bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Short Report: Word-Level Phonological and Lexical Characteristics Interact to Influence Phoneme Awareness
Authors: Hogan Tiffany P.
Published: June 2010

In this study, we examined the influence of word-level phonological and lexical characteristics on early phoneme awareness. Typically developing children, ages 61 to 78 months, completed a phoneme-based, odd-one-out task that included consonant—vowel—consonant word sets (e.g., “chair—chain—ship”) that varied orthogonally by a phonological characteristic, sound contrast similarity (similar vs. dissimilar), and a lexical characteristic, neighborhood density (dense vs. sparse). In a subsample of the participants—those with the highest vocabularies—results were in line with a predicted interactive effect of phonological and lexical characteristics on phoneme awareness performance: word sets contrasting similar sounds were less likely to yield correct responses in words from sparse neighborhoods than words from dense neighborhoods. Word sets contrasting dissimilar sounds were most likely to yield correct responses regardless of the words’ neighborhood density. Based on these findings, theories of early phoneme awareness should consider both word-level and child-level influences on performance. Attention to these influences is predicted to result in more sensitive and specific measures of reading risk.
Psychosocial Experiences Associated With Confirmed and Self-Identified Dyslexia: A Participant-Driven Concept Map of Adult Perspectives
Authors: Nalavany Blace Arthur , Carawan Lena Williams , Rennick Robyn A.
Published: June 2010

Concept mapping (a mixed qualitative—quantitative methodology) was used to describe and understand the psychosocial experiences of adults with confirmed and self-identified dyslexia. Using innovative processes of art and photography, Phase 1 of the study included 15 adults who participated in focus groups and in-depth interviews and were asked to elucidate their experiences with dyslexia. On index cards, 75 statements and experiences with dyslexia were recorded. The second phase of the study included 39 participants who sorted these statements into self-defined categories and rated each statement to reflect their personal experiences to produce a visual representation, or concept map, of their experience. The final concept map generated nine distinct cluster themes: Organization Skills for Success; Finding Success; A Good Support System Makes the Difference; On Being Overwhelmed; Emotional Downside; Why Can’t They See It?; Pain, Hurt, and Embarrassment From Past to Present; Fear of Disclosure; and Moving Forward. Implications of these findings are discussed.
A comparison between channelled and unchannelled balcony spill plumes
Authors: Harrison Roger , Spearpoint Michael
Published: June 2010

The use of channelling screens in smoke management design can reduce balcony spill plume entrainment by restricting smoke spread under the balcony. The omission of channelling screens can gave rise to a greater lateral extent resulting in a change in the entrainment conditions. This work provides new experimental data using physical scale modelling to enable a comparison between channelled and unchannelled plumes. The lateral spread for unchannelled plumes was found to be dependent upon the velocity of the flow from the fire compartment opening. The measured entrainment for plumes without screens was greater than that from equivalent plumes with screens and the relative difference in entrainment increased as the width of the fire compartment opening decreased. A simple approximation to predict entrainment for unchannelled plumes from wide fire compartment openings is proposed.

Practical application: The ability to determine amount of entrainment from a balcony spill plume is important to fire engineers involved in smoke management design. Whether channelling screens are part of the design will likely affect this entrainment. This article presents a simple approximation that can be used to predict entrainment for unchannelled plumes from wide fire compartment openings building on previous work by Law.
A Signal Detection Analysis of Chronic Attachment Anxiety at Speed Dating: Being Unpopular Is Only the First Part of the Problem
Authors: McClure M. Joy , Lydon John E. , Baccus Jodene R. , Baldwin Mark W.
Published: June 2010

Initiating a romantic relationship invokes an approach—avoidance conflict between the desire for affiliation and the fear of rejection; optimally, people should selectively approach potential partners who reciprocate their interest. This may be difficult for anxiously attached people: They may be unpopular, and their ambivalence could lead to either a fearfully selective approach at the cost of missed opportunities or an unselective, indiscriminate approach at the cost of increasing rejection. Using a speed-dating paradigm, data were collected from 116 participants, and a signal detection framework was applied to examine the outcomes. For anxious participants, speed-dating attendance was motivated by loneliness. At speed dating, they were unpopular and unselective; they missed fewer opportunities but made more failed attempts. Anxious men made fewer matches than nonanxious men, whereas anxious women were buffered by having a response bias toward saying “yes” to potential partners. Attachment anxiety predicted outcomes above and beyond the powerful impact of attractiveness.
Experimental extracorporeal membrane oxygenation reduces central venous pressure: an adjunct to control of venous hemorrhage?
Authors: Larsson Magnus , Talving Peep , Palmér Kenneth , Frenckner Björn , Riddez Louis , Broomé Michael
Published: June 2010

