bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apport de l’exploration cytogénétique et ultrastructurale dans le pronostic de fertilité des sujets globozoospermiques
Authors: Zhioua A. , Merdassi G. , Bhouri R. , Ferfouri F. , Ben Ammar A. , Amouri A. , Vialard F. , Zhioua F.
Published: September 2011

La globozoospermie est une forme sévère de tératozoospermie caractérisée par des spermatozoïdes à tête ronde avec absence ou présence d’un acrosome rudimentaire. L’objectif de cette étude est d’analyser les spermatozoïdes de six patients présentant un syndrome de globozoospermie et de rendre compte de l’inefficacité de plusieurs tentatives de fécondation in vitro avec ICSI. L’exploration de ces sujets a été réalisée par l’étude du taux d’aneuploïdies spermatiques par hybridation in situ fluorescente (sperm-FISH) pour les chromosomes X, Y et 18, du taux de fragmentation d’ADN par la technique TUNEL ainsi que par l’étude ultrastructurale détaillée de la morphologie spermatique en utilisant la microscopie électronique à transmission (MET). Onze tentatives d’ICSI ont été réalisées chez ces patients, avec un taux de fécondation faible (9,37 %), et aucune grossesse n’a été obtenue. Cette étude a permis de confirmer la variabilité des phénotypes spermatiques observés dans ce syndrome et de faible taux de fécondation après FIV-ICSI, et ce, quel que soit le phénotype.
Effects of alanine aminotransferase inhibition on the intermediary metabolism inSparus auratathrough dietary amino-oxyacetate supplementation
Authors: González Juan D. , Caballero Albert , Viegas Ivan , Metón Isidoro , Jones John G. , Barra Joana , Fernández Felipe , Baanante Isabel V.
Published: September 2011

In liver, through the reaction catalysed by alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alanine becomes an effective precursor for gluconeogenesis. In the present study amino-oxyacetate (AOA) was used to evaluate its effect on liver ALT activity of the carnivorous fishSparus aurata. Moreover, the derived metabolic effects on metabolites and other key enzymes of glycolysis, gluconeogenesis and the pentose phosphate pathway were also studied. A dose-effect-dependent inhibition of AOA on hepatic cytosolic and mitochondrial ALT activity was observedin vitro.In vivo, AOA behaved as an inhibitor of hepatic cytosolic ALT activity. A long-term exposure to AOA increased pyruvate kinase activity in the liver irrespective of the composition of the diet supplied to fish.1H NMR studies showed that inclusion of AOA to the diet decreased the hepatic levels of alanine, glutamate and glycogen. Moreover,2H NMR analysis indicated a higher renewal rate for alanine in the liver of fish fed with a high-carbohydrate/low-protein diet, while AOA decreased alanine2H-enrichment irrespective of the diet. The present study indicates that AOA-dependent inhibition of the cytosolic ALT activity could help to increase the use of dietary carbohydrate nutrients.
The understanding of scurvy during the heroic age of Antarctic exploration
Authors: Guly Henry
Published: September 2011

At the start of the heroic age of Antarctic exploration there was great confusion concerning the cause of scurvy. It was known that it was related, in some way, to food but it was uncertain as to how, and there were two main theories. The first was that it was caused by a deficiency of fruit and vegetables and the other that it was caused by a toxic material in tinned foods. In addition, older theories that it was caused by dirt and damp still carried weight and Almroth Wright had proposed that scurvy was caused by too much acid in the blood. An additional confusion was that vitamin C deficiency was often combined with other vitamin deficiencies and so other diseases might be labelled as scurvy. The discovery of vitamins occurred over the same period but, as with all new scientific concepts, the knowledge that scurvy was caused by a vitamin deficiency took time to be universally accepted. It was generally accepted by about 1920, although some people did not accept it until vitamin C has been isolated in 1932.
Identifying hotspots of chimpanzee group activity from transect surveys in Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Kouakou Célestin Yao , Boesch Christophe , Kuehl Hjalmar S.
Published: September 2011

Locating activity hotspots – areas of higher density, more intense use, or distinct social units – is a prerequisite for answering many questions in animal ecology. However, for many species, carrying out such research from direct observations in tropical habitat is time-consuming and unrealistic for non-habituated animals. This study aimed to locate chimpanzee home ranges from transect nest counts. For validation purposes, 233 line transects were sampled within the home ranges of four habituated social groups of chimpanzees in Taï National Park, Côte d'Ivoire. In total, 373 km of transects were surveyed over 188 days and 683 nests of chimpanzee were recorded. First, we characterized heterogeneity of nest distribution patterns, including variation in density and group size within the area. Second, we used scan statistics, a likelihood-based cluster technique to locate chimpanzee social groups and compared them with the known home range boundaries. Chimpanzee nest distribution was characterized by a positive density and group-size gradient away from the range periphery. Furthermore, nest distribution clusters corresponding to the four groups could be successfully identified, although additional clusters for, for example, low-density areas between social groups seem to be an unavoidable by-product. The approach taken can be extended to a wide spectrum of data stemming from direct observations, camera traps, acoustic or genetic sampling to derive information about structure and patchiness of wild animal populations.
RAZ ON THE INTERNAL POINT OF VIEW
Authors: McBride Mark
Published: September 2011

