the use of Ready to Use Therapeutic Foods (RUTF) that can reduce case fatality and undernutrition among ART-naïve HIV-positive children. However, its effects are not studied among ART-treated, HIV-positive children. Therefore, we examined the association between RUTF use with underweight, wasting, and stunting statuses among ART-treated HIV-positive children in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted from September-October 2010. The target population was 219 ART-treated, HIV-positive children and the same number of their caregivers. We used questionnaires to measure socio-economic factors, food security, RUTF-use, and ART-duration. Our outcome variables were underweight, wasting, and stunting statuses.

Results

Of 219 ART-treated, HIV-positive children, 140 (63.9%) had received RUTF intervention prior to the interview. The percentages of underweight and wasting among non-RUTF-receivers were 12.4% and 16.5%; whereas those of RUTF-receivers were 3.0% (P = 0.006) and 2.8% (P = 0.001), respectively. RUTF-receivers were less likely to have underweight (Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR) =0.19, CI: 0.04, 0.78), and wasting (AOR = 0.24, CI: 0.07, 0.81), compared to non RUTF-receivers. Among RUTF receivers, children treated for at least four months (n = 84) were less likely to have underweight (P = 0.049), wasting (P = 0.049) and stunting (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Among HIV-positive children under ART, the provision of RUTF for at least four months was associated with low proportions of undernutrition status. RUTF has a potential to improve undernutrition among HIV-positive children under ART in the clinical settings in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Different gene expression profiles in normo- and dyslipidemic men after fish oil supplementation: results from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Schmidt Simone , Stahl Frank , Mutz Kai-Oliver , Scheper Thomas , Hahn Andreas , Schuchardt Jan P
Published: August 2012

Background

Epidemiological studies have suggested the benefits of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) on cardiovascular health, but only limited data are available describing n-3 PUFA regulated pathways in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of n-3 PUFA administration on whole genome expression profiles in the blood of normo- and dyslipidemic subjects.

Methods

Differentially expressed genes were detected after four hours, one week and twelve weeks of supplementation with either fish oil (FO) or corn oil in normo- and dyslipidemic men using whole genome microarrays.

Results

Independent of the oil, a significantly higher number of genes was regulated in dyslipidemic subjects compared to normolipidemic subjects. Pathway analyses discovered metabolisms dominantly affected by FO after twelve weeks of supplementation, including the lipid metabolism, immune system and cardiovascular diseases. Several pro-inflammatory genes, in particular, were down-regulated in dyslipidemic subjects, indicating the immune-modulatory and anti-inflammatory capability of FO and its bioactive FAs, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid.

Conclusions

This is the first study showing significant differences in gene expression profiles between normo- and dyslipidemic men after FO supplementation. Further studies need to clarify the exact role of n-3 PUFAs in pathways and metabolisms which were identified as being regulated after FO supplementation in this study.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT01089231)
Proteomic analysis of ‘Zaosu’ pear (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd.) and its red skin bud mutation
Authors: Hu Min , Qiu Zonghao , Zhou Peng , Xu Lingfei , Zhang Junke
Published: August 2012

Background

Breeding for strong red skin color is an important objective of the pear breeding program. There are few reports of proteome research in green skin pear and its red skin bud mutation. The manuscript at hand is one of the first studies dealing with 2D-PAGE-based analysis of pear fruits and leaves, establishing a suitable sample preparation and testing different 2D-PAGE protocols. Therefore, it may grant a basis for further studies on the pear proteome being the studies main goal. A proteomic analysis was conducted on leaves and fruits of ‘Zaosu’ pear (Pyrus bretschneideri Rehd.) and its red skin bud mutation in order to reveal their genetic differences in the protein level.

Results

In the present study, the optimized two-dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis system of pear leaf and fruit was set up, and applied to analyze the leaves and fruit protein. The interesting peptide fragments were determined using 4800 Plus MALDI TOF/TOFTM Analyzer mass spectrometer, and the sequence obtained was blasted in NCBInr to identify the differentially-expressed protein. In the 1.5-fold differently-expressed proteins between ‘Zaosu’ pear and its mutant, 10 out of 35 proteins in fruit and 12 out of 24 ones in leaves were identified successfully. Among the 22 identified proteins, 7 protein spots were related to photosynthesis and energy metabolism; 4 were associated with environmental stress; 4 with disease defense; 2 with amino acid metabolism; 2 with cytoskeleton; 1 with antioxidant function; 1 with calcium metabolism; and 1 with unknown function. Moreover, related physiological index, such as chlorophyll content, Rubisco content and polyphone oxidase activity, were different between ‘Zaosu’ pear and its mutant.