Background: Venoarterial ECMO has been utilized in trauma patients to improve oxygenation, particularly in the setting of pulmonary contusions and ARDS. We hypothesized that venoarterial ECMO could reduce the central venous pressure in the trauma scenario, thus, alleviating major venous hemorrhage. Methods: Ten swine were cannulated for venoarterial ECMO. Central venous pressure, mean arterial pressure, portal vein pressure and portal vein flow were recorded at three different flow rates in both a hemodynamic normal state and a setting of increased central venous pressure and right ventricular load, mimicking acute lung injury. Results: Venoarterial ECMO reduced the central venous pressure (CVP sup) from 9.4±0.8 to 7.3±0.7 mmHg (p<0.01) and increased the mean arterial pressure from 103±8 to 119±10 mmHg (p<0.01) in the normal hemodynamic state. In the state of increased right ventricular load, the CVPsup declined from 14.3±0.4 to 11.0±0.7mmHg (p<0.01) and the mean arterial pressure (MAP) increased from 66±6 to 113 ±5 mmHg (p<0.01). Conclusion: Venoarterial ECMO reduces systemic venous pressure while maintaining or improving systemic perfusion in both a normal circulatory state and in the setting of increased right ventricular load associated with acute lung injury. ECMO may be a useful tool in reducing blood loss during major venous hemorrhage in both trauma and selected elective surgery.
Autonomous Helicopter Aerobatics through Apprenticeship Learning
Authors: Abbeel Pieter , Coates Adam , Ng Andrew Y.
Published: June 2010

Autonomous helicopter flight is widely regarded to be a highly challenging control problem. Despite this fact, human experts can reliably fly helicopters through a wide range of maneuvers, including aerobatic maneuvers at the edge of the helicopter’s capabilities. We present apprenticeship learning algorithms, which leverage expert demonstrations to efficiently learn good controllers for tasks being demonstrated by an expert. These apprenticeship learning algorithms have enabled us to significantly extend the state of the art in autonomous helicopter aerobatics. Our experimental results include the first autonomous execution of a wide range of maneuvers, including but not limited to in-place flips, in-place rolls, loops and hurricanes, and even auto-rotation landings, chaos and tic-tocs, which only exceptional human pilots can perform. Our results also include complete airshows, which require autonomous transitions between many of these maneuvers. Our controllers perform as well as, and often even better than, our expert pilot.
Design and Analysis of a Portable Indoor Localization Aid for the Visually Impaired
Authors: Hesch Joel A. , Roumeliotis Stergios I.
Published: June 2010

In this paper, we present the design and analysis of a portable position and orientation (pose) estimation aid for the visually impaired. Our prototype navigation aid consists of a foot-mounted pedometer and a white cane-mounted sensing package, which comprises a three-axis gyroscope and a two-dimensional (2D) laser scanner. We introduce a two-layered estimator that tracks the 3D orientation of the white cane in the first layer, and the 2D position of the person holding the cane in the second layer. Our algorithm employs a known building map to update the person’s position, and exploits perpendicularity in the building layout as a 3D structural compass. We analytically study the observability properties of the linearized dynamical system, and we provide sufficient observability conditions. We evaluate the real-world performance of our localization aid, and demonstrate its reliability for accurate, real-time human localization.
Cardiac Angioleiomyoma in 44 Cattle in Japan (1982–2009)
Authors: Une Y. , Shirota K. , Nomura Y.
Published: June 2010

A retrospective study was performed on primary cardiac tumors found in 44 cattle during meat inspection in Japan, using histology, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy. The age of affected cattle ranged from 10 to 129 months; 82% were less than 3 years old. In 38 hearts, the tumor was solitary; the remaining 6 hearts had multiple masses. All tumors were subendocardial and involved the papillary muscles and/or cardiac valves. Two histologic patterns were recognized; both included giant cells. Pattern 1 was characterized by interlacing fascicles of spindle-shaped cells; pattern 2 resembled cavernous hemangioma. The 2 patterns coexisted and were linked by transitional zones. Given the immunohistochemical reactivity and ultrastructure, the spindle-shaped cells were identified as smooth muscle cells and the giant cells as endothelial cells. Single cell and multicellular angiogenesis by giant cells was observed. The tumors were classified as cardiac angioleiomyoma. Subendocardial multipotential mesenchymal cells, persistent tissue of the endocardial cushion, or valvular interstitial cells were suspected as the origin.
Cerebral and Renal Phaeohyphomycosis in a Dog Infected WithBipolarisSpecies
Authors: Giri D. K. , Sims W. P. , Sura R. , Cooper J. J. , Gavrilov B. K. , Mansell J.
Published: June 2010

Mycotic meningoencephalitis in dogs may manifest as a primary disease of the central nervous system or as a part of disseminated infection. Fungi belonging to the genus Bipolaris are saprophytic plant pathogens and can cause disease in humans. The authors report a case of Bipolaris infection in a dog with granulomatous meningoencephalitis, nephritis, and vasculitis. The clinical and histological features resembled those of the more common aspergillosis, thus warranting confirmation by molecular methods. Polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis identified Bipolaris from the brain lesion, indicating its involvement in the disease. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of meningoencephalitis caused by this fungus in a domestic animal.
The Effects of Self-Regulated Strategy Development on the Writing of Expository Essays for Adults With Written Expression Difficulties
Authors: Berry Ann Bassett , Mason Linda H.
Published: June 2010