This article addresses the question of whether judges can take the internal point of view toward—accept—their legal system's rule of recognition for purely prudential reasons. It takes a fresh look at an underappreciated conceptual argument of Joseph Raz's that answers: no. In a nutshell, Raz argues that purely prudential reasons are reasons of the wrong kind for judges to accept their legal system's rule of recognition. And should Raz's argument succeed, an important necessary connection between law and morality would be established.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark and the Multicultural Challenges
Authors: Haugen Hans Morten
Published: September 2011

Christianity and Danishness are mutually reinforcing phenomena in Denmark. Three factors applying specifically to Denmark explain this: first, the lack of national representative bodies of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Denmark; second, the journalTidehverv(“New Era”) has nurtured a conservative and nationalistic Christian ethics among parts of the Danish clergy; and third, Danish politicians' abuse of the links between Christianity and Danishness as a tool in their anti-immigration strategies.
PPM1A dephosphorylates RanBP3 to enable efficient nuclear export of Smad2 and Smad3
Authors: Dai Fangyan , Shen Tao , Li Zhaoyong , Lin Xia , Feng Xin‐Hua
Published: September 2011

Smad2 and Smad3 (Smad2/3) are essential signal transducers and transcription factors in the canonical transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) signalling pathway. Active Smad2/3 signalling in the nucleus is terminated by dephosphorylation and subsequent nuclear export of Smad2/3. Here we report that protein phosphatase PPM1A regulates the nuclear export of Smad2/3 through targeting nuclear exporter RanBP3. PPM1A directly interacted with and dephosphorylated RanBP3 at Ser 58 in vitro and in vivo. Consistently, RanBP3 phosphorylation was elevated in PPM1A‐null mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Dephosphorylation of RanBP3 at Ser 58 promoted its ability to export Smad2/3 and terminate TGF‐β responses. Our findings indicate the critical role of PPM1A in maximizing exporter activity of RanBP3 for efficient termination of canonical TGF‐β signalling.
Identifiers.org and MIRIAM Registry: perennial identifiers for crossreferencing purposes
Authors: Laibe Camille
Published: September 2011

The MIRIAM Registry provides unique, perennial and location independent identifiers for data used in the biomedical domain. At its core is a shared catalogue of data collections, for each of which a unique namespace is created, and extensive metadata recorded. This namespace allows the generation of Uniform Resource Identifiers (URIs) to uniquely identify any record in a collection. We present here the new Identifiers.org service which is built upon the information stored in the Registry and which provides directly resolvable identifiers, in the form of Uniform Resource Locators (URLs). The flexibility of the identification scheme and resolving system allows its use in many different fields, where unambiguous and perennial identification of data entities is necessary.
Relative Difference in Orbital Volume as an Indication for Surgical Reconstruction in Isolated Orbital Floor Fractures
Authors: Alinasab Babak , Beckman Mats O. , Pansell Tony , Abdi Saber , Westermark Anders H. , Stjärne Pär
Published: September 2011

In orbital floor fractures, the estimation of the herniated orbital content in the maxillary sinus has traditionally been the dividing line between surgical and nonsurgical management. In this study, we evaluated whether a relative change in volume would function as an indicator for surgical versus nonsurgical treatment of orbital floor fractures. This was a follow-up study in patients with untreated unilateral isolated orbital floor fractures admitted to our department from March 2003 to April 2007. Patients were contacted by regular mail and invited to have a clinical eye examination. The volume of the orbital content was calculated digitally from the patients’ computed tomography scans at the time of their injury. Eighteen subjects with no facial skeleton fracture were included for reference of orbital content volumes. Five of 23 patients showed 2 to 4 mm of enophthalmos, and only three of them had intermittent diplopia. No statistical correlation was found between the herniated volume and enophthalmos. No statistical correlation supporting the supposition that 1 mL of herniated orbital content would result in 1 mm of enophthalmos was found. The relative volume change between the fractured and nonfractured orbit in an individual does not appear to be a useful criterion for surgery. The importance of the herniated orbital tissue for the development of enophthalmos is unclear.
Quicker, Faster, Darker: Changes in Hollywood Film over 75 Years
Authors: Cutting James E , Brunick Kaitlin L , DeLong Jordan E , Iricinschi Catalina , Candan Ayse
Published: September 2011

We measured 160 English-language films released from 1935 to 2010 and found four changes. First, shot lengths have gotten shorter, a trend also reported by others. Second, contemporary films have more motion and movement than earlier films. Third, in contemporary films shorter shots also have proportionately more motion than longer shots, whereas there is no such relation in older films. And finally films have gotten darker. That is, the mean luminance value of frames across the length of a film has decreased over time. We discuss psychological effects associated with these four changes and suggest that all four linear trends have a single cause: Filmmakers have incrementally tried to exercise more control over the attention of filmgoers. We suggest these changes are signatures of the evolution of popular film; they do not reflect changes in film style.
Consistent evaluation of treatment outcomes across subacute and community settings: experience of the Graduated Discharge Program
Authors: Umansky Svetlana , Holland Anne E. , Woolley Kerryn L. , Wise Frances M. , Hunter Peter C.
Published: September 2011

Objective.
Although mounting evidence suggests that early supporting discharge has benefits for both patients and the health service, such programs pose unique challenges for rigorous assessment of treatment outcomes. The aim of this study was to describe assessment of clinical outcomes in the Graduated Discharge Program (GDP) across hospital and community settings.