Conclusion

A 2-D gel electrophoresis system of pear leaves and fruits was established, which was suitable for the analysis of proteome comparison. To the best of our knowledge, we have performed the first analysis of the proteomic changes in leaves and fruits of ‘Zaosu’ pear and its red skin bud mutation. Our study provides important information on the use of proteomic methods for studying protein regulation of ‘Zaosu’ pear and its red skin bud mutation.
Triple touch sperm immobilization vs. single touch sperm immobilization in ICSI - a randomised trial
Authors: Velaers An , Paternot Goedele , Debrock Sophie , D’Hooghe Thomas , Spiessens Carl
Published: August 2012

Background

Although different techniques for sperm immobilization have been described, their value has not been assessed in an adequately powered randomized study. The aim of this study was to compare two types of sperm immobilization methods prior to ICSI and to test the hypothesis that triple touch immobilization (TTIm) would lead to a higher (5% -65% up to 70%) fertilization rate (FR) than single touch immobilization (STIm).

Methods

A total of 3056 metaphase II (MII) oocytes, from 290 patients, were randomly assigned to the STIm group (n = 1528 oocytes; 145 cycles) or to the TTIm group (n = 1528 oocytes; 138 cycles). A total of 1478 oocytes (STIm group) and 1476 oocytes (TTIm group) were used in the statistical analysis. The primary outcome variable was FR. Secondary outcome variables included: number of good quality embryos (GQE) on day 2 and day 3, implantation rate (IR) and implantation with foetal heart beat rate (FHB). Statistical analysis was done using the Fisher Exact test with a significance level of 0.05.

Results

The results showed no differences in FR between both groups. The proportion of good quality embryos on day 3, was significantly higher in the STIm group (37.5%) compared to the TTIm group (31.8%; p = 0.02).

Conclusions

In this RCT, the hypothesis that the post-ICSI FR would be higher after TTIm than after STIm was not confirmed and the number of good quality embryos on day 3 was significantly lower in the TTIm group than in the STIm group. These data suggest that more ‘aggressive’ TTIm technique has no advantages compared to the STIm technique.
Risk of significant cytopenias after treatment with tocilizumab in systemic juvenile arthritis patients with a history of macrophage activation syndrome
Authors: Kessler Elizabeth A , Vora Sheetal S , Verbsky James W
Published: August 2012

Tocilizumab (TCZ) is the first FDA- approved treatment for systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA). We report 3 cases of cytopenias in children with sJIA treated with TCZ. Two of the children who developed significant cytopenias shortly after initiation of TCZ had a history of macrophage activation syndrome. We raise the possibility that patients with a tendency towards MAS have an increased risk of developing cytopenias when treated with tocilizumab.
Silica nanoparticles functionalized via click chemistry and ATRP for enrichment of Pb(II) ion
Authors: Li Wei , Xu Yaohui , Zhou Yang , Ma Wenhui , Wang Shixing , Dai Yongnian
Published: August 2012

Silica nanoparticles have been functionalized by click chemistry and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) simultaneously. First, the silanized silica nanoparticles were modified with bromine end group, and then the azide group was grafted onto the surface via covalent coupling. 3-Bromopropyl propiolate was synthesized, and then the synthesized materials were used to react with azide-modified silica nanoparticles via copper-mediated click chemistry and bromine surface-initiated ATRP. Transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis were performed to characterize the functionalized silica nanoparticles. We investigated the enrichment efficiency of bare silica and poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA)-functionalized silica nanoparticles in Pb(II) aqueous solution. The results demonstrated that PEGMA-functionalized silica nanoparticles can enrich Pb(II) more quickly than pristine silica nanoparticles within 1 h.
Biomechanical assessment of balance and posture in subjects with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Sawacha Zimi , Carraro Elena , Del Din Silvia , Guiotto Annamaria , Bonaldo Lara , Punzi Leonardo , Cobelli Claudio , Masiero Stefano
Published: August 2012

Background

Ankylosing spondylitis is a major chronic rheumatic disease that predominantly affects axial joints, determining a rigid spine from the occiput to the sacrum. The dorsal hyperkyphosis may induce the patients to stand in a stooped position with consequent restriction in patients’ daily living activities. The aim of this study was to develop a method for quantitatively and objectively assessing both balance and posture and their mutual relationship in ankylosing spondylitis subjects.