A multiple-probe, multiple-baseline, across-subjects design was used to examine the writing performance of four low-achieving adult students with and without disabilities enrolled in general equivalency diploma (GED) preparatory classes. Students’ writing was evaluated before instruction and after self-regulated strategy development (SRSD) instruction for the POW (Pick my idea–pay attention to the prompt, Organize, Write and say more) + TREE (Topic sentence, Reasons, Explanations, Ending) + COPS (Capitalize, Organize, Punctuate, Sense) strategies. Results following the instruction indicated that students had learned to independently write expository essays. The number of essay parts and transition words increased, demonstrating evidence of organized essays. The number of words written and descriptive word use also increased. Gains were maintained on maintenance probes. All students who took the GED exam passed the essay-writing portion following the intervention.
Hypoalbuminemia in a Cystic Fibrosis Patient With Severe Erosive Esophagitis
Authors: Bozic Molly A. , Howenstine Michelle S. , Maguiness Karen M. , Molleston Jean P.
Published: June 2010

An 8‐year‐old patient with cystic fibrosis presented with hypoalbuminemia as the main symptom of severe erosive esophagitis. Extensive evaluation failed to reveal a nutrition, pancreatic, intestinal, or renal explanation of his hypoalbuminemia. Identification and treatment of the esophagitis led to resolution of the hypoalbuminemia.
Rotor Casing Contact Phenomenon in Rotor Dynamics — Literature Survey
Authors: Ahmad Sagheer
Published: June 2010

Rubbing between a rotor and its casing has long been recognized as a major contributor to excessive maintenance and in general to machinery failure. During contact, the high energy of the rotor, dissipated by the frictional force, can severely damage both parts, and can lead to total destruction of the machine. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the state of the art on the rotor-casing contact phenomenon in rotor dynamics, describing aspects of different physical parameters such as stiffness, damping, Coulomb friction, acceleration of rotor, support structure asymmetry, thermal effects and disk flexibility etc. The intention is to summarize the results presented in literature which are beneficial for the designers of rotating machines and also a source of research inspiration for the scientists and technologists working in this field.
ADHD in the College Student: Is Anyone Else Worried?
Authors: Diller Lawrence
Published: June 2010

The illegal, non-prescriptive use of prescription stimulants appears to be growing among college students. Recent analyses using DSM-IV criteria suggest that this group of misusers may actually represent cases of undiagnosed ADHD. Such analyses, however, are limited by a diagnostic system that is neither contextural nor dimensional. The ADHD symptoms of the newly diagnosed college student may be highly context and time specific and represent a normal response to temporarily increased demands on intellect and motivation. Diagnosing college students who are misusing stimulants with ADHD runs the risk of further trivializing the ADHD diagnosis. Also from a historical perspective, legitimizing the use of prescription stimulants in this age group may unintentionally only further increase the likelihood of a greater prescription stimulant abuse epidemic.
Working Memory Deficits in ADHD
Authors: Sowerby Paula , Seal Simon , Tripp Gail
Published: June 2010

Objective: To further define the nature of working memory (WM) impairments in children with combined-type ADHD. Method: A total of 40 Children with ADHD and an age and gender-matched control group ( n = 40) completed two measures of visuo-spatial WM and two measures of verbal WM. The effects of age and learning/language difficulties on performance were evaluated. Results: Children with ADHD obtained significantly lower scores than controls on measures of both visuo-spatial and verbal WM. The impairments in verbal WM were age related. Conclusion: Children with ADHD exhibit impaired visuo-spatial WM performance. Younger (less than 8 years), but not older, children with ADHD demonstrate impairments in verbal WM. This latter result may explain the previously reported inconsistent performance of children with ADHD on verbal WM tasks. The importance of taking a developmental perspective in WM research is stressed.
Effect of Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate on Sleep in Children With ADHD
Authors: Giblin John M. , Strobel Aaron L.
Published: June 2010

Objective: This study evaluated the potential effects of short-term treatment with lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) on both subjective and objective sleep characteristics in children aged 6 to12 years ( n = 24) with ADHD. Method: Polysomnography (PSG) and actigraph measures as well as assessments of subjective sleep parameters were examined in children before and after treatment with either LDX or placebo in a randomized, double-blind, single-center, parallel-group study. Results: There was no statistically significant increase in the primary endpoint of latency to persistent sleep (LPS) for the LDX-treated group compared to the placebo group. Secondary PSG or actigraph results generally supported primary endpoint results. Subjective sleep measure results indicated the possibility that responses are influenced by sleep hygiene counseling before and throughout the study. Conclusions: In this pilot sleep study in children with ADHD, LDX did not appear to contribute to any sleep disturbances as measured by both objective and subjective sleep parameters. The sample used in this study was small, and the multifarious nature of findings in this study warranted that the study conclusions be interpreted cautiously and that further study is required focusing on the influence of LDX on sleep in larger samples of ADHD children.
Early diffuse demyelinating lesion in the cervical spinal cord predicts a worse prognosis in relapsing—remitting multiple sclerosis
Authors: Coret F. , Bosca I. , Landete L. , Magraner MJ , Navarré A. , León JL , Casanova B.
Published: June 2010

Objective: To study the long-term outcome and persistence of two patterns of cervical spinal cord abnormality in early relapsing—remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS).