Methods.
The GDP involved substitution of community-based rehabilitation for the last week of inpatient care. A consensus group of hospital and community rehabilitation professionals chose the Timed Up and Go (TUAG) test as the primary clinical outcome that would be assessed across settings, with data stored in the community. We recorded the consistency of test performance across settings and readmission rates.

Results.
At hospital admission TUAG results were available for 82% of participants, compared to 94% at subacute discharge, 89% at end of GDP and 77% at end of community rehabilitation. Seat height during testing did not remain consistent across settings; however, significant improvements in TUAG were seen over time. There was no increase in readmission rate during the GDP.

Conclusions.
By involving members of the treating team in decisions about outcome assessment and data storage it was possible to reliably document clinical outcomes across multiple settings of care.
A new family of Laniatores (Arachnida:Opiliones) from the Afrotropics
Authors: Sharma Prashant P. , Prieto Carlos E. , Giribet Gonzalo
Published: September 2011

Among Opiliones, Afrotropical lineages constitute some of the least studied groups in comparison with those endemic to other biogeographic provinces. Based upon morphological evidence, we erect Pyramidopidae, fam. nov. to distinguish a group of Laniatores from the family Phalangodidae. We review evidence from recent molecular phylogenetic studies that corroborate the independence of Pyramidopidae, fam. nov. from previously described families and support its sister relationship to another largely Afrotropical group, the family Assamiidae. The monotypic genus Maiorerus Rambla, 1993 is transferred to Pyramidopidae, fam. nov. The new family comprises 12 genera geographically restricted to Africa and the adjacent Canary Islands. Interfamilial relationships of the derived Laniatores are discussed in the context of gross and genitalic morphology.
The Politics of Student Alienation: The Case of Iran
Authors: Bill James A.
Published: September 2011

A leading force demanding change during the mid-20th century has been the university student. These demands are increasingly being backed by riot and rebellion as students throughout the world intensely challenge ongoing institutions and administrations. Few societies, regardless of geographic position, political system, or stage of economic development, have escaped recent episodes of serious student upheaval. France and Holland, the United States and Mexico, Czechoslovakia and Hungary, Egypt and Pakistan, Japan and Vietnam, and Turkey and Korea have witnessed shattering outbursts of student activity. The student has become the loudest spokesman for social change and a leading catalyst for political transformation. Political elites everywhere now realize that they can no longer ignore student demands but must devise policies to come to grips with them. The substance of these demands and the consequent elite policy are two key factors that are shaping the direction and progress of nations.
Akhavan's “The Ending of Shahnameh”: A Critique
Authors: Soroudi Sorour
Published: September 2011

A considerable amount of Persian poetry has been translated into other languages including English. Quite frequently these translations are free renderings of the original, only vaguely conveying the message of the poet. Other translators have tried to be more faithful to the original and to give the English reader a closer understanding of the meaning. However, even such attempts do not enable the reader to experience the poem as in the original language with its poetic felicities. The following is an attempt to present a Persian poem in a different way, by providing a literal translation accompanied by a commentary. The literal translation is accompanied by the Persian text so that those who have even the slightest familiarity with the language may be able to experience the poem in a fuller and deeper way. In addition the lines of the literal translation are numbered so that the reader may refer to the related subjects under discussion.
The Chronograms of Khaqani
Authors: Vil'Čevskij O.L.
Published: September 2011

As with the majority of great national figures of the Middle Ages, we know relatively little about the facts, and, in particular, about the dates of the life of the major Persian language poet of the twelfth century, ode-writer to the Shirvānshāhs, son of a carpenter of Shirvān, Afẓāl al-dīn Ibrāhīm Khāqānī.

A brief sketch of the biographical information concerning the poet, which was compiled from oriental sources by N. Khanikoff almost a century ago, was then somewhat expanded and supplemented by K. G. Zaleman. With some insignificant variations and additions, this sunmary was then reproduced in all the works on Khāqānī up to our day. The question of the role of Transcaucasian elements In the works of Khāqānī was raised in the study carried out by Ju. N. Marr, in cooperation with K. I. Chajkin, during the last year of his life. Following the excellent tradition of V. A. Žukovskij, both sought first of all to extract bibliographical material from the poet's divan itself.
HELIUM LINE DETECTIONS FROM EXTENDED LOW-DENSITY WARM-IONIZED MEDIUM AT 1.4 GHz
Authors: Baddi Raju
Published: September 2011

Helium line observations toward 11 Galactic positions using the Westerbork Synthesis Radio Telescope (WSRT) have been reported. These observations were made toward nearby positions where hydrogen lines had already been detected at sufficiently high intensity (⩾50 mK) at 1.4 GHz. This approach provided a fair chance of detecting helium lines as well, keeping in mind the relative abundance (10%) of helium with respect to hydrogen. Care was also taken to avoid the presence of H ii regions along the line of sight so that the line emission originated from the extended low-density warm-ionized medium (ELDWIM) of the Galaxy. The observations resulted in the detection of helium lines toward 5 positions out of 11 with a signal-to-noise ratio > 4σ. An attempt has been made to associate detection/non-detection of helium lines with the presence of surrounding H ii regions. A weighting scheme that accounts for nearby (<500 pc) H ii
regions, their distances, and other factors produces favorable results. It is seen from this weighting scheme that a higher weight favors the detection of helium lines, while a lower weight is associated with non-detection. The idea is to correlate ionization of ELDWIM with the surrounding H ii regions.
Climate-driven long-term trends in Baltic Sea oxygen concentrations and the potential consequences for eastern Baltic cod (Gadus morhua)
Authors: Hinrichsen Hans-Harald , Huwer Bastian , Makarchouk Andrejs , Petereit Christoph , Schaber Matthias , Voss Rudi
Published: September 2011