Methods

The data of 12 healthy and 12 ankylosing spondylitis subjects (treated with anti-TNF-α stabilized), with a mean age of 51.42 and 49.42 years; mean BMI of 23.08 and 25.44 kg/m2 were collected. Subjects underwent a morphological examination of the spinal mobility by means of a pocket compass needle goniometer, together with an evaluation of both spinal and hip mobility (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index), and disease activity (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index). Quantitative evaluation of kinematics and balance were performed through a six cameras stereophotogrammetric system and a force plate. Kinematic models together with a test for evaluating balance in different eye level conditions were developed. Head protrusion, trunk flexion-extension, pelvic tilt, hip-knee-ankle flexion-extension were evaluated during Romberg Test, together with centre of pressure parameters.

Results

Each subject was able to accomplish the required task. Subjects’ were comparable for demographic parameters. A significant increment was observed in ankylosing spondylitis subjects for knee joint angle with the target placed at each eye level on both sides (p < 0.042). When considering the pelvic tilt angle a statistically significant reduction was found with the target placed respectively at 10° (p = 0.034) and at 30° (p = 0.019) less than eye level. Furthermore in ankylosing spondylitis subjects both hip (p = 0.048) and ankle (p = 0.029) joints angles differs significantly. When considering the posturographic parameters significant differences were observed for ellipse, center of pressure path and mean velocity (p < 0.04). Goniometric evaluation revealed significant increment of thoracic kyphosis reduction of cervical and lumbar range of motion compared to healthy subjects.

Conclusions

Our findings confirm the need to investigate both balance and posture in ankylosing spondylitis subjects. This methodology could help clinicians to plan rehabilitation treatments.
Particulate matter air pollution disrupts endothelial cell barrier via calpain-mediated tight junction protein degradation
Authors: Wang Ting , Wang Lichun , Moreno-Vinasco Liliana , Lang Gabriel D , Siegler Jessica H , Mathew Biji , Usatyuk Peter V , Samet Jonathan M , Geyh Alison S , Breysse Patrick N , Natarajan Viswanathan , Garcia Joe G N
Published: August 2012

Background

Exposure to particulate matter (PM) is a significant risk factor for increased cardiopulmonary morbidity and mortality. The mechanism of PM-mediated pathophysiology remains unknown. However, PM is proinflammatory to the endothelium and increases vascular permeability in vitro and in vivo via ROS generation.

Objectives

We explored the role of tight junction proteins as targets for PM-induced loss of lung endothelial cell (EC) barrier integrity and enhanced cardiopulmonary dysfunction.

Methods

Changes in human lung EC monolayer permeability were assessed by Transendothelial Electrical Resistance (TER) in response to PM challenge (collected from Ft. McHenry Tunnel, Baltimore, MD, particle size >0.1 μm). Biochemical assessment of ROS generation and Ca2+ mobilization were also measured.

Results

PM exposure induced tight junction protein Zona occludens-1 (ZO-1) relocation from the cell periphery, which was accompanied by significant reductions in ZO-1 protein levels but not in adherens junction proteins (VE-cadherin and β-catenin). N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC, 5 mM) reduced PM-induced ROS generation in ECs, which further prevented TER decreases and atteneuated ZO-1 degradation. PM also mediated intracellular calcium mobilization via the transient receptor potential cation channel M2 (TRPM2), in a ROS-dependent manner with subsequent activation of the Ca2+-dependent protease calpain. PM-activated calpain is responsible for ZO-1 degradation and EC barrier disruption. Overexpression of ZO-1 attenuated PM-induced endothelial barrier disruption and vascular hyperpermeability in vivo and in vitro.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that PM induces marked increases in vascular permeability via ROS-mediated calcium leakage via activated TRPM2, and via ZO-1 degradation by activated calpain. These findings support a novel mechanism for PM-induced lung damage and adverse cardiovascular outcomes.
Analysis of prescription database extracted from standard textbooks of traditional Dai medicine
Authors: Zhang Chuang , Chongsuvivatwong Virasakdi , Keawpradub Niwat , Lin Yanfang
Published: August 2012

Background

Traditional Dai Medicine (TDM) is one of the four major ethnomedicine of China. In 2007 a group of experts produced a set of seven Dai medical textbooks on this subject. The first two were selected as the main data source to analyse well recognized prescriptions.