Methods: RRMS patients with a spinal cord MRI performed during the first 3 years of the disease, a control MRI 5 years later and who have been followed up at least 10 years were included. Patients were grouped according the T2 spinal cord MRI into: (A) nodular pattern, if one or more focal lesions were present; and (B) diffuse pattern, defined as a poorly demarcated high signal area. The end point was defined as the time to reach an Expanded Disability Status Score (EDSS) of 4.0.

Results: Twenty-five patients were included; 12 in group A and 13 in group B. Three patients in group A and 9 in group B reached EDSS 4, in a mean time of 11 years in group A and 7 years in group B (log rank 10.3, p = 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis assessing the risk of EDSS 4.0 including sex, age, number of relapses in the first 2 years, number of T2 brain lesions and spinal cord pattern showed higher risk for the diffuse pattern (hazard ratio 7.2, 95% confidence interval 1.4—36.4). Control MRI showed the persistence of the diffuse pattern in all patients, and the development of diffuse pattern in two patients with basal nodular lesions.

Conclusions: The diffuse abnormality in cervical spinal cord at the beginning of the disease is persistent and predicts a worse prognosis in RRMS patients.
Access: Reflections on studying up in Hollywood
Authors: Ortner Sherry B
Published: June 2010

This is an article about the difficulties of doing ethnography in relatively enclosed and secretive communities, based on my experience of trying to launch an ethnographic study of Hollywood. I consider (separately) the problems of doing participant observation in ‘inside’ locations, and the problems of gaining access to industry insiders for interviews. In response to the problem of doing participant observation, I propose the practice of what I call ‘interface ethnography’, attending events in which the closed institution presents itself to ‘the public’. In response to the problem of gaining access to insiders for interviews, I discuss the important role of the interviewee’s ‘interest’, whether practical or intellectual, in the project.
Calculating sample size in trials using historical controls
Authors: Song Zhang  , Jing Cao  , Ahn Chul
Published: June 2010

Background Makuch and Simon [Sample size considerations for non-randomised comparative studies. J Chronic Dis 1980; 33: 175—81.] developed a sample size formula for historical control trials. When assessing power, they assumed the true control treatment effect to be equal to the observed effect from the historical control group. Many researchers have pointed out that the Makuch—Simon approach does not preserve the nominal power and type I error when considering the uncertainty in the true historical control treatment effect.

Purpose To develop a sample size formula that properly accounts for the underlying randomness in the observations from the historical control group.

Methods We reveal the extremely skewed nature in the distributions of power and type I error, obtained over all the random realizations of the historical control data. The skewness motivates us to derive a sample size formula that controls the percentiles, instead of the means, of the power and type I error.

Results A closed-form sample size formula is developed to control arbitrary percentiles of power and type I error for historical control trials. A simulation study further demonstrates that this approach preserves the operational characteristics in a more realistic scenario where the population variances are unknown and replaced by sample variances.

Limitations The closed-form sample size formula is derived for continuous outcomes. The formula is more complicated for binary or survival time outcomes.

Conclusions We have derived a closed-form sample size formula that controls the percentiles instead of means of power and type I error in historical control trials, which have extremely skewed distributions over all the possible realizations of historical control data. Clinical Trials 2010; 7: 343—353. http://ctj.sagepub.com
Senate Bill 934
Authors: Portillo Jessica , Weinkle Jennie
Published: June 2010

Rates of obesity among children and adolescents in the United States have nearly tripled in the past 20 years. This epidemic is worrisome considering the many long-term health impacts that stem from obesity and overweight, including their impact on the economic well-being of the nation. Senate bill 934 (S.934), the Child Nutrition Promotion and School Lunch Protection Act of 2009, would extend federal school breakfast and lunch regulations to apply to all foods sold at schools in vending machines, snack bars, school stores, and a la carte programs. A variety of evidence shows that the competitive sale of high-fat and high-sugar foods at schools negatively affects the health status of children. However, schools often receive funding from major food and beverage corporations through these competitive food sales. Therefore, the ban on these products might have deleterious financial consequences for some schools, endangering extracurricular activities and other recreational activities that lack funding. Despite these issues, this bill could play an important role in curbing the prevalence of overweight and obesity among American youth by regulating the nutritional quality of foods sold at schools nationwide.
Crucial roles of B7-H1 and B7-DC expressed on mesenteric lymph node dendritic cells in the generation of antigen-specific CD4+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in the establishment of oral tolerance
Authors: Fukaya Tomohiro , Takagi Hideaki , Sato Yumiko , Sato Kaori , Eizumi Kawori , Taya Honami , Shin Tahiro , Chen Lieping , Dong Chen , Azuma Miyuki , Yagita Hideo , Malissen Bernard , Sato Katsuaki
Published: June 2010