Hinrichsen, H-H., Huwer, B., Makarchouk, A., Petereit, C., Schaber, M., and Voss, R. 2011. Climate-driven long-term trends in Baltic Sea oxygen concentrations and the potential consequences for eastern Baltic cod (Gadus morhua). – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 2019–2028. Variations in oxygen conditions in the Baltic are influenced by several mechanisms. Generally, the frequency and magnitude of major inflows have been identified as the most crucial process for the renewal of oxygen-depleted water masses in the Baltic Sea. Furthermore, enhanced degradation of suspended organic matter by bacteria over the past few decades has increased oxygen consumption. Finally, the effects of large-scale climate warming are causing long-term variations in oxygen content and saturation as an observed increase in temperature has led to a general decrease in oxygen solubility of water masses. Oxygen-dependent relationships based on field data and laboratory experiments were used to analyse the impact of the observed decrease in oxygen content on eastern Baltic cod (Gadus morhua) stock-specific processes (e.g. survival rates of eggs, settlement probability of juveniles, habitat utilization of spawning fish, age structure of successful spawners, food consumption rates of adult fish). The observed long-term decline in oxygen conditions in the Baltic Sea has had a seemingly generally negative impact on oxygen-related processes for the different life stages of eastern Baltic cod. Experimentally derived results of oxygen-driven processes were validated by field data.
Top-down causation and emergence: some comments on mechanisms
Authors: Ellis George F. R.
Published: September 2011

Both bottom-up and top-down causation occur in the hierarchy of structure and causation. A key feature is multiple realizability of higher level functions, and consequent existence of equivalence classes of lower level variables that correspond to the same higher level state. Five essentially different classes of top-down influence can be identified, and their existence demonstrated by many real-world examples. They are: algorithmic top-down causation; top-down causation via non-adaptive information control, top-down causation via adaptive selection, top-down causation via adaptive information control and intelligent top-down causation (the effect of the human mind on the physical world). Through the mind, abstract entities such as mathematical structures have causal power. The causal slack enabling top-down action to take place lies in the structuring of the system so as to attain higher level functions; in the way the nature of lower level elements is changed by context, and in micro-indeterminism combined with adaptive selection. Understanding top-down causation can have important effects on society. Two cases will be mentioned: medical/healthcare issues, and education—in particular, teaching reading and writing. In both cases, an ongoing battle between bottom-up and top-down approaches has important consequences for society.
The role of Klebsiella pneumoniae rmpA in capsular polysaccharide synthesis and virulence revisited
Authors: Hsu Chun-Ru , Lin Tzu-Lung , Chen You-Ci , Chou Huei-Chi , Wang Jin-Town
Published: September 2011

Klebsiella pneumoniae community-acquired pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) is an emerging infectious disease. The rmpA gene (for regulator of mucoid phenotype A) has been reported to be associated with PLA in prevalence studies. NTUH-K2044, a K1 PLA isolate, carries three rmpA/A2 genes: two large-plasmid-carried genes (p-rmpA and p-rmpA2) and one chromosomal gene (c-rmpA). In this study, we re-examined the role of rmpA/A2 in PLA pathogenesis to clarify the relationship of rmpA/A2 and capsular serotype to virulence. Using isogenic gene deletion strains and complemented strains of NTUH-K2044, we demonstrated that only p-rmpA enhanced expression of capsular polysaccharide synthesis (cps) genes and capsule production. Nevertheless, the lethal dose and in vivo competitive index indicated that p-rmpA does not promote virulence in mice. The prevalence of these three rmpA/A2 and capsular types in 206 strains was investigated. This revealed a correlation of rmpA/A2 with six PLA-related capsular types (K1, K2, K5, K54, K57 and KN1). However, the correlation of rmpA/A2 with K1 strains from the West was less obvious than with the strains from Asia (17/22 vs 39/39, P = 0.0019). Among the three rmpA/A2 genes, p-rmpA was the most prevalent. Due to the strong correlation with PLA-related capsular types, p-rmpA could serve as a surrogate marker for PLA. We found an association of p-rmpA with three widely spaced loci in a large plasmid (30/32). Therefore, rmpA could be co-inherited together with virulence genes carried by this plasmid.
Accurate identification of A-to-I RNA editing in human by transcriptome sequencing
Authors: Bahn Jae Hoon , Lee Jae-Hyung , Li Gang , Greer Christopher , Peng Guangdun , Xiao Xinshu
Published: September 2011