Objective

To quantify patterns of prescriptions, common ingredients, indications and usages of TDM.

Methods

A relational database linking the prescriptions, ingredients, herb names, indications, and usages was set up. Frequency of pattern of combination and common ingredients were tabulated.

Results

A total of 200 prescriptions and 402 herbs were compiled. Prescriptions based on "wind" disorders, a detoxification theory that most commonly deals with symptoms of digestive system diseases, accounted for over one third of all prescriptions. The major methods of preparations mostly used roots and whole herbs.

Conclusion

The information extracted from the relational database may be useful for understanding symptomatic treatments. Antidote and detoxification theory deserves further research.
Bootstrapping phylogenies inferred from rearrangement data
Authors: Lin Yu , Rajan Vaibhav , Moret Bernard ME
Published: August 2012

Background

Large-scale sequencing of genomes has enabled the inference of phylogenies based on the evolution of genomic architecture, under such events as rearrangements, duplications, and losses. Many evolutionary models and associated algorithms have been designed over the last few years and have found use in comparative genomics and phylogenetic inference. However, the assessment of phylogenies built from such data has not been properly addressed to date. The standard method used in sequence-based phylogenetic inference is the bootstrap, but it relies on a large number of homologous characters that can be resampled; yet in the case of rearrangements, the entire genome is a single character. Alternatives such as the jackknife suffer from the same problem, while likelihood tests cannot be applied in the absence of well established probabilistic models.

Results

We present a new approach to the assessment of distance-based phylogenetic inference from whole-genome data; our approach combines features of the jackknife and the bootstrap and remains nonparametric. For each feature of our method, we give an equivalent feature in the sequence-based framework; we also present the results of extensive experimental testing, in both sequence-based and genome-based frameworks. Through the feature-by-feature comparison and the experimental results, we show that our bootstrapping approach is on par with the classic phylogenetic bootstrap used in sequence-based reconstruction, and we establish the clear superiority of the classic bootstrap for sequence data and of our corresponding new approach for rearrangement data over proposed variants. Finally, we test our approach on a small dataset of mammalian genomes, verifying that the support values match current thinking about the respective branches.

Conclusions

Our method is the first to provide a standard of assessment to match that of the classic phylogenetic bootstrap for aligned sequences. Its support values follow a similar scale and its receiver-operating characteristics are nearly identical, indicating that it provides similar levels of sensitivity and specificity. Thus our assessment method makes it possible to conduct phylogenetic analyses on whole genomes with the same degree of confidence as for analyses on aligned sequences. Extensions to search-based inference methods such as maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood are possible, but remain to be thoroughly tested.
Predicting and characterizing selective multiple drug treatments for metabolicdiseases and cancer
Authors: Facchetti Giuseppe , Zampieri Mattia , Altafini Claudio
Published: August 2012

Background

In the field of drug discovery, assessing the potential of multidrug therapies isa difficult task because of the combinatorial complexity (both theoretical andexperimental) and because of the requirements on the selectivity of the therapy.To cope with this problem, we have developed a novel method for the systematic insilico investigation of synergistic effects of currently available drugs ongenome-scale metabolic networks.

Results

The algorithm finds the optimal combination of drugs which guarantees theinhibition of an objective function, while minimizing the side effect on the othercellular processes. Two different applications are considered: finding drugsynergisms for human metabolic diseases (like diabetes, obesity and hypertension)and finding antitumoral drug combinations with minimal side effect on the normalhuman cell. The results we obtain are consistent with some of the availabletherapeutic indications and predict new multiple drug treatments. A clusteranalysis on all possible interactions among the currently available drugsindicates a limited variety on the metabolic targets for the approved drugs.

Conclusion

The in silico prediction of drug synergisms can represent an important tool forthe repurposing of drugs in a realistic perspective which considers also theselectivity of the therapy. Moreover, for a more profitable exploitation ofdrug-drug interactions, we have shown that also experimental drugs which have adifferent mechanism of action can be reconsider as potential ingredients of newmulticompound therapeutic indications. Needless to say the clues provided by acomputational study like ours need in any case to be thoroughly evaluatedexperimentally.