Oral tolerance is a key feature of intestinal immunity, generating systemic tolerance to fed antigens. However, the molecular mechanism mediating oral tolerance remains unclear. In this study, we examined the role of the B7 family members of costimulatory molecules in the establishment of oral tolerance. Deficiencies of B7-H1 and B7-DC abrogated the oral tolerance, accompanied by enhanced antigen-specific CD4+ T-cell response and IgG1 production. Mesenteric lymph node (MLN) dendritic cells (DCs) displayed higher levels of B7-H1 and B7-DC than systemic DCs, whereas they showed similar levels of CD80, CD86, and B7-H2. MLN DCs enhanced the antigen-specific generation of CD4+Foxp3+ inducible regulatory T cells (iTregs) from CD4+Foxp3− T cells rather than CD4+ effector T cells (Teff) relative to systemic DCs, owing to the dominant expression of B7-H1 and B7-DC. Furthermore, the antigen-specific conversion of CD4+Foxp3− T cells into CD4+Foxp3+ iTregs occurred in MLNs greater than in peripheral organs during oral tolerance under steady-state conditions, and such conversion required B7-H1 and B7-DC more than other B7 family members, whereas it was severely impaired under inflammatory conditions. In conclusion, our findings suggest that B7-H1 and B7-DC expressed on MLN DCs are essential for establishing oral tolerance through the de novo generation of antigen-specific CD4+Foxp3+ iTregs.
A deletion mutation in bovine SLC4A2 is associated with osteopetrosis in Red Angus cattle
Authors: Meyers Stacey N , McDaneld Tara G , Swist Shannon L , Marron Brandy M , Steffen David J , O'Toole Donal , O'Connell Jeffrey R , Beever Jonathan E , Sonstegard Tad S , Smith Timothy PL
Published: June 2010

Background

Osteopetrosis is a skeletal disorder of humans and animals characterized by the formation of overly dense bones, resulting from a deficiency in the number and/or function of bone-resorbing osteoclast cells. In cattle, osteopetrosis can either be induced during gestation by viral infection of the dam, or inherited as a recessive defect. Genetically affected calves are typically aborted late in gestation, display skull deformities and exhibit a marked reduction of osteoclasts. Although mutations in several genes are associated with osteopetrosis in humans and mice, the genetic basis of the cattle disorder was previously unknown.

Results

We have conducted a whole-genome association analysis to identify the mutation responsible for inherited osteopetrosis in Red Angus cattle. Analysis of >54,000 SNP genotypes for each of seven affected calves and nine control animals localized the defective gene to the telomeric end of bovine chromosome 4 (BTA4). Homozygosity analysis refined the interval to a 3.4-Mb region containing the SLC4A2 gene, encoding an anion exchanger protein necessary for proper osteoclast function. Examination of SLC4A2 from normal and affected animals revealed a ~2.8-kb deletion mutation in affected calves that encompasses exon 2 and nearly half of exon 3, predicted to prevent normal protein function. Analysis of RNA from a proven heterozygous individual confirmed the presence of transcripts lacking exons 2 and 3, in addition to normal transcripts. Genotyping of additional animals demonstrated complete concordance of the homozygous deletion genotype with the osteopetrosis phenotype. Histological examination of affected tissues revealed scarce, morphologically abnormal osteoclasts displaying evidence of apoptosis.

Conclusions

These results indicate that a deletion mutation within bovine SLC4A2 is associated with osteopetrosis in Red Angus cattle. Loss of SLC4A2 function appears to induce premature cell death, and likely results in cytoplasmic alkalinization of osteoclasts which, in turn, may disrupt acidification of resorption lacunae.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of serine proteases and homologs in the silkworm Bombyx mori
Authors: Zhao Ping , Wang Gen-Hong , Dong Zhao-Ming , Duan Jun , Xu Ping-Zhen , Cheng Ting-Cai , Xiang Zhong-Huai , Xia Qing-You
Published: June 2010

Background

Serine proteases (SPs) and serine proteases homologs (SPHs) are a large group of proteolytic enzymes, with important roles in a variety of physiological processes, such as cell signalling, defense and development. Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of serine proteases and their homologs in the silkworm might provide valuable information about their biological functions.

Results

In this study, 51 SP genes and 92 SPH genes were systematically identified in the genome of the silkworm Bombyx mori. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that six gene families have been amplified species-specifically in the silkworm, and the members of them showed chromosomal distribution of tandem repeats. Microarray analysis suggests that many silkworm-specific genes, such as members of SP_fam12, 13, 14 and 15, show expression patterns that are specific to tissues or developmental stages. The roles of SPs and SPHs in resisting pathogens were investigated in silkworms when they were infected by Escherichia coli, Bacillus bombysepticus, Batrytis bassiana and B. mori
nucleopolyhedrovirus, respectively. Microarray experiment and real-time quantitative RT-PCR showed that 18 SP or SPH genes were significantly up-regulated after pathogen induction, suggesting that SP and SPH genes might participate in pathogenic microorganism resistance in B. mori.