RNA editing enhances the diversity of gene products at the post-transcriptional level. Approaches for genome-wide identification of RNA editing face two main challenges: separating true editing sites from false discoveries and accurate estimation of editing levels. We developed an approach to analyze transcriptome sequencing data (RNA-seq) for global identification of RNA editing in cells for which whole-genome sequencing data are available. We applied the method to analyze RNA-seq data of a human glioblastoma cell line, U87MG. Around 10,000 DNA–RNA differences were identified, the majority being putative A-to-I editing sites. These predicted A-to-I events were associated with a low false-discovery rate (∼5%). Moreover, the estimated editing levels from RNA-seq correlated well with those based on traditional clonal sequencing. Our results further facilitated unbiased characterization of the sequence and evolutionary features flanking predicted A-to-I editing sites and discovery of a conserved RNA structural motif that may be functionally relevant to editing. Genes with predicted A-to-I editing were significantly enriched with those known to be involved in cancer, supporting the potential importance of cancer-specific RNA editing. A similar profile of DNA–RNA differences as in U87MG was predicted for another RNA-seq data set obtained from primary breast cancer samples. Remarkably, significant overlap exists between the putative editing sites of the two transcriptomes despite their difference in cell type, cancer type, and genomic backgrounds. Our approach enabled de novo identification of the RNA editome, which sets the stage for further mechanistic studies of this important step of post-transcriptional regulation.
Psoriasis associated with anti‐tumour necrosis factor therapy in inflammatory bowel disease: a new series and a review of 120 cases from the literature
Authors: Cullen G. , Kroshinsky D. , Cheifetz A. S. , Korzenik J. R.
Published: September 2011

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2011; 34: 1318–1327

Background  Anti‐tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antibodies are used to treat both psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease. The seemingly paradoxical occurrence of psoriasis in patients treated with anti‐TNF antibodies is increasingly recognised, but the distinct features associated with inflammatory bowel disease have been incompletely characterised.

Aim  To identify inflammatory bowel disease patients who developed psoriasis while receiving an anti‐TNF antibody at two academic medical centres between 2000 and 2009 and review all published cases of this phenomenon in inflammatory bowel disease.

Methods  We identified retrospectively all cases of anti‐TNF‐induced psoriasis in inflammatory bowel disease patients attending two North American healthcare centres. We analysed these cases alongside the published reports of anti‐TNF‐induced psoriasis.

Results  We identified 30 subjects who developed a psoriatic rash while receiving anti‐TNF therapy for inflammatory bowel disease. Forty‐seven per cent (14/30) responded to topical therapy and 23% (7/30) ultimately discontinued the anti‐TNF. The new data were combined with those from 120 published cases of anti‐TNF‐induced psoriasis in inflammatory bowel disease. Anti‐TNF‐induced psoriasis in inflammatory bowel disease was more common in women (70%). The most common distributions were palmoplantar (43%) and scalp (42%). Complete follow‐up in 148 cases showed that 41% responded to topical therapy but 43% required definitive withdrawal of anti‐TNF therapy due to the rash. A second anti‐TNF was tried in 27 cases with recurrence or persistence of the rash in 14 (52%).

Conclusions  In this analysis, psoriasiform lesions related to anti‐TNF therapy in inflammatory bowel disease occurred most commonly in women. Approximately 41% of those who developed psoriasis while on anti‐TNFs responded to topical therapy and were able to continue the drug, while 52% of those treated with an alternate anti‐TNF had recurrence of the rash.
A cell–cell communication system regulates protease production during sporulation in bacteria of the Bacillus cereus group
Authors: Perchat Stéphane , Dubois Thomas , Zouhir Samira , Gominet Myriam , Poncet Sandrine , Lemy Christelle , Aumont‐Nicaise Magali , Deutscher Josef , Gohar Michel , Nessler Sylvie , Lereclus Didier
Published: September 2011

In sporulating Bacillus, major processes like virulence gene expression and sporulation are regulated by communication systems involving signalling peptides and regulators of the RNPP family. We investigated the role of one such regulator, NprR, in bacteria of the Bacillus cereus group. We show that NprR is a transcriptional regulator whose activity depends on the NprX signalling peptide. In association with NprX, NprR activates the transcription of an extracellular protease gene (nprA) during the first stage of the sporulation process. The transcription start site of the nprA gene has been identified and the minimal region necessary for full activation has been characterized by promoter mutagenesis. We demonstrate that the NprX peptide is secreted, processed and then reimported within the bacterial cell. Once inside the cell, the mature form of NprX, presumably the SKPDIVG heptapeptide, directly binds to NprR allowing nprA transcription. Alignment of available NprR sequences from different species of the B. cereus group defines seven NprR clusters associated with seven NprX heptapeptide classes. This cell–cell communication system was found to be strain‐specific with a possible cross‐talk between some pherotypes. The phylogenic relationship between NprR and NprX suggests a coevolution of the regulatory protein and its signalling peptide.
Mismatch repair causes the dynamic release of an essential DNA polymerase from the replication fork
Authors: Klocko Andrew D. , Schroeder Jeremy W. , Walsh Brian W. , Lenhart Justin S. , Evans Margery L. , Simmons Lyle A.
Published: September 2011

Mismatch repair (MMR) corrects DNA polymerase errors occurring during genome replication. MMR is critical for genome maintenance, and its loss increases mutation rates several hundred fold. Recent work has shown that the interaction between the mismatch recognition protein MutS and the replication processivity clamp is important for MMR in Bacillus subtilis. To further understand how MMR is coupled to DNA replication, we examined the subcellular localization of MMR and DNA replication proteins fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP) in live cells, following an increase in DNA replication errors. We demonstrate that foci of the essential DNA polymerase DnaE–GFP decrease following mismatch incorporation and that loss of DnaE–GFP foci requires MutS. Furthermore, we show that MutS and MutL bind DnaE in vitro, suggesting that DnaE is coupled to repair. We also found that DnaE–GFP foci decrease in vivo following a DNA damage‐independent arrest of DNA synthesis showing that loss of DnaE–GFP foci is caused by perturbations to DNA replication. We propose that MutS directly contacts the DNA replication machinery, causing a dynamic change in the organization of DnaE at the replication fork during MMR. Our results establish a striking and intimate connection between MMR and the replicating DNA polymerase complex in vivo.
Histopathologic features of canine distichiasis
Authors: Raymond‐Letron Isabelle , Bourges‐Abella Nathalie , Rousseau Tiphaine , Douet Jean‐Yves , de Geyer Georges , Regnier Alain
Published: September 2011

Objective  To describe the histologic features of canine distichiasis using excised tarsoconjunctival specimens that included roots of distichiatic cilia.

Procedures  The study group included 21 strips of cilia‐bearing tarsoconjunctiva resected from 20 dogs with distichiasis. Eyelid tissue specimens were also collected from 11 euthanized dogs without distichiasis to serve as controls. All flat mount preparations were processed for histologic examination, and serial sections were stained with hematoxylin‐eosin (H&E). A total of 157 slides were examined for the study group to describe the follicles and path of the distichiatic hairs and determine their potential connection with the tarsal glands. A total of 82 slides were examined for the control group.

Results  In 19 of the 20 dogs with distichiasis, serial sections of the specimens identified anatomic segments of hair follicles located abnormally in the eyelid tarsus and associated with the aberrant cilia. They appeared as hair bulbs adjacent to tarsal glands, middle portions of hair follicles located between sebaceous lobules, and single or multiple hair shafts present within the sebaceous duct. The tarsal glands in the cilia‐bearing tarsoconjunctiva were not different from those of the controls, in which no distichiatic hair bulbs or shafts were observed.

Conclusions  These results demonstrate that adventitious cilia are not associated with histologic changes of the tarsal glands, and appear to arise from ectopic hair follicles present in the tarsus. Canine distichiasis may result from anomalous regulation of morphogenesis of hair follicles in the mesenchymal tissue of the tarsal plate.
Working Life on the Move, Domestic Life at Standstill? Work‐related Travel and Responsibility for Home and Family
Authors: Casinowsky Gunilla Bergström
Published: September 2011

Using survey data from Sweden, this article examines the implications of work‐related travel for the gendered division of household responsibility. The question is raised whether absence from home due to frequent business trips or long commuting hours might affect work travellers' relative share of managing and organizing everyday life in the domestic sphere. In the sample, a correlation was observed between an increased overnight work travel and a reduced share of responsibility at home when the work traveller was a man, whereas no such association could be detected for female work travellers. The implications of work travel for the division of domestic responsibility thus cannot be considered simply a function of available time. Instead, the outcome is affected by gender, supporting the notion that a woman's dedication to interests and obligations outside home seem to be conditioned by her ability to simultaneously live up to traditional norms of proper womanhood. Moreover, since work‐related travel is associated with higher positions and better pay, one's ability and willingness to travel may condition one's chances for professional and financial advancement, contributing to a gender‐segregated labour market with women more reluctant to embrace jobs requiring frequent travel.
Full‐mouth profile of active MMP‐8 in periodontitis patients
Authors: Kraft‐Neumärker M. , Lorenz K. , Koch R. , Hoffmann T. , Mäntylä P. , Sorsa T. , Netuschil L.
Published: September 2011

Kraft‐Neumärker M, Lorenz K, Koch R, Hoffmann T, Mäntylä P, Sorsa T, Netuschil L. Full‐mouth profile of active MMP‐8 in periodontitis patients. J Periodont Res 2012; 47: 121–128. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S

Background and Objective:  MMP‐8 in gingival crevicular fluid is considered as a protease with high destructive potential because of its ability to degrade collagen in periodontitis‐affected patients. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there was a relationship between clinical diagnostic parameters and the concentration of active MMP‐8 (aMMP‐8) in gingival crevicular fluid in a site‐level full‐mouth analysis. Based on these data, the prognostic value of aMMP‐8 levels in relation to pocket depth may be evaluated.

Material and Methods:  Clinical measurements of pocket depth, bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque index (PlI) and gingival index (GI), as well as samples of gingival crevicular fluid, were obtained from four sites of each tooth of nine healthy female patients with chronic generalized periodontitis. The aMMP‐8 concentration in gingival crevicular fluid was quantified by ELISA using specific monoclonal antibodies. Multiple linear regression models for the single measures of aMMP‐8 and pocket depth were calculated with GI and BOP as additional variables.

Results:  Between 92 and 112 recordings were obtained for each parameter in each patient. Mean values of between 31.5 and 88.8% were calculated for pocket depths of ≥ 4 mm. Mean pocket depths ranged from 3.11 to 4.73 mm, the mean BOP values ranged from 34.0 to 96.7% and the mean full‐mouth gingival crevicular fluid aMMP‐8 concentration ranged from 3.2 to 23.7 ng/mL.