Conclusion

Silkworm SP and SPH genes were identified. Comparative genomics showed that SP and SPH genes belong to a large family, whose members are generated mainly by tandem repeat evolution. We found that silkworm has species-specific SP and SPH genes. Phylogenetic and microarray analyses provide an overview of the silkworm SP and SPHs, and facilitate future functional studies on these enzymes.
Mast cell repopulation of the peritoneal cavity: contribution of mast cell progenitors versus bone marrow derived committed mast cell precursors
Authors: Jamur Maria Célia , Moreno Andréa N , Mello Luciana FC , Souza Júnior Devandir A , Campos Maria Rita C , Pastor Maria Verônica D , Grodzki Ana Cristina G , Silva Deise C , Oliver Constance
Published: June 2010

Background

Mast cells have recently gained new importance as immunoregulatory cells that are involved in numerous pathological processes. One result of these processes is an increase in mast cell numbers at peripheral sites. This study was undertaken to determine the mast cell response in the peritoneal cavity and bone marrow during repopulation of the peritoneal cavity in rats.

Results

Two mast cell specific antibodies, mAb AA4 and mAb BGD6, were used to distinguish the committed mast cell precursor from more mature mast cells. The peritoneal cavity was depleted of mast cells using distilled water. Twelve hours after distilled water injection, very immature mast cells could be isolated from the blood and by 48 hours were present in the peritoneal cavity. At this same time the percentage of mast cells in mitosis increased fourfold. Mast cell depletion of the peritoneal cavity also reduced the total number of mast cells in the bone marrow, but increased the number of mast cell committed precursors.

Conclusions

In response to mast cell depletion of the peritoneal cavity, a mast cell progenitor is released into the circulation and participates in repopulation of the peritoneal cavity, while the committed mast cell precursor is retained in the bone marrow.
Telonemia-specific environmental 18S rDNA PCR reveals unknown diversity and multiple marine-freshwater colonizations
Authors: Bråte Jon , Klaveness Dag , Rygh Tellef , Jakobsen Kjetill S , Shalchian-Tabrizi Kamran
Published: June 2010

Background

Recent surveys of eukaryote 18S rDNA diversity in marine habitats have uncovered worldwide distribution of the heterotrophic eukaryote phylum Telonemia. Here we investigate the diversity and geographic distribution of Telonemia sequences by in-depth sequencing of several new 18S rDNA clone libraries from both marine and freshwater sites by using a Telonemia-specific PCR strategy.

Results

In contrast to earlier studies that have employed eukaryote-wide PCR design, we identified a large and unknown diversity of phylotypes and the first rigorous evidence for several freshwater species, altogether comprising 91 unique sequences. Phylogenies of these and publicly available sequences showed 20 statistically supported sub-clades as well as several solitary phylotypes with no clear phylogenetic affiliation. Most of these sub-clades were composed of phylotypes from different geographic regions.

Conclusions

By using specific PCR primers we reveal a much larger diversity of Telonemia from environmental samples than previously uncovered by eukaryote-wide primers. The new data substantially diminish the geographic structuring of clades identified in earlier studies. Nevertheless, since these clades comprise several distinct phylotypes we cannot exclude endemicity at species level. We identified two freshwater clades and a few solitary phylotypes, implying that Telonemia have colonized freshwater habitats and adapted to the different environmental and ecological conditions at independent occasions.
Isolation of deoxynivalenol-transforming bacteria from the chicken intestines using the approach of PCR-DGGE guided microbial selection
Authors: Yu Hai , Zhou Ting , Gong Jianhua , Young Christopher , Su Xiaojun , Li Xiu-Zhen , Zhu Honghui , Tsao Rong , Yang Raymond
Published: June 2010

Background

Contamination of grains with trichothecene mycotoxins, especially deoxynivalenol (DON), has been an ongoing problem for Canada and many other countries. Mycotoxin contamination creates food safety risks, reduces grain market values, threatens livestock industries, and limits agricultural produce exports. DON is a secondary metabolite produced by some Fusarium species of fungi. To date, there is a lack of effective and economical methods to significantly reduce the levels of trichothecene mycotoxins in food and feed, including the efforts to breed Fusarium pathogen-resistant crops and chemical/physical treatments to remove the mycotoxins. Biological approaches, such as the use of microorganisms to convert the toxins to non- or less toxic compounds, have become a preferred choice recently due to their high specificity, efficacy, and environmental soundness. However, such approaches are often limited by the availability of microbial agents with the ability to detoxify the mycotoxins. In the present study, an approach with PCR-DGGE guided microbial selection was developed and used to isolate DON -transforming bacteria from chicken intestines, which resulted in the successful isolation of several bacterial isolates that demonstrated the function to transform DON to its de-epoxy form, deepoxy-4-deoxynivalenol (DOM-1), a product much less toxic than DON.

Results

The use of conventional microbiological selection strategies guided by PCR-DGGE (denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis) bacterial profiles for isolating DON-transforming bacteria has significantly increased the efficiency of the bacterial selection. Ten isolates were identified and isolated from chicken intestines. They were all able to transform DON to DOM-1. Most isolates were potent in transforming DON and the activity was stable during subculturing. Sequence data of partial 16S rRNA genes indicate that the ten isolates belong to four different bacterial groups, Clostridiales, Anaerofilum, Collinsella, and Bacillus.