Conclusion:  In this sample of female periodontitis patients, a broad range of intra‐individual and interindividual aMMP‐8 values was found. Although the explained variance was rather weak, a statistically significant relationship between aMMP‐8 and pocket depth was proven.
Simultaneous Turbine Speed Regulation and Fuel Cell Airflow Tracking of a SOFC/GT Hybrid Plant With the Use of Airflow Bypass Valves
Authors: Tsai Alex , Tucker David , Clippinger David
Published: September 2011

This paper studies a novel control methodology aimed at regulating and tracking turbo machinery synchronous speed and fuel cell mass flow rate of a SOFC/GT hardware simulation facility with the sole use of airflow bypass valves. The hybrid facility under consideration consists of a 120 kW auxiliary power unit gas turbine coupled to a 300 kW SOFC hardware simulator. The hybrid simulator allows testing of a wide variety of fuel cell models under a hardware-in-the-loop configuration. Small changes in fuel cell cathode airflow have shown to have a large impact on system performance. Without simultaneous control of turbine speed via load or auxiliary fuel, fuel cell airflow tracking requires an alternate actuator methodology. The use of bypass valves to control mass flow rate and decouple turbine speed allows for a greater flexibility and feasibility of implementation at the larger scale, where synchronous speeds are required. This work utilizes empirically derived transfer functions (TF) as the system model and applies a fuzzy logic (FL) control algorithm that can be easily incorporated to nonlinear models of direct fired recuperated hybrid plants having similar configurations. This methodology is tested on a SIMULINK/matlab platform for various perturbations of turbine load and fuel cell heat exhaust.
Impact of Printed Circuit Board Via and Micro-Via Structures on Component Thermal Performances
Authors: Bissuel Valentin , Brizoux Michel , Grivon Arnaud , Monier-Vinard Eric , Pires Fabrice
Published: September 2011

Latest electronic component package types are pushing the need to more efficiently remove the dissipated heat using optimized thermal paths going through the printed circuit board (PCB) to reach PCB inner thermal planes. So, to optimize board cooling, the designer has more and more to deal with PCB architecture including high density interconnect (HDI) technology, which relies on small diameter laser drilled micro-vias. Compared with conventional PCB technologies, HDI creates denser interconnect substrates, containing multilevel micro-via structures that play a decisive role in the miniaturization of circuit boards but will exacerbate the component cooling design complexity. To improve the understanding of conventional and future configurations of via structure and their influence on the component thermal performances, a study was leaded on an micro lead frame package, which is now mainstream for both analog and digital functions. For still air conditions, the thermal simulation results show that via and micro-via structures allow to drain more than 90% of the component power through the PCB metallic planes and are mandatory to limit the temperature excess. Thus, the thermal modeling of the latest 3D Integrated Circuit is reinforcing the need to simulate in more thin details its board surrounding architecture as well as its packaging. However, a fine detailed modeling of board layers layout always exceeds the simulation tool capabilities and requires new modeling methodologies able to define the most significant thermal model. Based on DEvelopment of Libraries of PHysIcal models (DELPHI) methodology, the creation of a compact thermal model, compliant to a set of boundary conditions was investigated for a local board area. The thermal behavior prediction, found to be within ± 5% of error, demonstrates the feasibility of extending the boundary condition independence principle to board modeling in order to achieve a more efficient and accurate board cooling optimization.
CHANGE OF BASIS FOR LATTICE-VALUED CONVERGENCE GROUPS
Authors: AHSANULLAH T. M. G. , AL-THUKAIR FAWZI
Published: September 2011

Using the idea of changing the basis-lattice, we investigate in this article the impact of change-of-basis to the notion of stratified lattice-valued generalized convergence group by the so-called functorial mechanism. We discuss here some of the subcategories of the category of stratified lattice-valued generalized convergence groups, such as, stratified lattice-valued Kent convergence groups, stratified lattice-valued limit groups, and look into the possible link between these objects with stratified lattice-valued neighborhood groups and stratified lattice-valued neighborhood topological groups when bases are changed. Moreover, with the help of the notion of stratified lattice-valued filter attributed to U. Höhle and A. Šostak, we introduce a category >HŠ-SL-FilGrp, of stratified lattice-valued filter groups, and study its relationship with other categories so far achieved in this paper.
INTUITIONISTIC FUZZY FILTERS OF RESIDUATED LATTICES
Authors: GHORBANI SHOKOOFEH
Published: September 2011

In this paper, the concept of intuitionistic fuzzy sets is applied to residuated lattices. The notion of intuitionistic fuzzy filters of a residuated lattice is introduced and some related properties are investigated. The characterizations of intuitionistic fuzzy filters are obtained. We show that the set of all the intuitionistic fuzzy filters of a residuated lattice forms a complete lattice and we find the distributive sublattices of it. Finally, the correspondence theorem for intuitionistic fuzzy filters is established.
A MATHEMATICAL EXTENSION OF ROUGH SET-BASED ISSUES TOWARD UNCERTAIN INFORMATION ANALYSIS
Authors: SAKAI HIROSHI , HAYASHI KOHEI , NAKATA MICHINORI , ŚLȨZAK DOMINIK
Published: September 2011