Conclusions

The approach with PCR-DGGE guided microbial selection was effective in isolating DON-transforming bacteria and the obtained bacterial isolates were able to transform DON.
Molecular analysis of type 3 fimbrial genes from Escherichia coli, Klebsiella and Citrobacter species
Authors: Ong Cheryl-lynn Y , Beatson Scott A , Totsika Makrina , Forestier Christiane , McEwan Alastair G , Schembri Mark A
Published: June 2010

Background

Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is the most common nosocomial infection in the United States and is caused by a range of uropathogens. Biofilm formation by uropathogens that cause CAUTI is often mediated by cell surface structures such as fimbriae. In this study, we characterised the genes encoding type 3 fimbriae from CAUTI strains of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Citrobacter koseri and Citrobacter freundii.

Results

Phylogenetic analysis of the type 3 fimbrial genes (mrkABCD) from 39 strains revealed they clustered into five distinct clades (A-E) ranging from one to twenty-three members. The majority of sequences grouped in clade A, which was represented by the mrk gene cluster from the genome sequenced K. pneumoniae MGH78578. The E. coli and K. pneumoniae mrkABCD gene sequences clustered together in two distinct clades, supporting previous evidence for the occurrence of inter-genera lateral gene transfer. All of the strains examined caused type 3 fimbriae mediated agglutination of tannic acid treated human erythrocytes despite sequence variation in the mrkD-encoding adhesin gene. Type 3 fimbriae deletion mutants were constructed in 13 representative strains and were used to demonstrate a direct role for type 3 fimbriae in biofilm formation.

Conclusions

The expression of functional type 3 fimbriae is common to many Gram-negative pathogens that cause CAUTI and is strongly associated with biofilm growth. Our data provides additional evidence for the spread of type 3 fimbrial genes by lateral gene transfer. Further work is now required to substantiate the clade structure reported here by examining more strains as well as other bacterial genera that make type 3 fimbriae and cause CAUTI.
The mitochondrial gene orfH79 plays a critical role in impairing both male gametophyte development and root growth in CMS-Honglian rice
Authors: Peng Xiaojue , Wang Kun , Hu Chaofeng , Zhu Youlin , Wang Ting , Yang Jing , Tong Jiping , Li Shaoqing , Zhu Yingguo
Published: June 2010

Background

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) has often been associated with abnormal mitochondrial open reading frames. The mitochondrial gene orfH79 is a candidate gene for causing the CMS trait in CMS-Honglian (CMS-HL) rice. However, whether the orfH79 expression can actually induce CMS in rice remains unclear.

Results

Western blot analysis revealed that the ORFH79 protein is mainly present in mitochondria of CMS-HL rice and is absent in the fertile line. To investigate the function of ORFH79 protein in mitochondria, this gene was fused to a mitochondrial transit peptide sequence and used to transform wild type rice, where its expression induced the gametophytic male sterile phenotype. In addition, excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the microspore, a reduced ATP/ADP ratio, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and a lower respiration rate in the transgenic plants were found to be similar to those in CMS-HL rice. Moreover, retarded growth of primary and lateral roots accompanied by abnormal accumulation of ROS in the root tip was observed in both transgenic rice and CMS-HL rice (YTA).

Conclusion

These results suggest that the expression of orfH79 in mitochondria impairs mitochondrial function, which affects the development of both male gametophytes and the roots of CMS-HL rice.
Differences in the haematological profile of healthy 70 year old men and women: normal ranges with confirmatory factor analysis
Authors: McIlhagger Rowan , Gow Alan J , Brett Caroline E , Corley Janie , Taylor Michelle , Deary Ian J , Starr John M
Published: June 2010

Background

Reference ranges are available for different blood cell counts. These ranges treat each cell type independently and do not consider possible correlations between cell types.

Methods

Participants were identified from the Community Health Index as survivors of the 1947 Scottish Mental Survey, all born in 1936, who were resident in Lothian (potential n = 3,810) and invited to participate in the study. Those who consented were invited to attend a Clinical Research Facility where, amongst other assessments, blood was taken for full blood count. First we described cell count data and bivariate correlations. Next we performed principal components analysis to identify common factors. Finally we performed confirmatory factor analysis to evaluate suitable models explaining relationships between cell counts in men and women.

Results

We examined blood cell counts in 1027 community-resident people with mean age 69.5 (range 67.6-71.3) years. We determined normal ranges for each cell type using Q-Q plots which showed that these ranges were significantly different between men and women for all cell types except basophils. We identified three principal components explaining around 60% of total variance of cell counts. Varimax rotation indicated that these could be considered as erythropoietic, leukopoietic and thrombopoietic factors. We showed that these factors were distinct for men and women by confirmatory factor analysis: in men neutrophil count was part of a 'thrombopoietic' trait whereas for women it was part of a 'leukopoietic' trait.