Rough set theory was originally proposed for analyzing data gathered in data tables, often referred to as information systems. The lower and upper approximations introduced within this theory are known as the very useful concepts. The theory as a whole now becomes a recognized foundation for granular computing. This paper investigates the rough set-based issues for analyzing table data with uncertainty. In reality, tables with non-deterministic information are focused on instead of tables with deterministic information, and several mathematical properties are examined. Especially, decision rule generation from tables with non-deterministic information is highlighted. This investigation is also applied to tables with uncertain numerical data. As a result, a new mathematical framework for analyzing tables with uncertain information is formalized.
ATP: a mediator for HCl-induced TRPV1 activation in esophageal mucosa
Authors: Ma Jie , Altomare Annamaria , Rieder Florian , Behar Jose , Biancani Piero , Harnett Karen M.
Published: September 2011

In esophageal mucosa, HCl causes TRPV1-mediated release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP) from submucosal neurons and of platelet-activating factor (PAF) from epithelial cells. CGRP and SP release was unaffected by PAF antagonists but reduced by the purinergic antagonist suramin. ATP caused CGRP and SP release from esophageal mucosa, confirming a role of ATP in the release. The human esophageal epithelial cell line HET-1A was used to identify epithelial cells as the site of ATP release. HCl caused ATP release from HET-1A, which was reduced by the TRPV1 antagonist 5-iodoresiniferatoxin. Real-time PCR demonstrated the presence of mRNA for several P2X and P2Y purinergic receptors in epithelial cells. HCl also increased activity of lyso-PAF acetyl-CoA transferase (lyso-PAF AT), the enzyme responsible for production of PAF. The increase was blocked by suramin. ATP caused a similar increase, confirming ATP as a mediator for the TRPV1-induced increase in enzyme activity. Repeated exposure of HET-1A cells to HCl over 2 days caused upregulation of mRNA and protein expression for lyso-PAF AT. Suramin blocked this response. Repeated exposure to ATP caused a similar mRNA increase, confirming ATP as a mediator for upregulation of the enzyme. Thus, HCl-induced activation of TRPV1 causes ATP release from esophageal epithelial cells that causes release of CGRP and SP from esophageal submucosal neurons and activation of lyso-PAF AT, the enzyme responsible for the production of PAF in epithelial cells. Repeated application of HCl or of ATP causes upregulation of lyso-PAF AT in epithelial cells.
Establishment of tolerance to commensal bacteria requires a complex microbiota and is accompanied by decreased intestinal chemokine expression
Authors: Fink L. N. , Metzdorff S. B. , Zeuthen L. H. , Nellemann C. , Kristensen M. B. , Licht T. R. , Frøkiær H.
Published: September 2011

Intricate regulation of tolerance to the intestinal commensal microbiota acquired at birth is critical. We hypothesized that epithelial cell tolerance toward early gram-positive and gram-negative colonizing bacteria is established immediately after birth, as has previously been shown for endotoxin. Gene expression in the intestine of mouse pups born to dams that were either colonized with a conventional microbiota or monocolonized ( Lactobacillus acidophilus or Eschericia coli ) or germ free was examined on day 1 and day 6 after birth. Intestinal epithelial cells from all groups of pups were stimulated ex vivo with L. acidophilus and E. coli to assess tolerance establishment. Intestine from pups exposed to a conventional microbiota displayed lower expression of Ccl2, Ccl3, Cxcl1, Cxcl2, and Tslp than germ-free mice, whereas genes encoding proteins in Toll-like receptor signaling pathways and cytokines were upregulated. When comparing pups on day 1 and day 6 after birth, a specific change in gene expression pattern was evident in all groups of mice. Tolerance to ex vivo stimulation with E. coli was only established in conventional animals. Colonization of the intestine was reflected in the spleen displaying downregulation of Cxcl2 compared with germ-free animals on day 1 after birth. Colonization reduced the expression of genes involved in antigen presentation in the intestine-draining mesenteric lymph nodes, but not in the popliteal lymph nodes, as evidenced by gene expression on day 23 after birth. We propose that microbial detection systems in the intestine are upregulated by colonization with a diverse microbiota, whereas expression of proinflammatory chemokines is reduced to avoid excess recruitment of immune cells to the maturing intestine.
Choosing the Best Animal Species to Mimic Clinical Colon Anastomotic Leakage in Humans: A Qualitative Systematic Review
Authors: Pommergaard H.C. , Rosenberg J. , Schumacher-Petersen C. , Achiam M.P.
Published: September 2011

Background/Aims: Animal models are valuable for studying pathogenic factors and preventive measures for colon anastomotic leakage. The suitability of the species as models varies greatly; however, no consensus exists on which species to use. The aim of this review was to evaluate different experimental animals for the study of clinical colon anastomotic leakage. Methods: PubMed and REX database were searched up to October 2010 to identify studies evaluating clinical colon anastomotic leakage in animal models and textbooks on experimental animals, respectively. Results: Functional models of clinical colon anastomotic leakage have been developed in the mouse, pig, rat, dog and rabbit. However, extreme interventions are needed in order to produce clinical leakage in the rat. Conclusion: Despite the wide use of the rat in this field of research, it seems that its resistance to intra-abdominal infection makes clinical leakage difficult to produce thus rendering the rat unsuited as a model. On the basis of the available literature, we recommend using mice as models mimicking clinical colon anastomotic leakage. Pigs may be an alternative; however, the existing models in this animal are less validated and clinically relevant.