Conclusions

First, normal ranges for haematological indices should be sex-specific; at present this only pertains to those associated with erythrocytes. Second, differences between individuals across a range of blood cell counts can be explained to a considerable extent by three major components, but these components are not the same in men and women.
Association between routine and standardized blood pressure measurements and left ventricular hypertrophy among patients on hemodialysis
Authors: Khangura Jaspreet , Culleton Bruce F , Manns Braden J , Zhang Jianguo , Barnieh Lianne , Walsh Michael , Klarenbach Scott W , Tonelli, Marcello , Sarna Magdalena , Hemmelgarn Brenda R ,   the Alberta Kidney Disease Network
Published: June 2010

Background

Left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy is common among patients on hemodialysis. While a relationship between blood pressure (BP) and LV hypertrophy has been established, it is unclear which BP measurement method is the strongest correlate of LV hypertrophy. We sought to determine agreement between various blood pressure measurement methods, as well as identify which method was the strongest correlate of LV hypertrophy among patients on hemodialysis.

Methods

This was a post-hoc analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial. We evaluated the agreement between seven BP measurement methods: standardized measurement at baseline; single pre- and post-dialysis, as well as mean intra-dialytic measurement at baseline; and cumulative pre-, intra- and post-dialysis readings (an average of 12 monthly readings based on a single day per month). Agreement was assessed using Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and the Bland Altman method. Association between BP measurement method and LV hypertrophy on baseline cardiac MRI was determined using receiver operating characteristic curves and area under the curve (AUC).

Results

Agreement between BP measurement methods in the 39 patients on hemodialysis varied considerably, from a CCC of 0.35 to 0.94, with overlapping 95% confidence intervals. Pre-dialysis measurements were the weakest predictors of LV hypertrophy while standardized, post- and inter-dialytic measurements had similar and strong (AUC 0.79 to 0.80) predictive power for LV hypertrophy.

Conclusions

A single standardized BP has strong predictive power for LV hypertrophy and performs just as well as more resource intensive cumulative measurements, whereas pre-dialysis blood pressure measurements have the weakest predictive power for LV hypertrophy. Current guidelines, which recommend using pre-dialysis measurements, should be revisited to confirm these results.
Poly(I:C) induces intense expression of c-IAP2 and cooperates with an IAP inhibitor in induction of apoptosis in cancer cells
Authors: Friboulet Luc , Gourzones Claire , Tsao Sai Wah , Morel Yannis , Paturel Carine , Témam Stéphane , Uzan Catherine , Busson Pierre
Published: June 2010

Background

There is increasing evidence that the toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) is an interesting target for anti-cancer therapy. Unfortunately, most laboratory investigations about the impact of TLR3 stimulation on human malignant cells have been performed with very high concentrations - 5 to 100 μg/ml - of the prototype TLR3 ligand, poly(I:C). In a previous study focused on a specific type of human carcinoma - nasopharyngeal carcinoma - we have shown that concentrations of poly(I:C) as low as 100 ng/ml are sufficient to induce apoptosis of malignant cells when combined to a pharmacological antagonist of the IAP family based on Smac mimicry.

Methods

This observation prompted us to investigate the contribution of the IAP family in cell response to poly(I:C) in a variety of human malignant cell types.

Results

We report a rapid, intense and selective increase in c-IAP2 protein expression observed under stimulation by poly(I:C)(500 ng/ml) in all types of human malignant cells. In most cell types, this change in protein expression is underlain by an increase in c-IAP2 transcripts and dependent on the TLR3/TRIF pathway. When poly(I:C) is combined to the IAP inhibitor RMT 5265, a cooperative effect in apoptosis induction and/or inhibition of clonogenic growth is obtained in a large fraction of carcinoma and melanoma cell lines.

Conclusions

Currently, IAP inhibitors like RMT 5265 and poly(I:C) are the subject of separate therapeutic trials. In light of our observations, combined use of both types of compounds should be considered for treatment of human malignancies including carcinomas and melanomas.
Association between neighborhood socioeconomic status and screen time among pre-school children: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Carson Valerie , Spence John C , Cutumisu Nicoleta , Cargill Lindsey
Published: June 2010

Background

Sedentary behavior is considered a separate construct from physical activity and engaging in sedentary behaviors results in health effects independent of physical activity levels. A major source of sedentary behavior in children is time spent viewing TV or movies, playing video games, and using computers. To date no study has examined the impact of neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) on pre-school children's screen time behavior.

Methods

Proxy reports of weekday and weekend screen time (TV/movies, video games, and computer use) were completed by 1633 parents on their 4-5 year-old children in Edmonton, Alberta between November, 2005 and August, 2007. Postal codes were used to classified neighborhoods into low, medium or high SES. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were conducted to examine relationships between screen time and neighborhood SES.

Results

Girls living in low SES neighborhoods engaged in significantly more weekly overall screen time and TV/movie minutes compared to girls living in high SES neighborhoods. The same relationship was not observed in boys. Children living in low SES neighborhoods were significantly more likely to be video game users and less likely to be computer users compared to children living in high SES neighborhoods. Also, children living in medium SES neighborhoods were significantly less likely to be computer users compared to children living in high SES neighborhoods.

Conclusions

Some consideration should be given to providing alternative activity opportunities for children, especially girls who live in lower SES neighborhoods. Also, future research should continue to investigate the independent effects of neighborhood SES on screen time as well as the potential mediating variables for this relationship.